Most Popular Name By State - Business Insider

Most Popular Name By State - Business Insider: "We sorted through data from the Social Security Administration for every person born in 1984."


'via Blog this'

Kansas Tax Cut Leaves Brownback With Less Money - NYTimes.com

Kansas Tax Cut Leaves Brownback With Less Money - NYTimes.com: "Kansas has a problem. In April and May, the state planned to collect $651 million from personal income tax. But instead, it received only $369 million.

In 2012, Kansas lawmakers passed a large and rather unusual income tax cut. It was expected to reduce state tax revenue by more than 10 percent, and Gov. Sam Brownback said it would create “tens of thousands of jobs.”"

'via Blog this'

Utah Gay Marriage Ban Struck Down by Federal Appeals Court - NYTimes.com

So going to the Supreme Court!

Utah Gay Marriage Ban Struck Down by Federal Appeals Court - NYTimes.com: "A federal appeals court ruled Wednesday that states cannot bar same-sex marriages, overturning Utah’s voter-approved ban against them in a decision that extends a long streak of legal victories for such unions.

The ruling by a three-judge panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit here in Denver came almost a year after the Supreme Court struck down part of a federal law that denied marriage benefits to same-sex couples."

'via Blog this'

McDonnell prosecutors allege undisclosed gifts from people other than Williams - The Washington Post

Purp walking!

McDonnell prosecutors allege undisclosed gifts from people other than Williams - The Washington Post:

Federal prosecutors have alleged that former Virginia governor Robert F. McDonnell (R) and his family accepted an expensive island vacation from a Henrico hotelier with University of Virginia ties and intentionally omitted the gift on his annual state disclosure forms, according to new court filings.

The May 2012 trip — a $23,000 getaway to Kiawah Island Golf Resort in South Carolina, paid for by U-Va. Board of Visitors Vice Rector William H. Goodwin Jr. — does not seem to have any direct connection to Jonnie R. Williams Sr., another Richmond-area businessman, whose relationship with McDonnell and his wife is at the heart of the federal corruption case against the couple.

But prosecutors argued in a court filing made public recently that the vacation was just one example of undisclosed gifts given to the McDonnells by people other than Williams. They said those gifts are “intrinsic” to the case and might be used to convince jurors that McDonnell’s alleged crimes were no innocent mistake.'via Blog this'

GOP Slams ‘Imperial’ Obama After Fewest Executive Orders In 100 Years (CHART)

GOP Slams ‘Imperial’ Obama After Fewest Executive Orders In 100 Years (CHART): "Congressional Republicans threw a fit when President Barack Obama said during his State of the Union address this week that he would issue executive orders to forward policies if he couldn't reach an agreement with Congress."

'via Blog this'

Supreme Court Says Phones Can’t Be Searched Without a Warrant - NYTimes.com

This should be obvious.  (who's for this anyway??)

Can you imagine the Police stopping someone, grabbing their mobile, and searching through it w/out a warrant! 

Supreme Court Says Phones Can’t Be Searched Without a Warrant - NYTimes.com: "In a major statement on privacy rights in the digital age, the Supreme Court on Wednesday unanimously ruled that the police need warrants to search the cellphones of people they arrest.

Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., writing for the court, said the vast amount of data contained on modern cellphones must be protected from routine inspection.

The court heard arguments in April in two cases on the issue, but issued a single decision."

'via Blog this'

Democrat Anthony Brown wins Maryland governor primary - Steven Shepard - POLITICO.com

The next Governor of Maryland!

Democrat Anthony Brown wins Maryland governor primary - Steven Shepard - POLITICO.com: "Maryland Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown won the state’s Democratic gubernatorial primary on Tuesday, defeating two challengers in a race marked by personal attacks and a debate about the legacy of potential presidential candidate Martin O’Malley, who has governed the state for the past eight years."

 Bio: Maryland Lieutenant Governor Anthony G. Brown has dedicated his life to public service. He understands that in these difficult times, Maryland needs leaders who are willing to stand up, sacrifice their own self-interest, and do the right thing in order to serve our communities.  A Colonel in the United States Army Reserves, Anthony is one of the nation’s highest-ranking elected officials to have served a tour of duty in Iraq.
'via Blog this'

World Cup 2014: 2 Neymar Goals Carry Brazil Past Cameroon - NYTimes.com

World Cup 2014: 2 Neymar Goals Carry Brazil Past Cameroon - NYTimes.com: "An anxious nation and its capital exhaled on Monday. Their beloved national soccer team, which has not played with the precision and dominance that many had hoped for in the World Cup, nevertheless moved on to the next round with a convincing win.

Playing in front of a pulsating record crowd at Estádio Nacional, Brazil beat Cameroon, 4-1, behind two goals from Neymar to win Group A. On Saturday it will play Chile, the runner-up in Group B, in the Round of 16."

