Daley Unveils Some Budget Plans - cbs2chicago.com: "Faced with a $550 million budget deficit, Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley on Monday said that all non-union city workers would take nearly five working weeks of unpaid leave next year to save the city money.
Daley announced plans Monday to save $114 million by requiring 3,600 non-union city workers to take 24 unpaid days off, eliminating 220 vacant jobs and cutting expenses like travel and supplies by $20 million."
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That's the equivalent of a 9% pay cut. Note that union employees are exempt. Daley's hail Mary strategy was that failed Olympic bid. Now the bitter reality of the city's financial picture has to be faced.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Seeking Legal Representation - RFP - HOA Class Action Lawsuits | Deer Ridge Owners - Deer Ridge Mountain Resort - Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Seeking Legal Representation - RFP - HOA Class Action Lawsuits | Deer Ridge Owners - Deer Ridge Mountain Resort - Gatlinburg, Tennessee: "The following is a standard, automated email that I plan on sending to 200-400 law firms in Knox, Blount and Sevier Counties with the goal of soliciting the best legal representation in our upcoming class action lawsuits concerning Deer Ridge Mountain Resort."
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Any takers?
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Any takers?
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Mass. town uses goats to clear meadow, save a buck | SeacoastOnline.com
Mass. town uses goats to clear meadow, save a buck | SeacoastOnline.com: "Under a pilot program in Andover, Lucy McKain's dairy goats will rotate their grazing around the meadow for an all-you-can-eat buffet of grass, brush and other growth. The goats can clear as much as a half acre every three days at no cost."
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Homeowners group seizes control of Scottsdale Estates clubhouse - The Daily Breeze
Homeowners group seizes control of Scottsdale Estates clubhouse - The Daily Breeze: "In the latest twist in a long-running power struggle, a dissident homeowners group has seized control of the clubhouse at Carson's Scottsdale Estates town house complex.
The group has been trying to wrest control of the homeowners' association from board President Cyd Balque for the past year, after she orchestrated a $40 increase in condo dues.
Armed with 349 signatures - and accompanied by a locksmith and private security guards - the group seized control of the Scottsdale Townhouses Association office on Thursday night."
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Looks like somebody stormed the Bastille. Thank to Fred Pilot for this link.
Five statues + HOA = big trouble
Neighbor against neighbor: "When she and her husband, Glenn, decided to buy a house in Willamette Landing, a planned development in South Corvallis, the statues went up on the porch and in the yard before the furniture was even unloaded.
'I wasn't going to move anywhere without my statues,' Wolf said.
Now those statues have become the focal point of a long-simmering dispute that has pitted the Wolfs against their homeowners' association board, stirred up ill will among the neighbors and prompted an effort to recall three of the five board members."
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Thanks to Beth for the link to this story about a home with five statues on the lawn ranging from 6 inches to 3 feet. The folks thought they were OK bringing these in, but the BOD doesn't like them. And they are off to HOA Conflict Land. As Mr. Wolf aptly put it, ""There's a sociological thing that happens when people are put in charge," Glenn Wolf said. "But when it's a homeowners' association, they're really not answerable to anybody. There's no one you can complain to except them."
And that about sums it up.
'I wasn't going to move anywhere without my statues,' Wolf said.
Now those statues have become the focal point of a long-simmering dispute that has pitted the Wolfs against their homeowners' association board, stirred up ill will among the neighbors and prompted an effort to recall three of the five board members."
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Thanks to Beth for the link to this story about a home with five statues on the lawn ranging from 6 inches to 3 feet. The folks thought they were OK bringing these in, but the BOD doesn't like them. And they are off to HOA Conflict Land. As Mr. Wolf aptly put it, ""There's a sociological thing that happens when people are put in charge," Glenn Wolf said. "But when it's a homeowners' association, they're really not answerable to anybody. There's no one you can complain to except them."
And that about sums it up.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Joe Biden: the worrying rise of Barack Obama’s Mr Wrong - Telegraph
Joe Biden: the worrying rise of Barack Obama’s Mr Wrong - Telegraph: "On all the big questions, he has been – to put it politely – on the wrong side of history. In 1990, he voted against American forces expelling Saddam Hussein from Kuwait. He voted for the invasion of Iraq in 2003, and advocated splitting it into three states along ethnic lines. He opposed the Iraq troop surge of 2007 that pacified the country and rescued the US from the jaws of defeat.
Now, Mr Biden is pushing a policy of what he terms 'counter-terrorism plus' – a scheme which involves a much smaller military presence in Afghanistan, with al-Qaeda elements being targeted at long range by military drones and smart missiles.
This runs entirely against the counter-insurgency doctrine convincingly outlined by Gen Stanley McChrystal, who wants an extra 40,000 troops to enable Nato forces to protect and influence the people while mentoring the Afghan army and police, and gathering intelligence on the ground.
The problem is that Mr Obama may now be listening to Mr Biden."
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That's General Biden, please.
Now, Mr Biden is pushing a policy of what he terms 'counter-terrorism plus' – a scheme which involves a much smaller military presence in Afghanistan, with al-Qaeda elements being targeted at long range by military drones and smart missiles.
This runs entirely against the counter-insurgency doctrine convincingly outlined by Gen Stanley McChrystal, who wants an extra 40,000 troops to enable Nato forces to protect and influence the people while mentoring the Afghan army and police, and gathering intelligence on the ground.
The problem is that Mr Obama may now be listening to Mr Biden."
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That's General Biden, please.
Harvard’s Bet on Interest Rate Rise Cost $500 Million to Exit - Bloomberg.com
Harvard’s Bet on Interest Rate Rise Cost $500 Million to Exit - Bloomberg.com: "Oct. 17 (Bloomberg) -- Harvard University’s failed bet that interest rates would rise cost the world’s richest school at least $500 million in payments to escape derivatives that backfired."
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You'd think with all those brilliant economists on the faculty that they could do better than this.
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You'd think with all those brilliant economists on the faculty that they could do better than this.
My Way News - Calif. bank becomes 99th in US to be shut in 2009
My Way News - Calif. bank becomes 99th in US to be shut in 2009: "NEW YORK (AP) - Regulators shut down San Joaquin Bank in California on Friday, marking the 99th failure this year of a federally insured bank.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. was appointed receiver of San Joaquin Bank, based in Bakersfield, Calif. It had $775 million in assets and $631 million in deposits as of Sept. 29."
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Cost to the FDIC (i.e., the taxpayers): an estimated $103 million.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. was appointed receiver of San Joaquin Bank, based in Bakersfield, Calif. It had $775 million in assets and $631 million in deposits as of Sept. 29."
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Cost to the FDIC (i.e., the taxpayers): an estimated $103 million.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Scientists create 'sexual tsunami' - Telegraph
Scientists create 'sexual tsunami' - Telegraph: "They discovered that when the pheromone was removed, it created a 'sexual tsunami' where the bugs proved attractive to one another, regardless of sex. The research found that male fruit flies with no history of homosexuality attempted to mate with their pheromone-free males, according to the research published in journal Nature."
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Wait until the Pentagon gets their hands on this one.
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Wait until the Pentagon gets their hands on this one.
School Chief Sticks By 'Zero Tolerance' Ruling for Eagle Scout - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News - FOXNews.com
School Chief Sticks By 'Zero Tolerance' Ruling for Eagle Scout - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News - FOXNews.com: "The upstate New York school superintendent who suspended an Eagle Scout for 20 days for keeping a 2-inch utility knife locked in his car is unwilling to speak to the teen's family or bend in his ruling."
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It is no wonder that so many parents have taken their children out of public schools. They are often run by people like this.
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It is no wonder that so many parents have taken their children out of public schools. They are often run by people like this.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Texas man faces execution after jurors consult Bible to decide fate - Telegraph
Texas man faces execution after jurors consult Bible to decide fate - Telegraph: "At one point, a juror reportedly read aloud from a copy, including the passage: 'And if he smite him with an instrument of iron, so that he die, he is a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death.'"
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And the defendant not only shot the victim--he beat him with the rifle, which is an instrument of iron. His execution date is November 5. If he is expecting any relief from Governor Rick Perry, I would not hold my breath on that one.
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And the defendant not only shot the victim--he beat him with the rifle, which is an instrument of iron. His execution date is November 5. If he is expecting any relief from Governor Rick Perry, I would not hold my breath on that one.
Foreclosures hit record in third quarter 2009 - Oct. 15, 2009
Foreclosures hit record in third quarter 2009 - Oct. 15, 2009: "NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Despite concerted government-led and lender-supported efforts to prevent foreclosures, the number of filings hit a record high in the third quarter, according to a report issued Thursday."
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The map looks like it could just as easily be ranking the percentage of CID housing in the state's housing stock.
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The map looks like it could just as easily be ranking the percentage of CID housing in the state's housing stock.
Majority of Nobel jury 'objected to Obama prize'
Majority of Nobel jury 'objected to Obama prize': "'The committee was unanimous,' its influential secretary Geir Lundestad told AFP on Friday.
But Inger-Marie Ytterhorn, who represented the right-wing populist Progress Party on the committee, led the way in objecting to the choice of Obama because she questioned his ability to keep his promises, the newspaper said.
It also said the representative of the Conservative Party, Kaci Kullmann Five, and Aagot Valle, the representative of the Socialist Left, had objections.
The choice for Obama was however strongly supported by committee chairman Thorbjoern Jagland and Sissel Roenbeck, both representatives of the Labour Party."
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Maybe they should rename it the "Nobel Political Prize."
