A Quick And Easy Way To Calculate Monthly Mortgage Payments By Christopher Carter - Real Estate Broker Associate July 11, 2024 Share When buyers know they will be using mortgage financing to purchase a house or condominium they see and like, one of their first questions is usually "How much will our monthly payment be?" Today's article offers a quick way to figure out monthly Principal and Interest payments with just a loan amount and an interest rate. With all the current media attention on mortgage rates, you should be able to ballpark a usable rate to plug into the formula. If you have already contacted a Mortgage Loan Originator, he or she can provide you with a range of interest rates for which you may qualify. Very important - the calculation described here ONLY covers the Principal and Interest portions of a monthly mortgage payment. Property taxes, homeowners/hazard insurance, and any mortgage insurance are NOT part of this calculation. When escrowing tax and insurance payments, they become part of the total monthly PITI (Principal, Interest, Taxes, Insurance). This is also true of any monthly mortgage insurance payments when a down payment is less than 20%. • Principal - money you borrowed • Interest - fee for using someone else's money Monthly mortgage payments include a portion of the Principal plus monthly Interest (annual rate divided by 12). Calculating an amortization schedule (paying off with equal monthly payments) for a mortgage is mathematically rather complicated because Principal and Interest amounts change each month while the total loan payment remains the same from month to month. Here is an earlier article that provides an introduction to amortization: Back To Basics on Real Estate Finance - Amortization: www.thefloridarealestateblog.com Today we are discussing a much easier method that involves using a Mortgage Factor, which is a multiplier applied to the loan amount. This side steps some complicated math or searching for an online amortization calculator. Here is the formula: Loan Amount divided by 1,000, times Mortgage Factor = monthly Principal & Interest payment Keep in mind that we are starting with the loan amount, NOT the purchase price so you first have to figure out how much down payment will be put into the deal, then subtract that from the purchase price. Let's work through an example on 30-year fixed rate financing: • Purchase price: $480,000 • 20% down payment: $96,000 • $480,000 - $96,000 = $384,000 loan amount • Loan amount divided by 1,000 = 384 • 7% interest rate • Factor from chart: 6.65 • 384 times 6.65 = $2,553.60 monthly Principal and Interest Loan Amount ÷ 1000 X Mortgage Factor = monthly P & I payment This Mortgage Factor method does NOT replace speaking with a licensed Mortgage Loan Originator who will determine a suitable mortgage program and interest rate based on the personal financial information submitted in an application. Though it does provide a very straightforward method for determining preliminary affordability based on different purchase prices. Remember - this method ONLY calculates monthly Principal and Interest payments. It does NOT include: • Property taxes • Homeowners and hazard insurance • Mortgage insurance (with less than 20% down payment) Taxes and insurance can add significant amounts to a monthly PITI payment. When considering putting an offer on a house or condo you like, ask to see the current property tax bill and ask sellers what they are paying for insurance. Your tax and insurance bills will likely be higher, though you need a general idea of costs. That's it for this week, be sure to check out: www.TheFloridaRealEstateBlog.com for more articles. Editor's Note: Christopher Carter is NOT an attorney. He does not give legal advice. For interpretation and application to specific circumstances of anything you read in this article, you must speak with a Florida-Licensed attorney. Have a question or comment about anything you see here, if so, visit: www.TheFloridaRealEstateBlog.com < Previous News Next News >

