DECLINE OF UNEMPLOYMENT IN US JANUARY 2007 - APRIL 2011

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DID YOU KNOW…

That a recent US census, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch newspaper, showed that 65+ age seniors now account for the largest segment, about 13%, of the population.  In 2000, it was 12.4%   in 1900 the number was 4.1%.  That 13% equates to 40.3-million people.

Soon current baby boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) will further grow the senior ranks.  Florida maintains its #1 spot, up 17.3%, with West Virginia, Maine, Pennsylvania and Iowa following.  Alaska has the lowest amount of seniors.  

Planning a flight soon?  Head over to SeatGuru.com and see more than 700 airline seat maps from most carriers and read 25,000+ reviews from other fliers.

Get tips on which seats have:

• limited recline
• reduced legroom
• misaligned windows
• superior and substandard seats identified by color
• compare seats from different carriers 

and have a wonderful flight!

EVER WONDERED WHAT THE INTERNET ECONOMY IS?

McKinsey estimates that the 200 million-person global economy has reached $8-trillion.  The report is limited to the G-8 countries plus Brazil, China, India and South Korea.

·        Private consumption refers to, electronic equipment, e-commerce, broadband subscriptions, mobile internet and hardware and software consumption

·        Private investment refers to, from telecommunications industry and maintenance of extranet, intranet and websites

·        Public expenditure refers to, government buying and spending of hardware and services

·        Trade refers to, exports of internet equipment and b-2-b services with overseas companies

The internet contributes more to the economy than mining, utilities, agriculture or education.  In France since the mid-1990’s, McKinsey states that the internet created twice the number of jobs that it destroyed.  World leader of the online industry is the United States with 30% of global internet revenues, but the UK is the world leader in online retail sales.  China’s and India’s internet economies rely on exporting online services for most of their economies.

NOTE THAT REAL ESTATE HAS THE GREATEST WEIGHT IN THE GDP.... 

CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR WINNER

You might remember a news story several months ago about a crotchety old man who defied his homeowners association and refused to take down
the flagpole on his property and the large flag that flew on it. Now you can
find out who, exactly, that old man was.
On June 15, 1919, Van T. Barfoot was born in Edinburg -- probably
didn't make much news back then. twenty-five years later, on May 23, 1944, near Carano , Italy , Van T. Barfoot, who had enlisted in the US Army in 1940, set out to
flank German machine gun positions from which fire was coming down on his fellow soldiers. He advanced through a minefield, took out three enemy machine gun positions and returned with 17 prisoners of war.

If that wasn't enough for a day's work, he later took on and
destroyed three German tanks sent to retake the machine gun positions.

That probably didn't make much news either, given the scope of the
war, but it did earn Van T. Barfoot, who retired as a colonel after
also serving in Korea and Vietnam , a Congressional Medal of Honor.

What did make news was a neighborhood association's quibble with how the 90-year-old veteran chose to fly the American flag outside his suburban Virginia home. Seems the rules said a flag could be flown on a house-mounted bracket, but, for decorum, items such as Barfoot's 21-foot flagpole were unsuitable.

He had been denied a permit for the pole, erected it anyway and was facing court action if he didn't take it down. Since the story made national TV, the neighborhood association has rethought its position and agreed to indulge this old hero who dwells among them.

"In the time I have left I plan to continue to fly the American flag without interference," Barfoot told The Associated Press. As well he should. And if any of his neighbors still takes a notion to contest him, they might want to read his Medal of Honor citation. It indicates he's not real good at backing down.
Van T. Barfoot's Medal of Honor citation:
This 1944 Medal of Honor citation, listed with the National Medal of Honor Society, is for Second Lieutenant Van T. Barfoot, 157th Infantry, 45th Infantry:
WE ONLY LIVE IN THE LAND OF THE FREE... BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE! AND, BECAUSE OF OLD MEN LIKE VAN BARFOOT!

AWARD WINNING PALM BEACH COUNTY THRIVES.

