Missouri Constitutional Amendment 1

I received this analysis from Missouri Family Network.  This amendment will appear on the November ballot.

Constitutional Amendment 1   -   Vote "YES" to hold county assessors accountable!

Proposed by the 95th Missouri General Assembly (First Regular Session 2009) SJR 5.  Voters may go to www.senate.mo.gov/09info/pdf-bill/tat/SJR5.pdf to see the full text of this proposed Constitutional Amendment.

Official Ballot Title:  (The summary question you will see in the voting booth)

Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to require the office of county assessor to be an elected position in all counties with a charter form of government, except counties with a population between 600,001-699,999?

It is estimated this proposal will have no costs or savings to state or local governmental entities.

Fair Ballot Language:  (Additional clarification required by law, provided by Secretary of State's office.)

A "yes" vote will amend the Missouri Constitution to require that assessors in charter counties be elected officers.  This proposal will affect St. Louis County and any county that adopts a charter form of government.  The exception is for a county that has between 600,001-699,999 residents, which currently is only Jackson County.

A "no" vote will not change the current requirement for charter counties.

If passed, this measure will not have an impact on taxes.

Analysis: Missouri's 114 counties, not including the City of St. Louis which is classified as a city not within a county and thus counted as a county unto itself, are classified under 5 distinct levels.  Classes I-IV counties are classified based on overall valuations.  All county assessors in these first four classified counties are publicly elected.  Most counties are rated as Class III and those who reach Class IV have the option of reorganizing as a Charter Class County if approved by their voters.   This approval includes the governing structures.

These Charter Class Counties have a greater detailed form of governance (which invokes much pro/con debate points).  One of the negative issues related to Charter Class Counties is that under the state constitution they can allow the county assessor to be appointed rather than publicly elected.  This has led to controversial property assessment methods being employed that many see as a direct result of a lack of public accountability.  Const. Amend. #1 seeks to return these positions back to elected offices in order to enforce more accountability.  Of the three counties with appointed assessors, St. Charles and St. Louis Counties have been in the center of this debate.

Currently there are only four Charter Class Counties in Missouri.  These include Jefferson, St. Charles, and St. Louis Counties, each as a part of the greater St. Louis City region.  Green County (Springfield area) and Boone County (Columbia area) are Class IV Counties which have discussed but not yet moved to become Charter Class Counties.  Jackson County in the Kansas City area is the only remaining Charter Class County in the state, but is excluded from the proposed constitutional amendment.  (Jefferson County chose to keep electing their assessor.)

County classifications are provided for under the Missouri State Constitution.  Requiring that all county assessors are to be elected by constitutional mandate would protect this provision unless changed by a future statewide vote.

In summary, county assessors in three counties (Jackson, St. Charles, and St. Louis) are currently the only ones not currently elected or answerable directly to their voters.  Constitutional Amendment #1 will only affect two of these counties as Kansas City politicians managed to get Jackson County exempted from the proposal.  Passage of this measure will mean that all of Missouri's county assessors except in Jackson County will be required to be publicly elected.  (This also removes Jefferson County's option to appoint their assessor in the future.)

Principles of good government which stem from our Judeo/Christian heritage supports high accountability in public affairs.  Recognizing that man does not have a natural inclination towards righteousness ("As it is written, there is none righteous, no. not one:" Romans 3:10; "there is none that doeth good" v. 12) public service requires higher accountability than personal enterprise.  Thus holding all county assessors directly answerable to citizens rather than allowing them to be politically insulated from straightforward voter accountability only makes sense.

Please vote "YES" to hold county assessors accountable!

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Euthanize Obamacare

I considered posting something today about Obamacare, but Steven W. Mosher says it all in this blog entry.

Today is the six-month anniversary of the passage of President Obama's signature legislation, what has come to be known as ObamaCare. The White House is feting this semi-anniversary, but few Americans are in a mood to join the celebration.

[. . .]

The easiest Obama claim to refute is his contention that ObamaCare would not fund abortions. This is because he refuted it himself by issuing an executive order explicitly forbidding the funding of abortions through ObamaCare. When I first learned of this particular ruse, I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Because it is a ruse; albeit very clever one that many people, apparently including "pro-life" Democrats like Bart Stupak, fail to see through. You see, if ObamaCare had not funded abortion in the first place, then his executive order would be unnecessary. So the executive order constitutes evidence that, contra Obama, ObamaCare had funded abortion all along. At the same time, however, since federal law always and everywhere trumps executive orders, Obama's order is not worth the paper it is written on. As a Harvard-trained lawyer, the President surely realizes that his executive order will not stand up to the most cursory of judicial reviews. Obamacare will then be used as Obama, Reid and Pelosi intended, as a vehicle to promote and perform abortions. It seems to me that our choice as Americans is simple: Either we euthanize ObamaCare before it is too late, or it winds up euthanizing us.

via Time to Pay an "End-of-Life Visit" to ObamaCare | Population Research Institute.

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Facebook Down

The social network, with its 550 million worldwide users, said it is "currently experiencing some site issues causing Facebook to be slow or unavailable for some users." "We are working to resolve this issue as quickly as possible," according to a spokesperson.

via Facebook experiencing outage: Company says site is 'slow or unavailable' | Technology | Los Angeles Times.

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National Geographic Bee in KC

Clay-Platte Home Educators (CPHE) will host the 2011 National Geographic Bee to be held on Wednesday, December 1, 2010, at 9:30 am at North Kansas City Library, 2251 Howell Street, North Kansas City, MO 64116.

An eight-week preparatory class will be held on Friday mornings beginning October 1 and ending on November 19, location to be announced.  The fee for this class is included in your registration.  You must be registered and fees paid to attend class.  Participation is encouraged, but not required.

Homeschool students in 4^th through 8^th grades are eligible to participate.  We MUST have six participants to hold the bee.  If we do not have six students registered by October 10, the bee will be canceled.  We will continue to take registrations through November 24.

Refer a friend and save!  Receive $3 for each friend (paid participant) you refer.  Payment will be refunded to you the day of the bee.

You may visit the National Geographic Bee's website for frequently asked questions, sample questions, and quizzes at http://www.nationalgeographic.com/geobee/ .

Email  newhomeschoolcoordinator@cphecorp.org for registration information.

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'Draw Muhammad' Cartoonist Goes Into Hiding

All of this from the religion of peace:

The Seattle cartoonist whose artwork sparked the controversial "Everybody Draw Muhammad Day!" has gone into hiding at the advice of the FBI after being targeted by a radical Muslim cleric, according to the newspaper that published her comics.

