Yeah, people are listening and supporting County Executive Bob Culver.
GO HERE and see for yourself.
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 09, 2015
Hey Fredericksen & Council Members...
Yeah, people are listening and supporting County Executive Bob Culver.
GO HERE and see for yourself.
Laura Bush says Jeb not seeking advice from George about 2016
Jeb Bush isn’t seeking advice from his older brother, former President George W. Bush, about his likely run for the White House in 2016, former first lady Laura Bush said Friday.
“Not really ... Jeb hasn’t come to him and asked him for it,” the wife of the former president said in an interview on CNN’s "New Day." “Believe me, when both your father and your brother have been president, you’ve watched from the sidelines, for sure, and so he knows a lot. He’s been a great governor of Florida so it will be interesting to see.”
Laura Bush indicated that the former president isn’t actively involved in helping Jeb Bush as the former Florida governor ramps up campaign operations ahead of a potential run for the Republican presidential nomination.
“I mean, obviously, we’re huge Jeb supporters,” she said. “He’s our brother and we love him and I think he would be terrific. It’s interesting to watch, we’re watching only from the sidelines, but it's fun and interesting to see.”
Jeb Bush has sought to distinguish his legacy from those of his father, former President George H.W. Bush, and his brother, as he moves toward a presidential run.
“My views will often be held up in comparison to theirs, sometimes in contrast to theirs," Jeb Bush said last month at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. "I love my father and my brother. I admire their service to the nation and the difficult decisions they had to make. But I am my own man and my views are shaped by my own thinking and own experiences.”
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“Not really ... Jeb hasn’t come to him and asked him for it,” the wife of the former president said in an interview on CNN’s "New Day." “Believe me, when both your father and your brother have been president, you’ve watched from the sidelines, for sure, and so he knows a lot. He’s been a great governor of Florida so it will be interesting to see.”
Laura Bush indicated that the former president isn’t actively involved in helping Jeb Bush as the former Florida governor ramps up campaign operations ahead of a potential run for the Republican presidential nomination.
“I mean, obviously, we’re huge Jeb supporters,” she said. “He’s our brother and we love him and I think he would be terrific. It’s interesting to watch, we’re watching only from the sidelines, but it's fun and interesting to see.”
Jeb Bush has sought to distinguish his legacy from those of his father, former President George H.W. Bush, and his brother, as he moves toward a presidential run.
“My views will often be held up in comparison to theirs, sometimes in contrast to theirs," Jeb Bush said last month at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. "I love my father and my brother. I admire their service to the nation and the difficult decisions they had to make. But I am my own man and my views are shaped by my own thinking and own experiences.”
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The 'bury Bowl For Kids' Sake to support Big Brothers Big Sisters Programs
Bowl For Kids’ Sake!
Hello All!
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Chesapeake is holding our 26th Annual Bowl for Kids’ Sake Campaign! This campaign is to help us raise funds to continue to provide programs to children in the local community. We are so grateful for the time that you spend on behalf of the children in the community and hope you will use that as motivation to help us reach more youth that need services (mentoring, enrichment activities, empowerment workshops). Please consider either participating in Bowl for Kids’ Sake campaign. The campaign has two components 1-raise donations for kids’ sake and 2- come out to bowl to celebrate fundraising accomplishments! We believe 
that you will make great team captain.
that you will make great team captain.
We have two upcoming BFKS events:
· St. Patty’s Bowl March 22nd 1-3pm Ocean City at Ocean Lanes
· ‘bury bowl April 8th 6:15-8:15pm Salisbury at Cherokee Lanes
Please go towww.biglittle.org/bowl2015 to register your team or donate to the campaign. A manual registration is attached for those that prefer not to use the online system.
PARTICIPATE:
- Create a Team of up to six and register online at www.biglittle.org/bowl2015
- Choose the event you wish to participate in: St. Patty’s Bowl or The ‘bury bowl and set a team goal. Each participant must raise a minimum of $50 in donations.
- Raise funds for kids’ sake! Ask 5 people you know to donate $10 each and you will have reached your goal. The top individual fundraiser receives a prize! Donations are tax deductible.
- Have fun bowling! Each participant gets 2 hours of bowling, shoe rental, pizza, soda and a t-shirt.
BFKS is a national fundraiser where each year half a million people across the country join together, form teams, raise money, and bowl. The critical funds we raise enable Big Brothers Big Sisters to positively influence the lives of children in our local area by providing quality-mentoring and enrichment programs. You can help us by putting together a team, raising money and bowling at one of our upcoming events!
Is Pa. Gov. Wolf giving millions to chicken-seller Perdue? By Ray Wallace
Does a years-old, $8.75 million grant for multibillion-dollar Perdue
(a Maryland and Delaware company) remain in current
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf's 2015-2016 budget --
even though Pennsylvania is now $2 billion in debt?
In 2010 the public was told the Perdue grant was for an approved, no-release Perdue facility to help local farmers. That was a lie:
1. The grant was for an area-polluting, explosion-prone, taxpayer-subsidized, industrial soybean-crushing factory. And all these years later, Perdue is still trying to get it approved.
2. The $8.75 grant was announced even before DEP could consider Perdue's application to save money by letting its factory release large quantities of exceptionally dangerous waste hexane gas into Susquehanna Valley's long-polluted air. That includes air breathed by the same local farmers Perdue said it was helping.
3. Even in 2010, the Susquehanna Valley was one of the most polluted areas in the U.S.
4. And even now, if DEP needlessly lets Perdue further pollute the Susquehanna Valley, Perdue agrees to pay a mystery amount of money to "reduce" an unspecified quantity of an unknown pollutant in some undisclosedlocation ELSEWHERE!
5. If all the above is not regulatory insanity, what is? For the sake of profit, Perdue is selling the health and welfare of Pennsylvania families down the Susquehanna River.
6. As recently as December 2014 Perdue publicly announced it was cutting its planned hexane emissions -- a claim not supported by Perdue's own documents on file with the DEP.
Why give $8.75 million -- or a penny -- to any company
that acts like it's entitled to forever release
exceptionally dangerous hexane gas
into another state's air?
The Pa. Department of Environmental Protection
is holding a public hearing
6-8 p.m., March 31, 2015 at the
Bainbridge Fire Hall
34 South 2nd St., Bainbridge,
Lancaster County, Pa.
Even smokers who rationalize their use of cigarettes by saying, "At least, I'm not doing drugs," may not always be able to use that line.
New research to be presented Sunday, May 5, at the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) annual meeting in Washington, DC, supports the theory that cigarettes are a gateway drug to marijuana.
"Contrary to what we would expect, we also found that students who smoked both tobacco and marijuana were more likely to smoke more tobacco than those who smoked only tobacco," said study author Megan Moreno, MD, MSEd, MPH, FAAP, an investigator at Seattle Children's Research Institute and associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Washington.
Dr. Moreno and her colleagues randomly selected incoming college students from two universities -- one in the Northwest and one in the Midwest -- to participate in the longitudinal study. Students were interviewed prior to entering college and again at the end of their freshman year regarding their attitudes, intentions and experiences with substances.
Specifically, students were asked if they had used tobacco or marijuana ever in their lives and in the past 28 days. Researchers also assessed the quantity and frequency of marijuana and tobacco use in the past 28 days.
Results showed that prior to entering college, 33 percent of the 315 participants reported lifetime tobacco use, and 43 percent of lifetime users were current users. In addition, tobacco users were more likely to have used marijuana than those who did not use tobacco.
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New research to be presented Sunday, May 5, at the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) annual meeting in Washington, DC, supports the theory that cigarettes are a gateway drug to marijuana.
"Contrary to what we would expect, we also found that students who smoked both tobacco and marijuana were more likely to smoke more tobacco than those who smoked only tobacco," said study author Megan Moreno, MD, MSEd, MPH, FAAP, an investigator at Seattle Children's Research Institute and associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Washington.
Dr. Moreno and her colleagues randomly selected incoming college students from two universities -- one in the Northwest and one in the Midwest -- to participate in the longitudinal study. Students were interviewed prior to entering college and again at the end of their freshman year regarding their attitudes, intentions and experiences with substances.
Specifically, students were asked if they had used tobacco or marijuana ever in their lives and in the past 28 days. Researchers also assessed the quantity and frequency of marijuana and tobacco use in the past 28 days.
Results showed that prior to entering college, 33 percent of the 315 participants reported lifetime tobacco use, and 43 percent of lifetime users were current users. In addition, tobacco users were more likely to have used marijuana than those who did not use tobacco.
