YBSRobin's Blog

Sharing some Independence Day Prayers.  One of my favorites is the first one that was shared by "Ethics Daily," and was shared amongst our Church Members. The other two were other prayers brought in by other Church Members. Thank you for allowing me to share this with all of you and I pray everyone has a Happy and Safe 4th of July Celebration.

Gracious God, as we celebrate our nation's Independence Day, we approach you with hearts that are simultaneously brimming with gratitude and weighted with concern.

We are grateful for the privilege of living in "the land of the free and the home of the brave." We are thankful for specific liberties that allow us to freely choose our vocation, our community of worship, our place of service and our venues of recreation. And we are indebted to generations of veteran servants who risked life and limb in the pursuit and protection of these liberties. From the "mountains to the prairies" we are inspired by some of the most diverse and beautiful terrain on our planet. From "sea to shining sea" we are privileged to access a mother lode of the world's natural resources. We have access to prime healthcare, comfortable housing, diverse modes of transportation, more than adequate clothing and an abundant selection of food. We are blessed far beyond our deserving.

But during this season of celebration our grateful hearts are heavy with concern. From our many different perspectives and ideologies we are concerned about things like the threats of terrorism, the brutalities of war, the abuse of political power, the divisiveness of harsh and misleading political rhetoric, a lack of civil discourse, a growing sense of moral anarchy and the possibility of an approaching storm or natural disaster. These concerns lead to heightened anxiety about the stability of the market, the costs of insurance and the tenure of our employment. And these anxieties often divert us from our mission to "minister to the least of these" and to "love mercy, act justly, and walk humbly" with you.

These concerns and anxieties also remind us of our need to confess our sins, personally and corporately. We confess that we have too often taken our freedom for granted and we have too frequently been slack in our citizenship. We confess that at times we are too quick to criticize naively and too slow to intercede prayerfully. We confess that our self-interests have too often taken priority over the best interest you have in mind for our nation and for our world. We confess that we have been irresponsible in our stewardship of "our space and our stuff," often consuming and storing compulsively without conscious regard for sharing. We confess that we have too often trusted in our own initiatives and ingenuity more than we have trusted in you.

You tell us in time-tested Scripture that, "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." (II Chronicles 7:14)

As we approach this Independence Day, we ask you to forgive our sin and to heal our land.

On this day, we pray for the leaders of our nation, our state, and our community that they will lead with wisdom and discernment.

We pray for the men and women who serve in our nation's military that they will fulfill their mission with courage and return home safely and soon.
We pray for our enemies that their swords will also be "turned into plowshares."

We pray for the churches, cathedrals, and temples of our nation and our community that we will be lighthouses of grace and mercy, ever pressing toward the mark of our high calling.

Because you are the freedom-loving God, lead us to exercise our freedom responsibly and to pursue "liberty and justice for all" of your children around the globe.

We pray in the strong name of the one who came to set us free. Amen.      

 Dear Lord,

There is no greater feeling of liberation than to experience this freedom from sin and death that you have provided for me through Jesus Christ. Today my heart and my soul are free to praise you. For this I am very thankful.

On this Independence Day I am reminded of all those who have sacrificed for my freedom, following the example of your Son, Jesus Christ. Let me not take my freedom, both physical and spiritual, for granted. May I always remember that my freedom was purchases with a very high price. My freedom cost others their very lives.

Lord, today, bless those who have served and continue to give their lives for my freedom. With favor and bounty meet their needs and watch over their families.

Help me to live my life in a way that glorifies you, Lord. Give me the strength to be a blessing in someone else's life today, and grant me the opportunity to lead others into the freedom that can be found in knowing Christ.  Amen.

O God, we implore Thee, watch over those exposed to the horrors of war and to the spiritual dangers of a soldier's, a sailor's, or an airman's life. Give them such a strong faith that no human respect may ever lead them to deny it, or fear to practice it. Do Thou by Thy grace fortify them against the contagion of bad example, that, being preserved from vice, and serving Thee faithfully, they may be ready to meet death whenever it may happen, through Christ our Lord.

O Sacred Heart, inspire them with sorrow for sin, and grant them pardon. Mother of God, be with them in battle, and, if they should be called to make the supreme sacrifice, obtain for them that they may die in the grace of Thy Divine Son.

May their guardian angels protect them. Amen.

From Federal Bureau of Investigations, for About.com

James Robert Murphy, 38, of Columbia, South Carolina, was sentenced to 5 years of probation, 500 hours of community service, and more than $12,000 in restitution today for two counts of Use of a Telecommunications Device (the internet) with Intent to Annoy, Abuse, Threaten or Harass.

Murphy was indicted in April 2004, for sending harassing emails to Seattle resident Joelle Ligon and to other employees of the City of Seattle. He pleaded guilty to two counts in June 2004. In sentencing Murphy, U.S. District Court Judge Thomas Zilly told Murphy he "...did not demonstrate the type of remorse he should under the circumstances."

Reading from the Friday's June 27, 2008, Daytona News Journal, I came across an article in regards to the U.S. Sugar Corporation in Clewiston, Fl.  which is a company set to sell it's land to the State of Florida for $1.75 billion dollars for Everglades restoration.

  My first reaction was "What the .......?"  With budget cuts, tax increases, rise in unemployment, among the first '3" of many I thought about, I had to ask, "Where in the World did the State of Florida come up with this money?"   

I have been through the town of Clewiston, and there is not much there and many make their living from this company.  I tend to wonder if this will dry up what's left of Clewiston as well.   

 As stated in the Daytona News Journal, with last week's announcement that Clewiston's dominant employer, U.S. Sugar Corp., will likely go out of business in 6 years, many residents and workers are wondering about life in a company town without a company and wondering how the community will survive.  "Nearly 80 years after if formed here during the Great Depression, U.S. Sugar plans to sell 300 square miles around Clewiston to the State of Florida, which wants the land as part of it's plan to clean up the Everglades." It is being stated that Agriculture, like sugar and citrus, has long stymied restoration efforts, blocking water flow and adding pollutants from fertilizers to the ecosystem.  But I have to question if this is the real reason, and why now when money is supposedly not available according to the State?     

The sale of the nation's largest producer of cane sugar means an additional 1,700 workers will be left jobless, not to mention the spin off effects on the other Clewiston Businesses that depend on them as customers.  U.S. Sugar is literally, the heart of this town and is actually built around the company's two-story red brick headquarters, and the mill is just down the road.  

The sad part of all of this is employees who have been there for 20 years (and for some, even 3rd generations) and now know within 5 to 6 years they will be out of job, and more than likely without a home if no other industry is moved into this town.   

When the company closes it's doors, for the hourly employees, they will be awarded a year's pay as severance, and the salaried workers will get two years of pay.  And since the company is partially owned by the employees, those who are vested will receive about $ 350.00 per share.   

One has to wonder why negotiations of the sale with the State of Florida, that would have such an economical impact on the residents would be kept a such a secret from everyone and not be put out there for a vote by everyone throughout the State.  What I would like to know, since we are all running out of money, where is the State of Florida coming up with this money to purchase the land and where are they going to get the money for the restoration efforts?  So much money was spent into creating the farmlands, and now the money is going down the drain to put it back to it's natural state of swamp lands.  

