Credit Counseling firm sued for misrepresenting not-for-profit status
Class action status was given to a lawsuit alleging Debticated Credit Counseling misrepresented its status as a not-for-profit corporation
CreditCourt Forum: Finally: Legal action against credit counselors
Is the credit counseling gravy train about to come to a screeching halt? I hope so.
The type of relationship alleged in in this lawsuit is common in the industry, in my experience. The nominal credit counseling company is registered as a 501(c)(3) tax exempt, but back office functions are handled by a for-profit corporation controlled by the same people. Secondly, there may be a loan brokerage firm involved as well, also operated by the same people. Kudos to
David Vendle, attorney for the plaintiffs from the firm Morris Polich & Purdy.
Wednesday, October 29, 2003
Tuesday, October 28, 2003
NASA - Going nowhere fast
For twenty years, NASA has been treading water, the agency has really been without direction since the Challenger blew up, much less the more recent Columbia disaster. The space shuttle would never be a cheap space truck. Soon it would be come apparent that there was never going to be a self-justifying mission for the international space station. Single stage to orbit designs ran into one snag after another. Now there are snags in the "Orbital Space Plane" program.
The biggest problem is that there isn't consensus on what it is supposed to be, a cheap lifeboat for the space station or a relatively cheap passengers-to-orbit vehicle.
Not So Fast, Lawmakers Say of Plans for a Space Plane
From a public policy standpoint, I think we need to go back to the starting ground. Instead of having a National Aeronautics and Space Administration, we need to have a National Science Administration.
Scientific projects outside of the space program need to be able to fight for funding on an equal playing field with those inside the space program. Then maybe we can address some of the scientific funding issues for new energy technologies and programs that can solve some of the environmental problems that we're dealing with.
For twenty years, NASA has been treading water, the agency has really been without direction since the Challenger blew up, much less the more recent Columbia disaster. The space shuttle would never be a cheap space truck. Soon it would be come apparent that there was never going to be a self-justifying mission for the international space station. Single stage to orbit designs ran into one snag after another. Now there are snags in the "Orbital Space Plane" program.
The biggest problem is that there isn't consensus on what it is supposed to be, a cheap lifeboat for the space station or a relatively cheap passengers-to-orbit vehicle.
Not So Fast, Lawmakers Say of Plans for a Space Plane
From a public policy standpoint, I think we need to go back to the starting ground. Instead of having a National Aeronautics and Space Administration, we need to have a National Science Administration.
Scientific projects outside of the space program need to be able to fight for funding on an equal playing field with those inside the space program. Then maybe we can address some of the scientific funding issues for new energy technologies and programs that can solve some of the environmental problems that we're dealing with.
Monday, October 27, 2003
The best in Mongolian Entertainment.
Here is the teaser for the top story in the entertainment section of the UB Post - "the Leading Newswire of Mongolia":
"The Mongolian Puppet Theater was commissioned to create several giant puppets for pop singer Ariunaa’s solo concert scheduled to take place between October 31-November 2 at the Ulaanbaatar Palace."
THE UB POST - Leading Newswire of Mongolia: Entertainment
Here is the teaser for the top story in the entertainment section of the UB Post - "the Leading Newswire of Mongolia":
"The Mongolian Puppet Theater was commissioned to create several giant puppets for pop singer Ariunaa’s solo concert scheduled to take place between October 31-November 2 at the Ulaanbaatar Palace."
THE UB POST - Leading Newswire of Mongolia: Entertainment
Getting the job done in Iraq, the Genghis Khan example
blah blah blah . .. building pyramids of skulls . . . blah blah blah. I'm not sure that would be really popular with the locals.
THE UB POST - Leading Newswire of Mongolia
blah blah blah . .. building pyramids of skulls . . . blah blah blah. I'm not sure that would be really popular with the locals.
THE UB POST - Leading Newswire of Mongolia
Wednesday, October 22, 2003
Honda to announce a Hybrid Odyssey?
The rumor is that Honda is going to announce a hybrid version of its Japanese market Odyssey minivan at the Tokyo auto show next week. The American Odyssey is due for a redesign next year. Honda has clearly been engineering its IMA hybrid technology as bolt-on components, so it would be surprising to me if Honda did not come out with hybrid versions of both the Odyssey and the Accord within 2-3 years. It is possible that Honda will have its third-generation hybrid on the market before Ford (or any of the other domestics) has the first generation out. Ford's hybrid Escape has been delayed again, and is now set for the 2005 model year. Toyota has publicly declared a goal of having a hybrid option for all of its vehicles by model year 2010.
The Gibbs Aquada - the coolest car on the market?
There have been amphibious cars before. Historically, they have had their followers, but they've been poor boats and poor cars.
The Gibbs Aquada, a new British design, boasts of 100 mph speed on land and 30 mph in the water. The wheels fold up like a James Bond car, and it's not even ugly - as a boat or as a car.
The price $240k - ouch - but we're talking about a status car here.
The Aquada is a refreshing design, and I hope it's successful.
The Car Connection [ The Web's Automotive Authority ]
The rumor is that Honda is going to announce a hybrid version of its Japanese market Odyssey minivan at the Tokyo auto show next week. The American Odyssey is due for a redesign next year. Honda has clearly been engineering its IMA hybrid technology as bolt-on components, so it would be surprising to me if Honda did not come out with hybrid versions of both the Odyssey and the Accord within 2-3 years. It is possible that Honda will have its third-generation hybrid on the market before Ford (or any of the other domestics) has the first generation out. Ford's hybrid Escape has been delayed again, and is now set for the 2005 model year. Toyota has publicly declared a goal of having a hybrid option for all of its vehicles by model year 2010.
The Gibbs Aquada - the coolest car on the market?
There have been amphibious cars before. Historically, they have had their followers, but they've been poor boats and poor cars.
The Gibbs Aquada, a new British design, boasts of 100 mph speed on land and 30 mph in the water. The wheels fold up like a James Bond car, and it's not even ugly - as a boat or as a car.
The price $240k - ouch - but we're talking about a status car here.
The Aquada is a refreshing design, and I hope it's successful.
The Car Connection [ The Web's Automotive Authority ]
Monday, October 20, 2003
Delphi comes up with innovative "dual disc" brakes
The Car Connection [ The Web's Automotive Authority ]
The Car Connection [ The Web's Automotive Authority ]
Dean Kamen's next act
The thing that I found most interesting was the hints about the next project.
"Right now, we're working on water/electricity for the emerging world. We're working on other medical products, and we're working on new and different versions of Segway technology for specific applications."
In a PC Magazine article, Dean Kamen defends "slow" growth of the market for the Segway Human Transporter.
Segway's Devoted Inventor
When the rumors surrounding "it" and "Ginger" first broke, I thought that the invention would be a breakthrough in desalination technology, possibly involving a solar-powered Stirling engine. Ok, I was a little off last time. Maybe next time I' ll be right.
