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Tuesday, September 17, 2019
SATIRE: MTA Reminds New Yorkers They Can F**king Walk
NEW YORK—In response to numerous complaints regarding recent delays and route changes to the city’s public transportation system, Metropolitan Transportation Authority officials at a press conference Monday reminded residents that they can f**king walk. “While we always do our best to avoid inconveniencing our customers, city residents should be aware that at any time, they are more than welcome to get off their asses and use their two f**king feet to reach destinations,” said MTA spokesperson Reggie Dawes, adding that the city’s comprehensive street grid system is easily accessible on foot “for any lazy bastard” and should be used as an alternative method of transportation if customers are unable to wait “10 extra damn minutes” for their train or bus. “We apologize to anyone frustrated by interruptions in service of our incredibly intricate 24-hour transportation system that provides fast commutes in relative ease and comfort, but remember, you can always just shut the hell up and take a f**king hike. You know what else connects to major locations all over the city? The sidewalk, you ungrateful pieces of sh!t.” At press time, the MTA announced that multiple train and bus lines were running behind schedule and stressed that if commuters didn’t leave early enough or plan accordingly, it was not their f**king problem.
Source
State Releases 2019 Second Quarter Fatal Overdose Data
Opioid, Heroin, and Fentanyl-Related Deaths Continue to Decline
ANNAPOLIS, MD—The Maryland Department of Health and Opioid Operational Command Center (OOCC) has released its 2019 second quarter report, which shows that Maryland has experienced its first six-month decline in the total number of opioid-related fatalities in at least a decade. Release of the report comes during National Recovery Month, a time to raise awareness of substance use disorders and the resources available to end addiction.
In the first two quarters of 2019, there were 1,182 total unintentional intoxication deaths in the state, an 11.3% decrease as compared to the same period in 2018. Of that total, 89.7% (1,060) were opioid-related deaths, primarily attributable to fentanyl. Opioid-related deaths declined by 11.1%.
In addition, heroin-related deaths continued to decline, decreasing 14.9% through June 2019 compared with the same period in 2018. Prescription opioid-related deaths declined by 3.5% in the first six months of 2019 compared to the same period in 2018.
“Though the continued decline in fatal overdoses is welcome news, the heroin and opioid epidemic remains a crisis and we will continue to respond with all the tools at our disposal,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “The fight against heroin and opioid overdoses has torn apart communities and families throughout our state and across the nation. Together, we can and we must do more in order to save the lives of thousands of Marylanders.”
In 2017, Governor Hogan became the first governor in the nation to declare a State of Emergency in response to the heroin, opioid, and fentanyl crisis. The Hogan administration has implemented a number of groundbreaking policies related to the opioid epidemic, including the expansion of the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program and the provision of millions in grant funding to local health departments and treatment programs. It also established the Maryland Heroin and Opioid Emergency Task Force and the Inter-Agency Heroin and Opioid Coordinating Council, both led by Lieutenant Governor Boyd K. Rutherford.
“While we know there is still much work to be done with regard to this epidemic, the decline of heroin- and opioid-related deaths over the first two quarters of 2019 gives us hope that we are on the right track,” said Lt. Governor Rutherford. “We appreciate the efforts of all the stakeholders at the state and local levels, and in the medical and advocacy communities, who have been working with us over the last several years to implement a comprehensive, holistic response to this public health crisis.”
Fentanyl continues to be the deadliest substance, with 962 fentanyl-related deaths occurring in the first six months of 2019. This represents a 7.8% decrease over the same period last year. Fentanyl was involved in 90.8% of opioid-related deaths during this period.
Deaths related to cocaine, the third most prevalent drug involved with overdose deaths, declined as well. Comparing the periods of January through June 2018 and 2019, the number of cocaine-related deaths decreased 16.6%. The increase in cocaine-related deaths over the last several years can be attributed to cocaine combined with opioids, which were found in approximately 90% of cocaine-related deaths so far in 2019.
“Prevention and providing treatment 24/7 continue to be our priorities,“ said Maryland Department of Health Secretary Robert R. Neall. “We're continuing our efforts to get naloxone out into the community and to train people on how to use it."
The second quarter Fatal Overdose Data Report can be found here, and past quarterly reports here. The OOCC provides performance measures by state agencies and Maryland’s 24 opioid intervention teams, details about opioid-related spending, and information regarding Maryland’s fight against the heroin and opioid epidemic.
“We are confident that the right strategies are in place to advance Governor Hogan’s policy priorities of prevention and education, enforcement and public safety, and treatment and recovery,” said Steve Schuh, Executive Director of the Opioid Operational Command Center.
Before It’s Too Late is the state’s effort to bring awareness to this epidemic and to mobilize resources for effective prevention, treatment and recovery. Marylanders struggling with a substance use disorder can find help at BeforeItsTooLateMD.org, by calling 211 and pressing 1, or by texting their ZIP code to 898-211.
Obama Officials Rush to McCabe’s Defense – Offer to Testify on His Behalf After US Attorney Recommends Pursuing Criminal Charges
Former Obama officials are lining up to defend former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe and offered to testify on his behalf if he were to face trial over lying to the feds about leaks to the media.
US Attorney Jessie Liu last week formally recommended pursuing criminal charges against Andrew McCabe.
The potential charges against McCabe are related to his false statements to feds in the FBI’s investigation into Hilary Clinton.
And now crooked Obama officials are lining up to defend McCabe, one of the key coup plotters who tried to oust President Trump from office.
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US Attorney Jessie Liu last week formally recommended pursuing criminal charges against Andrew McCabe.
The potential charges against McCabe are related to his false statements to feds in the FBI’s investigation into Hilary Clinton.
