Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Friday, July 19, 2013
Obama: ‘Trayvon Could Have Been Me 35 Years Ago’
Obama explicitly called upon the states to rethink so-called Stand Your Ground laws. Obama asked his audience to consider “[i]f Trayvon Martin was of age and armed, could he have stood his ground on that sidewalk?” And noted that if they are uncomfortable with a world where Martin “would have been justified in shooting Mr. Zimmerman who had followed him in a car” because Martin felt threatened,” then perhaps it would make sense to rethink Stand Your Ground Laws.
The President concluded on a high note — “I don’t want us to lose sight that things are getting better.” But his statement suggests an increased federal role in preventing incidents such as the one that claimed Martin’s life, and it likely represents his most personal remarks on the subject of race since the “More Perfect Union” address he delivered as a presidential candidate.
Charles Barkley AGREES With Zimmerman Verdict, Attacks Blacks for their Own Racism FULL!
Charles Barkley: “I Agree” With the Zimmerman Verdict – “Black People Are Racist Too” (Video)
NBA great Charles Barkley told CNBC’s Closing Bell today and said he agreed with the Zimmerman verdict.
“I agree with the verdict.”
NBA great Charles Barkley told CNBC’s Closing Bell today and said he agreed with the Zimmerman verdict.
“I agree with the verdict.”
Monday, July 15, 2013
HATE CRIME: 4 "Urban Youths" Killed Victim by Brutally Beating Him & Forcing Him on Incoming Traffic
MABLETON, Ga. - Cobb County police have arrested four alleged gang members linked to a fatal hit-and-run crash on Mableton Parkway.
The suspects are accused of beating the victim and then forcing him into the path of a car.
The fatal crash happened just after 1 a.m. Sunday, near Factory Shoals Road and Mableton Parkway. Joshua Heath Chellew, 36, of Mableton was struck by a vehicle and later died.
Authorities said Chellew did not know his attackers. A friend of Chellew said that the two had gone to a gas station when several men jumped Chellew.
"They started punching him. They starting beating on him," said the woman, who asked not to be identified.
Arrest warrants said that the Chellew attempted to escape his attackers by backing into Mableton Parkway. Chellew was then knocked down onto the roadway, where he was struck by the vehicle.
The following four suspects are charged with felony murder, aggravated assault and violation of the Georgia Street Gang Act. They are currently being held without bond at the Cobb County Adult Detention Center.
- Jekari Strozier (19-year-old male from Mableton, Georgia)
- Antonio Pass (18-year-old male from Mableton, Georgia)
- Johnathan Anthony (18-year-old male from the Mableton, Georgia)
- Kemonta Bonds (18-year-old male from Mableton, Georgia)
Anthony made his first court appearance Tuesday night. The other three suspects are expected to face a judge on Wednesday.
The driver of the vehicle that struck Chellew turned himself into authorities. Police said that he does not face any criminal charges. Authorities said he did pull over and call 911 after he realized that he'd struck someone.
Thousands protest Zimmerman verdict across U.S
Thousands of demonstrators demanding "Justice for Trayvon" marched in major cities across the United States on Sunday to protest the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the shooting death of unarmed black teenager Trayvon Martin.
While a jury of six women absolved Zimmerman of any crime with their not-guilty verdict, civil rights leaders decried the decision, and demonstrators took to the streets in New York, Boston, San Francisco and other cities.
U.S. President Barack Obama called for a peaceful response to the case that has polarized the U.S. public over the past 16 months. In general, the demonstrations were peaceful, though the New York march became disorderly at times, and in Los Angeles protesters blocked a major highway.
Defense lawyers argued that Martin, 17, attacked Zimmerman, who shot the teen in self-defense. Prosecutors said Zimmerman, 29, who is white and Hispanic, wrongly suspected Martin of being a criminal because he was black.
Zimmerman called police to report a suspicious looking person, then left his car with a fully loaded Kel Tec 9mm pistol concealed in his waistband. A fight ensued in which Zimmerman suffered a bloody nose and head injuries, and then shot Martin once in the heart, killing him.
"Trayvon was profiled, pursued and ultimately killed because of the color of his skin," said Angela Tovar, 33, an urban planner from Brooklyn.