Broadway Stars Coming To South Florida - The DPJCC Overlap Presents Speaking Up In Every Key Featuring Broadway's Seth Rudetsky With Lillias White & Arielle Jacobs Jewish Connection News Jan 15, 2026 The David Posnack Jewish Community Center’s The Overlap Is Excited To Announce That Tickets Are On Sale For Speaking Up In Every Key: A Musical Celebration Featuring Broadway Stars Seth Rudetsky, Lillias White, And Arielle Jacobs. Taking Place On Sunday, February 22nd, 2026 At 7:00 p.m. At The Miramar Cultural Center, The Event Will Blend Musical Theater Performances From All Three Stars With Stories To Explore How The Arts Spark Empathy, Connection, And True Allyship. The event will include a special performance with the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida, as well as solo performances from Seth, Lillias, and Arielle. Through their distinct experiences, whether engaging with Jewish identity, advocating for racial equity, or empowering young women, they each demonstrate how the arts can inspire connection, healing, action and ways the audience can promote love and fight hate. Seth Rudetsky is a versatile American entertainer known as the afternoon deejay for SiriusXM “On Broadway,” as well as a Broadway pianist, conductor, actor and a three-time Emmy-nominated comedy writer alongside his co-writers. He frequently engages in activism, including leading LGBTQ+, foster care, animal rescue, immigration and Jewish events. In fall of 2023, he founded The Jewish Broadway Alliance, a coalition to support Jewish artists through community, education and advocacy. "I'm so excited to do what I love most: tell fun inside Broward stories, perform classic showtunes by Jewish writers, and showcase the phenomenal singing of two of my favorite Broadway stars, Arielle Jacobs and Lillias White,” said Seth Rudetsky. Lillias White is a Tony and Emmy Award-Winning Actress and Singer, celebrated for her powerful performances in Broadway musicals, including How To Succeed, The Life and Hadestown as well as belting one of the muses in the Disney film Hercules. A passionate advocate for racial equity and arts education, she’s done countless benefits for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and The Actors Fund (including starring in Rudetsky's concert of DREAMGIRLS which raised $1,000,000 for the Fund) and in 2020, she co-founded Black Theatre United which promotes inclusion and systemic change in the industry. Arielle Jacobs is a celebrated Broadway actress and singer, best known for starring as Princess Jasmine in Aladdin, Nina in Lin-Manuel Miranda's In The Heights, originating the role of Imelda Marcos in Broadway's Here Lies Love. A proud Filipino Jewish American, she is admired for her powerful voice, dynamic stage presence, advocacy, and entrepreneurial work empowering young girls and rescuing animals. She is the founder of The Girls’ Camaraderie Project, a nonprofit that brings together female artists to lead workshops for girls ages 10–13, focusing on collaboration, empathy, and trust as well “The Broadway Pup,” which sells punny Broadway-themed pet bandanas & donates 100% of profits to animal rescue charities. Speaking Up in Every Key is part of The Overlap’s 2026 Season of programs. The Overlap uses the arts, open dialogue, shared learning, and interfaith experiences to bridge communities and build empathy for one another. “We are thrilled to welcome Seth, Lillias, and Arielle to South Florida to share with our community how their theater and advocacy work intertwine,” said Ali Shrago-Spechler, the Director of the George Gottlieb Institute. “They have used their passions for the arts to encourage solidarity in the face of intolerance, and these lessons will be valuable to all in attendance.” Tickets are available at: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/70440141/broadways-seth-rudetsky-with-lillias-white-arielle-jacobs-dpjcc-miramar-miramar-cultural-center . Complimentary tickets are available for students and student groups. For more information on ticket pricing, please contact Nancy Cohen: ncohen@dpjcc.org . About The Overlap The Overlap is a cultural arts and community-building initiative of the David Posnack JCC. Through performances, conversations, interfaith programs, culinary events and Holocaust education, The Overlap brings people from diverse backgrounds together to bridge communities and build empathy across Broward and beyond. The program is generously funded by the Sam Berman Charitable Foundation and presented in collaboration with the David Posnack JCC’s George Gottlieb Institute and the Jewish Federation of Broward County. The Overlap reminds us that the differences that divide us are far smaller than the common ground we share. About the David Posnack JCC The David Posnack Jewish Community Center (DPJCC) is located in the heart of southwest Broward County. Its mission: Enriching lives by connecting people through cultural, educational, social, recreational, and wellness programs in an environment of fun, friendship, and unity. The “J” is open to all and proudly guided by Jewish values. From infant to senior year-round, the "J" is a place that offers endless possibilities for you and your family to grow. It serves all residents of the community, regardless of faith, race, age or ability. The DPJCC is a 501(c)(3) rated by Candid and Charity Navigator. Previous Next

