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Sunday, July 29, 2012

Fire Volunteers' Dream Boat Is A Major Drain


What's a tiny volunteer fire company in Bensalem doing with a $1 million taxpayer-funded fireboat tricked out to troll the Delaware River for blazes, bodies, terrorists, and IEDs?

Nothing, besides preening for festival crowds and crashing into objects seen and unseen.

The tale of how the dysfunctional Union Fire Company won a wad of Homeland Security money to buy a state-of-the-art terror-taming boat screams post-9/11 planning at its nuttiest.

The volunteers' bold play to dabble in regional law enforcement has soured relations with Bensalem's paid police department. Two Union chiefs have resigned as a result of boat acrimony and embarrassing accidents. And just maintaining the vessel is draining the fire company's meager resources.

Bensalem locals talk endlessly about the imposing 40-foot, 25,000-pound "Bear on the Delaware" that has been prowling all year but has yet to fight a fire or sniff out a bomb. But no one who had a hand in the grant seems upset that volunteers own a dream machine that may be the death of the company.

Union members insist they "aren't yahoos," but rather, everyday heroes risking their lives for free. Yet even the chief admits they look like showboaters on the big-boy toy.

With fewer than 30 active members - only a handful of whom even live in Bensalem - Union already "scratches," or fails to respond to, nearly a third of its emergency calls. When they make rare marine runs, it's usually to recover bodies. Until this year, the firefighters took off in a modest motorboat to guffaws at a nearby yacht club.

"They're horrible. It's like a comedy of errors when they launch," says Bill Burke, the club's former commodore. "I've seen them put a boat in without the plug in."

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Judge in Zombie Muhammad Case Reprimanded

A judge in Pennsylvania who dismissed charges against a fellow Muslim who was accused of attacking an atheist parading as a zombie Muhammad has been rebuked by state judicial officials.

The state Judicial Conduct Board action concerned Magisterial Judge Mark Martin, of Cumberland County, who was involved in the case that developed last winter when American Atheists’ Pennsylvania State Director Ernest Perce V was marching in a parade, and allegedly was attacked.

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Glenn Beck Calls on America to ‘Stand for What We Believe In’ Before Packed Cowboy Stadium at Restoring Love Event

A packed Cowboy Stadium is hearing inspirational messages about Restoring Love and service to our fellow man from Glenn Beck, who is drawing on our nation’s early heritage to remind the crowd about the foundations on which out nation has been built.

After ringing an authentic copy of the Liberty Bell flown from Philadelphia to Arlington, Texas for the event, Beck passionately spoke of how George Washington prayed at Valley Forge. Beck also brought out one of eight remaining bibles printed by the United States Congress.

Later Beck sat at a carved wooden chair and desk that he revealed to be Abraham Lincoln’s. Using those artifacts and others to establish a clear connection to our nation’s history, Beck told the crowd that “It’s time for us to start to stand for what we believe in. It’s time of us to square our shoulders and take action.”

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Democrats Backpedal as China Readies $15.1 Billion Canadian Oil Deal

When President Barack Obama blocked the Keystone Pipeline, Republicans said the move would encourage Canada to pursue oil deals with China instead of the United States and cede a massive chunk of North American oil assets to the communist nation. 

Now, with China's state-run oil company CNOOC poised to cut a $15.1 billion deal--the largest ever foreign acquisition for a Chinese company--with Canadian oil company Nexen, Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) are in full backpedal mode.

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Reward: $50,000 for 'Khalidi Tape' of Obama at Anti-Israel Party

Breitbart News hereby announces a $50,000 reward to whomever can provide the complete video recording of the 2003 farewell party for radical Palestinian academic and activist Rashid Khalidi, at which then-state senator Barack Obama spoke--and which the Los Angeles Times has refused to release since reporting the event in April 2008.

Then-reporter Peter Wallsten (now with the Wall Street Journal) noted that the event was one of many signs that had encouraged Palestinian-Americans to believe "that Obama is more receptive to their viewpoint than he is willing to say." Wallsten explained:

Their belief is not drawn from Obama's speeches or campaign literature, but from comments that some say Obama made in private and from his association with the Palestinian American community in his hometown of Chicago, including his presence at events where anger at Israeli and U.S. Middle East policy was freely expressed.