But Inger-Marie Ytterhorn, who represented the right-wing populist Progress Party on the committee, led the way in objecting to the choice of Obama because she questioned his ability to keep his promises, the newspaper said.
It also said the representative of the Conservative Party, Kaci Kullmann Five, and Aagot Valle, the representative of the Socialist Left, had objections.
The choice for Obama was however strongly supported by committee chairman Thorbjoern Jagland and Sissel Roenbeck, both representatives of the Labour Party."
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Maybe they should rename it the "Nobel Political Prize."
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Invading giant snakes threaten U.S wilderness areas | Lifestyle | Reuters
Invading giant snakes threaten U.S wilderness areas | Lifestyle | Reuters: "MIAMI (Reuters) - Burmese pythons and other giant snakes imported as pets could endanger some of America's most important parks and wilderness areas if they are allowed to multiply, according to a report released on Tuesday.
Wildlife experts say the Burmese python is distributed across thousands of square miles (kilometers) in south Florida. There could be tens of thousands in the Everglades, a wildlife refuge that is home to the Florida panther and other endangered species."
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And a whole bunch of other species too. They are breeding. It seems that Floridians buy themselves a nice python or boa, feed it the occasional mouse, and enjoy showing their friends their cool pet. But then it gets big enough to eat their kids, so they haul it off to the Everglades and leave it there. Problem solved. For them.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Tidbits: Jamie Foxx has no sympathy for Polanski - Tabloid Tidbits- msnbc.com
Tidbits: Jamie Foxx has no sympathy for Polanski - Tabloid Tidbits- msnbc.com: "“If it had been my daughter who was barely a teenager — my daughter is 15 — Roman Polanski would be missing ... period,” Foxx stated in an interview with Parade magazine. “"
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Well said, Mr. Foxx.
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Well said, Mr. Foxx.
Apartment residents told to take down U.S. flags | KATU.com - News, Weather and Sports - Portland, Oregon | Local & Regional
Apartment residents told to take down U.S. flags | KATU.com - News, Weather and Sports - Portland, Oregon | Local & Regional: "Resident we talked to who had been approached to take down their flags all told us the same thing: that management told them the flags could be offensive because they live in a diverse community."
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And this really is a ban on flags, in all forms, all places, all manners of display. It seems that for this apartment building owner, any trace of patriotism might cause a conflict.
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And this really is a ban on flags, in all forms, all places, all manners of display. It seems that for this apartment building owner, any trace of patriotism might cause a conflict.
Obama fails to win Nobel prize in economics - MarketWatch
MarketWatch First Take: Obama fails to win Nobel prize in economics - MarketWatch: "While few observers think Obama has done anything for world peace in the nearly nine months he's been in office, the same clearly can't be said for economics.
The president has worked tirelessly since even before his inauguration to wrest control of the U.S. economy from failed free markets, and the evil CEOs who profit from them, and to turn it over to wise, fair and benevolent bureaucrats."
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Dang. Well, maybe next year.
The president has worked tirelessly since even before his inauguration to wrest control of the U.S. economy from failed free markets, and the evil CEOs who profit from them, and to turn it over to wise, fair and benevolent bureaucrats."
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Dang. Well, maybe next year.
HOA Fights Back Against Delinquent Members - Money News Story - WPBF West Palm Beach
HOA Fights Back Against Delinquent Members - Money News Story - WPBF West Palm Beach: "...with so many foreclosures, about 33 percent of homeowners are delinquent in their homeowner's association dues.
'(It's a) pretty high amount, substantial -- especially when you try to budget that,' said Prince.
Now, the community is trying something new. Liens are only marginally working, so the HOA board has invested in new security software and a car transponder system that will cut conveniences, like entry into the community -- until they pay up."
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The rule seems to be, the association gets all kinds of breaks and leniency from the law and the courts, but the owners have to live up to all their obligations, or else.
'(It's a) pretty high amount, substantial -- especially when you try to budget that,' said Prince.
Now, the community is trying something new. Liens are only marginally working, so the HOA board has invested in new security software and a car transponder system that will cut conveniences, like entry into the community -- until they pay up."
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The rule seems to be, the association gets all kinds of breaks and leniency from the law and the courts, but the owners have to live up to all their obligations, or else.
Henderson HOA to pay up for board member's mistake - Las Vegas Sun
Henderson HOA to pay up for board member's mistake - Las Vegas Sun: "A former board member of a homeowners association in Henderson whose landscaping company performed work for the association he represented -- while he sat on the board -- was disciplined last week by the state board that regulates homeowners associations.
At the hearing, some members of the Commission on Common Interest Communities and Condominium Hotels, however, expressed disappointment when they discovered that his $500 fine, like many of the fines they have handed out over the years, would be paid by the association he represented and not out of his own pocket."
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Do you ever get the feeling that the game is rigged? I mean, this is Nevada and all.
At the hearing, some members of the Commission on Common Interest Communities and Condominium Hotels, however, expressed disappointment when they discovered that his $500 fine, like many of the fines they have handed out over the years, would be paid by the association he represented and not out of his own pocket."
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Do you ever get the feeling that the game is rigged? I mean, this is Nevada and all.
Monday, October 12, 2009
My husband had beaten cancer, then doctors wrongly told him it had returned and let him die | Mail Online
My husband had beaten cancer, then doctors wrongly told him it had returned and let him die | Mail Online: "A grandfather who beat cancer was wrongly told the disease had returned and left to die at a hospice which pioneered a controversial 'death pathway'.
Doctors said there was nothing more they could do for 76-year- old Jack Jones, and his family claim he was denied food, water and medication except painkillers.
He died within two weeks. But tests after his death found that his cancer had not come back and he was in fact suffering from pneumonia brought on by a chest infection."
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But on the other hand, the system that appears to have let him die is such a wonderful egalitarian thing.
Doctors said there was nothing more they could do for 76-year- old Jack Jones, and his family claim he was denied food, water and medication except painkillers.
He died within two weeks. But tests after his death found that his cancer had not come back and he was in fact suffering from pneumonia brought on by a chest infection."
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But on the other hand, the system that appears to have let him die is such a wonderful egalitarian thing.
Parking meters may help plug Indy's money gap | IndyStar.com | The Indianapolis Star
Parking meters may help plug Indy's money gap | IndyStar.com | The Indianapolis Star
Supposedly I'm quoted in this story somewhere.
Supposedly I'm quoted in this story somewhere.
Recession-hit Britain to sell off state assets: PM
Recession-hit Britain to sell off state assets: PM: "The government is to sell off 16 billion pounds (25.4 billion dollars, 17.2 billion euros) of assets, Brown was to say, according to extracts from a keynote speech to be given London, setting out his vision for 'enduring and sustainable growth.'
Brown was to outline details of initial sales that could raise three billion pounds, including the Channel Tunnel linking Britain to France; the 33 percent stake in European uranium consortium URENCO; the Tote bookmakers; the River Thames crossings at Dartford, east of London; and the Student Loans Company."
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Just like Chicago selling the Skyway and the parking meters, and trying to sell Midway Airport, while the state of Illinois tries to sell the lottery. And on, and on. Fire sale on government, Aisle Five.
Brown was to outline details of initial sales that could raise three billion pounds, including the Channel Tunnel linking Britain to France; the 33 percent stake in European uranium consortium URENCO; the Tote bookmakers; the River Thames crossings at Dartford, east of London; and the Student Loans Company."
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Just like Chicago selling the Skyway and the parking meters, and trying to sell Midway Airport, while the state of Illinois tries to sell the lottery. And on, and on. Fire sale on government, Aisle Five.
Chávez Fans Push to Remove Legacies of U.S. Capitalism - Golf Courses - NYTimes.com
Chávez Fans Push to Remove Legacies of U.S. Capitalism - Golf Courses - NYTimes.com: "“Let’s leave this clear,” Mr. Chávez said during a live broadcast of his Sunday television program. “Golf is a bourgeois sport,” he said, repeating the word “bourgeois” as if he were swallowing castor oil. Then he went on, mocking the use of golf carts as a practice illustrating the sport’s laziness.
The government’s broad nationalizations and asset seizures have gone far beyond the oil industry to include coffee roasters, cattle ranches and tomato-processing plants."
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Firs they came for the coffee roasters and people said nothing. Then it was the cattle ranches and the tomato processing plants, and still people said nothing.
Then they came for the golf courses! And that was the start of the Revolution!
FORE!
The government’s broad nationalizations and asset seizures have gone far beyond the oil industry to include coffee roasters, cattle ranches and tomato-processing plants."
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Firs they came for the coffee roasters and people said nothing. Then it was the cattle ranches and the tomato processing plants, and still people said nothing.
Then they came for the golf courses! And that was the start of the Revolution!
FORE!
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Biggest news you’ve never heard: Earth isn’t warming | csmonitor.com
Biggest news you’ve never heard: Earth isn’t warming | csmonitor.com: "Five major climate centers around the world agree that average global temperatures have not risen in the past 11 years, according to the BBC. In fact, in eight of those years, global average temperatures dipped a tad."
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But this can be dismissed easily, because it is that right-wing Christian Science Monitor quoting that right-wing BBC.
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But this can be dismissed easily, because it is that right-wing Christian Science Monitor quoting that right-wing BBC.
Opinion | America's renters deserve better treatment from federal and local governments | Seattle Times Newspaper
Opinion | America's renters deserve better treatment from federal and local governments | Seattle Times Newspaper: "Goodbye to the era of homeownership as the powerful, pervasive symbol of the American Dream. Who believes any longer that owning your own house is a sure ticket to building wealth and assuring yourself an easy retirement?
