DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
HILARIOUS: Boehner Wishes Merry Christmas – Social Media Responds With Anger
Where to begin? This is hysterical. You screw the majority of America over… betray your conservative base… put a hit out on the Tea Party… cave to Obama and the Marxists, and give the President everything he wants… and then you wish everyone a Merry Christmas. Hypocrisy, thy name is John Boehner. But hey, his digital Christmas card says: “Thanks be unto God for his indescribable gift.” I assume Boehner is not referring to Jesus, but instead to the power and money he has amassed since ascending to Speaker of the House and being bought off by Marxists.
REALLY??!? Vets believe a seal pup was attacked by other seals because of its color calling it ‘a racist attack’
From the Daily Mail:
Vets believe a black seal pup beaten up, bullied and abandoned by its family and other seals was a victim of racist attacks.
The two-week-old pup had an ulcerated eye and a variety of scar wounds believed to have been inflicted by other seals that were wary of his different appearance.
The rare-coloured seal was found on the Scilly Isles and is now recuperating at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary.
The pup was named ‘Badger’ because he is coloured similarly to a U.S. comic book super hero named The Badger.
The jet black pup appeared traumatised by his experiences in the wild.
Tamara Cooper, the sanctuary’s animal care team supervisor, said: ‘When he arrived he had an infection and was struggling to feed himself.
‘He was very shaken up and we had to put him on a course of antibiotics and ensure that we gave him lots of TLC.
‘Soon the pup started to recover and we discovered that he was a lovely animal.
‘We chose the theme of superheroes for the names of all our rescued pups this winter and Badger just seemed the perfect choice for our all-black newcomer.’
Black seal pups are a rare occurrence with the majority of seal pups being a shade of white or light grey.
Tamara added: ‘When he moulted his infant coat the coat beneath was inky black.
‘Black pups are very rare in the south of England and are more usually found among the Scottish population.
‘We haven’t had a black pup in our care since 2007 so we love being able to have this opportunity to care for him.’
More
Relative: Woman killed in Wal-Mart 'loving mother'
HAYDEN, Idaho (AP) - A relative of the woman who was accidentally shot and killed by her 2-year-old son at an Idaho Wal-Mart says she was a "loving mother."
The Kootenai County sheriff's department has identified the victim as 29-year-old Veronica J. Rutledge, of Blackfoot, Idaho.
Authorities say she was shopping Tuesday morning with her son when the boy reached into her purse and grabbed a small-caliber handgun, which discharged.
The victim's father-in-law, Terry Rutledge, says the woman was "taken much too soon."
The shooting occurred in the Wal-Mart in Hayden, Idaho, a town about 40 miles northeast of Spokane, Washington.
Source
The Kootenai County sheriff's department has identified the victim as 29-year-old Veronica J. Rutledge, of Blackfoot, Idaho.
Authorities say she was shopping Tuesday morning with her son when the boy reached into her purse and grabbed a small-caliber handgun, which discharged.
The victim's father-in-law, Terry Rutledge, says the woman was "taken much too soon."
The shooting occurred in the Wal-Mart in Hayden, Idaho, a town about 40 miles northeast of Spokane, Washington.
Source
More Md. drivers choose military license plates
FREDERICK, Md. (AP) — Rick Stup is so deeply involved with the American Legion that even his car bears the organization’s name.
Stup, an Army veteran, past commander of Post 11 in Frederick and an American Legion member for more than 40 years, has had license plates featuring the organization’s name and logo since the 1970s.
“It’s just my way of showing support,” said Stup, of Frederick.
According to data from the Motor Vehicle Administration, more Maryland drivers are choosing license plates that represent their military service.
More
Stup, an Army veteran, past commander of Post 11 in Frederick and an American Legion member for more than 40 years, has had license plates featuring the organization’s name and logo since the 1970s.
“It’s just my way of showing support,” said Stup, of Frederick.
According to data from the Motor Vehicle Administration, more Maryland drivers are choosing license plates that represent their military service.
More
Wall Street Banks Get a Christmas Gift From the Fed
Wall Street is dismantling financial reform piece by piece while Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen and Congress look the other way, according to New Republic contributor David Dayen.
Last week the Fed delayed by two years the Volcker rule, a prohibition on banks' proprietary trading in funds that are federally insured.
That followed by a few days Congress' "Christmas gift" to Wall Street with the elimination of Dodd-Frank Section 716, which required banks to put their riskiest swaps — the kinds of synthetic trades that helped prompt the 2008 financial meltdown — into separate subsidiaries to wall them off from the potential need for more taxpayer bailouts.
"Banks already have had four years since the passage of Dodd-Frank to comply with the Volcker rule; with the multiple Federal Reserve extensions, they now have nearly seven years to unwind investments in entities like private equity firms and hedge funds," Dayen wrote.
"The Fed also confirmed a previous announcement that banks need not exit their investments in collateralized loan obligations until 2017. This gives financial institutions nearly three more years of exposure to investments that could easily go sour."
He noted the Fed acted without even requiring the big banks to apply for the extension they were granted, which could have brought the matter to the public.
"You have to believe that it's less a case of not being able to exit investments, and more a case of simply not wanting to. Banks lobbied the Federal Reserve for the extension because of the possibility of taking losses if they had to get out of the investments by next July, as scheduled," Dayen wrote.
More
Last week the Fed delayed by two years the Volcker rule, a prohibition on banks' proprietary trading in funds that are federally insured.
That followed by a few days Congress' "Christmas gift" to Wall Street with the elimination of Dodd-Frank Section 716, which required banks to put their riskiest swaps — the kinds of synthetic trades that helped prompt the 2008 financial meltdown — into separate subsidiaries to wall them off from the potential need for more taxpayer bailouts.
"Banks already have had four years since the passage of Dodd-Frank to comply with the Volcker rule; with the multiple Federal Reserve extensions, they now have nearly seven years to unwind investments in entities like private equity firms and hedge funds," Dayen wrote.
"The Fed also confirmed a previous announcement that banks need not exit their investments in collateralized loan obligations until 2017. This gives financial institutions nearly three more years of exposure to investments that could easily go sour."
He noted the Fed acted without even requiring the big banks to apply for the extension they were granted, which could have brought the matter to the public.
"You have to believe that it's less a case of not being able to exit investments, and more a case of simply not wanting to. Banks lobbied the Federal Reserve for the extension because of the possibility of taking losses if they had to get out of the investments by next July, as scheduled," Dayen wrote.
More
Sweetheart deal? Unions allowed to cut retiree benefits rather than fix underfunded pensions
But when it comes to standing by the obligation unions made to provide pensions to retirees, UFCW pleaded poverty in persuading Congress to let chronically underfunded union pension plans cut the benefits of workers, including those already retired.
“Declining participation and factors like the Great Recession have created a new reality for Taft-Hartley multiemployer plans wherein many of them are substantially underfunded,” departing UFCW President Joseph T. Hansen wrote to the House Education and the Workforce Committee in a letter this month.
More
What Pa. newspapers don't tell Perdue's intended victims: #1. CANCER: By Ray Wallace
#1. CANCER
Perdue:
Claims the over 200 tons of toxic waste hexane it's asking Pennsylvania permission to forever dump each year into Susquehanna Valley air is not a carcinogen.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency:
Claims the over 200 tons of toxic waste hexane it's asking Pennsylvania permission to forever dump each year into Susquehanna Valley air is not a carcinogen.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency:
Finds hexane isn't classifiable as to human carcinogenicity, based on a lack of data concerning carcinogenicity in humans and animals.
In July 2014:
The jury in the case Cynthia Robinson v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company awarded the widow of a longtime smoker who died of lung cancer more than $16 million in compensatory damages and more than $23 billion in punitive damages. The tobacco company was found negligent in informing Robinson's husband that smoking causes lung cancer.