ANOTHER INTERESTING ARTICLE THAT I CAME ACROSS IS AS FOLLOWS:  

 U.S. Sugar Getting Out Of Sugar Business  

 (the link is as follows: http://swflorida.blogspot.com/2008/06/us-sugar-getting
-out-of-sugar-business.html )  

 Or for your convenience you can read below:  

Sugar Selling 187,000 Acres And Company To State For $1.75 Billion

CLEWISTON, FL. --  187,000 acres of agricultural land is expected to be sold the the State of Florida and South Florida Water Management District by U.S. Sugar Corp.  This would vitually wipe out the country's largest sugar cane grower's stock of land south of  Lake Okeechobee. Although at a very attractive price to U.S. Sugar of about $9000 per acre.

The largest company and main industry in Hendry county, U.S. Sugar is said to have been negotiating secretly for seven months for the sale.  It is unknown what immediate effect of one of the largest land sales in Florida history may bring. U.S. Sugar has 1,700 employees, down from 2,100 in 2006. It's large sugar refinery and mill is located in Clewiston. The sale would take the land off the Hendry county property tax rolls

Sugar also owns Southern Gardens Citrus in mid-Hendry county  and 33,000 acres of citrus groves, and a short line railroad in Clewiston to haul cane and related products. It earns about $400,000,000 yearly from sugar cane production. The sales price of $1.7 billion seems to be a capitalized number based on about a 25% gross revenue stream from the cane.

Governor Crist's office said of the sale Tuesday at a press conference in Palm Beach County, "The proposed agreement between the South Florida Water Management District and the United States Sugar Corporation involves the public purchase of nearly 300 square miles spanning four counties in South Florida ? a land mass as large as New York City. The District will also take ownership of the company's assets, including 200 miles of railroad, a state-of-the-art sugar mill, sugar refinery and citrus processing plant. Subject to independent appraisals and approval by the District's Governing Board, water managers will invest $1.75 billion in cash and certificates of participation to finance the acquisition."

Chief Executive Robert Buker reportedly estimated the worth of the company's land and other assets, including its sugar mill and refinery, at more than $2.5 billion, so the sale is at about 70% of the company's asset value. It is unclear if the government intends to get into the sugar refinery business or if this may be a scheme where U.S. Sugar can lease back the operation and benefit somehow by the generous sugar subsidy payments made annually to them by the Federal government.

It may take about five years to complete the entire sale in stages, with the water management district paying the bulk of the funds. The district recently announced it was halting work on a 26-square-mile reservoir near South Bay to be part of the Everglades restoration plans in the area. Not including this purchase, State and Federal government has spent over $7 billion on Everglades reconstruction so far.

This is the largest Florida conservation purchase of private land in history.  The land is larger the the entire county of Pinellas. U.S. Sugar two years ago, hired a firm headed by Brian Ballard, who was a top campaign adviser to Charlie Crist in 2006.

Rep. Mahoney Responds To Sale

Following the announcement that the State of Florida and South Florida Water Management District have reached a $1.7 billion deal to buy 187,000 acres of U.S. Sugar Corp.'s lands, Congressman Tim Mahoney issued this news statement:

"The State of Florida's decision to have South Florida Water Management purchase 187,000 acres of land owned by U.S. Sugar Corp. holds the promise of taking a major step towards Everglades restoration. Converting this farmland into filter marshes will mean a greater and cleaner flow of water into the Everglades, lessening the need to use the Caloosahatchee and St Lucie Rivers as runoff. It will improve our estuaries and help our coastal communities. Today's decision provides an important complement to Congress' recent passage of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), which has finally positioned the Federal Government to live up to its promise to help fund Everglades restoration. Furthermore, Everglades restoration is critical for South Florida's economic development as it will provide fresh water for our region.

Since coming to Congress, one of my top priorities has been to create jobs with a future for rural Florida around Lake Okeechobee. While all Floridians applaud this bold move to restore the Everglades, we must recognize our responsibility to the tens of thousands of people of Hendry, Palm Beach and Glades Counties. A comprehensive economic development plan must be developed immediately to ensure that these communities do not suffer. I call on Governor Crist to lay out his transition plan and I commit to working with the Governor to secure a bright future for the affected families living in some of our most economically challenged communities.

  With all that is going on, I would like to take a moment to reflect on what's most important. I will ask in prayer that I am shown what I have done wrong, and for those who I have done wrong against, I ask for simple forgiveness.     

To Be Willing to Forgive  

Father, I pray for those who have falsely accused my name, and others in my circle of family and friends to take their need to forgive seriously... For I have fully forgiven those as well Lord.

Unforgiveness is a sin that affects many lives, and the hurts they've suffered seem to justify it by worldly standards. But I ask that You help these I'm praying for to rise above the principles of the world and to live as Jesus taught, loving their enemies—those who hurt them—and forgiving unconditionally from their hearts. (Matthew 5:44; 18:21–35)

Help them be willing to forgive those who have sinned against them so they may ask You to forgive them as they have forgiven others. If they hold anything against anyone, help them to forgive—just as in Christ You have forgiven them. May every hurt that grieves them be forgiven. (Matthew 6:12; Mark 11:25; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13)

When forgiveness is impossible in their own strength, may they be willing to receive Your strength to forgive—for through Christ they have strength for anything. (Philippians 4:13)

Help them see that forgiveness is not an emotion—they don't have to feel like forgiving—but an act of will, made possible by the power of the Spirit who lives within them. (Ephesians 3:16)

In Jesus' name, amen.

  To Put Others First  

 Father, I'm praying that I, myself, and others in my circle of family and friends will have servant hearts...

May they desire to have servant hearts, considering others better than themselves, putting others' needs above their own. (Philippians 2:3–4)

May they imitate Christ, who became a servant, humbling Himself to become human just like us, living a life of obedience even to death. Jesus came not to be served but to serve and to give His life. (1 Thessalonians 1:6; Philippians 2:6–8; Matthew 20:28)

May they serve one another in love, always wholeheartedly as though they are serving the Lord Jesus, not men. May they use the spiritual gifts they've received to serve others with the strength You provide, so that in all things You may be praised. (Galatians 5:13b; Ephesians 6:7; 1 Peter 4:10, 11b)

May they always be eager to serve, treating others as they would want to be treated. (1 Peter 5:2b; Matthew 7:12)

Help them to live for others, asking, "How would I want to be treated in this and every situation?"—and responding just that way.

In Jesus' name, amen.    

To Accept Each Other  

Father, I'm praying for myself and all those in my immediate and extended family and those around me..

May we not only love but accept and enjoy each other. May Your love, joy, peace, and patience be at the heart of our relationships with one another, along with Your kindness and goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22–23a)

May we encourage each other, and build one another up in every circumstance. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

May we be willing to love each other as unconditionally as You love us, for such love forgives the wrongs of others and makes up for their many personal faults. In love, help us forgive without holding on to anger, resentment, or disappointment. (1 Peter 4:8; Matthew 18:21–22; Ephesians 4:26)

May we love and accept one another just as we are, not waiting for change or perfection—as in Christ You have accepted us. Help us be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other as You have forgiven us. (Ephesians 1:5–6; 4:32)

Help us not to bring past issues into the present.

