DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Saturday, November 02, 2013
Black Mob Violence Suspected In Veteran’s Death
A popular community figure nicknamed the “Hot Tamale King” for his tamale festival work has been beaten to death allegedly by four black youths in another disturbing incident of black mob violence in Jackson, Miss.
Lawrence “Shine” Thornton, 87, died on Oct. 20 after he succumbed to injuries he sustained after the four suspects allegedly attacked him in apparent mugging attempt a few days earlier.
Thornton served as “Hot Tamale King” for the Delta Hot Tamale Festival hosted in Jackson and was well-known in the region and among tamale connoisseurs for his tamale recipe. He also served in World War II
All four suspects have been arrested and have been charged in the murder of Thornton. Two of the suspects are 18 years old and the other two are 19.
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Lawrence “Shine” Thornton, 87, died on Oct. 20 after he succumbed to injuries he sustained after the four suspects allegedly attacked him in apparent mugging attempt a few days earlier.
Thornton served as “Hot Tamale King” for the Delta Hot Tamale Festival hosted in Jackson and was well-known in the region and among tamale connoisseurs for his tamale recipe. He also served in World War II
All four suspects have been arrested and have been charged in the murder of Thornton. Two of the suspects are 18 years old and the other two are 19.
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Doc Expert Unloads: Obama Forgery Greatest Crime; Bloodless Coup By Communist Party
Following the submission of two affidavits at the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington on October 18, The Post & Email contacted the petitioner, Douglas Vogt, to ask him key questions about his claims that the short-form and long-form birth certificates of Barack Hussein Obama are forgeries and that the identity of the forger and other criminal assistants is known.
Vogt is owner of Archive Index Systems, which markets scanners, copiers and document imaging systems. Previous to that, he owned and operated a typesetting business. An accountant by training, Vogt has also worked as a certified public accountant. Vogt has performed exhaustive research and published books onscience and history.
Vogt maintains that the two fraudulent birth certificateswere produced by the Hawaii Department of Health in cooperation with several employees there, including the director, Loretta Fuddy.
The public affidavit, or “Notice,” can be read here: Notice Doug Vogt 10-18-13
A Memorandum of Law accompanying the Notice explaining the need for a second, sealed affidavit is here: Memo Doug Vogt 10-18-13
On Monday, The Post & Email interviewed Montgomery Blair Sibley, who lent his legal expertise to producing the affidavits.
In March, we had spoken with Vogt about his findings to date, at which time he had hinted that he would take action on the forgery in his home state of Washington.
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Vogt is owner of Archive Index Systems, which markets scanners, copiers and document imaging systems. Previous to that, he owned and operated a typesetting business. An accountant by training, Vogt has also worked as a certified public accountant. Vogt has performed exhaustive research and published books onscience and history.
Vogt maintains that the two fraudulent birth certificateswere produced by the Hawaii Department of Health in cooperation with several employees there, including the director, Loretta Fuddy.
The public affidavit, or “Notice,” can be read here: Notice Doug Vogt 10-18-13
A Memorandum of Law accompanying the Notice explaining the need for a second, sealed affidavit is here: Memo Doug Vogt 10-18-13
On Monday, The Post & Email interviewed Montgomery Blair Sibley, who lent his legal expertise to producing the affidavits.
In March, we had spoken with Vogt about his findings to date, at which time he had hinted that he would take action on the forgery in his home state of Washington.
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Don't Worry – The Government Says That The Inflation You See Is Just Your Imagination
If you believe that there is high inflation in the United States, you are just imagining things. That is the message that the U.S. government and the Federal Reserve would have us to believe. You might have noticed that the government announced on Wednesday that the cost of living increase for Social Security beneficiaries will only be 1.5 percent next year. This is one of the smallest cost of living increases that we have ever seen. The federal government is able to get away with this because the official numbers say that there is hardly any inflation in the U.S. right now.
Of course anyone that shops for groceries or that pays bills regularly knows what a load of nonsense the official inflation rate is. The U.S. government has changed the way that inflation is calculated numerous times since 1978, and each time it has been changed the goal has been to make inflation appear to be even lower. According to John Williams of shadowstats.com, if the inflation rate was still calculated the same way that it was back when Jimmy Carter was president, the official rate of inflation would be somewhere between 8 and 10 percent today. But if the mainstream news actually reported such a number, everyone would be screaming and yelling about getting inflation under control. Instead, the super low number that gets put out to the public makes it look like the Federal Reserve has plenty of room to do even more reckless money printing. It is a giant scam, but most Americans are falling for it.
Meanwhile, the prices of the things that most Americans buy on a regular basis just keep going up. The following are just a few examples of price inflation that we have seen lately...
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Of course anyone that shops for groceries or that pays bills regularly knows what a load of nonsense the official inflation rate is. The U.S. government has changed the way that inflation is calculated numerous times since 1978, and each time it has been changed the goal has been to make inflation appear to be even lower. According to John Williams of shadowstats.com, if the inflation rate was still calculated the same way that it was back when Jimmy Carter was president, the official rate of inflation would be somewhere between 8 and 10 percent today. But if the mainstream news actually reported such a number, everyone would be screaming and yelling about getting inflation under control. Instead, the super low number that gets put out to the public makes it look like the Federal Reserve has plenty of room to do even more reckless money printing. It is a giant scam, but most Americans are falling for it.
Meanwhile, the prices of the things that most Americans buy on a regular basis just keep going up. The following are just a few examples of price inflation that we have seen lately...
More
COUNTY COUNCIL PRESIDENT HOLLOWAY AND CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT DAY INVITED TO ADDRESS THE NAACP
Salisbury, MD… County Council President Matt Holloway and City Council President Jake Day are the invited guest speakers for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Wicomico County Branch, monthly meeting on Thursday, November 21st at 7:00 P.M. This meeting will be held at Chipman Cultural Center, 325 Broad Street, Salisbury, MD.
Mr. Day and Mr. Holloway are asked to address issues that affect the African American community and other minority groups in the community that they represent. Specific issues to be addressed include race relations, employment, safe neighborhoods, crime, education, etc.
For additional information about this meeting, contact Mary Ashanti, President, at 410-543-4187.
The public is invited to attend this meeting.
Mr. Day and Mr. Holloway are asked to address issues that affect the African American community and other minority groups in the community that they represent. Specific issues to be addressed include race relations, employment, safe neighborhoods, crime, education, etc.
For additional information about this meeting, contact Mary Ashanti, President, at 410-543-4187.
The public is invited to attend this meeting.
Why Is Hillary Clinton's Popularity Sliding?
