DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Monday, March 02, 2015
Forget Coffins – Organic Burial Pods Will Turn Your Loved Ones Into Trees
The idea of coming full circle and returning whence we came from is one that appeals to many of us, regardless of our faith (or lack thereof), and this is an idea captured perfectly by this beautiful new burial method developed in Italy. The Capsula Mundi project by designers Anna Citelli and Raoul Bretzel has developed an organic, biodegradable burial capsule that will turn the deceased’s body into nutrients for a tree that will grow out of their remains.
After being encapsulated in the fetal position, the deceased is buried and either a tree or tree seed is planted above their capsule. The project’s site already has a number of trees to choose from.
The project is currently only a concept because Italian law forbids such burials. If it were allowed to proceed, however, the project’s aim would be to create entire memorial parks full of trees instead of tombstones. And instead of destroying and burying wood for wooden coffins, we would, at the end of our lives, provide sustenance for new trees instead. And indeed, the idea that our loved ones and descendants could visit our tree, care for it and rest in its shade is truly a comforting one.
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After being encapsulated in the fetal position, the deceased is buried and either a tree or tree seed is planted above their capsule. The project’s site already has a number of trees to choose from.
The project is currently only a concept because Italian law forbids such burials. If it were allowed to proceed, however, the project’s aim would be to create entire memorial parks full of trees instead of tombstones. And instead of destroying and burying wood for wooden coffins, we would, at the end of our lives, provide sustenance for new trees instead. And indeed, the idea that our loved ones and descendants could visit our tree, care for it and rest in its shade is truly a comforting one.
More
Psaki: Ethics Deal Broken? No problem
Algeria, which had human rights problems and was heavily lobbying Hillary Clinton’s State Department to get in its good graces, gave half a million bucks in 2010 to the Clinton Foundation, which didn’t follow the protocol of getting approval from the State Department, according to the Washington Post.
State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said, well it was just one case, and we don’t care.
“The fact that the process was not followed in this particular incident does not raise concerns with us,” Psaki said.
Do we know if this happened other times?
Got no idea, said Psaki.
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State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said, well it was just one case, and we don’t care.
“The fact that the process was not followed in this particular incident does not raise concerns with us,” Psaki said.
Do we know if this happened other times?
Got no idea, said Psaki.
More
Why Big Pharma May Not Be Cashing in on Medical Marijuana
Prohibition against marijuana seems to be soon nearing an end, partially motivated by Colorado’s tax windfall since its passage of Amendment 64, reporting over $3.5 million in revenue for February from recreational and medical dispensaries alone. Attorney General Eric Holder stated on Friday he is willing to discuss downgrading marijuana from its current status as a Schedule I drug and Maryland is poised to be the latest state to decriminalize small amounts of possession. As international healthcare giants Bayer and Novartis (NYSE:NVS) see its profit potential rise from its distribution partnerships with GW Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:GWPH), maker of cannabinoid-based nasal spray Sativex, why haven’t major American pharmaceuticalcompanies joined the “green rush?”
While Sativex is still in Phase 3 testing with the FDA and not yet available in the U.S. (it has inked a deal for future domestic distribution through Japanese pharmaceutical company Otsuka), it is currently approved for use in 23 other countries. Two other cannabinoid-based drugs, Marinol and Cesamet, have been prescribed for years to combat nausea brought on by chemotherapy, but neither have caused as much of a market stir as Sativex has. Shares of GW Pharmaceuticals have gone through the roof this year, with a current valuation of $923 million despite sluggish 2013 sales. Additional buzz surrounding GW’s anticipated release of Epidiolex, a cannabidiol-based oil used to treat a type of childhood epilepsy, into the U.S. market later this year helped the company raise $90 million for research and development on the NASDAQ back in January.
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While Sativex is still in Phase 3 testing with the FDA and not yet available in the U.S. (it has inked a deal for future domestic distribution through Japanese pharmaceutical company Otsuka), it is currently approved for use in 23 other countries. Two other cannabinoid-based drugs, Marinol and Cesamet, have been prescribed for years to combat nausea brought on by chemotherapy, but neither have caused as much of a market stir as Sativex has. Shares of GW Pharmaceuticals have gone through the roof this year, with a current valuation of $923 million despite sluggish 2013 sales. Additional buzz surrounding GW’s anticipated release of Epidiolex, a cannabidiol-based oil used to treat a type of childhood epilepsy, into the U.S. market later this year helped the company raise $90 million for research and development on the NASDAQ back in January.
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CPAC 2015: See the full straw poll results
Percent Candidate
25.7 Sen. Rand Paul
21.4 Gov. Scott Walker
11.5 Sen. Ted Cruz
11.4 Dr. Ben Carson
8.3 Former Gov. Jeb Bush
4.3 Former Sen. Rick Santorum
3.7 Sen. Marco Rubio
3.5 Donald Trump
3.0 Carly Fiorina
2.8 Gov. Chris Christie
1.1 Former Gov. Rick Perry
0.9 Gov. Bobby Jindal
0.8 Former Gov. Sarah Palin
0.3 Former Gov. Mike Huckabee
0.3 Former Ambassador John Bolton
0.1 Sen. Lindsey Graham
0.1 Former Gov. George Pataki
1.0 Undecided
0.7 Other
Source
25.7 Sen. Rand Paul
21.4 Gov. Scott Walker
11.5 Sen. Ted Cruz
11.4 Dr. Ben Carson
8.3 Former Gov. Jeb Bush
4.3 Former Sen. Rick Santorum
3.7 Sen. Marco Rubio
3.5 Donald Trump
3.0 Carly Fiorina
2.8 Gov. Chris Christie
1.1 Former Gov. Rick Perry
0.9 Gov. Bobby Jindal
0.8 Former Gov. Sarah Palin
0.3 Former Gov. Mike Huckabee
0.3 Former Ambassador John Bolton
0.1 Sen. Lindsey Graham
0.1 Former Gov. George Pataki
1.0 Undecided
0.7 Other
Source
Student: My favourite bug to eat? Cockroaches
An American student has just spent thirty days on a diet of bugs. Camren Brantley-Rios says traditional meat like pork and beef are unsustainable and he wanted to see whether he could stomach a month of meals which included insects as his main source of protein instead.
Speaking to 5 live Breakfast, Camren said he wanted to "tweak" his diet because he considers eating bugs to be "so healthy" and a "great way to be sustainable without having to do much".
His favourite bug "surprisingly" is cockroach because they have a "very complex flavour". Camren described them as tasting "kinda floral, herby and gamey".
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Speaking to 5 live Breakfast, Camren said he wanted to "tweak" his diet because he considers eating bugs to be "so healthy" and a "great way to be sustainable without having to do much".
His favourite bug "surprisingly" is cockroach because they have a "very complex flavour". Camren described them as tasting "kinda floral, herby and gamey".
More
DELMAR REFERENDUM
Delmar School District Referendum Informational Meeting, Tuesday, March 3, 2015 at 7:00PM at the Delmar High School Auditorium
Referendum
March 10. 2015
10:00AM-8:00PM
Polling Location: School District Office
Referendum
March 10. 2015
10:00AM-8:00PM
Polling Location: School District Office
IRS Employee Looking for Lois Lerner Emails Was Blind, Literally!
An IRS employee tasked with trying to restore and obtain emails on Lois Lerner’s IRS computer’s hard drive was legally blind. Stephen Manning, the deputy chief information officer for strategy and modernization at the IRS, submitted an affidavit in the True the Vote vs. IRS litigation regarding the persons and procedures used to attempt to recover Lois Lerner’s hard drive containing emails pertaining to Tea Party targeting.
