DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
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Friday, April 24, 2015
Woman Successfully Defends Herself from Armed Attacker Only to Be Shot When Police Arrive
It's not the first time a woman has been treated like a criminal for defending herself against an abusive former spouse.
South Huntsville, AL– A woman was shot by police Sunday evening after her estranged husband, against whom who she had filed multiple protection orders, broke into her home and threatened her with a weapon.
Lisa Skinner, was at the house she shares with her mother on Sunday as Bradley Skinner, broke the glass on a back door and entered the home carrying a pistol and a large knife. The frightened woman asked her mother to go to a neighbor’s to call the police for help, and her mother set off the home security system on her way out.
Lisa previously stated ‘I left in fear of becoming a victim of murder/suicide,’ as she applied for a restraining order against Skinner. The order was in effect on Sunday when the break-in took place.
Aiming to defend her life, Lisa Skinner, 52, armed herself with a shotgun and moved to the garage. Bradley, 59, who had been ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation as part of their divorce, followed her and allegedly aimed his pistol at her. That is when Lisa Skinner shot the man in his chest.
As the shots rang out, the police were arriving on the scene and saw Lisa Skinner holding the shotgun in the garage as the home alarm went off.
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South Huntsville, AL– A woman was shot by police Sunday evening after her estranged husband, against whom who she had filed multiple protection orders, broke into her home and threatened her with a weapon.
Lisa Skinner, was at the house she shares with her mother on Sunday as Bradley Skinner, broke the glass on a back door and entered the home carrying a pistol and a large knife. The frightened woman asked her mother to go to a neighbor’s to call the police for help, and her mother set off the home security system on her way out.
Lisa previously stated ‘I left in fear of becoming a victim of murder/suicide,’ as she applied for a restraining order against Skinner. The order was in effect on Sunday when the break-in took place.
Aiming to defend her life, Lisa Skinner, 52, armed herself with a shotgun and moved to the garage. Bradley, 59, who had been ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation as part of their divorce, followed her and allegedly aimed his pistol at her. That is when Lisa Skinner shot the man in his chest.
As the shots rang out, the police were arriving on the scene and saw Lisa Skinner holding the shotgun in the garage as the home alarm went off.
More
‘F*ck This Court:’ Georgia Woman Files Legendary Court Brief
A Georgia woman upset over the dismissal of her lawsuit has filed a nine-page court brief that doubles as one of the most spectacularly profane tirades ever seen.
“F*ck this court and everything it stands for,” is Tamah Jada Clark’s fitting title for her April 20 filing with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. Clark, who identifies herself as a “Floridian-American,” claims that her civil rights were violated five years ago when she was arrested for plotting to break the father of her baby out of prison. Her berserk rant was submitted to express her displeasure with the dismissal of her lawsuit.
Clark identifies with the “sovereign citizen” movement, a group of individuals who reject the authority of the U.S. federal government and its courts. Fittingly, her memo is full of what is, to say the least, a dismissive attitude towards Judge Willis Hunt and other agents of the government.
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“F*ck this court and everything it stands for,” is Tamah Jada Clark’s fitting title for her April 20 filing with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. Clark, who identifies herself as a “Floridian-American,” claims that her civil rights were violated five years ago when she was arrested for plotting to break the father of her baby out of prison. Her berserk rant was submitted to express her displeasure with the dismissal of her lawsuit.
Clark identifies with the “sovereign citizen” movement, a group of individuals who reject the authority of the U.S. federal government and its courts. Fittingly, her memo is full of what is, to say the least, a dismissive attitude towards Judge Willis Hunt and other agents of the government.
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Sobo's on The Road
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Mass. Stuck With $113M Marine Terminal Built for Failed Offshore Wind Farm
Massachusetts taxpayers are stuck with a $113 million marine terminal started by former Gov. Deval Patrick as a construction staging area for a failed wind farm project that was supposed to provide clean energy and hundreds of jobs for the state's residents.
Touted as “America’s first offshore wind farm,” Cape Wind planned to erect 130 Siemens wind turbines five miles off the coast of Cape Cod and harness the strong winds blowing through Nantucket Sound to produce electricity.
But the $2.6 billion project’s contracts with the state’s two largest utilities were terminated in January after Cape Wind missed its December 31 financing deadline and refused to provide the collateral needed to extend it.
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Touted as “America’s first offshore wind farm,” Cape Wind planned to erect 130 Siemens wind turbines five miles off the coast of Cape Cod and harness the strong winds blowing through Nantucket Sound to produce electricity.
But the $2.6 billion project’s contracts with the state’s two largest utilities were terminated in January after Cape Wind missed its December 31 financing deadline and refused to provide the collateral needed to extend it.
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Berlin Heritage Festival
Saturday April 25th 11:00am - 4:00pm
Come in Costume and receive a free gift at our Visitor's Center! Costumes ranging from the 1870s to the 1960s!
Artisans demonstrating their crafts to include:
-Rug Hooking
-Wood Carving
-Rug Braiding
-Tatting
-Quilting
-Butter Churning
-Spinning Wheel
-Knitting
-Blacksmith
Re-enactments in front of the Atlantic Hotel to include:
The incorporation of the Town of Berlin
1st Mayor of Berlin - John William Pitts
and more!
Food including Old Fashioned milk shakes and ice cream sodas
Live Music
Vintage Car Show
Shops displaying historical and vintage items from our past
Calvin B Taylor museum OPEN
CRACKDOWN ON CHRISTIANS TRIGGERS EXODUS FROM MILITARY
'They're starting to wonder, is this going to be a place where I'm welcomed?'
A leading defender of Christians in the military says the crackdown on the free religious expression of Christians in uniform is increasing despite Pentagon assurances to the contrary, leading active-duty personnel to re-evaluate their careers and young Americans and their parents to reconsider service at all.
Recent discipline for military chaplains dispensing biblical counsel have made national headlines, but a recent piece in the Washington Times suggests enlistment numbers are in danger of dropping as well.
Liberty Institute represents chaplains in two high-profile cases as well as several other personnel reprimanded for their free expression of Christian beliefs. Senior counsel Michael Berry said the American people are paying attention and getting increasingly worried about what’s happening in the military.
“A great deal of Americans of faith, which is still a majority of our country, are looking at the environment and climate within our federal government and military more specifically and seeing case after case, report after report,” Berry said in an interview with WND and Radio America.
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A leading defender of Christians in the military says the crackdown on the free religious expression of Christians in uniform is increasing despite Pentagon assurances to the contrary, leading active-duty personnel to re-evaluate their careers and young Americans and their parents to reconsider service at all.
Recent discipline for military chaplains dispensing biblical counsel have made national headlines, but a recent piece in the Washington Times suggests enlistment numbers are in danger of dropping as well.
Liberty Institute represents chaplains in two high-profile cases as well as several other personnel reprimanded for their free expression of Christian beliefs. Senior counsel Michael Berry said the American people are paying attention and getting increasingly worried about what’s happening in the military.
“A great deal of Americans of faith, which is still a majority of our country, are looking at the environment and climate within our federal government and military more specifically and seeing case after case, report after report,” Berry said in an interview with WND and Radio America.
More
Upcoming Free Heart Screenings from Peninsula Regional
Peninsula Regional Medical Center’s Guerrieri Heart & Vascular Institute is dedicated to the heart health of Delmarva. That’s why they have planned three upcoming free screening events, both at PRMC and out in the community
First up is a Coastal Cardiovascular Check on Tuesday, May 12, 2015 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. The heart and vascular health screenings will be performed by Peninsula Regional medical professionals inside the Wagner Wellness Van at Crisfield High School, 201 N. Somerset Ave., Crisfield. Screening sessions are open to men and women over the age of 18 and are available on a first come basis. The screening will include blood pressure, grip strength, body mass index and body fat measurements. No pre-registration is required. For more information on the free Coastal Cardiovascular Check, please call the Guerrieri Heart & Vascular Institute’s Cardiovascular/Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Preventive Cardiology Department at 410-543-7026.