Nearly a third of Maryland cigarette retailers are selling to minors
Maryland conducted inspections at random between May and September and discovered 32 percent of stores sold cigarettes to customers younger than 18. In some counties, the rate was much higher.
While federal law requires stores to check IDs on customers younger than 27, just 37 percent of underage customers in Maryland were asked to show ID, according to the report.
More
Lawsuit digs to unearth Obama’s ‘enemies list’
'A terrible record in respecting the First Amendment rights of journalists'
Does Barack Obama have an “enemies list?”
If so, what does he do with the list, and who is on it?
These are some of the questions raised in a lawsuit by Judicial Watch and award-winning journalist Sharyl Attkisson.
The complaint alleges the Department of Justice and the White House monitored Attkisson, who worked for CBS News and now reports independently, because of her investigations into the Fast and Furious scandal.
Attkisson filed suit after the federal government essentially ignored requests to turn over information it had collected on her.
The Justice Department’s Fast and Furious sting operation facilitated the sale of weapons to illegal straw buyers in an attempt to trace the weapons to Mexican drug cartel leaders and arrest them. An estimated 2,000 weapons were part of the operation, but only about one-third were recovered, and no high-level cartel figures were arrested. One of the guns tracked by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives was found at the scene of the murder of Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry in December 2010.
More
Does Barack Obama have an “enemies list?”
If so, what does he do with the list, and who is on it?
These are some of the questions raised in a lawsuit by Judicial Watch and award-winning journalist Sharyl Attkisson.
The complaint alleges the Department of Justice and the White House monitored Attkisson, who worked for CBS News and now reports independently, because of her investigations into the Fast and Furious scandal.
Attkisson filed suit after the federal government essentially ignored requests to turn over information it had collected on her.
The Justice Department’s Fast and Furious sting operation facilitated the sale of weapons to illegal straw buyers in an attempt to trace the weapons to Mexican drug cartel leaders and arrest them. An estimated 2,000 weapons were part of the operation, but only about one-third were recovered, and no high-level cartel figures were arrested. One of the guns tracked by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives was found at the scene of the murder of Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry in December 2010.
More
40 Maps That Will Help You Make Sense of the World
If you’re a visual learner like myself, then you know maps, charts and infographics can really help bring data and information to life. Maps can make a point resonate with readers and this collection aims to do just that.
Hopefully some of these maps will surprise you and you’ll learn something new. A few are important to know, some interpret and display data in a beautiful or creative way, and a few may even make you chuckle or shake your head.
If you enjoy this collection of maps, the Sifter highly recommends the r/MapPorn sub reddit. You should also check outChartsBin.com. There were also fantastic posts on Business Insider and Bored Panda earlier this year that are worth checking out. Enjoy!
Hopefully some of these maps will surprise you and you’ll learn something new. A few are important to know, some interpret and display data in a beautiful or creative way, and a few may even make you chuckle or shake your head.
If you enjoy this collection of maps, the Sifter highly recommends the r/MapPorn sub reddit. You should also check outChartsBin.com. There were also fantastic posts on Business Insider and Bored Panda earlier this year that are worth checking out. Enjoy!
The Ten Top Political Stories of 2014
Although we may disagree about some of the entries on this list, there can be no doubt what the top political story of 2014 was. Larry Hogan’s stunning and decisive victory in the gubernatorial election seemed a remote possibility early in the year. Even as Nov. 4 approached, few observers saw Hogan taking the lead much less winning by the margin that he did.
What makes this the most important political event of the past year, however, is its importance for the next four. Hogan will not only control the Executive Branch of state government but will also have an opportunity to reshape the political landscape of Maryland. Whether he is actually able to do that will depend on the choices he makes and the skill that he demonstrates, but there will also be other factors outside of his immediate control.
Will he be able to forge a constructive working relationship with the leadership of the General Assembly? Can he shake the state economy out of its doldrums? Will he be able to convince voters that he is a problem solver, not an ideologue or a captive of the extreme right wing of his party?
More
What makes this the most important political event of the past year, however, is its importance for the next four. Hogan will not only control the Executive Branch of state government but will also have an opportunity to reshape the political landscape of Maryland. Whether he is actually able to do that will depend on the choices he makes and the skill that he demonstrates, but there will also be other factors outside of his immediate control.
Will he be able to forge a constructive working relationship with the leadership of the General Assembly? Can he shake the state economy out of its doldrums? Will he be able to convince voters that he is a problem solver, not an ideologue or a captive of the extreme right wing of his party?
More
Origins Of Today’s Middle East Cauldron: Machinations Of British & French Imperialists During WWI
The wall-to-wall coverage of the disintegration of Iraq ought to carry this credit: “This bloodshed was made possible by the generosity of British and French imperialists.”
The stomach-wrenching violence in Iraq — not to mention the horrendous civil war in Syria, the chronic unrest in Palestine/Israel, and problems elsewhere in the Middle East — are direct consequences of the imperialist acts of the British and French governments at the end of World War I, the history-altering catastrophe that began 100 years ago.
The story has been told many times. The government of Great Britain wanted to disrupt the Ottoman Empire’s ability to help Germany and the Austro-Hungarian Empire in the Great War. So the British dispatched personnel, most famously T.E. Lawrence (“Lawrence of Arabia”), to persuade the Arab leaders to revolt against the Turks, in return for which they would gain their independence in (roughly) the Levant (what today is Israel/Palestine, Jordan, and Syria), Mesopotamia (Iraq), and the Arabian Peninsula. The Arab leadership agreed and proceeded to obstruct the Turks’ war efforts.
More
The stomach-wrenching violence in Iraq — not to mention the horrendous civil war in Syria, the chronic unrest in Palestine/Israel, and problems elsewhere in the Middle East — are direct consequences of the imperialist acts of the British and French governments at the end of World War I, the history-altering catastrophe that began 100 years ago.
The story has been told many times. The government of Great Britain wanted to disrupt the Ottoman Empire’s ability to help Germany and the Austro-Hungarian Empire in the Great War. So the British dispatched personnel, most famously T.E. Lawrence (“Lawrence of Arabia”), to persuade the Arab leaders to revolt against the Turks, in return for which they would gain their independence in (roughly) the Levant (what today is Israel/Palestine, Jordan, and Syria), Mesopotamia (Iraq), and the Arabian Peninsula. The Arab leadership agreed and proceeded to obstruct the Turks’ war efforts.
More
Md. Governor’s Mansion Ranked 2nd Biggest in U.S.
LANHAM, Md. (WNEW) — Governor Martin O’Malley and his family are living in the second biggest governor’s mansion in the country, according to the real estate blog Movoto.
Movoto looked at governors’ mansions in 44 states (since not all states have governor’s mansions) and ranked the top ten biggest.
The Maryland Governor’s Mansion, located on State Circle in the city’s capital of Annapolis, is estimated to be valued at $7 million and is about 38,000 square feet.
More
Movoto looked at governors’ mansions in 44 states (since not all states have governor’s mansions) and ranked the top ten biggest.
The Maryland Governor’s Mansion, located on State Circle in the city’s capital of Annapolis, is estimated to be valued at $7 million and is about 38,000 square feet.
More
ONE KILLED AND SEVERAL INJURED IN CAROLINE CO. CRASH
Maryland State Police Press Release
12/30/2014
12/30/2014
(PRESTON, MD) – One person was killed and several injured in a two vehicle crash this morning in Caroline County.
The person fatally injured is identified as Michaela D. Coulbourn, 50, of Preston, Md. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Ms. Coulbourn was the driver and only occupant of a 2005 Cadillac passenger car.
The driver of the 2013 Ford bus is identified as Rome E. Brittingham Jr., 68, of Denton, Md. Mr. Brittingham was driving a state-owned bus that was providing county transportation for individuals to an adult care facility.
