Uh…not exactly.  

Good morning!

Reclusive billionaire who owns the most expensive home in America ‘lets his firmsgo bankrupt so he can skip paying out for environmental damage’

A reclusive billionaire who owns the most expensive home in the US has been accused of making his firms go bankrupt to avoid their environmental responsibilities.

Ira Rennert is said to have taken RG Steel into administration rather than pay the $650million he was liable for to treat a contaminated facility in Maryland.

Environmental campaigners claim his actions are part of a pattern where he put his firms and their workers at risk rather than pay the bills.

They have accused him of being fraudulent with bankruptcy courts – and said he is guilty of ‘ducking out of any kind of responsibility’ yet again.

Rennert is best known for the 29-bedroom estate he built in Sagaponack in The Hamptons in New York which is said to be worth $198million, the most expensive home in America.

But he is also a target for environmental groups because of what they see as his total disregard for the planet.

The latest row is over Maryland-based RG Steel which Rennert bought last year with his own company, Renco. 

Now, despite being worth $5.5billion RG Steel has filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Critics claim Rennert, who is worth $5.4billion, would rather do this than clean up a facility in Sparrows Point in the east of the state which has been contaminated with carcinogens benzene and naphthalene.

 Russell Donnelly, an environmentalist in Sparrows Point, told the New York Post: ‘His company is ducking out of any kind of responsibility again.

‘It became too hot to handle, and his company is moving on. This is the track record. His company has done this all over the planet.’

Bart Fisher, an attorney for environmental group Sparrows Point Action added: ‘What is amazing is that Renco committed fraud on the bankruptcy court by stating in its bankruptcy petition that there were no environmental problems.

Sprawling: A Bird’s Eye view of the compound owned by billionaire Ira Rennert at 281 Daniels Lane, Sagaponack, New York.

Impressive: The front gate of the 29-bedroom, 100,000-square-foot estate

Glitzy: Ira Rennert and his wife Ingeborg Rennert attend the 2010 American Friends of the Open University of Israel Gala at The Plaza Hotel on December 13, 2010 in New York City

‘Part of the reasoning for the bankruptcy was, no doubt, to avoid certain environmental claims.’

Rennert has previously taken Utah-based magnesium mine MagCorp into bankruptcy when it was given a $900million fine from the Environmental Protection Agency for allegedly dumping toxic chemicals in the Great Salt Lake.

There were also allegations over a Rennert-owned smelting company in La Oroya, Peru, which was designed one of the top 10 most polluted places on Earth by environmental watchdog the Blacksmith Institute.

A study by researchers at St Louis University found that 97 per cent of children under six in the city, which is home to 35,000 people, were being exposed to toxic chemicals.

In 2004 Rennert enraged the well-heeled residents in The Hamptons where the likes of Billy Joel, Alec Baldwin and Paul McCartney have homes with his grand plan for Fair Field, his Italian style villa and grounds.

Occupying 63 acres, local officials were horrified with his plans to build the property in 2004 which has 39 bathrooms, is twice as big as the White House and comes with its own theatre and temple.

Enormous: The home is America’s largest private residence along a once-pristine stretch of beach

Financial troubles: The struggling RG Steel Sparrows Point mill on the Patapsco River near Baltimore bankruptcy protection in Delaware on Thursday

Lawsuit: The U.S. Magnesium Corporation, owned by trusts set up by Ira Rennert, is being sued by the Environmental Protection Agency, on claims of mishandling toxic waste near the Great Salt Lake in Utah

There is also a basketball court, a 200 car garage, a hot tub which cost $150,000, a bowling alley and a grand dining table which is 28ft long.

The property taxes alone are $370,000 a year.

Locals wanted to block Rennert from getting a building permit and nicknamed the property ‘The House that Ate the Hamptons’ – but in the end he got his own way.

Rennert, the son of Polish immigrants, earned his first $500million selling junk bonds in the 1990s and used the money to buy military contractor AM General which started making consumer Hummers, though he later sold his stake in the firm.

In 1999 film maker Michael Moore gave him the annual ‘Awful Truth’ award on account of his poor attitude towards the environment.