So, welcome back to renting — the plain vanilla, easy-to-grasp idea that you pay methodically, month by month, for the roof over your head."
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I think the era of home ownership began winding down when CIDs became the predominant form of new housing.
So, welcome back to renting — the plain vanilla, easy-to-grasp idea that you pay methodically, month by month, for the roof over your head."
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I think the era of home ownership began winding down when CIDs became the predominant form of new housing.
Nation & World | Clothesline bans stir rights battles | Seattle Times Newspaper
Nation & World | Clothesline bans stir rights battles | Seattle Times Newspaper: "Like the majority of the 60 million people who live in the nation's roughly 300,000 private communities, Saylor was forbidden to dry her laundry outside because many people viewed it as an eyesore, not unlike storing junk cars in driveways, and a marker of poverty that lowers property values.
In the past year, however, state lawmakers in Colorado, Hawaii, Maine and Vermont have overridden these local rules with legislation protecting the right to hang laundry outdoors, citing environmental concerns, because clothes dryers use at least 6 percent of all household electricity consumed.
Florida and Utah already had such laws, and similar bills are being considered in Maryland, North Carolina, Oregon and Virginia, clothesline advocates say."
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In the past year, however, state lawmakers in Colorado, Hawaii, Maine and Vermont have overridden these local rules with legislation protecting the right to hang laundry outdoors, citing environmental concerns, because clothes dryers use at least 6 percent of all household electricity consumed.
Florida and Utah already had such laws, and similar bills are being considered in Maryland, North Carolina, Oregon and Virginia, clothesline advocates say."
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My Way News - 2012 isn't the end of the world, Mayans insist
My Way News - 2012 isn't the end of the world, Mayans insist: "MEXICO CITY (AP) - Apolinario Chile Pixtun is tired of being bombarded with frantic questions about the Mayan calendar supposedly 'running out' on Dec. 21, 2012. After all, it's not the end of the world.
Or is it?
Definitely not, the Mayan Indian elder insists. 'I came back from England last year and, man, they had me fed up with this stuff.'"
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And he ought to know.
Or is it?
Definitely not, the Mayan Indian elder insists. 'I came back from England last year and, man, they had me fed up with this stuff.'"
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And he ought to know.
Friday, October 09, 2009
The Nobel Peace Prize Committee members
Committee members | Nobels fredspris
These are the five people who gave the Nobel Peace Prize to President Obama: Thorbjørn Jagland, Kaci Kullmann Five (yes, her name is Five), Sissel Marie Rønbeck, Inger-Marie Ytterhorn, and Ågot Valle. That is Ronbeck on the left. I'm sure they are perfectly nice people. But why is the Nobel Peace Prize considered such a great thing when it is awarded by five unknown Norwegian politicians? Why is it worth more than if I and four friends think Lady Gaga's "Poker Face" video was a greater contribution to world peace than anything Obama did in the last 9 months?
California RealEstateRama | Real Estate News, Press Releases and Articles from California
California RealEstateRama | Real Estate News, Press Releases and Articles from CaliforniaHas links to news about the California real estate industry and market.
Is bankruptcy an option for San Diego?
Is bankruptcy an option for San Diego?: "Less than 500 municipalities have declared bankruptcy since Congress allowed it under Chapter 9 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in 1934, according to The San Diego Union-Tribune. Whether San Diego chooses to take that route is a decision left to the city’s elected officers, and first they’d have to prove the city can no longer pay the bills necessary to keep it functioning."
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San Diego's situation has gotten worse than it was when bankruptcy was first proposed.
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San Diego's situation has gotten worse than it was when bankruptcy was first proposed.
Homeowners set to sue banks over low interest loans - Business News, Business - The Independent
Homeowners set to sue banks over low interest loans - Business News, Business - The Independent: "Thousands of holders of controversial shared appreciation mortgages (SAMs) have been told they can club together to take on the banks that sold them in court in a US-style class action.
The schemes saw Barclays and Bank of Scotland offering low – or zero – interest loans on homes while taking up to 75 per cent of the increase in value of those homes when the mortgages were repaid. They were hugely popular when sold in 1997 and 1998 before the property boom got under way. Now, however, those who took them out often find themselves trapped in their homes and unable to move."
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The schemes saw Barclays and Bank of Scotland offering low – or zero – interest loans on homes while taking up to 75 per cent of the increase in value of those homes when the mortgages were repaid. They were hugely popular when sold in 1997 and 1998 before the property boom got under way. Now, however, those who took them out often find themselves trapped in their homes and unable to move."
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The Associated Press: AP, News Corp bosses tell search engines to pay up
The Associated Press: AP, News Corp bosses tell search engines to pay up: "By ALEXA OLESEN (AP) – 7 hours ago
BEIJING — The leaders of two of the world's major news organizations said Friday that it is time for search engines and others who use news content for free to pay up.
The comments from Tom Curley of The Associated Press and News Corp.'s Rupert Murdoch come as the media industry struggles in the Internet age. Many news companies contend that sites such as Google have reaped a fortune from their articles, photos and video without fairly compensating the news organizations producing the material."
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And yet note that this story I have reaped a fortune from reproducing comes from...the Associated Press. Ah, the irony.
BEIJING — The leaders of two of the world's major news organizations said Friday that it is time for search engines and others who use news content for free to pay up.
The comments from Tom Curley of The Associated Press and News Corp.'s Rupert Murdoch come as the media industry struggles in the Internet age. Many news companies contend that sites such as Google have reaped a fortune from their articles, photos and video without fairly compensating the news organizations producing the material."
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And yet note that this story I have reaped a fortune from reproducing comes from...the Associated Press. Ah, the irony.
Investors.com - Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Now FHA
Investors.com - Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Now FHA: "Housing Mess: A huge, government-run housing agency shows massive losses and needs a bailout. Fannie Mae? Freddie Mac? No. It's the Federal Housing Administration, in a bad case of financial-meltdown deja vu.
The FHA, which insures mortgages made by first-time buyers with low down payments, says it may need a bailout because it will have losses of — get this — $54 billion. And how did it lose all that? By backing home loans made to people who couldn't pay them off.
Where have we heard this before?"
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The FHA, which insures mortgages made by first-time buyers with low down payments, says it may need a bailout because it will have losses of — get this — $54 billion. And how did it lose all that? By backing home loans made to people who couldn't pay them off.
Where have we heard this before?"
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Obama wins Nobel Peace Prize to mixed reviews | Reuters
Obama wins Nobel Peace Prize to mixed reviews | Reuters: "The decision to bestow one of the world's top accolades on a president less than nine months into his first term, who has yet to score a major foreign policy success, was greeted with gasps of astonishment from journalists at the announcement in Oslo."
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You can't blame the guy for being a narcissist. Every time he turns around somebody gives him something he did little or nothing to earn.
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You can't blame the guy for being a narcissist. Every time he turns around somebody gives him something he did little or nothing to earn.
Thursday, October 08, 2009
Underground City Envisioned in Nevada - Yahoo! News
Underground City Envisioned in Nevada - Yahoo! News: "According to a recent study, over the coming century the Southwest will essentially transition into a state of 'perpetual drought' due to the effects of global warming. This prediction leads to the questions of whether the worsening arid conditions of the Southwest should be called a drought or whether the regional climate is changing.
'Sietch Nevada projects waterbanking as the fundamental factor in future urban infrastructure in the American Southwest. Sietch Nevada is an urban prototype that makes the storage, use, and collection of water essential to the form and performance of urban life. Inverting the stereotypical Southwest urban patterns of dispersed programs open to the sky, the Sietch is a dense, underground community. A network of storage canals is covered with undulating residential and commercial structures.'"
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As the article points out, this sounds a whole lot like Dune.
'Sietch Nevada projects waterbanking as the fundamental factor in future urban infrastructure in the American Southwest. Sietch Nevada is an urban prototype that makes the storage, use, and collection of water essential to the form and performance of urban life. Inverting the stereotypical Southwest urban patterns of dispersed programs open to the sky, the Sietch is a dense, underground community. A network of storage canals is covered with undulating residential and commercial structures.'"
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As the article points out, this sounds a whole lot like Dune.
Crippled man up in arms over NHS | The Sun |News
Crippled man up in arms over NHS | The Sun |News
Another triumph of socialized medicine. Don't click the link because the photo of his arm is not for the faint of heart.
Another triumph of socialized medicine. Don't click the link because the photo of his arm is not for the faint of heart.
Airports To Screen Passengers For H1N1 Symptoms - wcbstv.com
Airports To Screen Passengers For H1N1 Symptoms - wcbstv.com: "The government warns that some passengers may be asked to pass through a screening device, have their temperatures taken, answer questions about their health, and even be quarantined if someone on the flight shows symptoms of H1N1."
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I hope these are oral thermometers they are talking about. But when we get to the point of quarantining an entire flight of people because of one person, I think things are pretty far over the line.
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I hope these are oral thermometers they are talking about. But when we get to the point of quarantining an entire flight of people because of one person, I think things are pretty far over the line.
FHA Shortfall Seen at $54 Billion May Lead to Bailout (Update1) - Bloomberg.com
FHA Shortfall Seen at $54 Billion May Lead to Bailout (Update1) - Bloomberg.com: "The Federal Housing Administration, which insures mortgages with low down payments, may require a U.S. bailout because of $54 billion more in losses than it can withstand, a former Fannie Mae executive said.
