The electric industry warned of power shortages if the nation's top grid regulator doesn't take a more active role in ensuring that new power plant regulations don't take too much power off the system.
Those assembled Thursday at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission said a proposed Environmental Protection Agency rule to limit carbon emissions from power plants — called the "Clean Power Plan" — could cause brownouts and power failures as states, utilities and other operators overhaul the electric grid to comply with the regulation.
"I think it's fair to say that the Clean Power Plan is the most fundamental transformation of our bulk power system that we've ever undertaken," said Gerard Anderson, president of Michigan utility DTE Energy, who represented trade group Edison Electric Institute.
Industry groups, congressional Republicans and conservative commissioners fear that the carbon rule, which aims to slash electricity emissions nationwide 30 percent below 2005 levels by 2030, will cause major disruptions in electricity supply. The rule, due for finalization in mid-summer, is the centerpiece of President Obama's climate change agenda.
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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
Monday, February 23, 2015
White House Tries to Counter Netanyahu Visit
In what is becoming an increasingly nasty grudge match, the White House is mulling ways to undercut Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's upcoming trip to Washington and blunt his message that a potential nuclear deal with Iran is bad for Israel and the world.
There are limits. Administration officials have discarded the idea of President Barack Obama himself giving an Iran-related address to rebut the two speeches Netanyahu is to deliver during his early March visit. But other options remain on the table.
Among them: a presidential interview with a prominent journalist known for coverage of the rift between Obama and Netanyahu, multiple Sunday show television appearances by senior national security aides and a pointed snub of America's leading pro-Israel lobby, which is holding its annual meeting while Netanyahu is in Washington, according to the officials.
Read more
There are limits. Administration officials have discarded the idea of President Barack Obama himself giving an Iran-related address to rebut the two speeches Netanyahu is to deliver during his early March visit. But other options remain on the table.
Among them: a presidential interview with a prominent journalist known for coverage of the rift between Obama and Netanyahu, multiple Sunday show television appearances by senior national security aides and a pointed snub of America's leading pro-Israel lobby, which is holding its annual meeting while Netanyahu is in Washington, according to the officials.
Read more
Race Forum Draws 150 In Rapid City, SD
Speaking during a public forum on race relations, a federal mediator said that the forum and the strong attendance shows that Rapid City is a "community that cares."
About 150 people gathered at He Sapa New Life Church for the first of what Rev. Larry Salway hopes will become a series of dialogues that will "begin the healing process" and lead to racial reconciliation in a community rocked by recent events that have outraged many, especially in the Native American community.
Carol Rousseau, a mediator with the U.S. Department of Justice Community Relations Service, was in town, meeting with members of the Native American community and public officials.
Her visit "signals that the community is seeking resources to get back on track," Rousseau said. "We can't solve everything all the time, but we can get people working together."
Two recent incidents have spurred a desire for dialogue and discussion. In December, a Rapid City police officer answering a domestic call shot and killed Allen Locke, 30, a Native American. The shooting was deemed justified.
Then, late last month, chaperones with a group of students from American Horse School on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation reported that a class of students attending a Rush hockey game were showered with beer and subjected to racial slurs and told to "go back to the reservation" during the game at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center.
"We are making our future better than our past for our children's sake," Salway told those assembled in the crowded church sanctuary and in the church foyer.
The time has come to begin the healing process, he said. Monday's forum could be the catalyst for more forums to address racism in the community.
Read more here
About 150 people gathered at He Sapa New Life Church for the first of what Rev. Larry Salway hopes will become a series of dialogues that will "begin the healing process" and lead to racial reconciliation in a community rocked by recent events that have outraged many, especially in the Native American community.
Carol Rousseau, a mediator with the U.S. Department of Justice Community Relations Service, was in town, meeting with members of the Native American community and public officials.
Her visit "signals that the community is seeking resources to get back on track," Rousseau said. "We can't solve everything all the time, but we can get people working together."
Two recent incidents have spurred a desire for dialogue and discussion. In December, a Rapid City police officer answering a domestic call shot and killed Allen Locke, 30, a Native American. The shooting was deemed justified.
Then, late last month, chaperones with a group of students from American Horse School on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation reported that a class of students attending a Rush hockey game were showered with beer and subjected to racial slurs and told to "go back to the reservation" during the game at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center.
"We are making our future better than our past for our children's sake," Salway told those assembled in the crowded church sanctuary and in the church foyer.
The time has come to begin the healing process, he said. Monday's forum could be the catalyst for more forums to address racism in the community.
Read more here
Obama to Seek Stay of Immigration Ruling by Monday
The Justice Department will seek a stay of an order by a federal judge in Texas that derailed the Obama administration’s actions on immigration, White House press secretary Josh Earnest said.
The request will be filed no later than Monday as the Justice Department prepares an appeal, Earnest said.
More here
Black History: Jim Crow Laws
The Jim Crow laws were state and local racial segregation laws enacted after the Reconstruction period in Southern United States that continued in force until 1965 mandating de jure racial segregation in all public facilities in Southern U.S. states (of the former Confederacy), starting in 1890 with a "separate but equal" status for African Americans.
Conditions for African Americans were consistently inferior and underfunded compared to those provided for white Americans.
Jim Crow laws mandated the segregation of public schools, public places and public transportation, and the segregation of restrooms, restaurants and drinking fountains for whites and blacks. The U.S. military was also segregated, as were federal workplaces, initiated in 1913 under Democrat President Woodrow Wilson, the first Southern president elected since 1856. His administration practiced overt racial discrimination in hiring, requiring candidates to submit photos.
The origin of the phrase "Jim Crow" has often been attributed to " Jump Jim Crow", a song-and-dance caricature of blacks performed by white actor Thomas D. Rice in blackface, which first surfaced in 1832. By 1838, as a result of Rice's fame, "Jim Crow" had become a pejorative expression meaning "Negro".
By 1858, the Republicans dominated nearly all Northern states. The Republican Party first came to power in 1860 with the election of Lincoln to the Presidency and Republicans in control of Congress and again, the Northern states. It oversaw the preserving of the union, the end of slavery, and the provision of equal rights to all men in the American Civil War and Reconstruction.
During the Reconstruction period of 1865–1877, federal law passed by the Republican-led Congress provided civil rights protection in the U.S. South for freedmen, the African Americans who had formerly been slaves, and former free blacks.
In the 1870s, Democrats gradually regained power in the Southern legislatures, having used insurgent paramilitary groups to disrupt Republican organizing, run Republican officeholders out of town, and intimidate blacks to suppress their voting. Extensive voter fraud was also used.
In 1877, a national Democrat Party compromise to gain Southern support in the presidential election resulted in the government's withdrawing the last of the federal troops from the South. White Democrats had regained political power in every Southern state.
These Southern, white, Democrat governments legislated Jim Crow laws, officially segregating black people from the white population.
Read more here
Conditions for African Americans were consistently inferior and underfunded compared to those provided for white Americans.
Jim Crow laws mandated the segregation of public schools, public places and public transportation, and the segregation of restrooms, restaurants and drinking fountains for whites and blacks. The U.S. military was also segregated, as were federal workplaces, initiated in 1913 under Democrat President Woodrow Wilson, the first Southern president elected since 1856. His administration practiced overt racial discrimination in hiring, requiring candidates to submit photos.
The origin of the phrase "Jim Crow" has often been attributed to " Jump Jim Crow", a song-and-dance caricature of blacks performed by white actor Thomas D. Rice in blackface, which first surfaced in 1832. By 1838, as a result of Rice's fame, "Jim Crow" had become a pejorative expression meaning "Negro".
By 1858, the Republicans dominated nearly all Northern states. The Republican Party first came to power in 1860 with the election of Lincoln to the Presidency and Republicans in control of Congress and again, the Northern states. It oversaw the preserving of the union, the end of slavery, and the provision of equal rights to all men in the American Civil War and Reconstruction.
During the Reconstruction period of 1865–1877, federal law passed by the Republican-led Congress provided civil rights protection in the U.S. South for freedmen, the African Americans who had formerly been slaves, and former free blacks.
In the 1870s, Democrats gradually regained power in the Southern legislatures, having used insurgent paramilitary groups to disrupt Republican organizing, run Republican officeholders out of town, and intimidate blacks to suppress their voting. Extensive voter fraud was also used.
In 1877, a national Democrat Party compromise to gain Southern support in the presidential election resulted in the government's withdrawing the last of the federal troops from the South. White Democrats had regained political power in every Southern state.
These Southern, white, Democrat governments legislated Jim Crow laws, officially segregating black people from the white population.
Read more here
Why Congress Needs to Make English Official Language
It's time for Congress to make English the official language in the United States and pass the English Language Unity Act, an English language advocate says.
"On this policy, we are behind. In fact, more than 90 percent of the world’s nations recognize an official language. And English is the most common, official in 53 nations," Mauro E. Mujica, chairman of U.S. English, Inc., wrote in an opinion piece for The Hill Friday.
"An official language policy would put the United States on par with other nations in keeping all residents united through a common language," Mujica contends.
He claims that as a nation of immigrants, if we don't have "a common thread to unite us in our diversity, we become divided.
"With more than 325 languages spoken in the United States, English is the bond that brings us all together," wrote Mujica, who is also an immigrant from Chile.
It is for this reason that he is calling on Congress to pass the English Language Unity Act, which was introduced on Feb. 13 by Republican Rep. Steve King of Iowa.
There's more here
"On this policy, we are behind. In fact, more than 90 percent of the world’s nations recognize an official language. And English is the most common, official in 53 nations," Mauro E. Mujica, chairman of U.S. English, Inc., wrote in an opinion piece for The Hill Friday.
"An official language policy would put the United States on par with other nations in keeping all residents united through a common language," Mujica contends.
He claims that as a nation of immigrants, if we don't have "a common thread to unite us in our diversity, we become divided.
"With more than 325 languages spoken in the United States, English is the bond that brings us all together," wrote Mujica, who is also an immigrant from Chile.
It is for this reason that he is calling on Congress to pass the English Language Unity Act, which was introduced on Feb. 13 by Republican Rep. Steve King of Iowa.
