The picture is better than anything you or I will ever take at the historic site. It shows Aldrin gazing at the sky in a Superman pose with his increasingly infamous "GET YOUR ASS TO MARS" shirt:
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DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Friday, March 20, 2015
Buzz Aldrin took a cooler photo than you did at Stonehenge
The picture is better than anything you or I will ever take at the historic site. It shows Aldrin gazing at the sky in a Superman pose with his increasingly infamous "GET YOUR ASS TO MARS" shirt:
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Amazon delivers one-hour service to Baltimore
The Internet-based marketplace is launching Prime Now – its mobile app offering one-hour delivery service – in two new cities today.
Starting in select Baltimore and Miami zip codes, one-hour delivery is now available for a $7.99 fee. Two-hour delivery is free.
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Johns Hopkins Offers Top-Of-The-Line Care For Pets
Jessica Kartalija explains, it’s happening at one of the best hospitals in the world, right here in Baltimore.
Hard to believe, but now your pets can get also get top of the line medical care at Johns Hopkins.
A little anesthesia and this lady, named Lola, is out.
Just like we sometimes need image-guided procedures, our pets do too.
“We use our advanced imaging facility–such as MRI and CT to image patients who are sick and try and diagnose disease,” said Dr. Rebecca Krimins, Veterinary Anesthesiologist.
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Maryland Man Gets 40 Years In Fatal Abuse Of 2-Year-Old
Raymond Matthew Brittle, a 40-year-old laborer from Thurmont, stood mute at his sentencing after defense attorney Margaret Teahan portrayed him as a dim-witted alcoholic whose bottled-up rage at his own abusive father had exploded in an uncharacteristic fit of violence.
Frederick County Circuit Judge G. Edward Dwyer didn’t buy that argument. He cited statements from Brittle’s own adolescent son that Brittle began beating Robert Watkins weekly after the boy moved into their home in early 2013. The frequency increased to at least once a day in the month before Robert died from devastating brain injuries on Sept. 8, 2013, the boy told police.
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New direct flights between New York and Cuba taking off
NEW YORK (AP) — New direct charter flights between New York City and Cuba are now taking off.
Cuba Travel Services has started offering a weekly Tuesday charter between John F. Kennedy International Airport and Havana for people authorized by the U.S. government to visit the island. The flights are operated by Sun Country Airlines, and cost $849 round-trip. The price includes airfare, Cuban medical insurance and U.S. departure taxes.
In January, the Obama administration announced it would be easing travel restrictions.
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Cuba Travel Services has started offering a weekly Tuesday charter between John F. Kennedy International Airport and Havana for people authorized by the U.S. government to visit the island. The flights are operated by Sun Country Airlines, and cost $849 round-trip. The price includes airfare, Cuban medical insurance and U.S. departure taxes.
In January, the Obama administration announced it would be easing travel restrictions.
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Sheriff: Federal 'EBT' Cards 'Ultimately Buying Drugs'
"Primarily you are looking at taxpayers’ dollars that provide EBT cards, that are ultimately buying drugs," said Sheriff Deryl Loar, of the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office in Florida.
Electronic Benefit Transfer cards (EBT) allow individuals receiving government benefits such as food stamps to charge products to the government when they shop.
The Indian River County Sheriff's Office tells WPEC-TV that career criminal Anthony Wheeler is not the first accused drug dealer found taking payment for drugs with taxpayer-funded electronic benefit cards.
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Electronic Benefit Transfer cards (EBT) allow individuals receiving government benefits such as food stamps to charge products to the government when they shop.
The Indian River County Sheriff's Office tells WPEC-TV that career criminal Anthony Wheeler is not the first accused drug dealer found taking payment for drugs with taxpayer-funded electronic benefit cards.
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Planned Parenthood: 'Sometimes a Person's Sexual Orientation Changes Over Time'
(CNSNews.com) – Planned Parenthood Federation of America tells teens on its website that it “can take a long time” to determine one’s “sexual orientation or gender identity.”
"Sexual orientation describes which gender(s) you're attracted to, sexually and/or romantically," says Planned Parenthood's "All About LGBTQ at a Glance" webpage. "Sometimes a person's sexual orientation changes over time, but people can't choose or decided to change who they're attracted to."
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"Sexual orientation describes which gender(s) you're attracted to, sexually and/or romantically," says Planned Parenthood's "All About LGBTQ at a Glance" webpage. "Sometimes a person's sexual orientation changes over time, but people can't choose or decided to change who they're attracted to."
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AMNESTIED ILLEGALS TO GET $1.3T IN SOCIAL SECURITY, MEDICARE
If implemented, President Barack Obama’s executive actions granting temporary amnesty and federal benefits to nearly 4 million illegal aliens in the United States will end up costing American taxpayers about $1.3 trillion in Social Security and Medicare benefits, and about $20 billion more in retroactive tax credits, according to Robert Rector, senior research fellow for Domestic Policy Studies at the Heritage Foundation.
Rector testified before the House subcommittees on National Security and on Health Care, Benefits and Administrative Rules during a joint hearing on Tuesday, March 17. He focused on the cost that Obama’s Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Legal Permanent Residents Program (DAPA) would have on taxpayers.
At the hearing, Rector explained that the “fiscal consequences” of legalizing millions of illegal aliens, most of whom are low-earning and marginally educated, are “extremely large and run in the trillions of dollars.”
“If you assume that they, in today’s dollars, get the average Social Security and Medicare benefits that go to legal immigrants who are elderly, with that same level of education, the cost is they’re going to be getting over $20,000 in benefits in retirement in today’s dollars — it’ll actually be much more than that, obviously — and the total cost of that is $1.3 trillion,” Rector testified.
Read more
Oregon House votes to outlaw hunting with drones
Humane Society says Oregon joins Colorado, Montana and Alaska
Lawmakers in the Oregon House agree unanimously that drones should not be used for hunting or fishing.
The House voted 59-0 Wednesday to make it illegal for hunters to use unmanned vehicles to track, harass or scout fish and wildlife. The bill goes next to the Senate.
Democratic Rep. Brad Witt of Clatskanie, the bill’s sponsor, says using drones is an affront to the hunting principle of a fair chase.
Proponents also say wildlife populations might dwindle if drones were widely used to scout or kill game.
Read more
Lawmakers in the Oregon House agree unanimously that drones should not be used for hunting or fishing.
The House voted 59-0 Wednesday to make it illegal for hunters to use unmanned vehicles to track, harass or scout fish and wildlife. The bill goes next to the Senate.
Democratic Rep. Brad Witt of Clatskanie, the bill’s sponsor, says using drones is an affront to the hunting principle of a fair chase.
Proponents also say wildlife populations might dwindle if drones were widely used to scout or kill game.
Read more
Major Accident in Fruitland Involving Pedestrian
Originally Published at 3/20/2015 03:58:00 PM
FCC Chairman Concedes Future Internet Tax Is Possible After All
New FCC rules reclassified Internet Service Providers (ISPs) as Title II utilities, which are normally subjected to a USF fee...
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Tom Wheeler acknowledged in congressional testimony [yesterday] that an Internet tax–which he had previously said would not be imposed–could be imposed in the future.
Wheeler’s remarks came during a Tuesday appearance before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, where he was asked to shed light on the process by which the FCC passed rules last month regulating the Internet.
Wheeler’s admission came after Rep. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) asked him to go on the record with his previous assurances that there would be no new taxes.
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Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Tom Wheeler acknowledged in congressional testimony [yesterday] that an Internet tax–which he had previously said would not be imposed–could be imposed in the future.
Wheeler’s remarks came during a Tuesday appearance before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, where he was asked to shed light on the process by which the FCC passed rules last month regulating the Internet.
Wheeler’s admission came after Rep. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) asked him to go on the record with his previous assurances that there would be no new taxes.
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LEFTIST MEDIA CLAIMS IF YOU SUPPORT SECOND AMENDMENT, YOU SUPPORT RAPE
Legal concealed carry "more pro-rape than anti-rape," claims anti-gun media
A leftist news outlet claims that Second Amendment activists are supporting rape by advocating concealed carry on college campuses.
On Tuesday, Raw Story said the push to legalize campus carry by pro-gun activists is “sheer assh*lery on many levels” and is also a “subtle form of rape denialism,” whatever that means.
“…These laws are functionally more pro-rape than anti-rape,” Raw Story’s Amanda Marcotte wrote. “After all, most campus rapists haven’t been convicted — duh — so it’s perfectly legal for them to own guns.”