I think they ought to work on photovoltaic roofing shingles. Photovoltaic shingles (as opposed to traditional solar panels) are on the market, but they are expensive, and more important, they are not easy to install. This is where a company like Kamen's can really add value. IF they work on the interconnections to make them self-configuring, with a ready interface into the power grid, and make them easy to mass manufacture, this could be a really significant advance.
The thing that I found most interesting was the hints about the next project.
"Right now, we're working on water/electricity for the emerging world. We're working on other medical products, and we're working on new and different versions of Segway technology for specific applications."
In a PC Magazine article, Dean Kamen defends "slow" growth of the market for the Segway Human Transporter.
Segway's Devoted Inventor
When the rumors surrounding "it" and "Ginger" first broke, I thought that the invention would be a breakthrough in desalination technology, possibly involving a solar-powered Stirling engine. Ok, I was a little off last time. Maybe next time I' ll be right.
I think they ought to work on photovoltaic roofing shingles. Photovoltaic shingles (as opposed to traditional solar panels) are on the market, but they are expensive, and more important, they are not easy to install. This is where a company like Kamen's can really add value. IF they work on the interconnections to make them self-configuring, with a ready interface into the power grid, and make them easy to mass manufacture, this could be a really significant advance.
Way to go Bernard Brown
Automotive News, a publication aimed at car dealers, published a profile of Kansas City Missouri based consumer attorney Bernard Brown.
Automotive News (free registration required)
The title of the article: Suing Dealers has Become a Growth Industry.
I met Bernard Brown about 8 years ago at a National Consumer Law convention. My initial impression was that he's one of the brightest and most creative (in a good way) attorneys that I've ever met. It's nice to see he's being recognized.
Automotive News, a publication aimed at car dealers, published a profile of Kansas City Missouri based consumer attorney Bernard Brown.
Automotive News (free registration required)
The title of the article: Suing Dealers has Become a Growth Industry.
I met Bernard Brown about 8 years ago at a National Consumer Law convention. My initial impression was that he's one of the brightest and most creative (in a good way) attorneys that I've ever met. It's nice to see he's being recognized.
Thursday, October 16, 2003
The hidden costs of Electronics Disposal
This San Jose Mercury News article describes the poor working conditions of Aisian workers who disassemble old electronics equipment. This is just another example of how Globalism and the "race to the bottom" is affecting the world in which we live.
Welcome to the Mercury News on Bayarea.com
I recall from basic economics that for supply and demand to reach an optimal level of production of a type of goods, all the costs of the goods must be internalized into the goods. Right now, for many of our products, the cost are extenralized. For elelectronic goods, it is the disposal costs. For automobiles, it is the pollution and the risk that larger vehicles impose on the smaller ones. Legislatively, we need to be more creative about bringing these costs into the costs of the goods. As consumers and voters, we need to be more honest and compassionate, and we need to be willing to pay these true costs and not look for a free lunch.
For electronics, this means that there should be a disposal fee assessed at the point of purchase. For cars, we should pay a carbon tax that can be directed towards conservation efforts and alternative energy technology.
This San Jose Mercury News article describes the poor working conditions of Aisian workers who disassemble old electronics equipment. This is just another example of how Globalism and the "race to the bottom" is affecting the world in which we live.
Welcome to the Mercury News on Bayarea.com
I recall from basic economics that for supply and demand to reach an optimal level of production of a type of goods, all the costs of the goods must be internalized into the goods. Right now, for many of our products, the cost are extenralized. For elelectronic goods, it is the disposal costs. For automobiles, it is the pollution and the risk that larger vehicles impose on the smaller ones. Legislatively, we need to be more creative about bringing these costs into the costs of the goods. As consumers and voters, we need to be more honest and compassionate, and we need to be willing to pay these true costs and not look for a free lunch.
For electronics, this means that there should be a disposal fee assessed at the point of purchase. For cars, we should pay a carbon tax that can be directed towards conservation efforts and alternative energy technology.
Working Woman's 100 Best Companies to Work for includes Corporate Sleezeballs
Working Woman magazine released its annual list of the best 100 companies to work for for working mothers. As usual, a number of ethically challenged corporations made the list, including alleged predatory lenders Household International, Citifinancial, and Wells Fargo.
WorkingMother
Every time I see this list, I think of the episode of the Simpsons where Homer gets the ideal job in the ideal setting, but he just happens to be working for a James Bond-type super villian.
Working Woman magazine released its annual list of the best 100 companies to work for for working mothers. As usual, a number of ethically challenged corporations made the list, including alleged predatory lenders Household International, Citifinancial, and Wells Fargo.
WorkingMother
Every time I see this list, I think of the episode of the Simpsons where Homer gets the ideal job in the ideal setting, but he just happens to be working for a James Bond-type super villian.
Shockjocks target bicyclists
This wire story discusses how there is a trend for shock jocks to target bicyclists for violence. The jocks encourage listeners to throw bottles at the cyclists and run them off the road.
Having been hit by a beer bottle & run off the road down a dirt embankment, I am stunned that these idiots don't understand what they are doing is equivalent to advocating lynching.
Now, I'm the last guy in the world to defend Rush Limbaugh, but I'd like to know why these other idiots don't get half the flak for advocating assault with a deadly weapon as Rush received for criticizing a football player.
Hostility of shock jocks concerns many bicyclists
This wire story discusses how there is a trend for shock jocks to target bicyclists for violence. The jocks encourage listeners to throw bottles at the cyclists and run them off the road.
Having been hit by a beer bottle & run off the road down a dirt embankment, I am stunned that these idiots don't understand what they are doing is equivalent to advocating lynching.
Now, I'm the last guy in the world to defend Rush Limbaugh, but I'd like to know why these other idiots don't get half the flak for advocating assault with a deadly weapon as Rush received for criticizing a football player.
Hostility of shock jocks concerns many bicyclists
Wednesday, October 15, 2003
Wisdom from 9 months ago
With various presidential candidates waffling regarding what they would have and wouldn't have supported in Iraq, I find it interesting that one democratic statesman was crystal clear to the point of being prophetic. In a Op-ed piece dated January 31, 2003, former President Jimmy Carter dismissed claims of weapons of mass distruction. Certainly, in retrospect he is persuasive in the arguments against US military action in IRAQ.
t r u t h o u t - Jimmy Carter | An Alternative to War
With various presidential candidates waffling regarding what they would have and wouldn't have supported in Iraq, I find it interesting that one democratic statesman was crystal clear to the point of being prophetic. In a Op-ed piece dated January 31, 2003, former President Jimmy Carter dismissed claims of weapons of mass distruction. Certainly, in retrospect he is persuasive in the arguments against US military action in IRAQ.
t r u t h o u t - Jimmy Carter | An Alternative to War
Tuesday, October 14, 2003
From New York Times - Not-for-Profit Credit Counselors Targets of IRS inquiry.
Not-for-Profit Credit Counselors Are Targets of an I.R.S. Inquiry
It's about time! I've had several cases where my clients, in an effort to pay bills got involved with various "credit counselors".
What's told the consumer is totally different than what the paperwork says. The consumer is surprised to find out that the first month's payment goes to the counseling service and not to the creditors - therefore accounts that are current go into default, and those that are a little delinquent become very delinquent.
