Welcome to the Georgia Water Planning & Policy Center

Recession, economy, financial planning, these are all ideas we are tired of hearing about. Well, my friend, get over it, the National Bureau of Economic Research is starting to talk about another round of financial mishaps that are set to come our way. This is called a ‘double dip’ recession. In specific terms it means a time when the GDP or Gross Domestic Product slides back to negative after a short-lived time of positive growth.

Basically we are all aboard the financial roller coaster with no stopping in site. We have survived the plummet of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac nose-diving out of control. We have lived through the twist in the ride that was Unemployment rising to 7.9. We toughed out the corkscrew that was the housing collapse and we have dealt with the out of control spin that was major American companies begging for a bailout. And now, when this wild ride looks over and the light at the end of the tunnel is within reach we are being told to strap in for another go round.

There are a few signs that are pointing towards the fact that the recession isn’t over yet. One of the big ones pertains to the housing market, last week- despite signs of recent progress- the numbers were awful, in fact there is a stiff and steep drop in new home sales. The housing market is big industry and to watch that fall again can have catastrophic results on the face of our current economic makeup.

Another big killer to our recent good fortune is the fact that employment is still down. It is hard for people to circulate money when they don’t have any coming in. In fact, our Vice President, Joe Biden, is quoted with saying that “there is no possibility to restore [the] 8 million jobs already lost in the “Great Recession”. Wow that makes me feel better.

Another issue that may keep us in the red is a governmental view that it is not time to spend. Many people criticize governments for overspending in a time of crisis, but many if not most economists believe that spending is just what needs to be done to get that money circulating and to get the employment rate up.

Though it is easy to pass judgment on our government for spending our tax dollars, the argument for spending now and saving when the economy is yet again robust is a good one. So long as we spend wisely on projects that generate real long term jobs.

This way jobs can be created and the economy can have the chance to build. Right now a focus on global spending is starting to have people believe that it is the time to spend. Lets look at how this has benefitted us in the past, in 1937 the country was just starting to emerge from the Great Depression when there was a sudden focus put on austerity (raising taxes to pay off governmental debts), this is widely believed to lead to 4 years of halted growth and a longer recession.

If we can’t listen to our experts, can we listen to our history books instead of making the same mistakes all over again?

“Your” Money Matters By Carl Hampton From the Author of “From Credit Despair To Credit Millionaire” Http://CarlHampton.com

It is not mandatory, but giving groomsmen gifts has been a part of wedding tradition. They are given by the groom as the symbol his thank and appreciation to the groomsmen. This group of guys could be a combination of his brothers, cousins, or closest friends. A wedding becomes more memorable through gifts. There are various gift items that are expected to be given during such special occasion, and one of those are the gifts for groomsmen.

Practicing that gift-giving tradition is a good gesture to celebrate a special occasion as well as friendship. Groomsmen gifts are given to a few people who have a very important participation from the very start of planning the wedding. Groomsmen gifts should be special, as it is not every day that one can give gifts to his closest buddies who have been always there for him. Choosing memorable presents involves selecting items that express the value of true friendship that links the groom and groomsmen.

It is not always necessary to give extravagant or lavish gifts to groomsmen. Though giving such can be impressive, but there’s nothing wrong about giving an inexpensive present, especially when the budget does not permit. What matters most is not the price, but what’s in the heart. However, inexpensive gifts

don’t have to look cheap either. The search for them should start well in advance so that there will be plenty of time to eagerly browse various assortments, especially when searching online.

Speaking of online browsing, this is today’s contemporary shopping option of most engaged couples. Online shopping has been a great help for couples who don’t have enough time to shop at local malls or or specialty shops, as well as to for many who plan to a wedding on a budget. Anytime of the day, one can check the Internet about the latest bridal and wedding trends. The web has also been a great source of tips and ideas on how to trim down expenses for bridal accessories, ceremonial items, and reception supplies.