The affidavit can be read here. Paragraph 14 describes the educational background of the person searching for data on Lois Lerner’s hard drive:
“According to the Specialist, prior to joining the Internal Revenue Service … training was completed through Lions World Services for the Blind.”
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The affidavit can be read here. Paragraph 14 describes the educational background of the person searching for data on Lois Lerner’s hard drive:
“According to the Specialist, prior to joining the Internal Revenue Service … training was completed through Lions World Services for the Blind.”
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Snow Still Not Removed Off Sidewalk On Saturday
Some tried to claim there was no sidewalk along this road in Salisbury and that just isn't true. There IS a sidewalk here and it has still yet to be cleared.
Mayor Ireton to Lobby Annapolis on Behalf of 900,000 Maryland Taxpayers!
Salisbury - Mayor James Ireton, Jr. has joined the Maryland Mayors Association to lobby for tax fairness for city residents across Maryland.
Mayor Ireton, 1st Vice President of the Maryland Mayors Association, will lobby in Annapolis in support of HB690—the “Property Tax Fairness Act of 2015”—on Wednesday, March 4th, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. The hearing, in room 131 of the House Office Building, is assigned to the Ways and Means Committee.
HB690, introduced by Delegate Carol Krimm (D-MD 3A) seeks to re categorize remaining counties in Maryland from “may” produce a tax setoff for municipalities to “shall” produce a tax setoff for municipalities. This would mean counties must provide a property tax setoff if a county and a municipality within the county are providing parallel services paid for with property tax dollars. Under current law, Wicomico County “may” provide a property tax setoff for duplicated services, but is not required to.
“This is my ‘Mr. Ireton goes to Annapolis’ moment,” said the Mayor. “Maryland counties have balanced their budgets on the backs of Maryland cities for far too long. I come to Annapolis on behalf of Salisbury, Delmar, Fruitland, Ocean City, Crisfield, and the more than 900,000 Marylanders who live in municipalities that are taxed by counties. These overtaxed citizens are waiting for those who promised tax relief to make good on those promises. HB690 is tax fairness. HB690 is smart growth. HB690 is long overdue. I urge Governor Hogan, Wicomico County Executive Bob Culver, Delegates Carl Anderton, Mary Beth Carozza, Johnny Mautz, Chris Adams, and Sheree Sample-Hughes to support this legislation. I join mayors that represent hundreds of thousands of Marylanders to say it’s time to end double-taxation. Pass the Property Tax Fairness Act of 2015.”
In Brief:
-Mayor Ireton will lobby with MMA in support of the Property Tax Fairness Act of 2015 (HB 690) on Wednesday, March 4th at the State House in Annapolis.
-HB 690 would mandate tax setoffs for municipalities which provide duplicated services paid for with county property tax dollars.
-In Maryland, 917,027 people live within incorporated municipalities aside from Baltimore City. This makes up 15.5% of the State’s population.
Authority: Ireton for Maryland. William C. Duck, Jr., Treasurer
Report: Obama Threatened to Shoot Down IAF Iran Strike
The Bethlehem-based news agency Ma’an has cited a Kuwaiti newspaper report Saturday, that US President Barack Obama thwarted an Israeli military attack against Iran's nuclear facilities in 2014 by threatening to shoot down Israeli jets before they could reach their targets in Iran.
Following Obama's threat, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu was reportedly forced to abort the planned Iran attack.
According to Al-Jarida, the Netanyahu government made the decision to strike Iran some time in 2014 soon after Israel had discovered the United States and Iran had been involved in secret talks over Iran’s nuclear program and were about to sign an agreement in that regard behind Israel's back.
The report claimed that an unnamed Israeli minister who has good ties with the US administration revealed the attack plan to Secretary of State John Kerry, and that Obama then threatened to shoot down the Israeli jets before they could reach their targets in Iran.
Following Obama's threat, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu was reportedly forced to abort the planned Iran attack.
According to Al-Jarida, the Netanyahu government made the decision to strike Iran some time in 2014 soon after Israel had discovered the United States and Iran had been involved in secret talks over Iran’s nuclear program and were about to sign an agreement in that regard behind Israel's back.
The report claimed that an unnamed Israeli minister who has good ties with the US administration revealed the attack plan to Secretary of State John Kerry, and that Obama then threatened to shoot down the Israeli jets before they could reach their targets in Iran.
On Eve of US Trip, Netanyahu Prays at Western Wall
Wearing a black skullcap, he rested his hands on Jerusalem's Western Wall while praying briefly, before turning to face a bank of microphones.
Netanyahu expressed his respect for US President Barack Obama, but stood firm on his bid to persuade Congress to fight Obama's Iran plans.
"I believe in the strength of the relations between Israel and the United States," he said. "That strength will prevail over differences of opinion, those in the past and those yet to come."
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Jeb Bush Backers Are Bussing Supporters to CPAC
It sounds like Jeb Bush’s supporters are taking CPAC pretty seriously this year. Emails provided to Slate show that backers of the former Florida governor are bussing supporters from downtown Washington D.C. to CPAC in National Harbor, Maryland, and organizing to get them day passes into the event.
One of the emails that went out was from Fritz Brogan, a former advance man for then-President George W. Bush who (per the Washington Post) co-hosted a fundraiser for Jeb’s Right to Rise PAC earlier this month. A Bush insider confirmed to Slate that Bush’s Right to Rise PAC is helping organize the transportation.
“We strongly recommend arriving as early as possible to get a seat,” wrote Brogan in an email sent to undisclosed recipients. “Our ‘Early Rise’ team will be there at 7:30am onward helping reserve seats- if you want to join the early team, let me know.”
Brogan wrote that there were still available seats on busses leaving from K Street and Georgetown at noon on Friday to get to the event in time for Bush’s talk.
In another email sent last week to undisclosed recipients, Brogan discussed the importance of Bush supporters saving seats for each other before his talk.
More here
One of the emails that went out was from Fritz Brogan, a former advance man for then-President George W. Bush who (per the Washington Post) co-hosted a fundraiser for Jeb’s Right to Rise PAC earlier this month. A Bush insider confirmed to Slate that Bush’s Right to Rise PAC is helping organize the transportation.
“We strongly recommend arriving as early as possible to get a seat,” wrote Brogan in an email sent to undisclosed recipients. “Our ‘Early Rise’ team will be there at 7:30am onward helping reserve seats- if you want to join the early team, let me know.”
Brogan wrote that there were still available seats on busses leaving from K Street and Georgetown at noon on Friday to get to the event in time for Bush’s talk.
In another email sent last week to undisclosed recipients, Brogan discussed the importance of Bush supporters saving seats for each other before his talk.
More here
White House Can Limit Vets-First Hiring Law, Agency Says
The White House won a legal victory when a federal agency ruled that the Obama administration did not violate a military veteran's rights when it rejected his application under a new jobs program for recent graduates. The ruling limited the reach of a law that says vets must get first preference in hiring for federal jobs.
The case involved a disabled veteran, David Dean, who applied for a job under the Pathways Recent Graduates Program, a federal internship system created by President Obama in 2010. Dean's application was rejected because the White House limited the program to people who had finished their studies within the previous two years and he fell outside that requirement.
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The case involved a disabled veteran, David Dean, who applied for a job under the Pathways Recent Graduates Program, a federal internship system created by President Obama in 2010. Dean's application was rejected because the White House limited the program to people who had finished their studies within the previous two years and he fell outside that requirement.
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Gov. Scott Walker: I Refuse To Take The Media's Bait
One thing we've learned in Wisconsin through all our challenges and successes over the past four years, is when we keep our focus on what matters to the people, we earn their respect, if not always their agreement. And, in a purple state that hasn't gone to a Republican presidential candidate in 30 years, our approach has translated into three wins in four years.