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Westboro Shows Up in Dallas to Protest Beck — And Wait Until You Hear One Anti-Westboro Protester’s Shock View

TheBlaze already told you about the fact that the Westboro Baptist Church, the radical, anti-gay group known for picketing fallen soldiers’ funerals, has been planning to protest Glenn Beck’s “Restoring Love.” On Saturday, they made good on that pledge, as they assembled near Cowboys Stadium in Dallas, Texas, to purportedly sing, chant and speak out against Beck.

 Also in attendance were anti-Westboro picketers who stood firmly against the radical “church” members. Interestingly, at least one of the counter-protesters set out to target Beck as well. “Westboro/Beck: I Can’t Decide Who Is Worse.”

Naturally, we wanted to know why the protester was so conflicted, especially considering Westboro’s bizarre track record. After all, Beck is hosting “Restoring Love,” an inspirational event devoted to service and caring for one another. Westboro, as has been evidenced by the group’s past actions, is devoted to picketing funerals and damning homosexuals (and many others) to hell.

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Sen. Schumer Seeks Ban on High Cap Mags and Assault Weapons Next Week

The Cybersecurity Act, which the Senate will vote on next week, will not only contain measures for cyber security but also quite a bit of gun control, if a coalition of Democrats led by Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) get their way. 

When the opportunity to add amendments to the bill arose, a "reasonable" gun control amendment was added by Schumer, then backed by Sens. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and Diane Feinstein (D-CA).

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Ocean City Police Seeking Public’s Assistance In Identifying Assault Suspect

The Ocean City Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in locating the suspect in recent attempted sexual assaults that have occurred in poorly lit, semi-secluded areas near bar establishments. The most recent occurred on July 28, 2012 during the early morning hours.

In each case, a female victim was under the influence of alcohol, alone and walking home when an unknown male initiated a conversation with the victim. After initiating conversation, the unknown male suspect then forces the victim to the ground and attempts to sexually assault them.

The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 5’10”, approximately 170 pounds, and in his mid-20’s to early 30’s.

Ocean City Police are asking anyone with information about similar incidents, and/or the suspect involved to please contact Detective Simpson of the Ocean City’s Criminal Investigation Division at 410-520-5349. Those providing information may remain anonymous.

The OCPD is reminding residents and visitors to use the buddy-system and not walk alone, avoid excessive alcohol consumption, be aware of your surroundings, and walk in highly traveled public areas.

100 Days To Go: Tight race, Defining Moments Left

Stubbornly close and deeply divisive, the presidential race throttles into its last 100 days as an enormous clash over economic vision, with the outcome likely to come down to fall debates, final unemployment numbers and fierce efforts to mobilize voters. It may seem like an election for the whole nation, but only about eight states will decide who wins the White House.

Polling shows the contest between President Barack Obama and Republican Mitt Romney remains remarkably static across the country and in those pivotal states even as both men and their allies pour money into largely negative television advertising to sway opinions.

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NYPD Detective Suspended After Kidnapping Victim Found In His Garage

A 17-year veteran of the New York Police Department has been suspended without pay after a kidnapping victim was found tied up in his garage.

The New York Post reports Ondre Johnson, a detective with the Brooklyn north gang unit, was being questioned in connection with the incident and was forced to surrender his gun and badge.

A source tells the Post the 25-year-old victim was snatched off the street on July 26. The victim's friends then got calls demanding $75,000 for the victim's release.

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2016 Obama's America: The Movie


JULY 27: NOW SHOWING IN NASHVILLE & HOUSTON

Marq'E Stadium 23 — 7620 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX
AMC Gulf Pointe — 11801 South Sam Houston Pkwy E, Houston, TX

AMC First Colony — 3301 Town Centre Blvd., Sugar Land, TX
Santikos Silverado IMAX24 — 720 Tomball Parkway, Tomball, TX
Regal Opry Mills Stadium 21 & IMAX 570 Opry Mills Drive Nashville, TN 37214

OPENING SOON IN 500+ THEATERS NATIONWIDE

To be notified of showings in your area, subscribe to email notification list.

