Around the world on Final Inspectors

Source: Charlotte Observer (Original Article)

Judging from how his administration has operated, President George W. Bush wanted lawyers who would tell him he could do what he wanted, and he found them. That has been evident from his administration’s record of failure when its policies were challenged in the U.S. Supreme Court as well as the professionally embarrassing of some his appointees before congressional committees.

But there is no better, and more disturbing, illustration of his administration’s disregard for the law than the recent report on the politicization of the U.S. Department of Justice. What the president’s associates did there is surely unethical, and probably illegal.

The Justice Department workforce is made up of two groups, political appointees who come and go with a change in administrations and nonpartisan career lawyers who are covered by federal civil service law. Political and ideological factors may be used in hiring political appointees, but not in filling career jobs.

In a internal report made public last week, the Justice Department’s inspector general and ethics office officials found gross political considerations in acceptance of applicants for two of the department’s key recruiting programs – the attorney general’s honors program and the department’s summer intern program. The report concluded that “many qualified applicants” were rejected because of what was perceived as their liberal leanings.

For years, job applicants had been judged on their grades, the quality of their law schools, their legal clerkships and other experiences. But beginning in 2002, Attorney General John Ashcroft gave his political aides final say over the applications, imposing what some Justice Department insiders considered a blatant ideological and political screening system.

One of the most disheartening incidents in the report involved the investigators’ interview with a Justice Department political appointee who had a hand in airlines the approval process. He reported finding …continue reading

Source: Waikato Times (Original Article)

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ARRESTED: All Blacks halfback Jimmy Cowan has been arrested in Invercargill and charged with disorderly behaviour, The Southland Times understands.

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The All Blacks have confirmed that halfback Jimmy Cowan, on test duties for the Tri-Nations opener against South Africa, is in trouble with the law again after being arrested in Invercargill and charged with disorderly behaviour.
The Southland Times reported on Monday that police and rugby officials were tight-lipped about the arrest yesterday. They were willing to confirm only that a prominent, professional 26-year-old rugby player had been arrested.
But the All Blacks camp confirmed Cowan was in trouble again.
Cowan was fronting his bosses in the capital to explain his second arrest in two months.
All Blacks management were expected to comment on the matter on Monday afternoon from their Wellington base where they are preparing to meet the Boks on Saturday night.
It will come as a major disappointment to them, just days after loose forward Jerome Kaino allegedly failed a drink-diving test in Auckland followng a motorway accident.
It is understood Cowan was arrested outside the One Blue Dog bar in Esk Street in Invercargill about 4am on Sunday and spent several hours in custody.
Cowan was released later in the day in time to catch a flight to Wellington to join the Blacks, but police were considering laying further charges against him.
Police said yesterday morning that the player was scheduled to appear on the disorder charge in the Invercargill District Court tomorrow, but it was unclear later in the day whether he would still appear then.
Cowan, who is already facing charges relating to an incident in Dunedin on May 12 after the Highlanders lost to the Blues at Carisbrook, was not answering calls yesterday.
His parents, who live in Mataura, would not comment.
Cowan and 10 Frequent Flyer other players had been released from …continue reading

Source: Chicago Daily Herald (Original Article)

Q. In past articles you’ve mentioned “as-built permits” for additions and alterations that were done without building permits. I have a property that was totally renovated - new electrical, plumbing, heating and roof - all done without permits. I’m going to list the property for sale and want to know if an as-built permit is a good idea before I sell. Could you explain how this works?

A. When you sell a home with non-permitted alterations, you have two choices: You can sell it “as is,” but with full disclosure of non-permitted work, or you can get an as-built permit and, hopefully, make everything legal. But before you apply for an as-built permit, you should be aware of the pros and cons.

Most building departments offer as-built permits as a way to bring maverick additions and alterations into legal conformity. On its face, the concept is quite simple: You submit a set of plans to the building official with an application for a building permit. With a normal building permit, you obtain permission to perform work. With an as-built permit, you seek approval for work that was already completed, to be sure that it complies with the building code.

If the proposed plans conform with municipal standards, they are accepted, and a building inspection is scheduled. If the scope of work is not acceptable, the permit is denied, and the building official may order restoration of the building to its original state.

