Myanmar's foreign minister says the death toll from the cyclone could reach 100,000.
Think back for a moment to that horrible day in September, when hijacked planes were flown into the World Trade Center, or the devastation brought by Katrina. Their Combined death toll could end up being one 25 th the that of the Myanmar cyclone.
While the winds and water surge are acts of nature, the crisis has been made worse by the actions of the repressive government in Myanmar, and their unwillingness to reach out to the world for help. Barbara Bush spoke out trying to get that government to except the aid and help we have offered.
Tropical Cyclone Nargis hit the Southeast Asian country, formerly known as Burma, Saturday morning packing winds of up to 120 mph. Myanmar's largest city, Yangon, was particularly hard hit. The cyclone blew roofs off hospitals and schools and cut electricity in a large area of the country.
As we learned from Katrina, the death toll has a lot to do with the speed with which help can be delivered to those suffering. My heart goes out to the people, lets hope that their leaders begin to show the same passion for the people as they show for maintaining power.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Bush the most unpopular president in modern American history.
- While polls confirm that the current administration has the highest Disapproval record of any in modern times, it seems as if few people dislike president Bush personally.
A CNN/Opinion Research Corp. released A new poll that President Bush is the most unpopular president in modern American history and that 71 percent of the American's disapprove of his job as president."No president has ever had a higher disapproval rating in any CNN or Gallup Poll; in fact, this is the first time that any president's disapproval rating has cracked the 70 percent mark," said Keating Holland, CNN's polling director.CNN Senior Political Analyst Bill Schneider adds, "He is more unpopular than Richard Nixon was just before he resigned from the presidency in August 1974." His disapproval rating dropped to 66 percent.
It is clear, that the presidents numbers are tied to support for the war in Iraq and the poll a showed that support for the war in Iraq has never been lower.
Support for the war has plummeted from a high of 80% to it's current level where 68 percent of American are against the war."Americans are growing more pessimistic about the war," Holland said. "In January, nearly half believed that things were going well for the U.S. in Iraq; now that figure has dropped to 39 percent."
However for most Americans this is not a "Personal thing".
Interviewing people at a downtown Chicago mall, I heard frequent similar comments.
"Hey, I have nothing against the guy, I just think Bush has us going in the wrong way", Said, new mom, Susan Gardner.
"Yea, I voted for him, he seemed more trustworthy that Gore, and the Dems, I still think so; but this war is bad and getting worse" Said Paul Briani.
For better or worse, President Bush is forever tied to Iraq.
Larry Lubell
Larry@UrbanInsuranceAgency
A CNN/Opinion Research Corp. released A new poll that President Bush is the most unpopular president in modern American history and that 71 percent of the American's disapprove of his job as president."No president has ever had a higher disapproval rating in any CNN or Gallup Poll; in fact, this is the first time that any president's disapproval rating has cracked the 70 percent mark," said Keating Holland, CNN's polling director.CNN Senior Political Analyst Bill Schneider adds, "He is more unpopular than Richard Nixon was just before he resigned from the presidency in August 1974." His disapproval rating dropped to 66 percent.
It is clear, that the presidents numbers are tied to support for the war in Iraq and the poll a showed that support for the war in Iraq has never been lower.
Support for the war has plummeted from a high of 80% to it's current level where 68 percent of American are against the war."Americans are growing more pessimistic about the war," Holland said. "In January, nearly half believed that things were going well for the U.S. in Iraq; now that figure has dropped to 39 percent."
However for most Americans this is not a "Personal thing".
Interviewing people at a downtown Chicago mall, I heard frequent similar comments.
"Hey, I have nothing against the guy, I just think Bush has us going in the wrong way", Said, new mom, Susan Gardner.
"Yea, I voted for him, he seemed more trustworthy that Gore, and the Dems, I still think so; but this war is bad and getting worse" Said Paul Briani.
For better or worse, President Bush is forever tied to Iraq.
Larry Lubell
Larry@UrbanInsuranceAgency
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Gas prices to hit $5.00?
The $100 fill-up has arrived in the United States.
No more than a few years ago if someone would have told you that a fill-up could run upwards of $100; you would have laughed loudly to their face. No ones laughing now.
(But the execs at "Big Oil" Companies are wearing a grin). Crude Oil which had been trading at the $20 range, and had never hit $50, has now broken through $120 a barrel.
The national average for regular unleaded is $3.53 and rising daily. Last year at this time, people were complaining that it was $2.86 per gallon. According to AAA, 24 states and the District of Columbia are averaging at or above $3.50 a gallon for regular unleaded. Premium, which is required for many cars and SUVs can run 40 to 60 cents higher.
