SALISBURY SEWAGE TREATMENT LAWSUIT NOW IN FEDERAL COURT IN BALTIMORE!
The notice appears on the "Maryland case search" website for the case that the City of Salisbury filled against the engineers that designed the WWTP expansion that still does not work right:
Document Name:
Notice of Removal to U.S. District Court
This means more costs to do the litigation. And the jury will be made up of persons from all over the State of Maryland -- this is not a good omen, folks.
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Thursday, November 19, 2009
GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY HONORED AS A 2009 ‘PUBLIC OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR’
GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY HONORED AS A 2009 ‘PUBLIC OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR’ BY GOVERNING MAGAZINE
WASHINGTON, DC (November 19, 2009) – Governor O'Malley will be officially honored tonight as Governing magazine's ‘Public Official of the Year’ for 2009. Governor O’Malley is one of eight individuals nationwide being honored, but is the only Governor to receive the award. The Governor is featured on the cover of the magazine’s November 2009 issue. The magazine notes that Governor O’Malley is “showing that states, too, can improve performance by measuring what they do and relentlessly monitoring their progress.” Previous Governors of the Year include Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour and Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels.
During his first-term in office, Governor O’Malley has reduced state General Fund spending to $500 million below where it was three years ago. The Governor has maintained the state’s coveted Triple A Bond rating and protected our core priorities of public education, public safety and jobs.
“This year’s public officials have thrived in the face of remarkable challenges,” said Alan Ehrenhalt, Editor of Governing Magazine. “Today, with every government grappling with the effects of a prolonged recession, their examples prove that strong, smart leadership is possible in the most difficult of circumstances.”
“We have made progress in Maryland, even during challenging times, by reforming our state government and embracing new innovations to improve public safety in our communities, create jobs, and expand opportunity for more of our families,” said Governor O’Malley. “Our shared pursuit of progress depends on our ability make our state government work more effectively, efficiently, and transparently for the people we serve.”
Governor O’Malley will be honored this evening along with seven other honorees from throughout the country at an official ceremony in Washington, DC hosted by Governing Magazine. Other honorees include Steve Hewitt, Administrator in Greensburg, KS; Steve Jennings, Chief Information Officer for Harris County, TX; Phyllis Kahn, State Representative from Minnesota; Crit Luallen, State Auditor from Kentucky; Pete Rahn, Transportation Director from Missouri; Sam Reed, Secretary of State in Washington; and Jay Williams, Mayor of Youngstown, OH.
Governor O’Malley’s efforts to implement performance-measurement management techniques stem from the creation of CitiStat while Mayor of Baltimore. The program was brought to the State level in 2007 as StateStat, and has since been replicated by jurisdictions throughout the country that are committed to efficient and effective government.
StateStat, which was implemented to make state government more accountable and more efficient, brings together relevant agencies on a variety of priority areas for the O’Malley-Brown Administration. Since applying this model to the agencies primarily responsible for youth services in Maryland, for example, the state has increased enrollment in evidence-based youth programs, reduced juvenile crime, and expanded access to healthcare for low- to moderate-income families throughout the State.
Key public safety, health care, and social services agencies were selected to form the initial foundation of StateStat review process: the Department of Juvenile Services, The Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, Human Resources, and Health and Mental Hygiene. The program has expanded to include critical service agencies such as: the Maryland Department of State Police, the Department of General Services, the Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation, and the Department of Housing and Community Development.
To find out more about Governing Magazine, visit: http://www.governor.maryland.gov/governing.asp
WASHINGTON, DC (November 19, 2009) – Governor O'Malley will be officially honored tonight as Governing magazine's ‘Public Official of the Year’ for 2009. Governor O’Malley is one of eight individuals nationwide being honored, but is the only Governor to receive the award. The Governor is featured on the cover of the magazine’s November 2009 issue. The magazine notes that Governor O’Malley is “showing that states, too, can improve performance by measuring what they do and relentlessly monitoring their progress.” Previous Governors of the Year include Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour and Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels.
During his first-term in office, Governor O’Malley has reduced state General Fund spending to $500 million below where it was three years ago. The Governor has maintained the state’s coveted Triple A Bond rating and protected our core priorities of public education, public safety and jobs.
“This year’s public officials have thrived in the face of remarkable challenges,” said Alan Ehrenhalt, Editor of Governing Magazine. “Today, with every government grappling with the effects of a prolonged recession, their examples prove that strong, smart leadership is possible in the most difficult of circumstances.”
“We have made progress in Maryland, even during challenging times, by reforming our state government and embracing new innovations to improve public safety in our communities, create jobs, and expand opportunity for more of our families,” said Governor O’Malley. “Our shared pursuit of progress depends on our ability make our state government work more effectively, efficiently, and transparently for the people we serve.”
Governor O’Malley will be honored this evening along with seven other honorees from throughout the country at an official ceremony in Washington, DC hosted by Governing Magazine. Other honorees include Steve Hewitt, Administrator in Greensburg, KS; Steve Jennings, Chief Information Officer for Harris County, TX; Phyllis Kahn, State Representative from Minnesota; Crit Luallen, State Auditor from Kentucky; Pete Rahn, Transportation Director from Missouri; Sam Reed, Secretary of State in Washington; and Jay Williams, Mayor of Youngstown, OH.
Governor O’Malley’s efforts to implement performance-measurement management techniques stem from the creation of CitiStat while Mayor of Baltimore. The program was brought to the State level in 2007 as StateStat, and has since been replicated by jurisdictions throughout the country that are committed to efficient and effective government.
StateStat, which was implemented to make state government more accountable and more efficient, brings together relevant agencies on a variety of priority areas for the O’Malley-Brown Administration. Since applying this model to the agencies primarily responsible for youth services in Maryland, for example, the state has increased enrollment in evidence-based youth programs, reduced juvenile crime, and expanded access to healthcare for low- to moderate-income families throughout the State.
Key public safety, health care, and social services agencies were selected to form the initial foundation of StateStat review process: the Department of Juvenile Services, The Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, Human Resources, and Health and Mental Hygiene. The program has expanded to include critical service agencies such as: the Maryland Department of State Police, the Department of General Services, the Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation, and the Department of Housing and Community Development.
To find out more about Governing Magazine, visit: http://www.governor.maryland.gov/governing.asp
UMES Campus Alert - Armed Robbery
On November 18, 2009 at 21:55 pm, two black males robbed a UMES student on
campus. One of the suspects displayed a handgun. The robbery took place in the
area in front of the Henson Center.
The suspects are described as:
Suspect #1: Black male, dark skin, approx. 5’8”, thin build, no facial hair,
approx. 19 years of age. Suspect was wearing a dark colored bulky coat with a
hood. The hood has fur around hood opening. The suspect also brandished a
black semi-automatic handgun described by the victim as the typical 9mm style.
Suspect #2: Black male, dark skin, approx. 5’8”, thin build, approx. 19 years
of age.
This suspect was wearing a white track style jacket and a dark colored baseball
cap.
The suspects left the campus by departing west on Dr. William P. Hytche Blvd. in
to the Town of Princess Anne.
If you should see anyone matching these descriptions, immediately contact UMES
Public Safety at 410-651-3300 or 310-651-6590, or extension x3300 or x6590 if on
campus.
UMES, local and state police have been alerted and are attempting to locate the
suspects. If you should have any information regarding these described
individuals please contact UMES Public Safety.
Students, faculty and staff are reminded to travel in groups, but more
especially do so after dark. Be aware of your surroundings and don't venture
into high risk areas such as wooded areas, unlighted areas, or secluded areas.
If you think you are being followed, go to a lighted area and were people are
located in numbers.
Warner I. Sumpter
Brig. Gen. (Ret.)
Chief of Police and Director
Department of Public Safety
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
30737 University Blvd. – South
Princess Anne, Maryland 21853-1299
Editors Note: I have a friend who attends UMES and received a ticket last night after class because he parked his vehicle in a different parking lot than the one he's assigned to. The reason he did this was because of UMES making the decision to cut back on expenses and turning off the lights in the parking lot he is assigned to. Because of so many robberies and break inns he chose to park elsewhere. Fortunately, (for him) he wasn't the victim instead last night.
UMES needs to reconsider the risks of turning off these parking lights and consider the position they are leaving others in. Armed Robberies will continue like this if there are no lights.
campus. One of the suspects displayed a handgun. The robbery took place in the
area in front of the Henson Center.
The suspects are described as:
Suspect #1: Black male, dark skin, approx. 5’8”, thin build, no facial hair,
approx. 19 years of age. Suspect was wearing a dark colored bulky coat with a
hood. The hood has fur around hood opening. The suspect also brandished a
black semi-automatic handgun described by the victim as the typical 9mm style.
Suspect #2: Black male, dark skin, approx. 5’8”, thin build, approx. 19 years
of age.
This suspect was wearing a white track style jacket and a dark colored baseball
cap.
The suspects left the campus by departing west on Dr. William P. Hytche Blvd. in
to the Town of Princess Anne.
If you should see anyone matching these descriptions, immediately contact UMES
Public Safety at 410-651-3300 or 310-651-6590, or extension x3300 or x6590 if on
campus.
UMES, local and state police have been alerted and are attempting to locate the
suspects. If you should have any information regarding these described
individuals please contact UMES Public Safety.
Students, faculty and staff are reminded to travel in groups, but more
especially do so after dark. Be aware of your surroundings and don't venture
into high risk areas such as wooded areas, unlighted areas, or secluded areas.
If you think you are being followed, go to a lighted area and were people are
located in numbers.