About 1,000 to 2,000 of the demonstrators abandoned the protest site at Union Square to march in the streets toward Times Square, slowing or stopping traffic.
Police attempted to funnel the crowd into controlled lanes but were unable to. Later they halted the march about eight blocks short of Times Square, but the demonstrators made their way around the officers.
About 1,000 people sat in Times Square, drawing curious looks from the tourists who packed the so-called Crossroads of the World.
The protest was lively, led by several men on bullhorns.
The Los Angeles protest stopped traffic for about 25 minutes, prompting police to issue a citywide tactical alert, the Los Angeles Times reported.
In Boston, about 500 racially mixed protesters left their demonstration site in the Roxbury neighborhood and started marching in the streets alongside police escorts on motorcycles and on foot. Police called the march "very orderly."
"Morally it cannot be right, that a child cannot go about his business and go to the store," said Maura Twomey, 57, an acupuncturist. "Racism is not just an issue for the black community. It's for all of us."
Demonstrators raised signs saying "We Demand Justice," "Stop Racial Profiling" and "Never Forget. Never Again. Justice for Trayvon."
Roughly 500 people rallied on the streets of San Francisco, some carrying yellow signs with Martin's photo. About a dozen police motorcycles and vans trailed the tidy group of marchers, who banged on drums as they walked and continuously chanted, "Justice for Trayvon Martin."
"I feel a moral obligation to be in the street and object to this kind of racist policy," said Naomi White, 69, a retired teacher from San Francisco. "George Zimmerman got away with murder."
Saturday, July 13, 2013
George Zimmerman found NOT GUILTY !
The Florida jury deliberating the George Zimmerman murder case asked the judge tonight for clarification on the charge of manslaughter and returned with a verdict at 9:58 pm est ....
George Zimmerman is found NOT GUILTY !
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
IS THIS PRO-LIFE AD REALLY ‘TOO CONTROVERSIAL’? SEVERAL MAJOR NEWSPAPERS SAY YES AND REFUSED TO RUN IT
Several major U.S. newspapers reportedly refused to run a pro-life ad showing what a 20 to 24-week-old baby looks like in a woman’s womb. The ad was rejected for being “too controversial,” LifeSiteNews.com reports.
The Chicago Tribune, USA Today and the LA Times refused to run the advertisement created by Heroic Media, a national pro-life organization.
The ad, pictured below, features a hand holding a 20 to 24-week old baby accompanied by text that reads, “This child has no voice, which is why it depends on yours. Speak up.”
Heroic Media Executive Director Joe Young said he was shocked and angered that the media outlets were willing to talk about the issue but were unwilling to show the reality of life at 20 weeks.
“I am disturbed that these papers would run article after article promoting the notion that abortion is a victimless act without consequences,” Young said. “The fact remains, children who are unique individuals – never again to be duplicated – are being killed in the most violent way imaginable and they feel the excruciating pain of that death.”
The newspapers took issue with the image of the baby.
“It seems as though it is okay to talk about the issue in general, but when you actually put a face to the discussion, then it becomes controversial,” Young said.
Young said Heroic Media created the ad after the House of Representatives passed the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, which bans abortion at or after 20 weeks and is based on research that suggests unborn babies feel pain.
The ad was designed to encourage people to contact members of the Senate and urge them to consider passing the bill.
“Americans deserve to know the truth about the children sentenced to die for no fault of their own and that we have a chance to spare some of them through this legislation,” Young said.
After initially being rejected, Heroic Media reportedly submitted a new ad with a different photo of a 20-week-old baby in utero.
The Chicago Tribune agreed to run the ad with the second image so long as it is clear it is a paid advertisement, the report adds.
Monday, July 8, 2013
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Is The Electronic Cigarette Healthy? Can This Be The Future of Smoking?
The use of electronic cigarettes have recently grabbed the attention of countless tobacco users worldwide. Are they really a healthier and cheaper alternative to traditional cigarettes? Creators and product users now say you can enjoy a cheaper, healthier cigarette without the bad smells, second-hand smoke, or cancer causing chemicals. With these huge claims, we decided to investigate the electronic cigarette for our readers.