Once again, California is home to the nation's highest average gas prices.
•San Francisco $3.97 per gallon; last year $3.47
• Los Angeles $3.85; last year $3.32
• San Jose $3.89; last year $3.36
• Sacramento $3.86; last year $3.30
• San Diego $3.88; last year $3.35
As scary as these prices seem now, many are warning that Americans should expect the price to increase another 25 cents over the next month and continue to climb over the summer months.
"A national average approaching $4 a gallon for self serve regular is likely, with cities like Los Angeles, Chicago and New York seeing prices for Premium at over $4.75 per gallon. Those type of prices will be devastating to America's already weak economy. As you read this blog, millions of families are struggling to make their mortgage payments, many of which are adjusting dramatically upward. In fact America finds it's self in a recession while simultaneously suffering inflation. We also find that the government as well as individuals and business are deep in debt; as a result, our options are limited.
Now is an auful time to be trying to sell Motor Homes, but a great time to be selling mopeds and scooters. I have had customers of ours tell me they are "Putting away" their car and buying a 125 cc bike.The allure of 60 or 70 miles per gallon is too hard to pass up.
Get a Motorcycle Quote
Urban Insurance Agency can save you money on your motorcycle insurance.
Owning and maintaining a car has never been cheap. And, gas is one of the biggest, of those expenses. With gas prices at all time highs, this has never been truer. But you can save gas and save money if you follow the following tips.
No more than a few years ago if someone would have told you that a fill-up could run upwards of $100; you would have laughed loudly to their face. No ones laughing now.
(But the execs at "Big Oil" Companies are wearing a grin). Crude Oil which had been trading at the $20 range, and had never hit $50, has now broken through $120 a barrel.
The national average for regular unleaded is $3.53 and rising daily. Last year at this time, people were complaining that it was $2.86 per gallon. According to AAA, 24 states and the District of Columbia are averaging at or above $3.50 a gallon for regular unleaded. Premium, which is required for many cars and SUVs can run 40 to 60 cents higher.
Once again, California is home to the nation's highest average gas prices.
•San Francisco $3.97 per gallon; last year $3.47
• Los Angeles $3.85; last year $3.32
• San Jose $3.89; last year $3.36
• Sacramento $3.86; last year $3.30
• San Diego $3.88; last year $3.35
As scary as these prices seem now, many are warning that Americans should expect the price to increase another 25 cents over the next month and continue to climb over the summer months.
"A national average approaching $4 a gallon for self serve regular is likely, with cities like Los Angeles, Chicago and New York seeing prices for Premium at over $4.75 per gallon. Those type of prices will be devastating to America's already weak economy. As you read this blog, millions of families are struggling to make their mortgage payments, many of which are adjusting dramatically upward. In fact America finds it's self in a recession while simultaneously suffering inflation. We also find that the government as well as individuals and business are deep in debt; as a result, our options are limited.
Now is an auful time to be trying to sell Motor Homes, but a great time to be selling mopeds and scooters. I have had customers of ours tell me they are "Putting away" their car and buying a 125 cc bike.The allure of 60 or 70 miles per gallon is too hard to pass up.
Get a Motorcycle Quote
Urban Insurance Agency can save you money on your motorcycle insurance.
Owning and maintaining a car has never been cheap. And, gas is one of the biggest, of those expenses. With gas prices at all time highs, this has never been truer. But you can save gas and save money if you follow the following tips.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
The $100 fill-up has arrived in the United States.
No more than a few years ago if someone would have told you that a fill-up could run upwards of $100; you would have laughed loudly to their face. No ones laughing now.
(But the execs at "Big Oil" Companies are wearing a grin). Crude Oil which had been trading at the $20 range, and had never hit $50, has now broken through $120 a barrel.
The national average for regular unleaded is $3.53 and rising daily. Last year at this time, people were complaining that it was $2.86 per gallon. According to AAA, 24 states and the District of Columbia are averaging at or above $3.50 a gallon for regular unleaded.Premium, which is required for many cars and SUVs can run 40 to 60 cents higher. Once again, California is home to the nation's highest average gas prices.
•San Francisco $3.97 per gallon; last year $3.47
• Los Angeles $3.85; last year $3.32
• San Jose $3.89; last year $3.36
• Sacramento $3.86; last year $3.30
• San Diego $3.88; last year $3.35
As scary as these prices seem now, many are warning that Americans should expect the price to increase another 25 cents over the next month and continue to climb over the summer months.
