Taking over 40% of Big Pharma meds
Seniors represent only 13% of the population, but they take over 40% of pharmaceutical drugs in the US. In the UK, 45% of prescriptions are doled out to individuals over the age of 65 years. The practice of polypharmacy has never been more acute than it is in the modern era. So why are we drugging the elderly so profoundly?
With such a high number of the elderly taking multiple drugs, there have been few studies looking at how these drugs interact with one another. This is even more alarming in those over 65 because an older person metabolizes chemicals differently, with the chances of an adverse reaction to any one prescription drug rising to a reported 20%, compared with just a 3% risk in a healthy younger person.
In an article presented by Daily Mail in 2007, the tale of an 85-year old women staying in a nursing home would make the most stalwart among us shiver. From disguising drugs in the elderly woman’s meals, to not telling her loved ones exactly how many drugs she is taking, caregivers are challenged with taking care of the elderly in an increasingly aging population.
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DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Saturday, October 03, 2015
Obama Media Attacks Umpqua Sheriff for Facebook Posting of Sandy Hook Conspiracy Theory in 2013
In a hit piece delineated to attack the presiding Sheriff over the recent Umpqua Community College shootings, The New York Times has published what could only be described as a payback article concerning the Sheriff's insistent treatise that the Sandy Hook school shootings, which occurred on December 14th, 2012, were a government-sponsored hoax.
The Sheriff had, after the Sandy Hook shooting, shared a compelling Youtube video describing what many have referred to as severe discrepancies, involved in the official commentary concerning Sandy Hook.
But, what the Sheriff was formerly referring to has, in some historical instances, been later on proven to be government-sponsored hoaxes, which are commonly referred to as false flag operations.
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California Labor Union That Fought for $15 Minimum Wage Now Wants an Exemption
Hypocrisy of authoritarian left on full display
The labor union that led the charge for a $15 minimum wage hike in cities across California is now moving to secure an exemption for employers under union contracts.
The Los Angeles County Federation of Labor buried the exemption on the eighth page of its 12-page proposal for the Santa Monica City Council to review Tuesday while deciding whether to follow Los Angeles and increase the minimum wage.
The loophole would allow employers with collective bargaining agreements to sidestep the wage hike and pay their union members below the proposed $15-per-hour minimum wage.
James Sherk, a research fellow in labor economics at The Heritage Foundation, said the exemption is a union attempt to encourage businesses to unionize by making themselves the only low-wage option as union membership continues to drop off.
Read more
The labor union that led the charge for a $15 minimum wage hike in cities across California is now moving to secure an exemption for employers under union contracts.
The Los Angeles County Federation of Labor buried the exemption on the eighth page of its 12-page proposal for the Santa Monica City Council to review Tuesday while deciding whether to follow Los Angeles and increase the minimum wage.
The loophole would allow employers with collective bargaining agreements to sidestep the wage hike and pay their union members below the proposed $15-per-hour minimum wage.
James Sherk, a research fellow in labor economics at The Heritage Foundation, said the exemption is a union attempt to encourage businesses to unionize by making themselves the only low-wage option as union membership continues to drop off.
Read more
Check out The High Cost of Rent Control
That rent control is an ineffective and often counterproductive housing policy is no longer open to serious question. The profound economic and social consequences of government intervention in the nation's housing markets have been documented in study after study, over the past twenty-five years. In response to this hard-earned experience, states and local jurisdictions from Massachusetts to California have banned or greatly constrained rent control. Nevertheless, a number of communities around the country continue to impose rent controls, usually with the stated goal of preserving affordable housing for low- and middle-income families. Rent control does not advance this important goal. To the contrary, in many communities rent control has actually reduced both the quality and quantity of available housing.
Role of Rents in a Market Economy
Too often, those who advocate rent regulation have ignored the basic laws of economics that govern the housing markets -- treating privately-owned, operated and developed rental housing as if it was a "public utility." In so doing, they harm not only housing providers, but also, in the long-run, the consumers they intend to serve.
Rents serve two functions essential to the efficient operation of housing markets:
they compensate providers of existing housing units and developers of new units for the cost of providing shelter to consumers; and
Role of Rents in a Market Economy
Too often, those who advocate rent regulation have ignored the basic laws of economics that govern the housing markets -- treating privately-owned, operated and developed rental housing as if it was a "public utility." In so doing, they harm not only housing providers, but also, in the long-run, the consumers they intend to serve.
Rents serve two functions essential to the efficient operation of housing markets:
they compensate providers of existing housing units and developers of new units for the cost of providing shelter to consumers; and
they provide the economic incentives needed to attract new investment in rental housing, as well as to maintain existing housing stock. In this respect, housing is no different from other commodities, such as food and clothing -- the amount producers supply is directly related to the prevailing market price.
News alert: OPM begins notifying victims of cyber hack
The Office of Personnel Management Acting Director Beth Cobert says the department began mailing notification letters to victims of the cyber breach.
The letters include information about identity theft protection and credit monitoring services that will be offered to victims.
Read the full story
The letters include information about identity theft protection and credit monitoring services that will be offered to victims.
Read the full story
Department of Justice Files Statement of Interest in Kentucky School Handcuffing Case
The purpose of the statement of interest, which does not take a position on the merits of the case, is to provide the court with a framework to assess the plaintiffs’ claim. The department’s statement of interest explains the requirements to protect the rights of children, particularly children with disabilities, in their interactions with SROs. SROs can partner with schools to help maintain a safe and positive school environment—when their role is clearly defined and they are trained to perform it properly. However, if SROs do not observe appropriate limits on their role and responsibility, the Justice Department writes, they risk “criminaliz[ing] school-related misbehavior and risk lasting and severe consequences for children, particularly children with disabilities.”
In its statement of interest, the Justice Department emphasizes that school resource officers should not handle routine disciplinary incidents that school officials should properly address. The brief also describes the particularized facts and circumstances the court should consider in evaluating whether the SRO’s conduct in this case was objectively reasonable under the Fourth Amendment. Finally, the department confirms that the ADA applies to SROs’ interactions with children with disabilities and that this statute requires SROs to make reasonable modifications in their procedures when necessary, and requires law enforcement agencies to change policies that discriminate against children with disabilities.