Aventura Bold Nation Sports U10 Triumph: Celebrating Excellence At The 2023 Nona Soccer Cup Fri Dec 08 2023 17:09:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

SOBEWFF® Celebrates 25 Years Of Eating, Drinking And Education Aventura Digest Nov 20, 2025 The Wait Is Over! The Official Website For The 25th Annual Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival Presented By Capital One (SOBEWFF®) Is Now Live, Giving Fans An Exclusive First Look At This Milestone Year’s Lineup Featuring New Events, Returning Favorites And Experiences Never Before Seen At The Festival. The Four-Day Celebration Returns Thursday, February 19th, 2026 - Sunday, February 22nd, 2026 To EAT. DRINK. EDUCATE. Across Dade And Broward Counties, Guests Are Invited To Celebrate A Quarter-Century Of Culinary Excellence Alongside Food Network Stars, Grammy Award-Winning Musicians, DJs, And More Than 500 Chefs, Winemakers, And Spirits Producers For An Unforgettable Weekend. All Proceeds Benefit The Chaplin School Of Hospitality & Tourism Management At Florida International University (FIU), With The SOBEWFF® Having Raised Over $45 Million To Date. The Festival’s 25th Anniversary will showcase 100+ new and returning events, including walk-around tastings, intimate dinners, late-night parties, brunches, lunches, happy hours, master classes, live podcasts, wine seminars, and more. As part of the milestone celebration, the 2026 Tribute Dinner will honor none other than Miami culinary icon Michelle Bernstein, who has been a beloved participant in the Festival for many years. A transformative Miami talent, Chef Bernstein is being celebrated for her role as a pioneering influencer on the city’s restaurant scene, helping shape it into a vibrant culinary destination. The evening will also honor renowned vintner Sacha Lichine, with Bobby Flay serving as Master of Ceremonies on Saturday, February 21. New Programming Highlights include: • Foodgod Jonathan Cheban will host Haute Potato, a new addition to The Hangar Event Series in Coconut Grove on Friday, February 20th, 2026. • Masters of Fire hosted by Tyler Florence will debut as a signature event on the sand and feature more than 25 chefs all celebrating the art of open fire grilling on Saturday, February 21st, 2026. • On Saturday, February 21st, 2026. Chew on this: A live Podcast series presented by iHeart Radio featuring Bert Kreischer, Chiquis Rivera, Medha Gandhi and Andrew Pugliese from Elvis Duran and the Morning Show will take place at the Miami Beach Bandshell. • A new event for the Miami Design District Event Series, Coffee Culture: A Miami Brunch Experience will feature the best coffee and matcha spots in Miami presented by Violife hosted by David Burtka and Neil Patrick Harris on Sunday, February 22nd, 2026. • Closing out the 25th Anniversary weekend, the new “25 Years of Legendary Bites” will be hosted by Andrew Zimmern with a special live performance by DJ CASSIDY on Sunday, February 22nd, 2026. Returning Fan Favorite Events include: • The 19th Annual Burger Bash presented by Schweid & Sons and hosted by Rachael Ray on Thursday, February 19th, 2026. • Taste of Italy returns to the Design District, hosted by “The Pasta Queen” Nadia Caterina Munno on Thursday, February 19th, 2026. • Guy Fieri will return to host a live iteration of the hit Food Network show, Tournament of Champions on Friday, February 20th, 2026. • The return of Overtown Brunch hosted by Marcus Samuelsson on Saturday, February 21st, 2026. Interactive LIVE cooking demonstrations from Food Network personalities at the Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village on Saturday, February 21st, 2026 and Sunday, February 22nd, 2026. For additional ticket information and the complete line-up of events for the 25th Annual SOBEWFF®, visit: www.sobewff.org . Stay up to date all year long by following the #SOBEWFF hashtag on Instagram, X, and Facebook. Previous Next

