DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Uncle Steny: House Does Not Need To Hold Direct Vote On Health Care Bill To Make It Law
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) confirmed that the House of Representatives will use the controversial “Slaughter Solution” – named for Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-N.Y.) who crafted it -- to enact the Senate version of health care reform legislation.
Speaking to reporters at his weekly Capitol Hill briefing on Tuesday, Hoyer said the Senate would use a so-called self-enacting rule to pass the Senate bill, which would allow them to avoid actually voting on the bill itself.
“We’re going to vote on a bill, on a rule, which would provide for the result that, if a majority are for it, that will adopt a bill, the Senate bill, which has had extensive debate, extensive exposure,” Hoyer said.
“Does anybody in this room doubt that you have to vote on that?” he said. “We will vote on it, in one form or another.”
The procedural sleight of hand Hoyer was referring to has become know as the Slaughter Solution and would involve the House Rules Committee drafting a rule that would merely deem the Senate health bill passed if Congress approved a budget reconciliation measure.
Because the Rules Committee, which is chaired by Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-N.Y.), drafts the terms under which bills are brought to the floor and debated, the Slaughter Solution would mean that a vote for the budget reconciliation bill would translate into a vote to pass (or not) the budget and health care bills simultaneously.
However, the vote would be officially recorded as a vote on the budget bill only, thereby allowing House Democrats to say they never technically voted for the unpopular Senate health care bill. If the budget reconciliation bill passes with the Slaughter Solution, the Senate health care bill could then be sent to the White House for President Obama to sign it into law.
When asked whether such a move on so weighty a bill would galvanize public opinion further against Democrats, Hoyer said that the public would merely ask, “So what?”
More here
Speaking to reporters at his weekly Capitol Hill briefing on Tuesday, Hoyer said the Senate would use a so-called self-enacting rule to pass the Senate bill, which would allow them to avoid actually voting on the bill itself.
“We’re going to vote on a bill, on a rule, which would provide for the result that, if a majority are for it, that will adopt a bill, the Senate bill, which has had extensive debate, extensive exposure,” Hoyer said.
“Does anybody in this room doubt that you have to vote on that?” he said. “We will vote on it, in one form or another.”
The procedural sleight of hand Hoyer was referring to has become know as the Slaughter Solution and would involve the House Rules Committee drafting a rule that would merely deem the Senate health bill passed if Congress approved a budget reconciliation measure.
Because the Rules Committee, which is chaired by Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-N.Y.), drafts the terms under which bills are brought to the floor and debated, the Slaughter Solution would mean that a vote for the budget reconciliation bill would translate into a vote to pass (or not) the budget and health care bills simultaneously.
However, the vote would be officially recorded as a vote on the budget bill only, thereby allowing House Democrats to say they never technically voted for the unpopular Senate health care bill. If the budget reconciliation bill passes with the Slaughter Solution, the Senate health care bill could then be sent to the White House for President Obama to sign it into law.
When asked whether such a move on so weighty a bill would galvanize public opinion further against Democrats, Hoyer said that the public would merely ask, “So what?”
More here
Possible Home Invasion Precautions
Joe
I know you're a staunch supporter of helping others and making others aware of the dangers in our community. This morning, I had two black men knock on my door several times. As I did not recognize them, I did not answer. They were persistent. They were dressed very nicely in suits and ties and holding briefcases. So after 5 times of knocking I answered the door with a baseball bat. They claimed to be Jehovahs Witnesses, but there was something weird about them. Since I was a former member of that religion, I asked them quite a few questions and had them stammering. Then they asked to come inside and talk with me. I said absolutely not. The black man in the back who was not doing any talking was walking around on my porch as it appeared he was casing my windows and house.
I finally asked them to leave. They got into a green Buick and took off. I spoke to a SPD officer who took a report, but I wanted your readers to be aware of this activity. Even if they were JW's, they are known to have pedophiles and other criminals in their congregations because they forgive everybody (so they say). Personally, I think they're a cult and we'd be better off without them.
Thanks
Kirk
I know you're a staunch supporter of helping others and making others aware of the dangers in our community. This morning, I had two black men knock on my door several times. As I did not recognize them, I did not answer. They were persistent. They were dressed very nicely in suits and ties and holding briefcases. So after 5 times of knocking I answered the door with a baseball bat. They claimed to be Jehovahs Witnesses, but there was something weird about them. Since I was a former member of that religion, I asked them quite a few questions and had them stammering. Then they asked to come inside and talk with me. I said absolutely not. The black man in the back who was not doing any talking was walking around on my porch as it appeared he was casing my windows and house.
I finally asked them to leave. They got into a green Buick and took off. I spoke to a SPD officer who took a report, but I wanted your readers to be aware of this activity. Even if they were JW's, they are known to have pedophiles and other criminals in their congregations because they forgive everybody (so they say). Personally, I think they're a cult and we'd be better off without them.
Thanks
Kirk
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Toyota Brand Sales Up
1. Bob Carter Says Toyota Sales Up 40-50 Percent So Far This Month Midway through March, Toyota Division sales are 40 percent to 50 percent higher than the same time last year, Toyota Division GVP and GM Bob Carter said during an interview Tuesday on CNBC. “Consumers tell us over and over again that they understand that Toyota has been overly scrutinized and they are very confident in the safety of our products, as we are,” he said.
To watch Carter’s interview with CNBC’s Phil LeBeau, click on: http://www.cnbc.com/id/15840232?video=1442449728&play=1.
2. Edmunds.com Test Shows Car Can Stop, Even with Open Throttle Edmunds.com Vehicle Testing Director Dan Edmunds has heard the story dozens of times: “The car just took off! It was possessed.” So Edmunds.com took a 2010 Camry to a test track to determine the braking distance in various stuck-throttle situations. The car stopped every time.
To read Tuesday’s story and watch a video of the test, click on: http://www.insideline.com/toyota/camry/2010/2010-toyota-camry-stuck-throttle-brake-test.html.
Edmunds.com also posted a news release Monday about a similar test on a Prius. To read the release, which includes a link to the Prius video, click on: http://www.edmunds.com/help/about/press/162166/article.html.
3. Toyota Executives Testify before Canadian House of Commons Toyota executives testified Tuesday before the Canadian House of Commons in Ottawa about the company’s recent recalls. TMA President Yoshi Inaba reiterated that there is “no evidence of faults” in the electronic throttle control system of Toyota vehicles that would lead to problems with unintended acceleration.
At the same time, he stressed that Toyota is focused on identifying root causes of any issues and developing appropriate remedies. Inaba added, "The message Mr. [Akio] Toyoda wanted to deliver was not only to American drivers. His apology goes everywhere."
Toyota Canada Managing Director Stephen Beatty described the company’s product servicing approach, based on a system called Early Detection Early Resolution (EDER). “This process looks for issues – not just related to safety, but covering all aspects of the Toyota ownership experience,” he said.
Toyota Canada has a data-sharing agreement with all Canadian Toyota and Lexus dealerships. “This single, tightly integrated, industry-leading system means that we can review and query all unusual service patterns,” Beatty said. “An additional system automatically alerts us to any unusual warranty activity. Together, these systems allow us to quickly detect potential problems in our vehicles.”
Two Troopers Injured In DUI Related Crash
Location: I-95 southbound approximately 0.1 mile south of the on-ramp from Marsh Road, Wilmington, Delaware
Date of Occurrence: Wednesday March 17, 2010 at approximately 7:35 a.m.
Vehicles:
2005 DSP fully marked cruiser, operated by a 3-year-veteran of the department
Also occupied by a five-year-veteran of the DSP
2004 Subaru Legacy, operated by Lamar R. Williams, 25, of Springfield, PA
Resume: Two DSP Troopers carpooling to Dover this morning were rear ended by a Pennsylvania man on I-95 southbound south of Marsh Road.
The cruiser was in the right lane and the Subaru was approaching it from behind at a high rate of speed. The operator of the Subaru was holding his cell phone in his hands while driving and utilizing it as a GPS device. He then rear-ended the patrol car.
The cruiser shut off after the impact and the Trooper driving coasted to a stop on the left shoulder.
After the impact, the Subaru veered left and into the northbound lanes of I-95 where it almost struck another vehicle head on. The Subaru then veered back right and came to a stop in the center median.
Investigators believed Mr. Williams was driving while impaired. A DUI investigation ensued and he was ultimately taken into custody.
The two Troopers were both treated and released at Wilmington Hospital for non-life threatening injuries.
Williams was formally charged with the following misdemeanor offenses: DUI, vehicular assault 2nd (2 counts), Driving without a License, Inattentive Driving and Failure to have Insurance Identification. He was released on $2,576.00 unsecured bond.
Date of Occurrence: Wednesday March 17, 2010 at approximately 7:35 a.m.
Vehicles:
2005 DSP fully marked cruiser, operated by a 3-year-veteran of the department
Also occupied by a five-year-veteran of the DSP
2004 Subaru Legacy, operated by Lamar R. Williams, 25, of Springfield, PA
Resume: Two DSP Troopers carpooling to Dover this morning were rear ended by a Pennsylvania man on I-95 southbound south of Marsh Road.
The cruiser was in the right lane and the Subaru was approaching it from behind at a high rate of speed. The operator of the Subaru was holding his cell phone in his hands while driving and utilizing it as a GPS device. He then rear-ended the patrol car.
The cruiser shut off after the impact and the Trooper driving coasted to a stop on the left shoulder.
After the impact, the Subaru veered left and into the northbound lanes of I-95 where it almost struck another vehicle head on. The Subaru then veered back right and came to a stop in the center median.
Investigators believed Mr. Williams was driving while impaired. A DUI investigation ensued and he was ultimately taken into custody.
The two Troopers were both treated and released at Wilmington Hospital for non-life threatening injuries.
Williams was formally charged with the following misdemeanor offenses: DUI, vehicular assault 2nd (2 counts), Driving without a License, Inattentive Driving and Failure to have Insurance Identification. He was released on $2,576.00 unsecured bond.
33,000 Gallons Leak From Ruptured Tank At WWTP
Editor's Note: I beg to differ on this Press Release. I have spoken to key individuals in reference to this spill and what the public is NOT aware of is a drain pipe that goes directly from the affected area directly to the Wicomico River.
Now, that being said, perhaps that drain was clogged and waste never made it to the river. However, I have additional questions. The first being, will the City reimburse the Farmer who planned on planting watermelons in that field and can no longer do so? Another big question is, why did they wait 24 hours to inform the public of this situation?
Salisbury News was the first to receive information on this matter and as a matter of fact, (because I'm a nice guy) I contacted WMDT to let them know what was up. I didn't want to see this slip under the rug. Apparently a Mr. Craig Stevens from the City of Salisbury has been in contact with the Farmer and stated this was Class B Solids.
By the way, a tank doesn't just rupture, in case anyone was wondering.
Police Seek Public’s Help In Locating A Missing Juvenile
Location: Sedgwick Drive, Magnolia
Date of Occurrence: Sunday, March 14, 2010, at approximately 4:00 p.m.