The consumers aren't told - but it's buried in the paperwork - that the counseling service receives a kickback (my word) payment from the creditors in addition to what the consumers pay. They call this a "fair share" payment. I call it double-dipping. I also call it a conflict of interest.
One of the core principles of agency law is that the agent owes a duty of loyalty to the master. The credit counselor has a conflict of interest, being both an escrow agent and advisor for the consumer, and a collection agent for the creditor, a collection agent that gets paid based on how much it can funnel into the creditor's coffers.
Here's an interesting quote from the NYT story regarding the corruption in the industry in these supposedly "not-for-profit" counselors:
Not-for-Profit Credit Counselors Are Targets of an I.R.S. Inquiry
Published: October 14, 2003
Over the last three years, AmeriDebt has paid $75 million to have its customers' accounts managed by companies owned by Andris Pukke, the husband of its founder, Pamela Shuster, and a former officer.
AmeriDebt said "it would cost millions of dollars to invest in the same technology and personnel that are available at less cost from vendors."
Mr. Pukke, 34, left AmeriDebt three years ago, the company said, and has since had no affiliation with it.
Cambridge Credit manages its own accounts. But it pays much of its revenues to for-profit companies owned by its founders, John and Richard Puccio, who are brothers.
Tax returns show that it paid millions during its fiscal year ended July 31, 2002, to a debt-referral company owned by John Puccio.
Cambridge also paid the brothers $984,000 last year toward its $14.1 million purchase of two other for-profit credit counseling companies that the Puccios founded. The sale price, said Cambridge's lawyer, Paul Kaplan, was independently reviewed and approved by the accounting firms BDO Seidman and KPMG. Cambridge said that its executives' salaries had also been reviewed and approved by an outside firm. John and Richard Puccio earn six-figure salaries from either Cambridge or two related companies, adding up to more than $500,000 a year for each, according to tax returns.
Last year, a report by a Massachusetts Senate committee expressed concern about Richard Puccio, noting that the Securities and Exchange Commission barred him for five years from the securities industry in 1996 for "engaging in high-pressure, fraudulent sales tactics in utter disregard of his obligations to customers and their welfare."
If you do some research on credit counselors, here are a few websites to check out in general:
www.bayhouse.com
www.creditcourt.com
www.badbusinessbureau.com
Not-for-Profit Credit Counselors Are Targets of an I.R.S. Inquiry
It's about time! I've had several cases where my clients, in an effort to pay bills got involved with various "credit counselors".
What's told the consumer is totally different than what the paperwork says. The consumer is surprised to find out that the first month's payment goes to the counseling service and not to the creditors - therefore accounts that are current go into default, and those that are a little delinquent become very delinquent.
The consumers aren't told - but it's buried in the paperwork - that the counseling service receives a kickback (my word) payment from the creditors in addition to what the consumers pay. They call this a "fair share" payment. I call it double-dipping. I also call it a conflict of interest.
One of the core principles of agency law is that the agent owes a duty of loyalty to the master. The credit counselor has a conflict of interest, being both an escrow agent and advisor for the consumer, and a collection agent for the creditor, a collection agent that gets paid based on how much it can funnel into the creditor's coffers.
Here's an interesting quote from the NYT story regarding the corruption in the industry in these supposedly "not-for-profit" counselors:
Not-for-Profit Credit Counselors Are Targets of an I.R.S. Inquiry
Published: October 14, 2003
Over the last three years, AmeriDebt has paid $75 million to have its customers' accounts managed by companies owned by Andris Pukke, the husband of its founder, Pamela Shuster, and a former officer.
AmeriDebt said "it would cost millions of dollars to invest in the same technology and personnel that are available at less cost from vendors."
Mr. Pukke, 34, left AmeriDebt three years ago, the company said, and has since had no affiliation with it.
Cambridge Credit manages its own accounts. But it pays much of its revenues to for-profit companies owned by its founders, John and Richard Puccio, who are brothers.
Tax returns show that it paid millions during its fiscal year ended July 31, 2002, to a debt-referral company owned by John Puccio.
Cambridge also paid the brothers $984,000 last year toward its $14.1 million purchase of two other for-profit credit counseling companies that the Puccios founded. The sale price, said Cambridge's lawyer, Paul Kaplan, was independently reviewed and approved by the accounting firms BDO Seidman and KPMG. Cambridge said that its executives' salaries had also been reviewed and approved by an outside firm. John and Richard Puccio earn six-figure salaries from either Cambridge or two related companies, adding up to more than $500,000 a year for each, according to tax returns.
Last year, a report by a Massachusetts Senate committee expressed concern about Richard Puccio, noting that the Securities and Exchange Commission barred him for five years from the securities industry in 1996 for "engaging in high-pressure, fraudulent sales tactics in utter disregard of his obligations to customers and their welfare."
If you do some research on credit counselors, here are a few websites to check out in general:
www.bayhouse.com
www.creditcourt.com
www.badbusinessbureau.com
Thursday, October 09, 2003
Elton John's Midi Cafe
I just stumbled upon this site. It includes excellent original midi files of a variety of Elton John songs including B-sides and album cuts that are obscure to non-fans. The most interestingthing about this site is that the proprietor - listed as "glenboy" disects the song and explains each song from a music theory perspective. He also includes charts for several of the orchestrated parts.
Elton John's Midi Cafe
I just stumbled upon this site. It includes excellent original midi files of a variety of Elton John songs including B-sides and album cuts that are obscure to non-fans. The most interestingthing about this site is that the proprietor - listed as "glenboy" disects the song and explains each song from a music theory perspective. He also includes charts for several of the orchestrated parts.
Elton John's Midi Cafe
Long term test - 2004 Toyota Sienna
From a purely objective standpoint, here's a vehicle with more practical value than the Chrysler Pacifica. More room, similar features, similar or better performance, 20% better fuel economy. A lot cheaper. In other words, a minivan, but a relatively advanced one.
2004 Toyota Sienna specs, auto safety at Edmunds
From a purely objective standpoint, here's a vehicle with more practical value than the Chrysler Pacifica. More room, similar features, similar or better performance, 20% better fuel economy. A lot cheaper. In other words, a minivan, but a relatively advanced one.
2004 Toyota Sienna specs, auto safety at Edmunds
Long term test - 2004 Toyota Sienna
From a purely objective standpoint, here's a vehicle with more practical value than the Chrysler Pacifica. More room, similar features, similar or better performance, 20% better fuel economy. A lot cheaper. In other words, a minivan, but a relatively advanced one.
2004 Toyota Sienna specs, auto safety at Edmunds
From a purely objective standpoint, here's a vehicle with more practical value than the Chrysler Pacifica. More room, similar features, similar or better performance, 20% better fuel economy. A lot cheaper. In other words, a minivan, but a relatively advanced one.
2004 Toyota Sienna specs, auto safety at Edmunds
Chrysler Pacifica - An answer to a question not asked?
