December 2012 ~ Volume 21

The definition of Christmas spirit can be found by separating and analyzing the two words. Christmas is the time of year where

Christ’s birth is celebrated around the world. In Philippians, Paul encourages all who

belong to Christ to have a spirit of Christmas.

That is, to be like the character of Christ, throughout the year. The spirit of this is eternal, not just one day or season of the year. The call is to be of one spirit, mind or

purpose: to love one another as Christ loves. The real spirit of Christmas is to be Christ-like toward others every day of the year.

“Giving, not getting, brings to full bloom the Christmas spirit. Enemies are forgiven, friends remembered, and God obeyed. The spirit of Christmas illuminates the picture window of the soul, and we look out upon the world’s busy life and become more interested in people than things. To catch the real meaning of the spirit of Christmas, we need only drop the last syllable and it becomes the Spirit of

Christ.” – Thomas S. Monson

It’s no secret that pretty much anything we say and do is

probably monitored by someone at some level. Americans

have slowly given up their right to privacy in favor of

modern convenience and technology. Although most

Americans seem blissfully in favor of giving up their

privacy, up until now most would probably object to

someone listening in on their private conversations at

home.

If Verizon has their way, that may soon change: If Verizon has their way, the once thought private sanctuary of

your home may not be private for much longer. Verizon has

applied for a patent to bug your home through what they’re calling

“access devices” in order to better target you with their

advertisements.

The Patent looks to introduce smart cable boxes, smart phones

and DVR boxes that would be able to monitor everything you do.

The access devices would become self-aware and listen for

everything from fights with your spouse, to private pillow talk in

order to serve up targeted ads.

If that doesn’t creep you out, the words from their

patent should:

Read More http://offgridsurvival.com/verizonspyinyourownhome/

The Madness

"The sheep are happier of

themselves, than under the care

of wolves."

-- Thomas Jefferson

"It is not the function of our

Government to keep the citizen from

falling into error; it is the function of

the citizen to keep the

Government from falling into error."

-- Robert H. Jackson

Forget fingerprint scanners, which have replaced password access on some high-end

laptops and are being used in hospitals for identification.

Natasha Singer reports for the New York Times, Nov. 10, 2012, that she was told they needed to scan her palm "for her file" when she recently visited a doctor’s office at New York University Langone Medical Center. Singer balked. As she explains: "As a reporter who has been covering the growing business of data collection, I know the potential drawbacks — like customer profiling — of giving out my personal details. But the idea of submitting to an infrared scan at a medical center that would take a copy of the unique vein patterns in my palm seemed fraught." Despite her reservations, Singer still complied. Then they wanted to take her photo. Only then did an office manager appeared and explained that the scans and pictures were optional. But by then, Singer's palm was already in the system.

Yet, unless patients at N.Y.U. seem uncomfortable with the process, medical registration staff members don’t inform them that they can opt out of photos and scans. Neither does N.Y.U. have formal consent, which raises red flags for privacy advocates. “If they are not informing patients it is optional,” said Joel Reidenberg, a professor at Fordham University Law School with an expertise in data privacy, “then effectively it is coerced consent.” He noted that N.Y.U. medical center has had recent incidents in which computers or USB drives containing unencrypted patient data have been lost or stolen, suggesting that the center’s collection of biometric data might increase patients’ risk of identity theft. At her request, N.Y.U. medical center did delete Singer's palm print. Here's what to do if a hospital, doctor's office, or some other institution wants to scan your palm, take your photo, or obtain some other biometric information from you: · Calmly ask if what they're asking is mandatory (required) or optional. · If it's optional, say "No." · If mandatory, ask to see a written statement of that policy. Then ask where in law does the institution have the right to your information. ~Eowyn

Consumer advocates are sounding the warning that more and more institutions are employing biometric data "to improve convenience," but we are paying for that convenience with the loss of our privacy. Fingerprints, facial dimensions and vein patterns are unique, and should be treated as carefully as genetic samples. So collecting such information for expediency could actually increase the risks of serious identity theft. Yet companies and institutions that compile such data often fail to adequately explain the risks to consumers. Pam Dixon, the executive director of the San Diego-based advocacy group World Privacy Forum explains: “Let’s say someone makes a fake ID and goes in and has their photo and their palm print taken as you. What are you going to do when you go in? Hospitals that are doing this are leaping over profound security issues that they are actually introducing into their systems.” N.Y.U.’s system, called PatientSecure and marketed by HT Systems of Tampa, has already scanned more than 250,000 patients. In the United States, over five million patients have had the scans, said Charles Yanak, a spokesman for Fujitsu Frontech North America, a division of Fujitsu, the Japanese company that developed the vein palm identification technology.

