HONOLULU (AP) - With a yearend deadline looming before the economy goes over the so-called fiscal cliff, President Barack Obama is cutting short his traditional Christmas holiday in Hawaii, planning to leave for Washington on Wednesday evening.
Obama was expected to arrive in Washington early Thursday, the White House said late Tuesday. First lady Michelle Obama and the couple's two daughters are scheduled to remain in Hawaii until Jan. 6.
In the past, the president's end-of-the-year holiday in his native state had stretched into the new year. The first family left Washington last Friday night.
Congress was expected to return to Washington on Thursday. Before he departed for Hawaii, Obama told reporters he expected to be back in the capital this week.
More
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Spokesman: George H.W. Bush In Intensive Care
.jpg)
Jim McGrath, Bush's spokesman in Houston, said in a brief email that Bush was admitted to the ICU at Methodist Hospital on Sunday. He said doctors are cautiously optimistic about his treatment and that the former president "remains in guarded condition."
No other details were released about his medical condition, but McGrath said Bush is surrounded by family.
More
Double-Digit Increase In Reported Sexual Assaults At Military Academies
The Pentagon's latest report on sexual assault at the three military academies finds sexual assault reports jumped by 23 percent over the past year. But DoD says combined with other findings in the annual study, the figure is not necessarily bad news.
The report to Congress lists 80 sexual assaults reported at the service academies in the 2011-2012 school year, compared with 65 the year before. Fifteen of the victims were at the Army's West Point, 13 at the U.S. Naval Academy and 52 at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Thirteen of them happened before the victim entered military service.
Maj. Gen. Gary Patton, the director of DoD's sexual assault prevention and response office, said each of those reports reflects the fact that someone was the victim of a heinous crime. But DoD sees the trend lines as positive in one respect.
"Because sexual assault is a grossly unreported crime, not only in the military but in society, we view an increase in reports as a positive trend that's indicative of an increase in victim confidence," he said. "We view any report being positive, because it means they're receiving some sort of care."
More
The report to Congress lists 80 sexual assaults reported at the service academies in the 2011-2012 school year, compared with 65 the year before. Fifteen of the victims were at the Army's West Point, 13 at the U.S. Naval Academy and 52 at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Thirteen of them happened before the victim entered military service.
Maj. Gen. Gary Patton, the director of DoD's sexual assault prevention and response office, said each of those reports reflects the fact that someone was the victim of a heinous crime. But DoD sees the trend lines as positive in one respect.
"Because sexual assault is a grossly unreported crime, not only in the military but in society, we view an increase in reports as a positive trend that's indicative of an increase in victim confidence," he said. "We view any report being positive, because it means they're receiving some sort of care."
More
Opposed To Same-Sex Marriage, Company Ends Wedding Business
An Annapolis company whose old-fashioned trolleys are iconic in the city's wedding scene has abandoned the nuptial industry rather than serve same-sex couples.
The owner of Discover Annapolis Tours said he decided to walk away from $50,000 in annual revenue instead of compromising his Christian convictions when same-sex marriages become legal in Maryland in less than a week. And he has urged prospective clients to lobby state lawmakers for a religious exemption for wedding vendors.
While most wedding businesses across the country embraced the chance to serve same-sex couples, a small minority has struggled to balance religious beliefs against business interests.
More
The owner of Discover Annapolis Tours said he decided to walk away from $50,000 in annual revenue instead of compromising his Christian convictions when same-sex marriages become legal in Maryland in less than a week. And he has urged prospective clients to lobby state lawmakers for a religious exemption for wedding vendors.
While most wedding businesses across the country embraced the chance to serve same-sex couples, a small minority has struggled to balance religious beliefs against business interests.
More
Facebook’s New Privacy Controls Rolling Out Soon: Here’s What’s About To Happen
There are plenty of times we’re critical of Facebook — the $1 message from strangers plan, launching auto-play ads— but with its new privacy controls it’s actually kinda sorta seems like the social network is (dare we say it?) making things easier for users. The new settings have rolled out globally and will be hitting U.S. accounts soon as well. They look like they’re easy to navigate, so, high five there, Facebook.
The first big change discussed by Facebook is a new “Shortcuts” tabthat will appear in the upper right hand tool bar on your Facebook homepage. There are three options that now appear laid out in plain terms: “Who can see my stuff?” “Who Can contact me?” and “How do I stop someone from bothering me?”
