Charlie Landeros, aged old enough to know better, loved his far-left activism. He belonged to an armed Antifa group we’ve covered, training “oppressed peoples” in armed self-defense. And now he’s no longer with us after drawing down on two Eugene, Oregon police officers who attempted to arrest him at a Eugene middle school there.
Police believe the radical Antifa activist showed up at his daughter’s school on January 11 intending to pick her up. Cascade Middle School administrators, however, knew that he had recently lost custody of his child and called police to remove him from school property. What they didn’t know was Charlie had a gun on his hip along with a backpack full of loaded magazines and more 9mm ammunition.
When police arrived, Landeros claimed they had no jurisdiction at the school. The Eugene officers had a different take. And when Landeros failed to peacefully leave, things went south quickly for Mr. Antifa firearms instructor.
The Eugene Police Department has released video of the shooting:
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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
Friday, February 01, 2019
New Jersey school basketball game devolves into brawl caught on camera
The action at a boys’ basketball game at a middle school in New Jersey quickly shifted off the court Saturday when a brawl broke out in the stands.
The incident happened around 9 p.m. during the Salem County Rural Basketball League game at Pennsville Middle School, located about 35 miles south of Philadelphia.
In surveillance video released by police, a woman is seen getting up from her seat and confronting a group of people from the opposing team. Moments later, fists begin to fly and a player can be seen running off the court into the stands.
"I don't know if he was up there to defend his mom or what, but he's involved in this also," Pennsville Police Chief Allen Cummings told FOX29.
At one point, a woman hands a baby to a player on the court before running to join in the brawl, punching another woman from behind.
More/Video
The incident happened around 9 p.m. during the Salem County Rural Basketball League game at Pennsville Middle School, located about 35 miles south of Philadelphia.
In surveillance video released by police, a woman is seen getting up from her seat and confronting a group of people from the opposing team. Moments later, fists begin to fly and a player can be seen running off the court into the stands.
"I don't know if he was up there to defend his mom or what, but he's involved in this also," Pennsville Police Chief Allen Cummings told FOX29.
At one point, a woman hands a baby to a player on the court before running to join in the brawl, punching another woman from behind.
More/Video
America's Apocalyptic Debt Crisis: 63 Of America's Largest 75 Cities Are Completely Broke
The debt crisis in the United States of America has reached apocalyptic proportions. A new and horrifying report out details the reason why 63 of America’s largest cities are completely broke: debt and overspending.
According to a recent analysis of the 75 most populous cities in the United States, 63 of them can’t pay their bills and the total amount of unfunded debt among them is nearly $330 billion. Most of the debt is due to unfunded retiree benefits such as pension and health care costs. That means those depending on that money, likely won’t see a dime of it.
“This year, pension debt accounts for $189.1 billion, and other post-employment benefits (OPEB) – mainly retiree health care liabilities – totaled $139.2 billion,” the third annual “Financial State of the Cities” report produced by the Chicago-based research organization, Truth in Accounting (TIA), states. TIA is a nonprofit, politically unaffiliated organization composed of business, community, and academic leaders interested in improving government financial reporting.
“Many state and local governments are not in good shape, despite the economic and financial market recovery since 2009,” Bill Bergman, director of research at TIA, told Watchdog.org.
The top five cities in the worst financial shape are New York City, Chicago, Philadelphia, Honolulu, and San Francisco. These cities, in addition to Dallas, Oakland, and Portland, all received “F” grades. In New York City, for example, only $4.7 billion has been set aside to fund $100.6 billion of promised retiree health care benefits. In Philadelphia, every taxpayer would have to pay $27,900 to cover the city’s debt. In San Francisco, it would cost $22,600 per taxpayer.
By the end of Fiscal Year 2017, 63 cities did not have enough money to pay all of their bills, the report states, meaning debts outweigh revenue. In order to appear to balance budgets, TIA notes, elected officials “have not included the true costs of the government in their budget calculations and have pushed costs onto future taxpayers.”
–Hartford City News Times
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According to a recent analysis of the 75 most populous cities in the United States, 63 of them can’t pay their bills and the total amount of unfunded debt among them is nearly $330 billion. Most of the debt is due to unfunded retiree benefits such as pension and health care costs. That means those depending on that money, likely won’t see a dime of it.
“This year, pension debt accounts for $189.1 billion, and other post-employment benefits (OPEB) – mainly retiree health care liabilities – totaled $139.2 billion,” the third annual “Financial State of the Cities” report produced by the Chicago-based research organization, Truth in Accounting (TIA), states. TIA is a nonprofit, politically unaffiliated organization composed of business, community, and academic leaders interested in improving government financial reporting.
“Many state and local governments are not in good shape, despite the economic and financial market recovery since 2009,” Bill Bergman, director of research at TIA, told Watchdog.org.
The top five cities in the worst financial shape are New York City, Chicago, Philadelphia, Honolulu, and San Francisco. These cities, in addition to Dallas, Oakland, and Portland, all received “F” grades. In New York City, for example, only $4.7 billion has been set aside to fund $100.6 billion of promised retiree health care benefits. In Philadelphia, every taxpayer would have to pay $27,900 to cover the city’s debt. In San Francisco, it would cost $22,600 per taxpayer.
By the end of Fiscal Year 2017, 63 cities did not have enough money to pay all of their bills, the report states, meaning debts outweigh revenue. In order to appear to balance budgets, TIA notes, elected officials “have not included the true costs of the government in their budget calculations and have pushed costs onto future taxpayers.”
–Hartford City News Times
More
Top FDA official says the agency is bowing to Big Pharma
The Food and Drug Administration is succumbing to Big Pharma's influence to keep approving lucrative opioids despite the toll they're taking on American lives, a top official at the agency claims.
Dr Raeford Brown, chair of the FDA's committee for reviewing opioid approvals, told the Guardian the agency is having a 'direct impact on the mortality rate from opioids in this country' by continuing to approve new high-risk drugs.
His words come after the FDA approved a controversial new opioid, Dsuvia, despite its own board of physicians warning the drug is easy to abuse and could cause more deaths.
Dr Brown was one of a number of committee members who, he claims, we deliberately barred from voting on Dsuvia because the in-person vote was scheduled for the same day as a conference that most of them were attending.
The drug's manufacturers and the FDA claim that, since the drug will mainly be administered by doctors in hospital settings, there is a low risk of it reaching the streets.
But Dr Brown warns sufentanil is already known to be abused by doctors and having hospitals as the gatekeeper is no sure-fire way to prevent it reaching the black market.
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Dr Raeford Brown, chair of the FDA's committee for reviewing opioid approvals, told the Guardian the agency is having a 'direct impact on the mortality rate from opioids in this country' by continuing to approve new high-risk drugs.
His words come after the FDA approved a controversial new opioid, Dsuvia, despite its own board of physicians warning the drug is easy to abuse and could cause more deaths.
Dr Brown was one of a number of committee members who, he claims, we deliberately barred from voting on Dsuvia because the in-person vote was scheduled for the same day as a conference that most of them were attending.
The drug's manufacturers and the FDA claim that, since the drug will mainly be administered by doctors in hospital settings, there is a low risk of it reaching the streets.
But Dr Brown warns sufentanil is already known to be abused by doctors and having hospitals as the gatekeeper is no sure-fire way to prevent it reaching the black market.
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Republican Party Shrinks in California as Lawmaker Switches
San Diego Assemblyman Brian Maienschein, who has served in the Legislature for six years, announced Thursday that he has left the California Republican Party and re-registered as a Democrat in a move that further shrinks GOP influence in Sacramento.
"Donald Trump has led the Republican Party to the extreme on issues that divide our country," Maienschein said. "But his leadership is not the only reason for my change in party affiliation. I, too, have changed."
The unexpected decision, announced at a brief Capitol news conference just after the Assembly floor session, boosts the membership of the chamber's Democratic caucus to 61. Republicans now hold just 19 seats.
Maienschein said his votes on key issues have "shifted to the left" as the GOP agenda moved in the opposite direction. He cited a number of issues _ gun control, immigration, abortion and LGBTQ rights _ where he said he was no longer in sync with Republicans.
"It's been something that's been happening over the course of a really long time," he said when asked whether there was a single moment that led to the decision. "There wasn't a way that I could continue and feel good about myself and the choices I was making to continue as a member of the Republican Party. And it was time for me to make a change."
