Gas Hovering at $2 a Gallon

I ran across this photo and caption online tonight.  It's from 2000 when gas prices were sky rocketing.  Dh was interviewed while he was on the job.  What we'd do for $2 gasoline now!

Tom Camper, with Carter Transport, unloads 8,000 gallons of gasoline into tanks at the Miller Mart at the intersection of Clinton Parkway and Wakarusa Drive. Gasoline prices in the Midwest are hovering close to the $2-per-gallon price.

via Photo: Tom Camper, with Carter Transport, unloads 8,000 gallons of ... / LJWorld.com.

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The Donkey Whisperer, Roger Williams, for Congress

In this video, you can't help but like Roger Williams who is running for Congress in Texas' new 33rd congressional district.

While the President enjoys his vacation, I tried to talk some sense into his party's leadership. As you can see in the video, I gave them tough love & tough talk about the importance of the free market - we need to put the liberal donkey days behind us.

via Roger Williams for Congress.

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Cinderella Was Here

I'd recognize this signature anywhere:

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Amnesty by Executive Order

The Homeland Security Department said Thursday it will halt deportation proceedings on a case-by-case basis against illegal immigrants who meet certain criteria such as attending school, having family in the military or are primarily responsible for other family members' care.

. . .

"Supporters of comprehensive and targeted amnesties for illegal aliens have consistently failed to win approval by Congress or gain support from the American public," said Dan Stein, president of the Federation for American Immigration Reform. "Having failed in the legislative process, the Obama administration has simply decided to usurp Congress's constitutional authority and implement an amnesty program for millions of illegal aliens."

via New DHS rules cancel deportations - Washington Times.

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Barack’s Bus Force One

Don't you love how people that preach to you about fuel economy and keeping your tires inflated to the proper level tour the country tearing up the highways in a mega-ton bus that not only costs the taxpayers $1.1 million but also uses more fuel than any domestic vehicle on the planet?

And what's the bus all about?  It's so Obama can preach to us common folk about jobs and the economy.  That's quite ironic considering that Obama's bus was retrofitted in Canada.

And just to be fair, the GOP presidential nominee will get to tour the country in a bus just like it.  There's another 1.1 million in tax dollars down the drain.

Good thing we raised the debt ceiling and we're cutting spending.  Ha!

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Special Accommodation for Sharia in Tennessee: Islamic Head Coverings Exempt from Sheriff Policies - Atlas Shrugs

A  change of policy because two people complained!  How many people will have to complain about this exemption for them to change it?

Beginning Friday, religious head coverings will be exempted from Davidson County Sheriff's Office policies that require the removal of head coverings for booking photographs and upon entering courthouses and other county facilities.The move was made at the request of the American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee, which received complaints from two Muslim individuals asked to remove head coverings

via Special Accommodation for Sharia in Tennessee: Islamic Head Coverings Exempt from Sheriff Policies - Atlas Shrugs.

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Westboro “Baptist Church” Scumbags to Protest

It does look like Phelps' sickos at Westboro "Baptist Church" are planning to protest the funeral services of Navy Seal Petty Officer Matt Mason on Wednesday.

This is from their picket schedule:

Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, KS August 17, 2011 9:15 AM - 10:00 AM

WBC to picket nearby in lawful proximity to the funeral of Navy Seal Petty Officer Matt Mason.  The Doomed american military would like to do harm to WBC for her faithful message to this last generation of all time.  The mere fact that they wish to do so, that they would if they could, has put them square in the crosshairs of God's wrath.  So, on a day appointed by God, August 6, 2011, this member of Doomed america's military was among those whose souls were required of them this day to give an answer for their sins, chiefly their wishes to destroy the apple of God's eye, His elect servants of WBC.

. . .

Here's a news release they published last week.

Surely there's a counter-protest planned.  I'll update as I get more information, but I'm going to be offline tonight.

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Please Help Spread the Word: Westboro Baptist Church Scumbags May Protest Navy Seal Funeral in Overland Park

Please Help Spread the Word: Westboro Baptist Church Scumbags May Protest Navy Seal Funeral in Overland Park.

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Happy Birthday!

Image by afagen via Flickr

Whose birthday is it today?  I'll give you some hints:

• This person's long form birth certificate has never been released to the general public.
• This person's college records were never released to the general public.
• This person lives in the white house.
• This person's mother is a mid-western gal.
• This person's father is from a completely different part of the world.
• This person's hair keeps getting grayer and grayer.

I'm sure you've guess it by now.  Yes, it's MY birthday today.  So, when you're sick of hearing about the celebrating that's going on in Washington, think of me instead!

