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state government
Standard & Poor's Warns Chicago 'Downgrade Of More Than One Notch Is Possible'
Not too much talk about the following last week in the Chicago-area news. From Standard & Poor's credit analyst Helen Samuelson over on S&P's Global Credit Portal website on April 9:
CHICAGO (Standard & Poor's) April 9, 2015–After months of campaigning and uncertainty, Chicago (A+/Negative general obligation debt rating) can get back to the business of running itself. As such, we expect Mayor Rahm Emanuel's attention to be focused on the city's budget challenges, namely its ballooning pension obligation.
During the course of the election — and particularly during the runoff — Mayor Emanuel avoided addressing the possibility of property tax increases to help pay for these pension obligations.
"Following Tuesday's vote, in order to maintain its current rating, we expect the administration to address the pension and budget challenges head on by providing solutions that will support the city's credit strengths in the near and far term," said Standard & Poor's credit analyst Helen Samuelson.
Our 'A+' rating is predicated on Chicago's ability to make the changes necessary to address its budget gap and pension problem. However, even with this ability, to ensure long-term stability Chicago still needs to demonstrate its willingness to make difficult choices that address its budget issues.
Otherwise, the 'A+' rating could be severely pressured. Our negative rating outlook reflects the city's fiscal pressures. If the city doesn't find structural solutions, a downgrade of more than one notch is possible.
In our view, if the city fails to articulate and implement a plan by the end of 2015 to sustainably fund its pension contributions, or if it substantially draws down its reserves to fund the contributions, we will likely lower the rating. This is regardless of whatever relief the state legislature may or may not provide. We will likely affirm the rating and revise the outlook to stable if Chicago is able to successfully absorb its higher pension costs while maintaining balanced budgetary performance and reserves at or near their current level…
(Editor's note: Bold added for emphasis)
To date, a different credit rating agency- Moody's- has been making the most noise about the City of Chicago's financial woes. Yvette Shields reported on The Bond Buyer website on April 6:
The city has suffered a steep credit rating slide and further credit deterioration is threatened.
Chicago's GO ratings range from a low of Baa2 — two notches above speculative grade — from Moody's to a high of A-plus from Standard & Poor's…
"A-plus." That may not be the case at year end.
You can read that entire Standard & Poor's piece on the Global Credit Portal here.
Christopher E. Hill
Survival And Prosperity (www.survivalandprosperity.com)
Shields, Yvette. "Big Stakes as Market Awaits Chicago's Mayoral Pick." The Bond Buyer. 6 Apr. 2015. (http://www.bondbuyer.com/news/regionalnews/big-stakes-as-market-awaits-chicagos-mayoral-pick-1071986-1.html). 16 Apr. 2015.
Chicago To Be Run By Emergency Financial Control Board Within 2 Years?
Last Wednesday, I reminded Survival And Prosperity readers (local ones in particular) that Chicago- upon reelecting Rahm Emanuel as Mayor- remains in serious financial trouble. From that post:
As Rahm Emanuel enters his second term as Mayor of Chicago, I feel that proverbial brick wall is still fast-approaching.
Perhaps the best Chicagoans can hope for at this point is a controlled crash landing.
I know one thing. If I were still living in the city, I'd be preparing for the coming carnage…
Some readers might feel I was being a little too "sensational" with that statement. Therefore, I'd like to offer up the following for your consideration. Reuters' Megan Davies and Karen Pierog reported on April 8:
Chicago has not seen the population losses Detroit did and its business and commercial real estate markets remain healthy, but its current circumstances are more dire than any other major American city today, with aggregate debt of $21.4 billion, up 60 percent since 2004.
Although Chicago's situation isn't bad enough yet to warrant a bankruptcy filing, that threat is out there if it fails to tackle its problems.
"People say Chicago's not Detroit," said Tom Metzold, a senior portfolio advisor at investment manager Eaton Vance. "Not right now. Chicago is Detroit ten years from now. I don't care how economically strong your economy is. They don't have a printing press. You can only tax so much."
Metzold estimated the odds of a Chapter 9 bankruptcy in the next five years are "virtually zero" but said in the next 10 years that could rise to 25 percent if it fails to act…
(Editor's note: Bold added for emphasis)
In case readers are wondering, Metzold's s "Street cred" includes serving as VP and Co-Director of Municipal Investments at Eaton Vance (one of the oldest investment management firms in the U.S.- established 1924), and as its Portfolio Manager since 1991.
Not as "optimistic" about Chicago's financial future is Joe Mysak, Editor of Bloomberg Brief. He warned in an April 8 commentary:
I'm not a betting man. If I were, I'd bet that Chicago is going to be run by an Emergency Financial Control Board, or something like it, within two years, the same as New York City back in 1975 (and until 1986)…
(Editor's note: Bold added for emphasis)
Mysak, who's been covering the municipal bond market since 1981, pointed out the city's abysmal Moody's credit rating ("one step from the basement of investment grade") and wrote:
So a cut to junk may well be in the cards, and with it diminished and eventually lack of access to capital. Chicago has already creatively used, and some would say abused, the municipal market to subsidize city operations…
When the banks no longer want to lend to Chicago is presumably when the state of Illinois would come in, offering cash, loan guarantees, intercession with the federal government and whatever else the city needs in exchange for external management via an Emergency Financial Control Board…
(Editor's note: Bold added for emphasis)
The author of the Encyclopedia of Municipal Bonds signed-off with:
Two years. That's how long I give the city of Chicago. Good luck, Rahm.
Good luck Chicago…
Christopher E. Hill
Survival And Prosperity (www.survivalandprosperity.com)
Davies, Megan and Pierog, Karen. "Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel confronts fiscal nightmare as he begins second term." Reuters. 8 Apr. 2015. (http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2015/04/chicago-mayor-rahm-emanuel-confronts-fiscal-nightmare-as-he-begins-second-term/). 12 Apr. 2015.
Mysak, Joe. "Next Stop for Chicago: Emergency Financial Control Board." Bloomberg Brief. 8 Apr. 2015. (http://newsletters.briefs.bloomberg.com/document/3fz176niqylzjr6oax/commentary). 12 Apr. 2015.
April Is Pet Preparedness Month In Illinois
My girlfriend is lucky enough to have an office dog. Meet "Kodi":
Even though we're not her owners, we're still planning to sock away some food and other items for her in case of an emergency or "ruff" times.
Illinois readers- did you know April is Pet Preparedness Month in Illinois?
From the Illinois Government News Network website on April 1:
Don't Forget Pets When Planning for Disasters
IEMA, local emergency management agencies to focus on pet preparedness throughout April
SPRINGFIELD – Pets are treasured family members in more than half of Illinois households. If your family includes a dog, cat, hamster or other furry, feathered or scaly friends, don't forget to include their unique needs in your home emergency plans.
That's the message the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and local emergency management agencies will promote throughout April as part of Pet Preparedness Month in Illinois.
"Every home should have an emergency supply kit and plans for how to stay safe when disaster strikes," said IEMA Director James K. Joseph. "Make sure your kit and emergency plans address the needs of every family member, including your pets. Your preparedness efforts today can help keep everyone in your family, including your pets, safe when disaster strikes."
Joseph said home emergency supply kits for people should include a three-day supply of such items as food, water, first aid kit, weather alert radio, flashlights, spare batteries and other items. Pet owners should also have a pet preparedness kit stocked with items such as:
• At least a three-day supply of food and water
• Extra supplies of pet medicines
• Copies of pet registration, vaccinations and other important documents
• Photo of your pet in case you are separated during an emergency
• Collar with ID tag, harness or leash
• Crate or other pet carrier in case of evacuation
• Pet litter and box, newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags and household chlorine bleach for sanitation
• Toys, treats or other familiar items to reduce your pet's stress during the emergency
If it's necessary for you to evacuate your home during a disaster, take your pets with you. An evacuation could last several days, even weeks, and your pets likely cannot survive without care. Plan now for places you and your pets can stay following an evacuation, as many public shelters do not allow animals inside.
It's also important to have a back-up emergency plan in case you can't care for your animals yourself. Talk to neighbors, friends and family to make sure someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so.
Additional pet preparedness and general emergency preparedness information is available on the Ready Illinois website at www.Ready.Illinois.gov, the Ready Illinois Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ReadyIllinois and on Twitter at Twitter.com/ReadyIllinois.