Obama's America: 2016 takes audiences on a gripping visual journey into the heart of the world’s most powerful office to reveal the struggle of whether one man's past will radically redefine America over the next four years. The film examines the question, "If Obama wins a second term, where will America be like in 2016?"

Across the globe and in America, people in 2008 hungered for a leader who would unite and lift us from economic turmoil and war. True to America’s ideals, they invested their hope in a new kind of president, Barack Obama. What they didn't know is that Obama is a man with a past, and in powerful ways that past defines him--who he is, how he thinks, and where he intends to take America ... and the world.

Immersed in exotic locales across four continents, best selling author Dinesh D’Souza races against time to find answers to Obama’s past and reveal where America will be in 2016 should he be re-elected. During this journey D’Souza discovered that Hope and Change was profoundly misunderstood by millions of people who voted for Barack Obama. If you were one of the millions who helped elect America’s first black president — and if you oppose the intentional dismantling of the free enterprise system that made America the most prosperous nation in history — you will not vote for him again after watching Obama’s America: 2016.

Love him or hate him, you don't know him.

This Just In

A SBYNews follower and Mayoral Candidate Supporter dropped this off.

BEHIND THE WHEEL AND IMPAIRED=BEHIND BARS

Eastern Shore Police Take Aim At Drunk Drivers Through Toward Zero Deaths

WHAT: More than 40 State and Local Agencies Join Victims of Drunk Driving to Kick Off Toward Zero Deaths Campaign
· Real-life account of drunk driving tragedy and displays of remembrance from families
· Interview opportunities with Maryland law enforcement leadership
· A poignant, visual representation of 63 lives lost in 2011 on the roadways of the Eastern Shore
· Great visuals of law enforcement vehicles including the Maryland State Police Command Center
· Data on Maryland drunk driving fatalities specifically along the Eastern Shore

WHY: Every 57 hours, or every 3 days, a drunk driver kills someone in Maryland
· In 2011, there were 63 roadway fatalities on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
· In 2011, more than 44 percent of total roadway fatalities occurring on the Eastern Shore were alcohol-drug related deaths.
· Nearly 69 percent of alcohol-impairment-related crashes occur between 6 p.m. and 3 a.m. across the entire state.

WHEN: Wednesday, August 1, 2012

· REMARKS: 11:00 a.m.
· SPEAKERS:
o Jennifer Edwards, Victim Speaker, Mothers Against Drunk Driving
o Tom Gianni, Chief, Maryland Highway Safety Office
o Jerry Jones, Major, Maryland State Police
o David A. Spencer, Chief, Easton Police Department
o Dallas Pope, Sheriff, Talbot County Sheriff’s Office

Interview opportunities available following remarks

WHERE: Talbot County Community Center
10028 Ocean Gateway, Easton, MD
Parking available in adjacent lot
LEARN
MORE: www.towardzerodeathsmd.com

What To Do, What To Do...

The next fiscal year starts in a little over two months but Congress isn't rushing to pass a budget. Leaders on both sides of the aisle say they might delay considering any major spending bills until next year. The idea of passing a six-month stopgap measure appears to be gaining favor. GOP aides said their bosses like the idea. And Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said he'd rather not deal with budget issues during a lame-duck session. Lawmakers already have a packed agenda for the remainder of this term. They have to figure out what to do about sequestration and expiring tax cuts. The six-month stopgap measure would keep the government running at current budget levels.

Agriculture Department In Denial

The Agriculture Department moved quickly to reassure ranchers: Meatless Monday was not their idea. A newsletter tid-bit on the department's internal website posted earlier this week may have led staff to think otherwise by encouraging employees to skip meat on Mondays. The newsletter cited data showing animal agriculture is a major source of greenhouse gases. The agency said the statement was posted without proper clearance. The USDA removed the item after the National Cattlemen's Beef Association complained, questioning the USDA's commitment to farmers and ranchers.