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First up is a Coastal Cardiovascular Check on Tuesday, May 12, 2015 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. The heart and vascular health screenings will be performed by Peninsula Regional medical professionals inside the Wagner Wellness Van at Crisfield High School, 201 N. Somerset Ave., Crisfield. Screening sessions are open to men and women over the age of 18 and are available on a first come basis. The screening will include blood pressure, grip strength, body mass index and body fat measurements. No pre-registration is required. For more information on the free Coastal Cardiovascular Check, please call the Guerrieri Heart & Vascular Institute’s Cardiovascular/Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Preventive Cardiology Department at 410-543-7026.
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Rand Paul Fires Back at Obama “Lapdogs” Lindsey Graham, John McCain
Kentucky Senator and presidential candidate Rand Paul has fired back at harsh criticism leveled against him by two neocon senators, John McCain of Arizona and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina.
Paul characterized McCain and Graham as lapdogs for Obama’s foreign policy.
“They supported Hillary Clinton’s war in Libya; they supported President Obama’s bombing of Assad; they also support President Obama’s foreign aid to countries that hate us. So if there is anyone who is most opposed to President Obama’s foreign policy, it’s me. People who call loudest to criticize me are great proponents of President Obama’s foreign policy — they just want to do it ten times over,” he said.
On Monday McCain said Paul “just doesn’t understand” the foreign policy agenda of the United States. “He has displayed this kind of naiveté since he came to the Senate.”
In September, however, McCain said he would support Paul if he won the Republican nomination.
“I know that, if he were president or a nominee, I could influence him, particularly some of his views and positions on national security. He trusts me particularly on the military side of things, so I could easily work with him. It wouldn’t be a problem,” he told The New Yorker.
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“They supported Hillary Clinton’s war in Libya; they supported President Obama’s bombing of Assad; they also support President Obama’s foreign aid to countries that hate us. So if there is anyone who is most opposed to President Obama’s foreign policy, it’s me. People who call loudest to criticize me are great proponents of President Obama’s foreign policy — they just want to do it ten times over,” he said.
On Monday McCain said Paul “just doesn’t understand” the foreign policy agenda of the United States. “He has displayed this kind of naiveté since he came to the Senate.”
In September, however, McCain said he would support Paul if he won the Republican nomination.
“I know that, if he were president or a nominee, I could influence him, particularly some of his views and positions on national security. He trusts me particularly on the military side of things, so I could easily work with him. It wouldn’t be a problem,” he told The New Yorker.
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Girl, paralyzed for 11 days, surprises her favorite nurse by walking
**Turn down your volume before clicking play**
If you ever needed any evidence that nurses care vastly about every single patient they encounter, this is it.
A video posted last week on Facebook shows a nurse reacting as one of her patients stands up for the first time in 11 days.
The story as, posted by Texas mom Becky Miller: “Our daughter, Bailey, had complete paralysis from the waist down for 11 days with no explanation as to why. This video is one of her favorite nurses coming onto her shift and not knowing that Bailey had started walking this day.”
The nurse immediately bursts into tears upon seeing Bailey, screaming, “Thank you, Lord.”
Miller said Bailey had no feeling or movement in her legs the day before. Doctors did not know what caused Bailey to lose feeling in her legs.
Commenters on Reddit immediately took the opportunity to commend nurses, and all of the work and long hours they put in daily.
If you ever needed any evidence that nurses care vastly about every single patient they encounter, this is it.
A video posted last week on Facebook shows a nurse reacting as one of her patients stands up for the first time in 11 days.
The story as, posted by Texas mom Becky Miller: “Our daughter, Bailey, had complete paralysis from the waist down for 11 days with no explanation as to why. This video is one of her favorite nurses coming onto her shift and not knowing that Bailey had started walking this day.”
The nurse immediately bursts into tears upon seeing Bailey, screaming, “Thank you, Lord.”
Miller said Bailey had no feeling or movement in her legs the day before. Doctors did not know what caused Bailey to lose feeling in her legs.
Commenters on Reddit immediately took the opportunity to commend nurses, and all of the work and long hours they put in daily.
John Deere Wants To Be Able To File Copyright Claims Against The Way You Use Your Tractor
In the modern, digital economy, there are a whole lot of things you buy but still technically don’t own. Nearly all entertainment, for example: digital books, video games, music, and so on. Other software, too. But as basically everything continues to become some kind of computer in a specialized body, plenty of other goods are starting to be subject to licensing, copyright law, and non-ownership problems, too. Like tractors.
Famous farming machinery company John Deere is making the case that you don’t own your vehicles, Wired reports this week. In filings with the copyright office (PDF), the maker of the ubiquitous green and yellow tractor argues that because your tractor has a chip and some code in it, you don’t actually own it. You’ve just got an “implied license for the life of the vehicle to operate the vehicle.”
We’ve been through this song and dance before — really, we’re still going through it right now — with specifically high-tech items. You might own the plastic, glass, and aluminum casing of your iPad but everything that runs on it, every single line of code that makes it go, is just something you have paid for the right to access until someone else takes it away or changes it. That affects your ability to unlock your phone, resell your used tablet, or in fact act in any way like you actually own the thing you went and bought and paid for.
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Famous farming machinery company John Deere is making the case that you don’t own your vehicles, Wired reports this week. In filings with the copyright office (PDF), the maker of the ubiquitous green and yellow tractor argues that because your tractor has a chip and some code in it, you don’t actually own it. You’ve just got an “implied license for the life of the vehicle to operate the vehicle.”
We’ve been through this song and dance before — really, we’re still going through it right now — with specifically high-tech items. You might own the plastic, glass, and aluminum casing of your iPad but everything that runs on it, every single line of code that makes it go, is just something you have paid for the right to access until someone else takes it away or changes it. That affects your ability to unlock your phone, resell your used tablet, or in fact act in any way like you actually own the thing you went and bought and paid for.
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Free-Range Parenting: Teaching Independence, Or Child Neglect?
SILVER SPRING, Md. (WJZ) — Two Maryland parents are in the fight of their lives, trying to raise their children the way they want. The government claims what they’re doing is dangerous—but is it?
Jessica Kartalija with an in-depth look at a small, but growing movement called “free-range” parenting.
On a recent afternoon, two Maryland children are doing what they typically do–walking by speeding cars, crossing busy streets.
And while they’re only six and ten-years-old, Dvora and Rafi Meitiv are frequently alone with no adult supervision.
It’s something their mother actually encourages.
“They’re urban kids growing up in an urban area, and one of the most important skills that we taught them–how to cross busy streets,” their mother, Danielle Meitiv, said.
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Jessica Kartalija with an in-depth look at a small, but growing movement called “free-range” parenting.
On a recent afternoon, two Maryland children are doing what they typically do–walking by speeding cars, crossing busy streets.
And while they’re only six and ten-years-old, Dvora and Rafi Meitiv are frequently alone with no adult supervision.
It’s something their mother actually encourages.
“They’re urban kids growing up in an urban area, and one of the most important skills that we taught them–how to cross busy streets,” their mother, Danielle Meitiv, said.
More
IRS Hung Up On 8.1 Million Taxpayers Without Answering Phone
We knew going into this tax season that budget cuts to the Internal Revenue Service would result in less help for taxpayers and a likely increase in taxpayer fraud and errors, but today IRS Commissioner John Koskinen detailed exactly how badly things went this year.
