It's Mother Nature's Fault

There is no denying that unemployment claims have dipped or rose over the last couple of years.  What needs to be noted however, is the hard fact that most individuals who are unemployed cannot receive benefits and therefore are not counted among the unemployment rate.  Nor are individuals who have completely stopped looking for work and have decided to ride the economic waves until things pick up.  

Officials released new data showing that the unemployment rate was once again near a 3-month high.  According to reports, "The Labor Department said Thursday that weekly applications dipped 1,000 to a seasonally adjusted 388,000. It was little changed from the previous week's figure, the highest since Jan. 7."  Employers created nearly 120,000 jobs in the month of March, despite the additional opportunities hiring was still slow. 

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke agrees with officials at the Labor Department that perhaps Mother Nature is to blame.  Their reasoning?  Bernanke stated that "perhaps [the weather made] January and February artificially strong and March perhaps artificially a little bit weak."  

 Whether the current economic climate is Mother Natures fault or not there is no denying that the unemployment rate is 8.2%.  Although it is down from 9.1% it is still important to keep in mind all of the claims that have gone un-filed, those who cannot receive benefits and individuals who have stopped looking altogether which could make that rate much higher. 

 For this and other news please go to www.foxnews.com, www.cnn.com or www.msnbc.com.  To read more about the latest data from the Labor Department please go to: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/04/26/us-unemployment-aid-requests-near-3-month-high/#ixzz1t9dmIpkE

Proof of Life?

Madeleine McCann Age 3

On May 3, 2007 Madeline McCann, a 3 year old toddler, went missing from her parents vacation rental home while they were dining just 500 feet away.  Police investigators now believe they have their "best opportunity" yet to find Madeleine alive and ask for any information leading to her whereabouts.   

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Redwood stated that after a review of the evidence that he and the team of officers dedicated to the case are looking to bring closure to the family.

 According to reports Redwood also told the BBC, "I am satisfied that the systems and processes that we are bringing to this set of circumstances will give us the best opportunity to find those investigative opportunities that we can then present to our colleagues in Portugal."

British authorities are urging Portugal to re-open the case of Madeleine McCann believing that they have close to 200 leads that might help them to find the girl alive.  Police have released an age progression image of Maddy showing what she would look like at the age of 9. 

However, the case does not continue without a price.  While authorities try to filter through the evidence and numerous leads in hopes of finding Madeleine the British taxpayers are being charged $3.2 million.  Madeleine's family however, are glad that they are no longer viewed as suspects in their daughters disappearance but that the police are now focusing all their attention on what happened and finding their daughter hopefully alive and well. 

To read more about Madeleine McCann please go to the following link: http://gma.yahoo.com/madeline-mccann-investigation-best-opportunity-yet-missing-girl-094316233--abc-news-topstories.html

Mr. Bates gets Rebates

The classic Alfred Hitchcock movie Psycho made audiences sat perched on the edge of their theater seats and gasp in shock once they discovered who was behind the murders at the Bates Motel.  But of course everyone suspected it was the mother, but what they did not expect was that Norman Bates was his mother. 

Norman Bates portrayed by Anthony Perkins

The same scenario played out for an New York City man who decided to dress up and appear as his deceased mother, but not to murder innocent travelers, but to continue to receive her Social Security benefits and rental assistance.  

 

According to reports, "Thomas Prusik-Parkin is accused of collecting Irene Prusik's government benefits and rent subsidies for six years after her 2003 death -- with the help of a wig, some nail polish, a scarf and his mom's favorite bright-red dress." For now this particular Mr. Bates will not be able to receive any further rebates from his deceased mother or on the tax-payer dollar. 

To read more about this case please go to: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/04/24/nyc-man-on-trial-for-dressing-up-as-dead-mother-to-cash-her-social-security/#ixzz1sxqX0KLV. 

Washed Away

It was perhaps one of the most significant and major environmental events to occur in the 21st Century.  The March 2011 tsunami devastated and displaced several people from their homes and even washed away some of their belongings.  For Misaki Murakami one of his most prized positions, a soccer ball was among those items that had been swept away.

David Baxter & wife Yumi

The soccer ball had been a good bye gift when he had transferred to another school and was inscribed with an inspiring message. However, the ball was found in Alaska.  According to reports, "David Baxter, a radar technician from Kasilof, Alaska, found Murakami's ball while beachcombing with a friend in March on Middleton Island, 70 miles south of the Alaskan mainland."  Mr. Baxer told the Associated Press via e-mail that, "when I first saw the soccer ball I was excited to see it and I thought it was possible it came from the tsunami zone."

David Baxter and his wife (photo left) plan to visit Japan in May but do not want to give the soccer ball to Murakami in person for fear of making too much of a fuss.  But Murakami did thank the couple for taking the time to find him.  The couple also found a volley ball but have not been able to locate its owner.  For more on this story please go to: http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/04/22/japanese-boy-soccer-ball-lost-in-tsunami-found-in-alaska/?test=latestnews#ixzz1ssJdeigF. 

Mmmm...Mmmm....Mmmm.....I'm.....NOT Lovigng It

When we hear that catchy lyric from our car radio or television sets we instantly associate it with the golden arch restaurant. The theme "I'm lovign' it," has propelled McDonald's into the 21st century and captivated an entirely new customer base of young people for yet another generation. But there was nothing to love about a South Carolina McDonald's employees service, especially when that service came with 'spit' and not extra fries.

According to reports from Greenville Police, "19-year-old Marvin Washington Jr. was arrested Wednesday and charged with malicious tampering with food.

Greenville County investigators say surveillance video caught Washington leaning over the cups before he filled them Saturday at the Simpsonville restaurant. Authorities say the customers discovered phlegm when they removed the lids of the drinks to add more sugar because the iced tea still was not sweet enough."

John Kennedy, the owner, encourages people not to make any quick judgements until all of the facts are learned by authorities and stated his customers safety was his top priority. It is not certain whether or not Mr. Washington has obtained legal counsel in this matter but he has been released on $5,000 bond.

To read more about about the "not loving it" incidient please go to the following link: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/04/18/south-carolina-mcdonald-employee-arrested-for-allegedly-spitting-in-tea/#ixzz1sUY8rM9q or visit www.cnn.com, www.msnbc.com or www.yahoo.com for more news.