 

View the original post at: http://loricamper.com/blog/?page_id=35

More than three-quarters of Muslim med students feel right to refuse treatment « Creeping Sharia

The feeling is mutual.  I should be able to choose my doctor "based on personal, moral and religious beliefs." via More than three-quarters of Muslim med students feel right to refuse treatment « Creeping Sharia.

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Government Considering Renting Foreclosed Homes

I've said time and time again that all of these empty houses sitting around seems like such a waste.  In some cases I would think it would be better for the bank to leave the homeowner in the house and get what they can instead of foreclosing on them and getting nothing while the house sits there and rots to the ground. Getting renters into these houses also is an option.  However, let's leave the government out of it.  They don't have a real good track record.  They will just add lots of red tape to the process which will leed to long waits and expensive fees to pay. Government Considering Renting Foreclosed Homes - WSJ.com

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News on Norway

Here are a few websites where you can get updated news on the terror that took place in Norway on July 22:

Pat Dollard

nrk.no 

Raymond K

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New Homeschool Orientation Meeting

Clay-Platte Home Educators (CPHE) will be conducting an informational meeting for new homeschoolers, homeschoolers new to the area, those considering homeschooling, or those investigating homeschooling at 7:00 pm on Monday, August 15, 2011, at the North Kansas City Library. Veteran homeschoolers will discuss topics such as: *How to homeschool *Who can homeschool *Missouri law *Recordkeeping *. . . and more. Do you have questions about homeschooling? Please come join us for this informal, educational meeting and get your questions answered. New Homeschool Orientation Meeting 7:00 pm, Monday, August 15, 2011 North Kansas City Library, 2251 Howell Street, North Kansas City, MO 64116 Downstairs meeting room. If you have any questions, please contact newhomeschoolcoordinator@cphecorp.org. Clay-Platte Home Educators.

View the original post at: http://loricamper.com/blog/?page_id=35

Just Between Friends Northland Fall/Winter Sale 2011

Just Between Friends (JBF) is gearing up for their Fall/Winter sale to be held on August 13th and 14th at the KCI Expo Center. This sale is like walking into a department store for babies and children, except that everything is reasonably priced and gently used. Get ALL of your shopping done in ONE place! Every item is inspected before it is accepted to insure that it is top quality. JBF has a presale on the 12th which you can attend if you qualify. Homeschool parents qualify as teachers for the presale! Please use my name (Lori Camper/#5132) as the "referred by" so they know I'm doing my job as a volunteer. Note: If you have pre-registered in the past, you will still need to pre-register for this sale. You can also sign up as a consignor if you have children's items to sell. It's a great way to clean out the closets and get top dollar for your items. Please use me as your referral if you decide to consign.

KCI Expo Center

11730 NW Ambassador Dr.

Kansas City, Missouri 64153

To view their complete schedule, go here: <http://nkc.jbfsale.com/pag?es/event_schedule/?n=701> Homepage: <http://nkc.jbfsale.com/pag?es/home/?n=699>

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Rescue Your Children from Government Schools

I'm listened today to Barbara Simpson on KSFO interview Randy Thomasson regarding SB 48 which Governor Jerry Brown signed into law in California.  In case you missed it:

On Thursday, July 14, Democrat Governor Jerry Brown signed SB 48. That means children as young as kindergarten in California K-12 government schools will be forced to admire "gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Americans" as their personal role models. That's because SB 48 mandates that the unnatural and unhealthy lifestyles of both historical and contemporary persons who engaged or currently engage in homosexuality, bisexuality, or transsexuality be positive portrayed to impressionable children through "instruction in social sciences." It's the most in-your-face sexual brainwashing yet. And there's no parental opt-out.

What is Randy's solution?  Homeschool your children!  That's right, Randy is calling for Californian's to remove their children from government schools.  His first recommendation for parents is to homeschool their children, which he says you can easily do for $20-$40 a month.  Randy's second choice is to send your children to a "church school." Randy made some very important points that applies to all parents now matter what state or country they live in:

• "If you can read the tv guide, you can homeschool."
• You don't have to do the teaching, the curriculum will do it for you.
• The government school you went to no longer exists.  "The inside is rotten, it is imploding, it is dysfunctional."
• "Your children are depending on you to get them the best.  You can, you ought to do it."

If you think that living outside of California protects you, you're wrong.  Here is actual footage of what was being taught in Massachusetts and New York a decade ago.

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Somali-Americans from Minnesota Leave US to Wage Jihad, FBI Unaware « Creeping Sharia

Somali-Americans from Minnesota Leave US to Wage Jihad, FBI Unaware « Creeping Sharia.

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Monkey See, Monkey Do

I love my neti pot.  It's amazing how something so simple can make you feel so much better.  Cinderella has seen me use it from time to time.  I caught her doing this the other day:

 

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Rand Paul: I’m here today Mr. President. Where are you?

