DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Monday, December 20, 2010
SALISBURY NEWS REACHES A NEW PLATEAU
The Truth, The Whole Truth And Nothing But The Truth: POST UPDATED BELOW
Where to begin on the sale of the old Firehouse, everything about it stinks. Granted, Palmer Gillis did follow the procedures set forth by the city of Salisbury to purchase the building however, the city did not follow it’s own procedures.
The building and property it sits on was surplussed April 2007 before the new council was seated. One of Mike Dunn’s last votes while in office. The surplus was announced at the council legislative meeting, an offer of $250,000 cash was put on the table to start the bidding for the property.
August and November 2009 the property listed as 115 S Division St is advertised in the Daily Times. The property described is the building and the lot it sits on ONLY. The city of Salisbury did not follow the law in the sale of this property. Advertisement of the property, August and November of 2009, lists ONLY the building and the parcel of land it sits on, NOT the two parcels along the river. The city threw the river properties in as an option, in an addendum but failed to advertise them publicly. While the property known as the Old Firehouse was surplussed by the council the two parcels on the river were not, therefore, they could not be sold with the advertised parcel. Why? Because the charter says any property designated as surplus or unused must be done so by council.
Copies of the addendum were sent only to interested parties they wanted to bid and then posted on the city website. This, according to the city municipal code is not proper advertisement of property for sale. Municipal code states the following; “A notice inviting proposals or an auction advertisement shall be published in a local newspaper of general circulation not less than three times within thirty (30) days prior to the date that proposals shall be made or auction held, and such notice or auction advertisement shall identify the specific property to be sold, the site, side and location.”
It should also be noted.
Only what is surplussed and advertised can be sold. Why wouldn’t Palmer Gillis or anyone else want property that has 2 parcels with river frontage as an option? The city tossed it in an addendum so the public would be none the wiser. They begged the bidders to take the property saying they can have a portion, half or both lots and they would close off the existing street if the bidder wanted them to. This city is being run by either complete imbeciles or the most corrupt people to breathe air since Spiro Agnew. This whole deal is illegal and should be subject to injunctive relief.
The municipal code says; “To assure that all who may be interested in developing real property owned by the city of Salisbury which is surplus or unused are given an equitable opportunity to participate”
One could argue that an offer of $250,000 cash at the podium of a city council meeting is not an offer to purchase and that a RFP should have been submitted. However, the RFP states it was sent to all who showed an interest in the property. This is simply not true, ALL did not receive an RFP. ALL that the city wanted to submit an RFP may have received notice, ALL that showed interest did not.
The code also states; “The director of procurement shall determine whether city-owned land is surplus or unused in accordance with the City Charter and make recommendations to the city council as to the sale or disposition of such real property.”
Of course, Paul Wilber will come back and say it’s ok because it was put into the addendum. This is NOT OKAY! The same municipal code Paul Wilber writes to protect landlords states specifically how surplussed property must be handled. An addendum, sent to only those interested in purchasing the property, posted on a website is not considered public notification
The RFP also states bids will be sealed bids. How were they sealed bids if the council was always making reference to who bid and their intended use for the property PUBLICLY?
The RFP and Addenda also state the proposed use of the property must meet the approval of council. Well, all along the Gillises stated UMES and Perdue was partnering in this venture until the last council meeting when they realized people called and asked questions. After the council gave the firehouse away Gillis admits in the newspaper UMES was not going to partner with him. Representatives from UMES stated they were always more out of this deal than in. I don’t know of any individual that has partnered with Perdue. All this talk about partnering with UMES and the Hospitality program came from Brad Gillis, Palmer Gillis and Karl Binns, who teaches in the hospitality program at UMES. It should also be known that Mr. Binns is a very close friend of Lore Chambers, assistant city administrator.
Now that the cat is out of the bag regarding Palmer and Brad Gillis’s partnerships, or lack thereof, what is the real intended use for this property? Condos in the old firehouse? Bar and restaurant along the river?
UPDATE: Let me take this to yet ANOTHER level, or two. #1, BOTH parcels near the river were purchased with "OPEN SPACE" money. The City CANNOT surplus that property! Idiots! #2, based on the "SCORING" they did for the RFP's, according to their own rules, because UMES backed out, Brushmiller's proposal would actually have been a HANDS DOWN better offer, BY A LONG SHOT! We will be investigating this scoring system this week before all final documents are turned over to our attorneys. AGAIN, I want to reflect on the FACT that your local MSM never picked up on ANY of this. They are simply there, (any more) as a Press Release for most of the stories handed to them. Most of them are way too green to the Shore to have ANY clue what's really going on politically.
HOWEVER, you can continue to depend on Salisbury News to deliver you the FACTS and ORIGINAL stories while the rest produce OUR local news on television hours later, right WBOC. Let everyone else do the work while you take the credit.
Missing Dog
Her name is lady we also call her lady bug. She slipped out the door around 6pm on 12-19-2010. She is called a blue pit. She is gray with white on her chest and paws. She has missing hair on her tail closest to her body. She is a house dog and is never outside unless being walked. She has a family that misses her and loves her alot she is 6yrs old. We live right across from Food Lion off Nanticoke Rd. Cash reward offered for her safe return or info leading up to her safe return. She has a 8yr old little boy that misses her alot we need our family complete for Christmas, please help. 443-359-9173 or 443-736-8345 or 443-359-5072 any time, any hour
Thank You
Alisha Matthews and the Matthews Family
HOLIDAY HOURS AT NEWLAND PARK LANDFILL
Wicomico County Executive Richard M. Pollitt, Jr., announced today that the Newland Park Landfill will remain open until noon on both Christmas Eve, December 24th, and New Year’s Eve, December 31st . Normally, those days are not county holidays but when the actual holidays occur on Saturday, the preceding day is observed. The Landfill will be closed on both Christmas Day, December 25th, and New Year’s Day, January 1st.
Mr. Pollitt said, “I think it is important to observe the holidays but it is also equally important to meet the needs of the users of county services. We wish all a happy holiday season with home and family.”
Today’s County Commissioner, Tomorrow ’s Congressman
The Ryun brothers want to infuse new Tea Party blood into the political system.
So the veteran politicos behind the conservative American Majority organization are putting their energy into training novice Tea Party candidates running for a school board, city council or state senate seat in your town.
While other Tea Party-affiliated groups have zeroed in on specifically helping candidates win seats inside the U.S. Capitol, Drew and Ned Ryun are more focused on developing a farm team at the local and state level who one day could run for Congress.
“I make the argument that’s where political careers begin,” Ned Ryun explained in an interview. “Today’s county commissioner, tomorrow’s congressman. You’ve got to feed the system.”
The brothers’ organization launched in 2008 in a small office in Purcellville, Va., though American Majority has roots dating back to 2005, when the Ryuns drew up a document laying out plans to create a “systematic, year-in year-out, 365-days-a-year approach to identifying and training people to be a national farm team of conservative leaders.”
Ned Ryun is the founder and president of American Majority, registered with the IRS as a 501(c)(3) political training institute. Drew Ryun is the president of the 501(c)(4) arm that can engage in more politically tinged activities.
