DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Cholesterol Is Good for You
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death, and cholesterol is frequently given the blame. But is it justified?
Over the past 60 years, research has repeatedly demonstrated that there’s NO correlation between high cholesterol and plaque formation that leads to heart disease. Despite that, the saturated fat/cholesterol myth has persisted.
After researching the science of lipids, cholesterol, heart disease, and nutrition for nearly eight decades, Dr. Fred Kummerow—now nearly 100 years old—has a thing or two to say about the matter. In fact, he was the first researcher to identifywhich fat really causes the clogged arteries conventionally blamed on saturated fats.
Since the late ’70s, he’s also studied the imbalance of nutrients in the American diet that lead to obesity. His new book, Cholesterol Is Not the Culprit, focuses on the basic chemistry of food, how your body works, and how food fits into the equation.
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Over the past 60 years, research has repeatedly demonstrated that there’s NO correlation between high cholesterol and plaque formation that leads to heart disease. Despite that, the saturated fat/cholesterol myth has persisted.
After researching the science of lipids, cholesterol, heart disease, and nutrition for nearly eight decades, Dr. Fred Kummerow—now nearly 100 years old—has a thing or two to say about the matter. In fact, he was the first researcher to identifywhich fat really causes the clogged arteries conventionally blamed on saturated fats.
Since the late ’70s, he’s also studied the imbalance of nutrients in the American diet that lead to obesity. His new book, Cholesterol Is Not the Culprit, focuses on the basic chemistry of food, how your body works, and how food fits into the equation.
More
Is Your Depression Caused by Inflammatory Foods?
Excitotoxins disrupt the neuroendocrine system, triggering depression, scientists believe.
Is your depression caused by an inflammatory response? Could excitoxins in the diet in the form of MSG and aspartame be the culprits behind symptoms of depression, behavior disorders and even suicidal tendencies? Many scientists now believe that there is a link.
For example, a 2008 paper titled Inflammation, Glutamate, and Glia in Depression: A Literature Review notes that “Multiple lines of evidence suggest that inflammation and glutamate dysfunction contribute to the pathophysiology of depression.”
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Is your depression caused by an inflammatory response? Could excitoxins in the diet in the form of MSG and aspartame be the culprits behind symptoms of depression, behavior disorders and even suicidal tendencies? Many scientists now believe that there is a link.
For example, a 2008 paper titled Inflammation, Glutamate, and Glia in Depression: A Literature Review notes that “Multiple lines of evidence suggest that inflammation and glutamate dysfunction contribute to the pathophysiology of depression.”
More
Baltimore City May Impose New Curfew For Teens
Meghan McCorkell has more on the controversy.
In a preliminary vote, the city council approved a bill that could make Baltimore’s curfew laws among some of the strictest in the country.
Last February, dozens of teens tear through the 7-Eleven in upper Fells Point. Now city leaders are trying to stop behavior like this.
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19 Things Unhappy People Do
Everyone has their off days, but why cause more negativity you can avoid it?
If you work on thinking positively about yourself and others, you will be that much closer to being your happiest self.
Below are 19 things unhappy people do that we should all try to avoid.
1. They worry about things they can't change
We are all guilty sometimes of wondering what might have been if we had chosen or acted differently. But in most cases, this is a dead-end street. Unhappy people tend to brood about the "could've, should've, would'ves" of life, but it's important not to worry about things we can't change; instead, we should learn from our mistakes and simply try to do better next time! We may even end up being happy that we made some mistakes.
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If you work on thinking positively about yourself and others, you will be that much closer to being your happiest self.
Below are 19 things unhappy people do that we should all try to avoid.
1. They worry about things they can't change
We are all guilty sometimes of wondering what might have been if we had chosen or acted differently. But in most cases, this is a dead-end street. Unhappy people tend to brood about the "could've, should've, would'ves" of life, but it's important not to worry about things we can't change; instead, we should learn from our mistakes and simply try to do better next time! We may even end up being happy that we made some mistakes.
More
New Delaware Law "Encourages" State Vendors To "Ban The Box"
Delaware's Governor recently signed a "ban the box" law to prohibit public employers1 from inquiring into or considering the credit or criminal history of a job candidate during the initial application process (up to and including the first interview), unless otherwise required by state or federal law. Public employers must state this restriction in all "formal solicitations."
While the new Delaware law does not specifically cover or define "vendors doing business with the State," it explicitly "encourages" them to adopt policies in accordance with the statute. As such, private employers that seek or hold contracts with the State of Delaware should consider refraining from inquiries into an applicant's credit or criminal history until after the first interview and, even then, only consider such records in a manner that is job related and consistent with business necessity. Such employers that use third-party vendors to run background checks also should remember to adhere to the Fair Credit Reporting Act before taking any adverse action against applicants or employees based on the results.
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While the new Delaware law does not specifically cover or define "vendors doing business with the State," it explicitly "encourages" them to adopt policies in accordance with the statute. As such, private employers that seek or hold contracts with the State of Delaware should consider refraining from inquiries into an applicant's credit or criminal history until after the first interview and, even then, only consider such records in a manner that is job related and consistent with business necessity. Such employers that use third-party vendors to run background checks also should remember to adhere to the Fair Credit Reporting Act before taking any adverse action against applicants or employees based on the results.
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Shared by a friend: Researchers Say There Could Be $300 Million In Gold At An Antebellum Shipwreck Site Off The Coast Of South Carolina
A marine exploration group says it has recovered nearly 1,000 ounces of gold from a long-ago shipwreck 160 miles off the coast of South Carolina.
Tampa-based Odyssey Marine Exploration announced it had completed its latest mission to the site of the wrecked SS Central America, which went down in a hurricane in 1857. We first heard about the story from William J. Broad in the New York Times.
Gold contracts were recently trading at $1,288.90 an ounce, meaning the haul could be worth about $1.3 million. Among the specific items recovered:
Five gold ingots believed to weigh between 96.5 and 313.5 ounces
Two $20 Double Eagle coins
A bottle
A piece of pottery
A sample of the ship's hull
But this was only a recon mission, and many believe a lot more where this came from — up to $336 million by one estimate.
More
Tampa-based Odyssey Marine Exploration announced it had completed its latest mission to the site of the wrecked SS Central America, which went down in a hurricane in 1857. We first heard about the story from William J. Broad in the New York Times.
Gold contracts were recently trading at $1,288.90 an ounce, meaning the haul could be worth about $1.3 million. Among the specific items recovered:
Five gold ingots believed to weigh between 96.5 and 313.5 ounces
Two $20 Double Eagle coins
A bottle
A piece of pottery
A sample of the ship's hull
But this was only a recon mission, and many believe a lot more where this came from — up to $336 million by one estimate.
More
Land of Pleasant Dying?
If you die in Virginia and your estate (the net worth of your home, savings, business, investments, vehicles, etc.) is less than $5.3 millions you won’t pay any estate tax (“death tax”).
But if you die in Maryland you’ll pay 16 percent on everything in your estate above $1 million and the attorney’s, accountant’s, appraiser’s and other costs necessary to file the tax often exceed the tax, itself.