There has been much discussion about a media double standard where Republicans are covered differently than Democrats, asked to weigh in on issues the Democrats don't face. As a result, when we refuse to take the media's bait, we suffer.
I felt it this week when I was asked to weigh in on what other people said and did and what others' beliefs are. If you are looking for answers to those questions, ask those people.
I will always choose to focus on what matters to the American people, not what matters to the media.
More here
There has been much discussion about a media double standard where Republicans are covered differently than Democrats, asked to weigh in on issues the Democrats don't face. As a result, when we refuse to take the media's bait, we suffer.
I felt it this week when I was asked to weigh in on what other people said and did and what others' beliefs are. If you are looking for answers to those questions, ask those people.
I will always choose to focus on what matters to the American people, not what matters to the media.
More here
TRUSTEES' SALE OF VALUABLE IMPROVED COMMERCIAL PROPERTY: STATION 7
AUCTION SALE
Thursday March 12 - 11:00 AM
7456 Gumboro Rd - Pittsville, MD
To be held @ Wicomico County Circuit Court
7456 GUMBORO ROAD, PITTSVILLE, WICOMICO COUNTY, MARYLAND
Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in a certain Purchase Money Deed of Trust to Wade H. Insley, III and Robert A. Benson, Trustees, dated December 8, 2006, and recorded among the Land Records for Wicomico County, Maryland in Liber M.S.B. 2714, Folio 442, default having occurred under the terms of said Deed of Trust, and at the request of the party secured thereby (as set forth in Case No. 22C15000134 in the Circuit Court for Wicomico County, Maryland) the undersigned Trustees will offer for sale at public auction at the front door of the Courthouse, at 101 North Division Street, Salisbury, Wicomico County, Maryland, on Thursday, March 12, 2015 at 11:00 a.m.
PROPERTY DESCRIPTION:
ALL that lot, tract or parcel of land situate, lying and being in the Town of Pittsville in the Pittsburg Election District of Wicomico County, State of Maryland, and being located on and binding upon the Easterly side of Maryland Rte. 353, and being located on and binding upon the Northerly side of Main Street, and being shown and designated as Lot 1 as set forth on the plat entitled "subdivision of Lands of Joseph Albero" dated February 6, 2006, prepared by Becker Morgan Group, and recorded among the Land Records of Wicomico County, Maryland in Plat Cab. M.S.B. No. 15/165; said Lot 1 containing 17,104 square feet of land, and BEING in all respects a part of the same land conveyed unto Wamphouse, L.L.C., by Deed dated December 8, 2006 and recorded among the Land Records for Wicomico County, Maryland at Liber M.S.B. No. 2714, Folio 438.
IMPROVEMENTS: The above described property is identified as 7456 Gumboro Road and it is believed to be improved by a restaurant in a commercial building containing approximately 3900 square feet. The Trustees and Auctioneer make no representation as to the accuracy of the aforesaid information or compliance with building codes.
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Publishers Notes: As I'm sure many of you know, I was the former owner of this property. It was announced last week that the property was in fact going up for auction and Mr. Pete Richardson is the Auctioneer.
For those interested in the property, the Wampler's did an unbelievable job renovating this old Fire House. It was simply a shell of a building when I owned it and the transformation is top shelf.
The economy these past few years has really taken its toll on many local restaurants, especially those outside the metro core. It will be interesting to see what happens to this location next.
‘Church Singer’ of Maryland Lives Out His Culinary Dreams
Joseph Harris of Glen Burnie, Maryland, had a dream to be a professional chef. He even moved to Missouri to attend culinary school, but then life took an unexpected turn when his mother had a stroke. Mr. Harris returned from the Midwest to help his family care for his mother.
“Of course, I was a little bit disappointed, as I had the hopes of going forward in what I would consider a big step into my culinary passion,” Mr. Harris told The Washington Times.
While assisting with his mother’s care, Mr. Harris, 25, kept his ambition alive. An avid viewer of the Food Network, he kept up with auditions for its programs and applied for one himself.
“For that TV show, you had to be a professional chef, so I knew I wasn’t going to get on that,” Mr. Harris said.
But the network never forgot the chef known as the “Church Singer” because of his penchant for singing gospel music while cooking. When the Food Network sent Mr. Harris an email in August about participating in a new show called “All-Star Academy,” he jumped at the chance.
Read more here
“Of course, I was a little bit disappointed, as I had the hopes of going forward in what I would consider a big step into my culinary passion,” Mr. Harris told The Washington Times.
While assisting with his mother’s care, Mr. Harris, 25, kept his ambition alive. An avid viewer of the Food Network, he kept up with auditions for its programs and applied for one himself.
“For that TV show, you had to be a professional chef, so I knew I wasn’t going to get on that,” Mr. Harris said.
But the network never forgot the chef known as the “Church Singer” because of his penchant for singing gospel music while cooking. When the Food Network sent Mr. Harris an email in August about participating in a new show called “All-Star Academy,” he jumped at the chance.
Read more here
Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Press Release 3-2-15
On 02/26/2015 Worcester County Deputies responded to a residence on Cedar Lane regarding a fight that was in progress.
Upon arrival Deputies located a subject that had injuries and was complaining of pain in his shoulder and blood on his face. The victim’s clothes were in disarray and it was apparent a fight had occurred.
The victim stated that Kevin Ray Cropper, age 32 of Berlin had assaulted him and shoved another family member down across furniture causing their shoulder to dislocate.
While investigating the dispute, Mr. Cropper was located a short distance from the scene Mr. Cropper lunged at a Deputy and assaulted the Deputy.
Mr. Cropper was arrested and charged with the following;
Assault 1st Degree
Assault 2nd Degree
Assault 2nd Degree Law Enforcement Officer
Reckless Endangerment
Mr. Cropper was held on no bond at the Worcester County Jail.
Upon arrival Deputies located a subject that had injuries and was complaining of pain in his shoulder and blood on his face. The victim’s clothes were in disarray and it was apparent a fight had occurred.
The victim stated that Kevin Ray Cropper, age 32 of Berlin had assaulted him and shoved another family member down across furniture causing their shoulder to dislocate.
While investigating the dispute, Mr. Cropper was located a short distance from the scene Mr. Cropper lunged at a Deputy and assaulted the Deputy.
Mr. Cropper was arrested and charged with the following;
Assault 1st Degree
Assault 2nd Degree
Assault 2nd Degree Law Enforcement Officer
Reckless Endangerment
Mr. Cropper was held on no bond at the Worcester County Jail.
Obama Judge Invites Repatriated Illegals To Return, Seek US Jobs
Barack Obama’s administration is inviting many repatriated illegal immigrants back to work in the United States under a deal approved this week by a federal judge.
The deal was finalized by Obama’s deputies and their ideological allies in the American Civil Liberties Union, via a courtroom negotiation under the supervision of an Obama-appointed judge.
The deal also provided $700,000 to the ACLU for the lawyers’ fees.
The lawyers had claimed that illegals were unfairly and unlawfully pressured to sign so-called “voluntary return” documents as they were being deported. The illegals should have been invited to fight repatriation via the courts, said the lawyers’ group.
The returned illegals will likely seek jobs sought by Americans and will increase the labor supply, driving down incomes for Americans.
The inflow will increase competition for jobs, and likely increase public dependence on government, aiding Democrat candidates who offer more government support to low-income Americans.
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The deal was finalized by Obama’s deputies and their ideological allies in the American Civil Liberties Union, via a courtroom negotiation under the supervision of an Obama-appointed judge.
The deal also provided $700,000 to the ACLU for the lawyers’ fees.