There's more here
Can Mitch Get The Job Done?
Mitch McConnell of Kentucky will have his first big test as U.S. Senate majority leader next week as funding for the Department of Homeland Security is set to lapse Feb. 27, triggering a shutdown of some of the agency’s operations unless Congress acts.
McConnell and House Speaker John Boehner have been trying to advance an agency funding measure that would force President Barack Obama to reverse his orders easing deportations of undocumented immigrants.
Aside from backing down on their demand, or allowing funding to expire, there’s a third option under consideration that could take pressure off McConnell and Boehner of Ohio. Lawmakers may vote on 30-day funding for the agency, according to a congressional aide who didn’t want to be identified because talks are continuing.
Read more
McConnell and House Speaker John Boehner have been trying to advance an agency funding measure that would force President Barack Obama to reverse his orders easing deportations of undocumented immigrants.
Aside from backing down on their demand, or allowing funding to expire, there’s a third option under consideration that could take pressure off McConnell and Boehner of Ohio. Lawmakers may vote on 30-day funding for the agency, according to a congressional aide who didn’t want to be identified because talks are continuing.
Read more
Liberman: We Need to Stop 'Whining' About Iran and Take Action
Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman on Friday hinted that Prime Minister Netanyahu is talking too much about Iran’s nuclear program instead of taking action.
Speaking to Channel 2 News, Liberman suggested that Netanyahu’s upcoming speech to Congress, in which he will warn against a bad nuclear deal with Iran, does not have significant importance and that too many speeches harm Israel’s deterrence.
“When Menachem Begin decided to destroy the Iraqi nuclear reactor, there were no speeches or public debate. We woke up one morning - and there was no reactor. The same is true for what we read in the media about Syria. One morning we woke up and the nuclear reactor was not there. Without speeches and without stories,” he said.
Read the rest here
[Liberman has a way with words, doesn't he? -- Editor]
Speaking to Channel 2 News, Liberman suggested that Netanyahu’s upcoming speech to Congress, in which he will warn against a bad nuclear deal with Iran, does not have significant importance and that too many speeches harm Israel’s deterrence.
“When Menachem Begin decided to destroy the Iraqi nuclear reactor, there were no speeches or public debate. We woke up one morning - and there was no reactor. The same is true for what we read in the media about Syria. One morning we woke up and the nuclear reactor was not there. Without speeches and without stories,” he said.
Read the rest here
[Liberman has a way with words, doesn't he? -- Editor]
Delmar Little League's new Baseball Intermediate League for Ages 12-13
Delmar Little League is offering the following expansion to its League:
Intermediate League 50/70 - which is a new League offered to 12-13 year olds (a step before Jr & Sr. leagues)
50' Pitching Distance & 70' base paths
There are 2 more registration dates for the 2015 season: 2/25 & 2/28
For more information, visit http://www.delmarlittleleague.com
Intermediate League 50/70 - which is a new League offered to 12-13 year olds (a step before Jr & Sr. leagues)
50' Pitching Distance & 70' base paths
There are 2 more registration dates for the 2015 season: 2/25 & 2/28
For more information, visit http://www.delmarlittleleague.com
Five Days That Revived America
Thirty-five years ago this month, America began its climb back from the malaise and uncertainty that defined the decade of the 1970s. Two tracks, one sports-related and one political, combined to give America a renewed sense of confidence that would usher in the dynamic decade of the 1980s.
The Obama apologists of today maintain that the president inherited the worst fiscal mess since the Great Depression. Actually, 1980 was much worse because of the decade that preceded it, but more importantly, because America had lost its self-confidence. Leading scholars and historians were not shy to opine that America’s best days were behind it and that we could at best look forward to scarcity and rationing of natural resources and a sharply reduced role in the world. These are views, incidentally, that are also held by key members of the Obama administration as well as the president himself.
As if on cue, the end of 1979 saw the country hit by stagflation, gas lines, the takeover of the American Embassy in Iran and imprisonment of our diplomats by Muslim extremists, and the Russian invasion of Afghanistan. The country’s leadership had few answers. However, in just five days 35 years ago, things changed suddenly and dramatically.
Read more here
The Obama apologists of today maintain that the president inherited the worst fiscal mess since the Great Depression. Actually, 1980 was much worse because of the decade that preceded it, but more importantly, because America had lost its self-confidence. Leading scholars and historians were not shy to opine that America’s best days were behind it and that we could at best look forward to scarcity and rationing of natural resources and a sharply reduced role in the world. These are views, incidentally, that are also held by key members of the Obama administration as well as the president himself.
As if on cue, the end of 1979 saw the country hit by stagflation, gas lines, the takeover of the American Embassy in Iran and imprisonment of our diplomats by Muslim extremists, and the Russian invasion of Afghanistan. The country’s leadership had few answers. However, in just five days 35 years ago, things changed suddenly and dramatically.
Read more here
Snow in Jerusalem!
Jerusalem, the Gush Etzion region of Judea, Tzfat (Safed), and the Golan saw the most snow, but the storm hit other areas less prone to inclement weather - including several towns in the Negev.
The lower Golan Heights region, which was also blanketed by the blizzard, has not seen snow since 1992, according to Walla! News.
As of Friday morning, some 30 cm (11.8 inches) of snow has fallen in Tzfat; 20 cm (7.8 inches) has fallen in the Golan Heights.
(INN)
Governor Hogan Releases Enhanced Phosphorus Management Tool Regulations
Regulations Part Of A Broader Phosphorus Initiative
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Larry Hogan today announced enhanced Phosphorus Management Tool (PMT) regulations as part of a broader “Maryland Agriculture Phosphorus Initiative,” which will further Maryland’s efforts to improve water quality, strengthen the agricultural industry, and bolster rural economies.
“We have listened to the agricultural and environmental communities to find a fair and balanced plan for limiting phosphorus, and I am pleased to announce the details of that solution today,” said Governor Hogan. “The enhanced phosphorus management tool regulations and the broader Agriculture Phosphorus Initiative will protect water quality in the Chesapeake Bay while still supporting a vibrant agriculture industry in Maryland."
“I am excited that Maryland farmers have stepped up and proposed progressive steps that will accelerate our efforts to improve water quality while maintaining a viable industry,” said Agriculture Secretary Joe Bartenfelder. “These new initiatives speak to the commitment of Maryland farmers to follow the science and do what is right on their farms.”
The new PMT regulations use the November 2014 PMT proposal as a starting point and make four significant enhancements that address key concerns of the agricultural community while providing immediate environmental protection and comprehensive data on agricultural soil phosphorus conditions across the state. The four enhancements are as follows:
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Larry Hogan today announced enhanced Phosphorus Management Tool (PMT) regulations as part of a broader “Maryland Agriculture Phosphorus Initiative,” which will further Maryland’s efforts to improve water quality, strengthen the agricultural industry, and bolster rural economies.
“We have listened to the agricultural and environmental communities to find a fair and balanced plan for limiting phosphorus, and I am pleased to announce the details of that solution today,” said Governor Hogan. “The enhanced phosphorus management tool regulations and the broader Agriculture Phosphorus Initiative will protect water quality in the Chesapeake Bay while still supporting a vibrant agriculture industry in Maryland."
“I am excited that Maryland farmers have stepped up and proposed progressive steps that will accelerate our efforts to improve water quality while maintaining a viable industry,” said Agriculture Secretary Joe Bartenfelder. “These new initiatives speak to the commitment of Maryland farmers to follow the science and do what is right on their farms.”
The new PMT regulations use the November 2014 PMT proposal as a starting point and make four significant enhancements that address key concerns of the agricultural community while providing immediate environmental protection and comprehensive data on agricultural soil phosphorus conditions across the state. The four enhancements are as follows:
Here’s the Group of Criminals Obama Is Meeting With in the Oval Office
Barack Obama just showed exactly what he thinks about America’s laws. The president recently invited six young young people to meet with him in the Oval Office. That wouldn’t normally be an issue. There’s one problem: All six people entered the United States illegally.
Those illegal aliens fall under Obama’s controversial Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which essentially ignores the law and allows certain people to avoid deportation, even though they blatantly broke the law and entered illegally.
Predictably, the Obama administration tried to put a positive spin on the fact that the president was hosting lawbreakers in the Oval Office.
“The meeting is an opportunity for the President to hear directly from young immigrants whose lives have been positively affected as a result of receiving deferred action or DACA,” said the White House.
Yes, those illegal immigrants have had their lives “positively affected” by getting away with breaking the law. Of course, a bank robber could say the same thing, but it’s still illegal.
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Those illegal aliens fall under Obama’s controversial Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which essentially ignores the law and allows certain people to avoid deportation, even though they blatantly broke the law and entered illegally.
Predictably, the Obama administration tried to put a positive spin on the fact that the president was hosting lawbreakers in the Oval Office.
“The meeting is an opportunity for the President to hear directly from young immigrants whose lives have been positively affected as a result of receiving deferred action or DACA,” said the White House.
Yes, those illegal immigrants have had their lives “positively affected” by getting away with breaking the law. Of course, a bank robber could say the same thing, but it’s still illegal.
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Court Halts Policy of Detaining Asylum-Seeking Mothers, Children
A federal court on Friday temporarily halted the Obama administration policy of detaining mothers and children seeking asylum in the United States.
The American Civil Liberties Union had filed a lawsuit in December against the so-called no-release policy by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency on behalf of mothers and children who said they had fled violence in Central America.
ICE, a part of the Department of Homeland Security, had implemented the policy during a spike of illegal entries into the United States during the summer.
Judy Rabinovitz, deputy director of the ACLU's "Immigrants' Rights Project," said the ruling by the court in Washington, D.C., "made clear that the government cannot deprive individuals of their liberty merely to send a message to others."
More here
The American Civil Liberties Union had filed a lawsuit in December against the so-called no-release policy by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency on behalf of mothers and children who said they had fled violence in Central America.
ICE, a part of the Department of Homeland Security, had implemented the policy during a spike of illegal entries into the United States during the summer.
Judy Rabinovitz, deputy director of the ACLU's "Immigrants' Rights Project," said the ruling by the court in Washington, D.C., "made clear that the government cannot deprive individuals of their liberty merely to send a message to others."