Rennert, 78, is married to his former airline ticket agent wife Inga and they have three children together.

Forbes magazine ranks him as the 189th richest person in the world and he is a regular at Gala events in New York and The Hamptons.

David Pryzbylski, the chief administrative officer for RG Steel, claimed that the company has honoured all its environmental obligations and that it went into bankruptcy due to market conditions and nothing more.

He said: ‘Even though we are in Chapter 11, we continue all environmental compliance.

‘I don’t think Sparrow Point poses any immediate threat to public health or safety. We are in full compliance with all environmental commitments.’

Imposing: Locals dubbed the house ‘The House that Ate the Hamptons’

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Readers: I HOPE that you all had a safe and fun 4th of July!  Blog me.

xo

Lastly, greed over a great story is surfacing from my “loyal”(?) readers. With all this back and forth about who owns what, that appears on my blog, let me reiterate that all material posted on my blog becomes the sole property of my blog. If you want to reserve any proprietary rights don’t post it to my blog. I will prominently display this caveat on my blog from now on to remind those who may have forgotten this notice.

Gratefully your blog host,

michelle

Aka BABE: We all know what this means by now :)

If you love my blog and my writes, please make a donation via PayPal, credit card, or e-check, please click the “Donate” button below. (Please only donations from those readers within the United States. – International readers please see my “Donate” page)

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Michelle Moquin PO Box 29235 San Francisco, Ca. 94129

Thank you for your loyal support!

All content on this site are property of Michelle Moquin © copyright 2008-2012

“Though she be but little, she be fierce.” – William Shakespeare Midsummer Night’s Dream 

" Politics, god, Life, News, Music, Family, Personal, Travel, Random, Photography, Religion, Aliens, Art, Entertainment, Food, Books, Thoughts, Media, Culture, Love, Sex, Poetry, Prose, Friends, Technology, Humor, Health, Writing, Events, Movies, Sports, Video, Christianity, Atheist, Blogging, History, Work, Education, Business, Fashion, Barack Obama, People, Internet, Relationships, Faith, Photos, Videos, Hillary Clinton, School, Reviews, God, TV, Philosophy, Fun, Science, Environment, Design, The Page, Rants, Pictures, Church, Blog, Nature, Marketing, Television, Democrats, Parenting, Miscellaneous, Current Events, Film, Spirituality, Obama, Musings, Home, Human Rights, Society, Comedy, Me, Random Thoughts, Research, Government, Election 2008, Baseball, Opinion, Recipes, Children, Iraq, Funny, Women, Economics, America, Misc, Commentary, John McCain, Reflections, All, Celebrities, Inspiration, Lifestyle, Theology, Linux, Kids, Games, World, India, Literature, China, Ramblings, Fitness, Money, Review, War, Articles, Economy, Journal, Quotes, NBA, Crime, Anime, Islam, 2008, Stories, Prayer, Diary, Jesus, Buddha, Muslim, Israel, Europe, Links, Marriage, Fiction, American Idol, Software, Leadership, Pop culture, Rants, Video Games, Republicans, Updates, Political, Football, Healing, Blogs, Shopping, USA, Class, Matrix, Course, Work, Web 2.0, My Life, Psychology, Gay, Happiness, Advertising, Field Hockey, Hip-hop, sex, fucking, ass, Soccer, sox"

Good morning!

First things first…

Robert, RT, Alycedale and PrP: I HOPE that you didn’t think that my not naming you yesterday in my list of “missing the regulars”, meant I didn’t consider you all “Regulars”.  If I wasn’t clear, let me say now, that I was only addressing those who have not been here in awhile. You three have  posted recently. Hence, the reason for me not bringing up your name. I am sure you all know how grateful and happy I am that you are here too!

That being said, how excited I was to read the comments and see some of the names of the people that I have been missing. I am pleasantly surprised that even though some of the “Regulars” haven’t been posting comments regularly, they are still reading. Wow.

