DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Attention
Saturday, May 17, 2014
Lost Cat 5-18-14:
Our cat is lost and would like to find her she is about 4 years old fat turtle shell color black brown spaded lost in the Park Ave area of New Town if found please call 443-736-0423
‘What a dork’: Gov. Martin O’Malley’s Reddit AMA ‘a complete disaster’
In another sign that he is suffering from delusions of national relevance, Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) participated in a Reddit “Ask Me Anything” (AMA) today. Presumably he thought some exposure to the young Internet-savvy crowd would at least help raise his 2016 poll numbers above most cartoon characters. If he is true to form, O’Malley will try to spin his AMA performance as a rousing success, but people who participated certainly won’t be buying that.
More
More
The New 'Godzilla' Is Science Fiction -- And Climate Fiction
A genre of film is emerging in the movie industry: climate fiction, or, “cli-fi” for short. It plays on fears and anxieties (and myths, quite frankly) about drastic climate change caused primarily by humans. The “Godzilla” remake that opens in theaters today should give people a sense of what cli-fi is all about: climate change hyperbole designed to make a buck at the box office.
A.O. Scott wrote a review of “Godzilla” for The New York Times explaining that in the film, the “focus of global anxiety has shifted from nuclear annihilation to climate change and related problems.” Scott notes that there’s a certain overtone throughout the movie that “we’ve made a big mess of things with our missiles and our power plants, but Godzilla is nature’s way of restoring balance.”
Great. Cli-fi is a purveyor of climate change propaganda. However, the sweet irony in the cinematic genre of cli-fi is that the name reveals an underlying truth: The sensationalism surrounding climate change is simply fiction.
More
A.O. Scott wrote a review of “Godzilla” for The New York Times explaining that in the film, the “focus of global anxiety has shifted from nuclear annihilation to climate change and related problems.” Scott notes that there’s a certain overtone throughout the movie that “we’ve made a big mess of things with our missiles and our power plants, but Godzilla is nature’s way of restoring balance.”
Great. Cli-fi is a purveyor of climate change propaganda. However, the sweet irony in the cinematic genre of cli-fi is that the name reveals an underlying truth: The sensationalism surrounding climate change is simply fiction.
More
GOVERNOR O’MALLEY SIGNS BUDGET RECONCILIATION AND FINANCING ACT, FAIRNESS FOR ALL MARYLANDERS ACT
Spending proposal becomes law with no new taxes or fee increases
Bills to protect gender identity, untouched forest lands, among others signed into law
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor O’Malley joined the presiding officers, House Speaker Michael Busch and Senate President Miller, to sign the Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act of 2014 (BRFA) in support of the FY15 budget, a spending plan that includes record support for education and jobs-focused initiatives for Maryland. The Governor also signed legislation expanding protections for transgender individuals and the expansion of the State’s designated wildlands.
“Working with members of the General Assembly, our Administration has once again put together a balanced budget that invests in education and jobs in order to grow the ranks of an upwardly-mobile, increasingly diverse middle class,” said Governor O’Malley. “We also took another important step to protect the dignity and equal rights of all Marylanders and preserved pristine wildlands across our State -- these efforts will ensure that we continue to make critical progress toward a better shared future for our State.”
“Today, with the signing of the Fairness for All Marylanders Act, we’re taking a critical step forward in protecting all Marylanders from discrimination,” said Lt. Governor Anthony Brown. “This is important legislation at a time when more than half of transgender residents in our state have reported harassment in their community. I’d like to thank and congratulate all of the lawmakers, advocates, and community leaders who made this legislation possible, and fought to ensure that all Marylanders are treated and protected equally under the law.”
Bills to protect gender identity, untouched forest lands, among others signed into law
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor O’Malley joined the presiding officers, House Speaker Michael Busch and Senate President Miller, to sign the Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act of 2014 (BRFA) in support of the FY15 budget, a spending plan that includes record support for education and jobs-focused initiatives for Maryland. The Governor also signed legislation expanding protections for transgender individuals and the expansion of the State’s designated wildlands.
“Working with members of the General Assembly, our Administration has once again put together a balanced budget that invests in education and jobs in order to grow the ranks of an upwardly-mobile, increasingly diverse middle class,” said Governor O’Malley. “We also took another important step to protect the dignity and equal rights of all Marylanders and preserved pristine wildlands across our State -- these efforts will ensure that we continue to make critical progress toward a better shared future for our State.”
“Today, with the signing of the Fairness for All Marylanders Act, we’re taking a critical step forward in protecting all Marylanders from discrimination,” said Lt. Governor Anthony Brown. “This is important legislation at a time when more than half of transgender residents in our state have reported harassment in their community. I’d like to thank and congratulate all of the lawmakers, advocates, and community leaders who made this legislation possible, and fought to ensure that all Marylanders are treated and protected equally under the law.”
Alligator shot on beach in Charleston County
FOLLY BEACH -- A 10-foot alligator has been shot and killed in the surf at Folly Beach southeast of Charleston.
Public Safety Director Dennis Brown says the alligator was spotted around 3 p.m. Wednesday.
Angus McBride with the Department of Natural Resources says it's not unusual for alligators to get caught in tidal waters and end up in the ocean. McBride said alligators do not like salt water.
Alligator specialist Ray Covington with Nuisance Removal Wildlife Service shot the gator in the head and hauled it away.
More
Public Safety Director Dennis Brown says the alligator was spotted around 3 p.m. Wednesday.
Angus McBride with the Department of Natural Resources says it's not unusual for alligators to get caught in tidal waters and end up in the ocean. McBride said alligators do not like salt water.
Alligator specialist Ray Covington with Nuisance Removal Wildlife Service shot the gator in the head and hauled it away.
More
FCC Moves Corporatization of Internet Forward
In addition to the bandwidth issue, commissioners are concerned about large ISPs blocking websites
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved a plan that would allow large ISPs to charge sites like Netflix more to receive preferential bandwidth treatment over smaller companies and websites with less resources.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved a plan that would allow large ISPs to charge sites like Netflix more to receive preferential bandwidth treatment over smaller companies and websites with less resources.
Can Government Officials Legally Lie?
I am not a fan of former U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner. He presided over the politically conceived, patently unconstitutional and anti-free market taxpayer bailouts of banks, automakers and insurance companies in the latter part of the administration of former President George W. Bush, when he was the head of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, and during the first term of President Obama, when he was the secretary of the Treasury.
In those years and still today he has argued that aggressive government intervention leads to a stronger financial system because the government will take risks with taxpayer money that the taxpayers themselves will not take with it. He believes in the use of government coercion, rather than the voluntary choices of consumers and investors.
Those of us who embrace the free market do so not only because it has produced more broad-based prosperity than any government has, but also because it offers the only moral system of financial exchanges for goods and services because in a truly free market every exchange is voluntary. Coercing money from taxpayers to pay for the failures of businesses is theft.
More
In those years and still today he has argued that aggressive government intervention leads to a stronger financial system because the government will take risks with taxpayer money that the taxpayers themselves will not take with it. He believes in the use of government coercion, rather than the voluntary choices of consumers and investors.
Those of us who embrace the free market do so not only because it has produced more broad-based prosperity than any government has, but also because it offers the only moral system of financial exchanges for goods and services because in a truly free market every exchange is voluntary. Coercing money from taxpayers to pay for the failures of businesses is theft.