  Rand Paul: I'm here today Mr. President. Where are you? | The Right Scoop.

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Wanting Gluten-Free Recipes

I will be fixing some meals for a friend and am needing some gluten-free recipes.  Please post or send me gluten-free recipes that your family likes.

View the original post at: http://loricamper.com/blog/?page_id=35

Pa. 8th graders' field trip includes Hooters lunch

We know that kids are curious, still learning, and often make unwise decisions.  What's really sad is that this group of kids had two chaperones that took them to this restaurant.  I don't think this is that uncommon.  I can remember Ds and Dh coming home one evening after one of Ds'  baseball games saying that the other players and their dads had gone to Hooters.

The Berwick Middle School students were visiting the National Aquarium last week. Chaperones took them to various restaurants for lunch because the group of 100 was too large for a single place. [. . .] one group of 15 to 20 students ended up at Hooters.

Sadly enough, the school has not received any complaints!

Superintendent Wayne Brookhart says that while he wishes the group's coed chaperones had chosen another restaurant, he has not received any complaints from parents.

And, on another sad note, Hooters claims that they often host church organizations!

Hooters spokesman Mike McNeil says the restaurant chain often hosts groups, including sports teams and church organizations with teens and younger children.

Pa. 8th graders' field trip includes Hooters lunch - WTOP.com.

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My Strawberry Sponge Cake

I decided to make my famous strawberry cake for a potluck dinner at church tomorrow.  I say "famous" because I have made it for a few gatherings, and everyone seems to really like the cake.  I've gotten lots of requests for the recipe, and when we have a gathering I'm usually asked if I'm making the strawberry cake.

It's always come out just right, and I thought it had this time too.  When the timer went off, it looked great.  I was surprised how it had risen clear to the top of the pan on the sides.  I shut the oven off and opened the door slightly on the oven.

I looked at the cake a few minutes later, and it had shriveled up like letting the air out of a balloon.  I couldn't believe it.  I've never had anything like this happen before.

I was perfectly willing to work with the shriveled up cake.  I already had the strawberry frosting made, so I needed to use it anyway.  I was thinking I could frost it and then cut it up and put it on a serving tray.  I decided I had better try the cake, so I cut off one of the corners to give it a try.  The consistency of it is like a very old sponge.

What looks like a big hole in the middle of the cake is where I stuck the knife in to check it.  When I pulled it out, the slit wasn't even visible.  Now, it's looks like someone gouged a hole in it.

Since the frosting was already made, I considered making a white or yellow cake.  I got out my cookbook to find a recipe, but Dh offered to go to the store to get any ingredients I might need to make another one.  (I told you everyone really liked this cake.)  I soon realized it would be easier to make another strawberry cake, so here we go again.  If it doesn't come out, I'm done!

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Giving a Butterfly a Bath

Image via Wikipedia

Cinderella came up with another wild story last weekend.  We spent the afternoon at Grandma's house.  We took a bowl of pasta salad and had lunch together.

Later in the afternoon Cinderella was sitting at the table drinking a glass of lemonade.  There was a slotted, serving spoon sitting on the table that I had brought for the pasta salad.

Cinderella started her story, "One time a butterfly fell into my lemonade.  I used a spoon to scoop it out and then I gave it a bath."

I asked, "Oh, really? You gave your butterfly a bath?"

Grandma said, "Oh, poor butterfly."

Cinderella exclaimed, "Then I took it outside and smashed it into the ground!"

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Cinderella, Her Mother, and Tornadoes

Image via Wikipedia

Dd has quite an imagination and comes up with some wild tales sometimes.  Some days she is herself, other days if you ask her her name she'll tell you that she's Cinderella.

At dinner tonight she was telling me that her mother was killed in a tornado.  I looked at her and said, "Then who am I?"

She replied, "You're Lori."

I thought for a moment about how I was going to outsmart this three year old.  I then said, "What's your mother's name?"

She looked at me with a straight face and said, "Rebecca."

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Westboro Baptist Church Plans Protest for Joplin, Mo

The controversial Westboro Baptist Church is planning to protest President Obama's visit to Joplin, Missouri Sunday.

Scripture tells us over and over that we are to love one another.  If we go to someone about their sins, we are to do it out of love and concern for that person.  These protests are done out of hate, not love. "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." - Jhn 13:35 NASB Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. - Rom 13:8 NASB Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart, - 1Pe 1:22 NASB Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. - 1Pe 4:8 NASB For this is the message which you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another; - 1Jo 3:11 NASB Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. - 1Jo 4:7 NASB

via Westboro Baptist Church Plans Protest for Joplin MO - OzarksFirst.com.

