Hogan Demands School Officials Appear Before Board

State lawmakers return to Annapolis one week from today for their 90-day session, and the battle lines are being drawn over school construction money.

It is not the amount of money that puts Gov. Larry Hogan at odds with Democrats, it is who has the final authority to approve the spending.

Lawmakers last year added language to the capital budget to take away the final spending authority from the Board of Public Works, which is chaired by the governor.

Hogan criticized the move at today’s Board of Public Works meeting.

“Final approval of the expenditure of school construction funds rests solely with this Board of Public Works, and anyone who thinks that they can take away that authority on a whim, is gravely mistaken,” Hogan said Wednesday.

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One Man’s Quest to Change the Way We Die

First, the back story, because, B.J. Miller has found, the back story is unavoidable when you are missing three limbs.

Miller was a sophomore at Princeton when, one Monday night in November 1990, he and two friends went out for drinks and, at around 4 a.m., found themselves ambling toward a convenience store for sandwiches. They decided to climb a commuter train parked at the adjacent rail station, for fun. Miller scaled it first. When he got to the top, electrical current arced out of a piece of equipment into the watch on his wrist. Eleven-thousand volts shot through his left arm and down his legs. When his friends reached him on the roof of the train, smoke was rising from his feet.

Miller remembers none of this. His memories don’t kick in until several days later, when he woke up in the burn unit of St. Barnabas Medical Center, in Livingston, N.J. Thinking he’d resurfaced from a terrible dream, he tried to shamble across his hospital room on the charred crusts of his legs until he used up the slack of his catheter tube and the device tore out of his body. Then, all the pain hit him at once.

Doctors took each leg just below the knee, one at a time. Then they turned to his arm, which triggered in Miller an even deeper grief. (“Hands do stuff,” he explains. “Your foot is just a stinky, clunky little platform.”) For weeks, the hospital staff considered him close to death. But Miller, in a devastated haze, didn’t know that. He only worried about who he would be when he survived.

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Omarosa lands job on Trump’s White House staff

WASHINGTON — Omarosa Manigault is getting hired.

A memorable contestant in the first season of “The Apprentice,” Manigault is expected to join President-elect Donald Trump’s White House staff, according to two people familiar with the decision. Her job is expected to focus on public engagement.

Manigault was one of Trump’s most prominent African-American supporters during the campaign and has been working with his transition team. Her effusive praise of Trump has at times drawn criticism.

“Every critic, every detractor, will have to bow down to President Trump,” she said in an interview for a PBS “Frontline” documentary about the presidential campaign. “It is the ultimate revenge to become the most powerful man in the universe.”

Manigault, who prefers to use only her first name, made it through nine weeks of “The Apprentice” before Trump directed his infamous tagline, “You’re fired,” at her. She was portrayed as a cut-throat contestant during the season. She returned to Trump’s “Apprentice” franchise several times and has appeared on other reality TV shows.

Manigault said she has stayed close to Trump over the years and served as his campaign’s director of African-American outreach.

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I'm Having One Of Those Days

I am 54 years old and I have so many unanswered questions! 

I still haven't found out who let the Dogs Out...where's the beef...how to get to Sesame Street... why Dora doesn't just use Google Maps... Why do all flavors of fruit loops taste exactly the same, or how many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie pop......why eggs are packaged in a flimsy paper carton, but batteries are secured in plastic that's tough as nails, yet light bulbs too are in a flimsy carton... 

Ever buy scissors? You need scissors to cut into the packaging of scissors... I still don't understand why there is Braille on drive up ATM's or why "abbreviated" is such a long word; or why is there a D in 'fridge' but not in refrigerator... why lemon juice is made with artificial flavor yet dish-washing liquid is made with real lemons... why they sterilize the needle for lethal injections... and, why do you have to "put your two cents in" but it's only a "penny for your thoughts" where's that extra penny going... why do The Alphabet Song and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star have the same tune... why did you just try to sing those two previous songs... and just what is Victoria's secret? ....and what would you do for a Klondike bar and you know as soon as you bite into it it falls apart...and Why do we drive on Parkways and park on Driveways?

