I feel terrible for laughing.
Posted by Viral Videos on Tuesday, December 29, 2015
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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
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
I feel terrible for laughing
Would You Pay $400 For A New Year’s Eve Dinner At Olive Garden In Times Square?
New Year’s Eve revelers who like the idea of celebrating in New York City’s Times Square, but who don’t so much love the thought of trying to find a public bathroom while surrounded by thousands of drunken strangers, might be interested in settling in at a dining spot close to the action: equipped with toilets, heat, and food, restaurants provide a few more comforts than camping outside all day. But does anyone want to pay $400 for dinner at Olive Garden, just because it’s New Year’s Eve?
Residents In Nine States Could Need A Second Form Of ID To Pass Through Airport Security Next Year
Ten years ago, Congress passed the REAL ID Act, which set minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and photo IDs. While the rules haven’t exactly been enforced to the “T” by the Dept. of Homeland Security, that’s poised to change, leaving millions of people in nine states in need of a second form of ID to pass through airport security.
The New York Times reports that while several of these states have been granted extensions, effectively delaying any application of requirements for a period of time, those deadlines are fast approaching, and the government apparently isn’t keen on providing new extensions.
That’s likely to be an issue for at least nine states, Ars Technica reports.
The requirements under the Act have been hotly debated in many states, with some claiming the law violates consumers’ privacy, even passing laws barring motor vehicle departments from complying with the law.
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The New York Times reports that while several of these states have been granted extensions, effectively delaying any application of requirements for a period of time, those deadlines are fast approaching, and the government apparently isn’t keen on providing new extensions.
That’s likely to be an issue for at least nine states, Ars Technica reports.
The requirements under the Act have been hotly debated in many states, with some claiming the law violates consumers’ privacy, even passing laws barring motor vehicle departments from complying with the law.
More
Baby has hilarious reaction to first taste of bacon
A California baby’s hilarious reaction to tasting bacon for the first time was captured on camera and is now going viral.
Easton Beach, 19 months old, was dressed in Santa Claus pajamas and sitting in a high chair at his grandparents’ home on Christmas morning when he had his first taste of bacon.
“We usually stick with the same fruit and waffles for breakfast,” Easton’s mom, Melissa Beach, told ABC News. “They made bacon so my husband handed him a piece just to see what he’d do with it.”
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BERLIN, GERMANY: “I AM MUSLIM WHAT ARE YOU?” MUSLIMS BEAT CHRISTIANS FOR CHRISTMAS FUN
The Muslims asked the Christian men, “I am Muslim, what are you?” before beating the men
A group of Christian men was jumped outside a club in Berlin on Christmas Eve.
”I am muslim. What are you?” After asking this question, muslims beat on Christians at Berlin Mitte on the second day of Christmas, on Potsdam Platz.
At least five injured men are the result of a fight on early Sunday evening in Berlin-Tiergarten. The police are still investigating, But what they know so far is that five men, after leaving the Club “Adagio” at 17:20 on the Marlene-Dietrich-Plaza, were accosted by a man and asked about their religion. The police report said that the unknown man said, “I am muslim! What are you?” The question resulted in a verbal shouting match. Suddenly more people arrived on the scene and together with the unknown muslim they started beating on the men aged 20, 24, and 25.
A 19-year-old man who tried to calm the men down, was injured in the face. Right before the police arrived, the perpetrators fled the scene. The injured young men did not wish for medical treatment on the spot and said they were going to go to the clinic themselves. According to police, the young men that were attacked come from Serbia and Montenegro and are Orthodox Christians.
Source
A group of Christian men was jumped outside a club in Berlin on Christmas Eve.
”I am muslim. What are you?” After asking this question, muslims beat on Christians at Berlin Mitte on the second day of Christmas, on Potsdam Platz.
At least five injured men are the result of a fight on early Sunday evening in Berlin-Tiergarten. The police are still investigating, But what they know so far is that five men, after leaving the Club “Adagio” at 17:20 on the Marlene-Dietrich-Plaza, were accosted by a man and asked about their religion. The police report said that the unknown man said, “I am muslim! What are you?” The question resulted in a verbal shouting match. Suddenly more people arrived on the scene and together with the unknown muslim they started beating on the men aged 20, 24, and 25.
