Keep resolutions realistic
A.J. Marsden,
Tis the season for New Year's resolutions! About 60 percent of Americans make at least one resolution with approximately 71 percent focusing their goals on health and fitness. Unfortunately, a large majority of people do not persist past the second week of February and only about 8 percent actually achieve their goals. So, how does that 8 percent do it? They have realistic expectations for what they can actually accomplish over the next year, understand that specific goals are better than vague ones, and consider seriously what sacrifices must be made in order to succeed. Keep this in mind and 2019 will be a great year!
China, U.S. in space
Muhammad Musri,
On Thursday, China announced that its Chang'e 4 lunar explorer became the first ever probe to soft-land on the far side of the moon. The sixwheeled rover lander is loaded with a variety of cameras and sensors, including ground-penetrating radar to peer beneath the lunar surface. Chang'e 4's mission is largely scientific, but also a preparation for sending Chinese astronauts to the lunar surface. Only 12 humans have ever set foot on the moon, and all of them were Americans. As China becomes the U.S.'s main competition in space, Florida's space industry has to prepare itself for a serious challenge.
New overpass
Brendan O'Connor,
The I-4 Ultimate keeps slogging forward, like a brow-beaten professional wrestler who's been smacked with one too many foldable chairs. FDOT just opened a new overpass over Colonial Drive providing eastbound access to the interstate via Amelia Street, one that, if you recall, was being monitored for being a crackridden mess. Anyway, nervous Nellies are already taking bets about how long that support structure will last once open to the public. Prove us wrong, FDOT!
Timeshare exits
Beverly Paulk,
We live in the timeshare capital of the world with emphasis on buying. But sometimes owners experiencing hardships or life changes need to sell. The process is unnecessarily complicated. How do we identify competent “exit” companies from unscrupulous ones that earn scary headlines? From ethical friends involved in the exit business, I've learned: Run from companies that charge up-front fees. Look for a responsive company with strong attention to detail. Compare the process, if any, offered by the company where purchased to the exit company's process. Remember that lower sales-commission companies frequently encourage lower sales prices, giving sellers less money.
Florida’s growth
Larry Pino,
As we watched this past Sunday's episode of “Outlanders” on Showtime, it occurred to me that the migration of Scots to North Carolina in the 18th century was not dissimilar to the migration of our nation's Northeast and Midwest to Florida today. Florida is today what North Carolina was in the late 1700's — the opportunity for a new life and new beginnings. America and its various cities offer wonderful venues, cultures and history, but Florida and particularly Central Florida continue to offer such an easy way of life — to raise a family, make a living, and simply enjoy ourselves — there is little question why it continues to post double-digit growth for decades.
Stop texting and driving
John Thedford,
The electronic traffic signs along I-4 are hitting the message hard that texting while driving is against the law. While 92 percent of the cellphonecarrying population has texted while driving in the last 30 days, it's time to take a sobering look at some statistics. An average 2-plus ton motor vehicle traveling at 70 mph takes only 4 feet to stop when driven by a drunk driver, but takes 36 feet and 70 feet respectively when driven by a driver sending or reading a text. 25 percent of all motor-vehicle crash fatalities are caused by distracted texting drivers. Let's all make a New Year's resolution to stop texting while driving.