In prepared testimony [PDF] before the House Ways & Means Committee this morning, Koskinen said that budget cuts left the IRS “unable to provide adequate levels of taxpayer service,” and that “taxpayers did not get the customer service experience they deserve.”
One of the more egregious examples are so-called “courtesy disconnects,” where someone trying to contact the IRS via phone is hung-up on before they even speak to someone. This occurs when the IRS phone system is unable to deal with the flood of incoming calls and people on hold.
Koskinen said the number of disconnects so far in 2015 has already reached 8.1 million. Compare that to only 360,000 during the same time in 2014. That’s an increase of more than 22 times the number of disconnects.
And for those who weren’t cut off, the waiting times were outrageously long — upwards of 30 minutes or more.
Koskinen said these stats are “unacceptable to all of us.”
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In prepared testimony [PDF] before the House Ways & Means Committee this morning, Koskinen said that budget cuts left the IRS “unable to provide adequate levels of taxpayer service,” and that “taxpayers did not get the customer service experience they deserve.”
One of the more egregious examples are so-called “courtesy disconnects,” where someone trying to contact the IRS via phone is hung-up on before they even speak to someone. This occurs when the IRS phone system is unable to deal with the flood of incoming calls and people on hold.
Koskinen said the number of disconnects so far in 2015 has already reached 8.1 million. Compare that to only 360,000 during the same time in 2014. That’s an increase of more than 22 times the number of disconnects.
And for those who weren’t cut off, the waiting times were outrageously long — upwards of 30 minutes or more.
Koskinen said these stats are “unacceptable to all of us.”
More
Mathias, Carozza claim victories in 2015 session
The Shore’s representatives in both houses and across the aisle in the Maryland General Assembly have good things to say about the 2015 session, despite some of the acrimony over the budget in the final days.
“I have a degree of dissatisfaction with the conference committee report in that it didn’t come out the way I wanted. I’m concerned it moved too far away from what Gov. Hogan proposed,” Delegate Mary Beth Carozza said.
“I was pleased with the bipartisanship almost the whole trip up until the very end,” Senator Jim Mathias said. “When he presented it, Gov. Hogan said, ‘This is my plan, but if you find money, we’ll look at it.’”
When the legislature found the money they were looking for, how they got it and what they wanted to spend it on became issues.
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“I have a degree of dissatisfaction with the conference committee report in that it didn’t come out the way I wanted. I’m concerned it moved too far away from what Gov. Hogan proposed,” Delegate Mary Beth Carozza said.
“I was pleased with the bipartisanship almost the whole trip up until the very end,” Senator Jim Mathias said. “When he presented it, Gov. Hogan said, ‘This is my plan, but if you find money, we’ll look at it.’”
When the legislature found the money they were looking for, how they got it and what they wanted to spend it on became issues.
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Family Of Warren Weinstein, The American Hostage Killed By A U.S. Drone Strike, Speaks Out
A 73-year-old American hostage killed by a CIA drone strike in Pakistan was an international development worker whose family described him as passionate about helping people out of poverty.
President Barack Obama announced Thursday that Warren Weinstein was killed in January, when the U.S. targeted an al-Qaida compound where Weinstein was held hostage. Weinstein's family was notified of his death Wednesday.
In a statement Thursday, Weinstein's wife, Elaine Weinstein, said the family is devastated.
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President Barack Obama announced Thursday that Warren Weinstein was killed in January, when the U.S. targeted an al-Qaida compound where Weinstein was held hostage. Weinstein's family was notified of his death Wednesday.
In a statement Thursday, Weinstein's wife, Elaine Weinstein, said the family is devastated.
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Prince George’s County officer guilty after punching handcuffed teen
UPPER MARLBORO, Md. — A Prince George’s County Police officer has been found guilty of misconduct in office, after surveillance video showed him punching and shoving a young man in custody.
Officer Jerry Thomas responded to a holding cell after hearing screaming and other noises.
The surveillance video from 2012 shows he punched the handcuffed teen twice in the head and then shoved his face down on a bench.
“We wouldn’t have even known about this had the police not brought it to us,” says Angela Alsobrooks, the state’s attorney.
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Officer Jerry Thomas responded to a holding cell after hearing screaming and other noises.
The surveillance video from 2012 shows he punched the handcuffed teen twice in the head and then shoved his face down on a bench.
“We wouldn’t have even known about this had the police not brought it to us,” says Angela Alsobrooks, the state’s attorney.
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This Weekend at Headquarters Live!
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Before you vote the next time
How to get $75k in benefits for you and your girlfriend.
Follow these proven steps.1. Don't get married to her.
2. Use your mom's address for your mail.
3. The guy buys a house.
4. Guy rents out house to his girlfriend who has 2 of his kids.
5. Section 8 will pay $900 a month for a 3 bedroom house.
6. Girlfriend signs up for Obamacare, so guy doesn't have to pay out the butt for family insurance.
7. Girlfriend gets to go to college for free being a single mother.
8. Girlfriend gets $600 a month for food stamps.
9. Girlfriend gets free cell phone.
10. Girlfriend gets free utilities.
11. Guy moves into house, but uses mom's house to get mail.
12. Girlfriend claims one kid and guy claims one kid on taxes. Now you both get to claim head of house hold at $1800 credit.
13. Girlfriend gets disability for being "crazy" or having a "bad back" at $1800 a month and never has to work again.This plan is perfectly legal and is being executed now by millions of people. A married couple with a stay at home mom yields $0 dollars. An unmarried couple with stay at home mom nets...$21,600 disability +
$10,800 free housing +
$6,000 free obamacare +
$6,000 free food +
$4,800 free utilities +
$6,000 Pell Grant money to spend +
$12,000 a year in college tuition free from Pell Grant +
$8,800 tax benefit for being a single mother
---------$75,000 a year in benefitsNow you know why the country is 18 + trillion in debt, and your children will pay the price!Is this a great country or what???This is not compassion for the poor! This is going to completely bankrupt our country, financially and morally.
John Deere-Driving Dog Crashes on Scottish Highway
That's Don. He's a border collie in Scotland. Now, border collies are just about the smartest dogs on Earth, but driving is a little outside their skill set.
That wasn't enough to deter Don, though.
When his master, a farmer named Tom Hamilton, hopped out of his John Deere Gator to check on one of his lambs, he left Don in the ute's cab. Moments later, the Gator was underway, breaking through the farm's fence and driving onto Scotland's M74 motorway with Don on board. It came to a stop after crashing into the divider:
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That wasn't enough to deter Don, though.
When his master, a farmer named Tom Hamilton, hopped out of his John Deere Gator to check on one of his lambs, he left Don in the ute's cab. Moments later, the Gator was underway, breaking through the farm's fence and driving onto Scotland's M74 motorway with Don on board. It came to a stop after crashing into the divider:
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Why Women Aren't Having Children
As detailed in essays by 16 different writers, both male and female: because they don't want to, and because not wanting to is perfectly reasonable
Pope Francis is widely believed to be a cool Pope—a huggable, Upworthyish, meme-ready, self-deprecating leader for a new generation of worshippers. “He has described himself as a sinner,” writes Archbishop Desmond Tutu in Pope Francis’ entry on Time’s list of the 100 most influential people in the world, “and his nonjudgmental views on … issues such as sexual orientation and divorce have brought hope to millions of Roman Catholics around the world.”
But there’s one issue that can make even Cool Pope Francis himself sound a little, well, judgy. “A society with a greedy generation, that doesn’t want to surround itself with children, that considers them above all worrisome, a weight, a risk, is a depressed society,” the pontiff told an audience in St. Peter’s Square earlier this year. “The choice not to have children is selfish. Life rejuvenates and acquires energy when it multiplies: It is enriched, not impoverished.”
