In the beginning, God created the Heavens and the Earth and populated the Earth with broccoli, cauliflower and spinach, green and yellow and red vegetables of all kinds, so Man and Woman would live long and healthy lives. The using God's great gifts, Satan created Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream and Krispy Creme Donuts. Satan said, "You want chocolate with that?" And Man said, "Yes" and Woman said, "As long as your at it add sprinkles." And they gained 10 pounds. And Satan smiled.
And God created the healthful yogurt that Woman might keep the figure Man found so fair. And Satan brought forth white flour from the wheat and sugar from the cane and combined them. And Woman went from a 6 to size 14. So God said, "Try my fresh green salad." And Satan presented Thousand Island Dressing, buttery croutons and garlic toast on the side. And Man and Woman unfastened their belts following the repast.
God then said, "I have sent you heart-healthy vegetables and olive oil in which to cook them." And Satan brought forth deep fired chicken, fish and chicken fried steak so big it needed its own platter. And Man gained more weight and his cholesterol went through the roof.
God then brought forth running shoes so His children might lose those extra pounds. And Satan gave them cable TV with a remote control so Man would not have to toil changing the channels. And Man and Woman laughed and cried before the flickering blue light and gained pounds.
God then gave lean beef that Man might consume fewer calories and still satisfy his appetite. And Satan created McDonald''s and its 99-cent double cheeseburger. Then he aske, "Do you want fries with that?" And Man replied, "Yes!" And Satan said, "It is good." And Man went into cardiac arrest. God sighed and created quadruple bypass surgery. Then Satan created.... Obamacare. Amen
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Friday, February 07, 2014
The Mafia State Of Mind
Once the mafia state of mind has seeped into every nook and cranny of the society and economy, it's not even recognized as corruption: it's simply the way the system works.
We recently spent a few days with a friend who was born and raised in Sicily who now lives elsewhere in Europe with his wife (also Italian, from Naples). Though we talked of many things, one of his comments struck me like a bolt of lightning.
The Mafia isn't about shoot-outs, he said; the mafia is a state of mind.
He then pointed to a city trash collection truck driving by. Those guys are mafia.
I should stipulate that our friends are left-liberal in their views, and deeply concerned about the direction of free enterprise, democracy and social equality in Europe. He did not make these comments as a joke but with the utmost seriousness.
Why are the union sanitation workers a mafia? Because they have the leverage (via strikes) to extract and extort what they want from a populace who earns less than they do in wages, benefits and salaries--a population with no other choice. Is there some other option to giving the striking municipal workers what they demand? Is there another choice to clear the streets of garbage? Is there another train system to get to work when the train operators are on strike? No.
The mafia state of mind is all about establishing a monopoly that leaves the populace no other choice, and that creates sufficient leverage to enable systemic extortion. In the mafia state of mind, the government is a partner in the racket. When thugs arrive in a peasant village in China to drive the residents off their land so a corrupt developer can build hundreds of highrise flats, where are the corrupt officials of the government? In line to collect their "fees", which will fund their purchase of homes in Vancouver, B.C. or Sydney, Australia.
Where were the government officials when BART employees held the San Francisco Bay Area hostage? Quietly collecting their usual bribes (politely called "contributions") from the union mafia.
More
We recently spent a few days with a friend who was born and raised in Sicily who now lives elsewhere in Europe with his wife (also Italian, from Naples). Though we talked of many things, one of his comments struck me like a bolt of lightning.
The Mafia isn't about shoot-outs, he said; the mafia is a state of mind.
He then pointed to a city trash collection truck driving by. Those guys are mafia.
I should stipulate that our friends are left-liberal in their views, and deeply concerned about the direction of free enterprise, democracy and social equality in Europe. He did not make these comments as a joke but with the utmost seriousness.
Why are the union sanitation workers a mafia? Because they have the leverage (via strikes) to extract and extort what they want from a populace who earns less than they do in wages, benefits and salaries--a population with no other choice. Is there some other option to giving the striking municipal workers what they demand? Is there another choice to clear the streets of garbage? Is there another train system to get to work when the train operators are on strike? No.
The mafia state of mind is all about establishing a monopoly that leaves the populace no other choice, and that creates sufficient leverage to enable systemic extortion. In the mafia state of mind, the government is a partner in the racket. When thugs arrive in a peasant village in China to drive the residents off their land so a corrupt developer can build hundreds of highrise flats, where are the corrupt officials of the government? In line to collect their "fees", which will fund their purchase of homes in Vancouver, B.C. or Sydney, Australia.
Where were the government officials when BART employees held the San Francisco Bay Area hostage? Quietly collecting their usual bribes (politely called "contributions") from the union mafia.
More
EASTWOOD SAVES TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR FROM CHOKING
Eastwood attended a volunteer party on the eve of the PGA Tour event when he noticed tournament director Steve John choking on a piece of cheese. The 83-year-old actor quickly performed the Heimlich maneuver Wednesday night at the Monterey Conference Center.
John says Friday the Hollywood actor saved his life. He says Eastwood immediately saw that he was in trouble and lifted the 202-pound tournament director three times about a foot off the ground.
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I'm From The Government And I'm Here To Stop You
Ronald Reagan had an incredible gift of the ability to personalize his message for the average American. Many of his quotes have become near slogans for constitutional conservatives, who work to limit government, especially this one: "The nine most terrifying words in the English language are, 'I'm from the government and I'm here to help.'"
That pretty much sums up the fear job-creators have in an over-reaching all-powerful government. While the government doesn't really come to you specifically and tell you it's trying to help you, it rather does that during the scam-and-pass phase in Congress. The big rollout of a few thousand page bill costing a cool trillion must be all about helping every individual, right? So, while "helping" 30 million uninsured, Obamacare's resisters were assuaged by the, "If you like your plan, you can keep it" line - until, of course, five million people found out that was a lie. Not that it's a big deal, since all of liberalism is based on lies. Just wait until the 30 million realize they've been given Medicaid and a severely slowed system.
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That pretty much sums up the fear job-creators have in an over-reaching all-powerful government. While the government doesn't really come to you specifically and tell you it's trying to help you, it rather does that during the scam-and-pass phase in Congress. The big rollout of a few thousand page bill costing a cool trillion must be all about helping every individual, right? So, while "helping" 30 million uninsured, Obamacare's resisters were assuaged by the, "If you like your plan, you can keep it" line - until, of course, five million people found out that was a lie. Not that it's a big deal, since all of liberalism is based on lies. Just wait until the 30 million realize they've been given Medicaid and a severely slowed system.
More
Repealing Common Core Appeals To Scores Of Parents
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Teachers are exhausted and frustrated over the new Common Core curriculum, and their union and school boards want to slow down implementation and improve it.
But scores of parents from across Maryland told legislators they want to junk the whole thing altogether. They came to the House Ways & Means Committee Wednesday to support Del. Michael Smigiel’s bill (HB76) totally repealing the new standards.
Their reasons ranged from the political to the pedagogic. They objected to the new computerized tests being imposed and to the untested teaching methods. They invoked the Constitution, copyright law, corporate conspiracies and common sense.
Parents and grandparents told tales of frustrated children confused and slipping behind as they tried to learn under the new standards.
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Rep. Hoyer's Sexist Comments Are An Affront To Women
President Obama's State of the Union speech closed with a truly uniting moment when he honored the sacrifice of Army Ranger Cory Remsburg. Sergeant Remsburg bravely fought for our country through 10 tours of duty. Too bad House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) ensured that division was the name of the game only hours later.
Rep. Hoyer attacked Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.), who delivered the GOP response to the State of the Union. Ignoring her stature in the GOP and her intellectual acumen, he instead reduced her solely to her gender, calling her a "transparent" choice to give the state of the union and claiming she was chosen simply because the GOP wanted to have a "a woman give their response."
Ignoring the Democratic Party's diversity deficit on the gubernatorial level, let's focus on Rep. Hoyer's demeaning comments about women. Rep. Hoyer basically said that all Rep. McMorris Rodgers offers is her gender.
That's about the most sexist thing anyone could say.
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Rep. Hoyer attacked Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.), who delivered the GOP response to the State of the Union. Ignoring her stature in the GOP and her intellectual acumen, he instead reduced her solely to her gender, calling her a "transparent" choice to give the state of the union and claiming she was chosen simply because the GOP wanted to have a "a woman give their response."
