DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
6th Annual Chefs for Habitat Culinary Celebration
Please join Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County for our
6th Annual Chefs for Habitat Culinary Celebration
Date: September 19, 2015 at 5:30
Location: Dove Pointe
1225 Mount Hermon Road
Salisbury, MD 21801
Tickets: $75 per ticket
Sponsorships: start at $250 and include event tickets!
Extraordinary chefs will prepare samplings of their signature dish to be shared with our guests. The evening will consist of the live music, a lively waiters race, and chances to bid on an array of Live and Silent Auction prizes featuring sumptuous dinners and parties catered by some of the Shore’s best chefs.
For more information contact our office: 410-546-1551
Heavily armed 'Oath Keepers' inject disquieting element in Ferguson
FERGUSON, Mo. (Reuters) - Four white men carrying military-style rifles and sidearms added a disquieting element to riot-torn Ferguson, Missouri, when they began patrolling the streets before dawn on Tuesday, which police quickly labeled "inflammatory."
The men said they were part of a group called "Oath Keepers," which describes itself as a non-partisan association of current and former U.S. soldiers, police and first responders who aim to protect the U.S. Constitution. They told reporters on the street that they were in Ferguson to protect a media organization.
The men attracted immediate attention in the mostly black neighborhood, which exploded into violence on Sunday night as protesters marked the one-year anniversary of the killing of an unarmed black teen by police.
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The men said they were part of a group called "Oath Keepers," which describes itself as a non-partisan association of current and former U.S. soldiers, police and first responders who aim to protect the U.S. Constitution. They told reporters on the street that they were in Ferguson to protect a media organization.
The men attracted immediate attention in the mostly black neighborhood, which exploded into violence on Sunday night as protesters marked the one-year anniversary of the killing of an unarmed black teen by police.
More
Photos of this morning's Terrier-Improved Malemute launch
Some photos of this morning's Terrier-Improved Malemute launch from our optical systems group. Congratulations to the RockSat-X team!
Posted by NASA's Wallops Flight Facility on Wednesday, August 12, 2015
Why the Fox Debate is taking hits from Donald Trump’s fans
The attacks by Donald Trump and his followers on the Fox News debate have raised a really important question:
What, exactly, is the role of moderators in a presidential debate?
Or to take a broader view: What is the role of journalists, period?
Many in the mainstream media, including such luminaries as Katie Couric, Andrea Mitchell and Jeff Greenfield, have praised the tough questioning by Megyn Kelly, Bret Baier and Chris Wallace. Perhaps most striking was this piece by liberal New York Times columnist Frank Bruni:
“They took each of the 10 Republicans onstage to task. They held each of them to account. They made each address the most prominent blemishes on his record, the most profound apprehensions that voters feel about him, the greatest vulnerability that he has.
“It was riveting. It was admirable. It compels me to write a cluster of words I never imagined writing: hooray for Fox News.”
More
What, exactly, is the role of moderators in a presidential debate?
Or to take a broader view: What is the role of journalists, period?
Many in the mainstream media, including such luminaries as Katie Couric, Andrea Mitchell and Jeff Greenfield, have praised the tough questioning by Megyn Kelly, Bret Baier and Chris Wallace. Perhaps most striking was this piece by liberal New York Times columnist Frank Bruni:
“They took each of the 10 Republicans onstage to task. They held each of them to account. They made each address the most prominent blemishes on his record, the most profound apprehensions that voters feel about him, the greatest vulnerability that he has.
“It was riveting. It was admirable. It compels me to write a cluster of words I never imagined writing: hooray for Fox News.”
More
Man catches record-breaking Snakehead on Potomac River
Todd Murphy shot a Northern Snakehead with a bow and arrow early Saturday in Mattawoman Creek in Charles County, which is a tributary of the Potomac River.
The fish officially weighed in at 17.47 pounds and is almost 36 inches long.
Maryland Department of Natural Resources Biologist Branson Williams certified the catch.
More
What happened to the lost colonists of Roanoke?
For more than 400 years, researchers have been attempting to uncover the fate of the 'lost colonists' who disappeared from a sandy outpost on Roanoke Island.
Queen Elizabeth I and explorer Sir Walter Raleigh had hoped the 1580s expedition would create a capital in the New World, but something went terribly wrong.
The men, women and children somehow vanished, along with any sign of a settlement, and the infamous 'lost colony' became rooted in American folklore.
Now, two teams of archaeologists say they have uncovered fresh evidence that could reveal what happened to the inhabitants of the 'Lost Colony.'
More
Queen Elizabeth I and explorer Sir Walter Raleigh had hoped the 1580s expedition would create a capital in the New World, but something went terribly wrong.
The men, women and children somehow vanished, along with any sign of a settlement, and the infamous 'lost colony' became rooted in American folklore.
Now, two teams of archaeologists say they have uncovered fresh evidence that could reveal what happened to the inhabitants of the 'Lost Colony.'
More
Beaten Pomeranian found with note: ‘We beat it 2 death lol’
Fox’s owner says the 13-year-old dog’s body was discovered by a “frantic” neighbor outside the owner’s condominium less than 24 hours after Fox disappeared. The note was on top of the dog.
Pembroke Pines Police are looking for the attackers. The owner, Ronald Boisvert, says he doesn’t know why anyone would want to hurt Fox.
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Recession Imminent As Wholesale Inventories Surge, Sales Disappoint; Autos Worst Since 2009
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A phenomenal Perseid meteor shower peaks this week — here’s how to watch
The shooting star spectacle peaks on the night of Wednesday into Thursday morning, with as many as 90 to 100 shooting stars an hour, according to the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada and the Royal Astronomical Society in the U.K. In the eastern U.S., the most prolific cosmic bombardment will likely be around 4 a.m. Eastern time.
This year’s peak could be phenomenal because the Perseids won’t compete with moon light, since the waning crescent moon sets at 6:44 p.m. on Wednesday. This will create a nice dark, moon-free heaven for meteor observers.