Molly Norris has moved and changed her name, the Seattle Weekly said Wednesday, after U.S.-born Yemeni cleric Anwar al-Awlaki placed her on an execution hit list. Awlaki -- who has been linked to the botched Times Square bombing and cited as inspiration for the Fort Hood massacre and a plot by two New Jersey men to kill U.S. soldiers -- reportedly called Norris a "prime target" for assassination and that her "proper abode is hellfire."

FOXNews.com - 'Draw Muhammad' Cartoonist Goes Into Hiding at FBI's Insistence After Assassination Threat.

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Government Wants Control of Your Food Supply

It is difficult to believe that a bill such as this would even be introduced in America.  If SB510 is passed, you may not be able to grow food on your property for your own consumption.  If you're allowed to grow food on your own property for your own consumption it could be severely regulated and highly monitored.

Steve Green of Rense reports that  that S510, the Food Safety Modernization Act of 2010, may be the most dangerous bill in the history of the US because if it's passed, the bill would prohibit Americans'  right to grow, own, trade, transport, share, feed and eat each and every food that nature makes. It will become the most offensive authority against the cultivation, trade and consumption of food and agricultural products of one's choice and "will be unconstitutional and contrary to natural law or, if you like, the will of God." If you haven't grasped this yet, the American government wants to control not only what we eat, but who makes the food, engineers its growth, produces and distributes it. In the end, Senate Bill 510 would give Monsanto unlimited power over all US seed, food supplements, food and farming.

President Obama seeks to gain control of our food supply - Los Angeles Obama Administration | Examiner.com.

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Twitter Patched

Update (6:50 PDT, 13:50 UTC): The exploit is fully patched.

via Twitter Status.

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Twitter Hacked

Twitter has been hacked, and users are being advised to stay off of twitter.com.  Instead, use your 3rd party application.  I've been using Yoono, or another one I like is Seesmic. Michelle Malkin » Techie advice of the day: Twitter.com has been hacked.

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I'm Exhausted of Defending You

A CFO, mother, wife, American veteran, and middle-class American tells President Obama how she is exhausted from defending him, his administration, and the mantle of change she voted for.  She talks how the recession has effected her family and asks if going back to her family's "hotdog and bean days" is their new reality.

Here's Obama's non-answer:

Times are tough for everybody right now.

Obama also talks about how health insurance companies must cover your children if they have a pre-existing condition.  What he doesn't tell you is that no middle-class family can afford the premiums for these children.

The good news: the great recession – the longest in postwar America – ended in June 2009, according to a panel of economists who date recessions. The bad news, evident in data that the economists highlighted: The ensuing recovery is the most tepid yet after such a steep recession.

Do you believe that the recession is over?  Are you better off today that you were a year ago?

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iPad vs. ObamaPad

Score?  You lose!

While searching on YouTube looking for a particular video, I ran across these two tonight.  These are great and I wanted to share.

 

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Garbage truck cameras give new meaning to trash TV

Coming to your town:  Big Brother Trash TV:  The Canadian government is now using cameras mounted on garbage trucks to monitor what their citizens are putting in their trash and make sure they are recycling properly.  Not only that, citizens could get a hefty fine for putting recyclables in the trash.

Officials in B.C.'s Okanagan Valley plan to use camera-equipped garbage trucks to film what gets dumped in order to make sure people are recycling properly.

Mixing things like cardboard, batteries or electronics in with the garbage will net a warning from the city, a fine of up to $100, or even the cancelling of curbside pickup, he said.

Read more: http://www.nationalpost.com/Garbage+truck+cameras+give+meaning+trash/3525946/story.html#ixzz0zbgIFKDy

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Al-Qaeda: Two homegrown terror suspects face additional charges

Terrorism is alive and well in the United States.  This is why we must never forget.

According to the Superseding Indictment filed in Manhattan federal court today: In February 2008, El-Hanafi traveled to Yemen, where he met with two members of al Qaeda. While in Yemen, EL-HANAFI swore an oath of allegiance to al Qaeda, received instructions from al Qaeda on operational security measures, and received assignments to perform for al Qaeda. Three months later, in May 2008, El-Hanafi met with another individual ("CC-1") in Brooklyn to discuss CC-1 also joining al Qaeda. Hasanoff—who had previously received $50,000 from CC-1—and El-Hanafi had additional discussions with CC-1 about joining al Qaeda. During about the same time period, EL-HANAFI purchased a subscription for a software program that enabled him to communicate securely with others over the Internet. In June 2008, El-Hanafi directed CC-1 to perform various tasks for al Qaeda. And at that time, Hasanoff instructed CC-1 not to use his U.S. passport when traveling because a U.S. passport with fewer immigration stamps would be more valuable to al Qaeda. Additionally, in August 2008, Hasanoff traveled to New York City where he performed assignments for al Qaeda. The following year, in April 2009, El-Hanafi purchased seven Casio digital watches over the Internet on behalf of al Qaeda and had them delivered to his residence in Brooklyn, New York. El-Hanafi, 33, is a U.S. citizen who was born and lived in Brooklyn, New York. Hasanoff, 34, is a dual citizen of the United States and Australia, who also resided in Brooklyn, New York. If convicted on all counts, El-Hanafi and Hasanoff each face a maximum sentence of 70 years in prison.

Al-Qaeda: Two homegrown terror suspects face additional charges - National Law Enforcement | Examiner.com.

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Judge on Trial Before Senate - Evidently, Character Does Matter

This judge was appointed by President Clinton.  Isn't he the one that told us that character didn't matter?

A federal judge from Louisiana is corrupt and unfit to serve on the bench, House members said Monday as they began a rare congressional impeachment trial by laying out their case against the jurist. Playing the role of prosecutors, Reps. Adam B. Schiff, California Democrat, and Robert W. Goodlatte, Virginia Republican, used their opening statements to a Senate impeachment panel to outline what they called a decades-long pattern of unethical behavior by New Orleans-area U.S. District Judge G. Thomas Porteous. They said that included taking cash, expensive meals and other gifts from lawyers and a bail bondsman, lying to Congress and filing for bankruptcy under a false name.

Judge on trial before Senate - Washington Times.

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Obama pushes kids to work hard in back-to-school speech

Yeah, can't get a job with it; can't get a job without it.

The president said education "never has been more important."

via Obama pushes kids to work hard in back-to-school speech - CNN.com.

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We Better Remember

9/11 should not be revered as some kind of national almost holiday...

[. . .]

because the terrorists I'm sure are saying, "Look, they are remembering what we did."

I guess that means we should cancel Pearl Harbor Day too.  Pearl Harbor Day, or Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, is a day to remember the attack on Pearl Harbor which occurred on December 7, 1941.  It's a day to remember those that died, those that were injured, and those that survived the attack.  It's a day to remember that we had, and still do have, enemies that want to kill us.

Every December 7th does Japan say, "Look, they're remembering what we did?"  We better remember.

via Judith Miller Smacks Down Alan Colmes For Saying 9/11 Shouldn't Be Commemorated | NewsBusters.org.

