Friday, February 29, 2008

Le Titfly Family Crest

Le Titfly
-------------------------------------------------------------
There appears to be some question regarding the authenticity of the term "Le Titfly"; Research indicates that The Grand Duchy of Le Titfly in the Carolinskaya region of Alsace- Lorraine, has an unbroken Ducal Suzerainty dating back to before the Carlovingian Accession, circa 800 BC. The current Duchess of "Le Titfly" is Whoretense De Puissay El Thurn Und Taxis. She is, by the way, know to be an Avid BLOGGER. We are honored to have her as a contributor to our BLOG.
Above we see the Le Titfly crest featuring the traditional Lion Rampant.

I hope this data puts all controversy to rest.

Dave


The Black Dahlia

The Black Dahlia,

Check out the Trailer;

Dave

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2215009023804929058&q=The+Black+Dahlia&total=2288&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=0

BRIDGE TO THE CLOUDS


COULD YOU DRIVE ACROSS THIS BRIDGE?
The Millau viaduct is part of the new E11 expressway connecting Paris and Barcelona and features the highest bridge piers ever constructed. The tallest is 240 meters (787 feet) high and the overall height will be an impressive 336 meters (1102 feet), making this the highest bridge in the world.

Thanks to Mike for the pictures.

Dave



ELASTOMERIC ROOF

In the Comments stream of another Post Elaine put "Elastomeric Roof" on her wish list.

My Bona-Fides on this subject derives from the fact that I am President of Greenbrier C and more importantly, we have this type of roof on our building.
I have done a great deal of research of this issue.

There are many issues to consider before making this selection.

Let's start with a bit of Chemistry:

The principal source of Elastomeric Membrane (EM) is the JP Stevens Company of Holyoke Mass.

See: http://www.stevensroofing.com/

The EM is a proprietary Thermoplastic Polyolefin
(TPO) compounded from Ethylene & Propylene.

(wow! glad I took a minor in Chemistry)

JP Stevens calls their product; Hypalon.

Stevens Hypalon® is ideally suited for commercial, industrial and institutional applications, especially where strong chemical resistance is required. The material is available in white and light gray (special order), nominal 45 mil (1.14 mm) and 60 mil (1.52) thickness in standard 76.5-inch wide rolls x 100-feet long (1.9m wide x 34m long).

The strips are hot air welded in place during installation.

Do your Due Dilligence the delta in thickness and the methods of attachment are critical; they relate to warranty duration and wind tolerance. Warranties run from 5 years and 70 MPH up to 20 years and 150 MPH.


In 1975, the company (then part of
J. P. Stevens & Co.), entered the pond
and pit lining business with a reinforced,
Hypalon®-based containment
membrane. A few years later,
Stevens began manufacturing commercial
roofing membranes under private
label agreement.


Today, Stevens Roofing Systems is
a business unit of JPS Elastomerics,
with nearly 140 years of combined
rubber compounding experience.
Stevens Roofing membranes are
marketed in nearly 60 countries
around the globe and more than 1.5
billion square feet of Stevens membrane
has been installed worldwide.

In addition to commercial roofing, the
company is a worldwide supplier of
geomembranes.

The actual installations are done by local franchisees. Only JP Stevens certified installers may install and maintain the EM Roof if your Warranty is to apply.

Let's look at our experience here in Greenbrier.

The combined effects of Hurricanes Francis and Jeanne left the Greenbrier C 14 year old roof in shards on the Golf Course.

I was not on the Board that decided on the EM roof; the appropriate Due Dilligence was not done;
they opted for a 45Mil membrane the final installation carries a warranty of 15 years for maximum winds of 70 MPH, while the duration is fine, the 70 MPH limit is egregiously low for our Florida Hurricane zone. Such winds can be experienced in a bad thunderstorm.

The total cost including the moving and re-installing of 56 Air Conditioner compressors was $150,000.00. The AC component, including upgrades to Code accounted for $25,000.00. of the total..
(look to your Roof Reserve lines)

The Greenbrier roof is a flat roof of approximately 19,000 Square feet in area and is NOT pitched to Code; Current code for a flat roof in Palm Beach County is 1/8th. inch drop for every 12 inches of run. Our roof is 55 feet wide which would require a drop of 6.875 inches from front to back. The actual slope is essentially zero and this leads to ponding when it rains. Therein lays a tale!

About one year after the installation of our EM roof we experience heavy deposits of crinckled black substance on our Catwalks. This material is dirty and readily tracks into ones apartment and is difficult to clean up.

research indicated that this was some sort of Roof fungus; I consulted the State Environmental Biologist in Tallahassee who sent a Technician to investigate. The verdict Algae! The mechanism, simple; the ponding water is warm and wet, the air is full of Algae Spores. They settle in the ponds and grow explosively, until the pond evaporates.

The resulting dry crust, consisting of principally dead Algae, and unburned particulate material from Jet aircraft exhaust, breaks up and is deposited by the wind onto our catwalks, parking areas and cars!

What enables this incredible circumstance you may ask? Simple; 19,000 square feet of contiguous EM is, effectively a giant airfoil and it is in a continuous state of ripple depending on prevailing wind velocity. I have personally witnessed this effect on our roof.

Inhibiting the growth and distribution of this foul material remains an unresolved problem, under study. JP Stevens will not approve any standard Fungicide/Algaecide for application on the EM.

We are investigating Copper Sulfate solution as a possible answer.

So Due Dilligence includes checking the Pitch of your roof before making a final decision. Ponding is not an option.

What other issues have arisen; Early on and from time to time since; we have experienced leaks in our EM roof.

These took a long time to track down and eventually were ascribed to Air Conditioner repair Technicians whose normal activities on all other types of roofs would have no effect, but on our EM roof were anathema. Activity such as setting a new Compressor unit on the Membrane can easily puncture it, sparks from welding readily melt Micro-holes in the Membrane.

So, all Technicians must be warned and monitored.

Additionally special "Walk and Work" strips are available which are now installed in front of every Air conditioner stand to allow the Technicians to work without damaging the roof.

Finally; to maintain the high state of white reflectivity a method of cleaning the EM roof must be developed.

JP Stevens approves Tri Sodium Phosphate and pressure washing at settings not to exceed 200 PSI; this is expensive business but is part of the care and feeding of the EM roof.

So, now the choice is yours; I believe that one other Association in CV has this roof, one of the
Southampton buildings, so you might consult them as to their experience.

I will gladly answer any questions you may have.

Thursday, February 28, 2008

CONDO CARTOON


THE DRUDGE REPORT

The Drudge Report is a U.S.-based news aggregation website run by Matt Drudge.

The site consists mainly of links to stories from the US and international mainstream media about politics, entertainment, and current events as well as links to many popular columnists.

Occasionally Drudge authors news stories himself.

The Report originated around 1994 as a weekly subscriber-based email dispatch. It is most famous for being the first news source to break the Monica Lewinsky scandal to the public after Newsweek decided not to publish the story.[2] .

You may view the Report by clicking on the Title of this Post, or:

http://www.drudgereport.com/


If there is interest in this Report as a permanent feature, please so indicate in your comments and we will place the Link in the Side-Bar.

Thanks to Mike for the reference-

Dave

Favorite Movies

"Somethings Got to Give", Jack Nickolson, Diane Keaton
"French Kiss", Kevin Kline & Meg Ryan
"Madame X," Lana Turner
"Back Street", (name?)

BIG SHREDDER

Is large scale shredding available anywhere? I have a shredder that only takes 2 pages at a time. I have a crate of paper to shred. Anybody have a wood chipper!

CV Slide Show!

HOW NOT TO RELEASE A BEAR

Sometimes you get the Bear























































But sometimes the Bear gets you!