I don't get this vehicle. You give it the low stance of a sedan, the seats of a minivan, the weight and the price tag of a luxury SUV. You take away cargo space, fuel economy, performance and off-road ability. Who is this vehicle aimed at? Will I ever be that old? Do I have to listen to Celine Dion?
2004 Chrysler Pacifica specs, auto safety at Edmunds
I don't get this vehicle. You give it the low stance of a sedan, the seats of a minivan, the weight and the price tag of a luxury SUV. You take away cargo space, fuel economy, performance and off-road ability. Who is this vehicle aimed at? Will I ever be that old? Do I have to listen to Celine Dion?
2004 Chrysler Pacifica specs, auto safety at Edmunds
Did the UAW really get organizing concessions from DaimlerChrysler?
The New York Times article below (free registration required) suggest that the press releases re concessions on organizing the Mercedes and Freightliner plants were exaggerated at best. I think there will be more on this story later. . .
Union Organizing Remains Muddled in Chrysler Pact
The New York Times article below (free registration required) suggest that the press releases re concessions on organizing the Mercedes and Freightliner plants were exaggerated at best. I think there will be more on this story later. . .
Union Organizing Remains Muddled in Chrysler Pact
Chrysler 300C
Chrysler just released the first official pictures and information of its production-version 300C. The car continues the recent trend towards heavy, blunt and bloated DC vehicles with Mercedes content. The old car managed good performance with a V-6 engine thanks to its moderate weight and front-drive layout. The new version is heavy, rear-wheeled drive and blunt. The top-engine is a 340 hp V-8.
I suspect that the new 300C will continue the DC trend towards vehicles with lower fuel efficiency than the models that they replace. Note, DC was among the automakers that told Congress that they can't meet modest CAFE increases. Gee, lets see, you replace an aerodynamic 250 hp 3500 lb car with one that weighs 4000 lbs, has the wind profile of a truck, and put a 340 hp v-6 in it. Do you really think you're trying very hard?
The Car Connection [ The Web's Automotive Authority ]
Chrysler just released the first official pictures and information of its production-version 300C. The car continues the recent trend towards heavy, blunt and bloated DC vehicles with Mercedes content. The old car managed good performance with a V-6 engine thanks to its moderate weight and front-drive layout. The new version is heavy, rear-wheeled drive and blunt. The top-engine is a 340 hp V-8.
I suspect that the new 300C will continue the DC trend towards vehicles with lower fuel efficiency than the models that they replace. Note, DC was among the automakers that told Congress that they can't meet modest CAFE increases. Gee, lets see, you replace an aerodynamic 250 hp 3500 lb car with one that weighs 4000 lbs, has the wind profile of a truck, and put a 340 hp v-6 in it. Do you really think you're trying very hard?
The Car Connection [ The Web's Automotive Authority ]
Wednesday, October 08, 2003
Collective Bargaining Basics
Things every union member (and non-members) should know. Ok, I admit that I've only read part of this. I intend to get around to it RSN (Real Soon Now).
If you are a delegate in Orlando - it would be good to know this stuff.
Collective Bargaining FAQs
Things every union member (and non-members) should know. Ok, I admit that I've only read part of this. I intend to get around to it RSN (Real Soon Now).
If you are a delegate in Orlando - it would be good to know this stuff.
Collective Bargaining FAQs
Household International and Conspiracy theory
Well if you p*** off enough barely functioning people, you're bound to end up linked to the grand consiracy theory. With the billions of dollars that Household brings in, it's not surprising that some of that is linked to a number of evil enterprises,whether those links are real or imagined. Here's a site that claims that Household is the successor to the CIA's infamous Nugan Hand Bank. Is this legiit? How would I know? I didn't write it, I just linked to it!
CONSPIRACY UNVEILED - August 23-26 (aug23unv.htm)
Well if you p*** off enough barely functioning people, you're bound to end up linked to the grand consiracy theory. With the billions of dollars that Household brings in, it's not surprising that some of that is linked to a number of evil enterprises,whether those links are real or imagined. Here's a site that claims that Household is the successor to the CIA's infamous Nugan Hand Bank. Is this legiit? How would I know? I didn't write it, I just linked to it!
CONSPIRACY UNVEILED - August 23-26 (aug23unv.htm)
Old Press Release - 1998 Household International gives $5 million to Harvard Law School
Law School Receives $5M Gift from Household International Inc.
So I'm sitting here at my desk working on half a dozen cases by consumers who think they've been ripped off by Household Internationa, people who were clued in by the attorney general settlement. I'm working on a HOEPA rescission letter, and when I do a Google.com search, this pops up.
(Here's a tip - if you're looking at these loans - don't assume that their calculation of "points" is correct. Also look for appraisal fees and closing fees to IRE and IRES. Read the NCLC Truth in Lending manual.)
I wonder how many widows and orphans had their homes stolen so Household could add to Harvards multi-billion dollar endowment fund?
Law School Receives $5M Gift from Household International Inc.
So I'm sitting here at my desk working on half a dozen cases by consumers who think they've been ripped off by Household Internationa, people who were clued in by the attorney general settlement. I'm working on a HOEPA rescission letter, and when I do a Google.com search, this pops up.
(Here's a tip - if you're looking at these loans - don't assume that their calculation of "points" is correct. Also look for appraisal fees and closing fees to IRE and IRES. Read the NCLC Truth in Lending manual.)
I wonder how many widows and orphans had their homes stolen so Household could add to Harvards multi-billion dollar endowment fund?
Same Sex Domestic Partner Benefits & the UAW contract
We just received notice that many if not all of the recent UAW contracts just signed provide for UAW-LSP benefits for same sex domestic partners. I don't know if this extends to all of their benefits.
The Real California Governor's Race
With all the talk about Arnold beating Bustamonte, not enough attention is given to th real race. The race for dignity among the also-rans.
Here's the interesting part:
Arianna Huffington 42,227
Peter V. Ueberroth 21,561
Larry Flynt 15,112
Gary Coleman 12,514
Huffington virtually doubled Ueberroth even though Huffington dropped out. Still think you were a serious candidate Pete? Larry squeaked by Gary.
In the race for affirmation at the bottom, among the candidates that I have, here are the results:
Gene Forte 190
Todd Richard Lewis 171
Todd has nothing to be ashamed of though, I don't know if I could get 171 people to vote for me. On a vote-per-dollar spent basis, I suspect that he was right up there with the big boys.
Election Results
We just received notice that many if not all of the recent UAW contracts just signed provide for UAW-LSP benefits for same sex domestic partners. I don't know if this extends to all of their benefits.
The Real California Governor's Race
With all the talk about Arnold beating Bustamonte, not enough attention is given to th real race. The race for dignity among the also-rans.
Here's the interesting part:
Arianna Huffington 42,227
Peter V. Ueberroth 21,561
Larry Flynt 15,112
Gary Coleman 12,514
Huffington virtually doubled Ueberroth even though Huffington dropped out. Still think you were a serious candidate Pete? Larry squeaked by Gary.
In the race for affirmation at the bottom, among the candidates that I have, here are the results:
Gene Forte 190
Todd Richard Lewis 171
Todd has nothing to be ashamed of though, I don't know if I could get 171 people to vote for me. On a vote-per-dollar spent basis, I suspect that he was right up there with the big boys.
