Holy Smokes! Graphic Content

I guess I knew this, but never saw it in such graphic form.

 

Did Obama Spy On Mitt Romney?

Did Obama spy on Mitt Romney? As recently as a few weeks ago if anyone had asked me that question I would have consigned them to a right (or left) wing loony bin. Today, the only loonies are those who think the question unreasonable. Indeed, in one sense the answer is clearly yes. Do I think Obama ordered the NSA to spy on Romney for political gain? No. Some people claim that President Obama didn’t even know about the full extent of NSA spying. Indeed, I imagine that President Obama was almost as surprised as the rest of us when he first discovered that we live in a mass surveillance state in which billions of emails, phone calls, facebook metadata and other data are being collected.

The answer is yes, however, if we mean did the NSA spy on political candidates like Mitt Romney. Did Mitt Romney ever speak with Angela Merkel, whose phone the NSA bugged, or any one of the dozens of her advisers that the NSA was also bugging? Did Romney exchange emails with Mexican President Felipe Calderon? Were any of Romney’s emails, photos, texts or other metadata hoovered up by the NSA’s break-in to the Google and Yahoo communications links? Almost certainly the answer is yes.

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WATCH THE PASSIONATE ASHTON KUTCHER RANT ON THE ONLY JOB THAT COULD EVER BE ‘BENEATH YOU’ – YOU’LL BE GLAD YOU DID

“There’s an entitlement that is starting to emerge that I think is unhealthy for people and unhealthy for our country.”

No, that line wasn’t spoken by a politician. It was uttered by none other than actor Ashton Kutcher.

Kutcher sat down with talk show host Ellen DeGeneres on Wednesday to chat about the incredibly viral speech about hard work and dedication that he delivered at the Teen Choice Awards in August. And in explaining his past comments, he delivered a new set that could spread just as fast.
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Here's An Intelligence Test For ObamaCare Loving Americans...

I doubt they'll pass it, if they're dumb enough to pursue such a policy they'll probably be too dumb to figure out that this graphic means it's not working.

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BILLY GRAHAM’S POWERFUL FINAL SERMON TO AMERICA: ‘I’VE WEPT’ AS ‘I’VE SEEN HOW FAR PEOPLE HAVE WANDERED FROM GOD’

Evangelist Billy Graham delivered what is being dubbed his final “sermon” to America on Thursday night. Through a special video broadcast called “My Hope America,” Graham warned that the nation is in “great need of a spiritual awakening” and that he has wept over how far the nation has moved away from God.

The video, which is available online and through select broadcast networks across the nation (it will air on TheBlaze TV this weekend), was released today on Graham’s 95th birthday.

“I want to tell people about the meaning of the cross … the real cross of Christ,” a passionate Graham proclaimed in the video. ”I know that many will react to this message, but it is the truth and with all my heart, I want to leave you with the truth.”
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The Feminization Of The National Football League

Only in the 2013 version of today’s NFL can a 6’5 300 pound grown man be considered a victim of bullying. What Richie Incognito did was certainly not appropriate but it was also ridiculous of the league to suspend him. Using the N-word and jokingly threatening a player’s mother is definitely in bad taste but does it warrant removing a player’s right to make a living? Jonathan Martin could have solved this problem the way most 300 pound lineman would have; by giving Incognito a taste of his own medicine. He could have lit him up in practice or popped him in the nose to let him know he wasn’t playing. These are grown men not 8 year old school children?

So what’s next is Richie Incognito supposed to make a public apology? Maybe tell the team and the media he will seek counseling and sensitivity training? Give me a break and more importantly, give Mr. Incognito a break as well.

The NFL over the past 10 years or so has really changed. The players are a lot bigger, taller, and physically stronger than they have ever been. There are linebackers now that can run as fast as receivers and quarterbacks that are faster than the fastest running backs. The game of professional football is changing.

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Breaking News: Serious Accident In Berlin

Berlin Fire Department is on the scene of a pedestrian accident involving a motor vehicle on Rt. 113 and Bay Street. One patient has been pronounced deceased on arrival and the other has been transported to PRMC with life threatening injuries. 