“It appears destined for a taxpayer bailout in the next 24 to 36 months,” consultant Edward Pinto said in testimony prepared for a House committee hearing in Washington today. Pinto was the chief credit officer from 1987 to 1989 for Fannie Mae, the mortgage-finance company that is now government-run."
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Well, we taxpayers can just reach into our pot of bailout dollars that we all have in the cupboard and support the good old FHA, right?
“It appears destined for a taxpayer bailout in the next 24 to 36 months,” consultant Edward Pinto said in testimony prepared for a House committee hearing in Washington today. Pinto was the chief credit officer from 1987 to 1989 for Fannie Mae, the mortgage-finance company that is now government-run."
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Well, we taxpayers can just reach into our pot of bailout dollars that we all have in the cupboard and support the good old FHA, right?
Jack LaLanne at 95 / He exercised his personal demons
Jack LaLanne at 95 / He exercised his personal demons: "LaLanne works out two hours a day, mostly swimming and lifting weights, at the LaLanne mansion on the Central Coast.
'I work at living,' he says, leaning close and squeezing an arm. 'Most people work at dying. Dying's easy.'"
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Jack LaLanne has been my hero since I was a kid. Still is.
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
San Rafael partners with Peacock Gap neighborhood group on median maintenance - Marin Independent Journal
San Rafael partners with Peacock Gap neighborhood group on median maintenance - Marin Independent Journal: "Despite some community objections, the San Rafael City Council signed off on a landscape maintenance pact with a Peacock Gap neighborhood group that could be the way of things to come.
The council on Monday unanimously approved a city partnership with the Peacock Gap Homeowners Association that puts maintenance of the neighborhood's long-neglected medians and other landscaping in city hands with $80,000 of neighborhood funding.
The city will use funding from the association to improve the medians with new irrigation systems and landscaping.
'With all the budget cuts, we are forced to come up with creative solutions to come up with services,' said city spokeswoman Terri Hardesty. 'This is a great example. It could be the beginning of many more partnerships.'"
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Like I keep saying, HOAs are becoming the lowest level of local government. Thanks to Fred Pilot for this link.
The council on Monday unanimously approved a city partnership with the Peacock Gap Homeowners Association that puts maintenance of the neighborhood's long-neglected medians and other landscaping in city hands with $80,000 of neighborhood funding.
The city will use funding from the association to improve the medians with new irrigation systems and landscaping.
'With all the budget cuts, we are forced to come up with creative solutions to come up with services,' said city spokeswoman Terri Hardesty. 'This is a great example. It could be the beginning of many more partnerships.'"
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Like I keep saying, HOAs are becoming the lowest level of local government. Thanks to Fred Pilot for this link.
Straighten up that bacon!
Telegram.com - A product of the Worcester Telegram & Gazette: "She had been turning over strips of bacon that were cooking in a pan when Mr. Rutledge became angry because “it wasn’t in a neat line,” she wrote in a statement she gave police. She told police he struck her and told her, “You’re going to cause your own death.”"
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Too bad he couldn't have channeled his impulses for creating order into some more productive vein, such being president of an HOA.
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Too bad he couldn't have channeled his impulses for creating order into some more productive vein, such being president of an HOA.
Widow vs. HOA dispute gets HUD's attention | Mesa Arizona News - Mesa News - Mesa AZ news | eastvalleytribune.com
Widow vs. HOA dispute gets HUD's attention | Mesa Arizona News - Mesa News - Mesa AZ news | eastvalleytribune.com: "Federal housing authorities have become involved with the case of an 87-year-old Mesa woman whose homeowners association told her she can't have a grandson live with her as a caregiver because of the community's age restrictions."
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Go, Granny, go!
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Go, Granny, go!
Loudoun Times: One HOA doing its part to prevent economic recovery
Loudoun Times: "Residents of CountrySide are upset that members of the community's board of directors are considering a plan to restrict home businesses, threatening operations such as home day cares.
According to a draft of the resolution, permission to operate any business would have to be obtained from all adjacent property owners and from the board of directors."
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Can you imagine a worse time to do this?
According to a draft of the resolution, permission to operate any business would have to be obtained from all adjacent property owners and from the board of directors."
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Can you imagine a worse time to do this?
Hotel defaults, foreclosures rise in California -- latimes.com
Hotel defaults, foreclosures rise in California -- latimes.com: "More California hotels are being pushed into foreclosure as tourists and businesses alike scale back their travel plans and owners are unable to pay their mortgages.
Statewide, more than 300 hotels were in foreclosure or default on their loans as of Sept. 30 -- a nearly fivefold increase since the start of the year, according to an industry report released Tuesday.
The list of troubled properties includes the St. Regis Monarch Beach in Dana Point, the downtown Los Angeles Marriott, the Sheraton Universal and the W hotel in San Diego."
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This is just the beginning of a meltdown in the commercial real estate market.
Statewide, more than 300 hotels were in foreclosure or default on their loans as of Sept. 30 -- a nearly fivefold increase since the start of the year, according to an industry report released Tuesday.
The list of troubled properties includes the St. Regis Monarch Beach in Dana Point, the downtown Los Angeles Marriott, the Sheraton Universal and the W hotel in San Diego."
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This is just the beginning of a meltdown in the commercial real estate market.
WBBM 780 - Chicago's #1 source for local news, traffic and weather - Naperville restricts sleeping downtown
WBBM 780 - Chicago's #1 source for local news, traffic and weather - Naperville restricts sleeping downtown: "NAPERVILLE, Ill. (STNG) -- Scott Huber plans to stay put under his tarp outside the central parking deck in downtown Naperville, despite a new law designed to keep him out.
Huber has been camping on the sidewalk for eight years in what he calls a protest against the city for taking away his lifestyle and electronics business. Under a new city ordinance effective in 30 days, Huber will need a special event permit or a new location to continue -- or face daily fines of up to $100 and a court injunction."
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How would Naperville look if a few thousand people decided to save money by living under a tarp in a pubic parking garage?
Huber has been camping on the sidewalk for eight years in what he calls a protest against the city for taking away his lifestyle and electronics business. Under a new city ordinance effective in 30 days, Huber will need a special event permit or a new location to continue -- or face daily fines of up to $100 and a court injunction."
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How would Naperville look if a few thousand people decided to save money by living under a tarp in a pubic parking garage?
Illinois State Comptroller Dan Hynes Says State Finances A Mounting Crisis, Things Getting Worse - cbs2chicago.com
Illinois State Comptroller Dan Hynes Says State Finances A Mounting Crisis, Things Getting Worse - cbs2chicago.com: "The State of Illinois' pile of unpaid bills has grown to a record-breaking $3 billion. Comptroller Dan Hynes said Tuesday it's never before been this bad at this point in any previous fiscal year. CBS 2 Political Editor Mike Flannery reports that some social service agencies that rely heavily on state reimbursement warn they will soon be forced out of business.
Hynes said that things are likely to get worse before the state's bleak revenue picture begins to improve."
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They aren't even paying the dental bills for their employees. The state deducts money from our paychecks for this coverage, and then we pay our share directly to the provider, but the state won't pay what they owe. So the provider--take my kids' dentist, for example--threatens to turn me over to a collection agency if I don't pay it. So I pay the state's share. Then, someday down the road, the state will pay the dentist what they owe, and the dentist will have been paid twice. Will the dentist notify me? Probably not. So how will I know that they made that payment at long last? I won't, unless I call the dentist relentlessly.
Hynes said that things are likely to get worse before the state's bleak revenue picture begins to improve."
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They aren't even paying the dental bills for their employees. The state deducts money from our paychecks for this coverage, and then we pay our share directly to the provider, but the state won't pay what they owe. So the provider--take my kids' dentist, for example--threatens to turn me over to a collection agency if I don't pay it. So I pay the state's share. Then, someday down the road, the state will pay the dentist what they owe, and the dentist will have been paid twice. Will the dentist notify me? Probably not. So how will I know that they made that payment at long last? I won't, unless I call the dentist relentlessly.
Illinois Review: Bill Ayers' admits he wrote "Dreams of My Father"
Illinois Review: Bill Ayers' admits he wrote "Dreams of My Father": "Then, unprompted he said--I wrote Dreams From My Father. I said, oh, so you admit it. He said--Michelle asked me to. I looked at him. He seemed eager. He's about my height, short. He went on to say--and if you can prove it, we can split the royalties."
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In the blogosphere what Ayers did is called a "troll." But the conservative bloggers who are repeating this endlessly don't get the joke. Do they really think that Ayers confessed the biggest literary fraud of the century to a right wing activist who had just taken his picture in an airport? Come on, people.
UIC's education building, where he teaches, is right across Harrison Street from the Behavioral Sciences Building, where I work. Yesterday when I was leaving the office for Union Station, I walked past Ayers as he was trying to hail a cab at the corner of Harrison and Morgan. I stood there for minute waiting for the light to change. It was raining and he seemed frustrated when a cab drove right past him. Can't blame him. I guess sometimes being rich and famous doesn't mean a thing. Not that I would know.
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In the blogosphere what Ayers did is called a "troll." But the conservative bloggers who are repeating this endlessly don't get the joke. Do they really think that Ayers confessed the biggest literary fraud of the century to a right wing activist who had just taken his picture in an airport? Come on, people.
UIC's education building, where he teaches, is right across Harrison Street from the Behavioral Sciences Building, where I work. Yesterday when I was leaving the office for Union Station, I walked past Ayers as he was trying to hail a cab at the corner of Harrison and Morgan. I stood there for minute waiting for the light to change. It was raining and he seemed frustrated when a cab drove right past him. Can't blame him. I guess sometimes being rich and famous doesn't mean a thing. Not that I would know.