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13 superstitions and their origins
BLACK CATS
Black cats have long been seen in Western cultures as an omen of bad luck — they have long been associated with witches, and many cultures believe that a black cat crossing your path means you will suffer disaster or even death. Gamblers are especially fearful of the black cat curse — many of them believe that if they see a black cat while going to a casino, they should abandon their plans to gamble there. However, it's not all bad news for the black cats; in some cultures, including in Japan, Great Britain and Ireland, the opposite is true, and black cats are seen as bringers of good luck.
What's the origin of fearing Friday the 13th? From the curse of black cats to the fear of the number 666, we explain where 13 of the most common superstitions come from.
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Black cats have long been seen in Western cultures as an omen of bad luck — they have long been associated with witches, and many cultures believe that a black cat crossing your path means you will suffer disaster or even death. Gamblers are especially fearful of the black cat curse — many of them believe that if they see a black cat while going to a casino, they should abandon their plans to gamble there. However, it's not all bad news for the black cats; in some cultures, including in Japan, Great Britain and Ireland, the opposite is true, and black cats are seen as bringers of good luck.
What's the origin of fearing Friday the 13th? From the curse of black cats to the fear of the number 666, we explain where 13 of the most common superstitions come from.
More
BREAKING NEWS: Wicomico High School Basketball Players WIN!
Singapore to cane German vandals
Two German men have been sentenced to three strokes of a cane and nine months in jail in Singapore for vandalism and trespassing.
Andreas Von Knorre and Elton Hinz pleaded guilty to entering a train depot and spraying graffiti on a train.
Singapore has strict laws on vandalism, and has caned and jailed foreigners in the past for the offence.
These include a Swiss national in 2010 and US teenager Michael Fay whose 1994 caning sparked global controversy.
Von Knorre, 22, and Hinz, 21, had flown into Singapore from Australia in November last year and vandalised a train during their stay.
They left the country afterwards and were eventually arrested in Kuala Lumpur in neighbouring Malaysia.
Both men expressed remorse in court, and called their acts "a stupid mistake".
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Andreas Von Knorre and Elton Hinz pleaded guilty to entering a train depot and spraying graffiti on a train.
Singapore has strict laws on vandalism, and has caned and jailed foreigners in the past for the offence.
These include a Swiss national in 2010 and US teenager Michael Fay whose 1994 caning sparked global controversy.
Von Knorre, 22, and Hinz, 21, had flown into Singapore from Australia in November last year and vandalised a train during their stay.
They left the country afterwards and were eventually arrested in Kuala Lumpur in neighbouring Malaysia.
Both men expressed remorse in court, and called their acts "a stupid mistake".
More
As scientists work to identify mystery goo, rescued birds return home
SAN FRANCISCO — The once-regal horned grebe scooted undignified around its box, a piece of printer paper stuck to the goo on its bottom. The seabird's bold black and white feathers were a mucky brown; its wings matted with gunk, dirt and pebbles. A towel stuck to its belly had to be slowly peeled off like old duct tape.
Despite the bird's pathetic appearance, Gummy Bear was Kathy Koehler's favorite among the 323 goo-covered seabirds that the International Bird Rescue recovered from the beaches of San Francisco Bay in January.
"He was probably one of the worst contaminated birds that came in and the biggest fighter, which was why everybody liked him. He just had spunk," the 62-year-old volunteer said.
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Despite the bird's pathetic appearance, Gummy Bear was Kathy Koehler's favorite among the 323 goo-covered seabirds that the International Bird Rescue recovered from the beaches of San Francisco Bay in January.
"He was probably one of the worst contaminated birds that came in and the biggest fighter, which was why everybody liked him. He just had spunk," the 62-year-old volunteer said.
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In India, ban on film about 2012 Delhi gang rape stirs debate
REPORTING FROM MUMBAI, India - The convicted rapist speaks of the crime in a voice that is cool, dispassionate - and terrifying.
"A decent girl" wouldn't have been out at 9 p.m., he says, and "a girl is far more responsible for a rape than a boy." But Mukesh Singh, one of four men sentenced to death for the gang rape and murder of a 23-year-old woman, does not stop there.
"When being raped, she shouldn't fight back," Singh says in the upcoming BBC documentary about the case, "India's Daughter." "She should just be silent and allow the rape."
To many, the words were a sickening reminder of India's struggle with sexual violence, which gained worldwide attention with that incident on a private bus in New Delhi, the capital, in December 2012.
Indian women, however, did not need to be reminded. Despite a raft of new legislation and promises to crack down on perpetrators, new cases of abuse or harassment still surface in the national headlines seemingly every week, illustrating with dreadful clarity that Singh's views, however vile, are shared by many Indian men.
Although some free speech advocates lamented the Indian government's decision Wednesday to block the film from being broadcast here, many women's organizations supported the move.
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"A decent girl" wouldn't have been out at 9 p.m., he says, and "a girl is far more responsible for a rape than a boy." But Mukesh Singh, one of four men sentenced to death for the gang rape and murder of a 23-year-old woman, does not stop there.
"When being raped, she shouldn't fight back," Singh says in the upcoming BBC documentary about the case, "India's Daughter." "She should just be silent and allow the rape."
To many, the words were a sickening reminder of India's struggle with sexual violence, which gained worldwide attention with that incident on a private bus in New Delhi, the capital, in December 2012.
Indian women, however, did not need to be reminded. Despite a raft of new legislation and promises to crack down on perpetrators, new cases of abuse or harassment still surface in the national headlines seemingly every week, illustrating with dreadful clarity that Singh's views, however vile, are shared by many Indian men.
Although some free speech advocates lamented the Indian government's decision Wednesday to block the film from being broadcast here, many women's organizations supported the move.
More
Super convenient life hacks
This winter save yourself some precious time and spray your windshield with a mixture of vinegar and water. This will prevent it from icing over.
Let's take a look at some equally helpful hacks that are sure to make life just a little bit easier this year.
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Let's take a look at some equally helpful hacks that are sure to make life just a little bit easier this year.
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Mob in India breaks into jail, lynches rape suspect
A mob of several thousand people broke into a high-security prison in India, dragged out a rape suspect and killed him, officials said on Friday, adding that police had to impose a curfew to restore order.
Rape has been a particularly emotive crime in India since 2012, when a student was raped and tortured on a bus in New Delhi and later died. The government has banned a documentary about that attack, re-igniting debate about gender inequality.
The mob attacked the prison late on Thursday in the northeastern state of Nagaland.
The man, a 35-year-old Muslim businessman accused of raping a woman, was dragged out and hauled naked through the streets and beaten to death.
"Security personnel at the jail were overpowered by the mob," said the state's chief minister, T.R.Zeliang.
One person was killed and several injured when police fired on the mob.
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Rape has been a particularly emotive crime in India since 2012, when a student was raped and tortured on a bus in New Delhi and later died. The government has banned a documentary about that attack, re-igniting debate about gender inequality.
The mob attacked the prison late on Thursday in the northeastern state of Nagaland.
The man, a 35-year-old Muslim businessman accused of raping a woman, was dragged out and hauled naked through the streets and beaten to death.
"Security personnel at the jail were overpowered by the mob," said the state's chief minister, T.R.Zeliang.
One person was killed and several injured when police fired on the mob.
More
Breaking News - Bruce Jenner Transition Fires New Speculation
Wash. DC - Over the past year a rash of news stories surfaced speculating whether gold-medal winning Olympic decathlete Bruce Jenner was undergoing a gender transition from male to female. Though Jenner has yet to publicly confirm the story, members of his extended family, including the Kardashian clan, have recently approached various news outlets confirming Jenner's intentions.
Now it appears a number of world leaders have picked up on the story and are wondering aloud, "What will happen to Jenner's balls if he completes the transition?"
Sources this week quoted Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu as suggesting it would be a monumental step if Jenner were to donate his balls to U.S. President Barack Obama. Netanyahu stated, "Everyone knows Obama has no balls and it would be damn nice if he suddenly had Olympic sized balls. It would be a huge step forward for world peace.”
German Chancellor Angela Merkel remarked, "I don't even have any balls, but everyone tells me I have a bigger set than Obama. I think it would be a great idea.”
