The euro, already under pressure, came under renewed attack Monday as a French bank speculated that the currency union would inevitably collapse.
Meanwhile, a former chief economist of the European Central Bank warned that a bailout for member country Greece could damage the euro's credibility.
Société Générale strategist Albert Edwards warned investors that any help given to Greece merely “delays the inevitable break-up of the euro zone,” while former European Central Bank Chief Economist Otmar Issing, in a Financial Times piece, said bailing out Greece would be a “major blow” to the currency.
“The viability of the whole framework — nothing less — is at stake,” wrote Issing.
“Financial assistance for countries that violated the terms of their participation in EMU would be a major blow for the credibility of the whole framework.”
The euro could sink to $1.3483 from its $1.5144 high in November, traders told the U.K. Daily Mail.
At issue are the terms of the pact that created the euro, which requires its members to maintain an annual budget deficit no higher than 3 percent of GDP and a national debt lower than 60 percent of GDP.
Greece is expected to hit 12.5 percent deficit in 2009 and debt of 72 percent by 2010 and 2011.
GO HERE to read more.
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 16, 2010
Big Day In Hits, Big Day In Comments
We have surpassed more than 600 comments for the day, once again. Now that's participation! You have to wonder what the Daily Times is thinking as they don't get those kinds of comments in an entire week. One thing is for sure, Salisbury News has become the place to go when you want to know the real scoop.
That being said, you guys are really keeping me busy, that's for sure. Let's just put it this way. The more you participate, the more our public officials listen. Spread the word.
That being said, you guys are really keeping me busy, that's for sure. Let's just put it this way. The more you participate, the more our public officials listen. Spread the word.
Remember When We All Had A Drug Problem
Sent in as a comment moments ago......
Joe,
Got this in an email and I thought it would be good when it comes to the behavior of the students in school
The other day someone at a store in our town read that a
Methamphetamine lab had been found in an old farmhouse in the adjoining county and he asked me a rhetorical question, “Why didn’t we have a drug problem when you and I were growing up?
I replied I had a drug problem when I was young: I was drug to church on Sunday morning, drug to church for weddings and funerals. I was drug to family reunions and community socials no matter the weather.
I was drug by my ears when I was disrespectful to adults. I was also drug to the woodshed when I disobeyed my parents, told a lie, brought home a bad report card, did not speak with respect, spoke ill of the teacher or the preacher, or if I didn’t put forth my best effort in everything that was asked of me.
I was drug to the kitchen sink to have my mouth washed out with soap if I uttered a profanity. I was drug out to pull weeds in mom’s garden and flowerbeds and cockleburs out of dad’s fields. I was drug to the homes of family, friends and neighbors to help out some poor soul who had no one mow the yard, repair the clothesline, or chop some firewood and if my mother had ever known I took a single dime as a tip for this kindness, she would have drug me back to the woodshed.
Those drugs are still in my veins and they affect my behavior in everything I do, say or thinks. They are stronger than cocaine, crack or heroin; and if today’s children had this kind of drug problem, American would be a better place.
God bless the parents that drugged us."
Joe,
Got this in an email and I thought it would be good when it comes to the behavior of the students in school
The other day someone at a store in our town read that a
Methamphetamine lab had been found in an old farmhouse in the adjoining county and he asked me a rhetorical question, “Why didn’t we have a drug problem when you and I were growing up?
I replied I had a drug problem when I was young: I was drug to church on Sunday morning, drug to church for weddings and funerals. I was drug to family reunions and community socials no matter the weather.
I was drug by my ears when I was disrespectful to adults. I was also drug to the woodshed when I disobeyed my parents, told a lie, brought home a bad report card, did not speak with respect, spoke ill of the teacher or the preacher, or if I didn’t put forth my best effort in everything that was asked of me.
I was drug to the kitchen sink to have my mouth washed out with soap if I uttered a profanity. I was drug out to pull weeds in mom’s garden and flowerbeds and cockleburs out of dad’s fields. I was drug to the homes of family, friends and neighbors to help out some poor soul who had no one mow the yard, repair the clothesline, or chop some firewood and if my mother had ever known I took a single dime as a tip for this kindness, she would have drug me back to the woodshed.
Those drugs are still in my veins and they affect my behavior in everything I do, say or thinks. They are stronger than cocaine, crack or heroin; and if today’s children had this kind of drug problem, American would be a better place.
God bless the parents that drugged us."
Delmar Middle & High School Running 2 Hours Late Tomorrow
Delmar Middle & High School will be running two hours late tomorrow and all buses will be running in Delaware as well.
Wicomico County Schools 2 Hours Late Tomorrow
Wicomico County Schools will open their doors after a two hour delay again tomorrow.
A Comment Worthy Of A Post
I am also a County Employee (Not with the BOE) and I get paid to show up to work from 8:00 to 5:00 on 248 days (260 weekdays minus 12 holidays) in a year. Your wife works from August 13 to June 22 - approximately 10 months out of the year. That's 230 weekdays, but then when you take out all of the holidays off (ie. Winter Break, Spring Break, Thanksgiving Break, MLK Day, President's Day, Labor Day and Memorial Day-20 days total!) she actually only works 210 days out of the year! She also gets to dilly dally around on 5 days for "professional day" and attends a MSTA Conference for a day. Regardless of how she schedules her pay (10 months pay or annual pay) she gets the time off! According to the 2009-2010 Wicomico County Salary Schedule for Teachers, the lowest paid teachers receive $42,140 per year-I get paid a very similar amount with a bachelor's degree as well and I put in a lot more time over the course of a year.
I get weekends off as does she, but she get nearly 2 months off during the summer and the holidays that I do PLUS the extra days that the BOE gives the students off for those days. She may have to grade papers at night, but then at the same time they provide teachers with Planning Periods each day and the last time I checked, students get out of school at 3 and she should have about 2 extra hours each day to do the "extras" like grading papers. I too take home work, but that's just part of having a salaried career! This "above and beyond" BS doesn't cut it! Any good employee that is dedicated to their career, such as myself and your wife (as you tated), goes above and beyond-its what people who care do!
So let's break it down here...while our careers may not be the same we do get paid similar, we get paid by the same sources and we have a similar level of education. I work 50 more days than she does in a year and I don't get long extended breaks from work throughout the year. A lot of teachers do get a second job during their summer time off and can make $5,000 to $10,000 or more in additional income during that time. Me? I'm the one at work NON-STOP for the year! I'm the one that has to take furlough days while she and her co-workers got a raise this year. I'm the one who has to worry about having departmental budget cuts because the BOE can't curb frivolous spending during economic down times or any time for that matter! So what makes her so much more important? Oh that's right, she's a teacher-We have to do it for the teachers and the students! But when it hits the fan like it has been with snow removal from the roads (BTW I am NOT a roads employee) this week people are quick to blame the Roads Division for lack of effort! Try lack of money because the BOE porks it up each year and never performs the necessary cuts to rid the County's budget of some financial burdens!
I will bash the BOE and I will bash the teachers! Why? Because they are only looking out for #1 whenever it comes to sacrificing! Professional days? Please! How would your wife feel about having all five professional days during summer break? MSTA Convention could be held during the summer as well! If you all were really looking out for the children then you wouldn't be taking breaks from their education to do the things that could be done during the summer! Why not do professional days during the extend students holidays (like the Thursday before easter or the Wednesday before Easter) when students aren't in school but teachers would otherwise not have the day off if they were in any other career.
I don't want to hear and complaining from teachers OR their spouses-they have it easy enough as is! I say extend the school year into August if we have to-make the teachers actually work for their salaries!
I get weekends off as does she, but she get nearly 2 months off during the summer and the holidays that I do PLUS the extra days that the BOE gives the students off for those days. She may have to grade papers at night, but then at the same time they provide teachers with Planning Periods each day and the last time I checked, students get out of school at 3 and she should have about 2 extra hours each day to do the "extras" like grading papers. I too take home work, but that's just part of having a salaried career! This "above and beyond" BS doesn't cut it! Any good employee that is dedicated to their career, such as myself and your wife (as you tated), goes above and beyond-its what people who care do!
So let's break it down here...while our careers may not be the same we do get paid similar, we get paid by the same sources and we have a similar level of education. I work 50 more days than she does in a year and I don't get long extended breaks from work throughout the year. A lot of teachers do get a second job during their summer time off and can make $5,000 to $10,000 or more in additional income during that time. Me? I'm the one at work NON-STOP for the year! I'm the one that has to take furlough days while she and her co-workers got a raise this year. I'm the one who has to worry about having departmental budget cuts because the BOE can't curb frivolous spending during economic down times or any time for that matter! So what makes her so much more important? Oh that's right, she's a teacher-We have to do it for the teachers and the students! But when it hits the fan like it has been with snow removal from the roads (BTW I am NOT a roads employee) this week people are quick to blame the Roads Division for lack of effort! Try lack of money because the BOE porks it up each year and never performs the necessary cuts to rid the County's budget of some financial burdens!
I will bash the BOE and I will bash the teachers! Why? Because they are only looking out for #1 whenever it comes to sacrificing! Professional days? Please! How would your wife feel about having all five professional days during summer break? MSTA Convention could be held during the summer as well! If you all were really looking out for the children then you wouldn't be taking breaks from their education to do the things that could be done during the summer! Why not do professional days during the extend students holidays (like the Thursday before easter or the Wednesday before Easter) when students aren't in school but teachers would otherwise not have the day off if they were in any other career.
I don't want to hear and complaining from teachers OR their spouses-they have it easy enough as is! I say extend the school year into August if we have to-make the teachers actually work for their salaries!
In Case You Missed It...A Reagan Republican Aims To Take Back Maryland's First District
http://www.weeklystandard.com/articles/democrat-danger
Democrat in DangerA Reagan Republican aims to take back Maryland’s First District.
BY Emily Esfahani SmithFebruary 22, 2010, Vol. 15, No. 22
Frank Kratovil is perhaps the most vulnerable Democrat in the House of Representatives. The 41-year-old freshman won Maryland’s First Congressional District by just 1 percentage point in 2008. But it’s a district that has historically tended red, and its citizens are far less enamored of Kratovil a year later. He faced a summer of discontent over health care reform last year. One event in July garnered national attention after a protestor hung Kratovil in effigy. At a town hall in August, one of his constituents speaking about health care told him, “We don’t want your help.” The audience booed when the congressman tried to justify his support for cap and trade.