Is Maryland’s death tax causing wealthy individuals to flee the state? At first blush it doesn’t seem so, 2010 Census data shows Maryland’s population increased 9 percent (447,066) to 5.7 million during that decade. But a closer look tells a different story.
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But if you die in Maryland you’ll pay 16 percent on everything in your estate above $1 million and the attorney’s, accountant’s, appraiser’s and other costs necessary to file the tax often exceed the tax, itself.
Is Maryland’s death tax causing wealthy individuals to flee the state? At first blush it doesn’t seem so, 2010 Census data shows Maryland’s population increased 9 percent (447,066) to 5.7 million during that decade. But a closer look tells a different story.
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Alcoholic Beverage Hearings and Regular Meeting Of Wicomico County Board Of License Commissioners
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE HEARINGS AND REGULAR MEETING OF WICOMICO COUNTY BOARD OF LICENSE COMMISSIONERS FOR MAY 2014
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE WICOMICO COUNTY BOARD OF LICENSE COMMISSIONERS WILL HOLD ITS REGULAR MEETING ON TUESDAY, MAY 20, 2014
BEGINNING AT 6:00 P.M.
BEGINNING AT 6:00 P.M.
In the County Council Chambers, Room 301, in the Wicomico County Government Office Building N. Division Street & U.S. Route 50 in Salisbury. The meeting is open to the public. The Board will hear the following application for alcoholic beverage licenses:
1. 6:00 P.M. A new application for a Class “B” Beer, Wine and Liquor (7 day) (On Sale) Restaurant Alcohol Beverage License for Song Qing Yu, who resides at 802 Bristal Pl, Salisbury, Maryland, for use of Ginger house Inc., trading as Ginger House, located at 321 B & 323 Civic Ave, Salisbury, Maryland.
All persons appearing at this hearing either opposing or supporting this application will be heard. If any one has any questions regarding the applications please contact The Office of Wicomico Board of License Commissioners at 410-548-4835.
WICOMICO COUNTY BOARD OF LICENSE COMMISSIONERS
A. Kaye Kenney, Board Chairman
James Allen, Board Member
Leo McNeil, Board Member
Richard Duvall, Board Attorney
Christine Travis, Administrative
John Groncki, Chief Inspector
Sally Fisher, Inspector
A. Kaye Kenney, Board Chairman
James Allen, Board Member
Leo McNeil, Board Member
Richard Duvall, Board Attorney
Christine Travis, Administrative
John Groncki, Chief Inspector
Sally Fisher, Inspector
Disputed Signatures May End John Conyers' 50-Year Career in Congress
Democratic Rep. John Conyers is expected to be ruled ineligible this week for the Aug. 5 primary ballot in Michigan's 13th District, likely ending the lawmaker's congressional career after 50 years in office.
Barring a reversal of the expected decision by the Wayne County Clerk or the slim chance that Conyers, 84, can win the nomination as a write-in candidate, this is the last hurrah for the final U.S. representative to come into office as President Lyndon Johnson was winning a full term in 1964.
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Barring a reversal of the expected decision by the Wayne County Clerk or the slim chance that Conyers, 84, can win the nomination as a write-in candidate, this is the last hurrah for the final U.S. representative to come into office as President Lyndon Johnson was winning a full term in 1964.
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Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Press Release 5-13-14
An anonymous caller reported two suspicious people, a white male and a white female that were walking around the Riggin Ridge Road looking in the windows and acting suspicious.
As the Deputy arrived on scene and walked towards the residence a white male came from behind the residence and the Deputy immediately detained him. While speaking with the subject a white female exited the front door of the residence, ran down the front steps and attempted to run behind the residence, she was also detained. An entrance door to the residence had been forced open.
The two were identified as Joseph A Slabaugh, 35, of Brooklyn Maryland and Brandenburg Leigh Sandifer 33, also from Brooklyn Maryland.
Both were charged with 1st Degree, 3rd Degree, and 4th Degree burglary. Ms Sandifer was also charged with false statement to a law enforcement officer. Both subjects were seen by the district court Commissioner and a $15,000.00 bond was placed on them. They were held at the Worcester County Jail.
Air Force Plan To Strip Generals Of Authority
A draft of the plan obtained by The Washington Times shows that the Air Force is aiming to consolidate support operations under the umbrella of a single center, known as the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center.
The tricky endeavor would shuffle day-to-day base management issues — such as construction, maintenance and procurement of equipment and supplies — from under the authority of the senior generals who command the bases to the leadership of a two-star general who would run the support center, according to the draft proposal.
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UPDATE: Live Coverage Of The Vehicle That Plowed Into WMAR TV
UPDATE: Subject is not in custody
Chief Johnson: Working tools were inside the truck - no indication that firearms were used in this incident
Tactical units were able to isolate the suspect in the building and located using technology. No officer injuries
Suspect was watching television at station during police response
Police say the building was rammed several times with a stolen truck. The truck belonged to a State Highway Administration contractor
Virginia Cop Threatens to Arrest Citizen for Video Recording Aggressive Arrest
Virginia police were aggressively arresting a man at a McDonald’s when another customer decided to pull out his phone and record, capturing a pair of cops forcing the suspect to the floor, even though the man did not appear to be resisting.
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"Bouncy house" Blows Away, Seriously Injures Two Young Boys In New York
Three children were inside the play structure when the wind lifted the inflatable toy 50 feet into the air.
The three kids -- ages 5, 6, and 10 -- fell out of the toy. The two boys were seriously injured. The girl suffered minor scrapes and bruises.
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MSNBC Made a Big Mistake in One of Its Programs — and It Could End Up Costing Its Network
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| From left, Keith Todd is suing NBC Universal, Eastpointe Police Department and A One Limousine after a photo of him was incorrectly aired with his name nationwide on reality-TV crime show ‘Caught on Camera: Dash Cam Diaries,’ multiple times in the past year, according to the complaint. The actual perpetrator was Todd Keith (right) and Keith was later convicted of receiving stolen property, resisting arrest and destruction of property. (Source: Detroit Free Press) |
During an episode of “Caught on Camera: Dash Cam Diaries on MSNBC, a man who had reportedly stolen a limousine was arrested by police officers after he was hit with a stun gun in the back of the stolen vehicle.
The man’s name is Todd Keith. He was later convicted of receiving stolen property, resisting arrest and destruction of property. However, MSNBC identified Keith Todd — a construction worker from Michigan — as the perpetrator instead. His name and picture were shown on the national reality TV show.
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The Solution To The Declining Middle Class: Destroy Fixed Costs And Debt
The solution to the erosion of the middle class lifestyle is to destroy debt and other fixed costs and eliminate self-sabotaging discretionary consumption.
Last week I covered the structural dynamics causing the decline of the middle class. In general, the costs of untradable services (healthcare, higher education, government) and the rot of financialization have increased while wages have stagnated. The Federal Reserve's "solution" was to make everyone who owned a house a speculator who could only keep even with rising costs by riding the asset bubbles higher and then extracting the "free money" generated by these bubbles before they popped.