American Icon

Dick Clark the legendary "American Band Stand" host and "Rockin' New Years Eve" creator passed away yesterday, April 18th at the of 82. Clark suffered a massive heart attack leaving his fans, admirers and loved one's in mourning and remembering the entertainer and true American icon that he was.

According to reports Clark was well known as, "the world's oldest teenager" because of his boyish appearance, Clark bridged the rebellious new music scene and traditional show business, and equally comfortable whether chatting about music with Sam Cooke or bantering with Ed McMahon about TV bloopers. He long championed black singers by playing the original R&B versions of popular songs, rather than the pop cover."

In 2004 Clark suffered a stroke, the following New Years Eve American Idol host Ryan Seacrest took over as host of the "Rockin' New Years Eve" show on NBC.

Clark continues to be just as influential on upcoming generations as he was during his stint on Band Stand. His voice and his smile will be greatly missed this New Year.

Dick Clark is survived by his son Richard Augustus II, whom he had with his first wife Barbara Mallery and two children, Duane and Cindy, with second wife Loretta Martin. He married Kari Wigton in 1977.

To read more about Dick Clark and his career please go to: http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2012/04/18/report-dick-clark-dies-at-age-82/#ixzz1sRhLBbIY

Taxmageddon for Taxpayers

The fiasco known as "Taxmageddon" broke news early this morning and has a lot of tax payers and Washington office holders shaking their heads. By the end of 2012 American taxpayers could be staring down a long barrel, the cost? $500 billion.

According to reports, "At the end of the year, some $500 billion in tax breaks expire all at once, hitting American households with an average tax increase of $3,800 -- if Congress doesn't act. The potential increases include $165 billion more from taxpayers as a result of expiration of the Bush-era tax cuts, which would push taxes from a bottom rate of 10 percent and a top rate of 35 percent to a bottom rate of 15 percent and a top rate of 39.6 percent."

What does all of this mean? Well it could mean that for millions of Americans who have children their child tax credit will be lowered from $1,000 to $500, nearly half of what they would normally get. Economists stress that "Taxmageddon" will affect everyone and that there is no escaping the consequences if congress does not act. Until decisions are made there is no way for businesses to know exactly what their tax rates are going to be which will impact the job market and how businesses plan ahead for difficult times.

For this and other news please go to www.foxnews.com, www.cnn.com or www.msnbc.com.

To read more about "Taxmageddon" go to the following link: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/04/17/taxmageddon-coming-answer-could-cost-americans-500-billion/?test=latestnews#ixzz1sPf2NyuH

Not 'Gun' Shy, Not One Bit

Kate Middleton's sister Pipa wowed the world almost a year ago at her sisters nuptials to Prince William. Her sense of style and brilliant smile has lit up television screens and camera lenses while selling millions of magazines that provided her with the nickname "Her Royal Hotness". However, the Princess' sister and Lady in Waiting has nothing to smile about after a trip to Paris, France left her not just camera shy but gun shy.

Riding in the passenger seat of her escorts top down convertible heading to Eurostar, a train that would take her back to London, Pipa Middleton found herself in more trouble than she could handle. The driver then brandished what appeared to be gun directly at the media that had been following them around Paris. According to reports, "She [Pipa] was pictured riding as a passenger in a convertible Audi and laughing while the driver clearly aimed what looked like a semi-automatic pistol at a photographer behind the vehicle."

It is a felony in France to point a weapon and regardless if it was fake or a real semi-automatic the driver and his passengers are looking at jail time. 7 years if convicted. The country itself is on high security alert after a string of recent handgun murders in Toulouse. To read more about the party before the incident and Pipa Middleton please go to the link below or www.cnn.com, www.msnbc.com or www.etonline.com.

http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2012/04/17/pippa-middleton-partied-with-strippers-dwarfs-before-paris-pistol-prank/?intcmp=features#ixzz1sIxIGkkf

Diminished Driver Skills & Seniors Driving

It is estimated that roughly 10,000 Americans reach the age of 65 per day. That being said we have all experienced a 'Sunday driver' at one point or time. It is being recommended that there be a limit set on elderly drivers and new standards for each state as far as license renewal is concerned.

Most states require drivers to come renew their license in person, while fourteen others allow drivers to renew their license via e-mail or traditional snail mail. According to reports "drivers ages 65 to 69 have the same fatal crash involvement rate as drivers in their 30s, and it is not until age 85 that older drivers overtake teenagers as the age group most likely to be involved in a fatal crash." Most of this is due to their diminished motor skills, lack of vision and slower reflexes. Many seniors once they reach a certain age decide not to drive at night.

Analysts suggest that while there is no real age to determine the inability of an elderly person to drive, because most will drive for several years safely past the age of 65, that a support system be in place to assist with their independence and mobility if a health issue rises. If limits are set however, seniors might see a change in their insurance coverage and policies.

To read more about this story please go to: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/04/16/america-readies-for-silver-tsunami-elderly-drivers/#ixzz1sDPVWRMe or www.cnn.com, www.msnbc.com or www.yahoo.com.

Patriot Hacker "The Rapture" makes Web Waves

Almost over night the name "Rapture" has become synonymous with a lone individual who is bent on destroying any cyberspace threat to the U.S. According to reports "The Rapture", "has a new flock of tech-savvy, eager veterans -- including another military grandpa -- ready to sign on to his campaign to disrupt the websites and online forums where Al Qaeda sympathizers congregate to push their hateful, anti-American propaganda."

The Patriot hacker claims to be a veteran, a grandfather and a parent of an active duty soldier has, despite death threats, kept his identity a secret and claims to have also taken down jihadists networks such as the Shamukh Islamic Network, Ansar al-Mujahideen and a handful of other virtual meeting places for suspected terrorists.

However the number of messages of support and even offers to assist him in taking down other websites is tremendous. To learn more about "The Rapture" and his mission you can read more at the following link:http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/04/11/patriot-hacker-raptor-gains-flock-followers-after-foxnewscom-report/?test=latestnews#ixzz1rpfBr2ru. For other news please go to www.foxnews.com, www.cnn.com, www.msnbc.com or www.yahoo.com.

