DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Colonel Robert M. Coupe Announces State Police Promotions
Location:
Wilmington University Dover, Delaware
DATE and TIME:
Wednesday August 11, 2010, 9:00 a.m.
Promotes:
From Lieutenant to Captain
John A. Campanella (Headquarters- Dover)
Jason H. Sapp (Headquarters- Dover)
Peter B. Sawyer (Headquarters- Dover)
From Sergeant to Lieutenant
Jennifer D. Griffin (Troop 1- Brandywine Hundred)
Daniel K. Meadows (Troop 2- Newark)
Michael L. Nelson (Troop 3- Woodside)
From Corporal to Sergeant
Richard D. Bratz (Troop 5-Bridgeville)
Eric L. Hamm (Troop 3-Woodside)
Thomas J. McKeown (Aviation-Odessa)
Jeffrey C. Whitmarsh II (Troop 3-Woodside)
Matthew M. Zolper (Troop 7- Lewes)
Resume:
Delaware State Police Superintendent Colonel Robert M. Coupe Wednesday August 11, 2010 announced the division’s most recent promotions. The promotional ceremony was held at Wilmington University around 9:00 a.m.
Notable dignitaries included the Honorable Governor Jack Markell, Attorney General Joseph R. “Beau” Biden III, and Deputy Cabinet Secretary Elizabeth Y. Olsen.
Surrounded by family, friends and colleagues 11 Delaware State Troopers were promoted to new ranks.
Wilmington University Dover, Delaware
DATE and TIME:
Wednesday August 11, 2010, 9:00 a.m.
Promotes:
From Lieutenant to Captain
John A. Campanella (Headquarters- Dover)
Jason H. Sapp (Headquarters- Dover)
Peter B. Sawyer (Headquarters- Dover)
From Sergeant to Lieutenant
Jennifer D. Griffin (Troop 1- Brandywine Hundred)
Daniel K. Meadows (Troop 2- Newark)
Michael L. Nelson (Troop 3- Woodside)
From Corporal to Sergeant
Richard D. Bratz (Troop 5-Bridgeville)
Eric L. Hamm (Troop 3-Woodside)
Thomas J. McKeown (Aviation-Odessa)
Jeffrey C. Whitmarsh II (Troop 3-Woodside)
Matthew M. Zolper (Troop 7- Lewes)
Resume:
Delaware State Police Superintendent Colonel Robert M. Coupe Wednesday August 11, 2010 announced the division’s most recent promotions. The promotional ceremony was held at Wilmington University around 9:00 a.m.
Notable dignitaries included the Honorable Governor Jack Markell, Attorney General Joseph R. “Beau” Biden III, and Deputy Cabinet Secretary Elizabeth Y. Olsen.
Surrounded by family, friends and colleagues 11 Delaware State Troopers were promoted to new ranks.
State Police Probe Ellendale Home Invasion
Location:
Kings Alley Ellendale, Delaware
DATE and TIME:
Wednesday August 11, 2010 3:00 a.m.
Victim(s):
32 year old female
37 year old male
17 year old female
3 year old female
Suspect(s):
BM, 25-35, 6’00”-6’02” thin build, unshaven, white T-shirt, jeans and white sneakers.
BM 25-35, 5’08”-5’10”, large build, full beard, plaid button down shirt, blue jeans and black sneakers.
Resume:
Delaware State Police early Wednesday August 11, 2010 investigated a Home Invasion on Kings Alley which intersects with Ponder road and runs parallel to SR 16.
State Police learned that a 37 year old male and 32 year old female were awakened in their bedroom around 3:00 a.m. Wednesday morning. The victims heard voices in their bedroom and observed one of the suspects standing at the foot of the bed and the second suspect entering through a bedroom window.
The victims were held at gunpoint by one of the suspects while the other searched for valuables. The suspect recovered an undisclosed amount of money then ordered the victims into the living room. The suspects bound the victims from behind with shoe laces and computer cable. The suspects then fled the residence to an unknown destination.
Delaware State Police is seeking information into this crime and would like citizens to contact authorities with information pertaining to this or other crimes. Callers may remain anonymous. Tips may also be forwarded to law enforcement through tip lines maintained by Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-333 3 or on line at www.tipsubmit.com.
Kings Alley Ellendale, Delaware
DATE and TIME:
Wednesday August 11, 2010 3:00 a.m.
Victim(s):
32 year old female
37 year old male
17 year old female
3 year old female
Suspect(s):
BM, 25-35, 6’00”-6’02” thin build, unshaven, white T-shirt, jeans and white sneakers.
BM 25-35, 5’08”-5’10”, large build, full beard, plaid button down shirt, blue jeans and black sneakers.
Resume:
Delaware State Police early Wednesday August 11, 2010 investigated a Home Invasion on Kings Alley which intersects with Ponder road and runs parallel to SR 16.
State Police learned that a 37 year old male and 32 year old female were awakened in their bedroom around 3:00 a.m. Wednesday morning. The victims heard voices in their bedroom and observed one of the suspects standing at the foot of the bed and the second suspect entering through a bedroom window.
The victims were held at gunpoint by one of the suspects while the other searched for valuables. The suspect recovered an undisclosed amount of money then ordered the victims into the living room. The suspects bound the victims from behind with shoe laces and computer cable. The suspects then fled the residence to an unknown destination.
Delaware State Police is seeking information into this crime and would like citizens to contact authorities with information pertaining to this or other crimes. Callers may remain anonymous. Tips may also be forwarded to law enforcement through tip lines maintained by Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-333 3 or on line at www.tipsubmit.com.
Chuck Hustles The Taxpayers
Congress on Thursday passed and sent President Obama a $600 million bill to fund more border security, and Democrats said its passage proved they are "serious" about security and Congress can now restart talks on a broader bill to grant a path to citizenship to illegal immigrants.
President Obama is expected to quickly sign the measure, which enjoyed broad bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress.
The Senate called a special session in the middle of its five-week August break just to pass the bill, and the measure passed with the consent of all 100 senators. The House passed the bill earlier this week. The measure will fund 1,000 new U.S. Border Patrol agents, another 250 Customs and Border Protection officers and two more unmanned aerial vehicles.
Sen. Charles E. Schumer, New York Democrat and chairman of the Senate's immigration subcommittee, who shepherded the funding through the Senate, said the money takes care of border security and Congress can now turn back to efforts to legalize the estimated 11 million illegal immigrants already here.
"It will clear the path for restarting bipartisan discussions," Mr. Schumer said.
[Not so fast, Chuck. First, let's see some boots on the ground. Funding is only step 1. We've seen this hustle before-- Editor]
Good Time Charlie: 'This Ain't No Funeral'
A who's who of Democratic officials turned out to celebrate scandal-scarred Rep. Charles Rangel's 80th birthday last night -- whooping it up as if he didn't have an ethics charge in the world.
In fact, former Mayor David Dinkins, 83, went so far as to flip the bird to a protester who called Rangel a "crook" outside The Plaza hotel gala.
Not everyone matched Dinkins' gusto, but the New York political establishment did turn out in force.
Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, Sens. Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and Mayor Bloomberg all took turns at the mike to heap praise on the longtime Harlem legislator.
A jovial Gov. Paterson emceed the fund-raising bash and paid tribute to the embattled congressman's "dedication to public service."
Rangel lapped it up, telling the crowd, "This damn sure ain't no funeral, is it?"
At the end of the festivities in the Grand Ballroom, an emotional Rangel told the audience, "Please remember me in your prayers. It helps."
Rangel -- who has been slapped with 13 ethics charges by the House ethics committee -- called the occasion "an experience I'll never, ever forget.
"I can't tell you how moving this has been," he said.
He left the stage dancing.
Less than half the state's 27-member Democratic congressional delegation accepted invitations.
Carolyn Maloney -- whose district borders Rangel's -- didn't attend, but Paterson announced during the festivities that she wrote a $2,500 check.
In fact, former Mayor David Dinkins, 83, went so far as to flip the bird to a protester who called Rangel a "crook" outside The Plaza hotel gala.
Not everyone matched Dinkins' gusto, but the New York political establishment did turn out in force.
Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, Sens. Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and Mayor Bloomberg all took turns at the mike to heap praise on the longtime Harlem legislator.
A jovial Gov. Paterson emceed the fund-raising bash and paid tribute to the embattled congressman's "dedication to public service."
Rangel lapped it up, telling the crowd, "This damn sure ain't no funeral, is it?"
At the end of the festivities in the Grand Ballroom, an emotional Rangel told the audience, "Please remember me in your prayers. It helps."
Rangel -- who has been slapped with 13 ethics charges by the House ethics committee -- called the occasion "an experience I'll never, ever forget.
"I can't tell you how moving this has been," he said.
He left the stage dancing.
Less than half the state's 27-member Democratic congressional delegation accepted invitations.
Carolyn Maloney -- whose district borders Rangel's -- didn't attend, but Paterson announced during the festivities that she wrote a $2,500 check.
Flooding Shuts Down Roads In Salisbury
The first 1/2 mile of Riverside Drive is shut down.
E. Main Street by Bennett White and Business Rt. 13 at ES Adkins are also closed due to flooding.
E. Main Street by Bennett White and Business Rt. 13 at ES Adkins are also closed due to flooding.
Blago Jury Deadlocked, Asks Judge For Guidance
No evidence of rancor in deliberations, but jurors say they're stuck
CHICAGO — After more than a week of silence, jurors in the corruption trial of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich threw the courtroom into confusion Wednesday when they sent a note to the judge suggesting they may be deadlocked on at least some counts.
In their 11th day of deliberations, the jurors told Judge James B. Zagel that they had made "a reasonable attempt" to reach a unanimous decision, but asked for guidance if they can't reach a unanimous decision on any given count.
Zagel, who read their note aloud in court, said he would send a reply asking jurors to be clearer about what they meant so that he could advise them. He said he would tell them it was OK to agree on some counts but not others.
Michael Ettinger, the attorney for Rod Blagojevich's brother, co-defendant Robert Blagojevich, said neither the judge nor attorneys in court understood exactly what the note was saying.
GO HERE to read more.
CHICAGO — After more than a week of silence, jurors in the corruption trial of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich threw the courtroom into confusion Wednesday when they sent a note to the judge suggesting they may be deadlocked on at least some counts.
In their 11th day of deliberations, the jurors told Judge James B. Zagel that they had made "a reasonable attempt" to reach a unanimous decision, but asked for guidance if they can't reach a unanimous decision on any given count.