And now crooked Obama officials are lining up to defend McCabe, one of the key coup plotters who tried to oust President Trump from office.
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Top 10 States With the Highest Cancer Rates
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in America and experts are bracing themselves for a dramatic rise in the number of new diagnoses, as forecast by the CDC.
At a state level, there is a notable difference in cancer rates, which are influenced by various factors like population, age, gender and lifestyle habits.
24/7 Tempo recently set out to determine which were the states with the highest cancer rates by analyzing data on cancer diagnosis rates in the U.S. The review also included comparisons between the overall cancer mortality rate as well as incidence rates of the more common cases like breast and lung cancer as well as each state's adult smoking and obesity rates. Based on the review, here are the 10 states with the highest cancer rates:
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At a state level, there is a notable difference in cancer rates, which are influenced by various factors like population, age, gender and lifestyle habits.
24/7 Tempo recently set out to determine which were the states with the highest cancer rates by analyzing data on cancer diagnosis rates in the U.S. The review also included comparisons between the overall cancer mortality rate as well as incidence rates of the more common cases like breast and lung cancer as well as each state's adult smoking and obesity rates. Based on the review, here are the 10 states with the highest cancer rates:
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Reparations or Liberty?
Among many telltale signs of the tectonic fissures dividing the nation, perhaps the most telling is the near universal call by prominent Democrats and others for reparations. This refers to a compensatory payment made to the descendants of African slaves brought to America through the Atlantic Slave Trade. It is unworkable, but it speaks loudly of the state of our politics and culture.
Proponents of reparations argue passionately of the stain of slavery, the long, dark shadow cast by this cruel institution across the American soul. This great evil, the original sin of slavery, has cursed the nation at its inception, at the founding, and in our founding documents. The country is thus irredeemably marred and defective, and the blot of that dark inheritance is fixed in our moral DNA. This insidious legacy lives on in America, in the systemic racism that pervades the nation, and the disparate outcomes of blacks and whites in all sectors of society today.
But there are counter-arguments. We begin with the obvious: slavery ended in America 150 years ago by something known as the Civil War; roughly 750,000 soldiers died in that cataclysm, a great and bloody cleansing of the nation over that mortal sin. Furthermore, no one alive today in America is a slave or slaveholder, and sons and daughters are not responsible for the sins of their parents, let alone of distant ancestors from more than a century ago
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Proponents of reparations argue passionately of the stain of slavery, the long, dark shadow cast by this cruel institution across the American soul. This great evil, the original sin of slavery, has cursed the nation at its inception, at the founding, and in our founding documents. The country is thus irredeemably marred and defective, and the blot of that dark inheritance is fixed in our moral DNA. This insidious legacy lives on in America, in the systemic racism that pervades the nation, and the disparate outcomes of blacks and whites in all sectors of society today.
But there are counter-arguments. We begin with the obvious: slavery ended in America 150 years ago by something known as the Civil War; roughly 750,000 soldiers died in that cataclysm, a great and bloody cleansing of the nation over that mortal sin. Furthermore, no one alive today in America is a slave or slaveholder, and sons and daughters are not responsible for the sins of their parents, let alone of distant ancestors from more than a century ago
More
United States Files Civil Lawsuit against Edward Snowden for Publishing a Book in Violation of CIA and NSA Non-Disclosure Agreements
The United States today filed a lawsuit against Edward Snowden, a former employee of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and contractor for the National Security Agency (NSA), who published a book entitled Permanent Record in violation of the non-disclosure agreements he signed with both CIA and NSA.
The lawsuit alleges that Snowden published his book without submitting it to the agencies for pre-publication review, in violation of his express obligations under the agreements he signed. Additionally, the lawsuit alleges that Snowden has given public speeches on intelligence-related matters, also in violation of his non-disclosure agreements.
The United States’ lawsuit does not seek to stop or restrict the publication or distribution of Permanent Record. Rather, under well-established Supreme Court precedent, Snepp v. United States, the government seeks to recover all proceeds earned by Snowden because of his failure to submit his publication for pre-publication review in violation of his alleged contractual and fiduciary obligations.
Lost Dog In Salisbury
UPDATE:
Update on Logan, he has been found. Thank you guys so much.
This dog got lost Monday night, his owners are guests at Best Western in Salisbury and decided to stay another night. His name is Logan if found please contact 410-546-1300 and we will contact owners.
Father of Parkland shooting victim: 'Guns didn’t kill my daughter, Democratic policies did'
On "No Interruption," Fox Nation host Tomi Lahren sat down with Andrew Pollack, father of Parkland shooting victim Meadow Pollack.
Pollack became an outspoken advocate for school safety since the Parkland shooting, and he has now written a new book detailing his own investigation into the events that led to the massacre.
"I wanted to look into it, I wanted to honor my daughter to see what happened, and how it could happen that I put my daughter in a school, in a nice neighboorhood, and then I'm never going to see her again," Pollack said. "I wanted to know the facts. I didn't just listen to mainstream media, I didn't jump on that bandwagon -- and I found out that there was a multitude of failures and policies that lead up to my daughter getting murdered, that the mainstream media didn't want to cover."
In "Why Meadow Died: The People and Policies That Created The Parkland Shooter and Endanger America's Students," Pollack discusses his views on gun control, why he blames Democratic policies for his daughter's murder, and precautions that parents can take to ensure the safety of their children.
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https://www.foxnews.com/media/father-of-parkland-shooting-victim-andrew-pollack-blames-dems-guns-didnt-kill-my-daughter-but-democratic-policies-did
Pollack became an outspoken advocate for school safety since the Parkland shooting, and he has now written a new book detailing his own investigation into the events that led to the massacre.