Murder in the 2nd Degree

It has been one of the most covered stories in the media over the last several weeks. Trayvon Martin, who was a unarmed teenager had an unexpected and deadly run-in with a neighborhood watchman George Zimmerman.

The death of the young man has raised questions from both his parents and police officials investigating the case. Zimmerman maintains that Trayvon attacked him and that in the struggle he shot and killed the teenager. A grainy security video released from the police does not indicate any injuries to Zimmerman personal however, enhanced video footage does seem to support Zimmerman's statement that Trayvon hit him in the back of the head.

According to reports, "One of the biggest hurdles to Zimmerman's arrest over the past month was Florida's "stand your ground" law, which gives people wide leeway to use deadly force without having to retreat in the face of danger. The lack of an arrest had sparked outrage and rallies for justice in the Orlando suburb and across the country."

Zimmerman maintains his innocence in the incident and has stated to police that it was an act of self defense. Zimmerman's father also claims that Trayvon had threatened to harm his son George and that he feared for his life. Trayvon's parents believe that the charges of 2nd Degree Murder in the case of their sons death is a start and will help them to heal from their loss.

For more about the charges in the Trayvon Martin case please go to:

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/04/11/zimmerman-to-be-charged-by-florida-special-prosecutor-report-says/#ixzz1rmhiNilz or www.cnn.com, www.msnbc.com or www.yahoo.com.

Miraculous Discovery

When Analia Bougue and Fabian Veron, were given the upsetting news of their daughters passing after being born prematurely neither of them could have believed what was about to happen next.

The little girl Analia gave birth to was her fifth child, both parents were informed that she had passed away and were provided with a death certificate.

After which they made the decision to go to the morgue to see their daughter for a final time. However, when the parents arrived instead of seeing their child quietly and peacefully at rest they witnessed the baby move!

Veron told reporters during a press conference, "The baby was there and they put the little casket on a stretcher. We looked for a bar to pry it open. My wife looked and uncovered it slowly. She saw the little hand and then uncovered the face. That's when it let the first little cry out."

Analia and Fabian have named their daughter Luz Milagros which means "Miracle Light." The child's mother is planning to sue the hospital for medical malpractice. For this and other news please go to www.foxnews.com, www.cnn.com, www.msnbc.com or www.yahoo.com.

Throwing In the Towel

Presidential Candidate and former Senator of Pennsylvania Rick Santorum announced this afternoon that he will be throwing in the towel on the race for the White House due in part to his daughters illness.

That leaves GOP hopeful Mitt Romney, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and Independent candidate Ron Paul left on ballots throughout the country. Santorum confirmed his decision via a personal telephone call to Romney.

With a little less than 30 days left until the May 8 Primary in which states like North Carolina will decide the GOP victor it appears Romney has a clear lead. But will Gingrich follow Santorum's lead or will he remain all-in until the end? For this and other news please go to www.foxnews.com, www.cnn.com or www.msnbc.com.

Need for Speed

When 13-year-old Jeremy Wuitschick took his usual bus to school Monday morning he was certainly not anticipating that he would have to drive it and his classmates to safety. The young man witnessed his bus driver becoming ill and told officials that, "He starts acting all funny. His eyes are bulging and he is twitching in his chair." Wuitschick took the wheel as quickly as he could and shouted for someone to call 9-1-1. Wuitschick stirred the bus to safety and with the aid of another classmate attempted CPR on the driver. Moments later a school official drove by and saw the bus on the side of the road and he too attempted CPR on the unconscious driver. The driver is currently in serious condition and receiving treatment at a nearby hospital. For this and more information please go to the following link below or www.foxnews.com, www.cnn.com or www.msnbc.com.

Link to story http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/04/09/13-year-old-drives-school-bus-to-safety-after-driver-passes-out/#ixzz1re8e5n1G

Painter of Light: Kinkade Dies at 53

To many Thomas Kinkade's images are the very things seen on post cards, Christmas cards or Hallmark invitations. His paintings were filled with warmth, light and a glimmer of hope that expressed the very depth of how mankind remembered their childhood homes and the quaint little towns where they were raised.

Kinkade, at age 53, passed away April 7th. Kinkade's work, which was not often admired by other artists or collectors, has net the painter an estimated $100,000,000 each year. When interviewed at one time Kinkade said of his work, "with whatever talent and resources I have, I'm trying to bring light to penetrate the darkness many people feel," the very move most impressionists like Monet had so beautifully perfected.

Thomas Kinkade is survived by his wife and four daughters. For this and more news please go to www.foxnews.com or www.cnn.com.

Tick...Tick...Tick

When I was growing up I remember two things, first that the television was always on at night and second that it was because my father was watching 60 Minutes. The familiar ticking sound of the stop watch as the show aired had become a staple in most people's homes by the early to mid-1990s, but so had names such as Andy Rooney and Mike Wallace.

Mike Wallace, age 93 has reportedly passed away according to CBS. Wallace was legendary for not just the stories he told, the interviews he did but the voice he had. CBS Corp President and CEO Les Moonves stated that Mr. Wallaces', "extraordinary contribution as a broadcaster is immeasurable and he has been a force within the television industry throughout its existence. His loss will be felt by all of us at CBS."

In his 40 some years of being apart of 60 Minutes, the first news magazine for television, Wallace had interviewed numerous Presidents, first ladies, movie stars and singers. Fellow journalist and reporter Diane Sawyer of ABC said, "Mike's energy and nerve paced everyone at '60 Minutes."

To view the video tribute of Mike Wallace posted by CBS please go to the following link: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57410999/remembering-mike-wallace-1918-2012/

For other news please go to www.cbs.com, www.cnn.com, www.foxnews.com or www.msnbc.com.

Escaping a Killer

19-year-old Brian Douglas White was like every ordinary teenager, including the fact that he was heartbroken after his girlfriend, presently his ex, had moved on with another guy. But what White did next has left an entire neighborhood and community in shock.

According to news reports White entered his ex-girlfriends home on Wednesday and proceeded to kill her new boyfriend and then her mother with an axe. Afterwards White then shot himself. Meanwhile his girlfriend, whose name has not been released to reporters or news affiliates, managed to escape her home and call 9-1-1.