Palm Beach County maintains a strong internet presence by offering many web-based applications to easily and transparently access service and do business with county departments and agencies. The 2011 Digital Counties Survey, partnering with the National Association of Counties, awarded our county #1 in digital technology, #1 in counties with populations over 500,000.

The annual survey takes into account achievements using technology both regarding operating efficiencies and realizing strategic objectives. ePZV refers to planning, zoning and building. ePermits is used for land development. WbEOC is for emergency management,e911for emergency dispatch, LEX for law enforcement data sharing, HRIS for human services and myGeoNav (GIS).

Many government, education and nonprofit organizations are connected to the county fiber optic network, allowing an open access public network. Internet service is provided to the network by Florida LambdaRail.

For making government information easily accessible, the county website, www.pbcgov.com won the 2011 Sunny Award from Sunshine Review which recognizes government websites exceeding standards aimed at encouraging open government, and the 2010 NACo Achievement Award for outstanding promotion of government transparency was presented to the Palm Beach County Ethics Initiative.

HERE WE GO AGAIN...

RealtyTrac advises that while foreclosure activity fell for the 11th straight month on a yearly basis in August, it rose compared to July. In August the nation’s foreclosure rate was 1 in 570 housing units. The increase in foreclosure activity was driven by a 33% jump in default notices, largest monthly increase since August 2007. RealtyTrac’s CEO stated that, “The big increase in new foreclosure actions may be a signal that lenders are starting to push thru some of the foreclosures delayed by robo-signing and other documentation problems.” Scheduled auctions and bank repos fell both month-to-month and year- over –year in August. In Florida 23,569 properties received a foreclosure filing in August, a 59% drop from August 2010. That accounts for 1 in 376 units.


Banks are offering incentives of $10,000, $20,000 and $30,000 to sellers who go to foreclosure to help with a new start and a new bill, Homestead Act 2, being introduced shortly, will propose offering $20,000 to foreclosure buyers for down payment assistance. A similar offer was made by President Abraham Lincoln in 1862 for Union Army veterans to file an application and claim up to 160 acres of government land; the homesteader was required to improve the land building a home and growing crops. It would come in the form of a loan and be forgiven each year in the first 5 years of the homestead, by 1/5th each year.

2002 PRICES PREVAIL FOR SOME SOUTH FLORIDA HOMES

According to the Chairman of the Index Committee and S&P indices, “No cities made new lows in June 2011,” and “this month’s S&P/Case Shiller Home Price Index report showed mixed signals for recovery in home prices.” Home sales, they say, are at the same levels in June as they were in 2002. Homes in the tri-county area were up .6% from May but down 5.1% from the same period in 2010. Keep in mind that “2002 prices prevail” does not refer to all sales. When homes are well located for the buyers needs and have extra features such as pools, boat docks, sizeable lots, and upgraded kitchens and baths, the seller may get a higher price than the “2002 value.” Investors looking for income earning properties, on the other hand, bid low, so those sales are at the 2002 level, and maybe lower if not in good condition.


Pending sales have declined, and until we have easier access to credit, an increase in job opportunities, and the financial markets stabilize, the housing market will continue to struggle to recover. Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said, “The market can easily move into a healthy expansion if mortgage underwriting standards return to normalcy… proper comparables [must be] used in appraisal valuations” and he added that the short sale process must be streamlined. He also stated that, “investors are buying real estate as a future inflation hedge.”


Nevertheless, this remains the best time ever to buy in Florida, and discerning cash buyers are buying. Those looking at higher end houses realize that if they buy now, they can live in a beautiful home, in due time it will appreciate in value while they are enjoying the lifestyle… and real estate has ALWAYS “COME BACK”.

WHAT's UP?

Are we facing the loss of the interest deduction and would that threaten a housing market recovery?


Chief Economist of the National Association of Realtors, Lawrence Yun, says, "the mortgage interest deduction is vital to the stability of the American housing market and economy."  He further says, "facilities home ownership by reducing the carrying costs of owning a home, and it makes a real difference to hard-working middle-class families."


