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DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Saturday, January 30, 2016
To Shine A Light On Salary Gaps, Obama Wants Companies To Disclose Pay Data
The proposal would require companies with more than 100 employees to submit data, affecting more than 63 million workers.
The Obama administration is proposing a new rule to address unequal pay practices by requiring companies with more than 100 employees to submit salary data by race, gender and ethnicity.
The announcement comes seven years after President Obama signed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act — his first piece of legislation as president — which makes it easier for women to challenge discriminatory pay in court.
But a stubborn, substantial pay gap between men and women persists — and it affects black and Latina women the most, Obama said Friday as he introduced the proposal. The president said he'd continue to work to reduce the gap as long as he was in office.
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The Obama administration is proposing a new rule to address unequal pay practices by requiring companies with more than 100 employees to submit salary data by race, gender and ethnicity.
The announcement comes seven years after President Obama signed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act — his first piece of legislation as president — which makes it easier for women to challenge discriminatory pay in court.
But a stubborn, substantial pay gap between men and women persists — and it affects black and Latina women the most, Obama said Friday as he introduced the proposal. The president said he'd continue to work to reduce the gap as long as he was in office.
More
At least one killed in shootings, stabbing at Denver motorcycle rally
Denver Health tweeted shortly before 2 p.m. that nine people had been transported to area hospitals.
At a 3:30 p.m. news briefing, the hospital said 7 patients were brought in after the shooting. One died, three are critical and three are stable.
Bob Cook witnessed the shooting. His booth for Quarterchaps, a leather goods company was located across from where the shooting happened.
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PARENTS FURIOUS AFTER SCHOOL CHANGES THE WORD “GOD” TO “ALLAH” IN CHRISTIAN HYMN
Parents of 10 year old children at a school in Austria are reportedly fuming after teachers assigned homework to learn the words to a Christian hymn.. except they substituted the word ‘God’ for the word ‘Allah’.
Austria’s largest newspaper Kronen Zeitung reports that school officials claim to have made the change the words to the song ‘Gottes liebe ist so wunderbar’ (God’s love is so wonderful) to ‘Allah’s liebe ist so wunderbar’ in order not to offend the Muslim children in the class.
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CHELSEA CLINTON: I LIKE JEB BUSH, HE’S MY FAVORITE GOP CANDIDATE
Similarly, George W. Bush described Bill Clinton as his "brother from another mother"
Chelsea Clinton said Jeb Bush is her favorite GOP candidate, highlighting how the Clintons and the Bush family are very close friends.
She called Bush the “best candidate” on the Republican side during a New York City fundraiser for her mother on Wednesday.
Clinton “talked about how she thinks that Jeb Bush is… the only voice on the other side that is demonstrating strong American values,” according to an attendee speaking to CNN.
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Chelsea Clinton said Jeb Bush is her favorite GOP candidate, highlighting how the Clintons and the Bush family are very close friends.
She called Bush the “best candidate” on the Republican side during a New York City fundraiser for her mother on Wednesday.
Clinton “talked about how she thinks that Jeb Bush is… the only voice on the other side that is demonstrating strong American values,” according to an attendee speaking to CNN.
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DHS let unscreened Ebola carriers into U.S.
When responding to a dangerous disease, speed is important. And when Ebola headed toward U.S. shores in 2014, the Homeland Security Department mobilized quickly. But DHS also had training and coordination issues that may have resulted in unscreened Ebola carriers getting into the United States. That's according to the DHS inspector general. Mark Bell, the assistant inspector general for audits at DHS, joins Federal Drivewith Tom Temin to share more.
GO HERE to listen.
GO HERE to listen.
A NEW MADRID EARTHQUAKE IS COMING AND AMERICA WILL BE SHAKEN LIKE NEVER BEFORE
Most Americans expect the next great earthquake in the United States to come on the west coast
But what if it strikes right down the middle of the country instead? The New Madrid fault zone is six times larger than the San Andreas fault zone in California and it covers portions of Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Missouri, Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee and Mississippi. Back in 1811 and 1812, a series of absolutely devastating earthquakes along the New Madrid fault zone opened very deep fissures in the ground, caused the Mississippi River to run backwards in some places, and were reportedly felt as far away as Washington D.C. and Boston. They were the strongest earthquakes ever recorded east of the Rocky Mountains, and scientists tell us that it is only a matter of time before we experience similar quakes. In fact, the U.S. Geological Survey has admitted that the New Madrid fault zone has the “potential for larger and more powerful quakes than previously thought“, and the number of significant earthquakes in the middle part of the country has more than quintupled in recent years. Someday, perhaps without any warning, an absolutely massive earthquake will strike the New Madrid fault. Thousands of Americans will die, tens of thousands of structures will be completely destroyed, and millions of people will find themselves homeless.
Unlike on the west coast, buildings within the New Madrid fault zone are typically not constructed to withstand major earthquakes. If we were to see the type of earthquake that we saw a little over two centuries ago, it would be a disaster unlike anything that any of us have ever known. The following comes from WKRN, and it describes what those earthquakes back in 1811 and 1812 were like…
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But what if it strikes right down the middle of the country instead? The New Madrid fault zone is six times larger than the San Andreas fault zone in California and it covers portions of Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Missouri, Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee and Mississippi. Back in 1811 and 1812, a series of absolutely devastating earthquakes along the New Madrid fault zone opened very deep fissures in the ground, caused the Mississippi River to run backwards in some places, and were reportedly felt as far away as Washington D.C. and Boston. They were the strongest earthquakes ever recorded east of the Rocky Mountains, and scientists tell us that it is only a matter of time before we experience similar quakes. In fact, the U.S. Geological Survey has admitted that the New Madrid fault zone has the “potential for larger and more powerful quakes than previously thought“, and the number of significant earthquakes in the middle part of the country has more than quintupled in recent years. Someday, perhaps without any warning, an absolutely massive earthquake will strike the New Madrid fault. Thousands of Americans will die, tens of thousands of structures will be completely destroyed, and millions of people will find themselves homeless.
Unlike on the west coast, buildings within the New Madrid fault zone are typically not constructed to withstand major earthquakes. If we were to see the type of earthquake that we saw a little over two centuries ago, it would be a disaster unlike anything that any of us have ever known. The following comes from WKRN, and it describes what those earthquakes back in 1811 and 1812 were like…
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ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BANS VALENTINE’S DAY, THANKSGIVING & CHRISTMAS TO AVOID OFFENDING MINORITIES
Parents slam decision as "totally ridiculous"
Bruce Vento Elementary School has banned Valentine’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas to avoid offending its minority student population.
“I have come to the difficult decision to discontinue the celebration of the dominant holidays until we can come to a better understanding of how the dominant views will suppress someone else’s view,” principal Scott Masini wrote in a letter to parents.
Masini said the decision was based on his concerns for “tolerance” and “respect,” prompting a backlash from parents who told the Minneapolis Star Tribune that the move was “very sad” and “totally ridiculous”.
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Bruce Vento Elementary School has banned Valentine’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas to avoid offending its minority student population.
