It's official: years of warnings that Obamacare will lead to dramatic increases in healthcare premiums are about to be validated.
As the WSJ writes, big health plans stung by losses in the first few years of the U.S. health law’s implementation are seeking hefty premium increases for individual plans sold through insurance exchanges in more than a dozen states.
To be sure, we have extensively covered the imminent danger of rising healthcare prices as a result of Obamacare's intrusive intervention in the insurance sector; however now that this is about to become mainstream information, we expect consumers to hunker down and save even more in anticipation of what is about to be a shock price increase for millions of middle-class American families.
As the WSJ reports, the insurers’ proposed rates for individual coverage in states that have made their 2017 requests public largely bear out health plans’ grim predictions about their challenges under the health-care overhaul. According to the insurers’ filings with regulators, large plans in states including New York, Pennsylvania and Georgia are seeking to raise rates by 20% or more.
In states such as Florida and Maryland, insurers are seeking to raise premiums by percentage averages that are markedly above 10%. Among those that have published so far, only in Vermont do big insurers’ requests fall below 10%. Proposals still have to be approved by state regulators, and a full picture of final approved rates across the entire country likely won’t be known until shortly before HealthCare.gov and state equivalents reopen for the law’s fourth main enrollment window on Nov. 1.
Nonetheless, the proposed average increases that are available are a vivid indicator this year of how insurers are adapting to the 2010 Affordable Care Act’s transformation of the way health coverage is priced and sold in the U.S.
So for all those currently enrolled in healthcare plans administered in the following states, this is how much, on average, your plans will go up by.
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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, May 28, 2016
Do Cell Phones Cause Cancer
A major U.S. government study on rats has found a link between cellphones and cancer, an explosive finding in the long-running debate about whether mobile phones cause health effects.
The multiyear, peer-reviewed study, by the National Toxicology Program, found “low incidences” of two types of tumors in male rats that were exposed to the type of radio frequencies that are commonly emitted by cellphones. The tumors were gliomas, which are in the glial cells of the brain, and schwannomas of the heart.
“Given the widespread global usage of mobile communications among users of all ages, even a very small increase in the incidence of disease resulting from exposure to [radio-frequency radiation] could have broad implications for public health,” according to a report of partial findings from the study, which was released late Thursday.
A spokesperson for the National Institutes of Health, which helped oversee the study, wasn’t immediately available for comment. Earlier in the week, the NIH said, “It is important to note that previous human, observational data collected in earlier, large-scale population-based studies have found limited evidence of an increased risk for developing cancer from cellphone use.”
Source: Marketwatch
Source: Marketwatch
2016 Summer Movie Express
Summer Movie Express 2016 - Family fun movies playing on Tuesdays & Wednesdays for the summertime.Admission to the Summer Movie Express is only $1. Tickets available for purchase at the box office and all movies start at 10:00 am. Each week both movies play on both days. A portion of the proceeds goes to the Will Rogers Institute.
MAC Launches Campaign To Feed More Elderly In Region
That’s what Meals on Wheels recipient Rebecca, age 91, recalls.
Rebecca isn’t alone. On the Lower Shore, many seniors don’t have access to adequate nutrition. The circumstances may differ: lack of transportation to the grocery store, health issues that make it difficult or impossible to prepare a meal, no money to buy food. Often, food takes a back seat to other expenses necessary for life.
Food insecurity is the most broadly-used measure of food deprivation in the U.S. The U.S. Department of Agriculture defines food insecurity as “consistent access to adequate food limited by a lack of money and other resources.”
Elderly suffering from food insecurity and hunger experience more difficulties in performing activities of daily living, can become more vulnerable to falls, and have an increased incidence of illness, hospital admission and nursing home placement.
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Tearful West Point Grad Served in Maryland National Guard
The graduate, one of 953, is 2nd Lt. Alix Schoelcher Idrache, who in seven years went from speaking only basic English in a working class neighborhood in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, to graduating from one of the most prestigious military and educational institutions in the U.S.
In that time, he served for two years as a member of the Maryland Army National Guard. Idrache left the National Guard in 2012 to enter the 214th class of West Point cadets.
Editor's note: Click 'READ MORE' below to see the message he left on his Instagram account.
NYC To Issue Salt Fines
New York City plans to start enforcing a first-of-its-kind requirement for chain restaurants to use icons to warn patrons of salty foods after getting an appeals court's go-ahead Thursday to start issuing fines. But it's not the final word on whether the regulation will stand.
The novel rule took effect in December, and some eateries already have added the requisite salt-shaker-like icons to menu items that contain more salt than doctors recommend ingesting in an entire day.
But penalties have been in limbo as the National Restaurant Association fights the measure in court. That clash is ongoing, but an appeals court Thursday lifted a temporary hold on issuing the fines while the case plays out. Fines can be up to $600.
The city will start enforcing the rule June 6.
Democratic Mayor Bill de Blasio applauded the appeals court's decision on what he called "a common-sense regulation.."
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The novel rule took effect in December, and some eateries already have added the requisite salt-shaker-like icons to menu items that contain more salt than doctors recommend ingesting in an entire day.
But penalties have been in limbo as the National Restaurant Association fights the measure in court. That clash is ongoing, but an appeals court Thursday lifted a temporary hold on issuing the fines while the case plays out. Fines can be up to $600.
The city will start enforcing the rule June 6.
Democratic Mayor Bill de Blasio applauded the appeals court's decision on what he called "a common-sense regulation.."
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Poetry, signs used as tools to clarify issues with pet stools
More specifically, that would be dog poo that is left by delinquent pet owners on streets, in parking lots, sidewalks or in the otherwise pristine, emerald grass just outside the Atlantic Hotel.
To fight this thoughtlessness, one or more of the vigilantes have taken it upon themselves to raise awareness of the problem by placing miniature signs in the offending material itself with a toothpick.