Zagel, who read their note aloud in court, said he would send a reply asking jurors to be clearer about what they meant so that he could advise them. He said he would tell them it was OK to agree on some counts but not others.
Michael Ettinger, the attorney for Rod Blagojevich's brother, co-defendant Robert Blagojevich, said neither the judge nor attorneys in court understood exactly what the note was saying.
GO HERE to read more.
REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE AND THE MARYLAND REPUBLICAN PARTY ANNOUNCE D2H VICTORY CAMPAIGN
ANNAPOLIS – The Maryland Republican Party today announced Maryland’s D2H Victory campaign to enhance the strategic political resources available to Republican candidates and strengthen campaign operations across the state. In partnership with the Republican National Committee (RNC), the Maryland GOP and the RNC are building the in-state campaign structure to support Republican candidates with funding for staff and offices, state-of-the-art voter contact technologies, as well as access to the RNC’s vast database of voter information.
By enhancing the Maryland GOP’s ability to effectively reach and communicate with voters, Republican candidates across the state will benefit from increased energy during the campaign and with turnout efforts in November. This investment in Republican state parties is a critical part of the RNC’s Delaware to Hawaii (“D2H”) strategy to compete aggressively in all fifty states.
“The RNC’s support will lay the political foundation to ensure voters have opportunities to volunteer on campaigns and help get-out-the-vote in November,” said Audrey Scott, Chairman of the Maryland Republican Party. “Governor Ehrlich, Andy Harris and our team of Republican candidates provide a fiscally responsible alternative to the tax and spend policies of Democrats in Annapolis and DC. Maryland’s D2H Victory campaign has already opened an unprecedented 7 regional campaign offices across the state and will coordinate with county party offices to provide Maryland Republicans with the most comprehensive field operation to date. The resources that the RNC is providing will be a tremendous asset for getting out the Republican message and motivating voters to the ballot box.”
“The Maryland Republican Party has built a truly impressive party operation supporting the Republican ticket this cycle and the RNC is confident this strong partnership is on the path to victory,” said RNC Chairman Michael Steele. “At the state and federal level, the Democrat Party’s reckless tax increases and unrestrained spending have failed to deliver for Maryland. The RNC has stood with the Maryland Republican Party and this investment builds on their momentum by offering our Republican candidates the tools and resources to take back our state in November.”
In 2009, Republicans made 5.8 million voter contacts and put in 165,715 volunteer hours, resulting in victories across the country. In total, last year Republicans won 26 of 37 special elections and played a major role in more than 30 successful races. The RNC is building on this success with strategic investments in key states and districts that will help deliver Republican victories in November. This year, Maryland Victory Centers have already made tens of thousands of voter contacts.
Maryland’s D2H Victory campaign has opened offices in Annapolis, Baltimore, Bel Air, Easton, Prince Frederick, Rockville, and Salisbury. Each office is equipped with staff, VOIP phones, and door knocking maps. For more information about office locations and hours, please visit: http://link.sc.states.gop.com/?65-915-2444-125-10082.
By enhancing the Maryland GOP’s ability to effectively reach and communicate with voters, Republican candidates across the state will benefit from increased energy during the campaign and with turnout efforts in November. This investment in Republican state parties is a critical part of the RNC’s Delaware to Hawaii (“D2H”) strategy to compete aggressively in all fifty states.
“The RNC’s support will lay the political foundation to ensure voters have opportunities to volunteer on campaigns and help get-out-the-vote in November,” said Audrey Scott, Chairman of the Maryland Republican Party. “Governor Ehrlich, Andy Harris and our team of Republican candidates provide a fiscally responsible alternative to the tax and spend policies of Democrats in Annapolis and DC. Maryland’s D2H Victory campaign has already opened an unprecedented 7 regional campaign offices across the state and will coordinate with county party offices to provide Maryland Republicans with the most comprehensive field operation to date. The resources that the RNC is providing will be a tremendous asset for getting out the Republican message and motivating voters to the ballot box.”
“The Maryland Republican Party has built a truly impressive party operation supporting the Republican ticket this cycle and the RNC is confident this strong partnership is on the path to victory,” said RNC Chairman Michael Steele. “At the state and federal level, the Democrat Party’s reckless tax increases and unrestrained spending have failed to deliver for Maryland. The RNC has stood with the Maryland Republican Party and this investment builds on their momentum by offering our Republican candidates the tools and resources to take back our state in November.”
In 2009, Republicans made 5.8 million voter contacts and put in 165,715 volunteer hours, resulting in victories across the country. In total, last year Republicans won 26 of 37 special elections and played a major role in more than 30 successful races. The RNC is building on this success with strategic investments in key states and districts that will help deliver Republican victories in November. This year, Maryland Victory Centers have already made tens of thousands of voter contacts.
Maryland’s D2H Victory campaign has opened offices in Annapolis, Baltimore, Bel Air, Easton, Prince Frederick, Rockville, and Salisbury. Each office is equipped with staff, VOIP phones, and door knocking maps. For more information about office locations and hours, please visit: http://link.sc.states.gop.com/?65-915-2444-125-10082.
Wicomico County Sheriff's Office Press Releases
Incident: Driving Under the InfluenceDate of Incident: 8 August 2010
Location: Route 50 W. Bound & Walston Switch Road, Salisbury, MD 21801
Suspect: Leah Roberta Lockwood, 25, Salisbury, MD
Narrative: On 8 August 2010 at 03:37 AM, Wicomico County Sheriffs’ Deputy on patrol in the area of Route 50 and Walston Switch Road, Salisbury, MD observed a vehicle pulled to the shoulder of the road, with emergency flashers on and a female vomiting along the road side. The Deputy made contact with this female and she advised him that she had too much to drink. The Deputy then made contact with the operator of the vehicle and detected the strong odor of alcohol. The operator admitted to drinking and field sobriety test were administered. Based on the observations of the Deputy, results of field sobriety test, and subsequent test administered at Maryland State Police Barracks Salisbury, the driver was arrested and charged with the following offenses.
Charges: Driving vehicle while under the influence of alcohol
Driving under the influence of alcohol per se
Driving while impaired by alcohol
Negligent driving vehicle in careless and imprudent manner endangering property, life and
person.
Incident: Underage Possession of Alcohol
Date of Incident: 6 August 2010
Location: 5700 Block N. Nithsdale, Salisbury, MD 21801
Suspect: Christopher Andrew Northam, 18, Salisbury, MD
Evan Luke Geary, 18, Salisbury, MD
Cameron Paul Taylor, 18, Fruitland, MD
2 Juveniles, Salisbury, MD
Narrative: On 6 August 2010 at 10:22 PM, Wicomico County Sheriffs’ Office responded to the 5700 block of N. Nithsdale Drive Wicomico County, MD in reference to a reported underage party. Upon arrival the Deputy observed several vehicles parked along the side of the road in front of the residence of the reported underage party.
The Deputy made contact with the individuals at the residence and conducted an investigation were he was able to determine that under age possession of alcohol and consumption by individuals under the age of 21 had taken place. The Deputy issued civil citations for being a person under the age of 21 in possession or control of alcoholic beverages.
Charges: Civil Citation: Being a person under 21 years of age in possession of alcohol
Ehrlich Campaign Proposes Five Debates
ANNAPOLIS -- The Bob Ehrlich for Governor Campaign today sent the O’Malley campaign the following letter proposing five debates with Governor Martin O’Malley before the general election on November 2. The debates would be sponsored by diverse groups and presented in locations around Maryland, but all would be designed to produce the most direct exchanges of ideas possible between the two candidates.
Text of the letter is below:
August 12, 2010
Mr. Thomas Russell
Campaign Manager
Friends of Martin O'Malley
P.O. Box 38380
Baltimore, MD 21231
Dear Tom:
I am confident our respective campaigns will agree that holding multiple public debates is the best way for the citizens of Maryland to learn about the two leading gubernatorial candidates.
With 211,000 Marylanders currently unable to find work, Marylanders deserve a thorough exchange of ideas on how best to tackle the many challenges we face, particularly how to lead a lasting economic recovery in our state.
The Bob Ehrlich for Maryland campaign proposes five debates under conditions to be mutually agreed upon by the campaigns. We have enclosed with this letter five proposals that we believe are beneficial to both the citizens of Maryland and the candidates.
We look forward to a healthy and civil exchange of ideas and hope to reach an agreement with you so the sponsoring groups can begin preparations. Thank you for your consideration. We look forward to working with you.
Best wishes,
Henry Fawell
Director of Communications
Proposed Debates:
WMAR-TV “Square Off” with Richard Sher as moderator; sixty minute debate with no timed responses. Taped for live on September 16th in the afternoon with no audience.
WJLA-TV/NewsChannel 8 in association with the Howard County Chamber of Commerce; sixty minutes with no timed responses; Bruce DePuyt as moderator.
Radio debate hosted by the Baltimore Jewish Council. Broadcaster, length, moderator and rules to be determined.
WOLB Radio hosts a sixty minute debate, moderated by Senator Larry Young. No timed responses.
WTOP Radio debate with host to be determined; Friday October 29th at 10 AM; sixty minutes with no timed responses.
Text of the letter is below:
August 12, 2010
Mr. Thomas Russell
Campaign Manager
Friends of Martin O'Malley
P.O. Box 38380
Baltimore, MD 21231
Dear Tom:
I am confident our respective campaigns will agree that holding multiple public debates is the best way for the citizens of Maryland to learn about the two leading gubernatorial candidates.
With 211,000 Marylanders currently unable to find work, Marylanders deserve a thorough exchange of ideas on how best to tackle the many challenges we face, particularly how to lead a lasting economic recovery in our state.
The Bob Ehrlich for Maryland campaign proposes five debates under conditions to be mutually agreed upon by the campaigns. We have enclosed with this letter five proposals that we believe are beneficial to both the citizens of Maryland and the candidates.
We look forward to a healthy and civil exchange of ideas and hope to reach an agreement with you so the sponsoring groups can begin preparations. Thank you for your consideration. We look forward to working with you.
Best wishes,
Henry Fawell
Director of Communications
Proposed Debates:
WMAR-TV “Square Off” with Richard Sher as moderator; sixty minute debate with no timed responses. Taped for live on September 16th in the afternoon with no audience.
