As long as I don’t move too fast, or laugh, and stay as still as possible for as long as I can, I don’t cough or wheeze so much.

Like everyone else’s business, my business as a Massachusetts title lawyer runs in spurts. Lately, i have been involved in three situations concerning Easements. In one situation, a client of mine is buying a guest house while the Seller is retaining the major home. All the systems, however, run through the major home. To make things more complicated, some of the utility lines actually leave the street and pass over the land my client is purchasing. A reciprocal Easement is needed to protect both sides in terms of repair and access. We are working on same as we speak.

The other Easements were retained restrictions imposed a realtively long time ago by a land owner who wanted to protect the environment. Since these Easements were put in place, the Towns where the property is located have become much more vigilant in enforcing local and state conservation laws and codes. The people who put on the restrictions originally now are willing to remove some of the more onerous restrictions.

Because they represent encumbrances of the title, all Easements start with an accurate title report. Until we know who are the current lien holders on the property, we cannot complete the Easement work. In the case of the major home-guest house, the owner of the major home has a mortgage on his property. A Subordination of this mortgage to the Easement must be obtained before the Easement can be fully in effect. This takes some time, so we will hold back some funds from the Seller until the Seller delivers the Subordination. One never knows how long obtaining the Subordination will take. I am going to request that 1.5% of the purchase price be held back. That should “encourage” the Seller to act quickly.

In the restrictive Easements situations, my goal is to either eliminate, or weaken, the effect of the restrictions. That will take some negotiating and compromise, but restrictions like these, while laudable, can really make the value of property diminish.

The last issue is whether a full certified Plan is necessary for an Easement. I have prepared Easements where a sketch of the property lines and rights of way is adequate. Naturally, I would prefer a Plan prepared by an Engineer in recordable form. Most of these considerations are financial, but unless there is precision in Easement drafting, which includes accurate depiction of the property in question, the money saved in the present tense may be spent many times over in the future.

It is not likely to be a coincidence two stories  about mobile Internet access in China broke almost simultaneously.

One was posted on the website of CCTV 9, the only English language news channel in China, and the other was posted on the BBC website.

Producing and accessing pornography in China is illegal and founders of porn websites have been given extensive sentences. Equally, most people would not question the need to restrict minor’s access to the Internet on an unregulated mobile device.

The BBC story might suggest though, that this reasoning is merely a thinly-veiled justification for more widespread Internet restrictions in China.

However, as I argued in a previous post on this blog, can we (the West) really criticise restrictions on websites that are not used by the majority of the Chinese population?

National Enquirer

The Miami-based magazine The National Enquirer, does not allow UK users to access their website, because of fears over so-called ‘libel tourism’.

When you try and access their site with a computer using a UK IP address, you only see an error message.

Fortunately, you can use proxy servers and websites to get around this problem, in the same way that you can use them to by-pass Chinese Internet restrictions.

But, I don’t want to. I don’t read National Enquirer. In fact, nobody else I have shown this to really cares that we are not able to access this magazine.

Why should they care?

Perhaps that reaction may be different if we were unable to see the New York Times website, but this is perhaps what many Chinese citizens feel about Internet restrictions.

If they don’t use Facebook, or any of the other banned sites, because there are Chinese equivalents, why should they care?

The issue of censorship in China goes far deeper than Western expats being unable to access Facebook and YouTube. Perhaps the media should try and investigate that.

With Liberal party infighting currently dominating mainstream media, another Government initiative is currently flying quietly under the radar that will dramatically affect the way in which welfare recipients can spend their entitlements.

The Federal Government is planning major changes to the welfare system that will involve imposing restrictions on welfare payments.

The measure of quarantining welfare so money can only be spent on essential items has been in place in Northern Territory Indigenous communities as part of the federal intervention.

According to the ABC, the Government now intends to extend the scheme to non-Indigenous people in the Northern Territory.

The move is seen as part preparation for a national roll-out of the welfare restrictions.

Essentially, the Government wants to quarantine 50 per cent of peoples’ welfare payments so that money can only be spent on essential items such as food, clothing or rent.

“We’re introducing major reforms to the welfare system in legislation that will be presented to Parliament this morning,” Families and Indigenous Affairs Minister, Jenny Macklin, said.

“We’re intending to introduce a new income management scheme aimed at protecting children and families and helping disengaged individual people who are on a variety of welfare payments.”

Under the Government’s plan, people on a range of payments such as Youth Allowance and Newstart may be affected although there will be exemptions for veterans and for people on the age and disability support pensions. People will be able to apply for individual exemptions but they will have to meet certain criteria.

Mission Australia chief executive Toby Hall is supportive of the changes.

“There’s another group of people who I think have taken welfare for granted for too long,” he said.