Despite Chicago 2016 Olympic loss, White House new sports office to continue - Lynn Sweet
Despite Chicago 2016 Olympic loss, White House new sports office to continue - Lynn Sweet: "WASHINGTON--With some fanfare, the White House created the first-ever Office on Olympic, Paralympic, and Youth Sport to help bolster Chicago's 2016 Olympic bid. Chicago suffered an embarrassing loss last Friday in Copenhagen--getting knocked out in the first round of voting. Turned out Chicago never had a chance. But the Sun-Times has learned that the Obama sports office will continue, even though the Chicago bid flamed out."
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Of course. Because the Administration is full of people who think there is no such thing as an unnecessary government agency. Which is a convenient rationale for making sure that all your buddies keep their government jobs at taxpayer expense.
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Of course. Because the Administration is full of people who think there is no such thing as an unnecessary government agency. Which is a convenient rationale for making sure that all your buddies keep their government jobs at taxpayer expense.
Biting pupil pried from Ohio teacher's arm
Biting pupil pried from Ohio teacher's arm: "DAYTON, Ohio (AP) - Police said an Ohio elementary school student bit a teacher on the arm and had to be pried off by a school official."
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No wonder they want four-day weeks.
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No wonder they want four-day weeks.
As Obama Advocates Longer School Year, Teachers' Unions Push for Shorter Weeks - Political News - FOXNews.com
As Obama Advocates Longer School Year, Teachers' Unions Push for Shorter Weeks - Political News - FOXNews.com: "In order to save everyone's job, teachers' union organizers in many states and school districts are advocating payless furloughs for all employees -- getting four days' pay for four days' work.
But critics say the teachers are putting their own priorities above the students they're supposed to be nurturing, and that payless furloughs will cost the kids services and class time."
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Sigh.
But critics say the teachers are putting their own priorities above the students they're supposed to be nurturing, and that payless furloughs will cost the kids services and class time."
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Sigh.
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Aging in America: Why seniors are not getting swine flu | Latest News | WFAA.com
Aging in America: Why seniors are not getting swine flu | Latest News | WFAA.com
Until the 1990s few people bothered to get flu shots. So they got the flu, and the prevalent attitude was, so what? There once was a time when getting the flu was not considered a major event unless you were especially vulnerable. And now the older you are, the more antibodies you have. Ironic.
Until the 1990s few people bothered to get flu shots. So they got the flu, and the prevalent attitude was, so what? There once was a time when getting the flu was not considered a major event unless you were especially vulnerable. And now the older you are, the more antibodies you have. Ironic.
Girl in box seat, mom on hot seat :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Nation
Girl in box seat, mom on hot seat :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Nation: "A police spokesman said the 37-year-old woman was arrested Sunday after police received a call about a minivan on a state highway with a child riding on top.
The woman told police the box was too big to go inside the van, and that her daughter was inside the box to hold it down, police said.
Police said the mother told officers it was safe because she had the box secured to the van with a clothes hanger."
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Sweet home Alabama.
The woman told police the box was too big to go inside the van, and that her daughter was inside the box to hold it down, police said.
Police said the mother told officers it was safe because she had the box secured to the van with a clothes hanger."
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Sweet home Alabama.
Criminalizing everyone - Washington Times
Criminalizing everyone - Washington Times: "Chairman Robert C. Scott, Virginia Democrat, and ranking member Louie Gohmert, Texas Republican, conducted a truly bipartisan hearing (a D.C. rarity this year).
These two leaders have begun giving voice to the increasing number of experts who worry about 'overcriminalization.' Astronomical numbers of federal criminal laws lack specifics, can apply to almost anyone and fail to protect innocents by requiring substantial proof that an accused person acted with actual criminal intent."
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Read about the 66 year old retiree who spent two years in prison for selling orchids from his home without the proper paperwork.
These two leaders have begun giving voice to the increasing number of experts who worry about 'overcriminalization.' Astronomical numbers of federal criminal laws lack specifics, can apply to almost anyone and fail to protect innocents by requiring substantial proof that an accused person acted with actual criminal intent."
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Read about the 66 year old retiree who spent two years in prison for selling orchids from his home without the proper paperwork.
Monday, October 05, 2009
Pa. Woman Mauled To Death By Bear - cbs3.com
Pa. Woman Mauled To Death By Bear - cbs3.com: "Authorities say Kelly Ann Walz, 37, of Ross Township in Monroe County, was attacked by her 350 pound pet bear while cleaning its cage at about 5 p.m. Sunday. Walz had reportedly thrown a shovelful of dog food to one side of the cage to distract the bear while she cleaned the other side, but the animal turned on her and attacked."
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Darwin would probably have something to say about this.
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Darwin would probably have something to say about this.
William Saletan: No smoking in your own apartment. - By William Saletan - Slate Magazine
No smoking in your own apartment. - By William Saletan - Slate Magazine: "Two years ago, Belmont, Calif., outlawed smoking in apartments and condos with shared floors or ceilings. Then last year, two New York condo owners sued their neighbor for lighting up in her apartment and 'causing smoke to enter into the common hallway.' Now comes another court fight: According to the Dallas Morning News, a local woman is suing her ex-neighbor and her ex-landlord 'for damage she says was caused by cigarette smoke wafting through adjoining walls of her high-end townhome.'"
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At some point you have to wonder if the issues are more psychological than physiological.
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At some point you have to wonder if the issues are more psychological than physiological.
Spengler strikes again
Asia Times Online :: Asian news and current affairs: "The parallels between America in 2009 and Japan in 1989 are uncanny. An asset price bubble has collapsed, just before a tsunami of prospective retirements that the asset bubble was supposed to fund. Demand for savings is bottomless, and the government satisfies demands for savings by running a huge deficit and issuing debt. The crippled banking system borrows at an interest rate of zero and buys government securities. And the economy shrivels up and dies."
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I hope he's wrong, but his explanation is persuasive.
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I hope he's wrong, but his explanation is persuasive.
The Associated Press: Police chiefs endorse anti-terror community watch
The Associated Press: Police chiefs endorse anti-terror community watch: "DENVER — A store clerk's curiosity about why Najibullah Zazi was buying large quantities of beauty supply products indicated that something about the transaction wasn't quite right — and it's an example of the kind of citizen vigilance that can combat terror, a police commander said Saturday.
Los Angeles police Cmdr. Joan McNamara cited this summer's incident as police chiefs meeting in Denver adopted a model for a nationwide community watch program that teaches people what behavior is truly suspicious and encourages them to report it to police."
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Great. Citizens informing local police about the "suspicious" activities of their neighbors...what could possibly go wrong?
Los Angeles police Cmdr. Joan McNamara cited this summer's incident as police chiefs meeting in Denver adopted a model for a nationwide community watch program that teaches people what behavior is truly suspicious and encourages them to report it to police."
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Great. Citizens informing local police about the "suspicious" activities of their neighbors...what could possibly go wrong?
FTC to Regulate Blogging - Science News | Science & Technology | Technology News - FOXNews.com
FTC to Regulate Blogging - Science News | Science & Technology | Technology News - FOXNews.com: "The Federal Trade Commission will try to regulate blogging for the first time, requiring writers on the Web to clearly disclose any freebies or payments they get from companies for reviewing their products.
The FTC said Monday its commissioners voted 4-0 to approve the final Web guidelines, which had been expected. Violating the rules, which take effect Dec. 1, could bring fines up to $11,000 per violation. Bloggers or advertisers also could face injunctions and be ordered to reimburse consumers for financial losses stemming from inappropriate product reviews."
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This is so ridiculous. What a complete waste of taxpayers' money.
The FTC said Monday its commissioners voted 4-0 to approve the final Web guidelines, which had been expected. Violating the rules, which take effect Dec. 1, could bring fines up to $11,000 per violation. Bloggers or advertisers also could face injunctions and be ordered to reimburse consumers for financial losses stemming from inappropriate product reviews."
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This is so ridiculous. What a complete waste of taxpayers' money.
Man shoots neighbor over leaves in Randolph
Man shoots neighbor over leaves in Randolph: "BOSTON -- A Randolph man pleaded not guilty to armed assault with intent to murder after police said he shot his neighbor over a leaf-dumping dispute."
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Just your average neighbor who "always carried his gun, even when cutting the lawn or playing with the kids."
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Just your average neighbor who "always carried his gun, even when cutting the lawn or playing with the kids."
Dismissal of Obama birthplace lawsuit argued - Total Buzz - OCRegister.com
Dismissal of Obama birthplace lawsuit argued - Total Buzz - OCRegister.com: "“It would be disastrous if a single circuit court judge had the power to remove a president from office,” said Assistant United States Attorney Roger West."
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My mother was Roger West's secretary for years before her retirement at age 79.
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My mother was Roger West's secretary for years before her retirement at age 79.
California: Red light camera ripoff declared illegal
California: Another Appellate Court Strikes Down Cost Neutrality: "A second appellate ruling has struck down a California city's red light camera program as illegal. On September 22, the California Superior Court for the County of San Mateo, Appellate Department overturned motorist Al Bullock's $387 conviction for making a right turn on red. Presiding Judge Mark R. Forcum concisely found that San Mateo's cost neutral contract with an Australian company, Redflex Traffic Systems, was in direct violation of state law.
'Reversed,' Forcum wrote in a one-word decision.