WJLA-TV/NewsChannel 8 in association with the Howard County Chamber of Commerce; sixty minutes with no timed responses; Bruce DePuyt as moderator.
Radio debate hosted by the Baltimore Jewish Council. Broadcaster, length, moderator and rules to be determined.
WOLB Radio hosts a sixty minute debate, moderated by Senator Larry Young. No timed responses.
WTOP Radio debate with host to be determined; Friday October 29th at 10 AM; sixty minutes with no timed responses.
A Brooke Mulford Update
Just wanted to update quickly with the great news: SCANS ARE CLEAR!
Brooke and I had a long day at CHOP today (10 hours) and here were the results: MIBG & CT scans are clear! Audiology: No additional hearing loss since March. Ears look healthy. Follow up in 6 months.Eyes: Amblyopia slightly improved but needs to keep wearing eye patch 4 hours/day.
Follow up 3 months. Labs are all good and where they should be for a year post transplant. Minor Thyroid issues are being well controlled with meds.Brooke grew 1" since May putting her on the charts at the 5th percentile for height for her age. She also gained a couple pounds putting her in the 5th percentile for weight!
Brooke was thrilled to see Dr. Weiser, Miss Sarah, Kate and all the wonderful staff. Brooke even asked if she could do just one more sleepover at CHOP but I said NO WAY!
Thanks for all the prayers!
Time to head to bed!
God Bless,Amy
Jobless Claims In U.S. Unexpectedly Climbed Last Week
Aug. 12 (Bloomberg) -- More Americans unexpectedly filed applications for unemployment insurance last week, signaling firings stepped up as the economy slowed.
Initial jobless claims rose by 2,000 to 484,000 in the week ended Aug. 7, the highest level since mid February, Labor Department figures showed today in Washington. The number of people receiving unemployment benefits dropped, while those getting supplemental benefits surged by 1.34 million reflecting the government’s extension of eligibility.
Companies may be losing confidence in the recovery and are hesitant to hire, raising the risk of further erosion in consumer spending, the biggest part of the economy. Federal Reserve policy makers this week said growth “is likely to be more modest” than they previously projected, prompting central bankers to take additional steps to spur a rebound.
“There’s still considerable uncertainty about the economic outlook,” said David Resler, chief economist at Nomura Securities International Inc. in New York. “Businesses are simply reluctant to put people on payrolls and are more willing to let them go. This week’s increase was more disappointing than what we’ve seen in recent weeks.”
GO HERE to read more.
Initial jobless claims rose by 2,000 to 484,000 in the week ended Aug. 7, the highest level since mid February, Labor Department figures showed today in Washington. The number of people receiving unemployment benefits dropped, while those getting supplemental benefits surged by 1.34 million reflecting the government’s extension of eligibility.
Companies may be losing confidence in the recovery and are hesitant to hire, raising the risk of further erosion in consumer spending, the biggest part of the economy. Federal Reserve policy makers this week said growth “is likely to be more modest” than they previously projected, prompting central bankers to take additional steps to spur a rebound.
“There’s still considerable uncertainty about the economic outlook,” said David Resler, chief economist at Nomura Securities International Inc. in New York. “Businesses are simply reluctant to put people on payrolls and are more willing to let them go. This week’s increase was more disappointing than what we’ve seen in recent weeks.”
GO HERE to read more.
The FCC's Crusade To Keep The Internet Free
Verizon and Google want to exempt wireless networks from rules
Imagine an Internet for which consumers paid a low price for basic service and higher prices for add-ons like 3D video. Or imagine if Comcast (CMCSA), now seeking approval to acquire NBC Universal, allowed its customers to download Universal movies at superfast speeds, while relegating the latest Harry Potter film from rival Time Warner (TWX) to the slow lane.
Open-Internet advocates say such cable-television-like tiered services and virtual toll booths would violate "Net neutrality," the concept that all information coursing across the Web is equal.
Like it or not, Net neutrality may soon be ending. No one senses this more acutely than Julius Genachowski. Ever since a federal court ruling in April gutted his power to regulate Internet service providers, the Federal Communications Commission chairman has struggled to regain authority over carriers like AT&T (T), Verizon, and Comcast by proposing new rules and holding closed-door talks with industry players.
GO HERE to read more.
Imagine an Internet for which consumers paid a low price for basic service and higher prices for add-ons like 3D video. Or imagine if Comcast (CMCSA), now seeking approval to acquire NBC Universal, allowed its customers to download Universal movies at superfast speeds, while relegating the latest Harry Potter film from rival Time Warner (TWX) to the slow lane.
Open-Internet advocates say such cable-television-like tiered services and virtual toll booths would violate "Net neutrality," the concept that all information coursing across the Web is equal.
Like it or not, Net neutrality may soon be ending. No one senses this more acutely than Julius Genachowski. Ever since a federal court ruling in April gutted his power to regulate Internet service providers, the Federal Communications Commission chairman has struggled to regain authority over carriers like AT&T (T), Verizon, and Comcast by proposing new rules and holding closed-door talks with industry players.
GO HERE to read more.
Somerset County Sheriff's Office Reports Recent Arrests
8-5-10 Jamar Marquel Tenner of Crisfield, arrested for two warrants regarding cds violations and failing to appear in court. Tenner was spotted in the Greenwood area of Princess Anne while deputies were conducting foot patols. After Tenner spotted deputies he fled on foot. K-9 officer Daum conducted a k-9 track, which led deputies to a tool shed in the area of Greenwood Rd. Deputies found Tenner hiding in the shed, and was later taken into custody. Tenner was later held on a $ 50, 000 bond.
8-5-10 Bopaphourng Touch and David Roper of Philadelphia Pennsylvania, arrested on drug charges. The arrests were a result of a traffic stop conducted by deputies on Ocean Highway, Westover. Deputies recovered marijuana from the vehicle. Both subjects were later released on personal recognizance pending trial.
8-6-10 Kevin Eugene Jackson of Crisfield, arrested on a warrant regarding violation of probation. Jackson was later held on a $ 50,000 bond.
8-11-10 Francis William Parks Jr. of Ewell, arrested on a warrant regarding harassment and theft. Deputies were escorted to Smith Island by Cpl. Tyler of the Natural Resource Police. Parks was later released on personal recognizance.
8-11-10 James Joseph Johnson Sr. of Princess Anne, arrested for possession of suspected cocaine, and drug paraphernalia. The arrest was a result of a traffic stop conducted by deputies in the area of Somerset Ave, Princess Anne. Deputies recovered suspected cocaine, and a homemade pipe. Johnson was later released on a $ 1,000 unsecured bond pending trial.
8-5-10 Bopaphourng Touch and David Roper of Philadelphia Pennsylvania, arrested on drug charges. The arrests were a result of a traffic stop conducted by deputies on Ocean Highway, Westover. Deputies recovered marijuana from the vehicle. Both subjects were later released on personal recognizance pending trial.
8-6-10 Kevin Eugene Jackson of Crisfield, arrested on a warrant regarding violation of probation. Jackson was later held on a $ 50,000 bond.
8-11-10 Francis William Parks Jr. of Ewell, arrested on a warrant regarding harassment and theft. Deputies were escorted to Smith Island by Cpl. Tyler of the Natural Resource Police. Parks was later released on personal recognizance.
8-11-10 James Joseph Johnson Sr. of Princess Anne, arrested for possession of suspected cocaine, and drug paraphernalia. The arrest was a result of a traffic stop conducted by deputies in the area of Somerset Ave, Princess Anne. Deputies recovered suspected cocaine, and a homemade pipe. Johnson was later released on a $ 1,000 unsecured bond pending trial.
Proposed Lowe's Drywall Settlement Offers Small Payouts To Victims, Big Fees For Attorneys
A class-action agreement over tainted drywall could pay off plaintiffs with Lowe's gift cards. Lawyers in another large drywall case have attacked the settlement.GO HERE to read more.
Florida AG McCollum Pushes New Immigration Law Tougher Than Arizona's
Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum has proposed a tough new law aimed at curbing illegal immigration that he said would go further than a bill signed into law in Arizona.
"Florida will not be a sanctuary state for illegal aliens.”
McCollum, who is battling businessman Rick Scott for the GOP nomination for governor in Florida, said state Rep. Will Snyder intends to introduce the immigration bill at the next session of the legislature.
“The law will propose to mandate that police officers, when they make a stop, detention, or arrest, have to check to see if somebody’s status is legal or illegal,” McCollum said.
“Currently they are permitted to do [but not required] so it’s voluntary.
“They also, at the time they stop or arrest somebody, will have to have a reasonable suspicion that that person is an illegal before they make that check.
“And there is a specific provision in the bill that says there shall not be any racial profiling.”
"Florida will not be a sanctuary state for illegal aliens.”
McCollum, who is battling businessman Rick Scott for the GOP nomination for governor in Florida, said state Rep. Will Snyder intends to introduce the immigration bill at the next session of the legislature.
“The law will propose to mandate that police officers, when they make a stop, detention, or arrest, have to check to see if somebody’s status is legal or illegal,” McCollum said.
“Currently they are permitted to do [but not required] so it’s voluntary.
“They also, at the time they stop or arrest somebody, will have to have a reasonable suspicion that that person is an illegal before they make that check.
“And there is a specific provision in the bill that says there shall not be any racial profiling.”
Walter Williams: When Profiling Isn't Racist
We live in a world of imperfect and costly information, and people seek to economize on information costs in a variety of ways. If we don't take that fact into account, we risk misidentifying and confusing one type of human behavior with another. Let's look at it.
Pima Indians of Arizona have the world's highest diabetes rates. With knowledge that his patient is a Pima Indian, it would probably be a best practice for a physician to order more thorough blood glucose tests to screen for diabetes.
Prostate cancer is nearly twice as common among black men as white men. It would also be a best practice for a physician to be attentive to -- even risk false positive PSAs -- prostate cancer among his black patients.
What about physicians who order routine mammograms for their 40-year and older female patients but not their male patients? The American Cancer Society predicts that about 400 men will die of breast cancer this year.
Because of a correlation between race, sex and disease, the physician is using a cheap-to-observe characteristic, such as race or sex, as an estimate for a more costly-to-observe characteristic, the presence of a disease. The physician is practicing both race and sex profiling.
Does that make the physician a racist or sexist? Should he be brought up on charges of racial discrimination because he's guessing that his black patients are more likely to suffer from prostate cancer?