Warner I. Sumpter
Brig. Gen. (Ret.)
Chief of Police and Director
Department of Public Safety
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
30737 University Blvd. – South
Princess Anne, Maryland 21853-1299
Editors Note: I have a friend who attends UMES and received a ticket last night after class because he parked his vehicle in a different parking lot than the one he's assigned to. The reason he did this was because of UMES making the decision to cut back on expenses and turning off the lights in the parking lot he is assigned to. Because of so many robberies and break inns he chose to park elsewhere. Fortunately, (for him) he wasn't the victim instead last night.
UMES needs to reconsider the risks of turning off these parking lights and consider the position they are leaving others in. Armed Robberies will continue like this if there are no lights.
211 CALL CENTER
SENATOR MIKULSKI, GOVERNOR O’MALLEY, COMPTROLLER FRANCHOT TO ANNOUNCE FEDERAL FUNDING EFFORTS TO SUPPORT WORK OF MARYLAND 211 CALL CENTER
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Monday, November 23 at 10:30 a.m., U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski, Governor Martin O’Malley and Comptroller Peter Franchot will join Larry E. Walton, President and Chief Professional Officer of the United Way of Central Maryland, as well as representatives from 50 Maryland non-profits, to announce federal funding efforts for the Baltimore 2-1-1 Call Center, a 24-hour health and human services information and referral service hotline for Marylanders.
Housed in four locations across the state, and operating in more than 150 languages, Maryland 2-1-1 provides expert assistance for a range of health and human service problems. Marylanders who’ve lost a job, a home, or who need to know where to get services for their aging father or who to turn to for mental health counseling can rely on 2-1-1 for information and referrals.
The press event includes a tour of the Baltimore 2-1-1 call center. Participants will hear from families who’ve been helped by the services and support they received by calling Maryland 2-1-1.
Maryland 2-1-1 is operating in its pilot phase, with funding support from Governor O’Malley’s 2009 budget, and contributions from Constellation Energy and United Way. Without a dedicated funding source, Maryland 2-1-1 may have to limit its services.
Senator Mikulski has requested $800,000 in the federal checkbook to help Maryland 2-1-1 transition from a pilot program to a permanent one. She’s also cosponsored a bill to provide a dedicated federal funding stream for 2-1-1 nationwide. If passed, the bill will provide federal matching grants to help states, like Maryland, continue to provide 2-1-1 services.
WHO:
U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.)
Governor Martin O’Malley
Comptroller Peter Franchot
Larry E. Walton, President & Chief Professional Officer of United Way of Central Maryland
WHEN:
Monday, November 23 at 10:30 a.m.
WHERE:
2-1-1 Call Center – Blair Room
100 South Charles Street
Baltimore, MD
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Monday, November 23 at 10:30 a.m., U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski, Governor Martin O’Malley and Comptroller Peter Franchot will join Larry E. Walton, President and Chief Professional Officer of the United Way of Central Maryland, as well as representatives from 50 Maryland non-profits, to announce federal funding efforts for the Baltimore 2-1-1 Call Center, a 24-hour health and human services information and referral service hotline for Marylanders.
Housed in four locations across the state, and operating in more than 150 languages, Maryland 2-1-1 provides expert assistance for a range of health and human service problems. Marylanders who’ve lost a job, a home, or who need to know where to get services for their aging father or who to turn to for mental health counseling can rely on 2-1-1 for information and referrals.
The press event includes a tour of the Baltimore 2-1-1 call center. Participants will hear from families who’ve been helped by the services and support they received by calling Maryland 2-1-1.
Maryland 2-1-1 is operating in its pilot phase, with funding support from Governor O’Malley’s 2009 budget, and contributions from Constellation Energy and United Way. Without a dedicated funding source, Maryland 2-1-1 may have to limit its services.
Senator Mikulski has requested $800,000 in the federal checkbook to help Maryland 2-1-1 transition from a pilot program to a permanent one. She’s also cosponsored a bill to provide a dedicated federal funding stream for 2-1-1 nationwide. If passed, the bill will provide federal matching grants to help states, like Maryland, continue to provide 2-1-1 services.
WHO:
U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.)
Governor Martin O’Malley
Comptroller Peter Franchot
Larry E. Walton, President & Chief Professional Officer of United Way of Central Maryland
WHEN:
Monday, November 23 at 10:30 a.m.
WHERE:
2-1-1 Call Center – Blair Room
100 South Charles Street
Baltimore, MD
Troopers Searching For Two Fugitives
Suspects:
Timothy Hurst, black male, 34, 5’11”, 165 lbs., Last known address Chenault Ct, Dover, DE
Robert Bateman, white male, 25, 6’00”, 179 lbs., Last known address Park Brown Road, Harrington, DE
Resume:
Delaware State Police Troop – 3, Kent County, are searching for two fugitives wanted on unrelated crimes.
Troopers are looking for Timothy Hurst who is wanted for robbery that occurred back on October 20, 2009 at the Discount Liquor Store located in the Gateway South shopping center. Hurst allegedly struggled with a store employee before removing money from the cash drawer.
Troopers are also searching for Robert Bateman who is wanted for his involvement in a felony theft that occurred back on November 6, 2009 at the Universal Mart in Harrington. The incident was reported as a robbery, however, investigators learned that a store employee was involved and the crime is now classified as a felony theft.
Anyone with information concerning the whereabouts of this two individuals is asked to contact the state police at Troop 3, by dialing 302- 697- 2104.
Study Says Decreased Masculinity Linked To Toy Chemicals
Exposures in the womb to a ubiquitous family of industrial chemicals can subtly perturb preferences of boys for certain types of child’s play thought to be hardwired in the brain, a new study suggests. Phthalates are widely used solvents and plastics softeners. In this study, the greater a boy’s fetal exposure to certain phthalates, the less often he tended to engage in typically masculine play.
Girls’ play was unaffected, according to the study, set to be published in an upcoming International Journal of Andrology.
The reason boys like trucks and girls like dolls relates to fetal differences in brain development, explains Heather Patisaul, a neuroendocrinologist at North Carolina State University in Raleigh. Males develop differently from females — physically and behaviorally — only through programming by androgens, male sex hormones such as testosterone, she says In animals, anything that dampens the testosterone signal during fetal development, such as a chemical or genetic defect, can trigger a subtle demasculinization in males.
Because phthalates can exhibit anti-androgenic activity (SN: 9/2/2000, p. 152), Shanna Swan of the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry in Rochester, N.Y., and her colleagues investigated whether testosterone-programmed behaviors in young children might be undermined by fetal exposure to the pollutants.
Researchers measured phthalates during the last trimester of pregnancy in women participating in a four-state project in the United States called the Study for Future Families. Three to six years later, Swan’s group asked these women to answer questions about play by their children — 74 boys and 71 girls.
On a one-to-five scale, with one being “never” and five being “very often,” each mom rated how frequently in the past month her child had done such things as play house, play at fighting, climb, play with dolls, dress up in girls’ clothes or show interest in wheeled cars.
Boys with the highest fetal exposures to phthalates — particularly to diethylhexyl phthalate, or DEHP, and dibutyl phthalate, or DBP — tended to exhibit lower scores on typical male play (such as playing with toy guns or pretending to play with guns) and higher on gender-neutral play (such as puzzles or sports). DEHP is in plastic tubing, including types used widely in food processing, Swan notes. DBP is a solvent in many cosmetics, including nail polish and hair sprays.
The results stood out even after accounting for potentially confounding factors, including parents’ age and education as well as parents’ attitudes about gender-typical play.
Play in the most highly phthalate-exposed boys wasn’t “feminized,” Swan explains, since these kids didn’t preferentially play with dolls or don dresses. Rather, she says, “we’d describe their play as less masculine.”
The new study is not the first to link pollutants with alterations in gender-typical play, but it does appear to be the strongest, says David Carpenter of the University of Albany in Rensselaer N.Y. Bolstering confidence that the new findings are not a fluke, he adds, is earlier research by Swan’s group: It showed fetal exposure to phthalates could alter the genital tracts of infants — again, only in boys.
More from Science News here.
Girls’ play was unaffected, according to the study, set to be published in an upcoming International Journal of Andrology.
The reason boys like trucks and girls like dolls relates to fetal differences in brain development, explains Heather Patisaul, a neuroendocrinologist at North Carolina State University in Raleigh. Males develop differently from females — physically and behaviorally — only through programming by androgens, male sex hormones such as testosterone, she says In animals, anything that dampens the testosterone signal during fetal development, such as a chemical or genetic defect, can trigger a subtle demasculinization in males.
Because phthalates can exhibit anti-androgenic activity (SN: 9/2/2000, p. 152), Shanna Swan of the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry in Rochester, N.Y., and her colleagues investigated whether testosterone-programmed behaviors in young children might be undermined by fetal exposure to the pollutants.
Researchers measured phthalates during the last trimester of pregnancy in women participating in a four-state project in the United States called the Study for Future Families. Three to six years later, Swan’s group asked these women to answer questions about play by their children — 74 boys and 71 girls.
On a one-to-five scale, with one being “never” and five being “very often,” each mom rated how frequently in the past month her child had done such things as play house, play at fighting, climb, play with dolls, dress up in girls’ clothes or show interest in wheeled cars.
Boys with the highest fetal exposures to phthalates — particularly to diethylhexyl phthalate, or DEHP, and dibutyl phthalate, or DBP — tended to exhibit lower scores on typical male play (such as playing with toy guns or pretending to play with guns) and higher on gender-neutral play (such as puzzles or sports). DEHP is in plastic tubing, including types used widely in food processing, Swan notes. DBP is a solvent in many cosmetics, including nail polish and hair sprays.
