Dr. Mark's Blog

Lancasters Mr. Christmas

2010-12-24T17:51:00.000-08:00

Mr. Christmas (early 1990s)

Love and Merry Christmas, Mark

*_*_*
Questions?/Comments? * This Has Been e-mail From:
"Dr. Mark" Hill * The Doctor Of Pop Culture /*/ drmark7@juno.com

2009-12-26T22:12:00.001-08:00

2009-12-26T22:12:00.000-08:00

2009-12-26T21:58:00.000-08:00

2009-12-26T21:18:00.000-08:00

A friend has requested some old Super 8mm catalog pages, so I'm going to upload them here.

2009-05-03T21:21:00.000-07:00

John And Yoko, watching a FILMATION Batman cartoon...

Universal to adapt Matt Mason astro toys into Tom Hanks film

2009-03-26T21:42:00.000-07:00

The mind boggles the visual and fantasy possibilities present here... To appeal

to Matt's ORIGINAL AUDIENCE, it would almost have to be a RETRO-themed

movie. But what do you want to bet they WON'T make it retro! MAYBE they will...

Since Hanks is involved... Read the last line... I'll have to get mine out of my

parents attic and dust them off!- Dr. M // (IMAGES PROVIDED BY Dr. M)

*_*_*

Universal to adapt Matt Mason astro toys into Tom Hanks film!!!!

Universal will develop Major Matt Mason, a live-action sci-fi feature
film based on the vintage Mattel astronaut action figure line,
Variety reported.

The movie will be developed as a star vehicle for Tom Hanks, and
Graham Yost will write the script. Playtone partners Hanks and Gary
Goetzman will produce.

The toy line originated in 1966; Mason led an astronaut team that
worked on the moon and lived in a space station. The toy was a hit in
the buildup to the first manned moon mission. Mattel retired the line
in the 1970s.

When Mattel executives Tim Kilpin and Barry Waldo came to Playtone
for a meeting, they brought an arsenal of the Matt Mason figures.
Hanks came armed with his own.

*_*_*

Questions?/Comments? * This Has Been e-mail From:
"Dr. Mark" Hill * The Doctor Of Pop Culture /*/ drmark7@juno.com

2008-10-24T22:00:00.000-07:00

One of my favorites. "Damn This Depression!"

2008-10-23T21:39:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the more rare PD VHS cartoon tapes I have

Dr. Mark's Christmas Eve Night of Random Picture Delight- #8

2007-12-24T20:40:00.000-08:00

Dr. Mark's Christmas Eve Night of Random Picture Delight- #8

*_*_*

"You Don't Say!" Watched regularly weeknights after

school on NBC. I can't even remember how it was played.

But this was one of my favorite game shows. If only because they had such STELLAR guest stars. (3 pics below)

*_*_*

Christmas Shows, To Boot!

Morticia and Gomez Addams! (Carolyn Jones and John Astin)

(The kids look kinda familiar, too.)

*_*_*

*_*_*

MRS. ROBINSON and MR. SPOCK (June Lockhart and Leonard Nimoy)

*_*_*

Questions?/Comments? * This Has Been e-mail From:
"Dr. Mark" Hill * The Doctor Of Pop Culture /*/ drmark7@juno.com

Dr. Mark's Christmas Eve Random Picture Delights- #3

2007-12-24T18:04:00.000-08:00

Dr. Mark's Christmas Eve Night of Random Picture Delight- #3

*_*_*

Dick und Doof- Rache ist Sub!!! (Babes In Toyland)

*_*_*

*_*_*

For some reason, Laural and Hardy are called DICK und DOOF

in some overseas countries! Their BABES features Santa Claus.

*_*_*

Questions?/Comments? * This Has Been e-mail From:
"Dr. Mark" Hill * The Doctor Of Pop Culture /*/ drmark7@juno.com

Fw: Not Your Parents Lancaster

2007-08-23T21:11:00.000-07:00

Date: Thu, 23 Aug 2007 9:30am
Subject: Not Your Parents Lancaster by Dr. M

NEWS FLASH- 6 Homes Robbed In Lancaster, On Allen, Near High St.-
Purses Snatched While Eloi Sleep Restfully On Couch In Next Room.

While visiting the neighbor of one of those who were robbed, I heard
the story firsthand from one of the victims. Just hours before, the
thieves brazenly opened her (foolishly unlocked) back door, and
walked right into her house to steal several purses. Between 3:30am and
4:30am. Purses were found in alley nearby, missing only cash
and cigarettes. It was surmised the thieves were going door to
door, checking for unlocked ones, carrying a ladder or stool to
gain entrance thru windows. A month ago, robbers went down the
alley behind my old neighborhood and stole gutters off of garages. Folks,
this is not our parents or grandparents Lancaster.
You can't leave your doors unlocked and ground floor windows
open at night. (Maybe even in the day.) I lock both my door and
screen door. Better safe than sorry. And sorry is what things seem
to be coming to in Lancaster.- Dr. M

2006-10-22T11:44:00.000-07:00

Here is the letter I submitted to terminate the contractor:

Friday October 20, 2006

I’m requesting termination of the original contractor (name) working on my house project be done and replaced with a more competent contractor and workers.

I want this to be on record that there have been too many issues. Work has been of poor quality from the first day. The contractor started with a crew of three inexperienced young people- each around 20 years old- for the first three weeks. My home and this project should not be a training ground. The first thing (the city inspector) asked me when we met for the first time (Mon 09-18-06), the second week of the job, was, “How are these kids working out?” And he said it seemed like they were standing around a lot and didn’t seem happy about it. Nor was I.