More here
'Stand Fast In The Liberty Wherewith Christ Has Made Us Free'
After the Boston Tea Party, where colonists threw 342 chests of British East India tea overboard, the British Parliament passed the Boston Port Bill to blockade the harbor and starve citizens into submission.
The Committee of Correspondence sent word to the other Colonies, who called a Day of Fasting and Prayer, June 1, 1774, “to seek divine direction and aid.”
In August of 1774, William Prescott led the men of Pepperell, Massachusetts, to deliver many loads of rye, telling Boston’s inhabitants:
“We heartily sympathize with you, and are always ready to do all in our power for your support, comfort and relief; knowing that Providence has placed you where you must stand the first shock. We consider we are all embarked in (the same ship) and must sink or swim together. … If we submit to these regulations, all is gone. Our forefathers passed the vast Atlantic, spent their blood and treasure, that they might enjoy their liberties, both civil and religious, and transmit them to their posterity. … Now if we should give them up, can our children rise up and call us blessed? … Let us all be of one heart, and stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free; and may he, of his infinite mercy grant us deliverance out of all our troubles.”
William Prescott, born Feb. 20, 1726, was a colonel who fought for the British in King George’s War, 1745, and in the French and Indian War, 1755. But now Colonel William Prescott fought for independence from Britain.
There's lots more here..
The Committee of Correspondence sent word to the other Colonies, who called a Day of Fasting and Prayer, June 1, 1774, “to seek divine direction and aid.”
In August of 1774, William Prescott led the men of Pepperell, Massachusetts, to deliver many loads of rye, telling Boston’s inhabitants:
“We heartily sympathize with you, and are always ready to do all in our power for your support, comfort and relief; knowing that Providence has placed you where you must stand the first shock. We consider we are all embarked in (the same ship) and must sink or swim together. … If we submit to these regulations, all is gone. Our forefathers passed the vast Atlantic, spent their blood and treasure, that they might enjoy their liberties, both civil and religious, and transmit them to their posterity. … Now if we should give them up, can our children rise up and call us blessed? … Let us all be of one heart, and stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free; and may he, of his infinite mercy grant us deliverance out of all our troubles.”
William Prescott, born Feb. 20, 1726, was a colonel who fought for the British in King George’s War, 1745, and in the French and Indian War, 1755. But now Colonel William Prescott fought for independence from Britain.
There's lots more here..
Karl Malone to Black Community: 'Stop Using That Excuse About Race'
Speaking with liberal commentator Mark Lamont Hill on Huff Post Live Thursday, former NBA star Karl Malone said he was “sick and tired” of fellow African Americans using “that excuse about race,” arguing that it was time for personal responsibility and for the community to “stop waiting on someone to come march on our behalf.”
Malone’s comments came in response to Charles Barkley’s criticism of the anti-law enforcement riots in Ferguson after the shooting of Michael Brown, an excerpt from which Hill played for Malone:
Barkley: We, as black people, we got a lot of crooks. We can’t just wait till something like this happens. We got to look ourselves in the mirror. There’s a reason [law enforcement] racially profile us at times. Sometimes it’s wrong, but sometimes it’s right. So to … sit there and act like we all hold no responsibility for some of this stuff is disingenuous.
When Hill asked Malone his take on Barkley’s call for the African American community to “look in the mirror,” Malone said he completely agreed:
Malone: I echo his sentiments exactly. We need to look in our mirror ourselves, stop waiting on someone to come march on our behalf, take ownership in ourself, make our community better, and stop looking for a handout. Do something about it yourself that you can control. Stop using that excuse about race. I am sick and tired that every time you turn around, that’s what we dangle. Everybody can dangle it. [...] Race goes both ways—it really goes both ways.
Hill then asked him if he thought race did not play a part in Ferguson, to which Malone said while his heart went out to the family, he thought “everyone was at fault." He then stressed the importance of valuing our first responders and taking personal responsibility:
(Keep reading..)
Why You Should Live Alone at Least Once in Your Life
Living alone can get a bad rep. Science doesn't help: A study out of the University of California at Berkeley found that living alone increases mortality in older people due to lack of social contact. Finnish researchers confirmed that flying solo can up the likelihood of an alcohol-related death. OK fine, I get it: If you live alone and never go out, or talk to people, or develop relationships, that can have some serious negative consequences. But brush aside the image of you, sitting in front of a pizza for one, trying to talk to it like that volleyball in Castaway, fading away slowly, and snap into the reality. Which is, of course, that living alone is awesome, and every woman should do it—at least for a little while.
Everything in here is mine. That's what I thought to myself when I moved into my own place over five years ago. I had just moved out of an apartment where I had been living with a boyfriend—more accurately, an ex boyfriend, hence the move—and I was filled with relief. Being in my own apartment gave me a physical space where I could reimagine my whole life, on only my terms. I framed black-and-white photos of the people I loved most and put them on my bookshelf, because that made me happy. I filled the fridge with healthy-ish food and didn't have to make room for someone's six-pack or weird-smelling takeout. I stayed up late working on a passion project, not having to worry if my Joni Mitchell Pandora station was playing too loud, and spread out in my bed after—right smack in the middle—exhausted and fulfilled.
I was the queen of my own 400-square-foot-castle for three years, and looking back, I can see that that short stretch of time was crucially important to establishing my independence. It started with small things: I negotiated my rent on my own, created a household budget (for one!) on my own, hashed out a savings plan on my own. I signed up for half-marathons, and actually ran them. I tried hot yoga, and hated it, but whatever, I tried it. And then, the results had a bigger payoff: I put in late hours at work, because I didn't have anyone asking me "Will you be home for dinner?" and got promoted. I met a guy on one of many fun, little dates, and he turned out to be the love of my life. I also got gutsier: I traveled abroad alone, several times, without thinking twice about it.
More
Everything in here is mine. That's what I thought to myself when I moved into my own place over five years ago. I had just moved out of an apartment where I had been living with a boyfriend—more accurately, an ex boyfriend, hence the move—and I was filled with relief. Being in my own apartment gave me a physical space where I could reimagine my whole life, on only my terms. I framed black-and-white photos of the people I loved most and put them on my bookshelf, because that made me happy. I filled the fridge with healthy-ish food and didn't have to make room for someone's six-pack or weird-smelling takeout. I stayed up late working on a passion project, not having to worry if my Joni Mitchell Pandora station was playing too loud, and spread out in my bed after—right smack in the middle—exhausted and fulfilled.
I was the queen of my own 400-square-foot-castle for three years, and looking back, I can see that that short stretch of time was crucially important to establishing my independence. It started with small things: I negotiated my rent on my own, created a household budget (for one!) on my own, hashed out a savings plan on my own. I signed up for half-marathons, and actually ran them. I tried hot yoga, and hated it, but whatever, I tried it. And then, the results had a bigger payoff: I put in late hours at work, because I didn't have anyone asking me "Will you be home for dinner?" and got promoted. I met a guy on one of many fun, little dates, and he turned out to be the love of my life. I also got gutsier: I traveled abroad alone, several times, without thinking twice about it.
More
Governor Larry Hogan To Announce Enhanced PMT Regulations
Will Also Introduce Maryland Agriculture Phosphorus Initiative
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Larry Hogan today will announce enhanced PMT regulations as part of the administration's efforts to improve the environment and make the Chesapeake Bay as healthy as possible. These enhanced regulations will be part of a more comprehensive Maryland Agriculture Phosphorus Initiative, which will also be introduced.
WHO: Governor Larry Hogan
WHAT: Announcement of enhanced PMT regulations, introduction of Maryland Agriculture Phosphorus Initiative
WHERE: Governor's Reception Room, State House
WHEN: 4:30 PM - February 23, 2015
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Larry Hogan today will announce enhanced PMT regulations as part of the administration's efforts to improve the environment and make the Chesapeake Bay as healthy as possible. These enhanced regulations will be part of a more comprehensive Maryland Agriculture Phosphorus Initiative, which will also be introduced.
WHO: Governor Larry Hogan
WHAT: Announcement of enhanced PMT regulations, introduction of Maryland Agriculture Phosphorus Initiative
WHERE: Governor's Reception Room, State House
WHEN: 4:30 PM - February 23, 2015
Inmate Found Dead In Cell At Md. Jail
ELLICOTT CITY, Md. (AP) — Corrections authorities and the state medical examiner are investigating after an inmate was found dead in his cell at the Jessup Correctional Institution in Howard County.
Thirty-five-year-old Louis Leysath, an inmate who was serving a life sentence for murder, was found Friday morning in a cell filled with steam. Corrections staff performed CPR but were unable to revive the man.
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Thirty-five-year-old Louis Leysath, an inmate who was serving a life sentence for murder, was found Friday morning in a cell filled with steam. Corrections staff performed CPR but were unable to revive the man.
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Rams Head Tavern Owner Charged With Videotaping Women Using Bathroom
SAVAGE, Md. (WJZ) — Howard County police have charged the owner of Savage restaurant for secretly videotaping woman as they used the bathroom.
The investigation began in May 2014 when a women reported to police that she was in the restroom at Rams Head Tavern on Foundry Street when a digital video camera fell onto the floor next to her.
Detectives reviewed the footage on the camera’s memory card and found an image of an unknown man placing the camera in the bathroom. Six unknown women were captured on the video.
Investigators looked through surveillance video from the restaurant and saw a man fitting the physical and clothing description of the man mounting the camera on the tape. They identified him as 37-year-old Kyle Muehlhauser.
Lab results in December also indicated Muehlhauser’s DNA matched what was found on the camera.
He turned himself into police without incident.
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The investigation began in May 2014 when a women reported to police that she was in the restroom at Rams Head Tavern on Foundry Street when a digital video camera fell onto the floor next to her.
Detectives reviewed the footage on the camera’s memory card and found an image of an unknown man placing the camera in the bathroom. Six unknown women were captured on the video.
Investigators looked through surveillance video from the restaurant and saw a man fitting the physical and clothing description of the man mounting the camera on the tape. They identified him as 37-year-old Kyle Muehlhauser.