On the other hand, Russian President Vladimir Putin joined Syrian President Bashar Assad in proclaiming that Obama's lack of balls has finally enabled a number of regimes worldwide a fair chance to consolidate their power. Putin, on a shirtless fly fishing expedition in Kanchatka, said, "The days of U.S. Presidents with big balls like Reagan are over. Now it's our turn.“
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani remarked earlier in the week that, "It's been great the last six years. It's like playing soccer against the U.S. with no goalie in their net ”
While world leaders debate the issue, closer to home New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick and Super Bowl MVP quarterback Tom Brady stepped forward to say they would each donate one ball to the President, if Jenner does not come through. Belichick, however, cautioned that "The President would have to understand, our balls would be underinflated, but still probably an improvement over what he seems to be working with."
Now it appears a number of world leaders have picked up on the story and are wondering aloud, "What will happen to Jenner's balls if he completes the transition?"
Sources this week quoted Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu as suggesting it would be a monumental step if Jenner were to donate his balls to U.S. President Barack Obama. Netanyahu stated, "Everyone knows Obama has no balls and it would be damn nice if he suddenly had Olympic sized balls. It would be a huge step forward for world peace.”
German Chancellor Angela Merkel remarked, "I don't even have any balls, but everyone tells me I have a bigger set than Obama. I think it would be a great idea.”
On the other hand, Russian President Vladimir Putin joined Syrian President Bashar Assad in proclaiming that Obama's lack of balls has finally enabled a number of regimes worldwide a fair chance to consolidate their power. Putin, on a shirtless fly fishing expedition in Kanchatka, said, "The days of U.S. Presidents with big balls like Reagan are over. Now it's our turn.“
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani remarked earlier in the week that, "It's been great the last six years. It's like playing soccer against the U.S. with no goalie in their net ”
While world leaders debate the issue, closer to home New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick and Super Bowl MVP quarterback Tom Brady stepped forward to say they would each donate one ball to the President, if Jenner does not come through. Belichick, however, cautioned that "The President would have to understand, our balls would be underinflated, but still probably an improvement over what he seems to be working with."
Millsboro Man Injured in Morning Mishap at Georgetown DMV Inspection Lanes
Georgetown, DE – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is currently investigating an early morning incident that occurred at the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicle inspection lanes, seriously injuring a Millsboro man.
The incident occurred around 8:30 a.m. this morning, Monday March 9, 2015 as Joseph S. Trunzo, 75 of Millsboro, was operating a 2001 Holiday Rambler (Recreational Vehicle) and had just pulled to a stop outside lane #7 of the DMV inspection lanes located at 23737 DuPont Boulevard, Georgetown. Mr. Trunzo, the only occupant, exited the RV from the passenger's side door and walked over to some employees in lane #6 in order to ensure he was in the correct lane for inspection. At the same time, the RV began rolling forward into the inspection lanes and struck a yellow concrete post with the front left driver's side which caused the large vehicle to careen to the right. Mr. Trunzo quickly stepped in front of the motor home and attempted to stop it by pushing on the front end, but the RV continued forward pinning Mr. Trunzo between it and a wall.
Due to this recreational vehicle not being equipped with a driver's side entrance door and the passenger's side door was blocked by the wall, three male DMV inspectors quickly began to rescue the elderly man by opening a back window of the motor home and hoisting one of the employees through the opening. Once inside, the RV was placed in reverse and Mr. Trunzo was freed. The Sussex County Emergency Operations Center (9-1-1) was then contacted and first aid was immediately rendered.
Joseph Trunzo was airlifted by the Delaware State Police Aviation Unit (Trooper 2) to Christiana Medical Center where he is currently listed in stable condition.
The Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into this incident. Preliminary information suggests the motor home's engine was still running and the gear shift lever may not have been placed in park prior to Mr. Trunzo exiting.
The incident occurred around 8:30 a.m. this morning, Monday March 9, 2015 as Joseph S. Trunzo, 75 of Millsboro, was operating a 2001 Holiday Rambler (Recreational Vehicle) and had just pulled to a stop outside lane #7 of the DMV inspection lanes located at 23737 DuPont Boulevard, Georgetown. Mr. Trunzo, the only occupant, exited the RV from the passenger's side door and walked over to some employees in lane #6 in order to ensure he was in the correct lane for inspection. At the same time, the RV began rolling forward into the inspection lanes and struck a yellow concrete post with the front left driver's side which caused the large vehicle to careen to the right. Mr. Trunzo quickly stepped in front of the motor home and attempted to stop it by pushing on the front end, but the RV continued forward pinning Mr. Trunzo between it and a wall.
Due to this recreational vehicle not being equipped with a driver's side entrance door and the passenger's side door was blocked by the wall, three male DMV inspectors quickly began to rescue the elderly man by opening a back window of the motor home and hoisting one of the employees through the opening. Once inside, the RV was placed in reverse and Mr. Trunzo was freed. The Sussex County Emergency Operations Center (9-1-1) was then contacted and first aid was immediately rendered.
Joseph Trunzo was airlifted by the Delaware State Police Aviation Unit (Trooper 2) to Christiana Medical Center where he is currently listed in stable condition.
The Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into this incident. Preliminary information suggests the motor home's engine was still running and the gear shift lever may not have been placed in park prior to Mr. Trunzo exiting.
I Have A Question For You And Especially WBOC
I was watching the 5:00 News when they started talking about the Boston Marathon Bomber Trial. Now look, they have been covering this every single day since it started and I have a couple of questions.
ONE: Will you Idiots be covering it every single day, instead of local news?
TWO: Just how many freakin times do you have to subject people with extremely graphic images of blown off legs and blood everywhere?
Now here I sit with a Website that some people freaked out over us sharing a far away image of someone hanging in a tree and some people went nuts. No face, no blood, but that was allegedly too graphic for some. REALLY? It's OK for WBOC to put up people with their legs blown completely off and showing nothing but blood and bones, help me out here.
When someone is shot or even killed, do you see SBYNews knocking on their doors begging for an interview, NO.
So, do YOU think it's fair that in FAMILY TIME sitting around with the KIDS that it's OK to sensationalize the Boston Marathon Bombing by showing such graphic images, day after day after day after day?
I'll tell you what. If YOU are into that kind of thing, GO HERE and see the kind of images WBOC is subjecting you to. There, is that fair and balanced now? It's SICK. Shame on any of you for complaining about us putting up an image of someone hanging in a tree.
Another day goes by without WBOC doing local reporting. Oh, unless you know who broke into a DOVER home and stole a handgun.
Why Nicotine is a Gateway Drug
A new study in mice shows how tobacco products could act as gateway drugs, opening the door to use of illicit drugs. Nicotine, the researchers found, makes the brain more susceptible to cocaine addiction. The finding suggests that lowering smoking rates in young people might help reduce cocaine abuse.
Scientists have long recognized that cigarettes and alcohol raise the risk for later use of illicit drugs like marijuana and cocaine. In a recent national survey, over 90% of adult cocaine users between the ages of 18 and 34 had smoked cigarettes before they began using cocaine. Researchers suspected that nicotine exposure might increase vulnerability to cocaine. However, no one had identified a biological mechanism. A team of scientists, led by Dr. Eric Kandel at Columbia University and supported by NIH’s National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), set out to investigate.
In Science Translational Medicine on November 2, 2011, the scientists reported that mice given nicotine in their drinking water for 7 days showed increased activity in response to cocaine. The animals also had changes in a brain signaling process called long-term potentiation.
In Science Translational Medicine on November 2, 2011, the scientists reported that mice given nicotine in their drinking water for 7 days showed increased activity in response to cocaine. The animals also had changes in a brain signaling process called long-term potentiation.
Earlier research had shown that expression levels of a gene called FosB in the brain's striatum was linked to cocaine addiction. In the new study, investigators found that 7 days of nicotine administration caused a 61% increase in FosB expression. When given a dose of cocaine, these mice had an additional 74% increase in FosB expression compared to mice treated with cocaine alone. Reversing the order of the drugs didn't lead to a boost in FosB expression.
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Scientists have long recognized that cigarettes and alcohol raise the risk for later use of illicit drugs like marijuana and cocaine. In a recent national survey, over 90% of adult cocaine users between the ages of 18 and 34 had smoked cigarettes before they began using cocaine. Researchers suspected that nicotine exposure might increase vulnerability to cocaine. However, no one had identified a biological mechanism. A team of scientists, led by Dr. Eric Kandel at Columbia University and supported by NIH’s National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), set out to investigate.