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"Donald Trump has led the Republican Party to the extreme on issues that divide our country," Maienschein said. "But his leadership is not the only reason for my change in party affiliation. I, too, have changed."
The unexpected decision, announced at a brief Capitol news conference just after the Assembly floor session, boosts the membership of the chamber's Democratic caucus to 61. Republicans now hold just 19 seats.
Maienschein said his votes on key issues have "shifted to the left" as the GOP agenda moved in the opposite direction. He cited a number of issues _ gun control, immigration, abortion and LGBTQ rights _ where he said he was no longer in sync with Republicans.
"It's been something that's been happening over the course of a really long time," he said when asked whether there was a single moment that led to the decision. "There wasn't a way that I could continue and feel good about myself and the choices I was making to continue as a member of the Republican Party. And it was time for me to make a change."
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The only Republicans to actually cut spending rode the Tea Party wave
Remember the Tea Party? That insurgent movement of grassroots conservatives, libertarians, and independents who sprung up a decade ago vowing to end Washington’s reckless spending?
What happened to all that?
Fiscal responsibility might not be a priority for today’s GOP unfortunately, but it turns out libertarian-leaning Sens. Rand Paul, R-Ky., and Mike Lee, R-Utah, as well as and Reps. Justin Amash, R-Mich., and Thomas Massie, R-Ky., actually kept their promise. Not coincidentally, they are some of the most high profile members to get elected backed by the Tea Party and the Ron Paul-inspired liberty movement.
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What happened to all that?
Fiscal responsibility might not be a priority for today’s GOP unfortunately, but it turns out libertarian-leaning Sens. Rand Paul, R-Ky., and Mike Lee, R-Utah, as well as and Reps. Justin Amash, R-Mich., and Thomas Massie, R-Ky., actually kept their promise. Not coincidentally, they are some of the most high profile members to get elected backed by the Tea Party and the Ron Paul-inspired liberty movement.
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In Deadly Tubbs Fire Investigation, California Officials Clear PG&E
Fifteen and a half months after one of the most destructive wildfires California has ever seen wreaked historic havoc on Wine Country, Pacific Gas and Electric Co. no longer has to wonder whether the state will blame it for the blaze.
State investigators on Thursday cleared PG&E equipment of starting the Tubbs Fire, which incinerated more than 5,600 buildings and killed about two dozen people after it ignited late Oct. 8, 2017, and raced from Calistoga into Santa Rosa. The fire was caused by "a private electrical system adjacent to a residential structure," according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or Cal Fire.
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State investigators on Thursday cleared PG&E equipment of starting the Tubbs Fire, which incinerated more than 5,600 buildings and killed about two dozen people after it ignited late Oct. 8, 2017, and raced from Calistoga into Santa Rosa. The fire was caused by "a private electrical system adjacent to a residential structure," according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or Cal Fire.
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Court Picks Virginia Redistricting Plan That Helps Democrats
By Denise Lavoie
A panel of federal judges has chosen a redistricting map for Virginia’s House of Delegates that could shift some districts toward Democrats and help the party gain control in this year’s election.
The judges ordered a new map in June after ruling that lawmakers had racially gerrymandered eleven House districts by packing black voters into them.
On Tuesday, the judges chose new district lines from a series of proposals submitted by a special master. The judges gave all sides until Feb. 1 to file objections.
An analysis of the maps by the nonpartisan Virginia Public Access Project shows the plan could shift six Republican-held districts toward Democrats, including the district of House Speaker Kirk Cox, which would become 32 percent more Democratic.
A panel of federal judges has chosen a redistricting map for Virginia’s House of Delegates that could shift some districts toward Democrats and help the party gain control in this year’s election.
The judges ordered a new map in June after ruling that lawmakers had racially gerrymandered eleven House districts by packing black voters into them.
On Tuesday, the judges chose new district lines from a series of proposals submitted by a special master. The judges gave all sides until Feb. 1 to file objections.
An analysis of the maps by the nonpartisan Virginia Public Access Project shows the plan could shift six Republican-held districts toward Democrats, including the district of House Speaker Kirk Cox, which would become 32 percent more Democratic.
View Full Story From The Associated Press
Under Trump, US Economic Freedom Rises Significantly
The U.S. economy is roaring like no other time in recent memory. The job market is hot, unemployment is down to record lows, and small business optimism is soaring.
But this newfound dynamism didn’t come from nowhere. It required a package of market and consumer-friendly reforms passed by Congress and adopted by the Trump administration. These reforms have boosted economic freedom.
According to The Heritage Foundation’s 2019 Index of Economic Freedom, America’s economic freedom has seen a dramatic boost—from 18th place in the world to 12th place in the span of just one year. America’s score ticked up by more than a full point from last year, reaching the highest level in eight years.
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But this newfound dynamism didn’t come from nowhere. It required a package of market and consumer-friendly reforms passed by Congress and adopted by the Trump administration. These reforms have boosted economic freedom.
According to The Heritage Foundation’s 2019 Index of Economic Freedom, America’s economic freedom has seen a dramatic boost—from 18th place in the world to 12th place in the span of just one year. America’s score ticked up by more than a full point from last year, reaching the highest level in eight years.
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Coast Guard sets ice condition 3 for northern Chesapeake Bay and tributaries
BALTIMORE — The Coast Guard Sector Maryland-National Capital Region Captain of the Port (COTP) set ice condition three Thursday, and cautions mariners to be aware of ice formation on the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.
Ice condition three is set when weather conditions are favorable for the formation of ice in navigable waters.
Within the Sector Maryland-NCR COTP zone, navigable waters typically affected by early ice formation include the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal, upper Chesapeake Bay and upper Potomac River.
All masters, ship agents, and owners and operators of all vessels, marine facilities and marinas are encouraged to report observed ice conditions to the Sector Maryland-NCR command center at 410-576-2693 or D05-SMB-SectorMD-NCR-SCC@uscg.mil. Additionally, mariners should review and prepare for the seasonal ice procedures below:
Vessel moorings should be checked frequently to ensure the vessel is secured.
Vessels at anchor should maintain their engines on standby and ensure proper bridge watches are stood at all times.
Vessel sea chests should be checked regularly for ice buildup and precautions should be taken to ensure the sea chests are kept clear.
When ice is present and navigational restrictions are imposed by the COTP, vessels must have the proper hull type and an adequate propulsion system meeting the minimum horsepower requirements to be able to maneuver unassisted through the ice without needing to stop, back off and ram the ice.
When ice is present in the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal, navigational restrictions will be coordinated with COTP Delaware Bay and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Canal Project based on the shared jurisdiction of the waterway.
The Sector Maryland-NCR COTP may establish additional requirements for specific geographical areas of the COTP zone if conditions warrant such restrictions.
Ice related vessel and/or waterway restrictions are announced via Coast Guard broadcast notices to mariners, five times daily at 3 a.m., 7:05 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 4 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. local time on marine band radio VHF-FM channel 22A.
The status for local waterways can also be found at https://homeport.uscg.mil/port-directory/maryland-ncr or by calling the Sector Maryland-NCR ice line at 410-576-2682.
The status and extent of these restrictions are continuously evaluated, as ice condition reports are received and assessed.
Ice condition three is set when weather conditions are favorable for the formation of ice in navigable waters.
Within the Sector Maryland-NCR COTP zone, navigable waters typically affected by early ice formation include the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal, upper Chesapeake Bay and upper Potomac River.
All masters, ship agents, and owners and operators of all vessels, marine facilities and marinas are encouraged to report observed ice conditions to the Sector Maryland-NCR command center at 410-576-2693 or D05-SMB-SectorMD-NCR-SCC@uscg.mil. Additionally, mariners should review and prepare for the seasonal ice procedures below:
Vessel moorings should be checked frequently to ensure the vessel is secured.
Vessels at anchor should maintain their engines on standby and ensure proper bridge watches are stood at all times.
Vessel sea chests should be checked regularly for ice buildup and precautions should be taken to ensure the sea chests are kept clear.
When ice is present and navigational restrictions are imposed by the COTP, vessels must have the proper hull type and an adequate propulsion system meeting the minimum horsepower requirements to be able to maneuver unassisted through the ice without needing to stop, back off and ram the ice.
When ice is present in the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal, navigational restrictions will be coordinated with COTP Delaware Bay and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Canal Project based on the shared jurisdiction of the waterway.
The Sector Maryland-NCR COTP may establish additional requirements for specific geographical areas of the COTP zone if conditions warrant such restrictions.