Since leaving the Obama administration, Clinton's favorability ratings have plunged a net 18 points
Hillary Clinton left the State Department with a sky-high approval rating. With her broad appeal and presumed White House ambitions, the conventional wisdom, supported by early polls, suggested she would roll to the Democratic nomination in 2016 and then trounce whomever Republicans trotted out to face her.
Yet less than a year removed from her old job, Clinton's popularity has fallen from its once-lofty heights, according to an NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll out this week.
In the poll, 46 percent of adults expressed a favorable opinion of Clinton, while 33 percent viewed her unfavorably. That's not too shabby — Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) came in with a 17/43 favorable to unfavorable split — but it's well down from January, when 56 percent liked Clinton versus 25 percent who did not.
All told, that means Clinton's net favorability had fallen an astounding 18 points since the start of the year.
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Yet less than a year removed from her old job, Clinton's popularity has fallen from its once-lofty heights, according to an NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll out this week.
In the poll, 46 percent of adults expressed a favorable opinion of Clinton, while 33 percent viewed her unfavorably. That's not too shabby — Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) came in with a 17/43 favorable to unfavorable split — but it's well down from January, when 56 percent liked Clinton versus 25 percent who did not.
All told, that means Clinton's net favorability had fallen an astounding 18 points since the start of the year.
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Common Core Readiness Information Night Thursday, Nov 7th
The Worcester County Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee (SECAC) is sponsoring a parent information night to explain how common core will affect your children. The invitation promises we will learn how the Common Core Standards will:
Create consistent learning goals that target reading and math skills for all students.
Design instruction to meet the diverse learning needs and abilities of all students.
Develop independent learners with the 21 century skills to be college and/or career ready for all students.
Please attend and come prepared with some tough questions. Even if you don't have children currently enrolled, as a taxpayer you are paying for this one size fits all curriculum and are entitled to attend and get answers.
Thursday, Nov 7th at 6:30pm
Worcester County Board of Education Boardroom
R.S.V.P. to Brenda Shenton at 410-632-5037 or emailbdshenton@mail.worcester.k12.md.us
Create consistent learning goals that target reading and math skills for all students.
Design instruction to meet the diverse learning needs and abilities of all students.
Develop independent learners with the 21 century skills to be college and/or career ready for all students.
Please attend and come prepared with some tough questions. Even if you don't have children currently enrolled, as a taxpayer you are paying for this one size fits all curriculum and are entitled to attend and get answers.
Thursday, Nov 7th at 6:30pm
Worcester County Board of Education Boardroom
R.S.V.P. to Brenda Shenton at 410-632-5037 or emailbdshenton@mail.worcester.k12.md.us
TWO AMERICAS: TOP HOSPITALS CLOSED TO OBAMACARE ENROLLEES
President Obama and Democrats are spinning their broken "you can keep your insurance if you like it" promise with another false reassurance: that under ObamaCare you will receive better insurance. Now we are learning that if you have been forced into the ObamaCare exchanges, you will not have access to many of America's top hospitals, unless of course you want to pay out-of-pocket:
[R]esponding to Obamacare caps on premiums, many insurers will, in turn, simply offer top-tier doctors and hospitals far less cash for services rendered.
Watchdog.org looked at the top 18 hospitals nationwide as ranked by U.S. News and World Report for 2013-2014. We contacted each hospital to determine their contracts and talked to several insurance companies, as well.
The result of our investigation: Many top hospitals are simply opting out of Obamacare.
Chances are the individual plan you purchased outside Obamacare would allow you to go to these facilities. For example, fourth-ranked Cleveland Clinic accepts dozens of insurance plans if you buy one on your own. But go through Obamacare and you have just one choice: Medical Mutual of Ohio.
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[R]esponding to Obamacare caps on premiums, many insurers will, in turn, simply offer top-tier doctors and hospitals far less cash for services rendered.
Watchdog.org looked at the top 18 hospitals nationwide as ranked by U.S. News and World Report for 2013-2014. We contacted each hospital to determine their contracts and talked to several insurance companies, as well.
The result of our investigation: Many top hospitals are simply opting out of Obamacare.
Chances are the individual plan you purchased outside Obamacare would allow you to go to these facilities. For example, fourth-ranked Cleveland Clinic accepts dozens of insurance plans if you buy one on your own. But go through Obamacare and you have just one choice: Medical Mutual of Ohio.
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Conservative Group Launches Website To Collect Obamacare Cancellation Notices
Now, the Independent Women's Voice, the sister organization to the conservative Independent Women's Forum, has launched MyCancellation.com, a website dedicated to collecting and displaying the cancellation notices that Americans are getting because of the health care law.
Since President Obama began pitching Obamacare in 2009, he repeatedly told the American people, “if you like your plan, you can keep your plan.” However, as evidenced by the thousands of cancellation notices, Americans are finding out that Obama's statement simply wasn't accurate.
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America's Foodstamps Program Gets A 6% Haircut: What Happens Next?
Today, one of America's best-known welfare programs with 47.6 million participants or 15% of the total population, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program also known as "foodstamps" or EBT, is due for a substantial haircut: beginning Friday, there will be a phased in $5 billion reduction (6% of the program) for the 12 month period starting November 1st 2013. So what happens next?
Nick Colas of Convergex explains.
The U.S. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (a.k.a. Food Stamps) is the largest means-tested social support program in the country, with $6.3 billion in direct monthly cash transfers to individuals for the purchase of food. Some 47.6 million people (15% of the total population) are in the SNAP program as of the most recent data (July 2013) and these individuals receive an average of $132 per month. This support is set for a cut on Friday, with a $5 billion reduction (6% of the program) for the 12 month period starting November 1st 2013. From a Wall Street perspective, these numbers may seem small at 0.0003% of GDP. From the perspective of Main Street, however, is means a cut of $36/month for a family of four receiving full SNAP benefits. Record levels for stocks, record level for SNAP participants… An odd societal disconnect, to be sure.
We’ve written about the U.S. Supplemental Assistance Program (SNAP, also known as food stamps) in these pages over the years even though the topic bears no direct relationship to corporate earnings, interest rates, the Federal Reserve, or any other recognized business topic. The reason for this focus is threefold:
It is a very large visible government program with monthly data updates. There are, for example, 47,637,407 Americans in the SNAP program as of the most recent update (July 2013) from U.S. Department of Agriculture. A total of 23,074,914 households receive an average monthly benefit of $272.51. This amounts to $6.3 billion in monthly support. As a percent of the population, this is 15% of all Americans and +20% of all households in the program.
It is a good measure of how deeply the economic recovery in the U.S. is reaching through the socioeconomic strata. Qualifying for SNAP means you make no more than 130% of the poverty line and generally have limited assets. Those 47.6 million people in the SNAP program are, for all intents and purposes, a record high for food stamp participation once you exclude months where the program includes disaster assistance.
