Editorial Opinion: First Amendment Fundamental Freedoms

Engulfed by chaos, I am taking a pause to revisit the fundamental freedoms offered to the citizens of the United States of America (USA) titled: The First Amendment.

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." (Congress.gov)

What is not protected speech:
"Only that expression that is shown to belong to a few narrow categories of speech is not protected by the First Amendment. The categories of unprotected speech include obscenity, child pornography, defamatory speech, false advertising, true threats, and fighting words."
(American Library Association)

It has been eight months since I wrote of the disappointment with individuals, local government and their use of social media. Not all speech is protected. 

Finally the FCC is a five member active board. Re-instating Net-Neutrality is a priority, IMO. Without it, rural areas like the one where I am located, are being priced out of the market for utilizing a tool that is so important in today's lifestyle. 

"Net neutrality is the concept of an open, equal internet for everyone, regardless of device, application or platform used and content consumed. Proponents of the idea believe all corporations, including internet service providers (ISPs), should treat internet data and users equally." (TechTarget)

If this wasn't enough chaos. In the USA, the House of Representatives expelled the Speaker of the House, an ex-President under indictments, War in Israel, War in Ukraine and a long list of global conflicts.

When I wake to a new day, I am rather prepared for a day of Malinformation. 

Editorial Opinion: Knock, Knock. Who's There?

Here is how I started the morning. Review information I know:Left brain | Right brain

• Psychobiologist Roger Sperry discovered that human beings are of two minds.
• In the early 1960s, Sperry and colleagues
• In 1981 Nobel Prize in Psychology
• The left brain/ right brain myth

Image by ElisaRiva from Pixabay 
Elisa Riva on Instagram

That little sprint down recall lane took less than 15 minutes. All is balanced. Color for down the middle path. What is it? Use purple? That would be the left brain logical balancing with the right brain color theorist but, maybe I prefer white light. The all inclusive of all color.

Editorial Opinion: Upside Down

Upside Down

I've been using this phrase for years now. It seems to be catching on. I just hope that people using it truly understand the impact of utilizing this phrase.

It has come to my attention that I missed having, at the very least, a single entry for March.

So, today's task is to start setting a pattern for entering words and thoughts for this storytelling journey that I have put myself on.

Don't know about you but, if you live in a neighborhood or city that markets using any of these phrases:

• It is so, beautiful here. You'll love it.
• The wildlife is abundant, here.
• It is so, cheap to live here.
• Welcome! Glad you made it. What's your address so, we can bring you a welcome basket.
• Lots of things to do. Volunteers needed!

Where is it not beautiful? On the edge of an industrial road?

Where is there no wildlife? Birds have no boundaries.

Cheap? Who is that audience you are trying to pull-in?

Welcome? Who would say anything other than welcome?

Volunteers needed? We'll take your money and your time, too.

These types of statements kept me away from writing. Attempting to let-go and clear my head, obviously. 

Watched a viral video on upside down lightning. Have you seen it? 
This science moment opens up a huge discussion for meteorologists.

Have you talked with you friends? 

I have one that is South of me and she has snow when I don't. 
I do watch those jet streams that are shown more now than ever: The Wind.

Maybe it is trash service and haulers. I'm older and the children brought home from school nearly 40-years-ago the need to recycle. Now, what one participated in "doing the right thing" has diminished. It isn't talked about much in the moment. People were too involved in so much stuff that they missed the moment China said they would not take the USA recyclables or waste. That did happen during the Trump administration. Some entrepreneurs began companies that utilized some of the glass or plastics, which is a very good thing but, no one picked up on this point. Small business can only help in a more local way. Now, I sit in a local community that just says, only taking "this" and the rest; will go to the landfill. A return to upside down.

Just going to save the rest of today's frustration and save it for another April post.

Update editing March 9, 2023

Word for the Day: Oppression

Word for the Day: Oppression

"a situation in which people are governed in an unfair and cruel way and prevented from having opportunities and freedom"

Cambridge Dictionary

rls

Update editing March 8, 2023

Blog Post: Sept. 18, 2018

Global Brand Marketing 

Working today with codes and links.

Not much else to put on this page while setting up new links.

Be patient while I am getting everything I do under a secure socket.

All the names in the header point to their new home location.
Fancy This! ~ Another Time Line (Graphic Designer Rebecca Lea)

Littlemouse Vision Quest (Storyteller / Mentor Rebecca Lea)

Creekside News Journal (Journalist Rebecca L. Sherman)

Twitter and Pinterest accounts in the header, also.