A 19-year-old man who tried to calm the men down, was injured in the face. Right before the police arrived, the perpetrators fled the scene. The injured young men did not wish for medical treatment on the spot and said they were going to go to the clinic themselves. According to police, the young men that were attacked come from Serbia and Montenegro and are Orthodox Christians.
Source
Rural Maryland Council elects 2016 leadership
The Rural Maryland Council met on Wednesday Dec. 2, 2015 in Annapolis and elected officers for the 2016 calendar year. The council elected the following officers:
• Chairman: Doris Mason
• First Vice Chairman: Josh Hastings
• Second Vice Chairman: Matt Teffeau
Doris Mason currently serves as the executive director of the Upper Shore Regional Council where she provides leadership on key projects for the USRC as it partners with public and private entities to optimize the physical, economic and social well-being of the residents of Cecil, Kent and Queen Anne’s Counties.
“I am looking forward to serving the residents of Rural Maryland and am excited for this opportunity,” said Mason. “We plan to focus our leadership towards enhancing our state’s investments in our rural areas through the Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund, so that our rural regions can grow economically to be the prosperous places we know they can be.”
Josh Hastings currently serves as policy director for the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy where he monitors land use policies at the local, state, and federal government levels.
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• Chairman: Doris Mason
• First Vice Chairman: Josh Hastings
• Second Vice Chairman: Matt Teffeau
Doris Mason currently serves as the executive director of the Upper Shore Regional Council where she provides leadership on key projects for the USRC as it partners with public and private entities to optimize the physical, economic and social well-being of the residents of Cecil, Kent and Queen Anne’s Counties.
“I am looking forward to serving the residents of Rural Maryland and am excited for this opportunity,” said Mason. “We plan to focus our leadership towards enhancing our state’s investments in our rural areas through the Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund, so that our rural regions can grow economically to be the prosperous places we know they can be.”
Josh Hastings currently serves as policy director for the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy where he monitors land use policies at the local, state, and federal government levels.
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The great hope of the US economic recovery has been a flop
One of the greatest hopes in the wake of the financial crisis was that there would be a surge in business investment, or capital expenditures (capex).
The case for a capex boom was simple and clear: Equipment was getting old, and central banks were making it very cheap to finance this spending.
But that story has been a flop.
For the most part, American businesses figured out how to make do with the equipment they had, and they incredibly managed to squeeze out higher profit margins even as theirequipment continued to get older. And as for that cheap money, there's evidence that companies used at least some of it to finance share buybacks, thus boosting shareholder value through nothing but financial engineering.
"Capex should remain stagnant," Goldman Sachs' Sumana Manohar, Hugo Scott-Gall, and Megha Chaturvedi wrote.
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The case for a capex boom was simple and clear: Equipment was getting old, and central banks were making it very cheap to finance this spending.
But that story has been a flop.
For the most part, American businesses figured out how to make do with the equipment they had, and they incredibly managed to squeeze out higher profit margins even as theirequipment continued to get older. And as for that cheap money, there's evidence that companies used at least some of it to finance share buybacks, thus boosting shareholder value through nothing but financial engineering.
"Capex should remain stagnant," Goldman Sachs' Sumana Manohar, Hugo Scott-Gall, and Megha Chaturvedi wrote.
More
Maryland prison pet program suspended for lack of guidelines
Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services spokesman Robert Thomas told The Herald-Mail Tuesday that the program at the medium-security Maryland Correctional Training Center near Hagerstown has been curtailed.
The 18-month-old program allowed inmates to care for cats and dogs from area animal shelters. Proponents say it saved scores of animals from euthanasia.
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Alarming new study finds the vast majority of people who overdose on opioids are able to get new prescriptions
(Reuters Health) – Almost all people who overdose on prescription opioids continue to receive prescriptions for these painkillers, according to a new study.
“We found the results both surprising and concerning,” said lead author Dr. Marc R. Larochelle of Boston Medical Center.
“While this study wasn't designed to answer why, one possibility is that providers are not aware that their patients experienced an overdose when making the decision to continue prescribing opioids,” Larochelle told Reuters Health by email. “This lack of knowledge may be a symptom of our fragmented health care system where there is no clear mechanism to communicate events from emergency department or inpatient settings to providers in the community.”
