Man, you guys sure do know how to keep a guy busy! Our visitor numbers are soaring through the roof and comments are at an all time high.
If there's one thing I enjoy more than anything else its when I see everyone getting involved and participating with comments. Well, I also enjoy seeing everyone coming back day after day and I can't thank you enough for doing so.
Onward and upward, as they say. We're lined up with plenty of Posts in the morning starting at 7:30 AM and as always we'll have a brand new Post every 5 minutes, (in case you haven't noticed that in the past) for your viewing pleasure.
One last thing. I happen to think one of the best features we're able to provide is the lost and found animals. We've been able to reunite every single animal we've posted on here and that's because of YOU. So thank you but please, put some tags on your pets so they can get home safe, sound and quickly. Have a great evening everyone.
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
Woman Jailed After Two Killed In Prince George's County Crash
A 30-year-old woman is in custody facing possible drunken driving charges in Prince George's County after police said she killed two men in crash on a local road.The incident happened just before 11 p.m. Monday in the 10100 block of Riggs Road in Adelphi, Md.
Police said Roy "Alex" Lacayo, 34, of Northeast Washington, and Justo Rosario Jr., 30, of Hyattsville, Md., were involved in a minor accident. The two men got out of their vehicles to exchange information. A woman driving a third vehicle struck them and their cars.
GO HERE to read more.
More Than 15,000 Local Workers Lost Jobs In 2009
Last year was a bad one for thousands of workers in the nation's capital. The D.C. area, including Arlington and Alexandria, lost 15,700 jobs in 2009, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.The unemployment rate at the end of the year was 6.2 percent.
While a bunch of Washingtonians lost their jobs, workers elsewhere had it even worse. Chicago (down 182,300 jobs) suffered the most job losses last year.
GO HERE to read more.
Found Dog
I've seen what your site can do to connect lost pets with their owners. I figured I'd give it a try.
For the past two days this sweet female yellow lab has been hanging around. With the cold temperatures and snow, we decided to bring her inside. She knows how to sit and shake and seems to be well taken care of (despite the many ticks on her), so it appears she is or was someone's pet. She was found on Johnson Rd about three miles past Snow Hill Rd. If anyone knows who she belongs to, please let us know.
Thanks!
mdgoodyear@gmail.com
Another Success Story
Hello,
On 1/20/2010 you posted info on a lost cat. I wanted to let you know that we have found our cat and appreciate your help.
Thanks,
Jonathan & Joy
Jonathan & Joy
Editors Note: Jonathan, it is our pleasure.
Uncle Steny: Freeze Our Pay Till The Budget Is Balanced?? You're Joking
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) rejected the idea of continuing a congressional pay freeze until Congress can balance the budget, saying that it would take “a long time” until the budget might be balanced – too long, he said, for Congress to go without a pay raise.
Speaking to reporters at his weekly press briefing, Hoyer explained that Congress had already frozen its pay by rejecting a cost of living increase. However, extending that freeze was too much for Hoyer to support.
A GOP Road Map For America's Future
Rep. Paul Ryan (WI-01) has re-introduced H.R. 4529, A Roadmap for America’s Future.
The Roadmap is a comprehensive plan to ensure health and retirement security, lift the growing burden of debt, and promote job creation and competitiveness in the 21st Century global economy.
Here are the principal elements:
• Health Care-- The plan ensures universal access to affordable health insurance by restructuring the tax code, allowing all Americans to secure an affordable health plan that best suits their needs, and shifting the control and ownership of health coverage away from the government and employers to individuals.
It provides a refundable tax credit—$2,300 for individuals and $5,700 for families—to purchase coverage (from another state if they so choose) and keep it with them if they move or change jobs. It establishes transparency in health-care price and quality data, so this critical information is readily available before someone needs health services.
State-based high risk pools will make affordable care available to those with pre-existing conditions. In addition to the tax credit, Medicaid will provide supplemental payments to low-income recipients so they too can obtain the health coverage of their choice and no longer be consigned to the stigmatized, sclerotic care that Medicaid has come to represent.
• Medicare-- The Road Map secures Medicare for current beneficiaries, while making common-sense reforms to save this critical program. It preserves the existing Medicare program for Americans currently 55 or older so they can receive the benefits they planned for throughout their working lives.
For those under 55—as they become Medicare-eligible—it creates a Medicare payment, initially averaging $11,000, to be used to purchase a Medicare certified plan. The payment is adjusted to reflect medical inflation, and pegged to income, with low-income individuals receiving greater support. The plan also provides risk adjustment, so those with greater medical needs receive a higher payment.
The proposal also fully funds Medical Savings Accounts (MSAs) for low-income beneficiaries, while continuing to allow all beneficiaries, regardless of income, to set up tax-free MSAs. Enacted together, these reforms will help keep Medicare solvent for generations to come.
• Social Security-- The Road Map preserves the existing Social Security program for those 55 or older. For those under 55, the plan offers the option of investing over one-third of their current Social Security taxes into personal retirement accounts, similar to the Thrift Savings Plan available to federal employees. This proposal includes a property right, so those who own these accounts can pass on the assets to their heirs. The plan also guarantees that individuals will not lose a dollar they contribute to their accounts, even after inflation.
The plan also makes the program permanently solvent by combining a modest adjustment in the growth of initial Social Security's benefits for higher-income individuals, with a gradual, modest increase in the retirement age.
• Tax Reform-- The Road Map offers an alternative to today's needlessly complex and unfair tax code, providing the option of a simplified system that promotes work, saving and investment.
This highly simplified code fits on a postcard. It has just two rates: 10% on income up to $100,000 for joint filers and $50,000 for single filers, and 25% on taxable income above these amounts. It also includes a generous standard deduction and personal exemption (totaling $39,000 for a family of four), and no tax loopholes, deductions, credits or exclusions (except the health-care tax credit).
The proposal eliminates the alternative minimum tax. It promotes saving by eliminating taxes on interest, capital gains, and dividends. It eliminates the death tax. It replaces the corporate income tax—currently the second highest in the industrialized world—with a business consumption tax of 8.5%. This new rate is roughly half the average in the industrialized world and will put American companies and workers in a stronger position to compete in a global economy.
Even without the Democratic spending spree, our fiscal outlook is deteriorating. They are only hastening the crisis. It is not too late to take control of our fiscal and economic future. But the longer we wait, the bigger the problem becomes and the more difficult our options for solving it.
The Road Map promotes our national prosperity by limiting government's burden of spending, mandates and regulation. It ensures the opportunity for individuals to fulfill their human potential and enjoy the satisfaction of their own achievements—and it secures the distinctly American legacy of leaving the next generation better off.
Mr. Ryan, a Republican congressman from Wisconsin, is the ranking member of the Budget Committee.
The Roadmap is a comprehensive plan to ensure health and retirement security, lift the growing burden of debt, and promote job creation and competitiveness in the 21st Century global economy.
Here are the principal elements:
• Health Care-- The plan ensures universal access to affordable health insurance by restructuring the tax code, allowing all Americans to secure an affordable health plan that best suits their needs, and shifting the control and ownership of health coverage away from the government and employers to individuals.
It provides a refundable tax credit—$2,300 for individuals and $5,700 for families—to purchase coverage (from another state if they so choose) and keep it with them if they move or change jobs. It establishes transparency in health-care price and quality data, so this critical information is readily available before someone needs health services.
State-based high risk pools will make affordable care available to those with pre-existing conditions. In addition to the tax credit, Medicaid will provide supplemental payments to low-income recipients so they too can obtain the health coverage of their choice and no longer be consigned to the stigmatized, sclerotic care that Medicaid has come to represent.
• Medicare-- The Road Map secures Medicare for current beneficiaries, while making common-sense reforms to save this critical program. It preserves the existing Medicare program for Americans currently 55 or older so they can receive the benefits they planned for throughout their working lives.
For those under 55—as they become Medicare-eligible—it creates a Medicare payment, initially averaging $11,000, to be used to purchase a Medicare certified plan. The payment is adjusted to reflect medical inflation, and pegged to income, with low-income individuals receiving greater support. The plan also provides risk adjustment, so those with greater medical needs receive a higher payment.
The proposal also fully funds Medical Savings Accounts (MSAs) for low-income beneficiaries, while continuing to allow all beneficiaries, regardless of income, to set up tax-free MSAs. Enacted together, these reforms will help keep Medicare solvent for generations to come.
• Social Security-- The Road Map preserves the existing Social Security program for those 55 or older. For those under 55, the plan offers the option of investing over one-third of their current Social Security taxes into personal retirement accounts, similar to the Thrift Savings Plan available to federal employees. This proposal includes a property right, so those who own these accounts can pass on the assets to their heirs. The plan also guarantees that individuals will not lose a dollar they contribute to their accounts, even after inflation.
The plan also makes the program permanently solvent by combining a modest adjustment in the growth of initial Social Security's benefits for higher-income individuals, with a gradual, modest increase in the retirement age.
• Tax Reform-- The Road Map offers an alternative to today's needlessly complex and unfair tax code, providing the option of a simplified system that promotes work, saving and investment.
This highly simplified code fits on a postcard. It has just two rates: 10% on income up to $100,000 for joint filers and $50,000 for single filers, and 25% on taxable income above these amounts. It also includes a generous standard deduction and personal exemption (totaling $39,000 for a family of four), and no tax loopholes, deductions, credits or exclusions (except the health-care tax credit).
The proposal eliminates the alternative minimum tax. It promotes saving by eliminating taxes on interest, capital gains, and dividends. It eliminates the death tax. It replaces the corporate income tax—currently the second highest in the industrialized world—with a business consumption tax of 8.5%. This new rate is roughly half the average in the industrialized world and will put American companies and workers in a stronger position to compete in a global economy.
Even without the Democratic spending spree, our fiscal outlook is deteriorating. They are only hastening the crisis. It is not too late to take control of our fiscal and economic future. But the longer we wait, the bigger the problem becomes and the more difficult our options for solving it.
The Road Map promotes our national prosperity by limiting government's burden of spending, mandates and regulation. It ensures the opportunity for individuals to fulfill their human potential and enjoy the satisfaction of their own achievements—and it secures the distinctly American legacy of leaving the next generation better off.
Mr. Ryan, a Republican congressman from Wisconsin, is the ranking member of the Budget Committee.
Surprise Post Tonight
Folks, we're going to deliver a News Brief some time after 6:00 PM tonight. Its something I think you'll enjoy.
We are Governed by Those Who Show Up: The Very Expensive Civic Center Parking Lot
Today's public hearing on Rick Pollitt's desire to use a Maryland state grant to purchase a parking lot for the Civic Center was held. More details of this proposal are available here.
It's a shame this public hearing was held on a work day and snow day for children, when many tax payers were unable to attend the WCC meeting. As a result, the majority of folks who attended and spoke out were not the tax base, but special interests advocating for this outrageous expenditure.
