3F THIS Friday! Wheels.

Friday May 16th, 2014 is the next 3rd Friday in Downtown Salisbury, the monthly Arts & Entertainment event, that brings live music, performances, and local art vendors to Main Street Downtown. 3rd Friday's theme this month is Wheels, and we are on a roll with interesting features and interactive fun. From Skateboards, Roller-skates, Bikes of All Types, Pottery Wheel Demos, Fine Art Shows, Drum Circles and More; we've got a well-rounded line-up, pun intended, which is sure to have something for everyone.

3rd Friday doesn't need to re-invent the Wheel for this month's theme, because there so many amazing wheels in motion right here in Salisbury!

Did you know Salisbury Skate Park is on a roll? The dream is now a reality, and after years of hard work, construction on a free public skate park will begin this summer. Phase One has been completely funded, with local support and grants from Community Parks & Playgrounds division of the MD Dept. of Natural Resources, and the Tony Hawk Foundation. Phase One will be a 6,000 sq ft one of a kind, poured in place, artisan built concrete skate park that will include a bowl and various street and transition elements. Phase Two funding is being raised now, and here is the cool part... Phase Two will be an additional 8,000 sq ft course modeled after the China Banks, a legendary skate boarding hot spot in San Francisco, and we can all be a permanent part, with the Salisbury Skate Park's Buy a Brick Fundraiser. Be sure to stop by and congratulate these guys on their amazing success!

Senators Want States To Pay For Health Care Website Failures

Senate Republicans on Wednesday told President Obama’s pick to lead the Health and Human Services Department that they expect the government to recoup millions of dollars in federal grants from states that set up flawed websites under Obamacare.

Sen. Orrin G. Hatch, Utah Republican, put Sylvia Mathews Burwell on notice during her confirmation hearing before the powerful Senate Finance Committee, saying roughly half of the states that opted to set up their own health care exchanges failed to build successful websites and should pay back the money they received from Washington over the next 10 years.

“One of the greatest challenges facing HHS is shoring up the federal and state-based health insurance exchanges,” Mr. Hatch said. “Ensuring that the exchanges are operating efficiently and effectively will be one of your biggest challenges.”

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Country Dock Party

Md. State University Profs Make More Than National Average

Full-time professors at Maryland public universities earn a salary roughly $16,500 above the national average, but tuition at Maryland public universities has remained lower than the national average, according to data from the American Association of University Professors.

Data from the Maryland Higher Education Commission — the statewide board responsible for establishing policies for Maryland’s public and private colleges — reveals that full-time faculty for Maryland’s public universities have an annual salary of, on average, $105,140. Comparatively, the national average for full-time professors at public universities was $88,648. Full-time professors at private schools were paid $108,653 a year on average.

This pay rate has meant that for the past few years university staff have topped the payroll of Maryland state employees. This year, the top 220 spots on the state payroll were occupied by university employees, and Maryland public university employees made up 70% of the total number of state employees earning over $100,000. 
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Preakness Party

SPD Press Release 5-15-14 (Walmart Bomb Threat)

Martin O'Malley cautioned to ease White House dream and be 'loyal soldier' to Hillary

Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley has been holding off an announcement on his White House intent: He’s been waiting, along with several other Democratic potential candidates, for former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to decide to run and either free up or grab up key campaign contributor dollars.

But now the Maryland Democrat seems to be shrugging off Mrs. Clinton’s shadow and taking actual steps toward the higher office. And at least one Democratic strategist said that’s a mistake — that the governor may be better off waiting on the former first lady and keeping open his chances to be her vice presidential pick.

In April, Mr. O'Malley reportedly held a closed-door meeting with political compadres and told them that he spoke with Mrs. Clinton, and that she gave him the thumbs-up he needed to make his own White House decision, Politico reported. Since, Mr. O'Malley has been seen visiting several crucial primary states, campaigning for fellow Democrats and simultaneously making friends with those who may one day help his career.

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How Much Does Basic Health Insurance Cost Around The World

How does one define most basic health insurance? If one is Deutsche Bank, as follows: "Health insurance annual premium is for a basic policy for a local resident between 25-35 years. Since the definition of a standard package varies between countries, we have tried to stick to an insurance policy which covers inpatient events and no extra covers like dental, etc.... The data has been sourced mainly from local providers of heath insurances, reports of organizations engaged in research of health care and news clippings."

And how much does "most basic health insurance" cost around the world? According to Deutsche Bank the answer, when presented in dollar terms, is as follows:

Clearly what the US, with its highest in the world costs, needs is for the government to step in and really fix the problem.

Source

Families Sought For Md. Prison Pup Training

WESTOVER, Md. (AP) -- The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services says it needs more local families to volunteer as weekend hosts for puppies in training as service dogs for disabled military veterans.

The prison agency and the America's VetDogs organization are putting out a call Wednesday for volunteers in the Westover area.

Spokesman Mark Vernarelli says there's an acute need for weekend hosts there. He says six puppies are being trained by inmates at Eastern Correctional Institution but the prison could take 14 more if enough families step up.
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Some colleges pester vets, provide misleading loan information, GAO says

The Veterans Affairs Department should increase efforts to help veterans in choosing colleges because some institutions are pressuring veterans to enroll and providing them with false information about student debt, a May 13 Government Accountability Office report says.

Almost a quarter of veterans surveyed reported receiving unwanted school contacts and said they felt the contacts they received from schools were excessive.

And about 10 percent of those surveyed reported feeling pressure from a school to enroll, the report says.

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Caddell on Benghazi: Press Has Failed the Country, Facts Will Put Obama in Deep Trouble

Following May's presentation of the New York Meeting on Monday, former Democrat pollster and insider Pat Caddell called Benghazi the "biggest cover-up since Watergate" and said that the key to getting to the bottom of the Benghazi scandal is to "do what we did in Watergate, which is gather the facts … not go out and … hammer a political position."

Caddell claimed that should the recently established select committee on Benghazi do what he had suggested, "This President and the Democrats will be in deep trouble. Democrats can’t afford to stand against the truth."

The "bad guy" in the Benghazi scandal, according to Caddell, is the press, who have "failed the country."

Source

Overall, do you approve or disapprove of President Obama's job performance?

Crime or Scandal?

Here's The Most Surprising Revelation From An Eye-Opening Documentary On NSA Spying

A new PBS documentary called "United States of Secrets" reveals that it was a lawyer for then-Vice President Dick Cheney — not an elected official — who authorized much of the NSA spying that Edward Snowden blew the whistle on.

NPR's "Fresh Air" recently interviewed the movie's director, Michael Kirk, about how the vice president's office came to authorize NSA surveillance of Americans after the September 11 terrorist attacks.