Election Results
Tuesday, October 07, 2003
Joseph Wilson
Former Ambassador Joseph Wilson has been on the air a lot lately talking about the outing of his wife as a former CIA agent. My impression from listening to him is that he is articulate and is justifiably mad at the tenant-in-chief and his minions. He's also full of himself. What I can't figure out is whether he comes off as being full of himself because (1) he wants to convince us of his credibility on the issues in question, or (2) he's just full of himself.
Googleteer(tm) search - "Joseph Wilson" and "publicity hound"
8 hits
Is the "Futura" of Ford in Mexico?
Ford confirmed that it will be building the upcoming Futura sedan in Mexico. The Futura is an indirect replacement for the Taurus. I say indirect because Ford intends to keep building the Taurus for a while at least after Futura production begins.
Ford plans to build up to 400,000 Futura sedans in Mexico and 200,000 "sport wagons" in Canada.
All of this, of course, angers those with vested interests in Atlanta Georgia, where the Taurus and Sable are built. Ford has no plans for the Atlanta Factory after Taurus production ends. This is interesting because Ford has issued numerous press releases over the years touting the efficiency of the Atlanta facility.
I wonder how many Futuras they'll sell in Mexico?
News: Ford to Shift Planned New Atlanta Production to Canada and Mexico
Former Ambassador Joseph Wilson has been on the air a lot lately talking about the outing of his wife as a former CIA agent. My impression from listening to him is that he is articulate and is justifiably mad at the tenant-in-chief and his minions. He's also full of himself. What I can't figure out is whether he comes off as being full of himself because (1) he wants to convince us of his credibility on the issues in question, or (2) he's just full of himself.
Googleteer(tm) search - "Joseph Wilson" and "publicity hound"
8 hits
Is the "Futura" of Ford in Mexico?
Ford confirmed that it will be building the upcoming Futura sedan in Mexico. The Futura is an indirect replacement for the Taurus. I say indirect because Ford intends to keep building the Taurus for a while at least after Futura production begins.
Ford plans to build up to 400,000 Futura sedans in Mexico and 200,000 "sport wagons" in Canada.
All of this, of course, angers those with vested interests in Atlanta Georgia, where the Taurus and Sable are built. Ford has no plans for the Atlanta Factory after Taurus production ends. This is interesting because Ford has issued numerous press releases over the years touting the efficiency of the Atlanta facility.
I wonder how many Futuras they'll sell in Mexico?
News: Ford to Shift Planned New Atlanta Production to Canada and Mexico
Monday, October 06, 2003
Single Payor Health Care - Myths and Facts
Alice in Universal Health-Care Land: Myths and Facts
How is this important to us and to the auto industry. Consider this: if all the retirees had health care sponsored by the government, these "legacy costs" wouldn't have to be born by the few remaining active auto workers, and the US companies wouldn't be at such a competitive disadvantage.
I heard ten years ago, though I don't have anything to back it up, that representatives from both the auto-manufacturers and the unions were initially part of the coalition working with Hillary Clinton on the Clinton Health Plan, put after the plan was roughed out, they switched sides and worked against the plan.
That being said, what shaped up as the Clinton plan then was not single payor health coverage, and I'm not even sure that Ms. Clinton was too happy with the results.
Alice in Universal Health-Care Land: Myths and Facts
How is this important to us and to the auto industry. Consider this: if all the retirees had health care sponsored by the government, these "legacy costs" wouldn't have to be born by the few remaining active auto workers, and the US companies wouldn't be at such a competitive disadvantage.
I heard ten years ago, though I don't have anything to back it up, that representatives from both the auto-manufacturers and the unions were initially part of the coalition working with Hillary Clinton on the Clinton Health Plan, put after the plan was roughed out, they switched sides and worked against the plan.
That being said, what shaped up as the Clinton plan then was not single payor health coverage, and I'm not even sure that Ms. Clinton was too happy with the results.
Jane Bryant Quinn on Fake Medical Insurance and other ripoffs
Is Your Health Plan Crooked?
It's astounding how many holes there are in our healthcare safety net. I first became interested in the problems with our health care financing system when I had not one, but two employers (small businesses) cancel my health insurance without telling the employees. More than a decade now, states are still preempted by ERISA in mandating insurer notification of employees in ERISA policies, and Indiana doesn't require group carriers to notify the group members in non-ERISA plans.
Is Your Health Plan Crooked?
It's astounding how many holes there are in our healthcare safety net. I first became interested in the problems with our health care financing system when I had not one, but two employers (small businesses) cancel my health insurance without telling the employees. More than a decade now, states are still preempted by ERISA in mandating insurer notification of employees in ERISA policies, and Indiana doesn't require group carriers to notify the group members in non-ERISA plans.
Edmunds' Review - Ford Freestar
Here's a link to the edmunds.com review of the Ford Freestar
The Car Connection [ The Web's Automotive Authority ]
Even though the Ford Windstar was on the market for more than a decade, Ford never fully redesigned it. (I guess Ford was too busy buying Volvo & Jaguar etc.) Now Ford has come out with the Freestar, a moderately facelifted Windstar with a new name.
Instead of competing with the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna, the Freestar's closest competitor actually appears to be the rear-wheeled drive Chevy Astro and GMC Safari, with an emphasis on low-end torque and towing ability. Kind of a narrow niche if you ask me. Since the fuel economy of the Ford minivan has gone down with the redesign, it's running smack-dab into the niche of its best-selling comrade, the Explorer.
Here's a link to the edmunds.com review of the Ford Freestar
The Car Connection [ The Web's Automotive Authority ]
Even though the Ford Windstar was on the market for more than a decade, Ford never fully redesigned it. (I guess Ford was too busy buying Volvo & Jaguar etc.) Now Ford has come out with the Freestar, a moderately facelifted Windstar with a new name.
Instead of competing with the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna, the Freestar's closest competitor actually appears to be the rear-wheeled drive Chevy Astro and GMC Safari, with an emphasis on low-end torque and towing ability. Kind of a narrow niche if you ask me. Since the fuel economy of the Ford minivan has gone down with the redesign, it's running smack-dab into the niche of its best-selling comrade, the Explorer.
Friday, October 03, 2003
Midsize Wars - Take TWO
MAZDA6
"Long Term" reports are now in on last year's prime family sedan contender, the Mazda6.
2003 Mazda 6 specs, auto safety at Edmunds
Even though it is a Mazda, this is a UAW-Built car, built in a joint venture factory with Ford in Flat Rock Michigan.
I test-drove a Mazda6 last year right after they came out, and right after I signed an order for a new Volkswagen Passat. Actually, I drove three both manual and automatic-equipped four cylinders, and a manual-equipped six. I liked the Mazda6, but I think I made the right decision for me. The Volkswagen Passat is the car that I wish the US automakers would build, and I don't want to send them a signal that what they are building is right by buying something that's not quite what I'm looking for. As for wage equity, yada yada, all I can say is that my Volkswagen was built in Germany by Unionized workers that make more than I do. I don't think this is the kind of globalism that we need to worry about. As I think about it, if I hadn't have gotten the Passat, I probably would have gotten the Mazda.
