Since the turn of the century, Illinois has been in the midst of a perfect demographic storm. Residents are leaving the state in record numbers. The number of Americans moving into Illinois has hit new lows. Net foreign immigration has fallen by half. And the number of births has dropped by more than 20 percent.
These demographic forces have all combined into a single troubling fact: Illinois is shrinking. The state has lost population five years in a row. In 2018 alone, the state lost 45,000 people, the second-biggest population drop in the country.
The state’s growing domestic out-migration has been especially problematic. More Illinoisans are leaving the state at the same time that fewer Americans from other states are moving in.
Wirepoints has analyzed Illinois’ demographics over the past 18 years, using data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Population Division and American Community Survey as well as migration data from the IRS.
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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, March 23, 2019
Texas man brings steer to Petco to test ‘all leashed pets are welcome’ policy
Don’t have a cow, man - unless it's at Petco.
A man and woman from Texas couldn’t help but laugh as they recently walked their leashed steer into a Houston-area Petco to really see if “all leashed pets are welcome” at the store.
To Shelly Lumpkin and Vincent Browning’s surprise, the African Watusi was welcomed “with open arms,” Browning wrote on his Facebook page on Monday. “The staff members here are always super friendly and courteous to us. We really enjoy coming to this location...our favorite Petco BY FAR!!”
The post has since earned more than 400,000 views.
More/Video
https://www.foxnews.com/us/texas-man-brings-steer-to-petco-to-test-all-leashed-pets-are-welcome-policy
A man and woman from Texas couldn’t help but laugh as they recently walked their leashed steer into a Houston-area Petco to really see if “all leashed pets are welcome” at the store.
To Shelly Lumpkin and Vincent Browning’s surprise, the African Watusi was welcomed “with open arms,” Browning wrote on his Facebook page on Monday. “The staff members here are always super friendly and courteous to us. We really enjoy coming to this location...our favorite Petco BY FAR!!”
The post has since earned more than 400,000 views.
More/Video
https://www.foxnews.com/us/texas-man-brings-steer-to-petco-to-test-all-leashed-pets-are-welcome-policy
Numbers Don't Lie: Trump's Free Speech Executive Order Could Cost Colleges Billions
In light of President Trump’s executive order directing government agencies to restrict and remove federal research funding from universities that infringe on students’ rights to free speech, Campus Reform compiled existing government data to determine exactly how much federal research money is doled out each year.
The National Science Foundation, a government agency, produces annual spending reports regarding government-funded research in higher education. Campus Reform analyzed the numerous sets of data from 2017 and created a single report with the most relevant statistics to create a reader-friendly, comprehensive document.
Readers can identify what an individual state spends on “Research & Development” (R&D) and what percentage of that number is comprised of federal, state, and institution dollars, among other categories.
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The National Science Foundation, a government agency, produces annual spending reports regarding government-funded research in higher education. Campus Reform analyzed the numerous sets of data from 2017 and created a single report with the most relevant statistics to create a reader-friendly, comprehensive document.
Readers can identify what an individual state spends on “Research & Development” (R&D) and what percentage of that number is comprised of federal, state, and institution dollars, among other categories.
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ICE SAYS MAN ACCUSED OF MURDERING DEPUTY SHERIFF WAS ILLEGAL
The man police believe murdered Kittitas County, Washington, Sheriff’s Deputy Ryan Thompson was an illegal alien.
Juan Manuel Flores Del Toro came to the United States from Mexico in April 2014 as a temporary farm worker. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) spokeswoman Tanya Roman told Fox News that Toro never had his visa extended and apparently did not return to Mexico, either.
With detention facilities overcrowded, ICE has released over 100,000 illegals onto the streets in the past three months.
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Juan Manuel Flores Del Toro came to the United States from Mexico in April 2014 as a temporary farm worker. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) spokeswoman Tanya Roman told Fox News that Toro never had his visa extended and apparently did not return to Mexico, either.
With detention facilities overcrowded, ICE has released over 100,000 illegals onto the streets in the past three months.
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New Populist Party Goes from Zero Seats to Largest Party in Dutch Election
A new populist, Eurosceptic party has achieved the remarkable feat of going from zero seats to becoming the largest single party in the Dutch Senate in a single election, as a young politician likened to a “Dutch Donald Trump” beat seasoned professionals in Wednesday’s poll.
Thierry Baudet’s Forum for Democracy party, which has gained attention for its Euroscepticism, campaigned against open borders politics and against what he calls “climate-change hysteria,” winning 86 seats across the Dutch regions. The victory put his party ahead of even the ruling mainstream conservative People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), which achieved 80 seats.
Forum was founded in 2016, and this is the first regional election the party has contested. Remarkably, in some Dutch regions Forum was so unexpectedly successful it won the right to appoint more elected members than they actually have registered candidates living in those areas.
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Thierry Baudet’s Forum for Democracy party, which has gained attention for its Euroscepticism, campaigned against open borders politics and against what he calls “climate-change hysteria,” winning 86 seats across the Dutch regions. The victory put his party ahead of even the ruling mainstream conservative People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), which achieved 80 seats.
Forum was founded in 2016, and this is the first regional election the party has contested. Remarkably, in some Dutch regions Forum was so unexpectedly successful it won the right to appoint more elected members than they actually have registered candidates living in those areas.
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A Children’s Book Is Causing a Political Scandal in Baltimore. It’s Quite a Tale.
What has become a full-blown political scandal in Baltimore started innocently enough. In fact, it began with a children’s book.
Mayor Catherine Pugh, a fitness fanatic, said that about a decade ago, she was inspired to encourage children to pursue healthy lifestyles, and so she created the “Healthy Holly” series of books, about a little girl devoted to self-improvement and the betterment of those around her.
At the time, Ms. Pugh, a Democrat, was a state senator who sat on the board of one of the state’s largest nonprofit health care companies. In what seemed like a happy ending, she struck a deal to sell 100,000 copies of the books to the company for $500,000.
But now, the arrangement has become public, raising questions not only about the propriety of the arrangement, but also about just how many children had access to the books.