It generates a large amount of hate email direct to my inbox and voicemail from both ends of the political spectrum. From the right comes criticisms over certain parts of the US population using EBT cards (the debit cards used to distribute the program’s payments) to buy beer and potato chips. This, yes, does occasionally happen.
Nick Colas of Convergex explains.
The U.S. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (a.k.a. Food Stamps) is the largest means-tested social support program in the country, with $6.3 billion in direct monthly cash transfers to individuals for the purchase of food. Some 47.6 million people (15% of the total population) are in the SNAP program as of the most recent data (July 2013) and these individuals receive an average of $132 per month. This support is set for a cut on Friday, with a $5 billion reduction (6% of the program) for the 12 month period starting November 1st 2013. From a Wall Street perspective, these numbers may seem small at 0.0003% of GDP. From the perspective of Main Street, however, is means a cut of $36/month for a family of four receiving full SNAP benefits. Record levels for stocks, record level for SNAP participants… An odd societal disconnect, to be sure.
We’ve written about the U.S. Supplemental Assistance Program (SNAP, also known as food stamps) in these pages over the years even though the topic bears no direct relationship to corporate earnings, interest rates, the Federal Reserve, or any other recognized business topic. The reason for this focus is threefold:
It is a very large visible government program with monthly data updates. There are, for example, 47,637,407 Americans in the SNAP program as of the most recent update (July 2013) from U.S. Department of Agriculture. A total of 23,074,914 households receive an average monthly benefit of $272.51. This amounts to $6.3 billion in monthly support. As a percent of the population, this is 15% of all Americans and +20% of all households in the program.
It is a good measure of how deeply the economic recovery in the U.S. is reaching through the socioeconomic strata. Qualifying for SNAP means you make no more than 130% of the poverty line and generally have limited assets. Those 47.6 million people in the SNAP program are, for all intents and purposes, a record high for food stamp participation once you exclude months where the program includes disaster assistance.
It generates a large amount of hate email direct to my inbox and voicemail from both ends of the political spectrum. From the right comes criticisms over certain parts of the US population using EBT cards (the debit cards used to distribute the program’s payments) to buy beer and potato chips. This, yes, does occasionally happen.
From the left, we get missives that feel a lot like that guy who told the world to “Leave Britney alone!” Food stamps, these folks argue, are part of living in a just society, which doesn’t allow anyone to go hungry. Half of all the people enrolled in SNAP are children, so it is pretty easy to see their point of view as well.
Fan Injured By Hot Dog Suing Kan. City Royals
But because it was a hot dog thrown by the team mascot -- behind the back, no less -- he just may have a case.
The Missouri Supreme Court is weighing whether the "baseball rule" -- a legal standard that protects teams from being sued over fan injuries caused by events on the field, court or rink -- should also apply to injuries caused by mascots or the other personnel that teams employ to engage fans. Because the case could set a legal precedent, it could change how teams in other cities and sports approach interacting with fans at their games.
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'New Poll Shows Democratic Incumbents In Big Trouble'
Since the government shutdown, you can't swing a dead cat without hitting some media member claiming Republicans are in a lot of trouble heading into next year's midterm elections.
Breaking with the trend rather surprisingly Wednesday was the perilously liberal Mother Jones with a piece titled "New Poll Shows Democratic Incumbents in Big Trouble."
The poll was actually from James Carville and Stan Greenberg's Democracy Corps and was titled "The Revolt Against Washington and the Republican Congress."
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Breaking with the trend rather surprisingly Wednesday was the perilously liberal Mother Jones with a piece titled "New Poll Shows Democratic Incumbents in Big Trouble."
The poll was actually from James Carville and Stan Greenberg's Democracy Corps and was titled "The Revolt Against Washington and the Republican Congress."
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TENNESSEE STATE SENATOR PRESENTS KATHLEEN SEBELIUS WITH REALLY EMBARRASSING ‘GIFT’ – AND SHE DOESN’T LOOK VERY HAPPY ABOUT IT
That’s why we called it a “gift” in sarcastic quotes. The book is clearly meant to mock the Obama administration over the disastrous rollout of the Obamacare website.
The Daily News in Memphis was able to capture the moment in a photograph. As you can see, Sebelius doesn’t look very amused:
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The Cheneys Will Stop At Nothing To Get Liz Elected To The Senate
The Wyoming GOP primary campaign is already shaping up to be a scorched-earth affair, demonstrating the kind of senator Liz Cheney would likely be.
When Liz Cheney, the daughter of the former vice president, decided to run against a sitting Republican senator in Wyoming, her target, Mike Enzi, pleaded, “I thought we were friends.”
But if Enzi thought his long relationship with the Cheneys might ensure a gentle, collegial contest of ideas, it’s increasingly clear he thought wrong. The Cheney clan has undertaken a scorched-earth campaign against the well-liked, low-key conservative and his allies, demonstrating a seemingly limitless appetite for conflict—and leaving innocent bystanders as stunned casualties in their wake.
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When Liz Cheney, the daughter of the former vice president, decided to run against a sitting Republican senator in Wyoming, her target, Mike Enzi, pleaded, “I thought we were friends.”
But if Enzi thought his long relationship with the Cheneys might ensure a gentle, collegial contest of ideas, it’s increasingly clear he thought wrong. The Cheney clan has undertaken a scorched-earth campaign against the well-liked, low-key conservative and his allies, demonstrating a seemingly limitless appetite for conflict—and leaving innocent bystanders as stunned casualties in their wake.
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Obamacare’s Moment Of Clarity
Insurance cancellations reveal what the law’s really all about: mendacity, paternalism, and subterfuge.
Every disaster has its moment of clarity. Physicist Richard Feynman dunks an O-ring into ice water and everyone understands instantly why the shuttle Challenger exploded. This week, the Obamacare O-ring froze for all the world to see: Hundreds of thousands of cancellation letters went out to people who had been assured a dozen times by the president that “If you like your health-care plan, you’ll be able to keep your health-care plan. Period.”
The cancellations lay bare three pillars of Obamacare: (a) mendacity, (b) paternalism, and (c) subterfuge.
Every disaster has its moment of clarity. Physicist Richard Feynman dunks an O-ring into ice water and everyone understands instantly why the shuttle Challenger exploded. This week, the Obamacare O-ring froze for all the world to see: Hundreds of thousands of cancellation letters went out to people who had been assured a dozen times by the president that “If you like your health-care plan, you’ll be able to keep your health-care plan. Period.”