Ignore the irony of a man who’s celibate by choice delivering a lecture on the sacred duty of procreating, and focus instead on his use of the word “selfish.” This particular descriptor is both the word most commonly associated with people who decide not to have children, and part of the title of a new collection of essays, Selfish, Shallow, and Self-Absorbed, by 16 different writers (both female and male) who fall into exactly that category. While the association appears to be so deeply embedded in the collective psyche that it’d take dynamite to shift it, if the book reveals anything, it’s that there’s an awful lot more to not wanting children than the impulse to put oneself first. “People who want children are all alike,” writes editor Meghan Daum in the book’s introduction, with apologies to Tolstoy. “People who don’t want children don’t want them in their own way.”
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Pope Francis is widely believed to be a cool Pope—a huggable, Upworthyish, meme-ready, self-deprecating leader for a new generation of worshippers. “He has described himself as a sinner,” writes Archbishop Desmond Tutu in Pope Francis’ entry on Time’s list of the 100 most influential people in the world, “and his nonjudgmental views on … issues such as sexual orientation and divorce have brought hope to millions of Roman Catholics around the world.”
But there’s one issue that can make even Cool Pope Francis himself sound a little, well, judgy. “A society with a greedy generation, that doesn’t want to surround itself with children, that considers them above all worrisome, a weight, a risk, is a depressed society,” the pontiff told an audience in St. Peter’s Square earlier this year. “The choice not to have children is selfish. Life rejuvenates and acquires energy when it multiplies: It is enriched, not impoverished.”
Ignore the irony of a man who’s celibate by choice delivering a lecture on the sacred duty of procreating, and focus instead on his use of the word “selfish.” This particular descriptor is both the word most commonly associated with people who decide not to have children, and part of the title of a new collection of essays, Selfish, Shallow, and Self-Absorbed, by 16 different writers (both female and male) who fall into exactly that category. While the association appears to be so deeply embedded in the collective psyche that it’d take dynamite to shift it, if the book reveals anything, it’s that there’s an awful lot more to not wanting children than the impulse to put oneself first. “People who want children are all alike,” writes editor Meghan Daum in the book’s introduction, with apologies to Tolstoy. “People who don’t want children don’t want them in their own way.”
More
Delaware River Basin Photo Contest By Congressman John Carney
Last week, I introduced the Delaware River Basin Conservation Act, bipartisan legislation that aims to restore, preserve, and protect the Delaware River and its tributaries.
I wanted to let you know about the Delaware River Basin photo contest I’m having. Enter my contest and show me your best photo of the Delaware River or its tributaries! To learn more about the contest, click the image below or visit my Facebook page. Submissions should be emailed to congressmanjohn.carney@mail.house.gov by May 4, 2015.
Now more than ever, Congress needs to address the challenges facing our environment. From preserving the Delaware River Basin to confronting climate change, I will continue to fight for legislation protecting the environment and preserving our natural resources.
I wanted to let you know about the Delaware River Basin photo contest I’m having. Enter my contest and show me your best photo of the Delaware River or its tributaries! To learn more about the contest, click the image below or visit my Facebook page. Submissions should be emailed to congressmanjohn.carney@mail.house.gov by May 4, 2015.
Now more than ever, Congress needs to address the challenges facing our environment. From preserving the Delaware River Basin to confronting climate change, I will continue to fight for legislation protecting the environment and preserving our natural resources.
Gov. Hogan tried to stop state agency from leaving Anne Arundel
Gov. Larry Hogan said the state would lose $68 million to stop the move of 380-person state agency from Anne Arundel County to neighboring Prince George’s County.
Hogan said he immediately tried to reverse the O'Malley administration's decision to move the Department of Housing and Community Development out of Crownsville when he took office in January.
“Can we stop this from happening?” he said he asked state lawyers. But he was told breaking the lease on the new space would be too costly.
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Hogan said he immediately tried to reverse the O'Malley administration's decision to move the Department of Housing and Community Development out of Crownsville when he took office in January.
“Can we stop this from happening?” he said he asked state lawyers. But he was told breaking the lease on the new space would be too costly.
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Orange County Board of Supervisors formally demand controversial Judge M. Marc Kelly to resign
SANTA ANA, Calif. (KABC) -- The Orange County Board of Supervisors are formally demanding the resignation of Superior Court Judge M. Marc Kelly after his decision to give less than half the mandatory sentence to a man who sexually assaulted a 3-year-old girl.
The board adopted a resolution Tuesday to "formally rebuke, censure and demand the resignation of Judge Kelly from the Orange County Superior Court."
In December, Kelly reduced the sentence of Kevin Rojano-Nieto's to 10 years in state prison. The 20-year-old was convicted of sodomizing a 3-year-old girl, to whom he's related.
Kelly called the mandatory minimum sentence of 25 to life "cruel and unusual."
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The board adopted a resolution Tuesday to "formally rebuke, censure and demand the resignation of Judge Kelly from the Orange County Superior Court."
In December, Kelly reduced the sentence of Kevin Rojano-Nieto's to 10 years in state prison. The 20-year-old was convicted of sodomizing a 3-year-old girl, to whom he's related.
Kelly called the mandatory minimum sentence of 25 to life "cruel and unusual."
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When support for gay marriage gets ugly
When a school learns that one of its alums has achieved great things, the institution will usually seek to promote those accomplishments. But there are exceptions. If it's discovered, for example, that the former student also happens to be a member of the Ku Klux Klan, or a neo-Nazi, or a convicted felon, then the school will naturally seek to downplay the connection — and to sever any explicit ties between them.
To this list of offenses — normally reserved only for bigots and criminals — we can now apparently add opposing same-sex marriage.
Consider the recent experience of Ryan T. Anderson.
A graduate of the Quaker Friends School of Baltimore, Anderson has achieved far more than most 33-year-olds. He completed his undergraduate education at Princeton and earned a Ph.D. from Notre Dame. He has been cited by a Supreme Court justice (Samuel A. Alito, Jr., in his dissent from the majority opinion in United States v. Windsor, which struck down parts of the Defense of Marriage Act). He was recently named the William E. Simon Senior Research Fellow in American Principles and Public Policy at the conservative Heritage Foundation. And last week he was profiled fairly and respectfully in The Washington Post. (Headline: "The right finds a fresh voice on same-sex marriage.")
No wonder someone thought it made sense to post a link to the profile on the school's website.
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To this list of offenses — normally reserved only for bigots and criminals — we can now apparently add opposing same-sex marriage.
Consider the recent experience of Ryan T. Anderson.
A graduate of the Quaker Friends School of Baltimore, Anderson has achieved far more than most 33-year-olds. He completed his undergraduate education at Princeton and earned a Ph.D. from Notre Dame. He has been cited by a Supreme Court justice (Samuel A. Alito, Jr., in his dissent from the majority opinion in United States v. Windsor, which struck down parts of the Defense of Marriage Act). He was recently named the William E. Simon Senior Research Fellow in American Principles and Public Policy at the conservative Heritage Foundation. And last week he was profiled fairly and respectfully in The Washington Post. (Headline: "The right finds a fresh voice on same-sex marriage.")
No wonder someone thought it made sense to post a link to the profile on the school's website.
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A Letter To The Editor: Washington Hotel, Princess Anne
Joe: WICO is currently running a story about the rehab of the Washington Hotel in P.A. and how it will benefit from recent grants, etc. Garland Haywood is quoted in the article as stating that the hotel has a history of not allowing blacks inside and they hope this reconstruct will improve it's reputation.
