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Follow up: REAL ID creates 2nd-class citizens. Sign Change.org petition

No "Real ID"? No seat for you!

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This is the original article (New items follow below.)

Official Penn DOT website blurb

Note the date above: May 7, 2025. On that date, you will become a second-class citizen unless you bow to your masters’ demands.

Papers, please!

Although it’s been delayed several times, the insidious Real ID is coming. You will need to pay for the government’s approval so you can board a flight that NEVER LEAVES THE COUNTRY. And you won’t be able to seek redress of grievances because you won’t be ALLOWED into a Federal — and likely state — building if you don’t have their “Good Sheeple” ID to see your elected representatives. You won’t even be able to check with your local Social Security office about retirement without it. Or register to vote — if you’re a native-born American, that is.

Already, Drivers License locations have a security guard stationed inside them, because “Real ID” is given out there.

So far it’s supposedly a one-and-done deal, once you pay, the Real ID gold star is yours for life.

Does anyone really believe that the bureaucrats won’t draw from that well again — and again? Isn’t that what we were promised for the Covid-19 clot shot, one-and-done? How about the promise that Federal Income tax would only be on the rich? Or that electric cars would be cheaper to run — and less polluting — than internal combustion vehicles?

Okay, so maybe you don’t need to fly across the country, so what? Remember though that the TSA controls ALL public transportation. Think I’m kidding? Did you ever see those notices like on City buses: “The TSA requires all passengers to wear a mask….” How long do you suppose it will take the elitists to require Real ID to board a cross-town bus? They’re already trying to take our cars away from us.

Real ID is anathema to our country’s ideals

The very idea of Real ID is anathema to what the country stands for (or used to stand for) in the first place. In the second place, does anyone care to bet that the current surge of illegal immigrant/future democrat voters won’t need it — or that the elitists will provide it to them so they can continue to vote democrat?

I didn’t think so.

I know some leftist loons will claim I’m a conspiracy theorist. OTOH, how many things that the left decried as a “conspiracy theory” has been proven true?

We need to remove the upcoming “Real ID” restrictions for access to airlines and government buildings

The much-delayed “Real ID” will violate the Constitution if allowed to go into effect.

First, In limiting access to ALL federal buildings only to those with a “Real ID,” the law infringes on the 1st amendment right “..to petition the Government for a redress of grievances” Already you can find armed security personnel in many federal and other government buildings. If you can’t get into the building, you can’t see your elected Congressional representatives or testify before any federal entity. If they can make exceptions, then the law is i weapon to silence critics, not to protect anyone.

Second, The need for a “Real ID” to fly on a commercial airplane WITHIN THE UNITED STATES is effectively a “no-fly” list for citizens who don’t desire a “Real ID.” This violates the “general welfare” clause of the Preamble, and while it might be construed as lawful under Article One, Section eight “regulate interstate commerce” clause, personal (ie non-business) travel by definition is NOT “commerce.” And one could reasonably argue that it violates the 1st Amendment right to peaceably assemble.

“Real ID” creates an illegal underclass for people who may simply want to be left alone and not have “Big Brother” constantly looking over their shoulders.

It is also the first step to communist-style “travel documents” to control the movement of the citizens of the US.

Make your voice heard! Sign the petition here:

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Education Public Service Announcement Reprints from others.

States with Best & Worst Education (2023) Scholaroo ventures to discover the best and worst school systems across three factors — Student Success, Student Safety and School Quality.

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States with Best & Worst Education (2023)

Scholaroo ventures to discover the best and worst school systems across three factors — Student Success, Student Safety and School Quality. I’m in agreement with some and disagree  with some. Interesting how California is good in Math but at the bottom in  others ranked 45. My Ohio is ranked 22.

Education is a key indicator of the economic, social, and cultural success of any state. To analyze school systems across the United States, Scholaroo has identified various criteria such as student success, school quality, and student safety to compare all fifty states in order to assess which school systems are the best and worst in this 2023.

Student success can be measured through various academic metrics such as test scores and graduation rates. School quality accounts for the level of resources available to school districts. Finally, student safety is an important factor in determining school system rankings; this includes school security measures, bullying prevention programs, and other initiatives designed to ensure students feel safe at school.

The data set considers a depth of topics across 43 key indicators, ranging from metrics that measure how much a student is enabled to succeed, to metrics that measure the school’s security.