Obama — a failure on his own terms

President Obama, as a candidate, had an appeal that transcended ideology and reached far past his party's base. He won over people across the spectrum by promising to fix some of the country's dysfunctions: partisan gridlock and warfare, special-interest domination of policymaking, racial strife and perpetual war.

Judging Obama on his own terms, against his goal of improving these troubled areas, he has failed.

"In the face of war," Obama told the crowd gathered in Springfield for his presidential campaign launch in 2007, "you believe there can be peace. In the face of despair, you believe there can be hope. In the face of a politics that's shut you out, that's told you to settle, that's divided us for too long, you believe we can be one people."

This speech is a good benchmark against which to measure Obama's tenure. When he returned to Springfield last year, he admitted to one failure:

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An Amazing Story Most Did Not Know

The Animation World Mourns The Passing Of Legendary 'Bambi' Artist Tyrus Wong

Creatives all over the world certainly had a hard go of it in 2016, what with the entertainment industry losing a slew of dedicated and talented individuals as the year came to a close.

Sadly, it was reported that among them was Chinese artist Tyrus Wong, who died at the grand old age of 106 surrounded by his family and was the inspiration behind #Disney's legendary 1942 animation#Bambi.

A statement issued by the House of Mouse praised the "Disney Legend" hall of fame member saying:

"Legendary Disney artist Tyrus Wong had a gift for evoking incredible feeling in his art with simple, gestural composition."

As a youngster, Wong emigrated to the United States from China with his father, leaving behind his mother and sister who he would never see again. During this time, his father encouraged him to broaden his artistic talents by practicing calligraphy by dipping his brushes in water and painting on newspaper. Then, after studying as a fine artist, Wong came to work for Disney as an entry level animator back in 1938, contributing hundreds of sketches of Mickey Mouse. At first, he worked as an "inbetweener" for the studio, drawing images between poses to create illusions of motion.

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Pope calls for 'zero tolerance' of child sex abuse

Pope Francis told bishops in a letter released Monday that they must adopt a "zero tolerance" policy toward sexual abuse in the Catholic Church.

Francis lamented the past abuses of children by priests, calling it "a sin that shames us" and asking church leaders to recommit themselves to protecting children in every way possible.

The Catholic Church "recognizes the sins of some of her members: the sufferings, the experiences and the pain of minors who were abused sexually by priests," Francis wrote.

"I would like us to renew our complete commitment to ensuring that these atrocities will no longer take place in our midst," he wrote. "Let us find the courage needed to take all necessary measures and to protect in every way the lives of our children, so that such crimes may never be repeated."

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STATE ORDERED TO PROVIDE MUMIA ABU-JAMAL WITH HEPATITIS C TREATMENT

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A judge has given the Department of Corrections 21 days to give death row inmate Mumia Abu-Jamal medication to treat his hepatitis C infection.

Abu-Jamal sued to improve the healthcare he was receiving while incarcerated after suffering from diabetic shock.

On Tuesday, a judge ruled that a doctor must determine whether there is a medical reason that Abu-Jamal should not get the treatment, which can range from $50,000 to 75,000 or more per patient.

He's convicted of killing Philadelphia police officer Daniel Faulkner in 1981, and is currently serving a sentence of life without parole.

Video

Shocker?

Intellectuals can persuade the public that government programs are good for us all, which sound ok and feel good, but are not practical in terms of implementation. They hide in academia, and are seldom touched by the real world.Here are the facts:

Amazing stats

Make sure you read to the bottom...

An eye opener! (Or should be!)

1.

California
New Mexico
Mississippi
Alabama
Illinois
Kentucky
Ohio
New York
Maine
South Carolina

These 11 States now have More People on Welfare than they do Employed!!!