The Decline of Small Business and the Middle Class
The Changing Nature of Middle Class Work
How the Middle Class Lifestyle Became Unaffordable
The Destabilizing Truth: Only the Wealthy Can Afford a Middle Class Lifestyle
Let's take two representative households to understand the decline of the middle class and the solution. Let's say both households earn $81,000 annually, virtually all from wages and salaries. This puts the family at around the 70% mark of U.S. households, just within the top 30%. (For context, the 2011 median household income was $50,054.)
This income is solidly middle class: not low enough to qualify for much in the way of government subsidies but not high enough to avoid prioritizing and trade-offs.
Last week I covered the structural dynamics causing the decline of the middle class. In general, the costs of untradable services (healthcare, higher education, government) and the rot of financialization have increased while wages have stagnated. The Federal Reserve's "solution" was to make everyone who owned a house a speculator who could only keep even with rising costs by riding the asset bubbles higher and then extracting the "free money" generated by these bubbles before they popped.
The Decline of Small Business and the Middle Class
The Changing Nature of Middle Class Work
How the Middle Class Lifestyle Became Unaffordable
The Destabilizing Truth: Only the Wealthy Can Afford a Middle Class Lifestyle
Let's take two representative households to understand the decline of the middle class and the solution. Let's say both households earn $81,000 annually, virtually all from wages and salaries. This puts the family at around the 70% mark of U.S. households, just within the top 30%. (For context, the 2011 median household income was $50,054.)
This income is solidly middle class: not low enough to qualify for much in the way of government subsidies but not high enough to avoid prioritizing and trade-offs.
A Preakness Owner Down The Ocean Hon
Of course the owner of Social Inclusion has plans to win the middle jewel of Racing’s Triple Crown on the 3rd Saturday in May. That goes without saying.
But then his plans after that don't sound like what a typical owner in the sport of kings would be looking forward to doing just days after one of America's classic races.You see on the third Tuesday in May (this blogger’s birthday) he’s planning on heading to Ocean City.
Ocean City?
What’s up with that?
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Pemberton Elementary On Precautionary Lockdown
Wicomico County Public Schools
Due to an incident in the community that is being handled by Salisbury Police, Pemberton Elementary is on a precautionary lockdown. Afternoon transportation plans are affected for Pemberton students and for students of other schools who would be transported through the area. We anticipate that buses will be running soon, but many students will arrive home later than usual today.
Due to an incident in the community that is being handled by Salisbury Police, Pemberton Elementary is on a precautionary lockdown. Afternoon transportation plans are affected for Pemberton students and for students of other schools who would be transported through the area. We anticipate that buses will be running soon, but many students will arrive home later than usual today.
Obamacare's employer mandate hits low-wage workers the hardest, study says
President Obama's health care law imposes penalties on larger employers who do not provide government-approved health coverage, but a new study from the Urban Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation argues that low-wage workers will be hit hardest by the provision.
"Employers with 50 or more workers not offering coverage pre-[Affordable Care Act] are the same employers that are highly likely to not offer in the future, therefore incurring the ACA's penalties," the study reads. "Because the nonoffering firms are much more likely to be firms dominated by low-wage workers ... low-wage employees will bear the greatest brunt of the penalties imposed. Therefore, using employer penalties as a tool for financing reform tends to be a regressive approach."
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"Employers with 50 or more workers not offering coverage pre-[Affordable Care Act] are the same employers that are highly likely to not offer in the future, therefore incurring the ACA's penalties," the study reads. "Because the nonoffering firms are much more likely to be firms dominated by low-wage workers ... low-wage employees will bear the greatest brunt of the penalties imposed. Therefore, using employer penalties as a tool for financing reform tends to be a regressive approach."
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Revealed: 74% of Obamacare 'Enrollees' Already Had Insurance
A devastating new McKinsey & Co. report finds that Obamacare's purported purpose – providing coverage for the previously uninsured – has failed.
The report concludes that 74% of Obamacare enrollees at the end of the first open enrollment period already had insurance; just 26% reported being previously uninsured. Of those who were previously uninsured, the figure drops to only 22% when considered alongside whether the individual has activated his plan by paying his first month's premium.
According to the Associated Press, at least 4.7 million Americans had their health insurance plans canceled due to Obamacare. Many of those individuals simply went through the Obamacare exchanges to buy policies to replace the ones President Barack Obama's healthcare program outlawed.
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The report concludes that 74% of Obamacare enrollees at the end of the first open enrollment period already had insurance; just 26% reported being previously uninsured. Of those who were previously uninsured, the figure drops to only 22% when considered alongside whether the individual has activated his plan by paying his first month's premium.
According to the Associated Press, at least 4.7 million Americans had their health insurance plans canceled due to Obamacare. Many of those individuals simply went through the Obamacare exchanges to buy policies to replace the ones President Barack Obama's healthcare program outlawed.
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Casey Kasem's Whereabouts Unknown: Investigator Ordered To Track Down Ailing radio Host
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Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Daniel S. Murphy ordered a court investigator and adult protective services to find out where Kasem is being treated and report back to the court. Kasem, 82, suffers from advanced Parkinson's disease, can no longer speak and has been in various medical facilities chosen by his wife, Jean Kasem.
Casey Kasem's children have complained that they have been unable to see their father in accordance with an agreement with their stepmother. Daughter Kerri Kasem had sought a temporary conservatorship and was appointed her father's temporary caretaker on Monday. Her attorney, Troy Martin, said the family believes the entertainer has been taken to an Indian reservation in Washington state
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DoD Press Release
The Department of Defense (DoD) is proud to announce a new fleet of Class 1069 destroyers. Having initially named the first two ships USS Daring and USS Dauntless, the naming committee has, after intensive pressure from Congress, renamed them USS Cautious and USS Prudent. The next five ships are to be USS Empathy, USS Circumspect, USS Nervous, USS Timorous and USS Apologist.
Costing $850 million each they comply with the very latest employment, equality, health and safety and human rights laws.
The U.S. Navy fully expects any future enemy to be decent and to comply with the same high standards of our behavior.
The viewer friendly stacks will be painted in the "gay pride" colors.
Live ammunition has been replaced with paintballs to reduce the risk of anyone getting hurt and to cut down on the number of compensation claims.
Stress counselors and lawyers will be on board, as will a union representative for each of the trades on board.
The crew will be 50%/50% men and women and will contain the correct balance of race, gender, sexuality and disability.
Sailors will only work a maximum of 40 hours per week as per union rules on working hours, time and a half for overtime and double time on Sundays and holidays, even in wartime.
All the vessels are equipped with a maternity ward and a gay disco.
Tobacco will be banned throughout the ship, but recreational cannabis will be allowed in the messes.
Saluting of officers is now considered elitist and has been replaced by "Hi Sailor".
All information on notice boards will be in 37 different languages.
Crew members will now have permission to grow beards and/or mustaches. This applies equally to female crew.
A majority of Senators have suggested a "non-specific" flag because the current "Stars and Stripes" may offend some Nations during port calls.
The newly re-named USS Cautious will be commissioned shortly by Muslim cleric from the Washington DC Mosque who will detonate a small explosive device near the hull.
As she will gently slide into the sea the Marines Corp Band will play "In the Navy" by the Village People. Her first deployment will be to escort boatloads of illegal immigrants to ports on the East coast.
