Source: http://news.feedzilla.com/en_us/stories/politics/top-stories/302378509?client_source=feed&format=rss
Monday, April 29, 2013
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Kansas anti-abortion law: How divided can the states get?
States are in an ideological arms race, epitomized by dueling abortion bills floated by legislatures from Kansas to New York. Is this federalism on steroids?
Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback discusses tax and budget issues with reporters at the Statehouse in Topeka, Kan. Brownback is defending his proposal to cancel a scheduled drop in the state sales tax to stabilize the budget while pursuing income tax cuts.
John Hanna/AP
EnlargeKansas Gov. Sam Brownback is set to sign a tough new anti-abortion law that says life begins at conception and bans sex-selection abortions. In response, states like Washington and New York are scrambling to reduce restrictions on the procedures, such as loosening rules around late-term abortions.
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The recent bipolar moves in Kansas and New York suggest that US states are increasingly leaving gridlocked Washington in the dust on policy ranging from abortion to marijuana, from immigration to guns. The result is a disparate patchwork of laws and policies that some suggest are beginning to turn America from a homogenous land of centrists and moderates into a partisan land of balkanized rules, economies, and lifestyles.
?There is nothing especially new about states going their own way,? New York Times columnist Bill Keller wrote late last month. ?We fought a civil war, after all. And we have become accustomed to categorizing states as red or blue, based on their electoral choices. But it feels as if every news cycle brings another seemingly random example of a state veering off the mainstream? What?s up with that??
To be sure, the rise of the tea party movement has helped fuel a nearly unprecedented situation where 75 percent of US statehouses are under single party control even as Washington seems mired in perpetual partisan gridlock. The widening policy gap between states, too, comes against another backdrop: The decision by the Obama administration, particularly though Obamacare, to use states as proxies to install federal policy.
?This is an administration that doesn?t take the states and locals as it finds them. It has an agenda,? Paul Posner, a federalism expert at George Mason University in Virginia, has said, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
Yet while corralling states by dangling federal money may be in part successful, it hasn?t enabled the administration to end run its agenda around Congress.
Gun control is one example. While Washington has so far failed to pass post-Newtown gun control laws, a handful of liberal states in the Northeast have gone ahead with new restrictions, including expanded background checks. But 15 other states have loosened gun restrictions in the wake of the massacre. On Friday, the Kansas Senate passed legislation that would prevent federal agents from confiscating guns made in Kansas.
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California court: Hands on the wheel, not on your maps app
Drivers who use mapping software on their phones to find out where they're going may not be paying enough heed to where they're going.
At least that's one way of characterizing a recent ruling by a California court.
Issued late last month and made more widely known by a tweet today from law professor Orin Kerr, the ruling says handling a cell phone while driving, even if "solely for its map application," is every bit as illegal in the Golden State as holding the phone to your ear while talking, or using your thumb (or other digits) to text.
A man cited under Section 23123 of the California Vehicle Code had argued on appeal that the section's language implied its application was limited to drivers who hold a cell phone while using it to converse. And since the defendant wasn't conversing, but was simply using mapping software, he shouldn't have been subject to a ticket.
Section 23123 says, "a person shall not drive a motor vehicle while using a wireless telephone unless that telephone is specifically designed and configured to allow hands-free listening and talking, and is used in that manner while driving."
But Judge W. Kent Hamlin of the Superior Court of California, County of Fresno, wrote in his ruling that:
Our review of the statute's plain language leads us to conclude that the primary evil sought to be avoided is the distraction the driver faces when using his or her hands to operate the phone. That distraction would be present whether the wireless telephone was being used as a telephone, a GPS navigator, a clock, or a device for sending and receiving text messages and e-mails.
Further, Hamlin said the court had, as was its right, reviewed prior versions of the statute to clarify the law's intent, and he quoted State Assembly analysis of the legislation when he wrote that the law is aimed at distractions:
...specifically including "the physical distraction a motorist encounters when either picking up the phone, punching the number keypad, holding the phone up to his or her ear to converse, or pushing a button to end a call." That distraction would be present whether the phone is used for carrying on a conversation or for some other purpose.