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Government Regulation of Light Bulbs

Please tell me where the U.S. Constitution says that our government is to regulate light bulbs. I bought a LED night light a while back.  It does not work well at all.  It shoots a single beam straight up to my bathroom ceiling.  I hunted and hunted at the store for a night light that takes an incandescent bulb.  It took me a while, but I finally found one in the baby section.  It's got  the moon and stars on it, but at least  I can see when I get up in the middle of the night. LED bulbs hit 100 watts as federal ban looms - Yahoo! News.

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Muslim Mothers Kill Daughters

I can imagine being upset with your children.  I can imagine not being happy with some of their choices.  I can imagine mourning some of their choices.  Still, they're your children and you love them.

That is, unless you're Muslim and your daughter marries a Hindu:

Two Muslim women in an Uttar Pradesh town, 40 km east of Delhi, allegedly killed their daughters because they had eloped and married migrant Bihari Hindu labourers, police said.

. . .

On Wednesday night, Khatun and Subrato, both of whom are widows, allegedly tied their daughters, 19-year-old Zahida and 26-year-old Husna, to cots and threw a rope around their necks. They then held the girls down and tightened the noose until the victims suffocated to death, police said.

. . .

"We killed them because they had brought shame to our community. How could they elope with Hindus? They deserved to die. We have no remorse,"Khatun and Subrato said Friday.

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Quebec judge orders three-year-old into daycare for ‘socialization’ | LifeSiteNews.com

What is it the government is afraid of?  Children that will turn into adults that will think for themselves! Quebec judge orders three-year-old into daycare for 'socialization' | LifeSiteNews.com.

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North Korean Prisons Hold 200,000 and Growing

We do not realize how fortunate we are to live in this great country, the U.S.A.

Former inmates at the political labor camp at Yodok, North Korea, said they were frequently tortured and had been forced to watch the executions of fellow prisoners, the report said, noting that the North's network of political prisons is estimated to hold 200,000 inmates. "North Korea can no longer deny the undeniable," said Sam Zarifi, the Asia Pacific director of Amnesty International. "For decades, the authorities have refused to admit to the existence of mass political prison camps. These are places out of sight of the rest of the world." The report says that almost all of the human rights protections that international law has tried to set up for the past 60 years "are ignored." After comparing recent satellite photos of prison camps with images from 10 years ago, Mr. Zarifi said, Amnesty International became concerned that the "prison camps appear to be growing."

North Korean Prisons Hold 200,000, Rights Group Says - NYTimes.com.

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Chick-fil-A: Guilty by Association

Chick-fil-A donated sandwiches and brownies to a Christian, family seminar hosted by the Pennsylvania

Family Institute, an affiliate of the Arkansas-based nonprofit Family Life, co-founded by Dennis and Barbara Rainey.

Now Chick-fil-A is under attack simply for its association with Family Life and their stand on same-sex marriage.

It started with student groups at universities across the country demanding that their administrations kick Chick-fil-A vendors off campus. According to change.org, which led the charge on petitions against the company, organizations at more than 20 schools are agitating against Chick-fil-A—including Texas Tech, Ole Miss, Duke, North Carolina State University, Florida Gulf Coast University, and Indiana University-South Bend (IUSB). (As a result of student outcry, IUSB temporarily suspended the nearby franchise's campus food service. Though now reinstated, its status remains uncertain.)

Then, last month after receiving appeals from PROMO, a group that describes itself as an advocate for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender equality, the Clayton County, Mo., Chamber of Commerce abruptly canceled a planned appearance from Chick-fil-A COO and president, Dan Cathy. Chamber head Ellen Gale told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that until PROMO contacted them, chamber leadership had "no idea he [Cathy] held such controversial views." The disinvite led to unflattering coverage in national outlets like The New York Times and Time magazine questioning whether the restaurant giant, which operates in 39 states and employs more than 60,000 people, is anti-gay.

This is not just an attack on Chick-fil-A, but also an attack on Christianity.  It looks like a visit to my local Chick-fil-A is in order.

View the original post at: http://loricamper.com/blog/?page_id=35

We Have a White Squirrel

There's a new squirrel in town . . .

We named him Whitie.

He's small but appears to be growing.

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Just Between Friends (JBF) Sale this Weekend

Image by David Reber's Hammer Photography via Flickr

If you missed the Just Between Friends Northland sale earlier this spring, you have one more chance this weekend to attend a great JBF sale.  This sale is located at the Kansas Speedway.  You can find everything you need for baby and children here for a fraction of the cost of retail.

Event Hours:
Friday, March 25th from 9am to 8pm
Saturday, March 26th from 9am to 5pm
Sunday, March 27th from 9am to 5pm  **Sunday is half price day**

Due to construction, the only entrance to the Speedway that is open is the southwest entrance off of 110th Street.  This entrance is accessible via I-70.   Still, if you have little ones or a little one on the way, it is well worth the trip.