The results stood out even after accounting for potentially confounding factors, including parents’ age and education as well as parents’ attitudes about gender-typical play.
Play in the most highly phthalate-exposed boys wasn’t “feminized,” Swan explains, since these kids didn’t preferentially play with dolls or don dresses. Rather, she says, “we’d describe their play as less masculine.”
The new study is not the first to link pollutants with alterations in gender-typical play, but it does appear to be the strongest, says David Carpenter of the University of Albany in Rensselaer N.Y. Bolstering confidence that the new findings are not a fluke, he adds, is earlier research by Swan’s group: It showed fetal exposure to phthalates could alter the genital tracts of infants — again, only in boys.
More from Science News here.
GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY APPLAUDS EXPANSION OF MARYLAND BIOTECH COMPANY
Governor’s online economic update focuses on Emergent BioSolutions expansion, foreclosure prevention
ANNAPOLIS, MD (November 19, 2009) – Governor Martin O’Malley released this week’s online economic update, where he focused on the expansion of Emergent BioSolutions, a Maryland-based biopharmaceutical company, which will open a 60,000 square foot bioprocessing center in Each Baltimore to expand and increase production capacity on the groundbreaking vaccines that they produce. The expansion is expected to result in up to 125 jobs over the next five years.
Governor O’Malley’s economic update for this week can be viewed here.
“This expansion will not only ensure more high-paying, highly skilled jobs for the area, but it further illustrates Maryland’s place as a global hub for the life sciences industry,” said Governor O’Malley in the online economic update. “Our unique assets, including countless federal facilities in and around our State, the nation’s number one public school system, and our world class workforce will help bring Maryland through this national recession more quickly than other states.”
The Governor also noted positive news in Maryland’s real estate market. Baltimore area home sales reportedly jumped a record 36 percent last month, an increase many economists attribute to the federal first time homebuyer tax credit, representing the largest annual increase since the tracking of these figures began in the late 1990s. In addition, the Governor noted the more than 21,000 loan modifications that have been processed for Maryland homeowners, more than in Virginia and the District of Columbia combined.
Governor O’Malley’s economic update for this week can be viewed here.
ANNAPOLIS, MD (November 19, 2009) – Governor Martin O’Malley released this week’s online economic update, where he focused on the expansion of Emergent BioSolutions, a Maryland-based biopharmaceutical company, which will open a 60,000 square foot bioprocessing center in Each Baltimore to expand and increase production capacity on the groundbreaking vaccines that they produce. The expansion is expected to result in up to 125 jobs over the next five years.
Governor O’Malley’s economic update for this week can be viewed here.
“This expansion will not only ensure more high-paying, highly skilled jobs for the area, but it further illustrates Maryland’s place as a global hub for the life sciences industry,” said Governor O’Malley in the online economic update. “Our unique assets, including countless federal facilities in and around our State, the nation’s number one public school system, and our world class workforce will help bring Maryland through this national recession more quickly than other states.”
The Governor also noted positive news in Maryland’s real estate market. Baltimore area home sales reportedly jumped a record 36 percent last month, an increase many economists attribute to the federal first time homebuyer tax credit, representing the largest annual increase since the tracking of these figures began in the late 1990s. In addition, the Governor noted the more than 21,000 loan modifications that have been processed for Maryland homeowners, more than in Virginia and the District of Columbia combined.
Governor O’Malley’s economic update for this week can be viewed here.
Future Perfect
The clerical establishment has become so sick of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei that they will not replace him when he dies.
Iranian reformists and liberals worldwide can be forgiven for thinking that the election and crackdown last summer strengthened the hardliners. In the short term, they're right: Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is still president and his opposition has gone to ground. In the long run, though, they may have already won the battle: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is likely to be the last all-powerful Supreme Leader of the Islamic republic, even if the theocratic system manages to survive this tumult.
A not-so-quiet debate is now brewing inside the seminaries of Qum, Iran's religious capital, over how to abolish the post, the velayat-e faqih, which Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini assumed when he established the Islamic republic in 1979. Khomeini asserted that his role as the ultimate political and religious authority was effectively endorsed by God, the Prophet Muhammad, or by his last legitimate heir, the Twelfth Imam, whom Shiites believe went into hiding in 941 to escape rival Sunni caliphs but will return to earth to usher in an era of peace and justice.
Despite Khomeini's immense scholarly authority, revolutionary prestige, and religious charisma, his radical interpretation of traditional Shiite practice provoked enormous unease among Iran's most senior clerics. Many held to the traditional view that, in the absence of the Twelfth Imam, political power was always illegitimate—while religious thinkers now say they always worried that the claim of divine rule would contradict the principles of a republic, even an Islamic one. Khomeini was able to pacify his critics because of his enormous power and influence over the Iranian population and his respect among Sunnis and Shiites worldwide.
But now the hapless behavior of his successor, Khamenei, has sapped that goodwill. Khamenei's response to the massive election demonstrations this past summer reaffirmed a longstanding but secretive belief among a majority of Iran's religious teachers and scholars: supreme clerical rule, no matter who is at the helm, can lead only to despotism and should be abolished. There can be no absolute power because, as Khamenei showed, men are fallible. It's well enough understood outside Iran that those clerics have found common cause with the street demonstrators; what the rest of the world hasn't realized yet is that they also want Khamenei gone.
GO HERE to read more.
IS THE OBAMAS’ FAVORITE BURGER PLACE COMING TO SALISBURY?
Since taking up residence in a large house in downtown Washington, DC earlier this year, both Barack and Michelle have made jaunts to partake of the best burger in town, bar none (and, no doubt, some of the best fries around). Now, make that in a couple months, Salisbury may have its very own Five Guys restaurant, and we can all share the wealth.
Seriously, folks, this restaurant is not to be missed. The menu is short and simple – hamburgers and hot dogs, fresh not frozen, and fries cooked in fresh peanut oil (can you say “Thrashers”). The burgers and tube steaks are available with a variety of toppings, along with cheeseburgers, kosher-style dogs, etc. No alcohol is served.
The format was initiated by multiple male siblings whose parents advised them to “start a business or go to college.” They made the correct choice and opened their first Five Guys location, in Arlington, VA, in 1986. Now there are over 450 locations in more than 30 states. They use only fresh ground beef in the burgers – there are no freezers in the locations.
Typically, when Five Guys enters a new market area, it becomes the burger source of choice for the connoisseur. It has been ZAGAT survey rated since 2001. At present, the locations nearest to Salisbury are in Sussex County (Bethany Beach, Lewes and Rehobeth Beach).
Today’s agenda of the Salisbury Planning & Zoning Commission includes site plan review for a “Five Guys” location on South Salisbury Boulevard, which for many denizens of the ‘Bury and SU students should be a convenient alternative to a trip to get a Nathan’s at Sam’s Club. And a location in Ocean City will be opened soon, I understand.
WILL RICK POLLITT FOLLOW MARTY O’MALLEY’S LEAD?
The latest, third round of cuts that were made yesterday in this year’s Maryland budget includes the abolition of 112 positions in state government, over half of which are currently filled.
It’s called “downsizing” by means of “reduction in force” (RIF) in government bureaucratize.
Are you listening Mr. Pollitt?
And were you listening during that public hearing at the Civic Center last week when a speaker said that a particular position on your staff should be RIFFED?
Obama’s Prissy America
Why Obama’s America seems so self-centered?
by Victor Davis Hanson
National Review Online
The liberal writ was that a strutting “bring ’em on” George W. Bush for eight years did what he pleased on the international scene. His “unilateral” America supposedly did not consult with either allies or international organizations, as he rammed through democracy in Iraq and Afghanistan. President Bush’s “my way or the highway” personal credo resulted in an America alone.
Obama, of course, was hailed as the multifaceted antidote to all that. The new nontraditional America would reach out to the world. We would now listen rather than lecture. This was a welcome reflection of Barack Obama’s own cool and tolerant approach to politics, learned as a seasoned community organizer in Chicago.
But things have not quite worked out as planned. Barack Obama to all appearances is certainly more relaxed than Bush. And he resonates abroad as a nontraditional American. Indeed, Obama is now the paradigm of America’s ongoing metamorphosis into something more like the rest of the planet.
Yet in his own way Obama projects a far more prissy, self-indulgent America than we had under Bush. And that self-centeredness seems a logical extension of the new commander-in-chief himself.
How can that be, given Obama’s well-known apologies — for everything from slavery and our treatment of Native Americans to being imperious toward Europeans and Muslims? In obsequious fashion, we have sought to assure the Russians that we won’t deploy anti-ballistic missile defenses in Poland and the Czech Republic. Obama has reminded the Chinese that they enjoy sovereignty over Taiwan. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Bashar al-Assad, the Castro brothers, Hugo Chávez, and assorted other old enemies of the United States are suddenly considered either neutrals or friends.
It seems counterintuitive, then, to suggest that Obama’s America is increasingly self-absorbed.
GO HERE to read more.
by Victor Davis Hanson
National Review Online
The liberal writ was that a strutting “bring ’em on” George W. Bush for eight years did what he pleased on the international scene. His “unilateral” America supposedly did not consult with either allies or international organizations, as he rammed through democracy in Iraq and Afghanistan. President Bush’s “my way or the highway” personal credo resulted in an America alone.
Obama, of course, was hailed as the multifaceted antidote to all that. The new nontraditional America would reach out to the world. We would now listen rather than lecture. This was a welcome reflection of Barack Obama’s own cool and tolerant approach to politics, learned as a seasoned community organizer in Chicago.