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Horrifically, GOP defends NSA’s illegal surveillance of U.S. citizens
Washington establishment wants to fool the American people with a false choice
As late as Thursday night, establishment Republican leaders are still eager to defend government surveillance of U.S. citizens even two years after Edward Snowden exposed illegal, domestic snooping of U.S. citizens. This establishment is using typical Washington double-talk, false choices and games to try to bamboozle Americans into accepting abuses and domestic spying by the National Security Agency and the Central Intelligence Agency.
Government’s invasion of your privacy was a topic in Thursday’s two crowded debates among the 17 candidates for the Republican nomination for president. Looking beyond the focus on Donald Trump and “theatre of the absurd” reviews of “The Donald’s” Twitter messages, the national security of the country and how to provide for the common defense did eventually become a serious topic. There was strong condemnation all around of President Obama’s failed diplomacy with Iran and the role of China and Russia in hacking of U.S. government computers.
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As late as Thursday night, establishment Republican leaders are still eager to defend government surveillance of U.S. citizens even two years after Edward Snowden exposed illegal, domestic snooping of U.S. citizens. This establishment is using typical Washington double-talk, false choices and games to try to bamboozle Americans into accepting abuses and domestic spying by the National Security Agency and the Central Intelligence Agency.
Government’s invasion of your privacy was a topic in Thursday’s two crowded debates among the 17 candidates for the Republican nomination for president. Looking beyond the focus on Donald Trump and “theatre of the absurd” reviews of “The Donald’s” Twitter messages, the national security of the country and how to provide for the common defense did eventually become a serious topic. There was strong condemnation all around of President Obama’s failed diplomacy with Iran and the role of China and Russia in hacking of U.S. government computers.
More
Hopeful For Acquisition, Berlin To Conduct Feasibility Study On Former Tyson Property
Following a clean environmental report, the Berlin Town Council voted to spend $34,500 to have EDSA, a Florida-based architectural services company, do a feasibility study to determine the best uses for the old industrial property. Town officials first announced plans to buy the land, which has been vacant for more than a decade, and turn it into a public facility in late 2014.
“As the study concludes, we’ll know what the recommended uses are,” Mayor Gee Williams said. “We’re making the right decision in bringing in top notch experts to help us decide the best options.”
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Chart Of The Day: The Rise Of The Regulatory Leviathan, 1936-2011
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BREAKING NEWS: Former US President Jimmy Carter says he has cancer
Former President Jimmy Carter, 90, who served as the nation’s 39th commander-in-chief, says he has cancer and will undergo treatment in Atlanta.
Governor Larry Hogan Announces Maryland Grand Slam
$3 Million Allocated to Encourage Home Buyers
in Baltimore City
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Larry Hogan today announced Maryland Grand Slam, a $2 million program to build stronger communities in Baltimore through homeownership. These funds will be maximized with an additional $1 million from the City of Baltimore following today’s approval by the city’s spending board. Both state and city funds will provide grants to home buyers purchasing through the Maryland Mortgage Program, the state’s premier home loan product.The new Maryland Grand Slam will help make homeownership more accessible by offering prospective buyers four ways to reduce the cost of buying a home, including $7,500 in down payment assistance grants. The initiative builds upon the governor’s comprehensive and ongoing efforts to help the city rebound from the civil unrest in April.
“Maryland Grand Slam will help change Maryland for the better by giving hardworking families that extra boost they need to get into the home of their dreams,” Governor Hogan said. “This initiative will revitalize neighborhoods in our state’s largest city while helping families build a lasting financial legacy for their children and their children’s children. A strong housing market is key to a strong economy. This program will help more families become homeowners and will improve our economy.”
The four benefits of Maryland Grand Slam are:
- $5,000 for down payment assistance in the form of an outright grant from the state. The Hogan administration has allocated $2 million from Maryland’s rainy day fund for this initiative, a decision affirmed by the state’s Board of Public Works in June.
- $2,500 for additional down payment assistance from the City of Baltimore, also in the form of a grant. Baltimore’s Board of Estimates approved the program on Wednesday.
- A federal tax credit through the Maryland HomeCredit program that can save the homeowner tens of thousands of dollars over the life of the loan. In addition, Maryland is waiving its usual fee for a savings of as much as $450.
- A 0.25 percent discount on the already low Maryland Mortgage Program interest rate.
For more information about Maryland Grand Slam and other Maryland Mortgage Program products, visithttp://mmp.maryland.gov.
More evidence that fried food raises heart attack risk
Miami (AFP) - People who eat lots of fried food and sugary drinks have a 56 percent higher risk of heart disease compared to those who eat healthier, according to US researchers.
The findings in Circulation, a journal of the American Heart Association, were based on a six-year study of more than 17,000 people in the United States.
Researchers found that people who regularly ate what was described as a Southern style diet -- fried foods, eggs, processed meats like bacon and ham, and sugary drinks -- faced the highest risk of a heart attack or heart-related death during the next six years.
"Regardless of your gender, race, or where you live, if you frequently eat a Southern-style diet you should be aware of your risk of heart disease and try to make some gradual changes to your diet," said lead researcher James Shikany, a nutritional epidemiologist at the University of Alabama at Birmingham's Division of Preventive Medicine.
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The findings in Circulation, a journal of the American Heart Association, were based on a six-year study of more than 17,000 people in the United States.
Researchers found that people who regularly ate what was described as a Southern style diet -- fried foods, eggs, processed meats like bacon and ham, and sugary drinks -- faced the highest risk of a heart attack or heart-related death during the next six years.
"Regardless of your gender, race, or where you live, if you frequently eat a Southern-style diet you should be aware of your risk of heart disease and try to make some gradual changes to your diet," said lead researcher James Shikany, a nutritional epidemiologist at the University of Alabama at Birmingham's Division of Preventive Medicine.