The defendant also argued that a later update to the vehicle code, Section 23123.5, geared toward texting on an "electronic wireless communications device," also suggested that the earlier section was limited to cell phone conversations -- otherwise why add a statute about texting? The court ruled, however, that the later statute was meant to expand the regulations to rope in more-recent devices -- smartphones and the like -- and that the original statute had still been "designed to prohibit the 'hands-on' use of the phone while driving, without limitation."
Some, of course, have argued that electronic devices are no more distracting while driving than a truckload of other things. (CNET's Maggie Reardon made this point way back in 2007 -- referencing, among other things, screaming babies and dropped pacifiers). The ruling acknowledges this position but adds that it's a matter for lawmakers and not the courts:
It may be argued that the Legislature acted arbitrarily when it outlawed all "hands-on" use of a wireless telephone while driving, even though the legal use of one's hands to operate myriad other devices poses just as great a risk to the safety of other motorists. It may also be argued that prohibiting driving while using "electronic wireless communications devices" for texting and e-mailing, while acknowledging and failing to prohibit perhaps even more distracting uses of the same devices, is equally illogical and arbitrary. Both arguments should be addressed to the Legislature in support of additional legislation barring any use of those other devices in other than a hands-free manner, or in support of a repeal or amendment of section 23123 to allow the "hands-on" use of wireless telephones for other purposes while driving.
The bottom line for now? If you're driving in California, watch where you -- and your hands -- are going.
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Friday, April 5, 2013
Otago offering on short list for children's book awards | Otago Daily ...
One Otago book has been short-listed for this year's New Zealand Post Children's Book Awards. Melu by Kyle Mewburn, Ali Teo and John O'Reilly is a finalist in the picture book category.
Nineteen books were selected as finalists in the best picture book, junior fiction, young adult and non-fiction categories yesterday. War was a dominant theme among this year's entries, chief judge Bernard Beckett said.
''We were pleased to see coverage given to conflicts less likely to be known to young readers, such as The Boer War or the conflict in Malaysia. Prominence was also given to the bravery of those who resisted armed conflict, both in World War 1 and at Parihaka. That strikes us as tremendously important.''
The judging panel was children's author Eirlys Hunter, Radio New Zealand's Arts on Sunday presenter Lynn Freeman and Beckett. Voting for the children's choice award runs from April 3 to May 31.
The winners will be announced at the conclusion of the New Zealand Post Children's Book Awards Festival, on June 24.
The finalists are. -
Picture book: A Great Cake, by Tina Matthews (Wellington); Melu, by Kyle Mewburn, Ali Teo and John O'Reilly (Otago); Mister Whistler, by Margaret Mahy and Gavin Bishop (Christchurch); Mr Bear Branches and the Cloud Conundrum, by Terri Rose Baynton (Taupo); Remember That November/Maumahara ki tera Noema, by Jennifer Beck, Lindy Fisher and Kawata Teepa (Auckland).
Junior fiction: The ACB with Honora Lee, by Kate De Goldi and Gregory O'Brien (Wellington); The Queen and the Nobody Boy (A Tale of Fontania), by Barbara Else (Wellington); My Brother's War, by David Hill (New Plymouth); Red Rocks, by Rachael King (Christchurch); Uncle Trev and His Whistling Bull, by Jack Lasenby (Wellington).
Young adult fiction: Earth Dragon, Fire Hare, by Ken Catran (South Canterbury); Into the River, by Ted Dawe (Auckland); The Nature of Ash, by Mandy Hager (Wellington); Reach, by Hugh Brown (Wellington); Snakes and Ladders, by Mary-anne Scott (Havelock North).
Non-fiction: 100 Amazing Tales From Aotearoa, by Simon Morton and Riria Hotere (Wellington); Kiwi: the real story, by Annemarie Florian and Heather Hunt (Whangarei); Taketakerau, The Millennium Tree, by Marnie Anstis, Patricia Howitt and Kelly Spencer (Bay of Plenty); At the Beach: Explore and discover the New Zealand seashore, by Ned Barraud and Gillian Candler (Wellington).
Source: http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/251745/otago-offering-short-list-childrens-book-awards
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Thursday, April 4, 2013
Same-sex marriage - The Cedar Lounge Revolution
Posted by Tomboktu in LGBT Rights.