“I have come to the difficult decision to discontinue the celebration of the dominant holidays until we can come to a better understanding of how the dominant views will suppress someone else’s view,” principal Scott Masini wrote in a letter to parents.
Masini said the decision was based on his concerns for “tolerance” and “respect,” prompting a backlash from parents who told the Minneapolis Star Tribune that the move was “very sad” and “totally ridiculous”.
More
Highway safety advocates urge Maryland to toughen drunken driving laws
The title of the report, “Missing in Action,” indicates how the group sees lawmakers’ efforts to toughen road safety requirements. Noting the rise in highway deaths and efforts to rollback highway safety laws in some states, the report summary reads, “Time for State Leaders to Get to Work.”
In the report, each state was given a rating: green, yellow or red, with green being a state with the most “optimal” legislation — stricter rules for graduated licensing for teens, for example. D.C. had a “green” status, Maryland and Virginia each earned the “yellow” designation.
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Answer To Today's Puzzle 1-30-16
Click 'READ MORE' below to see the answer
Japan Starts Negative Interest Rates to Boost Economy
The Bank of Japan on Friday said it will charge lenders that leave too much cash on idle deposit with it, introducing a negative interest rate policy for the first time as it seeks to shore up a stumbling economic recovery.
The surprise move rattled stock market investors, with the Nikkei 225 index swinging between gains and losses after the announcement. It closed 2.8 percent higher. The Japanese yen slid, with the U.S. dollar rising to about 120.70 yen from about 118.50 earlier in the day.
The central bank said it is imposing a 0.1 percent fee on some new commercial bank deposits with the BOJ, effectively a negative interest rate. It hopes that will encourage commercial banks to lend more, rather than keeping cash at the BOJ, and stimulate investment and growth in the world's third-largest economy.
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The surprise move rattled stock market investors, with the Nikkei 225 index swinging between gains and losses after the announcement. It closed 2.8 percent higher. The Japanese yen slid, with the U.S. dollar rising to about 120.70 yen from about 118.50 earlier in the day.
The central bank said it is imposing a 0.1 percent fee on some new commercial bank deposits with the BOJ, effectively a negative interest rate. It hopes that will encourage commercial banks to lend more, rather than keeping cash at the BOJ, and stimulate investment and growth in the world's third-largest economy.
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Officials: Worcester water safe
Given the broad coverage given the Flint, Michigan lead-tainted water disaster, some people might wonder just how safe this county’s water systems are.
In short, they’re in good shape. Though there may be trace amounts of lead found in county or town water, the amounts are well below tolerance and even then it shows up only because lab tests employed here are so sensitive, according to John Ross, county deputy director of public works.
“We pull water samples from homes, not at our water plants, and while the containment goal is zero it’s harder to get there because the labs are more sophisticated,” Ross said.
Ross said during the most recent round of testing, conducted annually, the county’s water tested in the two-to-six parts per billion range for lead, where the actionable level of the heavy metal is 15 parts per billion.
“It’s about a third of the actionable level,” Ross said.
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In short, they’re in good shape. Though there may be trace amounts of lead found in county or town water, the amounts are well below tolerance and even then it shows up only because lab tests employed here are so sensitive, according to John Ross, county deputy director of public works.
“We pull water samples from homes, not at our water plants, and while the containment goal is zero it’s harder to get there because the labs are more sophisticated,” Ross said.
Ross said during the most recent round of testing, conducted annually, the county’s water tested in the two-to-six parts per billion range for lead, where the actionable level of the heavy metal is 15 parts per billion.
“It’s about a third of the actionable level,” Ross said.
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Erin Brockovich to Investigate Water Pollution in Hoosick Falls
Erin Brockovich — the famed environmental activist portrayed by Julia Roberts in a hit movie — is headed to upstate New York to probe a string of rare cancer deaths and illnesses residents fear were caused by a contaminated water supply.
The Albany Times Union says over decades, a toxic chemical called perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) may have seeped into the underground wells of Hoosick Falls, when workers at a plastics plant cleaned smokestacks and other equipment and dumped the byproducts in a storm drain.
PFOA, used in non-stick coatings and heat-resistant wiring, has been linked to kidney and testicular cancer, as well as thyroid diseases, The Times reports.
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The Albany Times Union says over decades, a toxic chemical called perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) may have seeped into the underground wells of Hoosick Falls, when workers at a plastics plant cleaned smokestacks and other equipment and dumped the byproducts in a storm drain.
PFOA, used in non-stick coatings and heat-resistant wiring, has been linked to kidney and testicular cancer, as well as thyroid diseases, The Times reports.
More
Berlin mural work gets underway
The first section of a planned five-panel public mural took shape this week, as dozens of children at Buckingham Elementary School in Berlin worked with muralist John Donato for several days.
The effort started last Thursday in Melissa Reid’s art classroom, but progress was pushed back by the winter storms. When finished, the panel will go on the north-facing side of the Berlin Visitor’s Center on Main Street.
“The progress by these kids has been fantastic,” Donato said. “There’s a lot of energy and a lot of good ideas. The staff has been great putting the whole schedule together, and we have volunteers from around the community coming in.
“We’re really moving along,” he added. “Because of everybody’s participating, we’re able to put a lot more paint into this project than we anticipated, so it’s going to be really something to see.”
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The effort started last Thursday in Melissa Reid’s art classroom, but progress was pushed back by the winter storms. When finished, the panel will go on the north-facing side of the Berlin Visitor’s Center on Main Street.
“The progress by these kids has been fantastic,” Donato said. “There’s a lot of energy and a lot of good ideas. The staff has been great putting the whole schedule together, and we have volunteers from around the community coming in.
“We’re really moving along,” he added. “Because of everybody’s participating, we’re able to put a lot more paint into this project than we anticipated, so it’s going to be really something to see.”
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US Paychecks Showed Little Sign of Accelerating in 4th Quarter
U.S. paychecks increased moderately in the final three months of last year, yet the gain was little changed from the sluggish post-recession trend.
The employment cost index, which tracks wages and benefits, rose 0.6 percent in the October-December quarter, the Labor Department said. That's the same as the previous three months.
In the past year, salaries and benefits have risen just 2 percent, the same annual pace as the previous two quarters. That is below the roughly 3.5 percent rate that is consistent with a healthy economy.
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The employment cost index, which tracks wages and benefits, rose 0.6 percent in the October-December quarter, the Labor Department said. That's the same as the previous three months.
In the past year, salaries and benefits have risen just 2 percent, the same annual pace as the previous two quarters. That is below the roughly 3.5 percent rate that is consistent with a healthy economy.
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City revises fees for labor, equipment used in events
The Ocean City Council has modified the fees it charges promoters whose events require help from city workers or the use of city-owned equipment.
In a resolution passed last week, the council aimed to simplify what had been a complicated and costly business of charging promoters for virtually everything the city provided.
The new structure has slight fee reductions, such as charging $10 for using the podium per day instead of by the hour or establishing one rental fee for small and large mobile bleachers. But the major changes are slashing the list of equipment, hardware and employees that events would be charged for using.