“We had noticed that a lot of times that it came to open-seat elections at the federal level, or when it came time to potentially have a good conservative run for and win a federal seat, we had no farm team,” Drew Ryun explained. “A lot of people would be looking around and going, “Well, where’s our farm team? Who’s going to be that person, that proven conservative, that can step up to the plate and actually, legitimately run for and win higher office?’”
The timing of starting such a group was perfect, they maintain, as it was just a few months later in the spring of 2009 when the Tea Party movement burst onto the country’s political scene.
“The thing that’s been cool that we’ve been able to do at American Majority is taking people that came out for the first time in 2009 and really empowering them and saying, ‘OK, move past the protesting to what really will cause change,’ and helping them really organize into a real political machine,” Ned Ryun said.
The group has done about 395 trainings in 40 different states since then.
The brothers maintain that they have a unique “perspective on life” because their father — former Kansas Republican Rep. Jim Ryun — was in the House for 10 years. Also, Drew Ryun was a deputy director at the Republican National Committee, and Ned Ryun was a writer in the George W. Bush White House.
Read more here
So the veteran politicos behind the conservative American Majority organization are putting their energy into training novice Tea Party candidates running for a school board, city council or state senate seat in your town.
While other Tea Party-affiliated groups have zeroed in on specifically helping candidates win seats inside the U.S. Capitol, Drew and Ned Ryun are more focused on developing a farm team at the local and state level who one day could run for Congress.
“I make the argument that’s where political careers begin,” Ned Ryun explained in an interview. “Today’s county commissioner, tomorrow’s congressman. You’ve got to feed the system.”
The brothers’ organization launched in 2008 in a small office in Purcellville, Va., though American Majority has roots dating back to 2005, when the Ryuns drew up a document laying out plans to create a “systematic, year-in year-out, 365-days-a-year approach to identifying and training people to be a national farm team of conservative leaders.”
Ned Ryun is the founder and president of American Majority, registered with the IRS as a 501(c)(3) political training institute. Drew Ryun is the president of the 501(c)(4) arm that can engage in more politically tinged activities.
“We had noticed that a lot of times that it came to open-seat elections at the federal level, or when it came time to potentially have a good conservative run for and win a federal seat, we had no farm team,” Drew Ryun explained. “A lot of people would be looking around and going, “Well, where’s our farm team? Who’s going to be that person, that proven conservative, that can step up to the plate and actually, legitimately run for and win higher office?’”
The timing of starting such a group was perfect, they maintain, as it was just a few months later in the spring of 2009 when the Tea Party movement burst onto the country’s political scene.
“The thing that’s been cool that we’ve been able to do at American Majority is taking people that came out for the first time in 2009 and really empowering them and saying, ‘OK, move past the protesting to what really will cause change,’ and helping them really organize into a real political machine,” Ned Ryun said.
The group has done about 395 trainings in 40 different states since then.
The brothers maintain that they have a unique “perspective on life” because their father — former Kansas Republican Rep. Jim Ryun — was in the House for 10 years. Also, Drew Ryun was a deputy director at the Republican National Committee, and Ned Ryun was a writer in the George W. Bush White House.
Read more here
Breaking News Story At 3:30 PM
Salisbury News will deliver a Breaking News Story at 3:30 PM today on the old Fire Station 16. This should clearly show the local MSM is not capable of doing ANY investigative work to show you the TRUTH.
This Is What I'm Talking About!
Vehicles started lining up at the Sheriff's Office with, well, you name it. So much so that 4 vehicles were completely loaded and on the way to their temporary home.
Thanks to so many of you the Ashley Family will have, (in the very least) clothes on their back, furniture to sit and sleep on and at least a half way decent Christmas. Yes, there was even a Christmas Tree in the group of items.
I want it to be known, Furniture Land, (while I was present) made an offer to donate brand new furniture for the Family as well.
So I thank ALL of you for taking the time to deliver these very special gifts. Together We Can Make A Difference!
We're Back
Let me assure each and every one of you, Law Enforcement is on this and have already started knocking on doors asking questions.
Considering what we all experienced almost a year ago here on the Eastern Shore, making such a threat on a child will not be taken lightly.
The Delaware State Police have been to my home and spent quite some time reviewing the evidence, taking notes and making phone calls. I am very confident as well as comforted with their interest and promptness. I can also say that I have spoken to other Law Enforcement Agencies and they have offered their cooperation with the Delaware State Police.
That being said, it's time to move on and get back to what we do best. Folks, allow me to say this. I am well aware that many do not agree with me on many issues, that's what blogging is all about. YOU have every right to your opinion. I'm not going to pull a sob story, its Christmas Time. I will simply say this. Agree with me or disagree with me, I'm cool with that. HOWEVER, leave my Wife and our 10 year old Grandson out of it. They are NOT public figures and quite frankly the threat that we published said NOTHING about harm towards me. Their mistake was threatening a woman and a child.
Come after me all you like but I beg of you, please leave the spouses and children out of it. Thank You for understand and again, thanks for all the support.
Red Kettle Volunteer Charts
Thank you, for your continued support of the Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign. To volunteer call the Salvation Army at 410-749-RING (7464)
DOMESTIC ASSULT LEADS TO STABBING AND OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING
On December 20, 2010, at approximately 11:07 a.m., Ocean City Police received a 911
call for a domestic dispute on 82nd Street. The caller stated to police dispatchers that
there was a protective order against the suspect, who was currently at the residence with
a knife.
Ocean City Police arrived on scene and witnessed the suspect assault the victim with a
knife. Ocean City Police gave verbal orders for the suspect to drop the knife. The suspect
refused to drop the weapon at which time he was shot by an Ocean City Police officer.
The suspect and the victim are currently being treated for their injuries, however their
condition is unknown. In addition, no Ocean City Police officers were injured during the
incident.
The names of the individuals involved, including the suspect, the victim and the Ocean City
Police officer, are not being released at this time. The remainder of the investigation will be
conducted by the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit and assisted by the Worcester County
Bureau of Investigation.
call for a domestic dispute on 82nd Street. The caller stated to police dispatchers that
there was a protective order against the suspect, who was currently at the residence with
a knife.
Ocean City Police arrived on scene and witnessed the suspect assault the victim with a
knife. Ocean City Police gave verbal orders for the suspect to drop the knife. The suspect
refused to drop the weapon at which time he was shot by an Ocean City Police officer.
The suspect and the victim are currently being treated for their injuries, however their
condition is unknown. In addition, no Ocean City Police officers were injured during the
incident.
The names of the individuals involved, including the suspect, the victim and the Ocean City
Police officer, are not being released at this time. The remainder of the investigation will be
conducted by the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit and assisted by the Worcester County
Bureau of Investigation.
Breaking News
OCPD just shot someone. Few details at this time. Suspect reportedly stabbed wife/girlfriend @ 82nd street. More to come.
Another Threat On Our Lives
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "A Comment Worthy Of A Post":
"joe your a fuckin faggot when i find you im gonna rape your wife and kill your piece of shit grandson"
The authorities have been contacted and I expect a full criminal investigation to follow.
UPDATE: Here's how I feel about this matter. I have made contact with both Maryland and Delaware Authorities on this matter. UNTIL I feel there is a formal investigation on this matter, Salisbury News will go idle until I am convinced someone is going to take this seriously.
