This is an article written by Naomi Ragen, the prominent author. While it is long, it is quite readable and well worth the time. This was from her piece written in The Jerusalem Post, from today's paper. While I agree with much of what she writes, it was not my privilege to write it, only to pass it on. Hear her feelings, feel her heart break. Feel the sadness.
Back in the 1970s, I remember watching a television report about the civil war in Lebanon. Etched in my memory was an interview with a nameless woman who described how she lived when her street was surrounded by snipers picking off ordinary civilians at their whim.
Her words went something like this: We go out in the early morning, because at that time the snipers are still sleeping. And then in the heat of the day, because they are tired, she said matter-of-factly.
Her words struck me with horror not so much for their content, because after all what was the poor woman to do; she had to go out sometime to buy food for her family.
No, what chilled my bones was that this had become the new normal for her. She had accepted the situation, and it had become her way of life – with no recollection of any other way to live.
This, most of all, is the true danger of the current conflict between Israel and the brutal terrorists on her borders. As my son told me the other day, in reference to keeping my grandchildren occupied during the summer while rocket attacks and sirens were going off nonstop all over the country: “We’ve sort of gotten used to it.”
Let me preface what I am about to say by framing it in the following context: I think Israelis, including my son, are the bravest, most resourceful and intelligent people on earth; they are a generous, inventive, creative, kind, humane, life-loving people who are the least deserving of hatred of any nation on earth.
But I actually can think of many others on our small planet who deserve to be defamed, marched against, boycotted, hated and shunned.
People who play football with human heads (couldn’t believe my eyes). People who behead others and show it on YouTube. People who teach children to play at cutting off heads, then proudly upload the little darlings in the act with their sawing knives and headless dolls. People who rent out their 12-year-old daughters to jihadi rapists. People who throw acid in the faces of women who reject their advances. People who pull others off the street and execute them.
You get the picture. For the life of me, I don’t understand why they are not being targeted by the do-gooders and the outraged liberals. I don’t understand why for journalists, it is only news if there are Jews.
IN THE middle of personally going a bit nuts after a slew of funerals of the handsomest, kindest, most wonderful young men on earth, our IDF soldiers, I went on a long-planned holiday, a Baltic cruise which started out in Copenhagen and anchored in Helsinki, Stockholm, St. Petersburg and a few other stops I’ve already forgotten.
Walking through the streets of these peaceful European cities was a bit of a shock, at first. It was like getting reacquainted with sanity. All those blonds on bicycles in Denmark, the wind in their hair, adorable little babies in bicycle sidecars. People in outdoor cafés, on boat rides, strolling through green, blooming gardens on a summer’s day. In my mind’s eye, I tried, for just a moment, to envision a siren going off, and everyone scurrying for cover.
But it was impossible.
Ahh, so this is what it was like, once, not so long ago, that thing called normalcy.
I thought of the beginnings of World War II, when Ethiopia’s Haile Selassie raised his voice in 1935 after Italy barbarously invaded his little country. “… There is no precedent for a people being victim of such injustice and being, at present, threatened by abandonment to its aggressor.” To the eternal shame of the world, his stirring plea fell on deaf ears, as the world went on with its business of trying to get along with Hitler in order to maintain their own quiet lives.
History bears out how that strategy worked.
What I find most frightening and incomprehensible is how few people remember this. Is it real ignorance, or willed ignorance? I have not yet decided. Young people seem so oblivious to human history. They can tell you how many times Selena Gomez has broken up with Justin Bieber, but I am seriously skeptical whether they could tell you anything about the history of the last 10 years, let alone the last 100 years of Planet Earth.
And it’s not just the young. Stupid young people grow into stupid old people. Those who lived through history can also choose not to remember, if the vitriol against Israel coming out of Great Britain is any indication.
Blitz? What Blitz? The Allied bombing of Dresden in retaliation? Say what? It’s a convenient amnesia no doubt brought on by the march of the new forces of barbarism that have invaded the free world under the guise of immigration. The violent demonstrations all over Europe in support of the slaughtering hordes of rapists-kidnappers; the genocidal, racist maniacs united under their newly minted version of Islam who have taken over the lovely streets of Paris, the sidewalks of London and other European main streets too numerous to count. Their ugly, anti-Semitic slogans pollute the walls of the once-civilized world.
If you haven’t seen it with your own eyes, you will. Wherever you live, they are soon coming to a street near you.
JEWS, FOR obvious reasons, don’t have the luxury of forgetting our history. Of all the peoples on earth, we are the least willing to repeat it, for obvious reasons.
I was fascinated by the history of the Jews in all the places I visited. Without exception, Jewish presence all over Europe followed the same pattern. Jews were expelled. Then certain Jews, for certain reasons, were temporarily “permitted” to settle in certain towns for a certain amount of time, in order to serve the particular needs of the ruling classes at the time. Then they were kicked out again. And then they trickled back again, until they were kicked out once more.
It seems to me that Europe’s current attitude towards the Jewish state is tainted with a delusional desire to recapture this historical ability to tell Jews where they can and can’t live; what they can and can’t do. Perhaps this is why through the European Union, they continue to issue edicts and warnings and demands and come up with ugly blood libels, refusing to accept that history has moved on and that the Jews no longer need the permission of Europe to settle and grow and prosper and create and address their own needs, irrespective of how Europe would like to be served.
Back in the 1770s, Jews were only allowed in Sweden if they converted to Christianity – until one Aron Isak, a seal engraver from Germany, rejected this demand: “I would not change my religion for all the gold in the world.” This so impressed Stockholm’s lord mayor that he advised Mr. Isak to talk to King Gustav III, who granted Isak not only the right to become Sweden’s first Jewish citizen, but to bring with him 10 more Jewish families so that he could have a minyan.
From a quiet life among a tolerant and liberal population, Jewish life in Sweden and most of Europe has become a nightmare – as Muslim immigrants from all over the Islamic world have flooded the country, rising to over 4 percent of the population.
Since the recent war in Gaza, life for Swedish Jews has become even more intolerable.
“We have always known that there are those who hate us in Sweden, but this time it was expressed more powerfully, because there were so many anti-Semitic remarks and attacks by anti-Semites that it was impossible to follow. Even among celebrities, politicians and journalists – it was not a criticism of the operation in Gaza, but really hate against Jews,” Victor Borslöv-Reichmann, a 22-yearold Swedish-Jewish student, told NRG.
The irony of Europe having historically closed its doors to Jews only to now open them wide to Muslims is hard to ignore. In Sweden, at least, this has not brought blessing.
In the first seven months of 2013, over 1,000 Swedish women reported being raped by Muslim immigrants in the capital, a large percentage of them preteens.
Our boat docked in Stockholm. Lots of lovely buildings. Lots of dark-haired men eyeing Swedish blondes. And many signs decrying the “slaughter” of Palestinians in Gaza.
I flew home to Israel. That first night back, there was a Color Red alert in Jerusalem.
Unfortunately, it felt like the new normal.
Even so, it was better than being in Sweden, or any other foreign place where local tranquility is bought by immoral ignorance.
But if George Santayana was right when he wrote “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it,” then it won’t be tranquil in any of those places much longer.
Sunday, August 31, 2014
A TALE OF TWO BOOKS - AND ONE IS VERY RELEVANT!
I love reading. That is a fact. My siblings used to tease me that I even read the cereal boxes and that once engrossed in a book the sky could fall down and I would not even notice. Well, I guess that has continued and the feel of a good book will never be replaced by any kind of electrical device. But be that as it may, I have just finished reading two very interesting, albeit two very different books. One is The Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline and the other is Hanging by a Hair by Nancy E. Cohen.
The first, by Kline, is a wonderful tale of humanity, the good and the bad, the evil do-gooders who unintentionally cause a lot of pain and the sometimes wonderful things that happen as a result. It is very much akin in spirit to the saying and belief in Judaism that "Gam Zoo l'tovah" - even this is for the good. It is said when bad things happen and we cannot see nor understand why, why, why, something terrible would happen, but the belief is that somewhere along the line, even a hundred years later, there will be a good consequence and no one might even remember, but the belief is there. For example, the starvation period in the land of the Israelites, the family of Naomi moving to Moab, her son marrying Ruth who dies, the return to the land of the Israelites, Ruth marrying Boaz and down the line - the House of David, the royal house of the people of Israel.
But in any case, this is the based on fact story of one orphan train, a train full of orphans swept off the streets of NYC and out of the orphanages and placed helter skelter on a train headed out to the Midwest and West to place them, be it as adopted and beloved children or free labor to be brutalized by terrible people and conditions. The interactions and intertwinings of people, the melding of two different but similar stories, all contained in a well written novel make for good reading and a good feeling when the end is reached. It is available at any library and can be bought in trade sized paperback at any store selling books.
The other novel is one recommended to me by two good friends and even though it is not my style or preferred style, I picked it up at the library and read it. It is part of a small, as of now, series called A Bad Hair Day Mystery, written by an author who has previously written sci-fi and romance sci-fi series. There are returning characters and many people like to follow the growth of these characters just as they do in the wonderful novels of Daniel Silva or the stories written by Clive Cussler and Tom Clancy, even to a second generation of characters.
But what makes this mystery quite thought provoking and humorous at the same time is its content. There are certain characters with which we are very familiar. Set in a HOA community, we have the old guard, led by a gruff president who thinks he is special, allowed to break the rules when he wishes or wants to, but not anyone else, and certainly not his opposition, rules by intimidation, and newcomers who question all that has gone on and is going on, asking probing questions concerning budget items, by laws of the community and their rationality or relevance, who insist on getting answers and as one reads, one laughs and then goes - OOOH, sounds familiar! And the deep secrets that are being hidden, the iffy suspicious contracts that are signed only add to this feeling.Hmmm, wonder whether she ever lived in CV at WPB.
While not especially written in scintillating prose, there are some touching and some very humorous notes to be found here and a comforting feeling even, knowing that we are not alone in our battle, that others face the same obstacles and perseverance and determination is needed. However, I do have one reservation - I do not recommend following one character who decided that the only way to solve that person's issues was to kill the president. Nope, not here,folks, and do not jump to conclusions as to the identity of the killer.
Try both books. You will love the one and enjoy the second, a quicker and lighter read.
PS. Idjit, what names will you call this author? Guess the whole world is against you, huh?
The first, by Kline, is a wonderful tale of humanity, the good and the bad, the evil do-gooders who unintentionally cause a lot of pain and the sometimes wonderful things that happen as a result. It is very much akin in spirit to the saying and belief in Judaism that "Gam Zoo l'tovah" - even this is for the good. It is said when bad things happen and we cannot see nor understand why, why, why, something terrible would happen, but the belief is that somewhere along the line, even a hundred years later, there will be a good consequence and no one might even remember, but the belief is there. For example, the starvation period in the land of the Israelites, the family of Naomi moving to Moab, her son marrying Ruth who dies, the return to the land of the Israelites, Ruth marrying Boaz and down the line - the House of David, the royal house of the people of Israel.
But in any case, this is the based on fact story of one orphan train, a train full of orphans swept off the streets of NYC and out of the orphanages and placed helter skelter on a train headed out to the Midwest and West to place them, be it as adopted and beloved children or free labor to be brutalized by terrible people and conditions. The interactions and intertwinings of people, the melding of two different but similar stories, all contained in a well written novel make for good reading and a good feeling when the end is reached. It is available at any library and can be bought in trade sized paperback at any store selling books.
The other novel is one recommended to me by two good friends and even though it is not my style or preferred style, I picked it up at the library and read it. It is part of a small, as of now, series called A Bad Hair Day Mystery, written by an author who has previously written sci-fi and romance sci-fi series. There are returning characters and many people like to follow the growth of these characters just as they do in the wonderful novels of Daniel Silva or the stories written by Clive Cussler and Tom Clancy, even to a second generation of characters.
But what makes this mystery quite thought provoking and humorous at the same time is its content. There are certain characters with which we are very familiar. Set in a HOA community, we have the old guard, led by a gruff president who thinks he is special, allowed to break the rules when he wishes or wants to, but not anyone else, and certainly not his opposition, rules by intimidation, and newcomers who question all that has gone on and is going on, asking probing questions concerning budget items, by laws of the community and their rationality or relevance, who insist on getting answers and as one reads, one laughs and then goes - OOOH, sounds familiar! And the deep secrets that are being hidden, the iffy suspicious contracts that are signed only add to this feeling.Hmmm, wonder whether she ever lived in CV at WPB.