Christopher E. Hill
Survival And Prosperity (www.survivalandprosperity.com)
Thinking Of Illinois' Financial Woes While In Wisconsin
Saturday morning while working on projects around my family's place in Wisconsin, something I read earlier in the week came to mind. Steven Malanga wrote on The Fiscal Times website on March 30:
Illinois officials… are awaiting a ruling from the state's Supreme Court on a suit by workers seeking to overturn the legislature's 2013 pension reforms. If the court, which has previously refused to allow any changes to retirement plans for retirees or current workers, throws out the reforms, Illinois will face $145 billion in higher taxes over the next three decades just to pay off the debt, according to a report by the Civic Committee of Chicago.
(Editor's note: Bold added for emphasis)
"Illinois will face $145 billion in higher taxes…"
I don't recall hearing/seeing that figure being used before, so I decided to track it back to the source. From an October 9, 2014, press release from the Civic Committee:
The "What If?" initiative identifies some of the consequences that could result from an overturn of the pension law, including:
• $145 billion in higher taxes and service cuts over 30 years
• Highest property taxes in the nation
• 41¢ of Big Three state tax dollars devoted to pensions, up from 8¢ in 2007
• A possible $2,500 tuition spike at the University of Illinois
• Severe cuts to K-12 education, leading to as many as 13,000 teacher layoffs
• Critical meltdown of social services, including the end of child care for 41,000 kids and 21,000 seniors losing in-home care
(Editor's note: Bold added for emphasis)
That's a pretty scary picture being painted. The accompanying "What If?" brochure does a good job at accomplishing that. Consider some of these additional forecasts being made:
• 64,000 jobs lost
• $375 average property tax increase
• $3,000-plus in state taxes per household
The brochure didn't indicate how all this was computed.
However, if conditions in the "Land of Lincoln" deteriorate to such a point, Wisconsin is where I'll likely stay for good. Regular readers might recall that I've mentioned my permanent address being a Wisconsin one in the future.
You can read that entire press release/learn more about their "What If?" initiative on the Civic Committee website here.
While I support public pension reform in Illinois, I'm just not convinced what's been put into play (passed into law) is the best way of going about it.
Christopher E. Hill
Survival And Prosperity (www.survivalandprosperity.com)
Malanga, Steven. "Outrageous public pensions could bankrupt these states." The Fiscal Times. 30 Mar. 2015. (http://finance.yahoo.com/news/outrageous-public-pensions-could-bankrupt-172700274.html). 5 Apr. 2015.
Bill Introduced To Permit Illinois Municipalities To File For Bankruptcy
Since I started blogging about a U.S. financial crash back on Memorial Day Weekend 2007, I've believed one casualty will be municipal government. Particularly in Illinois. So imagine my non-surprise when I spotted an article on the Chicago Tribune website a couple of days ago about proposed legislation at the state level granting Illinois towns the authority to file for bankruptcy. Nick Swedberg of the Associated Press wrote on March 26:
Stressed by pension debt, other financial issues and the possibility losing a chunk of their state aid, some Illinois cities want the option to file for bankruptcy. They've found an ally in a Republican lawmaker, who's proposed legislation to allow municipalities to follow in the footsteps of Detroit and other cities in restructuring debt and paying back creditors…
Rep. Ron Sandack is sponsoring legislation that would grant authority for communities to file for bankruptcy under Chapter 9 of the federal code. The Downers Grove Republican says it's a "measure of last resort," especially with Gov. Bruce Rauner's proposal in next year's budget to cut in half the local governments' share of state income taxes by 50 percent.
"It's just giving time and space to do things right," he said…
Swedberg added later in the piece:
Municipal bankruptcies are rare, NCSL data shows. Of 37 local government filings since 2010, only 8 were cities, with the majority filed by utilities and special districts.
Detroit filed for the nation's largest municipal bankruptcy in July 2013, looking to restructure $12 billion of debt…
It's true. Municipal bankruptcies haven't happened too often. But keep in mind what Eric Weiner wrote on the NPR website back on February 28, 2008:
For most of U.S. history, cities and towns were not eligible for bankruptcy protection. But during the Great Depression, more than 2,000 municipalities defaulted on their debt, and they pleaded with President Roosevelt for a federal bailout. "All they got was sympathy," reported Time magazine in 1933. Instead, Roosevelt pushed through changes to the bankruptcy laws that allows towns and cities to file for bankruptcy. They even got their own section of the bankruptcy code: Chapter Nine…
(Editor's note: Bold added for emphasis)
There's also this from Robert Slavin on The Bond Buyer website back on January 14:
For the municipal bond industry, 2015 marks the midpoint in what may turn out to be the decade of the bankruptcy.
Four of the five largest municipal bankruptcy filings in United States history have been made in roughly the last three years, a trend analysts attribute to the aftereffects of the 2008 credit crisis and Great Recession, as well as changing attitudes about debt.
"The crash of 2008 and five years of stagnation preceded by years of escalating wages, pensions and Other Post-Employment Benefits set the stage for our recent Chapter 9 filings," said Arent Fox partner David Dubrow.
Chapter 9 municipal bankruptcy was adopted in 1937 but had been rarely used, particularly by large governments. However, since November 2011 San Bernardino, Calif., Stockton, Calif., Jefferson County, Ala., and Detroit have filed four of the five largest bankruptcies as measured by total obligations.
(Editor's note: Bold added for emphasis)
Could the specter of Meredith Whitney, the "Diva Of Doom," be returning to take revenge on the municipal bond industry?
I'm not surprised Illinois municipalities would be interested in House Bill 298. From Patrick Rehkamp and Andrew Schroedter on the website of the Chicago-based Better Government Association back on December 6, 2014:
Reasons for filing vary but often include troubled public development projects, unanticipated hefty legal judgments against a taxpayer-backed entity, or massive pension and bond debt payments that leave a municipality cash-strapped and unable to cover operating costs of employee salaries, vendor payments and other expenses.
(Editor's note: Bold added for emphasis)
The public pension crisis in Chicago and Illinois has been well-publicized for some time now. And while such entitlements are supposedly protected by a provision in the 1970 Illinois Constitution, the BGA noted in their piece:
In Illinois, public employee pensions are guaranteed by the state constitution. But in the Detroit and Stockton, California bankruptcy cases, federal judges have ruled that pension benefits can be adjusted, the same as other debts, despite a constitutional guarantee.
(Editor's note: Bold added for emphasis)
You can track the progress of HB 298 on the Illinois General Assembly website here.
Christopher E. Hill
Survival And Prosperity (www.survivalandprosperity.com)
Swedberg, Nick. "Bill pushes for possible municipal bankruptcies in Illinois." Associated Press. 29 Mar. 2015. (http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/sns-bc-il–closer-look-bankruptcy-20150329-story.html). 3 Apr. 2015.
Weiner, Eric. "What Happens When City Hall Goes Bankrupt?" NPR. 28 Feb. 2008. (http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=60740288). 3 Apr. 2015.
Slavin, Robert. "Why So Many Big Bankruptcies?" The Bond Buyer. 14 Jan. 2015. (http://www.bondbuyer.com/news/markets-buy-side/why-so-many-big-bankruptcies-1069539-1.html). 3 Apr. 2015.
Rehkamp, Patrick and Schroedter, Andrew. "Next Up: Illinois Municipal Bankruptcy?" Better Government Association. 16 Dec. 2014. (http://www.bettergov.org/next_up_illinois_municipal_bankruptcy/). 4 Apr. 2015.
Higher Food Prices From California Water Restrictions?
After hearing about the new water restrictions in California, I wondered if Americans wouldn't be seeing higher food prices (particularly on items from that state) at the grocery store as a result. Marco della Cava reported on the USA Today website yesterday:
California farmers and winemakers are not likely to feel the pinch from Wednesday's new statewide water restrictions. Gov. Jerry Brown's mandatory push to cut water use by 25% in the coming year is aimed largely at water-hogging homeowners and businesses.
"Water allocations to farmers have already been set for the year, so these new measures won't really impact them," says Doug Parker, director of the California Institute for Water Resources. "But the new rules will require increased reporting on water diversions and water use."
(Editor's note: Bold added for emphasis)
della Cava noted:
Roughly 80% of California's water is used by its vast network of farms. More than half of California's agricultural crop value comes from fruit and tree nut production (around $5 billion annually) and about a quarter from commercial vegetables ($6 billion annually), representing more than 60% of total U.S. fruit and tree nut farm value and 51% of vegetable farm value, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture…
(Editor's note: Bold added for emphasis)
That's an awful lot of agriculture that's getting punished by the ongoing drought. The food garden I've started to put together is starting to sound that much better in light of what's happening.
Adam Nagourney added on The New York Times website Wendesday:
Owners of large farms, who obtain their water from sources outside the local water agencies, will not fall under the 25 percent guideline. State officials noted that many farms had already seen a cutback in their water allocations because of the drought. In addition, the owners of large farms will be required, under the governor's executive order, to offer detailed reports to state regulators about water use, ideally as a way to highlight incidents of water diversion or waste.