Lab results in December also indicated Muehlhauser’s DNA matched what was found on the camera.
He turned himself into police without incident.
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Colorado residents are first to ask feds to block legal pot
DENVER — Colorado already is being sued by two neighboring states for legalizing marijuana. Now, the state faces groundbreaking lawsuits from its own residents, who are asking a federal judge to order the new recreational industry to close.
The owners of a mountain hotel and a southern Colorado horse farm argue in a pair of lawsuits filed Thursday in U.S. District Court in Denver that the 2012 marijuana-legalization measure has hurt their property and that the marijuana industry is stinky and attracts unsavory visitors.
The lawsuits are the first in any state that has legalized recreational or medical marijuana in which its own residents are appealing to the federal government to block pot laws.
"It is a bedrock principle of the United States Constitution that federal law is the supreme law of the land," said David Thompson, a lawyer representing the plaintiffs. "The people of Colorado are free to advocate for a change (in federal drug law), but they must do so through their elected representatives in Congress."
The lawsuits are also the first to claim that federal racketeering laws allow them to win damages from pot businesses that flout federal law. The plaintiffs have not specified amounts they would seek.
Lawyers say the racketeering approach is a new one.
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The owners of a mountain hotel and a southern Colorado horse farm argue in a pair of lawsuits filed Thursday in U.S. District Court in Denver that the 2012 marijuana-legalization measure has hurt their property and that the marijuana industry is stinky and attracts unsavory visitors.
The lawsuits are the first in any state that has legalized recreational or medical marijuana in which its own residents are appealing to the federal government to block pot laws.
"It is a bedrock principle of the United States Constitution that federal law is the supreme law of the land," said David Thompson, a lawyer representing the plaintiffs. "The people of Colorado are free to advocate for a change (in federal drug law), but they must do so through their elected representatives in Congress."
The lawsuits are also the first to claim that federal racketeering laws allow them to win damages from pot businesses that flout federal law. The plaintiffs have not specified amounts they would seek.
Lawyers say the racketeering approach is a new one.
More
Marylanders' in Bad Financial Shape
Maryland - Ranked No. 6 In Nation for Repossessions
Increase in repossessions since January 2014: 99.8%
Foreclosure activity continues to be a constant presence in Maryland, where the foreclosure rate is the third-highest in the country at one in every 611 properties. The good news is overall foreclosure activity declined nearly 11% from last year
http://www.msn.com/en-us/money/home-refinancing/10-states-where-home-repossessions-are-on-the-rise/ss-AA9jS4I#image=6
Joe - this is yet another reason that helps to explain why Wicomico's workforce numbers keep declining. If one considers the repossession data, declining workforce participation rate, number of taxable & non-taxable income tax returns, high poverty rate - it shows that Maryland is truly in 'deep malarky'. Yet all of the MSM's in our area downplay 'reality'. All except for SBYnews.
Increase in repossessions since January 2014: 99.8%
Foreclosure activity continues to be a constant presence in Maryland, where the foreclosure rate is the third-highest in the country at one in every 611 properties. The good news is overall foreclosure activity declined nearly 11% from last year
http://www.msn.com/en-us/money/home-refinancing/10-states-where-home-repossessions-are-on-the-rise/ss-AA9jS4I#image=6
Joe - this is yet another reason that helps to explain why Wicomico's workforce numbers keep declining. If one considers the repossession data, declining workforce participation rate, number of taxable & non-taxable income tax returns, high poverty rate - it shows that Maryland is truly in 'deep malarky'. Yet all of the MSM's in our area downplay 'reality'. All except for SBYnews.
Obama DHS: 'Right-Wing Extremists' Greater Threat Than ISIS
The Obama administration has named a national security threat it believes is more dangerous than even the Islamic State terrorists beheading, crucifying and burning innocent human beings: Right-wing extremists.
According to CNN, “A new intelligence assessment, circulated by the Department of Homeland Security this month and reviewed by CNN, focuses on the domestic terror threat from right-wing sovereign citizen extremists.”
CNN doesn’t cite specific sources, but it says the new intelligence report references “24 violent sovereign citizen-related attacks across the U.S. since 2010.”
“Some federal and local law enforcement groups view the domestic terror threat from sovereign citizen groups as equal to – and in some cases greater than – the threat from foreign Islamic terror groups, such as ISIS, that garner more public attention.”
CNN reported, “The government says these are extremists who believe that they can ignore laws and that their individual rights are under attack in routine daily instances such as a traffic stop or being required to obey a court order.”
More here
According to CNN, “A new intelligence assessment, circulated by the Department of Homeland Security this month and reviewed by CNN, focuses on the domestic terror threat from right-wing sovereign citizen extremists.”
CNN doesn’t cite specific sources, but it says the new intelligence report references “24 violent sovereign citizen-related attacks across the U.S. since 2010.”
“Some federal and local law enforcement groups view the domestic terror threat from sovereign citizen groups as equal to – and in some cases greater than – the threat from foreign Islamic terror groups, such as ISIS, that garner more public attention.”
CNN reported, “The government says these are extremists who believe that they can ignore laws and that their individual rights are under attack in routine daily instances such as a traffic stop or being required to obey a court order.”
More here
FCC Given Monday Deadline
Congressional Republicans are demanding to know how much the White House influenced the Federal Communications Commission while the agency crafted net neutrality rules.
The FCC has until Monday afternoon to produce unredacted email messages, focused on net neutrality rules, between FCC staff and officials with the Obama administration, U.S. Rep. Jason Chaffetz said in a letter to the FCC Friday. The Utah Republican is chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.
Chaffetz's committee is "investigating the potential involvement of the White House" in the creation of proposed net neutrality rules that the FCC is scheduled to vote on next Thursday, he said in the letter. FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler will propose regulations that would reclassify broadband as a regulated telecommunications service instead of a lightly regulated information service.
An FCC spokeswoman didn't immediately respond to a request for a comment on Chaffetz's letter.
Several congressional Republicans have accused the White House of improperly influencing the FCC net-neutrality rule-making process, after Obama called on the agency to reclassify broadband as a regulated public utility in November. Wheeler appeared to change his position and embrace that idea after the president urged the independent agency to do so, critics have said.
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The FCC has until Monday afternoon to produce unredacted email messages, focused on net neutrality rules, between FCC staff and officials with the Obama administration, U.S. Rep. Jason Chaffetz said in a letter to the FCC Friday. The Utah Republican is chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.
Chaffetz's committee is "investigating the potential involvement of the White House" in the creation of proposed net neutrality rules that the FCC is scheduled to vote on next Thursday, he said in the letter. FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler will propose regulations that would reclassify broadband as a regulated telecommunications service instead of a lightly regulated information service.
An FCC spokeswoman didn't immediately respond to a request for a comment on Chaffetz's letter.
Several congressional Republicans have accused the White House of improperly influencing the FCC net-neutrality rule-making process, after Obama called on the agency to reclassify broadband as a regulated public utility in November. Wheeler appeared to change his position and embrace that idea after the president urged the independent agency to do so, critics have said.
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Bin Laden’s slayer welcomes mentally tough GI Janes to boost SEALs
The Navy SEAL who killed Osama bin Laden says there is a welcome mat out for women SEALs if they can meet the grueling physical and mental standards that exist today.
Former Chief Petty Officer Robert O’Neill, whose handpicked SEAL Team Six unit raided bin Laden’s compound in Pakistan, answered “absolutely” when asked if women can meet the demands of sea, undersea, ground and airborne warriors.
Asked by The Washington Times how he knows, Mr. O’Neill said, “I’ve met women that I think can beat me up. I’m not joking. Here in the states. There are some tough women out there.”
The Pentagon in 2013 lifted the ban on women serving in direct land combat units, such as infantry, armor and special operations.
U.S. commands have been validating physical standards for their units, among them the SEALs. If naval special warfare wants to keep the SEALs all-male, it must make that case to Pentagon civilian leaders.
Both the Army and Marine Corps have been conducting combat training experiments with women. The SEALs to date have not.
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Former Chief Petty Officer Robert O’Neill, whose handpicked SEAL Team Six unit raided bin Laden’s compound in Pakistan, answered “absolutely” when asked if women can meet the demands of sea, undersea, ground and airborne warriors.
Asked by The Washington Times how he knows, Mr. O’Neill said, “I’ve met women that I think can beat me up. I’m not joking. Here in the states. There are some tough women out there.”
The Pentagon in 2013 lifted the ban on women serving in direct land combat units, such as infantry, armor and special operations.
U.S. commands have been validating physical standards for their units, among them the SEALs. If naval special warfare wants to keep the SEALs all-male, it must make that case to Pentagon civilian leaders.
Both the Army and Marine Corps have been conducting combat training experiments with women. The SEALs to date have not.
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Historical moment: I-65 Closing for Coal Transport
B. H. Obama has stated on national TV that he believes himself to be the fourth greatest U.S. President, behind Washington, Jefferson and Lincoln but greater than Theodore Roosevelt.
They had to settle for coal, because they couldn't find a 200 ton piece of bullshit.
Republicans To Investigate Climate Data Tampering By NASA
Are government climate agencies tampering with climate data to show warming? Some Republicans think so.
California Republican Rep. Dana Rohrabacher says to expect congressional hearings on climate data tampering.
Rohrabacher serves as the vice chairman of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, which has jurisdiction over NASA and other agencies that monitor the Earth’s climate.
Rohrabacher has long been critical of the theory of man-made global warming. Lately, the California Republican has criticizing NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for allegedly tampering with temperature data to create an artificial warming trend. Such data is then used to justify regulations aimed at curbing fossil fuel use and other industrial activities.
Read more..
California Republican Rep. Dana Rohrabacher says to expect congressional hearings on climate data tampering.
Rohrabacher serves as the vice chairman of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, which has jurisdiction over NASA and other agencies that monitor the Earth’s climate.
Rohrabacher has long been critical of the theory of man-made global warming. Lately, the California Republican has criticizing NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for allegedly tampering with temperature data to create an artificial warming trend. Such data is then used to justify regulations aimed at curbing fossil fuel use and other industrial activities.
Read more..