While not especially written in scintillating prose, there are some touching and some very humorous notes to be found here and a comforting feeling even, knowing that we are not alone in our battle, that others face the same obstacles and perseverance and determination is needed. However, I do have one reservation - I do not recommend following one character who decided that the only way to solve that person's issues was to kill the president. Nope, not here,folks, and do not jump to conclusions as to the identity of the killer.
Try both books. You will love the one and enjoy the second, a quicker and lighter read.
PS. Idjit, what names will you call this author? Guess the whole world is against you, huh?
Friday, August 29, 2014
A MOMENT OF PRIDE
Time for a mother to take a moment of pride in her baby boy.
Type in youtube.com in the box where addresses are typed.
When it comes up, at the top of the page you will see a blank box with a magnifying glass icon beside it.
Type into that box the following :
Rabbi Akiva Sutofsky Time Flies and then click on the icon and then click on the proper one when it comes up.
It is a message video, about 7 minutes, for the New Year. That's my baby boy!
Type in youtube.com in the box where addresses are typed.
When it comes up, at the top of the page you will see a blank box with a magnifying glass icon beside it.
Type into that box the following :
Rabbi Akiva Sutofsky Time Flies and then click on the icon and then click on the proper one when it comes up.
It is a message video, about 7 minutes, for the New Year. That's my baby boy!
THE WORLD AND THE VILLAGE
We are truly a microcosmic reflection of the greater world out there beyond our gates. A headline of an article in a paper said that Obama is beset by multi international crises. One can feel bad for the man, surrounded as he is by strife and discord, unable to even get his own Congress to agree on barely anything. As such, the country is almost in stasis or perhaps even worse, falling backwards. The world, if seen on a pictorial map, with flames for wars and major disruptions, would be quite overwhelmed with the colors of orange and red.
Now look at our Village, our small town, not a campus where kids run around trying to kickstart a future, but a town, with a budget, with needs, with future planning required. Here, too, if there were a pictorial map with flames for problems, we too would have quite a brightly colored map. Granted, the macrocosmic world's issue are certainly larger than our own, but ours are serious enough for us right here in the midst of it, living with it as best we can.
Let us go further in comparisons between the two worlds. In both worlds we have a leader, a president, who should have taken the lead in making hard decisions in a statesman like manner. Both should have looked into the future, drawn a comparison of what ifs, what would possibly be, what could be, what is the RIGHT thing to do and never mind my personal desires as I AM ELECTED TO SERVE THE NEEDS OF THE PEOPLE. Well, neither of them has done so with any great success. In both worlds the major projects of the presidents that were put forward or even put into action were tainted with poor motives, poorly formulated underpinnings, and poor execution of them. Both have caused costly paybacks for these faulty projects, consequences that will echo well into the near future and we certainly hope that a better future will be able to be found or established, but it will not be easy.
Both presidents have allowed evil to rise up in the world each lives in. Here we have evil advisers or possibly worse, and in Obama's world we have the evil of indecision, wishy washy behavior and thinking and no firm and formulated policy that lets people out there to know what to expect. As a result, in both worlds, people are edgy, tense, and nervous. What will be? How will the next crisis be handled? Why do we feel as if we are in a life sized Whack - A - Mole game from a fair or carnival, fun for amusement, but not fun to live as.
Don't get me wrong. I believe, sometimes against my better judgment, that both men had positive motivation initially as they began their campaigns. But what happened was ugly. Both fell under the spell of other people, under the spell of their own needs to the exclusion of others and both were incompetent in areas of management, people skills, the co-optioning of people to work with them, the need to have a definite policy that does not shift with the winds nor jumps on every bandwagon that rolls by simply because it looks nice, or smells nice or someone else pushes him to take a foolish action.
In both worlds we now have debt piling up, no clear path which is being followed, abusive behavior towards opponents (on both sides in some cases), tempers rising, and still the presidents do not dowse the fires but instead provide more fuel by continuing on in their foolish paths, causing more dissension, more uncertainty, more confusion and less of what we need - a sure and steady hand at the helm, a manager with people skills, one who knows how to get people to work with him by positive methods, not by threats or fear, a leader who will not go play golf ten minutes after he sheds "tears" with a mother whose son has just been butchered by an enemy whom he has allowed to thrive by his uncertain and weak policies. Nor can one hide in an office all day, tap tap tapping away whilst the Village fumes in the sun. A leader must come out amongst the people and truly lead, be alert, proactive, unselfish - a statesman.
The sad fact is that the nasty feelings of the world have seeped into our Village. There have been nasty anti Semitic comments made, including one I received this morning in an email from Idjit, and others that have been heard around the pools and at the assembly. The sad fact is that both leaders have allowed their worlds to get away from them and both need to leave office and unfortunately there is still time to go before their respective terms are up. In such a case we must remain vigilant, careful, and let our feelings and ideas be known whether these presidents like it or not. Such is the blessing of America and such blessing will be lost unless we use it.
Now look at our Village, our small town, not a campus where kids run around trying to kickstart a future, but a town, with a budget, with needs, with future planning required. Here, too, if there were a pictorial map with flames for problems, we too would have quite a brightly colored map. Granted, the macrocosmic world's issue are certainly larger than our own, but ours are serious enough for us right here in the midst of it, living with it as best we can.
Let us go further in comparisons between the two worlds. In both worlds we have a leader, a president, who should have taken the lead in making hard decisions in a statesman like manner. Both should have looked into the future, drawn a comparison of what ifs, what would possibly be, what could be, what is the RIGHT thing to do and never mind my personal desires as I AM ELECTED TO SERVE THE NEEDS OF THE PEOPLE. Well, neither of them has done so with any great success. In both worlds the major projects of the presidents that were put forward or even put into action were tainted with poor motives, poorly formulated underpinnings, and poor execution of them. Both have caused costly paybacks for these faulty projects, consequences that will echo well into the near future and we certainly hope that a better future will be able to be found or established, but it will not be easy.
Both presidents have allowed evil to rise up in the world each lives in. Here we have evil advisers or possibly worse, and in Obama's world we have the evil of indecision, wishy washy behavior and thinking and no firm and formulated policy that lets people out there to know what to expect. As a result, in both worlds, people are edgy, tense, and nervous. What will be? How will the next crisis be handled? Why do we feel as if we are in a life sized Whack - A - Mole game from a fair or carnival, fun for amusement, but not fun to live as.
Don't get me wrong. I believe, sometimes against my better judgment, that both men had positive motivation initially as they began their campaigns. But what happened was ugly. Both fell under the spell of other people, under the spell of their own needs to the exclusion of others and both were incompetent in areas of management, people skills, the co-optioning of people to work with them, the need to have a definite policy that does not shift with the winds nor jumps on every bandwagon that rolls by simply because it looks nice, or smells nice or someone else pushes him to take a foolish action.
In both worlds we now have debt piling up, no clear path which is being followed, abusive behavior towards opponents (on both sides in some cases), tempers rising, and still the presidents do not dowse the fires but instead provide more fuel by continuing on in their foolish paths, causing more dissension, more uncertainty, more confusion and less of what we need - a sure and steady hand at the helm, a manager with people skills, one who knows how to get people to work with him by positive methods, not by threats or fear, a leader who will not go play golf ten minutes after he sheds "tears" with a mother whose son has just been butchered by an enemy whom he has allowed to thrive by his uncertain and weak policies. Nor can one hide in an office all day, tap tap tapping away whilst the Village fumes in the sun. A leader must come out amongst the people and truly lead, be alert, proactive, unselfish - a statesman.
The sad fact is that the nasty feelings of the world have seeped into our Village. There have been nasty anti Semitic comments made, including one I received this morning in an email from Idjit, and others that have been heard around the pools and at the assembly. The sad fact is that both leaders have allowed their worlds to get away from them and both need to leave office and unfortunately there is still time to go before their respective terms are up. In such a case we must remain vigilant, careful, and let our feelings and ideas be known whether these presidents like it or not. Such is the blessing of America and such blessing will be lost unless we use it.
Thursday, August 28, 2014
PLAIN TECHIE TALK
Let's talk a bit about the whole streaming, Netflix, Roku and everything else that the bigshots like to throw in all the time, David Israel with his ridiculous techie talk and Don HoHo with his two hands, both feet and mouth evidently all working with wireless devices at the same time.
Let’s talk
about steaming video and wireless internet. As one knows, today you can get
1000’s of channels with a device such asROKU. You get either standard or HD
content. However, the key thing to remember is that you need a minimum of 1.5
Mbps for standard and 3.0 Mbps for HD content. Also, internet speed will vary
throughout the day. This translates into either streaming at times when fewer
people are on line or having a higher bandwidth which, with WIFI, affects the
cost. The more people that are on ,the slower the connection unless you increase
bandwidth.
Using ROKU
as an example you might want to go onto Netflix or Amazon or Hulu Plus or
Pandora or Vevo or HBO-GO or you want to watch one of the 31,000 movies that
they have- most times you have to pay- there is no free lunch here and anyone
who tells you different is wrong. You cannot get Netflix or Amazon or HULU PLUS
for free. So even being connected to free WIFI does not necessarily mean free
viewing of streaming video. And, keep in mind that the Wi Fi David Israel and henchmen are proposing is NOT FREE. Again, NOT FREE.
So, between prime hour rushtime, minimal or insufficient bandwidth, and a slower speed initially for Comcast has the highest speed available, and this is DSL and who knows what other issues with infrastructure, what is the bargain here. Unless you are a night owl, enjoy your slow time. You might as well go the airports at a busy time and get their slow time if that is what you really want! Think, think, think, think before deciding. Keep what you have or go Association wide without the expense, with security, with speed and bandwidth, with everything you need and no need to worry about some ugly tower that will never get a permit or ugly antennae on your roof causing damage, especially if they are ripped off during a storm. Just a couple of routers and/or boosters and off you go.
Sent in by Anonymous
START WORRYING, VILLAGE
The other day in the NY Times, Deborah Lipstadt, a noted historian, wrote a wonderful piece about the growth of anti Semitism and why it is time to worry. She used the semi joke about a Jewish telegram, the one that is sent with the message, "Start Worrying. Details to follow."
If I may be so bold as to build on that statement and apply it to our Village, then perhaps some more people will begin to understand what is going on here in the Village and why we have been pounding on it for so long and so strongly.
Several years ago, before the paving, we had a wonderful bound proposal from a reputable company in response to the paving contract. It clearly explained what was needed and a timetable for it, giving us another three years on the roads, a phasing of the job and a whole lot less than what it cost us with M&M Paving, never mind all that it is still costing and will cost in the future. Why was this proposal not taken?
Weeelll, your guess is as good as mine and none of the choices are very palatable. We had, by that time, saved up millions of dollars towards the job and if we had waited a bit longer, would have had all the money and actually, we already had all the money necessary if we had used the proper proposal. In fact, we would have had a SURPLUS. Yes, a surplus which could have been applied to other needs of the Village without raising fees.
It seems that this money was burning a hole in Ed Black's pocket and he could not wait to spend it. Why have this money sitting there when he could have fun spending it? So he and David Israel ILLEGALLY under our bylaws signed a first contract for over two million dollars, WITHOUT DELEGATE APPROVAL and another contract would follow. They then moved on to bollix up the rest of the job and even went for a line of credit of a million dollars - which would never and should never have been necessary if they had chosen the proper company! That, if used, would have required $100,000 of collateral and in any event, cost us over $6,000 wasted dollars in fees. What clever financial planning - NOT!!!!
A former president was known to have accepted "gifts" from companies within the Village. Has it become a habit here? I do not know. I have no proof, but this whole thing stinks to the high heavens. Either it is "gift giving and taking time" and it continues with all these ridiculous contracts, including this farce of taking DSL once, then saying no because they were incapable of fulfilling the Wi Fi contract - having messed up in Boca CV, and then lo and behold! here we are awarding them the same contract! When more and more people are planning to OPT OUT and wire up or not as it pleases their respective associations, I ask why? Such cleverness - not, again!
One does not need Hamlet nor Shakespeare to know that something smells rotten in the state of CV. If it is not the first, then it is a second choice which is just as bad in the final end outcome. That is, a MASSIVE state of incompetence at the top level of UCO. I have been saying that since before I announced myself as a candidate and I am still saying it and the facts on the ground prove it to be true. There is no management competence, knowledge or skill at the level of the president of UCO nor in his sneaky UNELECTED advisor/puppet master, Ed Black. There is no understanding of what it means to plan for the future, to save, to wait till the right time, to prioritize and to plan and to not be a baby and just because one wants something that does not mean one gets it. My four year old grandson could teach it to these guys - a whole lot better than they understand - or purposely ignore now.