S.R. and L.G. v. Kenton County, et al. was filed in August 2015. The Department of Justice filed its statement of interest under a federal law that gives the Attorney General the authority to attend to the interests of the United States in any case pending in a federal court.
Oregon Bakery Owners Refuse to Pay Damages
The owners of an Oregon bakery are refusing to pay $135,000 in state-ordered damages to a same-sex couple who were denied service.
Melissa and Aaron Klein, owners of Sweet Cakes by Melissa, cited religious beliefs when they refused to bake a wedding cake for Laurel and Rachel Bowman-Cryer more than two years ago.
The couple were awarded the damages in July by Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian for emotional suffering, saying the owners had violated the women’s civil rights by discriminating on the basis of their sexual orientation. They were also slapped with a gag order that prohibited them from speaking publicly about their refusal to participate in or bake wedding cakes for same-sex marriages.
The Kleins have filed an appeal of the ruling and are defying the order to pay. They’re claiming financial hardship although crowdfunding efforts have raised more than $500,000 on their behalf, according to The Oregonian.
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Melissa and Aaron Klein, owners of Sweet Cakes by Melissa, cited religious beliefs when they refused to bake a wedding cake for Laurel and Rachel Bowman-Cryer more than two years ago.
The couple were awarded the damages in July by Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian for emotional suffering, saying the owners had violated the women’s civil rights by discriminating on the basis of their sexual orientation. They were also slapped with a gag order that prohibited them from speaking publicly about their refusal to participate in or bake wedding cakes for same-sex marriages.
The Kleins have filed an appeal of the ruling and are defying the order to pay. They’re claiming financial hardship although crowdfunding efforts have raised more than $500,000 on their behalf, according to The Oregonian.
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Student brawl erupts at ‘Barack Obama’ high school in Milwaukee
MILWAUKEE, Wis. – A pregnant girl was rushed to the hospital after she was involved in a melee involving 30 to 40 students at a high school named in honor of President Obama.
Milwaukee police descended on Barack Obama School of Career and Technical Education at about 2:30 p.m. Wednesday after getting calls that students were brawling, the Journal Sentinel reports.
The large number of people fighting included “outsiders,” according to police.
The pregnant girl was transported to the hospital and while en route, she allegedly kicked a paramedic, who is also pregnant, Fox 6 reports.
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Milwaukee police descended on Barack Obama School of Career and Technical Education at about 2:30 p.m. Wednesday after getting calls that students were brawling, the Journal Sentinel reports.
The large number of people fighting included “outsiders,” according to police.
The pregnant girl was transported to the hospital and while en route, she allegedly kicked a paramedic, who is also pregnant, Fox 6 reports.
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‘In My Head There Is The Old Alex And The New Alex’; Family’s ‘New Normal’ Evolving With Community’s Help
“He said, you need to go to a hospital immediately, because this could be a sign of a brain tumor or brain cancer,” recalls Wood. “I just felt like I was floating above the room and watching that conversation from outside of my own body, and thinking, is that what he really just said? But, looking back on it, I think I knew right then that everything was going to be different.”
The Fork In The Road
May 21, 2015 started like any other day at the Wood family house in West Ocean City.
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Jeb Bush Funded by George Soros's Chinese Business Partner
Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush’s oil shipping business is partly financed by progressive billionaire George Soros’s Chinese business partner and protégé.
Bush’s ties to the left-wing Democratic donor could cast further suspicion on his personal business dealings during the Republican primary season.
Bush is the chairman of BH Logistics, a $26 million private equity fund that was incorporated in April 2014. Who invested in BH Logistics?
Bush’s firm received a major investment from HNA Group, a Chinese private equity firm. Bush took the money from HNA Group and spent it to invest in the gas shipping company Dorian LPG, which is incorporated in the Republic of The Marshall Islands.
What is HNA Group? And more importantly, who funds it?
Look no further than George Soros.
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Bush’s ties to the left-wing Democratic donor could cast further suspicion on his personal business dealings during the Republican primary season.
Bush is the chairman of BH Logistics, a $26 million private equity fund that was incorporated in April 2014. Who invested in BH Logistics?
Bush’s firm received a major investment from HNA Group, a Chinese private equity firm. Bush took the money from HNA Group and spent it to invest in the gas shipping company Dorian LPG, which is incorporated in the Republic of The Marshall Islands.
What is HNA Group? And more importantly, who funds it?
Look no further than George Soros.
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Hillary Clinton’s Authenticity Problem, and Ours
Is Hillary Rodham Clinton not presenting her true self to voters? As with candidates like Mitt Romney and Al Gore, claims that she isinauthentic have fueled endless cycles of negative coverage of her campaign.
In reality, all politicians are strategic about the image and behaviors they present to voters. Some just hide the artifice better than others.
The refrain that Mrs. Clinton is calculating and inauthentic has recurred throughout her political career. During this campaign cycle, reporters and columnists have already questioned who the “Real Hillary” is, said that she “wrestles with the authenticity issue,” and described just being herself on the campaign trail as “a tricky proposition.” The Daily Beast’s Mike Barniclereflected the conventional wisdom in writing that the “nagging question” that “won’t go away” is “Who is she? Really, who is she?”
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In reality, all politicians are strategic about the image and behaviors they present to voters. Some just hide the artifice better than others.
The refrain that Mrs. Clinton is calculating and inauthentic has recurred throughout her political career. During this campaign cycle, reporters and columnists have already questioned who the “Real Hillary” is, said that she “wrestles with the authenticity issue,” and described just being herself on the campaign trail as “a tricky proposition.” The Daily Beast’s Mike Barniclereflected the conventional wisdom in writing that the “nagging question” that “won’t go away” is “Who is she? Really, who is she?”
More
Berlin announces details for annual Christmas parade
The town of Berlin is more than a month into planning for its annual Christmas Parade and slots for participants are filling up quickly.
This 45th annual parade will carry the theme of “Toyland in Berlin” as it marches down Main Street Dec. 3 from 7-9 p.m.
Beginning at the corner of Powellton Avenue and Main Street, the parade will run south and conclude at the corner of South Main and Tripoli streets.
Categories in the parade are adult- and student-sponsored floats, adult and children’s marching and performing units, fire companies, commercial units, vehicle clubs, motorcycles, antique cars, school bands, ROTC marching units and “crowned youth.”