Because of this system, state officials said, they did not expect the executive order to result — at least in the immediate future — in an increase in farm or food prices…
(Editor's note: Bold added for emphasis)
Heesun Wee chimed in over on the CNBC website on March 30:
Sectors that will be hit significantly include agriculture and food processing, said Troy Walters, a senior economist at IHS. Beyond those two categories, the impact will be minimal in the near term. "We're not going to see any food inflation into 2015 beyond normal as a result of the water situation," Walters said.
Looking at some California crops specifically, 2015 regional hay prices may not soften as they are expected to in the rest of the country. There's a good chance there will be less rice acreage overall. And tree nuts including almonds will feel more of the drought's impact, said Brandon Kliethermes, a senior economist at HIS…
(Editor's note: Bold added for emphasis)
The consensus seems to be no food price spike due to the new water restrictions.
But considering the enormity of California's agricultural output, should arid conditions keep dragging on…
It might not be a bad idea to plant more fruits and vegetables than I originally envisioned.
Next week's Home Grown Food Summit couldn't have come at a better time.
Christopher E. Hill
Survival And Prosperity (www.survivalandprosperity.com)
della Cava, Marco. "Farmers not as impacted by Brown's new drought measures." USA Today. 1 Apr. 2015. (http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2015/04/01/california-drought-measures-governor-jerry-brought-farmers/70786968/). 2 Apr. 2015.
Nagourney, Adam. "California Imposes First Mandatory Water Restrictions to Deal With Drought." The New York Times. 1 Apr. 2015. (http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/02/us/california-imposes-first-ever-water-restrictions-to-deal-with-drought.html). 2 Apr. 2015.
Wee, Heesun. "Amid drought, some California farmers in near 'survival mode.'" CNBC.com. 30 Mar. 2015. (http://www.cnbc.com/id/102527195). 2 Apr. 2015.
Illinois Emergency Management Agency: Develop Post-Disaster Communications Plan With 'Text First, Talk Second' Approach
Severe Weather Preparedness Month is almost over here in Illinois. But the Illinois Emergency Management Agency is still passing along valuable information to state residents on what to do when a disaster occurs. From a press release on the Illinois Government News Network website yesterday:
'Text First, Talk Second' Often Best Way to Contact Loved Ones When Disaster Strikes
IEMA Encourages People to Have Plan for Communicating with Family Members, Friends during Emergencies
SPRINGFIELD – When disaster strikes, your first instinct probably is to call loved ones to make sure they're OK or let them know you're safe. It's likely everyone else affected by the emergency is thinking the same thing. In these instances, telephone lines can quickly become overloaded, preventing not only your call from going through but also blocking critical 911 calls.
During Severe Weather Preparedness Month in March, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) is encouraging people to develop a Family Communications Plan that includes the "Text First, Talk Second" concept.
"Communicating with family and friends immediately after a disaster is important," said IEMA Director James K. Joseph. "We're encouraging people to plan now so they'll know how to reach their contacts in the chaotic aftermath of a disaster."
Joseph said short, simple text messages, such as "R U OK?" and "I'm OK," are more likely to get through to your loved ones than a phone call when phone service is disrupted. As phone congestion eases, you can follow up with a phone call to relay more information.
Data-based services like texts and emails are less likely to experience network congestion during an emergency. You can also use social media, such as Facebook and Twitter, to post your status to let family and friends know you're OK.
While Text-to-911 is on the horizon for emergency communications, it currently is available only in limited areas of the U.S. If you need to contact 911, do so by landline or cell phone unless your community has notified you that this service is activated in your area.
Additional emergency communications tips include:
• Keep all phone calls brief by conveying only vital information to emergency personnel and/or family.
• If you are unsuccessful in completing a call using your cell phone, wait ten seconds before redialing to help reduce network congestion.
• If you lose power, you can charge your cell phone in your car. Be sure your car is in a well-ventilated place, not in a garage.
• Another resource for letting friends and family know your status after a disaster is the American Red Cross's Safe and Well Registry at https://safeandwell.communityos.org/cms/index.php.
• Your communications plan should identify an out-of-area contact and household members should carry that information with them at all times. If a disaster occurs when you are separated, it often is easier to call outside your immediate area. Family members can call the contact to provide location and coordinate reunification plans.
For more information about developing a family communications plan, visit the Ready Illinois website at www.Ready.Illinois.gov.
Great advice regarding that "Text First, Talk Second" strategy.
Even I can text on my vintage "dumb phone" with its Shaun of the Dead ringtone.
To find out more about IEMA, you can visit their website here.
Christopher E. Hill
Survival And Prosperity (www.survivalandprosperity.com)
Illinois In Worst Shape Of 43 States That Filed FY 2014 Audits
William G. Holland, the Auditor General for the State of Illinois, has just reported on Illinois' finances.
It's still fugly.
From the Summary Report Digest for "Statewide Financial Statement Audit For the Year Ended June 30, 2014":
The Illinois Office of the State Comptroller prepares the State of Illinois Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). The CAFR is the State's official annual report which provides the readers with the financial position of the State as of June 30, 2014, and results of operations during the fiscal year.
The financial section of the CAFR includes the Independent Auditors' Report on the basic financial statements, the management discussion and analysis, the basic financial statements, required supplementary information, and individual fund statements and schedules…
The June 30, 2014 financial statements of the State of Illinois are fairly presented in all material respects.
The financial statements at June 30, 2014 reflect the following:
• The net position of governmental activities continued to deteriorate and the deficit increased by $1.3 billion from FY13 to FY14. Overall, the net position of governmental activities is reported as a deficit of $49.2 billion. (Exhibit 1)
• The General Fund deficit decreased by $658 million from FY13 to FY14. The June 30, 2014 deficit was $6.7 billion. (Exhibit 2)
Over time, increases and decreases in net position measure whether the State's financial position is improving or deteriorating. A comparison of Illinois' financial position to other states is contained in Exhibit 3…
(Editor's note: Bold added for emphasis)
And the results of that "comparison of Illinois' financial position to other states"?
Karen Pierog of Reuters reported Wednesday:
This left Illinois in the worst shape of the 43 U.S. states that had filed fiscal 2014 audits. The only other state with negative assets was Massachusetts at $29 billion. Texas reported the biggest positive net assets at $119.4 billion…
(Editor's note: Bold added for emphasis)
Good ol' Texas. Probably get even more sneers from local folks at my University of Texas t-shirt I picked up while at that Food Insurance-sponsored prepper conference in Dallas the other year.
Pierog added something else of note:
The state marked its thirteenth consecutive year with a general fund deficit…
(Editor's note: Bold added for emphasis)
For most of those years, Democrats have dominated state government, occupying the governor's office and the majority of both houses in the Illinois General Assembly.
I'll keep typing it on this blog until my fingers fall off:
"Financial reckoning day" is eventually coming to the "Land of Lincoln."
As such, it might be wise for Illinoisans to start preparing if they haven't done so already.
It won't be the end of the world, but for many it could feel like it. Therefore, it's probably a good idea to start addressing various vulnerabilities for such an occasion- financial and otherwise.
You can read that Summary Report Digest (.pdf format) on the Illinois Auditor General's web page here.
Christopher E. Hill
Survival And Prosperity (www.survivalandprosperity.com)
(Editor's note: I am not responsible for any personal liability, loss, or risk incurred as a consequence of the use and application, either directly or indirectly, of any information presented herein)
Pierog, Karen. "Illinois finances continued downward slide in FY 2014: auditor." Reuters. 18 Mar. 2015. (http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/03/18/us-usa-illinois-audit-idUSKBN0ME2M920150318). 20 Mar. 2015.
Illinois Gun Owners Descend On State Capital To Lobby Lawmakers
Yesterday was Illinois Gun Owner Lobby Day (IGOLD) down in Springfield. Nick Swedberg of the Associated Press reported last night:
Gun owners from across the state flooded the Illinois Capitol on Wednesday for an annual rally, and many spoke with lawmakers from their home districts about legislation to broaden gun rights…
I've blogged about this annual gun rights event before. From the Illinois State Rifle Association website:
Illinois Gun Owner Lobby Day (IGOLD) was started back in the early '90's to put a face on Illinois gun owners. Up until that time the media had portrayed gun owners and those who believed in the Second Amendment as some knuckle dragging Neanderthal throw backs, barely worthy of being called humans. IGOLD helped change that although the mainstream media still labels gun owners that way, when they can get away with it.