The President said, "Our ships reflect the very latest in modern thinking and they will always be able to comply with any new legislation from the U.N." His final words were, "I told you there would be "CHANGE!"
Costing $850 million each they comply with the very latest employment, equality, health and safety and human rights laws.
The U.S. Navy fully expects any future enemy to be decent and to comply with the same high standards of our behavior.
The viewer friendly stacks will be painted in the "gay pride" colors.
Live ammunition has been replaced with paintballs to reduce the risk of anyone getting hurt and to cut down on the number of compensation claims.
Stress counselors and lawyers will be on board, as will a union representative for each of the trades on board.
The crew will be 50%/50% men and women and will contain the correct balance of race, gender, sexuality and disability.
Sailors will only work a maximum of 40 hours per week as per union rules on working hours, time and a half for overtime and double time on Sundays and holidays, even in wartime.
All the vessels are equipped with a maternity ward and a gay disco.
Tobacco will be banned throughout the ship, but recreational cannabis will be allowed in the messes.
Saluting of officers is now considered elitist and has been replaced by "Hi Sailor".
All information on notice boards will be in 37 different languages.
Crew members will now have permission to grow beards and/or mustaches. This applies equally to female crew.
A majority of Senators have suggested a "non-specific" flag because the current "Stars and Stripes" may offend some Nations during port calls.
The newly re-named USS Cautious will be commissioned shortly by Muslim cleric from the Washington DC Mosque who will detonate a small explosive device near the hull.
As she will gently slide into the sea the Marines Corp Band will play "In the Navy" by the Village People. Her first deployment will be to escort boatloads of illegal immigrants to ports on the East coast.
The President said, "Our ships reflect the very latest in modern thinking and they will always be able to comply with any new legislation from the U.N." His final words were, "I told you there would be "CHANGE!"
When Not Even The "1%" Can Afford College
Since in America one now needs a Bachelor's degree (if not a PhD in economics, of course) to get a job as a waiter, according to the following chart the US may soon have a severe waiter shortage considering the cost of college tuition has outpaced even the income of the 1%. As for everyone else, forget it - want that French Polynesian belly-dancing major? Prepare to become a debt slave for life.
JUST IN: Man Uses Truck To Ram Into WMAR-TV’s Building; Possible Armed Suspect Inside Station
Mike Hellgren reports the man is reportedly barricaded in the building. He is possibly armed.
A SWAT team is surrounding the building.
Reporters at WMAR say they believe all employees are safe, but the lobby is “smashed up.” Police say the building was rammed several times around 11:45 a.m.
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Republicans Taking Paul Seriously As Mainstream Frontrunner
It's only been four years since Rand Paul was elected to the Senate as part of the nation's tea party wave in 2010, but the Kentucky Republican's rapidly being taken seriously as a potential mainstream candidate for the presidency, several Republican National Committee members said at its meeting in Memphis this week.
"I don't think anyone could say it's not possible he'd win the nomination," Texas GOP Chairman Steve Munisteri told Politico Friday. "His mission is convince people of what his coalition would be in November [2016]."
Paul has been traveling the country, trying to expand the party's base beyond its traditional older, white voters, while moving beyond libertarians who follow his father Ron Paul, who has amassed a devoted following during his own numerous runs for the presidency.
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"I don't think anyone could say it's not possible he'd win the nomination," Texas GOP Chairman Steve Munisteri told Politico Friday. "His mission is convince people of what his coalition would be in November [2016]."
Paul has been traveling the country, trying to expand the party's base beyond its traditional older, white voters, while moving beyond libertarians who follow his father Ron Paul, who has amassed a devoted following during his own numerous runs for the presidency.
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ICE Document Details 36,000 Criminal Alien Releases in 2013
The document reveals that the 36,007 convicted criminal aliens freed from ICE custody in many instances had multiple convictions. Among them, the 36,007 had nearly 88,000 convictions, including:
- 193 homicide convictions (including one willful killing of a public official with gun)
- 426 sexual assault convictions
- 303 kidnapping convictions
- 1,075 aggravated assault convictions
- 1,160 stolen vehicle convictions
- 9,187 dangerous drug convictions
- 16,070 drunk or drugged driving convictions
- 303 flight escape convictions
This enumeration of FY 2013 criminal aliens freed and the criminal convictions tied to these individuals was prepared by ICE in response to congressional inquiries following a report published by the Center for Immigration Studies. That report, “Catch and Release”, showed that ICE officers declined to bring immigration charges in 68,000 cases of criminal aliens they encountered in 2013.
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$15 Million Socialist Elizabeth Warren Vows to Fight for the Little People Like Her
I’m all for wealth redistribution. I don’t think anyone produces anything on their own. There is no “I”. Only a collective. Government ought to control absolutely everything. But why do people think I’m a Socialist?
BOB SCHIEFFER: You know, your fans say you’re a populist, but your critics say you’re just basically a socialist.
SEN. WARREN: (LAUGHS) I just don’t know where they get that.
Me either.
You become famous for a “You didn’t build that” rant and suddenly people call you a Socialist.
You’re a slimy lawyer running as a class warrior even though your real clients are the 1 percent and people think you’re a Socialist.
BOB SCHIEFFER: You know, your fans say you’re a populist, but your critics say you’re just basically a socialist.
SEN. WARREN: (LAUGHS) I just don’t know where they get that.
Me either.
You become famous for a “You didn’t build that” rant and suddenly people call you a Socialist.
You’re a slimy lawyer running as a class warrior even though your real clients are the 1 percent and people think you’re a Socialist.
Biden Takes Shot at Clintons in SC
CNN reports that Vice President Joe Biden, apparently unwilling to concede the 2016 Democratic presidential nomination to Hillary Clinton, told South Carolina Democrats that the latter years of the Bill Clinton administration were responsible for the beginning of the decline in middle-class financial security.
Attendees at the VIP Capital City Club in Columbia, S.C. asserted that Biden’s speech was largely “populist’ and intense. One listener called the speech an "Elizabeth Warren-type speech" because it targeted income inequality. Another said:
He said we have some of the most productive workers in the world, but corporations are more concerned about their stockholders than they are about their employees. He talked about how the fruits of labor go to stockholders, rather than to the people who are producing it. That the people making the money in this country are the corporations.
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Attendees at the VIP Capital City Club in Columbia, S.C. asserted that Biden’s speech was largely “populist’ and intense. One listener called the speech an "Elizabeth Warren-type speech" because it targeted income inequality. Another said:
He said we have some of the most productive workers in the world, but corporations are more concerned about their stockholders than they are about their employees. He talked about how the fruits of labor go to stockholders, rather than to the people who are producing it. That the people making the money in this country are the corporations.
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How 'Big Corn' lost the ethanol battle to Philadelphia refiners
(Reuters) - Six months ago the U.S. oil industry scored a surprise win against farm groups when the Obama administration proposed slashing the amount of ethanol refiners must blend into gasoline, a move that could save them billions of dollars.
Stunned by the reversal, producers of the corn-based biofuel and their supporters are now fighting back ahead of a June deadline for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to make a final decision on the cut.