WTF - "back in the day" blacks weren't allowed in any public places
WTF - "back in the day" blacks weren't allowed in any public places
How 'Amazing Grace' Became A Cherokee Anthem
Gold had been discovered in Georgia in 1828, resulting in a Democrat-controlled Congress rushing through the Indian Removal Act, which passed by a single vote in 1830. It was signed by Democrat president Andrew Jackson and carried out by Democrat president Martin Van Buren.
Condemning the federal government’s mandate were members of the National Republican and Whig Parties, including Congressman Abraham Lincoln (IL); Senator Theodore Frelinghuysen (NJ), Senator Daniel Webster (MA); and Senator Henry Clay (KY). Tennessee Congressmen Davy Crockett gave an impassioned speech in defense of the Indians.
Christian missionaries, such as Jeremiah Evarts, led resistance to the federal government’s removal of the Indians, with many being arrested by the state of Georgia and sentenced to years of hard labor.
General John E. Wool had sympathy for the Indians and hesitated carrying out the inhumane removal, resulting in Democrat President Martin Van Buren replacing him with General Winfield Scott.
46,000 Indians were removed by 1837. Then came the freezing weather of 1838-1839.
The last 17,000 Cherokee Indians were forcibly removed by the federal government from Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama and South Carolina to the Oklahoma territory.
Christians ministered to the Indians along the trail, bringing them food and blankets. Not able give their dead a full burial, they simply sang “Amazing Grace,” resulting in that song being considered as a “Cherokee national anthem.”
Read the rest...
Condemning the federal government’s mandate were members of the National Republican and Whig Parties, including Congressman Abraham Lincoln (IL); Senator Theodore Frelinghuysen (NJ), Senator Daniel Webster (MA); and Senator Henry Clay (KY). Tennessee Congressmen Davy Crockett gave an impassioned speech in defense of the Indians.
Christian missionaries, such as Jeremiah Evarts, led resistance to the federal government’s removal of the Indians, with many being arrested by the state of Georgia and sentenced to years of hard labor.
General John E. Wool had sympathy for the Indians and hesitated carrying out the inhumane removal, resulting in Democrat President Martin Van Buren replacing him with General Winfield Scott.
46,000 Indians were removed by 1837. Then came the freezing weather of 1838-1839.
The last 17,000 Cherokee Indians were forcibly removed by the federal government from Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama and South Carolina to the Oklahoma territory.
Christians ministered to the Indians along the trail, bringing them food and blankets. Not able give their dead a full burial, they simply sang “Amazing Grace,” resulting in that song being considered as a “Cherokee national anthem.”
Read the rest...
“ALLAHU AKBAR” – Shocking new video of Muslims TORCHING Christian church while beating church member
In the wake of the terrorist attack on the offices of the French magazine Charlie Hebdo, Muslims in Niger went on a rampage burning down 69 churches and 11 homes in just a few hours, all because they were Christian.
CBN News has gotten their hands on never seen before footage that shows dozens of Muslims burning down one church while beating a Christian member of that same church outside. The pastor says that it is still very difficult for him to watch.
Another pastor told CBN News that they believe this attack on the Christian churches was systematic and organized because, otherwise, it doesn’t make sense that 69 churches and 11 Christian homes would all be burned down in a matter of hours. He is quite sure someone planned this attack.
Since the attack, no arrests have been made.
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CBN News has gotten their hands on never seen before footage that shows dozens of Muslims burning down one church while beating a Christian member of that same church outside. The pastor says that it is still very difficult for him to watch.
Another pastor told CBN News that they believe this attack on the Christian churches was systematic and organized because, otherwise, it doesn’t make sense that 69 churches and 11 Christian homes would all be burned down in a matter of hours. He is quite sure someone planned this attack.
Since the attack, no arrests have been made.
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Larry Hogan: Thoughts on the end of the legislative session
Gov. Larry Hogan provides a recap of this year's legislative session ->
Posted by Change Maryland on Sunday, April 19, 2015
SC House OKs bill ending permits to carry concealed weapons
COLUMBIA, SC (AP) - A bill that would allow South Carolina residents to carry concealed weapons without a permit has passed the House.
Supporters of getting rid of concealed weapons permits amended a bill Thursday allowing permits from Georgia to be accepted in South Carolina. The changed bill was approved on a 90-18 vote.
Rep. Mike Pitts introduced the amendment. The Laurens Republican says it is a good compromise because people would still have to keep their guns hidden from view in public, but would not have to go through hours of training for a constitutional right.
A bill that would have allowed people to openly carry guns without a permit was killed last year by a Senate committee.
Opponents of the bill say training is important to safely carry a gun.
Supporters of getting rid of concealed weapons permits amended a bill Thursday allowing permits from Georgia to be accepted in South Carolina. The changed bill was approved on a 90-18 vote.
Rep. Mike Pitts introduced the amendment. The Laurens Republican says it is a good compromise because people would still have to keep their guns hidden from view in public, but would not have to go through hours of training for a constitutional right.
A bill that would have allowed people to openly carry guns without a permit was killed last year by a Senate committee.
Opponents of the bill say training is important to safely carry a gun.
2 Mississippi Women Sentenced In Hate Crime Slaying teens
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — In a hearing that lasted more than five hours Thursday, a federal judge sentenced two women to the maximum prison terms for their roles in the 2011 death of James Craig Anderson, the last of a series of white-on-black attacks.
U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate went out of his way to show relatives and supporters of the two women that their presence in the truck that ran over Anderson in a Jackson parking lot was not an isolated accident but the result of a pattern of racist behavior.
"I just wonder whether the hatred is just engrained for some particular reason," said Wingate, who in 1984 became the first African-American federal judge in Mississippi. "Then again, that's what race hatred is all about: whites who hate blacks and blacks who hate whites. It's just automatic."
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U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate went out of his way to show relatives and supporters of the two women that their presence in the truck that ran over Anderson in a Jackson parking lot was not an isolated accident but the result of a pattern of racist behavior.
"I just wonder whether the hatred is just engrained for some particular reason," said Wingate, who in 1984 became the first African-American federal judge in Mississippi. "Then again, that's what race hatred is all about: whites who hate blacks and blacks who hate whites. It's just automatic."
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Ocean City Leaning Away From Double-Decker Buses; Officials Favor Purchasing Articulating Buses
OCEAN CITY – After hearing a list of issues that would come along with adding double decker buses to Ocean City’s fleet, the Transportation Commission voted this week to recommend the purchase of 60-foot articulating buses instead.
A few months ago, the Transportation Commission began discussions regarding new bus purchases to meet the goal of increasing capacity and lessening drivers due to the issue of filling bus driver positions.
Public Works Director Hal Adkins explained in Fiscal Year 2014 (FY 14), the Town of Ocean City was awarded a grant in the amount of $1,362,000 to purchase three, 40-foot diesel buses, and the same was awarded in FY 15 totaling $2,724,000 with a local match of 10 percent. The estimated cost for a 40-foot diesel bus is $425,000 that seats 35 with 18 standees. A 60-foot diesel artic bus is about $700,000 that seats 63 with 31 standees. The question arose if the left over funds from FY 14 can turn over to FY 15 to purchase artic buses instead as well as if the town could lease the artic buses for the summer months.
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A few months ago, the Transportation Commission began discussions regarding new bus purchases to meet the goal of increasing capacity and lessening drivers due to the issue of filling bus driver positions.
Public Works Director Hal Adkins explained in Fiscal Year 2014 (FY 14), the Town of Ocean City was awarded a grant in the amount of $1,362,000 to purchase three, 40-foot diesel buses, and the same was awarded in FY 15 totaling $2,724,000 with a local match of 10 percent. The estimated cost for a 40-foot diesel bus is $425,000 that seats 35 with 18 standees. A 60-foot diesel artic bus is about $700,000 that seats 63 with 31 standees. The question arose if the left over funds from FY 14 can turn over to FY 15 to purchase artic buses instead as well as if the town could lease the artic buses for the summer months.