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God did not create the universe, says Hawking

I cannot help but feel pity for this man and those like him.  He has all the wisdom of the world, yet he is a fool.  He cannot understand the things of God because he does not know God and has not received His wisdom.  He can deny God all he wants now, but one day he will bow down and confess Jesus Christ King. But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. - 1 Corinthians 2:14 NASB

LONDON (Reuters) – God did not create the universe and the "Big Bang" was an inevitable consequence of the laws of physics, the eminent British theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking argues in a new book.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction.  Proverbs 1:7

"Because there is a law such as gravity, the universe can and will create itself from nothing. Spontaneous creation is the reason there is something rather than nothing, why the universe exists, why we exist," Hawking writes.

[18] For thus says the LORD, who created the heavens (He is the God who formed the earth and made it, He established it and did not create it a waste place, but formed it to be inhabited), "I am the LORD, and there is none else. ... [23] "I have sworn by Myself, The word has gone forth from My mouth in righteousness And will not turn back, That to Me every knee will bow, every tongue will swear allegiance. - Isaiah 45:18, 23 NASB God did not create the universe, says Hawking - Yahoo! News.

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Obama Kenyan Birth Certificate Sent to Every Member of Congress

It will be interesting to see where this goes.  Are you a "birther?"

Lucas Daniel Smith has just completed a mailing to each member of Congress a copy of a document which he stated is a certified copy of the original birth certificate of Barack Hussein Obama II showing that Obama was born in Kenya, Africa. Each birth certificate copy was sent with a seven-page, individually-notarized letter by certified mail. The project was completed on August 31, 2010. Smith said that he obtained the document from the Coast Province General Hospital in Mombasa, Kenya in February 2009. The document became part of a lawsuit filed by Dr. Orly Taitz, Esq., in California which was denied a hearing in October 2009 by Judge David O. Carter.

Lucas Smith Interview: Alleged Obama Kenyan Birth Certificate Sent to Every Member of Congress, Got Notice!? | Before It's News.

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Student Electrocutes Himself, Sues Teacher

At 18 years old, this student is considered an adult.  He is able to vote (if registered), enter into a contract, and serve in our military.  In any news report, he would be called a man.  He should admit that he did something stupid and move on.  Now the whole world, yes the whole world, knows about his foolish shenanigans.  He should be thankful that they weren't using table saws that day.  He probably would've sawed his arm off and then claimed that he didn't know it was "dangerous."  There was a time that Americans had a little pride and were too ashamed to admit to doing something this ignorant.  The only thing this "adult" should receive is the Darwin award.

An American student whose heart stopped after he deliberately electrocuted himself in a science class is suing his teacher for not warning him it was dangerous. Kyle Dubois, 18, is also taking legal action against the school district and the city of Dover in New Hampshire. Dubois and his parents claim teacher Thomas Kelley did not tell him and other students of the dangers of the demonstration power cords in their electrical trades class. They are seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost income due to time away from work and other damages related to the incident, which occurred on March 11. Dubois attached an electrical clamp to one nipple while another student attached another clamp to the other. A third student plugged in the cord. Dubois was critically injured and his legal team claim he has suffered permanent brain damage.

Student who electric shocked his nipples sues teacher for not warning him | Mail Online.

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Food expiration dates: What do they really mean?

This article was a welcome find.  I have one teenager in the house that thinks if food isn't at its premium, that it should be discarded.  I've told him that there's no way anyone knows exactly what day any food is going to go bad, that the date is nothing but a guess, and that the food is safe to eat long after the expiration date.  Still, if it's past the date on the carton or has the slightest blemish on it; he thinks the whole thing should be discarded.  I've also told him that he's very fortunate to even think that he's in the position to discard perfectly edible food.

those dates are really more about quality than safety, and if not properly understood, they can also encourage consumers to discard food that is perfectly safe to eat.

via Food expiration dates: What do they really mean? | Yahoo! Green.

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Getting Old

Here's a funny video I thought others might like.

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No Criminal Charges in School Webcam Spying Case

This is an update to an earlier post.  To sum things up, the school district has been accused of spying on students without their knowledge in their own home via the webcams on the laptops the school district issued.  Criminal charges won't be filed, but lawsuits are still pending.

The U.S. Department of Justice won't file criminal charges against a Pennsylvania school district accused of spying on students via webcams in their computers.

After an investigation by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation, the local district attorney and local police, the U.S. Attorney's Office said that it did not find criminal intent and would not file criminal charges against the Lower Merion School District.

The school district came under fire earlier this year when a student's family filed a lawsuit charging the district with spying on them. The district had been using software that would remotely capture photographs from webcams on students' computers when the laptops were reported lost or stolen. That software did not enable an administrator to remotely take photographs via the webcam on command, rather it collected images automatically.

DOJ Won't File Charges in School Webcam Spying Case - PCWorld Business Center.

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EPA Considering Lead Ammo Ban

Several environmentalist groups led by the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) are petitioning the EPA to ban lead bullets and shot (as well as lead sinkers for fishing) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Although EPA is barred by statute from controlling ammunition, CBD is seeking to work farther back along the manufacturing chain and have EPA ban the use of lead in bullets and shot because non-lead alternatives are available. But here's the catch: the alternatives to lead bullets are more expensive. A ban on the sale of lead ammunition would force hunters and sport shooters to buy non-lead ammunition that is often double the cost of traditional lead ammunition.  A box of deer hunting bullets in a popular caliber could be upwards of $55.

Although the EPA could have dismissed the request due to a lack of jurisdiction, it is obliging CBD. The EPA has asked for public comment on banning lead in ammunition, and an EPA notice was published seeking public comment that closes on October 31. Jackson would then make a decision to accept or reject the petition on November 1. You might say that even considering enacting what is effectively a new tax on hunters and gun owners--

. . .

The NSSF estimates that more than 90 percent of hunters and sport shooters use traditional lead ammunition. If all hunters were forced to buy non-lead bullets that are made out of metals like tungsten, bismuth, and copper alloys, demand could easily begin to outstrip the supply and prices would go even higher.

As I heard someone I know say once, "There's a way around everything."  Banning guns is difficult in this country, so the way to get around that is to make the ammunition extremely expensive, scarce, or downright difficult to buy. 

Environmental Protection Agency Reviewing Petition to Ban Lead Bullets

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Jerry Springer: President Obama's 'excellent'

Jerry Springer on President Obama:

a lot of people have health insurance now that didn't have health insurance before, God bless that.

Really?  Who are these people?  Please tell me if you know someone that now has insurance thanks to Obama. via Jerry Springer: President Obama's 'excellent' - PATRICK GAVIN | POLITICO CLICK.