Ice related vessel and/or waterway restrictions are announced via Coast Guard broadcast notices to mariners, five times daily at 3 a.m., 7:05 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 4 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. local time on marine band radio VHF-FM channel 22A.
The status for local waterways can also be found at https://homeport.uscg.mil/port-directory/maryland-ncr or by calling the Sector Maryland-NCR ice line at 410-576-2682.
The status and extent of these restrictions are continuously evaluated, as ice condition reports are received and assessed.
The Public School Monopoly Forces Kids to Learn Secular Humanism. We Need More Options.
President Donald Trump issued a proclamation declaring this week, Jan. 20-26, as National School Choice Week.
The proclamation expresses concern about performance of U.S. students in international surveys: 24th in reading, 25th in science, 40th in math. And it ascribes the cause of these disappointing statistics to the “consequences of the limitations imposed by a largely one-size-fits-all approach to education.”
It makes all the sense in the world to appreciate the value of bringing the marketplace and competition to education. Free markets serve us extremely well in delivering goods and services. Why shouldn’t one of our nation’s most important institutions—education—also benefit from competition?
It is ironic that the political left extols the importance of diversity while also wanting government monopolies.
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The proclamation expresses concern about performance of U.S. students in international surveys: 24th in reading, 25th in science, 40th in math. And it ascribes the cause of these disappointing statistics to the “consequences of the limitations imposed by a largely one-size-fits-all approach to education.”
It makes all the sense in the world to appreciate the value of bringing the marketplace and competition to education. Free markets serve us extremely well in delivering goods and services. Why shouldn’t one of our nation’s most important institutions—education—also benefit from competition?
It is ironic that the political left extols the importance of diversity while also wanting government monopolies.
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If the Unborn Were Toddlers, We Wouldn’t Tolerate Abortion
As pro-life Americans mourned the 46th anniversary of Roe v. Wade last week and the 61 million children who have died from abortion since its passage, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and his allies celebrated a barbaric expansion of the practice.
Shrouded under the guise of “health care,” the Reproductive Health Act gave New Yorkers license to kill even more preborn children—up until the moment of full-term birth.
Adding insult to injury, the One World Trade Center was lit in pink to celebrate the impending deaths of more New York children than ever before. This despite the fact that 11 preborn children lost on 9/11 are lovingly honored at the 9/11 memorial.
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Shrouded under the guise of “health care,” the Reproductive Health Act gave New Yorkers license to kill even more preborn children—up until the moment of full-term birth.
Adding insult to injury, the One World Trade Center was lit in pink to celebrate the impending deaths of more New York children than ever before. This despite the fact that 11 preborn children lost on 9/11 are lovingly honored at the 9/11 memorial.
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NJ Girl Scout leader canned after cookie theft story crumbles
The claims of a Girl Scouts leader that a New Jersey mall crook swiped her troop’s cookie-sale cash crumbled under scrutiny, cops said Wednesday.
Troop 80062 leader Jessica Medina had told cops that on Jan. 18, she placed more than $1,100 in cash and checks from their sale of Do-Si-Dos and Thin Mints at the Woodbridge Center Mall into an envelope — and it was then swiped from their table, robbing the youngsters of funds for a trip to Savannah, Ga.
Medina pointed the finger at a handicapped man and an elderly woman as the thieves — while bringing her 5-year-old daughter out to be photographed tearfully clutching a box of shortbreads.
The story made national headlines and prompted kind-hearted New Yorkers to offer thousands in donations to the troop to make up for the pilfered cash — including from the hosts of TV’s “The Talk.”
But the Woodbridge Police Department on Wednesday said Medina’s tale turned out to be half-baked.
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Troop 80062 leader Jessica Medina had told cops that on Jan. 18, she placed more than $1,100 in cash and checks from their sale of Do-Si-Dos and Thin Mints at the Woodbridge Center Mall into an envelope — and it was then swiped from their table, robbing the youngsters of funds for a trip to Savannah, Ga.
Medina pointed the finger at a handicapped man and an elderly woman as the thieves — while bringing her 5-year-old daughter out to be photographed tearfully clutching a box of shortbreads.
The story made national headlines and prompted kind-hearted New Yorkers to offer thousands in donations to the troop to make up for the pilfered cash — including from the hosts of TV’s “The Talk.”
But the Woodbridge Police Department on Wednesday said Medina’s tale turned out to be half-baked.
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The French Revolution: Part Deux
Here we have an eighteenth century depiction of two-thirds of the motto of the French Revolution – Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité, or “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity.”
It’s significant that Karl Marx was inspired by the French Revolution to form his concept of a utopian society. He envisioned a worldwide revolution in which all people everywhere would do away with the rich and everyone would then be equal. He felt that this could be achieved by peaceful means in England and America, but would require force in Germany and Russia, and a “temporary” dictatorship by the proletariat in order to create the ideal society. The utopia, he said, would from then on be self-sustaining.
As we now know, his utopia was a bit naïve, as revolutionary leaders, once exposed to the heady thrill of achieving power, are extremely reluctant to then give it up. They tend to become far more autocratic and ruthless than their predecessors and, rejecting socialist abnegation for themselves, ultimately become the next aristocracy.
It’s a pity that Mr. Marx didn’t see this coming. It was certainly evident during the French revolution, as is seen in the contemporary banner above, with its prominently featured skull and crossbones. (In case the observer didn’t get the point, the artist further accentuated his composition with the addition of two guillotines.)
Had Mr. Marx been paying attention to the actual results of the revolution, he might have noticed that the “Liberty” was never intended to be liberty for all, merely for some. (The others were meant to offer up their heads to the cause.)
And, in this, they were, of course, by no means “equal” to the proletariat who conquered them. As for fraternity, that was most certainly achieved in the form of mob violence, but it didn’t take long for the fraternity to break down, as the proletariat fought amongst themselves for the spoils, and the leaders elevated themselves above the proletariat.
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It’s significant that Karl Marx was inspired by the French Revolution to form his concept of a utopian society. He envisioned a worldwide revolution in which all people everywhere would do away with the rich and everyone would then be equal. He felt that this could be achieved by peaceful means in England and America, but would require force in Germany and Russia, and a “temporary” dictatorship by the proletariat in order to create the ideal society. The utopia, he said, would from then on be self-sustaining.
As we now know, his utopia was a bit naïve, as revolutionary leaders, once exposed to the heady thrill of achieving power, are extremely reluctant to then give it up. They tend to become far more autocratic and ruthless than their predecessors and, rejecting socialist abnegation for themselves, ultimately become the next aristocracy.
It’s a pity that Mr. Marx didn’t see this coming. It was certainly evident during the French revolution, as is seen in the contemporary banner above, with its prominently featured skull and crossbones. (In case the observer didn’t get the point, the artist further accentuated his composition with the addition of two guillotines.)
Had Mr. Marx been paying attention to the actual results of the revolution, he might have noticed that the “Liberty” was never intended to be liberty for all, merely for some. (The others were meant to offer up their heads to the cause.)
And, in this, they were, of course, by no means “equal” to the proletariat who conquered them. As for fraternity, that was most certainly achieved in the form of mob violence, but it didn’t take long for the fraternity to break down, as the proletariat fought amongst themselves for the spoils, and the leaders elevated themselves above the proletariat.
More
UWS tenants: New homeless residents are making life a living hell
Holdout tenants at an Upper West Side building that’s being turned into a homeless shelter say it’s been a living hell since the landlord started renting rooms to the de Blasio administration.
Flor Soto said renovations routinely rattle the former Hotel Alexander until as late as 10:30 p.m., and pungent marijuana smoke wafts through the hallways and into her apartment.
Soto, 34, also said that security guards randomly knock on her door — “which they aren’t supposed to do” — and that people play loud music on their cellphones and yell back and forth to each other.
“I have never in my life had the amount of stress I am under now. I’m perpetually watching to see who else is coming and going on my floor,” said Soto, who works as a personal assistant to a doctor.
“The situation has become borderline harassment,” she said.
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Flor Soto said renovations routinely rattle the former Hotel Alexander until as late as 10:30 p.m., and pungent marijuana smoke wafts through the hallways and into her apartment.
Soto, 34, also said that security guards randomly knock on her door — “which they aren’t supposed to do” — and that people play loud music on their cellphones and yell back and forth to each other.
“I have never in my life had the amount of stress I am under now. I’m perpetually watching to see who else is coming and going on my floor,” said Soto, who works as a personal assistant to a doctor.