'via Blog this'

Brett Favre ad bomb for Thad Cochran: touchdown or incomplete? - CSMonitor.com

Brett Favre ad bomb for Thad Cochran: touchdown or incomplete? - CSMonitor.com: "Who’s that hirsute retired guy in the latest ad boosting incumbent Sen. Thad Cochran (R) in his tough Mississippi primary race? Brett Favre, that’s who!"

'via Blog this'

Brett Favre Supports Thad Cochran - YouTube

Brett Favre Supports Thad Cochran - YouTube: "Learn more about the U.S. Chamber's efforts in support of Thad Cochran in the 2014 Mississippi Senate Election at http://www.friendsoftheuschamber.com/."


'via Blog this'

As Sea Levels Rise, Norfolk Is Sinking And Planning : NPR

As Sea Levels Rise, Norfolk Is Sinking And Planning : NPR: "The Norfolk-Hampton Roads area in Virginia is home to the largest naval operation in the world. This area is particularly vulnerable because the land is sinking as sea levels are rising. Planning for that is both a national security concern and a topic of discussion among the area's business owners.

Toll, working through Old Dominion University, is helping devise a plan that would coordinate a response between the federal and local governments and local businesses. Toll says a regional approach is necessary because it's not just the military that is affected.

"Any impacts that the Navy is going to feel is going to have a direct and indirect impact on the business infrastructure," he says. And Toll says, "that goes all the way down to the small shops that are right on the water, because everybody lives here.""


'via Blog this'

House Republicans Take on John Koskinen: Scenes From an IRS Sideshow - The Daily Beast

So weird!

House Republicans Take on John Koskinen: Scenes From an IRS Sideshow - The Daily Beast: "IRS Commissioner John Koskinen was not at the agency during the tax-exempt status scandal, but watching House Republicans question him Monday, you would be forgiven for thinking he was the man behind it all.

Angry about missing emails from former IRS official Lois Lerner, a panel of Republicans badgered, pressed, and interrupted Koskinen in a furious effort to learn how Lerner’s hard drive became unrecoverable. The result was a prime-time congressional sideshow."

'via Blog this'

Last Month Was The Hottest May In Recorded History

Global Analysis - May 2014 | State of the Climate | National Climatic Data Center (NCDC): "Global Highlights
The combined average temperature over global land and ocean surfaces for May 2014 was record highest for this month, at 0.74°C (1.33°F) above the 20th century average of 14.8°C (58.6°F). "

'via Blog this'

Texas Oil Production, Cattle, Highways - Business Insider

Texas Oil Production, Cattle, Highways - Business Insider: "There's large oil production and cattle production. Texas is home to three of the top 25 overweight cities in the U.S.

We compiled these maps to show there's more to the Lone Star state, but we do agree, everything is bigger in Texas."


'via Blog this'

Is This The Craziest Rant A Fox News Host Has Ever Done

Is This The Craziest Rant A Fox News Host Has Ever Done: "Fox News’s Jeanine Pirro Saturday night cited a report from conspiracy site WorldNetDaily about ISIS forces being trained by the U.S. and alleged the Obama Administration captured a Benghazi suspect 2 years after the attack for political reasons.

She also said President Obama “didn’t have the balls” to try Taliban suspects at Guantanamo Bay, and said Americans “are not convinced” Obama “even knows who the enemy is.”"



'via Blog this'

The Iraq Crisis Is A Preview Of The 2016 Fight Among Republicans

The Iraq Crisis Is A Preview Of The 2016 Fight Among Republicans: "Neoconservatives are in the midst of reasserting themselves during the current Iraq crisis, and their message is tailored just as much to the rising libertarian wing of the Republican Party as it is to President Obama.
Several figures from the hawkish wing of the Republican party have made sure over the last few days to name check Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul in their critiques of Obama’s policy on Iraq — a strategy of linking Paul to Obama’s foreign policy that is bound to be seen again when the next presidential election rolls around."

'via Blog this'

How The US Blew Their Greatest World Cup Opportunity In Just 55 Seconds - Business Insider

Why do we always make it so hard on ourselves?  

How The US Blew Their Greatest World Cup Opportunity In Just 55 Seconds - Business Insider: "Less than 2 seconds left

So with less than two seconds remaining, the best player in the world has the ball on his boot and places a perfect pass into the box. The American defenders are in no position to defend the pass nor to disrupt the run of Varela who easily heads the ball into the back of the net."



'via Blog this'

Virginia governor Terry McAuliffe vetoes funds for ethics commission - The Washington Post

Virginia governor Terry McAuliffe vetoes funds for ethics commission - The Washington Post: "Amid a furor over his veto of budget language related to Medicaid reform, Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe also moved Friday to defund a major component of the bipartisan ethics legislation passed during this year’s session.

The Virginia Conflicts of Interest and Ethics Advisory Council was central to legislation passed in response to the gifts scandal surrounding former governor Robert F. McDonnell."