There has been much standing around and smoking and talking on cell phones by all involved- crew and contractor. (Even my neighbors commented.) There have been lies told about work being completed, when it wasn’t. I will never be convinced that the young workers insulated my crawlspace properly. When ”caught”, they said they “weren’t done yet.” For some reason, these excuses keep being accepted by (the city inspector). It seems to be (the city inspector)’s agenda to defend the contractors and keep them on the job, despite my complaints. Telling me, “You can’t tell them what to do. You have to see what it’s like when they FINISH, then they will have to correct mistakes.” After 6 weeks of this, I’m not going to stand for any more mistakes.

One day (the contractor) returned from lunch intoxicated. (10-04-06) I believe there have been other times. I don’t like that at all. 2 of the weeks they only worked for 3½ days (not because of weather) and have seldom worked more than 5-6 hours in a day. Most jobs have been started, said to have been finished. Then re-done AGAIN because they weren’t done right the first time. Many items STILL aren’t completed at this date. Multiple days being spent on jobs that should be finished quickly.

They have spent over a week, blowing insulation in the walls, incorrectly and still aren’t finished (as of 10-20-06). Blaming it on the machine. They got a 2^nd machine and are still having the same problems. It says right in my contract “using the 2 hole method” yet they are blowing into only one hole- with nowhere for the air to escape- THAT is why their machines aren’t working. The insulation isn’t being filled properly without 2 holes. One lazy worker said to me, “Do you know how much work it is to cut these holes in the wall!” Then (the city inspector) says, “There are different ways to do things.” RIGHT! A right way and a WRONG WAY. And I’ve been getting the WRONG WAY.

(the city inspector) will know the story of the bathroom window that has been redone *3 times* and is *still* not right. The 1^st time, it was done by the young workers, the contractor said he was “Embarrassed” and that “It looked like a 3 year old did it.” The 2^nd time the contractor re-did it himself, using cheap materials to finish the framing. With breaks, rough edges and caulking the material. It *still* looked like a 3 year old did it. The final time, (the city inspector) told him to re-do it again, the contractor used more expensive materials. After the 3^rd time, it STILL looks like a 3 year old did it!… Only using more expensive materials!!! When addressed about it’s poor appearance… the standby excuse… “I wasn’t done yet.”

Any requests I have made for the workers to speed up or work towards better craftsmanship- even those echoed to the contractor and workers by (the city inspector)- have been ignored. Like using runners or drop cloths- none have been used inside my home.

I have had to clean up my floor many times- more than just light dust- of paint and spackling. They have scuffed my wood floors worse than they already were. Stomping through my house in dirty work boots like it’s a construction site. They have scratched and marred all 3 new doors thay have installed so far. Leaving SCARS on my home, rather than repairs or “rehabilitation.”

I asked the contractor (10-06-06) directly, "If you had hired me, and I was working in your house and giving you the same quality of job that you are giving me, would you be 100 percent satisfied?" He hesitated, and answered… "I don't know."

I have discussed this in depth with (the city inspector) and he has told me that, “Your concerns are valid.” And that, “I share your concerns.” And, “I wouldn’t want this quality of work at my own home.” Then he tells me, “They have 8 weeks to complete things” and that I should wait. I’m not sure what to make of the mixed messages. After SIX WEEKS, I feel I have been MORE than lenient in allowing for the improvement I’ve asked for. Which I’ve not seen happen. There is still much to be done- that has not even been started. It’s apparent the contractor would not be done by the completion date of Nov. 7^th.

If I had hired this contractor outside of the program, he would have been FIRED after the first week. After this track record, I can’t see trusting these same lazy and careless workers to complete such jobs as removing and rebuilding my porch. Nor can I see any logic in giving the same contractor more time to complete the work he has failed to do- after many warnings.

I’ve been treated like an outsider in my own home. (the city inspector) has repeatedly been belligerent with me. I have asked him not to continue to use that tone with me. He answered, “I probably shouldn’t, but that’s how I am.” (the city inspector) has given the contractor and workers so many breaks, they respond like they do not have to answer to me - only to the city program (the city inspector). The way this is set up, there is no accountability to the homeowner.

This has been perhaps the worst experience of my life. When I think of the TWENTY THOUSAND DOLLARS I am responsible to repay, I can’t believe the City of Lancaster program would endorse this poor level of quality as satisfactory. The recent “compromise” of bringing in another contractor to “train” these inept workers is an insult. I only wish that I had made the effort to stop this contractor earlier, then so many poor jobs will not have to be re-done- probably at my own expense. I am very unhappy with this whole project and I want the original contractor (named) and his workers removed from the job as soon as possible and they are not to return to my home.

I will accept that (named) will be the replacement contractor, and that it may take (a reasonable) amount of time longer. Only if there is improvement shown and no backpedaling or changing of the details discussed with (named) on Thursday October 19, 2006.

Mark R. Hill

2006-10-21T21:45:00.000-07:00

Friday, October 20, 2006

I fired the contractor! Not gonna gloat til I see the replacement/results.

After I stood in my bathroom (6th week of the project) for the 3rd time, my window looking like it was framed AGAIN by a 3 year old (the contractor took a whole day to do this FOR THE THIRD TIME!) I knew this was it.

The city guy told me he was following how long the contractor took to re-do the window (a whole day), but then started his, "We can't tell them how fast to go and have to wait til the end and see what it looks like then."

I said (madly), "Are FAIRIES going to fly in the last week and wave their magic wands to change all this!?"

Then the contractor got kind of RED with me, like why was I hassling him? Then he spent the next *6 hours* taping off and painting one stair rail and one door frame. And I think he was drunk again or at least hung over. I sat on my couch watching him and we never said two words to one another.