More
Bomber Flights Offered During OC Air Show
OCEAN CITY — During the Ocean City Air Show this year, the public will be able to do more than just watch the planes from the beach — they will be able to fly in a World War II B25 Bomber.
The Delaware Aviation Museum Foundation is offering the chance to experience what it was like for flight crews during World War II on board “Panchito,” a B25 Mitchell Bomber. The flights will be out of the Ocean City Airport and will be available June 12-15. The cost is a $425 donation to the Delaware Aviation Museum Foundation.
“This is a rare and unique opportunity to be a part of the Air Show this year,” said Bryan Lilley, president of the Ocean City Air Show. “This plane will be flying over the beach both Saturday and Sunday during the Air Show and we are excited that visitors will have a chance to experience it that week from inside the aircraft now as well. What a great addition to the Air Show.”
More
The Delaware Aviation Museum Foundation is offering the chance to experience what it was like for flight crews during World War II on board “Panchito,” a B25 Mitchell Bomber. The flights will be out of the Ocean City Airport and will be available June 12-15. The cost is a $425 donation to the Delaware Aviation Museum Foundation.
“This is a rare and unique opportunity to be a part of the Air Show this year,” said Bryan Lilley, president of the Ocean City Air Show. “This plane will be flying over the beach both Saturday and Sunday during the Air Show and we are excited that visitors will have a chance to experience it that week from inside the aircraft now as well. What a great addition to the Air Show.”
More
Obama’s VA Bosses Blew $500 Mil on Office Furniture While Vets Died
The VA is a disaster. Waiting times have been horrifying and vets have died because of them. And they did it not just because of incompetence, but to save money.
Patients in a Southeast Texas Department of Veterans Affairs medical system faced denials or long delays in getting routine colonoscopies and other medical tests because of bureaucratic cost-cutting, a former top administrator told the Washington Examiner in an exclusive interview.
Dr. Richard Krugman, former associate chief of staff at the Veterans Affairs health care system based in Harlingen, Texas, said his boss implemented a policy in 2010 that colonoscopies would only be approved if the patient tested positive in three successive screenings for bloody stools.
More
Patients in a Southeast Texas Department of Veterans Affairs medical system faced denials or long delays in getting routine colonoscopies and other medical tests because of bureaucratic cost-cutting, a former top administrator told the Washington Examiner in an exclusive interview.
Dr. Richard Krugman, former associate chief of staff at the Veterans Affairs health care system based in Harlingen, Texas, said his boss implemented a policy in 2010 that colonoscopies would only be approved if the patient tested positive in three successive screenings for bloody stools.
More
TN Girl Taken From Adoptive Parents
A custody battle resulted in a family getting split up because of what some call a legal glitch.
Sonya, 9, is begging to return to the only home she's ever known.
"You just stay strong," Sonya's adoptive father Dave Hodgin said to her in a phone call. "Everything's going to be OK."
The call happened Jan. 30, and it was the last time Sonya's adoptive parents heard her voice. She had been removed from their home in Tennessee the day before.
Sonya had been in the care of Dave and Kim Hodgin since before she was 2 years old. They adopted her in 2008.
More
Sonya, 9, is begging to return to the only home she's ever known.
"You just stay strong," Sonya's adoptive father Dave Hodgin said to her in a phone call. "Everything's going to be OK."
The call happened Jan. 30, and it was the last time Sonya's adoptive parents heard her voice. She had been removed from their home in Tennessee the day before.
Sonya had been in the care of Dave and Kim Hodgin since before she was 2 years old. They adopted her in 2008.
More
Poll: Pelosi Highest Negative Rating of Congressional Leaders -- 49% ‘Unfavorable’
(CNSNews.com) – Although all four top leaders in the House and the Senate are viewed more negatively than positively by Americans, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) was viewed the worst with a 49% “unfavorable” rating, according to a new Gallup survey.
House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) came in second with a 45% “unfavorable” rank.
In the survey, Gallup asked this question: “We’d like to get your overall opinion of some people in the news. As I read each name, please say if you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of these people – or if you have never heard of them. How about …?”
More
House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) came in second with a 45% “unfavorable” rank.
In the survey, Gallup asked this question: “We’d like to get your overall opinion of some people in the news. As I read each name, please say if you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of these people – or if you have never heard of them. How about …?”
More
GM To Pay $35 Million U.S. Fine For Delayed Response
General Motors Co was slapped on Friday with a $35 million U.S. fine for its delayed response to an ignition switch defect in millions of vehicles, as federal regulators accused a long line of company officials of concealing a problem that is linked to at least 13 deaths.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx announced the fine, which is the maximum the agency can impose. Other investigations into the automaker's handling of the recall are being conducted by the federal government and could come with more severe punishments.
It was unclear how those additional probes might be influenced by Friday's actions by the Obama administration, especially after Foxx declared: "What GM did was break the law ... They failed to meet their public safety obligations."
More
U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx announced the fine, which is the maximum the agency can impose. Other investigations into the automaker's handling of the recall are being conducted by the federal government and could come with more severe punishments.
It was unclear how those additional probes might be influenced by Friday's actions by the Obama administration, especially after Foxx declared: "What GM did was break the law ... They failed to meet their public safety obligations."
More
Homebuilder Confidence Plunges To 12-Month Lows
For the 5th month in a row, homebuilder hope has missed expectations. At 45 (vs 49 expectations), this is the lowest the NAHB survey has been at since May 2013, catching down to the reality of home sales and mortgage applications. On the bright side, realtors can't help but feel thr turn is coming sometime soon - the "future" hope index rose to its highest since January as the "current" reality index drops to 12 month lows.
More
More
County Discusses Funding West Ocean City-Based Ambulance
WEST OCEAN CITY — A lack of ambulance coverage based in West Ocean City could be remedied this year, as the Worcester County Commissioners discussed Tuesday options on how to bring a dedicated ambulance to the area.
With the budget due for finalization in a few weeks, however, whether or not action will be taken this year is uncertain.
Having an ambulance housed in West Ocean City, specifically at the Keyser Point Road Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company (OCVFC) station, has been on the county’s radar for years. Currently, West Ocean City relies on the Ocean City Fire Department (OCFD) for EMS service. There have long been fears that the service is vulnerable since an ambulance crew must travel from Ocean City to West Ocean City.
“If the [Route 50] bridge is up, that’s where the problem comes in,” said Commission President Bud Church. “If there’s a traffic accident on the bridge or the bridge goes up, the response time could be terrible.”
More
With the budget due for finalization in a few weeks, however, whether or not action will be taken this year is uncertain.
Having an ambulance housed in West Ocean City, specifically at the Keyser Point Road Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company (OCVFC) station, has been on the county’s radar for years. Currently, West Ocean City relies on the Ocean City Fire Department (OCFD) for EMS service. There have long been fears that the service is vulnerable since an ambulance crew must travel from Ocean City to West Ocean City.
“If the [Route 50] bridge is up, that’s where the problem comes in,” said Commission President Bud Church. “If there’s a traffic accident on the bridge or the bridge goes up, the response time could be terrible.”
More
Science as McCarthyism
Another scientist gets blackballed for his skepticism about global warming.
On Monday, Washington Post columnist Michael Gerson took a tilt at climate skeptics. “The assumption that the vast majority in a scientific field is engaged in fraud or corruption is frankly conspiratorial,” Gerson wrote. As a non-scientist, he decided that the answer to the question of whether humans had warmed the planet was to trust scientists.