County executive; Rick Pollitt made his case in his favorite Pollitt friendly media venue, The Daily Times Sunday, claiming the money used for the Open Spaces funds are not our tax dollars. "No, it is not. Not unless you bought or sold property in an agriculture district recently." he said. Well Mr. Pollitt, that is not entirely true. At least according to John Cannon. The transfer taxes you speak of that fund the "Open Space" grants go into the general fund before they are reallocated to various grants, so while transfer stamps make up some of the funding, the truth is the funding comes out of the general fund. Bottom line is this is absolutely OUR TAX MONEY.
According to Joe Albero; he met with Rick Pollitt after he won the county executive seat and they discussed the "old mall" parking lot and Rick's desire to acquire it for the Civic Center parking. Rick promised Joe; "I promise you the county will never pay a dime for that property." Joe asked how that was possible. Pollitt responded that the county would barter it for another piece of county owned land or some other option but the "county tax payer" will never pay a dime for it. Pollitt seems to be confused now as to where state grant funding comes from.
Certainly there is a case for needing more parking space at the Civic Center. The question really is at what and whose cost? This issue has been around for years and it is my understanding that the City of Salisbury dithered around with it for so long that they lost the original deal which would have offered the first 5 acres for free. Whether that was a good deal or not, is irrelevant now. The point is this has been a discussion for many years and all other options have seemly been dismissed.
While the majority who spoke out today are having their palms greased by the Civic Center in some way, most fiscal conservatives question over paying for such a property during an economic crisis, for a facility that is a tax drain on the county. Certainly with all the land that the county owns; including the Wicomico County owned stadium across the street, The Wicomico High School down the block, the currently un-utilized space and would-be parking area on the Civic Center's current property, the Shore Birds stadium, the old Bennett grounds, all the property Salisbury University has taken over, I mean acquired, as well as other countless county property expansions, there ARE other alternative, not withstanding fee base parking. Sadly they seem to be ignored.
Instead, we as tax payers, in a state with a 2 billion dollar shortfall, are being forced to take this "free money" from the state, instead of demanding that the state use it to balance their budget. "Use it or loose it" is the mantra. and that my friends is the basis of the problems and our fiscal woes. If local municipalities would just start to refuse state and federal "free" stimulus money we could dig ourselves our of this economic mess but the excuse we keep hearing over and over again is, if "we don't use it somebody else will". Well, my advise to the Council Council is to grow some gonads and start being the example of how to be good stewards of our money or find yourself unelected next election.
The other prevalent argument was "we have to spend money to make money" Oh yea? Borrowed money you mean? That will get you bankrupt pretty quickly. Additionally, you have never made money, why should we trust you now? We heard this same sort of thing from the Obama administration when he pushed for the stimulus funds and continue to raise the debt ceiling. "We need to spend our way out of this economic down turn." is the sentiment. How's that working out for you?
The message I heard from many of the special interests today was "We know what's good for you and you don't", followed by an invitation to meet with them so we could "understand" properly why this broken down structure would finally, after decades, make a profit if only they had a $300,000 plus per acre parking lot. A price tag that most agree is well above market price by probably two-fold. Added to this is; the 1.5 million dollar price tag is only the purchase cost. There is the removal of the current asphalt, the cost of the run off issue, at least another 1.5 million to pave it, then there is the little decorative islands and trees, the lighting, the maintenance and the security that will surely be needed, let a lone crossing guards. Where is this money going to come from? You and I. The claim that putting in this parking space will be a revenue maker is pretty well snuffed out in light of a balance sheet revealing all the costs.
Unfortunately, the tax payer footing this bill didn't have much of a voice today. However, there are plenty of people that oppose it.
It's a shame this public hearing was held on a work day and snow day for children, when many tax payers were unable to attend the WCC meeting. As a result, the majority of folks who attended and spoke out were not the tax base, but special interests advocating for this outrageous expenditure.
County executive; Rick Pollitt made his case in his favorite Pollitt friendly media venue, The Daily Times Sunday, claiming the money used for the Open Spaces funds are not our tax dollars. "No, it is not. Not unless you bought or sold property in an agriculture district recently." he said. Well Mr. Pollitt, that is not entirely true. At least according to John Cannon. The transfer taxes you speak of that fund the "Open Space" grants go into the general fund before they are reallocated to various grants, so while transfer stamps make up some of the funding, the truth is the funding comes out of the general fund. Bottom line is this is absolutely OUR TAX MONEY.
According to Joe Albero; he met with Rick Pollitt after he won the county executive seat and they discussed the "old mall" parking lot and Rick's desire to acquire it for the Civic Center parking. Rick promised Joe; "I promise you the county will never pay a dime for that property." Joe asked how that was possible. Pollitt responded that the county would barter it for another piece of county owned land or some other option but the "county tax payer" will never pay a dime for it. Pollitt seems to be confused now as to where state grant funding comes from.
Certainly there is a case for needing more parking space at the Civic Center. The question really is at what and whose cost? This issue has been around for years and it is my understanding that the City of Salisbury dithered around with it for so long that they lost the original deal which would have offered the first 5 acres for free. Whether that was a good deal or not, is irrelevant now. The point is this has been a discussion for many years and all other options have seemly been dismissed.
While the majority who spoke out today are having their palms greased by the Civic Center in some way, most fiscal conservatives question over paying for such a property during an economic crisis, for a facility that is a tax drain on the county. Certainly with all the land that the county owns; including the Wicomico County owned stadium across the street, The Wicomico High School down the block, the currently un-utilized space and would-be parking area on the Civic Center's current property, the Shore Birds stadium, the old Bennett grounds, all the property Salisbury University has taken over, I mean acquired, as well as other countless county property expansions, there ARE other alternative, not withstanding fee base parking. Sadly they seem to be ignored.
Instead, we as tax payers, in a state with a 2 billion dollar shortfall, are being forced to take this "free money" from the state, instead of demanding that the state use it to balance their budget. "Use it or loose it" is the mantra. and that my friends is the basis of the problems and our fiscal woes. If local municipalities would just start to refuse state and federal "free" stimulus money we could dig ourselves our of this economic mess but the excuse we keep hearing over and over again is, if "we don't use it somebody else will". Well, my advise to the Council Council is to grow some gonads and start being the example of how to be good stewards of our money or find yourself unelected next election.
The other prevalent argument was "we have to spend money to make money" Oh yea? Borrowed money you mean? That will get you bankrupt pretty quickly. Additionally, you have never made money, why should we trust you now? We heard this same sort of thing from the Obama administration when he pushed for the stimulus funds and continue to raise the debt ceiling. "We need to spend our way out of this economic down turn." is the sentiment. How's that working out for you?
The message I heard from many of the special interests today was "We know what's good for you and you don't", followed by an invitation to meet with them so we could "understand" properly why this broken down structure would finally, after decades, make a profit if only they had a $300,000 plus per acre parking lot. A price tag that most agree is well above market price by probably two-fold. Added to this is; the 1.5 million dollar price tag is only the purchase cost. There is the removal of the current asphalt, the cost of the run off issue, at least another 1.5 million to pave it, then there is the little decorative islands and trees, the lighting, the maintenance and the security that will surely be needed, let a lone crossing guards. Where is this money going to come from? You and I. The claim that putting in this parking space will be a revenue maker is pretty well snuffed out in light of a balance sheet revealing all the costs.
Unfortunately, the tax payer footing this bill didn't have much of a voice today. However, there are plenty of people that oppose it.
A comment on this blog that seems right on to me: "It seems that most governments don't realize that every time they purchase a property not only are they wasting taxpayers money but they are also removing it from the tax base which leaves less revenue for that government for eternity. In reality, most local governments should be selling excess property to generate revenue, not buying more. There must be something in this purchase for Pollitt if you know what I mean."
The president of the Wicomico County Council; Gail Bartkovich, asked the vote be moved to the next meeting at 10am on Tuesday, February 16th. She then asked that citizens please email their opinions to council on this matter via the WCC website. A simple "yes" or "no" would suffice, so please make your opinion known.Or simply email them here: countycouncil@wicomicocounty.org
A suggestion might be that alcohol sales would be a good first step in creating the revenue stream necessary to expand the Civic Centers business model and the affordability to expand.
4 Of Wicomico County's Most Wanted Are Sex Offenders
SEX OFFENDERS - WCSO MOST WANTED
Now more than ever, it is important to be aware of your environment and the people in it.
Our website http://www.wicomicosheriff.com/ has a link to the Wicomico County Sex Offender Registry. This site includes the name, address, description, and photo of every registered Sex Offender in Wicomico County. There are currently over 160. This includes those who live or work within our county. This site is searchable by name, street, or town. We at the Sheriff’s Office recommend that you take a few minutes to visit our site and familiarize yourself with how it operates. Also on our website are links to both the Maryland State Sex Offender Registry and the Federal Sex Offender Registry. With other jurisdictions so close to Wicomico County, these both can be a valuable resource. Though it is important to remember that in order to be “in compliance” with current laws, an offender need only to register twice a year and provide a current, valid address.
If you have any questions or concerns reference to a Sex Offender, please contact our office at (410) 548-4891.
Winter Storm Could Be Another Monster
Could this really be happening? Two major snowstorms within seven days in the mid-Atlantic region. Across the northern tier of the country, big winter storms can happen in rapid succession, but that rarely occurs in the mid-Atlantic region.
It's going to this time, though. Later this week, there will be another big snowstorm in northern Virginia, Maryland and Delaware, and this time the heavy snow could migrate up to central Pennsylvania and central New Jersey. So, what is the biggest amount of snow accumulations in this region? How about 8 inches for starters, and there could be much more if everything were to line up perfectly.
This is going to be a widespread snowstorm with its effects being felt in the Midwest and across much of the Great Plains. A band from central Indiana, back across Illinois and northern Missouri could get more than 6 inches of snow from the storm.
In regards to there being two storms on the map shown here, this will be a case in which one hands off to the other. The storm tracking in Tennessee will be the main low which will hand off its energy to secondary storm along the East Coast. Simply a classic situation for snow in all ways.
ACCUWEATHER
Concerning Dog In These Temperatures
Please correct me if I am wrong, but I remember reading a post of yours that said it is illegal to have animals in weather they are not accustomed to, and that there is a law stating the owner is responsible for getting them inside.......etc...
I called the sheriff's dept this morning referencing a dog on the corner of fire tower and nanticoke rds., and they said to call the humane society. The lady I spoke to told me they can't do anything, and to call the humane society. I called the humane society, and I spoke to a woman, I explained to her yes this animal does have an igloo and a 'bucket' of water. Frozen, I have no clue... She said there is nothing they can do as long as they have shelter, food and water....
I mentioned to her about the freezing temperatures and the animal not being accustomed to these cold times, and she let me know that the law I was speaking about got shut down a few years ago, and there is nothing they could do about it....
I am worried for this animal and would like to see it rescued.....
Am I wrong saying that I read your post saying to call the sheriff's dept, and they would help?
Thank You .......
