Comcast announces the following channel lineup changes for customers in Boca Raton / Delray Beach, West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Stuart, and each of the surrounding areas:
Effective Tuesday, June 1, 2010:
WPXP HD (ION – Lake Worth) will be added to HD Limited Basic channel 439 as a test launch. The official launch will be on June 29, 2010.
Effective Tuesday, June 29, 2010:
ABC Family will move from channel 64 to channel 23 and remain on Expanded Basic.
BET will move from channel 69 to channel 64 and remain on Expanded Basic.
C-SPAN will move from Expanded Basic channel 45 to Limited Basic channel 97.
Syfy will move from channel 68 to channel 45 and remain on Expanded Basic.
TBN on Digital Classic Tier channel 242 will no longer be carried since TBN programming is available to all customers on Limited Basic via WTCE on channel 14.
TeleFutura will be added to channel 590 on both the Digital Classic Tier and CableLatino Tier.
TV Guide Network will move from Expanded Basic channel 23 to Limited Basic channel 98.
WTVX-CW multicast on digital channel 225 will change its programming from Retro TV Network to LATV (Spanish language programming).
FX HD will be added to HD Digital Starter channel 451.
Hallmark HD will be added to HD Digital Starter channel 385.
Speed HD will be added to HD Digital Classic Tier channel 450.
Comcast announces the following channel lineup changes for customers in Boca Raton / Delray Beach, West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, and each of the surrounding areas:
Effective Tuesday, June 29, 2010:
TEN Palm Beach County School Board will have two channels now and therefore, will move from Limited Basic channel 97 to digital channels 234 and 235. Any customer with a digital outlet will see these channels on that digital outlet.
Comcast announces the following channel lineup changes for customers in Boca Raton / Delray Beach and surrounding areas:
Effective Tuesday, June 29, 2010:
WSFL (CW-Miami) will move from channel 14 to channel 16 and remain on Limited Basic.
WTCE (TBN-Ft. Pierce) will be added on Limited Basic channel 14, and therefore, TBN on Digital Classic Tier channel 242 will no longer carried.
TeleFutura will be added on channel 590 to the Digital Classic Tier and CableLatino Tier, and therefore, WAMI (TeleFutura-Hollywood) on Limited Basic channel 16 will no longer be carried.
If you are a Comcast customer in Boynton Beach and the surrounding area and see WSFL on channel 14 on your digital outlets, you are on our All Digital Simulcast lineup and will experience the following channel lineup changes:
Effective Tuesday, June 29, 2010:
WSFL (CW-Miami) will move from Limited Basic channel 14 to channel 16.
WTCE (TBN-Ft. Pierce) will be added on Limited Basic channel 14, and therefore, TBN on Digital Classic Tier channel 242 will no longer be carried.
Comcast announces the following channel lineup changes for ALL customers in Boynton Beach and the surrounding area:
Effective Tuesday, June 29, 2010:
Local Government Access will move from Limited Basic channel 18 to channel 95.*
TeleFutura will be added on channel 590 to the Digital Classic Tier and CableLatino Tier.
TBN on Digital Classic Tier channel 242 will no longer be carried.
WLRN (PBS-Miami) will be added on Limited Basic channel 18.
On May 31, 2010,
Fine Living Network (FLN) will be converted to Cooking Channel by its owner, Scripps Networks LLC. The Cooking Channel is a new channel that will showcase food related series, documentaries, and specials. The Cooking Channel will be located on the same channel where Fine Living Network is located.
*Applies only to customers in the City of Boynton Beach and the Town of Manalapan
Dave Israel
Friday, May 28, 2010
Phishing Alert
This email just received by me was verified by Comacast as a "phishing email"; do not respond to it if you happen to receive it. Comcast is presently attempting to track down the culprit(s).
----- Original Message -----
From: UPGRADE 2010 ACCOUNT
To: undisclosed recipients
Sent: Friday, May 28, 2010 1:17 PM
Subject: Dear.comcast.net
Dear.comcast.net
Your email account needs to be upgraded to our new
F-SecureR HTK4S anti-virus/anti-spam 2010 version.
Fill the columns below and send to the email below
or your account will be suspended temporarily from
our services.
comcast.netEmail Username:..........
comcast.netEmail Password:................
comcast.netWeb-Administrative Team
----- Original Message -----
From: UPGRADE 2010 ACCOUNT
To: undisclosed recipients
Sent: Friday, May 28, 2010 1:17 PM
Subject: Dear.comcast.net
Dear.comcast.net
Your email account needs to be upgraded to our new
F-SecureR HTK4S anti-virus/anti-spam 2010 version.
Fill the columns below and send to the email below
or your account will be suspended temporarily from
our services.
comcast.netEmail Username:..........
comcast.netEmail Password:................
comcast.netWeb-Administrative Team
CATWALK ADVICE NEEDED
No, I don’t need advice about walking my cat, thank you anyway, Village cat lovers….
I’m referring to our cantilevered second-floor concrete walkways, many 30-plus years old like ours. Throughout the Village our concrete elements are cracking and needing attention. What about our concrete catwalks—especially those with heavy concrete railings? Haven’t some in the Village fallen down? Shouldn’t we being taking steps to prevent this from happening?
What would any of you who are in the know recommend we do? Some associations have installed posts at the outer edges of the catwalks, which I’m sure must help. Would you suggest posts be made of steel, wood or concrete? How far apart would you suggest these be placed? Would you advise putting in a header (and if so, of what material)? Would the typical first floor walkway provide sufficient footing, or would you put in a special footer under each post? Would you place the posts between the square balustrade posts on the catwalk or directly under them? (I understand each section of concrete railing is supported by these square posts not the rounded balusters.)
We would appreciate any advice that is out there on how to deal with what we think is a looming problem. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, seems to me. We're looking for the least expensive, effective way to remedy this problem without creating an eyesore.
Thanks.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
BOLO - PEAFOWL
Hi all,
We need all of our BLOGGERS to advise if they see any Peafowl, either the Peacock or Peahen!
If you have seen these birds either today or yesterday, please report here.
Thanks.
Dave Israel
We need all of our BLOGGERS to advise if they see any Peafowl, either the Peacock or Peahen!
If you have seen these birds either today or yesterday, please report here.
Thanks.
Dave Israel
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
211 Sunshine Daily Telephone Reassurance
Do you have a neighbor who probably should not be living alone, someone who could use a daily checkup. The following is a terrific free service. The callers are trained to be alert for people who do not feel well, maybe not eating, not answering the phone after 3 tries, etc. They will send someone to visit if necessary.
What is Sunshine Daily Telephone Reassurance?
Sunshine is a free telephone reassurance program to check on the well-being of seniors, the homebound or disabled.
Service Hours: Sunshine service is provided seven days a week between the hours of 7:30am & 5:00pm.
How Do I Receive a Daily Call?
If you are interested in receiving a Sunshine call, just dial 2-1-1 and say that you would like to start receiving Sunshine calls.
dial 2-1-1
What is Sunshine Daily Telephone Reassurance?
Sunshine is a free telephone reassurance program to check on the well-being of seniors, the homebound or disabled.
Service Hours: Sunshine service is provided seven days a week between the hours of 7:30am & 5:00pm.
How Do I Receive a Daily Call?
If you are interested in receiving a Sunshine call, just dial 2-1-1 and say that you would like to start receiving Sunshine calls.
dial 2-1-1
Monday, May 24, 2010
CV UR 4U
The UR (UCO Reporter) was delivered at the end of last week, in smaller Summer quantities, if your area needs more, please stop by the UR at Camden pool building for more, 10-noon weekdays. TIA
Saturday, May 22, 2010
REMEMBER OUR MILITARY FORCES - SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
Hi all,
A fellow Blogger sends this along:
Dave Israel
........................................................................................................