Maryland’s First District lies on the Eastern Shore, a nine-county strip of land wedged between the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay. But as a result of gerrymandering, bits of the district stretch west of the bay into the more urban Harford, Anne Arundel, and Baltimore counties. MD-1 voters sent a Republican to Congress from 1990 to 2008. In 2008, McCain won it 58 percent to 40 percent; in 2004, Bush beat Kerry by a 26-point margin. Kratovil campaigned as a Blue Dog Democrat and, with a Democratic wave nationwide, slipped through by 3,000 votes.
Today, though, it “is a totally different political environment,” says a spokesman at the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) who monitors the district, “Kratovil having completely broken his promises to be a moderate Democrat.” The Cook Political Report is already rating the race a tossup. “This is one of our top pickup opportunities in the country,” the NRCC spokesman said.
The 2010 campaign in MD-1 is a crucial test for the GOP and a bellwether of the party’s attempt to regain control of the House.
The likely GOP challenger is Andy Harris, a state senator, fiscal conservative, and tea party regular. He is also the candidate who narrowly lost to Kratovil in 2008. Kratovil won the seat thanks not just to the Democratic electoral trend but also to a messy Republican primary. Harris had challenged the incumbent, Wayne Gilchrest. Harris had a record of endorsing low taxes and restrained government spending during 12 years in the state senate, while Gilchrest had been moving further and further left over his nine terms. Republican voters, says Harris, were upset that Gilchrest had “left the mainstream of the party.” Harris won the primary by 10 percentage points—43 to 33—and Gilchrest promptly endorsed Kratovil. But that was 2008. The political mood has shifted, and Kratovil has a record. Rather than an independent-minded Blue Dog, he has voted with his party 84 percent of the time. Nor has he pursued the fiscally conservative policies the Blue Dogs favor. He voted in favor of the stimulus, is on record supporting the public option for health care—though he voted against the House version of the health care bill in the end—and endorsed cap and trade. Back in June, on the day before cap and trade was brought to a vote, The Hill reported that Kratovil was seen on the House floor “shaking his head no as Pelosi buttonholed him.” The next day, he voted for cap and trade.
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee still paints him as a nonpartisan Blue Dog. “Congressman Kratovil has been an independent voice for his district. . . . He has focused his efforts on reining in spending and reducing the deficit, and that’s a record he’s going to stand by during this year’s campaign,” a spokesman said.
But Harris says that he’s not just running against Kratovil, but also Nancy Pelosi and her ideologically driven policies. “Kratovil sees government as a solution to our problems . . . but the people want Reagan-style conservatism,” he says.
Already on the campaign trail in advance of a Republican primary he is expected to win easily, Harris paints himself as a fiscal conservative first and foremost. In the state senate, he points out, he voted against every tax increase, every Democratic budget proposal, and even a few Republican ones that he found extravagant. If elected to Congress, he says he will not apply for earmarks.
Asked if his constituents may resent that another district gets the federal dollars they could have received from earmarks, Harris says, “You don’t lose projects when you move away from earmarks. You just let the normal appropriations process take place. People understand that earmarks aren’t special dollars—they are tax dollars that go to D.C. and then to the district.” In an election year where angry voters are lashing out against Washington’s borrowing and spending policies, his position on earmarks could prove popular.
Popular enough to beat Kratovil. We’ll see in November.
$260,000.00 Housing & Community Grant For Downtown Salisbury Fails
The Housing and Community Grant Urban Salisbury was trying to get to revitalize Downtown Salisbury didn't make the cut. It's been reported that there just wasn't enough money to go around.
Another pie in the sky idea to keep Urban Salisbury afloat and it worked, for now.
As I stated in the past Folks, let the property owners revitalize the Downtown area and leave GOVERNMENT out of it. They are the Investors. Maybe now every one will listen?
School Buses Were Made For Roads Like Hickory Mill Road
You see Folks, before Salisbury News arrived, you were a simple, single telephone call to the WCBOE. You made your complaint and that was the end of it. Today, we provide a whole new venue towards accountability. We create the way for everyone to finally SEE what's really going on out there and place those in charge far more accountable than ever before.
The last three or four Posts tell the truth. They tell a story the Board of Ed didn't want you to see or know. County Council Members get on PAC 14 today and thank Public Works for all their dedicated work in doing such a fine job on County Roads, yet none of them were out there doing what I was doing today, checking the roads out.
Many of these roads have never seen a County Plow. They were cleared by Farmers trying to simply help their neighbors get down the road in difficult times. Are they passable with a 4x4 vehicle, absolutely. Are they passable to a large school bus, absolutely not.
So do not buy into the roads being clear enough for your children to go to school. The pictures do not lie.
Adkins Road Is A Disaster
My guess is that there are NO students attending Wicomico County Schools on this icy road.
Rockawalkin Is Wide Open To Rt. 50
I'm not so sure what the big fuss was over Rockawalkin Road because it's NOTHING like Spring Hill Road. Nevertheless, the road is now open and far more clear than most other roads in the County.
Zero Visibility On Spring Hill Road
At times there is zero visibility on Spring Hill Road, taken just a few minutes ago. I thought Parents should get an idea of what the ride home for some kinds might be. Oh, by the way, that is a vehicle coming towards me in the last shot, you just can't see it.
GOVERNOR O’MALLEY, CONGRESSMAN CUMMINGS TESTIFY ON FORECLOSURE MEDIATION BILL
Bill to Increase Protections for Maryland’s Homeowners
ANNAPOLIS, MD (February 16, 2010) – Testifying before members of the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee and the House Environmental Matters Committee, Governor Martin O’Malley and Congressman Elijah Cummings, today called for the passage of a foreclosure mediation bill that protects Maryland homeowners. In his 2010 legislative package, Governor O’Malley has introduced the emergency legislation that would give every Maryland family facing foreclosure the legal right to mediation with the lender seeking the foreclosure.
“I receive letters every day from Marylanders trying to make ends meet, as we work through this national economic downturn. Working together, and through the hard work and persistence of non-profit housing counselors and pro bono lawyers, many homes in Maryland have been saved. But too many of our fellow citizens continue to be put out on the street. Our work must continue,” said Governor O’Malley.
“The legislation the Committee considers today is designed to empower fellow Marylanders, putting them on a more equal footing with mortgage companies,” the Governor said in his testimony today. “It is designed to give borrowers the information they need at an early stage, as well as the right to have access to their lenders when they feel they are unfairly being denied a loan modification or other loss mitigation options.”
Governor O’Malley’s legislation heard today aims to give every Maryland family facing foreclosure the legal right to mediation with the lender seeking the foreclosure. Building on the O’Malley-Brown Administration’s bold reforms of the foreclosure process and timelines in 2007, the Administration remains committed to ensuring that those homeowners who are eligible for loan modifications are able to obtain them, and that others can pursue alternatives to avoid foreclosure or lessen its harmful impact. Borrowers who may be eligible for loan modifications to save their homes but find themselves facing foreclosure anyway should be afforded the opportunity to talk directly with their lenders to find a resolution before their homes are sold. This bill gives Maryland families the right to a foreclosure mediation process upon filing of foreclosure proceedings. It requires lenders/servicers to use the 45 day period prior to the filing of the foreclosure action more productively to achieve loan modifications where possible by requiring the Notice to include a loss mitigation application and other information helpful to the homeowner to prevent the loss of their home.
“During my 14 years in Congress, I have found that no issue has created more heartache in our communities than the current foreclosure crisis,” said Cummings. “It is not the job losses, nor the loss of retirement income, nor the damage to our economy that has hurt people the most. Because it represents the American Dream; a safe place for their family to grow and thrive, it is the loss of their home that has been the biggest catastrophe for many families through Maryland and the nation.
“We have never faltered in the belief that our country will survive this economic downturn, and the sun will come out. But so many people are asking themselves, when the storm does pass, who will have my job? Who will be living in my home? I am proud to support the Governor’s bill because it is the kind of creative policy-making that we need to weather this storm.”
During recent months, Congressman Cummings has hosted two foreclosure prevention workshops for area residents, will host a third next week, and has become a nationally leading voice on the issue of homeownership protection and foreclosure prevention. Cummings also introduced legislation to fund short-term bridge loans that unemployed homeowners to stay current on their mortgages while they get back on their feet. Working with others in the House, Cummings was able to secure three billion dollars in the recently passed House financial services regulatory reform bill to fund bridge loans.
In the past three years, Governor O’Malley signed into law what the Washington Post called some of the most “sweeping” legislation in America to combat foreclosure; the O’Malley-Brown Administration has reached agreements with multiple mortgage servicing companies to create a streamlined and transparent loss mitigation process; and through Judge Bell, 981 pro bono attorneys have been recruited to assist vulnerable families. Through the HOPE network, non-profit counselors – supported by state government – have assisted more than 35,000 Marylanders. In 2009 alone, DLLR secured $2.9 million in refunds from financial institutions for consumers. Through these reforms and by working together, more than 9,800 Maryland homes have been saved, and foreclosure events have reduced by 23 percent.
ANNAPOLIS, MD (February 16, 2010) – Testifying before members of the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee and the House Environmental Matters Committee, Governor Martin O’Malley and Congressman Elijah Cummings, today called for the passage of a foreclosure mediation bill that protects Maryland homeowners. In his 2010 legislative package, Governor O’Malley has introduced the emergency legislation that would give every Maryland family facing foreclosure the legal right to mediation with the lender seeking the foreclosure.
“I receive letters every day from Marylanders trying to make ends meet, as we work through this national economic downturn. Working together, and through the hard work and persistence of non-profit housing counselors and pro bono lawyers, many homes in Maryland have been saved. But too many of our fellow citizens continue to be put out on the street. Our work must continue,” said Governor O’Malley.
“The legislation the Committee considers today is designed to empower fellow Marylanders, putting them on a more equal footing with mortgage companies,” the Governor said in his testimony today. “It is designed to give borrowers the information they need at an early stage, as well as the right to have access to their lenders when they feel they are unfairly being denied a loan modification or other loss mitigation options.”
Governor O’Malley’s legislation heard today aims to give every Maryland family facing foreclosure the legal right to mediation with the lender seeking the foreclosure. Building on the O’Malley-Brown Administration’s bold reforms of the foreclosure process and timelines in 2007, the Administration remains committed to ensuring that those homeowners who are eligible for loan modifications are able to obtain them, and that others can pursue alternatives to avoid foreclosure or lessen its harmful impact. Borrowers who may be eligible for loan modifications to save their homes but find themselves facing foreclosure anyway should be afforded the opportunity to talk directly with their lenders to find a resolution before their homes are sold. This bill gives Maryland families the right to a foreclosure mediation process upon filing of foreclosure proceedings. It requires lenders/servicers to use the 45 day period prior to the filing of the foreclosure action more productively to achieve loan modifications where possible by requiring the Notice to include a loss mitigation application and other information helpful to the homeowner to prevent the loss of their home.
