(Video) U.S. GOVERNMENT DEBT CRISIS; AGREEMENT REACHED?

The U.S. Government debt crisis is still being discussed, but CNN is reporting Democrats and Republicans may be close to reaching an agreement.  The deadline for resolving the issue is this Tuesday August, 2nd, so let’s hope this is the case. 

If they cannot decide how best to proceed prior to the upcoming possible default, government check payments would be greatly affected. This would be the first time in history that the U.S. defaults, so they better fix the problem. 

Let’s hope President Obama’s speech helped them understand the importance of checking their egos at the door.  Many American’s are getting fed up with their petty power games and let it be known on Twitter, Facebook, and other sources.  Hopefully this also helped push them to “move their butts”. 

As the old saying goes, ”Why can’t we just all get along?” and get the job done.  Read what happens if it does not. 

WATCH ABOVE VIDEO TO SEE HOW WE ENDED UP IN THIS MESS.

UPDATE 8/1/11 – HOUSE PASSES DEBT CEILING DEAL

UPDATE 7/31/11: CNN reports Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has signed off on a debt ceiling agreement reached with President Barack Obama and Republican leaders, pending approval from his Senate Democratic caucus.

 

FORMER CICERO POLITICIAN BETTY LOREN-MALTESE HOME AUCTIONED; SOLD FOR $87K

This past Thursday, the government auctioned the home of flamboyant former Mayor and Town President of Cicero, Betty Loren-Maltese.  In an attempt to recoup some of the debt owed after her arrest, they sold her previous home for $87,000, but this is a far cry from the money she still owes.

After being convicted of fraud and sentenced to 8 years in prison, for participating in an insurance scam essentially stealing $12 million from taxpayers, she was released in 2010.  Maltese worked as a hostess after spending just 6 1/2 years in prison.  But she soon left that job, likely due to the embarrassing press she received. 

After watching the auction, Maltese told the Chicago Sun-Times, that the son of a neighbor purchased  the three-bedroom home during the sale.  

Maltese continues to claim she is innocent and has appealed the conviction.  She currently resides in an apartment in Palos Hills, which is a long way from her “glamorous lifestyle” before getting caught.

Is ex-Governor Rod Blagojevich next?

CHICAGO REAL ESTATE NEWS

 

(VIDEO) INCANDESCENT BULBS PHASING OUT SOON, BETTER STOCK UP

After 130-years of being available and loved by many, the incandescent light bulbs are about to phase out.  Beginning early next year Americans will see them wiped away from the shelves, so many are stocking up.

It’s crazy to think that under the new federal law, American manufacturers will no longer be allowed to make 100-watt bulbs, starting next year. The government has a major financial crisis on their hands, so when do they have time to talk about bulbs anyway.  While this has been in the works for some time, how it was even considered a priority at any point is mind-boggling.  If they were worried more about spending along the way and not bulbs, maybe we would not be in the mess we are in today.

Many American’s are not too happy about the change and are not warming up to fluorescent lighting. Most say they are just “not the same” and the new bulbs (CFL & LEDS) are said to be more dangerous if they break, due to mercury inside.  They also do not yet have dimmer’s, are not as bright, and cost more money up front.  Others say they last about 7 years, so they are a better value in the long run.  

If you love the old-school bulbs, it is time to stock up; if you can even find them still available in a store near you.

 

(VIDEO) STARS HELP HOUSTON FAMILY AFTER DEADLY CRASH; JUSTIN BIEBER, LADY GAGA & OTHER CELEBS ASK FANS TO DONATE

After a deadly car crash, a Houston family was torn apart.  The parents involved in the accident were killed, and their three children were critically injured.  When Justin Bieber’s Manager, Scooter Braun, sent a letter requesting help from stars, many reached out and started a donation campaign. 

The accident occurred July 3rd, on their way back from their Colorado vacation.  The fatal crash paralyzed the orphaned sons 8-year-old Aaron and 9-year-old Peter, and injured their 6-year-old sister.  They are being treated in Chicago.

Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and P. Diddy visited the wounded children at the hospital and are now helping with the campaign.  Ellen DeGeneres and Britney Spears also took part in the “show your hearts” campaign which began this week, and took to Facebook and Twitter to get the word out.

The children are reported to need long-term medical care after their serious injuries, and the trauma of their loss will likely require intense therapy.  It is a sad and tragic story, let’s just hope fans pull through and help. 

Fans can text “Berry” to donate $10 or go to www.showyourhearts.com to contribute to a trust fund set up for the children.

It’s good to hear stars are using their influence to support the family.

CHICAGO REAL ESTATE NEWS