Then they were taking over a week to blow insulation in my walls, cutting only one hole in each channel, and complaining their machine wasn't working right, it kept backfiring. These were guys claiming many years of experience doing this. Between my own research and my dad having this done twice to our houses, we knew they needed to have a 2nd hole at the top of the channel- so the air could FLOW OUT. But they wouldn't listen. And the city guy gave me more BS- "There are different ways to do a job." And I said, "Yes, a RIGHT way and a WRONG way. And you're ALL doing it WRONG!"

I probably gave the update about them proposing to bring in the superior contractor to "train" the dumb asses and supervise all the big jobs left? That was LAST Friday. He was supposed to be here this week on Tuesday. Then suddenly he "couldn't make it until NEXT week" I smelled a BLUFF by the city.

Then after the city guy left, I heard the contractor discussing getting the attic pull down to install in my bedroom ceiling- one of the BIG JOBS- and no new contractor around. These guys couldn't frame a window correctly- after 3 tries- and I'm going to let them cut into my ceiling? NO WAY!

So I made the calls. 1st to the city guy, he tried to blow me off and practically hung up on me. Then he said I had to call the main office and talk with the head woman there. It was my impression that she had heard enough about the progress of this ordeal that she was pretty responsive. I was told I had to write a brief letter and take it into the office and it was done. They will not return here again.

It all went pretty quick. Within *2 hours*, the contractor was sneaking up my alley with 2 trucks to get their supplies (all outside, thank God) and to drop off my new windows for the next contractor to install. It was pretty intense, lurking in the house, watching them thru the windows.

Windows are to be installed next Tuesday, by the new contractor. We'll see what transpires...

Much more to it than this, This really took a toll on me. Worst thing I've ever been thru.

Dr. M

2006-10-21T20:52:00.000-07:00

Friday, Oct 20, 2006- This afternoon, I had to take a letter down to the Community Development Dept. requesting the contractor be removed. While I was out, I went to thrift stores for the first time in many weeks.
The first one I went into, I spied this book (c.1962) and grabbed it right away. Can you believe the coincidence/ timeliness! Near mint condition. And what a great 60s cover design. Alan King just passed away this year.

2006-10-21T20:49:00.000-07:00

Thursday October 19, 2006

The camels back was broken.

Today I fired my contractor.

Will post the story when I recoup.

Mark

2006-10-12T09:18:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm coming to the close of the 5th week of my home rehabilitation project- with 3 to go- and with NO improvments to the qualiy of work. With several major portions yet to be even started- like removing my porch and rebuilding it. I think I've been about as generous as possible. I had a major discussion with the city supervisor and SUPPOSEDLY he's going to his office to speak to HIS boss about putting in an order to stop this amatuer crew. He was a bit dodgy about it. Called me after returning to his office saying he can't tell me details, but I would "be happy" with what he had in mind and give him a day or two. ????? I'm not holding my breath but will keep posting. Mark

2006-10-10T10:24:00.000-07:00

The torture never stops. This is todays inept task. Non-professionals attempting to blow insulation in the walls. I am typing this at 1:20 and they have been out there since 9am with the blower (which they took somewhere and brought back) and have only succeeded in making a mess:

2006-10-07T21:17:00.000-07:00

I wish I had Misterogers doing my home rehab.

2006-10-06T16:30:00.000-07:00

Here is a part of the garage they sided. A corner. They were supposed to "cover all wood." On several other corners- before I called them on it- they just gooped over these open ends with caulking.

Here they are- 3 weeks after the other picture- STILL working on correcting it.

2006-10-06T16:23:00.000-07:00

Here is the windowsill that looked like a 5 year old made it with grandpa in the workshop. I sucessfully made them replace it:

2006-10-06T15:59:00.000-07:00

Today I asked my contractor, "If you had hired me, and I was working in your house and giving you the same quality of job that you are giving me, would you be 100 percent satisfied?" He hesitated, and answered, "I don't know."

I had to be sure this comment was seen, from poster RC, who titled this shot:
("Portrait of the American Worker." No wonder the US is dead!)

2006-10-06T15:41:00.001-07:00

Some examples of the high-quality work I'm getting.
These guys must be brain dead. After the "embarrasment" of the amateurish window sill (see previous post), THIS is what the CONTRACTOR HIMSELF left as a finsished product. This is the top of the window frame. As soon as I pulled the string on the mini-blind- the whole thing fell down. This is what they did to frame my window that had no sill or frame. I consider this the *illusion* of a frame:

Look at this slop!

2006-10-06T10:01:00.000-07:00

Got this email inquiry:

> How's the house-demolishing, er I mean FIXING coming along?

That's about right. I don't even know where to begin. I made enough noise that they got rid of the kids. I want to shut the whole thing down, but it would just take longer. And the city guy indicated I'd be up against THEIR legal team- which includes the mayor. So I'm fluffed no matter what. Might as well get the train wreck over and get them out of here. Today, the contractor is painting my bedroom door with leftover KILZ basement wall paint and day before yesterday the contractor and new worker came back from lunch drunk! They did get my new shower in- about 80% to the good. Still 4 weeks to go...

Dr. M

2006-10-01T18:01:00.000-07:00

Sunday 10-01-06- Won't go into detail, but the home rehab is going even worse. 3 weeks in, with at least 3 more weeks to go. I'm torn between trying to shut it down legally or just letting them finish to get this overwith. I'm already trying to get work items REMOVED, so they don't do them poorly and I have to live with the shoddy work- or re-do them over myself. Like so far, they have installed 2 new doors and scratched and marred them up. Answering, "Oh, we'll just paint them." One was over a $100 door!

2006-09-30T20:53:00.000-07:00

I've been asked... "What is this program you signed up for?" Here it is...- Dr. M

*_*_*
Homeowner Housing Rehabilitation Assistance Program

www.ci.lancaster.oh.us/dept/commdev/hhra-commdev.asp

The City of Lancaster provides funding to eligible city residents to rehabilitate their homes.