Ignoring the Democratic Party's diversity deficit on the gubernatorial level, let's focus on Rep. Hoyer's demeaning comments about women. Rep. Hoyer basically said that all Rep. McMorris Rodgers offers is her gender.
That's about the most sexist thing anyone could say.
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Sochi Olympics Kick Off With Grand Opening, But Not Without Its Blunders
The opening ceremony on the edge of the Black Sea and subsequent games are Russia's chance to tell its story of post-Soviet resurrection to the world, and dispel the anger, fear and suspicion that has marred the buildup to these most expensive Olympics ever.
Just after the sun set over the Caucasus Mountains and along the seashore just outside Fisht Stadium in the wet-paint-fresh Olympic Park, Russian TV star Yana Churikova shouted to a crowd still taking their seats: "Welcome to the center of the universe!"
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Obama Vows To Help Democrats In 2014 In Third Day Of Talks
(Reuters) - President Barack Obama spent part of a third straight day on Wednesday talking to congressional Democrats about an agenda for the year that party leaders hope will help them make gains or limit losses in November elections.
Obama trooped over to the Washington Nationals baseball stadium for a private session with Senate Democrats in a meeting room in a section of the stadium behind home plate. Former President Bill Clinton also addressed the group.
An atmosphere of worry hangs over Democrats as they gird for congressional elections in November in which they will attempt to hang on to control of the Senate and make gains in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives.
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Obama trooped over to the Washington Nationals baseball stadium for a private session with Senate Democrats in a meeting room in a section of the stadium behind home plate. Former President Bill Clinton also addressed the group.
An atmosphere of worry hangs over Democrats as they gird for congressional elections in November in which they will attempt to hang on to control of the Senate and make gains in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives.
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A Local Beatles Story: 50 YEARS AGO TODAY
On a very slow Saturday she and I talked and I found her accent was from Britain. I told her my fascination with going oversees and my life long love of the Beatles and music in general. She mentioned she was familiar with them and I told her the story of a close friend who saw the Beatles for free in Philadelphia and she laughed. I don’t think I impressed her with my Top Forty based knowledge but she was so nice to listen. She told me she had retired and had been a Stewardess with Pan Am so she had traveled “a great deal of miles”. A little bit later she told me how the class system in Britain had various people put into groups based on economic and upbringing. She said that the Beatles change of status appeared to be handled very well by them. She was a Stewardess on Pan Am Flight 101 that brought the Beatles to the United States 50 years ago today (February 7, 2014) That took my breath away and she as a person had captured a part of my heart prior to knowing her history. I heard she was going to Florida and I hope she is doing great as I do with a great deal of people I have met in Salisbury.
Ben Cheseldine
Still in Salisbury
The USG Is Tyrannical
Can the president legally bypass Congress and rule the government by decree?
The answer to the question above is: No. But you wouldn’t know that by listening to President Obama. In the past three weeks, the president has made it clear how he plans to run the executive branch of the federal government in the next three years: with a pen and a phone.
In a menacing statement at a cabinet meeting last month, as well as during his recent State of the Union address and in a pre-Superbowl interview with my Fox News colleague Bill O’Reilly, the president has referred to his pen and his phone as a way of suggesting that he will use his power to issue executive orders, promulgate regulations and use his influence with his appointees in the government’s administrative agencies to continue the march to transform fundamentally the relationship of the federal government and individuals to his egalitarian vision when he is unable to accomplish that with legislation from Congress.
More
The answer to the question above is: No. But you wouldn’t know that by listening to President Obama. In the past three weeks, the president has made it clear how he plans to run the executive branch of the federal government in the next three years: with a pen and a phone.
In a menacing statement at a cabinet meeting last month, as well as during his recent State of the Union address and in a pre-Superbowl interview with my Fox News colleague Bill O’Reilly, the president has referred to his pen and his phone as a way of suggesting that he will use his power to issue executive orders, promulgate regulations and use his influence with his appointees in the government’s administrative agencies to continue the march to transform fundamentally the relationship of the federal government and individuals to his egalitarian vision when he is unable to accomplish that with legislation from Congress.
More
Amish, Others Rally For Midwife Bill
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The legislation attracted hundreds of mothers, children and a few members of the Amish community from the Eastern Shore and Southern Maryland to a rally on Lawyer's Mall.
The rally was organized by the group Maryland Families for Safe Birth.
Many of the mothers who attended today's rally told WBAL News they preferred giving birth at homes, because hospitals often force women to have C-sections. They argue the home birth is more natural.
"The United States has a very high C-section rate, and they (women) are scared away by that," said Lukee Morin of Baltimore, who gave birth to her two daughters at home with the help of a midwife.
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Drunk Woman Who Drove TWO MILES Through L.A. With Dying Man Embedded In Smashed Windshield Found Guilty Of Murder
A substance-abuse counselor who drove 2 miles through a Los Angeles suburb with a dying man on her windshield was convicted Tuesday of second-degree murder, drunken driving and hit-and-run charges. Sherry Lynn Wilkins showed no response as the Superior Court jury returned with its verdict. Wilkins’ blood-alcohol level was nearly twice the legal limit for driving when she struck 31-year-old Phillip Moreno in November 2012 in suburban Torrance, prosecutors said.
Deputy District Attorney John Harlan told jurors that after Wilkins hit Moreno, she ‘drove him closer to his death.’
Harlan said the force of the crash punched a hole in the passenger side of Wilkins’ window and Moreno lost his shoes and pants, but still she didn’t stop to render aid or call 911. It wasn’t until passing motorists noticed the bizarre scene that they were able to swarm Wilkins’ car at a traffic light and keep her there until police arrived.
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More Debate Slows Salisbury Housing Board Process
SALISBURY — A resolution to amend membership requirements for Salisbury’s Housing Board of Adjustments and Appeals (HBAA) failed to advance to a legislative vote again this week as more questions arose over how much expertise the board needs and how much authority the City Council has in its stipulations.
The debate over what changes are needed in Salisbury’s HBAA began earlier this winter with the city administration pushing for looser standards. The council has considered several possible changes, including dropping all professional requirements from the board, which currently has members with health and architectural backgrounds.
“I didn’t feel there’s a strong argument to be made for keeping the health professional or the architectural professional on the board,” said Council President Jake Day Monday. “Having sat on the Housing Board I think it requires a reasonable person more than it does require a particular set of professional knowledge. That was something that I felt strongly about.”
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The debate over what changes are needed in Salisbury’s HBAA began earlier this winter with the city administration pushing for looser standards. The council has considered several possible changes, including dropping all professional requirements from the board, which currently has members with health and architectural backgrounds.
“I didn’t feel there’s a strong argument to be made for keeping the health professional or the architectural professional on the board,” said Council President Jake Day Monday. “Having sat on the Housing Board I think it requires a reasonable person more than it does require a particular set of professional knowledge. That was something that I felt strongly about.”
More
Specter Of Welfare State Jolts Democrats; CBO Hits Election Pitches For Jobs
The White House
and congressional Democrats tried to limit the fallout Wednesday from the politically damaging conclusion in a Congressional Budget Office report that the Obamacare entitlement creates a major incentive for some people not to work.
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.”
The CBO forecast continued to reverberate across Capitol Hill on multiple issues. The nonpartisan budget agency’s prediction that the U.S. jobless rate likely will stay above 6 percent through 2016 was revealed as Senate Democrats were preparing a push for another extension of benefits to the long-term unemployed, raising the prospect that the government will face much higher benefit costs over the coming years.
The Senate is expected to stage a test vote Thursday on extending the long-term jobless benefits.
More
and congressional Democrats tried to limit the fallout Wednesday from the politically damaging conclusion in a Congressional Budget Office report that the Obamacare entitlement creates a major incentive for some people not to work.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.”The CBO forecast continued to reverberate across Capitol Hill on multiple issues. The nonpartisan budget agency’s prediction that the U.S. jobless rate
likely will stay above 6 percent through 2016 was revealed as Senate Democrats were preparing a push for another extension of benefits to the long-term unemployed, raising the prospect that the government will face much higher benefit costs over the coming years.The Senate is expected to stage a test vote Thursday on extending the long-term jobless benefits.
More
Teachers, School Boards Seek To Drop Standardized Tests This Year
Dozens of parents told legislators Wednesday that the entire Common Core curriculum ought to be scrapped.