Thanks to Mike for the neat pictures
Dave







LIMERICKS

I can't think of what to say,
But I type any way.
There's something in my head,
I just can't think of how it was said.
The best thing to do now,
is to quit typing any how.

CH2MHILL REPORT ON THE RESTORATION OF THE CV CLUBHOUSE

In the Comment stream of another Post; Elaine expresses an interest in the Summary Report of the Engineering study Commissioned by UCO regarding the Restoration of the Clubhouse.

This Report is reputed to have cost the Unit Owners of CV $70,000.00. Have you seen this report? Does it support our claims for $11,000,000.00?

The Light of Truth thinks NOT!

Furthermore, in search of a more promising report, UCO has committed more of our money for yet further Engineering studies; in hopes no doubt for a "better answer"

Following is the introduction to The CH2MHILL report;

every Unit Owner should rise , every Delegate should DEMAND that UCO release the entire document so that the Unit Owners and the Delegates may see that Myron Solomon's unconstrained fantasies of Mob Hysteria millions are below contempt.

UCO; tell the truth; release the full report; we paid for it:

-----------------------------------------------------------


MEETING SUMMARY
CH2MHILL

ATTENDEES:
COPIES:
FROM: DATE:
Mark Scaffidi/Group One Randy Liebig /Yoshino Architects
File, Attendees, Mark levy/WPRF, George Loewenstein/UCO
R.Valladares/CH2M HILL June 13, 2006

Meeting was held on June 7, 2006. The purpose of the meeting focused on receiving information that was previously requested in prior meetings.
Pete Scaffidi and Randy Liebig provided the following items and they include the following:

A. Architectural - Yoshino drawings for the auditorium (dated 4/21/2006) which are underreview by the city. Permit is pending. UCO is waiting for WPRF to present a written scopeof work and the associated costs (Not attached).

Action Item: Scope and cost are to be presented to UCO for review and approval

B. Sound system quotation from Acoutech Corp. dated Oct. 26, 2004. Quote states that is for Century Village Boca Raton. Pete stated that this was the list developed to replace the damaged equipment submitted to the Insurance Company (Zurich). It includes material only and does not include labor. Quote: $27,567.36 (Attachment 1).

Action Items: Group One shall provide an updated quotation that shall include labor. CH2M HILL recommends that Acoutech Corp. provide two quotations; one for replacement (insured) and one for requested upgrades.

C. Sound System Quotation by Commercial Sound & Design Group, Inc. dated March 16,2006. Quotation includes UCO's request to upgrade the system and provides a total quote of$101,121.19 comprised of labor and materials (Attachment 2).

Action item: A) WPRF to provide the scope of work to UCO for review and approval. Note that selection of equipment was made by WPRF personnel (Abbey Koffler) for compatibility with other facilities. CH2M HILL recommends that Sound System provide two quotations; one for replacement (insured) and one for requested upgrades.

D. Provided the original scope of work for damages covered under Insurance (total of 137 pages). The information provided is a listing of quantities and labor to be provided and does not include any cost associated with the work. Pete Scaffidi stated that the approximate dollar amount for the scope of the work was $3.5 million. (No drawing or specifications were furnished for the work - Attachment 3)
MEETING SUMMARY 06_07_2006.DOC


Action Item: Group One will provide the cost per the original scope of the work

E. Provided a list of damages as it applied to "contents". The list provided makes a distinction between "personal items" and "non-personal" items. Pete stated that items stated as personal were not covered by insurance. Pete confirmed that if the items were provided under the "operational budget", these then would be covered. Pete will re-evaluate the list and may move some items into the non-personal column (list provided -Attachment 4).
Action items: A) Group One to meet with Zurich and reconcile the list to include all items that are not "personal items". B) UCO to review the attached list and provide concurrence.

F. Schedule of the Auditorium. Group One proved a list of tasks with start and end date for each task. This, per say is not a CPM schedule and lacks logic and a critical path.

Work is scheduled to begin June 26, 2006 and to finish by October 31, 2006. This does not meet the criteria of a CPM, however WPRF remains responsible for managing the work. (Attachment5)

G. List of: 1. pre existing and unforeseen conditions that affected the work, 2. Code enforcement upgrades, 3. Material Procurements, 4. Insurance delays, 5. Concurrent Delays.This list is comprised of the Following (no attachment):

I. Existing Conditions: (Group One/Yosino, in response to code inspection requirements, provided the following list of items that were required by code to comply with the ongoing repair work. All of the items with exception to item 5 were assessed to WPRF)

1. Separation (shaft) in Party room to second floor ceiling Joist - Yosino stated that this was required by code.
2. Separation of buildings between party room and theater - (comment same as itemone).
3. Underground sanitary plumbing (damaged sanitary pipe).
4. Brick around window and doors not filled (Required for new windows installation-cell fill, upgrade)


5. Locker room exterior soffit. It is understood that this item was settled under the two thirds, one third (See Millennium Amendment page 4 of 32 Paragraph O.2.i)

6. Lack of Fire Blocking Throughout the building (Required by code)
7. Entry between Card room and hallway over separation was made of wood. It had to be changed to concrete. (Also shaft wall was built on header and two side walls for the required rated enclosure)

II. Code Enforcement Upgrades: (Group One/Yosino, in response to code inspection requirements, provided the following to meet the fire ratings required by code. All of the items were assessed to WPRF)


MEETING SUMMARY 06 07_2006.DOC
COPYRIGHT 2006 BY CH2M HILL, INC. • COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL


1. Four hour rated wall: The south and west wall of the lobby, and the north wall ofthe theatre up to the roof were rated per code.
2. Four hour wall extension to exterior soffit: The front of the Southside of the porte-cochere.
3. Fill in of all existing masonry opening throughout complete building to meet firecode requirements.
4. Shaft ceilings in rated hallways (Three hallways). Above drop ceiling Group Onehad to provide one hour rated corridors, and in order to achieve this they installed ashaft ceiling per code requirements.
5. Rated staircases: A 2 hour rated stair case was required per code at two locations.
6. A/C dampers in rated ceilings required by code
7. Fire stop and draft stop: Throughout the building this was required for fire code compliance.
8. Electrical panels - 8 panels affected and changed out to meet U.L listing per code.
9. Installed ADA bathrooms - Entrance to hallway bathrooms modified 1st & 2nd floors modified to be ADA compliant.

10. Fire rated doors - single and double doors within hallway were required to meet fire rating.
11. Fire proof spray of the staircase floor joists: At the stair cases and downstairs hallway ceilings the spray was required per code.
III. Material Procurements - Delays
1. Windows. Held up the stucco and drywall (3 weeks)
2. Exterior doors. Frames were in, but glass delayed the work by 2 weeks
3. Stucco Foam - Porte-cohere: Still on order. (No real delay at this time)
4. Drywall - (No delay)
IV. Insurance delays
1. Agreement to allow demolition of certain areas in order to begin: Due tonegotiations and mold investigations. (3 to 4 weeks)
2. Industrial hygienist (mold report required by Zurich adjuster - Damaged or wet drywall and ductwork. (Per item one above)
V. Concurrent delays - Labor - Failed Inspections - Non Performance
1. Stucco labor. Inability to procure labor
2. Tile installer lack of man power. Inability to procure labor

MEETING SUMMARY 06 07 2006.DOC
COPYRIGHT 2006 BY CH2M HILL, INC. • COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL

3. Failed inspections - 28 of 19 inspections were code related new items discovered by inspectors. 9 inspection were related to Sub-contractor for items to be corrected
Action Item:
H. A set of Signed and sealed sketches showing changes to the work (Attachment 6) that include:




Description
Drawing Number
Comments

Lobby soffit Framing - Overhang
SK03-31A
Requested by UCO
New Concrete Slab Framing @ Shaft
SK06-10B
Required by code (occurred at the separation between the Buildings.
Detail @ Soffit Framing (roof)
SK01-20B
Compensated under the 70/30 agreement
Elevation @ New Interior CMU openings
SK05-25B
(reason and number of opening) UCO?
Slab Repair for openings
SK05-25A
Used for the sanitary line fix
Metal Framing Opening Enclosure Detail at existing window openings
SK06-21A

Detail @ Concrete Wall Extension
SK01-20A
Required by code for 4 hour fire rating
Section @ New opening in CMU Wall
SK05-25C
Requested by UCO
Existing CMU Openings Block -Up
SK05-25D
Requested by UCO part of the Arch. Program/space allocations
Metal Framing Opening Enclosure Detail (Alternate to detail 4 of drawing S-3
SK06-10A
?
New Concrete Slab Framing @ Shaft
SK06-10B

Partial Roof Plan Storm Drain System
SK-P-1
Chiller roof drain (WPRF)
Canopy Foundation-Schedules & Notes
SK02-03A
Requested by UCO (work stopped)
Preliminary inventory of items to be presented to UCO, WPR, Zurich




i
1
MEETING SUMMARY 06 07 2006.DOC
COPYRIGHT 2006 BY CH2M HILL, INC. • COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL

I. Theater -Preliminary inventory of items to be presented to Zurich, UCO, WPRF (Three Lists - Attachments 7,8,&9). Purpose of the list is to clarify items to be covered by insurance. Items not covered will then be presented for determination as a WPRF or UCO cost. The inventory includes the following:

Item Description
UCO ...WPRF... Zurich
General Demolition - per hour
X ...........X............ X
Stage lighting system
X

X
Rough-in for audio/visual
X

X
Interior duct work - fiber board
X ............X ............X
A/C package units
X ............X ............X
Steel structural a/c units
X ............X............ X
Concealed fire protection system
X ............X ............X
Sound system
X ............X
Suspended ceiling system - Standard grade 2'x4'
X

X
Framing & rough Carpentry

X
X
Framing for design of ceiling
X


Framing for new design of dressing rooms
X


Steel door- 6' opening
X

X
Hearing impaired system
X

X
Wall insulation
X ............X ............X
Post construction clean
X

X
5/8" drywall 0 type C - hung, taped
X

X
Steel joist rigging for light and sound system
X

X
Metal handrail system
X ............X............ X
Walk way lighting system
X

X
Theater screen
X

X
Frame platform to accept wood floor
X


Install hardwood 2-1/4 oak floor for platform
X


Concrete overlay ADA ramp interior of Theater
X ............X

Floor covering - carpet
X


MEETING SUMMARY 06_07_2006.DOC
COPYRIGHT 2006 BY CH2M HILL, INC. • COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL

Finish Carpentry/Trim work
X


Plumbing and fixtures for ADA bathrooms

X

Roof repair for Wilma

X

Concrete ADA ramps

X

Chair lift for platform

X

Action item: Group One to meet with Zurich and report finding

J. Received, via mail, the drawings for the Architectural/Yoshino - dated 2/18/2005, HVAC/Hill York mechanical drawings, and the Fire Protection/Farmer & Irwin drawings

General Items of Discussion

1. Auditorium:

a. Lighting major renovation required in order to permit use as anAuditorium / Theatre.

Action item: Yoshino to identify lighting and the cost of ADA and life safety Group One to provide the cost of these as a separate item

b. Yoshino provided the lighting requirements for the theater as shown in contract drawing E2.3. Yoshino stated that the criteria provides for two separate use areas The upper level designated for normal theatre lighting, and, 2. The lower leveldesignated for meeting use. The legend on the drawing makes distinction betweenthree areas: front, middle and rear. Lighting levels in the lower area were increase to meet the use for meetings. This function was considered and upgrade per UCCrequest. Typical industry lighting standards for and auditorium assembly are 1and for auditorium reading 30 to 50 fc's (Attachment 10). The average, as stated in the drawings, is: Front -17 fc, Middle -16.2 fc, Rear -13.4 fc which meet the criteria for auditorium assembly only.
c. Discussed and listed the existing platform lighting: spot light in projection booth,and 16 Altman Lekos lighting, 12 - 4X6 Fresnels, 6 foot 3 color strips, and 18 dimmerpack.

Action item: Group One to provide the insured replacement cost for the damaged existing lighting and will also provide a cost for UCO's upgrade request. The cost are to include labor and material for proper comparison

d. WPRF to provide a full quote for pre-existing conditions with material and laborcost per Acoutech Corp. system. In addition, they are to take Commercial Sound &Design Group (design basis) and request a quotation from Acoutech Corp.
2. Group One is working on the following items:
a. Group One will meet with Zurich to identify additional items covered under insurance

MEETING SUMMARY 06_07_2006.DOC
COPYRIGHT 2006 BY CH2M HILL, INC. • COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL



■ ■ ■ ■
■ ■
b. Group One will reconcile "Contents" list with Zurich and provide findings
c. Group One will provide UCO with a written scope of work for the auditorium,and will separately identify upgrade requests for UCO's review and approval.

d. Group One will provide baseline-insurance cost (quotations) for:
1. Auditorium (I.e. lighting, sound system, ADA, Life Safety etc.)
2. Original building damages without upgrades. The quantity survey (scope)has been provided.

3. General Conditions - AIA
Group One and Yoshino clarified that no conditions per AIA were provided for any of the previous work. They stated that for the Theater they will use the AIA conditions. WPRF to confirm and advise.
END OF DOCUMENT

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

DOGS FOR ALL

The answer to the CV dogs issue.
CHICAGO (Reuters) - A friendly dog can make older people feel less isolated -- and it appears to make little difference if that wagging tail belongs to a robot doggie or the real thing. Researchers at Saint Louis University in Missouri compared a 35-pound, floppy-eared mutt named Sparky with AIBO, a far-from-lifelike robot dog, to see how residents of three U.S. nursing homes would respond. "The most surprising thing is they worked almost equally well in terms of alleviating loneliness and causing residents to form attachments,"

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080227/tc_nm/robot_dog_dc_3

Down, down, I’m just the messenger. Medical proof is proof! I hope the robot doesn’t bark.

OPERATIONS COMMITTEE MTG.

I moved this up from one of Ed’s past comments.
Problem “The continued meetings of the OPERATIONS COMMITTEE in the ARBITRARY Channel 63 room, so residents may not attend, while they debate the 10 million for WPRF operations.” Ed, you should be allowed to put a tape recorder in Room 63, since there is no room! for you to attend. Would it accidentally malfunction?

CALL FOR SUBJECTS

Hi All,
What Subjects and Issues would you like to see researched and discussed on this BLOG?

Enter your list of favorites as Comments.

Dave

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

FOREIGN LANGUAGE TRANSLATION

Hi All,
Well, Elaine is now "speaking" French to moi!
------------------------------
I just love it when you speak French!" he crooned. Ever cool, oh-so-femme fatale, Morticia would reply with a coy smile, "Don't torture yourself, Gomez, ...!
-----------------------------
It occurs to me that folks may, from time to time, have the need to do some translation.

Well, the ability to do so exists Online, see the following URL:

http://babelfish.altavista.com/

You may enter your passage manually in the box or you may translate whole Web Sites by entering their URL in the appropriate box as noted.

The algorithm is reasonably robust but it is after all a machine translation which can leave something to be desired.
Give it a try.

