Today's Feature

Reforming Illegal Immigration Policy in Missouri.

Senate Bill 858 received first-round approval in the Missouri Senate last week.

According to State Senator Gary Nodler, Senate Bill 858 contains a number of provisions meant to deter illegal immigrants from choosing Missouri as their home.

"Some cities throughout the nation have adopted policies that would give illegal immigrants sanctuary," says Nodler. " This legislation would prohibit municipalities within our state from adopting any such policy. Any city, town, or village that does provide sanctuary to those here illegally would not be able to receive any state grants. Other states have also considered schemes that would allow illegal immigrants to receive a driver’s license. Under SB 858, illegal immigrants would be unable to obtain a driver’s license from the Missouri Department of Revenue. The bill also specifies that a driver’s license issued to an illegal immigrant in another state would not be valid in Missouri. Senate Bill 858 makes sure that Missouri making comprehensive reforms to fight illegal immigration."

Mornin'

For those who have ever had the experience of havin’ ta jump a battery, there is one basic question that is always asked by either the jumper or the jumpee, "You put red on positive?"

Now for those who aren’t experienced in such matters, it really doesn’t matter whether ya put the red on positive or the black cable on positive, what matters is that both batteries are hooked up the same way. If ya don’t hook ‘em up the same way, it can do serious damage to the batteries or the chargin’ system of both vehicles.

To some the knowledge is so basic that you’d think it would be insultin’ ta even question them knowin’ the correct answer, but there is never any offense taken’ cause everone knows how critical it is ta match up the first time. No second chance.

This is some fact, but mostly,
Just Jake Talkin’.

A Fresh Coat for Spring.

Q: In midwinter I moved into an apartment that had been occupied by a smoker. Cleaning up wasn’t too bad -- there was no carpet to worry about, and the drapes had been removed. However, the walls are all dingy and I’d like to freshen up the place. Will my landlord allow me to paint the apartment? Do you have any tips on making the apartment look bigger and airier? -- Jeri K., via e-mail

A: Painting your apartment shouldn’t be a problem. Most apartment leases include sections on redecorating -- specifically painting, wallpapering and carpeting. Check your lease to see if there are any limits on the types of colors one can use or even if the apartment management or landlord offers any rebates for doing improvements yourself.

Most landlords want to be informed of any painting or related work in an apartment. A heads-up is not only polite, but can also be helpful if there are areas that the landlord needs you to avoid or to be careful around, or if he or she would prefer that you use latex or oil-based paints.

Here are a few tips:

• Wash the walls a couple of days before painting by dipping a sponge in warm, soapy water and wringing it out well. This will remove grimy residue and help the new coat of paint better adhere to the old surface.

• Apply spackling paste over unused nail holes and smooth using a putty knife.

• Try to use the same type of paint -- latex or oil-based -- as the old coat. If this is not possible or you don’t know for sure, apply a coat of primer paint the day before painting.

• The same goes for significant color changes, especially if you’re painting a light color over a darker one -- apply primer beforehand.

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HOME TIP: Painting the walls and ceiling with lighter colors can make a room seem bigger, brighter and cooler, while darker colors give a room a warmer, cozier feel.