I will continue to publish breaking news important to our community but NO ONE in this world deserves this. I have dedicated almost 7 years of our lives to serving this community and it's high times this community gives back. I encourage you to contact our local law enforcement, states attorneys and even the FBI to assure this is immediately investigated to the fullest.
With all the Part 1 crimes going on here on the Shore, this will NOT be taken lightly. Once I feel comfortable enough that law enforcement is doing EVERYTHING they can to protect my Family, I'll be back. I want to warn each and every one of you of the following. My property is PRIVATE PROPERTY and is posted as such. Do NOT attempt to come anywhere near my property or I will defend our lives, period.
I'll close with this. 30 minutes before I received this threatening comment I had received an aggressive phone call from Wayne Barrall. I ultimately had to hang the phone up on him. I had also, (over the weekend) received numerous text messages from John Robinson. That's all I have to say about that. Please, for the sake of a 10 year old child and an innocent woman, contact your law enforcement so all of this can come to an end.
Hopefully I'll be back soon enough.
"joe your a fuckin faggot when i find you im gonna rape your wife and kill your piece of shit grandson"
The authorities have been contacted and I expect a full criminal investigation to follow.
UPDATE: Here's how I feel about this matter. I have made contact with both Maryland and Delaware Authorities on this matter. UNTIL I feel there is a formal investigation on this matter, Salisbury News will go idle until I am convinced someone is going to take this seriously.
I will continue to publish breaking news important to our community but NO ONE in this world deserves this. I have dedicated almost 7 years of our lives to serving this community and it's high times this community gives back. I encourage you to contact our local law enforcement, states attorneys and even the FBI to assure this is immediately investigated to the fullest.
With all the Part 1 crimes going on here on the Shore, this will NOT be taken lightly. Once I feel comfortable enough that law enforcement is doing EVERYTHING they can to protect my Family, I'll be back. I want to warn each and every one of you of the following. My property is PRIVATE PROPERTY and is posted as such. Do NOT attempt to come anywhere near my property or I will defend our lives, period.
I'll close with this. 30 minutes before I received this threatening comment I had received an aggressive phone call from Wayne Barrall. I ultimately had to hang the phone up on him. I had also, (over the weekend) received numerous text messages from John Robinson. That's all I have to say about that. Please, for the sake of a 10 year old child and an innocent woman, contact your law enforcement so all of this can come to an end.
Hopefully I'll be back soon enough.
Senate Passes Food Safety Bill For Second Time, Sends To House
WASHINGTON -- The Senate on Sunday passed a sweeping bill to make food safer, sending it to the House in the waning days of Congress.
It was the second time the Senate passed the bill, which would give the government broad new powers to increase inspections of food processing facilities and force companies to recall tainted food. The chamber passed the bill for the first time three weeks ago, but it was caught in a constitutional snag when senators mistakenly included tax provisions that are by law supposed to originate in the House.
The version of the legislation passed by the Senate on Sunday is amended to avoid another such mishap.
GO HERE to read more.
Alabama Mother Of 2 Killed By Pothole
HEFLIN, Ala. -- His wife riding beside him with their two children in safety seats in the back, John Fisher drove home toward South Carolina along a stretch of Interstate 20 covered with ruts, bumps and crumbling concrete.
Just ahead of the family, Crystal Marie Dick was heading to the other side of the Georgia line to give a friend a ride.
The pothole in front of her 1995 Toyota Camry had been fixed at least once already, and now the repair was breaking down, too. A pocket of jagged, brittle bits of concrete covered nearly half of the right lane, the slow lane.
Her Camry hit the hole, kicking a chunk into the air as the Fishers' green Ford pickup hurtled forward at 70 mph.
The glass directly in front of Fisher's wife exploded.
GO HERE to read more.
'Survivor' 21 Was All About Playing Dumb
Time and again during "Survivor: Nicaragua," fans of the show complained loudly that this latest batch of contestants was by far the dumbest group to ever play the game. And during the finale, the proof of that was in the win.
GO HERE to read more.
More See Walking On Mortgage As A Viable Plan
More see walking on mortgage as a viable plan
More Americans than ever are showing a willingness to walk away from their underwater homes, according to a recent survey. Chris Kelly is a perfect example of someone who never thought she would send the bank “jingle mail.” But she did.
Until last year Kelly, a 46-year-old administrative assistant, was living in a 3,000-square-foot home she owned with her ex-husband in the Seattle suburbs.
The duo had put the three-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath home on the market before finalizing their divorce in the spring of 2009 but had no luck luring move-up buyers to the $600,000 home even after price markdowns.
GO HERE to read more.
Plan Bans Illegals From Virginia Public Universities
e "DREAM Act" plan would have given benefits and rights to illegal aliens who want to go to school in the U.S., but the state of Virginia isn't prepared to depend on what Washington decides - it has its own plan to address the situation: a ban on those students in public colleges and universities.
A leading GOP legislator in the Virginia House of Delegates is poised to introduce a bill which would prohibit illegal aliens from attending public colleges and universities in the commonwealth, and a constitutional scholar tells WND that U.S. Supreme Court case law may well ensure that the proposed law can be enforced.
Delegate Chris Peace, a Republican from the state's 97th House district in suburban Richmond, in an interview with WND said he was "amazed" to learn when researching the bill that some of Virginia's public universities, like Virginia Tech, did not have any policy regarding the admission of illegal aliens.
Others, like the prestigious University of Virginia, founded by Thomas Jefferson, told Peace they did not "knowingly" admit or enroll individuals who were illegally present in the U.S.
The result was Peace's bill, House Bill 1465, which he says provides not just cost savings for the state, but also creates a uniform policy for state-supported institutions of higher education. Further, it ensures that bright youngsters from Virginia who have received perfect grades are not shut out of the admissions process because of issues of "space" at the public colleges, he said.
"Should this legislation pass, it is difficult to determine how much savings would accrue to the Commonwealth, since there is no current policy screening applicants," Peace told WND. "But the public policy goal does not center on savings, per se; rather, it is one of principle. If all colleges and universities created policies sua sponte [Law Latin – for on their own initiative] then there would be no need for this legislation. To date, several have been unwilling to do so."
Peace noted that higher education is a "privilege," not a "right," and that illegal aliens would still be able to attend private colleges in Virginia.
More from WND
A leading GOP legislator in the Virginia House of Delegates is poised to introduce a bill which would prohibit illegal aliens from attending public colleges and universities in the commonwealth, and a constitutional scholar tells WND that U.S. Supreme Court case law may well ensure that the proposed law can be enforced.
Delegate Chris Peace, a Republican from the state's 97th House district in suburban Richmond, in an interview with WND said he was "amazed" to learn when researching the bill that some of Virginia's public universities, like Virginia Tech, did not have any policy regarding the admission of illegal aliens.
Others, like the prestigious University of Virginia, founded by Thomas Jefferson, told Peace they did not "knowingly" admit or enroll individuals who were illegally present in the U.S.
The result was Peace's bill, House Bill 1465, which he says provides not just cost savings for the state, but also creates a uniform policy for state-supported institutions of higher education. Further, it ensures that bright youngsters from Virginia who have received perfect grades are not shut out of the admissions process because of issues of "space" at the public colleges, he said.
"Should this legislation pass, it is difficult to determine how much savings would accrue to the Commonwealth, since there is no current policy screening applicants," Peace told WND. "But the public policy goal does not center on savings, per se; rather, it is one of principle. If all colleges and universities created policies sua sponte [Law Latin – for on their own initiative] then there would be no need for this legislation. To date, several have been unwilling to do so."
