Happy New Year Stonebridge Crossing!

Happy New Year!
Wishing you success in all you set out to achieve in 2010.

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Protect Your Self Against I D Theft

Read this and make a copy for your files in case you need
to refer to it someday. Maybe we should all take some of his
advice! A corporate attorney sent the following out to the
employees in his company:

1. Do not sign the back of your credit cards.Instead, put
'PHOTO ID REQUIRED.'

2. When you are writing checks to pay on your credit card accounts,
DO NOT put the complete account number on the 'For' line. Instead,
just put the last four numbers. The credit card company
knows the rest of the number, and anyone who might
be handling your check as it passes through all the check
processing channels won't have access to it.

3. Put your work phone # on your checks instead of your
home phone. If you have a PO Box use that instead of your
home address. If you do not have a PO Box, use your work
address. Never have your SS# printed on your checks. (DUH!)

You can add it if it is necessary. But if you have It printed,
anyone can get it.

4. Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine.
Copy both sides of each license, credit card, etc.
You will know what you had in your wallet and all of the account
numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel..
Keep the photocopy in a safe place.

Also carry a photocopy of your passport when you travel
either here or abroad. We've all heard horror stories
about fraud that's committed on us in stealing a Name,
address, Social Security number, credit cards..

Unfortunately, I, an attorney, have first hand knowledge
because my wallet was stolen last month. Within a week, the
thieves ordered an expensive monthly cell phone package,
applied for a VISA credit card, had a credit line approved
to buy a Gateway computer, received a PIN number from DMV to
change my driving record information online, and more..

But here's some critical information to limit the damage
in case this happens to you or someone you know:

5. We have been told we should cancel our credit cards
immediately. But the key is having the toll free numbers
and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call.
Keep those where you can find them.

6.. File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction
where your credit cards, etc., were stolen. This proves to
credit providers you were diligent, and this is a first step
toward an investigation (if there ever is one).

But here's what is perhaps most important of all: (I never
even thought to do this.)

7. Call the 3 national credit reporting organizations
immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and also
call the Social Security fraud line number..
I had never heard of doing that until advised by a bank
that called to tell me an application for credit was made
over the Internet in my name.

The alert means any company that checks your credit knows
your information was stolen, and they have to contact you by
phone to authorize new credit..

By the time I was advised to do this, almost two weeks
after the theft, all the damage had been done. There are
records of all the credit checks initiated by the thieves'
purchases, none of which I knew about before placing the alert.
Since then, no additional damage has been done, and the
thieves threw my wallet away this weekend(someone turned it in).

It seems to have stopped them dead in their tracks..

Now, here are the numbers you always need to contact about
your wallet, if it has been stolen:

1.) Equifax: 1-800-525-6285

2.) Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742

3.) Trans Union : 1-800-680 7289

4.) Social Security Administration (fraud line): 1-800-269-0271


We pass along jokes on the Internet; we pass along just
about everything. If you are willing to pass this information along,
it could really help someone that you care about.

Nor'easter Slideshow

Hello Stonebridge Residents,

I hope everyone got through the storm with little or no damage.
If you have photos or video of the storm in our community,please
email them to sbccivicleague@gmail.com for posting on the blog.

Fellow resident John Douglas Stratton says:

To all of my Stonebridge neighbors: Please take photos of the flooding that is affecting our development. Document with pictures how your yards become flooded after heavy rainfall. Drainage in Stonebridge is becoming a serious concern of mine and many others.

I believe that we need to get the city to send someone o...ut to assess the problem and have it resolved. This, at least for my neighbors closest to me (I'm at 937 Limestone Arch) was a problem before the severe flooding we have seen recently.

There are some that believe that if left unchecked, this problem may develop into a major headache for us all. We pay entirely too much for these homes and are taxed far to much to allow that to happen. Please make this an item for discussion for the next Civic league meeting.

Here is a slideshow of how the nor'easter has affected communities
throughout Tidewater.