Online shopping groomsmen gifts today has been a lot easier than before, as most web stores have developed their websites for their customers to shop with ease. Mostly, these sites feature shopping options that are very easy, like customers can shop by price, by gender, by theme, and the like. There are also several options that let people personalize their choices. For the groomsmen gifts and other wedding-related gifts, they can either be engraved, embroidered, or embossed according to what they are made of.

Web-based stores that specialize on groomsmen gifts are beating each other by offering a wide variety of gift items, from cufflinks and money clips, pocket watches and pocket knives, to embroidered cooler chairs, custom pub signs, bar and cigar accessories, and executive gifts. Most of these items can be personalized with either names or initials of the groomsmen. When shopping online, just make sure to look for trusted and reliable online vendor. Also be aware of comments and feedbacks of some people who have ordered supplies from them. It would also be helpful to ask recommendations from family members and friends who are very active in online shopping.

Jnet is an author for a variety of lifestyle issues and topics. If you’re looking for unique groomsmen gifts, visit the website Mygroomsmengifts.com and choose from their products. Shop usher gifts online!

The Mp7, the newest firearm from the stable of Heckler & Koch created quite a furor in the weapon’s community. It was conferred as personal defense weapon for the coming generation and it was no wonder that the Airsoft version of this weapon has become very popular as well. The H&K’s MP7 air soft rifle is the last word in functionality and durability together with the attractive price. It is cloned after the Tokyo Mauri model and measures up to it in performance. It is small in size and has a high rate of fire which makes it perfect for use as a recreational weapon. When Airsoft guns are introduced after models of popular real guns it easily becomes a hit with riffle shooters. They find every new replica a challenge and wouldn’t mind testing grounds with them. Ones one has developed the skills of riffle shooting it does not matter to try shooting with any gun. But most riffle shooters have their on set of favorite Airsoft guns which they find comfortable to use.

The MP7 gun comes with a thirty round magazine, NiMh Rechargeable battery, Loading tube, Cradle charger, and clearing rod and a starter pack of BB’s. It is tight and solidly constructed and its heavy feel and build quality are exemplary. It has an expansible stock for proper shoulder aiming and a fold for grip which is scientifically designed at the front of the gun. It is the sleek looking Airsoft gun so should be easy to carry around as well as use. Replicas of real guns are always rocks when it comes to Airsoft guns may be because of its proximity to the real ones. May be it is also because using the replicas of real guns may make the user feel like giving a daring performance.

Its performance is quite awesome. It can hits targets at 100 feet and the use of 0.23g bullets greatly improved the accuracy and such ammunition is recommended for use with this type of gun. It’s only minus point is the low capacity thirty round magazine which comes with it. However it can accommodate a fifty round magazine as well. So for those who wouldn’t mind the rounds the guns can fire this sure is a good performing gun to have. This gun for sure is going to find a place in riffle shooters collection.

Another variety of Mp7 air soft gun is the CYMA MP7 Spring Airsoft rifle which is compact system and can fire 6 mm pellets. It is manufactured by CYMA. Yet another type of MP7 air soft gun is the Well R4-4 MP7 metal Air soft rifle which has a range of 120-130 feet and a magazine capacity of 250 rounds. So with MP7 one indeed has some choice to make the pick of a good one.

MP 7 Air soft guns are extremely popular for recreation especially due to their easy to use models and their striking similarity to the actual weapon systems which give the user the feeling of handling the authentic weapon though it should be confined for purposes of leisure only.

Airsoft Gun Airsoft gun

The stun gun is a device used by people far and wide for self defense. It is used for added protection just like the pepper spray and mace however it uses a different kind of take down method. The pepper spray utilizes chemicals that can distract someone who will try to attack you. On one hand, the stun gun utilizes the use of the voltage o electricity which can have a different effect on someone. But generally, both are used for self defense and the effects are temporary that is why they are called less lethal methods for protection.

