DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Friday, April 03, 2015
Mystery Of Strange Radio Bursts From Space
Bursts of radio waves flashing across the sky seem to follow a mathematical pattern. If the pattern is real, either some strange celestial physics is going on, or the bursts are artificial, produced by human – or alien – technology.
Telescopes have been picking up so-called fast radio bursts (FRBs) since 2001. They last just a few milliseconds and erupt with about as much energy as the sun releases in a month. Ten have been detected so far, most recently in 2014, when the Parkes Telescope in New South Wales, Australia, caught a burst in action for the first time. The others were found by sifting through data after the bursts had arrived at Earth.
No one knows what causes them, but the brevity of the bursts means their source has to be small – hundreds of kilometres across at most – so they can't be from ordinary stars. And they seem to come from far outside the galaxy.
The weird part is that they all fit a pattern that doesn't match what we know about cosmic physics.
More here
Walmart, Pathmark, A&P, Waldbaum’s Bring Up Rear In Latest Supermarket Survey
The latest developments on religious-objection laws
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson backed away Wednesday from his promise to sign a controversial religious-objections bill, bowing to pressure from critics that included his own son and some of the state's biggest employers, who say the legislation is anti-gay.
The Republican governor said he wants the Legislature either to recall the bill from his desk or pass a follow-up measure that would make the proposal more closely mirror a federal religious-freedom law.
Hutchinson said his son Seth was among those who signed a petition asking him to veto the bill.
"This is a bill that in ordinary times would not be controversial," the governor said. "But these are not ordinary times."
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The Republican governor said he wants the Legislature either to recall the bill from his desk or pass a follow-up measure that would make the proposal more closely mirror a federal religious-freedom law.
Hutchinson said his son Seth was among those who signed a petition asking him to veto the bill.
"This is a bill that in ordinary times would not be controversial," the governor said. "But these are not ordinary times."
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Former Principal Acquitted On Charges Of Punching Student
Prince George’s County prosecutors say after hours of deliberation Thursday, a jury found 46-year-old Dwight Jefferson of Fort Washington not guilty of child abuse and second-degree assault.
When Jefferson, who was principal of Dwight D. Eisenhower Middle School, was indicted in November, prosecutors alleged that he stopped a student in school and ordered the student to go to a back room. There, prosecutors said, Jefferson punched the youth twice in the stomach, and once in the face.
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Fire In Berlin
States increasing production caps for microbreweries
PHOENIX — Four Peaks Brewing Co. has grown over the last two decades from a historic red-brick microbrewery and restaurant into an Arizona staple that served nearly 1 million gallons of beer last year, including its popular Kilt Lifter ale.
The company has also become a mainstay in the corridors of the Arizona Legislature. Three times in the past 10 years, it has helped persuade lawmakers to change state law to increase a cap on beer production for microbreweries.
The increasing popularity of craft beer around the country has legislatures nationwide rewriting laws to accommodate microbreweries as they exceed production limits.
Arizona Republican Gov. Doug Ducey went to Four Peaks' original location in Tempe on Tuesday to sign a law that expands the caps, touting it as a business-friendly measure to assist the state's burgeoning craft beer industry.
"Arizona has a booming craft beer industry and it's growing every day. I want to ensure that it continues to thrive, unimpeded by overly burdensome regulations," Ducey said.
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The company has also become a mainstay in the corridors of the Arizona Legislature. Three times in the past 10 years, it has helped persuade lawmakers to change state law to increase a cap on beer production for microbreweries.
The increasing popularity of craft beer around the country has legislatures nationwide rewriting laws to accommodate microbreweries as they exceed production limits.
Arizona Republican Gov. Doug Ducey went to Four Peaks' original location in Tempe on Tuesday to sign a law that expands the caps, touting it as a business-friendly measure to assist the state's burgeoning craft beer industry.
"Arizona has a booming craft beer industry and it's growing every day. I want to ensure that it continues to thrive, unimpeded by overly burdensome regulations," Ducey said.
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Galaxy S6 Review: The iPhone 6 Meets Its Match
Better camera, display and software right all of Samsung's past smartphone wrongs. WSJ's Joanna Stern reviews the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge.
Too much iced tea caused Arkansas man’s kidney problems
They ruled out several potential causes before stumbling on a reason for the 56-year-old man’s kidney problems. He said he drank about 16 8-ounce cups of iced tea every day. Black tea has a chemical known to cause kidney stones or even kidney failure in excessive amounts.
“It was the only reasonable explanation,” said Dr. Umbar Ghaffar of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock. She and two other doctors describe the case in Thursday’s New England Journal of Medicine.
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Sen. Grassley: Hillary Could Be Charged in Email Case
Hillary Clinton likely violated the law by using a private email account for government business and wiping her home server clean — and she could face prosecution, says Sen. Chuck Grassley, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
"They all fall into one great big mistake she made and it could be a violation of law, probably is a violation of law," Grassley, an Iowa Republican, said Tuesday.
"Some people are suggesting she could even be prosecuted and it's as simple as this — she was using a private email address instead of a government one and it probably violates the Freedom of Information Act, it probably violates national security legislation laws...."
Grassley does not agree with powerhouse Washington lawyer Lanny Davis, a Clinton family confidante, who suggested the former secretary of state not surrender her server to "partisan" House investigators.
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"They all fall into one great big mistake she made and it could be a violation of law, probably is a violation of law," Grassley, an Iowa Republican, said Tuesday.
"Some people are suggesting she could even be prosecuted and it's as simple as this — she was using a private email address instead of a government one and it probably violates the Freedom of Information Act, it probably violates national security legislation laws...."
Grassley does not agree with powerhouse Washington lawyer Lanny Davis, a Clinton family confidante, who suggested the former secretary of state not surrender her server to "partisan" House investigators.
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Easter Bunny to Visit OC at Northside Park
This annual holiday program is sponsored by Ocean City Recreation Boosters and is a great place for a family looking to spend an afternoon outdoors with friends. Children are offered the opportunity to participate in an egg hunt, egg dyeing, arts and crafts, and nearly a dozen carnival games. They may also enjoy refreshments, face-painting, temporary tattoos, and entertainment by Michael Rosman, in addition to visiting with the Easter Bunny.
The Annual Easter Bunny Fun Shop is open to all children, ages 2 to 10-years-old, and their families. The festivities will begin at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 4, at the Northside Park Recreation Complex, 125th Street, Bayside, Ocean City. It will last until approximately 3 p.m.