Shortly after 8:30 a.m. today, troopers from the Easton Barracks were dispatched to the crash that occurred on Bethlehem Rd. (Rt. 528), one-tenth of a mile east of Newton Rd., in Preston, Md. Arriving troopers found the Cadillac and Ford bus had collided and the bus had overturned onto its side. EMS and fire personnel responded to the scene and transported the bus driver, his assistant, and the five people being driven to the care facility to Easton Memorial Hospital.
The preliminary investigation indicates the two vehicles were traveling in opposite directions as they approached each other on Bethlehem Rd. For reasons unclear at this time, the Cadillac apparently drifted across the centerline and into the path of the oncoming Ford bus. The bus driver tried to avoid the collision, but the Cadillac struck the bus on the driver’s side near the rear axle, causing the bus to overturn.
The investigation is continuing.
The person fatally injured is identified as Michaela D. Coulbourn, 50, of Preston, Md. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Ms. Coulbourn was the driver and only occupant of a 2005 Cadillac passenger car.
The driver of the 2013 Ford bus is identified as Rome E. Brittingham Jr., 68, of Denton, Md. Mr. Brittingham was driving a state-owned bus that was providing county transportation for individuals to an adult care facility.
Shortly after 8:30 a.m. today, troopers from the Easton Barracks were dispatched to the crash that occurred on Bethlehem Rd. (Rt. 528), one-tenth of a mile east of Newton Rd., in Preston, Md. Arriving troopers found the Cadillac and Ford bus had collided and the bus had overturned onto its side. EMS and fire personnel responded to the scene and transported the bus driver, his assistant, and the five people being driven to the care facility to Easton Memorial Hospital.
The preliminary investigation indicates the two vehicles were traveling in opposite directions as they approached each other on Bethlehem Rd. For reasons unclear at this time, the Cadillac apparently drifted across the centerline and into the path of the oncoming Ford bus. The bus driver tried to avoid the collision, but the Cadillac struck the bus on the driver’s side near the rear axle, causing the bus to overturn.
The investigation is continuing.
Kindness of a stranger: Man gave young dad he met in courtroom $983 so he could avoid becoming a felon after overhearing he could not afford to pay the fine
What a great man! A generous attorney who overheard how a defendant could not afford restitution in his theft case has given the young father $983 so he avoids becoming a felon.
A generous attorney who overheard how a defendant could not afford restitution in his theft case has given the young father $983 so he avoids becoming a felon.
Colin M. Murphy was sitting in Multnomah County Circuit Court in Portland, Oregon last Thursday as he waited for his case, when he heard lawyers and the judge discussing Castor Conley’s predicament.
Conley, a 27-year-old married father of a 17-month-old girl, paid $150 to $200 for a stolen Nissan truck last year and then sold it for $275 to another buyer, who in turn sold its parts, authorities said.
The defendant, who had one other conviction for a fourth-degree assault in 2011, pleaded guilty to a felony charge of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, but the deputy district attorney agreed for it to be classified as a misdemeanor if he paid $983 to the owner of the truck, The Oregonian reported.
The vehicle’s owner, Shawn Stratton, also lost camping equipment that was inside the car, as well as hundreds of dollars to cover his insurance deductible.
But Conley said he was unable to pay the money.
More
A generous attorney who overheard how a defendant could not afford restitution in his theft case has given the young father $983 so he avoids becoming a felon.
Colin M. Murphy was sitting in Multnomah County Circuit Court in Portland, Oregon last Thursday as he waited for his case, when he heard lawyers and the judge discussing Castor Conley’s predicament.
Conley, a 27-year-old married father of a 17-month-old girl, paid $150 to $200 for a stolen Nissan truck last year and then sold it for $275 to another buyer, who in turn sold its parts, authorities said.
The defendant, who had one other conviction for a fourth-degree assault in 2011, pleaded guilty to a felony charge of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, but the deputy district attorney agreed for it to be classified as a misdemeanor if he paid $983 to the owner of the truck, The Oregonian reported.
The vehicle’s owner, Shawn Stratton, also lost camping equipment that was inside the car, as well as hundreds of dollars to cover his insurance deductible.
But Conley said he was unable to pay the money.
More
Maryland’s quiet ‘reform governor’
DENTON — With the Choptank River in his backyard and his dog by his side, former Maryland Gov. Harry R. Hughes enjoys a low-key life after decades of public service.
Hughes, 88, resides alone in his two-story home — referred to as Hazelwood — hidden from passing cars on Pealiquor Road in Denton, Maryland. Next door and across the street, golf balls soar through the air at Caroline Country Club, where Hughes is a member.
His aging rescued yellow Labrador retriever, Miller, greets visitors with friendly barks. Miller and his master are slowing down, but eagerly meet their guests. Miller with inquisitive sniffs and Hughes with firm handshakes.
The house, which he and his late wife, Patricia Hughes (née Donoho) moved into about 15 years ago, was built in 1941 and previously owned by Mrs. Hughes’ parents.
More
Hughes, 88, resides alone in his two-story home — referred to as Hazelwood — hidden from passing cars on Pealiquor Road in Denton, Maryland. Next door and across the street, golf balls soar through the air at Caroline Country Club, where Hughes is a member.
His aging rescued yellow Labrador retriever, Miller, greets visitors with friendly barks. Miller and his master are slowing down, but eagerly meet their guests. Miller with inquisitive sniffs and Hughes with firm handshakes.
The house, which he and his late wife, Patricia Hughes (née Donoho) moved into about 15 years ago, was built in 1941 and previously owned by Mrs. Hughes’ parents.
More
SFD Calls For Service 12-29-14
- Monday December, 29 2014 @ 23:29Nature: Medical EmergencyCity:Salisbury
- Monday December, 29 2014 @ 22:52Nature: Medical EmergencyCity:Salisbury
- Monday December, 29 2014 @ 22:17Nature: Emergency UnknownCity:Salisbury
- Monday December, 29 2014 @ 22:16Nature: Medical EmergencyCity:Salisbury
- Monday December, 29 2014 @ 18:26Nature: Medical EmergencyCity:Salisbury
Science Increasingly Makes the Case for God
In 1966 Time magazine ran a cover story asking: Is God Dead? Many have accepted the cultural narrative that he’s obsolete—that as science progresses, there is less need for a “God” to explain the universe. Yet it turns out that the rumors of God’s death were premature. More amazing is that the relatively recent case for his existence comes from a surprising place—science itself.
Read Full Article »
Read Full Article »
Bully who won’t stop tormenting kid finally gets what he deserves
We all love videos like this. A bully will not leave another kid alone, following him around and trying to fight him. The victim tries to ignore him and keeps walking, even giving him cigarettes to pacify him, but to no avail. This goes on for quite awhile. At one point, the bully has the victim on the ground. Finally, things turn around as the bully ends up shaking and terrified on the ground himself. Watch the video below to see what happened.
Young Cons posted the video but has this observation:
More
Young Cons posted the video but has this observation:
More
Obama Care Fines Rising in 2015, IRS Prepares to Collect
Don't have health insurance? Get ready to pay up.
The ObamaCare-mandated fines for not having insurance are rising in 2015 -- and for the first time, will be collected by the Internal Revenue Service.
The individual requirement to buy health insurance went into effect earlier this year. But this coming tax season is the first time all taxpayers will have to report to the IRS whether they had health insurance for the prior year.
The fines for the 2014 year were relatively modest -- $95 per person or 1 percent of household income (above the threshold for filing taxes), whichever is more.
But insurance scofflaws face a sharp increase if they don't get covered soon. The fine will jump in 2015 to $325 or 2 percent of income, whichever is higher. By 2016, the average fine will be about $1,100, based on government figures.
More
The ObamaCare-mandated fines for not having insurance are rising in 2015 -- and for the first time, will be collected by the Internal Revenue Service.