It is total mismanagement when according to the by laws there is to be no non member of UCO in the administration, not in certain positions. Well, we now have non members, renters, in many positions where they should not be. One, Anitra, has her hand stuck in so many piles that I am not sure even she knows where they all are. What I do know, is that in many instances when there is a question either within the building of UCO or without, from a resident, they are told - "Call Anitra." Really - not proper at all, against our bylaws. And why is all this allowed - simply because they are part and parcel of David Israel and company, jump to his tune and beat and here we are, stuck in this muck of his making.
If we, the residents and the delegates do not do something about this, we will go bankrupt, unable to pay bills, fall into a state of disrepair and just not look towards a real positive future. This is my home, my only home, nor do I have big bucks packed away somewhere. When I shout from the hills it is because I see what can be coming, no, what is coming, down the road, unless we act - NOW.
So because a growing group of people are publically and strongly opposing these terrible decisions and awful governance of the Village, we have been called names, debased, been the targets of foul language, been on the receiving end of a physical threat to be blown up and on and on. But I paraphrase a hero of mine from the time I was in sixth grade and was appointed by my teacher to represent him in a classroom debate - JFK. He said it is not to look at something that is and ask why, but to look at something that should be and ask why not? I, and many others are asking why the hell not here? Why should we be expected to be held in thrall, under the thumb of incompetent or worse people who are destroying our future? Why do they think that a proud American history of muckrakers, dissidents and others who have changed our country for the better - indeed, even began it! should be denigrated because it is pointing out THEIR deficiencies? I cannot answer that as I truly do not understand their thinking for they are cruel and selfish, thinking not of the Village but of the own petty and selfish needs.
People, delegates - please think carefully. Please choose carefully in the next election where we have two VP positions and ten Executive Board positions open. Destroy David Israel's dictatorship. Denounce his policies and colossal management errors. Break the evil synergy between WPRF here in the Village and David Israel and company to deny us our rights. Stand up for yourselves and don't be frightened by a little man who blusters and shouts but underneath it all is empty.
RECALL. RESIGN.
If I may be so bold as to build on that statement and apply it to our Village, then perhaps some more people will begin to understand what is going on here in the Village and why we have been pounding on it for so long and so strongly.
Several years ago, before the paving, we had a wonderful bound proposal from a reputable company in response to the paving contract. It clearly explained what was needed and a timetable for it, giving us another three years on the roads, a phasing of the job and a whole lot less than what it cost us with M&M Paving, never mind all that it is still costing and will cost in the future. Why was this proposal not taken?
Weeelll, your guess is as good as mine and none of the choices are very palatable. We had, by that time, saved up millions of dollars towards the job and if we had waited a bit longer, would have had all the money and actually, we already had all the money necessary if we had used the proper proposal. In fact, we would have had a SURPLUS. Yes, a surplus which could have been applied to other needs of the Village without raising fees.
It seems that this money was burning a hole in Ed Black's pocket and he could not wait to spend it. Why have this money sitting there when he could have fun spending it? So he and David Israel ILLEGALLY under our bylaws signed a first contract for over two million dollars, WITHOUT DELEGATE APPROVAL and another contract would follow. They then moved on to bollix up the rest of the job and even went for a line of credit of a million dollars - which would never and should never have been necessary if they had chosen the proper company! That, if used, would have required $100,000 of collateral and in any event, cost us over $6,000 wasted dollars in fees. What clever financial planning - NOT!!!!
A former president was known to have accepted "gifts" from companies within the Village. Has it become a habit here? I do not know. I have no proof, but this whole thing stinks to the high heavens. Either it is "gift giving and taking time" and it continues with all these ridiculous contracts, including this farce of taking DSL once, then saying no because they were incapable of fulfilling the Wi Fi contract - having messed up in Boca CV, and then lo and behold! here we are awarding them the same contract! When more and more people are planning to OPT OUT and wire up or not as it pleases their respective associations, I ask why? Such cleverness - not, again!
One does not need Hamlet nor Shakespeare to know that something smells rotten in the state of CV. If it is not the first, then it is a second choice which is just as bad in the final end outcome. That is, a MASSIVE state of incompetence at the top level of UCO. I have been saying that since before I announced myself as a candidate and I am still saying it and the facts on the ground prove it to be true. There is no management competence, knowledge or skill at the level of the president of UCO nor in his sneaky UNELECTED advisor/puppet master, Ed Black. There is no understanding of what it means to plan for the future, to save, to wait till the right time, to prioritize and to plan and to not be a baby and just because one wants something that does not mean one gets it. My four year old grandson could teach it to these guys - a whole lot better than they understand - or purposely ignore now.
It is total mismanagement when according to the by laws there is to be no non member of UCO in the administration, not in certain positions. Well, we now have non members, renters, in many positions where they should not be. One, Anitra, has her hand stuck in so many piles that I am not sure even she knows where they all are. What I do know, is that in many instances when there is a question either within the building of UCO or without, from a resident, they are told - "Call Anitra." Really - not proper at all, against our bylaws. And why is all this allowed - simply because they are part and parcel of David Israel and company, jump to his tune and beat and here we are, stuck in this muck of his making.
If we, the residents and the delegates do not do something about this, we will go bankrupt, unable to pay bills, fall into a state of disrepair and just not look towards a real positive future. This is my home, my only home, nor do I have big bucks packed away somewhere. When I shout from the hills it is because I see what can be coming, no, what is coming, down the road, unless we act - NOW.
So because a growing group of people are publically and strongly opposing these terrible decisions and awful governance of the Village, we have been called names, debased, been the targets of foul language, been on the receiving end of a physical threat to be blown up and on and on. But I paraphrase a hero of mine from the time I was in sixth grade and was appointed by my teacher to represent him in a classroom debate - JFK. He said it is not to look at something that is and ask why, but to look at something that should be and ask why not? I, and many others are asking why the hell not here? Why should we be expected to be held in thrall, under the thumb of incompetent or worse people who are destroying our future? Why do they think that a proud American history of muckrakers, dissidents and others who have changed our country for the better - indeed, even began it! should be denigrated because it is pointing out THEIR deficiencies? I cannot answer that as I truly do not understand their thinking for they are cruel and selfish, thinking not of the Village but of the own petty and selfish needs.
People, delegates - please think carefully. Please choose carefully in the next election where we have two VP positions and ten Executive Board positions open. Destroy David Israel's dictatorship. Denounce his policies and colossal management errors. Break the evil synergy between WPRF here in the Village and David Israel and company to deny us our rights. Stand up for yourselves and don't be frightened by a little man who blusters and shouts but underneath it all is empty.
RECALL. RESIGN.
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
GOOD FOR A LAUGH
Well, I needed a laugh since yesterday was a pretty hard day what with the new system not always working so well in the voting and silly people making silly faces at me, so anyway, I picked up the Reporter to read and see what all the David Israel apologists had to say. And it really was funny reading all the garbage they spew out there in print.
Let's take the head honcho himself, David Israel. It is funny the way he tries to make himself so knowledgeable by writing techie talk - zettabytes, exabytes - who gives a crap. All we down to earth people want is for our Wi Fi to work with the least costly and most efficient manner possible. We are not interested in another huge debacle and David Israel, in his conceit, thinks that he can one day advocate transferring the Wi Fi funds collected ,over to cut some of the reserve shortfall - yes, it is still there, not disappeared though he wishes we would forget about it - and the next day he tells people, well just vote to restore it. But wait - does he then get specific as to the cost, especially if DSL gets a signed contract for one million dollars, give or take, plus overruns, plus added mistakes and corrections to be paid for, plus constant updates, etc., etc., etc.. We could be paying a whole lot more in UCO fees if we allow this to happen, but David Israel goes merrily along with his bytes of all kinds.
Then of courses we have Anitra who writes how she will be able to watch a tv show when she wishes. Newsflash, Anitra - you can do that right now. It is called ON DEMAND. It has been around for quite some time and for all the extras that you guys keep citing like Netflix and Roku and on and on - they are here too and we are all doing just fine without more expense - and all secure too at the best one can buy from the company KNOWN to have the best speed available - Comcast - yeah, them. Universe is also around and these are not new factoids either. Wake up and smell the coffee, Anitra. Oh, the Lifeline buttons and calls seem to be doing just fine too.
On to infinity! David goes on with his twisted logic that since cable comes through a wire, and so does the Wi Fi or the Internet, that cable means Wi Fi and thus we are obligated to pay for it. That is the most illogical and twisted reasoning I have ever heard. So if two people wear the same colored pants, does that make them the same people? If people use phones, does that make them related? I mean how far do you want to stretch this very faulty analogy?
Then of course we have the reports of the officers. So, Phyllis Siegelman, as usual, has nothing to say. Very hardworking VP. Aren't you so glad you voted her in because David Israel wanted her? Shame on you. And then we have Bob Marshall of the lightning bolts. He dares to write that it is good for associations to think about having reserves for unexpected heavy expenses. Really, Bob? Now transfer that to UCO and its budget. Think maybe what is good for the goose is good for the gander? I guess not, judging by your actions and by your presidency!
But wait - there's more! (Sorry!) We now have an article written by Bill Kallman about the drainage issues with the golf course and the wetlands and flora and fauna that belong there plus the mess we will be living in for years. Dom is supposed to have written a response, but all I see is the same column he has written several times about the drainage system. I do not see an answer to the issues Bill Kallman has raised and whether one is for or against the development or even neutral or looking for a compromise, we need to know the facts, and questions raised must be answered - and answered in language that a layman can understand. "The fewer the contaminants, the cheaper the water rate" does not answer the questions at hand, Dom, and you certainly can do better than this article and response.
Onward and upward. There is yet more - Jean Komis writes that she is basically going to be a lousy friend from now on as she will not help any friend or should I say former friend who does not have a computer. Pretty mean skinned there, Jean. What about those who have computers but no printers? Will you print out a boarding pass for them? Will you print an article for them? And what does it cost you to be nice and helpful to someone. Never mind the fact that basically, those who want Wi Fi HAVE Wi FI and are satisfied with it and do not want the expense that David Israel proposes. Nor do we want to hear about his cameras. This is not 1984 nor its future equivalent and we do not propose or like the proposal that we live in a police state with cameras recording our every movement around the Village. It is nobody's business, as a matter of fact, and certainly not that of PBSO or David Israel or Ed Black or Pat Sealander or Phyllis Siegelberg who might then have something to report or anyone else's! And finally we have the oh so brilliant letter by Jackie Carlin who follows the sterling lead of David Israel, lord and master, and makes up a name to call the opposition. This is getting to be more and more like recess yard time what with their idiocy of name calling. At least let it make sense! At least she deigns to tell us - oh, thank you for that - that we actually have the right to speak our minds. I wonder, do we have the right to speak in the Clubhouse? At the pools? Hmmmm. Well, Jackie seems to either have a vision or hearing or understanding problem as she claims not to hear any proposed solutions of ours. Really? Then what are you writing about when you guys talk about the Wi Fi issue with us, or the paving job, such as it was. Do you guys not hear yourselves?
Sad, very sad.
Let's take the head honcho himself, David Israel. It is funny the way he tries to make himself so knowledgeable by writing techie talk - zettabytes, exabytes - who gives a crap. All we down to earth people want is for our Wi Fi to work with the least costly and most efficient manner possible. We are not interested in another huge debacle and David Israel, in his conceit, thinks that he can one day advocate transferring the Wi Fi funds collected ,over to cut some of the reserve shortfall - yes, it is still there, not disappeared though he wishes we would forget about it - and the next day he tells people, well just vote to restore it. But wait - does he then get specific as to the cost, especially if DSL gets a signed contract for one million dollars, give or take, plus overruns, plus added mistakes and corrections to be paid for, plus constant updates, etc., etc., etc.. We could be paying a whole lot more in UCO fees if we allow this to happen, but David Israel goes merrily along with his bytes of all kinds.