This kind of small device has a power opposite its size. That is why it has become one of the reliable devices that people confidently bring with them today. It must be used directly on the body of the attacker so that it will take its effect. It can only cause temporary immobilization due to the effects of the high voltage in the amount of sugar in the blood. The depletion of blood sugar is due to its conversion to lactic acid thus causing cramping of muscles in the body.

How it affects the nervous system is due to the presence of nerve endings in our whole body. That is why as long as it touches the skin of your target in any part of the body, it will take its effect. The electrical voltage will disrupt the messages or signals that the nerves send to the brain which can cause certain effects that can vary from one person to another. But commonly, the effects are targeted on the functions of the brain in movement and also consciousness.

One of the common effects of stun gun is the temporary immobility that the person experiences. Due to the voltage of electricity, lactic acid will cause the muscles to have involuntary muscle contractions that are rapid and eventually causes incapacitation. Pain is also felt on the area of the being stuck with the stunning device. Weakness is experienced and there are some who become confused or unconscious but only for a moment. These effects are what people experience when they are hit with the stun gun.

The TASER works the same with the stun gun because it also produces electrical voltage and the effects are just similar. They only differ on the way it can be used. The TASER can be used in two ways. With the help of the prongs, it can reach a distance of 15 feet and it can also be used directly when the cartridge s removed. On the other hand, the stun gun can only be used when the attacker is within reach.

The stun gun is very efficient and helpful with the effects that it can do to someone who tries to attack you. If you really know how to use it, you will be able to experience its great benefit when it comes to self defense. You will be assured that you can be protected with a stun gun in hand.

Joseph Pressley is a certified TASER instructor and a Tae Kwon Do black belt and a father of two. He is the co-founder of BestStunGun.com which provides a good variety of Stun Baton and TASER Guns for personal protection. To learn more on how these products can save your life, please visit http://www.beststungun.com.

It is a well known fact that some of the earliest European settlers in the United States came from Ireland. People of Irish descent are believed to make up at least 12% of the total population of the United States. As big as this is, the Irish community in the United States has had a big impact on this country, including politics and culture. The Irish Diaspora in the United States has given many Presidents to this country. It is very proud to assimilate in the great melting pot of America while still retaining some of its culture and traditions.

Politics apart, the Irish settlers in the United States played a great role in forming musical styles such as American Folk music and Country and Western music. The origins of these musical styles can be very clearly traced to the folk music played by Irish immigrants who were largely employed as farm hands in various parts of the United States. Irish culture and influence spread very easily in the United States because a large proportion of educators in this country were Irish in origin due to that country’s emphasis on education for women.

Even today, the Irish Diaspora in the United States retains its identity with a great deal of pride. The most evident manifestation of this is the annual Saint Patrick’s Day parade that takes place in many cities all over the country. Celebrated on the 17th of March every year, Saint Patrick’s Day is a holiday that honors the patron saint of Ireland. Many cities in the United States have a grand parade on this day that is marked with the wearing of the color green and the consumption of copious amounts of alcohol. The parade is always a lot of fun, which is not surprising considering that a lot of alcohol is drunk, and it is not uncommon to see non Irish people joining in the celebrations.

Some cities do a little extra to celebrate this day. Chicago, for example, dyes its river green in order to mark this day whereas Savannah dyes some of its fountains the same color. However, the Saint Patrick’s Day parade in New York City takes pride of place because it is the largest in the world, pulling in more than 150,000 marchers every day in addition to an assortment of marching bands and decorated floats.

Many baseball teams also celebrate all things Irish on this festival day by wearing green hats or jerseys. Some teams are closely associated with the Irish American community and they wear their themed uniforms to celebrate the holiday.

Irish celebrations in the United States are always a lot of fun to be around. As a matter of fact, alcohol sales peak on Saint Patrick’s Day.

Many people of Irish descent still retain a deep affection for their roots even though their families have lived in the United States for many generations. They are managing to keep a good balance between retaining their culture while assimilating in the multiracial society in the United States.

I am basically a graduate at the University of Hamburg and you can get awesome articles and valid information from the ones which I submit specially for you to take a look at. Check out Irish Images, Irish Graphics or Irish Pictures.