The first big change discussed by Facebook is a new “Shortcuts” tabthat will appear in the upper right hand tool bar on your Facebook homepage. There are three options that now appear laid out in plain terms: “Who can see my stuff?” “Who Can contact me?” and “How do I stop someone from bothering me?”
Body Found In Home Of Ambush Killer Of Firemen
The ex-con who lured two firefighters to their deaths in a blaze of gunfire left a rambling typewritten note saying he wanted to burn down the neighborhood and "do what I like doing best, killing people," police said Tuesday as they recovered burned human remains believed to be the gunman's missing sister.
Police Chief Gerald Pickering said 62-year-old William Spengler, who served 17 years in prison for the 1980 hammer slaying of his grandmother, armed himself with a revolver, a shotgun and a military-style rifle before he set his house afire to lure first responders into a death trap before dawn on Christmas Eve.
"He was equipped to go to war, kill innocent people," Pickering said.
The rifle he had was a military-style .223-caliber semiautomatic Bushmaster rifle with flash suppression, the same make and caliber weapon used in the elementary school massacre in Newtown, Conn., Pickering said.
More
Police Chief Gerald Pickering said 62-year-old William Spengler, who served 17 years in prison for the 1980 hammer slaying of his grandmother, armed himself with a revolver, a shotgun and a military-style rifle before he set his house afire to lure first responders into a death trap before dawn on Christmas Eve.
"He was equipped to go to war, kill innocent people," Pickering said.
The rifle he had was a military-style .223-caliber semiautomatic Bushmaster rifle with flash suppression, the same make and caliber weapon used in the elementary school massacre in Newtown, Conn., Pickering said.
More
MEET THE FIRST FEMALE NASCAR PIT CREW MEMBER NAMED ‘CHRISTMAS’ WHO ONLY WEIGHS 115 LBS
But she also likes tackling “any challenge that is said can’t be done.” Perhaps one of these was joining a NASCAR pit crew. It’s a physically demanding job where not only strength but speed are of the essence. Abott has proved that she both and joined a pit crew as the first female ever in NASCAR history.
ABC News featured Abott last month reporting she was trained for the job by Turner Motorsports. Her duty on the crew is in the front tire position where she cranks off all five lug nuts, pulls off the tire, replaces it with a fresh one and puts the lug nuts back on. Then repeat on the other side. According to ABC, the entire pit crew’s efforts take about 12 seconds.
More
US Retailers Report Weakest Holiday Sales Since 2008
A report that tracks spending on popular holiday goods, the MasterCard Advisors SpendingPulse, said Tuesday that sales in the two months before Christmas increased 0.7 percent, compared with last year. Many analysts had expected holiday sales to grow 3 to 4 percent.
In 2008, sales declined by between 2 percent and 4 percent as the financial crisis that crested that fall dragged the economy into recession. Last year, by contrast, retail sales in November and December rose between 4 percent and 5 percent, according to ShopperTrak, a separate market research firm. A 4 percent increase is considered a healthy season.
More
MAJOR SETBACK FOR PLANNED PARENTHOOD: JUDGE SAYS OKLAHOMA CAN END CONTRACT WITH CLINICS
U.S. District Judge Stephen Friot ruled that although the state’s stated reasons don’t seem to be sufficient cause for ending agreements with Planned Parenthood’s three Tulsa-area clinics that have been in place for 18 years, the group’s response to the state’s concerns was insufficient enough to warrant ending the relationship.
The decision will likely mean that the group will have to close one of the clinics and eliminate six full-time staff positions when the contracts end on Dec. 31, Planned Parenthood of the Heartland’s President and CEO Jill June said in a statement.
More
SUSPECT ARMED WITH HAMMER FATALLY WOUNDED IN TANEYTOWN POLICE INVOLVED SHOOTING
(TANEYTOWN, MD) – A Carroll County man armed with a hammer and acting disorderly was fatally wounded by a Taneytown Police Department officer when he failed to surrender and advanced threateningly at the officer.
The man is identified as Edward L. Becker, Jr., 26, of the unit-block of Commerce Drive, Taneytown, Md. He was pronounced dead at the Carroll Hospital Center.