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Over in Washington the US Supreme Court has heard oral arguments in two cases concerning same-sex marriage. Unlike the Irish Supreme Court (indeed, any Irish court), the documents in cases are routinely made available.
Among the parties making arguments is a group of members of the US House of Representatives. Their lawyer is Paul Clement, a former Solicitor General (under George W Bush). The written Brief he filed before the Court has some argument that is, well, novel.
On page 21:
There is a unique relationship between marriage and procreation that stems from marriage?s origins as a means to address the tendency of opposite-sex relationships to produce unintended and unplanned offspring. There is nothing irrational about declining to extend marriage to same-sex relationships that, whatever their other similarities to opposite-sex relationships, simply do not share that same tendency.
On page 44:
The link between procreation and marriage itself reflects a unique social difficulty with opposite-sex couples that is not present with same-sex couples ? namely, the undeniable and distinct tendency of opposite-sex relationships to produce unplanned and unintended pregnancies.
On pages 45 and 46:
It is no exaggeration to say that the institution of marriage was a direct response to the unique tendency of opposite-sex relationships to produce unplanned and unintended offspring.
Although much has changed over the years, the biological fact that opposite-sex relationships have a unique tendency to produce unplanned and unintended offspring has not. While medical advances, and the amendment of adoption laws through the democratic process, have made it possible for same-sex couples to raise children, substantial advance planning is required. Only opposite-sex relationships have the tendency to produce children without such advance planning (indeed, especially without advance planning). Thus, the traditional definition of marriage remains society?s rational response to this unique tendency of opposite-sex relationships. And in light of that understanding of marriage, it is perfectly rational not to define as marriage, or extend the benefits of marriage to, other relationships that, whatever their other similarities, simply do not have the same tendency to produce unplanned and potentially unwanted children.
Wow. Just: wow.
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Source: http://cedarlounge.wordpress.com/2013/04/03/same-sex-marriage-the-problem-is-heterosexuals/
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Wednesday, April 3, 2013
'Dangerous' inmates escape Texas jail
Texas authorities are using helicopters and dogs to search for two "dangerous" Texas inmates who escaped from jail this morning by squeezing through a gate, leaving behind their black and white prison suits on the railroad tracks behind the jail.
Authorities believe Brian Tucker, 44, and John King, 39, escaped from Hopkins County Jail in Sulphur Springs, Texas, at around 8:30 a.m. today. The jail has approximately 80 inmates who are held there while they await trial.
"Both are considered dangerous," Deputy Alvin Jordan of the Hopkins County Sheriff's Office told ABCNews.com.
Area schools are on lockdown and businesses are on high alert, according to police.
Tucker was awaiting trial in jail for capital murder charges and King had been indicted for evading arrest.
"They were put out on rec yard to have outside rec and undoubtedly squeezed through the gate and took off," Jordan said. "We did find their black and whites about 100 yards behind the facility."
The recreation yard is an open space with a high fence and Hopkins County Sheriff Butch Adams said someone was supposed to be watching the inmates.
Tucker and King were both segregated from other inmates because of the types of crimes they have committed, according to Jordan.
Search dogs tracked their scents northeast, Adams said at a news conference.
"Right now, we don't know if they split up or if they're still together," Adams said. "We found their uniforms when they discarded them on the road behind us and the dogs tracking them and we found footprints."
It is unknown what the men are wearing or whether they may have used some kind of transportation after leaving the jail yard, Jordan said.
Asked if there is any reason to believe they could be armed, Jordan said, "At this point, unless they picked up anything from here to where they're at, the weapons part is unknown."
Their only known connection at this time is that they were inmates at the same time in the same jail with no known previous ties.
"We've still got a perimeter up and hopefully we'll find the," Adams told ABC News. "I've got a lot of good people and volunteers that have come in from other counties."
Authorities are warning people to be careful and call 911 if they see the men.
"If they're spotted, make sure they lock their doors, call 911 and tell us what area they're in," Jordan said. "Don't try to let them approach you."
Tucker is 5-foot-7-inches and about 170 pounds. He has brown eyes, brown hair and multiple tattoos. King is 5-foot-8-inches and 165 pounds. He has black hair, hazel eyes and multiple tattoos.