The structure that was adopted late last year includes rental prices for 66 equipment items from chairs to barricades. There also were 39 entries for heavy equipment, such as buses and forklifts, and their operators.
The new structure only has cost listings for 40 equipment items and 15 employees and large hardware items.
More
In a resolution passed last week, the council aimed to simplify what had been a complicated and costly business of charging promoters for virtually everything the city provided.
The new structure has slight fee reductions, such as charging $10 for using the podium per day instead of by the hour or establishing one rental fee for small and large mobile bleachers. But the major changes are slashing the list of equipment, hardware and employees that events would be charged for using.
The structure that was adopted late last year includes rental prices for 66 equipment items from chairs to barricades. There also were 39 entries for heavy equipment, such as buses and forklifts, and their operators.
The new structure only has cost listings for 40 equipment items and 15 employees and large hardware items.
More
Trump-less Fox News Debate Gets Second-Lowest Ratings
The first Republican presidential debate of the season without front-runner Donald Trump generated smaller viewer interest than all but one of this cycle's prior GOP gatherings, according to preliminary Nielsen estimates — but still drew four times as many viewers as Trump's competing event.
In the metered-market overnights, which represent 56 of the nation's largest markets, Fox News Channel's debate from Iowa averaged an 8.4 household rating. This is up vs. the 7.4 overnight rating for the most recent GOP debate, on Fox Business Network earlier this month, but it stands as the second lowest-rated of the six Republican gatherings this cycle.
Nielsen will issue total-viewer estimates later Friday, but it's likely that last night's debate on FNC averaged in the vicinity of 12 million viewers.
By comparison, the combined viewership of CNN and MSNBC, which covered Trump's competing Iowa event last night, appears to be about 3 million or so, according to an analysis by CNN.
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In the metered-market overnights, which represent 56 of the nation's largest markets, Fox News Channel's debate from Iowa averaged an 8.4 household rating. This is up vs. the 7.4 overnight rating for the most recent GOP debate, on Fox Business Network earlier this month, but it stands as the second lowest-rated of the six Republican gatherings this cycle.
Nielsen will issue total-viewer estimates later Friday, but it's likely that last night's debate on FNC averaged in the vicinity of 12 million viewers.
By comparison, the combined viewership of CNN and MSNBC, which covered Trump's competing Iowa event last night, appears to be about 3 million or so, according to an analysis by CNN.
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Publishers Notes: Everyone should look at how many ON LINE viewers Trump had of his Veteran gathering/fundraiser.
Hoverboards no longer welcome on OC Boardwalk
It’s official: hoverboards are now grounded from taking off in Ocean City.
In a unanimous decision, the City Council voted to ban motorized and non-motorized vehicles from the boards, except those already permitted by the city. While the decision is meant to stymie the stream of devices that have the potential to injure Boardwalk pedestrians, the motion targeted the largest issue at hand: “hoverboards,” vehicles best described as miniature Segway look-alikes without the handle.
“The police department has concerns of the proliferations of these vehicles on the Boardwalk, but specifically we would recommend a prohibition on hoverboards,” said Ocean City Police Chief Ross Buzzuro.
According to Buzzuro’s research that he shared with the council, roughly 100 colleges and universities have banned hoverboards from their campuses. Disney resorts and New York City as a whole have also prohibited its use.
“It’s not just the construct and the design, it’s the issue as a potential as a safety and fire hazard,” Buzzuro said.
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In a unanimous decision, the City Council voted to ban motorized and non-motorized vehicles from the boards, except those already permitted by the city. While the decision is meant to stymie the stream of devices that have the potential to injure Boardwalk pedestrians, the motion targeted the largest issue at hand: “hoverboards,” vehicles best described as miniature Segway look-alikes without the handle.
“The police department has concerns of the proliferations of these vehicles on the Boardwalk, but specifically we would recommend a prohibition on hoverboards,” said Ocean City Police Chief Ross Buzzuro.
According to Buzzuro’s research that he shared with the council, roughly 100 colleges and universities have banned hoverboards from their campuses. Disney resorts and New York City as a whole have also prohibited its use.
“It’s not just the construct and the design, it’s the issue as a potential as a safety and fire hazard,” Buzzuro said.
More
Rick Manning: Big Government Admits Its Economy Stinks … Now What?
CONGRESS MUST ASSERT ITS ARTICLE ONE AUTHORITY …
The U.S. economy has just suffered through the worse ten-year period in terms of economic growth since the Great Depression. This lost decade of despair and hopelessness has led to more than 6 million more Americans aged 16-64 dropping out of the workforce than would normally be expected.
With the near-disastrous Gross Domestic Product for the fourth quarter of 2015 being announced at 0.7 percent annualized by the Bureau of Economic Analysis and just 2.4 percent for the year, America cannot be allowed to continue down this pathway to the poorhouse.
Yet, rather than help the economy, President Barack Obama’s pen and phone have energized an alphabet soup of federal agencies to enact expensive, job strangling regulations that are turning towns in Kentucky into ghost towns and replacing store clerks with self-help check out stands.
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The U.S. economy has just suffered through the worse ten-year period in terms of economic growth since the Great Depression. This lost decade of despair and hopelessness has led to more than 6 million more Americans aged 16-64 dropping out of the workforce than would normally be expected.
With the near-disastrous Gross Domestic Product for the fourth quarter of 2015 being announced at 0.7 percent annualized by the Bureau of Economic Analysis and just 2.4 percent for the year, America cannot be allowed to continue down this pathway to the poorhouse.
Yet, rather than help the economy, President Barack Obama’s pen and phone have energized an alphabet soup of federal agencies to enact expensive, job strangling regulations that are turning towns in Kentucky into ghost towns and replacing store clerks with self-help check out stands.
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What's For Dinner: Chicken Enchilada Stack
Ingredients
1 teaspoon canola oil
1 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped seeded poblano chile
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 teaspoons chipotle chile powder
1 (14.5-ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes, drained
1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce with basil, garlic, and oregano
Cooking spray
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken breast
1 cup frozen baby white and yellow corn
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
5 (8-inch) corn and flour blend tortillas
8 ounces shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese (about 2 cups)
Cilantro sprigs (optional)
Preparation
1. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add onion, poblano chile, and garlic to pan; cook 6 minutes or until vegetables are tender, stirring frequently.
2. Stir in chile powder, tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Place half of tomato mixture in a blender. Remove center piece of blender lid (to allow steam to escape); secure blender lid on blender. Place a clean towel over opening in blender lid (to avoid splatters). Blend until almost smooth. Pour into a large bowl. Repeat procedure with remaining tomato mixture.
3. Coat a 5-quart round electric slow cooker with cooking spray; place 3 tablespoons tomato mixture in bottom of slow cooker. Combine remaining tomato mixture, chicken, corn, and beans.
4. Place one tortilla on sauce in slow cooker; pour 1 cup chicken mixture over tortilla; sprinkle with 1/3 cup cheese. Top with another tortilla. Repeat procedure with remaining chicken mixture, tortillas, and cheese. Cover and cook on LOW for 2 hours or until cheese melts and edges are lightly browned. Garnish with cilantro, if desired. Cut into 8 wedges.
