When pressed by Associated Press reporter Matt Lee at a Tuesday press conference, State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki was unable to name a single “tangible achievement” from Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s 2010 Quadrennial Diplomacy and Development Review.
In 2009, Clinton announced the State Department would begin conducting routine performance reviews in the QDDR. The Pentagon reportedly uses a similar review process.
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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
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
According to RadCast.org, there's been another dangerous mistake at Japan's Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant
Last week, TEPCO announced that 200 tons of highly radioactive water flooded basements at that plant, after the wrong pumps were left on because of human error. The tainted water that filled the basements was used to cool nuclear fuel rods, and it leaked before going through a radiation-reducing purification process. That means that the water was highly radioactive, and it's just the latest example of how dangerous the ongoing situation is at Fukushima. Only days before, TEPCO announced that an August leak of 300 tons of water was way more radioactive than initially thought. That August leak made it's way into the Pacific Ocean, however this latest incident is said to have been contained. These leaks clearly show that TEPCO isn't qualified to handle the massive Fukushima disaster, and it's time for the international community to step in. For the safety of our planet, the world must come together to deal with this disaster. Check out RadCast.org for the latest updates on Fukushima, and all your other nuclear news.
Court’s Affirmative Action Ruling: A Step Towards Respecting States’ Rights
The 6-2 decision reversed a 2012 ruling by the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals that struck down the voter initiative on the grounds that it violated the 14th Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause, and carved out more power for the states over Washington in the process.
“The big message here is that U.S. Constitution does not prohibit states from considering affirmative action, but neither does it hamper states that want to cut back on that experiment,” said Vikram Amar, a professor and associate dean at the University of California’s Davis Law School. “It’s neither prohibited nor required once it is enacted. It is up to each state how they want to handle this issue — at least for now.”
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Aereo Supreme Court Case Could Change TV & Cloud-Based Tech Forever, Regardless Of Who Wins
Many big court cases involve one side arguing to maintain the status quo while the other contends that the current situation needs revising. But tomorrow, the broadcast TV networks face off against startup streaming video service Aereo in front of the U.S. Supreme Court in a case that could have far-reaching implications no matter which side is victorious.
THE BASIC FACTS
• Aereo is a streaming video service that takes freely available over-the-air broadcast signals and makes them available online to paying subscribers. It is available in around a dozen markets around the country.
• It is being sued by the major broadcast networks. They allege copyright infringement because Aereo is retransmitting their signals without consent and (more importantly) without paying the huge fees paid by cable and satellite operators for retrans rights.
• Aereo says it is not violating copyright or retransmitting broadcast signals. In each market it operates, Aereo uses arrays of tiny antennae to capture the broadcast signals. Each antenna within an array is dedicated to just one end-user. Aereo contends that this one-to-one connection is no different than a consumer having a really nice rooftop antenna on her roof to improve reception.
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THE BASIC FACTS
• Aereo is a streaming video service that takes freely available over-the-air broadcast signals and makes them available online to paying subscribers. It is available in around a dozen markets around the country.
• It is being sued by the major broadcast networks. They allege copyright infringement because Aereo is retransmitting their signals without consent and (more importantly) without paying the huge fees paid by cable and satellite operators for retrans rights.
• Aereo says it is not violating copyright or retransmitting broadcast signals. In each market it operates, Aereo uses arrays of tiny antennae to capture the broadcast signals. Each antenna within an array is dedicated to just one end-user. Aereo contends that this one-to-one connection is no different than a consumer having a really nice rooftop antenna on her roof to improve reception.
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Pat Gray: Don’t Applaud Illegal Immigrants, Hold Them Responsible for Breaking the Law
OK, I have had it UP TO HERE with all the lies about illegal immigration and all of the false premises and the straw-man arguments. I’ve HAD IT! I really can’t take it anymore.
Last week Hillary Clinton was at some “Up With Women” sort of conference, talking about women’s issues. During this estrogen-inspired event, a 19-year-old named “Nova” stood and told her heart-wrenching story.
Nova, for the “first time publicly,” announced she was an “undocumented immigrant.” To which, the audience applauded (granted, after some prompting from Nova).
First of all, why would you applaud the fact that someone was in the United States illegally? Even prompted?