In Jesus' name, amen.

  Love Your Enemies  

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God…But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you.

Matthew 5:9; Luke 6:27-31      

Keep Us From Pettiness  

Keep us, O God, from pettiness; let us be large in thought, in word, in deed.
Let us be done with faultfinding and leave off self-seeking.
May we put away all pretenses and meet each other, face to face, without self-pity and without prejudice.
May we never be hasty in judgment and always generous.
Let us take time for all things; make us to grow calm, serene, gentle.
Teach us to put in action our better impulses-straightforward and unafraid.
Grant that we may realize it is the little things of life that create difficulties; that in the big things of life we are as one.
Oh, Lord, let us not forget to be kind.
Amen.

  Prayer for Humility Incline us O God! to think humbly of ourselves, to be saved only in the examination of our own conduct, to consider our fellow-creatures with kindness, and to judge of all they say and do with the charity which we would desire from them ourselves.

  Prayer to Do Good Forgive me, most gracious Lord and Father, if this day I have done or said anything to increase the pain of the world. Pardon the unkind word, the impatient gesture, the hard and selfish deed, the failure to show sympathy and kindly help where I had the opportunity, but missed it; and enable me so to live that I may daily do something to lessen the tide of human sorrow, and add to the sum of human happiness.

  Prayer to Do What's Right O Almighty and Everlasting God, Creator of Heaven, Earth, and the Universe, help me to be, to think, to act what is right, because it is right. Make me truthful, honest, and honorable in all things; make me intellectually honest for the sake of right and honor and without thought of reward to me. Give me the ability to be charitable, forgiving, and patient with my fellow men. Help me to understand their motives and their shortcomings, even as thou understandest mine! Amen.

  Prayer for Peace Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as children of one creator; to whom be dominion and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

Make Me an Instrument of Your Peace  

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love,
Where there is injury, pardon
Where there is doubt, faith,
Where there is despair, hope,
Where there is darkness, light,
Where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much
seek to be consoled as to console,
not so much to be understood as to understand,
not so much to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
it is in dying that we awake to eternal life.

St. Francis of Assisi  

It's fun to know that at some point in our lives, we can say we made our first million!  But if we can only keep it in the bank.

How Long Till You Earn Your First Million?

By ANTHONY BALDERRAMA, CAREERBUILDER.COM  

If you know that Hollywood's top stars can earn $20 million dollars per film and that the average time to shoot a movie is six months, you won't be surprised to see that their paychecks make the average person's income look minuscule in comparison. In fact, if these celebrities worked standard 8-hour workdays, it would take them less than seven days to earn $1 million.  In all likelihood, you and I -- the little people -- aren't making that kind of money. In fact, it will take some people their entire careers to cross the million-dollar mark even once.  With that in mind, we looked at a variety of jobs to see just how long it would take to earn $1 million working in each position. We used the median annual salary of each profession, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and broke down the earnings based on a 40-hour workweek. Here are 30 jobs with earnings anywhere from below minimum wage to six-figure salaries and how long it would take to earn $1 million in terms of hours, eight-hour workdays and years.

Architects, except landscape and naval: $64,150   32,425 hours   4,053 days   16 years  

Automotive service technicians and mechanic:   $33,780
61,576 hours   7,697 days   30 years  

Bartenders:  $16,350
127,226 hours   15,901 days   61 years  

Bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks:  $30,560
68,074 hours   8,508 days   33 years  

Carpenters: $36,550
56,915 hours   7,113 days   27 years  

Child, family and school social workers:  $37,480
55,494 hours   6,937 days   27 years  

Choreographers:  $34,660
60,024 hours   7,501 days   29 years

Coaches and scouts at colleges, universities  and professional schools:  $37,530
55,432 hours   6,928 days   27 years

Computer and information systems managers:  $101,580
20,475 hours   2,560 days   10 years

Computer applications software engineers: $79,780
26,069 hours   3,259 days   13 years

Computer support specialists:  $41,470
50,150 hours   6,260 days   24 years

Dental hygienists:  $62,800
33,124 hours   4,140 days   16 years

Desktop publishers: $34,130
60,938 hours   7,618 days   29 years

Elementary school principal: $82,414
25,240 hours   3,155 days   12 years

Executive secretaries and administrative assistants:  $37,240
55,866 hours   6,982 days   27 years  

Hairdressers, hairstylists and cosmetologists:  $21,320
97,561 hours  12,195 days  47 years  

Librarians, local government:  $44,960
46,254 hours   5,783 days   22 years

Middle school teachers, except special and vocational education: $46,300
44,924 hours   5,615 days   22 years

Network systems and data communications analysts:  $64,600
32,154 hours   4,032 days   15 years

Personal financial advisers: $66,120
26,896 hours   3,932 days   15 years

Photographers: $26,170
79,491 hours   9,935 days   38 years

Pharmacists: $94,520
22,007 hours   2,751 days   11 years

Physical therapists: $66,200
31,417 hours   3,927 days   15 years

Police and sheriff's patrol officers: $47,460
43,821 hours   5,479 days   21 years

Post-secondary teachers: $56,120
37,064 hours   4,633 days   18 years

Retail salespersons, department stores: $19,610
106,045 hours 13,259 days  51 years

Special education teachers, preschool, kindergarten and elementary school: $46,360
44,863 hours   5,608 days   22 years

Technical writers: $58,050
35,829 hours   4,479 days   17 years

Travel agent:  $29,210
71,225 hours   8,900 days   34 years

Veterinarians: $71,990
28,893 hours   3,611 days   14 years

*Salary data based on median annual salary data as reported by the BLS.
**Hours, days and years figures are rounded to the nearest whole number.

 How Long Till You Earn Your First Million? - AOL Find a Job              
     

  There are multiple factors for calculating who is to blame for America's Mortgage Disaster.  I agree with many that there has to be personal responsibility.  "Financial Risks" and/or "Speculation" in the beginning were more than likely the most to blame. However, now that the economy is feeling the "domino affect" from investment risks that have gone bad and now for the past year, and probably for the next year to come, other factors will be seen.  And now because of the economy suffering, the question still remains, how many more people will loose their homes before the domino affect of the housing mess comes to an end?    

Who's to Blame for America's Mortgage Mess? http://www.freemoneyfinance.com/2007/08/whos-to-blame-

f.html  

There's been a ton of finger-pointing going on in regards to the sub-prime mortgage mess here in America. Banks are to blame -- investors are to blame -- the government is to blame -- individuals are to blame. No one wants to take responsibility for their own actions (what's new about that?) but sure can tell you why it's someone else's fault.   All financial planners, advisors, brokers, investment advisors, tax planners -- all the groups set up to "help" you with your money -- are compensated for doing so. Some (most?) are knowledgeable and fair (that's not to say their services are worth the cost, but that's a different post). But because money is involved, many will do close to whatever it takes to get you to buy whatever they are selling. And if that means setting up a deal that's good for them and bad for you, they'll do it. That's why you need to educate yourself about personal finances -- so you can at least understand the basics of what any advisor might recommend.  As such, I have no doubt that some mortgage holders were "duped" into signing up for a bad mortgage. Maybe even a good amount -- 20% or so (this number is a big guess on my part -- it's just my sense of how high this part of the problem could be.) But who's fault is that?