I called the sheriff's dept this morning referencing a dog on the corner of fire tower and nanticoke rds., and they said to call the humane society. The lady I spoke to told me they can't do anything, and to call the humane society. I called the humane society, and I spoke to a woman, I explained to her yes this animal does have an igloo and a 'bucket' of water. Frozen, I have no clue... She said there is nothing they can do as long as they have shelter, food and water....
I mentioned to her about the freezing temperatures and the animal not being accustomed to these cold times, and she let me know that the law I was speaking about got shut down a few years ago, and there is nothing they could do about it....
I am worried for this animal and would like to see it rescued.....
Am I wrong saying that I read your post saying to call the sheriff's dept, and they would help?
Thank You .......
SNOW REMOVAL FROM SIDEWALKS
The City of Salisbury wants to remind property owners that sidewalks throughout the City shall be free of snow to ensure safe travel of pedestrians.
Chapter 12 of the Salisbury Municipal Code states:
All owners and persons in possession of any land or premises situated on any street within the city where sidewalks are laid shall remove the snow from the entire length thereof for a width of at least four feet and may deposit the same along the remaining portion of such sidewalks nearest the curb within six hours after it has ceased falling, unless the same shall have fallen between the hours of five p.m. and seven a.m., in which case it shall be removed before two p.m. In the event that the snow is not removed within the time and manner above provided, the owner or person in possession shall be notified to forthwith remove the same and, in the event of a failure to do so, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. In addition, the city may cause the same to be removed as above specified and charge the cost thereof against the owner or occupant, to be recovered by suit.
NSCC accepts calls for service (complaints) regarding violations of Chapter 12. To contact Neighborhood Services & Code compliance please call (410) 341-9550 Monday thru Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Chapter 12 of the Salisbury Municipal Code states:
All owners and persons in possession of any land or premises situated on any street within the city where sidewalks are laid shall remove the snow from the entire length thereof for a width of at least four feet and may deposit the same along the remaining portion of such sidewalks nearest the curb within six hours after it has ceased falling, unless the same shall have fallen between the hours of five p.m. and seven a.m., in which case it shall be removed before two p.m. In the event that the snow is not removed within the time and manner above provided, the owner or person in possession shall be notified to forthwith remove the same and, in the event of a failure to do so, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. In addition, the city may cause the same to be removed as above specified and charge the cost thereof against the owner or occupant, to be recovered by suit.
NSCC accepts calls for service (complaints) regarding violations of Chapter 12. To contact Neighborhood Services & Code compliance please call (410) 341-9550 Monday thru Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Backdoor Taxes To Hit Middle Class
NEW YORK (Reuters.com) --The Obama administration's plan to cut more than $1 trillion from the deficit over the next decade relies heavily on so-called backdoor tax increases that will result in a bigger tax bill for middle-class families.
In the 2010 budget tabled by President Barack Obama on Monday, the White House wants to let billions of dollars in tax breaks expire by the end of the year -- effectively a tax hike by stealth.
While the administration is focusing its proposal on eliminating tax breaks for individuals who earn $250,000 a year or more, middle-class families will face a slew of these backdoor increases.
The targeted tax provisions were enacted under the Bush administration's Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001. Among other things, the law lowered individual tax rates, slashed taxes on capital gains and dividends, and steadily scaled back the estate tax to zero in 2010.
GO HERE to read more.
In the 2010 budget tabled by President Barack Obama on Monday, the White House wants to let billions of dollars in tax breaks expire by the end of the year -- effectively a tax hike by stealth.
While the administration is focusing its proposal on eliminating tax breaks for individuals who earn $250,000 a year or more, middle-class families will face a slew of these backdoor increases.
The targeted tax provisions were enacted under the Bush administration's Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001. Among other things, the law lowered individual tax rates, slashed taxes on capital gains and dividends, and steadily scaled back the estate tax to zero in 2010.
GO HERE to read more.
Good Lord
Is the entire County on Salisbury News right now, or what. I just looked at Site Meter and saw the highest number of visitors in one hour than I've ever seen in the history of owning this Blog.
Man, if you think that new was big, wait til this Saturday's "Joe Albero Show" on WRDE. You talk about some hot topics/video. Don't make any plans at 9:00 AM on Saturday, that's for sure.
In fact, let me take this opportunity to personally invite former Mayor Barrie Tilghman to this week's Show as she will be the main subject on how the Blogs were born. That's channel 9 on Comcast or channel 99 on Mediacom.
Thanks for visiting Folks.
Man, if you think that new was big, wait til this Saturday's "Joe Albero Show" on WRDE. You talk about some hot topics/video. Don't make any plans at 9:00 AM on Saturday, that's for sure.
In fact, let me take this opportunity to personally invite former Mayor Barrie Tilghman to this week's Show as she will be the main subject on how the Blogs were born. That's channel 9 on Comcast or channel 99 on Mediacom.
Thanks for visiting Folks.
The Thrift Travel Inn Being Forced To Close For Good
The Feds have closed the Thrift Travel Inn for good. Signs should be posted on location at this time. This is the result of the Wicomico County States Attorney's Office as well as the Salisbury Police Department. We hope to provide a Press Release some time soon.UPDATE: The actual terms are as follows. It has been posted with a Complaint of Forfeiture.
Today's Survey Question
Do You Support The Purchase Of 5 Acres Of Land
For $300,000.00 Per Acre
Across The Street From The Civic Center?
Yes or No
Middletown Man Charged With Embezzling Funds
Location: Mr. Mulch, 4821 Summit Bridge Road, Middletown, Delaware, New Castle County
Date and Time: 2007 – 2009
Suspect(s): Andrew Chambers, 25, of East Dickerson Lane in Middletown, Delaware
Resume: Earlier today, detectives from the Troop 2 Financial Crimes Division completed a long term investigation and arrested Andrew Chambers for Theft and Falsifying Business Records, both felonies.
Back on September 19th of 2009, a representative from Mr. Mulch, located on Summit Bridge Road, called authorities to report an employee of the business had stolen money from the company between 2007 and 2009.
Detectives sorted through three years worth of business records and learned that Mr. Chambers had altered the company’s business records and also wrote checks to himself, allowing him to appropriate $79,946.20. As the General Manager of the business, Chambers had access to the aforementioned records and also had access to the company’s bank account.
Chambers voluntarily turned himself in to authorities today. Upon his arraignment, he was released on a $6,000.00 unsecured bond.
Suspect’s Identify Sought In Assault / Shoplifting / Arrested
Resume: Yesterday afternoon, at around 3:30 p.m., a Concord Mall Sears loss-prevention officer called the Troop 1 Retail Theft Unit to advise them the suspect in the Shop Rite incident (which occurred on January 27th and outlined below in the original news release) was currently in their store, shoplifting.
The suspect was observed concealing some items in a bag. He then left the store and walked into the parking lot. Officers arrived quickly on the scene and spotted the suspect in front of the store. The suspect saw the Troopers, dropped the bag of stolen goods and got into a Dodge pick-up truck.
The suspect fled the scene onto northbound Concord Pike where he was observed driving recklessly, going through red lights and traveling at a high rate of speed. The Trooper in pursuit elected to call off the chase due to the suspect’s wanton disregard for others. He did, however, obtain the suspect vehicle’s tag number.
Later in the evening DSP officers, accompanied by Pennsylvania State Troopers, responded to the registered owner’s address of the Dodge truck. There, they located the suspect in question- Ryan Schaffer, 20, of Rotherfield Lane in Chadds Ford, PA. During this investigation, Troopers recovered clothing Mr. Schaffer was wearing during both the Sears and Shop Rite incidents.
Schaffer was taken into custody without incident and is currently being held at the Delaware County Prison on a $100,000 cash bail pending extradition back to Delaware. Once back in The First State, Ryan Schaffer will be charged with the following offenses: Assault 2nd (felony), Disregarding a Police Officer’s Signal (felony), two counts of Shoplifting (misdemeanor), Resisting Arrest (misdemeanor) and Reckless Driving (traffic offense).
GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY DELIVERS STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS
ANNAPOLIS, MD (February 2, 2010) – Governor Martin O’Malley delivered the 2010 State of the State address today before a joint session of the Maryland General Assembly, his fourth such address as Governor. The Governor’s address focused on job creation initiatives, and the need to work together, as One Maryland, to bring our State through this national economic recession more quickly than other states.
“In times of great adversity, we don’t make excuses – we make progress. We set aside partisanship and embrace the power of citizenship, guided by the values which unite us,” said Governor O’Malley. “In every part of our State I meet good people who have worked hard all their lives, only to watch their piece of the American dream slip away because of forces seemingly beyond their control. To rebuild and restore our economy, we must help our businesses create and save jobs. Jobs from innovation in science, security, and discovery. Jobs of noble and valuable service. Jobs that create and rebuild our vital connections of travel, trade, and business. Jobs that revitalize and restore our environment. Jobs in teaching, manufacturing, and healing. They all matter.”
A complete text of the Governor’s text as prepared for delivery is available here.
Governor O’Malley stressed the need for smart, sustainable government, noting that progress is only possible with fiscal responsibility. For four straight years, Governor O’Malley has submitted, and the General Assembly has passed, a budget that falls within strict spending affordability guidelines. And for the first time since the 1930s, General Fund spending is less now than it was four years ago. Total spending reductions are $5.6 billion under the O’Malley-Brown Administration, including over 3,500 state positions.
Maryland is one of only seven states to retain a Triple A bond rating, certified by all three major rating agencies. Maryland’s unemployment rate remains over 25 percent below the national average, and Maryland’s rate of job change was better than all but five other states last year.
Despite these positive economic indicators in Maryland, too many Maryland families are struggling through this recession, facing the loss of a job or their homes through no fault of their own. Governor O’Malley outlined specific strategies to create jobs, protect homeownership, and drive economic progress.
“Because of your work and the persistence of non-profit housing counselors and pro bono lawyers, many homes in Maryland have been saved, but many more have been lost in the relentless, grinding, home-destroying machinery of national mortgage companies. If they can pick up the phone to put a family into a home, shouldn’t they be able to pick up the phone before throwing a family out of their home,” Governor O’Malley said, urging members of the General Assembly to pass foreclosure mediation legislation that gives every Maryland homeowner the right to meet face-to-face with the mortgage company as part of a foreclosure proceeding.
He went on to outline initiatives to create jobs in Maryland, including:
Job Creation and Recovery Tax Credit (HB 92) would provide businesses a $3,000 per employee tax credit for every unemployed Marylander they hire. This tax credit could combine with President Obama’s proposed $5,000 federal tax credit to promote job creation.
Streamline the loan approval process for small businesses and expand access to credit by creating the Maryland Small Business Credit Recovery Program, offering a loan guaranty on small business deals through the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development’s current loan guaranty program - the Maryland Industrial Development Financing Authority Program (MIDFA).
$83 million in immediate tax relief for Maryland small business owners, and the infusion of $127 million in federal funds to stabilize the unemployment insurance trust fund.
Expanding the existing Heritage Tax Credit, reauthorizing as a Sustainable Communities Tax Credit by making Main Streets, Maple Streets, and transit-oriented development projects eligible for the credit (in addition to historic properties).