More
Jeb Worked With Bloomberg Amid $50 Million Anti-Coal Push
Presidential candidate and former Gov. Jeb Bush got into some hot water recently over his past work with a foundation run by former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg for its funding of Planned Parenthood.
What went unnoticed, however, was that Bush worked with Bloomberg as he gave millions to environmental groups to take down the coal industry.
Bush, who’s looking to win the Republican presidential nomination, served as a founding director of the Bloomberg Family Foundation — now called Bloomberg Philanthropies — from 2010 through 2014. During Bush’s second year with the organization, Bloomberg donated $50 million to the Sierra Club’s “Beyond Coal” campaign.
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What went unnoticed, however, was that Bush worked with Bloomberg as he gave millions to environmental groups to take down the coal industry.
Bush, who’s looking to win the Republican presidential nomination, served as a founding director of the Bloomberg Family Foundation — now called Bloomberg Philanthropies — from 2010 through 2014. During Bush’s second year with the organization, Bloomberg donated $50 million to the Sierra Club’s “Beyond Coal” campaign.
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Media Company Drops Appeal In Drowning Victim Name Suit
Last September, Gannett filed suit in Worcester County Circuit Court against the town and its police department seeking to force the town to release the name of a 17-year-old victim who drowned in the ocean off 92nd Street in June 2014. That incident marked the second time in less than two weeks a teen visiting the resort died in the ocean.
The Ocean City Police Department did not release the victim’s name, citing a request for privacy from the teen’s family. Most local media outlets did not pursue the issue any further, respecting the family’s wishes and deciding instead releasing the victim’s name would not serve any public purpose or contribute to the newsworthiness of the story.
Following the incident, Gannett Company Inc. submitted a Public Information Act (PIA) request to the OCPD seeking the victim’s name, but were denied by the department, which stood behind the wishes of the family not to release the information. Gannett then filed a second PIA request asking the resort to point out where in the law a special exception based on privacy was included.
Rebuffed again, Gannett last September filed suit in Worcester County Circuit Court against the Mayor and Council and the police department seeking to force the resort to release the victim’s name. By that point, the media outlet’s quest became less about the release of the individual drowning victim’s name and more about the town’s ability to pick and choose what information it chooses to release or withhold.
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HHS announces an additional $169 million in Affordable Care Act funding to 266 community health centers
“Across the country, health centers have provided a source of high-quality primary care for people in rural and urban communities for 50 years,” said Acting Deputy Secretary Mary Wakefield. “These Affordable Care Act funds build on the strong legacy of the health center program and provide even more individuals and families with access to the care they need the most.”
This investment will add to the more than 700 new health center sites that have opened as a result of the Affordable Care Act, including those awarded earlier this year. What started with one clinic in rural Mississippi and another in South Boston is today a national program that supports 1,300 community-based and patient-directed health centers with 9,000 sites serving nearly 23 million people.
Traffic Advisory
Troopers Investigating Serious Crash on Sussex Highway North of Seaford
Seaford, DE - The Delaware State Police are currently on the scene of a serious crash on Sussex Highway (US13) southbound, south of Cannon Road (SR18) that occurred around 12:50 p.m.
Preliminary investigation indicates the crash involves a tractor trailer and a car. The extent of the injuries to the operators and any passengers are unknown at this time.
US13 southbound at south of SR18 is currently closed at this time.
Further details will be released upon the conclusion of the investigation.
Seaford, DE - The Delaware State Police are currently on the scene of a serious crash on Sussex Highway (US13) southbound, south of Cannon Road (SR18) that occurred around 12:50 p.m.
Preliminary investigation indicates the crash involves a tractor trailer and a car. The extent of the injuries to the operators and any passengers are unknown at this time.
US13 southbound at south of SR18 is currently closed at this time.
Further details will be released upon the conclusion of the investigation.
John Stuart Mill and the Dangers from Unrestrained Government
Editorial by Richard Ebeling
One of the great voices for personal liberty was that of the British economist and political philosopher, John Stuart Mill. His essay, "On Liberty," though penned well over 150 years ago, is a classic statement that the individual should be respected in his right of freedom of thought, speech and action.
But John Stuart Mill (1806-1873) was also one of the most important economists of the nineteenth century. His Principles of Political Economy, originally published in 1848, became the leading textbook for at least two generations of students, from which they learned the nature of a market economy and its alternatives.
J. S. Mill's Sympathies for Socialism and "Distributive Justice"
Mill has been a highly controversial figure among friends of freedom because while strongly endorsing the autonomy of the individual in thought and deed, he believed (and even hoped) that someday in the future human nature might have changed enough to be compatible with elements of the socialist idea of an altruistic good society.
He also argued that while the physical laws of production (the technological requirements of producing goods from resources and raw materials) are beyond man's control to arbitrarily change, the "laws of distribution" were open to human choice and manipulation, given any social values people may have.
That is, after the output of goods has been produced, it is a matter of "society's" preference to decide how to distribute it among the members of any community. This led the Austrian economist, F. A. Hayek, to argue that Mill's "advocacy of distributive justice and a general sympathetic attitude towards socialist aspirations in some of his other writings, prepared the gradual transition of a large part of the liberal intellectuals to a moderate socialism."
And it is certainly the case that in his Principles of Political Economy, Mill argued for numerous exceptions to the laissez-faire principle of governments being limited to the protection of life, liberty and peacefully acquired property. Most current-day classical liberals find many, if not most, of these exceptions unpersuasive in the light of more than a century with the experience of government intervention in education, business regulation, the labor market and welfare state "social safety nets."
More
One of the great voices for personal liberty was that of the British economist and political philosopher, John Stuart Mill. His essay, "On Liberty," though penned well over 150 years ago, is a classic statement that the individual should be respected in his right of freedom of thought, speech and action.