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Feline focused group looks to raise funds
The organization is launching several fundraisers, including a yard sale and a quarter auction, to help raise money to cover medical and food expenses for feral cats in their care.
“This group feeds more than 200 feral cats daily. In the past, they’ve used grants, donations and their own money,” said Town Cat fundraising coordinator Robyn Baker. “But there’s cases of emergency surgeries or cesarean sections, and those aren’t covered by grants. We started fundraising to take care of those needs.”
Town Cats is a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing and tending to the feral cat population. The organization started in 1998 when several residents noticed that many summer visitors would leave behind cats without food or shelter. Volunteers started banding together to humanely trap, neuter/spay and release the cats back into Worcester County.
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Nonprofit promotes solar co-op in Worcester County
Group purchasing power could leverage discounts on cell installation fees
Recent conversations about solar power in the area have focused on mass scale, enterprise-level operations using acres and acres of land and both producing and selling gigawatt after gigawatt.
After a few meetings next month, a countywide effort may develop between homeowners throughout Worcester, each producing a piece of a larger puzzle that could significantly affect the way the county keeps the lights on.
The idea, as explained by Corey Ramsden, the Maryland program manager for the nonprofit Community Power Network, is for residents to band together and use their collective purchasing power to leverage a discount on installation fees for solar cells on their property.
“We’re agnostic on the reasons for adopting solar power — if they’re for environmental or independent causes,” he said.
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Free Movies on the Beach Start June 1st
Ocean City Recreation and Parks will host Movies on the Beach at the Carousel Hotel on 117th Street on Wednesday evenings from June 1 – August 31. As well as, on 27th Street on Monday and Friday evenings from June 20 – August 5. At both locations the movie begins at approximately 8:30 p.m. The 27th Street presenting sponsor is The Commander Hotel.
Movies will be shown on a gigantic screen on the beach. In the event of inclement weather the movie will be held inside at the Carousel Hotel, but canceled at the 27th Street location.
Movie Listing:
- June 1st –Inside Out – Carousel Hotel
- June 8th- Aladdin (Vintage Movie) – Carousel Hotel
- June 15th – Pixels – Carousel Hotel
- June 20th – Tomorrowland – 27th Street*
- June 22nd– Cinderella (2015) – Carousel Hotel
- June 24th – Remember the Titans – 27th Street*
- June 27th – The Blind Side – 27th Street*
- June 29th – Remember the Titans – Carousel Hotel
- July 1st – Spongebob Squarepants; Sponge Out of Water – 27th Street*
- July 6th – Despicable Me 2- Carousel Hotel
- July 8th – The Lego Movie – 27th Street*
- July 11th– Soul Surfer – 27th Street*
- July 13th – Annie (2014) – Carousel Hotel
- July 15th – Inside Out – 27th Street*
- July 18th – Frozen – 27th Street*
- July 20th – Frozen – Carousel Hotel
- July 22nd – Big Hero 6 – 27th Street*
- July 25th – The Good Dinosaur – 27th Street*
- July 27th– Pan – Carousel Hotel
- July 29th –Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 – 27th Street*
- August 1st – Pan – 27th Street*
- August 3rd – Annie (2014) – Carousel Hotel
- August 5th – Minions – 27th Street*
- August 10th– The Blind Side – Carousel Hotel
- August 17th– Hotel Transylvania 2 – Carousel Hotel
- August 24th– Minions – Carousel Hotel
- August 31st – Star Wars; the Force Awakens – Carousel Hotel
Car cruise has quieter weekend
From May 19 - 21, the span of the vintage car show, the Ocean City Police Department recorded 2,137 service calls, which is a slight spike from last year’s event.
In 2015, 2,091 recorded service calls were made.
Cruisin’ just ended its 26th year in Ocean City last weekend. The four-day event has been criticized in recent years because of the bad behavior of some nonparticipants the event seems to attract.
To put it in perspective, approximately 3,500 hot rods registered for Cruisin’, while the weekend population might have been seven times that.
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Berlin Heritage Foundation To Host Afternoon On The Lawn
You don’t have to be an aristocrat and you don’t have to attend in period costume, although the dress is Garden Party attire. But organizers hope the community will come out to support all things Berlin under a tent at the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum on Saturday, June 11, from 3-6 p.m. Enjoy tastings from Berlin restaurants while you stroll around the historic grounds to the sound of a ragtime band.
During the afternoon, there will be a dedication of five new lawn benches. Each bench has been sponsored by families or organizations in memory or honor of locals, including Dr. Mary E. Humphreys, Bessye Esham Moore, Edward H. Hammond, Jr. and the Harrison families. The foundation is honored to have the support of these families and to recognize these individuals who have been so important in the town’s history.
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Cops And Courts – May 27, 2016
OCEAN CITY — A Pennsylvania man was arrested on possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine last week after getting pulled over for not wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle and later attempting to hide the drugs from police under his bike’s seat.
A little after 1 p.m. last Friday, an OCPD officer responded to the parking lot of an uptown pub to assist an MTA officer in the resort for Cruisin’ weekend with a traffic stop for a motorcycle operator identified as Kodi Olivencia, 26, of Reading, Pa., operating without a helmet.
A background check revealed Olivencia was wanted on a warrant in Pennsylvania for possession of stolen property. When Olivencia was placed under arrest, he voiced concern about having someone pick up his motorcycle. The officer told him it was on private property and it was up to the property owner to decide if they wanted to have it towed or not.
Olivencia had a drawstring-style backpack under the windscreen of the motorcycle and officers asked if we like to take the unsecured backpack with him. According to police reports, Olivencia was hesitant and asked if the backpack could be placed under the motorcycle’s seat instead. An MTA officer attempted to put the backpack under the seat, but the space was already occupied by a sweatshirt.