But even those who support the new education standards, such as school boards and the state teachers union, said the standardized tests scheduled this spring should be dropped since they’re not based on the new curriculum.
The Maryland State Department of Education continues to resist dropping the Maryland School Assessment. MSDE officials say dropping the test will save little money and potentially jeopardize $289 million in federal funds.
More
But even those who support the new education standards, such as school boards and the state teachers union, said the standardized tests scheduled this spring should be dropped since they’re not based on the new curriculum.
The Maryland State Department of Education continues to resist dropping the Maryland School Assessment. MSDE officials say dropping the test will save little money and potentially jeopardize $289 million in federal funds.
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Email: IRS, Treasury Drafted Rules To Restrict Nonprofits
The Obama administration’s Treasury Department and former IRS official Lois Lerner conspired to draft new 501(c)(4) regulations to restrict the activity of conservative groups in a way that would not be disclosed publicly, according to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
The Treasury Department and Lerner started devising the new rules “off-plan,” meaning that their plans would not be published on the public schedule. They planned the new rules in 2012, while the IRS targeting of conservative groups was in full swing, and not after the scandal broke in order to clarify regulations as the administration has suggested.
The rules place would place much more stringent controls on what would be considered political activity by the IRS, effectively limiting the standard practices of a wide array of non-profit groups.
More
The Treasury Department and Lerner started devising the new rules “off-plan,” meaning that their plans would not be published on the public schedule. They planned the new rules in 2012, while the IRS targeting of conservative groups was in full swing, and not after the scandal broke in order to clarify regulations as the administration has suggested.
The rules place would place much more stringent controls on what would be considered political activity by the IRS, effectively limiting the standard practices of a wide array of non-profit groups.
More
Worcester County Raid Nets Drugs, Guns
BERLIN — Local law enforcement officials late last week conducted sweeping raids at locations from one end of Worcester to the other, resulting in the seizure of narcotics and weapons and four arrests.
Worcester’s Criminal Enforcement Team, a highly specialized drug enforcement unit of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, executed four coordinated search and seizure warrants on Thursday and Friday resulting in the seizure of marijuana, crack cocaine, heroin, ecstasy and assault weapons. Working together with local, state and federal partners, the Criminal Enforcement Team concluded a two-month investigation with three simultaneous warrant executions in Pocomoke and a fourth in Bishopville.
In total, 926 grams of marijuana, 12 grams of crack cocaine, 27 individual bags of heroin and two tablets of ecstasy were recovered. In addition, one Intra-Tec 9 assault pistol, one Smith and Wesson .39 caliber revolver and one Hi Point .40 caliber carbine were also recovered.
“Thanks to the members of the Criminal Enforcement Team and our allied partners, the streets of Worcester County are both cleaner and safer today,” said Sheriff Reggie Mason this week.
More
Worcester’s Criminal Enforcement Team, a highly specialized drug enforcement unit of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, executed four coordinated search and seizure warrants on Thursday and Friday resulting in the seizure of marijuana, crack cocaine, heroin, ecstasy and assault weapons. Working together with local, state and federal partners, the Criminal Enforcement Team concluded a two-month investigation with three simultaneous warrant executions in Pocomoke and a fourth in Bishopville.
In total, 926 grams of marijuana, 12 grams of crack cocaine, 27 individual bags of heroin and two tablets of ecstasy were recovered. In addition, one Intra-Tec 9 assault pistol, one Smith and Wesson .39 caliber revolver and one Hi Point .40 caliber carbine were also recovered.
“Thanks to the members of the Criminal Enforcement Team and our allied partners, the streets of Worcester County are both cleaner and safer today,” said Sheriff Reggie Mason this week.
More
First Friday In Snow Hill
Arts on the River, First Friday in Snow Hill
Date/Time: 02-07-14 / 5:00 PM
Location: Downtown Snow Hill
SNOW HILL, MD: Not only is February American Heart Month, Black History Month and National Children’s Dental Health Month, it also brings us Ground Hog’s Day, President’s Day, Valentine’s Day, and the new season of First Fridays in Snow Hill. So wear something red to town on Friday, February 7, 2014 and you will find some special promotions at the local galleries, shops, and restaurants. At the same time you will enjoy walking around the charming downtown district of Snow Hill from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm.
Start your evening at Snow Hill’s two new stores: The Corner Shoppe and The Green Doors. Big Green egg cookers, infused oils and flavored vinegars are featured in The Corner Shoppe along with other unique culinary finds. The Green Doors offers refinished furniture, pillows, candles and jewelry. Further down Washington Street is The Serenity Shoppe where you will find beautifully hand crafted Valentine cards and gift certificates for your sweetie!
Across the street you will find new art work at the American Art Gallery.
As you browse through the collectibles and antiques at Antiques by the River you may find one of 25 “Freebies” scattered through out the store. If you find something marked “Free” it is yours! Don’t miss the fun!
Patti McDermott is busy creating unique cakes and cupcakes to tempt First Friday visitors in her shop: Miss Patti Cake on Green Street. She is offering 10% off any Valentine's Day cake orders and 15% off Valentine’s Day cupcake orders.
Next door the Sassy Girl Boutique is featuring gifts for your Valentine and up to 60% off any remaining Christmas items! And at Snow Hill Business Center you will see Jerry’s Woodcraft items.
Bishop’s Stock Fine Art, Craft and Wine will open its Winter Abstracts 2014 show by a variety of artists. Wine for tasting comes from Spain.
Plan to have dinner at one of the excellent restaurants in Town. Reservations are strongly recommended. The Emporium Dinette will be serving an amazing prime rib dinner. The Blue Dog will feature Todd Crosby and the WW Tunes and Harvest Moon Tavern hosts Opposite Directions from 7:00 – 10:00. Also open is the American Legion.
First Fridays are sponsored by Arts on the River, Snow Hill’s Art and Entertainment District, the Worcester County Arts Council and the Maryland State Arts Council. For more information, contact 410-632-2080.
Letter To My Newborn Daughter
Last Tuesday evening at 6:19 p.m. PST, my wife gave birth to our first child, a 7-pound, 9-ounce, 21-inch little girl named Leeya Eliana. The labor was long, approximately 26 hours, and my wife endured it heroically. Before, we were a married couple; now, we are a family.
On the sixth day of her life, I wrote my little girl a letter to memorialize our hopes for her at the dawn of her life. With my wife’s permission, here it is:
Dear Leeya Eliana,
This is Daddy and Mommy writing to you. You are now six days old, and you are tiny and cute, and you poop a lot – and you get really mad when anybody tries to change you. But you are also sweet and calm, and you look at us with your huge blue-gray eyes, and we love you so much because we know that not only are you a manifestation of how much Mommy and Daddy love each other, but you are the future of the Jewish people and the American people, and that we are preserving God’s word and His freedom for the next generations. That’s why we gave you your name: Leeya — in Hebrew, “I Belong To God.”
More
On the sixth day of her life, I wrote my little girl a letter to memorialize our hopes for her at the dawn of her life. With my wife’s permission, here it is:
Dear Leeya Eliana,
This is Daddy and Mommy writing to you. You are now six days old, and you are tiny and cute, and you poop a lot – and you get really mad when anybody tries to change you. But you are also sweet and calm, and you look at us with your huge blue-gray eyes, and we love you so much because we know that not only are you a manifestation of how much Mommy and Daddy love each other, but you are the future of the Jewish people and the American people, and that we are preserving God’s word and His freedom for the next generations. That’s why we gave you your name: Leeya — in Hebrew, “I Belong To God.”
More
Teen Unemployment: 20.7%, More Than Three Times the National Average
(CNSNews.com) -- The teen unemployment rate went up in January to 20.7% -- from 20.2% in December-- and is now more than three times the national unemployment rate of 6.6%, according to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
The BLS numbers show there were 1,140,000 people ages 16-19 unemployed in December. For January, that number was 1,147,000 -- an increase of 0.6%.
The teen unemployment rate (seasonally adjusted) has been in the 20s range (high and low) since October 2008. It hit a high of 27.3% in October 2010.
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The BLS numbers show there were 1,140,000 people ages 16-19 unemployed in December. For January, that number was 1,147,000 -- an increase of 0.6%.
The teen unemployment rate (seasonally adjusted) has been in the 20s range (high and low) since October 2008. It hit a high of 27.3% in October 2010.