Jorge H:  So nice to hear from you! Thanks for continuing to read. Love that you have added a last initial for recognition – does that mean you are going to say a bit more here? HOPE so! Congratulations to you and Carla! How delightful that a baby is on the way. I am so excited for the both of you! Big hugs and kisses.

With respect to Al, yes he was quite the hoot, and he definitely had a way with words. Al and Howie know that they are always welcome here.

Carla: I wanted to personally congratulate you on the little one soon to come.  I HOPE you’ll comment sometime too.

Galene: I too was happy about President Obama’s support of gay marriage. And with respect to Megan McCain, you said it all.

Helena:  So nice to hear from you as well! Thanks for always reading. I understand what you mean. It can be a bit overwhelming with the comments. I used to get so excited when I saw so many. Now…when days are slow or people can’t get in, I give a sigh of relief and know that I have more time in my day. But don’t get me wrong…if I see more than a day of no comments, I feel alone here. :) It is a strange flip of emotions. Anyway, thank you for the kind words.

Mike: Nice to see you are still here as well! Thanks too for always taking a peak here. And I wish you luck in your undercover work, especially since it is uncovering the Right and trying to steal the coming election. Anything that can be told to keep the integrity of the election is so important, so I thank you for your work and look forward to hearing more as it is uncovered.

With respect to Howie, that is an interesting point. Perhaps he will be reading and that tidbit will inspire him to come back.

Eleanor: Nice.

I have more to say but it is already getting late. So here’s something that interested me when I saw it. Perhaps it will interest you as well. The “Halliburton Loophole” with respect to “Fracking”, and its affects on our health and the environment, has been in the news for the past couple of years. However, the other day listening to NPR,  I was reminded.

Readers: Thoughts? Flap your lips…Blog me.

Peace out.

Lastly, greed over a great story is surfacing from my “loyal”(?) readers. With all this back and forth about who owns what, that appears on my blog, let me reiterate that all material posted on my blog becomes the sole property of my blog. If you want to reserve any proprietary rights don’t post it to my blog. I will prominently display this caveat on my blog from now on to remind those who may have forgotten this notice.

Gratefully your blog host,

michelle

Aka BABE: We all know what this means by now :)

If you love my blog and my writes, please make a donation via PayPal, credit card, or e-check, please click the “Donate” button below. (Please only donations from those readers within the United States. – International readers please see my “Donate” page)

Or if you would like to send a check via snail mail, please make checks payable to “Michelle Moquin”, and send to:

Michelle Moquin PO Box 29235 San Francisco, Ca. 94129

Thank you for your loyal support!

All content on this site are property of Michelle Moquin © copyright 2008-2012

“Though she be but little, she be fierce.” – William Shakespeare Midsummer Night’s Dream 

" Politics, god, Life, News, Music, Family, Personal, Travel, Random, Photography, Religion, Aliens, Art, Entertainment, Food, Books, Thoughts, Media, Culture, Love, Sex, Poetry, Prose, Friends, Technology, Humor, Health, Writing, Events, Movies, Sports, Video, Christianity, Atheist, Blogging, History, Work, Education, Business, Fashion, Barack Obama, People, Internet, Relationships, Faith, Photos, Videos, Hillary Clinton, School, Reviews, God, TV, Philosophy, Fun, Science, Environment, Design, The Page, Rants, Pictures, Church, Blog, Nature, Marketing, Television, Democrats, Parenting, Miscellaneous, Current Events, Film, Spirituality, Obama, Musings, Home, Human Rights, Society, Comedy, Me, Random Thoughts, Research, Government, Election 2008, Baseball, Opinion, Recipes, Children, Iraq, Funny, Women, Economics, America, Misc, Commentary, John McCain, Reflections, All, Celebrities, Inspiration, Lifestyle, Theology, Linux, Kids, Games, World, India, Literature, China, Ramblings, Fitness, Money, Review, War, Articles, Economy, Journal, Quotes, NBA, Crime, Anime, Islam, 2008, Stories, Prayer, Diary, Jesus, Buddha, Muslim, Israel, Europe, Links, Marriage, Fiction, American Idol, Software, Leadership, Pop culture, Rants, Video Games, Republicans, Updates, Political, Football, Healing, Blogs, Shopping, USA, Class, Matrix, Course, Work, Web 2.0, My Life, Psychology, Gay, Happiness, Advertising, Field Hockey, Hip-hop, sex, fucking, ass, Soccer, sox"

Good morning!

