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Showing posts from August, 2025

Flag Burning and Free Speech: What Happened on August 25th

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  “On August 25th, a protest outside the White House reignited the debate over flag burning and free speech. Here’s what happened and what it means for America.” On Monday, August 25, 2025 , President Trump signed an executive order titled “Prosecuting Burning of the American Flag” , directing federal agencies to pursue criminal charges against individuals who desecrate the U.S. flag. Within hours, a combat veteran burned a flag outside the White House in protest. He was arrested. This act wasn’t just symbolic it was a direct challenge to the executive order and a flashpoint in the long-standing debate over patriotism, protest, and the limits of free speech. Back in 1989 , the Supreme Court ruled in Texas v. Johnson that burning the American flag as a form of political protest is protected under the First Amendment. The decision overturned flag desecration laws in 48 states and remains one of the most controversial rulings in modern constitutional history. Justice Scalia, ...

Joplin’s Split Scene: Nature Trails & Civic Voices (Aug 30, 2025)

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On August 30, 2025, Joplin, Missouri offered two distinct rhythms: families basking in the cool breeze along Shoal Creek, and protestors gathering near Rangeline Plaza with signs demanding accountability. This post documents both scenes and reflects on what it means to protect the innocent while seeking truth.   Today in Joplin , the air carries a rare kind of grace a cool breeze after weeks of relentless heat, and a golden sun that doesn’t scorch but invites. Families are out in full force, flocking to Wildcat Park to visit the Audubon Center or wander the nature trails along Shoal Creek . Laughter echoes from the basketball courts, where boys chase the last light of summer. It’s the kind of day that reminds you why we stay rooted why we build, protect, and show up for each other. But not far from this scene of joy and renewal, another kind of gathering is taking place. At the corner of Rangeline Road and 7th Street, near the plaza where PetSmart anchors the lot, a protes...

Urban Deer in Joplin: What’s Really Driving the City Bow Hunting Ordinance

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  In June 2025, the Joplin City Council approved a new ordinance allowing bow hunting of deer within city limits. The stated goal? Population control. But for residents observing late-season fawns in July and August, the rationale raises questions. Late fawning typically occurs when does aren’t bred during their first estrous cycle a sign that the buck-to-doe ratio may be out of balance. In a truly overpopulated herd, we’d expect earlier, more synchronized births. According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, the typical fawning season runs from April through July, peaking in late May and early June. late season fawn born July 28 2025 So what’s driving the urgency? City officials cite a surge in complaints about deer damaging backyard gardens, fruit trees, and landscaping especially in neighborhoods bordering wooded areas. Some residents have opted not to install fencing, while others live near roads with no deer crossing signage or traffic calming measures. These ...

Writer’s Block + Coffee Emergency = AI-Powered Budget Picks

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  How AI Powered Up My Coffee Groove By Darla (writing as Alrady) Listen up—don’t get it twisted. This ain’t about writer’s block (been there, blogged that).  Nope, this is a sassy snapshot of my chaotic day: coffee ran dry, health’s on my mind with Parkinson’s in the family, and AI swooped in with mold-free, budget-smart clean coffee picks. As a writer and household boss, I turned tech into my sidekick. Back in the day, I’d jump in the car grumbling about gas and the long drive to town; now, I sass my way through with Grok, Copilot, and Claude. No road trip needed—AI brewed my coffee crisis into a health-smart win. Ghostly Brew Logic: Still No Pumpkin Spice Coffee Crisis Kickoff No pods, no buzz—panic mode hit. I needed a fix, fast, and mold-free was non-negotiable. Coffee emergency, right? Full disclosure: I haven’t even tried pumpkin spice creamer yet (I know, I know). Maybe I should let AI weigh in on that one too. Since I wrote this in August;  I wasn't e...

Creators Brought the Customers—Now POD Platforms Are Cutting Creators Out with Fees

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Something shifted this spring and it wasn’t subtle. For years, creators on print-on-demand platforms have done far more than just upload photos or artwork. We’ve been the artists, the marketers, the SEO strategists, and we did custom work for special customer requests. We built shops with care, crafted titles and tags and product description that told the customer about our work and explained the product. We created products that felt personal because they were. We didn’t just sell birthday cards, invitations , wall art, T-shirts or throw pillows . We answered messages from customers asking for something special. A reunion shirt with grandma’s favorite saying. A wedding invitation that matched the couple’s vibe. A memorial keepsake that needed to feel just right. We worked for hours sometimes days on these custom requests. And sometimes? The customer didn’t even buy. But we still showed up, did the artwork and tried to create the product that customer requested because that’s what c...

