There is just so much to talk about when it comes to Waterford Landing Apartments, that one post is not enough to run a bus over the management company of this community.  But I wish to share some of the most recent experiences.

On Fourth of July, this nation’s Independence Day, residents were having a party in one of the apartments on the third floor [which is the top floor].  At some point throughout the night, 7 people were reported to be hanging out on the balcony.  Rumors are that there might have been as many as 9 individuals.  At that point, as the story goes, the balcony collapsed, sending everyone to the ground.  One dead, two in critical condition, two seriously hurt, one or two with broken bones, and a rumor of two leaving the scene.

What a tragedy!  To leave this world due to lack of maintenance of the place one calls Home.  This ain’t no Sweet Home Alabama!  This is beyond any excuses.  The city reports that they approve all new construction, but once a building is certified, it is up to the management company to maintain it, without any checks or balances from the city – until it is too late.

I can also attest to the condition of the stair cases going up and down to the apartments.  The majority of the wood used is 15+ years, as old as the buildings.  It has never been treated with anything to withstand the elements.  Boards are flopping and being held by an average of 10 nails, if not more – but still not enough.  An accident waiting to happen?  I grasp myself going up and down on daily bases.

Notices were posted on all apartments, approximately two weeks after the incident [on 4th of July], warning residents not to use their balconies due to their hazardous condition.  Why the long wait before people were warned?  The collapsed structure was blocked off [and still is], with ply wood panels, and surrounded by yellow caution tape.  A Hoover PD officer is on duty watching the site 24-hours.  That’s gotta cost the local tax payers thousands of dollars.  Believe it or not, the posted officer does not deter crime, but that is a separate post.

Approximately three weeks after the 4th of July even, another set of balconies collapse.  At a different building within Waterford Landing.  Inspections were not even completed.  At this point, multiple buildings have lost balconies, one person has died, multiple families scarred for life – and the management company has not done much but give [so far] empty promises.

As of August 28th, almost two months after the tragic event, no work is evident of any kind.  A couple of weeks ago I witnessed a crew of three working on the facia of a building, but staying away from the balconies.  The management company was quoted in a news story done by local ABC News crew that repairs were going to happen immediately.  Does that word [immediately] mean something different besides right away or now, here in Alabama?

A huge lawsuit is under way towards Engel Residential Management company by those directly effected.  I expect this could possibly leading to the enactment of ordinances and/or perhaps new laws locally or state-wide.  It all depends on how far the lawsuit can go and how deep of packets Engel Residential has.

Pictures to come.

Imagine doing a search right onto your TV for your favorite TV show.  Instead of browsing through hundreds of channels on a cable or satellite box, you get the results of all possibilities on a single page, including where to watch instantly on the web.  Google TV will be a platform that will be on top of current cable or satellite service.  It will allow for the replacement of one’s current Guide and use Google to search via all channels generating a summary.

Google’s Chrome Browser will also be included, and it will be running Flash 10.1.  This will provide total web access via a TV set.

Initial release of Google TV will run on Android 2.1.  It will not support Android Market until an Over The Air (OTA) update is released in 2011 to a higher Android version.  Perhaps at that time they would jump over the Android 2.2 Froyo, currently in beginning release stages, and upgrade to the then latest version [rumored being Android 3.0].

Being that Google TV is Android based, potentially it will run Android applications currently available on the Android Market.  Applications that require actual phone hardware will, of course, not work.  Playing games on your TV – not a new concept to say the least.  Just another way Android market has potential to grow, given that current game selection leaves an unsatisfactory feeling.  It’s been a long time rumor that Google was foreseen to enter the Gamers arena.  I believe that rumor came about the same time as Apple was rumored to be headed that way, putting both giants head to head with the Xbox 360 and PS3, besides each other.

Three major networks have already developed relationship with Google to provide content.  Sony, Logitech and Intel are all partners in the development of Google TV.  Dish Network also has involvement, but it’s not clear if they are the box developer or will integrate Google TV with their services  [or both].

People of Lava, a Swedish company is currently in production of Scandinavia, a line of TV sets operating on Android 1.5, delivered with a wireless keyboard and mouse, made out of natural materials.  It will be able to upgrade to a new Android version and the sets are due to be released later in 2010.  The rest of the Google TV products are to be available in time for the holiday shopping season.

Running internet content is nothing new.  Many have attempted but not one shining star.  Apple TV is limiting although has potential.  Apple also has the potential of joining the gaming industry.  Boxee is too new and not a main stream open source platform [compared to Android].  Some other similar services such as Plex, are either too advanced for the average user, are underfunded, or do not deliver.  It will be interesting to see which way Google TV heads.  Either succeed with the Television media, or transform into the Gaming industry.

What are the possibilities that
Google builds a TV set,
operating on Android software
with Motion and Voice recognition,
merging our Television
with our Computer
and our Gaming Console
into one.

Heard it here first!