SALISBURY, Md. – Hundreds of white-collar, middle-class Koreans, desperate to immigrate to the United States, are paying as much as $30,000 each to work in chicken plants on the Eastern Shore.
Immigration brokers advertise the poultry jobs in Korean newspapers as a shortcut to the United States. Koreans who respond pay $10,000 to $30,000 in fees and promise to work for a year in processing plants, according to interviews with about 50 current and former poultry workers.
When they are hired, they receive legal permanent U.S. residency for themselves and their families under a federal program designed to fill unskilled jobs. For some, the process shortens a possible 15-year wait to immigrate. For others, it is the only legal means of coming to America.
Under the program, U.S. companies can import foreign workers once they prove to the Labor Department that they have advertised and recruited extensively yet still have openings. About 10,000 people a year become permanent U.S. residents under the program, which is used by such industries as hotels, maid services and chicken processing companies.
The companies file for the work visas, but it is often middleman agencies and brokers who recruit the specific individuals who will fill the positions.
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DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Thursday, February 06, 2014
Coming Weather
Sunday Night
 | Rain and snow showers in the evening, transitioning to light snow overnight. Low 27F. Winds NNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precip 40%. |
Monday
 | A few clouds from time to time. High 32F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph. |
Monday Night
 | Partly cloudy. Low 21F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph. |
Tuesday
 | Cloudy. Light snow likely in the afternoon. High 34F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 50%. Snow accumulations less than one inch. |
Tuesday Night
| Cloudy with snow. Low around 25F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 70%. Snow accumulating 1 to 3 inches. |
Wednesday
 | Freezing rain early will become a mix of rain and snow in the afternoon. High 38F. Winds ENE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precip 90%. |
Wednesday Night
| Rain and snow in the evening will become rain and snow showers in the overnight hours. Low 34F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precip 80%. |
Thursday
| A light wintry mix in the morning will transition to mainly light rain in the afternoon. High 48F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%. |
Thursday Night
 | Occasional light rain. Low 32F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%. |
Friday
| Rain and freezing rain early...with rain showers in the afternoon. High 41F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precip 60%. |
Friday Night
| Showers in the evening, then partly cloudy overnight. Low around 30F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%. |
Saturday
| A few clouds early then scattered snow showers developing during the afternoon. High 38F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 30%. Snow accumulations less than one inch. |
Saturday Night
 | Scattered snow flurries and snow showers before midnight. Becoming partly cloudy later. Low 28F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 30%. |
Sunday
 | Partly cloudy skies during the morning hours will give way to occasional showers in the afternoon. High 38F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%. |
Sunday Night
| Cloudy with rain and snow in the evening, light snow late. Low 28F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precip 60%. Snow accumulations less than one inch. |
Monday
| Light snow during the morning will give way to some clearing during the afternoon. High 39F. Winds NW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of snow 40%. |
Monday Night
| Partly cloudy. Low 28F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. |
Tuesday
 | Sunshine and clouds mixed. High 38F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph. |
Tuesday Night
| Mostly cloudy. Snow showers or flurries will be scattered about the area. Low 29F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 30%. |
Obama’s Plan to Bankrupt Coal Continues Without Congress
Remember back during the 2008 presidential campaign when Barack Obama promised to bankrupt anyone who wanted to build a coal-fired power plant and essentially shut down the coal industry?
For those not paying attention, despite his inability to get cap-and-trade passed, he is still pursuing this plan. Now, he’s doing it via EPA regulations known as New Source Performance Standards (NSPS)– which amount to a “cap” without the “trade.”
There is a virtual metric ton wrong with these standards, which would impose firm caps on the amount of carbon new coal-fired power plants can emit. (Note that Obama and his EPA are also considering extending the rules to existing coal-fired power plants, which sounds even more awesome).
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Perverting History To Promote Power
In a January 30 column David Brooks, the house neocon of the New York Times (the favorite tabloid of the Lunatic Left) urged Obama to ignore both his socialist/egalitarian base and the “conservative tradition that believes in limiting government to enhance freedom.” Obama already has nothing but hateful contempt for the latter tradition and needs no convincing by a right-wing statist like David Brooks.
The president should also abandon his life-long infatuation with and devotion to socialism as well, advises David Brooks. In its place he should pursue an agenda of crony capitalism disguised as a “social mobility agenda” with the help of professional propagandists and perverters of American history such as Brooks and his fellow neocons. Of course, Brooks doesn’t use these less-than-flattering words to describe his Machiavellian agenda. He talks of “a third ancient tradition” in American history, namely, “the Whig tradition, which begins with people like Henry Clay, Daniel Webster and Abraham Lincoln.”
Either Brooks knows nothing at all, whatsoever, about the Whig Party tradition in American history, or he is lying through his teeth about it. For he describes it as having been devoted to “using the power of government to give marginalized Americans the tools to compete in a capitalist economy.” The Whigs, says Brooks, “fought against the divisive populist Jacksonians” who supposedly sought to “pit classes against each other.” Every bit of this is exactly the opposite of the truth. The Whigs were the party of crony capitalism, of government of plutocracy, by the plutocracy, for the plutocracy. That is why so many historians have marveled over how a man like Abe Lincoln, who grew up so poor, would become the political water carrier for the Northeastern moneyed elite in American politics.
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The president should also abandon his life-long infatuation with and devotion to socialism as well, advises David Brooks. In its place he should pursue an agenda of crony capitalism disguised as a “social mobility agenda” with the help of professional propagandists and perverters of American history such as Brooks and his fellow neocons. Of course, Brooks doesn’t use these less-than-flattering words to describe his Machiavellian agenda. He talks of “a third ancient tradition” in American history, namely, “the Whig tradition, which begins with people like Henry Clay, Daniel Webster and Abraham Lincoln.”
Either Brooks knows nothing at all, whatsoever, about the Whig Party tradition in American history, or he is lying through his teeth about it. For he describes it as having been devoted to “using the power of government to give marginalized Americans the tools to compete in a capitalist economy.” The Whigs, says Brooks, “fought against the divisive populist Jacksonians” who supposedly sought to “pit classes against each other.” Every bit of this is exactly the opposite of the truth. The Whigs were the party of crony capitalism, of government of plutocracy, by the plutocracy, for the plutocracy. That is why so many historians have marveled over how a man like Abe Lincoln, who grew up so poor, would become the political water carrier for the Northeastern moneyed elite in American politics.