Even in difficult economic conditions, the O’Malley-Brown Administration has made the tough choices to move our State forward, achieving real progress for Maryland families:
For the second straight year, Maryland has been ranked by Education Week magazine as the number one ranked public school system in the nation.
Alone among the 50 states – we have made college more affordable for more families in Maryland by going four years in a row without a penny’s increase in college tuition for Maryland residents.
Violent crime in Maryland has been driven to its lowest levels since 1987 – including the steepest three-year reduction in homicides since the 1970s, and a 46 percent reduction in juvenile homicides over the same period.
Nearly 115,000 more people in Maryland have health coverage today who did not have it three years ago – 60,000 of them children.
Four rivers of the Chesapeake Bay are now getting healthier every year rather than sicker, and the O’Malley-Brown Administration has preserved five and half times the amount of open space than we did before.
The Blue Crab population is rebounding, and we are finally embracing the power of a new aquaculture industry to bring back the native Oyster.
“But in order to move forward as One Maryland, there is another kind of work which we must do as a people. It is not the work of our hands or of our heads, but of our hearts. For there is a dark thing that has penetrated deep into our collective soul, a thing that has to be recognized, seen for what it is and rejected by us all. It is the debilitating and un-American idea that our children will not enjoy a better quality of life than we have, that somehow we are destined to decline, backslide and fail,” said Governor O’Malley. “With every fiber of my being, I reject this notion. I find it utterly unacceptable and so do the generations ahead of ours. This recession will end. Our journey is not over. And our best days are still in front of us.”
A complete text of the Governor’s text as prepared for delivery is available here.
“In times of great adversity, we don’t make excuses – we make progress. We set aside partisanship and embrace the power of citizenship, guided by the values which unite us,” said Governor O’Malley. “In every part of our State I meet good people who have worked hard all their lives, only to watch their piece of the American dream slip away because of forces seemingly beyond their control. To rebuild and restore our economy, we must help our businesses create and save jobs. Jobs from innovation in science, security, and discovery. Jobs of noble and valuable service. Jobs that create and rebuild our vital connections of travel, trade, and business. Jobs that revitalize and restore our environment. Jobs in teaching, manufacturing, and healing. They all matter.”
A complete text of the Governor’s text as prepared for delivery is available here.
Governor O’Malley stressed the need for smart, sustainable government, noting that progress is only possible with fiscal responsibility. For four straight years, Governor O’Malley has submitted, and the General Assembly has passed, a budget that falls within strict spending affordability guidelines. And for the first time since the 1930s, General Fund spending is less now than it was four years ago. Total spending reductions are $5.6 billion under the O’Malley-Brown Administration, including over 3,500 state positions.
Maryland is one of only seven states to retain a Triple A bond rating, certified by all three major rating agencies. Maryland’s unemployment rate remains over 25 percent below the national average, and Maryland’s rate of job change was better than all but five other states last year.
Despite these positive economic indicators in Maryland, too many Maryland families are struggling through this recession, facing the loss of a job or their homes through no fault of their own. Governor O’Malley outlined specific strategies to create jobs, protect homeownership, and drive economic progress.
“Because of your work and the persistence of non-profit housing counselors and pro bono lawyers, many homes in Maryland have been saved, but many more have been lost in the relentless, grinding, home-destroying machinery of national mortgage companies. If they can pick up the phone to put a family into a home, shouldn’t they be able to pick up the phone before throwing a family out of their home,” Governor O’Malley said, urging members of the General Assembly to pass foreclosure mediation legislation that gives every Maryland homeowner the right to meet face-to-face with the mortgage company as part of a foreclosure proceeding.
He went on to outline initiatives to create jobs in Maryland, including:
Job Creation and Recovery Tax Credit (HB 92) would provide businesses a $3,000 per employee tax credit for every unemployed Marylander they hire. This tax credit could combine with President Obama’s proposed $5,000 federal tax credit to promote job creation.
Streamline the loan approval process for small businesses and expand access to credit by creating the Maryland Small Business Credit Recovery Program, offering a loan guaranty on small business deals through the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development’s current loan guaranty program - the Maryland Industrial Development Financing Authority Program (MIDFA).
$83 million in immediate tax relief for Maryland small business owners, and the infusion of $127 million in federal funds to stabilize the unemployment insurance trust fund.
Expanding the existing Heritage Tax Credit, reauthorizing as a Sustainable Communities Tax Credit by making Main Streets, Maple Streets, and transit-oriented development projects eligible for the credit (in addition to historic properties).
Even in difficult economic conditions, the O’Malley-Brown Administration has made the tough choices to move our State forward, achieving real progress for Maryland families:
For the second straight year, Maryland has been ranked by Education Week magazine as the number one ranked public school system in the nation.
Alone among the 50 states – we have made college more affordable for more families in Maryland by going four years in a row without a penny’s increase in college tuition for Maryland residents.
Violent crime in Maryland has been driven to its lowest levels since 1987 – including the steepest three-year reduction in homicides since the 1970s, and a 46 percent reduction in juvenile homicides over the same period.
Nearly 115,000 more people in Maryland have health coverage today who did not have it three years ago – 60,000 of them children.
Four rivers of the Chesapeake Bay are now getting healthier every year rather than sicker, and the O’Malley-Brown Administration has preserved five and half times the amount of open space than we did before.
The Blue Crab population is rebounding, and we are finally embracing the power of a new aquaculture industry to bring back the native Oyster.
“But in order to move forward as One Maryland, there is another kind of work which we must do as a people. It is not the work of our hands or of our heads, but of our hearts. For there is a dark thing that has penetrated deep into our collective soul, a thing that has to be recognized, seen for what it is and rejected by us all. It is the debilitating and un-American idea that our children will not enjoy a better quality of life than we have, that somehow we are destined to decline, backslide and fail,” said Governor O’Malley. “With every fiber of my being, I reject this notion. I find it utterly unacceptable and so do the generations ahead of ours. This recession will end. Our journey is not over. And our best days are still in front of us.”
A complete text of the Governor’s text as prepared for delivery is available here.
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County Council Meeting LIVE
In a packed house at the GOB, the County Council is reviewing a Power Point presentation. Public comment will follow. I will continue to update this Post as things progress.
Council wants to hold off any votes until the next meeting so the public has more time to review the information.
The Power Point is explaining how the Civic Center is such a gem to our community.
The Committee recommended the purchase of additional land for the Civic Center. They're discussing the lack of parking at the Civic Center.
$560,000.00 at risk if they lose the deal on the parking lot. Man, this is a complete crock. They're showing how much the County would lose if they don't buy the lot. I wonder how they've survived all these years.
They have admitted it will cost $330,000.00 per acre through Open Space oney from the State. NOT TRUE.
The State is offering $705,000.00 in hand for the purchase. They conveniently forgot who will pay the balance and are claiming they'll lose a lot of business from surrounding municipalities.
John Palmer, President of Voice is now speaking. John would have liked to see this meeting held at night so the public could attend. Mr. Pollitt claimed this open space money cannot be used for anything else. John is expressing how that is absolutely incorrect. They can divert that money to the roads division. O'Malley even agreed it was a great idea. Just because information is printed in the paper doesn't mean its true. John is concerned about liability. Crossing the road, lighting, the County will have more liability than what they're expressing.
They're going to have to remove the asphalt and they replacing it, adding 50% green space. Has there been any discussion as to what it will cost the taxpayers to "improve" the property, above and beyond the purchase price?
John Pick is now speaking for the Mayor. The Mayor supports the purchase. Blah, Blah, Blah, democrats supporting democrats.
Joe Shiller, (resident) is 100% in favor of the purchase and supports Rick Pollitt's Letter to the Editor.
Barbara Furbush is now speaking representing the Salisbury Kennel Club. They truly do use that space for Dog Show and could in fact lose all of their business if they cannot expand the parking lot and supports the purchase. This is one event I'd personally have to agree with.
One resident stated, if you want to add additional fees to each ticket sale to pay for the lot, good. Until then, these people from the Kennel Club Show are mainly coming in from out of state not paying the taxes to purchase the property.
The Hotel/Motel Association supports the purchase. Aren't these the same people that represent all of those Hotels/Motels that aren't able to pay their County/City taxes?
Getting back to the Salisbury Kennel Club above, Folks, I have to be fair and add, the Kennel Club had quite a reduction in traffic this past year. They suffered paying INCREASES the County charged them for leasing the Civic Center as well as their services, especially the Hospitality Suite. Now add a few million dollars to their overhead. I wonder if anyone will survive renting that space anyway?
Julie Brewington is now speaking, upset about the special interest groups there supporting this purchase. She is also upset with this not being a night time meeting. Our state is $2 billion in debt right now. This is one solution but it is not the only solution, (Very True Julie)
GA Harrison: Firmly against the purchase. We could charge for parking, yet Mr. Politt refuses to entertain such a proposal. I'll let GA express his opinion later.
Zia's is now speaking admitting they are one of the "special interests." He's claiming if they don't purchase the property his people could lose their jobs. Give me a freakin break. Another Government Business forcing taxpayers to spend money to support another local business to survive. I don't eat at Zia's because the food sucks. Mind you, I'm an Italian from the Bronx and grew up on REAL Italian food. You lost my business after the first time I walked into that place. Explain that Sir. Now he just said, "you have to spend money to make money." So WE need to spend our taxpayer money to make YOU money. UNBELIEVABLE!
Mary Ashonte, (sp?) is now speaking. She does support purchasing the land. She believes we'll make our money back. Does this woman just like to hear herself speak? She delivered no facts. She simply said that if you spend the money you'll make it back. OK Mary, do tell us why we should BELIEVE you, just because you say it? How much money has the Civic Center made for the taxpayers so far!
One gentleman is talking about maximizing tourism dollars. Does everyone realize the economy sucks right now. Granted, I'm not saying this is the wrong thing to do but buying land with false money doesn't work for me. That is, unless you have a printing press like Obama does.
Public Comment has closed.
Council wants to hold off any votes until the next meeting so the public has more time to review the information.
The Power Point is explaining how the Civic Center is such a gem to our community.
The Committee recommended the purchase of additional land for the Civic Center. They're discussing the lack of parking at the Civic Center.
$560,000.00 at risk if they lose the deal on the parking lot. Man, this is a complete crock. They're showing how much the County would lose if they don't buy the lot. I wonder how they've survived all these years.
They have admitted it will cost $330,000.00 per acre through Open Space oney from the State. NOT TRUE.
The State is offering $705,000.00 in hand for the purchase. They conveniently forgot who will pay the balance and are claiming they'll lose a lot of business from surrounding municipalities.
John Palmer, President of Voice is now speaking. John would have liked to see this meeting held at night so the public could attend. Mr. Pollitt claimed this open space money cannot be used for anything else. John is expressing how that is absolutely incorrect. They can divert that money to the roads division. O'Malley even agreed it was a great idea. Just because information is printed in the paper doesn't mean its true. John is concerned about liability. Crossing the road, lighting, the County will have more liability than what they're expressing.
