This week, the NAACP made national front-page headlines with a local press release demanding that the feds investigate the hanging death of a local man in Port Gibson, Miss. Derrick Johnson, president of the NAACP Mississippi State Conference, immediately invoked the specter of a “hate crime.” In response, the Obama Justice Department flooded the zone with a whopping 30 federal agents.
News outlets grabbed the bait. USA Today asked ominously: “Was it a lynching?” The discovery of ex-con Otis Byrd’s body swinging from a tree by a bed sheet “brought back unpleasant memories of America’s violent, racially charged past,” the paper’s video reporter asserted. Voice of America similarly intoned: “Mississippi hanging death raises lynching specter.” The Los Angeles Times leaped into the fray with: “Why this story haunts the nation.”
Whoa there, teeth-gnashing Nellies. Didn’t we just recently witness the implosion of an NAACP-incited non-hate crime with the same exact narrative? Why, yes. Yes, we did.
As I reported in January, the group was here in my adopted hometown of Colorado Springs hyping a so-called “bombing” at the city’s chapter office. Local, state and federal NAACP leaders, amplified by political and media sympathizers, claimed the alleged hate crime “remind(ed) me of another period” (Georgia Democratic Rep. John Lewis); “undermines years of progress” (Texas Democratic Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee); “harkens to bad old days” (MSNBC); and “evokes memories of civil rights strife” (Time magazine).
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DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Thursday, March 26, 2015
Retailers, Distributors Agree To Powdered Alcohol Ban In Maryland
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Comptroller Peter Franchot announced the agreement Wednesday.
It's between the Maryland State Licensed Beverage Association, the Maryland Beer Wholesalers Association and the Licensed Beverage Distributors of Maryland.
The U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau recently approved several labels for Palcohol. That's a powdered form of alcohol that can be dissolved in a beverage. It is expected to be in stores nationwide by the end of summer. Several states have recently passed legislation banning it.
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Reports: Ex-US Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. to be Released From Prison
This Brilliant Mortgage Payoff Method Has Banks On Edge
When homeowners visit The Easy Loan Site™ official website, they may be surprised to find out they qualify for a plan that offers them shockingly low interest rates.
Still unknown to many, this brilliant government program called the Home Affordable Refinance Plan (HARP) could benefit millions of Americans and reduce their monthly payments by as much as $4,264 each year.1 You could bet the banks aren’t too thrilled about losing all that profit and might secretly hope homeowners don’t find out before time runs out.
So while the banks happily wait for this program to end, the government is making a final push and urging homeowners to take advantage. The program is set to expire in 2015, but the good news though is that once you’re in, you’re in. if lowering your payments, paying off your mortgage faster, and even taking some cash out would help you, it’s vital you act now.
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Still unknown to many, this brilliant government program called the Home Affordable Refinance Plan (HARP) could benefit millions of Americans and reduce their monthly payments by as much as $4,264 each year.1 You could bet the banks aren’t too thrilled about losing all that profit and might secretly hope homeowners don’t find out before time runs out.
So while the banks happily wait for this program to end, the government is making a final push and urging homeowners to take advantage. The program is set to expire in 2015, but the good news though is that once you’re in, you’re in. if lowering your payments, paying off your mortgage faster, and even taking some cash out would help you, it’s vital you act now.
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Ford cars slow when they see speed-limit signs
Ford is to sell a car that can read road signs and adjust its speed accordingly to ensure the vehicle is not driving too fast.
The speed-limiting tech can be activated via the steering wheel and briefly overridden by pressing firmly on the accelerator.
The car company suggests the facility will help drivers avoid fines and could reduce the number of accidents.
However, one expert said the innovation might only serve as a "stopgap".
"There's a plan for speed restrictions to be beamed to your car's computer systems and controlled from there, rather than requiring street sign visual recognition systems," said Paul Newton, an automotive industry analyst at the IHS consultancy.
"This would be part an extension of the networks that will connect vehicles, allowing cars to warn those behind them if they are slowing down, which is all part of a move toward autonomous vehicles that drive themselves."
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The speed-limiting tech can be activated via the steering wheel and briefly overridden by pressing firmly on the accelerator.
The car company suggests the facility will help drivers avoid fines and could reduce the number of accidents.
However, one expert said the innovation might only serve as a "stopgap".
"There's a plan for speed restrictions to be beamed to your car's computer systems and controlled from there, rather than requiring street sign visual recognition systems," said Paul Newton, an automotive industry analyst at the IHS consultancy.
"This would be part an extension of the networks that will connect vehicles, allowing cars to warn those behind them if they are slowing down, which is all part of a move toward autonomous vehicles that drive themselves."
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A 'Post Modern Skateboard' That Ditches The Board
The Sidewinding Circular Skates consist of a pair of 10-inch rubber wheels with foot platforms. Apart from riding with a sideways stance, the gadget appears to be a futuristic take on roller skates.
Rather than pushing off the ground like a traditional skateboard or skates, the user gains momentum from a Segway-like propulsion by leaning side to side. Braking is achieved by touching one's toes to the ground.
An extendable rod can be attached to offer the rider training wheels of sort. More
LOBSTER NIGHT@SOBO'S
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Photo of children climbing on Vietnam Women’s Memorial goes viral
The nation’s capital has many sites that honor the service and sacrifice made by those who served our country. The Vietnam Women’s Memorial was dedicated to the women of the United States who served in the Vietnam War, most of whom were nurses.
Matthew Munson was visiting the memorial when some parents encouraged their children to climb on the memorial for a picture.
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Alcohol Compliance Checks Somerset County
TROOPERS
CONDUCT ALCOHOL COMPLIANCE CHECKS
The
Maryland State Police conducted numerous alcohol compliance checks at
retail establishments in Somerset County on Wednesday, March 25,
2015.
Troopers
from the Princess Anne Barracks, with the assistance of cadets from
Maryland State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division,
ensured that various retail establishments which hold a Somerset
County Liquor License are denying sales of alcoholic beverages to
persons under the age of 21 years old.
A
total of 28 retail establishments were checked. The following retail
establishments complied with the provisions of the law and denied the
sale of alcoholic beverage to minors:
- Brew Thru, Crisfield, Maryland
- Big Willey’s. Crisfield, Maryland
- Blue Crab Café, Crisfield, Maryland
- Captain Tyler’s Crabhouse, Crisfield, Maryland
- Crab Place, Crisfield, Maryland
- Crisfield Oceanic, Crisfield, Maryland
- Linton’s Seafood, Crisfield, Maryland
- Puff’s Place, Crisfield, Maryland
- Shore Stop #226, Crisfield, Maryland
- Somerset Memorial VFW, Crisfield, Maryland
- Dash Inn, Westover, Maryland
- Goose Creek, Westover, Maryland
- Somerset County Liquor Dispensary, Crisfield, Maryland
- Somerset County Liquor Dispensary, Pocomoke City, Maryland
- Arby’s General Store, Wenona, Maryland
- Buck’s Store, Princess Anne, Maryland
- Princess Anne Community Store, Princess Anne, Maryland
- Junior’s Stop and Shop, Princess Anne, Maryland
- Kash and Karry, Princess Anne, Maryland
- Oscar’s Grill and Bar, Princess Anne, Maryland
- Peaky’s Restaurant, Princess Anne, Maryland
- Eden Quick Stop, Eden, Maryland
- Goose Creek, Princess Anne, Maryland
- Spike’s Pub and Subs, Princess Anne, Maryland
- King’s Creek Market, Princess Anne, Maryland
The
following retail establishments were not in compliance with the
provisions of the law and sold alcoholic beverages to a minor:
- River Market, Pocomoke City, Maryland
- Ceaser’s Pizza Palace, Princess Anne, Maryland
- Lucky’s Last Chance, Chance, Maryland
In
an effort to increase awareness about underage alcohol consumption,
Troopers distributed informational brochures to all establishments
which were checked. Additionally, Troopers distributed ID guides
which will aid establishments in checking IDs to assist employees in
detecting false identification documents. Troopers will continue
with unannounced compliance
checks to ensure that alcoholic beverages stay out of the hands of
minors.