Ocean City residents will be charged a $6.00 entry fee and non-residents will be charged an $8.00 entry fee. Only child participants pay the fee. Pre-registration is mandatory and limited to the first 225 people to sign up. Registration may be done online (www.oceancitymd.gov) or in person at the Northside Park Recreation Complex. No phone in registration can be accepted. Registration will be taken until April 4, if the program is not full.
For more information, visit our website at www.oceancitymd.gov or contact Ocean City Recreation and Parks at 410.520.5180.
Sioux Tribe Tries To Intimidate Native American Blogger
On Monday, February 23, in a governmental affairs committee meeting, five committee members voted to have an attorney investigate LakotaVoice.com.
The probe was to request a legal opinion from a Sioux Falls attorney to “see if this blog posted on the Lakota Voice ties the Rosebud Sioux Tribe to this organization (the group Anonymous) politically.”
The committee’s issue was not with the press release itself by Wica Algi on November 14. That release sent nationwide coverage to the Keystone XL pipeline issue utilizing now-suspended Rosebud Tribal President Scott’s statement:
"The House has now signed our death warrants and the death warrants of our children and grandchildren. The Rosebud Sioux Tribe will not allow this pipeline through our lands,” said President Scott of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe.
“We are outraged at the lack of intergovernmental cooperation. We are a sovereign nation and we are not being treated as such. We will close our reservation borders to Keystone XL. Authorizing Keystone XL is an act of war against our people.”
The probe appears to be due to a follow-up LakotaVoice news article about the cyber hacking group 'Anonymous'.
The group stated in a video that they supported the Lakota tribe in fighting against the KXL pipeline being built on treaty lands. Anonymous included the quote from President Scott. Lakota journalist Joye Braun wrote an article that appeared in Lakota Voice on January 22, titled, “ Anonymous Announces Solidarity with Lakota Sioux in Fight Against Keystone XL”.
LakotaVoice writes for the people under the protection of the Constitution of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. Article X – Bill of Rights, Section 1. reads, “ The government of the Tribe including the community shall not: (b). Abridge the freedom of speech, press, expression, conscience, association, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government.”
More here
MARYLAND STATE POLICE MAKE HUMAN TRAFFICKING ARREST AND RECOVER A MISSING GIRL
(Pikesville, MD) Members of the Maryland State Police Child Recovery Unit arrested an Anne Arundel County man on human trafficking charges and recovered a missing girl.
The suspect is identified as Jimmie Junior Rogers, II, 27 years old, from Severn, Maryland. Rogers was charged with Human Trafficking of a minor and related prostitution charges. Rogers was taken to the Anne Arundel County District Court where he is awaiting an appearance.
As a result of an online investigation into an internet advertisement, members of the Maryland State Police Child Recovery Unit with the assistance of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, recovered a missing 17 year old female victim. Police believe the young girl was the victim of a human trafficking business.
The investigation revealed she was reported missing by the Baltimore City Police Department.
Today, at 10:30 a.m. state troopers investigating the case, located the suspect at a hotel in the 800-block of Elkridge Landing Road in Linthicum.Rogers was arrested without incident.
The Maryland Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force is comprised of police agencies from around the state. Its primary mission is to protect children from computer-facilitated sexual exploitation. The Task Force works cooperatively with law enforcement agencies and prosecutors to provide resources to combat these crimes. Additionally, the Task Force provides community awareness campaigns helping to prevent the spread of these crimes through education.
The suspect is identified as Jimmie Junior Rogers, II, 27 years old, from Severn, Maryland. Rogers was charged with Human Trafficking of a minor and related prostitution charges. Rogers was taken to the Anne Arundel County District Court where he is awaiting an appearance.
As a result of an online investigation into an internet advertisement, members of the Maryland State Police Child Recovery Unit with the assistance of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, recovered a missing 17 year old female victim. Police believe the young girl was the victim of a human trafficking business.
The investigation revealed she was reported missing by the Baltimore City Police Department.
Today, at 10:30 a.m. state troopers investigating the case, located the suspect at a hotel in the 800-block of Elkridge Landing Road in Linthicum.Rogers was arrested without incident.
The Maryland Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force is comprised of police agencies from around the state. Its primary mission is to protect children from computer-facilitated sexual exploitation. The Task Force works cooperatively with law enforcement agencies and prosecutors to provide resources to combat these crimes. Additionally, the Task Force provides community awareness campaigns helping to prevent the spread of these crimes through education.
Texas couple both dead after argument over $500 lottery ticket win
A winning scratch-off lottery ticket worth $500 prompted an argument between a couple in their Fort Worth home that ended with both dying of gunshot wounds, officials said on Tuesday.
Fort Worth police said Terry Martin shot his long-time girlfriend, Laurice Hampton, and then shot himself early on Saturday morning in the master bedroom of the house they had shared for several years.
The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s office ruled on Tuesday that Martin had committed suicide and that Hampton’s death was a homicide.
Martin, 46, was found dead when officers arrived at the home about 6:30 a.m. on Saturday. Hampton, 48, was critically injured with multiple gunshots but was able to call 911 for help, police said.
Hampton was taken to a local hospital, where she died, police said.
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Fort Worth police said Terry Martin shot his long-time girlfriend, Laurice Hampton, and then shot himself early on Saturday morning in the master bedroom of the house they had shared for several years.
The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s office ruled on Tuesday that Martin had committed suicide and that Hampton’s death was a homicide.
Martin, 46, was found dead when officers arrived at the home about 6:30 a.m. on Saturday. Hampton, 48, was critically injured with multiple gunshots but was able to call 911 for help, police said.
Hampton was taken to a local hospital, where she died, police said.
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WICOMICO COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND SALISBURY UNIVERSITY COLLABORATING ON TUBERCULOSIS TESTING AT SALISBURY UNIVERSITY AFTER THIRD STUDENT TESTS POSITIVE
(Wicomico County) The Wicomico County Health Department (WiCHD) and Salisbury University (SU) are collaborating on preventive health measures following diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) in a third student at the University.
The student is currently under medical care and is no longer attending classes, according to Lori Brewster, Wicomico County Health Officer. “It is important for students and parents to understand that being tested through tuberculin skin tests and treatment if the test is positive is the best way to avoid transmission of TB,” she said.
The WiCHD is reaching out to those who may have had closer contact, including classmates, and offering tuberculin skin testing on campus at no cost. (Please note that a positive skin test result DOES NOT mean a person has active tuberculosis. It simply means that at some time in the past, he or she may have been exposed to the tuberculosis germ.)
According to the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH), there were 195 cases of TB in Maryland in 2014 and 178 cases in 2013. According to Mrs. Brewster, “A healthy person cannot be infected from casual exposure such as walking through the halls or eating in the same room as the affected person.”