The homeowner housing rehabilitation assistance program upgrades single family dwelling units within the incorporated area of the city of Lancaster. It provides low and moderate income households with a safe, decent, sanitary and sound place to live and it preserves our most valuable material asset - our homes. Funds are available to rehabilitate structures to meet Housing Rehabilitation Standards, they are not available for improvements such as swimming pools, recreation rooms, extensive landscaping, moveable improvements, appliances, etc.

*_*_*
I used this, too. In fact, this is the first program I used and a requierment of getting the downpayment asssistance, was using the home rehab program as well.

Downpayment assistance:

www.ci.lancaster.oh.us/dept/commdev/haap-commdev.asp

2006-09-26T19:31:00.000-07:00

Week 2 Begins (c. 09-18- Unposted until now)

Woke up later than usual to let the crew in. This is probably only the second day of my adult life where I did not take a shower. There just was no time as I had to stay on top of the workers and later I was just exhausted.

The city project supervisor arrives and inquired of me "how are these kids working out?" and expresses concern that he thinks there is to much standing around and not getting started til after 10am and that they haven't completed much in nearly 2 weeks. Though he has *some* reason why he is waiting to tell them to speed up. I'm told that I "can't expect I will be getting a job from TOP REMODELERS, INC. for just $20,000" and that (paraphrasing) we basically have to let them screw up, *then* tell them they have to go back and re-do this and this. Which seems like BS to me. Because then they will be doing it under duress, PLUS it will TAKE LONGER!

They are now in the crawlspace wrapping the ductwork. From their amatuerish reactions, I picture them back home the night before, checking the chapter "how to insulate crawlspaces and wrap ductwork" in their copy of THE HOME HANDYMAN.

2006-09-26T10:48:00.000-07:00

I just like this picture for some reason.

2006-09-26T10:34:00.000-07:00

I suppose this is like shooting fish in a barrel. But here is half of my 4 person work crew HARD AT WORK.

2006-09-20T21:16:00.000-07:00

SMALL WORLD KINDA STUFF... Had a neat experience tonight. My new neighbor lined up a friend who might buy my old Toyota. Says his name is, "Griz." "Griz arrives and it's a childhood playmate! "BIG TIM", from my grandma's old neighborhood, some 40 years ago. I haven't seen Tim since high school. Thru our brief reunion, I mentioned my rehab project. Turn's out Tim's mom went thru this City Rehab program and got "the same business" a few years back. They actually tried to retrieve her contract to removed a work item. He told me to watch them like a hawk......

Already being done..........

2006-09-20T19:00:00.000-07:00

TOO MUCH STUFF- Today was trash day in my neighborhood. This bed frame was put out just across the street at a neighbors. I had a hard time not running over to save it for recyclings sake, for a project of some kind or yard art. I am so loathing of having so much STUFF right now, I was able to resist. But it nagged me so bad, I at least had to take a picture.

2006-09-20T18:55:00.000-07:00

1 foot deep trench in my backyard to get the wiring to the garage:

2006-09-20T18:38:00.000-07:00

HAND IN MY POCKET- I should get $5.00 an hour back from the contractor, for every instance of hands in pockets. I haven't seen them do many tasks yet, where it doesn't take 1 or 2 standing by and watching. This must be an important position.

2006-09-20T18:19:00.000-07:00

Kevin, Bobby and BUTCH. My electricians. Butch reminds me of an old-time movie star. I couldn't place it exactly for a while. But he and his crew working together reminds me of the THREE STOOGES.

They rely on a lot of joking and ribbing each other to get thru the job. For instance, Bobby was on his stomach, on the floor to get to some wiring and Butch walks into the room... "There's that Bobby, laying down on the job again!" They remember each instance of who screwed up something last.

I think they come *this close* to whacking each other over the head with a big wrench.

Suddenly it occured to me. Butch is SHEMPS separated-at-birth twin:

(Thanks to ATLAS FILMS for the Shemp pic.)

2006-09-20T18:01:00.000-07:00

Here is Butch and Bobby installing my new outdoor electric service drop.

2006-09-20T17:51:00.000-07:00

Woke and prepared for another day with too many people in my house.

2 young workers arrived at 9am. Sat in their cars smoking cigarettes til 9:15am. Went into the basement where they'd last worked. (If you can call it that.) Were back on my front porch steps at 9:30am, smoking and waiting for the contractor to arrive.

Back to the basement, they are now painting waterproofing on the walls. They started with something different that had no odor. Whatever they put on last, now makes my house smell like it's burning. My eyes are watering as I type.

Next the tiny girl arrives that they have doing the insulation in the crawlspace. The fiberglass is getting to her. Today is the first time she has wore a mask. Comments lead me to believe even more that this is the first time these KIDS have insulated a crawlspace.

You don't want to see this in your living room:

The insulation (Pink Panther on cover) also has a STRONG odor. Added to the waterproofing, my house is becoming a toxic nightmare.

Next up will be 2 rooms of new carpet. Went to Lowes tonight to try to find low odor carpet I'd seen written up in the paper. Was surprised to find they offered NO KIND of low chemical carpets.

I was able to find a satisfactory shower surround. Didn't take long to pick, as there was only ONE to pick from. A one piece will not fit in my bathroom. But this 4 piece- 3 walls + floor, locks together and I'm hoping it will do.

2006-09-18T19:32:00.000-07:00

My empty living room. Almost everything has been taken to the one "safe room" in my house. I told them I want to know ahead of time, when I need to get stuff moved or covered. Next thing I know, they'd be sawing out switchplate covers right over open boxes of books or videotapes. It's been like working ahead of a wrecking ball.