According to Kirk, shortly after the September 11 attacks, the head of the NSA, Air Force General Michael Hayden, visited the Oval Office to meet with the president about an aggressive surveillance program. That surveillance — which became known simply as “The Program” in government circles — would collect internet data and telephone records from Americans, Hayden told Bush.

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GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY DEDICATES PORTION OF US 113 TO DELEGATE K. BENNETT BOZMAN AND ANNOUNCES $49 MILLION TO WIDEN ROAD

Respected Lower Eastern Shore Public Official Worked Tirelessly to Make US 113 Safer

Widening Project Starts Early Next Year

Berlin, Md. – Honoring a lifetime of service to Country and State, Governor Martin O’Malley today announced a 14-mile section of US 113 (Worcester Highway) between Berlin and Snow Hill on Maryland’s Lower Eastern Shore is being dedicated to the late Delegate K. Bennett Bozman. Serving Worcester and Wicomico counties in the Maryland House of Delegates from 1991 until his death in 2006, Delegate Bozman advocated for the widening of US 113 in Worcester County to a four-lane divided highway. Governor O’Malley and Lt. Governor Anthony G. Brown also announced today $49 million in new construction funding to widen US 113 to a four-lane divided highway from north of Five Mile Branch Road to south of Massey Branch, a distance of 3.75 miles.

“As a Delegate and firefighter for the Berlin Fire Company, Bennett fought to make US 113 safer for the families he proudly served,” said Governor O’Malley. “He was a true gentleman who, through kindness and cooperation, was known for his effort to make our roadways safer and our waterways cleaner. Providing the funding to make this roadway safer and dedicating a section of US 113 in Bennett’s honor is a fitting tribute to a man who always put the needs of his constituents first.”

South Carolina man dies after test of bulletproof vest fails

A South Carolina man died Wednesday morning after police say he asked one of his friends to fire a gun into a bulletproof vest he was wearing, Fox Carolina reported.

The bullet reportedly missed the Kevlar vest and hit Blake Wardell, 26, in the chest. Friends performed CPR, but Wardell bled to death in the garage, the report said. The death was classified a homicide. The bulletproof vest was about 10 years old and the weapon was called a small-caliber gun, The State reported.

Taylor Ann Kelly, 18, was reportedly charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with the shooting and can face five years in prison.

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Rush Limbaugh: Establishment came after Walter Jones with a million dollars and they failed

Casey Kasem Found In Washington State

Radio icon Casey Kasem has been found in Washington state, a representative for his daughter told CNN late Wednesday night.

"The family has grave concerns about his medical care. The Kasem family will do everything in their power to bring their father home," representative Danny Deraney said in a statement.

But the statement said Kasem's exact location in Washington "is still being determined."

Kasem, 82, is suffering from Lewy body disease -- a common cause of dementia, a spokesman for his daughter told CNN on Tuesday.

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Millsboro Man Charged with Vehicular Assault after Crashing into a General Store near Laurel

Laurel, DE - The Delaware State Police have arrested a Millsboro man for DUI after he crashed his car into a local gas station and injured his passenger.

The incident occurred around 12:00 a.m. last night as Trent L. Hitchens, 22 of Millsboro, was operating a 2014 Ford Mustang southbound on Shiloh Church Road approaching Laurel Road (SR24). Hitchens failed to stop at the posted stop sign and continued in southwesterly direction entering into the parking lot of Sandy Fork General Store located at 12324 West Laurel Road. The Mustang then struck a gas pump in the front of the store before crashing into the front of the business.

Trent Hitchens was contacted at the scene and was taken into custody after a DUI investigation ensued. His passenger, 29 year old Raymond C. Davis of Millsboro, was airlifted from the scene to Christiana Medical Center where he is currently admitted in stable condition.

Hitchens was later charged with Vehicular Assault 1st, Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Failure to Have Insurance in Possession, Failure to Have Registration in Possession, Failure to Have a License in Possession, and Failure to Stop at a Stop Sign. He was arraigned at JP3 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $2,800.00 secured bond. There is no photo available at this time.

Rebellion In The USA - Protesters Attempt To Arrest Albuquerque Police Chief

There is something very, very wrong with the Albuquerque, New Mexico police department, and the citizens have just about had enough. Before I get into the heart of this story, I need to provide you with a little background. The Albuquerque Police Department (APD) is well known for its outrageous and inappropriate use of violence. So much so that it has been under investigation by the Department of Justice, which wrote a letter to the Mayor of Albuquerque on April 10, 2014 condemning the police force. Here’s an excerpt from the letter:

Based on our investigation, we have reasonable cause to believe that APD engages in a pattern or practice of use of excessive force, including deadly force, in violation of the Fourth Amendment and Section 14141. Our investigation included a comprehensive review of APD’s operations and the City’s oversight systems. We have determined that structural and systemic deficiencies—including insufficient oversight, inadequate training, and ineffective policies— contribute to the use of unreasonable force. At the conclusion of this letter, we outline the remedial measures that we believe are necessary to ensure that force is used in accordance with the Constitution. In some instances, these recommendations build on measures and initiatives that are already underway within the department.

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What Happens When America Goes Bankrupt?

Last week in the Land of the Free, I heard a radio campaign ad for a local political candidate while in Texas.

In the ad, he was talking about the debt and excessive government spending. And then he said something along the lines of, “We need to get this under control before America goes bankrupt.”

‘Buddy,’ I remember thinking, ‘America isn’t going bankrupt. It already IS bankrupt.’

Just so that we don’t mince words, my dictionary defines ‘bankrupt’ as “any insolvent debtor,” i.e. a debtor whose liabilities exceeds assets.

That’s the US government, by its own admission.

As we’ve discussed before, the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) publishes financial statements each year in which they list all official government assets and liabilities.

The liabilities far exceed the assets. Big time. And the hole is getting deeper each year.

At this point the government’s net worth is roughly NEGATIVE $17 trillion, about 110% of GDP. That’s textbook insolvency.

The only reason the US government is still able to service its debts is because they are borrowing money just to pay interest… and because the Federal Reserve keeps printing money to buy up US debt.

These are hardly sustainable fiscal strategies.

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Jet-set grounded: Turbulence ahead for members of Congress flying first class

A bipartisan group of Congressmen introduced a bill Monday that would stop costly first-class flights by lawmakers at taxpayer expense and force representatives and senators to fly coach.

“As representatives of the American people, we in Congress have a responsibility to wisely use the people’s money,” said Rep. Walter Jones, a North Carolina Republican, in a statement. “Members of the House and Senate should never secure their own luxury travel at taxpayer expense, but they especially should not do so when our nation is buried $17 trillion deep in debt.”

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Martin O’Malley Cautioned To Ease White House Dream And Be ‘Loyal Soldier’ To Hillary

Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley has been holding off an announcement on his White House intent: He’s been waiting, along with several other Democratic potential candidates, for former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to decide to run and either free up or grab up key campaign contributor dollars.