The cancellations lay bare three pillars of Obamacare: (a) mendacity, (b) paternalism, and (c) subterfuge.
a) Those letters are irrefutable evidence that Obama’s repeated you-keep-your-coverage claim was false. Why were they sent out? Because Obamacare renders illegal (with exceedingly narrow “grandfathered” exceptions) the continuation of any insurance plan deemed by Washington regulators not to meet their arbitrary standards for adequacy. Example: No maternity care? You are terminated.
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Channel Dredging Project Planned
OCEAN CITY — The federal Army Corps of Engineers is preparing to undertake a major maintenance dredging project for navigation channels in the coastal bays with dredged material intended to be spread at various important ecological sites in and around the resort.
The Army Corps of Engineers earlier this month posted a public notice about the maintenance dredging of navigation channels in the coastal bays planned for this winter and early next spring. The Isle of Wight Bay channel will be dredged from the Inlet to 8th Street in Ocean City. The channel is authorized to a depth of six feet and a width of 125 feet from the Inlet to 8th Street and then a width of 75 feet into the Isle of Wight Bay.
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The Army Corps of Engineers earlier this month posted a public notice about the maintenance dredging of navigation channels in the coastal bays planned for this winter and early next spring. The Isle of Wight Bay channel will be dredged from the Inlet to 8th Street in Ocean City. The channel is authorized to a depth of six feet and a width of 125 feet from the Inlet to 8th Street and then a width of 75 feet into the Isle of Wight Bay.
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Piers Morgan: Democrats' Excuses 'Get Ever More Ludicrous'
CNN's Piers Morgan has called President Barack Obama's repeated promises that people can keep healthcare plans they like a "barefaced lie."
He also appears none too happy that Democrats who defend the statements keep coming up with new excuses for them.
Morgan is a native of Britain, where healthcare is provided by the government, and he favors universal healthcare in the United States. But he has made no bones about the fiasco of the Obamacare website rollout and his disdain for what he considers a dishonest sales job.
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He also appears none too happy that Democrats who defend the statements keep coming up with new excuses for them.
Morgan is a native of Britain, where healthcare is provided by the government, and he favors universal healthcare in the United States. But he has made no bones about the fiasco of the Obamacare website rollout and his disdain for what he considers a dishonest sales job.
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USPS Used 14M More Hours Than Need For Mail Processing In 2012, IG Says
Though the Postal Service reduced hours in fiscal 2012, USPS still used over 14 million work hours more than necessary to process mail volume, a Sept. 26 USPS inspector general report says. By reducing those hours, USPS could cut costs of about $628 million, it adds.
Mail volume has declined but the Postal Service has not adjusted work hours in response, nor achieved all possible efficiencies in mail processing operations, the report (.pdf) says.
The IG recommended that work hour reductions are to be completed no later than fiscal 2018 and that management periodically evaluate operating efficiency by assessing performance against the median productivity level for each plant, the report says.
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Mail volume has declined but the Postal Service has not adjusted work hours in response, nor achieved all possible efficiencies in mail processing operations, the report (.pdf) says.
The IG recommended that work hour reductions are to be completed no later than fiscal 2018 and that management periodically evaluate operating efficiency by assessing performance against the median productivity level for each plant, the report says.
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Ron Paul On Faux Fed Transparency: "Believe Me, The 'Big Stuff' Is Done In Secret"
As Rand Paul grows more vociferous with regard the Janet Yellen nomination, he and his father are once again pressing for more transparency into what really occurs at the Fed. While some argue that there has never been a more 'transparent' Fed as we are plagued with volumes of double-speak (projections and prognostications), Ron Paul explains in this brief clip that "the big stuff is done in secret," including international central bank bailouts. His hope, based on the fact that Janet Yellen is a self-described agent of transparency that "the time is ripe," to truly audit the Fed.
"We don't know the details of the trillions of dollars that were used to bail out banks and central banks around the world and corporations during the crisis," Paul said. "The numbers that they give you I don't think are all that revealing."
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"We don't know the details of the trillions of dollars that were used to bail out banks and central banks around the world and corporations during the crisis," Paul said. "The numbers that they give you I don't think are all that revealing."
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Key House Committee Threatens Obama Admin. With Subpoena Over Health Care Data
House Ways and Means Chairman Dave Camp, Michigan Republican, sent a stern letter Friday to Marilyn Tavenner, the federal official closest to the health care law’s implementation, that threatened to subpoena the records from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
“The Committee is not prepared to wait until ‘around mid-November’ for the Administration’s scrubbed and spun numbers,” Mr. Camp wrote.
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HILLARY CLINTON'S POLL NUMBERS DROPPING AS SHE REENTERS SPOTLIGHT
According to a new NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll, Hillary Clinton’s popularity with the American people is dropping as she has made several public appearances, subtly telegraphing a 2016 presidential candidacy.
Last December, 58% of those surveyed viewed her positively, with 34% “very positive” and 24% “somewhat positive.” Now, the number of those who viewed her positively has dropped to 46%, with the “very positive” answer only held by 22% of voters and the “somewhat positive” group remaining at 24%.
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Last December, 58% of those surveyed viewed her positively, with 34% “very positive” and 24% “somewhat positive.” Now, the number of those who viewed her positively has dropped to 46%, with the “very positive” answer only held by 22% of voters and the “somewhat positive” group remaining at 24%.
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The Rent Is Too Damn High On Postal Service Facilities, Say Auditors
The Postal Service could save millions if it renegotiated leases set to expire that are above market rate, an Oct. 23 USPS inspector general report says.
The Northeast Area spends more than $184 million annually to lease more than 3,300 facilities, the report (.pdf) says. Area officials begin the lease renewal process 12 to 24 months before a lease ends by reviewing lease information provided by the Postal Service's facilities organization.
Auditors identified 1,762 of 3,389 leases in which the service is possibly paying above market rate rent.
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The Northeast Area spends more than $184 million annually to lease more than 3,300 facilities, the report (.pdf) says. Area officials begin the lease renewal process 12 to 24 months before a lease ends by reviewing lease information provided by the Postal Service's facilities organization.
Auditors identified 1,762 of 3,389 leases in which the service is possibly paying above market rate rent.
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Storm Season Thus Far The Least Stormy Since ‘94, NOAA Says
One year later, the city so far has escaped hurricane damage in 2013, thanks to some unpredictable weather patterns.
“With less than six weeks left, the 2013 season has the fewest number of hurricanes since 1982,” said National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration spokesman and Meteorologist Dennis Feltgen.
He added: “The last year without the formation of a major hurricane is 1994.”
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What Real Estate Bubble? Oh, You Mean The One That's Bigger Than The 2007 Bubble?
Correspondent Mark G. submitted a chart of the Wilshire REIT (real estate investment trusts) index that sums up the current real estate market in one image: it's painfully obvious that real estate valuations are once again at asset-bubble extremes, one that's even bigger than the last RE bubble that popped in 2008 with devastating consequences to the global economy.