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OCEAN CITY CITIZENS WARNED OF “ONE-RING” PHONE SCAM FROM CARIBBEAN ISLANDS
According to the Better Business Bureau, scammers are using auto-dialers to call thousands of cell phones. The phone will ring only once before disconnecting. If the citizen calls back the number displayed, the caller will then be charged $19.95 for an international call fee and an additional $9-per-minute charge.
Area codes being used by the scammers are 473 (Grenada), 809 (Dominican Republic), 876 (Jamaica), 284 (British Virgin Islands), and 268 (Antiqua/Barbuda).
The BBB suggests that citizens keep a close eye on their cell phone statements and contact their carrier if any unauthorized charges are noticed. Also, citizens are encouraged to research the area code online to see where any unfamiliar phone numbers originate before returning the call.
Obama's Solo Strategy To Pit GOP Anger vs. Democrat Zeal
Tries to win Congress by acting without it
With his new emphasis on creating government policy through executive fiat, President Obama is betting he will fire up his Democratic base more than he will infuriate Republican voters in this year’s midterm elections.
Democrats increasingly are abandoning their dream of winning back the House in November. Even Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz said last week that she can’t “confidently predict” it. But the president needs Democrats to hold on to the Senate, where a swing of six seats would give Republicans control, to have any hope of achieving more of his policy goals and reshaping the judiciary during his final two years in office.
The presidential party
historically loses congressional seats in the midterms, and Mr. Obama’s chances of defying that trend don’t look good. The troubled launch last year of Obamacare has Democrats on the defensive and Republicans re-energized.
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With his new emphasis on creating government policy through executive fiat, President Obama is betting he will fire up his Democratic base more than he will infuriate Republican voters in this year’s midterm elections.
Democrats increasingly are abandoning their dream of winning back the House in November. Even Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz said last week that she can’t “confidently predict” it. But the president needs Democrats to hold on to the Senate, where a swing of six seats would give Republicans control, to have any hope of achieving more of his policy goals and reshaping the judiciary during his final two years in office.
The presidential party
historically loses congressional seats in the midterms, and Mr. Obama’s chances of defying that trend don’t look good. The troubled launch last year of Obamacare has Democrats on the defensive and Republicans re-energized.More
Mizeur’s Crime Plan Calls For Shift From ‘Mass Incarceration’ To Prevention In Maryland
A copy of the 18-page plan, which was shared with The Washington Post, also seeks to place further restrictions on guns in Maryland, where lawmakers adopted some of the most sweeping reforms in the country last year in the wake of the school shootings in Newtown, Conn.
Mizeur, a Montgomery County delegate, calls her approach “transformational” and “holistic” and is highly critical of “antiquated ‘tough on crime’ policies” that have been pursued under Gov. Martin O’Malley (D), whom she is seeking to succeed.
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One Brave Doctor Stands Up To ObamaCare's Bad Medicine
I don't have a completely satisfactory answer when people ask me what we can do to combat the tyranny we are witnessing in this country, but one brave and principled Texas physician is showing how people can stand up.
Dr. Kristin Held of San Antonio, whom I've befriended on Twitter and grown to deeply admire for her vocal advocacy against Obamacare, has taken the next step in her battle — our battle.
Last week, she wrote a letter to Aetna insurance company terminating her participation in its program because of unilateral changes she said the company had made to its contract with her.
In her letter, Dr. Held informed Aetna that "Obamacare, the 'law of the land,' contains ever-changing-at-the-whim-of-HHS, politically expedient mandates, rewards, penalties, rules and regulations with which I cannot rationally or morally treat my patients and run a practice, much-less interpret, implement, or comply."
She continued with something that cannot be said often and strongly enough, if for no other reason than President Obama will simply not acknowledge it and callously glosses over it, whether in his self-serving State of the Union speech or in his painfully evasive interview with Fox News' Bill O'Reilly. "Millions of Americans," wrote Dr. Held," have lost coverage because of the healthcare law and must now shop on a defective, insecure government website and sign up for more expensive policies through Federal and State exchanges."
More
Dr. Kristin Held of San Antonio, whom I've befriended on Twitter and grown to deeply admire for her vocal advocacy against Obamacare, has taken the next step in her battle — our battle.
Last week, she wrote a letter to Aetna insurance company terminating her participation in its program because of unilateral changes she said the company had made to its contract with her.
In her letter, Dr. Held informed Aetna that "Obamacare, the 'law of the land,' contains ever-changing-at-the-whim-of-HHS, politically expedient mandates, rewards, penalties, rules and regulations with which I cannot rationally or morally treat my patients and run a practice, much-less interpret, implement, or comply."
She continued with something that cannot be said often and strongly enough, if for no other reason than President Obama will simply not acknowledge it and callously glosses over it, whether in his self-serving State of the Union speech or in his painfully evasive interview with Fox News' Bill O'Reilly. "Millions of Americans," wrote Dr. Held," have lost coverage because of the healthcare law and must now shop on a defective, insecure government website and sign up for more expensive policies through Federal and State exchanges."
More
Look What Hobby Lobby's Up To Now!
But coming soon, the next stop on the tour could be the Museum of the Bible.
Steve Green, president of the Hobby Lobby retail chain, is behind an effort to open the new museum in an acquired building on D Street in Washington, D.C., only four blocks from where Congress meets.
Green revealed new details of the plan at The Constitutional Coalition’s 25th annual Education Policy Conference, or EPC, in St. Louis, Mo., on Feb. 1.
Read more
Lawmaker Wants Term Limits For Congress: 12 Years In Each Chamber, Tops
Rep. Mick Mulvaney, Republican from South Carolina, says lawmakers shouldn’t be allowed to serve more than 24 years in Congress — and he has brought forth a bill to change the Constitution to reflect that limit.
Under his proposal, a lawmaker could serve 12 years maximum in the House. That same lawmaker could then make a run for the Senate, and serve up to another 12 years in that chamber — but then that’s it. Twenty-four years in Congress is all any individual could serve, he said, The Hill reported.
