DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Tuesday, January 06, 2015
2015: A World Ruled By Hubris, Willful Blindness And Desperation
Issuing lies and pursuing willful blindness is not leadership: it's failure on a grand scale.
Rather than issue predictions for 2015, this week I'll cover themes that I believe will be consequential in the year ahead.
The first theme is the dominant psychological dynamic of global leadership, which can be distilled down to a toxic brew of Hubris, Willful Blindness and Desperation.
Examples of leadership hubris abound, and they all arise from the false confidence that the same playbook and tools that rescued the Status Quo from well-deserved oblivion for the past six years will continue working splendidly in the years ahead.
Prime examples include the Federal Reserve, which clearly believes its own PR (we are omnipotent and the markets rise at our command) and China's leadership, which clearly believes that the strategies and tools that rescued China from implosion in 2008-09 can be applied to the entirely different problem of deflating the world's greatest quadruple-bubble in shadow banking, real estate, commodities and state-owned enterprises (SEOs).
The two problem-states could not be more different, and hence the Chinese leadership's bravado is classic hubris.
Rather than issue predictions for 2015, this week I'll cover themes that I believe will be consequential in the year ahead.
The first theme is the dominant psychological dynamic of global leadership, which can be distilled down to a toxic brew of Hubris, Willful Blindness and Desperation.
Examples of leadership hubris abound, and they all arise from the false confidence that the same playbook and tools that rescued the Status Quo from well-deserved oblivion for the past six years will continue working splendidly in the years ahead.
Prime examples include the Federal Reserve, which clearly believes its own PR (we are omnipotent and the markets rise at our command) and China's leadership, which clearly believes that the strategies and tools that rescued China from implosion in 2008-09 can be applied to the entirely different problem of deflating the world's greatest quadruple-bubble in shadow banking, real estate, commodities and state-owned enterprises (SEOs).
The two problem-states could not be more different, and hence the Chinese leadership's bravado is classic hubris.
Grand Opening Celebration of Performing Arts Center Featuring Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra
The grand opening will celebrate the accomplishment of the brand new 1,200 seat, two tiered auditorium. The celebration will include a ribbon cutting ceremony and performances by the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Julien Benichou and featuring Israel Lozano. The OC Stars will also take the stage for a very special appearance.
“This event marks a monumental moment in our community’s history,” said Mayor Rick Meehan. “The Performing Arts Center is a focal point for entertainment in Ocean City. It represents a lot of hard work, a strong partnership between Ocean City and the State of Maryland, big dreams and a very bright future for our community. It is a beautiful venue and I am confident that citizens will walk away with a very different experience, a more personal experience, than they will at many other venues in our surrounding area.”
Ticket prices for the grand opening celebration range from $25-$45 and are currently on sale through TicketMaster at www.ticketmaster.com or the convention center box office. In addition to the performance, tickets include complimentary hors d’oeuvres. A cash bar will be available and black tie is optional. Doors will open at 6:15 p.m., with the ribbon cutting ceremony scheduled at 7:15 and the concert to follow. For more information, visithttp://ococean.com/events/grand-opening-celebration-of-performing-arts-center-featuring-mid-atlantic-symphony-orchestra or call 410.289.2800.
Scientific team sounds the alarm on sugar as a source of disease
Is sugar making us sick? A team of scientists at the University of California in San Francisco believes so, and they're doing something about it. They launched an initiative to bring information on food and drink and added sugar to the public by reviewing more than 8,000 scientific papers that show a strong link between the consumption of added sugar and chronic diseases.
The common belief until now was that sugar just makes us fat, but it's become clear through research that it's making us sick. For example, there's the rise in fatty-liver disease, the emergence of Type 2 diabetes as an epidemic in children and the dramatic increase in metabolic disorders.
Laura Schmidt, a UCSF professor at the School of Medicine and the lead investigator on the project, SugarScience, said the idea is to make the findings comprehensible and clear to everyone. The results will be available to all on a website (SugarScience.org) and social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter.