White House Summit on Violent Extremism Opens With Muslim Prayer
A Muslim prayer was recited at the start of the second day of the White House summit on “Countering Violent Extremism,” but no other religious text was presented during the portion of the event that was open to the press.
Imam Sheikh Sa'ad Musse Roble, president of the World Peace Organization in Minneapolis, Minn., recited a “verse from the Quran” following remarks by Obama administration officials and Democratic members of Congress.
“In translation those verses of the Quran mean ‘Whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption in the land, it’s as if he has slain mankind entirely, and whoever saves one life, it’s as if he has saved mankind entirely,’” Adam said.
“Mosques serve as (sic) beacon of hope,” Adam said. “While imams’ provide moral compass for the Muslim community in navigating life.”
Adam said “religious leaders” want to have “dialogue” with the U.S. government about “issues of concern” and said that Muslim imams have spoken out against terrorism.
“The peace, safety and security of the United States are of fundamental importance to the Muslim American community, and we oppose any form or shape of violent extremism that threatens peaceful coexistence,” Adam said.
More here
Imam Sheikh Sa'ad Musse Roble, president of the World Peace Organization in Minneapolis, Minn., recited a “verse from the Quran” following remarks by Obama administration officials and Democratic members of Congress.
“In translation those verses of the Quran mean ‘Whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption in the land, it’s as if he has slain mankind entirely, and whoever saves one life, it’s as if he has saved mankind entirely,’” Adam said.
“Mosques serve as (sic) beacon of hope,” Adam said. “While imams’ provide moral compass for the Muslim community in navigating life.”
Adam said “religious leaders” want to have “dialogue” with the U.S. government about “issues of concern” and said that Muslim imams have spoken out against terrorism.
“The peace, safety and security of the United States are of fundamental importance to the Muslim American community, and we oppose any form or shape of violent extremism that threatens peaceful coexistence,” Adam said.
More here
Study: Soldiers of All Ranks Engage in 'Dishonesty and Deception'
A recent U.S. Army War College study states "dishonesty and deception" among Armypersonnel is common, often encouraged to maintain a false sense of integrity.
In the study called "Lying to Ourselves," the War College's Strategic Studies Institute interviewed Army personnel from all ranks and found that lies permeate throughout the military institution, whether by civilians or those in uniform.
Officers sometimes face a "suffocating amount" of tasks. Often, they use phrases to make it seem as if they complied to all requirements demanded.
Personnel do this to "sugarcoat the hard reality that in the routine performance of their duties as leaders and commanders, U.S. Army officers often resort to evasion and deception," the study said.
The most highlighted rationalization to partake in dishonesty is that it is often necessary to lie because the task asked of personnel or the reporting required of them is unreasonable, irritating or "dumb."
"I think some expectation of equivocation is accepted on dumb things," one officer said.
Staff officers in the Department of the Army revealed that sometimes reports they receive aren't fully trusted. This means that personnel who request information and those who supply it know that the information is questionable, the study said.
"We don't trust our compliance data," one officer said.
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In the study called "Lying to Ourselves," the War College's Strategic Studies Institute interviewed Army personnel from all ranks and found that lies permeate throughout the military institution, whether by civilians or those in uniform.
Officers sometimes face a "suffocating amount" of tasks. Often, they use phrases to make it seem as if they complied to all requirements demanded.
Personnel do this to "sugarcoat the hard reality that in the routine performance of their duties as leaders and commanders, U.S. Army officers often resort to evasion and deception," the study said.
The most highlighted rationalization to partake in dishonesty is that it is often necessary to lie because the task asked of personnel or the reporting required of them is unreasonable, irritating or "dumb."
"I think some expectation of equivocation is accepted on dumb things," one officer said.
Staff officers in the Department of the Army revealed that sometimes reports they receive aren't fully trusted. This means that personnel who request information and those who supply it know that the information is questionable, the study said.
"We don't trust our compliance data," one officer said.
More
Poll: 43 Percent of Dems Feel President Can Ignore Courts
Most Americans think the president shouldn't be able to ignore the courts – but nearly half of Democrats disagree, a new poll shows.
The Rasmussen Reports survey finds 60 percent believe the commander in chief shouldn't be able to ignore federal court decisions, with just 26 percent disagreeing.
"But perhaps more unsettling to supporters of constitutional checks and balances," the report notes, is that 43 percent of Democrats believe the president ought to be able to ignore the courts if he believes it's important for the country.
Here's more
The Rasmussen Reports survey finds 60 percent believe the commander in chief shouldn't be able to ignore federal court decisions, with just 26 percent disagreeing.
"But perhaps more unsettling to supporters of constitutional checks and balances," the report notes, is that 43 percent of Democrats believe the president ought to be able to ignore the courts if he believes it's important for the country.
Here's more
Dover Man Charged In Sexual Offenses Against Juveniles in His Care
The investigation began in January 2015 when two victims came forward to report they had been sexually abused while they attended Village Kids Daycare Center, located at 1460 John Clark Road back in the late 1990s. One of the female victims was 4-years-old when she attended the facility from approximately January 1996 until her parents withdrew her in March 1997. During that time period, it was alleged that William Semonavick had sexually abused her on at least three different occasions. The second female victim was 6-years-old and had experience similar experiences with Semonavick while she attended the daycare between November 1998 until December 2000.
Pork in the Park Announces 2015 Dates
Publishers Notes: I told you it was coming back!
For more information visit www.PorkinthePark.org. The festival is open Friday, April 24th from 4-10 p.m. and Saturday, April 25th from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Daily admission is $3 for adults. Children 12 and under are admitted free.
FAILED SYSTEM: Female Judge Says Man Must Pay $30K In Child Support For Kid That’s Not His!
A Michigan man ordered to pay child support for a kid that isn’t his received another shocker Tuesday, when an appeals judge upheld the ruling mandating he pay $30,000 in back child support to his ex.
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Why arming the Ukrainians is necessary
Yet another cease-fire agreement on Ukraine has been signed in Minsk. It went into effect Sunday amid low expectations of success.
This is the second such agreement to come out of Minsk. The previous deal was signed in September. It collapsed almost immediately. There is precious little confidence that Minsk II will pan out any better. The best that German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who helped negotiate the deal, could say was that it offered a “glimmer of hope.”
The timing of the agreement was no accident. The fighting was getting more intense because the Russians were escalating the conflict. In response, Washington and Brussels started talking about the need for more sanctions against Moscow. This set off alarm bells in Berlin and Paris.
When American legislators proposed arming the Ukrainians, Mrs. Merkel and French President Francois Hollande, who oppose this, swung into action. They began negotiations with the Russians without direct U.S. involvement. The hope appears to have been to nip the arms proposal in the bud with a cease-fire agreement.
European queasiness over arming the Ukrainians may be understandable. After all, they argue, it’s their neighborhood and a war with Russia would hit them directly. But they need to consider that not arming the Ukrainians may make war more likely, not less.
First of all, we are talking about defensive, not offensive weapons. The military package being discussed involves anti-tank/armor weapons that would be effective against the Russian T-72 tanks used by the Kremlin-backed separatists in Ukraine. Also contemplated is counterbattery radar that could help the Ukrainian forces locate the origins of artillery strikes. Other materials could include secure communication equipment and unmanned aerial vehicles that would improve the situational awareness of the Ukrainian forces on the battlefield.
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This is the second such agreement to come out of Minsk. The previous deal was signed in September. It collapsed almost immediately. There is precious little confidence that Minsk II will pan out any better. The best that German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who helped negotiate the deal, could say was that it offered a “glimmer of hope.”
The timing of the agreement was no accident. The fighting was getting more intense because the Russians were escalating the conflict. In response, Washington and Brussels started talking about the need for more sanctions against Moscow. This set off alarm bells in Berlin and Paris.
When American legislators proposed arming the Ukrainians, Mrs. Merkel and French President Francois Hollande, who oppose this, swung into action. They began negotiations with the Russians without direct U.S. involvement. The hope appears to have been to nip the arms proposal in the bud with a cease-fire agreement.
European queasiness over arming the Ukrainians may be understandable. After all, they argue, it’s their neighborhood and a war with Russia would hit them directly. But they need to consider that not arming the Ukrainians may make war more likely, not less.
First of all, we are talking about defensive, not offensive weapons. The military package being discussed involves anti-tank/armor weapons that would be effective against the Russian T-72 tanks used by the Kremlin-backed separatists in Ukraine. Also contemplated is counterbattery radar that could help the Ukrainian forces locate the origins of artillery strikes. Other materials could include secure communication equipment and unmanned aerial vehicles that would improve the situational awareness of the Ukrainian forces on the battlefield.
More
Who's Not Being Truthful?
When it comes to removing snow from your sidewalks, it's NOT 6 hours after the last snow flake. It's 24 HOURS after the last snow flake. That's what's in the Charter Ladies & Gentlemen. The Mayor LIED to you once again and so did the local Media.
Again, it's all about letting the Mayor tell you or put it in writing and the local press will just run with it as if it's gospel. I share this because here on the Shore the snow is melted 24 hours after it falls and YOU should know the TRUTH.
The Jones Act’s Costly Impact
The Jones Act, also known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, requires that vessels used for domestic shipping must be built in the United States, owned by U.S. citizens, and at least 75 percent crewed by U.S. citizens.
U.S. law allows shippers to transport goods domestically on cars, trucks, aircraft, or rail cars built in other countries. Just not ships.
According to the Congressional Research Service, the purchase price for U.S.-built tankers is about four times the price of foreign-built tankers.
According to the World Economic Forum, the ban on letting foreign ships trans-ship cargo between U.S. ports costs the U.S. economy $200 million per year.
According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, shipping a 20-foot container of household and commercial goods from the East Coast to Puerto Rico on a Jones Act ship costs twice as much as shipping the same goods to the nearby Dominican Republic.
U.S. law allows shippers to transport goods domestically on cars, trucks, aircraft, or rail cars built in other countries. Just not ships.
Costly Impact
According to the Congressional Research Service, the purchase price for U.S.-built tankers is about four times the price of foreign-built tankers.
According to the World Economic Forum, the ban on letting foreign ships trans-ship cargo between U.S. ports costs the U.S. economy $200 million per year.