Trophies will be awarded for first, second and third place in each category.
New this year will be the inclusion of holiday characters during parade.
More
This 45th annual parade will carry the theme of “Toyland in Berlin” as it marches down Main Street Dec. 3 from 7-9 p.m.
Beginning at the corner of Powellton Avenue and Main Street, the parade will run south and conclude at the corner of South Main and Tripoli streets.
Categories in the parade are adult- and student-sponsored floats, adult and children’s marching and performing units, fire companies, commercial units, vehicle clubs, motorcycles, antique cars, school bands, ROTC marching units and “crowned youth.”
Trophies will be awarded for first, second and third place in each category.
New this year will be the inclusion of holiday characters during parade.
More
Iran death toll from Hajj doubles as anger at Saudi grows
Iran says 464 of its pilgrims killed at Hajj disaster – double previous count – in claim likely to intensify row over Saudi 'cover-up' of scale
Iran's death toll from the Saudi Hajj disaster has nearly doubled to 464 pilgrims killed, state media reported on Thursday, a development that is likely to further strain ties between the Middle East rivals.
It was not immediately clear how the rise in Iran's death toll, based on a Hajj department statement posted on the website of Iranian state television, would affect the overall toll from the Sept. 24 disaster near Islam's holy city of Mecca.
Saudi Arabia's Healthy Ministry reported on Saturday that the crush and stampede killed at least 769 pilgrims and injured 934. Pakistan, India, Indonesia and Iran all have said the toll may be higher.
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Iran's death toll from the Saudi Hajj disaster has nearly doubled to 464 pilgrims killed, state media reported on Thursday, a development that is likely to further strain ties between the Middle East rivals.
It was not immediately clear how the rise in Iran's death toll, based on a Hajj department statement posted on the website of Iranian state television, would affect the overall toll from the Sept. 24 disaster near Islam's holy city of Mecca.
Saudi Arabia's Healthy Ministry reported on Saturday that the crush and stampede killed at least 769 pilgrims and injured 934. Pakistan, India, Indonesia and Iran all have said the toll may be higher.
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Developer Rinnier to resubmit text amendment to BPC
What looked like a fairly straight forward text amendment on a town zoning ordinance erupted into debate on the growth of the town of Berlin during a public meeting on Monday.
Earlier this year, Rinnier Development Company’s 700-plus-townhome complex on Seahawk Road received approval from the Berlin Planning Commission, with the condition that the commission and the Town Council had to approve an amendment expanding the current limits on dwelling units inside multi-family buildings.
While that number is current set at 12, the commission voted 4-2 to recommend Berlin update its zoning code to allow for “any number” of units at the discretion of the Planning Commission.
After nearly an hour of discussion, however, and under pressure from the mayor and council as well as a pair of residents, attorney Mark Cropper, representing the developer, withdrew his request for the amendment.
Upon opening a required public hearing on the matter, Berlin Mayor Gee Williams and Town Attorney David Gaskill initially called the amendment a “simple change.”
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Earlier this year, Rinnier Development Company’s 700-plus-townhome complex on Seahawk Road received approval from the Berlin Planning Commission, with the condition that the commission and the Town Council had to approve an amendment expanding the current limits on dwelling units inside multi-family buildings.
While that number is current set at 12, the commission voted 4-2 to recommend Berlin update its zoning code to allow for “any number” of units at the discretion of the Planning Commission.
After nearly an hour of discussion, however, and under pressure from the mayor and council as well as a pair of residents, attorney Mark Cropper, representing the developer, withdrew his request for the amendment.
Upon opening a required public hearing on the matter, Berlin Mayor Gee Williams and Town Attorney David Gaskill initially called the amendment a “simple change.”
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7 unanswered questions about Clinton’s emails
At least 400 emails that Hillary Clinton sent or received through her private computer server while secretary of state contained classified material, according to the State Department’s latest update Wednesday from its ongoing review of more than 30,000 emails.
In response to a public records lawsuit, the department released another 6,300 pages of the Democratic presidential candidate’s emails after partially or entirely redacting any containing sensitive U.S. or foreign government information on a range of issues.
None was marked as classified during Clinton’s tenure, department officials say, but intelligence officials say some material was clearly classified at the time. Clinton has insisted she did not send or receive any information marked as classified.
But amid a furor over her unusual decision to route her emails through a server in her home in Chappaqua, N.Y., for her entire term, questions persist. Here are seven:
1. Did anyone approve of her email setup?
Clinton has said State Department employees were permitted to use personal email accounts when she took office, and she “fully complied” with every applicable rule. But State Department and White House officials have declined to say whether she sought or received prior approval from anyone or whether anyone objected to it later.
White House press secretary Josh Earnest has said that federal employees have been given “guidance” to use government email accounts for business.
Regulations discourage the use of personal email. But the National Archives permits the use of personal email for government business, so long as all records are retained.
2. Why didn’t Clinton turn over her emails when she left office in 2013?
Clinton has said that most of her emails already had been collected by the State Department, because she sent them to and received them from government addresses.
But dozens of other people, including lobbyists for foreign governments, emailed her directly, and Clinton has not explained how she thought the State Department would have collected those emails.
It wasn’t until the State Department asked former secretaries to turn over their emails in late 2015 — nearly two years after Clinton left office — that she surrendered hers. The National Archives only recently instituted a 20-day timetable for former employees to turn over such records.
More
In response to a public records lawsuit, the department released another 6,300 pages of the Democratic presidential candidate’s emails after partially or entirely redacting any containing sensitive U.S. or foreign government information on a range of issues.
None was marked as classified during Clinton’s tenure, department officials say, but intelligence officials say some material was clearly classified at the time. Clinton has insisted she did not send or receive any information marked as classified.
But amid a furor over her unusual decision to route her emails through a server in her home in Chappaqua, N.Y., for her entire term, questions persist. Here are seven:
1. Did anyone approve of her email setup?
Clinton has said State Department employees were permitted to use personal email accounts when she took office, and she “fully complied” with every applicable rule. But State Department and White House officials have declined to say whether she sought or received prior approval from anyone or whether anyone objected to it later.
White House press secretary Josh Earnest has said that federal employees have been given “guidance” to use government email accounts for business.