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Meeting for New Homeschoolers

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 Tuesday, August 31, 2010, at the North Kansas City Library.

Veteran homeschoolers will discuss topics such as:
    How to homeschool
    Who can homeschool
    Missouri law
    Record keeping
    . . . 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, Tuesday, August 31, 2010
    North Kansas City Library, 2251 Howell Street, North Kansas City, MO 64116
    Downstairs meeting room.

Map:

View Larger Map

  If you have any questions, please let me know.

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Two Free Passes to JBF

I took all but one of my 214 items to drop off at the sale tonight.  After I had gone through inspection and put everything in its place, we realized that one item had gotten left at home--one of those baby bouncers.  It's one thing that I really want to get rid of because it's huge and taking up a lot of space. 

The great thing about consignor drop off is that it's an opportunity to peek around. A pre pre-sale so to speak.  There were so many great items that I wanted to load my rack up and start shopping right then.  There are separate racks for Christmas outfits, Halloween costumes, and winter coats and snowsuits.  So, if you are in the market for any of those things, you can go directly to their racks.  Some of the Christmas dresses were amazing.

It's going to be a great sale.  There's lots of great items at affordable prices.

Another great thing about consignor drop off is that I have 2 free passes for Saturday.  So, if you're interested in getting in for free on Saturday, let me know and we'll work out the details.  Please don't take the coupon unless you will use it.  It has my name and consignor number on it and I will be entered for a drawing when you use it.

Details for the sale are here.

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Just Between Friends Northland Fall/Winter Sale This Weekend

This is just a reminder that the sale starts this Friday!  It is not too late to sign up so you can get into the presale (deadline is Thursday night) or to sign up as a consigner (deadline is tonight).  Please use my name (Lori Camper) as a reference if you do sign up.  Bring a gently used stuffed animal on Saturday and get in free!  Below are the details.

 

Just Between Friends Northland Fall/Winter Sale
Is This Weekend!!!!


Saturday, August, 28^th  9AM-7PM
Sunday, August 29^th  9AM-3PM
with our exclusive presale on Friday, August 27^th
Visit the website for all the details, www.jbfsale.com/nkc

KCI Expo Center
11730 N Ambassador Dr
Kansas City, MO 64153  
(click here for directions)

In addition to all the bargains you will find, we have lots of fun things planned, so I hope your making plans to join us.

Saturday morning, we will be giving away, Chick-Fil-A "free sandwich coupons" for the 1^st 100 shoppers (18 & older) in the door (good at the Liberty location). 

From 1pm-3pm, 2009 Kansas City's Magician of the year Reggie Gray

will be performing 10-20 min acts live at the sale. Click here for more details.


Sunday is our "half-off" day!  Tons of items will be

marked at 50% off the already low prices! 

"Games 2 U" -the newest party on wheels will be in the parking lot with

their state-of the-art Mobile Video Game Theater from 10:00 AM- Noon.

Come bring your kids and play as long as you would like.


Just a Reminder:

The last day to sign up to be a consignor is today, Tuesday at 11:59pm
The last day to sign up to attend the presale as a first-time parent/teacher/daycare manager is Thursday at 11:59pm

If you would like to be one of the first to shop the sale, we still have some key volunteer shifts we are needing to fill.  Volunteers shop first at the presale.  If you are a consignor and you volunteer at least 4 hrs at the sale, you get an additional
5% on your sold items.
We still need a few volunteers for consignor drop off on Thursday and Friday,

a few for Saturday morning/afternoon, and also on Sunday morning.  

If you can help in any of these areas, click here to sign up today!

I have included a coupon to get in FREE on Saturday the 28^th.  We will also be collecting "New" or "Gently Used" stuffed animals and toys for the Kansas City Police Department   The stuffed animals will be used in the patrol cars and the toys will be used at the Domestic Violence Center.  If you bring one of these items in, it will also get you in FREE of charge on Saturday.  Please help us with this worthy cause!





Help me spread the word about JBF in the Northland!  Feel free to pass this email on to family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors! 

JBF is just too good to keep to ourselves!!!

Let me know if you have any questions.

See you soon!
Leslie Miller

JBF—Northland
816.220.5569  

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Kansas Driveway Tax=Job Killer

The city of Mission, Kansas, has now introduced a "driveway tax."  That's right, you heard me . . .

The new fee is aimed at properties that produce the most traffic and put the most wear and tear on roads. Big-box stores are going to be charged more than residential homes, which don't generate as much traffic.

This is not a cheap fee.  If you're corporate America, you're the bad guy and they're going to get you!  This fee will cost

every homeowner $72 a year and small businesses $3,558 a year beginning in December. Larger businesses that generate lots of traffic, such as Mission Bank, could pay $5,659 a year. A drive-thru fast food restaurant could pay $12,200 a year. Target could pay as much as $64,750 annually.

Of course, we're all paying all kinds of taxes on the fuel that we put into our cars.  And what are those taxes for?  To pay for road improvements.  Kansans are paying 43.4 cents per gallon on gasoline and even more per gallon of diesel for road improvements.  And, gee, those that drive more and use more fuel are going to pay higher taxes.  Sounds fair to me.  With this tax, the little old lady that goes to town once a week for groceries is going to pay just as much as her next door neighbors that drive to work every day and have two teenagers with cars. People and businesses should not be punished for generating traffic.  That traffic means jobs!  Jobs for the people that refine and deliver the gasoline.  Jobs for the convenience store personnel.  Jobs for the people at the places these drivers are visiting such as the fast food restaurants, the bank, and Target.  These businesses are not just going to absorb the cost.  They will let people go to compensate for the higher taxes.  And that little old lady that now has to pay $72 more in taxes a year?  That's fewer trips to the grocery store or fewer trips for a treat at her favorite fast food place.  Less volume for these places will again mean less jobs.  More and more taxes create a vicious cycle that does nothing more than kill jobs which in turn means less tax revenue. via Mission City Council approves 'driveway tax' to fund roads - KansasCity.com.

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Senator DeMint and "Secret Bills"

In this video from May 2010, Senator Jim DeMint warns how 94% of the bills in the senate pass in secret by unanimous consent without anyone actually reading the bill.

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City Requires Bloggers to Buy Business License

This is ridiculous.  I'm sure most bloggers make absolutely nothing off of their blogs.  If they do, then it's their responsibility to report their earnings. Perhaps the city is looking for funds where ever they think they can get them.  I think it's more likely that this is their attempt to silence bloggers. Philly requiring bloggers to pay $300 for a business license | Washington Examiner.