They're going to have to remove the asphalt and they replacing it, adding 50% green space. Has there been any discussion as to what it will cost the taxpayers to "improve" the property, above and beyond the purchase price?
John Pick is now speaking for the Mayor. The Mayor supports the purchase. Blah, Blah, Blah, democrats supporting democrats.
Joe Shiller, (resident) is 100% in favor of the purchase and supports Rick Pollitt's Letter to the Editor.
Barbara Furbush is now speaking representing the Salisbury Kennel Club. They truly do use that space for Dog Show and could in fact lose all of their business if they cannot expand the parking lot and supports the purchase. This is one event I'd personally have to agree with.
One resident stated, if you want to add additional fees to each ticket sale to pay for the lot, good. Until then, these people from the Kennel Club Show are mainly coming in from out of state not paying the taxes to purchase the property.
The Hotel/Motel Association supports the purchase. Aren't these the same people that represent all of those Hotels/Motels that aren't able to pay their County/City taxes?
Getting back to the Salisbury Kennel Club above, Folks, I have to be fair and add, the Kennel Club had quite a reduction in traffic this past year. They suffered paying INCREASES the County charged them for leasing the Civic Center as well as their services, especially the Hospitality Suite. Now add a few million dollars to their overhead. I wonder if anyone will survive renting that space anyway?
Julie Brewington is now speaking, upset about the special interest groups there supporting this purchase. She is also upset with this not being a night time meeting. Our state is $2 billion in debt right now. This is one solution but it is not the only solution, (Very True Julie)
GA Harrison: Firmly against the purchase. We could charge for parking, yet Mr. Politt refuses to entertain such a proposal. I'll let GA express his opinion later.
Zia's is now speaking admitting they are one of the "special interests." He's claiming if they don't purchase the property his people could lose their jobs. Give me a freakin break. Another Government Business forcing taxpayers to spend money to support another local business to survive. I don't eat at Zia's because the food sucks. Mind you, I'm an Italian from the Bronx and grew up on REAL Italian food. You lost my business after the first time I walked into that place. Explain that Sir. Now he just said, "you have to spend money to make money." So WE need to spend our taxpayer money to make YOU money. UNBELIEVABLE!
Mary Ashonte, (sp?) is now speaking. She does support purchasing the land. She believes we'll make our money back. Does this woman just like to hear herself speak? She delivered no facts. She simply said that if you spend the money you'll make it back. OK Mary, do tell us why we should BELIEVE you, just because you say it? How much money has the Civic Center made for the taxpayers so far!
One gentleman is talking about maximizing tourism dollars. Does everyone realize the economy sucks right now. Granted, I'm not saying this is the wrong thing to do but buying land with false money doesn't work for me. That is, unless you have a printing press like Obama does.
Public Comment has closed.
A Recent Letter To Rick Pollitt
"Really Sir,
What are you thinking? I've written in the past to both the mayor and the governor about they're policy of buying land or starting unnecessary projects just because they can get the money from other coffers. It is still Our tax dollars being waisted. In a time when State & County employees are taking pay cuts, of which some are on the verge of Foreclosure or bankrupsy, government waste should not even have crossed your mind. That lot has been empty for years, it can stay that way until after this crisis is over, then you can go ahead and justify it. At this time we don't need to see our elected officials wasting our money. If this goes through, Expect to find yourself in a heated election, real soon.
I am sure that Salisbury News will remind everyone, during your next campaign, what a wastefull spender you were.
I hope you take my advice."
Tom Sawyer
What are you thinking? I've written in the past to both the mayor and the governor about they're policy of buying land or starting unnecessary projects just because they can get the money from other coffers. It is still Our tax dollars being waisted. In a time when State & County employees are taking pay cuts, of which some are on the verge of Foreclosure or bankrupsy, government waste should not even have crossed your mind. That lot has been empty for years, it can stay that way until after this crisis is over, then you can go ahead and justify it. At this time we don't need to see our elected officials wasting our money. If this goes through, Expect to find yourself in a heated election, real soon.
I am sure that Salisbury News will remind everyone, during your next campaign, what a wastefull spender you were.
I hope you take my advice."
Tom Sawyer
OCPD CONTINUE TO ARREST SUSPECTED DRUG DEALERS
On January 27 & 28, 2010, Ocean City Police Narcotics detectives concluded two different drug distribution investigations.
On January 27, 2010, OCPD detectives arrested Miranda L. Florio, 22-years-old of Ocean City, Maryland. Over the past two months; OCPD narcotics detectives conducted an undercover investigation of Florio for the illegal distribution of prescription drugs. Police obtained a Search and Seizure Warrant for Florio’s Ocean City residence and recovered various items of drug paraphernalia. Florio has been charged with three counts of distribution of prescription medication, and four counts of possession of controlled dangerous substances.
Florio was seen by an Ocean City District Court Commissioner and was held on $50,000 bond. Florio was transferred to the Worcester County Jail.
On January 28, 2010, the OCPD narcotics unit concluded a six-month drug distribution investigation with the arrest of Chase Allen Martin, 20-years-old of Ocean City, Maryland. OCPD detectives served a Search and Seizure Warrant at Martin’s Ocean City residence. Police recovered Marijuana, Morphine, Heroin and numerous prescription narcotics. Martin was charged with two counts of distribution of Marijuana, three counts of possession of Marijuana, four counts of possession of narcotic prescription medication and Theft under $1000.
Martin was seen by an Ocean City District Court Commissioner and was released after posting a $25,000 bond.
City Council Additional Work Session - February 8, 2010
PUBLIC NOTICE
The City Council has scheduled an additional work session for Monday, February 8, 2010.
The work session will begin following the conclusion of the Council’s regular 6:00 p.m. meeting in Council Chambers.
Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk
Make the right play to save your life and others.
Salisbury MD: The Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office announced today that they are teaming up with the National Football League (NFL), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and other State and local highway safety and law enforcement officials to remind everyone to designate a sober driver if they plan to be drinking alcohol on Super Bowl Sunday.
“We want to pass our safety message to everyone who will be drinking this weekend, real Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk,” said Sheriff Mike Lewis. “Please act responsibly, designate a sober driver before the Super Bowl party begins and leave your car keys at home.”
Super Bowl Sunday is one of America’s biggest and most entertaining national sporting events as friends and families gather to socialize and watch the big game. Yet, it has also become one of the Nation’s most dangerous days on the roadways due to impaired driving.
According to research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2008, fatalities in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes accounted for 32 percent of all motor vehicle traffic fatalities. On Super Bowl Sunday (February 3 to 5:59 am February 4), 49 percent of the fatalities occurred in crashes where a driver or motorcycle rider had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of .08 or higher.
“Designating a sober driver should be on the top of everyone’s Super Bowl party list,” said Sheriff Lewis. “It’s just one of several easy steps to help save lives.”
Additional tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration follows. To learn more information you can also visit www.stopimpaireddriving.org.
If you are hosting a Super Bowl party:
• Remember, you can be held liable and prosecuted if someone you served ends up in an impaired-driving crash.
• Make sure all of your guests designate their sober drivers in advance, or help arrange ride-sharing with other sober drivers.
• Serve lots of food and include lots of non-alcoholic beverages at the party.
• Stop serving alcohol at the end of the third quarter of the game and begin serving coffee and dessert.
• Keep the numbers for local cab companies handy, and take the keys away from anyone who is thinking of driving while impaired.
If you are attending a Super Bowl party or watching at a sports bar or restaurant:
• Designate your sober driver before the party begins and leave your car keys at home.
• Avoid drinking too much alcohol too fast. Pace yourself—eat enough food, take breaks, and alternate with non-alcoholic drinks.
• If you don’t have a designated driver, ask a sober friend for a ride home; call a cab, friend, or family member to come and get you; or just stay where you are and sleep it off until you are sober.
• Never let a friend get behind the wheel of their vehicle if you think they are about to drive while impaired. Remember, Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk.
• Always buckle up – it’s still your best defense against other impaired drivers.
Durbin, Schumer Prep For Fight With Donations To Senate Colleagues
The second- and third-ranking Senate Democratic leaders are doling out huge sums of cash, laying the groundwork for a leadership race should Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid lose reelection.
Sen. Charles Schumer (N.Y.), the vice chairman of the Democratic Conference, has been the biggest giver to Democratic Senate candidates, contributing $210,000 to colleagues and candidates.
During the same span, Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) has given $110,000 to Senate candidates.
The leaders gave money to newcomers and candidates facing tough races. But they also contributed to those whose reelection prospects seem solid, such as Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), who last won in liberal Vermont with 71 percent of the vote. While Leahy probably does not need the money for reelection, Durbin and Schumer may feel they need to contribute to his campaign to cement his loyalty.
Both lawmakers gave the money through their leadership political action committees (PACs), which allies say is a sign that they are preparing for a possible leadership battle if Reid (D-Nev.) loses reelection, a prospect that is looking more likely.
Spokesmen for Durbin and Schumer declined requests for comment.
“You have a leadership PAC for a reason: You give to people that you want to support you at some point in the future,” said a former aide to one of the Democratic leaders. “Is a future leadership race part of the calculation when you give? Yes, it is.”
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.), on the other hand, seems to be strengthening his grip on the top job, giving away $330,000 through his leadership PAC in 2009. That exceeds the $310,000 he doled out in 2008 and the $275,000 in 2007.
But McConnell is facing pressure from conservatives to move the party rightward. Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.), who has emerged as the strongest voice in the chamber for that movement, gave away $148,000 to candidates.
More.
Sen. Charles Schumer (N.Y.), the vice chairman of the Democratic Conference, has been the biggest giver to Democratic Senate candidates, contributing $210,000 to colleagues and candidates.
During the same span, Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) has given $110,000 to Senate candidates.
The leaders gave money to newcomers and candidates facing tough races. But they also contributed to those whose reelection prospects seem solid, such as Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), who last won in liberal Vermont with 71 percent of the vote. While Leahy probably does not need the money for reelection, Durbin and Schumer may feel they need to contribute to his campaign to cement his loyalty.
Both lawmakers gave the money through their leadership political action committees (PACs), which allies say is a sign that they are preparing for a possible leadership battle if Reid (D-Nev.) loses reelection, a prospect that is looking more likely.
Spokesmen for Durbin and Schumer declined requests for comment.
“You have a leadership PAC for a reason: You give to people that you want to support you at some point in the future,” said a former aide to one of the Democratic leaders. “Is a future leadership race part of the calculation when you give? Yes, it is.”
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.), on the other hand, seems to be strengthening his grip on the top job, giving away $330,000 through his leadership PAC in 2009. That exceeds the $310,000 he doled out in 2008 and the $275,000 in 2007.
But McConnell is facing pressure from conservatives to move the party rightward. Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.), who has emerged as the strongest voice in the chamber for that movement, gave away $148,000 to candidates.
More.
