These are exciting times for Wicomico County and Maryland residents as these two newly elected REPUBLICAN Leaders are excited to meet and greet each and every one of you.
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Thursday, April 16, 2015
County Executive Bob Culver & Governor Larry Hogan Invite You To Join Them Tomorrow Night
These are exciting times for Wicomico County and Maryland residents as these two newly elected REPUBLICAN Leaders are excited to meet and greet each and every one of you.
The True Story Of How A Ferrari Ended Up Buried In Someone's Yard
In May, 1977, Sandra Ilene West, dressed in her best lace nightgown and seated upright at the wheel of her powder-blue 1964 Ferrari 330 America, was lowered into a concrete mausoleum — just as her last will and testament had instructed.
The 37-year-old widow of a Texas oilman had died of an accidental overdose of prescription drugs at her home in Beverly Hills. She and the car had been shipped to San Antonio for burial next to her late husband's grave. After workmen placed the car, containing Ms. West, in its final resting place, two trucks poured cement into the bunker to discourage car thieves from digging it up.
More
Cricket Cuisine: Insects Du Jour
An increasing number of “entopreneurs” are launching businesses to feed a growing appetite for crickets, mealworms and other edible insects.
These upstarts are trying to persuade more Americans to eat bugs, which can be produced with less land, food and water than other sources of animal protein.
The United Nations has been promoting edible insects as a way to improve nutrition, reduce greenhouse-gas emissions and create jobs in insect production. At least 2 billion people worldwide already eat insects as part of their diet, according to the 2013 report by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization.
“No!” said a young boy when asked to try one.
But more adventurous eaters gave them a try.
“It doesn’t really taste like a bug. It tastes like crunchy spices,” said Leslie Foreman, who works at a medical technology firm, after sampling a chili-lime cricket. “I’m not sure this is going to be my everyday snack, but I think it’s fun and I think it’s cool.”
More here
Watch This Homeowner Shoot Down a Drone Flying over His Property
The homeowner ran out of his front door with a shotgun!
The drone flew away with the guy in hot pursuit. His friend was recording cell phone video of the wild chase.
More
Law Professor: Indiana Legislature Demoted Religious Freedom
SOUTH BEND, Ind. — A Notre Dame law professor says religious liberty in Indiana was set back by the state legislature’s hasty reaction to strong criticism of a law intended to strengthen religious freedom protections.
“The fix is a substantial, and in my judgment, misguided retreat from the original Religious Freedom Restoration Act, and I think it gives away too much of religious liberty,” Professor Gerard V. Bradley said in an April 6 phone conference sponsored by the Federalist Society.
“Those in favor of religious liberty should have opposed the fix, and even have been prepared to repeal the Indiana RFRA if that’s what it took to avoid enacting the fix,” he said.
A better modification to the Indiana law could have focused “strictly upon conduct.” The law could have barred requiring a service provider to participate in an activity contrary to their religious beliefs “so long as reasonable alternatives to that service were available.”
Instead, the enacted amendment “bears all of the signs of a piece of legislation drafted in a hurry, passed in haste and, frankly, not very well thought out,” he said.
More here
“The fix is a substantial, and in my judgment, misguided retreat from the original Religious Freedom Restoration Act, and I think it gives away too much of religious liberty,” Professor Gerard V. Bradley said in an April 6 phone conference sponsored by the Federalist Society.
“Those in favor of religious liberty should have opposed the fix, and even have been prepared to repeal the Indiana RFRA if that’s what it took to avoid enacting the fix,” he said.
A better modification to the Indiana law could have focused “strictly upon conduct.” The law could have barred requiring a service provider to participate in an activity contrary to their religious beliefs “so long as reasonable alternatives to that service were available.”
Instead, the enacted amendment “bears all of the signs of a piece of legislation drafted in a hurry, passed in haste and, frankly, not very well thought out,” he said.
More here
Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office Press Release 4-16-15
On Tuesday, April 14, 2015 deputies from the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the area of 5134 Reid Road, Vienna, Md. for a reported accident with injuries. Upon arrival it was learned that a that a 2004 G.M.C. pickup truck was traveling east of Reid Road when it drove off of the roadway and overturned in a ditch. The water in the ditch was several feet deep and caused the cab of the truck to become submerged. The pickup was occupied by 6 individuals, 2 juveniles and 4 adults. Two of the adults and one juvenile were transported to Dorchester General Hospital for treatment and released, a juvenile and an adult required no medical attention, a third adult identified as 19 year old Cassidy Lynn Stinton Of 6321 East new Market- Elwood Road, East New Market, Md. was transported to P.R.M.C. by Dorchester County E.M.S. and died from injuries suffered in the accident.
The Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office, Maryland State Police C.R.A.S.H. Team and Dorchester County State’s Attorney’s Office are conducting the investigation and charges are pending the outcome of that investigation. The Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Vienna Vol. Fire Department and Dorchester County E.M.S.
Be Here Tomorrow Morning At 7:30 AM: UPDATE
UPDATE: Make that TWO Special Report stories at 7:30 AM tomorrow.