Why I Don’t Let AI Write for Me: How to Protect Your Voice

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You’ve seen the posts. “AI is my ghostwriter.” “Reverse mentorship with AI boosted my income.” “Let the machine teach you how to write emotionally.” I’ve read them, too. And I get it AI can be helpful. I use AI in my work. But let’s be clear: AI is a tool. It’s not a co-author. It’s not a mentor. And it should never be allowed to overwrite the human voice. AI can analyze trends, rerank keywords, and mimic tone. What it can’t do is live through loss, navigate chronic illness , or care for a feral colony through a Missouri winter. It can’t feel the grief of a cat who didn’t come back. It can’t channel that grief into a product mockup that honors memory and ritual. That’s the difference. That’s the line I won’t cross. When I write, I’m not just optimizing for traffic. I’m documenting lived experience. I’m translating frustration into advocacy. I’m building systems that help caregivers, creators, and community members survive disruption with dignity. AI can support that process but ...

Even Blank Pages Speak (Hover over picture to Reveal) — This Counts as Writing

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This is what happens when you have writer’s block.

How AI Became My Secret Writing Partner (And Why It's Making Me More Money)

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Exploring AI-powered paths to passive income, storytelling, and digital design—from Zazzle and Poshmark to blogs, caregiving systems, and beyond. Guest voices welcome. The Unexpected Truth About Human-AI Collaboration That's Transforming Online Business Meta Title: How AI Writing Partnership Boosts Income: Real Results from Content Creator | AI Collaboration Guide Meta Description: Discover how one writer's reverse mentorship with AI transformed stagnant content into profit-generating copy. Learn the exact collaboration methods that turn AI from tool to writing partner. Includes platform recommendations with free trials. Are you struggling to keep up with content creation? This writer's discovery about AI mentorship could change everything. The Plot Twist That Changed My Writing Career You probably think AI is just another tool—like Grammarly or spell-check on steroids. I thought so too. As someone who writes for a living (reselling descriptions, sales copy, arti...

A Cozy, Luxurious Christmas at The Cheshire in St. Louis

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If you’re someone who longs for an old-fashioned holiday twinkling light, garland-draped mantels, and the scent of wood smoke curling through the air then The Cheshire might be your perfect December escape. Where Nostalgia Meets Comfort The Cheshire isn’t just a hotel it’s a mood. Each room is named after a British literary figure and filled with vintage furniture, stained-glass windows, and hand-carved details that feel like they’ve been waiting for your arrival since 1885. The lobby greets you with a roaring fireplace and a massive stuffed bear (yes, really), setting the tone for a stay that’s whimsical, warm, and unapologetically nostalgic.   When the Holidays Arrive The hotel begins decorating in late November, transforming into a festive haven with garlands, twinkling lights, and vintage Christmas decor that wraps around every banister and beam. It’s not just pretty it’s immersive. You feel it in the hush of the hallways, the glow of the fireplace, and the soft carols...

Desert Diary: Surviving AC Failure in Arizona — Cooling Hacks, Budget Tips & HVAC Lessons

Sharing tips and reflections on using AI to increase and support passive income, storytelling, and digital design. From Zazzle and Poshmark to blogs, articles, and caregiving systems—guest contributors welcome. If your air conditioner fails in the Arizona desert, survival comes down to three things: sealing off a cool zone, hydrating like your life depends on it, and finding reliable emergency HVAC repair before the heat wins. ⚠️ This isn’t a step-by-step HVAC manual—it’s one family’s story of emergency A/C failure, a crash course in financial recovery, and the hacks that kept us alive through 110°+ heat. Goettl Air Conditioning gave us a fair quote and personal care when we needed it most. The result? A new high-efficiency AC unit, a cooler house, and peace of mind. 💸 Financial Reality Check Start saving now for your next A/C replacement. Most systems last 10–15 years, but freon leaks, coil failures, and compressor breakdowns can strike sooner. When they do, the cost can run into th...