The officer involved is a four and one-half year veteran of the Taneytown Police Department. He is not being identified at this time by Chief William Tyler. He has been placed on routine administrated leave by Chief Tyler, which is procedure in police-involved shootings.
Chief Tyler requested the police-involved shooting be investigated by the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit. Investigators from the Homicide Unit, the Westminster Barrack, and State Police crime scene technicians responded to the scene to process evidence and conduct the investigation.
The preliminary investigation indicates that shortly after 8:30 p.m. yesterday, the parents of Becker called 911 and reported he had been drinking and was acting disorderly. Becker’s father reported his son was smashing windows out of his truck with a hammer.
Three Taneytown Police Department officers responded to the area of the address on Commerce Street. They saw Becker walking down the street toward them. They exited their vehicles and began shouting commands to Becker to drop the hammer and surrender. Becker continued to approach. The officers, who were all in uniform and marked patrol cars, retreated down the street and positioned themselves behind their police cars.
The investigation indicates the officers continued to shout commands to Becker to drop the hammer and surrender. Becker ignored the commands and continued to approach the officers. He approached to approximately within arm’s length of an officer and raised the hammer.
In fear for his life, the officer fired his .40 caliber Glock 22 department issued pistol. He was the only officer on the scene who fired his pistol. Becker was struck in the upper torso and stopped his advance.
Officers immediately administered emergency care and summoned EMS personnel. Becker was transported to Carroll Hospital Center.
The investigation is continuing. Upon completion, it will be forwarded to the Carroll County State's Attorney's Office for review.
The man is identified as Edward L. Becker, Jr., 26, of the unit-block of Commerce Drive, Taneytown, Md. He was pronounced dead at the Carroll Hospital Center.
The officer involved is a four and one-half year veteran of the Taneytown Police Department. He is not being identified at this time by Chief William Tyler. He has been placed on routine administrated leave by Chief Tyler, which is procedure in police-involved shootings.
Chief Tyler requested the police-involved shooting be investigated by the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit. Investigators from the Homicide Unit, the Westminster Barrack, and State Police crime scene technicians responded to the scene to process evidence and conduct the investigation.
The preliminary investigation indicates that shortly after 8:30 p.m. yesterday, the parents of Becker called 911 and reported he had been drinking and was acting disorderly. Becker’s father reported his son was smashing windows out of his truck with a hammer.
Three Taneytown Police Department officers responded to the area of the address on Commerce Street. They saw Becker walking down the street toward them. They exited their vehicles and began shouting commands to Becker to drop the hammer and surrender. Becker continued to approach. The officers, who were all in uniform and marked patrol cars, retreated down the street and positioned themselves behind their police cars.
The investigation indicates the officers continued to shout commands to Becker to drop the hammer and surrender. Becker ignored the commands and continued to approach the officers. He approached to approximately within arm’s length of an officer and raised the hammer.
In fear for his life, the officer fired his .40 caliber Glock 22 department issued pistol. He was the only officer on the scene who fired his pistol. Becker was struck in the upper torso and stopped his advance.
Officers immediately administered emergency care and summoned EMS personnel. Becker was transported to Carroll Hospital Center.
The investigation is continuing. Upon completion, it will be forwarded to the Carroll County State's Attorney's Office for review.
HO, HO, HO: UNITED NATIONS WANTS 5% BUDGET INCREASE
Late yesterday, the United Nations General Assembly approved a 5% budget increase for 2012-2013--with half of the additional spending going towards the UN's "political missions," which typically handle peacemaking and conflict resolution. In a time of global austerity, the UN's career diplomats have decided they deserve more cash.
The spending is particularly concerning given the fact that the UN is hardly known for running a tight financial ship. Last week, the Associated Press published an article headlined: "Santa Arrives Early at UN," referring to the newly renovated office of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who also received a "new armored car wrapped in a red ribbon with a big bow." A significant amount of UN spending is also wasted on controversial propaganda, such as a recent art display depicting the proto-state of Palestine as encompassing all of the State of Israel.
The United States is responsible for 22% of the UN's regular budget, including the political missions. Some of these missions complement U.S. activities in Iraq and Afghanistan; others, such as the UN Special Coordinator Office for the Middle East Peace Process, do not.