A fellow Blogger sends this along:
Dave Israel
........................................................................................................
TERRORISTS. PART ONE: THEY DON'T UNDERSTAND US
TERRORISTS, PART ONE: THEY DON'T UNDERSTAND US
-
BY IRV RIKON
-
One day in 1970 I was in Kandahar, Afghanistan, playing a game of chess with a Kuwaiti gentleman as several onlookers watched. I had come overland by bus from Peshawar, Pakistan, across the Khyber Pass to Kabul, Afghanistan's capital city, then driven on to Kandahar and later would cross the Afghan border into Iran. The bus was full and remained so throughout my journey. All the passengers but myself were Near Eastern Muslims: Afghans, Iranians, Jordanians, Palestinians. Only two spoke English, the aforementioned Kuwaiti and an Afghan university student, who sat beside me and translated for me as I was peppered by people whose natural curiosity impelled them to ask who I was, where I was going, what my country was like, and so on. In general, all these people took me under wing, mostly treating me as a guest, insisting that I stay with them in their hotel of choice and eating with them where they ate. Our chess game was played in the restaurant kitchen of the hotel in which we stayed in Kandahar.
One observer was a restaurant waiter, who spoke English and clearly did not like me, probably because I was an American. During the game, as he and I were politely speaking, he turned to his Swedish-made refrigerator-freezer. "This is brand new. We just got it." He sneered: "Does your country have anything like this?" "Yes, we do," I told him, but I was not sure he believed me. And I thought to myself, he doesn't understand us, anything about us.
The subject in the kitchen changed, but another incident aboard the bus reinforced my thought. Americans had just made their first moon landing. It was a hot topic on the bus, but all who spoke about it expressed doubt that it had ever happened. The concensus: We had sent an airplane aloft and photographed the landing as it took place somewhere in the American desert. How could I convince them the story our government was telling the world was fact?
A light-bulb went off in my head. "Isn't it true," I asked, "that the Prophet Mohammed was illiterate?" "Yes," came the answer. "Isn't it true that he wrote the Koran?" "Yes." "Isn't it also true that he ascended into Heaven and returned to earth." "Yes!" "So," I continued, "it's also true that a very well educated, highly disciplined and motivated group of Americans flew to the moon and returned!" "I won't translate that last part," the university student said. "They'll kill you!"
I wasn't trying to be irreverent or disrespectful of the Prophet, whom I actually do respect and admire for the many things he said and accomplished. Mohammed wasn't -- isn't -- worshipped as God by his followers in the manner Christians worship Jesus Christ. Rather, Mohammed is perceived as the last of the great Prophets, but a man. The point I was hoping to make to this busload of believers was that in America there were likewise believers, men who, working harmoniously together and greatly motivated, had produced a miracle even as Mohammed had done. We are all human. Many are believers. With God's help, we are all capable of performing miracles. Yet that never got translated, and until now I've told this story only to two or three people.
Exactly forty years have passed since my time in Kandahar which, ironically as I write this, our government has announced to the world our armed forces are planning to invade for the reason it's regarded as an Al-Qaeda-Taliban stronghold, the place where the Taliban began.
But the invasion won't turn the tide. Even if we capture the city with a minimum loss of lives on both sides, the terrorists still won't understand us except as their enemy. We can try to rebuild Kandahar and all of Afghanistan, but the Taliban will claim that we are neo-colonialists attempting to re-make the world in our image. They will do this with considerable effect thanks to the technologies of the modern era, the internet, the cell phone and such. They can easily communicate across the globe and persuade others who incline anyway to feel as they do that we are an occupying army, because to them we are.
What has failed us is not our military forces, who are doing exactly that which we ask of them under horrific circumstances. Rather, we have failed ourselves for not showing the world the best of what we are, probably because we've largely taken it for granted, forgotten it or not informed our new immigrants of the beauties, wonders and, yes, the truths of this great land we call America.
We do believe in people, as well as in God. We're not a theocracy or a dictatorship. The Preamble to our Constitution begins with the words, "We, the People." Our Declaration of Independence declares, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights -- that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness."
By contrast, the word "Islam" means "submit". A Muslim is one who submits. It's all right to submit to God: I've no objection to that. But in practice, following World War Two, when Muslim masses gained independence from foreign colonialists, they submitted to dictatorships, oligarchs, charismatic military and theocratic leaders: strong-men all. But then they turned around and blamed us -- the West, especially the United States -- for their problems. We became their scapegoats.
And even when they see something of what we are, they don't understand it. Laura and I just recently were in Sydney, Australia, which at the present time, I regard as the world's most beautiful big city. On the waterfront is a huge park and botanical garden, and the same sign is posted throughout the park: "Please walk on the grass, smell the flowers, hug the trees, talk to the birds." We did all of that, but how lovely, how democratic, how people-oriented!
Yet the Sunday edition of Sydney's main newspaper carried the story of a terrorist, born in Australia, the son of Lebanese immigrants, who was planning to blow up an important Sydney building. He was a "home-grown" terrorist, that is to say, one who had been radicalized in Australia. When the authorities, who luckily apprehended him in time to prevent damage, tried to determine the reason behind his thinking, they found that his religious leader had said, "They're killing Muslims". Such thinking and such influences are also behind the would-be American Times Square bomber. "They're killing Muslims."
What they haven't been given to understand by us is that we don't kill Muslims. We seek to destroy evil when and where we perceive it. We fought evil-doers in World War Two, most of whom were Christian in fact. Going back in time, even though some of us we were holders of slaves, others came to see that this was morally wrong, and eventually a civil war was fought -- Christian against Christian -- over this very issue, a war that resulted in the elimination of slave-trading and slavery, at least in our own country. We invaded Muslim territory only after we were attacked on 9/11/01, a new "Day of Infamy". It's evil that we fight, and not innocent people who are, despite our sincerest wishes and fervent prayers, caught in harm's way, but we've got to make them understand that. Are we perfect? No, definitely not. But most of us strive to be good. And that should be understood.
COMING NEXT
TERRORISTS, PART TWO: WE DON'T UNDERSTAND THEM
-
BY IRV RIKON
-
One day in 1970 I was in Kandahar, Afghanistan, playing a game of chess with a Kuwaiti gentleman as several onlookers watched. I had come overland by bus from Peshawar, Pakistan, across the Khyber Pass to Kabul, Afghanistan's capital city, then driven on to Kandahar and later would cross the Afghan border into Iran. The bus was full and remained so throughout my journey. All the passengers but myself were Near Eastern Muslims: Afghans, Iranians, Jordanians, Palestinians. Only two spoke English, the aforementioned Kuwaiti and an Afghan university student, who sat beside me and translated for me as I was peppered by people whose natural curiosity impelled them to ask who I was, where I was going, what my country was like, and so on. In general, all these people took me under wing, mostly treating me as a guest, insisting that I stay with them in their hotel of choice and eating with them where they ate. Our chess game was played in the restaurant kitchen of the hotel in which we stayed in Kandahar.
One observer was a restaurant waiter, who spoke English and clearly did not like me, probably because I was an American. During the game, as he and I were politely speaking, he turned to his Swedish-made refrigerator-freezer. "This is brand new. We just got it." He sneered: "Does your country have anything like this?" "Yes, we do," I told him, but I was not sure he believed me. And I thought to myself, he doesn't understand us, anything about us.
The subject in the kitchen changed, but another incident aboard the bus reinforced my thought. Americans had just made their first moon landing. It was a hot topic on the bus, but all who spoke about it expressed doubt that it had ever happened. The concensus: We had sent an airplane aloft and photographed the landing as it took place somewhere in the American desert. How could I convince them the story our government was telling the world was fact?