But things have not quite worked out as planned. Barack Obama to all appearances is certainly more relaxed than Bush. And he resonates abroad as a nontraditional American. Indeed, Obama is now the paradigm of America’s ongoing metamorphosis into something more like the rest of the planet.
Yet in his own way Obama projects a far more prissy, self-indulgent America than we had under Bush. And that self-centeredness seems a logical extension of the new commander-in-chief himself.
How can that be, given Obama’s well-known apologies — for everything from slavery and our treatment of Native Americans to being imperious toward Europeans and Muslims? In obsequious fashion, we have sought to assure the Russians that we won’t deploy anti-ballistic missile defenses in Poland and the Czech Republic. Obama has reminded the Chinese that they enjoy sovereignty over Taiwan. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Bashar al-Assad, the Castro brothers, Hugo Chávez, and assorted other old enemies of the United States are suddenly considered either neutrals or friends.
It seems counterintuitive, then, to suggest that Obama’s America is increasingly self-absorbed.
GO HERE to read more.
Hat Tip To The Delmar Fire Department And West Salisbury League
The Delmar FD will take the two days they are allowed to ring at the Delmar Food Lion - all day. Also, earlier they had West Salisbury League take the Nanticoke Road Food Lion for both days all day. Both locations are only 11/28 and 12/12 only.
We'd like to thank these fine organizations for helping the Salvation Army expand into additional locations and taking the entire day.
Folks, the Salvation Army appreciates each and every one of you for volunteering your time to help make such a powerful impact and difference within our local community. It's about being unconditional, never forgetting what you came from and giving back by giving up your time to ring a bell.
We'd like to thank these fine organizations for helping the Salvation Army expand into additional locations and taking the entire day.
Folks, the Salvation Army appreciates each and every one of you for volunteering your time to help make such a powerful impact and difference within our local community. It's about being unconditional, never forgetting what you came from and giving back by giving up your time to ring a bell.
If you'd like to volunteer for a slot at any of the above locations please, send your request to ringabell4tsa@verizon.net or call Kettle Campaign Headquarters 410-749-RING (7464). Thank you, to all that have so generously volunteered their time to this worthwhile campaign.
Cash For Clunkers? Nope—Cash For Caulkers
The most visible success of the stimulus program so far, writes David Leonhardt of The New York Times, was the Cash for Clunkers program, which induced a car sales boom at the most unlikely of times. Now White House officials are looking to create a similar boom elsewhere in the economy, this time by looking at home weatherization. There are two similar “Cash for Caulkers” proposals floating right now—one from venture capitalist John Doerr and one from former President Bill Clinton—which would offer cash incentives to cover about half of home weatherization projects. But, Leonhardt writes, many homeowners could already save money by weatherizing their homes, so it’s hard to say whether the program could hope to gain as much popularity as its clunker counterpart.
Muir Boda Gets His 10 Seconds Of Fame In The Daily Times Today
"Crime is more than just Salisbury's problem
For some time now, FBI crime statistics have been waved around in our faces. They tell us Salisbury is the second most dangerous city in America. All we have heard is: "Crime is out of control!" or "You do not want to go out after dark."
Yet through all of this, the only solution that seems to be out there is to replace the current city chief of police -- Allan Webster. Somehow, magically, that will solve all our problems.
The truth is crime is not just Salisbury's problem; it is Wicomico County's problem. As the economic hub of Delmarva, Salisbury becomes a city of more than 100,000 during the day, with all the people who come here to work, shop and do business. So many of the people who commit crimes are from the county, lower Delaware and beyond.
That would be an interesting statistic -- how many of the crimes committed in the city are from people outside of the city?
The police react to crime; they do not stop crime. Individuals make choices to commit crimes and police arrest them when they discover who has committed the crime. At that point they are turned over to the court system and eventually released back into society, where many fall back into the same cycle.
Without a comprehensive regional plan to fight crime -- that should begin with education, rehabilitation and streamlining law enforcement resources -- the situation is not going to improve if we continue with a vacuum in our leadership.
Muir Boda
Salisbury
Boda is communications director for the Maryland Libertarian Party. -- Editor"
Either Muir is that stupid or he tends to conveniently forget a lot. Webster and Tilghman have been crying the blues about the idea that most crime in Salisbury is done by outsiders, people not living in the City. Well no sh!t, Sherlock. Perhaps IF Boda actually gave a damn about Salisbury he'd know that already. Instead, LOOK AT MEEEEEE, LOOK AT MEEEEEE in the Daily Times. So you wanted your name in lights, you got it Muir. However, now you're in even brighter lights with Salisbury News and real people will tell you what they really think of your stupid comment.
I know, let's go from Town to Town across America and let's see just how many crimes were done by those who actually live in that City/Town. Sounds like yet another Libertarian Party expense to me. By now Muir, everyone knows you have your head so far up Chief Webster and Barrie Tilghman's A$$ they've installed an oxygen line to keep you alive.
Clearly you watched my show and saw that crime is as bad as it is in Salisbury because they're releasing many/all of the prisoners from ECI to the Christian Shelter in Salisbury. They don't reside here either Muir, but they're committing much of the crime and building most of the Gangs. Oh, but you won't hear that from the Daily Times, that would take actual work and guts to get it out there. You won't hear it from the Administration either because they don't want to alarm the citizens with the truth.
Muir, before you open your mouth again, try doing some research and stop combating anything and everything I personally say. You're a WalMart Employee Muir, like it or not, that says a lot. Mind you, WalMart is a fine company but you knew before you even filled out an application there where you stood on the brain food chain. You remind me of one of those people that loves to make charts and tell everyone just how bright the sun is today. You know, a typical government employee. I mean, look at Paul Wilber. Now here's a guy who couldn't make a living in the real world, so he took a comfy job representing the City instead. He's made a ton of mistakes and he's cost the City a small fortune but you know what, fools like the former Mayor and Ireton just keep plugging along with a guy like that and no one says a word. Kind of like who you are on the food chain with the WalMart Corporation. However, no one is hiring the guy that I know to represent them in Court. I mean, would you?
Did you go to the National WalMart Party this year Muir, or were you one of the ones who stayed behind to mind the store. If the Redskins were losing every game throughout the season, you don't blame the Coach, do you Muir? Oh, sh!t, forgive me Muir, I forgot your a Libertarian. You know, that party that always loses but keeps trying to send some guy who thinks the sun is so bright out today, oh look, a chicken. Now what was I saying???????
Crime, just like the head Coach of the Redskins, lies on some one's shoulders and the buck stops at Chiefy Webster's desk in Salisbury. If you continue to lose the battle, find someone who can get the job done. Muir, one thing is for sure. If something happened to a loved one in your Family you'd be speaking a whole new tune. Webster refuses to live within the City of Salisbury and that should speak more volume than anything else.
You want answers Muir, dig into the ECI situation and you'll finally see that sunshine.
American's For Prosperity Meeting TONIGHT!
Americans For Prosperity's last planned meeting of the year is TONIGHT! Thursday (11/19). We plan to arm you with the Christmas break strategy!
Please try to come out, we have a lot planned and a lot of helpful information that just isn't available ANYWHERE out there. 2010 is coming but not as fast as the legislation Washington wants to throw at us, racking up Trillions of dollars of debt.
Americans For Prosperity's November meeting is This Thursday 7pm at Adam's Rib's in Fruitland.
We have some GREAT speakers on energy, Cap and Trade and Wicomico Counties' deep fiscal woes and what you can do about it before they try to raise your taxes. You will be amazed by what you learn. We have dug up the archives for you. Get involved and help stop big government from reaching into your pocket.
If you haven't been to a meeting yet, check out this one....Now is the time!
Hope to see you there!
NO MUSLIMS FOUNDED AMERICA BUT PRESIDENT OBAMA THINKS THEY WERE THERE!
by Lee S. Gliddon, Jr.
Nov 14th, 2009 Dear Mr. Obama, OBAMA said, in his Cairo speech: “I know, too, that Islam has always been a part of America ’s story. Dear Mr. Obama: Were those Muslims that were in America when the Pilgrims first landed? Funny, I thought they were Native American Indians.
Were those Muslims that celebrated the first Thanksgiving day? Sorry again, …those were Pilgrims and Native American Indians.
Can you show me one Muslim signature on the United States Constitution? Declaration of Independence ? Bill of Rights? Didn’t think so.
Did Muslims fight for this country’s freedom from England ? No. Did Muslims fight during the Civil War to free the slaves in America ? No, they did not.
In fact, Muslims to this day are still the largest traffickers in human slavery. Your own ‘half brother’ a devout Muslim still advocates slavery himself, even though muslims of Arabic descent refer to black muslims as “pug nosed slaves.” Says a lot of what the Muslim world really thinks of your family’s “rich Islamic heritage” doesn’t it Mr.Obama? Where were Muslims during the Civil Rights era of this country? Not present.
There are no pictures or media accounts of Muslims walking side by side with Martin Luther King Jr.. or helping to advance the cause of Civil Rights. Where were Muslims during this country’s Woman’s Suffrage era? Again, not present.
In fact, devout Muslims demand that women are subservient to men in the Islamic culture. So much so that often they are beaten for not wearing the ‘hajib’ or for talking to a man that is not a direct family member or their husband. Yep, the Muslims are all for women’s rights aren’t they?
Where were Muslims during World War II? They were aligned with Adolf Hitler. The Muslim grand mufti himself met with Adolf Hitler, reviewed the troops and accepted support from the Nazi’s in killing Jews.