Maryland TB Control officials are assisting the WiCHD in carefully monitoring the situation to ensure all necessary steps are taken to protect the health of students, faculty and staff. If anyone in the University community, as a precautionary measure, wishes to be tested, they should contact SU’s Student Health Services at 410-543-6262. For more information call the WiCHD at (410)543-6943.
The student is currently under medical care and is no longer attending classes, according to Lori Brewster, Wicomico County Health Officer. “It is important for students and parents to understand that being tested through tuberculin skin tests and treatment if the test is positive is the best way to avoid transmission of TB,” she said.
The WiCHD is reaching out to those who may have had closer contact, including classmates, and offering tuberculin skin testing on campus at no cost. (Please note that a positive skin test result DOES NOT mean a person has active tuberculosis. It simply means that at some time in the past, he or she may have been exposed to the tuberculosis germ.)
According to the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH), there were 195 cases of TB in Maryland in 2014 and 178 cases in 2013. According to Mrs. Brewster, “A healthy person cannot be infected from casual exposure such as walking through the halls or eating in the same room as the affected person.”
Maryland TB Control officials are assisting the WiCHD in carefully monitoring the situation to ensure all necessary steps are taken to protect the health of students, faculty and staff. If anyone in the University community, as a precautionary measure, wishes to be tested, they should contact SU’s Student Health Services at 410-543-6262. For more information call the WiCHD at (410)543-6943.
OCPD Joins National Anti-Texting Effort to Save Lives
“Texting while driving is not only illegal in the State of Maryland but very dangerous,” commented Chief Ross Buzzuro. “When you text while driving, you take your eyes off the road, hands off the wheel and mind off the task of driving which puts yourself and others at risk.”
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 3,154 people were killed and an estimated additional 424,000 were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers in 2013. The University of Michigan’s Transportation Research Institute’s 2012 “Teen Driver Distraction Study” reports that a quarter of all teens respond to a text message one or more times while driving, and 20 percent of teens and 10 percent of parents admit that they have extended, multi-message text conversations while driving.
For more information about distracted driving and to take the pledge to drive phone free, visit www.distraction.gov.
Senators Investigate DHS Retaliation Against ICE Agents
A group of Republican senators say they are aware of allegations of workplace retaliation against Homeland Security personnel who — in conflict with the administration’s immigration policies — are “faithfully discharging the duties of the offices in which they serve.”
The Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration and the National Interest revealed it is investigating the potential retaliation against DHS employees who have allegedly been punished for not complying with the administration’s enforcement priorities.
“[W]e are aware of multiple allegations of targeting and retaliation against DHS personnel who refuse to comply with this Administration’s willful disregard of our immigration laws—such as allegations made in lawsuits filed in federal court by an award-winning ICE attorney and by a group of 10 ICE officers and agents,” the eight Republicans wrote in a Tuesday letter to DHS Sec. Jeh Johnson.
The Republicans noted a recent comment from President Obama during a MSNBC/Telemundo town hall discussion in which his indicated that immigration officers would be punished for failing to adhere to his executive amnesty.
“There may be individual [U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)] officials or Border Patrol who aren’t paying attention to our new directives,” they quoted Obama. “But they’re going to be answerable to the head of the Department of Homeland Security, because he’s been very clear about what our priorities should be… If somebody is working for ICE and there is a policy and they don’t follow the policy, there are going to be consequences to it.”
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The Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration and the National Interest revealed it is investigating the potential retaliation against DHS employees who have allegedly been punished for not complying with the administration’s enforcement priorities.
“[W]e are aware of multiple allegations of targeting and retaliation against DHS personnel who refuse to comply with this Administration’s willful disregard of our immigration laws—such as allegations made in lawsuits filed in federal court by an award-winning ICE attorney and by a group of 10 ICE officers and agents,” the eight Republicans wrote in a Tuesday letter to DHS Sec. Jeh Johnson.
The Republicans noted a recent comment from President Obama during a MSNBC/Telemundo town hall discussion in which his indicated that immigration officers would be punished for failing to adhere to his executive amnesty.
“There may be individual [U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)] officials or Border Patrol who aren’t paying attention to our new directives,” they quoted Obama. “But they’re going to be answerable to the head of the Department of Homeland Security, because he’s been very clear about what our priorities should be… If somebody is working for ICE and there is a policy and they don’t follow the policy, there are going to be consequences to it.”
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Tempers Flair At Irving Texas City Hall Over “Anti-Sharia” Law
The yelling and booing began just minutes into the public comment forum.
“Sharia law is Islam. And Islam’s goal is to immigrate, assimilate and annihilate,” said one speaker.
Those words outraged audience member Laith Albataineh who began yelling back at the speaker in outrage.
“That is offensive. That is Offensive! Show some respect. You do not call me religion that,” yelled Albataineh.
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Far Left Created 'Phony Crisis' Over Religious Freedom Laws
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee Tuesday slammed the furor over religious freedom laws in Indiana and now in his home state, telling Newsmax that "religious freedom laws are shields to protect individuals, not swords.
"Critics of the Indiana law have distorted this legislation and created another phony crisis — and sadly many major corporations, organizations, and individuals have collapsed under the weight of the irrational pressure from the far left," said Huckabee, who is considering whether to seek the Republican presidential nomination for president in 2016.
Huckabee, 59, said the law "protects and preserves the religious freedoms of all Americans." He was the governor of Arkansas from 1996 to 2007.
The Arkansas House of Representatives passed a religious freedom bill similar to the one Indiana Gov. Mike Pence signed last week. Known as the Arkansas Religion Freedom Restoration Act, the measure passed with strong GOP support.
It succeeded despite protests from critics who say it could open the door to discrimination against gays and lesbians. The bill also survived Democratic attempts to send it back to committee, Arkansas Online reports.
More here
"Critics of the Indiana law have distorted this legislation and created another phony crisis — and sadly many major corporations, organizations, and individuals have collapsed under the weight of the irrational pressure from the far left," said Huckabee, who is considering whether to seek the Republican presidential nomination for president in 2016.
Huckabee, 59, said the law "protects and preserves the religious freedoms of all Americans." He was the governor of Arkansas from 1996 to 2007.
The Arkansas House of Representatives passed a religious freedom bill similar to the one Indiana Gov. Mike Pence signed last week. Known as the Arkansas Religion Freedom Restoration Act, the measure passed with strong GOP support.
It succeeded despite protests from critics who say it could open the door to discrimination against gays and lesbians. The bill also survived Democratic attempts to send it back to committee, Arkansas Online reports.