"A War For Your Soul" -Birmingham version

Greetings Fellow Residents,

Below is a video I received that I believe is appropriate for
these days and times. It has been around for about 8 months.
I used the "Birmingham version" for the intro by the Mayor of
Birmingham, Alabama, The Honorable Larry Lankford.

The intro and video is about 26 minutes long. Please share with
all the young folk you can. More info is posted below video box.

A War For Your Soul-Birmingham version from Erisai Films on Vimeo.

A filmmaker and public speaker, Reggie Bullock is a vibrant voice and accomplished role model for the youth of today. On March 15, 2009, Reggie’s short film "A War For Your Soul" was independently released on the internet, and has catapulted as a “stirring, epic and inspirational” video for today’s generation”. Over 1 million internet viewers have watched “A War For Your Soul” in six months. The video has garnered praise from mayors, city leaders, youth and civic organizations from Ghana, Israel, the Caribbean, U.K. and other countries for sparking dialogue in encouraging adults to play a more active role in educating children. Reggie is currently active as a noted speaker, conducting speaking engagements throughout the country. For speaking engagements contact www.warforyoursoul.com or reggie.bullock@comcast.net

This video was created to inspire young at-risk African-Americans not to fall prey to some of the problems they face in society. The "Master of Darkness" represents that abstract concept of evil that has the potential to reside in the consciousness of mankind.

This video should not to be used to divide people (Black & White).
This video should not be used to criticize all aspects of hip-hop culture.
This video should not be used to allow the rest of society to escape from their responsibility, to help with financial & academic support.

If used properly, this video will allow our youth to see some of the horrific conditions that their ancestors fought through and some of the horrific conditions they face today.

An extensive commentary about the film can be seen at www.warforyoursoul.com

**THIS VIDEO IS NOT FOR SALE & I AM NOT ACCEPTING DONATIONS FOR THE FILM, I ONLY WANT THE MESSAGE TO REACH AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE WITHOUT ANY HIDDEN POLITICAL OR FINANCIAL AGENDA.

Contacts:
www.warforyoursoul.com
reggie.bullock@comcast.net
http://www.facebook.com/reggie.bullock
http://twitter.com/ReggieBullock
www.anythingurban.com

NSU Community Meeting,Free Trees, Solar Power, What Is The Public Option In Health Care,

Hello Stonebridge Crossing Residents,

I hope you are all doing well. Ballentine Blvd. is being repaved. I hope this
will eliminate the spot that causes the big trucks to go BOOM when they cross it.

Once again I am asking residents to send in any information relevant to our
community for placement on our blog.

Thanks to Alison Davis-Tariq for sending information regarding NSU Community Meeting to be held on 9/24 at 6:oo p.m. Check your inbox for forwarded email for more info.

The City of Norfolk celebrates Arbor Day with Free Trees! Click the link for locations.

Want to learn about solar power? Join the Hampton Roads Solar Home Tour on October 3

I posted a blog back in August titled Green Jobs in Renewable Energy addressing The American Clean Energy and Security Act, solar and wind power, and resources for building your own solar panels and wind turbines.

Former Labor Secretary Robert Reich explains what a public option
for healthcare coverage really means for working people.



Thanks to SBC resident Paulette Jones for passing on this video.
JONATHAN E. MCCOY'S SPEECH: A New Petition


Peace and good health to you all.

Edward L West Sr.

Facebook, free software, our social media

Greetings Everyone,

I hope you are all well. I was surprised to see our streets get
repaved. I am guessing that was a benefit of the Stimulus Package.

I have created a Facebook page for the Civic League. You can find it
here: http://www.facebook.com/home.php? . You will have to create your
own page to view other pages. You can also post news about our community.
This may be more convienient than making a comment on the blog.

You can still email the blog with news, or post comments on the blog.
Also,please tell your neighbors, new and old, that we do have a blog,
and other social media.