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Obama's 49th

For his 49th birthday, President Barack Obama treated himself to a game of hoops with a team of NBA all-stars. . . . While President Obama's wife and younger daughter were conducting international relations in Majorca on Sunday with Spain's King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia, the commander in chief was at home hosting a fantasy camp for himself. He and his buddies had a birthday weekend barbecue and basketball game with LeBron James, Alonzo Mourning, Magic Johnson and other legends of the sport. The day before, it was a four-hour golf outing for Obama and the boys. On Monday, he hosted the Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints at the White House and talked about his own exploits on the gridiron last year with Saints quarterback Drew Brees.

I can't wait to see what he does for his 50th birthday.  Maybe Michelle will take him to Spain or something of that sort. via Dana Milbank - The jock in chief, getting his fill of sports?.

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Obama: Job Creator

At a time when jobs are hard to find and unemployment is in the double digits, your tax dollars are going to create new jobs.  That sounds pretty exciting, except that the jobs are in Sri Lanka and Armenia.

"This action is contradictory* to Obama's commitment to create jobs and revitalize the American economy," said Rennie Sawade, a spokesperson for WashTech, a Communications Workers of America affiliate that represents IT professionals. "Any taxpayer money that is appropriated to train workers to take American jobs should, without question, be directed toward the unemployed and the underemployed in this country," said Sawade.

Taxpayer money should NEVER be used to train workers to take American jobs.

*a proposition so related to another that if either of the two is true the other is false and if either is false the other must be true.  Gee, I think that would make Obama a liar.

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Dog Saves Michigan Man's Life by Chewing Off His Toe

Talk about a best friend!  Who else would do this for you?  This also brings a whole new meaning to the words "doggie bone." Dog Saves Michigan Man's Life by Chewing Off His Toe - Health News | Current Health News | Medical News - FOXNews.com.

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Freedom of Worship

Chuck Colson is sounding the alarm: The government—at the highest levels—may be attempting to redefine the very meaning of religious freedom. If what Secretary of State Hilary Clinton said in a recent speech reflects a new direction in government policy, it seems the aim is clear: To kick faith out of the public square, to send Christians into the closet.

via Freedom of Worship: an anorexic description of our rights.

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Infant is returned to blind couple after state places her in protective custody - KansasCity.com

I can hardly believe this story, let alone comprehend what these parents have been through.

"Whether a couple is visually impaired or deaf or in a wheelchair, the state should not keep them from their children,"

via Infant is returned to blind couple after state places her in protective custody - KansasCity.com.

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From Homeschool/Truck-School to Harvard

2010 Harvard grad, Kerry Anderson, tells how she went from being homeschooled in her mother's big rig to graduating from Harvard.

The audio is below, or you can read the transcript here.

 

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Chicago's Handgun Registration

Chicago's gun ban was ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.  After nearly 30 years, Chicagoans got one right restored. Chicago's city council quickly passed an ordinance requiring handgun registration.  Infringement?  Chicago's police chief claimed this is so they can tell emergency personnel who has a gun and who doesn't. Really?  Gun registration serves one purpose:  so that when guns are outlawed, the authorities know where to go get them.  Guns in the hands/homes of law-abiding citizens is not the problem.  When ordinary citizens aren't able to protect themselves, the criminals become more and more brazen. Weis on gun law: 'We want to know who has weapons' :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Metro & Tri-State.

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Bloggers Beware: Copyright Suits

We've all heard the saying, "drastic times call for drastic measures."  Unfortunately, that applies for the good and the bad.  In these times where newspaper sales are plummeting and they're having a difficult time surviving, one CEO has found a way to make a profit.

Borrowing a page from patent trolls, the CEO of fledgling Las Vegas-based Righthaven has begun buying out the copyrights to newspaper content for the sole purpose of suing blogs and websites that re-post those articles without permission. And he says he's making money.

via Newspaper Chain's New Business Plan: Copyright Suits | Threat Level | Wired.com.

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Funny Money

It's hysterical that a criminal would use counterfeit bills to post bail.  What's even more hysterical is that it took the police department until the next day to notice. Man posts bail with counterfeit bills | Philadelphia Inquirer | 07/14/2010.

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Run on the Border?

Michelle Malkin shares a couple of emails she's received this past week about strange happenings at the US/Mexico border. Michelle Malkin » Hmmm: What's Washington planning at our southern border?.

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Reaching Out Beyond the Grave

Reaching out beyond the grave . . .

We believe that Mom would say she was mortified to have taken a large role in the election of Harry Reid to U.S. Congress. Let the record show Charlotte was displeased with his work. Please, in lieu of flowers, vote for another more worthy candidate.

via Charlotte McCourt Obituary: View Charlotte McCourt's Obituary by Las Vegas Review-Journal.

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Armed Guards Posted At Buffalo City Pools

It's a sad day when we need armed lifeguards, especially at a place where most of the attendees are children.

Armed security guards have been posted at public pools in Buffalo after a lifeguard was pulled into the water by rowdy teenagers and other unruly behavior prompted safety concerns for parks employees. The city's eight public outdoor pools were shut down last Thursday after fights broke out and a locker room was vandalized. At one pool, a 16-year-old lifeguard says she was yanked by her ankles into the water when she tried to restore order. She says she struck her head on a drain and then was repeatedly dunked by several teenagers until another lifeguard rescued her.

Armed Guards Posted At Buffalo City Pools - wcbstv.com.

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Missourians First to Repeal Obamacare

On August 3, Missourians will be the first in the nation to vote on Obamacare.  The deadline to register to vote for this election is July 7--just a few days away.

Why is this election so important?  If Missouri is successful in passing this legislation, you can be sure that other states will follow.

STATE OF MISSOURI
SPECIAL ELECTION
STATUTORY MEASURE
PROPOSITION C
Proposed  by the 95th General Assembly
(Second Regular Session) SS SCS HCS House Bill 1764

Shall the Missouri Statutes be amended to:
•  Deny the government authority to penalize citizens for refusing to purchase private health insurance or infringe upon the right to offer or accept direct payment for lawful healthcare services?
•  Modify laws regarding the liquidation of certain domestic insurance companies?

It is estimated this proposal will have no immediate costs or savings to state or local governmental entities.  However, because of the uncertain interaction of the proposal with implementation of the
federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, future costs to state governmental entities are unknown.
YES
NO

Red State has a piece on why this election is so important.  There's also an organization called Missourians for Health Care Freedom that has an informative website.

This is also a primary election, so there are plenty of things to consider.  You might want to start doing your homework now.

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Latest Headgear

I have no idea what compelled Danielle to put a swim diaper on her head.  Perhaps boredom.

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Are You Better Off?

Are you better off today than you were two years ago?

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Project Fails, You Lose

U.S. Spent $550,496 on Study That Did 'Focus Groups and In-Depth Interviews' To Learn About the Sex Lives of Truck Drivers

Headline should read:  Sex Zealot Throws Away $550,496 of U.S. Taxpayers Dollars to Prove Truckers Aren't Sluts via CNSNews.com - U.S. Spent $550,496 on Study That Did 'Focus Groups and In-Depth Interviews' To Learn About the Sex Lives of Truck Drivers.