Should sex discrimination or malpractice suits be brought against physicians who prescribe routine mammograms for their female patients but not their male patients?
Pima Indians of Arizona have the world's highest diabetes rates. With knowledge that his patient is a Pima Indian, it would probably be a best practice for a physician to order more thorough blood glucose tests to screen for diabetes.
Prostate cancer is nearly twice as common among black men as white men. It would also be a best practice for a physician to be attentive to -- even risk false positive PSAs -- prostate cancer among his black patients.
What about physicians who order routine mammograms for their 40-year and older female patients but not their male patients? The American Cancer Society predicts that about 400 men will die of breast cancer this year.
Because of a correlation between race, sex and disease, the physician is using a cheap-to-observe characteristic, such as race or sex, as an estimate for a more costly-to-observe characteristic, the presence of a disease. The physician is practicing both race and sex profiling.
Does that make the physician a racist or sexist? Should he be brought up on charges of racial discrimination because he's guessing that his black patients are more likely to suffer from prostate cancer?
Should sex discrimination or malpractice suits be brought against physicians who prescribe routine mammograms for their female patients but not their male patients?
Read the rest at the Washington Examiner
(Dr. Walter Williams is currently the John M. Olin Distinguished Professor of Economics at George Mason University)
Accident At Nanticoke Road
A vehicle struck a Propane Gas Truck at the intersection of Nanticoke Road and Business Rt. 50.American Center For Law And Justice Calls On State Department To Cancel Tax-Funded Middle East Trip By Controversial Imam
(CNSNews.com) – The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) on Tuesday called on the U.S. State Department to remove Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf from a taxpayer-funded trip to Muslim countries, citing his controversial views about the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
While the State Department has not released a statement on the issue, spokesman P.J. Crowley said on Monday, “I think we are in the process of arranging for him [Rauf] to travel as part of this program. And it is to foster a greater understanding and outreach around the world among Muslim majority communities.”
GO HERE to read more.
While the State Department has not released a statement on the issue, spokesman P.J. Crowley said on Monday, “I think we are in the process of arranging for him [Rauf] to travel as part of this program. And it is to foster a greater understanding and outreach around the world among Muslim majority communities.”
GO HERE to read more.
ICE Agents Vote 'No Confidence' In Leaders, Say Amnesty Coming
The union that represents rank-and-file field agents at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has unanimously passed a "vote of no confidence" for the agency's leadership, saying ICE has "abandoned" its core mission of protecting the public to support a political agenda favoring amnesty.
The National Immigration and Customs Enforcement Council of the American Federation of Government Employees, which represents 7,000 ICE agents and employees, voted 259-0 for a resolution saying there was "growing dissatisfaction and concern" over the leadership of Assistant Secretary John Morton, who heads ICE, and Phyllis Coven, assistant director for the agency's office of detention policy and planning.
The resolution said ICE leadership had "abandoned the agency's core mission of enforcing U.S. immigration laws and providing for public safety," instead directing its attention "to campaigning for programs and policies related to amnesty and the creation of a special detention system for foreign nationals that exceeds the care and services provided to most U.S. citizens similarly incarcerated.
"It is the desire of our union … to publicly separate ourselves from the actions of Director Morton and Assistant Director Coven and publicly state that ICE officers and employees do not support Morton or Coven or their misguided and reckless initiatives, which could ultimately put many in America at risk," the union said.
In a strongly worded statement, the union and its affiliated local councils said the integrity of the agency "as well as the public safety" would be "better provided for in the absence of Director Morton and Assistant Director Coven."
GO HERE to read more.
The National Immigration and Customs Enforcement Council of the American Federation of Government Employees, which represents 7,000 ICE agents and employees, voted 259-0 for a resolution saying there was "growing dissatisfaction and concern" over the leadership of Assistant Secretary John Morton, who heads ICE, and Phyllis Coven, assistant director for the agency's office of detention policy and planning.
The resolution said ICE leadership had "abandoned the agency's core mission of enforcing U.S. immigration laws and providing for public safety," instead directing its attention "to campaigning for programs and policies related to amnesty and the creation of a special detention system for foreign nationals that exceeds the care and services provided to most U.S. citizens similarly incarcerated.
"It is the desire of our union … to publicly separate ourselves from the actions of Director Morton and Assistant Director Coven and publicly state that ICE officers and employees do not support Morton or Coven or their misguided and reckless initiatives, which could ultimately put many in America at risk," the union said.
In a strongly worded statement, the union and its affiliated local councils said the integrity of the agency "as well as the public safety" would be "better provided for in the absence of Director Morton and Assistant Director Coven."
GO HERE to read more.
Every Bill Should State Its Constitutional Authority, Republican Congressman Says
A Republican congressman says all bills introduced in Congress should include a statement setting forth the specific constitutional authority under which a law is being enacted.
Rep. John Shadegg (R-Ariz.) says his Enumerated Powers Act will force Congress to re-examine the role of the national government and curb its "ever-expanding reach."
"For too long, the federal government has operated without Constitutional restraint, creating ineffective and costly programs and massive deficits year after year," Shadegg writes on AmericaSpeakingOut, a Republican Web site that seeks ideas from the American people.
Shadegg says the trend of Congress overstepping its role has gotten "alarmingly worse" in the past 18 months.
Half Of Democrats Favor Punishing Soldiers Who Oppose Homosexuality, Survey Finds
A nationwide survey of 1,000 likely voters found that 59 percent of Democrats think that members of Congress should consider the opinions of homosexual advocacy groups over the opinions of top military commanders when considering a repeal of the law prohibiting homosexuality in the military.
The survey also showed that half of Democrats support penalizing soldiers opposed to homosexuality, including those who oppose it for religious reasons.
“Americans understand that the current push for sexual minorities in the military is motivated by politics, not principle,” Elaine Donnelly, president of the Center for Military Readiness, said in a statement about the poll results on Tuesday.
The survey also showed that half of Democrats support penalizing soldiers opposed to homosexuality, including those who oppose it for religious reasons.
“Americans understand that the current push for sexual minorities in the military is motivated by politics, not principle,” Elaine Donnelly, president of the Center for Military Readiness, said in a statement about the poll results on Tuesday.
Where's The ACLU?
The State Department is sending Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf - the mastermind of the Ground Zero Mosque - on a trip through the Middle East to foster "greater understanding" about Islam and Muslim communities in the United States. However, important questions are being raised about whether this is simply a taxpayer-funded fundraising jaunt to underwrite his reviled project, which is moving ahead in Lower Manhattan.
Mr. Rauf is scheduled to go to Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and Qatar, the usual stops for Gulf-based fundraising. The State Department defends the five-country tour saying that Mr. Rauf is "a distinguished Muslim cleric," but surely the government could find another such figure in the United States who is not seeking millions of dollars to fund a construction project that has so strongly divided America.
By funding the trip so soon after New York City's Landmarks Preservation Commission gave the go-ahead to demolish the building on the proposed mosque site, the State Department is creating the appearance that the U.S. government is facilitating the construction of this shameful structure. It gives Mr. Rauf not only access but imprimatur to gather up foreign cash. And because Mr. Rauf has refused to reveal how he plans to finance his costly venture, the American public is left with the impression it will be a wholly foreign enterprise. This contradicts the argument that a mosque is needed in that part of New York City to provide services for a burgeoning Muslim population. If so many people need the mosque so badly, presumably they could figure out a way to pay for it themselves.
Americans also may be surprised to learn that the United States has been an active participant in mosque construction projects overseas. In April, U.S. Ambassador to Tanzania Alfonso E. Lenhardt helped cut the ribbon at the 12th-century Kizimkazi Mosque, which was refurbished with assistance from the United States under a program to preserve culturally significant buildings. The U.S. government also helped save the Amr Ebn El Aas Mosque in Cairo, which dates back to 642. The mosque's namesake was the Muslim conqueror of Christian Egypt, who built the structure on the site where he had pitched his tent before doing battle with the country's Byzantine rulers. For those who think the Ground Zero Mosque is an example of "Muslim triumphalism" glorifying conquest, the Amr Ebn El Aas Mosque is an example of such a monument - and one paid for with U.S. taxpayer funds.
The mosques being rebuilt by the United States are used for religious worship, which raises important First Amendment questions. U.S. taxpayer money should not be used to preserve and promote Islam, even abroad. In July 2009, the Office of the Inspector General published an audit of U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) faith-based and community initiatives that examined whether government funds were being used for religious activities. The auditors found that while USAID was funding some religious activities, officials were "uncertain of whether such uses of Agency funding violate Agency regulations or the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the Constitution" when balanced against foreign-policy objectives.
Mr. Rauf is scheduled to go to Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and Qatar, the usual stops for Gulf-based fundraising. The State Department defends the five-country tour saying that Mr. Rauf is "a distinguished Muslim cleric," but surely the government could find another such figure in the United States who is not seeking millions of dollars to fund a construction project that has so strongly divided America.
By funding the trip so soon after New York City's Landmarks Preservation Commission gave the go-ahead to demolish the building on the proposed mosque site, the State Department is creating the appearance that the U.S. government is facilitating the construction of this shameful structure. It gives Mr. Rauf not only access but imprimatur to gather up foreign cash. And because Mr. Rauf has refused to reveal how he plans to finance his costly venture, the American public is left with the impression it will be a wholly foreign enterprise. This contradicts the argument that a mosque is needed in that part of New York City to provide services for a burgeoning Muslim population. If so many people need the mosque so badly, presumably they could figure out a way to pay for it themselves.
Americans also may be surprised to learn that the United States has been an active participant in mosque construction projects overseas. In April, U.S. Ambassador to Tanzania Alfonso E. Lenhardt helped cut the ribbon at the 12th-century Kizimkazi Mosque, which was refurbished with assistance from the United States under a program to preserve culturally significant buildings. The U.S. government also helped save the Amr Ebn El Aas Mosque in Cairo, which dates back to 642. The mosque's namesake was the Muslim conqueror of Christian Egypt, who built the structure on the site where he had pitched his tent before doing battle with the country's Byzantine rulers. For those who think the Ground Zero Mosque is an example of "Muslim triumphalism" glorifying conquest, the Amr Ebn El Aas Mosque is an example of such a monument - and one paid for with U.S. taxpayer funds.