2.

Last month, the Senate Budget Committee reports that in fiscal year 2012, between food stamps, housing support, child care, Medicaid and other benefits, the average U.S. Household below the poverty line received $168.00 a day in government support.

What's the problem with that much support?
Well, the median household income in America is just over $50,000, which averages out to $137.13 a day.

To put it another way, being on welfare now pays the equivalent of $30.00 an hour for 40 hour week, while the average job pays $24.00 an hour.

3.

What Will Be in Presidential Library

Very interesting, with much to consider. What will be in his presidential library?

THE UNANSWERED MYSTERY OF THE CENTURY!!!

Well, he's ending 8 years of living in the White House

This came from a union guy in Chicago who didn't vote for Obama. Very interesting perspective that I never thought of in this light!

It will be interesting to see what they put in his "Library" about his early years when he is out of office.

In a country where we take notice of many, many facets of our public figures' lives, doesn't it seem odd that there's so little we know about our current man in the WH, Barack Obama?

For example, we know that Andrew Jackson's wife smoked a corn cob pipe and was accused of adultery; Abe Lincoln never went to school; Jack Kennedy wore a back brace; Harry Truman played the piano.

As Americans, we enjoy knowing details about every our newsmakers, but none of us know one single humanizing fact about the history of our own president.

We are all aware of the lack of uncontestable birth records for Obama; that document managing has been spectacularly successful.

There are however, several additional oddities in Obama's history that appear to be as well managed as the birthing issue.

One other interesting thing... There are no birth certificates of his daughters that can be found?

It's interesting that no one who ever dated him has shown up. The charisma that caused women to be drawn to him so strongly during his campaign, certainly would in the normal course of events, lead some lady to come forward, if only to garner some attention for herself. We all know about JFK's magnetism, that McCain was no monk and quite a few details about Palin's courtship and even her athletic prowess, Joe Biden's aneurisms are no secret; look at Cheney and Clinton, we all know about their heart problems. Certainly Wild Bill Clinton's exploits before and during his White House years, were well known. That's why it's so odd that not one lady has stepped up and said, "He was soooo shy..." or "What a great dancer..."

It's virtually impossible to know anything about this fellow. Who was the best man at his wedding? Start there. Then check groomsmen.

Then get the footage of the graduation ceremony. Has anyone talked to the professors? It is odd that no one is bragging that they knew him or taught him or lived with him.

When did he meet Michele, and how? Are there photos there? Every president gives to the public all their photos, etc. for their library, etc. What has he released? And who voted for him to be the most popular man in 2010? Doesn't this make you wonder?

Ever wonder why no one ever came forward from Obama's past saying they knew him, attended school with him, was his friend, etc?? Not one person has ever come forward from his past..

It certainly is very, very strange...

This should be a cause for great concern. To those who voted for him, you may have elected an unqualified, inexperienced shadow man. Have you seen a movie named "The Manchurian Candidate"

As insignificant as each of us might be, someone with whom we went to school will remember our name or face; someone will remember we were the clown or the dork or the brain or the quiet one or the bully or something about us.

George Stephanopoulos of ABC News said the same thing during the 2008 campaign. He questions why no one has acknowledged the president was in their classroom or ate in the same cafeteria or made impromptu speeches on campus. Stephanopoulos also was a classmate of Obama at Columbia -- the class of 1984. He says he never had a single class with him.

Sad But True

Received from an Oregon Resident

While I was getting a coffee, I overheard 7 young people (22-26 years old, 5 males, 2 female) who have been protesting in downtown Portland the last two nights.

I told them I was doing research and asked nicely if they would answer some questions.

They were cool with it, so I sat down and went for it. Three voted. Of the four who didn't, none was registered to vote.

None of them researched independently either candidate.

All were for Hillary but preferred Bernie.

Why the Democratic Candidate?