Stonebridge Crossing is on:

Blogspot: www.stonebridgecrossing.blogspot.com

YouTube: www.youtube.com/sbccl042308

Twitter: www.twitter.com/stonebridgecros

Facebook: www.facebook.com/home.php? (sign in to YOUR account first)

If you like downloadable software for your computer, check out
Giveaway of the Day [giveaway@giveawayoftheday.com]. Everyday they
make available one free software program. You have to download and
install it that day. Then it becomes a pay for program.
Today (07/28/09) they have Personal Finances: Track family budget with fantastic ease!. You do not have to sign up,give your email,or join anything.

That's it for now.

Have a great day
Edward L. West Sr.

Making Home Affordable Plan, The Don't Quit Poem

Good Month of May Everyone,

I saw a news item on WAVY News 10 last week concerning
home foreclosure and I thought I would pass it on through
the blog. Maybe you know someone who could use the info.

The video below tells one woman's story of how the federal
government is willing to bring her payments down to 38 percent
of what her total gross income is through the federal
"Making Home Affordable" plan.(MHA)





Go to WAVY.com for more info and to see related links.

Here's a poem by an unknown author that may motivate or uplift.
Feel free to pass it on.

Don't Quit

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all up hill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest! if you must; but don't you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As everyone of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don't give up, though the pace seems slow;
You might succeed with another blow.

Often the goal is nearer than
It seems to a faint and faltering man,
Often the struggler has given up
When he might have captured the victor's cup.
And he learned too late, when the night slipped down,
How close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out;
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt;
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems afar;
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit;
It's when things seem worst that you mustn't quit.


That's all for now. Feel free to comment or "tweet".
Thanks for reading,

Edward L. West Sr.

Stonebridge Crossing Civic League Is On Twitter

It seems everyone is hooked on Twitter the rapidly growing social networking site. It's the focus of television news, radio talk shows, and numerous print articles.

According to m/Think, Revenue Magazine's online newsletter,

"Twitter's growth has accelerated from 33% in January, to 55% in February and now 131% in March. At a growth rate of 131% a month, literally every single person alive on the planet will have a Twitter account by the end of this year."

That is an amazing growth rate.

Some of you may already use Twitter, but I am sure many are asking "What is it?" The owners say Twitter is a service for friends, family, and co–workers to communicate and stay connected through the exchange of quick, frequent messages called updates, or "tweets".

These "tweets" are no more than 140 characters long and are posted to your Twitter profile, your blog, or sent to your followers via texting or IM and are searchable on Twitter search.

All you need to use Twitter is an internet connection or a mobile phone. After you join and set up an account you can type your first update into the web box. You can search for people by name or user name, import friends from other networks, or invite friends via email.

When you receive Twitter updates from someone, you are following them. When someone receives your updates, you are being followed. Every time they post a new message, it will appear in your Twitter home page. New messages are added to your home page as people post them, so the updates are in real time.

The folks at Twitter say their service is a way to communicate with others by providing quick and frequent answers to the simple question –"what are you doing?". Well, you can probably guess some people do limit themselves to asking their followers that simple question only.

I believe Twitter can be more useful than that. For example, you can develop a group of followers and send one "tweet" to let them know of a schedule or meeting location change instead of sending multiple text messages.

You can use it to maintain a to-do list or send yourself reminders. And because you can twitter via text messaging, it can be useful when you don’t have access to your computer.

At this point, I think Twitter is for those who have too much time on their hands. Personally, I don't think people are that interested in everything I am doing. (I'm looking at your message on my computer screen.) And I'm not all that interested in what they're doing.(They are looking at my message on their computer screen.)

The term for those who use Twitter is "tweeter(s)". I wonder if a more fitting term is NitTwit.

Regardless, I will open an account out of curiosity and see if I can come up with uses other than asking someone what they are doing. I will also explore using Twitter as a business productivity/marketing tool.

I have opened an account for the Stonebridge Crossing Civic League Blog.
Our Twitter name is stonebridgecros . we are at www.twitter.com/stonebridgecros.
If you want to open a Twitter account go here,or respond to the email you will soon receive from Twitter.