According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, shipping a 20-foot container of household and commercial goods from the East Coast to Puerto Rico on a Jones Act ship costs twice as much as shipping the same goods to the nearby Dominican Republic.
LAUREL SCHOOL BOARD BUYS OUT EWALD’S CONTRACT
The Laurel School Board recently passed a resolution relieving John Ewald of Superintendent responsibilities effective March. His remaining contract time which expires at the end of the school year will be bought out by the district.
Current principal at Delmar High School, and local graduate Shaw Larrimore has been hired to replace Ewald. He will begin working part time while fulfilling the remainder of his Delmar contract and is already assuming some responsibilities.
Effective July 1, 2015, Ashley Giska, currently the Delmar H.S. principal, will become Laurel’s assistant Superintendent.
Effective March 2, two administrators will be relocated into different schools.
One administrators contractor was not renewed her contract remains through June 30, 2016.
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Current principal at Delmar High School, and local graduate Shaw Larrimore has been hired to replace Ewald. He will begin working part time while fulfilling the remainder of his Delmar contract and is already assuming some responsibilities.
Effective July 1, 2015, Ashley Giska, currently the Delmar H.S. principal, will become Laurel’s assistant Superintendent.
Effective March 2, two administrators will be relocated into different schools.
One administrators contractor was not renewed her contract remains through June 30, 2016.
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Democrats: We Must Better Explain What it Means to be a Dem
Democrats are struggling to answer a simple question — "What's a Democrat?" — and must do a better job of explaining its core values to voters, according to a task force formed after the party's dismal showing in the 2014 election.
The Democratic National Committee on Saturday released the interim findings of a review intended to examine problems in the midterm election. The report said Democrats lack a "cohesive narrative" and recommended that the party find ways to help it explain bedrock values such as fairness, equality and opportunity.
"So many people can rattle off easily and succinctly what it means to be a Republican. ... The perception of what it means to be a Democrat has really evolved to be a laundry list of policy statements and disparate ideas," said Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, the Florida congresswoman who leads the DNC.
The work of a 10-person task force comes after Democrats were clobbered in November, surrendering control of the Senate to Republicans and allowing the GOP to pad its majority in the House. Republicans captured governor's offices in Massachusetts, Maryland and Illinois — all safe Democratic states in presidential elections — and strengthened its grip on state legislatures.
The losses have led to soul-searching among Democrats as they try to translate success in presidential elections under Barack Obama into midterm elections dominated by congressional campaigns. Many party leaders contend that Democrats should have run more aggressively on Obama's record last year and drawn sharp distinctions with Republicans.
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The Democratic National Committee on Saturday released the interim findings of a review intended to examine problems in the midterm election. The report said Democrats lack a "cohesive narrative" and recommended that the party find ways to help it explain bedrock values such as fairness, equality and opportunity.
"So many people can rattle off easily and succinctly what it means to be a Republican. ... The perception of what it means to be a Democrat has really evolved to be a laundry list of policy statements and disparate ideas," said Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, the Florida congresswoman who leads the DNC.
The work of a 10-person task force comes after Democrats were clobbered in November, surrendering control of the Senate to Republicans and allowing the GOP to pad its majority in the House. Republicans captured governor's offices in Massachusetts, Maryland and Illinois — all safe Democratic states in presidential elections — and strengthened its grip on state legislatures.
The losses have led to soul-searching among Democrats as they try to translate success in presidential elections under Barack Obama into midterm elections dominated by congressional campaigns. Many party leaders contend that Democrats should have run more aggressively on Obama's record last year and drawn sharp distinctions with Republicans.
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Recent Article To Surpass 300 Comments Any Second Now
CEO Of Hebron Savings Bank Gregory Johnson Resigned Today Post about to go over 300 comments.
298 comments:
BREAKING NEWS: Shooting in Parsonsburg
UPDATE: No transport.........priority 4
DHS Rushing Amnesty Contracts
A government watchdog says the Obama administration is continuing to award multi-million-dollar contracts to firms to quickly process millions of illegal immigrants, despite a federal court’s decision to put a stay on the president’s amnesty order.
A Request for Proposal was recently posted in the government’s official database for federal contracts and comes from the Department of Homeland Security agency charged with processing visa and naturalization petitions, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The complex contract is being pushed at a “full-throttle pace,” a government source told Judicial Watch on Friday.
A federal judge in Texas issued an order this week that halts the president’s plan to shield millions of illegal immigrants from deportation and bans DHS and USCIS from executing the amnesty order.
Hours after Judicial Watch published its original report of the contract on Friday, the government cancelled the Request for Proposal.
The RFP estimated that the population of potential requesters for the president’s deferred action will be “approximately four million people” and that USCIS anticipates the initial filing of “approximately five to six million forms” related to the amnesty order, Judicial Watch reported.
Judicial Watch said the work, which calls for 200 to 600 contractors, was set to begin in mid-March and the contractor would operate out of a new center in Arlington, Virginia to accommodate the “additional volume of work.”
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A Request for Proposal was recently posted in the government’s official database for federal contracts and comes from the Department of Homeland Security agency charged with processing visa and naturalization petitions, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The complex contract is being pushed at a “full-throttle pace,” a government source told Judicial Watch on Friday.
A federal judge in Texas issued an order this week that halts the president’s plan to shield millions of illegal immigrants from deportation and bans DHS and USCIS from executing the amnesty order.
Hours after Judicial Watch published its original report of the contract on Friday, the government cancelled the Request for Proposal.
The RFP estimated that the population of potential requesters for the president’s deferred action will be “approximately four million people” and that USCIS anticipates the initial filing of “approximately five to six million forms” related to the amnesty order, Judicial Watch reported.
Judicial Watch said the work, which calls for 200 to 600 contractors, was set to begin in mid-March and the contractor would operate out of a new center in Arlington, Virginia to accommodate the “additional volume of work.”
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Man Charged in Racial Incident in Rapid City, SD
A man has been charged with disorderly conduct following an incident in which Native-American students and chaperones from the American Horse school were harassed at a Rapid City hockey game last month.
Trace O'Connell, 41, of Philip was charged following a month-long investigation by the Rapid City Police Department and Pennington County Sheriff Office.
If convicted, O'Connell could spend up to 30 days behind bars and a $500 fine.
The incident happened Jan. 24 at a Rapid City Rush hockey game at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center. A chaperone with the school reported that the students were subjected to racial slurs and had beer sprayed on them.
On Wednesday, city and county officials met with the American Horse School to let them know what charges O'Connell would face. However, after a question-and-answer session, the situation grew chaotic and officials felt it was best to leave.
"For safety reasons, and out of concern for the school environment, the decision was made to depart from the gymnasium," said Rapid City Police Chief Karl Jegeris.
Jegeris later thanked the public for being patient while they investigated the incident. Recently, the community in Rapid City rallied calling for justice for the children.
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Trace O'Connell, 41, of Philip was charged following a month-long investigation by the Rapid City Police Department and Pennington County Sheriff Office.
If convicted, O'Connell could spend up to 30 days behind bars and a $500 fine.
The incident happened Jan. 24 at a Rapid City Rush hockey game at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center. A chaperone with the school reported that the students were subjected to racial slurs and had beer sprayed on them.
On Wednesday, city and county officials met with the American Horse School to let them know what charges O'Connell would face. However, after a question-and-answer session, the situation grew chaotic and officials felt it was best to leave.
"For safety reasons, and out of concern for the school environment, the decision was made to depart from the gymnasium," said Rapid City Police Chief Karl Jegeris.
Jegeris later thanked the public for being patient while they investigated the incident. Recently, the community in Rapid City rallied calling for justice for the children.
More
Community celebrates boy's birthday after his classmates skip party
When none of an autistic boy's classmates showed up for his sixth birthday party, his community and local sheriff's office rallied together to make it a birthday he'd never forget.
Ashlee Buratti, of St. Cloud, Florida, had invited her son Glenn's class of 16 children to his birthday on February 8, and when no one showed up, he was devastated.
Though no one RSVP'd, Buratti and her husband John Buratti were 'still holding on to the hope that some of them would show up' to the party for her son, who has epilepsy and a mild form of autism.
'From the minute he woke up that day he wanted to know how many minutes until his friends came,' Buratti, 25, said, adding that his eyes filled with tears when he learned no one was coming.
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Ashlee Buratti, of St. Cloud, Florida, had invited her son Glenn's class of 16 children to his birthday on February 8, and when no one showed up, he was devastated.
Though no one RSVP'd, Buratti and her husband John Buratti were 'still holding on to the hope that some of them would show up' to the party for her son, who has epilepsy and a mild form of autism.
'From the minute he woke up that day he wanted to know how many minutes until his friends came,' Buratti, 25, said, adding that his eyes filled with tears when he learned no one was coming.
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Clinton-Tied Firm Accused of Illegal 'Scheme'
A Democrat-aligned business founded by a longtime Clinton confidant is being accused of giving valuable voter lists to party committees and candidates, as part of a "scheme" that allegedly runs afoul of campaign finance law.
The charges were detailed in a new complaint filed by the Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust (FACT), a conservative watchdog group, on Wednesday. They implicate Catalist, LLC., a for-profit company that has provided customized voter data to hundreds of labor unions, Democratic committees and candidates -- including the Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama campaigns in 2008.
The complaint, filed to the Federal Election Commission, accused the group of effectively masquerading as a corporation while acting like a political action committee -- in turn, skirting campaign finance laws that normally apply to PACs.
“Fundamentally, I would call [Catalist] a scheme to avoid campaign finance law,” FACT director Matthew Whitaker, a former U.S. attorney, told FoxNews.com.
The complaint accuses the group, whose investors include George Soros, of skirting laws that cover so-called “soft money” -- donations from corporations, unions, and individuals used to influence elections -- and coordination between independent groups like PACs and the parties and candidates they support.
More on this..
The charges were detailed in a new complaint filed by the Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust (FACT), a conservative watchdog group, on Wednesday. They implicate Catalist, LLC., a for-profit company that has provided customized voter data to hundreds of labor unions, Democratic committees and candidates -- including the Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama campaigns in 2008.