But now the Maryland Democrat seems to be shrugging off Mrs. Clinton’s shadow and taking actual steps toward the higher office. And at least one Democratic strategist said that’s a mistake — that the governor may be better off waiting on the former first lady and keeping open his chances to be her vice presidential pick.

In April, Mr. O'Malley reportedly held a closed-door meeting with political compadres and told them that he spoke with Mrs. Clinton, and that she gave him the thumbs-up he needed to make his own White House decision, Politico reported. Since, Mr. O'Malley has been seen visiting several crucial primary states, campaigning for fellow Democrats and simultaneously making friends with those who may one day help his career.

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Baby boy's mouth 'was taped shut because it was being too loud'

Parents are outraged after a nurse at a Phillipines hospital reportedly taped their baby's mouth shut because it cried 'too loudly.'

Ryan Noval and Jasmine Badocdoc found their son Yohannes Noval's lips taped shut as he slept - and when they asked a nurse about it, were told it was because 'the baby was crying too loudly and was always asking for milk,' Sun.Star Cebu says.

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Michigan Cops Attack Mentally Ill Man in Disturbing Dash Cam Video

A disturbing dash cam video shows a group of Michigan police officers pouncing on a mentally ill man who was doing nothing more than standing on a residential street try to fix his bicycle chain.

The first Dearborn cop pulls up, steps out of the car and begins donning gloves – a usual indicator he is about to get physical.

And sure enough he does, insisting on patting Ali Baydoun down for weapons, even though he was not doing anything that would have given the cop a reasonable suspicion that he had or was about to commit a crime.

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American Dependency (And The 3rd Day Of The Month Effect)

Having noted America's surging government dependence before [4], the impact of almost 50 million people on food stamps is hard to imagine if you are not in retail food. More

‘Bankrolled’ by Planned Parenthood, McAuliffe pushes looser abortion rules clinic rules

As a candidate, Terry McAuliffe campaigned on a pro-choice platform. As governor, McAuliffe is beginning to transform that platform into policy.

This week, McAuliffe announced he is appointing five new members to the Virginia Board of Health and ordering them to review state regulations that impose the same construction standards for hospitals on first-trimester abortion facilities.

It’s a signal the Democratic governor is ready to wield his executive power to alter yet another socially charged policy.

“I am concerned that the extreme and punitive regulations adopted last year jeopardize the ability of most women’s health centers to keep their doors open and place in jeopardy the health and reproductive rights of Virginia women,” McAuliffe said in a news conference Monday.

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Berlin Is A Small Town With Big Appeal

City slickers, be forewarned. One visit to this picturesque and utterly charming town on Maryland's Eastern Shore, and even devout urbanites may be tempted to pull up roots, pack their bags and change ZIP codes.

That's no exaggeration. Berlin has in recent years welcomed an influx of new residents -- nicknamed "come heres" in the local parlance.

Indeed, those who discover this locale less than 10 miles from Ocean City and Assateague Island's famous ponies will find a destination that's increasingly gaining national buzz.

Budget Travel magazine recently deemed Berlin "America's Coolest Small Town, 2014" after a nationwide contest in which tens of thousands cast votes online. Of hundreds of towns nominated, the magazine narrowed the list to 15 and let the public vote. The result: 40,000 votes (28 percent) for Berlin.

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Karl Rove claiming Hillary would be unstable leader after blood clot

Republican strategist Karl Rove has suggested that Hillary Clinton may be suffering from brain damage as a result of the fall she suffered in December 2012.

Rove raised the issue of the probable 2016 Democratic contender’s health at a conference last Thursday where he was appearing with former Obama spokesman Robert Gibbs and CBS correspondent Dan Raviv.

In 2012, Clinton suffered from a blood clot that temporarily prevented her from testifying about the attacks on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya.

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Rare hole in clouds over California has social media users crying UFO

Photos that have emerged of a bizarre cloud formation over Northern California are causing social media users to wonder: Is the truth out there?

The strange snapshots have popped up all across Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and show a bright, unusual hole in the otherwise undisturbed clouds over Stockton on Friday afternoon.

Now curious-minded folks in California and around the globe are speculating about what caused the phenomenon and some say its weird appearance belies an even weirder cause.

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Balanced offense, strong defense power Sea Gulls past Big Red

SALISBURY, Md. – The No. 2 Salisbury University men's lacrosse team punched its ticket to the NCAA Division III tournament semifinals with a 15-5 victory over No. 4 Denison University on Wednesday night at Sea Gull Stadium in a quarterfinal matchup.

Denison struck first at the 13:55 mark of the first quarter, but Salisbury answered with an 8-0 run that stretched into the third quarter, led by senior midfielder Greg Korvin, senior attackman Luke Phipps, and junior attackman Mike Kane. All three players netted three goals in the game, while Phipps led the Gulls with six points, adding three assists.

Phipps found Kane on the crease with the Sea Gulls' first score to tie the game, 1-1, before Korvin netted two straight to gain a two-goal cushion.

With 7:45 left in the first, Korvin netted a shot from the right wing, before driving right and scoring a high shot just over one minute later.

Phipps closed the quarter, scoring from eight yards on a pass from Korvin to give SU a 4-1 lead.

Two-straight goals on the crease from Kane in the second built Salisbury's lead to 6-1, before assisting Phipps for his second; the Street, Md., native ripped a shot into the top, right corner of the cage as SU went into halftime with a 7-1 advantage.

At the break, the Gulls were outshooting the Big Red, 24-5, and had more ground balls, 15-11. SU also turned the ball over less, with only four to Denison's nine, but Denison had the faceoff advantage, 6-of-10.

Senior attackman Rhett DePol opened the second half with his first score just 12 seconds into the third quarter, taking a pass from Phipps and scoring on the crease.

The Big Red broke its scoring draught, answering with two-straight to cut into the lead, 8-3, but junior Sean Fitzgerald would sandwich a Phipps goal with two of his own to regain a big advantage, 11-3, before the final quarter.

The fourth started with a Denison score in the first five minutes, but Salisbury continued to keep its foot on the gas, outscoring the Big Red, 4-2, in the quarter, with goals from DePol, Korvin, and senior midfielders Donovan Langeand Brandon Kendrick to cap the win.

SU's defense, led by senior long-stick midfielder Zeke Smith and junior defender Austin Kemp with two caused turnovers, each. The unit went head-to-head with the No. 4 scoring offense in the country, allowing only five goals, while senior goalkeeper Alex Taylor earned the win, making nine saves in just over 56 minutes in the cage.

The Sea Gulls now look forward to the semifinal round on Sunday, going up against No. 5 Washington (Md.) College; the time and place are to be announced. Log on to www.suseagulls.com for more information as it becomes available.

