DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Despite Critics, Glenn Beck Has A Dream, Too
It's already been dubbed Beckapalooza, the Beckoning, Beckstock.
Somewhere between heartfelt sermon and star-spangled sideshow, Fox News host Glenn Beck's "Restoring Honor" event, to be held today at the foot of the Lincoln Memorial, has already attracted outsized praise and criticism. A celebration of faith, personal virtue and traditional American values, the gathering will feature prayers and a speech by former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, as Old Glory rolls in the summer breeze and folks get in touch with their inner patriot.
"It's going to be overwhelming," Mr. Beck predicted on his show Thursday evening.
But the political aftershocks of the gathering are proving harder to gauge.
Mr. Beck insists the three-hour gathering will not be a political rally, a "tea party" celebration or even a vehicle for personal aggrandizement. But defining what it is has proved to be an irresistible challenge for supporters and skeptics alike.
Organized with the Special Operations Warrior Foundation more than eight months ago, the gathering will unfold on the 47th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic "I Have A Dream" speech, virtually on the same spot where the civil rights leader stood in 1963, shaping his destiny as well as the nation's. Mr. Beck said the coincidence was not planned.
Obama Wants Change To Allow Illegals To Stay In US
A shake-up in immigration policy may lead to deportation proceedings being dropped for thousands of aliens who entered the United States illegally but are applying to stay in the country, officials said on Friday.
They said the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE) seeks to end deportation proceedings against detained illegal immigrants who have applications pending to become legal U.S. residents, if agents determine they have no criminal history and do not present a security threat.
The policy shift emerged from an internal memorandum ICE Assistant Secretary John Morton sent last week to the agency's principal legal adviser and a director of enforcement and removal operations.
The memo was published by the New York Times on Friday and confirmed to Reuters by officials.
Morton said the policy aimed to reduce the backlog in immigration courts, where authorities identified some 17,000 cases last year that could be eliminated if ICE dropped removal proceedings against illegal immigrants who had applied for legal status and were very likely to get it.
The issue of what to do with nearly 11 million illegal immigrants living and working in the shadows in the United States has become an increasingly hot topic in the run up to the midterm elections in November, where Democratic control of Congress is on the line.
President Barack Obama and his fellow Democrats back a comprehensive reform of immigration policy to tighten border security, while allowing illegal immigrants in good standing the chance to learn English, pay a fine and get on a path to citizenship.
Republicans say that policy is effectively "amnesty" and likely to encourage more illegal entrants.
More from Newsmax
More from Newsmax
They said the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE) seeks to end deportation proceedings against detained illegal immigrants who have applications pending to become legal U.S. residents, if agents determine they have no criminal history and do not present a security threat.
The policy shift emerged from an internal memorandum ICE Assistant Secretary John Morton sent last week to the agency's principal legal adviser and a director of enforcement and removal operations.
The memo was published by the New York Times on Friday and confirmed to Reuters by officials.
Morton said the policy aimed to reduce the backlog in immigration courts, where authorities identified some 17,000 cases last year that could be eliminated if ICE dropped removal proceedings against illegal immigrants who had applied for legal status and were very likely to get it.
The issue of what to do with nearly 11 million illegal immigrants living and working in the shadows in the United States has become an increasingly hot topic in the run up to the midterm elections in November, where Democratic control of Congress is on the line.
President Barack Obama and his fellow Democrats back a comprehensive reform of immigration policy to tighten border security, while allowing illegal immigrants in good standing the chance to learn English, pay a fine and get on a path to citizenship.
Republicans say that policy is effectively "amnesty" and likely to encourage more illegal entrants.
More from Newsmax
More from Newsmax
Ehrlich Made More Than $700,000 In 2009
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - Republican Robert Ehrlich made more than $2.2 million in three years working as a consultant to attract business to a Baltimore law firm _ far more than his earnings as governor when he made $145,000 a year, according to details from tax returns he made public Friday.
Ehrlich, who is running for governor in a rematch against Gov. Martin O'Malley, signed his 2009 tax return Friday after receiving a six-month extension, spokesman Henry Fawell said. Ehrlich released details from his tax returns for five years after requests by The Associated Press. The copies made available did not include all pages from the returns.
Ehrlich's latest tax return shows that he made $734,663 in 2009 while working for Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice. Ehrlich and his wife, Kendel, were paid $31,230 last year for a weekly radio show on WBAL Radio and for speaking fees. Aides said most of the money came from the radio show. Ehrlich stopped appearing on the radio show in June when he filed to run for governor. His wife continues to host the program on Saturdays.
The law does not require Ehrlich or O'Malley to release their tax returns, but candidates who don't make them public can leave themselves open to criticism from opponents who do release them.
"Kendel and I have always conducted ourselves in a very public and transparent way, while always respecting the fundamental and appropriate lines of privacy that every family deserves," Ehrlich said in a statement.
GO HERE to read more.
Ehrlich, who is running for governor in a rematch against Gov. Martin O'Malley, signed his 2009 tax return Friday after receiving a six-month extension, spokesman Henry Fawell said. Ehrlich released details from his tax returns for five years after requests by The Associated Press. The copies made available did not include all pages from the returns.
Ehrlich's latest tax return shows that he made $734,663 in 2009 while working for Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice. Ehrlich and his wife, Kendel, were paid $31,230 last year for a weekly radio show on WBAL Radio and for speaking fees. Aides said most of the money came from the radio show. Ehrlich stopped appearing on the radio show in June when he filed to run for governor. His wife continues to host the program on Saturdays.
The law does not require Ehrlich or O'Malley to release their tax returns, but candidates who don't make them public can leave themselves open to criticism from opponents who do release them.
"Kendel and I have always conducted ourselves in a very public and transparent way, while always respecting the fundamental and appropriate lines of privacy that every family deserves," Ehrlich said in a statement.
GO HERE to read more.