Clearly, lenders, investors, and homeowners should step up to the plate here -- not taxpayers. In a hearing on the crisis in March, Schumer said families were "teased into unsuitable subprime loans."  "Teased into"? What kind of language is this? When did we transform from being a culture of opportunity to a culture of victimization? Taking out a mortgage is a choice, and choices have consequences. If we want to own our financial successes, we also have to own our financial mistakes.  And what kind of message does a government bailout send to Americans who did things the right way? People who had a job, paid their bills on time, built solid credit scores, saved for a down payment, read their loan terms, and scrutinized their budgets to make sure they could afford not only the mortgage payments, but the taxes, insurance and maintenance on their homes?

  - House Foreclosures - The Main Causes - Have They Changed?   http://opportunitiesaplenty.com/Debt_Blog/2008/01/_hou

se_foreclosures_the_main_causes_have.html      

It doesn't take a rocket scientist or an economist to realize that the economy (which has recently, to a significant extent, been supported by the rapidly appreciating housing market and rising home equities) as a whole is going to be affected in a negative way when real estate appreciation stops, and worse, the foreclosures rise. According to RealtyTrac, the leading experts on real estate foreclosures, there were about 600,000 foreclosures filed in the United States in Q4 of 2007. That represents approximately a 250% increase foreclosure filings during the prime of the residential real estate boom, Q4 of 2005. By any standards, 250% is not an inconsequential number.     What are the causes of this dramatic increase in house foreclosures, and house foreclosures in general? Traditionally the top 3 causes of foreclosure for residential mortgage holders have been medical problems, divorce, and unemployment. Has this changed as foreclosure numbers continue to do their Sir Edmund Hillary impersonation? If the causes of foreclosure have changed, does this also change what the average troubled homeowner can do to prevent them? According to statistics released from Countrywide financial in the summer of 2007 the traditional top three causes of foreclosure are still at the top. Interestingly, the Countrywide statistics attribute adjustable rate mortgage payment adjustment as the cause of only 1.4% of foreclosures. Weather or not the increased mortgage payments were contributory in any of the other foreclosures was not revealed.

  Countrywide did attribute 6.1% of foreclosures to investors who were unable to sell their properties in a softening real estate market. Presumably such investors would be more likely to let properties fall into foreclosure than would homeowners facing a similar situation with their primary residence. That could possibly account for part of the relatively high percentage of foreclosures experienced by these investors. As an aside, Countrywide indicates they have modified approximately 81,000 mortgages to help prevent mortgage holders from falling into foreclosure, while the Mortgage Bankers Association just reported that 54,000 such modifications took place industry wide in Q3, 2007. Do these numbers add up? Countrywide may be counting some of the 180,000+ mortgage holders who restructured their payment plans with lenders in the same Q3 of last year. The MBA indicated that the difference between a payment adjustment and a modification is that modifications include interest rate adjustments.  

If you do need a mortgage however, times have never been better to get one, if you can pry the money from your lender’s clammy fingers, as mortgage interest rates have dropped to near record lows. As this is written, Bankrate.com is reporting the average interest rate on a 30 year, fixed rate mortgage is an attractive 5.31%, while a 15 year loan will reward you with an average 4.82%. This points to the importance of refinancing an ARM, if in fact you still have one. Most people who have an ARM have already been frightened into converting to a fixed rate mortgage by the voluminous press regarding foreclosures and other mortgage problems.

If you have not done so, and you’re not planning on selling your house soon, it would be prudent to take advantage of these low rates. Not to sound like one of those ads we all hate for mortgage lenders, but it really is a good idea. It amazes me that so many people bought well over their heads using one of the plethora of creative mortgage products that were introduced in the first 6 years of this decade. If you were one of these folks, take advantage of the silver lining that our current economic fears have spawned, historically low mortgage interest rates (that we thought would never be back).

Marriage Problems Due to Foreclosures

http://www.foreclosuredataonline.com/blog/foreclosu

res/marriage-problems-due-foreclosures/

With the current economic situation, married couples are facing additional financial pressures when it comes to making the ever increasing house payments and the very real possibility of foreclosure couples. Experts are saying that these factors are beginning to play a role in the ending of marriages. The current housing crisis in the United States has created problems in the banking industry, the real estate industry, and the mortgage industry. These problems have consumers facing an increase in mortgage payments and in the near future these payments and the inability to pay them may cause foreclosures to go higher than they are now. All of these financial problems are also bringing about more and more divorces. Typically, the three main reasons for  foreclosures are health problems, loss of job or a divorce. Though experts say that it is too soon to conclusively link divorce to the country’s foreclosure problems a real estate agent in Florida has stated that in the past three months they have acquired five housing listings that are divorce sales. In each of the cases, the divorce came about because of the obligation to meet mortgage payments. Because of the increased pressure in trying to pay the mortgage, couples have begun blaming each other. Instead of working together to solve the problem they think it is easier to break up. The problem all of these couples have is that no one is capable of making the decision on how much to sell their home for. Financial problems caused by varying mortgage rates do a lot to strain a relationship. The funny thing about human nature is when people are having no serious financial problems, they are happy, they laugh and they are in love. However when times get hard people with turn on each other It is believed that once statistics about mortgage and divorce are put together, people will see a trend. This trend may continue as long as the prices of real estate continues to go down There are several couples that cannot face increasing bills, increased mortgage payments and decide it is better for all concerned to just part ways. Many real estate agents say that across the country mortgage problems are leading to more foreclosures and in turn the foreclosures are leading to more divorces.

Six years ago, the state of Nevada was the number one state for divorce. The city of Reno, Nevada had the largest number of divorces. Evansville Indiana and Las Vegas trailed behind Reno. Even though there are no current studies that connect foreclosure to divorce rates, money problems are one of the primary reasons that couples in the country today get divorced. A poll done by divorce360.com rated money problems as the number one reason for divorce while abuse was the number one reason for divorce. Psychologist say there is very clear data about divorce and money. If you do not have money, financial problems can make a marriage unstable. If the couple is having difficulty making their marriage stable, this can cause a divorce.

The US economy lost 49,000 net jobs in May and the official unemployment rate shot up by half a percentage point in the sharpest month-to-month increase since 1986, according to figures released Friday by the Labor Department. Oil prices rocketed upwards the same day, posting an increase of more than $10 a barrel.

The steep jump in unemployment—from 5.0 to 5.5 percent—came as a surprise to analysts, who had been predicting an increase rise of only 0.1 percent. May’s net payroll reduction followed a drop of 28,000 jobs in April, and was the fifth consecutive monthly fall. Payrolls have fallen by 324,000 since the year began.

The housing and financial downturns also took a toll on employment figures; housing construction payrolls fell by 34,000, after a drop of 52,000 in April. The service sector lost 8,000 jobs, and retail dropped by 27,000 jobs, while a further 1,000 jobs were lost in the finance. These figures correlate with the latest consumer confidence numbers, which dropped to their lowest level in 15 years. Consumer spending growth likewise reached its lowest level since the 2001 recession.