The lawyers had claimed that illegals were unfairly and unlawfully pressured to sign so-called “voluntary return” documents as they were being deported. The illegals should have been invited to fight repatriation via the courts, said the lawyers’ group.
The returned illegals will likely seek jobs sought by Americans and will increase the labor supply, driving down incomes for Americans.
The inflow will increase competition for jobs, and likely increase public dependence on government, aiding Democrat candidates who offer more government support to low-income Americans.
More
Portrait artist says he painted Lewinsky reference in Bill Clinton’s official painting
But it’s there, the artist revealed in an interview with the Philadelphia Daily News. Philadelphia area painter Nelson Shanks cunningly included a shadow over the fireplace cast from a blue dress on a mannequin.
Shanks said painting Clinton was his hardest assignment because “he is probably the most famous liar of all time.” So he added the nod to the Lewinsky scandal because it had cast a shadow over Clinton’s presidency.
“He and his administration did some very good things, of course,” Shanks said, “but I could never get this Monica thing completely out of my mind, and it is subtly incorporated in the painting.” He told the Daily News:
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Decision in ‘free-range’ case does not end debate about parenting and safety
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Danielle and Alexander Meitiv hoped the nationally debated case — which has lit up social media and brought a dozen television film crews to their home — would be dismissed after a two-month investigation by Montgomery County Child Protective Services.
But the finding of unsubstantiated child neglect means CPS will keep a file on the family for at least five years and leaves open the question of what happens if the Meitiv children — ages 10 and 6 — get reported again for walking without adult supervision.
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Weekly Standard Poll Results: Walker in a Walk
We've just finished tabulating the results an online poll conducted during the last week of WEEKLY STANDARD readers. They were given a chance to let us know who would be, as of now, their 1st, 2nd, and 3rd choices for the GOP presidential nomination. We want to thank the 3,700 readers who participated.
The big news is that Scott Walker was the convincing winner among TWS readers. He captured 47 percent of the first choices, and featured as a first, second, or third choice on no less than 78 percent of the ballots. No one else made into double digits as a first choice, or made it onto as many as a third of the ballots in any position.
Obviously, this was not a scientific survey but rather a poll of those who chose to participate. Equally obvious, the race is early and seems very fluid. But it's well known that WEEKLY STANDARD readers are an unusually perceptive, predictive, and prescient bunch! So make of these numbers what you will...but ignore WEEKLY STANDARD readers' judgments—even if they are early and tentative ones—at your own peril.
Here are the results—the first number is the percentage of 1st place choices, the second is the percentage of the ballots the candidate makes it onto as a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place choice..
The big news is that Scott Walker was the convincing winner among TWS readers. He captured 47 percent of the first choices, and featured as a first, second, or third choice on no less than 78 percent of the ballots. No one else made into double digits as a first choice, or made it onto as many as a third of the ballots in any position.
Obviously, this was not a scientific survey but rather a poll of those who chose to participate. Equally obvious, the race is early and seems very fluid. But it's well known that WEEKLY STANDARD readers are an unusually perceptive, predictive, and prescient bunch! So make of these numbers what you will...but ignore WEEKLY STANDARD readers' judgments—even if they are early and tentative ones—at your own peril.
Here are the results—the first number is the percentage of 1st place choices, the second is the percentage of the ballots the candidate makes it onto as a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place choice..
Media Smears Walker on Campus Sex Assault Reporting, Gets It Horribly Wrong
Members of the media were quick to report that, included in Gov. Scott Walker's budget, was a removal of the requirements that colleges report campus sexual assault statistics to the state.
The Daily Beast, Huffington Post and others all jumped on a report in Jezebel that tried to paint Walker as being unsympathetic to sexual assault victims. Daily Beast writer Brian Weidy went so far as to claim that Walker's proposal was "just short of explicitly violating Title IX regulations" and possible even "crossing a legal line."
So not only is Walker a terrible person who hates victims, but he's also maybe breaking the law. Or so they said. But for all their eagerness to pile on a leading GOP candidate for president (note the contrast to reporting on Obama in 2008), they were just plain wrong. The outlets involved had to retract the story, although a simple Google News search could have spared them the humiliation.
Here's more..
The Daily Beast, Huffington Post and others all jumped on a report in Jezebel that tried to paint Walker as being unsympathetic to sexual assault victims. Daily Beast writer Brian Weidy went so far as to claim that Walker's proposal was "just short of explicitly violating Title IX regulations" and possible even "crossing a legal line."
So not only is Walker a terrible person who hates victims, but he's also maybe breaking the law. Or so they said. But for all their eagerness to pile on a leading GOP candidate for president (note the contrast to reporting on Obama in 2008), they were just plain wrong. The outlets involved had to retract the story, although a simple Google News search could have spared them the humiliation.
Here's more..
WCSO Press Releases March 2, 2015
Incident: Possession of Crack Cocaine
Date of Incident: 27 February 2015
Location: Seminole Boulevard, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Queenemma F. Makoa, 39, Salisbury, MD
Narrative: On 27 Feb 2015 at 9:46 PM a deputy stopped a vehicle on Seminole Boulevard for an equipment violation. During the traffic stop the deputy detected a strong odor of marijuana emanating from a passenger, Queenemma Makoa. A search of Makoa’s person revealed nine individually wrapped baggies containing what was identified as crack cocaine and one baggie containing what was identified as marijuana.
The deputy placed Makoa under arrest and transported her to the Central Booking Unit where she was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, the Commissioner detained Makoa in the Detention Center in lieu of $5,000.00 bond.
Charges: Possession of CDS with the Intent to Distribute
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Incident: Driving While Suspended
Date of Incident: 27 February 2015
Location: Salisbury Boulevard at Church Street, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Ross Allan Hurley, 40, Vienna,MD
Narrative: On 27 Feb 2015 at 9:23 AM a deputy conducted a registration plate query on a vehicle that was operated by Ross Hurley of Vienna MD and discovered that the plates did not belong on the vehicle that Hurley was operating. Upon stopping Hurley, the deputy then discovered that Hurley was knowingly operating his vehicle while his privilege to drive had been suspended by the State of Maryland.
The deputy also discovered that Hurley had no insurance on the vehicle either.
The deputy placed Hurley under arrest and transported him to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. Following an initial appearance, the Commissioner released Hurley on Personal Recognizance.
Charges: Operating an Unregistered Motor Vehicle, Driving Uninsured Vehicle and Driving While Suspended
****************************************************************************
Incident: Assault
Date of Incident: 27 February 2015
Location: 1000 block of Beaglin Park Drive, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Chad Lamont Collins, 32, Pocomoke City. MD
Narrative: On 27 Feb 2015 at 1:00 PM a deputy located and arrested Chad Collins in connection with an assault that had reportedly occurred earlier in the week. According to the complainant in this case,Collins stands accused of assaulting a female subject and then taking cash from her without permission.
Upon arrest, the deputy transported Collins to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, the Commissioner detained Collins in the Detention Center in lieu of $30,000.00 bond.
Charges: Assault 2nd Degree and Theft less than $100.00
Incident: Driving While Suspended
Date of Incident: 28 February 2015
Location: U.S. Rt. 50 at Porter Mill Road, Hebron, MD
Suspect: Valentine I. Anamelchi, 29,Washington, D.C.
Narrative: On 28 Feb 2015 at 9:46 PM a deputy stopped a vehicle on U.S. Route 50 in the Hebron area because the deputy observed that the vehicle’s registration expired in March 2014. Upon making contact with the operator, Valentine Anamelchi, he provided a picture of his driver’s license.Upon conducting a query of the driving privilege of Anamelchi, the deputy discovered that not only was his driving privilege suspended by the District of Columbia, but that he had been recently charged with Driving Suspended and was awaiting a court date on that charge.