Italian Americans, a term for Americans of Italian descent, make up approximately 6% of the country’s population. They are the fourth largest ethnic group of European origin but their visibility and impact on popular culture is much greater than that. Italian Americans have always retained enough elements of their culture to be a very distinctive ethnic group, but they have assimilated well into the culture of the United States since many of them belong to families that have been in the United States for generations.

Many Italian Americans have intermarried with other ethnic groups, but they have been able to retain their distinct cultural identity. They are devoted to their traditional food and drink and have done much to popularize it in the mainstream culture. Italian food can be found all over the United States today which is a testament to its popularity.

Another way in which Italian Americans have been able to influence popular culture is through music. This community is very musical and it is very common for children to be exposed to the arts from a very early age. As a result, Italian Americans have had a very great impact on American popular culture, especially through music and cinema. Many popular singers, right from the 1940s to the present times have been of Italian descent.

The cultural tradition of Italian Americans comes to the forefront during religious festivals of this community which is predominantly Catholic. There are feast days of many patron saints that are celebrated with a lot of gusto in some American cities that have large Italian American populations. These festivals were downplayed for a few decades, but there is now resurgence in interest in them. They are full of sound and color and the smells of delicious Italian cooking and this has proven to be a boon for tourism in the cities that host them.

One cannot neglect talking about the negative stereotypes that this community has had to face in the media and in popular that results from these media portrayals. Italians are normally depicted in movies and television serials as having a criminal bent of mind. If one were to go by these portrayals alone, one would believe that all Italian Americans worked for organized crime. In actuality, organized crime was present in the United States long before Italians arrived here in substantial numbers. At the very least, they are shown as being very loud mouthed and crude.

Italian American cultural associations are now taking on the responsibility of correcting the image of their community in the media and in popular perception. They are very vocal in their objection of negative portrayals of their community. This obstacle apart, the Italian American community is well liked for its role in building the country’s economy. It brings a lot of much needed color and aroma to modern society which tends to be very homogenous. There is no doubt at all that Italians will continue to maintain their rich cultural traditions while assimilating further into society.

I am basically a graduate at the University of Hamburg and you can get awesome articles and valid information from the ones which I submit specially for you to take a look at. Check out Italian Images, Italian Graphics or Italian Pictures.

Nowadays as the world gets a little hard to deal with financially, we often stick to decisions that will help us conserve money. We make efforts to cut down on unnecessary bills at home, become wiser with food options, as well as choosing a practical lifestyle. It is not a bad thing to be very thrift with things especially if we are on a tight budget. Actually, it is very much advocated.  However, we sometimes reach a point wherein we tend to conserve money to much to the point of forgetting the essential things that really count on such situation. This unmindful act can even cause us to spend more in the process.

Among the many mismanaged things in the world the human health. Yes well all know the significance of having a good heath, yet some people still continue to abuse it. They smoke, drink alcohol a lot, do not have enough sleep, and continue to have an unhealthy lifestyle. When people get sick because of such negligence, they still often make decisions that make it seem like health will still be a second priority than money does. When we go for consultation, most likely we are given a prescription of medication to be bought. Doctor’s usually go for the most effective ones, hence they often specifically indicate in the prescription the brand of drug to be used. By the time we go to the pharmacy, some people are often taken aback once they knew the cost of the medications. This is where practicality issues sets in. Some think they can save more by buying generic medications. This is what people usually do. Little do they know that it can even cause more money in the near future.

You took a generic brand medication and not long, you feel no health improvement is taking place. You consult your doctor once again and obviously, your doctor will once again emphasize the need to buy what is exactly stated in the prescription. Efficacy and safety will always be the physician’s concern when prescribing medications. As they say, buy cheap and you then buy twice.

If you are looking for some great decorations for your home or office, consider using oversized clocks.

They are desinged for large spaces and used in family rooms, living rooms, entertainment areas and even outdoors. These clocks have a larger diameter and a decoration face that makes them suitable for that open wall space decorating.