More
ORGANIZERS ARE RELEASING GREAT NEW SEATS NEAR THE STAGE FOR TONIGHT’S JUSTIN MOORE SHOW
SALISBURY, MD… Great new seats for Justin Moore’s Off the Beaten Path Tour are being released at 11AM EST. These seats are located near the stage and are available at www.WicomicoCivicCenter.org, by phone at 410-548-4911 or in person at the Box Office. Justin Moore’s Off the Beaten Path Tour hits the Wicomico Civic Center tonight at 7pm and also stars Randy Houser and special guest Josh Thompson.
Schoolteacher Cheating
Philadelphia’s public school system has joined several other big-city school systems, such as those in Atlanta, Detroit and Washington, D.C., in widespread teacher-led cheating on standardized academic achievement tests. So far, the city has fired three school principals, and The Wall Street Journal reports, “Nearly 140 teachers and administrators in Philadelphia public schools have been implicated in one of the nation’s largest cheating scandals.” (1/23/14) (http://tinyurl.com/q5makm3). Investigators found that teachers got together after tests to erase the students’ incorrect answers and replace them with correct answers. In some cases, they went as far as to give or show students answers during the test.
Jerry Jordan, president of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, identifies the problem as district officials focusing too heavily on test scores to judge teacher performance, and they’ve converted low-performing schools to charters run by independent groups that typically hire nonunion teachers. But William Hite, superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia, said cheating by adults harms students because schools use test scores to determine which students need remedial help, saying, “There is no circumstance, no matter how pressured the cooker, that adults should be cheating students.”
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Jerry Jordan, president of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, identifies the problem as district officials focusing too heavily on test scores to judge teacher performance, and they’ve converted low-performing schools to charters run by independent groups that typically hire nonunion teachers. But William Hite, superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia, said cheating by adults harms students because schools use test scores to determine which students need remedial help, saying, “There is no circumstance, no matter how pressured the cooker, that adults should be cheating students.”
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GOVERNOR O'MALLEY UNVEILS TECHNOLOGY TO COMBAT CONTRABAND CELL PHONES AT BALTIMORE CITY DETENTION CENTER
Baltimore, MD (February 7, 2014) -- Governor Martin O’Malley visited the Baltimore City Detention Center (BCDC) today to introduce the newest tool in the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services battle against contraband cell phones behind prison walls: Managed Access technology, which blocks all illegal and unauthorized cell calls within the correctional facility’s walls.
The system is seen as a critical tool that will keep criminals from carrying out illegal activity behind bars. A product of Tecore, a Maryland-based company, Managed Access automatically differentiates between authorized and unauthorized cellular devices within a target area. Callers hear a recorded message alerting them that their call cannot be completed due to the unauthorized cellular device they are attempting to use. The system works without staff involvement or “jamming” of wireless signals.
Unlike cell phone “jamming,” Managed Access does not interfere with calls made from outside the prison walls, and thus does not violate federal law. It also does not interfere with emergency calls made from any cell phone.
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The system is seen as a critical tool that will keep criminals from carrying out illegal activity behind bars. A product of Tecore, a Maryland-based company, Managed Access automatically differentiates between authorized and unauthorized cellular devices within a target area. Callers hear a recorded message alerting them that their call cannot be completed due to the unauthorized cellular device they are attempting to use. The system works without staff involvement or “jamming” of wireless signals.
Unlike cell phone “jamming,” Managed Access does not interfere with calls made from outside the prison walls, and thus does not violate federal law. It also does not interfere with emergency calls made from any cell phone.
More
WCSO Press Release 2-7-14
Narrative: Between February 4 and 6 2014, deputies from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office arrested the following individuals on Circuit Court Body Attachments that had been issued in connection with Child Support Cases:
1. Sunny Mae Schrum, 23, Berlin, MD
Sunny Schrum
2. Bruce A. Jeffries, 49, Baltimore, MD
Bruce Jeffries
All subjects were detained on bond in the Detention Center pending an initial appearance in front of a Circuit Court Judge.
Charges:Child Support Non-Compliance
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Incident: WCSO Activity 3 / 4 February 2014
Location: Wicomico County
1. On 3 February 2014 at 10:10 PM a deputy arrested Derek Andrew Maynard, 43 of Salisbury, on a District Court Bench Warrant. The warrant was issued after Maynard violated his probation following a DUI conviction. Maynard was detained in lieu of $10,000.00 bond.
Derek Maynard
2. On 4 February 2014 at 9:47 AM a deputy arrested Leonard E. Montgomery, 60 of Salisbury, on an outstanding District Court Bench Warrant. The warrant was issued after Montgomery failed to appear for a Driving Revoked case. Montgomery was detained in lieu of $10,000.00 bond.
Leonard Montgomery
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Incident: Assault
Date of Incident: 6 February 2014
Location: 8000 block of Poole Street, Delmar, MD
Suspect: Devin Lavon Brown, 27, Delmar,MD
Devin Brown
Narrative: On 6 February 2014 at 5:08 PM a deputy arrested Devin Brown in connection with an assault that had occurred in the 8000 block of Poole Street in Delmar on Sunday evening. In this incident Brown is accused of assaulting his wife during an argument. The deputy was told that Brown punched his wife multiple times before grabbing her around the throat. The deputy also learned that Brown pulled out a knife and held it against his wife’s throat. During the investigation, the deputy observed signs of injury that corroborated that account.
Brown was gone upon the arrival of the deputy who obtained a warrant for his arrest. Upon apprehension,Brown was transported to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, the Commissioner detained Brown in the Detention Center in lieu of $50,000.00 bond.
Charges: Assault 1stDegree
Reckless Endangerment
Dangerous Weapon
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Incident: WCSO Activity 6 February 2014
Location: Wicomico County
1. On 6 February 2014 a deputy arrested Laura Faye Wiggins, 31 of Salisbury, on two outstanding District Court Bench Warrants. The warrants were issued after Wiggins violated the terms of her probation in two CDS Possession cases. Wiggins was detained without bond in both cases.
Laura Wiggins
2. On 6 February 2014 a deputy arrested Nicole Lynn Queen, 31 of Salisbury, on a District Court Bench Warrant. The warrant was issued after Queen violated the terms of her probation in a theft case. Queen was detained on a bond of $20,000.00.
Nicole Queen
3. On 6 February 2014 a deputy arrested Camille Gloria Schardt, 23 of Salisbury, on a District Court Bench Warrant. The warrant was issued after Schardt violated the terms of her probation in a theft case. Schardt was detained on a bond of $10,000.00.
Camille Schardt
4. Alan Michael Donaway, 31 of Willards, was arrested on an open District Court Bench Warrant that was issued after he failed to appear for an Assault 2nd Degree case. Donaway was released on Personal Recognizance.
Alan Donoway
JUST IN: Passenger Tried To Hijack Plane To Sochi
ANKARA, Turkey — A passenger on board an Istanbul-bound flight Friday claimed there was a bomb on board and tried to hijack the plane to Sochi, Russia, where the Olympics are kicking off, an official said.
The plane from Kharkov, Ukraine, landed safely at Istanbul's Sabiha Gokcen airport, but 110 passengers are still on board and authorities are trying to convince the alleged hijacker to give himself up, Habib Soluk, the country's Transport Ministry undersecretary, told NTV television. The station reported the man had been subdued, but there was no immediate confirmation of that.
Soluk said the man rose from his seat, shouted that there was bomb on board and tried to enter the locked cockpit. The pilot signaled that there was a hijack attempt and the airport was placed on high alert.
Pegasus Airlines confirmed in a brief statement that there was a "bomb threat" aboard their flight from Kharkov.
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The plane from Kharkov, Ukraine, landed safely at Istanbul's Sabiha Gokcen airport, but 110 passengers are still on board and authorities are trying to convince the alleged hijacker to give himself up, Habib Soluk, the country's Transport Ministry undersecretary, told NTV television. The station reported the man had been subdued, but there was no immediate confirmation of that.
Soluk said the man rose from his seat, shouted that there was bomb on board and tried to enter the locked cockpit. The pilot signaled that there was a hijack attempt and the airport was placed on high alert.
Pegasus Airlines confirmed in a brief statement that there was a "bomb threat" aboard their flight from Kharkov.
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Team Obama To Allow Immigrants With “Limited Terrorism Ties”
(Daily Caller) The Obama administration has issued new exemptions to a law that bars certain asylum-seekers and refugees who provided “limited material support” to terrorists who are believed to pose no threat from the U.S.