Finally Mr. Obama, where were Muslims on Sept. 11th, 2001? If they weren’t flying planes into the World Trade Center , the Pentagon or a field in Pennsylvania killing nearly 3,000 people on our own soil, they were rejoicing in the middle east.
No one can dispute the pictures shown from all parts of the Muslim world celebrating on CNN, Fox News, MSNBC and other news networks that day. Strangely, the very “moderate” Muslims who’s asses you bent over backwards to kiss in Cairo , Egypt on June 4th were stone cold silent post 9-11.
To many Americans, their silence has meant approval for the acts of that day. And THAT, Mr. Obama, is the “rich heritage” Muslims have here in America .
And now we can add November 5, 2009-- the slaughter of American soldiers at Fort Hood by a muslim major who is a doctor and a psychiatrist who was supposed to be counselling soldiers returning from battle in Iraq and Afghanistan . That, Obama is the "muslim heritage" in America .
Nov 14th, 2009 Dear Mr. Obama, OBAMA said, in his Cairo speech: “I know, too, that Islam has always been a part of America ’s story. Dear Mr. Obama: Were those Muslims that were in America when the Pilgrims first landed? Funny, I thought they were Native American Indians.
Were those Muslims that celebrated the first Thanksgiving day? Sorry again, …those were Pilgrims and Native American Indians.
Can you show me one Muslim signature on the United States Constitution? Declaration of Independence ? Bill of Rights? Didn’t think so.
Did Muslims fight for this country’s freedom from England ? No. Did Muslims fight during the Civil War to free the slaves in America ? No, they did not.
In fact, Muslims to this day are still the largest traffickers in human slavery. Your own ‘half brother’ a devout Muslim still advocates slavery himself, even though muslims of Arabic descent refer to black muslims as “pug nosed slaves.” Says a lot of what the Muslim world really thinks of your family’s “rich Islamic heritage” doesn’t it Mr.Obama? Where were Muslims during the Civil Rights era of this country? Not present.
There are no pictures or media accounts of Muslims walking side by side with Martin Luther King Jr.. or helping to advance the cause of Civil Rights. Where were Muslims during this country’s Woman’s Suffrage era? Again, not present.
In fact, devout Muslims demand that women are subservient to men in the Islamic culture. So much so that often they are beaten for not wearing the ‘hajib’ or for talking to a man that is not a direct family member or their husband. Yep, the Muslims are all for women’s rights aren’t they?
Where were Muslims during World War II? They were aligned with Adolf Hitler. The Muslim grand mufti himself met with Adolf Hitler, reviewed the troops and accepted support from the Nazi’s in killing Jews.
Finally Mr. Obama, where were Muslims on Sept. 11th, 2001? If they weren’t flying planes into the World Trade Center , the Pentagon or a field in Pennsylvania killing nearly 3,000 people on our own soil, they were rejoicing in the middle east.
No one can dispute the pictures shown from all parts of the Muslim world celebrating on CNN, Fox News, MSNBC and other news networks that day. Strangely, the very “moderate” Muslims who’s asses you bent over backwards to kiss in Cairo , Egypt on June 4th were stone cold silent post 9-11.
To many Americans, their silence has meant approval for the acts of that day. And THAT, Mr. Obama, is the “rich heritage” Muslims have here in America .
And now we can add November 5, 2009-- the slaughter of American soldiers at Fort Hood by a muslim major who is a doctor and a psychiatrist who was supposed to be counselling soldiers returning from battle in Iraq and Afghanistan . That, Obama is the "muslim heritage" in America .
VAT Would Be One Big Tub Of Trouble
Conservatives need to be very clear about what a VAT is, and why it is such an insidious form of taxation. As prices go up, because the tax is hidden in the end price of the product, people blame the manufacturer or the retailer and don’t realize it is the government driving the cost increase. In that sense it is like inflation, a hidden tax.
Ask a man on the street what VAT means. After giving you a strange look, he'll probably give an answer along the lines of "a large tub." In a way, he'd be right: America's on-again, off-again move towards a Value Added Tax (VAT) is a metaphorical large tub, into which huge but nearly untraceable amounts of money will disappear.
A VAT is a tax on each stage of production, calculated according to how much value each producer adds to its products.
In the search for ways to reduce the record $1.4 trillion federal budget deficit, the VAT has occasionally popped up. In May a spokesman for President Barack Obama's budget director, Peter Orszag, expressed openness to the idea. Just last month, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said on "Charlie Rose" that a VAT was "on the table."
It should be taken off. The root cause of the deficit is too much spending, not too little taxing. Putting a new tax on top of what we already pay is the wrong approach.
As far as taxes go, the VAT is especially destructive. If Congress is going to increase taxes, installing a VAT is one of the worst options.
For one, it would require roughly doubling the size of the IRS. Fifteen years ago, CBO estimated compliance and administrative costs for a VAT at $8.5 billion annually. That figure can safely be placed at more than $10 billion by now. The IRS' entire budget is currently $11.4 billion.
VATs are also untransparent. When traditional sales taxes are added to the goods we buy, we know the amount simply by looking at our receipts.
But VATs are hidden. Since manufacturers pay them in advance, they are factored into the prices consumers pay. VATs do not show up on receipts.
Knowing how much we are taxed is a fundamental right that preserves our ability to challenge excess government in a constitutional republic. A VAT would take that away.
Americans work more than one-third of the year for federal, state, and local governments before keeping a dime for themselves. We can still know, to the penny, how much we pay by looking at our pay stubs and old 1040 and state income-tax returns.
This transparency is one of the few checks that citizens have against runaway tax increases. Because a VAT is so easily hidden, consumers can shoulder a massive tax burden and not know it. VATs are fundamentally unfair.
Ask a man on the street what VAT means. After giving you a strange look, he'll probably give an answer along the lines of "a large tub." In a way, he'd be right: America's on-again, off-again move towards a Value Added Tax (VAT) is a metaphorical large tub, into which huge but nearly untraceable amounts of money will disappear.
A VAT is a tax on each stage of production, calculated according to how much value each producer adds to its products.
In the search for ways to reduce the record $1.4 trillion federal budget deficit, the VAT has occasionally popped up. In May a spokesman for President Barack Obama's budget director, Peter Orszag, expressed openness to the idea. Just last month, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said on "Charlie Rose" that a VAT was "on the table."
It should be taken off. The root cause of the deficit is too much spending, not too little taxing. Putting a new tax on top of what we already pay is the wrong approach.
As far as taxes go, the VAT is especially destructive. If Congress is going to increase taxes, installing a VAT is one of the worst options.
For one, it would require roughly doubling the size of the IRS. Fifteen years ago, CBO estimated compliance and administrative costs for a VAT at $8.5 billion annually. That figure can safely be placed at more than $10 billion by now. The IRS' entire budget is currently $11.4 billion.
VATs are also untransparent. When traditional sales taxes are added to the goods we buy, we know the amount simply by looking at our receipts.
But VATs are hidden. Since manufacturers pay them in advance, they are factored into the prices consumers pay. VATs do not show up on receipts.
Knowing how much we are taxed is a fundamental right that preserves our ability to challenge excess government in a constitutional republic. A VAT would take that away.
Americans work more than one-third of the year for federal, state, and local governments before keeping a dime for themselves. We can still know, to the penny, how much we pay by looking at our pay stubs and old 1040 and state income-tax returns.
This transparency is one of the few checks that citizens have against runaway tax increases. Because a VAT is so easily hidden, consumers can shoulder a massive tax burden and not know it. VATs are fundamentally unfair.
Burned Biscuits
When I was a little boy, my mom liked to make breakfast food for dinner every now and then. I remember one night in particular when she had made breakfast after a long, hard day at work. On that evening so long ago, my mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage and extremely burned biscuits in front of my dad.
I remember waiting to see if anyone noticed! Yet all my dad did was reach for his biscuit, smile at my mom and ask me how my day was at school. I don't remember what I told him that night, but I do remember watching him smear butter and jelly on that biscuit and eat every bite!
When I got up from the table that evening, I remember hearing my mom apologize to my dad for burning the biscuits. And I'll never forget what he said: "Baby, I love burned biscuits."
Later that night, I went to hug Daddy good night and I asked him if he really liked his biscuits burned. He wrapped me in his arms and said, "Your Momma put in a hard day at work today and she's real tired. And besides - a little burnt biscuit never hurt anyone!"
You know, life is full of imperfect things...and imperfect people, and I'm sure not the best at much. What I've learned over the years is that learning to accept each other's faults and choosing to celebrate each other's differences. - is one of the most important keys to creating a healthy, growing and lasting relationship.
And that's my prayer for you today. That you will learn to take the good, the bad and the ugly parts of your life and lay them at the feet of God. Because in the end, He's the only One who will be able to give you a relationship where a burnt biscuit isn't a deal-breaker! We could extend this to any relationship in fact - as understanding is the base of any relationship, be it a husband-wife or parent-child or friendship, in business or otherwise!
"Don't put the key to your happiness in someone else's pocket - keep it in your own." It's not what you have in life, but Who you have that counts.
I remember waiting to see if anyone noticed! Yet all my dad did was reach for his biscuit, smile at my mom and ask me how my day was at school. I don't remember what I told him that night, but I do remember watching him smear butter and jelly on that biscuit and eat every bite!
When I got up from the table that evening, I remember hearing my mom apologize to my dad for burning the biscuits. And I'll never forget what he said: "Baby, I love burned biscuits."