Meet The Candidates From District 37 & 38
Senators For District 37
Rich Colburn
Chris Robinson
Chris Jakubiak
Senators For District 38
Michael James
Jim Mathias
Rich Colburn
Chris Robinson
Chris Jakubiak
Senators For District 38
Michael James
Jim Mathias
Obama’s Oil Drilling Moratorium Has Cost 23,000 Jobs
Barack Obama wants MORE spending to aid the economy. Yet, he didn’t hesitate to put an estimated 23,000 people out of work “for the environment”. That’s the cost of his administration’s decision to stop drilling in the Gulf.
I guess a job’s not a job unless you work for the government.
We were told that this was necessary because we were facing the greatest environmental disaster of our lifetimes. Well, it seems that wasn’t exactly true. However, Obama followed Rahm Emmanuel’s advice – never let a good crisis go to waste.
from Delmarva Dealings
Obama Marks Formal End Of US Combat In Iraq
VINEYARD HAVEN, Mass. — President Barack Obama said Saturday the end of combat operations in Iraq doesn't just reaffirm the country's sovereignty, but also makes good on one of his principle campaign pledges.
Obama used his weekly radio and Internet address to highlight Tuesday's formal end to U.S. combat missions in Iraq — the realization of a promise he made as a candidate in the 2008 election.
Remaining troops will assume a backup and training role, a shift Obama will underscore with a visit to Fort Bliss, Texas, and an Oval Office address to the nation on Aug. 31, the date he targeted last year for the change in focus. U.S. troop strength dropped below 50,000 this week, a milestone also highlighted by the administration.
"In the months ahead, our troops will continue to support and train Iraqi forces, partner with Iraqis in counterterrorism missions and protect our civilian and military efforts," Obama said, a day before ending his 10-day Martha's Vineyard vacation to travel to New Orleans and mark another somber date: the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.
Driving home his point, the president said, "The bottom line is this: The war is ending. Like any sovereign, independent nation, Iraq is free to chart its own course. And by the end of next year, all of our troops will be home."
GO HERE to read more.
Obama used his weekly radio and Internet address to highlight Tuesday's formal end to U.S. combat missions in Iraq — the realization of a promise he made as a candidate in the 2008 election.
Remaining troops will assume a backup and training role, a shift Obama will underscore with a visit to Fort Bliss, Texas, and an Oval Office address to the nation on Aug. 31, the date he targeted last year for the change in focus. U.S. troop strength dropped below 50,000 this week, a milestone also highlighted by the administration.
"In the months ahead, our troops will continue to support and train Iraqi forces, partner with Iraqis in counterterrorism missions and protect our civilian and military efforts," Obama said, a day before ending his 10-day Martha's Vineyard vacation to travel to New Orleans and mark another somber date: the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.
Driving home his point, the president said, "The bottom line is this: The war is ending. Like any sovereign, independent nation, Iraq is free to chart its own course. And by the end of next year, all of our troops will be home."
GO HERE to read more.
Keep The Crab Ladies In Action
Sometime in mid-September, a sea parade of female crabs, fresh from Maryland encounters with those No. 1 Jimmys (male crabs), will head down the Chesapeake Bay to a winter sanctuary in Virginia where they will launch the next generation.
Warning to the she-crabs: this year there’s no guarantee of safe passage. Apparently, you are just too good at what you do.
Sharp limits on the taking of female crabs imposed since 2008 combined with favorable winds, tides and temperatures have produced spectacular results. The bay’s crab population, then at historic lows, has more than doubled in just two years. Sparing the pregnant moms, who knew?
GO HERE to read more.
Warning to the she-crabs: this year there’s no guarantee of safe passage. Apparently, you are just too good at what you do.
Sharp limits on the taking of female crabs imposed since 2008 combined with favorable winds, tides and temperatures have produced spectacular results. The bay’s crab population, then at historic lows, has more than doubled in just two years. Sparing the pregnant moms, who knew?
GO HERE to read more.
Salisbury Police Department Press Release
Vindoo Mankad, 29yoa of Salisbury, MD was charged with 1st & 2nd Degree Assault and Possession of a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Injure.
On August 26, 2010 at approximately 5:55pm, officers responded to Thirsty’s located at 1053 South Salisbury Blvd for a reported fight in progress. On arrival officers met with witnesses who advised that the altercation was over and both of the subjects
involved were now inside the store. Officers were able to meet with the victim and Mankad. It was learned that the victim and Mankad had become involved in a verbal altercation that turned physical when the victim punched Mankad in the nose. Mankad
then obtained an aluminum baseball bat and struck the victim in the back of the head. The fight ended just prior to police arrival. Mankad was released to the custody of Central Booking.
On August 26, 2010 at approximately 5:55pm, officers responded to Thirsty’s located at 1053 South Salisbury Blvd for a reported fight in progress. On arrival officers met with witnesses who advised that the altercation was over and both of the subjects
involved were now inside the store. Officers were able to meet with the victim and Mankad. It was learned that the victim and Mankad had become involved in a verbal altercation that turned physical when the victim punched Mankad in the nose. Mankad
then obtained an aluminum baseball bat and struck the victim in the back of the head. The fight ended just prior to police arrival. Mankad was released to the custody of Central Booking.
Voter Fraud Begins Anew
HOUSTON, TEXAS - Harris County Voter Registrar Leo Vasquez announced Tuesday that Houston Votes - a local non-profit organization that recruits voters - turned in more than 5,000 fraudulent voter registration applications.
Vasquez said some of the problems include multiple applications for the same person, applications for people already registered, incomplete applications, applications from non-U.S. citizens and several from people too young to vote.
"We have evidence indicating violation of the Texas Election Code, falsified documents being submitted to this office and possible violations of federal election laws," said Vasquez.
Vazquez said the problems go right to the organization's top management.