"I wanted to look into it, I wanted to honor my daughter to see what happened, and how it could happen that I put my daughter in a school, in a nice neighboorhood, and then I'm never going to see her again," Pollack said. "I wanted to know the facts. I didn't just listen to mainstream media, I didn't jump on that bandwagon -- and I found out that there was a multitude of failures and policies that lead up to my daughter getting murdered, that the mainstream media didn't want to cover."
In "Why Meadow Died: The People and Policies That Created The Parkland Shooter and Endanger America's Students," Pollack discusses his views on gun control, why he blames Democratic policies for his daughter's murder, and precautions that parents can take to ensure the safety of their children.
More
https://www.foxnews.com/media/father-of-parkland-shooting-victim-andrew-pollack-blames-dems-guns-didnt-kill-my-daughter-but-democratic-policies-did
Stacey Abrams Launches Women’s Political Activism Training
Georgia Democrat Stacey Abrams is helping launch a “Majority Rules” initiative that aims to equip and mobilize more than two million women for political activism, reports said.
Abrams, a runner-up in last year’s gubernatorial race in Georgia, told an audience in Atlanta on Sunday that she does not follow the rules.
“As women, we are taught there are certain rules we have to follow. We are taught that it’s our responsibility to meekly accept the outcome and to trust the rules as they were written down. I don’t,” she said.
The initiative’s website states that its bus tour plans to introduce women to “Majority Rules: a values-based agenda– informed by tens of thousands of women–for how we can live, work and rise together to make women’s equality a reality”:
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Abrams, a runner-up in last year’s gubernatorial race in Georgia, told an audience in Atlanta on Sunday that she does not follow the rules.
“As women, we are taught there are certain rules we have to follow. We are taught that it’s our responsibility to meekly accept the outcome and to trust the rules as they were written down. I don’t,” she said.
The initiative’s website states that its bus tour plans to introduce women to “Majority Rules: a values-based agenda– informed by tens of thousands of women–for how we can live, work and rise together to make women’s equality a reality”:
More
The crisis in the Border Patrol isn't a mystery, and Democrats are to blame
A very long New York Times article published on Sunday explores the state of the Border Patrol, which the paper describes as being in a “morale crisis.”
“The Border Patrol, whose agents have gone from having one of the most obscure jobs in law enforcement to one of the most hated,” read the report, “is suffering a crisis in both mission and morale.”
Wow, that sounds awful. What could possibly be the problem? I bet the Times is eager to get to the bottom of it.
“Some agents blamed migrant parents for bringing their children into the mess,” the Times explained. “Their anger began building under President Barack Obama.” That’s as close as the four authors of the story get to answering who is responsible for the depressing cloud cast over an entire government law enforcement agency. You have to read nearly 40 paragraphs in before you get to the obvious truth. It comes in the form of a quote by an anonymous agent who’s been with Border Patrol for 10 years.
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“The Border Patrol, whose agents have gone from having one of the most obscure jobs in law enforcement to one of the most hated,” read the report, “is suffering a crisis in both mission and morale.”
Wow, that sounds awful. What could possibly be the problem? I bet the Times is eager to get to the bottom of it.
“Some agents blamed migrant parents for bringing their children into the mess,” the Times explained. “Their anger began building under President Barack Obama.” That’s as close as the four authors of the story get to answering who is responsible for the depressing cloud cast over an entire government law enforcement agency. You have to read nearly 40 paragraphs in before you get to the obvious truth. It comes in the form of a quote by an anonymous agent who’s been with Border Patrol for 10 years.
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Harris Announces Grant to Wor-Wic Community College
WASHINGTON, DC: Rep. Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) announced the award of a $64,655 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to Wor-Wic Community College in Salisbury. The award is a discretionary grant through the Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator Safety Training Grant Program. The goals of the grant program include expanding the number of commercial driver license (CDL) holders possessing enhanced operator safety training and to assist veterans and their spouses to receive training to transition to the commercial motor vehicle industry.
Wor-Wic Community College offers commercial driver license training for Class A and Class B driver’s exams, preparing students for professions driving 18-wheelers or other commercial trucks, and courses to acquire school bus and passenger endorsements.
Rep. Andy Harris made the following statement:
“As a member of the Committee on Appropriations, I applaud the award of this grant to Wor-Wic Community College. These funds are an investment in the education and economy on the Eastern Shore, helping to prepare our students for good paying jobs that are in high demand. The growth of e-commerce created a shortage of drivers that has an impact throughout our economy, and this training helps fill that need.”
OC Seeks Dismissal Of $1M Civil Suit Over Beach Death
OCEAN CITY – The Town of Ocean City filed a formal motion to dismiss the $1 million civil suit brought by the family of a woman who was found deceased and buried on the beach in July 2017.
The suit was filed by the decedent’s mother, Gayla Lutyk, through her attorneys in July, just one week from the two-year anniversary of the tragic incident on July 31, 2017. The negligence suit seeks $1 million in compensatory damages.
On July 31, 2017, the Ocean City Public Works Department’s beach cleaning crews were completing their overnight duties between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. when they discovered a deceased woman on the beach at 2nd Street later identified as Ashley O’Connor, 30, of Plano, Texas. The victim was buried in the sand with just a forearm and hand exposed.
The Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) Forensics Unit, with assistance from Maryland State Police crime scene technicians, processed the scene and removed the victim’s body from the sand around 4:15 p.m. that afternoon, or several hours after it was first discovered. The victim was evaluated by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, who determined the cause of death was accidental and the manner of death was asphyxia due to suffocation.
