KENNESAW, Ga. -- A bomb squad has removed Civil War relics thought dangerous from a building at Kennesaw State University and have allowed students back inside.
The incident began when it was discovered that the relics being stored on the third-floor of the building could be potentially hazardous.
Cobb County police, the Army's Explosive Ordinance Division and officials from Cobb County's Explosive Ordinance Division were at the scene.
Authorities brought in a container where the devices could be safely detonated.
Once the Cobb EOD arrived on the scene, they removed the questionable Civil War relics and issued an all clear to the KSU police, who notified the campus community it was safe to return to the building, school officials said.

Labels: Bomb, Bomb Squad, Kennesaw State University, KSU

MILTON, GA., Aug. 30, 2010 - The City of Milton today unveiled a new Web site at www.cityofmiltonga.us.

The new site, which boasts a bevy of features and options for residents looking to connect with their community and city government, is the culmination of months of work and planning involving every city department.

"This has been a very big job. I think the citizens of Milton will like what they see," said Communications Manager Jason Wright. "We tried to open the doors of every department via the Web site, and hopefully our residents and business owners will appreciate the difference."

Users will notice big changes right off the bat, with a new layout and fresh photos - many of which were donated by residents - gracing the front page. To see a slide show of donated photos used in the Web site, click here.

Wright said the Web site is built with ease of use in mind. On the front page, there is now a search function, an "I want to" drop down menu taking users to the most popular site features and an interactive calendar. These three options are also available on every interior page.

"We didn't want users to have to 'drill down' very far to get needed information for our most common questions," Wright said. "If, for instance, you want a special event permit, are interested in a zoning case or want to pay your taxes, it's all right there on every page."

Inside, users will find expanded pages with full department head biographies, complete listings of staff with contact information and comprehensive information about everything the City of Milton's government oversees, including the trail plan, comprehensive plan and transportation projects.

But that's not all. There are also new maps, updated permit applications, membership rosters for volunteer boards and much, much more. And that's not to mention the full menu of social media options now available for residents - Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and an RSS feed. All will be updated regularly with vital city information, so sign up and plug in.

To visit the City of Milton's new Web site, simply type in the same address you have always used - www.cityofmiltonga.us. If you have any questions about the new site, contact Wright at 678-242-2523 or by e-mail at jason.wright@cityofmiltonga.us.

Incorporated on December 1, 2006, the City of Milton is a distinctive community that embraces small-town life and heritage while preserving and enhancing the city's rural character. The City of Milton is committed to maintaining the unique quality of life for its constituents while efficiently delivering essential services to residents and businesses in an interactive community environment. For more information, visit www.cityofmiltonga.us, or call 678-242-2500.

Labels: city milton, city of milton, milton, Milton City, Milton Georgia

2010 Emmy Award Winners

Below, the full list of winners from Sunday's Emmy Awards.

-- Drama Series: "Mad Men," AMC.

-- Comedy Series: "Modern Family," ABC.

-- Actor, Drama Series: Bryan Cranston, "Breaking Bad," AMC.

-- Actress, Drama Series: Kyra Sedgwick, "The Closer," TNT.

-- Actor, Comedy Series: Jim Parsons, "The Big Bang Theory," CBS.

-- Actress, Comedy Series: Edie Falco, "Nurse Jackie," Showtime.

-- Supporting Actor, Drama Series: Aaron Paul, "Breaking Bad," AMC.

Related
Golden Globes Winners ('Avatar'), Losers (NBC)WATCH: Emmy NominationsWATCH: Emmy Awards Wrap Up
-- Supporting Actress, Drama Series: Archie Panjabi, "The Good Wife," CBS.

-- Supporting Actor, Comedy Series: Eric Stonestreet, "Modern Family," ABC.

-- Supporting Actress, Comedy Series: Jane Lynch, "Glee," Fox.

-- Miniseries: "The Pacific," HBO.

-- Made-for-TV Movie: "Temple Grandin," HBO.

-- Actor, Miniseries or Movie: Al Pacino, "You Don't Know Jack," HBO.

-- Actress, Miniseries or Movie: Claire Danes, "Temple Grandin," HBO.

-- Supporting Actor, Miniseries or Movie: David Strathairn, "Temple Grandin," HBO.

-- Supporting Actress, Miniseries or Movie: Julia Ormond, "Temple Grandin," HBO.

-- Directing for a Comedy Series: Ryan Murphy, "Glee," Fox.

-- Directing, Drama Series: Steve Shill, "Dexter," Showtime.

-- Directing, Miniseries, Movie or Dramatic Special: Mick Jackson, "Temple Grandin," HBO.

-- Directing, Variety, Music or Comedy Special: Bucky Gunts, "Vancouver 2010 Winter Games Opening Ceremony," NBC.

-- Variety, Music or Comedy Series: "The Daily Show," Comedy Central.

-- Reality Competition Program: "Top Chef," Bravo.

-- Writing for Comedy Series: Steven Levitan, Christopher Lloyd, "Modern Family," ABC.

-- Writing, Drama Series: Matthew Weiner and Erin Levy, "Mad Men," AMC.

-- Writing, Miniseries, Movie or Dramatic Special: Adam Mazer, "You Don't Know Jack," HBO.

-- Writing, Variety, Music or Comedy Special: 63rd Annual Tony Awards, CBS.

Labels: 2010 Emmy Awards, Emmy Awards

At a time when workers' pay and benefits have stagnated, federal employees' average compensation has grown to more than double what private sector workers earn, a USA TODAY analysis finds.
Federal workers have been awarded bigger average pay and benefit increases than private employees for nine years in a row. The compensation gap between federal and private workers has doubled in the past decade.

Federal civil servants earned average pay and benefits of $123,049 in 2009 while private workers made $61,051 in total compensation, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. The data are the latest available.

The federal compensation advantage has grown from $30,415 in 2000 to $61,998 last year.

Public employee unions say the compensation gap reflects the increasingly high level of skill and education required for most federal jobs and the government contracting out lower-paid jobs to the private sector in recent years.

"The data are not useful for a direct public-private pay comparison," says Colleen Kelley, president of the National Treasury Employees Union.

