The letter signed by Dorothy Attwood, Chief Privacy Officer for AT&T, was waiting for me when my wife and I returned from vacation. I didn’t like what it had to say:
“This letter is to advise you of a recent theft of a laptop computer containing legacy AT&T Corp … information … including … names, Social Security numbers, etc., etc.. Unfortunately, some of your personal information was contained in these files … this information could be fraudulently used to open or access your credit accounts.”
The laptop was stolen from an employee of a professional services firm doing work for AT&T. Although the letter did not specify the circumstances of the theft, a call placed to an AT&T representative advised me that the person had left his (her) laptop unattended in an automobile.
In 1969, AT&T Bell Labs gained fame within the industry for developing the reliable and super-secure UNIX® operating system for computers. That system, which has since grown and branched out, is still in use today. How is then, that the new AT&T would tolerate confidential information to be placed on a laptop not under the direct control of one of its employees, and for that laptop to take flight?
To its credit, AT&T provided information on how to help prevent private records from being used illegally. I quickly implemented each of those steps. I hope that it wasn’t too little, too late.
Next Blog Post: How you can protect your own identity from theft.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Development Continues Within the “Edge City”
Along the edge of Route 202/206, there are two building projects in which site work has accelerated. One is along a relatively narrow swath of land right next to the Bridgewater Manor. The site is wedged against an I-78 bridge that runs over 202/206 in Pluckemin. It looks like it may be a commercial development.The other project is for an active adult community scheduled to rise at the corner of Harding Road and 202/206 in Bridgewater. The clearing of trees has just been completed on this lot. It is a long rectangular piece of property that stretches down Harding Road all the way to Victor Street and slightly beyond.
Step out of your auto at that spot, and you can look up towards 202/206 and see that the property has been completely cleared. Only brown earth was showing a few days ago, with a solitary pile of logs remaining to be hauled away before more construction equipment moves in to continue working the site.
Entry into these properties from 202/206 and egress from them could be a tough maneuver for motorists, especially during commuter hours, unless the flow of traffic is controlled.
In his 1992 book, Edge City: Life on the New Frontier, author Joel Garreau describes how Central New Jersey will be transformed, as its population continues to grow. These two projects are just a couple of small examples of the changes which Garreau predicted.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
The Park Commission’s Executive Session
If the Bridgewater-Raritan Board of Education had decided at one of its public meetings to suddenly go into executive session without having previously posted the legally required 48-hour notice, and without stating the topic of the closed session, all hell could have broken loose.
Yet, at its very first public meeting last week, the newly-reconstituted Somerset County Park Commission violated one or both of those requirements, and not a peep has been heard from anyone in a position of public responsibility. Reports by Joe Tyrrell noted this occurrence in the Star-Ledger. Other than for such media vigilance, probably few would even know.
The six new commissioners are an impressive group. Among them there should be at least several who understand the requirements of New Jersey’s Open Public Meetings Act. Certainly the remaining incumbents must. So, why the closed-door meeting? What was discussed?
At last Tuesday’s meeting of the Somerset County Freeholders, everyone who spoke about the newly-appointed park commissioners praised their qualifications -- deservedly so. Yet no one questioned the commissioners about that executive session.
The newly-reconstituted park commission may be made up of blue ribbon people, but that does not give it the privilege of ignoring the requirements of the Open Public Meetings Act. Two of their representatives, Rose McConnell and Robert Horowitz committed themselves on Tuesday evening to restoring the integrity of the park commission. This is not the way to do it.
Indeed, that closed session, whatever its purpose may have been, may have caused a hairline fracture to the nascent integrity of the new Somerset County Park Commission. It’s repairable, but it needs attention.
Yet, at its very first public meeting last week, the newly-reconstituted Somerset County Park Commission violated one or both of those requirements, and not a peep has been heard from anyone in a position of public responsibility. Reports by Joe Tyrrell noted this occurrence in the Star-Ledger. Other than for such media vigilance, probably few would even know.
The six new commissioners are an impressive group. Among them there should be at least several who understand the requirements of New Jersey’s Open Public Meetings Act. Certainly the remaining incumbents must. So, why the closed-door meeting? What was discussed?
At last Tuesday’s meeting of the Somerset County Freeholders, everyone who spoke about the newly-appointed park commissioners praised their qualifications -- deservedly so. Yet no one questioned the commissioners about that executive session.
The newly-reconstituted park commission may be made up of blue ribbon people, but that does not give it the privilege of ignoring the requirements of the Open Public Meetings Act. Two of their representatives, Rose McConnell and Robert Horowitz committed themselves on Tuesday evening to restoring the integrity of the park commission. This is not the way to do it.