The complaint, filed to the Federal Election Commission, accused the group of effectively masquerading as a corporation while acting like a political action committee -- in turn, skirting campaign finance laws that normally apply to PACs.
“Fundamentally, I would call [Catalist] a scheme to avoid campaign finance law,” FACT director Matthew Whitaker, a former U.S. attorney, told FoxNews.com.
The complaint accuses the group, whose investors include George Soros, of skirting laws that cover so-called “soft money” -- donations from corporations, unions, and individuals used to influence elections -- and coordination between independent groups like PACs and the parties and candidates they support.
A 'Psychotherapy Session Without Substance'
President Barack Obama continues to be "politically correct" by insisting the United States is not at war with Islam, but House Homeland Security Chairman Michael McCaul said Friday that ISIS will not only say it is at war with the United States, but that it is fighting "for religious reasons."
"I think we are at war with radical Islamists," McCaul said on the "America's Newsroom" program on Fox News. "I think it is important to define the enemy to defeat the enemy."
But Obama is "trying not to offend the Muslim world," the Texas lawmaker said.
On Thursday, Obama concluded a three-day conference on combating violent extremism, making comments that lead McCaul and others to say the president does not recognize the threat ISIS and radical terrorists pose.
In his closing speech, Obama acknowledged the history between the Middle East and the West is complicated, but said "the notion that the West is at war with Islam is an ugly lie."
Further, he said: "Muslim communities, including scholars and clerics, therefore have a responsibility to push back not just on twisted interpretations of Islam, but also on the lie that we are somehow engaged in a clash of civilizations."
"It is interesting to note at this conference, it was a bit of a psychotherapy session without substance or solutions coming out of it," McCaul said. "The FBI wasn't invited to speak and the military took a back seat. So I agree it is a multifaceted solution but the military is a component of this. All they talked about is better education and economic assistance without dealing with the barbarians and we need to defeat and destroy them."
More here
"I think we are at war with radical Islamists," McCaul said on the "America's Newsroom" program on Fox News. "I think it is important to define the enemy to defeat the enemy."
But Obama is "trying not to offend the Muslim world," the Texas lawmaker said.
On Thursday, Obama concluded a three-day conference on combating violent extremism, making comments that lead McCaul and others to say the president does not recognize the threat ISIS and radical terrorists pose.
In his closing speech, Obama acknowledged the history between the Middle East and the West is complicated, but said "the notion that the West is at war with Islam is an ugly lie."
Further, he said: "Muslim communities, including scholars and clerics, therefore have a responsibility to push back not just on twisted interpretations of Islam, but also on the lie that we are somehow engaged in a clash of civilizations."
"It is interesting to note at this conference, it was a bit of a psychotherapy session without substance or solutions coming out of it," McCaul said. "The FBI wasn't invited to speak and the military took a back seat. So I agree it is a multifaceted solution but the military is a component of this. All they talked about is better education and economic assistance without dealing with the barbarians and we need to defeat and destroy them."
More here
China Builds Fortress in the Sea
China has built an island fortress on a disputed reef, raising concerns over their military ambitions in the South China Sea.
Satellite images show that an artificial island with two piers, a helipad and a cement plant has appeared within the past nine months at Hughes Reef in the Spratly Islands.
China, the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam and Brunei have all registered claims to the territory, leading to increased military tensions recently.
More here
US Panel: Americans' Eating Habits Could Be Harming The Planet
The move by the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, which defied a warning from Congress, "could discourage people from eating red meat" if enacted, according to The Washington Post.
The recommendation drew fire from industry representatives who charged that members of the panel were going out beyond their areas of expertise — nutrition and health — and into subjects they knew relatively little about.
In December, lawmakers on Capitol Hill said the panel should stick to nutritional advice instead of weighing in on extraneous issues. But it is apparent from the 571-page report issued this week that it disregarded this message.
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Muslim Dutch Mayor to Muslims: Accept Western Values or Leave
The Muslim mayor of Rotterdam, the Netherlands, said this week that Europe has no place for extremists who are not willing to live within the bounds of its norms.
Speaking to CNN's Michael Holmes on Wednesday, the mayor, Moroccan-born Ahmed Aboutaleb suggested that those Muslims who don’t embrace values should leave Europe.
"You are not forced to be with us, it's a choice," he said. "Work with us together to construct a 'we society.'"
"But if you want to stand out of the 'we community,' you threaten us, you go to Yemen to learn how to use a Kalashnikov and to come back to threaten the society, well you are not part of my 'we society,' you better leave," added Aboutaleb.
Aboutaleb drew headlines around the world in the wake of last month's attack on the editorial staff of the Charlie Hebdo magazine in Paris, when he said, "if you don't like it here because you don't like that humorists who make a newspaper -- yeah, if I can say it like this, get lost!"
Aboutaleb, who moved to the Netherlands when he was 15, eventually working as a television journalist and then working his way up through the Dutch Labor Party, said he has the authority to speak on the subject. He rejected the notion that poverty leads to terrorism.
"I am one of the people who knows how it is to live in poverty. I spent fifteen years in Morocco of my life on one meal a day, walking without shoes, going to the Netherlands without a coat to protect myself," he told CNN.
"I cannot accept that poverty leads to terrorism," he added, saying that poverty must lead to knowledge and to better oneself.
Here's more..
Speaking to CNN's Michael Holmes on Wednesday, the mayor, Moroccan-born Ahmed Aboutaleb suggested that those Muslims who don’t embrace values should leave Europe.
"You are not forced to be with us, it's a choice," he said. "Work with us together to construct a 'we society.'"
"But if you want to stand out of the 'we community,' you threaten us, you go to Yemen to learn how to use a Kalashnikov and to come back to threaten the society, well you are not part of my 'we society,' you better leave," added Aboutaleb.
Aboutaleb drew headlines around the world in the wake of last month's attack on the editorial staff of the Charlie Hebdo magazine in Paris, when he said, "if you don't like it here because you don't like that humorists who make a newspaper -- yeah, if I can say it like this, get lost!"
Aboutaleb, who moved to the Netherlands when he was 15, eventually working as a television journalist and then working his way up through the Dutch Labor Party, said he has the authority to speak on the subject. He rejected the notion that poverty leads to terrorism.
"I am one of the people who knows how it is to live in poverty. I spent fifteen years in Morocco of my life on one meal a day, walking without shoes, going to the Netherlands without a coat to protect myself," he told CNN.
"I cannot accept that poverty leads to terrorism," he added, saying that poverty must lead to knowledge and to better oneself.
Here's more..
Power Outage
Wicomico First Alert
1 hr · Edited ·
***TRAFFIC ALERT***
Electric lines down in the roadway
E salisbury pkwy (rt.50) & Phillip Morris dr
*update* numerous reports of traffic lights out in the area, use caution.
1 hr · Edited ·
***TRAFFIC ALERT***
Electric lines down in the roadway
E salisbury pkwy (rt.50) & Phillip Morris dr
*update* numerous reports of traffic lights out in the area, use caution.
Scott Walker Meets With 'The Donald'
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker met with Donald Trump on Thursday at the request of the governor and the two had a general conversation about the direction of the country in advance of possible bids by both men for the 2016 presidency.
According to Politico, Trump described the 45-minute meeting as "enjoyable" and said the discussion focused on "where the country is going" and "how poorly we're perceived throughout the world."
Trump also told Politico that he is considering his own run for president in 2016 "very, very seriously." He said he will decide either way in around June.
Walker's spokeswoman confirmed the meeting, Politico said.
Trump has met with numerous potential 2016 GOP candidates, including Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul and former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum.
"Everybody's asking for my support, but I have my own decision to make," Trump told Politico. "I know 'em all, and I like many of them, but I have to make my decision."
Trump has supported Walker financially in the past, sending the maximum donation of $10,000 for his re-election campaign last year. He also sent the Wisconsin Club for Growth $15,000 in 2012 when the group was leading the successful effort to defeat the effort to recall Walker.
Trump said he admired Walker's willingness to take on public unions in Wisconsin.
More here
According to Politico, Trump described the 45-minute meeting as "enjoyable" and said the discussion focused on "where the country is going" and "how poorly we're perceived throughout the world."
Trump also told Politico that he is considering his own run for president in 2016 "very, very seriously." He said he will decide either way in around June.
Walker's spokeswoman confirmed the meeting, Politico said.
Trump has met with numerous potential 2016 GOP candidates, including Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul and former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum.
"Everybody's asking for my support, but I have my own decision to make," Trump told Politico. "I know 'em all, and I like many of them, but I have to make my decision."
Trump has supported Walker financially in the past, sending the maximum donation of $10,000 for his re-election campaign last year. He also sent the Wisconsin Club for Growth $15,000 in 2012 when the group was leading the successful effort to defeat the effort to recall Walker.
Trump said he admired Walker's willingness to take on public unions in Wisconsin.
More here
Clinton Donors Lobbied For New Government Programs
Multiple organizations that successfully lobbied to create or expand federal programs tailor-made to enrich them are among the latest multimillion-dollar donors to the Clinton Foundation.
TracFone, the primary beneficiary of the federal "Obamaphone" program that provides subsidized cellphones to recipients, contributed between $1 million and $5 million to the foundation in 2014.
TracFone was one of only seven first-time donors that gave seven-figure donations as Hillary Clinton's prospective 2016 presidential campaign was initially taking shape.
The cellphone maker successfully lobbied the Federal Communications Commission to expand the Obamaphone program to include free computers, and then lobbied for its high-end phones, with luxury data plans, to be included.
More here
TracFone, the primary beneficiary of the federal "Obamaphone" program that provides subsidized cellphones to recipients, contributed between $1 million and $5 million to the foundation in 2014.
TracFone was one of only seven first-time donors that gave seven-figure donations as Hillary Clinton's prospective 2016 presidential campaign was initially taking shape.
The cellphone maker successfully lobbied the Federal Communications Commission to expand the Obamaphone program to include free computers, and then lobbied for its high-end phones, with luxury data plans, to be included.
More here
Dogs know if you're untrustworthy
Dogs may not seem terribly bright when they're chasing their own tails, but in many ways they are clever creatures. In particular, they are very socially aware, both of humans and of each other.