A Letter To The Editor: "A Thought"
Joe, here’s a thought…
I lived in the Florida Keys for a dozen years, and I’ve never missed an election since I turned 18. When I went to my first republican primary election, there was basically no one to vote for. Democratic idiots ran the state. (1980’s). Either no republicans, or maybe one was running for a position, there was really no multiple challengers to choose between in the primaries. So, I had to switch my strategy and register as a Democrat so I could vote for the idiot most likely to lose the election , (the biggest idiot), so my Republican candidates at least had a chance, but in the end, the worst idiots of the Dems wound up elected anyway, being such a historically Dem state.
Migrating to Virginia, then Maryland, and registering to vote here, I was shocked and embarrassed to have the “Dem” label on me, because there are actually candidates of both persuasions to vote for here, so I dutifully removed myself from the “embarrassment list” and registered as GOP again so I could pick a less than a crook from a number greater than one.
I lived in the Florida Keys for a dozen years, and I’ve never missed an election since I turned 18. When I went to my first republican primary election, there was basically no one to vote for. Democratic idiots ran the state. (1980’s). Either no republicans, or maybe one was running for a position, there was really no multiple challengers to choose between in the primaries. So, I had to switch my strategy and register as a Democrat so I could vote for the idiot most likely to lose the election , (the biggest idiot), so my Republican candidates at least had a chance, but in the end, the worst idiots of the Dems wound up elected anyway, being such a historically Dem state.
Migrating to Virginia, then Maryland, and registering to vote here, I was shocked and embarrassed to have the “Dem” label on me, because there are actually candidates of both persuasions to vote for here, so I dutifully removed myself from the “embarrassment list” and registered as GOP again so I could pick a less than a crook from a number greater than one.
Now, I find my strategy has backfired uncontrollably, and it’s all my fault. It seems that the Democrats have learned from those primaries that the only way to win a primary is to be a complete and total idiot moron. This is who I voted for so my guy would win. Because I and like- minded people in Dem controlled states have been repeated winners when they ran on the absolute worst platforms, they are now under the belief that this is what We, the People now want! They actually believe that the more left and stupider they get, the more votes they can hoard in!
It’s all my fault, and folks, I am truly sorry for this. I led them on. I encouraged this behavior. I was trying to be a good Republican and it blew up in my face. Hillary and Bill are my danged fault.
I hope someday you all can forgive me.
It’s all my fault, and folks, I am truly sorry for this. I led them on. I encouraged this behavior. I was trying to be a good Republican and it blew up in my face. Hillary and Bill are my danged fault.
I hope someday you all can forgive me.
Troopers Investigate Pizza Hut Robbery
Rehoboth - Delaware State Police are currently investigating the armed robbery of a Rehoboth area Pizza Hut Restaurant that occurred late last night.
The preliminary investigation has determined that the incident occurred on Wednesday, March 25, 2015, at 11:00 p.m., as a 33 year old female employee of the Pizza Hut, located at 19068 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach, was preparing to close the restaurant. The employee was then confronted by a male suspect, which was armed with an unknown make and model handgun. The suspect demanded money from the restaurant’s safe. The employee did not comply with the suspect’s demands. The suspect then fled from the business without obtaining any cash, in an unknown direction. The employee was not injured.
The suspect was described as a black male, 20-30 years of age. He was also described as 5’10”- 6’00” tall, and weighed between 160-180 lbs. The suspect was last seen wearing dark clothing and hooded sweatshirt which covered his face. The suspect was armed with an unknown make and model handgun. There is no further physical clothing description available.
If anyone has any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact Detective Archer, at 302-752-3791. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.tipsubmit.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword "DSP."
The preliminary investigation has determined that the incident occurred on Wednesday, March 25, 2015, at 11:00 p.m., as a 33 year old female employee of the Pizza Hut, located at 19068 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach, was preparing to close the restaurant. The employee was then confronted by a male suspect, which was armed with an unknown make and model handgun. The suspect demanded money from the restaurant’s safe. The employee did not comply with the suspect’s demands. The suspect then fled from the business without obtaining any cash, in an unknown direction. The employee was not injured.
The suspect was described as a black male, 20-30 years of age. He was also described as 5’10”- 6’00” tall, and weighed between 160-180 lbs. The suspect was last seen wearing dark clothing and hooded sweatshirt which covered his face. The suspect was armed with an unknown make and model handgun. There is no further physical clothing description available.
If anyone has any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact Detective Archer, at 302-752-3791. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.tipsubmit.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword "DSP."
Bombshell Fact About Valerie Jarrett May Explain Everything Obama Is Doing on Iran
President Barack Obama and his administration have repeatedly shown leniency toward the nation of Iran, even as the regime continues to pursue nuclear weapons.
Now, an interesting fact has been revealed that might explain the White House’s reluctance to play hardball in the Middle East.
Valerie Jarrett is one of Obama’s top advisers. She is notorious for pulling many of the strings in the White House and unofficially may wield nearly as much power as the president himself.
Jarrett was also born in Iran. She speaks the Persian language and has strong connections to that country.
Those facts by themselves are not entirely suspicious. However, recent actions by the administration have raised several red flags.
More
Now, an interesting fact has been revealed that might explain the White House’s reluctance to play hardball in the Middle East.
Valerie Jarrett is one of Obama’s top advisers. She is notorious for pulling many of the strings in the White House and unofficially may wield nearly as much power as the president himself.
Jarrett was also born in Iran. She speaks the Persian language and has strong connections to that country.
Those facts by themselves are not entirely suspicious. However, recent actions by the administration have raised several red flags.
More
Attention Farmers
ATTENTION FARMERS!!
America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education is back for a fourth year of partnering with farmers to nominate their local public school district to compete for a grant of $10,000 or $25,000 to enhance math and science education. Farmers must be 21 years or older and actively engaged in farming of a minimum 250 acres of corn, soybeans and/or cotton; or 40 acres of open field vegetables (as defined above); or 10 acres of tomatoes, peppers and/or cucumbers grown in protected culture (glasshouse, nethouse, plastic). Entrants are limited to one nomination per qualified person (regardless of the form of entry). A farmer is “actively engaged in farming” if he or she performs the work, or hires and actively manages others who do so. Farmers have until April 1, 2015 to nominate our county for us to be eligible for the grant.