In Science Translational Medicine on November 2, 2011, the scientists reported that mice given nicotine in their drinking water for 7 days showed increased activity in response to cocaine. The animals also had changes in a brain signaling process called long-term potentiation.
In Science Translational Medicine on November 2, 2011, the scientists reported that mice given nicotine in their drinking water for 7 days showed increased activity in response to cocaine. The animals also had changes in a brain signaling process called long-term potentiation.
Earlier research had shown that expression levels of a gene called FosB in the brain's striatum was linked to cocaine addiction. In the new study, investigators found that 7 days of nicotine administration caused a 61% increase in FosB expression. When given a dose of cocaine, these mice had an additional 74% increase in FosB expression compared to mice treated with cocaine alone. Reversing the order of the drugs didn't lead to a boost in FosB expression.
More
Tickled Paint Fundraiser for Sheriff Chuck Salvas March 10th
Tickled Paint ARTworks
#Salvas Strong Fundraiser
Tuesday March 10th, 2015
Peaky’s Restaurant Princess Anne, Md.
6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Join us for a Paint pARTy fun evening…
Raising money for Chuck Salvas
Somerset County Sheriff
Battling Brain Cancer
Seats are limited …
Cost: $45 per seat that can be purchased at www.tickled-paint.com
Call us at (410) 713-2013
A 16-year-old takes the new PARCC exam. Here’s her disturbing report
Marina Ford is a high-achieving sophomore attending Pinelands Regional High School in Tuckerton, New Jersey. All of her classes are either honors or Advanced Placement. Her favorite subject is English, and she loves to read and write. She ordinarily scores above average on standardized tests — and always does especially well on the English section. The 16-year-old says that she loves English because it “gives me the freedom to explain myself and my point of view on a subject.” Her dream: “becoming a lawyer and going to a college I am proud of.” Marina recently took the PARCC — the new Common Core test being given in a number of states this spring — and she was so upset with the experience that she decided to write about it in a comment on the website of Save Our Schools New Jersey. I am republishing this with permission.
[Principal to parents: ‘We don’t need to get used to this. We need to stop it.’]
PARCC is a reference to the Common Core test created by the Partnership for the Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers, one of two multi-state consortia given $360 million in federal funds to design new standardized tests that align with the Common Core State Standards and are supposed to be used to hold students, schools and teachers “accountable.” PARCC testing is under way in New Jersey and several other states. Controversy over the new Common Core exams has sparked a growing opt-out movement among parents, thousands of whom are refusing to allow their children to take the tests in states across the country. The PARCC consortium once had 26 member states, but after numerous defections there are now fewer than a dozen states committed to using the PARCC exam this year. The Arkansas House on Friday approved a measure to drop the PARCC.
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[Principal to parents: ‘We don’t need to get used to this. We need to stop it.’]
PARCC is a reference to the Common Core test created by the Partnership for the Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers, one of two multi-state consortia given $360 million in federal funds to design new standardized tests that align with the Common Core State Standards and are supposed to be used to hold students, schools and teachers “accountable.” PARCC testing is under way in New Jersey and several other states. Controversy over the new Common Core exams has sparked a growing opt-out movement among parents, thousands of whom are refusing to allow their children to take the tests in states across the country. The PARCC consortium once had 26 member states, but after numerous defections there are now fewer than a dozen states committed to using the PARCC exam this year. The Arkansas House on Friday approved a measure to drop the PARCC.
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New Documents Blow Lid Off Obama/Clinton Benghazi Scandal
I’ve always believed that the Benghazi cover-up was about two presidential campaigns: Barack Obama’s reelection campaign and Hillary Clinton’s nascent presidential campaign.
Why else would Hillary Clinton personally send out lies about Benghazi within hours, and then keep on pushing these lies until the truth could no longer be ignored? The truth about an attack by an al Qaeda group that killed our ambassador and three other brave Americans in the days before Obama’s reelection would not only have put Obama at risk of losing, but also would have potentially dashed the hopes of his successor-in-waiting, Hillary Rodham Clinton.
The desperation by Obama, Clinton, and their political teams must have been potent. It was so potent that they – rather than admitting that they caused an Islamist conflagration in Libya by ousting and killing Gadhafi – preferred to ignore pleas for increased security from Ambassador Stevens; to abandon him and his colleagues to rampaging terrorists; refused to follow up with force against those who attacked us; and to lie to the American people about the nature of the attack. Rather than admit that it was a planned attack by a terrorist group in league with al Qaeda, the Obama/Clinton machine knowingly put out the lie that the killings were the result of a spontaneous demonstration in response to an obscure Internet video supposedly offensive to radical Islamists. The message: don’t blame us – blame those who offend Islamists (conservatives, Republicans, etc.). Indeed, rather than sending our military to eliminate the enemy in Libya, the Obama administration arrested the poor sap who made the offending video.
Strong stuff you might think. But the most recent documents forced out of the State Department will make you think I’m being too kind to the Benghazi betrayers controlling the Executive Branch.
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Why else would Hillary Clinton personally send out lies about Benghazi within hours, and then keep on pushing these lies until the truth could no longer be ignored? The truth about an attack by an al Qaeda group that killed our ambassador and three other brave Americans in the days before Obama’s reelection would not only have put Obama at risk of losing, but also would have potentially dashed the hopes of his successor-in-waiting, Hillary Rodham Clinton.
The desperation by Obama, Clinton, and their political teams must have been potent. It was so potent that they – rather than admitting that they caused an Islamist conflagration in Libya by ousting and killing Gadhafi – preferred to ignore pleas for increased security from Ambassador Stevens; to abandon him and his colleagues to rampaging terrorists; refused to follow up with force against those who attacked us; and to lie to the American people about the nature of the attack. Rather than admit that it was a planned attack by a terrorist group in league with al Qaeda, the Obama/Clinton machine knowingly put out the lie that the killings were the result of a spontaneous demonstration in response to an obscure Internet video supposedly offensive to radical Islamists. The message: don’t blame us – blame those who offend Islamists (conservatives, Republicans, etc.). Indeed, rather than sending our military to eliminate the enemy in Libya, the Obama administration arrested the poor sap who made the offending video.
Strong stuff you might think. But the most recent documents forced out of the State Department will make you think I’m being too kind to the Benghazi betrayers controlling the Executive Branch.
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More parents should speak out against Common Core
It’s time parents got involved in their children’s education to see what is happening to them with the Common Core standardized testing. Peruse what is being taught to them and how they are being tested. Parents, research the facts and stop relying on the government and media.
I believe this government is slowly taking away our freedoms and rights and that it wants to control society. What better way than to indoctrinate and, in my opinion, brainwash our kids to support progressive big government through the education’s curriculum? A government-brainwashed child is a controlled adult robot.
Government officials promote this education system as having high standards so our children can compete with the rest of the world, but they devise a curriculum that seems to do just the opposite. Some experts have stated that this curriculum will set our kids further behind by another two to four years. Dumb down our children, and they could be easily controlled and become cheap labor.
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I believe this government is slowly taking away our freedoms and rights and that it wants to control society. What better way than to indoctrinate and, in my opinion, brainwash our kids to support progressive big government through the education’s curriculum? A government-brainwashed child is a controlled adult robot.
Government officials promote this education system as having high standards so our children can compete with the rest of the world, but they devise a curriculum that seems to do just the opposite. Some experts have stated that this curriculum will set our kids further behind by another two to four years. Dumb down our children, and they could be easily controlled and become cheap labor.
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Texas AG Wants Expanded Probe Into Obama's Amnesty Order
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a legal request for a wider probe into the Obama administration's admission that it had allowed some 100,000 illegal immigrants to obtain extended amnesty documents early.
"In an apparent attempt to quickly execute President [Barack] Obama’s unlawful, unconstitutional amnesty plan, the Obama Administration appears to have already been issuing expanded work permits, in direct contradiction to what they told a federal judge previously in this litigation," said Paxton in a statement about the request, which has been signed by 26 states, reports The Daily Caller.
"The circumstances behind this must be investigated, and the motion we seek would help us determine to what extent the Administration might have misrepresented the facts in this case."
Texas Judge Andrew Hanen froze Obama's executive order on Feb. 16, pending future legal decisions on the matter, and Paxton's latest court action was cheered by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who commended Paxton "for continuing to hold the Obama Administration accountable. "
Further, Abbott said he is confident "an investigation would find the Administration knowingly or recklessly misled a federal court in issuing thousands of amnesty documents illegally. President Obama has continued to show complete disregard for the Rule of Law by acting beyond his Constitutional authority at every stage of this process."