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Boycotting BP

I wrote up something about this a few weeks ago, but never got it posted.  This video says it all.  Boycotting your local BP store is only hurting your neighbor, not BP.  Local stores are owned by individuals, just like you.

 

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

Obama said 'I Am a Muslim'

"The American President told me in confidence that he is a Muslim."

via American Thinker: Report: Obama said 'I Am a Muslim'.

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Ten Commandments Called Unconstitutional

Our founding fathers have got to be rolling in their graves.  I don't even want to think about the wrath of God.

The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 2-1 that the purpose of the Ten Commandments display placed in the Courts of McCreary and Pulaski Counties is religious and it violated the Establishment Clause of the Constitution.

via Ten Commandments Called Unconstitutional- The Crosstalk Blog.

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Angelfood Deadline Extended

If you missed the June deadline to order for Angelfood, it's not too late.  Angelfood Ministries has extended their order deadline for June through this weekend.  You may need to contact your host site to see if they are still taking orders or if you will need to order online.

If you order online, you can go to retailmenot.com and get a coupon code to offset the convenience charge.  I was able to use a $3 coupon code, so I still got my order for less than if I had ordered it at the host site.

If you don't know what Angelfood is, check it out!  There are no qualifications and no minimums to order.  You used to have to order a "unit" to be able to order one of their "specials," but they have gotten rid of that requirement.  If you're on foodstamps, they take foodstamps too.

If you've ordered in the past but haven't ordered in a while, you  may want to try again.  Their number of host sites has grown exponentially, and their food keeps getting better and better.

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Starbucks Announces Free Wi-Fi as of July 1

Starbucks finally gets it.  You have to wonder what took them so long.

Starting July 1, Starbucks will let anyone connect to its WiFi network for free. This fall, the company will add a content network called Starbucks Digital Network, in partnership with Yahoo and other sites, which will include local content you won't be able to read anywhere else. Both offerings will be free.

via Starbucks Announces Free Wi-Fi, Proprietary Content Network | Epicenter | Wired.com.

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Congressman wants Obama's aunt to testify on asylum - Washington Times

A Republican lawmaker wants to call President Obama's aunt to testify to Congress about whether she was given preferential treatment when she was granted asylum — but her lawyers say she won't appear. After initially being ordered deported, Zeituni Onyango was granted asylum by an immigration judge last month. Rep. Steve King of Iowa, the ranking Republican on the House immigration subcommittee, said that raises questions that she must answer. He said he wants to invite Ms. Onyango to be a witness at a hearing Thursday.

Congressman wants Obama's aunt to testify on asylum - Washington Times.

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Obama Missed A Great Chance

Phyllis Schlafly tells it the way it is:

President Obama had a golden Memorial Day opportunity to show the country that (contrary to his left flank) he is not anti-military and not anti-Christian, by telling Attorney General Eric Holder to order the Park Service to permit volunteer veterans to replace the Mojave Cross that was stolen on May 9. But he let the atheists and those who sneer at our veterans win the day.

via Obama Missed A Great Chance.

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From Pizza to Mega Mansion

Extravagant $68 Million NJ Mansion Hits The Market - wcbstv.com.

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Preparing for College

Mr. Bradshaw gives some advice to a high school senior on what he can do this summer to prepare for college next year.  Who would've thought that upgrading your email address would be on the checklist?

This also is the time to upgrade your e-mail address. Names like "hotbabe" or "Ihatetests" are not going to impress colleges. Use your real name or at least part of your real name in your e-mail address. It looks more mature and makes it is easier for admissions committees to search for your e-mails. If your name is taken, add a few numbers after it. Believe me, it really helps when they sort through all the e-mails you send. These are points easily scored in your favor.

Summer good time for 'homework' :: Neighbors :: Post-Tribune.

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CBS Feigns Concern for How Tea Party Candidates Are Detriment to Republicans

Give me a break. CBS Feigns Concern for How Tea Party Candidates Are Detriment to Republicans | NewsBusters.org.

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Stop Leak for BP

The BP oil spill has become an environmental disaster.  BP needs to step up their pace to stop the leak and try anything and everything.  Burning off the oil and other techniques weren't tried because they weren't "environmentally friendly."  Well, look at the mess we have now because BP and our President sat back and did nothing!  Here's one idea worth looking into:

Since the "top kill," "junk shot" and "top hat" techniques failed to end the environmental nightmare, Alia Sabur -- who started her engineering Ph.D. at age 14 -- is pushing for a more radical idea.

The Northport native, who started reading before she could walk and who at 18 broke a 300-year-old record to become the youngest-ever college professor, proposes surrounding a pipe with deflated automobile tires, inserting it into the leaking riser, and then inflating the wheels to form a seal.

Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/news/national/leak_solution_Zw3RdLcmYcdsA4UAz6WMwM#ixzz0q1VL1JL0

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Come to the USA

Here's some humor from Ray Stevens.

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Tea Party vs. Communists

KSFO's Brian Sussman interviews Tea Party members from former communist countries during a communist demonstration while Obama visited San Francisco on May 25.

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Elderly Chicago Man Shows Why We Should All Own Guns

The Blast.

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Health Care Law Repeal

With freedom comes responsibility.  How do you get rid of the responsibility?  By giving up some of your freedoms.  That's exactly what Obamacare does.

Support for repeal of the new national health care plan has jumped to its highest level ever. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 63% of U.S. voters now favor repeal of the plan passed by congressional Democrats and signed into law by President Obama in March.

via Health Care Law - Rasmussen Reports™.

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Religious Americans are the ‘Most Tolerant People Worldwide’

Of course, we already knew that. {Lori}

On Tuesday's Lopez Tonight on TBS, magicians Penn and Teller appeared as guests, and, while discussing their controversial program on Showtime, and the show's history of criticizing religion, Penn Jillette conceded a compliment to American Christians that they are "the most tolerant people worldwide."

via Penn Jillette: It Was a 'Shock' That Religious Americans are the 'Most Tolerant People Worldwide' | NewsBusters.org.

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EWG's 2010 Sunscreen Guide

Get the lowdown on sunscreen here--the good, the bad, and some sun safety tips.  Don't think that just because your sunscreen has a high SPF rating that it's going to prevent skin cancer.

EWG's fourth annual Sunscreen Guide gives low marks to the current crop of sunscreen products, with a few notable exceptions. EWG researchers recommend only 39 – 8 percent – of 500 beach and sport sunscreens for this season. The reason? A surge in exaggerated SPF claims above 50 and new disclosures about potentially hazardous ingredients, in particular recently developed government data linking vitamin A to accelerated growth of skin tumors and lesions. Learn more.

via EWG's 2010 Sunscreen Guide.