America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education is sponsored by the Monsanto Fund to help farmers positively impact their communities and support local school districts. In 2015, the program will operate in 1,324 counties across 40 states.
Please visit http://www.americasfarmers.com/recogn…/grow-rural-education/ and click on the “FARMERS NOMINATE NOW” button to fill out a short form.
Action Alert: Write or call Senator Mathias Demanding Support of Senator Ready's Amendment to HB 70
Great news and a huge step in the right direction. Quoting the article linked below, "On Thursday, Senator Justin Ready will be offering an amendment on the Senate floor to HB 70 the FY2016 Budget which would stop all funding for the PARCC Assessment until the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) develops an opt-out plan and makes it available to parents."
Time to tell Senator Mathias, who sent his children to Worcester Preparatory School, that public school parents have the right to "opt out" or "refuse the test" for their child(ren). Senator Ready clearly respects parental rights and Senator Jim Mathias must show his Eastern Shore Constituents that he respects parental rights as well!
Contact Senator Jim Mathias at:
410-841-3645
james.mathias@senate.state.md.us
Text his cell phone 443-497-0911
http://justinready.com/2015/03/25/ready-fighting-on-senate-floor-to-allow-parent-opt-out-for-parcc-testing/
Time to tell Senator Mathias, who sent his children to Worcester Preparatory School, that public school parents have the right to "opt out" or "refuse the test" for their child(ren). Senator Ready clearly respects parental rights and Senator Jim Mathias must show his Eastern Shore Constituents that he respects parental rights as well!
Contact Senator Jim Mathias at:
410-841-3645
james.mathias@senate.state.md.us
Text his cell phone 443-497-0911
http://justinready.com/2015/03/25/ready-fighting-on-senate-floor-to-allow-parent-opt-out-for-parcc-testing/
North Korea to Obama: Return Nobel Peace Prize
North Korea’s state-controlled media blasted President Barack Obama for the nuclear weapons policy of the United States and demanded Obama return his 2009 Nobel Peace Prize for violating the U.N. Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
Yonhap reported North Korea’s newspaper Rodong Sinmun denounced the U.S. president on Monday, stating Obama’s call for the dismantlement of North Korea’s nuclear program, a backhanded move – just a few weeks after Obama observed the 45th anniversary of the U.N. treaty on nuclear weapons on March 6.
North Korea’s state-controlled news outlet claimed the U.S. has 2,900 nuclear warheads in its possession.
“It is an absurd lie, an insult to humanity and a criminal act,” the Rodong Sinmun stated, referring to U.S. censure of North Korea’s nuclear weapons program and call for non-proliferation under Obama’s nuclear arms reduction treaty with Russia, signed in April 2010.
Read more
DOCUMENTS SHOW DHS RELEASED 165,900 CONVICTED CRIMINAL ALIENS WITHIN LAST YEAR
Government purposely floods country with convicted criminals
Judicial Watch today released 76 pages of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) documents revealing that as of April 26, 2014, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had released 165,900 convicted criminal aliens throughout the United States, including many convicted of such violent crimes as homicide, sexual assault, kidnapping, and aggravated assault. (Reports recently detailed that ICE released another 30,000 in the most recent fiscal year, which brings the grand total of known criminals released by the Obama administration to 195,900.)
The documents were released through a July 21, 2014, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit (Judicial Watch v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security (No. 1:14-cv-01237)) filed by Judicial Watch after DHS failed to respond to a May 15 FOIA request seeking:
Any and all records of communications including, but not limited to, emails and memoranda, to or from personnel in the office of the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (including its component offices, such as the Office of Public Affairs), from May 1 to May 15, 2014, concerning, regarding, or related to the report published by the Center for Immigrations Studies concerning the release of 36,000 criminal aliens.
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Judicial Watch today released 76 pages of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) documents revealing that as of April 26, 2014, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had released 165,900 convicted criminal aliens throughout the United States, including many convicted of such violent crimes as homicide, sexual assault, kidnapping, and aggravated assault. (Reports recently detailed that ICE released another 30,000 in the most recent fiscal year, which brings the grand total of known criminals released by the Obama administration to 195,900.)
The documents were released through a July 21, 2014, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit (Judicial Watch v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security (No. 1:14-cv-01237)) filed by Judicial Watch after DHS failed to respond to a May 15 FOIA request seeking:
Any and all records of communications including, but not limited to, emails and memoranda, to or from personnel in the office of the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (including its component offices, such as the Office of Public Affairs), from May 1 to May 15, 2014, concerning, regarding, or related to the report published by the Center for Immigrations Studies concerning the release of 36,000 criminal aliens.
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Feminists: Don't Clap, Use 'Jazz Hands'
The National Union of Students (NUS) Women’s Campaign announced the clapping “ban” at the West Midlands conference on Twitter Tuesday, shortly after receiving a request from the Oxford University Women’s Campaign.
“@nuswomcam please can we ask people to stop clapping but do feminist jazz hands? it’s triggering some peoples’ anxiety. thank you!” Oxford representatives wrote.
Within five minutes, NUS tweeted: “Some delegates are requesting that we move to jazz hands rather than clapping, as it’s triggering anxiety. Please be mindful! #nuswomen15.”
The tweets received a wave of criticism and mockery by people who argued political correctness has run amok, Twitchy first reported.
Delegates told BBC’s Newsbeat that jazz hands are “a nice way to show solidarity.”
“Jazz hands are used throughout NUS in place of clapping as a way to show appreciation of someone’s point without interrupting or causing disturbance, as it can create anxiety,” said Nona Buckley-Irvine, general secretary at the London School of Economics Students’ Union.
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CONGRESSMAN HARRIS: TAXPAYER DOLLARS ARE GOING TO PRO-ABORTION GROUPS
“This new report clearly shows that we are, in violation of the Hyde Amendment, giving federal taxpayer funds to organizations that perform abortion procedures. As a physician, I find it hard to believe that Planned Parenthood, an organization where 94% of their services are made up of abortions, is not using any of their federal funding for these procedures,” said Congressman Harris.
Under the Hyde Amendment, no federal dollars are to be used to fund abortions, except for in cases of rape and incest. Planned Parenthood performed 327,653 abortions in 2013, yet they only provided 1,880 adoption referrals and 18,684 prenatal services in the same time. They are the largest abortion provider in the United States, and the GAO report found that, despite the Hyde Amendment, they receive more than $500 million a year in federal funding.
Since coming to Congress in 2010, Congressman Harris has fought for pro-life issues, including ensuring that taxpayer dollars are not used to fund abortions, a position shared by a majority of Americans.
Let’s Stop Living In Fairy Land: “This Is Training To Condition The Public To Accept Military On The Streets”
The United States military, law enforcement, and intelligence agencies are planning a two-months long exercise later this year
The United States military, law enforcement, and intelligence agencies are planning a two-months long exercise later this year. The government claims this is an effort to protect the American people, but Alex Jones has a different take.
In the following video Jones provides extensive documentation sourced over the last twenty years. The evidence is clear… and frightening.