California law explicitly bans local jurisdictions from rewarding red light camera companies with payments based on the number of citations issued or as a percentage of fines generated. At least fifty cities have attempted to skirt this requirement with a clever arrangement known as cost neutrality. These contract provisions allow a city to pay the contractor based on the number of citations issued up to a certain monthly amount. After this cap is reached, the city keeps all of the revenue generated. The provisions are designed to ensure that cities can only profit from photo ticketing and will never pay to operate the program."
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Nice to see that some appellate courts are standing up to these grasping local governments.
'Reversed,' Forcum wrote in a one-word decision.
California law explicitly bans local jurisdictions from rewarding red light camera companies with payments based on the number of citations issued or as a percentage of fines generated. At least fifty cities have attempted to skirt this requirement with a clever arrangement known as cost neutrality. These contract provisions allow a city to pay the contractor based on the number of citations issued up to a certain monthly amount. After this cap is reached, the city keeps all of the revenue generated. The provisions are designed to ensure that cities can only profit from photo ticketing and will never pay to operate the program."
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Nice to see that some appellate courts are standing up to these grasping local governments.
My Way News - Great time for US consumers: America is on sale
My Way News - Great time for US consumers: America is on sale: "The Great Recession has caused massive job losses and hardship for millions, but it has also fostered a shoppers' paradise. Anyone who still has the means to spend can find unheard of deals."
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So get out there and borrow some money and buy a bunch of stuff.
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So get out there and borrow some money and buy a bunch of stuff.
Vegas Casinos Fold on Expansion Plans - WSJ.com
Vegas Casinos Fold on Expansion Plans - WSJ.com: "LAS VEGAS -- After a six-year building frenzy that transformed this city, casino companies are shifting strategies dramatically toward slower growth, paying down debt and cutting back on spending.
Many casino executives don't expect to break ground on another major building project in Las Vegas for at least 10 years."
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Think about how many jobs these projects create, then consider the consequences of not having them.
Many casino executives don't expect to break ground on another major building project in Las Vegas for at least 10 years."
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Think about how many jobs these projects create, then consider the consequences of not having them.
Group offers homeowner's board training The Post and Courier - Charleston SC newspaper
Group offers homeowner's board training The Post and Courier - Charleston SC newspaper: "Anyone who serves on a homeowner association board knows the responsibility usually comes with little training. Some groups are barely equipped with enforceable bylaws.
The Community Associations Institute, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit, has launched a program to address that gap in association-governance knowledge. The group is offering a free online training course that could help new board members get their bearings."
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I love the way the local press just takes press releases and plugs them right into the newspaper as if they were news or something. Anyway, CAI is taking their training online.
The Community Associations Institute, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit, has launched a program to address that gap in association-governance knowledge. The group is offering a free online training course that could help new board members get their bearings."
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I love the way the local press just takes press releases and plugs them right into the newspaper as if they were news or something. Anyway, CAI is taking their training online.
New York City to Establish Surveillance Network in Midtown - NYTimes.com
New York City to Establish Surveillance Network in Midtown - NYTimes.com: "Asked Sunday about criticism of the increased surveillance, Mr. Bloomberg said: “We live in a world where we have to have a balance. We can’t just say everybody can go everyplace and do anything they want.”"
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Politicians love these straw man arguments. As if anybody had suggested that in New York City, there should be no restrictions on anybody's movements and activities.
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Politicians love these straw man arguments. As if anybody had suggested that in New York City, there should be no restrictions on anybody's movements and activities.
Homeowners are challenging property-tax assessments at a record rate | Philadelphia Inquirer | 10/04/2009
Homeowners are challenging property-tax assessments at a record rate | Philadelphia Inquirer | 10/04/2009: "With the ebbing of the real estate market, a record-bursting tide of property-tax appeals is inundating assessment offices all over the region - and the nation - with appeal numbers double and triple what they were last year."
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My sense of the situation--and it is just anecdotal--is that assessments have not been lowered to reflect the decline in property values. That would account for the wave of challenges.
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My sense of the situation--and it is just anecdotal--is that assessments have not been lowered to reflect the decline in property values. That would account for the wave of challenges.
Barack Obama furious at General Stanley McChrystal speech on Afghanistan - Telegraph
Barack Obama furious at General Stanley McChrystal speech on Afghanistan - Telegraph: "In London, Gen McChrystal, who heads the 68,000 US troops in Afghanistan as well as the 100,000 Nato forces, flatly rejected proposals to switch to a strategy more reliant on drone missile strikes and special forces operations against al-Qaeda.
He told the Institute of International and Strategic Studies that the formula, which is favoured by Vice-President Joe Biden, would lead to 'Chaos-istan'. When asked whether he would support it, he said: 'The short answer is: No.' He went on to say: 'Waiting does not prolong a favorable outcome. This effort will not remain winnable indefinitely, and nor will public support.'
The remarks have been seen by some in the Obama administration as a barbed reference to the slow pace of debate within the White House."
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So then Obama and McChrystal had their little tete-a-tete in Copenhagen, and now the White House is leaking these items about how they are unhappy with his rhetoric. And over the weekend the Taliban made headlines with an attack that killed ten Americans.
He told the Institute of International and Strategic Studies that the formula, which is favoured by Vice-President Joe Biden, would lead to 'Chaos-istan'. When asked whether he would support it, he said: 'The short answer is: No.' He went on to say: 'Waiting does not prolong a favorable outcome. This effort will not remain winnable indefinitely, and nor will public support.'
The remarks have been seen by some in the Obama administration as a barbed reference to the slow pace of debate within the White House."
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So then Obama and McChrystal had their little tete-a-tete in Copenhagen, and now the White House is leaking these items about how they are unhappy with his rhetoric. And over the weekend the Taliban made headlines with an attack that killed ten Americans.
Sunday, October 04, 2009
Will California become America's first failed state? | World news | The Observer
Will California become America's first failed state? | World news | The Observer: "The crisis is so deep that Professor Kenneth Starr, who has written an acclaimed history of the state, recently declared: 'California is on the verge of becoming the first failed state in America.'"
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Yes, indeed. Things are that bad. The state and local governments are in a state of budgetary crisis and political paralysis. The problems are structural, not temporary. The public schools are horrible, the great system of public higher education is in trouble, infrastructure is crumbling, the middle class is leaving and the poor are still arriving in droves, the prison system is overflowing, the housing market is in chaos, and on and on. The state is at this point impossible to govern. But if you go to California, as I did this summer, you will find that the people who live there are going about their lives as usual and not even talking about this sort of thing except in passing.
Wile E. Coyote chases the roadrunner until he runs off a cliff, but he doesn't fall until he looks down.
Saturday, October 03, 2009
Deer Ridge - Your Monthly HOA Fee And Special Assessment Are WRONG! | Deer Ridge Owners - Deer Ridge Mountain Resort - Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Deer Ridge - Your Monthly HOA Fee And Special Assessment Are WRONG! | Deer Ridge Owners - Deer Ridge Mountain Resort - Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Here is an owner getting ready to file a lawsuit against an association.
Here is an owner getting ready to file a lawsuit against an association.
Mission Viejo involvement in HOA slope would open Pandora’s box | Orange Juice
Mission Viejo involvement in HOA slope would open Pandora’s box | Orange Juice: "The above communication from Mr. Rattay was referring to a July 15th letter from Charles J. Rossi which reads in part that he is “writing to inquire whether the City of Mission Viejo has any interest in acquiring ownership of the Marguerite slope. The Mallorca Board of Directors feel that city ownership of the slope will not only benefit the association itself, but would also serve to greatly enhance the overall aesthetics of the property surrounding the lake and bring the slope up to conformity with the other City maintained slopes in our beautiful city. In essence, City ownership of the slope is a win/win proposition for all Mission Viejo citizens.”"
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Coincidentally, the slope needs $350,000 to $420,00 of rehab work and costs an estimated $31,600 to maintain every year. And it seems there are other slopes owned by other associations as well.
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Coincidentally, the slope needs $350,000 to $420,00 of rehab work and costs an estimated $31,600 to maintain every year. And it seems there are other slopes owned by other associations as well.
Friday, October 02, 2009
ICANN - Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers
ICANN - Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers
In case you were wondering what it is.
In case you were wondering what it is.
US relinquishes control of the internet | Technology | guardian.co.uk
US relinquishes control of the internet | Technology | guardian.co.uk: "Icann – the official body that ultimately controls the development of the internet thanks to its oversight of web addresses such as .com, .net and .org – said today that it was ending its agreement with the US government.
The deal, part of a contract negotiated with the US department of commerce, effectively pushes California-based Icann towards a new status as an international body with greater representation from companies and governments around the globe.
Icann had previously been operating under the auspices of the American government, which had control of the net thanks to its initial role in developing the underlying technologies used for connecting computers together."
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Surprising this has not attracted more attention.
The deal, part of a contract negotiated with the US department of commerce, effectively pushes California-based Icann towards a new status as an international body with greater representation from companies and governments around the globe.
Icann had previously been operating under the auspices of the American government, which had control of the net thanks to its initial role in developing the underlying technologies used for connecting computers together."
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Surprising this has not attracted more attention.
High stakes HOA dispute: tear down that house!
Judge to rule on 5 year legal feud
Wow. Tear down a million dollar house? That's what I call high stakes litigation.
Thanks to Fred Pilot for the link to this saga.
Wow. Tear down a million dollar house? That's what I call high stakes litigation.
Thanks to Fred Pilot for the link to this saga.
Chicago Loses 2016 Olympic Bid - cbs2chicago.com
Chicago Loses 2016 Olympic Bid - cbs2chicago.com: "COPENHAGEN, Denmark (CBS) ―Despite four years, millions of dollars in planning and a last-ditch pitch from President Obama, the Chicago 2016 Olympic bid ultimately fell short.