The Mazda6 has more personality than the Accord and the Camry. It blows the other domestics away. It handles tightly and confidently. Inside, it seems more cozy than its specifications would suggest. The four cylinder doesn't set the world on fire but is adequate. It is not nearly as fun as the turbo4 in my Passat which has quite a kick with the manual transmission. The Passat also beats the Mazda on fuel economy. I'm averaging over 28 mpg for mixed driving in the Passat. Actually, I should say my wife is, since she's the one that drives it most of the time. The six cylinder Mazda is fun to ride, but I don't want to have to feed it every day.
The red instruments in the Mazda are pretty cool, but not quite as cool as the red on blue of the Passat (with a trip computer), or for that matter, the white to green instruments of the Dodge Stratus. All Passats come with six airbags. You have to jump through hoops to get six airbags on most of the competition.
Since no dramatic systematic reliability flaws have shown themselves over the past year in the Mazda6, I can recommend the Mazda6 if you are looking for something fun yet practical to drive to work. I'm told that sales are below expectations, so you may be able to deal significantly in price.
MAZDA6
"Long Term" reports are now in on last year's prime family sedan contender, the Mazda6.
2003 Mazda 6 specs, auto safety at Edmunds
Even though it is a Mazda, this is a UAW-Built car, built in a joint venture factory with Ford in Flat Rock Michigan.
I test-drove a Mazda6 last year right after they came out, and right after I signed an order for a new Volkswagen Passat. Actually, I drove three both manual and automatic-equipped four cylinders, and a manual-equipped six. I liked the Mazda6, but I think I made the right decision for me. The Volkswagen Passat is the car that I wish the US automakers would build, and I don't want to send them a signal that what they are building is right by buying something that's not quite what I'm looking for. As for wage equity, yada yada, all I can say is that my Volkswagen was built in Germany by Unionized workers that make more than I do. I don't think this is the kind of globalism that we need to worry about. As I think about it, if I hadn't have gotten the Passat, I probably would have gotten the Mazda.
The Mazda6 has more personality than the Accord and the Camry. It blows the other domestics away. It handles tightly and confidently. Inside, it seems more cozy than its specifications would suggest. The four cylinder doesn't set the world on fire but is adequate. It is not nearly as fun as the turbo4 in my Passat which has quite a kick with the manual transmission. The Passat also beats the Mazda on fuel economy. I'm averaging over 28 mpg for mixed driving in the Passat. Actually, I should say my wife is, since she's the one that drives it most of the time. The six cylinder Mazda is fun to ride, but I don't want to have to feed it every day.
The red instruments in the Mazda are pretty cool, but not quite as cool as the red on blue of the Passat (with a trip computer), or for that matter, the white to green instruments of the Dodge Stratus. All Passats come with six airbags. You have to jump through hoops to get six airbags on most of the competition.
Since no dramatic systematic reliability flaws have shown themselves over the past year in the Mazda6, I can recommend the Mazda6 if you are looking for something fun yet practical to drive to work. I'm told that sales are below expectations, so you may be able to deal significantly in price.
Midsize Wars - take One
2004 Chevy Malibu
The first reviews are in on the 2004 Chevy Malibu, which should be hitting the dealers about as you read this. Generally the reviews are good.
MARK PHELAN: '04 Malibu can trade punches with Accord
Chevy needs a hit. Still, it's a very competitive segment. I'm looking forward to driving a Malibu. Over the next few weeks I hope to pick up my car commentary concerning cars that we can (and sometimes can't) drive to work -- if you know what I mean.
Let me preface by saying that I'm Huffingtonian in my opinion of SUVs. I suspect that the average SUV owner spends more just on the difference between an SUV and a normal sensible vehicle than that person puts into his/her 401(k).
I talk to several hundred autoworkers every year who are considering bankruptcy. Virtually all of them make 50-100k per year, plus whatever their spouses' make, and the majority of them have truck & SUV payments that they can't afford.
Here's Hof's rule regarding SUV's and personal finance:
If you haven't put at least $3000 of your own money into your 401(k) this year, you can't afford an SUV.
When you think about it, you'll know I'm right.
2004 Chevy Malibu
The first reviews are in on the 2004 Chevy Malibu, which should be hitting the dealers about as you read this. Generally the reviews are good.
MARK PHELAN: '04 Malibu can trade punches with Accord
Chevy needs a hit. Still, it's a very competitive segment. I'm looking forward to driving a Malibu. Over the next few weeks I hope to pick up my car commentary concerning cars that we can (and sometimes can't) drive to work -- if you know what I mean.
Let me preface by saying that I'm Huffingtonian in my opinion of SUVs. I suspect that the average SUV owner spends more just on the difference between an SUV and a normal sensible vehicle than that person puts into his/her 401(k).
I talk to several hundred autoworkers every year who are considering bankruptcy. Virtually all of them make 50-100k per year, plus whatever their spouses' make, and the majority of them have truck & SUV payments that they can't afford.
Here's Hof's rule regarding SUV's and personal finance:
If you haven't put at least $3000 of your own money into your 401(k) this year, you can't afford an SUV.
When you think about it, you'll know I'm right.
Thursday, October 02, 2003
Association of Legal Aid Attorneys - UAW LOCAL 2325
This a link that I've been meaning to post for some time, and for whatever reason, it's been put off.
UAW Local 2325 represents Legal Aid attorneys in New York City. Their contract is posted on their website, but not their salary schedule.
The Association of Legal Aid Attorneys
This a link that I've been meaning to post for some time, and for whatever reason, it's been put off.
UAW Local 2325 represents Legal Aid attorneys in New York City. Their contract is posted on their website, but not their salary schedule.
The Association of Legal Aid Attorneys
SCREEN IT! - Detailed information on current release movies for Parents
Sometimes MPAA ratings like R, PG-13 etc. aren't enough. Screen it! gives detailed information so you can see if a movie is suitable for YOUR child.
SCREEN IT! MOVIE REVIEWS (CURRENT TITLES)
Sometimes MPAA ratings like R, PG-13 etc. aren't enough. Screen it! gives detailed information so you can see if a movie is suitable for YOUR child.
SCREEN IT! MOVIE REVIEWS (CURRENT TITLES)
Saving the Alien Children - The Battle of Freedom Ridge
By popular request, here's my link to the installment of Glenn Campbell's "Desert Rat" (a blog before there were blogs) describing the hearing in Las Vegas in March 1994. The truth was stranger than fiction that evening folks. Here's part of the testimony of "Moe".
GOD SAY TO MOHAMMED, 'HAVE YOU EVER HEARD ABOUT THE ESTER OF ALCOHOL AND ANGELS? HAVE YOU EVER HEARD ABOUT THAT?' THEY GO TO HIM AND SAY HI. THE ANSWER MOHAMMED TOLD THEM, 'YOU ARE VERY STRANGE PEOPLE.' ALIENS!