More here
Celebrating Passover with traditional meal
Passover, a holiday with roots in the Exodus from Egypt led by Moses, is a two-day celebration beginning tonight with the Seder meal and continuing tomorrow, where observations can differ somewhat.
“It’s one holiday all Jews observe in some way,” Rabbi Susan Warshaw of Temple Bat Yam said. “It [brings] people together as Jews.”
The Seder meal is comprised of food and wine consumed symbolically, but can be more intellectual or fun “depending on the number of kids you have there,” Warshaw said.
“We eat bitter herbs to remind us of the tears of the slaves, shank bone to remind us of the lamb’s blood used to mark the doors and charcoset, an apple, honey and cinnamon mixture that resembles the mortar put between the bricks, which was the slaves’ labor and a roasted egg to remind us of spring” she said.
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“It’s one holiday all Jews observe in some way,” Rabbi Susan Warshaw of Temple Bat Yam said. “It [brings] people together as Jews.”
The Seder meal is comprised of food and wine consumed symbolically, but can be more intellectual or fun “depending on the number of kids you have there,” Warshaw said.
“We eat bitter herbs to remind us of the tears of the slaves, shank bone to remind us of the lamb’s blood used to mark the doors and charcoset, an apple, honey and cinnamon mixture that resembles the mortar put between the bricks, which was the slaves’ labor and a roasted egg to remind us of spring” she said.
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Poverty linked to brain structure in children, new research shows
A provocative new study suggests that poverty affects brain structure in children and teenagers, with children growing up in the poorest households having smaller brains than those who live in affluence.
The study, published this week in the journal Nature Neuroscience, was led by Kimberly Noble, who teaches at both Teachers College, Columbia University and at the university’s medical school. Elizabeth Sowell of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles in California was the senior author.
In the largest study of its kind to date, the researchers worked with a team of neuroscientists around the country to record the brain images of 1,099 children and teens from ages 3 to 20. The researchers spent three years analyzing the magnetic resonance imaging scans.
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The study, published this week in the journal Nature Neuroscience, was led by Kimberly Noble, who teaches at both Teachers College, Columbia University and at the university’s medical school. Elizabeth Sowell of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles in California was the senior author.
In the largest study of its kind to date, the researchers worked with a team of neuroscientists around the country to record the brain images of 1,099 children and teens from ages 3 to 20. The researchers spent three years analyzing the magnetic resonance imaging scans.
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The Maryland Crab In Your Crab Cake is Probably Fake
Far from fresh, there's a good chance it's canned and imported
First, we discovered that thefish in our sushi isn’t what it claims to be; then, that 30% of U.S. shrimp is making fools of us. Now, a new report from the conservation group Oceana finds that your tasty Maryland crab cake isn’t safe from seafood fraud, either. A full 38% of Maryland crab cakes the group tested contained imported crab from places as far away as Indonesia and Thailand instead of Maryland blue crab.
“Local rare delicacies in seafood are frequently mislabeled because they’re not widely available,” says Dr. Kimberly Warner, report author and senior scientist at Oceana. “Once you take off the shell of the blue crab and mix it into a patty, it’s hard to tell what it is you’re eating.”
Warner and her colleagues went to restaurants in the Maryland and Washington DC area and collected 90 crab cakes. The researchers sent them to a lab for DNA testing to determine the species of the crab in the cakes. 38% of the crab cakes sold as local blue crab didn’t contain any local blue crab at all; instead, they were stuffed with imported canned swimming crab, mostly from the Indo-Pacific region. The scientists identified eight species, besides blue crabs, in the supposedly blue crab cakes.
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First, we discovered that thefish in our sushi isn’t what it claims to be; then, that 30% of U.S. shrimp is making fools of us. Now, a new report from the conservation group Oceana finds that your tasty Maryland crab cake isn’t safe from seafood fraud, either. A full 38% of Maryland crab cakes the group tested contained imported crab from places as far away as Indonesia and Thailand instead of Maryland blue crab.
“Local rare delicacies in seafood are frequently mislabeled because they’re not widely available,” says Dr. Kimberly Warner, report author and senior scientist at Oceana. “Once you take off the shell of the blue crab and mix it into a patty, it’s hard to tell what it is you’re eating.”
Warner and her colleagues went to restaurants in the Maryland and Washington DC area and collected 90 crab cakes. The researchers sent them to a lab for DNA testing to determine the species of the crab in the cakes. 38% of the crab cakes sold as local blue crab didn’t contain any local blue crab at all; instead, they were stuffed with imported canned swimming crab, mostly from the Indo-Pacific region. The scientists identified eight species, besides blue crabs, in the supposedly blue crab cakes.
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Massive fire sweeps through GE plant in Kentucky
A spokesperson told media the building was evacuated.
The fire broke out in a non-production building, creating huge columns of smoke as more than 100 firefighters battle the blaze.
GE spokeswoman Kim Freeman says there are no known injuries.
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Seriously Awesome Doctor Shuts Down Boss Who Requires A Note For Sick Days
When an employee at an Alberta, Canada, location explained to his physician that company policy requires a doctor's note for sick days, this medical pro had the best response.
After backing up his patient for doing the right thing, the doctor had no problem telling it like it is. "...you feel his time and mine should be wasted by making him sit in the walk-in clinic for hours and me spending time writing a sick note that I could be spending on people who genuinely need my attention," he wrote. Frosty. Then for the grand finale he dropped this sass bomb on them: "Please reconsider your policy on this—there are surely better ways of wasting your tax dollars."
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Republicans Warn World That Obama UN Plan Could be Undone
The Obama administration's plan for U.N. climate change talks encountered swift opposition after its release Tuesday, with Republican leaders warning other countries to "proceed with caution" in negotiations with Washington because any deal could be later undone.
The White House is seeking to enshrine its pledge in a global climate agreement to be negotiated Nov. 30 to Dec. 11 in Paris. It calls for cutting greenhouse gas emissions by close to 28 percent from 2005 levels within a decade, using a host of existing laws and executive actions targeting power plants, vehicles, oil and gas production and buildings.
But Republican critics say the administration lacks the political and legal backing to commit the United States to an international agreement.
"Considering that two-thirds of the U.S. federal government hasn't even signed off on the Clean Power Plan and 13 states have already pledged to fight it, our international partners should proceed with caution before entering into a binding, unattainable deal," Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said.
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The White House is seeking to enshrine its pledge in a global climate agreement to be negotiated Nov. 30 to Dec. 11 in Paris. It calls for cutting greenhouse gas emissions by close to 28 percent from 2005 levels within a decade, using a host of existing laws and executive actions targeting power plants, vehicles, oil and gas production and buildings.