Regulations discourage the use of personal email. But the National Archives permits the use of personal email for government business, so long as all records are retained.
2. Why didn’t Clinton turn over her emails when she left office in 2013?
Clinton has said that most of her emails already had been collected by the State Department, because she sent them to and received them from government addresses.
But dozens of other people, including lobbyists for foreign governments, emailed her directly, and Clinton has not explained how she thought the State Department would have collected those emails.
It wasn’t until the State Department asked former secretaries to turn over their emails in late 2015 — nearly two years after Clinton left office — that she surrendered hers. The National Archives only recently instituted a 20-day timetable for former employees to turn over such records.
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Study: Public employee unions hurt private-sector workers
Powerful public-sector unions may be good for government employees, but they’re bad news for private-sector workers.
Carrie Sheffield, Warren Brookes Journalism Fellow at the free-market Competitive Enterprise Institute, spelled out differences between public-sector and private-sector unions in a CEI study published Tuesday.
Sheffield found that public employees — who enjoy costly pension guarantees and other expensive perks — typically have more education and higher income than the average American worker.
“Government employee unions create a more expensive and protected class of workers at the expense of nonunion workers, students, and taxpayers,” Sheffield wrote.
The trend has gotten worse as public employee unions’ increasing influence has emboldened union bosses “to become more directly involved in politics and more radical in their demands,” she explained.
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Carrie Sheffield, Warren Brookes Journalism Fellow at the free-market Competitive Enterprise Institute, spelled out differences between public-sector and private-sector unions in a CEI study published Tuesday.
Sheffield found that public employees — who enjoy costly pension guarantees and other expensive perks — typically have more education and higher income than the average American worker.
“Government employee unions create a more expensive and protected class of workers at the expense of nonunion workers, students, and taxpayers,” Sheffield wrote.
The trend has gotten worse as public employee unions’ increasing influence has emboldened union bosses “to become more directly involved in politics and more radical in their demands,” she explained.
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Valerie Jarrett Throws Hillary Under the Bus on Emails
Obama White House senior adviser Valerie Jarrett threw Hillary Clinton under the bus Wednesday at the Washington Ideas Forum, where she told interviewer Andrea Mitchell that the White House gave Clinton guidance forbidding her from using private email.
“Yes, there were. Yeah, absolutely,” Jarrett said when asked if the White House sent guidance to Cabinet secretaries about not using private email. “Obviously we want to make sure that we preserve all government records, and so there was guidance given that government business should be done on government emails and that if you did use a private email that it should be turned over.”
“That’s what she’s doing, as you said as recently as a few minutes ago,” Jarrett added. “And I think she has been asked about this multiple times, including by you Andrea. And I think she said, Look to do it again I probably made a mistake and I wouldn’t do it, and she’s working hard to comply with making sure that everything is pursuant to the Federal Records Act.”
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“Yes, there were. Yeah, absolutely,” Jarrett said when asked if the White House sent guidance to Cabinet secretaries about not using private email. “Obviously we want to make sure that we preserve all government records, and so there was guidance given that government business should be done on government emails and that if you did use a private email that it should be turned over.”
“That’s what she’s doing, as you said as recently as a few minutes ago,” Jarrett added. “And I think she has been asked about this multiple times, including by you Andrea. And I think she said, Look to do it again I probably made a mistake and I wouldn’t do it, and she’s working hard to comply with making sure that everything is pursuant to the Federal Records Act.”
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Vegan Protesters 'Storm' Steakhouse
A group of vegans thought they would further their cause by storming a Toronto steakhouse, peppering a hostess with questions and shouting at customers.
Instead, even those on the left are ridiculing their tactics.
Several protesters from a group identified as “Direct Action Everywhere Toronto” by the Huffington Post entered The Keg Mansion steakhouse in Toronto, Canada. Video shows the lead agitator perusing a menu near the entrance of the restaurant.
“So, I’m just wondering, I don’t see any dog meat here,” the protester said to the hostess trying to wait on restaurant patrons. The hostess stood stone-faced, either unamused or not understanding how this person could be so stupid.
“That’s the latest thing. I thought this was a meat restaurant,” the agitator said.
More here (with video)
Instead, even those on the left are ridiculing their tactics.
Several protesters from a group identified as “Direct Action Everywhere Toronto” by the Huffington Post entered The Keg Mansion steakhouse in Toronto, Canada. Video shows the lead agitator perusing a menu near the entrance of the restaurant.
“So, I’m just wondering, I don’t see any dog meat here,” the protester said to the hostess trying to wait on restaurant patrons. The hostess stood stone-faced, either unamused or not understanding how this person could be so stupid.
“That’s the latest thing. I thought this was a meat restaurant,” the agitator said.
More here (with video)
Movie beers next year?
Back in June, family-owned movie theater chain Fox Theatres requested a hearing before the Board of License Commissioners — the county board responsible for issuing and enforcing liquor licenses and their orbiting legislation — seeking a Class B license for the uptown location.
Presumably, this is part of the recent $1.5 million rehabilitation project for the theater, which included a number of amenities such as reclining seats and retractable armrests.
The problem is a Class B license doesn’t really cover movie theaters — it’s usually used for restaurants.
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The Looming Medicaid Time-Bomb
From 1985 through 2011, an average 11.7 percent of seniors were enrolled in Medicaid, primarily for long-term nursing home or home and community care, according to data compiled by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Keep that stat in mind, because if it remains true, as the Baby Boomers progress through old age, by 2030, as many as 8.7 million seniors could be enrolled in the program, up from 4.6 million today, an Americans for Limited Government analysis of the data reveals. By 2035, that figure could rise to about 9.3 million.
And it will drive the costs of the program to the moon, particularlythe costs for long-term nursing home and home care targeted at elderly and the physically disabled, which stood at $88.85 billion in 2013. Why?
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Keep that stat in mind, because if it remains true, as the Baby Boomers progress through old age, by 2030, as many as 8.7 million seniors could be enrolled in the program, up from 4.6 million today, an Americans for Limited Government analysis of the data reveals. By 2035, that figure could rise to about 9.3 million.
And it will drive the costs of the program to the moon, particularlythe costs for long-term nursing home and home care targeted at elderly and the physically disabled, which stood at $88.85 billion in 2013. Why?