"Volunteer Deputy Sean Caddle has submitted 23 incomplete [applications], 37 pre-existing voters, two underage and numerous duplicate applications," Vazquez said.
The allegations first came from True the Vote, a Houston voter watchdog group.
"[We are] just a concerned group of citizens," said Catherine Engelbrecht with True the Vote.
Voting investigators said there are thousands of fraudulent voter registrations floating around Harris County.
More
Vasquez said some of the problems include multiple applications for the same person, applications for people already registered, incomplete applications, applications from non-U.S. citizens and several from people too young to vote.
"We have evidence indicating violation of the Texas Election Code, falsified documents being submitted to this office and possible violations of federal election laws," said Vasquez.
Vazquez said the problems go right to the organization's top management.
"Volunteer Deputy Sean Caddle has submitted 23 incomplete [applications], 37 pre-existing voters, two underage and numerous duplicate applications," Vazquez said.
The allegations first came from True the Vote, a Houston voter watchdog group.
"[We are] just a concerned group of citizens," said Catherine Engelbrecht with True the Vote.
Voting investigators said there are thousands of fraudulent voter registrations floating around Harris County.
More
4 Places Bedbugs Hide -- And How To Avoid Them
Bedbugs are all over the news -- and apparently, they're all over these 15 cities. Number one on the list? New York City -- SELF's home base! They've been found in office buildings (thankfully not ours!), hospitals, hotels, theaters and even the Empire State Building. And the bloodsuckers hide in mattresses, furniture, clothing ... blech. Is anyone else suddenly itchy?
But it's not just NYC that's being bitten -- bedbugs are a growing problem nationwide. According to the National Pest Management Association, bedbug-related calls to exterminators have jumped by 81 percent in the last 10 years and 57 percent over the last five years.
GO HERE to read more.
But it's not just NYC that's being bitten -- bedbugs are a growing problem nationwide. According to the National Pest Management Association, bedbug-related calls to exterminators have jumped by 81 percent in the last 10 years and 57 percent over the last five years.
GO HERE to read more.
GREEN LIES AND HAM
I do not like
this Uncle Sam,
I do not like
his health care scam.
I do not like these
dirty crooks,
or how they lie
and cook the books.
I do not like
when Congress steals,
I do not like
their secret deals.
I do not like
this speaker, Nan ,
I do not like
this 'YES WE CAN.'
I do not like
this spending spree,
I'm smart, I
know that nothing's free.
I do not
like your smug replies,
when I complain
about your lies.
I do not like
this kind of hope.
I do not like
it, nope, nope, nope!
this Uncle Sam,
I do not like
his health care scam.
I do not like these
dirty crooks,
or how they lie
and cook the books.
I do not like
when Congress steals,
I do not like
their secret deals.
I do not like
this speaker, Nan ,
I do not like
this 'YES WE CAN.'
I do not like
this spending spree,
I'm smart, I
know that nothing's free.
I do not
like your smug replies,
when I complain
about your lies.
I do not like
this kind of hope.
I do not like
it, nope, nope, nope!
ICE Refuses To Deport "Non-Violent" Illegal Aliens
In a major policy shift, Immigration and Customs Enforcement has issued new guidelines regarding the prosecution of deportation cases: if an arrested illegal alien is not a convicted criminal or a terrorist threat, the case should be dropped.
On August 20, ICE chief John Morton outlined the new policy in a memorandum to staff. The policy has the stated purpose of clearing the backlog of cases in immigration court cases, but it also has the effect of creating a de facto amnesty for arrested illegal aliens who have not been convicted of a serious crime. This move follows the leaking of an internal Obama Administration memo which outlined ways of legalizing illegal aliens without Congress' approval.
GO HERE to read more.
On August 20, ICE chief John Morton outlined the new policy in a memorandum to staff. The policy has the stated purpose of clearing the backlog of cases in immigration court cases, but it also has the effect of creating a de facto amnesty for arrested illegal aliens who have not been convicted of a serious crime. This move follows the leaking of an internal Obama Administration memo which outlined ways of legalizing illegal aliens without Congress' approval.
GO HERE to read more.
Obituary In Salt Lake Paper
ROBERT SNYDER Jr.
Robert W. Snyder, Jr. 1947 ~ 2010 Bob left us on June 19th after a day of doing what he loved, sailing the BJ at Soldier Creek with good friends and family.
Bob was born September 2, 1947, at Mitchel Field AFB, in New York , the only son of Charlotte and Robert Snyder. After serving in the U.S. Navy, he married Connie and they began their life together in Denver .
After a few years in Denver , the couple moved to Minneapolis where their son Michael was born in 1970.
After a brief stay living in San Francisco they finally made their home in Utah where they raised their son and enjoyed many friends and family.
Bob is survived by his wife, Connie, son, Mike (Wendy), granddaughter, Bailey, and sisters, Jean Allstun and Carol (Gary) Davis.
Bob lived his life to the fullest and always found a way to have a good time. He had a way of making friends with everyone he met and will be missed by all who knew him.
Services will be held Thursday, June 24, 2010 - 11:00 a.m. at Camp Williams , 17111 S. Camp Williams Road ( Redwood Rd ), Bluffdale , Utah . Family and close friends are welcome from 10:00 - 10:45 a.m. prior to the service.
Arrangements in care of Olpin-Hoopes Funeral Home..
In lieu of flowers and in memory of Bob, please make contributions to whomever may be running against Barack Obama in 2012.
Robert W. Snyder, Jr. 1947 ~ 2010 Bob left us on June 19th after a day of doing what he loved, sailing the BJ at Soldier Creek with good friends and family.
Bob was born September 2, 1947, at Mitchel Field AFB, in New York , the only son of Charlotte and Robert Snyder. After serving in the U.S. Navy, he married Connie and they began their life together in Denver .
After a few years in Denver , the couple moved to Minneapolis where their son Michael was born in 1970.