The exercises taking place this summer in states like Texas, Utah and California are designed not for the protection of Americans, but rather, the intimidation of an entire nation. Members of the military and law enforcement are being desensitized to deployments on U.S. soil and the public is being conditioned to accept soldiers on every street corner as normal.
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The United States military, law enforcement, and intelligence agencies are planning a two-months long exercise later this year. The government claims this is an effort to protect the American people, but Alex Jones has a different take.
In the following video Jones provides extensive documentation sourced over the last twenty years. The evidence is clear… and frightening.
The exercises taking place this summer in states like Texas, Utah and California are designed not for the protection of Americans, but rather, the intimidation of an entire nation. Members of the military and law enforcement are being desensitized to deployments on U.S. soil and the public is being conditioned to accept soldiers on every street corner as normal.
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Navy Bans Chaplain From Ministering To Family Of Dead Sailor
But that’s exactly what happened last week at Naval Nuclear Power Training Command in Goose Creek, S.C., according to attorneys representing Chaplain Wes Modder.
“For this Navy to bar a chaplain from comforting and ministering to sailors and families is a reprehensible violation of religious freedom and common human decency,” said Kelly Shackelford, the president of Liberty Institute, a law firm that specializes in religious liberty cases.
Some quick background before I explain what happened:
Chaplain Modder is facing the end of a stellar, 19-year-career in the Navy because he expressed his faith-based views on marriage and human sexuality during private counseling sessions with sailors.
Last December, a gay officer took offense at Christian chaplain’s take on homosexuality. Modder, who is endorsed by the Assemblies of God, was accused of discrimination and failing to show tolerance and respect, among other things.
Just a few months earlier, Modder’s commander had called him the “best of the best” and a “consummate professional leader.” But now he’s on the verge of being kicked out of the military.
More here
Airman trying to find little girl he rescued during Hurricane Katrina
A decade on, Staff Sgt. Mike Maroney is desperate to trace the beaming little girl he rescued from Hurricane Katrina's floodwaters.
The US airman was with an elite Air Force pararescue unit when he plucked her to safety from her family's destroyed home in New Orleans, during the disaster.
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BREAKING NEWS: French prosecutor: Germanwings co-pilot appeared to want to 'destroy the plane'
The co-pilot of the doomed Germanwings flight appeared to want to 'destroy the plane,' French prosecutor says after reports of pilot locked out of cockpit .
More
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Hillary Can’t Type: Look To Huma’s And Cheryl’s Emails
Don’t expect a gold mine of emails on Hillary’s private account. Why not? Because she doesn’t know how to type. That’s right. She writes everything out in longhand. Really. Anyone who has spent time in meetings with her knows about her endless yellow pads.
So her emails will most likely turn out to be very short and quick. She wouldn’t spend a lot of time pecking out long letters. No way. That’s why the Benghazi Committee needs to also look very closely at the emails on private accounts that Hillary’s closest aides, Huma Abedin and Cheryl Mills, maintained. Anything more than a few lines were most likely written by someone else on her behalf. There’s a reason why Hillary set up and used private emails with them for official business: all the important emails were likely written by her staff. Without access to them, we won’t know what was going on.
The Clintons never used the White House computer for their own work. Hillary even wrote (or copied) her book manuscripts in long hand. Although ghost writer Barbara Fineman was paid $120,000 for writing It Takes A Village, she proudly waved hundreds of hand-written pages on yellow legal pads to pretend she wrote it all herself. She never acknowledged Fineman’s work.
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So her emails will most likely turn out to be very short and quick. She wouldn’t spend a lot of time pecking out long letters. No way. That’s why the Benghazi Committee needs to also look very closely at the emails on private accounts that Hillary’s closest aides, Huma Abedin and Cheryl Mills, maintained. Anything more than a few lines were most likely written by someone else on her behalf. There’s a reason why Hillary set up and used private emails with them for official business: all the important emails were likely written by her staff. Without access to them, we won’t know what was going on.
The Clintons never used the White House computer for their own work. Hillary even wrote (or copied) her book manuscripts in long hand. Although ghost writer Barbara Fineman was paid $120,000 for writing It Takes A Village, she proudly waved hundreds of hand-written pages on yellow legal pads to pretend she wrote it all herself. She never acknowledged Fineman’s work.
More
Officer charged with killing unarmed driver laying facedown
A police officer was charged Tuesday with criminal homicide after investigators concluded she shot an unarmed motorist in the back as he lay facedown after a traffic stop over an expired inspection sticker.
Authorities accused Hummelstown police Officer Lisa J. Mearkle of shooting David Kassick, 59, twice February 2 without legal justification. She was jailed without bail.
They said Mearkle had attempted to pull over Kassick for expired inspection and emissions stickers before he sped away. She caught up to Kassick near his sister's home, where he got out and ran.
She had incapacitated him with a stun gun and he was on the ground when she shot him twice in the back, police said.
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Authorities accused Hummelstown police Officer Lisa J. Mearkle of shooting David Kassick, 59, twice February 2 without legal justification. She was jailed without bail.
They said Mearkle had attempted to pull over Kassick for expired inspection and emissions stickers before he sped away. She caught up to Kassick near his sister's home, where he got out and ran.
She had incapacitated him with a stun gun and he was on the ground when she shot him twice in the back, police said.
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Bank Robbery In Denton
On March 25th at 1320 hours members of the Denton Police Department responded to a report of a bank robbery at the PNC...
Posted by Denton Police Department on Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Union: Cutting military commissary budget would affect tens of thousands of federal workers
The largest federal employee union is calling on the Defense Department to stop a proposal to cut funding for its commissaries, says a March 18 American Federation of Government Employees letter to Congress.
AFGE, who represents 650,000 federal workers nationwide and overseas, says the cuts to commissary funding would threaten the jobs of tens of thousands of civilian employees at the commissaries and exchanges who "deliver important and necessary services to the military community," the letter (pdf) says.
"The cut is a badly-disguised attempt to put the commissaries into a death spiral," AFGE Legislative Director Beth Moten wrote in a letter.
DoD is proposing $300 million in funding to be cut from the commissary budget in fiscal 2016 to deal with shortfalls brought on by Budget Control Act spending constraints.
Moten says the funding reduction would force commissaries to reduce their hours and days of operation and increase costs for goods and services, particularly at more remote locations.
"Commissaries would no longer be a convenient bargain for military families," she says in the letter. "The commissaries and exchanges are an earned benefit treasured by military families and an important contributor to their quality of life."
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AFGE, who represents 650,000 federal workers nationwide and overseas, says the cuts to commissary funding would threaten the jobs of tens of thousands of civilian employees at the commissaries and exchanges who "deliver important and necessary services to the military community," the letter (pdf) says.
"The cut is a badly-disguised attempt to put the commissaries into a death spiral," AFGE Legislative Director Beth Moten wrote in a letter.
DoD is proposing $300 million in funding to be cut from the commissary budget in fiscal 2016 to deal with shortfalls brought on by Budget Control Act spending constraints.
Moten says the funding reduction would force commissaries to reduce their hours and days of operation and increase costs for goods and services, particularly at more remote locations.