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How Many Bailouts Will Obamacare Receive Before It's Scrapped Entirely?
As state governments continue to buckle under the weight of skyrocketing insurance claims, one has to wonder just how long the Obamacare charade can continue. A New York Times article from July of this year reports that the new health insurance customers, benefiting from the Affordable Care Act, are far sicker than insurance providers had anticipated. Those companies are seeking rate increases of up to 40 percent to stem the millions of dollars in losses they are taking due to the increase in claims made by these new customers.
One example is Oregon, where it was found that the cost of providing coverage totaled $830 million in 2014 while premiums were only $703 million. Many states experienced something similar. Utah-based company Arches Health Plan is requesting a 45 percent rate increase and Scott & White Health Plan of Texas is seeking a 32 percent rate increase, as are others.
The death spiral that these rate-increase requests herald should make all those who have blindly supported this massive intervention pause and ponder over just what their faith in government omnipotence has wrought. How much devastation will be allowed to materialize before they realize that the progressive totem of universal healthcare is unrealizable? That may be too much to ask, considering the generous helping of blind faith that fueled the passage of Obamacare.
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One example is Oregon, where it was found that the cost of providing coverage totaled $830 million in 2014 while premiums were only $703 million. Many states experienced something similar. Utah-based company Arches Health Plan is requesting a 45 percent rate increase and Scott & White Health Plan of Texas is seeking a 32 percent rate increase, as are others.
The death spiral that these rate-increase requests herald should make all those who have blindly supported this massive intervention pause and ponder over just what their faith in government omnipotence has wrought. How much devastation will be allowed to materialize before they realize that the progressive totem of universal healthcare is unrealizable? That may be too much to ask, considering the generous helping of blind faith that fueled the passage of Obamacare.
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Berlin Library still looking for $1.3M
The wind whipped around the dozen or so vendors tables lined up just outside downtown Berlin, but rain never materialized Saturday afternoon when several hundred gathered at the site of the new $4.5 million Worcester County Library.
For now, the space is hardly more than an open field next to the Waystead Inn on Harrison Avenue, but by next year work could begin on the new state-of-the-art facility, which would include enhanced meeting spaces, more computers and better access to the internet, as well as children and teen reading areas.
Whether or when shovels go into the ground, however, will largely depend on whether the state approves a $1 million grant in its next fiscal year budget.
The Worcester County Library Foundation already received $2 million from the county, $430,000 of which went to land acquisition, and $1 million from the state.
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For now, the space is hardly more than an open field next to the Waystead Inn on Harrison Avenue, but by next year work could begin on the new state-of-the-art facility, which would include enhanced meeting spaces, more computers and better access to the internet, as well as children and teen reading areas.
Whether or when shovels go into the ground, however, will largely depend on whether the state approves a $1 million grant in its next fiscal year budget.
The Worcester County Library Foundation already received $2 million from the county, $430,000 of which went to land acquisition, and $1 million from the state.
More
Mark Levin: ‘The Forerunner to War Has Begun’
On his nationally syndicated radio show September 30, 2015, Mark Levin warned that “the forerunner to war has begun.”
“I told you last year this was the start of World War III,” stated Levin, “and here we go, slowly but surely. And this fool, and the fools in the Democrat Party and the fools in the Republican Party, surrendering the treaty provision in the Constitution.
“These fools, these clowns – all of them – have armed up the Iranians,” Levin continued. “The Iranians will now have $150 billion. The Russians are already getting a big chunk of that; the Chinese are going to get a big chunk of that, Hezbollah, Hamas. The battle is on. It’s not a matter of us going to war. It’s not a matter of the Israelis going to war. The forerunner to war has begun.”
Here is a transcript of what Mark Levin had to say on his program:
“Now Israel, the Egyptians, the Saudis, the Jordanians and so forth, they all are gravely concerned, and we should be gravely concerned. And we should be gravely concerned. We should be gravely concerned, not only because of what Putin is doing, but that we are a people who have a president, a Secretary of State, who are completely out of their league. They’re completely over their heads.
“We have our fourth Secretary of Defense. The other three couldn’t stand being Secretary of Defense under this president. Our military is frustrated – they’re furious. Putin, China, Iran, all laughing at us."
Read more here
“I told you last year this was the start of World War III,” stated Levin, “and here we go, slowly but surely. And this fool, and the fools in the Democrat Party and the fools in the Republican Party, surrendering the treaty provision in the Constitution.
“These fools, these clowns – all of them – have armed up the Iranians,” Levin continued. “The Iranians will now have $150 billion. The Russians are already getting a big chunk of that; the Chinese are going to get a big chunk of that, Hezbollah, Hamas. The battle is on. It’s not a matter of us going to war. It’s not a matter of the Israelis going to war. The forerunner to war has begun.”
Here is a transcript of what Mark Levin had to say on his program:
“Now Israel, the Egyptians, the Saudis, the Jordanians and so forth, they all are gravely concerned, and we should be gravely concerned. And we should be gravely concerned. We should be gravely concerned, not only because of what Putin is doing, but that we are a people who have a president, a Secretary of State, who are completely out of their league. They’re completely over their heads.
“We have our fourth Secretary of Defense. The other three couldn’t stand being Secretary of Defense under this president. Our military is frustrated – they’re furious. Putin, China, Iran, all laughing at us."
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Armed anti-Muslim activists planning 20 rallies at mosques and community centers across the US
Imagine 2050 reported this week that a Facebook group called Global Rally for Humanity had put out a call for anti-Muslim demonstrations in “every country at every Mosque.”
“[I]f there is not an event page set up for your area yet then its time for you to take the initiative and start a page and invite patriots and share it,” the page explains. “Remember to do your homework and find a local mosque in your area so you can publish the location.”
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Obama, The JV Commander in Chief
Two days after Barack Obama’s UN confab talkathon with Vladimir Putin, Russia attacked U.S.-backed forces in Syria.
On Wednesday, a Russian general dropped in at our embassy in Baghdad and issued a démarche (a diplomatic slap down) summarily demanding that U.S. personnel and aircraft get out of Syria because Russia would begin airstrikes in an hour.