But John Stuart Mill (1806-1873) was also one of the most important economists of the nineteenth century. His Principles of Political Economy, originally published in 1848, became the leading textbook for at least two generations of students, from which they learned the nature of a market economy and its alternatives.
J. S. Mill's Sympathies for Socialism and "Distributive Justice"
Mill has been a highly controversial figure among friends of freedom because while strongly endorsing the autonomy of the individual in thought and deed, he believed (and even hoped) that someday in the future human nature might have changed enough to be compatible with elements of the socialist idea of an altruistic good society.
He also argued that while the physical laws of production (the technological requirements of producing goods from resources and raw materials) are beyond man's control to arbitrarily change, the "laws of distribution" were open to human choice and manipulation, given any social values people may have.
That is, after the output of goods has been produced, it is a matter of "society's" preference to decide how to distribute it among the members of any community. This led the Austrian economist, F. A. Hayek, to argue that Mill's "advocacy of distributive justice and a general sympathetic attitude towards socialist aspirations in some of his other writings, prepared the gradual transition of a large part of the liberal intellectuals to a moderate socialism."
And it is certainly the case that in his Principles of Political Economy, Mill argued for numerous exceptions to the laissez-faire principle of governments being limited to the protection of life, liberty and peacefully acquired property. Most current-day classical liberals find many, if not most, of these exceptions unpersuasive in the light of more than a century with the experience of government intervention in education, business regulation, the labor market and welfare state "social safety nets."
More
As President, Cruz Would ‘Rip Up’ Iran Deal, Instruct US Embassy to Move to Jerusalem
(CNSNews) – Among five key actions he would take on his first day in the Oval Office, Republican presidential hopeful Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) said at the weekend, are two foreign policy priorities – “rip up and rescind this catastrophic Iranian nuclear deal,” and start the process of moving the U.S. Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem.
Both would be designed to send powerful messages to the world, he told the Red State gathering in Atlanta at the weekend.
“In many ways the most important thing in this election, both in the primary and in the general, is the threat of a nuclear Iran. It’s the one threat that could murder millions of Americans.”
Cruz said he could not wait to go up against Democratic contender Hillary Clinton in a campaign debate, “and to make clear, if you vote for Hillary you are voting for Iran to have nuclear weapons.”
“And if I’m elected president, under no circumstances will a nation lead by a theocratic zealot who leads chants of ‘Death to America’ be allowed to acquire the weapons that could murder millions of Americans.”
More here
Both would be designed to send powerful messages to the world, he told the Red State gathering in Atlanta at the weekend.
“In many ways the most important thing in this election, both in the primary and in the general, is the threat of a nuclear Iran. It’s the one threat that could murder millions of Americans.”
Cruz said he could not wait to go up against Democratic contender Hillary Clinton in a campaign debate, “and to make clear, if you vote for Hillary you are voting for Iran to have nuclear weapons.”
“And if I’m elected president, under no circumstances will a nation lead by a theocratic zealot who leads chants of ‘Death to America’ be allowed to acquire the weapons that could murder millions of Americans.”
More here
Go Dutch (Not a joke)
Dutch . . . But Why Wait Until 2016?
The Netherlands , where six per cent of the population
is now Muslim, is scrapping multiculturalism.
The Dutch government says it will abandon the
long-standing model of multiculturalism that
has encouraged Muslim immigrants to create a
parallel society within the Netherlands.
A new integration bill, which Dutch Interior
Minister Piet Hein Donner presented to parliament,
on June 16, 2015 reads:
"The government shares the social dissatisfaction
over the multicultural society model and plans
to shift priority to the values of the Dutch people."
In the new integration system, the values of the
Dutch society, play a central role.
is now Muslim, is scrapping multiculturalism.
The Dutch government says it will abandon the
long-standing model of multiculturalism that
has encouraged Muslim immigrants to create a
parallel society within the Netherlands.
A new integration bill, which Dutch Interior
Minister Piet Hein Donner presented to parliament,
on June 16, 2015 reads:
"The government shares the social dissatisfaction
over the multicultural society model and plans
to shift priority to the values of the Dutch people."
In the new integration system, the values of the
Dutch society, play a central role.
With this change, the government steps away
from the model of a multicultural society.
The letter continues: "A more obligatory
integration is justified because the government
also demands that from its own citizens."
from the model of a multicultural society.
The letter continues: "A more obligatory
integration is justified because the government
also demands that from its own citizens."
NM Gov. Martinez: 'We Have People Preparing a Lawsuit' Against EPA
(CNSNews) - New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez (R) says her state may sue the Environmental Protection Agency for causing an environmental disaster that will have repercussions for years to come.
"I'm not taking anything off of the table. Right now, we have people preparing for a lawsuit if that is what we need to do, but nothing is off the table right now," Martinez told Fox News Tuesday morning.
"We cannot have different standards for private industry and for the federal government, and we are going to hold them accountable. The long term damage and the short-term damage is unpredictable, but we know that it's devastating."
"We are not aware of all of the toxins that in the river," Martinez said on Tuesday. "The EPA has not been commuicating and has not been forthcoming with the State of New Mexico as to the different types of toxins."
According to press reports, the water is full of heavy metals, including lead, arsenic, and cadmium.
Martinez said it took the EPA almost 24 hours to even notify New Mexico about the spill. "And it actually didn't even come from the EPA. The Ute -- the Southern Ute Indians are the ones who actually informed us that this toxic spill had taken place into the river."
Environmental activist groups, including the Natural Resources Defense Council, the Sierra Club and EarthJustice, had nothing to say on their websites about the river contamination out West, although those groups are quick to blast the coal and energy industries and other (non-EPA) polluters.
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"I'm not taking anything off of the table. Right now, we have people preparing for a lawsuit if that is what we need to do, but nothing is off the table right now," Martinez told Fox News Tuesday morning.
"We cannot have different standards for private industry and for the federal government, and we are going to hold them accountable. The long term damage and the short-term damage is unpredictable, but we know that it's devastating."