“The situation has become borderline harassment,” she said.
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Meeting Materials - 2-4-19 - Work Session & Public Notice for Closed Session to follow Work Session
Attached is the Agenda Packet for Monday’s Work Session, and the Public Notice for Monday’s Closed Session to follow the Work Session.
Agenda Packets are posted on the City Website at the following link: https://salisbury.md/city-council/expanding-relocating/2019-city-council-agendas
The Public Notice is posted on the City Website at the link below:
https://salisbury.md/01/31/2019/public-notice-closed-session-to-follow-work-session-2-4-19
Agenda Packets are posted on the City Website at the following link: https://salisbury.md/city-council/expanding-relocating/2019-city-council-agendas
The Public Notice is posted on the City Website at the link below:
https://salisbury.md/01/31/2019/public-notice-closed-session-to-follow-work-session-2-4-19
‘Black Panther’ returning to theaters for free to kick off Black History Month
“Black Panther” is returning to theaters during the first week of February in celebration of Black History Month — and to sweeten the deal, tickets will be free.
The superhero blockbuster will hit the big screen again Feb. 1 to Feb. 7 at 250 AMC Theater locations across the country. AMC will be offering two showings per day at each of the participating theaters.
The announcement comes a day after the cast of “Black Panther” took home the highest honor of the night at the Screen Actors Guild Awards: the award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture.
The superhero movie also scored seven Oscar nominations last week, including Best Picture.
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The superhero blockbuster will hit the big screen again Feb. 1 to Feb. 7 at 250 AMC Theater locations across the country. AMC will be offering two showings per day at each of the participating theaters.
The announcement comes a day after the cast of “Black Panther” took home the highest honor of the night at the Screen Actors Guild Awards: the award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture.
The superhero movie also scored seven Oscar nominations last week, including Best Picture.
More
In new Mueller indictment, what is Roger Stone charged with doing?
FBI agents arrested longtime Trump associate Roger Stone in a paramilitary-style raid at his home in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., early Friday morning. A CNN producer on the scene said the arrest involved "heavy weaponry." Stone was taken into custody without incident.
The arrest followed action by a grand jury in Washington, D.C., under Trump-Russia special counsel Robert Mueller. On Thursday, the grand jury indicted Stone on seven counts of lying to Congress, witness tampering, and obstructing a congressional investigation. So what, specifically, is Stone charged with doing?
All the counts stem from Stone's Sept. 26, 2017, interview with the House Intelligence Committee investigating Russia's attempt to influence the 2016 election and the response by U.S. intelligence and law enforcement agencies. Stone is not charged with lying to or attempting to obstruct the Mueller investigation.
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The arrest followed action by a grand jury in Washington, D.C., under Trump-Russia special counsel Robert Mueller. On Thursday, the grand jury indicted Stone on seven counts of lying to Congress, witness tampering, and obstructing a congressional investigation. So what, specifically, is Stone charged with doing?
All the counts stem from Stone's Sept. 26, 2017, interview with the House Intelligence Committee investigating Russia's attempt to influence the 2016 election and the response by U.S. intelligence and law enforcement agencies. Stone is not charged with lying to or attempting to obstruct the Mueller investigation.
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Rt. 50 Closed West Bound At Strawberry Subdivision In Pittsville
Ice Cold Beer, (literally) At Caribbean Joe's
State of the Union 2019: A Success Story Not Even Trump's Critics Can Deny
It is booming by nearly every meaningful measure, and the president has every right to take a large measure of credit for it.
In November, unemployment dropped to its lowest rate in a half-century. African-Americans, Latinos, and women are thriving. Black unemployment was at 5.9 percent in May, the lowest ever recorded. Women’s unemployment recently reached its lowest rate in 65 years.
And, no, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, it is not because people are working two jobs and a zillion hours a week. Employment statistics don’t work that way. It’s because more people have jobs. And more people are encouraged about their prospects of finding a job.
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These dumpsters of old nuclear waste are costing taxpayers a fortune
ROWE — The nuclear plant deep in the woods of this Western Massachusetts town stopped producing power 27 years ago when George H.W. Bush was still president. It was dismantled, piece by piece. Buried piping was excavated. Tainted soil was removed. But nestled amidst steep hills and farmhouses set on winding roads, something important was left behind.
Under constant armed guard, sixteen canisters of highly radioactive waste are entombed in reinforced concrete behind layers of fencing. These 13-foot-tall cylinders may not be much to look at, but they are among the most expensive dumpsters in the country, monuments to government inaction.
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Virginia Delegate Who Co-Sponsored Abortion Bill Admits She Didn’t Read It
Virginia Democratic Del. Dawn Adams apologized to her constituents for co-sponsoring a bill that would legalize abortion up until birth, admitting that she did not read the bill before putting her name on it.
“I did not read a bill I agreed to co-patron, and that wasn’t smart or typical,” Adams, who is a nurse practitioner, said. “I will work harder and be better for it.”
“I am sorry that I did not exercise due diligence before this explosion of attention,” she continued. “Had I done so, I would not have co-patroned.”
Adams said that while she is no longer co-sponsoring this particular bill, she is not compromising on her support of abortion.
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“I did not read a bill I agreed to co-patron, and that wasn’t smart or typical,” Adams, who is a nurse practitioner, said. “I will work harder and be better for it.”
“I am sorry that I did not exercise due diligence before this explosion of attention,” she continued. “Had I done so, I would not have co-patroned.”
Adams said that while she is no longer co-sponsoring this particular bill, she is not compromising on her support of abortion.
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Democrat Gov. Northam: Gun Control Instead of Armed Security for Churches
Gov. Ralph Northam (D) suggests the passage of more gun control is preferable to allowing armed security to protect churches in Virginia.
Northam tweeted his rejection of armed protection for churches on the same day that he defended a Democrat-sponsored push for third-trimester abortions. And Big League Politics quoted Northam telling WTOP radio that if an infant were born in a situation where an abortion had been desired, “the infant would be delivered” and “the infant would be kept comfortable” while the doctors and the mother decided what would happen to the baby.
Northam’s rejection of armed protection for churches is in line with other Democrats, such as Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto (D).
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Northam tweeted his rejection of armed protection for churches on the same day that he defended a Democrat-sponsored push for third-trimester abortions. And Big League Politics quoted Northam telling WTOP radio that if an infant were born in a situation where an abortion had been desired, “the infant would be delivered” and “the infant would be kept comfortable” while the doctors and the mother decided what would happen to the baby.
Northam’s rejection of armed protection for churches is in line with other Democrats, such as Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto (D).
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White House Petition to Impeach Pelosi Tops 100K Signatures
A White House website “We the People” petition declaring “IMPEACH Pelosi for treason!” has surpassed the “100,000 signatures in 30 days” requirement to trigger an official response from the White House.
The “Nancy Pelosi is a TRAITOR to the American People!” petition, created by a person identified only as “M.G.” was created on January 18, 2019. Twelve days later, as of January 30, the petition had garnered more than 130,000 signatures – enough to earn a response, the website says.
As the White House “We the People” website explains, the petition platform empowers every American citizens “to become an agent of change” - and, if a petition gains 100,000 signatures in 30 days, the White House will “make sure it gets in front of the appropriate policy experts”.
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The “Nancy Pelosi is a TRAITOR to the American People!” petition, created by a person identified only as “M.G.” was created on January 18, 2019. Twelve days later, as of January 30, the petition had garnered more than 130,000 signatures – enough to earn a response, the website says.
As the White House “We the People” website explains, the petition platform empowers every American citizens “to become an agent of change” - and, if a petition gains 100,000 signatures in 30 days, the White House will “make sure it gets in front of the appropriate policy experts”.
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Radical #RedForEd Movement Rallies Virginia Teachers’ Higher Pay Demand
“The rally is the latest Red for Ed action in a series of events ranging from the teacher walkouts in West Virginia, Arizona, and Oklahoma, to the recently concluded L.A. teachers strike,” said the National Education Association (NEA) – the nation’s largest teachers’ union – in its media outlet, NEA Today.
Virginia Educators United (VEU) joined NEA President Lily Eskelsen Garcia and American Federation of Teachers (AFT) President Randi Weingarten on the front steps of the Capitol.
The #RedForEd movement launched in Arizona last year, where Marxist music teacher Noah Karvelis announced, “Teaching is political”:
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MSP Princess Anne December DUI Arrests
The following persons were arrested by Troopers assigned to the Maryland State Police Princess Anne Barracks and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs during the month of December 2018.