If you want to know which state has the best education system for 2023, here we show it to you.

Rankings of States with Best & Worst Public Schools

Category Breakdown

Methodology

In order to determine the best and worst school systems per state, Scholaroo compared the 50 states across three key dimensions:

  1. Student Success
  2. Student Safety
  3. School Quality

We evaluated those dimensions using 43 relevant metrics, which are listed below with their corresponding weight. Each metric was graded on a 100 point scale, with a score of 100 being the max.

Finally, we determined each state’s weighted average across all metrics to calculate its overall score and used the resulting scores to rank-order our sample.

Student Success (25 Points)

High School Graduation Rate: Double Weight (2.27 points)

Note: This metric measures the percentage of graduates High school graduates or higher.

High School Dropout Rate: Double Weight (2.27 points)

Note: This metric measures the percentage of high school dropouts among persons 16 to 24 years old (status dropout rate).

SAT Scores: Double Weight (2.27 points)

Note: This metric measures the SAT mean scores of High School Seniors.

ACT Scores: Double Weight (2.27 points)

Note: This metric measures the average ACT score (Composite score: English, Mathematics, Reading, Science scores) of Graduates.

College-Going Rates: Double Weight (2.27 points)

Note: This metric measures the percentage of High School graduates going directly to College.

Reading Test Scores: Double Weight (2.27 points)

Note: This metric measures the Average of Scale Scores between 4th and 8th Grade Reading scores.

Math Test Scores: Double Weight (2.27 points)

Note: This metric measures the Average of Scale Scores between 4th and 8th Grade Mathematics scores.

Science Test Scores: Double Weight (2.27 points)

Note: This metric measures the Average of Scale Scores between 4th and 8th Grade Science scores.

AP Exam Participation: Regular Weight (1.14 points)

Note: This metric measures the percentage of graduates who took an AP exam during High School.

AP Exam Scores: Regular Weight ((1.14 points)

Note: This metric measures the percentage of the Class of 2021 scoring a 3 or higher on an AP exam during High School.

Students in Gifted Programs: Regular Weight (1.14 points)

Note: This metric measures the percentage of public students enrolled in gifted/talented programs.

Class Suspension Rates: Regular Weight (1.14 points)

Note: This metric measures the number of days missed due to suspension (per School).

Expulsion Rate: Half Weight (0.57 points)

Note: This metric measures the percentage of student expulsions (per school).

Retention Rate: Half Weight (0.57 points)

Note: This metric measures the percentage of 8th Grade students retained (per school).

Student Participation in Sports: Regular Weight (1.14 points)

Note: This metric measures child participates in a sports team or did he or she take sports lessons after school or on weekends, age 6-17 years.

 

School Quality (35 Points)

Annual per-pupil spending: Regular Weight (3.50 points)

Note: This metric measures the annual per-pupil spending in Public Elementary-Secondary School System Finances.

School Rankings: Regular Weight (3.50 points)

Note: This metric measures the percentage of presence of Public High Schools in the Top 100

0 Best U.S Schools by U.S. News & World Report.

Pupil/ Teacher Ratio: Regular Weight (3.50 points)

Note: This metric measures the pupil/teacher ratios in public elementary and secondary schools.

Presence of Guidance Counselors: Regular Weight (3.50 points)

Note: This metric measures the number of guidance counselors per Public High School.

Presence of School Health Councils: Half Weight (1.75 points)

Note: This metric measures the percentage of Secondary Schools with one or more School Health Councils.

Full-Time Registered Nurse: Regular Weight (3.50 points)

Note: This metric measures the percentage of Secondary Schools that have a Full-Time Registered Nurse who provides Health Services to students.

Health Education Curriculum: Half Weight (1.75 points)

Note: This metric measures the percentage of Secondary Schools that required Health Education Instruction in grades 6–12.

Healthy Eating Curriculum: Half Weight (1.75 points)

Note: This metric measures the percentage of Secondary Schools in which Teachers taught the benefits of healthy eating.

Sexual Health Curriculum: Half Weight (1.75 points)

Note: This metric measures the percentage of Secondary Schools in which Teachers taught all 20 sexual health topics (including topics related to how HIV and STD’s are transmitted, contraception methods, sexual orientation, gender expression, creating and sustaining healthy relationships, sexual risk behaviors, etc) in a Required Course in Any of Grades 9, 10, 11, or 12.

