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Tips on getting back together.

12/31/2015

Some tips and aids sent in:
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Susette
12/30/2015 20:52:55I thought this was pretty cool. Please share with your readers...
and sorry about your windows :(

http://interactives.dallasnews.com/2015/lost-found/

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Jennifer Wilson
12/30/2015 23:19:33A couple of quick items I have picked up in the past few days:

1. If you have completely lost your house, take the time now to turn off all utilities. It will save you money! We found out today that for the water service shutoff we have to go to the water department in person and show them ID. We also are getting a refund check from our security company for the prepaid months that will now not have to be monitored.

2. Grab a PO Box now, before they are all gone!

3. Start your personal property inventory now. We have to list out every individual item, the year we bought it and how much we paid for it so that a depreciation value can be established. If you shop online a lot, your entire shopping history can be accessed with each site. This is incredibly valuable! Our insurance adjuster told us to write down every single item, from the bedroom set pieces down to the salt and pepper shaker. You will have an established limit of personal property dollars set in your policy and it doesn't make sense to not take full advantage of it. Don't leave tens of thousands of dollars on the table because the inventory is too hard to do. We started by drawing out each room on a piece of paper and listing every item we can think of that was in the room. Start this now, while the house layout if fresh in your head! Good luck everyone, this is a marathon, not a sprint!
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Sent by Debby Bobbit, City Councilperson
For Immediate Release
Dec. 30, 2015
Contact:
Dorothy White
214-212-0803
dwhite@GarlandTx.gov

Disaster Center Opens for Storm Victims, Volunteers

The Cities of Garland and Rowlett, in partnership with Dallas County, have opened a Joint Disaster Management Resource Center, located at the Granger Recreation Center, 1310 W. Avenue F, in Garland.

The Center provides a convenient central location giving volunteers, residents impacted by the tornado, and local agencies, a place to connect.

The center will serve three functions:

Volunteer Reception Center (VRC): Volunteers register and be referred to local agencies to assist with relief efforts. At the VRC, volunteers will:

Complete a registration form and sign a general release of liability statement.
Be given a referral to an organization needing their services. This referral includes a description of duties along with the contact information to the agency they have been referred to.
Receive a ID designating them as a registered volunteer.
Participate in a safety briefing.
Agree in writing to follow all safety instructions and directions from supervisors at their work sites.

Client Disaster Services Center - residents impacted by the tornado can gain access to a multitude of available resources including supplies and services.

Donations Management - Service organizations, with an established donations plan in place, will receive and distribute appropriate donations to disaster victims.
Go to the City's website at GarlandTx.gov or follow @garlandtxgov on Twitter for the latest updates.
GarlandTx.gov
An official publication of the City of Garland.

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Check comments

12/31/2015

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Check the comments on "What can you say?" posted on 12/30/15. There are some good tips from readers of the blog. More might be coming.

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What do you say?

12/30/2015

2 Comments

How do you select words that have even a remote possibility of holding the reader's interest when such devastation has rained down on our town? If you received only a glancing blow, as we did, your self interest allows you to feel immensely lucky. Then, you start feeling compassion for your friends and neighbors. You would like to do something to help. Reading blogs about matters that have slipped far, far, down on the priority list seems to be unproductive.

If your home was destroyed, I don't have command of the English language to express those feelings. Reading a blog such as this is just senseless blather. I don't want it to be that way. It, understandably, just is.

Clearly, and without question, the most important need for our town is to put Rowlett back together. That is an overall need that is broken down into thousands of parts........smaller parts in which you can help. Surprisingly, one of the best ways to help at this early phase of rebuilding is to stay out of the way. I know life goes on, but if you can use the streets in a somewhat rationed way, it helps. Utilities have to be restored right after aid to the injured.

As for myself, I only caught a glancing blow. I lost two windows and power for a couple of days. However, I acquired an enormous respect for the power of nature and ever present compassion for others that were hit harder. The funnel passed within 200 yards of me and the noise was unbelievable. I heard our two windows breaking from our best shelter under the stairway. I thought the house was next. I can only imagine the thoughts of those harder hit. I am so sorry for those neighbors.

I would like to donate this site for any news, tips, recommendations, that might be helpful to others. If you have found a contractor that has been honest and competent, drop a line on this site. I'll publish it. If you have any tips on traffic, debris removal, suppliers with good prices, temporary quarters........anything that could help, send us a note. I'll publish it.

