All five terror suspects the Obama administration exchanged for the release of Sgt. Bowe Berghdahl on Saturday were deemed in a 2008 Pentagon dossier to be ‘high risk’ for launching attacks on American interests if released.
A Senior U.S. defense official confirmed the identities of the five Taliban commanders Saturday, the Daily Best reported.
Mullah Mohammad Fazl, Mullah Norullah Noori, Abdul Haq Wasiq, Khairullah Khairkhwa and Mohammed Nabi Omari are set to be released from Guantanamo Bay Detention Center in Cuba, The Daily Beast reported.
“They are undoubtedly among the most dangerous Taliban commanders held at Guantanamo,” said Thomas Joscelyn, a senior editor at the non-profit Long War Journal.
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DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
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Saturday, May 31, 2014
Unemployment Over 20% in Some Cities
Unemployment remains more than 20% in two of America’s metro areas, and above 15% in a number of others. While the recession may be over throughout most of the United States, it lingers in some regions.
The unemployment rate in Yuma, Ariz., is 23.8%. In El Centro, Calif., it is 21.6%. El Centro sits in an area of California in which unemployment in many metro areas is double the national average. In Merced the figure is 14.3%, in Yuba City the figure is 14.5%, in Hanford it is 13.1% and in Visalia it is 13.4%. In several metros close to these, the figure is above 10%. Most of them are inland from San Francisco and the area just south of it, which also happens to be among the nation’s most drought-plagued regions. This means jobs recovery is highly unlikely.
According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data on metro areas for April, there are a number of other pockets of high unemployment. Among these are the old industrial cities of Illinois, south of Chicago. Unemployment in Decatur is 9.1%. In Danville it is 8.9%, and in Rockford, 9.2%.
Yet another pocket of high unemployment runs from Detroit along the corridor that used to be home to many of the nation’s largest car factories. These include Detroit at 7.9%, Flint at 7.8%, Bay City at 7.7% and Saginaw at 7.5%.
Cities within states that were never deeply damaged by the recession continue to have unemployment rates well below the national average. These include Provo, Utah, at 3%, Midland, Texas, at 3.2% and Odessa, Texas, at 3.9%. Several cities close to these two in Texas have unemployment below 4%. Unemployment across the sparsely populated Northern Plains is also particularly low. The rate in Bismarck, N.D. is 2.6%. In Lincoln, Neb., it is 2.9%, in Des Moines, Iowa, it is 3.9% and in Billings, Mont., 3.3%.
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The unemployment rate in Yuma, Ariz., is 23.8%. In El Centro, Calif., it is 21.6%. El Centro sits in an area of California in which unemployment in many metro areas is double the national average. In Merced the figure is 14.3%, in Yuba City the figure is 14.5%, in Hanford it is 13.1% and in Visalia it is 13.4%. In several metros close to these, the figure is above 10%. Most of them are inland from San Francisco and the area just south of it, which also happens to be among the nation’s most drought-plagued regions. This means jobs recovery is highly unlikely.
According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data on metro areas for April, there are a number of other pockets of high unemployment. Among these are the old industrial cities of Illinois, south of Chicago. Unemployment in Decatur is 9.1%. In Danville it is 8.9%, and in Rockford, 9.2%.
Yet another pocket of high unemployment runs from Detroit along the corridor that used to be home to many of the nation’s largest car factories. These include Detroit at 7.9%, Flint at 7.8%, Bay City at 7.7% and Saginaw at 7.5%.
Cities within states that were never deeply damaged by the recession continue to have unemployment rates well below the national average. These include Provo, Utah, at 3%, Midland, Texas, at 3.2% and Odessa, Texas, at 3.9%. Several cities close to these two in Texas have unemployment below 4%. Unemployment across the sparsely populated Northern Plains is also particularly low. The rate in Bismarck, N.D. is 2.6%. In Lincoln, Neb., it is 2.9%, in Des Moines, Iowa, it is 3.9% and in Billings, Mont., 3.3%.
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New Water Regulations Coming?
Every summer, Jack Field takes his herd of about a hundred cows to graze in the same floodplain — a low, flat stretch of land next to a river — in Yakima, Wash.
Under newly proposed regulations, he may not be able to go back next summer. And that’s just one of many problems he says the new rules would create for his business.
“I don’t think the negative impacts of this definition can be overstated,” Field, a cattle rancher, said during a congressional hearingconcerning the proposal on Thursday. “It has the potential to impact every aspect of my operation and others like it.”
At issue is the definition of federally protected waters. In March, the Environmental Protection Agency pitched new rules meant to clarify and expand its regulatory reach under the Clean Water Act to include small streams, riverbanks, wetlands and floodplains.
Gina McCarthy, the agency’s administrator, has defended the proposal, saying that it would not significantly expand the department’s authority to monitor and regulate waters.
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Under newly proposed regulations, he may not be able to go back next summer. And that’s just one of many problems he says the new rules would create for his business.
“I don’t think the negative impacts of this definition can be overstated,” Field, a cattle rancher, said during a congressional hearingconcerning the proposal on Thursday. “It has the potential to impact every aspect of my operation and others like it.”
At issue is the definition of federally protected waters. In March, the Environmental Protection Agency pitched new rules meant to clarify and expand its regulatory reach under the Clean Water Act to include small streams, riverbanks, wetlands and floodplains.
Gina McCarthy, the agency’s administrator, has defended the proposal, saying that it would not significantly expand the department’s authority to monitor and regulate waters.
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GOSPEL DAY JAMBOREE IS JUNE 21, 2014 AT FURNACE TOWN
SNOW HILL, MD. Kick off the 1st day of summer at Furnace Town, June 21, 2014 for a Gospel Day Jamboree! Furnace Town village is a great place for friends, family, fellowship, and fun so save the date and spread the word!
Beginning at 2:00pm the day will feature uplifting gospel from The Island Boys. The Baptist Boys, and Faith DiMattia.
Light refreshments will be available for purchase. Don't forget your lawn chairs!
General Admission price $6.00 for adults, $5.00 for seniors, $3.00 for children, and Furnace Town members are Free.
Contact Karen Taylor at Furnace Town at 410-632-2032 for more information.
Beginning at 2:00pm the day will feature uplifting gospel from The Island Boys. The Baptist Boys, and Faith DiMattia.
Light refreshments will be available for purchase. Don't forget your lawn chairs!
General Admission price $6.00 for adults, $5.00 for seniors, $3.00 for children, and Furnace Town members are Free.
Contact Karen Taylor at Furnace Town at 410-632-2032 for more information.
Ted Cruz Wins Presidential Straw Poll At Republican Leadership Conference
Ted Cruz, R-Texas, has won another straw poll, boosting his national profile and elevating his name among potential 2016 presidential contenders.
The firebrand freshman senator and tea party favorite was among a handful of 2016 hopefuls speaking at the Republican Leadership Conference in New Orleans this week.
Cruz finished in first place in the annual conference's presidential straw poll at 30.33%. Dr. Ben Carson, a Fox News commentator and conservative activist, finished in second with 29.38% while Sen. Rand Paul, R-Kentucky, was third with 10.43%.
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The firebrand freshman senator and tea party favorite was among a handful of 2016 hopefuls speaking at the Republican Leadership Conference in New Orleans this week.