A light-bulb went off in my head. "Isn't it true," I asked, "that the Prophet Mohammed was illiterate?" "Yes," came the answer. "Isn't it true that he wrote the Koran?" "Yes." "Isn't it also true that he ascended into Heaven and returned to earth." "Yes!" "So," I continued, "it's also true that a very well educated, highly disciplined and motivated group of Americans flew to the moon and returned!" "I won't translate that last part," the university student said. "They'll kill you!"
I wasn't trying to be irreverent or disrespectful of the Prophet, whom I actually do respect and admire for the many things he said and accomplished. Mohammed wasn't -- isn't -- worshipped as God by his followers in the manner Christians worship Jesus Christ. Rather, Mohammed is perceived as the last of the great Prophets, but a man. The point I was hoping to make to this busload of believers was that in America there were likewise believers, men who, working harmoniously together and greatly motivated, had produced a miracle even as Mohammed had done. We are all human. Many are believers. With God's help, we are all capable of performing miracles. Yet that never got translated, and until now I've told this story only to two or three people.
Exactly forty years have passed since my time in Kandahar which, ironically as I write this, our government has announced to the world our armed forces are planning to invade for the reason it's regarded as an Al-Qaeda-Taliban stronghold, the place where the Taliban began.
But the invasion won't turn the tide. Even if we capture the city with a minimum loss of lives on both sides, the terrorists still won't understand us except as their enemy. We can try to rebuild Kandahar and all of Afghanistan, but the Taliban will claim that we are neo-colonialists attempting to re-make the world in our image. They will do this with considerable effect thanks to the technologies of the modern era, the internet, the cell phone and such. They can easily communicate across the globe and persuade others who incline anyway to feel as they do that we are an occupying army, because to them we are.
What has failed us is not our military forces, who are doing exactly that which we ask of them under horrific circumstances. Rather, we have failed ourselves for not showing the world the best of what we are, probably because we've largely taken it for granted, forgotten it or not informed our new immigrants of the beauties, wonders and, yes, the truths of this great land we call America.
We do believe in people, as well as in God. We're not a theocracy or a dictatorship. The Preamble to our Constitution begins with the words, "We, the People." Our Declaration of Independence declares, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights -- that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness."
By contrast, the word "Islam" means "submit". A Muslim is one who submits. It's all right to submit to God: I've no objection to that. But in practice, following World War Two, when Muslim masses gained independence from foreign colonialists, they submitted to dictatorships, oligarchs, charismatic military and theocratic leaders: strong-men all. But then they turned around and blamed us -- the West, especially the United States -- for their problems. We became their scapegoats.
And even when they see something of what we are, they don't understand it. Laura and I just recently were in Sydney, Australia, which at the present time, I regard as the world's most beautiful big city. On the waterfront is a huge park and botanical garden, and the same sign is posted throughout the park: "Please walk on the grass, smell the flowers, hug the trees, talk to the birds." We did all of that, but how lovely, how democratic, how people-oriented!
Yet the Sunday edition of Sydney's main newspaper carried the story of a terrorist, born in Australia, the son of Lebanese immigrants, who was planning to blow up an important Sydney building. He was a "home-grown" terrorist, that is to say, one who had been radicalized in Australia. When the authorities, who luckily apprehended him in time to prevent damage, tried to determine the reason behind his thinking, they found that his religious leader had said, "They're killing Muslims". Such thinking and such influences are also behind the would-be American Times Square bomber. "They're killing Muslims."
What they haven't been given to understand by us is that we don't kill Muslims. We seek to destroy evil when and where we perceive it. We fought evil-doers in World War Two, most of whom were Christian in fact. Going back in time, even though some of us we were holders of slaves, others came to see that this was morally wrong, and eventually a civil war was fought -- Christian against Christian -- over this very issue, a war that resulted in the elimination of slave-trading and slavery, at least in our own country. We invaded Muslim territory only after we were attacked on 9/11/01, a new "Day of Infamy". It's evil that we fight, and not innocent people who are, despite our sincerest wishes and fervent prayers, caught in harm's way, but we've got to make them understand that. Are we perfect? No, definitely not. But most of us strive to be good. And that should be understood.
COMING NEXT
TERRORISTS, PART TWO: WE DON'T UNDERSTAND THEM
Friday, May 21, 2010
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Proposed UCO Bylaw Amendments
Please be advised that the Proposed UCO Bylaw Amendments are four (4) in number as opposed to the five (5) which were published in this month's reporter. The amendment relating to increasing the permissible unbudgeted expenses has been struck at the Executive Board Level. I failed to email the changes to the Reporter. The Proposed UCO Bylaw Amendments are briefly explained as follows:
PROPOSED UCO BYLAW AMENDMENTS
Amendments # 1, and #2 replace the present improper term, “appointment” with the legally appropriate term “selection”. The Officer's Committee does not appoint a candidate to fill a vacancy of an Officer's seat, it selects a candidate. The President does not appoint additional members to the Executive Board, he selects candidates. The act of 'selection' in both instances then requires the approval of the Delegate Assembly for such selection to become official. Only the Delegate Assembly possesses “appointment authority” in such instances. Amendment #2 also clarifies, that in the event that a vacancy is created by one of his approved selections, the President has the discretion to select or propose a replacement candidate, notwithstanding that he may have already selected eight candidates for Executive Board Membership.
Amendment #3 eliminates the only four references to the Ombudsman Committee in the UCO Bylaws, as this Committee has been dissolved.
Amendment #4 provides for the activation of the due process procedures relating to the “Removal of Officers” by a petition of written and signed charges by not less than thirty-five (35) Delegates.
The four Proposed Amendments to the UCO Bylaws are policy changes not violative of applicable Florida Law, and were approved as such by Rod Tennyson, Esq.
My apologies for the error in not updating the Reporter.
Randall Borchardt
Advisory Chairman
PROPOSED UCO BYLAW AMENDMENTS
Amendments # 1, and #2 replace the present improper term, “appointment” with the legally appropriate term “selection”. The Officer's Committee does not appoint a candidate to fill a vacancy of an Officer's seat, it selects a candidate. The President does not appoint additional members to the Executive Board, he selects candidates. The act of 'selection' in both instances then requires the approval of the Delegate Assembly for such selection to become official. Only the Delegate Assembly possesses “appointment authority” in such instances. Amendment #2 also clarifies, that in the event that a vacancy is created by one of his approved selections, the President has the discretion to select or propose a replacement candidate, notwithstanding that he may have already selected eight candidates for Executive Board Membership.
Amendment #3 eliminates the only four references to the Ombudsman Committee in the UCO Bylaws, as this Committee has been dissolved.
Amendment #4 provides for the activation of the due process procedures relating to the “Removal of Officers” by a petition of written and signed charges by not less than thirty-five (35) Delegates.
The four Proposed Amendments to the UCO Bylaws are policy changes not violative of applicable Florida Law, and were approved as such by Rod Tennyson, Esq.
My apologies for the error in not updating the Reporter.
Randall Borchardt
Advisory Chairman
HOW ABOUT UCO REPORTER
LEE HUNT: HOW ABOUT PUBLISHING ARTICLES IN UCO REPORTER? THERE'S PLENTY OF ROOM THERE. SYLY
Condo News Article - Part 2 -Postponed
I just wanted to thank the many callers and well wishers who have expressed their support and thanks for my efforts in writing the Condo News article. The feedback has been overwhemingly complimentary. I even heard from a volunteer at UCO that they have never seen such high demand for the Condo News before or seen the papers fly off of the rack as they have for this edition! Thanks again to all of you for your kind words...