Its All About Who You Know

If you want to work at the Justice Department it may help to have a family member there. A new inspector general's report finds that Justice Department staff are going too far in finding work for their relatives. The inspector general reports at least eight current and former senior-level managers, who worked in the management division and include human resources and finance staff, violated nepotism laws. They allegedly manipulated the hiring process so that their children and other relatives could obtain internships or full-time jobs at Justice. The inspector general report accuses a deputy assistant attorney general of failing to investigate despite warning signs of suspected violations. This is the third time in less than a decade that the inspector general has investigated the management division for improper hiring practices.

More Instructors Under Investigation In Texas Air Force Base

The number of instructors under investigation for sexual misconduct at a Texas Air Force base has gone up again. The count is now at 15 after three more instructors were implicated in the Lackland Air Force base scandal. Seven more alleged victims have also come forward, bringing the count to 38. Military officials declined to identify the three additional instructors now under investigation because they not been charged. Last week, Staff Sergeant Luis Walker was sentenced to 20 years in prison after being convicted of rape and other crimes at the base. Five other instructors have been charged.

For All Practical Purposes, We Now Have Open Borders Under Obama

Don’t take my word for it. Just read this quote from the president of the union representing Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers, Chris Crane.


Prosecutorial discretion for dreamers is solely based on the individual’s claims. Our orders are if an alien says they went to high school, then let them go,” he said at a press conference with GOP senators. “Officers have been told that there is no burden for the alien to prove anything. … At this point we don’t even know why DHS has criteria at all, as there is no requirement or burden to prove anything on the part of the alien.


“We believe that significant numbers of people who are not dreamers are taking advantage of this practice to avoid arrest,” he said.


Crane cited one case in which, he said, an immigrant facing criminal charges was let go under the policy. Further, he complained that officers are “under threat of losing their jobs” if they defy the policy.


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Obama: I Defy You To Believe What I Said About Business

Obama’s desperate protests that his anti-business rant was taken out of context are betrayed both by that very context and because they are a part of a piece — just one more component of his war against the American entrepreneurial spirit.

He would have us believe that his words “you didn’t build that” referred to roads and bridges and not businesses.

Given his accompanying statements — “you didn’t get there on your own,” etc. — that is an absurd construction. But even if that’s what he meant, why would he have felt compelled to point out that businesses don’t succeed without access to roads and bridges? Do roads and bridges not connect the population to failed businesses?

Why would any American president be inclined to think or talk this way? Of course governments — funded by individual and business revenues, by the way — build the roads and bridges, to successful and failed businesses.

But why isn’t Obama moved instead to echo the words of past presidents, who championed small businesses, such as those showcased in Sen. Scott Brown’s campaign ad?

Can anyone imagine Obama, on or off prompter and not under duress, saying the following words, which were said by President Lyndon Baines Johnson? “I am so proud of our system of government, of our system of free enterprise, where our incentive system and our men who head our big industries are willing to get up at daylight and work till midnight to offer employment and create new jobs for people.”

Can you picture Obama, like Ronald Reagan, praising American small businesses as heroes for feeding “a hungry world and keep(ing) our families warm while they invest in the future to build a better America”?

Obama is way too busy criticizing capitalism and the free market for any number of sins that exist only in his mind. Obama can’t possibly champion as heroes those whom he believes have so unfairly exploited a system at the expense of a victim class.

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5 Giant Corporations That Deserve A Special Thank You From All Americans

How often do you hear someone other than a paid spokesman say something nice about corporations? Very, very seldom. It’s all “offshoring,” “They’re not paying their fair share,” “They’re not giving their employees enough,” — and on and on it goes. Even when corporations do something good, they usually don’t get so much as a “thank you.” Sadly, that’s not surprising. After all, as Wilt Chamberlain once said, “Nobody pulls for Goliath.” Well, today, at least one person has something nice to say about a few big corporations.


1) Chick-Fil-A: Until recently, Chick-Fil-A was best known for making the world’s best chicken sandwich, its “Eat mor Chikin” ad campaigns, and for being closed on Sundays for religious reasons. However, its President/CEO recently made news for having the courage to speak out in favor of traditional Christian values.