"A national average approaching $4 a gallon for self serve regular is likely, with cities like Los Angeles, Chicago and New York seeing prices for Premium at over $4.75 per gallon. Those type of prices will be devastating to America's already weak economy. As you read this blog, millions of families are struggling to make their mortgage payments, many of which are adjusting dramatically upward. In fact America finds it's self in a recession while simultaneously suffering inflation. We also find that the government as well as individuals and business are deep in debt; as a result, our options are limited.
(But the execs at "Big Oil" Companies are wearing a grin). Crude Oil which had been trading at the $20 range, and had never hit $50, has now broken through $120 a barrel.
The national average for regular unleaded is $3.53 and rising daily. Last year at this time, people were complaining that it was $2.86 per gallon. According to AAA, 24 states and the District of Columbia are averaging at or above $3.50 a gallon for regular unleaded.Premium, which is required for many cars and SUVs can run 40 to 60 cents higher. Once again, California is home to the nation's highest average gas prices.
•San Francisco $3.97 per gallon; last year $3.47
• Los Angeles $3.85; last year $3.32
• San Jose $3.89; last year $3.36
• Sacramento $3.86; last year $3.30
• San Diego $3.88; last year $3.35
As scary as these prices seem now, many are warning that Americans should expect the price to increase another 25 cents over the next month and continue to climb over the summer months.
"A national average approaching $4 a gallon for self serve regular is likely, with cities like Los Angeles, Chicago and New York seeing prices for Premium at over $4.75 per gallon. Those type of prices will be devastating to America's already weak economy. As you read this blog, millions of families are struggling to make their mortgage payments, many of which are adjusting dramatically upward. In fact America finds it's self in a recession while simultaneously suffering inflation. We also find that the government as well as individuals and business are deep in debt; as a result, our options are limited.
Now is an auful time to be trying to sell Motor Homes, but a great time to be selling mopeds and scooters. I have had customers of ours tell me they are "Putting away" their car and buying a 125 cc bike.The allure of 60 or 70 miles per gallon is too hard to pass up.
Get a Motorcycle Quote
Urban Insurance Agency can save you money on your motorcycle insurance. Read 10 Ways to Save Money on Motorcycle Insurance.
Owning and maintaining a car has never been cheap. And, gas is one of the biggest, of those expenses. With gas prices at all time highs, this has never been truer. But you can save gas and save money if you follow the following tips.
Get a Motorcycle Quote
Urban Insurance Agency can save you money on your motorcycle insurance. Read 10 Ways to Save Money on Motorcycle Insurance.
Owning and maintaining a car has never been cheap. And, gas is one of the biggest, of those expenses. With gas prices at all time highs, this has never been truer. But you can save gas and save money if you follow the following tips.
Clinton: too little too late?
With her double digit win in Pennsylvania, Clinton will pick up 81 of the states 158 delegates, while Obama won just 69 , but she also added yet another win in one of the large states including California, New York, Ohio, Texas and Pennsylvania as well as in the questionable Florida primary. 
Barack Obama's loss in another big state coupled with the margins by which he lost blue-collar and rural voters may raise questions about his electability.
The results in Pennsylvania follows similar trends set in previous contests: Clinton won the white vote, Obama won the black vote; Clinton won the older vote, Obama won the younger vote; Clinton won in rural areas, Obama carried the urban vote.
Obama on Wednesday downplayed Clinton's win, saying "it's important for people to keep things in perspective.
Sen. Hillary Clinton speaking to the "Super Delegates" as well as to voters in upcoming states, stated
"Clearly [Obama] outspent me again in Pennsylvania, 3 to 1, and we roared back with a tremendous grass-roots campaign and millions of people turning out to vote and favoring me by a big margin. ... The fair question is, if you can't win the states we have to win in the fall, maybe that says something about your general-election appeal," she said.
With neither candidate able to reach the 2,025 delegates needed for the nomination, those super delegates will decide who gets the nomination. And they have to weigh questions like How many of Obama's supporters would vote for Mcaine, if Hillary got the nomination VS How many of Clinton's would switch if reversed. Who would be the strongest candidate, as well as pondering their own political interests, and pressures.
Is this a sign the "Tide is turning", or is it too little too late. One thing is for sure- this is not a boring primary this time around.
Barack Obama's loss in another big state coupled with the margins by which he lost blue-collar and rural voters may raise questions about his electability.
The results in Pennsylvania follows similar trends set in previous contests: Clinton won the white vote, Obama won the black vote; Clinton won the older vote, Obama won the younger vote; Clinton won in rural areas, Obama carried the urban vote.