“During my 14 years in Congress, I have found that no issue has created more heartache in our communities than the current foreclosure crisis,” said Cummings. “It is not the job losses, nor the loss of retirement income, nor the damage to our economy that has hurt people the most. Because it represents the American Dream; a safe place for their family to grow and thrive, it is the loss of their home that has been the biggest catastrophe for many families through Maryland and the nation.
“We have never faltered in the belief that our country will survive this economic downturn, and the sun will come out. But so many people are asking themselves, when the storm does pass, who will have my job? Who will be living in my home? I am proud to support the Governor’s bill because it is the kind of creative policy-making that we need to weather this storm.”
During recent months, Congressman Cummings has hosted two foreclosure prevention workshops for area residents, will host a third next week, and has become a nationally leading voice on the issue of homeownership protection and foreclosure prevention. Cummings also introduced legislation to fund short-term bridge loans that unemployed homeowners to stay current on their mortgages while they get back on their feet. Working with others in the House, Cummings was able to secure three billion dollars in the recently passed House financial services regulatory reform bill to fund bridge loans.
In the past three years, Governor O’Malley signed into law what the Washington Post called some of the most “sweeping” legislation in America to combat foreclosure; the O’Malley-Brown Administration has reached agreements with multiple mortgage servicing companies to create a streamlined and transparent loss mitigation process; and through Judge Bell, 981 pro bono attorneys have been recruited to assist vulnerable families. Through the HOPE network, non-profit counselors – supported by state government – have assisted more than 35,000 Marylanders. In 2009 alone, DLLR secured $2.9 million in refunds from financial institutions for consumers. Through these reforms and by working together, more than 9,800 Maryland homes have been saved, and foreclosure events have reduced by 23 percent.
Burglary Arrest WCBI
LOCATION: Worcester County
CRIME: Theft under $1,000.00
VICTIM: (Shielded)
ACCUSED: Juvenile – age 17 Berlin, Maryland
NARRATIVE:
On February 16, 2010 Worcester County Bureau of Investigations (W.C.B.I.) completed a 4 month investigation and arrested a Juvenile from the Glenn Riddle community in Berlin for several vehicle break-ins.
Detectives were able to get a search and seizure warrant for a residence in Glen Riddle and seized several stolen cell phones from the residence. A Blackberry cell phone was one of the items that were seized from the juvenile’s bedroom. Detectives were able to discover that the Blackberry cell phone came from a vehicle break-in back in October 20, 2009. In which 8 unlocked cars had been ransacked and items stolen.
The juvenile has been charged with 5 counts of theft under $1,000.00, Theft Scheme, and Rogue and Vagabond.
CRIME: Theft under $1,000.00
VICTIM: (Shielded)
ACCUSED: Juvenile – age 17 Berlin, Maryland
NARRATIVE:
On February 16, 2010 Worcester County Bureau of Investigations (W.C.B.I.) completed a 4 month investigation and arrested a Juvenile from the Glenn Riddle community in Berlin for several vehicle break-ins.
Detectives were able to get a search and seizure warrant for a residence in Glen Riddle and seized several stolen cell phones from the residence. A Blackberry cell phone was one of the items that were seized from the juvenile’s bedroom. Detectives were able to discover that the Blackberry cell phone came from a vehicle break-in back in October 20, 2009. In which 8 unlocked cars had been ransacked and items stolen.
The juvenile has been charged with 5 counts of theft under $1,000.00, Theft Scheme, and Rogue and Vagabond.
Going...Going....GONE! SOLD to the Taxpayer!
Today in a predictable yet unbelievable move, the Wicomico County Council voted to approve the purchase of parking space for the Wicomico County Civic Center. The land is located across the street from the Civic Center on Glenn Avenue and is widely known as the "old mall". In the worse economy in 80 years, the council approved the purchase of the over-assessed, condemned property at $300,000 per acre for a total of 1.5 million dollars for 5 acres. This does not include the actual parking lot.
County Executive, Rick Pollictt's plan to use state funding to purchase this land proved to be successful for his agenda today, but will it be successful for the tax payers pocketbooks in the future? It certainly doesn't seem to be a fiscally wise move for our county. The purchase, which many consider to be a largely political move, may not pay dividends to those who voted for it.
John Cannon broke from the republicans and voted yes for the purchase, breaking the 3 to 4 vote, while Prettyman, Holloway, and Bartkovich voted against it due to the high price tag. The democrats and Cannon felt it was a good investment, especially since it was funded through Maryland's "Open Space" grants, which is of course "free" money.
So, the Civic Center will soon own a new piece of land that we the tax payers, will have to figure out how to pay for turning it into a function parking lot for a dog show. That is, unless the state decides to take the funding back due to deep holes in the state budget.
Is it just me..... or does any of this make sense to you?
John Cannon broke from the republicans and voted yes for the purchase, breaking the 3 to 4 vote, while Prettyman, Holloway, and Bartkovich voted against it due to the high price tag. The democrats and Cannon felt it was a good investment, especially since it was funded through Maryland's "Open Space" grants, which is of course "free" money.
So, the Civic Center will soon own a new piece of land that we the tax payers, will have to figure out how to pay for turning it into a function parking lot for a dog show. That is, unless the state decides to take the funding back due to deep holes in the state budget.
Is it just me..... or does any of this make sense to you?
School Make Up Days
Mr. Joe,
An idea came to my mind, the kids are already at school, hold days longer. Instead of getting out at 3:00pm stay till 7:00pm or later. You save the cost in fuel for busses and the schools are already warm and ready. Winners all around. Or it could be done later when it warms up and daylight is later. I'm sure there's many reasons why not, but I had to ask. Thanks for your community service.
An idea came to my mind, the kids are already at school, hold days longer. Instead of getting out at 3:00pm stay till 7:00pm or later. You save the cost in fuel for busses and the schools are already warm and ready. Winners all around. Or it could be done later when it warms up and daylight is later. I'm sure there's many reasons why not, but I had to ask. Thanks for your community service.
County Council Passes The Purchase Of Old Mall Property
In a 4 to 3 vote, Wicomico County voted to move forward with the purchase on the 5 acre parcel of land at the old mall. That being said, it is what it is and my guess is that things will change quite a bit face wise in the next election on the County Council.
Now, let me move on to something that bothered me to no end. Look, when Public Works started discussing the snow removal in the County, while I truly appreciate their efforts, barely mentioning the fact that the Farmers played a role in snow removal was simply disgusting to me personally.
If I were in their shoes, I would have thanked the Farmers far more than the Public Works Staff and let me tell you why. The Farmers were NOT compensated a single PENNY for ALL of the work they did.
I know of certain Farmers that cleared, (are you ready) 5 MILES of roadway on their own. I know of another Farmer that spent hours upon hours on one snow drift. Mind you, they were only able to make way in one direction but at least it was passable.
So, for what it's worth Mr. & Mrs Farmer, I truly Thank You from the bottom of my heart. YOU are the backbone of the Eastern Shore and you clearly proved these past few weeks that without you the Eastern Shore would be completely crippled. I should also add, there were several Contractors who had equipment who were also out there helping out.
Let me also add, this was ALL done at their own risks! If a piece of equipment failed, blew up, went off the road, this was their own loss/expense. So the mere fact that Wicomico County patted their own people on the back and didn't recognize these Farmers and Contractors like they should have simply disgusts me. Shame on ALL of them!
Pictures I Personally Took This Morning In Wicomico County
I don't care what anyone says, these pictures just don't lie. The nay sayers are trying to call Fredericksen's decision a success, I disagree. These are the exact images I firmly believe Mr. Fredericksen needed to see BEFORE he made such a decision. Delmar, Maryland is a complete disaster. We have seen photos from Salisbury and other parts of Wicomico County. How anyone could sit back and pat themselves on the back because there have allegedly been no accidents is just plain foolish and IMHO very immature. As we used to say in Pool, "You Can't Beat Luck." In this case we're talking about children's lives and I for one would have never taken the risk. Not after seeing these images. How about you?
Unemployment Map
Viewing it only takes a few seconds...
The darker the color, the higher the unemployment. 2009 has been BRUTAL.
This is a startling map. Hard to believe!
click here: multimediafinal
Florida Family Gives Up On Small-Town North Dakota
HAZELTON, N.D. – A tiny North Dakota town's promise of cash and free land lured only one family from out of state. Now, Michael and Jeanette Tristani and their 12-year-old twins are trying to move from the town without a traffic light back to Miami.
Tired of crime, traffic, hurricanes and the high cost of living in Florida, the Tristanis moved four years ago to Hazelton, a dwindling town of about 240 that has attempted to attract young families to stay on the map.
Michael Tristani, 42, said at the time the 1,800-mile move was "an answer to our prayers."
"We don't have to look over our shoulder to see who's going to rob us, or jump out of the bushes to attack us," Tristani said. "Taxes are low, the cost of living is low and the kids enjoy school."
But the family also found a cliquey community that treated them like outsiders. "For my wife, it's been a culture shock," he said.
Rural communities across the Great Plains, fighting a decades-long population decline, are trying a variety of ways to attract outsiders. But the Tristanis show how the efforts can fail even at a time when many people are desperate.
"It's been quite an experience, 50-50 at best," Tristani said. "It hasn't been easy. No one really wants new people here."
GO HERE to read more.
Tired of crime, traffic, hurricanes and the high cost of living in Florida, the Tristanis moved four years ago to Hazelton, a dwindling town of about 240 that has attempted to attract young families to stay on the map.
Michael Tristani, 42, said at the time the 1,800-mile move was "an answer to our prayers."
"We don't have to look over our shoulder to see who's going to rob us, or jump out of the bushes to attack us," Tristani said. "Taxes are low, the cost of living is low and the kids enjoy school."
But the family also found a cliquey community that treated them like outsiders. "For my wife, it's been a culture shock," he said.
Rural communities across the Great Plains, fighting a decades-long population decline, are trying a variety of ways to attract outsiders. But the Tristanis show how the efforts can fail even at a time when many people are desperate.
"It's been quite an experience, 50-50 at best," Tristani said. "It hasn't been easy. No one really wants new people here."