A few of the benefits claimed from using the electronic cigarette:
*No tar, tobacco, carbon monoxide, or ash.
*Get the same amount of nicotine as a regular cigarette.
*Each cartridge costs less than $2 and is equivalent to an entire pack of cigarettes.
*Average consumer can expect to save over $1,000 each year.
*You won’t “smell” like a smoker any longer.
*Different flavors are available.
*No more second-hand smoke.
We first researched exactly what expert medical doctors and product users had to say about electronic cigarettes, and the results were surprising. In fact, Joel Niztkin, Chair of the Tobacco Control Task Force for the American Association of Public Health Physicians concluded that "...if we get all tobacco smokers to switch from regular cigarettes to electronic cigarettes, we would eventually reduce the US death toll from more than 400,000 a year to less than 4,000, maybe as low as 400." (1)
It has even been suggested that while utilizing the electronic cigarette, there is virtually no risk of getting cancer. These conclusions come from studies which show that nicotine is about as equally harmful to your health as caffeine. The real harm in traditional cigarettes comes from the tobacco smoke and the hundreds of additional added chemicals.
Four very well known doctors, from the popular TV show “The Doctors”, have also studied the electronic cigarette and was featured as one of their top 10 key health trends.
“If you're one of the millions of people out there, you're addicted to smoking, there may finally be some hope for you..the electronic cigarette.
It gives you nicotine but it doesnt give you any of the other 4000 chemicals that can cause cancener among other problems."” - Dr. Travis Stork from “The Doctors” (2)
We also learned that the electronic cigarette is not encompassed by most smoking bans and regulations. With the lack of second-hand smoke, smokers are excited to find that many businesses, bars, and even air planes allow them to smoke e-cigarettes indoors. Many electronic cigarette users have also received special permission from their employers to smoke e-cigarettes in the work place.
In the United States alone, over 700,000 smokers have already switched to electronic cigarettes. The Doctors also interviewed Beverly, one of the many whose life has dramatically changed thanks to the electronic cigarette. She said that she smoked for over 15 years, and she thought that she would never quit. To her surprise though, when she tried electronic cigarettes she was able to quit smoking regular cigarettes two days later. "I was suspicious at first...but I have to say I am convinced, it's very good. Its a great alternative. it still gives you the action of smoking. I would as a smoker, reccommend it to smokers that are trying to give up (smoking)." – Beverly (3)
We have received a number of positive testimonials such as this one and we feel that as more and more Americans are made aware of this new technology, that more and more smokers will make the switch. Our interviews and research have found that the electronic cigarette will quickly become the #1 choice for smokers looking to lead a healthier lifestyle. With the high cost of smoking traditional cigarettes, and with the danger cigarettes bring to your health, we give our recommendation and “thumbs up” to anyone looking to give these devices a try.
While conducting this research, we found that Regal Ecig™ is offering a limited time RISK FREE TRIAL, along with a FULL months supply of cartidges. This is only valid while supplies last so use our exclusive link to see if this new breakthrough will help improve your life.
Like us, you might be a little doubtful about the effects of this "Miracle Cigarette" but you need to find out for yourself; the results and benefits are undeniable. We thank Regal Ecig™ for providing the chance to “try it before you buy it” and a chance for thousands of smokers to make the healthier switch. We encourage readers who currently smoke to give the E-Cigarette a try for their health, and for the health of their friends and family.
Regal Ecig™ even offers a 100% risk-free trial of the product, don't like it? That's fine! Send it back. What's more, each an every order of Regal Ecig™ is a one-time-only transaction. In other words, there are absolutely no reoccurring charges or hidden offers.
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Remembering Arizona's Fallen Firefighters
Prescott High School physical education teacher and coach Lou Beneitone taught many of the Hotshots, and remembered Andrew Ashcraft as a fitness-oriented student. "He had some athletic ability in him and he was a go-getter, too. You could pretty much see, from young freshman all the way, he was going to be physically active." Beneitone said athletic prowess was a must for the Hotshots. "That's what it takes. You gotta be very physically fit, and you gotta like it, gotta like the hard work." Ashcraft, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was honored to be a member of the Hotshot crew, and "he just had a really sweet spirit about him," Elise Smith, a Prescott, AZ, resident, told The Deseret News of Salt Lake City. Ashcraft left behind a wife, Juliann, and four children.