Obama on Wednesday downplayed Clinton's win, saying "it's important for people to keep things in perspective.
Sen. Hillary Clinton speaking to the "Super Delegates" as well as to voters in upcoming states, stated
"Clearly [Obama] outspent me again in Pennsylvania, 3 to 1, and we roared back with a tremendous grass-roots campaign and millions of people turning out to vote and favoring me by a big margin. ... The fair question is, if you can't win the states we have to win in the fall, maybe that says something about your general-election appeal," she said.
With neither candidate able to reach the 2,025 delegates needed for the nomination, those super delegates will decide who gets the nomination. And they have to weigh questions like How many of Obama's supporters would vote for Mcaine, if Hillary got the nomination VS How many of Clinton's would switch if reversed. Who would be the strongest candidate, as well as pondering their own political interests, and pressures.
Is this a sign the "Tide is turning", or is it too little too late. One thing is for sure- this is not a boring primary this time around.
Think You're Paying Too Much For
Car Insurance?
Urban Insurance Agency has been saving people money
On their Car Insurance for over 45 years
Call 1-800-680-0707 or click to get a Free Quote.
Larry Lubell
Monday, April 21, 2008
Chicago Earthquake?
Rare, Large Earthquake Hits Midwest
Our bedroom is decorated with an eclectic mix of 30s Art deco mahogany, and modern furniture. In the sea of coco browns, gold and olive resides an artificial palm tree; its trunk comprised of PVC pipe, toped with leaves of cheep bright colored fabric. Twelve years ago, when it was purchased with a room full of baby furniture, it was cute, in a mobile-over-the-bed sort of way. Today it can only be defined as an eyesore. My son's room has long since been redecorated according to his desire not to be embarrassed when his fiends come over. The reason we inherited, and can not get rid of this "Tree" is because of what sits on top of it; our pet BLUE-CROWNED CONURE. Tucked inside the fabric fronds, is where he sleeps each night, flying him-self up there upon getting tired.
It was in him special spot on his tree where he was at 4:37 this morning till he suddenly woke me by squawking and franticly flying around the darkened, obstacle filled room. Terrified that he will crash into the armoire or vanity, I jumped out of bed and turned on the light so he could see his way. Once the room was bathed in light, he landed still visibly, and quite uncharacteristically upset. The last time this occurred was more than six months earlier, five minutes before a storm arrived.
It took more than an hour of my wife and I holding him, before he calmed down to go back to sleep. Without any explanation for his terror, I assumed that he must have had a nightmare, and said as much to my wife and son, who agreed, even though neither of us were sure that birds dreamt.
At a few minutes after 7:00 that mourning, I flipped open my laptop to read about an earthquake that occurred but a few hours prior.
WEST SALEM, Ill. (April 18) -- Residents across the Midwest were awakened Friday by a 5.2 magnitude earthquake that rattled skyscrapers in Chicago's Loop and homes in Cincinnati but appeared to cause no major injuries or damage.The quake just before 4:37 a.m. was centered six miles from West Salem, Ill., and 45 miles from Evansville, Ind. It was felt in such distant cities as Milwaukee, Des Moines, Iowa, and Atlanta, nearly 400 miles to the southeast.
So much for the nightmare theory!
Our bedroom is decorated with an eclectic mix of 30s Art deco mahogany, and modern furniture. In the sea of coco browns, gold and olive resides an artificial palm tree; its trunk comprised of PVC pipe, toped with leaves of cheep bright colored fabric. Twelve years ago, when it was purchased with a room full of baby furniture, it was cute, in a mobile-over-the-bed sort of way. Today it can only be defined as an eyesore. My son's room has long since been redecorated according to his desire not to be embarrassed when his fiends come over. The reason we inherited, and can not get rid of this "Tree" is because of what sits on top of it; our pet BLUE-CROWNED CONURE. Tucked inside the fabric fronds, is where he sleeps each night, flying him-self up there upon getting tired.
It was in him special spot on his tree where he was at 4:37 this morning till he suddenly woke me by squawking and franticly flying around the darkened, obstacle filled room. Terrified that he will crash into the armoire or vanity, I jumped out of bed and turned on the light so he could see his way. Once the room was bathed in light, he landed still visibly, and quite uncharacteristically upset. The last time this occurred was more than six months earlier, five minutes before a storm arrived.
It took more than an hour of my wife and I holding him, before he calmed down to go back to sleep. Without any explanation for his terror, I assumed that he must have had a nightmare, and said as much to my wife and son, who agreed, even though neither of us were sure that birds dreamt.