Added sugars, Schmidt said, are sugars that don't occur naturally in foods. They are found in 74 percent of all packaged foods, have 61 names and often are difficult to decipher on food labels. Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires food companies to list ingredients on packaging, the suggested daily values of natural and added sugars can't be found.
More
The common belief until now was that sugar just makes us fat, but it's become clear through research that it's making us sick. For example, there's the rise in fatty-liver disease, the emergence of Type 2 diabetes as an epidemic in children and the dramatic increase in metabolic disorders.
Laura Schmidt, a UCSF professor at the School of Medicine and the lead investigator on the project, SugarScience, said the idea is to make the findings comprehensible and clear to everyone. The results will be available to all on a website (SugarScience.org) and social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter.
Added sugars, Schmidt said, are sugars that don't occur naturally in foods. They are found in 74 percent of all packaged foods, have 61 names and often are difficult to decipher on food labels. Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires food companies to list ingredients on packaging, the suggested daily values of natural and added sugars can't be found.
More
2 more women join defamation lawsuit against Bill Cosby
The amended complaint was filed Monday in U.S. District Court in Springfield, in western Massachusetts, where Cosby has a home in Shelburne Falls.
Cosby is the only defendant in the lawsuit, originally filed last month by Tamara Green, who said he drugged and assaulted her in the 1970s. The two new plaintiffs are Therese Serignese, who said he drugged and raped her in 1976, and Linda Traitz, who alleges he tried to drug her and then sexually groped her in 1970.
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Report: OBX sea level could rise 1 foot or more
A new 30-year report on sea-level rise shows wide variances along the North Carolina coast, from a possible rise of 4 inches at Southport to more than 12 inches on the northern Outer Banks.
The News & Observer of Raleigh reported those numbers are part of a draft report by an advisory science panel for the N.C. Coastal Resources Commission. The commission requested the report after legislators rejected a 2010 study.
The 30-year projections will go through 18 months of peer review, public comment and possible revision. A 2012 law prohibits state agencies from taking any action based on the sea-level forecast until July 1, 2016.
East Carolina University geologist Stan Riggs, a member of the advisory panel, said state leaders should start dealing with the effects of coastal storms whose impact is magnified by the rising sea.
“If you’re going to build sewage plants or hospitals or highways, you’d better be thinking about the longer term,” Riggs said Wednesday. “How many mom-and-pop businesses out there (on the Outer Banks) have failed this year because Highway 12 has been broken or under water? It has been happening more frequently, under less-stormy conditions.”
More
The News & Observer of Raleigh reported those numbers are part of a draft report by an advisory science panel for the N.C. Coastal Resources Commission. The commission requested the report after legislators rejected a 2010 study.
The 30-year projections will go through 18 months of peer review, public comment and possible revision. A 2012 law prohibits state agencies from taking any action based on the sea-level forecast until July 1, 2016.
East Carolina University geologist Stan Riggs, a member of the advisory panel, said state leaders should start dealing with the effects of coastal storms whose impact is magnified by the rising sea.
“If you’re going to build sewage plants or hospitals or highways, you’d better be thinking about the longer term,” Riggs said Wednesday. “How many mom-and-pop businesses out there (on the Outer Banks) have failed this year because Highway 12 has been broken or under water? It has been happening more frequently, under less-stormy conditions.”
More
New Study Finds GMO Soy Toxic to Kidneys, Liver and Reproduction
Rats given GM soy found to have deadly amounts of toxicity in kidneys, liver, testes, sperm, blood and even DNA
In North America, approximately 75 to 89% of the soy beans grown are genetically modified (GM). One may not realize it, but this is concerning news – especially because recent research found that GM soy is toxic to the kidneys, liver, and more.
There isn’t just one smoking gun anymore pointing at GMO toxicology. There is now an entire arsenal of scientific research proving that genetically modified organisms adversely affect the body. In yet another new study conducted by Egyptian researchers, rats given GM soy were found to have deadly amounts of toxicity in their kidneys, liver, testes, sperm, blood and even DNA.