Then of courses we have Anitra who writes how she will be able to watch a tv show when she wishes. Newsflash, Anitra - you can do that right now. It is called ON DEMAND. It has been around for quite some time and for all the extras that you guys keep citing like Netflix and Roku and on and on - they are here too and we are all doing just fine without more expense - and all secure too at the best one can buy from the company KNOWN to have the best speed available - Comcast - yeah, them. Universe is also around and these are not new factoids either. Wake up and smell the coffee, Anitra. Oh, the Lifeline buttons and calls seem to be doing just fine too.
On to infinity! David goes on with his twisted logic that since cable comes through a wire, and so does the Wi Fi or the Internet, that cable means Wi Fi and thus we are obligated to pay for it. That is the most illogical and twisted reasoning I have ever heard. So if two people wear the same colored pants, does that make them the same people? If people use phones, does that make them related? I mean how far do you want to stretch this very faulty analogy?
Then of course we have the reports of the officers. So, Phyllis Siegelman, as usual, has nothing to say. Very hardworking VP. Aren't you so glad you voted her in because David Israel wanted her? Shame on you. And then we have Bob Marshall of the lightning bolts. He dares to write that it is good for associations to think about having reserves for unexpected heavy expenses. Really, Bob? Now transfer that to UCO and its budget. Think maybe what is good for the goose is good for the gander? I guess not, judging by your actions and by your presidency!
But wait - there's more! (Sorry!) We now have an article written by Bill Kallman about the drainage issues with the golf course and the wetlands and flora and fauna that belong there plus the mess we will be living in for years. Dom is supposed to have written a response, but all I see is the same column he has written several times about the drainage system. I do not see an answer to the issues Bill Kallman has raised and whether one is for or against the development or even neutral or looking for a compromise, we need to know the facts, and questions raised must be answered - and answered in language that a layman can understand. "The fewer the contaminants, the cheaper the water rate" does not answer the questions at hand, Dom, and you certainly can do better than this article and response.
Onward and upward. There is yet more - Jean Komis writes that she is basically going to be a lousy friend from now on as she will not help any friend or should I say former friend who does not have a computer. Pretty mean skinned there, Jean. What about those who have computers but no printers? Will you print out a boarding pass for them? Will you print an article for them? And what does it cost you to be nice and helpful to someone. Never mind the fact that basically, those who want Wi Fi HAVE Wi FI and are satisfied with it and do not want the expense that David Israel proposes. Nor do we want to hear about his cameras. This is not 1984 nor its future equivalent and we do not propose or like the proposal that we live in a police state with cameras recording our every movement around the Village. It is nobody's business, as a matter of fact, and certainly not that of PBSO or David Israel or Ed Black or Pat Sealander or Phyllis Siegelberg who might then have something to report or anyone else's! And finally we have the oh so brilliant letter by Jackie Carlin who follows the sterling lead of David Israel, lord and master, and makes up a name to call the opposition. This is getting to be more and more like recess yard time what with their idiocy of name calling. At least let it make sense! At least she deigns to tell us - oh, thank you for that - that we actually have the right to speak our minds. I wonder, do we have the right to speak in the Clubhouse? At the pools? Hmmmm. Well, Jackie seems to either have a vision or hearing or understanding problem as she claims not to hear any proposed solutions of ours. Really? Then what are you writing about when you guys talk about the Wi Fi issue with us, or the paving job, such as it was. Do you guys not hear yourselves?
Sad, very sad.
GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN, OVER THE HILLS AND EVERYWHERE...
Yes, go tell it everywhere you can. It is the only way we can be shut of this criminally incompetent and shady UCO administration we now have. Go tell it all over - David Israel is an ass. No, I correct myself, he is a friggin' liar, committed to getting his way, and ONLY his way, no matter who he runs over and no matter how deeply into debt he drags us. Ed, Eduardo, and others have laid out the truth in all its ugliness - the illegal transfer of funds, the illegal manner of approving contracts by violating and ignoring our by laws, the wasting of OUR funds by paying for a line of credit we did not use and should not have ever thought would be needed, the ignoring of the true needs of the Village, the constant omission of truth - why things are happening or not - while the truth about it is never spoken. Why are we still talking about a million dollar plus contract for Wi Fi when we still cannot fix the root problem on the perimeter walkway - which never should have taken place IF WE HAD DONE THE PROPER JOB IN THE FIRST PLACE - WITH A PROJECT MANAGER, WITH OVERSIGHT, WITH CARE, WITH A PROPER CONTRACT, WITH A PERFORMANCE BOND, WITH A PROPER AND COMPETENT FIRM AND ON AND ON.
David Israel thinks he is very oh so very clever when he made up a nonexistent nonsensical term No Fi. What the hell is that? He is just an ass, plain and simple. No one is out to cancel Wi Fi. Yes, we would like to cancel his wasteful plan, but we all have Wi Fi and that is why we investigated and found other ways to improve it here in the Village. And guess what - there is security, there is proper bandwidth, not a bandwidth that will cause you to go on line at 2 AM when it will finally be sufficient and not during the day when there is heavy use.
And why was it voted, oh so quietly, to go with DSL again? AGAIN!!! This is the same company they wanted to use before but was proven to be incompetent, unable to do the job and it screwed up the Boca CV royal with its work. Again and again he returns to the same companies. What is going on here that needs to be told on the mountains? Is there an alleged epidemic of "shaking" hands? Are there alleged"presents" Are there alleged promises being made and if so what? Are there threats being made and to whom, by whom? I think many of us know answers, though not the hidden details.
Yesterday, Ticktin won over Lewis for the judgeship and why? Because she pressed the issue of Lewis's abrasive personality and her record. Does that sound familiar? David Israel has one of the most abrasive personalities I have ever seen and his record is appalling, to say the least. Name ONE good thing that he has done that has proven to be good, untainted,lasting and well financed in a proper manner. NOTHING. Go tell it over the hills - his legacy is garbage and now he wants to add to it with this damned contract with DSL.
More and more associations are opting out and I remind the associations that you need to OPT OUT by Oct. 1 in a letter to UCO, before the budget is voted on. This administration cannot agree when the budget is to be voted on and what day it is valid. Real cool - not!
David Israel's diatribe on HIS blog yesterday about the Wi Fi of the opposition is full of his usual lies, half - truths or selective comments and omissions. I clicked on that right corner icon and guess what - he is talking out of his ass again. We have security - as I knew- and all can have security with other Wi Fi systems other than his plan. Our computer is encrypted so big deal about his Crypto program and do you think that any system cannot be hacked and even more so when it is such a huge one with many holes and crevices and careless moments.
But what I find even more disturbing is the nastiness that David Israel has encouraged to grow up in the Village. Yesterday, at elections, where I serve as Clerk for one of the precincts, old prune face walked in - that is Gorodetzer for the unenlightened. (That woman has the meanest, sourest face I have ever seen!). She was given her ballot and given instructions as to where to fill it out and then place in the scanner. When she walked over to the wrong scanner, I called out that her ballot needs to be placed in our scanner, as did another worker and still she turned away. When she was instructed again, she said ,"I know, but I will not listen to a word you (meaning me) say." Really? I could have called security on her!
On that brainiac's blog, Elaine Brown, she posts that the reason there is no coffee shop in the Clubhouse is because the "malcontents" probably sued against it and coffee. What the *****is she rambling on and on about? Elaine, you need to see your doctor more frequently. Maybe Aricept will help. For your information, Ms. Doofus, many of us were not here at that point in time and personally, I and my friends would love to have such a place here in the Village but under David Israel and his WPRF crew, never, never will it happen.G-d forbid, a drop of coffee be spilled on a floor! Oh, my! The sky would fall. Oh, so maybe the coffee has to stay in the shop. Oh, yes, such a difficult decision!
Delegates, David Israel keeps asking you to make his plan happen. Why would you agree? Is it so you can have Wi Fi - already there. Oh, so it must be economically good - nope, not with a million dollar bottom line and then there are the overruns and the costly errors that will have to be remedied. So must be because your lord and master bids you so. Well, declare independence. Use common sense. Stand up for the Village, not for David Israel. Turn away from the hate, from the nasty comments sent to people on line. Turn away from the hatred that spews from his mouth and the mouths of his lackeys. Turn towards the truth, unvarnished and lucid. Turn towards the people who want the best for the Village, not for their own personal benefit. Turn toward the people who want nothing except for the Village to prosper and thrive. Nor do we turn to maligning other selective previous officers of UCO. I have no proof of anything and cannot say anything but while Kurt Weiss led us down the wrong primrose lane, why are Bob Marshall and his reign left out - (oh, he is busy looking for that lightning bolt.OK), and the machinations of Ed Black as Treasurer and then even when he is not!, and the use of renters as power people in UCO and the transformation of The Reporter into a rag for David Israel. We might as well change the name to the David Israel Propaganda Machine.
Force the man out. RESIGN OR RECALL.
David Israel thinks he is very oh so very clever when he made up a nonexistent nonsensical term No Fi. What the hell is that? He is just an ass, plain and simple. No one is out to cancel Wi Fi. Yes, we would like to cancel his wasteful plan, but we all have Wi Fi and that is why we investigated and found other ways to improve it here in the Village. And guess what - there is security, there is proper bandwidth, not a bandwidth that will cause you to go on line at 2 AM when it will finally be sufficient and not during the day when there is heavy use.
And why was it voted, oh so quietly, to go with DSL again? AGAIN!!! This is the same company they wanted to use before but was proven to be incompetent, unable to do the job and it screwed up the Boca CV royal with its work. Again and again he returns to the same companies. What is going on here that needs to be told on the mountains? Is there an alleged epidemic of "shaking" hands? Are there alleged"presents" Are there alleged promises being made and if so what? Are there threats being made and to whom, by whom? I think many of us know answers, though not the hidden details.
Yesterday, Ticktin won over Lewis for the judgeship and why? Because she pressed the issue of Lewis's abrasive personality and her record. Does that sound familiar? David Israel has one of the most abrasive personalities I have ever seen and his record is appalling, to say the least. Name ONE good thing that he has done that has proven to be good, untainted,lasting and well financed in a proper manner. NOTHING. Go tell it over the hills - his legacy is garbage and now he wants to add to it with this damned contract with DSL.
More and more associations are opting out and I remind the associations that you need to OPT OUT by Oct. 1 in a letter to UCO, before the budget is voted on. This administration cannot agree when the budget is to be voted on and what day it is valid. Real cool - not!
David Israel's diatribe on HIS blog yesterday about the Wi Fi of the opposition is full of his usual lies, half - truths or selective comments and omissions. I clicked on that right corner icon and guess what - he is talking out of his ass again. We have security - as I knew- and all can have security with other Wi Fi systems other than his plan. Our computer is encrypted so big deal about his Crypto program and do you think that any system cannot be hacked and even more so when it is such a huge one with many holes and crevices and careless moments.
But what I find even more disturbing is the nastiness that David Israel has encouraged to grow up in the Village. Yesterday, at elections, where I serve as Clerk for one of the precincts, old prune face walked in - that is Gorodetzer for the unenlightened. (That woman has the meanest, sourest face I have ever seen!). She was given her ballot and given instructions as to where to fill it out and then place in the scanner. When she walked over to the wrong scanner, I called out that her ballot needs to be placed in our scanner, as did another worker and still she turned away. When she was instructed again, she said ,"I know, but I will not listen to a word you (meaning me) say." Really? I could have called security on her!
On that brainiac's blog, Elaine Brown, she posts that the reason there is no coffee shop in the Clubhouse is because the "malcontents" probably sued against it and coffee. What the *****is she rambling on and on about? Elaine, you need to see your doctor more frequently. Maybe Aricept will help. For your information, Ms. Doofus, many of us were not here at that point in time and personally, I and my friends would love to have such a place here in the Village but under David Israel and his WPRF crew, never, never will it happen.G-d forbid, a drop of coffee be spilled on a floor! Oh, my! The sky would fall. Oh, so maybe the coffee has to stay in the shop. Oh, yes, such a difficult decision!
Delegates, David Israel keeps asking you to make his plan happen. Why would you agree? Is it so you can have Wi Fi - already there. Oh, so it must be economically good - nope, not with a million dollar bottom line and then there are the overruns and the costly errors that will have to be remedied. So must be because your lord and master bids you so. Well, declare independence. Use common sense. Stand up for the Village, not for David Israel. Turn away from the hate, from the nasty comments sent to people on line. Turn away from the hatred that spews from his mouth and the mouths of his lackeys. Turn towards the truth, unvarnished and lucid. Turn towards the people who want the best for the Village, not for their own personal benefit. Turn toward the people who want nothing except for the Village to prosper and thrive. Nor do we turn to maligning other selective previous officers of UCO. I have no proof of anything and cannot say anything but while Kurt Weiss led us down the wrong primrose lane, why are Bob Marshall and his reign left out - (oh, he is busy looking for that lightning bolt.OK), and the machinations of Ed Black as Treasurer and then even when he is not!, and the use of renters as power people in UCO and the transformation of The Reporter into a rag for David Israel. We might as well change the name to the David Israel Propaganda Machine.