Chris Edwards, a budget analyst at the libertarian Cato Institute, thinks otherwise. "Can't we now all agree that federal workers are overpaid and do something about it?" he asks.

Last week, President Obama ordered a freeze on bonuses for 2,900 political appointees. For the rest of the 2-million-person federal workforce, Obama asked for a 1.4% across-the-board pay hike in 2011, the smallest in more than a decade. Federal workers also would qualify for seniority pay hikes.

Congressional Republicans want to cancel the across-the-board increase in 2011, which would save $2.2 billion.

"Americans are fed up with public employee pay scales far exceeding that in the private sector," says Rep. Eric Cantor, R-Va., the second-ranking Republican in the House.

Sen. Ted Kaufman, D-Del., says a pay freeze would unfairly scapegoat federal workers without addressing real budget problems.

What the data show:

•Benefits. Federal workers received average benefits worth $41,791 in 2009. Most of this was the government's contribution to pensions. Employees contributed an additional $10,569.

•Pay. The average federal salary has grown 33% faster than inflation since 2000. USA TODAY reported in March that the federal government pays an average of 20% more than private firms for comparable occupations. The analysis did not consider differences in experience and education.

•Total compensation. Federal compensation has grown 36.9% since 2000 after adjusting for inflation, compared with 8.8% for private workers.

Labels: Government Pay

A Georgia man has won the right to fly the American flag outside his home after getting sued for failing to remove the 16-foot flagpole from his front lawn, MyFoxAtlanta.com reported.

Ron Tripodo of Canton, Ga., was embroiled in a costly legal dispute with the Bridgemill Homeowners Association over the flagpole, displayed prominently in his front yard for over a year.

"I got a letter saying, 'Take your flag down. You can put it in your backyard' and I just refused to do it," Tripodo, a former Army Reservist, told the TV station.

The homeowners association, which claimed the flagpole was an "obstruction," reportedly sued Tripodo for $25 each day the flag flew in his front yard -- a charge that totaled $32,000.

A Cherokee County judge, however, dismissed the lawsuit this week, freeing Tripodo from having to pay any fines.

"I wish I didn't have to go through all this aggravation, but I was going to defend this flag all the way," Tripodo said.

Tripodo said he believed the 2006 Freedom to Display the American Flag Act superseded any subdivision rules that prohibited the flagpole.

Labels: American Flag, Flying the American Flag, Forclosures, Foreclosed, foreclosed homes, foreclosed homes for sale, foreclosed land, foreclosed properties, foreclosure, Foreclosures, foreclosures for sale, Ga, Georgia

Hurricane Danielle became a Category 4 storm early Friday far out over the Atlantic as it headed in Bermuda's direction and threatened to bring dangerous rip currents to the U.S. East Coast.

Danielle's maximum sustained winds increased to near 135 mph with some additional strengthening possible.

Danielle was located early Friday about 545 miles southeast of Bermuda and moving north-northwest near 12 mph. The hurricane is forecast to pass well east of Bermuda on Saturday night. But large waves and dangerous surf conditions were expected in Bermuda over the next few days, the National Hurricane Center in Miami said.

Swells from Danielle would also begin arriving on the East Coast of the U.S. on Saturday and were likely to cause dangerous rip currents through the weekend.

Also in the Atlantic, Tropical Storm Earl was moving west with maximum sustained winds near 45 mph. Forecasters said Earl could become by Saturday night.

And in the Pacific, Hurricane Frank had weakened slightly off Mexico's coast. Further weakening was expected over the next couple days as the hurricane moved over cooler waters.

Labels: hurricane, Hurricane Danielle

Neighborhood watch groups flourish

MILTON, GA., Aug. 23, 2010 - The Milton Police Department's MPACT (Milton Police And Citizens Together) program has begun to take hold in several neighborhoods across the city.

MPACT is the Milton Police Department's way of organizing and conducting neighborhood watches. It works by creating a network of residents - normally a Homeowners Association - specifically assigned as that neighborhood's point of contact for the Police Department. They report information to each other and police, and distribute information from authorities when needed. In turn, the Police Department is able to provide information and training specific to that particular community.

To schedule a meeting in your neighborhood, contact Community Officer Andrew Phillips. He is available by calling 678-242-2505 or e-mailing andrew.phillips@cityofmiltonga.us.

There is also an online form for residents looking to schedule a meeting with Phillips available at the city's Web site, www.cityofmiltonga.us. Residents may sign up by clicking on "Forms," then choosing "Police Department Community Outreach Program" under "Online Forms."

You may also click here.

Just a few months into the program's launch, Avensong and Fairmont, neighborhoods on Deerfield Parkway and Ga. 9 respectively, are the program's most successful partners, said Phillips.

"The commitment of people like Howard Drobes in Avensong and Tina D'Aversa in Fairmont have been instrumental in making those neighborhoods our most active," said Phillips. "We hope other communities will see the work of these groups and create a similar network in their own neighborhoods."

Incorporated on December 1, 2006, the City of Milton is a distinctive community that embraces small-town life and heritage while preserving and enhancing the city's rural character. The City of Milton is committed to maintaining the unique quality of life for its constituents while efficiently delivering essential services to residents and businesses in an interactive community environment. For more information, visit www.cityofmiltonga.us, or call 678-242-2500.

Labels: milton, Milton City, Milton Georgia, milton police department, neighborhood stabilization program, Neighborhood Watch

States Affected:

Arizona

Arkansas

California

Colorado

Georgia

Illinois

Iowa

Minnesota

Missouri

Nebraska

Nevada

Oklahoma

Oregon

Texas

Utah

Washington

Wisconsin

Distributors:

Lucerne

Albertson

Mountain Dairy

Ralph's

Boomsma's

Sunshine

Hillandale

Trafficanda

Farm Fresh

Shoreland

Lund

Dutch

Farms

Kemp

Brands:

Albertson

Alta Dena Dairy

Bayview

Becky

Boomsma's

Cal Egg

Challenge Dairy

Country Eggs

Driftwood Dairy

Dutch Farms

Farm Fresh

Glenview

Hidden Villa Ranch

Hillandale Farms

James Farms

Kemps

Lucerne

Lund

Mi Pueblo

Mountain Dairy

Nulaid

Pacific Coast

Ralph’s

Shoreland

Sunny Farms

Sunny Meadow

Sunshine

Sun Valley

Trafficanda

West Creek

Wholesome Farms

Lot Numbers, found at the end of the egg carton:

P-1026

P-1413

P-1946

P-1720

P-1942

With three-digit Julian date numbers 136-229

Labels: Egg Recall

What do you do if you're the CEO of a company faced with persistent privacy concerns? If you're Mark Zuckerberg, you make it so users of your service can't block you. Mark Zuckerberg recently, mysteriously, became unblockable on Facebook.