Dave

WASHERS AND DRYERS IN YOUR UNITS

The following is extracted from the CV Q & A Forum and may be of interest to BLOG readers
------------------------------------------------------
Author:
Norma Maille (---.hsd1.fl.comcast.net)Date: 02-26-08 18:16

I know many have washers and dryers in their units. Did you have your by-laws changed and how hard was it to change these old by-laws?

------------------------------------------------------------
There are a number of interesting issues, and a bit of history is useful as background:


In the Original Declaration of Condominium, at Article XIII (Use and Occupancy) we find the following extracted language:
-------------------------------------------------------------

“No laundry facilities or equipment shall be permitted in any unit, nor on the Condominium property. The Lessor under the Long-Term Lease shall have the exclusive right to install and operate coin operated laundry machines, including but not limited to washing machines, dryers, dry-cleaning machines and machines of an allied nature, and the exclusive right to offer services for off-premises dry-cleaning, laundering, pressing and tailoring, and other allied services, within Century Village, during the term of and as provided in said Lease”

-----------------------------------------------------------
In other words; the Developer scoped the Laundry Facilities as a money making proposition and did not envision competition from private “in Unit” machines. Additionally, the individual Units are NOT plumbed properly for these installations.


Clearly in the passage of time, many Associations, if not all, have purchased these machines from WPRF and continued to operate and maintain them for Association benefit; and neither do the Associations brook said competition; and your Bylaws will so reflect.

Nonetheless, many have indeed surreptitiously or otherwise installed their own machines in individual Units. This raises all sorts of problems;

let’s have a look:


1) If enough Unit Owners install their own machines, the monetary support for the Association facilities dwindles and other Unit Owners must pick up the load.


2) The individual installations are often, not to code, raising significant plumbing issues; folks have washing machine “grey water” discharging into sinks, bathtubs, and commodes because they have failed to install the required Vertical two inch diameter drain pipe and trap. Enough of these illicit installations will in due course damage the plumbing system for the entire building.


3) Failure to Properly Heavy-Up the Power supply for the Dryer which poses risk of fire, not to mention proper venting of the dryer.


So; in addition to modification of the Bylaws, and Declaration of Condominium to accommodate these private installations; it is critical that all such installations be in accordance with current code and be installed by licensed Plumbers and Electricians. Additionally the impact on the entire building must be considered.
Dave

ELECTION CAMPAIGN

RE-ELECT

GEORGE LOEWENSTEIN
HOWIE SILVER
MYRON SOLOMON
PHIL SHAPKIN
SANDY COHEN

COME TO THE RALLY AT THE KENT POOL

SUNDAY,MARCH 2,2008 AT 10:00 AM

COME AND HEAR THE TRUTH FROM THE
GOOD GUYS

HEAR THE TRUTH,MAKE A WISE DECISION
FOR UCO ELECTION ON MAR.7,2008

ALL YOUR QUESTIONS WILL BE ANSWERED

*****ANSWERS?*****
Will the rhetoric excite everyone, or will they be truthful?
Will they offer PROOF of their views of 11 Million?
Will they begin to honor their OATH of office, this term?
Why should we vote their candidate selections?
THEY broke their OATH leading us into a failed rent Registry!
They won’t open ALL meetings to everyone! How can we trust this bunch?


WPRF HAS BANNED CAMPAIGNING until MARCH 7, 2008
BETWEEN 8:00 A.M. UNTIL 9:00 A.M

How can they always find a way to bend rules when it helps them, while throwing 87 year old grandmothers from our bus for a minor infraction?

It does make you wonder!

VOTE for C H AN G E !!!

Barry Manilow for President !

Hey all you music fans out there, if you love Barry Manilow as I do, take a look at this review a Palm Beach staff writer did on Barry’s show last Saturday night at the Bank Atlantic Center.
Even if you didn’t go to the show (like me), I promise you will get a kick out of this review and it will put a big smile on your face. Cross my heart.
Chris

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/search/content/local_news/epaper/2008/02/24/s3c_manilow_0224.html

CLUBS & CLASSES

At the Clubhouse today I was pleasantly surprised to be offered a list of all club and class meetings, they only had February, but can March be far behind. There were items named Evan Net, CBA French, and Bon Ami, anybody know what they are? They are not in the Reporter as far as I can see.

VOICE BY EMAIL

Hi All,
Would you like to send a short snippet of your voice to children, grandchildren or friends? This can be done, and it can be done at no cost.

There are a number of little programs on the WWW which will enable you to proceed; here is but one:

http://www.javasonics.com/vemail/say.php

You will need a Microphone connected to your computer, this could well be integral to a Webcam (which opens up other neat possibilities) or the Microphone could be part of a telephony headphone.

You will also need JAVA onboard.
So, if you are in the mood, download the software and give it a try

Dave

FEEDBACK THROUGH A FIRE HOSE

In another Post; Chris comments

“So many blogs! Oh my gosh, I don't know how you do it. I have trouble keeping up with just this one and it's killing me. Can't get anything done. The house is a mess, the laundry is piling up, the clothes need ironing, the bills aren't getting paid - and what the heck am I doing - looking at this darn blog! I'm addicted, I tell you - I'm addicted to Dave's Blog and Chat! I need help, serious help!!!”
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well, in the “Cyber Information Age”, BLOG addiction is indeed under consideration by a growing group of Psychiatrists for inclusion in the DSM IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders )

There are BLOGs that are so large and have such a massive readership that when one Posts something, Feedback returns virtually immediately, and in such volume, that the participants are caught up in a closed loop from which there seems to be no escape!

This has been termed “Feedback through a Fire hose”

The following article is apropos to this issue:

http://middlewesterner.typepad.com/middlewesterner/2005/02/the_blogging_ad_1.html

Something to think about!

Dave

Monday, February 25, 2008

SO MANY BLOGS SO LITTLE TIME

How do I keep up with all the blogs I want to read. Simple. I use Google as my home page. I have the page set up so that my bookmarks/favorites are in the upper left hand corner. One of those bookmarks is for the ‘Google Reader’, a neat little feature that allows me to type in the URL of a blog I want to read. (Or you can go to ‘more’/’Reader’ on the home page and set up from there) Every time there is a new post on the blog, that post pops up in Google Reader. Click and read.

NO CV ART SHOW

Each year I find out about the Clubhouse Art and Craft show only days before it happens. This year I thought I would be prepared. So I phoned WPRF – no show is being organized this year.
Did the Operations Cmte cut back to save money for WPRF?

GEORGE CARLIN

Oh no! was I Oscar-distracted and missed Carlin? Does anyone have a simple HBO guide online. I do not take the newspaper. I found a lot of info on HBO Comedy East but I don’t think that is us?? Just CV HBO programs pls. I would also like Lewis Black programs. TIA

Sunday, February 24, 2008

IN MEMORY OF BOB FOGLEMAN


The Blogger Club friends will miss a very honorable man who cared so much about the village -

Desiderata:
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

Posted by Picasa

RAINY DAYS GOOD FOR BLOGGING


I'm bloggin’ in the rain, just bloggin’ in the rain
What a glorious feeling, I'm happy again
I'm laughin' at clouds so dark up above
The sun's in my heart and I'm ready for love
Let the stormy clouds chase, everyone from the place
Come on with the rain, got a smile on my face
I walk down the lane with a happy refrain
I'm bloggin’, just bloggin’ in the rain

Great site

http://www.merriam-webster.com/

Check it out , You will be surprised.

MY ATTEMPT AT HUMOR

WATCH OUT PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS!

SHE'S DADDY'S LITTLE GIRL

One day my mother was out and my dad was in charge. I was maybe 1 and a half years old. Someone had given me a little 'tea set' as a gift and it was one of my favorite toys.