Across 1. Holiday pie 6. Santa's load 10. With 'the', syndrome causing missed putts 14. Key or corner 15. "Holiday In Harlem" singer 16. Young land? 17. Paper money 18. It may be found in 25 down 19. Blue-collar name? 20. Creche figures 23. Longest division of geological time (var.) 24. No ice 25. Dot's follower, often 28. Homeless ones 30. Panorama 34. West Point, i.e. (abbr.) 36. Big __ (Cal.) 37. Lots 38. Holiday decoration 41. Holdups 42. Rangers' org. 43. Dam's opposite 44. Wipe out 45. Time before life 47. Indian bread 48. Organic compound 50. Anthem opener 52. Holiday song, "Oh, little..." 59. Go over a manuscript 60. Big name in detergent 61. Mountain ridge 62. Penny __ 63. Tech. grad. 64. Girders 65. One who ogles 66. Negatives 67. Fills

Down 1. Attention getter

2. Engrave 3. Heart 4. With 53 down, singer from Chicago 5. Sibling's son 6. Element found in photocells 7. Succulent plant 8. Performers with a lot of makeup 9. "Dawson Creek" actor, Holmes 10. Holiday seasons 11. Detail 12. Coat 13. Tibia locale 21. Good natured teasing sessions 22. Enjoy 25. Place for 18 across 26. Earthy color 27. West Side Story gal 29. __ Kafka 31. Killed 32. Aquarium fish 33. Very pale

35. Objector 37. Wise-looking (like Harry Potter, perhaps) 39. Office worker 40. Quick drinks 45. White elephant, for instance 46. Chunnel town 49. Many times 51. __ Buena (evergreen plant) 52. Distant prefix 53. See 4 down 54. Kir ingredient 55. Slight advantage 56. Miami hoopsters 57. French 101 verb 58. GI's chow

Unscramble the words below: 1. eepntrs________________ 2. heislg________________ 3. nhyciem________________ 4. ogeggn________________ 5. stlemoiet________________ 6. pcfeearli________________ 7. deatnv________________ 8. otdiorensca________________ 9. agnldar________________ 10. nireerde________________ 11. tesiln________________ 12. wethra________________

They will hit families and small businesses in three great waves on January 1, 2013

FIRST WAVE: EXPIRATION OF 2001 AND 20043 TAX REFLIEF

In 2001 and 2003, the GOP Congress enacted several tax cuts for small business owners, families, and investors (later re-upped by

President Obama and Democrat Congress in 2010). The following tax hikes will occur on January 1, 2013:

Personal income tax rates will rise on January 1, 2013. The top income tax rate will rise from 35 to 39.6 percent (this is also the rate

at which the majority of small business profits are taxed). The lowest rate will rise from 10 to 15 percent. All the rates in between will

also rise. Itemized deductions and personal exemptions will again phase out, which has the same mathematical effect as higher

marginal tax rates. The full list of marginal rate hikes is below:

-The 10% bracket rises to a new and expanded 15%

-The 25% bracket rises to 28%

-The 28% bracket rises to 31%

-The 33% bracket rises to 36%

-The 35% bracket rises to 39.6%

Higher taxes on marriage and family coming on January 1, 2013. The “marriage penalty” (narrower tax brackets for married couples)

will return from the first dollar of taxable income. The child tax credit will be cut in half from $1000 to $500 per child. The standard

deduction will no longer be doubled for married couples relative to the single level.

Middle Class Death Tax returns on January 1, 2013.

The death tax is currently 35% with an exemption of $5 million ($10 million for married couples). For those dying on or after

January 1 2013, there is a 55 percent top death tax rate on estates over $1 million. A person leaving behind two homes and a

retirement account could easily pass along a death tax bill to their loved ones.

Higher tax rates on savers and investors on January 1, 2013.

The capital gains tax will rise from 15 percent this year to 23.8 percent in 2013. The top dividends tax will rise from 15 percent this year to 43.4 percent in 2013. This is because of scheduled rate hikes plus Obamacare’s investment surtax. More

SECOND WAVE: OBAMACARE TAX HIKES

There are twenty new or higher taxes in Obamacare. Some have already gone into effect (the tanning tax, the medicine

cabinet tax, the HSA withdrawal tax, W-2 health insurance reporting, and the “economic substance doctrine”). Several more

will go into effect on January 1, 2013. They include:

The Obamacare Medical Device Tax begins to be assessed on January 1, 2013. Medical device manufacturers employ

409,000 people in 12,000 plants across the country. This law imposes a new 2.3% excise tax on gross sales – even if the

company does not earn a profit in a given year. Exempts items retailing for

less than $100.