The City of Chicago was eliminated in the first round of voting, before any host city was selected."
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Quite a blow to Mayor Daley, President Obama and the First Lady, and The Oprah, although I don't think it was any mistake on their parts that led to this debacle. The way I see it, Chicago didn't deserve the Olympics because of the rancid corruption, bad public institutions, and the crime that is allowed to make many neighborhoods war zones for kids. I'm not saying Rio is better in those dimensions, but Chicago is not in an emerging nation like Brazil. There is no excuse for these problems here. The Chicago Machine should have been rooted out long ago but Daley and his cronies just refuse to change the way they do business, no matter how many of them go to federal prison. They would have stolen untold billions between now and 2016. Now they will have to find some other way to make a dishonest living. I'm not shedding any tears.
The City of Chicago was eliminated in the first round of voting, before any host city was selected."
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Quite a blow to Mayor Daley, President Obama and the First Lady, and The Oprah, although I don't think it was any mistake on their parts that led to this debacle. The way I see it, Chicago didn't deserve the Olympics because of the rancid corruption, bad public institutions, and the crime that is allowed to make many neighborhoods war zones for kids. I'm not saying Rio is better in those dimensions, but Chicago is not in an emerging nation like Brazil. There is no excuse for these problems here. The Chicago Machine should have been rooted out long ago but Daley and his cronies just refuse to change the way they do business, no matter how many of them go to federal prison. They would have stolen untold billions between now and 2016. Now they will have to find some other way to make a dishonest living. I'm not shedding any tears.
6 charged with burning Olympic banner - Chicago Breaking News
6 charged with burning Olympic banner - Chicago Breaking News: "Six people were charged with mob action today for yanking an Olympic banner from the Daley Center's Picasso statue and tossing it into the 'eternal' flame, authorities said."
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With mug shots that show this was a motley crew.
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With mug shots that show this was a motley crew.
Post-human Earth: How the planet will recover from us - environment - 30 September 2009 - New Scientist
Post-human Earth: How the planet will recover from us - environment - 30 September 2009 - New Scientist: "WHEN Nobel prize-winning atmospheric chemist Paul Crutzen coined the word Anthropocene around 10 years ago, he gave birth to a powerful idea: that human activity is now affecting the Earth so profoundly that we are entering a new geological epoch.
The Anthropocene has yet to be accepted as a geological time period, but if it is, it may turn out to be the shortest - and the last. It is not hard to imagine the epoch ending just a few hundred years after it started, in an orgy of global warming and overconsumption."
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I challenge these scientists to get away from their microscopes and watch daytime TV for a week, because I think we are already in the post-human era.
The Anthropocene has yet to be accepted as a geological time period, but if it is, it may turn out to be the shortest - and the last. It is not hard to imagine the epoch ending just a few hundred years after it started, in an orgy of global warming and overconsumption."
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I challenge these scientists to get away from their microscopes and watch daytime TV for a week, because I think we are already in the post-human era.
Pajamas Media » Why Did Bank of America Pay ACORN? » Print
Pajamas Media » Why Did Bank of America Pay ACORN? » Print: "we can just go to the Bank of America community website [3], which notes that the firm works with ACORN in more than 20 cities to provide “special mortgage products.” Or we can go to the ACORN Housing website, which describes a program [4] that produced $246 million in mortgages from Bank of America with “flexible underwriting and discounted pricing.” Or this page [5], which describes a program with low down payments, no private mortgage insurance, no cash reserve necessary, and flexibility on income requirements, such as being able to include public assistance.
Yes, ACORN and Bank of America joined forces to become the ultimate subprime lender."
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Yes, ACORN and Bank of America joined forces to become the ultimate subprime lender."
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Thursday, October 01, 2009
NFL Scientists Postulate Theoretical Down Before First Down | The Onion - America's Finest News Source
NFL Scientists Postulate Theoretical Down Before First Down | The Onion - America's Finest News Source: "NEW YORK—Citing the extremely low level of entropy present before a normal set of football downs, scientists from the NFL's quantum mechanics and cosmology laboratories spoke Monday of a theoretical proto-down before the first."
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Just a little science update.
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Just a little science update.
Candidates for Reading, Berks County offices square off at forum
Candidates for Reading, Berks County offices square off at forum: "The two candidates running for City Council's District 4 seat in northeast Reading - Democrat incumbent Stratton P. Marmarou and Libertarian challenger Donald Schwab - criticized the city's move to enter Act 47, the state's protection program for distressed municipalities.
Marmarou said the administration should have had more discussions with council before applying for Act 47 status. And, he said, the city's Financial Stability Panel in August told the city what it needed to do to solve its financial crisis.
Schwab said entering the plan says the city is basically bankrupt."
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Ah, good old Stratt. I taught at Albright College in Reading for four years and Stratton Marmarou was the head of campus security, and before that he was a Reading police officer. And always a character. Now I see he on the Reading City Council and the city is in big financial trouble. Reading has quite a history, including the famous Reading Railroad (as in Monopoly), truly legendary political corruption (my friend and colleage John Gardiner wrote a book about Reading called "The Corrupt City" and that about says it), a real Japanese pagoda, and a host of recent problems resulting from deindustrialization, demographic changes, and a shift of development to the surrounding suburbs. But they still have the Reading Phillies and a great place to watch a baseball game. And the pagoda is incredibly cool.
Marmarou said the administration should have had more discussions with council before applying for Act 47 status. And, he said, the city's Financial Stability Panel in August told the city what it needed to do to solve its financial crisis.
Schwab said entering the plan says the city is basically bankrupt."
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Ah, good old Stratt. I taught at Albright College in Reading for four years and Stratton Marmarou was the head of campus security, and before that he was a Reading police officer. And always a character. Now I see he on the Reading City Council and the city is in big financial trouble. Reading has quite a history, including the famous Reading Railroad (as in Monopoly), truly legendary political corruption (my friend and colleage John Gardiner wrote a book about Reading called "The Corrupt City" and that about says it), a real Japanese pagoda, and a host of recent problems resulting from deindustrialization, demographic changes, and a shift of development to the surrounding suburbs. But they still have the Reading Phillies and a great place to watch a baseball game. And the pagoda is incredibly cool.
Cities, HOA officials discuss common problems
Cities, HOA officials discuss common problems: "Government and community leaders from Gilbert, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale and Tempe met at the Gilbert Community Center on Wednesday to discuss how municipalities and HOAs could work together more efficiently."
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How cozy. As I read the article, it boils down to the city officials suggesting that it would be just so nice if people took their problems with barking dogs and dilapidated foreclosed homes to their friendly neighborhood HOA instead of bothering the city government. It would make things so neighborly and communal-like if they did that. And now we will all sing Kumbayah.
And that pretty much sums up my sense of where CIDs are headed in this country, in general. In reality they are becoming the lowest and least supported level of local government, but this is never acknowledged, either by government or the industry. Instead we hear all this fuzzy neighbor-community rhetoric that just blurs the edges of the use of power to extract money and compliance from people.
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How cozy. As I read the article, it boils down to the city officials suggesting that it would be just so nice if people took their problems with barking dogs and dilapidated foreclosed homes to their friendly neighborhood HOA instead of bothering the city government. It would make things so neighborly and communal-like if they did that. And now we will all sing Kumbayah.
And that pretty much sums up my sense of where CIDs are headed in this country, in general. In reality they are becoming the lowest and least supported level of local government, but this is never acknowledged, either by government or the industry. Instead we hear all this fuzzy neighbor-community rhetoric that just blurs the edges of the use of power to extract money and compliance from people.
The Stresses of Buying Distressed Homes - WSJ.com
The Stresses of Buying Distressed Homes - WSJ.com: "Distressed-property buyers also often have to cope with the fallout from the ruined lives of previous owners, such as vandalized properties and liens from second mortgages, taxes, unpaid water bills, homeowner-association dues and court judgments."
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So once again, buyers are being told they can't lose if they get into the market now, but in reality they may lose their shirts. Sounds familiar.
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So once again, buyers are being told they can't lose if they get into the market now, but in reality they may lose their shirts. Sounds familiar.
City, agencies helping HOAs save water, cash | MyDesert.com | The Desert Sun
City, agencies helping HOAs save water, cash | MyDesert.com | The Desert Sun: "City staff, along with La Quinta's “green” partners — Imperial Irrigation District and Coachella Valley Water District — have had several meetings since the start of the year with homeowners association board of directors representatives from several communities.
The workshops are aimed at informing residents about water conservation and energy-efficiency programs and incentives provided by the city and utility companies.
The idea is to decrease water and energy usage while “bringing down the overall costs of the HOAs,” said Bret Plumlee, La Quinta's assistant city manager."
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I know how to help. Tell the HOAs to stop making people water their lawns.
The workshops are aimed at informing residents about water conservation and energy-efficiency programs and incentives provided by the city and utility companies.
The idea is to decrease water and energy usage while “bringing down the overall costs of the HOAs,” said Bret Plumlee, La Quinta's assistant city manager."
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I know how to help. Tell the HOAs to stop making people water their lawns.
Starbucks 'killing sense of communities | Society & Business | Sideways News
Starbucks 'killing sense of communities | Society & Business | Sideways News: "Professor Bryant Simon of Philadelphia's Temple University has claimed that the set-up of cafes run by leading chains like Starbucks is contributing to a decline in interaction between people, despite the companies' claims otherwise.