The clash has been portrayed as a battle between "Big Oil" and "Big Corn," two powerful and deep-pocketed lobbies. But a Reuters review of public records and interviews with lawmakers, lobbyists and executives reveals a more complex picture.
A private equity firm and an airline helped convince the Obama administration to backtrack, at least temporarily, on a policy it has supported for years: requiring steadily-rising volumes of ethanol to be blended into gasoline each year, a key to shifting U.S. energy consumption toward renewable sources.
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Stunned by the reversal, producers of the corn-based biofuel and their supporters are now fighting back ahead of a June deadline for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to make a final decision on the cut.
The clash has been portrayed as a battle between "Big Oil" and "Big Corn," two powerful and deep-pocketed lobbies. But a Reuters review of public records and interviews with lawmakers, lobbyists and executives reveals a more complex picture.
A private equity firm and an airline helped convince the Obama administration to backtrack, at least temporarily, on a policy it has supported for years: requiring steadily-rising volumes of ethanol to be blended into gasoline each year, a key to shifting U.S. energy consumption toward renewable sources.
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POLL: MAJORITY OF LIKELY VOTERS OPPOSE OBAMACARE'S HHS MANDATE
A new poll released by Family Research Council (FRC) has found that 53 percent of likely voters oppose ObamaCare’s HHS mandate that requires most employers to provide contraceptives, sterilization procedures, and abortifacients to employees without charge through health insurance plans.
The survey of 901 likely voters, conducted by Wilson Perkins Allen Opinion Research on behalf of FRC, was performed between May 1-4, and has a margin of error of +3.3 percent.
Results showed that most likely voters oppose the HHS mandate 53-43 percent, including 40 percent who strongly oppose it, even among key demographic groups that typically support Democrat candidates.
The HHS mandate was opposed by most women, 50-45 percent, with 36 percent strongly opposed. Among independents, 53 percent oppose the mandate and 43 percent support it, with 41 percent strongly opposed to it.
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The survey of 901 likely voters, conducted by Wilson Perkins Allen Opinion Research on behalf of FRC, was performed between May 1-4, and has a margin of error of +3.3 percent.
Results showed that most likely voters oppose the HHS mandate 53-43 percent, including 40 percent who strongly oppose it, even among key demographic groups that typically support Democrat candidates.
The HHS mandate was opposed by most women, 50-45 percent, with 36 percent strongly opposed. Among independents, 53 percent oppose the mandate and 43 percent support it, with 41 percent strongly opposed to it.
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JUST IN: Alec Baldwin Arrested After Being Stopped for Riding Bike Wrong Way, Arguing With Police
A law enforcement source says Baldwin was seen riding his bike the wrong way down an East Side street Tuesday morning and when police stopped to give him a summons, he grew angry.
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Chick-fil-A Food Drive TONIGHT!
- Date: May 13, 2014
- Time: 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Chick-fil-A is partnering with HALO to host a Food Drive.
Bring in 4 or more non-perishable food items and receive a coupon for a FREE MILKSHAKE!
Everyday the HALO Cafe serves over 200 meals to those who are homeless and hungry in our community. Help us Fill our Food Pantry so we can continue to serve others.
Visit one of our Salisbury Chick-fil-A locations
North Pointe Plaza or Center at Salisbury
Tuesday, May 13th
5:00PM - 7:00PM
Thank you for partnering with HALO to help those in need.
- See more at: http://www.haloministry.org/events/event/2/chick-fil-a-food-drive/2014-005-13#sthash.3uCzhZLS.dpufURGENT NEEDS:
CerealOatmeal/Grits
Butter
Sugar
Coffee
Mayonnaise
Lunchmeat
Cheese - Sandwich and Shredded
Coffee
Creamer
Salad Dressings
Instant Tea
Spaghetti Sauce
Black Pepper
- See more at: http://www.haloministry.org/urgent-needs-list#sthash.kzTp7thb.dpuf
North Korea defends its racist comments about Obama
North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) rarely offers worthwhile reading material for Western audiences. The prose is often leaden or hopelessly flowery, and the stories often deal with dull domestic news or the praise showered on Kim Jong Un by obscure foreign sources.
Even so, one recent article featured by KCNA was exceptionally unpleasant. In a May 2 article titled "Divine retribution for the juvenile delinquent Obama!” and published only in Korean, President Obama was referred to as a “clown,” a “dirty fellow," and “a crossbreed with unclear blood.” The bizarre comments were later picked up by U.S. news media and soon spread like wildfire.
This week, North Korea finally offered an explanation for those remarks. And while the explanation may sound limp, it is also more revealing than it first appears.
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Even so, one recent article featured by KCNA was exceptionally unpleasant. In a May 2 article titled "Divine retribution for the juvenile delinquent Obama!” and published only in Korean, President Obama was referred to as a “clown,” a “dirty fellow," and “a crossbreed with unclear blood.” The bizarre comments were later picked up by U.S. news media and soon spread like wildfire.
This week, North Korea finally offered an explanation for those remarks. And while the explanation may sound limp, it is also more revealing than it first appears.
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Public Hearing on Proposed Crabbing Charter Regulations - 6 pm
Public Hearing on Proposed Crabbing Charter Regulations - 6 pm
5/13/2014
C-1 Conference Room of the Tawes State Office Bldg
580 Taylor Ave., Annapolis, MD 21401
Contact
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Service is holding a public hearing on the proposed crabbing charter regulations on May 13, 2014 at 6pm in the C-1 Conference Room of the Tawes State Office Bldg, 580 Taylor Ave., Annapolis, MD 21401.
The Department has proposed crabbing charter regulations which clarify permissible activity, provide flexibility for crabbing charters, and create a crabbing charter decal. The original request for regulations came from industry members who wanted business flexibility. After receiving comments through the scoping process, the Department offered an amended regulatory idea for scoping in October 2013. After receiving additional comments, the Department met with the tourism industry, Charterboat Association and the Tidal Fisheries Advisory Commission to discuss the draft proposal. The regulatory proposal is based on feedback from the meetings.
For more information regarding this proposal, visit: http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/regulations/proposedregulations.asp. All interested parties are invited to attend and give their views. Sign language interpreters and other appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities will be provided upon request.
Wicomico County 2014 Pesticide Container Recycling Program
Wicomico County 2014 Pesticide Container Recycling Program
Wicomico County Department of Public Works – Solid Waste Division in cooperation with Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) announces the 2014 Pesticide Container Recycling Program collection dates for the county.
Location: Newland Park Landfill, 6948 Brick Kiln Rd Salisbury, MD is the only site for collection of pesticide containers:
June 27 9:00am-3:00pm
July 25 9:00am-3:00pm
August 29 9:00am-3:00pm
September 26 9:00am-3:00pm
July 25 9:00am-3:00pm
August 29 9:00am-3:00pm
September 26 9:00am-3:00pm
This program is a combined effort of state, county, and federal agencies along with private industry working together to protect the environment. To ensure the success of the program, each container will be inspected by MDA personnel. Only clean, rinsed pesticide containers will be accepted. Any container not cleaned will be returned to the owner who will be responsible for disposing of the container in a legal manner.