Go here for more information on this sale.

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When Murder isn’t Really Murder

Image via Wikipedia

Johnson County, Kansas prosecutors seem to think that if you plot, plan and murder someone and then lead a crime-free life for 20 years before being caught that you shouldn't have to serve the time.

Mr. Mangelsdorf and Mrs. Harmon were having an affair  They planned and succeeded in murdering Mr. Harmon.  The two then went their separate ways, married, and had children before the murder was then solved some 20 years later.

Evidently, then prosecutor Paul Morrison made a deal with Mr. Mangelsdorf that he would support an early release for him after serving five years if he didn't get into trouble in prison.

Five years have now passed, Mr. Mangelsdorf has managed to stay out of trouble, so the prosecuting attorney's office is now lobbying for Mr. Mangelsdorf's release.  Mr. Mangelsdorf's family and attorney are lobbying for his release as well.

"For 20 years my client worked, married and had children and was an absolute model citizen and still is a model citizen in prison," Kreamer told the parole board. "There can't be any doubt that when he gets out he will be a model citizen."

"Model citizens" don't bludgeon their lover's husband to death with a crowbar.  You could argue that model citizens don't have affairs to begin with.

View the original post at: http://loricamper.com/blog/?page_id=35

TSA: American Public Needs to be Educated

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

Alaska is looking into whether a compromise can be reached with TSA regarding full body pat-downs.  Here's the TSA's response:

. . .the TSA is looking for opportunities to educate but not negotiate security requirements.

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Signs of Spring

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Homeland Security Plans DNA Screening

If groping your privates and looking at your naked body weren't enough, DHS now wants a piece of you—literally!

Read more here.

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UK: Abortion Safer than Having a Baby

Image via Wikipedia

I find this appalling and amazing.  Women are being advised by doctors that having an abortion is safer than having a baby.

In the US you may take the abortion pill, or you may have an abortion at a clinic.  If the abortion pill is chosen, you will first be given a pill that blocks progesterone and causes the lining of the uterus to break down.  Then, you will be given a second drug that will cause you to bleed and cramp and expel the fetus.  You may experience such side effects as dizziness, heavy bleeding, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, and/or chills.¹

The most common type of abortion done at a clinic is an aspiration abortion.  In this procedure, a tube is inserted into the uterus and the baby is suctioned out.  Side effects you might experience are blood clots in the uterus, incomplete abortion, infection, injury to the cervix, and more.²

No matter what procedure is used, a successful abortion will result in a dead baby.

Somehow we are supposed to believe that introducing foreign chemicals and objects into a woman's body is safer than letting the body do what it was meant to do the way God created it.  It's certainly not safer for the child.  Common sense says it's not safer for the mother either.

When making a decision, we all weigh the pros and cons.  I think this is just an attempt to give the abortionists another "pro" to add to their list.

---

¹ http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/abortion/abortion-pill-medication-abortion-4354.asp

² http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/abortion/in-clinic-abortion-procedures-4359.asp

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Sheen Miffs Witches

I haven't really been following all the hoopla with Charlie Sheen, and I certainly didn't think I'd comment on it.  However, this one caught my eye:

In a week in which the embattled actor described himself as having "tiger blood" and other apparently super-human attributes normally reserved in the pages of comic books, the star described himself as a "Vatican assassin warlock" during a radio interview. 

The description evidently did not sit well with the witch community in Salem, Mass.

Christian Day, a practicing warlock -- or male witch -- and member of Salem's Coven of the Raven Moon, said he was "angered" over the statement because it's a "blatant offense against our ways and teachings."

Day held a ritual Sunday with other members of the witch community to send positive spirits in Sheen's direction.

Day said Sheen was "reckless" by singling out the group and should apologize.

"If he made that comment against the Christians or Jewish people, there would be outrage," he told FoxNews.com.

I don't know where Mr. Day gets his news, but comments against Christians and Jews these days are welcomed and celebrated.  Making comments against Muslims, however, will produce outrage.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2011/03/06/witch-community-upset-sheens-depiction-warlock/#ixzz1GAxQF8W8

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Florida Motorists Illegally Detained at Toll Booth

Folks, we've all got to do like Joel Chandler and stand up for our rights.  Our government has made it clear that they will walk all over us and our rights if we let them.

Thank you, Joel, for sticking to it and seeing this through.

Stand up!  Say no!

View the original post at: http://loricamper.com/blog/?page_id=35

JBF Northland Spring/Summer Sale is On!

Image via CrunchBase

 

Just Between Friends Northland Spring/Summer Sale is Finally Here!!!

 

February 26  & 27, 2011

KCI Expo Center
11730 Ambassador
KC, MO 64153

click here for directions to the sale

 

Yes, we did get some snow yesterday, but the JBF sale is on as scheduled.  If you're concerned about the roads, they are in good condition this afternoon—much better than they were this morning when I dropped my items off at the sale.