Kevin Woyjeck, 21
For Kevin Woyjeck (right), the fire station was always a second home. His father, Capt. Joe Woyjeck (left), is a nearly 30-year veteran of the Los Angeles County (CA) Fire Department. Keith Mora, an inspector with that agency, said Kevin often accompanied his dad to the station and on ride-alongs, and always intended to follow in his footsteps."He wanted to become a firefighter like his dad and hopefully work hand-in-hand," Mora said outside of the fire station in Seal Beach, CA, where the Woyjeck family lives. Mora remembered the younger Woyjeck as a "joy to be around," a man who always had a smile on his face. He was trained as an EMT and worked as an Explorer, which is a mentorship training program to become a professional firefighter. "He was a great kid. Unbelievable sense of humor, work ethic that was not parallelled to many kids I've seen at that age. He wanted to work very hard."
Anthony Rose, 23
Anthony Rose was one of the youngest victims. He grew up in Wisconsin and previously worked as a firefighter in nearby Crown King before moving on to become a Hotshot. Retired Crown King firefighter Greg Flores said Rose "just blossomed in the fire department. He did so well and helped so much in Crown King. We were all so very proud of him." Flores said the town was planning a fundraiser for Rose and hoped to also have a memorial to honor him. "He was the kind of guy that his smile lit up the whole room and everyone would just rally around him," he said. "He loved he what as doing, and that brings me some peace of heart." He leaves behind a girlfriend pregnant with their child.
Eric Marsh, 43
Eric Marsh was an avid mountain biker who grew up in Ashe County, NC, but became hooked on firefighting while studying biology at Arizona State University, said Leanna Racquer, the ex-wife of his cousin. Marsh lived with Racquer and her then-husband during the winters from 1992 through 1996 in North Carolina, but kept returning to Arizona during fire season. After college, he kept working as a firefighter, eventually landing a full-time job and settling in northern Arizona. He even moved his parents to the state, she said. Marsh was superintendent of the Hotshot crew and the oldest of the 19 who died. "He was great -- he was the best at what he did," Racquer said. "He is awesome and well-loved and they are hurting," she said of his family. Marsh was married but had no children, said his cousin, Scott Marsh of Pisgah Forest, NC. His father, John Marsh, told the Jefferson Post newspaper in Jefferson, NC, that his only child "was a great son. He was compassionate and caring about his crew."
Christopher MacKenzie, 30
An avid snowboarder, Chris MacKenzie grew up in California's San Jacinto Valley, where he was a 2001 graduate of Hemet High School and a former member of the town's fire department. He joined the U.S. Forest Service in 2004, and then transferred two years ago to the Prescott Fire Department, longtime friend Dave Fulford-Brown told The Riverside Press-Enterprise. MacKenzie, like at least one other member of the Granite Mountain Hotshots, had followed his father into firefighting. Fulford-Brown, also a former firefighter, feared for the worst as soon as he heard the news of the Arizona firefighters. "I said, 'Oh, my God, that's Chris' crew.' I started calling him and calling him and got no answer," he told The Press-Enterprise. MacKenzie, he said, "lived life to the fullest ... and was fighting fire just like his dad. He was finishing his credentials to get promoted and loved the people. It's an insane tragedy."
Robert Caldwell, 23
Friends characterized Robert Caldwell as the smart man in the bunch. "He was really smart, he had a good sense of humor," said Chase Madrid, who worked as a Hotshot for two years, but sat this year out. "He was one of the smart guys in the crew who could get the weather, figure out the mathematics. It was just natural for him," Madrid said. It was Caldwell's intelligence and know-how that got him appointed as a squad boss. "Bob was a really good friend," added Gina Martinez, who knew many of the Hotshots. He married his wife, Claire, last year and they were raising their son.
Clayton Whitted, 28
Clayton Whitted was promoted to "squad leader" in May 2010. Full of heart and determination, Whitted might not have been the biggest guy around, but he was among the hardest-working. His former Prescott High School coach, Lou Beneitone, said Whitted was a "wonderful kid" who always had a big smile on his face. Whitted played for the football team as an offensive and defensive lineman. "He was a smart young man with a great personality, just a wonderful personality," said Beneitone. "When he walked into a room, he could really light it up." Beneitone said Whitted loved being a firefighter and was well-respected among his crew. He said he ran into Whitted about two months ago and they shook hands and hugged, and talked about the upcoming fire season. "I told him to be careful," Beneitone said.
