VETERANS AFFAIRS 8

Hi All,

Here is the latest Mail:

http://www.military.com/NL_MR/1,14852,6409,00.html

Dave

GLOBAL INFORMATION REFERENCE

Hi All,
Linden Lee Markham has sent along an excellent reference on Global affairs and our place in the World.

SEE: http://www.onpower.org/index.html

I particularly recommend the section titled: "Blowback" also of course the section on "Intelligence"

Thanks Lindy.

Dave Israel

North Canal Bridge

I cross the foot bridge every morning on my walk. It has always been quite dirty there and a great breeding ground for mosquitos. A pipe broke a while back and in bringing in equipment to repair it more of the walkway on the opposite side was cracked and trees, which should not be growing on the bank of the canal were pulled out and left dying. Coarse sand was put to repair the bank of the canal. In a big rain storm it will end up in the canal with the rest of the sand. The water no longer flows freely and just trickles over the sand bar. The water level is down as there is a pipe under the road to the gym where the water level was always up to the top of the pipe and is down from the top now. We will have more erosion on the banks if the sand bar is not dug out and the bank should be properly repaired and look nicer than it does.

I spoke to Sol at UCO in place of Pat Blunck who is not there and he gave me lip service and said that the County Water Company is so busy repairing other pipes that break in the Village that they don't have time to finish the repair properly. Gee, don't we pay for this service and quite a bit of money. He was not willing to put pressure on them to come and finish the job.

It would be nice if the Beautification Committee took a walk over and seen an ugly sore at the Village that a lot of us use. It could certainly use some help.

FRAUD ON FLORIDA SENIORS

Hi All,
The following article may be of interest:
Dave Israel
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REF: http://www.flseniors.net/SOSMedia0930PR.htm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 30, 2008

CFO SINK CREATES ‘SAFEGUARD OUR SENIORS’ TASK FORCE
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Sink assembles diverse group to tackle solutions for protecting senior investors
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TALLAHASSEE—Standing beside Mr. David Greene, an 81-year-old retired Army Master Sergeant and victim of annuity fraud, Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today announced that she has created the “Safeguard our Seniors” (SOS) Task Force to review and recommend solutions to better protect Florida seniors against financial fraud, with an immediate focus on annuity fraud.
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The task force includes senior advocacy, legal, investigative, consumer, regulatory and industry representatives. “Every year, my department investigates hundreds of bad actors who prey upon Florida seniors, luring them into inappropriate investments and draining their hard-earned savings,” said CFO Sink, who oversees the Department of Financial Services (DFS).
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“I have created the ‘Safeguard Our Seniors’ Task Force to identify how our state can better protect seniors from these financial threats, starting with annuity fraud.
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”An agent targeted David and his wife, who suffers from dementia and is currently in a nursing home. Through a series of unsolicited home visits, the agent convinced David to cash out existing annuity policies and other savings.
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The agent then convinced David to purchase a number of life insurance policies and annuity policies, from which David was told he could access funds if necessary. Instead, the annuity payments are being utilized to pay the premiums on the previously purchased life insurance policies.
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David was also convinced to take out a reverse mortgage, which the agent advised him was in his best interest in order to provide for his wife’s medical care. More than $60,000 realized from the reverse mortgage was then used to purchase another whole life policy, at the urging of this immoral insurance agent.
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“I trusted this professional to help me make wise investments,” said David Greene. “Instead, I’m locked out of my savings and my financial future is anything but secure.
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”Unfortunately, David’s experience is similar to so many other seniors.
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Sink’s office recently recovered $300,000 for an 81-year-old woman from New Port Richey as well as nearly $325,000 for an 82-year-old senior living in Daytona who were both scammed into purchasing inappropriate annuity investments and called the department for help.
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“It is an outrage that some unscrupulous agents are taking advantage of older Floridians by selling them unsuitable and complex annuities investments,” said Lori Parham, Executive Director for AARP Florida.
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“AARP is proud to work with CFO Sink and the ‘Safeguard Our Seniors’ Task Force to ensure Florida’s seniors are better protected.”During the last 12 months, CFO Sink’s department has opened approximately 474 investigations on financial fraud committed against seniors, with 70 percent of cases related to annuity and life insurance transactions.
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More than 2,770 consumers called the department’s helpline with questions or complaints about financial products, including annuities. Recovering funds for senior victims is typically difficult and can take many months to prosecute.
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Last session, CFO Sink advocated for legislation to increase the penalties against criminals who commit annuity fraud, but the Legislature failed to pass the bill. Without stronger penalties, it is incredibly difficult for state attorneys to devote the resources necessary to prosecute these offenders.
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The SOS Task Force includes the following members:

• Tammy Teston, Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Florida Department of Financial Services
• Lori Parham, Executive Director, AARP Florida
• Jana McConnaughhay , Treasurer, Elder Law Section of the Florida Bar
• Mark Ober, State Attorney, Hillsborough County
• Jim Brodie, Legislative Director, Department of Veterans' Affairs
• Adora Obi Nweze, President of NAACP Florida
• Jeffrey Helms, First Coast Financial Advisors
• David Sisemore, Raymond James & Associates
• Sean Stafford, Securities and Financial Services Industry
• Curt Leonard, American Council of Life Insurers
• Bill Reilly, Chief of Securities Regulation, Office of Financial Regulation
• Lieutenant Glen Hughes, Division of Insurance Fraud, Department of Financial Services