Cruz finished in first place in the annual conference's presidential straw poll at 30.33%. Dr. Ben Carson, a Fox News commentator and conservative activist, finished in second with 29.38% while Sen. Rand Paul, R-Kentucky, was third with 10.43%.
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WH Petition To Free Marine Tahmooressi From Mexico Prison Reaches 100K Online Signatures
A petition on the White House website asking President Obama to demand the release of a Marine sergeant in a Mexico prison has garnered more than 100,000 online signatures -- a threshold that typically elicits an administration response.
“The effect of this unjust incarceration on a decorated combat Marine is despairing,” says the petition, which as of Saturday afternoon had 116,051 signatures.
Marine Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi was arrested March 31 after crossing the Mexican border with three guns in his truck.
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“The effect of this unjust incarceration on a decorated combat Marine is despairing,” says the petition, which as of Saturday afternoon had 116,051 signatures.
Marine Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi was arrested March 31 after crossing the Mexican border with three guns in his truck.
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Convicted Qwest chief: I blame NSA
Says troubles followed his refusal to cooperate with spy game
Joe Nachio, the former chief of Denver-based Qwest Communications who was convicted on more than a dozen counts of insider trading and sent to prison for nearly five years, says the National Security Agency first blackballed his company, then federal authorities refused to allow him to explain his side when he was on trial.
All because he refused to go along with what he considered illegal surveillance programs run by the NSA.
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Joe Nachio, the former chief of Denver-based Qwest Communications who was convicted on more than a dozen counts of insider trading and sent to prison for nearly five years, says the National Security Agency first blackballed his company, then federal authorities refused to allow him to explain his side when he was on trial.
All because he refused to go along with what he considered illegal surveillance programs run by the NSA.
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Chamber Study Predicts Obama Climate Rule Will Kill Jobs
An Operating Engineer prepares to move a cut of coal hoppers for unloading at the Tennessee Valley Authority Paradise Fossil Plant in Paradise, Kentucky.
The nation’s biggest business lobby says President Barack Obama’s plan to tackle climate change could cost the U.S. economy $50 billion a year. Supporters predict it will create jobs and lower power bills.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Natural Resources Defense Council are both releasing economic impact studies this week, signaling that the political battle over the president’s plan will be fought over dollars and cents. For Obama, the risk is the plan gets labeled a job-killer just as campaigns heat up for an election that could determine control of the U.S. Senate.
In an analysis released today -- days before the Environmental Protection Agency unveils a proposal to cut carbon dioxide emissions from power plants -- the Chamber said that an ambitious pollution-control effort could force more than a third of the coal-fired power capacity to close by 2030, resulting in economic losses of $50 billion a year and the elimination of 224,000 jobs.
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The nation’s biggest business lobby says President Barack Obama’s plan to tackle climate change could cost the U.S. economy $50 billion a year. Supporters predict it will create jobs and lower power bills.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Natural Resources Defense Council are both releasing economic impact studies this week, signaling that the political battle over the president’s plan will be fought over dollars and cents. For Obama, the risk is the plan gets labeled a job-killer just as campaigns heat up for an election that could determine control of the U.S. Senate.
In an analysis released today -- days before the Environmental Protection Agency unveils a proposal to cut carbon dioxide emissions from power plants -- the Chamber said that an ambitious pollution-control effort could force more than a third of the coal-fired power capacity to close by 2030, resulting in economic losses of $50 billion a year and the elimination of 224,000 jobs.
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House Votes To Defund Justice Dept. Program That Targeted Legitimate Gun Dealers
The House of Representatives passed an amendment Thursday to stop all federal funding to be used for the Department of Justice’s Operation Choke Point, an anti-fraud operation that was found to be cutting off legitimate businesses from their banking lines.
“This is a major victory for consumers, law-abiding businesses, and anyone who believes in due process and restraint of government encroachment,” said the Community Financial Services Association of America, a trade group opposed to the operation, in a statement Friday. “Additionally, our banking system benefits as it will not be put in the position to police customers or make judgments about the political popularity of businesses and industries.”
The amendment was brought to the floor by Rep. Blane Luetkemeyer, a Republican from Missouri, who is a member of the House Financial Services Committee and is vice chairman of the House Small Business Committee. The amendment was sponsored by three democrats and two more republicans.
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“This is a major victory for consumers, law-abiding businesses, and anyone who believes in due process and restraint of government encroachment,” said the Community Financial Services Association of America, a trade group opposed to the operation, in a statement Friday. “Additionally, our banking system benefits as it will not be put in the position to police customers or make judgments about the political popularity of businesses and industries.”
The amendment was brought to the floor by Rep. Blane Luetkemeyer, a Republican from Missouri, who is a member of the House Financial Services Committee and is vice chairman of the House Small Business Committee. The amendment was sponsored by three democrats and two more republicans.
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The Latest Islamic Jihad Will Likely Leave You Shaking Your Head
Islamic protests against people and products deemed offensive to the faith have been widely documented. The pursuit of jihad against such targets is a common occurrence in many countries with a significant Muslim population.
More than 60 percent of those living in Malaysia are Muslim, for instance; and most companies in the nation are receptive to the religious demands of the citizens. Guidelines regarding food preparation are highly regulated to ensure products entering the market are properly labeled ‘halal,’ meaning they were produced with consideration to Islamic codes.
The absence of any pork product is a chief concern when determining which foods are fit for consumption by Muslims. For that reason, Malaysian religious groups were outraged when chocolate products from the nation’s Cadbury operation were found to contain DNA from the prohibited animal.
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More than 60 percent of those living in Malaysia are Muslim, for instance; and most companies in the nation are receptive to the religious demands of the citizens. Guidelines regarding food preparation are highly regulated to ensure products entering the market are properly labeled ‘halal,’ meaning they were produced with consideration to Islamic codes.
The absence of any pork product is a chief concern when determining which foods are fit for consumption by Muslims. For that reason, Malaysian religious groups were outraged when chocolate products from the nation’s Cadbury operation were found to contain DNA from the prohibited animal.
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CNN Anchor Breaks Down as Parents of Vet Treated at Phoenix VA Facility Read Their Son’s Heartbreaking Suicide Note on the Air
Iraq War Veteran Daniel Somers survived over 400 combat missions only to return home to a “system of dehumanization, neglect, and indifference.” He ended up killing himself last year after receiving treatment from the now infamous Phoenix VA hospital.
On Friday, Somers’ parents appeared on CNN to discuss their son’s tragic demise and the reality many veterans face in the United States after returning from combat.
They also read some of Somers’ heartbreaking suicide note on the air. In addition to writing that his body had become “nothing but a cage, a source of pain and constant problems,” Somers also outlined the painful truth that results in the deaths of veterans every single day:
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Waves of immigrant minors present crisis for Obama, Congress
(Reuters) - Tens of thousands of children unaccompanied by parents or relatives are flooding across the southern U.S. border illegally, forcing the Obama administration and Congress to grapple with both a humanitarian crisis and a budget dilemma.
An estimated 60,000 such children will pour into the United States this year, according to the administration, up from about 6,000 in 2011. Now, Washington is trying to figure out how to pay for their food, housing and transportation once they are taken into custody.
The flow is expected to grow. The number of unaccompanied, undocumented immigrants who are under 18 will likely double in 2015 to nearly 130,000 and cost U.S. taxpayers $2 billion, up from $868 million this year, according to administration estimates.