Indeed, that closed session, whatever its purpose may have been, may have caused a hairline fracture to the nascent integrity of the new Somerset County Park Commission. It’s repairable, but it needs attention.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
County Freeholders Delay Decision to Disband Park Commission
This evening the Somerset County Freeholders voted 3 to 2 to postpone until December any decision on whether or not to dissolve the Somerset County Park Commission. They also called for a joint meeting(s) of the freeholders and of the park commission itself to discuss the matter further. It was not clarified whether there would be one or more joint meetings, nor when or where they would take place.
This decision came after lengthy public input before a large turnout. Many of the persons in attendance urged the freeholders not to dissolve the park commission and to give the new commissioners more time to make things work.
Several prominent citizens were in attendance, including Raymond Bateman, who offered that, “If it were me, I would never abolish the park commission. It is dangerous. It is wrong.” He went on to say, “I feel very strongly about this subject,” and that, “…we will have a citizens committee to help you make the decision.”
Robert Horowitz, one of the six newly-appointed park commissioners asked the freeholders to, “Give us time – five to six months – for the newly-reconstituted commission … to show what we are going to do.”
Patricia Walsh, Green Brook mayor, and a proponent for disbanding the commission, stated, “I don’t see how you can be half in and half out,” a reference to the fact that the engineering, finance and procurement operations of the park commission are already in the process of being folded into Somerset County government, directly under control of the freeholders.
Only freeholders Denise Coyle and Jack Ciattarelli were clearly and unequivocally in favor of voting this evening to dissolve the Somerset County Park Commission and to bring its functions directly under county management. However, Rick Fontana, who appears to be emerging as the potential swing vote on this crucial topic, made a motion to defer this evening’s vote until December.
Freeholders Peter Palmer, Robert Zaborowski, as well as Fontana all voted to put any decision on ice until December. Denise Coyle and Jack Ciattarelli strongly opposed that move.
This decision came after lengthy public input before a large turnout. Many of the persons in attendance urged the freeholders not to dissolve the park commission and to give the new commissioners more time to make things work.
Several prominent citizens were in attendance, including Raymond Bateman, who offered that, “If it were me, I would never abolish the park commission. It is dangerous. It is wrong.” He went on to say, “I feel very strongly about this subject,” and that, “…we will have a citizens committee to help you make the decision.”
Robert Horowitz, one of the six newly-appointed park commissioners asked the freeholders to, “Give us time – five to six months – for the newly-reconstituted commission … to show what we are going to do.”
Patricia Walsh, Green Brook mayor, and a proponent for disbanding the commission, stated, “I don’t see how you can be half in and half out,” a reference to the fact that the engineering, finance and procurement operations of the park commission are already in the process of being folded into Somerset County government, directly under control of the freeholders.
Only freeholders Denise Coyle and Jack Ciattarelli were clearly and unequivocally in favor of voting this evening to dissolve the Somerset County Park Commission and to bring its functions directly under county management. However, Rick Fontana, who appears to be emerging as the potential swing vote on this crucial topic, made a motion to defer this evening’s vote until December.
Freeholders Peter Palmer, Robert Zaborowski, as well as Fontana all voted to put any decision on ice until December. Denise Coyle and Jack Ciattarelli strongly opposed that move.
Monday, August 20, 2007
The Last Day
Sometimes, the weather tells you when it’s time to move. Saturday, the last day of our family vacation in Moultonborough, on the northwest shore of Lake Winnipesaukee, it nudged us into action. I arose early and walked out onto the dock to say goodbye to the lake.
The previous two weeks gave us favorably warm and sunny weather, perfect for swimming, climbing, touring, and for doing whatever else may suit one’s vacation pleasure. No complaints there.
Saturday was a beautiful morning, but a chill came up with the sun, and a stack of dark clouds filtered the sunshine onto gunmetal gray water. It was quite a contrast to the conditions of the previous days. Time to pack the two cars and head south!
In mid-August that high up in New Hampshire, nature can quickly remind a person of who’s in charge. It was a one-day teaser that summer is ending and that fall in on its way – time to get back to Bridgewater.
You take life’s blessings when you can and you enjoy them to the hilt, recognizing that behind nature, there is an even larger force at play.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Moods & Mountains
At the risk of overly anthropomorphizing nature, I’ve observed that mountains can sometimes take on various moods, just as people do. Anyone who spends time vacationing in north central New Hampshire can’t easily overlook the effect of weather upon the mountain ranges which dominate the terrain.