You’ll find so many different styles on the market today, because these clocks are so popular. From the antique finished clocks to the western themes, there is one that will add to your existing decor, or start your room in the right decoration towards a renovation.

Make these are a top choice in new homes, and apartments as well as businesses like restaurants and wineries. They are cheap and for the amount of space they cover, it is worth the investment. Many of these clocks use a quartz time piece so they are very accurate. Some are even designed for use out of doors.

Those oversized clocks will bring a great deal of functionality. Kids will not have to run inside to check the time, and it is a great help to have a clock near your pool or patio area. Not all oversized clocks are outdoor equipped, so check with the manufacturer to be sure they are. Most are advertised for outdoor use.

Oversized wall clocks really make a great gift for new homeowners too. It’s especially nice for the couple that has just purchased a big new home. Today, with homes cheaper than ever, many people are able to get more home for the money.

These special clocks are extremely versatile as you can see. They install easily as well. The oversized clock goes right inside the home on the wall via a bracket which is mounted to the wall. Use a screwdriver and anchor sleeves to install in drywall. Or, if possible, mount the anchors right to the wall studs. Once you install the anchors the clocks hand right on top.

Use a level to get the anchors hung straight and the clock will hang flush.

Since the clocks are so functional, you will not have to worry about changing the battery, either. These items are ideal for the office space. In the lobby, foyers or break rooms–where you want to have a large clock for all to see, they are a very good choice.

Make these your next decorating project and add a brand new theme to your office today. For the home, there are so many different styles to choose from. Paris themes, even Nordic themes are available. For any type of decor there will be plenty of choices.

If you need assistance with choosing your clock you will find several choices on the internet.

There are a large number of these clocks available today. You will find them in all sorts of styles and designs. But the best ones will accent your home in a way that no other decoration can. Select one that suits your interior and get a big decoration that really adds to your home.

Ulysees Smith is a freelance author and editor. You will find oversized clocks and home decorations at Photoframesplus.com.

Have you ever been the victim of a purse snatcher and had to watch as they ran away with your personal belongings?

I had never been face to face with a purse snatcher either, until Friday (June 18, 2010). Outside the grocery store, this man came running up to me and grabbed my purse. I held on to my purse straps as long as I could, until he jerked really hard and I fell on the concrete. When a purse snatcher is determined to snatch your purse they will get it no matter what you try.. I could not compete with a 250 pound man.

I hope you have never been there to encounter an ordeal as that and I hope you never will.

That is a situation that should never happen, but it does happen much too often. If it were to happen to you, have someone report the incident for you. If they are lucky enough to catch them please go to court when charges are filed. They will repeat purse snatching until they go to jail and experience what it is like to be locked up. Maybe they might stop.

This article is not all about me. I know you probably have heard some of the following tips before. Sometimes we need to read them again.

Purse snatching is a crime of opportunity. Sometimes you can help eliminate that opportunity or make it harder for them. Every female carrying a purse is a potential target. Senior citizens are especially susceptible to these criminals since they may not be readily able to defend themselves and pursue their assailants.

SOME TIPS THAT WILL HELP-

I have always heard that most purse snatchers are juveniles under the age of 18, who are waiting for the next opportunity. In my case he was a man, 21-25 years old and the driver of the get away car was about the same age with no license plate on the vehicle.

Frankly, your personal safety might depend on NOT clinging to that purse, even though it seems a normal way to protect the contents. Grabbing and shoving that may take place can result in being injured.

SHOP WITH A FRIEND, TRAVEL TOGETHER-

The first precaution you can take is to go shopping with a friend – man or women. You’re safer when in the company of someone else. If you must be out at night alone, stay in well-lighted areas. Walk close to street lights, staying well away from dark corners, alleys and building entrances.

HOW TO OUTSMART THE PURSE SNATCHER-

When carrying a purse, women should have only 3 or 4 one dollar bills placed inside. Credit cards, currency, driver’s license, keys and jewelry should be carried in a coat or sweater pocket, or concealed on your person to reduce the opportunity of large losses.