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An estimated 60,000 such children will pour into the United States this year, according to the administration, up from about 6,000 in 2011. Now, Washington is trying to figure out how to pay for their food, housing and transportation once they are taken into custody.
The flow is expected to grow. The number of unaccompanied, undocumented immigrants who are under 18 will likely double in 2015 to nearly 130,000 and cost U.S. taxpayers $2 billion, up from $868 million this year, according to administration estimates.
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DelRicco Family Files Civil Suit Against Impaired Driver
SNOW HILL — An Ocean Pines man, serving a 10-year sentence for causing life-changing injuries to a then-18-month-old child, last week filed a motion to dismiss a civil suit brought against him and two businesses by the victims’ family.
On Dec. 16, 2011, Andre Kaczynski, 49, got in his vehicle while under the influence of drugs, drove across the Route 90 bridge, turned left on Coastal Highway and barreled up the roadway at speeds approaching 100 mph before crashing into the rear of a vehicle driven by Anne Marie DelRicco, who was stopped at a red light at 142nd Street. The force of the collision totaled the passenger car and seriously injured DelRicco and her then 18-month-old daughter Ava.
Kaczynski later pleaded guilty to all of the charges against him, including causing life-threatening injuries by motor vehicle while impaired by a controlled dangerous substance and was ultimately sentenced to 10 year in jail.
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On Dec. 16, 2011, Andre Kaczynski, 49, got in his vehicle while under the influence of drugs, drove across the Route 90 bridge, turned left on Coastal Highway and barreled up the roadway at speeds approaching 100 mph before crashing into the rear of a vehicle driven by Anne Marie DelRicco, who was stopped at a red light at 142nd Street. The force of the collision totaled the passenger car and seriously injured DelRicco and her then 18-month-old daughter Ava.
Kaczynski later pleaded guilty to all of the charges against him, including causing life-threatening injuries by motor vehicle while impaired by a controlled dangerous substance and was ultimately sentenced to 10 year in jail.
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Gun bill would allow police to seize firearms, prevent purchases
Lawmakers reacted to the Santa Barbara shooting by announcing plans Tuesday for a bill to create a "gun violence restraining order"
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Lawmakers reacted to the Santa Barbara shooting by announcing plans Tuesday for a bill to create a "gun violence restraining order."
The bill would establish a system in which concerned relatives, intimate partners or friends can notify police about someone showing a propensity toward violence, so police can investigate and seek a judge's order to seize that person's firearms and prevent any purchases.
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SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Lawmakers reacted to the Santa Barbara shooting by announcing plans Tuesday for a bill to create a "gun violence restraining order."
The bill would establish a system in which concerned relatives, intimate partners or friends can notify police about someone showing a propensity toward violence, so police can investigate and seek a judge's order to seize that person's firearms and prevent any purchases.
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SFD Calls For Service 5-30-14
- Friday May, 30 2014 @ 23:19Nature: Medical EmergencyCity:Salisbury
- Friday May, 30 2014 @ 20:45Nature: Medical EmergencyCity:Salisbury
- Friday May, 30 2014 @ 19:58Nature: Medical EmergencyCity:Salisbury
- Friday May, 30 2014 @ 19:57Nature: Medical EmergencyCity:Salisbury
- Friday May, 30 2014 @ 19:01Nature: Citizen AssistAddress: Middle Neck Dr & Beaglin Park Dr Salisbury, MD 21801
TEA PARTY TAKES TEXAS
(Breitbart) – The Tea Party is alive and well and is firmly established as a dominant force in Texas Republican politics. Victories by Tea Party favorites nearly swept the statewide Republican runoff election.
Establishment candidates like State Representative Dan Branch and State Senator Bob Deuell faded quietly in defeat while strongly supported Tea Party candidates like Sen. Dan Patrick, Sen. Ken Paxton, and former State Rep. Sid Miller sailed to easy victories in their statewide races.
The trend of Tea Party victories continued down the ballot as well. In Senate District 10 (currently held by Sen. Wendy Davis), Tea Party favorite Konni Burton won her race with a 20 point margin over the more moderate Mark Shelton. In a report by Merrill Hope, Burton told Breitbart Texas, “We are so excited. We’ve been working for this for a year. Our message has resonated with the voters and we couldn’t be more pleased.” Burton was also supported by U.S. Senator Ted Cruz who, in 2012, proved the Tea Party and grassroots activism can overcome insurmountable odds to bring victory for conservative principles.
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Establishment candidates like State Representative Dan Branch and State Senator Bob Deuell faded quietly in defeat while strongly supported Tea Party candidates like Sen. Dan Patrick, Sen. Ken Paxton, and former State Rep. Sid Miller sailed to easy victories in their statewide races.
The trend of Tea Party victories continued down the ballot as well. In Senate District 10 (currently held by Sen. Wendy Davis), Tea Party favorite Konni Burton won her race with a 20 point margin over the more moderate Mark Shelton. In a report by Merrill Hope, Burton told Breitbart Texas, “We are so excited. We’ve been working for this for a year. Our message has resonated with the voters and we couldn’t be more pleased.” Burton was also supported by U.S. Senator Ted Cruz who, in 2012, proved the Tea Party and grassroots activism can overcome insurmountable odds to bring victory for conservative principles.
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U.S. Soldier Free After Almost Five Years Captivity in Afghanistan
U.S. Army Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl, held for nearly five years by the Taliban after being captured in Afghanistan, has been released and is now in U.S. custody, President Barack Obama said on Saturday.
As part of Bergdahl's release, the United States is turning over five Taliban detainees at the U.S. prison in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to the custody of Qatar, U.S. officials said.
Bergdahl's freedom follows months of indirect U.S.-Taliban talks with Qatar acting as intermediary, the officials said.
U.S. special operations forces took custody of Bergdahl in a non-violent exchange in eastern Afghanistan, the officials said, adding that he was believed to be in good condition. He was now undergoing a medical examination in Afghanistan.
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As part of Bergdahl's release, the United States is turning over five Taliban detainees at the U.S. prison in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to the custody of Qatar, U.S. officials said.
Bergdahl's freedom follows months of indirect U.S.-Taliban talks with Qatar acting as intermediary, the officials said.
U.S. special operations forces took custody of Bergdahl in a non-violent exchange in eastern Afghanistan, the officials said, adding that he was believed to be in good condition. He was now undergoing a medical examination in Afghanistan.
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FDA Suddenly Bans Drugs That Have Been On The Market For Decades
As Techdirt recently discussed, the drug pipeline is running dry, as Big Pharma's patents are beginning to expire, and the drug companies are freaking out. For years they have been spending more money on research and testing and getting fewer results. This year alone they are going to have 11 patents expire on drugs that bring in approximately $50 billion in revenue to the big pharma firms. Of course, the flip side to this is that consumers can start saving about 95% on the price of those drugs, as generics hit the market. The drug companies have gotten to a point where the incremental increases in efficiencies are so small as to be meaningless. What is coming is more personalized and targeted treatments for diseases -- treatments that do not require bulk production of a specific chemical, but individual testing and personalized care, and not lifetime treatments and repeat sales, but cures. The treatments will be expensive to begin with, but they will become less expensive over time. The business model of healthcare is about to change dramatically, and Big Pharma needs to do something to maintain their profits. Unfortunately, they seem to have chosen the path of regulating the competition out of existence, rather than competing and innovating.