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Traffic Stop Leads to Drug Arrest
Smyrna - Delaware State Police have arrested a man after a traffic stop led to the discovery of weapons, a large amount of drugs and cash last night in Smyrna.
The incident began yesterday, Wednesday, April 22, 2015, at approximately 10:51 p.m., as a trooper assigned to Troop 9, Odessa, was on routine patrol in the area of southbound SR 1 near exit 114, Smyrna. It was at this time that the trooper observed a gray Honda Odyssey traveling at what appeared to be a high rate of speed. The trooper then conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle in the area of SR 1 southbound Smyrna, at which time he came into contact with the operator of the minivan, later identified as Victor A. Mota Garcia, 31, of Philadelphia, PA. As the trooper was speaking to Moto Garcia, he noticed an ammunition round on the floor of the vehicle. Mota Garcia was unable to produce a valid driver’s license however provided a Dominican identification card. The trooper then had Moto Garcia exit the minivan. A subsequent search of the vehicle was conducted at which time the trooper located over 6900 bags of heroin along with over $56,000.00 in suspected drug sale proceeds along with two handguns in the spare tire compartment of the vehicle. (picture of seized contraband attached)
Victor A. Mota Garcia (pictured) was arrested and transported to Troop 9 where he was charged with two counts of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, Possesses a Controlled Substance in a Tier 5 Quantity, Manufactures, Delivers, or Possesses with the Intent to Manufacture, Deliver a Controlled Substance, Possession of a Weapon with a Removed, Obliterated or Altered Serial Number, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Driving Without a Valid License and speeding.
Victor A. Mota Garcia was arraigned by a judge from JP Court 2. Mota was committed to the James T. Vaughn Correctional Institution for lack of $171,002.00 cash bail.
The incident began yesterday, Wednesday, April 22, 2015, at approximately 10:51 p.m., as a trooper assigned to Troop 9, Odessa, was on routine patrol in the area of southbound SR 1 near exit 114, Smyrna. It was at this time that the trooper observed a gray Honda Odyssey traveling at what appeared to be a high rate of speed. The trooper then conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle in the area of SR 1 southbound Smyrna, at which time he came into contact with the operator of the minivan, later identified as Victor A. Mota Garcia, 31, of Philadelphia, PA. As the trooper was speaking to Moto Garcia, he noticed an ammunition round on the floor of the vehicle. Mota Garcia was unable to produce a valid driver’s license however provided a Dominican identification card. The trooper then had Moto Garcia exit the minivan. A subsequent search of the vehicle was conducted at which time the trooper located over 6900 bags of heroin along with over $56,000.00 in suspected drug sale proceeds along with two handguns in the spare tire compartment of the vehicle. (picture of seized contraband attached)
Victor A. Mota Garcia (pictured) was arrested and transported to Troop 9 where he was charged with two counts of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, Possesses a Controlled Substance in a Tier 5 Quantity, Manufactures, Delivers, or Possesses with the Intent to Manufacture, Deliver a Controlled Substance, Possession of a Weapon with a Removed, Obliterated or Altered Serial Number, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Driving Without a Valid License and speeding.
Victor A. Mota Garcia was arraigned by a judge from JP Court 2. Mota was committed to the James T. Vaughn Correctional Institution for lack of $171,002.00 cash bail.
Chimps Given Human Rights By U.S. Court
On Monday, a New York judge granted two chimpanzees a writ of habeas corpus. In other words, the chimps have the right to a day in court -- under a law that only applies to people.
This isn't coming from nowhere: The Nonhuman Rights Project (NhRP) has been trying to get chimps the rights of personhood for years. They represent the animals in court, arguing that their living situations -- as pets or performers -- should be considered as unlawful as the inhumane detention of a human.
The judge hasn't ruled that the two chimps, who live in a Stony Brook University lab, need to be released. The decision really only means that the chimps have the right to fight their detention in court.
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This isn't coming from nowhere: The Nonhuman Rights Project (NhRP) has been trying to get chimps the rights of personhood for years. They represent the animals in court, arguing that their living situations -- as pets or performers -- should be considered as unlawful as the inhumane detention of a human.
The judge hasn't ruled that the two chimps, who live in a Stony Brook University lab, need to be released. The decision really only means that the chimps have the right to fight their detention in court.
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Wall Street Analyst Uncovers Clinton Foundation Fraud
NEW YORK – The Bill, Hillary, and Chelsea Clinton Foundation – already under scrutiny for foreign donations – is now being accused of fraudulent and possibly criminal mis-management.
Over the past six weeks, Wall Street financial analyst and investor Charles Ortel has shared with WND, prior to publication, the results of his six-month, in-depth investigation into what he characterizes as an elaborate scheme devised by the Clintons to enrich themselves.
Through their foundation, Ortel contends, the Clintons have defrauded an unsuspecting international public of hundreds of millions of dollars for personal gain.
The findings come amid separate charges in Peter Schweizer’s upcoming book “Clinton Cash: The Untold Story of How and Why Foreign Governments and Businesses Helped Make Bill and Hillary Rich.”
In Ortel’s April 20 report, “False Philanthropy? First Interim Report Concerning The Bill Hillary & Chelsea Clinton Foundation,” he asks:
“Did management exercise vigilance to ensure that the Clinton Foundation actually carried out its original and its amended tax-exempt purposes?”
More here
Over the past six weeks, Wall Street financial analyst and investor Charles Ortel has shared with WND, prior to publication, the results of his six-month, in-depth investigation into what he characterizes as an elaborate scheme devised by the Clintons to enrich themselves.
Through their foundation, Ortel contends, the Clintons have defrauded an unsuspecting international public of hundreds of millions of dollars for personal gain.
The findings come amid separate charges in Peter Schweizer’s upcoming book “Clinton Cash: The Untold Story of How and Why Foreign Governments and Businesses Helped Make Bill and Hillary Rich.”
In Ortel’s April 20 report, “False Philanthropy? First Interim Report Concerning The Bill Hillary & Chelsea Clinton Foundation,” he asks:
“Did management exercise vigilance to ensure that the Clinton Foundation actually carried out its original and its amended tax-exempt purposes?”
More here
Conservative Speaker at Oberlin Triggers Debate About feminist ‘Trigger Warnings’
As a scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, Christina Hoff Sommers doesn’t appear terribly menacing, but her speech Monday night at Oberlin College had the campus on high alert.
The Ohio liberal arts college was abuzz with “trigger warnings,” intended to caution attendees that Ms. Sommers‘ lecture — or even her presence on campus — could be traumatizing. Just in case, students created a “safe space” for people to gather during and after her talk.
Most conservative speakers who show up at colleges risk getting shouted down or disinvited, but those like Ms. Sommers who run afoul of campus feminists can also expect to be accused of being a “trigger,” someone whose views make students “feel unsafe.”
What makes Ms. Sommers so threatening to students is that she challenges the “rape culture” narrative on campuses, including the oft-repeated statistic that 1 in 5 college women has been sexually assaulted.
Ms. Sommers, who was invited by Oberlin College Republicans and Libertarians, says the figure is more like 1 in 40 — which she says is still too high — and warns that the panic is leading to false accusations.
Read more
[Editor's "Trigger Warning": This article may cause breathing difficulty in individuals susceptible to hysterical laughter. Just thought we'd warn you.. :-)
The Ohio liberal arts college was abuzz with “trigger warnings,” intended to caution attendees that Ms. Sommers‘ lecture — or even her presence on campus — could be traumatizing. Just in case, students created a “safe space” for people to gather during and after her talk.
