WA Liberals » Everything Else

Coping with the Implications of SOPA / PIPA

Carley — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:22:46 +0000

In case you were offline last week, you missed out on a major internet wide movement as millions of people around the United States and the world took a stand and either signed online petitions or called their elected representatives to stop SOPA/PIPA.

What Are SOPA/PIPA?

If passed, these bills would ultimately make it more difficult for shady individuals to profit illegally from the trade or distribution of copyrighted material. On the one hand, everyone who purchases CD’s, downloads music or watches movies online supports the protection of copyrighted material but on the other hand, these new regulations would hurt businesses than it would help them.

How would companies suffer under SOPA/PIPA?

Example: Any web host that hosts the website that contains potentially offensive or derogatory content could be found liable and forced to pay financial damages. The same holds true for SEO Services, social media websites like YouTube and Facebook, these online communities could be held liable for a user’s comments and face huge financial damages as well too. Freedom of speech online would be a thing of the past and the average internet user would no longer benefit from the open exchange of ideas.

Is the Book of Mormon Musical an Accurate Portrayal?

Carley — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 10:01:19 +0000

The Book of Mormon Musical is the latest masterpiece by the creators of South Park: Trey Parker and Matt Stone. This musical is about two young Mormon missionaries who are sent on their first mission trip to Uganda and their world is thrown upside down as they encounter a culture that’s completely different compared to their lives in Utah.

A Fun, Enjoyable Production

In spite of the shows name, The Book of Mormon Musical doesn’t have much to do with religion and more to do with making people laugh. Both Parker and Stone have been quoted as saying that their musical is more of a fish out of water story than anything else as following the pattern of classic hit fish out of water movies like Crocodile Dundee. What’s cool about The Book of Mormon musical is that the writers have managed to write about Mormonism so that it’s funny and respectful yet their writing doesn’t go overboard at the same time.

Leave you’re Assumptions At Home

As when South Park first came on the air almost 20 years ago, many people had negative assumptions about South Park without even watching it. If you love comedy and don’t want to miss out on a fun night at the theater, be prepared to laugh and treat yourself to night with The Book of Mormon musical. You will be glad that you did.

Preventing Voter Identity Theft

Carley — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:37:04 +0000

Preventing voter identity theft can be achieved through increase awareness about this dangerous crime. Recently, there have been an increasing number of cases regarding people's identity stolen being through voter fraud. There are a few important tips and dangerous situations that voters should be aware to avoid. Keeping track of a free credit report is the best way to stay informed about identity theft.

Avoiding Potential Threats

There are a few potentially dangerous situations where criminals look to victimize people by stealing their identity by committing fraud through voting registration fronts. Voters should be wary of any email or calls requesting information or expressing problems with their voter registration. Be sure to always contact the state agency to confirm if there are any issues.

Better Safe than Sorry

Voters should be weary of swindle artists that present themselves to be working to register voters. Be sure to never your personal or financial information to anyone and always be sure to verify credentials of people requesting your information. Many criminals rely on the assumption that they will not be questioned nor have their lies challenged.

The potential threats for voter identity theft are very real and dangerous. Voters need to be aware of the potential threats when they occur and aware of the steps necessary to avoid having their identity stolen as well.

Finding a lawyer with the Right Political Views

Carley — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 10:41:22 +0000

Any political views a lawyer has should come secondary to the client’s needs. A lawyer’s personal interests or values in terms of political views should not over shadow the client’s main objective or resolution. When looking for a lawyer always make sure to do the due diligence in research in the lawyers you meet with, ask for references and try to obtain more than one legal opinion.

Keep Politics Out of Your Wallet

No one wants his or her case or trial to be a cause or crusade for an attorney's political beliefs. Lawyers should remain unbiased and focused on the needs of the client. The advice should be from professional experience rather than political beliefs. If politics and unrelated topics seem to consume the conversations, be sure to inquire about this with your Arlington attorneys and other lawyers in the area.

Be Open with Your Lawyer

Make sure the attorney is representing your interests and not their political interests; these situations typically sacrifice the benefits of the client as a result. Asking questions and being open with your lawyers is the best way to find out if you have the lawyer with the right political views. Everyone wants to be sure that the lawyer is scrupulous and professional; most political views are acceptable as long as they do not interfere with the client’s time or money. Lawyers are very expensive; clients want their time spent on litigation rather than politics.

More often than not, moderation is always best in most instances; to find the lawyer with the right political views, avoid the radical ideas on side or the other. Always be open to question what a lawyer asks of you or tells you; do not hesitate to get a second opinion as well. Make sure the lawyer has your best interest at heart and look into their record of accomplishment or try getting a friend or family member to suggest a lawyer they typically use.