After a brief stay living in San Francisco they finally made their home in Utah where they raised their son and enjoyed many friends and family.
Bob is survived by his wife, Connie, son, Mike (Wendy), granddaughter, Bailey, and sisters, Jean Allstun and Carol (Gary) Davis.
Bob lived his life to the fullest and always found a way to have a good time. He had a way of making friends with everyone he met and will be missed by all who knew him.
Services will be held Thursday, June 24, 2010 - 11:00 a.m. at Camp Williams , 17111 S. Camp Williams Road ( Redwood Rd ), Bluffdale , Utah . Family and close friends are welcome from 10:00 - 10:45 a.m. prior to the service.
Arrangements in care of Olpin-Hoopes Funeral Home..
In lieu of flowers and in memory of Bob, please make contributions to whomever may be running against Barack Obama in 2012.
PUBLIC NOTICE
The City Council has scheduled an additional work session for Monday, September 20, 2010.
The work session will be held at 1:30 p.m. in Conference Room 306 of the Government Office Building (125 N. Division Street).
The work session will be held at 1:30 p.m. in Conference Room 306 of the Government Office Building (125 N. Division Street).
FIRST LADY KATIE O’MALLEY, MDE ANNOUNCE RESULTS OF LEAD POISONING REPORT
Department of Environment’s 2009 Childhood Lead Registry Statistics Show Decrease in Children with Elevated Lead Blood Levels, Increase in Testing
ANNAPOLIS, MD (August 27, 2010) – First Lady Katie O’Malley, joined by MDE Deputy Secretary Robert Summers, Baltimore City Deputy Health Commissioner for Healthy Homes & Communities Dr. Madeleine Shea, EPA Region III Director of the Land and Chemicals Division Abe Ferdas, Executive Director of the Coalition to End Childhood Lead Poisoning Ruth Ann Norton, today released the annual Childhood Lead Registry and announced that more Maryland children were tested last year for lead poisoning and fewer were poisoned by lead than in any year since figures have been collected.
The report, released by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) shows the percentage of tested children with elevated lead blood levels dropped to one half of one percent statewide. The statistics show a decrease of nearly 98 percent in the percentage of children reported to have blood poisoning since 1993, the year before Maryland’s Reduction of Lead Risk in Housing Law was enacted.
“While even one child with elevated levels of lead is one too many, this report shows that our efforts in Maryland to end childhood lead poisoning are working,” said Maryland’s First Lady Katie O’Malley. “Working with many state, local, and community partners, and Baltimore City and the Coalition to End Childhood Lead Poisoning, Maryland has made significant gains to protect our children, particularly those who live in older rental housing. However, we must do more. We need to spread the word that childhood lead poisoning can occur in owner-occupied homes and encourage those homeowners to take steps to prevent that from happening.”
Today’s announcement took place in East Baltimore at a 1936 owner-occupied row home, where First Lady O’Malley was joined by the home’s owner, Deirdre Young Randall. The owner’s 8-month-old grandson lives in the home, and a 3-year-old grandson visits frequently. The home is part of the Coalition to End Childhood Lead Poisoning’s Green and Healthy Housing initiative and has received, along with a full energy audit and weatherization, 11 new windows and paint stabilization throughout the house. The Coalition’s contractors are EPA-certified.
While the number of recorded lead poisoning cases continues to decrease, MDE’s review shows that children with elevated blood lead levels are more likely to live in homes not covered by Maryland’s lead law. Maryland’s law is focused on residential rental properties built before 1950. A new federal Environmental Protection Agency rule adds requirements to prevent lead poisoning when work is done on homes built before the late 1970s (when lead-based paint was banned) and other facilities occupied by young children.
“Reducing exposure to lead paint dust is the core of our program to prevent lead poisoning,” said MDE Deputy Secretary Robert Summers. “MDE continues to enforce Maryland’s successful lead law. Childhood lead poisoning is not just a rental housing problem. It can occur in any housing built before 1978. The new EPA rule -- and educated contractors, homeowners, renters, and parents -- will help us continue to move forward toward our goal of no children with lead poisoning in Maryland.”
Key statistics from the 2009 Childhood Lead Registry annual survey include:
· Children tested: Statewide, 107,416 children under the age of 6 years were tested, which is an increase over the 2008 figure of 106,452. In Baltimore City, 19,043 children were tested, an increase from 18,622 in 2008.
· Elevated blood lead level (EBL): 553 children (or 0.5 percent) had an elevated blood lead level, which by law is 10 micrograms per deciliter or above. This is lower than the 713 (0.7 percent) in 2008. In Baltimore City, the 347 children (1.8 percent) had an EBL, which is down from 468 (2.5 percent) in 2008.
· New cases: Of the EBL cases statewide for 2009, 379 were cases in which a child tested with an EBL for the first time.
Exposure to lead is the most significant and widespread environmental hazard for children in Maryland, and according to the Center for Disease Control, there is no safe level of blood lead. Children are at the greatest risk from birth to age six while their neurological systems are being developed. Exposure to lead can cause long-term neurological damage that may be associated with learning and behavioral problems and with decreased intelligence.
Among other data, the annual Childhood Lead Registry survey compiles all blood lead tests done on Maryland children up to 18 years of age, and provides blood lead test results to local health departments as needed for case management and planning. Only the data for children under the age of 6 years is used for review of the lead poisoning prevention effort. MDE has compiled this comprehensive assessment on statewide childhood blood lead screening since 1993. Maryland’s lead poisoning prevention goal is for no child to have an elevated blood lead level by the end of year 2010.Lead paint dust from deteriorated lead paint or from renovation is the major source of exposure for children in Maryland. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 2004 American Community Survey there are more than 449,000 residential houses built before 1950 (95 percent likely to contain lead paint) and 972,000 houses built between 1950-1978 (75 percent likely to have lead paint).