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Mayor Catherine Pugh, a fitness fanatic, said that about a decade ago, she was inspired to encourage children to pursue healthy lifestyles, and so she created the “Healthy Holly” series of books, about a little girl devoted to self-improvement and the betterment of those around her.
At the time, Ms. Pugh, a Democrat, was a state senator who sat on the board of one of the state’s largest nonprofit health care companies. In what seemed like a happy ending, she struck a deal to sell 100,000 copies of the books to the company for $500,000.
But now, the arrangement has become public, raising questions not only about the propriety of the arrangement, but also about just how many children had access to the books.
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Man faces 20-plus years for fighting police
Joshua Thomas James Petersen faced a lifetime ban from a downtown Ocean City bar after a night of drinking on March 16.
The 23-year-old Berlin resident couldn’t accept that. Now, he faces nearly 25 years in prison and more than $11,000 in fines, according to a police report, for assaulting two police officers attempting to arrest him late that evening after Petersen was twice escorted out of the bar.
Two officers intervened after Petersen’s third attempt to reenter the bar. While instructing Petersen to place his hands behind his back, the report said, “Petersen turned away from me and assumed a bladed fighting stance.” Petersen attempted to strike two officers, which led to him being taken down to the ground. Petersen continued to resist arrest until an officer was able to place the handcuffs on him.
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The 23-year-old Berlin resident couldn’t accept that. Now, he faces nearly 25 years in prison and more than $11,000 in fines, according to a police report, for assaulting two police officers attempting to arrest him late that evening after Petersen was twice escorted out of the bar.
Two officers intervened after Petersen’s third attempt to reenter the bar. While instructing Petersen to place his hands behind his back, the report said, “Petersen turned away from me and assumed a bladed fighting stance.” Petersen attempted to strike two officers, which led to him being taken down to the ground. Petersen continued to resist arrest until an officer was able to place the handcuffs on him.
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FORMER DNC CHAIR ED RENDELL: ‘AOC DOES NOT SPEAK FOR THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY’
Former DNC Chairman Ed Rendell said that freshman Democratic New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez “does not represent the Democratic Party” in an interview that aired Thursday night on “Erin Burnett OutFront”.
The clip of the former Pennsylvania governor aired during a story about Keystone State voters, which included interviews with residents from Luzerne County, Pennsylvania.
“I think, all of a sudden, the 2020 election went from a slam dunk for Democrats to something where we’re going to have trouble beating this guy because he’s going to make democratic socialism swing to the left, which I don’t think is real, but he’s going to make it into the issue,” Rendell stated before adding that “AOC does not speak for the Democratic Party.”
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The clip of the former Pennsylvania governor aired during a story about Keystone State voters, which included interviews with residents from Luzerne County, Pennsylvania.
“I think, all of a sudden, the 2020 election went from a slam dunk for Democrats to something where we’re going to have trouble beating this guy because he’s going to make democratic socialism swing to the left, which I don’t think is real, but he’s going to make it into the issue,” Rendell stated before adding that “AOC does not speak for the Democratic Party.”
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NEW EMAILS REVEALED BY JUDICIAL WATCH SEEM TO SHOW MORE CLASSIFIED DOCUMENTS ON CLINTON’S PRIVATE SERVER
Newly revealed emails from Hillary Clinton’s private email server seem to show the then-soon-to-be secretary of state discussing classified foreign policy — sometimes with world leaders.
The documents, unearthed by Judicial Watch and revealed Thursday, would appear to contradict Clinton’s 2015 testimony, under oath, that she had already relinquished all of her classified emails to the State Department. In the correspondence, Clinton roves from apparently sensitive foreign policy concerns in Israel to helping a friend of her daughter Chelsea find employment at the State Department, Fox News reports.
In the emails, Clinton is discussing foreign policy concerns with then-British Prime Minister Tony Blair as well as suggesting she initiate “private, 100% off-the-record” back channel discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
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The documents, unearthed by Judicial Watch and revealed Thursday, would appear to contradict Clinton’s 2015 testimony, under oath, that she had already relinquished all of her classified emails to the State Department. In the correspondence, Clinton roves from apparently sensitive foreign policy concerns in Israel to helping a friend of her daughter Chelsea find employment at the State Department, Fox News reports.
In the emails, Clinton is discussing foreign policy concerns with then-British Prime Minister Tony Blair as well as suggesting she initiate “private, 100% off-the-record” back channel discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
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Republicans resigned to Trump losing 2020 popular vote but confident about Electoral College
Senior Republicans are resigned to President Trump losing the popular vote in 2020, conceding the limits of the flamboyant incumbent’s political appeal and revealing just how central the Electoral College has become to the party’s White House prospects.
Some Republicans say the problem is Trump's populist brand of partisan grievance. It's an attitude tailor-made for the Electoral College in the current era of regionally Balkanized politics, but anathema to attracting a broad, national coalition that can win the most votes, as past presidents did when seeking re-election amid a booming economy. Others argue that neither Trump, nor possibly any Republican, could win the popular vote when most big states are overwhelmingly liberal.
“California, Illinois, and New York, make it very, very difficult for anybody on our side to ever again to win the popular vote,” said David Carney, a Republican strategist in New Hampshire. Asked if he expects Trump to defy the odds next year, Carney said flatly, “No,” but added, “the president shouldn’t worry about it. Two hundred seventy — that’s what people remember.”
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Some Republicans say the problem is Trump's populist brand of partisan grievance. It's an attitude tailor-made for the Electoral College in the current era of regionally Balkanized politics, but anathema to attracting a broad, national coalition that can win the most votes, as past presidents did when seeking re-election amid a booming economy. Others argue that neither Trump, nor possibly any Republican, could win the popular vote when most big states are overwhelmingly liberal.
“California, Illinois, and New York, make it very, very difficult for anybody on our side to ever again to win the popular vote,” said David Carney, a Republican strategist in New Hampshire. Asked if he expects Trump to defy the odds next year, Carney said flatly, “No,” but added, “the president shouldn’t worry about it. Two hundred seventy — that’s what people remember.”