GO HERE to read more.
Letter To WCBOE
Mr. Fredericksen,
I will, unfortunately be unable to attend the meeting today regarding the snow make-up days. However I, as a parent, would like to address my concerns to you for consideration.
It has already been established that built-in make-up days through June 18 can be utilized for the absences due to the recent weather events, however as June 18 was the last day marked for make-up, I believe it is an inconvenience for families to change summer based and/or Spring vacation plans if these dates are extended.
I would like to request that you, and the Board, request amnesty days for the following dates:
Dec 21, 2009 (The Governor declared a State of Emergency for Maryland on December 19 that was not lifted until 7pm on December 21)
February 8 - 12 (The Governor declared a SoE for Maryland on February 5 that from what I can find was not lifted until February 11/12). During this time, on February 10, the Mayor of Salisbury declared a State of Emergency for the incorporated city limits requiring a cease of traffic on roadways. This local SoE was not lifted until February 11).
Thank you for consideration of my suggestion,
I will, unfortunately be unable to attend the meeting today regarding the snow make-up days. However I, as a parent, would like to address my concerns to you for consideration.
It has already been established that built-in make-up days through June 18 can be utilized for the absences due to the recent weather events, however as June 18 was the last day marked for make-up, I believe it is an inconvenience for families to change summer based and/or Spring vacation plans if these dates are extended.
I would like to request that you, and the Board, request amnesty days for the following dates:
Dec 21, 2009 (The Governor declared a State of Emergency for Maryland on December 19 that was not lifted until 7pm on December 21)
February 8 - 12 (The Governor declared a SoE for Maryland on February 5 that from what I can find was not lifted until February 11/12). During this time, on February 10, the Mayor of Salisbury declared a State of Emergency for the incorporated city limits requiring a cease of traffic on roadways. This local SoE was not lifted until February 11).
Thank you for consideration of my suggestion,
Iowans Give Thumbs Up For Medicinal Marijuana In Poll
Nearly two-thirds of Iowans think patients should be allowed to use marijuana as medicine if their doctors approve, a new Iowa Poll shows.
However, fewer than a third of Iowans want to make the drug legal for people who just want to get high, the poll shows.
Fourteen states have decided to allow medical uses of marijuana. The Iowa Board of Pharmacy plans to decide on Wednesday whether to recommend that the Iowa Legislature follow suit.
Supporters of the idea say marijuana can relieve pain and nausea for many patients suffering from debilitating diseases, including cancer, AIDS and multiple sclerosis.
But skeptics say prescription drugs already are available for those purposes, and legalizing marijuana for medical purposes could make it easier to obtain the drug for recreational use, they say.
Sixty-four percent of Iowans support allowing medical uses of marijuana, the Iowa Poll found. Thirty-three percent oppose the idea. Three percent are not sure.
Only 28 percent of Iowans favor legalizing marijuana for recreational use, and 70 percent oppose the idea.
Poll participant Kevin Sikkink, 44, of Decorah agrees with the majorities on both questions.
Sikkink, who teaches part time at a community college and works in electronics, said he believes some ill people could see legitimate benefits from marijuana.
"If it's under a doctor's prescription, what's the difference between that and penicillin?" he asked.
Sikkink noted that pharmacies already sell addictive drugs, such as OxyContin, which he believes are at least as dangerous as marijuana.
Sikkink thinks legislators have more important things to worry about, including the budget, but he would support an eventual move to legalize medical uses of marijuana in Iowa. He said he would not support legalizing recreational uses of marijuana, partly because he believes that could legitimize cocaine and other highly addictive drugs.
"I think it provides a nice gateway to the harder stuff," he said.
Todd Berner, 42, an engineer from Independence, opposes legalizing marijuana for any uses. He sees the medical-marijuana campaign as a cover for people who want to get high.
"You can see what's happened in California. It's become a pothead's dreamland," he said, referring to the hundreds of marijuana shops that have opened since that state decided to allow medical marijuana use.
Berner said that doctors already can prescribe legal prescription drugs to fight pain or nausea, and they don't need to add marijuana to the list. He doesn't see why, after taking aggressive action to stem cigarette use, the government would loosen regulations on marijuana.
Ann O'Brien, 75, of Dubuque said she definitely supports letting patients use marijuana to treat medical problems. She said she also has no major problem with letting Americans use it for recreational reasons.
"You know, I don't smoke marijuana — never have," she said. "But I don't think people should go to jail for smoking it. I don't think it's worse than booze."
O'Brien is a nurse who works for a Catholic church. She said she believes some patients could be helped by smoking marijuana, especially for pain associated with diseases such as cancer.
"I just don't know where the harm is in it, especially for someone who is terminal," she said.
O'Brien's views, especially on the recreational-use question, are unusual among poll participants her age. Only 11 percent of Iowans age 65 and older think marijuana should be legalized for recreation. Support is stronger among younger poll participants. Forty percent of adults younger than 35 say they support general legalization of the drug.
There is less of a generational split on the medical-marijuana question, the poll shows. Among seniors, 52 percent favor legalizing the drug for such purposes. Support is 67 percent among adults younger than 35.
Iowans' politics appear to strongly influence their views on the questions.
Support for medical marijuana is 76 percent among Democrats, 47 percent among Republicans, and 66 percent among political independents, the poll shows. Support for general legalization of marijuana is 36 percent among Democrats, 14 percent among Republicans and 31 percent among independents.
More from the Des Moines Register HERE.
However, fewer than a third of Iowans want to make the drug legal for people who just want to get high, the poll shows.
Fourteen states have decided to allow medical uses of marijuana. The Iowa Board of Pharmacy plans to decide on Wednesday whether to recommend that the Iowa Legislature follow suit.
Supporters of the idea say marijuana can relieve pain and nausea for many patients suffering from debilitating diseases, including cancer, AIDS and multiple sclerosis.
But skeptics say prescription drugs already are available for those purposes, and legalizing marijuana for medical purposes could make it easier to obtain the drug for recreational use, they say.
Sixty-four percent of Iowans support allowing medical uses of marijuana, the Iowa Poll found. Thirty-three percent oppose the idea. Three percent are not sure.
Only 28 percent of Iowans favor legalizing marijuana for recreational use, and 70 percent oppose the idea.
Poll participant Kevin Sikkink, 44, of Decorah agrees with the majorities on both questions.
Sikkink, who teaches part time at a community college and works in electronics, said he believes some ill people could see legitimate benefits from marijuana.
"If it's under a doctor's prescription, what's the difference between that and penicillin?" he asked.
Sikkink noted that pharmacies already sell addictive drugs, such as OxyContin, which he believes are at least as dangerous as marijuana.
Sikkink thinks legislators have more important things to worry about, including the budget, but he would support an eventual move to legalize medical uses of marijuana in Iowa. He said he would not support legalizing recreational uses of marijuana, partly because he believes that could legitimize cocaine and other highly addictive drugs.
"I think it provides a nice gateway to the harder stuff," he said.
Todd Berner, 42, an engineer from Independence, opposes legalizing marijuana for any uses. He sees the medical-marijuana campaign as a cover for people who want to get high.
"You can see what's happened in California. It's become a pothead's dreamland," he said, referring to the hundreds of marijuana shops that have opened since that state decided to allow medical marijuana use.
Berner said that doctors already can prescribe legal prescription drugs to fight pain or nausea, and they don't need to add marijuana to the list. He doesn't see why, after taking aggressive action to stem cigarette use, the government would loosen regulations on marijuana.
Ann O'Brien, 75, of Dubuque said she definitely supports letting patients use marijuana to treat medical problems. She said she also has no major problem with letting Americans use it for recreational reasons.
"You know, I don't smoke marijuana — never have," she said. "But I don't think people should go to jail for smoking it. I don't think it's worse than booze."
O'Brien is a nurse who works for a Catholic church. She said she believes some patients could be helped by smoking marijuana, especially for pain associated with diseases such as cancer.
"I just don't know where the harm is in it, especially for someone who is terminal," she said.
O'Brien's views, especially on the recreational-use question, are unusual among poll participants her age. Only 11 percent of Iowans age 65 and older think marijuana should be legalized for recreation. Support is stronger among younger poll participants. Forty percent of adults younger than 35 say they support general legalization of the drug.
There is less of a generational split on the medical-marijuana question, the poll shows. Among seniors, 52 percent favor legalizing the drug for such purposes. Support is 67 percent among adults younger than 35.
Iowans' politics appear to strongly influence their views on the questions.
Support for medical marijuana is 76 percent among Democrats, 47 percent among Republicans, and 66 percent among political independents, the poll shows. Support for general legalization of marijuana is 36 percent among Democrats, 14 percent among Republicans and 31 percent among independents.
More from the Des Moines Register HERE.
EVERYTHING IS AVAILABLE
Joe:
One thing is for certain in-and-around Salisbury - everything is Available.
Take ride up Snow Hill Road - passing by Holloway's Funneral home and look on the left, and right, - (Jack's Religious Gift Shop, Super Soda, Shore Appliance Building, Used Car Dealer Building) - and there are many others.
Go down Mt. Hermon Road just across from Toltecca - (Old Prudential Bldg., Former Convenience Store, Former GMAC Building, Former Rite Aid, and hordes of others). I have never seen so many commercial buildings Available and I have lived here all my life.
This area should definately qualify for Economic Disaster assistance.
One thing is for certain in-and-around Salisbury - everything is Available.
Take ride up Snow Hill Road - passing by Holloway's Funneral home and look on the left, and right, - (Jack's Religious Gift Shop, Super Soda, Shore Appliance Building, Used Car Dealer Building) - and there are many others.
Go down Mt. Hermon Road just across from Toltecca - (Old Prudential Bldg., Former Convenience Store, Former GMAC Building, Former Rite Aid, and hordes of others). I have never seen so many commercial buildings Available and I have lived here all my life.
This area should definately qualify for Economic Disaster assistance.