Missing Person: Sunita V. Balgobin, 17 years old, Magnolia, DE
5’5” Brown Eyes, Brown Hair, Light Brown Complexion
Resume: Police are seeking the public’s assistance in locating a juvenile that voluntarily ran away from her residence in Magnolia Sunday afternoon.
It is possible that Sunita might still be in Kent County and was last seen in the Dover area on March 15.
She is not a danger to society.
If located, please contact your local police department or Delaware State Police, Troop 3 Youth Aid Unit at 302-697-4454 ext 231.
Rick Pollitt Dances the Night Away for UMES
While this isn’t exactly the social / gossip column, I’ve had quite a few people point out that Wicomico County Executive Rick Pollitt attended the recent UMES Gala and a question arose as to who bought the somewhat expensive ticket.
I’ve never backed off from Pollitt if I thought he was wrong, but the taxpayers of Wicomico County DID NOT foot the bill for Rick to “trip the light fantastic”. Either Pollitt’s campaign chairman, Connie Strott, or Pollitt’s campaign paid for Rick’s attendance at the posh soiree. I haven’t been able to determine which.
However, it doesn’t really matter. To the best of my knowledge, this would be a legitimate campaign expenditure (all of those potential donors don’t you know). If Mrs. Strott purchased the ticket, that should be fine too; whether it’s declared as an in-kind contribution or not.
from Delmarva Dealings
BREAKING NEWS – ANOTHER Sewage Spill at Salisbury WWTP
SbyNEWS publisher Joe Albero has just reported from the shores of the Wicomico River (aka “Pooh River” to area residents) that another major spill has just occurred at the Salisbury wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). At this time it is unknown whether this spill is raw sewage or partially treated waste. The size of the spill is also unknown.
As this goes to post, Salisbury has dispatched pumper trucks downstream from the plant in an attempt to recover some of the spilled wastewater. Salisbury mayor Jim Ireton is aware of the spill.
Albero will have more later today.
Hit & Run Accident
Incident: Hit and Run Accident
Date of Incident: 17 March 2010
Location: East Line Road, Delmar, MD
Suspect: Pending
Narrative: On 17 March 2010 at 2:07 AM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s stopped on East Line Road in the area of Melson Road near Delmar to check the welfare of an individual who was walking in the roadway. While the deputy was speaking with the individual, the deputy observed a vehicle approaching from the rear at a high rate of speed. The deputy believed an imminent collision was possible with his patrol vehicle so he pulled the gentleman he was speaking with in front of the patrol car onto the shoulder. Instead of colliding with the patrol vehicle, this vehicle veered off the right side of the road and went around the patrol vehicle on the shoulder and headed directly towards the deputy and the civilian. Before any further evasive action could be taken, this vehicle struck the civilian while on the shoulder. The deputy narrowly missed being struck himself. The vehicle did not stop, but instead continued east bound on Line Road.
The civilian struck was transported to PRMC via EMS. An extensive search of the area with the assistance of the Delmar Police and Delaware State Police did not turn up the involved vehicle.
The vehicle is described as a late model Silver Ford Mustang, with expected front end damage. The vehicle also displayed an unknown Delaware registration plate. Anyone with information as to the identity of the driver of this vehicle or the whereabouts of the vehicle itself, is asked to contact the Wicomico Sheriff’s Office at 410-548-4891 or Crime Solvers at 410-548-1776
.
Charges: Leaving the Scene of an Accident with Personal Injury
Date of Incident: 17 March 2010
Location: East Line Road, Delmar, MD
Suspect: Pending
Narrative: On 17 March 2010 at 2:07 AM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s stopped on East Line Road in the area of Melson Road near Delmar to check the welfare of an individual who was walking in the roadway. While the deputy was speaking with the individual, the deputy observed a vehicle approaching from the rear at a high rate of speed. The deputy believed an imminent collision was possible with his patrol vehicle so he pulled the gentleman he was speaking with in front of the patrol car onto the shoulder. Instead of colliding with the patrol vehicle, this vehicle veered off the right side of the road and went around the patrol vehicle on the shoulder and headed directly towards the deputy and the civilian. Before any further evasive action could be taken, this vehicle struck the civilian while on the shoulder. The deputy narrowly missed being struck himself. The vehicle did not stop, but instead continued east bound on Line Road.
The civilian struck was transported to PRMC via EMS. An extensive search of the area with the assistance of the Delmar Police and Delaware State Police did not turn up the involved vehicle.
The vehicle is described as a late model Silver Ford Mustang, with expected front end damage. The vehicle also displayed an unknown Delaware registration plate. Anyone with information as to the identity of the driver of this vehicle or the whereabouts of the vehicle itself, is asked to contact the Wicomico Sheriff’s Office at 410-548-4891 or Crime Solvers at 410-548-1776
.
Charges: Leaving the Scene of an Accident with Personal Injury
Calling On ALL Eastern Shore Firefighters
I have been following a little boy’s story on Caringbridge (a website for people who have diseases, cancer, or are hospitalized). This little boy’s name is Joey & he is 6 years old. He LOVEs firemen, fire trucks, etc.
His mother is trying to collect as many child size (or adult) t-shirts (that is her first choice but if they don’t have a t-shirt, anything will do) from as many fire departments in the United States as she can.
He has a condition called Mitochondrial disease (I think that’s how you spell it).
Anyway, he has seizures very often and is often hospitalized. There have been a few instances where they didn’t think he’d make it out, but so far he has. He is often very lethargic, but whenever he gets near firemen Or trucks, he lights up.
He has even been named “Alabaster’s Littlest Firefighter (he’s from Alabama). I am helping her to collect as much as I can from Maryland. I should be getting pamphlets on the disease any day now which I am planning on sending out to fire departments that I cannot get in touch with otherwise.
I am planning on collecting it all and sending it to her whenever I get it. Please let me know if you think you can help with the fire department you (Or your relative) is associated with. If not I can always contact them. I would be so grateful and I know it will make little Joey so happy!!! Thanks!
Casey D. Baynard
Senior Loan Administrative Assistant
Easton Bank & Trust Company
8707 Commerce Drive Suite B
Easton, MD 21601
cbaynard@eastonbankandtrust.com
410-822-5109
His mother is trying to collect as many child size (or adult) t-shirts (that is her first choice but if they don’t have a t-shirt, anything will do) from as many fire departments in the United States as she can.
He has a condition called Mitochondrial disease (I think that’s how you spell it).
Anyway, he has seizures very often and is often hospitalized. There have been a few instances where they didn’t think he’d make it out, but so far he has. He is often very lethargic, but whenever he gets near firemen Or trucks, he lights up.
He has even been named “Alabaster’s Littlest Firefighter (he’s from Alabama). I am helping her to collect as much as I can from Maryland. I should be getting pamphlets on the disease any day now which I am planning on sending out to fire departments that I cannot get in touch with otherwise.
I am planning on collecting it all and sending it to her whenever I get it. Please let me know if you think you can help with the fire department you (Or your relative) is associated with. If not I can always contact them. I would be so grateful and I know it will make little Joey so happy!!! Thanks!
Casey D. Baynard
Senior Loan Administrative Assistant
Easton Bank & Trust Company
8707 Commerce Drive Suite B
Easton, MD 21601
cbaynard@eastonbankandtrust.com
410-822-5109
I Don't Have My Glasses, Can All Of You Help Me Please?
A couple of weeks ago I was in Court with Code & Compliance. The Judge passed judgment in their favor because I didn't have my street address on my building, 300 W. Main Street.
After having some spare time yesterday I took these shots on the Plaza and wouldn't you know it, (unless I'm blind) but can any of YOU tell me the addresses posted on these buildings?
I just want to make sure the Good Old Boy Network isn't still alive in the City of Salisbury. Code & Compliance said, "we're not trying to steam roll anyone here your honor."
Who Wants To Visit Downtown Salisbury Any More
Yesterday I walked up and down the Plaza and spoke to a few people, (property owners) along the way and they're not very happy right now.
In fact, in one conversation someone mentioned how they put plants in one of the large planters last year and Public Works refused to water those plants because it wasn't done by the City. ind you, they had planted these plants more than a month before the City finally got around to filling the planters, because they wanted to beautify the area near their business.
Nevertheless, the Plaza has trash on the ground everywhere, the brickwork is falling apart worse than ever before and clearly public Works has been instructed not to take care of the Plaza like they used to. So, that being said, are we better off with this new Mayor? Or, is it simply the fact that the City is going broke?
For me personally, I think the property owners and or renters should be held liable for taking care of their store fronts and take the burden off the taxpayers anyway. However, I'd like to hear your thoughts on that matter. The trash cans overflowing has been an issue for far too many years.
WICOMICO COUNTY LIBRARY ISSUE REVISITED
We recently asked you whether the library system should be expanded and, if so, how and where. Here’s one person’s view that should be given serious consideration before the County commits to building a $30 million facility to replace the current headquarters of the library system, which also has branch sites in Pittsville and at the Centre at Salisbury on North Salisbury Boulevard.
The plan to erect a grandiose library in either downtown Salisbury or elsewhere should be put to rest without further ado and before it becomes a complete laughingstock. The current facility is adequate for now and the foreseeable future if it is maintained.
An infinitely better expansion would be an additional branch library in or near Fruitland and another on the west side, in the Hebron-Mardela area. These would lead to greater usage of the library system by many County residents because they have much better access to those places rather than downtown Salisbury or Beaglin Park Drive. The current branch sites, mentioned above, are not convenient for many of us, either.
We urge Mr. Pollitt and the Greater Salisbury Committee to tell the library board to plan to build more branches not a behemoth building in Salisbury that is unnecessary and would be very expensive.
The plan to erect a grandiose library in either downtown Salisbury or elsewhere should be put to rest without further ado and before it becomes a complete laughingstock. The current facility is adequate for now and the foreseeable future if it is maintained.
An infinitely better expansion would be an additional branch library in or near Fruitland and another on the west side, in the Hebron-Mardela area. These would lead to greater usage of the library system by many County residents because they have much better access to those places rather than downtown Salisbury or Beaglin Park Drive. The current branch sites, mentioned above, are not convenient for many of us, either.
We urge Mr. Pollitt and the Greater Salisbury Committee to tell the library board to plan to build more branches not a behemoth building in Salisbury that is unnecessary and would be very expensive.
Sarah Foxwell Family Members Getting Harassed By Wicomico County Employee
Dear Joe:
I am a family member of Sarah Foxwell. I work for a local business and I wanted to tell you about a very upsetting phone call I received today.
At 9:01 an employee for Wicomico County Liquor - called my office very irate and disrespectful. I asked with whom I was speaking and he would not tell me his name. He said my family was thieves and liars and we got what we deserve. Mind you he used several curse words in the process. I was very professional with this gentleman (using that word lightly).
This conversation lasted for several minutes, the entire time I was asking what he wanted. The bottom line he just wanted to curse me out. I know a lot of your readers have very strong opinions about my family, I do agree everyone including this person is entitled too their opinion.
Here is where I have a problem. He is a county employee calling me on county time to curse me out, WHY!