The article’s timing was unfortunate. Three weeks ago, Lennart Bengtsson, a leading Swedish meteorologist approaching his 80s, announced that he was joining the avowedly skeptical Global Warming Policy Foundation think tank. In an interview with Spiegel Online, Bengtsson spoke of the need for climate-model predictions to be validated against observations. “Since the end of the 20th century, the warming of the Earth has been much weaker than what climate models show,” he said.
More
On Monday, Washington Post columnist Michael Gerson took a tilt at climate skeptics. “The assumption that the vast majority in a scientific field is engaged in fraud or corruption is frankly conspiratorial,” Gerson wrote. As a non-scientist, he decided that the answer to the question of whether humans had warmed the planet was to trust scientists.
The article’s timing was unfortunate. Three weeks ago, Lennart Bengtsson, a leading Swedish meteorologist approaching his 80s, announced that he was joining the avowedly skeptical Global Warming Policy Foundation think tank. In an interview with Spiegel Online, Bengtsson spoke of the need for climate-model predictions to be validated against observations. “Since the end of the 20th century, the warming of the Earth has been much weaker than what climate models show,” he said.
More
These 33 Dogs With The Most Unique Coats On Earth Took My Breath Away. Which Is Your Favorite?
These amazing dogs have such unusual colors and markings that once you see them, you’ll never be able to forget them.
Some of these markings are a result of a rare genetic variations or conditions, but all of these dogs are undeniably beautiful.
Of all the adorable and stunning dogs on the Internet, Reshareworthy.com collected and specifically chose the following 33 as the dogs with the most memorable and gorgeous markings!
This sweet husky has a natural little mask.
This puppy also wears a mask!
See More
Some of these markings are a result of a rare genetic variations or conditions, but all of these dogs are undeniably beautiful.
Of all the adorable and stunning dogs on the Internet, Reshareworthy.com collected and specifically chose the following 33 as the dogs with the most memorable and gorgeous markings!
This sweet husky has a natural little mask.
This puppy also wears a mask!
See More
USDA to Purchase Submachine Guns
Some question where semi-automatic weapons will be heading
The United States Department of Agriculture is set to purchase an unknown quantity of submachine guns, leading to questions about where the weapons will be heading and for what purpose they will be used.
A solicitation (replete with spelling errors) posted on the Fed Biz Opps website states;
“The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, located in Washington, DC, pursuant to the authority of FAR Part 13, has a requirement for the commerical (sic) acquisition of submachine guns, .40 Cal. S&W, ambidextrous safety, semi-automatic or 2 shot burts (sic) trigger group, Tritium night sights for front and rear, rails for attachment of flashlight (front under fore grip) and scope (top rear), stock-collapsilbe (sic) or folding, magazine – 30 rd. capacity, sling, light weight, and oversized trigger guard for gloved operation.”
Hopefully, those operating the semi-automatic weapons will be better skilled than whoever is writing solicitations on behalf of the USDA, but the fact that the law enforcement division of the United States Forest Service, which operates under the USDA, is not mentioned in the request has prompted some to question where the guns will be going.
More
The United States Department of Agriculture is set to purchase an unknown quantity of submachine guns, leading to questions about where the weapons will be heading and for what purpose they will be used.
A solicitation (replete with spelling errors) posted on the Fed Biz Opps website states;
“The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, located in Washington, DC, pursuant to the authority of FAR Part 13, has a requirement for the commerical (sic) acquisition of submachine guns, .40 Cal. S&W, ambidextrous safety, semi-automatic or 2 shot burts (sic) trigger group, Tritium night sights for front and rear, rails for attachment of flashlight (front under fore grip) and scope (top rear), stock-collapsilbe (sic) or folding, magazine – 30 rd. capacity, sling, light weight, and oversized trigger guard for gloved operation.”
Hopefully, those operating the semi-automatic weapons will be better skilled than whoever is writing solicitations on behalf of the USDA, but the fact that the law enforcement division of the United States Forest Service, which operates under the USDA, is not mentioned in the request has prompted some to question where the guns will be going.
More
Destructive Moth Found In Soybean Shipment
BALTIMORE (AP) -- U.S. Customs and Border Protection say agriculture specialists intercepted a destructive moth at the Port of Baltimore in a shipment of organic soybeans from China.
The agency said Friday that the moth, Nemapogon gersimovi, feed on seeds and grains. It was discovered May 2 in a 50,000 pound shipment of soybeans headed to Pennsylvania for animal feed.
Customs and Border Protection ordered the shipper to re-export or destroyed the shipment. The importer re-exported the shipment.
Source
The agency said Friday that the moth, Nemapogon gersimovi, feed on seeds and grains. It was discovered May 2 in a 50,000 pound shipment of soybeans headed to Pennsylvania for animal feed.
Customs and Border Protection ordered the shipper to re-export or destroyed the shipment. The importer re-exported the shipment.
Source
Homeowner’s AR-15 trumps home invader’s pistol — aim sure helps
Gun grabbers who want to ban the AR-15 might want to talk to Jonathan Haith.
The North Carolina resident who was confronted by a pistol-wielding home invader escaped injury or death when the man missed with the one shot he got.
Haith and his semi-automatic didn’t miss – which means he’s alive and the home invader is behind bars after hospital treatment, according toWTVD, the ABC affiliate in Raleigh.
Haith, of Henderson, told the station he was awakened about 9:15 a.m. Monday by someone banging on his door. Eventually, the door was broken in and Hath took the rifle he keeps under his bed into the hallway.
There, he confronted the home invader who was crouched in a shooting stance and fired once. The bullet missed Haith and lodged in the wall behind him. Haith returned fire and hit the mark. The bullet went through the man’s shoulder and hit another wall.
As the wounded intruder fled up the street before collapsing, a vehicle pulled out of Haith’s yard to pick up the man, WTVD reported.
By then, Haith had called 911.
More
The North Carolina resident who was confronted by a pistol-wielding home invader escaped injury or death when the man missed with the one shot he got.
Haith and his semi-automatic didn’t miss – which means he’s alive and the home invader is behind bars after hospital treatment, according toWTVD, the ABC affiliate in Raleigh.
Haith, of Henderson, told the station he was awakened about 9:15 a.m. Monday by someone banging on his door. Eventually, the door was broken in and Hath took the rifle he keeps under his bed into the hallway.
There, he confronted the home invader who was crouched in a shooting stance and fired once. The bullet missed Haith and lodged in the wall behind him. Haith returned fire and hit the mark. The bullet went through the man’s shoulder and hit another wall.
As the wounded intruder fled up the street before collapsing, a vehicle pulled out of Haith’s yard to pick up the man, WTVD reported.
By then, Haith had called 911.
More
States Begin to Face Overwhelming Obamacare Reality
The Medicaid news is not good.
Lots of people signing up? Yes. Is that a good thing? No – it’s bad for poor Americans who need health insurance and bad for taxpayers everywhere.
Yesterday, Indiana’s Mike Pence (R) became the latest governor to move toward expanding his state’s Medicaid program with new federal funding allocated by Obamacare.
Pence is trying to advance some consumer-driven reforms, but he will likely end up with more than he bargained for. Heritage expert Nina Owcharenko warns, “As with most new government programs, original estimates are likely not the true full cost.”
More
Lots of people signing up? Yes. Is that a good thing? No – it’s bad for poor Americans who need health insurance and bad for taxpayers everywhere.
Yesterday, Indiana’s Mike Pence (R) became the latest governor to move toward expanding his state’s Medicaid program with new federal funding allocated by Obamacare.