'via Blog this'

Ex-Va. governor seeks delay of wife’s evidence - The Washington Post

Ex-Va. governor seeks delay of wife’s evidence - The Washington Post: " Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell is asking a court to delay introduction of evidence about his wife’s actions or statements in their corruption case.

McDonnell says in court papers that prosecutors should be required to show he participated in a conspiracy before introducing evidence about what Maureen McDonnell did or said."



'via Blog this'

Obama just opened the door to airstrikes in Iraq - Vox

As long as it's limited!

Obama just opened the door to airstrikes in Iraq - Vox: "That last policy could be a big step toward the US airstrikes hinted at by the fourth. The advisers would be deployed to "joint operation centers" on the ground to coordinate US and Iraqi intelligence on the conflict. Previous reports on Obama's thinking suggested that he had ruled out airstrikes in the near term because of a lack of intelligence about who to bomb. These centers could solve that problem, enabling the US to launch air strikes if and when Obama decides to."

'via Blog this'

Prosecutors: Wisc. Governor Scott Walker at center of "criminal scheme" - Vox

He's the Chris Christie of the midwest!  

.. Caught redhanded!

So.. what I would say is 'I didn't send that email',  Blame someone in his Administration.

Prosecutors: Wisc. Governor Scott Walker at center of "criminal scheme" - Vox: "Wisconsin governor Scott Walker (R-Wisconsin) illegally coordinated spending between 12 conservative groups during recall elections targeting both himself and Republican state senators, the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports. Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm started the investigation shortly after Walker won his recall election in June 2012.

A judge released 266 pages of previously redacted documents relating to the investigation. Most notably, those documents include a May 4, 2011 email from Walker to Karl Rove, who was involved with the super-PAC American Crossroads, asking him to work with Walker aide R.J. Johnson to coordinate against a recall effort. "Bottom-line: R.J. helps keep in place a team that is wildly successful in Wisconsin. We are running 9 recall elections and it will be like 9 congressional markets in every market in the state (and Twin Cities)," Walker wrote."
via Blog this'

WATCH: Tarik and The Roots Perform Amazing Harry Potter Rap on The Tonight Show | TIME

WATCH: Tarik and The Roots Perform Amazing Harry Potter Rap on The Tonight Show | TIME: "On The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon Wednesday night, Tarik and The Roots performed a rap inspired by Harry Potter."


'via Blog this'

In Texas' Rio Grande Valley, a seemingly endless surge of immigrants - Los Angeles Times

That's a lot of kids - 35,000.

Larisa Lara of Honduras holds her 6-month-old daughter, Annie, as she boards a bus in McAllen, Texas. She spent 10 days crossing Mexico and was planning to join her father in Dallas. Many of the recent migrants are young women with children fleeing unrest back home.

In Texas' Rio Grande Valley, a seemingly endless surge of immigrants - Los Angeles Times: "The Rio Grande Valley has become ground zero for an unprecedented surge in families and unaccompanied children flooding across the Southwest border, creating what the Obama administration is calling a humanitarian crisis as border officials struggle to accommodate new detainees. Largely from Central America, they are now arriving at a rate of more than 35,000 a month."
'via Blog this'

Hard-Hitting News on "Hard Choices" - The Daily Show - Video Clip | Comedy Central

the first part: Ahmed Abu Khattala Capture May Shed Light on Benghazi Attack !
Hard-Hitting News on "Hard Choices" - The Daily Show - Video Clip | Comedy Central:

The Daily Show
Get More: Daily Show Full Episodes,The Daily Show on Facebook,Daily Show Video Archive

'via Blog this'

Ahmed Abu Khattala Arrest Spoils GOP’s Benghazi Party - The Daily Beast

Ahmed Abu Khattala Arrest Spoils GOP’s Benghazi Party - The Daily Beast: "Oh, I do so enjoy reading the conservative websites and watching Republicans on cable on the days the Obama administration does something they can’t find fault with. The arrest of Ahmed Abu Khattala for leading the attack on the Benghazi consulate in 2011 has them turning the expected rhetorical cartwheels, their displeasure evident across their surly visages at the huge hole blown in their argument that President Obama is objectively pro-terrorist."

'via Blog this'

Who created the Common Core? - Everything you need to know about the Common Core - Vox

Who created the Common Core? - Everything you need to know about the Common Core - Vox: "Two nonprofit groups led the effort to write the new standards, and others contributed. One, the Council of Chief State School Officers, represents the top K-12 education officials from all US states and territories. The other is the National Governors Association. Achieve, a nonprofit education reform group, also helped. The groups brought in the two major teachers' unions, the National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers, as well as other national organizations that represent teachers of math and English.

Writing the standards took about 18 months, beginning with a report from the three main groups involved in late 2008. A draft was released for public comment, and a committee of experts also provided comments. The standards were finalized in June 2010 with a report explaining the groups' reasoning."



'via Blog this'

Gov. Bobby Jindal's attempt to scuttle Common Core leaves Louisiana education system in confusion | NOLA.com

Wait, wasn't he totally for Common Core, and wasn't he essential in the elements within the CC standards??