But Republican critics say the administration lacks the political and legal backing to commit the United States to an international agreement.
"Considering that two-thirds of the U.S. federal government hasn't even signed off on the Clean Power Plan and 13 states have already pledged to fight it, our international partners should proceed with caution before entering into a binding, unattainable deal," Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said.
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Coach Invites Twitter to 'Burn Down' Pizzeria
(Elkhart Truth) A Concord High School coach has been suspended after she tweeted about arson in relation to a Walkerton, Indiana pizzeria whose owners told the media they agree with the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
Jess Dooley, who is the head coach of the girls golf program and also an assistant coach with the softball and girls basketball programs, took to Twitter Wednesday, April 1, to voice her opinion about the RFRA.
She was adding to the conversation about Memories Pizza, a Walkerton restaurant whose owners announced in a television news segment that they would not cater gay weddings.
Her tweet read: “Who’s going to Walkerton, IN to burn down #memoriespizza w me?”
More here
Jess Dooley, who is the head coach of the girls golf program and also an assistant coach with the softball and girls basketball programs, took to Twitter Wednesday, April 1, to voice her opinion about the RFRA.
She was adding to the conversation about Memories Pizza, a Walkerton restaurant whose owners announced in a television news segment that they would not cater gay weddings.
Her tweet read: “Who’s going to Walkerton, IN to burn down #memoriespizza w me?”
More here
Employers offering 12,000 jobs at Saturday’s fair in OC
Dozens of local businesses will crowd into the Ocean City convention center on 40th Street Saturday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to find the perfect candidate for the estimated 12,000 jobs, temporary and professional, required to make Ocean City work during the summer.
“We are pretty much full,” of exhibitors, Ocean City Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Melanie Pursel said. “Right now we’re focused on bringing in job seekers.”
There is no cost to attend the event as someone looking for work.
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“We are pretty much full,” of exhibitors, Ocean City Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Melanie Pursel said. “Right now we’re focused on bringing in job seekers.”
There is no cost to attend the event as someone looking for work.
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Married vs Single: What science says is better for your health
Various studies have attempted to measure whether marriage truly makes people healthier and happier, and how it compares to the lives of bachelors and single ladies out there. Sure, being single may be more fun — and being married may be more comforting and meaningful. But how do these two different paths of life compare when it comes to health risks and benefits?
It’s often up to the individual to maintain health on their own, but certain lifestyles and life choices — like career or marriage — can definitely have an effect on your health and longevity. Here’s how.
It’s often up to the individual to maintain health on their own, but certain lifestyles and life choices — like career or marriage — can definitely have an effect on your health and longevity. Here’s how.
Heart Health
Consistent research has shown that being married is actually good for your heart. In one recent study out of New York University’s Lagone Medical Center, researchers found that married men and women had a five percent lower chance of cardiovascular disease compared to single people. Doctors aren't entirely sure why, but it's possible that since marriages typically offer a person emotional support, physical and intellectual intimacy, as well as deeper social ties to family, they might lower blood pressure and improve heart health overall.
However, another recent study out of Michigan State University plays devil’s advocate: It found that people in a bad marriage were actually more likely to experience negative cardiovascular effects, compared to people in good marriages. So it’s not necessarily about whether you’re married or not. It’s all about how happy it’s making you, and whether your relationship is healthy or strained.
“Married people seem healthier because marriage may promote health,” said Hui Liu, a Michigan State University sociologist who is an author of the study. “But it’s not that every marriage is better than none. The quality of marriage is really important.”
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Consistent research has shown that being married is actually good for your heart. In one recent study out of New York University’s Lagone Medical Center, researchers found that married men and women had a five percent lower chance of cardiovascular disease compared to single people. Doctors aren't entirely sure why, but it's possible that since marriages typically offer a person emotional support, physical and intellectual intimacy, as well as deeper social ties to family, they might lower blood pressure and improve heart health overall.
However, another recent study out of Michigan State University plays devil’s advocate: It found that people in a bad marriage were actually more likely to experience negative cardiovascular effects, compared to people in good marriages. So it’s not necessarily about whether you’re married or not. It’s all about how happy it’s making you, and whether your relationship is healthy or strained.
“Married people seem healthier because marriage may promote health,” said Hui Liu, a Michigan State University sociologist who is an author of the study. “But it’s not that every marriage is better than none. The quality of marriage is really important.”
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Koskinen Says IRS Has Eliminated Backlog of Tax-Exempt Applications
(CNSNews) - The IRS has eliminated the backlog of applications from groups seeking nonprofit status, Commissioner John Koskinen told a gathering in Washington on Tuesday.
But a conservative civil liberties group says "the facts show otherwise."
The American Center for Law and Justice said two of its clients are still awaiting a determination on their applications for tax-exempt status -- and one of those groups (the Albuquerque Tea Party) has been waiting for more than five years.
But a conservative civil liberties group says "the facts show otherwise."
The American Center for Law and Justice said two of its clients are still awaiting a determination on their applications for tax-exempt status -- and one of those groups (the Albuquerque Tea Party) has been waiting for more than five years.
"The IRS continues to target this group and other Americans to this day," said the ACLJ.
At the National Press Club on Tuesday, IRS Commissioner Koskinen suggested that the backlog of applications for non-profit status was the result of volume, not political bias against conservatives before the 2012 election.
More here
At the National Press Club on Tuesday, IRS Commissioner Koskinen suggested that the backlog of applications for non-profit status was the result of volume, not political bias against conservatives before the 2012 election.
More here
Governor Hogan Introduces Second Supplemental Budget
Supplemental Addresses Essential Tax Relief, Public Safety, Heroin Addiction Treatment And Education Measures Introduced By The Hogan Administration
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Larry Hogan has today introduced a second supplemental budget for FY2016 that strengthens public health and safety, provides assistance to low-income students and delivers tax relief to Marylanders.
“I’d like to acknowledge the hard work of the Senate and the House on this budget,” said Governor Hogan. “The items in this supplemental budget provide the necessary funding for education, public safety, heroin addiction and tax relief measures that the people of Maryland deserve. We still have much more to do, but as we draw closer to the end of the legislative session, I look forward to working with the conference committee to reach a final budget that addresses the concerns of all hardworking Marylanders.”
Supplemental Budget No. 2, which was delivered to members of the Maryland General Assembly today, makes the necessary revenue adjustments to provide for the passage of the Military Retirement Income Tax Exemption as well as the Hometown Heroes Act. The supplemental budget also provides $7.4 million in necessary funds for the Small Business Personal Property Tax Relief Act of 2015. Once signed into law, this legislation will eliminate the personal property income tax for businesses that have less than $10,000 in personal property.