Wall Street’s frenzied reaction to the news may be attributable to the critical role of consumer spending in propping up the US economy. Since consumers are so heavily in debt and have lost large amounts of equity through the collapse of the housing bubble, any decrease in employment—and hence income—will likely to manifest itself directly in further defaults and foreclosures. These would in turn further destabilize credit markets, restricting lending and leading to more layoffs.

James Knightley, at ING Group, told the Financial Times: “We expect that the labour market will continue to weaken... This is bad news for the household sector, which is already having to cope with negative real wage growth, falling house prices and more expensive borrowing. This will continue to depress consumer spending and will, in our view, help to keep activity depressed for longer than financial markets are currently discounting.”

In tandem with the unemployment statistics, home foreclosures reached record levels in the first quarter. According to a figures released by the Mortgage Bankers Association, 8.82 percent of US home mortgages are either already in foreclosure or close to it. The association reported that 2.47 percent of home mortgages had been foreclosed upon in the first quarter, almost double the rate of 1.28 percent in the first quarter of 2007. The percentage of mortgages in default—i.e., those whose borrowers have fallen behind on their payments, but have not yet been foreclosed—jumped by 4.84 percent to 6.35 percent in the same period. This is despite the fact that the Federal Reserve has cut interest rates by more than half during that time.

As borrowers have increasingly run out of options for refinancing and as home values have continued to plummet, a greater proportion of those who fall behind on payments end up being foreclosed. Moreover, the newest figures indicate that mortgages previously considered to have low default risk are showing increasing rates of foreclosure. Christopher Mayer, a Real Estate professor at Columbia Business school, told the Washington Post: “The recent increases have been coming from the safer group of borrowers. They are the next shoe to come down.”

What happened?  I've read many places where we are being told that the housing market is getting better, however continued numbers are stating a different scenario.  How many people think that as the election continues the housing market, inflation, and the high cost of fuel will be used as a marketing tool to persuade our votes to go one way or another?  It's interesting how we are left to suffer to benefit those of the election party!

73,000 homes lost to foreclosure in May

Filings for the month jumped by 48%. Nevada, California, and Florida continue to bear the brunt of the crisis.

 By Les Christie, CNNMoney.com staff writer Last Updated: June 13, 2008: 8:20 AM EDT   http://money.cnn.com/2008/06/13/real_estate/foreclosu
r
es_may/index.htm?postversion=2008061305  

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- The housing crisis grew worse in May, as more than 73,000 American families lost their homes to bank repossessions, up a staggering 158% from the 28,548 households that were dispossessed in May 2007.

Foreclosure filings of all kinds, including default notices, notices of sheriff's sales and bank repossessions, were up 48% from May 2007, according to the latest release from RealtyTrac, the online marketer of foreclosed properties. Filings increased 7% from April.

"May was the 29th straight month we've seen a year-over-year increase," RealtyTrac's CEO James Saccacio said in a statement.

The report follows months of increasingly gloomy housing market conditions with home prices, existing home sales and new housing starts all plummeting. The S&P Case/Shiller Home Price Index posted a record 14.1% decline in national home prices for the 12 months ending March 31, while April's existing-home sales were down 17.5% year over year.

Worst-hit cities

Nevada remained the most troubled default state for the 17th consecutive month. One out of every 118 households there received some kind of foreclosure filing during May, up 24% from the previous month and 72% from a year ago.

California led the nation in the sheer volume of filings, with nearly 72,000 properties in some stage of default, which works out to one out of every 183 households. More than 20,000 Californians lost their homes, more than any other state.

Florida recorded over 37,000 filings and 4,300 bank repossessions. Nine of the top 10 cities with the most foreclosure filings were in either Florida or California.

Stockton, Calif., was the worst-hit city last month, with one filing for every 75 households. Cape Coral, Fla., where one out of every 79 homes received a filing, was second. Other hard-hit places were Merced, Calif., which ranked third, Modesto, Calif., which was fourth and Riverside, Calif., which was fifth.

Las Vegas was the only city outside of California and Florida to crack the top 10. In May it had one filing for every 96 households - about five times the national average - which put it in sixth place.

Default rates will rise for many more months, according to RealtyTrac vice president Rick Sharga, who thinks that there could be another 18 months of this activity left. Several factors will continue to boost filings.

"We haven't even seen the full effects of the Alt-As (mostly loans issued without verification of income and assets) yet," said Sharga. Many of these mortgages are option ARMs, negative amortization loans that let borrowers make very small, minimum payments that don't even cover the interest they owe each month. But soon, these payments will spike.

Also driving foreclosures is the fact that more people are walking away from homes they bought at the top of the market that have since lost a lot of value, according to Keith Gumbinger of HSH Associates, a publisher of mortgage industry data.

"These people are looking at the present value of their homes and at their debts and saying, 'What's the point of paying the mortgage?'" said Gumbinger. "We may have not finished wringing these people out of the market yet."

Sharga says that price declines are probably the market's biggest problem right now. "If prices stabilize, foreclosures will too," he said.

As more people than ever are losing their homes, some state and local governments are trying to slow the foreclosure tsunami. Colorado has extended the initial default period to as much as 125 days, and Maryland has increased it to 150 days.

In Philadelphia, homeowner's can't be foreclosed on without having the opportunity to go through a court-sponsored reconciliation session.

Additionally, the administration's foreclosure prevention initiative Hope Now says it has helped over one million at-risk borrowers avoid foreclosure.

These measures help, according to Sharga, but to really break the spiral, more intervention on the federal level may be needed.

"The quickest solution is to get buyers buying again," he said. "The government may have to take some strong action to make that happen." 

 Has your wage increases kept up with inflation/cost of living increases?

Many are starting to understand what people are talking about when they hear the term "Middle Class Squeeze."   Take for example, most businesses today has adopted the "cost of living" increase as a form of "pay raise" instead of the old $ 1.00 to $ 2.00 per hour raises that were given way back when for hard work, continued education, and continued growth in skills that benefit the company.  So for many who have stayed in a company for 5 to 10 years, are they truly bringing home the pay level that is deserved?

 Take for instance an individual who stays in the same company for many years, not really moving around, staying in the same position, but the skills have increased from continuous education and training.  Each year, a cost of living raise is given, ranging anywhere from 2.3 to 3.9%. 

The inflation rate is about 4%, but realistically most people know the real inflation rate is closer to probably 6% or 7%. So each year the individual that receives the cost of living increase as a raise has around 3% to 4% less buying power then they did the year before or in prior years as well.

A couple of things to think about, more companies require degrees for certain areas. If one chooses per say to have a career with the City, State, or Government, over period of time one could possibly loose 20% - 45% of their standard living.  How will this affect our children coming out of college in the next few years? Can a student afford to repay a student loan, and be able to afford the cost of living that we are at right now? And, how long do you think it will be before the "Middle Class" is stomped down to the level of being considered among the poor, leaving us with only two classes, either being rich or poor?

Inflation getting 'uglier and uglier'

Surging energy prices help drive annual cost-of-living rate rise to 4.2%.

 By Aaron Smith, CNNMoney.com staff writer Last Updated: June 13, 2008: 10:21 AM EDT

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- The cost of living rose in May as consumers were belted by energy costs, the government said Friday.  The Consumer Price Index, a key inflation reading, rose 4.2% through the 12 months ended in May, according to the Labor Department. This compared to an increase of 3.9% during the 12 months ended in April.  For the month of May, overall CPI rose 0.6%, compared to an increase of 0.2% in April. That's the biggest increase since last November, when the overall CPI surged 0.9%. A consensus of analysts interviewed by Briefing.com had projected an increase of 0.5% for May.