A Letter To Dr. Fredericksen
Mr. Frederickson,
I am writing you this letter to express my concern of you holding schools open today, 02-16-2010. I live near the intersection of West and Adkins Rd and am still having terrible difficulty just trying to get out of my development. The roads on many locations are still impassable and thus should still be deemed dangerous. I do understand the fact that children need to get back to school sooner than later, I just don't think that it is as important as there safety and well-being. Please take the time to meet with the members of the Board of Ed. and re-think the standard procedures for which you make your decisions. If you would like further feedback from the public please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Malaki Greer (Parent)
I am writing you this letter to express my concern of you holding schools open today, 02-16-2010. I live near the intersection of West and Adkins Rd and am still having terrible difficulty just trying to get out of my development. The roads on many locations are still impassable and thus should still be deemed dangerous. I do understand the fact that children need to get back to school sooner than later, I just don't think that it is as important as there safety and well-being. Please take the time to meet with the members of the Board of Ed. and re-think the standard procedures for which you make your decisions. If you would like further feedback from the public please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Malaki Greer (Parent)
Montana Restaurant
This is a great story! The radio station America FM was doing one of its 'Is Anyone Listening?' bits this morning. The first question was, 'Ever have a celebrity come up with the 'Do you know who I am' routine?'
A woman called in and said that a few years ago, while visiting her cattle rancher uncle in Billings, MT, she had occasion to go to dinner at a restaurant that does not take reservations. The wait was about 45 minutes; many ranchers and their wives were waiting.
Ted Turner and his ex-wife Jane Fonda came in the restaurant and wanted a table. The hostess informed them that they'd have to wait 45 minutes. Jane Fonda asked the hostess, 'Do you know who I am?' The hostess answered, 'Yes, but you'll have to wait 45 minutes.' Then Jane asked if the manager was in. When the manager came out, he asked, 'May I help you?'
'Do you know who we are?' both Ted and Jane asked. 'Yes, but these folks have been waiting, and I can't put you ahead of them.'
Then Ted asked to speak to the owner. The owner came out, and Jane again asked, 'Do you know who I am?' The owner answered, 'Yes, I do. Do you know who I am? I am the owner of this restaurant and I am a Vietnam Veteran. Not only will you not get a table ahead of my friends and neighbors who have been waiting here, but you also will not be eating in my restaurant tonight or any other night.. Good bye.'
Only in America, is this a great country or what?
To all who received this, this is a true story and the name of the steak house is: Sir Scott's Oasis Steakhouse, 204 W. Main, Manhattan, MT 59741, (406) 284-6929
A woman called in and said that a few years ago, while visiting her cattle rancher uncle in Billings, MT, she had occasion to go to dinner at a restaurant that does not take reservations. The wait was about 45 minutes; many ranchers and their wives were waiting.
Ted Turner and his ex-wife Jane Fonda came in the restaurant and wanted a table. The hostess informed them that they'd have to wait 45 minutes. Jane Fonda asked the hostess, 'Do you know who I am?' The hostess answered, 'Yes, but you'll have to wait 45 minutes.' Then Jane asked if the manager was in. When the manager came out, he asked, 'May I help you?'
'Do you know who we are?' both Ted and Jane asked. 'Yes, but these folks have been waiting, and I can't put you ahead of them.'
Then Ted asked to speak to the owner. The owner came out, and Jane again asked, 'Do you know who I am?' The owner answered, 'Yes, I do. Do you know who I am? I am the owner of this restaurant and I am a Vietnam Veteran. Not only will you not get a table ahead of my friends and neighbors who have been waiting here, but you also will not be eating in my restaurant tonight or any other night.. Good bye.'
Only in America, is this a great country or what?
To all who received this, this is a true story and the name of the steak house is: Sir Scott's Oasis Steakhouse, 204 W. Main, Manhattan, MT 59741, (406) 284-6929
GOD Is Busy
If you don't know GOD, don't make stupid remarks!!!!!!
A United States Marine was taking some college courses between assignments. He had completed 20 missions in Iraq and Afghanistan . One of the courses had a professor who was an avowed atheist, and a member of the ACLU.
One day the professor shocked the class when he came in. He looked to the ceiling and flatly stated, GOD if you are real then I want you to knock me off this platform.. I'll give you exactly 15 min.' The lecture room fell silent. You could hear a pin drop. Ten minutes went by and the professor proclaimed, 'Here I am GOD, I'm still waiting.'
It got down to the last couple of minutes when the Marine got out of his chair, went up to the professor, and cold-cocked him; knocking him off the platform. The professor was out cold.
The Marine went back to his seat and sat there, silently.
The other students were shocked and stunned, and sat there looking on in silence. The professor eventually came to, noticeably shaken, looked at the Marine and asked, "What in the world is the matter with you? 'Why did you do that?" The Marine calmly replied, "GOD was too busy today protecting America's soldiers who are protecting your right to say stupid stuff and act like an idiot. So He sent me."
The classroom erupted in cheers!
A United States Marine was taking some college courses between assignments. He had completed 20 missions in Iraq and Afghanistan . One of the courses had a professor who was an avowed atheist, and a member of the ACLU.
One day the professor shocked the class when he came in. He looked to the ceiling and flatly stated, GOD if you are real then I want you to knock me off this platform.. I'll give you exactly 15 min.' The lecture room fell silent. You could hear a pin drop. Ten minutes went by and the professor proclaimed, 'Here I am GOD, I'm still waiting.'
It got down to the last couple of minutes when the Marine got out of his chair, went up to the professor, and cold-cocked him; knocking him off the platform. The professor was out cold.
The Marine went back to his seat and sat there, silently.
The other students were shocked and stunned, and sat there looking on in silence. The professor eventually came to, noticeably shaken, looked at the Marine and asked, "What in the world is the matter with you? 'Why did you do that?" The Marine calmly replied, "GOD was too busy today protecting America's soldiers who are protecting your right to say stupid stuff and act like an idiot. So He sent me."
The classroom erupted in cheers!
Road Conditions In Salisbury
Hi Joe, I was reading your blog last night, regarding side roads and their condition. I took this picture a few minutes ago on Hartford Road, off of Northwood Drive. Sorry for the quality of the picture but I wouldn't get out of my car to take a better one because I am wearing heels and would prefer not to break any bones. All the side roads off of Northwood are pretty much in this same condition... Marvel, W. Gordy, etc. Have a great day.
Wicomico County Road Conditions As Of This Morning
"We struggled last night after we heard Wicomico Cty’s decision on having buses run and school in session. I have attached a few pictures I took this morning of the road conditions in our area. Although there may be clear spots on parts of the roads pictured, there are still large portions that are very dangerous for anyone – especially a bus full of children! Our daughter is home with a high-school student in our neighborhood today. It’s just not worth the risk. And……it’s snowing pretty good out there right now!"
Tea Party Movement Lights Fuse For Right
Activists discover set of ideas long seen as preserve of conspiracy theorists
SANDPOINT, Idaho - Pam Stout has not always lived in fear of her government. She remembers her years working in federal housing programs, watching government lift struggling families with job training and education. She beams at the memory of helping a Vietnamese woman get into junior college.
But all that was before the Great Recession and the bank bailouts, before Barack Obama took the White House by promising sweeping change on multiple fronts, before her son lost his job and his house. Mrs. Stout said she awoke to see Washington as a threat, a place where crisis is manipulated — even manufactured — by both parties to grab power.
She was happily retired, and had never been active politically. But last April, she went to her first Tea Party rally, then to a meeting of the Sandpoint Tea Party Patriots. She did not know a soul, yet when they began electing board members, she stood up, swallowed hard, and nominated herself for president. “I was like, ‘Did I really just do that?’ ” she recalled.
GO HERE to read more.
TROOPERS ARREST MAN ON CDS CHARGES
On February 15, 2010 at 11:44 pm, A Trooper from the Salisbury Barrack of the Maryland State Police stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation on Bethel Road at Richland Road in Willards. The Trooper detected an odor of an alcoholic beverage on the driver and requested the driver to step out of the vehicle to perform field sobriety tests. The Trooper patted the driver down for his safety and felt an object in the driver’s pants pocket. The Trooper asked the driver what was in his pocket and the driver produced a baggie of marihuana. The Trooper charged the driver identified as Timothy Jay Sollers, 32, of Willards with possession of marihuana and drug paraphernalia. Sollers was taken to WCDC where he was awaiting a hearing with a commissioner.
Rutledge for US Senate Press Release Feb 15 Drowning In Debt
FOREST HILL, Maryland
Republican U.S. Senate Candidate Jim Rutledge responded this weekend to the Senate Budget Committee hearing concerning the Federal Budget and Deficits. Rutledge stated, “The clock is ticking regarding the financial future of the American People and unfortunately Washington can’t tell time.” The Nation is drowning in debt while professional politicians like Barbara Mikulski do nothing to reduce the deficit.
Financial experts presented a unified message to the Senate Budget Committee agreeing that the National debt takes capital out of the economy and threatens our economic recovery. Jim Rutledge believes that the reckless spending in Washington pursued by Barack Obama and Barbara Mikulski will continue to jeopardize the future of the American People. The Congressional Budget Office has stated that if the current laws and policies remain unchanged, the Federal Budget would show a deficit of 1.3 trillion dollars for Fiscal Year 2010. The total public debt in the United States is presently estimated at over 12 trillion dollars.
Jim Rutledge understands that some of the solutions to rebuilding the economy may be complicated in the long term but there are also short term solutions that should be implemented immediately. Congress can and should halt the billions of taxpayers’ dollars being poured into entitlement programs and wasteful government earmarks. These programs are picking the pockets of the American People and stealing the future of our Nation.
Jim Rutledge is committed to supporting the entitlements guaranteed by the Constitution- the entitlements of freedom. The Rutledge for Senate Campaign is about providing the Citizens of Maryland the opportunity to have a U.S. Senator who will fight to restore the true entitlements of the Constitution.
Barbara Mikulski has proven that she is part of the problem and not part of the solution. The Obama-Mikulski Budget does not make cents in this period of economic hardship. Maryland can not afford the policies of Barack Obama and Barbara Mikulski.
Republican U.S. Senate Candidate Jim Rutledge responded this weekend to the Senate Budget Committee hearing concerning the Federal Budget and Deficits. Rutledge stated, “The clock is ticking regarding the financial future of the American People and unfortunately Washington can’t tell time.” The Nation is drowning in debt while professional politicians like Barbara Mikulski do nothing to reduce the deficit.
Financial experts presented a unified message to the Senate Budget Committee agreeing that the National debt takes capital out of the economy and threatens our economic recovery. Jim Rutledge believes that the reckless spending in Washington pursued by Barack Obama and Barbara Mikulski will continue to jeopardize the future of the American People. The Congressional Budget Office has stated that if the current laws and policies remain unchanged, the Federal Budget would show a deficit of 1.3 trillion dollars for Fiscal Year 2010. The total public debt in the United States is presently estimated at over 12 trillion dollars.