Google Air Quality monitors to their Google Mapping vehicles. 

Climate information on a global level.

Well, this is enough for a test.

Thanks for stopping by.

Update editing March 8, 2023

Editorial Opinion: What?

What?

It is such a small word that is a question waiting for an answer.

When the Women's March took place this year, I appreciated the sign I saw that said, "I can't believe I am still doing this shit." She was referring to marching for women.

I relate.

Then to the mother in Charlottesville, Virginia; Nope, I wouldn't talk to that guy either.

Everyone seems so surprised but, this has been an erosion occurring for a rather long time.

Does not matter if it is about gender, race, demographics, wages, health, environment, faith, religion and a few more topics - you hopefully get the point.

To think that I thought I could enjoy doing what I am good at and succeed for myself, my family and my community but, the group that Wants What They Want When They Want It is a powerful group.

They break rules to get What They Want in order to prosper in the manner they vision for themselves.

When they do; WHAT is no longer a question.

WHAT is now the IT. The defining selfish moment that the group will undertake in order to survive in whatever that comfort zone is for them. People outside their group do not matter.

IT is dangerous.

Update editing March 8, 2023

Editorial Opinion: Short Topic 1 - Legal

Short Topic 1 - Legal

Blogging has been a part of my personal marketing and branding arsenal of tools for years. 

There are National and International lawsuits that I consider important issues. These lawsuits are noted in my Pinterest board under the topic;  Law Cases to Follow. Some of these lawsuits have been settled. The others have legal teams and they are filed in courts.

One of the legal topics that has been discussed since USA President Trump was sworn into office is The Foreign Emoluments Clause: Article 1, Section 9, Clause 8.

The Constitution also contains a “domestic emoluments clause” (Article II, Section 1, Paragraph 7), which prohibits the president from receiving any “Emolument” from the federal government or the states beyond “a Compensation” for his “Services” as chief executive. 

Duignan, B. (2017, May 17). What Is the Emoluments Clause?. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/story/what-is-the-emoluments-clause

This is a very serious topic that several elected government politicians fail to grasp.

As a result, they find themselves in lawsuits.

It is not only at a National and International level that gifts stowed upon elected political officials is addressed in legal terms.

Individual States have legal definitions for elected officials in regards to accepting gifts. 

The State  definition applies to all officials located in the State; from the highest State level down to the County, City and even community commissioners.

When one runs for an office and is sworn into office then the rule applies.

A.C.A. § 21-7-210 

Records kept by officers

(1) It shall be the duty of the Secretary of State, the Auditor of State, the Treasurer of State, and the Commissioner of State Lands, and of each officer of any county, city, town, or village receiving fees or emoluments of office to keep a record book in which shall be entered on each day an account of all moneys or other funds received by him or her in payment of fees or by way of emolument pertaining to his or her office.

(2) The record shall show in each instance by whom, on what account, and in what funds such payment was made.

(b)

(1) The record book of fees of each of the state officers, as set forth in subsection (a) of this section, shall be open at all times to the inspection of the Governor and other state officers.

(2) The record book of each of the county officers proper shall be open at all times to the inspection of the judges of the circuit and county courts of the county.

(3) The record book of justices of the peace and constables shall be open at all times to the inspection of the judge of the county court of the county.

(4) The record book of each officer of any city, town, or village shall be open at all times to the inspection of the mayor or other chief officer of such city, town, or village.

In the State of Arkansas, violations can be filed with the State's ethics board.

Update editing March 9, 2023

Blog Post: Dec. 21, 2016

End of 2016

With all of the changes occurring across the world the one that is of greatest concern is the climate, which has been changing and now is at its tipping point.

There is a time to be silent.
A time to observe.

And now is my time to fix all the spots in this personal space and be ready to write.

Update editing March 8, 2023

Blog Post: Nov. 5, 2016

Writer's Block vs. Filling the White Space

### Always seems to become a new day, a new direction ...

Today, marks clearing the page to white space.

The tech is at work for the artist and writer.

Return later ...

Have a great day!

Update editing March 8, 2023

Blog News: Special Report: Kids and Chemicals

Special Report: Kids and Chemicals | BillMoyers.com: 

In this special report, Bill investigates if everyday chemicals are harming our kids.

Update editing March 9, 2023

Zazzle: Climate Change

This project I have been working at is a long process for Brand Me.

I consider the Climate Change issues a great concern for all across the globe.

To all my long ago acquiescence "across the pond," I hope to reconnect.