Inspection Checklist
• All containers must be made from high density polyethylene
• The container must have held an EPA registered pesticide or the like
• Any size container will be accepted. All containers over 30 gallons must be cut prior to recycling
• Pesticide containers must be properly rinsed (pressure rinsed or triple rinsed)
• Caps and other non-HDPE parts such as metal handles and rubber linings, CANNOT be recycled
• Stained containers are acceptable provided no material can be smeared or removed when touched with a rubber glove
• Please remove all lids and label booklets prior to recycling
• All containers must be made from high density polyethylene
• The container must have held an EPA registered pesticide or the like
• Any size container will be accepted. All containers over 30 gallons must be cut prior to recycling
• Pesticide containers must be properly rinsed (pressure rinsed or triple rinsed)
• Caps and other non-HDPE parts such as metal handles and rubber linings, CANNOT be recycled
• Stained containers are acceptable provided no material can be smeared or removed when touched with a rubber glove
• Please remove all lids and label booklets prior to recycling
For further information contact the MDA Pesticide Regulation Section at 410-841-5710.
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Bachmann, Cravaack raised concerns about Nigerian terrorist group in 2012
Republican U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann and former GOP congressman Chip Cravaack wrote to Nigeria’s president more than two years ago, raising concerns about the terrorist group that kidnapped more than 250 girls from the African country last month.
Amid mounting international outrage over the mass abduction and the Nigerian government's largely ineffective effort to subdue Boko Haram, authorities admitted this week that the girls likely have been separated and taken out of the country.
The April 2012 letter from Bachmann, Cravaack and three others urged to President Goodluck Jonathan to root out government corruption, increase economic aid to the country’s northern region and develop counterterrorism measures to halt the mounting Boko Haram insurgency. The Islamic militants have operated out of northern Nigeria since at least 2009.
“We write to express our grave concerns about the ongoing insurgency by Boko Haram, the Nigerian-based terrorist organization that has killed an estimated 510 people in 2011 and as many as 160 this past January,” the letter began.
“We certainly recognize that aggressively targeting an insurgency is difficult, especially one like Boko Haram, that has done nothing but grow in strength in recent years. However, any alternative gives Boko Haram time to recruit new converts and develop even more deadly strategies.”
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Amid mounting international outrage over the mass abduction and the Nigerian government's largely ineffective effort to subdue Boko Haram, authorities admitted this week that the girls likely have been separated and taken out of the country.
The April 2012 letter from Bachmann, Cravaack and three others urged to President Goodluck Jonathan to root out government corruption, increase economic aid to the country’s northern region and develop counterterrorism measures to halt the mounting Boko Haram insurgency. The Islamic militants have operated out of northern Nigeria since at least 2009.
“We write to express our grave concerns about the ongoing insurgency by Boko Haram, the Nigerian-based terrorist organization that has killed an estimated 510 people in 2011 and as many as 160 this past January,” the letter began.
“We certainly recognize that aggressively targeting an insurgency is difficult, especially one like Boko Haram, that has done nothing but grow in strength in recent years. However, any alternative gives Boko Haram time to recruit new converts and develop even more deadly strategies.”
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Indiana Gets New Military Helicopters for “Homeland Security Missions”
Choppers capable of spotting guns without being detected
The Indiana National Guard has purchased two military UH-72 Lakota helicopters which will also be used by local law enforcement and the DHS for “homeland security missions”.
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'Wicked black monkey'
White House furious over North Korea's racist Obama slur in inexplicable rant from rogue state's mouthpiece
The U.S. has condemned North Korea's state media after it described President Barack Obama as a 'wicked black monkey'.
A spokeswoman in Washington DC said the racist rhetoric, made two days after the U.S leader paid a state visit to South Korea, was 'ugly and disrespectful'.
Korea Central News Agency, the mouthpiece of the government in Pyongyang, made the attack in one of two pieces aimed at Mr Obama and South Korean president Park Geun-hye.
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The U.S. has condemned North Korea's state media after it described President Barack Obama as a 'wicked black monkey'.
A spokeswoman in Washington DC said the racist rhetoric, made two days after the U.S leader paid a state visit to South Korea, was 'ugly and disrespectful'.
Korea Central News Agency, the mouthpiece of the government in Pyongyang, made the attack in one of two pieces aimed at Mr Obama and South Korean president Park Geun-hye.
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What Does The US Government Want in Ukraine?
In several eastern Ukrainian towns over the past week, the military opened fire on its own citizens. Dozens may have been killed in the violence. Although the US government generally condemns a country’s use of military force against its own population, especially if they are unarmed protesters, this time the US administration blamed the victims. After as many as 20 unarmed protesters were killed on the May 9th holiday in Ukraine, the State Department spokesman said “we condemn the outbreak of violence caused by pro-Russia separatists.”
Why are people protesting in eastern Ukraine? Because they do not believe the government that came to power after the US-backed uprising in February is legitimate. They do not recognize the authority of an unelected president and prime minister. The US sees this as a Russian-sponsored destabilization effort, but is it so hard to understand that the people in Ukraine may be annoyed with the US and EU for their involvement in regime change in their country? Would we be so willing to accept an unelected government in Washington put in place with the backing of the Chinese and Iranians?
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Why are people protesting in eastern Ukraine? Because they do not believe the government that came to power after the US-backed uprising in February is legitimate. They do not recognize the authority of an unelected president and prime minister. The US sees this as a Russian-sponsored destabilization effort, but is it so hard to understand that the people in Ukraine may be annoyed with the US and EU for their involvement in regime change in their country? Would we be so willing to accept an unelected government in Washington put in place with the backing of the Chinese and Iranians?
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Family Of Man Killed In Accident Outraged After Plea Deal
Derek Valcourt explains the victim’s family says they’ve been wronged.
At first, prosecutors said they could prove the defendant was texting while driving but the victim’s family says that driver is now getting away with little more than a slap on the wrist.
“I’m mad. I’m really mad,” said the victim’s grandmother, Carol Meloy.
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Feds using Common Core to data mine students
The Obama administration, shortly after taking control of the federal bureaucracy, changed student privacy laws so that government can track their progress from “cradle to career,” monitoring everything from math and reading skills to values, opinions and attitudes.
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State Union Complicit in Wicomico Coup
There were a lot of mysteries surrounding the attempt to seize control of the Wicomico County Education Association in Maryland just prior to a vote on disaffiliation, but the biggest one was how a group of members with no authorization other than a handful of petitions managed to persuade a bank, an Internet service provider and a locksmith to grant them access to the local union’s property and finances. It seemed absurdly easy.
Now EIA has learned that the “interim managers” received one stamp of approval that was just enough to gain entry to the WCEA premises and possession of its money – that of Maryland State Education Association chief counsel Kristy K. Anderson.
Despite its later claim of neutrality, the state union was involved in the takeover as it happened. Anderson was not only present as the interim managers entered the building, she personally paid for the locksmith to change the locks. Here is a scan of the receipt with her signature. I have redacted the section that shows her home address and phone number.
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Now EIA has learned that the “interim managers” received one stamp of approval that was just enough to gain entry to the WCEA premises and possession of its money – that of Maryland State Education Association chief counsel Kristy K. Anderson.