Washington College Scores at 0:23 to Upend No. 3 Stevenson

CHESTERTOWN, Md. -- Senior attackman Jim Cusick (Fallston, Md./Calvert Hall) scored five goals, including the game-winner with 22.5 seconds left, as fifth-ranked visiting Washington College knocked off third-ranked Stevenson, 12-11, in a thrilling NCAA Division III quarterfinal game tonight at Mustang Stadium.

The Shoremen improved to 18-1 with their 13th straight win, tying their single-season record for victories, and advanced to the NCAA Division III Semifinals for the first time since 2004. The Mustangs (19-3), who were the defending NCAA Division III National Champions, suffered their first NCAA Tournament at Mustang Stadium in 10 games since the facility opened.

Stevenson opened the scoring 1:34 into the game when Tony Rossi scored. The Shoremen evened things up with 7:06 to go in the first quarter as senior attackman JD Campbell (Baltimore, Md./Mount St. Joseph) scored off an assist from senior midfielder Kodie Englehart (Coronado, Calif./Coronado). Rossi then found Josh Rufolo in transition to give the Mustangs a lead with 5:23 on the clock and Chris Dashiell assisted on a goal by Billy Burgoyne with 3:17 to go in the first to push the lead to 3-1.

EU ruling means you can ask Google to remove personal search results

Internet users have the right to tell Google to hide embarrassing details of their past in search results, European judges ruled yesterday.

Anyone will be able to ask the technology giant and other search engines to block any reference to information about their life.

Although content cannot be removed from the internet altogether, the decision means it can be hidden from search results if it is ‘inadequate, irrelevant or no longer relevant, or excessive’.

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Six brothers arrested for abuse after sibling tells pastor 'he sinned'

A North Carolina family have been charged over claims that six brothers sexually abused a girl for nearly a decade, while their parents failed to intervene.

The Jackson brothers and their parents, John and Nita, were arrested last Tuesday, after a year-long investigation into the home-schooled family.

The abuse, which allegedly started when the girl was four years old, came to light after one of the brothers confessed to a pastor in 2012 that he had sinned.

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A Viewer Writes: Meteor shower

Don't forget to watch the Camelopardalids meteor shower on May 23rd and 24th.Possibly up to 200 per hour will be visible.Not sure of the exact time,but this may actually be a new (to us) meteor shower.

5 Foods You Should Buy Every Week If You Want To Get Healthier

If you eat to improve your health, here are five foods to put in your supermarket trolley every week. All pack a proven punch in terms of health gains if you have them regularly.

1. Oats

Oats are a wholegrain cereal usually eaten for breakfast as porridge or in muesli. They have more soluble fibre than other grains.

A soluble fibre found in the outer endosperm cell wall of this cereal known as beta-glucan reduces absorption of cholesterol in the small intestine. Eating enough oats so you get around three grams of beta-glucan daily reduces your total cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol in both people with high and normal cholesterol.

Half a cup of raw rolled oats (50 grams) contains about two grams of beta-glucan and four grams of fibre. Oat bran is a bit higher with eight to 12 grams of beta-glucan in every 100 grams.

Put another way, three bowls of porridge a week gives you enough soluble fibre and decreases your total cholesterol so much that if everyone started eating rolled oats, then the incidence of heart disease would drop by about 4%.

Clearly, oats for breakfast are a must. And there’s an added bonus – they’re cheap, at $4 to $5 a kilogram.

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Blame It On The... Balmy Spring Weather

Back in February, when January retail sales plunged and every single expert said consumers stayed indoors prevented from spending what money they don't have on goods and services they don't need, we pointed out a tiny little fly in the ointment: Online sales tumbled far more than the headline and core retail sales prints.

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Gun Control In Nazi Germany

There is no shortage of theories or writings related to the rise of the Third Reich and the subsequent Holocaust. Stephen Halbrook’s 2013 book, Gun Control in the Third Reich offers a compelling and important account of the role of gun prohibition in aiding Hitler’s goals of exterminating the Jews and other “enemies of the state.” While much of the early gun prohibition was created with supposedly good intent, Halbrook carefully and meticulously details how a change in political regime facilitated manipulating some well-intentioned gun registration laws and other gun prohibition to be used in inconceivable ways.

Students of history as well as Second Amendment enthusiasts will find this a fascinating book and will find parallels between gun prohibition in pre-Nazi and Nazi Germany, and attempts to prohibit types of gun ownership and implement other forms of gun prohibition in the United States today. The current climate in the United States surrounding gun prohibition combined with a president who uses his office to impose executive order in ways not historically common gives many citizens pause, especially when looking at the era of the Third Reich. While certain states have imposed gun registration laws recently, enforcement of the laws remains unclear.

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Student Loans Soar To Record $1.111 Trillion, Up 12% In Past Year

When the Fed releases its quarterly household credit report, the one item most focused on is the amount of mortgages outstanding and originated in the prior quarter, since courtesy of its monthly consumer credit updates we know that US households have largely given up charging their credit cards at the expense of non-revolving student and car loans. So here is the summary.

First, the good news: courtesy of ZIRP mortgage defaults and discharges tumbled in Q1, resulting in an increase in total mortgage debt balances of $8.17 billion, or an increase of $116 billion in the quarter.

Now, the bad news: the increase in total mortgage balances had nothing to do with a surge in mortgage demand. Quite the contrary, as we have been reporting and as bank mortgage origination bankers have felt first hand, for whatever reason mortgage origination as a business has virtually slammed shut. The Fed confirmed as much when it reported just $332 billion in originations in Q1: well below the $452 billion in Q4, and certainly below the $577 billion a year ago.

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WCEA Leadership Retains Control

Dear WCEA Members:

In lieu of the preliminary hearing on May 15, 2014, MSEA and the “Interim Managers” sought a settlement to which the elected WCEA leadership has agreed. This settlement does not preclude the final court case, but instead maintains the rights and responsibilities of the elected leadership until said court case occurs. The settlement for the preliminary hearing is available for you to view on our website, at http://www.wceaonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Consent-Preliminary-Injunction.pdf .

Sincerely,

Kelly Stephenson, WCEA President

Making Members Of Congress Fly Coach Doesn’t Exactly Level The Flying Field

A proposal from a group of House members — two Republicans, two Democrats — aims to cut the federal budget by forcing elected officials to fly coach. This would save money, although it's not clear how much. It would not, however, make members of Congress suffer through flights the way everyone else does.

The measure from Reps. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.), John Barrow (D-Ga.), Walter Jones (R-N.C.), and Raul Ruiz (D-Ca.) is captured entirely in its evocative title: the "If Our Military Has to Fly Coach Then so Should Congress Act of 2014." Instead of always flying members of the military first class, which would also have solved that problem, the representatives decided to bar members of Congress from using any seats besides those in coach. Or, more accurately, the cheapest fare possible. No extra leg room, apparently — although exceptions may be made for medical conditions. (Point of personal editorial privilege: as a tall person, being tall should count in this case.)