Jim Rutledge understands that some of the solutions to rebuilding the economy may be complicated in the long term but there are also short term solutions that should be implemented immediately. Congress can and should halt the billions of taxpayers’ dollars being poured into entitlement programs and wasteful government earmarks. These programs are picking the pockets of the American People and stealing the future of our Nation.
Jim Rutledge is committed to supporting the entitlements guaranteed by the Constitution- the entitlements of freedom. The Rutledge for Senate Campaign is about providing the Citizens of Maryland the opportunity to have a U.S. Senator who will fight to restore the true entitlements of the Constitution.
Barbara Mikulski has proven that she is part of the problem and not part of the solution. The Obama-Mikulski Budget does not make cents in this period of economic hardship. Maryland can not afford the policies of Barack Obama and Barbara Mikulski.
Now Obama Discovers GOP Health Care Proposals?
Oh, the President must be really desperate.
After repeating for months that Republicans have no solutions when it comes to health care reform, he now wants to discuss the very ideas he denied existed and has invited Republican leaders to the White House to find a “bipartisan” health care solution. How gracious of him.
You’ll have to excuse us for questioning the sincerity of the President’s newfound desire to work together. As Chairman of the Republican Study Committee, virtually every week in 2009, we requested to meet with the President to discuss health care and other central issues. Each time, a polite “thank you” email from the White House was the extent of our bipartisan discussions. It’s interesting that only now – once his big-government dream is on political life support – does the President see a use for Republicans. And it appears that use may be more political than rooted in policy goals.
In fact, the President’s invite to Republicans has come pre-packaged with some pretty audacious spin. For starters, this week the President has aggressively tried to frame Republicans as the obstructers to health care passage, unwilling to participate in the process. That’s a pretty tough sell for a President with a 77-seat majority in the House and 59 Democrat Senators in the other chamber. And before taking that line, the President might want to check with his partisan partner, Speaker Pelosi, who famously told House Democrats they would be shut out themselves if they attempted to work with Republicans on health care.
After repeating for months that Republicans have no solutions when it comes to health care reform, he now wants to discuss the very ideas he denied existed and has invited Republican leaders to the White House to find a “bipartisan” health care solution. How gracious of him.
You’ll have to excuse us for questioning the sincerity of the President’s newfound desire to work together. As Chairman of the Republican Study Committee, virtually every week in 2009, we requested to meet with the President to discuss health care and other central issues. Each time, a polite “thank you” email from the White House was the extent of our bipartisan discussions. It’s interesting that only now – once his big-government dream is on political life support – does the President see a use for Republicans. And it appears that use may be more political than rooted in policy goals.
In fact, the President’s invite to Republicans has come pre-packaged with some pretty audacious spin. For starters, this week the President has aggressively tried to frame Republicans as the obstructers to health care passage, unwilling to participate in the process. That’s a pretty tough sell for a President with a 77-seat majority in the House and 59 Democrat Senators in the other chamber. And before taking that line, the President might want to check with his partisan partner, Speaker Pelosi, who famously told House Democrats they would be shut out themselves if they attempted to work with Republicans on health care.
Kratovil’s Pork’n Baloney
In Rep. Frank Kratovil’s recent press release, he boasts that he has introduced the “Earmark Performance and Accountability Act,” a bill requiring independent audits for earmark projects. Fat chance that Congress’ fairy dust will bring that to the House floor for a vote.
A more appropriate title would be “Congress’ Underperforming Unaccountable and Arrogance Act.” It doesn’t take an audit to reveal Washington’s appetite for spending with a $14.5 trillion deficit and counting. Need we remind taxpayers that Kratovil requested $36 million in pork earmarks in the end-of-year spending bill. He talks out of both sides of his mouth and must think the people of the First District just fell off the turnip truck.
In case Kratovil has been locked behind one of the closed-door secret meetings, he may be unaware that taxpayers have sent a clear message to the pickpocket politicians of Washington via New Jersey, Virginia, and Massachusetts: stop the spending, keep your hands off of our healthcare, and deport the illegal immigrants.
A suggestion for Kratovil. Focus on jobs, tax cuts for businesses and working Americans, and eliminating socialist programs that make people dependent upon the government. If he is serious about reforming pork earmarks, why hasn’t he introduced a bill to remove Speaker Pelosi’s “Pork’em Plane” and her multimillion dollar trips to San Francisco each week, funded by taxpayers? Mr. Kratovil, along with Baltimore City Babs Mikulski and their fellow porkers of Congress, should stop drinking the Progressive Kool-Aid and start working on something needed in November, their job resumes.
Maureen Harper (Cambridge, MD)
A more appropriate title would be “Congress’ Underperforming Unaccountable and Arrogance Act.” It doesn’t take an audit to reveal Washington’s appetite for spending with a $14.5 trillion deficit and counting. Need we remind taxpayers that Kratovil requested $36 million in pork earmarks in the end-of-year spending bill. He talks out of both sides of his mouth and must think the people of the First District just fell off the turnip truck.
In case Kratovil has been locked behind one of the closed-door secret meetings, he may be unaware that taxpayers have sent a clear message to the pickpocket politicians of Washington via New Jersey, Virginia, and Massachusetts: stop the spending, keep your hands off of our healthcare, and deport the illegal immigrants.
A suggestion for Kratovil. Focus on jobs, tax cuts for businesses and working Americans, and eliminating socialist programs that make people dependent upon the government. If he is serious about reforming pork earmarks, why hasn’t he introduced a bill to remove Speaker Pelosi’s “Pork’em Plane” and her multimillion dollar trips to San Francisco each week, funded by taxpayers? Mr. Kratovil, along with Baltimore City Babs Mikulski and their fellow porkers of Congress, should stop drinking the Progressive Kool-Aid and start working on something needed in November, their job resumes.
Maureen Harper (Cambridge, MD)
Politicians We No Longer Need
Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) has published its picks for 2009 "Ten Most Wanted Corrupt Politicians of 2009", as named by Judicial Watch.
Senators Dodd and Ensign lead the alphabetically listed ten elected and appointed officials, followed by Representative Barney Franks and Secretary of the Treasury Timothy Geitner. Political cronyism, misappropriation, gross tax evasion, abuse of privilege and downright greed are among the crimes and injustices committed often in the name of yet always against the American people by those it is bred and expected to trust, a trust that seems
to be in ever-increasing jeopardy.
(Yes, Nancy's in there, too. How could she not be?)
The rest of the list from CREW can be seen here, as well as the list of the 15 most corrupt members of the U.S. Congress.
Democrats lead the numbers by a slight margin (7-9).
John Murtha's death did not serve to remove him from the list.
Mizeur Lauches Online Petition For Open Government Act
Delegate Heather Mizeur (D-20) has launched an online petition in support of her Open Government Act. We have previously said that the bill "would enable free public access to the General Assembly's 'up-to-the-minute' bill tracking service, which is currently available only for an $800 fee; post General Assembly committee agendas a day in advance; webcast committee hearings; and substantially open up the proceedings of the Board of Public Works, which currently has the power to implement gigantic budget cuts without public input." We ask our readers to review the petition (which currently has 104 supporters) and consider signing on if they agree with it.
New Golf Rules
THE USGA WOULD LIKE TO INFORM ALL GOLFERS - New Redistribution Rules Under Obama There is a possibility of MAJOR rule changes to the game of golf, this may occur sometime after November 4.
This is only a preview as the complete rule book is being written now.
Here are a couple of basic changes.
Golfers with handicaps:
- below 10 will have their green fees increase by 35%
- between 11 and 18 will see no increase in green fees
- above 18 will play for free and even get a check from the club/course played
The $ amount put in for bets will be as follows:
-for handicaps below 10 an additional $10
-between 11 and 18 no additional amount
-above 18 you will receive the total amount in the pot and you do not even have to play.
The term "gimme putt" will be changed to "entitlement" and will be used as follows:
-handicaps below 10, no entitlements
-handicaps above 11 to 17, entitlements for putter length putts
-handicaps above 18, if on green, no need to ever putt, just pick it up
These entitlements are intended to bring about fairness in scoring so that the final scores of all players will be about the same.
In addition, a Player will be limited to a max of one birdie and/or six pars, any excess must be given to those fellow players who have not yet scored a birdie or par. Only after all players have received a birdie or par from the player making the birdie or par, can that Player begin to count his score again.
The current USGA handicap system will be used for the above purposes but the term "net score" will be available only for scoring those players with handicaps 18 and above.
This is intended to "redistribute" the success of winning by making sure that in every competition the above 18 handicap players will post only "net score" against every other player's gross score.
These new Rules are intended to CHANGE the game of golf. Golf must be about Fairness Only, it should have nothing to do with Ability.
This is only a preview as the complete rule book is being written now.
Here are a couple of basic changes.
Golfers with handicaps:
- below 10 will have their green fees increase by 35%
- between 11 and 18 will see no increase in green fees
- above 18 will play for free and even get a check from the club/course played
The $ amount put in for bets will be as follows:
-for handicaps below 10 an additional $10
-between 11 and 18 no additional amount
-above 18 you will receive the total amount in the pot and you do not even have to play.
The term "gimme putt" will be changed to "entitlement" and will be used as follows:
-handicaps below 10, no entitlements
-handicaps above 11 to 17, entitlements for putter length putts
-handicaps above 18, if on green, no need to ever putt, just pick it up
These entitlements are intended to bring about fairness in scoring so that the final scores of all players will be about the same.
In addition, a Player will be limited to a max of one birdie and/or six pars, any excess must be given to those fellow players who have not yet scored a birdie or par. Only after all players have received a birdie or par from the player making the birdie or par, can that Player begin to count his score again.
The current USGA handicap system will be used for the above purposes but the term "net score" will be available only for scoring those players with handicaps 18 and above.
This is intended to "redistribute" the success of winning by making sure that in every competition the above 18 handicap players will post only "net score" against every other player's gross score.
These new Rules are intended to CHANGE the game of golf. Golf must be about Fairness Only, it should have nothing to do with Ability.