At a few minutes after 7:00 that mourning, I flipped open my laptop to read about an earthquake that occurred but a few hours prior.
WEST SALEM, Ill. (April 18) -- Residents across the Midwest were awakened Friday by a 5.2 magnitude earthquake that rattled skyscrapers in Chicago's Loop and homes in Cincinnati but appeared to cause no major injuries or damage.The quake just before 4:37 a.m. was centered six miles from West Salem, Ill., and 45 miles from Evansville, Ind. It was felt in such distant cities as Milwaukee, Des Moines, Iowa, and Atlanta, nearly 400 miles to the southeast.
So much for the nightmare theory!
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Spitzer is gone will Vitter follow?
After years of Spitzer's holier then thou attitude, the Governor of New York announces his resignation at a press conference.
Eliot Spitzer (Client # 9) with his wife, Silda Wall Spitzer, at his side, announced that His resignation will take effect on Monday. For those with out a TV, comes two days after news broke that he had been a customer of a very high price prostitution ring.
Spitzer's resignation call into question when David Vitter will also drop out of his position in the senate.
This after his phone number showed up on a list of phone records in the case against Deborah
Jeane Palfrey, aka "the D.C. Madam."
The list of politicians disgraced in sex scandals is a long one, including some of the very "Founding Fathers" of this country.
Republican Senate. Larry Craig, ( Wide- Stance ) of Idaho, in August 2008, pleaded guilty to a charge of disorderly conduct in a sting that targeted Gay sex in a Minneapolis men's airport bathroom.
Republican Rep. Mark Foley, of -Florida., resigned last fall after it was discovered he was sending sexually explicit messages to underage male pages.
Republican James McGreevey resigned as the governor of New Jersey in November 2004 after admitting to an affair with a male employee.
Democrat President Bill Clinton was impeached in 1998 for lying under oath in a probe into his extramarital affair with intern Monica Lewinsky. This leaving parent everywhere
trying to explain to their 10 year old children, why "The Blue Dress" was important in the case.
Republican Senator Bob Packwood, Ore., in 1995 resigned his seat after being accused of sexual misconduct by 29 women. Creating an income stream for those that
offer Sexual Harassment sensitivity classes .
Republican Rep. Donald Lukens, of Ohio, was convicted for paying a 16-year-old girl to have sex with him in 1988
These are just a fraction of those that one could list. Clearly these actions are taking place of both sides of the "Left" and "Right" These acts seem to come up so often that they almost seem like part of the job description.
It is sad to see a man's life time of hard work flushed down the drain, but he is the one that pulled the lever.
Larry Lubell
www.UrbanInsuranceAgency.com
Eliot Spitzer (Client # 9) with his wife, Silda Wall Spitzer, at his side, announced that His resignation will take effect on Monday. For those with out a TV, comes two days after news broke that he had been a customer of a very high price prostitution ring.
Spitzer's resignation call into question when David Vitter will also drop out of his position in the senate.
This after his phone number showed up on a list of phone records in the case against Deborah
Jeane Palfrey, aka "the D.C. Madam."
The list of politicians disgraced in sex scandals is a long one, including some of the very "Founding Fathers" of this country.
Republican Senate. Larry Craig, ( Wide- Stance ) of Idaho, in August 2008, pleaded guilty to a charge of disorderly conduct in a sting that targeted Gay sex in a Minneapolis men's airport bathroom.
Republican Rep. Mark Foley, of -Florida., resigned last fall after it was discovered he was sending sexually explicit messages to underage male pages.
Republican James McGreevey resigned as the governor of New Jersey in November 2004 after admitting to an affair with a male employee.
Democrat President Bill Clinton was impeached in 1998 for lying under oath in a probe into his extramarital affair with intern Monica Lewinsky. This leaving parent everywhere
trying to explain to their 10 year old children, why "The Blue Dress" was important in the case.
Republican Senator Bob Packwood, Ore., in 1995 resigned his seat after being accused of sexual misconduct by 29 women. Creating an income stream for those that
offer Sexual Harassment sensitivity classes .
Republican Rep. Donald Lukens, of Ohio, was convicted for paying a 16-year-old girl to have sex with him in 1988
These are just a fraction of those that one could list. Clearly these actions are taking place of both sides of the "Left" and "Right" These acts seem to come up so often that they almost seem like part of the job description.
It is sad to see a man's life time of hard work flushed down the drain, but he is the one that pulled the lever.
Larry Lubell
www.UrbanInsuranceAgency.com
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