How much this would save the government isn't clear. Gosar's press release mentions the size of the national debt twice but doesn't include how much the measure is expected to save. (A request made to his office for that information wasn't answered by the time this article was published.)

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Ohio dad can't have more kids until he pays off child support, court says

ELYRIA, Ohio – An Ohio appeals court has upheld a judge's order that a deadbeat father can't have more kids until he pays his back child support.

The decision this week by the 9th District Court of Appeals didn't provide an opinion about whether the judge's order was appropriate. Instead the appeals court said it didn't have enough information to decide the merits of the case without a copy of the pre-sentence report detailing Asim Taylor's background.

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Kangaroo Courts on Campus

There seems to be a full-court press on to get colleges to “do something” about rape on campus.

But there seems to be remarkably little attention paid to two crucial facts: (1) rape is a crime and (2) colleges are not qualified to be law-enforcement institutions.

Why are rapists not reported to the police and prosecuted in a court of law?

Apparently this is because of some college women who say that they were raped and are dissatisfied with a legal system that does not automatically take their word for it against the word of someone who has been accused and denies the charge.

There seem to be a dangerously large number of people who think that the law exists to give them whatever they want — even when that means denying other people the same rights that they claim for themselves.

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20 Bad Pick Up Lines You Should Never Use

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Article on Common Core by David Craig

When someone hears bureaucratic terms like “compliance, mandates and penalties,” they might think of the EPA, the IRS, or these days, the Department of Health and Human Services. But another federal government department is fast adopting the language of strict and onerous regulation. Annoyed that Indiana wants to extricate themselves from the Common Core education standards, the U.S. Department of Education is erecting procedural obstacles to make this as difficult possible.

At stake for Hoosiers is $200 million in federal education funds. The Obama Administration is using “No Child Left Behind” waivers to warn Indiana officials of the penalties they face for non-compliance with Common Core. In a political scheme that could only be hatched in Washington, one federal program enacted under George W. Bush and widely derided for undermining local school authority, is pitted against another federal program even more derided for the same reasons.

Horror stories about Common Core are increasing by the day. Police are ejecting or arresting parents from public venues for voicing opposition to Common Core. Social media depicts test questions that make young pupils burst into tears, because they are impossible to answer and make them feel like failures. Meanwhile, elected officials like me are concerned about yet another federal government mandate that dangles $4 billion in federal Race to the Top education grants for local schools under the condition of adherence to Common Core.

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Clues Missed In Case Of Teacher Deemed 'One Of The Most Prolific Pedophiles,' Authorities Say

He was one of the most beloved teachers in the small world of international schools that serve the children of diplomats, well-off American expatriates and local elites. He was often the first to arrive in the morning, and the last to leave each day. He led students on class trips to exotic places, treating them to cookies and milk at bedtime.

That was the public persona of William Vahey, carefully crafted over four decades until a maid cleaning his home in Nicaragua stole a 16-gigabyte memory drive. There, in photograph after photograph, was evidence that the model teacher had molested scores of adolescent boys, possibly more, in a career spanning 10 schools on four continents.

The discovery of a man the FBI regards as one of the most prolific pedophiles in memory has set off a crisis in the close-knit community of international schools, where horrified parents are being told their children may have been victims of a favorite teacher, and administrators are scurrying to close teacher-vetting loopholes revealed by Vahey's abuses.
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Somerset County Sheriff's Office 5-14-14

Kenneth Leon Collins Jr. of Princess Anne, arrested 5-5-14 on a warrant for failing to pay. Collins was released on personal recognizance.

Stan Marcell Schoolfield of Princess Anne, arrested 5-6-14 on a warrant for failing to appear in court. Schoolfield was held on a $500.00 bond. Maurice McKinley Turner of Princess Anne, arrested 5-6-14 for two warrants for failing to appear in court. Turner held on a $1,000 bond.

Ricky Allan Dowden Jr. of Marion Station, arrested 5-8-14 on a warrant for failing to appear in court. Dowden was held on a $500.00 bond.

Shane Louis Booth of Cumberland, arrested 5-9-14 on warrants for failing to appear in court. Booth was held on a $2,180.00 bond.

Alphonso Lamont Taylor of Pocomoke, arrested 5-10-14 on a warrant for failing to appear in court. Taylor was held on a $100,000 bond.

Darryl Dejuan Corbin of Salisbury, arrested 5-11-14 for driving under the influence of alcohol, driving while impaired by alcohol, driving under the influence of alcohol per-se, driving on a suspended driver’s license, and failure to stop at a steady red signal. Corbin was later released on signatures pending court actions. The arrest was the result of a traffic stop conducted by deputies in the area of UMES Blvd, and Ocean Highway.

That Familiar Ice Cream Truck Jingle Has Some Pretty Racist Lyrics

It’s a familiar childhood tune.

It’s the signal there are King Cones, Drumsticks and Rainbow Pops nearby.

And its lyrics are very racist.

The song, which was released in March 1916 by the Columbia Graphophone Company — later Columbia Records — is titled, ”N—– Love A Watermelon Ha! Ha! Ha!” It was written by actor Harry C. Browne and played on the depiction of African Americans as “mindless beasts of burden greedily devouring slices of watermelon,” according to NPR‘s Theodore Johnson.

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Rep. Andrew Harris - Recipient of 2014 IFDA TJ Award

U.S. Representative Andrew Harris has been named as a recipient of the 2014 Thomas Jefferson Award by the International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA).

Photo Caption: Rep. Andy Harris was presented an IFDA Thomas Jefferson Award by (l) Mark S. Allen, president and CEO of IFDA and (r) Paul Saval, President & CEO of Saval Foodservice

Researchers Think They've Found Christopher Columbus' Famous Ship

More than 500 years after it sank, the wreckage of Christopher Columbus' famous ship, the Santa Maria, might be sitting on at the bottom of the ocean near Haiti, The Independent reports.

Archaeological researchers were able to determine the location of the wreckage with the help of discoveries made by other archaeologists in 2003, including the approximate location of Columbus' fort. Then a team led by underwater archaeological investigator Barry Clifford used Columbus' diary, which described where the ship sank in relation to his fort, to figure out where the ship's wreckage was likely to be.

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State, City Politicians Head To Vegas For Business Convention

Once again this year, Maryland politicians and business people will travel to Las Vegas for the Global Retail Real Estate Convention – a three-day deal-making event beginning May 18.

It's considered a "who's who" event, where the worlds of government and business mix among the glitz and glamour of casinos and parties.

