Ann Lombardi asked:


For a free-spirited all-American getaway, head to seductive Savannah, mystical epitome of the Old South. Serving up heaps of charm & history, this laid-back Georgia “must-see” town quickly casts its magic spell. Start your visit with a stay at one of the Riverfront hotels. The Doubletree, steps away from the City Market & River Street, tempts with its cozy lobby, huge beds (each crowned with five fluffy pillows) & trademark walnut chocolate chip cookies. Be extra nice to cheery Cynthia at the front desk. She just might slip you an extra cookie or two!

TOP SIGHTSEEING TIPS

Call 1-877-SAVANNAH, or check out these websites visitsavannah.com, savcvb.com, & savannahpackages.com when planning your escape. Along Savannah’s Riverfront at 1 River Street, pop into the busy Hospitality Center. Marion, lively “grande dame” of Savannah hospitality, loads up visitors with helpful brochures & regales with insider tales only a local could know.

The Telfair Museum of Art (one the South’s oldest) and the Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum are Savannah’s gifts to art and history buffs. Tour the beautifully-restored antebellum mansions. The Juliette Gordon Low & Andrew Lowe homes, Owen-Thomas House, & Davenport House are best bets.

Fans of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil have their pick of tours highlighting sites from the famous John Berendt best-selling book. It single-handedly boosted Savannah’s tourism by at least 50%.

Info: savannahnow.goodandevil.com

Visit Bonaventure Cemetery & the Mercer House, where the sister of infamous Jim Williams still resides.

Snap pictures of the live oaks draped with Spanish moss, bustling harbor, horse-drawn carriages, & friendly locals with endearing Savannah drawls. Really MAH-vuh-lus! The town boasts native children Johnny Mercer, Girl Scout Founder Juliette Gordon Low, writers Conrad Aiken & Flannery O’Connor, Southern cooking diva Paula Deen, & “Life is like a box of chocolates” Forrest Gump! Strike up conversations with Savannah’s gracious residents.

Hop aboard one of Savannah’s free CAT trolleys for an overview of the town. Then buy a trolley ticket on a tourist line (i.e. Gray Line or Old Town Trolley Tours) with live commentary. A one day pass actually covers two full days of trolley rides. Take the 90-minute ride all the way to the end of the route & then backtrack to explore favorite stops. The home-grown tourist bus drivers are very entertaining & well-versed in juicy local lore.

Don’t miss a “Ghost Walk.” Savannah is said to have more haunted houses than any other U.S. city! A handful of companies offer ghostly options each evening. Hunky Shannon Scott, owner of Sixth Sense (1-866-666-DEAD), gives spooky adult nightly tours guaranteed to induce a serious case of goosebumps. Catch him now because he’s rumored to be moving away soon to write his first book.

Dine at famous Savannah restaurants off-peak before crowds hit. Sample delicious home-style fare at Paula Deen’s The Lady & Sons, Mrs.Wilkes’ Dining Room, & Clary’s Cafe. The City Market Cafe, on West Julian Street, makes yummy thin-crust pizza starting at $2 per monster slice. Dive into tasty, affordable seafood at the Shrimp Factory. For a sinful treat, top off dinner with a scrumptious chocolate basket at Garibaldi’s, local Italian eatery. Filled with caramelised berries & ice cream, the divine dessert is a chocolate-lover’s dream come true.

Take the free ferry from the Riverfront. Just show a Savannah hotel room key before boarding the boat for the 15-minute scenic ride to the other side of the river. Wave to huge freighters plying the waters & later book a relaxing Riverboat dinner cruise.

Tour historic First African Baptist Church, the very first black church in America. Peek inside the Catholic Cathedral, St. John the Baptist, & marvel at the wooden Stations of the Cross carved in Bavaria. The stunning stained glass windows were made in Austria. Visit Mickve Israel, the old synagogue founded in 1733 by Portuguese Jewish immigrants to the new colony.

Make fast plans to return to this beguiling Southern belle…Savannah!



KLIPPEL

Douglas Scott asked:


The Republic of Kiribati is a group of islands nation located in the central tropical Pacific Ocean.

Most of the islands of Kiribati are low lying coral atolls built on a submerged volcanic chain and encircled by reefs.

Kiribati is located near the point at which the international dateline intersects the equator. The islands are in four main groups the Gilberts, Phoenix, Northern and Southern Line Islands and Ocean Island.