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Newt Gingrich: Make the Mueller report public -- Here's why
President Trump is right: Every American should be able to see what Special Counsel Robert Mueller and his team have been doing for the last two years. The Mueller report should be made public.
As the president said Wednesday: "Let it come out. Let people see it.”
For two years, virtually every news organization – and every left-wing political organization – has been opining, speculating and fantasizing over what dirt Mueller’s team of anti-Trump lawyers could dig up on the president and his associates. Again and again, they have used the investigation as a cudgel to attack the Trump administration and rally the so-called “resistance.”
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https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/newt-gingrich-make-the-mueller-report-public
As the president said Wednesday: "Let it come out. Let people see it.”
For two years, virtually every news organization – and every left-wing political organization – has been opining, speculating and fantasizing over what dirt Mueller’s team of anti-Trump lawyers could dig up on the president and his associates. Again and again, they have used the investigation as a cudgel to attack the Trump administration and rally the so-called “resistance.”
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https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/newt-gingrich-make-the-mueller-report-public
Seattle is Dying
KOMO's Eric Johnson explores the impact the drug and homelessness problem is having on our city and possible solutions in "Seattle is Dying."
San Antonio bars Chick-fil-A from airport, cites 'legacy of anti-LGBT behavior'
San Antonio's City Council voted Thursday to block Chick-fil-A from opening a store at the San Antonio International Airport citing the company’s "legacy of anti-LGBT behavior."
The council voted 6-4 to deny Chick-fil-A from joining the new Food, Beverage and Retail Prime Concession Agreement for the airport, but approved chains like Smoke Shack and Local Coffee.
“With this decision, the City Council reaffirmed the work our city has done to become a champion of equality and inclusion," said Councilman Roberto Trevino, according to News 4 San Antonio. "San Antonio is a city full of compassion, and we do not have room in our public facilities for a business with a legacy of anti-LGBTQ behavior."
“Everyone has a place here, and everyone should feel welcome when they walk through our airport,” he said.
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The council voted 6-4 to deny Chick-fil-A from joining the new Food, Beverage and Retail Prime Concession Agreement for the airport, but approved chains like Smoke Shack and Local Coffee.
“With this decision, the City Council reaffirmed the work our city has done to become a champion of equality and inclusion," said Councilman Roberto Trevino, according to News 4 San Antonio. "San Antonio is a city full of compassion, and we do not have room in our public facilities for a business with a legacy of anti-LGBTQ behavior."
“Everyone has a place here, and everyone should feel welcome when they walk through our airport,” he said.
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Democrats want $100 million to hand out free diapers
House Democrats want to spend $100 million to give away diapers to low-income families.
Reps. Barbara Lee of California and Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut on Thursday introduced the End Diaper Need Act. The bill is sponsored by other high-profile Democrats like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and Ilhan Omar of Minnesota.
The bill would create a "$100 million demonstration program" aimed at distributing free diapers and related products to poor families.
A statement from Lee indicates the money would be sent to cities, states and nonprofit groups, which would then help distribute diapers.
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Reps. Barbara Lee of California and Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut on Thursday introduced the End Diaper Need Act. The bill is sponsored by other high-profile Democrats like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and Ilhan Omar of Minnesota.
The bill would create a "$100 million demonstration program" aimed at distributing free diapers and related products to poor families.
A statement from Lee indicates the money would be sent to cities, states and nonprofit groups, which would then help distribute diapers.
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Google Influenced Midterm Elections, May Have Cost Republicans Seats: Study
New research reveals that Google built biases into its search results that influenced the 2018 midterm elections - possibly costing Republicans three congressional districts.
First things first - the study was conducted by Dr. Robert Epstein - a San Diego-based Harvard Ph.D. who founded the Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies. He's also a Senior Research Psychologist at the American Institute for Behavioral Research and Technology (AIBRT), a UCSD visiting scholar, and served as editor-in-chief of Psychology Today.
He also supported Hillary Clinton in 2016 (just like Google!).
Down to the findings:
Epstein and AIBRT analyzed Google searches linked to three highly competitive southern California congressional races in which Democrats won, and found that Google's "clear democrat bias" may have flipped the seats away from Republican candidates. According to the study, at least 35,455 undecided voters within the three California districts may have been persuaded to vote Democrat due to the biased Google search results.
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First things first - the study was conducted by Dr. Robert Epstein - a San Diego-based Harvard Ph.D. who founded the Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies. He's also a Senior Research Psychologist at the American Institute for Behavioral Research and Technology (AIBRT), a UCSD visiting scholar, and served as editor-in-chief of Psychology Today.
He also supported Hillary Clinton in 2016 (just like Google!).
Down to the findings:
Epstein and AIBRT analyzed Google searches linked to three highly competitive southern California congressional races in which Democrats won, and found that Google's "clear democrat bias" may have flipped the seats away from Republican candidates. According to the study, at least 35,455 undecided voters within the three California districts may have been persuaded to vote Democrat due to the biased Google search results.
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Barbra Streisand says Michael Jackson's accusers were "thrilled to be there"
Barbra Streisand is facing criticism for comments she made on Michael Jackson's accusers. In an interview with The Times of London, Streisand shared her thoughts on "Leaving Neverland," a documentary that tells the stories of two men who allege Jackson sexually abused them when they were children.
Streisand said she believes Jackson's accusers, Wade Robson and James Safechuck. "Oh absolutely," she said, according to The Times report, published on Friday. "That was too painful."
She also said, of Jackson, "His sexual needs were his sexual needs, coming from whatever childhood he has or whatever DNA he has," she said.
"You can say 'molested,' but those children, as you heard them say, they were thrilled to be there," she said. "They both married and they both have children, so it didn't kill them."
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Streisand said she believes Jackson's accusers, Wade Robson and James Safechuck. "Oh absolutely," she said, according to The Times report, published on Friday. "That was too painful."
She also said, of Jackson, "His sexual needs were his sexual needs, coming from whatever childhood he has or whatever DNA he has," she said.
"You can say 'molested,' but those children, as you heard them say, they were thrilled to be there," she said. "They both married and they both have children, so it didn't kill them."