With all the cuts coming up soon, would this be a positive or negative cut for the economy if it reduces the number of home buyers who counted on the interest deduction?

DON'T LIKE WAITING ON LINE?

Here is a helpful idea when you need drivers licensing services.  If you have a mobile device, you can text waitpbc to 41411, says Anne M. Gannon, Constitutional Tax Collector, and you will receive back a text message shoing the number of people currently in line for a license and the approximate wait minutes.  Appointments for drivers license services can be scheduled up to three months in advance and wait times can be viewed at www.taxcollectorpbc.com.  Payment options include cash, check or money order; credit cards cannot be processed.  For office locations go to http://www.flhsmv.gov/offices/.

 Since 2010 the Legislature transferred the job of issuing Real ID driver licenses from the DMV to local tax collectors.  One must go in person to prove their identity, according to the Federal Real ID Act.  With their service centers now in small offices, Gannon says, “We are harnessing the power of technology to put new tools directly in the customers’ hands.

Other implementations to assist those waiting on line include a mobile receptionist issuing Q-flow tickets to clients standing in line so they can circumvent the line; mobile receptionist can process simple motor vehicle transactions including license plate surrender or renewal and handicapped parking permits.  An employee checks the line in peak times so if you do not have required documentation you don’t wait needlessly.

CREST THEATRE IN DELRAY BEACH TO PRESENT INTERESTING LECTURES

Thursdays at 2 pm, “come winter,” the Robert D. Chapin 2012 Lecture Series presents the following programs and you may want to note them on your calendar now:

 January 12:  Author and Today Show correspondent JENNA BUSH HAGER may tell stories of inspirational people doing great things across America, which she contributes to the Today Show.  Jenna is the daughter of former President George and Laura Bush and granddaughter of former President George H.W. and Barbara Bush.  Jenna wrote “Ana’s Story:  A Journey of Hope”, inspired through working with UNICEF which became a New York Times Best Seller.

 February 2:  US Ambassador to the Manila-based Asian Development Bank, ROBERT “Skip” ORR, is former President of Boeing Japan, and former Vice President of Motorola’s European Affairs Division.  He graduated from Florida Atlantic University in 1976, received his Master’s Degree from Georgetown University, and Doctorate in Political Science from Tokyo University.  

 March 15: host of The Newlywed Game and former disc jockey BOB EUBANKS will share with us untold stories and funny anecdotes about some Hollywood and Music Industry moments.  His six rules for success are motivational.  He will also review hilarious moments from The Newlywed Game.  In 2000 Bob became the only tv personality to ever host the same show format for 5 decades.

 April 5: Journalist, Producer, Author and Writer STEVEN BOGART is also the son of legendary acting greats Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall.  His non-fiction “Bogart: In Search of My Father” was a bestseller.  He will share with us his personal insights and funny stories about his parents and some rarely seen home movies.

General Admission is $25 for open balcony seating; reserved seating on the main floor is $40.  Reserved tickets include a post-lecture reception.  

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WHAT IS AGING ABOUT?

MIT RESEARCH: 

Understanding how the body ages 

via an aging suit

 

 

NAR COMMENTS RE PENDING HOME SALES TRENDING UP

While homes for sale inventories are falling, pendings have trended up in 7 of the last 11 months. 


Lawrence Yun, National Association of Realtors Chief Economist, said that the upward trending of home sale pendings bodes well for home prices. “Absorption of inventory is the key to price improvement, and this solid gain in contract signings implies that home values in many localities are or will soon be stabilizing as inventories get absorbed at a faster pace,” he said.  “Home sales still could be 15 to 20 percent higher,” Yun said.

“If banks would simply return to normal sound underwriting standards and begin lending to more creditworthy borrowers, we’d get a much faster recovery in the housing sector.”  Yun, as is the common thread, said that healthy job creation is necessary to ensure a solid recovery both in home sales and the overall economy.