“Believe me, 24 years is more than enough time to serve in Washington,” Mr. Mulvaney said, in The Hill. “I actually pushed for much shorter terms but compromised at 12-plus-12 in order to gain the support of addition co-sponsors.”
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Under his proposal, a lawmaker could serve 12 years maximum in the House. That same lawmaker could then make a run for the Senate, and serve up to another 12 years in that chamber — but then that’s it. Twenty-four years in Congress is all any individual could serve, he said, The Hill reported.
“Believe me, 24 years is more than enough time to serve in Washington,” Mr. Mulvaney said, in The Hill. “I actually pushed for much shorter terms but compromised at 12-plus-12 in order to gain the support of addition co-sponsors.”
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Ehrlich To Appear At Event For Maryland GOP Gubernatorial Hopeful Larry Hogan
Former governor Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. (R) is scheduled to appear at a “headquarters grand opening party” with Hogan, who served as appointments secretary for Ehrlich.
Hogan kicked off his campaign with a rally last week at which he named his running mate, Boyd Rutherford, another former member of Ehrlich’s Cabinet.
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Don’t Blame Climate Change For The California Drought
Of all the media-savvy decisions that our friends in the alarmists’ camp have made in recent years, the finest was to change their branding. “Global warming” is a clear hypothesis, subject to investigation and to criticism; “Global cooling,” likewise. But “climate change”? Now that is beautifully and efficaciously ambiguous — less an ironclad prediction and more an ersatz Rorschach test onto which anything and everything can be projected.
Taking firm advantage of the term’s cloudy meaning, Obama’s chief of staff, Denis McDonough, announced on Face the Nation this weekend that he was vexed by a “very chilling story in the New York Times today about the impact of climate change on droughts in the West – California, which is now seeing some pretty serious developments as a result of climate change.” “So,” McDonough concluded, “we’ll be looking at that.”
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Taking firm advantage of the term’s cloudy meaning, Obama’s chief of staff, Denis McDonough, announced on Face the Nation this weekend that he was vexed by a “very chilling story in the New York Times today about the impact of climate change on droughts in the West – California, which is now seeing some pretty serious developments as a result of climate change.” “So,” McDonough concluded, “we’ll be looking at that.”
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BILL WOULD REQUIRE MARYLAND COLLEGES TO ISSUE SEXUAL ASSAULT SURVEY
ANNAPOLIS – Supporters believe a bill requiring Maryland colleges and universities to administer anonymous sexual assault surveys would shed light on the true number of incidents on campuses.
Bill sponsor Delegate Jon S. Cardin, D-Baltimore County, called the number of sexual assaults on college campuses an “epidemic.” One in five women has been sexually assaulted while in college, according to a recent White House report.
Colleges are required to collect and share data about crimes under the federal Clery Act. However, reporting rates regarding sexual violence are particularly low, according to the January report.
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Bill sponsor Delegate Jon S. Cardin, D-Baltimore County, called the number of sexual assaults on college campuses an “epidemic.” One in five women has been sexually assaulted while in college, according to a recent White House report.
Colleges are required to collect and share data about crimes under the federal Clery Act. However, reporting rates regarding sexual violence are particularly low, according to the January report.
More
Biden’s Niece Enters Posh Rehab For ‘Anger Issues’
Life’s a beach for Vice President Joe Biden’s wild-child niece who was excused from appearing in Manhattan Criminal Court Wednesday because she’s being treated for anger issues at an inpatient facility in Delray Beach, Fla., The Post has learned.
Caroline Biden, 26, charged with resisting arrest, obstruction of justice and harassment for a Sept. 17 meltdown after a confrontation with her roommate at her ritzy Tribeca pad over unpaid rent, will see the charges dismissed if she stays out of trouble for six months, Manhattan Criminal Court Judge Anne Scherzer agreed Wednesday.
“She’s undergoing treatment for the issues she has with anger management,” said defense lawyer James Liguori after the brief appearance sans his emotionally volatile client. “She’s truly sorry for what she did and she’s truly remorseful.”
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Caroline Biden, 26, charged with resisting arrest, obstruction of justice and harassment for a Sept. 17 meltdown after a confrontation with her roommate at her ritzy Tribeca pad over unpaid rent, will see the charges dismissed if she stays out of trouble for six months, Manhattan Criminal Court Judge Anne Scherzer agreed Wednesday.
“She’s undergoing treatment for the issues she has with anger management,” said defense lawyer James Liguori after the brief appearance sans his emotionally volatile client. “She’s truly sorry for what she did and she’s truly remorseful.”
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Experts Predict Imminent Collapse Of U.S. Dollar
For the last 600 years, there have been six different global reserve currencies controlled by world superpowers. The latest – the U.S. dollar – has dominated world currency for over 80 years. The alarming fact is, global reserve currencies have collapsed every 80-90 years for the last six centuries! What does this mean for America and the dominance of the U.S. dollar? Based on recent evidence and long-standing historical trends, experts predict the imminent collapse of the U.S. dollar! What’s more alarming? Many Americans aren’t yet doing the one thing that will save their savings & retirement from U.S. dollar collapse.
600 years of human history has shown that the average lifespan of a global reserve currency is equal to a “saeculum” – or “human lifetime” – of about 80-90 years, broken down into four 20-year generations. The best-selling book, “The Fourth Turning,” goes through history and demonstrates this 4-phase evolution:
600 years of human history has shown that the average lifespan of a global reserve currency is equal to a “saeculum” – or “human lifetime” – of about 80-90 years, broken down into four 20-year generations. The best-selling book, “The Fourth Turning,” goes through history and demonstrates this 4-phase evolution:
First generation: High – This is an era when institutions are strong and society is confident about where it wants to go. America’s most recent First Turning was the post-World War II American High, beginning in 1946 and ending with the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
Second generation: Awakening – This is an era when institutions are attacked in the name of personal and spiritual autonomy. People suddenly tire of social discipline and want to recapture a sense of personal authenticity. America’s most recent Awakening was the “Consciousness Revolution,” which spanned from the campus and inner-city revolts of the mid-1960s to the reelection of Ronald Reagan.