Obama's amnesty plan intends to provide work permits, residency and tax rebates for at least 4 million illegal immigrants through DAPA, or Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents. Further, it would amend the 2012 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals initiative launched in 2012 by extending work permits for younger immigrants from two years to three.
Administration officials in November said they would not start the new amnesty plan until May, and on Jan. 15, told the judge that no applications for the revised DACA plan would be accepted until Feb. 18.
More here
"In an apparent attempt to quickly execute President [Barack] Obama’s unlawful, unconstitutional amnesty plan, the Obama Administration appears to have already been issuing expanded work permits, in direct contradiction to what they told a federal judge previously in this litigation," said Paxton in a statement about the request, which has been signed by 26 states, reports The Daily Caller.
"The circumstances behind this must be investigated, and the motion we seek would help us determine to what extent the Administration might have misrepresented the facts in this case."
Texas Judge Andrew Hanen froze Obama's executive order on Feb. 16, pending future legal decisions on the matter, and Paxton's latest court action was cheered by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who commended Paxton "for continuing to hold the Obama Administration accountable. "
Further, Abbott said he is confident "an investigation would find the Administration knowingly or recklessly misled a federal court in issuing thousands of amnesty documents illegally. President Obama has continued to show complete disregard for the Rule of Law by acting beyond his Constitutional authority at every stage of this process."
Obama's amnesty plan intends to provide work permits, residency and tax rebates for at least 4 million illegal immigrants through DAPA, or Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents. Further, it would amend the 2012 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals initiative launched in 2012 by extending work permits for younger immigrants from two years to three.
Administration officials in November said they would not start the new amnesty plan until May, and on Jan. 15, told the judge that no applications for the revised DACA plan would be accepted until Feb. 18.
More here
GOP Senators Warn Iran
Forty-seven Republican senators warned Iran's leaders on Monday that any nuclear deal needs congressional approval in order to last beyond President Obama's term, in a stark letter aimed at re-asserting lawmakers' role as talks near a key deadline.
In an open letter to Iranian leaders, Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., and 46 other Republicans said they wanted to educate Iran about the U.S. Constitution. Namely, they pointed out that without congressional approval on a deal, all Tehran would be left with is a "mere executive agreement" between President Obama and Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
"The next president could revoke such an executive agreement with the stroke of a pen," they wrote, "and future Congresses could modify the terms of the agreement at any time."
They added: "We hope this letter enriches your knowledge of our constitutional system and promotes mutual understanding and clarity as nuclear negotiations progress."
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In an open letter to Iranian leaders, Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., and 46 other Republicans said they wanted to educate Iran about the U.S. Constitution. Namely, they pointed out that without congressional approval on a deal, all Tehran would be left with is a "mere executive agreement" between President Obama and Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
"The next president could revoke such an executive agreement with the stroke of a pen," they wrote, "and future Congresses could modify the terms of the agreement at any time."
They added: "We hope this letter enriches your knowledge of our constitutional system and promotes mutual understanding and clarity as nuclear negotiations progress."
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Berlin: Downtown Bomb Threat
Berlin Police Department – On March 6, 2015 at approximately 6:00 pm, The Berlin Police Department received an anonymous call at which time the caller stated that he planted 10 homemade bombs in and around the first block of N. Main St, Berlin, Worcester County, Maryland. The anonymous caller revealed he placed 10 bombs that were set to go off in 3 hours. The caller stated the bombs were placed in or around an address but failed to give a business name. The Berlin Police Department, The Worcester County Bureau of Investigations with members of the Maryland State Police Criminal Enforcement Division, and members of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office evacuated the Globe Restaurant, The Atlantic Hotel and Rayne’s Reef Restaurant (only opened businesses at the time) and one residence. After the evacuation the first block of N. Main Street and the surrounding area was scanned by a Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office K-9 team (bomb dog). The search revealed negative results.
The investigation into who made the bomb threat and why they made the bomb threat are ongoing and the primary investigation of this incident has been assigned to The Worcester County Bureau of Investigation. Any follow-up questions should direct to WCBI (410) 632-1111.
VA Chief Warns of Rising Cost of Caring for Younger Veterans
Veterans Affairs Secretary Bob McDonald told lawmakers on Wednesday that the department is on track to meet two lofty goals set by his predecessor: End the disability claims backlogand veteran homelessness.
But McDonald, in testimony before the veterans' affairs panel of the House Appropriations Committee, offered a laundry list of figures and some projections indicating that whatever victories the VA may achieve in the next year or so, the pieces already are set for the making of another one.
"The cost of fulfilling our obligations to veterans grows over time because veterans demand for service and benefits continues to grow as wars end," he said. "While it's true that the total number of veterans is declining, the number of those seeking care and benefits is increasing dramatically."
The last 14 years of war have seen increasing numbers of today's veterans applying for VA care, which is already striving to meet the care demands of the larger and aging Vietnam veteran population, McDonald said. In 2014, for example, 22 percent of Vietnam veterans received service-connected disability benefits, but that figure is expected to increase.
From 1960 until 2000, he said, about 8.8 percent of America's veterans were seeking VA care. In the last 14 years – since the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq – the percentage has more than doubled, to 19 percent. In that time not only has the number of claims grown, but the number of medical issues detailed in each claim. In 2009, he said, the VA processed 989,000 claims that included some 2.7 million medical issues.
McDonald projects that in 2017, the VA will process 1.4 million claims detailing nearly 6 million medical problems.
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But McDonald, in testimony before the veterans' affairs panel of the House Appropriations Committee, offered a laundry list of figures and some projections indicating that whatever victories the VA may achieve in the next year or so, the pieces already are set for the making of another one.
"The cost of fulfilling our obligations to veterans grows over time because veterans demand for service and benefits continues to grow as wars end," he said. "While it's true that the total number of veterans is declining, the number of those seeking care and benefits is increasing dramatically."
The last 14 years of war have seen increasing numbers of today's veterans applying for VA care, which is already striving to meet the care demands of the larger and aging Vietnam veteran population, McDonald said. In 2014, for example, 22 percent of Vietnam veterans received service-connected disability benefits, but that figure is expected to increase.
From 1960 until 2000, he said, about 8.8 percent of America's veterans were seeking VA care. In the last 14 years – since the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq – the percentage has more than doubled, to 19 percent. In that time not only has the number of claims grown, but the number of medical issues detailed in each claim. In 2009, he said, the VA processed 989,000 claims that included some 2.7 million medical issues.
McDonald projects that in 2017, the VA will process 1.4 million claims detailing nearly 6 million medical problems.
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Students at UC Irvine vote to ban American flag
Students at the University of California, Irvine have voted to make their school a more “culturally inclusive” place by banning the American flag.
The Associated Students of University of California (ASUCI) passed a resolution March 3 that would remove the Stars & Stripes along with every other flag from the lobby of a complex housing the offices of the student government.
“Designing a culturally inclusive space aims to remove barriers that create undue effort and separation by planning and designing spaces that enable everyone to participate equally and confidentially,” read the resolution authored by Matthew Guevara.
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The Associated Students of University of California (ASUCI) passed a resolution March 3 that would remove the Stars & Stripes along with every other flag from the lobby of a complex housing the offices of the student government.
“Designing a culturally inclusive space aims to remove barriers that create undue effort and separation by planning and designing spaces that enable everyone to participate equally and confidentially,” read the resolution authored by Matthew Guevara.
More
10-Month-Old Baby Likely Starved to Death After Mother Suddenly Died
A mother and her baby boy were found dead inside their Pennsylvania apartment Friday morning.
According to WPXI-TV, authorities said a relative who had not heard from 22-year-old Sara Kessler and her child Casey visited the woman’s Millvale apartment only to find the two deceased.
Allegheny County Police Assistant Superintendent Jim Morton said the 10-month-old likely starved to death after the mother died first.
“It seems like he tried to survive for a while, but there was no food to have so,” Morton said.
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According to WPXI-TV, authorities said a relative who had not heard from 22-year-old Sara Kessler and her child Casey visited the woman’s Millvale apartment only to find the two deceased.
Allegheny County Police Assistant Superintendent Jim Morton said the 10-month-old likely starved to death after the mother died first.
“It seems like he tried to survive for a while, but there was no food to have so,” Morton said.
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10-year-old saves sister from abduction by sex offender
A 10-year-old boy has become a local legend. His heroic efforts and quick thinking saved his sister from captivity.