What gives!!

Oh, political expediency!  2016 flavored expediency!  But wouldn't the Iowa (Republican) voters know?  That's rhetorical!!  

Gov. Bobby Jindal's attempt to scuttle Common Core leaves Louisiana education system in confusion | NOLA.com: "Gov. Bobby Jindal's long-awaited announcement of his plans to scuttle the Common Core academic standards in Louisiana set off a political scramble and procedural tug-of-war Wednesday. It left the state's public education system in confusion, with no active contract to buy standardized tests for the school year that starts in August."

'via Blog this'

President Bush and Iraq Prime Minister Maliki Sign the Strategic Framework Agreement and Security Agreement

This is from the President Bush library!

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
December 14, 2008

President Bush and Iraq Prime Minister Maliki Sign the Strategic Framework Agreement and Security Agreement: "We're also signing a Security Agreement, sometimes called a Status of Forces Agreement. The agreement provides American troops and Defense Department officials with authorizations and protections to continue supporting Iraq's democracy once the U.N. mandate expires at the end of this year. This agreement respects the sovereignty and the authority of Iraq's democracy. The agreement lays out a framework for the withdrawal of American forces in Iraq -- a withdrawal that is possible because of the success of the surge."

'via Blog this'

The Alliance for a Strong America

WTF!!!!

This guy has a critique?

Brewer: Arizona should consider anti-discrimination laws for gays | Arizona Capitol Times

Brewer vetoes SB 1062. Jan Brewer / Via Twitter: @GovBrewer

Brewer: Arizona should consider anti-discrimination laws for gays | Arizona Capitol Times: "Gov. Jan Brewer said it may be time to consider extending the state’s civil rights laws to gays.
“I do not believe in discrimination,” the governor told Capitol Media Services Tuesday. “We are in the United States of America and we have great privilege that is afforded to everyone.”
But the governor conceded that, while existing state laws bar discrimination based on race, religion or gender, those do not extend to sexual orientation. Brewer said it may be worth exploring whether the time has come to change that."

'via Blog this'

Hatch wants ENDA executive order to include religious exemption

Kind of sad.  He wants the E.O. to discriminate against Americans!

Hatch wants ENDA executive order to include religious exemption: "Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) is calling for the executive order that President Obama is poised to sign barring LGBT discrimination among federal contractors to include a religious exemption along the lines of the pending Employment Non-Discrimination Act.
Hatch made the comments via a statement to the Washington Blade in response to a request to comment on the directive, which the White House on Monday announced President Obama intends to sign."

'via Blog this'

Obama to sign order extending gays' protections - US News

It's about dang time!

Obama to sign order extending gays' protections - US News: "After years of pressure from gay rights groups, President Barack Obama plans to sign an executive order banning federal contractors from discriminating against employees on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity, the White House said Monday.

While Obama lacks the authority to extend that protection to all Americans, the order being drafted by the White House would impact about 14 million workers whose employers or states currently do not ban workplace discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals."



'via Blog this'

With No Reelection Worries, Jan Brewer May Be Going Full Goldwater

With No Reelection Worries, Jan Brewer May Be Going Full Goldwater: "Folks, we have been pretty impressed with Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer, who has been acting uncharacteristically sanelike lately. Maybe she was actually sane all along, and then she drank some Tea Party Wacky Juice? In any case, she keeps doing reasonable stuff, like vetoing that horrible Please Discriminate Against Gays bill back in February, and recognizing that it would be a real stretch of the state constitution to try to seek another term. And now, she’s actually sounding a bit like late-career Barry Goldwater, who famously said he didn’t care whether people were gay, and told the Moral Majority it could go get stuffed, and all sorts of fun stuff, because goddammit, there’s getting reelected and there’s being right. And so, in an interview with the Arizona Capitol Times Tuesday, Brewer said that it might darn well be time to think about extending Arizona’s civil rights protections to everybody, even, yes, gay people."



'via Blog this'

SunTrust to reimburse Va. borrowers, as part of $968 million lawsuit | WTVR.com

SunTrust to reimburse Va. borrowers, as part of $968 million lawsuit | WTVR.com:

If you’re one of the 3,200 Virginians who lost their home after failing to pay a SunTrust bank loan, you may soon be receiving cash.
 A joint state-federal settlement made with SunTrust Mortgage will require banks to pay Virginia borrowers a total of $33.85 million. 
.. The settlement will provide direct payments to Virginia borrowers for past foreclosure abuses, loan modifications and other relief for borrowers in need of assistance, tough new mortgage servicing standards, and gives an independent monitor oversight authority to enforce the settlement.
 The risky loans were issued between Jan. 1, 2008 and December 31, 2013. 
 The Commonwealth Attorney’s Office said that Virginia is one of the largest recipients of projected relief under the settlement..'via Blog this'

The Man Who Sealed Team USA’s 2-1 Win Against Ghana | TIME

USA - USA - USA

The Man Who Sealed Team USA’s 2-1 Win Against Ghana | TIME: "During the 86th minute of the U.S.’s opening World Cup match in Brazil, the 21-year-old defender executed a perfectly timed header from a corner to grab the lead against perennial World Cup nemesis Ghana.