The mosques being rebuilt by the United States are used for religious worship, which raises important First Amendment questions. U.S. taxpayer money should not be used to preserve and promote Islam, even abroad. In July 2009, the Office of the Inspector General published an audit of U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) faith-based and community initiatives that examined whether government funds were being used for religious activities. The auditors found that while USAID was funding some religious activities, officials were "uncertain of whether such uses of Agency funding violate Agency regulations or the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the Constitution" when balanced against foreign-policy objectives.
Outrage! Cuts To Food Stamps To Fund $26B Union Payoff Bill
Some Democrats are upset and advocacy groups are outraged over the raiding of the food-stamp cupboard to fund a state-aid bailout that some call a gift to teachers and government union workers.
House members convened Tuesday and passed the multibillion-dollar bailout bill for cash-strapped states that provides $10 billion to school districts to rehire laid-off teachers or ensure that more teachers won't be let go before the new school year begins, keeping more than 160,000 teachers on the job, the Obama administration says.
But the bill also requires that $12 billion be stripped from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as food stamps, to help fund the new bill, prompting some Democrats to cringe at the notion of cutting back on one necessity to pay for another. The federal assistance program currently helps 41 million Americans.
Arguably one of the most outspoken opponents on the Democratic side is Connecticut Rep. Rosa DeLauro, who has blasted the move as “a bitter pill to swallow” but still voted yes.
“I fought very hard for the food assistance money in the Recovery Act, and the fact is that participation in the food stamps program has jumped dramatically with the economic crisis, from 31.1 million persons to 38.2 million just in one year,” DeLauro said in an e-mail sent to FoxNews.com. “But I know that states across the nation and my own state of Connecticut also desperately need these resources to save jobs and avoid Draconian cuts to essential services for low income families.”
Republicans vocally opposed the state aid bill. Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., told Fox News it rewarded "irresponsible states" and their unions.
"It is basically taxpayers from fiscally (responsible) states bailing out fiscally irresponsible states. ... Medicaid funding, teacher funding, the more popular of the public unions, what this is, it's a bailout to prevent states from doing the necessary spending prioritization that they need do," he said.
The Obama administration pushed hard for the $26 billion bill. The White House argued that it is essential to protecting 300,000 teachers and other nonfederal government workers from election-year layoffs and will not add to the national deficit.
More here
House members convened Tuesday and passed the multibillion-dollar bailout bill for cash-strapped states that provides $10 billion to school districts to rehire laid-off teachers or ensure that more teachers won't be let go before the new school year begins, keeping more than 160,000 teachers on the job, the Obama administration says.
But the bill also requires that $12 billion be stripped from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as food stamps, to help fund the new bill, prompting some Democrats to cringe at the notion of cutting back on one necessity to pay for another. The federal assistance program currently helps 41 million Americans.
Arguably one of the most outspoken opponents on the Democratic side is Connecticut Rep. Rosa DeLauro, who has blasted the move as “a bitter pill to swallow” but still voted yes.
“I fought very hard for the food assistance money in the Recovery Act, and the fact is that participation in the food stamps program has jumped dramatically with the economic crisis, from 31.1 million persons to 38.2 million just in one year,” DeLauro said in an e-mail sent to FoxNews.com. “But I know that states across the nation and my own state of Connecticut also desperately need these resources to save jobs and avoid Draconian cuts to essential services for low income families.”
Republicans vocally opposed the state aid bill. Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., told Fox News it rewarded "irresponsible states" and their unions.
"It is basically taxpayers from fiscally (responsible) states bailing out fiscally irresponsible states. ... Medicaid funding, teacher funding, the more popular of the public unions, what this is, it's a bailout to prevent states from doing the necessary spending prioritization that they need do," he said.
The Obama administration pushed hard for the $26 billion bill. The White House argued that it is essential to protecting 300,000 teachers and other nonfederal government workers from election-year layoffs and will not add to the national deficit.
More here
8 Percent Of U.S. Births Are To Illegal Immigrants
Analysis shows such children are about 7 percent of U.S. total
About 8 percent of children born in the United States in 2008 — about 340,000 — were offspring of unauthorized immigrants, according to an analysis of Census Bureau data by the Pew Hispanic Center released on Wednesday.
The center said that unauthorized immigrants compose about 4 percent of the adult population, but because they are relatively young and have high birthrates, their children make up a much larger share of the newborn population and the child population (7 percent of those younger than age 18).
GO HERE to read more.
About 8 percent of children born in the United States in 2008 — about 340,000 — were offspring of unauthorized immigrants, according to an analysis of Census Bureau data by the Pew Hispanic Center released on Wednesday.
The center said that unauthorized immigrants compose about 4 percent of the adult population, but because they are relatively young and have high birthrates, their children make up a much larger share of the newborn population and the child population (7 percent of those younger than age 18).
GO HERE to read more.
GM Posts Largest Quarterly Profit Since 2004
Report comes day ahead of carmaker’s expected IPO filing
DETROIT — General Motors posted its biggest quarterly profit in six years on Thursday, a day ahead of an expected IPO filing that would open the gates for the U.S. government to slash its stake in the automaker
.
The top U.S. automaker reported second-quarter net earnings of $1.3 billion, compared with $865 million in the first quarter. The second-quarter profit was the largest since 2004.
Revenue rose to $33.2 billion from $31.5 billion in the first quarter, boosted by stronger results in North America.
GO HERE to read more.
DETROIT — General Motors posted its biggest quarterly profit in six years on Thursday, a day ahead of an expected IPO filing that would open the gates for the U.S. government to slash its stake in the automaker
.
The top U.S. automaker reported second-quarter net earnings of $1.3 billion, compared with $865 million in the first quarter. The second-quarter profit was the largest since 2004.
Revenue rose to $33.2 billion from $31.5 billion in the first quarter, boosted by stronger results in North America.
GO HERE to read more.
Officer Sues To Block Discharge Under Gay Ban
Lieutenant colonel is highest-ranking member of military to face dismissal
NEW YORK — In early 2008, just eight days before he was to deploy in support of the war in Afghanistan, Lt. Col. Victor Fehrenbach, a decorated Air Force flight officer, was told he was under investigation on charges of sexually assaulting a civilian and of violating the military’s ban on homosexuality.
He was placed on desk duty at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho. Within three weeks, the sexual assault allegation was dismissed for lack of evidence. But the Air Force investigation into his sexuality continued. Now, just a year from completing his 20th year in the military, Colonel Fehrenbach, 40, believes he is about to be discharged under the policy known as “don’t ask, don’t tell.” He would be among the highest-ranking service members discharged under the policy.
On Wednesday, Colonel Fehrenbach’s lawyers filed papers in Idaho federal court requesting a temporary order blocking his discharge. The petition contends that a discharge would violate Colonel Fehrenbach’s rights, cause him irreparable harm and fail to meet standards established in a 2008 federal court ruling on don’t ask, don’t tell.
GO HERE to read more.
NEW YORK — In early 2008, just eight days before he was to deploy in support of the war in Afghanistan, Lt. Col. Victor Fehrenbach, a decorated Air Force flight officer, was told he was under investigation on charges of sexually assaulting a civilian and of violating the military’s ban on homosexuality.
He was placed on desk duty at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho. Within three weeks, the sexual assault allegation was dismissed for lack of evidence. But the Air Force investigation into his sexuality continued. Now, just a year from completing his 20th year in the military, Colonel Fehrenbach, 40, believes he is about to be discharged under the policy known as “don’t ask, don’t tell.” He would be among the highest-ranking service members discharged under the policy.
On Wednesday, Colonel Fehrenbach’s lawyers filed papers in Idaho federal court requesting a temporary order blocking his discharge. The petition contends that a discharge would violate Colonel Fehrenbach’s rights, cause him irreparable harm and fail to meet standards established in a 2008 federal court ruling on don’t ask, don’t tell.
GO HERE to read more.
Salisbury Police Department Press Releases
On August 10, 2010 at approximately 11:49 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police were on routine patrol in the area of East Railroad Avenue and Elizabeth Street and stopped a vehicle for traffic violations. A routine records check revealed that the driver was operating the vehicle on a suspended out of state license. The driver was cited and released on his signature. The vehicle was checked, with the assistance of a Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office K-9, and a quantity of suspected cocaine and a weighing device were found in a case in the possession of the below listed suspect.
ARRESTED: Joseph Janell Bradley, 34 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Possession of cocaine
Possession of CDS/paraphernalia
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201000031821
On August 11, 2010 at approximately 3:15 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police arrested the below listed suspect for a strong-armed robbery that occurred earlier on the same date.
On the same date at approximately 2:00 am it was reported to the Salisbury Police that a male victim had been robbed by three (3) unknown suspects while operating a bicycle in the area of Delaware Avenue and West Main Street. The victim reported that while operating the bicycle he stopped and became involved in a conversation with the three (3) suspects. One of the suspects then struck the victim, knocking the victim off of the bicycle. The suspects then took the bicycle and an amount of U.S. Currency that the victim had in his pants pocket.
A witness alerted officers to the below listed suspects, who were positively identified by the victim. The victim was not injured and did not require medical attention. The investigation is continuing in regards to the third suspect.
ARRESTED #1: Adrian Marquis Bowen, 18 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
ARRESTED #2: Juvenile, 17 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES (both): Robbery
Theft (under $ 1000)
Second degree assault
DISPOSITION: Suspect #1 released to Central Booking
Suspect #2 released to Juvenile Justice
CC # 201000031848
ARRESTED: Joseph Janell Bradley, 34 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Possession of cocaine
Possession of CDS/paraphernalia
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201000031821
On August 11, 2010 at approximately 3:15 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police arrested the below listed suspect for a strong-armed robbery that occurred earlier on the same date.
On the same date at approximately 2:00 am it was reported to the Salisbury Police that a male victim had been robbed by three (3) unknown suspects while operating a bicycle in the area of Delaware Avenue and West Main Street. The victim reported that while operating the bicycle he stopped and became involved in a conversation with the three (3) suspects. One of the suspects then struck the victim, knocking the victim off of the bicycle. The suspects then took the bicycle and an amount of U.S. Currency that the victim had in his pants pocket.
A witness alerted officers to the below listed suspects, who were positively identified by the victim. The victim was not injured and did not require medical attention. The investigation is continuing in regards to the third suspect.
