2014 MSP Polar Bear Plunge (8am Super Plunge

The Maryland State Polices' 2014 Polar Bear Plunge at Sandy Point State Park was cancelled for the pubic plunges.  The Super Plungers still were able to take their plunges.  Super Plungers take the plunge every hour on the hour for 24 hours straight.  These are brave men and women who are able to accomplish an amazing task. 

This event raises money for the Special Olympics.  The money goes to purchase equipment and support the amazing athletes who overcome many challenges everyday to train for their respected sports. 

The weather did not cooperate this year.  Below freezing temperatures accompanied by high winds and snow storms is what this years' event faced.  For the safety of the 7,000 plungers who were scheduled to take the plunge at 1pm and 3pm, they decided to cancel their plunges. 

This short video shows a few of the super plungers braving the icy waters.  As I filmed this, my hand was unbelievably cold.  I couldn't even feel my hand for 5 minutes after going back into the heated tent.  I could only imagine how the Super Plungers felt. 

Good job Super Plungers! 

Target Cuts Health Care Benefits to its Employees

Today, Target has joined a long list of companies that decided to cut health care benefits to its employees.  Target says that part time employees can find health care benefits on the government exchanges and will no longer pay for their benefits as of April 1, 2014.  They will give them a one-time payment of $500 to supplement their costs. 

The Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare) is forcing companies to make the easy choice of simply dropping employees from company sponsored plans and forcing individuals to fend for themselves on government exchanges. 

I believe more companies will drop benefits to employees as they learn that the fines for not covering employees are smaller than the cost of covering employees. 

This is an alarming trend that I hope stops.  What are your thoughts?