“We think for that group of people’s woes it’s probably a good thing that actually income management’s introduced, that it means that there’s a little bit of pressure to move off benefit and into work and maybe a little bit more than there is today.”

The idea is already generating some debate.

“I think that’s fair and just, it should apply to everyone,” one man told the ABC.

“I just think that I’d be really frustrated if I was a welfare recipient and if I wanted to shop at a certain place that wasn’t nominated,” a woman said.
Another woman said it was a responsible plan.

“I think it will definitely put a lot of people in a better place considering like they’ll have to pay rent and they’ll have to buy food,” she said.

“But it will take away a lot of people’s freedom and I can see some sort of fight arousing over it.”

What do you think?

It’s always the eyes that get me.

Smooth, suave, I tell myself. Be cool, be nice, be yourself.

And I can walk up to him. Sure, I blush a little, but that’s normal, right?

And I can rehearse my lines in my head. I’m a strange kind of actor, I guess. I try not to put emotion into my speech. If the dam cracks, the town is flooded. But it’s always the eyes that drown me.

They’re average eyes, I’ll admit that much. They just captivate me. Sometimes, they’re blue. Sometimes, they’re dark brown, like when he’s concentrating or looking me straight in the eye. But when he helps me pick up the papers I drop, they’re a very faint brown. They catch me off-guard, I guess is what I mean to say.

When he doesn’t look at me, I’m fine looking at him. But when he turns and our eyes meet, sometimes, I just blush a blotchy red color. Crayon, I believe, is the term that was used before. Some people turn a nice shade of rose. Not me. I got stuck with the help-me-internal-bleeding blush. And so it’s always obvious. Obvious to those eyes, at least.

I can look into any other eyes and I’m fine. I don’t know what it is about his eyes, though, that just scare me speechless. I’m stuck standing there, blushing and smiling, until one of my friends intervene and ask the question I was going to ask.

Going to ask until the dam exploded.

The very best time to practice yoga is first thing in the morning before breakfast. Upon waking, empty the bowels, shower if you wish, then commence the day with your regime of yoga practices. The second most conductive time is early evening, around sunset. But is it of course far better to do something at a time of the day which suits one, rather than to miss out by being too rigid or idealistic. Always remember integral yoga is a balanced recipe which maintains: That to get the best from your yoga practice, you should whenever possible, mix and match the necessary elements of practice which will improve and enhance your spiritual growth and awareness.

Yoga Positions (Asanas) may be practiced at any time of day except within 2-3 hours of having eaten. You can do postures when the body feels stiff, tense, tired or hyped-up. Be aware not to do too many over-stimulating postures just before bedtime. Asanas are best practiced first in your yoga routine, followed by breathing (Pranayama) and then meditation.

 Awareness

• Throughout a yoga practices, try to keep your awareness on what you are doing. Don’t be concerned with others in the class or outside the room. 
• Proceed slowly and carefully. Follow the instructions exactly.
• Never force or strain. Relax briefly between each practice. Remember the golden rule: “If it’s uncomfortable – DON’T”

 Breathing

• Always breathe through the nose both in and out, unless specified otherwise. Remember “Nose for breathing-Mouth for eating”.
• If you do have trouble breathing through your nose, practice “Jala Neti” (Nasal Cleansing) or visit a doctor for medical inspection

Restrictions & Precautions

• There are no age limits either young or old for the practice of yoga. However the application of the techniques will vary according to the abilities of the practitioner. Keep in mind the following.
   
• Never practice any yoga techniques under the influence of alcohol or mind altering drugs.
   
• Those with disabilities, severe, acute or chronic medical conditions should consult both with their medical practitioner and their yoga teacher to assess any dangers or difficulties which may arise.
   
• There are no hard and fast dietary rules necessary to begin the practice of yoga. One does not have to give up smoking, become vegetarian, or be a purist to learn yoga.

SA Premier Mike Rann has denied he was "dancing to the tune" of the state opposition in flagging an easing of water restrictions today…. From The Australian. Full story

This site may contain information about: ocean floor. The blog is also related to: arctic water.

THE South Australian government will today consider following NSW in relaxing water restrictions for summer…. From The Australian. Full story

This site may contain information about: water tides. The blog is also related to: gulf of mexico ocean.

On this test

My answers to
The questions
Pass back and forth
Telepathically

No pencils, templates
Or cramming involved

It’s a Life Test
That has to do
With things

Like knowing when
To reach out
Your hand
And when to
Hold it back

And wait to be
Reached for

Accepting with
The gut
What the mind
Already knows

That genuine caring
For someone
Isn’t about

Restrictions
Belonging
Persuading

But rather about
Freedom

Of expression
Of movement
Of self

Trusting they know
You are there
For
Them

Whether or not
You are there
With
Them

Throwing aside all
Preconceived notions
And worn out
Ill-fitting
Attitudes

Offering up
Instead

The most
Valuable
Gift
You can
Give

The acknowledgement
That their truth is

Just as real

Every bit
As justified

Equally
As driving

As
Your own

When I hear the pundits’ claim that Obama Care and government health care does not conflict with freedom, I would like to bring the following to their attention.