ARRESTED #1: Adrian Marquis Bowen, 18 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
ARRESTED #2: Juvenile, 17 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES (both): Robbery
Theft (under $ 1000)
Second degree assault
DISPOSITION: Suspect #1 released to Central Booking
Suspect #2 released to Juvenile Justice
CC # 201000031848
Prop. 8 Judge Set To Rule On California Gay Marriages
Decision comes one week after judge struck down ban on same-sex unions
SAN FRANCISCO — The federal judge who overturned California's same-sex marriage ban will rule Thursday on whether gay marriages should resume immediately in the state or await an appeals court's input.
Chief U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker said he would issue his decision by noon on requests to impose a stay that would keep Proposition 8 in effect while its sponsors appeal his decision.
California voters passed the ban in November 2008, five months after the state Supreme Court legalized gay marriage.
Walker last week struck it down as an unconstitutional violation of gay Californians' civil rights.
GO HERE to read more.
SAN FRANCISCO — The federal judge who overturned California's same-sex marriage ban will rule Thursday on whether gay marriages should resume immediately in the state or await an appeals court's input.
Chief U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker said he would issue his decision by noon on requests to impose a stay that would keep Proposition 8 in effect while its sponsors appeal his decision.
California voters passed the ban in November 2008, five months after the state Supreme Court legalized gay marriage.
Walker last week struck it down as an unconstitutional violation of gay Californians' civil rights.
GO HERE to read more.
Chesapeake Bay Bacteria Making People Sick
BALTIMORE (AP) - Maryland health officials say people may be getting sick from eating raw oysters and other shellfish from the Chesapeake Bay.
The culprit is vibrio, a naturally occurring bacteria that's more prevalent in the bay during hot weather.
The state health department says there have been 24 cases of vibrio infection this year. That puts Maryland on pace to exceed the infection totals from previous years. Vibrio can cause wound infections, gastrointestinal disease and other ailments. People with open wounds who swim in the bay are also at risk.
GO HERE to read more.
The culprit is vibrio, a naturally occurring bacteria that's more prevalent in the bay during hot weather.
The state health department says there have been 24 cases of vibrio infection this year. That puts Maryland on pace to exceed the infection totals from previous years. Vibrio can cause wound infections, gastrointestinal disease and other ailments. People with open wounds who swim in the bay are also at risk.
GO HERE to read more.
Md. Institute Hopes For Gates Grant To Test AIDS Vaccine
The Institute of Human Virology in Baltimore hopes to find out in the next few weeks whether it will get a $25 million grant from the Gates Foundation to begin testing the AIDS vaccine it has developed, with clinical trials in Maryland.
Dr. Robert Gallo, who led the discovery of the virus that caused AIDS, told the state Board of Public Works that the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation asked them to come to Seattle to discuss the grant application. In 2007, the foundation gave $15 million to Gallo’s institute, part of the University of Maryland Medical School, to develop a vaccine to prevent AIDS.
GO HERE to read more.
Dr. Robert Gallo, who led the discovery of the virus that caused AIDS, told the state Board of Public Works that the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation asked them to come to Seattle to discuss the grant application. In 2007, the foundation gave $15 million to Gallo’s institute, part of the University of Maryland Medical School, to develop a vaccine to prevent AIDS.
GO HERE to read more.
Frank Kratovil
Joe,
Frank showed up to a seminar at the Chamber of Commerce for veterans who are interested in starting their own business. He gave a little speech in the beginning and quickly left. He was spouting off about how many amendments he's included in bills since he's been in office in support of veterans, but when specifically asked which ones. he stuttered and lost his composure saying "well so many get voted on it's hard to keep track of which ones pass and which ones don't"......what a butt hole! It was about that time a veteran came in wearing an Andy Harris 2010 shirt, very poetic.
GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY TO ADDRESS FEDERAL OVERSIGHT AT BALTIMORE JUVENILE JUSTICE FACILITY
Governor celebrates full compliance under federal mandates, signaling end to federal oversight in Maryland
BALTIMORE, MD (August 12, 2010) – Governor Martin O’Malley will join Secretary Donald W. DeVore and other Juvenile Services officials today to announce the Baltimore City Juvenile Justice Center’s full compliance with federal monitoring requirements. This achievement signals the end of federal oversight of juvenile facilities in Maryland.
When Governor O’Malley took office in 2007, Charles H. Hickey, Jr. School and Cheltenham Youth Facility were already under federal monitoring for substandard conditions and care of youth in those facilities. BCJJC was voluntarily included in the federal oversight plan in May 2007. Today’s announcement sets the stage for an end to federal oversight of all Maryland juvenile justice facilities.
BALTIMORE, MD (August 12, 2010) – Governor Martin O’Malley will join Secretary Donald W. DeVore and other Juvenile Services officials today to announce the Baltimore City Juvenile Justice Center’s full compliance with federal monitoring requirements. This achievement signals the end of federal oversight of juvenile facilities in Maryland.
When Governor O’Malley took office in 2007, Charles H. Hickey, Jr. School and Cheltenham Youth Facility were already under federal monitoring for substandard conditions and care of youth in those facilities. BCJJC was voluntarily included in the federal oversight plan in May 2007. Today’s announcement sets the stage for an end to federal oversight of all Maryland juvenile justice facilities.
East Point Begins Taking Housing Applications Early
East Point housing officials began accepting Section 8 applications 90 minutes early Thursday morning after crowds of people showed up to turn in the forms.
A day after a crowd of 30,000 mobbed a shopping center to pick up the forms, a small crowd of less than a dozen people began lining up around 5 a.m. The group was dispersed by East Point police about an hour later. But shortly after 7 a.m., officials allowed people to line up on the sidewalk adjacent to the building. There were about 50 people in line at 7:30, when officials brought out boxes and began to accept the applications. That process had been scheduled to begin at 9 a.m.
Police used cones to set up a special lane on Norman Berry Drive where people could drop off their forms without getting out of their cars. An official with a box was collecting the applications and telling people the forms would be stamped with 9 a.m. today's date and then moving them back into traffic.
Officials appeared to be going the extra mile to accommodate the crowd, and the effort appeared to be paying off as the process was going much more smoothly than on Wednesday.
Authorities had blocked off the parking lots at the East Point Housing Authority offices on Norman Berry Drive and were encouraging applicants to return their forms by mail, but that didn't stop people from queuing up outside the doors at 5 a.m.
Marissa White arrived at the Housing Authority office about 6:25 a.m. and walked up to the front door to wait to turn in her application.
GO HERE to read more.
A day after a crowd of 30,000 mobbed a shopping center to pick up the forms, a small crowd of less than a dozen people began lining up around 5 a.m. The group was dispersed by East Point police about an hour later. But shortly after 7 a.m., officials allowed people to line up on the sidewalk adjacent to the building. There were about 50 people in line at 7:30, when officials brought out boxes and began to accept the applications. That process had been scheduled to begin at 9 a.m.
Police used cones to set up a special lane on Norman Berry Drive where people could drop off their forms without getting out of their cars. An official with a box was collecting the applications and telling people the forms would be stamped with 9 a.m. today's date and then moving them back into traffic.
Officials appeared to be going the extra mile to accommodate the crowd, and the effort appeared to be paying off as the process was going much more smoothly than on Wednesday.
Authorities had blocked off the parking lots at the East Point Housing Authority offices on Norman Berry Drive and were encouraging applicants to return their forms by mail, but that didn't stop people from queuing up outside the doors at 5 a.m.
Marissa White arrived at the Housing Authority office about 6:25 a.m. and walked up to the front door to wait to turn in her application.
GO HERE to read more.
THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW BUT PROBABLY DON'T
1. Money isn't made out of paper, it's made out of cotton.
2. The Declaration of Independence was written on hemp (marijuana) paper.
3. The dot over the letter 'i' is called a 'tittle.'
4. A raisin dropped in a glass of fresh champagne will bounce up and down continuously from the bottom of the glass to the top.
5. Susan Lucci is the daughter of Phyllis Diller ..
6. 40% of McDonald's profits come from the sales of Happy Meals.
7. 315 entries in Webster 's 1996 Dictionary were misspelled.
8. The 'spot' on 7UP comes from its inventor, who had red eyes. He was albino.
9. On average, 12 newborns will be given to the wrong parents, daily.
10. Warren Beatty and Shirley MacLaine are brother and sister.
11. Chocolate affects a dog's heart and nervous system; a few ounces will kill a small-sized dog.
12. Orcas (killer whales) kill sharks by torpedoing up into the shark's stomach from underneath, causing the shark to explode.
13. Most lipstick contains fish scales (eeww).
14. Donald Duck comics were banned from Finland because he doesn't wear pants.
15. Ketchup was sold in the 1830's as medicine.
16. Upper- and lower-case letters are named 'upper' and 'lower' because in the time when all original print had to be set in individual letters, the Upper case' letters were stored in the case on top of the case that stored the smaller, 'lower case' letters.
17. Leonardo Da Vinci could write with one hand and draw with the other at the same time, hence multi-tasking was invented.
18. Because metal was scarce, the Oscars given out during World War II were made of wood.
19. There are no clocks in Las Vegas gambling casinos.
20. The name Wendy was made up for the book Peter Pan; there was never a recorded Wendy before!
21. There are no words in the dictionary that rhyme with: orange and purple.
22. Leonardo Da Vinci invented scissors. Also, it took him 10 years to paint Mona Lisa 's lips.
23. A tiny amount of liquor on a scorpion will make it instantly go mad and sting itself to death
24. The mask used by Michael Myers in the original 'Halloween' was a Captain Kirk's mask painted white..
25. If you have three quarters, four dimes, and four pennies, you have $1.19. You also have the largest amount of money in coins without being able to make change for a dollar (good to know.)
26. By raising your legs slowly and lying on your back, you can't sink in quicksand (and you thought this list was completely useless.)
27. The phrase 'rule of thumb' is derived from an old English law, which stated that you couldn't beat your wife with anything wider than your
thumb.
28. The first product Motorola started to develop was a record player for automobiles At that time, the most known player on the market was the Victrola, so they called themselves Motorola.
29. Celery has negative calories! It takes more calories to eat a piece of celery than the celery has in it to begin with. It's the same with apples.
30. Chewing gum while peeling onions will keep you from crying!
31. The glue on Israeli postage stamps is certified kosher.
32. Guinness Book of Records holds the record for being the book most often stolen from Public Libraries.
33. Astronauts are not allowed to eat beans before they go into space because passing wind in a space suit damages it.
34. George Carlin said it best about Martha Stewart, "Boy, I feel a lot safer now that she's behind bars. O. J. Simpson and Kobe Bryant are still walking around; Osama Bin Laden too, but they take the ONE woman in America willing to cook, clean, and work in the yard, and they haul her off to jail."