Close friends and neighbors of the 17-year-old girl say that she was very outgoing and compassionate, and that she was raised in a very loving environment. To read more please go to www.foxnews.com, www.cnn.com or www.msnbc.com.

"Pants on the Ground, Pants on the Ground!"

Do you remember that song? You know the one that made someone famous just a year or so ago on the hit television music series American Idol? Yeah, that's the one "Pants on the ground!" Well take it from the guy who sung about it, the great state of Tennessee is saying that in fact there will be no more "pants on the ground" or belt-less individuals roaming their streets.

According to reports Tennessee's State Senate overwhelmingly passed a bill to outlaw saggy bottoms on teenagers, young adults and pretty much everyone who has decided it's a fashion statement rather than a blemish to their character.

The fine for not obeying the fashion law? A whopping $250.00 and community service. One individual who was not too particuarlly pleased with the passage of the bill stated, ""Just grown ups making more rules, gonna break em' anyway." To read more about the new law go to:http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/04/04/tennessee-bill-seeks-to-outlaw-sagging-pants-at-schools/#ixzz1r4vFVbrv

"No You Didn't!"

This is just not President Obama or the Democratic Party's week in terms of the past or upcoming elections. Four Indiana Democrats have been charged with election fraud as they were reportedly discovered having faked signatures and names on Presidential Primary petitions.

According to reports "Among those charged is the former long-time chairman of the St. Joseph County Democratic Party, Butch Morgan, who allegedly ordered the forgeries. He was forced to resign when the allegations were first made public last October, even though his lawyer, Shaw Friedman, told Fox News at the time that Morgan did not do anything wrong."

An affidavit from St. Joseph County Voter Registration Office worker Lucas Burkett shows that he admitted to being involved with the plan to forge the signatures on the presidential candidate petitions despite the need to have actual signatures from actual citizens on such documents.

There is no doubt that voter fraud occurs in almost every nation that allows its citizens to vote. However, in the United States we should each have enough respect for the offices of President, Senator, Representative, or any local offices being voted for to be HONEST. Certainly for several residents of South Bend, Indiana the use of their names, when not signed by their own hand, was to quote one individual "scary." To learn more go to: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/04/02/4-indiana-dems-charged-with-election-fraud-in-2008/#ixzz1qzE5z4Op. For other news please go to www.foxnews.com, www.cnn.com or www.msnbc.com.

One Big Headache

When news broke of a top re-election campaign donor to President Obama being accused of defrauding a businessman and impersonating a bank official, the President and his staff found themselves with one big headache.

According to news reports: "The New York donor, Abake Assongba, and her husband contributed more than $50,000 to Obama's re-election effort this year, federal records show. But Assongba is also fending off a civil court case in Florida, where she's accused of thieving more than $650,000 to help build a multimillion-dollar home in the state -- a charge her husband denies."

The Obama camp has declined to comment on whether or not they will be proceeding with an investigation or if the money Assongba donated will be refunded. Amidst the suspected campaign fraud Assongba is facing other charges in the state of Florida for reportedly engaging a Swiss businessman named Klaus-Werner Pusch in an e-mail scam. Assognba's husband claims the allegations against his wife are untrue.

For this and other news please go to www.foxnews.com, www.cnn.com or www.msnbc.com or to read more about this case click on: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/04/02/top-obama-re-election-campaign-donor-accused-fraud/#ixzz1qtgPP0c6

Extra Low Prices: To the Tune of $1 Billion

You read that headline right. The power chain/super-store better known as Wal-Mart is preparing to do something drastic to keep their customers happy. The super-store has announced that it is planning to reduce grocery prices by $1 billion. According to reports the advantage Wal-Mart has over other stores like Kroger and Safeway, "is that it can make up for any losses it takes in the food isles in higher margin departments like apparel." Safeway and its compatriots have struggled meanwhile in this economic downturn to hold onto their customers but Wal-Mart Chief Merchandising Officer Duncan Mac Naughton stated that their super-store had seen an increase in business in the United States. To learn more about Wal-Mart's decision to "roll back the prices" you can go to: http://www.foxbusiness.com/news/2012/03/28/wal-mart-plans-to-reduce-grocery-prices-by-1-billion/#ixzz1qWxQ6gZq or www.cnn.com or www.msnbc.com.

Earl Scruggs Dies at 88

For anyone who is a huge bluegrass fan Earl Scruggs name is certainly infamous. The banjo picker is well known for his three finger playing as opposed to the original clawhammer style, and for putting the banjo back on the music scene. He had learned from the early age of 4 how to play the banjo and admitted that while he played the guitar too he preferred the banjo because it was the one sound he most liked to hear. According to reports, "Scruggs profoundly change country music with Bill Monroe in the 1940s and later with guitarist Lester Flatt." His son told the press that his father passed away of natural causes Wednesday morning in Nashville, Tennessee. For this and other news please go to www.foxnews.com, www.cnn.com, www.msnbc.com. Or to read more about Early Scruggs please go to: http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2012/03/28/bluegrass-legend-earl-scruggs-dies-at-age-88/?intcmp=features#ixzz1qVlBclVZ

Korean War Vet 81 Fights off Carjacker

Word to the wise, do not attempt to carjack a Korean Veteran, especially one that is observant enough to notice the carjacker has a knife. Mr. Barney Trusewicz, age 81 and his wife were parked at a Lincoln Park gas station when a would-be carjacker jumped into the car, told his wife that he was taking the car while wielding a knife. Mr. Trusewicz noticed immediately the danger his wife was in and grabbed the knife, turned off the car engine and wrestled with Christopher Bowens, a recently released convict. Bowens surrendered to the 81-year-old Vet and ran off only to be caught by police and being held in the Wayne County Jail. According to reports, " [Bowens] was on parole, as well as probation, both for federal and state charges. He now faces a possible life sentence." For this and other news please go to www.foxnews.com, www.cnn.com or www.msnbc.com. To read more about Mr. Trusewicz: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/03/27/elderly-veteran-fights-off-would-be-carjacker-in-michigan/?test=latestnews#ixzz1qQOxFh1m

No-bama Care?