The boy, along with his brother and sister, were playing outside near the Cullahill village in Ireland when a man asked for directions to a priest's home, The Irish Independent reports. The man grabbed the girl, but her heroic brother jumped through the driver's window and punched him. While the driver was distracted, his sister escaped from the car.
Police were able to locate and arrest the 34-year-old suspect. The Irish Independent notes that in addition to being a convicted sex offender, the man has robbed priests' homes in the past. The Irish Independent notes that the man has been described as "very volatile and dangerous." In 2004, he was sentenced to four years in jail for abducting a 14-year-old girl. Meghan DeMaria
Source
The boy, along with his brother and sister, were playing outside near the Cullahill village in Ireland when a man asked for directions to a priest's home, The Irish Independent reports. The man grabbed the girl, but her heroic brother jumped through the driver's window and punched him. While the driver was distracted, his sister escaped from the car.
Police were able to locate and arrest the 34-year-old suspect. The Irish Independent notes that in addition to being a convicted sex offender, the man has robbed priests' homes in the past. The Irish Independent notes that the man has been described as "very volatile and dangerous." In 2004, he was sentenced to four years in jail for abducting a 14-year-old girl. Meghan DeMaria
Source
Millions at risk from 'Freak' encryption bug
Microsoft said it was working on a secure update to close the Freak loophole
Microsoft has issued a security warning about a bug that could let attackers spy on supposedly secure communications.
Called "Freak", the bug was found in software used to encrypt data passing between web servers and web users.
Initially the flaw was thought only to affect some users of Android and Blackberry phones and Apple's Safari web browser.
Microsoft's warning suggests millions more may be at risk of losing data.
The Freak flaw was discovered by encryption and security expert Karthikeyan Bhargavan and lets attackers force data travelling between a vulnerable site and a visitor to use weak encryption. This makes it easier to crack open the data and steal sensitive information.
Statistics gathered by a group set up to monitor the impact of the Freak flaw suggest about 9.5% of the web's top one million websites are susceptible to such attacks.
The monitoring group has also produced an online tool that lets people check if they are using a browser that is vulnerable to the flaw.
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Microsoft has issued a security warning about a bug that could let attackers spy on supposedly secure communications.
Called "Freak", the bug was found in software used to encrypt data passing between web servers and web users.
Initially the flaw was thought only to affect some users of Android and Blackberry phones and Apple's Safari web browser.
Microsoft's warning suggests millions more may be at risk of losing data.
The Freak flaw was discovered by encryption and security expert Karthikeyan Bhargavan and lets attackers force data travelling between a vulnerable site and a visitor to use weak encryption. This makes it easier to crack open the data and steal sensitive information.
Statistics gathered by a group set up to monitor the impact of the Freak flaw suggest about 9.5% of the web's top one million websites are susceptible to such attacks.
The monitoring group has also produced an online tool that lets people check if they are using a browser that is vulnerable to the flaw.
More
Lost civilizations, found by drones
Beneath the barren New Mexican desert, there are remnants of an ancient Pueblo society that thrived some 1,000 years ago. John Kantner, an archaeologist from the University of North Florida, has surveyed the red sands for 20 years in search of ancient religious structures called kivas. Similar to small family chapels, kivas were circular rooms where members of the Chaco group went to perform ceremonies and rituals. Located under the household, the small spaces were buried and filled with soil as centuries passed.
Kantner had uncovered some kivas during his two decades in the desert, but searching for the subterranean structures on foot was difficult and time consuming. He, like many other archaeologists, decided to use technology that is revolutionizing his field: drones.
A buried archaeological feature retains heat differently than the surrounding soil. So Katner used drone surveillance along with thermal imaging to key in on subtle temperature differences while the structure heats and cools. He teamed up with Jesse Casana, an archaeologist from the University of Arkansas who had previously equipped aerial machines with thermal imaging technology for archeological research in Cyprus and Iraq. (Although thermal imaging has been around for decades, pairing it with drone technology is new.)
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Kantner had uncovered some kivas during his two decades in the desert, but searching for the subterranean structures on foot was difficult and time consuming. He, like many other archaeologists, decided to use technology that is revolutionizing his field: drones.
A buried archaeological feature retains heat differently than the surrounding soil. So Katner used drone surveillance along with thermal imaging to key in on subtle temperature differences while the structure heats and cools. He teamed up with Jesse Casana, an archaeologist from the University of Arkansas who had previously equipped aerial machines with thermal imaging technology for archeological research in Cyprus and Iraq. (Although thermal imaging has been around for decades, pairing it with drone technology is new.)
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A Viewer Writes: Invitation: 2015 State of the City Address
Salisbury Mayor James Ireton, Jr. & City Council President Jake Day
invite you and your family to the
2015 STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS
Thursday, March 12, 2015 6:30 PM
 |
Salisbury University
Social Room
Holloway Hall
· Maarten Pereboom, Dean, Fulton School of Liberal Arts - Welcome
· Theo Williams, Program Coordinator SWYCC –Acknowledgements and special guest introductions
· Elder Derick Weaver, Remedy Church – Invocation
· Mayor James Ireton, Jr. & City Council President Jake Day – State of the City Address
SU Mens Lacrosse – Another Loss, And It Looks Like A Long Season
The contest with Ohio Wesleyan offered a potential turnaround opportunity, but the Gulls squandered it by too much lackluster play. At the start, they had possession for about the first six minutes, but garnered just one goal and then went dormant. With two scores late in the first half, OW had a 2-1 lead, but in the third quarter the Gulls made a 4-goal run. They led, 5-2, at the start of the fourth quarter, during which OW lived up to its nickname, battling back to tie at 6-6, then 7-7, before each team scored again in regulation. During overtime the Gulls won the faceoff and had the first chance to win but blew it, losing possession without even taking a shot, then OW did not waste their chance. It was certainly exciting and suspenseful.
The Seagulls played a bit better at all positions than in their almost a blowout loss on March 1 to Gettysburg, which beat Lynchburg on Sunday. But, because OW, although undefeated (4 & 0) is not a powerhouse, this game could be the harbinger of the remainder of the season.
The Gull's next game -- against Hampden-Sydney on March 11 at Seagull Stadium (starting at 4 PM) -- could be the final chance to save a winning season. The Tigers, who are currently 2 & 2, and recently lost a close game, 10-13, to a powerhouse Cabrini squad last week, may also be seeking a breakout victory. If the Gulls lose three in a row, even a 500 season seems very questionable.
BTW – Washington College has now fallen to 1 & 3, losing to Frostburg State on Saturday; their next game is against Ohio Wesleyan. As we recently said, the game between the Gulls and the Shoremen later this year (in Chestertown) may be the "snore on the Shore."
US spy case: Snowden seeks Switzerland asylum move
He was speaking via video link to a Geneva audience, from Moscow where he is sheltering from US prosecutors.
"I would love to return to Switzerland, some of my favourite memories are from Geneva," he said. Previously he worked in Geneva undercover for the CIA.
Mr Snowden, wanted for leaking US secrets, said US authorities had given him no assurances of a fair trial.
"The only thing they've said at this point was that they would not execute me," he said. "That's not quite the same thing as agreeing to a fair and open trial."
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Salisbury News Has Now Published More Than 650,000 Comments
If you can get your audience to participate and express their thoughts and feelings on any given topic, the more people are going to influence their lives and others.
Salisbury News has now published 650,000 comments. Now sit back and think how long that takes, reading every single one of them and publishing them, let alone the ones we've rejected.
Don't forget how long it takes to publish anywhere between 75 to 100 articles a day! We do it because we want to help make a difference here on the Shore. However, what good is all this work if no one comments. That's what I keep telling others when you look at other Websites out there.
We thank all of you for participating each day. Our elected officials pay close attention to what's published here and IF you want to improve your quality of life, well, your comments do make a major difference.
I'll close with this. The reason your local news outlets force people to use Facebook is two fold. ONE, they will retaliate against you by knowing who you are and TWO, because they cannot compete with Salisbury News. IF they could, they'd go to anonymous comments and guess what, they'll never do it, (especially now) because it would be too embarrassing.
Opening statements set in trial over girl's running death
GADSDEN, Ala. (AP) — A jury is ready to hear opening statements in the capital murder trial of an Alabama woman accused of making her granddaughter run until she died.
Prosecutors say 49-year-old Joyce Hardin Garrard forced 9-year-old Savannah Hardin to run for hours as punishment for a lie about eating candy.