A Trip To Home Depot
Men's Age ... as Determined by a Trip to Home Depot
You are in the middle of some kind of project around the house- mowing the lawn, putting in a new fence, painting the living room, or whatever. You are hot and sweaty, covered in dirt or paint. You have your old work clothes on. You know the outfit - shorts with the hole in the crotch, old T-shirt with a stain from who knows what, and an old pair of tennis shoes.
Right in the middle of this great home improvement project you realize you need to run to Home Depot to get something to help complete the job.
Depending on your age you might do the following:
In your 20's:
Stop what you are doing. Shave, take a shower, blow dry your hair, brush your teeth, floss, and put on clean clothes. Check yourself in the mirror and flex. Add a dab of your favourite cologne because you never know, you just might meet some hot chick while standing in the checkout lane. And you went to school with the pretty girl running the register.
In your 30's:
Stop what you are doing, put on clean shorts and shirt. Change shoes. You married the hot chick so no need for much else. Wash your hands and comb your hair. Check yourself in the mirror. Still got it. Add a shot of your favourite cologne to cover the smell. The cute girl running the register is the kid sister to someone you went to school with.
In your 40's:
Stop what you are doing. Put on a sweatshirt that is long enough to cover the hole in the crotch of your shorts. Put on different shoes and a hat. Wash your hands. Your bottle of Brute Cologne is almost empty so you don't want to waste any of it on a trip to Home Depot. Check yourself in the mirror and do more sucking in than flexing. The spicy young thing running the register is your daughter's age and you feel weird thinking she is spicy.
In your 50's:
Stop what you are doing. Put a hat on, wipe the dirt off your hands onto your shirt. Change shoes because you don't want to get dog doo-doo in your new sports car. Check yourself in the mirror and you swear not to wear that shirt anymore because it makes you look fat. The Cutie running the register smiles when she sees you coming and you think you still have it. Then you remember the hat you have on is from Buddy's Bait &Beer Bar and it says, 'I Got Worms.'
In your 60's:
Stop what you are doing. No need for a hat anymore. Hose the dog doo-doo off your shoes. The mirror was shattered when you were in your 50's. You hope you have underwear on so nothing hangs out the hole in your pants. The girl running the register may be cute, but you don't have your glasses on so you are not sure.
In your 70's:
Stop what you are doing. Wait to go to Home Depot until the drug store has your prescriptions ready, too. Don't even notice the dog doo-doo on your shoes. The young thing at the register smiles at you because you remind her of her grandfather.
In your 80's:
Stop what you are doing. Start again. Then stop again. Now you remember you needed to go to Home Depot. Go to Wal-Mart instead and wander around trying to think what it is you are looking for. Fart out loud and you think someone called out your name. You went to school with the old lady who greeted you at the front door
In your 90's and beyond:
What's a home deep hoe? Something for my garden? Where am I? Who am I? Why am I reading this? Did I send it? Did you? Who farted?
They Say They'll Spend More Than $900 Million To Keep Olympians Safe
OK, when is enough, enough? If you want to go visit an Olympic Event, first of all you'll have to be rich. Secondly, you should know that the only ones really being protected are the Olympians.
I'm sorry Folks but I'd rather not see all these Countries being dragged into the expense of physical protection for these athletes. I mean, can't we simply expect the World to understand that the Olympics are OFF LIMITS just like the Red Cross in war time?
Now we're hearing they'll spend $900,000,000.00 just to protect these athletes. Time to take your ball and go home people.
I'm sorry Folks but I'd rather not see all these Countries being dragged into the expense of physical protection for these athletes. I mean, can't we simply expect the World to understand that the Olympics are OFF LIMITS just like the Red Cross in war time?
Now we're hearing they'll spend $900,000,000.00 just to protect these athletes. Time to take your ball and go home people.
We go to war, no one can audit how much money is actually being spent. Let me ask you this Folks. Would YOU hire a company that can openly take whatever kind of money you have and spend it freely without showing you ANY receipts? Welcome to the US Government!
I don't know how much longer you people are going to take Obama, Bush & Clinton's BS but quite frankly I've seen just about all I need to see. Now we're participating in spending close to a billion dollars just to protect athletes, Homey Don't Play Dat Game!
We don't spend close to a billion dollars to deliver bullet proof vests for our Soldiers, yet we're protecting Athletes that no one should touch anyway. Put a little FEAR in Americans and there is no price tag.
Salisbury Mall Parking Proposal Reeks (Letter to the Editor)
Rick Pollitt wet his finger and stuck it someplace other than in the wind if he believes any of the nonsense that was printed in Sunday’s newspaper over his signature. His gauzy reminisce about events from decades past struck a nostalgic note; too bad very few of these events appear with any regularity at the Civic Center; it’s mainly devoid of activity.
He spewed hyperbole and speculative comments and generated a whiteout of verbiage lacking facts and puffed full of rhetorically dubious reasoning that made this weekend’s snowstorm look like a dusting of flurries in comparison.
The Civic Center is a building that is showing its age in a number of respects. Recognizing that, Pollitt with great fanfare appointed a distinguished panel of community leaders quite a while back and asked them to report back with recommendations regarding its future or potential replacement. Maybe I haven’t been paying attention, but I don’t recall any concrete news from the commission in the interim. Is the current parking lot proposal a precursor to an announcement about the need for even more land for a new and exciting Circus Maximus?
Civic Center manager, and Sol Hurok wannabe, Gary Mackes always has some notion for expanding his empire and building his pyramid. Too bad we live in a smaller community with iffy average incomes. The bleat that the only thing standing between sellouts of extravaganzas, professional hockey teams locating here and making the Civic Center cash flow positive on a recurring basis has been lack of parking space. It is a bogus argument.
Overflow parking, already owned by the public and off the tax rolls, is available at the County Stadium and at Wi-Hi (which has two lots) and at the ball field on Civic Avenue, not to mention at Twilley Center (which is on the tax rolls) a block away. The fact of the matter is that the Civic Center rarely hosts events which draw a full crowd….and when it does folks utilize the spaces noted above. Folks have also used some spaces at the Salisbury Mall location across time, both when it was functioning and since then.
Mr. Pollitt feels paying $300,000 an acre to purchase 5 acres at the old mall site for a total outlay of $1.5 million is a prudent use of public funds. He dwelt at length on the source of the funds and basically said “As long as the money isn’t coming from your (individual citizen) or our (Wicomico County) funds, what do you care how much we pay?” This is the state of mind that blithely approves expensive brass-plated trash cans, et al since it’s on the public dime.
Somewhere in the flurry of lousy arguments supporting this assault on the public dollar I recall the phrase “highest projected use” or such, being proffered as the reason for the high private appraisal of the value of the contemplated parcel. In plain English, the appraisers acted as if there was some present value to the land beyond being old, crumbling asphalt. They took the putative developers rosy vision for the revenue to be reaped from the parcel and endorsed it as if it were fact or a likely near accomplishment. Guarantee the appraisers would not buy land for themselves, out of their pocket, on a similar premise. So why should the county? Why should the state? Tell us Ricky!
Salisbury Mall Associates paid $4,060,000 for the two mall parcels totaling 56 +/- acres in late 1997. The property had the ailing but functional Salisbury Mall on its premises. Purchase price, per acre, was $72,500. Now in his unrebutted opinion piece Mr. Pollitt, who claims a family inspired ability to divine the value of things since he’s oblivious to their price, feels paying 4 times as much per acre for this land is visionary statesmanship of the highest order. He is just plain wrong since the above figures only relate to the purchase price of the old mall land and structures. Ooops! That’s right; he neglected to mention he wanted to pay 4 times more per acre than it cost the sellers.
Current assessment value of the two parcels is $2,191,300, or $42,487.50 per acre. So if paying more than 4 times the purchase value/acre is an act of statesmanship, what is the intellectual rating ascribed to paying over 7 times the current, state assessed value. Genius, pure genius! Oh, how the rarified air of the third floor clarifies the mind! Yikes! He forgot to mention that paying 7 times the cost was better than paying 4 times the cost. Thank goodness for Ricky math which understands the true value of expenditures, rather than small-minded concepts like their cost!
Back to the Civic Center proper for a moment. Another bleat is that selling booze would transform the white elephant into a cash cow. The deed restriction prohibits selling booze there, from all accounts. It hasn’t prohibited groups from serving alcohol there as long as they were not selling alcohol; I’ve attended some of those events when companies held events there before prohibitive pricing by the center sent them elsewhere. Not to mention the creation of an on-site, government run catering operation that was incredibly expensive, in addition to banning private caterers from serving the events. Way to support the local tax-paying food service businesses! So you’d think Sol Hurok, Jr. would have tried selling two tier tickets; regular for whatever $ the event commanded, and BYOB for a stiffer $$ (pun intended) price. That way he’d have the coveted revenue without having to purchase, inventory or dispense the juice. Patrons could check their hooch at a booze-check (like a coat check) and return as they wished to refill their glass. More revenue could be generated by selling the setups. Problem solved.
In sum, regardless of the source, using public money for this purpose is foolish, and the foolish rationale that if we don’t squander the public dollar on it some other city or town will get to squander it instead of us is an argument without a leg to stand on. It is definitely a losing argument in Wicomico County 100% of the time, even in good times!
Council members…..this is a very bad deal for the public masquerading as a very bad deal for the public. Please turn it back.
He spewed hyperbole and speculative comments and generated a whiteout of verbiage lacking facts and puffed full of rhetorically dubious reasoning that made this weekend’s snowstorm look like a dusting of flurries in comparison.
The Civic Center is a building that is showing its age in a number of respects. Recognizing that, Pollitt with great fanfare appointed a distinguished panel of community leaders quite a while back and asked them to report back with recommendations regarding its future or potential replacement. Maybe I haven’t been paying attention, but I don’t recall any concrete news from the commission in the interim. Is the current parking lot proposal a precursor to an announcement about the need for even more land for a new and exciting Circus Maximus?
Civic Center manager, and Sol Hurok wannabe, Gary Mackes always has some notion for expanding his empire and building his pyramid. Too bad we live in a smaller community with iffy average incomes. The bleat that the only thing standing between sellouts of extravaganzas, professional hockey teams locating here and making the Civic Center cash flow positive on a recurring basis has been lack of parking space. It is a bogus argument.
Overflow parking, already owned by the public and off the tax rolls, is available at the County Stadium and at Wi-Hi (which has two lots) and at the ball field on Civic Avenue, not to mention at Twilley Center (which is on the tax rolls) a block away. The fact of the matter is that the Civic Center rarely hosts events which draw a full crowd….and when it does folks utilize the spaces noted above. Folks have also used some spaces at the Salisbury Mall location across time, both when it was functioning and since then.
Mr. Pollitt feels paying $300,000 an acre to purchase 5 acres at the old mall site for a total outlay of $1.5 million is a prudent use of public funds. He dwelt at length on the source of the funds and basically said “As long as the money isn’t coming from your (individual citizen) or our (Wicomico County) funds, what do you care how much we pay?” This is the state of mind that blithely approves expensive brass-plated trash cans, et al since it’s on the public dime.