Come on out and warm yourself up with those great bargains!

Click here to view the complete schedule for the upcoming sale. This link will provide information regarding the pre-sale schedule including shopping times and hours of operation for our public shopping days.

Use the coupon below for free admittance!

 

View the original post at: http://loricamper.com/blog/?page_id=35

Can I Deduct my Homeschool Expenses From my Taxes?

Image via Wikipedia

I get asked this question a lot this time of year, "Can I deduct my homeschool expenses from my taxes?"  A tax-law change the last few years allowing teachers to deduct expenses has caused even more confusion.

The short answer to the questions is, "no."  Here's an explanation from the Homeschool CPA:

The IRS guidelines say to be an eligible educator:

"You work at least 900 hours a school year in a school that provides elementary or secondary education, as determined under state law."

To work means to get paid for your work as a teacher-employee. Homeschool parents are not employees of a school. We do not get paid; we do not get a W-2. The IRS will check for a W-2 from a school if a taxpayer takes the Educator Expense deduction. Homeschoolers would not have a W-2 from a school, even if your state classifies your homeschool as a private school.

Keep in mind that the tax-law changes from year to year.  Just because you are not able to deduct your homeschool expenses at this time doesn't mean that you won't be able to sometime in the future.

View the original post at: http://loricamper.com/blog/?page_id=35

Debunking the Homeschooling Naysayers

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I think that all homeschoolers have at least one friend or family member that gives them a hard time about homeschooling—at least in the beginning.  In most cases, those that question your decision to homeschool are genuinely concerned about the children.  Some may truly be seeking information.  My experience has been that those that are against homeschooling are those that don't know anything about it.

I recently found a website giving tips on how to defend yourself to your loved ones that are questioning your decision to homeschool.  It does have some good tips, but fails to say that you don't have to defend yourself if you don't want to.  If you like you could let everything go in one ear and out the other and then go on.  You will know best how to handle your friends/family.  If necessary, you may have to visit said friends/family less often.  It's unfortunate, but you have to do what's best for your children.

Be aware that you will be asked questions.  Taking the time to think some questions through and how you want to answer them will make you better prepared and more comfortable in answering these questions.  You may also want to talk with your children about the questions they might be asked and how they might answer them.

As you continue to homeschool successfully the naysayers will come around.  You may be surprised to one day find your biggest adversary complimenting you on a job well done.

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The Craigslist Congressman

When I see things like this, I'm amazed to think that people, especially those in the public eye, think that they can do something like this without anyone else finding out about it.  According to Gawker, Congressman Lee lied to the wrong person.  Once the woman Congressman Lee contacted on Craigslist realized that he lied about his age, occupation, and marital status, she forwarded their emails to Gawker.  This has put the brakes on this man's career, and I suspect has caused problems in his marriage even though the article claims that they are "happily married."

Below are some tips.

The Ways of the Internet:

1.  Anything you put in print, especially something risqué in nature, can and will be forwarded to lots and lots of people.  Some of those people you will know, some you will not.  No matter what efforts you put in to deleting this information, it will always be somewhere.

2.  If you are promiscuous, you will be found out.

3.  If you are in the public eye, news will travel twice the distance at twice the speed.

4.  There will be consequences.

5.  You are not the exception to all the rules.

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Claire McCaskill Throws Missouri under the Bus/Snowplow

Yesterday the NY Times reported that Charlotte, NC was selected for the 2012 National Democratic Convention.  Several cities, including St. Louis, were under consideration for this mega event.

The NY Times also reported that Senator McCaskill (D-MO) argued that having the DNC in St. Louis could complicate her re-election in 2012:

Ms. McCaskill, one of the president's closest friends in the Senate, took her concerns directly to the White House, according to party leaders familiar with the selection process. She argued that her re-election could be complicated if the convention was held in St. Louis, because the Democratic gathering will almost certainly attract protesters and compete for fund-raising.^*

The only comment I've been able to find from Claire is this Tweet:

I don't know what could make your re-election more complicated than ticking off your constituents.  To think that she may have lobbied against an event that would've brought thousands of jobs, even if only temporary, to the state is repulsive.  The last thing Missouri needs in D.C. is a career politician like Claire McCaskill that puts her wants/needs above the good of those she's supposed to be serving.  If you don't have a servant's heart, Claire, this job is not for you.

*via Democrats' 2012 Convention Will Be in Charlotte - NYTimes.com.

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Deep Reading a Thing of the Past?

With the Internet, Twitter, Facebook, and other social media; there is a concern that children are not learning to "deep read."  What is deep reading, you ask?