The girl eventually collapsed and died in a hospital.
The defense says Garrard is innocent and never intended to do anything to harm the girl.
Opening statements are scheduled for Monday morning. They come three years after the child's death.
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Prosecutors say 49-year-old Joyce Hardin Garrard forced 9-year-old Savannah Hardin to run for hours as punishment for a lie about eating candy.
The girl eventually collapsed and died in a hospital.
The defense says Garrard is innocent and never intended to do anything to harm the girl.
Opening statements are scheduled for Monday morning. They come three years after the child's death.
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The American Woman Who Stands Between Putin and Ukraine
Ukraine is a nation at war, which is why Natalie Jaresko, the minister of finance, has traveled 20 miles from Kiev to the town of Irpin, a settlement of 40,000 on the edge of a pine forest. She’s here to visit a rearguard army hospital and to console convalescing veterans of recent battles against Russian forces and their proxies in the Ukrainian east. “Where did you serve?” she asks, moving slowly from room to room. “How were you wounded?” She may be from Chicago’s West Side, but she speaks Ukrainian fluently, and if anyone notices her American accent, no one seems to care. Jaresko tells the soldiers they’re heroes, the country’s national accountant handling a job for generals. The crisis has thrust people into unlikely roles.
Three months ago, Jaresko, 49, left the private equity firm that she co-founded in Ukraine in 2006 to join the government of Petro Poroshenko. A billionaire chocolate and confectionery magnate, he was elected president after the uprising known as the Euromaidan Revolution. At the time, Jaresko didn’t even have Ukrainian citizenship. Now, as the country’s top economic official, she’s Ukraine’s liaison to the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Tax reform is hers. So is the treasury. She must construct a national budget out of lint. “I can’t wait for the situation to be perfect,” Jaresko says.
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Three months ago, Jaresko, 49, left the private equity firm that she co-founded in Ukraine in 2006 to join the government of Petro Poroshenko. A billionaire chocolate and confectionery magnate, he was elected president after the uprising known as the Euromaidan Revolution. At the time, Jaresko didn’t even have Ukrainian citizenship. Now, as the country’s top economic official, she’s Ukraine’s liaison to the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Tax reform is hers. So is the treasury. She must construct a national budget out of lint. “I can’t wait for the situation to be perfect,” Jaresko says.
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University of Oklahoma frat to close over racist video
NORMAN, Okla. — A University of Oklahoma fraternity will close and its members will be suspended after the group's national headquarters says a video of members participating in a racist chant was posted online.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon said Sunday night that an investigation had confirmed the contents of a video showing multiple people chanting a racial slur against blacks and indicating that blacks would never be admitted to the fraternity. The chant also references lynching.
The national fraternity said in a statement that it was "embarrassed" by the "unacceptable and racist" behavior.
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Sigma Alpha Epsilon said Sunday night that an investigation had confirmed the contents of a video showing multiple people chanting a racial slur against blacks and indicating that blacks would never be admitted to the fraternity. The chant also references lynching.
The national fraternity said in a statement that it was "embarrassed" by the "unacceptable and racist" behavior.
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Wisconsin Assembly Sends Right-to-Work Bill to Walker
Wisconsin lawmakers voted Friday to make their state the 25th to enact right-to-work legislation, pushing a fast-tracked bill through the Assembly after an overnight debate and sending it on to Gov. Scott Walker for his promised signature.
The Republican governor, a likely 2016 presidential candidate who rose to national prominence by taking on public-sector unions four years ago, plans to sign it Monday. Walker planned to be in Iowa for an agriculture summit on Saturday that's attracting other likely Republican presidential candidates.
The Assembly passed the bill 62-35 after a marathon session that included about 20 hours of debate. It was a straight party-line vote, with no Democrats backing the measure.
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The Republican governor, a likely 2016 presidential candidate who rose to national prominence by taking on public-sector unions four years ago, plans to sign it Monday. Walker planned to be in Iowa for an agriculture summit on Saturday that's attracting other likely Republican presidential candidates.
The Assembly passed the bill 62-35 after a marathon session that included about 20 hours of debate. It was a straight party-line vote, with no Democrats backing the measure.
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When your father is the BTK serial killer, forgiveness is not tidy
WICHITA, Kan. — The FBI man knocked on Kerri Rawson's door 10 years ago.
She looked out from her tiny apartment near Detroit. He was holding an FBI badge.
She almost didn't answer. Her father, a code compliance officer in the Wichita suburb of Park City, had taught her to be wary of strangers, and this one had sat in his car next to her trash dumpster for an hour. She'd called her husband.
But after the FBI guy knocked, she let him into her kitchen, where she'd made chocolate bundt cake. From now on, the smell of chocolate cake would make her queasy.
He asked whether she knew who BTK was.
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She looked out from her tiny apartment near Detroit. He was holding an FBI badge.
She almost didn't answer. Her father, a code compliance officer in the Wichita suburb of Park City, had taught her to be wary of strangers, and this one had sat in his car next to her trash dumpster for an hour. She'd called her husband.
But after the FBI guy knocked, she let him into her kitchen, where she'd made chocolate bundt cake. From now on, the smell of chocolate cake would make her queasy.
He asked whether she knew who BTK was.
More
Politico: White House Knew About Hillary Email Setup in August
Officials in the Obama administration and Hillary Clinton’s personal office learned in August that a House committee had discovered Clinton's use of private email as secretary of State, and they sat on the potentially "explosive" information until news reports forced their hand, Politico reports.
"Sources familiar with the discussions say key people in the Obama administration and on Clinton’s staff were aware that the revelation could be explosive for the all-but-announced candidate for president," Politico reports.
But those involved deferred to Clinton’s aides, and they decided not to respond," Politico reports.
More here
"Sources familiar with the discussions say key people in the Obama administration and on Clinton’s staff were aware that the revelation could be explosive for the all-but-announced candidate for president," Politico reports.
But those involved deferred to Clinton’s aides, and they decided not to respond," Politico reports.
More here
Dems Vow to Protect Boehner From Conservative Coup
Tea Party Republicans contemplating a bid to oust Rep. John Boehner (R-Ohio) shouldn't count on Democrats to help them unseat the Speaker.
And without their support, there is no chance to topple Boehner in this Congress.
A number of right-wing Republicans, long wary of Boehner's commitment to GOP efforts attacking President Obama's policy priorities, have openly considered a coup in an attempt to transfer the gavel into more conservative hands.
But Democrats from across an ideological spectrum say they'd rather see Boehner remain atop the House than replace him with a more conservative Speaker who would almost certainly be less willing to reach across the aisle in search of compromise. Replacing him with a Tea Party Speaker, they say, would only bring the legislative process — already limping along — to a screeching halt.
“I'd probably vote for Boehner [because] who the hell is going to replace him? [Ted] Yoho?” Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-N.J.) said Wednesday, referencing the Florida Tea Party Republican who’s fought Boehner on a host of bipartisan compromise bills.
“In terms of the institution, I would rather have John Boehner as the Speaker than some of these characters who came here thinking that they're going to change the world,” Pascrell added.
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And without their support, there is no chance to topple Boehner in this Congress.
A number of right-wing Republicans, long wary of Boehner's commitment to GOP efforts attacking President Obama's policy priorities, have openly considered a coup in an attempt to transfer the gavel into more conservative hands.
But Democrats from across an ideological spectrum say they'd rather see Boehner remain atop the House than replace him with a more conservative Speaker who would almost certainly be less willing to reach across the aisle in search of compromise. Replacing him with a Tea Party Speaker, they say, would only bring the legislative process — already limping along — to a screeching halt.
“I'd probably vote for Boehner [because] who the hell is going to replace him? [Ted] Yoho?” Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-N.J.) said Wednesday, referencing the Florida Tea Party Republican who’s fought Boehner on a host of bipartisan compromise bills.
“In terms of the institution, I would rather have John Boehner as the Speaker than some of these characters who came here thinking that they're going to change the world,” Pascrell added.
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Statement From Governor Larry Hogan On Rain Tax
"No issue resonates as strongly and no tax is as universally detested as the rain tax. Passing a law that forces only a handful of counties to raise taxes on their citizens – against their will – is wrong, unfair, and it needs to end.
"Marylanders have spoken loudly and clearly on this issue. The overwhelming majority of voters across the state are strongly opposed to it, and some counties have already taken steps to repeal this burdensome tax. Considering the surge of opposition to the current law, I am confident that the General Assembly will still move forward with a repeal of the Rain Tax."