Third generation: Unraveling – This is an era when institutions are weak and distrusted, while individualism is strong and flourishing. America’s most recent Unraveling was the Long Boom and Culture War, beginning in the mid-1980s and ending in the late 2000s.
Fourth generation: Crisis – This is an era in which institutional life is destroyed and rebuilt in response to a perceived threat to the nation’s survival. America’s most recent Fourth Turning began with the stock market crash of 1929 and climaxed with the end of World War II.
BREAKING NEWS: Baseball Hall Of Famer Ralph Kiner Dies At 91
Ralph Kiner, who led the National League in home runs in seven of his 10 years and was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1975, has died at 91, Hall of Fame says.
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Grand Jury Won't Indict Man Who Shot, Killed Central Texas Sheriff's Deputy In December
DALLAS – A grand jury has declined to charge a Central Texas man for killing a sheriff's deputy who entered his home to carry out a search warrant.
Henry Goedrich Magee was accused of capital murder for the Dec. 19 death of Burleson County Sgt. Adam Sowders. Magee's attorney, Dick DeGuerin, said Thursday the grand jury did not return a capital murder indictment against Magee.
Sheriff's deputies entered Magee's rural home near Somerville to search for guns and marijuana. DeGuerin has said Magee awoke and thought burglars were entering his home about 90 miles northwest of Houston, reached for a gun and opened fire.
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Henry Goedrich Magee was accused of capital murder for the Dec. 19 death of Burleson County Sgt. Adam Sowders. Magee's attorney, Dick DeGuerin, said Thursday the grand jury did not return a capital murder indictment against Magee.
Sheriff's deputies entered Magee's rural home near Somerville to search for guns and marijuana. DeGuerin has said Magee awoke and thought burglars were entering his home about 90 miles northwest of Houston, reached for a gun and opened fire.
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MSM Collapsing: NY Times Now “Irrelevant,” According To Its Own Writers
Opinion pieces have no impact on public discourse as statist media sinks
In another example of how the mainstream media is in a state of collapse, the New York Times’s own writers told a newspaper that NY Times opinion pieces are now seen as “irrelevant” and have no impact on public discourse whatsoever.
This is a stunning turnaround from as little as five years ago, when a New York Times opinion piece was viewed with respect and held a certain level of gravitas.
The New York Observer interviewed more than two dozen current and former NY Times writers, virtually all of whom were unanimous in acknowledging that the Old Gray Lady is becoming increasingly insignificant.
“I think the editorials are viewed by most reporters as largely irrelevant, and there’s not a lot of respect for the editorial page,” one source told the newspaper. “The editorials are dull, and that’s a cardinal sin.”
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In another example of how the mainstream media is in a state of collapse, the New York Times’s own writers told a newspaper that NY Times opinion pieces are now seen as “irrelevant” and have no impact on public discourse whatsoever.
This is a stunning turnaround from as little as five years ago, when a New York Times opinion piece was viewed with respect and held a certain level of gravitas.
The New York Observer interviewed more than two dozen current and former NY Times writers, virtually all of whom were unanimous in acknowledging that the Old Gray Lady is becoming increasingly insignificant.
“I think the editorials are viewed by most reporters as largely irrelevant, and there’s not a lot of respect for the editorial page,” one source told the newspaper. “The editorials are dull, and that’s a cardinal sin.”
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REPORT: 2013 ATTACK ON CALIFORNIA POWER STATION WAS LIKELY TERRORIST REHEARSAL
A sniper attack in April 2013 that disabled several transformers at a substation near San Jose, CA was "the most significant incident of domestic terrorism involving the grid that has ever occurred," according to officials, and may have been a rehearsal for a broader wave of attacks designed to plunge the entire country into darkness, according to a report published Tuesday evening on the Wall Street Journal's website by Rebecca Smith.
The Journal reports that Former Federal Energy Regulatory Commission chair Jon Wellinghof, a George W. Bush administration appointee who stepped down in November after seven years, secretly briefed the White House, Congress, and federal agencies last year to warn them that the attack on the substation--for which no arrests have yet been made--was no prank, but a meticulously planned and ultimately successful assault.
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The Journal reports that Former Federal Energy Regulatory Commission chair Jon Wellinghof, a George W. Bush administration appointee who stepped down in November after seven years, secretly briefed the White House, Congress, and federal agencies last year to warn them that the attack on the substation--for which no arrests have yet been made--was no prank, but a meticulously planned and ultimately successful assault.
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Specter Of Welfare State Jolts Democrats
While some critics focused on a finding by the CBO that Obamacare will result in 2.5 million fewer workers over a decade, conservatives said the bigger fundamental issue highlighted in the report is one familiar to the welfare state — that taxpayer-funded government subsidies provide disincentives for full-time work.
“People used to be stuck in jobs because they needed the health insurance,” said Dr. Scott Gottlieb, a practicing physician and a specialist on health care policy at the conservative-leaning American Enterprise Institute. “Now they’re going to be prevented from taking jobs because they need the subsidies.”
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TOM DEMARK: The Next Two To Three Days Are 'Extremely Critical' For The Stock Market — It May Crash 40%
Noted market-timer Tom DeMark did not sound optimistic about the prospects for stocks in an interview with CNBC this morning.
DeMark compared today's market to that preceding the Black Friday crash in 1929.
"When the market made its high on September 3, [1929], there were 23 subsequent trading days where the Dow Jones Industrial Average had a short-term bottom," he said.
"23 days aligns with the low end on Monday. And subsequent to that, we had a four-day rally, and then the market unraveled — went down 48%. We are currently at that inflection point. Like I said, so far, everything is aligned. We think the next two to three days are extremely critical."
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DeMark compared today's market to that preceding the Black Friday crash in 1929.
"When the market made its high on September 3, [1929], there were 23 subsequent trading days where the Dow Jones Industrial Average had a short-term bottom," he said.
"23 days aligns with the low end on Monday. And subsequent to that, we had a four-day rally, and then the market unraveled — went down 48%. We are currently at that inflection point. Like I said, so far, everything is aligned. We think the next two to three days are extremely critical."
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How Did Americans Manage To Lose $119 Billion Gambling Last Year?