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Crash test for dummies - BostonHerald.com

I would never wish harm on anyone, but  I do find it ironic that Rep. Moran was hit by an illegal alien. {Lori}

Are we going to stay this stupid on purpose?

via Crash test for dummies - BostonHerald.com.

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From Homeschool to Harvard

Encouragement for those who homeschool:

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

From Homeschool to Harvard

Encouragement for those who homeschool:

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Congress to Reclassify Internet Service

The FCC would like to reclassify broadband internet service as a telecommunications service.  What does this mean for you?  More taxes, more regulation (filtering/banning), higher rates, and eventually less competition.  What does this mean for our government?  More control over your life.  That's what it's all about.

the F.C.C. announced a plan this month to reclassify broadband Internet service, which is now lightly regulated as an information service. Under the change, it would be classified as a telecommunications service, similar to basic telephone service, and would therefore come under more scrutiny by the agency. The reclassification would give the commission the authority to implement portions of its recently released National Broadband Plan, as well as to enforce net neutrality, the concept that Internet service providers must provide consumers with equal access to all types of content and applications.

Congress to Review Telecommunications Law - NYTimes.com.

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Famous Homeschoolers

Famous homeschoolers are everywhere. You just may not know that they homeschool. Check out this list of notable people, famous athletes and celebrities who homeschool. via Famous Homeschoolers.

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Man Marries Dying Cat

I'm sure Cecilia is resting so much better now--NOT!

{Lori}

Most spouses consider their pets better listeners than their partners, but a German man is taking animal companionship to a whole new level: Uwe Mitzscherlich, 39, has unofficially married his dying cat, Cecilia, reports the BBC. Animal marriage is illegal in Germany, so Mitzscherlich paid an actress $395 to perform the ceremony. Cecilia is asthmatic and over 10 years old. Mitzscherlich said he just wanted to show her how he feels before she dies.

"Cecilia is such a trusting creature," he says. "We cuddle all the time and she has always slept in my bed."

Man Marries Dying Cat - German wanted to tie the knot before animal's death.

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Michael Medved : Obamacare Officially Exposed as Fraudulent

When signing his health reform bill in March, President Obama promised it would "bring down health care costs for families and businesses and governments". Now, rigorous analysis by top officials in his own administration exposes the president's promise as a fraud.

The chief Medicare actuary declares that "overall national health expenditures under the health reform act would increase by a total of $311 billion". Moreover, within five years of implementation, the plan will cost employers $87 billion in penalties for failing to provide government-approved insurance. Despite crushing costs, and the likelihood of Medicare cuts "jeopardizing access to care," 23 million Americans will still be uninsured nine years from now. If these numbers from the Department of Health and Human Services had been available before final House votes, it's doubtful Congress would have approved this ill-conceived initiative.

via Townhall.com Blog : Michael Medved : Obamacare Officially Exposed as Fraudulent.

I disagree with Medved.  I think Obama, Pelosi, and Reid would've rammed this down our throats any way they could regardless of what anyone else had to say about it.

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Digital Data Not Protected by 4th Amendment

Traveling internationally or just near the border? Learn how recent federal court decisions have made fair game of the data on all your gadgets, from your iPod to your laptop, without a warrant.

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NCAA Bans Messages on Eye Black

An attack on freedom of speech or another attack on Christianity?  You decide.

The National Collegiate Athletic Association is banning personal messages on eye-black patches.

Last year, Florida quarterback Tim Tebow made news by writing a different Scripture verse on his eye black for each game.

Known now as the "Tebow Rule," the regulations ban all "words, logos, numbers or other symbols," beginning with the 2010 season.

Tebow told News-Press.com he thought the ban would take away from freedom of speech.

"It's unfortunate," he said, "that it got to the point where they had to say you can't wear anything under your eyes."

Tebow said he just wanted to share an important part of his life.

"That's just me," he said.  "I hope that people can see it affects my life and how I am so passionate about it."

CitizenLink: NCAA Bans Messages on Eye Black.

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Economic Woes

Americans are united in the belief that the economy is in bad shape (92% give it a negative rating), and for many the repercussions are hitting close to home. Fully 70% of Americans say they have faced one or more job or financial-related problems in the past year, up from 59% in February 2009. Jobs have become difficult to find in local communities for 85% of Americans. A majority now says that someone in their household has been without a job or looking for work (54%); just 39% said this in February 2009. Only a quarter reports receiving a pay raise or a better job in the past year (24%), while almost an equal number say they have been laid off or lost a job (21%).

Daily Number: Economic Woes - Pew Research Center.

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Can You Smell That Smell?

I remember a while back someone commenting about a room in their house stinking.  I remember thinking: 

I have two teenagers and a two year old.  There's always a stench in my house.  There's nothing like the smell of b.o. and dirty diapers.

Having said that, you never know what you're going to find around here.  Little Bit has decided to start potty training from time to time.  She's not had her second birthday yet, so I'm not ready to push the potty training.  However, she has shown some interest; so I did get her a potty chair at the last sale I went to.

One day I heard Little Bit exclaim, "Baby poo poo, baby poo poo," and walked into the room to find this:

 

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

BBC News - Microsoft founders lead tributes to 'father of the PC'

The "father of the personal computer" who kick-started the careers of Microsoft founders Bill Gates and Paul Allen has died at the age of 68.

via BBC News - Microsoft founders lead tributes to 'father of the PC'.

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Breaking News: Polish President, Wife Among Dozens Killed in Russia Plane Crash

Russian and Polish officials said there were no survivors on the Soviet-era Tupolev, which was taking the president, his wife and staff to events marking the 70th anniversary of the massacre of thousands of Polish officers by Soviet secret police.

via FOXNews.com - Polish President, Wife Among Dozens Killed in Russia Plane Crash.

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School Propaganda: A Warped Discussion Of Liberals vs Conservatives in High School Government Class

I have a feeling that this isn't the only teacher practicing this technique:

One of the duties of the Texas SBOE is to "designate and mandate instruction in the knowledge and skills that are essential to a well-balanced curriculum" and to deter such actions like the one exemplified by Schafly below:

For years, liberals have imposed their revisionist history on our nation's public school students, expunging important facts and historic figures while loading the textbooks with liberal propaganda, distortions and cliches.

But how can the SBOE, or school for that matter, intercede when a teacher hands out teaching documents that do not comply with pre-approved teaching guidelines and doesn't allow the papers to leave the classroom?

Roosevelt High School (NEISD) teacher Barbara Geerdes did just that when she passed out the handout, "Philosophical Differences Between Liberals and Conservatives," (shown below) to her AP U.S. Government class.