The researchers used Optum, a national commercial insurance claims database, to identify almost 3,000 patients who experienced a nonfatal overdose between 2000 and 2012 while taking long-term opioids prescribed for chronic pain not related to cancer. Opioids include drugs like codeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, and tramadol.
Just over 90% of these patients continued to receive prescription opioids after the overdose. More than half got the prescription from the same doctor.
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“We found the results both surprising and concerning,” said lead author Dr. Marc R. Larochelle of Boston Medical Center.
“While this study wasn't designed to answer why, one possibility is that providers are not aware that their patients experienced an overdose when making the decision to continue prescribing opioids,” Larochelle told Reuters Health by email. “This lack of knowledge may be a symptom of our fragmented health care system where there is no clear mechanism to communicate events from emergency department or inpatient settings to providers in the community.”
The researchers used Optum, a national commercial insurance claims database, to identify almost 3,000 patients who experienced a nonfatal overdose between 2000 and 2012 while taking long-term opioids prescribed for chronic pain not related to cancer. Opioids include drugs like codeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, and tramadol.
Just over 90% of these patients continued to receive prescription opioids after the overdose. More than half got the prescription from the same doctor.
More
This Little Boy Asked For A Rattlesnake For Christmas
Be careful what you ask for Brooks! You just might get it!! Hahaha!!! Priceless!! I love a good prank. #parentsoftheyear #santaaintgotnothingonus
Posted by Alison Carroll on Friday, December 25, 2015
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Planned Parenthood Performed 323,999 Abortions in 2014, Accepted $553.7 Million in Taxpayer Funds
“There never has been a more important time to stand for and with Planned Parenthood,” Jill Lafer, the chair of Planned Parenthood, and Cecile Richards the president and CEO of Planned Parenthood, wrote in an opening letter. “We are at a critical moment in our history. Over the past several months, we have been tested in every way imaginable — and have emerged stronger than ever.”
The report states that “In the pages that follow, we present highlights from a year filled with achievements and breakthroughs.”
“Abortion” is listed in the report as one of the organization’s “Top Achievements” in 2014.
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Flakka — the drug they call '$5 insanity' — is overwhelming police and hospitals in Florida
Flakka is a new psychoactive crystal that has invaded South Florida. For just $5, a single dose can cause severe paranoia, zombie-like behavior, and superhuman strength.
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New law lets cops confiscate guns without notice
And police can keep those firearms for 21 days under the law known as AB 1014.
If family members believe a gun-owning individual is a danger to themselves or someone else, police may acquire a temporary “gun violence” restraining order from a judge, KPCC public radio reported.
California Gov. Jerry Brown signed the law after the 2014 shooting by Elliot Rodger near the University of California, Santa Barbara. Rodger, 22, killed six people and injured 14.
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State Police Probe Thefts From Sheds and Detached Garages
Sussex County, DE – Over the past several weeks; the Delaware State Police has investigated thefts from various residential sheds and detached garages at several locations ranging from Georgetown to Millsboro.
State police learned that an undetermined number of suspects have been entering various sheds and detached garages stealing items such as power tools, lawn and garden equipment, and in one incident, a 9mm pistol. In most of these cases, the out-buildings were left unsecured.
The Delaware State Police urge people to utilize the following tips:
Lock your shed and garage doors and secure any windows on the buildings.
Record serial numbers of the items stored in the buildings and take pictures of the items for identification purposes.
Leave outdoor lights on in the driveway or have security lighting or alarms installed.
If a large item came in a box as a Christmas present, don't advertise it by leaving the box out by the trash to be recycled or thrown away. Break down the box and shred it or take the box to a local recycling bin to be discarded.
Report any suspicious activity to 9-1-1 immediately.
If anyone has any information on these incidents, they are asked to contact Troop 4 Property Crimes Unit at 302-856-5850. Information may also be provided by callingDelaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet atwww.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword "DSP."
State police learned that an undetermined number of suspects have been entering various sheds and detached garages stealing items such as power tools, lawn and garden equipment, and in one incident, a 9mm pistol. In most of these cases, the out-buildings were left unsecured.
The Delaware State Police urge people to utilize the following tips:
Lock your shed and garage doors and secure any windows on the buildings.
Record serial numbers of the items stored in the buildings and take pictures of the items for identification purposes.
Leave outdoor lights on in the driveway or have security lighting or alarms installed.