The world lost a record of amount of money last year, and America led the pack
The gambling industry around the world is huge, but the biggest market is the United States, where gamblers lost a staggering $119 billion in 2013:
The gambling industry around the world is huge, but the biggest market is the United States, where gamblers lost a staggering $119 billion in 2013:
Cops Ordered To Return Over $1 Million Seized From Innocent Woman
and Fed Gov Ordered to Pay Nearly $40k in Legal Fees
In 2012, Tara Mishra decided to invest over one million dollars in a nightclub.
Mishra gave the money to her future business partners, a married couple, to transport from California to New Jersey for her.
The couple was pulled over for speeding along the way.
What should have been a standard traffic stop completely turned Mishra’s life upside down.
The Nebraska state trooper who stopped the pair asked to search the vehicle, and the couple consented. Officers discovered Mishra’s cash in multiple plastic bags stuffed with $100 bills in $10,000 stacks.
The officer, suspecting drug involvement, called in drug-sniffing dogs. Trace amounts of illegal drugs were found on the bills. The officers felt this was enough reason to seize Mishra’s money, even though studies show that up to 90% of U.S. paper money contains traces of cocaine. The couple was released without charges, but only after agreeing to relinquish the cash.
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In 2012, Tara Mishra decided to invest over one million dollars in a nightclub.
Mishra gave the money to her future business partners, a married couple, to transport from California to New Jersey for her.
The couple was pulled over for speeding along the way.
What should have been a standard traffic stop completely turned Mishra’s life upside down.
The Nebraska state trooper who stopped the pair asked to search the vehicle, and the couple consented. Officers discovered Mishra’s cash in multiple plastic bags stuffed with $100 bills in $10,000 stacks.
The officer, suspecting drug involvement, called in drug-sniffing dogs. Trace amounts of illegal drugs were found on the bills. The officers felt this was enough reason to seize Mishra’s money, even though studies show that up to 90% of U.S. paper money contains traces of cocaine. The couple was released without charges, but only after agreeing to relinquish the cash.
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Rutherford Strengthens Hogan, But It’s Still An Uphill Slog
“I know I told you I’d never do this,” Rutherford said last week, grinning as he grabbed my arm. But he is doing it after all — running for lieutenant governor on a ticket with Larry Hogan.
Back in December, I had run into Rutherford at the typically packed party of Davis Agnor Rappaport & Skalny on Columbia’s downtown lakefront.
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Strassel: So God Made A Farm Bill
(With apologies to the late radio great Paul Harvey. )
And on the eighth day, God looked down on his planned paradise and said, "I need a caretaker." So God made a farmer.
God said, "I need somebody willing to get up before dawn, milk cows, work all day in the fields, milk cows again, and then go to Washington and claim that this particular type of hard work is somehow unique in America and ought to be underwritten by the rest of the nation. I need a willing audience for that plea—a group clever enough and self-serving enough to see the electoral profit of standing for Carhartts, wheat fields and John Deere tractors." So God made a Congress.
He said, "I need somebody in that Congress savvy enough to realize that farming means food, and food means nutrition, and nutrition means good things to voters, so farming means food stamps. Somebody to call to make that assistance bigger and forever, tame howls over soaring deficits, and plant the seeds of perpetual votes. Somebody to threaten to label anybody pushing for reform as rich, cruel and downright hateful of happy, cornfed children playing in hay lofts—and mean it." So God made a Democratic Party.
God said, "I need somebody willing to spend five long years complaining about overspending, big government and special-interest giveaways. And get up and vote for $1 trillion in overspending, bigger government and special-interest giveaways—in the name of farmers. Then—when reminded of his reform promises—dry his eyes and say, 'Maybe next year.' I need somebody to fret about drought, wax about food security, and muse (in private) that heedless government shutdowns really do have consequences. Including pressuring parties to prove they can accomplish something by voting for 949-page spending extravaganzas that nobody has bothered to read. Somebody willing to put in 40 hours spinning excuses for abandoning his principles and then, pained from the camera lights, put in 70 hours more." So God made Republicans.
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“Delegate McDermott Introduces A Bill To Help Retirees & Maryland’s Economy”
House Bill 75 will allow retirees to exempt the first $50,000 from their pensions from the state’s income tax. Under current law, Maryland already provides a pension exclusion for retirees who are at least 65 years old or who are completely disabled. “The Tax Foundation makes it quite clear that there is a migration, an exodus, if you will, of money and people leaving the state of Maryland… Maryland needs to move in a more competitive direction if we want to actually compete with other states in the region. If not, we will continue to see an exodus of individuals, small business, and Fortune 500 Companies” continued Delegate McDermott.
“This bill helps people who have grown up in, worked in, raised kids in, and made a life for themselves in Maryland; this bill bets on those people. If the Maryland legislature exempts the first $50,000 of retirement income from the income tax, not only will retirees stay in Maryland, rather than go to more tax friendly states such as Florida or Texas, but we will see that money invested back into the communities here. We will see those people by another car here. We will see those people help their kids buy a house here. The benefits and the economy growth that Maryland will see from this bill substantially outweighs the costs” concluded Delegate McDermott, before the House Ways and Means Committee.
House Bill 75 is still awaiting a vote by the Ways and Means Committee. If passed by the House and Senate, this bill will take effect for the 2014 tax year.
SUPER BOWL SUNDAY
A man had 50 yard line tickets for the Super Bowl.
As he sat down, he noticed that the seat next to him was empty.
He asked the man on the other side of the empty seat whether anyone was sitting there.
"No," the man replied, "The seat is empty."
"This is incredible," said the first man.
"Who in their right mind would have a seat like this for the Super Bowl, the biggest sporting event in the world and not use it?"
The second man replied, "Well, actually, the seat belongs to me. I was supposed to come with my wife, but she passed away.
This will be the first Super bowl we haven't been together since we got married in 1967."
"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. That's terrible. But couldn't you find someone else -- a friend or relative, or even a neighbor to take the seat?"
The man shook his head. "No, they're all at the funeral."
As he sat down, he noticed that the seat next to him was empty.
He asked the man on the other side of the empty seat whether anyone was sitting there.