Then he collapsed as three of his teammates piled on top of him to celebrate the goal. The game was Brooks’ first competitive match with the senior national team and his debut at the world’s most watched sports tournament."



'via Blog this'

Medtronic Is Biggest Firm Yet to Renounce U.S. Tax Status - Bloomberg

Medtronic Is Biggest Firm Yet to Renounce U.S. Tax Status - Bloomberg: "44 American companies that have reincorporated abroad or struck plans to do so, including 14 in a recent wave of moves that began in 2012. Earlier this year, Pfizer Inc., the largest U.S. drugmaker, briefly proposed taking a U.K. address, a move that might have cut its tax bills by as much as $1 billion a year.

Such transactions have begun to snowball within parts of the health-care and oil industries as companies still without a foreign domicile try to catch up with those that have gone offshore. Shareholders are pressing drugstore chain Walgreen Co. to get a Swiss address. Without a change in law, a congressional panel estimated last month, future deals will cost the U.S. $19.5 billion in tax revenue over the next 10 years."



'via Blog this'

Iraqi Kurds Expanded Their Territory By 40% In Hours - Business Insider

Iraqi Kurds Expanded Their Territory By 40% In Hours - Business Insider:



'via Blog this'

Kiev Says Russia Has Cut Off All Gas To Ukraine - Business Insider

Kiev Says Russia Has Cut Off All Gas To Ukraine - Business Insider: "Russia cut off gas to Ukraine on Monday in a dispute over unpaid bills that could disrupt supplies to the rest of Europe and set back hopes for peace in the former Soviet republic."



'via Blog this'

Brazil tops Croatia in World Cup opener behind Neymar and a suspect call - The Washington Post

GOAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Brazil tops Croatia in World Cup opener behind Neymar and a suspect call - The Washington Post: "The opening match of the World Cup, a 3-1 victory by Brazil over Croatia on Thursday night in front of a yellow-splashed sellout crowd at Arena de Sao Paulo, was decided by Neymar’s two goals and Oscar’s excellence, by Thiago Silva’s defensive work and Julio Cesar’s late save."

'via Blog this'

Texas Rep. Sessions Withdraws From Bid For Majority Leader Post : The Two-Way : NPR

Leadership is hard.. people will expect me to work and stuff.

I'll have to set the HR bill schedule - like Cantor

I'll have to take a position on hard topics - like Cantor

I'll have to travel to help others - like Cantor

.. withdrawal 

Texas Rep. Sessions Withdraws From Bid For Majority Leader Post : The Two-Way : NPR: "Texas Rep. Pete Session, who had been see as a possible replacement for outgoing House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, issued a statement late Thursday saying he was pulling his name from consideration.

"After thoughtful consideration and discussion with my colleagues, I have made the decision to not continue my run for House Majority Leader," Sessions said in a statement quoted by Politico.

'via Blog this'

Texas Rep. Pete Sessions to run for House majority leader

Texas hold-em!

Texas Rep. Pete Sessions to run for House majority leader: "Republican Representative Pete Sessions of Texas said on Wednesday he would run for the post of House majority leader to replace Eric Cantor, who is stepping down after losing a primary election in his congressional district.

Sessions told reporters that if elected to the No. 2 spot in the House of Representatives, his main concern would be securing the U.S. border with Mexico. He is currently chairman of the powerful House Rules Committee, a gatekeeper for legislation before it arrives on the House floor."

'via Blog this'

Among Tea Party Republicans, No One Wants to Lead - Businessweek

.. and Rep Pete Sessions from Texas!!

Among Tea Party Republicans, No One Wants to Lead - Businessweek: "There are any number of Tea Party-friendly hardliners who would fit the bill: Paul Ryan, Jeb Hensarling, Tom Price, Jim Jordan. But one by one, all of them are begging off the race. Ryan says he has no interest. Price is focused on succeeding Ryan as Budget Committee chairman. Jordan told his local newspaper that he won’t run for a leadership spot. And just this morning, the hardliners’ preferred candidate, Hensarling, who appeared to be a legitimate possibility to knock off Kevin McCarthy, the establishment’s pick for majority leader, announced that he won’t run either. This is a huge blow to conservatives’ chances of taking over leadership. And for the second time, it’s because none of their leaders seems to want the job."



'via Blog this'

Eric Cantor's Loss Means Debt Ceiling Fight - Business Insider

Yep!!

Also, the President will yield and deal with the Republicans Debt Ceiling demands.  Ref: see previous deal where the Republicans won over the President.