We are very much supportive of the family — the biblical definition of the family unit. We are a family-owned business, a family-led business, and we are married to our first wives. We give God thanks for that. We operate as a family business … our restaurants are typically led by families; some are single. We want to do anything we possibly can to strengthen families. We are very much committed to that. We intend to stay the course. We know that it might not be popular with everyone, but thank the Lord, we live in a country where we can share our values and operate on biblical principles. …I think we are inviting God’s judgment on our nation when we shake our fist at him and say, ‘We know better than you as to what constitutes a marriage. I pray God’s mercy on our generation that has such a prideful, arrogant attitude to think that we have the audacity to define what marriage is about. — Dan Cathy, Chick-fil-A’s president and chief operating officer


Today, there are hateful, intolerant people attacking Chick-Fil-A for being a decent business that puts its Christian principles first. Chick-Fil-A’s courage and willingness to stand up for its religious beliefs under fire is a shining example not just for other corporations, but for other Christians who’ve been reluctant to do the right thing because they’re afraid someone will get mad at them. So, if you’re going to have some fast food today, why don’t you try a little “chikin?”


Once again, you can read it all here.

TRAFFIC ALERT

New Signal to Become Operational at Route 113 and Cypress Hall Boulevard Intersection

Milford -- The Department of Transportation (DelDOT) advises motorists of daytime intermittent lane closures on Route 113 and Cypress Hall Boulevard in Milford. DelDOT's Traffic Signal Construction section in conjunction with Kriss Contracting will be finishing the installation of signal poles, signal cabling, and pedestrian signal indications. The signal is scheduled to go on flash operation starting on Tuesday, July 31 and will be converted to a full stop and go operation on Friday, August 3. Message boards will be on site to advise motorists of the new traffic pattern.

Democrat Senate Passes Tax Bill To Stick It To Job Creators

Interestingly, if they really cared about the middle class, they’d call for a reduction in taxes on those making less than $200k individual/$250 joint

(Washington Post)
The Senate on Wednesday narrowly approved a plan to preserve tax cuts for the middle class while letting them expire for the wealthy, a powerful if largely symbolic victory for Democrats who have been pushing to raise taxes on the rich for more than a decade.

The measure is dead on arrival in the Republican-controlled House, where leaders are preparing to vote next week on their own plan to extend the George W. Bush-era tax cuts for households at every income level through 2013.

The vote was symbolic, because all tax measures must originate in the House. But, the vote shows that Democrats are willing to raise taxes on small business owners in the middle of terrible economic conditions, an increase that is comparable to spit in a large bucket of federal spending.

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A STUNNING VIEW OF FORECLOSURE

Boise , Idaho -- 1 in 21 homes in foreclosure (The red dots show all foreclosures in process)

Sarasota , Fla. -- 1 in 21 homes in foreclosure


Tampa , Fla. -- 1 in 20 homes in foreclosure


Sacramento , Calif. -- 1 in 19 homes in foreclosure


Naples , Fla. -- 1 in 18 homes in foreclosure



Riverside , Calif. -- 1 of 14 homes in foreclosure


Miami -- 1 in 14 homes in foreclosure


Phoenix -- 1 in 14 homes in foreclosure


Cape Coral , Fla. -- 1 in 12 homes in foreclosure


Las Vegas -- 1 in 9 homes in foreclosure

U.S. Leads The World In Auto Sales

When it comes to auto sales, the United States is leading the rest of the world. Automakers in China, India, and Europe are struggling with falling sales, but the United States is surging. In the first half of this year, auto sales in Chine rose a mere 2.9%. But, in the United States, auto sales are up 15%. According to estimates, the U.S. is on track to sell 14.5 million cars this year – the most in five years. It wasn't too long ago when Detroit was on the verge of collapse. President Obama stepped in and took bold action to rescue American auto manufacturers – while Republicans like Mitt Romney criticized his efforts. Now we know the right course of action was taken.