Various lead paint inspection services are available to homeowners to identify lead paint or to evaluate lead paint hazards. A list of accredited inspection contractors can be found at http://www.mde.state.md.us/Programs/LandPrograms/LeadCoordination/homeOwners/search/inspector.asp.
Homeowners may do some limited testing, but information provided by a trained and accredited inspector will generally be more complete and definitive.
Anyone who removes lead paint or who conducts any other maintenance or home improvement activity that creates a hazard by disturbing lead paint should follow the safe practices that are included in Maryland Lead Paint Abatement Regulations. Safety precautions can be found on MDE’s website, at http://www.mde.state.md.us/Programs/LandPrograms/LeadCoordination/parents/parents_abatement.asp. EPA recommends that anyone planning a “do-it-yourself” renovation project call the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD (5323) and ask for more information on how to work safely in a home with lead-based paint.
EPA’s new rule applies to anyone receiving compensation for renovating, repairing, and painting work that disturbs painted surfaces in pre-1978 residences and to anyone performing similar work on facilities built prior to 1978 and occupied by children under the age of 6. Those affected by the rule are required to: apply to EPA to be approved as a Certified Renovation Firm; receive necessary training and certification from an EPA-accredited training provider for Lead Safe Work Practices; assign a Certified Renovator to be present at each project; and ensure that lead safe work practices are used throughout the project.
Water, air, and soil, may provide low-level, “background” exposure, but rarely causes childhood lead poisoning. Imported products, parental occupations, hobbies, and imported traditional medicines occasionally cause lead exposure among children.
MDE’s Lead Poisoning Prevention Program serves as the coordinating agency of statewide efforts to eliminate childhood lead poisoning. To view the childhood lead registry data online, and for more information about childhood lead poisoning prevention, please visit:www.mde.state.md.us/Programs/LandPrograms/LeadCoordination/index.asp or call 410-537-3847.
ANNAPOLIS, MD (August 27, 2010) – First Lady Katie O’Malley, joined by MDE Deputy Secretary Robert Summers, Baltimore City Deputy Health Commissioner for Healthy Homes & Communities Dr. Madeleine Shea, EPA Region III Director of the Land and Chemicals Division Abe Ferdas, Executive Director of the Coalition to End Childhood Lead Poisoning Ruth Ann Norton, today released the annual Childhood Lead Registry and announced that more Maryland children were tested last year for lead poisoning and fewer were poisoned by lead than in any year since figures have been collected.
The report, released by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) shows the percentage of tested children with elevated lead blood levels dropped to one half of one percent statewide. The statistics show a decrease of nearly 98 percent in the percentage of children reported to have blood poisoning since 1993, the year before Maryland’s Reduction of Lead Risk in Housing Law was enacted.
“While even one child with elevated levels of lead is one too many, this report shows that our efforts in Maryland to end childhood lead poisoning are working,” said Maryland’s First Lady Katie O’Malley. “Working with many state, local, and community partners, and Baltimore City and the Coalition to End Childhood Lead Poisoning, Maryland has made significant gains to protect our children, particularly those who live in older rental housing. However, we must do more. We need to spread the word that childhood lead poisoning can occur in owner-occupied homes and encourage those homeowners to take steps to prevent that from happening.”
Today’s announcement took place in East Baltimore at a 1936 owner-occupied row home, where First Lady O’Malley was joined by the home’s owner, Deirdre Young Randall. The owner’s 8-month-old grandson lives in the home, and a 3-year-old grandson visits frequently. The home is part of the Coalition to End Childhood Lead Poisoning’s Green and Healthy Housing initiative and has received, along with a full energy audit and weatherization, 11 new windows and paint stabilization throughout the house. The Coalition’s contractors are EPA-certified.
While the number of recorded lead poisoning cases continues to decrease, MDE’s review shows that children with elevated blood lead levels are more likely to live in homes not covered by Maryland’s lead law. Maryland’s law is focused on residential rental properties built before 1950. A new federal Environmental Protection Agency rule adds requirements to prevent lead poisoning when work is done on homes built before the late 1970s (when lead-based paint was banned) and other facilities occupied by young children.
“Reducing exposure to lead paint dust is the core of our program to prevent lead poisoning,” said MDE Deputy Secretary Robert Summers. “MDE continues to enforce Maryland’s successful lead law. Childhood lead poisoning is not just a rental housing problem. It can occur in any housing built before 1978. The new EPA rule -- and educated contractors, homeowners, renters, and parents -- will help us continue to move forward toward our goal of no children with lead poisoning in Maryland.”
Key statistics from the 2009 Childhood Lead Registry annual survey include:
· Children tested: Statewide, 107,416 children under the age of 6 years were tested, which is an increase over the 2008 figure of 106,452. In Baltimore City, 19,043 children were tested, an increase from 18,622 in 2008.
· Elevated blood lead level (EBL): 553 children (or 0.5 percent) had an elevated blood lead level, which by law is 10 micrograms per deciliter or above. This is lower than the 713 (0.7 percent) in 2008. In Baltimore City, the 347 children (1.8 percent) had an EBL, which is down from 468 (2.5 percent) in 2008.
· New cases: Of the EBL cases statewide for 2009, 379 were cases in which a child tested with an EBL for the first time.
Exposure to lead is the most significant and widespread environmental hazard for children in Maryland, and according to the Center for Disease Control, there is no safe level of blood lead. Children are at the greatest risk from birth to age six while their neurological systems are being developed. Exposure to lead can cause long-term neurological damage that may be associated with learning and behavioral problems and with decreased intelligence.