"Commissaries would no longer be a convenient bargain for military families," she says in the letter. "The commissaries and exchanges are an earned benefit treasured by military families and an important contributor to their quality of life."
More
Pianist who chopped up his parents and COOKED them is jailed for life
A Hong Kong pianist who murdered his parents before chopping up their bodies and cooking them in a microwave has been jailed for life.
Henry Chau Hoi-Iueng, 31, was found guilty of killing his devoted mother Siu Yuet-yee, 63, and father Chau Wing-ki, 65, before salting, cooking and packing their body parts into lunchboxes 'like barbecued pork.'
It is thought that he wanted them dead after they became reluctant to fund his lavish lifestyle.
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Henry Chau Hoi-Iueng, 31, was found guilty of killing his devoted mother Siu Yuet-yee, 63, and father Chau Wing-ki, 65, before salting, cooking and packing their body parts into lunchboxes 'like barbecued pork.'
It is thought that he wanted them dead after they became reluctant to fund his lavish lifestyle.
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WICOMICO COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND SALISBURY UNIVERSITY COLLABORATING ON TUBERCULOSIS TESTING AT SALISBURY UNIVERSITY
(Wicomico County) Wicomico County Health Department (WiCHD) and Salisbury University are collaborating on preventive health measures following diagnosis of tuberculosis in an SU student.
The student is currently under medical care and is no longer attending classes. “There is no risk of additional exposure to SU students, faculty or staff,” according to Lori Brewster, Wicomico County Health Officer, “and the risk of infection from previous exposure to the student affected is small.”
According to the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH), in 2013 there were 178 cases of TB in Maryland and 224 cases in 2012. “Tuberculosis is difficult to contract. It usually takes at least eight hours of close proximity in a small room for TB transmission to possibly occur, and the air space is only contagious when the untreated patient is actually present,” according to Lori Brewster, Wicomico County Health Officer. “A healthy person cannot be infected from casual exposure such as walking through the halls or eating in the same room as the affected person.”
The WiCHD has begun reaching out to those who may have had closer contact, including classmates. They will be offered the opportunity for TB testing. The tuberculin test is being done simply as a precaution to ensure no others were infected before the affected student began treatment. (Please note that a positive skin test result DOES NOT mean a person has active tuberculosis. It simply means that at some time in the past, he or she may have been exposed to the tuberculosis germ.)
The student is currently under medical care and is no longer attending classes. “There is no risk of additional exposure to SU students, faculty or staff,” according to Lori Brewster, Wicomico County Health Officer, “and the risk of infection from previous exposure to the student affected is small.”
According to the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH), in 2013 there were 178 cases of TB in Maryland and 224 cases in 2012. “Tuberculosis is difficult to contract. It usually takes at least eight hours of close proximity in a small room for TB transmission to possibly occur, and the air space is only contagious when the untreated patient is actually present,” according to Lori Brewster, Wicomico County Health Officer. “A healthy person cannot be infected from casual exposure such as walking through the halls or eating in the same room as the affected person.”
The WiCHD has begun reaching out to those who may have had closer contact, including classmates. They will be offered the opportunity for TB testing. The tuberculin test is being done simply as a precaution to ensure no others were infected before the affected student began treatment. (Please note that a positive skin test result DOES NOT mean a person has active tuberculosis. It simply means that at some time in the past, he or she may have been exposed to the tuberculosis germ.)
Judge Nap: Here's Where Ted Cruz Is NOT Following the Constitution
Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz promised Monday to return to a government by the Constitution and "stand for liberty" as he officially announced his 2016 presidential bid.
As the first major presidential candidate to officially declare, Cruz told the crowd of students at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va., what he sees for the future of the country.
(Watch Cruz's full speech and read the transcript, here)
But how does constitutional expert and Fox News senior judicial analyst Judge Andrew Napolitano feel about Cruz's adherence to the Constitution?
Stuart Varney sat down with Napolitano to ask that question this morning.
The judge said he likes Cruz's views toward the Constitution overall, except when it comes to the senator's views on using U.S. military force overseas.
"I think Ted Cruz would probably join all the other Republicans but Rand Paul with the idea that we should - to use Woodrow Wilson's phrase - make the world safe for democracy, which means perpetual death and perpetual war," said Napolitano, arguing that Paul would be the only candidate who shares his views on only fighting "defensive" wars where the nation is truly under an imminent threat.
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As the first major presidential candidate to officially declare, Cruz told the crowd of students at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va., what he sees for the future of the country.
(Watch Cruz's full speech and read the transcript, here)
But how does constitutional expert and Fox News senior judicial analyst Judge Andrew Napolitano feel about Cruz's adherence to the Constitution?
Stuart Varney sat down with Napolitano to ask that question this morning.
The judge said he likes Cruz's views toward the Constitution overall, except when it comes to the senator's views on using U.S. military force overseas.
"I think Ted Cruz would probably join all the other Republicans but Rand Paul with the idea that we should - to use Woodrow Wilson's phrase - make the world safe for democracy, which means perpetual death and perpetual war," said Napolitano, arguing that Paul would be the only candidate who shares his views on only fighting "defensive" wars where the nation is truly under an imminent threat.
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Meet the people who will help Ted Cruz try to get to the White House
Some of the people steering Ted Cruz's White House bid:
Heidi Cruz:
The senator's wife is a managing director at Goldman Sachs in Houston. She has worked at the investment banking firm since 2005 and will take a leave of absence to campaign with her husband. Heidi Cruz also has a formidable political resume. She was the director for the Western Hemisphere at the National Security Council and worked in the Treasury Department. She graduated from Harvard Business School and Claremont McKenna College. She and her husband met in Austin in 2000 while working on President George W. Bush's campaign.
Rafael Cruz:
The senator often calls his father and namesake his hero. Rafael Cruz fled Cuba in 1957 and went to Austin, Texas. The younger Cruz often tells the story of how Rafael came, penniless, to the United States and worked his way up from a dishwasher to a student to the oil business. He is now an evangelical preacher and director of Purifying Fire International ministry. He often appears beside his son at events. Rafael Cruz is also known for making controversial statements, including that he wanted to send President Obama back to Kenya.
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Heidi Cruz:
The senator's wife is a managing director at Goldman Sachs in Houston. She has worked at the investment banking firm since 2005 and will take a leave of absence to campaign with her husband. Heidi Cruz also has a formidable political resume. She was the director for the Western Hemisphere at the National Security Council and worked in the Treasury Department. She graduated from Harvard Business School and Claremont McKenna College. She and her husband met in Austin in 2000 while working on President George W. Bush's campaign.
Rafael Cruz:
The senator often calls his father and namesake his hero. Rafael Cruz fled Cuba in 1957 and went to Austin, Texas. The younger Cruz often tells the story of how Rafael came, penniless, to the United States and worked his way up from a dishwasher to a student to the oil business. He is now an evangelical preacher and director of Purifying Fire International ministry. He often appears beside his son at events. Rafael Cruz is also known for making controversial statements, including that he wanted to send President Obama back to Kenya.
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Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Senate clobbers Obama’s $4 trillion budget plan in 1-98 vote — Here’s the one guy who voted ‘yes’
The only senator to vote for the plan was Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.).