In all, 669 Marylanders will be in attendance, including 10 from Baltimore's government. Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, City Council President Bernard C. "Jack" Young, Council Vice President Edward Reisinger and Councilman Carl Stokes are all slated to make the trip.
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Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Press Release 5-14-14

On May 12th 2014 at 1348 hours a Worcester County Sheriff's Office Deputy was dispatched to Riggin Ridge Road, West Ocean City, Worcester County, Maryland.

An anonymous caller reported two suspicious people, a white male and a white female that were walking around the Riggin Ridge Road looking in the windows and acting suspicious.

As the Deputy arrived on scene and walked towards the residence a white male came from behind the residence and the Deputy immediately detained him. While speaking with the subject a white female exited the front door of the residence, ran down the front steps and attempted to run behind the residence, she was also detained. An entrance door to the residence had been forced open.

The two were identified as Joseph A Slabaugh, 35, of Brooklyn Maryland and Brandenburg Leigh Sandifer 33, also from Brooklyn Maryland.

Both were charged with 1st Degree, 3rd Degree, and 4th Degree burglary. Ms Sandifer was also charged with false statement to a law enforcement officer. Both subjects were seen by the district court Commissioner and a $15,000.00 bond was placed on them. They were held at the Worcester County Jail.

VIDEO: Cat Saves Boy In California

A Letter To The Editor: Adobe Flash Player Problems

To All,

I have had crash issues with Adobe Flash Player for a year or more as it crashes either while loading pages, or just when I click on a video to view.

To cure this, I erased the whole program, then downloaded the latest version, 13.0.0.214. Mistake.

Now, I get the same, or when a video plays, and now most times self plays, which I am totally against, I still can’t view the video because a popup is over the screen asking permission to allow or deny Mb space. Neither button works, and I can’t see the video.

Is anyone else getting this trouble? The adobe site takes no complaints, and is only concerned in its FAQ’s about your download quality, not use.

Am I alone, or are more of you having this problem? Has anyone found a solution?

State Police Homicide Detectives Arrest Rehoboth Man for the Death of His Child

Rehoboth, DE - The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit has arrested a 21 year old Rehoboth man in the death of one of his young twin sons.

The investigation into this incident began on Saturday May 10, 2014 after Sidney G. Davis III, 21 of Rehoboth, called 9-1-1 around 11:30 a.m. to report his 3 month old son was not breathing and unresponsive. Paramedics and EMS responded to a room at the Sea Esta Motel #4, located at 20902 Coastal Highway in Rehoboth, and transported Zhaden Davis to Beebe Medical Center where they were able to establish a heartbeat. Further examination revealed Zhaden had suffered a traumatic brain bleed which likely caused him to become unconscious and he was then flown to A.I. DuPont Hospital where he was listed in critical condition and placed in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.

On Sunday May 11th, Zhaden Davis was pronounced dead and an autopsy was performed by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner who ruled the cause and manner of death to be homicide due to head trauma.

On Tuesday May 13th, Sidney Davis was brought into Troop 4 in Georgetown by family members where he was interviewed by homicide detectives. It was determined through the interview that Zhaden and his twin brother were in the care of their father from Friday night into Saturday morning while the mother of the children was away. At one point on Friday night, Zhaden had become upset and was crying when Sidney began shaking the child in an attempt to quiet the infant. This happened once again on Saturday morning just after the mother of the twins briefly visited with them in the room before leaving for work. Soon after the second incident was when Sidney Davis contacted the Sussex County Emergency Operations Center (9-1-1) to report the medical emergency.

Sidney Davis was arraigned at JP2 on the charge of Murder by Neglect or Abuse 1st and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $100,000.00 cash bond.

The other male twin was uninjured during these incidents and is in the care of his mother.

Released: 051414 1005

Sixteen Fun Facts About the Preakness

Known as the middle jewel of the Triple Crown, the Preakness Stakes is held two weeks after the Kentucky Derby, but that hasn’t always been the case. Continue reading to learn when exactly the Preakness has been run in the past in addition to other interesting and off-the-wall facts about the shortest race in the Triple Crown series.

1. Pimlico opened its doors in 1870. The Maryland Jockey Club purchased the land that the track rests on for $23,500 and built the track for $25,000.

2. The first Preakness in 1873 drew a field of seven, a purse of $2,050, and had 12,000 fans in attendance. Saturday, we’re expected to see a larger field, a purse of $1.5 million, and more 120,000 fans cheering on the three-year-olds. Talk about solid investment growth.

3. For many of its early years, the place to see and be seen was the infield. Yep, that’s right. What is now home to the “cheap seats,” was once a prime area at the track. Originally, a small rise in the infield allowed for the ultimate sightlines around the track. The “Old Hilltop,” as it’s affectionately known, eventually was leveled to allow for simulcasting cameras to track the action. The spirit lives on with the Preakness week “Sunrise at the Old Hilltop” event. 
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Sheriff Mason Thanks The Community

Dear Worcester County Community,

Friday we honored and celebrated the life of K-9 Deputy Sheriff Ike, Badge MSP K-9 #3050 who has entered K-9 Heaven. Our hearts are broken and I ask you God to take good care of Ike and spread the word what a faithful and loyal protector he was to CPL Larmore, CPL Larmore’s family, the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, all Law Enforcement, and to our Worcester County citizens.

Not every dog that enters K-9 Training makes the grade to become a K-9. It’s extremely difficult training, but Ike you made it. Not everyone can be a K-9 Handler, it takes a special person that can care and love a K-9 (24) hours a day, (7) days a week, CPL Larmore was the right handler for IKE.

A K-9 and its handler bond together and become best friends. CPL Larmore and Ike shared so much together their trust and love for each other.

CPL Larmore and Ike faced many assignments, some very dangerous, tracking suspects, entering a building never knowing what the outcome could be, drug searches, traffic stops and other rewarding assignments such as finding lost children or adults.

Ike you have answered your last call. Our K-9’s will continue to carry on their duties protecting us, however they will miss you Ike.

Ike never took a sick leave day.

Ike never received a pay check.

Ike never complained about the long hours he worked.

Ike never requested a day off.

Ike never asked for anything.

Ike loved his job doing what he was trained to do, protecting CPL Larmore.

Ike we could only provide you with food, and medical expenses, but Ike I want you to know how much we loved and cared about you, you were one of us, protector of the peace.

Ike God is waiting for you; also a gentle giant Deputy First Class Brian Heller lost in the line of duty in (2000) will be there for you. Ike your new assignment is taking care of Brian.

Chris, Emily and family, the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office shares your sorrow and we want to thank you for providing Ike with a loving home and most of all your love for him.

God bless Ike, the Larmores, the men and women of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, our K-9’s, Law Enforcement.