The first ISRA Lobby Day was attended by about 200 people. Among those attending were four undercover policemen. In 2006, the ISRA joined with several other groups and ISRA Lobby Day became Illinois Gun Owner Lobby Day (IGOLD). The Illinois Gun Owners' Lobby Day (IGOLD) has become the number one demonstration of citizens promoting gun owners' rights in the United States – the Illinois State Rifle Association (ISRA) is its primary sponsor. The crowds have grown each year. In 2013, 8200 gun owners showed up to lobby their legislators and to become the face of all the gun owners in Illinois. Because of IGOLD and other ISRA activities, gun owners have increased in stature in Illinois…
I understand that this year IGOLD pushed for expanding gun rights in the state- particularly concealed-carry. Swedberg added:
Proposed legislation in the General Assembly would allow concealed carry in places prohibited under current law, such as bus stations, churches and bars…
The state's top gun rights advocacy group is expected to meet with [Illinois Governor Bruce] Rauner this month, a meeting that previous Democratic governors only promised to have. The organization's executive director said that's a positive sign that the new administration will be more favorable to their cause than the last.
"It's hard to deal with people who just shut you out," Richard Pearson, head of the Illinois State Rifle Association, said.
Illinois gun owners should be grateful for ISRA and IGOLD. Because when the next mass shooting along the lines of Newtown comes along, their keeping the spotlight on gun rights will remind politicians across the "Land of Lincoln" they'll have a battle on their hands attempting to implement knee-jerk ineffective and unconstitutional gun "control" laws.
For more information about the Illinois State Rifle Association, visit their website here.
Christopher E. Hill
Survival And Prosperity (www.survivalandprosperity.com)
Swedberg, Nick. "Gun owners rally for right to carry guns in more places." Associated Press. 18 Mar. 2015. (http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/daily-southtown/news/ct-sta-gun-rights-st-0319-20150318-story.html). 19 Mar. 2015.
Illinois State Police: FOID Applications Accepted Online Beginning March 16, Other Changes For CCL, FOID App Process, FFL Dealers
Prospective firearm owners in Illinois will soon be able to apply for a Firearm Owner's Identification card via the Internet. From an Illinois State Police press release Friday:
Officials Aim to Modernize and Expedite Licensing Process for Efficiency
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Police (ISP) today announced the Agency will begin accepting on-line FOID applications beginning March 16, 2015, to provide a more streamlined and modernized application process. The ISP will no longer accept the current FOID paper applications after Monday, March 9, 2015; however, like the CCL, the new FOID application will be available through the Department's website or through the paper alternative call center method for those individuals who do not have computer access. Minors under the age of 21 without a state of Illinois Driver's License or Identification card and Amish applicants will be required to complete an alternative call-in paper application.
The ISP has also made changes to the login for both the CCL and FOID applications. Applicants will no longer be required to obtain a state of Illinois digital I.D. through the Department of Central Management Services. This login change will allow users greater accessibility to the new application process. All new applicants and returning CCL applicants will need to register with the Illinois State Police by providing some key identifiers found on their Illinois Driver's License or Identification card, creating a username and password, and answering four security questions. The CCL website will be unavailable beginning Friday, March 13, 2015, at 5:00 p.m., until Monday, March 16, 2015, at 7:00 a.m., in order to implement the new FOID system.
Federal Firearm Licensed (FFLs) dealers will also have access to the web-based portal in order to conduct the required background checks of those wishing to purchase a firearm. All FFL's in the state of Illinois are required to register with the ISP via the website at www.ispffl.com or by calling 217-524-3847 to continue to perform background checks after the launch of the new system. The old FTIP system will be closed on March 15 at 4:00 p.m. to allow data to be transferred to the new system. Beginning March 16, at 8:30 a.m., firearm dealers will be able to submit firearm background transactions via the website and follow up on previously requested checks based upon a transaction number.
Firearm dealers using the web-portal during the first 30 days of implementation will be able to submit transactions at no cost. The traditional fee of $2.00 is being waived. Firearm dealers will also still have the option of using the 800# dial-up process; however, dealers will be charged the $2.00 processing fee for this option.
The new CCL and FOID application process is intended to provide a user-friendly portal designed to ease and streamline both application processes.
For more information about the FOID card, you can visit the Illinois State Police website here. And for info about the Illinois Concealed Carry License, you can go to its web page here.
Christopher E. Hill
Survival And Prosperity (www.survivalandprosperity.com)
Illinois Emergency Management Agency: Prepare For Severe Weather This Spring
A reminder from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency for "local" readers of Survival And Prosperity:
IEMA Urges People to Prepare for Severe Weather
February 27, 2015
Tornadoes, floods and severe storms can happen any time of year
SPRINGFIELD – Believe it or not, warm weather soon will return to Illinois. As exciting as that sounds, warmer temperatures also mean an increased potential for severe thunderstorms, tornadoes and flooding.
To help people prepare for severe weather, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) will join with the National Weather Service (NWS) and local emergency management agencies throughout March to increase awareness of these severe weather hazards.
"We can't prevent dangerous storms from occurring," said IEMA Director James K. Joseph. "However, there are ways to prepare to help you stay safe when severe weather strikes. We encourage everyone to learn more about severe weather hazards, identify a safe place to go during storms, and assemble and maintain an emergency supply kit. These actions could help save your life or the life of your loved ones."
Joseph said Illinois experienced 48 tornadoes in 2014, which resulted in two injuries and nearly $5 million in damage to homes and crops. In 2013, the state saw 54 tornadoes, including 25 twisters on Nov. 17, a vivid reminder that tornadoes and severe storms can happen anytime of the year.
"Although the typical peak time for severe storms in Illinois is April through June, events of the past three years have proven otherwise." said Chris Miller, Warning Coordination Meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Lincoln, Ill. "Nearly half of all tornadoes in Illinois since January 2012 have occurred during the fall and winter months. This underscores just how important it is to be 'Weather Ready' all year in Illinois."
IEMA and the NWS developed a Severe Weather Preparedness Guide, which provides information about tornadoes, severe storms, lightning and flooding along with recommended actions to take before, during and after each of these weather events. It is available on the Ready Illinois website at www.Ready.Illinois.gov or by calling (217) 785-9925. Preparedness tips and information are also available through the Ready Illinois Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/ReadyIllinois) and Twitter Page (twitter.com/ReadyIllinois).
Visit IEMA's website here for more information on emergency preparedness.
Christopher E. Hill
Survival And Prosperity (www.survivalandprosperity.com)
Illinois Democrat Introduces Statewide Gun Registration, Ammo 'Control' Bill
"A list, record, or registry of legally owned firearms or law-abiding firearm owners is not a law enforcement tool and can become an instrument for profiling, harassing, or abusing law-abiding citizens based on their choice to own a firearm and exercise their Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms as guaranteed under the United States Constitution. Further, such a list, record, or registry has the potential to fall into the wrong hands and become a shopping list for thieves."
-State of Florida Statutes, 790.335 Prohibition of registration of firearms; electronic records
The push for more gun "control" is on the march in the "Land of Lincoln."
Last year around this time, State Representative Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) spearheaded statewide gun registration and ammunition "control" in Illinois with HB4715. Creating the "Firearms Registration Act," the legislation eventually went nowhere.
This time around, State Senator Jacqueline Y. Collins (D-Chicago) is the torch-bearer of more gun and ammo "control" in the Midwestern state, filing the resurrected Firearms Registration Act legislation in the Senate (SB1413) on February 20. From a synopsis of the bill over on the Illinois General Assembly website:
Creates the Firearms Registration Act. Provides that every person in the State must register each firearm he or she owns or possesses in accordance with the Act. Provides that a person shall not purchase or possess ammunition within this State without having first obtained a registration certificate identifying a firearm that is suitable for use with that ammunition, or a receipt demonstrating that the person has applied to register a suitable firearm under the Act and that the application is pending. Provides that the Department of State Police must complete a background check of any person who applies for: (1) a registration certificate for a firearm that was lawfully owned or possessed on the effective date of the Act, was brought into the State by a new resident, or was acquired by operation of law upon the death of the former owner; or (2) a renewal of a registration certificate unless, within 12 months of the date the renewal application is submitted, the applicant passed a background check conducted by the Department in connection with the applicant's acquisition of another firearm. Provides exceptions. Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Provides that it is a Class 2 felony to sell or transfer ownership of a firearm to another person without complying with the registration requirement of the Firearms Registration Act.
(Editor's note: Bold added for emphasis)
Before Illinois gun owners dismiss the chances of such legislation becoming law in the state, it should be noted that:
• 2014 was as an election year for state senators and representatives
• Illinois Democrats maintain a veto-proof supermajority in both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly in 2015- 71 Democrats to 46 Republicans in the House and 39 Democrats to 20 Republicans in the Senate
• A future mass shooting along the lines of Newtown or some other mass casualty event on American soil "featuring" firearms could be all it takes for the public to get behind the Firearms Registration Act
For more information about Illinois Senate Bill 1413 and to track its status, you can visit the Illinois General Assembly website here.