"More things are taken care of."

"Time to have a woman President."

"Democrats aren't sexist or racist."

Six of them live at home

All are under their parents insurance.

Two have "real" jobs.

Three aren't working, nor are they trying hard to find a job either.

Pay for everything in their life or subsidize it.

Six get money from mom or dad every month.

Two have been on unemployment for 6+ months.

One is at Portland State U, doesn't work, and parents pay for everything.

All 7 said Trump is a racist/sexist. I asked to cite proof ... "That tape, man!"

When I asked, as a man myself, “Have you ever said anything like that when you've been hanging out with your buddies? All five males said "Yes."

Weather Update 1-5-17

Here is our latest thinking regarding snow forecasts Friday morning and again on Saturday. Up to 1 to 2 inches of snow is possible across the lower MD Eastern Shore Friday morning with little to no accumulation expected as far south as Richmond and the Tri-Cities.

The more significant event hits the region early Saturday morning lasting though the day. With cold temperatures in place snow will be quick to accumulate. The hardest hit areas look to be across northeast NC, Hampton Roads, Tidewater and south Central VA. Based on the current expected storm track, accumulations have been increased this morning across southeast VA and northeast NC. Get the latest forecast information at
http://www.weather.gov/akq/winter and
http://www.weather.gov.akq/RainandSnow.

Governor Hogan Asks For Our Input

Joe -

We have been fighting to bring commonsense back to Annapolis.

In less than two years, we have already accomplished so much.

We’ve passed two consecutive budgets without raising taxes, repealed the rain tax mandate, rolled back $700 million in taxes, tolls and fees, and created more than 70,000 new private sector jobs across the state.

But there is more work to be done and we can't do it without your support. This legislative session will be even tougher than the last and we need your help.

Please take a moment to take our 3-question survey to help us prepare for this year's legislative session!

Together, we are changing Maryland for the better. Thank you for your continued support!

Best,
The Hogan for Governor Team

Truth Be Told

Love It!

Now I Know What To Do With That Chalk

Amazing

Invitation to Readers: Obama’s Legacy

President Obama leaves office on Jan. 20 after eight years. We invite you to reflect on his successes and failures, and how you will remember him.

Please keep your submission brief — no more than 200 words. The deadline is Thursday, Jan. 5, at 10 a.m., Eastern time. We plan to publish a sampling on Sunday, Jan. 8. Email: letters@nytimes.com

(Please put “legacy” in the subject line.)

Video:2 Cops ambushed at Walmart in Arizona

ARIZONA - This week the Chandler Police Department released never before seen surveillance footage of the April 23, 2016 Chandler Walmart shooting incident. Two police officers were ambushed by 24-year old Mitchell Oakley when responding to a trespass call at the store. Oakley opened fire on officers Joshua Pueblo and Daniel Colwell. Mitchell Oakley was killed by officer Colwell.

ESPN Will Lose $75 Million Televising Raiders-Texans

As we enter 2017, the sports rights bubble continues to burst and we continue to come to terms with the fact that many of these sports rights deals are untenable in the modern marketplace. Particularly those deals that are rooted in a rapidly declining cable and satellite market. Unfortunately for many media companies their sports television contracts were signed in brighter days, days like the ones before ESPN lost 1.4 million cable and satellite subscribers in the past three months. Or ten million cable and satellite subscribers in the past three years.

But what's the worst television contract in all of sports? I thought it was the recent deal that the NBA signed with ESPN and Turner, but I was wrong. Turns out that it's actually ESPN's deal with the NFL which allows ESPN to carry one wild card game each year. This year ESPN will be televising the worst wild card game of the bunch in the worst time slot on the worst day for NFL football, the Oakland Raiders at the Houston Texans on Saturday afternoon.

It's a battle between Matt McGloin/Connor Cook and Tom Savage/Brock Osweiler for the right to advance to play the New England Patriots and be executed on live television.

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