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Last week Hillary Clinton was at some “Up With Women” sort of conference, talking about women’s issues. During this estrogen-inspired event, a 19-year-old named “Nova” stood and told her heart-wrenching story.
Nova, for the “first time publicly,” announced she was an “undocumented immigrant.” To which, the audience applauded (granted, after some prompting from Nova).
First of all, why would you applaud the fact that someone was in the United States illegally? Even prompted?
MORE
Okla. May Charge Cust. Who Install Own Solar Panels, Wind Turbines
Oklahoma residents trying to go green by producing energy through solar panels or small turbines may soon be forced to pay an additional monthly fee to energy companies.
The new measure, which passed the state legislature and is expected to be signed into law soon by Republican Gov. Mary Fallin, charges residents who install energy-saving devices on their property an additional monthly fee.
Oklahomans who already have panels and turbines in place will not be forced to pay the additional monthly charge. It is not clear how much the new fee will be.
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The new measure, which passed the state legislature and is expected to be signed into law soon by Republican Gov. Mary Fallin, charges residents who install energy-saving devices on their property an additional monthly fee.
Oklahomans who already have panels and turbines in place will not be forced to pay the additional monthly charge. It is not clear how much the new fee will be.
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Texas Cop Trips, Pushes Students During Victory Celebration
George Bermudez is facing an internal affairs investigation after the cell phone video was posted on YouTube by a student. Furious parents then started calling the Georgetown Police Department.
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Brand Names Appear in NY Common Core Tests
NEW YORK – "Just Do It" has been a familiar Nike slogan for years, but some parents are wondering what it was doing on some of New York's Common Core standardized English tests.
Brands including Barbie, iPod, Mug Root Beer and Life Savers showed up on the tests more than a million students in grades 3 through 8 took this month, leading to speculation it was some form of product placement advertising.
New York state education officials and the test publisher say the brand references were not paid product placement but just happened to be contained in previously published passages selected for the tests.
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Brands including Barbie, iPod, Mug Root Beer and Life Savers showed up on the tests more than a million students in grades 3 through 8 took this month, leading to speculation it was some form of product placement advertising.
New York state education officials and the test publisher say the brand references were not paid product placement but just happened to be contained in previously published passages selected for the tests.
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Romney Gives $10,000 To McDonnell’s Legal Defense Fund
McDonnell and his wife, Maureen, were indicted in January on federal charges of bribery and fraud involving their relationship with a prominent Virginia businessman and campaign donor. The McDonnells are scheduled to face trial in July.
As chairman of the Republican Governors Association in 2012, McDonnell endorsed Romney at a critical time — in the run-up to the South Carolina primary — and became one of the nominee's most visible campaign surrogates. McDonnell and Romney campaigned together frequently across the swing state of Virginia and in other states.
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13 Everyday Phrases That Actually Came From Shakespeare
On Wednesday, April 23, renowned poet, playwright and snappy dresser, William Shakespeare, will turn 450 years old.
Whether a fan or not, you probably use many of his phrases on a regular basis — maybe without even knowing.
We created a list of 13 popular, albeit strange, sayings The Bard coined. In fact, we say or write some of them so often, they've become clichés.
1. "Green-eyed monster"
Meaning: jealousy.
In "Othello," Iago describes jealousy as a monster which devours its source.
"Oh, beware, my lord, of jealousy!
It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock
The meat it feeds on" (Act 3, Scene 3).
In this case, Iago uses romance as an example. He thinks a man would rather know his wife is cheating than suspect her without proof.
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Whether a fan or not, you probably use many of his phrases on a regular basis — maybe without even knowing.
We created a list of 13 popular, albeit strange, sayings The Bard coined. In fact, we say or write some of them so often, they've become clichés.
1. "Green-eyed monster"
Meaning: jealousy.
In "Othello," Iago describes jealousy as a monster which devours its source.
"Oh, beware, my lord, of jealousy!
It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock
The meat it feeds on" (Act 3, Scene 3).
In this case, Iago uses romance as an example. He thinks a man would rather know his wife is cheating than suspect her without proof.
More
Osprey Versus Maryland: The Nest Battle Live
The federally protected birds have built a nest in front of a traffic camera at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge three different times in the last week. The nests are being built on a camera pole facing the Bay Bridge from the toll plaza.