Christopher E. Hill
Survival And Prosperity (www.survivalandprosperity.com)
Are Expandable Batons Legal In Chicago, Illinois? (2015 Update)
On January 19, I started reviewing Chicago-area laws concerning self-defense tools for the new year. That day, I blogged about the legality of pepper spray in Chicago.
Today, I'm going to look at if collapsible/expandable/retractable/telescopic batons are legal in Chicago, Illinois.
Like with that pepper spray post, let's start at the top. Looking at the Illinois Compiled Statutes, Criminal Offenses, (720 ILCS 5/) Criminal Code of 2012, "ARTICLE 24. DEADLY WEAPONS":
(720 ILCS 5/24-1) (from Ch. 38, par. 24-1)
Sec. 24-1. Unlawful Use of Weapons.
(a) A person commits the offense of unlawful use of weapons when he knowingly:
(1) Sells, manufactures, purchases, possesses or carries any bludgeon, black-jack, slung-shot, sand-club, sand-bag, metal knuckles or other knuckle weapon regardless of its composition, throwing star, or any knife, commonly referred to as a switchblade knife, which has a blade that opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring or other device in the handle of the knife, or a ballistic knife, which is a device that propels a knifelike blade as a projectile by means of a coil spring, elastic material or compressed gas; or
(2) Carries or possesses with intent to use the same unlawfully against another, a dagger, dirk, billy, dangerous knife, razor, stiletto, broken bottle or other piece of glass, stun gun or taser or any other dangerous or deadly weapon or instrument of like character…
No specific mention of collapsible/expandable/retractable/telescopic batons. But there's also this:
13) Carries or possesses on or about his or her person while in a building occupied by a unit of government, a billy club, other weapon of like character, or other instrument of like character intended for use as a weapon. For the purposes of this Section, "billy club" means a short stick or club commonly carried by police officers which is either telescopic or constructed of a solid piece of wood or other man-made material.
(Editor's note: Bold added for emphasis)
From my research on this subject, I've encountered instances where collapsible/expandable/retractable/telescopic batons have also been referred to as "billy clubs" (like above) and "bludgeoning devices." Keep that in mind going forward.
Since Chicago is part of Cook County, let's next look at the Cook County Code of Ordinances, Part I- GENERAL ORDINANCES, Chapter 58- OFFENSES AND MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS, ARTICLE VI. OFFENSES AGAINST THE PUBLIC PEACE, Sec. 58-172. – Disorderly Conduct:
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to commit disorderly conduct. A person commits disorderly conduct when he knowingly…
(6) Carries in a threatening or menacing manner, without authority of law, any razor, knife, stiletto, blackjack, bludgeon, metal knuckles, slingshot, any knife, the blade of which is released by a spring mechanism, including knives known as "switch-blades", undetectable knives as defined in Section 58-176 of this Code, an object containing noxious or deleterious liquid, gas or substance or other weapon, or conceals said weapon on or about the person or vehicle…
Once again, no specific mention of collapsible/expandable/retractable/telescopic batons. But "bludgeon" makes an appearance.
Finally, let's see what the City of Chicago has on the books regarding these batons. From the Municipal Code of Chicago, TITLE 8 OFFENSES AFFECTING PUBLIC PEACE, MORALS AND WELFARE, CHAPTER 8-24 FIREARMS AND OTHER WEAPONS, 8-24-020 Sale or possession of deadly weapons:
(a) No person shall sell, offer for sale, keep, possess, purchase, loan or give to any person any bludgeon, blackjack, slung shot, sandclub, sandbag, metal knuckles, or other knuckle weapon regardless of its composition, throwing star, switchblade knife or ballistic knife; provided that this subsection shall not apply to the purchase, possession or carrying of a black- jack or slung shot by a peace officer.
Nothing specific. But there's "bludgeon" again.
So are collapsible/expandable/retractable/telescopic batons legal in Chicago?
While not mentioned specifically in the Illinois Criminal Code, the Cook County Code of Ordinances, and the Municipal Code of Chicago, should the authorities want to prosecute an individual purchasing, possessing, selling, etcetera a collapsible/expandable/retractable/telescopic baton in the city of Chicago, it should surprise no one if the device is equated with a "billy club" or "bludgeon." In which case, that individual could be in a lot of trouble.
Next time, I'll be discussing knives in Chicago.
Christopher E. Hill
Survival And Prosperity (www.survivalandprosperity.com)
(Legal disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact an attorney to obtain such advice.)
More On Illinois Department Of Natural Resources Wingshooting Clinics In 2015
Tonight, I'm going to be revisiting two subjects from earlier this week. The first is the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Wingshooting Clinics this year. The Illinois Government News Network page on the State of Illinois ran the following last Thursday about the IDNR-sponsored classes. From a February 13 press release:
IDNR Announces 2015 Wingshooting Clinic Schedule
Thirty-two clinics scheduled statewide for beginning and experienced shooters
SRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), collaborating with many partners and co-sponsors, will be holding 32 wingshooting clinics at sites throughout Illinois from March through early November this year. Most clinics are conducted on weekends.
Many of the 2015 wingshooting clinics will be conducted at IDNR sites, while a number will be held at cooperating gun clubs and shooting ranges, hunting preserves, and farms.
Youth/Women's Wingshooting Clinics are about learning to safely shoot a shotgun at a moving target with reasonable reliability. Girls and boys typically in the 10-15 age group – and women of all ages – are eligible to participate. Each youth/women's clinic starts with a morning shotgun safety presentation, followed by a brief small group hands-on shotgun orientation session with each group's wingshooting instructor. After a lunch break, students spend the afternoon in the field shooting flying clay targets on presentations designed for beginning and novice shooters. Not only do the students learn to safely handle and fire a shotgun, but they learn that being skilled at shooting clay targets is a lot of fun. Most youth/women's clinics are provided at no cost to participants. A few have a nominal – typically $10 – registration fee. Shotguns, shot shells, and clay targets are provided for shooting students, as is lunch at many clinic sites.
Hunter Wingshooting Clinics are hands-on, and include extensive live fire at a variety of clay target presentations on sporting clays courses specifically designed for teaching typical hunting situations. From ducks and doves to pheasants, quail and rabbits, hunters will find clay target presentations that resemble their favorite, as well as their most troublesome shots. Hunter wingshooting clinics consist of two wingshooting sessions each day.
A short briefing about shotgun safety and handling and on-range safety occurs during the first 15 minutes of each four-hour shooting session. The clinics are designed primarily to improve the wingshooting skills of hunters. However, these wingshooting clinics are not limited to hunters. Anyone from 16 years of age on up with beginning to advanced wingshooting skills who wants to improve their shotgun shooting skills can attend. The fee to participate is either $30 or $35 per participant, depending on the clinic.
Clinics are taught by instructors certified by the IDNR. Many clinic instructors also have a National Sporting Clays Association (NSCA) instructor certification. The participant-to-instructor ratio is usually four to one. Participants are typically grouped with other shooters with similar shooting ability.
There are also a few special wingshooting clinics/activities on the schedule. The IDNR's Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) program offers shotgun shooting classes as part of an extensive outdoor skills program. These classes, taught by IDNR Wingshooting Instructors, are among the most popular classes among BOW participants. During the National Hunting and Fishing Days activities at Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area in September, the opportunity to shoot flying clay targets is available under the supervision of IDNR Hunter Safety Instructors. The 'Healing Outside Of A Hospital' (HOOAH) program provides sporting clays shooting under the supervision of IDNR Wingshooting Instructors to active duty military personnel recovering from injuries, and disabled veterans.
To view the 2015 IDNR Wingshooting Clinic schedule, and register for a clinic, check the IDNR website at this link: http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/programs/wingshooting/WingshootingDates.htm
Thought I'd share the above as it's quite a bit more information than what I provided yesterday.
Christopher E. Hill
Survival And Prosperity (www.survivalandprosperity.com)
Illinois Department Of Natural Resources Announces 2015 Wingshooting Clinics
When the "balloon goes up," no doubt there will be people who turn to upland game (bird) hunting to put food on the table- if they aren't doing so already. And here in the state of Illinois, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources sponsors training for residents to develop this potentially-lifesaving skill (in addition to firearm/hunter safety). From the IDNR website:
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) working with a variety of partners, sponsors wingshooting clinics at sites geographically distributed throughout Illinois. Two types of clinics are offered. Youth/Women's clinics are designed to teach participants basic firearm and hunter safety, wingshooting fundamentals, as well as practical wingshooting. Hunters clinics are designed to enhance the wingshooting skills of hunters and impart sound wingshooting practice techniques. The clinics are conducted on weekends during the spring through early fall of each year…
IDNR Wingshooting Clinic @ St. Charles Sportsmen's Club
YouTube Video
Yesterday I learned that the IDNR has released information about this year's clinics. There will be 32 clinics in the state starting March 7 (2 events are already full).
