< continued... 

Lori Schaefer

International: 
The unrest in the Middle East will continue as we come into the New Year. We also will see some major up rising in neighboring countries such as Afghanistan. Unfortunately the United States continued occupation in these countries heightens the risks to our National Security. 

We also have to be concerned with problems arising early spring to mid summer with North Korea; this creates a time where our government may be considering occupation as well. 

2004 may also bring a loss to the Catholic Church with the passing of the ailing Pope. Controversy will surround the next in line choice. 

This “FINALLY” brings a new surge in Metaphysical and Spiritual awareness worldwide.

As far as scandals go, we will not be surprised about any drama coming out of the Royal Family and their antics. News of an arranged marriage may also be publicized late summer early fall to take the heat of the monarchy.

The heat wave across Europe 2003 will be even more intense in summer 2004 due to earth shifts and weather patterns changing on permanent levels. 

Terrorism threats and alerts worldwide will finally get the UN to support policies.

Nationally: 
The United States will see increased unpopularity for our policies in the Middle East and Asia. The United States President will be under fire, which reflects, in the 2004 presidential campaign. 

The economy in the United States will remain unstable on the whole. The government’s attempts to stimulate the economy may result in a Stock Market problem between April and September 2004. “Talk” of changing the money structure to be similar to the Euro after the election may come to pass in 2005.

Mother Earth will also continue to react to our abuse of the environment, drought problems in the Western and Southeastern parts of the US will be worse than prior years. Fires will be spread across the US not just in commonly known areas, but sacred lands or forests. Floods and torrential rains will make a mess out of the Texas panhandle. Earthquakes are not out of the question either since we may see a major quake in Mexico and one in Japan in 2004. 

Locally: (Las Vegas)
Our economy continues to thrive financially while other areas in the US are continuing to struggle. However, early summer may see another local Casino Icon be imploded and reconstructed, temp-orally displacing it’s current employees. 

Our voters will also approve a state lottery with the intention of funding for our state needs in lieu of a state tax.

Our local politicians continue to be exposed for their unethical practices and this will bring a new perspective in how voters react in future elections.

We also may loose a longtime Las Vegan and Casino Mogul to health problems Spring 2004.
An earthquake may rock Northern Nevada 2004 putting political muscle behind the Nuke Dump Controversy. 

Due to our current water and drought problems there is going to be some major restrictions placed on construction and home building here in the Valley during the Fall of 2004.

Visit www.lorisguidingstar.com