I have spoken to a member of the Liquor Board (I will not name at this time) and he stated they are looking into the matter. At this time I have not heard from anyone regarding the outcome.
I do not know what would possessed anyone to do this. My Family has been though ENOUGH!!
I am a family member of Sarah Foxwell. I work for a local business and I wanted to tell you about a very upsetting phone call I received today.
At 9:01 an employee for Wicomico County Liquor - called my office very irate and disrespectful. I asked with whom I was speaking and he would not tell me his name. He said my family was thieves and liars and we got what we deserve. Mind you he used several curse words in the process. I was very professional with this gentleman (using that word lightly).
This conversation lasted for several minutes, the entire time I was asking what he wanted. The bottom line he just wanted to curse me out. I know a lot of your readers have very strong opinions about my family, I do agree everyone including this person is entitled too their opinion.
Here is where I have a problem. He is a county employee calling me on county time to curse me out, WHY!
I have spoken to a member of the Liquor Board (I will not name at this time) and he stated they are looking into the matter. At this time I have not heard from anyone regarding the outcome.
I do not know what would possessed anyone to do this. My Family has been though ENOUGH!!
Pence Mum On Health-Bill Court Challenge
Rep. Mike Pence said Tuesday he and fellow Republicans will exhaust every method to keep House Democrats from passing health care reform without a vote but declined to say whether they would appeal to the courts if the legislation reaches President Obama's desk.
"Republicans are going to use every means at our disposal to make sure the Constitution of the United States of America is specifically enforced on the floor," Mr. Pence, Indiana Republican, told The Washington Times' "America's Morning News" radio show.
Democrats purportedly are considering two tactics to pass the president's reform plan without the necessary votes from Republicans and some Democrats. The "reconciliation" strategy would allow the House to pass the Senate bill, then pass amendments to resolve the differences. Democrats also are said to be considering the use of the "self-executing rule," or "Slaughter rule," which allows House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to "deem" the House has passed the Senate bill.
"Republicans are going to use every means at our disposal to make sure the Constitution of the United States of America is specifically enforced on the floor," Mr. Pence, Indiana Republican, told The Washington Times' "America's Morning News" radio show.
Democrats purportedly are considering two tactics to pass the president's reform plan without the necessary votes from Republicans and some Democrats. The "reconciliation" strategy would allow the House to pass the Senate bill, then pass amendments to resolve the differences. Democrats also are said to be considering the use of the "self-executing rule," or "Slaughter rule," which allows House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to "deem" the House has passed the Senate bill.
Mass. Treasurer Slams Barack Obama, Dems On Health Care
State Treasurer Tim Cahill, taking swipes at both Gov. Deval Patrick and President Obama, boosted his bipartisan chops yesterday, telling Herald columnist Howie Carr on WRKO, “I voted for John McCain, believe it or not.”
Cahill, saying he was barred from the 2008 Democratic National Convention because he wouldn’t endorse either Obama or Hillary Clinton, said, “My own party basically voted me out.”
“I was afraid of what we had already been getting in Massachusetts, and at that point in 2008, I was aware that it wasn’t working,” he said. Separately yesterday, Cahill accused Obama of “propping up” the Bay State’s health plan with federal aid in order to help push the Democrats’ plan through Congress.
“The real problem is that this . . . sucking sound of money has been going into this health-care reform,” Cahill said. “And I would argue that it’s being propped up so that the federal government and the Obama administration can drive it through.”
Gov. Deval Patrick argues the state’s universal health care program has added 1 percent to the budget, but Cahill said the real impact is buffered by federal dollars.
Cahill, saying he was barred from the 2008 Democratic National Convention because he wouldn’t endorse either Obama or Hillary Clinton, said, “My own party basically voted me out.”
“I was afraid of what we had already been getting in Massachusetts, and at that point in 2008, I was aware that it wasn’t working,” he said. Separately yesterday, Cahill accused Obama of “propping up” the Bay State’s health plan with federal aid in order to help push the Democrats’ plan through Congress.
“The real problem is that this . . . sucking sound of money has been going into this health-care reform,” Cahill said. “And I would argue that it’s being propped up so that the federal government and the Obama administration can drive it through.”
Gov. Deval Patrick argues the state’s universal health care program has added 1 percent to the budget, but Cahill said the real impact is buffered by federal dollars.
Viva Viagra (In Virginia)
By Matthew Stawarz
NBCWashington.com
They may be seeing red, but that is not stopping them from getting their little blue pills.
It took Virginia lawmakers a lot longer than four hours, but over the weekend they passed a brutal budget. It includes major cuts to state services and public education. But it also includes medical coverage for treatments of erectile dysfunction for employees, according to the Washington Examiner. Former Gov. Tim Kaine had proposed making state workers pay out of pocket for such drugs, but the legislature resurrected the coverage plan. At least one lawmaker disagreed. "I see no reason why that was included," Republican Delegate Bob Marshall told the Examiner. "If people want this, they can pay for these drugs themselves. I don't think it's something the Virginia taxpayers should be paying for, period." According to the Examiner, eliminating coverage for Viagra and similar drugs would have saved the Commonwealth about $3 million per year. Maryland and the District also have similar coverage plans.
Source
NBCWashington.com
They may be seeing red, but that is not stopping them from getting their little blue pills.
It took Virginia lawmakers a lot longer than four hours, but over the weekend they passed a brutal budget. It includes major cuts to state services and public education. But it also includes medical coverage for treatments of erectile dysfunction for employees, according to the Washington Examiner. Former Gov. Tim Kaine had proposed making state workers pay out of pocket for such drugs, but the legislature resurrected the coverage plan. At least one lawmaker disagreed. "I see no reason why that was included," Republican Delegate Bob Marshall told the Examiner. "If people want this, they can pay for these drugs themselves. I don't think it's something the Virginia taxpayers should be paying for, period." According to the Examiner, eliminating coverage for Viagra and similar drugs would have saved the Commonwealth about $3 million per year. Maryland and the District also have similar coverage plans.
Source
PNC Bank Nightmares
Joe,
Not sure if you would be interested in posting this, just thought I would let you know about my dealings with PNC Bank.
I opened an account with them in late July of 2009.(reason im so sure of when I opened it is because my mother was in hospice when I went there) I had a savings account also that was linked to my checking for overdraft protection. If something came through they would transfer from my savings to my checking to cover the charge for a $10.00 fee. So say I end up $3.00 to the negative and I only have $10.00 in my savings they take the $10 from my savings to apply to checking to cover the $3.00 then charge me $10.00 for doing it which puts me back to $3.00 negative and I get a $36.00 over the limit fee....and lose my $10 in savings..They also hold my direct deposits until other stuff posts to make me negative and then add the direct deposit and take a couple more $36.00 charges...they have killed me in fees...over $800 in over draft fees since 12/23/09.
I have called and complained and actually got 7 of them refunded due to their error...DUE TO THEIR ERROR what the heck...they just hope people wont catch them. Now I have had them call to verify some charges on my account to make sure my card wasn't lost or stolen such as gas charge at wawa or McDonald's...stuff that I do all the time...last week when I had a $150.00 charge to my account for something over seas they didn't bother to call. So I disputed the item and they gave me a temporary credit so they could investigate. I also got the number of the company and they said they made a mistake and gave me the $150 back into my account. Now I'm trying to close my account and they tell me that it could take up to 90 days to solve the investigation. I ALREADY FIGURED IT OUT AND THE MONEY WAS REFUNDED they can charge me friggin $36.00 charges in the blink of an eye but they cant take the $150 back that they temporarily credited me so that I can close the account.
Now, in the midst of fighting them to close my account, they inform me that because I opened my account in November of 09 (not at least 180 days ago) that they are going to charge me an additional $25.00 fee. Any way they can get something out of you. I will never deal with this bank again and I know you "top notch" people will say don't go over the limit u wont get charged well duh i know that. But when 7 nsf fees are refunded because THEY made a mistake...that speaks volumes.
Not sure if you would be interested in posting this, just thought I would let you know about my dealings with PNC Bank.
I opened an account with them in late July of 2009.(reason im so sure of when I opened it is because my mother was in hospice when I went there) I had a savings account also that was linked to my checking for overdraft protection. If something came through they would transfer from my savings to my checking to cover the charge for a $10.00 fee. So say I end up $3.00 to the negative and I only have $10.00 in my savings they take the $10 from my savings to apply to checking to cover the $3.00 then charge me $10.00 for doing it which puts me back to $3.00 negative and I get a $36.00 over the limit fee....and lose my $10 in savings..They also hold my direct deposits until other stuff posts to make me negative and then add the direct deposit and take a couple more $36.00 charges...they have killed me in fees...over $800 in over draft fees since 12/23/09.
I have called and complained and actually got 7 of them refunded due to their error...DUE TO THEIR ERROR what the heck...they just hope people wont catch them. Now I have had them call to verify some charges on my account to make sure my card wasn't lost or stolen such as gas charge at wawa or McDonald's...stuff that I do all the time...last week when I had a $150.00 charge to my account for something over seas they didn't bother to call. So I disputed the item and they gave me a temporary credit so they could investigate. I also got the number of the company and they said they made a mistake and gave me the $150 back into my account. Now I'm trying to close my account and they tell me that it could take up to 90 days to solve the investigation. I ALREADY FIGURED IT OUT AND THE MONEY WAS REFUNDED they can charge me friggin $36.00 charges in the blink of an eye but they cant take the $150 back that they temporarily credited me so that I can close the account.
Now, in the midst of fighting them to close my account, they inform me that because I opened my account in November of 09 (not at least 180 days ago) that they are going to charge me an additional $25.00 fee. Any way they can get something out of you. I will never deal with this bank again and I know you "top notch" people will say don't go over the limit u wont get charged well duh i know that. But when 7 nsf fees are refunded because THEY made a mistake...that speaks volumes.
Premiums Would Rise Under Obama Plan
WASHINGTON — Buyers, beware: President Barack Obama says his health care overhaul will lower premiums by double digits, but check the fine print.
Premiums are likely to keep going up even if the health care bill passes, experts say. If cost controls work as advertised, annual increases would level off with time. But don't look for a rollback. Instead, the main reason premiums would be more affordable is that new government tax credits would help cover the cost for millions of people.
Listening to Obama pitch his plan, you might not realize that's how it works.
Visiting a Cleveland suburb this week, the president described how individuals and small businesses will be able to buy coverage in a new kind of health insurance marketplace, gaining the same strength in numbers that federal employees have.
"You'll be able to buy in, or a small business will be able to buy into this pool," Obama said. "And that will lower rates, it's estimated, by up to 14 to 20 percent over what you're currently getting. That's money out of pocket."
And that's not all.
GO HERE to read more.
Premiums are likely to keep going up even if the health care bill passes, experts say. If cost controls work as advertised, annual increases would level off with time. But don't look for a rollback. Instead, the main reason premiums would be more affordable is that new government tax credits would help cover the cost for millions of people.
Listening to Obama pitch his plan, you might not realize that's how it works.
Visiting a Cleveland suburb this week, the president described how individuals and small businesses will be able to buy coverage in a new kind of health insurance marketplace, gaining the same strength in numbers that federal employees have.