Source
Harley Davidson Cuts Shipment Outlook for 2016
Harley-Davidson Inc. on Thursday cut its shipments projection for 2016 as it reported its profit sank 43% in the fourth quarter on sluggish demand.
The earnings, however, still beat Wall Street expectations.
The motorcycle maker now expects to ship 1% to 3% more motorcycles this year compared with 2015, down from its prior projection that shipments would rise 3% to 5%.
The company is expected to unveil new models this year and ramp up its marketing campaign by 65%--about $70 million--in an effort to stir excitement about Harley-Davidson's namesake motorcycles.
Chief Executive Matt Levatich said he expected macroeconomic pressures to continue this year, but was confident the marketing campaign could boost results.
For the three months ended Dec. 31, the company sold fewer motorcycles across its sectors, with the exception of Canada and Asia-Pacific. U.S. sales slumped 3.4%.
Harley nabbed 51.4% of U.S. market share in the quarter, which it said was flat from a year earlier.
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The earnings, however, still beat Wall Street expectations.
The motorcycle maker now expects to ship 1% to 3% more motorcycles this year compared with 2015, down from its prior projection that shipments would rise 3% to 5%.
The company is expected to unveil new models this year and ramp up its marketing campaign by 65%--about $70 million--in an effort to stir excitement about Harley-Davidson's namesake motorcycles.
Chief Executive Matt Levatich said he expected macroeconomic pressures to continue this year, but was confident the marketing campaign could boost results.
For the three months ended Dec. 31, the company sold fewer motorcycles across its sectors, with the exception of Canada and Asia-Pacific. U.S. sales slumped 3.4%.
Harley nabbed 51.4% of U.S. market share in the quarter, which it said was flat from a year earlier.
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The ISIS encryption app that doesn't encrypt at all
Despite widespread media reports to the contrary, an app created for Islamic Statemilitants to send private encrypted messages does not exist, a Daily Dot investigation found.
On Jan. 12, Defense One reported that the Islamic State allegedly built a new Android app called Alrawi for exchanging encrypted messages, based on claims from self-proclaimed online counterterrorism outfit Ghost Security Group (GSG). The claim was quickly reprinted by Newsweek, Fortune, TechCrunch, and the Times of India—the largest English-language newspaper in the world—among many others.
However, it seems as though hype and fear, rather than concrete evidence of a genuine tool for orchestrating terrorists attacks, played the primary role in propagating word of its existence.
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On Jan. 12, Defense One reported that the Islamic State allegedly built a new Android app called Alrawi for exchanging encrypted messages, based on claims from self-proclaimed online counterterrorism outfit Ghost Security Group (GSG). The claim was quickly reprinted by Newsweek, Fortune, TechCrunch, and the Times of India—the largest English-language newspaper in the world—among many others.
However, it seems as though hype and fear, rather than concrete evidence of a genuine tool for orchestrating terrorists attacks, played the primary role in propagating word of its existence.
More
Mortgage Rates Fall for 4th Week in a Row
Continued volatility in the financial markets pushed mortgage rates lower again, according to the latest data released Thursday by Freddie Mac.
Investors remain leery of stocks and instead are seeking safety in bonds, which in turn drives down home loan rates. Meanwhile, mortgage rates were not affected by the Federal Reserve’s decision on Wednesday to leave its benchmark rate unchanged. That news came too late to factor into Freddie Mac’s weekly survey. The government-backed mortgage-backer aggregates rates from 125 lenders from across the country to come up with a national average for the most popular mortgage products.
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Investors remain leery of stocks and instead are seeking safety in bonds, which in turn drives down home loan rates. Meanwhile, mortgage rates were not affected by the Federal Reserve’s decision on Wednesday to leave its benchmark rate unchanged. That news came too late to factor into Freddie Mac’s weekly survey. The government-backed mortgage-backer aggregates rates from 125 lenders from across the country to come up with a national average for the most popular mortgage products.
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McDonald’s Apologizes For Giving People Fried Air Instead Of Mozzarella Sticks
Facing the righteous indignation of customers demanding mozzarella sticks that actually contain cheese, McDonald’s is doing a dairy apology dance, saying that cheese must have somehow escaped its breaded casing.
Though it can’t go back in time and rescue each customer’s mouth from meeting a cheeseless fate, McDonald’s offered a mea culpa on Thursday.
“We are aware of a low volume of guest concerns about our Mozzarella Cheese Sticks,” a spokeswoman said in an emailed statement to the Chicago Tribune. As it turns out, cooking is tricky.
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Though it can’t go back in time and rescue each customer’s mouth from meeting a cheeseless fate, McDonald’s offered a mea culpa on Thursday.
“We are aware of a low volume of guest concerns about our Mozzarella Cheese Sticks,” a spokeswoman said in an emailed statement to the Chicago Tribune. As it turns out, cooking is tricky.
More
In Wake Of Freddy Gray, OCPD Tweaks Prisoner Transport Protocols
OCEAN CITY- With the Freddy Gray incident in Baltimore still making headlines, law enforcement agencies all over Maryland are revisiting their prisoner transport policies, including Ocean City, where tweaks and changes to the protocols were approved this week by the Mayor and Council.
The Ocean City Mayor and Council on Tuesday approved a revised general order for the police department regarding, among other things, the safe and secure handling and transport of arrestees and detainees in custody. In April, Baltimore resident Freddy Gray died of complications from the alleged rough handling by city police officers while being transported following his arrest. Gray’s death touched off massive riots in Baltimore and ultimately led to six police officers being charged for their various roles in the incident.
In the wake of that incident, law enforcement agencies all over Maryland, including the Lower Shore, began reviewing their own policies and protocols regarding prisoner transport. Ocean City Police in the weeks after the riots in Baltimore began closely inspecting their own protocols and found the policies generally consistent with state regulations.
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The Ocean City Mayor and Council on Tuesday approved a revised general order for the police department regarding, among other things, the safe and secure handling and transport of arrestees and detainees in custody. In April, Baltimore resident Freddy Gray died of complications from the alleged rough handling by city police officers while being transported following his arrest. Gray’s death touched off massive riots in Baltimore and ultimately led to six police officers being charged for their various roles in the incident.
In the wake of that incident, law enforcement agencies all over Maryland, including the Lower Shore, began reviewing their own policies and protocols regarding prisoner transport. Ocean City Police in the weeks after the riots in Baltimore began closely inspecting their own protocols and found the policies generally consistent with state regulations.