The Obamacare Medicare Payroll Tax Hike takes effect on January 1, 2013. The Medicare payroll tax is currently 2.9

percent on all wages and self-employment profits. Starting in 2013, wages and profits exceeding $200,000 ($250,000 in the

case of married couples) will face a 3.8 percent rate.

The Obamacare “Special Needs Kids Tax” comes online on January 1, 2013. Imposes a cap on FSAs of $2500 (now

unlimited). Indexed to inflation after 2013. There is one group of FSA owners for whom this new cap will be particularly cruel

and onerous: parents of special needs children. There are thousands of families with special needs children in the United

States, and many of them use FSAs to pay for special needs education. Tuition rates at one leading school that teaches

special needs children in Washington, D.C. (National Child Research Center) can easily exceed $14,000 per year. Under tax

rules, FSA dollars can be used to pay for this type of special needs education. This Obamacare cap harms these families.

The Obamacare “Haircut” for Medical Itemized Deductions goes into force on January 1, 2013. Currently, those facing high

medical expenses are allowed a deduction for medical expenses to the extent that those expenses exceed 7.5 percent of

adjusted gross income (AGI). The new provision imposes a threshold of 10 percent of AGI. Waived for 65+ taxpayers in

2013-2016 only. More

THIRD WAVE: THE ALTERNATIVE MINIMUM TAX AND EMPLOYER TAX HIKES

When Americans prepare to file their tax returns in January of 2013, they’ll be in for a nasty surprise—the AMT won’t be held

harmless, and many tax relief provisions will have expired. These tax increases will be in force for BOTH 2012 and 2013.

The major items include:

1. The AMT will ensnare over 31 million families, up from 4 million last year.

According to the left-leaning Tax Policy Center, Congress’ failure to index the AMT will lead to an explosion of AMT

taxpaying families—rising from 4 million last year to 31 million. These families will have to calculate their tax burdens twice,

and pay taxes at the higher level. The AMT was created in 1969 to ensnare a handful of taxpayers.

2. Full business expensing will disappear. In 2011, businesses can expense half of their purchases of equipment. Starting on

2013 tax returns, all of it will have to be “depreciated” (slowly deducted over many years).

3. Taxes will be raised on all types of businesses. There are literally scores of tax hikes on business that will take place. The

biggest is the loss of the “research and experimentation tax credit,” but there are many, many others. Combining high

marginal tax rates with the loss of this tax relief will cost jobs.

4. Tax Benefits for Education and Teaching Reduced. The deduction for tuition and fees will not be available. Tax credits for

education will be limited. Teachers will no longer be able to deduct classroom expenses. Coverdell Education Savings

Accounts will be cut. Employer-provided educational assistance is curtailed. The student loan interest deduction will be

disallowed for hundreds of thousands of families.

5. Charitable Contributions from IRAs no longer allowed. Under current law, a retired person with an IRA can contribute up

to $100,000 per year directly to a charity from their IRA. This contribution also counts toward an annual “required minimum

distribution.” This ability will no longer be there.

---------------------------------------------

Read more: http://atr.org/days-taxmageddon-a7203#

How To Survive A Family Christmas

Step 1: You will need a family patience Christmas cheer Step 2: Open presents with low expectations Christmas presents mean one thing for most dads. Sock, socks and more socks. And maybe the occasional tie. Even though you've dropped a thousand hints about that useless gadget you've been coveting, every member of your family will be convinced that you'd like nothing better than a new pair of socks. Because you loved them so much last year. Break this cycle by saying you've decided you are only going to wear open toed sandals from now on. See what they come up with next year. Don't be surprised if it's more socks. Step 3: Avoid drunken relatives Around half way through the morning, Uncle Kevin will be on his fourth glass of mulled wine. Like most drunken uncles, he's not much fun to be around when he's in this state. If he tries to drag you into a conversation about the current political climate or his messy divorce, devise an escape strategy. Tell him you have to go and help peel brussel sprouts, walk away and don't look back. or exhausted to care.

Step 4: Don't talk, just eat Christmas lunch is the one time of the day where older children don't have to answer questions from inquisitive relatives about what they really get up to. Make the most of this quiet time by ensuring that you are stuffing your face at all times during the meal. If anyone tries to bring up an uncomfortable subject or asks you what you plan to do with your life, pop an item of food in your mouth and give them an apologetic look, as if to say "Sorry, but it's rude to speak with your mouth full". Step 5: Eat everything in sight For whoever prepared the meal, this is the culmination of hours of slaving and months of stress. They will be bitterly disappointed if their efforts are not validated. Everyone else should attempt to eat a bit of everything, no matter how full you are. The pain of indigestion will be far less than that inflicted on those who do not show proper appreciation for all the host's hard work. And if you're extra appreciative, you may even get away without doing the washing up. Two more steps on the next page…..