I would like to especially thank the Worcester County Community for their overwhelming out pouring of support for our office and the men, women, and K-9s that dedicate their lives to serve to make our community a great place to live.

Ike (Semper Fi)

Sincerely

Reggie Mason

Worcester County Sheriff

E-cigarette Sale Ban For Minors Nears Law In State

DOVER — Delaware’s Senate nearly unanimously passed legislation Tuesday that would ban the sale of e-cigarettes to minors.

According to the National Youth Tobacco Survey, the percentage of high school students reporting e-cigarette use jumped from 4.7 percent in 2011 to 10 percent in 2012.

Eighteen lawmakers from both sides of the aisle joined bill sponsor Rep. Deborah Hudson, R-Fairthorne, in touting the legislation.

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Tonight's Quarterfinal Game

SALISBURY, Md. – The No. 2 Salisbury University men's lacrosse team is set to host No. 4 Denison University in an NCAA Division III tournament quarterfinal contest on Wednesday at Sea Gull Stadium. The opening faceoff for the game is set for 7 p.m.

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Fed Govt Failed To Inspect Higher Risk Oil Wells

The government has failed to inspect thousands of oil and gas wells it considers potentially high risks for water contamination and other environmental damage, congressional investigators say.

The report, obtained by The Associated Press before its public release, highlights substantial gaps in oversight by the agency that manages oil and gas development on federal and Indian lands.

Investigators said weak control by the Interior Department's Bureau of Land Management resulted from policies based on outdated science and from incomplete monitoring data.

The findings from the Government Accountability Office come amid an energy boom in the country and the increasing use of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking. That process involves pumping huge volumes of water, sand and chemicals underground to split open rocks to allow oil and gas to flow. It has produced major economic benefits, but also raised fears that the chemicals could spread to water supplies.

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“Do as I say, not as I do”

The O’Malley-Brown message to Private Pension Retirees

by Delegate Mike McDermott

I’m sure that I am not the only one who finds irony in the O’Malley-Brown administration heralding a new “Task Force” to help protect private sector retirement money. This should send chills down every private sector spine. It reminds of when President Ronald Reagan said, "The nine most terrifying words in the English language are: 'I'm from the government and I'm here to help.'"

Perhaps the first such “Task Force” we should have is one that would study how the State of Maryland plans to repay the $1.3 billion they are taking from the Teacher’s Pensions over the next five years. It would also be nice for this group to study how Maryland plans to cover a $37.5 billion dollar unfunded pension/benefit liability in the years to come.

Quite frankly, it’s terrifying to think that Lt. Governor Brown is involved in this at any level following his dismal management of Maryland’s version of Obamacare. One might expect that the prudent choice would be someone from the private sector to head up this brain trust, but that’s just not the way things shake out in Annapolis. So they dust the cobwebs off former Lt. Governor Kathleen Kennedy-Townsend and trot her out for a spin. These decisions do not engender “optimism”.

Well, here are some simple things this administration, and those that follow, can do to “help” the private sector when it comes to them saving for retirement:

· ⇨ Reduce the tax burden on our corporations and businesses. Good things happen when companies retain greater earnings: they expand; and they invest in their people. A prosperous, growing company can be an employee’s best answer to a secure retirement.

· ⇨ Let Marylanders keep more of their own money. Cut income taxes across the board by 10% and allow them to invest in their own futures. Families with increased discretionary income can better prepare for the future needs of their children as well as their latter years.

· ⇨ Provide direct incentives to companies who create matching fund retirement accounts of up to a 5% match of the employee’s contribution.

· ⇨ Exempt all contributions to an individual’s retirement account from ever being subject to Maryland taxes, including the capital gains associated with the investment account.

· ⇨ Eliminate all inheritance taxes and estate taxes.

All in all, we just need Maryland to become a more business friendly state. A robust economy is an elixir for many ills and future retirement needs. We would also do ourselves a favor by exempting retirement income from the State income tax. This would allow our seniors to age in place and would make Maryland a friendlier climate for many retirees looking for a favorable place to park their money.

All of these things have been recommended by the Republican’s in the General Assembly. Many bills have been introduced that would accomplish much of what I have proposed, yet little meaningful action is taken by the Democratic leadership to address these challenges.

If we are going to do something to help private sector retirees we must lead by example; and the model we are displaying is a choice between piracy and passing the buck. Beware private pensioners!…I see the dome of the capitol on the horizon and she has hoisted the Jolly Roger!!!

Man Who Rammed Truck Into WMAR IDed, Charged With Attempted 2nd Degree Murder

A man claiming to be God slammed a stolen landscaping truck into a Baltimore-area television station Tuesday morning, then spent hours watching live TV news footage of the scene before local authorities arrested him.

He has been identified as 28-year-old Vladimir Mehul Baptist, of Parkville. Among the slew of charges he faces include three counts of attempted second-degree murder. Baptiste is being held at the Baltimore County Detention Center on $750,000 bail.

Derek Valcourt has more on the story.

Baltimore County law enforcement officials said the 28-year-old man was taken into custody at about 4 p.m. after spending nearly five hours barricaded inside the WMAR-TV station in Towson, watching journalists deliver live reports from just outside the building.
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SPD Awards Ceremony And Police Week

 

US Marine Held In Mexican Jail; 36,000 Criminal Illegals In US Set Free

During the Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America there were a couple of times when we traveled very close to the US border with Mexico. As a matter of fact, some of our riders spotted a person illegally entering as we departed Douglas, AZ heading to the New Mexico border – and US Border Patrol was simply observing.

I say this as a backdrop for the recent travails of a US Marine, now being held in a Mexican jail. According to Fox News, Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi, a 25-year-old combat veteran, was jailed in late March after he missed a freeway exit near San Ysidro, Calif., and drove into Tijuana, where Mexican authorities discovered he had three guns in his car. Although the guns were legally owned in the United States, and Tahmooressi said he had no intention of traveling to Mexico, he’s been jailed for more than a month.

Proceedings against Tahmooressi are scheduled for May 28, though U.S. lawmakers are urging them to be expedited and for all charges to be dropped. The active US Marine reservist, who served two combat tours in Afghanistan, including a 2010 stint in the violent Marjah district, was moving from Florida to San Diego with a Marine friend to be close to his treatment center for his post-traumatic stress disorder at the time of his arrest.

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The Hill's Budowsky: Hillary Will Win Presidency Easily

Hillary Clinton will run for president on the Democratic ticket and win as many as 45 states in 2016, says Brent Budowsky, a noted columnist for The Hill.

"If she does run, and the odds are at least 75 or 80 percent that she does, she'll win a big victory, 45, 42, 43, 46, 38 [states]" Budowsky told "The Steve Malzberg Show" on Newsmax TV.