More
The spending is particularly concerning given the fact that the UN is hardly known for running a tight financial ship. Last week, the Associated Press published an article headlined: "Santa Arrives Early at UN," referring to the newly renovated office of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who also received a "new armored car wrapped in a red ribbon with a big bow." A significant amount of UN spending is also wasted on controversial propaganda, such as a recent art display depicting the proto-state of Palestine as encompassing all of the State of Israel.
The United States is responsible for 22% of the UN's regular budget, including the political missions. Some of these missions complement U.S. activities in Iraq and Afghanistan; others, such as the UN Special Coordinator Office for the Middle East Peace Process, do not.
More
In 2013, It's Lights Out For The 75-Watt Incandescent
Let's use the occasion of the shortest day of the year to say so long to another energy-wasting incandescent lightbulb. Federal law mandates that 75-watt bulbs can no longer be made in the U.S. or imported as of January 1, although retailers can sell remaining stock. Fortunately, in Consumer Reports lightbulb tests we found an LED that uses only 17 watts but is as bright as a 75-watt bulb.
Most screw-in bulbs have to use at least 27 percent less energy by 2014 as part of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. The phase-out started last January with 100-watt bulbs and now 75-watt lightbulbs will fade away. If you're looking for replacements consider the Philips AmbientLED (model 17W 75W A21 Soft White 418400). Using 17 watts, it instantly brightens and casts a nice warm light—it scored an impressive 99 out of 100 after 3,000 hours of testing. This dimmable LED can be used in lamps and ceiling fixtures.
More
Most screw-in bulbs have to use at least 27 percent less energy by 2014 as part of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. The phase-out started last January with 100-watt bulbs and now 75-watt lightbulbs will fade away. If you're looking for replacements consider the Philips AmbientLED (model 17W 75W A21 Soft White 418400). Using 17 watts, it instantly brightens and casts a nice warm light—it scored an impressive 99 out of 100 after 3,000 hours of testing. This dimmable LED can be used in lamps and ceiling fixtures.
More
The Cultural Impacts Of Growing Singlehood And Childlessness
Pat Buchanan wrote The Death of the West in 2001. Chapter Two was titled “Where Have All the Children Gone?”
Five years later, Mark Steyn wrote “America Alone,” which also examined falling birthrates in the West. This year, Ross Douthat wrote in the New York Times about America’s falling birthrates.
Buchanan worried about the erosion of Western, Christian culture. Steyn worried mostly about our public pension systems, which depend on every generation being bigger than the one before. Douthat worried about the moral character, the “decadence” that is a cause and a result of widespread childlessness. All of arguments have points I agree with and ones I disagree with. It’s an important topic that much of our media avoids delving deeply into.
More
Liberty and Safety Must Walk Together
by Delegate Mike McDermott
The easiest political solution in response to the murderous rampage in Connecticut would be to point the finger at something...anything...and ban it to the abyss. We could then pronounce our children to be “safe” and accept the kudos for our “success”. Politics as usual.
On the books, we have thousands of gun laws obeyed by our good citizens while ignored by criminals. Most of our mass shootings have been perpetrated by those suffering from mental illness who were not armed with “assault rifles”. The massacre at Virginia Tech involved a handgun and resulted in significantly more victims.
In order to solve the problem, let’s begin by confessing that we cannot stop it from happening again. We cannot fix all the sick, broken people determined to do others and themselves harm. We cannot take away all of the guns. We cannot afford cops at every entrance to every school.
We can, however, harden the target and limit our vulnerabilities if we become aggressive in our response to potential threats. There are school districts in our country which have adopted a proactive approach to security threats. Within their schools are certain staffers (known only to the administration) who carry concealed firearms within the school. These trained individuals are designated as “Guardians” and they represent a vigilant line of defense for those we must protect. They are equipped and ready to stand in the gap. Like Sky Marshals, School Guardians remain behind the scenes unknown to all, but prepared nonetheless.
We can opt to provide less lethal technology, such as Tasers, to select staff within our schools. While their effective range is limited, they could provide a line of defense for those who currently have nothing at their disposal. This would require minimal expense and training and could be in place within a matter of weeks.
How I wish one or more of the staff at Sandy Hook Elementary had been a “Guardian” or equipped with a Taser. How differently might the outcome have been.