TechCrunch highlights a funny single-serve website, blockzuck.com. Its only purpose: to point out that if you try to block Mark Zuckerberg on Facebook, thus hiding your profile from him, you are greeted with a "general block failed error." You can block anyone else on Facebook—you just can't block the Zuck!

But, according to the guy behind Blockzuck,com, (who prefers to remain anonymous) you used to be able to block Zuckerberg. He started Blockzuck.com to convince people to do just that, and had to update his site once Zuckerberg became unblockable. He told us in an email:

My original idea was to start some campaign to get people to block Zuckerberg on Facebook, as sort of a half-assed privacy protest. I came up with the idea after the last major privacy uproar, and decided to save it for the next one that came along, which was Places.
Until very recently, it *was* possible to block him; after I put up the original version of the site, I discovered that he couldn't be blocked anymore. Which is much more interesting than my original lame idea, so I updated the site to reflect that.
So, why did Mark Zuckerberg become unblockable on Facebook? Who knows. Maybe he or an engineer found out about Blockzuck.com and wanted to retaliate. Or maybe he just gets a kick out of creeping people out. I'm a creep... I'm a weirdo..., etc.

Labels: Facebook, privacy

Each Labor Day weekend, Atlanta becomes a mecca for all things science fiction, as Dragon*Con takes place downtown. Costumed super heroes, villains, space aliens, elves and other characters of the genre pack the streets and local hotels for exhibits, and art and film showings. In its 24th year, over 400 special guests are expected at the festivities, including actors, authors, illustrators and musicians.

Recognizing how popular Dragon*Con is among residents of the apartments in Marietta, September is designated as science fiction film month in the community’s 80-seat movie theater. Rockledge has also been a partner with the Dragon*Con Film Festival, showcasing films each month from local filmmakers. Last month, Pushin’ Up Daisies was screened. The zombie movie was a success among residents and the community who showed up to see the film as well as meet the film’s director. The next Dragon*Con film will be screened September 30, so look for information soon on which film will be shown.

The 80-seat movie theater is just one amazing amenity at this Marietta apartment community. For more information on living at Rockledge, visit the community’s website.

Labels: Dragon Con

Traton Homes is offering home buyers up to $20,000 in savings of a new home in Atlanta during their 39th Anniversary Sunsational Summer Savings. Through September 21, 2010, prices have been reduced and/or incentives offered on 17 remaining new homes in East Paulding, Cherokee, Cobb and South Forsyth.

The featured homes now range from $189,700 for homesite #129 in Rosewood Park in East Paulding to $462,900 for homesite #34 in Kennesaw’s Paper Chase Farm. At all price points in between, buyers will find sale priced homes in Stonehaven at Vinings in Smyrna; Estates of Fernwood Creek near Roswell; The Pointe at Kirk Farms and Paper Chase Farm in Kennesaw; and Lochshire and the Gates at Parkside Village in Cobb.

The Gates at Parkside Village offers the only townhome on the list, with the three-bedroom end unit at homesite #46 reduced to $249,900. The old world feel of the community is accentuated by luxurious interiors appointed with granite, rich mouldings, hardwood floors and more. Proximity to Kennesaw Mountain Park and the Marietta Square means dining, shopping and recreation are nearby.

One ready to move-in home located in Kennesawy’s Paper Chase Farm is reduced to $462,900 during Traton’s Sunsational Summer Savings. Located in a community where homes are priced up to $1 million, the five-bedroom, four-bath home on homesite 34 has a guest suite on the main level with a luxurious owners suite, three additional bedrooms and a media room upstairs. The home is on a basement lot with a 3-car garage.

Traton Homes is known for offering homebuyers “Altogether More!” with more experience, more impressive architecture, more outstanding features and more rewarding lifestyles. Traton currently has 14 communities throughout Atlanta. With homes in Cobb, Cherokee, Roswell, Fulton, Paulding, South Forsyth and South Fulton, buyers are sure to find the location and features they desire.

If you’re ready to join the nearly 7,000 Atlanta families who come home to their Traton home each and every day (and take advantage of Sunsational Summer Savings before it’s too late), visit the Traton Homes website today.

Labels: Cherokee COunty, Cobb, Cobb County, Forclosures, Foreclosed, foreclosed homes, foreclosed homes for sale, foreclosed land, foreclosed properties, foreclosure, Foreclosures, foreclosures for sale, Forsyth, Forsyth County, marietta, Traton Homes

ZONING AGENDA
1. RZ10-02 - To delete or amend the following sections of the City of Milton Zoning
Ordinance to be consistent with the City of Milton Telecommunications Ordinance;
1) Sec. 64-74 - Nonconforming lots, uses and structures;
2) Sec. 64-1097 - Miscellaneous provisions of the State Route 9 Overlay District;
3) Sec. 64-1592 - Alternative antenna support structure to exceed the district height;
4) Sec 64-1594 - Antenna, tower and associated structures (radio, T.V., microwave
broadcasting, etc.) to exceed the district height (O-I, C-1, M-1A, M-1, M-2);
5) Sec 64-1801 - Antenna tower and associated structure (radio, T.V., microwave
broadcasting, etc.) to exceed the district height (Residential districts, MIX and
AG-1).
(Agenda Item No. 10-1197)
(First Presentation on August 2, 2010)
(Lynn Tully, Community Development Director)
Approved 7-0