OCPD detectives determined around 2 a.m. on July 31, O’Connor walked alone onto the beach in the area of 2nd Street and shortly thereafter fell into or sat in a hole roughly three- to four-feet deep made by a person or persons unknown. Around 6:30 a.m., she was discovered buried in the sand.
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The suit was filed by the decedent’s mother, Gayla Lutyk, through her attorneys in July, just one week from the two-year anniversary of the tragic incident on July 31, 2017. The negligence suit seeks $1 million in compensatory damages.
On July 31, 2017, the Ocean City Public Works Department’s beach cleaning crews were completing their overnight duties between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. when they discovered a deceased woman on the beach at 2nd Street later identified as Ashley O’Connor, 30, of Plano, Texas. The victim was buried in the sand with just a forearm and hand exposed.
The Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) Forensics Unit, with assistance from Maryland State Police crime scene technicians, processed the scene and removed the victim’s body from the sand around 4:15 p.m. that afternoon, or several hours after it was first discovered. The victim was evaluated by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, who determined the cause of death was accidental and the manner of death was asphyxia due to suffocation.
OCPD detectives determined around 2 a.m. on July 31, O’Connor walked alone onto the beach in the area of 2nd Street and shortly thereafter fell into or sat in a hole roughly three- to four-feet deep made by a person or persons unknown. Around 6:30 a.m., she was discovered buried in the sand.
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North Carolina teacher under investigation after allegedly calling for Pence assassination
A North Carolina high school teacher allegedly told her students that Vice President Mike Pence should be "shot in the head" while Pence was in the state to campaign for Republican Dan Bishop.
The unnamed Cuthbertson High School teacher has been referred to the Secret Service by the Union County Sheriff's Office, according to local Fox 46. The school is in the 9th Congressional District near Charlotte, which Bishop won against Democrat Dan McCready in last week's special election.
"This is the vice president of the United States. He's an elected official,” said Firas Obeid, a parent of two students at the high school, adding he is not a supporter of Pence. "Affiliation to a specific party does not entitle us to make a statement like that to anyone."
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The unnamed Cuthbertson High School teacher has been referred to the Secret Service by the Union County Sheriff's Office, according to local Fox 46. The school is in the 9th Congressional District near Charlotte, which Bishop won against Democrat Dan McCready in last week's special election.
"This is the vice president of the United States. He's an elected official,” said Firas Obeid, a parent of two students at the high school, adding he is not a supporter of Pence. "Affiliation to a specific party does not entitle us to make a statement like that to anyone."
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House Oversight investigating Elaine Chao's ties to family company
Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao is under investigation by a House panel for possible conflicts of interest, including an examination of whether Chao used her official position to benefit herself and her family business.
In a letter sent to Chao on Monday, the Democrat-led House Oversight Committee requested information related to her ties to Foremost Group, an American shipping company headquartered in New York that is owned by Chao's father and sisters.
Although Chao holds no formal stake in the company, her high status as a U.S. official and her marriage to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell have raised concerns about a potential conflict of interest.
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In a letter sent to Chao on Monday, the Democrat-led House Oversight Committee requested information related to her ties to Foremost Group, an American shipping company headquartered in New York that is owned by Chao's father and sisters.
Although Chao holds no formal stake in the company, her high status as a U.S. official and her marriage to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell have raised concerns about a potential conflict of interest.
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Happy Constitution Day!
A More Perfect Union: George Washington and the Making of the Constitution
A More Perfect Union explores the many challenges facing the new nation and describes how our founding fathers, led by George Washington, created the United States Constitution. Born of compromise, this founding document laid the foundation for our more perfect union. Worth watching here.
https://www.mountvernon.org/site/animated-washington/a-more-perfect-union/
A More Perfect Union explores the many challenges facing the new nation and describes how our founding fathers, led by George Washington, created the United States Constitution. Born of compromise, this founding document laid the foundation for our more perfect union. Worth watching here.
https://www.mountvernon.org/site/animated-washington/a-more-perfect-union/
Fiddlers Convention Returns To Berlin For 27th Year
BERLIN — The Berlin Fiddlers Convention returns to Main Street for its 27th year this weekend, featuring bluegrass, old-time, Celtic, Irish and Cajun musicians from all over the country competing for thousands in prize money.
Hundreds of attendees of all ages turn out each year to cheer on their favorite competitors in full band, fiddle, banjo and mandolin categories and the Maryland State Flatpicking Guitar Championship. Renowned performers, accomplished youth and adult contestants, fantastic regional food and drink and artisans make this one of Maryland’s most fun occasions. The event is free.
Kicking off the weekend’s festivities on Friday, Sept. 20 will be a headline performance from the Jakob’s Ferry Stragglers, hailing from western Maryland and Pennsylvania.
The Jakob’s Ferry Stragglers draw freely from old time, bluegrass, rockabilly and swing music to create their own brand of high energy, Appalachian Bluegrass. Gary Antol (guitar/vocals) and Libby Eddy (fiddle/vocals) founded the band in 2014 with a simple goal — write good songs, honor the music and take it to the road. In the time since, the band has appeared at festivals and clubs all across the country.
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Hundreds of attendees of all ages turn out each year to cheer on their favorite competitors in full band, fiddle, banjo and mandolin categories and the Maryland State Flatpicking Guitar Championship. Renowned performers, accomplished youth and adult contestants, fantastic regional food and drink and artisans make this one of Maryland’s most fun occasions. The event is free.
Kicking off the weekend’s festivities on Friday, Sept. 20 will be a headline performance from the Jakob’s Ferry Stragglers, hailing from western Maryland and Pennsylvania.