Later that night, I went to hug Daddy good night and I asked him if he really liked his biscuits burned. He wrapped me in his arms and said, "Your Momma put in a hard day at work today and she's real tired. And besides - a little burnt biscuit never hurt anyone!"
You know, life is full of imperfect things...and imperfect people, and I'm sure not the best at much. What I've learned over the years is that learning to accept each other's faults and choosing to celebrate each other's differences. - is one of the most important keys to creating a healthy, growing and lasting relationship.
And that's my prayer for you today. That you will learn to take the good, the bad and the ugly parts of your life and lay them at the feet of God. Because in the end, He's the only One who will be able to give you a relationship where a burnt biscuit isn't a deal-breaker! We could extend this to any relationship in fact - as understanding is the base of any relationship, be it a husband-wife or parent-child or friendship, in business or otherwise!
"Don't put the key to your happiness in someone else's pocket - keep it in your own." It's not what you have in life, but Who you have that counts.
Women In 40's Not Worth Cost Of Mammograms
The Government Task Force mandates that no woman in her 40's should have a mammogram or self-examinations. This group claims too many false alarms and unneeded biopsies without improving survival odds. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force that influences coverage of screening tests by Medicare and many insurance companies now suggests mammograms every two years for women in their 50's. After twenty years of encouraging annual mammograms for all women, this about-face is counter to all recommendations from the American Cancer Society. Why? Why deny mammograms for women in their 40's? Money, Money, Money. This is rationing under Obamacare and only the beginning.
http://www.trentonian.com/articles/2009/11/17/news/doc4b02463131c42094308148.txt
http://www.trentonian.com/articles/2009/11/17/news/doc4b02463131c42094308148.txt
CITY OF SALISBURY CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA
Meeting #23
November 23, 2009 6:00 p.m.
City/County Government Office Building Room 301
Times shown for agenda items are estimates only.
6:00 p.m. CONVENE – LORD’S PRAYER – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
6:04 p.m. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
6:06 p.m. CONSENT AGENDA – City Clerk Brenda Colegrove
November 9, 2009 minutes
November 16, 2009 Special Meeting minutes
Resolution No. 1858 - accepting funds in cooperation with the
Maryland Office of Highway Safety to provide for overtime
reimbursement to police officers participating in a special motorcycle
safety enforcement program during the “Bike Week” event
Resolution No. 1859 - accepting funds in cooperation with the
Maryland Office of Highway Safety to provide for overtime
reimbursement to police officers participating in DUI enforcement
Resolution No. 1860 - accepting funds in cooperation with the
Maryland Office of Highway Safety to provide for overtime
reimbursement to police officers participating in the “Smooth
Operator” enforcement program
Resolution No. 1861 - accepting American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act grant funds for the construction of the Salisbury
potable water storage tank project
6:11 p.m. AWARD OF BIDS – Internal Services Director Pam Oland 2
6:30 p.m. RESOLUTIONS – City Administrator John Pick
Resolution No. 1862 - authorizing a 199 day extension to temporary
travel-lane shifts and closures on Carroll Street, Waverly Drive, South
Boulevard, Hanover Street and Lloyd Street
Resolution No. 1863 - accepting a tax differential study and
authorizing submitting a request to Wicomico County for a tax
differential
Resolution No. 1864 - authorizing the mayor to sign a memorandum
of understanding for a grant from the Maryland State Highway
Administration for pedestrian-and-bicycle-facilities improvements
RESOLUTIONS (Continued)
Resolution No. 1865 - approving a revised Capital Asset Guide to
to create a category of assets for land improvements and to provide
a methodology for the depreciation of land improvements
Resolution No. 1866 - setting the terms and conditions for the
City of Salisbury Drinking Water Bond, Series 2009 (ARRA)
Resolution No. 1867 – setting the terms and conditions for the
City of Salisbury Water Quality Bond, Series 2009 (ARRA)
7:15 p.m. PUBLIC COMMENTS
7:30 p.m. ADJOURN
BELL RINGING SLOTS AT CENTRE FILLING FAST, SIGN UP NOW!
We just got word that the openings left at the Centre of Salisbury anchor stores - Boscov's, J.C. Penney's, Macy's and Sears are filling up quickly.
There are still a few hours available this Friday, the 20th and the week of Thanksgiving. The month of December is almost completely filled with a few hours left here and there.
If you like ringing at the Centre, you should call 410-749-RING (7464) before the slots are completely filled. ringabell4tsa@verizon.net
There are still a few hours available this Friday, the 20th and the week of Thanksgiving. The month of December is almost completely filled with a few hours left here and there.
If you like ringing at the Centre, you should call 410-749-RING (7464) before the slots are completely filled. ringabell4tsa@verizon.net
Rules, No-Shows Compound Difficulties in Afghanistan
Kashk-E-Nokhowd, Afghanistan.
Army Capt. Casey Thoreen wiped the last bit of sleep from his eyes before the sun rose over his isolated combat outpost.
His soldiers did the same as they checked and double-checked their weapons and communications equipment. Ahead was a dangerous foot patrol into the heart of Taliban territory.
"Has anyone seen the [Afghan National Army] guys?" asked Capt. Thoreen, 30, the commander of Blackwatch Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment with the 5th Stryker Brigade. "Are they not showing up?"
A soldier, who looked ghostly in the reddish light of a headlamp, shook his head.
"We can't do anything if we don't have the ANA or [the Afghan National Police]," said a frustrated Capt. Thoreen.
"We have to follow the Karzai 12 rules. But the Taliban has no rules," he said. "Our soldiers have to juggle all these rules and regulations and they do it without hesitation despite everything. It's not easy for anyone out here."
"Karzai 12" refers to Afghanistan's newly re-elected president, Hamid Karzai, and a dozen rules set down by Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, the commander of U.S.-led forces in Afghanistan, to try to keep Afghan civilian casualties to a minimum.
"It's a framework to ensure cultural sensitivity in planning and executing operations," said Capt. Thoreen. "It's a set of rules and could be characterized as part of the ROE," he said, referring to the rules of engagement.
Dozens of U.S. soldiers who spoke to The Washington Times during a recent visit to southern Afghanistan said these rules sometimes make a perilous mission even more difficult and dangerous. Many times, the soldiers said, insurgents have escaped because U.S. forces are enforcing the rules. Meanwhile, they say, the toll of U.S. dead and injured is mounting. By mid-November, Capt. Thoreen's unit had lost five soldiers to suicide bombings and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Many more had been wounded and three of their Stryker vehicles had been destroyed.
In his Aug. 30 assessment of the situation in Afghanistan, which was leaked to the press, Gen. McChrystal said that the legitimacy of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) had been "severely damaged … in the eyes of the Afghan people" because of "an over-reliance on firepower and force protection."
To succeed, he wrote, "ISAF will have to change its operating culture to pursue a counterinsurgency approach that puts the Afghan people first." This entails "accepting some risk in the short term [but] will ultimately save lives in the long term."
The Times compiled an informal list of the new rules from interviews with U.S. forces. Among them:
• No night or surprise searches.
• Villagers have to be warned prior to searches.
• ANA or ANP must accompany U.S. units on searches.
• U.S. soldiers may not fire at the enemy unless the enemy is preparing to fire first.
• U.S. forces cannot engage the enemy if civilians are present.
• Only women can search women.
• Troops can fire at an insurgent if they catch him placing an IED but not if insurgents are walking away from an area where explosives have been laid.
The mission
Without Afghan army or police, Capt. Thoreen and his troops were about to scuttle their mission: a house-to-house search for weapons and insurgents in the poor Pashtun village of Kashk-E Nokhowd, combined with an effort to win over the village's 200 residents by passing out toys, pencils and toiletries.
Finally, a small ragtag group of Afghan police arrived to accompany the Americans. The Afghan army was a no-show.
The police, some of whom who looked as young as 13 in their oversized uniforms, have a poor reputation in the local Maywand district for corruption and extortion.
"I'm guessing it was too early for the Afghan National Army to get up out of bed and help us out," Capt. Thoreen said. "They're probably still asleep. Unbelievable."
"Is everyone accounted for?" he asked. "Let's move — stagger your positions."
As the sun revealed the Red Mountain of Maywand, the soldiers headed out the gate of combat outpost Rath with weapons ready.
They set up a security perimeter near a more than century-old British fortress, whose crumbling walls overshadowed the small outpost.In 1880, British and Indian forces fought and lost a battle here against Afghan forces led by a girl named Mawali, a Pashtun interpreter told The Times. He asked that his name not be used to protect himself and his family from Taliban retribution.
"She told the men in the village that they were not men if they would not raise their arms to fight the enemy," he said. "They were so embarrassed they went to battle and Pashtun farmers killed more than 6,000 British and Indian soldiers."
The interpreter said this Pashtun Joan of Arc was buried not far from the village. On this day, however, there was not a woman in sight. Under the Taliban's strict interpretation of Islam, women are discouraged from appearing in public and are supposed to be shrouded head to toe in burqas.
Because of the Karzai 12 rules, U.S. forces have had to bring in American women to conduct searches of their Afghan counterparts.
So Cpl. Amy B. King, 42, a medic from Springfield, MO.; Spc. Dionalyn O. Bird, 29, a cook from Bloomfield, CT.; Spc. Toni Winkler, 20, a medic from South Carolina; and Sgt. Frevette J. Skelton, 31, a cook, entered the village with Capt. Thoreen's men.
"We have the women say their names before we search them because sometimes it's a man under the burqa," said Cpl. King. "In some cases, there are weapons on them."