Rainfall varies greatly, ranging from 40 inches yearly near the equator to 120 inches yearly in the extreme north and south. Ocean Island, the central and southern Gilbert Islands, the Phoenix Islands and Christmas Island are also subject to severe droughts that may last many months.

Many of the people of Kiribati continue in the traditional ways of village life with their extended families. Most people live in small villages of 10 to 150 houses, which are generally built of thatch and provide good protection from the rain as well as good air circulation. The way of life is simple most islanders fish locally, grow their own food, and raise livestock. On the island of Tarawa, where the capital is located, life is changing as the urban population grows.

The Presidents Office, Parliament building and international airport are all situated on Bonriki. A number of war relics can be seen on Betio and visits to WWII battlegrounds and natural history expeditions can be organised.

Stretching for almost half the land mass of Kiribati, Christmas Island is covered in lakes and ponds and boasts some of the largest colonies of birds. Trips with studies of the local birdlife are available. Bird watching is popular, especially on Christmas Island where millions of birds swarm everywhere.

The main towns are London, Paris and Banana. Game fishing is extremely popular on the island.

There are also trips to see outrigger canoe races and dancing contests.

A community meeting house, where visitors may enjoy traditional dancing, singing and storytelling.

A fine way to get the whole picture of Kiribati is to take a flight seeing trip on board frighteningly small planes. Tours take in the islands of Abaiang, Abemama, Maiana and Tarawa, other islands can be visited on request.

The islands boast superb white sandy beaches and crystal clear lagoon waters. However, swimming in south Tarawa Lagoon is not advisable due to the extent of its pollution and extreme caution is recommended on ocean side reefs. There are excellent facilities for snorkelling and deep sea fishing. It is also possible to charter boats for sailing across the Tarawa Lagoon.



HUNKER

Reg Gustin asked:


Home prices in Arizona have increased at such incredibly rates that many renters think they can’t possibly afford to buy a home. When renters look at the price of the average home, and then look at the monthly mortgage payment, it’s only natural to think that it makes more sense to stay in a rental apartment or home.

But what if you found out that you are actually spending more money on rent than you would on a mortgage? Wouldn’t you want to find out how you could own your own home and save money?

First, before you say there aren’t any more affordable homes in Arizona, consider the town of Gilbert. Gilbert is one of the most affordable communities bordering Phoenix. It’s a rapidly growing city with lots of new homes, condominiums, town homes and resales of older homes. Home prices in Gilbert are still very affordable. In fact, it’s possible to find a home in Gilbert for less than your rent.

Feeling a little skeptical? Take some time to consider the following:

* You can deduct your mortgage interest from your yearly income taxes. Each year, you probably have thousands of dollars deducted from our pay check - money you don’t get back. Most people save so much money on taxes, that it makes home ownership affordable. In fact, home owners end up paying 20% to 40% less than they did when they were paying rent. You don’t have to wait until the end of the year for tax relief, you can change the amount of your tax withdraw each month.

* When you stay renting a home, you are throwing away your money, instead of investing it. Real estate is an investment, is probably the number one way people save money. Think about the remarkable growth in the real estate market. If you buy a home for $200,000 and sell it in five years for $300,000, you’ve made a $100,000 from your investment.

Increasing home prices are a great opportunity, but they can also be a challenge if you decide to wait to purchase. Although Gilbert remains one of the most affordable areas of the metropolitan Phoenix area, prices keep slowly rising. The longer you wait, the more you’ll have to pay for a home. And, if you wait too long, you may not be able to afford to buy.

While you might not realize it, choosing to rent is costing you a lot more money than paying for a mortgage. You are missing on an opportunity to invest in your future. Homes in Gilbert are incredibly affordable, and there’s no better time to turn your rent into an investment that will pay off over your lifetime.



RAMSON

Mad Kat asked:


Since there are no punishments at the border when caught, you are just returned home, do you think stiffer punishments right off the bat would stop these people from trying re-entry?

What do you think the punishment should be?

——————————————————————————–

BP?attempts to break cycle of repeat crossings

By Denise Holley
Published Tuesday, January 13, 2009 8:44 AM MST

U.S. Border Patrol agents in the Tucson Sector would like to see the day when fewer illegal immigrants travel north from Mexico to Arizona to seek work. Then agents could concentrate on apprehending dangerous criminals, said Rob Daniels, public affairs officer for the Tucson Sector.