The individual requirement to buy health insurance went into effect earlier this year. But this coming tax season is the first time all taxpayers will have to report to the IRS whether they had health insurance for the prior year.
The fines for the 2014 year were relatively modest -- $95 per person or 1 percent of household income (above the threshold for filing taxes), whichever is more.
But insurance scofflaws face a sharp increase if they don't get covered soon. The fine will jump in 2015 to $325 or 2 percent of income, whichever is higher. By 2016, the average fine will be about $1,100, based on government figures.
More
Wal-Mart letting shoppers trade gift cards from other chains for Wal-Mart credits
NEW YORK – Starting Christmas Day, Wal-Mart is letting customers exchange gift cards from more than 200 retailers, airlines and restaurants for a Wal-Mart card. The cards don't expire and can be used in stores and online.
The exchange may send more shoppers to the website of the world's largest retailer.
It's a test program, but if it's successful, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said the card swap could become a permanent service. Wal-Mart spokesman Ravi Jariwala said the chain doesn't have specific metrics to evaluate that but will watch how shoppers react.
Shoppers won't get the full value of their gift cards to use at Wal-Mart. For example, with Amazon.com, customers can redeem up to 95 percent, while for Staples that figure is up to 90 percent and for Gap, up to 85 percent. For some brands, a Wal-Mart gift card will be worth just 70 percent of the original card.
More
The exchange may send more shoppers to the website of the world's largest retailer.
It's a test program, but if it's successful, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said the card swap could become a permanent service. Wal-Mart spokesman Ravi Jariwala said the chain doesn't have specific metrics to evaluate that but will watch how shoppers react.
Shoppers won't get the full value of their gift cards to use at Wal-Mart. For example, with Amazon.com, customers can redeem up to 95 percent, while for Staples that figure is up to 90 percent and for Gap, up to 85 percent. For some brands, a Wal-Mart gift card will be worth just 70 percent of the original card.
More
Farmers Brace for Labor Shortage Under New Policy
FRESNO, Calif. (AP) — Farmers already scrambling to find workers in California — the nation's leading grower of fruits, vegetables and nuts — fear an even greater labor shortage under President Barack Obama's executive action to block some 5 million people from deportation.
Thousands of the state's farmworkers, who make up a significant portion of those who will benefit, may choose to leave the uncertainty of their seasonal jobs for steady, year-around work building homes, cooking in restaurants and cleaning hotel rooms.
"This action isn't going to bring new workers to agriculture," said Jason Resnick, vice president and general counsel of the powerful trade association Western Growers. "It's possible that because of this action, agriculture will lose workers without any mechanism to bring in new workers."
More
Thousands of the state's farmworkers, who make up a significant portion of those who will benefit, may choose to leave the uncertainty of their seasonal jobs for steady, year-around work building homes, cooking in restaurants and cleaning hotel rooms.
"This action isn't going to bring new workers to agriculture," said Jason Resnick, vice president and general counsel of the powerful trade association Western Growers. "It's possible that because of this action, agriculture will lose workers without any mechanism to bring in new workers."
More
Could SHEEP solve the problem of poor Wi-Fi signal in the countryside?
A computer scientist is hoping to change this by launching a project that will take the Internet of Things (IOT) to an area of Wales.
Proposed ideas include sheep with digital collars, sensors on riverbanks, and rainfall monitors.
The project is being led by computer scientist Professor Gordon Blair from Lancaster University.
He was recently awarded £171,495 ($267,090) from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council to set up a ‘smart’ project in Conwy, Wales.
More
Home Prices See Biggest Monthly Drop Since Polar Vortex As Case-Shiller Declines For Second Month
Case-Shiller's 20-city home price index dropped 0.1% MoM in October (on an unadjusted basis) - the second monthly drop in a row and biggest drop since the Polar Vortex. Year-over-year, home prices rose 4.5% - the weakest growth since October 2012. While this modestly beat expectations (+4.5% vs +4.4% exp.), it is the 11th month in a row of growth deceleration. Also of note: the Top 20 Composite index is now down for the second month in a row, dropping to 173.36. The question now is whether the downside momentum will pick up.
Worst annual gain since Oct 2012 and weaker 11 months in a row:
More
Worst annual gain since Oct 2012 and weaker 11 months in a row:
More
Letter Carrier Sentenced For Delivering Marijuana
GREENBELT, Md. (AP) — A former letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service in Maryland has been sentenced for delivering packages of marijuana to a conspirator on her route.
Twenty-seven-year-old Devona Charley of Washington was sentenced to a year in prison in federal court in Greenbelt on Monday.
According to her plea agreement, Charley provided 29-year-old Dominique Jones and others with addresses on her route. In a news release, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said the conspirators shipped packages containing marijuana to those addresses and then Charley would hand them over to Jones at a predetermined location along the route.
More
Twenty-seven-year-old Devona Charley of Washington was sentenced to a year in prison in federal court in Greenbelt on Monday.
According to her plea agreement, Charley provided 29-year-old Dominique Jones and others with addresses on her route. In a news release, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said the conspirators shipped packages containing marijuana to those addresses and then Charley would hand them over to Jones at a predetermined location along the route.
More
Sweetheart deal? Unions allowed to cut retiree benefits rather than fix underfunded pensions
The United Food and Commercial Workers Union is a heavyweight on the labor scene. It pays its president $350,000 a year. It’s holding its next executive board meeting in February at a swanky beachfront resort in Hollywood, Florida. And it just doled out nearly $8 million to influence the last election and lobby Washington.
But when it comes to standing by the obligation unions made to provide pensions to retirees, UFCW pleaded poverty in persuading Congress to let chronically underfunded union pension plans cut the benefits of workers, including those already retired.
“Declining participation and factors like the Great Recession have created a new reality for Taft-Hartley multiemployer plans wherein many of them are substantially underfunded,” departing UFCW President Joseph T. Hansen wrote to the House Education and the Workforce Committee in a letter this month.
More
But when it comes to standing by the obligation unions made to provide pensions to retirees, UFCW pleaded poverty in persuading Congress to let chronically underfunded union pension plans cut the benefits of workers, including those already retired.
“Declining participation and factors like the Great Recession have created a new reality for Taft-Hartley multiemployer plans wherein many of them are substantially underfunded,” departing UFCW President Joseph T. Hansen wrote to the House Education and the Workforce Committee in a letter this month.
More
WCSO Press Releases December 29, 2014 , Part 2
Costica, LiviuIncident: Unauthorized Use of Motor Vehicle
Date of Incident: 27 December 2014
Location: 400 block of N. Main Street, Hebron, MD
Suspect: Liviu A. Costica, 24, Hebron, MD
Narrative: On 27 December 2014 at 2:10 PM a deputy began an investigation into the theft of a motor vehicle from a residence in Hebron. Upon arrival, the deputy met with the resident who stated that his step-son, Liviu Costica had taken his vehicle without permission while he was gone. The victim further stated that before this incident, Costica had been demanding money. The vehicle was recovered later that day at a location in Salisbury.
The investigating deputy applied for and obtained a warrant for the arrest of Costica, who was located and taken into custody the following day. Following an appearance in front of the District Court Commissioner, Costica was detained on a bond of $25,000.00 in the Detention Center.
Charges: Unauthorized Use
Gonzalez, JoseIncident: DUI Alcohol
Date of Incident: 28 December 2014
Location: N. Salisbury Blvd. at Naylor St., Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Jose Arturo Gonzalez, 42, Seaford, DE
Narrative: On 28 December 2014 at 2:40 AM a deputy stopped a vehicle operated by Jose Gonzalez after the deputy witnessed Gonzalez almost strike a stopped Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicle on a traffic stop. Upon contacting Gonzalez, the deputy detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage. As Gonzalez exited the vehicle, the deputy had to catch him as he almost fell to the ground. These observations and other indicators suggested that Gonzalez was under the influence of alcohol. Following the administration of sobriety testing, the deputy placed Gonzalez under arrest.