Examples of unacceptable changes would be additions that are too close to property lines, a garage conversion where enclosed parking is required, or a second living unit where single-family occupancy is the limit.

If the plans are approved, the next hurdle is the building inspection. In the best of cases, the building inspector performs a visual, walk-through inspection of the project area. If no building violations are found, the work is officially approved, and the completed work is given the Amex Cards same status as construction that was …continue reading

Source: RedOrbit (Original Article)

Don’t Insult Us With Call for a National Debate on Wind Farms
Posted on: Friday, 27 June 2008, 06:02 CDT
By Bill Jamieson WHEN politicians call for a “national debate”, it is a sure sign that the most dubious policy is about to be railroaded through, whether we debate it or not. That is what lies at the heart of the Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s portentous declaration yesterday of a “green revolution”. Thousands of new wind turbines are set to be built across the UK over the coming decade as part of a GBP 100 billion plan for renewable energy. What a dissembling cheek the Prime Minister has in suggesting we hold a “national debate” on the wind-farm “revolution”. The die is cast and the EU-imposed target of 15 per cent of renewable energy has long been set. Where was the “national debate” about that? We are now about to see a massive push for yet more wind-farm development and spending on a scale that will blast apart energy economics for a generation - with a massive bill heading for consumers. Farmers are being offered generous sums to put wind farms on their land, and the planning system is likely to become even more skewed towards wind-farm developers as this massive project is railroaded through. Such is the collective delusion over wind farms, and the money- no-object rush to embrace them that I can only liken the policy stampede to a collective mania straight out of Charles Mackay’s Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds. How much electricity will wind farms have to generate? How many new turbines will be required? What will be the cost? And can the planning system survive the onslaught with any credibility? If the government is to meet its renewables target, then the amount of electricity to be generated by wind farms will have to increase more than twenty-fold. The Royal Academy of Engineering has calculated that wind energy is two and a half times more expensive than other forms of electricity generation in the BankWest Credit Cards UK.

The cost of electricity generated …continue reading

Source: Independent Online (Original Article)

Cosatu has condemned the “unfair dismissal” of more than 700 Mbombela Joint Venture workers who were building the 2010 soccer stadium in Nelspruit.

Five hundred workers were dismissed on Monday by the Basil Read and Bouygues Civil Works joint venture.

This followed an illegal strike by workers demanding night-shift allowances, bonuses and better working conditions.

Cosatu on Wednesday threatened to embark on a protest march if the dismissed workers were not reinstated within 48 hours.

“We call on management to unconditionally reinstate the dismissed workers within 48 hours,” Cosatu spokesperson Norman Mokoena said.

The federation also criticised management for acting in an “intractable, intransigent and stubborn manner” that compromised the strategic direction of the Mbombela municipality and the province.

Cosatu recommended that management engage in open discussions with the dismissed workers’ union, Building and Wood Workers International (BWI).

Meanwhile, police were expected to arrest four former Mbombela stadium workers for public violence, spokesperson Inspector Dawie Pretorius said.

This followed protests outside the stadium against their dismissal.

Several workers gathered outside the stadium on Wednesday morning, he said.

“The angry protesters burnt a heavy-duty truck, two motorbikes and a mobile guard house.

“Police managed to disperse the angry crowd and the situation is calm at the moment. Police are still at the stadium to maintain calm,” he said.

Cases of malicious damage to property, arson and public violence have been opened and are been investigated.

Basil Read spokesperson Frikkie Botha said the Mbombela Stadium Joint Venture had decided to terminate the employment of all the employees participating in unlawful and unprotected strike action at Frequent Flyer Card the stadium.

“These employees have …continue reading

Source: Independent Online (Original Article)

Cosatu on Wednesday condemned the “unfair dismissal” of more than 700 Mbombela Joint Venture workers who were building the 2010 soccer stadium in Nelspruit.

About 500 Mbombela stadium workers were dismissed on Monday by the Basil Read and Bouygues Civil Works joint venture.

This followed an illegal strike by workers demanding night-shift allowances, bonuses and better working conditions.

Cosatu threatened to embark on a protest march if the dismissed workers were not re-instated within 48-hours.

“We call on management to unconditionally re-instate the dismissed workers within 48 hours,” Cosatu spokesperson Norman Mokoena said.