"We are not aware of all of the toxins that in the river," Martinez said on Tuesday. "The EPA has not been commuicating and has not been forthcoming with the State of New Mexico as to the different types of toxins."
According to press reports, the water is full of heavy metals, including lead, arsenic, and cadmium.
Martinez said it took the EPA almost 24 hours to even notify New Mexico about the spill. "And it actually didn't even come from the EPA. The Ute -- the Southern Ute Indians are the ones who actually informed us that this toxic spill had taken place into the river."
Environmental activist groups, including the Natural Resources Defense Council, the Sierra Club and EarthJustice, had nothing to say on their websites about the river contamination out West, although those groups are quick to blast the coal and energy industries and other (non-EPA) polluters.
More
U.S. House and Senate Each Said They Had Only 45 Employees
(CNSNews) – Both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives certified that they had only 45 employees each in order to sign up for the District of Columbia’s Small Business Exchange. But 12,359 - or 86 percent of the exchange's enrollees - are members of Congress, congressional staff members, and their spouses and dependents, according to an appeal filed with the D.C. Court of Appeals by Judicial Watch.
The public interest law firm announced Monday that it is appealing the February dismissal of its lawsuit challenging congressional participation in the Obamacare exchange even though the D.C. Exchange Act limits enrollment to small companies with 50 or fewer employees.
“Congress obviously has far more than 50 employees,” Judicial Watch attorney Michael Bekesha pointed out in his opening brief. “It has thousands of employees.”
Congress enrolled in the small business exchange when its previous coverage under the Federal Employee Health Benefits plan was terminated by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and congressional employees stood to lose thousands of dollars in “employer contributions” if they enrolled in the District’s individual exchange.
According to documents obtained by Judicial Watch through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives both certified that they “employ 50 or fewer full time equivalent employees.”
More on this..
The public interest law firm announced Monday that it is appealing the February dismissal of its lawsuit challenging congressional participation in the Obamacare exchange even though the D.C. Exchange Act limits enrollment to small companies with 50 or fewer employees.
“Congress obviously has far more than 50 employees,” Judicial Watch attorney Michael Bekesha pointed out in his opening brief. “It has thousands of employees.”
Congress enrolled in the small business exchange when its previous coverage under the Federal Employee Health Benefits plan was terminated by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and congressional employees stood to lose thousands of dollars in “employer contributions” if they enrolled in the District’s individual exchange.
According to documents obtained by Judicial Watch through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives both certified that they “employ 50 or fewer full time equivalent employees.”
‘Enough is enough’ of the Bush family, Donald Trump says in ad
The U.S. has had enough of the Bush family, a new ad from Donald Trump says.
In a brief spot put out on Instagram and Twitter, Trump’s White House campaign is featuring a montage of controversial statements from Presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush, as well as White House hopeful Jeb Bush. It’s a short but pointed jab at Jeb Bush, who’s challenging Trump for the Republican presidential nomination — and leading in the political prediction markets, if not the polls.
Take a look:
More
In a brief spot put out on Instagram and Twitter, Trump’s White House campaign is featuring a montage of controversial statements from Presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush, as well as White House hopeful Jeb Bush. It’s a short but pointed jab at Jeb Bush, who’s challenging Trump for the Republican presidential nomination — and leading in the political prediction markets, if not the polls.
Take a look:
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There’s Too Much Pro-Trump And Anti-Trump Venom. Can’t We Just All Agree We Don’t Like Jeb?
Anger in conservative politics is generally an overhyped phenomenon. When Republicans win at the ballot box, it’s supposedly all about anger. Conservatives like a talk radio host? It’s about anger. If Republicans complain about some debacle Obama is involved in, it has to be all about anger.
Most of the time, that’s bunk. However, if you want to see some real anger, start listening to conservatives talking about the Republican Party. The Republican Party is led by people who are habitually incompetent, dishonest, out-of-touch and corrupt. We gave them huge wins in 2010 and 2014 and in return, the leadership of the Republican Party has lied to us, acted as if we’re stupid and has done more to push Obama’s agenda than ours.
A lot of the conservatives who are justifiably angry about the performance of the Republican Party have gravitated towards Donald Trump’s campaign because despite his flaws, he’s strong where the Republican Party is weak. He’s not politically correct, he’s proven himself to be hyper-competent in business, he’s a fighter, he pays attention to the base, he talks about issues conservatives care about and he can’t be bought off.
Those are an attractive set of qualities to conservative Republicans and thus far, they have been enough to draw in about a quarter of Republican primary voters in a 17-man field.
That brings us to the debate on Fox.
Once again, you can read it all here.
Most of the time, that’s bunk. However, if you want to see some real anger, start listening to conservatives talking about the Republican Party. The Republican Party is led by people who are habitually incompetent, dishonest, out-of-touch and corrupt. We gave them huge wins in 2010 and 2014 and in return, the leadership of the Republican Party has lied to us, acted as if we’re stupid and has done more to push Obama’s agenda than ours.
A lot of the conservatives who are justifiably angry about the performance of the Republican Party have gravitated towards Donald Trump’s campaign because despite his flaws, he’s strong where the Republican Party is weak. He’s not politically correct, he’s proven himself to be hyper-competent in business, he’s a fighter, he pays attention to the base, he talks about issues conservatives care about and he can’t be bought off.
Those are an attractive set of qualities to conservative Republicans and thus far, they have been enough to draw in about a quarter of Republican primary voters in a 17-man field.
That brings us to the debate on Fox.
Once again, you can read it all here.
Remorse: Only 26% Would Vote For Obama Again
Poll debunks Obama's claim he could win third term
President Obama’s claim he could win a third term was debunked by a poll showing only 26% would vote for him again.
The Monmouth University poll released Monday also revealed that 68% would vote for someone else if the Constitution allowed Obama to run a third term.
The poll proves Obama wrong not long after he told members of the African Union he could win again.