Miami Spice Is Back - Where To Find The Best Miami Spice Menus This Summer South Florida Sun Times Jul 16, 2025 It’s That Time Of Year Again — Miami Spice Is Back, And This Summer Promises One Of The Most Vibrant Culinary Experiences Yet. From Friday, August 1st Through Tuesday, September 30th, 2025, Miami’s Top Restaurants Are Rolling Out Exclusive Prix-Fixe Menus That Showcase Their Signature Flavors At Unbeatable Prices. Whether You're A Seasoned Local Or A Sun-Seeking Visitor, Miami Spice Is Your Golden Ticket To Explore The City’s Best Dining Spots For A Fraction Of The Usual Cost. With lunch options starting at $30++ and dinners topping out at $65++, there's something for every palate and budget. But with so many places participating, how do you choose where to dine? We have curated a guide to some of the standout Miami Spice menus of 2025 — whether you're craving bold Latin fusion, elegant seafood, or decadent desserts. 1. Arcano: A Smoky Latin American Affair in Coral Gables Lunch: $30++ | Dinner: $45 Available Monday–Saturday Arcano is one of the hidden gems of the Coral Gables dining scene. This summer, it brings smoky sophistication to the Miami Spice experience with a menu that marries Peruvian tradition and Cuban soul. Start with the Guacamole Ahumado, a smoky avocado masterpiece elevated by pumpkin seeds and Jalapeño-charcoal oil, or go for the Ceviche with strawberry leche de tigre for a sweet-and-spicy twist. For entrees, the Arroz Imperial is a standout—Cuban imperial rice with shrimp and crispy yuca fries—comfort food with culinary finesse. Finish with the Zesty Tres Leches, a citrusy sponge soaked in sweet milk and capped with lemon zest, balancing richness with brightness. Arcano’s lunch and dinner menus offer serious flavor for the price. Reservations can be made on: www.OpenTable.com . 2. Bulla Gastrobar: The Ultimate Spanish Tapas Feast Lunch: $30++ | Dinner: $45++ Available Daily Bulla never disappoints, and its Miami Spice 2025 offerings are a tapas lover’s dream. For lunch, their Croquetas de Jamón with fig jelly hit all the sweet and savory notes, while the Iberian Pork Bowl with crispy chorizo and braised pork is comfort food, elevated. Dinner brings heavier hitters like the Braised Short Ribs, served with potato foam and housemade chips. For something lighter, the Pollo al Chilindrón — a rustic stew of chicken and red peppers—delivers satisfying Spanish home-cooking vibes. Their Churros are crispy, golden, and come with both chocolate sauce and dulce de leche. Don't skip them. Reservations can be made at: https://bullagastrobar.com/reservations 3. Kaori: Asian Fusion Meets Culinary Artistry in Brickell Dinner Only: $60++ Available Monday–Saturday For a refined, artistic dining experience, Kaori is where you go to treat yourself. Its Spice menu is intricate, multi-layered, and beautifully plated, highlighting Asian fusion with a Miami twist. Start with Short Rib Dumplings served with doubanjiang shoyu and chili crunch, or opt for the Shiro Ponzu Crudo, featuring a local catch with raspberry gel and yuzu oil. Entrees include a must-try Char Siu Iberian Pork Chop with dark chocolate-guajillo glaze and a Seared Local Fish with smoked dashi congee. Desserts are more than sweet—they’re culinary sculptures. The Caramel Namelaka with miso ice cream and plantain crisps is a flavor journey in itself. For $60++ (with an optional wine pairing at \$40), Kaori’s Miami Spice dinner is among the most elevated you’ll find this summer. Reservations can be made at: www.kaorimiami.com 4. Piegari: Italian Elegance With an Argentine Soul Dinner: $65++ Available Tuesday–Sunday Piegari’s Miami Spice menu feels like a culinary tour of Italy—by way of Buenos Aires. Located in the heart of Wynwood, this high-end restaurant is offering a decadent three-course dinner menu that leans heavily into indulgence. Begin with the Polpo Alla Griglia (grilled octopus) or the simple-but-sensational Burrata with Prosciutto. For the main event, the Ravioli Osobucco in a brandy demi-glace is rich, velvety, and totally worth it. Desserts include the classics: Tiramisu, Flan, and homemade Gelato del Giorno. If you’re craving traditional Italian fare done right—with a Miami twist—Piegari is your go-to. Reservations can be made at: www.piegariristorante.com 5. La Boulangerie Bou’Mich: French Bistro Vibes All Day Long Brunch & Lunch: $35++ | Dinner: $45++ & $60++ Available Daily, Open to Close* Few Miami Spice restaurants offer as much flexibility as La Boulangerie Bou’Mich, open from