Step 6: Derail arguments The combination of alcohol and the burning resentment that only a close family can generate means that inevitably at some point there will be an argument. Tempers may flare as Uncle Kevin accuses the other charades team of cheating, or mum may get weepy if no one ate pudding. If little Hannah has a tantrum because she didn't get the present she wanted, calm things down by sticking on some soothing Christmas music. For more strategies on what to do when an argument breaks out, watch Videojug's http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-avoid-family-arguments-at-christmas Step 7: Relax in front of the TV Of course, deciding what TV program to watch on Christmas day is yet another minefield that should be approached with extreme caution. Inevitably, everyone will have a different favorite show that they can't miss because it's the Christmas special. If you don't have 6 TVs in your house, think of a fair way to decide what to watch. Toss a coin or play rock paper scissors. Failing that, whoever shouts the loudest wins. Whatever you end up watching, you will all be too drunk, full or exhausted to really care.

Jingle Freekin Bells

Movie Night…..

Recommended at the Theater

1. Fly Me to the Moon

2. An Ounce of Courage

3. Honor Flight

"The Twelve Days of Christmas," was written as a kind of secret catechism that could sing in public without fear of arrest - a learning or memory aid to Christians in fact.

The song can be taken at two levels of interpretation - the surface meaning, or the hidden meaning known only to the Christians involved. Each element is a code word for a religious

truth.

1. The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus. 2. The two turtledoves are the Old and New Testaments. 3. Three French hens stand for faith, hope and love. 4. The four calling birds are the four Gospels. 5. The five gold rings recall the Hebrew Torah (Law), or the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Old Testament. 6. The six geese a-laying stand for the six days of creation. 7. The seven swans a-swimming represent the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. 8. The eight maids a-milking are the eight Beatitudes. 9. Nine ladies dancing are the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit. 10. The ten lords a-leaping are the Ten Commandments. 11. Eleven pipers piping represent the eleven faithful Apostles. 12. Twelve drummers drumming symbolize the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostles Creed. If you think Jesus being symbolized as a partridge in a pear tree sounds blasphemous, remember: "Jerusalem! Jerusalem! How often would I have sheltered thee under my wings, as a hen does her chicks, but thou wouldst not have it so." (Luke 13:34 and Matthew 23:34) The "true love" in the song refers to God Himself. The "me" receiving the gifts is every Christian. So that "silly" song we sing at Christmas time

1 oz Captain Morgan® Original spiced rum 4 oz eggnog 1 pinch nutmeg Pour rum into a small highball glass, and add eggnog. Stir together, top with nutmeg, and serve.

EggNog Captain Morgan recipe Preparation Generously grease and flour a 12-cup Bundt pan; set aside. Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer about 2 minutes or until creamy. Gradually add granulated sugar, beating 5 to 7 minutes. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating just until yellow disappears. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to butter mixture alternately with 1 cup eggnog, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Beat at low speed just until blended after each addition. Stir in vanilla and, if desired, brandy. Pour half of batter into prepared pan. Stir cinnamon and next 3 ingredients into remaining batter. Spoon spice batter over plain batter. Swirl batters together, using a knife. Bake at 350° for 50 to 55 minutes or until a long wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack 15 minutes. Remove from pan; cool on wire rack. Place cake on a cake plate; dust with powdered sugar. Combine 1 cup powdered sugar and whipping cream, stirring until smooth. Drizzle glaze over cake.

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened $Click to see savings 3 cups granulated sugar $Click to see savings 6 large eggs $Click to see savings 3 cups sifted cake flour 3/4 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup refrigerated or canned eggnog $Click to see savings

2 teaspoons vanilla extract 2 tablespoons brandy (optional) 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 3/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves Powdered sugar 1 cup sifted powdered sugar 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon whipping cream

Spiced Eggnog Pound Cake

http://www.tacgearzone.com/

Making a list and checking it twice.