2. RZ10-03 - To amend Sec. 64-1606(a) of the City of Milton Zoning Ordinance,
Roadside produce stands to include MIX (Mixed Use).
(Agenda Item No. 10-1198)
(First Presentation on August 2, 2010)
(Lynn Tully, Community Development Director)
Approved 7-0

3. RZ10-04 - Approval to Amend the City of Milton Zoning Ordinance to Create a Required Distance for Convenience Stores and Service Stations from Residential Uses Zoning Districts.
(Agenda Item No. 10-1212)
(Administratively Deferred to First Presentation on September 8, 2010)
(Lynn Tully, Community Development Director)
Motion to defer until the Sept. 20 City Council meeting approved 7-0

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Approval for the Removal of Billy Lovelace Hauling from the List of Approved Solid Waste Haulers for the City of Milton due to Non-Compliance with the Ordinance.
(Agenda Item No. 10-1140)
(Public Hearing Deferred on May 17, 2010)
(Public Hearing Deferred on June 21, 2010)
(Public Hearing Held on August 16, 2010)
(Matt Marietta, Fire Marshal)
Motion to defer for six months approved 7-0 with condition that if hauler is not in compliance within two months it will be removed

2. Approval of an Ordinance of the Mayor and Council of the City of Milton, Georgia, to Fix the Ad Valorem Tax Rate of the City of Milton for Fiscal Year 2010; and for Other Purposes.
(Agenda Item No. 10-1204)
(First Presentation on August 9, 2010)
(Public Hearing Held on August 16, 2010)
(Stacey Inglis, Finance Director)
Approved 7-0

3. Approval of a Resolution Adopting the City of Milton Parks and Recreation Needs Assessment Results and Supplement for Use by the City of Milton Parks and Recreation Department.
(Agenda Item No. 10-1213)
(Reports and Presentations on June 7, 2010)
(Staff Reports on August 2, 2010)
(Cyndee Bonacci, Parks and Recreation Director)
Approved 7-0

NEW BUSINESS
1. Approval of A Resolution Allowing the City of Milton to Discuss Various Parks and Recreation Partnerships with the City of Alpharetta.
(Agenda Item No. 10-1214)
(Cyndee Bonacci, Parks and Recreation Director)
Approved 7-0

2. Approval of a Waiver of Conflict on Behalf of Jarrard & Davis, LLP in Connection with an IGA between the City of Milton and Forsyth County Regarding Milton and Forsyth's Joint Funding of the Performance of Certain Work on McGinnis Ferry Road from its Bridge at Georgia Highway 400 to Bethany Bend.
(Agenda Item No. 10-1215)
(Ken Jarrard, City Attorney)
Approved 7-0

3. Approval of a Resolution on Sales Tax for Regional Transportation.
(Agenda Item No. 10-1216)
(Mayor Joe Lockwood)
Removed by motion and 7-0 vote

Labels: milton, Milton City, milton city council, Milton Georgia

Anthem Homes & Neighborhoods is finishing up in Crabapple Crossing, a low maintenance community of 41 Craftsman style homes. Situated between Crabapple Road and Rucker Road in North Fulton County, Crabapple Crossing maintains a quiet, out-of-the-way atmosphere despite the convenience of its location.

Only eight home sites remain in the quaint community, where buyers can choose three-bedroom garden homes with 2.5 or 3.5 baths and a bonus room or loft. Single-family homes with four bedrooms and 3.5 baths and walk-up attics are also available. Each spacious home is filled with today’s most popular luxuries, including granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, lots of hardwood and tile, and abundant trim. Home buyers receive all of this plus the assurance of Anthem Homes & Neighborhoods quality starting in the $290,000s.

One of the biggest advantages for homeowners, however, is the free time they gain living in a low maintenance community. Homeowners association dues pay for landscape maintenance for individual homes as well as common areas.

Crabapple Crossing families enjoy a community lake, lighted streets and sidewalks. They are served by Crabapple Crossing Elementary, Northwestern Middle and Milton High schools. Newsweek listed Milton High School among America’s Best High Schools for 2010.

For more information on Crabapple Crossing, visit the Anthem Homes website.

Labels: Alpharetta, Crabapple, Crabapple Crossing Elementary, Home, Home Buyers, home buying, homes

President Obama is under fire after jumping into the middle of a cultural clash Friday night in favor of building a mosque near ground zero, a stance that has elevated the contentious issue to the presidential level ahead of a difficult election season for Democrats.

Some victims' advocates and Republicans have strongly condemned Obama's support for the mosque, which would be part of a $100 million Islamic community center two blocks from where nearly 3,000 people perished when hijacked jetliners slammed into the World Trade Center towers on Sept. 11, 2001.

"Barack Obama has abandoned America at the place where America's heart was broken nine years ago, and where her true values were on display for all to see," said Debra Burlingame, a spokeswoman for some Sept. 11 victims' families and the sister of one of the pilots killed in the attacks.

Building the mosque at ground zero, she said, "is a deliberately provocative act that will precipitate more bloodshed in the name of Allah."

Sally Regenhard, whose firefighter son was killed at the World Trade Center, said the president had failed to understand the issue. "As an Obama supporter, I really feel that he's lost sight of the germane issue, which is not about freedom of religion," she said. "It's about a gross lack of sensitivity to the 9/11 families and to the people who were lost."

Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., said the president is "wrong."

"It is insensitive and uncaring for the Muslim community to build a mosque in the shadow of ground zero," he said in a written statement.

"While the Muslim community has the right to build the mosque, they are abusing that right by needlessly offending so many people who have suffered so much," he said. "The right and moral thing for President Obama to have done was to urge Muslim leaders to respect the families of those who died and move their mosque away from ground zero. Unfortunately, the president caved into political correctness."

Entering the highly charged election-year debate, Obama surely knew that his words would not only make headlines in the U.S. but be heard by Muslims worldwide. The president has made it a point to reach out to the global Muslim community, and the over 100 guests at Friday's dinner in the State Dining Room included ambassadors and officials from numerous nations where Islam is observed, including Saudi Arabia and Indonesia.