Force the man out. RESIGN OR RECALL.
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
THE TRUTH - READ AND LEARN
What is and What Isn't
THE TRUTH – WHEN DO YOU REALIZE WHAT IS AND WHAT ISN’T?
In all my years of experience involving numerous contracts, I’ve seen many high-ranking people indicted for various crimes relating to construction work. In Century Village, there is a very similar history of vast illicit operations, but nobody has ever been indicted. Now just think about that for a day or two.
When you have 5.3 million dollars’ worth of construction work (bituminous concrete paving); a president who, with a partner or two, moving a 2 plus million dollar project along to a contractor without approval of the governing body; a Property Manager who volunteers to singly oversee the vast amount of work, but in fact, is rarely seen at the jobsite; a former treasurer manipulating monies and concealing his unlawful actions; a single page contract for each of 4 jobs, all sanctioned by the president and with no legal assistance; work performed that is allowed to be below acceptable standards of performance (the proof is before your eyes); over 300 pages of punch lists lost somewhere and cannot be reproduced; a contractor who is not governed by a sound contract, or by any drawings and specifications and the contractor being able to perform the work in any manner he so chooses; a former treasurer who convinces people that re-mobilization will cost about $500,000, and it turns out to be a blatant lie; the same treasurer who obtains, and all sanctioned by the president, a 750,000 dollar line of credit costing all of us thousands of dollars; a president who absolutely refuses to acknowledge his responsibility and his Nero-like control over all of the Delegates; a president who admits that he made errors, but says that he should be forgiven for such errors. And, that’s the tip of the iceberg.
Mr. Israel wants to be forgiven for his secret, devious ways, his prevarications, his manipulations of our money, his inept ability to provide governance in a justifiable and honest manner, his reluctance to listen to knowledgeable people, his mean-spirited stance toward anyone with an opposing opinion, and his many illicit operations; and his 5.3 million dollar debacle. Forgiven? Are you serious? Who in their right mind can forgive him?
So, what do you do? Do you just look the other way? Do you simply say “I saw nothing; I heard nothing; I don’t know nothing about nothing. Don’t bother me – I’ll wave my placard whenever you want me to, but nothing else.” The President’s legacy will be NOTHING. Progress toward better living in Century Village – NOTHING!
As one woman – on in years - precariously said to me, “It’s okay for them to steal as long as it’s not a lot.” Then she followed up by saying “So long as my dues don’t prevent me from buying food, I don’t care what the hell they do.” That’s the thinking of some people in Century Village who are deeply frightened by the ogres in power who instill fear upon them that they cannot protest anything or even voice a difference of opinion lest there be repercussions. Ask Delegates. They are so fearful that they don’t even want to discuss this matter for fear that their name may be brought forth to the Dominator. Then, for all time, they will be refused everything they ask for.
Try and handle this one, -- when UCO’s Property Manager, Rodger Carver, was deeply pressured and ready to open up and spill the beans about a whole bunch of things, he was forced to resign.
Think! Just think, -- why does Mr. Israel not want to sue M&M Paving? The answer to that question would require extensive writing with legal assistance.
Notice that Mr. Israel never reduces to writing anything in defense of the tens of allegations against him. Why is that? Well, let’s speculate a bit. First of all, he doesn’t know how to put responses into writing without throwing out sophisticated bull-crap that an ordinary person cannot understand. Secondly, there is no way you can refute an allegation that is truthful, without having it come back and haunt you when proven to be true. Thirdly, he has his dedicated cohorts who step up and answer everything for him. Fourth, he can never be quoted. Fifth, ignore everything to try and show that you have an impenetrable shell.
EDUARDO
Monday, August 25, 2014
WELCOME TO CENTURY VILLAGE DAVID ISRAEL STYLE
Sometimes I get a bit confused as to who actually owns and runs this Village, who supports it with their fees and who should have the final say about things. It is confusing because there is a blog that purports to be the OUR VILLAGE blog, but is actually a private blog belonging to David Israel and on which he allows only HIS propaganda and HIS sycophants.
It is confusing because there is a paper called The Reporter which claims to be the paper of the Village and claims to represent all sides of an issue, yet reading the paper one finds statements by the editor that the opposition to David Israel will never get a word in and for sure I will not. She, Joy Vestal, the traitor to journalistic principles, wants ME to apologize to HER!!! For what? For telling the truth and calling her on it? It'll be a cold day in May before that happens. However, I will accept an apology from you, Joy.
It is confusing because there is a Channel 63 but guess who controls anything that gets put on there? Uh Huh, you got it, but here David Israel also gets help from Ed Black and Anitra, you know, the renter with all the power and privileges of an owner. Yup, that one.
It is confusing because though we as a Village pay fees to lease WPRF facilities, anyone who opposes David Israel is banned and blocked from speaking at any of these venues and that is with collusion of the head of WPRF here in the Village, Eva Racheshky. The next election will have the same issues unless something is done to prevent it.
It is confusing because the UCO administration of the Village is totally and completely controlled by David Israel and crew so it is a rubber stamp administration and hence we are in a pile of crap with garbage financial security and plans to spend more money in a foolish and insecure manner.
It is confusing because though there are bylaws, David Israel and crew VIOLATE those by laws at will, transfer funds against the bylaws, take action and sign contracts, make decisions without notifying the delegates and proper committees and refuse to allow any other people into UCO and David Israel has stated that SPECIFICALLY IN THOSE EXACT WORDS.
It is confusing because this man thinks he is a dictator that can ride roughshod over the residents of the Village. He wants his Wi Fi and by golly he plans to get it by hook or by crook, so he plans to penalize the associations who opt out of his insane plan. How? Well, several birdies around the Village have told me that he has threatened and blustered that he will cut off all opposition by cutting off their TV rights! Yup, you heard it right. This man is loco, muy loco. He thinks he can control access to media for all people. Does he think he is in Iran or Communist China or any other fascistic country? This is America, so don't even go there, David Israel, and remember, there are no bylaws or civil laws that will allow this to happen, so get real.
It is confusing because it is all so, so wrong and so, so evil. People out there, wake up before we have a party for the Dictator For Life here in the Village and when he craps out, we will all be left holding the very expensive and ruinous bag. Stand up and say NO MORE, NO MAS!
It is confusing because there is a paper called The Reporter which claims to be the paper of the Village and claims to represent all sides of an issue, yet reading the paper one finds statements by the editor that the opposition to David Israel will never get a word in and for sure I will not. She, Joy Vestal, the traitor to journalistic principles, wants ME to apologize to HER!!! For what? For telling the truth and calling her on it? It'll be a cold day in May before that happens. However, I will accept an apology from you, Joy.
It is confusing because there is a Channel 63 but guess who controls anything that gets put on there? Uh Huh, you got it, but here David Israel also gets help from Ed Black and Anitra, you know, the renter with all the power and privileges of an owner. Yup, that one.
It is confusing because though we as a Village pay fees to lease WPRF facilities, anyone who opposes David Israel is banned and blocked from speaking at any of these venues and that is with collusion of the head of WPRF here in the Village, Eva Racheshky. The next election will have the same issues unless something is done to prevent it.
It is confusing because the UCO administration of the Village is totally and completely controlled by David Israel and crew so it is a rubber stamp administration and hence we are in a pile of crap with garbage financial security and plans to spend more money in a foolish and insecure manner.
It is confusing because though there are bylaws, David Israel and crew VIOLATE those by laws at will, transfer funds against the bylaws, take action and sign contracts, make decisions without notifying the delegates and proper committees and refuse to allow any other people into UCO and David Israel has stated that SPECIFICALLY IN THOSE EXACT WORDS.
It is confusing because this man thinks he is a dictator that can ride roughshod over the residents of the Village. He wants his Wi Fi and by golly he plans to get it by hook or by crook, so he plans to penalize the associations who opt out of his insane plan. How? Well, several birdies around the Village have told me that he has threatened and blustered that he will cut off all opposition by cutting off their TV rights! Yup, you heard it right. This man is loco, muy loco. He thinks he can control access to media for all people. Does he think he is in Iran or Communist China or any other fascistic country? This is America, so don't even go there, David Israel, and remember, there are no bylaws or civil laws that will allow this to happen, so get real.
It is confusing because it is all so, so wrong and so, so evil. People out there, wake up before we have a party for the Dictator For Life here in the Village and when he craps out, we will all be left holding the very expensive and ruinous bag. Stand up and say NO MORE, NO MAS!
Sunday, August 24, 2014
CALLING ALL ANGELS, CALLING ALL ANGELS
I am calling in all chits and even the angels. What a terrible situation I am in. My not so amazing Grace does not want to be friends with me, will never have coffee with me and that makes me sad, ever so sad. I have been ever so patient with her, trying to explain what is as plain as the nose on her face, but she will not hear nor see what is right there. The Bible tells us that there are those who have eyes but see not, and ears but hear not and I guess here is a prime example. What she particularly objects to is my calling her Gracie. I think that nicknames like that are a sign of impending friendship, but oh, well, my life will be complete without her. At least I do not call her "bag of shit" as the IDJIT does to me and Olga!
But now, this one's for you, my friend Bob, and I do sincerely mean that. Over the last campaign I got to know Bob a bit, even though he was in the "enemy" camp, and I believe that at heart he is a bright individual with some hangups or blind spots, particularly those dealing with David Israel, Olga and Dorothy. Why, I do not know. Here are two women who desired the best for the Village, one who put in hours and hours trying to save the Village from the machinations of Ed Black and David Israel, yet you cannot see that, Bob. You also refuse to recognize that Olga is very much like you - passionate in beliefs, outspoken and generally, as you are, a good person. What the problem with David Israel is, I cannot figure out.
You yourself have advocated that people be allowed into UCO as volunteers - see what happened this past half year? NOONE that is contrary to David Israel and his beliefs is allowed in unless they got there thru other means. He has specifically said he will not allow them in UCO. Joy Vestal, the supposed impartial journalist, has stated the same thing.You back them up though he makes ridiculous statements such as that Ed Ross is a has been, old and retired. Well, what the hell does he think that he is, other than an old retired hack from a nasty agency that has a pretty low reputation right now and it seems he is quite comfortable with it reflecting on him. What the hell does he think he knows about roads and cement and paving and drainage and anything else technical, other than his damned constant techie talk, trying to overwhelm people - which he does not if the person has any brain at all. And by the way, when this was going on, Ed had and in fact, still has an apartment here and was living in the Village, but keep lying, David Israel and soon your nose will vie with that of Pinocchio.
He is pushing the Wi Fi when we simply do not have the money for it and are in a general mess anyway with our finances. One does not go buy a fancy house when one has trouble paying the rent on a small apartment! But he and Ed Black, his puppet master, believe in the rob Peter to pay Paul economic principle and then let Suzie Q go hang when her bill is submitted. That is because David Israel NEVER had to account for any budget management. He was given the budget and that was it. He has NO administrative skills and yet, you, Bob, and others such as the brainiac Grace and that other brainiac Elaine and the fools Don Ho Ho and Petey Boy plus hot air Lanny go right along. Them, I can understand; they think they enhanced themselves by hanging with him, dumb as that is - but what do you, Bob, gain from it? You have your own sense of ethics, and I can vouch for that, yet do not seem to demand it from those whom you follow or even (GAG) idolize.
As far as the statistics of the test results that David Israel claims to have put on, please know that the only reason these came to light is because a year and a half ago I was hounding him with money questions and the quality of the job and he thought this would be enough. Well, it ain't! These are from first phase, no second phase results and that was the worst part of the job, and why would I believe this company and David Israel and his experts anyway? They did a crap job and their supposed "experts" have been proven wrong by other experts, neutral ones, with nothing to gain.