Click More to see additional cases
ILLEGAL ALIEN STOLE DEAD VETERAN’S IDENTITY, RECEIVED VA BENEFITS
Court records show that the 69-year-old man took the identity of man deceased since 1994 to get social security, VA and other Federal, state and local benefits since 2012.
Police report that Rene Ortiz Quintana has been in the United States illegally for about 50 years. They say that in October of 2012 he took the identity of Ruben J. Gallardo, a man who has been dead since 1994.
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Summer is prime time for food poisoning
When the weather is warm, many people tend to dine outside, where the sun and heat can turn food into a breeding ground for nasty bacteria. At this time of year, the food safety rules of the colder months no longer apply.
The usual rule of thumb — the one always heard around Thanksgiving — is that once food has been sitting out for two hours, it needs to be refrigerated or thrown out. But summer is different.
“If the food is in heat, or is sitting in the sun or in temperatures higher than 90 degrees, that two hours is now decreased to one hour,” said Dr. Linda Nordeman, medical director of the emergency department at Adventist HealthCare Washington Adventist Hospital.
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Indonesia to punish child rapists with chemical castration
He said the administrative order is a response to increasing sexual violence against children.
“I have declared that sexual offenses against children are an extraordinary crime, because they threaten and endanger the lives of children,” Jokowi said.
“An extraordinary crime deserves an exceptional response,” he said. “Therefore, this regulation imposes heavier punishments and additional measures for the perpetrators of the violence.”
Demands for harsher punishments have increased following the rape and murder of a teenage girl by 14 men in western Indonesia last month.
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How the Radical Left is Helping Trump
The radical Left is as terrified about Donald Trump as they're excited about Bernie Sanders. Their protests have included everything, from rock throwing and road blocking to assaults on police. As the Washington Examiner notes, in their zeal to protest his presidential candidacy, the wacky left may actually be helping Trump:
It's not even as though the rioters' tactics, which began with the violent shutdown of a Trump rally in Chicago in March, actually work. The headline-grabbing antics actually do the opposite of stopping Trump. Destroying property and throwing rocks and bottles at police officers makes the GOP nominee look more attractive than the alternative the Left offers. His own musings about punching protesters on the nose suddenly seem mild by comparison.
If Trump wins the general election in November, he should send fruit baskets to the organizers of the latest unrest. They are generating sympathy for him by ensuring that a noisy proportion of his supporters are identified as asses who need to be defeated.
There's nothing more American than peacefully protesting a candidate you dislike, in person, in print, online or over the airwaves. It's an activity we encourage and regularly engage in. But free speech is a two-word principle. It's not just the word "free" that counts, but also the word "speech." The First Amendment does not protect "free rock throwing" or "free fire starting." Those activities deserve no respect, and rob their perpetrators of any.
Source: AAN
It's not even as though the rioters' tactics, which began with the violent shutdown of a Trump rally in Chicago in March, actually work. The headline-grabbing antics actually do the opposite of stopping Trump. Destroying property and throwing rocks and bottles at police officers makes the GOP nominee look more attractive than the alternative the Left offers. His own musings about punching protesters on the nose suddenly seem mild by comparison.
If Trump wins the general election in November, he should send fruit baskets to the organizers of the latest unrest. They are generating sympathy for him by ensuring that a noisy proportion of his supporters are identified as asses who need to be defeated.
There's nothing more American than peacefully protesting a candidate you dislike, in person, in print, online or over the airwaves. It's an activity we encourage and regularly engage in. But free speech is a two-word principle. It's not just the word "free" that counts, but also the word "speech." The First Amendment does not protect "free rock throwing" or "free fire starting." Those activities deserve no respect, and rob their perpetrators of any.
Source: AAN
A Crazy Line On Memorial Day Weekend At Seacrets
They say the line goes all the way back to 52nd Street.
Katie Couric Is A Liberal Hack, Site Claims
Column: Whatever it is that Katie Couric does, it’s not journalism
Stephen Gutowski of The Washington Free Beacon had a great story Wednesday. You can read it here. He obtained audio that proves the filmmaker of Katie Couric’s latest politicized documentary, Under the Gun, deceptively edited an interview with gun rights activists to make them look ignorant and ashamed. The evidence he found is clear, it is direct, it is stunning, and it is embarrassing. But it is not nearly as embarrassing as the way in which the filmmaker, Couric, and the New York Times reacted to the Free Beacon’s reporting. They all need to spend some time alone in the corner and think about what they’ve done.
At one point in the film, Couric visits with the Virginia Citizens Defense League, which advocates for the Second Amendment and is the official militia of the Free Beacon. She asks, “If there are no background checks for gun purchasers, how do you prevent felons or terrorists from purchasing a gun?”
More/Video
Stephen Gutowski of The Washington Free Beacon had a great story Wednesday. You can read it here. He obtained audio that proves the filmmaker of Katie Couric’s latest politicized documentary, Under the Gun, deceptively edited an interview with gun rights activists to make them look ignorant and ashamed. The evidence he found is clear, it is direct, it is stunning, and it is embarrassing. But it is not nearly as embarrassing as the way in which the filmmaker, Couric, and the New York Times reacted to the Free Beacon’s reporting. They all need to spend some time alone in the corner and think about what they’ve done.
At one point in the film, Couric visits with the Virginia Citizens Defense League, which advocates for the Second Amendment and is the official militia of the Free Beacon. She asks, “If there are no background checks for gun purchasers, how do you prevent felons or terrorists from purchasing a gun?”
More/Video
Five State Department Rules That Hillary’s Email Practices Violated
IG report notes failure to abide by a number of laws and regulations
Hillary Clinton’s use of a personal email address as secretary of state appears to have run afoul of five different laws and regulations governing information security at the State Department, according to a recent government report.
The report, from the State Department’s inspector general, has renewed scrutiny of Clinton’s email practices, which critics say jeopardized sensitive or classified information and shielded Clinton’s activities from laws designed to ensure public access to government information.