What freedom is: Freedom (n.) liberty, autonomy, lack of restrictions, self-determination, independence, choice, free will, sovereignty, openness, inventiveness, frankness, candor, and free expression (the last free which defies political correctness).

Antonym for freedom and liberty is restriction and conformity which is everything the Socialist Democratic Party is and is trying to force upon us, claiming to champion freedom.

This is what the Socialist Democratic Party and Obama Care and government health care is: dependence (n.), dependence, addiction, reliance, need, habit, craving, and ENSLAVEMENT.

Antonym for government dependency is, INDEPENDENCE AND FREEDOM.

The next time you hear Obama and members of the Socialist Democratic Party claim they are champions of freedom, open your eyes, as by all laws of freedom, they are mere liars.

You cannot say you are for freedom while creating dependencies which is exactly what Government ran health care is all about as with all other government ran social programs. Each chips away at freedom like a thousand paper cuts that brings down the elephant, freedom dies giving life to government dependency. Where freedom ceases to exist, enslavement is manifested.

Socialism is just a fancy word for slavery.

That is the view from here,

Duane

Advocates: Blame Owners, Not Dogs

Article courtesy of www.kcra.com posted on November 9, 2009.

AUBURN, Calif. — Updating Auburn’s 12-year-old animal codes is now officially a priority for the City Council. They made that decision in a meeting Monday. The decision came in light of a recent incident in which a teenager was attacked by four pit bulls almost two months ago. “Something snapped. They started biting and attacking,” JoJo Kerschner said. Kerschner had to get 40 stitches after the attack.

Councilman Kevin Hanley got the rest of the City Council talking about adding some new regulations to the city’s animal codes for the first time in 12 years. He said he hopes additional restrictions on certain dogs will prevent an attack such as the one Kerschner suffered.

Hanley and other City Council members discussed ways to restrict certain breeds such as pit bulls at Monday night’s meeting. One consideration Hanley mentioned is requiring pit bulls to be spayed and neutered. “I’ve asked the police department to look at a number of options of what other jurisdictions in California do,” Hanley said.

Dawn Capp, an advocate for pit bulls, and other pit bull owners fear will the changes would do more harm than good. “Breed-specific legislation doesn’t work,” Capp said. “It targets the wrong end of the leash. The only thing discriminating against breeds does is harm responsible people.” Capp grew up around pit bulls and she said her dog, Savy, is the furthest thing from vicious.

About a dozen people in Auburn voiced similar opinions Sunday afternoon for a video testimonial. “I’m trying to show the City Council that pit bull owners come from all walks of life,” Capp said. Capp plans to present the stories to the City Council Monday in defense of dogs such as Savy, who Capp said would be the undeserving victims of a new ordinance. Capp said attacks could come from any dog, not just pit bulls.”It’s just about how they’re bred and raised,” Capp said.

Discussion by pet owners led City Council to ask animal control to compile a list with a full range of options for the city based on what’s been working for other city’s in the area. That list will include everything from possible limitations on the number of animals an individual can have, to stricter penalties for people with problematic pets and possibly regulations requiring certain breeds be spayed and neutered.

The council said their main objective is to hold animal owners responsible, and keep the community safe but not create restrictions that will limit undeserving responsible owners.

Please make your voice heard and vote on their survey here.

The survey is currently at 2379 votes. 1435 (60%) is against BSL, and 944 (40%) are for pit bull regulation.

This article sounds like a step forward, a step toward acceptance, understanding and awareness. Instead of immediately jumping to outlawing Pit Bulls in the city, they are considering all options. This is how all incidences regarding ANY breed should be handled, unlike the norm of rash decisions made by uneducated, closed minded individuals.

Thank you Auburn CA for being willing to do the work to allow people keep their furry family members rather than taking the easy way out as most communities do.