Russian Arms Sales to Iran Degrade U.S. Ability to Strike Nuke Sites
A bipartisan team of lawmakers is warning that Russia’s decision to arm Iran with advanced missile systems will erode America’s ability to launch a military strike against the Islamic Republic’s contested nuclear sites, according to a letter sent Monday to the Obama administration.
Russia announced Monday that it will reverse a years-long ban on arming Iran with the advanced S-300 air defense missile system. The move was condemned by the Obama administration, which had viewed the ban as a sign of its successful attempts to rein in Russian proliferation.
Iran says the S-300 system could arrive as soon as later this year.
Leading lawmakers are now warning that the S-300 system would significantly boost Tehran’s defense capabilities and help it protect its sensitive nuclear sites from any potential military strike by the United States.
More
Russia announced Monday that it will reverse a years-long ban on arming Iran with the advanced S-300 air defense missile system. The move was condemned by the Obama administration, which had viewed the ban as a sign of its successful attempts to rein in Russian proliferation.
Iran says the S-300 system could arrive as soon as later this year.
Leading lawmakers are now warning that the S-300 system would significantly boost Tehran’s defense capabilities and help it protect its sensitive nuclear sites from any potential military strike by the United States.
More
Grieving dad arrested for adding guardrail at site of daughter's death
CBS affiliate WGCL reports that Shannon Hamilton planned to add a guardrail near a bridge where his daughter died in March. Hamilton says he hopes they would be a temporary fix until guardrails could be installed.
"When you're a grieving parent, when you've lost your child, you do what you've got to do," Hamilton told WGCL. "Almost 30 days went by, so I took things into my own hands."
More
White House Gives Big Labor Gift on Tax Day Eve
Controversial new union election regulations went into effect on Tuesday, curtailing the ability of employers to educate workers about the effects of unionization.
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), which oversees the union ballot process, will begin implementing new rules that could force companies to hold elections within two weeks of a petition being filed.
Business groups slammed the board for tilting the scales in favor of organized labor.
Professional labor organizers can spend months and even years persuading employees about the benefits of unionization. Employers are limited to the time between the petition’s acceptance and the day of the election to mount a campaign explaining the potential downsides of organizing, according to David French, a spokesman for the National Retail Federation (NRF).
“This change will significantly restrict both employees’ and employers’ participation in the union organizing process and severely compress the union election cycle,” he said in a release. “It muzzles the rights and voices of employees who want to understand the benefits and consequences of union organizing as well as employers who want to rebut and respond to union-backed charges.”
The Republican-controlled House and Senate each passed resolutions that would have blocked the NLRB’s amendments to the process, but President Obama used a procedural veto to secure the rule in March. Congressional leaders decried interference from the White House.
More here
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), which oversees the union ballot process, will begin implementing new rules that could force companies to hold elections within two weeks of a petition being filed.
Business groups slammed the board for tilting the scales in favor of organized labor.
Professional labor organizers can spend months and even years persuading employees about the benefits of unionization. Employers are limited to the time between the petition’s acceptance and the day of the election to mount a campaign explaining the potential downsides of organizing, according to David French, a spokesman for the National Retail Federation (NRF).
“This change will significantly restrict both employees’ and employers’ participation in the union organizing process and severely compress the union election cycle,” he said in a release. “It muzzles the rights and voices of employees who want to understand the benefits and consequences of union organizing as well as employers who want to rebut and respond to union-backed charges.”
The Republican-controlled House and Senate each passed resolutions that would have blocked the NLRB’s amendments to the process, but President Obama used a procedural veto to secure the rule in March. Congressional leaders decried interference from the White House.
More here
Questions arise after man injured in police custody
BALTIMORE —New questions have arisen about the actions of Baltimore City police while handling a suspect who is now in critical condition.
Some of the incident was captured on cellphone video, but the key question is what happened inside the police transport vehicle where no camera was rolling?
Video from a resident's cellphone shows the man, identified as Freddie Gray, after he had been arrested Monday by police in west Baltimore. Gray was seen talking and able to move his legs and lift his head as officers put him in a police transport vehicle and took him out of view.
Video at a different location shows Gray had been taken out of the van, police said, for additional restraint. Gray is seen on video on the pavement on his knees.
More
Some of the incident was captured on cellphone video, but the key question is what happened inside the police transport vehicle where no camera was rolling?
Video from a resident's cellphone shows the man, identified as Freddie Gray, after he had been arrested Monday by police in west Baltimore. Gray was seen talking and able to move his legs and lift his head as officers put him in a police transport vehicle and took him out of view.
Video at a different location shows Gray had been taken out of the van, police said, for additional restraint. Gray is seen on video on the pavement on his knees.
More
Valerie Jarrett Kisses Reporters Before Interview
President Barack Obama's top adviser, Valerie Jarrett, went around the table and kissed reporters before an interview this morning on MNSBC's Morning Joe. The moment was briefly captured on live television before the network cut away to a commercial break.
Jarrett's first step is toward the BBC's Katty Kay. "Hi, there," Jarrett's heard whispering as she leans in for a hug and kiss. Kay is "Anchor for BBC World News America in Washington."
More Love Here..
Jarrett's first step is toward the BBC's Katty Kay. "Hi, there," Jarrett's heard whispering as she leans in for a hug and kiss. Kay is "Anchor for BBC World News America in Washington."