"It's OK for the insurgents to use their women to hide weapons but it's not OK for us [men] to search them," said Staff Sgt. Joshua Yost, 27, of Shelton, WA. "So now, we have to break our own rules and bring women into combat just so they can search the women."
Dusty little faces peered over ancient salmon-colored mud walls as the Americans entered the village. The children giggled and pointed at the soldiers.
"Stop, don't walk any closer," the Pashtun interpreter told a farmer and two boys who emerged from the back of the old British fort. "Stop where you are."
More from the Washington Times exclusive here.
His soldiers did the same as they checked and double-checked their weapons and communications equipment. Ahead was a dangerous foot patrol into the heart of Taliban territory.
"Has anyone seen the [Afghan National Army] guys?" asked Capt. Thoreen, 30, the commander of Blackwatch Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment with the 5th Stryker Brigade. "Are they not showing up?"
A soldier, who looked ghostly in the reddish light of a headlamp, shook his head.
"We can't do anything if we don't have the ANA or [the Afghan National Police]," said a frustrated Capt. Thoreen.
"We have to follow the Karzai 12 rules. But the Taliban has no rules," he said. "Our soldiers have to juggle all these rules and regulations and they do it without hesitation despite everything. It's not easy for anyone out here."
"Karzai 12" refers to Afghanistan's newly re-elected president, Hamid Karzai, and a dozen rules set down by Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, the commander of U.S.-led forces in Afghanistan, to try to keep Afghan civilian casualties to a minimum.
"It's a framework to ensure cultural sensitivity in planning and executing operations," said Capt. Thoreen. "It's a set of rules and could be characterized as part of the ROE," he said, referring to the rules of engagement.
Dozens of U.S. soldiers who spoke to The Washington Times during a recent visit to southern Afghanistan said these rules sometimes make a perilous mission even more difficult and dangerous. Many times, the soldiers said, insurgents have escaped because U.S. forces are enforcing the rules. Meanwhile, they say, the toll of U.S. dead and injured is mounting. By mid-November, Capt. Thoreen's unit had lost five soldiers to suicide bombings and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Many more had been wounded and three of their Stryker vehicles had been destroyed.
In his Aug. 30 assessment of the situation in Afghanistan, which was leaked to the press, Gen. McChrystal said that the legitimacy of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) had been "severely damaged … in the eyes of the Afghan people" because of "an over-reliance on firepower and force protection."
To succeed, he wrote, "ISAF will have to change its operating culture to pursue a counterinsurgency approach that puts the Afghan people first." This entails "accepting some risk in the short term [but] will ultimately save lives in the long term."
The Times compiled an informal list of the new rules from interviews with U.S. forces. Among them:
• No night or surprise searches.
• Villagers have to be warned prior to searches.
• ANA or ANP must accompany U.S. units on searches.
• U.S. soldiers may not fire at the enemy unless the enemy is preparing to fire first.
• U.S. forces cannot engage the enemy if civilians are present.
• Only women can search women.
• Troops can fire at an insurgent if they catch him placing an IED but not if insurgents are walking away from an area where explosives have been laid.
The mission
Without Afghan army or police, Capt. Thoreen and his troops were about to scuttle their mission: a house-to-house search for weapons and insurgents in the poor Pashtun village of Kashk-E Nokhowd, combined with an effort to win over the village's 200 residents by passing out toys, pencils and toiletries.
Finally, a small ragtag group of Afghan police arrived to accompany the Americans. The Afghan army was a no-show.
The police, some of whom who looked as young as 13 in their oversized uniforms, have a poor reputation in the local Maywand district for corruption and extortion.
"I'm guessing it was too early for the Afghan National Army to get up out of bed and help us out," Capt. Thoreen said. "They're probably still asleep. Unbelievable."
"Is everyone accounted for?" he asked. "Let's move — stagger your positions."
As the sun revealed the Red Mountain of Maywand, the soldiers headed out the gate of combat outpost Rath with weapons ready.
They set up a security perimeter near a more than century-old British fortress, whose crumbling walls overshadowed the small outpost.In 1880, British and Indian forces fought and lost a battle here against Afghan forces led by a girl named Mawali, a Pashtun interpreter told The Times. He asked that his name not be used to protect himself and his family from Taliban retribution.
"She told the men in the village that they were not men if they would not raise their arms to fight the enemy," he said. "They were so embarrassed they went to battle and Pashtun farmers killed more than 6,000 British and Indian soldiers."
The interpreter said this Pashtun Joan of Arc was buried not far from the village. On this day, however, there was not a woman in sight. Under the Taliban's strict interpretation of Islam, women are discouraged from appearing in public and are supposed to be shrouded head to toe in burqas.
Because of the Karzai 12 rules, U.S. forces have had to bring in American women to conduct searches of their Afghan counterparts.
So Cpl. Amy B. King, 42, a medic from Springfield, MO.; Spc. Dionalyn O. Bird, 29, a cook from Bloomfield, CT.; Spc. Toni Winkler, 20, a medic from South Carolina; and Sgt. Frevette J. Skelton, 31, a cook, entered the village with Capt. Thoreen's men.
"We have the women say their names before we search them because sometimes it's a man under the burqa," said Cpl. King. "In some cases, there are weapons on them."
"It's OK for the insurgents to use their women to hide weapons but it's not OK for us [men] to search them," said Staff Sgt. Joshua Yost, 27, of Shelton, WA. "So now, we have to break our own rules and bring women into combat just so they can search the women."
Dusty little faces peered over ancient salmon-colored mud walls as the Americans entered the village. The children giggled and pointed at the soldiers.
"Stop, don't walk any closer," the Pashtun interpreter told a farmer and two boys who emerged from the back of the old British fort. "Stop where you are."
More from the Washington Times exclusive here.
Justice Delayed
Holder’s friends in the al-Qaeda bar caused the trial delays he now criticizes.
Of all the infuriating aspects of the decision to transfer five 9/11 war criminals to civilian federal court, the one that grates most is the contention that the Obama administration is finally moving forward after “eight years of delay” — as Attorney General Eric Holder put it at his Friday press conference — during which the Bush administration managed to complete only three military-commission trials.
This is chutzpah writ large. The principal reason there were so few military trials is the tireless campaign conducted by leftist lawyers to derail military tribunals by challenging them in the courts. Many of those lawyers are now working for the Obama Justice Department. That includes Holder, whose firm, Covington & Burling, volunteered its services to at least 18 of America’s enemies in lawsuits they brought against the American people. (During 2007 alone, Covington contributed more than 3,000 hours of free, top-flight legal assistance to our enemy detainees.)
Almost from the moment President Bush authorized military commissions in 2001, this legion of litigators flooded the courts with habeas corpus petitions, contending that military detention and trials violated the Constitution, the Uniform Code of Military Justice, and the Geneva Conventions. In 2004, the al-Qaeda bar induced the Supreme Court, in Rasul v. Bush, to grant enemies a statutory habeas corpus right to challenge their military detention in civilian court.
Congress tried to stop them by amending the habeas statute to divest the lower federal courts of jurisdiction in these lawsuits, but the al-Qaeda bar later persuaded the liberal bloc on the Court to ignore that amendment.
GO HERE to read more.
Of all the infuriating aspects of the decision to transfer five 9/11 war criminals to civilian federal court, the one that grates most is the contention that the Obama administration is finally moving forward after “eight years of delay” — as Attorney General Eric Holder put it at his Friday press conference — during which the Bush administration managed to complete only three military-commission trials.
This is chutzpah writ large. The principal reason there were so few military trials is the tireless campaign conducted by leftist lawyers to derail military tribunals by challenging them in the courts. Many of those lawyers are now working for the Obama Justice Department. That includes Holder, whose firm, Covington & Burling, volunteered its services to at least 18 of America’s enemies in lawsuits they brought against the American people. (During 2007 alone, Covington contributed more than 3,000 hours of free, top-flight legal assistance to our enemy detainees.)
Almost from the moment President Bush authorized military commissions in 2001, this legion of litigators flooded the courts with habeas corpus petitions, contending that military detention and trials violated the Constitution, the Uniform Code of Military Justice, and the Geneva Conventions. In 2004, the al-Qaeda bar induced the Supreme Court, in Rasul v. Bush, to grant enemies a statutory habeas corpus right to challenge their military detention in civilian court.
Congress tried to stop them by amending the habeas statute to divest the lower federal courts of jurisdiction in these lawsuits, but the al-Qaeda bar later persuaded the liberal bloc on the Court to ignore that amendment.
GO HERE to read more.
FIREBALLS AND METEORS
Space weather for Nov. 18, 2009:
As forecasters predicted, the Leonid meteor shower peaked during the late hours of Nov. 17th, favoring sky watchers in Asia with an outburst of 100+ meteors per hour. Just as the outburst was dying down, an even bigger event took place over the western USA. Something hit Earth's atmosphere and exploded with an energy equivalent of 0.5 to 1 kiloton of TNT. Witnesses in Colorado, Utah, Idaho and elsewhere say the fireball "turned night into day" and "shook the ground" when it exploded just after midnight Mountain Standard Time. Researchers who are analyzing infrasound recordings of the blast say the fireball was not a Leonid. It was probably a small asteroid, now scattered in fragments across the countryside.
http://spaceweather.com
As forecasters predicted, the Leonid meteor shower peaked during the late hours of Nov. 17th, favoring sky watchers in Asia with an outburst of 100+ meteors per hour. Just as the outburst was dying down, an even bigger event took place over the western USA. Something hit Earth's atmosphere and exploded with an energy equivalent of 0.5 to 1 kiloton of TNT. Witnesses in Colorado, Utah, Idaho and elsewhere say the fireball "turned night into day" and "shook the ground" when it exploded just after midnight Mountain Standard Time. Researchers who are analyzing infrasound recordings of the blast say the fireball was not a Leonid. It was probably a small asteroid, now scattered in fragments across the countryside.
http://spaceweather.com
Kratovil Backs Fire Grants Reauthorization Act Giving Needed Resources To Local Firefighters
Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Frank Kratovil, a member of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, joined House colleagues in passing HR 3791, the Fire Grants Reauthorization Act. This bipartisan bill, sponsored by Rep. Kratovil, reauthorizes two popular, critically important firefighter assistance programs – the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG) and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program – for the next five years. It also makes various changes and improvements to these two programs. These programs are administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Rep. Kratovil encourages all local fire departments to contact his office for assistance applying for these funds.