Peace noted that higher education is a "privilege," not a "right," and that illegal aliens would still be able to attend private colleges in Virginia.
More from WND
Rescuers Fined After Freeing Deer From Patapsco Ice
Two men who rescued a deer trapped in Patapsco River ice were each fined $90 by a state Natural Resources Police officer because they did not have life vests aboard the inflatable boat they used to reach the animal.
GO HERE to read more.
GO HERE to read more.
Big Brother Tightens Choke Hold On Internet
The United Nations is now joining the Obama administration and Democratic commissioners on the FCC in an attempt to regulate the Internet, Jerome Corsi's Red Alert reports.
"The U.N. is reacting to concerns of member governments, including the United States, that the Internet has made companies like WikiLeaks possible, while the FCC is more concerned about conservative news outlets on the Internet that are increasingly undermining government attempts to control the news through sympathetic mainstream media outlets," Corsi wrote.
"What is at stake is the future of electronic free-speech rights, as governments around the world realize how much less control government authorities have with a robust and critical press able to operate freely on the Internet."
Australia's ItNews.com reported that the U.N. is considering whether to set up an inter-governmental working group to "harmonize" global efforts by policymakers to regulate the Internet.
The U.N. claims authority to regulate the Internet under a U.N. Economic and Social Council resolution passed in July that invited the U.N. secretary-general to begin discussions on coordinating government efforts to regulate the Internet on a global basis.
"Obviously, the U.N. is uncomfortable with anything like the Internet that the globalists cannot control," Corsi wrote.
Meanwhile, the FCC is preparing in its Dec. 21 meeting this week to vote on a proposal called "net neutrality."
More here
"The U.N. is reacting to concerns of member governments, including the United States, that the Internet has made companies like WikiLeaks possible, while the FCC is more concerned about conservative news outlets on the Internet that are increasingly undermining government attempts to control the news through sympathetic mainstream media outlets," Corsi wrote.
"What is at stake is the future of electronic free-speech rights, as governments around the world realize how much less control government authorities have with a robust and critical press able to operate freely on the Internet."
Australia's ItNews.com reported that the U.N. is considering whether to set up an inter-governmental working group to "harmonize" global efforts by policymakers to regulate the Internet.
The U.N. claims authority to regulate the Internet under a U.N. Economic and Social Council resolution passed in July that invited the U.N. secretary-general to begin discussions on coordinating government efforts to regulate the Internet on a global basis.
"Obviously, the U.N. is uncomfortable with anything like the Internet that the globalists cannot control," Corsi wrote.
Meanwhile, the FCC is preparing in its Dec. 21 meeting this week to vote on a proposal called "net neutrality."
More here
DejaVu: Chavez Defends Plan For Internet Regulations
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez defended plans for a law that would impose broadcast-type regulations on the Internet, saying Sunday that his government should protect citizens against online crimes.
Chavez's congressional allies are considering extending the "Social Responsibility Law" for broadcast media to the Internet, banning messages that "disrespect public authorities," "incite or promote hatred" or crimes, or are aimed at creating "anxiety" in the population.
Government opponents and press freedom groups have been critical of the plan, saying it is one of several measures being considered that could restrict freedoms in Venezuela.
More
Chavez's congressional allies are considering extending the "Social Responsibility Law" for broadcast media to the Internet, banning messages that "disrespect public authorities," "incite or promote hatred" or crimes, or are aimed at creating "anxiety" in the population.
Government opponents and press freedom groups have been critical of the plan, saying it is one of several measures being considered that could restrict freedoms in Venezuela.
More
"Birther" Doc Gets 6 Months in Prison and Dischage
FORT MEADE, Md. -- Just hours after being found guilty at his court-martial, Army Lt. Col. Terrence Lakin said he was ashamed and remorseful over his decision to refuse deployment to Afghanistan earlier this year, but he hedged on questions about President Obama’s citizenship.
“I don’t want [my career] to end this way,” a tearful Lakin said to military jurors during the sentencing phase of his trial Wednesday afternoon. “I want to continue to serve. ... It crushed me not to be on deployment. I can be on a plane tomorrow. I’d truly do that.”
Lakin, a 17-year Army physician, was sentenced to six months in prison and dismissal from the service on Thursday after being found guilty of disobeying orders and ignoring his deployment orders. In April, Lakin posted an online video declaring he would not return to Afghanistan with his unit until questions regarding Obama’s birth certificate were answered to his satisfaction. The move made him an instant hero to the birther movement, which helped him raise money for his legal defense.
Obama was born in Hawaii, but questions about his parents and overseas upbringing were raised during his 2008 presidential campaign. Hawaiian officials that year verified the existence of his birth certificate, addressing those issues for all but a fringe group that insists that the president is not legally qualified to serve in the White House.
From The Stars and Stripes
“I don’t want [my career] to end this way,” a tearful Lakin said to military jurors during the sentencing phase of his trial Wednesday afternoon. “I want to continue to serve. ... It crushed me not to be on deployment. I can be on a plane tomorrow. I’d truly do that.”
Lakin, a 17-year Army physician, was sentenced to six months in prison and dismissal from the service on Thursday after being found guilty of disobeying orders and ignoring his deployment orders. In April, Lakin posted an online video declaring he would not return to Afghanistan with his unit until questions regarding Obama’s birth certificate were answered to his satisfaction. The move made him an instant hero to the birther movement, which helped him raise money for his legal defense.
Obama was born in Hawaii, but questions about his parents and overseas upbringing were raised during his 2008 presidential campaign. Hawaiian officials that year verified the existence of his birth certificate, addressing those issues for all but a fringe group that insists that the president is not legally qualified to serve in the White House.
From The Stars and Stripes
Gov't By Decree: The FCC's Threat To Internet Freedom
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will mark the winter solstice by taking an unprecedented step to expand government's reach into the Internet by attempting to regulate its inner workings. In doing so, the agency will circumvent Congress and disregard a recent court ruling.
How did the FCC get here?
For years, proponents of so-called "net neutrality" have been calling for strong regulation of broadband "on-ramps" to the Internet, like those provided by your local cable or phone companies. Rules are needed, the argument goes, to ensure that the Internet remains open and free, and to discourage broadband providers from thwarting consumer demand.
That sounds good if you say it fast.
Nothing is broken and needs fixing, however. The Internet has been open and freedom-enhancing since it was spun off from a government research project in the early 1990s. Its nature as a diffuse and dynamic global network of networks defies top-down authority. Ample laws to protect consumers already exist. Furthermore, the Obama Justice Department and the European Commission both decided this year that net-neutrality regulation was unnecessary and might deter investment in next-generation Internet technology and infrastructure.
Analysts and broadband companies of all sizes have told the FCC that new rules are likely to have the perverse effect of inhibiting capital investment, deterring innovation, raising operating costs, and ultimately increasing consumer prices. Others maintain that the new rules will kill jobs. By moving forward with Internet rules anyway, the FCC is not living up to its promise of being "data driven" in its pursuit of mandates—i.e., listening to the needs of the market.
It wasn't long ago that bipartisan and international consensus centered on insulating the Internet from regulation. This policy was a bright hallmark of the Clinton administration, which oversaw the Internet's privatization.