2006-09-18T19:25:00.000-07:00

Here's BUTCH, my electrician. Now here's a guy who knows what he's doing. I wish his crew could do all the rest of the project.

2006-09-18T19:22:00.000-07:00

BACK PORCH- Here's my spiffy new fuse box. One of my few triumphs in this deal so far. I had to bitch and growl to get them to move it up from the cellar/basement. How am I going to get down there when I'm 70?

2006-09-18T19:14:00.000-07:00

THE KITCHEN- Trying to get things covered. Nothing works fully. I'm going to have to wash everything I own to get back to normal.

2006-09-18T19:08:00.000-07:00

THE HORROR!

Thru the ordeal of the POSSUMS (see earlier posts) and in anticipation of their insulating the crawlspace, it was suggested there may be no other way than to RIP UP THE FLOORBOARDS to access the space. And they very nearly did! I nearly had a STROKE, when they had to open this up (cold air register between 2 rooms), to crawl under the house and do the work.

2006-09-18T18:21:00.000-07:00

>>>>> I thought the city was paying for this work // go straight to a lawyer!

It's an **interest free loan** that is added to my home loan. In addition to $5,000 towards the downpayment. All has to be payed back- but only if and when I sell the house. Not before.

Much complicated. Essentially, I signed without knowing that I was turning my house into a government project. They choose all thats done and all details how and when it's done.

I'm supposed to be glad to benefit from the free interest and end results.

I'll know how bad the rest of this is going to be when the city inspector arrives tomorrow and the tone of his response to my concerns.

I'm not a "I'm gonna sue person" and don't know any of the ropes to do so. Could probably get screwed doing that, too.

Well see...

Mark

*_*_*

>>> M: I thought the city was paying for this work, as part of that house rehab program? YOU are paying for this shitty work? If so, I'd say f*ck the city jerks and go straight to a lawyer!

Work is work!- R

2006-09-18T18:20:00.000-07:00

You know I've been skeptical of this whole deal from the get go. Still can't believe it's played out this badly. This has certainly, been one of the 100 most stressful experiences of my life.

2006-09-18T18:16:00.000-07:00

>>> re: can I fire my contractor

Hard to explain details briefly. I am bound by this city rehab program, who advertised and only had 2 responding contractors. My only contact with either was a rushed 15 minute walk thru of my house, where I was instructed to hold my questions. My gut feeling was one guy (my contractor) was a party boy and the other guy asked several wise questions (like about materials) during the walk through. I wanted the latter. I was rushed to pick one by the city program and swayed towards the one I have. "He's worked for us before and has to be certified." (And was just $200 cheaper.) Turns out he had worked for the city in individual job capacity, but this is his first whole house project. I still anticipated a "conference" with chosen contractor prior to the work starting, which never materialized.

Am anticipating my first contact with the city rehab manager on Monday. Will report the deception and poor workmanship to him. Have had such poor rapport with him before. Not sure what to expect. Will try to keep everyone here posted.

Thanks for the concern,

Mark

*_*_*

almost the norm / Re: Alph and Ralph Have Arrived At Dr. Marks Posted by: "jb" Date: Fri Sep 15, 2006 Are you obligated to use these guys? Can you fire them and hire another contractor?

*_*_*

Re: Alph and Ralph Have Arrived At Dr. Marks Posted by: "Mt" Date: Fri Sep 15, 2006 Mark, how did you end up hiring this contractor? Does your state have a Contractors Licensing Board website? I would fire them and start from scratch, getting references and getting EVERYTHING in writing - what they plan to do, the materials they plan to use, how long they expect the work to take, etc., and what it will cost.

2006-09-18T18:08:00.000-07:00

Greetings,

I haven't reported on this for a while... After **2 years** of waiting, work on my house has *commenced*.