This week the Supreme Court is faced with a historical and monumental task. It is up to the court to decide whether or not the Obama healthcare plan is Constitutional; more importantly if the individual mandate within that bill is Constitutional. The individual mandate according to the bill is, "the provision in the law requiring Americans to buy health insurance." There is no question about the significance of the bill, if struck down the measure will unravel one of the President's largest domestic policies during his first term in office. To determine the Constitutionality of the bill the judges will be looking at various laws already in existence in the U.S. such as the the Commerce Clause, the Necessary and Proper Clause and the federal government's taxing power. The argument against the individual mandate is that the federal government may have the authority to regulate commerce within the U.S. but should not have the right to force individuals into the market place to purchase a product(s) they may not want. To learn more about this Supreme Court case please go to the link below or visit www.cnn.com or www.msnbc.com.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/03/27/individual-mandate-blockbuster-waiting-to-happen/#ixzz1qK2mK0w8

"I OBJECT!!!"

If you are going to skip out on your civic duty, i.e. serving on a jury, it's probably not smart to get on a radio talk show and brag about how you did it. Well unfortunately that is exactly what one radio caller did. According to reports "A Colorado woman was charged with two felonies after allegedly calling into a local radio station and bragging about how she posed as mentally unstable to get excused from jury duty, KDVR reports." The suspect was quickly identified as Susan Cole who had told the judge and those present that she was suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after appearing in the courtroom wearing her hair in curlers, bright red lipstick and black eyebrows with a shirt that stated "Ask me about my best seller". Without hestiatation the judge on the case did not object to dismissing Mrs. Cole from the courtroom, excusing her from jury duty. If you would like to read more about this story please go to the link below. For other news please go to www.foxnews.com, www.cnn.com or www.msnbc.com.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/03/21/radio-caller-faces-2-felonies-after-bragging-how-faked-ptsd-to-avoid-jury-duty/#ixzz1pr0z1MBb

Standoff with a Killer

French police found themselves in a standoff with the gunman, and possible Al-Queda suspect, who barricaded himself in an apartment building after reportedly shooting seven children that were attending a school in Toulous. The suspect is claiming to be Mohammad Merah, an escapee from a prison in the Kandhair province back in 2008. Merah shot seven students attending a French school. According to foxnews.com "Hundreds of riot police poured in to surround the building in the southwestern city of Toulous after three police officers were wounded in the failed initial attempt to arrest the 24-year-old Frenchman of Algerian descent. After hours of trying to persuade him to surrender, police evacuated the five-story building, escorting residents out using the roof and fire truck ladders." President Nicolas Sarkozy remains adamant that the French will not allow terrorism to divide their country. To read more about the incidient please go to the following link below or to www.cnn.com or www.msnbc.com.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/03/21/french-police-investigating-school-shooting-raid-house-2-officers-injured/?test=latestnews#ixzz1pkyDdffB

Earhart Mystery Takes a Dive

To American women everywhere Amelia Earhart was the daredevil of her time. Now a search for her by a team of scientists and historians will coincide with the 75th anniversary of her disappearance. Many believe Earhart survived her final flight and managed to land her plane on an island with her navigator Fred Noonan. According to reports the Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has decided to dive into the mystery. "Clinton will meet Tuesday with historians and scientists from The International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery, which is launching a new search in June for the wreckage of Earhart's Lockheed Electra plane off the remote island of Nikumaroro, in what is now the Pacific nation of Kiribati." For this and other news on the research and mystery of Amelia Earhart you can go to the following link: http://news.yahoo.com/clinton-wades-amelia-earhart-mystery-052516853.html or visit www.foxnews.com or www.cnn.com.

Message from Beyond

In June of 2011 Jack Froese passed away at the age of 32 due to heart complications. Jack's friends and family have since reported having received e-mails beginning in November of the same year from Jack. One account told by Jack's best friend Tim Hart was that the e-mail read he was watching and that his friend should really clean his attic. Hart says this brings a type of closure to him, making him feel better knowing that Jack is in some way still present in his life. Family members such as Jack's cousin Jimmy McGraw also claims to have heard from Froese who reportedly warned Jimmy about an ankle injury that took place after his death. McGraw stated, "I'd like to say Jack sent it, just because I look at it as he's gone, but he's still trying to connect with me. Trying to tell me to move along, to feel better." There are special websites dedicated to sending out e-mails 30-60 days after someone's passing. If you would like to read more about the messages from beyond and how to create your own go to: http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/sideshow/emails-dead-man-account-helping-family-friends-closure-193306965.html.

Santorum Sweeps South

Rick Santorum was looking for victory this past week in both the Alabama and Mississippi primaries, and victory is exactly what he got. However, Santorum's competition former Governor of Massachusetts Mitt Romney pulled in a lead winning Hawaii's primary creating for himself a slight lead in the race. So is this the sweeping victory the GOP had hoped for, the victory that would ultimately in some way define the race and finally give us a front runner for the general election? As it has been with the former primaries and caucus' of the past few months the answer is still "no". There is no clear front runner in the GOP, so it appears that it is once again up to Florida and the delegates to decide. When speaking of his wins in the two southern states Santorum told reporters, ""We will compete everywhere. The time is now for conservatives to pull together." As for the third candidate, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, he has decided yet again to remain despite his campaigns loses in both states this Tuesday. For this and other news please go to www.foxnews.com, www.cnn.com or www.msnbc.com.

Sign of the Times-Part 2

Yesterday I posted a story about a young boy residing in Miami, Florida who's parents had decided to punish him for his bad grades by making him hold up a sign on the side of a road saying that he was a class clown and that's why he received 'F's for the term.

I need to be clear that I have a background in education and it appears to me that time provided to the child at home, or at the school, with a tutor/practice material in the subjects that he is failing over the break would be more beneficial than having him to stand on a street corner all day with a sign and having strangers to honk at him.

No one is perfect, no one has ever made straight A's all through school, including myself. Yes, that's right, I will admit to the occasional bad grade especially in elementary. And often there is a reason for a child to goof-off in class. Either they find the material boring and need to be challenged, or they are having some difficulty within their personal lives and seek attention regardless if it be negative or positive.