The state agency is maintaining a wingshooting clinic schedule on its website, which you can view here.
For more information about the IDNR Wingshooting Clinics program, head on over to this web page.
Christopher E. Hill
Survival And Prosperity (www.survivalandprosperity.com)
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About This Listing
Space where guests can cook their own meals
Central heating or a heater in the listing
In the building, free or for a fee
Space where guests can cook their own meals
Towels, bed sheets, soap, and toilet paper
Central heating or a heater in the listing
In the building, free or for a fee
In the building, free or for a fee
Continuous access in the listing
Breakfast is provided.
The listing can accommodate a gathering of 25 or more attendees
Easy access to the building and listing for guests in wheelchairs
Private or Shared
Free, in the building or nearby
Posted emergency information and resources
The Space
The apartment is located in the heart of the ancient Rome, in front of Romani Forum. It is located a stone's throw from the Colosseum, Circo Massimo and p.zza Venezia, and it is a few minutes walking from the characteristic of "Trastevere", the ancient Jewish district where you can enjoy a lot of good restaurant, pastry and bakery kosher . In this area you can find a nice and confortable SPA "Alma Mater" where you can enjoy any kind of massage and a typical turkish bath. At the end of the street there is one of the most famous farmer market of Rome, each week end you can go shopping with fresh produce and good prices directly from producers to consumers.
and right there, you can test your honesty by visiting and interviewing the mouth of truth! Every the maine attraction of the ancient Rome are very close to. The apartment is recently renovated and completely furnished air conditioner, Led TV, wi-fi, stereo, microwave, washing machine and hair dryer. Towels and sheets are furnished and included in the price as well the cleaning one time per week.
is the perfect place for visiting Rome alone, with family or friends.
109 Reviews
We had a wonderful stay at Luca's apartment. He met us at the apartment and waited patiently when we were a bit later than expected. He went over everything with us carefully and everything was just as expected and better. Lovely apartment, perfectly located, comfortable and even aesthetically beautiful inside and out. I highly recommend for other travelers.
Thank you, Luca, it was wonderful!
Unit was clean and ready when we arrived, right on the border of the Forum and a quick five-minute walk to Trastevere.
Luca kindly met me at the apartment, providing credentials for the reliable, fast Wi-fi as well as his recommendations for local dining and services. The apartment is just as shown, with all amenities, on a pretty, quiet street; it is within comfortable walking distance of many sights and also very near excellent public transport connections, with a couple of excellent cafes and restaurants within steps of your door when you want something closer.
It is a good space for a single or couple and Luca is a warm, excellent host, I highly recommend both Luca and the apartment.
Thanks for a comfortable and enjoyable stay!
Luca greeted us at the apartment upon our arrival in Rome. He kindly walked us through everything about the apartment and advised us of the local area. The location is perfect. Easy walking distance to all major attractions and good restaurants are an easy walk away too. We would highly recommend staying here.
This place was fantastic!! Perfect location, great host, clear communication, and a modern apartment with all you need for a great stay in Rome. Thanks Lucca! :)
Luca was extremely easy to communicate with and very patient, he came to meet me early and then waited 40 minutes after I got lost. The apartment is in a fantastic location, and was clean and well equipped. It is a little smaller than it appears in the pictures, but that is not a complaint as it was very comfortable. I will definitely try to stay there again upon a return to Rome.
Wir kamen dank Lucas Angaben mit dem Bus gut zur Unterkunft, die in einer hübschen ruhigen Umgebung liegt. Im Zimmer lagen sogar Stadtpläne bereit wo die Sehenswürdigkeiten darauf eingezeichnet waren.
This host has 303 reviews for other properties.View Other Reviews
About the Host, Luca
I'm a assistant professor in a private University in Rome my subject of studies is the contemporary european philosophy. I play water polo and tennis. I love Italian food and I know a lot of little and cheaps "osteria" in Rome. I like meet new people from ather countries to share different experriences of life and to improve my knowledge of english and french...

subset: commoncrawl


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Watson: Asking tough questions, questioned by some
You know what, Christine O'Donnell is right; journalists should only ask the questions politicians want to answer.
What were we thinking?
Even if a politician — or would-be, in the case of O'Donnell — is on a book tour promoting the issues included in the book, far be it from us to ask about anything included in the book, if the politician doesn't want to talk about the issues in a book she's trying to sell.
And forget about addressing issues not in the book but that were in the forefront when the candidate was on the campaign trail just a few months ago. Those are off limits, of course, because they may be "creepy."
Goodness, we'd hate to be "creepy."
Sure, it changes centuries of journalistic focus — to question the powerful and give voice to the powerless — but O'Donnell and an increasing number of political individuals see our role as more of a public relations variety.
We're cheerleaders, not journalists pursuing our goals in a free-press society. What were we thinking?
We're certainly not paid by those seeking or serving in a tax-funded office, but we're supposed to behave as if we were.
Don't ask why funding in a public institution has been directed to a certain pot. How dare we. We're supposed to trust that they know what's best when it comes to our money.
And there's a statute of limitations on what we can ask. No sir, don't go back two decades and ask about, for example, a certain claim of witchcraft. That's not current, no more so than, say, a campaign party hosted by an alleged anarchist during the same time frame or a dalliance with an intern while in the Oval Office.
Even if it's in a book. We won't ask.
Our purpose is not to question an individual's stance on certain public issues. Oh, no, our purpose in life is to make sure elected and hopefully elected officials are only presented in a positive light, preferably in the light preselected by the politicians. We'll even let you pick the light bulbs.
Only want to go on pundit shows that pump up your positive presence? Sure, stick to the friendly crowd. Never mind the fact that you cannot possibly appeal to the masses if you only pick those who ask the questions you've decided you'll answer.
We've been such bullies. How could we be so insensitive to ask what newspapers one reads or, when vowing not to nominate activist Supreme Court justices, what actual court cases one opposes.
It's just meanness. We see that now.
Perhaps the First Amendment should have included the cheer, "Two bits, four bits ..."
Hand us some pompons and a megaphone. Let's all do a Herky.
"A nation of sheep will beget a government of wolves." What did Edward R. Murrow know, anyway?
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Just updating.
by, 30th January 2013 at 05:38 AM (371 Views)
I have a therapist. I've met with her, twice now. I like her. I'm very comfortable about talking to her and I even talk to her about my cutting quite a bit. She is a good listener and she asks good questions. She's just a good therapist is all. But, my depression and feeling of wanting to die and/or cut are still there.. but, I have to meet with a psychiatrist first to see if they can prescribe me medicine/antidepressants because a therapist can't give me medicine (she isn't qualified to do that). So yeah. I'll see how that goes. Meh.
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text: New experimental procedures can sometimes reduce the numbers of animals used, particularly in the testing of new compounds for toxicity. For instance, new chemical compounds are now routinely screened in cell cultures, and if they are found to be toxic they are not given to animals. But cell cultures cannot replace animals. If a compound proves innocuous in a cell culture, it must still be tested in an animal to gauge its effects in a complex organism. Similarly, computer models and other nonanimal alternatives can at most supplement, rather than replace, animal experimentation.