Over time, however, the call for more Internet regulation became imbedded into a 2008 presidential campaign promise by then-Sen. Barack Obama. So here we are.
Last year, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski started to fulfill this promise by proposing rules using a legal theory from an earlier commission decision that was under court review. So confident were they in their case, FCC lawyers told the federal court of appeals in Washington, D.C., that their theory gave the agency the authority to regulate broadband rates, even though Congress has never given the FCC the power to regulate the Internet.
FCC leaders seemed caught off guard by the extent of the court's April 6 rebuke of the commission's regulatory overreach.
In May, the FCC leadership floated the idea of deeming complex and dynamic Internet services equivalent to old-fashioned monopoly phone services, thereby triggering price-and-terms regulations that originated in the 1880s.
The announcement produced what has become a rare event in Washington: A large, bipartisan majority of Congress agreeing on something. More than 300 members of Congress, including 86 Democrats, contacted the FCC to implore it to stop pursuing Internet regulation and to defer to Capitol Hill.
Facing a powerful congressional backlash, the FCC temporarily changed tack and convened negotiations over the summer with a select group of industry representatives and proponents of Internet regulation. Curiously, the commission abruptly dissolved the talks after Google and Verizon, former Internet-policy rivals, announced their own side agreement for a legislative blueprint. Yes, the effort to reach consensus was derailed by . . . consensus.
After a long August silence, it appeared that the FCC would defer to Congress after all. Agency officials began working with House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Henry Waxman on a draft bill codifying network management rules. No Republican members endorsed the measure. Later, proponents abandoned the congressional effort to regulate the Net.
To date, the FCC hasn't ruled out increasing its power further by using the phone monopoly laws, directly or indirectly regulating rates someday, or expanding its reach deeper into mobile broadband services. The most expansive regulatory regimes frequently started out modest and innocuous before incrementally growing into heavy-handed behemoths.
More here
How did the FCC get here?
For years, proponents of so-called "net neutrality" have been calling for strong regulation of broadband "on-ramps" to the Internet, like those provided by your local cable or phone companies. Rules are needed, the argument goes, to ensure that the Internet remains open and free, and to discourage broadband providers from thwarting consumer demand.
That sounds good if you say it fast.
Nothing is broken and needs fixing, however. The Internet has been open and freedom-enhancing since it was spun off from a government research project in the early 1990s. Its nature as a diffuse and dynamic global network of networks defies top-down authority. Ample laws to protect consumers already exist. Furthermore, the Obama Justice Department and the European Commission both decided this year that net-neutrality regulation was unnecessary and might deter investment in next-generation Internet technology and infrastructure.
Analysts and broadband companies of all sizes have told the FCC that new rules are likely to have the perverse effect of inhibiting capital investment, deterring innovation, raising operating costs, and ultimately increasing consumer prices. Others maintain that the new rules will kill jobs. By moving forward with Internet rules anyway, the FCC is not living up to its promise of being "data driven" in its pursuit of mandates—i.e., listening to the needs of the market.
It wasn't long ago that bipartisan and international consensus centered on insulating the Internet from regulation. This policy was a bright hallmark of the Clinton administration, which oversaw the Internet's privatization.
Over time, however, the call for more Internet regulation became imbedded into a 2008 presidential campaign promise by then-Sen. Barack Obama. So here we are.
Last year, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski started to fulfill this promise by proposing rules using a legal theory from an earlier commission decision that was under court review. So confident were they in their case, FCC lawyers told the federal court of appeals in Washington, D.C., that their theory gave the agency the authority to regulate broadband rates, even though Congress has never given the FCC the power to regulate the Internet.
FCC leaders seemed caught off guard by the extent of the court's April 6 rebuke of the commission's regulatory overreach.
In May, the FCC leadership floated the idea of deeming complex and dynamic Internet services equivalent to old-fashioned monopoly phone services, thereby triggering price-and-terms regulations that originated in the 1880s.
The announcement produced what has become a rare event in Washington: A large, bipartisan majority of Congress agreeing on something. More than 300 members of Congress, including 86 Democrats, contacted the FCC to implore it to stop pursuing Internet regulation and to defer to Capitol Hill.
Facing a powerful congressional backlash, the FCC temporarily changed tack and convened negotiations over the summer with a select group of industry representatives and proponents of Internet regulation. Curiously, the commission abruptly dissolved the talks after Google and Verizon, former Internet-policy rivals, announced their own side agreement for a legislative blueprint. Yes, the effort to reach consensus was derailed by . . . consensus.
After a long August silence, it appeared that the FCC would defer to Congress after all. Agency officials began working with House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Henry Waxman on a draft bill codifying network management rules. No Republican members endorsed the measure. Later, proponents abandoned the congressional effort to regulate the Net.
To date, the FCC hasn't ruled out increasing its power further by using the phone monopoly laws, directly or indirectly regulating rates someday, or expanding its reach deeper into mobile broadband services. The most expansive regulatory regimes frequently started out modest and innocuous before incrementally growing into heavy-handed behemoths.
More here
Fed Reverses Anti-Christian Bank Decision In OK
The Federal Reserve has reversed its decision that originally forced a small Oklahoma bank to remove from its premises and website Bible verses, crosses, and Christmas buttons. The reversal occurred after national outcry and a letter from two Oklahoma lawmakers who charged that the decision may be unconstitutional.
Sen Jim Inhofe (R-OK) and Rep. Frank Lucas (R-OK) sent a joint letter to Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke on Friday afternoon saying they have “seldom encountered a more alarming case of heavy-handed interpretation and enforcement of Federal regulations,” and charging the decision may be in violation of “fundamental Constitutional protections.”
The letter ended by demanding a response. That response came Friday afternoon, when the Federal Reserve’s second in command contacted Payne County Bank president Lynn Kindler in Perkins, OK and told him he could once again display his Christian artifacts and Bible verses.
“The Federal Reserve restored everything on a permanent basis,” he told KOCO-TV in Oklahoma City. “It’s over. We can put everything back up the way it was and keep it there.”
Originally the Fed told the bank its Christian symbols violated the discouragement clause of Regulation B of the bank regulations. The clause prohibits “… the use of words, symbols, models and other forms of communication… [that] express, imply or suggest a discriminatory preference or policy of exclusion.” Fed examiners interpreted that to mean the bank’s overtly Christian messages could offend people of other faiths.
More on this story here
Sen Jim Inhofe (R-OK) and Rep. Frank Lucas (R-OK) sent a joint letter to Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke on Friday afternoon saying they have “seldom encountered a more alarming case of heavy-handed interpretation and enforcement of Federal regulations,” and charging the decision may be in violation of “fundamental Constitutional protections.”
The letter ended by demanding a response. That response came Friday afternoon, when the Federal Reserve’s second in command contacted Payne County Bank president Lynn Kindler in Perkins, OK and told him he could once again display his Christian artifacts and Bible verses.
“The Federal Reserve restored everything on a permanent basis,” he told KOCO-TV in Oklahoma City. “It’s over. We can put everything back up the way it was and keep it there.”