The Department of Homeland Security and the State Department published the new exemptions Wednesday in the Federal Register to narrow a ban in the Immigration and Nationality Act excluding refugees and asylum seekers who had provided limited material support, no matter how minor, to terrorists.
“These exemptions cover five kinds of limited material support that have adversely and unfairly affected refugees and asylum seekers with no tangible connection to terrorism: material support that was insignificant in amount or provided incidentally in the course of everyday social, commercial, family or humanitarian interactions, or under significant pressure,” a DHS official explained to The Daily Caller.
Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Secretary of State John Kerry signed the exemptions.
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The Department of Homeland Security and the State Department published the new exemptions Wednesday in the Federal Register to narrow a ban in the Immigration and Nationality Act excluding refugees and asylum seekers who had provided limited material support, no matter how minor, to terrorists.
“These exemptions cover five kinds of limited material support that have adversely and unfairly affected refugees and asylum seekers with no tangible connection to terrorism: material support that was insignificant in amount or provided incidentally in the course of everyday social, commercial, family or humanitarian interactions, or under significant pressure,” a DHS official explained to The Daily Caller.
Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Secretary of State John Kerry signed the exemptions.
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Debunking The 97% 'Consensus' On Global Warming
The main pillar of the warmist argument is the contention that a "consensus" exists among scientists that global warming is caused by man and threatens catastrophe. But a Canada-based group calling itself Friends of Science has just completed a review of the four main studies used to document the alleged consensus and found that only 1 - 3% of respondents "explicitly stated agreement with the IPCC declarations on global warming," and that there was "no agreement with a catastrophic view."
"These 'consensus' surveys appear to be used as a 'social proof,'" says Ken Gregory, research director of Friends of Science. "Just because a science paper includes the words 'global climate change' this does not define the cause, impact or possible mitigation. The 97% claim is contrived in all cases."
The Oreskes (2004) study claimed 75% consensus and a "remarkable lack of disagreement" by the other 25% of the abstracts she reviewed. Peiser (2005) re-ran her survey and found major discrepancies. Only 1.2% or 13 scientists out of 1,117 agreed with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) view that human activity is the main cause of global warming since 1950.
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"These 'consensus' surveys appear to be used as a 'social proof,'" says Ken Gregory, research director of Friends of Science. "Just because a science paper includes the words 'global climate change' this does not define the cause, impact or possible mitigation. The 97% claim is contrived in all cases."
The Oreskes (2004) study claimed 75% consensus and a "remarkable lack of disagreement" by the other 25% of the abstracts she reviewed. Peiser (2005) re-ran her survey and found major discrepancies. Only 1.2% or 13 scientists out of 1,117 agreed with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) view that human activity is the main cause of global warming since 1950.
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Congressional Budget Office Sends Death Blow To ObamaCare
The Affordable Care Act, a k a ObamaCare, became law almost four years ago. It became operational last Oct. 1. Yesterday, Feb. 4, 2014, the ACA may well have been dealt its death blow.
The Congressional Budget Office released a major study of the government’s budget and its effect on the overall economy over the next 10 years. In dull bureaucratic language, it delivers a devastating analysis of the inefficiencies, ineffectualities and problematic social costs of ObamaCare.
The one-two punch: Virtually as many Americans will lack health coverage in 10 years as before the law was passed — but 2 million fewer will be working than if the law hadn’t passed.
One killer detail comes on Page 111, where the report projects: “As a result of the ACA, between 6 million and 7 million fewer people will have employment-based insurance coverage each year from 2016 through 2024 than would be the case in the absence of the ACA.”
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The Congressional Budget Office released a major study of the government’s budget and its effect on the overall economy over the next 10 years. In dull bureaucratic language, it delivers a devastating analysis of the inefficiencies, ineffectualities and problematic social costs of ObamaCare.
The one-two punch: Virtually as many Americans will lack health coverage in 10 years as before the law was passed — but 2 million fewer will be working than if the law hadn’t passed.
One killer detail comes on Page 111, where the report projects: “As a result of the ACA, between 6 million and 7 million fewer people will have employment-based insurance coverage each year from 2016 through 2024 than would be the case in the absence of the ACA.”
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Hillary Has A ‘Woody Allen Problem’
Dylan Farrow, now 28 years old, is the adopted daughter of Oscar-winning director Woody Allen. In “An Open Letter From Dylan Farrow,” published in The New York Times, Dylan accuses her father of inappropriately touching her “for as long as I could remember.” She said: “When I was seven years old, Woody Allen took me by the hand and led me into a dim, closet-like attic on the second floor of our house. He told me to lay on my stomach and play with my brother’s electric train set. Then he sexually assaulted me.”
Not good news for Mr. Allen — or for Hillary Rodham Clinton. Here’s why.
Dylan’s brother, Ronan Farrow (formerly known as Satchel) is Allen’s biological child. Ronan Farrow was appointed Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s special adviser for the Office of Global Youth Issues in 2011. He has long sided with his sister, considering his dad a monster who serially molested his sister and who, through his representatives, called his mother and sister liars.
Former President Bill Clinton’s defenders did the very same to accusers Juanita Broaddrick, Kathleen Willey, Paula Jones, Monica Lewinsky, Gennifer Flowers, et al, that Ronan believes Woody did to his mother and sister. These women — most of whose claims were eventually admitted to by Bill Clinton — were shamed and blamed. Was Hillary involved in these verbal attacks? To what degree was the famously hands-on wife of Bill involved — or even worse — leading the “nuts or sluts” strategy used to malign his accusers as either crazy or of questionable morals?
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Not good news for Mr. Allen — or for Hillary Rodham Clinton. Here’s why.
Dylan’s brother, Ronan Farrow (formerly known as Satchel) is Allen’s biological child. Ronan Farrow was appointed Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s special adviser for the Office of Global Youth Issues in 2011. He has long sided with his sister, considering his dad a monster who serially molested his sister and who, through his representatives, called his mother and sister liars.
Former President Bill Clinton’s defenders did the very same to accusers Juanita Broaddrick, Kathleen Willey, Paula Jones, Monica Lewinsky, Gennifer Flowers, et al, that Ronan believes Woody did to his mother and sister. These women — most of whose claims were eventually admitted to by Bill Clinton — were shamed and blamed. Was Hillary involved in these verbal attacks? To what degree was the famously hands-on wife of Bill involved — or even worse — leading the “nuts or sluts” strategy used to malign his accusers as either crazy or of questionable morals?
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Obamacare’s Attack On The Work Ethic
Changing people’s incentives doesn’t make them freer.
There is a point in almost every debate at which the losing party recognizes its predicament and concludes that its only remaining play is to try to corrupt the language. In Texas, pro-choice hero Wendy Davis has begun, risibly, to describe herself as “pro-life”; in his second inaugural, President Obama cloaked the most ambitious statist agenda in a half-century in the patois of limited government and rebellion; and, in my own country of birth, authorities that lock people up for speaking do so in the ostensible name of “respect.” If you can’t beat ’em, confuse ’em.
Yesterday morning, Obamacare’s beleaguered partisans got in on the act, too. Responding to a CBO report that suggested the law would encourage more than 2 million people either to seek less work or to leave the labor market completely, progressives picked up their tricornered hats and their muskets, and started to shout incoherently about “freedom.” In a lovely illustration of the truism that progressives really haven’t the slightest clue what it is that conservatives believe, theHuffington Post’s Senior Congressional Reporter, Michael McAuliff, spoke for the cabal, suggesting ludicrously that,
There’s an irony in the GOP complaining that ACA lets people quit jobs. I mean, what’s wrong with freedom?
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There is a point in almost every debate at which the losing party recognizes its predicament and concludes that its only remaining play is to try to corrupt the language. In Texas, pro-choice hero Wendy Davis has begun, risibly, to describe herself as “pro-life”; in his second inaugural, President Obama cloaked the most ambitious statist agenda in a half-century in the patois of limited government and rebellion; and, in my own country of birth, authorities that lock people up for speaking do so in the ostensible name of “respect.” If you can’t beat ’em, confuse ’em.