Among other data, the annual Childhood Lead Registry survey compiles all blood lead tests done on Maryland children up to 18 years of age, and provides blood lead test results to local health departments as needed for case management and planning. Only the data for children under the age of 6 years is used for review of the lead poisoning prevention effort. MDE has compiled this comprehensive assessment on statewide childhood blood lead screening since 1993. Maryland’s lead poisoning prevention goal is for no child to have an elevated blood lead level by the end of year 2010.Lead paint dust from deteriorated lead paint or from renovation is the major source of exposure for children in Maryland. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 2004 American Community Survey there are more than 449,000 residential houses built before 1950 (95 percent likely to contain lead paint) and 972,000 houses built between 1950-1978 (75 percent likely to have lead paint).
Various lead paint inspection services are available to homeowners to identify lead paint or to evaluate lead paint hazards. A list of accredited inspection contractors can be found at http://www.mde.state.md.us/Programs/LandPrograms/LeadCoordination/homeOwners/search/inspector.asp.
Homeowners may do some limited testing, but information provided by a trained and accredited inspector will generally be more complete and definitive.
Anyone who removes lead paint or who conducts any other maintenance or home improvement activity that creates a hazard by disturbing lead paint should follow the safe practices that are included in Maryland Lead Paint Abatement Regulations. Safety precautions can be found on MDE’s website, at http://www.mde.state.md.us/Programs/LandPrograms/LeadCoordination/parents/parents_abatement.asp. EPA recommends that anyone planning a “do-it-yourself” renovation project call the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD (5323) and ask for more information on how to work safely in a home with lead-based paint.
EPA’s new rule applies to anyone receiving compensation for renovating, repairing, and painting work that disturbs painted surfaces in pre-1978 residences and to anyone performing similar work on facilities built prior to 1978 and occupied by children under the age of 6. Those affected by the rule are required to: apply to EPA to be approved as a Certified Renovation Firm; receive necessary training and certification from an EPA-accredited training provider for Lead Safe Work Practices; assign a Certified Renovator to be present at each project; and ensure that lead safe work practices are used throughout the project.
Water, air, and soil, may provide low-level, “background” exposure, but rarely causes childhood lead poisoning. Imported products, parental occupations, hobbies, and imported traditional medicines occasionally cause lead exposure among children.
MDE’s Lead Poisoning Prevention Program serves as the coordinating agency of statewide efforts to eliminate childhood lead poisoning. To view the childhood lead registry data online, and for more information about childhood lead poisoning prevention, please visit:www.mde.state.md.us/Programs/LandPrograms/LeadCoordination/index.asp or call 410-537-3847.
A Letter To The Editor
Joe,
"You might want to check into the appalling and unhealthy conditon of the County's Carriage House at Winterplace, which the County "rented" to the Wicomico Farm and Home Show, rather than give them assistance as the other lower shore counties do their fair. The building would be condemed if it it was not owned by the county."
"You might want to check into the appalling and unhealthy conditon of the County's Carriage House at Winterplace, which the County "rented" to the Wicomico Farm and Home Show, rather than give them assistance as the other lower shore counties do their fair. The building would be condemed if it it was not owned by the county."
SUNS DROP SHOREBIRDS 10-7 IN GAME THREE
Final Road Game of Season on Saturday Night at 7:05 p.m.
Hagerstown, Md. – The Delmarva Shorebirds watched leads evaporate on two separate occasions as the Hagerstown Suns defeated the ‘Birds 10-7 at Municipal Stadium on Friday night. The Shorebirds outhit the Suns 14-12 as five ‘Birds recorded multiple hits. The Shorebirds have notched double digits hits in four straight games.
The Shorebirds raced out to an early lead in the first inning. Trent Mummey hit a one out triple to right-center field. Ty Kelly followed with a groundout to short to score Mummey. Then, Levi Carolus and Austin Rauch hit back-to-back singles. Omar Casamayor followed with a two-run double to give the ‘Birds a 3-0 edge.
The Shorebirds added another run in the second on a sacrifice fly RBI by T.J. Baxter to plate Garabez Rosa.
The Suns stormed back in the fifth inning. Brett Newsome drew a leadoff walk. Then, Justino Cuevas hit a two-run homer over the left field wall to trim the deficit to 4-2. Three consecutive singles including a hit by Eury Perez cut the deficit to 4-3. Then, Patrick Kantakevich threw wide to first base on a comebacker allowing Marcus Jones to score. The Suns grabbed the lead on a roll out to second by Adrian Sanchez.
In the fifth, the Shorebirds regained the lead. Mummey drew a walk and later advanced to third. He scored on a wild pitch by Evan Bronson to tie the game at 5-5. Levi Carolus hit an RBI single to plate Kelly to give the ‘Birds a 6-5 lead.
The Suns immediately stole the lead right back. Two singles and an error by Garabez Rosa loaded the bases for Mills Rogers, who blasted a bases clearing double to right-center field to give the Suns an 8-6 lead. Adrian Nieto followed with a single to plate Rogers to stretch the lead to 9-6.
Relief pitcher Kyle Morrison stifled the Shorebirds in the final three innings to earn the save. He allowed just two hits and one unearned run.
Shorebirds starter Patrick Kantakevich was pinned with the loss in five innings. He allowed ten hits and seven earned runs.
Hagerstown starter Evan Bronson earned the win in six innings. He allowed 12 hits and six runs.
The Shorebirds and Suns play game their final road game of the season on Saturday night at 7:05 p.m.
Hagerstown, Md. – The Delmarva Shorebirds watched leads evaporate on two separate occasions as the Hagerstown Suns defeated the ‘Birds 10-7 at Municipal Stadium on Friday night. The Shorebirds outhit the Suns 14-12 as five ‘Birds recorded multiple hits. The Shorebirds have notched double digits hits in four straight games.
The Shorebirds raced out to an early lead in the first inning. Trent Mummey hit a one out triple to right-center field. Ty Kelly followed with a groundout to short to score Mummey. Then, Levi Carolus and Austin Rauch hit back-to-back singles. Omar Casamayor followed with a two-run double to give the ‘Birds a 3-0 edge.