The SOS Task Force is slated to hold its first meeting in early October. As a statewide elected officer of the Florida Cabinet, Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink oversees the Department of Financial Services, a multi-division state agency responsible for management of state funds and unclaimed property, assisting consumers who request information and help related to financial services, and investigating financial fraud. CFO Sink also serves as the State Fire Marshal

COLLECTION OF ARREARS AND FORCLOSURES

Hi All,

There are a growing number of our Unit Owners that cannot make ends meet. This is increasingly being reflected in failure to make monthly payments on time or at all. As this escalates, some Associations cannot pay their obligations. A special presentation has been arranged by Bob Marshall and UCO, which will be given by Law Firm Becker & Poliakoff on these and related issues such as foreclosure, as follows:

DATE:..... December 3

TIME:..... 9:30 am

PLACE:..... the Clubhouse Theater

This is an important issue, please try to attend.

Dave Israel

It's Dance Time!

I see trees of green …

Here come the Magnolias and Live Oaks. Many thanks to all involved in beautifying the village. It makes a wonderful difference. Now people cannot say ‘CV looks like an Air Force Base!’

Is CSI finding bodies on Lincoln Street?? No, it is digging for another high tech SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) installation – that is an upgraded sewer lift pumping station for the NW corner of the village.

Open letter to all

I must admit I was also disappointed by the personal attacks in the UCO reporter of November.
It did in fact breach the very effort we agreed to make, to attempt harmony in the Village, because we are all “OF” this Community. I would have much preferred those who had complaints to invite those offending them to a ‘sit down’ to discuss (in private) the items offending (in their views).

I now am able to applaud the comments made by President Loewenstein at the executive Board Meeting that effective immediately there will be an end to all such attacks upon anyone as the standard for the Reporter. These welcomed comments came after such a ‘sit down’ between Former President Weiss and Current President Loewenstein.

This can be a critical turning point and deserves our support.

I believe the return to Civility and Harmony is once again be upon us and we need to allow for further demonstration that this “former” problem has completely gone away.

Ed Black

OPEN LETTER TO UCO

Hi All,
The following was sent by Phyllis Richland:
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Dear Editor,

In all the years I served in UCO I have never before witnessed the officers of UCO airing their dirty laundry in the Reporter or in any public forum. This, in my never to be humble opinion, shows a lack of class among the members and another reason why the residents of Century Village are disenchanted with this administration.

Personal attacks between officers and between officers and those who chose to voice their opinion in either an article or a letter to the editor is a sign of disrespect to the office they hold. -

It has been brought to my attention , as I am no longer involved in this administration, that many residents are disillusioned and angry at what is going on within UCO at the top.

When residents came to me with anger and vitriol against an officer or a volunteer in the UCO office I did my best to quell the anger and get to the root cause of it. Now, not being part of UCO, I cannot turn away from this.

After reading what was written in this latest issue of the Reporter I need to step forward and make myself heard.

What I have read in the recent issue saddens me deeply. To think that the inner working of an organization such as UCO is rotting from the inside is a tragedy.

Where is the leadership of this family? The leadership that should protect each member from attacking one another especially in public? Oh, l know.

The leadership is also on the attack. 0h, well !!!!!

Submitted by,
Phyllis Richland

PRESIDENTIAL TRANSITION

77 DAYS – PRESIDENTIAL TRANSITION A MOST DANGEROUS TIME
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From the end of Election Day to 12:00 Noon on January 20 is known as the Presidential Transition period. The process of transfer of power is incredibly complex and fraught with dangers to the Nation which you may have never thought about. The principle purpose of the Transition process is to help the new Administration climb the incredibly steep learning curve that is required to function “at the highest levels of Government”. Having been involved for the Intelligence Community in the process of Transition in support of the Clinton election, I will attempt to provide some information on the concerns of the Intelligence Community in bringing the President Elect and his immediate Transition Team up to speed on the vast knowledge base available in the classified world, that is the Intelligence Communities view of how the world works!

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A presidential transition is a unique time in America and holds the promise of opportunity, as well as a possible risk to the nation’s security interests. The 2008-2009 election marks the first presidential transition in the post-9/11 era, and is of concern to many national security observers. While changes in administration during U.S. involvement in national security related activities are not unique to the 2008-2009 election, many observers suggest that the current security climate and recent acts of terrorism by individuals wishing to influence national elections and change foreign policies portend a time of increased risk to the current presidential transition period.

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Whether the enemies of the United States choose to undertake action that may harm the nation’s security interests during the 2008-2009 election, or the new President experiences a relatively peaceful period during the transition, many foreign and domestic policy and security challenges will await the new Administration.

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How the new President recognizes and responds to these challenges will depend heavily on the planning and learning that occurs prior to the inauguration. Actions can be taken by the outgoing President and President-elect that may ameliorate decision making activities in the new administration.

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Whether an incident of national security significance occurs just before or soon after the presidential transition, the actions or inactions of the outgoing Administration may have a long-lasting effect on the new President’s ability to effectively safeguard U.S. interests and may affect the legacy of the outgoing President.

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Following the Election, The outgoing President retains all the formal legal powers of the presidency, yet his last electoral success is four years removed and his political capital is at low ebb. The outgoing President will want to protect his policies or accomplishments from being reversed or undermined and may also want to create obstacles to prevent his successor from too quickly achieving political and policy success.