Day One

~~~~~

Alph and Ralph showed up at 7am while I was still in bed. They came in thru the unfinished closet, right in the bedroom and when they opened the sliding door, it slid right off it's hinges and landed with a SLAP on the floor! As I sat up in bed, Ralph greeted me with a boisterous, "Howdy Doody!" Then she and Alph broke for lunch at 7:45am. Ralph had a big submarine sandwich in her dinner bucket. (GREEEEEN Acres is the place to be...)

I only *wish* this was exaggerating. My construction crew arrived after 2 false starts at 9:30am last Friday. PLEASE SEE PHOTO (where valid) and try to gauge my surprise. Contractor seems to be a party guy. (Just my gut feeling.) The crew is 2 kids, about 20, one being a tiny goth girl that's the one going in the tight crawlspace.

The stepped into my living room, stating, "We're not really sure what we're going to do today."

Decided to start with a "walk thru" which I followed them 3/4 of the way. Backed off and let them alone. Altogether, 45 mins had passed. They passed back by me... "We're going out to the truck to have a coffee break and decide what we're going to do next." They did. 20 mins later they came back and spent another 45 minutes measuring for windows.

At 11:30am, they left... for the day!

It's been downhill from there. The work they are doing is shoddy to the point of amateurish. Clues abound that this is indeed their first whole house job. I'm their guinea pig. After 4 days on the job, there is at least one situation, that may be total slackerdom, and involves lying about work that was said to be completed, but was not.

I've spoke about the cramped 2 room crawlspace with impossible access. They claimed to have completed insulating both rooms, but I was "asleep" over the least accessible room and never heard a peep of movement. (They can access the basement wo. entering the house.)

The electricians, Goober Crew #2, were cussing them for putting up the insulation before they had pulled their wires. (Despite their 3 Stooges/good old boy nature, I *like* the electric crew. They actually work!) One of them went in, got to where the insulating crew claimed to have not been able to get to- and got to it- confirming no insulating done in there. They will have to remove ductwork to gain access to the front bedroom, which is what I suggested to the party crew before they started and they did not do. We'll see where it goes... I've got a bad feeling about this...

When it rains it pours... What better time than in the midst of all this, for my 85 Toyota hatchback to die after 16 years together. The frame has cracked near a strut and welding will apparently be impossible due to the frame being 90 percent rust. Called our out of town mechanic, who I'd trust to do surgery on me, he refused to work on it and it would cost over $800 to do anyway. So he had a 1995 Dodge Neon he'd rebuilt for $1800. Long story short, I bought it. Just about 5 hours ago as I type. More later.

Frenzied,

Dr. Mark

Questions?/Comments? * This Has Been e-mail From: "Dr. Mark" Hill * The Doctor Of Pop Culture /*/ drmark7@juno.com

2006-06-30T12:21:00.000-07:00

Here is the wall of my neighbors house. All those little brown specks are bat droppings. There is a colony of many hundreds of bats here. They come out of these openings on the edge of the roof and also right thru the shingles on the roof.

Then owner of the house seems to have little understanding of the number of bats and what he must do- all he has done is hire a carpenter to put this ONE PIECE of tin over ONE HOLE on the edge of the roof.

2006-06-20T21:19:00.000-07:00

This link/story was posted in a forum I'm in:

> What I find interesting is that various local governments are now > taking legal actions, to force people to clean up their homes.
> Task force members say, public safety has to trump civil rights. > www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/06/17/AR2006061700905.html

I find this VERY interesting, too. As I'm getting NO HELP in my current circumstances. Prior/concurrent to my possum/flea nightmare.

I guess it's not enuf that I've endured the possums and the fleas...

I'm not making this up, to add insult to injury... the house next to me has a HUGE colony of BATS!!!

Probably a thousand or more according to a bat expert I wrote to online. They fly every night at dusk, surrounding my house and the neigborhood street. I can't go out til they dissipate and fear they will enter my house or relocate to my attic. We both have shingle roofs and they come out of my neighbors attic- right thru the shingles and other openings! He should have did something LONG ago and is dragging his feet now when I speak to him about it. He says he has nothing intruding inside his house and is not worried.

There are droppings all over the side of my neighbors house and a small amount are found on my porch some mornings. The bats have been up there at least 5 years according to neighbors. So seven now if you add the 2 years I've been here.

The accumulation of bat waste must be incredible in my neighbors attic and while searching for information on bats/fleas online, there is a common thread that where there is a huge colony of bats, follows fleas and other infestations. There has to be a health hazard here somewhere...???

While my fleas don't have names on them and are certainly related to the possums that were in my crawlspace, I'm going to draw a line connecting the two. I recently discovered that fleas are all over my back yard, too. (And they didn't spray for that yet.) Who's to say the possums didn't get them while outside around the bats flying and dropping?

I went to the HEALTH DEPARTMENT, who threw their hands up and said that was not what they deal with. They sent me to the CITY CODE ENFORCEMENT department, who also chuckled and said they had never dealt with this situation and that and that locally there were no
codes against having bats in an attic. And that I may have to go to court for mediation as a last resort.

So even after I get my crawlspace and flea situation taken care of, it's just a matter of time till I get some repercussions from the bats- like what if the colony gets too big and wants to expand? Will they try to move into my attic? And what will this mean to my property value- if it was known to a prospective buyer? I'd have never bought this house
if I had known they were like that next door.

While not a tree hugger, I don't want the bats exterminated. Just gone. I love animals. Just not colonizing in or near my house.

Anyone got any ideas?

Dr. Mark

PS- My fleas are a bit quieter. I'm instructed to vacuum daily from the exterminator that sprayed. I had a few days where it really agitated them and they were jumping after the vacuuming. But I vacced today and had very few appear. It's been 10 days since they sprayed. Also looked into if I can recoup anything thru my homeowners insurance. No answer yet. But it's cost me $700 so far and possibly over a thousand more if I get Servicemaster to clean the crawlspace. I have to do this as I have that rehabilitation work due to start SOON and can't see them insulating that crawl- putting plastic down and insulation under the floorboards- with all that animal waste and odor and FLEAS (and eggs?) still down there. We'll see where it goes...