2. The Declaration of Independence was written on hemp (marijuana) paper.
3. The dot over the letter 'i' is called a 'tittle.'
4. A raisin dropped in a glass of fresh champagne will bounce up and down continuously from the bottom of the glass to the top.
5. Susan Lucci is the daughter of Phyllis Diller ..
6. 40% of McDonald's profits come from the sales of Happy Meals.
7. 315 entries in Webster 's 1996 Dictionary were misspelled.
8. The 'spot' on 7UP comes from its inventor, who had red eyes. He was albino.
9. On average, 12 newborns will be given to the wrong parents, daily.
10. Warren Beatty and Shirley MacLaine are brother and sister.
11. Chocolate affects a dog's heart and nervous system; a few ounces will kill a small-sized dog.
12. Orcas (killer whales) kill sharks by torpedoing up into the shark's stomach from underneath, causing the shark to explode.
13. Most lipstick contains fish scales (eeww).
14. Donald Duck comics were banned from Finland because he doesn't wear pants.
15. Ketchup was sold in the 1830's as medicine.
16. Upper- and lower-case letters are named 'upper' and 'lower' because in the time when all original print had to be set in individual letters, the Upper case' letters were stored in the case on top of the case that stored the smaller, 'lower case' letters.
17. Leonardo Da Vinci could write with one hand and draw with the other at the same time, hence multi-tasking was invented.
18. Because metal was scarce, the Oscars given out during World War II were made of wood.
19. There are no clocks in Las Vegas gambling casinos.
20. The name Wendy was made up for the book Peter Pan; there was never a recorded Wendy before!
21. There are no words in the dictionary that rhyme with: orange and purple.
22. Leonardo Da Vinci invented scissors. Also, it took him 10 years to paint Mona Lisa 's lips.
23. A tiny amount of liquor on a scorpion will make it instantly go mad and sting itself to death
24. The mask used by Michael Myers in the original 'Halloween' was a Captain Kirk's mask painted white..
25. If you have three quarters, four dimes, and four pennies, you have $1.19. You also have the largest amount of money in coins without being able to make change for a dollar (good to know.)
26. By raising your legs slowly and lying on your back, you can't sink in quicksand (and you thought this list was completely useless.)
27. The phrase 'rule of thumb' is derived from an old English law, which stated that you couldn't beat your wife with anything wider than your
thumb.
28. The first product Motorola started to develop was a record player for automobiles At that time, the most known player on the market was the Victrola, so they called themselves Motorola.
29. Celery has negative calories! It takes more calories to eat a piece of celery than the celery has in it to begin with. It's the same with apples.
30. Chewing gum while peeling onions will keep you from crying!
31. The glue on Israeli postage stamps is certified kosher.
32. Guinness Book of Records holds the record for being the book most often stolen from Public Libraries.
33. Astronauts are not allowed to eat beans before they go into space because passing wind in a space suit damages it.
34. George Carlin said it best about Martha Stewart, "Boy, I feel a lot safer now that she's behind bars. O. J. Simpson and Kobe Bryant are still walking around; Osama Bin Laden too, but they take the ONE woman in America willing to cook, clean, and work in the yard, and they haul her off to jail."
COLONEL SHERIDAN ANNOUNCES NEW CHIEF OF FIELD OPERATIONS
(Pikesville, MD) Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel Terrence B. Sheridan announces the appointment and promotion of a new Chief of the Field Operations Bureau.
Major W.F. “Pete” Landon, 48, will be promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and appointed Chief of the Field Operations Bureau. The promotion is effective today.
Lt. Colonel Landon is a 25-year veteran of the Maryland State Police. He most recently served as the Assistant Bureau Chief of the Field Operations Bureau, which he began in 2004. Landon was in charge of the Special Operations Division, the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division and the Automotive Safety Enforcement Division.
As the Chief of the Field Operations Bureau, Lt. Colonel Landon will assume command of the largest of the three Maryland State Police bureaus. The Field Operations Bureau encompasses all uniformed patrol troopers stationed at all barracks, and specialized units such as the Aviation Command, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division, Automotive Safety Enforcement Division and the Special Operations Division. The other two bureaus are the Support Services Bureau and the Criminal Investigation Bureau.
Lt. Colonel Landon graduated from the Maryland State Police 89th Academy Class in July 1985. He immediately began his career as a patrol trooper at the Centreville Barracks where he consistently led the barrack in areas of traffic enforcement and criminal investigation. He was awarded Barrack Trooper of the Year in 1988. In 1989, as Trooper First Class, he was assigned to Easton Barracks.
Early in his career, Lt. Colonel Landon served in the Training Division Drug and Education Units at both the Annapolis and Salisbury Barracks, where he was responsible for the certification, initiation and coordination of all drug and criminal investigation training. He received numerous awards for exceptional job performance.
He continued to climb the ranks holding several command positions including Assistant Commander of the Training Division, Commander of the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division, Commander of the Easton Barracks, the largest geographical command in the Department of State Police, and Commander of the Northern Troop, which includes Bel Air Barrack, North East Barrack and Westminster Barrack. In 2004, he became Assistant Chief of the Field Operations Bureau and then promoted to Major in 2005.
Since it’s inception, Lt. Colonel Landon has been heavily involved with Special Olympics Maryland. From plunging into the icy cold waters of the Chesapeake Bay during the annual Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge as a Superplunger to personally running 100 miles, representing Maryland in the final leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run, he has dedicated a large portion of his free time volunteering to raise money for the Special Olympic athletes of Maryland since he began his Maryland State Police career. As a Superplunger for the past four years, Lt. Colonel Landon has raised over $40,000 for Special Olympics Maryland.
Lt. Colonel Landon has a Bachelor of Science Degree from Towson University and an Associate of Arts Degree from Chesapeake College. He is a native of Maryland’s Eastern Shore where he resides with his wife and two sons.
Major W.F. “Pete” Landon, 48, will be promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and appointed Chief of the Field Operations Bureau. The promotion is effective today.
Lt. Colonel Landon is a 25-year veteran of the Maryland State Police. He most recently served as the Assistant Bureau Chief of the Field Operations Bureau, which he began in 2004. Landon was in charge of the Special Operations Division, the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division and the Automotive Safety Enforcement Division.
As the Chief of the Field Operations Bureau, Lt. Colonel Landon will assume command of the largest of the three Maryland State Police bureaus. The Field Operations Bureau encompasses all uniformed patrol troopers stationed at all barracks, and specialized units such as the Aviation Command, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division, Automotive Safety Enforcement Division and the Special Operations Division. The other two bureaus are the Support Services Bureau and the Criminal Investigation Bureau.
Lt. Colonel Landon graduated from the Maryland State Police 89th Academy Class in July 1985. He immediately began his career as a patrol trooper at the Centreville Barracks where he consistently led the barrack in areas of traffic enforcement and criminal investigation. He was awarded Barrack Trooper of the Year in 1988. In 1989, as Trooper First Class, he was assigned to Easton Barracks.
Early in his career, Lt. Colonel Landon served in the Training Division Drug and Education Units at both the Annapolis and Salisbury Barracks, where he was responsible for the certification, initiation and coordination of all drug and criminal investigation training. He received numerous awards for exceptional job performance.
He continued to climb the ranks holding several command positions including Assistant Commander of the Training Division, Commander of the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division, Commander of the Easton Barracks, the largest geographical command in the Department of State Police, and Commander of the Northern Troop, which includes Bel Air Barrack, North East Barrack and Westminster Barrack. In 2004, he became Assistant Chief of the Field Operations Bureau and then promoted to Major in 2005.
Since it’s inception, Lt. Colonel Landon has been heavily involved with Special Olympics Maryland. From plunging into the icy cold waters of the Chesapeake Bay during the annual Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge as a Superplunger to personally running 100 miles, representing Maryland in the final leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run, he has dedicated a large portion of his free time volunteering to raise money for the Special Olympic athletes of Maryland since he began his Maryland State Police career. As a Superplunger for the past four years, Lt. Colonel Landon has raised over $40,000 for Special Olympics Maryland.
Lt. Colonel Landon has a Bachelor of Science Degree from Towson University and an Associate of Arts Degree from Chesapeake College. He is a native of Maryland’s Eastern Shore where he resides with his wife and two sons.
Residents Who Live Near Public Transportation Live Healthier, Study Finds
Wilmington -- A new report, released by the American Public Transportation Association on August 8, 2010, which surveys current research has found that people who live in communities with high-quality public transportation drive less, exercise more, live longer, and are generally healthier than residents of communities that lack quality public transit.
Evaluating Public Transportation Health Benefits, a study conducted for APTA by Todd Litman of the Victoria Transport Policy Institute aggregates the findings of several recent studies and concludes that people living in transit-oriented smart growth communities enjoy several health benefits, not seen in other communities, including residents drive less, exposing them to a lower risk of fatal vehicle accidents.
Such communities also have less pollution, because public transportation produces far less emissions per passenger mile than private automobiles. In addition, people who live near quality public transit are more likely to undertake regular physical activity than residents of automobile-dependent communities.
Public transportation enhances the overall quality of life of an individual and a community, said APTA president William Millar. Use of public transit simply means that you walk more which increases fitness levels and leads to healthier citizens. More importantly, increasing use of public transit may be the most effective traffic safety counter measure a community can employ.
The APTA report notes, transportation activity also plays a role in lessening the
individual risk in five of the 10 leading causes of reduced lifespan, as identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A recent CDC study evaluated causes of potential years of life lost, including cancer, heart disease, motor vehicle crashes, and other causes. For example, Pollution contributes to cancer and congenital anomalies [birth defects], and sedentary living ... contributes to heart disease and strokes, Litman wrote.
One solution is smart growth communities, according to Litman, who cited a 2003 study finding that urban residents had significantly lower violent death rates, whether from vehicle accidents or other causes.
Litman also noted that the 10 U.S. Counties with the smartest, most transit-oriented growth have approximately one-fourth the traffic fatality rates as those counties with the most sprawling development. For example, the traffic fatality rate for the Bronx, NY was approximately four per 100,000 residents. However, for Miami, KS, the rate was almost 40 per 100,000.
Moreover, other recent studies have found that users of public transportation walk more than those who do not use public transit, regardless of income.