Standing on the Pennsylvania bank of the Delaware River, General George Washington—Ronald Rinaldi in real life—prepares to address his troops. Though the park is gray and dreary, the towering trees bereft of greenery, the atmosphere is festive, tense with anticipation. Cameras are working overtime as the troops clad in a bright and motley array of uniforms and colonial dress move to their appointed formations. The weather is cold, but not as cold as it was on this day in 1776, when a raging blizzard tormented the tattered remnants of Washington’s volunteer army. Back then, there was no one to witness either the misery or the bravery of this heroic band. Today thousands of spectators from all over the world, many dressed in period clothing, are here to watch Rinaldi’s Washington and his men re-enact the event credited with saving the republic. Next page

George Washington was 6 feet, 2inches tall and weighed 200 pounds. He wore shoes of size 13. He had red hair when young. He used to tie them in a line. His father and elder brother taught George. He did not attend any college. His elder half brother home-schooled him. Read more at Buzzle http://www.buzzle.com/articles/facts-about-george-washington.html

“These are the times that try men’s souls,” Rinaldi begins, solemnly intoning the words from Thomas Paine’s American Crisis, as Washington did to rally his cold and hungry troops. Parents hush small children; conversation drops to a respectful murmur. “The summer soldier and sunshine patriot, will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country, but he that stands it now deserves the love and thanks of man and woman...” Rinaldi continues the speech that has been repeated in this spot every Christmas since 1952, when Washington was portrayed by actor St. John (“Sinjin”) Terrell, who played the role for 25 years until 1978, when he yielded it to Jack Kelly, Princess Grace’s brother. (After 1996, George Washington no longer had an indefinite term, but was chosen at a bi-annual audition by a panel of judges.) As happened when Rinaldi began his term in 2007, the Delaware River does not allow the re-enactors to cross on Christmas Day 2008. Heavy rains had caused the Delaware to rise as much as six inches an hour, according to one report, with currents of 15 miles per hour. When park officials announced that Washington’s troops would have to march across the 1905 bridge into New Jersey, groans of disappointment erupted from the crowd. But the experience gave Rinaldi, a Crime Scene Investigator in Middlesex County, New Jersey, an even greater appreciation for the original crossing. “When you read how these men crossed 230 years ago, at night under worse conditions—and we could not do so during daylight hours and with a substantially smaller number of men—that is truly remarkable,” he observes. For Rinaldi, the Christmas crossing is part of a personal re-enactment story that began in 1976. As the nation celebrated its bicentennial, Rinaldi, then 14, was there when his mother, a columnist, interviewed St. John Terrell. “Terrell asked my mother if I would like to be part of the crossing, as they were looking for younger people to get involved,” he recalls. Given a uniform and shown the musket and rifle that soldiers carried, young Ron was hooked--on his way to becoming a lifer. Next Page

He began reading books and learning as much as possible about the Revolutionary War. During summer school breaks, he volunteered as a tour guide at the Pennsylvania side of Washington Crossing Park. In 1980, he earned a degree in American history from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. in 1986, and later earned a Master’s in military history from Duke University. Despite his extensive studies, Rinaldi feels re-enacting has given him insights not found in books. “History books report what happened,” he says, “but the uncertainty, the way these men felt or looked or thought before embarking on such a crucial event, are aspects that become more clear when taking part in re-enactments.” History tells us that after Washington was badly routed by British land and sea forces in the Battle of New York, his men lacked sufficient food, shelter and clothing; some were shoeless. Many were on the verge of deserting. Others waited for their terms in the Continental Army to expire in only a few short weeks. Washington boldly crossed the treacherous Delaware to attack the enemy at Trenton (in “the Jerseys”) before his volunteer army could disperse. It was a stunning victory. He captured some 900 enemy soldiers and suffered very few losses. “In 1776, there were those who thought the crossing would end in defeat, as many prior battles had,” says Rinaldi. “These men followed their officers, and I believe the inspiring words Washington spoke persuaded them to continue against overwhelming odds.” Rinaldi, knowing he had to relinquish the cherished role of Washington, did so this year in deliberate fashion. He served as one of the judges at the audition to select the new commander. The audition took place in the auditorium of Pennsylvania’s Washington Crossing State Park, steps from an 1895 monument marking the spot where Washington’s boats were launched. The six veteran re-enactors competing for the role of Washington, who had submitted letters expressing their desire and qualifications, would be judged on the quality of their letters and uniforms, their ability to deliver passages of Thomas Paine’s American Crisis, their knowledge of Revolutionary War history and of Washington’s life. Next page

Each man took the stage against a backdrop copy of Emanuel Leutze’s iconic painting of the crossing and faced an audience of park visitors and “insiders”—fellow re-enactors, friends and families. While the uniforms all appeared to be of good quality, the candidates varied dramatically in physical appearance, from short and somewhat stout to tall and lean. The judges posed questions that touched upon the economic strictures imposed by the British, as well as details of various battles. Then they deliberated.