"No," the man replied, "The seat is empty."
"This is incredible," said the first man.
"Who in their right mind would have a seat like this for the Super Bowl, the biggest sporting event in the world and not use it?"
The second man replied, "Well, actually, the seat belongs to me. I was supposed to come with my wife, but she passed away.
This will be the first Super bowl we haven't been together since we got married in 1967."
"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. That's terrible. But couldn't you find someone else -- a friend or relative, or even a neighbor to take the seat?"
The man shook his head. "No, they're all at the funeral."
Elizabeth Hurley — Bill Clinton's Marilyn Monroe?
Troubled actor Tom Sizemore makes claim in recording
On one side stands actor Tom Sizemore, who claims that he helped former President Bill Clinton arrange for an affair with his ex-girlfriend, actress Elizabeth Hurley.
On the other side stands Miss Hurley, who yawns at what she calls a ridiculous story.
A new tape that just emerged from Radar Online captured Mr. Sizemore — who was also recently photographed reportedly smoking crystal meth — making the claim of Mr. Clinton and Miss Hurley.
Mr. Sizemore has written of his involvement with Miss Hurley while they were on the set of a movie in 1992 — something she’s never confirmed. He is heard on the tape telling of how Mr. Clinton pressed him for Miss Hurley’s telephone number during a White House screening of “Saving Private Ryan” in 1998.
Mr. Sizemore said that Mr. Clinton told him: “Give it to me. You dumb [expletive], I’m the commander in chief of the United States of America. The buck stops here. Give me the damn number,” Radar Online reported.
More
On one side stands actor Tom Sizemore, who claims that he helped former President Bill Clinton arrange for an affair with his ex-girlfriend, actress Elizabeth Hurley.
On the other side stands Miss Hurley, who yawns at what she calls a ridiculous story.
A new tape that just emerged from Radar Online captured Mr. Sizemore — who was also recently photographed reportedly smoking crystal meth — making the claim of Mr. Clinton and Miss Hurley.
Mr. Sizemore has written of his involvement with Miss Hurley while they were on the set of a movie in 1992 — something she’s never confirmed. He is heard on the tape telling of how Mr. Clinton pressed him for Miss Hurley’s telephone number during a White House screening of “Saving Private Ryan” in 1998.
Mr. Sizemore said that Mr. Clinton told him: “Give it to me. You dumb [expletive], I’m the commander in chief of the United States of America. The buck stops here. Give me the damn number,” Radar Online reported.
More
Runup To War? Precision Strike On Fiber Optics, Generators
That appears to be the consensus emerging from the attack that included a professional cutting of fiber optic lines and then shooting AK-47 rounds into the transformer of a PG&E Metcalf substation in San Jose.
The goal apparently was to cause the coolant to drain and the substation’s transformers to burn up and create a major blackout in the area.
Read more
How's Your Golf Game
This is multiple choice. If you select a wrong answer, the ball moves only so far down the fairway and stops and you are charged with one stroke.
Keep selecting the answers that you think are correct and the ball moves down the fairway until you get the right answer and the ball goes in the hole.
If you have the correct answer right away, the ball goes directly in the hole - a hole in one.
To play click here!!!!!
Keep selecting the answers that you think are correct and the ball moves down the fairway until you get the right answer and the ball goes in the hole.
If you have the correct answer right away, the ball goes directly in the hole - a hole in one.
To play click here!!!!!
Sheila Jackson Lee's Top Priority: Obama's Executive Orders
Democratic Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee said that the new Congressional Full Employment Caucus will “give President Obama a number of executive orders that he can sign.”
Jackson Lee added that writing up executive orders “should be our number one agenda.”
“We will be answering the call of all of America because people need work and we’re not doing right by them by creating work,” the Texas congresswoman said. “I believe this caucus will put us on the right path and we’ll give President Obama a number of executive orders that he can sign with pride and strength,” Jackson said Jan. 29 at a press conference where she and fellow Democrats launched the Full Employment Caucus.
“In fact, I think that should be our number one agenda. Let’s write up these executive orders — draft them, of course — and ask the president to stand with us on full employment,” Jackson Lee added.
More
Jackson Lee added that writing up executive orders “should be our number one agenda.”
“We will be answering the call of all of America because people need work and we’re not doing right by them by creating work,” the Texas congresswoman said. “I believe this caucus will put us on the right path and we’ll give President Obama a number of executive orders that he can sign with pride and strength,” Jackson said Jan. 29 at a press conference where she and fellow Democrats launched the Full Employment Caucus.
“In fact, I think that should be our number one agenda. Let’s write up these executive orders — draft them, of course — and ask the president to stand with us on full employment,” Jackson Lee added.
More
'Phantom Networks' Of Unavailable Doctors Plague Obamacare
The fears of patients across the country are being realized as they discover their doctors are not participating in the Obamacare health plans, The Los Angeles Times reports.
In late January, retiring Oklahoma Sen. Tom Coburn, a Republican who is also a medical doctor, disclosed to MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough that his Obamacare plan did not include the oncologist who has been treating him for prostate cancer. In order to continue to receive treatment from the same specialist, Coburn has to pay out-of-pocket.
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In late January, retiring Oklahoma Sen. Tom Coburn, a Republican who is also a medical doctor, disclosed to MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough that his Obamacare plan did not include the oncologist who has been treating him for prostate cancer. In order to continue to receive treatment from the same specialist, Coburn has to pay out-of-pocket.
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Chamber Business Expo March 13th
You're Cordially invited to attend the 4th Annual
Ocean Pines Chamber of Commerce Business Expo
Thursday March 13, 2014
4:00PM - 7:00PM
on Route 50, Berlin, MD (across from Stephen Decatur H.S.)
No fee to attend * Complimentary Food, Beer, Wine & Beverages
Local businesses will be displaying their products & services
BOOTH SPACE IS STILL AVAILABLE!
Ammo Shortage Explodes
Ammunition still difficult to find in wake of Sandy Hook shootings
Many area residents agree that store shelves are short of certain types of ammunition — and have been for more than a year.
The explanations for the shortage differ. At a gun show over the weekend at the Ramkota Hotel, a couple of hunters said they believe ammo manufacturers are producing as much as they ever did.
