Archive for September, 2009

Poverty in Virginia: Photojournalist Project

Friday, September 11th, 2009

In an earlier blog, I talked about my visits to Richmond, Virginia and how saddened I was by the poverty I saw there.  While writing that blog I began to kick myself for not photographing it (I’m a photographer on the side).  I feel it would have made the story that much more real.

Anyway, I found out that I will have another opportunity to photograph Richmond’s homeless people and poor condition.  My hubby’s band is going to be going to the same venue in Virginia this month so I will be ready this time.  I am glad I will be with 5 guys though because carrying around very expensive camera equipment in that area will be scary.  The last time I was there I took all my jewelry off before walking anywhere. 

I am pretty excited about it.  I have never done a photo project like this before.  It’s usually models, bands, architecture, products, and nature that I photograph.  It will be exciting to put a face to the poverty for everyone to see here.  It makes it more “real”.

Forum/blog to speak out about world issues/concerns.

Tuesday, September 1st, 2009

I think it’s very important that the world has a place to speak out about world concerns and issues.  That is why I created this site and I hope that other people see the importance of such a site.  I wonder all the time why people do the things they do and how other countries can live the way they do.  It’s hard to understand where other people are coming from some times. 

After searching the Internet for forums, blogs, and social networks that address the problems of the world… I didn’t really find anything worth while.  Everything was all very specific to certain topics and the sites were just old an outdated.  I know that a lot of developers do it that way because the best way to create a successful blog or site is to stick to specific content.  Well, I just don’t want to do it that way.  I realize I am making it that much harder on myself to get the word out about this site… but I believe that if I just keep at it… people will come.

So I am trying and trying to get this site out there on the search engines.  Trying to get other people who also feel that a forum, blog, and social network that will bridge societies and get people talking about world problems would be beneficial to the world.  Everyone has something to say about some issue in the world.  There is no doubt about it.  The problem is getting everyone to just take a few minutes and share their thoughts with everyone.  So if you are reading this and have any sort of opinion on anything… join for free and speak your mind.  Don’t be shy!!  Better yet, spread the word too!  Tell everyone about this site and help get people talking!  I know the site is still new and there isn’t a whole lot going on here yet, but that’s why I need your help!

And please, if you have any suggestions or would like to help support New World, just let me know!  Thanks for listening!

First time home buyer tax credit 2010.

Tuesday, September 1st, 2009

Well, we are nearing the end of the year and the expiration of the first time home buyer tax credit/rebate program.  My hubby and I are struggling to get everything in order in an attempt to take advantage of this before it expires.  There is just sooooo much to do!  We have a lot of work we have to do to our house here (that my parents own) before we can put it up for sale and move.  Of course, then we have to hope that we can sell it before the first time buyer incentive expires.  Ugh.  This is really beginning to irritate me.  No one wants to just come out and say if there will be another program in 2010.  I know it’s because they want to get as many people as possible to buy a house THIS YEAR and not next year.  Especially the lenders.  They want their money now.

It’s also annoying that I really do not want to be moving in the middle of winter and that is likely what will happen.  I don’t want to be home shopping in winter either.  I like to see homes when everything is nice and green.

So like many other people who have come to this site through search engines… there’s the same question burning in the back of my brain… will the government continue or start a new first time home buyer tax rebate/credit program in 2010?  And like someone else said in the forums… am I going to rush to use the incentive now only to find out they continue it in 2010 or… they make it even better in 2010???  

I have been trying to find even some hints about how the government will be handeling things in 2010, but I haven’t found much info yet.  Everyone’s lips are sealed. 

Anyone else find anything helpful about this???  Anyone know if they are going to continue the first time home buyer tax credit in 2010???  If you know anything… please post it here or in the forums because a LOT of people want to know!   Thanks!