Granted that an 'F' is the last thing any parents wishes to see a child come home with. I believe there was a lack of communication between the parents and the school. Which begs the questions of why did the teachers not speak to the parents about their concerns in regards to this particular student and his grades before the report cards were issued? Why did they not provide the parents with different strategies they could implement to assist him in raising his grades before the break, or at least by the end of the year? These are things we should be asking ourselves when it comes to our children's education but the most important thing is to stay involved as parents, as well as educators.

For this and more news on education please go to www.ed.gov.

Southern Showdown

With any luck the next round of primaries in Alabama and Mississippi, will help to thin the herd of GOP candidates seeking office and the ability to push forward to the general election. While Romney exudes the confidence he needs not to win the Southern states stating that John McCain did not win either of them in the 2008 primaries, Santorum and Gingrich both need to show a strong footing in the states to remain serious contenders and to gain the delegates needed. Santorum contends that Romney needs to win over the Evangelical voters in order to succeed in the southern states.

According to reports: "Evangelical voters play an outsized role in both state primaries. Four years ago, 77 percent of GOP primary voters in Alabama and 69 percent in Mississippi said they were born again or evangelicals, a group that Romney has struggled to bring to his side in the primaries. His best showing in a contested primary was 38 percent in Florida."

Will this be the southern showdown members of the GOP are hoping for? Or will it just cause more confusion and chaos amongst the party causing us to lose sight of what is really on the line? Our country. For this and other news please go to www.cnn.com, www.msnbc.com or to read further about the primaries go to the following link provided at foxnews.com:

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/03/12/republican-candidates-court-southern-support-before-primaries/#ixzz1p0TCULvp

'Sign' of the Times

March is often the time for school children and even college students across the nation to be thinking about 'Spring Break' and not about 'grades'. Well, at least, that is probably not what 7th grader Michael Bell Jr. had intended to be thinking about any way. The 7th grader from Miami, Florida has been prescribed a punishment by his parents that truly is a sign of the times.

Michael Bell Jr. is currently spending his Spring Break not at the pool or playing video games with friends but instead he is holding a sign on a street corner detailing his failures in school. Bell's report card not only obtained failing grades but according to his teachers he was the class cut-up. According to reports the sign reads: the front of Michael's sign reads: "Hey, I want to be a class clown. Is it wrong?" The back of the sign says: "I'm in the 7th grade and got 3 F's. Blow your horn if there's something wrong with that."

Both of Michael's parents are with him and help him through the day, this is the only way his father and mother feel they are going to reach him about the seriousness of his studies and how they impact his future.


For this and other news please go to www.foxnews.com, www.cnn.com or www.msnbc.com. Or to Read more about this story click on the following link: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/03/12/florida-parents-force-son-to-stand-on-corner-with-sign-as-punishment-for-bad/#ixzz1ovQWyZxK

Take a Bow

After Tuesday's big state showdown in the Republican primary former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich declared his intention on staying in the GOP race despite having won only his home state of Georgia. In fact it is because Gingrich won the Peach State that he decided to keep his eye on the prize. But is it a lose-lose situation for Newt? Some analysts seem to think so.

According to Fox News, "Newt Gingrich could be facing a win-or-walk-away situation in the Deep South on Tuesday -- and the early numbers are not promising for the trailing presidential candidate, with two new polls showing him behind in Alabama. The new polls each showed a different leader in the state, neither of them Gingrich."

Perhaps it is time for the former speaker to take a bow and appreciate the good campaign he has run thus far and that he has ended his political career on a high note, at least accomplishing his goal of winning Georgia's primary. For this and other news please go to www.foxnews.com, www.cnn.com or www.msnbc.com.

Super Split

As predicted last night's Super Tuesday primaries were just as confusing as those prior to them. For those who thought it would give a clear and concise picture of the race and who would represent the Republican Party in the 2012 Presidential Election it became even more muddled by Santorum's wins in N.D., O.K., and T.N. Newt Gingrich even showed some progress in the polls in Georgia's primary. Overall though one can certainly argue that it was Mitt Romney's night. The former Governor of Mass. walked away with Alaska, Idaho, and yes Massachusetts to name a few. But what does this mean for the rest of the primaries? What will it mean for the Republican Party nomination? Will Romney hold firm or will his delegate count get snatched up last second by another candidate? For this and more on Super Tuesday please go to www.foxnews.com, www.cnn.com or www.msnbc.com.

Super Tuesday Success

With Super Tuesday here it is easy to understand why candidates for the Republican Party are scrambling to get in air time on some of the 24 hour news networks, shaking hands at public events and delivering messages that outline their platforms and ultimate goal of being elected as President of the United States.

But will Super Tuesday be a big win for candidates like Mitt Romney or Rick Santorum or will it prove to be an upset and actually leave Republicans scratching their heads? Many feel this will be the decisive moment of the two-month-old campaign, siting that ten states in total are taking to the polls.

Many others feel that Ohio will be the ultimate decision maker. Reports from foxnews.com stated that both Romney and Santorum are going all out in Ohio trying to get in the last minute votes. Romney told foxnews.com, "I hope that I get the support of people here in Ohio tomorrow, and in other states across the country. I believe if I do, I'll get the nomination." For this and more news on Super Tuesday please go to www.foxnews.com, www.cnn.com, or www.msnbc.com.

Lincoln's Day Too

President's Day has always been reserved for February 21st, but that could soon change. Some lawmakers are pushing for the day to be moved to February 22nd. The push has historians and educators alike crying out for the 16th President of our nation to have his own day in the spotlight. Is there something wrong with that?

Being a Lincoln buff and having read most books on our nation's Civil War leader I say absolutely not. Usually my opinion's do not enter into my blogs but the truth is I see nothing wrong with Lincoln having a day just as Washington does or Martin Luther King Jr.

David Blanchette a spokesman for the Lincoln Presidential Library stated, "If Washington is going to be singled out, we certainly think Lincoln should have his own day as well, the two presidents who have most shaped the country as we know it today are George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, so we think it's certainly appropriate to honor both individuals on their specific birthdays equally." Maybe someday....if we're patient....Lincoln will have his day too.

If you would like to read more about the issue please go to www.foxnews.com, www.cnn.com or www.msnbc.com.

