Random links of interest, concern or curiosity from the past week or so, that deserve at least a SHORT mention:

 
Maryland Legislators Stand Against LGBT Activists to Protect Children ~ A bit of good news on the radical homosexual front; pushing back against legislation banning change therapy ~

“Change therapy bans are a flagrant violation of a client’s right to self-determination,” says Mat Staver, Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel. “The teens we represent do not want to act on same-sex attractions, nor do they want to engage in such behavior. They have asked for our help because they are greatly benefiting from change therapy. Their self-esteem and their relationships have improved.”

 
The Minimum-Wage Executive Order Is Unconstitutional ~ this order is incompatible with the expressed and implied will of Congress. Yet another illegal action by a president who continually mocks the oath he swore to uphold the Constitution.
 

When Sportsmanship Trumps Cereal Boxes ~ Some heart-warming Olympic moments. Grab a tissue for THIS video.

 
Kim Jong Un spends more money on luxury goods than his father, UN report finds ~

An estimated 80,000 to 120,000 people are currently being detained in North Korean political prison camps, the Korea Institute for National Unification says, based on satellite imagery and first-hand testimony […]
 
Testimony about one detention facility revealed that it was equipped with a water tank, long needles that are driven under prisoners’ fingernails, and shackles used to hold people upside down, the report states.

One evil bastard(!) – but then we’ve known that for years. So I’m skeptical that the U.N.’s motivation is entirely altruistic, although glad that they’re finally acknowledging the truth.
 

Australia on their renewable-energy mandates: “We’re kinda’ over it” ~ Wouldn’t it be nice if the O’Ministration ditched the emotional appeal and pseudo-science and faced reality as well? Instead, we’ve got ~ Secretary of State John Kerry reporting for duty in the war against climate change.

Sex and Lies in Current TN School Textbooks ~ Warning: if you graduated before Clinton was in office your head might explode after seeing what they’re teaching fourth graders now.

 
NHS accused of covering up high death rates at string of hospitals ~ In Great Britain; just one more ugly consequence of government controlled health care. Coming soon to a town near you
 
On John Maynard Keynes and the Hollow Man Phenomenon ~ How the early 20th century (and extremely amoral) economist poisoned our entire financial system. Very enlightening – as is almost everything from Ann Barnhardt.
 
US Supreme Court set to review case of German homeschooling family that Obama admin wants deported ~
The United States Supreme Court has scheduled Romeike v. Holder for review conference February 21. The court is expected to rule on whether or not to take the case and announce the ruling in its February 24 orders.

 
In pictures: Crowds hike across frozen Lake Superior to see ice caves ~ Very cool!