Finding a Lawyer Who Shares Your Views

Carley — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 20:04:17 +0000

Whatever your line of work in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, people who conduct business need to have a good lawyer. Anyone can file a lawsuit against anybody for any reason, and as one famous attorney noted, even a ham sandwich can find itself under indictment under the right (or wrong) circumstances. Much of what happens to you in negotiations - or in court - depends on having a lawyer who shares your personal views.

A Matter of Perspective

It only makes sense; obviously, someone like Chevron CEO Rex Tillerman wouldn't hire an attorney from the Southern Poverty Law Center to negotiate his next federal tax subsidy. Even a rock-ribbed Republican like Rush Limbaugh, never a champion of the trial lawyer, hired one of the best trial lawyers in the business (Roy Black) when he was being investigated on charges of prescription drug fraud and "doctor-shopping". Had he not lawyered up, the top-rated talk-show host might not enjoy his freedom of speech today.

Birds of a Feather

Fort Worth lawyers like attorneys everywhere, are generally more effective at their jobs when they share common ground with their clients. One of the reasons that public defenders rarely take their cases to trial - preferring to plea-bargain instead - is that their cases are assigned to them. They don't really share any background with the people they're supposed to be representing. Nor do "shared viewpoints" refer to mundane activities (i.e., you both like to play golf). It's a matter of both people being on the same page and believing in each other.

It's not that a lawyer with differing opinions cannot handle his or her clients' cases with maximum skill and proficiency... But those who see things through the same perspective lens are likely to communicate better, to have mutual understandings, and to eliminate the possibility of being surprised in one of the most important venues any businessperson will ever inhabit - a court of law.

Do You Have A Right To NFL Betting?

Carley — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 20:38:28 +0000

NFL football betting has been in existence almost since the beginning of the sport and many people think that they have a right to bet on any NFL games that they choose but the reality is a lot different. In many states, gambling in any form is illegal while in other states like Nevada and Delaware gambling is accepted and encouraged so it all depends on where and how you bet on NFL games or UFC betting.

Online Betting

One of the safest ways to bet on NFL games is through an online NFL betting website. Over the last 10 years online betting has become widely accepted as a safe and reliable way to bet on NFL games from the comfort of home or any location on earth.

Before Betting Online

Verify – Make sure that you’re choosing an online sports betting website that is reliable, trusted and safe. You should spend five minutes researching a sports betting website before you spend money with them.

Budget – Before placing a bet, make sure that you can only afford to wager the amount of money that you can afford to lose. Many people make the mistake of not establishing a budget when they start sports betting action online and end up getting deeply in debt because, they are betting money that should have gone towards paying bills or other expenses.

Research – Always thoroughly research the games that you intend to bet on before you put money on the line. The difference between earning an extra $500 more per month during football season all comes down to how much research you do before the games that you bet on.

Avoid Local Bookies

Unless you’re placing your sports bets in Las Vegas or in a casino on an Indian reservation, you should always avoid anyone who claims to be a local bookie. Many states have cracked down on illegal bookies over the last few years and punish people who gamble illegally.

The Liberal Approach to Grow Lamps

Carley — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:14:29 +0000

Grow lights are an important part of any indoor garden because, they are specifically designed to give plants the light that they need to grow, start flowering and produce a yield. Without grow lamps it would be very difficult for any indoor gardener to give their plants the critical light that they need for photosynthesis.

Not Just Any Light Will Do

When plants are grown outside they benefit from the sun which gives them light that contains every color in the rainbow. One of the most important colors that plants need to grow is the color red. This color helps stimulate a plant to start growing and flowing. Although a red grow lamp bulb is important for a plants growth process, it shouldn’t be used too much because, it can cause a plant to grow too tall and sickly. To regulate the growth process, a blue light should be used because, blue lights help to regulate plant growth and they are also excellent for gardeners who want to grow plants from seed as well too.

Not All Plants Require the Same Intensity

One of the wrong things to do with any form of gardening, especially indoor gardening is to give plants the same amount of light. Make sure that you read your plants labels to determine how much light they need on a daily basis. For example: Flowering plants like Begonias or Orchids only need about 12 hours of sunlight per day compared to vegetables, that need 14 to 18 hours a day of sunlight. It’s also important to remember that every plan needs to be closer or further away from the light source than others. Some plants need to be 12 inches away from the light source while others can be as far as 36 inches away from the light source.

The Truth Behind the Bra Burning Myth

Carley — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 19:26:03 +0000

In American history books that are found in high schools across the United States, every history book covers the 1960’s which was a very tumultuous time in the history of America. During this time in history, feminism was on the rise across the country and to stop the rise in feminism and the women’s liberation movement, the mainstream media started the bra burning myth.

Why Bra Burning?