Daddy was in the living room engrossed in the evening news and my brother was playing nearby in the living room when I brought Daddy a little cup of 'tea', which was just water. After several cups of tea and lots of praise for such yummy tea, my Mom came home.

My Dad made her wait in the living room to watch me bring him a cup of tea, because it was 'just the cutest thing!!' My Mom waited, and sure enough, here I come down the hall with a cup of tea for Daddy and she watches him drink it up, then says, 'Did it ever occur to you that the only place that baby can reach to get water is the toilet??'

HOPE YOU ENJOYED, LOL

How do you delete a draft post?

Dave, I think I have 2 posts sitting in draft that I can't seem to find. Can you please delete them both for me. I can't figure out how to get back to them and delete them.
Thanks

2008

OBAMA- MCCAIN UGH!

I'M VOTING FOR NADER, JUST FOR SPITE.

Humor? I don't think so...

I am not the writer of the following. It was sent to me by way of email, supposedly as humor. But I don’t think it’s very funny. Actually, I think it’s very sad. Go ahead, take a break, read the following.

Obituary: Common Sense

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape.

He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as knowing when to come in out of the rain, why the early bird gets the worm, life isn't always fair, and maybe it was my fault.

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you earn) and reliable parenting strategies (adults, not children are in charge).

His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a six-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.

Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job they themselves failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer Aspirin, sun lotion or a sticky plaster to a student; but could not inform the parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.

Common Sense lost the will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband; churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims. Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar can sue you for assault.

Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.

Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust; his wife, Discretion; his daughter, Responsibility; and his son, Reason. He is survived by three stepbrothers; I Know my Rights, Someone Else is to Blame, and I'm a Victim.

Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone. If you still remember him pass this on. If not, join the majority and do nothing.


Saturday, February 23, 2008

UCO Article by M. Solomon

So! Mr. Solomon, Y O U convinced the Executive Board and Delegate Assembly to go into Arbitration, WITHOUT ANY FACTS OR DETAILS AS TO WHY WE ARE SO ENTITLED TO FULL ABATEMENT.
Have you read the Millennium Agreement, especially as it clearly states: “Lessor agrees that, should any significant portion of the recreation facilities become unusable as the result of a casualty, Lessor will use its best effort to restore same to use as soon as reasonably possible. However, during such period of unusability, Lessee’s rent will be reduced proportionately”. That covers returning the clubhouse to EXACTLY the same condition as it was prior to the “casualty”, with leaking windows and doors, wallpapered walls, replacement carpeting that became flooded during rainstorms. JUST as soon as we began to modify the original clubhouse, WE CREATED DELAYS THAT WERE NOT CAUSED BY CASUALTY! Meaning, clearly, that we would NOT BE COVERED for those periods of time where delays were due to UPGRADES TO IMPROVE THE MORE THAN 35 YEAR OLD CLUBHOUSE.
Have you seen the CH2MHILL REPORT, AND DOES IT AGREE WITH YOU OR NOT?
Apparently, you believe the proof needed to compel Arbitrators to FIND IN OUR FAVOR, is that “we are old”. The contract, HOWEVER, is clearly against your VIEW!
Perhaps the residents, after losing the case THAT YOU CONVINCED EVERYONE TO PROCEED WITH, will feel compelled to enter into a legal claim against you for FAILING YOUR FIDUCARY RESPONSIBILITY TERRIBLY!


I would be personally opposed to such an action, because we have already been sufficiently embroiled in TOO much UNSUBSTANTIATED LEGAL MANEUVERING.

Ed Black

RICHER THAN CROESUS

In another Post,

Anonymous said...

AN OPEN QUESTION FOR THE CURRENT PRESIDENT OF UCO:

Why did you hire an architect to complete drawings for an awning in front of the clubhouse only to find your permit request REJECTED by COUNTY?

Shouldn’t you have made certain that a permit could be issued?

WHY waste the money? Just how much money did you WASTE?

Was this item budgeted?

You continually speak of keeping costs down,

HOW'S THAT WORKING FOR YOU?

Feb 23, 2008 2:20:00 PM
-------------------------------------------------------------

The Light of Truth asks;
-----------------
1) Where do you think all of this money is coming from; we are taking hundreds of thousands of dollars from Legally approved Budget lines to fund UCO's mad legal adventure in search of millions of fantasy dollars from WPRF.
-------------------
Has UCO studied the Resident's Reserve Accounting pertaining to the Clubhouse Restoration?
-------------------
Has UCO studied the CH2M HILL Engineering Report?
-------------------
Do either support UCO's insane Legal fiasco?
-------------------
How long will UCO persist; How much of OUR money will UCO squander in fruitless endeavor?
----------------------
How long will the Delegates be pushed by Solomon's wild Mob tactics?
------------------------
Tell the Delegates the Truth, release the key documents referenced above, and then Resign En-Mass and let the adults clean up your mess!
------------------------
LoT

Answers to questions asked on the Blog by Mike

By: Bob Marshall

Mike, I'd be interested in your answers to these questions.
How do you feel about what is going on with your money? I'd be interested in understanding if you have a copy of the Millennium Agreement and have read it to completion? Do you have a copy of the Bilateral Agreement and have you read it? Both are heavy reading however the reading of these is, in my opinion, mandatory to understanding what should be happening in this process we are discussing.
Mike, let me take your number two question first. You asked "If elected UCO President would you continue with the arbitrationprocess or would you withdraw from the process." There is a very simplistic answer to this but it needs substantial support and or "fleshing out." No single person should make or try to make that decision. It is up to the UCO Board of Directors, which is our Delegate Assembly, to make this decision. HOWEVER this group needs to be TOTALLY informed before reconsidering this decision.
It is my firm belief that only a very few folks have the necessary information to make this decision and they are not sharing. WHY?
Do you know what made up the factors that got "us" to the multimillion dollar request? I'm an Officer of UCO and have never seen this list. WHY?

Have you seen the report filed by CH2MHILL? This is the Engineering firm hired to analyze the construction job and inform UCO as to what should bepaid by WPRF, what should be paid as a result of code changes and what was due to be paid by the Unit Owners. I believe we paid about or in excess of $70,000 for this report. I have not seen this report. If the report shows results favorable to UCO why is it apparently being suppressed? If the results are unfavorable to UCO why are they being suppressed? Without these reports no attempt should be made to stop the Arbitration process but every effort needs to be made to acquire and understand these reports and present these results to the Delegate Assembly for their review,discussion and recommendation. Let's not forget that the Delegate Assembly voted to go with this course of action. This course of action may prove to have been faulty when all of the information is available and review by all of the folks representing you, but until that happens the original decision must stand.

Any change to this course must be done at a Delegate Assembly meeting.

Bob Marshall

BOB FOGELMAN

Bob Fogelman, a giant of condo rules and regulations, has passed away Friday morning, February 22nd. Services will be held Sunday, 2:30 pm, at the Menorah Gardens Funeral Home (627-2277), located at 9321 Memorial Park Road, West Palm Beach, FL, 33412. It is 17 minutes from the East Gate of our Village.

Directions:

Turn left (north) on Haverhill 5.1 miles.

Turn left (west) on Beeline Highway/FL 710 W/Moroso Memorial Highway/Purple Heart Highway 2.5 miles.

Turn slight left on CR-809A-W/Northlake Blvd. 3.7 miles.

Turn right onto Memorial Park Drive 0.1 miles.

Entire time from East Gate: 17 minutes.

Friday, February 22, 2008

BEFUDDLEMENT IS A STATE OF MIND

Author: Fernando (---.hsd1.fl.comcast.net)Date: 02-22-08 18:10

To David Israel

I am very surprise that a question I have make to the forum of Century Village appear in your blog, can you explain to me how that is possible, because I have never contact your Blog, or you?Fernando

WHITE ORCHID TREE




Plant a white orchid tree, not related to orchids, this one is in Sussex.
Blooms in February.