The winner was John Godzieba who, at age 50, standing six feet, four inches tall and lean of build, most physically resembles Washington. He has participated in the Delaware crossing the past 17 years. When his name was announced, there were loud period cheers of “Huzzah! Huzzah!” from the members of his re-enactment regiment. “I was in shock,” says Godzieba, who looks forward to addressing his troops and, of course, making the crossing. “Stepping out of the boat onto the New Jersey shore as Washington will be an amazing experience.” The boat crossing is an experience Ron Rinaldi still wants, too, so he will return to audition once more in 2011. (He has crossed in the past as a regular reenactor, but still wants to do so as Washington.) Asked why he, like so many veterans, keeps coming back, Rinaldi says, “We have a heart-felt duty as Americans to keep the spirit alive that made our country the great place it is.” Besides, “the crossing’s been an important part of my life and my family’s Christmas tradition for 33 years,” he adds. “I was in the Bicentennial Crossing and I’ve told my son that if he sticks with it, he could very well take part in the Tricentennial Crossing—and that would be some feat.” But on the next Christmas Day, it will be John Godzieba who gets up early, dons the General’s uniform, checks weather reports and river conditions. “I've stood there in the cold, snow and sleet watching my predecessors interpret Washington as he embarked on an all-or-nothing roll of the dice,” says Godzieba. “It is the re-enactors who make this event and who are the harshest critics—which makes the role of Washington especially challenging.”

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history-archaeology/George-Washingtons-Christmas-Crossing.html#

What does "Yule" signify?

a) It is Old English for a type of tree (the Yew) from which a log was

traditionally cut and burned during the Christmas holidays.

b) It is Old Norse for "song" or "psalm" as people would sing while gathered

round a hearth or fire pit burning a massive ritual log, hence the "Yule-log".

c) It is the modern representative of an Old English word that denoted a 12-

day festival that took place around the time of the winter solstice.

d) It is derived from a Dutch word which referred to a traditional beverage

made from honey and barley which was served during a pagan holiday

coinciding with the winter solstice.

Which of the following statements regarding mistletoe is true?

a) Mistletoe was used by Druid priests 200 years before the birth of Christ in their

winter celebrations. They revered the plant since it had no roots yet remained green

during the cold months of winter.

b) The ancient Celtics believed mistletoe to have magical healing powers and used it

as an antidote for poison, infertility, and to ward of evil spirits.

c) Scandanavians associated the plant with Frigga, their goddess of love, and it may

be from this that we derive the custom of kissing under the mistletoe.

d) All of the above are true

Santa Hates Your Kid

8. Kid's letter to north pole comes back stamped, "Dream on, Chester!”

7. Kid asks for new bike, gets pack of smokes

6. Along with presents, Santa leaves hefty bill for shipping and handling.

5. By the time he gets to your house, all he has left is foam packing.

4. Christmas day, your kid wakes up with a Reindeer head in his bed.

3. Instead of "Naughty" or "Nice", Santa has him on the stupid list

2. Labels on all your kid's toys read "Straight from Craptown."

1. Four words: "Off my lap, Tubby!"

Happy 2013 to All Watchmen Best Wishes for the coming Year.

US GOVERNMENT V CONSTITUTION By Michael LeMieux Over the past decade I have seen an increase in the awareness of the American people that the central government has overstepped its constitutional authority. Elected officials have outright admitted that they do not consider constitutionality when creating laws and there are a myriad of government agencies that exist without constitutional authority but are invested with police-like powers under the color of law. Ron Paul, arguably the most constitutionally minded representative, in his farewell address stated: "Our Constitution, which was intended to limit government power and abuse, has failed." And as much as I believe and follow his sentiment I must interject ­ the Constitution has no power, in and of itself. It was designed to give US, we the people, the legal and moral right to reign in tyrannical government. The Constitution did not fail, we failed it!

Read more

Over the past decade I have been researching constitutional history, the proper role of government designed by our constitution and republican form of governance and can only come to one conclusion ­ the government, as currently constructed, is NOT controlled or limited by the Constitution nor do those that lead our country abide by it. In all but political gamesmanship the Constitution has become irrelevant. Case in point: Article 1, Section 2, Clause 3 states that "The Number of Representatives shall not exceed one for every thirty Thousand…" However today there are 435 representatives in the House of Representatives which equates, roughly, to one representative for each 689 thousand people. The problem was recognized that as American population grew the ability to effectively operate the House would become impossible. Under the original apportionment numbers the House of Representatives today would be closer to ten thousand representatives; which would be untenable. At issue is not that Congress did not need to address the problem, what is at issue is that it chose to disregard, and dismiss, the Constitution and the mechanisms inherent in the constitutional system to do so. Instead, in 1911, Congress assumed the power to determine the size of the House of Representatives and ignored their constitutional duty to go through the Amendment process. Article 5 of the Constitution provides Congress with the remedy of changing the Constitution via the amendment process and then that Amendment is appended to the Constitution and becomes the law of the land. And what did Congress learn by not following the Constitution? They learned that there is no consequence to not following the Constitution. And it continues… Read more