Is there any question anymore about the true poisons that are biotech’s squalid wares?
The histopathological assessments made by the researchers of the rat’s bodily tissues leave no room for mistakes or misjudgments. You can’t argue over the results as some GMO-supporters have tried to do with other studies (like Seralini’s). Seralini’s study is one of the most quoted papers on the Internet, yet Monsantogave a lengthy refutation of its findings.
More
In North America, approximately 75 to 89% of the soy beans grown are genetically modified (GM). One may not realize it, but this is concerning news – especially because recent research found that GM soy is toxic to the kidneys, liver, and more.
There isn’t just one smoking gun anymore pointing at GMO toxicology. There is now an entire arsenal of scientific research proving that genetically modified organisms adversely affect the body. In yet another new study conducted by Egyptian researchers, rats given GM soy were found to have deadly amounts of toxicity in their kidneys, liver, testes, sperm, blood and even DNA.
Is there any question anymore about the true poisons that are biotech’s squalid wares?
The histopathological assessments made by the researchers of the rat’s bodily tissues leave no room for mistakes or misjudgments. You can’t argue over the results as some GMO-supporters have tried to do with other studies (like Seralini’s). Seralini’s study is one of the most quoted papers on the Internet, yet Monsantogave a lengthy refutation of its findings.
More
Maryland paramedic killed by utility truck while trying to reach injured person
A Harford County volunteer firefighter was killed after he was struck by one of the fire company’s utility trucks while attempting to reach an injured person who slid into an embankment.
The crew from the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company was dispatched to a car crash in the 300 block of Patterson Mill Road at about 1:50 p.m., according to a release.
A driver had slid off the road and into an embankment. The team called for a four-wheel drive vehicle to make it up an icy driveway, where they would meet the injured person inside of the adjacent home.
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'Give Me a Chance': WWII Vet's Medal Ceremony Crashed by Protesters
100-year-old U.S. Navy vet Dario Raschio was supposed to be presented with medals by Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR), but soon after the meeting began, more than 100 protesters emerged, shouting "hands-up, don't shoot!" and "I can't breathe!"
The protesters did not stop until Rashcio spoke up and said, "Give me a chance. At least let us show a little respect for this occasion."
Raschio accepted his honor from Wyden and made a brief speech, but as soon as he was done, the protesters resumed their shouting.
Raschio left the meeting early.
More
Corn syrup ‘more toxic than table sugar’
'This is the most robust study showing there is a difference'
(OREGONLIVE) — High-fructose corn syrup, found in sodas and many processed foods, appears to be more toxic than table sugar, a new study found.
Researchers at the University of Utah looked at the effect of the two ingredients on mice. One group was fed a diet with 25 percent of the calories from the equivalent of high-fructose corn syrup. The other, in comparison, consumed sucrose, or regular sugar.
Female mice on the fructose-glucose diet had death rates 1.87 times higher than those on the sucrose diet and they produced 26.4 percent fewer offspring.
“This is the most robust study showing there is a difference between high-fructose corn syrup and table sugar at human-relevant doses,” said Wayne Potts, senior author of a the study which will be published in the March issue of the Journal of Nutrition.
(OREGONLIVE) — High-fructose corn syrup, found in sodas and many processed foods, appears to be more toxic than table sugar, a new study found.
Researchers at the University of Utah looked at the effect of the two ingredients on mice. One group was fed a diet with 25 percent of the calories from the equivalent of high-fructose corn syrup. The other, in comparison, consumed sucrose, or regular sugar.
Female mice on the fructose-glucose diet had death rates 1.87 times higher than those on the sucrose diet and they produced 26.4 percent fewer offspring.
“This is the most robust study showing there is a difference between high-fructose corn syrup and table sugar at human-relevant doses,” said Wayne Potts, senior author of a the study which will be published in the March issue of the Journal of Nutrition.