Pence is trying to advance some consumer-driven reforms, but he will likely end up with more than he bargained for. Heritage expert Nina Owcharenko warns, “As with most new government programs, original estimates are likely not the true full cost.”
More
Bill Clinton reveals it took Hillary 'six months of very serious work to get over' accident
Former President Bill Clinton divulged on Wednesday that it took former secretary of state Hillary Clinton 'six months of very serious work' last year to recover from a fainting spell in December 2012 that resulted in a concussion and blood clot.
Her long recovery is 'something she never low-balled,' Bill said.
But Bill's timeline contradicts the State Department's claims just after the conclusion of Hillary's treatment in January 2013 that 'she seems to be fully recovered.'
More
Her long recovery is 'something she never low-balled,' Bill said.
But Bill's timeline contradicts the State Department's claims just after the conclusion of Hillary's treatment in January 2013 that 'she seems to be fully recovered.'
More
Downsizing
When a company falls on difficult times, one of the things that seems to happen is they reduce their staff and workers. The remaining workers must find ways to continue to do a good job or risk that their job would be eliminated as well.
Wall street and the media normally congratulate the CEO for making this type of "tough decision", and the board of directors gives upper corporate management big bonuses.
Our government should not be immune from similar risks.
Therefore:
Reduce the House of Representatives from the current435 members to 218 members.
Reduce Senate members from100 to 50(one per State). Then, reduce their remaining staff by 25%.
Accomplish this over the next 8 years (two steps/two elections) and of course this would require some redistricting.
Some Yearly Monetary Gains Include:
$44,108,400 for elimination of base pay for congress. (267 members X $165,200 pay/member/ yr.)
$437,100,000 for elimination of their staff. (Estimate $1.3 Million in staff per each member of the House, and $3 Million in staff per each member of the Senate every year)
$108,350,000 for the reduction in remaining staff by 25%.
$7,500,000,000reduction in pork barrel earmarks each year. (Those members whose jobs are gone. Current estimates for total government pork earmarks are at$15 Billion/yr).
The remaining representatives would need to work smarter and improve efficiencies. It might even be intheir best interests to work together for the good of our country!
We may also expect that smaller committees might lead to a more efficient resolution of issues as well. It might even be easier to keep track of what your representative is doing.
Congress has more tools available to do their jobs than it had back in 1911 when the current number of representatives was established. (Telephone, computers, cell phones to name a few)
Note:
Congress does not hesitate to head home for extended weekends, holidays and recesses, when what the nation needs is a real fix for economic problems. Also, we had 3 senators whowere not doing their jobs for the 18+ months (on the campaign trail) and still they all accepted full pay. Minnesota survived very well with only one senator for the first half of this year. These facts alone support a reduction in senators and congress.
Summary of opportunity:
$44,108,400 reduction of congress members.
$282,100,000 for elimination of the reduced house member staff.
$150,000,000 for elimination of reduced senate member staff.
$70,850,000 for 25% reduction of staff for remaining house members.
$37,500,000 for 25% reduction of staff for remaining senate members.
$7,500,000,000 reduction in pork added to bills by the reduction of congress members.
$8,084,558,400 per year, estimated total savings. (That's 8-BILLION just to start!)
Corporate America does these types of cuts all the time.
There's even a name for it.
Wall street and the media normally congratulate the CEO for making this type of "tough decision", and the board of directors gives upper corporate management big bonuses.
Our government should not be immune from similar risks.
Therefore:
Reduce the House of Representatives from the current435 members to 218 members.
Reduce Senate members from100 to 50(one per State). Then, reduce their remaining staff by 25%.
Accomplish this over the next 8 years (two steps/two elections) and of course this would require some redistricting.
Some Yearly Monetary Gains Include:
$44,108,400 for elimination of base pay for congress. (267 members X $165,200 pay/member/ yr.)
$437,100,000 for elimination of their staff. (Estimate $1.3 Million in staff per each member of the House, and $3 Million in staff per each member of the Senate every year)
$108,350,000 for the reduction in remaining staff by 25%.
$7,500,000,000reduction in pork barrel earmarks each year. (Those members whose jobs are gone. Current estimates for total government pork earmarks are at$15 Billion/yr).
The remaining representatives would need to work smarter and improve efficiencies. It might even be intheir best interests to work together for the good of our country!
We may also expect that smaller committees might lead to a more efficient resolution of issues as well. It might even be easier to keep track of what your representative is doing.
Congress has more tools available to do their jobs than it had back in 1911 when the current number of representatives was established. (Telephone, computers, cell phones to name a few)
Note:
Congress does not hesitate to head home for extended weekends, holidays and recesses, when what the nation needs is a real fix for economic problems. Also, we had 3 senators whowere not doing their jobs for the 18+ months (on the campaign trail) and still they all accepted full pay. Minnesota survived very well with only one senator for the first half of this year. These facts alone support a reduction in senators and congress.
Summary of opportunity:
$44,108,400 reduction of congress members.
$282,100,000 for elimination of the reduced house member staff.
$150,000,000 for elimination of reduced senate member staff.
$70,850,000 for 25% reduction of staff for remaining house members.
$37,500,000 for 25% reduction of staff for remaining senate members.
$7,500,000,000 reduction in pork added to bills by the reduction of congress members.
$8,084,558,400 per year, estimated total savings. (That's 8-BILLION just to start!)
Corporate America does these types of cuts all the time.
There's even a name for it.
"Downsizing."
Greenspan: Taxpayers on the Hook to Rescue JPMorgan in Crisis
Former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan said JPMorgan Chase & Co. is akin to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac because taxpayers would shoulder the burden of its rescue in an emergency, rather than let it collapse.
JPMorgan, the nation’s largest bank, is an example of implicit government guarantees not measured in the nation’s official public-debt statistics, Greenspan, 88, said Wednesday at a forum in Washington organized by the Peter G. Peterson Foundation. The reality is that the government would prop up many financial firms and other companies if needed, he said.
More
JPMorgan, the nation’s largest bank, is an example of implicit government guarantees not measured in the nation’s official public-debt statistics, Greenspan, 88, said Wednesday at a forum in Washington organized by the Peter G. Peterson Foundation. The reality is that the government would prop up many financial firms and other companies if needed, he said.
More
Teacher suspended after footage showed her lifting boy, 6, by the neck
An Ohio kindergarten teacher has been suspended for ten days after surveillance video appeared to show her grabbing a six-year-old boy by his neck.
The boy's parents, Anthony and Autumn Nelson, were shocked at the school's response to the footage, which showed their son Ian being lifted off the ground by his shirt collar.
Teacher Barb Williams was put on unpaid leave, but the Nelsons are calling on her to be fired from the school district where she has taught for 14 years.
More
The boy's parents, Anthony and Autumn Nelson, were shocked at the school's response to the footage, which showed their son Ian being lifted off the ground by his shirt collar.
Teacher Barb Williams was put on unpaid leave, but the Nelsons are calling on her to be fired from the school district where she has taught for 14 years.
More
High School Student Suspended for BB Gun in His Car. Where Was It Parked? Off-Campus.
A student has been suspended from Dubuque Senior High School after police found a BB gun pistol in his car — a car that was parked off campus.
According to a statement released by school district spokesperson Mike Cyze, a parent who noticed the pistol called the school and reported that the student had the BB gun in his car. Police were notified and the car, which was parked off school grounds, was searched. The BB gun was found and confiscated.