More Love Here..
DNR to Host Junior Hunter Field Days in May and June
Junior hunters will learn about archery, sporting clays and hunting with dogs, with professionals in a safe, mentored setting. All equipment will be provided, with certified instructors overseeing all shooting activities.
Lunch is free for all participants and their parents/guardians. Registration is required and is limited. For more on other Junior Hunter Field Day events, click here.
Junior Hunter Field Days by County
Left-Leaning MSNBC Conducts Simple Hillary Clinton Poll — The Results May or May Not Surprise You
More than 54,000 people had voted in the online poll at time of publications — and 47,000 answered they won’t vote for Clinton. Only 6,492 people — or 12 percent voted “yes” and another 996 replied, “maybe.”
Clinton officially kicked off her campaign on Sunday and in the opening act of her 2016 campaign in Iowa, Clinton is currently trying to show Democratic voters that she’s taking nothing for granted this time around. She’s doing so with a series of smaller, more personal interactions.
More
ICE Director: Officers Must Carry Cards to Keep Their Immigration Priorities Straight
There was a bit of show and tell Tuesday on Capitol Hill, when Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director Sarah Saldana told the House Judiciary Committee about her department’s efforts to enforce immigration law while also following the more lenient policies outlined by Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson last November.
"We have actually put out real substantial training on this, sir," Saldana told Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich.). "And every officer uses one of these cards, which clearly outlines those priorities."
"And quite frankly, I carry it myself -- and try to make sure that each of these priorities...the first one is outlined on the front, the second and third priorities on the back," she said, as she flipped the card over. "Again, trying to make an effort to clarify for law enforcement where our priorities should be."
Saldana said she has directed her staff to raise any questions about the Obama administration's immigration priorities up the chain of command.
More here
"We have actually put out real substantial training on this, sir," Saldana told Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich.). "And every officer uses one of these cards, which clearly outlines those priorities."
"And quite frankly, I carry it myself -- and try to make sure that each of these priorities...the first one is outlined on the front, the second and third priorities on the back," she said, as she flipped the card over. "Again, trying to make an effort to clarify for law enforcement where our priorities should be."
Saldana said she has directed her staff to raise any questions about the Obama administration's immigration priorities up the chain of command.
More here
Maryland approves emergency prison food contract with company that 'put a gun to its head'
"You gave four days' notice to the state, put a gun to its head and said, 'You're gonna raise the rates,'" Franchot said to leaders of the contractor, Crystal Enterprises Inc. of Prince George's County. "I find that to be deplorable."
The board accepted the contract after Crystal told the state in February that it could not keep providing food to Baltimore City prisoners under a three-year, $37.8 million contract approved the month before. Crystal informed officials on Feb. 24 that it could not keep serving food after the end of the month because it was providing thousands fewer meals per day than called for under state procurement documents, cutting into its financials.
More
Red Line: Syria Used Chemical Weapons in Idlib Attacks
The Syrian government forces likely used toxic chemicals in several barrel bomb attacks in the Idlib governorate between March 16-31, according to the new Human Rights Watch report.
The six attacks questioned by Human Rights Watch affected roughly 200 people, including 20 civil defense workers. Six civilians were also killed, including three children.
Using the chemical weapons violates the 2013 Chemical Weapons Convention and a United Nations Security Council resolution, HRW said.
In six of the attacks, Syrian government helicopters dropped barrel bombs containing gas canisters. In three of the attacks, witness accounts as well as photo and video evidence suggests a chemical attack. Though HRW cannot verify which chemical was used, witnesses not only described a chlorine smell, but the Syrian government has used barrel bombs connected with cylinders of chlorine gas before.
Three doctors who treated some of those exposed in two of the attacks, reported symptoms of trouble breathing, burning eyes, burning sensation in the throat and coughing, as well as more serious cases that had symptoms of pulmonary edema.
More
The six attacks questioned by Human Rights Watch affected roughly 200 people, including 20 civil defense workers. Six civilians were also killed, including three children.
Using the chemical weapons violates the 2013 Chemical Weapons Convention and a United Nations Security Council resolution, HRW said.
In six of the attacks, Syrian government helicopters dropped barrel bombs containing gas canisters. In three of the attacks, witness accounts as well as photo and video evidence suggests a chemical attack. Though HRW cannot verify which chemical was used, witnesses not only described a chlorine smell, but the Syrian government has used barrel bombs connected with cylinders of chlorine gas before.
Three doctors who treated some of those exposed in two of the attacks, reported symptoms of trouble breathing, burning eyes, burning sensation in the throat and coughing, as well as more serious cases that had symptoms of pulmonary edema.
More
McConnell on Lynch Nomination: Vote on Human Trafficking Bill Comes First
(CNSNews) – Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said Tuesday that voting will take place this week on the Senate Bill 178, the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015, before President Barack Obama’s nominee for attorney general, Loretta Lynch, will be considered.
“This needs to stop,” McConnell said of Democrats blocking the bill. “This ridiculous fight over language that they’ve already voted for frequently in the past really needs to stop so we can move forward with this very important human trafficking bill.
“This is no minor issue, and once we do that, then we’ll move on to consider the president’s nominee for Attorney General,” McConnell said.