BREAKING NEWS: Shooting confirmed at Texas Army base
The Army is searching for a suspect after an active shooter was reported at El Paso’s William Beaumont Army Medical Center, which is part of Fort Bliss.
From Fox News
More HERE from CNN.
From Fox News
More HERE from CNN.
Happy Anniversary
Happy 70th anniversary to the longest-married presidential couple in history.
Photo from "41: A Portrait of my Father," courtesy George Bush Presidential Library and Museum
SUSPECT IN FREDERICK CO. MURDER IN CUSTODY IN NYC
(NEW YORK, NY) – A suspect in last month’s murder of a Washington County woman turned herself in to police in New York City and is in custody, awaiting extradition proceedings.
Neajee S. Terry, 19, whose address is unknown, was wanted on a Maryland warrant charging her with first degree murder, second degree murder and first degree assault. The charges are in connection with the murder of Malicia Smith, 20, of Hagerstown, Md. Smith’s body was found along Rt. 40 near Frederick early on the morning of December 24, 2014.
Maryland State Police Homicide Unit investigators were contacted by New York Police Department detectives and informed Terry turned herself in to police at a precinct in Brooklyn yesterday about 2:00 p.m. State Police investigators traveled to New York last night to continue the investigation. The vehicle Terry is believed to have traveled from Frederick County to New York in was located in The Bronx. The vehicle is now in police custody and will be processed for evidence.
Terry will be held on the Maryland arrest warrant until an extradition hearing. A hearing date is unknown, but is expected in the near future.
The investigation is continuing.
Neajee S. Terry, 19, whose address is unknown, was wanted on a Maryland warrant charging her with first degree murder, second degree murder and first degree assault. The charges are in connection with the murder of Malicia Smith, 20, of Hagerstown, Md. Smith’s body was found along Rt. 40 near Frederick early on the morning of December 24, 2014.
Maryland State Police Homicide Unit investigators were contacted by New York Police Department detectives and informed Terry turned herself in to police at a precinct in Brooklyn yesterday about 2:00 p.m. State Police investigators traveled to New York last night to continue the investigation. The vehicle Terry is believed to have traveled from Frederick County to New York in was located in The Bronx. The vehicle is now in police custody and will be processed for evidence.
Terry will be held on the Maryland arrest warrant until an extradition hearing. A hearing date is unknown, but is expected in the near future.
The investigation is continuing.
Jeffrey Epstein: the billionaire paedophile with links to Bill Clinton, Kevin Spacey, Robert Maxwell – and Prince Andrew
A list of people who have associated with Jeffrey Epstein over the years would take in the world of celebrity, science, politics - and royalty.
Over the years, the casually-dressed, globe-trotting financier, who was said to log more than 600 flying hours a year, has been linked with Bill Clinton, Kevin Spacey, Chris Tucker and Manhattan-London society figure Ghislaine Maxwell, daughter of the late media titan Robert Maxwell.
Epstein reportedly flew Tucker and Spacey to Africa on his private jet as part of a charitable endeavour. Clinton, meanwhile, flew on multiple occasions in the same plane to Epstein’s private Caribbean island, Little St James, between 2002 and 2005 as he developed his philanthropic post-presidential career. It would later be alleged in court that Epstein organised orgies on that same private island in the US Virgin Islands.
Reports in the US media say many of the A-list names broke off any links with the former maths teacher after his arrest and conviction in 2008 of having sex with an underage girl whom he had solicited. His arrest followed an 11-month undercover investigation at a mansion in Florida’s Palm Beach that Epstein owned.
In 2008, he pleaded guilty to a single charge of soliciting prostitution and was handed a 18-month jail sentence. He served 13 months in jail and was obliged to register as a sex offender. A 2011 report in the New York Post said that he celebrated his release from jail and his return to a property he maintains in New York – a 45,000-sq-foot eight-storey mansion on East 71st Street – with Prince Andrew.