If you use Twitter click the comments link at the end of this post and let me know of the ways you use that service, or just give your opinion of Twitter and why you do or do not use it. I will post them on the blog.

Thanks For Reading,

Edward West

Adobe Reader Fix, USPS Rate Increase Info

Well, Ballentine Blvd. is back to normal. I enjoyed the peace and quiet
and not hearing the big trucks hit that bump between Corprew Ave and
Lakebridge Dr.

Here's some important info for those of you who use Adobe Acrobat
and/or Adobe Reader version 9.

You should update to version 9.1 to repair a security vulnerability
that could give control of your PC to hackers.

You can get more details here:
http://www.adobe.com/support/security/bulletins/apsb09-03.html

Updates for versions 7 and 8 should be out later this month. In the meantime,
you can remove the the risk by simply disabling JavaScript in Reader.

Here's how: Open Acrobat Reader, then:
Click: Edit -> Preferences -> JavaScript... then uncheck Enable Acrobat JavaScript

That will keep your computer safe from the threat until the update is ready.
I leave JavaScript turned off in Reader all the time. I see no need to enable it.

USPS Rate Increase Info

Here’s everything you need to know.

On May 11, 2009, the U.S. Postal Service will implement a new postage rate
increase for the majority of mail services including First–Class Mail®,
First–Class International®, Postcards and Special Services.

Here is a summary of the USPS 2009 postage rate increase:

The price for one–ounce First–Class™ stamps has increased to $0.44 from $0.42.

On January 18, 2009, the U.S. Postal Service increased pricing for shipping
services by an average of 5 percent.

Prices were adjusted for Express Mail, Priority Mail, Parcel Select,
Parcel Return Service and some international shipping products.

Click the image to enlarge it.

According to the U.S. Postal Service, the average postage increase by class
of mail will be at or below the rate of inflation (as measured by the
Consumer Price Index).

The U.S. Postal Service also introduced Commercial Plus pricing for
high–volume shippers.

Stamps.com customers who qualify as a high–volume shipper can receive a
discount up to 14.5% off Express Mail retail pricing.

With Stamps.com you can print postage from your PC. As an incentive,
they are giving those who sign up $25 in postage, a digital postal scale
worth $50, $5 in supplies, and a four week risk free trial. Try Stamps.com today!


Finally, here's an inspirational tale you might enjoy. Feel free to
copy and pass it around.

Why There Is So Much Pain And Suffering

A man went to a barbershop to have his hair cut and his beard trimmed.
As the barber began to work, they began to have a good conversation.
They talked about so many things and various subjects.
When they eventually touched on the subject of God, the barber said:
'I don't believe that God exists.'

'Why do you say that?' asked the customer. 'Well, you just have to
go out in the street to realize that God doesn't exist.
Tell me, if God exists, would there be so many sick people?
Would there be abandoned children?

If God existed, there would be neither suffering nor pain.
I can't imagine a loving God who would allow all of these things.'

The customer thought for a moment, but didn't respond because
he didn't want to start an argument.
The barber finished his job and the customer left the shop.

Just after he left the barbershop, he saw a man in the street with
long, stringy, dirty hair and an untrimmed beard.
He looked dirty and unkempt. The customer turned back and entered
the barber shop again and he said to the barber:

'You know what? Barbers do not exist.'
'How can you say that?' asked the surprised barber.
'I am here, and I am a barber. And I just worked on you!'
'No!' the customer exclaimed. 'Barbers don't exist because if they did,
there would be no people with dirty long hair and untrimmed beards,
like that man outside.'

'Ah, but barbers DO exist! That's what happens when people do not come to me.'

'Exactly!' affirmed the customer. 'That's the point! God, too, DOES exist!
That's what happens when people do not go to Him and don't look to Him for help.
That's why there's so much pain and suffering in the world.'

Edward L. West Sr.