“The only shortage is on the shelves. People are still in panic mode, still buying stuff,” said Dave Soehren of Appleton, Minn.
Gun sales and related activity took off more than a year ago, following the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut on Dec. 14, 2012.
The ammo shortage is the result of supply and demand, said SoDak Sports co-owner A.J. Hoffman, who was interviewed at his store.
After the Sandy Hook fatalities, federal officials started talking about gun control and other issues, said Hoffman, explaining whenever there is an increase in gun sales, there is an increase in ammo sales.
More
Many area residents agree that store shelves are short of certain types of ammunition — and have been for more than a year.
The explanations for the shortage differ. At a gun show over the weekend at the Ramkota Hotel, a couple of hunters said they believe ammo manufacturers are producing as much as they ever did.
“The only shortage is on the shelves. People are still in panic mode, still buying stuff,” said Dave Soehren of Appleton, Minn.
Gun sales and related activity took off more than a year ago, following the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut on Dec. 14, 2012.
The ammo shortage is the result of supply and demand, said SoDak Sports co-owner A.J. Hoffman, who was interviewed at his store.
After the Sandy Hook fatalities, federal officials started talking about gun control and other issues, said Hoffman, explaining whenever there is an increase in gun sales, there is an increase in ammo sales.
More
Is Anyone Really Surprised That The System Is On the Brink Again?
We find it truly extraordinary that anyone is surprised the financial system is under duress again.
After all, what have the Central Banks accomplished in the last five years?
1) Did they clear out the bad debts that caused the 2008 collapse? NOPE
2) Did they implement structural reforms to insure another 2008 didn’t happen? NOPE
3) Did they punish fraud or corruption in any way to insure that the system was clean? NOPE
So what did they do?
They cut interest rates over 500 times and funneled over $10 trillion into the financial system, over 98% of which went to the very players (key banks) who nearly blew up the world in 2008.
More
After all, what have the Central Banks accomplished in the last five years?
1) Did they clear out the bad debts that caused the 2008 collapse? NOPE
2) Did they implement structural reforms to insure another 2008 didn’t happen? NOPE
3) Did they punish fraud or corruption in any way to insure that the system was clean? NOPE
So what did they do?
They cut interest rates over 500 times and funneled over $10 trillion into the financial system, over 98% of which went to the very players (key banks) who nearly blew up the world in 2008.
More
WHY OLD MEN DON'T GET HIRED!
Job Interview:
Human Resources Manager: "What is your greatest weakness?"
Human Resources Manager: "What is your greatest weakness?"
Old Man : "Honesty."
Human Resources Manager: "I don't think honesty is a weakness."
Old Man : "I don't really give a sh!t what you think."
Human Resources Manager: "I don't think honesty is a weakness."
Old Man : "I don't really give a sh!t what you think."
Salisbury U Fraternity Barred Until At Least 2015
SALISBURY, Md. -- Salisbury University says a fraternity suspended after accusations of hazing a pledge has violated its suspension by continuing to recruit members and will have to wait even longer to return to campus.
Salisbury University says Sigma Alpha Epsilon will be off campus until summer 2015 because it violated its suspension, and it will be on probation through summer 2017. The fraternity will be eligible for a review in the summer of 2015 to determine if it can return in the fall of 2015. The fraternity's original year and a half suspension was supposed to be up for review this semester.
The fraternity's national headquarters says it has suspended the chapter's charter. University officials say the charter was not suspended two years ago when the university initiated sanctions against the fraternity.
Source
Salisbury University says Sigma Alpha Epsilon will be off campus until summer 2015 because it violated its suspension, and it will be on probation through summer 2017. The fraternity will be eligible for a review in the summer of 2015 to determine if it can return in the fall of 2015. The fraternity's original year and a half suspension was supposed to be up for review this semester.
The fraternity's national headquarters says it has suspended the chapter's charter. University officials say the charter was not suspended two years ago when the university initiated sanctions against the fraternity.
Source
Federal Judge Rules Drivers Allowed To Flash Headlights To Warn Of Speed Traps
A federal judge in Missouri ruled this week held that drivers have a First Amendment right to flash their headlights to warn other motorists of nearby police and speed traps.
The order by U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey in St. Louis on Monday stems from a lawsuit filed by Ellisville resident Michael Elli. In 2012, Elli flashed his headlights to warn oncoming vehicles of a radar set up by police in the town of Ellisville.
A flash of headlights is a common way motorists communicate to oncoming drivers of either a dangerous situation or the presence of police — in essence, a warning to slow down.
More
The order by U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey in St. Louis on Monday stems from a lawsuit filed by Ellisville resident Michael Elli. In 2012, Elli flashed his headlights to warn oncoming vehicles of a radar set up by police in the town of Ellisville.
A flash of headlights is a common way motorists communicate to oncoming drivers of either a dangerous situation or the presence of police — in essence, a warning to slow down.
More
Consider This
Today's modest bounce in stocks - considerably removed after-hours - does not provide much hope for those looking to buy the dip with the Dow still down over 1000 points year-to-date. In fact, as we discuss below, troubling news just continues to pour in from all over the world... consider the following...
Submitted by Michael Snyder of The Economic Collapse blog,
Overall, the Dow has now fallen more than 1000 points from the peak of the market (16,588.25) back in late December. This is the first time that we have seen the Dow drop below its 200-day moving average in more than a year, and there are many that believe that this is just the beginning of a major stock market decline. Meanwhile, things are even worse in other parts of the world. For example, the Nikkei is now down about 1700 points from its 2013 high. This is causing havoc all over Asia, and the sharp movement that we have been seeing in the USD/JPY is creating a tremendous amount of anxiety among Forex traders. For those that are not interested in the technical details, what all of this means is that global financial markets are starting to become extremely unstable.
More
Submitted by Michael Snyder of The Economic Collapse blog,
Overall, the Dow has now fallen more than 1000 points from the peak of the market (16,588.25) back in late December. This is the first time that we have seen the Dow drop below its 200-day moving average in more than a year, and there are many that believe that this is just the beginning of a major stock market decline. Meanwhile, things are even worse in other parts of the world. For example, the Nikkei is now down about 1700 points from its 2013 high. This is causing havoc all over Asia, and the sharp movement that we have been seeing in the USD/JPY is creating a tremendous amount of anxiety among Forex traders. For those that are not interested in the technical details, what all of this means is that global financial markets are starting to become extremely unstable.
