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DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Monday, January 31, 2011
Let Me Share Some Interesting News
A week ago, (or so) I made the firm decision to go to registered comments only. This was a risky choice to make, (or so I felt) as we were somewhat concerned this could hurt our daily visits. It turns out quite the opposite happened.
Now, I truly can't put a finger on exactly why our numbers have gone up by at least 10%. Could it be that the announcement of the Daily Times letting go up to 28 Employees and completely shutting down their press operation here in Salisbury and moving everything to Wilmington, I don't know.
What I do know is, everything stated above is a fact and Salisbury News continues to grow, no matter what the reason is. After spending $3.5 Mil on a new Press and relocating to a rental property, if you can't see what's in the future, well, your blind. Salisbury News stated more than 7 months ago that the Daily Times would in fact be shutting down their printing operation in Salisbury and we were right. This simply means that the Daily Times will more than likely be some two days behind, (in print) from Salisbury News, especially in events that happen in the evenings.
A close friend of mine said that he paid $1.50 for this past Sunday's Newspaper and stated he was so angry, he knew he'd never buy the paper again because there was just no worth while news in that paper. That's quite interesting because last Sunday we put up quite a lot of very interesting articles, so its not as if there wasn't news to be had. It's become more about the poor choice of managing the articles in the Daily Times and getting, (or not getting) what you paid for.
Now, some might try to pat Salisbury News on the back for chipping away, (yet again) at the disposal of the Daily Times all together. However, some might then complain that it's because of Salisbury News 28 more people are now out of jobs. Those of us involved in Salisbury News are not going to gloat over any of this. It's unfortunate that so many people have lost their jobs but you can't say, (after 7 months) they weren't warned.
Unfortunately Newspapers are a dying breed. This generation is getting their news from the Internet and Salisbury News has proven to be the leader on the Eastern Shore for that Industry. TODAY, Salisbury News added yet another new advertiser in which we are now delivering you Obituaries. That's right. Go to the third ad down on the right hand side and click on the Holloway Funeral Home Ad and it takes you right to the most current Obituaries.
Day by day, bit by bit, we're chipping away at the Newspaper Industry and sooner than later you're going to see Legal Notices and so forth published on the Internet. Salisbury News will sell that ad space for ten cents on a dollar as compared to the Daily Times once it becomes legal and that will be the final straw for the Newspaper Industry.
I'll never forget my conversation years ago with Joe Carmean when I said, if you don't publish this information I'll start my own newspaper. His reply was, "we'd love the competition". So for those people wanting to point a finger at me for 28 people losing their jobs, point your fingers at the Daily Times Management instead. If they would have printed the TRUTH and finished what they had started, Salisbury News wouldn't be here today.
In the mean time we'll kick back and try and figure out why we continue to grow each and every day. Not too shabby for almost a one man show, eh!
Now, I truly can't put a finger on exactly why our numbers have gone up by at least 10%. Could it be that the announcement of the Daily Times letting go up to 28 Employees and completely shutting down their press operation here in Salisbury and moving everything to Wilmington, I don't know.
What I do know is, everything stated above is a fact and Salisbury News continues to grow, no matter what the reason is. After spending $3.5 Mil on a new Press and relocating to a rental property, if you can't see what's in the future, well, your blind. Salisbury News stated more than 7 months ago that the Daily Times would in fact be shutting down their printing operation in Salisbury and we were right. This simply means that the Daily Times will more than likely be some two days behind, (in print) from Salisbury News, especially in events that happen in the evenings.
A close friend of mine said that he paid $1.50 for this past Sunday's Newspaper and stated he was so angry, he knew he'd never buy the paper again because there was just no worth while news in that paper. That's quite interesting because last Sunday we put up quite a lot of very interesting articles, so its not as if there wasn't news to be had. It's become more about the poor choice of managing the articles in the Daily Times and getting, (or not getting) what you paid for.
Now, some might try to pat Salisbury News on the back for chipping away, (yet again) at the disposal of the Daily Times all together. However, some might then complain that it's because of Salisbury News 28 more people are now out of jobs. Those of us involved in Salisbury News are not going to gloat over any of this. It's unfortunate that so many people have lost their jobs but you can't say, (after 7 months) they weren't warned.