Juvenile, 17 YOA, Salisbury, MD
Rubicel Arena Cordova, 30 YOA, Hebron, MD
Luke Britton, 37 YOA, Chincoteague, VA
Ammad Niazi, 29 YOA, Salisbury, MD
Thomas Edwards, 58 YOA, Capron, VA
Patti Evans, 54 YOA, Eden, MD
William Perdue, 65 YOA, Princess Anne, MD
Cole Lacey, 33 YOA, Pocomoke, MD
Sharron Horsey, 26 YOA, Salisbury, MD
Bryant Cannon, 48 YOA, Princess Anne, MD
Jamar Alexander, 29 YOA, Crisfield, MD
Douglas Witte, 62 YOA, Deal Island, MD
Alejandro Hernandez, 49 YOA, Salisbury, MD
Maurice Purnell, 27 YOA, New Church, VA
Eric Ward, 54 YOA, Crisfield, MD
Juvenile, 17 YOA, Salisbury, MD
Rubicel Arena Cordova, 30 YOA, Hebron, MD
Luke Britton, 37 YOA, Chincoteague, VA
Ammad Niazi, 29 YOA, Salisbury, MD
Thomas Edwards, 58 YOA, Capron, VA
Patti Evans, 54 YOA, Eden, MD
William Perdue, 65 YOA, Princess Anne, MD
Cole Lacey, 33 YOA, Pocomoke, MD
Sharron Horsey, 26 YOA, Salisbury, MD
Bryant Cannon, 48 YOA, Princess Anne, MD
Jamar Alexander, 29 YOA, Crisfield, MD
Douglas Witte, 62 YOA, Deal Island, MD
Alejandro Hernandez, 49 YOA, Salisbury, MD
Maurice Purnell, 27 YOA, New Church, VA
Eric Ward, 54 YOA, Crisfield, MD
Medical Marijuana Can Now Be Used to Treat Opioid Addiction in New Jersey
Gov. Phil Murphy on Wednesday announced a broad attack on opioid addiction in New Jersey by adding it to the list of illnesses that qualify residents for medical marijuana and expanding Medicaid coverage for medication-assisted treatment, a scientifically proven method of preventing relapses.
Murphy’s announcement comes as the opioid crisis reaches new heights in the Garden State.
State data shows at least 3,100 residents likely died of drug overdoses in 2018, setting a record for the fourth straight year. Murphy noted the percentage increase was not as sharp, going from a 15 percent rise from 2017 to 2018, compared to the 24 percent rise from 2016 to 2017.
But we should take “little solace the percentage went down," Murphy said. "They are God’s children, and they are gone forever.”
View Full Story From NJ.com
Murphy’s announcement comes as the opioid crisis reaches new heights in the Garden State.
State data shows at least 3,100 residents likely died of drug overdoses in 2018, setting a record for the fourth straight year. Murphy noted the percentage increase was not as sharp, going from a 15 percent rise from 2017 to 2018, compared to the 24 percent rise from 2016 to 2017.
But we should take “little solace the percentage went down," Murphy said. "They are God’s children, and they are gone forever.”
View Full Story From NJ.com
I'm Asking 'All 100 Senators to … Be Against Infanticide’: Sasse Reintroduces Abortion Survivors Act
Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., is reintroducing the the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act in the Senate following New York legalizing abortion up to birth last week and the Virginia Legislature considering a similar bill Monday.
“Everybody loves babies and that love has nothing to do with politics and everything to do with just having a heart,” Sasse said in a statement.
“This legislation is an opportunity for Congress to find consensus built on common sense, compassion, science, and a simple fact: every baby deserves a fighting chance at life. Providing care for newborns is more important than partisan political divides. Every baby has dignity—every baby deserves protection and love.”
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“Everybody loves babies and that love has nothing to do with politics and everything to do with just having a heart,” Sasse said in a statement.
“This legislation is an opportunity for Congress to find consensus built on common sense, compassion, science, and a simple fact: every baby deserves a fighting chance at life. Providing care for newborns is more important than partisan political divides. Every baby has dignity—every baby deserves protection and love.”
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Joe Biden embraced segregation in 1975, claiming it was a matter of 'black pride'
Joe Biden, weighing a 2020 White House bid, once advocated continued school segregation in the United States, arguing that it benefited minorities and that integration would prevent black people from embracing “their own identity.”
Biden was speaking in 1975, when he opposed the federally mandated busing policy designed to end segregation in schools. In the past few decades, he has claimed he wanted desegregation but believed the policy of busing would not achieve it. Last year, he stated he had voted heroically to protect busing.
In 2008, after being chosen as Barack Obama's vice-presidential running mate he said: "The struggle for civil rights was the animating political element of my life." He appears poised to make his civil rights record a centerpiece of any campaign, telling an audience in Fort Lauderdale this week that "I came out of the civil rights movement. He added that he first became aware of what an "awful thing" segregation was as a third grader, when he asked his mother why a bus was taking black children to a school away from where they lived.
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Biden was speaking in 1975, when he opposed the federally mandated busing policy designed to end segregation in schools. In the past few decades, he has claimed he wanted desegregation but believed the policy of busing would not achieve it. Last year, he stated he had voted heroically to protect busing.
In 2008, after being chosen as Barack Obama's vice-presidential running mate he said: "The struggle for civil rights was the animating political element of my life." He appears poised to make his civil rights record a centerpiece of any campaign, telling an audience in Fort Lauderdale this week that "I came out of the civil rights movement. He added that he first became aware of what an "awful thing" segregation was as a third grader, when he asked his mother why a bus was taking black children to a school away from where they lived.
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New Jersey to Allow ‘Nonbinary’ Option on Birth Certificates
New Jersey will allow parents to select a third “nonbinary” gender option on state birth certificates starting February 1.
The legislation, which Gov. Phil Murphy signed into law in July 2018, would allow parents to select a third gender option for their children at birth and make it easier for people to change their gender on their birth certificates to match their preferred gender identity.
Before the law’s passage, New Jersey residents could only change their gender on their birth certificates if they had a letter of proof from a doctor confirming they had gender reassignment surgery or a letter from a certified mental health professional.
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The legislation, which Gov. Phil Murphy signed into law in July 2018, would allow parents to select a third gender option for their children at birth and make it easier for people to change their gender on their birth certificates to match their preferred gender identity.
Before the law’s passage, New Jersey residents could only change their gender on their birth certificates if they had a letter of proof from a doctor confirming they had gender reassignment surgery or a letter from a certified mental health professional.
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Virginia Delegate Who Proposed Infanticide Bill Has A New Cause: Saving Caterpillars
The Virginia delegate who submitted a horrifying partial birth abortion bill this week which, had it passed, would have allowed the termination of a pregnancy up until mid-birth, has taken the lead on a second bill, this time — ironically — to protect the "fall cankerworm."
Democratic Virginia Del. Kathy Tran is the brains behind "Virginia House Bill No. 2491 — Abortion; eliminate certain requirements," a bill that removes two central requirements to Virginia's partial birth abortion regulations: that three doctors certify that the fetus in question is non-viable, and that partial birth abortion be allowed for reasons other than physical abnormality. The bill also allows abortionists to perform the procedure during active labor, after the woman has dialated and is in the process of giving birth to a living child.
Tran caused a stir when she defended the bill to the Virginia House of Delegates on Tuesday, confirming to fellow lawmakers that the bill, indeed, allows for an abortion to be performed as a living baby is traversing the birth canal.
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Democratic Virginia Del. Kathy Tran is the brains behind "Virginia House Bill No. 2491 — Abortion; eliminate certain requirements," a bill that removes two central requirements to Virginia's partial birth abortion regulations: that three doctors certify that the fetus in question is non-viable, and that partial birth abortion be allowed for reasons other than physical abnormality. The bill also allows abortionists to perform the procedure during active labor, after the woman has dialated and is in the process of giving birth to a living child.
Tran caused a stir when she defended the bill to the Virginia House of Delegates on Tuesday, confirming to fellow lawmakers that the bill, indeed, allows for an abortion to be performed as a living baby is traversing the birth canal.
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Green Cards for DACA Illegals Could Trigger Arrival of 4M Chain Migrants
A proposal to give green cards — and thus eventual United States citizenship — to at least 700,000 illegal aliens could trigger a “chain migration” of more than four million foreign nationals arriving in the country.