 However, he doesn't have to yield.  Contrary to what Sen Cruz is now saying, the Debt debate shifted power to the Dems in a favorable way; the public turned on the "Shutdown the government" crowd, the Healthcare launch was the only thing that saved them.  (of course, there is a different reality on Conservo-News)   

Eric Cantor's Loss Means Debt Ceiling Fight - Business Insider: "The debt-ceiling fight could become even more pronounced if Republicans recapture control of the U.S. Senate in November. It would give the GOP control of both chambers of Congress, and it would make President Barack Obama's stance of not negotiating over the debt ceiling somewhat untenable."



'via Blog this'

Just Detention International – Rape is Not Part of the Penalty

Just Detention International – Rape is Not Part of the Penalty: "President George W. Bush signs the Prison Rape Elimination Act in 2003. "

'via Blog this'

Anti-Government Americans And The Threat To Law Enforcement | On Point with Tom Ashbrook

Anti-Government Americans And The Threat To Law Enforcement | On Point with Tom Ashbrook: "Gunfire in all kinds of places it shouldn’t be in America these days.  In a school in Oregon yesterday, two dead.  In a pizza parlor in Las Vegas Sunday.  Two policemen eating lunch.  Assassinated by a husband-wife anti-government duo who dropped a “Don’t Tread on Me” flag on their bodies, and went on shooting at Wal-Mart.  That killing spree has the particular attention of police and more tracking anti-government groups and attacks around the country."


'via Blog this'

Diabetes is on the rise — and it's costing the US billions each year - Vox

Diabetes is on the rise — and it's costing the US billions each year - Vox: "Diabetes is on the rise in America, according to a new report from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention.

THE CDC PROJECTS THE DIRECT AND INDIRECT COSTS OF DIABETES TOTAL $245 BILLION

The CDC estimates that 29.1 million people, or 9.3 percent of the US population, had diabetes in 2012. That's up from 25.8 million, or 8.3 percent of the US population, in 2010."



'via Blog this'

Immigration Revolt: House Majority Leader Eric Cantor Loses Republican Primary

Immigration Revolt: House Majority Leader Eric Cantor Loses Republican Primary: "In a stunning turn of events that Republicans tempted toward compromise will remember for a generation, a tea party challenger defeated one of the top Republican leaders in Congress, Majority Leader Eric Cantor, in the Tuesday Republican primary for Cantor’s Virginia congressional seat.
David Brat rode anger over immigration in particular, and an anti-establishment wave in general, to beat Cantor, who has held his seat for more than a decade and is the second-ranking Republican in the House of Representatives."



'via Blog this'

Police: Teen gunman in Oregon apparently killed himself after fatally shooting student - The Washington Post

Police: Teen gunman in Oregon apparently killed himself after fatally shooting student - The Washington Post: "A teen gunman armed with a rifle shot and killed a student Tuesday and injured a teacher before apparently killing himself at a high school in a quiet Columbia River town in Oregon, authorities said.

After the shooting stopped, police spotted the suspect slumped on a toilet in a bathroom but could not see what was happening with him."



'via Blog this'

If It's A School Week In America, Odds Are There Will Be A School Shooting

If It's A School Week In America, Odds Are There Will Be A School Shooting: "Since the 2012 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, there have been an average of 1.37 school shootings for each school week, according to data maintained by Everytown for Gun Safety, a group fighting to end gun violence.

Including Tuesday's incident at a high school in Troutdale, Oregon, 74 school shootings have taken place in the approximately 18 months since the Dec. 14, 2012, Newtown shooting. "



'via Blog this'

From Las Vegas to Georgia, the NRA Has Created a Monster - The Daily Beast

From Las Vegas to Georgia, the NRA Has Created a Monster - The Daily Beast: "It’s been quite a month for the National Rifle Association: Massacres at universities, in restaurants, and at retail stores from South Carolina to Las Vegas. Gun nuts porting assault weapons to dinner from Chili’s to Chipotle. The leaders of the take-no-prisoners gun-rights organization have been witness to the logical outgrowth of its policies and rhetoric. "

'via Blog this'

Vegas Shooters Lived on Bundy Ranch - The Daily Beast

Vegas Shooters Lived on Bundy Ranch - The Daily Beast:



'via Blog this'

States that refuse Medicaid are leaving over 250,000 poor veterans uninsured - Vox

States that refuse Medicaid are leaving over 250,000 poor veterans uninsured - Vox: "258,600 VETERANS ARE LIVING BELOW THE POVERTY LINE IN STATES REFUSING TO EXPAND MEDICAID."

 According to a report by Pew using analysis from the Urban Institute, approximately 258,600 of those veterans are living below the poverty line in states refusing to expand Medicaid. Without veteran's benefits — and with incomes too low to qualify for subsidies to use on the state exchanges — these veterans are left without affordable coverage options.

'via Blog this'

Shooting At Seattle Pacific University; 3 Wounded, 1 Dead : The Two-Way : NPR

Shooting At Seattle Pacific University; 3 Wounded, 1 Dead : The Two-Way : NPR: "At least three people were wounded and one was killed after a lone gunman opened fire on the campus of Seattle Pacific University, according to Seattle police. Officials say the alleged shooter is in custody.