"You'll be able to buy in, or a small business will be able to buy into this pool," Obama said. "And that will lower rates, it's estimated, by up to 14 to 20 percent over what you're currently getting. That's money out of pocket."
And that's not all.
GO HERE to read more.
Tea Partiers Rally On Capitol Hill
Tea Party activists from across the country rallied outside Democratic congressional offices in Washington on Tuesday to protest the $875 billion health care bill and demand meetings with their respective members of Congress.
And by all appearances, their arrival is not being taken lightly.
House Democrats received a formal memo from the office of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, listing tips for how targeted representatives should handle the crowds of activists.
"Tens of thousands of conservative and Tea Party activists will be on the Hill as part of what they are dubbing a 'Surge Against Obamacare,'" reads the memo, which also includes a checklist of provisions in the current bill to counter the "caricature of the reform bill presented by right-wing media outlets."
The checklist says: "Reduces the deficit; Cracks down on Medicare waste, fraud, and abuse; Provides historic tax credit for small businesses and individuals to purchase health insurance."
The rally, dubbed the "Code Red Health Care Rally," featured a host of Republican speakers, including Reps. Mike Pence, R-Ind.; Michele Bachmann, R-Minn.; Tom Price, R-Georgia; and Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn.
"Kill the bill," shouted protesters, as a string of Tea Party leaders spoke out against the massive health care overhaul.
Virginia Questions Obama's Eligibility
'It's not law if qualified president isn't signing it'
A newly unearthed recording reveals a state attorney general explaining how the president's eligibility could be tested in the courts by a lawyer defending a client against an accusation brought under legislation signed by Obama.
The recording of Virginia Attorney General Kenneth T. Cuccinelli puts him on a growing list of elected leaders, members of Congress and state officials who have addressed concerns over Obama's eligibility to occupy the White House.
Cuccinelli released a statement this week that the recording, apparently made either while he was campaigning for the office or shortly after he was elected, was a "hypothetical" answer to a "hypothetical" question.
Spokesman Brian Gottstein in Cuccinelli's office today explained to WND Cuccinelli is battling the Obama White House on many fronts: health care, the EPA's determination on carbon dioxide and others.
"If it does get taken to court, we'll deal with it then. That's right now not what he's doing."
In an earlier statement released to Politico, Cuccinelli tried to separate himself from the recording, stating, "I absolutely believe that President Obama was born in the United States. I don't buy into the claims that he wasn't."
But the audio record makes clear his views: GO HERE to see more.
A newly unearthed recording reveals a state attorney general explaining how the president's eligibility could be tested in the courts by a lawyer defending a client against an accusation brought under legislation signed by Obama.
The recording of Virginia Attorney General Kenneth T. Cuccinelli puts him on a growing list of elected leaders, members of Congress and state officials who have addressed concerns over Obama's eligibility to occupy the White House.
Cuccinelli released a statement this week that the recording, apparently made either while he was campaigning for the office or shortly after he was elected, was a "hypothetical" answer to a "hypothetical" question.
Spokesman Brian Gottstein in Cuccinelli's office today explained to WND Cuccinelli is battling the Obama White House on many fronts: health care, the EPA's determination on carbon dioxide and others.
"If it does get taken to court, we'll deal with it then. That's right now not what he's doing."
In an earlier statement released to Politico, Cuccinelli tried to separate himself from the recording, stating, "I absolutely believe that President Obama was born in the United States. I don't buy into the claims that he wasn't."
But the audio record makes clear his views: GO HERE to see more.
Reality Check: Nearly One-Third Of Doctors Could Leave Medicine If Health-Care Reform Bill Passes
Nearly one-third of all practicing physicians may leave the medical profession if President Obama signs current versions of health-care reform legislation into law, according to a survey published in the latest issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
The survey, which was conducted by the Medicus Firm, a leading physician search and consulting firm based in Atlanta and Dallas, found that a majority of physicians said health-care reform would cause the quality of American medical care to “deteriorate” and it could be the “final straw” that sends a sizeable number of doctors out of medicine.
More than 29 percent (29.2) percent of the nearly 1,200 doctors who responded to the survey said they would quit the profession or retire early if health reform legislation becomes law. If a public option were included in the legislation, as several liberal Senators have indicated they would like, the number would jump to 45.7 percent.
The medical journal published the results in its March and April edition, saying: “While a sudden loss of half of the nations physicians seems unlikely, a very dramatic decrease in the physician workforce could become a reality as an unexpected side effect of health reform.”
Read more
[Editor's note: It already takes me 3 months to get an appointment for a physical with my Primary.. and this monstrosity hasn't even passed yet.]
The survey, which was conducted by the Medicus Firm, a leading physician search and consulting firm based in Atlanta and Dallas, found that a majority of physicians said health-care reform would cause the quality of American medical care to “deteriorate” and it could be the “final straw” that sends a sizeable number of doctors out of medicine.
More than 29 percent (29.2) percent of the nearly 1,200 doctors who responded to the survey said they would quit the profession or retire early if health reform legislation becomes law. If a public option were included in the legislation, as several liberal Senators have indicated they would like, the number would jump to 45.7 percent.
The medical journal published the results in its March and April edition, saying: “While a sudden loss of half of the nations physicians seems unlikely, a very dramatic decrease in the physician workforce could become a reality as an unexpected side effect of health reform.”
Read more
[Editor's note: It already takes me 3 months to get an appointment for a physical with my Primary.. and this monstrosity hasn't even passed yet.]
Some Irish Quotes, Proverbs, Blessings & Toasts
“May the Irish hills caress you. May her lakes and rivers bless you. May the luck of the Irish enfold you. May the blessings of Saint Patrick behold you.”
“St. Patrick... one of the few saints whose feast day presents the opportunity to get determinedly whacked and make a fool of oneself all under the guise of acting Irish.” -Charles M. Madigan
“Leprechauns, castles, good luck and laughter.Lullabies, dreams and love ever after. Poems and songs with pipes and drums. A thousand welcomes when anyone comes... That's the Irish for you!”
“Other people have a nationality. The Irish and the Jews have a psychosis.” -Brendan Behan
"St. Patrick's Day is an enchanted time -- a day to begin transforming winter's dreams into summer's magic." -Adrienne Cook
"This is one race of people for whom psychoanalysis is of no use whatsoever." -Sigmund Freud (about the Irish)
"Ireland is rich in literature that understands a soul's yearnings, and dancing that understands a happy heart." -Margaret Jackson
"The problem with Ireland is that it’s a country full of genius, but with absolutely no talent." -Hugh Leonard
"Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four essential food groups: alcohol, caffeine, sugar, and fat." -Alex Levine
"O Ireland isn't it grand you look--
Like a bride in her rich adornin?
And with all the pent-up love of my heart
I bid you the top o' the mornin!" -John Locke "The Exile's Return"
"Maybe it's bred in the bone, but the sound of pipes is a little bit of heaven to some of us." -Nancy O'Keeefe
"In Ireland the inevitable never happens and the unexpected constantly occurs." -Sir John Pentland Mahaffy
"I'm troubled, I'm dissatisfied. I'm Irish." -Marianne Moore
"On she went, and her maiden smile
In safety lighted her round the Green Isle;
And blest forever was she who relied
Upon Erin's honor and Erin's pride." -Thomas Moore
"There is no language like the Irish for soothing and quieting." -John Millington Synge
Irish Drinking Toasts
May your glass be ever full.
May the roof over your head be always strong.
And may you be in heaven
half an hour before the devil knows you're dead.
Here's to me, and here's to you,
And here's to love and laughter-
I'll be true as long as you,
And not one moment after.
Here's to you and yours
And to mine and ours.
And if mine and ours
Ever come across to you and yours,
I hope you and yours will do
As much for mine and ours
As mine and ours have done
For you and yours!
Health and life to you;
The mate of your choice to you;
Land without rent to you,
And death in Eirinn.
Here's a toast to your enemies' enemies!
When we drink, we get drunk.
When we get drunk, we fall asleep.
When we fall asleep, we commit no sin.
When we commit no sin, we go to heaven.
So, let's all get drunk, and go to heaven!
Here's to a long life and a merry one.
A quick death and an easy one.
A pretty girl and an honest one.
A cold beer—and another one!
Here's to our wives and girlfriends:
May they never meet!
And the best for last-
May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face.
And rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.
May you live as long as you want,
And never want as long as you live.
Always remember to forget
The things that made you sad.
But never forget to remember
The things that made you glad.
Always remember to forget
The friends that proved untrue.
But never forget to remember
Those that have stuck by you.
Always remember to forget
The troubles that passed away.
But never forget to remember
The blessings that come each day.
May the saddest day of your future be no worse
Than the happiest day of your past.
May the roof above us never fall in.
And may the friends gathered below it never fall out.
May you have warm words on a cold evening,
A full moon on a dark night,
And the road downhill all the way to your door.
May there be a generation of children
On the children of your children.
May you live to be a hundred years,
With one extra year to repent!
May the Lord keep you in His hand
And never close His fist too tight.
May your neighbors respect you,
Trouble neglect you,
The angels protect you,
And heaven accept you.
May the Irish hills caress you.
May her lakes and rivers bless you.
May the luck of the Irish enfold you.
May the blessings of Saint Patrick behold you.
May your pockets be heavy and your heart be light,
May good luck pursue you each morning and night.
Walls for the wind,
And a roof for the rain,
And drinks beside the fire -
Laughter to cheer you
And those you love near you,
And all that your heart may desire!
May God be with you and bless you,
May you see your children's children,
May you be poor in misfortune, rich in blessings.
May you know nothing but happiness
From this day forward.
May God grant you many years to live,
For sure He must be knowing
The earth has angels all too few
And heaven is overflowing.
May peace and plenty be the first
To lift the latch to your door,
And happiness be guided to your home
By the candle of Christmas.
May you always have work for your hands to do.
May your pockets hold always a coin or two.
May the sun shine bright on your windowpane.
May the rainbow be certain to follow each rain.
May the hand of a friend always be near you.
And may God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.
Provided by: Bryan Fykes
“St. Patrick... one of the few saints whose feast day presents the opportunity to get determinedly whacked and make a fool of oneself all under the guise of acting Irish.” -Charles M. Madigan
“Leprechauns, castles, good luck and laughter.Lullabies, dreams and love ever after. Poems and songs with pipes and drums. A thousand welcomes when anyone comes... That's the Irish for you!”
“Other people have a nationality. The Irish and the Jews have a psychosis.” -Brendan Behan
"St. Patrick's Day is an enchanted time -- a day to begin transforming winter's dreams into summer's magic." -Adrienne Cook
"This is one race of people for whom psychoanalysis is of no use whatsoever." -Sigmund Freud (about the Irish)
"Ireland is rich in literature that understands a soul's yearnings, and dancing that understands a happy heart." -Margaret Jackson
"The problem with Ireland is that it’s a country full of genius, but with absolutely no talent." -Hugh Leonard
"Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four essential food groups: alcohol, caffeine, sugar, and fat." -Alex Levine
"O Ireland isn't it grand you look--
Like a bride in her rich adornin?