Some days, the peaks are sun-bathed; other days, they are shrouded in mist and fog; while at other times, they are a blah gray. Just like people! Underneath it all though, if you think about it for a moment, the mountains themselves are changeless in their essence.
The impact of weather causes the hills to appear different. We could say the same of people we come to know, both our friends and family; and, even people in public life. The seasons and weather conditions alter the appearance of mountains viewed from a distance, but the closer you get to them, the more you come to realize that, underneath it all, their essence is changeless.
People are similar. Circumstances and the stages of life may combine to make a person look different. But at the core, people remain the same. Progress and character improvements don’t usually alter their fundamental nature. Just like the mountains near this stretch of the Appalachian Trail.
Some days, the peaks are sun-bathed; other days, they are shrouded in mist and fog; while at other times, they are a blah gray. Just like people! Underneath it all though, if you think about it for a moment, the mountains themselves are changeless in their essence.
The impact of weather causes the hills to appear different. We could say the same of people we come to know, both our friends and family; and, even people in public life. The seasons and weather conditions alter the appearance of mountains viewed from a distance, but the closer you get to them, the more you come to realize that, underneath it all, their essence is changeless.
People are similar. Circumstances and the stages of life may combine to make a person look different. But at the core, people remain the same. Progress and character improvements don’t usually alter their fundamental nature. Just like the mountains near this stretch of the Appalachian Trail.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Mountains, Lakes and People
If you will take the time to observe her, nature has many vantage points from which it will happily display its beauty for you. One of those locations is New Hampshire’s Lake Winnipesaukee.
There, you can enjoy the absolute clarity of a bright, sunny day -- no air pollution or artificial haze. Yesterday, as I sat near the dock, blue water spread itself out beyond the mouth of the cove to the opposite shoreline, where the southern sun lit up a broad 60-foot tall line of pines and deciduous trees acting as sentinels, guarding the water‘s edge.
Beyond the trees, the bold-green ridge of the Ossipee Mountain Range rose in the background, pushing itself up against a cluster of cotton clouds jutting out behind the peaks. The remainder of the sky displayed its blue dome, empty of clouds, completing the contrast.
People and processes here can be just as colorful. Nearby, the Moultonborough Public Library boasts a recently renovated and expanded building with quiet reading rooms, computers, and a wi-fi network, just like the Bridgewater location of the Somerset County Library System. One wonders how the people and government of the Granite State accomplish this and more with neither an income nor a sales tax; but, by golly, they do.
Saturday, my wife checked out a DVD, asking whether she might charge it against my daughter’s library card. No problem, said the librarian. Another day, when she returned a past-due DVD, my wife asked about the fee and was told that there is none. Oh, by the way, though, there is a “conscience donation.” Just drop what you think is fair in the basket! Honesty expected; honesty given.
There, you can enjoy the absolute clarity of a bright, sunny day -- no air pollution or artificial haze. Yesterday, as I sat near the dock, blue water spread itself out beyond the mouth of the cove to the opposite shoreline, where the southern sun lit up a broad 60-foot tall line of pines and deciduous trees acting as sentinels, guarding the water‘s edge.
Beyond the trees, the bold-green ridge of the Ossipee Mountain Range rose in the background, pushing itself up against a cluster of cotton clouds jutting out behind the peaks. The remainder of the sky displayed its blue dome, empty of clouds, completing the contrast.
People and processes here can be just as colorful. Nearby, the Moultonborough Public Library boasts a recently renovated and expanded building with quiet reading rooms, computers, and a wi-fi network, just like the Bridgewater location of the Somerset County Library System. One wonders how the people and government of the Granite State accomplish this and more with neither an income nor a sales tax; but, by golly, they do.
Saturday, my wife checked out a DVD, asking whether she might charge it against my daughter’s library card. No problem, said the librarian. Another day, when she returned a past-due DVD, my wife asked about the fee and was told that there is none. Oh, by the way, though, there is a “conscience donation.” Just drop what you think is fair in the basket! Honesty expected; honesty given.
Friday, August 10, 2007
Atop Mount Major
In New Hampshire, at the southern end of Alton Bay on Lake Winnipesaukee, rises Mount Major, one of a string of low-lying mountains which encircle this glacial lake studded with over 270 islands, small and large, some inhabited, some not. This irregularly shaped lake, with all its crannies, coves and bays covers 72 square miles of water.
