I think this was fresh in my mind, and I wrote the blog post, because of a book I'm reading right now, The Big Short.  

I don't know if there is any lead paint, but everything has been freshly painted and lead disclosures are part of my lease.

v=vEMYR6HjPW0However, just 20 seconds into the video, a guy is talking about how much he loves living in his new house there and I see the all too familiar telltale signs of crime around the back entrance of his home where it looks like the door jamb was just replaced, the wall was just freshly mudded and a force entry deterrent was newly installed.Given that, the recent listing and selling prices in Pittsburgh seem outrageous to me. 

As a nurse case manager for lead poisoned children, I can’t tell you how many cases I’ve seen as a result of DIY projects or hiring non-certified contractors.If the paint is merely crackling, not flaking, you can encapsulate it with fresh paint after thoroughly washing the area with soapy water.

Put fresh dark compost (not bark) in the beds.

In light of the "Detroit bashing" which is often common here on BP, you're posts and the post of others like you who can see the forest for the trees and dare I say, somewhat optimistic, are a breath of fresh air.

Everything looked fresh and new.

I am looking to separate myself from them with some fresh paint for the most part and perhaps re-tiling the bathroom and possible the kitchen (although people are now saying to leave the hardwood in the kitchen)

Here's a new bit of info, fresh today, that demonstrates the danger of the present situation:http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/article1621970.eceApparently conducting joint military exercises with Georgia would be considered an act of war with Russia.Interesting.

We could 1) try diplomatically to impose sanctions on their nuclear program (tried and failed) 2) attempt to stop them from making them (which we are trying, and most likely failing - at least in the public eye. or 3) sit back and do nothing to stop them.