The inspector general’s examination focused on statutes and regulations specific to the State Department. The more serious allegations against Clinton have to do with potential violations of the Espionage Act, which lays out penalties for “gross negligence” in the handling of sensitive national security information.
That investigation is ongoing, but the report identifies five other laws or regulations that Clinton circumvented or failed to follow. They contradict the Clinton campaign’s repeated claims that Clinton’s email practices at the State Department complied with all relevant rules regarding federal records and information security.
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Hillary Clinton’s use of a personal email address as secretary of state appears to have run afoul of five different laws and regulations governing information security at the State Department, according to a recent government report.
The report, from the State Department’s inspector general, has renewed scrutiny of Clinton’s email practices, which critics say jeopardized sensitive or classified information and shielded Clinton’s activities from laws designed to ensure public access to government information.
The inspector general’s examination focused on statutes and regulations specific to the State Department. The more serious allegations against Clinton have to do with potential violations of the Espionage Act, which lays out penalties for “gross negligence” in the handling of sensitive national security information.
That investigation is ongoing, but the report identifies five other laws or regulations that Clinton circumvented or failed to follow. They contradict the Clinton campaign’s repeated claims that Clinton’s email practices at the State Department complied with all relevant rules regarding federal records and information security.
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Rolling Thunder in Memorial Day Weekend Forecast
Hundreds of thousands of bikers and spectators gather every Memorial Day weekend for the Rolling Thunder "Ride for Freedom," an annual event since 1988 that honors military veterans and members of the military missing in action.
Bikers rally at the Pentagon's north parking lot beginning at 8 a.m. Sunday, then ride through D.C. to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial beginning at noon. The bikers will ride across Memorial Bridge to 23rd Street, north on 23rd Street to Constitution Avenue, east on Constitution Avenue to Pennsylvania Avenue, east on Pennsylvania Avenue to 3rd Street, south on 3rd Street to Independence Avenue, west on Independence Avenue to West Basin Drive, southwest on West Basin Drive to Ohio Drive, northwest on Ohio Drive to Franklin D. Roosevelt Park where they will disband.
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OC’s Busker Lottery System Underway
OCEAN CITY — With the arrival of Memorial Day weekend, the new and improved ordinance adopted this spring appears to have, at least temporarily, resulted in relative peace and calm on the Boardwalk busker front.
Many street performers railed against last year’s new registration process and a handful even sued the city over the cumbersome process along with other issues in a case that is still plodding along in federal court. However, the Boardwalk Task Force last fall began systematically tackling the many issues and in March, the Mayor and Council accepted the task force recommendations after adding a few revisions of its own and the new busker ordinance went into effect on May 1.
Now, it’s fair to say a rainy, cold month of May has reduced the number of buskers performing on the Boardwalk thus far, but the arrival of Memorial Day weekend and a solid forecast for great weather is expected to test the changes.More
Many street performers railed against last year’s new registration process and a handful even sued the city over the cumbersome process along with other issues in a case that is still plodding along in federal court. However, the Boardwalk Task Force last fall began systematically tackling the many issues and in March, the Mayor and Council accepted the task force recommendations after adding a few revisions of its own and the new busker ordinance went into effect on May 1.
Now, it’s fair to say a rainy, cold month of May has reduced the number of buskers performing on the Boardwalk thus far, but the arrival of Memorial Day weekend and a solid forecast for great weather is expected to test the changes.More
Valedictorian leads school in Lord's Prayer at graduation after senior class is told to stop it
Valedictorian leads school in Lord's Prayer at graduation after senior class is told to stop singing it by secular foundation
The Freedom of Religion Foundation told Ohio school to end its tradition.
Every graduation, the choir would lead a version of the Lord's Prayer
But it was cancelled because of the organization's threat of legal action
However, the graduating class Sunday broke into an impromptu rendition
The valedictorian at an Ohio high school spearheaded an act of defiance during his graduation, leading his entire senior class into a recitation of the Lord's Prayer.
For 70 years the choir at East Liverpool High School sang the Christian prayer at every commencement ceremony.
But the prayer was removed the ceremony after the Freedom from Religion Foundation threatened legal action against the school.
The Wisconsin-based nonprofit said the tradition infringed on the separation of church and state, and the school knew it didn't have the funds to fight back.
'We said, "Okay, we just won't do it anyone'", school board president Larry Walton told WTOV.
'It was a decision made because we don't have a lot of money and we'd rather hire teachers than pay lawyers.'
But the decision didn't sit well with the Class of 2016.
'I know a lot of my student body was uncomfortable with it, just because it is tradition to have prayer at our school,' Cami Post, the class vice president, said before the ceremony.
'I think it would've been nice to have the same as my brother had when he graduated.'
The students were met with a standing ovation after they finished the prayer.
Election Group Demands Voter ID Opponents Reimburse $600K in Taxpayer Funds
An election integrity group is calling on the plaintiffs who recently lost a challenge against Virginia’s voter identification laws to reimburse hundreds of thousands in taxpayer-funded attorney fees that it cost to argue the lawsuit.
The Public Interest Legal Foundation, an Indiana-based election integrity group, filed a motion in August of last year to assist the state of Virginia against the voter ID lawsuit that was backed by funds from liberal billionaire George Soros.
Last week, a federal court dismissed the lawsuit, saying it found no reason to believe the voting laws in Virginia made it harder for eligible minority voters to cast a ballot.
The attorney fees, which were paid for by Virginians, eclipsed $600,000. The Public Interest Legal Foundation said that the provision used by the lawsuits has a fee shift in which a loser pays the attorney fees. Winning attorneys can also request that fees be shifted.
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The Public Interest Legal Foundation, an Indiana-based election integrity group, filed a motion in August of last year to assist the state of Virginia against the voter ID lawsuit that was backed by funds from liberal billionaire George Soros.