Many studies have reported that they can sense human emotions. Recent research has found that they can tell the difference between happy and angry faces, and even show jealousy.
It now seems that they can sense when a person is untrustworthy. Once a dog has decided a person is unreliable, it stops following the cues they give.
More
Many studies have reported that they can sense human emotions. Recent research has found that they can tell the difference between happy and angry faces, and even show jealousy.
It now seems that they can sense when a person is untrustworthy. Once a dog has decided a person is unreliable, it stops following the cues they give.
More
The next Wicomico County Republican Club Meeting is TONIGHT
February 23, meeting starts at 7:00 PM
The next meeting of the Republican Club is Monday, November 24. Elections for club officers will be held. We hope to see everyone there.
When: 6:30 p.m. -- social half-hour. 7:00 p.m. -- meeting begins
Where: Salisbury Chamber of Commerce, 144 E. Main St., Salisbury
In addition to the meeting, we'll be having a happy hour at the Cellar Door Tavern (111 Camden St. -- on the Plaza) starting at 5:30. We'd love to have you join us there, too.
MARYLAND STATE POLICE BARRACK “E” SALISBURY ACCIDENT
DATE &
TIME: 2/22/2015 @ 2011hrs CASE NUMBER:
15-MSP-006551
Driver / Veh.
: Shawn Michael Stanley, 31 yoa, Salisbury, MD.
1993 Buick
Front
Passenger: Juvenile
LOCATION:
Head of Creek Rd at Brot-Matt Rd., Wicomico County, Maryland.
BRIEF RESUME:
On 2/22/2015 at approximately 2011
hours, Troopers from the MSP Salisbury Barrack responded to the area
of Head of Creek Road and Brot-Matt Road for the report of a
suspicious vehicle. Troopers activated the emergency equipment on
their marked state patrol vehicle and pulled behind the suspect
vehicle. Troopers approached the suspect vehicle and noticed
Marijuana in a center console. They ordered the driver and passenger
out of the car at which time the car pulled away. The suspect car
wrecked shortly after hitting ice on the road, and coming to rest
into road side ditch. There were no injuries as a result of the
collision. The passenger of vehicle was transported to PRMC by EMS
due to juvenile status.
Charges:
1: Shawn Stanley arrested and charged with Traffic /CDS
2: Juvenile Charged as Juvenile with CDS
DUI Log Weeks of 2-16-2015 thru 2-22-2015
Name Hometown Date Time Age Location of Arrest Accident Yes or No?
Steven Craig Tyler Crisfield, MD 2/21/2015 0:47 36 Rt. 50 @ Inlet Isle N
Kimberly Loretta Wheeler Ocean Pines, MD 2/21/2015 2:39 25 Rt. 707 @ Rt. 50 N
Melody Matherly Pearson Berlin, MD 2/22/2015 16:11 54 Ocean Downs Casino N
Steven Craig Tyler Crisfield, MD 2/21/2015 0:47 36 Rt. 50 @ Inlet Isle N
Kimberly Loretta Wheeler Ocean Pines, MD 2/21/2015 2:39 25 Rt. 707 @ Rt. 50 N
Melody Matherly Pearson Berlin, MD 2/22/2015 16:11 54 Ocean Downs Casino N
Albino Toddler Murdered For 'Lucky' Body Parts
The mutilated body of a one-year-old albino boy has been discovered in a Tanzanian forest - prompting the United Nations to demand an end to attacks for witchcraft rituals.
Yohana Bahati was snatched by an armed gang on 15 February, and police believe the toddler's arms and legs were hacked off so they could be used in witchcraft rituals.
His mother was slashed with a machete during the abduction and is in a critical condition in hospital, while his two siblings - who also suffer from a lack of pigment in their hair, eyes and skin - are under police protection.
Despite the Tanzanian government introducing a ban on witch doctors, who claim charms and spells made using albino body parts bring wealth and good luck, at least 70 people who suffer from albinism have been murdered in the African country over the past 10 years.
A four-year-old albino girl is still missing after being kidnapped in December.
More
Yohana Bahati was snatched by an armed gang on 15 February, and police believe the toddler's arms and legs were hacked off so they could be used in witchcraft rituals.
His mother was slashed with a machete during the abduction and is in a critical condition in hospital, while his two siblings - who also suffer from a lack of pigment in their hair, eyes and skin - are under police protection.
Despite the Tanzanian government introducing a ban on witch doctors, who claim charms and spells made using albino body parts bring wealth and good luck, at least 70 people who suffer from albinism have been murdered in the African country over the past 10 years.
A four-year-old albino girl is still missing after being kidnapped in December.
More
No punitive damages, but Dryers to receive $10.6 million by Easter
WAMPSVILLE - After awarding Mitch Dryer and his wife, Aimee, $10.6 million on Wednesday, a state Supreme Court jury was prepared Thursday to hear more testimony to determine how much would be added in the form of punitive damages.
The jury called for punitive damages because they felt the actions by the manufacturer of Dryer’s safety alarm, Scott Technologies, went beyond simple negligence.
However, around 1 p.m. Thursday, the attorneys announced that they had reached a settlement, so the jury was dismissed and a conference was held in state Supreme Court Judge Eugene Faughnan’s chambers.
Following the proceeding, the Dryers’ attorney’s said that the terms negotiated with Scott Technologies included:
The jury called for punitive damages because they felt the actions by the manufacturer of Dryer’s safety alarm, Scott Technologies, went beyond simple negligence.
However, around 1 p.m. Thursday, the attorneys announced that they had reached a settlement, so the jury was dismissed and a conference was held in state Supreme Court Judge Eugene Faughnan’s chambers.
Following the proceeding, the Dryers’ attorney’s said that the terms negotiated with Scott Technologies included:
• Scott Technologies will pay no extra money in punitive damages;• Scott Technologies will not appeal the jury’s compensatory damages award of $10.6 million;
• The Dryers will receive the full $10.6 million by Easter.
• There being no confidentiality in the punitive damages settlement.
After court ended, the Dryers said they were “relieved” that the matter is over and that they looked forward to moving forward.
More
• There being no confidentiality in the punitive damages settlement.
After court ended, the Dryers said they were “relieved” that the matter is over and that they looked forward to moving forward.
More
The Deaf Bookkeeper
A Mafia Godfather finds out that his bookkeeper, Guido, has cheated him out of $10,000,000.
His bookkeeper is deaf.
That was the reason he got the job in the first place. It was assumed that Guido would hear nothing and would therefore never have to testify in court.
When the Godfather goes to confront Guido about the missing $10 million, he takes along his lawyer, who knows sign language.
The Godfather tells the lawyer, "Ask him where the money is."
The lawyer, using sign language, asks Guido, "Where's the money?"
Guido signs back, "I don't know what you are talking about."
The lawyer tells the Godfather, "He says he doesn't know what you are talking about.
The Godfather pulls out a pistol, puts it to Guido's head and says, "Ask him again or I'll kill him!"
The lawyer signs to Guido, "He'll kill you if you don't tell him."
Guido trembles and signs back, "OK! You win! The money is in a brown briefcase, buried behind the shed at my cousin Bruno's house."
The Godfather asks the lawyer, "What did he say?"
The lawyer replies, "He says you don't have the stones to pull the trigger."
Don't you just love Lawyers?
That was the reason he got the job in the first place. It was assumed that Guido would hear nothing and would therefore never have to testify in court.
When the Godfather goes to confront Guido about the missing $10 million, he takes along his lawyer, who knows sign language.
The Godfather tells the lawyer, "Ask him where the money is."
The lawyer, using sign language, asks Guido, "Where's the money?"
Guido signs back, "I don't know what you are talking about."
The lawyer tells the Godfather, "He says he doesn't know what you are talking about.
The Godfather pulls out a pistol, puts it to Guido's head and says, "Ask him again or I'll kill him!"
The lawyer signs to Guido, "He'll kill you if you don't tell him."
Guido trembles and signs back, "OK! You win! The money is in a brown briefcase, buried behind the shed at my cousin Bruno's house."
The Godfather asks the lawyer, "What did he say?"
The lawyer replies, "He says you don't have the stones to pull the trigger."
Don't you just love Lawyers?
Shamrock Shootout Cornhole Tournament Scheduled for Saturday, March 14
Salisbury, MD – The Shamrock Shootout Cornhole Tournament will take place Saturday, March 14 at 1 p.m. in the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center’s Midway Room. Game play includes a double elimination tournament, with matches being the best of three. Cash prizes of $500, $250 and $100* are up for grabs. The event is open to all ages. Those 21 or older may opt to BYOB.
The cost is $50 per team and advanced registration is now open at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center Box Office (M - F, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.) or at www.WicomicoRecandParks.org. Onsite registration will also be available the day of the event beginning at 12 p.m.
Proceeds from the Shamrock Shootout Cornhole Tournament will benefit the Stay Ready Riderz Bike Club and Wicomico Friends of Recreation & Parks’ Tomorrow Fund. This fund provides scholarships to youth participating in County child care programs and youth sports programs.
(*Prize money subject to change based on number of entries.)
The cost is $50 per team and advanced registration is now open at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center Box Office (M - F, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.) or at www.WicomicoRecandParks.org. Onsite registration will also be available the day of the event beginning at 12 p.m.
Proceeds from the Shamrock Shootout Cornhole Tournament will benefit the Stay Ready Riderz Bike Club and Wicomico Friends of Recreation & Parks’ Tomorrow Fund. This fund provides scholarships to youth participating in County child care programs and youth sports programs.
(*Prize money subject to change based on number of entries.)
Upcoming Eastern Shore Pregnancy Center Event
Come out for an evening of warmth and loving assistance, to a benefit concert for the Eastern Shore Pregnancy Center on Saturday, March 14, 7 p.m., at Providence Presbyterian Church on 311 Parker Road, in Salisbury, MD.
The Celebrate Life Concert will feature local artists Beauty for Ashes, Triple Praise, and Rivers of Living Water, in a coffee house atmosphere, and include a silent auction along with praise and worship and fellowship. All are invited!
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