It's a shame when a community feels that they have no alternative but to ban a particular breed of dog. I am not a dog owner, but there was a time in the City where I live that not a week went by without a news item about another Pit Bull attack. The City Council finally enacted a Pit Bull ordinance. Only time will tell if it will do any good. I feel that it's not a dog problem, but a people problem. Responsible dog owners always suffer for the sins of the irresponsible ones. There seems to be a sub culture in our community of people who own vicious dogs in order to intimidate others. I am copying our Pit Bull ordinance here for your information. If any of you have a similar problem in your community, you may find this information helpful. I am not speaking pro or con. This is for informational purposes only. ____________________________________________________________ Sec. 14-75. Unlawful keeping of pit bulls or restricted breed of dog. (a) Prohibited . It shall be unlawful for any person to have, own, possess, keep, exercise control over, maintain, harbor, transport, or sell within the city any pit bull or restricted breed of dog. (b) Definitions. (1) "Immediate family" for purposes of this chapter, includes the owner's spouse, child, parent or sibling. (2) "Muzzle" for purposes of this chapter, shall mean a restraining device made of metal, plastic, leather, cloth or a combination of these materials that, when fitted and fastened over a snout/mouth/head, prevents the dog from biting but allows room for the dog to breath and pant. The muzzle must be made in a manner that will not cause injury to the dog or interfere with its vision or respiration, but must prevent it from biting any person or animal. (3) "Pit bull" for purposes of this chapter, is defined as any dog that is an American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, or any dog displaying the majority of physical traits of any one or more of the above breeds, or any dog exhibiting those distinguishing characteristics which substantially conform to the standards established by the American Kennel Club or United Kennel Club for any of the above breeds. (4) "Restricted breed of dog" shall mean any American Bulldog (Old Country Bulldog), Dogo Argentino, Canary Dog (Canary Island Dog, Presa Canario, Perro De Presa Canario), Presa Mallorquin (Pero De Presa Mallorquin, Ca De Bou), Tosa Inu (Tosa Fighting Dog, Japanese Fighting Dog, Japanese Mastiff), Cane Corso (Cane Di Macellaio, Sicilian Branchiero), Fila Brasileiro or any dog displaying the majority of physical traits of any one or more of the above breeds. (5) "Secure temporary enclosure" for purposes of this chapter, is a secure enclosure used for purposes of transporting a pit bull or restricted breed of dog and which includes a top and bottom permanently attached to the sides except for a "door" for removal of the pit bull or restricted breed of dog. Such enclosure must be of such material and secured with a keyed or combination lock so that the pit bull or restricted breed of dog cannot exit the enclosure on its own. (6) "Secure pen or enclosure" for the purposes of this chapter, shall mean a six-sided structure designed to prevent entry of a child or escape of a pit bull or restricted breed of dog. Such pen or structure must have minimum dimensions of five-feet by ten-feet per animal housed within and must have secure chain-link sides, a secured top and a secure bottom. The enclosure must provide protection from the elements for the dog. All structures erected to house a pit bull or restricted breed of dog must comply withall zoning and building ordinances and regulations of the city and shall be kept in a clean and sanitary condition. The gate of the pen or enclosure shall be secured with a keyed or combination lock. (c) Exceptions. The prohibition in subsection (a) shall not apply in the following enumerated circumstances. Failure by the owner to comply and remain in compliance with all of the terms of any applicable exception shall subject the pit bull or restricted breed of dog to immediate impoundment and disposition. (1) The owner of a pit bull or restricted breed of dog who has applied for and received a pit bull or restricted breed of dog license within 60 days of the effective date of this section in accordance with subsection (d) of this section, and who maintains the pit bull or restricted breed of dog at all times in compliance with the pit bull or restricted breed of dog license requirements of subsection (d) of this section and all other applicable requirements of this chapter, may keep a pit bull or restricted breed of dog within the city. (2) The animal care division may temporarily transport and harbor any pit bull or restricted breed of dog for purposes of enforcing the provisions of this chapter. (3) Any veterinarian while treating or grooming a pit bull or restricted breed of dog, or holding such pit bull or restricted breed of dog after treatment until claimed by the owner or released to an animal care officer. (4) A person may temporarily transport into and hold in the city a pit bull or restricted breed of dog only for the purpose of showing such pit bull or restricted breed of dog in a place of public exhibition, contest or show sponsored by a dog club association or similar organization. However, the sponsor of the exhibition, contest, or show must receive written permission from the city manager or designee, must obtain any other permits or licenses required by city ordinance, and must provide protective measuresadequate to prevent pit bulls or restricted breeds from escaping or injuring the public. The person who transports and holds a pit bull or restricted breed of dog for showing shall, at all times when the pit bull or restricted breed of dog is being transported within the city to and from the place of exhibition, contest, or show, keep the pit bull or restricted breed of dog confined in a secure temporary enclosure locked with a keyed or combination lock and bearing a caution sign affixed in a conspicuous location warning people a pit bull or restricted breed of dog is confined within. (5) The owner of a pit bull or restricted breed of dog may temporarily transport the pit bull or restricted breed of dog through the city. During such transport the owner may not stop within the city for any reason not reasonably related to and necessary for travel. During such travel, the owner shall keep the pit bull or restricted breed of dog muzzled and either in a secure temporary enclosure or securely leashed with a leash no longer than four feet in length held by someone 21 years of age or older who is capable of effectively controlling the