Last week, a federal court dismissed the lawsuit, saying it found no reason to believe the voting laws in Virginia made it harder for eligible minority voters to cast a ballot.
The attorney fees, which were paid for by Virginians, eclipsed $600,000. The Public Interest Legal Foundation said that the provision used by the lawsuits has a fee shift in which a loser pays the attorney fees. Winning attorneys can also request that fees be shifted.
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k $43 Million From Innocent Americans Under ‘Structuring’ Law
The IRS has seized $43 million from more than 600 individuals by accusing them of violating “structuring” laws even when there has been no evidence of criminal wrongdoing, according to testimony heard at the House Ways and Means Committee today.
In 2012, two armed IRS agents went to the farm of Randy Sowers, a dairy farmer for over three decades, to notify him that the IRS had seized the business’ bank account, which held more than $60,000. The agents told Sowers the IRS had done so because of structuring laws.
When an individual conducts a cash transaction in excess of $10,000, according to federal law, the bank must file a currency transaction report with the Treasury Department. It is unlawful for an individual to break up or “structure” cash deposits into amounts below $10,000 to avoid federal currency reporting.
“At that point, I had never before heard the term ‘structuring,’ and I had no idea that depositing cash in the bank could even potentially be a federal crime,” Sowers said. “Nobody from the bank or the government warned me that under-$10,000 bank deposits could lead to the seizure of our bank account. Indeed, nobody from the government contacted me about our bank deposits until after they seized our bank account.”
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In 2012, two armed IRS agents went to the farm of Randy Sowers, a dairy farmer for over three decades, to notify him that the IRS had seized the business’ bank account, which held more than $60,000. The agents told Sowers the IRS had done so because of structuring laws.
When an individual conducts a cash transaction in excess of $10,000, according to federal law, the bank must file a currency transaction report with the Treasury Department. It is unlawful for an individual to break up or “structure” cash deposits into amounts below $10,000 to avoid federal currency reporting.
“At that point, I had never before heard the term ‘structuring,’ and I had no idea that depositing cash in the bank could even potentially be a federal crime,” Sowers said. “Nobody from the bank or the government warned me that under-$10,000 bank deposits could lead to the seizure of our bank account. Indeed, nobody from the government contacted me about our bank deposits until after they seized our bank account.”
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Limbaugh nails it: Trump campaign shake-up shows he’s no misogynist
I have to give credit, where credit is due, and Rush Limbaugh nailed it on his radio show Thursday. Donald Trump loves women and the shake-up within his own campaign reflects that.
On Wednesday evening, Mr. Trump’s campaign issued a statement that Rick Wiley, who they had hired in April as Mr. Trump’s national political director, was let go. Although Mr. Trump’s statement was short on details, Politico reportedMr. Wiley picked a fight with the wrong person – Karen Giorno, who ran Mr. Trump’s campaign during the Florida GOP primary.
Politico writes the story as a turf battle – one between loyalists to Corey Lewandowski, Mr. Trump’s campaign manager, and Paul Manafort, a establishment GOP operative who was brought on in late March to help professionalize the campaign.
But, as Mr. Limbaugh pointed out in his radio program, that misses the point.
What the campaign shake-up really demonstrates is how Mr. Trump stands up and promotes women – a narrative the press simply wants to ignore. For if Mr. Trump truly is the misogynist that the press wants to paint him as, he’d taken Mr. Wiley’s word over Mrs. Giorno simply because he’s a man.
But that’s not what happened.
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On Wednesday evening, Mr. Trump’s campaign issued a statement that Rick Wiley, who they had hired in April as Mr. Trump’s national political director, was let go. Although Mr. Trump’s statement was short on details, Politico reportedMr. Wiley picked a fight with the wrong person – Karen Giorno, who ran Mr. Trump’s campaign during the Florida GOP primary.
Politico writes the story as a turf battle – one between loyalists to Corey Lewandowski, Mr. Trump’s campaign manager, and Paul Manafort, a establishment GOP operative who was brought on in late March to help professionalize the campaign.
But, as Mr. Limbaugh pointed out in his radio program, that misses the point.
What the campaign shake-up really demonstrates is how Mr. Trump stands up and promotes women – a narrative the press simply wants to ignore. For if Mr. Trump truly is the misogynist that the press wants to paint him as, he’d taken Mr. Wiley’s word over Mrs. Giorno simply because he’s a man.
But that’s not what happened.
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Grants Sought For Berlin Bike Trial Along Railroad Track
BERLIN – Town officials agreed this week to seek grant funding to explore the feasibility of a bike trail along Berlin’s railroad tracks.
The town will be applying for a Bikeways Program grant from the Maryland Department of Transportation. On Monday, town councilmembers authorized the expenditure of up to $20,000 in matching funds if the grant is received.
“We meet almost all of the criteria for the grant,” said Dave Engelhart, the town’s planning director. “All of the people at Maryland Bikeways have encouraged us to go ahead and apply.”
According to Engelhart, town officials are interested in exploring the possibility of creating a bike trail within the railroad easement. The easement, he explained, extends 33 feet from the center of the track to each side. The bike trail would be about 10 feet wide and would need roughly two feet of clearance on each side.
“We have plenty of clearance in most areas of town,” Engelhart said.
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The town will be applying for a Bikeways Program grant from the Maryland Department of Transportation. On Monday, town councilmembers authorized the expenditure of up to $20,000 in matching funds if the grant is received.
“We meet almost all of the criteria for the grant,” said Dave Engelhart, the town’s planning director. “All of the people at Maryland Bikeways have encouraged us to go ahead and apply.”
According to Engelhart, town officials are interested in exploring the possibility of creating a bike trail within the railroad easement. The easement, he explained, extends 33 feet from the center of the track to each side. The bike trail would be about 10 feet wide and would need roughly two feet of clearance on each side.