A sale is listed as pending when the contract has been signed but the transaction has not closed, though the sale usually is finalized within one or two months of signing.

NAR reports that Foreign purchasers buy U.S. property for investment, vacation, and locational reasons.

• National Association of Realltor’s 2011 Profile of International Home Buying Activity reports that foreigners view U.S. properties as a secure investment, one that provides rental and long-term appreciation possibilities.
• Homes in this country are less expensive than comparable foreign properties.
• International purchasers buy properties for both vacation and rental purposes

FLORIDA CFO WANTS YOUR FEEDBACK ON IMPROVING THE FLORIDA HOME INSURANCE MARKET

Dear Friend,

With the 2011 hurricane season now underway, I am hopeful that we will continue the good fortune we have experienced for the past five years.

The past two legislative sessions have shown the delicate balance needed to attract the private insurance industry back to Florida while ensuring fair and equitable rates for Floridians. These legislative reforms should signal to the insurance industry that Florida is open, competitive and ready for their business.

Attached are two recent articles regarding the need for further discussion and reforms surrounding the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund and Citizens Property Insurance Company. I found them to be thought-provoking and worthy of discussion.

I look forward to your feedback on these articles and any other insurance-related topics. It is an honor to serve as your Chief Financial Officer.

Sincerely,

Jeff Atwater
Florida's Chief Financial Officer

Jeff.Atwater@myfloridacfo.com 

 

Attachments:
Wall Street Journal Editorial on 5-21-2011
Guest Column by Don Brown in Tallahassee Democrat

ACTIVE LISTINGS DWINDLE WHILE PENDINGS ARE UP

    ACTIVE listings are properties 
   where no current sale contract 
   exists

   PENDING sales are properties in 
   which a contract for sale has 
   been executed but not yet closed.

HOUSING MARKET AND OTHER NEWS

HOUSING AFFORDABILITY HITS 

NEW HIGH; 

BANK FORECLOSURE ABUSE SETTLEMENTS UNDER DISCUSSION; 

PUBLIC SCHOOL CUTS SOLUTIONS

With the national median family income at $64,400, the National Association of Home Builders and Wells Fargo announced that 74.6% of new and existing homes sold in 1Q-2011 were affordable to these families.  This is the highest level recorded in more than 20 years since the index has been measured.  In 2010 73.9% was the figure.  Interest rates are at historically low levels, but credit is very tight.  

Freddie Mac is offering up to 3.5% closing-cost assistance and a $1200 bonus to buyers agents on sales of HomeSteps properties.  Offers must be received by July 31 with escrow closing onor before September 30.

Five of the nation’s largest banks were told by state attorneys general that they face liability of at least $17BB in civil lawsuits unless they can reach a settlement regarding improper foreclosure practices.  There are additional potential claims of billions of dollars from federal agencies including HUD and DOJ. Banks have proposed a $5BB settlement to compensate any previously wronged borrowers and to provide transition assistance for borrowers ousted from their homes.  Federal and state officials say that is insufficient and want $20BB to resolve these problems which the state attorneys general from all 50 states and DC have been investigating since last fall.  

New home sales April gains as opposed to March gains were 7.1%.  However, this is down 23% from sales in April 2010.

Budget cuts are causing some public schools to shift costs to students for enrolling in some courses and activities.  Parents are being asked to pay for supplemental materials such as printer ink, biology lab safety goggles and algebra workbooks, some schools offering installment pay plans and others accepting credit cards for a small fee.  Some fees are waived for low-income families.  In California, the American Civil Liberties Union is suing the State for allowing districts to charge a wide array of fees.  Enrichment programs have been cut or eliminated such as advanced math and science, music, art, drama, foreign languages, sports, gifted student courses and help for struggling readers in order to meet budget.  Some teachers noted that many students have taken on part time jobs to pay for activities they want to take part in such as athletics and music.

