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It seems that some people expect me to post the most interesting police beats from BYU. Those kids in Provo are crazy. Here is what some of them were up to at 1am:

At 1 a.m., juveniles were reported to be jumping up and down on the gate arm at the south gate near lot 2. When police arrived it was clear the juveniles were simply doing the limbo using the gate arm and that no damage had been done to the arm.

On the Fourth of July, I intended to wake up early, but I didn’t set an alarm. How fortunate then, that I had another type of alarm, something unusual, and perhaps even something magical.

In my sleep, I heard noises, but I didn’t readily recognize them–they weren’t a lawn mower or a garbage truck. Then, as I was waking, I realized that they were from the burner of a hot air balloon. I jumped out of bed, only to see my apartment building being buzzed by a such a balloon, and the sky all around me being filled with various hot air balloons, flying as part of Provo’s freedom festival.

I’ve heard a lot of people complain about various things in the complexes where they live. Many of which are small little things that they wish they had known before moving in. Below are some questions you might consider asking when searching for housing. Feel free to print this list out and take it to housing fairs or when talking to complex managers. If you don’t like an answer they give you, let them know you aren’t satisfied. Maybe if they hear a lot of people voice a particular concern, they will work to solve it.

In addition to your own concerns and questions, you may consider asking:

• Are laundry facilities provided? How far away are they? How much does it cost? When are the facilities open?
• Do windows and sliding doors open? Are screens provided? Do they lock?
• Is parking available? Is parking typically a problem? How much do parking permits cost? Is parking enforced through booting or towing? What hours of the day is parking enforced? Is visitor parking available? Are there parking stalls for visitor parking?
• Is covered or garaged parking available?
• Are pets allowed?
• How often are cleaning checks? Are re-checks available, and is there a re-check fee? What is the fee for failing a cleaning check?
• Where is bicycle parking available? Is a permit required? Is there a cost for the bike permit?
• How many desks are available in the apartment? Where are they typically located?
• Is cable TV provided for free or for cost? How many channels are available?
• Is Internet provided for free or for cost? How fast are the Internet speeds? Can speed upgrades be purchased? Is wireless Internet provided? Where are wired Internet jacks located in the apartment?
• What are the fees for failing to pay rent by the deadline?
• How much is the deposit? When is the deposit returned?
• Are their any plans for remodeling of either apartment or other complex facilities? What inconveniences might be associated with any remodeling plans?
• Is there a swimming pool? What hours is the swimming pool open? Can the pool be reserved for parties? What months of the year is the pool typically open?
• Is there a club house? What is available in the club house? When is it open? Can it be reserved for parties?
• Is there a place to play basketball, volleyball, or soccer?
• Is a dishwasher provided?
• In shared rooms, are the beds separate or bunked? How new/old are the matrices?
• What dressers and closet spaces are provided in the rooms?
• Is there a garbage disposal?
• Which utilities are included with rent and which utilities are paid for separately? How much does a typical month of utilities cost?
• Are telephones lines provided? Is there one or multiple lines available? Is there a monthly telephone fee? Is long distance service available? Is a voice mail service available for free or for fee? Is a caller identification service available for free or for fee?
• Are streets and walkways cleared of ice and snow during the winter?
• What is the closest grocery store? How far away is it?
• How do residents typically travel to campus? How long does it take?
• Are hoses or other means available for washing cars?
• How many couches are provided in the living room? How new are they? Is there likely to be any rips or tears in the fabric?
• Other than cleaning inspections, are the units inspected for mold or damages?
• How is hot water provided? Is it shared with other units?
• What is the current contract price for rent? Is it expected that this price will go up?
• Are their any incentives or signing bonuses? (It doesn’t hurt to ask)
• Does the complex usually fill up? When do contracts usually sell out?
• What is the ward situation? Are wards comprised mostly of units from the complex, or do they include units from other complexes? Where do wards meet for sacrament meeting? Where do wards meet for additional prayer services? Are any facilities provided (such as a meeting room or bishop’s office) for ward use during the week or on Sundays?
• What is the girl to guy ratio in the complex? What is the average age?

Please comment if you have any additional questions that you would recommend people asking? I also welcome comments or suggestions to this list. Please comment if you find this list useful. If many people find it useful, we may decide to publish and distribute the list in order to help people find the right housing for them.

A friend of mine about a week ago got her wallet stolen by a black man going door to door soliciting donations for Hurricane Katrina victims.

This happened in University Villa. Myself and other residents at University Villa remember seeing this guy come around last summer. Apparently he is looking for “donations” but also looking for opportunities for easy theft as well. It wouldn’t surprise me if he has been spotted at apartment complexes all over Provo.

If you see this man, use discretion. In this case and other similar cases, it may be appropriate to call the police immediately and alert them to suspicious individuals. Never let a stranger access into your apartment. Maybe if we can keep ourselves and our neighbors alert about this guy and other dangers that occur even in Provo, we can help prevent another victim.

I’ll be in Provo starting next Wednesday night through Sunday morning. So far, the only thing I have planned is the Homecoming Parade and Football game, although I would love to do additional things, so suggestions are welcomed. I think I would really enjoy going out on a date, but that probably won’t happen because setting one up from two states away is kind of difficult.