"Deep reading," or slow reading, is a sophisticated process in which people can critically think, reflect and understand the words they are looking at. With most, that means slowing down -- even stopping and rereading a page or paragraph if it doesn't sink in -- to really capture what the author is trying to say. Experts warn that without reading and really understanding what's being said, it is impossible to be an educated citizen of the world, a knowledgeable voter or even an imaginative thinker.

I had to pause to contemplate why deep reading might becoming a thing of the past.  Are we too involved in social media and texting 24/7 to take the time to pick up a book worth reading?  Do we think that because we're adults and not enrolled in school that learning stops or is no longer necessary?  Do the teens and adults of today think that they know it all or know all they need to know? Are we raising mindless zombies that are incapable of deep reading? Deep reading surely requires deep thinking.  More than just reading the words on the page in front of you, it is necessary to comprehend them.  Deep thinking requires contemplating and pondering what you've read and "digesting" it if you will. As a student, I did a lot of learning because it was required.  I enjoyed most subjects.  Now, as an adult, I am able to study and learn at my leisure and on those subjects that I choose.  Learning has become enjoyable, a hobby even.  I have even found that some subjects that I absolutely did not like (history) can be interesting and that I probably had a couple of teachers that didn't do a very good job teaching the subject. Most importantly, I study the Bible (what I consider the handbook of life) on a daily basis.  This requires reading the same passage more than once, thinking, contemplating, taking notes, asking what I can learn from this passage, how it applies to me, and considering any changes I may need to make in my life.  I'm saddened to think that we might have a society of people unable to do this. Deep reading, deep thinking, and learning are very important.  We will become a country of mindless zombies controlled by the government if our children are not taught to do this.  How will they understand our Constitution and be able to defend it and their God-given rights?  How will they understand the Bible, God's plan of salvation, and His plan for their lives? via Experts worry deep reading becoming a thing of the past | The Post and Courier, Charleston SC - News, Sports, Entertainment.

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Homeschooling: The Most Effective Educational Choice

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Go to Work, Go to School, Quit Complaining, and Praise the Lord!

We got dumped on about 10 days ago, and we have several more inches of snow today.  It is not uncommon here to be stuck inside for a few days during the winter.  I can certainly sympathize with this woman.

Evidently, Atlanta had the same controversy over Martin Luther King Day as this area did.  After missing several days of school, some schools wanted to open on MLK Day because they did not have any snow days built into their school calendar.

I certainly like this lady's sense of humor.

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Couple Stopped From Helping Homeless

Bobby and Amanda Herring spent more than a year providing food to homeless people in downtown Houston every day. They fed them, left behind no trash and doled out warm meals peacefully without a single crime being committed, Bobby Herring said.

That ended two weeks ago when the city shut down their "Feed a Friend" effort for lack of a permit. And city officials say the couple most likely will not be able to obtain one.

[. . .]

Anyone serving food for public consumption, whether for the homeless or for sale, must have a permit, said Kathy Barton, a spokeswoman for the Health and Human Services Department. To get that permit, the food must be prepared in a certified kitchen with a certified food manager.

The regulations are all the more essential in the case of the homeless, Barton said, because "poor people are the most vulnerable to foodborne illness and also are the least likely to have access to health care."

Yah, right.  The kitchens this food is being prepared in is probably cleaner than any restaurant or soup kitchen.

Bobby Herring said those rules would preclude them from continuing to feed the 60 to 120 people they assisted nightly for more than a year. The food had been donated from area businesses and prepared in various kitchens by volunteers or by his wife.

[. . .]

City Councilwoman Wanda Adams, who has been an advocate for the homeless during her tenure, said she planned to review the ordinance. She reiterated the importance of the city's rules but applauded the efforts of the Herrings.

"I'm very passionate about what they're doing," she said. "Somebody needs to make sure our homeless people are being taken care of. ... We have to look as a city to see if there are other ways we can partner with people like this who are trying to help."

No, the government is not the solution.  The Herrings were doing just fine handing out food to the homeless without the help of the government.  The government has now become the problem and has stopped the Herrings from doing so.  Partnering with "people like this" will only add more bureaucracy, more red tape, more expenses and in the end less people will be helped.  Or, as it as right now, no one will be helped.  As often is the case, Houston's homeless would be better off if the government would get out of the way.

Houston permit rule stops couple's effort to feed homeless | Houston & Texas News | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle.

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Safe Holiday or Any Day Sweeteners

In her December 2010 newsletter, Dr. Janet Starr Hull gave a list of safe sweeteners and sweeteners to avoid.  Even though this may be something we might need to be more mindful of during the holiday season, it's good information for us to have all year.

Remember, these are the artificial sweeteners to avoid:

1. Sucralose (Splenda)
2. Aspartame (NutraSweet/Equal^®)
3. Acesulfame-K (Sunett^®)
4. Neotame^®

What are your safe natural sweetener choices?