“And, unlike victims, they are planning for the rapes to happen and so can plan to have access to a gun when they corner their victims.”
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A leftist news outlet claims that Second Amendment activists are supporting rape by advocating concealed carry on college campuses.
On Tuesday, Raw Story said the push to legalize campus carry by pro-gun activists is “sheer assh*lery on many levels” and is also a “subtle form of rape denialism,” whatever that means.
“…These laws are functionally more pro-rape than anti-rape,” Raw Story’s Amanda Marcotte wrote. “After all, most campus rapists haven’t been convicted — duh — so it’s perfectly legal for them to own guns.”
“And, unlike victims, they are planning for the rapes to happen and so can plan to have access to a gun when they corner their victims.”
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NSA Whistleblower: ‘We’re No Longer a Country with a Government, We’re a Government with a Country’
Former high-level intelligence official warns of "totalitarian" slide into a "controlled society"
Former National Security Agency technical director turned whistleblower William Binney told radio-talk show host Alex Jones Wednesday that the United States no longer represented a country with a constitutional government.
Binney, a 36-year agency veteran who blew the whistle on domestic surveillance in 2001, warned that the United States was sliding dangerously close to “totalitarianism” under the NSA’s plan for a “controlled society.”
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Former National Security Agency technical director turned whistleblower William Binney told radio-talk show host Alex Jones Wednesday that the United States no longer represented a country with a constitutional government.
Binney, a 36-year agency veteran who blew the whistle on domestic surveillance in 2001, warned that the United States was sliding dangerously close to “totalitarianism” under the NSA’s plan for a “controlled society.”
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Flagship Toys 'R' Us store in Times Square is closing
The store's lease expires at the end of January 2016 and is not being renewed, according to Brad Mendelson, vice chairman of retail services at Cushman & Wakefield, the real estate firm marketing the property.
"They did not renew subject to their option. That was their choice," Mendelson said. The building's owner is already talking to other retailers, he said.
Toys "R" Us spokeswoman Linda Connors acknowledged that the lease expires next year but didn't confirm that it is not being renewed. "We have been reviewing our lease renewal options," she said.
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ABC News D.C. Bureau Announces Layoffs
TVNewser has obtained the letter that ABC News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief Jonathan Greenbergersent to his staff:
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USA Today offers Buyouts to Veteran Staffers
USA TODAY announced Wednesday that it will offer buyout packages to veteran employees to trim staffing, its latest effort to cut costs and invest more in digital products amid a plan by parent company Gannett to spin off the publishing business as a separate company.
The offer applies to about 90 employees across all departments at USA TODAY, which currently has about 600 employees.
USA TODAY didn't say if it had a target for the number of jobs it seeks to cut. "Regardless of the acceptance level of the Early Retirement Opportunity Program, we cannot rule out other actions that we may need to take in the future because of economic and business conditions," wrote USA TODAY Publisher Larry Kramer in a memo to the staff
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The offer applies to about 90 employees across all departments at USA TODAY, which currently has about 600 employees.
USA TODAY didn't say if it had a target for the number of jobs it seeks to cut. "Regardless of the acceptance level of the Early Retirement Opportunity Program, we cannot rule out other actions that we may need to take in the future because of economic and business conditions," wrote USA TODAY Publisher Larry Kramer in a memo to the staff
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Request Denied Over Separation Of Church And State Issues
OCEAN CITY- A religious request before the Mayor and City Council left the officials torn before granting approval for a service to take place prior to the opening of Springfest, but denying the offer to open the town-sponsored event with a Christian band.
Before the Mayor and City Council this week was a request made by Berlin Area Ministers United for a Sunday Morning Church Service at Springfest to take place within the Entertainment Pavilion on Springfest grounds Sunday morning, May 10, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., one hour prior to the opening of Springfest.
According to Director of Special Events Frank Miller, the request is a contemporary church service with live music and sermon produced and supported by several church organizations.
The total revenue to the Town of Ocean City is $350 generated from Private Event Fees. In exchange for the use of the Springfest infrastructure, the applicant offered to provide musical entertainment for Springfest on Sunday morning from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
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Before the Mayor and City Council this week was a request made by Berlin Area Ministers United for a Sunday Morning Church Service at Springfest to take place within the Entertainment Pavilion on Springfest grounds Sunday morning, May 10, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., one hour prior to the opening of Springfest.
According to Director of Special Events Frank Miller, the request is a contemporary church service with live music and sermon produced and supported by several church organizations.
The total revenue to the Town of Ocean City is $350 generated from Private Event Fees. In exchange for the use of the Springfest infrastructure, the applicant offered to provide musical entertainment for Springfest on Sunday morning from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
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Legal Marijuana In Colorado Has Already Generated $15 Million For Schools
Legal marijuana in Colorado has already generated more than $15 million in tax revenue that is specifically earmarked for public schools, according to the latest data from the state's Department of Education.
Since Jan. 1, 2014, when the state's first retail marijuana shops opened, $15.6 million has been generated for the Building Excellent Schools Today (BEST) grant program, said Scott Newell, director of the office of capital construction for the state's Education Department. The marijuana funds for schools were generated via a special voter-approved 15 percent excise tax on marijuana sales.
Newell's office oversees all funds flagged for school construction in the state through BEST. In addition to marijuana excise taxes, additional funding for BEST is provided from state lottery spillover proceeds and interest, as well as the state land trust -- all of which is put into a single fund and dispersed via grants to needy districts and schools.
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Since Jan. 1, 2014, when the state's first retail marijuana shops opened, $15.6 million has been generated for the Building Excellent Schools Today (BEST) grant program, said Scott Newell, director of the office of capital construction for the state's Education Department. The marijuana funds for schools were generated via a special voter-approved 15 percent excise tax on marijuana sales.
Newell's office oversees all funds flagged for school construction in the state through BEST. In addition to marijuana excise taxes, additional funding for BEST is provided from state lottery spillover proceeds and interest, as well as the state land trust -- all of which is put into a single fund and dispersed via grants to needy districts and schools.
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Task force to tackle social media in schools
Worcester County Schools Superintendent Jerry Wilson has put together a task force designed to inform students on how to properly use social media.
“As a school system, one of our missions has always been to prepare students to be productive citizens,” said Wilson. “In order for our focus on citizenship to be relevant in the 21st century, citizenship has to include expectations around the tools that our students are using. Students use social media in their daily lives so it makes sense that we would move forward with helping to teach students cyber-civility or digital etiquette.”
The task force includes five Worcester assistant principals from all grade levels and schools in the county, who will work together to develop strategies that will inform students about appropriate behavior on social media and how to use these sites to be productive in society.
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“As a school system, one of our missions has always been to prepare students to be productive citizens,” said Wilson. “In order for our focus on citizenship to be relevant in the 21st century, citizenship has to include expectations around the tools that our students are using. Students use social media in their daily lives so it makes sense that we would move forward with helping to teach students cyber-civility or digital etiquette.”
The task force includes five Worcester assistant principals from all grade levels and schools in the county, who will work together to develop strategies that will inform students about appropriate behavior on social media and how to use these sites to be productive in society.
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But Councilman John Hall Said Our Economy Hasn't Gone Up Or Down For The Past 10 Years?
"we have not rebounded at all
from the recession."
Said Senator Addie Eckardt in a recent interview.
You just have to wonder, is someone lining the pockets of County Councilman John Hall over the past 10 years, since his economy hasn't changed up or down in the past 10 years?
Naked N.C. neighbor under fire - but not under arrest
He's not hard to expose, only to arrest.
People in a neighborhood in north Charlotte are fed up with a neighbor who refuses to cover himself on his property but has yet to be arrested by police who say his actions are not illegal.
Residents of the Cardinal Glen neighborhood spoke to TV Station WBTV about the problem involving this unnamed man and they called police on him again Friday after he once again stood at his front door without clothing. This occurs multiple times a week, they said.
"I was out rolling the trash can on Friday and I just happened to look over there and he was standing there buck naked," neighbor Pecolia Threatt told the station.
But police told the station no charged were filed because it happens on his property.
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People in a neighborhood in north Charlotte are fed up with a neighbor who refuses to cover himself on his property but has yet to be arrested by police who say his actions are not illegal.
Residents of the Cardinal Glen neighborhood spoke to TV Station WBTV about the problem involving this unnamed man and they called police on him again Friday after he once again stood at his front door without clothing. This occurs multiple times a week, they said.
"I was out rolling the trash can on Friday and I just happened to look over there and he was standing there buck naked," neighbor Pecolia Threatt told the station.
But police told the station no charged were filed because it happens on his property.
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Mortgage rates drop again following disappointing housing data
Freddie Mac (OTC: FMCC) says the average rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage fell to 3.78 percent in the week ending March 19, down from 3.86 percent last week. A year ago, 30-year rates averaged 4.32 percent.
A 15-year fix averaged 3.06 percent this week, down from 3.10 percent. A one-year adjustable-rate mortgage fell to 2.46 percent, from 2.49 percent.
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The Government’s $125 Billion Improper Payments Problem
Despite the Obama administration’s attempts to curb the billions of improper payments federal agencies dole out each year, the problem is actually getting worse.
In 2014 alone, agencies paid a whopping $125 billion in improper or erroneous benefit payments through some of the largest government programs like Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security. That’s the most ever recorded — and a $19 billion increase from the previous year, according to a new report from the Government Accountability Office. For context, the steep defense budget cuts known as sequestration are projected to reduce spending by roughly $100 billion a year from fiscal 2012 through 2021.
The GAO’s tally accounted for erroneous payments across 124 programs under 22 federal agencies. However, just three programs — Medicare, Medicaid and the Earned Income Tax Credit — accounted for more than $80.9 billion of the total.
Auditors blamed these three programs for the uptick in improper payments overall. All three experienced an increased error rate from the year before. Across the government, the errors amounted to 4.5 percent of program outlays, up from 4 percent in fiscal 2013.
Together, Medicare and Medicaid paid out $77.4 billion in improper payments, a 20.4 percent increase over 2013. The programs combined represent about 62 percent of total improper payments government-wide.
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In 2014 alone, agencies paid a whopping $125 billion in improper or erroneous benefit payments through some of the largest government programs like Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security. That’s the most ever recorded — and a $19 billion increase from the previous year, according to a new report from the Government Accountability Office. For context, the steep defense budget cuts known as sequestration are projected to reduce spending by roughly $100 billion a year from fiscal 2012 through 2021.
The GAO’s tally accounted for erroneous payments across 124 programs under 22 federal agencies. However, just three programs — Medicare, Medicaid and the Earned Income Tax Credit — accounted for more than $80.9 billion of the total.
Auditors blamed these three programs for the uptick in improper payments overall. All three experienced an increased error rate from the year before. Across the government, the errors amounted to 4.5 percent of program outlays, up from 4 percent in fiscal 2013.
Together, Medicare and Medicaid paid out $77.4 billion in improper payments, a 20.4 percent increase over 2013. The programs combined represent about 62 percent of total improper payments government-wide.
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Worcester County Pushes Last Day Of School To June 18
NEWARK –The last day of school has been pushed back in Worcester County as the school system struggles to make up for nine snow days.
The final day of school for students in Worcester County’s public schools will be June 18, two days later than originally planned. In addition, April 2, which was to be a professional day, will now be a half-day of school for students.
“Winter on the Lower Eastern Shore has been harsh once again,” said Jerry Wilson, Worcester County’s superintendent of schools. “Without additional modifications to our calendar, the school year would extend into the fourth week of June. Making April 2 a half-day of school for students will help us recoup a lost day and shorten the extended school year.”
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The final day of school for students in Worcester County’s public schools will be June 18, two days later than originally planned. In addition, April 2, which was to be a professional day, will now be a half-day of school for students.
“Winter on the Lower Eastern Shore has been harsh once again,” said Jerry Wilson, Worcester County’s superintendent of schools. “Without additional modifications to our calendar, the school year would extend into the fourth week of June. Making April 2 a half-day of school for students will help us recoup a lost day and shorten the extended school year.”
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Teresa Parrott: Former Wicomico County Teacher
The Kennedy Center/Stephen Sondheim Inspirational Teacher Awards
The annual Kennedy Center/Stephen Sondheim Inspirational Teacher Awards publicly recognize specific teachers by spotlighting their extraordinary impact on the lives of students. The Awards celebrate the teaching profession, the important role of teachers in society, and seek to inspire others to pursue this noble profession. Nominated by students they once taught, these former students' stories exemplify the power one teacher has to inspire others and transform lives.
Find out more about how to nominate your teacher for the Kennedy Center/Stephen Sondheim Inspirational Teacher Awards.
Nominations for the 2016 cycle of the Kennedy Center/Stephen Sondheim Inspirational Teacher Awards will be accepted starting September 7, 2015.
The annual Kennedy Center/Stephen Sondheim Inspirational Teacher Awards publicly recognize specific teachers by spotlighting their extraordinary impact on the lives of students. The Awards celebrate the teaching profession, the important role of teachers in society, and seek to inspire others to pursue this noble profession. Nominated by students they once taught, these former students' stories exemplify the power one teacher has to inspire others and transform lives.
Find out more about how to nominate your teacher for the Kennedy Center/Stephen Sondheim Inspirational Teacher Awards.
Nominations for the 2016 cycle of the Kennedy Center/Stephen Sondheim Inspirational Teacher Awards will be accepted starting September 7, 2015.
2015 Awardees
Teresa Parrott
Teacher
"Dedicating my life to guide students, passing down knowledge, and helping them realize they actually have great potential is the true joy of teaching. It goes beyond just teaching the material - it's about making a personal connection with the students to help them develop their talents and achieve their goals."
House GOP Budget Leaves Spending Caps in Place
Lawmakers attempt to thread needle by boosting other defense accounts
House Republicans said on Tuesday that they are attempting to keep deficit spending low while boosting a shrinking defense budget as they unveiled their budget proposal for 2016.
Led by Rep. Tom Price (R., Ga.), chairman of the House Budget Committee, the House GOP released its budget on Tuesday. The proposal leaves in place sequestration caps on defense spending that have been sharply criticized by military leaders and defense hawks in Congress but adds funding to the Pentagon’s Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) account.
The House GOP budget would provide $523 billion in base funding to the Pentagon, along with $94 billion for the OCO account to fight terrorism abroad. Republicans on the Senate side will also release their budget proposal this week.
Republicans admit that while the spending caps have helped to reduce deficits in recent years and ensure fiscal responsibility, defense spending has also declined during a period of global instability. Members of the Republican Study Committee (RSC), a group of House conservatives who will issue their own budget proposal as an amendment next week, said on Tuesday that they are seeking to strike a difficult balance.
“Everybody recognizes that the caps have been a good thing from a fiscal perspective, but I think virtually all of the [GOP] conference realizes that they’ve also been harmful to defense,” said Rep. Bill Flores (R., Texas), RSC chairman.
“Now the tension is, how do you fix it?” he added.
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House Republicans said on Tuesday that they are attempting to keep deficit spending low while boosting a shrinking defense budget as they unveiled their budget proposal for 2016.
Led by Rep. Tom Price (R., Ga.), chairman of the House Budget Committee, the House GOP released its budget on Tuesday. The proposal leaves in place sequestration caps on defense spending that have been sharply criticized by military leaders and defense hawks in Congress but adds funding to the Pentagon’s Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) account.
The House GOP budget would provide $523 billion in base funding to the Pentagon, along with $94 billion for the OCO account to fight terrorism abroad. Republicans on the Senate side will also release their budget proposal this week.
Republicans admit that while the spending caps have helped to reduce deficits in recent years and ensure fiscal responsibility, defense spending has also declined during a period of global instability. Members of the Republican Study Committee (RSC), a group of House conservatives who will issue their own budget proposal as an amendment next week, said on Tuesday that they are seeking to strike a difficult balance.
“Everybody recognizes that the caps have been a good thing from a fiscal perspective, but I think virtually all of the [GOP] conference realizes that they’ve also been harmful to defense,” said Rep. Bill Flores (R., Texas), RSC chairman.
“Now the tension is, how do you fix it?” he added.
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Troopers Investigate a Delmar Home Invasion
Delmar, DE – Troopers are investigating a home invasion that occurred west of Delmar this morning.
The incident occurred this morning at approximately at 8:01 a.m., on Friday, March 20, 2015 at the 10000 block of Bacons Road, Delmar. The victim, a 54 year old male was preparing for work and went outside to warm up his vehicle when he was approached by three white males. One of the male suspects pointed an unknown handgun at the victim and forced the victim back into his residence. After the victim was forced to the floor his hands were tied. The suspects demanded money from the victim. An unknown amount of money and firearms were taken from the victim’s residence. After the suspects fled from the residence the victim was able to free himself and ran to a neighbor’s house. He waved down a motorist and used their cellular phone and call 9-1-1 to report the incident. The suspects then fled from the residence in an unknown direction in the victim’s vehicle, a 2008 Maroon Nissan Extera. The 54 year old victim was not injured during the incident.
The three suspects were only described as white males with their faces partially covered. There was no other physical or clothing description given on the three suspects.
If anyone has any information in reference to this incident, they are asked to contact Detective Gray at 302-856-5850 extension 222. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet atwww.tipsubmit.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword "DSP."
The incident occurred this morning at approximately at 8:01 a.m., on Friday, March 20, 2015 at the 10000 block of Bacons Road, Delmar. The victim, a 54 year old male was preparing for work and went outside to warm up his vehicle when he was approached by three white males. One of the male suspects pointed an unknown handgun at the victim and forced the victim back into his residence. After the victim was forced to the floor his hands were tied. The suspects demanded money from the victim. An unknown amount of money and firearms were taken from the victim’s residence. After the suspects fled from the residence the victim was able to free himself and ran to a neighbor’s house. He waved down a motorist and used their cellular phone and call 9-1-1 to report the incident. The suspects then fled from the residence in an unknown direction in the victim’s vehicle, a 2008 Maroon Nissan Extera. The 54 year old victim was not injured during the incident.
The three suspects were only described as white males with their faces partially covered. There was no other physical or clothing description given on the three suspects.
If anyone has any information in reference to this incident, they are asked to contact Detective Gray at 302-856-5850 extension 222. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet atwww.tipsubmit.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword "DSP."
National Cherry Blossom Festival schedule of events
Planned activities include lantern walks, ranger talks and tours around the Tidal Basin and National Mall.
This year's festival, which marks the anniversary of Japan's gift of 3,000 cherry trees, runs from March 20 through April 12.
A full list of events is available HERE
New York Times Whines About Netanyahu
On Tuesday, before the final results of the Israeli election were tabulated, the New York Times, in utter disbelief that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might survive the manifold efforts by the Obama Administration and the leftist media to destroy him, released a piece that savaged the Israeli prime minster, with numerous figures whining about the tactics Netanyahu used to retain his post.
Some examples include:
“…there was a cloud over his apparent turnaround, the result of an increasingly shrill campaign that raised questions about his ability to heal Israel’s internal wounds or better its standing in the world.”
“…even while his critics said Mr. Netanyahu had reaffirmed his reputation as a cynical, calculating politician…”
The Gray Lady was upset about Netanyahu’s defiance of Barack Obama and European leaders: “But along the way he angered the president of the United States with a speech to Congress and infuriated European leaders …”
The NYT quoted Obama’s former Svengali, David Axelrod, whining on Twitter, “Tightness of exits in Israel suggests Bibi’s shameful 11th-hour demagoguery may have swayed enough votes to save him. But at what cost?” The NYT added, “And in a seemingly desperate bid to rally support halfway through the balloting, he went on a tirade against Israel’s Arab citizens… Opponents accused him of baldfaced racism.”
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Some examples include:
“…there was a cloud over his apparent turnaround, the result of an increasingly shrill campaign that raised questions about his ability to heal Israel’s internal wounds or better its standing in the world.”
“…even while his critics said Mr. Netanyahu had reaffirmed his reputation as a cynical, calculating politician…”
The Gray Lady was upset about Netanyahu’s defiance of Barack Obama and European leaders: “But along the way he angered the president of the United States with a speech to Congress and infuriated European leaders …”
The NYT quoted Obama’s former Svengali, David Axelrod, whining on Twitter, “Tightness of exits in Israel suggests Bibi’s shameful 11th-hour demagoguery may have swayed enough votes to save him. But at what cost?” The NYT added, “And in a seemingly desperate bid to rally support halfway through the balloting, he went on a tirade against Israel’s Arab citizens… Opponents accused him of baldfaced racism.”
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Md. Lawmakers Approve Vietnam Veterans Commemorative Day
The House of Delegates voted unanimously for the Senate measure on Thursday, sending it to Gov. Larry Hogan. Doug Mayer, a Hogan spokesman, says the governor will sign the bill.
The measure, sponsored by Sen. John Astle, establishes a “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day.” The legislation is an emergency bill, so it takes effect immediately.
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What Netanyahu's Victory Means
“Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time." That Churchillian one-liner summarizes the glorious chaos that is Israeli politics.
In the one Middle Eastern nation where you can still speak your mind without being arrested, disappeared, or executed, Israelis went to the polls Tuesday to decide whether Benjamin "Bibi" Netanyahu or Isaac "Bougie" Herzog would lead the Jewish State for the next four years.
The unexpected out come came as a shock to many pundits on both sides of the Atlantic.
Without question the results will deeply disappoint President Obama and some European leaders, who were hoping Israelis would swap out an intractable “hawk” for a more flexible “dove,” one whom they assumed would pave the way for a quick final deal with Iran and hasten a two-state solution in the Holy Land before President Obama leaves office.
In reality however, there is no real distance between Bibi and Bougie over the existential threat posed by Iran. Israel’s next prime minister must come up with a plan to thwart Tehran, whose leaders continue to call for the Jewish State’s annihilation, from becoming a nuclear power.
Additionally, Jerusalem will be confronted with a new strategic threat from Iran and its Hezbollah terrorist lackeys whose brazen entrenchment on the Golan Heights has raised nary a peep from the U.S. or the European Union.
Even if Israel’s left had prevailed it is hard to imagine that a deal for a Two-State solution could be reached in the next two years. Hamas’ continuous terrorism and genocidal hate and the celebration by leaders of the PA of vicious terrorist outrages against Jews, have left most Israelis warily awaiting a Palestinian leader -- someone unlike PA President Abbas -- who would be ready to tell his constituents that their Jewish neighbors are there to stay and that the Jewish state has a legitimate right to be there.
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In the one Middle Eastern nation where you can still speak your mind without being arrested, disappeared, or executed, Israelis went to the polls Tuesday to decide whether Benjamin "Bibi" Netanyahu or Isaac "Bougie" Herzog would lead the Jewish State for the next four years.
The unexpected out come came as a shock to many pundits on both sides of the Atlantic.
Without question the results will deeply disappoint President Obama and some European leaders, who were hoping Israelis would swap out an intractable “hawk” for a more flexible “dove,” one whom they assumed would pave the way for a quick final deal with Iran and hasten a two-state solution in the Holy Land before President Obama leaves office.
In reality however, there is no real distance between Bibi and Bougie over the existential threat posed by Iran. Israel’s next prime minister must come up with a plan to thwart Tehran, whose leaders continue to call for the Jewish State’s annihilation, from becoming a nuclear power.
Additionally, Jerusalem will be confronted with a new strategic threat from Iran and its Hezbollah terrorist lackeys whose brazen entrenchment on the Golan Heights has raised nary a peep from the U.S. or the European Union.
Even if Israel’s left had prevailed it is hard to imagine that a deal for a Two-State solution could be reached in the next two years. Hamas’ continuous terrorism and genocidal hate and the celebration by leaders of the PA of vicious terrorist outrages against Jews, have left most Israelis warily awaiting a Palestinian leader -- someone unlike PA President Abbas -- who would be ready to tell his constituents that their Jewish neighbors are there to stay and that the Jewish state has a legitimate right to be there.
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A Comment Worthy Of A Post 3-20-15
Publishers Notes: I've been told the same. It's a shame these COWARDS who are expected to be respected as astute business people are so afraid of their own shadows.
Isn't it amazing what the former Mayor did to turn men into wussies through retaliation and now we have one as the current Mayor. ALL of them are too afraid to show up at Council Meetings. ALL of them are too afraid to state their disgust in public. Heck, my guess is that most of them don't have PERMISSION from their spouses to go out on a week night to attend one of these meetings.
Yeah, there are very few of us real men left who aren't afraid to stand up for what we believe in. No wonder Salisbury is turning into "Rainbow City".
Horatio Sanz: 'SNL' Too Conservative Now
"Saturday Night Live" has become too conservative, says former cast member Horatio Sanz.
In an interview with ESPN's Bill Simmons, Sanz specifically pointed to longtime writer Jim Downey, who has described himself as a conservative Democrat, but whom Sanz and others have called a member of the far right.
In Tom Shales' 2014 book "Live from New York," Sanz called Downey "the Karl Rove of SNL."
On Thursday's podcast with Simmons, Sanz said he didn’t like working with Downey because his political views didn't mesh with the anti-establishment roots of the show.
"The guy's a genius, but his politics are kind of [bleep]," Sanz said.
He noted that when Democrat Nancy Pelosi took over as House Speaker in 2007, Downey's sketch had her wearing an S&M outfit because she's from San Francisco.
"I was like, what? That’s what you get out of that story?" Sanz said. "That everyone in San Francisco is so weird that they’re wearing … leather and whipping each other?"
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In an interview with ESPN's Bill Simmons, Sanz specifically pointed to longtime writer Jim Downey, who has described himself as a conservative Democrat, but whom Sanz and others have called a member of the far right.
In Tom Shales' 2014 book "Live from New York," Sanz called Downey "the Karl Rove of SNL."
On Thursday's podcast with Simmons, Sanz said he didn’t like working with Downey because his political views didn't mesh with the anti-establishment roots of the show.
"The guy's a genius, but his politics are kind of [bleep]," Sanz said.
He noted that when Democrat Nancy Pelosi took over as House Speaker in 2007, Downey's sketch had her wearing an S&M outfit because she's from San Francisco.
"I was like, what? That’s what you get out of that story?" Sanz said. "That everyone in San Francisco is so weird that they’re wearing … leather and whipping each other?"
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Judge: Sanctions Possible In Obama Immigration Court Case
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A federal judge who has blocked President Obama's immigration executive action suggested on Thursday that he could order sanctions against the Justice Department if he rules it misled him about when exactly the administration began implementing one of the measures.
During a sometimes testy court hearing, U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen went back and forth with the Justice Department over whether it had mislead him into believing that a key part of Obama's program would not be implemented before he made a ruling on a request for a preliminary injunction.
In fact, federal officials had already given more than 108,000 people three-year reprieves from deportation before that date and granted them work permits under a program that protects young immigrants from deportation if they were brought to the U.S. illegally as children.
Obama's executive actions would spare from deportation as many as 5 million people who are in the U.S. illegally. Many Republicans oppose the actions, saying only Congress has the right to take such sweeping action. Twenty-six states led by Texas joined together to challenge them as unconstitutional. Hanen on Feb. 16 sided with the states, issuing a preliminary injunction blocking Obama's actions.
Hanen chided Justice Department attorney Kathleen Hartnett on Thursday for telling him at a January hearing before the injunction was issued that nothing would be happening with regard to one key part of Obama's actions, an expansion of the 2012 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, known as DACA, until Feb. 18.
"Like an idiot I believed that," Hanen said.
More here
During a sometimes testy court hearing, U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen went back and forth with the Justice Department over whether it had mislead him into believing that a key part of Obama's program would not be implemented before he made a ruling on a request for a preliminary injunction.
In fact, federal officials had already given more than 108,000 people three-year reprieves from deportation before that date and granted them work permits under a program that protects young immigrants from deportation if they were brought to the U.S. illegally as children.
Obama's executive actions would spare from deportation as many as 5 million people who are in the U.S. illegally. Many Republicans oppose the actions, saying only Congress has the right to take such sweeping action. Twenty-six states led by Texas joined together to challenge them as unconstitutional. Hanen on Feb. 16 sided with the states, issuing a preliminary injunction blocking Obama's actions.
Hanen chided Justice Department attorney Kathleen Hartnett on Thursday for telling him at a January hearing before the injunction was issued that nothing would be happening with regard to one key part of Obama's actions, an expansion of the 2012 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, known as DACA, until Feb. 18.
"Like an idiot I believed that," Hanen said.
More here
BREAKING NEWS: Death toll reportedly rises to more than 120 in suicide bombings of two Yemeni mosques
Medical sources in Sanaa, Yemen, say the death toll from suicide bombings at two crowded mosques has risen to more than 120, Reuters reports.
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Don’t Miss the Live Well HealthFest on April 11
This year’s event, a showcase of healthy exhibits and health screenings, is free and open to the public at James M. Bennett High School on College Avenue in Salisbury.
More than 35 free health screenings will be available the day of the event and without pre-registration. The health screenings, performed by Peninsula Regional Medical Center healthcare specialists and other area healthcare providers, will be available to anyone looking to find out how healthy they actually are, and to learn what they can do to lead an even healthier and more productive lifestyle.
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'War On Coal' Heats Up
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has launched an unprecedented campaign in state legislatures and courthouses across the country to stop President Barack Obama's "war on coal."
The Kentucky Republican is planning to bring down a series of Environmental Protection Agency proposals aimed at slashing carbon pollution from coal-fired power plants, a major contributor to the nation's high levels of greenhouse gas emissions, according to The New York Times.
The senator sent out a letter on Thursday to all the governors containing detailed legal advice on the reasons why states should not confirm to Obama's rules, while warning them that the president was "allowing the E.P.A. to wrest control of a state's energy policy."
The new regulations could result in the closure of hundreds of coal-fired plants and the loss of thousands of jobs, as Obama continues his controversial policy of switching the country's dependence on fossil fuels to power sources he believes are less damaging to climate change, namely wind and solar energy.
In the rare event of a majority leader leading a lobbying battle in Washington, McConnell is championing the fight against the regulations because his state is one of the leading coal-producing regions in the country and could lose countless jobs.
More here
The Kentucky Republican is planning to bring down a series of Environmental Protection Agency proposals aimed at slashing carbon pollution from coal-fired power plants, a major contributor to the nation's high levels of greenhouse gas emissions, according to The New York Times.
The senator sent out a letter on Thursday to all the governors containing detailed legal advice on the reasons why states should not confirm to Obama's rules, while warning them that the president was "allowing the E.P.A. to wrest control of a state's energy policy."
The new regulations could result in the closure of hundreds of coal-fired plants and the loss of thousands of jobs, as Obama continues his controversial policy of switching the country's dependence on fossil fuels to power sources he believes are less damaging to climate change, namely wind and solar energy.
In the rare event of a majority leader leading a lobbying battle in Washington, McConnell is championing the fight against the regulations because his state is one of the leading coal-producing regions in the country and could lose countless jobs.
More here
A Viewer Writes: Bennett School
Joe,
IF these people manage to tear down the Bennett School maybe it could be grown up to be used to fill all these POT HOLES in the city.
Sell it to some of these businesses who have very large holes on their parking lots.
Personally I would rather keep the building where it is.
Expert: ‘It’ll Take A Lot More Than Drudge To Push O’Malley Up In The Polls’
A recent NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll shows that only 11 percent of Democratic primary voters could see themselves supporting the former Maryland governor, while a whopping 67 percent said they don’t know his name. That’s compared to 86 percent of respondents saying they could support Hillary Clinton.
O’Malley has been a favorite topic of the Drudge Report as Clinton deals with scandals relating to her private email address while secretary of state and donations given to the Clinton Foundation. O’Malley even joked about Matt Drudge finding pictures of him playing the guitar in tight t-shirts.
“I’ve been playing in a band since I was in high school. Unfortunately, Matt is finding older pictures,” O’Malley told MSNBC last week.
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Senate Gives Preliminary Ok To "Rain Tax" Repeal Bill
The measure sponsored by Senate President Mike Miller received preliminary approval by the Senate today, without any floor debate.
This measure is different from the bills that repeal the so called rain tax that were backed by Governor Larry Hogan, and were rejected by House and Senate committees.
Under the bill, Baltimore City and the state’s other nine large jurisdiction would not be mandated to collect the fee on paved surfaces.
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Kraft Singles Are Not Actually Cheese, But They're Apparently A Health Food Now
Kraft Singles, a type of processed cheese that comes individually wrapped in a thin, plastic film, is the first food to receive the new "Kids Eat Right" label -- a stamp of approval designed by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to help families make healthier decisions in the grocery store.
The "Kids Eat Right" campaign is meant to "raise awareness that the diets of America's kids are lacking in three important components– dairy, calcium and vitamin D," according to a statement from AND. But the news has been met with skepticism, if not outright derision.
At Mother Jones, food and agriculture correspondent Tom Philpott cites a 2013 reportfrom food industry lawyer and researcher Michele Simon, "which documented the strong and ever-growing financial ties between the Academy and big food companies, including Kraft."
Marion Nestle, Ph.d, M.P.H., a professor in the department of nutrition, food studies and public health at NYU, shared the news on her site Food Politics, with a parenthetical -- "you can't make this stuff up."
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The "Kids Eat Right" campaign is meant to "raise awareness that the diets of America's kids are lacking in three important components– dairy, calcium and vitamin D," according to a statement from AND. But the news has been met with skepticism, if not outright derision.
At Mother Jones, food and agriculture correspondent Tom Philpott cites a 2013 reportfrom food industry lawyer and researcher Michele Simon, "which documented the strong and ever-growing financial ties between the Academy and big food companies, including Kraft."
Marion Nestle, Ph.d, M.P.H., a professor in the department of nutrition, food studies and public health at NYU, shared the news on her site Food Politics, with a parenthetical -- "you can't make this stuff up."
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Gov. Larry Hogan backs 'Second Chance Act'
Hogan, a Republican, announced his support for the bill Thursday.
The governor says a criminal record can be an insurmountable barrier to people seeking employment. Hogan says he believes in second chances. He also says the measure would contribute to the economic growth and development of the state.
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Nevada bill would allow sick pets to use medical marijuana
CARSON CITY, Nev. — Pets might soon be able to use pot under a bill introduced Tuesday in the Nevada Legislature.
Democratic Sen. Tick Segerblom is sponsoring the measure that would allow animal owners to get marijuana for their pet if a veterinarian certifies the animal has an illness that might be alleviated by the drug.
Segerblom said he's concerned that some animals might have adverse reactions, but "you don't know until you try," he said.
Some veterinarians who have given cannabis to sick and dying pets say it has relieved their symptoms, although the substance hasn't been proven as a painkiller for animals.
Los Angeles veterinarian Doug Kramer told The Associated Press in 2013 that pot helped ease his Siberian husky's pain during her final weeks, after she had surgery to remove tumors. Kramer said cannabis helped his dog, Nikita, gain weight and live an extra six weeks before she was euthanized.
"I grew tired of euthanizing pets when I wasn't doing everything I could to make their lives better," Kramer told the AP. "I felt like I was letting them down."
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Democratic Sen. Tick Segerblom is sponsoring the measure that would allow animal owners to get marijuana for their pet if a veterinarian certifies the animal has an illness that might be alleviated by the drug.
Segerblom said he's concerned that some animals might have adverse reactions, but "you don't know until you try," he said.
Some veterinarians who have given cannabis to sick and dying pets say it has relieved their symptoms, although the substance hasn't been proven as a painkiller for animals.
Los Angeles veterinarian Doug Kramer told The Associated Press in 2013 that pot helped ease his Siberian husky's pain during her final weeks, after she had surgery to remove tumors. Kramer said cannabis helped his dog, Nikita, gain weight and live an extra six weeks before she was euthanized.
"I grew tired of euthanizing pets when I wasn't doing everything I could to make their lives better," Kramer told the AP. "I felt like I was letting them down."
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Hogan Backs Bill To Examine Corrections System
Hogan, a Republican, announced support for the bill Thursday. He says taking a tough stance on crime isn’t just about incarceration. He says the state needs to strike a balance and explore ways of helping people who have served their time get back on their feet.
The House of Delegates vote 119-19 on Thursday to create the Justice Reinvestment Coordinating Council. It would bring together people from across the state’s criminal justice system.
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SHOCKING SCHOOL BUS BRAWL IN ALABAMA (GUNS VS BASEBALL BATS)
WARNING: FOUL LANGUAGE
MIKULSKI, CARDIN SPONSOR LEGISLATION GIVING STUDENTS A FAIR SHOT AT AFFORDABLE HIGHER EDUCATION
WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Barbara A. Mikulski and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) today became original cosponsors of the Bank on Students Emergency Loan Refinancing Act. Introduced by Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), the legislation would allow those with outstanding student loan debt to refinance at the interest rates that were approved last year for new borrowers. A previous version of the bill was voted on in the 113th Congress, and every Senate Democrat and three Senate Republicans voted to move the bill forward, falling just short of breaking a Republican filibuster.
“Middle class families need a raise and more money in the family checkbook. That means a fair shot at affordable higher education to help them climb the rungs of America’s opportunity ladder,” said Senator Mikulski, a senior member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee. “Right now, millions of American students are graduating from college and universities but as they are handed their diplomas, they are being handed a lifetime of debt. Getting a college education is the core of the American dream. I will continue to fight so Maryland families have access to that dream with a fair shot at higher education and a government on their side.”
“How can we allow Americans buying high-end luxury items to refinance loans after rates drop, but not allow students to refinance their high-rate loans for college?” said Senator Cardin, a member of the Finance Committee. “The federal government should be responsible for ensuring all Americans have a fair shot at success, not be in the business of turning profits off of student loans. This commonsense legislation ensures that at a time of intense global competition we are not pricing American students out of a higher education.”
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“Middle class families need a raise and more money in the family checkbook. That means a fair shot at affordable higher education to help them climb the rungs of America’s opportunity ladder,” said Senator Mikulski, a senior member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee. “Right now, millions of American students are graduating from college and universities but as they are handed their diplomas, they are being handed a lifetime of debt. Getting a college education is the core of the American dream. I will continue to fight so Maryland families have access to that dream with a fair shot at higher education and a government on their side.”
“How can we allow Americans buying high-end luxury items to refinance loans after rates drop, but not allow students to refinance their high-rate loans for college?” said Senator Cardin, a member of the Finance Committee. “The federal government should be responsible for ensuring all Americans have a fair shot at success, not be in the business of turning profits off of student loans. This commonsense legislation ensures that at a time of intense global competition we are not pricing American students out of a higher education.”
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Secretary David Brinkley Awarded The First Citizen Award By Maryland Senate
ANNAPOLIS, MD – David Brinkley, Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management, was today awarded The First Citizen Award by the Maryland Senate. Each year, the Senate gives this prestigious award to a Marylander who has been a “dedicated and effective participant in the process of making government work for the benefit of all.”
“For decades, Secretary Brinkley has been a dedicated public servant to the citizens of Maryland,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “He has shown throughout his career that one person can make a difference, and I am honored to have him on our team. I would like to congratulate Secretary Brinkley on this great honor and thank the Maryland Senate for bestowing this award on one of their peers.”
A Frederick County native, Secretary Brinkley served in the state Senate for 12 distinguished years, representing Frederick and Carroll Counties. He was Minority Leader and member of the Budget and Taxation Committee. He also served in the House of Delegates for eight years.
Two other members of the General Assembly that received the award today included Senator Edward Kasemeyer and Senator Ulysses Currie. Past First Citizen recipients have included notable Marylanders such as former Washington Post executive editor Benjamin C. Bradlee; former Senate President and Comptroller of the Treasury Louis Goldstein; and Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.
The First Citizen award is named for Charles Carroll of Carrollton, one of four Marylanders to sign the Declaration of Independence. Carroll wrote a series of anonymous letters that were published in the Maryland Gazette in 1773; he signed them “First Citizen.” At the time, Carroll was barred from public office for being a Roman Catholic, but his First Citizen letters eventually launched his long career in public service as a state Senator.
“For decades, Secretary Brinkley has been a dedicated public servant to the citizens of Maryland,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “He has shown throughout his career that one person can make a difference, and I am honored to have him on our team. I would like to congratulate Secretary Brinkley on this great honor and thank the Maryland Senate for bestowing this award on one of their peers.”
A Frederick County native, Secretary Brinkley served in the state Senate for 12 distinguished years, representing Frederick and Carroll Counties. He was Minority Leader and member of the Budget and Taxation Committee. He also served in the House of Delegates for eight years.
Two other members of the General Assembly that received the award today included Senator Edward Kasemeyer and Senator Ulysses Currie. Past First Citizen recipients have included notable Marylanders such as former Washington Post executive editor Benjamin C. Bradlee; former Senate President and Comptroller of the Treasury Louis Goldstein; and Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.
The First Citizen award is named for Charles Carroll of Carrollton, one of four Marylanders to sign the Declaration of Independence. Carroll wrote a series of anonymous letters that were published in the Maryland Gazette in 1773; he signed them “First Citizen.” At the time, Carroll was barred from public office for being a Roman Catholic, but his First Citizen letters eventually launched his long career in public service as a state Senator.