Troopers Investigating Fatal Crash West Of Georgetown
Location: Seashore Highway (SR18/404) east of Coverdale Road, Georgetown, DE
Date of Occurrence: Friday November 1, 2013 at approximately 12:23 p.m.
Operator and Vehicle Information:
Operator #1: Nathaniel McCullen, 19, Seaford, DE
Vehicle #1: 1997 GMC Sonoma pickup truck
Operator #2: Jane E. Workman, 58, Bridgeville, DE
Vehicle #2: 2000 Hyundai Sonata
Resume:
Georgetown, DE- The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is currently investigating a fatal crash that occurred earlier this afternoon.
The incident occurred around 12:23 p.m. as Nathaniel McCullen was operating a 1997 GMC Sonoma pickup truck westbound on Seashore Highway (SR18/404) approximately one half mile east of Coverdale Road. Jane E. Workman was operating a 2000 Hyundai Sonata eastbound on SR18 when for unknown reasons, the pickup truck drifted into the eastbound lanes. Workman attempted to avoid the truck by moving off on the eastbound shoulder but was struck head-on by the truck causing the car to be partially lodged over a guardrail.
Jane Workman, who was properly restrained, was extricated by mechanical means and transported by EMS to Nanticoke Memorial Hospital where she was pronounced dead.
Nathaniel McCullen was removed from the scene by EMS and transported to Nanticoke Memorial Hospital where he is currently admitted with non-life-threatening injuries. It is unknown whether he was properly restrained.
The Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into this incident. It is unknown if drugs or alcohol were a factor in this case and charges may be forthcoming. SR18 between Shorts Lane and Coverdale Road was closed for approximately three hours as the crash was investigated and cleared.
Date of Occurrence: Friday November 1, 2013 at approximately 12:23 p.m.
Operator and Vehicle Information:
Operator #1: Nathaniel McCullen, 19, Seaford, DE
Vehicle #1: 1997 GMC Sonoma pickup truck
Operator #2: Jane E. Workman, 58, Bridgeville, DE
Vehicle #2: 2000 Hyundai Sonata
Resume:
Georgetown, DE- The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is currently investigating a fatal crash that occurred earlier this afternoon.
The incident occurred around 12:23 p.m. as Nathaniel McCullen was operating a 1997 GMC Sonoma pickup truck westbound on Seashore Highway (SR18/404) approximately one half mile east of Coverdale Road. Jane E. Workman was operating a 2000 Hyundai Sonata eastbound on SR18 when for unknown reasons, the pickup truck drifted into the eastbound lanes. Workman attempted to avoid the truck by moving off on the eastbound shoulder but was struck head-on by the truck causing the car to be partially lodged over a guardrail.
Jane Workman, who was properly restrained, was extricated by mechanical means and transported by EMS to Nanticoke Memorial Hospital where she was pronounced dead.
Nathaniel McCullen was removed from the scene by EMS and transported to Nanticoke Memorial Hospital where he is currently admitted with non-life-threatening injuries. It is unknown whether he was properly restrained.
The Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into this incident. It is unknown if drugs or alcohol were a factor in this case and charges may be forthcoming. SR18 between Shorts Lane and Coverdale Road was closed for approximately three hours as the crash was investigated and cleared.
COFFEE WITH YOUR COUNCIL REMINDER
The Salisbury City Council will host their first “COFFEE WITH YOUR COUNCIL” on Wednesday, November 6, 2013 at 6:00 PM at Bethany Lutheran Church, located at 817 Camden Avenue.
Citizens will have the opportunity to discuss their ideas and concerns with the City Council members in an informal setting. Light refreshments will be served.
All interested citizens are invited to attend. For more information, call the City Clerk at 410-548-3140.
Citizens will have the opportunity to discuss their ideas and concerns with the City Council members in an informal setting. Light refreshments will be served.
All interested citizens are invited to attend. For more information, call the City Clerk at 410-548-3140.
ICYMI: PRESIDENT OBAMA APPOINTS GOVERNOR O'MALLEY TO TASK FORCE ON CLIMATE PREPAREDNESS
“Maryland is among the states most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including severe weather and sea-level rise. We have an obligation to do all we can to protect our land, infrastructure, and most importantly our citizens, and to make sure we are safe and prepared. That is why Maryland’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan includes a comprehensive climate adaptation strategy, and is why I signed an Executive Order last December to make our State more resilient to climate change. President Obama has been a strong leader on emphasizing renewable energy, improving air quality, and mitigating the effects of severe weather. It is an honor to serve on his task force," said Governor O'Malley.
Obama Donor’s Firm Hired To Fix Web Mess It Created
WASHINGTON — A tech firm linked to a campaign-donor crony of President Obama not only got the job to help build the federal health-insurance Web site — but also is getting paid to fix it.
Anthony Welters, a top campaign bundler for Obama and frequent White House guest, is the executive vice president of UnitedHealth Group, which owns the software company now at the center of the ObamaCare Web-site fiasco.
UnitedHealth Group subsidiary Quality Software Services Inc. (QSSI), which built the data hub for the ObamaCare system, has been named the new general contractor in charge of repairing the glitch-plagued HealthCare.gov.
Welters and his wife, Beatrice, have shoveled piles of cash into Obama’s campaign coffers and apparently reaped the rewards.
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Anthony Welters, a top campaign bundler for Obama and frequent White House guest, is the executive vice president of UnitedHealth Group, which owns the software company now at the center of the ObamaCare Web-site fiasco.
UnitedHealth Group subsidiary Quality Software Services Inc. (QSSI), which built the data hub for the ObamaCare system, has been named the new general contractor in charge of repairing the glitch-plagued HealthCare.gov.
Welters and his wife, Beatrice, have shoveled piles of cash into Obama’s campaign coffers and apparently reaped the rewards.
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Garden Plot: New Md. Lawn-Care Laws Now In Effect
Rick in Rockville is one of many procrastinators out there who have tarried with their turf.
"Is it too cold to put fertilizer and lime on the lawn now?" he writes.
First, don't put lime on your lawn unless a soil test shows it's necessary. Lime is not a lawn food. It's only used to bring up a low soil pH, and it does more harm than good if your soil isn't overly acidic.
It's also getting pretty late in the season to feed, both technically and, since you live in Maryland, legally. That's right - legally.
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Escorts Of The Heart
'You are all escorts, escorts of the heart': Emotional moment stunned plane passengers learned their flight was carrying fallen soldier back to his family in cargo hold
Passengers on a flight from Atlanta to Los Angeles were told of some special on-board cargo. The pilot announced a fallen soldier was being brought home to his family.