One way the drug companies have been coping is to repackage and rebrand health food supplements. Drugs like Lovaza, which is nothing more than the fish oil you can get in health food stores, and lovastatin which has been in use for roughly a thousand years (800 AD) in the form ofred yeast rice. In the case of lovastatin, the FDA banned the supplements because they are "identical to a drug and, thus, subject to regulation as a drug." That is very convenient for the drug company, which now charges monopoly rents on the product -- which can increase prices at ridiculous levels.
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One way the drug companies have been coping is to repackage and rebrand health food supplements. Drugs like Lovaza, which is nothing more than the fish oil you can get in health food stores, and lovastatin which has been in use for roughly a thousand years (800 AD) in the form ofred yeast rice. In the case of lovastatin, the FDA banned the supplements because they are "identical to a drug and, thus, subject to regulation as a drug." That is very convenient for the drug company, which now charges monopoly rents on the product -- which can increase prices at ridiculous levels.
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BREAKING NEWS: American soldier held captive in Afghanistan freed
Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, a U.S. soldier held captive by the Taliban in Afghanistan for nearly five years, is freed in a prisoner swap, The Associated Press reported.
From Fox News
From Fox News
City Council Approves Funding For Speed Measuring Devices
SALISBURY – The Salisbury City Council voted this week to authorize appropriations for the police department to purchase weapons for new officers and Speed Measuring Devices.
According to Major David Meienschein, members of the Salisbury Police Department are required to complete firearms training and officer recertification yearly. The ammunition utilized during the training has brass casings, which are collected and stored. When the storage bins are full, the officers transport the brass casings to Delmarva Recycling Inc., which pays fair market value for the brass. The monies collected for the brass casings are forwarded to the city and deposited in the General Fund.
Meienschein requested of the City Council a budget amendment to recognize the revenue has been received by the city and to increase the police department budget in the same amount to purchase service weapons for new officers.
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According to Major David Meienschein, members of the Salisbury Police Department are required to complete firearms training and officer recertification yearly. The ammunition utilized during the training has brass casings, which are collected and stored. When the storage bins are full, the officers transport the brass casings to Delmarva Recycling Inc., which pays fair market value for the brass. The monies collected for the brass casings are forwarded to the city and deposited in the General Fund.
Meienschein requested of the City Council a budget amendment to recognize the revenue has been received by the city and to increase the police department budget in the same amount to purchase service weapons for new officers.
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Jefferson On Judges
"The judges... should always be men of learning and experience in the laws, of exemplary morals, great patience, calmness and attention; their minds should not be distracted with jarring interests; they should not be dependent upon any man or body of men."
Thomas Jefferson to George Wythe, 1776 (emphasis added).
The Judicial Branch must be independent of other branches of government, but not independent of the nation itself. It is rightly responsible to the people for irregular and censurable decisions, and judges should be appointed for limited terms with reappointments resulting from approved conduct.
"With us, all the branches of the government are elective by the people themselves, except the judiciary, of whose science and qualifications they are not competent judges. Yet, even in that department, we call in a jury of the people to decide all controverted matters of fact, because to that investigation they are entirely competent, leaving thus as little as possible, merely the law of the case, to the decision of the judges." --Thomas Jefferson to A. Coray, 1823. ME 15:482
"It has been thought that the people are not competent electors of judges learned in the law. But I do not know that this is true, and, if doubtful, we should follow principle. In this, as in many other elections, they would be guided by reputation, which would not err oftener, perhaps, than the present mode of appointment." --Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Kercheval, 1816. ME 15:36
"Render the judiciary respectable by every means possible, to wit, firm tenure in office, competent salaries and reduction of their numbers." --Thomas Jefferson to Archibald Stuart, 1791. ME 8:277
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Thomas Jefferson to George Wythe, 1776 (emphasis added).
The Judicial Branch must be independent of other branches of government, but not independent of the nation itself. It is rightly responsible to the people for irregular and censurable decisions, and judges should be appointed for limited terms with reappointments resulting from approved conduct.
"With us, all the branches of the government are elective by the people themselves, except the judiciary, of whose science and qualifications they are not competent judges. Yet, even in that department, we call in a jury of the people to decide all controverted matters of fact, because to that investigation they are entirely competent, leaving thus as little as possible, merely the law of the case, to the decision of the judges." --Thomas Jefferson to A. Coray, 1823. ME 15:482
"It has been thought that the people are not competent electors of judges learned in the law. But I do not know that this is true, and, if doubtful, we should follow principle. In this, as in many other elections, they would be guided by reputation, which would not err oftener, perhaps, than the present mode of appointment." --Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Kercheval, 1816. ME 15:36
"Render the judiciary respectable by every means possible, to wit, firm tenure in office, competent salaries and reduction of their numbers." --Thomas Jefferson to Archibald Stuart, 1791. ME 8:277
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Independent Judiciary
Twenty-five years ago this week, Sandra Day O'Connor took her seat on the U.S. Supreme Court, becoming the first woman ever on that bench. Her tenure on the Court was marked by her pivotal role in decisions on abortion, affirmative action and the 2000 Presidential election. Last January, she retired, at 75, to spend time with her husband John, who suffers from Alzheimer's disease. But she told TIME's Jeff Chu that retirement has been anything but relaxing — "I'm looking at my calendar," she said, "and it's endless" — filled with travel, advocacy for her pet causes and regular reunions with her colleagues on the Court. Here are excerpts from their conversation.
TIME: Let's talk about retirement.
O'Connor: I need to retire from retirement.
TIME: It's that relaxing?
O'Connor: It's just a nightmare. (Laughs) I just talked to a friend of mine who said, "I need to send you a plaque for your wall that says, 'No is a complete sentence.'" I think she's right. That simple two-letter word would save me a lot of trouble.
TIME: What are you saying yes to?
O'Connor: Too many things — and they come at you one at a time, so you aren't aware of how it's building. Cumulatively, it's kind of a nightmare. I've agreed to too many speeches. These are things I've agreed to a year or two ahead. You say, 'Oh, sure, I'll come to your conference,' or 'I don't mind making remarks on X,' and all of a sudden it's there. And in the meantime you've agreed to something the day before or the day after, and they're in different places. I'm on several boards, and so it's difficult to fit it all in.
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TIME: Let's talk about retirement.
O'Connor: I need to retire from retirement.
TIME: It's that relaxing?
O'Connor: It's just a nightmare. (Laughs) I just talked to a friend of mine who said, "I need to send you a plaque for your wall that says, 'No is a complete sentence.'" I think she's right. That simple two-letter word would save me a lot of trouble.
TIME: What are you saying yes to?
O'Connor: Too many things — and they come at you one at a time, so you aren't aware of how it's building. Cumulatively, it's kind of a nightmare. I've agreed to too many speeches. These are things I've agreed to a year or two ahead. You say, 'Oh, sure, I'll come to your conference,' or 'I don't mind making remarks on X,' and all of a sudden it's there. And in the meantime you've agreed to something the day before or the day after, and they're in different places. I'm on several boards, and so it's difficult to fit it all in.
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TOUGH GUY: Public Schools Cop Shoots At Fleeing Kids Who Had Been MAKING OUT
School district officials in Tulsa, Okla. have placed one of the district’s police officers on paid administrative leave because he fired his gun at a vehicle containing a pair of teenagers who were trying to get busy in a car.
The shooting incident happened over the weekend in the parking lot of Eliot Elementary School,reports Tulsa Fox affiliate KOKI.