If a large item came in a box as a Christmas present, don't advertise it by leaving the box out by the trash to be recycled or thrown away. Break down the box and shred it or take the box to a local recycling bin to be discarded.
Report any suspicious activity to 9-1-1 immediately.
If anyone has any information on these incidents, they are asked to contact Troop 4 Property Crimes Unit at 302-856-5850. Information may also be provided by callingDelaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet atwww.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword "DSP."
America's 'children in the basement' won't be moving out any time soon
Moving out of your parents' place is a rite of passage that occurs as you come of age.
When times are tough, it's understandable that one may delay such a move. The global financial crisis was one of these tough periods that forced an increasing percentage of 18- to 34-year-olds to live with their parents. Poor job prospects and massive student-loan debts kept independent living off the table.
But the US economy has been in recovery mode for almost six years, highlighted by a tumbling unemployment rate. And yet the rate at which this demographic cohort is living with their parents remains elevated.
"The share of young adults living with their parents has risen about 4 percentage points (or 3 million individuals) since house prices peaked in 2006," Goldman Sachs' Hui Shan and Daan Struyven observed in a recent note to clients. "The share of 'children in the basement' has not come down recently despite significant improvements seen in the job market."
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When times are tough, it's understandable that one may delay such a move. The global financial crisis was one of these tough periods that forced an increasing percentage of 18- to 34-year-olds to live with their parents. Poor job prospects and massive student-loan debts kept independent living off the table.
But the US economy has been in recovery mode for almost six years, highlighted by a tumbling unemployment rate. And yet the rate at which this demographic cohort is living with their parents remains elevated.
"The share of young adults living with their parents has risen about 4 percentage points (or 3 million individuals) since house prices peaked in 2006," Goldman Sachs' Hui Shan and Daan Struyven observed in a recent note to clients. "The share of 'children in the basement' has not come down recently despite significant improvements seen in the job market."
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Md. teacher wants students — and the dog — to eat homework
Neither is, “I ate my homework.”
In fact, eating homework — on all fronts — is encouraged. That’s because the Montgomery County teacher says one of the best ways for kids to learn is to occasionally swap the pencil for a fork.
“Food is universal,” says McCallum, who has taught in Maryland for more than 20 years. “No matter where you are in time and space, we’re all human; we’ve all had food.”
It’s that mentality that prompted McCallum to write and publish all three of her cookbooks in the “Eat Your Homework” book series, including “Eat Your Math Homework,” “Eat Your Science Homework” and “Eat Your U.S. History Homework.” And it was a holiday project that started it all.
Several years ago, McCallum decided to disguise a math lesson in a gingerbread house activity. Introducing tubes of icing and boxes of graham crackers seemed like a great way to continue on with classroom material amid seasonal excitement — and it worked.
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Opioid overdoses on the rise, despite federal and state programs
Those tracking heroin, fentanyl and opioid prescription deaths — both statewide and nationally — are reporting staggering numbers.
In 2014, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said overdose deaths related to opioids are up 14 percent from the year before.
“The most commonly prescribed opioid pain relievers, those classified as natural or semi-synthetic opioids such as oxycodone and hydrocodone, continue to be involved in more overdose deaths than any other opioid type. These deaths increased by 9 percent (813 more deaths in 2014 than 2013),” the federal agency says in a news release.
Both Maryland and Virginia are working to change their numbers, but both also report more deaths from opioids last year than in 2013.
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Money-printing has caused inflation — just not where we expected
I was asked once again why all this central-bank “money-printing” along with global zero-interest-rate or even negative-interest-rate policies haven’t caused a big bout of inflation, considering how currencies are getting watered down.
It’s a crucial question that baffled many minds for a while, but now, as this thing has been dragging out for seven years, bouncing from one major central bank to the next, without end in sight, the answer is becoming clearer.
This chart by NBF Economics and Strategy shows the growing pile of assets, expressed in dollars, that the “four big central banks” — Fed, ECB, Bank of Japan, and Bank of England — have heaped on their balance sheets: nearly $1
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It’s a crucial question that baffled many minds for a while, but now, as this thing has been dragging out for seven years, bouncing from one major central bank to the next, without end in sight, the answer is becoming clearer.