Peter Schiff
Joe,
In case you haven't heard Peter Schiff (Ellen Sauerbrey quotes him in your blog about Obama's state of the union address), he is one of the very few people who predicted the housing bubble and was laughed off of news shows. This is a link of him speaking......well worth your time!
http://dailybail.com/home/peter-schiff-of-course-were-not-going-to-pay-back-the-chines.html
In case you haven't heard Peter Schiff (Ellen Sauerbrey quotes him in your blog about Obama's state of the union address), he is one of the very few people who predicted the housing bubble and was laughed off of news shows. This is a link of him speaking......well worth your time!
http://dailybail.com/home/peter-schiff-of-course-were-not-going-to-pay-back-the-chines.html
Wicomico County Sheriff's Office Press Releases
Incident: Assault
Date of Incident: 11 February 2010
Location: 1000 block of Nokomis Avenue, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Aaron Devin Jones, 25, Salisbury, MD
Narrative: On 11 February 2010 at 9:02 PM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to investigate an altercation that had occurred inside a residence in the 1000 block of Nokomis Avenue. Upon arrival, the deputy met with a female victim who stated that she had become involved in a verbal argument with Jones, her boyfriend; when Jones became enraged, grabbed her by the neck and threw her to the floor. The victim informed the deputy the assault continued until another family member entered the room and began yelling at Jones who then jumped off the victim. The deputy discovered that Jones had fled the residence prior to his arrival.
Due to the nature of the incident and the signs of injury on the victim that corroborated her account, the deputy applied for and received a warrant for Jones’ arrest. The deputy located Jones two days later and placed him under arrest. Upon transport to the Central Booking Unit, Jones was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, the Commissioner detained Jones in the Detention Center in lieu of $20,000.00 bond.
Charges: Assault 2nd degree
Incident: Disorderly / Resist Arrest
Date of Incident: 13 February 2010
Location: 2300 block of North Salisbury Blvd., Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Morgan R. Sanabria, 24, Salisbury, MD
Narrative: On 13 February 2010 at 8:45 PM, deputies from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Centre at Salisbury for a reported fight where a handgun was reportedly displayed. Upon arrival, the deputy began checking the mall for the subject reportedly armed with the handgun. With the assistance of a witness, the deputy identified and located Morgan Sanabria as the individual who brandished the handgun during the altercation. Upon attempting to stop Sanabria, he continued to walk past the deputy apparently with no indication of heeding the request of the deputy. Since verbal commands were refused, the deputy grabbed Sanabria by the arm in an attempt to complete the investigation. Sanabria attempted to pull himself away from the deputy, who, along with a trooper managed to detain him and begin a pat down for a weapon. Throughout the encounter, Sanabria continued to yell and physically resist the efforts of law enforcement to do their job. Sanabria’s actions caused a disturbance in the middle of the Centre of Salisbury as many patrons were either held up by the encounter or stopped to watch.
The deputy placed Sanabria under arrest and transported him to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, the Commissioner detained Sanabria in the Detention Center in lieu of $15,000.00 bond.
Charges: Disorderly Conduct
Hinder and Obstruct
Resist Arrest
Incident: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
Date of Incident: 14 February 2010
Location: South Upper Ferry Road, Eden, MD
Suspect: Michael Joseph Napolitano, 20, Ellicott City, MD
Narrative: On 14 February 2010 at 4:00 AM, a deputy was dispatched to a reported vehicle in a ditch off of South Upper Ferry Road in the area of Ditchbank Road in Eden. Upon arrival, the deputy located a Jeep stuck in the snow at that location. The operator of the vehicle was observed sitting behind the driver’s wheel with the engine on. Upon contacting the operator, Michael Napolitano, he informed the deputy that he had run off the road and become stuck. While speaking with him, the deputy detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from Napolitano.
The deputy administered Standardized Field Sobriety Tests which Napolitano failed. At the conclusion of his evaluation of Napolitano, the deputy placed him under arrest for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol. The deputy transported Napolitano to the State Police Barrack for the Chemical Breath test and then transported him to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, the Commissioner detained Napolitano in the Detention Center in lieu of $5,000.00 bond.
Charges: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol Per Se
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
Driving While Impaired
School Or No School
Folks, let me address those commenters, (especially the ones who claim they're from New Jersey) about their remarks on kids returning to school.
First of all, New Jersey sees a lot more snow each and every year than Maryland does. For those so called upstate New york viewers saying the Eastern Shore is acting like babies, you're right in the fact that again, we do NOT get anywhere near the snow fall you get in upstate New York.
All that being said, YOU people need to consider the fact that the people from Public Works here are not prepared for such emergencies. What I mean by that is, our County Executive should send Public Works out to Baltimore or Washington, D.C. and see how the clean up is actually performed.
This sending one truck out to do the job that two trucks need to do is for the birds. You need two trucks pacing side by side, one throwing to the left and the other throwing to the right, PERIOD. If this had been done we wouldn't have the major problems we're having right now.
Nevertheless, I'm no expert but let me say this. I have been driving around, I have seen the end result of what has been done and for what it's worth, my opinion, (along with others) is dead on. The clean up was not done properly in the County and or the City. Just take one good look away from Rt 13 or Rt 50 and you'll see that I'm right.
So to those New Jersey and New York commenters who say the kids have been out of school for too long, while you may be right, risking their lives to get them there is just plain stupid. Put good money after good money Mr. Pollitt and send some of your people to training courses to learn how to do snow removal properly. THEN send our kids off to school.
By the way, the word varification for this Post is, "tards".
First of all, New Jersey sees a lot more snow each and every year than Maryland does. For those so called upstate New york viewers saying the Eastern Shore is acting like babies, you're right in the fact that again, we do NOT get anywhere near the snow fall you get in upstate New York.
All that being said, YOU people need to consider the fact that the people from Public Works here are not prepared for such emergencies. What I mean by that is, our County Executive should send Public Works out to Baltimore or Washington, D.C. and see how the clean up is actually performed.
This sending one truck out to do the job that two trucks need to do is for the birds. You need two trucks pacing side by side, one throwing to the left and the other throwing to the right, PERIOD. If this had been done we wouldn't have the major problems we're having right now.
Nevertheless, I'm no expert but let me say this. I have been driving around, I have seen the end result of what has been done and for what it's worth, my opinion, (along with others) is dead on. The clean up was not done properly in the County and or the City. Just take one good look away from Rt 13 or Rt 50 and you'll see that I'm right.
So to those New Jersey and New York commenters who say the kids have been out of school for too long, while you may be right, risking their lives to get them there is just plain stupid. Put good money after good money Mr. Pollitt and send some of your people to training courses to learn how to do snow removal properly. THEN send our kids off to school.
By the way, the word varification for this Post is, "tards".
God Works In Mysterious Ways
"The Coat Hanger"
A woman was at work when she received a phone call that her small daughter was very sick w ith a fever.
She left her work and stopped by the pharmacy to get some medication.
She got back to her car and found that she had locked her keys in the car.
She didn't know what to do, so she called home and told the baby sitter what had happened.
The baby sitter told her that the fever was getting worse. She said, "You might find a coat hanger and use that to open the door."
The woman looked around and found an old rusty coat hanger that had been left on the ground, possibly by someone else who at some time had locked their keys in their car.
She looked at the hanger and said, "I don't know how to use this."
She bowed her head and asked God to send her help.
Within five minutes a beat up old motor cycle pulled up, with a dirty, greasy, bearded man who was wearing an old biker skull rag on his head.
The woman thought, "This is what you sent to help me?" But, she was desperate, so she was also very thankful. The man got off of his cycle and asked if he could help.
She said, "Yes, my daughter is very sick. I stopped to get her some medication and I locked my keys in my car. I must get home to her.. Please, can you use this hanger to unlock my car?"
He said, "Sure." He walked over to the car, and in less than a minute the car was opened.
She hugged the man and through her tears she said, "Thank You So Much! You are a very nice man."
The man replied, "Lady, I am not a nice man. I just got out of prison today. I was in prison for car theft and have only been out for about an hour."
The woman hugged the man again and with sobbing tears cried out loud, "Oh, thank you God! You even sent me a Professional!!!"
Is - GOD GOOD - or what!!!???
A woman was at work when she received a phone call that her small daughter was very sick w ith a fever.
She left her work and stopped by the pharmacy to get some medication.
She got back to her car and found that she had locked her keys in the car.
She didn't know what to do, so she called home and told the baby sitter what had happened.
The baby sitter told her that the fever was getting worse. She said, "You might find a coat hanger and use that to open the door."
The woman looked around and found an old rusty coat hanger that had been left on the ground, possibly by someone else who at some time had locked their keys in their car.
She looked at the hanger and said, "I don't know how to use this."
She bowed her head and asked God to send her help.
Within five minutes a beat up old motor cycle pulled up, with a dirty, greasy, bearded man who was wearing an old biker skull rag on his head.
The woman thought, "This is what you sent to help me?" But, she was desperate, so she was also very thankful. The man got off of his cycle and asked if he could help.
She said, "Yes, my daughter is very sick. I stopped to get her some medication and I locked my keys in my car. I must get home to her.. Please, can you use this hanger to unlock my car?"
He said, "Sure." He walked over to the car, and in less than a minute the car was opened.
She hugged the man and through her tears she said, "Thank You So Much! You are a very nice man."
The man replied, "Lady, I am not a nice man. I just got out of prison today. I was in prison for car theft and have only been out for about an hour."
The woman hugged the man again and with sobbing tears cried out loud, "Oh, thank you God! You even sent me a Professional!!!"
Is - GOD GOOD - or what!!!???
Enjoy
This has got to be one of the cleverest E-mails I've received in awhile.
Someone out there must be "deadly" at Scrabble. (Wait till you see the last one)!
PRESBYTERIAN:
When you rearrange the letters:
BEST IN PRAYER
ASTRONOMER:
When you rearrange the letters:
MOON STARER
DESPERATION:
When you rearrange the letters:
A ROPE ENDS IT
THE EYES:
When you rearrange the letters:
THEY SEE
GEORGE BUSH:
When you rearrange the letters:
HE BUGS GORE
THE MORSE CODE:
When you rearrange the letters:
HERE COME DOTS
DORMITORY:
When you rearrange the letters:
DIRTY ROOM
SLOT MACHINES:
When you rearrange the letters:
CASH LOST IN ME
ANIMOSITY:
When you rearrange the letters:
IS NO AMITY
ELECTION RESULTS:
When you rearrange the letters:
LIES - LET'S RECOUNT
SNOOZE ALARMS:
When you rearrange the letters:
ALAS! NO MORE Z 'S
A DECIMAL POINT:
When you rearrange the letters:
I'M A DOT IN PLACE
THE EARTHQUAKES:
When you rearrange the letters:
THAT QUEER SHAKE
ELEVEN PLUS TWO:
When you rearrange the letters:
TWELVE PLUS ONE
AND FOR THE GRAND FINALE:
MOTHER-IN-LAW:
When you rearrange the letters:
WOMAN HITLER
Someone out there must be "deadly" at Scrabble. (Wait till you see the last one)!