Budowsky says Democrats will have a big problem during the 2014 midterm elections, but as far as Clinton is concerned, 2016 is hers for the taking.

"Republicans have a big problem in 2016. Republicans face a demographic disaster and they face a candidate who's stronger than the crowd that they've got right now," he said Monday.

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First Lady Is 'Sanitizing' Islamic Terrorism for Political Correctness

First lady Michelle Obama is portraying the kidnapping of hundreds of schoolgirls in Nigeria as a plot to deny young females an education instead of calling it the work of Islamic extremists, says Steve Emerson, founder of the Investigative Project on Terrorism.

"This is the typical type of politically correct, muted language to sanitize our vernacular from any identification of these guys as Islamic terrorists," Emerson told "The Steve Malzberg Show" on Newsmax TV.

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Michael Savage: Pope Should Redistribute Vatican's Income First

Conservative radio talk show host Michael Savage says if Pope Francis wants income redistribution he should start with his own Church.

On his Friday show, Savage said he would bid $1 million for Michelangelo's famous painting on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican.

"The reason I'm offering that money to the pope and the Vatican is so they can redistribute the wealth that begins in the Vatican itself," Savage said.

Savage said he was making a point that there is vast wealth within the Catholic Church, including priceless works of art and major shares in global companies. Gold ingots could be sold for redistribution purposes, Savage said.

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Student handcuffed over ‘deadly’ lacrosse equipment

School now sued for 'police-state mindset'

A federal judge has cleared the path for two victims of a school’s “zero tolerance” program to sue officials over alleged violations of their constitutional rights.

The ruling comes from U.S. District Court Judge George L. Russell III, who turned back a request from the Board of Education in Talbot County, Maryland, to dismiss the case.

“This is a rare victory of reason and fairness over the kind of hysterical, irrational exercise of authority that teaches children to fear those in power – what I would call a draconian zero-tolerance policy run amok,” said John W. Whitehead, president of the Rutherford Institute, which is working on behalf of students Graham Dennis and Casey Edsall.

The arguments are based on the Constitution’s Fourth Amendment and Maryland’s declaration of rights.

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New SU Tennis Courts, Parking Lots Under Construction

SALISBURY, MD---By late summer tennis aficionados will have new courts to play on and TETC, Fulton Hall and Holloway Hall will have 180 new parking spaces.

The outdoor tennis courts, currently off College Avenue, are being relocated near other campus recreational and athletics facilities off Bateman Street. They are expected to open in early July. The 12 new courts also will have dedicated visitors’ parking. The new ones will be available to the public, when not being used by SU students or the University.

The new parking area (Lot H), now also under construction, is expected to open in mid-August, prior to the start of fall semester. With minor exceptions, the small parking area (Lot G) behind TETC, will remain available throughout the summer. Upgrades to this lot include a new exit onto College Avenue.

Also new will be sidewalk and pedestrian walkway enhancements immediately behind Fulton Hall, connecting Holloway Hall to the TETC.

For more information, please email Jeffrey Downes, director of facilities planning and capital projects.

Benghazi Commission: The End Of Hillary Clinton’s Political Career

There are very ‘good’ reasons why the House Democrats are making threats of boycotting the recently approved commission on the Benghazi attack. All of them know that President Obama and the Secretary of State at the time, Hillary Clinton, did not properly discharge their duties during the attack.

“Unforeseen consequences” and “unpredictable twists and turns” had nothing to do with her failure to secure the compound or to send adequate security to protect it. Rather, she got every sort of warning from her own ambassador, the State Department, the CIA and the Defense Department. She just failed to act on them.”

Four Americans may have died needlessly including John Christopher Stevens, an American diplomat and lawyer who served as the U.S. Ambassador to Libya from June 2012 to September 12, 2012. His death was not only a humiliating defeat for the USA, it was a violent spectacle which most Americans do not understand how it could have happened.

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St. Louis Store Owner Pleads Guilty to $1.9 million in Food Stamp Fraud

Taxpayers lost more than $600,000 after a St. Louis shop owner illegally sold cologne, cigarettes, and calling cards to people using food stamps in 2011. He also provided a cash back option to customers using food stamps, which is also against the law.

Ebraheem Maki Naif, the owner of Gravois Discount Smokes, pled guilty to one felony count of food stamp fraud last week. He faces up to 10 years in prison and/or fines of up to $250,000. He will be sentenced in August.

From 2008-2012, Naif redeemed $1.9 million in food stamp benefits from the federal government. In 2011, that number was $690,198, but he only reported $80,800 worth of sales through food stamps that year to the city of St. Louis. That resulted in an overpayment of $609,398 in 2011 because of his scheme.

Naif also agreed to forfeit a vehicle and $30,765 taken from him by authorities during the investigation.

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VIDEO: Cops Raid Family Party, Pepper Spray Children, Taser Grandma

Baytown Police, who were responding to a noise complaint, turned an evening of joy into a nightmare for those involved.

For something as trivial as a noise complaint, police felt it necessary to dispatch 5-10 officers and enter through the back door in a SWAT style raid.

Once inside, the situation quickly turned violent. Pepper spray, tasers, and pistol whipping was now the scene inside this house, which moments early consisted of laughing and celebrating.

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Public Notice of Closed Session

THE SALISBURY CITY COUNCIL WILL MEET AT 1:30 P.M. ON MONDAY, MAY 19, 2014 TO ENTERTAIN A VOTE TO CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONSULTING WITH COUNSEL AND STAFF TO OBTAIN ADVICE ON A LEGAL MATTER IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ANNOTATED CODE OF MARYLAND §10-508(a)(7)(8).

THE CLOSED SESSION WILL BE HELD IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS, ROOM 301 OF THE GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING (125 N. DIVISION STREET) AT WHICH TIME THE PUBLIC CAN OBSERVE THE MOTION, ANY DISCUSSION AND THE VOTE TO CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION AS NOTED ABOVE.

IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE ADJOURNMENT OF THE CLOSED SESSION AT APPROXIMATELY 2:15 P.M., THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED WORK SESSION WILL BEGIN.

THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO ATTEND.

2 Men Charged With Stealing US Postal Carts In Md.

BALTIMORE (AP) -- Prosecutors say a federal grand jury has indicted two Maryland men on charges of stealing $2.2 million worth of aluminum carts from the U.S. Postal Service.

The indictment announced Tuesday charges 52-year-old Aaron Keith Howard of Brooklyn, Maryland, and 57-year-old Roland Michael Muir of Glen Burnie with conspiracy and theft. Prosecutors say both suspects are in custody.

The indictment alleges the suspects stole the carts in Capitol Heights, painted over post office markings and sold more than 383,000 pounds of scrap aluminum to Maryland recyclers. They received $223,717 in cash.
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Worcester County Bureau Of Investigation Press Release 5-14-14