The Jakob’s Ferry Stragglers draw freely from old time, bluegrass, rockabilly and swing music to create their own brand of high energy, Appalachian Bluegrass. Gary Antol (guitar/vocals) and Libby Eddy (fiddle/vocals) founded the band in 2014 with a simple goal — write good songs, honor the music and take it to the road. In the time since, the band has appeared at festivals and clubs all across the country.
More
Women's March new board member 'is a proud anti-Zionist'
One of the new leaders of the Women's March has a history of anti-Zionist tweets.
Zahra Billoo, the Executive Director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, is one of many new board members following the organization's decision to sever ties with Linda Sarsour, Bob Bland, and Tamika Mallory. The three former board members have been bogged down by accusations of anti-Semitism for months, in part because they have ties to notoriously anti-Semitic Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan.
Billoo, who is also a civil rights attorney, has tweeted negatively about Zionism for years. Earlier this year, she declared herself to be a "proud anti-Zionist," because "if you support the idea of an ethnocentric nation-state, we are not in the same fight for liberation. I oppose a white nation, a Muslim nation, a Jewish nation, and any other whose current status requires privileging one identity over another."
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Zahra Billoo, the Executive Director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, is one of many new board members following the organization's decision to sever ties with Linda Sarsour, Bob Bland, and Tamika Mallory. The three former board members have been bogged down by accusations of anti-Semitism for months, in part because they have ties to notoriously anti-Semitic Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan.
Billoo, who is also a civil rights attorney, has tweeted negatively about Zionism for years. Earlier this year, she declared herself to be a "proud anti-Zionist," because "if you support the idea of an ethnocentric nation-state, we are not in the same fight for liberation. I oppose a white nation, a Muslim nation, a Jewish nation, and any other whose current status requires privileging one identity over another."
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Humberto Continues to Intensify; Watching 97L in the Tropical Atlantic
Hurricane Humberto flexed its muscles on Monday as it spun about 300 miles off the Southeast U.S. coast. Humberto’s top sustained winds were 90 mph, according to the 5 pm EDT advisory from the National Hurricane Center. Humberto could present a serious threat to Bermuda by Wednesday or Thursday as it accelerates in that direction. Large swells can be expected along the coast of Bermuda and the Southeast U.S. over the next several days.
Humberto carved out a distinct eye on visible satellite imagery Monday, as the hurricane took on a much more classical structure, with spiral rainbands and prominent upper-level outflow. Humberto’s shield of showers and thunderstorms (convection) expanded, with “hot towers” (pockets of intense convection) sprouting within the eyewall. Just after 3 PM EDT Monday afternoon, Hurricane Hunters found flight-level winds of 78 knots (90 mph). Humberto’s surface pressure continues to drop steadily, down to 972 mb as of 5 pm EDT. The hurricane has been strengthening at a moderate pace: about 20 knots of wind speed per 24 hours, compared to the 30 knots in 24 hours that would qualify as rapid intensification
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Humberto carved out a distinct eye on visible satellite imagery Monday, as the hurricane took on a much more classical structure, with spiral rainbands and prominent upper-level outflow. Humberto’s shield of showers and thunderstorms (convection) expanded, with “hot towers” (pockets of intense convection) sprouting within the eyewall. Just after 3 PM EDT Monday afternoon, Hurricane Hunters found flight-level winds of 78 knots (90 mph). Humberto’s surface pressure continues to drop steadily, down to 972 mb as of 5 pm EDT. The hurricane has been strengthening at a moderate pace: about 20 knots of wind speed per 24 hours, compared to the 30 knots in 24 hours that would qualify as rapid intensification
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Johnstone: Biden's Brain Is Swiss Cheese And It's Creepy That We're Not All Talking About It
I didn’t watch the last Democratic presidential primary debates because I figured that without Tulsi Gabbard in there shaking things up it would be a boring, vapid parade of insubstantial verbal foam, and I love myself too much to go through such a horrible ordeal. By all accounts my prediction was correct, but I did miss one thing that’s been making the rounds in video clips for the last couple of days which I find absolutely bizarre.
Most of you have probably heard about Biden’s infamous “record player” comment by now, but for those of you who missed it, Biden was asked by debate moderator Linsey Davis to defend some comments he made about America’s problems with racism in the 1970s, and he responded by essentially saying that Black people don’t know how to raise their kids so they need to be taught how by social workers. Biden has been receiving mainstream criticism for his racist and paternalistic position, along with plenty of mockery for saying that parents need to be told to “make sure you have the record player on at night” so that kids hear enough words in early childhood.
It is pretty clear that Biden was trying to communicate an idea that is premised on a deeply racist and condescending worldview, so it’s to be expected that people would want to talk about that. It’s also to be expected that people would be making jokes about how the cute old man said “record player” like a grandpa. But what isn’t being discussed nearly enough is the fact that what Biden said was also a barely coherent, garbled word salad stumbling out of a brain that is clearly being eaten alive by a very serious neurological disease.
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Most of you have probably heard about Biden’s infamous “record player” comment by now, but for those of you who missed it, Biden was asked by debate moderator Linsey Davis to defend some comments he made about America’s problems with racism in the 1970s, and he responded by essentially saying that Black people don’t know how to raise their kids so they need to be taught how by social workers. Biden has been receiving mainstream criticism for his racist and paternalistic position, along with plenty of mockery for saying that parents need to be told to “make sure you have the record player on at night” so that kids hear enough words in early childhood.
It is pretty clear that Biden was trying to communicate an idea that is premised on a deeply racist and condescending worldview, so it’s to be expected that people would want to talk about that. It’s also to be expected that people would be making jokes about how the cute old man said “record player” like a grandpa. But what isn’t being discussed nearly enough is the fact that what Biden said was also a barely coherent, garbled word salad stumbling out of a brain that is clearly being eaten alive by a very serious neurological disease.