One of the most common symbols of protests during the 1960’s was of young men burning their draft cards. The same media that covered protests against the draft also started the bra burning myth in 1968 when the Women’s Liberation Movement (women’s lib) told the media that they would be throwing their girdles, nylons and bra’s into freedom trash cans as a form of “symbolic” bra burning in protest to the Mrs. America contest.

No bra burning actually occurred during these protests but many eager reporters who wanted to capitalize on the chaos, reported that there was bra burning there and the bra burning myth was born.

How History Was Changed

Even though history books commonly refer back to this point in history with negativity, it can’t be denied that history was forever changed and the rights of women began to receive more recognition. Because of the protests and media coverage, women began to slowly but surely receive equal rights in the workplace and in all other areas of life.

Gone were the notions that a woman’s place was in the home, cooking cleaning and raising children. Gone were the rules that girls had to be raised to be wives and mothers. Woman of all ages were finally able to start working in the same jobs as men, receiving equal pay and were able to encourage their daughters that they would be able to accomplish their dreams and really grow up to become anything that they wanted to in their lives.

Wondering what sassybax bras are?

Plan the Perfect Holiday in Kent

Carley — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 03:20:45 +0000

Whether you want to stay in a manor, a refurbished estate from the seventeenth century, a quaint Bed and Breakfast or modern Hotel, there are no shortage of options when traveling to Kent, England.

On the Sea

A popular lodging place for many, Pegwell Bay Hotel overlooks the sea. Many of those who stay at Pegwell, Rave about their sea views. And the great hiking spots along the beach. The customers of the Pegwell all seem to agree that the rooms and other accommodations are exceptionally clean and spotless. Many like the quirky atmosphere of Pegwell Bay Hotel, with its own tunnel under the road to the pub. On most nights the cozy pub, Sir Stanley Gray, has a fire roaring in the large fireplace.

Canterbury

When in Kent, one must of course visit Canterbury. A good place to stay, being centrally located, is the Canterbury Cathedral Lodge, which offers great views of the historical Cathedral. It is situated within the gates of the Cathedral grounds. Most of those who had stayed here said nothing but positive things. The staff was praised highly for their courtesy and friendliness. The rooms were very clean, although not overly large. And the food was rated as delicious. Each room comes with Wi-Fi, and discounts booklets for local restaurants and sites.

Country Kent

When you want to take in the country atmosphere and not be tied to one specific location, Elvey Farm is the way to go. Located between Maidstone and Ashford its location offers access to both cities while giving you the relaxing holiday you need to recuperate from all the hours of work you have been putting in. Each room caters to your specific needs and wants.

Obviously this is just a small sampling of places to stay. The county of Kent is also famous for its world-class boutique hotels, or Bed and Breakfast. A great number of the hotels in Kent are refurbished and gentrified historic manors and business building. Most of the boutique hotels have excellent restaurants and pubs located on the grounds.

Taking Proper Care of Leather Shoes

Carley — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 23:00:24 +0000

Leather shoes are attractive, comfortable and expensive. Many ladies designer shoes are made from leather, which is one reason for their high price. In addition to being soft and pliable, leather is durable, lasting many years but needing some care to preserve its classic appearance. Because leather must be put through several different processes such as tanning, coloring and aging, the cost of this material is higher than other synthetic materials. Although a good pair of leather shoes may cost several hundred dollars, they are virtually guaranteed to last a lifetime with the proper care.

Basic Tips for Preserving Leather

Leather shoes are sometimes worn only on special occasions that happen once or twice in a year. If this is the case for your leather shoes, don't stick them in the closet directly after wearing them. Instead, set them out in an open, airy environment for several hours so that any moisture will be dried before it can cause odor. More tips include:

Stuffing leather shoes to keep their shape and prevent creasing

Spray shoes with weather-proofing material to keep water from drying and cracking the leather

Shoe wax softens leather. Occasionally wipe your shoes with shoe wax to maintain its original pliability

Don't use harsh cleaning chemicals on leather shoes if they get dirty. Use a leather cleaning chemical instead

Never put leather shoes close to a direct heat source such as an electric baseboard heater or fireplace. This will cause the leather to dry out rapidly and possibly cause extreme creasing and cracking.

Repairing Damaged Leather

To clean leather that is dirty, purchase good leather cleaner and follow the instructions. Never use dish soap or other kind of cleaning agent on leather as this may cause discoloration and cracking. If a leather strap has come loose, do not use super glue. Buy leather glue instead, which is chemically made to resemble leather after drying and will blend well with the genuine leather. Finally, if the leather is badly damaged, you may have to take the shoes to a professional. Some dry cleaning companies offer leather repair services, as well as places which specialize in custom made shoes.

If you are going to invest in a good pair of leather designer shoes, take proper care of them and only use professional leather cleaning products to maintain them.