The campus was placed on lockdown soon after the shooting began just before 3:30 p.m. PT (6:30 p.m. ET)."



'via Blog this'

One in five Americans is now on Medicaid - Vox

One in five Americans is now on Medicaid - Vox: "One in five Americans now gets their health insurance through the Medicaid program, new data released by the Obama administration Wednesday show.

Enrollment in the program has grown quickly in states expanding the public insurance program as part of Obamacare. Those states had 15.3 percent more enrollees than they did before the Medicaid expansion. Non-expansion states' Medicaid programs have grown by 3.3 percent over the same time period."

'via Blog this'

Really, Dr. Carson? Obamacare Is Worse Than 9/11? - The Daily Beast

Please don't take this seriously.  He's trying to evoke emotion and attention.

Really, Dr. Carson? Obamacare Is Worse Than 9/11? - The Daily Beast:

Dr. Ben Carson, the Republican right’s favorite African-American neurosurgeon, often says that President Obama’s health care law is the worst thing since slavery.

But in my recent interview with the good doctor—who is riding high in the presidential preliminaries, having come in a close second to Sen. Ted Cruz this past weekend in the Republican Leadership Conference’s much-ballyhooed straw poll—he upped the ante.
'via Blog this'

"Stop Loss" Continues | September 27, 2004

Military.com: "Both Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry and Arizona's Republican Sen. John McCain have condemned the administration's policy as a kind of backdoor draft.

Last month a member of the California National Guard filed suit in federal court in San Francisco challenging the Bush administration's stop-loss policy on the premise that such orders can be issued only during a war officially declared by Congress."

'via Blog this'

President Obama's Message to Veterans on Retroactive Pay Due to 'Stop Loss' | The White House

An oldie but a goodie!
President Obama's Message to Veterans on Retroactive Pay Due to 'Stop Loss' | The White House: "If you were affected by stop-loss during your time serving our Nation in the Military or if you know someone that may have, please get them to www.defense.gov/stoploss for more information, or to submit a claim.  Over the past several months, the Department of Defense has been reaching out to service members, veterans and beneficiaries through direct mail, veteran service organizations, and the media.   The deadline is fast approaching and no one should be missed.  President Obama, the Defense Department, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and Congress know you have earned this pay but the initiative to claim what amounts to an average of $3,700 starts with you."



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Medicaid enrollment surges, but not everywhere - POLITICO.com

Medicaid enrollment surges, but not everywhere - POLITICO.com: "The 6 million total came overwhelmingly from 25 states that had expanded their Medicaid programs under the health care law by April. Those states saw a 15 percent surge in sign-ups — led by Oregon, West Virginia and Nevada, where Medicaid rolls climbed more than 40 percent.

States rejecting expansion saw a modest 3.3 percent increase, an average that includes substantial decreases in Wyoming, Missouri and Alabama.

“As we’ve seen for months, growth was more pronounced in states that adopted the Medicaid expansion,” wrote Cindy Mann, director of the federal Medicaid program, in a blog post announcing the new numbers."



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Charles Krauthammer backs Bowe Bergdahl deal - Kendall Breitman - POLITICO.com

Charles Krauthammer backs Bowe Bergdahl deal - Kendall Breitman - POLITICO.com: "Charles Krauthammer says he supports President Barack Obama’s deal to bring Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl home.

“Had the choice been mine I would have made the same choice,” Krauthammer told Fox News’ “Special Report” on Wednesday. “It’s a difficult decision, and I would not attack those who have done otherwise.”"

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One in five Americans is now on Medicaid - Vox

One in five Americans is now on Medicaid - Vox: "One in five Americans now gets their health insurance through the Medicaid program, new data released by the Obama administration Wednesday show.

Enrollment in the program has grown quickly in states expanding the public insurance program as part of Obamacare. Those states had 15.3 percent more enrollees than they did before the Medicaid expansion. Non-expansion states' Medicaid programs have grown by 3.3 percent over the same time period."

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Egg Company Fined $7 Million Over Salmonella Outbreak | Here & Now

Egg Company Fined $7 Million Over Salmonella Outbreak | Here & Now: "Quality Egg LLC, have pleaded guilty to bribing a public official and selling eggs contaminated with salmonella."

 Quality Egg LLC and two top executives on Tuesday admitted to selling substandard eggs containing a "poisonous" substance and bribing a federal inspector in a food-safety scandal that sickened tens of thousands, the U.S. Department of Justice said.

The Iowa-based company, once among the United States' largest producers of shelled chicken eggs, along with owners Austin and Peter DeCoster, pleaded guilty Tuesday to federal charges in connection with the massive nationwide salmonella outbreak in 2010.

An estimated 62,000 consumers fell ill during the outbreak after eating shell eggs tainted with Salmonella Enteriditis.