Robert Gilbert, chief of the Tucson Sector, wants to “end voluntary departure as an option, to prevent them (immigrants) from coming back,” Daniels said.

About 90 percent of the people apprehended by the Border Patrol have no criminal record or warrants, Daniels said. They can avoid a formal deportation in federal court if they agree to be bused back to Mexico, a process called “voluntary departure.”

But now the Border Patrol is sending more immigrants to federal court in Tucson to face prosecution for the misdemeanor offense of entry without inspection.

“If they are prosecuted by a judge, then they have a record,” Daniels said. “They can’t come back legally for five years.”

The Border Patrol began apprehending more people in 2004, when the Arizona Border Control Initiative brought more agents and technology to states that border Mexico, said Gustavo Soto, supervisor for public affairs in the Tucson Sector. That initiative evolved into the Arizona Denial Prosecution Initiative, which selects a percentage of illegal immigrants for prosecution.

“What the chief wants is for you to face jail time,” Soto said. “If there’s no consequence to your crossing the border, you’re going to try again.”

Soto admitted it would bog down the federal court system if 100 percent of the immigrants were prosecuted. The Arizona Daily Star reported last April that prosecuting some 60 people each day put a strain on the federal court system, which had to bring in extra attorneys.

Since Arizona Denial began in January 2008, more than 9,500 individuals were prosecuted, said Mario Escalante from the Tucson Sector. The initiative focuses on a 15-mile stretch of border southwest of Tucson.

As well as Arizona Denial, the Border Patrol has these operations:

• Operation Streamline: More than 9,600 individuals with a criminal history or repeated illegal entries saw an immigration judge at the Tucson Sector office instead of going to federal court.

• Mexican Interior Repatriation Program: During the hottest months, the BP, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Mexican Consulate screen immigrants who want to go home and put those eligible onto flights to the interior of Mexico. In summer 2008, more than 18,000 people returned to their home towns.

• Alien Transfer Exit Program: Between March and Sept. 30, 2008, more than 5,800 immigrants were bused to a port of entry far from the area where they were apprehended, said Escalante.

When immigrants are released through the Nogales ports of entry, often a smuggler is waiting for them in a van, Soto said. “Many of the men or women aren’t in any condition to go back out to the desert for two or three days.”

When immigrants are released through the Nogales ports of entry, often a smuggler is waiting for them in a van, Soto said. “Many of the men or women aren’t in any condition to go back out to the desert for two or three days.”

Instead, agents put the individuals on a bus to San Isidro or Calexico, Calif., to cross into Mexico, Soto said.

In fiscal year 2004, only 8 percent of illegal immigrants were removed by a means other than voluntary departure, Soto said. But in fiscal year 2008, 22 percent went through a court process or were flown to the interior or repatriated at a distant port.

“We want to get that figure to 100 percent,” Soto said. “If you cross through Arizona, you will face some kind of consequence. We don’t want anybody to cross through these hazardous deserts.”

But is this strategy working?

The number of illegal immigrants picked up by agents in the Tucson Sector declined to 317,696 in fiscal year 2008 ??“ Oct. 1, 2007-Sept. 30, 2008, Daniels said. This is lower than FY 2007,when 378,074 people were apprehended. In 2006, the figure was even higher ??“ 392,074.

Figures are not separated for the eight stations within the Tucson Sector, Soto said. They include people taken to BP stations in Ajo, Casa Grande, Douglas, Naco, Nogales, Sonoita, Tucson and Willcox.

“October, November and December are our slowest months of the year, Daniels said. “A lot of individuals are going south because of the holiday, or not coming north.”

“The cold reduces the number of migrants,” said Ramiro Q
axis - i am an American Indian and my vote is to punish and deport.

HODUM

Bill Cotter asked:


Due to the financial difficulty that the world is facing today, many are thinking of relocating. Some wants to find better opportunities while others want to have a new start. This is why it is important to find out more about the possible cities or towns that you wish to transfer to.

The Gilbert city in Arizona is a great place to start. Several realtors are more than willing to assist you in finding the perfect house among the groups of Gilbert homes. Power Ranch is among the most popular neighborhoods in Gilbert.  Here are some of the reasons why Gilbert is a good place to relocate:

The city continues to develop, thus providing opportunities for its residents. Looking at Gilbert today and comparing it to the town it used to be ten years ago, you can definitely say that the city has improved. The SanTan Village Regional Shopping center and Rome Towers are just two of the proofs of the growth of the city.