Also ReadSource: http://news.yahoo.com/two-dangerous-inmates-escaped-texas-203903585.html
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Josh Duggar & Anna Duggar Announce She's Pregnant ? '19 Kids ...
Courtesy of TLC
Josh and Anna Duggar have found out they are pregnant with their third child, and want to announce the good news to the whole family ? through a surprise dinner! Read on for the full ?19 Kids & Counting? recap.
When Josh and Anna Duggar came back from their vacation to China and Japan, they took a pregnancy test and found out they are expecting their third child! But even though they are celebrating their big surprise, they are waiting to tell the rest of the family the good news.
Instead of just calling up Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar and telling them the amazing news, Anna decides she?s going to throw a huge surprise dinner for the entire family ? 19 kids and all! But preparing a meal for 20+ is much more challenging for poor Anna than she thought, especially since she?s pregnant and tired, and has a small kitchen compared to Michelle?s industrial-sized cooking space.
The theme for the dinner is ?baby,? although the couple isn?t going to reveal the good news until the very end. So for clues as to what the surprise is, Anna prepared mini burgers, baby carrots and peas, tater tots and pigs in a blanket. Instead of announcing the big surprise at the end of the dinner, Anna wants to present a pumpkin carved into a baby carriage as the big reveal!
Anna Asks Cousin Amy For Help
In order to get the entire meal prepared in time, she enlists the help of cousin Amy, who seems to be getting in the way more than helping. But she finally manages to carve the pumpkin without cutting ?finger off, and they carefully arrange fruit inside with toothpicks to look like a baby in a baby carriage!
Jill & Jana?s Midwifery Apprenticeship
While Anna is slaving away in her tiny kitchen, Jill and Jana head off to work at the Midwifery, where they are serving as apprentices. Jill is studying anatomy anad physiology, and hopes to deliver babies, maybe even in Latin America with her Spanish knowledge. Jana, on the other hand, wants to be a doula, and enjoys more of the coaching side of pregnancy.
They work at?A Mommy?s Butterfly Midwifery, and have several couples that come in every day. The girls say it?s exciting to see the development of babies from early pregnancy until when they are born, and they enjoy geting to know the clients. They also are learning about both prenatal and post-partum care, but are building relationships with couples along the way.
Duggar Family Arrives For Dinner Early
Back at the house, Anna is putting together the finishing touches of the dinner, and is scrambling to make sure everything is done OK. Josh comes home, and is impressed by all of the food and work ? especially the pumpkin baby carriage.
But with no warning, the Duggar family all shows up together early! Anna, Josh and Amy are in no way prepared for the guests yet, and lock all of the doors so the kids don?t try to sneak inside. Finally, after waiting for 15 minutes, they are allowed in ? and Jim Bob is genuinely impressed by the spread.
Anna and Josh explain that the dinner has a special theme and they should all guess what it is based on the food. After dinner, they each fill out pieces of paper with their educated guess. Most of their speculations were all over the place, considering the food choices were a little random. There were a few odd guesses ? they were opening a restaurant, Amy is getting engaged, they were moving, etc.
Anna & Josh Reveal: We?re Expecting Again
After much anticipation, Anna and Amy bring out the fruit baby carriage and announce the good news ? Josh and Anna are having another baby! Everyone is excited, and many of the guests even had the right guests!
For their winning door prizes, they were given diapers with chocolate bars inside. Graphic image, but the food looked delicious, at least the way the kids were eating it.
Now, it was time for everyone to guess the gender of the baby, and it was pretty split 50/50! Too bad we already know that secret ? Josh and Anna are having a boy!
What do YOU think of Josh and Anna?s big reveal dinner? Do you think it was cute? Let us know in the comments below!
WATCH: Duggar Family Plays Gender Guessing Game With Josh & Anna?s Baby
??Christina Stiehl
More ?19 Kids & Counting? News:
- ?19 Kids & Counting Recap?: Duggars Climb The Great Wall
- ?19 Kids & Counting? Recap: Duggars? Disastrous Tokyo Vacation
- Michelle Duggar Would ?Love? To Have A 20th Baby
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