With regard to public health and safety, the budget includes an additional $6.8 million to recruit, train and equip 100 new Maryland State Police troopers and $1.4 million to reopen the Maryland State Police barrack in Annapolis. A separate item in the budget provides $2 million to the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to expand substance abuse treatment programs for individuals working to free themselves of heroin addiction.
In the area of education, the budget delivers aid to low-income students through a new “Student Assistance Organization Business Entity Grant.” This program will offer up to $5 million in grants to student assistance organizations that provide financial support for students. Grants would be equal to no more than 50 percent of a donation from a Maryland business and would be administered by the Department of Business and Economic Development.
Supplemental Addresses Essential Tax Relief, Public Safety, Heroin Addiction Treatment And Education Measures Introduced By The Hogan Administration
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Larry Hogan has today introduced a second supplemental budget for FY2016 that strengthens public health and safety, provides assistance to low-income students and delivers tax relief to Marylanders.
“I’d like to acknowledge the hard work of the Senate and the House on this budget,” said Governor Hogan. “The items in this supplemental budget provide the necessary funding for education, public safety, heroin addiction and tax relief measures that the people of Maryland deserve. We still have much more to do, but as we draw closer to the end of the legislative session, I look forward to working with the conference committee to reach a final budget that addresses the concerns of all hardworking Marylanders.”
Supplemental Budget No. 2, which was delivered to members of the Maryland General Assembly today, makes the necessary revenue adjustments to provide for the passage of the Military Retirement Income Tax Exemption as well as the Hometown Heroes Act. The supplemental budget also provides $7.4 million in necessary funds for the Small Business Personal Property Tax Relief Act of 2015. Once signed into law, this legislation will eliminate the personal property income tax for businesses that have less than $10,000 in personal property.
With regard to public health and safety, the budget includes an additional $6.8 million to recruit, train and equip 100 new Maryland State Police troopers and $1.4 million to reopen the Maryland State Police barrack in Annapolis. A separate item in the budget provides $2 million to the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to expand substance abuse treatment programs for individuals working to free themselves of heroin addiction.
In the area of education, the budget delivers aid to low-income students through a new “Student Assistance Organization Business Entity Grant.” This program will offer up to $5 million in grants to student assistance organizations that provide financial support for students. Grants would be equal to no more than 50 percent of a donation from a Maryland business and would be administered by the Department of Business and Economic Development.
Four 2016 Hopefuls Accused of Violating Election Law
Campaign watchdog groups say three potential Republican presidential candidates and one Democrat are violating election law by using outside groups as shell campaigns while they test the political waters.
The Campaign Legal Center and Democracy 21 have filed complaints with the Federal Election Commission against Republicans Jeb Bush, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and Rick Santorum, as well as against Democrat Martin O’Malley, accusing the four of breaking rules governing undeclared candidates, The Hill reports.
"These 2016 presidential contenders must take the American people for fools — flying repeatedly to Iowa and New Hampshire to meet with party leaders and voters, hiring campaign staff and raising millions of dollars from deep-pocketed mega donors, all the while denying that they are even ‘testing the waters’ of a presidential campaign," Paul Ryan, senior counsel for the Campaign Legal Center, said in a statement.
"But federal campaign finance law is no joke and the candidate contribution limits kick in as soon as a person begins raising and spending money to determine whether they’re going to run for office. Bush, O’Malley, Santorum and Walker appear to be violating federal law."
More here
The Campaign Legal Center and Democracy 21 have filed complaints with the Federal Election Commission against Republicans Jeb Bush, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and Rick Santorum, as well as against Democrat Martin O’Malley, accusing the four of breaking rules governing undeclared candidates, The Hill reports.
"These 2016 presidential contenders must take the American people for fools — flying repeatedly to Iowa and New Hampshire to meet with party leaders and voters, hiring campaign staff and raising millions of dollars from deep-pocketed mega donors, all the while denying that they are even ‘testing the waters’ of a presidential campaign," Paul Ryan, senior counsel for the Campaign Legal Center, said in a statement.
"But federal campaign finance law is no joke and the candidate contribution limits kick in as soon as a person begins raising and spending money to determine whether they’re going to run for office. Bush, O’Malley, Santorum and Walker appear to be violating federal law."
More here
Sailor missing since January rescued off Cape Hatteras
Around 1:30 p.m., the German container ship Houston Express contacted Coast Guard watchstanders in Portsmouth, saying they had taken aboard a man from a disabled sailboat 200 miles off the coast.
A Coast Guard helicopter crew left Elizabeth City around 3:40 p.m., met the Houston Express and hoisted the man onto the MH-60 Jayhawk.
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Obama shortens sentences of 22 drugs offenders
President Barack Obama has ordered the release of 22 drug dealers - including eight who were serving life sentences.
Nearly all of the offenders who Obama granted clemency to were convicted of dealing addictive, hard drugs like crack cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin.
Eight of those whose sentences were commuted - an act the White House said continues Obama's push to make the justice system fairer - were serving terms of life in prison.
The effort is aimed at reducing harsh sentences for those who faced outdated guidelines at their time of sentencing and would be serving shorter punishments had they been convicted today.
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Nearly all of the offenders who Obama granted clemency to were convicted of dealing addictive, hard drugs like crack cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin.
Eight of those whose sentences were commuted - an act the White House said continues Obama's push to make the justice system fairer - were serving terms of life in prison.
The effort is aimed at reducing harsh sentences for those who faced outdated guidelines at their time of sentencing and would be serving shorter punishments had they been convicted today.
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'Frank Sinatra had a vasectomy and Ronan Farrow is not his son' Son
Showbiz 411's Roger Friedman said that the 66-year-old laughed when he asked her if Mia Farrow's son Ronan was her brother.
He said that Tina, who is the daughter of Sinatra and his first wife Nancy, told him: 'Couldn't be. Frank had a vasectomy before that. I don't know whose son Ronan is.'
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Who needs Rosie O'Donnell?
Monica Lewinsky tapped by Barbara Walters to bring the mojo back to The View and make it the 'runaway success' it once was
Retired news legend Barbara Walters still has some clout - and a strong opinion about how ABC can turn things around at the ratings-challenged show she created, The View.
Barbara's magic bullet: Monica Lewinsky.
Walters says that the former White House intern would be a 'run away success' on The View, a network source tells Daily Mail Online.
She would attract great guests - even if casting her as a regular co-host would make it unlikely that potential 2016 Presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton or President Bill Clinton would ever appear on the show again.
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Retired news legend Barbara Walters still has some clout - and a strong opinion about how ABC can turn things around at the ratings-challenged show she created, The View.