Yesterday morning, Obamacare’s beleaguered partisans got in on the act, too. Responding to a CBO report that suggested the law would encourage more than 2 million people either to seek less work or to leave the labor market completely, progressives picked up their tricornered hats and their muskets, and started to shout incoherently about “freedom.” In a lovely illustration of the truism that progressives really haven’t the slightest clue what it is that conservatives believe, theHuffington Post’s Senior Congressional Reporter, Michael McAuliff, spoke for the cabal, suggesting ludicrously that,
There’s an irony in the GOP complaining that ACA lets people quit jobs. I mean, what’s wrong with freedom?
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Heroin And Marijuana Aren’t Equally Dangerous
The apparent heroin overdose death of actor Philip Seymour Hoffman already has become a hockey puck in the war over the war on drugs. During a House subcommittee hearing on federal marijuana policy Tuesday, critics of the war on drugs hammered a White House drug official for putting too much emphasis on marijuana when Washington instead should focus on dangerous drugs that actually kill users.
“What is more dangerous and addictive,” Rep. Earl Blumenauer, D-Ore., asked the White House’s deputy director of drug control policy, Michael Botticelli, methamphetamine and cocaine or marijuana?
“I think that conversation minimizes the harm,” Botticelli sort of answered.
“How many people die from marijuana overdoses every year?” Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., inquired.
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“What is more dangerous and addictive,” Rep. Earl Blumenauer, D-Ore., asked the White House’s deputy director of drug control policy, Michael Botticelli, methamphetamine and cocaine or marijuana?
“I think that conversation minimizes the harm,” Botticelli sort of answered.
“How many people die from marijuana overdoses every year?” Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., inquired.
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Look Who's Pushing For Unions?
The National Labor Relations Board proposes rules to make it easier for employees to unionize. Reuters reports, the rules are nearly the same as ones the agency pitched three years ago. But a federal court nixed those plans. The board lacked a quorum of at least three out of five members when it approved them. Now the board has five Senate-confirmed members. The three Democrats support the rules. The two Republicans oppose them. The rules would let unions hold workplace elections more quickly. They would also force employers to give employee phone numbers and emails to union leaders before an election.
Diversity On The Federal Bench
President Barack Obama nominates the first openly gay black man to serve as a federal judge. Florida state judge Darrin Gayles is one of four new picks for U.S. district courts. The nominations are part of a White House push to increase diversity on the federal bench. The White House says the pool of candidates now before the Senate, 63 in all, is the most diverse in history. Slightly less than half are women. A fifth are African American. Obama aide Valerie Jarrett met privately with the Congressional Black Caucus. It has complained about the lack of diversity, particularly among Southern judges.
President Choom Gives Weed His Seal Of Approval
President Obama says marijuana is no different from cigarettes and no “more dangerous than alcohol” — and he should know.
Unlike Bill Clinton, who famously said he tried marijuana but didn’t inhale,Barry Obama, in the days of his youth, toked it up like Hunter S. Thompson on spring break. The future president smoked “in a white classmate’s sparkling new van,” toked “in the dorm room of some brother, and he boked up on the beach with a couple of Hawaiian kids,”Mr. Obama wrote in his autobiography.
All while he was in high school.
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Unlike Bill Clinton, who famously said he tried marijuana but didn’t inhale,Barry Obama, in the days of his youth, toked it up like Hunter S. Thompson on spring break. The future president smoked “in a white classmate’s sparkling new van,” toked “in the dorm room of some brother, and he boked up on the beach with a couple of Hawaiian kids,”Mr. Obama wrote in his autobiography.
All while he was in high school.
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Florida College Reverses No-Gun Policy In Wake Of School Shooting
Following a shooting in a parking lot at Eastern Florida State College, school officials took an unusual step — they are now allowing guns to be kept on campus.
The shooting occurred Thursday when a student was brutally attacked by two men near his car. The student, Landrick Hamilton, 24, was able to retrieve his firearm from inside his vehicle and shoot one of the men in the chest, according to Orlando NBC affiliate WESH.
The man who was shot, Amado Contreras, 25, was hospitalized and is listed in fatal condition.
Read more
The shooting occurred Thursday when a student was brutally attacked by two men near his car. The student, Landrick Hamilton, 24, was able to retrieve his firearm from inside his vehicle and shoot one of the men in the chest, according to Orlando NBC affiliate WESH.
The man who was shot, Amado Contreras, 25, was hospitalized and is listed in fatal condition.
Read more
CHART OF THE DAY: The Stunning Rise Of Disability, Food Stamp And Welfare Benefits
"Only three other times in the past six decades has the unemployment rate fallen this far this fast: in the early 1950s, when growth averaged 6.7% per annum; in the late 1970s when GDP growth averaged 4.8%, and in the mid-1980s when growth averaged 5.2%," said Gluskin Sheff's David Rosenberg to the U.S. Senate Budget Committee.
"Today we accomplished this feat with only 2.4% growth which is disturbing because it means that it is not taking much in the way of incremental economic activity to drain valuable resources out of the labor market."
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Phone Scam Alert
Being a smart business person, they already knew their bill was paid in full. They created a three way conversation with their bookkeeper and the bookkeeper immediately recognized the phone number was NOT from Delmarva Power.
They asked why the number was different, CLICK, they hung up.
This has been reported to local law enforcement and they were told, well, since you didn't give out any personal information it was OK. The Police agreed it was a scam.
Tea Party Rolls Out Community Organizing, ‘Conservative Style’
Tea party organizers are intent on repeating the 2010 midterm elections, when heartland candidates swept through a number of important races, proof that grassroots folks were alive, kicking and politically engaged. Evidence of such this year: here comes the Tea Party Patriots Citizens Fund SuperPAC, launched Monday to focus on key Senate races in the 2014 midterms, plus the care and training of those voters who could make the difference.
“Unlike other Super PACs that drop in negative ads from their perches in Washington to trash opponents, we will empower the people to have the most impact in targeted districts and states,” says Jenny Beth Martin, president of the new outreach, and a co-founder of the parent group, which represents some 3,000 local tea party groups.
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“Unlike other Super PACs that drop in negative ads from their perches in Washington to trash opponents, we will empower the people to have the most impact in targeted districts and states,” says Jenny Beth Martin, president of the new outreach, and a co-founder of the parent group, which represents some 3,000 local tea party groups.
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A Brokers Advice
I called my stockbroker and asked him what I should be buying.
He said, "Canned goods and ammunition."
He said, "Canned goods and ammunition."
Justice Department: NSA Phone Record Collection May Have Resulted In One Criminal Case
A Department of Justice official told Congress on Tuesday that there “may be one” instance of a criminal case filed by federal investigators using information from the NSA’s phone record collection program.
The statement from Deputy Attorney General James Cole came in response to a question asked by Rep. Ted Poe (R-Texas).
“One criminal case?” Poe said. “[The NSA program] is an invasion of personal privacy, and it’s justified on the idea that we’re going to capture these terrorists. The evidence that you’ve told is all this collection has resulted in one bad guy having criminal charges filed on him.”
However, Cole stood behind the program, saying that it was aimed at large investigations.
“The point of the statute is not to do criminal investigations,” Cole said, according to PC World. “The point of the statute is to do foreign intelligence investigations.”
Cole also said that the NSA probably collects records pertaining to congressional office phone numbers.
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The statement from Deputy Attorney General James Cole came in response to a question asked by Rep. Ted Poe (R-Texas).
“One criminal case?” Poe said. “[The NSA program] is an invasion of personal privacy, and it’s justified on the idea that we’re going to capture these terrorists. The evidence that you’ve told is all this collection has resulted in one bad guy having criminal charges filed on him.”
However, Cole stood behind the program, saying that it was aimed at large investigations.
“The point of the statute is not to do criminal investigations,” Cole said, according to PC World. “The point of the statute is to do foreign intelligence investigations.”
Cole also said that the NSA probably collects records pertaining to congressional office phone numbers.
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Heart-Healthy Natural Remedies That Keep You In Top Shape
Heart disease is the No. 1 killer in the United States, with heart failure, angina, and abnormal heart rhythms afflicting millions of Americans. But all three conditions can be helped with natural treatments that strengthen the heart and boost your overall health, says Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D., a leading nutritional expert.
Dr. Teitelbaum, author of "Real Cause, Real Cure: The 9 Root Causes of the Most Common Health Problems and How to Solve Them," tells Newsmax Health many conditions can weaken the heart and raise the risk of early death, without obvious signs and symptoms.
"Anything that weakens the heart muscle, such as heart attacks, high blood pressure, valve problems, even things like diabetes and infections, all of those can cause heart failure, with heart muscle weakening," he explains.