1. Stevia*
2. Raw, unprocessed sugar (Sucanat^®)
3. Brown Rice Syrup
4. Barley Malt
5. Date Sugar
6. Honey
7. Maple Syrup
8. Molasses
9. Sorghum

*Safe for diabetics. Use Stevia sparingly or it is bitter - otherwise, it's naturally delicious and a much healthier choice! These are the secondary natural sweetener choices to use with discretion:

1. Fructose
2. Fruit Juice Concentrate
3. Juice Concentrate
4. Sugar alcohols (Polyols)
   • Isomalt
   • Lactitol
   • Malitol
   • Mannitol
   • Sorbitol
   • Xylitol
5. Turbinado Sugar
6. Tagatose

Safe Holiday Sweeteners.

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KCMO 2010 Top 20 Crash Sites

The Kansas City, Missouri police department has identified the top 20 crash sites for 2010.  If you live north of the river in Kansas City, you will be interested in this as there seems to be a high concentration of accidents in that area.

There is a simple solution:

A study conducted by Texas A & M University found that adding one second of yellow decreases crashes 35 to 40 percent and violations by 60 percent.

Image source:  http://kcpdchief.blogspot.com/2011/01/top-20-crash-locations-of-2010.html

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Nixon Urges Cooperation As Mo. Legislature Begins

You gotta love how the dems want to ram everything down your throat when they're in power.  But, now that they're not, we need to all learn "to get along."

The Missouri Legislature is convening with its largest Republican majority in decades and its largest freshmen class in several years. Lawmakers are to begin their 2011 session around noon Wednesday. And Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon says their first order of business should be simply learning to get along.

via Nixon Urges Cooperation As Mo. Legislature Begins - Kansas City News Story - KCTV Kansas City.

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Obamacare is Not About Healthcare

Dr. Susan Berry at Big Government does an excellent job explaining what Obamacare is really all about.

In reality, the Healthcare law is a liberal power grab that is gradually permitting the federal government to control more of our lives, making more people dependent upon the government and continuing the culture of dependency among minority groups who, up until now, have mostly voted liberals into power. The symbolism of the repeal will ring loud and clear.

[. . .]

For those who do not have adult children in the 21 to 26 age range, would it surprise you to know that these adult "children," who are now covered, are not required to even live with their parents to remain on their plans, and that they may even be married and still be covered under their parents' health plans? Through the new Healthcare law, liberal Democrats have gradually introduced the concept that adult children should remain dependent on their parents, and when their parents are not around, perhaps the government can take over in that parental role? Of course, this new rule comes at a time when the economic decline made it difficult for young adults to obtain jobs. This is how the gradual creep of dependency begins: introduce a law which creates dependency on the government at a time of crisis, so that uninformed Americans will see it as a caring and positive intervention to help them in their time of need. This is how every entitlement legislation begins, and why none has ever been totally eradicated thus far, mainly because people have come to expect these benefits.

[. . .]

In addition, as a result of the left's encouragement of this culture of dependency, those who are truly in need will no longer have to seek voluntary assistance from neighbors and communities. Conversely, neighbors and communities will not be encouraged to voluntarily reach out to others because the knowledge that the government will provide for their friends' needs may cause them to think twice. As such, dependency on the government creates more distance, and less connectivity, among members of a community.

» The Healthcare Law Is Not About Healthcare: It's About Making Us Dependent - Big Government.

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Rep. Giffords Fatally Shot at Public Event

Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords was fatally shot in the head at close range by a gunman Saturday morning outside a grocery store in Tucson while holding a public event, Fox News has confirmed. via Rep. Giffords in Critical Condition After Being Shot in the Head at Public Event - FoxNews.com.

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41% of New York City pregnancies end in abortion

Eye-opening statistics about the rate of abortions in New York City have been released by the Health Department. [. . .] 41% of all New York City pregnancies end in abortion.

Ugh!  This is so discouraging and so disgraceful.  We're supposed to be civilized, moral, and the greatest nation on earth.  Yet, one of our largest cities is killing 41% of its babies. Another sad note is that the abortion rate is down from 46% in 1998. via 41% of New York City pregnancies end in abortion | 7online.com.

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NutraSweet: Pretty in Pink

We've all sat at the restaurant table with the container of various types of sweeteners:  white, sugar; pink, saccharin; yellow, Nutrasweet, blue, Equal.  We've all done it—reached for the packet we want based on color and poured it into our drink without even paying much attention to the label on the packet.

Artificial sweetener users beware!  Nutrasweet is now claiming to be the "new pink" and is now using a pink package!

Read more about this stunt from Dr. Janet Starr Hull.

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