Obama nominated Lynch, who is currently the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York, to replace outgoing AG Eric Holder.
The Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015 (S.178) prohibits funds designated for helping victims of trafficking to be used for abortion except under certain circumstances.
“The bill prohibits the use of amounts from the Fund for any abortion or for health benefits coverage that includes coverage of abortion, except where the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest or the woman's life is in danger unless an abortion is performed, and requires the transfer of all non-obligated balances in the Fund to the Crime Victims Fund established under the Victims of Crime Act of 1984,” the bill’s text states.
More
“This needs to stop,” McConnell said of Democrats blocking the bill. “This ridiculous fight over language that they’ve already voted for frequently in the past really needs to stop so we can move forward with this very important human trafficking bill.
“This is no minor issue, and once we do that, then we’ll move on to consider the president’s nominee for Attorney General,” McConnell said.
Obama nominated Lynch, who is currently the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York, to replace outgoing AG Eric Holder.
The Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015 (S.178) prohibits funds designated for helping victims of trafficking to be used for abortion except under certain circumstances.
“The bill prohibits the use of amounts from the Fund for any abortion or for health benefits coverage that includes coverage of abortion, except where the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest or the woman's life is in danger unless an abortion is performed, and requires the transfer of all non-obligated balances in the Fund to the Crime Victims Fund established under the Victims of Crime Act of 1984,” the bill’s text states.
More
Poll: Scott Walker Leads Jeb Bush in South Carolina
A new poll shows Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker to be the preferred Republican candidate for president in South Carolina, over former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush.
The survey, conducted by Winthrop University, focused on likely GOP voters in the 2016 election. Walker leads Bush by a slim margin, 13.6 percent to 12.7 percent.
Texas Sen. Ted Cruz garnered 8.1 percent of the voters' support, while South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham came in fourth at 7.6 percent. Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul is fifth in the poll with 6.2 percent.
More results..
The survey, conducted by Winthrop University, focused on likely GOP voters in the 2016 election. Walker leads Bush by a slim margin, 13.6 percent to 12.7 percent.
Texas Sen. Ted Cruz garnered 8.1 percent of the voters' support, while South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham came in fourth at 7.6 percent. Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul is fifth in the poll with 6.2 percent.
More results..
Maryland’s Striped Bass Season Opens April 18
New catch limits, license discounts and Governor’s conservation award in place
With the April 18 opening of spring trophy season just days away, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources reminds striped bass anglers of new catch limits and incentives, including license discounts and a conservation award.
This year, recreational fishing for trophy-sized striped bass in the Chesapeake Bay will run from 5 a.m. Saturday, April 18 through midnight Friday, May 15 with a limit of one fish per person, per day, measuring between 28- and 36-inches, OR 40 inches or larger. (The slot size limit allows Maryland to meet the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s required 25 percent reduction.)
N. Korea Transfers Missile Goods to Iran During Nuclear Talks
Intelligence suppressed by Obama administration
North Korea supplied several shipments of missile components to Iran during recent nuclear talks and the transfers appear to violate United Nations sanctions on both countries, according to U.S. intelligence officials.
Since September more than two shipments of missile parts have been monitored by U.S. intelligence agencies as they transited from North Korea to Iran, said officials familiar with intelligence reports who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Details of the arms shipments were included in President Obama’s daily intelligence briefings and officials suggested information about the transfers was kept secret from the United Nations, which is in charge of monitoring sanctions violations.
Critics of the U.S.-led nuclear framework agreement reached in Switzerland earlier this month have said one major deficiency of the accord is its failure to address Iran’s missile program, considered a key nuclear delivery system for the Islamist regime.
More here
North Korea supplied several shipments of missile components to Iran during recent nuclear talks and the transfers appear to violate United Nations sanctions on both countries, according to U.S. intelligence officials.
Since September more than two shipments of missile parts have been monitored by U.S. intelligence agencies as they transited from North Korea to Iran, said officials familiar with intelligence reports who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Details of the arms shipments were included in President Obama’s daily intelligence briefings and officials suggested information about the transfers was kept secret from the United Nations, which is in charge of monitoring sanctions violations.
Critics of the U.S.-led nuclear framework agreement reached in Switzerland earlier this month have said one major deficiency of the accord is its failure to address Iran’s missile program, considered a key nuclear delivery system for the Islamist regime.
More here
Oh Hell, Hillary
I just did a radio show in South Africa on the topic of Hillary Clinton. Perhaps they won't air it since I told them it was a non-story about something long since underway being "launched," but a story the U.S. media likes because it's substance-free. Yet in South Africa it seems to be a story. They really didn't know she was running until now, and they wanted to know if John McCain was her opponent. And yet they had the sense to ask if she would cause more wars and if there was really any difference between Hillary and the Republicans. If even the places that don't know she's running know that, perhaps there is hope for public awareness of basic facts after all.
» article continues...
» article continues...
Hillary Ignored Email Questions From Congress in 2012
The latest revelation comes days after Clinton announced her candidacy for the 2016 Democratic presidential nomination. The announcement followed weeks of questions for Clinton about her use of a personal e-mail account housed on a sever set up in her New York home to conduct all official business as America's top diplomat.