ABRAHAM TOLD THEM COME TO EAT. THEY REFUSE TO EAT. THAT WEAPON WHAT THE ALIEN EAT. IN THE MOMENT, ABRAHAM GOD SAW IN FRONT OF HIM. HE SAY ABRAHAM, 'DON'T BE AFRAID. WE ARE HERE TO TELL YOU THAT YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE A VERY INTELLIGENT SON. IN THE NAME OF YOUR NATION. IN THE NAME OF YOUR NATION.'
ABRAHAM SAID, 'WHAT IS YOUR DUTY HERE?' TO THE ALIENS, 'WHAT IS YOUR DUTY HERE?' THE ANSWER, 'WE ARE HERE TO DESTROY THE BAD CRIME!'
[Points accusingly at BLM officers on the stage.]
THE TERRIBLE TRUTH! THE STONE RING OF STONE. THE STONE IS YOUR SUFFERING TO GOD, AND THERE'S A SPECIAL PART IN THERE FOR CRIMINALS!
[Points again at BLM.]
ALL ALIENS! ALL ALIENS! THE WORD OF GOD FIVE THOUSAND YEARS AGO. WE WANT TO SEE THE FREEDOM OF THOSE CAPTURED ALIENS, BECAUSE WE ARE HERE TO SAVE THE GOOD FROM THE BAD ONE MORE TIME.
FREEDOM, FREEDOM OF CAPTURED ALIENS! WE ARE HERE TO SAVE THE GOOD FROM BAAAD!
[Points again at BLM.]
FEAR IN YOUR GOD!
href="http://www.ufomind.com/area51/desert_rat/1994/rat_04.html">Groom Lake Desert Rat #4: "ALIEN"
For a more detailed perspective, check otu David Darlington's book, Area 51: The Dreamland Chronicles.
a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0805060405/102-8344472-2084103?v=glance">amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0805060405/102-8344472-2084103?v=glance
By popular request, here's my link to the installment of Glenn Campbell's "Desert Rat" (a blog before there were blogs) describing the hearing in Las Vegas in March 1994. The truth was stranger than fiction that evening folks. Here's part of the testimony of "Moe".
GOD SAY TO MOHAMMED, 'HAVE YOU EVER HEARD ABOUT THE ESTER OF ALCOHOL AND ANGELS? HAVE YOU EVER HEARD ABOUT THAT?' THEY GO TO HIM AND SAY HI. THE ANSWER MOHAMMED TOLD THEM, 'YOU ARE VERY STRANGE PEOPLE.' ALIENS!
ABRAHAM TOLD THEM COME TO EAT. THEY REFUSE TO EAT. THAT WEAPON WHAT THE ALIEN EAT. IN THE MOMENT, ABRAHAM GOD SAW IN FRONT OF HIM. HE SAY ABRAHAM, 'DON'T BE AFRAID. WE ARE HERE TO TELL YOU THAT YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE A VERY INTELLIGENT SON. IN THE NAME OF YOUR NATION. IN THE NAME OF YOUR NATION.'
ABRAHAM SAID, 'WHAT IS YOUR DUTY HERE?' TO THE ALIENS, 'WHAT IS YOUR DUTY HERE?' THE ANSWER, 'WE ARE HERE TO DESTROY THE BAD CRIME!'
[Points accusingly at BLM officers on the stage.]
THE TERRIBLE TRUTH! THE STONE RING OF STONE. THE STONE IS YOUR SUFFERING TO GOD, AND THERE'S A SPECIAL PART IN THERE FOR CRIMINALS!
[Points again at BLM.]
ALL ALIENS! ALL ALIENS! THE WORD OF GOD FIVE THOUSAND YEARS AGO. WE WANT TO SEE THE FREEDOM OF THOSE CAPTURED ALIENS, BECAUSE WE ARE HERE TO SAVE THE GOOD FROM THE BAD ONE MORE TIME.
FREEDOM, FREEDOM OF CAPTURED ALIENS! WE ARE HERE TO SAVE THE GOOD FROM BAAAD!
[Points again at BLM.]
FEAR IN YOUR GOD!
href="http://www.ufomind.com/area51/desert_rat/1994/rat_04.html">Groom Lake Desert Rat #4: "ALIEN"
For a more detailed perspective, check otu David Darlington's book, Area 51: The Dreamland Chronicles.
a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0805060405/102-8344472-2084103?v=glance">amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0805060405/102-8344472-2084103?v=glance
Saving the Alien Children - The Battle of Freedom Ridge
By popular request, here's my link to the installment of Glenn Campbell's "Desert Rat" (a blog before there were blogs) describing the hearing in Las Vegas in March 1994. The truth was stranger than fiction that evening folks. Here's part of the testimony of "Moe".
GOD SAY TO MOHAMMED, 'HAVE YOU EVER HEARD ABOUT THE ESTER OF ALCOHOL AND ANGELS? HAVE YOU EVER HEARD ABOUT THAT?' THEY GO TO HIM AND SAY HI. THE ANSWER MOHAMMED TOLD THEM, 'YOU ARE VERY STRANGE PEOPLE.' ALIENS!
ABRAHAM TOLD THEM COME TO EAT. THEY REFUSE TO EAT. THAT WEAPON WHAT THE ALIEN EAT. IN THE MOMENT, ABRAHAM GOD SAW IN FRONT OF HIM. HE SAY ABRAHAM, 'DON'T BE AFRAID. WE ARE HERE TO TELL YOU THAT YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE A VERY INTELLIGENT SON. IN THE NAME OF YOUR NATION. IN THE NAME OF YOUR NATION.'
ABRAHAM SAID, 'WHAT IS YOUR DUTY HERE?' TO THE ALIENS, 'WHAT IS YOUR DUTY HERE?' THE ANSWER, 'WE ARE HERE TO DESTROY THE BAD CRIME!'
[Points accusingly at BLM officers on the stage.]
THE TERRIBLE TRUTH! THE STONE RING OF STONE. THE STONE IS YOUR SUFFERING TO GOD, AND THERE'S A SPECIAL PART IN THERE FOR CRIMINALS!
[Points again at BLM.]
ALL ALIENS! ALL ALIENS! THE WORD OF GOD FIVE THOUSAND YEARS AGO. WE WANT TO SEE THE FREEDOM OF THOSE CAPTURED ALIENS, BECAUSE WE ARE HERE TO SAVE THE GOOD FROM THE BAD ONE MORE TIME.
FREEDOM, FREEDOM OF CAPTURED ALIENS! WE ARE HERE TO SAVE THE GOOD FROM BAAAD!
[Points again at BLM.]
FEAR IN YOUR GOD!
The whole issue of Desert Rat is below. The most interesting stuff is in the second half.
href="http://www.ufomind.com/area51/desert_rat/1994/rat_04.html">Groom Lake Desert Rat #4: "ALIEN"
For a more detailed perspective, check otu David Darlington's book, Area 51: The Dreamland Chronicles.
a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0805060405/102-8344472-2084103?v=glance">amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0805060405/102-8344472-2084103?v=glance
By popular request, here's my link to the installment of Glenn Campbell's "Desert Rat" (a blog before there were blogs) describing the hearing in Las Vegas in March 1994. The truth was stranger than fiction that evening folks. Here's part of the testimony of "Moe".