And with all the pent-up love of my heart
I bid you the top o' the mornin!" -John Locke "The Exile's Return"
"Maybe it's bred in the bone, but the sound of pipes is a little bit of heaven to some of us." -Nancy O'Keeefe
"In Ireland the inevitable never happens and the unexpected constantly occurs." -Sir John Pentland Mahaffy
"I'm troubled, I'm dissatisfied. I'm Irish." -Marianne Moore
"On she went, and her maiden smile
In safety lighted her round the Green Isle;
And blest forever was she who relied
Upon Erin's honor and Erin's pride." -Thomas Moore
"There is no language like the Irish for soothing and quieting." -John Millington Synge
Irish Drinking Toasts
May your glass be ever full.
May the roof over your head be always strong.
And may you be in heaven
half an hour before the devil knows you're dead.
Here's to me, and here's to you,
And here's to love and laughter-
I'll be true as long as you,
And not one moment after.
Here's to you and yours
And to mine and ours.
And if mine and ours
Ever come across to you and yours,
I hope you and yours will do
As much for mine and ours
As mine and ours have done
For you and yours!
Health and life to you;
The mate of your choice to you;
Land without rent to you,
And death in Eirinn.
Here's a toast to your enemies' enemies!
When we drink, we get drunk.
When we get drunk, we fall asleep.
When we fall asleep, we commit no sin.
When we commit no sin, we go to heaven.
So, let's all get drunk, and go to heaven!
Here's to a long life and a merry one.
A quick death and an easy one.
A pretty girl and an honest one.
A cold beer—and another one!
Here's to our wives and girlfriends:
May they never meet!
And the best for last-
May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face.
And rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.
May you live as long as you want,
And never want as long as you live.
Always remember to forget
The things that made you sad.
But never forget to remember
The things that made you glad.
Always remember to forget
The friends that proved untrue.
But never forget to remember
Those that have stuck by you.
Always remember to forget
The troubles that passed away.
But never forget to remember
The blessings that come each day.
May the saddest day of your future be no worse
Than the happiest day of your past.
May the roof above us never fall in.
And may the friends gathered below it never fall out.
May you have warm words on a cold evening,
A full moon on a dark night,
And the road downhill all the way to your door.
May there be a generation of children
On the children of your children.
May you live to be a hundred years,
With one extra year to repent!
May the Lord keep you in His hand
And never close His fist too tight.
May your neighbors respect you,
Trouble neglect you,
The angels protect you,
And heaven accept you.
May the Irish hills caress you.
May her lakes and rivers bless you.
May the luck of the Irish enfold you.
May the blessings of Saint Patrick behold you.
May your pockets be heavy and your heart be light,
May good luck pursue you each morning and night.
Walls for the wind,
And a roof for the rain,
And drinks beside the fire -
Laughter to cheer you
And those you love near you,
And all that your heart may desire!
May God be with you and bless you,
May you see your children's children,
May you be poor in misfortune, rich in blessings.
May you know nothing but happiness
From this day forward.
May God grant you many years to live,
For sure He must be knowing
The earth has angels all too few
And heaven is overflowing.
May peace and plenty be the first
To lift the latch to your door,
And happiness be guided to your home
By the candle of Christmas.
May you always have work for your hands to do.
May your pockets hold always a coin or two.
May the sun shine bright on your windowpane.
May the rainbow be certain to follow each rain.
May the hand of a friend always be near you.
And may God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.
Provided by: Bryan Fykes
Public Broadcasting Faulted For Spending Millions Without Approval
By Nick
DiMarcoNick@MarylandReporter.com
The Maryland Public Broadcasting Commission has been faulted for spending millions of dollars for services without properly seeking competitive bids, executing a contract or requesting approval from the Board of Public works -- all of which are in violation of state procurement regulations.
The findings come from a report released Monday by the Office of Legislative Audits. All told, the spending adds up to about $2.7 million.The 11-member commission operates the six Maryland Public Television stations. In 2009 MPBC's operating expenditures reached about $28 million, with the majority coming from viewers and corporate contributions.
MPT representatives vehemently disagreed with the audit, responding that it "omits critical facts and fails to provide the proper context to fully understand the circumstances at the time."
Legislative Auditor Bruce Myers says that while the commission eventually agreed to abide by state regulations on five out of the six findings recommendations in the audit, "There’s a whole lot of disagreement before you get to that.”
The audit found that the commission did not follow state regulations when spending $2.7 million on marketing in 2005 and 2007. The commission also faced criticism for the way it paid contracted vendors.
The $1 million marketing cost in 2005 has come up in a previous audit. The measure appeared on a Board of Public Works agenda for approval in December, but was withdrawn and never returned.
GO HERE to read more.
DiMarcoNick@MarylandReporter.com
The Maryland Public Broadcasting Commission has been faulted for spending millions of dollars for services without properly seeking competitive bids, executing a contract or requesting approval from the Board of Public works -- all of which are in violation of state procurement regulations.
The findings come from a report released Monday by the Office of Legislative Audits. All told, the spending adds up to about $2.7 million.The 11-member commission operates the six Maryland Public Television stations. In 2009 MPBC's operating expenditures reached about $28 million, with the majority coming from viewers and corporate contributions.
MPT representatives vehemently disagreed with the audit, responding that it "omits critical facts and fails to provide the proper context to fully understand the circumstances at the time."
Legislative Auditor Bruce Myers says that while the commission eventually agreed to abide by state regulations on five out of the six findings recommendations in the audit, "There’s a whole lot of disagreement before you get to that.”
The audit found that the commission did not follow state regulations when spending $2.7 million on marketing in 2005 and 2007. The commission also faced criticism for the way it paid contracted vendors.
The $1 million marketing cost in 2005 has come up in a previous audit. The measure appeared on a Board of Public Works agenda for approval in December, but was withdrawn and never returned.
GO HERE to read more.
Pelosi: 'Once We Kick Through This Door,' More Health Care Reform Will Follow
If you have any doubt that the Democratic leadership of the House views passing the current health care reform bill as the beginning, not the end, of the process of creating a national government health care system, just note what Speaker Nancy Pelosi told a group of bloggers on Monday:
"My biggest fight has been between those who wanted to do something incremental and those who wanted to do something comprehensive," Pelosi said, according to an account by Washington Post reform advocate Ezra Klein. "We won that fight, and once we kick through this door, there'll be more legislation to follow."
But since the current bill is unpopular, and Pelosi at the moment does not have enough Democratic, much less Republican, votes to pass it, the door she will be kicking through is the back door.
Pelosi told the bloggers she favors using the "self-executing rule" strategy in which the House would pass the Senate health care bill without going on the record as specifically voting for it. "I like it," Pelosi said of the scheme, "because people don't have to vote on the Senate bill." The strategy of passing the Senate bill while avoiding a direct vote, writes Klein, "is all about plausible deniability for House members who don't want to vote for the Senate bill."
In a particularly Alice-in-Wonderland moment, Pelosi argued that the debate over health care reform can begin after the bill is passed. "Pelosi said passing the bill would allow Dems to undertake a 'debate' with Republicans over 'what is the balanced role that government should have,'" writes another pro-reform blogger at the Post, Greg Sargent. According to Sargent, Pelosi explained, "We have to take it to the American people, to say, this is the choice that you have. This is the vision that they have for your health and well being, and this is the vision that we have."
Again, in Pelosi's scenario, that debate would occur after the bill is passed.
More here
"My biggest fight has been between those who wanted to do something incremental and those who wanted to do something comprehensive," Pelosi said, according to an account by Washington Post reform advocate Ezra Klein. "We won that fight, and once we kick through this door, there'll be more legislation to follow."
But since the current bill is unpopular, and Pelosi at the moment does not have enough Democratic, much less Republican, votes to pass it, the door she will be kicking through is the back door.
Pelosi told the bloggers she favors using the "self-executing rule" strategy in which the House would pass the Senate health care bill without going on the record as specifically voting for it. "I like it," Pelosi said of the scheme, "because people don't have to vote on the Senate bill." The strategy of passing the Senate bill while avoiding a direct vote, writes Klein, "is all about plausible deniability for House members who don't want to vote for the Senate bill."
In a particularly Alice-in-Wonderland moment, Pelosi argued that the debate over health care reform can begin after the bill is passed. "Pelosi said passing the bill would allow Dems to undertake a 'debate' with Republicans over 'what is the balanced role that government should have,'" writes another pro-reform blogger at the Post, Greg Sargent. According to Sargent, Pelosi explained, "We have to take it to the American people, to say, this is the choice that you have. This is the vision that they have for your health and well being, and this is the vision that we have."
Again, in Pelosi's scenario, that debate would occur after the bill is passed.
More here
Conservative Held Captive In Chicago
Hi Joe,
I'm Ed Hayes and I work with him here in Iraq, in fact I sit right next to him
and he advised me about your successful website.
I am a retired Chicago educator and have a rather passionate take on the smoke,
mirrors, and misdirection coming out of Chicago.
This story, as cute as it is does nothing but deflect folks from the reality of
a failed system run by one of Mayor Daley's former bagmen.
The horror of the story is that Duncan is parading around as though he and his
methods actually improved schools and helped kids.
They didn't, indeed a case can easily be made that he made bad things worse.
In Chicago, he's considered a joke, but a joke imposed on us by a totalitarian
mayor, so he got away with posturing and pretending. If you are anointed by 'da
Mayor' you are Teflon coated. We're glad he's gone.
The only reason he sits as US secretary of ed is because he is friends with
Nobel Peace Prize winners.
Check out my perspective on Education, but warning: Eat Your Wheaties first.
http://www.examiner.com/x-3865-Chicago-Public-Education-Examiner
Ed Hayes
I'm Ed Hayes and I work with him here in Iraq, in fact I sit right next to him
and he advised me about your successful website.
I am a retired Chicago educator and have a rather passionate take on the smoke,
mirrors, and misdirection coming out of Chicago.
This story, as cute as it is does nothing but deflect folks from the reality of
a failed system run by one of Mayor Daley's former bagmen.
The horror of the story is that Duncan is parading around as though he and his
methods actually improved schools and helped kids.
They didn't, indeed a case can easily be made that he made bad things worse.
In Chicago, he's considered a joke, but a joke imposed on us by a totalitarian
mayor, so he got away with posturing and pretending. If you are anointed by 'da
Mayor' you are Teflon coated. We're glad he's gone.
The only reason he sits as US secretary of ed is because he is friends with
Nobel Peace Prize winners.
Check out my perspective on Education, but warning: Eat Your Wheaties first.
http://www.examiner.com/x-3865-Chicago-Public-Education-Examiner
Ed Hayes
Rep. Ryan Op-Ed: What Real Health Reform Should Look Like
Washington Post, Mar 15 - By Congressman Paul Ryan
Today, the House Budget Committee is to mark up a "reconciliation" vehicle, initiating the greatest expansion in government and entitlement spending in a generation through a partisan process to push "health-care reform" across the finish line.