Godspeed, Rowlett. It will be a long recovery period.

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Response to Comment

12/24/2015

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A comment was made by Chris White on the post "Need Help," posted on 12/7/15. You need to read it.

Below is my response to Chris' comment.
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Chris, I don’t know exactly where to start on my rebuttal. You have constructed a multi-national, multi-cultural, multi-bigoted population in which you imply that I know nothing about. I feel like I’m butting in line by saying, “Hey, I count, too.” You have implied that I know nothing about several countries and several cultures. You would be wrong. Let’s get one of your implications out of the way right now. I DO know the difference between a Sikh and a Muslim and I also know their religions and manner of dress are quite different. Do you? I never wrote anything about a Sikh.

Actually, I’m reasonably well informed. I’ve been to Red China. Have you? I have Indian (Sikh) friends. Do you? I do know the difference between a Persian and an Arab, and can probably pick them apart in a crowd. The Persian Empire wasn’t managed by Bedouin tribesmen. Also, "Arab" is a cultural and linguistic term. It refers to those who speak Arabic as their first language. Arabs are united by culture and by history. Arabs are not a race. Did you know that? Why didn‘t you say so? Differences between a Muslim ally and a Muslim extremist? Well, I haven’t made a study of it, but I would probably guess the King of Jordon was an ally and Osama Bin Laden was not. Of course, I will admit that that was just a wild ass guess. It’s probably based on what they said. If the Muslims are not talking to me, I guess I have to rely on their actions to determine if danger is present. You know, AK 47s, black pajamas, black masks, maniacal behavior, etc. Yes, most Progressives call that profiling. I call it smart.

You built this entire world wide population of straw people, then proceeded to assume that not only did I know nothing about them, but that I was a bigot and guilty of profiling and knew nothing about your “straw people” that I never wrote about. First, I am not a bigot. Second, I believe in profiling when it comes to foiling lawbreakers. Are there occasional misfires? Yes. I would be the first to apologize for any mistakes, but the modest damage to the offended’s pride is massively surpassed by safety of family, friends, and country. This safety also applies to the offended.

Your arrogant, egotistical, self-centered diatribe against profiling ignores completely the trade-off for safety and protection of all that is important. It is my firm belief that our police are not looking to stop and arrest someone just because of race, religion, or sex. However, I do want them to stop and investigate persons with suspicious behavior………regardless of race, religion, or sex. Is that profiling? Yep. Is there anything wrong with it? Nope.

I now know a good bit more about you. Before I forget, I am a CHL and belong to NRA. I am a veteran of the USAF and I shot EXPERT in service. I do not dislike Muslims, unless they are trying to kill me. Then, I don't like them very much and I do what is necessary to protect myself. I do not dislike minorities. I have many that I consider close friends. If it weren’t for Mexican immigrants, our entire construction industry would be in serious trouble. I also like Mexico’s culture and count many Mexican friends. Yet, I would call the police on any of them if I saw them creeping up on a school carrying an AK 47. Is that profiling? Yep. They wouldn't have done anything wrong, yet.

It seems to me that you are energetically against profiling, gun ownership, CHL holders, probably NRA and the 2nd Amendment to the Constitution. You probably think everyone is dumber than you. You are probably a progressive, a socialist, and a Democrat. After Hitler’s World War II, in Germany the Socialist Democratic Party (SPD) re-established itself as a socialist party. It was a far left leaning political party. Is that part of your church doctrine? Does that make you a religious zealot? I probably don’t think so. Is that profiling? Yep. However, you don't fit that image (I hope).

Now, are my implications as accurate as yours? If you can imply, I can imply. That’s the American way.

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Who caught who?

12/22/2015

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I sat down to write an apology for not writing lately. It's the Christmas season and I've got lots of things to do. Also, some of my developer buddies are trying to close some deals before the end of the year. Before writing, I decided to read my counter on the visitation thingy. Come to find out, you've been busy, too. Readership is a little low.......and I know why.

I still have a few more gifts to go, but I'm happy to report, I think I have things under control. I trust that you have likewise found your calm demeanor. We'll both get back on somewhat of a schedule soon.

We've got to start some cooking soon. We are all gathering at my daughter's for Christmas day. This Christmas, I will have all my sprouts under one roof for a while. That will be the first time in several years. I fully expect a joyful Christmas week this year. I won't do much writing. It's too hard to do with a great grandson crawling around my neck.