Unfortunately Newspapers are a dying breed. This generation is getting their news from the Internet and Salisbury News has proven to be the leader on the Eastern Shore for that Industry. TODAY, Salisbury News added yet another new advertiser in which we are now delivering you Obituaries. That's right. Go to the third ad down on the right hand side and click on the Holloway Funeral Home Ad and it takes you right to the most current Obituaries.
Day by day, bit by bit, we're chipping away at the Newspaper Industry and sooner than later you're going to see Legal Notices and so forth published on the Internet. Salisbury News will sell that ad space for ten cents on a dollar as compared to the Daily Times once it becomes legal and that will be the final straw for the Newspaper Industry.
I'll never forget my conversation years ago with Joe Carmean when I said, if you don't publish this information I'll start my own newspaper. His reply was, "we'd love the competition". So for those people wanting to point a finger at me for 28 people losing their jobs, point your fingers at the Daily Times Management instead. If they would have printed the TRUTH and finished what they had started, Salisbury News wouldn't be here today.
In the mean time we'll kick back and try and figure out why we continue to grow each and every day. Not too shabby for almost a one man show, eh!
The State Of The State--Let's Connect!
On Thursday, I'll be delivering the State of the State address and this year, we're doing a few new things.
Tomorrow morning, our team will announce all of the ways we can connect during the State of the State and after. Want to know more? Sign up for the One Maryland newsletter to receive the update tomorrow morning and to learn about all of the exciting ways we can connect.
In Maryland, the most important title is the title of citizen. I hope you'll take the time to sign up. I look forward to hearing your comments and thoughts.
Thanks,
Governor Martin O'Malley
God Works In Mysterious Ways
This morning Salisbury News published a story about heating oil being stolen from a local Church.
Because of our incredible readers, the ball is now rolling to help the Church get back on its feet, (so to speak).
One reader has donated 100 gallons of oil and another reader just changed over their heating system to gas and have offered to donate ALL of the heating oil in their system to the Church.
Because of our incredible readers, the ball is now rolling to help the Church get back on its feet, (so to speak).
One reader has donated 100 gallons of oil and another reader just changed over their heating system to gas and have offered to donate ALL of the heating oil in their system to the Church.
Father Ron, who can be reached at 443-614-5410 was just flabbergasted with the kind offers and donations and his spirit has been lifted beyond belief.
While I'm not at liberty to name names, Thank You and God Bless each and every one of you for your kind offers and donations. There is no greater feeling than "Paying It Forward" to those in need.
Maryland May Need 56-Percent Property Tax Hike To Cover State Debt, Report Says
Maryland lawmakers will either have to raise property taxes by 56 percent over the next five years, or take away $1.1 billion from classrooms, police, and other core state services to cover record state borrowing, budget analysts said Friday.
The dire predictions come from a combination of bills coming due on Maryland's long-term debt, plus falling property tax revenues, which have traditionally covered the costs.
The approach Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) took to blunt years of recessionary budget problems is partly responsible, according to a report released Friday afternoon by the state's nonpartisan budget analysts.
In the last three years, O'Malley has accelerated a decade-long practice in Annapolis of shifting expenses once paid entirely with cash to the state's capital budget, which is funded with bond money repaid with interest over 15 years.
GO HERE to read more.
The dire predictions come from a combination of bills coming due on Maryland's long-term debt, plus falling property tax revenues, which have traditionally covered the costs.
The approach Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) took to blunt years of recessionary budget problems is partly responsible, according to a report released Friday afternoon by the state's nonpartisan budget analysts.
In the last three years, O'Malley has accelerated a decade-long practice in Annapolis of shifting expenses once paid entirely with cash to the state's capital budget, which is funded with bond money repaid with interest over 15 years.
GO HERE to read more.
WHY IS THE WICOMICO COUNCIL TRYING TO STIFLE PUBLIC INPUT?