The dramatic increase in energy costs were largely responsible for the overall inflation. Energy costs rose 4.4% in May, and surged 17.4% over the 12 months ending in May, the Labor Department said  "These (CPI) numbers are nowhere near to what we're seeing in the real world," said Peter Beutel, energy analyst for Cameron Hanover, who believed the "real" cost of living has increased at a higher rate than the index shows. "But even these diluted numbers are showing that inflation is getting uglier and uglier and uglier."   Beutel said this puts more pressure on the Federal Reserve to increase the federal funds rate, which he thinks could happen in August or September. The rate is currently at 2%.  The higher that inflation is, the sooner the Fed has to raise rates to help keep a lid on prices," said Beutel.  The index for fuel oil rose 10.4% in May and soared 64% over the 12 months. The gasoline index rose 5.7% in May and surged 20.8% on a year-over-year basis. The index for natural gas rose 5.6% in May, and was up 16.5% over the last year.

Electricity costs also increased, but less dramatically, edging up 0.9% in May, and rising 5.8% over the last 12 months.  As a result, transportation costs increased 2% in May, and jumped 8.1% over the 12 months ending in May. The index for household energy costs climbed 2.8% in May, its fourth consecutive jump, the Labor Department said.  The price of food also pushed up overall costs. Food costs increased 0.3% in May, and jumped 5.1% during the 12 months ending in May. The price of milk was a big influence on the overall price, increasing 10.2% over the 12 months, despite slipping 0.7% in May. The cost of clothing was the one area where consumers got some relief. Apparel costs deflated 0.2% in May, and decreased 0.4% over the 12 months.  The core CPI, which excludes the cost of food and energy, rose 0.2% in May, compared to an increase of 0.1% in April. A consensus of analysts interviewed by Briefing.com had projected an increase of 0.2% for May.

The core CPI rose 2.3% during the 12 months ending in May. 

http://money.cnn.com/2008/06/13/news/economy/CPI/in
dex.htm?cnn=yes

Dictionary meaning of Rapture:  the carrying of a person to another place or sphere of existence. The Rapture, Theology. the experience, anticipated by some fundamentalist Christians, of meeting Christ midway in the air upon his return to earth. Archaic. the act of carrying off.  

* I personally believe that "Rapture" may mean "spiritual resurrection" to some. But I see many relaying the meaning by stating "they can't wait for the day to be carried off."  And from the meaning below, since the word "Rapture" is not stated in the King James Bible, is it that the meaning of "Rapture" is a form of meaning in being taken away from the "Actual Truth?"

READ THIS MEANING CAREFULLY:  Online Etymology Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
rapture 
1600, "act of carrying off," from M.Fr. rapture, from M.L. raptura "seizure, rape, kidnapping," from L. raptus "a carrying off" (see rapt). Originally of women and cognate with rape (v.). Sense of "spiritual ecstasy" first recorded 1629

In reference to the book of Revelations - many teachers teach an interpretation that when Jesus returns for the 2nd time, we will automatically be "raptured" out of here.  In the Book of Ezekiel, scripture tells us that God is against those who teach His children to "fly away."  That is what Satan (or evil doers) want us to do. Satan wants us to "fly away" from Jesus and not stand with Jesus, nor bow to Jesus, nor to put the "Gospel Armor of The Truth" on in order to stand with Jesus to fight against Satan.  If we have work to do for Jesus in the here and now on Earth, what would make that change with the 2nd coming of Christ?  Scriptures state that in the millennium, we will be present with our Lord and will dwell with Him where He is. So as stated in the Book of Revelations, when we come to dwell together with our Lord - why would we want to "fly away?"  Again, no where in the Bible does it mention anything about the "rapture."  This is one of man's interpretation of what he believes he is reading and therefore, for the sake of money, and/or because Satan has entered this man's way of thinking, teaches this "Falseness" to God's children.

The Catholic and Orthodox churches as well as the "Reformed" denominations have no tradition of such a teaching and reject the doctrine, in part because they cannot find any reference to it among any of the early Church fathers. Some also reject it because they interpret prophetic scriptures in either an a millennial or post millennial fashion, as being more spiritual than physical.  In a Catholic Bible, e.g. The Douay Rheims Bible, 1 Thes 4:15~17 and 1 Cor 51~55 seem clear on this subject. These passages describe "The resurrection of the living" or "First resurrection" which other denominations have named "The Rapture."

Studying the Scriptures of the Bible, it has been questioned about the timing of the 2nd coming.  There are speculations that the time is beginning now, or even started back in 1948, will we see it's completion in our life time?  Or will the time reference "One day with the Lord is equivalent to 1,000 years" come into play? Or does Humanity have a long way to go and plenty of chances remaining to still make it right?  After all, isn't that what the Bible, God's Word is trying to tell us? 

I for one would like to know, if "Rapture" is not mentioned in the Bible itself, and even the Bible is against it, why is man teaching it?  The Book of Revelation tells us to be very careful of those who teach "false prophecies."  Also, along with the Book of Revelation, other Books in the Bible tell us repeatedly to not let any man take away or distort our abilities to learn the Word of God, The Truth, and live the way God wants us to live. We are all God's children - no one is better that the other, no matter what our age is.  Continuously study and research the Bible daily - find the Truth for yourself and not man's interpretation.

Ezekiel 13:20:  Wherefore thus saith the Lord God: Behold, I am against your pillows wherewith ye there hunt the souls to make them fly, and I will tear them from your arms, and will let the souls go, even the souls that ye hunt to make them fly. Clearly in

Ezekiel 13:  God despises false prophets. "I am against those who teach my people to fly away to save their soul - God has work for us to do.  Put the Gospel Armour on, and save souls through the Holy Spirit - to save those from the temptation of Satan (or just plain evil).  The word Rapture is not in the Bible and because of this not being a written word in the Bible, it should be considered a false doctrine.  Even in the Book of:

Luke 21-12-25:  21:8 = Don't be deceived.  Message about the end of times - You will be dragged into synagogues (synagogues of Satan) and prisons and you will be accused before kings and governors of being My followers.  This will be your opportunity to tell them about Me (Jesus).  So don't worry about how to answer the charges against you, for I will give you the right words and such wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to reply. Jesus tells about his return - So when all of these things begin to happen, stand straight, and look up, for your Salvation is near. 

Luke 2:34:  Jesus tells about remaining watchful. Keep a constant watch, and pray that if possible, you may escape these horrors, and stand before the Son of Man.  Don't let Me find you living in careless ease and drunkenness, and filled with the worries of this life.  Don't let that day catch you unaware. And then we have:

1st Timothy-   This Book teaches us that we preserve the Christian Faith by teaching Sound Doctrine and modeling right living.  We must know the Truth in order to defend it. We must truly believe that Christ came to save us. We should stay away from those who twist the words of the Bible for their own purposes.  Then goes on to teach us against False Teachings.