Local TV station KWWL covered the story. The reporter asked the district representative why the student was suspended and facing additional disciplinary action even though car was parked off-campus.
Cyze said the student had created a “significant disruption” of the education process. Both the student’s presence in the classroom and the fact that police were on the scene and investigating, based on the administration’s thinking, would prevent the school from doing its job.
More
According to a statement released by school district spokesperson Mike Cyze, a parent who noticed the pistol called the school and reported that the student had the BB gun in his car. Police were notified and the car, which was parked off school grounds, was searched. The BB gun was found and confiscated.
Local TV station KWWL covered the story. The reporter asked the district representative why the student was suspended and facing additional disciplinary action even though car was parked off-campus.
Cyze said the student had created a “significant disruption” of the education process. Both the student’s presence in the classroom and the fact that police were on the scene and investigating, based on the administration’s thinking, would prevent the school from doing its job.
More
17-year-old student tops sitting W.Va. lawmaker
A teenager is on the verge of becoming the youngest lawmaker in West Virginia’s history just a week before graduating high school after running on pro-life, pro-gun platform.
Saira Blair, 17, was barely old enough to vote when she unseated a West Virginia lawmaker almost four times her age.
After Tuesday's GOP primary, she is now one election away from becoming the youngest state lawmaker in West Virginia history - Larry Swan, sworn in as a 20-year-old delegate in 1972, set the current record.
More
Saira Blair, 17, was barely old enough to vote when she unseated a West Virginia lawmaker almost four times her age.
After Tuesday's GOP primary, she is now one election away from becoming the youngest state lawmaker in West Virginia history - Larry Swan, sworn in as a 20-year-old delegate in 1972, set the current record.
More
Want To See The Hateful Messages Liberals Sent To The Right Wing News Facebook Page In Just The Last Week? (UNCENSORED)
However, as you’d expect, the page regularly receives Facebook messages from rabid liberals who are outraged that alternate opinions are allowed to exist.
Here are JUST SOME of the Facebook messages I’ve gotten in just the last week. (PS: These emails are completely uncensored, so don’t say you weren’t warned).
More
Here are JUST SOME of the Facebook messages I’ve gotten in just the last week. (PS: These emails are completely uncensored, so don’t say you weren’t warned).
More
Famed Christian Evangelist: ‘You Have to Be Deaf, Dumb and Blind’ to Believe in Young Earth Creationism
Televangelist Pat Robertson has made it no secret that he fervently disagrees with young earth creationists — those who believe the Earth is only 6,000 years old. But he upped the ante against the paradigm this week, using tough words to describe those who reject claims that the planet is actually much older.
“The truth is, you have to be deaf, dumb and blind to think that this Earth that we live in only has 6,000 years of existence, it just doesn’t, I’m sorry,” he said on Tuesday’s “700 Club.”
Robertson went on to cite geological records, claiming that everything on the planet couldn’t possibly have come about in such a short span of time.
“I think what we’re looking at is that there was a point of time after the Earth was created, after these things were done, after the universe was formed, after the asteroid hit the Earth and wiped out the dinosaurs,” Robertson continued. “After that, there was a point of time that there was a particular human being that God touched — and that was the human that started the race that we are now part of.”
He said that denying the “clear record” makes Christians look silly.
More
“The truth is, you have to be deaf, dumb and blind to think that this Earth that we live in only has 6,000 years of existence, it just doesn’t, I’m sorry,” he said on Tuesday’s “700 Club.”
Robertson went on to cite geological records, claiming that everything on the planet couldn’t possibly have come about in such a short span of time.
“I think what we’re looking at is that there was a point of time after the Earth was created, after these things were done, after the universe was formed, after the asteroid hit the Earth and wiped out the dinosaurs,” Robertson continued. “After that, there was a point of time that there was a particular human being that God touched — and that was the human that started the race that we are now part of.”
He said that denying the “clear record” makes Christians look silly.
More
Duplicated Services In Salisbury, Wicomico Questioned
SALISBURY – City Council members this week echoed citizens’ concerns over agencies within the mayor’s proposed budget duplicating services that already exist through collaboration with Wicomico County.
A public hearing was held before the Salisbury City Council on Monday evening concerning an ordinance to appropriate the necessary funds for the operation of the government and administration of the City of Salisbury for the period July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015, establishing the levy for the general fund for the same fiscal period and establishing the appropriation for the water and sewer, parking authority and city marina funds.
The ordinance states, “the tax levy be set at $0.897 per $100 of assessed valuation of all real property, and at $2.21 per $100 of assessed valuation for all personal property, subject to taxation by the City of Salisbury for General Fund purposes, including debt service purposes but exclusive of revenues derived from the Water and Sewer Fund for debt service purposes attributed to water and sewer activities. All taxes levied by this ordinance shall be liens from and after July 1, 2014.”
More
A public hearing was held before the Salisbury City Council on Monday evening concerning an ordinance to appropriate the necessary funds for the operation of the government and administration of the City of Salisbury for the period July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015, establishing the levy for the general fund for the same fiscal period and establishing the appropriation for the water and sewer, parking authority and city marina funds.
The ordinance states, “the tax levy be set at $0.897 per $100 of assessed valuation of all real property, and at $2.21 per $100 of assessed valuation for all personal property, subject to taxation by the City of Salisbury for General Fund purposes, including debt service purposes but exclusive of revenues derived from the Water and Sewer Fund for debt service purposes attributed to water and sewer activities. All taxes levied by this ordinance shall be liens from and after July 1, 2014.”
More
Va. Beach man sues police officer – his ex-girlfriend
A Virginia Beach man is suing a police officer – his ex-girlfriend – for having him arrested earlier this year for a rape he did not commit.
James Coleman, 27, filed a pair of lawsuits Thursday after prosecutors withdrew the rape charge in Norfolk Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. One was filed in Norfolk against his ex, and the other in Virginia Beach against the city. They claim – among other things – malicious prosecution, abuse of process and defamation.
“I’ve spent so much time trying to build my reputation up, and one false accusation has completely ruined it,” said Coleman, who was fired from his job as a maintenance supervisor at Carter Machinery shortly after he was arrested last month. “I didn’t do anything wrong.”
More
James Coleman, 27, filed a pair of lawsuits Thursday after prosecutors withdrew the rape charge in Norfolk Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. One was filed in Norfolk against his ex, and the other in Virginia Beach against the city. They claim – among other things – malicious prosecution, abuse of process and defamation.
“I’ve spent so much time trying to build my reputation up, and one false accusation has completely ruined it,” said Coleman, who was fired from his job as a maintenance supervisor at Carter Machinery shortly after he was arrested last month. “I didn’t do anything wrong.”
More
DOJ: Americans Have No 4th Amendment Protections At All When They Communicate With Foreigners
We’ve already questioned if it’s really true that the 4th Amendment doesn’t apply to foreigners (the Amendment refers to “people” not “citizens”). But in some new filings by the DOJ, the US government appears to take its “no 4th Amendment protections for foreigners” to absurd new levels. It says, quite clearly, that because foreigners have no 4th Amendment protections it means that any Americans lose their 4th Amendment protections when communicating with foreigners. They’re using a very twisted understanding of the (already troubling) third party doctrine to do this. As you may recall, after lying to the Supreme Court, the Justice Department said that it would start informing defendants if warrantless collection of information under Section 702 of the FISA Amendments Act (FAA) was used in the investigation against them.