Climate Change by GDRL Greeting Card by gdrlPOD
Find more note cards online at zazzle.com

Update editing March 8, 2023

Editorial Opinion: Brand & FTC

Brand Me: Part 1

I usually have links posted to articles but today, I am following some professional advice given to me personally regarding:  Brand Me.

Now the advice is an interesting point of view and actually quite foreign to my nature but, I do get the point. With that stated the main me is Rebecca Lea.

In this growing world of social media and the voices that generate so much content on this global network through Social Media, email, newsletters, web pages, etc.; International rules are broken minute by minute as well as U.S. Federal laws, which is my home country.

I do believe it was yesterday that I signed the petition and I wrote an opinion, which supported the point of view to the U.S. Congress that the U.S. Endangered Species Act needs to be left in the hands of the Science professionals that study and understand the purpose of protecting life on this planet based on an Eco balanced system.

Even though I have a Master of Science degree as well as some significant honors; it is not my field of study but I appreciate others in the field of study and their expertise. I do have the ability and background to follow the conversation and the science data.

In my younger years, I was a part of the team that consisted of those "endangered species experts," the U.S. Forest Service team that kept everyone safe in the woods and the "data" collectors that logged all the information precisely for what became The Final Report.

I do have a passion for the conversation on Climate Change and I run a Twitter account with a targeted audience on the environment. 

Newer Blogspot:
Creekside News Journal
Climate - Water - News: Are we past the Tipping Point?


Since I labeled this Part 1, I will stay on what has become the first topic: Environment.

There is no need for me to tell you about Climate Change. There are experts and organizations dedicated to the science and conversation as well as global panels addressing the big picture.

I run a board on the topic at my Pinterest account: gdrebeccalea

As well as boards for Endangered Species. There are two boards on things I find of interest: Board I and Board II plus many more.

I do like the visual connect of utilizing Pinterest. My recommendation to "pinners:" Read the information behind the Pin. One should never assume that the picture and the content connect!

Today, individuals have a greater resource through the Internet to gather information but, Trust has always been an issue in the highway of Network Information.

Sometime in the last six months or so, the FTC added Social Media to the list of violations.

Younger people need to be aware as well as some older users that It is U.S. FTC violation to be utilizing a Social Media network by an employee as for the purpose of  "tooting" the praises of a product or company. It is considered a False representation of the product, business or company.

Transparency!

This new addition to the FTC rules was a professional insight that I shared with some younger Internet professionals through my Linked In networks.

It is very easy to spot the conversations or to even Check Fact the conversation.

Corporations are using the younger user employee through their social media skills to advance the company without the Transparency that is required.

Might appear to be a cushy job spot but be aware that the FTC has addressed the issue.

There is a correct way. It starts with Transparency.

Update editing March 8, 2023

Zazzle: Climate Change Art Card

Climate Change Art Card

It is difficult to comprehend the denial and unacceptance of science reports from around the world.

Here is a personal card for communication to a friend, family member or collegue the points you might be trying to express to a denier that the "Climate is Changing."

There are three sizes of cards available in this original design by artist Rebecca Lea.

 Climate Change by GDRL Greeting Card by gdrlPOD
Create custom greeting cards at Zazzle.

I am a supporter of EarthJustice. 

Update editing March 8, 2023

Zazzle: GDRL calls Time Out!

Traditionally this would be Customer Service.

All Internet venues need those extra eyes that want to assist others with all the technicalities.

Think about it.

1. There are the techs that operate the code. 
2. The payment venues.
3. For products - the production house.
4. For writers - extra eyes on the words is appreciated.
5. Extra eyes on the functionality of the plug-ins, browsers and script.
6. For products - the delivery service

In the meantime - Here is another product:

DE's delightful Time Out! Mouse Pads by gdrlPOD
Design a unique custom mouse pad.

Whether you are running a day care for children, working with children at a school, a parent with a house full or just one and my favorite ...

An adult that just needs to play ... Time Out! 

Update editing March 8, 2023

Zazzle: Summon the Grandmothers

I have been working for days trying to get some stores back up and running.
Takes a huge amount of time and effort when I stay away from all the changes.

It will probably take more days to get my stores functioning the way I want them to function and then to visually look the way my mind's eye see's them but,
here is another glimpse at my efforts to bring my POD up to speed at Zazzle:

Summon The Grandmothers mousepad by gdrlPOD
Check out more Environment Mousepads at Zazzle

Update editing March 8, 2023

Editorial Opinion: Take A Look and Read

Take A Look and Read

It is late on Thursday and sorting through all the information that my email accounts and social media accounts received today.