Poll Finds Strong Support For Minimum Wage Hike; State Employees Pensions Considered Too Low

A new poll found strong public support for increasing Maryland’s minimum wage to $10 an hour, a step being pushed for the upcoming General Assembly session.

The poll by Goucher College also found the majority of the Maryland public regards current pensions for retired state employees as too low, and also thinks all Maryland workers, not just those employed by the state or local governments, should have a pension.

Assessing the name recognition of politicians, the Goucher poll found that U.S. Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger, a Baltimore County Democrat who is considering a run for governor, had significant name recognition throughout the state, only exceeded by Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown and Attorney General Doug Gansler, who have been on the statewide ballot twice.
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Gold: Hold It Or Fold It?

It’s starting to feel like we are part of a giant poker game against the US government, whose hand is the true condition of the American economy. The government has become so good at bluffing that most people feel compelled to watch how the biggest players in the game react to determine their own investment strategy.

Unfortunately, this past month revealed that even pros like Goldman Sachs have no idea what sort of hand Washington is really hiding.

A week into the government shutdown, Jeffrey Currie, head of commodities research at Goldman Sachs, declared that gold would be a “slam dunk sell” if Washington resolved the budget debate and raised the debt ceiling. The call was based on an underlying narrative that the US economy is experiencing a slow, but inevitable, recovery.

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Who Needs Oil?

RUN FOR INJURED TROOPER IS THIS SUNDAY

More than 500 supporters, including troopers from Maryland and New Jersey, officers from allied law enforcement and fire departments, family, friends, and concerned community members are ready to run this Sunday at a charity event in Carroll County that will raise funds to assist an injured state trooper along her road to recovery. The “5K for JK” will be held at 10:00 a.m. on November 10, 2013, on the grounds of the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commissions and the Maryland State Police Academy.

All funds raised through the “5K for JK” will go to assist Trooper Jacqueline Kline and her family with ancillary expenses related to her recovery and ongoing rehabilitation. Trooper Kline was critically injured on October 6, 2013 when she was struck by a car on Rt. 100 in Anne Arundel County.

Nashville recording artist Ashley Forrest will sing the National Anthem during pre-race ceremonies. Members of Trooper Kline’s family will represent her at the race. At least one is expected to address the runners before the run.

WHAT: 5K for JK

WHEN: SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2013, 10:00 A.M.
PRE-RACE PROGRAM BEGINS AT 9:45 A.M.

WHERE: MARYLAND STATE POLICE ACADEMY
6852 4TH ST.
SYKESVILLE, MD
Take I-70 west to Rt. 32
Rt. 32 north to Sykesville
Just past Sykesville, make
right onto 2nd St at main
entrance to Springfield
State Hospital Center
Make right on 4th St to race
start

Panel Wants Hospitals To Hold Costs At Current Levels

Maryland's Health Services Cost Review Commission is recommending that hospitals hold the line on costs for patient care.

The decision this week would apply to the first six months of 2014.

A formal vote on the plan is set for early next month.

The state panel that sets hospital rates gave most hospitals permission for a 1.65 percent increase in the current fiscal year.

There would be no increase from January through June.
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Reserve Your Seat For Wicomico Recreation's 2013-2014 Bus Trips

Take a trip with Wicomico Recreation & Parks! The department has announced the full lineup of bus trips for the 2013-2014 season, reserve your seat now.

Peddler's Village, New Hope, PA
Saturday, November 23
Visit this shopping village with 65 unique stores set amongst landscaped gardens decorated for the holiday season.
$62.50 per person

A Day in New York City (Just a few seats left!)
Saturday, December 7
Enjoy the day on your own in New York City. We will drop you off as close to 53rd and Broadway as possible.
$65.50 per person

Christmas in St. Michaels
Saturday, December 14
Enjoy the St. Michaels Holiday Home Tour, village of gingerbread houses and the Holiday Market Place.
$83.00 per person

Dancing with the Movies at The Dupont Theatre
Saturday, January 25
See classic movie dances brought to life with a fresh new vision featuring Dancing with the Stars celebrity pros, So You Think You Can Dance finalists and singing sensations from American Idol and The Voice.
$123.50 per person