So now, Bob, let's deal with the Wi Fi which you say will enhance property values. I am not planning on selling, did not when I could have gotten close to $200,000 for it and not now either when the value is much less than that high point. I am LIVING here, not selling here and not investing in multiple units like some other people (ahem Ed Black, Bob Marshall, etc.). What will NOT enhance our values is the fact that we will be near bankruptcy. That for sure is not attractive for buyers except for the wolves and that is what we will have should we agree to a million dollar plus second debacle. I just read about a mesh network in Red Hook, Brooklyn and the troubles they have, what with constant updating, constant techies having to go and make sure that the equipment is working right and constant spending on updating so why the hell are we planning on subjecting our Village to this. It is clear that a majority do not want nor need this and Anitra and her fake poll can go hang, thank you. How will the cost be divided when so many of the associations opt out and while you may consider it a primary service, others, including me, do not. I want no part of it. Not now, not the way it could be, not with the expenses and not with the overruns that will happen, not any way at all. I am quite satisfied with what I have at any time of the day, not worrying about what will be when thousands of people go online at the same time here in the Village. Fuggedaboutit!
So, Bob, and everyone else out there, think about it. And I promise you, Gracie, it is not because it has anything to do with David Israel. Granted, we are not the best of pals, but I do not base my politics and thoughts and principles and beliefs on love or hate. In fact, it appears that you guys do that and by the way, Gracie, my not so amazing Grace, I am not a sore loser. I am pretty pleased with all the votes I received after coming out of nowhere and being blocked at every intersection in the Village from publicity, and David Israel chickening out about debates - since he knew he would get creamed - and if the election had been run in a more transparent manner, then who knows?!!!! Ah,,, there are always more elections or perhaps I just like doing this. Whatever, it will be my decision and I will not be consulting with you about it, not with someone who does not want to have coffee with me!
One final question, addressed to David Israel, Grace, Bob, and all those who follow the dictator. What is he so afraid of? Why will he not allow people other than his sycophants to post on his blog. I do. Gary does. You do, Bob. David Israel does not and so when he asks a questions supposedly for people to answer, he knows what he will hear - exactly what he wants - for only his brown nosers may respond. Feh! So fake!
But now, this one's for you, my friend Bob, and I do sincerely mean that. Over the last campaign I got to know Bob a bit, even though he was in the "enemy" camp, and I believe that at heart he is a bright individual with some hangups or blind spots, particularly those dealing with David Israel, Olga and Dorothy. Why, I do not know. Here are two women who desired the best for the Village, one who put in hours and hours trying to save the Village from the machinations of Ed Black and David Israel, yet you cannot see that, Bob. You also refuse to recognize that Olga is very much like you - passionate in beliefs, outspoken and generally, as you are, a good person. What the problem with David Israel is, I cannot figure out.
You yourself have advocated that people be allowed into UCO as volunteers - see what happened this past half year? NOONE that is contrary to David Israel and his beliefs is allowed in unless they got there thru other means. He has specifically said he will not allow them in UCO. Joy Vestal, the supposed impartial journalist, has stated the same thing.You back them up though he makes ridiculous statements such as that Ed Ross is a has been, old and retired. Well, what the hell does he think that he is, other than an old retired hack from a nasty agency that has a pretty low reputation right now and it seems he is quite comfortable with it reflecting on him. What the hell does he think he knows about roads and cement and paving and drainage and anything else technical, other than his damned constant techie talk, trying to overwhelm people - which he does not if the person has any brain at all. And by the way, when this was going on, Ed had and in fact, still has an apartment here and was living in the Village, but keep lying, David Israel and soon your nose will vie with that of Pinocchio.
He is pushing the Wi Fi when we simply do not have the money for it and are in a general mess anyway with our finances. One does not go buy a fancy house when one has trouble paying the rent on a small apartment! But he and Ed Black, his puppet master, believe in the rob Peter to pay Paul economic principle and then let Suzie Q go hang when her bill is submitted. That is because David Israel NEVER had to account for any budget management. He was given the budget and that was it. He has NO administrative skills and yet, you, Bob, and others such as the brainiac Grace and that other brainiac Elaine and the fools Don Ho Ho and Petey Boy plus hot air Lanny go right along. Them, I can understand; they think they enhanced themselves by hanging with him, dumb as that is - but what do you, Bob, gain from it? You have your own sense of ethics, and I can vouch for that, yet do not seem to demand it from those whom you follow or even (GAG) idolize.
As far as the statistics of the test results that David Israel claims to have put on, please know that the only reason these came to light is because a year and a half ago I was hounding him with money questions and the quality of the job and he thought this would be enough. Well, it ain't! These are from first phase, no second phase results and that was the worst part of the job, and why would I believe this company and David Israel and his experts anyway? They did a crap job and their supposed "experts" have been proven wrong by other experts, neutral ones, with nothing to gain.
So now, Bob, let's deal with the Wi Fi which you say will enhance property values. I am not planning on selling, did not when I could have gotten close to $200,000 for it and not now either when the value is much less than that high point. I am LIVING here, not selling here and not investing in multiple units like some other people (ahem Ed Black, Bob Marshall, etc.). What will NOT enhance our values is the fact that we will be near bankruptcy. That for sure is not attractive for buyers except for the wolves and that is what we will have should we agree to a million dollar plus second debacle. I just read about a mesh network in Red Hook, Brooklyn and the troubles they have, what with constant updating, constant techies having to go and make sure that the equipment is working right and constant spending on updating so why the hell are we planning on subjecting our Village to this. It is clear that a majority do not want nor need this and Anitra and her fake poll can go hang, thank you. How will the cost be divided when so many of the associations opt out and while you may consider it a primary service, others, including me, do not. I want no part of it. Not now, not the way it could be, not with the expenses and not with the overruns that will happen, not any way at all. I am quite satisfied with what I have at any time of the day, not worrying about what will be when thousands of people go online at the same time here in the Village. Fuggedaboutit!
So, Bob, and everyone else out there, think about it. And I promise you, Gracie, it is not because it has anything to do with David Israel. Granted, we are not the best of pals, but I do not base my politics and thoughts and principles and beliefs on love or hate. In fact, it appears that you guys do that and by the way, Gracie, my not so amazing Grace, I am not a sore loser. I am pretty pleased with all the votes I received after coming out of nowhere and being blocked at every intersection in the Village from publicity, and David Israel chickening out about debates - since he knew he would get creamed - and if the election had been run in a more transparent manner, then who knows?!!!! Ah,,, there are always more elections or perhaps I just like doing this. Whatever, it will be my decision and I will not be consulting with you about it, not with someone who does not want to have coffee with me!
One final question, addressed to David Israel, Grace, Bob, and all those who follow the dictator. What is he so afraid of? Why will he not allow people other than his sycophants to post on his blog. I do. Gary does. You do, Bob. David Israel does not and so when he asks a questions supposedly for people to answer, he knows what he will hear - exactly what he wants - for only his brown nosers may respond. Feh! So fake!
Saturday, August 23, 2014
LETTER TO GRACIE
READ THIS AND TRY TO UNDERSTAND WHAT WE HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET THRU YOUR SOMEWHAT THICK SKULLS!
PAVING, THE FIVE
MILLION DOLLAR CON:
RESPONSES TO COMMENTS
BY GRACE, THE WOMAN
WHO PROFESSES TO KNOW
EVERYTHING ABOUT PAVING.
On the very private blog
owned and operated by David Israel, a woman by the name of Grace had made a
number of statements, -- rather dumb statements, I must say. So, inasmuch as she has mentioned that my
recent posting regarding paving is “nonsense,” I really need to respond.
Grace – I hope that you
are going to read these responses on this free and open blog and I would certainly
debate what you have to say about paving.
As a Registered Architect, I’ve designed, produced working drawings and
specifications, and supervised paving projects for about 350 bituminous paving
jobs from residential driveways to major highways.
Note: the underlined emphasis represents the actual
statements as they appeared on the “private blog.”
Grace makes the statement
– “I have read the nonsense from Ed Ross about the roads. He is an architect, not a paving expert.” This statement is
just an indication of Grace’s lack of understanding and knowledge. Who does she think writes up all of the
paving contracts? Who does she think produces
the paving design drawings and specifications?
Who does she think supervises all of this paving work in the field? She doesn’t seem to understand that all
paving projects of this type have Architects and/or Civil Engineers, and they
control the execution of their design documents.
Grace also states that – “The
paving company told us they would have to go down to bedrock to get a perfect
road.” This is a false
statement. No person employed by any
paving company in the country would ever make such an absurd statement. All that is needed is assurance of a sound,
well-compacted gravel base void of fertile material. Recognizing the stability of existing
roadways can easily be determined by testing, such as coring. A great many times, a crushed stone base is
chosen but that is considered for heavy vehicle use. The real success of a roadway or parking area
is its base – the material used and how it is placed.
Grace states further “The
cost to go down to bedrock was a lot more than we paid.” Another stupid statement. Using the word “bedrock” reveals that she’s
trying to impress somebody. You can talk
about a high-rise building and “bedrock” in the same sentence, but not when
talking about Bituminous Concrete Roadways.
If the project was done correctly, taking into consideration all of Ed
Ross’ “nonsense”, we would have probably saved between one-half to one million
dollars, and no doubt have gotten a first-class, quality installation.
Grace comes up with
another erroneous statement: “If they paved over the existing road the
cracks would come back.” Well, that’s
exactly what they did, - they paved over the existing cracks. If an Architect was involved, he would have included in his design a workable system of dealing with
hairline cracks as well as pavement failures up to an inch or more. There are special ways to deal with root
systems below existing paving, and in this paving job, - it wasn’t even
considered.
Now, Israel wants to spend
thousands of our dollars to do something about roots breaking up new pavement.
Say you found that you had a flat
tire. The mechanic fixes it, so he says,
and you pay him and drive away. After a mile, the same tire goes flat and
you notice that the nail was never
removed. Do you pay the mechanic a
second time?
Grace goes on to say “THE
DELEGATES chose to go with paving over the old road.” Well, how else do you propose to do the
paving? Grace, there’s something really
wrong with what is scrambled around in your head. It was David Israel and Ed Black who lied to
everyone, including you, about the entire paving job, most especially about the
money. Can I convince you, Gracie, that
the sky is falling and you should run for cover?
Grace, you now make the
most stupid statement of all by “So why sue David Israel?” Because David Israel, the President of UCO,
is totally responsible, - - absolutely
and positively. Read Mr. Ross’
“nonsense,” and if you can understand common English language, you can
understand that Israel MUST be sued.
Just come to reality with what that man has done.
So, you see, Grace, you
know a little bit less than zero when it comes to Bituminous Concrete Paving,
and you may even know less when it comes down to reasons for law suits. It is about damages . . . David Israel,
President of UCO, has seriously damaged the property owners of Century Village
and he should be held accountable for the damages. All of the basic facts are out there.
Grace, you seem to have
all of your priorities scrambled and you just don’t make any sense at all. I’m convinced that you just don’t get it.
EDWARD J. ROSS, AIA, FARA,
ARCHITECT
Friday, August 22, 2014
AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN - I FEEL LIKE BUZZ LIGHTYEAR - TOWARDS INFINITY WE GO!
Sometimes it seems as if every time I read the other blog, I am reading a repetitive strain of the same nonsense. First we have the constant mantra of oh, we are suing ourselves, or oh, they want to use OUR money, Village resident's money. Well, you asses over there, no one is using the money of the Village except for YOU. YOU wasted five million dollars of it and are now wasting more in repairs. It took you close to two years of our constant pressure and proof for you to finally fess up to some of your sins. Now you keep up this stupid repetitive statement and it is getting more tired by the nanosecond. And if Petey Boy thinks Ed Ross does not know of what he speaks and therefore should not speak, well, this is America and we allow all to speak - even you - who knows less than nothing but brays like a donkey, thinking the louder and more often you bray the more intelligent you sound. Wrong.. Ed's experience took in areas of road building and contracts common in construction projects and just what do you know, Petey Boy?
Now we hear that four contract proposals are in for the Wi Fi system and lo and behold, here we are once again at a million
dollar figure. A MILLION DOLLARS!!!!!! AGAIN!!!!!!!
We cannot afford any more projects such as this, especially when we are struggling with a reserve shortfall of over a million dollars, 1.3 to be exact. Now David Israel, the conceited egomaniac with the maniacal focus on his own desires wants us to forget transferring funds into the reserve from Wi Fi funds and go take on ANOTHER MILLION DOLLAR LOSS!!!!!!