More
WaPo/ABC poll: Hillary’s relative trustworthiness down to 36% … among Democrats
Less than four in ten Democrats think of Hillary Clinton as honest and trustworthy compared to her main challenger for the Democratic nomination, according to the latest Washington Post/ABC News poll. Her honesty numbers fell six points in three months, allowing Bernie Sanders to get within twenty points of her for the first time in this series. However, Sanders falls short on other personal characteristics, such as … better personality? Talk about a burn:
Clinton’s single greatest vulnerability has worsened in this poll, produced for ABC by Langer Research Associates: Sanders now leads by 12 points, 48-36 percent, in being seen as more honest and trustworthy, vs. 6 points last month and an even split in October. Should Clinton emerge as the nominee, it’s an issue the Republican candidate likely will repeat at every chance.Further, the candidates are virtually even, 47-43 percent, Clinton-Sanders, on who “is closer to you on the issues,” down from a 17-point Clinton lead just last month. And it’s close (Clinton +7) on who’d do a better job “bringing needed change to Washington.”
On the issues, though, Hillary is blowing Sanders out of the water. She enjoys double-digit gaps in every policy area except for regulating banks, which Sanders only carries with a 48/42 plurality. Hillary gets 58/30 on who has the better personality, which suggests that fewer Democrats are “feeling the Bern” than his coverage suggests.
The honest/trustworthy indicator may be an indirect indicator of a lowered ability to inspire turnout, though:
Welfare Abusers In THIS State Just Found Out That The Jig Is Up… BYE-BYE GRAVY TRAIN!
Many on the left (and on the right) defend welfare as a necessity, as if mankind did not exist before government handouts. Acting as if government handouts are a right and not an unnecessary burden upon taxpayers, too many politicians rely upon the promise of “freebies” to stay in office. One lawmaker, however, is bucking that trend and promising private-sector oversight on the government welfare scam that affects the producers of society.
Many states are cracking down on those who abuse the welfare system and we like to report on those casesevery chance we get.
It looks like Missouri has become the next state looking to put an end to people abusing welfare programs such as food stamps.
A Missouri House committee was reportedly considering at a bill that would call for a private sector company to examine individual requests for government assistance and determine if recipients qualify to receive benefits.
Rep. Marsha Haefner, who sponsored the bill, told a committee Monday that her proposal would reduce the amount of paperwork for Department of Social Services employees, according to KTVI.
She also said the bill could prevent money being given to people who no longer qualify for benefits.
Those enrolled in a welfare program would have their eligibility examined at least four times a year by a private company. State employees would be notified of cases involving any possible issues with eligibility.
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Many states are cracking down on those who abuse the welfare system and we like to report on those casesevery chance we get.
It looks like Missouri has become the next state looking to put an end to people abusing welfare programs such as food stamps.
A Missouri House committee was reportedly considering at a bill that would call for a private sector company to examine individual requests for government assistance and determine if recipients qualify to receive benefits.
Rep. Marsha Haefner, who sponsored the bill, told a committee Monday that her proposal would reduce the amount of paperwork for Department of Social Services employees, according to KTVI.
She also said the bill could prevent money being given to people who no longer qualify for benefits.
Those enrolled in a welfare program would have their eligibility examined at least four times a year by a private company. State employees would be notified of cases involving any possible issues with eligibility.
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These Irish baby names are about to become super trendy
It seems that some Irish names such as Liam and Clare continue to be popular in the United States and some Hollywood types have grabbed on to names such as Ireland and Keeva, but recently Buzzfeed.com made the prediction that 17 Irish baby names “are about to take over.” Sounds ominous! But then again they are really beautiful names. Here we run through their list of the 17 Irish names that are set to be on-trend, and explain their meanings and origin.
What’s certain going through the list is that these names may take over but most likely only in the United Streets. We would reckon it’ll be a long time before you meet a young fella in Carlow town called Tierney, Bartley or Vaughn.
Quinn
This Irish baby name means wise, counsel or intelligent.
Quinn is one of the most popular Irish surnames and is to be found in every county in Ireland. The Irish original from which the surname derives is Ó Cuinn, from Conn, a popular personal name, meaning chief or leader.
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What’s certain going through the list is that these names may take over but most likely only in the United Streets. We would reckon it’ll be a long time before you meet a young fella in Carlow town called Tierney, Bartley or Vaughn.
Quinn
This Irish baby name means wise, counsel or intelligent.
Quinn is one of the most popular Irish surnames and is to be found in every county in Ireland. The Irish original from which the surname derives is Ó Cuinn, from Conn, a popular personal name, meaning chief or leader.
More
Accordion buses to hit city streets by June
Ocean City is gearing up for the tourism season by adding two high-capacity articulating buses to the resort’s public transportation fleet.
The Excelsior model XB60 buses, which are 60 feet long and feature a traditional main bus with a second section connected by an accordion-type hinge, will be going into production in mid-February, according to a schedule presented at the Transportation Commission meeting last week. The buses will arrive in Ocean City by May, and are expected to be in-service by June.
Roughly 70 buses hit the streets in the summer, but the resort owns nothing like these models, according to Acting Superintendent of Transportation Wayne Pryor.
“Historically, we’ve run 40-feet buses on the streets. There’s about 35 seats and spots for 18 people standing. The new buses will have space for 94 people – 63 seating and 31 standing,” Pryor said.
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Magnetic Pole Relocation Affects Earth
A Shift In Earth’s Magnetic Poles May Hold
The Secret To Climate Change
The Secret To Climate Change
A New Thesis Could Change The Nature Of The Debate
As scientists study the causes and severity of climate change, they have looked to Earth’s atmosphere for answers.
But that may be the wrong place to find a satisfying and correct solution, says William Goodenough, author of “The Three Concepts of Climate Change: Is AGW Politics or Science?” (www.whyclimatechange.net).
Instead, the key to unlocking the global-warming riddle could lie in the planet’s magnetic poles, which have been shifting from their traditional locations at the same time that the Earth has experienced erratic, unpredictable behavior with the weather, he says.
“It seems very likely that a magnetic-pole shift event is causing the unstable weather conditions we are experiencing today, and could cause sustained changes to the Earth’s climate conditions,” Goodenough says.
If true, that would mean that climate change is being driven by natural forces, and not by humans spewing CO2 into the atmosphere, as many scientists and politicians claim, Goodenough says.
According to NASA, NOAA, and the ESA the magnetic North Pole has been creeping northward from Canada toward Russia – by more than 1,000 miles – since the early 19th century, when explorers first located it precisely.
“It is moving faster now, actually, as scientists estimate the pole is migrating northward about 40 miles per year, as opposed to about 10 miles per year in the early 20th century,” NASA reported in 2012.
NASA also says that is nothing new. Throughout Earth’s 4.5-billion-year existence, the space agency says, the two magnetic poles have swapped positions about every 500,000 years or so; however, poles shifts have not been identified or studied.
Dog Found In Salisbury 1-30-16: UPDATE
Find The Panda Hidden In The Picture 1-30-16
Answer will be posted at 6:15pm. Please don't comment on the location of the panda once you find it. Thanks!
SEIU, top Dem team up to turn 5 million Latino immigrants into voters
The Service Employees International Union is teaming up with four Latino advocacy organizations and a key House Democrat to convert as many of the 5 million Latino permanent residents into U.S. citizens and voters as possible before Election Day.