And Russia did just that — not against Islamic State adversaries but against the dwindling U.S.-backed Syrian militias attempting to topple the tyrannical Russian client state regime of Bashar al-Assad.
Unlike Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, his actions in Syria put Russian and U.S. military forces on a collision course for direct combat.
Of course, Putin knows that Obama will back down.
According to retired General Jack Keane, former Army Vice Chief of Staff, “Once again, Putin, who’s economy is in the tank and who’s military is no match for the United States … has outmaneuvered and out-bluffed [Obama]. He knows that [Obama] will do nothing but verbal condemnation. What he is counting on is [Obama’s] predictable fear of escalation and fear of confrontation. This is a game changer, this is significant because Putin is changing … the strategic balance of power.”
Indeed he is.
Former UN Ambassador John Bolton stated succinctly, “[Putin] is bidding for dominance in the Middle East and he thinks he can prevail because he [faces] a weak and feckless occupant in the White House.”
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On Wednesday, a Russian general dropped in at our embassy in Baghdad and issued a démarche (a diplomatic slap down) summarily demanding that U.S. personnel and aircraft get out of Syria because Russia would begin airstrikes in an hour.
And Russia did just that — not against Islamic State adversaries but against the dwindling U.S.-backed Syrian militias attempting to topple the tyrannical Russian client state regime of Bashar al-Assad.
Unlike Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, his actions in Syria put Russian and U.S. military forces on a collision course for direct combat.
Of course, Putin knows that Obama will back down.
According to retired General Jack Keane, former Army Vice Chief of Staff, “Once again, Putin, who’s economy is in the tank and who’s military is no match for the United States … has outmaneuvered and out-bluffed [Obama]. He knows that [Obama] will do nothing but verbal condemnation. What he is counting on is [Obama’s] predictable fear of escalation and fear of confrontation. This is a game changer, this is significant because Putin is changing … the strategic balance of power.”
Indeed he is.
Former UN Ambassador John Bolton stated succinctly, “[Putin] is bidding for dominance in the Middle East and he thinks he can prevail because he [faces] a weak and feckless occupant in the White House.”
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Teachers Rebel Against Planned NEA Clinton Endorsement
Members of the country’s largest teachers union are revolting against the union’s plan to officially endorse Hillary Clinton within the next few days. Many argue the group should endorse Bernie Sanders, or stay out of the endorsement game altogether.
The National Education Association (NEA), close to 3 million members strong, is about to endorse Clinton for president, even though the first primaries are months away and new candidates like Joe Biden may enter the race, an email obtained by Politico revealed Tuesday.
The union’s political arm, NEA PAC, is pushing the Clinton endorsement, the email shows. And NEA President Lily Eskelsen Garcia is lobbying union officials hard to acquiesce.
If the PAC chooses Clinton in an expected vote Thursday, the NEA Board of Directors would vote on the matter Friday. Many teachers are deeply upset, saying the union’s endorsement is being given away too early, too easily, and perhaps to the wrong candidate entirely.
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The National Education Association (NEA), close to 3 million members strong, is about to endorse Clinton for president, even though the first primaries are months away and new candidates like Joe Biden may enter the race, an email obtained by Politico revealed Tuesday.
The union’s political arm, NEA PAC, is pushing the Clinton endorsement, the email shows. And NEA President Lily Eskelsen Garcia is lobbying union officials hard to acquiesce.
If the PAC chooses Clinton in an expected vote Thursday, the NEA Board of Directors would vote on the matter Friday. Many teachers are deeply upset, saying the union’s endorsement is being given away too early, too easily, and perhaps to the wrong candidate entirely.
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Here We Go: Huffington Post Links Hurricane Joaquin With ‘Climate Change’
Most news outlets have wisely stayed away from this proposition, something that is not based on science. Not Huffington Post’s Lydia O’Conner
How Climate Change Is Intensifying Hurricane Joaquin
Warmer oceans are making everything worse.
As the East Coast prepares for a possible Hurricane Joaquin landfall, experts warn that its intensity and potential for destruction are exacerbated by climate change.
Joaquin, which strengthened into a dangerous Category 4 hurricane on Thursday and battered sparsely populated Bahamian islands, will strengthen in the next 12 to 24 hours, the National Hurricane Center reported. Its current path has it nearing North Carolina and Virginia on Sunday or Monday, but mid-Atlantic and Northeast states will experience minor to moderate flooding over the weekend regardless of whether the hurricane makes landfall.
Joaquin’s quickly progressing strength can be tied to unprecedented sea surface temperatures in the hurricane’s vicinity, Michael Mann, director of the Earth System Science Center at Pennsylvania State University, told The Huffington Post.
“Joaquin has been traveling over a record-warm ocean surface and undoubtedly that has contributed to its rapid intensification,” he said. “In a very basic sense, warmer ocean surface temperatures mean there is more energy available to strengthen these storms. So we expect more intense hurricanes in general in a warmer world.”
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How Climate Change Is Intensifying Hurricane Joaquin
Warmer oceans are making everything worse.
As the East Coast prepares for a possible Hurricane Joaquin landfall, experts warn that its intensity and potential for destruction are exacerbated by climate change.
Joaquin, which strengthened into a dangerous Category 4 hurricane on Thursday and battered sparsely populated Bahamian islands, will strengthen in the next 12 to 24 hours, the National Hurricane Center reported. Its current path has it nearing North Carolina and Virginia on Sunday or Monday, but mid-Atlantic and Northeast states will experience minor to moderate flooding over the weekend regardless of whether the hurricane makes landfall.
Joaquin’s quickly progressing strength can be tied to unprecedented sea surface temperatures in the hurricane’s vicinity, Michael Mann, director of the Earth System Science Center at Pennsylvania State University, told The Huffington Post.
“Joaquin has been traveling over a record-warm ocean surface and undoubtedly that has contributed to its rapid intensification,” he said. “In a very basic sense, warmer ocean surface temperatures mean there is more energy available to strengthen these storms. So we expect more intense hurricanes in general in a warmer world.”
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TWITTER CHARACTERIZES DISAGREEING WITH SOMEONE’S OPINION AS “ABUSIVE BEHAVIOR”
Twitter is now allowing users to report other account holders for “engaging in abusive or harassing behavior,” one example of which includes “disagreement with my opinion.”