The unidentified school cop fired at the back of the vehicle as the 17-year-old driver was fleeing the scene, according to the real Tulsa police detectives who later investigated the incident.
The kids in the car were “probably doing something that they shouldn’t have been,” Tulsa police spokesman Chris Payne told KOKI.
Sensing trouble, the school cop approached the vehicle to find out what was happening. Instead of answering the cop’s questions, the driver chose to try to get the hell out of dodge.
The school cop said he felt jeopardized by the fact that a confused kid in the midst of a face-sucking session drove away from him. In response, then, he pulled out his gun and shot at the absconding vehicle, striking it with a live bullet in the rear left tire.
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The shooting incident happened over the weekend in the parking lot of Eliot Elementary School,reports Tulsa Fox affiliate KOKI.
The unidentified school cop fired at the back of the vehicle as the 17-year-old driver was fleeing the scene, according to the real Tulsa police detectives who later investigated the incident.
The kids in the car were “probably doing something that they shouldn’t have been,” Tulsa police spokesman Chris Payne told KOKI.
Sensing trouble, the school cop approached the vehicle to find out what was happening. Instead of answering the cop’s questions, the driver chose to try to get the hell out of dodge.
The school cop said he felt jeopardized by the fact that a confused kid in the midst of a face-sucking session drove away from him. In response, then, he pulled out his gun and shot at the absconding vehicle, striking it with a live bullet in the rear left tire.
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New Salisbury Office Working To Market City
SALISBURY — Six months in, the freshly created Office of Business Development gave its first status update to the Salisbury City Council this month.
So far the outlook is good, according to Director Laura Kordzikowski, as the office has made headway with its “Let’s Do Business Salisbury” campaign and economic interest downtown appears to be growing.
Seeing as how the office has only existed for half a year, Kordzikowski admitted that there has been a lot of “self-created job training” as she has adjusted to the position.
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So far the outlook is good, according to Director Laura Kordzikowski, as the office has made headway with its “Let’s Do Business Salisbury” campaign and economic interest downtown appears to be growing.
Seeing as how the office has only existed for half a year, Kordzikowski admitted that there has been a lot of “self-created job training” as she has adjusted to the position.
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28th Annual Statewide Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics
The 28th ANNUAL STATEWIDE LAW ENFORCEMENT TORCH RUN involving over 500Law Enforcement Officers and spanning 160 miles will be held between Wednesday, June 4thand Friday, June 6th.
Special Olympics Delaware provides a year-round program of quality sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities and/or cognitive delays. A family of over 4,000 volunteers makes this program possible for the more than 3,700 athletes who compete in Special Olympics Delaware. The organization builds sports skills, confidence, strength, motivation and self-esteem ... not just for the athletes, but for everyone involved.
This year’s Torch Run will be a three-day event, starting in Rehoboth Beach on Wednesday, June 4th at 7:00 p.m. The First State Band will lead the gala Torch Run sendoff from theRehoboth Beach Bandstand. On Thursday, June 5th the Torch will start at Lewes, Georgetown and Delmar and will travel to Milford, Harrington, Dover, Smyrna, and Odessa. The event continues on Friday, June 6th from Troop 9, with the Torch proceeding to the Wilmington Police Headquarters in Wilmington for a 1:20 p.m. celebration. The event culminates with a final leg into the University of Delaware Bob Carpenter Center for the official opening of the 2014 Summer Games where the Special Olympics Flame of Hope will be delivered.
Special Olympics Delaware provides a year-round program of quality sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities and/or cognitive delays. A family of over 4,000 volunteers makes this program possible for the more than 3,700 athletes who compete in Special Olympics Delaware. The organization builds sports skills, confidence, strength, motivation and self-esteem ... not just for the athletes, but for everyone involved.
This year’s Torch Run will be a three-day event, starting in Rehoboth Beach on Wednesday, June 4th at 7:00 p.m. The First State Band will lead the gala Torch Run sendoff from theRehoboth Beach Bandstand. On Thursday, June 5th the Torch will start at Lewes, Georgetown and Delmar and will travel to Milford, Harrington, Dover, Smyrna, and Odessa. The event continues on Friday, June 6th from Troop 9, with the Torch proceeding to the Wilmington Police Headquarters in Wilmington for a 1:20 p.m. celebration. The event culminates with a final leg into the University of Delaware Bob Carpenter Center for the official opening of the 2014 Summer Games where the Special Olympics Flame of Hope will be delivered.
Joe the Plumber: “Your Dead Kids Don’t Trump My Constitutional Rights”
In the wake of the most recent mass killing tragedy in California, politicians and anti-gun advocates have come out of the woodwork in an effort to use these events as an opportunity to further their agenda.
As evidence of this look no further than the recent statements by Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal on Face the Nation.
“At least we can make a start and I am going to urge that we bring back those bills, maybe reconfigure them, centre on mental health, which is a point where we can agree that we need more resources to make the country healthier and to make sure that these kinds of horrific, insane, mad occurrences are stopped.”
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As evidence of this look no further than the recent statements by Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal on Face the Nation.
“At least we can make a start and I am going to urge that we bring back those bills, maybe reconfigure them, centre on mental health, which is a point where we can agree that we need more resources to make the country healthier and to make sure that these kinds of horrific, insane, mad occurrences are stopped.”
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Pedestrian Killed Crossing U.S. 13 in New Castle
New Castle - A 50-year-old Bear woman was killed yesterday evening while trying to cross North Dupont Highway (U.S. 13).
An initial investigation by the Collision Reconstruction Unit indicates that at 9:49 p.m. Rebecca Reese was attempting to cross the northbound lanes of North Dupont Highway, south of Del. 141, when she was struck by a 2003 Ford Taurus. The Taurus was traveling in the center lane. The driver of the Taurus, Robert Stradley, 47, of Wilmington, had swerved to avoid Reese, but the driver's side side-view mirror struck Reese, who fell onto the left lane. She was then struck by a 2006 Dodge Ram operated by George Moody, 73, of Wilmington.
Both drivers remained at the scene and were not injured. Reese was pronounced dead at the scene. At the time of the crash, she was not crossing at a crosswalk and was not wearing reflective clothing nor carrying a light.
The Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing its investigation and no charges have been filed. There were lane closures on northbound North Dupont Highway for approximately three hours as troopers investigated and cleared the crash.
Troopers remind pedestrians to use caution when walking on or near roadways. If you must cross a roadway utilize appropriate crosswalks and make sure to look left, then right, then left again before proceeding. When walking near a roadway always make yourself visible to drivers by wearing bright clothing and reflective materials. Pedestrians who are walking at night must carry a flashlight for added safety.
An initial investigation by the Collision Reconstruction Unit indicates that at 9:49 p.m. Rebecca Reese was attempting to cross the northbound lanes of North Dupont Highway, south of Del. 141, when she was struck by a 2003 Ford Taurus. The Taurus was traveling in the center lane. The driver of the Taurus, Robert Stradley, 47, of Wilmington, had swerved to avoid Reese, but the driver's side side-view mirror struck Reese, who fell onto the left lane. She was then struck by a 2006 Dodge Ram operated by George Moody, 73, of Wilmington.
Both drivers remained at the scene and were not injured. Reese was pronounced dead at the scene. At the time of the crash, she was not crossing at a crosswalk and was not wearing reflective clothing nor carrying a light.
The Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing its investigation and no charges have been filed. There were lane closures on northbound North Dupont Highway for approximately three hours as troopers investigated and cleared the crash.
Troopers remind pedestrians to use caution when walking on or near roadways. If you must cross a roadway utilize appropriate crosswalks and make sure to look left, then right, then left again before proceeding. When walking near a roadway always make yourself visible to drivers by wearing bright clothing and reflective materials. Pedestrians who are walking at night must carry a flashlight for added safety.
Cystic Fibrosis Fundraiser
Come support the CF (Cystic Fibrosis) fundraiser to help find a cure for CF. Chicken Barbecue today 31755 Mt. Hermon Rd. First come, first serve. Right by BJs at Walston Switch Rd. $7 for half a chicken, roll and a bag of chips.
Baltimore Dine & Dasher Sentenced To 5 Years For Skipping $89 Meal
The man known as “Dine and Dasher” for his repeated attempts to avoid paying for meals by faking illnesses will finally face some real jail time.
On Oct. 26, 2013, 47-year-old Andrew Palmer ordered an $89 meal at Oliver Speck’s Eats and Drinks just before the restaurant closed. When he got his bill, Palmer slumped over in his chair and appeared to be unconscious. Employees at the restaurant called 911.
But when paramedics responded to the scene, they immediately recognized Palmer, who they each treated at least five prior times for false emergency calls at restaurants.
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On Oct. 26, 2013, 47-year-old Andrew Palmer ordered an $89 meal at Oliver Speck’s Eats and Drinks just before the restaurant closed. When he got his bill, Palmer slumped over in his chair and appeared to be unconscious. Employees at the restaurant called 911.
But when paramedics responded to the scene, they immediately recognized Palmer, who they each treated at least five prior times for false emergency calls at restaurants.
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Obama to claim credit for economy-killing EPA plan
President Obama will personally drive the next nail into the coffin of America’s economy next week, proudly announcing harsh new Environmental Protection Agency restrictions on energy.
It won’t just be power plants that feel the new Clean Air Act restrictions expected Monday. Expect the president to brag about “flexibility,” which is a bureaucratic way of spreading the burdens so they will fall on consumers all across the country. The result may be delayed by lawsuits that challenge the regulations, but will in the end cause what candidate Mr. Obama long ago promised would be “skyrocketing” electric bills under his energy agenda.
Why? For the salvation of mankind.
On something simpler, like deciding if there’s wrongdoing within the Veterans Administration, Mr. Obama insists on more study. But on supposed man-made climate destruction of Planet Earth a hundred years from now, he claims the debate is over: New regulations must dictate that we kill America’s economy now, lest our economy kill the planet in a century or so.
It’s as though the Terminator came back and visited Mr. Obama, spooking him with visions of an apocalypse-yet-to-come. More likely, what he actually saw were just the special effects that Hollywood is so fond of.
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It won’t just be power plants that feel the new Clean Air Act restrictions expected Monday. Expect the president to brag about “flexibility,” which is a bureaucratic way of spreading the burdens so they will fall on consumers all across the country. The result may be delayed by lawsuits that challenge the regulations, but will in the end cause what candidate Mr. Obama long ago promised would be “skyrocketing” electric bills under his energy agenda.
Why? For the salvation of mankind.
On something simpler, like deciding if there’s wrongdoing within the Veterans Administration, Mr. Obama insists on more study. But on supposed man-made climate destruction of Planet Earth a hundred years from now, he claims the debate is over: New regulations must dictate that we kill America’s economy now, lest our economy kill the planet in a century or so.
It’s as though the Terminator came back and visited Mr. Obama, spooking him with visions of an apocalypse-yet-to-come. More likely, what he actually saw were just the special effects that Hollywood is so fond of.
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AWESOME: Dr. Ben Carson OWNS Former Democrat Gov.
Former Ohio Governor Ted Strickland accused Dr. Ben Carson of comparing our country to Nazi, Germany on Crossfire tonight. Carson explained what he actually said and what he meant, but Strickland still doubled down, even throwing his new book into the mix. But that was Strickland’s mistake and that’s where Carson got him.
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Michelle Obama slams GOP move to add white potatoes to food benefits
A GOP measure to add white potatoes to the list of foods low-income women can buy using poverty benefits would increase childhood obesity, says First Lady Michelle Obama.
In an op-ed in the New York Times today, Obama accused Congress of attempting 'to undo so much of what we’ve accomplished on behalf of our children.'
She specifically used a House Republican effort to reform the Women, Infants and Children program as proof positive that Congress is trying to 'override science.'
'Now, there is nothing wrong with potatoes,' Obama wrote. 'The problem is that many women and children already consume enough potatoes and not enough of the nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables they need.'
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In an op-ed in the New York Times today, Obama accused Congress of attempting 'to undo so much of what we’ve accomplished on behalf of our children.'
She specifically used a House Republican effort to reform the Women, Infants and Children program as proof positive that Congress is trying to 'override science.'
'Now, there is nothing wrong with potatoes,' Obama wrote. 'The problem is that many women and children already consume enough potatoes and not enough of the nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables they need.'
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Arrest Made in September 2013 Dagsboro Homicide
Dagsboro – Detectives from the Delaware State Police Homicide Unit have arrested a woman for the September homicide of Harold H. Medes 3rd, 53.
The investigation began at approximately 6:00 p.m. on September 23 when troopers responded to a residence in the 30000 block of Power Plant Road and found Medes suffering from stab wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Homicide detectives initiated a lengthy investigation that included numerous witness interviews and examination and analysis of several pieces of physical evidence. Detectives ultimately concluded that Sharon K. Jester, 51, who had been residing with Medes, stabbed him with a knife during an argument.
Jester was apprehended yesterday and charged with murder first degree and possession of a deadly weapon during the commission on a felony. She is being held without bail at Sussex Correctional Institute.
Released: 053114 0905
First Update
DSP News Release: Detectives Conducting a Homicide Investigation near Dagsboro
Location: 30000 block of Power Plant Road, Dagsboro, DE
Date of Occurrence: Monday September 23, 2013 at approximately 5:50 p.m.
Victim:
Harold H. Medes 3rd, 53, Dagsboro, DE (Deceased)
Resume:
Dagsboro, DE- The Delaware State Police are releasing the name of the victim as Harold H. Medes 3rd.
Troopers were called to the residence in the 30000 block of Power Plant Road shortly before 6:00 p.m. for a report of a subject that had been stabbed. Upon arriving at the house, Medes had been located with wounds to his upper torso and pronounced dead at the scene by Sussex County Medics.
Harold Medes was removed by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and an autopsy ruled the manner of death as a homicide.
The investigation is active and ongoing as the Homicide Unit continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death, as well as conduct interviews and gather evidence.
Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
The investigation began at approximately 6:00 p.m. on September 23 when troopers responded to a residence in the 30000 block of Power Plant Road and found Medes suffering from stab wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Homicide detectives initiated a lengthy investigation that included numerous witness interviews and examination and analysis of several pieces of physical evidence. Detectives ultimately concluded that Sharon K. Jester, 51, who had been residing with Medes, stabbed him with a knife during an argument.
Jester was apprehended yesterday and charged with murder first degree and possession of a deadly weapon during the commission on a felony. She is being held without bail at Sussex Correctional Institute.