Obama Getting Tough On Gun Control

President Obama spoke tough words on gun control Wednesday night in a speech at the Urban League in New Orleans. One week after the Colorado massacre, the President urged common-sense gun controls like full criminal background checks for gun purchasers and new measures to ensure the mentally ill can't buy guns. The President also hinted that he'd support a ban on assault rifles saying, "AK-47s belong in the hands of soldiers, not in the hands of criminals." President Obama sounded more like Senator Obama, who had a much tougher stance on gun control, supporting a ban on all semi-automatic weapons as a state senator, and as a U.S. Senator voting down legislation to protect gun manufacturers and sellers from lawsuits when someone is killed using their products. Despite the conspiracy theories coming from the NRA and other gun interest groups, gun rights in America have expanded under President Obama. Let's hope Members of Congress grow a spine, say no to the NRA's blood money, and enact some much-needed gun controls to curb this epidemic of gun violence in America.

Fukushima

500 days have now passed since the Fukushima nuclear crisis in Japan began. And one thing's clear – it's still an extremely dangerous situation. A Japanese newspaper is reporting that plant operators still face a number of hurdles before they can decommission the plant and officially close the book on the crisis – and it could take decades. Those hurdles include trying to determine why 8 million becquerels of radioactive cesium still continues to pour out of reactor number 2 every single hour. Also, half of all the critical thermometers on site are malfunctioning because they've been damaged by high temperatures and high humidity within the plant. There are numerous cooling water leaks. Plus, water contaminated with radiation is accumulating in the basements of the reactor building. And, plant operators still have no clue how they're going to remove massive pools of highly radioactive spent fuel from the roofs of the reactors. As the newspaper reports, "Not only will that work be unprecedented, but the work will also have to be done in an environment of high radiation levels." Oh, and then there's the situation with reactor 4, which could collapse at any moment, triggering a worldwide nuclear disaster worse than Chernobyl. Let's hope nuclear regulators in America are paying attention.

KNIGHT: ‘Eat mor chikin’


Liberals serve up full plate of hate in attack on restaurant

The Atlanta-based, 1,600-restaurant chain, famous for its misspelling-prone cows that urge consumers to “eat mor chikin,” is under a full-scale fascistic assault, complete with obscene celebrity tweets and government bullying.

Acting more like Benito Mussolini than Paul Revere, Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino said he will block Chick-fil-A from opening a restaurant in his city. Chicago Alderman Proco Joe Moreno said he will stop Chick-fil-A from building its second Chicago store. In Philadelphia, Councilman James F. Kenney sent a letter to Chick-fil-A President Dan Cathy advising his company to “take a hike and take your intolerance with you.” Meanwhile, the Jim Henson Co., owner of the Muppets, has canceled a deal to provide toys for Chick-fil-A kids’ meals. This is just the beginning.

What has the dastardly company done? Chick-fil-A’s management, while not political, is an unapologetic defender of traditional values. Like the Boy Scouts, the company has enraged liberals who are at war with nature and nature’s God.

This isn’t the first time Chick-fil-A has been singled out. In February 2011, homosexual activists launched an unsuccessful boycott when they found out that the company donated food to the Pennsylvania Family Institute’s marriage retreat. Seriously, it doesn’t take much to tick them off.

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Publishers Notes: I am filing a FOIA request Monday to find out if Mayor James Ireton sent a similar message to the parent company.

Doctors vs. Gun Owners

Now think about this:

Guns

(A) The number of gun owners in the U.S.

is

80,000,000.

(Yes, that's 80 million)

(B) The number of accidental gun deaths

per year, all age groups,

is

1,500.

(C) The number of accidental deaths

per gun owner

is

.0000188

Statistics courtesy of FBI

So, statistically, doctors are approximately

9,000 times more dangerous than gun owners.

Remember, 'Guns don't kill people, doctors do.'

FACT: NOT EVERYONE HAS A GUN,

BUT

Almost everyone has at least one doctor.
This means you are over 9,000 times more likely to be killed by a doctor as by a gun owner!!!

Please alert your friends

to this

alarming threat.

We must ban doctors

before this gets completely out of hand!!!!!

Out of concern for the public at large,

We withheld the statistics on

lawyers

For fear the shock would cause

People to panic and seek medical attention!