Originally the Fed told the bank its Christian symbols violated the discouragement clause of Regulation B of the bank regulations. The clause prohibits “… the use of words, symbols, models and other forms of communication… [that] express, imply or suggest a discriminatory preference or policy of exclusion.” Fed examiners interpreted that to mean the bank’s overtly Christian messages could offend people of other faiths.
More on this story here
McConnell Faces Down Obama As START Moves To Vote This Week
As the Senate geared up for a showdown over the new Start treaty Monday, opposition grew as leading Republicans, including Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell, raised serious questions about loopholes involving verification and other facets of the proposed nuclear pact between Russia and the United States.
Among the major developments:
* Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell announced Sunday that he will oppose the treaty, saying that Democrats are trying to “jam” it through without serious examination.
* The Senate on Sunday blocked a Republican-sponsored amendment that would have changed the preamble to include language on tactical weapons and the "inter-relationship between non-strategic and strategic offensive arms.”
* Sen. Lindsey Graham, another potential vote for the treaty, also voiced his opposition, saying he’d write to the Russians to clarify matters he believes the Obama administration has muddled.
* A letter written by President Obama to McConnell to sway Republican holdouts seemed to have little effect. Obama crafted the letter after an amendment sponsored by Sen. John McCain was also voted down.
The START nuclear-arms treaty will be debated Monday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Eastern. But Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, still unable to assure the president he has the votes needed for passage, did not say when a final vote would be scheduled.
The treaty calls for the U.S. and Russia to each cut their number of deployed nuclear weapons to 1,550 within seven years. It must be approved by the Senate and the Federation Council of Russia. Any changes to the treaty now would effectively kill it for the session and send it back to the negotiation table.
McConnell’s opposition now makes ratification a lot harder for President Obama, who has staked much of his foreign policy reputation on getting START passed. The treaty needs to be ratified by two-thirds of the 100-member Senate. The Democrats, though in control of the Senate, will need the support of some Republicans.
McConnell’s statements were a blunt response to a letter crafted by President Obama after the Senate Saturday struck down an amendment by McCain, R-Ariz., that would have amended the treaty's non-binding preamble by dividing the core mission of the treaty – verifying the reduction of nuclear stockpiles from the more controversial issue of U.S.-backed missile defense systems.
“I’ve decided that I cannot support the treaty. I think the verification provisions are inadequate and I do worry about the missile defense implications of it,” McConnell told CNN’s Candy Crowley.
Here's more
Among the major developments:
* Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell announced Sunday that he will oppose the treaty, saying that Democrats are trying to “jam” it through without serious examination.
* The Senate on Sunday blocked a Republican-sponsored amendment that would have changed the preamble to include language on tactical weapons and the "inter-relationship between non-strategic and strategic offensive arms.”
* Sen. Lindsey Graham, another potential vote for the treaty, also voiced his opposition, saying he’d write to the Russians to clarify matters he believes the Obama administration has muddled.
* A letter written by President Obama to McConnell to sway Republican holdouts seemed to have little effect. Obama crafted the letter after an amendment sponsored by Sen. John McCain was also voted down.
The START nuclear-arms treaty will be debated Monday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Eastern. But Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, still unable to assure the president he has the votes needed for passage, did not say when a final vote would be scheduled.
The treaty calls for the U.S. and Russia to each cut their number of deployed nuclear weapons to 1,550 within seven years. It must be approved by the Senate and the Federation Council of Russia. Any changes to the treaty now would effectively kill it for the session and send it back to the negotiation table.
McConnell’s opposition now makes ratification a lot harder for President Obama, who has staked much of his foreign policy reputation on getting START passed. The treaty needs to be ratified by two-thirds of the 100-member Senate. The Democrats, though in control of the Senate, will need the support of some Republicans.
McConnell’s statements were a blunt response to a letter crafted by President Obama after the Senate Saturday struck down an amendment by McCain, R-Ariz., that would have amended the treaty's non-binding preamble by dividing the core mission of the treaty – verifying the reduction of nuclear stockpiles from the more controversial issue of U.S.-backed missile defense systems.
“I’ve decided that I cannot support the treaty. I think the verification provisions are inadequate and I do worry about the missile defense implications of it,” McConnell told CNN’s Candy Crowley.
Here's more
X-Mas Tree
The wife this year wanted a real tree...so yesterday I went out and got one...sure hope it fits thru the door...
Cap-And-Trade Scam: Funds Diverted To The Poor
Money meant for energy efficiency programs will instead go to help low- to moderate-income households pay their electric bills after Maryland lawmakers agreed this past April to recommendations from the Department of Legislative Services.
The House of Delegates and the Senate disagreed on whether to funnel 50 percent of the money Maryland receives from selling carbon emissions allowances through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, or RGGI, to bill assistance in fiscal 2012. The House had rejected the measure, but budget conference committee members agreed to the Senate's version of the budget.
The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, or RGGI, is an agreement among ten Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic States (Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from power plants.
RGGI's purpose is to reduce the carbon emissions of power plants by requiring their owners to purchase carbon allowances based on the amount of pollution they emit. The participating states have committed to cap and then reduce the amount of carbon dioxide that certain power plants are allowed to emit, limiting the region’s total contribution to atmospheric greenhouse gas levels.
The decision allocates 50 percent of Maryland's RGGI proceeds to low-income energy assistance and 17.5 percent for energy efficiency, conservation and programs to control customer electricity use on peak demand days. Residential rate relief has a 23 percent share of the money, clean energy and climate change programs get 6.5 percent and 3 percent goes to administration of the fund.
Originally, 17 percent of Maryland's money went to bill assistance and 46 percent was supposed to go to energy efficiency. The rest went to residential rate relief, renewable and clean energy programs and fund administration.
Through March 2010, Maryland sold 41.7 million carbon allowances, and raised $113.3 million. It is second among 10 states in sales and proceeds, behind New York, which sold 79.2 million allowances and made $213.4 million.
(Source: The Baltimore Daily Record, April 8, 2010)
In New York, government officials found $90 million to pay for schools by dipping into money generated by the multistate greenhouse gas initiative.
In New Hampshire, the state took $3.1 million from a similar environmental fund. And in New Jersey, the government diverted its whole share: $65 million.
In just over two years, the initiative, known as RGGI, has generated more than $729 million for the 10 states that have participated. Each state is supposed to use its share of the money raised to invest in renewable energy and to promote energy efficiency and consumer benefits, like programs that help low-income electricity customers pay their utility bills.
Critics say that diverting money from the fund for general spending, instead of using it on emissions control and energy savings, makes the initiative little more than a hidden tax on electricity.
Already, RGGI opponents in New Jersey have sponsored a bill to end the state’s participation.
(Source: NYT)
[The cost of the allowances sold in the auctions are, of course, passed on to the rate-payers, making this a stealth tax-- a redistribution of wealth by any standard. --Editor]
The House of Delegates and the Senate disagreed on whether to funnel 50 percent of the money Maryland receives from selling carbon emissions allowances through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, or RGGI, to bill assistance in fiscal 2012. The House had rejected the measure, but budget conference committee members agreed to the Senate's version of the budget.
The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, or RGGI, is an agreement among ten Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic States (Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from power plants.
RGGI's purpose is to reduce the carbon emissions of power plants by requiring their owners to purchase carbon allowances based on the amount of pollution they emit. The participating states have committed to cap and then reduce the amount of carbon dioxide that certain power plants are allowed to emit, limiting the region’s total contribution to atmospheric greenhouse gas levels.