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The incoming President, on the other hand, will be focused on beginning his own initiatives and may desire to expeditiously reverse the policies of the previous President.” When the
incoming and outgoing Presidents are from opposing political parties the conflicts during the transition period may be even more acute.

-----

Enemies that pose a risk to the United States may activate domestically and internationally and take the form of foreign and American citizens who are aligned with nation states whose intent is inimical to our National interest.
-----

The new Administration is likely to face many national security challenges on taking office. Some security experts suggest that the presidential transition period of 2008-2009 may be unique given the quantity, diversity, and breadth of security risks confronting the nation.

-----

The incoming Administration is likely to face three distinct types of national security challenges that could translate into short- and long term national security risks. The national security challenges the next administration might face include the following:

! Current U.S. military engagements: Iraq, Afghanistan, and other
military support or training activities related to the global war on
terrorism and counter-proliferation efforts.
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! Risks posed in countries and regions of concern: Iran, North
Korea, Russia, China, Republic of Serbia, Venezuela, Cuba, and the
Middle East; and
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! Risks associated with contemporary issues: the role of U.S.
foreign policy in international security matters, the role of the
military in nation-building activities and diplomatic endeavors,
international terrorism, non-proliferation, and homeland security.
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While the issues are not exhaustive and may not require the same level of attention and priority based on the new Administration’s foreign and domestic security objectives, time devoted to understanding these and other challenges prior to the inauguration may better prepare the newly elected President to make well reasoned decisions on assuming office.

Dave Israel

FREE CABLE BOX IN OUR FUTURE - MAY BE

Hi All,

The following reference was provided by Chris Merrill:

REF:

http://www.lightreading.com/document.asp?doc_id=167256
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Comcast Seeds Digital Shift With Free Boxes

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NOVEMBER 04, 2008

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Comcast Corp. (Nasdaq: CMCSA, CMCSK) hopes free is the key as it embarks on an aggressive strategy to migrate millions of analog video customers to the digital domain.

To fuel the move, the MSO plans to offer free digital terminal adapters (DTAs) and more advanced set-tops capable of supporting video on demand (VOD) to customers as the MSO attempts to remove its expanded basic programming tier from analog and deliver it only in digital.

In those "digital upgrade" markets, Comcast will give customers that are taking the so-called "B2" expanded basic programming tier two DTAs and one basic, interactive set-top for no additional cost as long as they remain a Comcast customer, according to MSO spokeswoman Alana Davis.

Comcast arrived at that setup in part based on recent National Cable & Telecommunications Association (NCTA) figures showing that the average home has 2.8 TVs.

The operator is also ramping up the initiative (dubbed internally as "Project Cavalry") as Comcast closes in on 70 percent digital video penetration.

Comcast is also giving existing digital customers up to two DTAs at no additional cost. The MSO is charging $1.99 for each DTA a customer wants above those set limits.

DTAs are simple one-way digital-to-analog converters that will provide access to the expanded basic tier (as many as 100 channels, depending on the market), while the more advanced, two-way box will also give customers access to Comcast's trove of VOD content, digital music channels, the interactive program guide, and, if they want them, premium services from HBO, Showtime Networks Inc. , and Starz Entertainment LLC .

(See DTAs on Parade , Comcast Confirms Digital Dongle Project, and Pace Pix .)

The operator hopes the promise of enhanced video and audio services entices analog subs to make the digital leap and accept the new boxes.

Although Comcast is offering a set of set-tops for no additional fee to existing expanded basic subs, it's possible that some customers will still complain about it.

In Chicago, site of an earlier digital migration by Comcast, only a small percentage of customers filed complaints related to the change, at least in the early going.

Comcast expects to dangle these free carrots in front of customers as the MSO goes "all digital" and reclaims about 40 analog channels for more VOD and high-definition televisions services, as well as extra spectrum for faster Docsis 3.0-based cable modem services.

(See Comcast Takes 'Wideband' Wider .) Although the MSO tends to apply the all-digital tag to this process, it will continue to deliver its basic "B1" tier of roughly 20 channels in analog format. (See FCC OKs Dual TV Carriage Rules.)

Last week, Comcast revealed that it will use the DTA strategy first in the Portland, Ore. region. The migration will start in the state capital, Salem, and proceed on a neighborhood-by-neighborhood basis, according to Davis. (See Comcast IDs First DTA Market.)

Comcast has also made similar analog reclamation moves in the Chicago and the Detroit areas, but it hasn't introduced DTAs in those markets. (See Going 'Mostly' Digital and Comcast Doctoring Digital in Detroit .)

Comcast hasn't said where it will apply the DTA-centric approach next, but the company plans to go all digital in 20 percent of its markets this year.

The MSO expects it will need up to 25 million DTAs to complete the migration over the next 12 months to 18 months.

Comcast is starting to notify Salem customers of the move this week using a mix of direct mail, TV spots, billing messages, and eventually, channel-crawl information.

The operator has also set up a Website that walks customers through how to order self-install kits or set up a professional install, which carries a one-time fee of about $15.

In Salem, self-install kits will arrive or professional installs will take place a week or so after the order is initially received by Comcast.

Once customers receive notification from Comcast, there's a 60 day window before the expanded basic tier is shifted to digital for good, giving the MSO the time required to notify local franchise authorities of the change.

