A city girl in the Sticks

PLEASE READ!!! -- Sale of Children's books banned as of 2/10/09

 Hello and Happy New Year!!!

I received this email and am forwarding it here - if you know of something different PLEASE let me know!!

God Bless,

Anne

I just found out about this.  I have reprinted below an email from a fellow homeschooler who sells used books... Basically, the government was concerned about the problem with lead in toys in the year 2007.  Last year, they made a law that requires companies to test their products for lead... the bad thing is that they are not only requiring this for new products manufactured as of 2/10/09, but they are applying this law retroactively... in other words, all items for sale (used or new) intended for children ages 12 and under, that don't have the certification that the item is lead free CAN NOT be sold (garage sales, used book sales, thrift stores, consignment stores, etc).  The law also states that the items can not be given away... that means the landfills will become full of these very good items.  What a waste!  The law also states that it's not only for children's toys, but also for books, cd's, dvds, clothing, etc

 I am still researching this, trying to figure it all out.  I have a used book business on Amazon.com, so this does affect me (although my children's book sales are not the main bulk of my sales).  This will affect used book sales (curriculum fairs as well).  It will also affect thrift stores, such as Goodwill, they will not be allowed to sell children's toys, clothes, dvd's, cd's or books as of 2/10/09 unless the items have been certified to be lead-free.  The testing for each item for lead can be very costly, which of course will keep the thrift stores from selling any of these items.  It also affects my family, because we do buy used clothing and educational books from thrift and consignment stores (still in great condition).  This will also drive up the prices of new merchandise, since they have to all be tested.  Some people are calling 2/10/09 the "National Bankruptcy Day" because if this law is not changed, it will drive many, many small businesses out of business.  Think:  children's consignment stores, thrift stores, used book stores, crafters that make children's items (can not afford the testing), and many others.  It will even affect the big businesses, who will have to trash anything for children on their shelves that have not had the lead-free certification by 2/10/09. 

I wanted to make everyone aware of this, like I said, I'm still trying to understand it all... hopefully something will change, because it just doesn't make any sense.  At a time when our economy is down and people are struggling, it seems ludicrous that families will not be able to purchase used items for their children.  The email below has information about where to go to get more information about this, as well as who to contact if you want to let your opinions be heard on this issue.

The Sale of Children's Books to be Banned

  ---

  Oh, how I wish this were a joke!  But it is a grim and looming, almost Orwellian, reality.

  Effective February 10th, in the United States, the sale of all children's books (books intended for children ages 12 and under) is to be PROHIBITED.  Every single book printed prior to the ruling is affected, whether new or used.  New books in production are required to include a "lead-free" certification and will be the only books that are legal to offer for sale.

  What does this mean to the homeschooling family?

  Well, for one, curriculum fairs across the country will be cancelled as book vendors scramble to figure out how to comply with the new ruling.  Complete book inventories will have to be destroyed -- the ruling even prohibits giving away the books! Local thrift stores will be hard hit -- most will likely have to close their doors -- yes, even Goodwill and Salvation Army.   Clothing, toys and books -- even CDs and DVDs are included in the ruling.  Thrift stores will no longer be able to accept or process anything (including clothing) that would be intended for a child.  No more library sales.  Libraries will not be permitted to give away or sell book donations.  It is unsure yet, however, how the libraries' shelves themselves will be impacted (the ruling doesn't explicitly mention "loaning" books, just selling or giving them away).  The key word, however, is "distribution" -- libraries may well be required to destroy books from their shelves.

  (The ruling that originally passed was about toys, but the EPA has since made a statement that clothing, books and media are included in "children's toys".)

  Just how serious is this new law?

  Amazon.com has already notified all vendors of their need to comply. No book can be sold at the Amazon site that was printed prior to compliance.  And the "compliance" must be coordinated at the manufacturing stage.  At the time of this article there is no clause to be able to grandfather-in older books or even rare out-of-print books.  It can cost between $500 and $1500 to test a book for lead.