The decision allocates 50 percent of Maryland's RGGI proceeds to low-income energy assistance and 17.5 percent for energy efficiency, conservation and programs to control customer electricity use on peak demand days. Residential rate relief has a 23 percent share of the money, clean energy and climate change programs get 6.5 percent and 3 percent goes to administration of the fund.
Originally, 17 percent of Maryland's money went to bill assistance and 46 percent was supposed to go to energy efficiency. The rest went to residential rate relief, renewable and clean energy programs and fund administration.
Through March 2010, Maryland sold 41.7 million carbon allowances, and raised $113.3 million. It is second among 10 states in sales and proceeds, behind New York, which sold 79.2 million allowances and made $213.4 million.
(Source: The Baltimore Daily Record, April 8, 2010)
In New York, government officials found $90 million to pay for schools by dipping into money generated by the multistate greenhouse gas initiative.
In New Hampshire, the state took $3.1 million from a similar environmental fund. And in New Jersey, the government diverted its whole share: $65 million.
In just over two years, the initiative, known as RGGI, has generated more than $729 million for the 10 states that have participated. Each state is supposed to use its share of the money raised to invest in renewable energy and to promote energy efficiency and consumer benefits, like programs that help low-income electricity customers pay their utility bills.
Critics say that diverting money from the fund for general spending, instead of using it on emissions control and energy savings, makes the initiative little more than a hidden tax on electricity.
Already, RGGI opponents in New Jersey have sponsored a bill to end the state’s participation.
(Source: NYT)
[The cost of the allowances sold in the auctions are, of course, passed on to the rate-payers, making this a stealth tax-- a redistribution of wealth by any standard. --Editor]
Probable Carcinogen Hexavalent Chromium Found In Drinking Water Of 31 U.S. Cities
An environmental group that analyzed the drinking water in 35 cities around the country, including Bethesda and Washington, found that most contained hexavalent chromium, a probable carcinogen made famous by the film "Erin Brockovich."
GO HERE to read more.
Encore! Obama Repeats Appearance On 'Most Corrupt' List
Joined by Boxer, Emanuel, Ensign, Pelosi, Rangel, Waters
Barack Obama has been encored on the "Ten Most Wanted Corrupt Politicians" for 2010, a list published annually by the a Washington-based organization that focuses on transparency, accountability and integrity in the government, politics and law of the United States."Remember the promise President Obama made just after his inauguration in 2009? 'Transparency and the rule of law will be the touchstones of this presidency,'" said Judicial Watch in today's announcement.
GO HERE to read more.
Downtown Property Owners Sue To Stop State Center
The massive project occupying more than eight-square blocks has had the enthusiastic backing of Baltimore elected officials and persistent skeptical analyses from the legislature’s staff.
Attorney Alan Rifkin, lead attorney in the lawsuit, said Friday that the contract to develop the planned mixed use development on government land was not put out for competitive bids as the law required. Furthermore, the development agreement for the complex includes dubious finances and government subsidies that are in the hundreds of millions of dollars, he said.
GO HERE to read more.
Lion Cubs Make Debut At National Zoo
WASHINGTON (AP) - Seven lion cubs born at the National Zoo this year have made their debut in the zoo's lion yard.
The zoo also announced the names of the cubs Saturday. They are: John, Fahari (fah-HAH-ree), Zuri (ZUH-ree), Lelie (la-LEE-ay), Baruti (ba-ROO-tee), Aslan (AZ-lan) and Lusaka (lu-SAH-ka).
Four cubs were born Aug. 31, and three more were born Sept. 22. Both litters were sired by Luke, the zoo's sole adult male lion. They are the first lion cubs at the zoo in more than 20 years.
GO HERE to read more.
The zoo also announced the names of the cubs Saturday. They are: John, Fahari (fah-HAH-ree), Zuri (ZUH-ree), Lelie (la-LEE-ay), Baruti (ba-ROO-tee), Aslan (AZ-lan) and Lusaka (lu-SAH-ka).
Four cubs were born Aug. 31, and three more were born Sept. 22. Both litters were sired by Luke, the zoo's sole adult male lion. They are the first lion cubs at the zoo in more than 20 years.
GO HERE to read more.
Vegas Police Search For Former Redskins Cheerleader
WASHINGTON - Police in Las Vegas are searching for a dancer and former Washington Redskins cheerleader who disappeared a week ago.
FoxNews.com reports Debora "Debbie" Flores-Narvaez was last seen after leaving her home in Las Vegas Dec. 12. The 31-year-old is a cast member of Luxor's "Fantasy" show who lived in Baltimore before moving to Nevada two years ago.
On her MySpace page, Flores-Narvaez says she was with the Washington Redskins Cheerleader Ambassadors in 2007 and 2008. The ambassadors are an "extension" of the Redskins cheerleaders and interact with fans during the team's home games, according to the Redskins website.
Police reportedly found Flores-Narvaez' car in Las Vegas Thursday. Family members told FoxNews.com that the car's Maryland license plates had been removed.
For the full FoxNews.com report, click here.
FoxNews.com reports Debora "Debbie" Flores-Narvaez was last seen after leaving her home in Las Vegas Dec. 12. The 31-year-old is a cast member of Luxor's "Fantasy" show who lived in Baltimore before moving to Nevada two years ago.
On her MySpace page, Flores-Narvaez says she was with the Washington Redskins Cheerleader Ambassadors in 2007 and 2008. The ambassadors are an "extension" of the Redskins cheerleaders and interact with fans during the team's home games, according to the Redskins website.
Police reportedly found Flores-Narvaez' car in Las Vegas Thursday. Family members told FoxNews.com that the car's Maryland license plates had been removed.
For the full FoxNews.com report, click here.
Pentagon Health Plan Won’t Cover Brain-Damage Therapy For Troops
Tricare, which covers nearly 4 million troops and military retirees, denies coverage of cognitive rehabilitation to traumatic brain injury victims, despite consensus from medical specialists who say it improves the quality of life.
GO HERE to read more.
GO HERE to read more.
Med Schools Flunk At Keeping Faculty Off Pharma Speaking Circuit
Top U.S. medical schools and teaching hospitals are failing to adequately enforce policies that prohibit or restrict faculty physicians from being paid by drug companies to give promotional speeches about their products.
GO HERE to read more.
GO HERE to read more.
Germany's Economy Shows Government "Interference" Works
Can we compete with China's wages? Does government interference and regulation hold us back? Are our unions keeping us from being competitive? Do we need to lower our standard of living in a race to the bottom? You might be surprised to learn that Germany pays higher wages, has strong unions, has much more government involvement and is doing better as a result. Conclusion: our wages, unions and government are not the problem, they are the solution.
GO HERE to read more.
GO HERE to read more.