For those of you who have called me asking where to find the 2nd part of the three part series of articles on Condo Assn Repair Scams, it was not published in the latest edition of the Condo News as planned. Reason: it's much too long. I wasn't able to shorten it as much as necessary to fit the paper. The editor had a deadline to meet and had to go to press, so this edition's article is a "no go". We'll have to rework it for the next edition, which may not even be possible. I don't think I can figure out a way to tell the whole story in two pages instead of four without destroying the essence of how we became victims and I won't compromise my story to satisfy any concerns for "Political Correctness".
I may just change it from it's current format, where I created a fictitious story of how our village was victimized, using fake names and companies, and drawing upon actual victim testimony, audio and video depositions, documentation, and personal eyewitness accounts, to a different format where I will describe signs and symptoms to look for when or if these scammers come knocking at your door. I may just incorporate it into the third part of the series titled "How to protect yourself" and skip part 2 altogether. Not sure yet. Let's see how it plays out.
For those of you who have called me asking where to find the 2nd part of the three part series of articles on Condo Assn Repair Scams, it was not published in the latest edition of the Condo News as planned. Reason: it's much too long. I wasn't able to shorten it as much as necessary to fit the paper. The editor had a deadline to meet and had to go to press, so this edition's article is a "no go". We'll have to rework it for the next edition, which may not even be possible. I don't think I can figure out a way to tell the whole story in two pages instead of four without destroying the essence of how we became victims and I won't compromise my story to satisfy any concerns for "Political Correctness".
I may just change it from it's current format, where I created a fictitious story of how our village was victimized, using fake names and companies, and drawing upon actual victim testimony, audio and video depositions, documentation, and personal eyewitness accounts, to a different format where I will describe signs and symptoms to look for when or if these scammers come knocking at your door. I may just incorporate it into the third part of the series titled "How to protect yourself" and skip part 2 altogether. Not sure yet. Let's see how it plays out.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
The Ross Sisters - 1944 - Wow!!!
This is a video of an act from 1944 - a sister act called the Ross Sisters. I had never heard of them. The song they sing is about 45 seconds long (nothing special) but what they do next is truly jaw dropping...!........Hope you enjoy it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=BNR74UCidBI&feature=player_embedded
http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=BNR74UCidBI&feature=player_embedded
Vial of Life
https://www.vialoflife.com/welcome_to_vial.php
Note, our local version does not ask for your SS#.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
1st Priority Update
Does any one remember those wild exaggerated claims made by 1st Priority Restoration last February when, aided and abetted by the former UCO administration, homeless residents where promised they would be home in a matter of weeks?
Does anyone remember former UCO President George Loewenstein's rather tardy reaction after allowing 1st Priority to swing through the village like demented Tarzan's gutting allegedly mold infested apartments for months?
Unlike most of us with a conscious, he was seemingly unaware that his neighbours were being thrown out of their apartments at all times of the day and night in the name of insurance claims.
And who could forget one of the most famous Insurance Guru Gladstone's Gaff's “No out of pocket expenses”. Well I guess not if you expect displaced residents to sleep on park benches for months. But as those who have been subjected to this appalling scenario will tell you, hotels and short term leases cost money.
Last week, just over seven months after his apartment was gutted, one resident actually saw a glimmer of hope when an eight man 1st Priority crew turned up. Obviously, it had nothing to do with an ultimatum given by the attorney handling this residents pending lawsuit against the restoration company.
Knowing 1st Priority's attorney the lovely Rhonda Zimmerman's predilection for paperwork it would have been hoped that she would have advised her clients - lawsuit recipients 1st Priority, and Insurance adjuster Ken Hecht - former insurance chair Dan Gladstone being represented, on this occasion by a different law, firm,to get a move on earlier.
Alas there was a problem – mold!! New mold.
Well that's was the highly scientific conclusion reached by 1st Priority Restoration Mastermind, Salamon Teboul, who had 'tremors in his tehina' at the mere sight of the stuff. In actual fact it was more black mark than mold as Pro-Lab – the same company used by 1st Priority, confirmed to the buildings association .
Incidentally should any resident wish to cut out the middle man, these Pro-Lab kits are available at Home Depot for just over $10. Laboratory Analysis costs and extra $45.
Possibly we could all be forgiven for thinking that the alleged re-appearance of mold in this apartment was just another in the long list of excuses by 1st Priority and their supporters.
But, it would appear that the imminent threat of liability by default certainly captured the attention of the rather reluctant restoration company despite the unforgettable co-defendant Gladstone's 'verbal mistake' in declaring this particular case dismissed.
Possibly all those affected by one of the most shameful episodes in Century Villages' history may now consider similar action. Whilst one resident, after seven months in exile may be able to return home , lets not forget the others who may not be as fortunate.
Does anyone remember former UCO President George Loewenstein's rather tardy reaction after allowing 1st Priority to swing through the village like demented Tarzan's gutting allegedly mold infested apartments for months?
Unlike most of us with a conscious, he was seemingly unaware that his neighbours were being thrown out of their apartments at all times of the day and night in the name of insurance claims.
And who could forget one of the most famous Insurance Guru Gladstone's Gaff's “No out of pocket expenses”. Well I guess not if you expect displaced residents to sleep on park benches for months. But as those who have been subjected to this appalling scenario will tell you, hotels and short term leases cost money.
Last week, just over seven months after his apartment was gutted, one resident actually saw a glimmer of hope when an eight man 1st Priority crew turned up. Obviously, it had nothing to do with an ultimatum given by the attorney handling this residents pending lawsuit against the restoration company.
Knowing 1st Priority's attorney the lovely Rhonda Zimmerman's predilection for paperwork it would have been hoped that she would have advised her clients - lawsuit recipients 1st Priority, and Insurance adjuster Ken Hecht - former insurance chair Dan Gladstone being represented, on this occasion by a different law, firm,to get a move on earlier.
Alas there was a problem – mold!! New mold.
Well that's was the highly scientific conclusion reached by 1st Priority Restoration Mastermind, Salamon Teboul, who had 'tremors in his tehina' at the mere sight of the stuff. In actual fact it was more black mark than mold as Pro-Lab – the same company used by 1st Priority, confirmed to the buildings association .
Incidentally should any resident wish to cut out the middle man, these Pro-Lab kits are available at Home Depot for just over $10. Laboratory Analysis costs and extra $45.
Possibly we could all be forgiven for thinking that the alleged re-appearance of mold in this apartment was just another in the long list of excuses by 1st Priority and their supporters.
But, it would appear that the imminent threat of liability by default certainly captured the attention of the rather reluctant restoration company despite the unforgettable co-defendant Gladstone's 'verbal mistake' in declaring this particular case dismissed.
Possibly all those affected by one of the most shameful episodes in Century Villages' history may now consider similar action. Whilst one resident, after seven months in exile may be able to return home , lets not forget the others who may not be as fortunate.
Monday, May 17, 2010
CONDO NEWS ARTICLES
LEE HUNT HAS WRITTEN AN ARTICLE ABOUT OUR CONDO DIFFICULTIES IN THE CONDO NEWS. HE PLANS TWO MORE. BE SURE AND READ THEM.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
UCO RECORDING SECRETARY RESIGNS
Hi all,
It is with regret that I announce the resignation of Rhea Cohen from the position of UCO recording Secretary for personal reasons. Rhea will be missed.
We will now commence a search for a person to fill the unexpired term of the Recording Secretary. If you have a working knowledge of shorthand and are computer literate; please consider coming to UCO and filling out a volunteer application form.
Dave Israel
It is with regret that I announce the resignation of Rhea Cohen from the position of UCO recording Secretary for personal reasons. Rhea will be missed.