There are also several opportunities to neighboring communities. Apart from the growth that the city is experiencing, nearby cities also presents promising opportunities. One can commute to these nearby locations and find work. In fact, several residents of the city have been commuting to neighboring towns to work. This gives you more options if you choose to live in the city.

Although the industrial aspect of the city is growing, it still upholds its agricultural activities. One cannot deny that industries are more appealing to many investors. However, agriculture is also vital. Although the city continues to grow and develop, it does not neglect the importance of agriculture. The locals feast on organic vegetables grown in Gilbert farms. Their farmers’ market does not only provide quality food but also helps the economy of the city.

If you are looking for a place to stay, there are various options to choose from. The sizes of the houses vary. You will be able to find a place suitable for you and your family. Aside from Power Ranch, you can also find other properties. If you are still undecided, there are properties you can rent. Other properties include lots, industrial areas, commercial spaces, and brand new homes.

It has an easy access to various establishments. Residents love to live in Gilbert because of convenience. They have various amenities like parks, public lakes, museums, churches, shopping centers, and libraries. This is what most people want to have access to. They want to go home to a peaceful community but they also want to have a nearby place where they can take their family for some quality time.

Nowadays, work and rest are very important. We want to have a job that is stable and a home that is relaxing. If the community provides both, what else would you look for? If you are looking for a great place to relocate, Gilbert is a great town to begin your search. It provides various opportunities as well as high quality estates that will surely make you feel at home.

Summary:

What makes Gilbert a great place is that it is that it has a lot of great things to offer. Aside from beautiful houses and inviting environment, it also offers opportunities for its residents. It shows growth and development which gives hopes to thousands of people.



LEAHEY

Anita asked:


Optimal weather, a resplendent natural habitat and a generous supply of different golf courses are likely the chief grounds by which the National Golf Foundation chose to award the Valley of the Sun as “Golf Capital of the World.” Still, Phoenix isn’t the only location in the state that can claim estimable golf facilities, as there are plenty of additional highly acclaimed golf communities sprinkled to the north and south. Potential home buyers who contemplate the variety of possibilities for acquiring real estate in an Arizona golf community are in for a pleasant surprise because there aren’t many other locations in the world that are equipped to offer so many benefits as the ones you will find in Arizona. In fact, due to the fantastic living conditions and novel features provided in these communities, it isn’t a prerequisite to have an interest in golf to fully enjoy the Arizona golf community lifestyle.

Most areas of Arizona enjoy a phenomenal amount of sunshine resulting in optimal weather to play a round on the course. As a resident of Southern Arizona, you can expect at least 300 days of sunny skies per year. So, if you really enjoy the game, you won’t have to experience winter down time that is typical in many other areas of the country. Depending on your tolerance for warm weather, you can choose a home in the Phoenix metropolitan area, Tucson, or the friendly retirement town of Green Valley. Further to the north, you can experience a greener lifestyle in Safford, Flagstaff or even Payson. Choose from golf communities nestled in the rocky foothills or forested mountains. Many golf course communities also feature water bodies, both man-made and natural depending on the area.

The heightened profile afforded by most Arizona golf course communities continually draws renowned golf architects to join in on the creation of beautiful new golf facilities in the same area. Throughout the varied communities of the state, you’ll find courses which have been designed by legendary golfers like Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Panks and Robert Trent Jones. Seasoned golfers can especially appreciate the ways in which designers take extra care to incorporate the natural beauty of a given area into the layout of the community golf courses. As a result, all of the members of the community benefit from breathtaking views that haven’t been tainted by artificial developments or drastically altered landscape.

Due to the immense accumulation of noteworthy golf communities in Arizona, there is no way to highlight them all in a brief overview of the area. With everything from modestly constructed amateur courses in affordable communities to private and prestigious communities that host annual PGA tours, there is something for everyone among Arizona golf communities. Try out the Ancala Country Club, Desert Highlands, Troon Country Club or Gainey Ranch in Scottsdale, FireRock in Fountain Hills, The Boulders in Carefree, Ocotillo Golf Club in Chandler, Talking Rock Golf Club in Prescott, Seven Canyons Golf Club in Sedona, Tatum Ranch Golf Club in Cave Creek or any of hundreds of more fine golf communities spread out across the state.

Find your next home in one of Arizona’s exciting golf communities:

Glendale Golf Homes on MLS

Gilbert, AZ Golf Homes for Sale



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