Obama’s budget plans have not fared well in Congress, and in fact Democrats have not even tried to present them each year when members consider various budget plans. That has forced Republicans to call up a version of Obama’s plan to get a sense of how much Congress supports Obama’s plan.
In the last few years, Democrats have protested that these attempts are not real votes on Obama’s budget plans. But those arguments seemed mostly designed to allow Democrats to vote against it with Republicans and spare Obama from seeing his budget plans go down year after year.
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Going Soft on Crime
House Bill 121 seeks to turn back the clock...
by Mike McDermott
Every now and again Maryland’s General Assembly can be counted on to get something right. This was true when, years ago, they passed legislation that placed mandatory minimum sentences in place for repeat drug offenders. It was crafted in response to a real problem with the courts and a system that allowed repeat offenders (career criminals) to serve minimal sentences before being eligible for parole.
Our prisons had become revolving doors and, with a growing crime problem, legislators took action. At the prompting of criminal justice and other community leaders, they adopted mandatory minimums sentencing guidelines to address the more serious criminal drug element. In many cases this meant a criminal caught taking another bite of the apple would be required to serve a minimum sentence between 2 and 40 years behind bars before they could even think about being paroled.
Even the threat of a 10-year minimum sentence created an environment where those charged became more receptive to plea bargain offers from the State’s Attorneys. This ultimately reduced the demand placed on an overburdened court system by limiting the number of jury trials required. Further, it lessened the impact on crime victims and witnesses by eliminating the need to testify. Acceptance of pleas in these cases vanquished the appeals process further reducing pressure on the system.
It is safe to say, there are more marks in the plus column on the balance sheet with this law in place. Yet, in a move to turn back the clock, the Baltimore City Delegation and their Chairman, Delegate Curt Anderson, are pushing ahead with HB-121 in an effort to further soften life for criminals in Maryland.
The bill has suffered amendments, as most do, but it is still full of language that would damage a system that has been working to the benefit of Marylanders. If passed into law, it would strike the minimum mandatory sentences and replace them with discretionary sentences that could be imposed by the trial judge. It is a bait and switch tactic where you trade your guaranteed dinner for what could amount to an empty plate.
The delegates pushing this bill designed it to “appear” tougher saying, “but we doubled the sentencing possibilities from 10 to 20 years”. This is true, but they know full well that it would take a 20-year sentence to see an inmate come anywhere close to serving 10. In reality, it would be closer to 7, and this is the very reason that mandatory minimum sentences were sought out in the first place.
While we are under siege with a heroin epidemic, going soft on the dealers and traffickers that are poisoning our children seems hardly appropriate. In fact, it amounts to surrender. Our State’s Attorneys need the threat of mandatory sentences hanging over the heads of career criminals, and our court system needs the relief that a functional plea agreement often provides.
If HB-121 becomes law, it will only benefit the criminal and it will increase the burden on tax payers. If passed, it will only mean that our streets will be occupied with more drug dealers and those they make dependent upon their poison. It will constitute another step in the wrong direction for Maryland. The vote in the House Judiciary Committee came down along party lines with 8 Republican votes against and the bare minimum 12 Democrat votes in favor. Seems a few Democrats sat this one out on the sidelines.
It is perhaps appropriate that the hearing date for HB-121 in the Maryland Senate falls on April 1st; for changing the law, in this case, would constitute a foolish act.
Police shooting of mentally ill woman reaches US supreme court. Why did it happen at all?
In August 2008, Teresa Sheehan, a mentally ill 56-year-old woman, was shot multiple times by San Francisco police officers. The police had been called to take her for an emergency psychiatric evaluation when she threatened a case worker, but the situation quickly escalated.
After Sheehan threatened the officers with a knife, they shot her five or six times, including in the hip and head. She survived but needed two hip replacement surgeries.
Sheehan sued the officers and the city for failing to take her mental health status into account during arrest. Her lawyers argue that Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires officers to “reasonably” modify arrest procedures when confronting people who have mental illness; San Francisco says the ADA does not apply to arrests, especially with public safety at stake.
On Monday, the US supreme court will hear oral arguments in the Sheehan case, to decide whether and how disabilities regulations apply to police policies and procedures during arrests.
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After Sheehan threatened the officers with a knife, they shot her five or six times, including in the hip and head. She survived but needed two hip replacement surgeries.
Sheehan sued the officers and the city for failing to take her mental health status into account during arrest. Her lawyers argue that Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires officers to “reasonably” modify arrest procedures when confronting people who have mental illness; San Francisco says the ADA does not apply to arrests, especially with public safety at stake.
On Monday, the US supreme court will hear oral arguments in the Sheehan case, to decide whether and how disabilities regulations apply to police policies and procedures during arrests.
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Erica Coulbourne's Funeral Fund
We have a wonderful community and I believe we can all come together and help this family out. Unfortunately, the family did not have life insurance. Any help we can get and make sure this beautiful, young girl has a proper farewell.
Erica was a beautiful, fun loving girl who had a contagious smile, and wonderful friendships. Erica touched many of our hearts during the time we got to have her here with us on earth. She has left us too soon.
http://www.gofundme.com/pmuca4
TSA improperly provided 'notorious' convicted felon expedited screening at airport
A convicted felon who was also a former member of a domestic terrorist group was allowed by the Transportation Security Administration to go through the expedited passenger screening lane at an airport last year even after a security officer recognized the "notorious" traveler, the Homeland Security Department watchdog said in a March 19 press release.
The DHS inspector general conducted an investigation after the U.S. Office of Special Counsel received a whistleblower disclosure that alleged that the felon was not properly cleared for TSA's PreCheck screening.
The partially redacted March 16 report (pdf) – "Allegation of Granting Expedited Screening Through TSA PreCheck Improperly" (OIG-15-45) – was released on the IG's website March 19. The House Democrat's Homeland Security website previously posted the report.
"The traveler is a former member of a domestic terrorist group," the IG said in its report. "While a member, the traveler was involved in numerous felonious criminal activities that led to arrest and conviction. After serving a multiple-year sentence, the traveler was released from prison."
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The DHS inspector general conducted an investigation after the U.S. Office of Special Counsel received a whistleblower disclosure that alleged that the felon was not properly cleared for TSA's PreCheck screening.
The partially redacted March 16 report (pdf) – "Allegation of Granting Expedited Screening Through TSA PreCheck Improperly" (OIG-15-45) – was released on the IG's website March 19. The House Democrat's Homeland Security website previously posted the report.
"The traveler is a former member of a domestic terrorist group," the IG said in its report. "While a member, the traveler was involved in numerous felonious criminal activities that led to arrest and conviction. After serving a multiple-year sentence, the traveler was released from prison."
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Federal workers owe more than $3.5 billion in unpaid taxes
Almost 305,000 federal workers and retirees owed back taxes as of Sept. 30. That’s down from 318,000 the year before.
The delinquency rate was 3.1 percent for the 9.8 million workers and retirees included in the data. That’s down from 3.3 percent the previous year.
The IRS compiles data each year on unpaid taxes by federal workers. The data does not include workers who have enrolled in installment agreements to pay their back taxes.