Last October, it finally started alerting some defendants, leading courts to halt proceedingsand re-evaluate. As two of those cases have moved forward, the DOJ is trying to defend those cases, and one way it’s doing so is to flat out say that Americans have no 4th Amendment protections when talking to foreigners.
More
Last October, it finally started alerting some defendants, leading courts to halt proceedingsand re-evaluate. As two of those cases have moved forward, the DOJ is trying to defend those cases, and one way it’s doing so is to flat out say that Americans have no 4th Amendment protections when talking to foreigners.
More
Signs Disappearing
Joe - Sarbanes campaign is tearing down MJ's signs all over the place.... We always ask permission to put up our signs, never put them on public land, and NEVER mess with anyone else's signs.
They cannot win on the merits, and are resorting to sleaze ball politics. Typical and sad by a group that has NOTHING to offer and thinks they are entitled.
It's time to say NO.
Ocean Pines Man Sentenced For Heroin Distribution
The Ocean Pines rapper known as “Hott Spitter” was sentenced May 2, to four years in prison, with all but one suspended for distribution of heroin.
After Brian Jones Sr., 36, pleaded guilty Jan. 9 to that charge in Circuit Court in Snow Hill, Judge Thomas C. Groton III ordered a pre-sentence investigation.
Judge Groton permitted Jones to remain out of jail on bond to care for his wife, who was in the courtroom in a wheelchair the day he pleaded guilty to the drug offense.
More
After Brian Jones Sr., 36, pleaded guilty Jan. 9 to that charge in Circuit Court in Snow Hill, Judge Thomas C. Groton III ordered a pre-sentence investigation.
Judge Groton permitted Jones to remain out of jail on bond to care for his wife, who was in the courtroom in a wheelchair the day he pleaded guilty to the drug offense.
More
DE "SPCA" HAS Neglected Horses NeedIing Homes!
The Delaware SPCA rescued five horses that were abandoned and left for dead. Filthy, extremelyunderweight and in need of medical care, the animals were seized by our Humane Law Enforcement division.
Today, all of the horses are safe and healthy, and two have been adopted. We are seeking homes for the remaining three horses - Dream, Czar andDallas - where they can live in peace and happiness. Please click here to learn more about them. Help us spread the word!
Sussex County Shelter: 22918 Dupont Boulevard, Georgetown, DE 19947 | Phone: 302-856-6361
Today, all of the horses are safe and healthy, and two have been adopted. We are seeking homes for the remaining three horses - Dream, Czar andDallas - where they can live in peace and happiness. Please click here to learn more about them. Help us spread the word!
Contact Info
New Castle County Shelter: 455 Stanton Christiana Road, Newark, DE 19713 | Phone: 302-998-2281
New Castle County Shelter: 455 Stanton Christiana Road, Newark, DE 19713 | Phone: 302-998-2281
Sussex County Shelter: 22918 Dupont Boulevard, Georgetown, DE 19947 | Phone: 302-856-6361
"GOSPEL GALA"
ST . ANDREWS METHODIST CHURCH---400 E. VINE ST.
SALISBURY , MD----3 P.M.---SUNDAY, MAY 18TH
FEATURING: MELSONS MENS QUARTET, GODS COUNTRY
CROSSROADS & PHIL PERDUE--"THE PIANO MAN"
FINGER FOODS SERVED AFTERWARDS!
FREE WILL OFFERING WIL BE TAKEN FOR THE BUILDING
FUND PROJECT
SALISBURY , MD----3 P.M.---SUNDAY, MAY 18TH
FEATURING: MELSONS MENS QUARTET, GODS COUNTRY
CROSSROADS & PHIL PERDUE--"THE PIANO MAN"
FINGER FOODS SERVED AFTERWARDS!
FREE WILL OFFERING WIL BE TAKEN FOR THE BUILDING
FUND PROJECT
Jim Berkman's Successor?
Salisbury University is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Assistant Coach Men's Lacrosse in the Athletics Department.
Primary Job Duties: Develop and instruct student-athletes through day-to-day academic and athletic goals associated with the University. Organize and pursue administrative strategies pertaining to the recruitment of student-athletes. Assist the head coach with all aspects of a men's lacrosse program including ensuring compliance with institutional and NCAA rules.
Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and 1-3 years of coaching experience required. CPR and First Aid Certification required within first 90 days of employment.
Preferred Qualifications: Master's degree and college coaching experience preferred. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite desired.
Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Must have a solid knowledge of the rules and regulations of NCAA men's lacrosse; exceptional problem solving, planning, analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills with sensitivity to a diverse population; ability to effectively motivate student-athletes.
This is a full-time exempt State position with a full benefits package. Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Applications will be accepted via Salisbury University's Online Employment Application System. Please visit our website http://www.salisbury.edu.HR/Jobs/ to apply online. See the FAQs of the Online Employment Application System for more information and instructions.
To be considered an applicant, you must apply online and submit all of the following: A cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information of at least three (3) professional references. All documents that you wish to provide must be attached to your application in the Online Employment Application System. Please do not send any documents via E-mail.
Applications received by May 19, 2014 will be given first consideration. The position will remain open until filled.
Primary Job Duties: Develop and instruct student-athletes through day-to-day academic and athletic goals associated with the University. Organize and pursue administrative strategies pertaining to the recruitment of student-athletes. Assist the head coach with all aspects of a men's lacrosse program including ensuring compliance with institutional and NCAA rules.
Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and 1-3 years of coaching experience required. CPR and First Aid Certification required within first 90 days of employment.
Preferred Qualifications: Master's degree and college coaching experience preferred. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite desired.
Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Must have a solid knowledge of the rules and regulations of NCAA men's lacrosse; exceptional problem solving, planning, analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills with sensitivity to a diverse population; ability to effectively motivate student-athletes.
This is a full-time exempt State position with a full benefits package. Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Applications will be accepted via Salisbury University's Online Employment Application System. Please visit our website http://www.salisbury.edu.HR/Jobs/ to apply online. See the FAQs of the Online Employment Application System for more information and instructions.
To be considered an applicant, you must apply online and submit all of the following: A cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information of at least three (3) professional references. All documents that you wish to provide must be attached to your application in the Online Employment Application System. Please do not send any documents via E-mail.
Applications received by May 19, 2014 will be given first consideration. The position will remain open until filled.
O'Malley Vetoes Bill Halting Wind Project
Governor Martin O'Malley has vetoed a bill that would have created a 13-month moratorium on the development of tall wind turbines within 56 miles of the U.S. Naval Air Station Patuxent River base.
The bill would have delayed construction on wind turbines to wait for a study on how they could affect radar use around the base.
In a veto letter sent to House Speaker Michael Busch, O'Malley said that he is committed to protecting the jobs at Pax River, but he says "there are meaningful safeguards in place that render the bill unnecessary."
He adds that the real threat to Pax River, is "not an array of wind turbines on the lower Eastern Shore...but it's rising sea levels due to climate change."
More
The bill would have delayed construction on wind turbines to wait for a study on how they could affect radar use around the base.
In a veto letter sent to House Speaker Michael Busch, O'Malley said that he is committed to protecting the jobs at Pax River, but he says "there are meaningful safeguards in place that render the bill unnecessary."
He adds that the real threat to Pax River, is "not an array of wind turbines on the lower Eastern Shore...but it's rising sea levels due to climate change."
More
Couple, Teenager Arrested After Posting Instagram Video of Little Boy Getting Kick in the Head With the Caption “The Kid Loves It!”