A student in Barbara Geerdes' AP Government class grew concerned over the teacher's repeated politicization of the classroom and managed to get one of the documents out and brought it home, where he could show it to his parents. Geerdes' handout made it to the State Republican Executive Committee's quarterly meeting Saturday, March 28th, where it was discussed. According to a source that has recently followed up with the father of the student:

The Dean of Students responded that the teacher admitted that she has been distributing handouts all year without required pre-approval from the head of the social studies department. She has been giving these out to all of her classes, not just the AP class. She has always collected the handouts at the end of the class period and has never allowed the handouts to be taken home.

Click the link below to read the full article and view a copy of the handout.

School Propaganda: A Warped Discussion Of Liberals vs Conservatives in High School Government Class | Texas GOP Vote.

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Lt. Governor Peter Kinder Stands up for Missourians

Missouri Lt. Governor Peter Kinder announced that he will file a lawsuit in federal court by the end of this month opposing ObamaCare.  He plans to do this with private funds.

He has set up a blog here where you can track his progress.  You can also follow him on Twitter here and here.

Kinder was on Greta Van Susteren's On the Record earlier this week.  You can go here to view his interview.  It is short and well worth watching.

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

The Massachusetts Insurance Blackout - WSJ.com

Massachusetts has had universal health care since 2006 and was used as a model in writing the ObamaCare bill.  Massachusetts insurance companies are now reporting losses.  Governor Patrick has instituted price caps so that the insurance companies cannot raise their premiums.  These are non-profit companies, not greedy, money-hungry companies as Obama would like you to believe.

For now, the companies have stopped issuing new policies.  If they cannot raise their premiums, they will continue to have losses and not be able to pay their claims.  This is where rationing health care comes in.

This week it became impossible in Massachusetts for small businesses and individuals to buy health-care coverage after Governor Deval Patrick imposed price controls on premiums. Read on, because under ObamaCare this kind of political showdown will soon be coming to an insurance market near you.

The Massachusetts small-group market that serves about 800,000 residents shut down after Mr. Patrick kicked off his re-election campaign by presumptively rejecting about 90% of the premium increases the state's insurers had asked regulators to approve. Health costs have run off the rails since former GOP Governor Mitt Romney and Beacon Hill passed universal coverage in 2006, and Mr. Patrick now claims price controls are the sensible response to this ostensibly industry greed.

Yet all of the major Massachusetts insurers are nonprofits. Three of largest four—Blue Cross Blue Shield, Tufts Health Plan and Fallon Community Health—posted operating losses in 2009. In an emergency suit heard in Boston superior court yesterday, they argued that the arbitrary rate cap will result in another $100 million in collective losses this year and make it impossible to pay the anticipated cost of claims. It may even threaten the near-term solvency of some companies. So until the matter is resolved, the insurers have simply stopped selling new policies.

A court decision is expected by Monday, but state officials have demanded that the insurers—under the threat of fines and other regulatory punishments—resume offering quotes by today and to revert to year-old base premiums. Let that one sink in: Mr. Patrick has made the health insurance business so painful the government actually has to order private companies to sell their products (albeit at sub-market costs).

One irony is that Mr. Patrick's own Attorney General and his insurance regulators have concluded—to their apparent surprise—that the reason Massachusetts premiums are the highest in the nation is the underlying cost of health care, not the supposed industry abuses that Mr. Patrick and his political mentor President Obama like to cite.

On top of that, like ObamaCare, integral to the Massachusetts overhaul are mandates that require insurers to cover anyone who applies regardless of health status or pre-existing conditions and to charge everyone about the same rates. This allows people to wait until they're about to incur major medical expenses before buying insurance and transfer the costs to everyone else. This week Blue Cross Blue Shield reported a big uptick in short-term customers who ran up costs more than four times the average, only to drop the coverage within three months.

Last July, Charlie Baker detailed similar gaming at Harvard Pilgrim, the health plan he used to run. Between April 2008 and March 2009, about 40% of its new enrollees stayed with it for fewer than five months and on average incurred costs about 600% higher than the company would have otherwise expected.

Mr. Baker is almost certain to be Mr. Patrick's GOP opponent in the fall election. The Governor's lurch toward price controls is obviously part of a bid to tar the former CEO as an industry villain. David Plouffe, the architect of Mr. Obama's Presidential campaign, has signed on as a Patrick 2010 consultant. These kinds of collisions between politics and health care are going to occur constantly across the country as ObamaCare kicks in.

The Massachusetts Insurance Blackout - WSJ.com.

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Where Do We Get the Free ObamaCare?

Just a few days after Obama signed ObamaCare into law, DH had a doctor's appointment with a specialist.  He is looking at having some things done on down the line, so I asked them when the new law would effect them, and in turn effect us.  The answer we got was that it was already effecting them--that the Medicare cuts had already "come down."  In turn, the insurance companies will follow Medicare's example; and eventually no one will take Medicare.

WASHINGTON — Two weeks after President Barack Obama signed the big health care overhaul into law, Americans are struggling to understand how — and when — the sweeping measure will affect them.

Questions reflecting confusion have flooded insurance companies, doctors' offices, human resources departments and business groups.

"They're saying, 'Where do we get the free Obama care, and how do I sign up for that?' " said Carrie McLean, a licensed agent for eHealthInsurance.com. The California-based company sells coverage from 185 health insurance carriers in 50 states.

McLean said the call center had been inundated by uninsured consumers who were hoping that the overhaul would translate into instant, affordable coverage.

Shock and awe; it's not free!!

"We tell them it's not free, that there are going to be things in place that help people who are low-income, but that ultimately most of that is not going to be taking place until 2014," McLean said.

Adults with pre-existing conditions are frustrated to learn that insurers won't have to cover them until 2014 (though those under 18 will be protected in late September); then they become both hopeful and confused upon learning that a federal high-risk pool for them will be established in the next few months. "Health insurance is so confusing. You add this on top of it and it makes it even more confusing," McLean said.

ObamaCare is so confusing, that Obama is kicking off a year-long campaign to educate the public:

The Obama administration is embarking on a years-long public education campaign about the overhaul, including a Web component. However, much of the guidance will depend on Department of Health and Human Services regulations that are still being developed.

Parents of young adults, including those who are preparing to graduate from college this spring, have heard that the overhaul will let them keep their children on their insurance plans until they reach age 26. That starts in September, however; they have to determine how to cover them until then.

A new wave of inquiries could come next month as federal COBRA subsidies for laid-off workers dry up.

Health care overhaul spawns mass confusion for public | McClatchy.

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Get Your Kicks on Route 66

A Canadian's first-hand account (lots of photos) of fulfilling her dream of driving across the U.S.

Border to Border USA on Route 66 (Includes first-hand account).

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