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Brother, former president to attend Jeb Bush fundraiser
DES MOINES, Iowa — Former President George W. Bush is scheduled to attend a Lone Star-studded fundraiser in Dallas Wednesday for his brother Jeb Bush.
The former president and former first lady Laura Bush are the special guests named to appear with the former Florida governor, who is expected to announce in the coming months his candidacy for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination, Texas Republicans said Monday.
It would be the first time former President Bush — a former Texas governor and current resident of Dallas — has attended a fundraiser for his brother, who has been aggressively raising money for his political action committee from some of the GOP's top donors for three months. It also comes as Jeb Bush nears the end of what is expected to be a successful fundraising quarter for the PAC.
The guest list also includes big names in Texas and national GOP fundraising circles, including Dallas billionaire T. Boone Pickens, who is chairman of BP Capital Management, and real estate and homebuilding magnate Woody Hunt of El Paso.
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The former president and former first lady Laura Bush are the special guests named to appear with the former Florida governor, who is expected to announce in the coming months his candidacy for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination, Texas Republicans said Monday.
It would be the first time former President Bush — a former Texas governor and current resident of Dallas — has attended a fundraiser for his brother, who has been aggressively raising money for his political action committee from some of the GOP's top donors for three months. It also comes as Jeb Bush nears the end of what is expected to be a successful fundraising quarter for the PAC.
The guest list also includes big names in Texas and national GOP fundraising circles, including Dallas billionaire T. Boone Pickens, who is chairman of BP Capital Management, and real estate and homebuilding magnate Woody Hunt of El Paso.
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2 Maryland students caught cheating on PARCC exam
BALTIMORE —Two Maryland students have been caught cheating on a new test tied to the Common Core standards.
Education officials said they learned earlier this month that the students posted test questions to their Twitter accounts. The state is not naming the students, identifying their schools or saying what might happen to them.
The 10th-grade students were taking the statewide English test when they apparently took pictures of the test questions and posted them on Twitter. The tweets were noticed by the testing company using software designed to find keywords and phrases. It wasn't long before state school officials got word of what had taken place.
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Education officials said they learned earlier this month that the students posted test questions to their Twitter accounts. The state is not naming the students, identifying their schools or saying what might happen to them.
The 10th-grade students were taking the statewide English test when they apparently took pictures of the test questions and posted them on Twitter. The tweets were noticed by the testing company using software designed to find keywords and phrases. It wasn't long before state school officials got word of what had taken place.
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Evolution May Explain Why a Curvy Bottom Drives Men Wild
(HealthDay News) -- Men are naturally drawn to a woman with a curvy backside, a new report suggests.
The "theoretically optimal angle" is a 45.5-degree curve from back to buttocks -- not necessarily a big butt, the University of Texas at Austin researchers determined.
These curvaceous gals would have had an evolutionary advantage, in that they appeared able to bear multiple children easily, the researchers said.
"This spinal structure would have enabled pregnant women to balance their weight over the hips," said study leader David Lewis, a UT Austin alumnus and now a psychologist at Bilkent University in Turkey.
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The "theoretically optimal angle" is a 45.5-degree curve from back to buttocks -- not necessarily a big butt, the University of Texas at Austin researchers determined.
These curvaceous gals would have had an evolutionary advantage, in that they appeared able to bear multiple children easily, the researchers said.
"This spinal structure would have enabled pregnant women to balance their weight over the hips," said study leader David Lewis, a UT Austin alumnus and now a psychologist at Bilkent University in Turkey.
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Bill seeks to abolish Delaware death penalty
State troopers group opposes bill as proposed
DOVER — Flanked by a bipartisan group of legislators, religious leaders from across the state and activists who oppose the death penalty, Senate Minority Leader Gary Simpson was one of nearly two dozen people calling for the abolishment of the death penalty in Delaware.
During a March 18 press conference in the Senate Chambers of Legislative Hall in Dover, Simpson, R-Milford, said he’s long believed Delaware should end the death penalty.
The Senate minority leader said Gov. Jack Markell and his fellow legislators need to be brave and do the right thing.
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White House mystery: Florist said to have been escorted off grounds
When White House chief pastry chef Bill Yosses left the executive mansion last summer, the president publicly mourned the loss of “the crust master’s” mysteriously addictive pies. And when the first family’s personal chef and pal, Sam Kass, left in December, Michelle Obama heaped praise on Kass’s “extraordinary legacy of progress” in an official White House statement.
But the recent exit of head florist Laura Dowling, who’d been in the job since 2009, has been a much quieter affair. So hush hush, in fact, that most outside of 1600 Penn knew nothing about it. There’s still no official comment on why Dowling is no longer at the White House, but according to a source with close ties to current residence staffers, she was escorted from the building on Friday, Feb. 13.
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But the recent exit of head florist Laura Dowling, who’d been in the job since 2009, has been a much quieter affair. So hush hush, in fact, that most outside of 1600 Penn knew nothing about it. There’s still no official comment on why Dowling is no longer at the White House, but according to a source with close ties to current residence staffers, she was escorted from the building on Friday, Feb. 13.
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Easter Egg Hunts And Spring Celebrations Across Delmarva
Eggstravaganza: Sunday, March 29, Wicomico Recreation and Parks, Salisbury
Hop on over to Pemberton Historical Park in Salisbury for Wicomico County’s Annual Spring Eggstravaganza event, featuring egg hunts, crafts, an egg toss, bunny hop, egg dyeing and more! Children ages 3 and under are $2, and ages 4 and up are $4. This year’s Eggstravaganza will be held Sunday, March 29 from 1pm until 3pm. Four egg hunts (for children ages 12 and under) will be held. For more information, email Cortney Kline, Program Director, andcfronczak@wicomicocounty.org.
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Lynch Confirmation Vote in Senate Seen Delayed Until April
(Bloomberg) -- U.S. attorney general nominee Loretta Lynch probably won’t get a Senate confirmation vote until at least mid-April, five months after she was nominated, because the chamber plans to spend this week debating its budget proposal.
“Budget all week,” Don Stewart, a spokesman for Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, said in an e-mail Monday when asked whether the Senate would vote on Lynch before taking a two-week spring break until April 13. President Barack Obama said Nov. 8 he was nominating her to replace Attorney General Eric Holder.
“We’re as disappointed as we can be,” Democratic Senator Ben Cardin of Maryland said in an interview Monday. “There hasn’t been one earthly reason given.” He said he still hopes for a vote this week.
McConnell backed off a plan to consider her nomination last week amid a partisan fight over an anti-human-trafficking bill that is stuck in the Senate. Democrats are blocking a vote because they object to Republican language in the bill to ban abortion funding. McConnell has said Lynch’s confirmation won’t come up until the human-trafficking dispute is resolved.
Obama and other Democrats have accused McConnell of holding Lynch’s confirmation hostage for political reasons. The delay also has a downside for Republicans because Holder, widely criticized by members of that party, is still on the job.
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“Budget all week,” Don Stewart, a spokesman for Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, said in an e-mail Monday when asked whether the Senate would vote on Lynch before taking a two-week spring break until April 13. President Barack Obama said Nov. 8 he was nominating her to replace Attorney General Eric Holder.