Follow the heart’s desires
follow that which you are most passionate about to find why you are really here
to find that fulfilment you truly seek
do not be distracted by the false concerns and solutions around you
know that your heart will guide you to true fulfilment if you would take the time to get clear on what you really want
each day each moment each breath will assist you in expanding that awareness needed to really see clearly
that alignment needed to truly experience life detached from false illusions
the ability to expand and create without concern or worry
to experience without attachment
to love without conditions
that power is one that is within you now
you must let go of all that crowds
it
that clouds your judgement
that fills your consciousness
with foolishness
let it go and know that the power within you is the same power that created all that is
you are in the image of that power
as an extension
not as a lesser creation
you are magnificent
in every way
you are divine in your essence
you must tap into that power through letting go of all the false conditioning
it is important to understand that you have the power to do this
practice will help you recognize this power fully
and help you tap in and let go
that is why you are called to practice
that is why you are called to seek and find those practices that work for you
to learn to align by tapping into that power within
and letting go of limitations restrictions and concerns
you can be the light that goes out and does exactly what you desire
that inspires with every moment
every breath every desire
others to do similarly
yes
know that there is nothing in your life that isn’t there for the benefit of all concerned
everything you are now involved in is for the best and highest of all
and to teach you the lessons so needed
to teach you to acknowledge source and lean on source for guidance
to go within and let the true wisdom of source unfold from deep within you
yes you have this ability this power
this miraculous wonderful connection
and you can use it now
and so it is

- Morning stream of consciousness writing from John Stringer

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The new Regulation (EC) No 1061/2009 establishing common rules for exports has been published in the Official Journal.

The principle set out in the regulation is that the exportation of all goods from the European Union shall be free, with the exception of the restrictions provided for in that regulation.

China denies claims by the US, EU and Mexico that it is unfairly constraining exports of some raw materials…. From BBC News. Full story

This site may contain information about: happy china. The blog is also related to: ancient china.

Is there such a thing as being European and how does that sense of identity compare with your sense of national identity?

cross-stitch - given as a gift to Hubby's secretary in Denver - about 1982

I love to inhale the outdoorsy aroma of sheets and throw rugs . . . and curtains . . . and . . . that have been drying in the sun.  We always had a clothesline (didn’t always have a dryer, though) until we moved into a ‘restricted’ subdivision in Denver that prohibited clotheslines.  Still miss that clean sunny feeling when one climbs into a bed with bedding that has been in the sun.  It so soooo relaxing . . .

Needless to say, we’re not allowed to have clotheslines where we live, now (although with such a small garden home – and tiny yard – there may not even be room!).

Going Green!

Clotheslines are a hang-up for some . . .

I can tell you that this is happening in Iceland also… blogs thrown out, banning of anonymous blogs etc is in the pipes, it’s like the china of the north.
The Icelandic mafias are behind it, political parties and bankers who bankrupted Iceland are trying to shut everyone down who has something to say against them… and religion/woo is behind it also.
I was banned for saying some medium was insane or criminal when she predicted earthquakes.. she was also selling earthquake proof houses, up to 12 on the Richter scale… I got banned for pointing out the obvious.. you see, they want to keep people STUPID
Now the biggest political party in Iceland has overtaken the biggest news agency… to control what we can see.. and what not.
Then we have the blasphemy bs… yep they are trying to take away our freedom…

STATES WHERE STUN GUNS ARE RESTRICTED:

INDIANA (no Tasers)
HAWAII
MASSACHUSETTS
MICHIGAN
NEW JERSEY
NEW YORK
RHODE ISLAND
WISCONSIN
ILLINOIS
——————————————————————————–
CITIES AND/OR COUNTIES WHERE STUN GUNS ARE RESTRICTED:

ANNAPOLIS, MD
BALTIMORE, MD
BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD
CHICAGO, IL
DENSION / CRAWFORD COUNTY, IA (*According to Sheriff Tom Hogan*)
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
PHILADELPHIA
——————————————————————————–
COUNTRIES WHERE STUN GUNS ARE RESTRICTED:

TASERS and Stun Guns cannot be shipped outside of the continental United States.

AUSTRALIA
BELGIUM
CANADA
DENMARK
HONG KONG
INDIA (POLICE USE ONLY)
ITALY
JAPAN
NEW ZEALAND
NORWAY
SWEDEN
SWITERLAND
UNITED KINGDOM
——————————————————————————–
For more details click HERE

Yesterday I went on a job hunt. It was raining, but foolish me I thought all I’d need was a jacket as it didn’t seem to be raining too heavily. I parked my car down a street where parking is still free and unrestricted and walked into the city centre. Of course it wasn’t raining lightly and by the time I arrived in the centre I was drenched. Luckily I managed to find an umbrella for £1 ($1.65) in one of the pound shops which litter the city. It was very cheap but did its job as I walked around the shops looking for ‘Help Wanted’ signs. I saw a few, but was really surprised as to how few xmas temp vacancies were being advertised, but that’s a sign of the times I guess. I’m only looking for something short term, at the moment, as I’m hoping to make a return trip to the United States in January to visit my friends there who I haven’t seen for 7 years. Hopefully something should turn up soon as it’s only, I think, 10 weeks until Christmas Day.  Thanks for reading.