As Breitbart News reported, White House adviser Jared Kushner and a handful of Republican Senators have reportedly floated the idea to secure a fifth of border wall funding by giving green cards to the roughly 700,000 illegal aliens enrolled in President Obama’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
The amnesty proposal would allow all DACA-enrolled illegal aliens to start the process of becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen after five years, a reward that allows them to eventually bring an unlimited number of foreign relatives to the country through the process known as “chain migration.”
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As Breitbart News reported, White House adviser Jared Kushner and a handful of Republican Senators have reportedly floated the idea to secure a fifth of border wall funding by giving green cards to the roughly 700,000 illegal aliens enrolled in President Obama’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
The amnesty proposal would allow all DACA-enrolled illegal aliens to start the process of becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen after five years, a reward that allows them to eventually bring an unlimited number of foreign relatives to the country through the process known as “chain migration.”
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Wicomico Garage Fire North Division Street
NOTICE OF INVESTIGATION
Date: January 31, 2019
Time: 8:40 p.m.
Location / Address: 403 North Division St., Fruitland, Wicomico Co.
Type of Incident: Fire
Description of Structure / Property: 20’ x 30’ one story residential detached garage
Owner / Occupants: Franklin Jones
Injuries or Deaths: None
Estimated $ Loss: Structure: $10,000 Contents: $10,000
Smoke Alarm Status: n/a
Fire Alarm / Sprinkler Status: n/a
Arrests(s): None
Primary Responding Fire Department: Fruitland
# of Alarms: 1 # Of Firefighters: 20
Time to Control: 25 minutes
Discovered By: Passerby
Area of Origin: Interior
Preliminary Cause: Wood stove
Additional Information: The fire occurred due to failure of the stove pipe.
Why do Celebrities have Walls around their homes.. if they don't work?
President Donald Trump has often noted that America’s rich and powerful choose to live behind large walls for protection, much like the wall he is trying to build across the U.S.-Mexico border.
Nowhere has that thesis proven truer than in the posh neighborhoods of Los Angeles and Hollywood. The homes of the rich and famous, peppered throughout the area, are often gated and feature high walls that protect the homes from outsiders.
But what about the viscerally anti-Trump celebrities that reside in Hollywood and hate the idea of Trump’s border wall? Do these moguls, sports and film celebrities really live behind walls? The Daily Caller set out to find the truth in a series called “Walls Across America.”
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Nowhere has that thesis proven truer than in the posh neighborhoods of Los Angeles and Hollywood. The homes of the rich and famous, peppered throughout the area, are often gated and feature high walls that protect the homes from outsiders.
But what about the viscerally anti-Trump celebrities that reside in Hollywood and hate the idea of Trump’s border wall? Do these moguls, sports and film celebrities really live behind walls? The Daily Caller set out to find the truth in a series called “Walls Across America.”
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L. Brent Bozell & Tim Graham: The NFL Recovers From Kneeling Frenzy
The National Football League is back on top of the ratings heap after both conference championship games were so competitive they spilled into overtime.
Sunday’s New England Patriots-Kansas City Chiefs game drew 53.9 million viewers to CBS — a shocking 27 percent increase from last year and the most-watched NFL game outside of the Super Bowl in five years. This is in part because they used to call the Dallas Cowboys “America’s Team,” but the Patriots seem like “America’s Most Hated Team.”
Earlier that day on Fox, the Los Angeles Rams’ controversial referee-marred defeat of the New Orleans Saints had 44.1 million viewers — a 4.3 percent gain and Fox’s most-watched program since Super Bowl 51 in 2017.
It’s not just the playoffs. Ratings for NFL regular-season games rebounded, gaining 5 percent over the previous season. That’s not as amazing, since it’s a small increase after two years of frightening declines. But in today’s ever-declining ratings for broadcast TV, due to livestreaming and cord cutting, the NFL is still a dominant player, far outdrawing regular scripted TV shows.
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Sunday’s New England Patriots-Kansas City Chiefs game drew 53.9 million viewers to CBS — a shocking 27 percent increase from last year and the most-watched NFL game outside of the Super Bowl in five years. This is in part because they used to call the Dallas Cowboys “America’s Team,” but the Patriots seem like “America’s Most Hated Team.”
Earlier that day on Fox, the Los Angeles Rams’ controversial referee-marred defeat of the New Orleans Saints had 44.1 million viewers — a 4.3 percent gain and Fox’s most-watched program since Super Bowl 51 in 2017.
It’s not just the playoffs. Ratings for NFL regular-season games rebounded, gaining 5 percent over the previous season. That’s not as amazing, since it’s a small increase after two years of frightening declines. But in today’s ever-declining ratings for broadcast TV, due to livestreaming and cord cutting, the NFL is still a dominant player, far outdrawing regular scripted TV shows.
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Court Denies OC’s Request For Reconsideration Of Boardwalk Property Ruling
OCEAN CITY — Ocean City’s motion for reconsideration of a state Court of Special Appeals decision in the ongoing Boardwalk property issue was denied this week, exhausting one of the last remedies at asserting ownership of the historic land for the town.
In late December, the Court of Special Appeals issued an opinion asserting the town of Ocean City had not presented sufficient evidence to prove ownership of the iconic building on the east side of the Boardwalk at South Division Street, which, for decades has been home to Dumser’s Dairyland. The town quickly exercised its next possible remedy in the case with the filing of a motion for reconsideration of the Court of Special Appeals opinion handed down in late December.
However, moving in unusually quick fashion, the Court of Special Appeals this week denied the town’s motion for reconsideration. The higher court’s decision to deny the motion for reconsideration was posted on the state’s judicial case search website on Tuesday. Nathans Associates representative Mona Strauss said on Thursday the family received notice of the Court of Special Appeals decision to deny the motion for reconsideration on Tuesday.
“We got notice of the decision regarding the city’s filing for reconsideration,” she said. “It was received before 1 p.m. on Tuesday. I would imagine that the city was also notified at that time. It was an unbelievably short time within which to render the decision. I guess there is a message in that.”
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In late December, the Court of Special Appeals issued an opinion asserting the town of Ocean City had not presented sufficient evidence to prove ownership of the iconic building on the east side of the Boardwalk at South Division Street, which, for decades has been home to Dumser’s Dairyland. The town quickly exercised its next possible remedy in the case with the filing of a motion for reconsideration of the Court of Special Appeals opinion handed down in late December.
However, moving in unusually quick fashion, the Court of Special Appeals this week denied the town’s motion for reconsideration. The higher court’s decision to deny the motion for reconsideration was posted on the state’s judicial case search website on Tuesday. Nathans Associates representative Mona Strauss said on Thursday the family received notice of the Court of Special Appeals decision to deny the motion for reconsideration on Tuesday.
“We got notice of the decision regarding the city’s filing for reconsideration,” she said. “It was received before 1 p.m. on Tuesday. I would imagine that the city was also notified at that time. It was an unbelievably short time within which to render the decision. I guess there is a message in that.”
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Here Are All Of The Shutdown Deals Democrats Have Rejected
Democrats have rejected every offer to reopen the government from a partial shutdown, even as the White House’s offers become increasingly favorable to the Democratic position on immigration.
The shutdown began over five weeks ago when President Donald Trump demanded $5.6 billion in border wall funding, but Democrats — who had enough votes to block legislation — would only support $1.6 billion in border security funding.
Since then, President Donald Trump has repeatedly moved the goalposts closer to the Democrats, offering protections for certain classes of illegal immigrants in exchange for $5.7 billion in wall funding. Still, Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer say they will not approve a single dollar for the wall.
Here are all of the deals Democrats have rejected since the shutdown started:
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The shutdown began over five weeks ago when President Donald Trump demanded $5.6 billion in border wall funding, but Democrats — who had enough votes to block legislation — would only support $1.6 billion in border security funding.
Since then, President Donald Trump has repeatedly moved the goalposts closer to the Democrats, offering protections for certain classes of illegal immigrants in exchange for $5.7 billion in wall funding. Still, Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer say they will not approve a single dollar for the wall.
Here are all of the deals Democrats have rejected since the shutdown started:
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Ex-BuzzFeed workers will get paid for unused vacation days
BuzzFeed CEO Jonah Peretti has relented and will pay laid-off staffers for their accrued paid time off, he told staff in a companywide email Monday afternoon.