Philadelphia Flower Show
Friday, March 7
Sign up early this year and enjoy the 2014 Philadelphia Flower Show. This year's theme is "ARTiculture."
$68.00 per person

The Book of Mormon at the Hippodrome
Sunday, March 9
Enjoy The Book of Mormon and dinner at Annie's.
$158.00 per person

6 Days and 5 Nights in Savannah, GA & Charleston, SC
April 6-11
Trip will include five nights lodging, five breakfasts, three full course dinners, guided tours of Savannah and Charleston and more. Visit our website for a full itinerary.$698 per person (based on a double occupancy)

Virginia International Military Tattoo
Sunday, April 27

The 2014 Tattoo will honor Vietnam veterans and their families and recognize the contributions made by our allies. The tattoo will feature a cast of 900+ from around the world. Trip includes show ticket, tour of the Naval Base and dinner.
$130.50 per person
Mystery Trip
Friday, May 2
Trip will include a light breakfast, late lunch and a lot of adventure!
$93.50 per person

2 Days and 1 Night in the Pennsylvania Amish Lands
May 16 & 17
Trip will include one nights lodging, one breakfast, one lunch, one dinner, Moses at Sight and Sound Theatre, Gaither Vocal Band at the American Music Theatre, guided tour of Pennsylvania Amish Lands and more.
$298 per person (based on a double occupancy)

Registration for bus trips is available online at www.WicomicoRecandParks.org or at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center Box Office (500 Glen Avenue, Salisbury; M-F, 8 a.m.–6 p.m.). For more information Wicomico Recreation’s bus trips, please contact Karen McInturff at 410-548-4900 x118 or kmcinturff@wicomicocounty.org.

Maryland's Casinos Generated $66.3 Million In October

Maryland’s four casinos generated more than $66.3 million in total revenue for the state in October, according to the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency.

Maryland Live! Casino generated the most of the casinos at $51.8 million from both slot machines and table games. Maryland Live operates 4,341 slot machines and 174 table games. Maryland Live’s October 2013 revenue increased by nearly $21.2 million or 69.2 percent compared to the same time last year.

Hollywood Casino Perryville generated $6.9 million from both slot machines and table games in October. Hollywood Casino’s October 2013 revenue increased by $1.4 million, or 26 percent, from October 2012. Hollywood Casino Perryville operates 1,158 slot machines and 22 table games.

Casino at Ocean Downs generated $4.2 million last month, which equates to an increase of $727,992 or 20.7 percent, from the same time last year.. The Casino at Ocean Downs operates 800 slot machines.
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Celebrate The Season At The Wicomico Youth & Civic Center

Salisbury, MD - Grab your co-workers, friends and family and celebrate the season at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center. This year, the Civic Center offers two community celebrations to entertain your small office, enjoy a girl's night out or to celebrate the holidays with friends and family.

Holiday Jubilee at the WY&CC
Wednesday, December 11

Enjoy an evening of food, music, dancing, door prizes and even some last minute shopping at this community holiday celebration. The Holiday Jubilee begins at 5:30 p.m. with hors d'oeuvres, dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. Guests are welcome to bring their own 'spirits.'
Tickets: $25 per person Community Christmas Luncheon
Friday, December 20
Sit back, relax and enjoy a hassle-free holiday luncheon for your small business, friends or family. The Christmas Luncheon will feature a lunch buffet, seasonal music and festive ambiance from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Guests are welcome to bring their own 'spirits.'
Tickets: $18 per person

Tickets for the Holiday Jubilee and the Community Christmas Luncheon are on sale now at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center Box Office, 500 Glen Avenue, Salisbury, MD 21804 (M-F, 8am-6pm), by phone at 410-548-4911 or online at www.WicomicoCivicCenter.org. (Fees may apply.)

Many Marylanders Still Optimistic About Health Care Reform, Poll Finds

Almost half of Marylanders still think the new health care law will have a positive impact on the quality of health care in Maryland, a new Goucher poll found. But only half of those surveyed said they had heard of the website MarylandHealthConnection.gov, the state’s access portal for health insurance.

The respondents also believed the insurance companies were the most prepared to handle the implementation of the health insurance reform and the federal government was the least prepared.

The poll was conducted by the Sarah T. Hughes Field Politics Center at Goucher College in Towson Oct. 27-31, contacting 665 Maryland residents by land line and cell phone. It has a margin of error of 3.8%. Unlike other public polls released to the media, such as the Gonzales Research poll, the Goucher center surveys residents regardless of whether they are registered or likely voters.
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Editorial: Who's Ready For College?

Fewer students than you might think
Illinois rolled out its new, information-chocked school report card recently and provided an easy-to-understand figure of how many Illinois high school graduates are ready to go to college.

Brace yourself: It's only 46 percent.

That, the state says, pegs how students have a reasonable chance at college success, based on their ACT scores. You don't need to have nailed a perfect 36 on the ACT to know that means a little more than half of high school grads aren't ready to do college-level work.

Brace yourself again: Even that may be optimistic.

By the ACT's own calculations, only one-fourth of Illinois students are prepared for college. At almost every high school across Illinois, the state's college readiness figures are higher than the ACT's, according to an analysis by Tribune reporters Diane Rado and Alex Richards.

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Report: IRS Refunded $4B To Identity Thieves

The Internal Revenue Service issued $4 billion in fraudulent tax refunds last year to people using stolen identities, with some of the money going to addresses in Bulgaria, Lithuania and Ireland, according to an inspector general's report released Thursday.

The IRS sent a total of 655 tax refunds to a single address in Lithuania, and 343 refunds went to a lone address in Shanghai.

In the U.S., more fraudulent returns went to Miami than any other city. Other top destinations were Chicago, Detroit, Atlanta and Houston.
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Obama’s Tour Of Lies

President Barack Obama is a liar. Not a person who “misspoke,” as the New York Times editorial board ridiculously asserted last Sunday. His promise that if Americans liked their healthcare plan they could keep it — made on at least 23 separate,videotaped occasions — was not the ”half true” statement the equally corrupt politifact.com website contended it was. Nor did the president make a ”campaign pledge which did not hold up to the realities of governing,” as shameless TV host Bill Maher declared, before further noting it was a “moral complexity” he is “okay with ’cause I’m not twelve.” It was a bald-faced lie. And on at least one occasion in June of 2009, it included a completely unambiguous qualifier: “if you like your health-care plan, you will be able to keep your health-care plan, period.” (Italics mine). Yet Monday, in an Orwellian moment that provided the public with an unprecedented look at the president’s utter lack of credibility, Obama insisted he never made any such promises.

“What we said was you could keep it if it hasn’t changed since the law was passed,” Obama declared at the St. Regis hotel, in a room containing around 200 of his staunchest Organizing for Action (OFA) supporters. He then went on defending the indefensible. “If we had allowed these old plans [to continue]… then we would have broken an even more important promise–making sure that Americans gain access to health care that doesn’t leave them one illness away from financial ruin,” he remarked. “So the bottom line is, is that we are making the insurance market better for everybody.”

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New Mexico Cops Give Woman Vaginal Search Without A Warrant

Just after we heard the story of two men who were anally searched for drugs multiple times, we now find out that a woman was vaginally assaulted by the police and otherwise abused and it’s even worse than the previous two cases as the police didn’t even bother getting a search warrant. The woman is now suing for sexual assault. It’s important to note that none of the three had any drugs whatsoever.

Laura Schauer Ives, a lawyer with ACLU, says she is preparing to sue the US Border Control for a sexual assault on a New Mexico woman who was stopped crossing over from Mexico into New Mexico. Schauer Ives calls the search, sexual assault, and notes that the police had no warrant when they took her client to the hospital. No drugs were found on the woman. Schauer Ives said:


“It’s terrifying. I think law enforcement has been emboldened, particularly where it comes to drug interdiction. It’s kind of anything goes. You couple that with drug interdiction at the border and you have a recipe for serious civil liberties violations.”

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