This is good follow-up to the article I posted the other day.

DM: You must’ve read something similar.

Gulf Seafood Deformities Raise Questions Among Scientists And Fisherman (VIDEO)

While the true extent of the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill was not known for about 4 years, as Al Jazeera notes in the video above, the repercussions of BP’s 2010 Deepwater Horizon spill in the Gulf of Mexico may become apparent more quickly.

Discovering eyeless shrimp, lesioned fish and other mutated and underdeveloped seafood, fisherman in the Gulf are pointing fingers at the BP spill. Biologist Dr. Darryl Felder told the news agency that Gulf seafood populations are dropping at alarming rates and that species richness is “diminished.”

The Gulf Restoration Network‘s Scott Eust explained the bizarre shrimp deformities. “We have some evidence of deformed shrimp, which is another developmental impact. So, that shrimp’s grandmother was exposed to oil while the mother was developing, but it’s the grandchild of the shrimp that was exposed grows up with no eyes.”

Al Jazeera reports that both the government and BP maintain that Gulf seafood is safe. BP released a statement last week, saying, “Seafood from the Gulf of Mexico is among the most tested in the world, and according to the FDA and NOAA, it is as safe now as it was before the accident.”

A study published last October in the journal Environmental Health Perspectivesfound that the FDA allowed “up to 10,000 times too much contamination” and didn’t identify the risks to children and pregnant women posed by contaminated seafood. Additionally, the study charged that the FDA’s “scientific standards [in 2010] were less stringent” than after the Exxon Valdez spill, reported OnEarth.

Government testing standards were questioned months after the spill. In December 2010, a toxicologist with a team challenging the FDA’s seafood testing said, the “FDA simply overlooked an important aspect of safety in their protocol,” reported MSNBC.

Despite sales dropping precipitously following the spill, the Gulf’s seafood industry was given a boost after the government’s Defense Commissary Agency began selling Gulf seafood products on 72 East Coast military bases in early 2011, reported AP.

*******

I don’t believe for a moment that the seafood is safe to eat. Thoughts? Blog me.

Lastly, greed over a great story is surfacing from my “loyal”(?) readers. With all this back and forth about who owns what, that appears on my blog, let me reiterate that all material posted on my blog becomes the sole property of my blog. If you want to reserve any proprietary rights don’t post it to my blog. I will prominently display this caveat on my blog from now on to remind those who may have forgotten this notice.

Gratefully your blog host,

michelle

Aka BABE: We all know what this means by now :)

If you love my blog and my writes, please make a donation via PayPal, credit card, or e-check, please click the “Donate” button below. (Please only donations from those readers within the United States. – International readers please see my “Donate” page)

Or if you would like to send a check via snail mail, please make checks payable to “Michelle Moquin”, and send to:

Michelle Moquin PO Box 29235 San Francisco, Ca. 94129

Thank you for your loyal support!

All content on this site are property of Michelle Moquin © copyright 2008-2012

“Though she be but little, she be fierce.” – William Shakespeare Midsummer Night’s Dream 