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Passengers on a flight from Atlanta to Los Angeles were told of some special on-board cargo. The pilot announced a fallen soldier was being brought home to his family.
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SALISBURY CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION AGENDA NOVEMBER 4, 2013
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, ROOM 301
GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING
4:30 p.m. Community Organization Presentation
4:45 p.m. Mechanical Permit – Fee Schedule/Permitting Requirement – Bill Holland
5:15 p.m. Delmarva Zoological Society Donations (Bear Sculpture & Vermiculture Exhibit) – Michael Moulds/Amanda Pollack
5:30 p.m. Definition of Blight in the Property Maintenance Code – Susan Phillips
6:00 p.m. Changes to the Composition of the Housing Board of Adjustments & Appeals – Susan Phillips
6:30 p.m. Records Retention Policy – Tom Stevenson
6:45 p.m. Pay for Elected Officials – Council discussion
7:15 p.m. 2014 City Council Proposed Meeting Dates/Times – Council discussion
7:25 p.m. General Discussion
7:30 p.m. Adjournment
Back From The Ashes, Waterman’s Reopens
Just over a year later, the restaurant is hosting its re-launching party in an all-new building today, Friday, Nov. 1, with a ribbon cutting ceremony and celebration.
“We’ve been here for 30 years,” co-Owner Jamy Davy said. “We’re trying to set up for the next 30.”
When the flames wrecked the old Waterman’s building, the owners decided to start from scratch rather than rebuild within the old structure.
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Nominations Open For Wicomico Recreation, Parks & Tourism’s Volunteer Appreciation Awards
Nominations Due November 15
Salisbury, MD - Each year, community members dedicate over 5,000 hours of time to Wicomico Recreation, Parks & Tourism programs and events. These volunteers, who are working to make a positive difference in Wicomico County, are honored through the Annual Volunteer Appreciation and Sportsmanship Awards Banquet held each winter.
Those taking advantage of the Department's offerings are encouraged to show their appreciation to an individual person or group who has made a difference by nominating them to receive an award at the banquet. All nominees and their nominators will be invited to attend the banquet.
Several award categories are available. Please honor someone who has made a difference in your or your child's life and nominate them for an award this year.
The Annual Volunteer Appreciation and Sportsmanship Awards Banquet will take place on Tuesday, December 3 at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center.
Visit www.WicomicoRecandParks.org to nominate an individual or group for an award. Nominations are due November 15. For more information, contact Karen McInturff at 410-548-4900 x118 or kmcinturff@wicomicocounty.org.
Obama Refuses To Speak At 150th Anniversary Of Gettysburg
'This is nothing less than a profile in cowardice': Obama refuses to speak at 150th anniversary of Gettysburg
U.S. President Barack Obama President has snubbed the historic Gettysburg 150th anniversary ceremony on November 19, sending Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell in his place.
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U.S. President Barack Obama President has snubbed the historic Gettysburg 150th anniversary ceremony on November 19, sending Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell in his place.
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Council Approves Police General Order Requests
OCEAN CITY – Ocean City Police Department’s General Orders received several updates this week, including advancements in mobile wireless technology as well as requiring police officers to follow the same hands-free cell laws as ordinary citizens.
Ocean City Police Department Captain Greg Guiton requested approval of the Mayor and City Council on Tuesday to update six General Orders (G.O.) policies and rescinding one policy due to outdated practices.
In a memo submitted to the Mayor and City Council, OCPD Chief Ross Buzzuro outlined each policy matter.
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Ocean City Police Department Captain Greg Guiton requested approval of the Mayor and City Council on Tuesday to update six General Orders (G.O.) policies and rescinding one policy due to outdated practices.
In a memo submitted to the Mayor and City Council, OCPD Chief Ross Buzzuro outlined each policy matter.
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TWO TROOPERS INJURED IN HARFORD CO. CRASH DURING ROBBERY INVESTIGATION
(JOPPA) – Two Maryland state troopers and a motorist were injured early this morning when the driver struck the back of a patrol car on the scene of a robbery investigation in Harford County.
The troopers are identified as Trooper Zachary Shelley, who has been a trooper for two and one-half years, and Trooper First Class David Stanley, a nine-year veteran of the Maryland State Police. Both troopers are assigned to road patrol duties at the Bel Air Barrack.
Trooper Shelley was transported to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center. He is expected to be treated and released. TFC Stanley was transported to the Upper Chesapeake Medical Center where he is expected to be treated and released.
The driver of the Volkswagen Beetle that struck the patrol car is identified as Trina Emory, 32, of Edgewood, Md. She was also transported to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center for treatment.
Shortly before 4:00 a.m. today, troopers from the Bel Air Barrack were on the scene of a reported armed robbery at a convenience store on Rt. 152 at Franklinville Road. Trooper Shelley had his emergency lights activated on his unmarked patrol car and had moved it into the southbound lane of Rt. 152 to protect crime scene evidence located there until technicians could process it.
The preliminary investigation indicates Emory was southbound on Rt. 152 and failed to go around the stopped patrol car with its emergency lights on. The Volkswagen struck the rear of the patrol car with Trooper Shelley inside. TFC Stanley was on foot near the vehicles when the crash occurred. He sustained his injury when he jumped down an embankment to get out of the way of the Volkswagen after it struck the patrol car.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Nothing has been ruled out at this time. Charges are pending.
The robbery the troopers were investigating was reported at the Royal Farm Store on Rt. 152 at Franklinville Road shortly after 2:30 a.m. today. The preliminary investigation indicates two suspects, described as African American males, one wearing a dark colored poncho and one a green poncho, entered the store and committed a robbery. One suspect is believed to have displayed a handgun. The suspects may also have sprayed something in the store, possibly a chemical agent. The store employee reported the suspects left the store with cigarettes and an undetermined amount of cash.
No one was injured during the robbery. State Police criminal investigators are continuing the investigation. No arrests have been made at this time.
The troopers are identified as Trooper Zachary Shelley, who has been a trooper for two and one-half years, and Trooper First Class David Stanley, a nine-year veteran of the Maryland State Police. Both troopers are assigned to road patrol duties at the Bel Air Barrack.
Trooper Shelley was transported to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center. He is expected to be treated and released. TFC Stanley was transported to the Upper Chesapeake Medical Center where he is expected to be treated and released.
The driver of the Volkswagen Beetle that struck the patrol car is identified as Trina Emory, 32, of Edgewood, Md. She was also transported to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center for treatment.
Shortly before 4:00 a.m. today, troopers from the Bel Air Barrack were on the scene of a reported armed robbery at a convenience store on Rt. 152 at Franklinville Road. Trooper Shelley had his emergency lights activated on his unmarked patrol car and had moved it into the southbound lane of Rt. 152 to protect crime scene evidence located there until technicians could process it.