While his pronouncement concerning the mosque might find favor in the Muslim world, Obama's stance runs counter to the opinions of the majority of Americans, according to polls. A CNN/Opinion Research poll released this week found that nearly 70 percent of Americans opposed the mosque plan while just 29 percent approved. A number of Democratic politicians have shied away from the controversy.

Opponents, including some Sept. 11 victims' relatives, see the prospect of a mosque so near the destroyed trade center as an insult to the memory of those killed by Islamic terrorists in the 2001 attacks.

Former Republican Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania told Fox News that Obama seems to misunderstand that Islam is not just a religion, but also a political doctrine. He also said the mosque is being run by a man who accused the U.S. of being an accomplice in the Sept. 11 attacks.

Santorum compared the ground zero mosque to a minister who wants to builds a church near the location where the Rev. Martin Luther King was killed but preaches racial separation and the notion that King brought his death upon himself.

"I don't think Barack Obama would say, 'Well we have religious tolerance, we're going to allow them to do that,'" he said. "That is the wrong way to look at this. This is not whether it's a legal right to do it. People have legal rights to do a lot of things in this country."

"We have the will of the American public," he said, noting the polls show most oppose the mosque. The imam is "ignoring the will of the American public, as by the way, Barack Obama is by siding with him."

Labels: Mosque, obama

Low mortgage rates and low prices were all expected to fuel the recovery of the housing market. Although foreclosure activity has slowed down in the first half of 2010, monthly reports show an increase in foreclosures from last month.

The online marketplace for foreclosure properties RealtyTrac, in its ‘Foreclosure Market Report’, shows that 325,229 houses received foreclosure filings in the country. This number includes default notices, scheduled auctions and bank repossessions. This indicates a 4 percent increase from June’s numbers. This is one more month in which foreclosures have exceeded the 300,000 mark as it has happened for the last 17 months straight.

James J. Saccacio, chief executive officer of RealtyTrac, explained the latest foreclosure activity by saying: “Declines in new default notices, which were down on a year-over-year basis for the sixth straight month in July, have been offset by near-record levels of bank repossessions, which increased on a year-over-year basis for the eighth straight month.”

Making the list of states with higher foreclosure filings were Nevada, Florida, and California, among others. In Nevada, one in every 82 houses received foreclosure notices, thus topping the state foreclosure list for the 43rd month in a row. In Florida, one in every 171 houses was foreclosed, similar to California where one in every 200 homes received filing.

Banks foreclosed on 92,858 U.S. properties last month. This is a 9% increase from the prior month. Similarly, Foreclosure auctions were scheduled for the first time on 135,248 U.S. properties in July, down up 2% from the previous month.

According to RealtyTrac’s reports for July, REO total was the second highest monthly total since it began tracking REO activity in April 2005.

Labels: Bank Owned, Bank owned properties, Forclosures, Foreclosed, foreclosed homes, foreclosed homes for sale, foreclosed land, foreclosed properties, foreclosure, Foreclosures, foreclosures for sale

The Real Housewives of Atlanta have been introduced to homes across America through the reality TV show of the same name, which is aired on Bravo. The drama, action and high style of the ladies makes them one of the most popular casts on the air.

When Ebony magazine needed a location to shoot a fall fashion spread of the Real Housewives of Atlanta, it turned to the model home of Courtyards Hapeville, constructed by ChesapeakeBuilt. Though it is an amazing opportunity to showcase the model home, Brendan Murphy, president of ChesapeakeBuilt, was just pleased to be able to show off Hapeville.

Courtyards Hapeville is an exclusive community with only 13 homesites. Each home will range in size from 1,800 to 4,200 square feet and revolve around the luxurious courtyard. Courtyards transform into outdoor oases with water features such as a pool, spa or fountain. Additions of fire pits and outdoor fireplaces let residents enjoy their courtyards year-round.

ChesapeakeBuilt has a keen eye for detail, with features such as pot fillers, tumbled stone backsplashes, carriage-style garage doors and granite countertops available.

Visit the ChesapeakeBuilt website for more information on these amazing homes, and be sure to pick up the November issue of Ebony magazine to see all the beautiful photos.

Labels: Atlanta, REal Housewives

Apple's pushing out iOS 4.0.2 for iPhones and iPod Touches and iOS 3.2.2 for iPads, an update that patches the previous versions' PDF exploit and wipes out your iPhone's unlock and nice new jailbreak.

The update, which is showing up in iTunes now, doesn't bring any new features, just a patch for the recently-exposed PDF vulnerability (the one used by JailbreakMe), so if you weren't super worried about being susceptible—or if you want to keep your jailbreak or your iPhone unlocked—you might not want to jump on this one just yet

Labels: Apple, Iphone, iphone 4, iPhone 4 Unlock Release in 48 Hours, Jailbreak iPhone 4

“Buy and bail” is a phrase often used by real estate professionals to refer to the process in which a buyer attempts to buy a new property before they walk away from an old one and default on their previous loan. Often, the property they walk away from is an “underwater” property that is worth less than its mortgage, and therefore it is no longer desirable for the owner, the new property will most likely be a lower priced property with a more affordable loan. With house prices falling in many areas of the U.S, this is often a very appealing option for buyers.

Although this practice is considered a fraud if borrowers lie on the loan application, and many attempts have been made to stop this practice, the buyer is often driven by greed or desperation and finds no other solution but to “buy and bail”. If the buyer is able to get a new financing for the new house, he or she is taking a step to save his or her credit rating which can be greatly ruined by walking away from their previous loan.

Many attempts have been made by the two biggest U.S mortgage companies Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae to stop this practice. They have banned in most cases the use of rental income from an existing property to qualify for a new mortgage unless the first property has at least 30 percent equity. Additionally, they usually require reserves equal to six months of loan payments for both homes. Pete Bakel, a spokesman for Washington-based Fannie Mae said these measures have been helpful in blocking almost all buyers who attempt to buy and bail. However, the desperation of the buyers sometimes is stronger than the attempt to stop them from executing their “buy and bail” plans. Savvy buyers are sometimes able to cheat the system and find enough loopholes to get away with this.