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Nike ad featuring Colin Kaepernick wins Emmy Award
A controversial commercial from Nike that featured former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick as the face of its “Just Do It” campaign won a 2019 Creative Arts Emmy Award for outstanding commercial.
The Creative Arts Emmy Awards were held Saturday and preceded the more well-known prime-time Emmy Awards that airs later this month.
Last year’s ad, which stoked outrage among conservatives for Kaepernick’s inclusion, featured the 31-year-old athlete along with others who promote social justice causes. Kaepernick, who was the first athlete to kneel during the National Anthem, says in the video, “Believe in something even if it means sacrificing everything.”
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The Creative Arts Emmy Awards were held Saturday and preceded the more well-known prime-time Emmy Awards that airs later this month.
Last year’s ad, which stoked outrage among conservatives for Kaepernick’s inclusion, featured the 31-year-old athlete along with others who promote social justice causes. Kaepernick, who was the first athlete to kneel during the National Anthem, says in the video, “Believe in something even if it means sacrificing everything.”
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Why states need to ditch mandatory ‘LGBT history’ education programs
A recent wave of bills requiring public schools to teach students about the historical contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender people has made its way to Illinois, which recently joined California, Colorado, New Jersey, and Oregon, in enacting such a mandate. These lessons might sound innocuous enough, but even as a gay man, I think they're actually an affront to our freedoms.
The agenda here is pretty blatant: Liberal legislatures and educators hope to push students toward a liberal view on LGBT issues, even though those values and sexual practices might fly in the face of their family’s worldviews. Even if you, like me, believe in LGBT acceptance and tolerance, this isn’t something you should support.
This initiative violates the freedom of far too many religious people. Parents should feel they can safely pass their spiritual convictions to their children without government interference. As of 2019, 31% of adults are still not in favor of same-sex marriage. There is no better way to make an entire group of people more bitter toward LGBT people than stomping on their beliefs and parental rights in the name of furthering your agenda.
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The agenda here is pretty blatant: Liberal legislatures and educators hope to push students toward a liberal view on LGBT issues, even though those values and sexual practices might fly in the face of their family’s worldviews. Even if you, like me, believe in LGBT acceptance and tolerance, this isn’t something you should support.
This initiative violates the freedom of far too many religious people. Parents should feel they can safely pass their spiritual convictions to their children without government interference. As of 2019, 31% of adults are still not in favor of same-sex marriage. There is no better way to make an entire group of people more bitter toward LGBT people than stomping on their beliefs and parental rights in the name of furthering your agenda.
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Mayor releases 'Squeegee Alternative Plan' to get 'squeegee kids' off the streets
BALTIMORE (WBFF) - Baltimore Mayor Jack Young has released a "squeegee alternative plan" that would deploy police officers, provide "financial relief" to "squeegee kids" and direct them toward educational opportunities.
The city's "squeegee kids" have been an ongoing source of controversy, with many complaining about them or even claiming they can be violent.
It would cost about $206,100 to implement the "immediate" solutions in Mayor Young's plan, and nearly $1 million to create "sustainable solutions."
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The city's "squeegee kids" have been an ongoing source of controversy, with many complaining about them or even claiming they can be violent.
It would cost about $206,100 to implement the "immediate" solutions in Mayor Young's plan, and nearly $1 million to create "sustainable solutions."
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Trump recommends congressional investigations into Obama family book and Netflix deals
President Trump advised Congress to stop investigations into his businesses and focus on investigating the Obamas' book and Netflix deals.
"House Judiciary has given up on the Mueller Report, sadly for them after two years and $40,000,000 spent - ZERO COLLUSION, ZERO OBSTRUCTION. So they say, OK, lets look at everything else, and all of the deals that 'Trump' has done over his lifetime. But it doesn’t work that way," Trump said Monday morning on Twitter. "I have a better idea. Look at the Obama Book Deal, or the ridiculous Netflix deal. Then look at all the deals made by the Dems in Congress, the 'Congressional Slush Fund,' and lastly the IG Reports. Take a look at them. Those investigations would be over FAST!"
"House Judiciary has given up on the Mueller Report, sadly for them after two years and $40,000,000 spent - ZERO COLLUSION, ZERO OBSTRUCTION. So they say, OK, lets look at everything else, and all of the deals that 'Trump' has done over his lifetime. But it doesn’t work that way," Trump said Monday morning on Twitter. "I have a better idea. Look at the Obama Book Deal, or the ridiculous Netflix deal. Then look at all the deals made by the Dems in Congress, the 'Congressional Slush Fund,' and lastly the IG Reports. Take a look at them. Those investigations would be over FAST!"
....work that way. I have a better idea. Look at the Obama Book Deal, or the ridiculous Netflix deal. Then look at all the deals made by the Dems in Congress, the “Congressional Slush Fund,” and lastly the IG Reports. Take a look at them. Those investigations would be over FAST!— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 16, 2019More
Scabies infestation reported at several Prince George’s county firehouses
Instead of fighting fires, Prince George’s County, Maryland’s, fire department is fighting an infestation of microscopic mites. Scabies cases have been reported at several fire stations throughout the county.
“Once we were notified of the bites from the mites, we took immediate action,” Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Chief Benjamin Barksdale said
Barksdale said when the situation came to light last week, 205 firefighters were checked for the mite and its telltale rash, and 20 were diagnosed with scabies. The firefighters were assigned to 13 different unidentified fire stations throughout the county.