“Keeping our communities and families safe means ensuring that the agencies we trust to protect us have the needed funding and resources to do their jobs safely and effectively,” said Rep. Frank Kratovil. “The reauthorization of both these programs will ensure that local fire departments will continue to be eligible to apply for the federal funding that when coupled with local resources can help prevent disasters. I urge local fire departments to contact any of my offices for assistance in receiving a federal grant in this or any other program they are eligible for.”
Click Here to View a Fire Fighter Assistance Fact Sheet
Please Contact Rep. Kratovil’s District Offices for More Information
Centreville – 443 262-9136 - Salisbury – 410 334-3072 - Bel Air – 410 420 8822
“Keeping our communities and families safe means ensuring that the agencies we trust to protect us have the needed funding and resources to do their jobs safely and effectively,” said Rep. Frank Kratovil. “The reauthorization of both these programs will ensure that local fire departments will continue to be eligible to apply for the federal funding that when coupled with local resources can help prevent disasters. I urge local fire departments to contact any of my offices for assistance in receiving a federal grant in this or any other program they are eligible for.”
Click Here to View a Fire Fighter Assistance Fact Sheet
Please Contact Rep. Kratovil’s District Offices for More Information
Centreville – 443 262-9136 - Salisbury – 410 334-3072 - Bel Air – 410 420 8822
HUNGER AWARENESS WEEK
FIRST LADY TO SERVE BREAKFAST AT BARCLAY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN RECOGNITION OF MARYLAND HUNGER AWARENESS WEEK
ANNAPOLIS, MD First Lady O’Malley will attend Barclay Elementary School on Thursday to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Partnership to End Childhood Hunger and to recognize Maryland Hunger Awareness Week.
At 8 a.m. on Thursday, November 19, First Lady Katie O’Malley will arrive at Barclay Elementary School in Baltimore, Maryland to serve breakfast to the students and speak to them on the importance of eating well-balanced, nutritious meals and the importance of Maryland’s four Share Our Strength Programs throughout the State.
First Lady Katie O’Malley will highlight the importance of the raising awareness for this very critical issue affecting children and adults statewide and will speak about Maryland’s commitment to ensure that no child goes without the basic nourishment needed to thrive.
ANNAPOLIS, MD First Lady O’Malley will attend Barclay Elementary School on Thursday to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Partnership to End Childhood Hunger and to recognize Maryland Hunger Awareness Week.
At 8 a.m. on Thursday, November 19, First Lady Katie O’Malley will arrive at Barclay Elementary School in Baltimore, Maryland to serve breakfast to the students and speak to them on the importance of eating well-balanced, nutritious meals and the importance of Maryland’s four Share Our Strength Programs throughout the State.
First Lady Katie O’Malley will highlight the importance of the raising awareness for this very critical issue affecting children and adults statewide and will speak about Maryland’s commitment to ensure that no child goes without the basic nourishment needed to thrive.
Credit Card Fraud Suspects Sought
Location: Walmart, Wilton Boulevard, New Castle, Delaware, New Castle County
Date of Occurrence: November 12th, 2009
Suspect(s):
Black female, large build, 5' 8" to 5' 10', 35-45 years old, wearing a large black winter coat and a scarf on her head
Black male, average build, 5' 10" to 6' 2", 35-45 years old, wearing a black winter coat, blue jeans, baseball cap, and glasses.
Resume: On November 12th, at approximately 10:00 a.m., the suspects depicted below allegedly removed several credit cards from victim's wallet, which was located inside her purse, while the victim patroned the Cracker Barrel restaurant in Elkton, MD. The suspects proceeded to place wallet back inside the purse and exit the Cracker Barrel without ordering food. (This theft report was taken by the Elkton Police Department)
The suspects responded to the Elkton, Maryland Walmart, on Route 40, at approximately 11:30 a.m. at which time they obtained several thousand dollars worth of gift cards using victim’s stolen credit cards.
Next, the suspects responded to the New Castle Walmart, on Wilton Boulevard, at approximately 12:01 p.m. at which time the suspects obtained $200 in gift cards again using the victim's stolen credit card.
Suspects were last seen entering a dark colored sedan- possibly a 3 series BMW.
Anyone who may know these subjects is asked to call Troop 2 investigators at 302-834-2620 ext. 524 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800TIP-3333.
Suspicious Subject Approaches Teen at Bus Stop
Location: An undisclosed school bus stop along VanDever Avenue, Wilmington, Delaware
Date of Occurrence: Wednesday, November 18, 2009, at about 7:00 a.m.
Suspect(s): Unknown black male, 30 to 40 years old, 6’00” tall, 180 pounds, scruffy appearance whom was described as possibly homeless, wearing a long, knee length black coat, riding a bicycle.
Resume: Earlier this morning, a female sophomore from a New Castle County high school, walked to her bus stop on VanDever Avenue in the City of Wilmington. When she got to her stop, she observed a male subject approaching her on a bicycle. The female began to feel uncomfortable as this subject appeared to be staring at her.
The subject got off of his bike and began to walk toward the female. The girl started to walk away, and in an attempt to lose the subject, she walked in and out of parked cars. The subject followed suit and mimicked the young girl’s movements. The girl also advised the subject was mumbling at her.
At this same time, a fellow student, a male senior, saw his classmate and the subject and immediately knew something was wrong. He addressed the suspect and after the two exchanged words, he scared him off.
Anyone who may have information pertaining to this case is asked to call investigators at 302-832-0274 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333.
Although DSP is not identifying the school the girl attended, parents from the school were notified of the incident. Also, Wilmington Police Officers were notified and are expected to step up patrols in the area.
Parents of children who ride the bus to school are asked to share the facts of this incident with their kids and encourage them to tell an adult immediately should something like this happen to them.
Note: DSP is handling this investigation as it is school related.
WCBOE Awards & Recognitions Night Nov. 17
Honorees from the WCBOE Awards & Recognitions Night Nov. 17
Congratulations to all of the students, teachers, schools and community partners honored during the first Board of Education Awards & Recognitions Night of the 2009-10 school year. The event was held Tuesday, Nov. 17, at Willards Elementary School.
GO HERE to see the results.
Congratulations to all of the students, teachers, schools and community partners honored during the first Board of Education Awards & Recognitions Night of the 2009-10 school year. The event was held Tuesday, Nov. 17, at Willards Elementary School.
GO HERE to see the results.
Pontiac Silverdome Sells For Only $583,000
35 years ago, taxpayers paid $55.7 million to build the Pontiac Silverdome, former home of the Detroit Lions. The city of Pontiac has been itching to be free of the stadium's $1.5 million umaintenence bill, so it sold the property at auction. For $583,000.
The winning bidder is an unknown Canadian company that apparently wants to bring a soccer team to the Detroit area.
From the Detroit News:
"We had hoped it would have brought more, but now the city can be freed of its upkeep and get it back on the tax rolls," Leeb said. Pontiac Mayor Clarence Phillips said he was "disappointed" but knew the city had to shed the costly structure. Councilman Everett Seay said he expects someone — possibly a prospective buyer turned down in recent years — to file a lawsuit to block the sale.
"The citizens of Pontiac deserve better," Seay said. "This is pennies on the dollar (of what it cost). It goes to show how bad times are ... Worse, we don't even know who bought it."
The company, which Leeb described only as a Toronto-based group of real estate investors and a "family-run business," was one of four bidders considered during an auction at the Marriott Hotel. Others bidders were not identified and most left without talking to reporters.
It's too bad nobody told us they were accepting bids. Then again, Consumerist doesn't really believe in dome blogging.
Source
Great News From Allah
Great News:
Al Qaeda leader 'Abu Musab al-Zarqawi', killed by U.S. Forces in Iraq, has just met with the first of his 72 virgins that Allah had promised!!
Al Qaeda leader 'Abu Musab al-Zarqawi', killed by U.S. Forces in Iraq, has just met with the first of his 72 virgins that Allah had promised!!
A Neurological Test
A short neurological test
1- Find the C below.. Please do not use any cursor help.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOCOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
2- If you already found the C, now find the 6 below.
99999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999
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69999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999
99999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999
99999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999
3 - Now find the N below. It's a little more difficult.
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMNMM
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM
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MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM
This is NOT a joke. If you were able to pass these 3 tests, you can cancel your annual visit to your neurologist. Your brain is great and you're far from having a close relationship with Alzheimer.
1- Find the C below.. Please do not use any cursor help.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOCOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
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2- If you already found the C, now find the 6 below.
99999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999
99999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999
99999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999
69999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999
99999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999
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3 - Now find the N below. It's a little more difficult.
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMNMM
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM
This is NOT a joke. If you were able to pass these 3 tests, you can cancel your annual visit to your neurologist. Your brain is great and you're far from having a close relationship with Alzheimer.