Despite current popularity gasoline hybrids are not the only answer

Are high fuel prices causing you to consider buying a hybrid? For many consumers the answer is yes but unfortunately the auto industry has not been able to keep up with demand. The most popular hybrid maker, Toyota, can deliver enough Prius models and cites a shortage of batteries in part for the problem. Conversely domestic manufacturers have tried to retrofit existing models as hybrids but thus far have met with lackluster sales given the vehicles poor MPG rating compared to Asian and European offerings.

It seems odd that a drought could affect the lives of so many people living so far from the land. A hundred years ago a drought would have meant failed crops, sick or dying livestock and hardship for everyone. These days we depend less on the weather to meet our immediate needs but we still suffer the effect of long-term wet and dry seasons. Even as floodwaters inundate parts of the Midwest drought continues to be a concern throughout the southeast and southwest.

Despite what bloggers may say or what the government is hesitant to admit, the United States is in a recession and consumers and businesses know it. The latest round of unemployment statistics not only revises the numbers for January and February but also indicates the largest number of lost jobs since 2001. In all 232,000 jobs were lost since the beginning of the year and by most accounts that number is expected to rise.

Forbes magazine has dubbed Charlotte one of the most miserable places to live. However the city was in good company ranked along side sites such as Los Angeles, New York City and Philadelphia. The criteria was based on several factors including unemployment, personal tax rates, commute times, weather and crime.

In truth such a declaration is merely a grab for attention and to sell a few magazines. The survey compared 150 of the largest metropolitan areas and ranked them against one another. In relative terms it not surprising that both New York and Los Angeles live up to their reputation as more violent and crime ridden than other cities. However violent crime aside the surprising statistic that forced Charlotte to the top of the list was the sad state of job creation in the region.

According to the article while the local population has soared 32% job creation has not kept pace with unemployment up more than 50%. What is unclear from the text is what this jump is attributed to. Locals are readily aware that high paying white collar jobs have brought many to the area while the eroding blue collar base has greatly contributed to unemployment. Of course the least surprising statistic is the regions tendency toward violent crime. Outside of the city is seems that Charlotte too lives up to its reputation just like New York and LA.

America's Most Miserable Cities

Imagine living in a city with the country's highest rate for violent crime and the second-highest unemployment rate. As an added kicker you need more Superfund dollars allocated to your city to clean up contaminated toxic waste sites than just about any other metro.

Unfortunately, this nightmare is a reality for the residents of Detroit. The Motor City grabs the top spot on Forbes' inaugural list of America's Most Miserable Cities.

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