We will now commence a search for a person to fill the unexpired term of the Recording Secretary. If you have a working knowledge of shorthand and are computer literate; please consider coming to UCO and filling out a volunteer application form.
Dave Israel
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Top 10 Biggest and Best Jumps Ever
Top 10 Biggest and Best Jumps Ever .. Amazing
http://www.flixxy.com/biggest-and-best-jumps-ever.htm
http://www.flixxy.com/biggest-and-best-jumps-ever.htm
HBO ANALOG CHANNELS 27 AND 28 TO BE PULLED
Hi all,
We are advised by Comcast that the HBO channels 27 and 28 will be removed early Monday, 17 May 2010. It is probable that the channels will be taken down in selected areas until all are removed.
I would like to bring to your attention that the Comcast offer, as noted in our contract, for all HBO channels at a cost of $5.71 per month per unit which includes taxes and fees, is still an option, if accepted by the Delegates.
This matter will be brought forward again when our 2011 budget build starts. It will be the last opportunity for this offer, as it expires mid 2011.
The Comcast HBO lineup looks like this:
301 – HBO HD
302 – HBO
303 – HBO 2
304 – HBO Signature
305 – HBO Family
306 – HBO Comedy
307 – HBO West
311 – HBO Zone
312 - HBO Latino
Dave Israel
We are advised by Comcast that the HBO channels 27 and 28 will be removed early Monday, 17 May 2010. It is probable that the channels will be taken down in selected areas until all are removed.
I would like to bring to your attention that the Comcast offer, as noted in our contract, for all HBO channels at a cost of $5.71 per month per unit which includes taxes and fees, is still an option, if accepted by the Delegates.
This matter will be brought forward again when our 2011 budget build starts. It will be the last opportunity for this offer, as it expires mid 2011.
The Comcast HBO lineup looks like this:
301 – HBO HD
302 – HBO
303 – HBO 2
304 – HBO Signature
305 – HBO Family
306 – HBO Comedy
307 – HBO West
311 – HBO Zone
312 - HBO Latino
Dave Israel
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Intro's
Dave at the delegates meeting could the people sitting on the stage introduce themselves, many are new and don't know who is who. I for one did not know who Roger was. I tried to make this suggestion to Frank Cornish, but he didn't listen and just blew me off and started taking to someone else!! Par for the course. I found out Roger is with CAM. What is CAM?, I don't have a clue!
....................................................
Hi Norma,
Rodger Carver is our new Licensed Community Association Manager (LCAM or CAM for short).
The mission and function of the CAM is that of Property Manager; he is involved in the day-to-day operations of our Village. He is responsible for contracts and working with the many vendors used to maintain UCO property.
Dave Israel
PS: We will do Intro's in future of those on-stage, thanks for the idea.
....................................................
Hi Norma,
Rodger Carver is our new Licensed Community Association Manager (LCAM or CAM for short).
The mission and function of the CAM is that of Property Manager; he is involved in the day-to-day operations of our Village. He is responsible for contracts and working with the many vendors used to maintain UCO property.
Dave Israel
PS: We will do Intro's in future of those on-stage, thanks for the idea.
DELEGATE ASSEMBLY, MAY 7, 2010 NOW IN CLOUD
Hi all,
The Delegate Assembly of May 7, 2010 is now posted to the Internet, principally for our seasonal residents who are remote from campus. All are welcome to view the meeting. Sorry for the delay, simply operator error of a very busy operator.
Click on link in Sidebar, or you may click right here:
http://cvbitbucket.blogspot.com/2010/05/delegate-assembly-may-7-2010.html
Comments and ideas welcome.
Dave Israel
The Delegate Assembly of May 7, 2010 is now posted to the Internet, principally for our seasonal residents who are remote from campus. All are welcome to view the meeting. Sorry for the delay, simply operator error of a very busy operator.
Click on link in Sidebar, or you may click right here:
http://cvbitbucket.blogspot.com/2010/05/delegate-assembly-may-7-2010.html
Comments and ideas welcome.
Dave Israel
Monday, May 10, 2010
Sunday, May 9, 2010
GOLF COURSE - GRASS CUTTING
Hi All,
Those of you who reside in Golf's Edge and Greenbrier are aware, that as I Post this BLOG, the Golf Course weed patch is being cut.
Thanks to the combined efforts of the Pro-Active Committee and UCO for this
breakthrough.
We can only hope that this signals an improved relationship between Century Village and the Golf Course owners.
Dave Israel
Those of you who reside in Golf's Edge and Greenbrier are aware, that as I Post this BLOG, the Golf Course weed patch is being cut.
Thanks to the combined efforts of the Pro-Active Committee and UCO for this
breakthrough.
We can only hope that this signals an improved relationship between Century Village and the Golf Course owners.
Dave Israel
COLD WAR MUSEUM
Hi All,
Don't miss the new link in the Sidebar to the "Cold War Museum".
All history and Intelligence buffs will find something of interest there.
Dave Israel
Don't miss the new link in the Sidebar to the "Cold War Museum".
All history and Intelligence buffs will find something of interest there.
Dave Israel
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Shake Your Tail Feathers
Dear President Israel how can we relocate this pair to that lovely wild preserve behind Greenbrier C?
Or, Peacock & peahen pair for sale call Sussex L or M.
Friday, May 7, 2010
WHAT IS "ONE PERSON, ONE VOTE"
At today's delegates meeting it was voted for there to be an ad hoc committee to discuss the pros and cons of the Village adopting "One Person, One Vote." Can someone explain to me, in the context of the Village goings-on, what this MEANS?
Obviously it means that every owner gets a vote, but a vote on WHAT, and what are the mechanics for tallying these votes?
Are these votes only for electing UCO officers? Does One Person, One Vote apply to ISSUES that come up for a decision? How workable is this? And what legal changes would be necessary in order for this to be implemented?
I'd like to see this thoroughly hashed out—pros and cons on all sides of the issue—in the UCO Reporter.
Lanny Howe
Overdrawn at the Memory Bank
According to this: If your spouse has Alzheimer's, caring for him or her will give you a case of dementia.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Fly Away Snowbirds
Ow! Mother Nature is ramping up. Soupy humidity 88 degrees, then all car alarms going off. Hail falling for a mile and whacking the windows, sounds like windows breaking! Even camera picked up hail trails! Thunder 'n lightning.
Its hard being UPS delivery or even census worker in this.
Boxes for Clothing
The allegedly non-charity boxes are breeding. Slip road between banks, Drexel parking lot, and at UCO gate! and there's another just past Dunkin Donuts..
See previous post, April 30th.
CENSUS TAKERS
Are they operating within the village at this time? My neighbour was approached by
one yesterday, many weeks after she responded to the initial request.
The individual in particular asked "If she would be willing to provide additional
information" and my neighbour said " She did not have the time" later on she
received a phone call from that Census taker, stating she neglected to ask if in
fact her unit was Mortgaged. I do not recall that particular question appearing on
the questionaire..anyone out there have any input? Thanks..
one yesterday, many weeks after she responded to the initial request.
The individual in particular asked "If she would be willing to provide additional
information" and my neighbour said " She did not have the time" later on she
received a phone call from that Census taker, stating she neglected to ask if in
fact her unit was Mortgaged. I do not recall that particular question appearing on
the questionaire..anyone out there have any input? Thanks..
TOO MUCH INFORMATION
While I work on a machine with a terabyte of memory, this article talks about computers that have zettabytes. What's that? About 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 bytes (that bites!). If you remember the telemovie Pixel Perfect, it introduced you to the term "zettabytes." Here's a clip:
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
WHAT IS PAST IS PROLOGUE
Hi all,
Following is a bit of CV History.