“Under our Constitution, I cannot run again,” the president said. “I think if I ran, I could win.”
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President Obama’s claim he could win a third term was debunked by a poll showing only 26% would vote for him again.
The Monmouth University poll released Monday also revealed that 68% would vote for someone else if the Constitution allowed Obama to run a third term.
The poll proves Obama wrong not long after he told members of the African Union he could win again.
“Under our Constitution, I cannot run again,” the president said. “I think if I ran, I could win.”
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Berlin Releases Tyson Environmental Study
“I was surprised to learn there are just a few issues on the property, which can be addressed through the design of what ultimately is placed there or in the case of the lagoons, through monitoring and creating a way for the water to move,” said Mayor Gee Williams. “It seems one of our biggest hurdles to purchasing the property has been cleared,” he added.
The Town is continuing its due diligence on the property. “The Council voted last night to Contract with EDSA, INC. to complete a feasibility analysis of the potential uses identified through the Strategic Planning process we completed this spring,” stated Town Administrator Laura Allen. “We expect to have that report in about five weeks,” she added.
Copies of the Environmental Assessment reports along with a letter from by EA Engineering, Science and Technology, Inc. summarizing the results can be found by following the links below.
Tyson Phase I Final Report
Tyson Phase II Final Report
Tyson_Foods_Environmental_Summary_Final
Worcester County Tea Party CORE Planning Meeting, Thursday, August 20, 2015
2016 Leadership Planning Meeting is designed for people interested in becoming actively involved in the planning and implementation of the Worcester County Tea Party. Regular monthly Speaker Series meetings will resume September 17th.
Date: Thursday, August 20, 2015
Time: Meeting begins at 6:30PM
Location: Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Rd., Ocean Pines, MD 21811
Admission: Free and Open to the Public.
For more information email WCTPPatriots@gmail.com, go to the web site www.worcestercountyteaparty.com, https://www.facebook.com/WorcesterCountyTeaParty or call 443-614-7214
Strangers repaint 75-year-old man's house after teens' cruel comments
For four consecutive years, the 35-year-old track inspector for the Union Pacific Railroad has nodded to the Pendleton, Oregon, resident, who sits on his porch all day long, but not once has he ever said a word to the man.
Last month, he finally broke his silence.
As Cyganik stepped out to the curb to fill a garbage can, he overheard two teenage boys walking past Bullock's house yell, "Look at this crappy house. They just need to burn it down!"
As Cyganik glanced over, he saw Bullock with his head down.
"I couldn't believe what those kids had said," Cyganik told CBS News. "It was Leonard, this elderly, old man, who never hurt anybody a day in his life -- sits there all day long."
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Americans Who See Economic Deterioration Outnumber Optimists By 50%
Almost 50% more Americans believe the US economy is getting worse than are optimistic about the future. Gallup's latest economic survey shows the economic outlook among Americans at its weakest since September 2014.
The economic outlook component averaged -18, as 39% of Americans said the economy is getting better while 57% said it is getting worse.
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The economic outlook component averaged -18, as 39% of Americans said the economy is getting better while 57% said it is getting worse.
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Sands Of Time: Beach Etiquette Of Long Ago
Not so in summers past.
Dunes And Don'ts
Time was, certain beaches in America were off limits to people of color. Some beachgoers publicly objected to women and men bathing together. And there were conventional rules — written and unwritten — that dictated behavior for bathers everywhere.
"Don't wear a conspicuous bathing suit," the Philadelphia Times noted in a story titled "For the Surf Girl" on May 14, 1896. And there were other "don'ts," including:
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Yankees affiliate hosts ‘Blue Lives Matter’ event on anniversary of Michael Brown’s death
Playing off of “Black Lives Matter,” a movement that calls attention to police brutality against black people, “Blue Lives Matter” was launched less than a year ago to “help law enforcement officers and their families during their time of need,” The Huffington Post reported.
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'8 CDs For A Penny' Company Files For Bankruptcy
Filmed Entertainment Inc., which owns Columbia House, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Monday in a Manhattan court after more than two decades of declining revenues, according to a company statement.
Although Columbia House moved exclusively to DVDs in 2010, it could not stay afloat in an industry crowded with streaming services. The company's annual revenues peaked in 1996 at $1.4 billion, but by 2014, revenues had dwindled to just $17 million.
Columbia House "started in 1955 as a way for the record label Columbia to sell vinyl records via mail order," according to the A.V. Club, which adds that it "continually adapted to and changed with the times, as new formats such as 8-tracks, cassettes, and CDs emerged and influenced how consumers listened to music."
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Larry Hogan: "I Have Some Good News And Some Great News."
As always, thank you all for your kind words, prayers, and support. I hope you will consider helping me raise awareness and support others battling cancer through a donation at www.HoganStrong.com. There you'll find all our #HoganStrong gear including green wristbands, t-shirts, stickers, and more, and all net profits will go toward cancer research and awareness.
I am looking forward to getting back to work for the people of this great state, and working hard to change Maryland for the better!
Hillary Clinton cracks down on for-profit colleges after cashing in
Former President Bill Clinton collected more than $16 million from 2010 to 2014 as honorary chancellor of Laureate Education, a for-profit company that runs 80 education institutions around the globe, according to recently released tax returns. Four of its six U.S. colleges were flagged on the Education Department’s list of schools whose access to federal financial aid was being monitored out of concern over financial irresponsibility.
The Clinton Foundation also lists Laureate International Universities as one of its donors, giving $1 million to $5 million during the first half of this year. Mr. Clinton praised the company when he stepped down in late April, less than two weeks after his wife officially entered the presidential race.
Over the years, Mrs. Clinton collected political donations from Laureate’s CEO, Douglas Becker, including a $2,000 donation in 2005 to her Senate re-election campaign and $2,300 in 2007 to her first presidential campaign, Federal Election Commission records show.