text:
Music Videos Songs Music Chart - May 10, 2014
May 12, 2014 Chart RecapTo watch every video......Read More
A$AP Mob ft. A$AP Twelvyy - Xscape
"It's the year of the A$AP." To start collecting that payback from those who slept on the group (who would actually do that?!?), A$AP Mob member A$AP Twelvyy has released Xscape, a new single slated for inclusion on the Mob's...Read More
Meek Mill ft. Rick Ross - Off The Corner
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It's been more than two years since we last got an album offering from Usher, but today the Voice judge is back on his artist grind with Good Kisser. Featuring some relatively stripped down production that's a return to true...Read More
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If you've been living under a rock for a few years, you should know that the Untouchable Maybach Empire has been out to change the music video game like Puff Daddy once did. MMG has been employing DRE Films to create nothing...Read More
50 Cent ft. Jadakiss & Kidd Kidd - Irregular Heartbeat
What's that? 50 Cent released another music video? It's been what -- five, six, seven... days since his last appearance at The DJBooth? Yup, Fiddy indeed has returned to our pages with his latest visual single, Irregular...Read More
The Dream - BLACK
Former Def Jam artist and producer, The Dream, comes straight for your heartstrings and your mind in his new video, BLACK. It will give you goosebumps in a good way. In the wake of the Donald Sterling fiasco in the NBA, the...Read More
Bas ft. J. Cole - My N*gga Just Made Bail
If Danny Ocean's growing team made a video about getting out of jail, it would sound and look a lot like this. Dreamville's Bas drops off the Ramble West-directed visuals for his celebratory new single, My N*gga Just Made...Read More
Alicia Keys ft. Kendrick Lamar - It's On Again
I haven't seen a Spiderman flick since the title character was played by Tobey Maguire and, to be honest, I never felt like I was missing anything. Now, though, I'm thinking I may have to check out the next installment in the...Read More
Ludacris ft. Jeremih & Wiz Khalifa - Party Girls
In the works since 2012, Ludacris's eighth studio album has been languishing in label limbo for a hot minute now. Seeing your project sit on the shelf can't be fun, but the DTP capo's clearly been putting his free time to...Read More
Chris Brown ft. Lil Wayne & Tyga - Loyal
Chris Brown has been keeping busy on the guest tip during the first quarter of 2014, lending his vocals to joints by Juicy J (Talkin Bout), The Menace (Put on My N**gas) and Kid Ink (Show Me (Remix)). Today, he returns to his...Read More
G-Eazy ft. Devon Baldwin - Let's Get Lost
I've never been on tour with a rap sensation like G-Eazy, but I can imagine that there are a lot of one night stands along the way. As the Oakland emcee/producer prepares for the start of his These Things Happen Europe Tour,...Read More
Katy Perry ft. Juicy J - Dark Horse
In sports and politics, the term "Dark Horse" refers to a contender who rises to prominence despite being little-known or unlikely to succeed. With her extensive résumé of number one hits, Katy Perry ain't exactly what...Read More
YG ft. Drake - Who Do You Love?
Fresh off earning positive reader reviews for strip club anthem Left, Right, YG returns to kick off the New Year with another freshly-minted single off his forthcoming debut set. On this street-ready jam (the finished version...Read More
Future ft. Kanye West - I Won
As an artist who emerged from the ATL underground to become one of the heaviest hitters in hip-pop, Future has a lot to be proud of. The triumph he values most highly, however, has nothing to do with his career. On a new...Read More
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SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Lauren Grey didn't think much about the gender recorded on her Illinois driver's license until she went to test-drive a new car. Although she had been living as a woman for months and easily obtained a license with her new name and a picture reflecting her feminine appearance, Grey's ID still identified her as male, puzzling the salesmen and prompting uncomfortable questions.
"They are like, 'This doesn't match.' Then you have to go into the story: 'I was born male, but now I'm not,'" said Grey, 38, a graphic designer living in suburban Chicago. "And they are like, 'What does that mean?' It was super embarrassing." Similarly awkward conversations ensued when she tried to rent an apartment, went to bars or was taken out of airport security lines for inspection.
Most U.S. residents don't think twice about the gender printed on their government-issued documents. But those "M'' or "F'' markers — and the legal and administrative prerequisites for switching them on passports, birth certificates and other forms of identification — are a source of anxiety and, even, discrimination for transgender individuals.
The rules vary from state to state, agency to agency and even clerk to clerk. But a transgender applicant generally has been required to submit both a court order approving the gender change and a letter from a surgeon certifying that the person underwent irreversible sex reassignment surgery before obtaining a new document.
Over the last few years, though, the emerging movement for transgender rights has been quietly pressing the issue, persuading state lawmakers and federal and state agencies to simplify the lengthy and often costly process. Advocates recorded their latest victory Friday, when the Social Security Administration announced that it would no longer require proof of surgery to alter the gender identification of individuals in its computers and records.
The move mirrors similar actions by the U.S. State Department, which amended its passport application policies three years ago to do away with the sex reassignment surgery requirement, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, which last year did the same for green cards, work permits and other documents it issues.
"Most people may not see this as a big deal, but transgender people know that this seemingly small technical change will protect their privacy and give them more control over their own lives," Mara Keisling, executive director of the National Center for Transgender Equality, said. "Since 9/11, it's become ... incredibly important to have accurate and consistent identification. Without it, you can't open a bank account, you can't use a credit card, you can't apply for a loan, you can't get a job, you can't vote, you can't get insurance."
As a result of lawsuits and lobbying, about half of U.S. states — most recently Illinois, Alaska, Virginia and Idaho — now allow residents to revise the gender designations on their driver's licenses without first undergoing surgery or getting a judge's approval. Applicants instead must provide a letter from a health professional stating they have received counseling, hormone therapy or another form of gender-transition treatment.
Holding mismatched identification also exposes transgender people to the threat of discrimination or violence, advocates say. A 2008 survey of 6,450 transgender people conducted by the National Center for Transgender Equality and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force found that 40 percent of respondents had been harassed after presenting an ID that conflicted with how they looked. Three percent reported being attacked, and 15 percent said they had been refused service.
State motor vehicle and vital records departments do not keep count of the number of people who seek to amend the gender markers on driver's licenses and birth certificates each year. The Williams Institute, a UCLA-based think tank, estimates that 0.3 percent of the adult population in the United States identifies as transgender, or about 698,000 people.
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Whoooo could possibly decide which of these baby owl candles is the cutest? Not us! Perfect for jungle or critter-themed birthday parties, this set of four colorful owl candles comes in a gift box, ready to give out to guests as fun favors. Or for a cute addition to the table décor, unwrap the set and use the candles to add some fun to your centerpieces.


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I'm debating trying this because I'm generally curious about it, because I want to choose yarn for knitting projects based on gender (really important stuff here), because my 1st grader has an as almost unhealthy obsession with wanting this baby to be a girl, and because my curious father offered to pay for it for fun. For the record, I don't care AT ALL if it's a boy or girl-- I just think it would be fun to find out earlier rather than later.
So my question...has anyone done this? How did it go? Was it accurate?
I had a blood test done that indicated gender with baby #5. It was along with RH genotyping and the lab offered to share gender too. It was 100% accurate for us (both gender and genotype were correct). They drew a few vials of blood though, not just a drop.
I'm not sure how accurate the tests that use just a drop are - if they require more than that to see cell-free DNA or not. Can you share the name of the lab doing it?
Also, I had mine done at 15 weeks but our lab rep said it's accurate starting at 7-8 weeks.
Kristen, Loving my family Sweet DH, C 11, A 9, B 7, G 4, H 1, C newbie!
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Ahh yes what a coincidence I have been reading so much about these gender tests. I just want something that is scientifically precise. To be honest, what I don't like about the finger prick test is the actual prick itself. The thought just makes me shudder. Call me a coward but I totally am. I don't know how I got though child birth.
Anyways, now I am preggies once more and me and my hubby this time round want to do a gender test. The blood test is one option I have come across but I also came across this other option which uses urine samples.I have found quite a few articles and stuff online stating that this test is scientific and 100% or 99%. It works just like the blood test, if there are Y chromosomes in the urine then its a boy. If it does not have Y chromosomes, then it is a baby girl. The test is possible at like 9 or 10 weeks which is pretty early. Some feedback from you would be great.
Research out of Tufts Medical Center shows that the urine tests are not very accurate. Still not sure about the one-drop blood test though. It seems like so little after seeing how much they took for mine :p
Kristen, Loving my family Sweet DH, C 11, A 9, B 7, G 4, H 1, C newbie!
Free Healthy Pregnancy & Natural Birth Series, click here!
No, I'm not interested in that kind. Thanks for sharing your experience. This is the website I was looking at, and let me give the disclaimer that I'm not affiliated with it or anything--I just came across them doing a google search. I heard about this kind of testing in this forum, I'm pretty sure, when I was pregnant with my DS four years ago, but then it was (I think) new and a lot more expensive, so I was just wondering if it had become a bigger thing in the meantime. I'll probably just go ahead and do it for fun.
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How an accident became turning point in my life—Adaora Ukoh
THE fact that you shaved your hair in the movie titled Thy Kingdom Come was considered as a selfless sacrifice by many. What other sacrifices can you render as an actress to fit into a movie role?
As far acting goes, I can make a lot more sacrifices to fit into a role as long as the role is inspirational and I can pass a message across to my viewers. Notwithstanding, I am not an advocate of nudity or over the top sex related movies but for scripts that makes everything worth it. When you find yourself pushing boundaries, it would mean that you are passionate about passing a message.
Would it be right to sum up that the movie, Thy Kingdom Come has thus far registered your presence as one of the most consistent actresses on the scene?