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Trump’s Executive Order to Colleges: Protect Free Speech or Risk Billions in Federal Grants
Polly Olson, a student at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, last year handed out homemade Valentine cards on her campus with Christian messages until college officials told her she was restricted to a “free speech zone.”
On Thursday, Olson told her story at the White House before President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at protecting free speech on college campuses.
“My mother told me when she was homeschooling me that I would need to know what my First Amendment rights were, because someday they would be violated, and I would have to stand up for them,” Olson said, speaking at the East Room event. “I was told I was soliciting and disrupting the learning environment, and that it would not be tolerated, and that I would have to stop handing out valentines.”
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On Thursday, Olson told her story at the White House before President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at protecting free speech on college campuses.
“My mother told me when she was homeschooling me that I would need to know what my First Amendment rights were, because someday they would be violated, and I would have to stand up for them,” Olson said, speaking at the East Room event. “I was told I was soliciting and disrupting the learning environment, and that it would not be tolerated, and that I would have to stop handing out valentines.”
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Federal Budget Includes Inlet Dredge Funding
OCEAN CITY – The Army Corps of Engineers Baltimore District this week announced it was receiving an additional $68 million in federal funding for critical navigation projects across the region including a boost in funding for the continued maintenance dredging of the Ocean City Inlet.
The funding is being provided to the Army Corps of Engineers-Baltimore District through the Trump Administration’s proposed fiscal year 2020 federal budget. The funding announced last week includes roughly $1.1 million for operation and maintenance of the Inlet and navigation channels in the Sinepuxent Bay and $600,000 for Assateague Island bypass operations, in which the dredged sand is beneficially placed immediately south of the inlet along Assateague Island to mitigate the impacts of sediment transport and erosion caused by the Ocean City Inlet and its jetties. Previously, the Assateague Island Restoration project was funded as a separate project by Congress through construction funding.
The Inlet and other channels in and around the commercial harbor naturally fill in and are in constant need of maintenance dredging, but the problem has become more acute in recent years to the point the Inlet is often impassable and unnavigable for larger vessels on even the highest of tides. While maintenance dredging will continue thanks in large part to the supplementary funding announced this week, local, state and federal officials have been exploring a long-term solution including dredging the Inlet channel to a greater depth and possibly even a reconfiguration of the jetties or a relocation of the channel.
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The funding is being provided to the Army Corps of Engineers-Baltimore District through the Trump Administration’s proposed fiscal year 2020 federal budget. The funding announced last week includes roughly $1.1 million for operation and maintenance of the Inlet and navigation channels in the Sinepuxent Bay and $600,000 for Assateague Island bypass operations, in which the dredged sand is beneficially placed immediately south of the inlet along Assateague Island to mitigate the impacts of sediment transport and erosion caused by the Ocean City Inlet and its jetties. Previously, the Assateague Island Restoration project was funded as a separate project by Congress through construction funding.
The Inlet and other channels in and around the commercial harbor naturally fill in and are in constant need of maintenance dredging, but the problem has become more acute in recent years to the point the Inlet is often impassable and unnavigable for larger vessels on even the highest of tides. While maintenance dredging will continue thanks in large part to the supplementary funding announced this week, local, state and federal officials have been exploring a long-term solution including dredging the Inlet channel to a greater depth and possibly even a reconfiguration of the jetties or a relocation of the channel.
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Louisiana Convenience Store Owner Accused of $1.2 Million Food Stamp Fraud
Authorities arrested Mohammad Abudayeh, 25, of Alexandria, on March 14 and charged him with multiple fraud charges— including money laundering, unauthorized use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, racketeering, computer fraud, and bank fraud.
The Louisiana State Police Insurance Fraud Unit opened an investigation into the owner of an Alexandria convenience store in June 2018 after receiving a tip that he had been purchasing SNAP benefits from patrons receiving those benefits.
Authorities identified Abudayeh as a suspect over the course of the investigation, discovering that he allegedly conducted more than $1.2 million in food stamp fraud between October 2017 and March 2019.
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Congressman Andy Harris Announces Crisfield Town Hall
Congressman Andy Harris Announces Crisfield Town Hall
WASHINGTON, DC: Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) will host his fourth brick-and-mortar town hall meeting this month in Crisfield on Saturday, March 30th. All residents of Maryland’s First District are welcome to attend the town hall to ask questions and voice their concerns about issues under consideration in Congress.
Crisfield Town Hall
Date: Saturday, March 30th
Time: 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Location: Crisfield City Hall
319 Main Street, Crisfield, MD 21817
For questions about the event, please contact Congressman Harris’ Washington, DC office at 202-225-5311. Media outlets interested in attending the event must RSVP by Friday, March 29th to Julia Nista at Julia.Nista@mail.house.gov.
Air Show Contract Delayed Over Concerns With Future Dates
OCEAN CITY – What appeared to be heading toward a routine approval for a memorandum of understanding for future Ocean City air shows was stalled this week over questions about the flexibility of the dates for the promoter.
The Mayor and Council had before them on Monday a seven-item consent agenda that included, among other things, approval for various special events such as the Crab Soup Cook-Off and various others such as Boardwalk 5Ks for charity and a renewed memorandum of understanding (MOU) for future Ocean City air shows in 2020 and 2021, for example. As it name implies, the consent a-genda includes recurring events or other issues that are fairly cut-and-dried and not typically controversial. More often than not, the consent agenda is approved as a matter of course with little or no discussion.
The consent agenda on Monday appeared to be heading that way with a motion to approve and a second before Councilman John Gehrig raised questions about a clause in the air show MOU that left open some of weekend dates for the air show in 2020 and 2021.
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The Mayor and Council had before them on Monday a seven-item consent agenda that included, among other things, approval for various special events such as the Crab Soup Cook-Off and various others such as Boardwalk 5Ks for charity and a renewed memorandum of understanding (MOU) for future Ocean City air shows in 2020 and 2021, for example. As it name implies, the consent a-genda includes recurring events or other issues that are fairly cut-and-dried and not typically controversial. More often than not, the consent agenda is approved as a matter of course with little or no discussion.