For those that have studied the Constitution you know that the Bill of Rights was included based on the demands of a number of states that did not trust all this power going to a central government. After all they recall what an out of control central government can become and the hard fought war to get out from under it. Although many of you may not know it the Bill of Rights also included a preamble which states: "THE Conventions of a number of the States having at the time of their adopting the Constitution, expressed a desire, in order to prevent misconstruction or abuse of its powers, that further declaratory and restrictive clauses should be added: And as extending the ground of public confidence in the Government, will best insure the beneficent ends of its institution."

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The bill of rights was a barrier between the states, the people and the central government. These 10 Amendments stood to tell the government that you may not trespass against these rights. It was to tell Congress to leave these things alone; they are outside of your power to regulate. Recall the starting words of the Bill of Rights ­ "Congress shall make no law…" Do you think they have abided by those words? Let's take a look- The first Amendment deals with Religion, Freedom of Speech, the Press, Assembly, and Petition. Today there are hundreds of laws dealing with religion and just within the IRS laws they attack both in limiting what a preacher can say to his congregation. Most of you have heard of the so called "free speech zones" set up during the G8 summit. There are laws that require permits, taxes or fees, security requirements, notices, etc. just to hold a rally or event. Is that free assembly? The government and the Supreme Court has ruled on your right to petition the federal government ­ their response: you can petition all you want but the federal government has no responsibility to answer. Really? The whole ideas behind petitions are to demand a response; always has been, even under King George. Well, but he didn't answer either and where did that get us? The Second Amendment, dealing with the right to keep and bear arms specifically states Congress shall not "infringe" upon this right. Today we have thousands of gun laws infringing the rights of the American people and regulating and entire industry ­ all without Constitutional authority. And for those that want to argue commerce clause please see my article here, it does not apply. In fact much of today's laws and machinations fly in the face of logic and the Supreme Court. In the case of US V Miller the Supreme Court's logic for finding miller guilty of having an illegal sawed of shotgun was that it was not covered under the Second Amendment as it was NOT a weapon in common use by the military. Thus declaring that the weapons which ARE protected under the Second Amendment are military style weapons. But we can see how long that lasted.

I will not go through each and every amendment but I think you get the picture. In fact every amendment has hundreds, if not more, laws limiting, abridging, giving to some, taking from others. Why do they pass these unconstitutional laws? Because there are no ramifications for doing do so! As mentioned earlier; we have elected officials openly admit to ignore the Constitution and they get reelected. They pass unconstitutional laws and get reelected or at the very least retire with a full pension. There is simply no downside to ignoring the Constitution. With the looming fiscal cliff and the largest central government in US history; we are told that we cannot operate at a smaller level. In fact more organizations are needed, hundreds just under Obamacare. So let's take a look at a few of the organizations: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Anyone care to guess where the EPA gets it Constitutional authority? Look as you might you will not find it in the Constitution ­ it was created under an act of Congress and the EPA's web site states the: "EPA was established on December 2, 1970 to consolidate in one agency a variety of federal research, monitoring, standard-setting and enforcement activities to ensure environmental protection." To ensure environmental protection ­ has a nice protective ring to it. And regardless of whether or not it is a good thing to do, it was not a legal thing to do under the Constitution. More correctly the central government, through meetings with the governors of the states of the Union could have worked out how to handle these issues and if one state felt harmed by another the central government would have the judicial power to hear the case. Short of this, without going to the process to amend the Constitution, any action by this organization against a state, company, or person is unconstitutional. So why do they persist? Because there are no negative consequences for not following the Constitution.