Don't let people waste time in endless speculation over myths and spiritual pedigrees.  For these things only cause arguments;  they don't help people live a life of faith in God.  The purpose of my instruction (Paul to Timothy) is that all the Christians, there would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and sincere faith.

1st Timothy 1:3-4:  Stay away from religious speculation and pointless theological arguments. They expend time we should use to share the good news with others.  You should avoid anything that keeps you from doing God's work.

 1st Timothy 1:3-11:  How can you recognize false teaching? (1) It promotes controversies instead of helping people come to Jesus. (2) It is often initiated by those whose motivation is to make a name for themselves. (3) It will be contrary to the true teaching of the Scriptures. To protect yourself from the deception of false teachers, you should learn what the Bible teaches and remain steadfast in your Faith in Christ alone.

Revelation 22:17:  "And the Spirit and the bride say, Come, And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water freely."  (King James Bible) Meaning from the Life Application Study Bible in correlation with the King James Bible, Salvation cannot be earned, but God gives it freely. We live in a world desperately thirsty for living water (The Truth) and many are dying of thirst.  But it's still not too late, let us invite everyone to come and drink.

Revelation 22:18 - 22:21:  (again from the study of the King James Bible in correlation with the Life Application Study Bible)  This warning is given to those who might purposefully distort the message in the Bible.  Moses gave a similar warning in Deuteronomy.  We, too, must handle the Bible with care and great respect so that we do not distort it's message, even unintentionally.  We should be quick to put it's principles into practice in our own life.  No human explanation or interpretation of God's Word should be elevated to the same authority as the text itself.

The Book of Revelation ends with an urgent plea, "Come, Lord Jesus!"  In a world of problems, persecution, evil, and immorality, Christ calls us to endure in our Faith.  Our efforts to better our World are important, but the results cannot compare with the transformation that Jesus will bring about when He returns. Jesus alone controls human history, forgives sins, and will re-create the Earth and bring lasting peace.

Revelation is, above all, a book of hope. It shows that no matter what happens on Earth, God is in control.  It promotes that evil will not last forever. And it depicts the wonderful reward that is waiting for all of those who believe in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  Note: In reading the Book of Revelation, if these words are seen and understood as the following: "waters" are the people, "tongue's" are the Word, the "two edged sword" is "God's Truth, it may be helpful in reading through the parables of what's written. Again, below is in reference to both studies from the King James Bible in correlation with The Life Application Study Bible:

Revelation 1:4-6:  The Trinity - The Father ("the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come), The Holy Spirit ("The Sevenfold Spirit), and the Son (Jesus Christ) is the source of all truth.

Revelation 2:6:  We should accept and love all people and refuse to tolerate any evil.  God cannot tolerate sin and He expects us to "stand against it."  The world needs Christians, who will stand for God's Truth and point people toward right living.  (So in knowing this, why would we want to be raptured out of here?  It does not make sense!)

Revelation 11:1-11:2:  John measured the Temple to show that God is building walls of protection around His people to spare them from spiritual harm and that there is a place reserved for all believers who remain faithful to God. This is a way of saying the true believers will be protected through persecution, but those who refuse to believe will be destroyed.

 Revelation 11:10:  Sinful people hate those who call attention to their sins and who urge them to repent (or change). They hated Christ and they hate His Followers.  When you obey Christ and take a stand against sin, be prepared to experience the world's hatred.  But remember the that the great reward is awaiting you in heaven far out weighs any suffering that you face now.

Revelation 12:6-12:11:  God will not let Satan take the souls of God's true followers. As we face the battle with Satan, we should not fear it or try to escape from it, but we should loyally serve Christ who alone brings victory. 

Revelation 13:10-13:18:  Don't fall into Satan's trap and turn away from God when hard times come.  Instead use those tough times as opportunities for growth. Throughout the Bible we see miracles performed as proof of God's power, love, and authority, but here we see counterfeit miracles performed to deceive. This is a reminder of Pharaoh's magicians, who duplicated Moses signs in Egypt, true signs and miracles point to Jesus Christ, but miracles alone can be deceptive.  That is why we must ask with respect to each miracle we see, is it consistent with what God says in the Bible.  The second beast order's the people to worship a statue in honor of the first beast - a direct flouting of the second commandment allowing the Bible to guide our faith, and practice will keep us from being deceived by false signs, however convincing they appear to be, Any teaching that contradicts God's Word is False.  (I find it interesting that Saddam Hussein erected a statue of himself and was brought down, which statue do you think is next?)

 I could go on with the Book of Revelations, the Book of Ezekiel, and many other's that do not promote any such thing called the "Rapture."  So when referring to the Bible and it's written context, as the Bible even states, in studying word for word, we should not add to it, nor should we change the meaning of what's already written.

And with the timing of Revelation, many do speculate that the "Year of the Fig Tree" began in 1948.  And "Babylon of Old" is Iraq today, (know who the king of Babylon is: Satan).  Saddam Hussein was in the process of rebuilding the "Babylon of Old, " refer to the Book of Daniel.  This will be saved for another topic of discussion.

So in knowing this, if presented with a choice of flying away or defending God, The Word of God, The True belief in Jesus, would you "fly" or would you stay and defend what is needed to be done?  I for one plan on staying and keep leaving each day in Faith and Truth that the Word of God will prevail and will be done as stated in the Bible.

With all of the congestion and the price of fuel, why is there such a lack of interest from the residents of the Central Florida Region to consider a better source of public transportation?  Even with tons of taxpayer money being dumped into the major highways, and continued construction of roads and major highways,  this still has not relieved the congestion as anticipated.  Perhaps Florida should adopt the same concept as the London congestion charges.  This was argued over, but at least it made the citizens stand up and take notice of other alternative ways to travel.  How often do we complain about sitting in traffic, I know I do.  It used to be 4 pm around Orlando when the congestion started, but now if you're not out of there by 3 pm, trouble begins.  Is it perhaps society is stuck with the everyday concept of driving out of habit, or is it being in control of our own destiny, leaving and going when we want to?  I for one would ride the rail or more public transportation if it were easily available.  But lets face it, the public transportation needs to adopt the idea to simulate the tourist transportation that has been developed mainly by Disney.  Transportation around Disney is fun and is a whole lot faster than driving on our own from place to place within the attraction. So if it works there, why wouldn't better public transportation make us take notice and become more interested in it?  I guess  individuals are alike in all Countries, in order to make changes, we have to be forced by paying additional taxes.

Major Highways (through MyFlorida.com)

 Interstate 4 is Orlando's primary major interstate highway, the interstate begins in Daytona Beach and travels across the mid-section of the state directly through Orlando ending in Tampa. As a key connector to Orlando's suburbs, downtown, area attractions, and both coasts; I-4 commonly experiences heavy traffic and congestion.

 East-West Expressway (Toll 408) is a major highway managed by the Orlando-Orange County Expressway Authority. The highway intersects with I-4 in Downtown Orlando providing a key artery for residents commuting from eastern and western suburbs including the University of Central Florida area. The highway also intersects with the Central Florida Greeneway (Toll 417) and the Florida Turnpike. The I-4/408 interchange is currently undergoing a major construction project that will create multiple fly-over bridges and connectors to ease heavy traffic flows. In addition, lane expansions, new toll plazas, and sound barriers are being added throughout the highway.