Although the number of channels in Comcast's expanded basic tier varies by market, the digital switch in Salem reportedly will affect channels 32 through 71, with Oxygen, MSNBC, PBS Kids on Sprout, Discovery Kids, and Discovery Science Channel among the networks included in that group.

— Jeff Baumgartner, Site Editor, Cable Digital News

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

Thanks Chris,

Dave

UCO REPORTER RESTRICTIONS

Hi All,
Phyllis Richland posted this in a Comment Stream; with her permission I have made a Post of her input.
Thanks Phyllis,

Dave Israel

I guess we will just have to buy space in the reporter if we want our words heard by the public in the Village.

how interesting that the one time I write a letter to the editor the president refuses to allow the printing of opinions contrary to his or other officers.

Welcome to 1984 and big brother.

What good is the reporter if one cannot voice an opinion in it?

Does censorship ring true to anyone? how dare they , those that sit in a small room and make the decisions as to what gets printed or not.

I was once one of those and thus one of the reasons for my resignation.

God help us all if this continues.

Respectfully submitted by Phyllis Richland

FREEDOM OF OUR PRESS

Hi All,

The First Amendment to the United States Constitution provides that "Congress shall make no law...abridging the freedom...of the press."
---
Although the First Amendment specifically mentions only the federal Congress, this provision now protects the press from all government, whether local, state or federal.
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The founders of the United States enacted the First Amendment to distinguish their new government from that of England, which had long censored the press and prosecuted persons who dared to criticize the British Crown.
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As Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart explained in a 1974 speech, the "primary purpose" of the First Amendment was "to create a fourth institution outside the government as an additional check on the three official branches" (the executive branch, the legislature and the judiciary).
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As difficult as it may be for UCO to understand this concept; the “Freedom of the Press” concept supersedes even the acquisitive power of the Officers of UCO and the Imperial autocracy of the UCO Reporter Editorial Board.

The only connection that the Officers of UCO should have with the UCO Reporter is the right to submit Articles and/or write Letters to the Editor;

specifically, they should have no connection to the Editorial Board, we the Unit Owners own the Reporter and we have the right to expect a free and independent Editorial Board free of undue influence.
---
We do not need to read that which is in essence a filtered and smoothed UCO House organ!
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The UCO Reporter of November 2008, Volume 27, No. 11 contains writings of Messrs Loewenstein, Karpf, Blank and LaBonte which can only be described as childish travesties on the Body Politic.
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However; they have the right to their opinion, and all of those writings should have been published under the rubric of Opinion.
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The right to our opinion and the right to criticize our Elected Officials is a uniquely inherent fundamental American right. Clearly, the above mentioned persons arrogated unto themselves, by virtue of nothing but their positions proximate to the UCO Reporter, the consummate gall to publish their childish screeds.
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This very right they would now deny to all other Unit Owners to similarly have their inputs published.
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The restrictions announced on November 3, 2008 by President Loewenstein at the Executive Board meeting as regards publication in the UCO Reporter of critical articles must not be allowed to stand. It is a direct attack on the Democratic principles we hold so dear.

Dave Israel

RETURN TO PREVIOUS COMMENT MODE

Hi All,
Due to a glitch in the new format for Comments; I have returned to the old format.

Please advise if you experience any problems.

Dave

Acceptable Mail, for UCO Reporter - Mail Bag Column

Prior to closing this afternoon's Exec. Bd. Meeting, Pres. Loewenstein,

announced that the Mail Bag Column, would no longer accept or print

inflamatory ( my words) letters, after several were aired, in last month's

edition, including his own, by his own admission.

---

Unfortunately, others and I, no longer have the opportunity to respond

to criticsm's that appeared in that column, particularly the ones

that attempted to vilify, Frank Cornish, for his October's column,

in which he took to task, the action taken at the August Operations

Committee meeting, that eliminated Tuesday night's Karaoke, only

to re-instate it, in September, following his presentation of a Petition

gathered by several residents.

---

I believe all three individuals, Jerry Karpf, Claudette LaBonte and

Avis Blank, had better take a LONG HARD LOOK, at their actions.

as well as the Agenda's of both Karpf and LaBonte, self serving?

Next President & VP of UCO????????

---

" HOUSTON, WE HAVE A PROBLEM!"

CV Stained Glass Class

Would any glass crafter like to lend or sell me their set of tools from previous class, contact my email - admin on left side of Blog. If this is bad use of Blog mea culpa. Thx Elaine.

COMCAST RESPONDS - A RAY OF LIGHT

Hi All,
In another Post, Frank Eliason of COMCAST said:

(conversion to digital from analog will) "offer 10-12 digital or 3 HD channels.

Even within your community, I am sure there are members that would also prefer to have more HD.

This is the only way it can be provided.

We are developing DTA (stands for digital to analog) boxes that will make it easier for Customers to receive the channels currently below 100.

These boxes will be available for little or no cost, but they will not provide service such as On Demand or the Guide.

They will not also work for channels above 100. We do want this to be easy for everyone as this transition occurs".
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
It would seem therefore that since Digital Conversion allows COMCAST to pick up Bandwidth Efficiencies of anywhere from 3:1 up to 12:1, it would be logical for COMCAST to simply return all of the channels they have moved out of our Contracted Enhanced Basic Package; convert all 74 channels to Digital and then provide the DTA (Digital to Analog) box to all Unit owners free.