GOD SAY TO MOHAMMED, 'HAVE YOU EVER HEARD ABOUT THE ESTER OF ALCOHOL AND ANGELS? HAVE YOU EVER HEARD ABOUT THAT?' THEY GO TO HIM AND SAY HI. THE ANSWER MOHAMMED TOLD THEM, 'YOU ARE VERY STRANGE PEOPLE.' ALIENS!
ABRAHAM TOLD THEM COME TO EAT. THEY REFUSE TO EAT. THAT WEAPON WHAT THE ALIEN EAT. IN THE MOMENT, ABRAHAM GOD SAW IN FRONT OF HIM. HE SAY ABRAHAM, 'DON'T BE AFRAID. WE ARE HERE TO TELL YOU THAT YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE A VERY INTELLIGENT SON. IN THE NAME OF YOUR NATION. IN THE NAME OF YOUR NATION.'
ABRAHAM SAID, 'WHAT IS YOUR DUTY HERE?' TO THE ALIENS, 'WHAT IS YOUR DUTY HERE?' THE ANSWER, 'WE ARE HERE TO DESTROY THE BAD CRIME!'
[Points accusingly at BLM officers on the stage.]
THE TERRIBLE TRUTH! THE STONE RING OF STONE. THE STONE IS YOUR SUFFERING TO GOD, AND THERE'S A SPECIAL PART IN THERE FOR CRIMINALS!
[Points again at BLM.]
ALL ALIENS! ALL ALIENS! THE WORD OF GOD FIVE THOUSAND YEARS AGO. WE WANT TO SEE THE FREEDOM OF THOSE CAPTURED ALIENS, BECAUSE WE ARE HERE TO SAVE THE GOOD FROM THE BAD ONE MORE TIME.
FREEDOM, FREEDOM OF CAPTURED ALIENS! WE ARE HERE TO SAVE THE GOOD FROM BAAAD!
[Points again at BLM.]
FEAR IN YOUR GOD!
The whole issue of Desert Rat is below. The most interesting stuff is in the second half.
href="http://www.ufomind.com/area51/desert_rat/1994/rat_04.html">Groom Lake Desert Rat #4: "ALIEN"
For a more detailed perspective, check otu David Darlington's book, Area 51: The Dreamland Chronicles.
a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0805060405/102-8344472-2084103?v=glance">amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0805060405/102-8344472-2084103?v=glance
Will the last one on AOL turn out the lights - DSL Closes the gap again: SBC-Yahoo DSL minireview
Twelve years ago, when I moved into my (then) new home. I signed up for America Online. At that time, it was the best on-line service. The pre-loaded graphics and sounds added some pizzazz to the interface, and download time was acceptable for text even with my (gasp) 2400 baud modem. At 9600 baud, it was actually zippy. Through the special interest groups message boards, I met folks on line and enjoyed numerous discussions about esoteric things like the six degrees of Kevin Bacon and the mythical(?) Aurora spaceplane. I even got involved with "the Battle of Freedom Ridge" protesting the closing of public access to hills several miles from the Air Force base that didn't exist in Groom Lake Nevada, a base that became famous as "Area 51". But that's another story from another decade . . .
I just changed residences and I am changing on-line providers. I'm saying adios to AOL and aloha to SBC-Yahoo dsl. I never cared much for Ameritech, one of SBC's subsids. SBC did mess up my initial order, but so far the performance of the connection has been zippy. The Yahoo-enhanced interface does seem to add some value.
The kicker is the cost. I think AOL is now up to $23.99. I'm paying $29.99 for the SBC dsl. In addition to the difference in speed between the 50k (at best) aol connection and the 1250k (real world) speed of the SBC-Yahoo dsl, I don't tie up a phone line with the DSL. In addition to however many people I have connected over DSL, I can have up to two of my screennames (read - relatives) hooked up via dial-up from remote sites. You can't have more than one person online at a time per account with aol.
Here's the kicker, SBC-Yahoo just lowered the cost of their DSL to $26.99 per month. Unless you need the higher speed of cable modems (3megabits per second vs up to 1.5megabits per secondfor dsl), I urge you to take a look at the SBC-Yahoo dsl.
If you have AOL stock, why?
broadband » News » Dirt Cheap DSL? - SBC takes intro-offer lower still
Twelve years ago, when I moved into my (then) new home. I signed up for America Online. At that time, it was the best on-line service. The pre-loaded graphics and sounds added some pizzazz to the interface, and download time was acceptable for text even with my (gasp) 2400 baud modem. At 9600 baud, it was actually zippy. Through the special interest groups message boards, I met folks on line and enjoyed numerous discussions about esoteric things like the six degrees of Kevin Bacon and the mythical(?) Aurora spaceplane. I even got involved with "the Battle of Freedom Ridge" protesting the closing of public access to hills several miles from the Air Force base that didn't exist in Groom Lake Nevada, a base that became famous as "Area 51". But that's another story from another decade . . .
I just changed residences and I am changing on-line providers. I'm saying adios to AOL and aloha to SBC-Yahoo dsl. I never cared much for Ameritech, one of SBC's subsids. SBC did mess up my initial order, but so far the performance of the connection has been zippy. The Yahoo-enhanced interface does seem to add some value.
The kicker is the cost. I think AOL is now up to $23.99. I'm paying $29.99 for the SBC dsl. In addition to the difference in speed between the 50k (at best) aol connection and the 1250k (real world) speed of the SBC-Yahoo dsl, I don't tie up a phone line with the DSL. In addition to however many people I have connected over DSL, I can have up to two of my screennames (read - relatives) hooked up via dial-up from remote sites. You can't have more than one person online at a time per account with aol.
Here's the kicker, SBC-Yahoo just lowered the cost of their DSL to $26.99 per month. Unless you need the higher speed of cable modems (3megabits per second vs up to 1.5megabits per secondfor dsl), I urge you to take a look at the SBC-Yahoo dsl.
If you have AOL stock, why?
broadband » News » Dirt Cheap DSL? - SBC takes intro-offer lower still
Wednesday, October 01, 2003
How much is an attorney's experience worth?
The link below is to the U.S. Justice Department's "Laffey Matrix". This gives suggested rates that would be reasonable in fee shifting cases. These rates don't really have anything to do with what an employed attorney can expect as a salary, BUT notice that an attorney with 11-19 years experience is worth almost double an attorney with 1-3 years experience.
United States Attorney's Office, District of Columbia - Laffey Matrix
The link below is to the U.S. Justice Department's "Laffey Matrix". This gives suggested rates that would be reasonable in fee shifting cases. These rates don't really have anything to do with what an employed attorney can expect as a salary, BUT notice that an attorney with 11-19 years experience is worth almost double an attorney with 1-3 years experience.
United States Attorney's Office, District of Columbia - Laffey Matrix
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