Through any analytical lens, the legislation will not address the central problem of skyrocketing health-care costs. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that families' premiums could rise 10 to 13 percent; private-sector actuarial estimates top these already high numbers. The higher costs are driven by federalizing the regulation of insurance, narrowing consumers' options and reducing competition among providers. The health-care market would be dominated by government programs and the largest insurance companies, operating as de facto government utilities.
Rather than tackle the drivers of health inflation, the legislation chases the ever-increasing premiums with huge new subsidies. Already, Washington has no idea how to pay for the unfunded promises in Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security -- and creating this new entitlement would accelerate our path to fiscal ruin. When you strip away the double-counting, expose the hidden costs that must be funded and look at the price tag when the legislation is fully implemented, the claims of deficit reduction are as hollow as claims of cost containment.
This legislation includes a range of job-killing tax hikes and controls on all Americans -- to fund this new entitlement and to penalize employers and individuals who don't play by Washington's new rules. The CBO said last July that "requiring employers to offer health insurance, or pay a fee if they do not, is likely to reduce employment." The mix of mandates and higher costs will drive Americans into government exchanges, with an ever-enlarging number reliant upon taxpayer subsidies for their care. The architecture is designed to give the government greater control over what kind of insurance is available, how much health care is enough and which treatments are worth paying for.
The debacle of the past year's "debate" has been a missed opportunity for real reform. Democrats and Republicans alike have put forward proposals that address the drivers of health-care costs, yet they have been ignored in this sharply partisan crusade. House Republicans continue to offer common-sense solutions, with specific legislation. Last May, Sens. Tom Coburn and Richard Burr and Rep. Devin Nunes and I collaborated to address rising costs while securing access to quality, affordable health coverage for all Americans.
The Patients' Choice Act takes on the discriminatory and inflationary tax exclusion, delinking the tax benefit from employers and attaching it to individuals through universal tax credits. The tax exclusion for employer-provided health coverage subsidizes insurance instead of health care, hides the true cost of coverage and disproportionately favors the wealthy at the expense of the self-employed, the unemployed and small businesses. Health-care economists across the political spectrum and reform-minded Democrats such as Sen. Ron Wyden identify the backward tax treatment of health care as a problem that must be addressed.
The Patients' Choice Act includes additional reforms -- such as an emphasis on preventive care, medical malpractice reform and interstate shopping -- that could be advanced one at a time in a bipartisan fashion to fix what's broken in health care without breaking what is working.
Read more
Today, the House Budget Committee is to mark up a "reconciliation" vehicle, initiating the greatest expansion in government and entitlement spending in a generation through a partisan process to push "health-care reform" across the finish line.
Through any analytical lens, the legislation will not address the central problem of skyrocketing health-care costs. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that families' premiums could rise 10 to 13 percent; private-sector actuarial estimates top these already high numbers. The higher costs are driven by federalizing the regulation of insurance, narrowing consumers' options and reducing competition among providers. The health-care market would be dominated by government programs and the largest insurance companies, operating as de facto government utilities.
Rather than tackle the drivers of health inflation, the legislation chases the ever-increasing premiums with huge new subsidies. Already, Washington has no idea how to pay for the unfunded promises in Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security -- and creating this new entitlement would accelerate our path to fiscal ruin. When you strip away the double-counting, expose the hidden costs that must be funded and look at the price tag when the legislation is fully implemented, the claims of deficit reduction are as hollow as claims of cost containment.
This legislation includes a range of job-killing tax hikes and controls on all Americans -- to fund this new entitlement and to penalize employers and individuals who don't play by Washington's new rules. The CBO said last July that "requiring employers to offer health insurance, or pay a fee if they do not, is likely to reduce employment." The mix of mandates and higher costs will drive Americans into government exchanges, with an ever-enlarging number reliant upon taxpayer subsidies for their care. The architecture is designed to give the government greater control over what kind of insurance is available, how much health care is enough and which treatments are worth paying for.
The debacle of the past year's "debate" has been a missed opportunity for real reform. Democrats and Republicans alike have put forward proposals that address the drivers of health-care costs, yet they have been ignored in this sharply partisan crusade. House Republicans continue to offer common-sense solutions, with specific legislation. Last May, Sens. Tom Coburn and Richard Burr and Rep. Devin Nunes and I collaborated to address rising costs while securing access to quality, affordable health coverage for all Americans.
The Patients' Choice Act takes on the discriminatory and inflationary tax exclusion, delinking the tax benefit from employers and attaching it to individuals through universal tax credits. The tax exclusion for employer-provided health coverage subsidizes insurance instead of health care, hides the true cost of coverage and disproportionately favors the wealthy at the expense of the self-employed, the unemployed and small businesses. Health-care economists across the political spectrum and reform-minded Democrats such as Sen. Ron Wyden identify the backward tax treatment of health care as a problem that must be addressed.
The Patients' Choice Act includes additional reforms -- such as an emphasis on preventive care, medical malpractice reform and interstate shopping -- that could be advanced one at a time in a bipartisan fashion to fix what's broken in health care without breaking what is working.
Read more
Deep-Sixing The Filibuster
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
Desperate Democrats will try anything to ram their government takeover of health care through Congress, even if that means upending traditional parliamentary practice in the Senate. Threatening to misuse the reconciliation process to sneak through the health care bill apparently isn't enough to get the job done. Despite growing public anger over Democrats running roughshod over existing rules, the Senate is set to escalate the mayhem by trying to suppress the filibuster.
Sen. Charles E. Schumer, New York Democrat and chairman of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee, plans his first hearing on the filibuster on March 24. Proposals to eliminate the filibuster have been offered by Sens. Tom Udall, New Mexico Democrat, and Tom Harkin, Iowa Democrat, among others. Senate Majority Whip Richard J. Durbin, Illinois Democrat, is helping lead the charge against filibusters. He's also jockeying with Mr. Schumer for the top Democratic job in the Senate if Majority Leader Harry Reid is thrown out of office in November, which is looking increasingly likely.
When the Republican leadership tried to end Democratic filibusters on judicial nominees in 2005, seven Republicans joined with seven Democrats - collectively known as the "Gang of 14" - to protect the parliamentary tactic. Now that the shoe is on the other foot, Politico reports that moderate Democrats have "scoffed" at the idea of joining Republicans to safeguard the filibuster. Sen. Ben "Cornhusker Kickback" Nelson, Nebraska Democrat, smugly asks, "Who are [the Republicans] going to get [to help them]?"
Filibusters always have been frustrating to those in the majority. While today's Democrats are frustrated that their plans could get stymied by the minority, just four years ago, Democrats were jubilant that they could employ the weapon to frustrate the Republican majority.
Filibusters have long served an important role, primarily by preventing extreme legislation from getting passed. Filibusters also help slow the legislative process when leaders of the majority party attempt to whip through an unpopular bill. This benefits members of the House of Representatives, who rarely get time to read bills passed in the upper chamber on which they must vote. Without the filibuster, Americans never would have been given the chance to read the Senate health care bill before it finally passed on Christmas Eve.
With the presidency, an 80-seat majority in the House of Representatives and, until recently a 20-seat majority in the Senate, Democrats could have done anything had they been able to agree among themselves. But, egged on by an increasingly liberal President Obama, Democratic congressional leaders took a gamble and went far to the left of the American public on major policies, especially health care and purported global warming.
With constituents in revolt and midterm elections on the horizon, Democrats increasingly are unable to hold their own party together. The only bipartisanship on Capitol Hill today is opposition to Democratic extremism. In the House, 39 Democrats voted against their party's government health care takeover in November.
Perhaps Democratic strategists - if indeed there is any strategy behind their actions - hope Americans aren't paying attention to their heavy-handed tactics. After all, Democrats have ramped up efforts to force through their health care takeover despite polls that show most Americans want the whole process redone or scrapped. If Democrats don't get the message now, they will when voters use the ballot box in November.
Desperate Democrats will try anything to ram their government takeover of health care through Congress, even if that means upending traditional parliamentary practice in the Senate. Threatening to misuse the reconciliation process to sneak through the health care bill apparently isn't enough to get the job done. Despite growing public anger over Democrats running roughshod over existing rules, the Senate is set to escalate the mayhem by trying to suppress the filibuster.
Sen. Charles E. Schumer, New York Democrat and chairman of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee, plans his first hearing on the filibuster on March 24. Proposals to eliminate the filibuster have been offered by Sens. Tom Udall, New Mexico Democrat, and Tom Harkin, Iowa Democrat, among others. Senate Majority Whip Richard J. Durbin, Illinois Democrat, is helping lead the charge against filibusters. He's also jockeying with Mr. Schumer for the top Democratic job in the Senate if Majority Leader Harry Reid is thrown out of office in November, which is looking increasingly likely.
When the Republican leadership tried to end Democratic filibusters on judicial nominees in 2005, seven Republicans joined with seven Democrats - collectively known as the "Gang of 14" - to protect the parliamentary tactic. Now that the shoe is on the other foot, Politico reports that moderate Democrats have "scoffed" at the idea of joining Republicans to safeguard the filibuster. Sen. Ben "Cornhusker Kickback" Nelson, Nebraska Democrat, smugly asks, "Who are [the Republicans] going to get [to help them]?"
Filibusters always have been frustrating to those in the majority. While today's Democrats are frustrated that their plans could get stymied by the minority, just four years ago, Democrats were jubilant that they could employ the weapon to frustrate the Republican majority.
Filibusters have long served an important role, primarily by preventing extreme legislation from getting passed. Filibusters also help slow the legislative process when leaders of the majority party attempt to whip through an unpopular bill. This benefits members of the House of Representatives, who rarely get time to read bills passed in the upper chamber on which they must vote. Without the filibuster, Americans never would have been given the chance to read the Senate health care bill before it finally passed on Christmas Eve.
With the presidency, an 80-seat majority in the House of Representatives and, until recently a 20-seat majority in the Senate, Democrats could have done anything had they been able to agree among themselves. But, egged on by an increasingly liberal President Obama, Democratic congressional leaders took a gamble and went far to the left of the American public on major policies, especially health care and purported global warming.
With constituents in revolt and midterm elections on the horizon, Democrats increasingly are unable to hold their own party together. The only bipartisanship on Capitol Hill today is opposition to Democratic extremism. In the House, 39 Democrats voted against their party's government health care takeover in November.
Perhaps Democratic strategists - if indeed there is any strategy behind their actions - hope Americans aren't paying attention to their heavy-handed tactics. After all, Democrats have ramped up efforts to force through their health care takeover despite polls that show most Americans want the whole process redone or scrapped. If Democrats don't get the message now, they will when voters use the ballot box in November.
GREAT CAUTIONARY INFORMATION:
2010 Census to Begin
Be Cautious About Giving Info to Census Workers by Susan Johnson
With the U.S. Census process beginning, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises people to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a victim of fraud or identity theft. The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census is under way as workers have begun verifying the addresses of households across the country. Eventually, more than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will count every person in the United States and will gather information about every person living at each address including name, age, gender, race, and other relevant data.