Fox News has obtained a copy of a letter dated Dec. 13, 2012 that was sent from then-House Oversight Committee chair Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., to Cabinet secretaries, including Clinton, inquiring about their e-mail habits. The committee was conducting an investigation into the Obama administration handled the use of personal e-mail by its officials.
The letter contained eight questions related to officials' use of personal e-mail accounts. The very first question asked by Issa was "Have you or any senior agency official ever used a personal email account to conduct official business? If so, please identify the account used." Subsequent questions asked about whether "alias e-mail" accounts and text messages were used to conduct official business.
More
Hogan, bitter over budget, tussles with Treasurer Kopp
What transpired could be important as Hogan tries to carry out his agenda of tax cuts and fiscal reform in coming years. While the Republican governor won a few tax cuts in his first session, his first session did not include many of the business moves pushed by organizations like the Greater Baltimore Committee. His wins included an expanded income tax break for military veterans and a removal of the so-called "rain tax" that requires counties charge storm water remediation fees.
Although Hogan will need to work with legislative leaders to advance his own priorities in the future, he was clearly unhappy with House Speaker Michael E. Busch Wednesday. Hogan moved from discussing spending on a communications system on the Board of Public Works agenda to slam a decision by Busch not to put a supplemental budget the governor proposed in front of lawmakers.
Hogan called Busch's move "petulant" and unprecedented. That prompted Kopp, a Democrat, to jump in.
More
Pro-life Crosses Thrown In Trash At Clarion University
The public university’s Students for Life (SFL) chapter discovered Monday morning that a significant portion of the crosses had been broken, removed and tossed into nearby garbage cans, Campus Reform reported.
Vandals wrote messages on several crosses that asked, “Would you support if this life was gay?” and “Would you support if this life were trans?”
This is the second time the group’s display has been vandalized, according to Clarion senior and SFL chapter Vice President Todd Garrett.
Clarion University president Karen Whitney on Monday called the acts of vandalism “unfortunate.”
More here
Christie Proposes Ending Social Security for Wealthiest Americans
NJ Gov. Chris Christie, a Republican trying to gain traction in a crowded 2016 presidential field, on Tuesday proposed a major overhaul of the popular Social Security program that would cut benefits for wealthy people. At a New Hampshire appearance later on Tuesday, Christie plans to propose Social Security "means-testing" that would reduce the size of benefits for people earning more than $80,000 annually and phase them out entirely for those earning $200,000 or more.
China to Build New Nuke Plants in Iran
Iran announced that China has agreed to assist in the building of five new nuclear plants across the country, according to Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization (AEOI).
Iran plans to enlist the Chinese in the construction of five new nuclear plants similar in size and scope to the plant currently operating near Bushehr.
Iran’s insistence on building more nuclear power plants has become a key concern for critics of the Obama administration’s diplomacy with the Islamic Republic, as these nuclear structures could potentially be used to assist its nuclear weapons program.
The Obama administration has said in the past that the construction of light water reactors such as the one in Bushehr does not violate existing United Nations restrictions or the interim accord struck with the country in 2013.
Behrouz Kamalvandi, the spokesman for the AEOI, announced on Tuesday that Iran is pursuing at least five new nuclear power plants to produce nuclear fuel at an “industrial scale.”
Russia has already helped to start construction of at least two plants in southern Iran, while the Chinese will assist with the rest, Kamalvandi revealed.
“This is the reason why we have inked an agreement with the Russians to construct two nuclear power plants for the generation of electricity while the Chinese will also enter this arena soon,” he was quoted as saying.
In addition to the light water reactors, Iran plans to build “small nuclear power plants” around the Persian Gulf area for the reported purpose of desalinating water, Fars reported.
More
Iran plans to enlist the Chinese in the construction of five new nuclear plants similar in size and scope to the plant currently operating near Bushehr.
Iran’s insistence on building more nuclear power plants has become a key concern for critics of the Obama administration’s diplomacy with the Islamic Republic, as these nuclear structures could potentially be used to assist its nuclear weapons program.
The Obama administration has said in the past that the construction of light water reactors such as the one in Bushehr does not violate existing United Nations restrictions or the interim accord struck with the country in 2013.
Behrouz Kamalvandi, the spokesman for the AEOI, announced on Tuesday that Iran is pursuing at least five new nuclear power plants to produce nuclear fuel at an “industrial scale.”
Russia has already helped to start construction of at least two plants in southern Iran, while the Chinese will assist with the rest, Kamalvandi revealed.
“This is the reason why we have inked an agreement with the Russians to construct two nuclear power plants for the generation of electricity while the Chinese will also enter this arena soon,” he was quoted as saying.
In addition to the light water reactors, Iran plans to build “small nuclear power plants” around the Persian Gulf area for the reported purpose of desalinating water, Fars reported.
More
Are You Smarter Than A 12 Year Old, NO!
An Illinois sixth-grader completed a near-perfect NCAA bracket (perfect Sweet 16, Elite eight, Final Four, and Champion), but has been deemed ineligible for the grand prize due to being underage. ESPN requires participants to be at least 18, so the 12-year old is can’t enter the drawing to claim a $20,000 gift card and a trip to Hawaii. Holtz admitted to the Daily Heraldhe was irritated but, "still proud of my accomplishment, but I'm not happy with the decision." ESPN told the Associated Press that they are putting together a special prize for the youngster.