Mid-West Storms

Powerful storm systems ripped through the mid-west this morning leaving 9 people dead in their wake. According to news reports: "At least three people were critically injured in the small eastern Kansas town of Harveyville. The tornadoes were spawned by a powerful storm system that blew down from the Rockies on Tuesday and was headed across the Ohio and Tennessee river valleys toward the Mid-Atlantic region." Wind gusts were recorded as high as 80 mph out in Oklahoma. Kentucky has issued tornado warnings and watches throughout much of the state as the storm system threatens to reach them as the evening approaches. For this and other news please go to www.foxnews.com, www.cnn.com, www.msnbc.com.

Ohio Shooting leaves 2 Dead: 3 Wounded

Local authorities in Ohio described a young man who opened fire in Chardon High School yesterday as an "outcast". According to reports, "Witnesses say the gunman opened fire on the group (inside the cafeteria) before being chased from the building by a teacher and apprehended by authorities about a half a mile away." The first victim 16 year old Daniel Palmer was shot and died just hours after the shooting. The second victim Russell King Jr. was airlifted from the scene and has been pronounced brain dead. King was 17 years old. The suspect has been identified by family attorney Robert Farinacci as T.J. Lane. According to FoxNews.com, Farinacci stated that Lane's family wanted to offer "their most heartfelt and sincere condolences." Lane was known to be a loner who kept mostly to himself. Three other students were wounded in the incident. For this and more information please go to www.foxnews.com, www.cnn.com or www.msnbc.com.

Punishment Leaves Child Dead: Grandmother and Step-Mother Face Murder Charges

When our parent(s) used to ask us if we had finished our "green beans" at the dinner table often we would say "yes" all the while knowing that in reality the family dog finished them off for us so we could receive dessert. But 'fibbing' for one child in Attalla, Alabama caused her not to lose the privilege of dessert, but to lose her life.

According to authorities, "9-year-old Savannah Hardin (photograph right) died after being forced to run for three hours as punishment for having lied to her grandmother about eating candy bars. Severely dehydrated, the girl had a seizure and died days later." Both the child's grandmother and step-mother, who helped come up with the punishment, are in jail facing murder charges.

Savanna Hardin was witnessed running from her home by a neighbor, Roger Simpson who stated that he did not give the child running a second thought around 4 p.m. No one, according to Mr. Simpson, appeared to be chasing the child or forcing her to run the laps. The action was simply mistaken as a form of 'play'.

Coroner's reports show Savanna was severely dehydrated. The 9 year old passed away at the Children's Hospital in Birmingham on Monday. Her grandmother and step-mother are being held under $500,000 bond each. Would the punishment had been the same if Savanna admitted to having eaten the candy bar? Perhaps, but perhaps this is proof that you're doomed if you do and doomed if you don't. For this and more information please go to www.foxnews.com, www.cnn.com or www.msnbc.com.

Home State Advantage

As candidates prepare for the next round of primaries Mitt Romney leads the deligates in his home state of Michigan. Romney's father, George Romney was Governor of the state from 1963-1969 and President of American Motors Corporations. Romney's opponent Rick Santorum continues to have a strong showing in national polls and according to news reports, "Most troubling for Romney is how competitive Santorum has become in Michigan -- the state where Romney was born, where his father was governor and which he won four years ago." Will Romney have a the home state advantage or will the former Pennsylvania Senator Santorum steal his political thunder? For this and other news about the primaries please go to www.foxnews.com, www.cnn.com or www.msnbc.com.

Powell out Plotted

Susan Powell's husband, Josh, a suspect in her disappearance and the murderer of their two young sons, will not be buried next to his boys. Washington State police said that two officers purchased plots beside the boys to keep their father from being buried near them. Pierce County Sheriff's Sgt. Ed Troyer and Sheriff Paul Pastor stated, "It's Disgusting that a murder suspect would be buried next to his victims." Troyer also wrote the following statement on Twitter.
The two young children Charlie age 7 and Braden age 5 were attacked in their home by their father with a hatchet and perished in an explosion set off by their father. Police now believe that Josh Powell's own father, Steven Powell, has information about Susan's disappearance. Steven Powell is being held on child pornography charges and invoked his right to remain silent, not wishing to cooperate with investigators according to The Salt Lake Tribune. For this and more news about Susan Powell, her disappearance and the investigation please go to the link below, or visit www.foxnews.com, www.cnn.com or www.msnbc.com.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/02/15/josh-powells-family-wants-him-buried-near-sons/#ixzz1mYllfrK5

"No Soup for You!"

I am certain we all remember the infamous Soup Nazi's phrase "no soup for you!" from Jerry Seinfeld's show in the '90s. Well imagine a state worker telling your child "no homemade lunch for you!" A Hoke County pre-schooler was offered chicken nuggets for their lunch as opposed to the homemade lunch prepared for them that consisted of a turkey and cheese sandwich a banana, apple juice and potato chips. According to a report by the Carolina Journal the lunch, “did not meet U.S. Department of Agriculture guidelines," and "When home-packed lunches do not include all of the required items, child care providers must supplement them with the missing ones." The mother received a bill for $1.25, the cost of a lunch tray from which her daughter only ate 3 chicken nuggets that were used a substitute. The mother, as any parent would be, is deeply concerned that the worker told her child that they were not packing their lunch properly. For this and more information please go to www.foxnews.com, www.cnn.com or www.msnbc.com.

Whitney

Whitney Houston passed away on February 11, 2012 in her Beverly Hills Hilton Hotel room at the age of 48. Houston who is best known for her powerfully soulful voice that crossed genres like gospel and pop was preparing to attend Clive Davis' pre-Grammy celebration party. Houston's bodyguard and hairstylist found her in her hotel room tub, submerged in the water and called 9-1-1. Attempts to revive the songstress failed. Whitney's ex-husband Bobby Brown made it to L.A. yesterday to be with the couples daughter Bobby Christina who has been treated at Cedar Sinai twice according to TMZ "She was first brought in mere hours after her mother's death to be treated for stress and anxiety." Those close to Bobby Christina fear she may be suicidal and continue to try and support her during this difficult time. Houston's body flew from L.A. to her New Jersey home Tuesday, no word on what caused her death. Funeral arrangements have been made for Saturday. For this and more on Whitney Houston please go to www.etonline.com, www.tmz.com or www.foxnews.com.

Whooops!