Charges Still Pending Against Crofton Man Accused In Shooting Plot

CROFTON, Md. (WJZ) — New details about the Maryland man police say called himself “The Joker” and was found with an arsenal of weapons after threatening to shoot up his workplace. Monique Griego has the latest from those who knew him.

Early Friday morning SWAT teams raided an apartment at a Crofton complex, and what they found surprised everyone. Police confiscated an arsenal of guns and thousands of rounds of ammunition they say belonged to 28-year-old Neil Edwin Prescott.

“I think we were surprised by the amount and types of weapons inside that apartment,” said Major Edward Bergin, Anne Arundel County Police.

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How To Get Your Asking Price As The Housing Market Improves

Posting the first annual increase in five years, home values rose slightly over this time last year, reports Zillow the online real estate site. In fact, nearly one-third of the 157 metropolitan areas tracked by Zillow showed annual price increases. This is good news for homeowners who have been waiting to put their houses on the market. Before you do, a few simple spruce-ups can help get your asking price.

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Boat Carrying 9 People Sinks Off Ocean City Coast

OCEAN CITY, Md. - A boat with nine people aboard sank about 46 miles east of Ocean City, the U.S. Coast Guard said.

The people aboard the 38-foot boat called the Coast Guard via radio at about 10:30 a.m. Saturday, saying the vessel was taking on water. About a half hour later, the vessel sank, the Coast Guard said.

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The Next Gas-Saving Frontier Could Be Smarter Navigation, Driver Coaching

We've espoused about the need for hybrids to better incorporate geographical data to maximize efficiency. Now researchers at the University of Riverside in California back us up, saying that they expect the range of electric cars could be increased by as much as 10 percent just by feeding into the car data about traffic in real-time, hills, and road surfaces, plus passenger and cargo weight.

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Officer Shot Outside Maryland Nightclub

A Prince George’s County police officer is recovering after she was shot outside a popular nightclub.

It happened early Saturday morning at the Galaxy Nightclub in Langley Park, where authorities say Officer Rachael Jacob was working part-time.

Investigators say that three people were kicked out of the club. They then got into a car and started driving slowly through the parking lot.

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Home Depot Adds Three New Major Appliance Brands

Home Depot may be the largest home improvement retailer but when it comes to selling major appliances it trails behind Sears, the leader, and Lowe's. In a seeming effort to change that, Home Depot has added three new appliance lines, Whirlpool, Electrolux and Frigidaire, brands that are already sold by its competitors. All three have fared pretty well in Consumer Reports appliance tests.

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Philadelphia Area July Transit Savings Report

Washington, DC -- As gas prices creep higher in the Philadelphia area, switching from driving to riding DART public transportation can save individuals on average more than $11, 500 a year. End expensive trips to the pump, and add to your savings by switching to DART public transit as gas prices have inched up consistently over the last two weeks. According to the July Transit Savings Report by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA, individuals who ride public transportation in the Philadelphia area instead of driving can save, on average, $966 this month, and $11,594 annually.

[more]

New Law Imposes Tougher Penalties For Embezzlement

Legislation strengthening penalties for property crimes that was drafted by Attorney General Beau Biden’s office and introduced by Rep. Larry Mitchell and Sen. David B. McBride has been signed into law Gov. Jack Markell. House Bill 185 targets those who steal money from or defraud individuals or organizations, which are often nonprofits and governments.

[more]

Governor Markell Honors Winners Of 27th Annual Youth Fishing Tournament At Delaware State Fair

The three top trophy winners in the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife’s 27th Annual Youth Fishing Tournament were honored today at the Delaware State Fair, where Governor Jack Markell, DNREC Secretary Collin O’Mara and U.S. EPA Region III Administrator Shawn M. Garvin presented them with their trophies.

[more]

Gov. Markell, Secretary Kee Recognize Poultry Industry's Impact On Delaware

In recognition of the impact and achievements of Delaware’s poultry industry, Governor Jack Markell and Secretary of Agriculture Ed Kee presented a new exhibit about the industry to go on display at the Delaware Agricultural Museum & Village on Governor’s Day at the Delaware State Fair.

[more]