The good news is that vitamins, minerals, and other alternative therapies can boost heart health and reduce the need for some drugs, surgery, and other conventional treatments.
Dr. Teitelbaum, author of "Real Cause, Real Cure: The 9 Root Causes of the Most Common Health Problems and How to Solve Them," tells Newsmax Health many conditions can weaken the heart and raise the risk of early death, without obvious signs and symptoms.
"Anything that weakens the heart muscle, such as heart attacks, high blood pressure, valve problems, even things like diabetes and infections, all of those can cause heart failure, with heart muscle weakening," he explains.
The good news is that vitamins, minerals, and other alternative therapies can boost heart health and reduce the need for some drugs, surgery, and other conventional treatments.
Upcoming Training
Home invasions & active shooters are rising rapidly.Criminals are walking into crowded areas killing people. Criminals are breaking into people's occupied homes daily. Don't be a statistic. Protect your home, family, and business from armed marauders. Criminals plan what they are going to do to you. Do you plan for them? We do.
Upcoming USTASC Training in Salisbury & Dover Locations:
Feb 8 2014 - 10 AM - Maryland HQL Gander Mountain
Feb 15, 2014 - 10 AM - NRA Pistol Gander Mountain
As Req. - Home Invasion Prevention Course (4 days)
As Req. - Business Armed Robbery Prevention Course (4 Days)
Feb 18, 2014 - 10 AM - Tactical Rifle Gander Mountain
Feb 18, 2014 - 10AM - Tactical Pistol Gander
Feb 22, 2014 - 10 AM - Maryland HQL Gander Mountain
March 8, 2014 - 10AM - Maryland HQL
March 22, 2014 - 10AM - Maryland HQL
To book one of these courses or another course, go to our website at www.ustasc.com or call us at 888-813-4434.
Senator Colburn Honored By MML
ANNAPOLIS – Senator Richard F. Colburn (R-Eastern Shore) received a 2014 Maryland Municipal League (MML) award for his contributions on behalf of all of Maryland’s cities and towns during the 2013 session at the recent annual MML Eastern Shore Chapter dinner meeting in Grasonville.
Senator Colburn, a member of the Budget and Taxation Committee, advocated strongly in favor of retaining the additional $15.2 million in municipal highway user revenue (HUR) grant monies in the fiscal year 2014 budget when it was being debated in his subcommittee. As a result, the monies were retained in the budget and will be dispersed to the municipalities.
Senator Colburn stated, “Because of my role as Town Manager of Federalsburg and because I represent 23 municipalities, I know firsthand the significance of these HUR monies to our Maryland towns and cities. It’s not just the importance of salting and plowing snow covered roads and fixing pot holes. These very monies allow our town governments to have a 5/10/15 year street maintenance plan. And therefore, it is essential that HUR funding be maintained.”
In the delivery of the award, it was stated, “We know we can count on Senator Colburn to help us again when our additional $16 million in municipal HUR grant monies is discussed in his budget subcommittee this session.”
The MML is a voluntary, nonprofit, nonpartisan association controlled and maintained by city and town governments. They work to strengthen the role and capacity of municipal government through research, legislation, technical assistance, training and the dissemination of information for its members.
Senator Colburn, a member of the Budget and Taxation Committee, advocated strongly in favor of retaining the additional $15.2 million in municipal highway user revenue (HUR) grant monies in the fiscal year 2014 budget when it was being debated in his subcommittee. As a result, the monies were retained in the budget and will be dispersed to the municipalities.
Senator Colburn stated, “Because of my role as Town Manager of Federalsburg and because I represent 23 municipalities, I know firsthand the significance of these HUR monies to our Maryland towns and cities. It’s not just the importance of salting and plowing snow covered roads and fixing pot holes. These very monies allow our town governments to have a 5/10/15 year street maintenance plan. And therefore, it is essential that HUR funding be maintained.”
In the delivery of the award, it was stated, “We know we can count on Senator Colburn to help us again when our additional $16 million in municipal HUR grant monies is discussed in his budget subcommittee this session.”
The MML is a voluntary, nonprofit, nonpartisan association controlled and maintained by city and town governments. They work to strengthen the role and capacity of municipal government through research, legislation, technical assistance, training and the dissemination of information for its members.
Burning Question: Does Rinsing Fruit Make A Difference?
People are eating more raw and organically grown fruits and vegetables these days. And that has many consumers concerned whether they are properly cleaning their produce. Michael Doyle, a professor of food microbiology at the University of Georgia and director of its Center for Food Safety, offers his opinion on how to wash fresh food—and whether it's OK to rub an apple on your shirt.
Harboring Enemies
When it comes to anything plucked from the produce aisle, Dr. Doyle says there are two main concerns—pesticides, which he doesn't worry much about, and microorganisms, which he does. "There have been lots of studies done by the government showing that pesticide contaminant tends to be at levels that are below health concerns," he says.
The more serious threat is microorganisms, especially salmonella, listeria and certain strains of E. coli. These sicken more consumers as a result of eating fruits and vegetables than eating meat or poultry, he says. The bacteria are sometimes spread through contaminated irrigation water and can settle on the surface of fresh produce, particularly those with layered leaves.
"Washing produce with tap water should help reduce residual pesticides and any dirt on the surface, where listeria and other bacteria often harbor," he says. But if harmful bacteria are present deep in the leafy greens that have been cut, "the extra washing you do at home isn't going to help," he says.
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Saturday Is Another 24 Hour News Cycle
Widow Of Fallen Cop Blocked From Testifying On Obama DOJ Pick, DA Joins Criticism
The Philadelphia district attorney is speaking out against President Obama's nominee for a top Justice Department post, saying his link to the case of a convicted cop killer "sends a message of contempt" to police -- as the widow of the fallen officer is apparently denied the chance to testify.
Maureen Faulkner, whose husband Daniel Faulkner was killed in 1981, was hoping to speak publicly on the case before the Senate Judiciary Committee, which plans to vote Thursday on the nomination of Debo Adegbile to lead the Civil Rights Division.
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Maureen Faulkner, whose husband Daniel Faulkner was killed in 1981, was hoping to speak publicly on the case before the Senate Judiciary Committee, which plans to vote Thursday on the nomination of Debo Adegbile to lead the Civil Rights Division.
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Audit Finds Asylum System Rife With Fraud; Approval Laws Broken With Surge Of Immigrants
At least 70 percent of asylum applications showed signs of fraud, according to a secret 2009 internal government audit that found many of those cases had been approved anyway.
The 2009 fraud assessment, obtained by the House Judiciary Committee and reviewed by The Washington Times, suggests a system open to abuse and exploitation at a time when the number of people applying for asylum in the U.S. has skyrocketed, particularly along the southwestern border.
Another report obtained by the committee suggests that the government isn’t detaining most of those who apply for asylum, including those awaiting a final judgment.
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The 2009 fraud assessment, obtained by the House Judiciary Committee and reviewed by The Washington Times, suggests a system open to abuse and exploitation at a time when the number of people applying for asylum in the U.S. has skyrocketed, particularly along the southwestern border.
Another report obtained by the committee suggests that the government isn’t detaining most of those who apply for asylum, including those awaiting a final judgment.
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Is Everyone Over At The White House High?
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BREAKING NEWS: US Added 113,000 Jobs In January
US economy added 113,000 jobs in January, far fewer than expected, while the unemployment rate dipped from 6.7 to 6.6 percent as more people entered the job market.
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Frederick Police Officer Arrested On Assault Charge
A Frederick police officer faces a second-degree assault charge in Garrett County, according to Richard Hetherington, deputy city police chief.
Benjamin Whitmore, a 2009 graduate of the Frederick Police Academy, has been placed on administrative duties pending the outcome of a criminal investigation conducted by the Garrett County Sheriff’s Office.
Frederick police will also investigate, according to a news release issued Tuesday night.
“We will do an internal investigation, and we will see how that goes,” Hetherington said in a telephone interview.
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Benjamin Whitmore, a 2009 graduate of the Frederick Police Academy, has been placed on administrative duties pending the outcome of a criminal investigation conducted by the Garrett County Sheriff’s Office.
Frederick police will also investigate, according to a news release issued Tuesday night.
“We will do an internal investigation, and we will see how that goes,” Hetherington said in a telephone interview.