What are the details of these contracts? What are the proposed methods of doing this? How and where has this been done before? What is their record? Where are the details for the delegates or are we going to rush to push this through as we did the paving? Who will carry all the bills if so many associations have opted out and more on the way? Are we about to let another criminally negligent process take place and then we will be held holding the bag when David Israel goes off to die? Yes, that is how much money is at stake what with all the error of the road and drainage, the need to redo pretty soon and the Wi Fi which people do not want. While I disagree with George Pittell about the project, he at least knows that he has the responsibility to vote as his ASSOCIATION wants him to, not as he wants to. Then we have that moron and cheat, dishonest creep, who tells George Pittell to basically ignore that and vote how he wants. I wonder, what if he wants to vote against Wi Fi and the building wants it? What do you say then? Do you then trip over your own stupid tongue and say the opposite. See how crooked you guys are?
Here is a rule of thumb by which you should guide your life - A closed mouth gathers no foot - and by now you have about 80 feet inside that mouth of yours. Shut up for a long while and maybe you can come out with a working brain.
Now we hear that four contract proposals are in for the Wi Fi system and lo and behold, here we are once again at a million
dollar figure. A MILLION DOLLARS!!!!!! AGAIN!!!!!!!
We cannot afford any more projects such as this, especially when we are struggling with a reserve shortfall of over a million dollars, 1.3 to be exact. Now David Israel, the conceited egomaniac with the maniacal focus on his own desires wants us to forget transferring funds into the reserve from Wi Fi funds and go take on ANOTHER MILLION DOLLAR LOSS!!!!!!
What are the details of these contracts? What are the proposed methods of doing this? How and where has this been done before? What is their record? Where are the details for the delegates or are we going to rush to push this through as we did the paving? Who will carry all the bills if so many associations have opted out and more on the way? Are we about to let another criminally negligent process take place and then we will be held holding the bag when David Israel goes off to die? Yes, that is how much money is at stake what with all the error of the road and drainage, the need to redo pretty soon and the Wi Fi which people do not want. While I disagree with George Pittell about the project, he at least knows that he has the responsibility to vote as his ASSOCIATION wants him to, not as he wants to. Then we have that moron and cheat, dishonest creep, who tells George Pittell to basically ignore that and vote how he wants. I wonder, what if he wants to vote against Wi Fi and the building wants it? What do you say then? Do you then trip over your own stupid tongue and say the opposite. See how crooked you guys are?
Here is a rule of thumb by which you should guide your life - A closed mouth gathers no foot - and by now you have about 80 feet inside that mouth of yours. Shut up for a long while and maybe you can come out with a working brain.
THE INCONGRUITY OF LIFE, POLITICS AND TRUTH
Reading the paper and surfing the various news sites on line over the past couple of months can drive a logical person to drink! What seems glaringly obvious seems to be unseen by the eyes of policy makers and politicians all throughout the world.
The terrible death of the reporter Foley has sent shivers of dread and questions tinged with fear echoing throughout western countries. Suddenly the threat of extremist Islamists and the connection and similarities of these varied named groups all seems so clear but the question is - where has the world been till now? Why have they been so blind, or selectively blind to almost daily events and activities in the world?
Obama claims to be horrified by Foley's death, cries, and vows that we will protect American citizens, "our people" wherever and however. Really? I have my doubts about that. The so righteous people screamed to the heavens when Amliki, a master terrorist was assassinated. He was an "American citizen" - though he left as a baby of several months and hated America. When an American citizen, an innocent boy, Naftali Fraenkel, was kidnapped I must have missed the scene wherein Obama cried and vowed to protect American citizens wherever and however. He certainly seemed to think so when an Arab boy, an American citizen was allegedly beaten up in Jerusalem.
We seem to have selective thinking in this world. Israel says we must fight the terror of Hamas and you should realize that if we do not fight them here, you will fight them on and in your borders. Israel says we cannot have our citizens threatened with being kidnapped, especially as the tunnels seem to have targeted pre schools! Yes, these are the "soldiers" that Hamas wants to fight.
Yet Israel is besmirched and smeared in the press of the world. but wait - now that Foley suffered this awful fate and another American is on tap for the same fate, suddenly, oh so suddenly, we are waking up to the horror that we have allowed to grow up amongst the countries of the world. We have done so by being politically correct and not realistically correct.
The cities of Syria are in rubble. Close to 200, 000 of their citizens are dead and who knows how many million are in exile, over the border into countries to which they ran for refuge. Now that ISIS or ISIL is finally recognized a REAL threat, not just the spouting off of certain think tanks, not just a minor sect of extremists, now, the USA has engaged in air warfare with them and now we are even whispering about "other" means. Does that mean boots on the ground? Again? Why have we left it so long? Why have we ignored it? Why have we ignored the truthsayers for so long?
Iraq, Syria, the Ukraine, the Kurdish areas, occupied Cyprus, Gaza, areas of Israel, the countries of Africa, the Christians targeted by extreme Muslim groups there, like Boko Haram and should I go on? How about the "informers" that Hamas seems to be slaughtering now in Gaza, trying to shift the blame for their faulty policies and heavy losses? How about Cameron of Britain "shocked" that the beheader was a man with a British accent? Has he been blind to what has been happening in his country? And how about our other hostages all over the world, there because the government does not act, does not have power nor respect anymore? How about Alan Gross and Warren Weinstein? Will our stupidly grinning and golfing president DO something? When will he stop his "emotional cool and detachment'? Where is his empathy and understanding as to why we are now in this position? He will not find it in his golf course or in his long drive or short putt.
He, we, all of us around the world need to understand what we are facing. If we do not, I fear that one day soon we will be facing the point beyond which there is no return. We are almost there with the birthrate of Moslems and other groups around the world. What will happen when the extremists take over? I for one do not wish to live under any religious system unless it is of my own choice. It is not a governmental decision and that goes for ANY country - even Israel. Even America, where people want to force their religious beliefs on us be they about abortion or marriage or medical care or any other area they feel they must intrude and impose.
Where are we to go? Where are we to turn? How are we to act? When will we act? I just hope we all vote carefully in the next two elections and demand that things be set right.
The terrible death of the reporter Foley has sent shivers of dread and questions tinged with fear echoing throughout western countries. Suddenly the threat of extremist Islamists and the connection and similarities of these varied named groups all seems so clear but the question is - where has the world been till now? Why have they been so blind, or selectively blind to almost daily events and activities in the world?
Obama claims to be horrified by Foley's death, cries, and vows that we will protect American citizens, "our people" wherever and however. Really? I have my doubts about that. The so righteous people screamed to the heavens when Amliki, a master terrorist was assassinated. He was an "American citizen" - though he left as a baby of several months and hated America. When an American citizen, an innocent boy, Naftali Fraenkel, was kidnapped I must have missed the scene wherein Obama cried and vowed to protect American citizens wherever and however. He certainly seemed to think so when an Arab boy, an American citizen was allegedly beaten up in Jerusalem.
We seem to have selective thinking in this world. Israel says we must fight the terror of Hamas and you should realize that if we do not fight them here, you will fight them on and in your borders. Israel says we cannot have our citizens threatened with being kidnapped, especially as the tunnels seem to have targeted pre schools! Yes, these are the "soldiers" that Hamas wants to fight.
Yet Israel is besmirched and smeared in the press of the world. but wait - now that Foley suffered this awful fate and another American is on tap for the same fate, suddenly, oh so suddenly, we are waking up to the horror that we have allowed to grow up amongst the countries of the world. We have done so by being politically correct and not realistically correct.
The cities of Syria are in rubble. Close to 200, 000 of their citizens are dead and who knows how many million are in exile, over the border into countries to which they ran for refuge. Now that ISIS or ISIL is finally recognized a REAL threat, not just the spouting off of certain think tanks, not just a minor sect of extremists, now, the USA has engaged in air warfare with them and now we are even whispering about "other" means. Does that mean boots on the ground? Again? Why have we left it so long? Why have we ignored it? Why have we ignored the truthsayers for so long?
Iraq, Syria, the Ukraine, the Kurdish areas, occupied Cyprus, Gaza, areas of Israel, the countries of Africa, the Christians targeted by extreme Muslim groups there, like Boko Haram and should I go on? How about the "informers" that Hamas seems to be slaughtering now in Gaza, trying to shift the blame for their faulty policies and heavy losses? How about Cameron of Britain "shocked" that the beheader was a man with a British accent? Has he been blind to what has been happening in his country? And how about our other hostages all over the world, there because the government does not act, does not have power nor respect anymore? How about Alan Gross and Warren Weinstein? Will our stupidly grinning and golfing president DO something? When will he stop his "emotional cool and detachment'? Where is his empathy and understanding as to why we are now in this position? He will not find it in his golf course or in his long drive or short putt.
He, we, all of us around the world need to understand what we are facing. If we do not, I fear that one day soon we will be facing the point beyond which there is no return. We are almost there with the birthrate of Moslems and other groups around the world. What will happen when the extremists take over? I for one do not wish to live under any religious system unless it is of my own choice. It is not a governmental decision and that goes for ANY country - even Israel. Even America, where people want to force their religious beliefs on us be they about abortion or marriage or medical care or any other area they feel they must intrude and impose.
Where are we to go? Where are we to turn? How are we to act? When will we act? I just hope we all vote carefully in the next two elections and demand that things be set right.
WOW, IS ABOUT ALL I CAN ADD. THE POST JUST BEFORE THIS SAYS IT ALL
People, if ever you needed to read an article, the one after this one on the page needs, no, MUST, be read. It says it all, clearly and powerfully. It is long, yes, but reads like a horror novel. The print is smaller than usual, but enlarge it, use a magnifying glass or sheet, but read it you must.
Once you read it you will understand the passion the opposition has to continue the fight against David Israel and his crew. It is why you MUST ignore the chaff he throws up around the issue of the suit. The essence is quite detailed in that article and once read you will see why David Israel keeps harping about the small fees - all so he can have us ignore the five million plus money he cost us and the millions more it will cost to fix the problem. It is already starting in the "nickel and diming" repairs piecemeal that is being planned for the roads and perimeter walkways. THAT WILL NOT DO. WE MUST SUPPORT THE SUIT. WE MUST TAKE CONTROL OVER OUR OWN VILLAGE AND WREST IT AWAY FROM THOSE WHO HAVE AND WOULD DO US FURTHER HARM.
David Israel can stop this whole mess by simply having his lawyers go for settlement, admit he did wrong and then take part in suing M&M Paving via UCO as ONLY UCO can sue them as they were the signatories to the contract.
Kudos and thanks to Ed Ross who had the knowledge, the courage, and the patience to sit down and write the detailed presentation. PLEASE read the article. It immediately follows the end of this one. Thank you.
Once you read it you will understand the passion the opposition has to continue the fight against David Israel and his crew. It is why you MUST ignore the chaff he throws up around the issue of the suit. The essence is quite detailed in that article and once read you will see why David Israel keeps harping about the small fees - all so he can have us ignore the five million plus money he cost us and the millions more it will cost to fix the problem. It is already starting in the "nickel and diming" repairs piecemeal that is being planned for the roads and perimeter walkways. THAT WILL NOT DO. WE MUST SUPPORT THE SUIT. WE MUST TAKE CONTROL OVER OUR OWN VILLAGE AND WREST IT AWAY FROM THOSE WHO HAVE AND WOULD DO US FURTHER HARM.
David Israel can stop this whole mess by simply having his lawyers go for settlement, admit he did wrong and then take part in suing M&M Paving via UCO as ONLY UCO can sue them as they were the signatories to the contract.
Kudos and thanks to Ed Ross who had the knowledge, the courage, and the patience to sit down and write the detailed presentation. PLEASE read the article. It immediately follows the end of this one. Thank you.
PAVING, -- THE RESPONSIBLE PARTIES, AND WHO SHOULD PAY
I have read and heard a good deal about Century Village’s historic paving job. One could certainly write a book about who did this or who did that and who did nothing. Most of the CV residents and their representatives, the Delegates, may not really be aware of what this is all about. They may have questions like, “So, what was done wrong?” or, “Didn’t they do the best that they were capable of doing?”
We, all of us, didn’t spend $25,000 or $100,000 for a paving job. We spent about $5,350,000. In my professional opinion, the president of UCO and at least five of his closest associates should be held completely and wholly responsible. I dare say, again, from my experience, “criminal” activity had to be prevalent in the course of this entire paving fiasco. Talk to any law enforcement officer or the Attorney General, and you’ll see what the odds are that there was no criminal activity.