“Making it possible to pursue people who do this particular kind of default would go a long way to addressing the buy-and-bail problem,” said Jay Brinkmann, chief economist for the Mortgage Bankers Association in Washington. To this date, only two-thirds of U.S states allow lenders to pursue a borrower after foreclosure by seeking a deficiency judgment allowing a lien on the new property for the amount owed on the previous mortgage. Furthermore, Mortgage lenders are also partly responsible for the “buy and bail” dilemma. Although some of them are responsible and try to get the complete truth from the prospective buyer, others simply do not try and all they care about is that there is enough income for the buyer to pay both mortgages.

According to brokers such as Collier and Meg Burns, senior associate director for congressional affairs and communications at the Federal Housing Finance Agency “People were holding on, hoping the market would turn around,” Collier, who won’t work with applicants who intend to go into foreclosure, said in a telephone interview. “But now they’re giving up because there’s no light at the end of the tunnel in places like Florida.”

Another raising concern reported by the New York-based Morgan Stanley in an April 29 report, is that about 12 percent of residential-loan defaults in February 2010 were the responsibility of homeowners deciding not to make payments even though they could afford to. Brent White, a law professor at the University of Arizona in Tucson said that people who choose to default typically have lost $100,000 or more in property value.

Labels: Bank Owned, Forclosures, Foreclosed, foreclosed homes, foreclosed homes for sale, foreclosed land, foreclosed properties, foreclosure, Foreclosures, foreclosures for sale, Walking from your home

President Obama signed a bill that he says will save hundreds of thousands of teacher and other public workers from unemployment.

Obama signed the measure into law just hours after the House passed it in a special one-day session during what would normally be the lawmakers' summer break.

The $26 billion bill would protect 300,000 teachers, police and others from election-year layoffs. Obama and Democrats said quick action was necessary before children return to classrooms minus teachers laid off because of budgetary crises in states that have been hard-hit by the recession.

Republicans called the bill a giveaway to teachers unions and an example of wasteful Washington spending.

The bill would be paid for mainly by closing a tax loophole used by multinational corporations and reducing food stamp benefits for the poor. It passed mainly along party lines by a vote of 247-161.

RELATED LINKS
Democrats, Advocacy Groups Blast Cuts to Food Stamps to Fund $26B Aid Bill
YOU MIGHT ALSO BE
INTERESTED IN
Ten Worst Places to Live
8 reasons to ignore your credit score
Best and Worst College Degrees for 2010 Grads
Former Alaska Sen. Stevens Killed in Plane Crash
'Idol' Winner Fantasia Barrino Overdoses
Representatives scattered around the country and world for the August break were summoned back to Washington for the one-day session as Democrats stressed the need to act before children return to classrooms missing teachers laid off because of budgetary crises in the states.

Republicans saw it differently, calling the bill a giveaway to teachers' unions and another example of profligate Washington spending that Democrats would pay for in the coming election.

The Senate narrowly passed the measure last Thursday, after the House had begun its summer break, necessitating the special session.

The legislation provides $10 billion to school districts to rehire laid-off teachers or ensure that more teachers won't be let go before the new school year begins. The Education Department estimates that that could save 160,000 jobs.

Another $16 billion would extend for six months increased Medicaid payments to the states. That would free up money for states to meet other budget priorities, including keeping more than 150,000 police officers and other public workers on the payroll.

Some three-fifths of states have already factored in the federal money in drawing up their budgets for the current fiscal year. The National Governors Association, in a letter to congressional leaders, said the states' estimated budget shortfall for the 2010-12 period is $116 billion, and the extended Medicaid payments are "the best way to help states bridge the gap between their worst fiscal year and the beginning of recovery."

Not all governors were on board. Mississippi Republican Gov. Haley Barbour said in a statement that the bill would force his state to rewrite its current year budget and it would have to spend $50 million to $100 million to get the additional $98 million in education grants.

The $26 billion package is small compared to previous efforts to right the flailing economy through federal spending. But with the election approaching, the political stakes were high.

"Teachers, nurses and cops should not be used as pawns in a cynical political game" resulting from "the Democratic majority's failure to govern responsibly," said Rep. David Dreier, R-Calif.

"Where do the bailouts end?" asked Republican leader John Boehner of Ohio. "Are we going to bail out states next year and the year after that, too? At some point we've got to say, 'Enough is enough."'

Democratic Rep. Jay Inslee said his state of Washington would get funds to keep 3,000 teachers. Republicans, he charged, "think those billions of dollars for those corporate loopholes is simply more important than almost 3,000 teachers and classrooms in the state of Washington."

Rep. Jim McDermott, D-Calif., said Republicans ignore the fact that the bill is paid for and does not add to the deficit. "They want to do everything in their power to make certain that President Obama can't get this country going again. I think in November they are going to find it was a dumb policy."

The means of paying for the bill, a result of difficult negotiations in the Senate, were also contentious.

Republicans objected to raising some $10 billion by raising taxes on some U.S.-based multinational companies. Advocates for the poor were protesting a provision to accelerate the phasing out of an increase in food stamp payments implemented in last year's economic recovery bill. Under the measure, payments would return to pre-stimulus rates in 2014, saving almost $12 billion.

James Weill, president of the Food Research and Action Center, said that would be cutting benefits for some 40 million people now receiving food stamps. "Those families will be hungrier and less able to buy healthy diets," he said.

Weill's group estimated that a family of four that may now receive about $464 a month in food stamps stood to lose about $59 if the reductions take place. Democrats gave assurances that they would look for other ways to pay for the bill before the payment cuts go into effect in four years.

"The cutbacks in food stamps in the bill are plain wrong," said House Appropriations Committee Chairman David Obey, D-Wis.

American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees President Gerald McEntee rejected GOP arguments that the Democrats' primary purpose with the legislation was to reward their friends in organized labor. "We're in tough shape out there with these incredible holes in these state budgets. To the American people it's tremendously important and will give a little lift to the economy," he said of the legislation.

The House on Tuesday also passed a $600 million measure to boost security on the U.S.-Mexican border by hiring more enforcement officers and making greater use of unmanned surveillance drones. That bill still has to go back to the Senate

Labels: bailout plan, Barack Obama

On Fridays and weekends from Aug. 13 until Labor Day, Milton's firefighters will be at major intersections raising money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association's (MDA) "Fill the Boot" drive.