The nest must be removed because it is blocking the traffic camera, says John Sales, MDTA spokesman.Also, the birds have been captured attacking the camera.
Traffic cameras, like the one on the Bay Bridge, are a form of public safety, Sales says. The cameras help MDTA stay informed about traffic issues and dangers on the roadways.
More
Jeb Bush on Board of Directors of Pro-Obamacare Company
Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush wanted to cash out after he left office, but those business entanglements may hurt him if he chooses to run for the GOP nomination in a party that is increasingly becoming opposed to crony capitalism.
According to a report in The New York Times, "Bush left public office seven years ago with a net worth of $1.3 million and an unapologetic determination to expand his wealth, telling friends that his finances had suffered during his time in government."
Bush tried to prop up Lehman Brothers before it collapsed and almost took down the financial system with it, eventually costing taxpayers billions of dollars to bail out banks. This galvanized what would become the Tea Party movement. He has also been associated with some troubled and shady companies and executives, as well as a company that promoted Obamacare.
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According to a report in The New York Times, "Bush left public office seven years ago with a net worth of $1.3 million and an unapologetic determination to expand his wealth, telling friends that his finances had suffered during his time in government."
Bush tried to prop up Lehman Brothers before it collapsed and almost took down the financial system with it, eventually costing taxpayers billions of dollars to bail out banks. This galvanized what would become the Tea Party movement. He has also been associated with some troubled and shady companies and executives, as well as a company that promoted Obamacare.
More
Lawmakers Want Gov’t to Remove Proposal That Would Make Beer More Expensive
Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) is visiting Rohrbach Brewing Co., a craft brewery in Rochester, N.Y., the latest of several brewery visits, Monday and will be asking the Food and Drug Administration to drop a provision in its preventative standards for the Food Safety Modernization Act.
Here’s the issue: Brewers have given or sold for a nominal fee their spent grain to farmers who use it as animal feed. The new rule would classify brewers doing this as animal feed manufacturers and would thus require them to ship the material dry, instead of wet as it generally is after the beer-making process.
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Recruiting Thugs for the Police State in New Mexico
The state considers the American people the enemy
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38 Senators Put Aside Differences For Lawsuit Challenging Legality Of Obamacare
Thirty-eight Republican lawmakers, including such unlikely bedfellows as John McCain of Arizona and Ted Cruz of Texas, have joined to support a lawsuit challenging the legality of the Affordable Care Act and accusing the president of repeatedly ignoring the law he signed for political reasons.
The lawmakers have signed onto a legal brief in support of a lawsuit filed by Sen. Ron Johnson, the Wisconsin Republican who is asking a federal court to overturn Obamacare’s special treatment for members of Congress and their staffs.
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The lawmakers have signed onto a legal brief in support of a lawsuit filed by Sen. Ron Johnson, the Wisconsin Republican who is asking a federal court to overturn Obamacare’s special treatment for members of Congress and their staffs.
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Here's How Much Money Doctors Actually Make
Medscape, a subsidiary of the medical information website WebMD, has released its 2014 Physician Compensation Report. The data in the report come from more than 24,000 doctors in 25 specialties, who responded to Medscape's annual survey with information on their compensation for 2013.
The infographic below shows the average earnings for each surveyed specialty. Orthopedists were the highest earners:
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The infographic below shows the average earnings for each surveyed specialty. Orthopedists were the highest earners:
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Runner Can’t Make It To The Boston Marathon Finish Line, So Others Carry Him To The End
Sometimes, the people who train and train are simply unable to finish. That happened on Monday at the Boston Marathon, with a runner falling down just shy of the finish line.
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Latest Trick for Illegal Immigrants: Granting Amnesty in Return for Military Service
Here’s a disturbing new idea from some members of Congress: Trade instant citizenship to illegal immigrants if they’ll agree to serve in the U.S. military.
Serving in the military is a high calling and a privilege—certainly not something to be treated as a bargaining chip in immigration politics. Yet these congressmen are trying to sneak this provision into the larger National Defense Authorization Act, which lays out the budget for the Department of Defense.