Somewhere in the flurry of lousy arguments supporting this assault on the public dollar I recall the phrase “highest projected use” or such, being proffered as the reason for the high private appraisal of the value of the contemplated parcel. In plain English, the appraisers acted as if there was some present value to the land beyond being old, crumbling asphalt. They took the putative developers rosy vision for the revenue to be reaped from the parcel and endorsed it as if it were fact or a likely near accomplishment. Guarantee the appraisers would not buy land for themselves, out of their pocket, on a similar premise. So why should the county? Why should the state? Tell us Ricky!
Salisbury Mall Associates paid $4,060,000 for the two mall parcels totaling 56 +/- acres in late 1997. The property had the ailing but functional Salisbury Mall on its premises. Purchase price, per acre, was $72,500. Now in his unrebutted opinion piece Mr. Pollitt, who claims a family inspired ability to divine the value of things since he’s oblivious to their price, feels paying 4 times as much per acre for this land is visionary statesmanship of the highest order. He is just plain wrong since the above figures only relate to the purchase price of the old mall land and structures. Ooops! That’s right; he neglected to mention he wanted to pay 4 times more per acre than it cost the sellers.
Current assessment value of the two parcels is $2,191,300, or $42,487.50 per acre. So if paying more than 4 times the purchase value/acre is an act of statesmanship, what is the intellectual rating ascribed to paying over 7 times the current, state assessed value. Genius, pure genius! Oh, how the rarified air of the third floor clarifies the mind! Yikes! He forgot to mention that paying 7 times the cost was better than paying 4 times the cost. Thank goodness for Ricky math which understands the true value of expenditures, rather than small-minded concepts like their cost!
Back to the Civic Center proper for a moment. Another bleat is that selling booze would transform the white elephant into a cash cow. The deed restriction prohibits selling booze there, from all accounts. It hasn’t prohibited groups from serving alcohol there as long as they were not selling alcohol; I’ve attended some of those events when companies held events there before prohibitive pricing by the center sent them elsewhere. Not to mention the creation of an on-site, government run catering operation that was incredibly expensive, in addition to banning private caterers from serving the events. Way to support the local tax-paying food service businesses! So you’d think Sol Hurok, Jr. would have tried selling two tier tickets; regular for whatever $ the event commanded, and BYOB for a stiffer $$ (pun intended) price. That way he’d have the coveted revenue without having to purchase, inventory or dispense the juice. Patrons could check their hooch at a booze-check (like a coat check) and return as they wished to refill their glass. More revenue could be generated by selling the setups. Problem solved.
In sum, regardless of the source, using public money for this purpose is foolish, and the foolish rationale that if we don’t squander the public dollar on it some other city or town will get to squander it instead of us is an argument without a leg to stand on. It is definitely a losing argument in Wicomico County 100% of the time, even in good times!
Council members…..this is a very bad deal for the public masquerading as a very bad deal for the public. Please turn it back.
Britain's Prescription For Health Care: Take A Seat
Britain's Prescription for Health Care: Take a Seat
By SARAH LYALL
Every patient in Britain knows about the notorious National Health Service waiting list, which tells how many people are waiting for hospital treatment for anything from varicose vein removal to hip replacement surgery. Never a short list, it currently boasts 1.12 million sick and generally tired members. Waiting has always been part and parcel of the British health service, a price patients pay -- sometimes willingly, sometimes grudgingly -- for free medical treatment. But there is another list, one that the Government, which has vowed to improve health care, does not officially acknowledge and that patients are just learning about. This is the underground waiting list -- the waiting list to get on the waiting list -- and it appears to be rising precipitously, even as the Labor Government proudly announces that the official list itself is shrinking.
A Must Read
BEING A MOTHER...
After 17 years of marriage, my wife wanted me to
take another woman out to dinner and a movie. She
said, 'I love you, but I know this other woman loves
you and would love to spend some time with you.'
* * *
The other woman that my wife wanted me to visit
was my MOTHER, who has been alone for 20 years,
but the demands of my work and my two boys had
made it possible to visit her only occasionally.
* * *
That night I called to invite her to go out for
dinner and a movie.
* * *
'What's wrong, aren't you well,' she asked?
* * *
My mother is the type of woman who suspects that a
late night call or a surprise invitation is a sign
of bad news..
* * *
'I thought it would be pleasant to spend some
time with you,' I responded. 'Just the two of us.'
She thought about it for a moment, and then said,
'I would like that very much.'
* * *
That Friday after work, as I drove over to pick
her up I was a bit nervous. When I arrived at her
house, I noticed that she, too, seemed to be nervous
about our date. She waited in the door. She had curled her hair and was wearing the
dress that she had worn to celebrate her last
birthday on November 19th.
* * *
She smiled from a face that was as radiant as an
angel's. 'I told my friends that I was going to go
out with my son, and they were impressed,' she said,
as she got into that new white van. 'They can't wait to hear about our date'.
* * *
We went to a restaurant that, although not
elegant, was very nice and cozy. My mother took my
arm as if she were the First Lady. After we sat
down, I had to read the menu. Her eyes could only
read large print. Half way through the entries, I
lifted my eyes and saw Mom sitting there staring at
me. A nostalgic smile was on her lips. 'It was I
who used to have to read the menu when you were
small,' she said. 'Then it's time that you relax and
let me return the favor,' I responded..
* * *
During the dinner, we had an agreeable
conversation- -nothing extraordinary but catching up
on recent events of each other's life. We talked so
much that we missed the movie.
* * *
As we arrived at her house later, she said,
'I'll go out with you again, but only if you let me
invite you.' I agreed.
* * *
'How was your dinner date ?'
asked my wife when I got home.
'Very nice. Much more so than I could have imagined,'
I answered.
* * *
A few days later, my mother died of a massive
heart attack. It happened so suddenly that I didn't
have a chance to do anything for her.
* * *
Some time later, I received an envelope with a
copy of a restaurant receipt from the same place
mother and I had dined. An attached note said: 'I
paid this bill in advance. I wasn't sure that I
could be there; but nevertheless, I paid for two
plates - one for you and the other for your wife.
You will never know what that night meant for me.
I love you, son.'
* * *
At that moment, I understood the importance of
saying in time: 'I LOVE YOU' and to give our loved
ones the time that they deserve. Nothing in life is
more important than your family. Give them the time
they deserve, because these things cannot be put off
till 'some other time.'
After 17 years of marriage, my wife wanted me to
take another woman out to dinner and a movie. She
said, 'I love you, but I know this other woman loves
you and would love to spend some time with you.'
* * *
The other woman that my wife wanted me to visit
was my MOTHER, who has been alone for 20 years,
but the demands of my work and my two boys had
made it possible to visit her only occasionally.
* * *
That night I called to invite her to go out for
dinner and a movie.
* * *
'What's wrong, aren't you well,' she asked?
* * *
My mother is the type of woman who suspects that a
late night call or a surprise invitation is a sign
of bad news..
* * *
'I thought it would be pleasant to spend some
time with you,' I responded. 'Just the two of us.'
She thought about it for a moment, and then said,
'I would like that very much.'
* * *
That Friday after work, as I drove over to pick
her up I was a bit nervous. When I arrived at her
house, I noticed that she, too, seemed to be nervous
about our date. She waited in the door. She had curled her hair and was wearing the
dress that she had worn to celebrate her last
birthday on November 19th.
* * *
She smiled from a face that was as radiant as an
angel's. 'I told my friends that I was going to go
out with my son, and they were impressed,' she said,
as she got into that new white van. 'They can't wait to hear about our date'.
* * *
We went to a restaurant that, although not
elegant, was very nice and cozy. My mother took my
arm as if she were the First Lady. After we sat
down, I had to read the menu. Her eyes could only
read large print. Half way through the entries, I
lifted my eyes and saw Mom sitting there staring at
me. A nostalgic smile was on her lips. 'It was I
who used to have to read the menu when you were
small,' she said. 'Then it's time that you relax and
let me return the favor,' I responded..
* * *
During the dinner, we had an agreeable
conversation- -nothing extraordinary but catching up
on recent events of each other's life. We talked so
much that we missed the movie.
* * *
As we arrived at her house later, she said,
'I'll go out with you again, but only if you let me
invite you.' I agreed.
* * *
'How was your dinner date ?'
asked my wife when I got home.
'Very nice. Much more so than I could have imagined,'
I answered.
* * *
A few days later, my mother died of a massive
heart attack. It happened so suddenly that I didn't
have a chance to do anything for her.
* * *
Some time later, I received an envelope with a
copy of a restaurant receipt from the same place
mother and I had dined. An attached note said: 'I
paid this bill in advance. I wasn't sure that I
could be there; but nevertheless, I paid for two
plates - one for you and the other for your wife.
You will never know what that night meant for me.
I love you, son.'
* * *
At that moment, I understood the importance of
saying in time: 'I LOVE YOU' and to give our loved
ones the time that they deserve. Nothing in life is
more important than your family. Give them the time
they deserve, because these things cannot be put off
till 'some other time.'
A 'Nuisance' Snowfall
Tuesday's East Coast storm will be nothing remotely close to the big winter storm that hit the area Saturday.
All things considered, it will be nothing more than a nuisance for most.
The most serious aspect of the system is a possible band of ice from western North Carolina into south-central Virginia. North of there, it will snow for several hours from central Virginia toward southern Maryland and Delaware.
Snow accumulations will be an inch or two in most cases, but there might be a few locations in central Virginia and up into Delmarva that come in with 3 or 4 inches.
The rain/snow will likely start in this area late afternoon, and snow will continue into the overnight hours.
A more significant winter storm may hit the central Atlantic region later this week. We'll keep an eye on that.
Accuweather
More French Saying 'Oui' To McDonald's
PARIS Would you like a steak au poivre sandwich and some deluxe potatoes, followed by a lemon macaroon and a cappuccino? Welcome to McDonald's, French version.
And the French are lovin' it. They've increased spending each year on McDonald's to the point that France is now the U.S. chain's second-biggest market, even in the midst of a global recession. In perhaps the ultimate cultural inversion, McDonald's in the U.S. is taking some notes from the French franchises' recipe for success.
McDonald's sales in France amounted to 3.6 billion euros ($5 billion) in 2009, according to numbers released in late January. That was an 8.5 percent increase over the 2008 figure, which was 11.2 percent higher than the previous year. For 2009, McDonald's France marked the sixth consecutive year that sales increased at a more rapid rate than any of the chain's other European subsidiaries.
"Few companies have resisted the global recession like the fast-food chains," said Nicolas Herpin, a French sociologist studying consumption. "In France, people who never came to McDonald's before are now customers."
The American fast-food icon's success in France runs counter to pop-culture images of French "cuisine," and French demonstrators have attacked the Golden Arches as symbols of American-style capitalism.
Mr. Herpin said he thinks McDonald's has appeal in a country known for its love of good food because of its affordable prices and convenient service.