During processing Gonzalez submitted to a breath test at the Sheriff’s Office. The result was .15.
The deputy also discovered that Gonzalez possessed a fraudulent Delaware driver’s license and was actually not properly licensed to drive.
Gonzalez was processed at the Central Booking Unit. Following an appearance in front of the district Court Commissioner released Gonzalez on Personal Recognizance.
Gonzalez’ vehicle was also impounded.
Charges: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving Without a License and Possession of a Fraudulent Driver’s License
Jones, ChristopherIncident: Driving Suspended
Date of Incident: 29 December 2014
Location: Camden Avenue at Cedar Lane, Fruitland, MD
Suspect: Christopher Lamont Jones, 29, Pocomoke, MD
Narrative: On 29 December 2014 at 3:56 AM a deputy stopped a vehicle operated by Christopher Jones for an equipment violation. Upon contacting Jones, he told the deputy that he did not have a license and held up a citation he received at 2:42 AM on the same date where he had been charged already with driving while suspended and without a license.
The deputy placed Jones under arrest and transported him to the Central booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, the Commissioner released Jones on $5,000.00 unsecured bond.
Charges: Driving While Suspended and Driving Without a License
Armstrong, KevinIncident: Wanted Subject
Date of Incident: 29 December 2014
Location: Naylor Mill Road at Jersey Road, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Kevin Jamar Armstrong, 23, Salisbury, MD
Narrative: On 29 December 2014 at 3:52 AM a deputy located and arrested Kevin Armstrong on an open District Court Bench Warrant that was issued after Armstrong failed to appear for a case where he had been charged with falsifying a registration plate.
Armstrong was transported to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, the Commissioner released Armstrong on Personal Recognizance.
Charges: Failure to Appear
Duffy, LaurenIncident: Warrant Arrest
Date of Incident: 29 December 2014
Location: 400 block of Parker Road, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Lauren Holland Duffy, 36, Salisbury, MD
Narrative: On 29 December 2014 at 4:30 AM a deputy located and arrested Lauren Duffy in the 400 block of Parker Road on a District Court Bench Warrant that was issued after she failed to appear for a Driving Suspended case.
Duffy was released on $25,000.00 unsecured bond by the District Court Commissioner.
Charges: Failure to Appear
Incident: DUI Alcohol
Date of Incident: 27 December 2014
Location: Old Ocean City Road at Hobbs Rd., Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Gregory S. Dematteo, 34, Salisbury, MD
Narrative: On 27 December 2014 at 2:02 AM a deputy stopped a vehicle operated by Gregory Dematteo for not having the headlights activated. Upon contacting Dematteo the deputy detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage. Based on that and other indicators the deputy suspected that Dematteo was under the influence of alcohol. Following the administration of sobriety testing, the deputy placed Dematteo under arrest.
During processing, Dematteo consented to take a breath test at the Sheriff’s Office. The result was .16.
Dematteo was released upon the issuance of citations.
Dematteo’s vehicle was also impounded.
Charges: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Releasing Authority: Lt. Tim Robinson Date: 29 December 2014
Videos from the MDA Public Hearing for PMT Easton Maryland
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxoGOMdu8WU&feature=youtu.be
Commissioner Virgil Shockley asks Dr Frank Coale University of Maryland questions about P tool Study.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKTMBRukPXo&feature=youtu.be
Simpson Donohoe clarifies facts about the P tool.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMm_nM5jR1A&feature=youtu.be
Dr Bill Angstadt provides information about Phosphorus and the PMT
Commissioner Virgil Shockley asks Dr Frank Coale University of Maryland questions about P tool Study.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKTMBRukPXo&feature=youtu.be
Simpson Donohoe clarifies facts about the P tool.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMm_nM5jR1A&feature=youtu.be
Dr Bill Angstadt provides information about Phosphorus and the PMT
MallBrawl Part II: Teen mobs terrorize malls across America
All of these occurred over the weekend.
In many of these cases, the disturbance began with a few agitators in the food court and oftentimes spilled over into the respective mall parking lot. Oftentimes witnesses described hearing shots fired, and in all of those cases, police dismissed those claims.
So far, these attacks (mostly at malls) have been documented at the following locations (click here for details on some of these incidents):
- Chicago Ridge Mall in Illinois
- Navy Pier in Illinois
- Independence Center in Missouri
- Arden Fair Mall in California
- Monroeville Mall in Pennsylvania
- Wolfchase Galleria in Tennessee
- Opry Mills Mall in Tennessee
- Walden Galleria Mall in New York
- NorthPark Mall in Iowa
- Rock and Roll McDonald’s in Chicago
- Publix supermarket in Orlando
- University Park Mall in Indiana
- Beachwood Place Mall in Ohio
- Towson Mall in Maryland
BREAKING: Two More Cops Murdered in Cold Blood… Media Silent
In the wake of incredibly disturbing amounts of anti-police rhetoric from people like Al Sharpton, Eric Holder, and even Barack Obama, there has been a marked uptick in assaults on police officers, as well as several murders.
Two NYPD officers were assassinated last week while sitting in their patrol car eating lunch by a violent, anti-police race rioter gang member who posted his intentions to kill cops on his Facebook account just hours before he carried out the execution-style attack.
Sadly, two more officers were killed over the weekend. As far as we know, the killings were not related toFerguson race-rioters, but the stories are still developing.
The first police officer killed over the weekend worked for the Flagstaff, Az. police department, as reported byPrescott News. Tyler Stewart, a 24-year old officer, was attempting to make contact with a man involved in a domestic violence incident earlier in the day. The violent man opened fire on the officer and then shot himself. They both died from the gunshot injuries.
The second officer killing took place in Florida, when 45-year-0ld police officer Charles Kondek of Tarpon Springs, Fla. was gunned down by a violent fugitive by the name of Marco Antonio Parilla Jr. He then ran over Kondek’s body as he fled the scene. He was charged with first-degree murder and was denied bail. According to NBCNews, Kondek was a 17-year veteran of the force.
More
Two NYPD officers were assassinated last week while sitting in their patrol car eating lunch by a violent, anti-police race rioter gang member who posted his intentions to kill cops on his Facebook account just hours before he carried out the execution-style attack.
Sadly, two more officers were killed over the weekend. As far as we know, the killings were not related toFerguson race-rioters, but the stories are still developing.
The first police officer killed over the weekend worked for the Flagstaff, Az. police department, as reported byPrescott News. Tyler Stewart, a 24-year old officer, was attempting to make contact with a man involved in a domestic violence incident earlier in the day. The violent man opened fire on the officer and then shot himself. They both died from the gunshot injuries.
The second officer killing took place in Florida, when 45-year-0ld police officer Charles Kondek of Tarpon Springs, Fla. was gunned down by a violent fugitive by the name of Marco Antonio Parilla Jr. He then ran over Kondek’s body as he fled the scene. He was charged with first-degree murder and was denied bail. According to NBCNews, Kondek was a 17-year veteran of the force.
More
Male Reporter Takes On Sexist Female Reporters in Epic Smackdown
By now, we’re used to the feminazis screaming like wounded banshees every time someone questions their beliefs, but one man can get them going like you wouldn’t believe. We have awesome video of the exchange that will leave you in stitches.
At the beginning of this video, you can see the host is visibly uncomfortable with the topic, and is almost condescending with the way she explains that it was “two economists, by the way” who did the study. The big-haired guest with the annoying voice then jumps in and mocks the study, saying it was done by “mostly men.” There’s your hint right there that this isn’t exactly going to be an unbiased look at this report. That feeling is only made worse by the host herself taking the side of the feminazi in the lower right-hand corner. She then goes on to insinuate that the only thing men care about is money, and that women would “take over” when asked about other areas of life. After an awkward and unnecessary pronouncement of sexuality, the host mocks the gentleman before allowing him to get a word in. The rest is what you have to see for yourself.