This chart by NBF Economics and Strategy shows the growing pile of assets, expressed in dollars, that the “four big central banks” — Fed, ECB, Bank of Japan, and Bank of England — have heaped on their balance sheets: nearly $1
More
States Pass Laws Allowing Concealed Weapons on College Campuses
As debate rages over gun control in Washington, eight states have already passed laws allowing concealed weapons for students and faculty on college campuses — and several others could follow suit in 2016.
Texas is the latest state to pass legislation permitting guns on campus, starting next August.
Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Mississippi, Oregon, Utah and Wisconsin already have either laws or court rulings allowing the carrying of concealed weapons on some campuses, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
Meanwhile, lawmakers in Florida are considering similar plans, the issue is pending in Ohio, The Washington Times reports and several other states are expected to consider similar legislation in 2016.
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Texas is the latest state to pass legislation permitting guns on campus, starting next August.
Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Mississippi, Oregon, Utah and Wisconsin already have either laws or court rulings allowing the carrying of concealed weapons on some campuses, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
Meanwhile, lawmakers in Florida are considering similar plans, the issue is pending in Ohio, The Washington Times reports and several other states are expected to consider similar legislation in 2016.
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Family: Suicide Was Result Of Baltimore Police Shooting
BALTIMORE (AP) — The family of a man who was shot by a Baltimore police officer in February says the Police Department treated him so poorly while he was recovering in the hospital that he killed himself instead of returning for more treatment.
The Baltimore Sun reports that the family of Jeffrey Blair filed a lawsuit Monday in Baltimore Circuit Court, saying police ignored his attorneys and refused to let his wife and mother visit.
The 35-year-old Blair was shot and hit with a Taser multiple times after a Feb. 22 traffic stop in which police say Blair exited his car and ran towards an officer.
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The Baltimore Sun reports that the family of Jeffrey Blair filed a lawsuit Monday in Baltimore Circuit Court, saying police ignored his attorneys and refused to let his wife and mother visit.
The 35-year-old Blair was shot and hit with a Taser multiple times after a Feb. 22 traffic stop in which police say Blair exited his car and ran towards an officer.
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Former Gov. Bush, in Home-State Florida, Pans Clinton, Trump
Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush said Monday that Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton "has no clue" about leading the country and GOP front-runner Donald Trump is "not serious about being a candidate."
Supporters cheered the former Florida governor's remarks at a Cuban restaurant near Miami.
Speaking briefly at times in Spanish before the largely Cuban supporters, Bush said America's leadership in the world is "essential for peace and security" and that "Hillary Clinton has no clue."
He repeated his critique of Trump from the Republican debate in Las Vegas, saying the billionaire businessman gets his foreign policy advice from "the shows." He said Trump "wakes up in his pajamas and watches the TV shows on Saturday and Sunday."
Bush said Trump "is not serious about being a candidate," but is a "great politician" who "fills the space."
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Supporters cheered the former Florida governor's remarks at a Cuban restaurant near Miami.
Speaking briefly at times in Spanish before the largely Cuban supporters, Bush said America's leadership in the world is "essential for peace and security" and that "Hillary Clinton has no clue."
He repeated his critique of Trump from the Republican debate in Las Vegas, saying the billionaire businessman gets his foreign policy advice from "the shows." He said Trump "wakes up in his pajamas and watches the TV shows on Saturday and Sunday."
Bush said Trump "is not serious about being a candidate," but is a "great politician" who "fills the space."
More
Falling Gas Prices Make For Record Number Of Holiday Travelers
It’s on track to be the busiest holiday for travel ever, and the American Auto Association (AAA) says you can credit that to falling gas prices.
The national average for a gallon of gas is now under $2 a gallon. That is the lowest prices have been since 2009.
Not only are the gas prices contributing to record travel for the holiday — the AAA says the time from Dec. 24 through Jan. 3 will be the busiest days of travel, ever.
Brad Durfee of Little Falls has been driving to Woodbury each Christmas for the last 30 years.
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The national average for a gallon of gas is now under $2 a gallon. That is the lowest prices have been since 2009.
Not only are the gas prices contributing to record travel for the holiday — the AAA says the time from Dec. 24 through Jan. 3 will be the busiest days of travel, ever.
Brad Durfee of Little Falls has been driving to Woodbury each Christmas for the last 30 years.
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The Gap closing at Westfield Annapolis Mall
The Gap will close its Westfield Annapolis store next month, one of 175 planned closures nationwide.
Store signage showed that the Annapolis location would be having a 50 percent off sale until its last day on Jan. 26. Customers were encouraged to visit the store's location atHarborplace in Baltimore. The Gap Outlet continues to operate at Arundel Mills, making that the chain's remaining store in Anne Arundel County.
Gap representatives could not be reached for comment, but they previously disclosed in financial filings that the company would be closing 175 locations, with 140 closures occurring in fiscal 2015.
In the early 1990s, both the Gap and Banana Republic operated on Market Space, two prime locations in downtown Annapolis. By 2001, parent company Gap Inc. announced both of those stores would be closing at a time when cutbacks were being made nationally.
Bob Burdon, head of the Annapolis and Anne Arundel County Chamber of Commerce, said that he was sorry to see the chain go.
"The Gap has been a welcome part of our community for a couple of decades now," Burdon said. He added that he didn't think this closure meant anything about the vibrancy of this area. "The Annapolis market is a very active, dynamic retail market. Many of us would've thought that they have a strong base of customers here and a strong basis of support."
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Store signage showed that the Annapolis location would be having a 50 percent off sale until its last day on Jan. 26. Customers were encouraged to visit the store's location atHarborplace in Baltimore. The Gap Outlet continues to operate at Arundel Mills, making that the chain's remaining store in Anne Arundel County.
Gap representatives could not be reached for comment, but they previously disclosed in financial filings that the company would be closing 175 locations, with 140 closures occurring in fiscal 2015.
In the early 1990s, both the Gap and Banana Republic operated on Market Space, two prime locations in downtown Annapolis. By 2001, parent company Gap Inc. announced both of those stores would be closing at a time when cutbacks were being made nationally.
Bob Burdon, head of the Annapolis and Anne Arundel County Chamber of Commerce, said that he was sorry to see the chain go.
"The Gap has been a welcome part of our community for a couple of decades now," Burdon said. He added that he didn't think this closure meant anything about the vibrancy of this area. "The Annapolis market is a very active, dynamic retail market. Many of us would've thought that they have a strong base of customers here and a strong basis of support."
More
Officer refuses to fire at unarmed man who yelled ‘Shoot me’
Police charged a Frederick man with assault after they said he attacked a woman in a parking lot, then told police he had a gun when they confronted him.
Nicholas Ryan Christopher Combs, 26, of the 100 block of South Market Street, was lying on the ground, raising his middle finger to passersby when a city police officer spotted him around 2:40 p.m. Wednesday, according to charging documents filed in Frederick County District Court.
When the officer approached Combs, he fled a short distance, then put his hand into his pocket and told the officer he had a gun, the documents state.
“Shoot me, shoot me!” Combs yelled, according to the documents. “Shoot me and kill me!”
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Nicholas Ryan Christopher Combs, 26, of the 100 block of South Market Street, was lying on the ground, raising his middle finger to passersby when a city police officer spotted him around 2:40 p.m. Wednesday, according to charging documents filed in Frederick County District Court.
When the officer approached Combs, he fled a short distance, then put his hand into his pocket and told the officer he had a gun, the documents state.
“Shoot me, shoot me!” Combs yelled, according to the documents. “Shoot me and kill me!”
More
Target wants your Unwanted Gift Cards
If you are a coffee-hater with a Starbucks gift card, you may be in luck. Target is buying unwanted gift cards, albeit at a reduced price.
There are fees taken out during the exchange, and the trade-in values vary. One example provided by Target: A $100 Walmart (WMT) gift card would exchange for an $85 Target gift card.
Target (TGT) is partnering with gift card exchange website Cardpool and electronic trade-in company Nextworth for the program. Cardpool provides the trade-in rate of consumers' gift cards and then re-sells them.
A card from a big-box store is likely to have a higher exchange rate than a more regional establishment, but the rates vary with demand, according to Patrick Ramsey, general manager of Cardpool. "You often find that grocery stores, gas stations and the mass merchandisers...will often have some of the higher prices closer to the face value."
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There are fees taken out during the exchange, and the trade-in values vary. One example provided by Target: A $100 Walmart (WMT) gift card would exchange for an $85 Target gift card.
Target (TGT) is partnering with gift card exchange website Cardpool and electronic trade-in company Nextworth for the program. Cardpool provides the trade-in rate of consumers' gift cards and then re-sells them.
A card from a big-box store is likely to have a higher exchange rate than a more regional establishment, but the rates vary with demand, according to Patrick Ramsey, general manager of Cardpool. "You often find that grocery stores, gas stations and the mass merchandisers...will often have some of the higher prices closer to the face value."
More
Could Maine's Food Stamp Solution Be Used Nationwide?
Food stamp rolls in Maine have plummeted in a year in what conservatives are proclaiming is a welfare reform victory that could be an example for the nation.
According to the Washington Examiner, the number of healthy adults without dependents who get food stamps fell by more than 90 percent, from 13,589 last year to 1,206 through mid-November.
In the fall of 2014, conservative Maine Gov. Paul LePage – who has run on a promise of welfare reform – started new work rules for food-stamp recipients that mandated any adult without children and who's able to work must do so at least part time, participate in job-training programs or volunteer to receive food stamp benefits.
"We have to make sure that our focus is on food stamps and other welfare programs being a last resort, not a way of life, and that we're promoting employment," Mary Mayhew, the commissioner of Maine's Department of Health and Human Services, tells the Examiner.
More here
According to the Washington Examiner, the number of healthy adults without dependents who get food stamps fell by more than 90 percent, from 13,589 last year to 1,206 through mid-November.
In the fall of 2014, conservative Maine Gov. Paul LePage – who has run on a promise of welfare reform – started new work rules for food-stamp recipients that mandated any adult without children and who's able to work must do so at least part time, participate in job-training programs or volunteer to receive food stamp benefits.
"We have to make sure that our focus is on food stamps and other welfare programs being a last resort, not a way of life, and that we're promoting employment," Mary Mayhew, the commissioner of Maine's Department of Health and Human Services, tells the Examiner.
More here
Soros: 'Hysterical Anti-Muslim Reaction' Not Good
Surrendering to the "hysterical anti-Muslim reaction" triggered by radical Islamic jihadist attacks in Europe and America puts "open societies" at risk by stoking fear and resentment, billionaire investor George Soros argues.
In a biting opinion piece in the Guardian, the hedge fund legend writes it's "an egregious mistake to do what the terrorists want us to do" – accusing GOP presidential primary front-runner Donald Trump and surging contender Sen. Ted Cruz of doing exactly that.
"Abandoning the values and principles underlying open societies and giving in to an anti-Muslim impulse dictated by fear certainly is not the answer, though it may be difficult to resist the temptation," he writes.
More here
In a biting opinion piece in the Guardian, the hedge fund legend writes it's "an egregious mistake to do what the terrorists want us to do" – accusing GOP presidential primary front-runner Donald Trump and surging contender Sen. Ted Cruz of doing exactly that.
"Abandoning the values and principles underlying open societies and giving in to an anti-Muslim impulse dictated by fear certainly is not the answer, though it may be difficult to resist the temptation," he writes.
More here
US Attorney Won't Prosecute Former VA Execs
Federal prosecutors have decided not to press criminal charges against two former executives at the Department of Veterans Affairs who were accused of manipulating the agency's hiring system for their own gain.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia says it has declined a referral from the VA inspector general for criminal prosecution of Diana Rubens and Kimberly Graves.
The inspector general said in a report this fall that Rubens and Graves forced lower-ranking regional managers to accept job transfers against their will. Rubens and Graves then stepped into the vacant positions themselves, keeping their pay while reducing their responsibilities.
More here
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia says it has declined a referral from the VA inspector general for criminal prosecution of Diana Rubens and Kimberly Graves.
The inspector general said in a report this fall that Rubens and Graves forced lower-ranking regional managers to accept job transfers against their will. Rubens and Graves then stepped into the vacant positions themselves, keeping their pay while reducing their responsibilities.
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The Dispatch, Ultra Partner On Solar System At Berlin Office
Located on Old Ocean City Boulevard in Berlin, The Dispatch’snew solar system, which went online Dec. 9 after two months of financial, feasibility and engineering studies, consists of 58 panels and four inverters and will produce approximately 23,000 kWh of energy annually, supplying an estimated 103% of annual electric use for the Berlin-based newspaper. The panels cover 1,018 square feet of space on the office’s roof.