"The French used to come to cafes between meals to eat a hard-boiled egg. Now they eat a sandwich at McDonald's," he said.
Also, McDonald's has marketed itself with an emphasis on what the French like to eat and how they like to eat it. "We still have some work to do on the quality. But more than 70 percent of our products come from France," said a communication department spokesman at the McDonald's France headquarters.
In France, McDonald's customers sit at tables surrounded by wood panels, television screens showing environment-friendly messages, and computer terminals where they can order food quickly and pick up their meal at the counter when it's ready. As a result, the French no longer are ashamed to say they ate at one of the country's 1,161 McDonald's and enjoyed the food.
"The Frenchman is not a typical customer. Unlike in the United States, his relationship with food is linked with pleasure. He does not come here too often, only about once every three weeks. But every time he comes, he will take a full menu," the McDonald's spokesman said.
"We changed the design, the lighting, the furniture. We want them to spend some time in the restaurant," the officer said.
On a Sunday afternoon, the newly opened McDonald's in the Beaugrenelle neighborhood of the 15th district was full. At the entrance stands a McCafe, which sells hot drinks and French pastries. A customer sitting on a large, dark-red sofa was using his computer.
Guilhene Just, who lives in the area, was sipping hot chocolate and chatting with her mother.
"I come here to warm up when it's cold outside. It is much friendlier than before. It makes me feel like 'sit down and relax,'" she said. Her mother, Paulette, agreed, saying, "And, why not, even take a full meal. But my coffee is terrible."
McDonald's has become a place where the French can grab a quick lunch or to eat in the traditional French style, by lingering, socializing and enjoying the whole experience.
Layan Malshi and Jade Seidman were spending several hours that afternoon going over their chemistry lessons.
"Here we can stay studying for hours, the food is cheap, and no one is going to tell you to leave," said Layan, a 17-year-old student from the Palestinian territories. Her friend Jade is from New York. "It is so different from the United States," she said. "There, it's dirty. Here, you can have Wi-Fi and macaroons."
However, both girls agreed that the food quality still has plenty of room to improve.
For the past couple of years, though, the emphasis has been more desserts and salads on the menu.
Delphine and Kosseika, who were looking for that type of food, brought their 2-year-old son to McDonald's for the first time. He loved the french fries.
"We don't want to bring him here too often," said Delphine, who later said she visited the restaurant once or twice a month. "You have to be careful not to become obese with that kind of food."
But will the McDonald's-French love affair last?
Members of the McDonald's France communications department said the company has come a long way.
"Ten years ago, we were a bit corny, and Jose Bove was demolishing the Millau McDonald's," the officer said, referring to the anti-globalization activist's destruction of a restaurant as it was being built in 1999 in a southern town. In December, the opening of a McDonalds restaurant inside the gallery leading to the entrance of the world-famous Louvre museum sparked controversy.
In July, the government enacted a law that slashed the sales tax at restaurants from 19.1 percent to 5.5 percent — the same level as fast foods — and gave a much-needed boost to the restaurant industry.
Regardless, the other side of the Atlantic is feeling the impact of McDonald's success in France.
In November, a Manhattan McDonald's was remodeled along French lines, to look more like a lounge or bistro, with laptop outlets, subdued lighting, upholstered chairs, and employees in "blacks."
A U.S. McDonald's spokeswoman told the Associated Press that "we'll continue to evaluate" whether more such U.S. restaurants might follow.
From the Washington Times
And, for the curious, what does a McDonalds meal cost in France? A Big Mac Meal (Big Mac, fries and a drink) in Paris will set you back 6.5 Euros, or about $8.50, plus tax.
And the French are lovin' it. They've increased spending each year on McDonald's to the point that France is now the U.S. chain's second-biggest market, even in the midst of a global recession. In perhaps the ultimate cultural inversion, McDonald's in the U.S. is taking some notes from the French franchises' recipe for success.
McDonald's sales in France amounted to 3.6 billion euros ($5 billion) in 2009, according to numbers released in late January. That was an 8.5 percent increase over the 2008 figure, which was 11.2 percent higher than the previous year. For 2009, McDonald's France marked the sixth consecutive year that sales increased at a more rapid rate than any of the chain's other European subsidiaries.
"Few companies have resisted the global recession like the fast-food chains," said Nicolas Herpin, a French sociologist studying consumption. "In France, people who never came to McDonald's before are now customers."
The American fast-food icon's success in France runs counter to pop-culture images of French "cuisine," and French demonstrators have attacked the Golden Arches as symbols of American-style capitalism.
Mr. Herpin said he thinks McDonald's has appeal in a country known for its love of good food because of its affordable prices and convenient service.
"The French used to come to cafes between meals to eat a hard-boiled egg. Now they eat a sandwich at McDonald's," he said.
Also, McDonald's has marketed itself with an emphasis on what the French like to eat and how they like to eat it. "We still have some work to do on the quality. But more than 70 percent of our products come from France," said a communication department spokesman at the McDonald's France headquarters.
In France, McDonald's customers sit at tables surrounded by wood panels, television screens showing environment-friendly messages, and computer terminals where they can order food quickly and pick up their meal at the counter when it's ready. As a result, the French no longer are ashamed to say they ate at one of the country's 1,161 McDonald's and enjoyed the food.
"The Frenchman is not a typical customer. Unlike in the United States, his relationship with food is linked with pleasure. He does not come here too often, only about once every three weeks. But every time he comes, he will take a full menu," the McDonald's spokesman said.
"We changed the design, the lighting, the furniture. We want them to spend some time in the restaurant," the officer said.
On a Sunday afternoon, the newly opened McDonald's in the Beaugrenelle neighborhood of the 15th district was full. At the entrance stands a McCafe, which sells hot drinks and French pastries. A customer sitting on a large, dark-red sofa was using his computer.
Guilhene Just, who lives in the area, was sipping hot chocolate and chatting with her mother.
"I come here to warm up when it's cold outside. It is much friendlier than before. It makes me feel like 'sit down and relax,'" she said. Her mother, Paulette, agreed, saying, "And, why not, even take a full meal. But my coffee is terrible."
McDonald's has become a place where the French can grab a quick lunch or to eat in the traditional French style, by lingering, socializing and enjoying the whole experience.
Layan Malshi and Jade Seidman were spending several hours that afternoon going over their chemistry lessons.
"Here we can stay studying for hours, the food is cheap, and no one is going to tell you to leave," said Layan, a 17-year-old student from the Palestinian territories. Her friend Jade is from New York. "It is so different from the United States," she said. "There, it's dirty. Here, you can have Wi-Fi and macaroons."
However, both girls agreed that the food quality still has plenty of room to improve.
For the past couple of years, though, the emphasis has been more desserts and salads on the menu.
Delphine and Kosseika, who were looking for that type of food, brought their 2-year-old son to McDonald's for the first time. He loved the french fries.
"We don't want to bring him here too often," said Delphine, who later said she visited the restaurant once or twice a month. "You have to be careful not to become obese with that kind of food."
But will the McDonald's-French love affair last?
Members of the McDonald's France communications department said the company has come a long way.
"Ten years ago, we were a bit corny, and Jose Bove was demolishing the Millau McDonald's," the officer said, referring to the anti-globalization activist's destruction of a restaurant as it was being built in 1999 in a southern town. In December, the opening of a McDonalds restaurant inside the gallery leading to the entrance of the world-famous Louvre museum sparked controversy.
In July, the government enacted a law that slashed the sales tax at restaurants from 19.1 percent to 5.5 percent — the same level as fast foods — and gave a much-needed boost to the restaurant industry.
Regardless, the other side of the Atlantic is feeling the impact of McDonald's success in France.
In November, a Manhattan McDonald's was remodeled along French lines, to look more like a lounge or bistro, with laptop outlets, subdued lighting, upholstered chairs, and employees in "blacks."
A U.S. McDonald's spokeswoman told the Associated Press that "we'll continue to evaluate" whether more such U.S. restaurants might follow.
From the Washington Times
And, for the curious, what does a McDonalds meal cost in France? A Big Mac Meal (Big Mac, fries and a drink) in Paris will set you back 6.5 Euros, or about $8.50, plus tax.
Protection From Child Predators Act
It looks as though Sarah Foxwell's plight won't be in vein.
Here is a House Bill that was just introduced. The ink is still wet and I'm not able to read the bill - but the synopsis looks as though it will protect kids like in Sarah's case.
http://mlis.state.md.us/2010rs/billfile/HB0490.htm
Here is a House Bill that was just introduced. The ink is still wet and I'm not able to read the bill - but the synopsis looks as though it will protect kids like in Sarah's case.
http://mlis.state.md.us/2010rs/billfile/HB0490.htm
McDonalds Items Not Coming To A Store Near You
So you think you know the McDonald’s menu like the back of your hand? Think again. From McDonald’s international, here are some menu items you have probably never tried before.
Good morning, welcome to McDonald’s. May I have your order please?
INDIA
In India, there are no Big Macs because the Hindu people don’t eat beef.
However, they have the Maharaja Mac, which is a Big Mac made of lamb or chicken meat. There is also a vegetarian burger, the McAloo Tikki.
GERMANY
It’s bottoms up in Germany, where McDonald’s (and everywhere else) serves – Beer!
CANADA
In parts of Canada, have a lobster dinner with the McLobster lobster roll. Pardon me – “McHomard” (in French).
JAPAN
Japan totally reinvents McDonald’s with its Ebi Filet-O (shrimp burgers), Koroke Burger (mashed potato, cabbage and katsu sauce, all in a sandwich), Ebi-Chiki (shrimp nuggets) and Green Tea-flavored milkshake!
NORWAY
In fish-loving Norway, they have the McLaks, a sandwich made of grilled salmon and dill sauce.
CHILE
In Chile, you can dress your burgers with – not ketchup – avocado paste!
COSTA RICA
In Costa Rica, unsurprisingly, you can order Gallo Pinto, meaning rice and beans.
GREECE
It’s not Greek without pita, so when in Greece, have a Greek Mac, a burger made of patties wrapped in pita.
HONG KONG
Rice-loving Hong Kong, has – of course – Rice Burgers, where the burgers are in between, not burger buns, but two patties of glutinous rice.
ISRAEL
Despite Jewish religious dietary laws, most McDonald’s are not Kosher (there are a few exceptions), and they serve “McPitzutz” ice creams and cheeseburgers… and Israel is one of the only countries that cooks the meat over charcoal versus frying. They also have the McKebab, two patties with Middle Eastern seasonings, stuffed into a pita bread.
URUGUAY
In Uruguay, they have the McHuevo, which is like a regular hamburger, but it is topped with a poached egg.
On the other hand:
McDONALD’S PRODUCTS YOU PROBABLY NEVER HEARD ABOUT
Although McDonald’s is a giant success in the food industry, not everything Ray Kroc touches turns to gold. Here are some of the Golden Arches’ products that didn’t turn out to be golden after all.
What products are these? Find out here: Nine Mcdonald’s Products That Actually Flopped.
More from Trifter here.