Please allow me to clear up the “Who’s, Why’s, When’s and Where’s, so that you can better understand why you should want to see these responsible people punished or otherwise put down, so that we can return to being a community as a whole.
But first, in order for me to make a number of statements, all readers should know my background and experience in the preparing of this analogy of a five million dollar project which was executed in an illegal, amateurish, unprofessional manner. I have more than 50 years of experience in the Architectural Profession, with registrations and licenses to practice Architecture in six states, including the states of Florida, Massachusetts, New York, California, New Hampshire and Vermont, and a National Licensing Certification of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards; (all presently inactive – at my election as a retired registered architect); an expert witness in construction law; professional organizations: The American Institute of Architects, Fellow of the Society of American Registered Architects, The Boston Society of Architects, Mass. State Association of Architects, Construction Specifications Institute, National Panel Member of the American Arbitration Association; and, a Massachusetts Licensed Construction Supervisor.
In all of my experience, I have never seen a five million dollar Bituminous Concrete Paving Project consisting of four agreements, each having one page and perhaps an attached signature page. Fully detailed paving contracts would normally be documents containing, but not limited to, General Conditions, Supplemental General Conditions, Special Conditions, Unit Prices, overall area Site Plans enlarged to clearly indicate the scope of work, and General Requirements.
There were no detailed drawings of the multiple varying conditions above and below finished grade; no contract specifications detailing the scope of work; no alternates for optional design, no forms for partial payments and forms for partial or total completion, no detailed specifications of the bituminous products to be used and their various applications in accordance with government standards; no mention of change order work and how that work should be performed, no performance bonds, no Workman’s Compensation stipulations, no field order information or work orders; no shop drawings, no daily UCO representation by the on-site Property Manager, no detailed requirements by drawings and specifications to assure proper surface and sub-grade drainage, no samples of materials that are specified, no Clerk of the Works, no competitive bids from at least three qualified paving contractors, no field reports from anyone, no progress reports, no traffic control requirements, no Architect and/or Engineer in the design and construction phases; no construction completion time indicated, no liquidated damages or bonus clauses, no allowances stated for specialty work, no weekly meetings of all involved concerned parties, no conditions set forth for public safety, no contact completion time, nobody checking quantities and acceptable work for partial payments, no requirements set forth for field preparation, and it goes on and on. No methods, means and procedures are set forth relative as to how the entire work is to be executed. NONE of the above functions were included, and much more.
It has to be understood that there are tens of standards that are commonly known to professionals that need to be executed prior to, during the performance of the work, and at its conclusion. Listed above are many of these standard procedures. Of course you are going to get a poor job with one-page contracts. You just can’t get any worse than that.
It is incredible knowing the way David Israel secretly handled a paving job costing over five million dollars and he got away with it. He has to be the most inept, irresponsible person in the State of Florida, or, he is someone who needs to be charged and brought before a judge.
What is the matter with the people? There is a president, plus bloody stupid followers, who went along with spending well over five million of our dollars and we have received nothing for the money but headaches and problems and a lot more money is going to come out of our pockets for repaving. Is it alright that road reserve monies are accumulated for the purpose of re-paving work that is needed now or in the not too distant future? Never mind $10 or $20 thousand for an attorney, -- what about all of this new money for the repairs and replacement of faulty paving? Who is supposed to pay for it? . . . The people who came up with all of the directives and decisions and the people who physically did the work. You go after them whether they are all covered by insurance or not.
No sane person who understands now most all of the things that should have been done, would simply say “faget aboudit.” David Israel keeps commenting on paying an attorney using “your” money. What, -- $10K, or $20K? What about 5 mil plus of your money? And, to fix what we now have is going to cost much more than you think because of the established finished grades. Surfaces are going to need to be scarified, striated and re-graded to maintain and provide new finished elevations and drainage requirements.
Let’s simply put it out straight: what David Israel, President of UCO, acting in and for Century Village did, was wrong, and most certainly, may be “criminal.” What Mr. Black, as Treasurer, did in hiding the truth from all residents was unjust by statute standards; what Mr. Marshall did was blatantly stupid; what Rodger Carver did is a bunch of things that should require criminal investigation; what Mr. Guarnagia did was despicable and may be “criminal” as well; Mr. Cornish should have known better than to talk a lot about something he knows nothing about.
Further, what did the Executive Board do? Nothing, absolutely nothing but go along with the illicit scheme. And then, the Delegates, who knew nothing, but just wanted to vote so that they could feel important, were sold on “the sky is falling” and they believed it.
They believed in Hitler, they believed in Mussolini, they believed in Tojo, they believed in Stalin, they believed in Mao, and they believed in Israel. That seems to be the mind set of Century Village. Israel can point you to the cattle cars . . . stay in line.
The very bottom line is that David Israel is responsible. He is totally and absolutely responsible. I don’t know about you, but I’m all for suing him, putting him in jail, or at the very least, -- getting him the hell out of office. It is not a matter of who is going to take his place, -- it is, -- you MUST get him out of office . . . he is a plague.
EDWARD J. ROSS, AIA, FARA, ARCHITECT
(STATE OF FLORIDA, ARCHITECT REGISTRATION
No. 6796 – STATUS: INACTIVE AT PRESENT TIME
AT REQUEST OF LICENSE HOLDER)
Thursday, August 21, 2014
BRIEF UPDATE ON IDJIT
Idjit is jealous and has sent me comments today whining that it is not right that I write on my blog daily and sometimes twice daily. Awwwww. Sorry, idjit. Some people got it and some ain't! Deal with it.
OH GRACIE, GRACIE, GRACIE, MY NOT SO AMAZING GRACIE - WHAT'S GOIN' ON?
So what's up, friend Gracie? Wanna' cup of coffee? Nope? OK.
But what is going on in your part of CV? First you have this pathetic comment posted on the other blog how you are so upset that there is a group of people who disagree with your god, David Israel, and then you just simply hate the fact that Olga has a sign on her building. Well, tough bugs! Protesting by signs of one type or another is an American tradition. Remember "One if by land, two if by sea" (you know, the guy who rode the horse!) Remember the sheets hung out of slums shouting "rent strike" - well, they broke the back of slumlords. So you see, little Gracie, signs and protest and being an American just go together like Mom and apple pie.
Now let's get real here. Just what IS going on down there at UCO? David Israel seems to be losing it big time and things appear to be falling apart, with people not toeing the line. Tsk, tsk. So Marcia Z. seems to be pushing his buttons when she suggests or protests and yesterday at the Advisory Committee meeting, one of his controlled groups, when Marcia asked for a copy of the old by laws so as to compare with the proposed new ones, one of his biggest allies, the foul tempered and foul mouthed Marilyn Gorodetzer flew off the handle, Joy Vestal agreed with Marcia (wonder of wonder, miracle of miracles....) and then even David saw the light and asked for a copy. Well, Marilyn then stormed out saying she quit! YAY!!!!!! So, David Israel, I volunteer. Let's finally get in someone who knows about management, about revision of official documents, who understands the need for process and procedure. Be a man and try to aim for consensus and an open, democratic administration. Remember, this is America!
But wait - there's more! David Israel received a letter dated August 5, 2014 and finally published it almost three weeks later. It is a strong letter which lays out the responsibility of UCO and the necessity to sue M&M Paving for its faulty job as UCO is the contracting agent, not the individual residents. Yesterday, Gary published the amazing answer - that is Gary, NOT David Israel. Once again he is trying to hide things and not go the proper route. The response was from , believe it or not, ROD TENNYSON! Yes, that ridiculous excuse for a lawyer that David Israel himself said months and months ago NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. But replaced he wasn't and now we have a whole TWO paragraph answer (kind of reminds one of the ONE paragraph contract we had for a five million dollar project).
Was an announcement made on the blog? NO! Was a date set for the discussion of said letter and pathetic response? NO! Once again, the dictator David Israel takes it upon himself to answer for the Village. That is how we got into this mess in the first place - by he and Ed Black bypassing proper protocol and procedure, by not consulting with a proper attorney.
So what is to be done, my not so amazing Grace? Well, for one, get rid of David Israel and put in a president who understands organizations and their structure.
Have proper process and procedure followed.
Have proper management principles followed.
Cut out the one man runs all situation we now have.
Instill and install decent behavior. It stems from the top, and the top here is rotten.
Consult with a real attorney with a specialty in this field and try to work towards a settlement, one which will help the Village repair itself, body and soul. The proof of the malfeasance is out there on the streets we ride and walk on.
Redesign and restructure our administrative bodies. The whole system of the delegate assembly and its power to run the whole Village, sometimes by a vote as low as 70 -80- votes is ridiculous and insulting to the residents.
Have a list of duties of the delegates and a designation of minimum times of attendance or absence - choice is up to us - so that there is no deadwood there!
Restructure the election process and in fact, have it run by an outside and impartial body.
The list can go on and on, but the first thing is to remove the head, the boil, that is infecting the rest of the body politic here.
RESIGN OR RECALL!!!
PS. And just exactly what happened to those bids for the proposed WI Fi? Somebody's got some 'splainin' to do!!!
But what is going on in your part of CV? First you have this pathetic comment posted on the other blog how you are so upset that there is a group of people who disagree with your god, David Israel, and then you just simply hate the fact that Olga has a sign on her building. Well, tough bugs! Protesting by signs of one type or another is an American tradition. Remember "One if by land, two if by sea" (you know, the guy who rode the horse!) Remember the sheets hung out of slums shouting "rent strike" - well, they broke the back of slumlords. So you see, little Gracie, signs and protest and being an American just go together like Mom and apple pie.
Now let's get real here. Just what IS going on down there at UCO? David Israel seems to be losing it big time and things appear to be falling apart, with people not toeing the line. Tsk, tsk. So Marcia Z. seems to be pushing his buttons when she suggests or protests and yesterday at the Advisory Committee meeting, one of his controlled groups, when Marcia asked for a copy of the old by laws so as to compare with the proposed new ones, one of his biggest allies, the foul tempered and foul mouthed Marilyn Gorodetzer flew off the handle, Joy Vestal agreed with Marcia (wonder of wonder, miracle of miracles....) and then even David saw the light and asked for a copy. Well, Marilyn then stormed out saying she quit! YAY!!!!!! So, David Israel, I volunteer. Let's finally get in someone who knows about management, about revision of official documents, who understands the need for process and procedure. Be a man and try to aim for consensus and an open, democratic administration. Remember, this is America!
But wait - there's more! David Israel received a letter dated August 5, 2014 and finally published it almost three weeks later. It is a strong letter which lays out the responsibility of UCO and the necessity to sue M&M Paving for its faulty job as UCO is the contracting agent, not the individual residents. Yesterday, Gary published the amazing answer - that is Gary, NOT David Israel. Once again he is trying to hide things and not go the proper route. The response was from , believe it or not, ROD TENNYSON! Yes, that ridiculous excuse for a lawyer that David Israel himself said months and months ago NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. But replaced he wasn't and now we have a whole TWO paragraph answer (kind of reminds one of the ONE paragraph contract we had for a five million dollar project).
Was an announcement made on the blog? NO! Was a date set for the discussion of said letter and pathetic response? NO! Once again, the dictator David Israel takes it upon himself to answer for the Village. That is how we got into this mess in the first place - by he and Ed Black bypassing proper protocol and procedure, by not consulting with a proper attorney.
So what is to be done, my not so amazing Grace? Well, for one, get rid of David Israel and put in a president who understands organizations and their structure.
Have proper process and procedure followed.
Have proper management principles followed.
Cut out the one man runs all situation we now have.
Instill and install decent behavior. It stems from the top, and the top here is rotten.
Consult with a real attorney with a specialty in this field and try to work towards a settlement, one which will help the Village repair itself, body and soul. The proof of the malfeasance is out there on the streets we ride and walk on.
Redesign and restructure our administrative bodies. The whole system of the delegate assembly and its power to run the whole Village, sometimes by a vote as low as 70 -80- votes is ridiculous and insulting to the residents.
Have a list of duties of the delegates and a designation of minimum times of attendance or absence - choice is up to us - so that there is no deadwood there!
Restructure the election process and in fact, have it run by an outside and impartial body.
The list can go on and on, but the first thing is to remove the head, the boil, that is infecting the rest of the body politic here.
RESIGN OR RECALL!!!
PS. And just exactly what happened to those bids for the proposed WI Fi? Somebody's got some 'splainin' to do!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)