By Asher Price AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Updated: 5:38 a.m. Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Published: 9:57 p.m. Tuesday, May 3, 2011

A demolition whiz, an expert parachutist and diver, a pilot of mini-submarines and, at one point, an aspiring journalist if Rambo were a Renaissance man, and a lot thinner and taller, he might look like Bill McRaven.

Long before he devised the strategy for how to capture or kill Osama bin Laden, McRaven began preparing for a career as a super-commando while he was an undergraduate at the University of Texas.

McRaven, 55 and now a vice admiral, had been something of a bin Laden hunter for at least a half-dozen years before successfully directing the attack Sunday as the leader of the Joint Special Operations Command.

McRaven, who hails from San Antonio, began preparing for his storied career with the Navy SEALs, the elite special operations forces, while still a member of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps at UT, from which he graduated in 1977 as a journalism major.

"He had drive," said James Gruetzner, who was in the same Navy ROTC battalion as McRaven. "He went on extraordinarily long runs to stay in shape. He was very dedicated."

McRaven grew up in a military family — his father, a former football player, had served as a pilot in World War II — and early outings as a 10-year-old to scuba dive at the YMCA put him on the Navy path, said his sister Nan McRaven, an Austin public affairs consultant who serves on the board of Austin Community College.

"He became very focused on SEAL training," said Curtis Raetz, who also was in the ROTC battalion. "He was able to lap us all no matter how hard we tried."

Students aiming to become SEALs were "fanatical" about physical training, said Greg Colchin, another member of the battalion.

"People think of it as a physical thing, but it's also a mental thing," said Nan McRaven, who said her brother has loved to read ever since their mother compelled him to recite poetry as a boy. "He's focused, and he has the humility for real leadership."

Eventually he would become a qualified diver, parachutist, demolition expert and submersible pilot. He also had smarts. He earned a master's degree in national security affairs, and in 1995, he wrote "Spec Ops: Case Studies in Special Operations Warfare Theory and Practice," in which he developed his own definition of a special operation as one "conducted by forces specially trained, equipped, and supported for a specific target whose destruction, elimination, or rescue (in the case of hostages), is a political or military imperative."

Nominating McRaven for a fourth star this year, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said the Joint Special Operations Command "ruthlessly and effectively (took) the fight to American's most dangerous and vicious enemies."

At its head was McRaven, who "is reputed to be the smartest SEAL that ever lived. He is physically tough, compassionate and can drive a knife through your ribs in a nanosecond," a former commander told Newsweek in 2004.

He also has shown a capacity for contrition. In April 2010, a couple of months after a special forces team mistakenly killed an Afghan police chief, a prosecutor and three unarmed women, McRaven pleaded for forgiveness from a local patriarch, bringing with him an offering of two sheep as part of a custom to make amends.

That followed McRaven's decision to tamp down commando raids in Afghanistan to avoid civilian deaths.

Whatever successes he achieved remained outstripped by the specter of bin Laden, whose elimination, to use McRaven's own word, remained an "imperative."

As long ago as 2004, having already commanded the team that helped capture Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein — soldiers based at Fort Hood also were involved — he turned his attention to capturing Public Enemy No. 1.

But he was stymied until this spring, when intelligence officers determined that bin Laden was in hiding in Pakistan.

McRaven spent weeks working with the CIA on the commando operation, The New York Times has reported, coming up with three options: a helicopter assault using American commandos, a strike with B-2 bombers that would obliterate the compound or a joint raid with Pakistani intelligence operatives who would be told about the mission hours before the launch.

The decision, to swoop in with a crew of American commandos, was in keeping with McRaven's view of special operations.

In 2001 congressional testimony on military training, McRaven described the two primary missions of Navy SEALs: "Reconnaissance and what we call direct action: raids, ambushes, swimmer sneak attacks and optical clearance for amphibious landings," he said. "Most of these missions originate from the water and require us to work in small units, behind enemy lines at night, with little or no outside support."

http://www.statesman.com/news/local/seal-who-directed-bin-laden-effort-started-journey-1452367.html