We would be most happy to discuss this with COMCAST.

Dave Israel
Cable Chair

COMCAST IS LISTENING BUT NOT HEARING

Hi All,
Following is an Email from COMCAST, received early on Nov. 03, 2008.
It is followed by my response:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Sent By:

"Frank Eliason"
On: Nov 11/02/08 7:39 PM
To: nsasigint@comcast.net
Cc: "Melissa Mendoza"

David.
---
Thank you so much for the feedback. We apologize if anyone provided you the indication this transition is due to the broadcast transition in February.
---
At the same time, we will not be able to offer the channels via analog. Analog channels use a tremendous amount of bandwidth that will limit the amount of High Definition and other channels that can be provided.

For every 1 analog channel we can offer 10-12 digital or 3 HD channels.

Even within your community, I am sure there are members that would also prefer to have more HD. This is the only way it can be provided.

We are developing DTA (stands for digital to analog) boxes that will make it easier for Customers to receive the channels currently below 100.

These boxes will be available for little or no cost, but they will not provide service such as On Demand or the Guide. They will not also work for channels above 100. We do want this to be easy for everyone as this transition occurs.

I think one of the better options would be to have a representative from Comcast come and discuss these changes directly with your membership. Let us know what you think!

Frank
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi Frank,

We are aware of the Business Decision that COMCAST has made as regards CV WPB customers, and many other COMCAST customers.

When you say " At the same time, we will not be able to offer the channels via analog"; and "I am sure there are members that would also prefer to have more HD",
please appreciate that the total penetration in CV West Palm Beach of the STB is less than 8%.

For the vast majority, the SD 480 line signal is just fine.

The principal driver for most CV unit owners is COST. COMCAST takes away contracted channels and escalates cost as though our Contract means nothing.

Given that CV WPB will be paying COMCAST in excess of Two Million dollars in CY 2009, a cost free STB is very reasonable.

However; if your only message for us is cost increases and service reduction, we do not want to hear that message again, as we have already heard it from Christine Saxon.

Remember, "The World is Watching"

Dave Israel
Cable Chair

OFFICERS COMMITTEE MEETING

Hi All,
There will be a special Officers Committee meeting to discuss two Proposals from different Consultants.

The two Proposals will be presented by the Cable Committee. I hope Queen Dorothy will allow me to speak!

Date: November 4th 2008

Day: Tuesday

Time: 10:00am

Place: Main Clubhouse - Room B

-----

Dave Israel

Cable Chair

A MESSAGE TO COMCAST

Hi All,

Following is a copy of an Email that your Cable Committee has sent to COMCAST HQ in Pennsylvania.
The gloves are off and it's time for Hardball.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi Melissa,
My name is Dave Israel.

I am an administrator of the BLOG “davesblogandchat.blogspot.com”.

Coincidentally, I am also Cable Committee Chair for Century Village (CV) in West Palm Beach, Florida, a Senior Condominium Village consisting of 7854 Condo. Units. (read Customers). All of the BLOG Admins are on the Cable Committee.
---
Some years ago, we negotiated a Bulk Cable agreement with Adelphia, consisting of some 74 channels of “enhanced Basic Cable” which in due course of bankruptcy, was acquired by COMCAST.

Our account POC is Christine Saxon who has advised us that we must all acquire a Set-Top-Box, (STB) because COMCAST will be removing selected channels and relocating them in the Digital Starter Tier, or higher tiers.
---
We are offered a discounted rate of $3.40 per box, per month, per unit which on the surface seems reasonable, until you consider that in the CV fixed income Demographic; $3.40 can mean a medical prescription not filled. Add to that the issue that many Unit Owners have more than one TV in which case the accumulation of additional fees per STB becomes intolerable.
---
The reason for this, of course, is that COMCAST wishes to replace analog channels with digital channels which can be swapped out at a ratio of up to 10 to one depending on whether the swap is to Standard Definition or High Definition.
---
Contrary to Christine’s subtle implication that this translocation is integral to the February 2009 Digital Transition, as a matter of technical fact these events are unrelated; and this removal of channels which we are contracted to receive is a COMCAST business decision.
---
The recent removal of HBO Signature, one of three HBO channels specifically referenced in our contract, was unconscionable; however the removal of ETWN was direct religious discrimination against our Catholic Unit Owners and cannot be allowed to stand!
---
We have lost 7 channels and yet we will receive a 5% increase in cost in 2009! Nice for COMCAST but disdaining of our Unit Owners.
---
If you want to help, return the channels taken away as referenced in the BLOG entry that you quoted and stop any further removals.

There is plenty of time to talk about STB before our contract comes up for renewal some two years hence; but in reality, we are seeking a professional negotiator and are seriously seeking alternatives to COMCAST as our provider, someone who will respect our Unit Owners and who is less predatory in regard to their perceived monopolistic position . As you are undoubtedly aware, the FCC is investigating the predatory practice of reduction in service while increasing price.
---
It is important that COMCAST understand that there are seniors here in CV who stormed the beaches of Normandy and we will not be bullied into the STB by coercive tactics; in short, this contract is yours to lose!
---
I and my Committee stand ready to discuss these specifics with you and your people at any time.

Dave Israel
CV Cable Chair
PHONE: - (561) 686-1222
FAX: - (561) 686-6274
Email: - nsasigint@comcast.net
---------------------------------------------
REF:
From: Mendoza, Melissa <Melissa_Mendoza@cable.comcast.com>Date: Oct 31, 2008 2:36 PMSubject: Your Comcast ServicesTo: edeveblack@gmail.com
Hello!