There is a storm coming and I still have some weather reports to check.

When this storm or any storm hits, I like to get the chatter directly from the stormchasers that I have in some social media groups. 

Twitter is good for this type of fast past news. I know there are other social media sites that allow this type of viral "breaking news" to take place.

Isn't it nice to be in the 21st Century. I really would not want to light the fire and send smoke signals. 

And who better than the stormchasers themselves to send the word forward.

They have a nice close knit communication network. The type that has each others back and the backs of all the people within their location. And then they have us who pass the info forward.

Be a part... all season.

Now headed back to my mail and will continue to utilize Share, to send items to my blogspot.

And if you haven't participated in the Net Neutrality issue, then read FreePress  and act quickly.

If you are here then there is a good chance you need Net Neutrality.

Editorial Opinion: The Climate Change

The Climate Change

It is rather peculiar to keep addressing this alarming change in weather. It is not a mystery ... the climate has and will continue changing.

I would say it was a beautiful weather day yesterday. No coats on this winter day. Outstanding!

I rather enjoyed sitting on the deck glancing over information on my laptop. The birds were excited. They actually got feed early. For me, I have deserved the ass-chewing from the local tree birds for not dutifully refilling their feeders.

But it is when the couple across the way exclaimed ... Look the forsythia is in bloom!

Now my little bush had some blooms but theirs is in full bloom. The forsythia is native to China. It does not bloom here in the U.S. until Spring.

So, this is when the beautiful weather day gets a little serious for thinking minds.

I decided that it was time to check on photos from the West Coast storm.

There was a tornado in L.A.  No mud slides ... those were rock slides!!! It is alarming to see rock deep enough to reach the eves of a house. It was explained that previous forest fires left no ground cover and as a result the rain streamed the ground rock downwards.

Around my home there have been endless signs of Climate Change. 

The rock is washing down the hillsides. Not like what happened there the last several days on the West Coast but none-the-less; it is happening.

I've noticed dragonflies that look like a mini drone. Armored little beasts. The delicacy of lacy wings are absent. Tiffany would have No inspiration. This is a Sci-Fi environment that has become reality.

Last night my location was under severe weather alerts.  No, it was not about snow or ice.

I have said for a long time now; give me a deck chair and a white umbrella so, I can enjoy when the dolphin jumps in the back yard.

The oceans are rising! There are plenty of photos online to verify this comment globally.

During the Mesoproterozoic Era, the Gulf of Mexico extended up into the flat lands West of Bella Vista, Arkansas, which is an area along the 540/ US 49. There is an enormous amount of geological history within the rocks.

Update editing March 8, 2023

Blog Post: Nov. 27, 2014

So I Was Thinking ...

This is a day to relax. 

No need to rush ... no big gathering of family or friends for some big meal.

So, just a day to relax and reflect.

Have a nice day everyone.

Update editing March 8, 2023

Blog post: Nov. 14, 2014

Idle Time Waiting

A cold Artic Blast evening waiting to see if any weather reports are correct for my area.

Dinner is in the oven since there is time to enjoy power.

Chili is in the crockpot in case I need it prepared for a heat up on the woodstove.

Good time to "Be Prepared."

And if the power stays on then all the more reports that can be written and uploaded.

Creekside News Journal™ has a new location.

Headed to LinkedIn next  and then Littlemouse Vision Quest.™ 

Guess I will utilize the stormchasers I watch on my Twitter account. If you have an account then check out my Weather List and keep an eye on those stormchasers. They are out there for more than just hurricanes and tornadoes.

White candle burning ~ be safe wherever you are,

Update editing March 8, 2023

Opinion: Great News

Great News ... and Now Comes Winter

I managed to get an editorial up at the Creekside News Journal™ in Remembrance for the 

Day of the Dead.

There should be plenty to expound upon after tomorrow's State election's. 

Then there are suppose to be storms rolling in so, will have to stay in touch with my list of Twitter storm Chasers. There are several lists so, just use the drop-down and find The Weather list.

After attending part of a local board of commissioner's meeting for the Holiday Island Suburban Improvement District, I will once again review the meeting happenings before altering the front page at Creekside News Journal™.

The Good News: The road department supervisor revealed that there was more chat available as well as some chemical solution that is utilized on the freezing roads.

Second part of good news; New snow removal blades have been ordered for the community trucks.

Update editing: March 8, 2023