morning till night across multiple locations. Their French-American fusion menu is casual yet creative, ideal for brunch dates, power lunches, or cozy dinners. Start your day with French Toast topped with strawberries and bananas or enjoy Mini Crab Cakes with avocado and dill tartar. For dinner, don’t miss the Brioche Wagyu Smash Burger or the classic Eggs Benedict with Canadian bacon and velvety hollandaise. Cap it off with a slice of Key Lime Pie or their signature Chocolate Mousse. With locations in Doral, Coral Way, Aventura, Pinecrest, and Key Biscayne, this is the easiest (and tastiest) Spice menu to access city-wide. You can find locations in Pinecrest, Doral, Coral Way, Aventura, and Key Biscayne. 6. Pisco y Nazca: A Peruvian Powerhouse With Panache Lunch: $30++ | Dinner: $45++ Available Daily Pisco y Nazca delivers bold, authentic Peruvian flavors with a modern edge. If you’ve never had Crocante Roll — a panko shrimp sushi roll with quinoa and rocoto mayo—this is your chance. Lunch highlights include Chaufa de Mariscos, a wok-fried rice dish loaded with shrimp and calamari, and the Tallarin Saltado, a hearty chicken stir-fry with soy, ginger, and linguini. At dinner, opt for the Ceviche Tradicional followed by Lamb Ravioli or the decadent Bistec a lo Pobre, a full plate with sirloin, fried egg, plantains, and more. Desserts like Suspiro, a dulce de leche custard with meringue and passion fruit glaze, keep the tropical flair going to the last bite. Reservations can be made at: https://piscoynazca.com/reservations 7. Toro Toro: Latin Steakhouse Glamour in Downtown Miami Dinner Only: $60++ Available Daily Toro Toro’s Miami Spice menu reads like a celebration of Latin flavors with a bold, upscale twist. Located inside the InterContinental Miami, this sleek steakhouse fuses Pan-Latin flair with Miami glitz. Choose the Lobster Empanada or Birria Bao to kick things off. Entrees range from the Short Rib al Carbon with smoky peanut macha and demi-glaze to the Local Red Snapper al Mojo, pan-seared with citrusy garlic-lime zest. Dessert brings drama with the Margarita Key Lime Pie — tequila-laced custard in a graham crust—or the crowd-pleasing Strawberries & Cream layered with citrus zest and shortbread crumble. Reservations can be made on: www.OpenTable.com . Final Tips For Miami Spice Dining In 2025 Make Reservations Early: Many restaurants, especially popular ones like Kaori and Toro Toro, book out weeks in advance. Check for Surcharges: Some dishes (like short ribs or paellas) come with small upcharges. Check the menu in advance so you're not surprised. Go Beyond Dinner: Don’t sleep on brunch or lunch options—La Boulangerie and Bulla shine during the day. Try Something New: This is the perfect opportunity to branch out. Whether it's Peruvian tiradito or Japanese-inspired rice pots, Miami Spice rewards the adventurous diner. Eat Well, Miami Miami Spice 2025 is your passport to the city’s world-class dining scene, offering unforgettable meals at a price that makes indulgence a little easier. Whether you're looking for a romantic evening, a power lunch, or a food adventure with friends, there's never been a better time to explore the flavors of the Magic City. Bon appétit. ¡Buen provecho! For a full list of participating restaurants, visit [Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau: www.miamiandbeaches.com Previous Next

Transit Rolls Out New Express Service Buses June 15, 2021 Share Eco-friendly buses feature an array of customer amenities “We welcome the addition of these new state-of-the-art MCI coaches to BCT’s fleet. As more South Floridians return to work, BCT’s Express Bus Service to downtown Miami-Dade and Brickell offers a safe, stress-free, comfortable, and affordable option for commuters, and demonstrates how public transit can play a role in easing the daily commute,” said Broward County Transportation Director Chris Walton. Broward County Transit (BCT) is putting five new state-of-the-art Motor Coach International (MCI) buses on the road this summer to support BCT’s Express Bus Service to downtown Miami-Dade and Brickell. The new coaches, manufactured in the United States, feature an array of customer amenities, including overhead storage, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, power charging ports, air ionizers, bicycle racks for easy and convenient storage and a wheelchair lift for ADA passengers. Additionally, the coaches positively impact the environment with