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“Once we were notified of the bites from the mites, we took immediate action,” Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Chief Benjamin Barksdale said
Barksdale said when the situation came to light last week, 205 firefighters were checked for the mite and its telltale rash, and 20 were diagnosed with scabies. The firefighters were assigned to 13 different unidentified fire stations throughout the county.
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Delaware 2017: Joe Biden Recounts Nearly Wrapping a Chain Around a Gang Leader Named Corn Pop’s Head
Joe Biden told a harrowing story during an event in 2017 about facing down a razor-wielding gang leader named Corn Pop in his youth by threatening to “wrap” a chain around the man’s head. The incident came back into the spotlight over the weekend when footage of Biden’s remarks began circulating social media.
The former vice president, who has come under scrutiny in recent weeks for embellishing portions of his personal and political life, told the story when being honored with having a community pool named after him in a Wilmington, Delaware, historically black neighborhood. Biden had reportedly been the only white lifeguard at the pool during the early 1960s when segregation was still in effect.
The event started with Biden discussing how his time as a lifeguard had opened his eyes about racial injustice and privilege. It, however, quickly took a strange turn when Biden, flanked by children from the local community, decided to recount a nearly violent altercation he had at the pool with a misbehaving swimmer.
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The former vice president, who has come under scrutiny in recent weeks for embellishing portions of his personal and political life, told the story when being honored with having a community pool named after him in a Wilmington, Delaware, historically black neighborhood. Biden had reportedly been the only white lifeguard at the pool during the early 1960s when segregation was still in effect.
The event started with Biden discussing how his time as a lifeguard had opened his eyes about racial injustice and privilege. It, however, quickly took a strange turn when Biden, flanked by children from the local community, decided to recount a nearly violent altercation he had at the pool with a misbehaving swimmer.
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Manufacturing a Smear – How the Democrat-Media Complex Turned Brett Kavanaugh into a ‘Rapist’
The day he was sworn in as an associate justice of the Supreme Court, Brett Kavanaugh made history as the first justice to hire an all-female staff of law clerks. This was in keeping with his record of hiring more women than men and of sending more women to clerk on the Supreme Court than any other judge in the country during his 12-year tenure on the federal bench.
The women who clerked for him – including those who identify as liberals—describe him as “a lifelong mentor who feels an enduring responsibility for each of his clerks,” “an extraordinarily thoughtful man, who goes out of his way to be kind” and whose “hiring and support of women alone has helped to really diversify the range of Supreme Court clerks.”
So how did a man who is a proven ally of women, who is universally praised by female colleagues and has never had any complaints lodged against him over his decades-long career, come to be labeled a “rapist,” and those who voted to confirm him to the Supreme Court as “rape enablers”?
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The women who clerked for him – including those who identify as liberals—describe him as “a lifelong mentor who feels an enduring responsibility for each of his clerks,” “an extraordinarily thoughtful man, who goes out of his way to be kind” and whose “hiring and support of women alone has helped to really diversify the range of Supreme Court clerks.”
So how did a man who is a proven ally of women, who is universally praised by female colleagues and has never had any complaints lodged against him over his decades-long career, come to be labeled a “rapist,” and those who voted to confirm him to the Supreme Court as “rape enablers”?
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Chaffetz: Ballot harvesting -- California's model to steal 2020
The Heritage Foundation calls it the “tool of choice for vote thieves.” The convenient, innovative, and beloved mail-in ballot has been a source of contention due to its vulnerability to manipulation.
During the 2018 midterms, Democrats in California and a Republican consultant in North Carolina used a process called "ballot harvesting" to collect mail-in ballots for voters.
But there was a big difference between the two states, as I discuss in my new book, "Power Grab." In North Carolina, ballot harvesting is illegal. Congress refused to seat the winner of the 2018 midterm election between Republican Mark Harris and Democrat Dan McCready and a special election was held this month to replace him. Though Republican Dan Bishop managed to win the heavily Republican district last week, the history of "cheating" by the previous candidate weighed heavily, making the race far closer than one might expect in a district with an R+8 partisan lean.
In California, by contrast, ballot harvesting was legalized by Democrats in the state legislature. They don't consider it cheating in that state. It was used to flip seven Republican seats to the Democratic column in 2018.
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https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/jason-chaffetz-ballot-harvesting-california-model
During the 2018 midterms, Democrats in California and a Republican consultant in North Carolina used a process called "ballot harvesting" to collect mail-in ballots for voters.
But there was a big difference between the two states, as I discuss in my new book, "Power Grab." In North Carolina, ballot harvesting is illegal. Congress refused to seat the winner of the 2018 midterm election between Republican Mark Harris and Democrat Dan McCready and a special election was held this month to replace him. Though Republican Dan Bishop managed to win the heavily Republican district last week, the history of "cheating" by the previous candidate weighed heavily, making the race far closer than one might expect in a district with an R+8 partisan lean.
In California, by contrast, ballot harvesting was legalized by Democrats in the state legislature. They don't consider it cheating in that state. It was used to flip seven Republican seats to the Democratic column in 2018.
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https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/jason-chaffetz-ballot-harvesting-california-model
New York Times is forced to revise 'bombshell' story detailing sexual misconduct claims against Brett Kavanaugh
New York Times is forced to revise 'bombshell' story detailing sexual misconduct claims against Brett Kavanaugh to say the accuser has NO memory of alleged assault at a dorm party in the 1980s and REFUSED to be interviewed
The New York Times has been hit with backlash for revising its 'bombshell' article describing 'new' sexual assault allegations against Brett Kavanaugh to include the fact that the alleged victim does not remember the apparent assault and declined to be interviewed about it.