The consent agenda on Monday appeared to be heading that way with a motion to approve and a second before Councilman John Gehrig raised questions about a clause in the air show MOU that left open some of weekend dates for the air show in 2020 and 2021.
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Police: Illegal Alien Released by Feds Killed Alabama Mother of Two
Sonya Jones — a 49-year-old mother and teacher at Mobile’s Living Word Christian Center Kingdom Academy — was killed by 16-year-old illegal alien Domingo Francisco Marcos, from Guatemala, in a head-on, hit-and-run collision on March 18, Mobile County officials say.
According to federal immigration officials, Marcos entered the U.S. illegally through the southern border in Arizona two years ago. The illegal alien claimed asylum, was released from Department of Homeland Security (DHS) custody, and never showed up to his court hearing, thus living illegally in Alabama.
The illegal alien was denied asylum after failing to show up for his court date and was subsequently ordered deported. Like millions of other illegal aliens who are caught and released into the interior of the country by DHS, Marcos was not deported.
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Byron York: Five things that didn't happen in the Mueller investigation
Robert Mueller has delivered his report on the Trump-Russia investigation to Attorney General William Barr. Sometime soon, perhaps within hours, Barr will send the report's "principal conclusions" to Congress. It will first go to the chairperson and ranking member of both the House and Senate Judiciary committees. It is unclear what will happen after that, but certainly other lawmakers will see the document, and there will be a steady stream of leaks of what is in the report.
The Mueller investigation is over, and it is apparently the case that Mueller does not recommend any new indictments.
At this point, it is not possible to say what is in the report. But even at this early moment, it is possible to note some things did not happen during the Mueller investigation.
1. Mueller did not indict Donald Trump Jr., Jared Kushner, or other people whose purported legal jeopardy was the subject of intense media speculation in the last year.
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The Mueller investigation is over, and it is apparently the case that Mueller does not recommend any new indictments.
At this point, it is not possible to say what is in the report. But even at this early moment, it is possible to note some things did not happen during the Mueller investigation.
1. Mueller did not indict Donald Trump Jr., Jared Kushner, or other people whose purported legal jeopardy was the subject of intense media speculation in the last year.
More
Town, Firefighters Reach New Contract
OCEAN CITY – The Town of Ocean City and its firefighter-paramedic un-ion last week completed their first successful contract negotiation since the successful referendum for binding interest arbitration last fall.
During the municipal election last November, the Career Firefighter Par-amedics Association of Ocean City, or IAFF Local 4269, was successful in its bid for potential third-party binding interest arbitration which could be utilized to resolve issues during contract negotiations.
Last week, the two parties successfully reached a new three-year contract without relying on a third-party arbitrator in the first negotiations since the possibility for collective bargaining was approved by the town’s voters.
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During the municipal election last November, the Career Firefighter Par-amedics Association of Ocean City, or IAFF Local 4269, was successful in its bid for potential third-party binding interest arbitration which could be utilized to resolve issues during contract negotiations.
Last week, the two parties successfully reached a new three-year contract without relying on a third-party arbitrator in the first negotiations since the possibility for collective bargaining was approved by the town’s voters.
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Racetrack Owner: No Deal To Keep Preakness In Baltimore
BALTIMORE -- The company that owns Pimlico Race Course is disputing Mayor Catherine Pugh's claim that she had worked out a plan with them to keep the Preakness Stakes at the Baltimore track.
Pugh told members of the Legislative Black Caucus on Thursday that her team had met with officials from The Stronach Group and thought they had worked out a way to maintain the signature race at Pimlico. She said Stronach "walked away from negotiations."
When pressed by reporters afterward, Pugh declined to offer any details.
"We actually had a group go down and meet with the Stronachs a few weeks ago and we thought we had a deal and we get back and there's no deal," Pugh told reporters.
The Stronach Group said there was never a deal.
"The Stronach Group has in fact met with Mayor Pugh and City officials on multiple occasions -- including a meeting in the Mayor's office on January 22 -- but at no point in time was a proposal presented or discussed that had any feasible financial plans for the City, State or for the thoroughbred racing industry," the company said in a statement to The Baltimore Sun.
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Pugh told members of the Legislative Black Caucus on Thursday that her team had met with officials from The Stronach Group and thought they had worked out a way to maintain the signature race at Pimlico. She said Stronach "walked away from negotiations."
When pressed by reporters afterward, Pugh declined to offer any details.
"We actually had a group go down and meet with the Stronachs a few weeks ago and we thought we had a deal and we get back and there's no deal," Pugh told reporters.
The Stronach Group said there was never a deal.
"The Stronach Group has in fact met with Mayor Pugh and City officials on multiple occasions -- including a meeting in the Mayor's office on January 22 -- but at no point in time was a proposal presented or discussed that had any feasible financial plans for the City, State or for the thoroughbred racing industry," the company said in a statement to The Baltimore Sun.
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County approves application for heroin coordinator post
The fight against drug addiction and opioid crisis gained continued funding for a Worcester County Sheriff’s Office program, as the Worcester County Commissioners on Tuesday approved an application for state financial support for the sheriff’s heroin coordinator.
Kim Reynolds, senior budget accountant for Worcester County, said there’s $50,615 funding for the heroin coordinator position. It’s allocated through the sheriff’s office’s Criminal Enforcement Team to “maintain the coordination of entering all necessary data for drug investigations, drug seizures, drug arrests, heroin and opioid overdoses, and other drug-related investigation activities.”
Reynolds told the commissioners that the sheriff’s office has received grants before through Gov. Larry Hogan’s Office of Crime, Control and Prevention.
The criminal enforcement team was part of a three-month-long investigation of heroin trafficking in 2017 that found that most of heroin flowing into Worcester County” came from the Selbyville area.
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Kim Reynolds, senior budget accountant for Worcester County, said there’s $50,615 funding for the heroin coordinator position. It’s allocated through the sheriff’s office’s Criminal Enforcement Team to “maintain the coordination of entering all necessary data for drug investigations, drug seizures, drug arrests, heroin and opioid overdoses, and other drug-related investigation activities.”
Reynolds told the commissioners that the sheriff’s office has received grants before through Gov. Larry Hogan’s Office of Crime, Control and Prevention.
