MANDELA
School Science Experiment – The United States Chemical Safety Board had issued a warning to Science teachers across the country on the dangers of showing students the ‘Rainbow’ demonstration (the video is on their website). This is where a teacher uses methanol as an accelerant to burn dishes of different minerals producing multi-colored flames to examine various chemical reactions. Just last week, a 16 year-old High School student in Manhattan, New York was critically burned when a snakelike flame tore through the air, missing the students closest to the teacher’s desk, but searing and melting the skin on his face and body. This accident has occurred several times before in schools across the country and is bringing to light many safety issues facing our children. Please, pretty please, ask questions of your school and their science department about this serious matter.
Annapolis -the 2014 Maryland Legislative session will be taking up two important matters that concern the alcohol beverage industry: Dram Shop liability and Liquor Licenses for Supermarkets. Dram Shop liability is a cause of action that holds a restaurant or tavern owner accountable if a patron harms or kills another person after becoming intoxicated at the owner’s establishment. The typical case involves an automobile accident and a drunk driver. Maryland has been one of only a handful of states that does not allow a victim to pursue this type of claim in Court.
Do you think we should allow the big supermarkets to sell beer and wine as they are able to do in so many other states? Or do we continue to support and protect the small local retailer? Wal-Mart, the largest retailer in the world, will be the lead dog here in Maryland looking to change the existing law. Cheers to the victor.
Fracking FYI – In Wyoming, state regulators approved one of the nation’s strongest requirements for testing water wells near drilling sites to prevent contamination of groundwater. The Republican run state leads the nation in enacting environmental regulations that strike a balance between valuing our natural resources and permitting Oil and Gas interests to conduct business. Take notice State of Maryland.
Rush to Judgment: The woman who falsely accused three Duke University lacrosse players of rape seven years ago has been found guilty of second-degree murder in the stabbing death of her boyfriend this past November. She was sentenced to 14 to 18 years in prison. As you may recall, this woman in 2006 claimed Duke lacrosse players gang-raped her at a team party where she was hired as a stripper, a charge that was proven to be a complete fabrication. In the spirit of Mandela and our Constitution, let us remember that all men are created equal, whether they are the young, rich, preppy, white, educated men of Duke or simply your neighbor down the street.
Amendment I (1791) – Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Note: Metal on metal hip replacement procedures are on the rise here in Maryland, call, e-mail or simply text me, 410-913-5560. Happy 2014. John CM