I read your blog at http://davesblogandchat.blogspot.com/2008/10/real-cv-comcast-problem_30.html. I'd like to assist in getting you the best offer possible for upgrading to digital cable and getting you back the channels you're missing.


Kind Regards
Melissa Mendoza
Comcast Customer Connect
National Customer Operations
One Comcast Center
1701 JFK Blvd.Philadelphia, PA 19103
215.286.1700

Who you lookin’ at!

Set your clocks back one hour if you forgot last night.

This friendly resident likes to sit behind the Okeechobee guard post and watch traffic zipping by on both sides.

More info for BettieL

Perhaps this helps.

This is a copy of Article 7 of the UCO Articles of Incorporation dated May 7, 1982 and filed with the Secretary Of The State Of Florida on November 19, 1982

"Although the bylaws may be an organization's most authoritative governing document, they are subordinate to a charter or ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION or to a constitution."

Source: Black's Law Dictionary

Tankless Water Heaters

In the November issue of the UCO Reporter (p.11), Jerry Karpf stated in his very informative Maintenance column that with regard to tankless water heaters, "...they are illegal and the county won't issue a permit for the installation". He further warns of the possible electrical line burnout and fire which may result from their use and that the owner may risk liability for damages to the building.
My question is this: If tankless water heaters are illegal, pose a threat to life and property, and may be a source of liability for the unit owner who had it installed, then why does the UCO Reporter permit the sale of ad space (P. 38) to plumbers who are advertising their installation?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
BLOGMEISTER reply:

Randall, how can the article be "Very Informative" if it is inaccurate?
How will these people answer a "Contact Us" channel if they do not know the law?

Like many pronouncements of UCO Officers, the statement that "Tankless Water Heaters are Illegal" is incorrect.

However, they are problematic;
One issue is that they draw very high current loads which can be a problem in CV units which are served by 100 Ampere electrical loads. In fact, under certain circumstances, a fire could be sparked.

Another issue is that the contractor whose name we seem to dance around is Peter Amato; who appears to have no license under his own name, in the categories of Construction or Electrical.
---
Mr. Amato did at one time apply for a Real Estate License, but the application expired. (see REF. below)
---
Mr. Amato works under another persons license, this is legal, IF the licensed person monitors the work in progress, not unlike an unlicensed apprentice working under a Master contractor; is this happening? I do not know.

So:
No License!
No Permit!
No County inspection!

A very dangerous situation.

As for the advertising in the UCO Reporter and the potential liabilities despite the disclaimers; that is a question for an Attorney.

REF:
https://www.myfloridalicense.com/wl11.asp?mode=0&SID=&brd=&typ=N

Licensee Information
Name:
AMATO, PETER (Primary Name)
(DBA Name)

Main Address:
114 WELLINGTON F WEST PALM BEACH Florida 33417
County:
PALM BEACH

License Mailing:

LicenseLocation:

License Information

License Type:
Real Estate Broker or Sales

Rank:

License Number:

Status:
Application Expired

Licensure Date:

Expires:

Dave Israel

BIRTH CERTIFICATE OF UCO

From the files of yesteryear.

The real intent.

"sort of umbrella association"

UCO Reporter, November '08 issue, the current issue, FROM THE DESK OF PRESIDENT GEORGE LOEWENSTEIN

"UCO ( United Civic Organization) was formed as a sort of Umbrella Association...."

Is there any person out there who can explain in legal language what a "sort of umbrella association" is.

Is there a place in 718 where I could look this up. Or perhaps George Loewenstein could elaborate on where he got such a definition, and what that actually means.

Looking forward to your answers.

The Real CV Comcast Problem

At the Delegate Mtg Dave listed the second batch of channels removed, there were also some in June.
We are getting reduced service with no reduction in price.
If you are renting a set-top-box you do not care, since these channels have been punted into the digital bands (for more profit for Comcast).
The majority of CV people are receiving Comcast Enhanced Basic for the CV rate of $20.55/month (going up 5% next year).
Comcast is ignoring our requests for fair treatment.
Comcast is pushing us to rent their set-top-boxes to get our channels back (for more profit for Comcast).

June '08 removals:
46 C-Span 2 Senate
65 Oxygen
79 CMT Country Music Channel
Mid-October '08 removals
29 HBO Signature
72 ETW religion
26 Style
39 Shop NBC

how male and female brains are different

by Mark Gungor. That is not at all funny.

UCO - BUSINESS AS USUAL - REVERSION TO TYPE

Hi All,
This Morning, 30 October 2008, I was invited to a meeting of the Officers Committee at the Camden pool UCO office.

VP Frank Cornish invited me hopefully to contribute to the issue of combining the BLOG with the Official CV Web site, and implementing a "Contact Us" button on the CV Web site., thanks Frank.

I had previously implemented such a facility on this BLOG, Whereupon, UCO in it's typical "Not Invented Here" (NIH) doctrinal philosophy rejected that capability, out of hand.

VP Sal Bummolo, who's favorite phrase is "There is something that you may not be aware of", a standard saying by those folks who think they know everything; implied that the responses on the BLOG were inaccurate and controversial. Gee Sal, have you read the latest issue of the UCO Reporter, it resembles an irrational cat fight conducted by children.