The federation also criticised management for acting in an “intractable, intransigent and stubborn manner” that compromised the strategic direction of the Mbombela municipality and the province.

Cosatu recommended that management engage in open discussions with the dismissed workers’ union, Building and Wood Workers International (BWI).

Meanwhile, police were expected to arrest four former Mbombela stadium worker for public violence, spokesperson Inspector Dawie Pretorius said.

This followed protests outside the stadium against their dismissal.

Several workers gathered outside the stadium on Wednesday morning, he said.

“The angry protesters burnt a heavy duty truck, two motorbikes and a mobile guard house.

“Police managed to disperse the angry crowd and the situation is calm at the moment. Police are still at the stadium to maintain calm,” he said.

Cases of malicious damage to property, arson and public violence have been opened and are been investigated.

Basil Read spokesperson Frikkie Botha said Mbombela Stadium Joint Venture took the decision to terminate the employment of all the employees participating in an unlawful and unprotected strike Gold Credit Card action at the stadium.

“These …continue reading

Source: StreetInsider.com (subscription) (Original Article)

STURGIS, S.D., June 24 /PRNewswire/ — Today Rock’n the Rally organizers
announced the final headliners for its three-day concert series at Sturgis
Bike Week. Currently on his “Revival” tour, rock legend John Fogerty will
take the Glencoe Amphitheater stage on Tues., Aug. 5th for a night of
authentic American roots rock. That same night America’s favorite every man,
Larry The Cable Guy, will perform his blue-collar comedy for which he’s known.
Fogerty and Larry The Cable Guy join Rock’n the Rally’s diverse lineup of
heavy-hitters including Kenny Chesney and KISS. Recognized as one of the
biggest and best bike rallies in the world, Sturgis Bike Week will celebrate
its 68th year this August 4-10, 2008.

John Fogerty’s contribution to popular culture cannot be overstated; his
songs have become part of rock’s DNA, the very building blocks upon which much
of American rock and roll has been built. As the writer of such rock classics
as “Proud Mary,” “Centerfield,” “Bad Moon Rising,” “Rockin’ All Over the
World,” “Born on the Bayou” and “Fortunate Son,” Fogerty has established a
reputation for his ability to write iconic songs and in 2005 was inducted into
the prestigious Songwriters Hall of Fame. In 2007 Fogerty released the deeply
personal “Revival,” which was nominated for a Grammy Award in the 2008 Rock
Album category. Rolling Stone writes, “…Fogerty’s documentary roots rock
was always rebel music, a counterculture of factory-floor politics via Hank
Williams and Dale Hawkins. ‘Revival’ is no rerun. It is Fogerty getting back
to work.”

“John Fogerty is an amazing addition to the Rock’n the Rally lineup,” said
Rock’n the Rally organizer and Rozone Productions CEO, David Rosen. “His music
evokes an authenticity and rebellious American spirit that will resonate with
Sturgis fans.”

Larry The Cable Guy will perform his “just-telling-it-like-it-is”
unapologetic, politically incorrect comedy act. Larry is Amex Cards a platinum-selling
recording artist and Grammy …continue reading

Source: CNNMoney.com (Original Article)

Alberta Star Development Corp. (the “Company”) (TSX VENTURE: ASX)(OTCBB: ASXSF)(FRANKFURT: QLD) is pleased to announce that the Company has been granted “permission to drill” by the Chief Inspector of Mines of the Northwest Territories for the Company’s 2008 drill program at its Eldorado and Contact Lake IOCG & uranium projects. The Company has also received notice from the Chief Inspector of Mines that the Safety Program submitted by the Company in support of the Company’s 2008 drill program is in compliance with Section 15.02 of the Mine Health and Safety Act and Regulations and is deemed acceptable. Permission is now granted for work to proceed at the Eldorado & Contact Lake Projects. The Company is now in receipt of all the necessary permits required to undertake its 2008 drill program and implement its long-term mineral exploration and drilling strategy.