I wish to thank you all for being my readers. You're intelligent and care for Rowlett. I wish you all the very best Christmas ever. And, if you get a quiet moment, tip a glass in appreciation for the police and military service people. If you've never been there, you can't imagine had stressful it can be. They would like to be home on Christmas, too. I was lucky. I only spent one Christmas away.

And, yes, you might tip the glass for our Rowlett "officialdom," too. I lean on them some, but only for reasons that I think are justifiably debatable. The elected officials put in an awful lot of time for practically no pay. They have a lot to keep track of. They deserve all our thanks.

Merry Christmas to all!! Have a great Christmas week!!

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A little premptive strike

12/14/2015

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Well, I'm getting ready to start opining, again. I have suitable facts to underpin my opinions. I'll give it a shot.

Clearly, I am going to have some disagreements with current leadership about some things. These items will all be real estate development oriented. I feel qualified to comment. I have been in the business for 50 years. I think collectively I have more total real estate experience than in the entire Rowlett "officialdom" resume.

One of my concerns is that "officialdom" is very single minded. If they hear a story once from a credible source, that's the only way it can possibly be. They do not have enough experience to look into other possibilities. For example, someone told them that Form Base Codes is the best thing about real estate development since canned beer. Now they think everything must be Form Base Codes. That's not true. Did any of "officialdom" ever tell you WHY it's true? I've never heard anyone explain why. There must be a reason, somewhere.

Here's the problem. Some credible source told "officialdom" that two and two equal four. That is true. No one lied. However, here comes Ron Miller and says that three and one equals four. Oh my gosh!! The wheels came off. They have just been told that 2+2=4 and no one disputed it. Therefore, that's the only way it can be. They just can not see anything other than that. It allows them to stop thinking. Thinking is hard work. Now, someone says there's a different way.

I just don't have the heart to tell "officialdom" that if they divide any number by two, they would get the same answer as if they multiplied that same number by .5. That would drive them clear off the cliff. There just doesn't seem to be other ways in "officialdom" mindset.

"Officialdom" is of the opinion that I constantly pick on them. They hate me. They think I cause global warming. They never read what I write. They only read what they want to. They never read to get another idea. They never read to see some good things I have written. Their single purpose and conspired dogma is too entrenched. I will comment on some of our projects in the next post.

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Creeping Urbanization

12/9/2015

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.Today's Dallas Morning News had a couple of interesting articles.

On the front page of the Metro Section was an article about Rockwall County and the impending encroachment of urban development. That encroachment is the result of the economic growth of the D/FW area.

On the front page of the Business Section was an article about the continuing increase of home prices. Home prices are escalating faster than it has for decades.

The two articles above could have been written in the same story. That growth rate, the accompanying increase in real estate activity and prosperity, and the higher density of housing, comprises much of what I've been writing about over the past few months. Urban encroachment is a part of that whole equation and discussion.

This can be a good news/bad news situation. We need to strive to make it all good news. The bad news is that we could have become so popular that we get gobbled up by urbanization and lose all of any character, charm, uniqueness, and identity we ever had. We just get absorbed. I don't like being absorbed. It seems UN-American.

The good news is that we have become so popular that people want to live here and they will bid up the prices of houses to get to a place they want to live. Of course, we existing homeowners are just adding value to our balance sheets because of this annual income. Now, before we get too cocky, please remember all towns in the DFW area are enjoying this same new found wealth.

So, what have we really got? We have uniqueness. With a little tweaking, we can be truly unique with a charm that appeals to a much broader marketplace than that marketplace enjoyed by other towns in the metroplex. That could mean our popularity could be such that we would enjoy a longer and more profitable growth period.   It's simple. We would be more desirable.

Here's what we have.   First, we have geographic boundaries. We are bounded on three sides by water. On the west side of town, we also have a large low lying area that is creek and flood plain. This is an identifying feature. There won't be any buildings on it, unless they dike around the structure. These items create identity. We are ourselves. There is only one way to approach Rowlett without crossing some geographic feature, and that is from the north. You can enter Rowlett from the north on the toll road without knowing you just entered a water based town until you cross the lake on the bridge to I-30.    Also, one can enter Rowlett from Wylie, assuming one has a pathfinders license. I am sure many souls have been lost trying to get to Rowlett from Wylie.