Teachers meeting State Licensing Requirements: Regular Weight (3.50 points)

Note: This metric measures the percentage of teachers that meet all State Licensing/Certification Requirements.

Level of Experienced Teachers: Regular Weight (3.50 points)

Note: This metric measures the percentage of teachers with 3 or more years of experience.

Average Teachers’ Salary: Regular Weight (3.50 points)

Note: This metric measures the cost of living adjusted to the average teacher salary.

Student Safety (40 Points)

Bullying Rate: Regular Weight (3.33 points)

Note: This metric measures the percentage of High School students who were bullied on school property.

Exposure to Illegal Drugs: Regular Weight (3.33 points)

Note: This metric measures the percentage of High School students who were offered, sold, or given an illegal drug on school property.

Absence of Students due to Safety Concerns: Regular Weight (3.33 points)

Note: This metric measures the percentage of High School students who did not go to school because they felt unsafe at school or on their way to or from school.

Bullying and Sexual Harassment Prevention: Double Weight (6.67 points)

Note: This metric measures the percentage of Secondary Schools where all school staff received professional development on preventing, identifying, and responding to student bullying and sexual harassment.

Sexual Assault Rate: Half Weight (1.67 points)

Note: This metric measures the percentage of Sexual Assault.

Rape or Attempted Rape Rate: Half Weight (1.67 points)

Note: This metric measures the percentage of Rape or Attempted Rape.

Robbery with a Weapon Rate: Half Weight (1.67 points)

Note: This metric measures the percentage of robberies with a Weapon.

Robbery with a firearm or explosive Rate: Half Weight (1.67 points)

Note: This metric measures the percentage of robberies with a firearm or explosive.

Robbery without a weapon Rate: Half Weight (1.67 points)

Note: This metric measures the percentage of robberies without a weapon.

Physical attack or fight with a weapon Rate: Half Weight (1.67 points)

Note: This metric measures the percentage of physical attacks or fights with a weapon.

Physical attack or fight with a firearm or explosive device Rate: Regular Weight (3.33 points)

Note: This metric measures the percentage of physical attacks or fights with a firearm or explosive.

Physical attack without a weapon: Half Weight (1.67 points)

Note: This metric measures the percentage of physical attacks without a weapon.

Threats of physical attack with a weapon: Half Weight (1.67 points)

Note: This metric measures the percentage of threats of physical attacks with a weapon.

Threats of physical attack with a firearm or explosive device: Half Weight (1.67 points)

Note: This metric measures the percentage of threats of physical attacks with a firearm or explosive device.

Threats of physical attack without a weapon: Half Weight (1.67 points)

Note: This metric measures the percentage of threats of physical attacks without a weapon.

Possession of a firearm or explosive device: Regular Weight (3.33 points)

Note: This metric measures the percentage of possession of a firearm or explosive device.

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Public Service Announcement Reprints from others.

Wednesday’s Nice News.

Todays headlines. Nice News Photo

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Reprint from Nice News.

Wednesday • July 20, 2022
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It’s easy to get caught up in all that’s going on in the world, so we wanted to take a moment to highlight some positive strides that humanity has made. According to insights from Our World in Data, well-being indicators like child mortality, famine, and poverty are at all-time lows while life expectancy has significantly increased. “Major progress has also been made on increasing access to clean water and sanitation, reducing malaria, tuberculosis, polio and the spread of HIV/AIDS,” according to the United Nations. And natural disasters are getting less deadly, even in the face of global warming. Learn more about how the world may be doing better than you thought here.

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Today’s NewsN
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plasticsteak1 / iStock
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Nearly 60,000 Beluga Whales Are Migrating: Watch Them on Livestream

Known as the canaries of the sea, beluga whales are famous for their white coloring and vocalizations. While these social and playful sea creatures spend much of the year in the Arctic Ocean, they embark on a mass migration each summer to Hudson Bay in northeastern Canada to feed, molt, and give birth to calves in the shallow waters. Approximately 57,000 belugas have officially begun the journey and Polar Bears International (PBI) has partnered with Explore.org to record every second on live webcams.

