Lake Lanier 2007 Water Levels

Lake Lanier's water levels continue to decrease in 2007.
The water levels are now creeping into the AFC action zone 4.
The link should take you to the Action Zone chart published by the US Army Corps of Engineers.
ACF Action Zones
Action zones have been defined for each of the major storage projects on the ACF -- Buford, West Point and George. They are shown on the 5-week forecast charts that are found on the ACF Basin page. These zones are used to manage the lakes at the highest level possible for recreation and other purposes that benefit from high lake levels. The actions zones also provide guidance on meeting minimum hydropower needs at each project as well as determine the amount of storage available for downstream purposes such as navigation, water supply, water quality. These zones were derived based on the past operation of the projects which considered time-of-year, historical pool level/release relationships, operational limits for conservation and recreational resource impact levels. The action zones are basic guidelines for operating the river system, however there may be other factors and activities that may cause the lakes to operate differently than the zones shown on the graphs. Some of these factors range from flood control actions, fish spawn operations, maintenance and repair of turbines, emergency situations such as drownings and chemical spills, draw downs due to shoreline maintenance, releases made to free stuck barges, and other circumstances.
All three lakes are operated to maintain their lake level in the same zones concurrently. However, due to the hydrologic and physical characteristics of the river system and factors mentioned above, there may be brief periods when one lake is in a lower zone than the other. If this occurs, efforts are made to bring the lakes back in balance with each other as soon as conditions allow. By doing this, impacts to the river basin is shared equitably among the projects.
Zone 1 indicates that releases can be made in support of seasonal navigation (when the channel has been adequately maintained), hydropower releases, and water supply, and water quality releases. If the all lakes are in Zone 1 or above, the river system would operate in a fairly normal manner.
Zone 2 indicates that water to support seasonal navigation may be limited. Hydropower generation is supported at a reduced level. Water supply and water quality releases are met. Minimum flow targets are met.
Zone 3 indicates that water to support seasonal navigation may be significantly limited. Hydropower generation is supported at a reduced level. Water supply and water quality releases are met. Minimum flow targets are met.
Zone 4 indicates that navigation is not supported. Hydropower demands will be met at minimum level and may only occur for concurrent uses. Water supply and water quality releases are met. Minimum flow targets are met.

To learn more check out the US Army Corps of Engineers WEBsite for Lake Sidney Lanier.
http://lanier.sam.usace.army.mil/

Countrywide gets a Bailout - MSN Money

Market Dispatches - MSN Money: "Bank of America is the one coming to Countrywide Financial's rescue. Bank of America is making a $2 billion investment into the battered mortgage lender, through convertible preferred shares of the stock. 'This investment reflects our confidence in their business and recognizes the importance of the company in providing home financing across the country,' Bank of America Chief Executive Officer Kenneth Lewis said in a statement late Wednesday. 'We hope this investment will be a step toward a return to more normal liquidity in the mortgage markets.'"

Rent vs. Buying Real Property

It is almost always better to own your home rather than to rent. You not only build equity, but you get to write off your mortgage interest. Furthermore, home owners have a significant tax advantage when they sell their house after living on the property for two years. Married couples can bank up to $500,000 in capital gains, tax-free, while single owners can bank $250,000.
But that doesn't mean everyone should be a homeowner. If you plan to be in a specific area short-term or if you need to save the down payment to purchase a house then it may be worthwhile to rent property.
When you do decide to purchase property you should find a neighborhood and a home that is right for you. When looking at houses to purchase, make sure you can visualize yourself living in the house. Check out the neighborhood, talk to the neighbors, and get the information that is relevant to you.

Finally, don't forget that even with the tax-breaks of home ownership, you will still be incurring out-of-pocket costs that you wouldn't encounter as a renter, from the cost of repairs to modifications you make to make your house a home.

If you do decide to buy, it's in your best interest to put down at least 20% of the purchase price, to avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI). Additionally, with all that is going on in the mortgage industry today be sure to engage a reputable, well established mortgage lender. This simple step will save you a lot of time and anxious nights prior to closing on the property.

Today, our income is called disposable our cars are leased, we pay for things via credit card and most people actually own very little. It is time to rethink the corporate definition of success. It’s not the car you drive or the clothes you wear that make one financially successful, it’s your Portfolio! If you want to see a positive financial future ahead of you start increasing your ASSETS and limiting your LIABILITIES.
Stop giving your money away and invest in yourself. When you purchase a car, buy the car don’t lease it. When you purchase real property (Real Estate) own the property, don’t pay someone for the right of use.
Not to say situations don’t exist where renting property is the right choice, but make sure these situations are transitional periods and not long term living.
If your currently renting an apartment or house, making those monthly payments to someone else’s bank account, you really should sit down and discuss your options with your REALTOR or Mortgage Lender. You might be surprised at what you can afford. Additionally, the market is right for the home buyer, there is a wide selection of homes to choose from and interest rates on loans are still low. As with any investment, buy low sell high.