Nearby and to the north, is Squam Lake, site of the filming of On Golden Pond. It is one of the myriad bodies of inland water which, in total, comprise the Lakes Region of north-central New Hampshire, a popular vacation spot which lies about 100 miles north of Boston, and an hour or so south of the White Mountains National Forest.
As a young man, while vacationing here years ago, I had climbed 1,786 foot Mt. Major. Yesterday was a perfect day to repeat that ascent -- temperature in the low 70’s, dry and sunny. All five of us started out on this mini-adventure -- my daughter, son-in-law and the their two boys. My wife thought the better of it and decided to do some local craft shopping. I, myself, wondered how I would fare on this second attempt many years later.
It’s 1.7 miles of trail to the top, beginning under a heavily tree-canopied, level path of smooth hard earth which quickly changes into a gravelly texture, graduating into a steep, rock-bound serpentine way which -- my cardio-vascular system reminded me -- was testing my age and ability to complete.
The final test began with about one-third left to go to the peak. At this level, it’s almost straight up on ragged granitic rock face where the angle varies from about 30° to over 45° in places. Very easy to get hurt, if you’re not careful. A good trekking stick, a little luck, and lots of caution also help.
At the summit, the geology flattens out, and we climbers enjoyed unobstructed views for miles in all directions, with the most satisfying panorama covering an arc from northwest to south, where the sky, distant mountains, lake and islands spread themselves out before us in hues of green and blue for our visual pleasure and reflection.
It’s a humbling moment, showing just where we really stand in the scheme of things.
NOTE: I am vacationing with my family, returning to New Jersey sometime during the week of August 20th . I may post occasionally while away.
Nearby and to the north, is Squam Lake, site of the filming of On Golden Pond. It is one of the myriad bodies of inland water which, in total, comprise the Lakes Region of north-central New Hampshire, a popular vacation spot which lies about 100 miles north of Boston, and an hour or so south of the White Mountains National Forest.
As a young man, while vacationing here years ago, I had climbed 1,786 foot Mt. Major. Yesterday was a perfect day to repeat that ascent -- temperature in the low 70’s, dry and sunny. All five of us started out on this mini-adventure -- my daughter, son-in-law and the their two boys. My wife thought the better of it and decided to do some local craft shopping. I, myself, wondered how I would fare on this second attempt many years later.
It’s 1.7 miles of trail to the top, beginning under a heavily tree-canopied, level path of smooth hard earth which quickly changes into a gravelly texture, graduating into a steep, rock-bound serpentine way which -- my cardio-vascular system reminded me -- was testing my age and ability to complete.
The final test began with about one-third left to go to the peak. At this level, it’s almost straight up on ragged granitic rock face where the angle varies from about 30° to over 45° in places. Very easy to get hurt, if you’re not careful. A good trekking stick, a little luck, and lots of caution also help.
At the summit, the geology flattens out, and we climbers enjoyed unobstructed views for miles in all directions, with the most satisfying panorama covering an arc from northwest to south, where the sky, distant mountains, lake and islands spread themselves out before us in hues of green and blue for our visual pleasure and reflection.
It’s a humbling moment, showing just where we really stand in the scheme of things.
NOTE: I am vacationing with my family, returning to New Jersey sometime during the week of August 20th . I may post occasionally while away.
Monday, August 6, 2007
Integrity and the Park Commission
“First you say you do, and then you don’t. Then you say you will, and then you won’t. You’re undecided now, so what are you gonna do?” Those words, taken from the lyrics of a popular '40's era song, encapsulate the shenanigans of at least two of the Somerset County Park Commissioners .
I was at the meeting a few weeks ago where four of the seven commissioners tendered their resignations to the county freeholders. The only stipulation that I remember any of them making was that they would step down as soon as their successors are appointed by the county freeholders. Yet, according to last Saturday’s article in the Courier News, several of the commissioners now seem to be backtracking.
The new twist is that at least two of the commissioners, Doyle Hunsinger and Rocque Dameo, are predicating their resignations on maintaining “the integrity of the park commission.” What does that mean? Institutions don’t have integrity -- only people do. It is the people who run an institution who put a public face on it, thus establishing the group’s credibility -- or lack thereof. In this case, that’s the Somerset County Park Commission. So, what, exactly, are these two gentlemen saying?
Dissolving or retaining the Park Commission is a decision that belongs to the public which created it. That is self-evident, and the Somerset County Freeholders should acknowledge that by putting the question on the ballot for the November election. That is the best way to maintain the integrity of Somerset County’s park system.
NOTE: I will be on vacation, returning sometime during the week of August 20th.