Leading the charge is Rep. Luis Gutierrez, D-Ill., who said Thursday that he believes the "stand up to hate" push can get 1 million of those Latinos naturalized by May, which would see them become citizens in time to register for the presidential election.
The campaign's mantra is "Naturalize. Register. Vote."
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Leading the charge is Rep. Luis Gutierrez, D-Ill., who said Thursday that he believes the "stand up to hate" push can get 1 million of those Latinos naturalized by May, which would see them become citizens in time to register for the presidential election.
The campaign's mantra is "Naturalize. Register. Vote."
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Four-Day White Self-Hatred Extravaganza
If you hate yourself for having among your ancestors many of the greatest people who ever lived, and who created the greatest civilization that ever existed, you won’t want to miss the annual White Privilege Conference:
More than 20 workshops will be featured at the event, covering topics of sex, race, and gender.
One workshop, titled “Self Care and Healing as Change Agents,” will provide attendees with a safe-space to share the emotional burden that comes from being a social justice warrior.
“Feeling exhausted, burned out from working to dismantle racism and white supremacy, and other forms of oppression in organizations, groups, and individuals? Still deeply committed to creating greater equity, inclusion and social justice in society and in organizations, yet finding yourself, at times, too weary or overwhelmed to make meaningful change? We all deserve spaces to heal, refuel, and re-commit to our vision and goals,” the workshop description states.
Bring your own pacifier and security blanket.
The conference targets those young enough to swallow progressive dogma, not having acquired sufficient life experience to regard it as pernicious, disgusting, and ludicrous. For example,
Another workshop will be geared exclusively towards middle-school and high-school students to allow them to “engage in meaningful dialogue about white privilege, white supremacy, and methods of breaking down systems of oppression.”
It isn’t only hated white people who will get cut down to size. Men are bad too. Another workshop:
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More than 20 workshops will be featured at the event, covering topics of sex, race, and gender.
One workshop, titled “Self Care and Healing as Change Agents,” will provide attendees with a safe-space to share the emotional burden that comes from being a social justice warrior.
“Feeling exhausted, burned out from working to dismantle racism and white supremacy, and other forms of oppression in organizations, groups, and individuals? Still deeply committed to creating greater equity, inclusion and social justice in society and in organizations, yet finding yourself, at times, too weary or overwhelmed to make meaningful change? We all deserve spaces to heal, refuel, and re-commit to our vision and goals,” the workshop description states.
Bring your own pacifier and security blanket.
The conference targets those young enough to swallow progressive dogma, not having acquired sufficient life experience to regard it as pernicious, disgusting, and ludicrous. For example,
Another workshop will be geared exclusively towards middle-school and high-school students to allow them to “engage in meaningful dialogue about white privilege, white supremacy, and methods of breaking down systems of oppression.”
It isn’t only hated white people who will get cut down to size. Men are bad too. Another workshop:
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Maryland Voter Alliance New Voting Legislation
ROCKVILLE, MD – The Maryland Voter Alliance, a voter integrity organization dedicated to ensuring fraud-free elections for all Americans, announces today that The Montgomery County Delegation to the General Assembly will hold a hearing on Friday, January 29, 2016, to discuss MC 25-16, proposed legislation that would amend the Maryland Constitution to provide the Montgomery County Council and the Montgomery County Board of Education the authority to register non-citizens and children (16 and 17 years old) to vote in State Board of Education elections.
Set to take place on January 29, 2016, immediately following the House Floor Session in Room 218, Lowe House Office Building in Annapolis, Maryland, the hearing will focus on the details of this proposed legislation, which will be voted on by County Residents.
The potential impacts of this new legislation, if it is passed and signed into law, are significant and far-reaching. In particular, the ability to place additional responsibility and authority in the State Board of Elections, to determine voter eligibility and make additions to the voter rolls.
Central to the concerns for the implications of this proposed change to the Maryland State
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Set to take place on January 29, 2016, immediately following the House Floor Session in Room 218, Lowe House Office Building in Annapolis, Maryland, the hearing will focus on the details of this proposed legislation, which will be voted on by County Residents.
The potential impacts of this new legislation, if it is passed and signed into law, are significant and far-reaching. In particular, the ability to place additional responsibility and authority in the State Board of Elections, to determine voter eligibility and make additions to the voter rolls.
Central to the concerns for the implications of this proposed change to the Maryland State
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#OscarsSoWhite — Biggest Fraud Since ‘Hands Up, Don’t Shoot’
First, the facts. Since 2000, 10 percent of Oscar nominations have gone to black actors. Blacks comprise 13 percent of the country’s population, so the Oscar nominations have roughly paralleled the percentage of blacks in the U.S.
Here’s how the nomination process works. There are about 6,200 voting members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The Academy is divided into 17 branches, with the actor division — of 1,138 members — the largest. Actors nominate actors in each of the four categories — lead and supporting, actor and actress — listing up to five names ranked in order of preference. The five nominees come from the highest-ranked names with the most votes beyond a minimum threshold. So all actor members literally “write in” their personal choices.
Actors are almost all leftist Democrats, so, according to the #OscarsSoWhite narrative, the same lefties who nominated and voted for Best Actors Halle Berry, Forest Whitaker, Denzel Washington, Jamie Foxx and others reverted to “racism” in the last two years, because during that period there were no black nominees.
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Here’s how the nomination process works. There are about 6,200 voting members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The Academy is divided into 17 branches, with the actor division — of 1,138 members — the largest. Actors nominate actors in each of the four categories — lead and supporting, actor and actress — listing up to five names ranked in order of preference. The five nominees come from the highest-ranked names with the most votes beyond a minimum threshold. So all actor members literally “write in” their personal choices.
Actors are almost all leftist Democrats, so, according to the #OscarsSoWhite narrative, the same lefties who nominated and voted for Best Actors Halle Berry, Forest Whitaker, Denzel Washington, Jamie Foxx and others reverted to “racism” in the last two years, because during that period there were no black nominees.
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Berlin, Fenwick Latest To Join Drilling Opposition
Officials in Berlin and Fenwick Island both passed resolutions outlining their concerns with seismic testing. Fenwick leaders approved a resolution Friday after a presentation from Assateague Coastal Trust while Berlin’s council passed a resolution Monday. Berlin is now the 102nd town on the East Coast to do so.
“You all should be proud of taking a public stance on that,” Berlin Mayor Gee Williams told council members after the vote.
Seismic drilling has been a hot topic up and down the coast since the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) began evaluating permits from private entities interested in performing seismic air gun testing in the Atlantic Ocean to identify oil and natural gas deposits.
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General manager of OC Brewing Company in Abingdon charged in $2.5 million wire fraud scheme
Joshua Aaron Shores, 41, of Bel Air and Ocean City, is charged in a criminal information in U.S. District Court in Scranton, Pa., with wire fraud, according to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith, Middle District of Pennsylvania.
Shores is the general manager of both of O.C. Brewing Company's restaurants, one on Merchant Boulevard in Abingdon that opened late last year in the former Joe's Crab Shack, and one on Coastal Highway in Ocean City, according to Pilar Grasia, administrator of the Harford County Liquor Control Board.