Obviously Delaware Casinos Aren't Providing Proper Security
Stanton- Delaware State Police Robbery Unit detectives, with the assistance of the Delaware State Police Gaming Enforcement Unit, have arrested a Newark man following a pair of strong arm robberies that occurred at the Delaware Park Racetrack and Casino on Tuesday.
The investigation began on Tuesday, April 14, 2015, at approximately 1:15 p.m., as a 79 year old Wilmington, DE man was walking through the parking lot of the Delaware Park Racetrack and Casino, located at 777 Delaware Park Boulevard, Wilmington. The victim was then approached from behind by a male suspect who proceeded to assault him and throw him to the ground. The suspect then demanded and received and undisclosed amount of cash from the victim before fleeing the parking lot in an unknown direction. The victim suffered minor injuries and refused treatment at the scene.
Later in the day on Tuesday, troopers were again contacted and advised of a second strong arm robbery that had occurred at the casino. The investigation determined that the incident occurred at approximately 8:45 p.m. as a 68 year old Landenberg, PA man was walking through the parking lot of the casino when he too was approached from behind and assaulted by a male suspect. The suspect then threw the victim to ground before removing his wallet from his pants pocket. He then fled in an unknown direction. The victim was removed from the scene by Emergency Medical Services and transported to the Christiana Hospital where he was treated for non-life threatening injuries.
After reviewing video surveillance footage and conducting interviews, robbery unit detectives were able to positively identify Charles Jones, 22, as the suspect who had committed both robberies. On Wednesday, April 15, 2015, detectives responded to Jones’ residence and were able to take him into custody without incident.
Charles Jones was arrested and transported to Troop 2, Glasgow, where he was charged with two counts of Robbery 1st Degree. He was arraigned at JP Court 11 and then committed to the Howard Young Correctional Institution for lack of $120,000.00 cash bond.
STATE HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION RESURFACES MD 90 INTO OCEAN CITY
Three-Quarter Mile of Resurfacing Scheduled for April 20 through April 22
Starting Monday, April 20, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) will mill and pave a small section of MD 90 (Ocean City Expressway). The project extends three-quarters of a mile from the St. Martin River Bridge to the Assawoman Bay Bridge. The work should be finished on Wednesday evening, April 22, weather dependent. The resurfacing work will be conducted each day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The $225,000 road resurfacing project will be performed by American Infrastructure MD, Inc. of Fallston. Motorists should expect single lane closures on MD 90 during the project hours Monday through Wednesday.
SHA will use flaggers, variable message signs cones, arrow panels, and traffic cones to guide motorists through the work zone. The resurfacing work will improve safety and overall pavement conditions on MD 90 in both directions.
America's Hidden Hungry Struggle to Get By
The nation that feeds the world has trouble feeding itself.
Few places know this as well as the CAMBA emergency food pantry on Church Avenue in Brooklyn, New York. The pantry is down the street from a pawn shop and a Kennedy Fried Chicken, across the park from posh Park Slope, and miles away from Manhattan, where, it's said, the food donations are better.
National food insecurity rates went virtually unchanged from 2012 to 2013, the latest available figures from the USDA, at 15.9 percent and 15.8 percent respectively. The number, a measure of whether all household members have access to enough food for an active and healthy life, hasn't returned to its pre-Great Recession levels of 11 percent.
"While we're starting to see some improvements in the economy, food insecurity stays at stubbornly high levels," said Elaine Waxman, head of research for Feeding America.
At the Church Avenue food pantry, patrons scramble as a bag of potatoes breaks. A volunteer uses a bullhorn to keep the line of mostly black retirees, single mothers, low income housing tenants and homeless in check.
They enter CAMBA in small groups at a time, up a hand operated elevator, to a small storeroom halfway lined with a corridor of wireframe shelves. Today they can choose from the donated spaghetti, rice, juice, canned sardines, cereal, onions, beets and potatoes. The other half houses tables and lights for a hydroponic garden for fresh vegetables for the clients, but a leak in the roof has caused all the plants to be removed.
More
Few places know this as well as the CAMBA emergency food pantry on Church Avenue in Brooklyn, New York. The pantry is down the street from a pawn shop and a Kennedy Fried Chicken, across the park from posh Park Slope, and miles away from Manhattan, where, it's said, the food donations are better.
National food insecurity rates went virtually unchanged from 2012 to 2013, the latest available figures from the USDA, at 15.9 percent and 15.8 percent respectively. The number, a measure of whether all household members have access to enough food for an active and healthy life, hasn't returned to its pre-Great Recession levels of 11 percent.
"While we're starting to see some improvements in the economy, food insecurity stays at stubbornly high levels," said Elaine Waxman, head of research for Feeding America.
At the Church Avenue food pantry, patrons scramble as a bag of potatoes breaks. A volunteer uses a bullhorn to keep the line of mostly black retirees, single mothers, low income housing tenants and homeless in check.