dog. Extension-style leashes may not be used. Leashes may not be attached to inanimate objects. (d) License. The owner of a pit bull or restricted breed of dog who has applied for and received a pit bull or restricted breed of dog license within 60 days of the effective date of this section, shall be allowed to keep such pit bull or restricted breed of dog within the city. As a condition of issuance of a pit bull or restricted breed of dog license, the owner shall at the time of application, comply with or otherwise provide sufficient evidence that the owner is in compliance with all of the following regulations: (1) The owner of the pit bull or restricted breed of dog shall provide proof of a current rabies vaccination and shall pay an annual pit bull or restricted breed of dog license fee to be set by city council. (2) The owner of the pit bull or restricted breed of dog shall keep current the license for such pit bull or restricted breed of dog through annual renewal. Such license is not transferable or renewable except by the holder of the license or by a member of the immediate family of such licensee. A pit bull or restricted breed of dog license tag will be issued to the owner at the time of issuance of the license. Such license tag shall be attached to the pit bull or restricted breed of dog by means of a collar orharness which must be worn by the animal at all times, clearly visible, and shall not be attached to any pit bull or restricted breed of dog other than the pit bull or restricted breed of dog for which the license was issued. (3) The owner must be at least 21 years of age. (4) The owner shall present to the city manager or designee proof that the owner has homeowner's or renter's insurance with a minimum of $100,000.00 for liability coverage which will cover any damage or injury caused by a pit bull or restricted breed of dog during the twelve month period covered by the pit bull or restricted breed of dog license. (5) The owner shall, at the owner's own expense, have the pit bull or restricted breed of dog spayed or neutered and shall present to the city manager or designee documentary proof from a licensed veterinarian that this sterilization has been performed. (6) The owner shall, at the owner's own expense, have a microchip containing an identification number implanted into the pit bull or restricted breed of dog. The city manager or designee shall maintain a file containing the registration numbers and names of the pit bull or restricted breed of dog and the names and addresses of the owners. The owner shall notify the city manager or designee of any change of address. (7) At all times when a pit bull or restricted breed of dog is at the property of the owner, the owner shall keep the pit bull or restricted breed of dog confined. When outdoors, all pit bulls or restricted breed of dogs shall be confined in a locked secure pen or enclosure or with an adult at least 21 years of age in the rear yard with the dog, and the rear yard enclosed by a six foot fence maintained in accordance with chapter 146 of this Code. A warning sign shall be affixed to the gate of the structure notifying people a pit bull or restricted breed of dog is contained within. (8) No pit bull or restricted breed of dog may be kept on a porch, patio or in any part of a house or structure that would allow the dog to exit such building on its own volition. (9) At all times when a pit bull or restricted breed of dog is away from the property of the owner, the owner shall keep the pit bull or restricted breed of dog muzzled and either in a secure temporary enclosure or securely leashed with a leash no longer than four feet in length held by someone 21 years of age or older who is capable of effectively controlling the dog. Extension-style leashes may not be used. Leashes may not be attached to inanimate objects. (10) The owner shall not sell or otherwise transfer the pit bull or restricted breed of dog to any person residing within the city except a member of the owner's immediate family who will then become the owner and will be subject to all of the provisions of this section. (11) The owner shall immediately notify the city manager or designee in the event that the pit bull or restricted breed is loose, stolen, at-large, unconfined, has mauled, bitten, attacked, threatened, or in any way menaced another animal or human, or has died. (12) The owner shall have posted at the front door entrance to the owner's property where the pit bull or restricted breed is kept a conspicuous and clearly legible pit bull or restricted breed warning sign obtained from the animal care division. (13) No person applying for a pit bull or restricted breed of dog license shall be granted a litter or fancier's permit pursuant to section 14-42 of this section for such pit bull or restricted breed of dog. (14) Failure to comply with any of these conditions shall result in a revocation of the license, impoundment and disposition pursuant to subsection (e) of this section. (e) Impoundment. The animal care division is authorized to immediately impound any pit bull or restricted breed of dog found within the city limits which does not fall within the exceptions listed in subsection (c) or (d), subject to a pre-trial hearing pursuant to section 14-4 of this Code. If the dog is found to be a pit bull or restricted breed of dog, it shall be destroyed unless the owner produces evidence deemed sufficient by the court that the pit bull or restricted breed of dog is to be permanently taken out of thecity. Sufficient evidence must include, but is not limited to, a notarized agreement from the person taking custody of the animal containing an address and date of transfer. Additionally, the owner must consent to an in-home inspection by the animal care division within 30 days of release for the purpose of verifying the dog's removal from the city. Prior to release, the owner must pay the cost of impoundment and microchip the dog pursuant to subsection (d)(6) of this section. If the dog is found not to bea pit bull or restricted breed of dog, the dog shall be released to the owner. (f) Penalty. Any person found guilty of violating this section shall, upon conviction, be subject to the payment of a fine of not less than $700.00. In addition to the fines stated in this subsection, a person convicted under this section may be subject to not more than one year in jail. None of the minimum monetary fines in this subsection shall be suspended by the municipal court and the penalties in this subsection may be imposed in addition to the court-ordered destruction provided for in section 14-4. (Ord. No. 2005-84, § 1, 10-24-2005) Secs. 14-76--14-100. Reserved.