The NYT published its story in the early hours of Sunday morning based on claims made by Max Stier, a former male classmate of Kavanaugh's at Yale.
Two of the newspaper's reporters - an arts writer and Wall Street reporter - discovered, from an unnamed official, that Stier reported seeing an apparent assault at a dorm party in the 1980s. He said Kavanaugh had his pants down and that his classmates then pushed his penis into a woman's hands.
They included his claim in a book they have written about Kavanaugh's college years which will be released on Tuesday.
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Missing Cat In Allen: UPDATE
Joe, I live in Allen on Allen Road, right by the bridge separating the pond and the creek.
Saturday morning 14th September, one of my kittens went missing. It’s a male, 4-1/2 months old, between 5 – 6 lbs. His name is Scratch, not that he answers to it.
He is a cream colored cat.
I do not own a cell phone or have digital camera, so I cannot include a photo.
Not sure if you are able to assist me.
Thanks
James Fazio
(410)742-4205
Saturday morning 14th September, one of my kittens went missing. It’s a male, 4-1/2 months old, between 5 – 6 lbs. His name is Scratch, not that he answers to it.
He is a cream colored cat.
I do not own a cell phone or have digital camera, so I cannot include a photo.
Not sure if you are able to assist me.
Thanks
James Fazio
(410)742-4205
California Gov. Newsom Commutes Sentences For 12 Convicted Murderers
Gov. Gavin Newsom granted commutations to 12 convicted murderers on Friday, many of whom were serving life sentences.
Sacramento, CA – California Governor Gavin Newsom granted commutations to 12 convicted murderers on Friday, many of whom were serving life sentences without the possibility of parole.
He also commuted the sentences of nine other imprisoned violent offenders.
“The California Constitution gives the Governor the authority to grant clemency, including in the form of a commutation. A clemency grant recognizes a person’s efforts in self-development, rehabilitation and prospects for successful community reentry,” Newsom’s office said in a statement.
“The Governor weighs numerous factors in his review of clemency applications, including an applicant’s self-development and conduct since the offense, whether the grant is consistent with public safety and in the interests of justice and the impact of a grant on the community,” according to the statement.
Allen Burnett was 18 years old when he and two accomplices carjacked Joseph Kondrath in 1992, according to his clemency certificate. Kondrath was fatally shot by one of the co-defendants during the attack.
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Former NFL player, business owner accused of staging racially-motivated burglary
GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. (WZTV) — A former NFL player turned Georgia businessman is accused of staging a racially-motivated burglary.
Gwinnett County Police report police responded to a burglary in progress call at the Create and Bake Restaurant and Coughman's Creamery in Lawrenceville last week, the caller stating there was a suspect damaging the business.
The caller told police the man was driving a black Chevrolet Silverado with no license plate. Police responded to the area and found the vehicle, driven by Edawn Louis Coughman, owner of the store.
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Gwinnett County Police report police responded to a burglary in progress call at the Create and Bake Restaurant and Coughman's Creamery in Lawrenceville last week, the caller stating there was a suspect damaging the business.
The caller told police the man was driving a black Chevrolet Silverado with no license plate. Police responded to the area and found the vehicle, driven by Edawn Louis Coughman, owner of the store.
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Paraprosdokians
First time I heard about paraprosdokians, I liked them. Paraprosdokians are figures of speech in which the latter part of a sentence or phrase is surprising or unexpected and is frequently humorous. (Sir Winston Churchill loved them).
1. Where there's a will, I want to be in it.
2. The last thing I want to do is hurt you ...but it's still on my list.
3. Since light travels faster than sound, some people appear bright until you hear them speak
4. If I agreed with you, we'd both be wrong.
5. We never really grow up -- we only learn how to act in public.
6. War does not determine who is right, only who is left.
7. Knowledge, is knowing a tomato is a fruit Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
8. To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism. To steal from many is research.
9. I didn't say it was your fault, I said I was blaming you.
10. In filling out an application, where it says, "In case of an emergency, notify..." I answered "a doctor."
11. Women will never be equal to men until they can walk down the street with a bald head and a beer gut, and still think they are sexy.
12. You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to skydive twice.
13. I used to be indecisive, but now I'm not so sure.
14. To be sure of hitting the target, shoot first and call whatever you hit the target.
15. Going to church doesn't make you a Christian, any more than standing in a garage makes you a car.
16. You're never too old to learn something stupid.
17. I'm supposed to respect my elders, but it's getting harder and harder for me to find someone older than me.
Sadly this is true!!! Spread the Laughter, Share the Cheer, Let's be Happy, while we're here!
1. Where there's a will, I want to be in it.
2. The last thing I want to do is hurt you ...but it's still on my list.
3. Since light travels faster than sound, some people appear bright until you hear them speak
4. If I agreed with you, we'd both be wrong.
5. We never really grow up -- we only learn how to act in public.
6. War does not determine who is right, only who is left.
7. Knowledge, is knowing a tomato is a fruit Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
8. To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism. To steal from many is research.
9. I didn't say it was your fault, I said I was blaming you.
10. In filling out an application, where it says, "In case of an emergency, notify..." I answered "a doctor."
11. Women will never be equal to men until they can walk down the street with a bald head and a beer gut, and still think they are sexy.
12. You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to skydive twice.
13. I used to be indecisive, but now I'm not so sure.
14. To be sure of hitting the target, shoot first and call whatever you hit the target.
15. Going to church doesn't make you a Christian, any more than standing in a garage makes you a car.
16. You're never too old to learn something stupid.
17. I'm supposed to respect my elders, but it's getting harder and harder for me to find someone older than me.
Sadly this is true!!! Spread the Laughter, Share the Cheer, Let's be Happy, while we're here!