Posted by Picasa

TERROR PUSSY


Be alert for Sheik Abdul El Meow.
If you spot this Pussy in the Village, notify the Department of Homeland Security immediately.
Thanks to Randall for the Wanted Poster.
Dave

Thursday, February 21, 2008

2 QUESTIONS FOR CANDIDATE MARSHALL

HI BOB,

1. IN YOUR OPINION, HOW MUCH MONEY (GIVE OR TAKE A COUPLE MILLION) IS OWED TO UCO ( UNIT OWNERS ) BY WPRF(LEVY) FOR LOSS OF AMENITIES?

2. IF ELECTED UCO PRESIDENT, WOULD YOU CONTINUE WITH THE ARBITRATION PROCESS OR WOULD YOU WITHDRAW FROM THE PROCESS ?

THANKS , MIKE

HOW TO POST 1, 2, 3

Hope this will help more people start posting:

1. If you do not have a Google account - Go to
https://www.google.com/accounts/NewAccount? Follow instructions.
Hint: Sometimes Google will not recognize you or argue so type in your email address, do not copy and paste, and be persistent

2. Send CVBlogger (Dave Israel) a nice email asking to post. Dave is
nsasigint@comcast.net or you can contact him by clicking on his name in one of his many comments/ profile/ email. He will send you an email invitation ASAP, follow instructions.

3. Go to
http://davesblogandchat.blogspot.com/
Click on Sign In (top rt). Use your Google user name (email) and password to sign in.


Congratulations you joined the ‘Blogger Club’ post again and again.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADMIN. Note:

This roadmap to Posting New Subjects has been placed in the Side-Bar for permanent reference.

Thanks Elaine.

Dave

Why there is no advertisement in the REPORTER

Several questions and/or comments have been made to me or about me to my friends and acquaintances regarding the lack of advertising in the REPORTER. The nomination took place on February first and ordinarily the Editorial committee meets in the afternoon after the Delegate Assembly meeting and the deadline for submissions is a few days later.
I was unable to meet that deadline and did not want to ask for special privilege to submit an advertisement. This just isn't right. Another person informed me that it had been said that I would not pay for an ad. That simply has no basis for truth. Mr. Lazar is an honorable man and would never have said that, and no attempt to place an ad was made. I may very well not win this contest however I will lose it in an honorableway IF that is the will of the Delegates.

Bob Marshall

CV - Q & A Forum Demise

Hi, All

The following is extracted from the CV Q & A Forum:


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Author:
David Givens (---.proxy.aol.com)Date: 02-20-08 11:17

I see that lately fewer and fewer individuals are posting to this site. I think CV residents are missing the chance to get some good info and knowledge from others by using this site. Thanks Carole and Fernando and all who have taken the time to put this site together and keep up the good work. Come on CV'rs, take advantage of this.
Reply To This Message


Re: communication on site


Author: Patricia Paulercio (---.proxy.aol.com)Date: 02-21-08 11:09

I ALSO MISS THE ACTIVITY ON THIS SITE.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


The demise of the CV Q & A was a predictable event.

It was cast in stone from the day that Loewenstein & Co. appointed “Carole”, a demonstrated Authoritarian to run it.

“We” Americans are under no obligation to be told ;


what we can say,
who we can Email,
what subjects we can be interested in,
who we can question and criticize if the facts so support,

we are not children, to be given examples of what is appropriate!

At one time, prior to the “Carole Cyber Supremacy”,
the CV Q & A was indeed a vibrant Forum for Information exchange;
now all Posts must meet some arbitrary set of “Rules”
dictated by an avid supporter of the current Administration;

This presumption on the part of Carole and her acolytes and sycophants,
that they are the sole arbiters of what is or is not correct for Posting, is an arrogation beyond All reason!

Millions fought and died to protect the rights that Carole & Co.
Presume, under some Divine Right, no doubt delivered to them on the
summit of Mount UCO, to deny the Residents of Century Village.

This must not stand; this BLOG is a testament of defiance to those who would deny free speech to us all.

It is intolerable that such a travesty should be permitted
to continue, if for no other reason than the C V Q & A is costing every Unit Owner money. This cost is inherent in the regular need for Professional Paid Technical Support to keep the Q & A Running.


This BLOG on the other hand costs neither I nor the Village one penny.

This FREE channel is totally beyond the control of the UCO propaganda machine.

This BLOG Forum is a gathering place for those
who are inquisitive, knowledgeable, and not willing to be treated like Mushrooms or Sheep.

So, in answer to the question of why the CV Q & A is devoid of meaningful content;

We answer; they have, deservedly, lost the trust of the people,
they attempt to steal our fundamental rights as Americans to Freedom of Expression

Considering the costs involved, and the lack of substantive value of the channel,
the CV Q & A Forum should be shut down!!!

Dave

Conflict resolution is Universal

The following is from a friend of mine in Tennessee and I thought it quite interesting in its similarity to our CV situation.

"I have been reading the CV blog and although my neighborhood is not anywhere near as big, this sounds like us 8 or 10 years ago. We referred to the factions as white hats and black hats and of course, Mel and I were white hats. We finally got a good group in office, hired a professional property manager, and the community has been functioning well since then. Everyone is not happy all the time, but we are functioning well. There are only a couple of us who were white hats who are still on the BOD, but we complete our terms with this year. Neither of us is running again. I think we have gotten processes in place where the good government will continue, but I’m sure Bob thought that to. If our new administration fires the property manager and doesn’t replace him with someone good, we will be back where we were. Living in a community like this makes it amazing to me that the United States works at all. We have 183 units some of whom can’t or won’t compromise and just want to complain, but don’t want to do anything to solve the problem. CV has 8000 units with the same problem. We in the US have millions and yet we manage to survive (so far) but careening from pillar to post, spinning around sometimes to go backwards, but eventually making enough forward progress to keep going. Unfortunately, when you are dealing with this many people, in this process some will benefit and some will get hurt. I wonder how long we are going to last. I think that last sentence means I am getting old. All of us old people think the current generation is going down the tube. "

I am hoping that the election results are what is best for the village. Let's make sure we know what we are voting for.

Speeding in the Village

What's with all the speeding in the CV. I see so many people going way over the speed limit. The speed signs are posted everywhere. Are you one of those people ??? If so, please slow down. And while I’m at it, some people don’t seem to understand how a 4 way stop works. Many, many times when I come to the 4 way stop on my way out of the East gate, I just can’t believe what I see. If there is a bunch of cars at each stop sign, when the first driver takes his turn to go, all the drivers behind him think it’s also their turn to go. There is nothing to do but sit and wait, unless of course you want to get into a horn blowing session (I have no interest in that).

Many folks around here (whether workers or residents, I just don’t know) need to read that little driving book again, you know – the one with all the rules of driving. It could be all you New Yorkers. You’re all a little speedy! Ok – now I’ll wait for the nasty responses!
Have a good day all!

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

CLUBHOUSE MOVIES

Incase the genius that picks the movies doesn't know, there are men living in CV. Enough with the CHICK FLIXS.
Mike

Government Stimulate Package

Hi all, I am just finishing my Sunday paper (I am a little slow considering it's Wednesday) and I noticed a very important article tucked way back in the paper. For most it will mean nothing, but for people that need it the most – it is a very big deal. It concerns this Stimulate Package that will begin starting in May. Most people who filed a tax return in 2007 will be getting a nice check from the government in the amount of $600.

However, the people that could use it the most, may not receive it. I am sure there are many folks here in CV that are living only on their social security checks. Sorry to say – if these folks don’t file a 2007 tax return – they will not get a check.