At the beginning of this video, you can see the host is visibly uncomfortable with the topic, and is almost condescending with the way she explains that it was “two economists, by the way” who did the study. The big-haired guest with the annoying voice then jumps in and mocks the study, saying it was done by “mostly men.” There’s your hint right there that this isn’t exactly going to be an unbiased look at this report. That feeling is only made worse by the host herself taking the side of the feminazi in the lower right-hand corner. She then goes on to insinuate that the only thing men care about is money, and that women would “take over” when asked about other areas of life. After an awkward and unnecessary pronouncement of sexuality, the host mocks the gentleman before allowing him to get a word in. The rest is what you have to see for yourself.
I Can’t Believe We Made It
If you were a kid in the 50’s,60’s,70’s or early 80’s this is a salute to you from radio station 107.9 WSRZ in Sarasota, Florida. I grew up in the 70’s and early 80’s and have fond memories of many things that today would be considered unsafe for kids. The high dive at the local YMCA pool is just one example not to mention jumping the Big Wheel and my bike off make shift ramps without a helmet. Congratulations to all those who survived!
Maryland's minimum wage and lead paint laws are about to change
If you're making a list of regulations that will affect businesses in Maryland in the new year, it probably includes pay and paint.
The first step in a series of state minimum wage increases is set to go into effect Jan. 1. So is a law expanding the number of apartments that will have to comply with Maryland's Lead Poisoning Prevention Program.
The minimum wage hike received all the press of late, as it became law earlier this year. It will push the minimum wage from the federal rate of $7.25 up to $8 per hour Jan. 1.
More
The first step in a series of state minimum wage increases is set to go into effect Jan. 1. So is a law expanding the number of apartments that will have to comply with Maryland's Lead Poisoning Prevention Program.
The minimum wage hike received all the press of late, as it became law earlier this year. It will push the minimum wage from the federal rate of $7.25 up to $8 per hour Jan. 1.
More
1st female Episcopal bishop of Maryland responsible in fatal hit-and-run
BALTIMORE – The Episcopal Church of Maryland says its first female bishop was the driver in a hit-and-run crash that killed a bicyclist in Baltimore.
Diocese spokeswoman Sharon Tillman confirmed Monday that Bishop Suffragan Heather Cook was the driver in the Saturday afternoon crash in which 41-year-old Tom Palermo was killed.
On Monday, a small makeshift memorial sat by the roadside where Palermo was killed. The road included a designated bike lane.
Neither Cook nor her attorney, David Irwin, responded to emails and calls for comment Monday.
More
Diocese spokeswoman Sharon Tillman confirmed Monday that Bishop Suffragan Heather Cook was the driver in the Saturday afternoon crash in which 41-year-old Tom Palermo was killed.
On Monday, a small makeshift memorial sat by the roadside where Palermo was killed. The road included a designated bike lane.
Neither Cook nor her attorney, David Irwin, responded to emails and calls for comment Monday.
More
N.C. police chief says 'all lives matter' after officer ambushed by two black men
A North Carolina police chief reminded residents during a remembrance ceremony Sunday that “all lives matter,” after a Durham police officer what shot at in an ambush attack by two black men.
Officer J.T. West was sitting in his marked patrol car in the area of Lakeland Street and Truman Street about 10 p.m. Thursday when he saw two suspicious men approaching his vehicle from behind, police said.
A North Carolina police chief reminded residents during a remembrance ceremony Sunday that “all lives matter,” after a Durham police officer what shot at in an ambush attack by two black men.
Officer J.T. West was sitting in his marked patrol car in the area of Lakeland Street and Truman Street about 10 p.m. Thursday when he saw two suspicious men approaching his vehicle from behind, police said.
More
Officer J.T. West was sitting in his marked patrol car in the area of Lakeland Street and Truman Street about 10 p.m. Thursday when he saw two suspicious men approaching his vehicle from behind, police said.
A North Carolina police chief reminded residents during a remembrance ceremony Sunday that “all lives matter,” after a Durham police officer what shot at in an ambush attack by two black men.
Officer J.T. West was sitting in his marked patrol car in the area of Lakeland Street and Truman Street about 10 p.m. Thursday when he saw two suspicious men approaching his vehicle from behind, police said.
More
Never Take Gun Advice From A Liberal
What part of “Hey, Kids! Steal your parents’ guns and bring them to school!” sounds like a bad idea?
If you answered, “All of it,” you may be a conservative.
A San Francisco production company, Sleeper 13 Productions, created what they call a “Public Service Announcement” video in which a young boy sneaks into his parents’ bedroom, steals a handgun out of a dresser drawer and hides it in his backpack.
He then carries the gun onto the school bus and into a classroom. After class, he shocks the teacher at her desk by taking the gun out of his backpack and slamming it onto her desk.
“Can you take this away? I don’t feel safe with a gun in my house,” the boy pouts.
The “public service” ad then wraps with the tag line, “Our children deserve a safe world. Stop gun violence now.”
The company’s president and this ad’s producer, Rejina Sincic, has replied to outraged viewers on Twitter that she’s “entertained” by their comments.
Liberals are not “entertained” by police in schools or military recruiting in schools and have promoted zero tolerance laws that have outlawed skeet and trap club students from having unloaded shotguns in the trunks of their locked vehicles on campus.
Students have been expelled and denied graduation for such offenses.
More
If you answered, “All of it,” you may be a conservative.
A San Francisco production company, Sleeper 13 Productions, created what they call a “Public Service Announcement” video in which a young boy sneaks into his parents’ bedroom, steals a handgun out of a dresser drawer and hides it in his backpack.
He then carries the gun onto the school bus and into a classroom. After class, he shocks the teacher at her desk by taking the gun out of his backpack and slamming it onto her desk.
“Can you take this away? I don’t feel safe with a gun in my house,” the boy pouts.
The “public service” ad then wraps with the tag line, “Our children deserve a safe world. Stop gun violence now.”
The company’s president and this ad’s producer, Rejina Sincic, has replied to outraged viewers on Twitter that she’s “entertained” by their comments.
Liberals are not “entertained” by police in schools or military recruiting in schools and have promoted zero tolerance laws that have outlawed skeet and trap club students from having unloaded shotguns in the trunks of their locked vehicles on campus.
Students have been expelled and denied graduation for such offenses.
More
Crab Drop In Easton To Be Broadcast Globally
From 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Gary Tuchman, CNN reporter and correspondent for Anderson Cooper 360, will be in downtown Easton showing the world Easton’s First Night Talbot festivities, including the 10th annual Crab Drop as part of CNNs “New Year’s Eve Live with Anderson Cooper and Kathy Griffin.”
“Every year we try to find a different slice of Americana doing a different kind of drop. What people don’t realize is that there are hundreds of places in the United States that drop things for New Year’s Eve. Everyone knows about Times Square,” Tuchman said. “But what we try to do each year is perhaps show something that the viewers around the world aren’t aware of.”
Among those slices of Americana covered by CNN have been the sardine drop in Eastport, Maine and the watermelon drop in Vincennes, Ind.
More
Carson: Recognition 'a Thug Is a Thug' Part of Needed Discussion on Policing
On Monday’s “The O’Reilly Factor” on the Fox News Channel, former Johns Hopkins neurosurgeon Ben Carson discussed the recent police controversies that have captured national attention and have led to questions about local police across the country.
Carson proposed “meaningful discussions,” part of which calls on both side acknowledging flaws. However, he particularly pointed out the need for communities to recognize that misdeeds have consequences.