The health benefits of public transportation should be given greater consideration in transportation planning, Litman concluded. A growing portion of households want to rely more on alternative modes and live in more accessible, multi-modal communities, he wrote. Accommodating this demand would provide benefits to users and society, including significant health benefits.
Evaluating Public Transportation Health Benefits, a study conducted for APTA by Todd Litman of the Victoria Transport Policy Institute aggregates the findings of several recent studies and concludes that people living in transit-oriented smart growth communities enjoy several health benefits, not seen in other communities, including residents drive less, exposing them to a lower risk of fatal vehicle accidents.
Such communities also have less pollution, because public transportation produces far less emissions per passenger mile than private automobiles. In addition, people who live near quality public transit are more likely to undertake regular physical activity than residents of automobile-dependent communities.
Public transportation enhances the overall quality of life of an individual and a community, said APTA president William Millar. Use of public transit simply means that you walk more which increases fitness levels and leads to healthier citizens. More importantly, increasing use of public transit may be the most effective traffic safety counter measure a community can employ.
The APTA report notes, transportation activity also plays a role in lessening the
individual risk in five of the 10 leading causes of reduced lifespan, as identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A recent CDC study evaluated causes of potential years of life lost, including cancer, heart disease, motor vehicle crashes, and other causes. For example, Pollution contributes to cancer and congenital anomalies [birth defects], and sedentary living ... contributes to heart disease and strokes, Litman wrote.
One solution is smart growth communities, according to Litman, who cited a 2003 study finding that urban residents had significantly lower violent death rates, whether from vehicle accidents or other causes.
Litman also noted that the 10 U.S. Counties with the smartest, most transit-oriented growth have approximately one-fourth the traffic fatality rates as those counties with the most sprawling development. For example, the traffic fatality rate for the Bronx, NY was approximately four per 100,000 residents. However, for Miami, KS, the rate was almost 40 per 100,000.
Moreover, other recent studies have found that users of public transportation walk more than those who do not use public transit, regardless of income.
The health benefits of public transportation should be given greater consideration in transportation planning, Litman concluded. A growing portion of households want to rely more on alternative modes and live in more accessible, multi-modal communities, he wrote. Accommodating this demand would provide benefits to users and society, including significant health benefits.
STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY ON PASSAGE OF EDUCATION JOBS AND MEDICAID ASSISTANCE ACT
Annapolis, MD – Governor Martin O’Malley issued this statement following President Obama’s enactment of H.R. 1586, the Education Jobs and Medicaid Assistance Act, which will bring more than $450 million to Maryland for families who depend on Medicaid and to local school departments to keep teachers in the classroom.
“I want to thank Maryland’s Congressional Delegation for these important investments, including Senators Mikulski and Cardin, Leader Hoyer, Congressmen Cummings, Kratovil, Ruppersburger, Sarbanes, Van Hollen, and Congresswoman Edwards. This vote ensured that states like Maryland are not unnecessarily sent backwards as they work through the beginning of this recovery process. These important investments will help keep teachers in our classrooms and provide important Medicaid funding for families who depend on them, while not adding to the federal deficit.
“This issue is too important to fall victim to partisan politics. State and local communities have been hit especially hard by this recession. With so many Americans unemployed or struggling to get by, states have been forced to balance their budgets with fewer tax dollars. The Education and Medicaid Jobs bill will ensure that teachers in our classrooms do not fall victim to the uncertainties of a recession.”
“I want to thank Maryland’s Congressional Delegation for these important investments, including Senators Mikulski and Cardin, Leader Hoyer, Congressmen Cummings, Kratovil, Ruppersburger, Sarbanes, Van Hollen, and Congresswoman Edwards. This vote ensured that states like Maryland are not unnecessarily sent backwards as they work through the beginning of this recovery process. These important investments will help keep teachers in our classrooms and provide important Medicaid funding for families who depend on them, while not adding to the federal deficit.
“This issue is too important to fall victim to partisan politics. State and local communities have been hit especially hard by this recession. With so many Americans unemployed or struggling to get by, states have been forced to balance their budgets with fewer tax dollars. The Education and Medicaid Jobs bill will ensure that teachers in our classrooms do not fall victim to the uncertainties of a recession.”
Ehrlich Pledges To Lower Sales Tax And Halt Tax’s Expansion To More Goods & Services
Regressive Tax Disproportionately Hurts Low Income Families and Small Businesses
DUNDALK -- Bob Ehrlich met with Baltimore County families today to discuss the need to roll back Governor Martin O’Malley’s 20% increase in the sales tax in order to boost Maryland’s economy. He also pledged that he would oppose any effort in the legislature to expand the tax to new goods and services. Maryland lawmakers recently considered expanding the sales tax to 43 new services, including cell phones, gym memberships, and tax preparation.
“Leading an economic recovery in Maryland is my top priority,” Ehrlich said. “To reach that goal, we have to lower the tax burden on families and small businesses. By raising taxes on the eve of a recession in 2007, Governor O’Malley siphoned sorely-needed dollars from families who are now more likely to shop in neighboring states that have lower sales taxes. If I’m elected Governor, I’ll cut the sales tax to encourage more shopping here in Maryland and I will oppose any effort in the legislature to extend this regressive tax to more goods and services.”
Governor O’Malley’s 20% increase in the sales tax is a classic regressive tax increase. For instance, the tax increase has twice the economic impact on an individual making $20,000 as it does an individual making $70,000, according to Maryland legislative analysts. Further, the nonpartisan Tax Foundation has testified that, “in Maryland's case, a reduction in sales tax can serve as a possible first step toward improving the state's business tax climate.”
Ehrlich convened this latest in a series of roughly three dozen roundtable discussions to lay out his vision for making Maryland more business friendly while lessening the burden on taxpayers. He has talked to small business owners and consumers all across Maryland, working to create more jobs and lower taxes.
DUNDALK -- Bob Ehrlich met with Baltimore County families today to discuss the need to roll back Governor Martin O’Malley’s 20% increase in the sales tax in order to boost Maryland’s economy. He also pledged that he would oppose any effort in the legislature to expand the tax to new goods and services. Maryland lawmakers recently considered expanding the sales tax to 43 new services, including cell phones, gym memberships, and tax preparation.
“Leading an economic recovery in Maryland is my top priority,” Ehrlich said. “To reach that goal, we have to lower the tax burden on families and small businesses. By raising taxes on the eve of a recession in 2007, Governor O’Malley siphoned sorely-needed dollars from families who are now more likely to shop in neighboring states that have lower sales taxes. If I’m elected Governor, I’ll cut the sales tax to encourage more shopping here in Maryland and I will oppose any effort in the legislature to extend this regressive tax to more goods and services.”
Governor O’Malley’s 20% increase in the sales tax is a classic regressive tax increase. For instance, the tax increase has twice the economic impact on an individual making $20,000 as it does an individual making $70,000, according to Maryland legislative analysts. Further, the nonpartisan Tax Foundation has testified that, “in Maryland's case, a reduction in sales tax can serve as a possible first step toward improving the state's business tax climate.”
Ehrlich convened this latest in a series of roughly three dozen roundtable discussions to lay out his vision for making Maryland more business friendly while lessening the burden on taxpayers. He has talked to small business owners and consumers all across Maryland, working to create more jobs and lower taxes.
Salisbury Police Department Press Releases
On August 10, 2010 at approximately 9:13 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police were on routine patrol in the area of Rt. 13 and North Boulevard and stopped to assist a disabled vehicle operated by below listed suspect # 1. As the officer assisted the operator, the officer detected the scent of suspected marijuana emanating from the interior of the vehicle. The vehicle was checked and suspected marijuana was found on the center console and on the back seat. The passenger (suspect #2) was removed from the vehicle and attempted to discard a baggie of suspected marijuana under the vehicle. The bag was recovered and the passenger was also arrested.
ARRESTED #1: Derrick Greenleaf Harris, 19 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
ARRESTED #2: Juvenile, 17 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES (both): Possession of marijuana (2 counts)
Possession of CDS/paraphernalia (2 counts)
DISPOSITION: Suspect #1 released to Central Booking
Suspect #2 released to parent
CC # 201000031789
On August 10, 2010 at approximately 10:25 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police Safe Streets Unit were on routine patrol in the area of West Isabella Street and observed the below listed suspect acting in a suspicious manner. The officers approached the suspect and the suspect was found to be in possession of a quantity of suspected marijuana. The suspect was then searched and found to also be in possession of a quantity of suspected "crack"/cocaine.
ARRESTED: Meko Gianni Palmiro, 19 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute
Possession of cocaine
Possession of marijuana
Possession of CDS/Paraphernalia (2 counts)
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201000031807
On August 10, 2010 at approximately 11:10 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police were on routine patrol in the area of East Church Street and observed the below listed suspect operating a bicycle that matched a bicycle earlier reported stolen. The suspect was stopped and the victim was transported to the bicycle’s location. The victim positively identified the bicycle and the suspect was taken into custody.
ARRESTED: Juvenile, 15 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Theft (under $ 1000)
Fourth degree burglary
DISPOSITION: Released to guardian
ARRESTED #1: Derrick Greenleaf Harris, 19 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
ARRESTED #2: Juvenile, 17 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES (both): Possession of marijuana (2 counts)
Possession of CDS/paraphernalia (2 counts)
DISPOSITION: Suspect #1 released to Central Booking
Suspect #2 released to parent
CC # 201000031789
On August 10, 2010 at approximately 10:25 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police Safe Streets Unit were on routine patrol in the area of West Isabella Street and observed the below listed suspect acting in a suspicious manner. The officers approached the suspect and the suspect was found to be in possession of a quantity of suspected marijuana. The suspect was then searched and found to also be in possession of a quantity of suspected "crack"/cocaine.
ARRESTED: Meko Gianni Palmiro, 19 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute
Possession of cocaine
Possession of marijuana
Possession of CDS/Paraphernalia (2 counts)
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201000031807
On August 10, 2010 at approximately 11:10 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police were on routine patrol in the area of East Church Street and observed the below listed suspect operating a bicycle that matched a bicycle earlier reported stolen. The suspect was stopped and the victim was transported to the bicycle’s location. The victim positively identified the bicycle and the suspect was taken into custody.
ARRESTED: Juvenile, 15 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Theft (under $ 1000)
Fourth degree burglary
DISPOSITION: Released to guardian