If you have any friends that are living strictly on social security, please pass this important information on to them. If they file a 2007 tax return, they too will benefit. The article indicates that people living only on social security will receive $300 for a single person, $600 for a couple. Every little bit helps!

For more information, go to IRS.gov.

Thanks, Chris

Get your Forever stamps now !!

May seem like small potatoes to most, but just caught the nightly news that postal stamps are going up a penny on May 12. So get your Forever stamps now at .41 cent each! Stock up!

MYSTERY WPRF BUDGET, FIRST ATTEMPT

Bravo Dorothy, page 3 March UCO Reporter, for giving us a first glimpse of the mystery budget. Using the number from your personal payment, its approx 40% to pay for absolutely everything we get, 60% to Levy/ Benenson Corp. What is total base annual rent, seems low, what is not in there? Bet Mike knows. More, more Dorothy! Next time, maybe more of a statement format with actual numbers.

FUNNY PAPERS

The UCO Reporter is here. H. Silvers No.1 accomplishment for the past 2 years is “I made sure that all the mens’ bathrooms had urinal dividers.” Someone please explain the exigencies of this, what bathroom etiquette? Its okay I am a great grandma of many, you can tell me. No number one puns please.
Phil Shapkin bio – Pres. Absolute Demolition and a lifetime of demolition, no wonder, he has a forceful personallity; also Phil sez “We are not a Jewish enclave”. Keep on truckin’ Phil.

Okay I have a weird funnybone.

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

REGISTRATION TO COMMENT DROPPED

Hi All,

In response to a number of requests, I have dropped the requirement to have a GMAIL or GOOGLE or BLOGGER Account to Comment. In other words; anyone can now comment completely anonymously.
Hopefully this move will increase the number of those willing to publish on the BLOG.

You may see the difference by looking at the first two Comments;
In the first case I published as CVBLOGGER

In the second case, I clicked on "anonymouse" and thus published unidentified.


Dave

DON'T BE AFRAID TO POST

Recently I happened to be within a group of people, all from Century Village. Your blog came up in the conversation. A number of them were pleased that you could state anything so long as it was worded in a civil manner. I asked have you joined the blog? Everyone answered no; they don’t wish to be held responsible for what their true thoughts are. Perhaps if you could take responses without being identified, they would feel freer to log on. This was just a conversation among a few neighbors at a coffee klutch.

BLOG USAGE AND CALL TO ACTION

Hi all you BLOGGERS,

I would like to share with you some of the usage statistics on your BLOG:

1) There have been 318 unique users visiting the BLOG since it's inception a scant 7 weeks ago!

2) These 318 visitors have visited 3789 times.

3) They have viewed, in aggregate, 9180 pages.

Our visitors come from 10 different countries;

1) United States ...............6) Portugal
2) Argentina ....................7) France
3) Canada ........................8) Sweden
4) Israel ...........................9) Spain
5) United Kingdom .......10) Venezuela

We have had visits from 20 states and the District of Columbia:

1) Washington .............................2) California
3) Texas .......................................4) Oklahoma
5) Minnesota ...............................6) Missouri
7) Illinois .....................................8) Michigan
9) Tennessee .............................10) Ohio
11) Georgia .................................12) New York
13) Pennsylvania .......................14) Maryland
15) Virginia ................................16) New Jersey
17) Connecticut .........................18) Vermont
19) Massachussetts ...................20) Florida
and as noted above.....District of Columbia!

Of continuing concern, is the lack of folks willing to make their opinions and questions known.

There are only 32 visitors who have registered to Post New material, be it useful information or a question, in other words, of the 318 unique visitors, only 10% have taken the time to register and GET INVOLVED in supporting YOUR BLOG.

Worse yet, of the 32 visitors who have registered to Post New material; only some 17 visitors have actually done so. Thus the active user base is only 5% of the total number of unique visitors . Can we long survive with such a minimal penetration rate?

This is your Village; and this Channel is the ONLY Channel unfiltered and unrestricted by UCO's information shaping machine. There are no draconian rules on this BLOG, no persons are banned, no opinion, within reason, suppressed, so; please help by supporting this BLOG and more importantly share your interests and concerns with others. Ask questions, provide information, engage in the UCO election debate.

Make suggestions on how this BLOG may better serve your needs; your Admins are listening!

As you can see from the dispersion of visitors, our lives here in the Village are of interest to folks across the entire Nation.

Log-On, stir the pot, Let your voices be heard.

Dave




Monday, February 18, 2008

First Right of Refusal

David, Here in the CV when a condo goes up for sale, the assoc. has first right of refusal, am I correct? Is this binding? After a Purchase and Sale Agreement has been signed by the buyer, notice goes up on the bulletin board. A person in the assoc. decides to use the rule of first right of refusal and buy the unit within the 30 days allotted for the stated price of the orginal purchase and sales agreement. Can the original buyer then do another purchase and sales agreement upping his orginal offer by several thousand dollars.

--------------------------------------------------------
Admin. Response.

Hi Marilyn,
This is an interesting question; and somewhat misunderstood.

The Florida Condominium Act: 718 FS speaks to "Right of First Refusal" only in the context of

Condominium Conversion from a rental format.

REF: Florida Statutes - 718.612

Extract follows:
------------------------------------------------------
718.612 Right of first refusal.--

(1) Each tenant, who for the 180 days preceding a notice of intended conversion has been a residential tenant of the existing improvements, shall have the right of first refusal to purchase the unit in which he or she resides on the date of the notice, under the following terms and conditions:
(a) Within 90 days following the written notice of the intended conversion, the developer shall deliver to the tenant the following purchase materials: an offer to sell stating the price and terms of purchase, the economic information required by s. 718.614, and the disclosure documents required by ss. 718.503 and 718.504. The failure by the developer to deliver such purchase materials within 90 days following the written notice of the intended conversion will automatically extend the rental agreement, any extension of the rental agreement provided for in s. 718.606, or any other extension of the rental agreement. The extension shall be for that number of days in excess of 90 days that has elapsed from the date of the written notice of the intended conversion to the date when the purchase materials are delivered.
(b) The tenant shall have the right of first refusal to purchase the unit for a period of not less than 45 days after mailing or personal delivery of the purchase materials.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No mention of this "right" is made in the context of straight "in fee simple" sales from one unit owner to another.
All this means is that this "right" must appear in your Bylaws.

The provision in our bylaws gives the "right" to the Board of Administration or to their designated assignee (could be another Unit Owner) who is ready, willing and able - to purchase under the same conditions offered by the prospective buyer.

The primary purpose of this Bylaw is to prevent Unit Owners (or more likely children of deceased Unit Owners) who just don't care to be bothered, from dumping the Unit at a rediculously low price and thus depressing property values.

There is no provision for - nor prohibition of the buyer making a counter-offer, other than the obvious fact that the contract - once executed is binding, and for the Seller to seek ways to accept would be unethical and deceptive.

A bidding war in Century Village would be a welcome relief from the depressed pricing we have been experiencing.