Did The Administration Lie About Obama's Immigration Action?
When President Obama announced his sweeping unilateral executive action on immigration last November, administration officials stressed that the new edict would not take effect immediately. One part of the president's action — changes to DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, to extend the period in which illegal immigrants are protected from deportation to three years from its present two years, and also to extend work permits for the same time — was scheduled to go into effect Feb. 18, 2015, three months after the president's announcement. The other part of the president's action — the newly-created DAPA, or Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents — would go into effect six months after Obama's edict.
The day after Obama's Nov. 20 announcement, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service published notice that it "expects to begin accepting requests for the Expanded DACA program on Feb. 18, 2015; and Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) program in mid-to-late May 2015."
The dates were set.
The administration's schedule shaped the schedule of those challenging the president's action. On Feb. 16, federal judge Andrew Hanen issued an order stopping the program, noting in his opinion that "the DHS' website provides February 18, 2015 as the date it will begin accepting applications under DACA's new criteria, and mid-to-late May for DAPA applications." Hanen barred the administration from implementing "any and all aspects or phases of the expansions (including any and all changes)" to DACA and also "any and all aspects or phases" of DAPA.
So everyone involved knew the score. Changes to DACA, which had been scheduled to start Feb. 18, were on hold. DAPA was also on hold. And everyone assumed those dates to be accurate.
But now, the administration is telling a different story.
The day after Obama's Nov. 20 announcement, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service published notice that it "expects to begin accepting requests for the Expanded DACA program on Feb. 18, 2015; and Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) program in mid-to-late May 2015."
The dates were set.
The administration's schedule shaped the schedule of those challenging the president's action. On Feb. 16, federal judge Andrew Hanen issued an order stopping the program, noting in his opinion that "the DHS' website provides February 18, 2015 as the date it will begin accepting applications under DACA's new criteria, and mid-to-late May for DAPA applications." Hanen barred the administration from implementing "any and all aspects or phases of the expansions (including any and all changes)" to DACA and also "any and all aspects or phases" of DAPA.
So everyone involved knew the score. Changes to DACA, which had been scheduled to start Feb. 18, were on hold. DAPA was also on hold. And everyone assumed those dates to be accurate.
But now, the administration is telling a different story.
‘Nobody Is Going To Wait’
Saudi Arabia, growing increasingly nervous about its neighbor across the Persian Gulf, may be hedging its bets and crafting a nuclear back-up plan if a diplomatic deal with Iran fails to halt the Islamic Republic's alleged march toward a weapon.
The latest sign is a curious visit on Wednesday by Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, the day before Secretary of State John Kerry's visit to the capital Riyadh.
Sharif arrived in Saudi Arabia following a visit by the Egyptian president on Sunday and Turkey's president on Monday -- but the Pakistan PM's House of Saud call might be the most significant of the three, considering Pakistan is seen by some analysts as Saudi Arabia's future nuclear tech supplier, should the Kingdom take that leap.
"The visit by the PM ... almost certainly has to be seen in the context of Saudi Arabia looking to Pakistan for nuclear cooperation to counter Iran's emerging status," Simon Henderson, of the Washington Institute, told Fox News.
Henderson, in an essay for the Washington Institute last month, also noted Riyadh's support for Pakistan's nuclear program, "providing financing in return for a widely assumed understanding that, if needed, Islamabad will transfer technology or even warheads."
More on this..
The latest sign is a curious visit on Wednesday by Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, the day before Secretary of State John Kerry's visit to the capital Riyadh.
Sharif arrived in Saudi Arabia following a visit by the Egyptian president on Sunday and Turkey's president on Monday -- but the Pakistan PM's House of Saud call might be the most significant of the three, considering Pakistan is seen by some analysts as Saudi Arabia's future nuclear tech supplier, should the Kingdom take that leap.
"The visit by the PM ... almost certainly has to be seen in the context of Saudi Arabia looking to Pakistan for nuclear cooperation to counter Iran's emerging status," Simon Henderson, of the Washington Institute, told Fox News.
Henderson, in an essay for the Washington Institute last month, also noted Riyadh's support for Pakistan's nuclear program, "providing financing in return for a widely assumed understanding that, if needed, Islamabad will transfer technology or even warheads."
Texas Town Fires Entire Police Department, Crime Drops By 61%
Sharpstown, located southwest of Houston, decided in 2012 that regular public policing was proving wholly ineffective, and opted not to renew a contract with the constable’s office.
Instead the town’s civic leaders hired private security agents with the company SEAL Security Solutions, and devised a more effective policing strategy.
“Since we’ve been in there, an independent crime study that they’ve had done [indicates] we’ve reduced the crime by 61%” in just 20 months, James Alexander, Director of Operations for SEAL told reporters with guns.com.
Alexander believes that the reason for such a dramatic drop has come with more sensible policing in areas that need it the most.
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Instead the town’s civic leaders hired private security agents with the company SEAL Security Solutions, and devised a more effective policing strategy.
“Since we’ve been in there, an independent crime study that they’ve had done [indicates] we’ve reduced the crime by 61%” in just 20 months, James Alexander, Director of Operations for SEAL told reporters with guns.com.
Alexander believes that the reason for such a dramatic drop has come with more sensible policing in areas that need it the most.
More
Amnesty Advocates Want to Hijack Selma Commemoration
Pro-amnesty advocates will try to co-opt Sunday’s commemoration of the “Bloody Sunday” march in Selma–one of the most seminal moments in the civil rights movement and the history of the country–to again push the false narrative that amnesty for illegal immigrants is the new civil rights movement.
The Alabama Coalition for Immigration Justice is mobilizing and will bus amnesty advocates for the march, which will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the seminal march for voting rights for black American citizens. According to AL.com, the group reportedly declared that, “throughout the weekend, immigrants will stand with thousands of others converging in Selma at this historic moment to affirm their role in the struggle against racism and oppression.”
As Breitbart News has emphasized, “the civil rights movement of the 1960s was about ensuring that black Americans received all of the rights they were due as citizens of the United States while today’s pro-amnesty movement is about demanding full rights for non-citizens who entered the country illegally.”
More here
The Alabama Coalition for Immigration Justice is mobilizing and will bus amnesty advocates for the march, which will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the seminal march for voting rights for black American citizens. According to AL.com, the group reportedly declared that, “throughout the weekend, immigrants will stand with thousands of others converging in Selma at this historic moment to affirm their role in the struggle against racism and oppression.”
As Breitbart News has emphasized, “the civil rights movement of the 1960s was about ensuring that black Americans received all of the rights they were due as citizens of the United States while today’s pro-amnesty movement is about demanding full rights for non-citizens who entered the country illegally.”
More here
Town Officials Rip Wicomico and Somerset Governments At Tax Differential Hearing
On March 4, the Ways & Means Committee of Maryland's House of Delegates heard testimony regarding the pending legislation that would require both Somerset County and Wicomico County to provide a tax relief for property owners in municipalities that perform services that the County would otherwise perform. Among the officials from many municipalities Crisfield's mayor, Kimberly Lawson, Delmar Commissioner, Thomas Luffman, and Salisbury's mayor Ireton spoke. Here's what they had to say.
Kim Lawson
Thomas Luffman
Jim Ireton
Parents Refuse the PARCC Tests
I asked the Worcester County Public School Administration the following question: Will the PARCC assessment results (grade) be used in the student final grade? If so, what percent of student's final grade will be made up of PARCC results? Their response: No, PARCC assessment results are not used in the calculation of a student’s coursework grade. It is an accountability measure for teachers, principals, schools, and the school system, but not the student.
If PARCC tests are to have no bearing on your child's final grade or performance, why are we spending months teaching to a test that does nothing more than collect data to fire teachers and shut down schools? The data is useless to the student. The test results won't even be back until December 2015, long after your child has moved to the next grade. Why are we putting undue stress and anxiety on our children? Statewide, taxpayers are spending hundreds of millions of dollars to upgrade technology and to pay for the costs of administering the PARCC tests. As large of a concern is the student level data being collected on your children that PARCC is required to share with the US Dept.of Education as part of their agreement for federal funding.
* School boards may try to manipulate you through fear and intimidation to participate in the assessments.Their agenda is to get a certain percentage of students to take the test in order to qualify for federal funding .You and your children have the right to refuse the PARCC assessments.There is no Maryland or Federal law stating that your child must participate in these tests. Ask them to show you the law.
Buffalo (snowstorm) 2014