In a new book, he claims that widely-spaced tables, takeaway preferences and even free wireless internet are killing conversation between customers and creating a sense of isolation.
The Daily Telegraph reports that the publication was put together through visits to over 400 of Starbucks' 15,000 outlets worldwide, including some in the UK.
Professor Simon told the newspaper that very little interaction between customers was seen, adding: 'People immediately create their own little private, gated communities. You couldn't be more alone in public if you wanted to be.'"
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I think the gated community metaphor just jumped the shark, as they say in Hollywood.
In a new book, he claims that widely-spaced tables, takeaway preferences and even free wireless internet are killing conversation between customers and creating a sense of isolation.
The Daily Telegraph reports that the publication was put together through visits to over 400 of Starbucks' 15,000 outlets worldwide, including some in the UK.
Professor Simon told the newspaper that very little interaction between customers was seen, adding: 'People immediately create their own little private, gated communities. You couldn't be more alone in public if you wanted to be.'"
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I think the gated community metaphor just jumped the shark, as they say in Hollywood.
Gated neighborhood asks to be annexed to Seal Beach | beach, county, seal, orange, border - News - OCRegister.com
Gated neighborhood asks to be annexed to Seal Beach | beach, county, seal, orange, border - News - OCRegister.com: "SEAL BEACH– A proposal to move the Los Angeles and Orange County border in 21 areas may now affect only one small area bordered by Seal Beach and Long Beach; however a small L.A. community is seeking to be included.
About 10 residents from Island Village appealed to Seal Beach City Council members Monday asking them to consider annexing the private Long Beach community just east of the San Gabriel River."
About 10 residents from Island Village appealed to Seal Beach City Council members Monday asking them to consider annexing the private Long Beach community just east of the San Gabriel River."
Lindenhurst use beet juice/salt combo to clear ice - 9/30/09 - Chicago News - abc7chicago.com
Suburb to use beet juice/salt combo to clear ice - 9/30/09 - Chicago News - abc7chicago.com: "September 30, 2009 (WLS) -- Beet juice is going to help keep the streets of another suburb clear of ice this winter.
North suburban Lindenhurst will use a mixture of a beet by-product and salt to put on roads."
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And to think we could have had a V-8.
North suburban Lindenhurst will use a mixture of a beet by-product and salt to put on roads."
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And to think we could have had a V-8.
Dallas woman fuming over smoking neighbor at complex | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News | Latest News
Dallas woman fuming over smoking neighbor at complex | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News | Latest News: "A Dallas woman has filed a lawsuit seeking six figures from a former neighbor and landlord for damage she says was caused by cigarette smoke wafting through adjoining walls of her high-end townhome."
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Ridiculous. Check out the hilarious photo that accompanies the article. Thanks to Jeff Hammond for this link.
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Ridiculous. Check out the hilarious photo that accompanies the article. Thanks to Jeff Hammond for this link.
Survey seeks input about the financial stability of your community association - Condos and HOAs – Living with rules
Survey seeks input about the financial stability of your community association - Condos and HOAs – Living with rules: "Clearly a majority of South Florida condo and home owner associations are reeling financially from the bad economy, record foreclosure and domino-effect delinquencies. And there are plenty of lessons to be learned from them. They want and need the attention of lawmakers who can help.
To that end, a new survey by the lobbying group CALL (Community Association Leadership Lobby, which is associated with law firm Becker & Poliakoff, seeks input from membership of other associations and regional federations on the Space Coast and in Orange, Broward and Palm Beach counties."
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The story contains a link to the survey. Go there directly if you want to participate.
To that end, a new survey by the lobbying group CALL (Community Association Leadership Lobby, which is associated with law firm Becker & Poliakoff, seeks input from membership of other associations and regional federations on the Space Coast and in Orange, Broward and Palm Beach counties."
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The story contains a link to the survey. Go there directly if you want to participate.
Will tepid support in Chicago derail the city's Olympic chances? - Fourth-Place Medal - OLY - Yahoo! Sports
Will tepid support in Chicago derail the city's Olympic chances? - Fourth-Place Medal - OLY - Yahoo! Sports
I hope so. If Chicago gets the Olympics, it will be the best thing to happen to the Machine since the election of Richie Daley. It will be like a giant tick suddenly tapping directly into Chicago's aorta, and swelling up to the size of the Hindenburg. The corrupt deals and contracts will enrich every crook in Illinois politics beyond the dreams of avarice.
I hope so. If Chicago gets the Olympics, it will be the best thing to happen to the Machine since the election of Richie Daley. It will be like a giant tick suddenly tapping directly into Chicago's aorta, and swelling up to the size of the Hindenburg. The corrupt deals and contracts will enrich every crook in Illinois politics beyond the dreams of avarice.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Court to rule on gun rights, terrorism law | SCOTUSblog
Court to rule on gun rights, terrorism law | SCOTUSblog: "Taking on a major new constitutional dispute over gun rights, the Supreme Court agreed on Wednesday to decide whether to apply the Second Amendment to state, county and city government laws."
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Very big case.
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Very big case.
Anti-Graffiti Plan Raises Stakes for Homeowners | NBC Los Angeles
Anti-Graffiti Plan Raises Stakes for Homeowners | NBC Los Angeles: "All new buildings in Los Angeles -- including homes -- must have anti-graffiti coating under an ordinance approved unanimously by the City Council on Tuesday. There is an exception if the owners promise to remove any graffiti on their property soon after it appears.
The ordinance will take effect 30 days after being signed by the mayor.
The anti-graffiti coating must cover the walls and doors from the ground to a height of at least nine feet. The coating is mandated on all buildings, unless owners sign a 'Covenant and Agreement Regarding Maintenance of Building (Graffiti Removal)' with the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety."
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LA's rapid descent into insanity continues.
The ordinance will take effect 30 days after being signed by the mayor.
The anti-graffiti coating must cover the walls and doors from the ground to a height of at least nine feet. The coating is mandated on all buildings, unless owners sign a 'Covenant and Agreement Regarding Maintenance of Building (Graffiti Removal)' with the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety."
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LA's rapid descent into insanity continues.
State to mom: Stop baby-sitting neighbors' kids - Yahoo! News
State to mom: Stop baby-sitting neighbors' kids - Yahoo! News: "IRVING TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Each day before the school bus comes to pick up the neighborhood's children, Lisa Snyder did a favor for three of her fellow moms, welcoming their children into her home for about an hour before they left for school.
Regulators who oversee child care, however, don't see it as charity. Days after the start of the new school year, Snyder received a letter from the Michigan Department of Human Services warning her that if she continued, she'd be violating a law aimed at the operators of unlicensed day care centers."
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She isn't getting paid. She's just watching her friends' kids for an hour. And here come the regulators.
Regulators who oversee child care, however, don't see it as charity. Days after the start of the new school year, Snyder received a letter from the Michigan Department of Human Services warning her that if she continued, she'd be violating a law aimed at the operators of unlicensed day care centers."
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She isn't getting paid. She's just watching her friends' kids for an hour. And here come the regulators.
Estate agent's fail to mention the two power stations next door to idyllic cottage for sale | The Sun |News
Estate agent's fail to mention the two power stations next door to idyllic cottage for sale | The Sun |News: "An estate agents has come under fire for hiding two huge nuclear power stations in an advert for a 'traditional fisherman's cottage'."
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That's almost as bad as not mentioning that there is an HOA.
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That's almost as bad as not mentioning that there is an HOA.
Sarasota man admits he put razor blades on bushes | 10connects.com | Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater
Sarasota man admits he put razor blades on bushes | 10connects.com | Tampa, St. Petersburg, ClearwaterMan plants bushes, HOA says no bushes, man gets tired of people messin' with his bushes, and puts razor blades on the bushes to get a "squeal" out of the bush messin' people. Man gets charged with misdemeanor.
Hey, it's Florida.
Hey, it's Florida.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Phone Calls Add to Din Over Loans - WSJ.com
Phone Calls Add to Din Over Loans - WSJ.com: "The discovery that Countrywide Financial Corp. recorded phone conversations with borrowers in a controversial mortgage program that included public officials -- and that those recordings have been destroyed -- has prompted new congressional calls for more information about the program."
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That VIP program they had looks more questionable all the time.
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That VIP program they had looks more questionable all the time.
Canada: Public servants have highest absentee rate: study
Public servants have highest absentee rate: study: "Statistics Canada said health-care and social-service workers were absent the most."
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I think public employees also lead in the "leaning on push broom while complaining about overwork" category. At least they do here at UIC.
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I think public employees also lead in the "leaning on push broom while complaining about overwork" category. At least they do here at UIC.
Vallejo Police Outsource Report Writing | NBC Bay Area
Vallejo Police Outsource Report Writing | NBC Bay Area: "The reports are dictated into a digital audio file then sent via a secure connection to Nashville-McClintock, where retired law-enforcement officials write them up."
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Interesting issue. The most basic defense cross-examination technique is to use the police report and contrast it with the officer's testimony in court. But now the officer can say, "Well, I didn't write the report."
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Interesting issue. The most basic defense cross-examination technique is to use the police report and contrast it with the officer's testimony in court. But now the officer can say, "Well, I didn't write the report."
Monday, September 28, 2009
Even in Capitalists’ Bad Times, Europe’s Socialists Suffer - NYTimes.com
Even in Capitalists’ Bad Times, Europe’s Socialists Suffer - NYTimes.com: "PARIS — A specter is haunting Europe — the specter of Socialism’s slow collapse."
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Trading places?
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Trading places?
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