The deputy placed Anamelchi under arrest and transported him to the Central Booking unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, the Commissioner released Anamelchi on Personal Recognizance.
Charges: Driving While Suspended
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Releasing Authority: Lt. Tim Robinson Date: 2 March 2015
Black Privilege: SAT Bonus for Blacks, Hispanics
A report in the LA Times revealed that blacks and Hispanics get bonus SAT points at elite universities based on their race. Asian students however are penalized 50 points due to their race.
The LA Times reported, via DownTrend:
Lee’s next slide shows three columns of numbers from a Princeton University study that tried to measure how race and ethnicity affect admissions by using SAT scores as a benchmark. It uses the term “bonus” to describe how many extra SAT points an applicant’s race is worth. She points to the first column.
African Americans received a “bonus” of 230 points, Lee says.
She points to the second column.
“Hispanics received a bonus of 185 points.”
More on this..
The LA Times reported, via DownTrend:
Lee’s next slide shows three columns of numbers from a Princeton University study that tried to measure how race and ethnicity affect admissions by using SAT scores as a benchmark. It uses the term “bonus” to describe how many extra SAT points an applicant’s race is worth. She points to the first column.
African Americans received a “bonus” of 230 points, Lee says.
She points to the second column.
“Hispanics received a bonus of 185 points.”
Worcester County Tea Party
I wanted to let you know that the record breaking movie "American Sniper" will be showing at the MarVa Theater in Pocomoke City on March 6, 7, 13 & 14, the show time for all dates will be 7:00 p.m. Admission is only $5.00 and parking is free! I sincerely hope you will consider visiting Pocomoke to see this great movie and maybe come early to visit the Riverside Grill next to the drawbidge on the scenic Pocomoke River for dinner.
In case of inclement weather on movie dates, you can check the MarVa facebook page to see if the showing has been cancelled. Originally opened in 1927, this fully restored art decco theater harkens back to the days of Vaudeville. Despite its age, the MarVa has a state of the art digital projection and sound that was installed in March of 2014. The MarVa Theater and Performing Arts Center is a non-profit organization run by interested local residents of Pocomoke City and nearby areas. It is staffed and operated by volunteers with the exception of our executive director and one part time assistant.
Hopefully you will consider supporting this worthwhile community organization.
Get a carpool together and come visit us!
Man Arrested in Home Improvement Scam
Police Charged: Larry Burton Tyre, B/M, 62 years of age, of Ocean Pines with:
2 counts of Obtaining Property of a Vulnerable Adult of $500
One count of Theft Scheme over $10,000 to Under $100,000
One Count of Theft Over $10,000 to Under $100,000
Mr. Tyre was taken before a District Court Commissioner and was released on $25,000 unsecured bond, pending trial.
Queen Anne's County-based RESET program aims to put troubled youth on a better path
Trying heroin for the first time as a teen, and getting hooked immediately.
Losing her art scholarship and getting kicked out of college after a drug raid at her parents’ house.
Getting shot at by police.
Finally seeking help after trying to quit on her own and experiencing crippling withdrawal symptoms.
Anna Fox of Kent Island has been clean and sober for years, but she still has flashbacks to “horrible” things she did in pursuit of heroin. She told her story to eight teens participating in Queen Anne’s County’s RESET program.
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Twitter starts tracking phone numbers to clamp down on trolls
Twitter's boss recently admitted the social network 'sucks' at dealing with trolls and now the site is making good on its promise to clamp down on these abusive accounts.
Reports from The Verge claim the site will start banning users who violate its rules by tracking email addresses and phone numbers.
This means that if an offender attempts to sign up for other accounts using these details Twitter will be able to intervene.
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Reports from The Verge claim the site will start banning users who violate its rules by tracking email addresses and phone numbers.
This means that if an offender attempts to sign up for other accounts using these details Twitter will be able to intervene.
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South Carolina college bans homosexuality among students
A rural Christian college has banned homosexuality after two of the school's volleyball players came out as gay.
Erskine College in Due West, South Carolina, said that homosexuality wasn't part of 'God's intended design for humanity'.
The liberal arts school with 575 students is affiliated with the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church.
This week, the college issued a 'Statement on Human Sexuality', saying it intended to 'add the statement to its official manuals and determine how it will be integrated into campus culture and procedures'.
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Erskine College in Due West, South Carolina, said that homosexuality wasn't part of 'God's intended design for humanity'.
The liberal arts school with 575 students is affiliated with the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church.
This week, the college issued a 'Statement on Human Sexuality', saying it intended to 'add the statement to its official manuals and determine how it will be integrated into campus culture and procedures'.
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Trump back on the birther wagon but insists Hillary drove it first
Real estate tycoon Donald Trump brought an aggressive if vague platform to the Conservative Political Action Conference on Friday, but raised eyebrows with his continued questions about President Barack Obama's birth certificate.
He hammered Hillary and Bill Clinton, saying the former president would soon face new troubles related to his friendship with convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
Clinton is a 'nice guy,' Trump said, but 'he's got a lot of problems coming up, in my opinion, with the famous island' where Epstein entertained his wealthy and famous friends – allegedly with sex parties featuring underage girls.
The former U.S. president took a trip there in 2002.
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He hammered Hillary and Bill Clinton, saying the former president would soon face new troubles related to his friendship with convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
Clinton is a 'nice guy,' Trump said, but 'he's got a lot of problems coming up, in my opinion, with the famous island' where Epstein entertained his wealthy and famous friends – allegedly with sex parties featuring underage girls.
The former U.S. president took a trip there in 2002.
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Hoodies that get you high on pot
Marijuana use has been in fashion for years but now that it's becoming legal, the trend is being incorporated into clothing design-that can actually get you high.
Hoodie companies VapRwear and Hood Horkerz feature hoodies that have built in pot smoking devices for easy use.
Hood Horkerz feature a pipe sweater that has a glass bowl on one end of the drawstring and a mouthpiece on the other. The sweatshirt costs $124 each.
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Hoodie companies VapRwear and Hood Horkerz feature hoodies that have built in pot smoking devices for easy use.
Hood Horkerz feature a pipe sweater that has a glass bowl on one end of the drawstring and a mouthpiece on the other. The sweatshirt costs $124 each.
More
Aretha Franklin fist-bumps Obama at ceremony for Attorney General Eric Holder
During a ceremony to unveil his official portrait, Holder, 64, said he was proud of his accomplishments and praised hundreds of colleagues who turned out to honor him. He was the country's third-longest serving attorney general.
"No attorney general, no AG, has ever loved this institution or you more," said Holder, the first African American to hold the job. Paraphrasing musician Duke Ellington, he added: "I will miss you as I have loved you all: Madly. I love you madly."
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Grand Jury to Hear Cases in Deadly Ohio Fire
PREBLE COUNTY, Ohio – A grand jury on Monday will hear the cases against a mother and her former boyfriend regarding a fire that killed two children Saturday morning.
Chastity J. Hall, 35, was arrested Wednesday on two preliminary counts of endangering children, a third-degree felony, in the deaths of daughter Malea Bradburn, 10, and son Malachi Bradburn, 9.
A former boyfriend of Hall's, Arcadio B. Escobar, 34, was charged with one preliminary count of trespassing at Hall's home near West Alexandria, Ohio. The charge is a fourth-degree felony.
The Preble County Prosecutor's Office will present evidence supporting the charges to a grand jury on Monday.