“We’re as disappointed as we can be,” Democratic Senator Ben Cardin of Maryland said in an interview Monday. “There hasn’t been one earthly reason given.” He said he still hopes for a vote this week.
McConnell backed off a plan to consider her nomination last week amid a partisan fight over an anti-human-trafficking bill that is stuck in the Senate. Democrats are blocking a vote because they object to Republican language in the bill to ban abortion funding. McConnell has said Lynch’s confirmation won’t come up until the human-trafficking dispute is resolved.
Obama and other Democrats have accused McConnell of holding Lynch’s confirmation hostage for political reasons. The delay also has a downside for Republicans because Holder, widely criticized by members of that party, is still on the job.
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Wind farm opposition building steam
Keep Kent Scenic formed about a month ago over a proposal by Apex Clean Energy to build anywhere from 30 to 50 wind turbines expected to be at least 500 feet tall. What Apex is calling Mills Branch Wind will be spread out over several farms in the center of the county, between state routes 213 and 291.
On Saturday, March 21, Keep Kent Scenic organizers Bill Graham and Janet Christensen hosted an organizational meeting for would-be members. They found themselves with a standing-room only crowd in the Kent County Public Library's main branch in Chestertown.
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Uptick in Severe Storms Imminent After Unusually Slow Start to Season
Due to the continuous onset of cold, drier air that's been keeping southern moisture at bay, the month of March has seen no severe thunderstorm watches issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Storm Prediction Center through the middle of the month, something that has never happened in the center's 45-year history.
"We are in uncharted territory with respect to lack of severe weather," SPC's Warning Coordination Meteorologist Greg Carbin said in a March 17press release. "This has never happened in the record of SPC watches dating back to 1970."
According to the SPC, the center has issued only four tornado watches and zero severe thunderstorm watches from the beginning of 2015 to March 17.
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"We are in uncharted territory with respect to lack of severe weather," SPC's Warning Coordination Meteorologist Greg Carbin said in a March 17press release. "This has never happened in the record of SPC watches dating back to 1970."
According to the SPC, the center has issued only four tornado watches and zero severe thunderstorm watches from the beginning of 2015 to March 17.
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Key Annexation Vote Moves Berlin Apartment Project Forward
After hearing from residents both for and against the project, members of Berlin’s town council voted 3-2 Monday to approve the annexation of 90 acres just south of the former Harley Davidson building. Mayor Gee Williams said developments like the one proposed for this site would help fund the town’s infrastructure improvements.
“I’m worried that if we don’t start accommodating them we’ll be forced to raise taxes,” he said.
Developer Blair Rinnier plans to build nearly 800 “garden-style” rental apartments on the site. The first phase will consist of 144 units that could be complete in about a year. Additional units would follow based on demand.
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Supreme Court Leaves Intact Wisconsin Voter ID Law
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday left intact a new Republican-backed law in Wisconsin that requires voters to present photo identification when they cast ballots.
The court declined to hear an appeal filed by the American Civil Liberties Union, which challenged the law.
Voter identification laws have been put in place in a number of Republican-governed states over the objection of many Democrats. Republicans in Wisconsin and other states say such rules are needed to prevent voter fraud. Democrats say the laws are intended to suppress the turnout of minorities and other groups that tend to voter for Democrats.
In October, the court temporarily blocked the Wisconsin law. It did not explain its reasoning at the time, but it was most likely because the statute was being implemented so close to the November election, which could have caused confusion and disruption.
The ACLU had pointed out in October that absentee ballots had been sent out before the November election without notifying voters of the identification requirements.
The Supreme Court has previously upheld the constitutionality of such voter ID laws.
More here
The court declined to hear an appeal filed by the American Civil Liberties Union, which challenged the law.
Voter identification laws have been put in place in a number of Republican-governed states over the objection of many Democrats. Republicans in Wisconsin and other states say such rules are needed to prevent voter fraud. Democrats say the laws are intended to suppress the turnout of minorities and other groups that tend to voter for Democrats.
In October, the court temporarily blocked the Wisconsin law. It did not explain its reasoning at the time, but it was most likely because the statute was being implemented so close to the November election, which could have caused confusion and disruption.
The ACLU had pointed out in October that absentee ballots had been sent out before the November election without notifying voters of the identification requirements.
The Supreme Court has previously upheld the constitutionality of such voter ID laws.
More here
BREAKING NEWS : Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl to be charged with desertion
Fox News confirms that Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, released last May by the Taliban, will be charged with desertion.
5 MD High School Students Taken To Hospital After Ingesting Prescription Drugs
Charges are pending against a 15-year-old Oakdale High School student who county sheriff's deputies said provided prescription drugs to several classmates Wednesday.
Emergency personnel were sent to the school off Eaglehead Drive in Ijamsville around 11 a.m. after school administrators learned that five students had ingested the prescription drugs, said Michael Doerrer, a Frederick County Public Schools spokesman. Five female students took Ambien and Adderall obtained from a sixth female student, said Deputy 1st Class Amanda Hatcher, a sheriff's office spokeswoman.
"The girls were experiencing dizziness, shortness of breath, vomiting and lack of coordination," Hatcher said, adding that four of the five girls who took the drugs were taken by ambulance to the Frederick Memorial Hospital for treatment, while a fourth was released to a parent.
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Emergency personnel were sent to the school off Eaglehead Drive in Ijamsville around 11 a.m. after school administrators learned that five students had ingested the prescription drugs, said Michael Doerrer, a Frederick County Public Schools spokesman. Five female students took Ambien and Adderall obtained from a sixth female student, said Deputy 1st Class Amanda Hatcher, a sheriff's office spokeswoman.
"The girls were experiencing dizziness, shortness of breath, vomiting and lack of coordination," Hatcher said, adding that four of the five girls who took the drugs were taken by ambulance to the Frederick Memorial Hospital for treatment, while a fourth was released to a parent.
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Bald first lady? Michelle Obama’s 'Jeopardy!' appearance raises questions
The first lady popped up on the long-running quiz show on Tuesday to promote her “Let’s Move!” anti-childhood obesity initiative.
In one clue, FLOTUS talked about rinsing canned vegetables to reduce sodium and how much Vitamin A could be found in sweet potatoes. But what many on social media up in arms appeared to not be nutrition, but an apparent lack of follicles.
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SPD COLD CASE CONVICTION: CHRISTOPHER GIBBS JR. CONVICTED OF RAPE 2nd DEGREE AND RELATED CHARGES
A Pre-Sentence Investigation has been ordered by the Court and sentencing will occur on a later date. The Defendant has a significant criminal history that includes burglary, theft, and drug offenses.
Wicomico County State’s Attorney Matthew A. Maciarello commended the Salisbury City Police, and investigating officer, Det. Matthew Thompsen, for their work in the investigation and prosecution of this case. Mr. Maciarello also thanked Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Kristen Schultz who prosecuted this case.
For more information or for an interview please call the Office of the State’s Attorney at (410) 548-4880 or go to www.wicomicosao.com.
Matthew A. Maciarello
State's Attorney
Wicomico County State's Attorney's Office
309 E. Main Street
P.O. Box 1006
Salisbury, MD 21803-1006
P: 410.548.4880
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