“We have plenty of clearance in most areas of town,” Engelhart said.
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The Clintons and the Come-uppance At Hand
Reckoning comes late to the Clintons, but it comes. Bubba has skated past a lot of transgressions, always counting on his gift of gab and his deep-dyed Southern charm to escape retribution. He played the charm card with consummate skill: “Aw, shucks, what can you do with a good ol’ boy like me?”
For a long time, not very much. His touch with the ladies at Hot Springs High School, where he competed with the athletes (most of them not very good) when the boys in the band were always in the shade of the quarterbacks and running backs in a ferocious football culture, would only be perfected later.
But even in the White House, Bubba apparently thought seduction was for sissies. A man must have his rape, or a reasonable facsimile thereof, as a succession of women in his life could testify. But it’s difficult for any well brought-up woman to slap the face of the president of the United States, no matter how deserved, and few angry husbands would dare to seek revenge in the face of a president’s Secret Service bodyguards.
So Bubba got a pass. Until Donald Trump. The Donald’s rough reprise of the scandals that shocked everyone, or at least entertained them, two decades ago took both Bubba and his enabler back to the bad ol’ days. The adventures of Bubba among the bimbos, as his onetime aide for “bimbo eruptions” called it, might be old news for the old folks but it’s all new and lively stuff for the millennials and others of the younger persuasion. The modern culture, which could put two men atop the wedding cake, made changing sexes all the rage and decreed that anything goes, all the way and all the time, is just the place for the Clintons to practice their cheap arts.
More here
For a long time, not very much. His touch with the ladies at Hot Springs High School, where he competed with the athletes (most of them not very good) when the boys in the band were always in the shade of the quarterbacks and running backs in a ferocious football culture, would only be perfected later.
But even in the White House, Bubba apparently thought seduction was for sissies. A man must have his rape, or a reasonable facsimile thereof, as a succession of women in his life could testify. But it’s difficult for any well brought-up woman to slap the face of the president of the United States, no matter how deserved, and few angry husbands would dare to seek revenge in the face of a president’s Secret Service bodyguards.
So Bubba got a pass. Until Donald Trump. The Donald’s rough reprise of the scandals that shocked everyone, or at least entertained them, two decades ago took both Bubba and his enabler back to the bad ol’ days. The adventures of Bubba among the bimbos, as his onetime aide for “bimbo eruptions” called it, might be old news for the old folks but it’s all new and lively stuff for the millennials and others of the younger persuasion. The modern culture, which could put two men atop the wedding cake, made changing sexes all the rage and decreed that anything goes, all the way and all the time, is just the place for the Clintons to practice their cheap arts.
More here
Berlin Falls Park Now Open; Mayor Outlines Immediate Priorities
While little has changed at the site since the town bought it, citizens can now wander through Berlin Falls Park just as they can other public facilities. The park, also known as the former Tyson property, was purchased by the municipality for $2.5 million earlier this year. The town’s public works department has spent the spring cleaning up the once industrial property.
“What they’ve been doing for weeks is making sure the areas that might pose a hazard are not accessible,” Mayor Gee Williams said.
Holes have been filled, trash has been picked up and potentially dangerous areas have been fenced off. A sign at the entrance to the site lists the same rules on display at the town’s other parks.
Going forward, Williams says top priorities for Berlin Falls Park include setting aside space for an excursion train depot and creating a transportation hub for the town. Williams has been working with Snow Hill and Worcester County officials on the possibility of bringing an excursion train to the area for some time. Though it’s not clear when such a venture might occur, Williams is confident that it will come to fruition.
“The train excursion will happen sooner or later,” he said.
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Trump Vows to Undo Obama's Climate Agenda
Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, promised on Thursday to roll back some of America's most ambitious environmental policies, actions that he said would revive the ailing U.S. oil and coal industries and bolster national security.
Among the proposals, Trump said he would pull the United States out of the U.N. global climate accord, approve the Keystone XL oil pipeline from Canada and rescind measures by President Barack Obama to cut U.S. emissions and protect waterways from industrial pollution.
"Any regulation that's outdated, unnecessary, bad for workers or contrary to the national interest will be scrapped and scrapped completely," Trump told about 7,700 people at the Williston Basin Petroleum Conference in Bismarck, the capital of oil-rich North Dakota. "We're going to do all this while taking proper regard for rational environmental concerns."
It was Trump's first speech detailing the energy policies he would advance if elected president. He received loud applause from the crowd of oil executives.
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Latest Bomb Threat Comes As Legislation Signed Into Law
BERLIN – Legislation passed this month in Annapolis will allow law enforcement agencies to prosecute those charged with making bomb threats in the area they targeted.
The new law, which goes into effect Oct. 1, will allow suspects to be prosecuted in the jurisdiction in which the bomb was rumored to be located, regardless of where they were when they made the threatening call. The legislation, introduced as HB 121 by Delegate Mary Beth Carozza (District 38C), comes in response to the slew of false bomb threats area schools experienced early this year. Just this week, Showell Elementary School was evacuated following a bomb threat.
“I am grateful to the local community for their strong support and powerful testimony that led to the passage of HB 121 this legislative session,” Carozza said.
She introduced the bill in January after area schools were among those throughout the country that received numerous false bomb threats in a period of weeks.
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The new law, which goes into effect Oct. 1, will allow suspects to be prosecuted in the jurisdiction in which the bomb was rumored to be located, regardless of where they were when they made the threatening call. The legislation, introduced as HB 121 by Delegate Mary Beth Carozza (District 38C), comes in response to the slew of false bomb threats area schools experienced early this year. Just this week, Showell Elementary School was evacuated following a bomb threat.
“I am grateful to the local community for their strong support and powerful testimony that led to the passage of HB 121 this legislative session,” Carozza said.
She introduced the bill in January after area schools were among those throughout the country that received numerous false bomb threats in a period of weeks.