Released: 053114 0905
First Update
DSP News Release: Detectives Conducting a Homicide Investigation near Dagsboro
Location: 30000 block of Power Plant Road, Dagsboro, DE
Date of Occurrence: Monday September 23, 2013 at approximately 5:50 p.m.
Victim:
Harold H. Medes 3rd, 53, Dagsboro, DE (Deceased)
Resume:
Dagsboro, DE- The Delaware State Police are releasing the name of the victim as Harold H. Medes 3rd.
Troopers were called to the residence in the 30000 block of Power Plant Road shortly before 6:00 p.m. for a report of a subject that had been stabbed. Upon arriving at the house, Medes had been located with wounds to his upper torso and pronounced dead at the scene by Sussex County Medics.
Harold Medes was removed by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and an autopsy ruled the manner of death as a homicide.
The investigation is active and ongoing as the Homicide Unit continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death, as well as conduct interviews and gather evidence.
Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
Armed Robberies & Home Invasions on the Rise in DelMarVa
For the price of a television, it can save your life. Depend on training for court proceedings.
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Violent crime is increasing in DelMarVa rapidly. Active shooters are prevalent across the US.
Burglaries, armed robberies of businesses, and home invasions are on a rapid increase across DelMarVa. Do not allow this to happen to you. With our four day course you get:
$1,200 for families (up to 5 persons)
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Medical Marijuana Law, Speed Camera Restrictions Take Effect On Sunday
A number of new laws take effect in Maryland on Sunday.
One of the most notable laws is the measure to expand medical marijuana in Maryland.
The legislation passed this year, and signed by Governor Martin O'Malley last month, expands on a 2013 medical marijuana law that allowed academic medical centers to dispense medical marijuana to patients. None of those centers in Maryland enrolled in the program.
The legislation passed this year allows doctors to recommend marijuana to patients. The marijuana could be made available through one of 15 licensed growers and dispensaries.
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One of the most notable laws is the measure to expand medical marijuana in Maryland.
The legislation passed this year, and signed by Governor Martin O'Malley last month, expands on a 2013 medical marijuana law that allowed academic medical centers to dispense medical marijuana to patients. None of those centers in Maryland enrolled in the program.
The legislation passed this year allows doctors to recommend marijuana to patients. The marijuana could be made available through one of 15 licensed growers and dispensaries.
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We've got a sure sign that Summer is almost here
Monday-Friday: Open at 5:30pm
Saturday-Sunday: Open at 12:00 noon
Call for reservations.
Accepting parties of all sizes!
410.546.5443
HISTORICAL COMMENTS BY GEORGE CHEVALLIER 5-31-14
A Salisbury Industrial Institution
A small pump company was founded in Buffalo, N. Y. in 1923 by W. Paul Martin and Rudolph L. Schwartz. In need of pumps to supply their many gas stations, a conglomerate of Sun Oil Co. and three others bought their plant in 1932. Sun Oil retained the name of Martin and Schwartz under the able direction of a young engineer recently graduated from Lehigh University named Bill Bateman. Mr. Bateman moved the operation to Salisbury in 1939. My father had started there in 1934, and, since the depression was especially severe in Buffalo, he convinced his mother that he had better go to Salisbury with the company. He had to find someone that would promise to take care of him so far away. He was 25 at the time, but things were different in those days. At the time of his death in 1978, he was still working, having been there over 44 years.
The plant in Salisbury was on Mill Street in an existing building that was refurbished to build gasoline pumps. In 1939, war was raging over in Europe, and America was supplying much of the war materials. Another plant was built and another company formed just for purpose of die making. It opened in September 1941. It was called Precision Development Company and it was built on College Ave., just east of Route 13, which had only been constructed in 1939. PDC and M & S attained five “E” awards during the war for their efficiency. One of these was presented to them by none other than Lowell Thomas. The “E” award flag, one of the individual pins, a PDC identification badge and the booklet from the first presentation are pictured above. Subsequent awards added a star to the flag. I consider these to be highly-prized items.
During the war, M & S made 3,387,670 ordnance items. These covered 37 MM shells, 37 MM shot, base detonating fuses, and cap detonating fuses. PDC was more varied and covered ship bearings ranging in size from 5 ½ to 25 inches, 481,000 miscellaneous aircraft parts, 99,000 torpedo parts and a large quantity of assemblies for radar. Other items manufactured at PDC are too varied and too numerous to mention in detail.
Also during the war, 59 people from the two plants entered the armed forces. This number included two women. Only one man was killed, and this was during a training camp accident. No other casualties were suffered during the war. Because of the increase in military orders, employment climbed from 127 in 1941 to a high of about 415 in 1944.
Finally Martin & Schwartz acquired PDC in April, 1948. The two plants struggled after the war since there was not much demand for gasoline pumps. For a time they made radios and tape recorders, but as soon as the economy straightened out and people started hitting the roads, they were back to making pumps.
In 1951, they merged with Wayne Pump Company with Bill Bateman retaining the presidency. They also acquired the Globe Hoist Company of Philadelphia in 1959, enlarging the College Avenue plant to accommodate the operation.
The final merger was with Dresser Industries of Dallas, Texas in 1968.
The hand writing was on the wall as Dresser kept moving key personnel to Dallas. The end of the history of a small pump plant from Buffalo, N. Y. that moved to Salisbury came in 2001. Salisbury University now owns the property, and all the buildings have been razed- but not before many a man raised his family from what he earned at Martin & Schwartz.
Watch How Vastly Different West Point Cadets React Between Hearing Presidents Obama and Bush
Even the pundits at CNN had to agree – President Obama’s reception at West Point was nothing short of “icy.” His graduation speech has been slammed as being less “Commander in Chief” and more “policy wonk playing defense.” And the way the audience reacted supports it.
He receives a standing ovation from about a fourth of the audience who has come to see the the West Point class of 2014 graduate and commission as 2nd Lieutenants, and throughout his speech, he receives only mild applause from the graduates and their friends and families.
Compare that to the speech President George W. Bush gave to the corps of cadets in 2008 in his last military academy speech as President:
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He receives a standing ovation from about a fourth of the audience who has come to see the the West Point class of 2014 graduate and commission as 2nd Lieutenants, and throughout his speech, he receives only mild applause from the graduates and their friends and families.
Compare that to the speech President George W. Bush gave to the corps of cadets in 2008 in his last military academy speech as President:
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Over 845,000 Motorists Traveled Delaware's Toll Plazas this Memorial Day Weekend
Dover -- This past holiday weekend over 845,000 motorists passed through Delaware's three toll plaza locations on I-95 in Newark, Route 1 at Biddle's Corner, and Route 1 in Dover. It is estimated that over $1.9 million was collected in tolls during the four-day period at Delaware's toll plazas.
Over 60 percent of the counted trips utilized the convenience of E-ZPass, the electronic toll collection system. Motorists can make their trips on I-95 and Route 1 more convenient by maintaining an E-ZPass account. To get an E-ZPass account, go to Delaware E-ZPass and click on "Get E-ZPass". Customers can also register for an E-ZPass account in person at any Toll Plaza customer service center 24-hours a day, or by calling 1-888-397-2773 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays, and from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday.