More
BERETTA: Maryland Disrespects Us And Gun Owners, So We Expand In Tennessee
My family has operated our business from the same small town in northern Italy for 500 years. This means that when we make a commitment to a local community, our hope is to do so for decades, if not centuries, to come.
We apply this same philosophy to all of our factories and locations throughout the world. Such a commitment is not a one-way street, though.
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We apply this same philosophy to all of our factories and locations throughout the world. Such a commitment is not a one-way street, though.
More
U.S. Postal Service Announces Giant Ammo Purchase
Post Office joins other federal agencies stockpiling over two billion rounds of ammo
The U.S. Postal Service is currently seeking companies that can provide “assorted small arms ammunition” in the near future.
On Jan. 31, the USPS Supplies and Services Purchasing Office posted a notice on theFederal Business Opportunities websiteasking contractors to register with USPS as potential ammunition suppliers for a variety of cartridges.
“The United States Postal Service intends to solicit proposals for assorted small arms ammunition,” the notice reads, which also mentioned a deadline of Feb. 10.
The Post Office published the notice just two days after Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) announced his proposal to remove a federal gun ban that prevents lawful concealed carry holders from carrying handguns inside post offices across the country.
Ironically the Postal Service isn’t the first non-law enforcement agency seeking firearms and ammunition.
More
The U.S. Postal Service is currently seeking companies that can provide “assorted small arms ammunition” in the near future.
On Jan. 31, the USPS Supplies and Services Purchasing Office posted a notice on theFederal Business Opportunities websiteasking contractors to register with USPS as potential ammunition suppliers for a variety of cartridges.
“The United States Postal Service intends to solicit proposals for assorted small arms ammunition,” the notice reads, which also mentioned a deadline of Feb. 10.
The Post Office published the notice just two days after Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) announced his proposal to remove a federal gun ban that prevents lawful concealed carry holders from carrying handguns inside post offices across the country.
Ironically the Postal Service isn’t the first non-law enforcement agency seeking firearms and ammunition.
More
SFD Calls For Service 2-5-14
- Wednesday February, 5 2014 @ 22:58:13Nature: Psychiatric EmergencyCity: Salisbury
- Wednesday February, 5 2014 @ 22:15:22Nature: Assault EmsCity: Salisbury
- Wednesday February, 5 2014 @ 21:34:50Nature: Pro Qa EmsCity: Salisbury
- Wednesday February, 5 2014 @ 19:27:28Nature: SeizureCity: Salisbury
- Wednesday February, 5 2014 @ 18:02:55Nature: Pi AccidentAddress: 511 Naylor Mill Rd Salisbury, MD 21801
- Wednesday February, 5 2014 @ 16:43:36Nature: Maternity PatientCity: Salisbury
- Wednesday February, 5 2014 @ 16:08:27Nature: Diabetic DifficultyCity: Salisbury
- Wednesday February, 5 2014 @ 15:54:39Nature: Chest PainCity: Salisbury
- Wednesday February, 5 2014 @ 15:03:40Nature: Difficulty BreathingCity: Salisbury
- Wednesday February, 5 2014 @ 13:31:38Nature: Syncopal EpisodeCity: Salisbury
- Wednesday February, 5 2014 @ 11:10:39Nature: HemorrhagingCity: Salisbury
- Wednesday February, 5 2014 @ 07:32:18Nature: Difficulty BreathingCity: Salisbury
- Wednesday February, 5 2014 @ 07:06:06Nature: Sick SubjectCity: Salisbury
- Wednesday February, 5 2014 @ 06:47:07Nature: Subject FallenCity: Salisbury
POSTCARD CLUB ANNUAL SIGN
DELMARVA POSTCARD CLUB’S
14th ANNUAL SHOW
SUNDAY - FEBRUARY 9, 2013
WICOMICO CIVIC CENTER
CIVIC AVENUE, SALISBURY, MD
DANANG ROOM - 10 AM TO 4 PM
POSTCARD DISPLAYS
FREE ADMISSION & PARKING
POSTCARDS, POSTCARDS & MORE
POSTCARDS!
(Stamp dealers. Too!!)
LOCAL AND OUT OF TOWN DEALERS
FOR INFO CALL: NICK CARTER (410) 632-1474
or GEORGE CHEVALLIER (410) 749-1021
Rt 50 Draw Bridge In Ocean City Stuck
Take Rt. 90 this morning Folks. The Draw Bridge isn't working.
Sony To Cut 5,000 Jobs, Split Off PC, TV Operations
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The PC division, as widely expected, will be sold to investment fund Japan Industrial Partners, which will set up a separate company to take over the operations. Sony will initially hold a 5 percent stake in that company.
Sony also said it will split its TV division off into a separate company by July 2014.
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Senate Approves Ban On 190-Proof Alcohol
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The bill, which passed 37-10 on Wednesday, would halt sales of grain alcohol brands like Everclear, Gem Clear and Golden Grain, though Everclear's 150-proof version would remain legal.
A proof of 190 translates to 95 percent alcohol content. That's more than most rubbing alcohol.
Many of Maryland's college presidents requested the ban to help curb student drinking problems. Frostburg State University President Jonathan Gibralter says when grain alcohol is mixed with drinks like fruit punch or lemonade it hardly affects the flavor, making it easy to drink too much.
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MARYLAND’S CARDIN CALLS FOR WATER REGULATION IN WAKE OF WEST VIRGINIA CHEMICAL SPILL
Chairing a hearing of the Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Water and Wildlife, Cardin said safe drinking water is an interstate issue that must be addressed by the federal government. Current federal laws do not require regular updates on risks, or plans for protecting citizens, in areas where chemicals are stored.
It is difficult to know how many chemical storage tanks are located near water supplies in the United States, said witness Erik Olson, a strategic director for the Natural Resources Defense Council, and it is likely that hundreds of other water utilities would not be able to handle a spill like the one in West Virginia.
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