2006-06-15T20:51:00.001-07:00

This area is now crawling with fleas. Images of my crawlspace. First from the cellar crawlspace opening. 2nd set- under the front bedroom- from the opposite end opening under the porch. This still doesn't cover the area where I beleive the most possum activity took place. This was basically a possum toilet for 3 months to a year. Yet it looks clean.

2006-06-14T21:58:00.002-07:00

Are Fleas FOREVER??? #2

I’ve hired an exterminator and they’ve sprayed… NOW they tell me you can not ever really get rid of flea eggs. They lie dormant for YEARS. You have to “wake them up” and kill them by vacuuming them up thru the cloud of bug toxins sprayed around. So what the hell is the spray around the outside and under the house for? I can’t vacuum there…

Then there's the quandry of using a vacuum to suck up the fleas- then the posibility of them laying eggs in your vacuum and you have to de-bug your vacuum every time. OR you re-infect your living area...

Remember... this is with no pets in my house now or ever. And a wood floor and no carpet. I can't even see them lurking, but they are suddenly there.

So, are fleas forever??? Mark

2006-06-14T21:48:00.000-07:00

Are Fleas FOREVER… ???

Trying to cheerfully keep my sunny side up while my home invasion keeps worsening.

In the wake of the possums being eliminated, starting last week, my house was crawling with FLEAS!!!! Online searching told the tale that the area where the possums were, is still riddled with their droppings/urine. That's what I've smelled all this time. And it's either drawing new fleas or those that were there, were content hanging with the possums- but now without the possums, are spreading out to find more "blood meals." Namely ME!

I thought I had BEDBUGS as my legs were eaten up and found 3 fleas in my bed one morning! Believe me… I keep it clean around here, too.

Learning my lesson with waiting to call the possum exterminator, I wasted no time on calling a bug exterminator. Another $200 and HORRIBLE toxins added to my home. I've been almost numb from breathing the stuff.

But the job is not done. A week later, fleas are still appearing. I'm going to have to hire someone to get in the crawlspace and clean it out or they will keep returning.
I can't fit in there myself.

And there's actually one more side story I haven't delved into yet... A thousand BATS in my OTHER neighbors house. That may or may not be tied in to the FLEAS here...

I swear I'm not making this up, this is a close to a never-ending, living nightmare as I've ever experienced. Thanks for listening. More detail later.

I Wanted To Be A Home Owner, Mark

2006-05-17T20:59:00.000-07:00

AND STILL THEY COME

Don't have enuf time to post pics or a daily update, but...
There was another possum caged last night. As of Wednesday night, the total is ONE MOTHER and (so far?) 13 or 14 young ones. That's more than it is believed one mother can have remain alive from a litter (12). So we're wondering if
this is somehow 2 litters?

2006-05-13T17:56:00.000-07:00

STARTS AT THE BOTTOM
I guess all blogs start at the bottom and go up to have the most recent post at the top. So keep that in mind. Everything starts at the bottom.

2006-05-12T20:50:00.000-07:00

OOH, THAT SMELL! CAN'T CHA SMELL THAT SMELL?

Isn't it ironic? Some will remember the battle I had when I moved into my house with the horrible smelly carpet that was ridden with past pet visits. It took a lot to get that under control. Now I'm back to square one in the same room- maybe farther?

I've been coughing and sneezing. Possums put off a SERIOUS, musky scent. Not as bad as a skunk. But after all this time, I can smell and almost TASTE IT. Even when I leave the house.

And they've been all under my house. Especially under the SAME ROOM as the smelly carpet was. And they were NESTING under the heating duct there as well. What's that going to smell like next winter?

I'm hoping to set up fans to blow out some. But it's been COLD here for May. Tonight it's down to 45 degrees.

WHO'S HAD EXPERIENCE RIDDING YOUR PLACE OF THIS KIND OF ODOR????? Post comments here or write directly to me: drmark7@juno.com

I'm trying to remember what was recommended for the carpet odor. Some kind of (ZIP BAGS?) of rock to put out to absorb the odor. I still have some of the ETERNITY stuff I bought
to de-odor a friends freezer (with SHRIMP inside) that was left off for 5 days in August. Once the last possum is gone, I'll be dousing everything with that. But I have to be careful of spraying the metal ductwork- in case it would rust it.

I'm just praying that one or two haven't crawled off to die in some remote corner.

2006-05-12T15:23:00.000-07:00

First catch last Sunday night. Ken netted it and had to go out for a cage to put it in. The little bugger was getting away. So I had to grab this T vent to throw over the net.

2006-05-12T15:09:00.000-07:00

CATCHUP TIME- More Details

SUNDAY May 7th- The exterminator comes and sets traps. While doing so, one baby comes right up to the door and Ken scoops him into a net with a knife. I have to hold the

MONDAY May 8th- The first day we got the mom and one baby in cages.

TUES May 9th- Found droppings on basement steps. So we put a cage on the step. Can’t recall if we missed trapping any today, but I’m sure we did.

WEDS May 10th- Checked the basement in the am before I went out at 9am. One was caught in the rat trap. Called Ken. He was over at 6:30 or so. One possum caged under the bathroom and got another in the rat trap on the floor.

THU 05/11/06- Went on the front porch and spoke to guy next door- Gave him a heads up on the possums in the neighborhood and told him he should check his foundation. Noted one more possum was trapped in a cage under bath. Then dad came over and we found (3 or 4?) in THE WALL!!! While pulling insulation from under the bathroom, we found a FUSE. (That’s important later.) Left to after school tutoring. Back and called Ken- He and his wife Shirley came over. My mom went to school with her. Ken dug them out of the wall. 4 in the bucket and one got back up in the crawlspace. It was sprinkling rain as they left. I went back down to clean the basement. It makes it easy to spot a new mess. The only thing in basement is a table and as I was cleaning up, I lifted a BAG OF FUSES (The ones I had to get last year when rain got in my fusebox). As I lifted the bag with the fuses I noticed THERE WAS A BABY POSSUM IN THERE!!! I got it in a bucket- then it got away while I tried to dump it in a garbage bag. Called mom, dad and Shirley. (Called me an "overcomer") That makes a total of *12* so far!!!

FRI 05/12/06- Ken over. One more in cage on floor. He said he researched and discovered that mom possum could have 2 litters in a year. One season was MARCH-APRIL. Just when she came in under my basement to nest.

2006-05-11T22:29:00.000-07:00

Here's the rat trap my dad got for me. Baited with CAT FOOD by the exterminator.