The criminal enforcement team was part of a three-month-long investigation of heroin trafficking in 2017 that found that most of heroin flowing into Worcester County” came from the Selbyville area.
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What happens next now that Robert Mueller finished the Russia investigation?
WASHINGTON — Friday, special counsel Robert Mueller turned over his long-awaited report on the Russia investigation. After two years of investigation – which, at times entangled the president's family and resulted in charges against some of his associates – the report is now in the hands of Attorney General William Barr.
So what’s next?
Federal regulations say Muller's office must give the attorney general a "confidential report" explaining why he charged some people and not others but it doesn't say he has to release the content.
So the first step Barr will take will be deciding what information he will and will not release.
So what’s next?
Federal regulations say Muller's office must give the attorney general a "confidential report" explaining why he charged some people and not others but it doesn't say he has to release the content.
So the first step Barr will take will be deciding what information he will and will not release.
Boardwalk ‘Butt Huts’ Ready
OCEAN CITY – Efforts to install cigarette disposal containers to the west of the Boardwalk will move forward as the town installs barriers and bollards as part of an access control project.
Last week, Public Works Director Hal Adkins told the Ocean City Coast-al Resources Legislative Committee, or Green Team, that plans are underway to install cigarette disposal containers – or butt huts – on the west side of the Boardwalk.
“All of the butt huts on the west side of the Boardwalk that are designed identical to the ones on the beach are built, done and ready for installation,” he said. “In addition to that, the signage identical to that on the beach is being prepared, but we’ve got to make some terminology edits.”
In November, the town received a $2,000 grant from the health department to fund an initiative that designates specific smoking and disposal areas and reduces cigarette litter near the street ends to the west of the Boardwalk. Adkins said the containers would be mounted near barriers and bollards that are being installed as part of a Boardwalk hardening project.
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Last week, Public Works Director Hal Adkins told the Ocean City Coast-al Resources Legislative Committee, or Green Team, that plans are underway to install cigarette disposal containers – or butt huts – on the west side of the Boardwalk.
“All of the butt huts on the west side of the Boardwalk that are designed identical to the ones on the beach are built, done and ready for installation,” he said. “In addition to that, the signage identical to that on the beach is being prepared, but we’ve got to make some terminology edits.”
In November, the town received a $2,000 grant from the health department to fund an initiative that designates specific smoking and disposal areas and reduces cigarette litter near the street ends to the west of the Boardwalk. Adkins said the containers would be mounted near barriers and bollards that are being installed as part of a Boardwalk hardening project.
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Trump has more women as top advisers than Obama, Bush, or Clinton
President Trump, often criticized for his stance toward women, employs more women as senior advisers than former presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton did at the similar points in their presidencies.
Given the relative paucity of female senior presidential advisers prior to Clinton, Trump's employment of women as key advisers at this early point in his presidency may be higher than any other president's in history.
At the beginning of the third year of his first term as president, Trump has seven female top advisers, as compared to five for Obama, three for Bush, and five for Clinton at that point. He had eight as of December 2018, when United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley departed the administration.
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Given the relative paucity of female senior presidential advisers prior to Clinton, Trump's employment of women as key advisers at this early point in his presidency may be higher than any other president's in history.
At the beginning of the third year of his first term as president, Trump has seven female top advisers, as compared to five for Obama, three for Bush, and five for Clinton at that point. He had eight as of December 2018, when United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley departed the administration.
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Maxine Waters is angry at Democrats who whisper about impeachment, but will not publicly support it
Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) revealed on social media that Democrats are whispering about the possibility of impeaching President Donald Trump, but they will not support it publicly.
"Unfortunately, many Members of Congress whisper the President should be impeached but have not supported my call for impeachment," Waters tweeted on Thursday.
"Only a few of us dare to continue to urge both Dems and Repubs to impeach this dangerous president," she continued. "I will keep trying. The public needs to demand!"
Waters has been one of the few members of Congress to have demanded for impeachment of Trump since before he even arrived in office.
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"Unfortunately, many Members of Congress whisper the President should be impeached but have not supported my call for impeachment," Waters tweeted on Thursday.
"Only a few of us dare to continue to urge both Dems and Repubs to impeach this dangerous president," she continued. "I will keep trying. The public needs to demand!"
Waters has been one of the few members of Congress to have demanded for impeachment of Trump since before he even arrived in office.
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Report says Maryland had high percentage of failing scores for public housing inspections
BALTIMORE —The Department of Housing and Urban Development's inspection process is coming under scrutiny in a new report.
The report urges HUD to improve the physical inspection process and oversight of inspectors.
According to the report, Maryland had the highest percentage of failing scores from public housing property inspections of any state over a four-year period.
The United States Government Accountability Office, an independent, nonpartisan agency that works for Congress, issued the report. It shows a shocking number of failing properties in Baltimore, as the agency calls on HUD to strengthen its inspection process.
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The report urges HUD to improve the physical inspection process and oversight of inspectors.
According to the report, Maryland had the highest percentage of failing scores from public housing property inspections of any state over a four-year period.
The United States Government Accountability Office, an independent, nonpartisan agency that works for Congress, issued the report. It shows a shocking number of failing properties in Baltimore, as the agency calls on HUD to strengthen its inspection process.
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Meet the Maryland sheriff who says he won’t enforce the state’s new proposed gun laws
Sheriff Mike Lewis of Wicomico County Maryland is no stranger to winning attention with bold talk.
Local critics accused him of overkill when he sent a military assault vehicle 145 miles north to Baltimore during riots there in 2015.
His Facebook repost of Hilary Clinton in handcuffs sparked outrage.
Lewis is an outspoken supporter of President Donald Trump who recently joined the President in the oval office to support the veto of a resolution opposing a border wall.
More/Watch
Local critics accused him of overkill when he sent a military assault vehicle 145 miles north to Baltimore during riots there in 2015.
His Facebook repost of Hilary Clinton in handcuffs sparked outrage.
Lewis is an outspoken supporter of President Donald Trump who recently joined the President in the oval office to support the veto of a resolution opposing a border wall.