“I think we need to have some meaningful discussions but we cannot have those unless both sides make some admissions,” Carson said. “The police and the group in authority have to admit that, you know, it’s not perfect and maybe there are some other things to look at. I’m very encouraged by the general agreement that body cameras would be good. Also, the community has to recognize that a thug is a thug. And, you know, when people do bad things, there are consequences for those. And, you know, it’s very disingenuous when you come up and take somebody who is doing illegal things and try to make them into a hero. What message does that send? When you have a legitimate gripe nobody is going to listen to you. We really cannot be doing things like that if we want to make progress.”
More
Carson proposed “meaningful discussions,” part of which calls on both side acknowledging flaws. However, he particularly pointed out the need for communities to recognize that misdeeds have consequences.
“I think we need to have some meaningful discussions but we cannot have those unless both sides make some admissions,” Carson said. “The police and the group in authority have to admit that, you know, it’s not perfect and maybe there are some other things to look at. I’m very encouraged by the general agreement that body cameras would be good. Also, the community has to recognize that a thug is a thug. And, you know, when people do bad things, there are consequences for those. And, you know, it’s very disingenuous when you come up and take somebody who is doing illegal things and try to make them into a hero. What message does that send? When you have a legitimate gripe nobody is going to listen to you. We really cannot be doing things like that if we want to make progress.”
More
How a couple of glasses of red could help you live longer
Red wine could help us live longer, scientists have claimed - reviving a furious debate over an ingredient once dubbed the 'elixir of youth'.
Resveratrol, which protects red grapes, cacao beans and Japanese knotweed against infections and drought, has divided experts for a decade over reports it could make humans live longer.
Now a study claims it could prolong our lives after all, because it imitates another protective enzyme - and just a 'couple of glasses' of red wine may be enough to benefit.
The study, published in the journal Nature, claimed it was time to finally 'dispel much of the mystery and controversy about how resveratrol really works'.
Tests on mice previously showed resveratrol increased their lifespan and stamina and prevented diabetes, but critics complained it was being used in 'unrealistically high doses'.
More
Resveratrol, which protects red grapes, cacao beans and Japanese knotweed against infections and drought, has divided experts for a decade over reports it could make humans live longer.
Now a study claims it could prolong our lives after all, because it imitates another protective enzyme - and just a 'couple of glasses' of red wine may be enough to benefit.
The study, published in the journal Nature, claimed it was time to finally 'dispel much of the mystery and controversy about how resveratrol really works'.
Tests on mice previously showed resveratrol increased their lifespan and stamina and prevented diabetes, but critics complained it was being used in 'unrealistically high doses'.
More
'Victims' found near site where AirAsia plane disappeared, officials say
‘Victims’ have been found near the site where AirAsia Flight 8501 disappeared Sunday with 162 people on board.
More
More
As McAuliffe deals, Virginia workforce dwindles
RICHMOND, Va. – Virtually every week, Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s office announces new economic development ventures that purport to bring jobs to Virginia.
In fact, the number of working Virginians has been falling steadily since May.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 80,068 fewer Virginians held jobs in November, the latest month for which data were available.
Though the state’s official unemployment rate inched down from 5.1 percent to 5.0 percent, the number of working Virginians dropped from a high of 4,336,402 in May to 4,256,334 last month – a 1.8 percent dip.
“One explanation for the decline in labor-force participation is that as Baby Boomers age, more Americans are in retirement,” suggested the Center for American Progress.
“But the fact that we see the same trend among 25- to 54-year-olds, people in their prime working years, makes this theory hard to support,” said Michael Madowitz and Jackie Odum, researchers at the “progressive” center.
More
In fact, the number of working Virginians has been falling steadily since May.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 80,068 fewer Virginians held jobs in November, the latest month for which data were available.
Though the state’s official unemployment rate inched down from 5.1 percent to 5.0 percent, the number of working Virginians dropped from a high of 4,336,402 in May to 4,256,334 last month – a 1.8 percent dip.
“One explanation for the decline in labor-force participation is that as Baby Boomers age, more Americans are in retirement,” suggested the Center for American Progress.
“But the fact that we see the same trend among 25- to 54-year-olds, people in their prime working years, makes this theory hard to support,” said Michael Madowitz and Jackie Odum, researchers at the “progressive” center.
More
History Doesn't Have to be Boring
They used to use urine to tan animal skins, so families used to all pee in a pot & then once a day it was taken & Sold to the tannery.......if you had to do this to survive you were "Piss Poor”
But worse than that were the really poor folk who couldn't even afford to buy a pot......they "didn't have a pot to piss in" & were the lowest of the low
The next time you are washing your hands and complain because the water temperature isn't just how you like it, think about how things used to be. Here are some facts about the 1500s:
Most people got married in June because they took their yearly bath in May, and they still smelled pretty good by June.. However, since they were starting to smell . ...... . Brides carried a bouquet of flowers to hide the body odor. Hence the custom today of carrying a bouquet when getting Married.
Baths consisted of a big tub filled with hot water. The man of the house had the privilege of the nice clean water, then all the other sons and men, then the women and finally the children. Last of all the babies. By then the water was so dirty you could actually lose someone in it.. Hence the saying, "Don't throw the baby out with the Bath water!"
Houses had thatched roofs-thick straw-piled high, with no wood underneath. It was the only place for animals to get warm, so all the cats and other small animals (mice, bugs) lived in the roof. When it rained it became slippery and sometimes the animals would slip and fall off the roof... Hence the saying "It's raining cats and dogs."
There was nothing to stop things from falling into the house. This posed a real problem in the bedroom where bugs and other droppings could mess up your nice clean bed. Hence, a bed with big posts and a sheet hung over the top afforded some protection. That's how canopy beds came into existence.
The floor was dirt. Only the wealthy had something other than dirt. Hence the saying, "Dirt poor." The wealthy had slate floors that would get slippery in the winter when wet, so they spread thresh (straw) on floor to help keep their footing. As the winter wore on, they added more thresh until, when you opened the door, it would all start slipping outside. A piece of wood was placed in the entrance-way. Hence: a thresh hold.
In those old days, they cooked in the kitchen with a big kettle that always hung over the fire.. Every day they lit the fire and added things to the pot. They ate mostly vegetables and did not get much meat. They would eat the stew for dinner, leaving leftovers in the pot to get cold overnight and then start over the next day. Sometimes stew had food in it that had been there for quite a while. Hence the rhyme: Peas porridge hot, peas porridge cold, peas porridge in the pot nine days old. Sometimes they could obtain pork, which made them feel quite special. When visitors came over, they would hang up their bacon to show off. It was a sign of wealth that a man could, "bring home the bacon." They would cut off a little to share with guests and would all sit around and chew the fat.
Those with money had plates made of pewter. Food with high acid content caused some of the lead to leach onto the food, causing lead poisoning death. This happened most often with tomatoes, so for the next 400 years or so, tomatoes were considered poisonous.
Bread was divided according to status. Workers got the burnt bottom of the loaf, the family got the middle, and guests got the top, or the upper crust.
Lead cups were used to drink ale or whisky. The combination would Sometimes knock the imbibers out for a couple of days. Someone walking along the road would take them for dead and prepare them for burial.. They were laid out on the kitchen table for a couple of days and the family would gather around and eat and drink and wait and see if they would wake up. Hence the custom of holding a wake.
England is old and small and the local folks started running out of places to bury people. So they would dig up coffins and would take the bones to a bone-house, and reuse the grave. When reopening these coffins, 1 out of 25 coffins were found to have scratch marks on the inside and they realized they had been burying people alive... So they would tie a string on the wrist of the corpse, lead it through the coffin and up through the ground and tie it to a bell. Someone would have to sit out in the graveyard all night (the graveyard shift.) to listen for the bell; thus, someone could be, saved by the bell or was considered a dead ringer.