According to an affidavit of probable cause filed in the case, Hall left the two children home alone Friday night when she went to the VFW in Eaton, Ohio, as well as the 230 Club and two homes. The affidavit said Hall returned home at about 1:45 a.m. to put on new makeup and left again after seeing Malachi was asleep in his room and Malea was asleep on a couch.
When Hall returned home at about 6:45 a.m., she was intoxicated, according to the affidavit, and said to Fire Chief Jeff Shafer, "Where are my babies? My babies are in there."
The affidavit indicates Hall had searched for a babysitter for the night, including asking a teenage son to watch the children. Her parents, who have custody of the teenager, refused to allow him to leave, the affidavit said.
More here
Chastity J. Hall, 35, was arrested Wednesday on two preliminary counts of endangering children, a third-degree felony, in the deaths of daughter Malea Bradburn, 10, and son Malachi Bradburn, 9.
A former boyfriend of Hall's, Arcadio B. Escobar, 34, was charged with one preliminary count of trespassing at Hall's home near West Alexandria, Ohio. The charge is a fourth-degree felony.
The Preble County Prosecutor's Office will present evidence supporting the charges to a grand jury on Monday.
According to an affidavit of probable cause filed in the case, Hall left the two children home alone Friday night when she went to the VFW in Eaton, Ohio, as well as the 230 Club and two homes. The affidavit said Hall returned home at about 1:45 a.m. to put on new makeup and left again after seeing Malachi was asleep in his room and Malea was asleep on a couch.
When Hall returned home at about 6:45 a.m., she was intoxicated, according to the affidavit, and said to Fire Chief Jeff Shafer, "Where are my babies? My babies are in there."
The affidavit indicates Hall had searched for a babysitter for the night, including asking a teenage son to watch the children. Her parents, who have custody of the teenager, refused to allow him to leave, the affidavit said.
More here
Troopers Investigate Crash Involving School Bus, Seaford
Seaford, DE – Troopers are currently investigating a crash that occurred just south of Seaford involving a Seaford School District School bus.
The incident happened around 9:07 a.m. Monday March 2, 2015, as a 29-year-old female from Seaford, was operating a 2014 International school bus northbound on Sussex Highway (US13) just south of Cannon Road. The bus had just stopped at a traffic light and was beginning to proceed forward with the traffic flow when a 2006 Chevrolet Equinox, operated by a 17-year-old female from Seaford, struck the rear of the bus. Both vehicles were able to come to a controlled stop in the travel lane of US13.
The 29-year-old bus driver was uninjured in the incident.
As of 11:30 a.m., seven students that were passengers on the bus carrying 35, were later transported to Nanticoke Memorial Hospital by EMS or parents with non-life-threatening injuries after being evaluated by medical personnel at Seaford High School. The ages of the students ranged from 12-17 years old.
The 17-year-old female was properly restrained and was uninjured in the collision. She was cited for Careless Driving and Failure to Have Insurance in Possession.
The incident happened around 9:07 a.m. Monday March 2, 2015, as a 29-year-old female from Seaford, was operating a 2014 International school bus northbound on Sussex Highway (US13) just south of Cannon Road. The bus had just stopped at a traffic light and was beginning to proceed forward with the traffic flow when a 2006 Chevrolet Equinox, operated by a 17-year-old female from Seaford, struck the rear of the bus. Both vehicles were able to come to a controlled stop in the travel lane of US13.
The 29-year-old bus driver was uninjured in the incident.
As of 11:30 a.m., seven students that were passengers on the bus carrying 35, were later transported to Nanticoke Memorial Hospital by EMS or parents with non-life-threatening injuries after being evaluated by medical personnel at Seaford High School. The ages of the students ranged from 12-17 years old.
The 17-year-old female was properly restrained and was uninjured in the collision. She was cited for Careless Driving and Failure to Have Insurance in Possession.
WCSO Most Wanted 3-2-15
• Black Female, 5’09” 200 lbs
• DOB 04/09/1978 36 years of age
• Black hair, Brown eyes
• Chandler’s last known address was Salisbury MD
• Chandler is wanted by the Sheriff’s Office on a Circuit Court Bench Warrant issued for Failure to Appear in August 2014 for a Violation of Probation Hearing on the charge of Forgery
• There is no preset bond, she must be brought before the court
• Chandler should be APPROACHED WITH CAUTION
• White Male, 5’08” 163 lbs
• DOB 01/04/1959 56 years of age
• Gray hair, Blue eyes
• Perry’s last known address was Salisbury MD
• Perry is wanted by the Sheriff’s Office on a District Court Bench Warrant issued for Failure to Appear in March 2014 on the charge of CDS Possess Not Marijuana and Paraphernalia
• The preset bond is $10,000
• Perry has history of DRUG ABUSE
Blaise Delma (NMN)• Black Male, 5’09” 190 lbs
• DOB 05/04/1960 54 years of age
• Black hair, Brown eyes
• Delma’s last known address was Hurlock MD but is known to have left that address
• Delma also uses the name Blaise Delmar or Delma Blaise
• Delma is wanted by the Sheriff’s Office on a District Court Bench Warrant issued in December 2012 for Violation of Probation on the charges of Forgery Private Doc, Issue False Doc, and Theft under $1000
• The preset bond is $10,000
Bradley Jonathan Collins • White Male, 5’08” 130 lbs
• DOB 04/26/1993 21 years of age
• Black hair, Blue eyes
• Collins last known address was Delmar MD
• Collins is wanted by the Sheriff’s Office on a District Court Bench Warrant issued for Failure to Appear in April 2014 for a Violation of Probation Hearing on the charge of CDS Possess Not Marijuana
• The preset bond is $50,000
• The state will extradite him from DE and VA
• Collins has history of DRUG ABUSE
• White Male, 6’01” 185 lbs
• DOB 12/06/1985 29 years of age
• Brown hair, Brown eyes
• Amos is a REGISTERED SEX OFFENDER whose current whereabouts are unknown. He wanted by the Sheriff's Office on a District Court Arrest Warrant issued in August 2014 for Failing to Re-register as required and Failing to Notify the Registry Unit that he had moved and changed employment. The Registry has been unable to locate him.
• Amos should be APPROACHED WITH CAUTION
• The state will extradite him from DE and VA
• We had a possible sighting of him recently but it turned out to be mistaken ID.
• Black Female, 5’07” 150 lbs
• DOB 12/03/1986 27 years of age
• Black hair, Brown eyes
• Cropper’s last known address was Salisbury MD
• Cropper is wanted by the Sheriff's Office on a District Court Arrest Warrant issued in October 2012 for Theft $1000 to $10,000 and Theft under $1000
• Cropper has a history of DRUG ABUSE
• We will extradite Cropper from all states East of the Mississippi
• White Male, 6’02” 230 lbs
• DOB 05/08/1979 35 years of age
• Brown hair, Blue eyes
• Carey’s last known address was Eden MD
• Carey is wanted by the Sheriff’s Office on two Circuit Court Bench Warrants, both issued in August 2014 for Violation of Probation on Credit Card Fraud charges
• There is no preset bond, he must be brought before the court
• The state will extradite him from DE and VA
• Carey may be ARMED, should be considered DANGEROUS, and has history of DRUG ABUSE
• Black Female, 5’05” 120 lbs
• DOB 09/11/1988 26 years of age
• Black hair, Brown eyes
• Banks’ last known address were Salisbury MD or Seaford DE but her current address is unknown
• Banks is wanted by the Sheriff’s Office on a Circuit Court Bench Warrant issued for Violation of Probation in May 2014 on the charge of ROBBERY
• There is no preset bond, she must be brought before the court
• Banks has history of DRUG ABUSE and SHOULD BE APPROACHED WITH CAUTION
• The state will extradite her from DE and VA
Danny Louis Ashmore• Black Male, 5’10” 150 lbs
• DOB 09/28/1971 43 years of age
• Brown hair, Brown eyes
• Ashmore’s last known address was Salisbury MD
• Ashmore is wanted by the Sheriff’s Office on a District Court Bench Warrant issued for Violation of Probation in April 2011 on the charge of CDS Possess Marijuana, and Theft less $100
• The preset bond is $10,000
• Ashmore has history of DRUG ABUSE
Lumber Liquidators stock slammed by ‘60 Minutes’ report
NEW YORK (MarketWatch) — Shares of Lumber Liquidators fell sharply Monday, after a “60 Minutes” report alleged the U.S. retailer of hardwood flooring has installed Chinese-made laminate flooring in many American homes that contain far higher-than-accepted levels of formaldehyde, a chemical known to cause cancer.