The Dispatch Publisher Steve Green said the solar project makes tremendous environmental sense, as the system will avoid over 463 tons of carbon dioxide emissions from the office’s footprint over its useful lifespan. However, he said it was the economic incentives that made it financially feasible for his small business.
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A Century Before Donald Trump, Churchill Warned About Islam
In September 1898, the then-23-year-old Churchill was one of the officers leading the 21st Lancers cavalry charge that secured a British victory over 19th century Islamic terrorists at the Battle of Omdurman in Sudan.
Some 13 years earlier Muhammad Ahmad, “the Mahdi of Allah,” had established the first modern Islamic caliphate governed by sharia law when he beheaded British General George Gordon after his dervish jihadi army captured Khartoum. Only superior British military power stopped Ahmad’s successor, Ibn Muhammad, from spreading the caliphate throughout Africa, and elsewhere.
Writing in The River War, his account of the British retaking of Sudan, published in 1899, Churchill noted the threat to Western Civilization radical Islam poses:
A New Years Message from Sheriff Mason
May all of your dreams come true in 2016 . May God Bless My Men and Women that work here at The Sheriff's Office and their families. To all of my relatives and the many friends I have had the pleasure to meet over the years, thank you for being so kind and understanding. In the next three years and my last in 2018 , I will do everything possible to continue to make this a safe county to live in. I'm blessed to be surrounded by a wonderful group of hard working and caring individuals. To our next door 911 Dispatchers, what a outstanding job you do for this county and this office. I appreciate you so much.Thinking back in 2015 , I have so much to be blessed with.To my brother-law Ed, for beating Cancer. To my oldest brother who is amazing at his age, a teenager when I was born, having another birthday, shortage of candles in Pocomoke for all needed on his cake . To my wife, son, daughter-law, grand-children , and dog. When making some very difficult decisions that bother me ,you all have been there to cheer me up. I cant forget my mom, dad, brother, and my two sisters. Some day I hope to see again. Prayers for all Police and our Military . Semper Fi
New Year's "EVO"
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A US landmark just declared itself a 'no-drone zone'
Just in case you were considering flying that new aerial drone you got for Christmas off the Golden Gate Bridge, there's a new rule you probably should know about.
You can't.
Signs were installed on and around the iconic bridge last week advising potential amateur pilots and other visitors that there are no drones allowed, according to KCBS, the local CBS radio network station.
Officials with the Golden Gate Bridge District, the public entity that owns and operates the bridge, said unmanned drones are not allowed because they pose safety and security risks to people on the bridge.
“Whether due to operator error or technical problems, drones can and do fail,” district officials said in a written statement released last week.
“When they drop from the sky, they pose great risk of causing traffic, bicycle and pedestrian accidents, especially given the crowded conditions on the bridge,” the statement said.
The ban extends to areas near the bridge and the acreage around it, which extends to National Park Service property north and south of the famous span.
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You can't.
Signs were installed on and around the iconic bridge last week advising potential amateur pilots and other visitors that there are no drones allowed, according to KCBS, the local CBS radio network station.
Officials with the Golden Gate Bridge District, the public entity that owns and operates the bridge, said unmanned drones are not allowed because they pose safety and security risks to people on the bridge.
“Whether due to operator error or technical problems, drones can and do fail,” district officials said in a written statement released last week.
“When they drop from the sky, they pose great risk of causing traffic, bicycle and pedestrian accidents, especially given the crowded conditions on the bridge,” the statement said.
The ban extends to areas near the bridge and the acreage around it, which extends to National Park Service property north and south of the famous span.
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You’ll Simply Be Outraged When You Learn What These Muslim Students Did
There are a whole bunch of parents in Australia who are thoroughly ticked off over this. About 30 or 40 students at Cranbourne Carlisle Primary School in Victoria, Australia were allowed to leave before the national anthem because it would offend them. They are observing the death of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Muhammad. The ‘mourning’ event takes place between October 13 and November 12 this year and during that time, Shi’aMuslims do not participate in joyful events, including listening to music or singing, during what they call ‘Muharram.’ It seems to me all these schools are going out of their way to observe every single Muslim holiday, but are banning Christians and Jews at every turn, saying that church and school should not mix. If these students are in religious mourning, they should not be at school at all. To dis the national anthem this way, is a sign of disrespect and they mean it that way. They only recognize the Ummah and the Caliphate, not nation states.
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