" Politics, god, Life, News, Music, Family, Personal, Travel, Random, Photography, Religion, Aliens, Art, Entertainment, Food, Books, Thoughts, Media, Culture, Love, Sex, Poetry, Prose, Friends, Technology, Humor, Health, Writing, Events, Movies, Sports, Video, Christianity, Atheist, Blogging, History, Work, Education, Business, Fashion, Barack Obama, People, Internet, Relationships, Faith, Photos, Videos, Hillary Clinton, School, Reviews, God, TV, Philosophy, Fun, Science, Environment, Design, The Page, Rants, Pictures, Church, Blog, Nature, Marketing, Television, Democrats, Parenting, Miscellaneous, Current Events, Film, Spirituality, Obama, Musings, Home, Human Rights, Society, Comedy, Me, Random Thoughts, Research, Government, Election 2008, Baseball, Opinion, Recipes, Children, Iraq, Funny, Women, Economics, America, Misc, Commentary, John McCain, Reflections, All, Celebrities, Inspiration, Lifestyle, Theology, Linux, Kids, Games, World, India, Literature, China, Ramblings, Fitness, Money, Review, War, Articles, Economy, Journal, Quotes, NBA, Crime, Anime, Islam, 2008, Stories, Prayer, Diary, Jesus, Buddha, Muslim, Israel, Europe, Links, Marriage, Fiction, American Idol, Software, Leadership, Pop culture, Rants, Video Games, Republicans, Updates, Political, Football, Healing, Blogs, Shopping, USA, Class, Matrix, Course, Work, Web 2.0, My Life, Psychology, Gay, Happiness, Advertising, Field Hockey, Hip-hop, sex, fucking, ass, Soccer, sox"

Good morning!

Peter: I read about this a few days ago and was going to blog on it when the news hit of Cameron’s arrival to the Mariana Trench, so thank you. It is very exciting. This one is for you. Hafa adai.

James Cameron to dive the Mariana Trench

by Kraig Becker (RSS feed) on Mar 14th 2012 at 10:00AM

Howie: Amazing. As usual your stories leave us wanting more. 

Readers: I will reserve the rest of my comments for another day.  Blog me.

       + 

Lastly, greed over a great story is surfacing from my “loyal”(?) readers. With all this back and forth about who owns what, that appears on my blog, let me reiterate that all material posted on my blog becomes the sole property of my blog. If you want to reserve any proprietary rights don’t post it to my blog. I will prominently display this caveat on my blog from now on to remind those who may have forgotten this notice.

Gratefully your blog host,

michelle

Aka BABE: We all know what this means by now :)

If you love my blog and my writes, please make a donation via PayPal, credit card, or e-check, please click the “Donate” button below. (Please only donations from those readers within the United States. – International readers please see my “Donate” page)

Or if you would like to send a check via snail mail, please make checks payable to “Michelle Moquin”, and send to:

Michelle Moquin PO Box 29235 San Francisco, Ca. 94129

Thank you for your loyal support!

All content on this site are property of Michelle Moquin © copyright 2008-2012

“Though she be but little, she be fierce.” – William Shakespeare Midsummer Night’s Dream 

" Politics, god, Life, News, Music, Family, Personal, Travel, Random, Photography, Religion, Aliens, Art, Entertainment, Food, Books, Thoughts, Media, Culture, Love, Sex, Poetry, Prose, Friends, Technology, Humor, Health, Writing, Events, Movies, Sports, Video, Christianity, Atheist, Blogging, History, Work, Education, Business, Fashion, Barack Obama, People, Internet, Relationships, Faith, Photos, Videos, Hillary Clinton, School, Reviews, God, TV, Philosophy, Fun, Science, Environment, Design, The Page, Rants, Pictures, Church, Blog, Nature, Marketing, Television, Democrats, Parenting, Miscellaneous, Current Events, Film, Spirituality, Obama, Musings, Home, Human Rights, Society, Comedy, Me, Random Thoughts, Research, Government, Election 2008, Baseball, Opinion, Recipes, Children, Iraq, Funny, Women, Economics, America, Misc, Commentary, John McCain, Reflections, All, Celebrities, Inspiration, Lifestyle, Theology, Linux, Kids, Games, World, India, Literature, China, Ramblings, Fitness, Money, Review, War, Articles, Economy, Journal, Quotes, NBA, Crime, Anime, Islam, 2008, Stories, Prayer, Diary, Jesus, Buddha, Muslim, Israel, Europe, Links, Marriage, Fiction, American Idol, Software, Leadership, Pop culture, Rants, Video Games, Republicans, Updates, Political, Football, Healing, Blogs, Shopping, USA, Class, Matrix, Course, Work, Web 2.0, My Life, Psychology, Gay, Happiness, Advertising, Field Hockey, Hip-hop, sex, fucking, ass, Soccer, sox"

Good morning!