And that's the truth....Now, whoever said History was boring?
But worse than that were the really poor folk who couldn't even afford to buy a pot......they "didn't have a pot to piss in" & were the lowest of the low
The next time you are washing your hands and complain because the water temperature isn't just how you like it, think about how things used to be. Here are some facts about the 1500s:
Most people got married in June because they took their yearly bath in May, and they still smelled pretty good by June.. However, since they were starting to smell . ...... . Brides carried a bouquet of flowers to hide the body odor. Hence the custom today of carrying a bouquet when getting Married.
Baths consisted of a big tub filled with hot water. The man of the house had the privilege of the nice clean water, then all the other sons and men, then the women and finally the children. Last of all the babies. By then the water was so dirty you could actually lose someone in it.. Hence the saying, "Don't throw the baby out with the Bath water!"
Houses had thatched roofs-thick straw-piled high, with no wood underneath. It was the only place for animals to get warm, so all the cats and other small animals (mice, bugs) lived in the roof. When it rained it became slippery and sometimes the animals would slip and fall off the roof... Hence the saying "It's raining cats and dogs."
There was nothing to stop things from falling into the house. This posed a real problem in the bedroom where bugs and other droppings could mess up your nice clean bed. Hence, a bed with big posts and a sheet hung over the top afforded some protection. That's how canopy beds came into existence.
The floor was dirt. Only the wealthy had something other than dirt. Hence the saying, "Dirt poor." The wealthy had slate floors that would get slippery in the winter when wet, so they spread thresh (straw) on floor to help keep their footing. As the winter wore on, they added more thresh until, when you opened the door, it would all start slipping outside. A piece of wood was placed in the entrance-way. Hence: a thresh hold.
In those old days, they cooked in the kitchen with a big kettle that always hung over the fire.. Every day they lit the fire and added things to the pot. They ate mostly vegetables and did not get much meat. They would eat the stew for dinner, leaving leftovers in the pot to get cold overnight and then start over the next day. Sometimes stew had food in it that had been there for quite a while. Hence the rhyme: Peas porridge hot, peas porridge cold, peas porridge in the pot nine days old. Sometimes they could obtain pork, which made them feel quite special. When visitors came over, they would hang up their bacon to show off. It was a sign of wealth that a man could, "bring home the bacon." They would cut off a little to share with guests and would all sit around and chew the fat.
Those with money had plates made of pewter. Food with high acid content caused some of the lead to leach onto the food, causing lead poisoning death. This happened most often with tomatoes, so for the next 400 years or so, tomatoes were considered poisonous.
Bread was divided according to status. Workers got the burnt bottom of the loaf, the family got the middle, and guests got the top, or the upper crust.
Lead cups were used to drink ale or whisky. The combination would Sometimes knock the imbibers out for a couple of days. Someone walking along the road would take them for dead and prepare them for burial.. They were laid out on the kitchen table for a couple of days and the family would gather around and eat and drink and wait and see if they would wake up. Hence the custom of holding a wake.
England is old and small and the local folks started running out of places to bury people. So they would dig up coffins and would take the bones to a bone-house, and reuse the grave. When reopening these coffins, 1 out of 25 coffins were found to have scratch marks on the inside and they realized they had been burying people alive... So they would tie a string on the wrist of the corpse, lead it through the coffin and up through the ground and tie it to a bell. Someone would have to sit out in the graveyard all night (the graveyard shift.) to listen for the bell; thus, someone could be, saved by the bell or was considered a dead ringer.
And that's the truth....Now, whoever said History was boring?
Road Salt Contributes To Toxic Chemical Levels In Streams
This is the time of year when it's not uncommon to see big trucks barreling down highways and streets spreading road salt.
Steve Corsi, a hydrologist with the U.S. Geological Survey, says that translates into high levels of chloride concentrations for rivers like the Milwaukee in Wisconsin or 18 other streams near urban areas in Illinois, Ohio, Colorado and several other states.
"At many of the streams, concentrations have now exceeded those that are harmful to aquatic life," he says.
Corsi says that's especially true during the winter. He and other scientists analyzed chloride levels dating back to 1960 but primarily from the 1990s to 2011. The number of times they found toxic levels of chloride doubled over the two decades.
He says there's plenty of reasons for the increase. "We have lots of businesses that have parking lots and sidewalks and such, we have residents who have driveways and sidewalks and a lot of people use road salt."
More
Steve Corsi, a hydrologist with the U.S. Geological Survey, says that translates into high levels of chloride concentrations for rivers like the Milwaukee in Wisconsin or 18 other streams near urban areas in Illinois, Ohio, Colorado and several other states.
"At many of the streams, concentrations have now exceeded those that are harmful to aquatic life," he says.
Corsi says that's especially true during the winter. He and other scientists analyzed chloride levels dating back to 1960 but primarily from the 1990s to 2011. The number of times they found toxic levels of chloride doubled over the two decades.
He says there's plenty of reasons for the increase. "We have lots of businesses that have parking lots and sidewalks and such, we have residents who have driveways and sidewalks and a lot of people use road salt."
More
Scientists Discover That Drunk Birds Sing Like Drunks
If you've ever listened to karaoke at a bar, you know that drinking can affect how well someone can sing. Christopher Olson and his colleagues at Oregon Health and Science University recently set out to find if the same was true for birds, specifically zebra finches.
"We just showed up in the morning and mixed a little bit of juice with 6 percent alcohol, and put it in their water bottles and put it in the cages," Olson told All Things Considered's Arun Rath. "At first we were thinking that they wouldn't drink on their own because, you know, a lot of animals just won't touch the stuff. But they seem to tolerate it pretty well and be somewhat willing to consume it."
The finches long have been used as a model to study human vocal learning, or how people learn to communicate using language, Olson said. Obviously, alcohol affects human speech, so Olson and his team checked for similar problems with the birds.
More
The finches long have been used as a model to study human vocal learning, or how people learn to communicate using language, Olson said. Obviously, alcohol affects human speech, so Olson and his team checked for similar problems with the birds.
More
President Obama's Hawaii vacation: Day 7
President Obama woke up the day after Christmas for a session in the gym and a trip to the beach with his family.
He exercised at the Marine Corps Base Hawaii before joining wife Michelle, and daughters Malia and Sasha under the sunny skies at the Bellows Air Force Station in Waimanalo.
Later in the day, after a week of golfing, the president hit the links again with friends Greg Orme, Bobby Titcomb and Mike Ramos, the White House said. This time, they played at the Royal Hawaiian Golf Club in Kailua, a lush course with views of the Koolau Mountains. The club is currently under renovation and only has nine holes open, according to its website.
On the way back to the Kailua vacation home on Friday, a child sat on a shirtless man's shoulders watching the passing motorcade and children jumped on a trampoline.
After waking up on Christmas morning the family gathered in their home to open Christmas gifts and sing carols, the White House said.
After a few cloudy and rainy days, a sun-soaked Christmas meant that they could return to the beach.
More
He exercised at the Marine Corps Base Hawaii before joining wife Michelle, and daughters Malia and Sasha under the sunny skies at the Bellows Air Force Station in Waimanalo.
Later in the day, after a week of golfing, the president hit the links again with friends Greg Orme, Bobby Titcomb and Mike Ramos, the White House said. This time, they played at the Royal Hawaiian Golf Club in Kailua, a lush course with views of the Koolau Mountains. The club is currently under renovation and only has nine holes open, according to its website.
On the way back to the Kailua vacation home on Friday, a child sat on a shirtless man's shoulders watching the passing motorcade and children jumped on a trampoline.
After waking up on Christmas morning the family gathered in their home to open Christmas gifts and sing carols, the White House said.
After a few cloudy and rainy days, a sun-soaked Christmas meant that they could return to the beach.
More
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)