Barbara's magic bullet: Monica Lewinsky.
Walters says that the former White House intern would be a 'run away success' on The View, a network source tells Daily Mail Online.
She would attract great guests - even if casting her as a regular co-host would make it unlikely that potential 2016 Presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton or President Bill Clinton would ever appear on the show again.
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The U.S. Economy Slows To Stall Speed
This long-term weakening of the economy is the direct result of financialization and the Federal Reserve's policy of propping up impaired debt with more debt and constantly bringing demand forward with zero interest rates.
The U.S. economy is slowing to stall speed--the point when gravity overcomes the lift provided by central bank free money.This deceleration is evident in a number of indicators such as gross domestic product (GDP), which is now at 0% according to theFederal Reserve Bank of Atlanta's GDPNow model.
New orders for consumer goods has fallen off a cliff, eerily repeating the freefall of the Great Recession in 2008:
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The U.S. economy is slowing to stall speed--the point when gravity overcomes the lift provided by central bank free money.This deceleration is evident in a number of indicators such as gross domestic product (GDP), which is now at 0% according to theFederal Reserve Bank of Atlanta's GDPNow model.
New orders for consumer goods has fallen off a cliff, eerily repeating the freefall of the Great Recession in 2008:
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UMd. students sound off over racist, sexist email
Student after student lined up behind microphones at a town-hall meeting at the Stamp Student Union on Thursday to speak to school officials sitting on stage.
“As a personal survivor of sexual violence I find this really offensive,” said Pegah Maleki, an English major at the university. She says the e-mail promoted rape and should be a violation of university policy.
The University of Maryland and Prince George’s County Police investigated after the email came to light three weeks ago. It was written in 2014 and the Kappa Sigma fraternity member behind it has voluntarily withdrawn from the school. The student apologized in a statement released by the school.
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"Hillary Commits A Crime And They Defend Her"
MSNBC’s Ed Schultz who never saw a Democratic he did not like or a Republican who should not be executed, amazingly admitted in trying to defend Hillary that she is 67 years old and too old to know what she is doing. “There’s a lot of people in her demographic that just don’t want to be overwhelmed by that technology that are going to take the easier, simplest route to do something — I get that.”
You cannot get around the fact that what she did was criminal for when all those emails were subpoenaed by Congress, she failed to produce them or inform Congress she had a secret personal email. That is outright OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE and anyone else would go to prison for 5 years. Then when they are discovered, she erases the files. Come on! Why are there three sets of laws – (1) for Democrats, (2) for Republicans, and (3) for the rest of us?
Then her supporter Ed Randel, Former Pennsylvania governor whose wife is a Federal Judge on the Court of Appeals in Philadelphia, argued with a straight face that Edward Snowden hacked the NSA so Hillary was entitled to keep a private server. Hillary’s security would be even less impressive on a computer at her home.
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You cannot get around the fact that what she did was criminal for when all those emails were subpoenaed by Congress, she failed to produce them or inform Congress she had a secret personal email. That is outright OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE and anyone else would go to prison for 5 years. Then when they are discovered, she erases the files. Come on! Why are there three sets of laws – (1) for Democrats, (2) for Republicans, and (3) for the rest of us?
Then her supporter Ed Randel, Former Pennsylvania governor whose wife is a Federal Judge on the Court of Appeals in Philadelphia, argued with a straight face that Edward Snowden hacked the NSA so Hillary was entitled to keep a private server. Hillary’s security would be even less impressive on a computer at her home.
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Chicago Robbers Appear to Copy Mexican Cartel Roadblock Tactics
A group of robbers on the south side of Chicago appear to have taken a page out of the Gulf Cartel or Los Zetas manual for setting up roadblocks in order to carry out violent robberies. Just last week a group of three or four robbers have used a construction area in the city’s south side to set up roadblocks as a trap for motorists.
Once the motorists stop, they were assaulted and robbed, UPI news reported.
The practice bears a striking similarity to a practice already established by both the Gulf Cartel and Los Zetas who set up roadblocks around Mexican border cities to keep their enemies out or to rob unsuspecting motorists.
Cartel roadblocks are so common in the border state of Tamaulipas, as Breitbart Texaspreviously reported, that Mexican Federal Police officers actually set up convoys to escort tourists from southern cities in that state to the border cities of Matamoros and Reynosa.
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Once the motorists stop, they were assaulted and robbed, UPI news reported.
The practice bears a striking similarity to a practice already established by both the Gulf Cartel and Los Zetas who set up roadblocks around Mexican border cities to keep their enemies out or to rob unsuspecting motorists.
Cartel roadblocks are so common in the border state of Tamaulipas, as Breitbart Texaspreviously reported, that Mexican Federal Police officers actually set up convoys to escort tourists from southern cities in that state to the border cities of Matamoros and Reynosa.
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Staten Island cops allegedly get points for each arrest
But if they don’t make an arrest in a certain time period, they stand to lose more than the game, critics claim.
A dry-erase board posted inside the Anti-Crime Unit office in the 122nd Precinct stationhouse in New Dorp shows that anti-crime cops are given one point for every misdemeanor arrest they make and 1.5 points for every felony arrest.
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Governor's supplemental budget includes tax relief
This is money the Governor's Office can set aside for priorities, and Hogan is funding the priorities he said got him elected.
"We still have much more to do, but as we draw closer to the end of the legislative session, I look forward to working with the conference committee to reach a final budget that addresses the concerns of all hardworking Marylanders," Hogan said in a statement.
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A Year After Speed Camera “Reform”, Bounty System Contracts Alive and Well
The Maryland Drivers Alliance took a poll of nine local governments to see whether their contractors were paid a cut of each ticket a year ago, and whether there has been any change. Not one of the agencies we asked responded that their payment terms had changed.
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Blood Moon With Total Lunar Eclipse & Eerie Biblical Message Rising Over U.S. Easter Weekend
For the third time in less than a year, the moon will dip into Earth’s shadow, turning its bright white globe a deep coppery red in a matter of minutes.
READ ALSO: California Faucets Go Dry, Brown Issues Mandatory Cuts
The action begins at 3:16 a.m. PST on the morning of April 4 when the edge of the moon first enters the amber core of Earth’s shadow.
For the next hour and 45 minutes, Earth’s shadow will move across the lunar disk, ultimately covering the entire moon at 4:58 a.m. PST.
The total phase of the lunar eclipse will only last about 5 minutes, making it the shortest lunar eclipse of the century on the morning of Easter Vigil, traditionally observed as the period between Good Friday and Easter Sunday. The eclipse also falls within the first night of Passover, observed by Jews worldwide beginning Friday at sunset.