  I happen to own a children's bookstore specializing in living books from the 1950s and '60s.  My punishment for selling a book after February 10^th: up to $100,000 and 5 years in jail.  And yes, it is a felony charge.  For selling a SINGLE book.  (Although I don't think the S.W.A.T. team scenario would become a reality overnight, at the same time I would be leery of blatantly violating Federal law.)

  So what can you do to help save your local used bookstore that sells children's books, or that homeschool curriculum business, or your EBay business selling children's items? 

  ACT NOW before the quickly approaching deadlines:

  1) Email or call the CPSIA - the office of the CPSC ombudsman at 1-888-531-9070.  http://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/newleg.aspx
     Comments on Component Parts Testing accepted through January 30, 2009.  Or email: Sec102ComponentPartsTesting@cpsc.gov

  2) Contact your local representatives. For their contact information, just enter your zip code.  http://capwiz.com/americanapparel/dbq/officials/

  3) Make your voice heard by voting on this issue!  The top 3 in each category will be presented to President-elect Obama.

http://change.org/ideas/view/save_handmade_toys_from_the_cpsia

  4) Sign the petition.     http://ipetitions.com/petition/economicimpactsofCPSIA/index.html

  5) Spread the word!  Forward this article.  Send an email.  Write about this on your blog.  Tell others about this issue and encourage them to do the same.

  ---

  For the complete story, read the following links:    

• http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html

• Consumer Product Safety Commission Summaries on Legislation Index page for Children's Products Containing Lead; Lead Paint Rule and other rulings: http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/legislation.html#summaries

• Office of the General Counsel FAQ on retroactive inventory requirements -- The use of forward effective dates appears to force current inventories to adhere to the ruling on February 10th, 2009:      http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/summaries/101brief.html

• Specific FAQ on their interpretation of books and other media to be included in the testing of lead based products:           http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/faq/101faq.html

• Effective Date: Lead content limit of 600 ppm becomes effective 180 days after enactment. An advisory opinion regarding the application of the new lead limit to inventory existing at the effective date can be found on our web site at:        http://www.cpsc.gov/library/foia/advisory/317.pdf

• Getting the Lead out: There is no lead in children's books:     http://news.bookweb.org/news/5695.html

• There is no lead in Children's books: From a Pedtrician:            http://health.yahoo.com/experts/childhealth/3955/is-there-lead-in-baby-books/

Moving

Expelled - I really want to see this movie!!

“…I love Ben Stein. We worked together in politics many years ago. He’s a charming, engaging, and very bright guy. He’s on the right track here. What he’s doing in this film is extremely important because it is opening up an honest debate in the public square where people can hear reasoned arguments on both sides and make their own conclusions.…” - See: “Myths about ‘Expelled’”
—Chuck Colson, Radio Commentator, Founder of Prison Fellowship

“…I urge everyone not to miss ‘EXPELLED: No Intelligence Allowed.’ I found it riveting, eye-opening, and even astonishing. Ben Stein does a masterful job of exposing the ruthlessness of evolutionists who will go after anyone who challenges or merely questions Darwinian orthodoxy. I was on the edge of my seat -- entertained yet instructed. This movie is a must-see. Challenge school board members in your community to watch this well-produced documentary. Even pay for their tickets, but get them there! Congratulations to Ben Stein and the producers for the courage to create a much-needed perspective on the erosion of freedoms in America.…”
—Ken Ham, President of the world’s largest apologetics [or Bible-defending] ministry, Answers in Genesis, and the newly opened Creation Museum