Shares of the Toano, Va.–based Lumber Liquidators LL, +5.34% were down 23.2% at $39.47 in premarket trade.
In a damning report, the “60 Minutes” team said three certified labs testing formaldehyde levels in the company’s Chinese-made laminate found it far exceeded California emissions standards.
Formaldehyde can cause myeloid leukemia and other cancers at high levels, as well as respiratory issues and eye, nose and throat irritation even at low levels.
What’s more, all laminate flooring carried by Lumber Liquidators bears a label indicating that it is CARB Phase 2 Compliant, referring to the California Air Resources Board, which sets standards for formaldehyde emissions in wood flooring. Those standards were adopted by Congress in 2010 in a law that is set to take effect across the U.S. this year.
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Shares of the Toano, Va.–based Lumber Liquidators LL, +5.34% were down 23.2% at $39.47 in premarket trade.
In a damning report, the “60 Minutes” team said three certified labs testing formaldehyde levels in the company’s Chinese-made laminate found it far exceeded California emissions standards.
Formaldehyde can cause myeloid leukemia and other cancers at high levels, as well as respiratory issues and eye, nose and throat irritation even at low levels.
What’s more, all laminate flooring carried by Lumber Liquidators bears a label indicating that it is CARB Phase 2 Compliant, referring to the California Air Resources Board, which sets standards for formaldehyde emissions in wood flooring. Those standards were adopted by Congress in 2010 in a law that is set to take effect across the U.S. this year.
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Bangladesh says arrests main suspect in U.S. blogger' s killing
Bangladesh's anti-terrorism unit said it had arrested on Monday the main suspect in the killing of a U.S. blogger who was hacked to death in Dhaka last week in the latest attack on critics of religious extremism in the Muslim-majority nation.
Forces from the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) arrested Farabi Shafiur Rahman, who was previously jailed for his ties to the extremist Hizbut Tahrir Islamist group, at a bus stop in Dhaka, a RAB spokesman told reporters.
The spokesman said Farabi had confessed to threatening to kill blogger Avijit Roy. Farabi was still being interrogated.
Roy, an engineer of Bangladeshi origin, was killed by machete-wielding assailants on Thursday while returning from a book fair. His wife and fellow blogger Rafida Ahmed suffered head injuries and lost a finger. She remains in hospital.
The police said Farabi was arrested in 2013 for social media comments that supported the murder of another blogger, Ahmed Rajib Haider, but he was later released on bail. Last year, Farabi posted on Facebook: "It's a holy duty of Bangalee Muslims to kill Avijit", the police added.
Roy's killing comes amid a crackdown on hardline Islamist groups, which have increased activities in recent years in the South Asian nation.
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Forces from the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) arrested Farabi Shafiur Rahman, who was previously jailed for his ties to the extremist Hizbut Tahrir Islamist group, at a bus stop in Dhaka, a RAB spokesman told reporters.
The spokesman said Farabi had confessed to threatening to kill blogger Avijit Roy. Farabi was still being interrogated.
Roy, an engineer of Bangladeshi origin, was killed by machete-wielding assailants on Thursday while returning from a book fair. His wife and fellow blogger Rafida Ahmed suffered head injuries and lost a finger. She remains in hospital.
The police said Farabi was arrested in 2013 for social media comments that supported the murder of another blogger, Ahmed Rajib Haider, but he was later released on bail. Last year, Farabi posted on Facebook: "It's a holy duty of Bangalee Muslims to kill Avijit", the police added.
Roy's killing comes amid a crackdown on hardline Islamist groups, which have increased activities in recent years in the South Asian nation.
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MD Congressman Andy Harris: Showdown Far From Over In Homeland Security Funding Fight
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"The problem is this is how we're going to define what the next two years are going to look like," Harris told the Jimmy Mathis show Saturday on WBAL Newsradio 1090. "it's going to be ugly for the next two years if the President and Harry Reid refuse to let the Senate do its work with the House."
Harris also sees dissension in the GOP ranks, noting that House Republican stood their ground on blocking funding for the President's immigration order. The Senate passed a bill that contained no such provision.
Netanyahu arrives in U.S., signs of easing of tensions over Iran speech
The United States and Israel showed signs of seeking to defuse tensions on Sunday ahead of a speech in Washington by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu when he will warn against a possible nuclear deal with Iran.
Policy differences over the negotiations with Iran remained firm, however, as Netanyahu arrived in the United States on Sunday afternoon for a speech to Congress, which has imperiled ties between the two allies.
Israel fears that U.S. President Barack Obama's Iran diplomacy, with an end-of-March deadline for a framework accord, will allow its archfoe to develop atomic weapons, something Tehran denies seeking.
By accepting an invitation from the Republican Party to address Congress on Tuesday, the Israeli leader infuriated the Obama administration, which said it was not told of the speech before plans were made public in an apparent breach of protocol.
A senior Israeli official told reporters on Netanyahu's flight that Congress could be "the last brake" for stopping a nuclear deal with Iran.
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Policy differences over the negotiations with Iran remained firm, however, as Netanyahu arrived in the United States on Sunday afternoon for a speech to Congress, which has imperiled ties between the two allies.
Israel fears that U.S. President Barack Obama's Iran diplomacy, with an end-of-March deadline for a framework accord, will allow its archfoe to develop atomic weapons, something Tehran denies seeking.
By accepting an invitation from the Republican Party to address Congress on Tuesday, the Israeli leader infuriated the Obama administration, which said it was not told of the speech before plans were made public in an apparent breach of protocol.
A senior Israeli official told reporters on Netanyahu's flight that Congress could be "the last brake" for stopping a nuclear deal with Iran.
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In Sweden, the kids nap outside in freezing temperatures
WASHINGTON — We know that the hardy souls in Sweden would laugh at our distress over this winter’s cold weather, but you may not realize just how tough they are.
The BBC reports that many Swedish parents leave their babies and toddlers out in their carriages for their midday naps in daytime temperatures below freezing.
It’s commonplace, the BBC reports: Indeed, if your child needs a nap while you’re at a friend’s house, they’re likely to offer a spot in the garden or balcony instead of a bedroom.
At one preschool outside Stockholm, Sweden, all children under age 3 take naps outside. Head teacher Brittmarie Carlzon tells the BBC that when temperatures drop to 5 degrees, “We always cover the prams with blankets.”
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The BBC reports that many Swedish parents leave their babies and toddlers out in their carriages for their midday naps in daytime temperatures below freezing.
It’s commonplace, the BBC reports: Indeed, if your child needs a nap while you’re at a friend’s house, they’re likely to offer a spot in the garden or balcony instead of a bedroom.
At one preschool outside Stockholm, Sweden, all children under age 3 take naps outside. Head teacher Brittmarie Carlzon tells the BBC that when temperatures drop to 5 degrees, “We always cover the prams with blankets.”