engines that reduce carbon emissions and are more fuel-efficient. The new buses will operate on BCT’s I-95 and I-595 Express routes that originate at stations in Pembroke Pines, Miramar and Sunrise, with fast and convenient service on weekdays during morning and afternoon peak travel hours. “We welcome the addition of these new state-of-the-art MCI coaches to BCT’s fleet. As more South Floridians return to work, BCT’s Express Bus Service to downtown Miami-Dade and Brickell offers a safe, stress-free, comfortable, and affordable option for commuters, and demonstrates how public transit can play a role in easing the daily commute,” said Broward County Transportation Director Chris Walton. BCT is expecting the arrival of its first two all-electric MCI over-the-road motor coaches by next spring. The new buses are another example of the strides being made towards building an eco-friendly, world-class transit system for all passengers to enjoy. About Broward County Transit Broward County Transit (BCT) provides safe, reliable, and economical bus transportation via fixed route, express, community shuttle and paratransit services to its customers. BCT operates 46 routes within 428 square miles of Broward County, and provides service to parts of Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties. < Previous News Next News >

Holiday Travel Tips - For Those Traveling with a Loved One with Dementia Thu Dec 05 2024 18:15:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Engineering A Crisis: How Political Theater Helps The Deep State Stay In Power By John & Nisha Whitehead August 1, 2024 Share A failed assassination attempt on a presidential candidate. An incumbent president withdrawing his re-election bid at the 11th hour. A politicized judiciary that fails to hold the powers-that-be accountable to the rule of law. A world at war. A nation in turmoil. This is what controlled chaos looks like. This year’s election-year referendum on which corporate puppet should occupy the White House has quickly become a lesson in how the Deep State engineers a crisis to keep itself in power. Don’t get so caught up in the performance that you lose sight of what’s real. This endless series of diversions, distractions and political drama is the oldest con game in the books, the magician’s sleight of hand that keeps you focused on the shell game in front of you while your wallet is being picked clean by ruffians in your midst. It works the same in every age. This is how the police state will win, no matter which candidate gets elected to the White House. You know who will lose? Every last one of us. Politics today is about one thing and one thing only: maintaining the status quo between the Controllers (the politicians, the bureaucrats, and the corporate elite) and the Controlled (the taxpayers). In other words, no matter who wins this next presidential election, you can rest assured that the new boss will be the same as the old boss, and we—the permanent underclass in America—will continue to be forced to march in lockstep with the police state in all matters, public and private. Consider the following a much-needed reality check, an antidote if you will, against an overdose of overhyped campaign announcements, lofty electoral promises and meaningless patriotic sentiments that land us right back in the same prison cell. FACT: According to a scientific study by Princeton researchers, the United States of America is not the democracy that it purports to be, but rather an oligarchy, in which “economic elites and organized groups representing business interests have substantial independent impacts on U.S. government policy.” FACT: Despite the fact that the number of violent crimes in the country is down substantially, the lowest rate in sixty years, the number of Americans being jailed for nonviolent crimes such as driving with a suspended license continues to skyrocket. FACT: Thanks to an overabundance of 4,500-plus federal crimes and 400,000-plus rules and regulations, it is estimated that the average American actually commits three felonies a day without knowing it. In fact, according to Law Professor John Baker, “There is no one in the United States over the age of 18 who cannot be indicted for some federal crime. That is not an exaggeration.” FACT: Despite the fact that we have 38 million Americans living at or below the poverty line, 13 million children living in households without adequate access to food, and 1.2 million veterans