The preliminary investigation indicates Emory was southbound on Rt. 152 and failed to go around the stopped patrol car with its emergency lights on. The Volkswagen struck the rear of the patrol car with Trooper Shelley inside. TFC Stanley was on foot near the vehicles when the crash occurred. He sustained his injury when he jumped down an embankment to get out of the way of the Volkswagen after it struck the patrol car.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Nothing has been ruled out at this time. Charges are pending.
The robbery the troopers were investigating was reported at the Royal Farm Store on Rt. 152 at Franklinville Road shortly after 2:30 a.m. today. The preliminary investigation indicates two suspects, described as African American males, one wearing a dark colored poncho and one a green poncho, entered the store and committed a robbery. One suspect is believed to have displayed a handgun. The suspects may also have sprayed something in the store, possibly a chemical agent. The store employee reported the suspects left the store with cigarettes and an undetermined amount of cash.
No one was injured during the robbery. State Police criminal investigators are continuing the investigation. No arrests have been made at this time.
Police Conduct DUI Saturation Patrol (HALLOWEEN WEEKEND)
The Salisbury Barrack conducted a DUI saturation patrol starting on October 31, 2013 (Halloween) at 8 pm and ended on November 1, 2013 at 0400 hrs.
The “Checkpoint Strike Force” DUI saturation patrol concentrated its patrols throughout Wicomico County. A total of seven troopers were assigned to the saturation patrol. This effort resulted in EIGHT DUI arrests and one arrest for trespassing. A total number of 80 vehicles were stopped.
The “Checkpoint Strike Force” DUI saturation patrol concentrated its patrols throughout Wicomico County. A total of seven troopers were assigned to the saturation patrol. This effort resulted in EIGHT DUI arrests and one arrest for trespassing. A total number of 80 vehicles were stopped.
“CHECKPOINT STRIKEFORCE”
“YOU DRINK AND DRIVE, YOU LOSE”
Laurel Couple Arrested For Identity Theft And Health Care Fraud
Date of Occurrence: December 12, 2012 through October 30, 2013
Victim: 36 year old female, Laurel
Defendants, Charges, and Bond Information:
Kara L. Murphy, 28, Laurel, DE (Photo Attached)
Health Care Fraud (7 counts)
Identity Theft (7 counts)
Prescription Pill Fraud (7 counts)
Conspiracy 2nd (7 counts)
Arraigned at JP3 and committed to Delores J. Baylor Women's Correctional Institution on $9,000.00 secured bond.
Jason R. Shapiro, 33, Laurel, DE (Photo Attached)
Health Care Fraud (7 counts)
Identity Theft (7 counts)
Prescription Pill Fraud (7 counts)
Conspiracy 2nd (7 counts)
Arraigned at JP3 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $9,000.00 secured bond.
Resume:
Laurel, DE- The Delaware State Police have arrested two people involved in stealing a woman's identity and obtaining prescription drugs in her name.
On Wednesday October 30, 2013, a 36 year old Laurel female contacted the State Police to report an identity theft that had occurred starting on December 12, 2012. The victim informed troopers that she had called her local drug store to check on a prescription that was to be filled. The pharmacist questioned the victim as to another prescription that was to be filled which was different from the one she was calling about. When the female victim informed the pharmacist she was unaware of this drug, her suspicions were raised as to who had called this in. The drug store was able to provide the victim with seven dates the medication was filled, starting back on December 12, 2012. The investigation revealed the suspect would use the victim's name, date of birth, and health insurance information to call in the prescription and then respond to the store to make the purchase.
Video surveillance was obtained from the pharmacy and Kara L. Murphy was determined to be the primary suspect in this case. She was picked up by troopers Thursday October 31, 2013 and brought back to Troop 5 near Bridgeville where she was charged with seven counts of Health Care Fraud, seven counts of Identity Theft, seven counts of Prescription Pill Fraud, and seven counts of Conspiracy 2nd. It was also determined through interviews that Kara's boyfriend, Jason R. Shapiro had conspired with her to commit these crimes. He was also arrested Thursday night and charged in this incident. Both Murphy and Shapiro were arraigned at JP3 and turned over to the Department of Corrections in lieu of $9,000.00 bond.
Victim: 36 year old female, Laurel
Defendants, Charges, and Bond Information:
Kara L. Murphy, 28, Laurel, DE (Photo Attached)
Health Care Fraud (7 counts)
Identity Theft (7 counts)
Prescription Pill Fraud (7 counts)
Conspiracy 2nd (7 counts)
Arraigned at JP3 and committed to Delores J. Baylor Women's Correctional Institution on $9,000.00 secured bond.
Jason R. Shapiro, 33, Laurel, DE (Photo Attached)
Health Care Fraud (7 counts)
Identity Theft (7 counts)
Prescription Pill Fraud (7 counts)
Conspiracy 2nd (7 counts)
Arraigned at JP3 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $9,000.00 secured bond.
Resume:
Laurel, DE- The Delaware State Police have arrested two people involved in stealing a woman's identity and obtaining prescription drugs in her name.
On Wednesday October 30, 2013, a 36 year old Laurel female contacted the State Police to report an identity theft that had occurred starting on December 12, 2012. The victim informed troopers that she had called her local drug store to check on a prescription that was to be filled. The pharmacist questioned the victim as to another prescription that was to be filled which was different from the one she was calling about. When the female victim informed the pharmacist she was unaware of this drug, her suspicions were raised as to who had called this in. The drug store was able to provide the victim with seven dates the medication was filled, starting back on December 12, 2012. The investigation revealed the suspect would use the victim's name, date of birth, and health insurance information to call in the prescription and then respond to the store to make the purchase.
Video surveillance was obtained from the pharmacy and Kara L. Murphy was determined to be the primary suspect in this case. She was picked up by troopers Thursday October 31, 2013 and brought back to Troop 5 near Bridgeville where she was charged with seven counts of Health Care Fraud, seven counts of Identity Theft, seven counts of Prescription Pill Fraud, and seven counts of Conspiracy 2nd. It was also determined through interviews that Kara's boyfriend, Jason R. Shapiro had conspired with her to commit these crimes. He was also arrested Thursday night and charged in this incident. Both Murphy and Shapiro were arraigned at JP3 and turned over to the Department of Corrections in lieu of $9,000.00 bond.
A Push To Register Certain Biological Labs In Maryland
Such pathogens include the organisms that cause Legionnaire's disease, tuberculosis and rabies. Although less dangerous than the microbes that cause plague and Ebola, these pathogens are sometimes handled under similarly strict laboratory conditions, known as biocontainment, to prevent their release.