Greg Underwood, HRT light rail info, a chuckle

A Merry March To All!,

First, congratulations to fellow resident Greg Underwood on his
election to the office of Norfolk Commonwealth's Attorney.
Let's all wish him a successful term in office, and another win
in November when he runs for that office again.

HRT's Light rail construction will greatly impact our community in
the coming weeks. Be prepared to make alternate plans for local travel.




Effective: March 6, 2009

Construction work at the railroad crossing at Ballentine has begun and will continue through April 2009. Construction will occur in two phases:

Phase I: Outside lanes in each direction on Ballentine Blvd. at railroad crossing will be closed beginning February 23, 2009. Light Rail construction will involve the removal of old railroad ties, tracks, and demolition of curbing and concrete along this area.

Phase II: From March 17 through March 27, a full closure of this section of Ballentine Blvd. will allow the contractor to continue with complete removal of tracks, demo of concrete structures, electrical work, grading and the placement of new sub ballast for laying of new track.

A Maintenance of Traffic plan has been approved by City of Norfolk and VDOT for detour of traffic.

Traffic Pattern Changes: Light rail construction will mandate changes to the traffic pattern on Ballentine Blvd.

Interstate 264 on-ramps and off-ramps will remain open to traffic. Traffic will only be allowed to head southbound on Ballentine Blvd.

All northbound traffic will be directed to exit I-264 at Brambleton Avenue.

Any traffic from Va. Beach Blvd. and on the north side of Ballentine will be directed to access I-264 from Brambleton Ave.

Local traffic may also utilize Kimball Terrace to access Brambleton Avenue
to head into Downtown Norfolk area.

Phase III: From March 25 to mid April, the two inside lanes in both directions
on Ballentine Blvd. will be closed to complete work for rail crossing improvements at Ballentine Blvd.

Requests to modify traffic patterns are carefully reviewed so that, to the extent possible, considerations are made to accommodate business needs.

Businesses will be notified of traffic pattern changes with as much notice as possible to ensure notification to employees and customers.

NOTE: SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS

Communications: The following links provide more construction
information about The Tide.

New Tracks on the Way at Ballentine Blvd.

Detours/Route Directions

Ride The Tide.com

.pdf Detour Map

Click here to sign up for The Tide email construction alerts.

HRT Light Rail Route Video Simulation

Here's a conversation between God and man you might enjoy.
I thought this was funny.

Man: What is a million years like to you?
God: Like one second.
Man: What is a million dollars like to you?
God: Like one penny.
Man: Can I have a penny?
God: Sure, Just a second.

Take Care,

Edward L. West Sr.

FOOD LION Peanut Product Update

I received this IMPORTANT NOTICE on Feb 14,2009 from FOOD LION.

Dear Valued Customer,

As an MVP card holder and as one of our customers who has indicated
a desire for e-mail messages from us, we are sending you this alert
regarding additional peanut products recalled today by National Raisin,
one of our suppliers. The recall is due to an inspection by the
Texas Department of Health at the Peanut Corporation of America's plant
in Plainview, Texas.

The following Food Lion and Bloom products are being recalled:

PRODUCT UPC/GTIN# Size

Food Lion Raisin and Nut Trail Mix 3582606484 6 oz.

Food Lion Fruit and Nut Trail Mix 3582606485 6 oz.

Food Lion Winter Blend Trail Mix 3582606486 6 oz.

Food Lion Nut Seed Bry Trail Mix 3582606487 6 oz.

Bloom Raisin and Nut Trail Mix 72543992166 6 oz.

Bloom Fruit and Nut Trail Mix 72543992167 6 oz.

Bloom Winter Blend Trail Mix 72543992168 6 oz.

Bloom Nut Seed Bry Trail Mix 72543992169 6 oz.

We are asking consumers to return these items to the store for a full refund.

At this time, a number of products containing peanut butter, peanut paste
or peanuts have been recalled; however, peanut butter sold in jars at our
stores is not affected.

P.S. If you like LANCE products they are not affected by the peanut butter scare. They make their own peanut butter for their products. Enjoy!