Despite its later claim of neutrality, the state union was involved in the takeover as it happened. Anderson was not only present as the interim managers entered the building, she personally paid for the locksmith to change the locks. Here is a scan of the receipt with her signature. I have redacted the section that shows her home address and phone number.
More
Feds rile ranchers by fencing off water for cattle — to protect a jumping mouse!
Forest Service says it’s mouse habitat
The Obama administration’s crackdown on Western land use has sparked a furor over the Forest Service’s decision to fence off a creek used by thirsty cattle in drought-stricken Otero County, New Mexico.
The Otero County Commission is scheduled to meet Monday to discuss whether to order the sheriff to open the gates against the wishes of Forest Service officials, who have argued that the fence is needed to protect the Agua Chiquita riparian area and habitat for the New Mexico meadow jumping mouse.
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The Obama administration’s crackdown on Western land use has sparked a furor over the Forest Service’s decision to fence off a creek used by thirsty cattle in drought-stricken Otero County, New Mexico.
The Otero County Commission is scheduled to meet Monday to discuss whether to order the sheriff to open the gates against the wishes of Forest Service officials, who have argued that the fence is needed to protect the Agua Chiquita riparian area and habitat for the New Mexico meadow jumping mouse.
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A Letter To The Editor 5-13-14
After the past 2 years, (born and raised to be a life long democrat) thanks to Pollitt and O'malley am registering as a republican! AND cancelled my subscription to the Daily Times.
California Chrome Soaks Up Attention As He Arrives At Pimlico For Preakness Stakes
The Kentucky Derby winner arrived in Baltimore just before 2 p.m. Monday after a charter flight from Lexington. His assistant trainer, Alan Sherman, pronounced the colt relaxed and fit after the second airplane trip of his 3-year-old life.
“It seemed to work out great,” Sherman said. “He showed up in good order.”
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Can you figure This One Out?
These three, short sentences tell you a lot about the direction of our current government and cultural environment:
1. We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works.
And here's another one worth considering...
2. Seems we constantly hear about how Social Security is going to run out of money. How come we never hear about welfare or food stamps running out of money? What's interesting is the first group "worked for" their money, but the second didn't. Think about it.....
and Last but not least,
3. Why are we cutting benefits for our veterans, no pay raises for our military and cutting our army to a level lower than before WWII, but we are not stopping the payments or benefits to illegal aliens.
Am I the only one missing something?
1. We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works.
And here's another one worth considering...
2. Seems we constantly hear about how Social Security is going to run out of money. How come we never hear about welfare or food stamps running out of money? What's interesting is the first group "worked for" their money, but the second didn't. Think about it.....
and Last but not least,
3. Why are we cutting benefits for our veterans, no pay raises for our military and cutting our army to a level lower than before WWII, but we are not stopping the payments or benefits to illegal aliens.
Am I the only one missing something?
GOVERNOR O’MALLEY ESTABLISHES TASK FORCE TO ENSURE RETIREMENT SECURITY FOR ALL MARYLANDERS
Governor also names former Lieutenant Governor Kathleen Kennedy Townsend as Chair
ANNAPOLIS, MD -- Because of the critical role retirement security plays in building a strong middle class, Governor O’Malley established the Governor’s Task Force to Ensure Retirement Security for All Marylanders. The Task Force will examine how Maryland can improve retirement security for private-sector employees, and it will recommend concrete steps that the State can take to ensure the opportunity for a secure retirement for every private-sector employee in Maryland.
“I understand that a lot of people across Maryland feel anxious about their retirement, and we are taking action to help,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “Strengthening and growing the middle class is the central focus of our work, and ensuring the financial security of Maryland workers is a key part of that equation.”
The current shortfall in retirement savings for American households is $6.6 trillion and over one-half of all Americans are at risk of outliving their retirement savings. Only 49 percent of private-sector workers participate in a retirement plan, and only 16 percent participate in a defined benefit plan. In addition, 36 percent of private-sector workers do not have access to any employer-sponsored retirement plan, leaving them without a critical source of retirement income. These shortfalls in retirement savings pose a significant threat to Maryland’s fiscal stability and economic growth, as individuals with stable and secure retirements are less dependent on government assistance and money to flow into the State’s economy.
“Helping Marylanders retire and remain in Maryland is an important part of building a stronger future for our state,” said Lt. Governor Anthony Brown. “Through this effort, we’re going to ensure financial security for more members of our Middle Class.”
ANNAPOLIS, MD -- Because of the critical role retirement security plays in building a strong middle class, Governor O’Malley established the Governor’s Task Force to Ensure Retirement Security for All Marylanders. The Task Force will examine how Maryland can improve retirement security for private-sector employees, and it will recommend concrete steps that the State can take to ensure the opportunity for a secure retirement for every private-sector employee in Maryland.
“I understand that a lot of people across Maryland feel anxious about their retirement, and we are taking action to help,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “Strengthening and growing the middle class is the central focus of our work, and ensuring the financial security of Maryland workers is a key part of that equation.”
The current shortfall in retirement savings for American households is $6.6 trillion and over one-half of all Americans are at risk of outliving their retirement savings. Only 49 percent of private-sector workers participate in a retirement plan, and only 16 percent participate in a defined benefit plan. In addition, 36 percent of private-sector workers do not have access to any employer-sponsored retirement plan, leaving them without a critical source of retirement income. These shortfalls in retirement savings pose a significant threat to Maryland’s fiscal stability and economic growth, as individuals with stable and secure retirements are less dependent on government assistance and money to flow into the State’s economy.
“Helping Marylanders retire and remain in Maryland is an important part of building a stronger future for our state,” said Lt. Governor Anthony Brown. “Through this effort, we’re going to ensure financial security for more members of our Middle Class.”
Friday Cable Ratings: CNN’s 9PM Hour Hits Second-Lowest Ratings in Nearly 15 Years
With Bill Weir hosting CNN Tonight on Friday, averaged its second-lowest ratings during the 9 p.m. hour in both the 25-54 demo and total viewers in nearly 15 years. The CNN show had 48K viewers in the demo and 226K total, according to Nielsen.
The only other time the 9 p.m. hour rated lower than that in total viewers dating back to 2000 came on October 11, 2010 when Larry King Live had 196K. In the demo, it occurred on May 15, 2012 when Piers Morning Tonight had just 39K viewers.
During that hour Friday night, Fox’s The Kelly File came in first place with 193K in the demo and 1.360M total viewers. MSNBC’s The Rachel Maddow Show was second with 107K in the demo and 560K total viewers.
Here are the rest of your Friday ratings:
Source
The only other time the 9 p.m. hour rated lower than that in total viewers dating back to 2000 came on October 11, 2010 when Larry King Live had 196K. In the demo, it occurred on May 15, 2012 when Piers Morning Tonight had just 39K viewers.
During that hour Friday night, Fox’s The Kelly File came in first place with 193K in the demo and 1.360M total viewers. MSNBC’s The Rachel Maddow Show was second with 107K in the demo and 560K total viewers.