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CNN Catches John McCain Switching Positions on Prisoner Exchange | Mediaite

CNN Catches John McCain Switching Positions on Prisoner Exchange | Mediaite: "As the debate over the release of Bowe Bergdahl unfolds, all eyes have been on Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), who, like Bergdahl, spent five years as a prisoner of war, only in Vietnam instead of Afghanistan. McCain’s initial statements about Bergdahl’s release were not as critical as some of his Republican colleagues, but he has since come out more strongly against the decision to release five Taliban detainees in exchange.

On Tuesday, CNN’s Jake Tapper highlighted the change in McCain’s position from back in February when he appeared more open to a prisoner exchange for Bergdahl’s freedom to now when he is saying it was the wrong thing to do."



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Republican Congressman Says It Doesn't Matter If Bowe Bergdahl's Health Was In Jeopardy

Republican Congressman Says It Doesn't Matter If Bowe Bergdahl's Health Was In Jeopardy: "Republican Illinois Rep. Aaron Schock had harsh words for the Obama administration over the Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl deal, in an interview with WTAD AM 930 in Illinois Wednesday."



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N.R.A. Backs Away From Criticism of Open-Carry Advocates - NYTimes.com

N.R.A. Backs Away From Criticism of Open-Carry Advocates - NYTimes.com: "The National Rifle Association on Wednesday sought to distance itself from an article on its website that called demonstrations by gun rights advocates who brandished weapons in public “scary” and “weird,” and said such advocates had “crossed the line from enthusiasm to downright foolishness.”

The 1,500-word article and the subsequent denunciations in the past week are an unusual public disagreement inside the N.R.A. about the tactics of protesters — particularly in Texas — who have shown up with shotguns and rifles in parking lots and inside stores and restaurants to assert their right to openly carry firearms."

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ISM non-manufacturing index hits 56.3 in May, versus 55.5 estimate

ISM non-manufacturing index hits 56.3 in May, versus 55.5 estimate: "Growth in the U.S. services sector accelerated in May, rising at the fastest pace in nine months as new orders and business activity jumped, an industry report showed on Wednesday.
The Institute for Supply Management said its services sector index rose to 56.3 in May from 55.2 in April, topping expectations for a read of 55.5.

The report marks the 53rd straight month the index was above 50, the level that separates expansion from contraction, and was the latest sign economic activity is rebounding from the impact of the harsh winter."



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GOP Demonizes Once Favored Cap-And-Trade Policy : NPR

GOP Demonizes Once Favored Cap-And-Trade Policy : NPR: "Republicans say the EPA is going to kill jobs and raise electricity prices with new carbon emissions limits. They're up in arms about something their own party championed during GOP presidencies."


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NRA Statement On Texas Gun-Rights Supporters - Business Insider

NRA Statement On Texas Gun-Rights Supporters - Business Insider: "The NRA's Institute for Legislative Action released a surprising statement on Friday condemning  Texas gun-rights supporters who have been hosting demonstrations in which they go into restaurants carrying long guns. The demonstrations started getting a lot of attention once Chili's, Chipotle, Sonic, and Jack in the Box asked patrons to refrain from bringing firearms into their restaurants.

Gun-rights group Open Carry Texas said on its Facebook page that the demonstrations were, with one exception, coordinated with and approved by the locations they took place in. However, the open-carry "walks" still drew criticism from some customers and even the NRA itself."

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Sonic, Chili's say no guns inside

Sonic, Chili's say no guns inside: "Sonic Drive-In and Chili's Grill & Bar have added their corporate voices to a growing list of food firms asking patrons to enjoy their meals without their guns.

The announcements Friday follow recent demonstrations by open-carry activists who brought rifles and shotguns into Sonic, Chili's and Chipotle Mexican Grill outlets in Texas."



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German Inflation - Business Insider

German Inflation - Business Insider: "There's lots of evidence this morning that the German economy isn't looking so hot. Earlier we mentioned how the country's manufacturing industry has fallen to a 7-month low.

Now it's seeing outright deflation in several regions, with prices falling on a sequential basis."



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A Virginia State Senator Wrote A Fawning Letter To Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad

What!  I understand the religious position but really..

A Virginia State Senator Wrote A Fawning Letter To Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad: "Republican State Senator Richard Black of Virginia has written a letter to Bashar al-Assad praising the Syrian president for his fight against “criminals linked to al-Qaeda” and thanking him for his “heroic rescue of Christians.”
“You have followed the practice of your father by treating with respect all Christians and the small community of Jews in Damascus…. I am grateful for that,” the letter reads. It concludes: “Until then, I pray that the Syrian armed forces will continue to exhibit extraordinary gallantry in the war against terrorists.”"

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US Consumer Spending Just Hit A 6-Year High - Business Insider

US Consumer Spending Just Hit A 6-Year High - Business Insider: "More evidence that the economy is starting to come out of the duldrums.

US Consumer Spending just hit a 6-year high, according to Gallup, which constantly tracks this."



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