They enter CAMBA in small groups at a time, up a hand operated elevator, to a small storeroom halfway lined with a corridor of wireframe shelves. Today they can choose from the donated spaghetti, rice, juice, canned sardines, cereal, onions, beets and potatoes. The other half houses tables and lights for a hydroponic garden for fresh vegetables for the clients, but a leak in the roof has caused all the plants to be removed.
More
‘BLOGGERS’ COMPARED TO ISIS DURING CONGRESSIONAL HEARING
People who challenge establishment narratives online likened with terrorist organization
Wallet Squeeze: Apartment Rents Projected to Rise Again
Living in an apartment? Expect your rent to go up again.
Renting has gotten increasingly expensive over the last five years. The average U.S. rent has climbed 14 percent to $1,124 since 2010, according to commercial property tracker Reis Inc. That's four percentage points faster than inflation, and more than double the rise in U.S. home prices over the same period.
Now, despite a surge in apartment construction, rents are projected to rise yet another 3.3 percent this year, to an average $1,161, according to Reis. While that's slower than last year's 3.6 percent increase, the broader upward trend isn't going away.
"The only relief in sight is rents in the hottest markets are going to go up at a slower pace, but they're still going to go up,'' says Hessam Nadji, chief strategy officer at Marcus & Millichap, a commercial real estate services firm.
The main reason: More people than ever are apartment hunting.
More
Renting has gotten increasingly expensive over the last five years. The average U.S. rent has climbed 14 percent to $1,124 since 2010, according to commercial property tracker Reis Inc. That's four percentage points faster than inflation, and more than double the rise in U.S. home prices over the same period.
Now, despite a surge in apartment construction, rents are projected to rise yet another 3.3 percent this year, to an average $1,161, according to Reis. While that's slower than last year's 3.6 percent increase, the broader upward trend isn't going away.
"The only relief in sight is rents in the hottest markets are going to go up at a slower pace, but they're still going to go up,'' says Hessam Nadji, chief strategy officer at Marcus & Millichap, a commercial real estate services firm.
The main reason: More people than ever are apartment hunting.
More
Beware Of Speed Camera In Pittsville Today
Pork in the Park Announces Live Music Line-Up
Salisbury, MD – Pork in the Park, an Eastern Shore staple, will return to Salisbury’s WinterPlace Park on Friday, April 24 and Saturday, April 25. Sponsored by Gateway Subaru, the two-day event offers live music, attractions, craft vendors, delicious food and cold beverages. Admission is $3 for adults and children twelve and under are admitted free.
Throughout the festival, live music will be featured on the main stage. Front Page News headlines Friday night, while Such Fools will close out the festival on Saturday. The complete line-up brings together an eclectic mix of genres ranging from classic rock, blues, pop, country and more.
Friday, April 24
4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. The Soulful Tones Band
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Barren Creek Band
8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Front Page News
Saturday, April 25
10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Alex & Shiloh
12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Bo Dickerson Band
2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Randy Lee Ashcraft
4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Uprizing
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Bluesman Tom Larsen Band
8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Such Fools
In addition to live music, this year’s festival introduces several family-friendly attractions including the Rommel’s Ace Inflatable Park, Pig & ‘Hot Dog’ Races and a Free Kids Zone on Saturday. The People’s Choice Wing Competition, sponsored by Allen Harim Foods, and the 5th Annual Cornhole Tournament will also return on Saturday.
The festival is open Friday, April 24 from 4 - 10 p.m. and Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Free shuttle service is available from the Tri-County Council Building off Route 50 (31901 Tri-County Way, Salisbury). The shuttle runs all hours of the event and for a half hour after closing. For more information, visit www.PorkinthePark.org.
DRIVER KILLED IN CRASH AFTER FLEEING FROM TROOPER
(WALDORF, MD) – Maryland State Police is investigating a fatal collision in Charles County after a vehicle fled from a trooper making a traffic stop early this morning.
The male driver is not being identified at this time, pending confirmation of his identity and notification of next of kin. He was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical personnel from Charles County. His body has been taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for an autopsy.
A preliminary investigation conducted by the Maryland State Police CRASH Team, with the assistance of troopers from the LaPlata Barrack, indicates that around 1:00 a.m. this morning, the driver of a 2005 Toyota Scion was traveling northbound on Route 301 in the area of Acton Lane. A trooper assigned to the LaPlata Barrack observed the Toyota traveling with a tag light out.
As the Toyota approached Acton Lane, the trooper activated the emergency equipment on his marked State Police patrol unit. The Toyota refused to stop and proceeded through a steady red signal turning onto Acton Lane. As the vehicle continued westbound, it accelerated to elude the trooper.
The male driver is not being identified at this time, pending confirmation of his identity and notification of next of kin. He was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical personnel from Charles County. His body has been taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for an autopsy.
A preliminary investigation conducted by the Maryland State Police CRASH Team, with the assistance of troopers from the LaPlata Barrack, indicates that around 1:00 a.m. this morning, the driver of a 2005 Toyota Scion was traveling northbound on Route 301 in the area of Acton Lane. A trooper assigned to the LaPlata Barrack observed the Toyota traveling with a tag light out.
As the Toyota approached Acton Lane, the trooper activated the emergency equipment on his marked State Police patrol unit. The Toyota refused to stop and proceeded through a steady red signal turning onto Acton Lane. As the vehicle continued westbound, it accelerated to elude the trooper.