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America Is Falling Apart And It’s Your Fault
When deciding who to blame for the current state of affairs in our country, we always run through a familiar list of shadowy villains: the “system,” the “establishment,” politicians, lobbyists, the schools, the media, etc. These are fine suspects in their own right, but I find it ridiculous that, somehow, we skip right over the first and most dastardly culprit: ourselves.
We never blame us, do we? We always get off the hook. All of the misery and misfortune in our culture have been hoist upon us from Washington, D.C. and Hollywood and Ivory Towers, and none of it from us, we claim. We’re victims. We had no say in any of this at all, according to us.
Well, at the risk of alienating literally every single person reading this, I’d like to suggest that you are an adult and a voter, and this is your fault. And mine. And your mother’s. And your neighbor Jim’s. And all of our accomplices who generally make up the club known as “We The People.”
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We never blame us, do we? We always get off the hook. All of the misery and misfortune in our culture have been hoist upon us from Washington, D.C. and Hollywood and Ivory Towers, and none of it from us, we claim. We’re victims. We had no say in any of this at all, according to us.
Well, at the risk of alienating literally every single person reading this, I’d like to suggest that you are an adult and a voter, and this is your fault. And mine. And your mother’s. And your neighbor Jim’s. And all of our accomplices who generally make up the club known as “We The People.”
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HISTORICAL COMMENTS BY GEORGE CHEVALLIER
The Hardy Boys
Since the first book was published in 1927, an American institution has been the Hardy Boys mystery series. They are still published today although the tone and language is more in tune with modern times. The best reading is from the ones published the year in which they were written. In the early books there were no modern conveniences that kids have today. The Hardy brothers, Frank and Joe, were always getting into some sort of scrape with bad guys and managed to get out through their own wiles and determination.
My first experience with them began in the late 1940’s. A man that worked with my father had a son that went off to college and he had a lot of the early Hardy Boys books. They sat around until I was old enough to read them and then I was hooked. I kept them long after I finished with them and read them to my sons as they were growing up. For about five years, I read two chapters a night before they went to bed. Since they were each exactly twenty-five chapters long and each chapter was ten pages, this worked out to a nice time frame.
The original six books were written by a Canadian named Leslie McFarlane under the pseudonym Franklin W. Dixon. They are still published today under that name. Leslie McFarlane only received $25 each for those historical volumes. He sold the rights to the New Jersey publisher named Edward Stratemeyer. Mr. Stratemeyer had a company that employed ghostwriters to expand into a book the outline for the twenty five chapters which he would provide for them. The company was also responsible for putting out in the same manner all the Nancy Drew mysteries. At one time, the Stratemeyer Syndicate was responsible for about 90% of all children’s books.
It is really hard to interest children today in reading, but there is nothing like a good book. If a love of books is instilled in children at an early age, then it may be with them throughout their lives. Reading to a child at night is a good way to get them settled down. I know the half hour or so we spent reading every night was beneficial to all.
Maybe I will get into another favorite of mine sometime and that is the Uncle Wigglely series by Howard Garis. My children loved them, too.
Naval Academy Community Responds: Keep the 'Man' in 'Midshipman'
Should the Navy change the title of "midshipman"?
Thousands of people say no.
Naval Academy alumni, Annapolis residents and others voiced opposition this week to the Navy's review of job titles in the pursuit of gender-integration -- particularly the removal of the word "man" from ranks like midshipman.
Several readers reached out to The Capital to echo the sentiment of Anthony Papandrea, a 76-year-old graduate of the Class of 1961 who called the initiative "political correctness run amok."
"Every time I think the PC Police has run out of ridiculous causes, they find something else to complain about," said Vince Zamaria, an Annapolis resident and midshipman sponsor for over a decade. "They will not be happy until they have ruined our country."
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Thousands of people say no.
Naval Academy alumni, Annapolis residents and others voiced opposition this week to the Navy's review of job titles in the pursuit of gender-integration -- particularly the removal of the word "man" from ranks like midshipman.
Several readers reached out to The Capital to echo the sentiment of Anthony Papandrea, a 76-year-old graduate of the Class of 1961 who called the initiative "political correctness run amok."
"Every time I think the PC Police has run out of ridiculous causes, they find something else to complain about," said Vince Zamaria, an Annapolis resident and midshipman sponsor for over a decade. "They will not be happy until they have ruined our country."
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Mathias for, Carozza against online travel tax veto override
To sell extra room inventory, hotels contract with online travel agencies at a negotiated rate to sell what could conceivably end up being empty rooms.
In turn, the travel agencies sell the rooms close to what the hotels would charge for them anyway, pay the taxes based on their wholesale price and pocket the difference.
From the online agencies’ standpoint, they are simply paying taxes much in the same way most people do — a six-percent premium due at point of sale. Brick and mortar hotels, such as Maryland-based Marriott, see the situation as a competitive disadvantage, and urged lawmakers to level the playing field.
During the last session of the General Assembly, the House and Senate passed a bill to do just that, which Gov. Larry Hogan ultimately vetoed. Bolstering his decision was anti-tax crusader Grover Norquist, who labeled the measure a new tax on online businesses.
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In turn, the travel agencies sell the rooms close to what the hotels would charge for them anyway, pay the taxes based on their wholesale price and pocket the difference.
From the online agencies’ standpoint, they are simply paying taxes much in the same way most people do — a six-percent premium due at point of sale. Brick and mortar hotels, such as Maryland-based Marriott, see the situation as a competitive disadvantage, and urged lawmakers to level the playing field.
During the last session of the General Assembly, the House and Senate passed a bill to do just that, which Gov. Larry Hogan ultimately vetoed. Bolstering his decision was anti-tax crusader Grover Norquist, who labeled the measure a new tax on online businesses.
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Navy commander pleads guilty in massive bribery case
SAN DIEGO (AP) — A Navy commander accused of diverting ships to Asian ports for a Malaysian contractor offering prostitution services and other gifts pleaded guilty to bribery charges Thursday, marking the eighth conviction in the massive scandal.
Michael Misiewicz is one of the highest ranking Naval officers charged in the case, which is centered on businessman Leonard Francis, nicknamed “Fat Leonard” because of his wide girth. Misiewicz pleaded guilty to one count each of conspiracy to commit bribery and bribery of a public official at a hearing in federal court in San Diego.
He faces up to 20 years in prison if sentenced to the maximum amount for both charges.
His defense lawyers said in a statement that Misiewicz regrets his actions from 2011 to 2012. They went on to say that they plan to show at his sentencing hearing this was an “extreme departure from his otherwise distinguished and honorable 30 plus year career.”
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Michael Misiewicz is one of the highest ranking Naval officers charged in the case, which is centered on businessman Leonard Francis, nicknamed “Fat Leonard” because of his wide girth. Misiewicz pleaded guilty to one count each of conspiracy to commit bribery and bribery of a public official at a hearing in federal court in San Diego.
He faces up to 20 years in prison if sentenced to the maximum amount for both charges.