It was set and tripped 2 times before it actually caught a baby possum. It has since been tripped twice with no catch. That's a thick wire I had put on it when it was under the crawlspace. So the trapped critter couldn't drag it up under where we couldn't get to it and die.

2006-05-11T22:16:00.000-07:00

Here's the mess that was left on the basement steps after the first night that the possums went wild- after I crawled under the front porch and blocked the opening (and their exit.) They moved from under the crawlspace, into the basement and tore out the insulation from the perimiter.

2006-05-11T22:05:00.000-07:00

Here they are. 4 or 5 baby possums. Nesting in a hollow block in the wall. Ken the exterminator scooped out 4 and one dashed back up under the crawlspace. So we still don't have them all. Numbering at one mother and nearly one dozen young ones.

2006-05-11T21:43:00.000-07:00

The first one caged under my bathroom- clear on the other side of the basement. I'm noting that there seems to be an age difference between the young- uns. Note the first little one I posted seems MUCH younger than this.

2006-05-11T21:11:00.000-07:00

Hollow blocks making up my cellar basement walls. Found an old GIN bottle in there! Were the possums having a BIG PARTY in there? And they didn't even ask me to join them! Darn critters.

2006-05-11T20:23:00.000-07:00

SUNDAY- Hired an exterminator @ $40 per animal. Very nice, retired guy my dad knew from church. Sometimes his wife works with him. He came and sat up traps. We caught one critter right away. He came right up to the opening while setting the cages. Ken netted it.

MONDAY- 05-08-06- Caught the mother and one baby under the crawlspace in trapping cages. Didn't have my camera ready to snap them.

TUESDAY 05-09-06- 2 more possums trapped. Total count= 1 mom, 5 babies.1 baby caught my own rat trap.- Dr. M

2006-05-11T20:15:00.002-07:00

PART 1 (05-11-06) Seems I have a whole FAMILY OF POSSUMS living under my house in the crawlspace. Long story, but on Sunday 05-08-06, I had to hire an exteminator for much $$$ to trap them. So far we got the mother and 2 babies- at least 5 babies spotted. Their entrance was a bowling ball size hole in the foundation- hidden deep under my porch. Had to tear off the side to get under there and close it off. Then they went nuts because they couldn't get out. This has been going on since LAST SUMMER (noises under the house and a growing odor!) I just put it all together. Stay tuned for MORE exiting chapters...

2006-05-11T19:43:00.001-07:00

BUCKET O' POSSUMS

These are the ones Ken pulled out of the hollow blocks in my basement wall. 4 of them.

2006-05-11T19:32:00.000-07:00

Up To My Ass In Possums!

After nearly a YEAR of noises under my house, I set traps. Mouse traps were set off and no catch. Same with Rat Traps.
On occasions, I smelled what seemed like cat pee. Which also smells like natural gas. In FEBRUARY, I had the gas company come and check for leaks and (what turned out to be coincidental) my METER was leaking and was changed. Still, both the odor and nightly scratching continued.

My nephew, the great Eric Weaver, helped me discover this. Tonight- May 05, 2006- Friday about 12pm. He was here to both hear the noises and smelled their odor thru the furnace vent. He wanted to go down and explore while the noise was active. Something I was a bit timid to do by myself- go down in the cellar basement.

So we opened the crawlspace door and there they were- 4 or 5 baby possums- but they all disappeared except for this one (pictured) that would have come right us to us. But I was too scared and shut the door.

Whoa! The animal kingdom

UPDATE- Saturday May 6th - Just last night my 19 year old nephew Eric made a late night visit and my critters had just been active under the house. Traps had been ignored. But the smell was there and noises/scratching. I feared it would be like taking a car to the shop- and then the noises stop. Indeed they did for about a half hour after he arrived. But then they came.

So Eric wants to view inside the basement crawlspace and there they were 4 or 5 BABY POSSUMS!!! They quickly retreated down to one as I started snapping pics. This has been going on since LAST SUMMER and I've never been able to spot anything.

That crawlspace is only about a foot high and where you see the gray duct against the right wall, the scratching I always hear is coming from BEHIND that. I feel they are nesting in there! This viewpoint is the only way in, under two rooms.

This is surely going to take money to get rid of...

WHEN ANIMALS ATTACK DR. MARK

Last night, they set off the rat trap and ate the bait, but no catch. I'd think a rat trap could catch a baby possum...

For professional help, it looks like 3 to 4 HUNDRED DOLLARS on the possum situation. Like a hundred up front and then $50 per creature. (5 spotted.)

Saturday afternoon, I went exploring- tore off a side grating under the porch and went under- dirtiest I've been in ages- and found a HUGE HOLE knocked in the foundation! Presumably for cross ventilation. Insane that it would be there. As big as a bowling ball, with no covering/screen.

I decided I'd plug it first, then see if I get any return visitors. I never hear noises during the day and they have to go out sometime (?). Unless Mom Possum comes and goes to feed them. They are not newborns, but very young. I also don't want any creatures to die down there. The odor now is bad enuf!

Then if the hole plugging doesn't work, I can decide if I want to buy cage traps myself- on sale at the local tractor store- 2 for $25. but I'd rather have a professionals expertise and hopefully guarantee.

SATURDAY Night MAY 6th- Blocking the opening didn't help. At 9:30 tonight, they are more active than ever. Possibly in response to the blocking? Now I will have to get my own cages or pay for a professional.

THE ODOR IS INCREDIBLE. As I sit in my living room at the PC near the heat duct they (presumably) nested under, my eyes are actually burning.

*_*_*
Oh, it's a mess now. They got active from 9:30, and way past midnight. Then it got quiet all of a sudden. So I went exploring. I can only presume the mother possum is going nuts. Trying to get out.

Every little nook and cranny was poked out. Where insulation was. They ever broke thru a round vent hole in the wall I had lamely sealed when I first moved in with cardboard! I actually saw their faces in the hole. Grabbed the closest material at hand and shoved it back in the opening.

SUNDAY- This morning, when I opened the basement door (classic cellar door on the floor) they had clearly went from under the crawlspace (at head level) down one level into the actual cellar basement. A huge piece of insulation was removed from the stair area and was shredded all over. I guess I'm too "afraid' to go down in there alone.

So I've now decided to call the exterminator, who was out and yet to return my call as of 7:30 Sunday night.

A friend emails:
>>You should stick a POSSUMCAM down there and start a
blog!

And here it is!

2006-03-12T17:18:00.000-08:00

Test post. Dr. Mark 03-12-2006

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