Conservative asshats want Hillary
Photo above: The three primary asshats of conservative talk radio and television:
Rush Limbaugh, Ann Coulter and Sean Hannity.
There has long been a generally accepted belief that conservative talking heads on talk radio or Fox News want to see a Republican win the White House in 2016. Nothing could be further from the truth. Yes, Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Ann Coulter, and countless other conservatives like them have gone to great lengths to convince Americans of the dangers we face if Democrats hold on to the White House after President Obama leaves. This is their biggest lie.Rush Limbaugh, Ann Coulter and Sean Hannity.
There is a big difference between a conservative politician and a conservative talking head. The politician desires nothing more than a government in which the Republican Party has control of the White House, both houses of Congress, and the Supreme Court. Such an event would give them carte blanche to pass any legislation, pursue any foreign policy, and impose any social values they desire for this nation. From trickle down economics to more wars, conservative politicians dream of a day in which they hold total power (Democrats have the same desire as well).
More
Hillary Deleted Emails After 2012 Congressional Inquiry
Former Secretary of State and 2016 Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton was asked in an official congressional inquiry from former House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform chairman Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) about whether she used a private email for government work as far back as 2012.
The letter from Issa to Clinton, sent on Dec. 13, 2012 and obtained by Breitbart News after an explosive New York Times expose on it late Tuesday evening, specifically asks eight detailed questions about government record-keeping.
“Have you or any senior agency official ever used a personal e-mail account to conduct official business?” the first question reads. “If so, please identify the account used.”
“Please provide written documentation of the agency’s policies regarding the use of non-official e-mail accounts to conduct official business, including, but not limited to, archiving and record keeping procedures, as well as disciplinary proceedings for employees in violation of these policies,” Issa asked Clinton.
The next question follows up on that. “Does the agency require employees to certify on a periodic basis or at the end of their employment with the agency they have turned over any communications involving official business that they have sent or received using non-official accounts?” Issa asked Clinton.
“What agency policies and procedures are currently in place to ensure that all messages related to official business sent or received by federal employees and contractors on private, non-governmental e-mail accounts or social networking platforms are properly categorized as federal records?” the seventh question to Clinton from Issa reads.
There are several major takeaways from this development, as it breathes brand new life into the scandal rocking Clinton as she just launched her 2016 presidential campaign this week.
The first is that she was clearly aware that her private email account was a serious issue as far back as during her time at the State Department.
Secondly, she deliberately decided to not respond to the inquiry—waiting for officials at the State Department to do so well after she resigned, and even further after the deadline for a response. The actual deadline was Jan. 7, 2013.
The third major takeaway is that after Clinton was made aware this was an issue, she deleted upwards of 30,000 emails that she or her staff deemed to be private and not government-related.
There's lots more here..
The letter from Issa to Clinton, sent on Dec. 13, 2012 and obtained by Breitbart News after an explosive New York Times expose on it late Tuesday evening, specifically asks eight detailed questions about government record-keeping.
“Have you or any senior agency official ever used a personal e-mail account to conduct official business?” the first question reads. “If so, please identify the account used.”
“Please provide written documentation of the agency’s policies regarding the use of non-official e-mail accounts to conduct official business, including, but not limited to, archiving and record keeping procedures, as well as disciplinary proceedings for employees in violation of these policies,” Issa asked Clinton.
The next question follows up on that. “Does the agency require employees to certify on a periodic basis or at the end of their employment with the agency they have turned over any communications involving official business that they have sent or received using non-official accounts?” Issa asked Clinton.
“What agency policies and procedures are currently in place to ensure that all messages related to official business sent or received by federal employees and contractors on private, non-governmental e-mail accounts or social networking platforms are properly categorized as federal records?” the seventh question to Clinton from Issa reads.
There are several major takeaways from this development, as it breathes brand new life into the scandal rocking Clinton as she just launched her 2016 presidential campaign this week.
The first is that she was clearly aware that her private email account was a serious issue as far back as during her time at the State Department.
Secondly, she deliberately decided to not respond to the inquiry—waiting for officials at the State Department to do so well after she resigned, and even further after the deadline for a response. The actual deadline was Jan. 7, 2013.
The third major takeaway is that after Clinton was made aware this was an issue, she deleted upwards of 30,000 emails that she or her staff deemed to be private and not government-related.
There's lots more here..
What really happened in Maryland
After all, Maryland is one of the bluest states in the country — the second most Democratic in Gallup’s party identification data, with Democrats holding 74 percent of state Senate seats, 69 percent of seats in the House of Delegates, 88 percent of U.S. House seats and both seats in the U.S. Senate
The three public polls in October found Democrat Anthony Brown leading Republican Larry Hogan in the governor’s race by 7, 9 and 13 points. So no one expected Hogan to win by nearly 5 points.
What happened?
One may reasonably wonder why I’m reopening that wound now, six months after the election, when the shock has worn off and we are already well on to 2016. My answer is three-fold.
First, because individual-level data is only now becoming available, we can learn much more about these races now than we could before. While we may be bored with them and on to the next campaign, real learning can only occur now.
More
Flora and Fauna: April 17
|