Governor Larry Hogan Announces Support For Maryland Second Chance Act
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Larry Hogan today announced his support for the passage of SB 526 – Maryland Second Chance Act of 2015. This bill authorizes individuals who have a non-violent, misdemeanor criminal record to petition the court to shield court records and police records after a period of three years under certain circumstances and conditions.
“A criminal record can be an insurmountable barrier to individuals seeking employment,” said Governor Hogan. “I believe in second chances, and this bill provides one by allowing those who meet certain conditions to re-enter the workforce without the stigma of a criminal background. It is not only the right thing to do but will contribute to the economic growth and development of our state.”
Additionally, Governor Hogan expressed his support for HB 308, a bill which establishes the Justice Reinvestment Coordinating Council in the Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention. Using a data-driven approach, this proposed council will develop statewide policy to reduce spending on corrections and build strategies to increase public safety and reduce recidivism.
“Taking a tough stance on crime isn’t just about incarceration,” said Governor Hogan. “In order to achieve lasting results in our criminal justice system, we must strike a balance and explore better, smarter options that reduce recidivism and help those who have served their time get back on their feet.”
Royal Oak
We are asking in the name of VSCOA Camp Royal Oak in Quantico, Md. Camp Royal Oak has been set up for temporary housing for homeless veterans.
The veterans of Royal Oak are in need of the items listed below:
Laundry Detergent, Under arm deodorant, Dishwashing liquid, Paper towels, curtains, canned goods, dry goods and mens clothing sweat shirts, shirts, pants, socks and (new underwear).
If you should want to donate these items you can do so at Salisbury drop off at Cakes by David (745 South Division st.)
Thank you in advance for your donation and it will be greatly appreciated.
David Wharton
Disabled American Veterans
Service Officer
410 742-1571
COMMON CORE-ALIGNED TEST PUBLISHER PEARSON USING PERSONAL DATA TO SPY ON STUDENTS ONLINE
The student-privacy blogosphere has been atwitter (so to speak) over recent revelations that students’ social media posts have been monitored in connection with the Common Core-aligned PARCC test.
Originally, a local school superintendent in New Jersey was quoted as saying that mega-publisher Pearson, which has the contract to administer the PARCC test, reported to the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) a student’s after-school tweet concerning one of the test questions. It has subsequently come to light that the Web monitoring was accomplished by a security company called Caveon Test Security.
Although it isn’t clear exactly who has contracts with whom, it appears that Caveon discovered the tweet in its Web trolling and reported the find to Pearson. Pearson then alerted the NJDOE, which notified the local superintendent.
So let’s get this straight – a private company based in another country, on another continent, is being told what individual American students are saying about its tests on Twitter (and presumably Facebook and other media outlets). If it learns of something it doesn’t like, it reports the activity to the appropriate state department of education, which then contacts the local district and reports the “security breach” – identifying the student by name and obviously suggesting disciplinary action.
The implications of this are far-reaching.
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Originally, a local school superintendent in New Jersey was quoted as saying that mega-publisher Pearson, which has the contract to administer the PARCC test, reported to the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) a student’s after-school tweet concerning one of the test questions. It has subsequently come to light that the Web monitoring was accomplished by a security company called Caveon Test Security.
Although it isn’t clear exactly who has contracts with whom, it appears that Caveon discovered the tweet in its Web trolling and reported the find to Pearson. Pearson then alerted the NJDOE, which notified the local superintendent.
So let’s get this straight – a private company based in another country, on another continent, is being told what individual American students are saying about its tests on Twitter (and presumably Facebook and other media outlets). If it learns of something it doesn’t like, it reports the activity to the appropriate state department of education, which then contacts the local district and reports the “security breach” – identifying the student by name and obviously suggesting disciplinary action.
The implications of this are far-reaching.
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Cancer patient steals $65K in jewelry for bills
A Snow Hill woman was found guilty of stealing more than $65,000 worth of jewelry and other items from her Ocean City employer, the Indian River Trading Co., following a trial last Friday in District Court in Snow Hill.
Christine Davis, 46, was a trusted employee, Indian River owner Jack Alexander testified.
“My wife and I have been in business for 41 years and we never had an experience of theft like this before, which was both mentally distressing and monetarily impactful,” said Alexander, an Ocean Pines resident.
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Christine Davis, 46, was a trusted employee, Indian River owner Jack Alexander testified.
“My wife and I have been in business for 41 years and we never had an experience of theft like this before, which was both mentally distressing and monetarily impactful,” said Alexander, an Ocean Pines resident.
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LESHC Annual Meeting and Heritage Awards, April 29
Salisbury, MD – The Lower Eastern Shore Heritage Area is pleased to announce their 15th Annual Luncheon Meeting & Heritage Awards will take place on Wednesday April 29, 2015 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. The event includes lunch, a silent auction fundraiser, 20 mini grant project exhibits and Heritage Award honors.
Dr. Susan B.M.Langley, the State of Maryland's Underwater Archaeologist and Director of the Maryland Maritime Archaeology Program within the SHPOs Office of Preservation Services will serve as the keynote speaker. Her focus will be on Pirates of the Chesapeake. Dr. Langley currently chairs and holds the Archaeological Research seat for the Monitor National Marine Sanctuary's Advisory Council, and is Co-Chair of the Geographic Planning Workgroup for emergency response contingency planning, which coordinates federal, State, regional and local agencies. Dr. Langley is an adjunct professor at several colleges and universities, where she teaches underwater archaeology and the history of piracy. She also taught maritime archaeology in Thailand for several years for the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) which is part of UNESCO. Dr. Langley is an active scuba instructor and lectures through the Maryland Humanities Council Speakers Bureau and internationally on a broad range of subjects, including bees and beekeeping as she is the beekeeper for the hive at the Government House.
Early bird pricing is $25 per person and is available until March 31. The regular price is $30, and the deadline to register is April 24. Payments must be made in advance, and can be made online, mailed to the LESCH office or delivered in person (209 W Main St. Suite 309). Sponsorships are available at various levels, beginning at $100. Items for the silent auction fundraiser are also being sought. All are great ways to promote your business, organization or gather with friends, while supporting a great cause. The deadline for sponsorships and silent auction items is April 20.
All proceeds support the Lower Eastern Shore Heritage Area Council, which is a non-profit. LESHC is one of 13 certified Heritage Areas in the State of Maryland, funded in part by MHAA and works to promote, preserve and protect the culture and heritage of the lower eastern shore.
For additional information, please visit www.WicomicoCivicCenter.org
Dr. Susan B.M.Langley, the State of Maryland's Underwater Archaeologist and Director of the Maryland Maritime Archaeology Program within the SHPOs Office of Preservation Services will serve as the keynote speaker. Her focus will be on Pirates of the Chesapeake. Dr. Langley currently chairs and holds the Archaeological Research seat for the Monitor National Marine Sanctuary's Advisory Council, and is Co-Chair of the Geographic Planning Workgroup for emergency response contingency planning, which coordinates federal, State, regional and local agencies. Dr. Langley is an adjunct professor at several colleges and universities, where she teaches underwater archaeology and the history of piracy. She also taught maritime archaeology in Thailand for several years for the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) which is part of UNESCO. Dr. Langley is an active scuba instructor and lectures through the Maryland Humanities Council Speakers Bureau and internationally on a broad range of subjects, including bees and beekeeping as she is the beekeeper for the hive at the Government House.
Early bird pricing is $25 per person and is available until March 31. The regular price is $30, and the deadline to register is April 24. Payments must be made in advance, and can be made online, mailed to the LESCH office or delivered in person (209 W Main St. Suite 309). Sponsorships are available at various levels, beginning at $100. Items for the silent auction fundraiser are also being sought. All are great ways to promote your business, organization or gather with friends, while supporting a great cause. The deadline for sponsorships and silent auction items is April 20.
All proceeds support the Lower Eastern Shore Heritage Area Council, which is a non-profit. LESHC is one of 13 certified Heritage Areas in the State of Maryland, funded in part by MHAA and works to promote, preserve and protect the culture and heritage of the lower eastern shore.
For additional information, please visit www.WicomicoCivicCenter.org
South Dakota reservation rounds up feral dogs after fatal attack
The Rosebud Sioux Tribe in South Dakota began rounding up and destroying wild dogs on Tuesday under an emergency order issued after a woman was fatally attacked on the reservation over the weekend.
Julia Charging Whirlwind, 49, was attacked by a pack of wild dogs on Saturday morning in the Lower Swift Bear community on the reservation in south-central South Dakota, officials said.