All you have to do to help out is toss them some change - a small act that adds up quickly.

"Milton residents have proven to be some of the most generous people in the state," said Milton Fire Chief Robert Edgar. "Last year alone we raised $48,000, which put us second in the state over much larger and older departments."

In just three years, the City of Milton Fire Department has raised more than $113,000 for MDA, which uses the money to aid local children and adults affected by neuromuscular diseases by providing wheelchairs, leg braces, clinic visits, support groups and a chance for children to attend Camp Walk-N-Roll.

"For the last three years The City of Milton's firefighters and citizens have shown a dedication unmatched by any city in the metro area," said Milton Lt. Chris Coker. "What our small community has been able to accomplish has not gone unnoticed. The few hours we spend each year in the heat and sometimes intimidating roadways make a tremendous difference in the lives of these children."

Edgar said each of the three shifts of Milton firefighters are competing to see who can raise the most money. They will choose the intersections each day based on traffic and ease of use, though drivers should expect to see them at Windward Parkway and Ga. 9, in Crabapple and at the Birmingham Crossroads.

Incorporated on December 1, 2006, the City of Milton is a distinctive community that embraces small-town life and heritage while preserving and enhancing the city's rural character. The City of Milton is committed to maintaining the unique quality of life for its constituents while efficiently delivering essential services to residents and businesses in an interactive community environment. For more information, visit www.cityofmiltonga.us, or call 678-242-2500.

Labels: MIlton Firefighters Fill the Boot, Milton Georgia

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Approval of an Ordinance to Replace Chapter 54, Regulating the Location, Placement and Leasing of Wireless Telecommunications Facilities.
(Agenda Item No. 10-1161)
(Previously Discussed at June 14, 2010 Council Work Session)
(First Presentation on June 21, 2010 Regular Council Meeting)
(Deferred from July 7 and August 2, 2010 Regular Council Meetings)
(Lynn Tully, Community Development Director)
Approved 6-0
Note: Mayor Joe Lockwood was absent

Just installed MarsEdit 3 Bloogging Software!

See What DROID™ Does Next: DROID 2 by Motorola Pre-Sale Starts August 11 at verizonwireless.com

Built on Android 2.2 with Adobe® Flash® Player 10.1, DROID 2 Comes Equipped with More Power, More Speed and an Improved QWERTY Keyboard

Download image

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., and LIBERTYVILLE, Ill., Aug. 10 /PRNewswire/ — Verizon Wireless, the company with the nation's largest and most reliable wireless 3G network, and Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT), a pioneer in the mobile industry, today announced that DROID™ 2 by Motorola will be available for pre-sale on August 11. Hitting all the right keys, DROID 2 is a feature-packed device that helps manage work and social life with an enhanced QWERTY keyboard, ultra high-speed Web browsing, 3G Mobile HotSpot capabilities, full push corporate e-mail, intuitive social messaging and Adobe® Flash® Player 10.1 for access to the full web – all built on Android 2.2.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100810/NY47978)

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100810/NY47978)

"When we announced DROID X last month, we reaffirmed our commitment to continue to bring unique Android experiences to the Verizon Wireless network," said Jeffrey Dietel, vice president – wireless device, marketing and development for Verizon Wireless. "The DROID by Motorola was our first Android device, so it is important for us to include the successor to that phone in our portfolio. DROID 2 is not only a continuation of our commitment to Android but offers customers the features and form-factor they crave on the Verizon Wireless network."

"With the new DROID 2, we've taken a big leap forward from the original DROID," said Bill Ogle, chief marketing officer of Motorola Mobile Devices and Home Business. "We listened to consumers and are providing an even more robust experience built on Android 2.2 that includes a new keyboard, increased processing power, Adobe Flash Player 10.1 and 3G Mobile HotSpot capabilities to send, access and share information even quicker than before."

DROID 2's super-slim design helps customers e-mail, text and tweet with ease. DROID 2 offers a redesigned symmetrical keyboard with raised keys for more responsive typing to push out notes and status updates. Speech-to-text input and the virtual multi-touch keyboard allow for quick messaging; or customers can also use Swype for even easier text input. In addition, full push corporate e-mail delivers enhanced features such as remote wipe and password enforcement so that information remains secure.

DROID 2 packs power and speed. Customers can enjoy the freedom of wireless with the 3G Mobile HotSpot and the ability to connect up to five compatible Wi-Fi® devices, and watch content on the full multi-touch 3.7-inch brilliant display, or share content captured on the 5-megapixel camera with enhanced functionality and DVD-quality video capture with DLNA connectivity to share on compatible devices.

Customers can also download favorite apps from Android Market™, which has more than 70,000 applications, and store them on 8 GB of preloaded on-board memory and the 8 GB microSD™ card, which can be upgraded to a 32 GB SD card for a total cargo capacity of 40 GB. Popular apps available on DROID 2 include NFL Mobile (downloadable), Skype mobile™ and BLOCKBUSTER On Demand® presented by V CAST Video. Customers can even manage their wireless accounts or their contacts from their phones with My Verizon and with Backup Assistant(SM).

"It's great to see amazing new smartphones like the DROID 2 come pre-installed with Flash Player 10.1," said David Wadhwani, senior vice president and general manager, Creative and Interactive Solution Business Unit at Adobe. "With the completely redesigned and hardware accelerated Flash Player 10.1, DROID 2 users will be able to experience the full Web on the go."

Adobe Flash Player 10.1 lets mobile users experience millions of websites the way they were meant to be seen – with rich Internet applications (RIAs), content inside the browser, including games, animations, data presentations and visualizations, e-commerce, music, video, audio and more.

R2-D2 DROID 2

In honor of the iconic Astromech Droid from the Star Wars™ Saga, Verizon Wireless will offer a limited-edition R2-D2 version of the DROID 2, available only online in September. The special version of the phone will feature exclusive Star Wars content and external hardware designed to look like the trusty Droid from the film saga. Visitors to the upcoming Star Wars Celebration V in Orlando, Fla., can see a preview of the limited edition phone and sign up to receive alerts when the phone is ready for sale.