Edward West

Afr'Fram Fest, Job Links

The news this past week about Afr'Fram Fest being held on the campus
of Norfolk State University took me by surprise. Apparently, this was
so for many residents of the surrounding communities.

The narrow little streets in our surrounding neighborhoods can barely
accomodate the usual daily traffic. Those of us who have had to move
our vehicles so the school bus drivers can pass through our streets
know that is true.

While most of the residents support Afr'Fram Fest and will probably
attend that event, it is clear the parking and crowd logistics were
not too well thought out, initially.

The problem isn't just the impact that a large crowd and massive
vehicular traffic will have on the communities involved, but on
the downtown and outlying areas as well.

Just imagine the traffic from the major arteries of I-64, I-264,
Princess Anne Rd, Va.Beach Blvd, Brambleton Ave., and Park Ave.
trying to feed traffic to the NSU campus.

I am suggesting that the city block off entrance to the surrounding
communities and issue those residents a FREE windshield sticker that
would allow us entry. Non-residents attending the festival could park
at Harbour Park and other city parking facilities and be bussed in to
NSU Campus a la Park & Ride. This idea,too, will require more thought
and planning.

I am again asking those residents who acquire news of events that affect
our communities to email me at sbccivicleague@gmail.com so that I can
post it on our blog and, or email it.

I would like to thank fellow SBC resident Allison Davis-Tariq for sending
in the following article links from Pilot Online regarding Afr'Fram Fest.

Planned move of Afr'Am Fest to NSU touches off tempest
and
Plans to hold Afr’Am Fest at Norfolk State on hold for now

She opines: "We need to find out how we can get some of our residents on this committee to address our concerns."

You, too, can voice your opinions on this blog, just email them to: sbccivicleague@gmail.com. Your opinions will not be edited so write carefully.

On the economic front it seems more Americans are losing their jobs and
can't find another one.

I have heard on Fox News that the United States Customs and Border Patrol needs to fill 11,000 positions. Some may require relocation, but, you do what you have to do.

In the local area you can check out TopGuard Security Services.
They have openings for armed and unarmed security guards for full-time and part-time positions. Check these leads out or pass them on to someone who can use the information.

Til Next Time, I wish everyone good economic health.

Edward L West Sr.

The U.S. Census Is Hiring Now

Greetings All, and Happy New Year!

Here is some info that may be of interest to everyone.

The U.S. Census Bureau is recruiting temporary
part-time census takers for the 2010 Census. The
pay is good, the hours are flexible, and the work is
close to home.

Every 10 years, The U.S. Census Bureau conducts
a census of our population. The results help
determine your representation in government, as
well as how federal funds are spent in your
community on things like roads, parks, housing,
schools, and public safety. As a census taker,
you'll play a vital role in making sure that everyone
is included.

Census taker jobs are excellent for retirees,
college students, persons who want to work
part-time, persons who are between jobs, or just
about anyone who wants to earn extra money
while performing an important service for their
community.

Conducting the census is a huge undertaking.
Thousands of census takers are needed
to update address lists and conduct interviews
with community residents. Most positions require a
valid driver's license and use of a vehicle.
However, public transportation may be authorized
in certain areas.

Census takers receive competitive pay on a weekly
basis. In addition, you will be reimbursed for
authorized mileage and related expenses.

Bilingual speakers are encouraged to apply!
All census takers must be able to speak English,
but bilingual skills in English and other languages
are needed in communities that have a large
number of residents who speak a language other
than English. If you have such skills, they encourage
you to apply.

Besides good pay, you'll have flexible hours, paid
training, and the chance to work within your own
community. You'll earn a place in history, as well
as work experience you can add to your resume.

Apply today by contacting your Local Census Office
or by calling 1-866-861-2010!

To get more information and to download the
application and other forms:

Go to the U.S.Census website.

If the above link doesn't work, copy and paste this

http://www.census.gov/2010censusjobs/
index.php

into your browser address bar.


Edward L. West Sr.