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Wicomico County Government Offices Closed Friday, April 3, 2015
Wicomico County Executive, Bob Culver, wishes to inform you that Wicomico County Government Offices will be closed Friday, April 3, 2015, and will reopen on Monday, April 6, 2015. Wicomico County Convenience Centers and Landfll will be open on Friday, April 3, 2015 and closed on Sunday April 5, 2015.
Metrolink Victim Speaks Out – After Brutal Beating Over MikeBrown
Last week a Metrolink rider in St. Louis was brutally beaten over Michael Brown.
A white male was filmed being viciously attacked on the St. Louis Metrolink reportedly over Michael Brown.
Twan Davis wrote about the assault on Facebook…
“They straight tripping Cuhh…”
The 43 year-old victim told KMOV he was on his way home when he was beaten.
The other riders were laughing.
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A white male was filmed being viciously attacked on the St. Louis Metrolink reportedly over Michael Brown.
Twan Davis wrote about the assault on Facebook…
“They straight tripping Cuhh…”
The 43 year-old victim told KMOV he was on his way home when he was beaten.
The other riders were laughing.
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Delmar Yard Sale
![31-vWyz9KhL[1]](https://mail.aol.com/webmail/getPart?uid=31295710&partId=4&saveAs=image007.jpg)
MULTI-FAMILY
INDOOR YARD SALE
THIS SATURDAY, APRIL 4TH
7 AM – 2 PM
Lots of HH items, girls clothes size 3 M-size 12,
plus size women clothing
Delmar VFW
200 W State St
Delmar MD 21875
No charge to shop!!
Delaware State Trooper Chosen by The International Association of Chiefs of Police and Motorola as "Trooper of the Year"
As Corporal Lloyd McCann began his tour of duty on June 25, 2014, by conducting a vehicle stop, he was unaware that the driver was a suspect from an early morning domestic violence incident. A routine check of the registration plate on the vehicle revealed the suspect was wanted for multiple domestic- violence related charges. When a vehicle pursuit ensued after the suspect’s vehicle failed to stop on command, Corporal McCann did not know the suspect was heading to the residence of the victim of the previous domestic violence. Entering the apartment complex where the victim resided, the suspect abruptly stopped his vehicle just yards from the victim’s residence. The suspect immediately exited his vehicle and began firing multiple rounds at Corporal McCann. Two rounds struck Corporal McCann, one in his shooting hand and one in his face/cheek area before he was able to return fire, striking and fatally wounding the suspect. Corporal McCann's actions were extraordinarily courageous and saved the life of the victim.
"The men and women of the Delaware State Police are extremely proud of Corporal McCann." said Colonel Nathaniel McQueen Jr., Superintendent, "We were honored to be there to stand with him along with members of Troop 3 as he received this distinguished award."
Pictured with Cpl. McCann is his wife Jamie.
At Pa. DEP hearing: Families and business owners fight Perdue's proposed pollution: By Ray Wallace
Held in Bainbridge, Lancaster County, Pa. across the Susquehanna River from Three Mile Island, this March 31 public hearing concerns the application of Pa.-taxpayer-subsidized, Maryland chicken seller Perdue to add more factory pollution to the Susquehanna Valley's already seriously polluted air.
Under U.S. law, Lancaster and its downwind neighboring counties are called "non attainment" areas because all their air is already dirtier than allowed by the U.S. Clean Air Act. Though long called "The Garden Spot of America," this area is now among the most polluted in the entire U.S.
Perdue has for years been seeking permission from the Pa. Dept. of Environmental Protection to save money by needlessly releasing yet more toxic waste gases across the Susquehanna Valley -- from a proposed, industrial soybean-processing factory.
The resident owner of Nissley Vineyards and Winery in Bainbridge, Pa., Judith Nissley addresses the Pa. DEP at yesterday's public hearing. She:
hired an environmental firm to look at the plant and cited some their objections. She said emissions from the plant will exceed what Perdue has stated, that there could be explosion hazards and that the environmental rights amendment to state constitution that guarantees people the right to clean air has not been adhered to.
"The burden is on DEP to show that this project complies with the amendment," she said.
That, she added, has not been done.
-- From this March 31, 2015 Lancaster, Pa. news site:
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June Evans of Wrightsville was one of several people who worried about hexane being pumped into the air at the rate, Perdue concedes, of 208 tons a year. Long term exposure to hexane, she said, effects the central nervous system and causes nerve damage.
-- From this March 31, 2015 Lancaster, Pa. news site:
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Perdue's March 31 press statement claims its hexane-releasing factory would provide “environmental benefits" by limiting truck miles that local farmers need to travel.
Oops, Perdue forgot to mention the other, cited 130,000 trucks its factory would attract from everywhere, including from out of state, which would overwhelm local quality of life in rural Conoy Township, which has one main road:
"It will be gridlock," one opponent told DEP representatives during Tuesday night's hearing. "It will be a traffic nightmare. It will destroy the quality of life for everyone in this area."
-- From this March 31, 2015 York Daily Record site:
http://www.ydr.com/business/ci_27824685/perdues-plans-soybean-processing-plant-lancaster-county-discussed
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Fred P. Osman, P.E., of Osman Environmental Solutions, LLC told the DEP hearing:
"Do you think anyone living around here wants to see another 130,000 trucks on [route] 441? Are you an idiot?"
-- From the March 31, 2015 Harrisburg, Pa. CBS 21 News video posted here:
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Hellam Township, Pa. resident Katina Snyder opposes Perdue's dumping hundreds of tons of the neurotoxin hexane yearly into the air of her York County community, which is situated directly across the Susquehanna River from Perdue's proposed Lancaster County factory site.
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Perdue is asking DEP permission to addto Susquehanna Valley air:
more than 4,500 tons of greenhouse gases a year, including 208 tons of hexane, which is federally classified as hazardous.
Patricia Longenecker lives near Elizabethtown and says between the county's incinerator and this proposed plant, there would just be too many particulates in the air.
"We've got the incinerator coughing out particulate into our air. For almost sixty years, we've had Brunner's Island, still spewing particulate."
Longenecker says she wants to help farmers, but not at the expense of the environment.
"And I think if farmers would stand together, that would have a lot of weight in forming opinions and changing the course of something like this."...
[Though Governor Wolf has failed to answer repeated questions about it] an $8.75 million state grant first awarded by Governor Rendell [and then also approved by Governor Corbett] is expected to be available for the project.
-- From “Lancaster County community divided over soybean plant,” by Ben Allen, at this March 31, 2015 WITF News site: