Apr 27, 2012

Video: WTSP TV cameras expose Florida horse rescue with animal cruelty complaints

TAMPA- WTSP Channel 10 News aired a Special Report on Thursday night that placed an unfavorable light on the Domino Effect Rescue Ranch in Weeki Wachee, Florida. Within minutes of the broadcast, the owners of Domino Effect, Bob and Dinnelle Ashcraft, began posting threats against Emmy Award winning reporter, Mike Deeson, for "broadcast lies," and threatened him. "You will be held accountable for these lies," Domino Effect said.

The WTSP News Special Report focused on complaints of animal cruelty at Domino Effect Ranch, the underfeeding of 'rescued' horses, and Ashcraft's charity fundraising license, which was revoked by the State of Florida in January after it was discovered that Ashcraft "lied on his application."

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2012 Macbook Pro redesign on its way to Apple stores

A completely redesigned 2012 Macbook Pro appears to be set for mass production in April, giving further support to reports that change is on its way to Apple Stores.

The first of the 2012 Macbook Pro redesigns is reported to be the 15-inch model, which will be shedding its optical drive and taking on the trimmer form of the sleek Macbook Air....Read full story

Apr 12, 2012

Florida Domino Effect ranch banned from soliciting FREE horse donations

Domino Effect Rescue Ranch is no longer allowed to ask people to donate free horses or any other donation. The ranch has been under scrutiny since last November, when a blindfolded horse bound for the Domino Effect ranch was severely injured.

Under a signed agreement with the State of Florida, the Domino Effect Rescue Ranch has agreed to stop soliciting for donations in exchange for avoiding criminal charges from the Florida State Attorney's Office.

Robert Ashcraft, the owner of Domino Effect Rescue Ranch, failed to report his recent felony convictions on his Department of Agriculture application to solicit donations. Convicted felons are not permitted to solicit in the State of Florida.

Ashcraft is allowed to continue operating as a horse dealer, but must do so only with his own money.

According to the Settlement Agreement signed by Ashcraft, failure to comply will result in the State of Florida, "imposing the maximum penalties authorized by Florida Law, and may seek additional remedies in court." (see photo)

 

Apr 11, 2012

What happens if the Supreme Court overturns the Affordable Care Act?




While republicans have objected to healthcare reform, they have also admitted that something needs to be done to contain skyrocketing medical costs.

The GOP solution to the healthcare crisis may be the same as their solution to rising Medicare costs; which is to eventually get phase out the program completely and turn it into a voucher system.

Republicans have been clamoring to repeal the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, since the law was passed in 2010. But what would the GOP replace it with?

There are aspects of the Affordable Care Act that clearly benefits consumers. As of July of 2011, insurance companies could no longer deny coverage because of preexisting conditions. Coverage is also now available for children attending college, as part of the parents' policy.
If the Supreme Court decides to repeal the Affordable Care Act, also called Obamacare, millions of Americans will be effected.

"The more time and money that states invest in implementing the Affordable Care Act and the more patient benefits that kick in, the harder the law becomes to dismantle," according to Roll Call.

As the American population ages, healthcare becomes more than access to doctors. It can mean the difference between life and death.

Voters will be making choices in November 2012 that could change more than the seats in congress. 

The future of how Americans live and die may be decided by the next group of politicians that control the purse strings in Washington, D.C. However, the Supreme Court could change that as well, if they decide to overrule the Affordable Care Act health care law that was passed by Congress.

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