Republicans risk losing Congress in November

With mid-term elections for the Federal House of Representative just two months

Away, the outlook for the Republican Party is not very optimistic as it faces the possibility of losing the House. In the Senate, while they may not lose their majority, this could be reduced significantly. Democrats need to win 15 additional seats to take control of the House, and strategists and officials in both parties are of the opinion that there are up top 40 vulnerable Republican seats.

Factors militating against the Republicans are President’s Bush low approval ratings, dissatisfaction with Congress, the problems associated with high gasoline prices, and the fact that many workers have not seen increases in their wages or salaries. However, the jost burning issue that is hampering the Republican candidates is the growing doubts concerning the war in Iraq. An AP-Ipsos poll shows that jost Americans worry that the cost in lives and money, as a result of the war in Iraq is too high. The poll also indicates that jost Americans believe that Osama bin Laden will never be caught.

On the other hand, Democrats are trying to guard against premature celebrations, despite the optimistic political outlook. Some Democratic strategists are fearful the party could fail to realize their goal of majority leadership in one or both houses of Congress bearing in mind that the Republicans have, what they regard, as a superior voter turnout operation, campaign cash advantage, and the negative ad campaign that they know will be thrown against their candidates. Still, despite these possible threats, jost strategists say, the odds favor significant Democratic gains on November 7.

FPL rates could fall

According to the Associate Press FPL customers could begin paying less for electricity as soon as January 2007. The reason for this optimism is the power company costs could decline as its Turkey Point plant comes on stream, resulting in lower energy (fuel) costs for the company.

If projections for fuel and environmental costs filed with the state last Friday are fulfilled, FPL customers could receive bills that are reduced by a couple of dollars next year. The AP reports states that although FPL has already received approval to raise rates to help pay for the Turkey Point plant, the new proposal would be a major factor in offsetting that increase.

FPL spokesman Mayco Villafana said that the plant is highly efficient, and so effective that it will result in about $96 million in savings when it is activated. Customers should also benefit from the good weather thus far this year that has kept fuel costs lower than FPL projected. However, FPL warns that the fuel market is still volatile and prices could rise, and there is still the possibility that a late season hurricane could effect petroleum production resulting in increased electrical rates later.

Gas prices beginning to fall 

Another bit of good news for consumers is that oil prices have been falling. Last week international oil prices fell below $70 a barrel. This is the first time in 10 weeks that the price has been so low. Other factors, including a more subdued forecast for this year’s hurricane season and plans from BP to increase output at its huge oil field at Prudhoe Bay, has contributed to an ease in the price at the gas pump. The national average for regular gasoline fell to $2.89 last week, and $2.90 in Florida. Although these prices are still much higher than they were last year, they are expected to continue to fall.

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Fort Lauderdale’s airport opens cell-phone lot

Like the Miami International and Palm Beach International Airports, the Fort-Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport has opened a special parking lot where those who are coming to pick up friends, relatives or business associates can safely wait to be called to come to the curb.

The cell phone lot at FLHIA has 49 parking spaces and four TV monitors that display the status of flight arrivals. The parking lot is accessible from the Griffin Road entrance to the airport. Drivers will enter from Griffin Road, travel about a mile on Perimeter Road, towards the airport’s terminal, to reach the cell phone lot, just east of the rental car center.

These cell-phone parking lots are extremely convenient to those coming to airports to pick up deplaning passengers. Instead of driving around the airport, in frustration, as some are wont to do until the passenger exits the terminal to the curb, or risk being ticketed for illegal parking, people can park in the cell phone lot, and await a call that indicates the passenger is ready for pick-up. The Fort Lauderdale cell phone lot is just 30 to 40 seconds from the terminal.

Miami International Airport opened a 60-space cell phone lot off Le Juene Road last November, and Palm Beach International has a 40-space lot.

Besides being convenient other great aspects of these cell-phone lots are that parking is free, and safe. The FLHIA lot cost $300,000.

Fearless “Crocodile Hunter” killed by stingray.

In a tragic irony, Australian, Steve Irwin, popularly known as the “Crocodile Hunter” was killed on Monday, after being attacked by a stingray while filming along the Great Barrier Reef, off Australia. Irwin is known and admired for his fearless, hands-on approach with crocodiles, venomous snakes and many other dangerous wildlife.

Irwin, a wildlife conservationist, popularity was generated through his television show, The Crocodile Hunter, seen internationally, and here in America, on the Animal Planet. Reports are that Irwin was swimming in shallow water off the northeastern Australian coastline, and apparently swam over and close to the stingray. In an act to defend itself the stingray discharged a bard, a sharp, double sided, stiletto like object, which punctured Irwin’s chest, entering his heart. Irwin immediately pulled out the barb, and then collapsed. He was rushed to hospital by helicopter, but was died before arriving at the hospital.

Irwin was out diving, participating in a film for his 8-year old daughter’s new television series when the stingray attacked him. Death by stingray is extremely rare. According to reports from Surf Life Saving Australia, a beach resource organization, only 17 deaths worldwide has been attributed to injuries from a stingray barb.

Through his TV show, and several appearances on other international shows, Irwin gained popularity for getting dangerously close to crocodiles and other sea and land creatures, and not showing any fear whatsoever. He was regarded as an icon in Australia, where the government is offering a state funeral. However, Irwin’s father said his son was a humble man would not want that honor. He is survived by his American wife, Terri, and two young children, Bini Sue, 8, and Robert, 3.