Dave Israel
..........................................................
REF: http://www.jewishmuseum.com/current301text.html
-
“In 1968, Bob Rapaport, Aaron Schecter and Irwin Levy built the first community geared to retirees of all ages, Century Village, in West Palm Beach”
………………………………………………….
REF:
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/palm-beach/fl-century-village-founder-20100501-4,0,7402160.story?page=1
BY ELINOR J. BRECHER, Miami Herald
6:12 p.m. EDT, May 1, 2010
Aaron Schecter, a visionary developer who built the first Century Village in then-remote western Palm Beach County in the 1960s – revolutionizing the concept of retirement for millions of working-class Americans – has died at 94.
In excellent health until late last year, he succumbed to congestive heart failure on Tuesday at the home of daughter Laurie Schecter in Hollywood.
Among the early developers to embrace the concept after Florida passed its first condominium law in 1960, Schecter built Hampshire Gardens in Boynton Beach, then the nearby Sterling Village, and Kings Point in Delray Beach.
But he hedged against real-estate downturns by branching out into unrelated businesses, including a cable television franchise in Kendall, shopping plazas, hotels and motels in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, Orlando and St. Petersburg.
Longtime partner Robert D. Rapaport said Schecter never really retired.
"We stayed in the hotel field until last year, when we sold the Holiday Inn Fort Lauderdale on 17th Street," he said.
He said Schecter was a ‘‘confident, engaging personality. Ego was never an issue."
In business negotiations, he was "considerate and congenial. He had good relationships with people. He was respected and beloved."
Aaron Schecter was born Sept. 6, 1915, in Mobile, Ala., to Romanian immigrants in the dry goods trade. He grew up in the New York metropolitan area, graduated from high school in Brooklyn, and earned a certificate in architecture from the Mechanical Institute of New York.
His parents split during the Depression, said daughter Julie Schecter, of Bolton, Mass. He and four siblings ‘‘all worked. Dad would sell ice cream on Coney Island."
Fiercely protective of his mother, Schecter "was a very responsible person all his life," she said. "He lost a brother in [World War II] which made him the youngest in the family. That's one of the things that made him hyper-responsible."
Before the United States entered the war, Schecter worked for the Army Corps of Engineers in Washington, D.C. He enlisted in the Army Air Force in 1942, then served in Korea as a captain, Julie said.
After the service, Schecter went into business with his older brother building modest houses in Fairfield, Conn., where he met his future wife, Martha Spector. They married in 1947 and moved to Hollywood seven years later.
A founding family of Hollywood's Temple Beth-El, and underwriters of a women's health center at Memorial Regional Hospital, the Schecters lived in Hollywood Hills from 1956-1990.
Then her father "built his dream home on North Lake Drive," Julie said.
Initially, Schecter constructed small houses and the Entrada Resort and Motel on U.S. 1, near Young Circle. For a time, he owned part of the operation, which remains in business.
That's where Rapaport met him, and the two formed a partnership that lasted more than a half century – without any formal partnership agreement, said Rapaport, of Palm Beach.
"Not even a handshake," he said. "Incredible."
Schecter, 20 years older than his associate, nonetheless insisted on equal investment in their projects. Rapaport recalls how Schecter noticed "a two-story co-op that was perpendicular to the Intracoastal in Hallandale that sold like hotcakes," and developed his formula for future success: "low-cost housing on the water in a prominent location."
They found that land in Boynton Beach, "which was not well known at the time," Rapaport said
Despite Schecter's worry that "people didn't want to live near all that traffic," they built Hampshire Gardens on U.S. 1. They soon sold out to East Coast retirees.
"Then we went out west and began Century Village," Rapaport recalled. They bought 680 acres and briefly ‘‘experimented with the concept of mobile-home units."
Instead, they adapted their successful Sterling Village design of "every unit a corner with a walkway down the middle between apartments."
They dug a lake and installed a golf course, and the first of 7,800 residents began moving in in 1966. They sold their interest in the project and were not involved in subsequent Century Villages.
Ironically, her father ‘‘hated the notion of a retirement home'' for himself, Julie said, because " ‘they were all old there.' He very rarely talked about the past. He only liked to talk about the future."
She believes he never thought of himself as a wealthy man, despite "amazing vacations'' like French luxury river-barge trips and a home in the Berkshires.
Schecter moved to Aventura shortly after his wife, an accountant, died unexpectedly of what daughter Julie called "a mysterious lung ailment'' in 2001.
In addition to his daugthers, he is survived by Ruth Greenfield, his companion of several years.
Loved ones will gather at 11 a.m. Sunday to celebrate Aaron Schecter's life, at the Art and Culture Center of Hollywood, 1650 Harrison St.
The body was cremated.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the New Israel Fund, The Nation Associates -- which supports the progressive magazine, The Nation -- or The Hollywood Florida Scholarship Foundation, which supports students who are the first in their families to go to college.
Following is a bit of CV History.
Dave Israel
..........................................................
REF: http://www.jewishmuseum.com/current301text.html
-
“In 1968, Bob Rapaport, Aaron Schecter and Irwin Levy built the first community geared to retirees of all ages, Century Village, in West Palm Beach”
………………………………………………….
REF:
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/palm-beach/fl-century-village-founder-20100501-4,0,7402160.story?page=1
BY ELINOR J. BRECHER, Miami Herald
6:12 p.m. EDT, May 1, 2010
Aaron Schecter, a visionary developer who built the first Century Village in then-remote western Palm Beach County in the 1960s – revolutionizing the concept of retirement for millions of working-class Americans – has died at 94.
In excellent health until late last year, he succumbed to congestive heart failure on Tuesday at the home of daughter Laurie Schecter in Hollywood.
Among the early developers to embrace the concept after Florida passed its first condominium law in 1960, Schecter built Hampshire Gardens in Boynton Beach, then the nearby Sterling Village, and Kings Point in Delray Beach.
But he hedged against real-estate downturns by branching out into unrelated businesses, including a cable television franchise in Kendall, shopping plazas, hotels and motels in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, Orlando and St. Petersburg.
Longtime partner Robert D. Rapaport said Schecter never really retired.
"We stayed in the hotel field until last year, when we sold the Holiday Inn Fort Lauderdale on 17th Street," he said.
He said Schecter was a ‘‘confident, engaging personality. Ego was never an issue."
In business negotiations, he was "considerate and congenial. He had good relationships with people. He was respected and beloved."
Aaron Schecter was born Sept. 6, 1915, in Mobile, Ala., to Romanian immigrants in the dry goods trade. He grew up in the New York metropolitan area, graduated from high school in Brooklyn, and earned a certificate in architecture from the Mechanical Institute of New York.
His parents split during the Depression, said daughter Julie Schecter, of Bolton, Mass. He and four siblings ‘‘all worked. Dad would sell ice cream on Coney Island."
Fiercely protective of his mother, Schecter "was a very responsible person all his life," she said. "He lost a brother in [World War II] which made him the youngest in the family. That's one of the things that made him hyper-responsible."
Before the United States entered the war, Schecter worked for the Army Corps of Engineers in Washington, D.C. He enlisted in the Army Air Force in 1942, then served in Korea as a captain, Julie said.
After the service, Schecter went into business with his older brother building modest houses in Fairfield, Conn., where he met his future wife, Martha Spector. They married in 1947 and moved to Hollywood seven years later.
A founding family of Hollywood's Temple Beth-El, and underwriters of a women's health center at Memorial Regional Hospital, the Schecters lived in Hollywood Hills from 1956-1990.
Then her father "built his dream home on North Lake Drive," Julie said.