His defense lawyers said in a statement that Misiewicz regrets his actions from 2011 to 2012. They went on to say that they plan to show at his sentencing hearing this was an “extreme departure from his otherwise distinguished and honorable 30 plus year career.”
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MSPB judge reverses VA senior exec demotion
A Merit Systems Protection Board judge has reversed a decision by the Department of Veterans Affairs to demote one of its senior executives for abuse of power.
A spokesman for MSPB confirmed that a Chicago judge on Jan. 27 had reversed the agency’s action to demote Kimberly Graves, formerly the director of the Veterans Benefits Administration’s St. Paul regional office in Minnesota. A written decision will be posted to the board’s website likely in early February.
“Ms. Graves is happy the action was reversed, and she looks forward to continuing her life’s work serving veterans,” said Graves’ attorney Julia Perkins, a partner at law firm Shaw Bransford & Roth, according to reports from Government Executive.
Neither Perkins nor the VA responded immediately to a request for comment.
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A spokesman for MSPB confirmed that a Chicago judge on Jan. 27 had reversed the agency’s action to demote Kimberly Graves, formerly the director of the Veterans Benefits Administration’s St. Paul regional office in Minnesota. A written decision will be posted to the board’s website likely in early February.
“Ms. Graves is happy the action was reversed, and she looks forward to continuing her life’s work serving veterans,” said Graves’ attorney Julia Perkins, a partner at law firm Shaw Bransford & Roth, according to reports from Government Executive.
Neither Perkins nor the VA responded immediately to a request for comment.
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NEED HELP OR ENCOURAGEMENT HOMESCHOOLING THROUGH HIGH SCHOOL?
Don’t give up — we can help! At Classical Conversations, we believe YOU are the best primary educator of your child(ren). Experienced tutors walk you and your student through our College preparatory program grounded in a Christian biblical worldview.
Classical Conversations supports local communities of like-minded families that meet weekly for academic seminars (such as: science labs, Logic, math, Debate, and many more) and fellowship. The Challenge program is designed to nurture your upper middle school through high school level student. You will find supportive mentors, encouraging peers, and challenging academic work.
Our Junior High & High School Program (Challenge) is for students 12 and older. For 30 weeks they study 6 challenging subjects at home while practicing dialectic & rhetorical skills in a weekly class. Students use our academically challenging curriculum, which includes Saxon Math, Apologia sciences, classic literature, writing reports, debates, and much more. A trained and experienced home schooling parent tutors the students in math, foreign language, and science labs. Students also receive accountability and suggestions for improving their written work. Other coursework is shared through facilitated discussions. Challenge Programs foster student development and strengthens the life-long learning skills of grammar, exposition, debate, logic, rhetoric, and research.
INFORMATIONAL MEETING WHEN: FEBRUARY 1, 2016 7PM WHERE: SALISBURY BIBLE FELLOWSHIP 1500 COURT PLAZA LANE SALISBURY, MD
Contact: Jennifer Seip at jseip@classicalconversations.com.
Substitute Bus Driver Recognized for Bravery and Driving Skills
Troy Brittingham honored at Recent Board of Education Meeting
Westover, Maryland- January 29, 2016 – Troy Brittingham is a substitute bus driver for Somerset County Public Schools. He distinguished himself on January 4, 2016. Transportation Supervisor Gregg Sutton wrote, “Bus driver, Troy S. Brittingham, Sr. is to be recognized for demonstrating superior defensive driving skills and outstanding bravery in avoiding a potential mass casualty event, saving the lives of 20 school children and several motorists. On the afternoon of January 4, 2016, at approximately 3:25PM, Mr. Brittingham was heading southbound on Maryland 413, south of Plantation Road and the Crisfield Clinic, when the trailer of an oncoming vehicle dislodged and went airborne, crashing into the front of his school bus. The impact tore off the front hood of the school bus and shattered the front windshield. Mr. Brittingham successfully maneuvered his bus to the shoulder, avoiding any oncoming traffic, checked to make sure all the students were okay, and called for assistance. The students were safely evacuated off the bus and taken to the Crisfield Clinic. Although the bus sustained extensive damage, no one was injured. Mr. Brittingham’s heroic efforts reflect great credit upon not only himself and the other professional school bus drivers, but Somerset County Public Schools as well, and he is to be commended.” Mr. Brittingham was recognized by the Board at its monthly meeting on January 19, 2016.
MSP DUI Arrests 1-21-16 - 1-27-16 (Salisbury Barrack)
DUI Arrests from 1/21/2016 through 1/27/2016:
- Zachary Long Reble 32yoa Willards, MD
- Tyrai Golden Sykes 27yoa Unknown
- John D. Bragg Jr. 50yoa Salisbury, MD
- Dickie Ray Lawrence 52yoa Ocean City, MD
- Don Edward Harmon 59yoa Upper Marlboro, MD
- Patricia Ashley Rose 23yoa Salisbury, MD
Nation School Counselor Week
Westover, Maryland- January 29, 2016-
“National School Counseling Week 2016, "School Counseling: The Recipe for Success,” will be celebrated from February 1-5, 2016, to focus public attention on the unique contribution of professional school counselors within U.S. school systems. National School Counseling Week, sponsored by the American School Counselor Association, highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career. National School Counseling Week is always celebrated the first full week in February.
“This special week honors school counselors for the important role they play in helping students examine their talents, strengths, abilities, and interests. Counselors work in professional partnerships with teachers and support personnel to provide an educational system where students can realize their true potential. As all educators focus their efforts on improving academic achievement for all students, it is important that we recognize school counselors for their continuing efforts in reducing barriers to learning and in providing the support necessary for all students to achieve at the highest level.”
China's Great Wall Is Crumbling In Many Places. Can It Be Saved?
They're not a minute too soon: roughly a third of the wall's 12,000 miles has crumbled to dust, and saving what's left of it may be the world's greatest challenge in cultural preservation.
Qiao Guohua is on the front line of this battle. He lives in the village of Jielingkou, not far from where the eastern end of the Great Wall runs into the Yellow Sea.
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"Free trade" is the kiss of death for our economy
Patrick Kellen over atEconomyInCrisis.org says, "If an enemy was seeking to hire someone to destroy America he might have hired the political leaders who created [free trade agreements]." Mr. Kellen explained that trade organizations like the WTO and agreements like NAFTA, which promised to reduce trade barriers, have proven Ross Perot's "giant sucking sound" to be correct. And, "the pending unholy trinity of trade agreements - the TPP, TTIP and TISA" threatens whats left of our manufacturing base. These agreements kills jobs here at home, and they take international trade, banking and finance out of our control. If these three massive trade agreements are signed in to law, nearly every aspect of our economy will be controlled by foreigners. And, our lawmakers may soon vote on these agreements without even knowing what they contain. These trade agreements are considered top secret to us and our representatives, but corporate lobbyists have been given full access. These job killing "free trade" agreements have crippled US jobs and allowed corporations to move their companies to less regulated production facilities abroad. Call your representatives and tell them to say "no" to these trade agreements once and for all.