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Governor Signs Bill Protecting Boardwalk Arcades
OCEAN CITY — Bringing closure to a long-debated and often fiercely battled issue, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan last week signed into a law a bill that protects previously- threatened traditional Boardwalk arcades and other family-owned entertainment centers in the resort.
In 2012, state lawmakers passed legislation putting coin-operated amusement equipment under the auspices of the Maryland Lottery. Essentially, the Lottery and Gaming Control Agency proposed new regulations that would apply fees and other regulatory requirements on certain Boardwalk-style arcade games that issue prizes of a certain cash value. The proposed regulations would target arcade games such as claw machines, for example, that offer players a chance to win iPods and other prizes that have a wholesale value of over $30.
The proposed regulations would not target skee ball and other games that issue tickets that are accumulated for the chance to win larger prizes when certain point values are reached. The regulations, if approved, would apply to the defined machines statewide, although their impact would most acutely be felt on the Boardwalk in Ocean City with its historic arcade games enjoyed by families for generations.
A variety of different regulations were offered as a result of that 2012 bill, which was deemed adverse to the iconic amusement arcade industry so central to the Ocean City Boardwalk. As time went on, the arcade industry in Ocean City was under constant threat over what types of equipment could be operated, which was an unintended side effect of the bill that never meant to target the traditional family-run Boardwalk arcades.
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In 2012, state lawmakers passed legislation putting coin-operated amusement equipment under the auspices of the Maryland Lottery. Essentially, the Lottery and Gaming Control Agency proposed new regulations that would apply fees and other regulatory requirements on certain Boardwalk-style arcade games that issue prizes of a certain cash value. The proposed regulations would target arcade games such as claw machines, for example, that offer players a chance to win iPods and other prizes that have a wholesale value of over $30.
The proposed regulations would not target skee ball and other games that issue tickets that are accumulated for the chance to win larger prizes when certain point values are reached. The regulations, if approved, would apply to the defined machines statewide, although their impact would most acutely be felt on the Boardwalk in Ocean City with its historic arcade games enjoyed by families for generations.
A variety of different regulations were offered as a result of that 2012 bill, which was deemed adverse to the iconic amusement arcade industry so central to the Ocean City Boardwalk. As time went on, the arcade industry in Ocean City was under constant threat over what types of equipment could be operated, which was an unintended side effect of the bill that never meant to target the traditional family-run Boardwalk arcades.
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LEGENDARY COMMENTS BY GEORGE CHEVALLIER 5-28-16
Picnic IslandA fixture in Salisbury for 80 years has been Picnic Island. It came about when the dam broke holding back the water in Humphreys Lake in 1909. The exposed land was first used for development in the downtown area and rightly so. When that was completed, attention was focused on the east end of the land. The land was neglected for 25 years until President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal was enacted. The money and manpower to build not only the entire City Park, but the bridges and facilities on Picnic Island were all provided under a WPA project. The original project was to provide water pumping stations to provide for the future needs of the city. These facilities can still be seen across Main St. from Wicomico Middle School. My grandfather built one of these. The men that did the work made $10-15 a week for four 8 hour days. In the 1930’s, during the Depression, any job was welcome. Their efforts have benefited Salisbury to this day.
I remember back in the 1950’s, it seemed everybody had a picnic basket. Most of them were wicker and held all the plates, cups, utensils napkins, tablecloth and food you would need for a picnic. We used ours a lot, especially on trips. There were no fast food places then and it was costly and time-consuming to eat in a diner or restaurant, although the thrill of eating in either was a real treat. To me, opening the picnic basket was something of a marvel. It was a more relaxed atmosphere than eating at home at the table. Mom would pass out the sandwiches and drinks – usually from a thermos separate from the picnic basket, and napkins. God forbid if I ever spilt anything on Pop’s car.
You still see picnic baskets on some of the shows featuring vintage items and it is nostalgic to see one. There are still a lot of picnics on Picnic Island, but they are usually family affairs where everybody brings large quantities of just one thing. It is still a picnic and the hot dogs can still be burnt on an open flame. Hamburgers, baked beans, potato salad, and cole slaw, and bags of potato chips seem to round out the standard fare.
Not many families just go on their own anymore. Everyone seems to have to have a crowd around them. I guess that is advantageous to parents with children. They have added playground equipment to amuse the little ones while the grown-ups can engage in more mature conversation. People seem to be busy all the time now, especially with everything being open seven days a week. Back then, Sunday was an off day for everyone. So, that is when you went to Picnic Island and had a good time and plenty of good food.
Charles Krauthammer - ON THE CLINTON'S
Here's how it works:
1. You create a separate foreign "charity." In this case one in Canada.
2. Foreign oligarch's & governments, then donate to this Canadian charity. In this case, over 1,000 did, contributing mega millions. I am sure they did this out of the goodness of their hearts, and expected nothing in return. (Imagine Putin's buddies waking up one morning and just deciding to send un-told millions to a Canadian charity).
3. The Canadian charity then bundles these separate donations & makes a massive donation to the Clinton Foundation.
4. The Clinton Foundation, and the cooperating Canadian charity claim Canadian law prohibits the identification of individual donors.
5. The Clinton Foundation, then "spends" some of this money, for legitimate good works programs. Unfortunately, experts believe this is on the order of 10%. Much of the balance goes to enrich the Clinton's, pay salaries to un-told numbers of hangers on, & fund lavish travel, etc. Again virtually all tax free, which means you & I are subsidizing it.
6. The Clinton Foundation with access to the world's best accountants, somehow fails to report much of this on their tax filings. They discover these "clerical errors" and begin the process of re-filing 5 years of tax returns.
7. Net result: foreign money, much of it from other countries, goes into the Clinton's pockets tax free & untraceable back to the original donor. This is the textbook definition of money laundering.