“…“Ben Stein’s film, ‘EXPELLED: No Intelligence Allowed,’ makes a powerful case for ‘Intelligent Design’ in explaining the origins of life and the creation of the universe. It also exposes an entrenched and aggressive Darwinist establishment in academia that suffocates all competing points of view. Highly qualified professors and scientists who dare to question evolutionary orthodoxy are systematically excluded or summarily dismissed. It is political correctness run amuck on university campuses. Stein sets out on a mission to find out why I.D. is most often expelled from the public square, and what he discovers in this riveting documentary is incredibly enlightening. I recommend the film enthusiastically.…”
—James C. Dobson, Ph.D., Chairman of the Board, Focus on the Family

A good thought

Help

Hi guys,
I'd like to edit/ change my blog, but have NO clue how to do this.  I had wanted to add a scripture tag to the side and center the blog and well, let's just say it wasn't very pretty.  Is there anywhere I can go to get help for this?
Thanks in advance,
Annie

When I say... "I am a Christian"

I saw this on toby0103's blog; thanks for permission to use it, Michelle!

I pray it blesses you all the way that it did me.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin."
I'm whispering "I was lost," Now I'm found and forgiven.

When I say..."I am a Christian" I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble and need CHRIST to be my guide.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak and need HIS strength to carry on.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not claiming to be perfect.
My flaws are far too visible but, God believes I am worth it.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not holier than thou.
I was a simple sinner who received God's good grace, somehow.

~Maya Angelou

Striving, to stive

"This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance (and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of of all men, and especially of those who believe."  (NIV)

"This is a true saying, and by all means worthy to be received.

For therefore we labor and are rebuked, because we trust in the living God, which is the Savior of all men, specially of those that believe."

"What availeth it my brethren, though a man saith, he hath faith, when he hath no works?  can that faith save him?"  James 2:14 (Geneva Bible)

"I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing."  John 14 12 (NIV)

"All these people were still living by faith when they died.  They did not recieve the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance.  And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth.  People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own.
If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return.  Instead, they were longing for a better country - a heavenly one.  Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them." 

Hebrews 11:13-16 (NIV)

introductions

Good Morning!

Part of what drove me to blog is that our family has been sick.   To entertain myself whilst my dear ones lay around (I was laying around there for a while, too) I thought of what to write about.

About us:

My dear, sweet hubby and I have four beautiful children and two cats.  My two eldest are girls and the youngest are boys.  I have homeschooled them for the last seven years.  The Lord has done so much in our family; we have so much to be grateful for.  I was born and raised in New York City and to know me now, well, except that I'm still called 'pushy' by some, you'd never know it.  God has reformed my heart, mind and attitire; I now look as much or more like a country girl than the people I know that grew up there.  Isn't our God amazing!

I have in the last couple of years tried change over to a more natural way of living.  My eldest lovest to bake - so we started baking our own bread. YUM!  A dear friend introduced me to Sue Gregg cookbooks and I (well we all have) have learned so much about eating healthy!  I loved to cook before, but there is something so wonderful about having a planned, healthy menu, thank you, God!

Well, we're well enough to do school, so I must get back to it, but how nice to chat with you!

God Bless!

my first entry

Have you read any books that moved you, lately?

Most recently, I read the trilogy Red, White and Black by Ted Dekker. Red was the best of the bunch, but they were all sort of interesting. For those that have read them, what did you think about the author's description of love? I found it enlightening!

I have many favorite books.

• Redeeming Love
• Phantom Tollbooth
• Les Miserable
• Sister Wendy's art books
• anything illustrated by Bill Peet!

 There are more, but I wanted to get a couple out there and tried to be eclectic.

Have a scripture that spoke to your heart? Please share it with me.

I found this in my quiet time:

Proverbs 11:17 (from the Geneva Bible) "He that is merciful, rewardeth his own soul: but he that troubleth his own flesh, is cruel."

This spoke to me. I actually misread the first part when I first read this; I reversed the beginning to read 'he that rewardeth his own soul, is merciful'. I think I did this because the last part of this took me so aback. The NIV translates this differently:

"A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man brings harm to himself."

Hmm...

I hope that God has blessed your time here!