Beach-line Expressway (Toll 528) provides key access to the Orlando International Airport and serves as a gateway to the Atlantic coast, specifically Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral.

Central Florida Greeneway (Toll 417) is a key highway for East Orlando, the highway is also managed by the Orlando-Orange County Expressway Authority and serves as Orlando's eastern beltway. The highway intersects with the East-West Expressway (Toll 408), the Beach-line Expressway (Toll 528), and begins and ends on Interstate 4. The highway is often praised for its green scenery and generally light traffic, however, recently the highway has seen a rapid rise in drivers during rush hours.

Florida Turnpike is a major highway that connects northern Florida with Orlando and Miami. It is the gateway to Miami.

Daniel Webster Western Beltway (Toll 429) serves as Orlando's western beltway. The highway serves as a new "back entrance" to Walt Disney World from Orlando's northwestern suburbs including Apopka.

Rush Hours

Orlando currently ranks 8th in the nation for traffic congestion, surpassing Miami and other major cities. According to a recent national study by the Texas Transportation Institute; the average Orlando Resident spends about 520 hours per year stuck in traffic. Heavy traffic is unpredictable, however, rush hours (peak traffic hours) are usually weekday mornings (after 7am) and afternoons (after 3pm). There are various traffic advisory resources available for commuters including dialing 511 5-1-1 (a free automated traffic advisory system provided by the Florida Department of Transportation, available by cell-phone or land-line by dialing 511), visiting the Florida 511 Web site, listening to traffic reports on major radio stations, and reading electronic traffic advisory displays (also called Dynamic Message Signs, information is also provided by FDOT) on the major highways and roadways.

Is A Congestion Tax The Answer For Commuters? http://www.independent.org/newsroom/news_detail.asp?n
ewsID=83

 A proposal to tax commuters was among the key items in President Bush’s just-released budget request. Congestion taxing—also known as cordon pricing—would involve setting up electronic systems throughout the city, which would tax commuters as they commute during rush hour. Transportation Economist Gabriel Roth, is available to discuss congestion pricing as well as alternatives, such as road privatization. Roth is a research fellow with the Independent Institute and editor of Street Smart: Competition, Entrepreneurship, and the Future of Roads, with a foreword by Transportation Secretary Mary Peters. The DOT estimates the total cost of U.S. congestion at about $200 billion annually, or almost 2% of GDP, counting wasted fuel, delays, environmental costs and increased inventory needs. “Road funding has been mismanaged by politicians long enough,” says transportation economist Roth. “The time has come to unleash the power of the private sector to deliver to road users the innovation, cost savings, quality and choice we take for granted in telecommunications and other services.” “Free markets work!” wrote Transportation Secretary Mary Peters in her foreword for Street Smart. “The same market forces that took us from Ma Bell’s black, boxy, static rotary dial telephone to today’s era of wide consumer choice can relieve congestion.” Last year Chicago was paid $1.83 billion for a 99-year lease of its only toll road, the 7.8-mile (12.6-kilometer) Skyway. Last June Indiana leased its only toll road for 75 years, reaping $3.85 billion for the 157-mile highway. And more recently, Pennsylvania has accepted bids to privatize the PA Turnpike. Whatever the path may be, congestion taxing or road privatization, it is without a doubt that transportation funding lies heavily on all officials’ plates.

Perhaps due to the all information above, easier public transportation should be re-considered by all Central Florida Residents.  Below is the link to the Rail Information,

   Changing the Way Central Florida Travels http://www.cfrail.com/  (provides the map of the rail as well)

Traffic congestion is a growing concern for those who live, work and visit Central Florida. As our region continues to grow at a staggering pace, that congestion will only get worse. Though there is no one magic bullet to solve our traffic woes, several different modes of transportation options working together – know as "intermodal" in transportation-speak – is a proven way to ease the gridlock.
That's why the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), in cooperation with the federal government and local officials in Orange, Seminole, Volusia and Osceola counties and the city of Orlando, is advancing a commuter rail transit project to run along a 61-mile stretch of existing rail freight tracks in the four-county area. The 31-mile Phase 1 segment would serve 12 stations, linking DeBary to Orlando. Phase II would serve 5 additional stations, north to DeBary and south to Poinciana. Service is expected to begin in 2011 – just as FDOT starts a major I-4 reconstruction project through the heart of Central Florida.

I am sure however from the main construction, just like our major highways, that more links would be set up in order to link more outer cities together.

We really have to be thankful for the weather we are experiencing in Florida, some people that we know, however are not so lucky right now. I thought I would share their incredible photos and discussion

======================

As so eloquently memorialized in the 'The Treasure of the Sierra Madre'  'Rain? We don't need no stinkin' RAIN!'

Seriously, my thoughts and prayers go out to everyone in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin who have been impacted by flooding from all the rain over the last week.  I live about 10 miles from the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers and a whole lot of that rain ends up here one way or another.  The Mississippi forms the northern boundary and the Missouri the eastern and southern boundaries of the county I live in.  40% of St. Charles County was under water in the '93 flood.  For every ones sake I hope this doesn't continue toward that level!

I guess I should also include those on the East coast who have also had their fill of rain and to those in the SE who are still recovering from the drought of the last 2 years.

Contrary to what any one says, 'Sandbagging' ain't no fun for no one!'   

========================

(From another individual) Everything around us was under water Saturday. The Root River was flowing over the bridges in my neighborhood.  They had a tornado close to Mayfair Mall, but fortunately it didn't touch the ground. Lake Delton in the WI Dells is gone. Took a big chunk out of CTY A and 4 homes so far were destroyed by erosion. The dam between Mirror Lake and Lake Delton is reported to be failing right now. The dam between Lake Delton and the WI river didn't break. The water eroded itself a new canal to the river after 12" of rain fell over the weekend. The 900 acre lake has less than 20% of the water left. Thanks for the update Rob.  Here's a photo of some of the damage at Lake Delton.    I think it was the house on the right that I saw video on the news tonight of it breaking in half from erosion and then floating away.




Another photo of the same houses..........

  I just spent the last 2 days in Iowa visiting family.  This morning a railroad bridge over the Cedar River in Cedar Rapids collapsed into the river. 

This photographer shot the first picture, turned away for a second, heard a loud roar and turned back to snap the 2nd picture.







The Cedar River is expected to crest Friday morning at 31.8' - well above 500 year flood plain projection.

The previous record crest was 20' set in 1851 and 1929.  In 24 hours from 7pm Wed to 7pm Thurs the river rose over 7 feet.  The entire downtown business area is already under water and 4,000 residents had been evacuated as of this morning. 

My family, thankfully lives far enough away from the river to not be affected.  Although their electric and water supply could go at any time and could then be off for 7-10 days.   I just heard they closed I-380 between Cedar Rapids and Iowa City.  I-80 is also closed east of Iowa City, between IC and Davenport.   

So that means that if  you want to get from Iowa City to Cedar Rapids, a distance of approximately 20 miles, the DOT is telling you to go west on I-80 to Des Moines, then north on I-35 to Hwy. 20, then east to Waterloo, then south on I-380. A total of 281 miles to get from IC to CR! 

This is truly amazing.  I for one dread the day I hear Jim Van Fleet give us this type of weather report!