I was at the meeting a few weeks ago where four of the seven commissioners tendered their resignations to the county freeholders. The only stipulation that I remember any of them making was that they would step down as soon as their successors are appointed by the county freeholders. Yet, according to last Saturday’s article in the Courier News, several of the commissioners now seem to be backtracking.
The new twist is that at least two of the commissioners, Doyle Hunsinger and Rocque Dameo, are predicating their resignations on maintaining “the integrity of the park commission.” What does that mean? Institutions don’t have integrity -- only people do. It is the people who run an institution who put a public face on it, thus establishing the group’s credibility -- or lack thereof. In this case, that’s the Somerset County Park Commission. So, what, exactly, are these two gentlemen saying?
Dissolving or retaining the Park Commission is a decision that belongs to the public which created it. That is self-evident, and the Somerset County Freeholders should acknowledge that by putting the question on the ballot for the November election. That is the best way to maintain the integrity of Somerset County’s park system.
NOTE: I will be on vacation, returning sometime during the week of August 20th.
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Park Commission Moves Ahead on Bids for Legal Assistance
Friday morning, at 7:30 am at its headquarters in North Branch Park on Milltown Road in Bridgewater, the Somerset County Park Commission held a brief, sparsely attended meeting where it agreed to pursue three subsets of the same topic: legal representation for its problems and issues.The commission gave the go ahead for writing up two legal services contracts. The third item was – in the Commission’s own words – for a “List of Pre-qualified Attorneys for the ‘Pool’ of Legal Services.”
Translation: Thunder clouds are on the horizon, and there will be a lot more of your tax dollars spent by the Park Commission on attorneys.
A. The first proposed contract will be to hire legal representation concerning current investigations into the commission’s activities. The submission by a Chatham law firm specifies a $210 hourly rate for attorneys; $100 an hour for paralegals and law clerks; and, “separate billing … for any out-of-pocket disbursements.”
B. The second proposed contract – with a Morristown law firm – is to help the commission “to update and refine its policies and procedures.” The anticipated cost is $260 hourly for partners’ services; $250 hourly for associates; $100 hourly for paralegals; and, as with the first law firm, reimbursement for any out-of-pocket expenses.
C. The third item agreed to by the Park Commission was to establish a pool of six pre-qualified law firms from which the commission may draw. Two of those law firms are the ones mentioned above.
Out-of-pocket expenses are not trivial, as they could include legal research, investigation expenses, travel, expert fees, postage, messengers, photocopying, deposition transcripts, telephone charges, court costs, etc... Most of the hourly fees quoted above have been stated as blended rates.
Remember, all this is in addition to the cost of the Park Commission’s own in-house counsel who, up to now, has been advising it.
Whew!! It will take a Philadelphia lawyer to sort this out.
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Is Your Home a Castle?
It’s the dead of night. Your children are in bed sleeping. You and your spouse have a house guest. The ambiance is perfect in your new Bridgewater home on Downey Road. You’re happy with your situation; and, then, your life is suddenly and violently interrupted by an event so traumatic, that no one who has not experienced it can possibly understand – a break-in by thugs who have no respect for your well-being or personal safety.
And you ask yourself, “Why?” Can the eight-and-a-half Gs reportedly taken at gunpoint mean so much to these thieves that they would risk the lives of the occupants? Can jewelry mean so much to them that they would pistol-whip a person and tie others with electrical cord? Why? What prompts such behavior?
In Christianity, there is an oft-quoted Biblical saying that a person should turn the other cheek: That statement has repeatedly been misinterpreted and misused to let people off the hook indiscriminately, thereby fostering more bad behavior and criminal activity.
A tough yet charitable Monsignor friend has a saying that, “There is no mercy without justice.” The courts of Somerset County need to make sure that the thugs who brutalized the Rogalskys while vandalizing their home are made to understand the meaning of justice in this community.
And you ask yourself, “Why?” Can the eight-and-a-half Gs reportedly taken at gunpoint mean so much to these thieves that they would risk the lives of the occupants? Can jewelry mean so much to them that they would pistol-whip a person and tie others with electrical cord? Why? What prompts such behavior?
In Christianity, there is an oft-quoted Biblical saying that a person should turn the other cheek: That statement has repeatedly been misinterpreted and misused to let people off the hook indiscriminately, thereby fostering more bad behavior and criminal activity.
A tough yet charitable Monsignor friend has a saying that, “There is no mercy without justice.” The courts of Somerset County need to make sure that the thugs who brutalized the Rogalskys while vandalizing their home are made to understand the meaning of justice in this community.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)