This Day in History: 3,106-Carat Diamond Found in Africa

On this day in 1905, at the Premier Mine in Pretoria, South Africa, a 3,106-carat diamond is discovered during a routine inspection by the mine's superintendent. Weighing 1.33 pounds, and christened the "Cullinan," it was the largest diamond ever found.

RELATED STORY

• Queen of diamonds: Together for the first time, the royal gems all cut from one legendary stone (UK Daily Mail)

Video of the Day: Queen Michelle Rolls Eyes at John Boehner—Video Goes Viral

The first lady’s new bangs did not conceal the queen’s eye roll after listening to a comment from the Ohio Republican congressman and Speaker of the House of Representatives, John Boehner and who incidentally, is second in line to the presidency.  Could the queen's ill-manners and behavior become a liability to her husband in his second term?

If the queen  can’t mind her manners at the grown up’s table,  maybe she should be moved back to the “kid’s table." (a.k.a. cards table).

She’s obviously no Jacquelyn Kennedy or Laura Bush.

Video of the Day: The Presidents- Washington to Monroe 1789-1825

President Obama was sworn into office on Sunday just before noon, officially beginning another four-year term. “I did it,” Obama said to the first lady, new bangs and all and his two daughters Sasha and Malia.  Meet America'f first five presidents

America’s 44^th president is now a lame-duck president.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

―  Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

OPENING LYRICS to this song:

One man come in the name of love
One man come and go
One man come here to justify
One man to overthrow
In the name of love!
One man in the name of love
In the name of love!... Full lyrics here

Tuesday, January 21 is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, now known as Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service.

Here is U2 performing “In The Name Of Love,” A tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr. from the group's album " “The Unforgettable Fire.”

More from John W. Whitehead, president of The Rutherford Institute.

Update on Saturday, January 19, 2013 at 7:53 AM by Basil Ryan

Five interesting facts about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

O’Reilly: “Are We responsible for the chaos that is enveloping America?”

This “Talking Points”  commentary “by  Bill O’Reilly aired last night, January 18, and, in our opinion, rings true in many respects; foremost—elections have consequences .

• U.S. Government's Fiscal Years 2012 and 2011 Consolidated Financial Statements (GAO-13-271R, Jan 17, 2013)

Founding Fathers’ Quotes You Should Know

We’re particularly fond of Benjamin Franklin’s quotes at the beginning of this video.

Resource: "When governments fear the people, there is liberty..."

Founder’s Quote Daily: Political Leaders

“It behooves you, therefore, to think and act for yourself and your people. The great principles of right and wrong are legible to every reader; to pursue them requires not the aid of many counselors. The whole art of government consists in the art of being honest. Only aim to do your duty, and mankind will give you credit where you fail.”— Thomas Jefferson:  A Summary View of the Rights of British America

This Week’s Most Popular Stories

What are Your Neighbor’s Reading?

Here are  the three most popular stories onFIJ this week to-date.  Here is what your neighbors are reading.

1. City Adds Confusion to Sewer Tax Issue
2. Franklin School Board sets the bar for Dysfunctional Government
3. Georgetown Law Professor Elaborates on his ‘Downright Evil’ Constitution Claim

Thank you for reading.

Obama Single-handedly Amends Second Amendment 19 Times

White House Plan on Guns to Include 19 Executive Actions

Obama Clearly Out of Touch With Americans on Gun Control and the Second Amendment

RELATED STORIES

• Texas congressman, Reagan AG warn of impeachment if Obama Moves on Guns (FNC)
•  
• Gun Sales Surge with New Restrictions Expected out of D.C. (FNC video report)

Video of the Day: Spielberg's “Lincoln” leads Oscar race with 12 Nominations

Steven Spielberg's epic film about our 16th president and his battle to end slavery garnered plenty of votes for the 85th Academy Award and topped all other films with a total of 12 nominations, including best picture.

 

Here are show times at Franklin’s Marcus Showtime Cinema. 

SUPPORT FRANKLIN BUSINESSES

RELATED MATERIAL

• Emancipation Proclamation -- Hear and Read the Full Text –Abraham Lincoln

The Founders' Key

Reviving America's Founding Principles

This is an outstanding, one-hour video lecture advocating limited representative government presented  by Hillsdale College president Dr. Larry P. Arnn and serves as a companion video to Arnn’s book “The Founders' Key” by Dr. Larry Arn, president, Hillsdale College.  W strongly recommend "The Founders' Key" to all our readers.

RELATED MATERIAL

• Obama invoking executive order for gun control (The Washington Times)

• The Constitution: A Reader (Hillsdale College)
  

• The Northwest Ordinance
• The Homestead Act of 1862

• Understanding executive orders and the powers they grant (Voteocracy.com blog)

Sen. Graham warns Obama to ‘tread lightly’ on gun-control measures (The Hill)

• Liberty and Learning: The Evolution of American Education

Franklin’s Leaders, Cowering Behind and Under Their Desks Over New Sewer Tax?

The Daily Reporter notes “They  might be difficult to see, but those are Franklin’s leaders, behind their desks, cowering.”

Video of the Day: Top 10 Greatest Drivers in NASCAR History

NASCAR’s 2013 season kicks off February 21-24 with the Daytona 500 on February 24, 2013, 1:00 PM EST on Fox Sports.

Division Championship: Packers vs 49ers: Final Thoughts From Packers.com.

Packers.com's Vic Ketchman and Mike Spofford preview the Green Bay Packers' NFC Divisional playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park. Vic and Mike identify what to watch for in tonight’s  game.  Click here.

Video of the Day: A Look at the FX in HBO’s Mini Series “John Adams”

Video of the Day: A Look at the FX in HBO’s Mini Series “John Adams.”

Ceck out this FX feature from  HBO’s miniseries "John Adams.”

Pretty amazing stuff!

Will Packers Activate Quickie This Weekend?

Fan pressure mounting to activate Donald Driver for this weekend's game againt the 49ers.

Some Green Bay Packers fans have started a Facebook page called Activate Donald Driver, presumably aimed at getting the Packers to put Driver on their active roster this weekend.  Read more at JSOnline.

RELATED STORY

• Donald Driver hopes for one Last Bow(JSOnline)

City Adds Confusion To Sewer Tax Issue

The following article appeared in “The Daily Reporter” (subscription required), a sister publication of The Business Journal.

The story was emailed to us was sent to us by its reporter, Beth Kevit, who tells us she used a number of our stories on the Ryan Creek Interceptor for background.

Here is what is being handed-out at City Hall to property owner questioning the new sewer tax.

sewer tax by fFRANKLIN INDEPENDENT FRANKLIN INDEPENDENT JOURNAL

Look to THE FRANKLIN INDEPENDENT JOURNAL for further developments on this story.

Another Missed Opportunity for Franklin?

We can’t say we were surprised to learn that Franklin’s Community Development Authority or whatever they they’re called today, missed this opportunity.

What is clear however is that Milwaukee County was not asleep at the wheel and was prepared to take advantage of this opportunity.  Thank goodness we beat the county to the punch when a fish farm needed a home; so we got that goin for us--which is nice.

Video of the Day: Capitalism Takes Avantage of Obamacare’s 13,000 Pages

Lucy and Norm: An Honor Flight Love Story

We met World War II veteran Lucy Cohn on an Honor Flight trip in May 2011. That experience had a profound experience on us and I think it will make an impression on you, too. Her story is here—Clay Broga –producer , “Honor Flight”

This is what Honor Flight is all about.  One more thing.

Honor Flight movie returns to Wisconsin!