Local media said the Mellette County sheriff had to kill two dogs before emergency workers could get to Whirlwind to try to help her.
The Rosebud council said on Monday the tribe would eradicate dogs that appear to be a nuisance, vagrant, feral, sickly or vicious.
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Julia Charging Whirlwind, 49, was attacked by a pack of wild dogs on Saturday morning in the Lower Swift Bear community on the reservation in south-central South Dakota, officials said.
Local media said the Mellette County sheriff had to kill two dogs before emergency workers could get to Whirlwind to try to help her.
The Rosebud council said on Monday the tribe would eradicate dogs that appear to be a nuisance, vagrant, feral, sickly or vicious.
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Paint Nite Events!
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CareFirst is defying a D.C. order to reinvest $56M in surplus
CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield has no plans to follow an order by D.C.'s insurance agency to reinvest $56 million of its overall surplus toward community benefits in the District.
In a report filed Monday with the D.C. Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking, CareFirst said it has already fulfilled its obligations in the District and won't comply. CareFirst said it filed an appeal in the Court of Appeals for D.C.
The Owings Mills-based insurer said its overall surplus belongs to subscribers across its entire service area, including Maryland and Virginia — adding it must also abide by a conflicting order from Maryland regarding the size of its reserves.
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In a report filed Monday with the D.C. Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking, CareFirst said it has already fulfilled its obligations in the District and won't comply. CareFirst said it filed an appeal in the Court of Appeals for D.C.
The Owings Mills-based insurer said its overall surplus belongs to subscribers across its entire service area, including Maryland and Virginia — adding it must also abide by a conflicting order from Maryland regarding the size of its reserves.
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Aspirin lowers colon cancer risk, but not for all
Taking aspirin or ibuprofen tends to reduce the risk of getting colon cancer for most people, but it does not work in a minority of people with certain genes, researchers said Tuesday.
The findings in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) are based on an analysis of 10 large studies in Australia, Canada, Germany and the United States. More than 16,000 people -- all of European descent -- were included.
The data confirmed that regular use of aspirin or non-steroid anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) was linked to a 30 percent lower colorectal cancer risk, for most people.
But the preventive benefit was not seen in people with relatively uncommon variants in genes on chromosomes 12 and 15, the study said.
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The findings in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) are based on an analysis of 10 large studies in Australia, Canada, Germany and the United States. More than 16,000 people -- all of European descent -- were included.
The data confirmed that regular use of aspirin or non-steroid anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) was linked to a 30 percent lower colorectal cancer risk, for most people.
But the preventive benefit was not seen in people with relatively uncommon variants in genes on chromosomes 12 and 15, the study said.
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Japanese tsunami debris still washing on U.S. shore
About one million tons of debris was still lingering in the Pacific Ocean four years after a magnitude 9.0 earthquake, the most powerful ever recorded in Japan, set off a series of massive tsunami waves that devastated a wide swathe of Honshu's Pacific coastline and killed nearly 20,000 people.
It also damaged the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, leading to a series of explosions and meltdowns in the world's worst nuclear disaster since Chernobyl 25 years earlier.
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‘Drop It! Drop It!’: Graphic Video Captures the Chaotic Moment Police Open Fire on Mentally Ill Man
“Oh, you killed my child!”
The words rang out seconds after the gunshots — and as the shooting footage was revealed to the public on Monday, debate is raging over whether police did the right thing.
One thing is for sure: The video shows how things can go from calm to chaotic in mere seconds.
The fatal shooting occurred in June, when two Dallas police officers responded to a domestic disturbance call at the home of 38-year-old Jason Harrison, a mentally ill man whose family had called police on him several times before.
In footage captured by the personal bodycam of officer Andrew Hutchins, Harrison’s mother appears at the door of the home, telling the officers, ”He’s off the chain,” of her son, who’s standing behind her in the doorway.
She exits the home, saying, ”Bipolar schizo,” as the officers greet Harrison.
But they quickly see he’s holding a screwdriver and command him to drop it.
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The words rang out seconds after the gunshots — and as the shooting footage was revealed to the public on Monday, debate is raging over whether police did the right thing.
One thing is for sure: The video shows how things can go from calm to chaotic in mere seconds.
The fatal shooting occurred in June, when two Dallas police officers responded to a domestic disturbance call at the home of 38-year-old Jason Harrison, a mentally ill man whose family had called police on him several times before.
In footage captured by the personal bodycam of officer Andrew Hutchins, Harrison’s mother appears at the door of the home, telling the officers, ”He’s off the chain,” of her son, who’s standing behind her in the doorway.
She exits the home, saying, ”Bipolar schizo,” as the officers greet Harrison.
But they quickly see he’s holding a screwdriver and command him to drop it.
More
No Casino Revenue Sharing For Snow Hill
SNOW HILL –County officials made no offer to grant a Town of Snow Hill request for a share of Worcester County’s casino revenue this week.
The Worcester County Commissioners opted not to give Snow Hill any of the funding the county receives from the Casino at Ocean Downs. The decision came after county staff pointed out that the money was currently being used to pay down the debt associated with the construction of Worcester Technical High School.
“It’s going to reduce the amount of money you have to put toward debt service,” County Attorney Sonny Bloxom said.
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The Worcester County Commissioners opted not to give Snow Hill any of the funding the county receives from the Casino at Ocean Downs. The decision came after county staff pointed out that the money was currently being used to pay down the debt associated with the construction of Worcester Technical High School.
“It’s going to reduce the amount of money you have to put toward debt service,” County Attorney Sonny Bloxom said.
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Praise Be!
SHARPTON
I have always questioned if Jessie Jackson and Al Sharpton were really preachers since they have no church. When I heard Al Sharpton was guest preacher at a black Houston Church, I decided to check him out in person and see what it was all about.........
I sat down and Sharpton came up to me, I don't know why, maybe it was because I was the only white person in the Church. He laid his hands on my hand and said: "By the will of Jesus the Lord All Mighty, and the will of God, you will walk today."
I told him I was not paralyzed.
He came back and laid his hands on me again, and repeated the same thing.
Again I told him there is nothing wrong with me.
After the sermon I stepped outside and lo and behold, my car had been stolen!
AG Frosh Urges U.S. Senate to Maintain States' Abilities to Protect Public from Toxins
The bill would block state laws and regulations as soon as the Environmental Protection Agency begins the process of considering whether to regulate dangerous substances considered a "high priority." The EPA's review process could take seven years or more, Attorney General Frosh said, during which time the chemicals would remain in use, potentially endangering the public.
"States need the authority to protect our families, because there are times when federal intervention is too slow, or non-existent," Attorney General Frosh said. "States have been on the leading edge of protection, and we need to remain there."
Attorney General Frosh noted that several states, including Maryland, banned bisphenol A, or BPA, from baby bottles and sippy cups years before the Food and Drug Administration adopted similar restrictions.
"I was in the state legislature when Maryland passed laws to ban the sale of children's products containing lead, and restricting cadmium in children's jewelry," he said. "It would be a tragedy if Maryland and other states were prevented from enforcing these important measures."
Attorney General Frosh testified on Wednesday before the U.S. Senate Committee on the Environment and Public Works. In addition, Attorney General Frosh joined with his counterparts in New York, Iowa, Maine, Oregon and Washington in delivering a letter to Committee Chairman Sen. James M. Inhofe outlining their concerns with the legislation.
Girl's racist parents ban her from attending black friend's party
Harmony Jones' 10th birthday celebration last week was marred by a letter penned by a friend saying she could not make it to the party because Harmony is black.
The note, written in pink, blue and green markers, and sprinkled with spelling errors, read: 'Maby I will not be able to come to your birthday sleepover, because my dad will not let me go because you are black not trying to be races [sic], but my mom let me no [sic] Happy birthday!'
Both Harmony, who is African-American, and her unnamed friend, a 10-year-old who is presumably white, attend Highland Oaks Elementary School in Memphis, Tennessee.
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The note, written in pink, blue and green markers, and sprinkled with spelling errors, read: 'Maby I will not be able to come to your birthday sleepover, because my dad will not let me go because you are black not trying to be races [sic], but my mom let me no [sic] Happy birthday!'
Both Harmony, who is African-American, and her unnamed friend, a 10-year-old who is presumably white, attend Highland Oaks Elementary School in Memphis, Tennessee.
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