We must change the way that we view mental health issues and options in our country. We closed the doors on institutions during the 1980’s only to provide no alternatives. The results surround us and it is politically incorrect to even discuss the issues. If we feel your conduct or actions place our society at an undue risk, your liberty should be in jeopardy. We recognize this when it comes to passenger aircraft, and it is time we recognized it outside of the airports as well.
The media must police itself or be subjected to fines for sensationalizing instead of simply reporting these types of tragedies. Most of these murdering crazies seek celebrity status, even in death, and the electronic media is generally only too glad to oblige. Why do we understand this when it comes to streakers at a televised event, yet fail to grasp it in these situations? There is a balance missing that the media desperately needs to find or we can find it for them.
Preparing our children to take their place in civil society is the responsibility of parents. Teachers, mentors, and the rest of society can only reinforce what parents are instilling. There are some who advocate taking certain guns from responsible citizens while simultaneously letting junior play the most hellish video games available night and day. What’s wrong with that picture? Training a child is the toughest, most important job if we are to preserve a civil society for the coming generation. In this, we must hold each other accountable. We simply must stop subsidizing and making excuses for antisocial behavior.
I will introduce legislation in the next two weeks which would:
Authorize a Maryland School District to implement a “Guardian” program;
Authorize a Maryland School District to issue Taser style less-lethal weapons to select personnel within a school;
Authorize persons who possess Conceal-Carry Permits along with Active or Retired Law Enforcement Officers (who are certified to possess firearms) to carry a concealed firearm on the campus of a public school.
It was Benjamin Franklin who proclaimed, "Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." Let us be a people who truly understand how to provide safety while maintaining our liberty.
HERE’S A LIST OF TAX HIKES & FEES COMING WITH OBAMACARE NEXT YEAR
For the vast majority of people, the health care law won’t mean sending more money to the Internal Revenue Service. But the wealthiest two percent of Americans will take the biggest hit, starting next year.
And roughly 20 million people eventually will benefit from tax credits that start in 2014 to help them pay insurance premiums.
More
Main St. Fighters..... Battle At York
York PA. Two Main St. Gym boxers traveled to York PA last Friday evening to compete on a Profession-Amateur card. Both Ryan Watson, an open class middleweight and Shawn Woodford an open class 152lb, were successful in winning their bouts over Babar Shah of Lincoln Way Gym in York and Ramses Brown of Combat Gym in Bell Mawr N.J. respectively. Woodford scored two standing 8 counts as his opponent regrouped from a barrage of Woodford punches, while Watson scored a unanimous decision win. “We were called to fill in on this pro-am card at the last minute, but the guys were ready” said Coach Hal Chernoff. “Usually when you go into your opponent’s hometown it’s like swimming upstream, you can get there but is harder to get the job done. You don’t want the bout to be close if you can help it, so you might have to take some chances to win convincingly.” Chernoff added.
Both boxers are slated to compete in Salisbury on Sat January 19th at the Main St Gym, along with other Main St boxers matching up wit fighter from around the east coast.
Tickets will be available at the door or you can call 410-430-6687 for tickets or more information.
Both boxers are slated to compete in Salisbury on Sat January 19th at the Main St Gym, along with other Main St boxers matching up wit fighter from around the east coast.
Tickets will be available at the door or you can call 410-430-6687 for tickets or more information.
Maryland's Top Court To Hear Death Penalty Challenge
Maryland's highest court is scheduled to hear a challenge to the state's death penalty law next week, just weeks before the state legislature is expected to weigh a ban on capital punishment.
The challenge was brought by attorneys for Jody Lee Miles, of Wicomico County, who was convicted of robbing and killing Salisbury theater manager Edward Atkinson in 1997.
Miles was sentenced to death in March 1998. He has brought a string of failed appeals since his sentencing, with the Maryland Court of Appeals upholding the sentence last year. In the latest appeal, slated for that court on Jan. 3, Miles' attorney is arguing that the state's death penalty law is illegal under the state constitution.
More
The challenge was brought by attorneys for Jody Lee Miles, of Wicomico County, who was convicted of robbing and killing Salisbury theater manager Edward Atkinson in 1997.
Miles was sentenced to death in March 1998. He has brought a string of failed appeals since his sentencing, with the Maryland Court of Appeals upholding the sentence last year. In the latest appeal, slated for that court on Jan. 3, Miles' attorney is arguing that the state's death penalty law is illegal under the state constitution.
More
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)