More/Watch
Newsmax Exclusive: Eggs Are NOT Bad for Your Health, Despite Recent Study, Says Top Doctor Read Newsmax: Newsmax Exclusive: Eggs Are NOT Bad for Your Health, Despite Recent Study, Says Top Doctor | Newsmax.com Urgent: Your Heart Attack Risk Determined Online - More Info
A recent headline in The New York Times reads “Are Eggs Bad for Your Heart Health? Maybe.” Instead of “Maybe,” a more accurate assessment would be “No!”
The article summarized the results from a prospective study of 30,000 subjects. Approximately two eggs per day were found to result in a 17 percent higher risk of cardiovascular disease, and an 18 percent increase in risk of death from any cause.
This was an observational study, not a randomized trial. Therefore, this study cannot conclude anything with certainty.
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The article summarized the results from a prospective study of 30,000 subjects. Approximately two eggs per day were found to result in a 17 percent higher risk of cardiovascular disease, and an 18 percent increase in risk of death from any cause.
This was an observational study, not a randomized trial. Therefore, this study cannot conclude anything with certainty.
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Family marvels at impact of cannabis on daughter’s life
The Martin family, of Ocean City, has had a tough few years, but the advent of medical marijuana has made at least one aspect of their lives a little easier.
Buddy and Rachel Martin have a family with six children, one of whom, their 9-year-old daughter Shelby, has the genetic condition, Rett Syndrome.
Rett Syndrome is a genetic postnatal neurological disorder that affects several functions, including speaking, walking and swallowing.
“What Shelby has is really about the worst thing a kid could have period,” said 38-year-old Buddy.
“She can’t speak. She can’t walk. She has very little use of her hands. Eating is a problem. Swallowing is a problem,” he said. “Constant constipation is a problem, like bad enough where they can actually like rupture their intestines.”
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Sen. Carozza talks bills impacting Worcester
Sen. Mary Beth Carozza (R-38) reflected on several significant pieces of legislation for Worcester County as the session nears the end.
As a Republican senator in a largely democratic general assembly, she’s faced some difficulties during the first year of her first term, she said.
“Some of that groundwork has been laid, and we can build on that, but it is a challenge when you have a progressive agenda being put forward in both the House and the Senate,” Carozza said.
Carozza said she tried to work across the aisle during consideration of the minimum wage bill, which would lead to a $15 minimum hourly wage by 2023. The legislation passed the House 93-41, and the Senate 32-12. It’s headed to Gov. Larry Hogan’s desk.
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As a Republican senator in a largely democratic general assembly, she’s faced some difficulties during the first year of her first term, she said.
“Some of that groundwork has been laid, and we can build on that, but it is a challenge when you have a progressive agenda being put forward in both the House and the Senate,” Carozza said.
Carozza said she tried to work across the aisle during consideration of the minimum wage bill, which would lead to a $15 minimum hourly wage by 2023. The legislation passed the House 93-41, and the Senate 32-12. It’s headed to Gov. Larry Hogan’s desk.
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More drugs seized at unguarded sections of the border than at ports of entry in 2018
Government data for 2018 shows more drugs were seized near open parts of the U.S.-Mexico border than were seized at ports of entry, calling into question a popular Democratic talking point that most drugs come through official border crossings.
U.S. Border Patrol, which works in the unfenced or minimally protected space between crossings, seized nearly 480,000 pounds of drugs on the U.S.-Mexico border in fiscal year 2018.
Drug seizures that occur at ports of entry are documented under Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Field Operations statistics. Its four field offices on the southern border — El Paso, Texas; Laredo, Texas; Tucson, Ariz.; and San Diego — seized 370,000 pounds of drugs in the 2018 fiscal year.
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U.S. Border Patrol, which works in the unfenced or minimally protected space between crossings, seized nearly 480,000 pounds of drugs on the U.S.-Mexico border in fiscal year 2018.
Drug seizures that occur at ports of entry are documented under Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Field Operations statistics. Its four field offices on the southern border — El Paso, Texas; Laredo, Texas; Tucson, Ariz.; and San Diego — seized 370,000 pounds of drugs in the 2018 fiscal year.
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Divorced Barbie
Divorced Barbie
One day a father gets out of work and on his way home he suddenly remembers that it's his daughter's birthday. He pulls over to a Toy Shop and asks the sales person, "How much for one of those Barbie's in the display window?"
The salesperson answers, "Which one do you mean, sir? We have: Work Out Barbie, Shopping Barbie, Beach Barbie, Disco Barbie, Ballerina Barbie, Astronaut Barbie, and Skater Barbie, all of which cost $19.95 each. And we also have Divorced Barbie, for $265.95."
The amazed father asks: "It's what?! Why is the Divorced Barbie $265.95 and the others only $19.95?"
The annoyed salesperson rolls her eyes, sighs and answers: "Sir... Divorced Barbie comes with: Ken's Car, Ken's House, Ken's Boat, Ken's Furniture, Ken's Computer, one of Ken's Friends, and a key chain with Ken's balls on it."
One day a father gets out of work and on his way home he suddenly remembers that it's his daughter's birthday. He pulls over to a Toy Shop and asks the sales person, "How much for one of those Barbie's in the display window?"
The salesperson answers, "Which one do you mean, sir? We have: Work Out Barbie, Shopping Barbie, Beach Barbie, Disco Barbie, Ballerina Barbie, Astronaut Barbie, and Skater Barbie, all of which cost $19.95 each. And we also have Divorced Barbie, for $265.95."
The amazed father asks: "It's what?! Why is the Divorced Barbie $265.95 and the others only $19.95?"
The annoyed salesperson rolls her eyes, sighs and answers: "Sir... Divorced Barbie comes with: Ken's Car, Ken's House, Ken's Boat, Ken's Furniture, Ken's Computer, one of Ken's Friends, and a key chain with Ken's balls on it."
I am a Seenager
I JUST discovered my age group!
I am a Seenager (Senior teenager).
I have everything that I wanted as a teenager, only 65-70 years later.
I don't have to go to school or work.
I get an allowance every month.
I have my own pad.
I don't have a curfew.