PRESBYTERIAN:
When you rearrange the letters:
BEST IN PRAYER
ASTRONOMER:
When you rearrange the letters:
MOON STARER
DESPERATION:
When you rearrange the letters:
A ROPE ENDS IT
THE EYES:
When you rearrange the letters:
THEY SEE
GEORGE BUSH:
When you rearrange the letters:
HE BUGS GORE
THE MORSE CODE:
When you rearrange the letters:
HERE COME DOTS
DORMITORY:
When you rearrange the letters:
DIRTY ROOM
SLOT MACHINES:
When you rearrange the letters:
CASH LOST IN ME
ANIMOSITY:
When you rearrange the letters:
IS NO AMITY
ELECTION RESULTS:
When you rearrange the letters:
LIES - LET'S RECOUNT
SNOOZE ALARMS:
When you rearrange the letters:
ALAS! NO MORE Z 'S
A DECIMAL POINT:
When you rearrange the letters:
I'M A DOT IN PLACE
THE EARTHQUAKES:
When you rearrange the letters:
THAT QUEER SHAKE
ELEVEN PLUS TWO:
When you rearrange the letters:
TWELVE PLUS ONE
AND FOR THE GRAND FINALE:
MOTHER-IN-LAW:
When you rearrange the letters:
WOMAN HITLER
Is It Snowing, Or Not? Don't Ask WBOC!
A Reader says:
"WBOC says we missed any snow...it's snowing in Fruitland."
Its snowing in Delmar too. I'm talking the heavy stuff.
"WBOC says we missed any snow...it's snowing in Fruitland."
Its snowing in Delmar too. I'm talking the heavy stuff.
Joe Albero Has The Prettiest Women Of Any Other Facebook Member
While I do not regularly keep up with following my Facebook page, man, one thing is for sure, there are more beautiful women on my Facebook page than anyone else I know of. Take a look for yourself! HERE
Its Snowing Outside
I'm not sure what's going on in your neck of the woods but here in Delmar the snow is coming down hard and heavy, at the moment. Bring on those School Buses!
University Of Maryland President To Retire
"University of MD sent out an email this morning announcing that the University President is resigning at the end of August."
Federal Training Facility Brews Queen Anne's Brouhaha
WASHINGTON - What started as an effort to create jobs in Queen Anne's County and increase national security has devolved into months of finger pointing, heated Facebook posts, dozens of furious letters, boycotts and a lot of extremely unhappy people.
Community tension has been high since November, when Hunt Ray Farm in Ruthsburg was announced as the preferred site for the State Department's proposed 2,000-acre Foreign Affairs Security Training Center.
The FASTC is a consolidation of 19 separate diplomatic security training facilities and it's expected to bring in 400-some, long-term jobs in maintenance, emergency medical services and administration, among others.
Some community members view the facility as a tremendous boost to the economy, while others see it as a detriment to the small, farm town society.
"They're talking about putting a bomb 60 feet from my backdoor," said Sherry Adam, whose home backs up to the proposed site. "This is God's county, this is one of the most beautiful areas, and to tear it up like that...it's just awful, these are my friends, these are my neighbors...it's going to be a terrible change."
The facility would offer both hard- and soft-skills training. Hard skills include weapons and explosive storage, driving tracks and indoor and outdoor firing and explosive ranges. Soft skills include simulation labs, administrative offices and classroom teaching.
Residents are hurrying to speak out by Feb. 19, when the public comment period of the National Environmental Policy Act process ends. NEPA is a law requiring government agencies to consider the environmental and cultural impacts of proposed projects before any plans go into action.
GO HERE to read more.
Community tension has been high since November, when Hunt Ray Farm in Ruthsburg was announced as the preferred site for the State Department's proposed 2,000-acre Foreign Affairs Security Training Center.
The FASTC is a consolidation of 19 separate diplomatic security training facilities and it's expected to bring in 400-some, long-term jobs in maintenance, emergency medical services and administration, among others.
Some community members view the facility as a tremendous boost to the economy, while others see it as a detriment to the small, farm town society.
"They're talking about putting a bomb 60 feet from my backdoor," said Sherry Adam, whose home backs up to the proposed site. "This is God's county, this is one of the most beautiful areas, and to tear it up like that...it's just awful, these are my friends, these are my neighbors...it's going to be a terrible change."
The facility would offer both hard- and soft-skills training. Hard skills include weapons and explosive storage, driving tracks and indoor and outdoor firing and explosive ranges. Soft skills include simulation labs, administrative offices and classroom teaching.
Residents are hurrying to speak out by Feb. 19, when the public comment period of the National Environmental Policy Act process ends. NEPA is a law requiring government agencies to consider the environmental and cultural impacts of proposed projects before any plans go into action.
GO HERE to read more.
1928 Car Repair Mailer
Less than 100 yrs ago, Automotive repair advertisement in 1928... sent on a penny postcard
Romney Assaulted On Flight Leaving Olympics
A passenger became "physically violent" when the former Massachusetts governor asked him to move his seat upright for take-off.
Mitt Romney, the former Republican governor of Massachusetts, was physically assaulted Monday by a fellow passenger on a flight from Vancouver, Canada, to Los Angeles.
Romney, a 2008 presidential candidate and a potential 2012 contender, asked a passenger who was seated and reclining in front of his wife, Ann, to move his seat upright during take off.
"The passenger became physically violent. Governor Romney did not retaliate, but instead let the airline crew respond to the incident," said Romney spokesman Eric Fehrnstrom.
GO HERE to read more.
Uncle Sam Paying Big Bucks For Your Crusty Old Fridge
Your washer needs to clean up its act. That heat pump isn’t keeping you warm anymore during cold winter nights. No problem. Just sell it to the government.
The Department of Energy has a $300 million incentive for America to get rid of old appliances and buy more energy-efficient models.
The program is dubbed “Cash for Appliances” because it resembles the “Cash for Clunkers” program rolled out last year.
GO HERE to read more.
SALISBURY HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION CONTINUES - HELP FROM THE PUBLIC SOUGHT
(Salisbury, MD) – Maryland State Police and the Wicomico Bureau of Investigation are asking for the public’s help as they continue their investigation into the murder of a Salisbury man who was shot in his home last Friday night.
The victim is identified as Gregory J. Wright, 22, of the 900-block of East Booth Street, Salisbury, Md. Wright lived at that address with his girlfriend, her mother, and two children related to his girlfriend’s mother.
The description of the two suspects continues to be that they were African American males wearing dark clothing, gloves, and skull caps. One of the suspects was armed with a handgun. The second suspect did not display a weapon.
Anyone who may have been in the area of Booth Street and Kenosha Avenue between 8:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. on February 12, 2010, is urged to contact police. A reward is being offered by Wicomico County Crime Solvers for information leading to the arrest of one or both of the suspects. Information may be left confidentially by calling 410-548-1776. Maryland State Police at the Salisbury Barracks can be reached at 410-749-3101.
Just before 10:00 p.m. Friday, Maryland State Police at the Salisbury Barracks received a 911 call from the victim’s girlfriend, who reported a shooting had just occurred at her residence. Troopers responded and found the victim deceased in the living room of the home.
The investigation at this time indicates the victim was sitting in the living room of the row house type apartment, with the four females who live there, when the two suspects entered through the front door. The suspect with the handgun fired multiple times at the victim as he sat in a chair. The victim was struck in his upper torso. Both suspects then walked out of the residence, taking the handgun with them. None of the four women in the room were injured.
Investigators from the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit and the Wicomico Bureau of Investigation continue to actively work this case. Investigators have conducted dozens of interviews and followed up on leads that have been developed. Police believe citizens in the area may have valuable information that will assist with the identification and arrests of the individuals responsible for this murder and are urging those people to contact them immediately.
DelDOT Highlights Its Engineers During Engineer Week
February 14-20, 2010
Dover -- The Department of Transportation takes this opportunity to appreciate and celebrate its 147 engineers as the nation celebrates National Engineers Week, February 14-20, 2010.
We are fortunate this year to have the construction of the new Indian River Inlet Bridge underway, as it showcases the hard work of a variety of civil and bridge engineers working in all fields from design to construction.
The bridge project also presents a unique opportunity this year for engineers to share the spotlight with students of every level who may consider the field of engineering for their career.
The building of the new Indian River Inlet Bridge is a wonderful opportunity for students and the general public to witness the amazing world of engineering. During this month and the upcoming months, schools are encouraged to schedule site tours to allow students the opportunity to learn about the field of engineering firsthand. Through a brief presentation and on-site tour of the construction zone students will learn about various math, science, and technology principles required to build a bridge.
Secretary Carolann Wicks notes, "As an engineer myself, I certainly understand the importance of real life examples to excite and motivate young people who have an interest in math and science. I encourage every parent and teacher to bring their children to the site, look at the Web site, and to learn about engineering as a possible career."
Anyone interested in scheduling a site tour should visit the bridge Indian River Inlet Bridge Web site at www.irib.deldot.gov. Also available there is information about Careers in Engineering, a link to the University of Delaware's College of Engineering Web site and information on engineering disciplines.
Dover -- The Department of Transportation takes this opportunity to appreciate and celebrate its 147 engineers as the nation celebrates National Engineers Week, February 14-20, 2010.
We are fortunate this year to have the construction of the new Indian River Inlet Bridge underway, as it showcases the hard work of a variety of civil and bridge engineers working in all fields from design to construction.
The bridge project also presents a unique opportunity this year for engineers to share the spotlight with students of every level who may consider the field of engineering for their career.
The building of the new Indian River Inlet Bridge is a wonderful opportunity for students and the general public to witness the amazing world of engineering. During this month and the upcoming months, schools are encouraged to schedule site tours to allow students the opportunity to learn about the field of engineering firsthand. Through a brief presentation and on-site tour of the construction zone students will learn about various math, science, and technology principles required to build a bridge.
Secretary Carolann Wicks notes, "As an engineer myself, I certainly understand the importance of real life examples to excite and motivate young people who have an interest in math and science. I encourage every parent and teacher to bring their children to the site, look at the Web site, and to learn about engineering as a possible career."
Anyone interested in scheduling a site tour should visit the bridge Indian River Inlet Bridge Web site at www.irib.deldot.gov. Also available there is information about Careers in Engineering, a link to the University of Delaware's College of Engineering Web site and information on engineering disciplines.