DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
Wicomico Public Libraries Light of Literacy Awards Breakfast.
FRIENDS OF WICOMICO PUBLIC LIBRARIES TO HOST FOURTH ANNUAL
LIGHT OF LITERACY AWARDS BREAKFAST
The Friends of Wicomico Public Libraries will host their Fourth Annual Light of Literacy Awards on Thursday, April 7, from 8-10 a.m. at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center. Nominations are now being accepted and can be submitted online until February 26th at www.lightofliteracy.org. Tickets are $15 per person and can be purchased at all Library locations and online.
The Light of Literacy Awards recognize the power of everyday individuals doing extraordinary work in promoting the power of literacy throughout the community. The Light of Literacy Awards bring together leaders from around the area to recognize those who are luminaries in our community, lighting the way for others by their example. Literacy, the ability to take in information and use it to improve a life, includes not only tutoring someone to improve their ability to read but also consists of instructing someone on how to use a computer, teaching them to manage their finances, assisting them in understanding their doctor’s orders, or working with them in finding a career. Literacy encompasses a realm of skills, all of which are necessary for life in today’s world.
By recognizing individuals and organizations who promote literacy and by raising public awareness of their work, the Friends hope to multiply their efforts and the effect they have in the community. This will benefit those who do the work, those who gain assistance from this work, but also those with literacy needs who are seeking assistance.
HELP SUPPORT ONE OF OUR OWN!!!!
There have been numerous inquiries this morning about what can be done to help. Hebron VFD will be working with the family to coordinate donations of what is needed in the immediate future.
We have established the 'Phippin Fund' to accept monetary donations for the family. Please send donations to:
Phippin Fund
c/o Hebron Vol. Fire Dept, Inc.
PO Box 300
Hebron, MD 21830
ALL of the money donated will be passed to the family to purchase clothes, and other necessities to get them by until they can get on their feet.
Summers: 'Creeping Totalitarianism' on College Campus
Conversation with Bill Kristol features former Harvard president Larry Summers
Speaking about the intellectual climate on campus, Summers says, "The main thing that’s happening [on campus] is what always happens, professors teach courses, students take courses, students aspire to graduate, they make friends, they plan their lives… That said, whether it's the President of Princeton negotiating with people as they took over his office over the names of schools at Princeton, whether it is attacks on very reasonable free speech having to do with adults' right to choose their own Halloween costumes at Yale, whether it's the administration using placemats in the dining hall to propagandize about what messages students should give their parents about Syrian refugee policy, there is a great deal of absurd political correctness.
"I'm somebody who believes very strongly in diversity, who resists racism in all of its many incarnations… But it seems to be that there is a kind of creeping totalitarianism in terms of what kind of ideas are acceptable and are debatable on college campuses. And I think that's hugely unfortunate. I think the answer to bad speech is different speech. The answer to bad speech is not shutting down speech."
Summers also blasts "micro-agressions" as crazy...
More here (with video)
Speaking about the intellectual climate on campus, Summers says, "The main thing that’s happening [on campus] is what always happens, professors teach courses, students take courses, students aspire to graduate, they make friends, they plan their lives… That said, whether it's the President of Princeton negotiating with people as they took over his office over the names of schools at Princeton, whether it is attacks on very reasonable free speech having to do with adults' right to choose their own Halloween costumes at Yale, whether it's the administration using placemats in the dining hall to propagandize about what messages students should give their parents about Syrian refugee policy, there is a great deal of absurd political correctness.
"I'm somebody who believes very strongly in diversity, who resists racism in all of its many incarnations… But it seems to be that there is a kind of creeping totalitarianism in terms of what kind of ideas are acceptable and are debatable on college campuses. And I think that's hugely unfortunate. I think the answer to bad speech is different speech. The answer to bad speech is not shutting down speech."
Summers also blasts "micro-agressions" as crazy...
More here (with video)
Supreme Court Will Hear Case on Obama Immigration Executive Actions
The justices agreed Tuesday to hear the case from 26 states in April and deliver a decision in June.
Obama’s uses of executive actions have long raised constitutional questions, and the immigration actions were potentially a key aspect of his legacy. The court ruling will be a key test of how far the president can go without congressional approval.
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GOP Reps to Navy Secretary on Iran Seizing Sailors: Feds Should Apologize to the American People
(CNSNews.com) – In a letter sent to the Secretary of the Navy on Friday, six House Republicans want answers about the seizure of U.S. Navy sailors on Tuesday, and the document says that rather than apologizing to the Islamic Republic of Iran for entering its waters, U.S. officials should apologize to the American people for allowing service members to be put in harm’s way.
The letter to Navy Secretary Ray Mabus expresses “deep concern” about the incident and refers to a statement by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp (IRGC) that said State Department officials had apologized and vowed “not to repeat such mistakes.”
“The only apology … that should have been made by U.S. officials should have been directed to the American people for allowing our Navy sailors to fall into the hands of Iranian forces,” the letter states.
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The letter to Navy Secretary Ray Mabus expresses “deep concern” about the incident and refers to a statement by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp (IRGC) that said State Department officials had apologized and vowed “not to repeat such mistakes.”
“The only apology … that should have been made by U.S. officials should have been directed to the American people for allowing our Navy sailors to fall into the hands of Iranian forces,” the letter states.
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Ben Carson volunteer dies after crash
“Carson will be heading to Omaha as well to be with the family and help in any way he can," Osborne said.
Joplin's family arrived safely at the University of Nebraska Medical Center around 5 p.m., according to campaign staff who were waiting in the emergency room. Rhodes said the campaign immediately chartered a private jet from Lubbock, Texas Tuesday for family members to visit Joplin.
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HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WAKEFIELD VA
HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WAKEFIELD VA TUE JAN 19 2016 DORCHESTER-WICOMICO-SOMERSET-INLAND WORCESTER-MARYLAND BEACHES- NORTHAMPTON NC-HERTFORD-GATES-MECKLENBURG-LUNENBURG-NORTHUMBERLAND- LANCASTER-BRUNSWICK-DINWIDDIE-PRINCE GEORGE-CHARLES CITY-NEW KENT- GLOUCESTER-MIDDLESEX-MATHEWS-GREENSVILLE-SUSSEX-SURRY-JAMES CITY- SOUTHAMPTON-ISLE OF WIGHT-NORFOLK/PORTSMOUTH-SUFFOLK-CHESAPEAKE- VIRGINIA BEACH-ACCOMACK-NORTHAMPTON VA-EASTERN CHESTERFIELD- EASTERN HENRICO-EASTERN KING WILLIAM-EASTERN KING AND QUEEN- EASTERN ESSEX-YORK-NEWPORT NEWS-HAMPTON/POQUOSON- 411 PM EST TUE JAN 19 2016 THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR THE LOWER EASTERN SHORE OF MARYLAND...INTERIOR NORTHEAST NORTH CAROLINA...CENTRAL VIRGINIA...EAST CENTRAL VIRGINIA...INTERIOR SOUTHEAST VIRGINIA...SOUTH CENTRAL VIRGINIA...SOUTH HAMPTON ROADS VIRGINIA...THE EASTERN SHORE OF VIRGINIA...THE MIDDLE PENINSULA OF VIRGINIA...THE NORTHERN NECK OF VIRGINIA AND THE PENINSULA OF SOUTHEAST VIRGINIA. .DAY ONE...TONIGHT. NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER EXPECTED AT THIS TIME. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...WEDNESDAY THROUGH MONDAY. A COMPLEX STORM SYSTEM WILL AFFECT THE REGION FROM LATE THURSDAY NIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY. UNCERTAINTY REMAINS HIGH REGARDING THE TRACK OF THE SYSTEM...BUT THE POTENTIAL EXISTS FOR SIGNIFICANT WINTER IMPACTS FROM THIS STORM.
Maryland Senate president plans veto override votes
Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller announced Tuesday that he is scheduling votes for Thursday.
The legislature controlled by Democrats is looking at trying to override a veto of a bill that would ensure third-party websites pay all of the state’s sales tax. Lawmakers also are considering trying to override a veto of a measure to decriminalize the possession of marijuana paraphernalia.
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The Irish Penny Renovations Are Complete
The Real Reason College Tuition Costs So Much
This is the story college administrators like to tell when they’re asked to explain why, over the past 35 years, college tuition at public universities has nearly quadrupled, to $9,139 in 2014 dollars. It is a fairy tale in the worst sense, in that it is not merely false, but rather almost the inverse of the truth.
The conventional wisdom was reflected in a recent National Public Radio series on the cost of college. “So it’s not that colleges are spending more money to educate students,” Sandy Baum of the Urban Institute told NPR. “It’s that they have to get that money from someplace to replace their lost state funding — and that’s from tuition and fees from students and families.”
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Boy Scout Spaghetti Dinner
If Seaford McDonald's Can Draw In The Police With 2 For $2.00
Imagine what Dunkin Donuts would bring!
JUST IN: Sarah Palin endorses Trump for president
The former Alaska governor turned vice presidential candidate turned reality TV star is expected to appear alongside Trump later this afternoon at his rally in Iowa, where the billionaire businessman is neck-and-neck in the polls with Ted Cruz.
"I'm proud to endorse Donald J. Trump for president," Palin said in a statement provided by the Trump campaign.
The statement went on to say, "A trusted conservative, Palin has a proven record of being fiscally modest, staunchly pro-life and believes in small government that allows businesses to grow and freedom to prosper."
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Ben Carson Suspended His Campaign for the Day and Got on a Plane After Devastating News from Iowa
All four Carson staffers involved have been hospitalized, with one in grave condition. The retired neurosurgeon is reportedly heading to Omaha, Nebraska, to be with the staffer who was airlifted to the trauma center there.
As IJReview reports:
2016 Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson announced Tuesday afternoon that he is suspending his campaign after several of his Iowa staffers were involved in a car accident.
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Fans Of Divine Want To Build Monument Honoring Late Actor
A group of Divine fans are looking to put a monument to the late actor, drag queen, singer and counterculture figure near the Tyson Street site where his most notorious movie scene — the one at the end of John Waters’ 1972 “Pink Flamingos” — was filmed.
“There will be pilgrimages to see this, I think,” said Michal Makarovich, owner of the Hampden Junque store, who is spearheading the effort and has appeared on its behalf before Baltimore’s Public Art Commission. “We think there will be an international fan base.”
The proposed marble and concrete monument, roughly eight feet tall and three feet wide, would consist of an arch perched atop two classically Baltimore marble steps. A photo of Divine in full drag-queen makeup would stare out from the space under the arch, with a small bronze representation of the doggie doo he scooped up and ate at the end of “Pink Flamingos” resting on the top step. Waters’ reminiscence on the days he and his cast and crew were shooting the infamous scene — “It was a magic day in our happy young lives” — would be inscribed under Divine’s photo.
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CLINTON CALLS FOR INCREASED PLANNED PARENTHOOD FUNDING
“I’m obviously not only against defunding Planned Parenthood, but I would like to see Planned Parenthood even get more funding..."
Hillary Clinton is calling for increased government funding for Planned Parenthood.
“I’m obviously not only against defunding Planned Parenthood, but I would like to see Planned Parenthood even get more funding because oftentimes it is both the first and the last resort for healthcare,” the White House hopeful said in an interview with Fusion posted on Friday.
Congressional Republicans’ calls to cut off federal funding for Planned Parenthood reached an apex in the fall after a series of controversial undercover videos were released targeting the organization.
Many Republican lawmakers said they were disappointed when the spending bill passed in December maintained funding for Planned Parenthood.
Read more
Hillary Clinton is calling for increased government funding for Planned Parenthood.
“I’m obviously not only against defunding Planned Parenthood, but I would like to see Planned Parenthood even get more funding because oftentimes it is both the first and the last resort for healthcare,” the White House hopeful said in an interview with Fusion posted on Friday.
Congressional Republicans’ calls to cut off federal funding for Planned Parenthood reached an apex in the fall after a series of controversial undercover videos were released targeting the organization.
Many Republican lawmakers said they were disappointed when the spending bill passed in December maintained funding for Planned Parenthood.
Read more
5 planets to make rare alignment in early morning sky
Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn will all appear in the predawn sky from Jan. 20 to Feb. 20, giving people around the world plenty of opportunities to view the rare astronomical alignment.
The best time to view the quintet of planets will be an hour to an hour and a half before sunrise. Earlier than that, some of the planets will not be above the horizon and any later, the light from the sun will drown out the glimmer of the planets as daylight approaches.
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Senators move to keep IRS from rehiring fired employees
Four Republican senators have introduced a bill aimed at keeping former Internal Revenue Service workers with a disciplinary record from rejoining the agency.
Sens. Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), Dean Heller (R-Nev.) and Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.) brought legislation to the floor on Jan. 12 that would prevent the IRS from rehiring fired employees.
Burr, the bill’s sponsor, said screening at the IRS has gotten so bad that the agency at one point hired a former employee whose personnel file was stamped “do not rehire.”
“IRS employees who were fired for serious offenses and gross misconduct like fraud, falsification of documents, and unauthorized access to taxpayer information shouldn’t be allowed back in the agency at all,” said Burr, chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.
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Sens. Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), Dean Heller (R-Nev.) and Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.) brought legislation to the floor on Jan. 12 that would prevent the IRS from rehiring fired employees.
Burr, the bill’s sponsor, said screening at the IRS has gotten so bad that the agency at one point hired a former employee whose personnel file was stamped “do not rehire.”
“IRS employees who were fired for serious offenses and gross misconduct like fraud, falsification of documents, and unauthorized access to taxpayer information shouldn’t be allowed back in the agency at all,” said Burr, chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.
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Volunteers wanted for annual homeless count
WESTOVER — On Thursday, January 28, 2016 the Homeless Alliance for the Lower Shore (HALS) Continuum of Care (CoC) Committee will conduct the annual Point in Time count of sheltered and unsheltered individuals and families in Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester counties. Volunteers will be needed to assist with this effort.
HUD requires Continuum of Care Committees to conduct a count of people experiencing homelessness living in unsheltered locations (cars, outdoors, abandoned building & places not meant for human habitation) as well as people residing in sheltered locations such as emergency and transitional shelters or motels/hotels paid for by another agency or church.
This year’s PIT count will continue the efforts of Youth REACH MD to identify the number of unaccompanied youth and young adults ages 24 years or younger who are not living with a parent or guardian and do not have a fixed, stable, permanent place to call home.
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HUD requires Continuum of Care Committees to conduct a count of people experiencing homelessness living in unsheltered locations (cars, outdoors, abandoned building & places not meant for human habitation) as well as people residing in sheltered locations such as emergency and transitional shelters or motels/hotels paid for by another agency or church.
This year’s PIT count will continue the efforts of Youth REACH MD to identify the number of unaccompanied youth and young adults ages 24 years or younger who are not living with a parent or guardian and do not have a fixed, stable, permanent place to call home.
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BREAKING: Judge rejects Obama's executive privilege claim over Fast and Furious records
U.S. District Court Judge Amy Berman Jackson ruled Tuesday that the Justice Department's public disclosures about its response to the so-called "gun walking" controversy undercut Obama's executive privilege claim.
"There is no need to balance the need against the impact that the revelation of any record could have on candor in future executive decision making, since any harm that might flow from the public revelation of the deliberations at issue here has already been self-inflicted," Jackson wrote. "The Department itself has already publicly revealed the sum and substance of the very material it is now seeking to withhold. Since any harm that would flow from the disclosures sought here would be merely incremental, the records must be produced."
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Delmar School District: New Parking Restrictions
Major snowstorm may threaten DC to NYC Friday into Saturday
Areas from near Washington, D.C., to around New York City are within the swath most likely to receive the heaviest snow from the storm.
The exact track of a storm will hold the key as to which areas in mid-Atlantic and New England are hit with heavy snow, dangerous highway travel and scores of flight delays and cancellations during Friday into Saturday.
Unlike most storms so far this winter, this system will have sufficient enough cold air to produce snow and disruptions to daily activities in some areas of the East that have seen little thus far.
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What's For Dinner: CHICKEN BACON RANCH CASSEROLE
INGREDIENTS:
- 4 slices bacon, diced
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs*, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Ranch Seasoning and Salad Dressing Mix, or more, to taste
- 8 ounces rotini
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
FOR THE ALFREDO SAUCE
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream, or more, to taste
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
BREAKING NEWS: School Bomb Threat In Ellicott City, MD
Dems Ignore National Security in List of Top Priorities
Hillary Clinton and the two other Democratic candidates for president said in Sunday night's debate that national security doesn't make any of their top priority lists.
The three candidates were asked what their top three priorities would be if elected president, and ignored national security despite growing fears that terrorist might slip into the United States, and that the country might be pulled into a long-term war overseas.
Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., who is running as a Democrat, said his priorities would be healthcare for everyone, a $15 minimum wage, and creating new jobs through infrastructure spending.
Clinton named economic issues like jobs and equal pay for women, building on Obamacare, and finding ways to unite the country and end the "mean-spirited-ness" seen in the last several years.
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The three candidates were asked what their top three priorities would be if elected president, and ignored national security despite growing fears that terrorist might slip into the United States, and that the country might be pulled into a long-term war overseas.
Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., who is running as a Democrat, said his priorities would be healthcare for everyone, a $15 minimum wage, and creating new jobs through infrastructure spending.
Clinton named economic issues like jobs and equal pay for women, building on Obamacare, and finding ways to unite the country and end the "mean-spirited-ness" seen in the last several years.
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Worcester County Public Schools: Robert Rothermel is stepping down from the board presidency
The Board of Education has just elected Doug Dryden as Vice President of the body. #WCPSBoardMeeting
Sara Thompson is the longest sitting Board of Education member in the state of MD. #WCPSBoardMeeting
Washington Post Editorial Board Says MLK, Jr., Would Totally Accept Refugees
In case you were unaware, today is Martin Luther King, Jr., Day. As such, it behooves the Washington Post Editorial Board topublish an editorial which proclaims that he would support all the “Syrian” refugees and other Muslims that Mr. Obama wants to import to the United States, an editorial that starts out, unshockingly, with bashing a few Republicans who have called for a temporary hold on bringing in more of these Muslim refugees until we can truly verify who they are.
But on the holiday set aside to honor Martin Luther King Jr., it is worth recalling that tactical consequences are not the principal reason Americans should find the Trump proposal repellent. We are a nation founded on the ideal that every individual has value and deserves to be judged on his or her own merit. Each of us can make choices about the importance, to ourselves, of our racial or national heritage, our religion or lack thereof, our sexual identity. No one else has the right to make those choices for us. Being Muslim, or black, or Irish American doesn’t tell anyone else who you are, much less what you are worth. When we start judging people based on the categories they belong to, we diminish ourselves.
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But on the holiday set aside to honor Martin Luther King Jr., it is worth recalling that tactical consequences are not the principal reason Americans should find the Trump proposal repellent. We are a nation founded on the ideal that every individual has value and deserves to be judged on his or her own merit. Each of us can make choices about the importance, to ourselves, of our racial or national heritage, our religion or lack thereof, our sexual identity. No one else has the right to make those choices for us. Being Muslim, or black, or Irish American doesn’t tell anyone else who you are, much less what you are worth. When we start judging people based on the categories they belong to, we diminish ourselves.
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**Update** State Police Investigating School Threats
The incidents occurred around 9:30 a.m. this morning, Tuesday January 19, 2016 when a robotic style or computer generated voice phone call was received in each of the school’s offices.
In the case at Long Neck Elementary School, the caller stated he was armed and on the roof of the school and threatened to do harm to the students and faculty. Students there were immediately placed on lock down and troopers and a K9 unit from Capitol Police Department immediately responded to the school. Delaware State Police Aviation also responded and conducted an aerial search of the school and the grounds with nothing suspicious located. An administrative search was conducted of the cafeteria and once cleared, the students were moved into that area before being bussed to a predetermined location away from the school. The remainder of the school was then cleared with nothing of suspicious nature or persons located. The students are currently being transported back to the school to resume school activities.
Students and faculty at Silverlake Elementary School were evacuated onto busses and transported to a safe distance away from the school while administrative searches were conducted with nothing out of the ordinary or suspicious located. Students and staff were allowed back into their school upon the completion of the search and resumed their daily activities.
Woodbridge High School did not have students in the school today, although faculty were present and were temporarily evacuated while administrative searches were conducted with nothing out of the ordinary or suspicious located.
In the case at Long Neck Elementary School, the caller stated he was armed and on the roof of the school and threatened to do harm to the students and faculty. Students there were immediately placed on lock down and troopers and a K9 unit from Capitol Police Department immediately responded to the school. Delaware State Police Aviation also responded and conducted an aerial search of the school and the grounds with nothing suspicious located. An administrative search was conducted of the cafeteria and once cleared, the students were moved into that area before being bussed to a predetermined location away from the school. The remainder of the school was then cleared with nothing of suspicious nature or persons located. The students are currently being transported back to the school to resume school activities.
Students and faculty at Silverlake Elementary School were evacuated onto busses and transported to a safe distance away from the school while administrative searches were conducted with nothing out of the ordinary or suspicious located. Students and staff were allowed back into their school upon the completion of the search and resumed their daily activities.
Woodbridge High School did not have students in the school today, although faculty were present and were temporarily evacuated while administrative searches were conducted with nothing out of the ordinary or suspicious located.
A Viewer Writes: Worthless Legislation
Look at how the Democratic operatives have effectively - 'muted' - the Will of the People.
Whoever drafted the make-up languague for the commission members - whose sole purpose is to recommend the nominees for the Elected School Board - are none other than 'SPECIAL INTEREST'.
It is to the detriment of our taxpaying citizens.
IMHO - we are far better off to have the current system intact as opposed to this flawed legislation.
http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2016RS/bills/sb/sb0145F.pdf
MORE MARYLAND SCHOOL BOMB THREATS TODAY
HILLARY: ‘I KNOW HOW MUCH MONEY INFLUENCES POLITICAL DECISION-MAKING’
Want favors? Donate to Clinton Foundation!
Hillary Clinton during the recent Democratic presidential debate:
“Well, as someone who, as someone who has a little bit of experience standing up to the health-insurance industry, that spent — you know, many, many millions of dollars attacking me and probably will so again because of what I believe we can do, building on the Affordable Care Act — I think it’s important to point out that there are a lot of reasons we have the health-care system we have today. I know how much money influences the political decision-making. That’s why I’m for huge campaign-finance reform.
Source
Hillary Clinton during the recent Democratic presidential debate:
“Well, as someone who, as someone who has a little bit of experience standing up to the health-insurance industry, that spent — you know, many, many millions of dollars attacking me and probably will so again because of what I believe we can do, building on the Affordable Care Act — I think it’s important to point out that there are a lot of reasons we have the health-care system we have today. I know how much money influences the political decision-making. That’s why I’m for huge campaign-finance reform.
Source
The Least and Most Popular Modern U.S. Presidents
As of July 2015, President Obama’s public approval rating was 44%, down significantly from his starting approval of 62%. To be fair, Obama still has around a year left in office, so his approval rating is far from final. But few presidents leave the White House more popular than when they entered.
So how does Obama stack up to the modern presidents when it comes to popularity?
Using data from Real Clear Politics and the Roper Center, InsideGov found the average approval ratings for the modern U.S. presidents (FDR onward). We also provide an overall breakdown of each president’s approval to gauge how public support shifted over time.
We’ll start with the least popular president and work our way to the most popular presidents in modern U.S. history.
*Note: We found the monthly approval ratings for each president and averaged them to get our final number. Job approval ratings for presidents were first introduced during FDR’s presidency.
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So how does Obama stack up to the modern presidents when it comes to popularity?
Using data from Real Clear Politics and the Roper Center, InsideGov found the average approval ratings for the modern U.S. presidents (FDR onward). We also provide an overall breakdown of each president’s approval to gauge how public support shifted over time.
We’ll start with the least popular president and work our way to the most popular presidents in modern U.S. history.
*Note: We found the monthly approval ratings for each president and averaged them to get our final number. Job approval ratings for presidents were first introduced during FDR’s presidency.
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Update 11:50 A.M.: What We Know About Latest Bomb Threat In Worcester County; Decatur Cleared After Search
“I will not be sending my kids to school today and I’m unsure about the rest of the week,” said concerned parent Jennifer Howard, “I am truly grateful to the teachers, but I am having a difficult time with the board’s decision to make it business as usual. I do believe most of these threats are most likely unfounded. But, what if they’re not? What are they doing about it? I would just like to hear something is being done. I’ve heard nothing, at least, nothing that has satisfied me.”
On Tuesday morning, Stephen Decatur High School received its second automated or robocall bomb threat in less than a week, and students and teachers were evacuated and the school was searched by authorities. Witnesses reported long lines of parents waiting to remove their kids from the nearby evacuation site altogether within minutes of the threat. As of 11:30 a.m., the school has been cleared. Normal operations have resumed at the school, according to Worcester County Public Schools.
In neighboring Wicomico County, Salisbury Middle School received a similar automated bomb threat and was evacuated on Tuesday morning, less than an hour after SDHS was cleared. Students returned to class after a sweep of the building shortly thereafter.
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A Friend Writes: Schools
US National Weather Service Wakefield VA 1-19-16
• Precipitation will begin as a period of snow (or wintry mix (sleet/snow) along the coast) Late Thursday night/early Friday Morning.
• A changeover to rain is expected over much of our southeast coast early in the day on Friday, with a gradual transition to mainly rain/sleet for much of our area through the midday hours on Friday.
• As is usually the case, if a changeover does occur over our far northwest Piedmont VA counties, it will be later in the day Friday or Friday night. Potential still exists for a significant accumulating snowfall in the north/northwest portion of our forecast area.
• A changeover back to all snow can be expected early Saturday behind the departing system.
• Strong winds can be expected throughout the storm, highest along the immediate coast.
• A period of minor to moderate coastal flooding is likely by later Friday through Saturday night.
• Please continue to monitor the forecast through the next few days. We will continue to keep you updated as the storm takes shape.
Poll: Two-Thirds Of Marylanders View Hogan Favorably
A new poll finds that Hogan enjoys the highest popularity of any governor over the last 15 years.
The Gonzales Poll of 819 registered voters gives Larry Hogan a 67% approval rating, with 40% strongly approve of the job he is doing, and 27% somewhat approve.
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WCBOE: Updated School Safety Announcement: Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2016
Below is the Original message that was sent to families and staff:
This is an official message from Wicomico County Public Schools. We are aware of a bomb threat at Salisbury Middle School today, Tuesday, January 19th. School safety officials and law enforcement are collaborating on the investigation of what appears to be a non-credible bomb threat call. Students are safe in place and instruction is continuing as law enforcement conducts a thorough search of the building and grounds. Salisbury Middle has already sent out an automated message to inform its school families. This matter is being handled with the safety of students and staff as our highest priority. An update message will come as soon as possible. Updates will also be provided on our website, social media, and through the news media. Thank you.
Update: As of 10:55 a.m., the search has been completed and the school and grounds have been declared cleared. Normal operations are resuming.
Delware State Police Investigating School Threats
At this time, the following schools have been evacuated and there are state and local police K9s responding.
• Long Neck Elementary School, 26064 School Lane, Millsboro, DE
• Woodbridge High School, 14712 Woodbridge Road, Greenwood, DE
• Silverlake Elementary School 200 East Cochran Street, Middletown, DE
The incidents occurred around 9:30 a.m. this morning, Tuesday January 19, 2016 and are in the early stages. A more complete release will be forwarded when the investigation is complete.
If anyone has any information in reference to any of these incidents they are asked to contact Troop 2 Youth Aid Division at 302-834-2620, Troop 3 Youth Aid Division at 302-697-4454, or Troop 4 Youth Aid Division at 302-856-5850. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware 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."
Big Banks Brace for Oil Loans to Implode
Big banks are cringing as crude oil is crumbling.
Firms on Wall Street helped bankroll America's energy boom, financing very expensive drilling projects that ended up flooding the world with oil.
Now that the oil glut has caused prices to crash below $30 a barrel, turmoil is rippling through the energy industry and souring many of those loans. Dozens of oil companies have gone bankrupt and the ones that haven't are feeling enough financial stress to slash spending and cut tens of thousands of jobs.
Three of America's biggest banks warned last week that oil prices will continue to create headaches on Wall Street -- especially if doomsday scenarios of $20 or even $10 oil play out.
For instance, Wells Fargo (WFC) is sitting on more than $17 billion in loans to the oil and gas sector. The bank is setting aside $1.2 billion in reserves to cover losses because of the "continued deterioration within the energy sector."
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Firms on Wall Street helped bankroll America's energy boom, financing very expensive drilling projects that ended up flooding the world with oil.
Now that the oil glut has caused prices to crash below $30 a barrel, turmoil is rippling through the energy industry and souring many of those loans. Dozens of oil companies have gone bankrupt and the ones that haven't are feeling enough financial stress to slash spending and cut tens of thousands of jobs.
Three of America's biggest banks warned last week that oil prices will continue to create headaches on Wall Street -- especially if doomsday scenarios of $20 or even $10 oil play out.
For instance, Wells Fargo (WFC) is sitting on more than $17 billion in loans to the oil and gas sector. The bank is setting aside $1.2 billion in reserves to cover losses because of the "continued deterioration within the energy sector."
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City Partners with Eastern Shore Human Trafficking Task Force, GOCCP, Aglow International for Human Trafficking Conference
Salisbury Police Chief Barbara Duncan, law enforcement investigators, prosecutors and other experts will be on hand to discuss a range of topics central to the understanding of the scourge of human trafficking. Topics will include:
· Who are the most likely targets for human trafficking? Who is most vulnerable?
· The internet and social media; How predators use technology to target and trap their victims
· How you, your friends, family and neighbors can help prevent human trafficking
· Maryland’s laws and law enforcement
· Available resources
In 2014, 396 human trafficking survivors were identified and provided services in Maryland—nearly double the number in the previous year. It is likely that many more victims either did not, or could not come forward.
This conference is FREE and open to all members of the public, but a reservation is required. To reserve your spot, please email: SalisburyConferenceJan30@gmail.com
This Conference is sponsored by the City of Salisbury, the Eastern Shore Human Trafficking Task Force, and Aglow Mid-Atlantic Region.
Attention all Crisfield residents:
In addition, if anyone has relatives or friends that are shut-ins, elderly, disabled or just needs someone to check on their loved ones during this frigid weather, please call the Crisfield Police Department at 410-968-1323 and we will send an officer to check on them.
2 Richest People as Much Wealth as 1/2 the World
The world's 62 richest billionaires have as much wealth as the bottom half of the world's population, according to a new report from Oxfam International.
The wealthiest have seen their net worth soar over the five years ending in 2015. Back in 2010, it took 388 mega-rich people to own as much as half the world.
And the Top 1% own more than everyone else combined -- a milestone reached in 2015, a year earlier than Oxfam had predicted.
Oxfam released its annual report ahead of the World Economic Forum in the Swiss city of Davos, a yearly gathering of political and financial leaders. The study draws from the Forbes annual list of billionaires and Credit Suisse's Global Wealth Databook.
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The wealthiest have seen their net worth soar over the five years ending in 2015. Back in 2010, it took 388 mega-rich people to own as much as half the world.
And the Top 1% own more than everyone else combined -- a milestone reached in 2015, a year earlier than Oxfam had predicted.
Oxfam released its annual report ahead of the World Economic Forum in the Swiss city of Davos, a yearly gathering of political and financial leaders. The study draws from the Forbes annual list of billionaires and Credit Suisse's Global Wealth Databook.
More
DELUSIONAL Michael Moore at Rally Claims Government Conspiring to Poison Minorities
When the mainstream media references the far-right, they often like to pretend that mistrust of government is indicative of a conspiracy-minded, paranoid delusion.
The truth is that those who actually trust the government- conservative or liberal- are the truly delusional. Though government in America has always operated with a fluctuating level of secrecy, it is purely undeniable that for decades, Americans have not been in firm control of our national destiny or administrative system.
It was true under George W. Bush and it is especially true under Barack Obama, a man no longer contented with even pretending to operate under the constraints of the Constitution.
However, while citing an adversarial relationship with government is perfectly rational in today’s times of oppression, one can still go too far with their paranoia.
Case-in-point: Michael Moore has claimed that the government is poisoning the water of black and poor people in America.
On Saturday, President Obama issued an emergency declaration for Flint, Michigan, to address water contamination in the area.
More
The truth is that those who actually trust the government- conservative or liberal- are the truly delusional. Though government in America has always operated with a fluctuating level of secrecy, it is purely undeniable that for decades, Americans have not been in firm control of our national destiny or administrative system.
It was true under George W. Bush and it is especially true under Barack Obama, a man no longer contented with even pretending to operate under the constraints of the Constitution.
However, while citing an adversarial relationship with government is perfectly rational in today’s times of oppression, one can still go too far with their paranoia.
Case-in-point: Michael Moore has claimed that the government is poisoning the water of black and poor people in America.
On Saturday, President Obama issued an emergency declaration for Flint, Michigan, to address water contamination in the area.
More
Ha! Guess what the number one question Googled on Clinton during Dem debate was
From TheBlaze:
“Will Hillary Clinton get prosecuted?”
That was the number one question googled about the Democratic frontrunner during Sunday night’s Democratic debate, according to the search engine.
The number three question was, “What did Hillary Clinton do that is illegal?”
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Governor Hogan Announces New Partnership with Pride of Baltimore II
New State Support for Historic Goodwill Vessel to Promote Economic Development
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Hogan today announced the state of Maryland will launch a new public-private partnership with the sailing vessel Pride of Baltimore II, using the high-profile schooner to promote economic development opportunities for the state. With the new funding, Pride of Baltimore II will expand its economic development activity in the state, around the country, and in other nations.“Pride of Baltimore is a wonderful symbol of the rich maritime heritage of both our state and the city of Baltimore, and the ship generates extremely valuable exposure and goodwill wherever she goes,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “We are pleased to have a new partnership with the Pride and to have her help carry our message across the state, nation, and globe – that Maryland is open for business.”
Under a new agreement, the state will commit $1.5 million to Pride of Baltimore Inc., the nonprofit that owns and operates thePride, over the next three years. The organization will use the funds to underwrite the Pride’s activities and expand its focus on selling Maryland as a strong economic market.
Should England be Ruling on America’s Politics?
By Thornton Crowe
Ridiculous as it seems, this seems to be news du jour. Parliament is now ruling whether or not to ban Donald Trump from the United Kingdom. Petitions in hand, British Legislators are ruling whether Trump is banned from doing business or visiting but is it really any of their business what goes on in our political arena?
Trump has never weighed in on their politics and, should he become the next President of the United States, it would not be an advantageous gesture on the UK’s part to alienate a leader from a nation that has seen them through several historical conflicts and wars. For the sake of common sense and prudence, perhaps the UK should concentrate on their own inner-turmoil with their Muslim communities and practice isolationism rather than possibly estranging a future ally.
In truth, they do not have to do business with Trump, but this media politicizing of their big hearing, only looks like they’re ginning up some anti-Trumpism rather than being offended at his candor. He is not the first presidential to propose such an action. Actually, Jimmy Carter did this very thing when the Iran Hostage situation occurred in the late Seventies; but no one in the UK seemed to mind his action.
People say a lot of things on the campaign trail. Trump, unlike most, seems to mean what he says without regret. He’s a straight shooter when it comes to his comments and views, he obviously isn’t stating anything counter to what millions of American think but don’t dare say due to our oversaturated political correct-laden culture. If he were, I seriously doubt he would have massive lead against his opponents bidding for the Republican ticket.
How say you?
The only known painting of The Great Hunger to come to US
The only painting known to depict a scene from The Great Hunger will feature in a new exhibition opening this week at Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum at Quinnipiac University.
The show, “In the Lion’s Den: Daniel MacDonald, Ireland and Empire,” will feature the work of artist Daniel MacDonald, whose painting “An Irish Peasant Family Discovering the Blight of their Store” is the one known painting done on the topic of the famine, which devastated Ireland from 1845-1852.
Grace Brady, the executive director of the museum, told the New Haven Register: “So to have that travel from Ireland to here is a big deal for us, not only as a museum but to be able to show it to the public along with the other works by MacDonald.
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Life is not fair… Does Affirmative Action and Welfare Really Work?
By Thornton Crowe
One could argue for things like Welfare and Affirmative Action under the premise of leveling the playing field for underprivileged; however, do these mindsets really inspire people to succeed or does it hide the perpetuation of the continuum of inequality under a veil of feel-good verb?
There can be no true equality in life or a country. Economists like Thomas Sowell disagree that legislative tampering like Affirmative Action and Welfare has done anything positive for minority communities. In fact, he rebukes both, stating it makes it harder for the economic challenged to get ahead and stifles their creativity in making their mark in society and assured self-preservation. Affirmative Action has become a quota-filling apparatus based on a person’s race rather than their character, integrity and ability. Not only does this marginalize the success of said worker, it also breeds apathy in other workers. Meaning, workers not subject to Affirmative Action, lose incentive to improve work performance because the competitive stratum has been disturbed by enforced governmental sanctioned compliance.
Welfare, on the other hand, creates an unhealthy dependence on systems and programs rather than allowing a person to use his/her own ingenuity, to guarantee survival and security. It’s a ripping away of personal responsibility that robs the person to provide their security, yet many Liberals have argued that it’s a hand up and a responsibility of those whom took risks and gained success to help those less fortunate. Is it really a hand up or a way of maintenance in human collateral? Sounds cold, doesn’t it? Human collateral. But think about it, there is no warm and fuzzy when it comes to being dependent.
Today, more than ever, people seek government assistance for food, shelter and job relief. The numbers are staggering and rally that of the Great Depression. Homelessness is at an all-time high and shelters are hard-pressed to meet the continual demand for resources to assist those who are enslaved to society’s political welfare state. The lack of financial autonomy is by and large dashed due to the encouragement to purchase on credit rather than saving up for purchases other than big-ticket items like homes. In a true sense, the Liberal motto may be benign on a political podium, but it has resulted in a malignancy and financial drain on the country’s resources.
In 1983, Sowell, a scholar at the Hoover Institute (of Economics), participated in a series of William F. Buckley interviews where he defends his stance on how the Affirmative Action-Welfare mentality has further damned lower income families and black communities to poverty rather than give them any advantage. Not only has it embolden legislators more than the people its meant to help, Welfare and Affirmative Action (forced altruism) has empowered a sense of entitlement and malaise; thus, deterring a drive to succeed using one’s own resource.
Furthermore, through happenstance, Sowell’s video clips also educate viewers on economics and the inner workings of capitalism verses socialism. While many are surprised to find a black man from a low-income background would encourage a presumed white-male establishment creed, his arguments and evidentiary support comes from his knowledge base, gathered by studying many global cultures in addition to what takes place in America.
Bear in mind before nay-saying, Thomas Sowell went to Harvard before Johnson’s Civil Rights law was signed, and worked his way up through school after his tour in Korea. He went on to earn his degrees from prominent universities, many of whom were accused of racism by the black community. He obtained his achievements by using his own prowess and ingenuity in academic environments, long before Affirmative Action came into vogue.
Check out the wealth of information Sowell’s wisdom has to impart, (https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=thomas+sowell). You will find his insights quite pointed, well spoken and thought provoking for all Americans regardless of socioeconomic and political backgrounds. His views contain a common sense methodology that answers many legislative issues -- something sorely lacking in today’s government on all levels – local, state and federal.
How say you?
‘German Girls Are Just There For Sex’
GERMANY was rocked by yet more migrant sex attack allegations today after it emerged one refugee told his victim she was “just there for sex” as he groped her while another group STONED two women in the street.
Horrific details of another bout of sex attacks allegedly carried out by recently arrived refugees provoked more fury across the country as calls to clamp down on mass migration continued to grow.
Police reports from the city of Dortmund claimed that a recently arrived refugee told one young woman that German girls are “just there for sex” after he approached her in the street and offered her money to sleep with him.
They also described a shocking incident in which three migrant men seemingly tried to impose Sharia Law on the streets of Germany, attempting to stone two women in public.
The disturbing reports are just the latest in an avalanche of revelations about refugee sex crimes to emerge since the sickening attacks in Cologne, when 1,000 migrant men went on the rampage raping and robbing women out celebrating New Year’s Eve.
More here
Horrific details of another bout of sex attacks allegedly carried out by recently arrived refugees provoked more fury across the country as calls to clamp down on mass migration continued to grow.
Police reports from the city of Dortmund claimed that a recently arrived refugee told one young woman that German girls are “just there for sex” after he approached her in the street and offered her money to sleep with him.
They also described a shocking incident in which three migrant men seemingly tried to impose Sharia Law on the streets of Germany, attempting to stone two women in public.
The disturbing reports are just the latest in an avalanche of revelations about refugee sex crimes to emerge since the sickening attacks in Cologne, when 1,000 migrant men went on the rampage raping and robbing women out celebrating New Year’s Eve.
More here
OC Restaurant Employee Goes Above and Beyond For A 93yr Old WWII Vet
It is the human heart that makes life worth living. My husband and I had the pleasure to witness one of the most...
Posted by Claudia Hnatiw on Sunday, January 17, 2016
Daily Times Spread Is Nothing Like It Used To Be
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