Author Archives: Tom

Diogenes syndrome

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Diogenes syndrome, also known as senile squalor syndrome, is a disorder characterized by extreme self-neglect, domestic squalor, social withdrawal, apathy, compulsive hoarding of rubbish, and lack of shame.

The condition was first recognized in 1966 and designated diogenes syndrome by Clark et al. The name derives from Diogenes of Sinope, an ancient Greek philosopher, a Cynic and an ultimate minimalist, who allegedly lived in a barrel. Not only did he not hoard, but he actually sought human company by venturing daily to the Agora. Therefore, this eponym is considered to be a misnomer, Other possible terms are senile breakdown, Plyushkin’s Syndrome (after a character from Gogol’s novel Dead Souls), social breakdown and senile squalor syndrome. Frontal lobe impairment may play a part in the causation (Orrell et al., 1989).

via Diogenes syndrome – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Viva Vauxhall Peregrine Falcons

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Peregrine falcons nesting on top of Keybridge House

by VivaVauxhall – July 4th, 2010

Since 2001 the Peregrine Falcon has bred in increasing numbers in London. They nest on the ledges of tall buildings that are the equivalent in cities of their more traditional cliff breeding sites. Their success is due to the abundance of their preferred food (the feral/street pigeon) and the actions of people working on their behalf.

Two adult peregrine falcons and four youngsters are currently in residence on the roof of Keybridge House in South Lambeth Road and BT, who owns the building, have been very helpful and built them a nesting ledge.

Adrian Morgan of the London Peregrine Partnership told us: ‘This is the time when the youngsters are most vulnerable as they are taking currently their first flights.  If they come down to ground level they are unable to get sufficient lift to fly back up again and have to be rescued.  The first few days after the youngsters fledge are critical, but we are now getting to the end of that period and they are becoming quite successful flyers.’

via Viva Vauxhall.

Agent replacement

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Dear Resident/ Lessee
We are responding to concerns raised, following the advised decision to terminate the services of Countrywide Property Management at Sussex Heights.
The Board of Directors’ aim is to have a well run block of flats; and achieving a good service in all facets of management from its managing agents is key to this.
have raised a number of issues with Countrywide over the last year or so; which ranged from incorrect or late statistical information and late reporting to The Board to delays with implementing instructions.

You may recall Countrywide apologizing at the 2009 for the lack of End of Year reports, and for issuing incorrect interim figures.

Countrywide received numerous warnings from the Directors, regarding their unsatisfactory service levels; and indeed two members of the Board met with a Director of that Company, to express dissatisfaction and concerns; however, things did not improve.

Recently there arose an issue of possible negligence; and, as a result of this our solicitors advised SH(B)Ltd to terminate the relationship with Countrywide forthwith.

Contrary to Countrywide€’s letter dated 12th July, they were informed of the reasons for our actions. Countrywide have not asked for a notice period, and have walked off site.

Due to the concerns we have had with Countrywide, we spoke with several local Companies of Managing Agents during the past few months; and are therefore now in a position to appoint new Managing Agents within the next two or three weeks at the latest. Ail companies interviewed have very good reputations and experience of managing similar large blocks of flats. The new Company, when appointed, will be in a position to take over straight away; in the meantime our house staff and our Company Secretary will take care of day to day issues, as well as managing their current duties.

Please bear in mind that all Directors live in the building, and share your concerns, and wishes that Sussex Heights continues to be one of the premier blocks of flats in Brighton, run smoothly, efficiently and cost effectively. Any action taken by the Board affects its Members as well as all lessees will write to you again shortly advising you of the newly appointed Managing Agents, together with any other relevant updates.

The Board of Sussex Heights (Brighton) Ltd. 12 July 2010
Directors: Paul Michaelson, Anthony Appleton, Susan Davey, Andrew Turlington, Karin Stockerl, Clive Shuttlewofth, Margaret Brisley Registered in England No. 2676784

Managing Agents Dismissed

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It is with very deep regret that we have to advise you that the Board of Directors of Sussex Heights (Brighton) Ltd have written to us to terminate our employment as your Managing Agent with immediate effect. We are unsure of the reason that this decision was taken as that is not explained in their letter.

We have not been advised who your new Managing Agent will be so we have to advise you that any future queries or questions should be directed to the Chairman, Paul Michaelson who is resident in flat 1E where he can be contacted.

Despite not receiving three months notice of the termination of the contract, we will do all we can to hand over to the Board as much information as possible for the ongoing management of the property, however, the procedure of winding up and handing over such a complex property can take time, hence the three months notioe in the original agreement to allow for a structured handover, should it be required.

We apologise for any inconvenience this decision may cause you and we regret we will not be involved in the ongoing management of Sussex Heights after 9 years involvement.

Yours sincerely
Peter Eaton

http://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=1K8O1WzbGlYeX9sj3Mm16zL1oiQ9MFXmE8X0ve12qhGM

Sussex Heights, Brighton (from St Nicholas’ Garden of Rest)

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Sussex Heights, St Margaret’s Place, Brighton, City of Brighton and Hove, England. Brighton’s tallest building, this residential tower block was built by R. Seifert & Partners in 1966–68. This picture was taken from the north, looking down on the building from the higher ground of the St Nicholas’ Garden of Rest, Dyke Road.

via File:Sussex Heights, Brighton (from St Nicholas’ Garden of Rest).JPG – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia450px-Sussex_Heights,_Brighton_(from_St_Nicholas’_Garden_of_Rest).JPG

War on drugs worse than drugs

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I understand that people on drugs can do terrible harm — wreck lives and hurt people. But that’s true for alcohol, too. But alcohol prohibition didn’t work. It created Al Capone and organized crime. Now drug prohibition funds nasty Mexican gangs and the Taliban. Is it worth it? I don’t think so.

Everything can be abused, but that doesn’t mean government can stop it, or should try to stop it. Government goes astray when it tries to protect us from ourselves.

Many people fear that if drugs were legal, there would be much more use and abuse. That’s possible, but there is little evidence to support that assumption. In the Netherlands, marijuana has been legal for years. Yet the Dutch are actually less likely to smoke than Americans. Thirty-eight percent of American adolescents have smoked pot, while only 20 percent of Dutch teens have. One Dutch official told me that “we’ve succeeded in making pot boring.”

It would also save our local police time if they didn’t feel the need to write letters like this one: https://sussexheights.org/wp/cannabis-users-suspected-within/

via John Stossel: War on drugs worse than drugs – Tuesday, Jun. 22, 2010.

Another Pointless Letter

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Accessible version in this text version.

You’d never guess we have a noticeboard here, which is more likely to reach the people who actually live here. I think shareholders who want this type of correspondence to be printed out and delivered by the post office should pay for this service.