According to the New York Times, the National Security Agency is pilfering through emails sent to recipients abroad or received from foreign senders. Evidently their searching en masse for mentions of foreigners under surveilence. But big deal, right? It's what intelligence agencies do... collect intelligence. The NYT reports:

Embroiled itn what appears to be the makings of yet another scandal, the IRS will be the subject of a hearing held by the House Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on Government Operations this coming Friday morning. Over the past five years, the cases of identity theft related to tax fraud has increased by a staggering 413% and these are only reported cases. Someone has some 'splainin' to do. 

Earlier today, the First Department of New York State's Appellate Division upheld a ruling that struck down Mayor Bloomberg's controversial portion cap rule or "soda ban." The ban would've prohibited movie theatres and other restaurants and eating establishments from serving specific sugary beverages in quantities larger than 16 ounces.

I'm not sure what it is about this administration, but they're simply not satisfied with the existing federal construct. Undeterred by the recent Supreme Court ruling which found part of the Voting Rights Act unconstitutional, Holder's DOJ announced yesterday that Texas is back in the crosshairs. 

Last week, Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins, (KS-2), introduced a bill that would allow private citizens to record their conversations with employees of Executive Agencies. Called the Citizens Empowerment Act, the bill would amend current recording laws. A press release from the Congresswoman's office explained:

Back in 2010 Aaron Tobey, now known as the "Fourth Amendment Flasher," protested TSA's unconstituional screening procedures. While waiting in the security line at Richmond International Airport, Tobey was referred to the full body (naked image) scanner. He declined the invasive scanner and opted for a pat-down. 

New data shows Houston pulling ahead of New York City as the largest goods exporting region in the country. The cause? Texas' thriving economic climate, regulatory friendly environment, and energy boom. The state of Texas has been the nation's leading exporter for eleven consecutive years, so the shift in goods exports dominance isn't exactly surprising, but is certainly noteworthy.

My Dad always told me everything is legal as long as you pay for it. Meaning of course, once you've paid for a permit you're exempt from laws those without a permit are bound to. Over the past few years, there have been numerous incidents of local governments harassing Bible study leaders who dare to host regular Bible studies in their homes. 

Earlier this week, CNS News released a story that revealed the NIH granted $3 million to the University of California, San Diego to, "study the context and epidemiology of HIV, STIs and associated risk behaviors among high risk female sex workers (FSWs) and their non-commercial male partners in two Mexico-US border cities."

I suppose I should preface this by saying that I travel quite regularly. Spending time in airports, dealing with security and all the annoyances that come with modern day air travel are not Johnny-come-to-town occurances for this bright-eyed, redheaded gal. Sadly, I'm used to random bag searches at the TSA screening posts and the occasional blue-gloved molestation all in the name of "safety".