Initially, Schecter constructed small houses and the Entrada Resort and Motel on U.S. 1, near Young Circle. For a time, he owned part of the operation, which remains in business.
That's where Rapaport met him, and the two formed a partnership that lasted more than a half century – without any formal partnership agreement, said Rapaport, of Palm Beach.
"Not even a handshake," he said. "Incredible."
Schecter, 20 years older than his associate, nonetheless insisted on equal investment in their projects. Rapaport recalls how Schecter noticed "a two-story co-op that was perpendicular to the Intracoastal in Hallandale that sold like hotcakes," and developed his formula for future success: "low-cost housing on the water in a prominent location."
They found that land in Boynton Beach, "which was not well known at the time," Rapaport said
Despite Schecter's worry that "people didn't want to live near all that traffic," they built Hampshire Gardens on U.S. 1. They soon sold out to East Coast retirees.
"Then we went out west and began Century Village," Rapaport recalled. They bought 680 acres and briefly ‘‘experimented with the concept of mobile-home units."
Instead, they adapted their successful Sterling Village design of "every unit a corner with a walkway down the middle between apartments."
They dug a lake and installed a golf course, and the first of 7,800 residents began moving in in 1966. They sold their interest in the project and were not involved in subsequent Century Villages.
Ironically, her father ‘‘hated the notion of a retirement home'' for himself, Julie said, because " ‘they were all old there.' He very rarely talked about the past. He only liked to talk about the future."
She believes he never thought of himself as a wealthy man, despite "amazing vacations'' like French luxury river-barge trips and a home in the Berkshires.
Schecter moved to Aventura shortly after his wife, an accountant, died unexpectedly of what daughter Julie called "a mysterious lung ailment'' in 2001.
In addition to his daugthers, he is survived by Ruth Greenfield, his companion of several years.
Loved ones will gather at 11 a.m. Sunday to celebrate Aaron Schecter's life, at the Art and Culture Center of Hollywood, 1650 Harrison St.
The body was cremated.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the New Israel Fund, The Nation Associates -- which supports the progressive magazine, The Nation -- or The Hollywood Florida Scholarship Foundation, which supports students who are the first in their families to go to college.
Could it be on this web blog site ?
I was thinking could there be a search on the blog, that you could type in a question about Century Village, that might have been asked before, and typed into search on this site to find the answer? Or some type of guide with most asked questions about the Village.
A QUERY INTO WHY OUR INSURANCE RATES WENT UP BEYOND WHAT WE BUDGETED FOR
Recently, we got our 3-month financial report for our condo association from Gallagher P.M., Inc., our management company since the first of the year. I noticed that the amount paid out for our building insurance was significantly more than we had budgeted for. Why so much more? I decided to call Plastridge Insurance, as we have lately been encouraged to do with insurance questions. I talked with Karen Botcher, who could not have been more forthcoming and helpful. I want to tell you what she said, but first let me give you the nuts and bolts of our insurance financial figures for background.
Insurance cost us (Sheffield N, a 26-unit association with three 2-story buildings) $22,776 for 2009. On advice from Seacrest, our former management company, whose figures Gallagher used, we budgeted $25,304 for 2010, an 11% increase in the premium. We have understood that when the budgets are drawn up in the fall, the final insurance rates for the coming year are unknown, so this is always an estimate. The estimate is usually made on the high side, however, I have been told, so associations are less likely to find themselves in the hole later.
Our actual insurance payments for the first three months of 2010 totaled $6573. This represents a 15.5% INCREASE over the 2009 rates. IF THIS RATE WERE TO HOLD FOR THE YEAR, IT WOULD MEAN INSURANCE FOR 2010 WOULD COST US $26,292—ALMOST $1000 MORE THAN WE BUDGETED FOR.
I HAD SEVERAL QUESTIONS FOR KAREN: Were we paying the correct rate? Was the rate likely to stay the same for the year? Why was there this substantial increase over what was budgeted for, which was presumably based on information Plastridge gave the management companies? Was the increase attributable mainly to only one thing, such as legislation that had been passed, decisions made by insurance companies, OR possibly the fact (which I had known) that one of the 11 insurance companies in our “package” of insurances arranged for by Plastridge had refused to provide insurance for 2010, and we were having to pay double the old premium with a new company Plastridge had found?
THIS IS WHAT KAREN TOLD ME: Our rates were correct, and she felt sure they would stay the same for the balance of 2010. Yes, Plastridge did give an estimate for budget purposes to the management companies, and yes, Plastridge did generally give an estimate on the high side so associations were less likely to find themselves in the hole later in the year.
Karen said that most of our 11 insurances were with Citizens, because it had been the best choice for the Village. Our DIC (Difference in Conditions) insurance, however, had been with Philadelphia Insurance. This is the insurance that covers water damage not caused by a flood. (It may not cover hurricane-caused damage, too, I am not sure. Karen and I did not discuss this.) In any event, it IS the insurance that covers water damage from water leaks, such as from a defective hot water heater, burst pipe, or defective toilet.
KAREN SAID YES, WE HAD TO BE PLACED WITH ANOTHER INSURANCE COMPANY, MAX SPECIALITY INSURANCE COMPANY, FOR THIS COVERAGE IN 2010; THAT THE COST OF THIS INSURANCE HAD MORE NEARLY TRIPLED THAN DOUBLED; AND THAT YES, IT WAS THE INCREASE IN COST OF THIS INSURANCE THAT WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR OUR INSURANCE COSTS EXCEEDING THE BUDGETED AMOUNT. She said the Citizens insurance costs had increased about 10%.
Was the reason Philadelphia dropped us because of the large number of recent claims in the Village made for water damage, I asked Karen. Yes, she said. Was this information—on the claims—made available to Max Specialty Insurance, so that their rates were likely to have been triple the old because they knew our recent history? Yes, said Karen, they would have this information in hand as a matter of course.
What was this DIC insurance costing us in 2010 compared to 2009, I asked. Karen said the DIC was costing us $82.27/unit/year in 2010; in 2009 it cost us only $29.00. For our 26-unit condo, this is an increase of $1385 for 2010.
These are the facts as I obtained them from Karen. As a courtesy I am going to send her a copy of this blog so she can correct anything, by Comment or her own blog, that I have misunderstood; or if she lets me know I am wrong on a point or two, I will post a corrected blog.
It looks to me as though we can lay the blame for a good deal of the increased insurance costs for the Village squarely on the recent water damage claims we have had. IF IT IS COSTING OUR CONDO ASSOCIATION A GOOD $1000 MORE FOR THE YEAR ON ACCOUNT OF THESE HIGH CLAIMS, IT MUST BE COSTING THE VILLAGE ABOUT 300 TIMES THIS: $300,000 OR MORE. To what extent these recent high claims have been falsified is another issue, which I understand is still being looked into.
Karen and I also discussed what insurance companies look for in allowing a lower premium. I’ll share that with you in another blog, I think.
One further thing: Karen had the highest praise for Dave Israel and the newly formed Village insurance committee. They have been a pleasure to work with, she said. I got the sense she meant: like a breath of fresh air.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Get Gate Pass after hours?
How does a working person, who is never in the village when UCO is open, get a gate pass for daughter?