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Baltimore Hits Grim Milestone of Year's 200th Homicide
BALTIMORE (AP) — Eight months into the year, Baltimore’s homicide count has hit 200.
August’s 11th slaying, the fatal shooting of a man Monday, pushed the city’s homicide total to 200 – a dramatic rise from 2014, when the city saw 211 killings for the year. This grim milestone comes on the heels of another: with 45 homicides in July, Baltimore saw its bloodiest month since 1972.
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August’s 11th slaying, the fatal shooting of a man Monday, pushed the city’s homicide total to 200 – a dramatic rise from 2014, when the city saw 211 killings for the year. This grim milestone comes on the heels of another: with 45 homicides in July, Baltimore saw its bloodiest month since 1972.
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Troopers Seek Victims of Home Improvement Fraud
Millsboro, DE - The Delaware State Police is currently investigating multiple home improvement fraud cases in the Millsboro area.
The preliminary investigation revealed the incidents occurred back in May of 2015 when Brett Johnson, of Johnson’s Custom Carpentry, was hired by several victims to complete work at their homes in the Millsboro area. A verbal proposal was submitted to the victim, who in turn, provided Brett with a deposit totaling more than $ 6,600.00. None of the work has been started and Brett Johnson failed to return the victim’s money even after numerous requests.
If any homeowner has had any contact with this company and the work was not performed or completed involving Brett Johnson, they are asked to contact Det. T. Shockley at 302-752-3812. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.tipsubmit.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword "DSP."
The preliminary investigation revealed the incidents occurred back in May of 2015 when Brett Johnson, of Johnson’s Custom Carpentry, was hired by several victims to complete work at their homes in the Millsboro area. A verbal proposal was submitted to the victim, who in turn, provided Brett with a deposit totaling more than $ 6,600.00. None of the work has been started and Brett Johnson failed to return the victim’s money even after numerous requests.
If any homeowner has had any contact with this company and the work was not performed or completed involving Brett Johnson, they are asked to contact Det. T. Shockley at 302-752-3812. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.tipsubmit.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword "DSP."
Court Rules Police Can Use Volunteered DNA In Other Cases
The ruling on Tuesday by the Court of Appeals says the state does not need a warrant to conduct further testing on a DNA sample voluntarily obtained.
The case involves George Varriale, who voluntarily provided a DNA sample to Anne Arundel County police in 2012 during an investigation into a rape allegation. While the sample supported the conclusion he did not commit the alleged rape, the DNA sample connected him to an unrelated 2008 burglary after the sample was uploaded to a database.
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The Big Jeb Bush Charter School Lie: Why His Florida Education ‘Miracle’ Is Hogwash
The pathway out of poverty these schools were supposed to provide now looks more like a detour to profit-making.
When people begin a story about how to fix America, they often start with education, and they often start in communities like Liberty City. Liberty City lies to the west of Miami Beach, across the Biscayne Bay and away from the sun-washed beaches and sparkling towers of the "Magic City.”
According to Wikipedia, Liberty City started out as the first public housing project in the American South when President Franklin D. Roosevelt authorized the construction of the Liberty Square housing development during the Great Depression. Now the area is known as Miami's roughest neighborhood, a place where riots broke out in 1980 after Miami cops beat an unarmed black man to death.
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When people begin a story about how to fix America, they often start with education, and they often start in communities like Liberty City. Liberty City lies to the west of Miami Beach, across the Biscayne Bay and away from the sun-washed beaches and sparkling towers of the "Magic City.”
According to Wikipedia, Liberty City started out as the first public housing project in the American South when President Franklin D. Roosevelt authorized the construction of the Liberty Square housing development during the Great Depression. Now the area is known as Miami's roughest neighborhood, a place where riots broke out in 1980 after Miami cops beat an unarmed black man to death.
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SeaWorld Sees Profits Plunge 84% as Customers Desert Controversial Park
Company reports decline in attendance, sales and profits in continuing struggles for park since 2013 film Blackfish claimed it mistreated orca whales.
SeaWorld has suffered a 84% collapse in profits as customers have deserted the controversial aquatic theme park company following claims it mistreated orca whales.
The company, which trains dolphins and killer whales to perform tricks in front of stadiums full of spectators, on Thursday reported declines in attendance, sales and profits because of “continued brand challenges”.
SeaWorld has been in the headlines since the 2013 documentary Blackfishdetailed claims that its treatment of orca whales provoked violent behaviour contributing to the deaths of three people. Following the release of the documentary, attendance collapsed and the company lost more than half of its market value on Wall Street and its former CEO was forced out.
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SeaWorld has suffered a 84% collapse in profits as customers have deserted the controversial aquatic theme park company following claims it mistreated orca whales.
The company, which trains dolphins and killer whales to perform tricks in front of stadiums full of spectators, on Thursday reported declines in attendance, sales and profits because of “continued brand challenges”.
SeaWorld has been in the headlines since the 2013 documentary Blackfishdetailed claims that its treatment of orca whales provoked violent behaviour contributing to the deaths of three people. Following the release of the documentary, attendance collapsed and the company lost more than half of its market value on Wall Street and its former CEO was forced out.
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Fox News Makes Its Move To The Middle
NETWORK’S PIVOT TAKES CENTER STAGE DURING “REPUBLICAN” PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE
We don’t watch cable news. Never have, never will. The concept of people talking over one another in irritated tones has never appealed to us, but our real beef with the medium is its needless fomenting of trivial disputes between ideologies which are – in reality – eerily similar.
Seriously, the only thing worse than major party politicians in Washington, D.C. are the corporate interests driving their shared agenda. And the only thing worse than that? Mainstream media outlets which cover the whole mess up rather than call out those who are truly responsible.
Left, right or center … cable networks exist to create a cacophony of controlled criticism, which is obviously very different from the righteous, relentless rage the situation in our nation’s capital calls for.