The phrase "my bad" has a whole new meaning to some 300 applicants of the federal fellows program. After having applied for the prestigious program that helps educate and provide opportunities for future leaders of government, the 300 hopeful applicants each received an e-mail of acceptance by mistake.

One applicant, initially having been very upset over the mix up, told Fox News " I may have dodged a bullet, because this incident really highlights the incompetence, inefficiency, disorganization and lack of accountability of the PMF program.” The mix up, one very similar to the one Vaser College made last month by sending out dozens of acceptance letters to prospective students who had actually been declined entry, has left a bitter taste in the mouths of recipients of this e-mail. Angela Bailey, PMF's assistant director of employee services said in a statement to the public, "Within minutes, we realized some semi-finalists received erroneous notifications. The PMF Program Office immediately stopped the notifications and investigated the problem.” For this and more news please go to www.foxnews.com, www.cnn.com or www.msnbc.com. To read more of the article on PMF go to the link below.

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/02/09/prestigious-fed-program-pulls-vassar/

Santorum Sweeps States

Presidential hopeful and former Senator of Pennsylvania Rick Santorum pulled an upset of all upsets last night as he walked away victorious in not one but three states. Santorum won Colorado, the Minnesota caucuses and the non-binding Missouri GOP primary. Mitt Romney, who had remained strong in the polls in such states as Florida had previously won Colorado during his bid in 2008. When asked to respond to Santorum's sweeping victory, Mitt Romney stated that "he had a good night". Ron Paul also created a buzz in the state of Minnesota coming in second with 27% behind Santorum's 44%. The candidates now move on to Arizona, Maine and Michigan, but Santorum has clearly proven that it is anyone's race. For this and more news on the GOP primaries please go to www.foxnews.com, www.cnn.com or www.msnbc.com.

You're Fired!

In light of reports of sexual abuse by Miramonte School in Los Angeles by two deviant teachers the elementary school has decided to remove the entire staff amid the scandal. According to news reports "a tense meeting Monday night between Los Angeles school officials and parents resulted in the temporary removal of all teachers and staff from the Miramonte School where two teachers have been removed and jailed in recent days for allegedly sexually abusing students." All students are home and not required to return to classes until Thursday. The Superintendent of Miramonte School's stated that their current action was to help the children and their parents to feel safter in the school and to also learn of other possible offenses. "Some might see this as an extreme measure but this is an extreme circumstance," Superintendent John Deasy wrote in a letter to school workers last night. "I need to take action within the scope of what I can control. This is it." For more information this story please go to www.foxnews.com, www.cnn.com or www.msnbc.com.

Up in Smoke

In 2009 Susan Powell went missing from her West Valley City home in Utah leaving behind her two young children, Charles and Branden. Powell's husband Josh has been under suspicion for her 2009 disappearance and authorities have recently learned that Charles and his younger brother Branden were beginning to talk about what happened the night their mother vanished. A month after Susan's disappearance authorities spent 12 days searching the vast Utah dessert for any trace of the young wife and mother. Josh Powell however, maintained his innocence stating that "for those who know me, they know I could never hurt Susan." In the late hours of February 5th Josh Powell lit his home on fire, killing both himself and his two children. Powell e-mailed his attorney just before ending his life that simply stated "I'm sorry, goodbye." Powell was denied custody and ordered to undergo a psycho-sexual evaluation by the courts. Custody of the boys were given to Susan's parents, Chuck and Judy Cox. Authorities involved with the investigation of Susan Powell's disappearence and now her husbands murder-suicide, continue to search for answers. For this and other news please go to www.foxnews.com, www.cnn.com, or www.msnbc.com.

Super Bowl Surprise

After weeks of waiting and anxiously anticipating the outcome of Super Bowl XLVI (46) guess what? Yeah that's right....the New York Giants are taking home the Vince Lombardi trophy. The New England Patriots, after losing a Super Bowl to Eli Manning's brother Payton and the Indianapolis Colts in 2007, lost again. The Giants came in strong and went out stronger leaving the Patriots and their fans just a margin of hope during the 3rd and part of the 4th quarters with the score as close as 15 to 17. The Giants took home the win scoring 21 over the Patritos 17. For this and more news about Super Bowl XLVI please go to www.nfl.com, www.espn.com or www.foxnews.com.

Anonymously Hacked

We've all seen movies like Anti-Trust, read books like Steve Berry's Digital Fortress and we frequently hear on the news about scams and schemes developed via the World Wide Wed (if I can use the phrase) that help individuals gather our personal data that would allow them to use it for their own benefit. A call between Scotland Yard and the F.B.I. being hacked....that's not the plot of a new cyber thriller. It's the real deal. According to reports a group of hackers who call themselves 'Anonymous' have released a sensitive recording between the Yard and the F.B.I. to the general public.

"The group released a roughly 15-minute-long recording of what appears to be a Jan. 17 conference call devoted to tracking and prosecuting members of the loose-knit hacking group and its spinoff group LulzSec." According to sources there was no confidential information on the released recording. This is certainly not the first time that 'Anonymous' has hacked into and provided the public with very sensitive information. The group has also targeted the Church of Scientology, the music industry, financial companies and even credit card companies. For this and more information on 'Anonymous' please go to www.foxnews.com, www.cnn.com, or www.msnbc.com. To read the full article and transcripts of the released recordings go to the link below.

http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2012/02/03/hackers-claim-to-have-intercepted-call-between-fbi-scotland-yard/?test=latestnews

It's a Bird...It's a Plane....It's---A Promotion?

If you happened to be in lower Manhattan last Friday, you might have been one of the lucky people to see 3 human figures circling the Statue of Liberty. No, it was not Superman but instead it was a promotional idea for the movie 'Chronicle' starring Michael B. Jordan, Dan DeHaan, Michael Kelly, and Alex Russell. A recent Yahoo.com article stated "those aren't people in the air, but some very intricately designed radio-controlled airplanes." The movie centers around three teenagers who discover they each have abilities that help them to fly, crush cars and even move things with their minds. For this and other movie news please to your local movie website or to view the article and video on the figures flying high click on: http://movies.yahoo.com/blogs/movie-talk/flying-people-stun-yorkers-promote-movie-chronicle-194823215.html.