If you carry a purse, don’t wrap the strap around your shoulder, neck or wrist. If your purse is grabbed, a strong strap will not yield easily and you may be injured. Some purse snatch victims have been thrown down and have received concussions and broken bones. Never carry anything more valuable than you can afford to lose. Always leave all unnecessary credit cards at home. When you shop and carry a purse, place it in your shopping bag. Never leave your purse on a store counter or in a grocery shopping cart – even for a moment. When shopping always select a cart that has the child restraint belt and fasten your purse with that.

DON’T CARRY WEAPONS THAT CAN BE USED AGAINST YOU -

You should carry a police whistle and a small flashlight on your key chain where they’re readily available. Make a habit to carry your key chain in a pocket – NOT in your purse. And you should never put your name and address on your house keys or car keys. This is a simple way of telling the thief who you are and where you live.

CALL THE POLICE IMMEDIATELY -

Most victims are attacked from behind. They don’t get a good look at the attacker. If attacked, call the police immediately. Try to remember all details – help your police help you!

Unbeknownst to me, I not only had an angel watching over me but I had two, in the form of a nice young couple who watched the events from their car. They called the police and preceded to follow them until they threw my purse out beside the road. They only got $13.00 dollars, and left everything else in my purse. I feel very lucky, to have got everything back.

i have been in network marketing for about 3 years. I trust you will find this article helpful and that you will never encounter an ordeal as having your purse snatched. Lets go GREEN together. http://www.plugintogreenprofits.com/?id=2054

Safety comes first-always. This is certainly the case when you are moving, whether it is to a new house or a new business office. In either scenario, you will be doing a lot of packing and a lot of lifting. It can be gruelling work, and you want to avoid damaging anything: this includes the items in the box and yourself. Improper lifting can cause back damage, which is the last thing you need in the middle of a move. So, in order to avoid incurring this damage, to you and your items, we would like to offer you a few tips to consider.

For starters, when you are packing, be sure to keep the boxes, and other clutter, out of the hallways. Instead, keep them in an open and predictable space. This will not only help you remember where to find things, it will also prevent you from tripping over stuff accidently. So, to avoid breaking your valuable-and your back-keep those hallways clear of clutter.

You will also want to make sure that you have everything you need before diving into packing mode. If you find yourself missing something essential halfway through the packing process, it will slow you down severely. Accordingly, consider having boxes and plastic containers, along with paper, foam and/or bubble wrap (for padding, which is another key way to avoid having your belongings broken); you will also need markers, tape and possibly labels (labelling is highly recommended, more for convenience than safety); lastly, for the bigger stuff, you may need trolleys or hand carts, so make sure you have the equipment you need to move the most difficult items from your premises.

Pack those boxes tightly, always with adequate padding. You do not want stuff shifting around as you are moving a box. That being said, remember that you do have to move those boxes; this means that weight is something to take into consideration. Unless you plan on using a trolley, or something of the like, to lift a particular box, make sure that it is light enough for a person to carry safely and comfortably. You also do not want those boxes breaking and opening up. And on that note, remember to tape everything shut extra thoroughly. Do not rely on a couple short pieces of tape to hold those flaps together; cover every open seam and reinforce tape with more tape-within reason, of course.

Now, when you begin lifting the box, remember to keep it upright. After all, that is how you packed it, and you risk breaking or disorganizing something inside if you flip it over. When you go to lift the box, do not lift with your back. Bend your knees, get as close to the box as you can, and then lift as you stand up. Avoid twisting and other strenuous movements. You should also avoid lifting boxes any higher than your shoulders. Just keep caution in mind as you lift and set things down; it may seem easy to forget, but potential injuries have a tendency to sneak up and surprise you. So be ready for them. Pack smartly and lift smartly.

Lorne MacInnes is a managing partner at Ferguson Moving & Storage. We are office moving specialists. We are proud to now offer Toronto moving services!