The big question is - how do you tell the difference between a U.S. Census worker and a con artist? BBB offers the following advice:
If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, they will have a badge, a hand held device, a Census Bureau canvas bag, and a confidentiality notice. Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions. However, you should never invite anyone you don't know into your home.
Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify address information. Do not give your Social Security number, credit card or banking information to anyone, even if they claim they need it for the U.S. Census.
REMEMBER, NO MATTER WHAT THEY ASK, YOU REALLY ONLY NEED TO TELL THEM HOW MANY PEOPLE LIVE AT YOUR ADDRESS.
While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as a salary range, YOU DON'T HAVE TO ANSWER ANYTHING AT ALL ABOUT YOUR FINANCIAL SITUATION. The Census Bureau will not ask for Social Security, bank account, or credit card numbers, nor will employees solicit donations. Any one asking for that information is NOT with the Census Bureau.
AND REMEMBER, THE CENSUS BUREAU HAS DECIDED NOT TO WORK WITH ACORN ON GATHERING THIS INFORMATION.. No Acorn worker should approach you saying he/she is with the Census Bureau.
Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail, or in person at home. However, the Census Bureau will not contact you by Email, so be on the lookout for Email scams impersonating the Census.
Never click on a link or open any attachments in an Email that are supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau.
For more advice on avoiding identity theft and fraud, visit www.bbb.org
Be Cautious About Giving Info to Census Workers by Susan Johnson
With the U.S. Census process beginning, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises people to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a victim of fraud or identity theft. The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census is under way as workers have begun verifying the addresses of households across the country. Eventually, more than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will count every person in the United States and will gather information about every person living at each address including name, age, gender, race, and other relevant data.
The big question is - how do you tell the difference between a U.S. Census worker and a con artist? BBB offers the following advice:
If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, they will have a badge, a hand held device, a Census Bureau canvas bag, and a confidentiality notice. Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions. However, you should never invite anyone you don't know into your home.
Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify address information. Do not give your Social Security number, credit card or banking information to anyone, even if they claim they need it for the U.S. Census.
REMEMBER, NO MATTER WHAT THEY ASK, YOU REALLY ONLY NEED TO TELL THEM HOW MANY PEOPLE LIVE AT YOUR ADDRESS.
While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as a salary range, YOU DON'T HAVE TO ANSWER ANYTHING AT ALL ABOUT YOUR FINANCIAL SITUATION. The Census Bureau will not ask for Social Security, bank account, or credit card numbers, nor will employees solicit donations. Any one asking for that information is NOT with the Census Bureau.
AND REMEMBER, THE CENSUS BUREAU HAS DECIDED NOT TO WORK WITH ACORN ON GATHERING THIS INFORMATION.. No Acorn worker should approach you saying he/she is with the Census Bureau.
Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail, or in person at home. However, the Census Bureau will not contact you by Email, so be on the lookout for Email scams impersonating the Census.
Never click on a link or open any attachments in an Email that are supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau.
For more advice on avoiding identity theft and fraud, visit www.bbb.org
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Bowling for a Cause –
Big Brothers Big Sisters is the preeminent youth development organization for children who need and want the influence of positive adult role models and friends. Bowl for Kids Sake is our signature fundraising and awareness campaign. All proceeds from this event will go directly to support our services to local children. We are a nonprofit, charitable organization that relies on the generous support of individuals and businesses like yours. Our mission is to help local boys and girls grow up to confident, competent, and caring young adults; contributing to brighter futures, better schools, and stronger communities for all.
We are holding our 21st Annual Bowl for Kids’ Sake fundraiser on Wednesday, April 14th from 5-7pm at Cherokee Lanes, across from the Fruitland Wal-Mart. The theme for this year’s BFKS is Rock –n- Bowl! We are expecting many people to come out and bowl strikes, spares and gutter balls to help raise money for mentoring programs for local youth while enjoying a live band, food, fun and trivia.
Bowlers are asked to raise a minimum of 75 dollars to bowl. Bowlers may form teams of up to five bowlers. Each bowler will receive an event T-shirt, two games, shoe rental, pizza, a small beverage and the chance to participate in trivia, prizes, and fun!
Please visit www.biglittle.org to sign up for this year’s Bowl for Kids Sake. Or contact Jessica Mimms at jmimms@biglittle.org or 410-543-2447
Big Brothers Big Sisters is the preeminent youth development organization for children who need and want the influence of positive adult role models and friends. Bowl for Kids Sake is our signature fundraising and awareness campaign. All proceeds from this event will go directly to support our services to local children. We are a nonprofit, charitable organization that relies on the generous support of individuals and businesses like yours. Our mission is to help local boys and girls grow up to confident, competent, and caring young adults; contributing to brighter futures, better schools, and stronger communities for all.
We are holding our 21st Annual Bowl for Kids’ Sake fundraiser on Wednesday, April 14th from 5-7pm at Cherokee Lanes, across from the Fruitland Wal-Mart. The theme for this year’s BFKS is Rock –n- Bowl! We are expecting many people to come out and bowl strikes, spares and gutter balls to help raise money for mentoring programs for local youth while enjoying a live band, food, fun and trivia.
Bowlers are asked to raise a minimum of 75 dollars to bowl. Bowlers may form teams of up to five bowlers. Each bowler will receive an event T-shirt, two games, shoe rental, pizza, a small beverage and the chance to participate in trivia, prizes, and fun!
Please visit www.biglittle.org to sign up for this year’s Bowl for Kids Sake. Or contact Jessica Mimms at jmimms@biglittle.org or 410-543-2447
Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Press Release
Incident: DUI
Narrative:
On March 14, 2010 at 0134 hours, a Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for failure to drive right of center at Ocean Gateway and Stephen Decatur Highway, Ocean City, Worcester County, Maryland. The driver appeared to be under the influence of alcohol and was arrested. The driver was identified as Robert Matthew Swann 24, of East New Market, Maryland was charged DUI related offences.
Incident: DUI Narrative:
On March 14, 2010 at 0134 hours, a Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Deputy observed a vehicle that was traveling above the posted speed limit of 35 on the Harry Kelly Bridge. Deputy stopped the vehicle. The Driver appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. The driver was placed under arrest.
The driver was identified as Kevin Christopher Wilcox 27, of Westover, Maryland was charged DUI related offences.
Narrative:
On March 14, 2010 at 0134 hours, a Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for failure to drive right of center at Ocean Gateway and Stephen Decatur Highway, Ocean City, Worcester County, Maryland. The driver appeared to be under the influence of alcohol and was arrested. The driver was identified as Robert Matthew Swann 24, of East New Market, Maryland was charged DUI related offences.
Incident: DUI Narrative:
On March 14, 2010 at 0134 hours, a Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Deputy observed a vehicle that was traveling above the posted speed limit of 35 on the Harry Kelly Bridge. Deputy stopped the vehicle. The Driver appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. The driver was placed under arrest.
The driver was identified as Kevin Christopher Wilcox 27, of Westover, Maryland was charged DUI related offences.
Reader Thanks Salisbury Police Department
Joe...
Just wanted to say a big thanks to the quick response of Salisbury PD today at Super Fresh. A shoplifter was being followed out the door of the store when he turned and (unprovoked) punched a clerk in the face causing a serious facial injury. Thanks to quick response and due diligence by the staff, the individual was apprehended by SPD a short while later and arrested after being positively ID'd by staff. The employee was taken to Peninsula Regional for his injuries, unknown extent or current condition.
Just wanted to say a big thanks to the quick response of Salisbury PD today at Super Fresh. A shoplifter was being followed out the door of the store when he turned and (unprovoked) punched a clerk in the face causing a serious facial injury. Thanks to quick response and due diligence by the staff, the individual was apprehended by SPD a short while later and arrested after being positively ID'd by staff. The employee was taken to Peninsula Regional for his injuries, unknown extent or current condition.
GOVERNOR O’MALLEY ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF “WE CONNECT” SERVICE WEBSITE
Partners with California First Lady Maria Shriver and other States;
Website to Help Thousands of Maryland Families during Tough Economic Times
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Martin O’Malley announced the launch of “We Connect: Maryland,” www.Maryland.weconnect.net, a website that expands upon the State’s service webpage, www.problemsolver.maryland.gov, to provide Marylanders with more access to state and federal resources during these challenging economic times. Governor O’Malley teamed up with California’s First Lady Maria Shriver to launch the website.
“We have seen our share of challenges with a downturn in the national economy and a national mortgage crisis. Times have not been easy for many Maryland families as they struggle to make ends meet,” said Governor O’Malley. “It is our hope that this website, in addition to our Problemsolver webpage, will reach out to and educate Marylanders about the programs and services available to them.”
“We launched California’s WE Connect program in 2005 when we found that so many families struggling financially were not aware of the money-saving programs and support services that were already available to them,” said California’s First Lady Maria Shriver. “Today, the need for these vital resources is greater than ever, and we are pleased that Governor O'Malley has partnered with us to expand WE Connect nationally and ensure that millions more families in need have an opportunity to get ahead.”
The WE Connect campaign is a public/private partnership designed to help the nation’s working families become more financially secure by connecting them to important programs and resources. Many of these programs, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and the Women, Infant and Children’s Program (WIC), are available to individuals and families, but are not fully taken advantage of. This nationwide campaign connects those eligible with the information and tools they need to access these valuable resources, empowering them to live their dreams.
Marylanders can go to www.Maryland.weconnect.net to find information on a range of services which connects visitors to services within their county which offer free tax assistance and other valuable events. The website also provides a link to an assistance eligibility calculator, which helps Marylanders determine what services they may qualify for, such as food stamps, the Temporary Cash Assistance program, Medical Assistance, the Maryland Energy Assistance Program, and the Electric Universal Service Program, among others.
Marylanders can also go to www.problemsolver.maryland.gov to find information on a range of State services from heating and energy assistance, to employment assistance – including job training and unemployment services – to services for seniors and those living with disabilities.
Website to Help Thousands of Maryland Families during Tough Economic Times
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Martin O’Malley announced the launch of “We Connect: Maryland,” www.Maryland.weconnect.net, a website that expands upon the State’s service webpage, www.problemsolver.maryland.gov, to provide Marylanders with more access to state and federal resources during these challenging economic times. Governor O’Malley teamed up with California’s First Lady Maria Shriver to launch the website.
“We have seen our share of challenges with a downturn in the national economy and a national mortgage crisis. Times have not been easy for many Maryland families as they struggle to make ends meet,” said Governor O’Malley. “It is our hope that this website, in addition to our Problemsolver webpage, will reach out to and educate Marylanders about the programs and services available to them.”
“We launched California’s WE Connect program in 2005 when we found that so many families struggling financially were not aware of the money-saving programs and support services that were already available to them,” said California’s First Lady Maria Shriver. “Today, the need for these vital resources is greater than ever, and we are pleased that Governor O'Malley has partnered with us to expand WE Connect nationally and ensure that millions more families in need have an opportunity to get ahead.”