What’s more, the immigrants in question would be those who are brought to the U.S. as children—often called DREAMers (after the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act).
MORE
Serving in the military is a high calling and a privilege—certainly not something to be treated as a bargaining chip in immigration politics. Yet these congressmen are trying to sneak this provision into the larger National Defense Authorization Act, which lays out the budget for the Department of Defense.
What’s more, the immigrants in question would be those who are brought to the U.S. as children—often called DREAMers (after the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act).
MORE
WCSO Press Release 4-22-14
Incident: Assault
Date of Incident: 17 April 2014
Location: 600 block of Cook Drive, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Jerome Mykelle Moss, 18,Salisbury, MD
Jerome Moss
Narrative: On 17 April 2014 at 5:54 PM a deputy responded to a residence in the 600 block of Cook Drive for a reported altercation between family members. During the altercation, Jerome Moss allegedly became involved in an argument that turned physical when he struck his sister in the face.
During the investigation,the deputy observed signs of injury on the victim that corroborated her account.
The deputy placed Moss under arrest and transported him to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, the Commissioner detained Moss in the Detention Center in lieu of $10,000.00 bond.
Charges: Assault2nd Degree
***********************************
Incident: Possession of CDS / Handgun
Date of Incident: 16 April 2014
Location: Delaware Avenue at Salisbury Parkway, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: 1. Ryan D. Cannon, 22,Salisbury, MD
Ryan Cannon
2. Anthony Hardy Jr., 20,Salisbury, MD
Anthony Hardy
3. Evan S. Byrd, 17, Salisbury,MD (Charged as an adult)
Evan Byrd
Narrative: On 16 April 2014 at 11:46 PM a deputy stopped a vehicle operated by Anthony Hardy Jr. for an equipment violation. Upon approaching the vehicle, the deputy detected the odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle that was also occupied by Ryan Cannon and Evan Byrd. During a subsequent search of the vehicle, the deputy located a loaded semi-automatic handgun that had a round chambered. The pistol was found loaded with hollow-point bullets. Also during the search the deputy located a small amount of marijuana but also found a baggie containing what was identified as crack cocaine.
Upon conducting a query on the handgun, the deputy discovered that it was reported stolen through the State of Delaware.
During processing, Hardy was found to have what was identified as marijuana flakes on the sweatshirt he was wearing.
All three subjects were arrested and transported to the Central Booking Unit where they were processed.Upon their appearances in front of the District Court Commissioner, all three were detained on bond:
Hardy: $150,000.00
Cannon: $75,000.00
Byrd: $50,000.00
Charges: Possession of CDS
Handgun in Vehicle
Theft
***********************************
Incident: Assault
Date of Incident: 19 April 2014
Location: 1700 block of E. Clearlake Drive, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Sheila A. Merritt, 43,Salisbury, MD
Sheila Merritt
Narrative: On 19 April 2014 at 1:10 AM a deputy responded to a residence in the 1700 block of E. Clearlake Drive for the report of an assault. Upon arrival, the deputy learned that Shelia Merritt reportedly became involved in an argument with a woman she shares the residence with that turned physical. During the investigation, the deputy observed signs of injury that were allegedly caused by Merritt.
The deputy placed Merritt under arrest and transported her to the Central Booking Unit where she was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, the Commissioner released Merritt on Personal Recognizance
Charges: Assault2nd Degree
***********************************
Incident: Assault on a Deputy
Date of Incident: 20 April 2014
Location: 1506 S. Salisbury Blvd., Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Hakeem Dewhite Wrightout, 24,Salisbury, MD
Hakeem Wrightout
Narrative: On 20 April 2014 just after midnight, deputies responded to the Court Plaza Shopping Center for the report of a large disorderly crowd and shots being fired. Upon arrival, the deputies observed a crowd engaged in a general tumultuous behavior that was estimated at almost 100people. While the deputies were engaged in clearing the crowd, one of the patrons, Hakeem Wrightout, assaulted one of the deputies on scene.
Wrightout was placed under arrest and transported to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, the Commissioner detained Wrightout in the Detention Center in lieu of $45,000.00 bond.
Charges: Assault2nd Degree
Releasing Authority: Lt. Tim Robinson Date: 22 April 2014
Ryan Cannon
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