Peretti took action after he and other top BuzzFeed executives were blasted for refusing to pay recently laid-off workers for their unused vacation time — in a letter from employees that called the move “unconscionable.”
“This is paid time that employees accrued by choosing not to take vacation days, and instead work at BuzzFeed,” according to the scathing letter signed by a group calling itself the BuzzFeed News Staff Council as well as “current and laid-off staffers from across BuzzFeed.”
The letter, addressed to Peretti, editor-in-chief Ben Smith and HR boss Lenke Taylor, claimed the news outlet paid “earned, accrued, and vested paid time off” only to its California workers because it was required to do so by state law.
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Peretti took action after he and other top BuzzFeed executives were blasted for refusing to pay recently laid-off workers for their unused vacation time — in a letter from employees that called the move “unconscionable.”
“This is paid time that employees accrued by choosing not to take vacation days, and instead work at BuzzFeed,” according to the scathing letter signed by a group calling itself the BuzzFeed News Staff Council as well as “current and laid-off staffers from across BuzzFeed.”
The letter, addressed to Peretti, editor-in-chief Ben Smith and HR boss Lenke Taylor, claimed the news outlet paid “earned, accrued, and vested paid time off” only to its California workers because it was required to do so by state law.
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House Dems: Federal workers linked to sexual misconduct deserve same pay raise as others
Pay raises for #ThemToo?
House Democrats on Wednesday shot down a Republican proposal to block federal employees disciplined for sexual misconduct from receiving the same pay rise as other federal workers.
Republicans proposed exempting federal workers disciplined for sexual misconduct from a bill sponsored by Democrats that would give the 2.6 percent pay rise to all federal employees.
“During calendar year 2019, no increase in pay as authorized under this Act may be provided to any Federal employee who has been disciplined for sexual misconduct under chapter 75 of title 5, United States Code, or any other provision of law,” the GOP proposal text read.
But most of the Democrats rejected the suggestion, with only 17 Dems defying the party and voting in favor of the GOP plan.
Progressive Democrats such as Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rashida Tlaib, and Ilhan Omar – while making #MeToo a campaign issue – voted against the proposal.
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https://www.foxnews.com/politics/house-dems-block-gop-proposal-to-exempt-sexual-harassers-from-receiving-federal-workers-pay-rise
House Democrats on Wednesday shot down a Republican proposal to block federal employees disciplined for sexual misconduct from receiving the same pay rise as other federal workers.
Republicans proposed exempting federal workers disciplined for sexual misconduct from a bill sponsored by Democrats that would give the 2.6 percent pay rise to all federal employees.
“During calendar year 2019, no increase in pay as authorized under this Act may be provided to any Federal employee who has been disciplined for sexual misconduct under chapter 75 of title 5, United States Code, or any other provision of law,” the GOP proposal text read.
But most of the Democrats rejected the suggestion, with only 17 Dems defying the party and voting in favor of the GOP plan.
Progressive Democrats such as Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rashida Tlaib, and Ilhan Omar – while making #MeToo a campaign issue – voted against the proposal.
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https://www.foxnews.com/politics/house-dems-block-gop-proposal-to-exempt-sexual-harassers-from-receiving-federal-workers-pay-rise
Nancy Pelosi to attend starry gala ahead of Grammys
Away from Washington, DC, Rep. Nancy Pelosi will hobnob with music elite on Grammy weekend, we hear.
The House’s Democratic speaker is among guests expected at Clive Davis’ annual pre-awards gala.
The mogul is getting offers as high as $100,000 per table to attend.
Others invited to the Beverly Hilton bash include Jamie Foxx, Post Malone, Diplo, Alice Cooper, Marc Anthony, Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson.
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The House’s Democratic speaker is among guests expected at Clive Davis’ annual pre-awards gala.
The mogul is getting offers as high as $100,000 per table to attend.
Others invited to the Beverly Hilton bash include Jamie Foxx, Post Malone, Diplo, Alice Cooper, Marc Anthony, Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson.
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County Jail’s Medical Care Demand At All-Time High
SNOW HILL – County officials agreed last week to increase medical staffing at the Worcester County Jail to meet the needs of the inmate population.
At the request of Warden Donna Bounds, the Worcester County Commissioners voted unanimously to approve medical staffing adjustments at the jail. Bounds said the changes were needed as health personnel at the facility handled more than 26,000 calls for service last year.
“I believe the staffing adjustments are necessary,” Bounds said. “We’re averaging seeing 72 patients per day.”
Bounds told the commissioners that Correct Care Solutions LLC, the company that provides medical and mental health care to the jail, recommended changes in staffing levels. The company suggested transitioning a nurse to a director of nursing role to provide support for nursing staff as well as increasing evening nurse coverage. The changes, paired with the 2.9 percent fixed increase included in the company’s five-year contract, will bring its annual compensation from the county to slightly more than $1.3 million.
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At the request of Warden Donna Bounds, the Worcester County Commissioners voted unanimously to approve medical staffing adjustments at the jail. Bounds said the changes were needed as health personnel at the facility handled more than 26,000 calls for service last year.
“I believe the staffing adjustments are necessary,” Bounds said. “We’re averaging seeing 72 patients per day.”
Bounds told the commissioners that Correct Care Solutions LLC, the company that provides medical and mental health care to the jail, recommended changes in staffing levels. The company suggested transitioning a nurse to a director of nursing role to provide support for nursing staff as well as increasing evening nurse coverage. The changes, paired with the 2.9 percent fixed increase included in the company’s five-year contract, will bring its annual compensation from the county to slightly more than $1.3 million.
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Salisbury Police Flat Out LIED About Ransomware Attack
Keep in mind, confidential informants and information have been stolen along with arrest reports. We've heard the ransom was anywhere between $50,000.00 to $400,000.00.
It never ceases to amaze me any more how your local media will simply publish what they are told and do no investigative work whatsoever. Keep in mind Ladies, they also refuse to tell you just how many RAPES there are in the City.
This is a Police Department that cannot be trusted, period. Your Mayor should fire Chief Duncan in a vote of no confidence, unless he is playing a part of this huge lie?
Perhaps they should remove the software that PREDICTS where the next crime will occur and invest all that money into better IT protection.
Enjoy Our Super Bowl Specials At Caribbean Joe's Sunday
Ocean City Continues Room Tax Increase Talks; Council Seems Supportive Of Hike, But How To Spend New Revenue Remains Unclear
OCEAN CITY — After hours of often-tense debate, resort officials this week chose not to increase the room tax rate in Ocean City in favor of having their counterparts in the county begin to explore the potential change.
During Tuesday’s work session, the debate over potentially increasing the room tax in Ocean City from the current 4.5 percent to an even 5 percent began anew, and after hours of dialogue, no firm decision was reached on the increase. Instead, resort officials voted to have Mayor Rick Meehan write a letter to the Worcester County Commissioners, who would ultimately have to approve the request room tax hike, to gauge their viewpoints on the increase.
The room tax was last raised from 4 percent to 4.5 percent in 2007 and 2 percent of the overall increase was dedicated by ordinance to advertising the marketing the resort. While it appears the majority of the council agrees it is time to revisit the room tax rate after the last increase 12 years ago achieved the desired results, there was no clear consensus on how best to spend the additional revenue the augmentation would create.
Several options were presented on Tuesday, but the bottom line in what is certainly a complicated formula is continuing to dedicate a portion to advertising and marketing while also making a significant contribution to the town’s general fund. The latter would be used to offset the cost of providing services during the growing shoulder seasons and special events.
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During Tuesday’s work session, the debate over potentially increasing the room tax in Ocean City from the current 4.5 percent to an even 5 percent began anew, and after hours of dialogue, no firm decision was reached on the increase. Instead, resort officials voted to have Mayor Rick Meehan write a letter to the Worcester County Commissioners, who would ultimately have to approve the request room tax hike, to gauge their viewpoints on the increase.
The room tax was last raised from 4 percent to 4.5 percent in 2007 and 2 percent of the overall increase was dedicated by ordinance to advertising the marketing the resort. While it appears the majority of the council agrees it is time to revisit the room tax rate after the last increase 12 years ago achieved the desired results, there was no clear consensus on how best to spend the additional revenue the augmentation would create.
Several options were presented on Tuesday, but the bottom line in what is certainly a complicated formula is continuing to dedicate a portion to advertising and marketing while also making a significant contribution to the town’s general fund. The latter would be used to offset the cost of providing services during the growing shoulder seasons and special events.