For starters, I would like to say that the title, Thy Kingdom Come was a working title for that movie and has thus been changed to King after King. So King after King can be termed as one of my most challenging roles thus far. It was very tasking not just because I shaved my hair but it also was a transitional film where I played the role of a young girl who later became a young wife till old age caught up with her. All three characters in one and I had to keep shifting into different transition depending on the location we had to shoot each day. Playing such is quite challenging and tasking especially trying to keep up with continuity of characterization, makeup and costumes. I am happy with the response. When it comes to consistency, it is something I have worked hard to keep by making sure that I get involved with only productions or scripts that are quite challenging be it on the commercial scene or big screen. To me, it has never really been about announcing every script that comes my way; it's about quality not quantity.
How much were you offered to cut your hair in the movie?
Well, I was paid what was good enough but it's all about the movie and making good film. If the script wasn't good enough, for all the cash involved I wouldn't have been part of the project.
Is it true that you scripted the movie over a period of 2years?
No, I did not script the movie. It was scripted by the Director, Iyke Odife and prolific writer and ZAFAA award winner Emeka Amakeze. I was only contracted to play the lead role.
How did you get the opportunity to play the lead role in the movie?
I have worked with the Director before so he contracted me again for King after King because the Executive Producer wanted selected actors, which is why the movie had that quality cast. Without mincing words, the acts in the movie are seasoned actors. Basically, I can categorically tell you that the role came solely on merit.
Some critics are of the opinion that the two million naira that you were quoted to have received to star in the movie was actually a publicity stunt?!
For the record, I don't discuss my fee on the pages of the newspapers, let alone for public consumption. That is not the essence of the job. I will leave all speculations at that. As for the pricing, it could even be worth more than that, so please look less into my pocket and watch a good work come to play. I have smiled to the bank for it and will keep smiling to the bank.
What's your impression about the efforts made by the newly elected chairman of AGN, Lagos State Chapter, Mr. Emeka Rising-Ibeh to move the union forward?
For every positive change, it is something that needs to be embraced. I believe passion should be the first key to driving a positive change for the guild. So I give him kudos and wish him all the best. I am willing, like others, to lend a helping hand. He is very passionate about the industry and if we all can come together and support him he will go places with his drive for the guild.
In your opinion what should AGN do to move forward from where it is at the moment?
All we need is summed up in just a phrase - "one voice".
What was growing up like for you?
Growing up was fun because I practically had all I wanted. I had great parents that catered to all our needs and most of all gave us good and quality education. Outside that, I was a bit heady growing up because I was an anxious kid so I wanted to be everything before I become an adult. I grew up in Lagos State so I am a Lagosian to the core. We had an interesting childhood because of the kind of disciplinarian father we had. At some point we learnt to bond together as siblings and started playing out our parents. It was fun most times watching our dad confused as to who to discipline due to our gimmicks.
Did you always dream of becoming an actress?
I never dreamt of it. My first dream was to become a banker because I had a chauffeur driven aunt that is a power dresser who visits our home every now and then. So I just quickly thought that when I work in a bank I will make all the money, not until an actress moved into our neighbourhood and became the cynosure of all eyes. So I automatically wanted to be like her; I approached her one day and she obliged me and took me to my first audition.
What has been your most challenging movie role till date?
Up until I shot King after King, it used to be World of Commotion. Notwithstanding, I am still looking out for more challenging roles.
What do you think is your selling point as an actress?
Selling point is my carriage, I guess. The big, bold and beautiful brand I have created for myself keeps me going and has turned out to be my selling point.
It was reported that you escaped a car crash sometime ago; do you mind recalling the incident?
That particular accident became a turning point for me, people say there's a thin line between love and hate but I think it should actually be between 'life and death'. I was on my way from an event when I ran into road barricades around Jakande that was when the road was still undergoing repairs. The barricades were always shifted to different sections and there were no illuminating signs to make one slow down so I bumped into the divide and my car almost somersaulted but it fell into a ditch right at the roundabout. My SUV was damaged beyond repairs but somehow God saved my life and that of my cousin. I still can't stop thanking God because I seriously can't tell how my life got saved.
Do you not have any misgiving about your plus size considering the fact that most actresses are at the moment doing their best to become slim and trim?
I am in my own world and I rule it. I am a plus size person and no matter how I fight to stay slim, exercise and lose weight; I only find myself blowing up and even bigger. So instead of fighting to fit into the crowd, I have totally embraced my body and curves as plus size and make the best out of it. If we take a look around the world, the most successful people are even plus sized e.g. Oprah Winfrey, Monique, Queen Latifah, Jennifer Hudson (who has a more thriving career when she embraced her true self) and multiple Grammy award winner, Adele. For me, size has absolutely nothing to do with success.
What kind of man thrills you; do you like them tall, short or average height?
Tall, muscular and slim. Above all, he should be dark in complexion.
How do you feel being one of those conferred with the African Youth Ambassador Leadership Awards?
It's a great honour being seen and appreciated for what you do. The youth ambassadorship award was very exciting and I feel greatly honoured to be a true ambassador to the youths.
How have you been able to scale through scandals over the years as an actress?
Seriously I do not know how I did it. I live my life by doing the right things; that does not mean I am a saint or perfectionist. I just stay out of trouble.
What would make you reject a movie script?
A flat story and flat character. If I read a character and realize that if you take the character out of the story the movie will still make sense, I won't play it because it's a filler.
How many movie scripts have you rejected?
I have lost count...
You are one of the very few actresses that have not been romantically linked with anyone. Please tell us, are you in any relationship?
Well, I am in a relationship which carefully stays out of the press and out of public consumption. I don't keep celebrity profile relationships.
What projects do you have in the pipeline?
A couple of interesting stuffs: my blog kicked off on first of January and has been creating buzz. I call it a Café and people are expected to go in and get their daily dose of inspiration. I am also working on my Adaora fashion line for the plus-sized woman. The launch will be in a few weeks. I'm looking at breaking fully in to the 'new' Nollywood, and shoot my own movie. There are still a lot lined up and you'll be the first to know.
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What Boko Haram and NADECO have in common
As we watched troubled President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan in his black kaftan with black cap behind the distraught emir of Kano last week, it was ... Full story


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Twenty Sided Modern PTQ - Sunday, March 18th 2012
Twenty Sided Store's Modern PTQ is coming up fast! The event will be held at The Warsaw in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Warsaw is easily walkable from the Bedford L and Nassau G stops. We'll be posting more details on how to get to the venue soon! Update Directions on how to the event are now up!
Cost: $30
Registration: 9am
Event starts: 10am
The Warsaw
261 Driggs Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11222
Reserve your spot now and pay online!
Decklists will be required for this event!
We will also be running several side events:
Zendikar / Zendikar / Worldwake Draft
Rise of the Eldrazi Draft
Innistrad Block Draft
Standard Win a Box
Modern Win a Box
Modern is shaping up to be pretty sweet with archetypes from virtually every set legal having some an impact on the format. Bloodbraid into Tarmogoyf, Delver of Secrets and Remand, Urza lands casting Emrakul, Melira and Kitchen Finks hanging out – sweet format!
Recent decklists:
PTQ in Albuquerque, NM 2/18
PTQ in Portland, OR 2/18
PTQ in Hattiesburg, MS 2/18
PTQ in Louisville, KY 2/18
GP Lincoln 2/18
Posted: March 8th, 2012 | Tagged: Magic: the Gathering


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Jan Hus
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Old Town Square, Prague, Czech Republic.
Jan Hus was a religious reformer that preceded Martin Luther and John Calvin and a key contributor to the Protestant movement. Hus lived from 1369-1415 and was burned at the stake for heresy against the Catholic Church. His teachings and sacrifice transformed religion within the Bohemia state.
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SuperCool Random Number Generator - one of the most effective tool to create random numbers, random selections, random bytes, etc. A truly powerful randomizer.
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Random Number Generator for Excel - generating random values, custom lists, passwords.
A really fascinating feature about Random Generator for Excel is that it is so intuitive that you will hardly ever need to look in Help, so easy-to-use that you will never need more than a tick and a click to have the range filled with random values, and besides that very fast, reliable and flawless.
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Random Number Generator is a Windows based application designed to generate a sequence of random numbers.
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This software offers a solution to users who want to generate a random list of English words. There are features in the software to generate words by a certain character length, starting character (prefix), ending characters (suffix).
Excel Random Data Generator Software is a plug-in for Microsoft Excel that is able to generate random numbers and dates, as well as characters or custom lists, in a block of selected MS Excel cells. This plug-in requires Microsoft Excel 2000 or higher.