More
Over the years, the casually-dressed, globe-trotting financier, who was said to log more than 600 flying hours a year, has been linked with Bill Clinton, Kevin Spacey, Chris Tucker and Manhattan-London society figure Ghislaine Maxwell, daughter of the late media titan Robert Maxwell.
Epstein reportedly flew Tucker and Spacey to Africa on his private jet as part of a charitable endeavour. Clinton, meanwhile, flew on multiple occasions in the same plane to Epstein’s private Caribbean island, Little St James, between 2002 and 2005 as he developed his philanthropic post-presidential career. It would later be alleged in court that Epstein organised orgies on that same private island in the US Virgin Islands.
Reports in the US media say many of the A-list names broke off any links with the former maths teacher after his arrest and conviction in 2008 of having sex with an underage girl whom he had solicited. His arrest followed an 11-month undercover investigation at a mansion in Florida’s Palm Beach that Epstein owned.
In 2008, he pleaded guilty to a single charge of soliciting prostitution and was handed a 18-month jail sentence. He served 13 months in jail and was obliged to register as a sex offender. A 2011 report in the New York Post said that he celebrated his release from jail and his return to a property he maintains in New York – a 45,000-sq-foot eight-storey mansion on East 71st Street – with Prince Andrew.
More
Photo of Sarah Palin's son standing on dog draws criticism from PETA
The image of 6-year-old Trig, presumably preparing to wash dishes, and the reclining and seemingly relaxed black Lab-type animal is posted on the former Alaska governor's Facebook page.
"May 2015 see every stumbling block turned into a stepping stone on the path forward. Trig just reminded me. He, determined to help wash dishes with an oblivious mama not acknowledging his signs for "up!", found me and a lazy dog blocking his way. He made his stepping stone," she wrote. Trig was born with Down syndrome.
The online response to the one-time Republican vice presidential nominee's New Year's Day post was fast and at times furious.
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Prince Andrew abused an underage girl at an orgy where she was being used as a sex slave, it was sensationally claimed last night.
In an extraordinary legal allegation, a woman said she was ‘forced’ to have sex with him at parties in London, New York and the Caribbean.
Last night the prince issued a strongly-worded denial, with Buckingham Palace saying ‘any suggestion of impropriety with underage minors is categorically untrue’. But his alleged victim immediately hit back by saying she would not be ‘bullied into silence by aggressive attacks’.
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In an extraordinary legal allegation, a woman said she was ‘forced’ to have sex with him at parties in London, New York and the Caribbean.
Last night the prince issued a strongly-worded denial, with Buckingham Palace saying ‘any suggestion of impropriety with underage minors is categorically untrue’. But his alleged victim immediately hit back by saying she would not be ‘bullied into silence by aggressive attacks’.
More
Accused Pennsylvania gunman who eluded police for nearly two months will face trial
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Eric Frein, the man identified by police as the suspected gunman days after the Sept. 12 shooting, appeared in court for a preliminary hearing Monday. A judge determined that there is enough evidence for Frein to face trial.
Frein has been charged with shooting two state troopers outside a barracks in Blooming Grove, a small township in northeastern Pennsylvania. Police said he shot and killed Cpl. Bryon Dickson, who was leaving the barracks, and seriously wounded Alex Douglass, who was arriving.
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A Message From U.S. Representative Andy Harris
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Andy Harris, M.D.
In November, Speaker Boehner was re-nominated by the Republican House Conference without a single opponent stepping forward. That was the appropriate time for an alternative to step forward and be considered by House Republicans. Today’s vote on the House floor was simply whether Nancy Pelosi or John Boehner was going to be Speaker of the House. I hope that we can now move forward and work with the Senate to pass common-sense conservative policies. If Speaker Boehner does notdeliver on his promises, a Republican House Conference can be called by 50 members and I would join in that call. I have no problem standing up for conservative principles to the Speaker and Republican leadership, such as my vote against the reauthorization of the Patriot Act, as well as my votes against the Ryan-Murray budget deal and debt ceiling increases. Please know that I will continue to fight for conservative values and Maryland’s First District in the 114th Congress.
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