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Court rules VA must pay disability benefits to ‘blue water’ Vietnam veterans
WASHINGTON — A federal court ruled Tuesday that the Department of Veterans Affairs cannot deny disability benefits to thousands of Vietnam veterans who claim exposure to cancer-causing chemical defoliants simply because those vets served in the waters off the country’s coastline, and not inland.
The ruling marks a major victory for so-called “blue water” Navy veterans who have fought the department for years over the denials. VA officials have said the existing scientific evidence doesn’t justify the presumption of toxic exposure for the group and have strongly opposed legislative efforts to overturn their decision.
But the 9-2 decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit overturns past court opinions backing up VA, saying that Congress never intended to exclude servicemembers in the seas around Vietnam when they awarded presumptive benefits for certain illnesses related to Agent Orange exposure.
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The ruling marks a major victory for so-called “blue water” Navy veterans who have fought the department for years over the denials. VA officials have said the existing scientific evidence doesn’t justify the presumption of toxic exposure for the group and have strongly opposed legislative efforts to overturn their decision.
But the 9-2 decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit overturns past court opinions backing up VA, saying that Congress never intended to exclude servicemembers in the seas around Vietnam when they awarded presumptive benefits for certain illnesses related to Agent Orange exposure.
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Exclusive: Ex-NSA cyberspies reveal how they helped hack foes of UAE
Two weeks after leaving her position as an intelligence analyst for the U.S. National Security Agency in 2014, Lori Stroud was in the Middle East working as a hacker for an Arab monarchy.
She had joined Project Raven, a clandestine team that included more than a dozen former U.S. intelligence operatives recruited to help the United Arab Emirates engage in surveillance of other governments, militants and human rights activists critical of the monarchy.
Stroud and her team, working from a converted mansion in Abu Dhabi known internally as “the Villa,” would use methods learned from a decade in the U.S intelligence community to help the UAE hack into the phones and computers of its enemies.
Stroud had been recruited by a Maryland cybersecurity contractor to help the Emiratis launch hacking operations, and for three years, she thrived in the job. But in 2016, the Emiratis moved Project Raven to a UAE cybersecurity firm named DarkMatter. Before long, Stroud and other Americans involved in the effort say they saw the mission cross a red line: targeting fellow Americans for surveillance.
“I am working for a foreign intelligence agency who is targeting U.S. persons,” she told Reuters. “I am officially the bad kind of spy.”
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She had joined Project Raven, a clandestine team that included more than a dozen former U.S. intelligence operatives recruited to help the United Arab Emirates engage in surveillance of other governments, militants and human rights activists critical of the monarchy.
Stroud and her team, working from a converted mansion in Abu Dhabi known internally as “the Villa,” would use methods learned from a decade in the U.S intelligence community to help the UAE hack into the phones and computers of its enemies.
Stroud had been recruited by a Maryland cybersecurity contractor to help the Emiratis launch hacking operations, and for three years, she thrived in the job. But in 2016, the Emiratis moved Project Raven to a UAE cybersecurity firm named DarkMatter. Before long, Stroud and other Americans involved in the effort say they saw the mission cross a red line: targeting fellow Americans for surveillance.
“I am working for a foreign intelligence agency who is targeting U.S. persons,” she told Reuters. “I am officially the bad kind of spy.”
More
Somerset County Sheriff's Office reports most recent arrests
Albert Luberte Christopher of Princess Anne, arrested 1-10-19 on a warrant for failing to appear in court. Christopher was later held without bond.
1St Sgt. Bradford charged Persons cited for selling alcohol to persons under the age of 21 during alcohol compliance check throughout the county:
Ansar Nareed of the River Market Gas Station, Pocomoke
Cynthia Vanfossen of the Pocomoke Liquor Store
Ashley Garfstas of the Beer And Soda Drive Thru, Crisfield
Ashley Hicks of the Dash Inn Gas Station, Westover
All persons were cited on a criminal summons charging them with selling alcohol to persons under 21 year of age. All persons were later released on signatures pending District Court actions.
Issaiah Jacob Ballard of Crisfield, arrested 11-22-19 on a warrant for 2nd degree assault, theft over $1,000, and false imprisonment. Ballard was later held on a $25,000 bond.
Dennis Wade Robb Jr. of Marion station, arrested 1-26-19 for possession of suspected cocaine, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Robb was later released on personal recognizance. The arrest was the result of a traffic stop conducted by Deputies regarding an unauthorized use of motor vehicle complaint.
Taylor Nichole Laird of Crisfield, arrested 1-28-19 for 2nd degree assault, disturbing school operations, and disorderly conduct. Laird was later held without bond. The arrest was the result of a reported disturbance at the Promise Academy, Marion. School Recourse Officers later learned that Laird was disruptive and threw a desk that struck another student.
Rodney William Burke of Crisfield, arrested 1-29-19 on a warrant for failing to appear in court. Burke was later held without bond.
Dionte Lavar Cottman of Princess Anne, arrested 1-29-19 on a warrant for violation of probation. Cottman was later held without bond.
Cody Lee Boswell of Crisfield, arrested 1-29-19 on a warrant for violation of probation. Boswell was later held without bond.
1St Sgt. Bradford charged Persons cited for selling alcohol to persons under the age of 21 during alcohol compliance check throughout the county:
Ansar Nareed of the River Market Gas Station, Pocomoke
Cynthia Vanfossen of the Pocomoke Liquor Store
Ashley Garfstas of the Beer And Soda Drive Thru, Crisfield
Ashley Hicks of the Dash Inn Gas Station, Westover
All persons were cited on a criminal summons charging them with selling alcohol to persons under 21 year of age. All persons were later released on signatures pending District Court actions.
Issaiah Jacob Ballard of Crisfield, arrested 11-22-19 on a warrant for 2nd degree assault, theft over $1,000, and false imprisonment. Ballard was later held on a $25,000 bond.
Dennis Wade Robb Jr. of Marion station, arrested 1-26-19 for possession of suspected cocaine, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Robb was later released on personal recognizance. The arrest was the result of a traffic stop conducted by Deputies regarding an unauthorized use of motor vehicle complaint.
Taylor Nichole Laird of Crisfield, arrested 1-28-19 for 2nd degree assault, disturbing school operations, and disorderly conduct. Laird was later held without bond. The arrest was the result of a reported disturbance at the Promise Academy, Marion. School Recourse Officers later learned that Laird was disruptive and threw a desk that struck another student.
Rodney William Burke of Crisfield, arrested 1-29-19 on a warrant for failing to appear in court. Burke was later held without bond.
Dionte Lavar Cottman of Princess Anne, arrested 1-29-19 on a warrant for violation of probation. Cottman was later held without bond.
Cody Lee Boswell of Crisfield, arrested 1-29-19 on a warrant for violation of probation. Boswell was later held without bond.
What history teaches us about raising taxes on the rich
Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who represents Massachusetts and is 69 years old, probably followed rock and roll culture in the 1960s when the “British invasion” changed our music scene. It’s also when a lot of British rock groups including some of the Beatles and the Rolling Stones decided that England’s taxes took too much of their earnings — so they left the country.
They were, according to the phrase of that day and today, “tax exiles.”
Both Warren, who is running for president, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the young freshman congresswoman who represents Queens and the Bronx, have proposed that Americans who happen to be very rich pay upward of 70 percent tax on their incomes.
Personally, I don’t care how high taxes are on the rich. It’s highly unlikely that I will ever have to worry about being among America’s wealthiest people.
So, on a personal level — being a selfish human being just like everyone else — I don’t really care if Warren and Ocasio-Cortez play Robin Hood and steal from the rich and pretend to give to the poor.
But remember this, someone is going to have to make up the difference if very wealthy people in the US become tax exiles. And those who will make up the shortfall will be us regular wage earners.
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They were, according to the phrase of that day and today, “tax exiles.”
Both Warren, who is running for president, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the young freshman congresswoman who represents Queens and the Bronx, have proposed that Americans who happen to be very rich pay upward of 70 percent tax on their incomes.
Personally, I don’t care how high taxes are on the rich. It’s highly unlikely that I will ever have to worry about being among America’s wealthiest people.
So, on a personal level — being a selfish human being just like everyone else — I don’t really care if Warren and Ocasio-Cortez play Robin Hood and steal from the rich and pretend to give to the poor.
But remember this, someone is going to have to make up the difference if very wealthy people in the US become tax exiles. And those who will make up the shortfall will be us regular wage earners.
More