The Shorebirds added another run in the second on a sacrifice fly RBI by T.J. Baxter to plate Garabez Rosa.
The Suns stormed back in the fifth inning. Brett Newsome drew a leadoff walk. Then, Justino Cuevas hit a two-run homer over the left field wall to trim the deficit to 4-2. Three consecutive singles including a hit by Eury Perez cut the deficit to 4-3. Then, Patrick Kantakevich threw wide to first base on a comebacker allowing Marcus Jones to score. The Suns grabbed the lead on a roll out to second by Adrian Sanchez.
In the fifth, the Shorebirds regained the lead. Mummey drew a walk and later advanced to third. He scored on a wild pitch by Evan Bronson to tie the game at 5-5. Levi Carolus hit an RBI single to plate Kelly to give the ‘Birds a 6-5 lead.
The Suns immediately stole the lead right back. Two singles and an error by Garabez Rosa loaded the bases for Mills Rogers, who blasted a bases clearing double to right-center field to give the Suns an 8-6 lead. Adrian Nieto followed with a single to plate Rogers to stretch the lead to 9-6.
Relief pitcher Kyle Morrison stifled the Shorebirds in the final three innings to earn the save. He allowed just two hits and one unearned run.
Shorebirds starter Patrick Kantakevich was pinned with the loss in five innings. He allowed ten hits and seven earned runs.
Hagerstown starter Evan Bronson earned the win in six innings. He allowed 12 hits and six runs.
The Shorebirds and Suns play game their final road game of the season on Saturday night at 7:05 p.m.
Conservatives And Independents Endorse Jim Rutledge For US Senate In Maryland
South Carroll Republican Club, the Maryland Republican Assembly, and the Independence Caucus endorse Jim Rutledge
FOREST HILL, Maryland- Conservatives and Independents across Maryland continue to rally behind Jim Rutledge as the candidate best qualified to lead the Republican challenge in November against Senator Barbara Mikulski.
In Carroll County Maryland last night, the South Carroll Republican Club voted to endorse Jim Rutledge for the United States Senate.
Last week, Jim Rutledge was informed that he received endorsements for the US Senate seat from the Maryland Republican Assembly and the nationally recognized Independence Caucus.
"I am grateful to receive the endorsements of these Maryland Republicans. Each of these organizations researched the field before making their decision, and that is what I encourage all voters to do," says Jim Rutledge.
"I am proud to receive the national endorsement from the Independence Caucus, which is truly committed to changing the corrupt culture of politics in Washington," explains Jim Rutledge. The Independence Caucus has also endorsed Senator Jim DeMint of South Carolina, who shares Jim Rutledge's vision of liberty and constitutionally limited government.
Last night, Jim Rutledge participated at the Hampden Community Council's Candidates Night Out in Baltimore, which is plagued with double digit unemployment and record foreclosures. Jim Rutledge received a warm welcome for his message for job creation through lower taxes, limited federal government, and strong national security.
FOREST HILL, Maryland- Conservatives and Independents across Maryland continue to rally behind Jim Rutledge as the candidate best qualified to lead the Republican challenge in November against Senator Barbara Mikulski.
In Carroll County Maryland last night, the South Carroll Republican Club voted to endorse Jim Rutledge for the United States Senate.
Last week, Jim Rutledge was informed that he received endorsements for the US Senate seat from the Maryland Republican Assembly and the nationally recognized Independence Caucus.
"I am grateful to receive the endorsements of these Maryland Republicans. Each of these organizations researched the field before making their decision, and that is what I encourage all voters to do," says Jim Rutledge.
"I am proud to receive the national endorsement from the Independence Caucus, which is truly committed to changing the corrupt culture of politics in Washington," explains Jim Rutledge. The Independence Caucus has also endorsed Senator Jim DeMint of South Carolina, who shares Jim Rutledge's vision of liberty and constitutionally limited government.
Last night, Jim Rutledge participated at the Hampden Community Council's Candidates Night Out in Baltimore, which is plagued with double digit unemployment and record foreclosures. Jim Rutledge received a warm welcome for his message for job creation through lower taxes, limited federal government, and strong national security.
SHOREBIRDS GAME NOTES: 8/27 @ Hagerstown
STAT OF THE DAY: The Shorebirds have swept only one series this season, a three-game set against Kannapolis between June 14 and 16 at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium. If they win tonight, they will go for their first four-game series sweep of the season on Saturday.
PREVIEW: With a series split already secured, the Shorebirds go for their first series win since mid-July when they took four of five from West Virginia. The ‘Birds are 0-7-1 in the last eight series (not including the current set). The Shorebirds recorded double-digit hits last night for a third straight game to top the Suns, 11-6. Nick Haughian earned his first win since July 3rd and his sixth of the year.
15 OUTFIELD ASSISTS: Mikey Planeta now leads the South Atlantic League with 15 outfield assists on the season. He threw Brett Newsome out at the plate in the sixth inning last night.
STAMPONE RETURNING: Tyler Stampone was activated off the DL yesterday and is expected to join the ‘Birds on Saturday. He hit .249 in 59 games for the Shorebirds.
EIGHT STRAIGHT FOR BRANDHORST: Reliever James Brandhorst has not allowed a run to cross in eight consecutive outings. He has gone 11.1 consecutive scoreless innings. His ERA has dropped from 4.09 to 3.25.
SEVEN-GAMER: Mike Flacco takes a seven-game hit streak into game three against Hagerstown. He is 11-for-30 during the stretch. Flacco has hit safely in 22 of the 29 games he has appeared in this season. Game one was his third three-hit game this year.
PREVIEW: With a series split already secured, the Shorebirds go for their first series win since mid-July when they took four of five from West Virginia. The ‘Birds are 0-7-1 in the last eight series (not including the current set). The Shorebirds recorded double-digit hits last night for a third straight game to top the Suns, 11-6. Nick Haughian earned his first win since July 3rd and his sixth of the year.