The chilling language was discovered just days after top feminists went before the United Nations and called on the global body to pressure governments to censor content critical of radical feminism.
Twitter’s official page for reporting harassment and abuse gives users a number of options that characterize the nature of the “abuse”.
One of the options is Twitter posts that are, “Offensive, disrespectful or in disagreement with my opinion.”
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Report: Chamber of Commerce to Spend $100 Million to Destroy Tea Party
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce will literally double down in its efforts to crush the Tea Party to get legislation–like a comprehensive amnesty bill and the reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank–that it covets.
After budgeting $50 million to elect establishment-friendly candidates in the 2014 election cycle, the chamber will reportedly spend as much as $100 million in the 2016 election cycle to crush conservatives. According to a Roll Call report, some of the group’s “top targets in 2016 will be right-wing, tea party candidates” who have opposed amnesty for illegal immigrants, Obamatrade, and reauthorizing the Export-Import Bank.
The Chamber of Commerce’s ultimate goal is to reportedly win back “the soul of the Republican Party” by electing more establishment Republicans “in contested primaries to strengthen their hand during policy debates on the Hill.”
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After budgeting $50 million to elect establishment-friendly candidates in the 2014 election cycle, the chamber will reportedly spend as much as $100 million in the 2016 election cycle to crush conservatives. According to a Roll Call report, some of the group’s “top targets in 2016 will be right-wing, tea party candidates” who have opposed amnesty for illegal immigrants, Obamatrade, and reauthorizing the Export-Import Bank.
The Chamber of Commerce’s ultimate goal is to reportedly win back “the soul of the Republican Party” by electing more establishment Republicans “in contested primaries to strengthen their hand during policy debates on the Hill.”
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HISTORICAL COMMENTS BY GEORGE CHEVALLIER 10-3-15
Red Shield Boys Club
Many a boy back in the 1950’s found an outlet for his energy during the winter at the Red Shield Boys Club. Kenny Cathell was the Executive Director for many years and he was superb in maintaining order at the boys club. His word was law and no one ever questioned it. Boys demonstrated better respect for their elders and had better discipline in those days.
First, there was football. I well remember the “cage” where they kept all the equipment. This was manned for many years by the late Don Patterson. They had four teams – the Green Terrors, the Terps, the Blue Devils and the Black Knights. There were two sets of helmets. One set was so old it was leather. The other set was by Riddell and was a more contemporary hard plastic design. They were red as opposed to the black color of the leather helmets. The four team league had a rule that if you didn’t weigh 100 pounds, you could play when you were 13. I can’t remember the season lasting too long, but the rivalries were fierce and would be the talk of the school week before the Saturday games.
When football was over, the basketball league began. They had the same rule regarding size and age. Four of us little guys got together and had an easy time winning the league. I don’t think that they had tryouts or anything like that. A bunch of guys just formed their own team and played throughout the winter.
They also had a ping-pong table at Red Shield that I will never forget. It seems that players were prone to smack the table to the point that there was about a foot deep gash in either end of the table. This made for tough ping-pong. I had a table in my basement at home and the first rule was that if you hit the table, you hit the door. My father was an excellent player and I played him every night for about five years. I always lost and asked him one time if he thought I would ever beat him. His reply was simply, “When you’re good enough”.
Red Shield still has a very active football program. They have a nice lighted field on Eastern Shore Drive and have even included the girls in a cheerleading program. It is really neat to see a nine year old boy all dressed up in pads and helmet strutting his stuff and imagining he is the next Heisman trophy winner. Dreams are what makes youth so special and we should encourage those dreams.
Troopers Investigate Fatal Crash Involving a Pedestrian
Odessa, DE - The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is currently investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash in which a male pedestrian was struck and killed that occurred early this morning in Odessa.
The initial investigation has determined that the crash occurred this morning, Saturday, October 03, 2015, at approximately 2:04 a.m. as, for an unknown reason; a 43 year old male victim was walking in the roadway on DuPont Parkway (US. Rt. 13) approximately .7 miles south of Middletown-Odessa Road (DE Rt. 299), Odessa. The male pedestrian was then struck by the front of a 2004 Chevrolet Suburban which was traveling on US Rt. 13 in an unknown lane, and which was being operated by Shawn Russell, 40, of Dover. As a result of the crash, the pedestrian was thrown into the roadway where he came to rest. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The name of the male victim is being withheld at this time pending the notification of his next of kin.
Shawn Russell fled in his vehicle from the scene but was apprehended a short time later by officers from the Smyrna Police Department at the intersection of US Rt. 13 and Smyrna Leipsic Road, Smyrna. A DUI investigation then ensued at which time Shawn Russell was arrested and charged by troopers with DUI, Leaving the Scene of a Fatal Motor Vehicle Crash, Failure to Report an Accident, and No Proof of Motor Vehicle Insurance. Arraignment information for Russell is not available at this time.
It is unknown if alcohol use on the part of the victim was a contributing factor in the crash. US Rt. 13 southbound south of Rt. 299 was closed for approximately 3 hours as the crash was investigated and cleared.
This crash remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit.
The initial investigation has determined that the crash occurred this morning, Saturday, October 03, 2015, at approximately 2:04 a.m. as, for an unknown reason; a 43 year old male victim was walking in the roadway on DuPont Parkway (US. Rt. 13) approximately .7 miles south of Middletown-Odessa Road (DE Rt. 299), Odessa. The male pedestrian was then struck by the front of a 2004 Chevrolet Suburban which was traveling on US Rt. 13 in an unknown lane, and which was being operated by Shawn Russell, 40, of Dover. As a result of the crash, the pedestrian was thrown into the roadway where he came to rest. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The name of the male victim is being withheld at this time pending the notification of his next of kin.
Shawn Russell fled in his vehicle from the scene but was apprehended a short time later by officers from the Smyrna Police Department at the intersection of US Rt. 13 and Smyrna Leipsic Road, Smyrna. A DUI investigation then ensued at which time Shawn Russell was arrested and charged by troopers with DUI, Leaving the Scene of a Fatal Motor Vehicle Crash, Failure to Report an Accident, and No Proof of Motor Vehicle Insurance. Arraignment information for Russell is not available at this time.