PBI’s beluga boat, Delphi, was outfitted with one camera on deck to film the water’s surface while another camera records the whales underwater, giving viewers an up-close look at the mass migration. The livestream officially started on Friday to coincide with Arctic Sea Ice Day to raise awareness of melting polar ice caused by climate change. In addition to providing animal lovers with a rare spectacle, the cameras are also meant to help viewers form a deeper connection with the Arctic and take action to save it.

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PeopleImages / iStock
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30-Minute Class Can Lower Anxiety Levels in Teens, Study Finds

More than 30% of young adults aged 18-25 live with a mental illness in the United States, and psychologists are hopeful of reducing that statistic. According to a new study, involving more than 4,000 secondary school students and university undergraduates, the research found that a single 30-minute online training session could improve teenagers’ stress response. The approach, which was aimed at encouraging a growth mindset with stress and interpreting the body’s reaction to it as a positive, is linked to academic improvement and lower anxiety levels.

The class is the latest among intervention strategies, such as social support, therapy, and relaxation techniques, proven to improve mental health among teens. This particular intervention had a lasting effect on academic achievement nine months later, with students being 14% more likely to pass their courses at the end of the school year. “We’re trying to change teenagers’ beliefs about stressful situations and their responses to stressful situations,” Dr. David Yeager, a psychologist at the University of Texas at Austin and study author, told The Guardian. “We’re trying to get teenagers to realize that when you’re doing something hard and your body starts to feel stressed, that could be a good thing.”

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MediaNews Group / The Mercury News via Getty Images
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The Navy’s Blue Angels Selects Its First Female Jet Demonstration Pilot

Lt. Amanda Lee is making history in the sky. The U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels has welcomed her to its flight demonstration squadron, making Lee the first female fighter jet demonstration pilot to ever join the aerial acrobatics team in its 76-year history. She is expected to begin performing as a F/A-18E/F demonstration pilot early next year after she completes a five-month training with the other new recruits, who were announced this week.

Since it was formed in 1946, the famous Blue Angels have performed aerial displays at air shows and sporting events. Lee is currently on a flight demonstration team, Strike Fighter Squadron 106, and is stationed at Virginia’s Naval Air Station Oceana. Three years ago, she participated in the first all-female flyover in honor of one of the Navy’s first female pilots. Lee, who follows in the footsteps of hundreds of women who have served with the Blue Angels over the past decades, said in 2019: “When I come into the ready room right now, I’m a pilot first, a person second, and my gender really isn’t an issue.”

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Sponsored by Apollo Neuroscience, Inc
Stress Less and Sleep Better With the Apollo Wearable
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Do you want to calm your body and clear your mind? We at Nice News always want you to feel and perform at your greatest, and that’s why we recommend the Apollo™️ wearable. Designed to restore balance to the nervous system, the stylish device trains your body to manage stress better and enjoy more restful sleep each night.

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A clear mind begins with a calm body. Get your Apollo™️ wearable for 10% off today.

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In Other Newsimg
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Researchers have developed a new method to diagnose Parkinson’s disease in its early stages using quantitative MRI.

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Toys “R” Us is coming back! The toy store will open new locations inside every Macy’s in the U.S. just in time for the holiday season.

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An Indiana man is being hailed a hero after risking his life to save five children from a burning home.

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The first underwater archaeological park opened in Cyprus, allowing visitors to explore one of the best preserved ancient harbors in the eastern Mediterranean.

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Nearly 25 years after Princess Diana’s death, Prince Harry reflected on the iconic photo of his mother meeting Nelson Mandela. “What jumped out was the joy on [her] face,” Harry said.

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Post of the Dayimg
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@allysonfelix
The most decorated track star has run her final championship race. Allyson Felix, who won 11 Olympic medals and 19 world championship medals throughout the course of her career, helped the U.S. secure the bronze in the mixed 4x400m relay final at the 2022 World Athletics Championships on Friday. As she readies for her next chapter, there’s no one Felix hopes to inspire more than her 3-year-old daughter Camryn. Felix, who will officially retire from running in August, said: “I’m definitely going to be telling her about the journey that I’ve been on and really just how to overcome adversity and how to stand up for what you believe in.” (Photo Credit: Steph Chambers / Getty Images)
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Quote of the Dayimg
“The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance; The wise grows it under his feet.”
– James Oppenheim
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Public Service Announcement

PSA: Why Is My Check Engine Light On?

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Why Is My Check Engine Light On?

