There's a new squirrel in town . . .
We named him Whitie.
He's small but appears to be growing.
View the original post at: http://loricamper.com/blog/?page_id=35
Friday, March 25, 2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
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.
View the original post at: http://loricamper.com/blog/?page_id=35
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.
View the original post at: http://loricamper.com/blog/?page_id=35
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Thursday, March 10, 2011
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!
View the original post at: http://loricamper.com/blog/?page_id=35
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
View the original post at: http://loricamper.com/blog/?page_id=35
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.
View the original post at: http://loricamper.com/blog/?page_id=35
Monday, March 7, 2011
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
Friday, February 25, 2011
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
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
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
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Debunking the Homeschooling Naysayers
Image via Wikipedia
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.
View the original post at: http://loricamper.com/blog/?page_id=35
The Craigslist Congressman
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.
View the original post at: http://loricamper.com/blog/?page_id=35
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
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.
View the original post at: http://loricamper.com/blog/?page_id=35
Friday, January 28, 2011
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?
View the original post at: http://loricamper.com/blog/?page_id=35
"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.
View the original post at: http://loricamper.com/blog/?page_id=35
Friday, January 21, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011
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.
View the original post at: http://loricamper.com/blog/?page_id=35
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
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.View the original post at: http://loricamper.com/blog/?page_id=35
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.
View the original post at: http://loricamper.com/blog/?page_id=35
Remember, these are the artificial sweeteners to avoid:Safe Holiday Sweeteners.What are your safe natural sweetener choices?
- Sucralose (Splenda)
- Aspartame (NutraSweet/Equal®)
- Acesulfame-K (Sunett®)
- Neotame®
*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:
- Stevia*
- Raw, unprocessed sugar (Sucanat®)
- Brown Rice Syrup
- Barley Malt
- Date Sugar
- Honey
- Maple Syrup
- Molasses
- Sorghum
- Fructose
- Fruit Juice Concentrate
- Juice Concentrate
- Sugar alcohols (Polyols)
- Isomalt
- Lactitol
- Malitol
- Mannitol
- Sorbitol
- Xylitol
- Turbinado Sugar
- Tagatose
View the original post at: http://loricamper.com/blog/?page_id=35
Sunday, January 16, 2011
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:
Image source: http://kcpdchief.blogspot.com/2011/01/top-20-crash-locations-of-2010.html
View the original post at: http://loricamper.com/blog/?page_id=35
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