Most conservative speakers who show up at colleges risk getting shouted down or disinvited, but those like Ms. Sommers who run afoul of campus feminists can also expect to be accused of being a “trigger,” someone whose views make students “feel unsafe.”
What makes Ms. Sommers so threatening to students is that she challenges the “rape culture” narrative on campuses, including the oft-repeated statistic that 1 in 5 college women has been sexually assaulted.
Ms. Sommers, who was invited by Oberlin College Republicans and Libertarians, says the figure is more like 1 in 40 — which she says is still too high — and warns that the panic is leading to false accusations.
Read more
[Editor's "Trigger Warning": This article may cause breathing difficulty in individuals susceptible to hysterical laughter. Just thought we'd warn you.. :-)
Tennessee Girl, 3, Born Without Feet Gets Puppy Born Without a Paw
The best friends are the type who make us feel like we aren’t alone. A 3-year-old Tennessee girl born without feet and some of her fingers gained one such companion this week when she got a puppy with a missing paw, Fox 2 Now reported.
Sapphyre Johnson was born in Greenville, S.C., with a birth defect, which left her without some of her limbs. Among nine puppies in his litter, her new puppy, Lt. Dan— named after the “Forrest Gump” character who lost his legs in the Vietnam War— was the only one missing a paw.
“A lot of kids don’t see other children or animals that have issues like they have,” Sapphyre’s father, Matthew Johnson, told the Greenville News.
More here
Sapphyre Johnson was born in Greenville, S.C., with a birth defect, which left her without some of her limbs. Among nine puppies in his litter, her new puppy, Lt. Dan— named after the “Forrest Gump” character who lost his legs in the Vietnam War— was the only one missing a paw.
“A lot of kids don’t see other children or animals that have issues like they have,” Sapphyre’s father, Matthew Johnson, told the Greenville News.
More here
Shocking statistic: Is this what happens when you repeal “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell”
In 2010, President Obama signed the repeal of “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” in the military, allowing gay, lesbian and bisexual soldiers to serve openly in all branches of the armed forces.
Are there unintended consequences? Well, take a look at these statistics, and you decide.
As CNS News reports, Defense Secretary Ashton Carter told a group of ROTC cadets on Wednesday that last year, far more men (10,400) than women (8,500) “experienced unwanted sexual contact.”
Carter added that “too few” men reported the incidents as sexual assault.
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Are there unintended consequences? Well, take a look at these statistics, and you decide.
As CNS News reports, Defense Secretary Ashton Carter told a group of ROTC cadets on Wednesday that last year, far more men (10,400) than women (8,500) “experienced unwanted sexual contact.”
Carter added that “too few” men reported the incidents as sexual assault.
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Bill Nye’s Earth Day Trip With Obama On Air Force One Skewered
Television personality and climate change activist Bill Nye was skewered online for announcing an Air Force One flight with President Obama on Earth Day.
“Heading down to DC to catch an #EarthDay flight on Air Force One tomorrow with the President. We’re going to #ActOnClimate,” Mr. Nye wrote on Twitter late Tuesday.
The two men will fly across the country to discuss the Florida Everglades climate change’s effect on the economy.
“Stunning lack of self awareness here,” Twitter user Don Carpenter wrote.
“No irony there. Shouldn’t you be biking there instead of burning jet fuel?” said Gerald Aungst, The Blaze reported Tuesday.
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“Heading down to DC to catch an #EarthDay flight on Air Force One tomorrow with the President. We’re going to #ActOnClimate,” Mr. Nye wrote on Twitter late Tuesday.
The two men will fly across the country to discuss the Florida Everglades climate change’s effect on the economy.
“Stunning lack of self awareness here,” Twitter user Don Carpenter wrote.
“No irony there. Shouldn’t you be biking there instead of burning jet fuel?” said Gerald Aungst, The Blaze reported Tuesday.
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Revenge: IRS Deliberately Cut Its Own Customer Service Budget
If you tried to contact the IRS with a question about your taxes this year, chances are you didn't get a response. The IRS estimated that it would only answer 17 million of the 49 million calls received this filing season. Taxpayers lucky enough to have the IRS answer their calls waited an average of 34.4 minutes for assistance--nearly double the wait time last year (18.7 minutes).
IRS Commissioner John Koskinen has blamed the IRS's "abysmal" customer service on congressional budget cuts--funding is down $1.2 billion from its 2010 peak--but a new congressional report points the finger back at the IRS. While congressional funding for the IRS remained flat from 2014 to 2015, the IRS diverted $134 million away from customer service to other activities.
In addition to the $11 billion appropriated by Congress, the IRS takes in more than $400 million in user fees and may allocate that money as it sees fit. In 2014, the IRS allocated $183 million in user fees to its customer service budget, but allocated just $49 million in 2015--a 76 percent cut.
More here
IRS Commissioner John Koskinen has blamed the IRS's "abysmal" customer service on congressional budget cuts--funding is down $1.2 billion from its 2010 peak--but a new congressional report points the finger back at the IRS. While congressional funding for the IRS remained flat from 2014 to 2015, the IRS diverted $134 million away from customer service to other activities.
In addition to the $11 billion appropriated by Congress, the IRS takes in more than $400 million in user fees and may allocate that money as it sees fit. In 2014, the IRS allocated $183 million in user fees to its customer service budget, but allocated just $49 million in 2015--a 76 percent cut.
More here
Could States Afford Jobless Benefits If Another Recession Hits?
Tens of billions of dollars in debt. Cuts to jobless aid that have been called “historic and disturbing.” Unemployment insurance trust funds that are still clawing their way back to solvency.
This is the Great Recession’s legacy for the nation’s unemployment safety net. The sustained downturn and spike in joblessness stressed state programs to an extent not seen in decades, requiring emergency federal aid. Now, unemployment nationwide has fallen to 5.5 percent and the amount of unemployment benefits paid in the states has dropped to pre-recession norms in many cases. Federal jobless aid to extend benefits expired last year.
Yet many state unemployment insurance trust funds still face a deficit. Those that are in the black often have balances below pre-recession peaks. And many states are paying less in benefits. The result is a safety net significantly weaker than it was before the recession.
Six years after the end of the recession, many state officials and labor analysts are concerned about what will happen to jobless benefits once another economic downturn arrives.
“When it comes, the (unemployment) program is going to be weaker and less effective than it was in the last recession,” said Wayne Vroman, a senior fellow in the Center on Labor, Human Services and Population at the Urban Institute. “The consequences are going to be there in the next recession, and it will be obvious.”
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This is the Great Recession’s legacy for the nation’s unemployment safety net. The sustained downturn and spike in joblessness stressed state programs to an extent not seen in decades, requiring emergency federal aid. Now, unemployment nationwide has fallen to 5.5 percent and the amount of unemployment benefits paid in the states has dropped to pre-recession norms in many cases. Federal jobless aid to extend benefits expired last year.
Yet many state unemployment insurance trust funds still face a deficit. Those that are in the black often have balances below pre-recession peaks. And many states are paying less in benefits. The result is a safety net significantly weaker than it was before the recession.
Six years after the end of the recession, many state officials and labor analysts are concerned about what will happen to jobless benefits once another economic downturn arrives.
“When it comes, the (unemployment) program is going to be weaker and less effective than it was in the last recession,” said Wayne Vroman, a senior fellow in the Center on Labor, Human Services and Population at the Urban Institute. “The consequences are going to be there in the next recession, and it will be obvious.”
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Cull or Kill?