15 OUTFIELD ASSISTS: Mikey Planeta now leads the South Atlantic League with 15 outfield assists on the season. He threw Brett Newsome out at the plate in the sixth inning last night.
STAMPONE RETURNING: Tyler Stampone was activated off the DL yesterday and is expected to join the ‘Birds on Saturday. He hit .249 in 59 games for the Shorebirds.
EIGHT STRAIGHT FOR BRANDHORST: Reliever James Brandhorst has not allowed a run to cross in eight consecutive outings. He has gone 11.1 consecutive scoreless innings. His ERA has dropped from 4.09 to 3.25.
SEVEN-GAMER: Mike Flacco takes a seven-game hit streak into game three against Hagerstown. He is 11-for-30 during the stretch. Flacco has hit safely in 22 of the 29 games he has appeared in this season. Game one was his third three-hit game this year.
Blockbuster Filing For Bankruptcy In September
Blockbuster told Hollywood studios that it's planning to file for bankruptcy in mid-September.
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How To Avoid The Nefarious Tricks Of Outlet Malls
What is an outlet store? Long ago, factories where consumer goods were made were actually situated in the United States, and shoppers could visit factory stores to find overruns, merchandise with tiny errors, and other wonderful cut-rate goodness. (As an exciting bonus, if you took a wrong turn, you could end up on the factory floor.) Outlet malls have proliferated, but there are few factories left in America. Today, a store proclaiming itself to be an "outlet" is more likely to be peddling lower-quality merchandise under a well-known brand name. So how do you know when an outlet isn't offering any true deals?
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Converse Outlet Slashes Shoes Cost By Whole Penny After Raising MSRP By $5
New York lawyer Eric spotted a pathetic attempt by a Maryland Converse outlet store to pretend that it was offering a discount on this pair of shoes. One sticker slashes the dubious MSRP by a penny, from $30 to $29.99, but another sticker reveals that the original price was $25.
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Joint Statement from Wicomico County and Wicomico County School Bus Contractors Association
Joint statement following a meeting on Thursday, Aug. 26:We worked on issues of mutual concern. We identified seven key areas to work on and identified common ground on most of them. The Bus Contractors are meeting as soon as possible to see if there is a strong agreement. The Board of Education will meet September 16th to act on recommendations from the group. A smaller group from the Transportation Advisory Group will meet to work out technical details.
"CHECKPOINT STRIKEFORCE"
On 8/27/10, at 1048 pm, a sobriety checkpoint was conducted through a cooperative effort between the Maryland State Police (Barrack E) and the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office.
The "Checkpoint Strikeforce" sobriety checkpoint was conducted on W/B Rt 50 W/O Hobbs Rd, Wicomico County, MD. The operation began on August 27, 2010 at 1048PM to August 28, 2010 at 1254AM. During the operation 705 vehicles were checked. 0 were arrested for DUI. The checkpoint was manned by 11 Maryland State Troopers as well as 3 Wicomico County Sheriff Deputies. Additionally, a saturation patrol utilizing 6 Maryland State Troopers as well as 3 WICO Deputies was conducted from 1 AM to 3 AM. This effort resulted in 0 DUI arrests. There were no DUI arrests for the entire operation.
The "Checkpoint Strikeforce" sobriety checkpoint was conducted on W/B Rt 50 W/O Hobbs Rd, Wicomico County, MD. The operation began on August 27, 2010 at 1048PM to August 28, 2010 at 1254AM. During the operation 705 vehicles were checked. 0 were arrested for DUI. The checkpoint was manned by 11 Maryland State Troopers as well as 3 Wicomico County Sheriff Deputies. Additionally, a saturation patrol utilizing 6 Maryland State Troopers as well as 3 WICO Deputies was conducted from 1 AM to 3 AM. This effort resulted in 0 DUI arrests. There were no DUI arrests for the entire operation.
"CHECKPOINT STRIKEFORCE"
"YOU DRINK AND DRIVE, YOU LOSE"
"YOU DRINK AND DRIVE, YOU LOSE"
Charles Lollar Understands What Maryland (and America) Needs
Charles Lollar is one of the most exciting candidates to run for office in Maryland … this, or any, year. A genuine conservative, Lollar understands what Maryland needs to move forward into a prosperous future:
For decades our government has ignored the sound advice that jobs flourish in an environment of vigorous competition, low taxes, and reasonable regulations. Instead it has promoted an agenda of high taxes, higher spending and an expansion of government bureaucracy guaranteed to frustrate all who have to deal with it.
Unfortunately our current congressman believes that the government can create jobs and stimulate our economy by taking your tax dollars and spending it on more government programs, earmarks, and Wall Street bailouts, so much so that he has squandered trillions of your tax dollars, and failed to stimulate anything other than more out of control spending, bigger deficits and higher taxes.
Real problems require real solutions. Solutions that have been tested and proven effective, every time that they have been applied. With our economy in distress we can no longer afford the foolish notion that we can borrow and spend our way out of debt. You don’t have to be an economist to know that such a practice is guaranteed to fail. You only need to pick up the newspaper and look at today’s unemployment rate to realize that the current policy of tax, spend and borrow is a failure.
Jobs are created by entrepreneurs. People who risk their time, talent and personal treasure in pursuit of profit. When they get it right, they are rewarded. When they get it wrong, they are replaced by others who are better suited to create the jobs that build wealth for all of us. All without government stimulus plans, bailouts or earmarks.
As your next congressman, I will fight for an environment guaranteed to promote job growth and wealth creation. I will be a strong advocate for the proven formula of vigorous competition, lower taxes, and reasonable regulations. It is time that we abandon the failed policies that have shuttered our business community and robbed you of the ability to invest and save for your future.
Together we can make "A New Day for Maryland"!
Imagine where we would be right now with this kind of leadership in Washington.
from Delmarva Dealings
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