In fact the networks exist to harness and control that rage – redirecting it, dividing it, neutralizing its effect on the powers that be.
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We don’t watch cable news. Never have, never will. The concept of people talking over one another in irritated tones has never appealed to us, but our real beef with the medium is its needless fomenting of trivial disputes between ideologies which are – in reality – eerily similar.
Seriously, the only thing worse than major party politicians in Washington, D.C. are the corporate interests driving their shared agenda. And the only thing worse than that? Mainstream media outlets which cover the whole mess up rather than call out those who are truly responsible.
Left, right or center … cable networks exist to create a cacophony of controlled criticism, which is obviously very different from the righteous, relentless rage the situation in our nation’s capital calls for.
In fact the networks exist to harness and control that rage – redirecting it, dividing it, neutralizing its effect on the powers that be.
More
When “Keeping It Real” Goes Wrong: White House Edition
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE INCIDENT LEADS TO CHARGES AGAINST PALMETTO STATE NATIVE
A 37-year-old South Carolina native who works as a special assistant to U.S. president Barack Obama has been arrested after allegedly seizing the weapon of a U.S. Capitol Police officer and firing at him during a domestic dispute.
Barvetta Singletary – originally of Hemingway, S.C. – has been charged with first-degree assault, second-degree assault and reckless endangerment in the aftermath of the incident, which went down early Friday morning at her home in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.
Singletary was released by authorities in Prince George’s County, Maryland after posting a $75,000 bond. She has been placed on unpaid leave and her access to the White House has been revoked pending the outcome of the charges against her.
And yes, expect to hear crickets on this case from the domestic violence crowd … you know, seeing as this is another case of a woman attacking a man.
So … what went down?
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A 37-year-old South Carolina native who works as a special assistant to U.S. president Barack Obama has been arrested after allegedly seizing the weapon of a U.S. Capitol Police officer and firing at him during a domestic dispute.
Barvetta Singletary – originally of Hemingway, S.C. – has been charged with first-degree assault, second-degree assault and reckless endangerment in the aftermath of the incident, which went down early Friday morning at her home in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.
Singletary was released by authorities in Prince George’s County, Maryland after posting a $75,000 bond. She has been placed on unpaid leave and her access to the White House has been revoked pending the outcome of the charges against her.
And yes, expect to hear crickets on this case from the domestic violence crowd … you know, seeing as this is another case of a woman attacking a man.
So … what went down?
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Postal Service loses only $586M in 3rd quarter
The Postal Service’s most recent financial report offers a mixed picture of the agency’s finances. It reported a net loss of $586 million for the quarter that ended on June 30, an improvement over a $2 billion loss recorded during the same period last year. Operating revenue was steady at $16.5 billion.
The third quarter is typically the slowest for the Postal Service due to the seasonal nature of its business.
Joe Corbett, the Postal Service’s chief financial officer, said a price increase that went into effect on certain mail products on May 31 helped mitigate the losses. So did double-digit growth in the agency’s shipping and package businesses. Shipping and package volume rose 13.4 percent. Revenue rose by $340 million, or 10.6 percent, over the third quarter of fiscal 2014.
The National Association of Letter Carriers hailed the latest report as a sign of turnaround. The Postal Service’s operating profit year-to-date stands at $1.2 billion, an increase of $200 million over last year.
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The third quarter is typically the slowest for the Postal Service due to the seasonal nature of its business.
Joe Corbett, the Postal Service’s chief financial officer, said a price increase that went into effect on certain mail products on May 31 helped mitigate the losses. So did double-digit growth in the agency’s shipping and package businesses. Shipping and package volume rose 13.4 percent. Revenue rose by $340 million, or 10.6 percent, over the third quarter of fiscal 2014.
The National Association of Letter Carriers hailed the latest report as a sign of turnaround. The Postal Service’s operating profit year-to-date stands at $1.2 billion, an increase of $200 million over last year.
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Contractors say they’ve had it with White House executive orders
Four associations representing federal contractors sent a polite, yet terse, letter to the White House Tuesday saying, in so many words, that they were fed up with executive orders that target their member companies.
“We respectfully request that no further presidential directives primarily focused on government contractors be issued for the foreseeable future,” said the letter. It was signed by the heads of the National Defense Industrial Association, the Aerospace Industries Association, the Professional Services Council and the IT Alliance for Public Sector.
While not mentioning any by name, they point collectively to a dozen executive orders that President Barack Obama has issued since 2009. Those directives have led to 16 new regulations, they said.
“While we have openly expressed our support for some, suggested changes to others with which we agree on the intent, and raised major concerns about yet others, the net effect has been to significantly increase the costs of doing business with the government,” the letter said.
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“We respectfully request that no further presidential directives primarily focused on government contractors be issued for the foreseeable future,” said the letter. It was signed by the heads of the National Defense Industrial Association, the Aerospace Industries Association, the Professional Services Council and the IT Alliance for Public Sector.
While not mentioning any by name, they point collectively to a dozen executive orders that President Barack Obama has issued since 2009. Those directives have led to 16 new regulations, they said.
“While we have openly expressed our support for some, suggested changes to others with which we agree on the intent, and raised major concerns about yet others, the net effect has been to significantly increase the costs of doing business with the government,” the letter said.
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BMW Beat Google To The “Alphabet” Name And Website
Yesterday, Google announced a massive reorganization that will put the Internet giant and all its other side businesses under the umbrella of a new company called Alphabet. But don’t expect to visit Alphabet.com anytime soon, unless you want to buy a bunch of BMWs.
Bud Light Truck Overturns, Spilling Cans Of Natural Light Beer Everywhere
A semi-truck carrying cases of Natural Light overturned around 7:30 a.m. today, spilling its sudsy cargo across a Florida highway never to see the bright lights of retail stores, the Tampa Bay Times reports.
Florida Highway Patrol investigators say the accident on Interstate 75 occurred when the truck’s 23-year-old driver became distracted by his dog.
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