Pricing and Availability

DROID 2 by Motorola will be available at www.verizonwireless.com on August 11, and it will be in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores beginning August 12 for $199.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement. Customers will receive the rebate in the form of a debit card; upon receipt, customers may use the card as cash anywhere debit cards are accepted. In addition to subscribing to a Nationwide Talk plan or a Nationwide Talk & Text plan, customers will also need to subscribe to an Email and Web for Smartphone plan. Nationwide Talk plans begin at $39.99 monthly access. Email and Web for Smartphone plans start at $29.99 for unlimited monthly access.

Customers can add the optional 3G Mobile HotSpot service to their DROID 2 smartphones for $20 per month. The 3G Mobile HotSpot allows customers to turn their phones into a wireless modem for up to five compatible Wi-Fi® devices. In addition, current Verizon Wireless customers who have contracts ending by December 31, 2010, can upgrade to any smartphone, including DROID 2, without penalty.

For more information on DROID 2 by Motorola, go to www.droiddoes.com. For information about Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.

--- Brian and Jennifer Vanderhoff North Fulton County REALTORS Vanderhoff Real Estate (770) 331-1206 --- Milton, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale North Fulton County, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Forsyth, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale ---

Labels: Droid 2, motorola, sale, Verizon

Members of the Milton Police Department will be on hand at the City of Alpharetta's 12th annual Touch-A-Truck event Saturday, Aug. 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at North Park, 13450 Cogburn Road.   For directions to the event, click here.   Community Outreach Officer Andrew Phillips said Milton's finest will be on hand as part of an interactive public safety display.   "We partner with Alpharetta for public safety response, and North Park is literally surrounded by Milton, so it seemed like the perfect opportunity to include our city in the event," he said. "We hope to see you all out there."   Touch-A-Truck showcases all types of vehicles, including fire engines, race cars, trucks, heavy-duty construction equipment, military vehicles, motorcycles, emergency vehicles, buses, entertainment and much more. According to the City of Alpharetta Recreation and Parks Department, the free event attracts more than 5,000 people a year and also includes inflatables, face painting and animal balloons.   While there, visitors can register to win a new 2010 Harley-Davidson® motorcycle from Killer Creek Harley-Davidson. It is free to enter the contest, said Alpharetta representatives. For more information on the 12th annual Touch-A-Truck event, please call the City of Alpharetta Recreation and Parks Department at 678-297-6133 or e-mail wprcprograms@alpharetta.ga.us. Incorporated on December 1, 2006, the City of Milton is a distinctive community that embraces small-town life and heritage while preserving and enhancing the city's rural character.  The City of Milton is committed to maintaining the unique quality of life for its constituents while efficiently delivering essential services to residents and businesses in an interactive community environment.  For more information, visit www.cityofmiltonga.us, or call 678-242-2500.

--- Brian and Jennifer Vanderhoff North Fulton County REALTORS Vanderhoff Real Estate (770) 331-1206 --- Milton, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale North Fulton County, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Forsyth, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale ---

Labels: city of milton, milton, Milton Georgia, Touch a Truck

Freddie Mac reported a 79% increase in REO inventory year over year. They reported 34,699 in the second quarter in 2009, and 62,178 in the second quarter in 2010.

 Additionally, a net loss of $4.7 billion was reported for the second quarter ending in June 30, 2010 , partially offset by a $4.3 billion improvement in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI). The net loss for the quarter that ended March 31, 2010 was reported to be $6.7 billion.

The FHFA (Federal Housing Finance Agency) is said to have requested an additional $1.8 billion from treasury in government aid. This will be in addition to the $60 billion in federal aid that Freddie Mac has already asked for.

According to Dow Jones Newswire, sister company Fannie Mae posted its smallest quarterly loss in three years last week. Both companies were placed under conservatorship in 2008 to prevent potential implosions at the height of the credit crisis. Freddie has asked for over $60 billion in federal aid, while Fannie's has asked for $85 billion.

--- Brian and Jennifer Vanderhoff North Fulton County REALTORS Vanderhoff Real Estate (770) 331-1206 --- Milton, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale North Fulton County, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Forsyth, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale ---

Labels: Bank owned properties, Foreclosures, foreclosures for sale, freddie mac, REO

--- Brian and Jennifer Vanderhoff North Fulton County REALTORS Vanderhoff Real Estate (770) 331-1206 --- Milton, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale North Fulton County, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Forsyth, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale ---

Labels: Google, privacy, sells used data

--- Brian and Jennifer Vanderhoff North Fulton County REALTORS Vanderhoff Real Estate (770) 331-1206 --- Milton, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale North Fulton County, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Forsyth, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale ---

Labels: HAMP, loan modifications

--- Brian and Jennifer Vanderhoff North Fulton County REALTORS Vanderhoff Real Estate (770) 331-1206 --- Milton, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale North Fulton County, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Forsyth, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale ---

Labels: 2010, Alpharetta, north park, tennis tournament, Wills Park

Boys and girls age 7 to 14 are invited to sign up for the best sport on wheels! The City of Alpharetta Recreation and Parks Department’s Youth Roller Hockey registration has begun and continues through August 19, 2010. The cost for the roller hockey league is $100 for City Residents, $175 for non-residents. 

All leagues are co-ed. Age groups offered are 7-9 year olds, 10-11 year olds and 12-14 year olds. Players may be moved up if approved by staff.

Persons interested in coaching should contact us for availability and more information.
Player evaluations will be August 23 and 24. Practices will begin September 7. Games will begin the week of September 27. All games and practices will be held at Union Hill Park, off of Windward Parkway.

INFO: Go to www.alpharetta.ga.us/recreation  or www.arpdathletics.org You can also e-mail us at kmcdonald@alpharetta.ga.us  for more information.

--- Brian and Jennifer Vanderhoff North Fulton County REALTORS Vanderhoff Real Estate (770) 331-1206 --- Milton, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale North Fulton County, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Forsyth, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale ---

Labels: 2010, alpharetta fall roller hockey, milton roller hockey, roller hockey