It is unknown if alcohol use on the part of the victim was a contributing factor in the crash. US Rt. 13 southbound south of Rt. 299 was closed for approximately 3 hours as the crash was investigated and cleared.
This crash remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit.
BREAKING NEWS: US military may have mistakenly hit Afghan hospital in airstrike
US military confirms that it is investigating the possibility that a Doctors Without Borders civilian trauma center was mistakenly hit during an airstrike in northern Afghanistan, resulting in at least nine dead and 30 unaccounted for.
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Mikulski Emails Hillary: Dems 'Only Offering Spending Plans. Not Solutions
(CNSNews) - Among the 3,869 Hillary Clinton emails released Wednesday by the State Department is one from Clinton's former Senate colleague Barbara Mikulsi, in which the Maryland Democrat expresses dismay with the way things were going in Washington in January 2010, one year after President Obama took office.
Among other things, Mikulski describes the Democratic caucus as "a volcano ready to erupt"; she admits to frustration with President Obama's White House team, because of their "tin ear/thin plans to deal with deep economic anxiety"; she notes that the "middle class feels their way of life slipping away."
And, she adds, "Dems are only offering spending plans. Not solutions." (President Obama signed his economic stimulus bill into law in February 2009. And the Democrat-led Senate, in December 2010, had taken up a pork-filled, $1.2-trillion omnibus spending bill.)
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Among other things, Mikulski describes the Democratic caucus as "a volcano ready to erupt"; she admits to frustration with President Obama's White House team, because of their "tin ear/thin plans to deal with deep economic anxiety"; she notes that the "middle class feels their way of life slipping away."
And, she adds, "Dems are only offering spending plans. Not solutions." (President Obama signed his economic stimulus bill into law in February 2009. And the Democrat-led Senate, in December 2010, had taken up a pork-filled, $1.2-trillion omnibus spending bill.)
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With contract at end, city to negotiate with OCFD union
Although the real meat of the process is still months away, the city is gearing up for negotiations with its firefighters’ union over the coming winter.
The town’s current contract with the local chapter of the International Association of Fire Fighters, approved in April of 2013, was good for three years. A new collective bargaining agreement will need to be hammered out in advance of the city’s spring budget process, with fiscal year 2017 beginning June 1, 2016.
The city council met behind closed doors this week with attorneys from Miles & Stockbridge, the town’s labor counsel.
“Per the city’s charter, labor contracts are to be done by March 1,” said City Solicitor Guy Ayres. “So we put together some dates that we’ve submitted to the IAFF for January and March.”
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The town’s current contract with the local chapter of the International Association of Fire Fighters, approved in April of 2013, was good for three years. A new collective bargaining agreement will need to be hammered out in advance of the city’s spring budget process, with fiscal year 2017 beginning June 1, 2016.
The city council met behind closed doors this week with attorneys from Miles & Stockbridge, the town’s labor counsel.
“Per the city’s charter, labor contracts are to be done by March 1,” said City Solicitor Guy Ayres. “So we put together some dates that we’ve submitted to the IAFF for January and March.”
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Town Of Ocean City - Conditions In Ocean City
The weekend forecast will continue to bring light rain and strong wind gusts, reaching approximately 50 mph. In...
Posted by Town of Ocean City on Saturday, October 3, 2015
More players die in high school football each year than at any other level of the game
Los Angeles (AFP) - A spate of tragic fatalities has underscored long-running concerns over safety standards in high-school American football, where more players die each year than at any other level of the game.
Evan Murray, a 17-year-old quarterback at Warren Hills Regional High School in New Jersey, became the third player to die in as many weeks after suffering a lacerated spleen in a game last Friday.
On September 5, 16-year-old Tyrell Cameron died after sustaining a neck injury during a punt return in a game for Franklin Parish High in Louisiana.
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Evan Murray, a 17-year-old quarterback at Warren Hills Regional High School in New Jersey, became the third player to die in as many weeks after suffering a lacerated spleen in a game last Friday.
On September 5, 16-year-old Tyrell Cameron died after sustaining a neck injury during a punt return in a game for Franklin Parish High in Louisiana.
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Wilmington Man Arrested for 7th DUI
The incident occurred yesterday morning, Thursday, October 1, 2015, at approximately 10:10 a.m., as troopers were told to respond to the First Student Transportation bus yard located at 750 Stanton-Christiana Road, Newark, for the report of an unresponsive operator behind the wheel of a vehicle. Upon the arrival of troopers and Emergency Medical Services, John R. Owens, 57, of Wilmington, was found to be passed out behind the wheel of a Dodge Caliber which had entered the bus yard and struck the rear of a school bus that was parked in the lot. Troopers learned that Owens had entered the lot, struck the bus, and then exited the lot onto Stanton-Christiana Road. He then re-entered the bus lot and struck a chain link fence before passing out in the car.
John Owens was removed from the scene by EMS and transported to the Christiana Hospital for evaluation. Owens did not sustain any injuries in the crash. A DUI investigation then ensued and troopers subsequently arrested Owens for his 7th Offense DUI, Driving while Suspended, and No Valid Proof of Insurance.
House report: Planned Parenthood spent millions on ‘blowout’ parties, travel, salaries
Planned Parenthood and its affiliates have spent millions in recent years on "blowout" parties, first-class travel and "lucrative" salaries, according to a report from the chairman of the House oversight committee.
Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, publicly accused the organization of spending a big chunk of its budget on non-health care expenses during a heated hearing on Tuesday. But on the sidelines of that hearing, he released a report detailing those costs.
In doing so, he and other Republicans continued to question whether Planned Parenthood needs all the taxpayer funding it receives.
"If they're going to pay those people that much money and pay for first-class travel and have all of these exorbitant parties, and send money overseas, then they don't need funding from the American taxpayers," Chaffetz told Fox News.
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Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, publicly accused the organization of spending a big chunk of its budget on non-health care expenses during a heated hearing on Tuesday. But on the sidelines of that hearing, he released a report detailing those costs.
In doing so, he and other Republicans continued to question whether Planned Parenthood needs all the taxpayer funding it receives.
"If they're going to pay those people that much money and pay for first-class travel and have all of these exorbitant parties, and send money overseas, then they don't need funding from the American taxpayers," Chaffetz told Fox News.
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