Dave


Sunday, February 17, 2008

PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE DEBATE

SINCE BOTH BOB MARSHALL AND GEORGE LOWENSTEIN ARE RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT OF UCO AND HAVE BEEN THE KEY PLAYERS IN THE CLUBHOUSE REBUILD, I PROPOSE THAT A DEBATE BE ARRANGED BETWEEN THE TWO CANDIDATES BEFORE THE ELECTION. I'M SURE WE CAN FIND SOME QUALIFIED PEOPLE TO MAKEUP QUESTIONS AND SERVE AS MODERATOR (RETIRED JUDGES, LAWYERS, NEWSPAPER REPORTERS) FOR THE DEBATE. I ENVISION QUESTIONS ON THE CLUBHOUSE REBUILD, ARBITRATION, LEVY(WPRF) ROLL IN REBUILD AND ISSUES THAT ARE FACING CV DOWN THE ROAD AND PRESENTLY. THE CANDIDATES CAN GIVE US THEIR PERSPECTIVE ON THOSE ISSUES AND WHAT THEY FEEL ARE THE SOLUTIONS GOING FORWARD. . IT CAN BE TAPED BY CHANNEL 63 AND A MAJORITY OF THE CV UNIT OWNERS WILL GET TO SEE BOTH CANDIDATES AND THEIR VISION FOR CV BEFORE THE ELECTION. MAYBE WE CAN PUT A BOX AT THE GUARD DESK IN THE CLUBHOUSE FOR PEOPLE TO PUT IN QUESTIONS THEY WOULD LIKE THE CANDIDATES TO ANSWER. BIG PICTURE QUESTIONS ONLY.

MIKE

Candidate Analysis BY: Bob Marshall

Following is a Political handout By Loewenstein & co. and an analysis thereof:

The handout lists concocted claims by Howie Silver, Myron Solomon and Phil Shapkin. It is an exercise in deception and insignificance:

RE-ELECT THE GOOD GUYS??

HOWIE SILVER FOR VICE PRESIDENT
MYRON SOLOMON FOR VICE PRESIDENT
PHIL SHAPKIN FOR EXECUTIVE BOARD
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Bob Marshall responds:

The first thing to observe is the conspicuous absence of the name of the current President George Loewenstein, who is running to fill his own slot; it would appear that there is no mutual support and co-operation, simply incredible. This is reinforced by the fact that Myron Solomon and Phil Shapkin were NOT nominated by the Nominating Committee; and had to be nominated from the floor! If all were re-elected, how could they possibly work together? What have they done for Century Village?
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Positive-Positive-Positive ??

HOWIE...I took the original Channel 63 and updated it and made it a modern community information channel.

Sorry Howie; Slide Shows and a scrolling text roll were up to date in 1953. Today, TV consists of people, programming, interviews, live coverage; tune through the other Channels Howie and look what has happened to TV in the last 50 years. Your channel 63 causes residents to cease watching simply because they tire of watching ….it should not run for 45 minutes.
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MYRON...I investigated and found overcharges on W.P.R.F. renovation billsand sales Tax for the Clubhouse, we were refunded $40,000.00.

Wow Myron, you found an accounting error equal to well under one-tenth of one percent; why are you so reticent to tell us about your true accomplishments? Tell us about the Contract breaching law suit that you filed; that has plunged the entire Village into an endless expensive Legal quagmire; where will you find the funds to pay for that?? No problem! Loewenstein & Co. will continue to take it out of monies budgeted for other purposes;
Re-Elect you? No-Way!
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PHIL...I am President and Co-Founder of the Pro-Active Committee to save theGolf Course.

This is true, and to this very day you have suppressed the details of the Developers final minimal impact proposal. But don't be shy Phil; tell us about how you almost destroyed the Village Citizens Observer Patrol-COP program through your Dictatorial and Autocratic management style!

Re-Elect you? No-Way!
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HOWIE...I am the Co-Founder of the Computer Club.

Now tell us why the UCO Computer Committee has not had a single meeting since you took office.
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MYRON...I am currently reviewing proposals and monitoring the Shoreline Restoration Project to be sure our monies are being spent Wisely, Economically and Judiciously.

Myron; is that why we have failed to budget for the true cost of the project? Is it your job to hide from the Unit Owners the fact that the costof the project may spiral to $8,000.000.00 dollars. Or is it simply your task to divert project funds to pay our Lawyers in the wild Legal adventurethat you spawned!

Re-Elect you? Never!
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PHIL...I was the original Ombudsman for the Village 8 years ago.

When I heard of the appointment of Phil Shapkin as Ombudsman by Loewenstein & Co., a position requiring well honed dispute resolution skills, I visualized him browbeating some poor Unit Owner seeking redress, if they disagreed with him. Phil Shapkin, Ombudsman! This was an egregiously wrong political patronage appointment!

RE-Elect Phil? Never!
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HOWIE...I am VP of Stratford Association umbrella.

That must be a catastrophe on wheels, since I have heard Howie state on more than one occasion that he has never read the Condominium Act 718 FS.

Re-Elect Howie? Never!
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MYRON...I received overwhelming unanimous support at the Delegate Assembly to go to Arbitration to recover the $11,000,000.00 owed to the Residents of C.V.

The truth is that regardless of how you feel about the Arbitration, Mr. Solomon's skill in creating frenzy, WITHOUT ONE BIT OF EVIDENCE, EXCEEDS HIS ABILITY TO PROVE HIS POSITION before three Arbitrators at all. And without any justification, WE LOSE! Why have we let him stir our emotions to follow such blatantly useless opinion, unsubstantiated by facts and totally againts the very Agreement he was "sworn in" to uphold. Have you read the Millennium Agreement, Mr. Solomon? Lest we forget, as you did YOUR OATH OF OFFICE, the agreement was the basis for YOUR frivolous Rent Strike, being thrown out by A FEDERAL JUDGE. How may we presume anything else you do has ANY merit or value. We must not overlook the lie to the federal Judge about the Delegate Assembly approving the legal action BEFORE the suit was launched. What utter nonsense, the minutes DO NOT Substantiate this wild assertion.

Re-Elect Myron? Never!

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PHIL...I had been Captain of the C.O.P. unit for 12 years.
What a blessing that you left the COP, as the more than 100 had dwindled to 8 or 9. Since you were in charge, who gets the credit for this accomplishment?

Re-Elect Phil? Never!
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HOWIE...I had been on the UCO Executive Board for 6 years.
Ok! What did you do there, except quit when the Executive Board refused to allow you to violate the RULES of ADELPHIA forbidding paid Advertising? Wow, what an accomplishment, or was there something else?

Why should we Re-Elect you!

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MYRON...I am a significant player watching over the Residents monies.

Now we understand how monies are being funneled from legally budgeted projects to fund your Non-Budgeted Contract Breaching Law suit! You must do more than WATCH our money being drained for your FAILED and FRIVOLOUS lawsuit.


Re-Electing Myron would be a cardinal travesty.

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PHIL...I had been VP of UCO for 5 years.

Other than the disasters noted above; what have you done?

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HOWIE...I successfully made the Clubhouse Wi-Fi (easy to get on the INTERNET)
Wow! Plug in a couple of RF Routers and configure the Network! How does that qualify you to be a VP of UCO?

Re-Elect Howie? Never!

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MYRON...I successfully obtained the final permits for the Theater.


Interesting; why isn't this "fact" reflected in the Public Record? Not asingle Clubhouse Permit bears the name of Myron Solomon;(unless Myron wasmasquerading as Mark Levy) more creative rewriting of history!


How can we possibly Re-Elect this person?

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PHIL...I introduced lifts into CV in 2001.


This qualifies you to be VP exactly how? What part did you play during last 6 years?

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HOWIE...I am currently President of Stratford K for the past 10 years.


Ok! You get two points on that one.

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MYRON...I am a VP of UCO for the past two years.


Yes, you are, and the damage you have caused will take a decade to reverse and your legacy of legal terror has yet to be fully written


Re-Elect Myron at great peril to us all!

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PHIL. I was instrumental in getting streetlights installed by FPL in CV 15 years ago.


What did you accomplish for this Village THIS PAST YEAR?

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HOWIE...I have been VP of UCO for the past 2 years.


Then why do we still have 1950's level programming on Channel 63?


Re-Elect Howie, Why?
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Remember this when you vote in March

Bob Marshall