Gov't. By Decree: Remarkable Similarities
| Venezuela's parliament gave President Hugo Chavez decree powers for 18 months on Friday, outraging opposition parties that accused him of turning South America's biggest oil producer into a dictatorship. The move consolidated the firebrand socialist leader's hold on power after nearly 12 years in office, and raised the prospect of a fresh wave of nationalizations as the former paratrooper seeks to entrench his self-styled "revolution." Chavez had asked for the fast-track powers for one year, saying he needed them to deal with a national emergency caused by floods that drove nearly 140,000 people from their homes. But the Assembly, which is dominated by loyalists from his Socialist Party, decided to extend them for a year and a half. That means the president can rule by decree until mid-2012, and can keep opposition parties out of the legislative process until his re-election campaign is well under way for Venezuela's next presidential vote in December of that year. The president of parliament, Cilia Flores, said lawmakers must heed the appeals of families afflicted by the floods. "It is raised to 18 months at the proposal of those immediately affected, the same people who are there relying on Comandante Chavez," she told the Assembly. "So that they can have their streets, their highways, public services, electricity, everything to live in dignity, we are going to hear these proposals and concerns." The vote was part of a legislative onslaught to push through bills before a new National Assembly is seated on Jan. 5. Earlier on Friday, parliament passed a law making it easier for the government to nationalize banks and trim their profits. More DejaVu here |
The W In Christmas
Each December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience.
I had cut back on nonessential obligations - extensive card writing, endless baking, decorating, and even overspending.
Yet still, I found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the precious family moments, and of course, the true meaning of Christmas.
My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting season for a six year old.
For weeks, he'd been memorizing songs for his school's "Winter Pageant."
I didn't have the heart to tell him I'd be working the night of the production. Unwilling to miss his shining moment, I spoke with his teacher. She assured me there'd be a dress rehearsal the morning of the
presentation.
All parents unable to attend that evening were welcome to come then.
Fortunately, Nicholas seemed happy with the compromise.
So, the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in ten minutes early, found a spot on the cafeteria floor and sat down. Around the room, I saw several other parents quietly scampering to their seats.
As I waited, the students were led into the room. Each class, accompanied by their teacher, sat cross-legged on the floor. Then, each group, one by one, rose to perform their song.
Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the holiday as "Christmas," I didn't expect anything other than fun, commercial entertainment songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes and good cheer.
So, when my son's class rose to sing, "Christmas Love," I was slightly taken aback by its bold title.
Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, adorned in fuzzy mittens, red sweaters, and bright snowcaps upon their heads.
Those in the front row- center stage - held up large letters, one by one, to spell out the title of the song.
As the class would sing "C is for Christmas," a child would hold up the letter C. Then, "H is for Happy," and on and on, until each child holding up his portion had presented the complete message, "Christmas Love."
The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed her; a small, quiet, girl in the front row holding the letter "M" upside down - totally unaware her letter "M" appeared as a "W".
The audience of 1st through 6th graders snickered at this little one's mistake. But she had no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood tall, proudly holding her "W".
Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter continued until the last letter was raised, and we all saw it together.
A hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen.
In that instant, we understood the reason we were there, why we celebrated the holiday in the first place, why even in the chaos, there was a purpose for our festivities.
For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear:
"C H R I S T W A S L O V E" =
I had cut back on nonessential obligations - extensive card writing, endless baking, decorating, and even overspending.
Yet still, I found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the precious family moments, and of course, the true meaning of Christmas.
My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting season for a six year old.
For weeks, he'd been memorizing songs for his school's "Winter Pageant."
I didn't have the heart to tell him I'd be working the night of the production. Unwilling to miss his shining moment, I spoke with his teacher. She assured me there'd be a dress rehearsal the morning of the
presentation.
All parents unable to attend that evening were welcome to come then.
Fortunately, Nicholas seemed happy with the compromise.
So, the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in ten minutes early, found a spot on the cafeteria floor and sat down. Around the room, I saw several other parents quietly scampering to their seats.
As I waited, the students were led into the room. Each class, accompanied by their teacher, sat cross-legged on the floor. Then, each group, one by one, rose to perform their song.
Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the holiday as "Christmas," I didn't expect anything other than fun, commercial entertainment songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes and good cheer.
So, when my son's class rose to sing, "Christmas Love," I was slightly taken aback by its bold title.
Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, adorned in fuzzy mittens, red sweaters, and bright snowcaps upon their heads.
Those in the front row- center stage - held up large letters, one by one, to spell out the title of the song.
As the class would sing "C is for Christmas," a child would hold up the letter C. Then, "H is for Happy," and on and on, until each child holding up his portion had presented the complete message, "Christmas Love."
The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed her; a small, quiet, girl in the front row holding the letter "M" upside down - totally unaware her letter "M" appeared as a "W".
The audience of 1st through 6th graders snickered at this little one's mistake. But she had no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood tall, proudly holding her "W".
Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter continued until the last letter was raised, and we all saw it together.
A hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen.
In that instant, we understood the reason we were there, why we celebrated the holiday in the first place, why even in the chaos, there was a purpose for our festivities.
For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear:
"C H R I S T W A S L O V E" =
STATE POLICE INVESTIGATE HOMICIDE IN SALISBURY
(Salisbury, MD) - State police are investigating an apparent homicide in Wicomico County this morning.
The victim is identified as Barbara Greene, 63, of the 1700 block of Dale Lane in Salisbury, Maryland. She lived with her brother, Reginald Greene, in the three bedroom home.
Shortly after 1:00 a.m., state police from the Salisbury Barrack received a 9-1-1 call from Reginald Greene. Greene informed police that upon returning from work shortly after midnight, he found the rear door of his home ajar and bloodstains in the hallway. Fearing that the perpetrator was still inside, Greene exited the residence and went to a neighbor’s house to make the 9-1-1 call.
The preliminary investigation reveals the victim was home alone at the time of the murder. There was forced entry to the rear door of the residence. Emergency medical service personnel from Salisbury responded to the home and found the victim on the bathroom floor.
The victim’s body was transported to the Office of the State Medical Examiner in Baltimore for an autopsy. The cause of death is unknown at this time. A motive for the murder has not been determined.
Members of the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit, Crime Scene Unit and the Wicomico County Bureau of Investigation are continuing the investigation, along with the Wicomico County State’s Attorney’s Office and the Maryland State Police Salisbury Barracks. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call Crime Solvers at 410-548-1776.
The investigation continues..
The victim is identified as Barbara Greene, 63, of the 1700 block of Dale Lane in Salisbury, Maryland. She lived with her brother, Reginald Greene, in the three bedroom home.
Shortly after 1:00 a.m., state police from the Salisbury Barrack received a 9-1-1 call from Reginald Greene. Greene informed police that upon returning from work shortly after midnight, he found the rear door of his home ajar and bloodstains in the hallway. Fearing that the perpetrator was still inside, Greene exited the residence and went to a neighbor’s house to make the 9-1-1 call.
The preliminary investigation reveals the victim was home alone at the time of the murder. There was forced entry to the rear door of the residence. Emergency medical service personnel from Salisbury responded to the home and found the victim on the bathroom floor.
The victim’s body was transported to the Office of the State Medical Examiner in Baltimore for an autopsy. The cause of death is unknown at this time. A motive for the murder has not been determined.
Members of the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit, Crime Scene Unit and the Wicomico County Bureau of Investigation are continuing the investigation, along with the Wicomico County State’s Attorney’s Office and the Maryland State Police Salisbury Barracks. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call Crime Solvers at 410-548-1776.
The investigation continues..
ONE HOUR DELAY??????
What the beck is wrong with Wicomico County. They have called for a one hour delay at school. UNBELIEVABLE!!!!! Thanks for the phone call Fredericksen! NOT!