Over 60 percent of the counted trips utilized the convenience of E-ZPass, the electronic toll collection system. Motorists can make their trips on I-95 and Route 1 more convenient by maintaining an E-ZPass account. To get an E-ZPass account, go to Delaware E-ZPass and click on "Get E-ZPass". Customers can also register for an E-ZPass account in person at any Toll Plaza customer service center 24-hours a day, or by calling 1-888-397-2773 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays, and from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday.
Dick Cheney: Obama Is “Very, Very Weak… The Weakest of My Lifetime” (Video)
“I think the perception around the world is increasingly negative. But, I think the main focus in on our president. He’s very, very weak, maybe the weakest certainly in my lifetime. I know from my own experience in a recent trip through the Middle East spending several days talking with folks I’ve dealt with all the way back to Desert Storm, they are all absolutely convinced that the American capacity to lead and influence events in that part of the world has been dramatically reduced by this president.”
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Palin Says Illegals Get Better Care Than Veterans, To Some Degree
Well, Team Obama and Democrats certainly works harder to make sure that illegals are treated better overall (video available at Mediaite)
(Politico) Sarah Palin says illegal immigrants are getting better health care than the country’s vets.
“In many respects, illegal aliens in our country today are receiving better health care, more benefits than our troops,” Palin said in an interview on Thursday with FOX’s “Hannity” at the Republican Leadership Conference.
Addressing the scandal at the Department of Veterans Affaris, Palin and host Sean Hannity made comparisons between Guantanamo Bay and the VA, claiming that the ratio of doctors to prisoners is 1 for every 1.5, while the VA has a ratio of 1 doctor for every 35 vets.
When Hannity called the VA a “death trap,” Palin agreed.
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(Politico) Sarah Palin says illegal immigrants are getting better health care than the country’s vets.
“In many respects, illegal aliens in our country today are receiving better health care, more benefits than our troops,” Palin said in an interview on Thursday with FOX’s “Hannity” at the Republican Leadership Conference.
Addressing the scandal at the Department of Veterans Affaris, Palin and host Sean Hannity made comparisons between Guantanamo Bay and the VA, claiming that the ratio of doctors to prisoners is 1 for every 1.5, while the VA has a ratio of 1 doctor for every 35 vets.
When Hannity called the VA a “death trap,” Palin agreed.
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US Marine Sgt. Stripped, Beaten, Chained, Threatened of Rape By Mexican Guards (Video)
Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi told Greta Van Susteren tonight that he had been beaten and slapped by Mexican authorities. He also said he was stripped and chained to a bed by the guards and slapped across the face several times.
Tahmooressi acknowledged at the border he had registered weapons and that he had no intention of even entering Mexico.
Tahmooressi has been held in a Mexican prison for weeks on gun charges. He mistakenly crossed into Mexico with guns registered in the U.S.. His best friend compared his plight to that of a prisoner of war. On Thursday Andrew told Greta:
“Indirectly they were telling me they were threatening to rape me to kill me… THey stripped me of my clothes and then they handcuffed me my hands to a bedpost and my feet to a bedpost.”
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Tahmooressi acknowledged at the border he had registered weapons and that he had no intention of even entering Mexico.
Tahmooressi has been held in a Mexican prison for weeks on gun charges. He mistakenly crossed into Mexico with guns registered in the U.S.. His best friend compared his plight to that of a prisoner of war. On Thursday Andrew told Greta:
“Indirectly they were telling me they were threatening to rape me to kill me… THey stripped me of my clothes and then they handcuffed me my hands to a bedpost and my feet to a bedpost.”
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Transgender Says "Tranny" is Offensive
RUSH: Tina, Colorado Springs, Colorado. Hi. Welcome to the program.
CALLER: Thanks for having me on, Rush. I really appreciate it.
RUSH: You're more than welcome. It's great to have you here.
CALLER: When I heard you this morning, you know, one thing that jumped right out at me was when you used the Scalia quote about gay marriage, to say that this is gonna lead to all kinds of other implied bad things, and then you linked transgenderism in, you know, getting our rights in with that. You know, that really alerted me that I wanted to talk to you.
RUSH: Now, wait. No, no, wait, I was reading from TIME Magazine.
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CALLER: Thanks for having me on, Rush. I really appreciate it.
RUSH: You're more than welcome. It's great to have you here.
CALLER: When I heard you this morning, you know, one thing that jumped right out at me was when you used the Scalia quote about gay marriage, to say that this is gonna lead to all kinds of other implied bad things, and then you linked transgenderism in, you know, getting our rights in with that. You know, that really alerted me that I wanted to talk to you.
RUSH: Now, wait. No, no, wait, I was reading from TIME Magazine.
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Civil Rights: Not Just for Black People Anymore
Dear Professor Black;
Just a few weeks ago, one of my students, who is also one of your students, informed me that you have formed and expressed a very strong and negative opinion about the outcome of a civil rights case I was recently involved in with the university. I want to start by saying that I strongly support your right to criticize me by name in the classroom. Even crude, unprofessional, and uninformed speech is protected by our constitution. But the same principles that allow you to express your views also allow me to respond.
Our mutual student claims that you characterized the jury verdict, which was in my favor, as "b*ll$h*t." Because he is a war veteran, I do not question the veracity of his claims. Whatever specific terminology you used is irrelevant. Even crude terms like "b*ll$h*t" are protected by the constitution.
While your argument seems to have been crude, at least the characterization had the effect of communicating that you sided with the university in the matter. This is an example of how even crude speech can be somewhat effective - to the extent that it actually communicates one's position on a matter of importance. At least it lets people know where you stand. This is one of the nice things about living in a free country where people are allowed to vent their frustrations in nonviolent ways.
Of course, many people would take issue with your decision to talk about my recent case in front of your students. But I have no problem with that. In fact, I'm always happy when professors criticize me in the classroom. The word usually gets back to me because the students are usually on my side. Then, I get to write a column about it for money (and use the profits to buy guns and bullets). So I thank you for continuing to give me ammunition - both literally and metaphorically speaking.
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Just a few weeks ago, one of my students, who is also one of your students, informed me that you have formed and expressed a very strong and negative opinion about the outcome of a civil rights case I was recently involved in with the university. I want to start by saying that I strongly support your right to criticize me by name in the classroom. Even crude, unprofessional, and uninformed speech is protected by our constitution. But the same principles that allow you to express your views also allow me to respond.
Our mutual student claims that you characterized the jury verdict, which was in my favor, as "b*ll$h*t." Because he is a war veteran, I do not question the veracity of his claims. Whatever specific terminology you used is irrelevant. Even crude terms like "b*ll$h*t" are protected by the constitution.
While your argument seems to have been crude, at least the characterization had the effect of communicating that you sided with the university in the matter. This is an example of how even crude speech can be somewhat effective - to the extent that it actually communicates one's position on a matter of importance. At least it lets people know where you stand. This is one of the nice things about living in a free country where people are allowed to vent their frustrations in nonviolent ways.
Of course, many people would take issue with your decision to talk about my recent case in front of your students. But I have no problem with that. In fact, I'm always happy when professors criticize me in the classroom. The word usually gets back to me because the students are usually on my side. Then, I get to write a column about it for money (and use the profits to buy guns and bullets). So I thank you for continuing to give me ammunition - both literally and metaphorically speaking.
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Back To Work After 30 Years
The shortest video you've ever seen so pay attention... A woman goes back to
work after thirty years. Watch carefully, the video is only 5 seconds long,
but, you'll get it.
If you're younger than 40 years old, you probably won't understand it.