I agree, it was hard to choose a favorite this year. They had much better talent this year.Enjoy the finale, I won't be a spoiler anyway! LOL

Running 2 firewalls will deteriorate performance. The 2 firewalls will fight each other. However, there should be a firewall running before allowing your computer to connect with the internet. If Avast has a firewall, then one of these firewall should be disabled. If Avast does not have a firewall, by all means, run the Windows firewall, Your computer may connect with the internet during boot-up, or immediately afterward, if software settings are set to check for updates, and if your internet connection is "live" at that time.

Hi, Hu, First, I'm not an attorney, I didn't stay at a Holiday Inn last night and I don't give legal advice. Here's my take as a builder operating in the same crazy cost environment as your builder: Some of the allowances such as lumber, gas, electrical, could be candidates for being locked in with FFP bids between the builder and their subs. Or we need transparency into the actual underlying costs with receipts and fees (if any) the contractor would apply. The issue is that material prices are extremely volatile. The plumber doesn't know what copper or PVC pipe will cost him next month. The electrician is still numb from paying the cost of the Romex wire he purchased last week. Lumber is at record highs and there's no indication of a top. So you either get allowances or a fixed-price contract with enough fat that you and your builder will both need a cholesterol check. For anything that is considered an allowance, you should be provided with copies of all invoices. Concern that if there are % based fees hidden in the pricing based on (rising) material costs that are covered as FFP or allowances - there’s an implicit incentive to let the materials rise - or at the least, lack of incentive to seek to best manage material costs. If so - Rather than percentage based mark-up fees on some materials with rising costs, consider capping % fees or using fixed fees in this time of volatility to somewhat mitigate cost controls. It doesn't feel right to me to benefit from escalating material prices over which neither I nor the client have control and where the risk is only on the client. A fixed project management fee in lieu of a percentage of the cost is a fair alternative, in my opinion. That way there's no incentive to run up the cost. Reference blueprint by date, rev #, and number of pages (or maybe page titles). Plans are usually referenced by the name of the designer/date/revision no. I incorporate them as a contract document. Add a separate specification or have BoM expanded/modified to include all requested features. (if their price didn’t include our requests - that needs to be fixed now as well.) To be sure, you need to be provided with documentation of the base prices for anything that has a price escalation clause. That way you know what was originally estimated and included in the contract price and what is an overage. I would not want my builder to profit from any overages, just kept whole. Strike the cost increase clause and work harder to better manage sub costs or provide transparency into true costs, triggers, formula, etc. Or revisit entirely a better structured hybridized solution between FFP and CP if that’s what the builder really wants. In the limit where everything is an allowance you have a cost-plus contract. I think that's a simpler approach. If you want a hybrid, consider a guaranteed maximum price contract where the contractor and client both share any savings under the maximum price. Nominal list of subs attached to contract. This could be changed by builder as needed during project. (much like owner can change stuff) I use the same team of trade partners on each project. My clients don't have a say in which ones I choose to work with since they are holding me accountable for the final result in terms of quality, cost, and schedule. That said, for anything that is subject to price escalation, I think you're entitled to a copy of the subcontractor's proposal documenting the scope and pricing at the time the contract is entered into. An enforceable method or mechanism for receiving lien releases in conjunction with draws. Mechanics lien laws vary from state to state and they can be complicated. If you're using a lender, they'll likely have a process for this. If you're not using a lender, I recommend you retain a mechanic's lien agent to manage the lien waiver process. Include some sort of retainage (some protection against builder default) as well as option for withholding a portion of the final payment to cover punch list. Retainage is common in commercial contracting, but not in residential construction. My view is that if you feel you need to hold back money to guarantee completion you've picked the wrong builder. That said, you should not be required to pay the contract amount in full before the punch list is completed. By way of clarification, punch list items are those items which are incomplete, missing or defective at the time of substantial completion. They are not warranty service items. I suggest you discuss with your contractor withholding a amount equal to 150% or 200% of his/her good-faith estimate of the cost to complete punch list items. Not sure can do much about changing 1-year from a goal to an actual requirement. You should be able to reach an agreement with your builder and include in your contract language that the builder agrees to work diligently to complete the project within one year and will regularly manage and report progress to the owner. ...Or maybe hit the pause button and reconsider the entire project for the near-term. I don't have a crystal ball. Sitting on the sidelines might be an act of genius or folly. Hindsight is 20:20 they say.