You’d think people who were engaging in criminal behavior would eventually learn that posting evidence of it on social media is just never a good idea. One couple, along with a teenager, did just that — posted a video of the teenager kicking a little boy in the head multiple times — and then promptly got arrested.
Two adults and a 15-year-old have been arrested after they allegedly posted videos showing them kicking a little boy in the head multiple times on Instagram, with the caption ‘the kid loves it.’
Police in Konawa, Oklahoma, said Joshua Whittington, 28, his girlfriend, Tracy Casteel, 33, and Casteel’s teenage son are in custody after the disturbing footage was made public Wednesday.
According to KFOR, the first of two disturbing videos shows the 8-year-old, clad in a football-helmet, being violently kicked in the head by the teenager who uses both feet for greater impact. After the second kick, the child starts to cry, The Ada News reports.
More
Two adults and a 15-year-old have been arrested after they allegedly posted videos showing them kicking a little boy in the head multiple times on Instagram, with the caption ‘the kid loves it.’
Police in Konawa, Oklahoma, said Joshua Whittington, 28, his girlfriend, Tracy Casteel, 33, and Casteel’s teenage son are in custody after the disturbing footage was made public Wednesday.
According to KFOR, the first of two disturbing videos shows the 8-year-old, clad in a football-helmet, being violently kicked in the head by the teenager who uses both feet for greater impact. After the second kick, the child starts to cry, The Ada News reports.
More
36K criminals freed while awaiting deportation, report says
NEW YORK - The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) released 36,007 convicted criminal aliens last year who were awaiting the outcome of deportation proceedings, according to a report issued Monday by the Center for Immigration Studies.
The group of released criminals includes those convicted of homicide, sexual assault, kidnapping and aggravated assault, according to the report, which cites a document prepared by the ICE.
A majority of the releases were not required by law and were discretionary, the organization says.
More
The group of released criminals includes those convicted of homicide, sexual assault, kidnapping and aggravated assault, according to the report, which cites a document prepared by the ICE.
A majority of the releases were not required by law and were discretionary, the organization says.
More
Tim Scott Raises the Bar for All Republicans, And All Blacks
For Democrats, a black Republican is either a token or a traitor to his race. This type of low-intellect banter, usually reserved for hyper partisan punchlines on MSNBC shows that no one watches, does nothing to further the country or its African American population. In fact, what it does is encourages the ostracization of right-of-center minded blacks from our own community.
It’s borderline racist.
What Francis Wilkinson suggests in his Bloomberg View piece last Thursday was nonsensical. National Review called it a “racially charged screed.” The contention is that Republicans are so racist that they want a black man up front? I’m confused by this assertion of “white pride.”
Worse, Mr. Wilkinson (a white man) dismisses Senator Tim Scott’s (a black man) authentically black story and record. If legitimate observations are worth correlating, what are we to make of the dismissal of Scott’s 13 years of service on the Charleston County Council where he eventually became its Chairman? While we’re studying the topic, what are we to make of there being no mention of Scott serving two years in the State House where he served on powerful legislative committees?
More
It’s borderline racist.
What Francis Wilkinson suggests in his Bloomberg View piece last Thursday was nonsensical. National Review called it a “racially charged screed.” The contention is that Republicans are so racist that they want a black man up front? I’m confused by this assertion of “white pride.”
Worse, Mr. Wilkinson (a white man) dismisses Senator Tim Scott’s (a black man) authentically black story and record. If legitimate observations are worth correlating, what are we to make of the dismissal of Scott’s 13 years of service on the Charleston County Council where he eventually became its Chairman? While we’re studying the topic, what are we to make of there being no mention of Scott serving two years in the State House where he served on powerful legislative committees?
More
Former Howard County Substitute Teacher Arrested Again On Child Porn Charges
ELLICOTT CITY, Md. (WJZ)—Howard County Police have filed additional charges against a former long-term substitute teacher in an ongoing child pornography and sex abuse investigation.
Police say 43-year-old Jeremy Sykes, of Columbia, who was a long-term substitute at Folly Quarter Middle School in Ellicott City from October 2013 to January 2014, was arrested Friday and charged with 14 counts of sexual abuse of a minor and 50 counts of production of child pornography.
Detectives say Sykes digitally altered images of child and adult pornography by using some students’ yearbook photos to replace the facial images of children in the pornography.
Investigators identified 18 teenage girls in the altered images, 14 of whom were Folly Quarter students. The four others Sykes knew outside of school, not through his role as a teacher.
More
Police say 43-year-old Jeremy Sykes, of Columbia, who was a long-term substitute at Folly Quarter Middle School in Ellicott City from October 2013 to January 2014, was arrested Friday and charged with 14 counts of sexual abuse of a minor and 50 counts of production of child pornography.
Detectives say Sykes digitally altered images of child and adult pornography by using some students’ yearbook photos to replace the facial images of children in the pornography.
Investigators identified 18 teenage girls in the altered images, 14 of whom were Folly Quarter students. The four others Sykes knew outside of school, not through his role as a teacher.
More
National Safe Boating Week
Ocean City MD – The 2014 National Safe Boating Week campaign kicks off Saturday, May 17 with Coast Guard Auxiliary units promoting recreational boating safety around the nation. The campaign – which runs through May 23 -- is dedicated to helping boaters understand the need for boating education and Vessel Safety Checks, as well as the importance of wearing life jackets while boating.
In Ocean City, the Coast Guard Auxiliary is hosting a kickoff event at West Ocean City Boat Ramp on May 17 to reinforce the safe boating message during NSBW, including free vessel safety checks at local marinas. Coast Guard Auxiliary, as well as the US Coast Guard, will have information and demonstrations to help you understand how to be safe on the water.
“National Safe Boating Week gives us an opportunity to reflect on the safe operation of boats on the water. The incidents we study bring home the need for simple safety precautions while underway,” said Rob Sersen, Coast Guard Auxiliary Sector Baltimore Captain.
In Ocean City, the Coast Guard Auxiliary is hosting a kickoff event at West Ocean City Boat Ramp on May 17 to reinforce the safe boating message during NSBW, including free vessel safety checks at local marinas. Coast Guard Auxiliary, as well as the US Coast Guard, will have information and demonstrations to help you understand how to be safe on the water.
“National Safe Boating Week gives us an opportunity to reflect on the safe operation of boats on the water. The incidents we study bring home the need for simple safety precautions while underway,” said Rob Sersen, Coast Guard Auxiliary Sector Baltimore Captain.
DC Schools: $29,349 Per Pupil, 83% Not Proficient in Reading
The public schools in Washington, D.C., spent $29,349 per pupil in the 2010-2011 school year, according to the latest data from National Center for Education Statistics, but in 2013 fully 83 percent of the eighth graders in these schools were not "proficient" in reading and 81 percent were not "proficient" in math.
These are the government schools in our nation's capital city — where for decades politicians of both parties have obstreperously pushed for more federal involvement in education and more federal spending on education.
Government has manifestly failed the families who must send their children to these schools, and the children who must attend them.
More
These are the government schools in our nation's capital city — where for decades politicians of both parties have obstreperously pushed for more federal involvement in education and more federal spending on education.
Government has manifestly failed the families who must send their children to these schools, and the children who must attend them.
More
Flunking student gets A+ after sex with teacher
Teen scores with stellar grade of 98
With the large number of teachers having sex with their students across America, it was virtually inevitable a case would arise where a student’s grades might be affected.
Now an Oklahoma English teacher is in hot water for giving a failing student an A+ after allegedly having sex with the male teenager multiple times.