Scott Norris, 28
Scott Norris was engaged to be married. His fiancée is a sergeant with the Prescott Police Department. Norris was known around Prescott through his part-time job at Bucky O'Neill Guns. "Here in Arizona, the gun shops are a lot like barbershops. Sometimes you don't go in there to buy anything at all, you just go to talk," said resident William O'Hara. "I never heard a dirty word out of the guy. He was the kind of guy who if he dated your daughter, you'd be OK with it. He was just a model of a young, ideal American gentleman." O'Hara's son Ryan, 19, said Norris' life and tragic death had inspired him to live a more meaningful life. "He was a loving guy. He loved life. And I've been guilty of not looking as happy as I should, and letting things get to me, and Scott wasn't like that at all."
Dustin De Ford, 24
Dustin De Ford tried out for the Hotshot crew in January 2012, telling friends on Twitter that he had passed the physical fitness test and asking for prayers as he moved on to the interview stage of the process. He grew up with six brothers and one sister in Ekalaka, MT. He moved to Arizona from Montana after he was hired, and he worked to improve his skills on the climbing wall at a gym near the firehouse. "He listened very well. He was very respectful," said Tony Burris, a trainer at Captain Crossfit. "He kind of had a dry sense of humor." Soon after he interviewed for the Hotshots, De Ford signed up for the Spartan Race, a rugged, 8-mile challenge through the mud and around various obstacles in Chandler, a suburb of Phoenix.
Sean Misner, 26
Sean Misner, 26, leaves behind a wife who is seven months pregnant, said Mark Swanitz, principal of Santa Ynez Valley Union High School in Santa Barbara County, CA, where Misner graduated in 2005. Misner played varsity football and also participated in the school's sports medicine program, in which he wrapped sprained ankles and took care of sidelined athletes. "He was a team player, a real helper," Swanitz told The Associated Press. In high school, Misner played several positions, including wide receiver and defensive back. He was slim for a high school football player, but that didn't stop him from tackling his opponents, recalled retired football coach Ken Gruendyke. "He played with tremendous heart and desire," Gruendyke said. "He wasn't the biggest or fastest guy on the team but he played with great emotion and intensity."
Travis Carter, 31
At Captain Crossfit, a gym near the firehouse where the Hotshots were stationed, Travis Carter was known as the strongest one out of the crew -- but also the most humble. "No one could beat him," trainer Janine Pereira said. "But the thing about him was he would never brag about it. He would just kill everyone and then go and start helping someone else finish." Carter, 31, of Paulden, was famous for once holding a plank for 45 minutes, and he was notorious for making up brutal workouts. The crew recently did a five-mile run during wilderness training, then he made them go to Captain Crossfit in the afternoon for another really hard workout. "The other guys who came in here always said that even though he was in charge, he was always the first one at the fire, the first one in action," Pereira said. He is survived by his wife, Krista, a son, Brayden, 7, and daughter, Brielle, 3.
Travis Turbyfill, 27
Known as "Turby" among crew members, Travis Turbyfill got a full-time position with the Hotshots when another member's girlfriend asked him to quit. Turbyfill often worked with other Hotshots at Captain Crossfit, a warehouse filled with mats, obstacle courses, climbing walls and acrobatic rings near the firehouse. He would train in the morning and then return in the afternoon with his wife and kids. Trainer Janine Pereira said she recently kidded Turbyfill for skipping workouts. His excuse was that he wanted to spend some quality time at Dairy Queen. "He was telling me that it's because it was Blizzard week, and he was just going to eat a Blizzard every night," she said. Tony Burris, another trainer, said he enjoyed watching Turbyfill with his two daughters. "Because he's this big, huge Marine, Hotshot guy, and he has two little girls, reddish, blonde curly hair, and they just loved their dad," he said.