Oh, by the way, the Canadian "charity" includes, as a principal one Frank Giustra. Google him. He is the guy who was central to the formation of Uranium One, a Canadian company that somehow acquired massive U.S. uranium interests & then sold them to an organization controlled by Russia. This transaction required U.S. State Department approval, and, guess who was Secretary of State, when the approval, was granted? As an aside, imagine how former, Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell feels. That poor schlep is in jail because he and his wife took $165,000 in gifts and loans for doing minor favors, for a guy promoting, a vitamin company. Not legal, but not exactly putting U.S. security at risk.
Sarcasm aside, if you are still not persuaded, this was a cleverly structured way to get unidentified foreign money to the Clinton's, ask yourself this: Why did these foreign interests funnel money through a Canadian charity? Why not donate directly to the Clinton Foundation? Better yet, why not donate money directly to the people, organizations & countries in need?
This is the essence of money laundering and influence peddling. Now you know why Hillary's destruction of 30,000 e-mails was a risk, she was willing to take. Bill and Hillary are devious, unprincipled, dishonest, and criminal, and they are Slick!
Warning: They could be back in the White House in January 2017. Do not let it happen. Remember, most people are not well informed. We must somehow inform and educate them.
Charles Krauthammer
Warm Wishes and May God Bless America.
Stephen Decatur juniors Meg McCready, Carl Echols still recovering from injuries
“I am doing very well considering the circumstances, in my opinion,” McCready said. “The support, love, and prayers have been so influential for me.”
According to reports, another high school student was looking for a parking spot at approximately 7:50 a.m. and attempted to back up. He struck both students, who were airlifted to University of Maryland Shock Trauma in Baltimore.
McCready suffered the most serious injuries, but by Monday afternoon, she was posting information on Facebook about her condition.
“I know there are lots of worried people out there. I personally am doing fine, however, I do have a punctured liver, a few broken bones in various places, and some bruises and scrapes,” she said. “I just want to thank you all for the love, support and prayers. I am so blessed to have such a great flow of support.”
Echols was released from the hospital on Tuesday, while McCready remains at Shock Trauma.
“I just hope that we both recover quickly and that Meg gets discharged from the hospital soon,” he said.
McCready thanked the teachers and crew who took care of her at the school, on the helicopter and at University of Maryland Shock Trauma center.
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2 Maryland welcome centers reopen after 6-year shutdown
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Gov. Larry Hogan announced the reopening of tourist welcome centers in far western Maryland and the Eastern Shore that the previous administration closed six years ago for budget reasons.
Hogan said in a statement Thursday that the Youghiogheny (yahk-ih-GAY’-nee) Overlook center in Garrett County and the Bay Country center in Queen Anne’s County will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursdays through Mondays.
The Republican governor said that workers at the centers provide a critical service to the tourism industry by informing visitors about Maryland’s unique attractions.
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Hogan said in a statement Thursday that the Youghiogheny (yahk-ih-GAY’-nee) Overlook center in Garrett County and the Bay Country center in Queen Anne’s County will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursdays through Mondays.
The Republican governor said that workers at the centers provide a critical service to the tourism industry by informing visitors about Maryland’s unique attractions.
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McCain amendment adds $17 billion to defense, increases pay
Senate Armed Services Chairman John McCain (R-Ariz.) wants to add $17 billion to the defense budget and force senators to take sides over defense on the Senate floor next week.
McCain’s amendment to the 2017 defense authorization bill would suspend the drawdown of the Army and Marine Corps and increase the pay raise for active duty troops to 2.1 percent.
If passed, the amendment will reconcile some of the most glaring differences between the House version of the bill and Senate version of the bill. That could save lawmakers a lot of arguing if the bill makes it to conference further in the legislative process.
House Armed Services Chairman Mac Thornberry (R-Texas) has already said he is supportive of the amendment.
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McCain’s amendment to the 2017 defense authorization bill would suspend the drawdown of the Army and Marine Corps and increase the pay raise for active duty troops to 2.1 percent.
If passed, the amendment will reconcile some of the most glaring differences between the House version of the bill and Senate version of the bill. That could save lawmakers a lot of arguing if the bill makes it to conference further in the legislative process.
House Armed Services Chairman Mac Thornberry (R-Texas) has already said he is supportive of the amendment.
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World No Tobacco Day – May 31, 2016
“Commit to Quit”
(Salisbury, MD) - World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) is observed around the world every year on May 31st. This day is meant to encourage a 24-hour period of abstinence from all forms of tobacco consumption across the globe. The day is further intended to draw global attention to the widespread prevalence of tobacco use and to negative health effects, which currently lead to 6.0 million deaths worldwide annually. The ultimate goal of World No Tobacco Day is to contribute to protecting present and future generations not only from the devastating health consequences due to tobacco, but also from the social, environmental and economic scourges of tobacco use and exposure to tobacco smoke.
Are you or someone you know ready to quit smoking for good? The Wicomico County Health Department has a smoking cessation program that provides free education, support groups, individual counseling and cessation aids. Classes are held every Thursday at 12:00 p.m. at the Wicomico Co. Health Department located at 108 E. Main St. Salisbury, MD.
You can do it. Commit to quit. Call the Wicomico County Health Department today at
(410) 334-3480 or visit www.wicomicohealth.org for more information.
How does the inside of a Baltimore police wagon look?
The city shelled out $187,000 for the upgrade in February.
It's a big step the Baltimore Police Department is taking toward 21st-century policing.
There are 13 older models that currently have the new configuration. Nine wagons are in the process of being replaced by these.
City police will now have more room to safely seat belt detainees. The new vans also have a side compartment to transport prisoners.
"This particular insert has six seats. It's just a larger space here. The older vans had a dividing line," Baltimore police media director T.J. Smith said. "If you have men and women, adult and juvenile, you can separate them inside the vehicle with having adequate space."
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