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Senators Chastise Govt. For Making Money Off Struggling Student Loan Borrowers, Not Offering Enough Relief
For several years now the government has offered federal student loan forgiveness programs aimed at helping borrowers to avoid defaulting on their debts. While recent reports have shown that the popularity of the programs has exceeded expectations, a group of six senators say the Department of Education could do more given the billions of dollars in payments it receives from federal loans each year.
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The new culture of the watermen
According to a 2011 study published in theMarine Ecology Progress Series, oyster populations in the Bay are at 0.3 percent of the historical values of 200 years ago due to habitat loss, disease and over-harvesting.
However, by combining the two historically significant industries of commercial fishing and farming, aquaculture has been gaining traction as a solution to maintaining the economic viability of the Chesapeake.
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In Case You Were Wondering...
Obama And Eric Holder Cry During Aretha Franklin Song
Both President Obama and Eric Holder shed tears during an event Friday for the retiring Attorney General which was capped by Aretha Franklin singing “America the Beautiful.”
Obama was seen wiping away a stray tear as he was thanking Holder, who also cried a bit at the conclusion of Obama’s remarks. Both grew emotional during Franklin’s rousing six-minute serenade.
The event began with the unveiling of an official portrait of Holder, who is set to leave office next month pending Senate approval of Loretta Lynch, Obama’s nomination to replace him.
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Obama was seen wiping away a stray tear as he was thanking Holder, who also cried a bit at the conclusion of Obama’s remarks. Both grew emotional during Franklin’s rousing six-minute serenade.
The event began with the unveiling of an official portrait of Holder, who is set to leave office next month pending Senate approval of Loretta Lynch, Obama’s nomination to replace him.
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Tickled Paint ARTworks
Tickled Paint ARTworks
$30Fun ART pARTy $30
Wednesday March 3rd 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
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Thursday March 12th 6:30-8:30pm
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Expecting Nothing, Homeless Man Helps Others in Snowstorm. But the Community Took Notice, Big Time
COLORADO SPRINGS - News5 introduced you to Shelby Hudgens over the weekend. He's a homeless man in Colorado Springs who we caught in an act of kindness. He was helping push cars that were stuck in the snow on Fillmore Hill Saturday afternoon. There's been an outpouring of thanks from our News5 viewers, and Shelby's luck is turning around.
"I've been out here pushing cars for about the past three hours," he told News5 over the weekend.
When we went back to Fillmore Street on Sunday to talk to Shelby, he told us he has enough to get by. "It could be worse," he said. He has his dog, an old blue muscle car and a very big heart.
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"I've been out here pushing cars for about the past three hours," he told News5 over the weekend.
When we went back to Fillmore Street on Sunday to talk to Shelby, he told us he has enough to get by. "It could be worse," he said. He has his dog, an old blue muscle car and a very big heart.
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Who Will Reach 600 Comments First?
A Very Interesting Find: UPDATE 565 comments.
Just when we thought the Laura Mitchell Pill Bottle Post would never be beat in comments, these two articles have soared past it and from the looks of it I really don't see them slowing to a halt any time soon.
I've been doing this for a lot of years Ladies & Gentlemen and one thing I can tell you is you can never predict what article will garnish the most hits or comments.
Al Sharpton returns to White House for his 73rd visit with Obama
The prominent civil rights leader and MSNBC talk show host was invited Thursday to a meeting with President Obama and other African-American activists, making it his 73rd visit to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue since 2009, according to some estimates.
In a press release sent out ahead of the summit, White House officials described the occasion as an 'opportunity to have a dialogue with the leaders about the issues facing their communities, including criminal justice, education, health care and economic development.'
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Maryland Senate President Apologizes for Hitler Comment
Maryland Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller has apologized for citing Adolf Hitler while disputing a statement by the state's governor about the number of tax increases in recent years.
Miller, a Democrat, was responding Friday to statements made by Republican Gov. Larry Hogan that Maryland lawmakers approved more than 40 tax increases in the last eight years.
Miller told reporters Friday, "Hitler said that the bigger lie you tell, the more easily it's believed. I'm certainly not equating anyone with Adolf Hitler, but this 48 tax increases over the past eight years is total horse s---."
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Miller, a Democrat, was responding Friday to statements made by Republican Gov. Larry Hogan that Maryland lawmakers approved more than 40 tax increases in the last eight years.
Miller told reporters Friday, "Hitler said that the bigger lie you tell, the more easily it's believed. I'm certainly not equating anyone with Adolf Hitler, but this 48 tax increases over the past eight years is total horse s---."
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California Handgun-Microstamping Law Upheld by Judge
California’s sales ban on new semiautomatic handguns that don’t stamp identifying information on the cartridge when a bullet is fired was upheld by a federal judge.
The law doesn’t violate the U.S. Constitution’s Second Amendment because gun owners don’t have a right to specific types of firearms, U.S. District Judge Kimberly Mueller in Sacramento said in her ruling.
“Plaintiffs insist they have the right to determine the precise way in which they would exercise their Second Amendment rights,” Mueller said. The insistence upon particular handguns falls “outside the scope of the right to bear arms,” she said.
California in 2013 became the first state to bar retailers from selling new models of semiautomatic handguns not equipped to imprint the weapon’s make, model and serial number on the cartridge when a bullet is fired. The statute was supported by law enforcement because it can help deter or solve crime.
More here
The law doesn’t violate the U.S. Constitution’s Second Amendment because gun owners don’t have a right to specific types of firearms, U.S. District Judge Kimberly Mueller in Sacramento said in her ruling.
“Plaintiffs insist they have the right to determine the precise way in which they would exercise their Second Amendment rights,” Mueller said. The insistence upon particular handguns falls “outside the scope of the right to bear arms,” she said.
California in 2013 became the first state to bar retailers from selling new models of semiautomatic handguns not equipped to imprint the weapon’s make, model and serial number on the cartridge when a bullet is fired. The statute was supported by law enforcement because it can help deter or solve crime.
More here
Bozell to CPAC: ‘Cultural Fascism Has Arrived in America'
(CNSNews.com) – “Cultural fascism has arrived in America,” Media Research Center President Brent Bozell said Friday in a speech to the Conservative Political Action Conference.
“Tyranny is knocking at our door,” Bozell said.
“Webster defines fascism as ‘a tendency toward or actual exercise of strong autocratic or dictatorial control,’" he said. "Cultural fascism has arrived in America."
"Let us understand this soberly and unequivocally,” Bozell told hundreds of conservative activists.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we know this to be true. So it begs the question: What is our response?"
“Something terrible is happening to our country,” Bozell noted, listing numerous instances in which Americans in politics, the media, and academia have been persecuted for their political and religious beliefs, including the targeting of conservative groups by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), which he called “the most feared arm of the federal government”.
Bozell reminded the CPAC audience that “the radical Left now controls most levers of political and cultural power, and is using both in a relentless campaign to destroy the last vestiges of freedom in America.”
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“Tyranny is knocking at our door,” Bozell said.
“Webster defines fascism as ‘a tendency toward or actual exercise of strong autocratic or dictatorial control,’" he said. "Cultural fascism has arrived in America."
"Let us understand this soberly and unequivocally,” Bozell told hundreds of conservative activists.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we know this to be true. So it begs the question: What is our response?"
“Something terrible is happening to our country,” Bozell noted, listing numerous instances in which Americans in politics, the media, and academia have been persecuted for their political and religious beliefs, including the targeting of conservative groups by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), which he called “the most feared arm of the federal government”.
Bozell reminded the CPAC audience that “the radical Left now controls most levers of political and cultural power, and is using both in a relentless campaign to destroy the last vestiges of freedom in America.”
Read the rest here