Sal further implied that the only people who are qualified to answer questions are Officers of UCO, or Committee Chairs, most certainly not yours truly.

Secretary Avis Blank further opined that the only person on earth qualified to implement the Contact Us Facility was Pat Blunck.

Both positions are utterly absurd.

Under the current regime, the very fact of being elected seems to transfer to certain incumbents, from the ether no doubt, a Universal knowledge of all things, along with this miracle comes the apparent belief that the rest of us mere Unit-Owners know nothing and have nothing to contribute.

My experience with some of the incumbents suggest that they have no knowledge of the Law, no respect for the Law and worst of all, no capability of researching the correct Legal response to most questions.

Let me assure all of the UCO Officers and the LCAM that when I research the law and provide a reference from Florida Statutes or Administrative Code, it is neither inaccurate nor controversial.

When I raised my hand seeking recognition to speak, Chair person Pro-Tempore, in President Loewenstein's absence, Treasurer Tetro, made it very clear that there would be no contributions from non-members of the Officers Committee until all business was concluded and all the decisions had been made.

Queen Tetro, who's first public comment upon being elected Treasurer, was; "I have no experience, but I know what lines to put the numbers on"
Made it very clear by her actions that the concept of "Open Meetings" is now extinct once again in CV.

So, what is a dedicated volunteer who has something to contribute supposed to do?

In the current reign of darkness, it is clear that no such volunteers are really wanted; the "we know it all and you know nothing" doctrine reigns supreme. As the micro-management increases and the Loewenstein inner core of acolytes and sycophants slide back into the "business as usual" mode; perhaps the only valid course of action is to walk away.

Dave Israel

Chain of command

Should the President of any Organization be unavailable, for any length
of time, whether it be a day, week, or month..the duties are assumed
by the Vice President until the President is once more able to resume
their position, or choose to resign, in which case a special election would
follow. That is the typical route....however, we here, at UCO, have
4 VP's, 2 elected every other year..and from what I've heard, all have
equal standing. Does seniority not mean a thing, and is UCO exempt
from the universal practice of having a Vice President step in at such
time, or can the President appoint a Secretary, Treasurer etc., to
fill the role?
Appreciate your input....Thank you...

THE COMCAST PROBLEM

The following article was extracted from Time magazine.

Thanks to John Sapponaro for the reference.

Dave Israel

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

REF: http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1848728,00.html

COMCAST'S Challenge

BY: Bob Diddlebock

---

The Comcast Kingdom's new 56-story castle in Philadelphia's Center City is gilt-edged--a gleaming obelisk, from its flushless urinals to the sumptuous cafeteria named for the company's 88-year-old co-founder Ralph Roberts.

---

"The tallest [building] between New York and Chicago," gushes the hometown Inquirer.

---
Erecting a corporate monument is often the kiss of death. But Comcast leases the building, perhaps a more fitting tribute to Roberts, a suspenders-and-belt salesman who parlayed a tiny system in Tupelo, Miss., into the nation's largest cable-TV operation, with 24 million subscribers and $31 billion in annual revenue.

---
Despite not-bad first-half financial results, these are cautious times for Roberts and his son Brian, 49, the corporation's CEO. Cable companies like Comcast and Time Warner Cable (which is being spun off from Time Warner Inc., TIME's parent) are getting competition from all directions. As Brian Roberts put it in a speech that said as much about Comcast as it did about his industry, "There have been moments in time when cable has been at a major inflection point. This is one of those moments."

---
Topping Roberts' list of challenges: calling Verizon's and AT&T's billion-dollar bets on delivering TV service through fiber-optic lines.

---

Verizon has signed up 1.4 million video subscribers, a good many of them in the Northeast, where Comcast rules. By 2010, Verizon expects its video, phone and Internet effort, dubbed fios, to reach 18 million households. AT&T is following along the same track, while EchoStar and DirecTV continue to add satellite-video subscribers.

---
Other nagging issues:

---

the Federal Communications Commission has castigated Comcast for shortchanging some broadband customers when it comes to delivering the service they pay for. The National Football League has long been sparring in and out of court with the company for not carrying the NFL Network as a basic channel.

---

Also, subscribers have been furious about weak customer service despite robust cable bills, which, industry-wide, have risen at twice the rate of inflation since 1996.

---
Then there's Wall Street.

---

Comcast stock, priced not long ago at $18.35, is trading around 10-year lows. Until recently, some shareholders like Glenn Greenberg, whose Chieftain Capital Management owns 1.5% of the stock, had loudly argued that the company was underperforming.

---

Their major concerns: Comcast was paying too much for acquisitions. Return on assets was way too low. And Brian Roberts wasn't hard-nosed enough.

---
Comcast got the message. The company is paying a 25¢-per-share dividend, buying back $7 billion in stock, paring capital expenditures and canceling a scheme to keep paying Ralph Roberts after he dies. Greenberg now says Comcast is coming around, "The company is doing what shareholders want in a very smart way."

---
Give the Robertses credit. They're staying in the game at a moment when Time Warner is spinning off its 15 million cable subscribers.

---

Since its failed bid for the Walt Disney Co. in 2004, Comcast has returned to its roots as a program distributor, smartly upgrading its cable systems so it can offer hundreds of digital channels as well as high-def TV, video on demand, and broadband and telephone service.