Update on Victims Rights Group (VRG) (Victims Rights Group) V.O.I.C.E.S. Campaign
(reposted with changes)
Now that I'm back on the blog, I want to update those of you who were adversely affected and displaced from their homes as a result of water damage casualties that occurred over the past year. I have been working toward goals that were outlined during our V.O.I.C.E.S. (Victims Of Insurance Casualties Expressing Self Determination) Campaign meeting on February 22nd, 2010. Although you haven't heard or seen much from the Victims Rights Group or V.O.I.C.E.S. publicly, a lot of activity and endless hours have been spent trying to accomplish the goals I laid out at our first meeting:
1. First and foremost was the goal to prevent any further contractor victimization in CV. It appears that the V.O.I.C.E.S. campaign, in concert with others in the village, has been very successful thus far, as the number of new victims at the hands of these unscrupulous contractors has been reduced dramatically! This was done through educating presidents and residents and making as many people aware of the consequences of doing business with companies of their type. However, there are still a few uninformed presidents and/or owners who have not yet heard or refuse to believe the information that has been distributed. As a result, we now have another similar issue at Windsor A. I have posted a separate blog entry on how to handle insurance casualty claims to give those who need help some ideas so they can avoid going down the same road that took so many other victims to calamity.
2. Secondly, I wanted to gather as much information as possible through video and audio interviews with victims who have been displaced for the purpose of assimilating this information to establish patterns and to gather statistics that will prove useful to both civil and criminal officials. We have also been very successful in this area, as a significant amount of information has been gathered. I have interviewed many victims who have provided a plethora of information however, if I have not interviewed you personally, and you would like to provide your own story or give information helpful to the case, please call me at 561-202-8460. For those of you who provided information to Jean Dowling, your information has not been forwarded to me. Therefore, you'll have to call me if you haven't already spoken to me personally.
Some very definite patterns of abuse, from not only contractors but others as well, have emerged. This information has proven to be very helpful to those who have an interest in pursuing justice for themselves or others, whether they are attorneys, law enforcement officials, victims, or association officials, etc.. This information has been passed to the appropriate resources for follow-up and are available to others if needed. However, understand that the wheels of justice turn very slowly, but I feel confident that once all the facts are known and distributed to all of the right people, you will begin to see those same wheels begin to turn much more quickly, so be patient...
3. The third goal was to provide a vehicle through which information can be shared with each and every resident and owner of Century Village. I am working on that issue right now. I hope to improve any existing forums we have in place presently and if necessary, start up a new group to exchange ideas that will be helpful to homeowners, residents, Boards of Administration, or anyone else who has the desire to make his home and association a better place to live. I hope to share information as a new member of the UCO insurance sub-committee.
To be sure, I have no hidden agendas, no political affiliations whatsoever, nor do I have any preference or bias towards persons, groups or anything else for that matter. I simply want to see that anyone who seeks the knowledge, desires to be proactive in preventing casualties, and wants the best for their home and Century Village, be given the opportunity to do so.
That's it for now. I'm planning to schedule another V.O.I.C.E.S. campaign meeting in the near future to provide further updates and to answer questions for you all. I will also have more on our information sharing initiative as we move forward in the coming weeks. We already have lots of good info to pass out!
Lee Hunt
Now that I'm back on the blog, I want to update those of you who were adversely affected and displaced from their homes as a result of water damage casualties that occurred over the past year. I have been working toward goals that were outlined during our V.O.I.C.E.S. (Victims Of Insurance Casualties Expressing Self Determination) Campaign meeting on February 22nd, 2010. Although you haven't heard or seen much from the Victims Rights Group or V.O.I.C.E.S. publicly, a lot of activity and endless hours have been spent trying to accomplish the goals I laid out at our first meeting:
1. First and foremost was the goal to prevent any further contractor victimization in CV. It appears that the V.O.I.C.E.S. campaign, in concert with others in the village, has been very successful thus far, as the number of new victims at the hands of these unscrupulous contractors has been reduced dramatically! This was done through educating presidents and residents and making as many people aware of the consequences of doing business with companies of their type. However, there are still a few uninformed presidents and/or owners who have not yet heard or refuse to believe the information that has been distributed. As a result, we now have another similar issue at Windsor A. I have posted a separate blog entry on how to handle insurance casualty claims to give those who need help some ideas so they can avoid going down the same road that took so many other victims to calamity.
2. Secondly, I wanted to gather as much information as possible through video and audio interviews with victims who have been displaced for the purpose of assimilating this information to establish patterns and to gather statistics that will prove useful to both civil and criminal officials. We have also been very successful in this area, as a significant amount of information has been gathered. I have interviewed many victims who have provided a plethora of information however, if I have not interviewed you personally, and you would like to provide your own story or give information helpful to the case, please call me at 561-202-8460. For those of you who provided information to Jean Dowling, your information has not been forwarded to me. Therefore, you'll have to call me if you haven't already spoken to me personally.
Some very definite patterns of abuse, from not only contractors but others as well, have emerged. This information has proven to be very helpful to those who have an interest in pursuing justice for themselves or others, whether they are attorneys, law enforcement officials, victims, or association officials, etc.. This information has been passed to the appropriate resources for follow-up and are available to others if needed. However, understand that the wheels of justice turn very slowly, but I feel confident that once all the facts are known and distributed to all of the right people, you will begin to see those same wheels begin to turn much more quickly, so be patient...
3. The third goal was to provide a vehicle through which information can be shared with each and every resident and owner of Century Village. I am working on that issue right now. I hope to improve any existing forums we have in place presently and if necessary, start up a new group to exchange ideas that will be helpful to homeowners, residents, Boards of Administration, or anyone else who has the desire to make his home and association a better place to live. I hope to share information as a new member of the UCO insurance sub-committee.
To be sure, I have no hidden agendas, no political affiliations whatsoever, nor do I have any preference or bias towards persons, groups or anything else for that matter. I simply want to see that anyone who seeks the knowledge, desires to be proactive in preventing casualties, and wants the best for their home and Century Village, be given the opportunity to do so.
That's it for now. I'm planning to schedule another V.O.I.C.E.S. campaign meeting in the near future to provide further updates and to answer questions for you all. I will also have more on our information sharing initiative as we move forward in the coming weeks. We already have lots of good info to pass out!
Lee Hunt
Siegler, CV Artist
Just one of my favorite paintings by Helen Siegler, CV artist.
Winning determination!
Everglades Visit
You can have a month in Century Village for the same price as 2 days in Swamp Cottage, and you can visit the Everglades all month, and more!
No loose screw jokes please :-)
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Rusting Conduit
Probably the most unexciting post ever, but have you looked at the wiring at the bottom of your walkway lights?
The metal conduit on ours was rusted away and susceptible to weed whackers. We replaced 80 yds so far.
Boxbe email thing
If you are caught by the spreading Boxbe email thing, that excludes everything not on your list.
I am told - You can opt out of future invites from Boxbe by going here – https://www.boxbe.com/unsubscribe
I am told - You can opt out of future invites from Boxbe by going here – https://www.boxbe.com/unsubscribe
Saturday, May 1, 2010
OPERATIONS COMMITTEE
Why would the operations committee vote to spend an ADDITIONAL $500+ a month to FPL to keep the fountains running during the day? Yes, they look nice but you really don't see the lighting colors until evening. I was at this meeting when Ms. Richland made a motion to spend this additional money(in these hard economical times) and it was seconded by Ms. Avis Blank. The other two votes were Ms. Rhea Cohen and Mr. Bob Marshall.The negative votes were Ms. Dorothy Tetro, Mr. Frank Cornish, Mr. Sal Bummulo & Ms. Jeanette Veglia, I thank you four for thinking of the village and wanting to save money and conserve electric. Mr. Israel voted for this spending and broke the tie.
I am hoping someone will reconsider this at the next meeting. As chair of transportation, we are doing our share by shutting down the busses, to SAVE money and the envirnoment. Shouldn't we all be doing our share.
I am hoping someone will reconsider this at the next meeting. As chair of transportation, we are doing our share by shutting down the busses, to SAVE money and the envirnoment. Shouldn't we all be doing our share.
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