One Family's Metal-Clad Home is Others' Eyesore

[The Straight Story]

One Family's Metal-Clad Home is Others' Eyesore

A Sacramento area family that feels they've been targeted since the September 11 attacks has tried to protect themselves in a way that has caused a great deal of consternation among their neighbors.

The D'Souzas, who live in South Natomas, are of Pakistani extraction. Since the terrorist attacks three-and-half years ago, the family believes they have be subjected to what they characterized as "covert and overt" hate crimes. According to the D'Souzas, the covert crimes include having intense microwave radiation directed at their house.

To protect themselves, the family has covered their house with large sheets of metal. "Since we've put them up," said Sarah D'Souza, "We've noticed the temperature difference in our house go down. We’ve noticed our health improve."

What has gone up has been the puzzlement of neighbors. "Are they afraid of something?" said Desanka Maslac. "Are they afraid of us? I really don’t know what’s going on."


http://www.kxtv10.com/storyfull1.asp?id=11032

[Jack_DeLeon]

1. I've heard of tinfoil hats...

but this is rediculous. :tinfoilhat:

[salvorhardin]

2. When just a tinfoil hat won't do

:crazy:

[LeftCoast]

3. I'd bet some serious change that

they're regular posters over at The Isle of Misfit Monkeys!

[hobbit709]

4. JUST HOW EXACTLY

is sheet metal a fire safety issue???? According to the builiding inspectors "It's also a fire safety and life safety issue."

[The Straight Story]

6. No idea really, but brings up the whole 'homeowner' issue

which can be thorny all the way around. You own the home, but also must do certain things (like keep it up). There is a state/federal (perhaps) interest involved, et al.

[salvorhardin]

7. If you look at the photo in the article

you'll see that they've laid huge sheets of metal against the sides of their house (and not neatly either). Not only does it look atrocious, if there was ever a fire the firefighters would have a hard time controlling the blaze until they removed the metal. It would also hinder rescue operations.

[peacetalksforall]

5. I'd like to hear more about the temperature and health. Sounds

promising.

[sweetheart]

8. there's always aluminum siding

Probably the metal provides a decent modicum of shade and heat
deflection, as well as privacy from prying eyes... and maybe indeed
a psychological feeling of greater protection from a racist society.

Metal siding and roofing is the best long-lasting material you can put
on a house outside of solid stone. Its also very cost effective.

Some people are as well affected by electricity magnetic fields and
have to turn off the electricity at the mains in order to sleep. I
can't fault them for feeling senstitive, and under attack. I hope
they find a better way of insulating their home that they have good
lives.