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In fact all of the following organizations of the federal government have no constitutional authority for their existence: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF): Although originally falling under the IRS and Treasury they played a slight of hand and quietly switched to law enforcement with a justification of assisting States and local law enforcement. But even under these pretenses there is NO constitutional authority for their actions within the states of the Union. Department of Education came into existence in 1979 under Jimmy Carter, although prior to this there were federal offices of education but other than a very brief period in 1867 it was not a department or cabinet level organization. The stated purpose was "to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access." A find a laudable goal only not one of the enumerated powers of Congress to enact. Again where there is no negative consequence to doing something what is to stop them? Department of Energy ­ It is interesting that the Department of Energy was initially created to remove the US from dependence on foreign oil and having abject failure as its criteria went on to regulate every form of energy known to man. Only in government is failure rewarded with expansion. Department of Interior (DOI), Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, etc.: Under the DOI are a number of organizations managing literally millions of square miles of US land. But there is zero constitutional authority for the central government to own anything beyond that enumerated within the Constitution which would be: "Erection of Forts, Magazines, Arsenals, dock Yards, and other needful Buildings" along with the 10 square miles as the seat of government. That is it, no other authority to take land for any purpose. Now if they wanted additional power to protect land there is a process for attaining that power through the Amendment process. So why didn't they? Because there was no detrimental effect for not doing so. In fact the central government has learned that if they just pass a law in Congress and do it, most often, they are not challenged and if they are the judiciary, which is part of the federal government, more often than not supports them.

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Many departments within the central government have legitimate internal or government functionality to support its numerated powers however that power should and was supposed to stop at the state borders. Other organizations that exceed the constitutional authority of the central government include: • Department of Agriculture • Department of Commerce • Department of Labor • Department of Health and Human Services • Department of Housing and Urban Development • Department of Transportation • Department of Homeland Security

Included within the governmental listing of organizations considered "independent" or government corporations also with limited or no constitutional authority but created under law and receive funding: • Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation • Federal Reserve System • Federal Trade Commission • Institute of Museum and Library Services • Farm Credit Administration • Federal Communications Commission • Federal Energy Regulatory Commission • AMTRAK (National Railroad Passenger Corporation) • Consumer Product Safety Commission

• Corporation for National and Community Service • Equal Employment Opportunity Commission • Millennium Challenge Corporation • National Council on Disability • National Endowment for the Humanities • Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission • Overseas Private Investment Corporation • Peace Corps • Railroad Retirement Board • Small Business Administration • Social Security Administration • Tennessee Valley Authority • Ad infinitum

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I have only listed a spattering of government organizations, and there are agencies within agencies, and federal corporations, etc. Our government has expanded beyond control or manageability with the vast majority of it outside the enumerated powers contained in Article 1, Section 8 and the only reason is because we have allowed it to happen. They do anything they want because we do not hold them accountable. We accuse them of breaching their oath of office and nothing happens. Elected officials write laws that exclude themselves and nothing happens. They take land from the people and the states by executive fiat to make a "monument" and we do nothing. They heap regulation after regulation stifling business and land use and we do nothing. They infringe on our rights, tax our property, tax our labor, regulate our toilets, showerheads, toothpaste, food, energy, medicine, and we do nothing. They legalize the mass extermination of millions of unborn children and we do nothing. They do all this because we do nothing. My fellow patriots, we have all heard that insanity is doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results ­ what we have been doing is insane. For all intent and purpose the Constitution lies dormant with barely a whisper of life but I hear the underpinnings of things to come -- more tyranny -- more regulation -- more government control -- more tax -- and a still small voice that says no more, no further. No longer must we stand idly by and do nothing it is time to stop the charade of Constitutional Government and force them to comply with the law of the land, the Constitution, or demand they step down and if they do not then it is time for "We the People" to do something -- let your heart and conscience be your guide.

http://www.newswithviews.com/LeMieux/michael165.htm

Santa Claus has the right idea. Visit people once a year. Victor Borge

Did Santa Give You That Present? On Christmas morning a cop on horseback is

sitting at a traffic light, and next to him is a kid

on his shiny new bike. The cop says to the kid, "Nice bike you got there. Did

Santa bring that to you?"

The kid says, "Yeah."

The cop says, "Well, next year tell Santa to put a tail-

light on that bike."

The cop then proceeds to issue the kid a $20.00

bicycle safety violation ticket.

The kid takes the ticket and before he rides off says,

"By the way, that's a nice horse you got there. Did

Santa bring that to you?"

Humoring the kid, the cop says, "Yeah, he sure did."

The kid says, "Well, next year tell Santa to put the

stupidity in the horse's brain instead of on his back."

It has been an amazing 2012 for the Watchmen of America and

certainly for America. The Watchmen has enjoyed large

growth in membership but more importantly in our people as

individuals. We have made new friends and together with skill,

insight and analysis our organization has achieved much

over the year.

Watchmen of America extends gratitude and pride to all members

and friends for your loyalty, attendance, values, inspiration, patience, energy and creativity.

2013 proves to be a larger challenge due to growth and

management dynamics. America continues to face

uncertainty and with that, our work is not complete. We

must continue to reach out to fellow citizens to teach, share

and extend the hand of confidence. The Watchmen is strong and steadfast and our

future is certain and with resolve.

Bravo Zulu to

Watchmen of America