I have a driver's license and my own car.
I have ID that gets me into bars and the wine store .
I like the wine store best.
The people I hang around with are not scared of getting pregnant, they aren't scared of anything, they have been blessed to live this long, why be scared?
And I don't have acne.
Life is Good!
Also, you will feel much more intelligent after reading this, if you are a Seenager.
Brains of older people are slow because they know so much.
People do not decline mentally with age; it just takes them longer to recall facts because they have more information in their brains.
Scientists believe this also makes you hard of hearing as it puts pressure on your inner ear.
Also, older people often go to another room to get something and when they get there,they stand there wondering what they came for. It is NOT a memory problem;
it is nature's way of making older people do more exercise.
SO THERE!!
I have more friends I should send this to, but right now I can't remember their names.
So please forward this to your friends; they may be my friends, too.
I am a Seenager (Senior teenager).
I have everything that I wanted as a teenager, only 65-70 years later.
I don't have to go to school or work.
I get an allowance every month.
I have my own pad.
I don't have a curfew.
I have a driver's license and my own car.
I have ID that gets me into bars and the wine store .
I like the wine store best.
The people I hang around with are not scared of getting pregnant, they aren't scared of anything, they have been blessed to live this long, why be scared?
And I don't have acne.
Life is Good!
Also, you will feel much more intelligent after reading this, if you are a Seenager.
Brains of older people are slow because they know so much.
People do not decline mentally with age; it just takes them longer to recall facts because they have more information in their brains.
Scientists believe this also makes you hard of hearing as it puts pressure on your inner ear.
Also, older people often go to another room to get something and when they get there,they stand there wondering what they came for. It is NOT a memory problem;
it is nature's way of making older people do more exercise.
SO THERE!!
I have more friends I should send this to, but right now I can't remember their names.
So please forward this to your friends; they may be my friends, too.
The Avid Golfer!
An avid golfer was involved in a terrible car crash and was rushed to the hospital. Just before he was put under, the surgeon popped in to see him.
"I have some good news and some bad news," says the surgeon. "The bad news is that I have to remove your right arm!"
"Oh God no!" cries the man. "My golfing is over! Please Doc, what's the good news?"
"The good news is...... I have another arm to replace it with, but it's a woman's arm and I'll need your permission before I can go ahead with the transplant."
"Go for it, doc," says the man. "As long as I can play golf again."
The operation went well and a year later the man was out on the golf-course when he bumped into the surgeon.
"Hi, how's the new arm?" asks the surgeon.
"Just great," says the golfer. "I'm playing the best golf of my life.
My new arm has a much finer touch, and my putting has really improved."
"That's great," said the surgeon.
"Not only that," continued the golfer, "my handwriting has improved, I've learned how to sew my own clothes and I've even taken up painting landscapes in water colors."
"That's unbelievable!" said the surgeon. "I'm so glad to hear the transplant was such a great success. Are you having any side effects?"
"Well, just two, said the golfer, "I have trouble parallel parking: and, every time I get an erection, I also get a headache.
"I have some good news and some bad news," says the surgeon. "The bad news is that I have to remove your right arm!"
"Oh God no!" cries the man. "My golfing is over! Please Doc, what's the good news?"
"The good news is...... I have another arm to replace it with, but it's a woman's arm and I'll need your permission before I can go ahead with the transplant."
"Go for it, doc," says the man. "As long as I can play golf again."
The operation went well and a year later the man was out on the golf-course when he bumped into the surgeon.
"Hi, how's the new arm?" asks the surgeon.
"Just great," says the golfer. "I'm playing the best golf of my life.
My new arm has a much finer touch, and my putting has really improved."
"That's great," said the surgeon.
"Not only that," continued the golfer, "my handwriting has improved, I've learned how to sew my own clothes and I've even taken up painting landscapes in water colors."
"That's unbelievable!" said the surgeon. "I'm so glad to hear the transplant was such a great success. Are you having any side effects?"
"Well, just two, said the golfer, "I have trouble parallel parking: and, every time I get an erection, I also get a headache.
Doctor in Rome
A doctor in Rome wanted to get off work, so he approached his assistant
"Giuseppe, I am going fishing tomorrow and don't want to close the clinic.
I want you to take care of the clinic and take care of all my patients".
"Yes, sir!" answers Giuseppe.
The doctor goes fishing and returns the following day and asks: "So, Giuseppe, how was your day?"
Giuseppe told him that he took care of three patients. "The first one had a headache, so I gave him Paracetamol."
"Bravo Giuseppe, and the second one?" asks the doctor.
"The second one had indigestion and I gave him Gaviscon, " says Giuseppe.
"Bravo, bravo! You're good at this and what about the third one?" asks the doctor.
"Well Sir, I was sitting here and suddenly the door flies open and a young gorgeous woman bursts in so she does. Like a bat outta the blue, she tears off her clothes, taking off everything including her bra and her knickers and lies down on the table, spreading her legs and shouts:
'HELP ME for the love of St Anthony! For five years I have not seen a man!'
"Tunderin' lightning Jesus Giuseppe, what did you do?" asks the doctor.
"I put drops in her eyes."
"Giuseppe, I am going fishing tomorrow and don't want to close the clinic.
I want you to take care of the clinic and take care of all my patients".
"Yes, sir!" answers Giuseppe.
The doctor goes fishing and returns the following day and asks: "So, Giuseppe, how was your day?"
Giuseppe told him that he took care of three patients. "The first one had a headache, so I gave him Paracetamol."
"Bravo Giuseppe, and the second one?" asks the doctor.
"The second one had indigestion and I gave him Gaviscon, " says Giuseppe.
"Bravo, bravo! You're good at this and what about the third one?" asks the doctor.
"Well Sir, I was sitting here and suddenly the door flies open and a young gorgeous woman bursts in so she does. Like a bat outta the blue, she tears off her clothes, taking off everything including her bra and her knickers and lies down on the table, spreading her legs and shouts:
'HELP ME for the love of St Anthony! For five years I have not seen a man!'
"Tunderin' lightning Jesus Giuseppe, what did you do?" asks the doctor.
"I put drops in her eyes."