---

The company is also shelling out $1 billion--along with other companies like Time Warner Cable, Google and Intel--to fund a wireless Internet venture formed by Sprint Nextel Corp. and Clearwire Corp.

---
Since it became clear that Verizon is a threat, Comcast has also stepped up its marketing. That includes discount packages featuring, say, cable TV, Internet and telephone service for $99 a month.

---

While Comcast has lost 195,000 basic-cable customers in the past two sluggish quarters, it has added 1.2 million telephone subscribers, bringing that total to about 5.6 million, as well as adding 770,000 lucrative broadband customers.

---
Other initiatives in what the younger Roberts terms "Comcast 3.0" include rolling out more services to small businesses and hiring more customer-service representatives.

---

But don't expect major deals in the near term. Roberts, who earned $20.8 million in 2007, allows that Comcast has a long way to go but says he's the guy to get it there:

---

"I can't think of a business, industry or company I want to lead as much as this one."

COMMENT FORMAT

Hi All,
I have changed the format of Comment presentation.

Please advise if you like or do not like the new presentation.

Dave

VETERANS AFFAIRS 7

Hi All,
Here is the latest mail:

www.military.com/NL_MR/1,14852,6361,00.html

www.military.com/NL_WK/1,14845,6352,00.html

Dave

CABLE COMMITTEE MEETING REMINDER

Cable Committee meeting:
-----
Our next meeting is as follows:
-----
Date: October 31, 2008
Day: Friday
Time: 9:30am
Place: CV Clubhouse
Room: Party Room
-----
Agenda

-----

Presentation by Jennie Rios

CCG :
Communications Consulting Group, Inc.

regarding negotiating the best contract for content and price
and exploring other providers:

-----

a) Satellite

-----
b) TELCO (AT&T/Verizon)

-----
c) Power line distribution

-----
All Unit Owners are encouraged to attend
-----
Dave Israel - Cable Chair

PENCIL TOP

'Pencil top' palm at Dover CV, see waistline on trunk, caused by previous excessive trimming. Now that is a dangerous palm in a hurricane, the whole head of the palm may snap off and become airborne.
The first major rule to pruning palms is to avoid pruning them at all. Palms are designed to shed their fronds on their own. Just because a palm frond is turning colors or maybe even browning does not mean that it is done contributing to the tree. The browning of fronds is a process called Trans location of Nutrients meaning that the palm is recycling the nutrients of the frond back into the heart of the palm itself. If you remove the fronds during this process then you weaken the palms defenses against molds and fungi.
If it is necessary to prune the Palm then a general rule is applied to palms that you should not cut fronds above a parallel line to the ground or the 9:00 to 3:00 o'clock rule. Cutting more than that is called a Hurricane Cut or a Candle Cut and is very damaging to the tree. If a hurricane cut is repeated over and over it will create a condition know as a "pencil top" which is the narrowing of the trunk just below the fronds. The name hurricane cut comes from the fact that during hurricane winds, the head of the palm may snap off where the thinning occurred and become airborne.
So there you have it plain and simple, keep the tropical look, just don't prune your Palms and they will be happy and healthy, and you will save money.
Thx to A Garden in Fort Pierce Blog

Early voting sites and wait times.

http://www.pbcgov.com/newsroom/1008/10-24-08_early_voting.htm or click on header. Take something to read!
Wait times will be updated every hour starting at 10:00 AM when polls open.

BUTCHERING PALM TREES PROHIBITED

The Photo. above is extracted from the PBC - ULDC (Unified Land Development Code), Article 7. Left click on it to supersize the Photo.

ref: http://www.pbcgov.com/PZB/uldc/articles/Article7.pdf

The text provides code on the proper method of trimming our Palms. The Palms in CV are being illegally butchered.

Thanks to Elaine for the tip and reference.

Dave Israel

Pelham One Two Three

You are coordially invited to click on the above title link and see on hulu.com the original classic movie. Because it's R-rated, you must register on the site and prove you're over 17. Hurry before they premiere the remake with Denzel Washington (The Manchurian Candidate) and John Travolta (Hairspray).

Just Say No to 2

Florida already has a law banning gay marriage. Therefore, Amendment 2, the so-called ban on gay marriage, is superflurous. It is written so vague that it can be interpreted as a ban on any unconventional lifestyle, including unmarried men and women living together. Here in Century Village, there are a number of couples that moved in together in their upper years. Mainly for company and also by combining their SS checks, they both lead a better life. This proposal is dangerous. Legal benefits that they currently enjoy could be taken away from them under Amendment 2. Vote NO on 2, and let our neighbors enjoy what's left of their life.

Click on this link to get an opinion signed by over 125 lawyers saying that Amendment 2 is bad news.

Comments appreciated.

CV Medical Building Progress

A note from Les Alt today: “Tenet Hospital Corp has leased the entire second floor and is actively planning to expand medical services...ie...cardiologists, internists and other medical sub-specialties...this will phase in over the next 12 months....we are still negotiating with a bank, but as you know they have all run into trouble. Comprehensive Home Care and private duty nursing services are moving in later this month in the back area of the first floor. Renovations are continuing....building is being painted...parking lot is going to be re-black topped. There are other things going on that are too preliminary to provide detail.”

VETERANS AFFAIRS 6

Hi All,

Here is the latest mail:

www.military.com/NL_MR/1,14852,6344,00.html

Dave