relying on Food Stamps, enormous sums of taxpayer money continue to be doled out on wasteful programs that do little to improve the plight of those in need. FACT: Since 2001 Americans have spent $93 Million every hour for the total cost of the nation’s so-called War On Terror. FACT: It is estimated that 5 million children in the United States have had at least one parent in prison, whether it be a local jail or a state or federal penitentiary, due to a wide range of factors ranging from overcriminalization and surprise raids at family homes to roadside traffic stops. FACT: At least 400 to 500 innocent people are killed by police officers every year. Indeed, Americans are now eight times more likely to die in a police confrontation than they are to be killed by a terrorist. Americans are 110 times more likely to die of foodborne illness than in a terrorist attack. Police officers are more likely to be struck by lightning than be made financially liable for their wrongdoing. FACT: On an average day in America, over 100 Americans have their homes raided by SWAT Teams. Most of those SWAT Team Raids are for a mere warrant service. There has been a notable buildup in recent years of heavily armed SWAT Teams within non-security-related federal agencies such as the Department of Agriculture, the Railroad Retirement Board, the Tennessee Valley Authority, the Office of Personnel Management, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Education Department. FACT: For all intents and purposes, we now have a fourth branch of government: the surveillance state. This fourth branch came into being without any electoral mandate or constitutional referendum, and yet it possesses superpowers, above and beyond those of any other government agency save the military. It is all-knowing, all-seeing and all-powerful. It operates beyond the reach of the president, Congress and the courts, and it marches in lockstep with the corporate elite who really call the shots in Washington, DC. FACT: Everything we do will eventually be connected to the Internet. By 2030 it is estimated there will be 100 trillion sensor devices connecting human electronic devices (cell phones, laptops, etc.) to the Internet. Much, if not all, of our electronic devices will be connected to Google, which openly works with government intelligence agencies. Virtually everything we do now—no matter how innocent—is being collected by the spying American police state. FACT: Americans know virtually nothing about their history or how their government works. In fact, according to a study by the National Constitution Center, 41 percent of Americans “are not aware that there are three branches of government, and 62 percent couldn’t name them; 33 percent couldn’t even name one.” FACT: Only six out of every one hundred Americans know that they actually have a constitutional right to hold the government accountable for wrongdoing, as guaranteed by the right to petition clause of the First Amendment. Perhaps the most troubling fact of all is this: we have handed over control of our government and our lives to faceless bureaucrats who view us as little more than cattle to be bred, branded, butchered and sold for profit. As I make clear in my book Battlefield America: The War on the American People and in its fictional counterpart The Erik Blair Diaries, if there is to be any hope of restoring our freedoms and reclaiming control over our government, it will rest not with the politicians but with the people themselves. One thing is for sure: the reassurance ritual of voting is not going to advance freedom one iota. Editor’s Note: John Whitehead is an Attorney and Author who has written, debated and practiced widely in the area of Constitutional Law, Human Rights and Popular Culture. John Whitehead's Commentary are his views and he is open for discussion, he can be contacted at: johnw@rutherford.org . Information about The Rutherford Institute is available at: www.rutherford.org < Previous News Next News >