Wade Parker, 22
At 22, Wade Parker had just joined the Hotshots team. His father works for the nearby Chino Valley Fire Department, said retired Prescott Fire Department Capt. Jeff Knotek, who had known Parker since he was "just a little guy." The younger Parker had been very excited about being part of the Hotshot crew, Knotek said. "He was another guy who wanted to be a second-generation firefighter," Knotek said. "Big, athletic kid who loved it, aggressive, assertive and in great shape." "It's just a shame to see this happen," Knotek said. Friend Laura Kirk described him as a fun-loving daredevil who loved sports, his church, and his fiancee. They were supposed to be married in October.
William "Billy" Warneke, 25
Billy Warneke and his wife, Roxanne, were expecting their first child in December, his grandmother, Nancy Warneke, told The Press-Enterprise newspaper in Riverside, CA. Billy Warneke grew up in Hemet, CA., along with fellow Granite Mountain Hotshot Chris MacKenzie. He was a four-year U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served a tour in Iraq and joined the hotshot crew in April, buying a property in Prescott, near where his sister lived, the newspaper reported. Nancy Warneke said she called her sister after seeing the fire on the news. "She said, 'He's gone. They're all gone,"' Nancy Warneke told The Press-Enterprise. "Even though it's a tragedy for the whole family, he was doing what he loved to do. He loved nature and was helping preserve nature."
John Percin, 24
John Percin loved baseball and had an unforgettable laugh. In his aunt's eyes, he was, simply, "an amazing young man. He was probably the strongest and bravest young man I have ever met in my life," Donna Percin Pederson said in an interview with The Associated Press from her home in Portland, OR. Percin was a multisport high school athlete who graduated in 2007 from West Linn High School, southeast of Portland. Geoff McEvers grew up playing baseball with Percin and remembered him as a fun-loving guy with an unforgettable laugh, The Oregonian newspaper reported. McEvers said he learned about Percin's death through friends. "It's already tragic when you hear about those who died," McEvers told the newspaper, "but when you find out it's someone you know personally, it's tough."
Joe Thurston, 32
Joe Thurston was originally from Utah, where he met his wife Marsena. "He was never one to shy away from a challenge or new experience," recalled Thurston’s classmate and friend, E.J. Overson, in an interview with the Salt Lake Tribune. His friends described him as a bit of a daredevil, who enjoyed skateboarding and cliff-diving. He and his wife were raising two young boys.
Jesse Steed, 36
Jesse Steed is fondly remembered by his fellow classmates at Chino Valley High School, where he graduated in 1995. His friend, Kris Mazy, tells CBS 5 News that Steed played on the high school soccer team. He served his country, before dedicating himself to serving the Prescott Fire Department. Steed served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1996-2000. He joined the Hotshots crew in Prescott in 2003. Steed is survived by his wife, Desiree, and their two children, 4-year-old Caden, and 3-year-old Cambria. His brother Cassidy Steed lives in Northern California and is a police officer. He also has a brother Levi Federwisch who lives in Chino Valley and a sister.
Grant McKee, 21
Grant Quinn McKee grew up in California before making his home in Prescott. He perished alongside his cousin, fellow Hotshot Robert Caldwell. McKee was an enthusiast of the budding sport of "disc golf," in which players throw a disc or Frisbee at a target.
Garret Zuppiger, 27
Garret Zuppiger posted sporadically on a blog that showed him to be an adventurer who enjoyed trying new experiences. He wrote that he attended the University of Arizona. He wrote, "I'd rather be flying, all day long!" He also boasted of building a "Ski-Chair," which was a recliner mounted on skis.
Nineteen Firefighters Killed in Wild Blaze in Arizona
Nineteen firefighters were killed on Sunday battling a fast-moving wildfire in central Arizona that forced the evacuation of two small towns, fire officials said.
Residents of Prescott, Arizona attended a memorial for the 19 firefighters who died battling a fast-moving wildfire on Sunday. About 200 additional firefighters are now fighting the blaze, which has burned 13 square miles.
Over 1,000 people have honoured the lives of the 19 Arizona firefighters who tragically died battling a wildfire, after the flames spread rapidly and trapped them in a matter of just hours. The deaths of the crew represent the biggest loss of firefighters in a wildfire in America over the past 80 years.
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