Fish and Wildlife Service staff members will head to Alaska for a hunting trip. Not on vacation, but rather on official business. Their mission: Cull a herd of caribou on a remote island in the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge.
The Agriculture Department worries the few caribou there could make more caribou, threatening the ecosystem of Kagalaska Island. Caribou swim to Kagalaska Island from the adjacent Adak. Both lie far out in the Aleutian chain.
Meat from the slaughtered caribou will be made available to locals on Adak.
Why George W. Bush Let a Soldier’s Mom Yell at Him
News of America’s military men and women were wounded and killed in Iraq and Afghanistan almost overwhelmed me on some days. I may have sounded strong when I was talking to the press, but sometimes I had to push my feelings way down in order to get any words out of my mouth to make statements and answer questions.
The hardest days were when President Bush went to visit the wounded or families of the fallen. If it was tough for me, you can only imagine what it was like for the families and for a president who knew that his decisions led his troops into battles where they fought valiantly but were severely injured or lost their lives.
He regularly visited patients at Walter Reed military hospital near the White House. These stops were unannounced because of security concerns and hassles for the hospital staff that come with a full blown presidential visit.
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The hardest days were when President Bush went to visit the wounded or families of the fallen. If it was tough for me, you can only imagine what it was like for the families and for a president who knew that his decisions led his troops into battles where they fought valiantly but were severely injured or lost their lives.
He regularly visited patients at Walter Reed military hospital near the White House. These stops were unannounced because of security concerns and hassles for the hospital staff that come with a full blown presidential visit.
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Why An American And A Russian General Are Suddenly Very Worried About Nuclear War
"We find ourselves in an increasingly risky strategic environment. The Ukrainian crisis has threatened the stability of relations between Russia and the West, including the nuclear dimension — as became apparent last month when it was reported that Russian defense officials had advised President Vladimir V. Putin to consider placing Russia’s nuclear arsenal on alert during last year’s crisis in Crimea. Diplomatic efforts have done little to ease the new nuclear tension. This makes it all the more critical for Russia and the United States to talk, to relieve the pressures to “use or lose” nuclear forces during a crisis and minimize the risk of a mistaken launch."
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Bush would overturn Obama's executive actions on immigration
Former Gov. Jeb Bush (R-Fla.) said that he would overturn President Obama’s controversial executive actions on immigration.
In an interview Tuesday, he said federal courts might strike down Obama’s actions giving millions of immigrants legal status — but if they did not he said he would act.
“Yes I would, it’s possible that by the time the next president arrives the court will overturn those,” Bush said of Obama’s executive actions from 2012 and 2014. He made the comments on theMichael Medved Show.
“This concept of prosecutorial discretion, which is what he’s used as the basis for these executive orders, is to look at cases on a case by case basis. He’s had millions of people basically by the stroke of a pen being given temporary status.”
Bush said that the right way to fix the nation’s immigration problems is through legislation.
A group of 26 states have sued the president, claiming that his immigration actions in 2014 are unconstitutional.
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In an interview Tuesday, he said federal courts might strike down Obama’s actions giving millions of immigrants legal status — but if they did not he said he would act.
“Yes I would, it’s possible that by the time the next president arrives the court will overturn those,” Bush said of Obama’s executive actions from 2012 and 2014. He made the comments on theMichael Medved Show.
“This concept of prosecutorial discretion, which is what he’s used as the basis for these executive orders, is to look at cases on a case by case basis. He’s had millions of people basically by the stroke of a pen being given temporary status.”
Bush said that the right way to fix the nation’s immigration problems is through legislation.
A group of 26 states have sued the president, claiming that his immigration actions in 2014 are unconstitutional.
More
FRIENDS OF WICOMICO PUBLIC LIBRARIES TO HOST BI-ANNUAL BOOK SALE
The Friends of Wicomico Public Libraries will host their Bi-Annual Book Sale April 24 and 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and April 26 from 1 to 4:30 p.m. at the Downtown Library.
Art books, cook books, local history books about the Delmarva Peninsula, classic and current fiction, music and movies will be available for sale. All materials found at the book sale are under $2 with items as low as 10 cents. The Bag o’ Books sale begins at 2 PM on Saturday through Sunday where visitors may fill a Friends bag full of books for only $15.
Upon presentation of their membership card, active 2015 Friends members receive a 50 percent off discount on all Book Sale items. All proceeds for the book sale go directly to the Friends of the Libraries efforts to promote the Library’s mission to support education, enrich lives and build community.
The Friends of Wicomico Public Libraries provide vital support for the Library. By developing a membership base that represents our diverse community, raising awareness of the Library as a public education provider and advocating for a modern, community focused library space, the Friends raise the banner for quality Library service throughout Wicomico County.
Being a Friend shows your commitment to the Library; its resources, services and its educational opportunities. Your friendship demonstrates to community leaders that the library is vital to our community and that it has a continuing base of support.
Wicomico Public Libraries has locations in Downtown Salisbury, the Centre at Salisbury, Pittsville, and the Library Bookmobile. Not only does Wicomico Public Libraries offer numerous resources such as free Internet access, a variety of classes, programs and events, public meeting rooms and an online virtual library with eBooks, but it engages with the community by supporting learning, building community, and enriching lives. You Belong @ Wicomico Public Libraries!
Art books, cook books, local history books about the Delmarva Peninsula, classic and current fiction, music and movies will be available for sale. All materials found at the book sale are under $2 with items as low as 10 cents. The Bag o’ Books sale begins at 2 PM on Saturday through Sunday where visitors may fill a Friends bag full of books for only $15.
Upon presentation of their membership card, active 2015 Friends members receive a 50 percent off discount on all Book Sale items. All proceeds for the book sale go directly to the Friends of the Libraries efforts to promote the Library’s mission to support education, enrich lives and build community.
The Friends of Wicomico Public Libraries provide vital support for the Library. By developing a membership base that represents our diverse community, raising awareness of the Library as a public education provider and advocating for a modern, community focused library space, the Friends raise the banner for quality Library service throughout Wicomico County.
Being a Friend shows your commitment to the Library; its resources, services and its educational opportunities. Your friendship demonstrates to community leaders that the library is vital to our community and that it has a continuing base of support.
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Thirty years in jail for a single hair: the FBI's 'mass disaster' of false conviction
George Perrot has spent almost 30 years in prison thanks to a single hair. It was discovered by an FBI agent on the bedsheet of a 78-year-old woman who had been raped by a burglar in her home in Springfield,Massachusetts, in 1985.
Perrot, then 17, was put on trial, despite the absence of physical evidence tying him to the crime scene. There was no semen. There was no blood. And so there was no way to conduct a conclusive DNA test.
Even the victim testified that the defendant looked nothing like her attacker: he had a short haircut and was clean-shaven, while Perrot had a long shaggy mop, a moustache and a goatee beard.
But there was that strand of hair. At a key stage in the 1992 rape and burglary trial, an FBI agent named Wayne Oakes took the witness stand, describing himself to the jury as an expert in hair and textile fibers – as would so many of the agency’s trial witnesses, in condemning hundreds of people to long prison sentences.
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Perrot, then 17, was put on trial, despite the absence of physical evidence tying him to the crime scene. There was no semen. There was no blood. And so there was no way to conduct a conclusive DNA test.
Even the victim testified that the defendant looked nothing like her attacker: he had a short haircut and was clean-shaven, while Perrot had a long shaggy mop, a moustache and a goatee beard.
But there was that strand of hair. At a key stage in the 1992 rape and burglary trial, an FBI agent named Wayne Oakes took the witness stand, describing himself to the jury as an expert in hair and textile fibers – as would so many of the agency’s trial witnesses, in condemning hundreds of people to long prison sentences.
More
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