Secondly, another special feature Rowlett has is the DART terminal station. One can take a train to some of the very best employment centers around Dallas, plus soon to be airports and athletic events. With the development of apartments and additional business development of downtown restaurants and shops, and the local availability of a 23,000 acre lake, this should be a young person's paradise. And when that young person gets off work and arrives at the DART station and is walking home to his/her new apartment in downtown, he/she can stop off at the craft beer place downtown and meet their wife/husband/friends for a recap of the day.

Another feature we have is Lake Ray Hubbard........but we need to develop activities of the lake. We have shallow water. We are not going to have deep draft boats. However, we can have a lot of shallow draft boats. There is some charm with them. Kayaks, canoes, paddle boats, bass boats........all are suitable. I have written that I would buy Spanish Moss by the carload and spread it around all our trees surrounding the lake........particularly along the creeks and bayous. What charm that is!! Have you ever been in a canoe paddling along one of our creeks. What a hoot!!

We can't forget the seniors. We are starting on some developments for seniors, but we could use more. We are not only satisfying our own senior population, we could also be soliciting seniors from all over the country that may want what we have. I submit that many seniors in northern climes would love Rowlett if there were proper places to live. You need not look further than Granbury to see how it works. They are pulling in retirees from all over the country. The city loves them and they love the city.

Of course, we have GWBT. It is a 20-30 uninterrupted drive to the new major employment centers in Plano. That is a commuter's dream in any large city like Dallas. There should be 20,000 new jobs created in Plano over the next few months.

Finally, we have to continue to do what we know how to do. We know how to develop subdivisions that people like to live in. We are really good at providing nice homes with fences and yards. We allow our families to have jungle gyms and horseshoe pits, if they want them. Our citizen's homes are theirs, not the government's. They live on their land. Contrary to some of the propaganda that has emitted from City Hall, starting in 2009, Archie Bunker homes, under the auspices of Form Base Codes, is not the sole answer to Rowlett's future. There is room for some high density housing.......but not the entire town. Most of our folks want a yard for the kids to play in, not some park down the street.   Our only Form Base Code, high density residential subdivision remains uncompleted, unpromoted, and unproven in the market place. It is well past any normal schedule for such developments. I have experience with several hundred such subdivisions. I think we've been flim-flamed. Hopefully, it passes the market test.

All the above creates a unique situation for Rowlett. We actually have more physical features working for us than our more well known neighbor across the lake, Rockwall. They don't have the tollway (although they use the one thru Rowlett), and they don't have a DART station (although they use the one in Rowlett).   Their commute time to Plano employment centers are approximately 10 minutes longer than Rowlett commute times.

When taken in total, Rowlett is uniquely positioned to declare itself an island upon itself. When one crosses over the bridge from I-30 to Geo. Bush Tollway, the view is highly suggestive of crossing a bridge over the intercoastal waterway down on the Texas coast. I have driven over to off shore islands many times at Galveston, at Port Aransas ferry, Port Isabel, and Corpus Christi. That view is a spectacular introduction to Rowlett.

We need to take advantage of these assets. Our leadership has done some good things. However, it could have been better. I get all exercised because the mistakes I see just drives me bananas.

The addition of the 257 acre Bayview development at I-30 and Dalrock creates a whole new canvass on which to paint. I am excited about this new addition to Rowlett's assets.

We have the opportunity to create an unbelievable town in which to live.

My next post will be a continuation of this discussion.

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Need help.

12/7/2015

1 Comment

In this politically correct world, I need help.

Is it profiling if I take note, and report, men and women wearing burkas and carpet skull caps if they are engaged in target practice at our local gun ranges?

Along that same vein, I am tired of politicians, bureaucrats, newspapers, and talking heads telling me I am scared of ISIS. In fact, neither me nor any of my friends are scared of ISIS. However, I would characterize ourselves as highly pissed.

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Apologies in order

12/7/2015

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Folks, I apologize for being a little lax in my writing. I've been a little under the weather.

I used to smoke. I quit many years ago, but I smoked long enough to develop some COPD. I get along fine, unless I come down with some additional bronchitis. Colds I can handle. Bronchitis I can't. I am totally worthless when I get bronchitis. When I have both I'm hardly worth feeding, however I seem to be getting better. Be assured, I would rather be writing than walking around in a stupor from medication.

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