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SFD Calls For Service 2-6-14
- Thursday February, 6 2014 @ 23:44:46Nature: Difficulty BreathingCity: Salisbury
- Thursday February, 6 2014 @ 23:26:01Nature: SeizureCity: Salisbury
- Thursday February, 6 2014 @ 22:08:56Nature: Automatic AlarmAddress: 201 Dykes Rd Salisbury, MD 21801
- Thursday February, 6 2014 @ 20:35:11Nature: Subject FallenCity: Salisbury
- Thursday February, 6 2014 @ 18:46:51Nature: Sick SubjectCity: Salisbury
- Thursday February, 6 2014 @ 18:13:37Nature: Automatic AlarmAddress: 201 Dykes Rd Salisbury, MD 21801
- Thursday February, 6 2014 @ 16:13:16Nature: Pi AccidentCity: Salisbury
- Thursday February, 6 2014 @ 16:10:01Nature: Subject FallenCity: Salisbury
- Thursday February, 6 2014 @ 15:32:22Nature: Difficulty BreathingCity: Salisbury
- Thursday February, 6 2014 @ 14:47:05Nature: Sick SubjectCity: Salisbury
- Thursday February, 6 2014 @ 14:08:54Nature: Delayed AmbulanceAddress: 628 Cottontail Dr Salisbury, MD 21801
- Thursday February, 6 2014 @ 14:08:49Nature: Medical AssistAddress: 2513 N Salisbury Blvd Salisbury, MD 21801
- Thursday February, 6 2014 @ 14:05:15Nature: Psychiatric EmergencyCity: Salisbury
- Thursday February, 6 2014 @ 14:01:44Nature: Psychiatric EmergencyCity: Salisbury
- Thursday February, 6 2014 @ 13:35:40Nature: Sick SubjectCity: Salisbury
- Thursday February, 6 2014 @ 13:22:00Nature: Medical AssistAddress: 832 S Schumaker Dr Salisbury, MD 21801
- Thursday February, 6 2014 @ 13:19:03Nature: Chest PainCity: Salisbury
- Thursday February, 6 2014 @ 13:16:21Nature: Sick SubjectCity: Salisbury
- Thursday February, 6 2014 @ 12:08:17Nature: Delayed AmbulanceAddress: 932 S Salisbury Blvd Salisbury, MD 21801
- Thursday February, 6 2014 @ 12:05:46Nature: Sick SubjectCity: Salisbury
- Thursday February, 6 2014 @ 11:39:55Nature: Pi AccidentAddress: N Salisbury Blvd and naylor St Salisbury, MD 21802
- Thursday February, 6 2014 @ 11:20:00Nature: Medical AssistAddress: 402 Priscilla St Salisbury, MD 21801
- Thursday February, 6 2014 @ 11:11:19Nature: Abdominal PainCity: Salisbury
- Thursday February, 6 2014 @ 10:46:41Nature: SeizureCity: Salisbury
- Thursday February, 6 2014 @ 10:14:33Nature: Pi AccidentAddress: Robins Ave and dykes Rd Salisbury, MD 21801
- Thursday February, 6 2014 @ 10:14:27Nature: Pi AccidentCity: Salisbury
- Thursday February, 6 2014 @ 09:11:59Nature: Subject FallenCity: Salisbury
- Thursday February, 6 2014 @ 08:52:49Nature: Sick SubjectCity: Salisbury
- Thursday February, 6 2014 @ 07:56:34Nature: Subject FallenCity: Salisbury
- Thursday February, 6 2014 @ 05:57:31Nature: Vehicle FireAddress: Zion Rd and brown Rd Salisbury, MD 21801
- Thursday February, 6 2014 @ 04:31:53Nature: Pi AccidentCity: Salisbury
- Thursday February, 6 2014 @ 04:31:53Nature: Pi AccidentAddress: E Salisbury Pkwy and phillip Morris Dr Salisbury, MD 21801
- Thursday February, 6 2014 @ 01:17:51Nature: Subject FallenCity: Salisbury
- Thursday February, 6 2014 @ 01:03:29Nature: Pro Qa EmsCity: Salisbury
- Thursday February, 6 2014 @ 00:28:22Nature: Chest PainCity: Salisbury
- Thursday February, 6 2014 @ 00:19:57Nature: Pro Qa EmsCity: Salisbury
Electrical Issue Closes Bridge Thursday Morning
Around 6:43 a.m. on Thursday, SHA’s statewide operations center received a call that the Route 50 Bridge into the south end of Ocean City was stuck in the up position. According to SHA media relations manager David Buck, the problem was a gate issue only an not related to the bridge structure.
“Every morning, the bridge tender tests the bridge with an opening,” he said. “The gates went down, the bridge opened and closed fine, but then the gates would not raise back up. It appears to be an electrical issue somewhere between the panel in the tender house and the gates.”
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Delegate Mike McDermott Update On The Department Of Natural Resources
"I will hurt you..." - Quote from Acting DNR Secretary Joe Gill
By Delegate Mike McDermott
It is tough being a Waterman these days. In fact, their numbers have dwindled to less than half of what they were just a few decades ago, and the actual number of folks making their living full time on the water is even fewer. There are many reasons for the decline, and our Watermen know them all too well.One area of significant impact has been the regulatory environment which is primarily under the purview of the Department of Natural Resources in Maryland. While this can often be described as a “love-hate” relationship, our watermen and their families continue to fight a retreating battle with the State in order to simply survive.
In recent years, the DNR has taken it upon themselves to change certain regulations by simply providing public notice, thus avoiding the need to bring these changes before the General Assembly (or the AELR Committee when the legislature is not in session). The Attorney General recently told the DNR that they do not have the authority to bypass the legislative branch.
In an effort to cover their tracks, DNR’s Acting Secretary Joe Gill and the DNR put SB-145 forward this year which, if passed, would give the department the authority to do what has been their practice, although outside the scope of law, for years. It is not in the best interest of any Marylander to grant any state agency broad autonomy to decide what regulations should be created, changed, or enforced at their own discretion, thus negating established checks and balances established by the Constitution.
To no one’s surprise, the Watermen and their allies came out in droves last week to object to this usurping of process and grab for power by the DNR Secretary. During the hearings, a disturbing exchange was reported to have occurred between Acting Secretary Gill and the President of the Maryland Watermen’s Association, Robert T. Brown.
According to witnesses, Secretary Gill approached President Brown outside of the Environmental Committee Room and stated, “If you don’t support this bill [SB-145], I am going to be very conservative and cut your quotas, and I will hurt you. Do you hear me? I will hurt you.”
There is no reason to doubt the veracity of those present who heard these words. They were shocked. Secretary Gill has not denied making the statement, although the administration has indicated that the statement may have been taken “out of context.” It appears quite clear that the unfortunate exchange occurred as reported.
As a result of this confrontation, Senator Richard Colburn had Secretary Gill’s nomination for Secretary of DNR delayed until February 14th. This was a wise move as the nominee is now held in contempt by all of the watermen.
Tempers can get away from folks, and we have all experienced it from time to time, but those seeking confirmation to the highest posts of service in State government must be held to a higher standard. The outburst from the acting Secretary is a deal breaker for those who need confidence that the regulatory environment is not managed by a tyrant.
This entire ordeal, and the manifestation by A/Secretary Gill, is a significant tell of the progressive-liberal way in Maryland where regulations are utilized to move agendas. It has been rightly stated, “The power to tax is the power to destroy.” The power to regulate carries a very similar hammer.
Maryland business owners, including watermen and farmers, are being regulated to death. One can only imagine what the damage would be if entrenched state bureaucrats could simply change regulations whenever they deemed it appropriate. No vetting, no hearings, and no outside input would carry the day in Maryland. When it comes to the livelihood of our people, this must not be allowed. More and more, we see the regulatory environment being used to crush certain segments of our economy, while regulations and taxes are being cited by every business fleeing our state.
When one of our governor’s cabinet Secretaries tell our farmers that a potentially devastating regulation is “going to happen this year” no matter what an impact study states, and when another tells our watermen to get in line or “I will hurt you” - then we no longer see public servants, but rather those behaving as kings.
In Maryland, as in our country, the people are the sovereign. Those who choose to work on behalf of the people are public servants. The failure to apprehend this relationship places the government above the people. This was never the intent of the Founders.May the American people awaken to the scepter that is in their hand, and as President George Washington said in his first inaugural speech, “Use power to help people.”