Romance & Finance: Openly Discuss Financial History In Your Relationship Thu Feb 03 2022 05:07:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The New Rules Of Remodeling: How To Balance Style, Durability And Cost By Feature Impact Jul 23, 2026 Homeowners Are Approaching Exterior Remodeling With A Sharper Focus Than Ever Before. Higher Material Costs, Longer Project Timelines And A Growing Emphasis On Long-Term Value Are Reshaping How They Make Decisions. The "new rules of remodeling" are clear: Success depends on striking the right balance between style, durability and overall cost of ownership. Curb appeal still matters, but not at the expense of performance or maintenance demands. Likewise, upfront savings mean little if materials require frequent repair or replacement. The most effective projects begin with thoughtful planning and product selection while keeping an eye on long-term outcomes. To get a better understanding of these updated guidelines, consider this guidance from the home remodeling experts at Westlake Royal Building Products, a leader in the manufacturing of siding and accessories, trim and moulding, roofing, stone, windows and outdoor living. Planning Takes Precedence Digital tools are playing a larger role in helping homeowners make informed decisions earlier in the remodeling process. In fact, nearly 30% of homeowners plan to invest more than 10 hours researching before hiring a contractor, highlighting a shift toward more deliberate, front-loaded planning, according to Modernize's 2025 Homeowner Insights survey. Platforms like Design Canvas reflect this change. The tool allows users to visualize exterior renovations using realistic previews, experiment with materials and color palettes and generate product lists, all before beginning construction. This kind of planning reduces uncertainty and helps avoid costly mid-project changes, which is part of a broader trend: More homeowners are investing significant time toward researching projects upfront to ensure smarter, more efficient execution. Homeowners can now test design choices, align expectations with budgets and move forward with greater confidence. "With the launch of our new website and Design Canvas, our goal was to create a seamless and inspiring experience that reflects the innovation and breadth of our product offerings," said Steve Booz, Vice President of Marketing at Westlake Royal Building Products. "This is a launch pad where customers can explore everything Westlake Royal has to offer, discover the right products for their next project and bring their visions to life through creativity, education and interactive design." Durability is as Important as Style Once the homeowner establishes a clear vision, material selection becomes the next critical step. That is particularly true for siding, which plays a central role in both aesthetics and protection. Products like TruExterior Lap Siding demonstrate how manufacturers are responding to modern homeowner priorities. Designed to replicate the look of traditional cedar, it delivers the depth and shadow lines associated with classic wood siding, without the vulnerabilities that often come with it. Its poly-ash composition provides resistance to warping, cracking and splitting while maintaining dimensional stability in varying climates. The material can be installed with standard tools, painted in a wide range of colors and even used in ground-contact applications. These attributes translate to lower maintenance requirements and fewer long-term repair costs. This combination of aesthetic flexibility and durability directly supports the new remodeling framework. Homeowners no longer need to choose between appearance and performance. They can achieve both while staying within budget. Cost and Timing are Still Deciding Factors Timing and cost efficiency also factor into the equation. Projects that begin with clear planning and reliable materials tend to move more smoothly, avoiding delays tied to redesigns, product substitutions or unexpected maintenance considerations, which can also help keep the project on budget. Ultimately, the new rules of remodeling are less about tradeoffs and more about alignment. Style, durability and cost are no longer competing priorities. Rather, they are interconnected elements of a successful project. As the remodeling landscape continues to change, those who approach projects with this balanced mindset will be best positioned to achieve results that look better, last longer and cost less over the long haul. Explore products and design tools to assist with your next project at: www.westlakeroyalbuildingproducts.com . Previous Next

Is Hebrew School An Essential? Thu Aug 31 2023 16:03:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Art In The Atrium & New Permitting Tool: The City Of Hollywood Offers Art, Culture & Convenience Fri Aug 23 2024 16:02:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)