The Maryland Biocontainment Laboratories Oversight Workgroup said it was unable to determine how many private biocontainment labs aren't covered by government safety regulations, but that it's possible some exist. They would be labs that don't receive federal funding, and which work with pathogens or toxins not regulated by the federal government as "select agents."
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SFD Calls For Service 11-1-13
- Friday November, 1 2013 @ 21:58:07Nature: Suicide AttemptCity: Salisbury
- Friday November, 1 2013 @ 21:35:04Nature: Pi AccidentAddress: E Salisbury Pkwy and phillip Morris Dr Salisbury, MD 21802
- Friday November, 1 2013 @ 21:35:01Nature: Pi AccidentCity: Salisbury
- Friday November, 1 2013 @ 21:08:15Nature: Emergency UnknownCity: Salisbury
- Friday November, 1 2013 @ 19:34:20Nature: Subject FallenCity: Salisbury
- Friday November, 1 2013 @ 19:21:10Nature: Sick SubjectCity: Salisbury
- Friday November, 1 2013 @ 17:44:40Nature: Pi AccidentAddress: 315 Naylor Mill Rd Salisbury, MD 21801
- Friday November, 1 2013 @ 16:13:48Nature: Emergency UnknownCity: Salisbury
- Friday November, 1 2013 @ 16:04:20Nature: Pi AccidentCity: Salisbury
- Friday November, 1 2013 @ 15:57:46Nature: Abdominal PainCity: Salisbury
- Friday November, 1 2013 @ 15:30:23Nature: Pro Qa EmsCity: Salisbury
- Friday November, 1 2013 @ 15:16:05Nature: Auto Accident RescueAddress: 1527 N Salisbury Blvd Salisbury, MD 21801
- Friday November, 1 2013 @ 14:10:40Nature: Difficulty BreathingCity: Salisbury
- Friday November, 1 2013 @ 12:42:59Nature: Pi AccidentCity: Salisbury
- Friday November, 1 2013 @ 12:41:41Nature: Sick SubjectCity: Salisbury
- Friday November, 1 2013 @ 12:31:25Nature: Sick SubjectCity: Salisbury
- Friday November, 1 2013 @ 12:16:38Nature: SeizureCity: Salisbury
- Friday November, 1 2013 @ 11:27:03Nature: HemorrhagingCity: Salisbury
- Friday November, 1 2013 @ 10:15:02Nature: Pro Qa EmsCity: Salisbury
- Friday November, 1 2013 @ 10:09:23Nature: Medical AssistAddress: 220 Tilghman Rd Salisbury, MD 21801
- Friday November, 1 2013 @ 10:09:17Nature: Psychiatric EmergencyCity: Salisbury
- Friday November, 1 2013 @ 09:17:48Nature: Psychiatric EmergencyCity: Salisbury
- Friday November, 1 2013 @ 08:31:59Nature: Pi AccidentCity: Salisbury
- Friday November, 1 2013 @ 08:13:13Nature: Subject FallenCity: Salisbury
- Friday November, 1 2013 @ 00:39:27Nature: Emergency UnknownCity: Salisbury
“Change Your Clock Change Your Battery”
The Salisbury Fire Department urges all Americans to adopt a simple, lifesaving habit: changing smoke alarm batteries when they move their clocks back on Sunday, November 3, 2013.
“Changing a smoke alarm battery twice a year is one of the simplest, most effective ways to reduce these tragic deaths and injuries. In fact, a working smoke alarm cuts the risk of injury or death in a home fire by nearly half,” said Fire Chief Rick Hoppes.
Although smoke alarms are in 96% of American Homes, NFPA statistics suggest that over 24 % do not operate; robbing residents of the protective benefits these critical home fire safety devices were designed to provide. According to the NFPA, almost two-thirds (62%) of home fire deaths resulted from fires without the protection of a working smoke alarm. The most commonly cited cause of non-working smoke alarms are worn or missing batteries. About two thirds of fire deaths occur in homes with no alarms or where smoke alarms are not working due to worn or missing batteries. Smoke alarms have a mechanical life span of 10 years; any smoke alarm over 10 years old should be replaced. Many smoke alarms ten years of age or older have no battery back-up, any smoke alarm without a battery back-up should also be replaced. Smoke alarms that use a centralized battery, integrated into a security system, generally have a battery life expectancy of 3-5 years; check the manufacturer’s recommendations.
A working smoke alarm provides an early warning and critical extra seconds to escape, which is especially important during nighttime fires. Many people mistakenly believe they will be awakened by the smell of smoke. In reality, smoke disorients people and contributes to more fire deaths than actual burns. Besides changing smoke alarm batteries, Fire Chief Hoppes recommends residents test the smoke alarm by pushing the test button, checking their carbon monoxide alarms, changing flashlight batteries, planning “two ways out,” identify a meeting place, and practicing those escape routes with the entire family monthly. Remember, once you’re out – stay out and only dial 9-1-1 from a neighbor’s house or from a cordless or cellular phone.
“Changing a smoke alarm battery twice a year is one of the simplest, most effective ways to reduce these tragic deaths and injuries. In fact, a working smoke alarm cuts the risk of injury or death in a home fire by nearly half,” said Fire Chief Rick Hoppes.
Although smoke alarms are in 96% of American Homes, NFPA statistics suggest that over 24 % do not operate; robbing residents of the protective benefits these critical home fire safety devices were designed to provide. According to the NFPA, almost two-thirds (62%) of home fire deaths resulted from fires without the protection of a working smoke alarm. The most commonly cited cause of non-working smoke alarms are worn or missing batteries. About two thirds of fire deaths occur in homes with no alarms or where smoke alarms are not working due to worn or missing batteries. Smoke alarms have a mechanical life span of 10 years; any smoke alarm over 10 years old should be replaced. Many smoke alarms ten years of age or older have no battery back-up, any smoke alarm without a battery back-up should also be replaced. Smoke alarms that use a centralized battery, integrated into a security system, generally have a battery life expectancy of 3-5 years; check the manufacturer’s recommendations.
A working smoke alarm provides an early warning and critical extra seconds to escape, which is especially important during nighttime fires. Many people mistakenly believe they will be awakened by the smell of smoke. In reality, smoke disorients people and contributes to more fire deaths than actual burns. Besides changing smoke alarm batteries, Fire Chief Hoppes recommends residents test the smoke alarm by pushing the test button, checking their carbon monoxide alarms, changing flashlight batteries, planning “two ways out,” identify a meeting place, and practicing those escape routes with the entire family monthly. Remember, once you’re out – stay out and only dial 9-1-1 from a neighbor’s house or from a cordless or cellular phone.