Kalyn Darby Thompson, 25, of Glenpool, Oklahoma, had not even completed a full year of instruction at Kellyville High School when she turned herself in to authorities in mid-April.
She’s now facing a charge of second-degree rape.
“This will follow her for the rest of her career,” Creek County Detective Chrissie Underwood told KOTV. “She probably will not have a career in teaching after this.”
More
With the large number of teachers having sex with their students across America, it was virtually inevitable a case would arise where a student’s grades might be affected.
Now an Oklahoma English teacher is in hot water for giving a failing student an A+ after allegedly having sex with the male teenager multiple times.
Kalyn Darby Thompson, 25, of Glenpool, Oklahoma, had not even completed a full year of instruction at Kellyville High School when she turned herself in to authorities in mid-April.
She’s now facing a charge of second-degree rape.
“This will follow her for the rest of her career,” Creek County Detective Chrissie Underwood told KOTV. “She probably will not have a career in teaching after this.”
More
Poultry Eaters do the Funky Chicken
While working on a story about extreme dog breeding, our reporter was told over and over again to check out how farm animals—especially chickens—are bred. In a few short weeks, she discovered yet another example of the human capacity for shaping animals to our own dubious ends.
For the first time in recent memory, Americans are consuming more chicken per person than beef. The typical adult now chomps around 60 pounds a year of the birds and the chart below makes the trend clear. If you’re among those visiting the Colonel or other poultry purveyors, your reasons probably have to do either with chicken’s reputation as a healthier source of protein or its lower cost. Indeed, chicken is lower in fat than beef, making it potentially less of a contributor to cardiovascular disease. And some studies have associated chicken with a lowered risk of colon cancer.
More
For the first time in recent memory, Americans are consuming more chicken per person than beef. The typical adult now chomps around 60 pounds a year of the birds and the chart below makes the trend clear. If you’re among those visiting the Colonel or other poultry purveyors, your reasons probably have to do either with chicken’s reputation as a healthier source of protein or its lower cost. Indeed, chicken is lower in fat than beef, making it potentially less of a contributor to cardiovascular disease. And some studies have associated chicken with a lowered risk of colon cancer.
More
House torched in black-on-white revenge attack
'If you guys call the police we're coming back for you'
A black teenager is facing charges as an adult for what authorities are describing as the revenge arson of the home of a white woman and her two children. And his arrest, and that of a juvenile, may be just the tip of the iceberg, authorities say.
Already, Thaddeus Shields, 18, is facing a court hearing this week on the count, and a 17-year-old whose name was not released is facing juvenile court. Authorities, meanwhile, say their investigation continues and more perpetrators may be arrested and charged in the attack in Middletown, Ohio.
The alleged black-on-white crime earlier this week culminated a campaign of terror against the mother, according to a report by WCPO-TV.
More
A black teenager is facing charges as an adult for what authorities are describing as the revenge arson of the home of a white woman and her two children. And his arrest, and that of a juvenile, may be just the tip of the iceberg, authorities say.
Already, Thaddeus Shields, 18, is facing a court hearing this week on the count, and a 17-year-old whose name was not released is facing juvenile court. Authorities, meanwhile, say their investigation continues and more perpetrators may be arrested and charged in the attack in Middletown, Ohio.
The alleged black-on-white crime earlier this week culminated a campaign of terror against the mother, according to a report by WCPO-TV.
More
Virginia: Tea Party Leaders Not Welcome In GOP
“While the voice of every Republican should be heard, our challenge is to figure out how to be a conservative party, without allowing the most extreme voices of the day to control our party and determine its future direction.”
That was former Virginia Lt. Governor Bill Bolling in the pages of the Washington Post responding to the election of Fred Gruber to head up Virginia’s 7th Congressional District Republican Committee. Bolling called the result “extremely disappointing.”
More
That was former Virginia Lt. Governor Bill Bolling in the pages of the Washington Post responding to the election of Fred Gruber to head up Virginia’s 7th Congressional District Republican Committee. Bolling called the result “extremely disappointing.”
More
Troopers Teaming Up for Drive to Save Lives on I-95 Traffic Initiative
~15 states partnering to keep motorists safe this weekend~
Dover-The Delaware State Police are joining forces with 14 other states in a traffic enforcement initiative on Saturday, May 17, 2014.
All 15 states that line Interstate 95 from Maine to Florida (Maine State Police, New Hampshire State Police, Massachusetts State Police, Rhode Island State Police, Connecticut State Police, New York State Police, New Jersey State Police, Pennsylvania State Police, Delaware State Police, Maryland State Police, Virginia State Police, North Carolina State Highway Patrol, South Carolina Highway Patrol, Georgia State Patrol, and the Florida Highway Patrol), will be participating in an intensified enforcement initiative, led and coordinated by the Delaware State Police.
“The Drive to Save Lives on I-95 initiative is being conducted in support of a nationwide campaign by the International Association of Chiefs of Police.” said Colonel Nathaniel McQueen Jr., Superintendent of the Delaware State Police. “The Drive to Save Lives campaign is a united effort by state police and highway patrol leaders, to reduce highway fatalities by 15 percent in 2014. More than 33,000 deaths occur each year on our nation’s roadways. Highway fatalities rank as one of the top 12 causes of death in the United States and is the leading cause of death among teens.”
On Saturday, May 17, 2014, law enforcement agencies in each state will conduct traffic initiatives along the 1,920 miles of I-95 and other targeted roadways to keep motorists safe and reduce fatalities. The enforcement initiative will focus on aggressive driving, distracted driving, speeders, seatbelt use, pedestrian and motorcycle safety, as well as commercial vehicle safety and enforcement.
“The Delaware State Police are proud partners in the Drive to Save Lives on I-95 initiative.” said Sergeant Paul G. Shavack, spokesman for the Delaware State Police. “The initiative displays the value of teamwork, along with the obligation of law enforcement to remain at the tip of the spear in providing public awareness to the dangers and risks of the leading contributing factors which cause fatalities, along with targeted enforcement efforts with the primary goal of reducing these tragedies.”
Delaware Troopers will be out in full force on Saturday conducting traffic enforcement initiatives statewide by ground and air, targeting the following roadways, as well as others:
New Castle County
I-95, I-495, SR-1
Kent County
SR-1
Sussex County
US 13
US 113
SR-1
Woman’s Eyes “Blown to Pieces” by Cop With Gunpowder Powered Pepper Gun
“Her eyeballs were literally blown into pieces, and the person who did this was a police officer.”
Monique Hernandez was pulled over in February of 2012 by Beaumont police officer, Enoch Clark. When Clark attempted to subdue Hernandez, he said she ‘resisted.’
Although the dashcam footage tells a different tale, Clark said that in order to get her in handcuffs, he had to use his department-issued JPX gunpowder-propelled pepper spray weapon and fire it less than a foot away from her face.
The gunpowder powered JPX Pepper Gun launches OC (pepper spray) at 405 mph.
More
Monique Hernandez was pulled over in February of 2012 by Beaumont police officer, Enoch Clark. When Clark attempted to subdue Hernandez, he said she ‘resisted.’
Although the dashcam footage tells a different tale, Clark said that in order to get her in handcuffs, he had to use his department-issued JPX gunpowder-propelled pepper spray weapon and fire it less than a foot away from her face.
The gunpowder powered JPX Pepper Gun launches OC (pepper spray) at 405 mph.
More
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)