The WE Connect campaign is a public/private partnership designed to help the nation’s working families become more financially secure by connecting them to important programs and resources. Many of these programs, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and the Women, Infant and Children’s Program (WIC), are available to individuals and families, but are not fully taken advantage of. This nationwide campaign connects those eligible with the information and tools they need to access these valuable resources, empowering them to live their dreams.
Marylanders can go to www.Maryland.weconnect.net to find information on a range of services which connects visitors to services within their county which offer free tax assistance and other valuable events. The website also provides a link to an assistance eligibility calculator, which helps Marylanders determine what services they may qualify for, such as food stamps, the Temporary Cash Assistance program, Medical Assistance, the Maryland Energy Assistance Program, and the Electric Universal Service Program, among others.
Marylanders can also go to www.problemsolver.maryland.gov to find information on a range of State services from heating and energy assistance, to employment assistance – including job training and unemployment services – to services for seniors and those living with disabilities.
Southern Sensitivity
The Knoxville Police Department reports finding a man's body in the Tennessee River just west of the Henley Street Bridge. The dead man's name will not be released until his family has been notified.
The victim apparently drowned due to excessive beer consumption. He was wearing black fishnet stockings, a red garter belt, a pink g-string, purple lipstick, and an Obama T-shirt. The police removed the Obama T-shirt to spare his family any unnecessary embarrassment.
Tennessee Police do care!!!
The victim apparently drowned due to excessive beer consumption. He was wearing black fishnet stockings, a red garter belt, a pink g-string, purple lipstick, and an Obama T-shirt. The police removed the Obama T-shirt to spare his family any unnecessary embarrassment.
Tennessee Police do care!!!
Pemberton Park’s 3rd Wednesday Lecture Cancelled For March 17
(Salisbury, MD) Pemberton Historical Park’s Third Wednesday Lecture scheduled for Wednesday, March 17 has been cancelled. The next Third Wednesday Lecture will take place on Wednesday, April 21 at 7:30pm and feature Dr. Ed Otter, of Ed Otter, Inc. Archaeological Consulting. Light refreshments will be served. This program is $6 per person and free to Friends of Pemberton Historical Park and Friends of Pemberton Hall.
Pemberton Historical Park is located at 5561 Plantation Lane in Salisbury, MD. For more information, please contact Kerri Liming at 410-860-2447 or email pembertonpark@wicomicocounty.org.
Pemberton Historical Park is located at 5561 Plantation Lane in Salisbury, MD. For more information, please contact Kerri Liming at 410-860-2447 or email pembertonpark@wicomicocounty.org.
Free Cleaning for Chemo Patients
Cleaning for a Reason
If you know any woman currently undergoing Chemo, please pass the word to her that there is a cleaning service that provides FREE housecleaning - 1 time per month for 4 months while she is in treatment. All she has to do is sign up and have her doctor fax a note confirming the treatment. Cleaning for a Reason will have a participating maid service in her zip code area arrange for the service.
http://www.cleaningforareason.org
Please pass this information on to bless a woman going through Any Cancer treatment. This organization serves the entire USA and currently has 547 partners to help these women. It’s our job to pass the word and let them know that there are people out there that care. Be a blessing to someone and pass this information along.
If you know of someone in the cleaning business, pass it on to them too.
Arrest Made In Strong Arm Robbery In Rehoboth
Location: Unit Block of Croydon Road, Rehoboth Beach Yacht Country Club, Rehoboth, DE
Date of Occurrence: Monday, 3/2/10, at approximately 7:30 pm
Suspects:
· James J. Durham, 25 years old, of Harmony Lane, Dover
o Robbery 1st (F)
o Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony (F)
o Conspiracy 2nd (F)
o Offensive Touching (M)
· Unknown Black Male wearing all black, no further description
Resume: The Delaware State Police have arrested one of the two subjects involved in the March 2nd Robbery. James J. Durham was processed for the above charges at DCC after being arrested by Dover Police on similar charges.
Durham was one of two subjects that approached two female victims on Croydon Road, RBYCC, Rehoboth. The suspects grabbed a hold of both women and demanded money. After obtaining an undisclosed amount of money from the women both suspects fled the area on foot. The victims were not injured during the incident.
Durham is currently incarcerated at DCC in default of $30,000.00 secured bail. The accomplice to this crime has not yet been located.
Anyone with information pertaining to this case may contact Troop 4 Detectives at 302-856-5850 ext. 218. Tips may also be forwarded to law enforcement through tip lines maintained by Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or on line at www.tipsubmit.com.
Date of Occurrence: Monday, 3/2/10, at approximately 7:30 pm
Suspects:
· James J. Durham, 25 years old, of Harmony Lane, Dover
o Robbery 1st (F)
o Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony (F)
o Conspiracy 2nd (F)
o Offensive Touching (M)
· Unknown Black Male wearing all black, no further description
Resume: The Delaware State Police have arrested one of the two subjects involved in the March 2nd Robbery. James J. Durham was processed for the above charges at DCC after being arrested by Dover Police on similar charges.
Durham was one of two subjects that approached two female victims on Croydon Road, RBYCC, Rehoboth. The suspects grabbed a hold of both women and demanded money. After obtaining an undisclosed amount of money from the women both suspects fled the area on foot. The victims were not injured during the incident.
Durham is currently incarcerated at DCC in default of $30,000.00 secured bail. The accomplice to this crime has not yet been located.
Anyone with information pertaining to this case may contact Troop 4 Detectives at 302-856-5850 ext. 218. Tips may also be forwarded to law enforcement through tip lines maintained by Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or on line at www.tipsubmit.com.
Highlighted Events This Week In Wicomico Schools
Wednesday, March 17
MSA Reading testing for all students in grades 3-5
MSA (Maryland School Assessment) testing continues in elementary schools with intermediate grades: MSA Reading testing for all students in grades 3-5 on Tuesday and Wednesday. (MSA testing will continue April 21-May 11, when students in grade 5 and 8 take the MSA Science test.)
Wednesday, March 17
4th annual Career Day
The Young Professionals Committee of the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Wicomico County Board of Education (WCBOE), The Salisbury School and Salisbury Christian School will host the 4th Annual Career Day on March 17. All ninth-graders from Wicomico County Public Schools, The Salisbury School and Salisbury Christian School will visit Salisbury University to gain a deeper understanding of career fields they are interested in pursuing. Many presenters from the community will be participating. Students from James M. Bennett High, Mardela High, The Salisbury School and Salisbury Christian School will be at Career Day from 9:15-11:15 a.m. Students from Parkside High and Wicomico High will explore careers from 12:15-2:15 p.m. Media contact: Dave Harner, Coordinator of Secondary Initiatives, 443-783-5483.
Thursday, March 18, 6 p.m.
Wicomico Teacher of the Year Banquet
Salisbury University Commons
The Wicomico Teacher of the Year Banquet will be held in the Salisbury University Commons starting at 6 p.m. A new Wicomico Teacher of the Year for 2010-11 will be named at the end of the night. 410-677-4462. Attendance for the banquet is by invitation only.
Thursday, March 18
BEE Federal Credit Union Annual Meeting
Board of Education Office
The BEE Federal Credit Union will hold its annual meeting at the Board of Education Office at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 18.
Friday, March 19
Jump Rope for Heart
North Salisbury Elementary
Students at North Salisbury Elementary will help raise awareness of heart health while raising money for the American Heart Association during Jump Rope for Heart, starting at 9:30 p.m. 410-677-5807.
Saturday, March 20
STEM Saturday Special Program
Salisbury University
A special STEM Saturday, Game Maker II, will be held for those students participating in the January Game Maker session. This program will take students a step further in the Alice programming with students creating characters and objects in a virtual (computer world) environment. Dr. Sophia Wang of Salisbury University will host students at the Henson Science Building on the SU campus on March 20th from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. The day will include lunch and a short campus tour.
Saturday, March 20
Destination ImagiNation Instant Challenge Day
North Salisbury Elementary
Eastern Shore teams that qualified to advance to the April 10 State Finals for Destination ImagiNation (DI) will participate this Saturday in an Instant Challenge Day at North Salisbury Elementary to help team members prepare for the state competition. All elementary teams advancing to the State Finals, as well as teams from Salisbury Middle and Bennett Middle, will take the Instant Challenge from 8-10:30 a.m. Teams from James M. Bennett High, St. Michaels and St. Francis de Sales will meet from 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Contact: Susan Bounds, DI coordinator, 443-783-1508.
MSA Reading testing for all students in grades 3-5
MSA (Maryland School Assessment) testing continues in elementary schools with intermediate grades: MSA Reading testing for all students in grades 3-5 on Tuesday and Wednesday. (MSA testing will continue April 21-May 11, when students in grade 5 and 8 take the MSA Science test.)
Wednesday, March 17
4th annual Career Day
The Young Professionals Committee of the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Wicomico County Board of Education (WCBOE), The Salisbury School and Salisbury Christian School will host the 4th Annual Career Day on March 17. All ninth-graders from Wicomico County Public Schools, The Salisbury School and Salisbury Christian School will visit Salisbury University to gain a deeper understanding of career fields they are interested in pursuing. Many presenters from the community will be participating. Students from James M. Bennett High, Mardela High, The Salisbury School and Salisbury Christian School will be at Career Day from 9:15-11:15 a.m. Students from Parkside High and Wicomico High will explore careers from 12:15-2:15 p.m. Media contact: Dave Harner, Coordinator of Secondary Initiatives, 443-783-5483.
Thursday, March 18, 6 p.m.
Wicomico Teacher of the Year Banquet
Salisbury University Commons
The Wicomico Teacher of the Year Banquet will be held in the Salisbury University Commons starting at 6 p.m. A new Wicomico Teacher of the Year for 2010-11 will be named at the end of the night. 410-677-4462. Attendance for the banquet is by invitation only.
Thursday, March 18
BEE Federal Credit Union Annual Meeting
Board of Education Office
The BEE Federal Credit Union will hold its annual meeting at the Board of Education Office at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 18.
Friday, March 19
Jump Rope for Heart
North Salisbury Elementary
Students at North Salisbury Elementary will help raise awareness of heart health while raising money for the American Heart Association during Jump Rope for Heart, starting at 9:30 p.m. 410-677-5807.
Saturday, March 20
STEM Saturday Special Program
Salisbury University
A special STEM Saturday, Game Maker II, will be held for those students participating in the January Game Maker session. This program will take students a step further in the Alice programming with students creating characters and objects in a virtual (computer world) environment. Dr. Sophia Wang of Salisbury University will host students at the Henson Science Building on the SU campus on March 20th from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. The day will include lunch and a short campus tour.
Saturday, March 20
Destination ImagiNation Instant Challenge Day
North Salisbury Elementary
Eastern Shore teams that qualified to advance to the April 10 State Finals for Destination ImagiNation (DI) will participate this Saturday in an Instant Challenge Day at North Salisbury Elementary to help team members prepare for the state competition. All elementary teams advancing to the State Finals, as well as teams from Salisbury Middle and Bennett Middle, will take the Instant Challenge from 8-10:30 a.m. Teams from James M. Bennett High, St. Michaels and St. Francis de Sales will meet from 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Contact: Susan Bounds, DI coordinator, 443-783-1508.