ELDORADO & CONTACT LAKE-5 YEAR CLASS “A” DRILLING PERMITS ISSUED-FULLY PERMITTED FOR DRILLING IN 2008

The Company has been granted two amended five-year Sahtu Land & Water Board Class “A” Land Use Permits (Eldorado/Glacier Lake and Contact Lake) for diamond drilling at both the Eldorado & Contact Lake Projects. The Eldorado/Glacier Lake “Class A Land Use Permit” amended (Permit #S05C-012) is valid until April 26, 2013 and the Contact Lake “Class A Land use Permit” amended (Permit #S05C-002) is valid until August 24, 2012. The Company has also submitted a formal application for a third drill permit to the Sahtu Land and Water Board (SLWB) and is awaiting final permit approval. The permit (Permit #S07C-008) application was deemed complete on May 30, 2008. This third “5-Year” drill permit application was submitted in April of 2007 and has requested 15,000 meters of drilling per year, over a five-year period for a total of 75,000 meters which includes the area of the Eldorado South IOCG and uranium Project.

THE ELDORADO & CONTACT ANZ First Credit Card LAKE IRON OXIDE COPPER, GOLD, SILVER …continue reading

Source: Annapolis Capital (Original Article)

As foreclosed residents move out of homes, Mother Nature moves in

Tim Ebner — HometownAnnapolis
TOP: High grass continues to grow in the front yard of this bank-owned home in the Heritage subdivision of Annapolis.
BOTTOM: A swimming pool in the backyard of a foreclosed home in Annapolis has seen better days. City officials said they are seeing an increase in the number of homes falling into disrepair.

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By TIM EBNER, Staff Writer
Published June 22, 2008 On Hilltop Lane, just down the street from Truxtun Park, a single-family home shows signs of neglect with tall grass, weeds and overgrown bushes sprouting up in the front yard. Just across the street, another home has its front double-hung windows boarded over with plywood.
The properties are just two of a growing number of area homes either owned by a bank because of foreclosure or in pre-foreclosure stages.There were 251 county foreclosure filings in March, up from 166 filings in March 2007, said Clerk of the Circuit Court Robert Duckworth. The 62 filings in April don't provide a "true picture" because of a new law that increases the amount of time before a foreclosure can become final, Mr. Duckworth said."We've noticed that there are more foreclosed homes this year," said Michael Mallinoff, the Director of Neighborhood and Environmental Programs in Annapolis.Mr. Mallinoff's department is in charge of inspecting and enforcing the city's property codes, and he said it is taking an aggressive approach toward maintaining foreclosed properties."The foreclosures first happened in other states like California and Airline Miles Credit Cards Florida, and from those states we've …continue reading

Source: TV Squad (Original Article)

Do not adjust your web browser. You are now entering the Retro Squad, where we are reviewing past episodes of classic TV shows.

When the Super Friends cartoons involving the Legion of Doom had finished, what did the 13 Doomsters do with their time? Rich had some thoughts on what the Super Friends had going on. Forgetting anything that happened in later comic books and other shows involving the characters, here’s what might have happened to the Legion …

Cheetah — After losing all but one of her outfits to a PETA raid on the Hall of Doom, Cheetah opened her own strip-o-gram company in Las Vegas and worked part-time as an Eartha Kitt impersonator for 12 years. She eventually ran into Lex Luthor during a sales convention in town at the Trump Towers. During a night of reminiscing and much drinking, the two married at the Quick-E-Wed Chapel. Two days later Cheetah filed for divorce and won 50% of the remainder of Luthor’s assets. With LexCorp dissolved, that amount totaled approximately $500.

Riddler — Ashamed about being portrayed by Jim Carrey in Batman Forever, Riddler reportedly lived with Scarecrow for a year where he committed himself to writing his memoirs. Unfortunately, publishers were unable to commit to selling his completed works, as they could not decipher anything he had written. He met author Dan Brown in 1995 during a hiking trip in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, where the two got to discussing writing. Riddler claimed in a 2001 lawsuit (see ‘Riddler vs. Brown’) that it was the basis of this conversation that led to the riddles found in Brown’s best-selling novel, The Da Vinci Code. Riddler was found in contempt for not attending court in proper attire, and the case was ultimately dismissed. He now works for Hallmark writing his own line of greeting cards.

Solomon Grundy — Grundy briefly made guest appearances as various monsters on Scooby Doo. He now owns three Casual Male big & TWO AND A HALF MEN dvd tall clothing stores in Chicago. Apache …continue reading