Deb Hipp
Hot weather is upon us.
Maybe you once sang along with Meatloaf’s “Paradise by the Dashboard Lights” song without considering what those lights meant. Of course, now you know that your vehicle’s dashboard warning lights serve an important function that goes well beyond just a backdrop for nighttime auto romance.

It may seem daunting to decode all those symbols and colors alerting you to potential safety hazards, mechanical issues or even minor things that need attention. Fortunately, you don’t have to be baffled by dashboard warning lights.

This guide to seven important dashboard lights can give you a jump start on the road to safer driving and help you stay on top of vehicle maintenance and repairs.

What Do Dashboard Alert Colors Mean?

Warning symbols differ among makes and models, but dashboard warning lights typically appear in three or four different colors, each signaling the level of urgency.

  • Green or blue lights notify that certain features of your car — cruise control or headlights, for example — are active and working properly.
  • Yellow or amber lights often signal a less urgent potential safety issue or hazard, such as a prompt to engage traction control on icy roads or air up tires.
  • Red warning lights can indicate a serious problem with important auto components such as the engine or transmission.

Dashboard Warning Lights Guide

While dashboard warning lights vary depending on the type of car or truck, below are seven warning lights that should catch your attention.

1. Check Engine

When the check engine light appears and stays on, the warning can signal a serious problem with your car’s engine. But the warning light can also come on due to minor issues such as a loose wire or gas cap not being fully closed.

What to do: Don’t ignore your vehicle’s check engine light and never continue driving when this light comes on if it’s accompanied by worrisome noises or other obvious problems. Even if your car displays no other symptoms of an engine issue, visit your mechanic for a full diagnostic test to get to the source of the problem.

2. Engine Coolant

This red warning symbol often appears when your car’s engine overheats due to running out of engine coolant (antifreeze). The engine temperature light may also indicate other serious issues that can create problems in need of repairs.

What to do: Don’t ignore this important warning, or your vehicle’s engine could sustain major damage. Pull over, and let the car cool down for 15 minutes without popping the hood to avoid steam burns and injuries. Call roadside assistance for a coolant top-off or a tow to your auto mechanic to check out the problem.

3. Oil Pressure

That dripping oil can icon might simply let you know that you need to top off your engine’s oil supply. But this warning can also indicate serious issues, including an engine leak or a broken piston ring or oil pump. Ignoring this dashboard warning and continuing to drive without checking it out can lead to significant repair bills.

What to do: Check your oil with the engine dipstick, adding more if necessary. If topping off the oil doesn’t shut off the warning light, take your vehicle to a mechanic for a checkup.

4. Battery Alert

The battery warning light appears when there is an issue with your vehicle’s charging system, including the battery itself or other electrical components such as wiring or the alternator. Ignoring this light could leave you stranded with a car that won’t start.

What to do: Most auto parts stores will check your car’s battery for free and replace a drained battery when you purchase a new one. For a full battery and electrical system check, make an appointment with your mechanic to rule out other electrical issues.

5. Tire Pressure Monitor

This amber, partial circle with tire tread at the bottom and an exclamation point inside lets you know when tire pressure is low or overinflated, which can affect driving safety and fuel consumption. The gauge could also display each tire’s air pressure.

What to do: Pull over, and refill or release air in the affected tires to the recommended pressure level displayed on the tire.

6. Brake System

The brake system warning light can appear if you try to pull out while the parking brake is still engaged. But the alert can also signal serious brake problems that may need to be repaired or replaced or an issue with the vehicle’s anti-lock braking system.

 

What to do: Disengage the parking brake if that’s the reason the light is on. If the light continues to glow, visit a mechanic for a thorough
brake inspection.

7. Reduced Engine Power

This warning light alerts you to problems with air or fuel flow to the engine. The reasons could be as simple as an air filter that needs replacing. But the light can also indicate low oil pressure, leaks in hoses or engine performance issues in need of repair.

What to do: Take your vehicle to a mechanic for a diagnostic test to locate causes.

Review Your Owner’s Manual

This list covers some of the most important dashboard light warnings and notifications. However, there are many additional alerts to pay attention to, including low fuel, door ajar, low windshield washer, power steering, airbags and more.

Take a few minutes to look up your car’s dashboard lights and manufacturer recommendations in the vehicle’s owner’s manual. That way, you’ll know how to gauge warnings and notifications and when to visit a mechanic.

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