For the graphic think more community portal than social network... The main focus of the site is local community interaction. Thanks.
I really like the ball with the errows... If the ball were a globe and if the colors were lighter I think this has possibilities.
If you get this, I will give you free one countinous rotating earth in the back of your logo swf file. Something like this or better as you suggest http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eq2uM3QFAE8