Here are the rest of your Friday ratings:
Get Government Out of Education
At stake for Hoosiers is $200 million in federal education funds. The Obama Administration is using "No Child Left Behind" waivers to warn Indiana officials of the penalties they face for non-compliance with Common Core. In a political scheme that could only be hatched in Washington, one federal program enacted under George W. Bush and widely derided for undermining local school authority, is pitted against another federal program even more derided for the same reasons.
Horror stories about Common Core are increasing by the day. Police are ejecting or arresting parents from public venues for voicing opposition to Common Core. Social media depicts testquestions that make young pupils burst into tears, because they are impossible to answer and make them feel like failures. Meanwhile, elected officials like me are concerned about yet another federal government mandate that dangles $4 billion in federal Race to the Top education grants for local schools under the condition of adherence to Common Core.
Indiana is the first state to officially back out of Common Core. Governor Mike Pence signed into law legislation this spring requiring the state to adopt its own standards and opt-out of Common Core. "I believe our students are best served when decisions about education are made at the state and local level," Pence said. That sounds simple and agreeable enough.
Hoosiers Against Common Core, however, an advocacy group drawing attention to test questions, data tracking on students and the notion that the standards could morph into a national curriculum, are far from declaring victory. Their concern is that Indiana is simply re-branding the standards, essentially cutting and pasting them into a state-based version of Common Core. There are similar concerns in Arizona, Florida and Utah which are in varying degrees of trying to rid themselves of the politically toxic Common Core. Parents and teachers are not waging this fight only to see an Arizona Common Core, a Florida Common Core or an Indiana Common Core.
This leaves Indiana education officials in the difficult position of having to explain to the U.S. Department of Education why it should keep its waiver, while actually returning decision-making to the state and local level, as the governor promised. Concerned parents are looking for a clean break from Common Core. How did our public education system turn into such a mess?
Retired General Motors executive Bob Lutz recently wrote a book entitled "Car guys vs. Bean Counters..." When Lutz got into the auto business in the 1960s, management knew that to capture the public's imagination required innovative car design. According to Lutz, the decline of GM began when executives put their faith in numbers and spreadsheets. With the bean counters firmly in charge, decline soon followed.
If Bob Lutz is a car guy, then you can call me an "education guy." I spent 34 years in Maryland's public schools as a teacher and an assistant principal. My career started as our nation was on top, coming off an age when we sent men to the moon and returned them safely to the earth. There were no waivers, no Common Core, no 'No Child Left Behind,' and no U.S. Department of Education.
What I had back then, and what Governor Pence needs now, and what my home state of Maryland urgently needs, is to give control to teachers in the classroom. Maryland has rushed head first to adopt every federal program in the last several years including Obamacare, Common Core and EPA stormwater regulations, to name a few. The results are always the same - poor execution, millions of dollars wasted and excessive regulation and taxes.
Here is a simple message to anyone concerned about making education work for students and not education bureaucrats. Let teacher's teach, let them do their job.
Nobody will ever capture a child's imagination in the classroom from Washington D.C. Common Core is bean counters and bureaucrats run amok. They will destroy our education system. No amount of tinkering or re-branding will ever fix it. End it and return control of the classroom to teachers and local school boards.
A Comment Worthy Of A Post 5-12-14
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Jocori Marece Scarborough Released From Jail":
Aaliyah S., I'm going to apologize to you because I have commented some not so nice things about Jocori and I am sorry.
I just wish you kids would aspire to a life of more than drugs and violence.
Nothing good ever comes from using drugs and alcohol. Nothing good ever comes even from cussing and using bad language. I wish all kids would pay attention in school and do the absolute best they can and I wish you older kids would be role models to the younger children by your actions including what you all post on Facebook.
I have a problem with rap music. I don't like drugs, violence and sex and disrespect to women to be glorified as what is the usual theme in rap music. I love the beat and the rhyming but vulgarity and violence themes shouldn't be tolerated.
Aaliyah, you come across as not only a caring person but an intelligent one as well. Please please use these attributes to your advantage. Nothing would make me happier than to read your name in the paper for obtaining your nursing degree or some other degree.
Aaliyah S., I'm going to apologize to you because I have commented some not so nice things about Jocori and I am sorry.
I just wish you kids would aspire to a life of more than drugs and violence.
Nothing good ever comes from using drugs and alcohol. Nothing good ever comes even from cussing and using bad language. I wish all kids would pay attention in school and do the absolute best they can and I wish you older kids would be role models to the younger children by your actions including what you all post on Facebook.
I have a problem with rap music. I don't like drugs, violence and sex and disrespect to women to be glorified as what is the usual theme in rap music. I love the beat and the rhyming but vulgarity and violence themes shouldn't be tolerated.
Aaliyah, you come across as not only a caring person but an intelligent one as well. Please please use these attributes to your advantage. Nothing would make me happier than to read your name in the paper for obtaining your nursing degree or some other degree.
Marijuana Refugees: Virginia Family Moves to Colorado to Treat Epileptic Child With Cannabis Oil
Last year, Dara Lightle and her nine-year-old daughter, Madeleine, became "marijuana refugees" when they moved from Virginia to Colorado. At the time, Madeleine was suffering from hundreds of seizures a day. Her doctors in Virginia recommended brain surgery. Then Dara heard how cannabis oil had treated children suffering from similar conditions. The oil worked. But since the oil was considered an illegal drug in much of the country, they had to move to Colorado, where it is legal, to continue treatment. According to the Colorado Springs Gazette, at least 115 "marijuana refugee families" from 43 states have left jobs, homes and family so they could obtain the cannabis oil to treat a variety of ailments. We speak to Dara and Madeleine in Denver.
TRANSCRIPT:
This is a rush transcript. Copy may not be in its final form.
JUAN GONZĂLEZ: Today we look at marijuana refugees—people and families who have uprooted their lives and moved to Colorado with the hope of obtaining medical marijuana to treat various illnesses. Many are families with young children who suffer from epilepsy and relentless seizures. According to the Colorado Springs Gazette, at least 115 marijuana refugee families from 43 states have left jobs, homes and the rest of their family so they could obtain oil made from a special strain of cannabis that have repeatedly quelled the seizures in a handful of kids in Colorado Springs.
AMY GOODMAN: The Colorado Springs Gazette recently published a piece about nine-year-old Madeleine Lightle and her mother Dara, who moved from Virginia to Colorado. In a moment, Madeleine and her mother will join us, but first let’s turn to this video about their story produced by the Colorado Springs Gazette.
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TRANSCRIPT:
This is a rush transcript. Copy may not be in its final form.
JUAN GONZĂLEZ: Today we look at marijuana refugees—people and families who have uprooted their lives and moved to Colorado with the hope of obtaining medical marijuana to treat various illnesses. Many are families with young children who suffer from epilepsy and relentless seizures. According to the Colorado Springs Gazette, at least 115 marijuana refugee families from 43 states have left jobs, homes and the rest of their family so they could obtain oil made from a special strain of cannabis that have repeatedly quelled the seizures in a handful of kids in Colorado Springs.
AMY GOODMAN: The Colorado Springs Gazette recently published a piece about nine-year-old Madeleine Lightle and her mother Dara, who moved from Virginia to Colorado. In a moment, Madeleine and her mother will join us, but first let’s turn to this video about their story produced by the Colorado Springs Gazette.
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