“Just noticing…”

…It has already been a year since the tsunami hit Japan.

I haven’t been keeping up on the happenings but I found this interesting article that maps the tsunami in a series of  Telegraph videos.

Japan earthquake and tsunami anniversary: How the disaster unfolded in video

*******

Jena: Obama was destined to be where he is. Thanks for sharing.

Social Butterfly:  Haha! Love it.

Heidi: Love your enthusiasm and urgency. I’m with you.

Al: I was curious over your comment: “So besides being a women’s blog, (which is cool by my me) it also promotes (sic) racsism.” Not sure why you think my blog “promotes” racism. I don’t “promote” it (in face quite the opposite), but it is prevalent, so I certainly “point it out” over and over again, in HOPES that enough will see the insanity of hating someone because of the color of one’s skin…in HOPES that people will step into the shoes of those (OTWs) that live with racism as a daily part of their lives, and have some compassion to change, to do something...and lastly in HOPES that racism will die; cease to exist. It’s a big HOPE, but being sensitive to those that have to endure this sick behavior, I find it worth the time and energy.

10:42 AM: By the way Al, I have to add, with respect to your comment about Robert, RT and George WN being racist, I have to share my two. This is where you and I differ – There is not one ounce of me that thinks Robert is a racist, and every part of my being knows that George is.

Lewis: How sad this is. No doubt you’ll probably be correct.

Happy Sunday everyone. Peace & Love…

Lastly, greed over a great story is surfacing from my “loyal”(?) readers. With all this back and forth about who owns what, that appears on my blog, let me reiterate that all material posted on my blog becomes the sole property of my blog. If you want to reserve any proprietary rights don’t post it to my blog. I will prominently display this caveat on my blog from now on to remind those who may have forgotten this notice.

Gratefully your blog host,

michelle

Aka BABE: We all know what this means by now :)

If you love my blog and my writes, please make a donation via PayPal, credit card, or e-check, please click the “Donate” button below. (Please only donations from those readers within the United States. – International readers please see my “Donate” page)

Or if you would like to send a check via snail mail, please make checks payable to “Michelle Moquin”, and send to:

Michelle Moquin PO Box 29235 San Francisco, Ca. 94129

Thank you for your loyal support!

All content on this site are property of Michelle Moquin © copyright 2008-2012

“Though she be but little, she be fierce.” – William Shakespeare Midsummer Night’s Dream 

" Politics, god, Life, News, Music, Family, Personal, Travel, Random, Photography, Religion, Aliens, Art, Entertainment, Food, Books, Thoughts, Media, Culture, Love, Sex, Poetry, Prose, Friends, Technology, Humor, Health, Writing, Events, Movies, Sports, Video, Christianity, Atheist, Blogging, History, Work, Education, Business, Fashion, Barack Obama, People, Internet, Relationships, Faith, Photos, Videos, Hillary Clinton, School, Reviews, God, TV, Philosophy, Fun, Science, Environment, Design, The Page, Rants, Pictures, Church, Blog, Nature, Marketing, Television, Democrats, Parenting, Miscellaneous, Current Events, Film, Spirituality, Obama, Musings, Home, Human Rights, Society, Comedy, Me, Random Thoughts, Research, Government, Election 2008, Baseball, Opinion, Recipes, Children, Iraq, Funny, Women, Economics, America, Misc, Commentary, John McCain, Reflections, All, Celebrities, Inspiration, Lifestyle, Theology, Linux, Kids, Games, World, India, Literature, China, Ramblings, Fitness, Money, Review, War, Articles, Economy, Journal, Quotes, NBA, Crime, Anime, Islam, 2008, Stories, Prayer, Diary, Jesus, Buddha, Muslim, Israel, Europe, Links, Marriage, Fiction, American Idol, Software, Leadership, Pop culture, Rants, Video Games, Republicans, Updates, Political, Football, Healing, Blogs, Shopping, USA, Class, Matrix, Course, Work, Web 2.0, My Life, Psychology, Gay, Happiness, Advertising, Field Hockey, Hip-hop, sex, fucking, ass, Soccer, sox"