A resolution "Introduced by: The President of the Council" (Gail Bartkovich) is absolutely anti-democratic. It would require that citizens submit 2 WEEKS IN ADVANCE any written or electronic documentation that they want to present at a public hearing conducted by the Council on proposed legislation, etc.
Why should a member of the public be restrained like this from presenting at a public hearing whatever he or she wants the Council to consider?
Ms. Bartkovich should address that point at the Council meeting tomorrow when this matter is on the agenda (or ask Louise Smith to do so).
Fire At Fruitland Public Works
Losses to the City included two tractors, a gator and other equipment as well as significant damage to the structure. A total value has not yet been determined. The State Fire Marshall was contacted and is investigating the cause of the blaze.
For more information contact Fruitland City Hall at 410-548-2809
City Sweep
Hi Joe:
Didn't know if you knew Mayor Ireton has commandeered the police, fire, ambulance and NSCC to sweep the North Camden Area this week from Monday- Thursday. The area includes Waverly through Riverside, North Camden through South Blvd. No public notice was put in the paper. No notices or letters to landlords, property managers or homeowners were sent as a courtesy.
This is a gotcha game to drum up as many violation numbers as they can identify on rental properties. Last time they wrote up items such as a gum wrapper on the ground, leaves in the gutters in November and small amounts of mildew on siding in order to artificially inflate their numbers to make the case that all landlords are slumlords. Additionally, if you did not let them in, NSCC
walked around your property and opened sheds and basement doors to inspect the interior. The government is technically not allowed to enter a property unannounced without a warrant which requires probable cause.
Salisbury is now Government Occupied Territory.
Mrs. Kris Adams
President
SAPOA
Mideast Unrest May Affect Area Gas Prices
WASHINGTON - Don't get too comfortable with the price you see on that gas pump.
The average price of unleaded regular dropped a penny to $3.10 per gallon in the D.C. metro region in the last week. But the continued protests in Tunisia and Egypt have brought some uncertainty about supply, even though they're not oil-producing countries.
"It's based on the outcome of possibly spreading to Saudi Arabia or some other more significant producers of crude in the Mideast or North Africa," says Tom Kloza, an oil analyst with the Oil Price Information Service.
Kloza says he can't predict how high gas prices will go.
But he says Europe is already jittery about possible supply disruption through the Suez Canal, which is controlled by Egypt.
Source
The average price of unleaded regular dropped a penny to $3.10 per gallon in the D.C. metro region in the last week. But the continued protests in Tunisia and Egypt have brought some uncertainty about supply, even though they're not oil-producing countries.
"It's based on the outcome of possibly spreading to Saudi Arabia or some other more significant producers of crude in the Mideast or North Africa," says Tom Kloza, an oil analyst with the Oil Price Information Service.
Kloza says he can't predict how high gas prices will go.
But he says Europe is already jittery about possible supply disruption through the Suez Canal, which is controlled by Egypt.
Source
Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk
Wicomico County, Sheriff Mike Lewis announced today that he is joining forces with the National Football League (NFL), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and other State and local highway safety and law enforcement officials to remind everyone to act responsibly by designating a sober driver if they plan on drinking alcohol on Super Bowl Sunday.
"We want to pass our safety message to everyone who will be drinking this weekend, real Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk," said Sheriff Lewis. "Please call the right play for the big game and pass your keys to a designated driver before the Super Bowl party begins. Getting caught driving while impaired will earn you a costly penalty from local law enforcement and may even result in a turnover of your driving privileges."
Super Bowl Sunday is one of America’s biggest and most entertaining national sporting events as friends and families gather to socialize and watch the big game. Yet, it has also become one of the Nation’s most dangerous days on the roadways due to impaired driving.
Designating a sober driver should be on the top of everyone’s Super Bowl party list.
If you are hosting a Super Bowl party:
Make sure all of your guests designate their sober drivers in advance, or help arrange ride-sharing with other sober drivers.
Serve lots of food and include lots of non-alcoholic beverages at the party.
Stop serving alcohol at the end of the third quarter of the game and begin serving coffee and dessert.
Keep the numbers for local cab companies handy, and take the keys away from anyone who is thinking of driving while impaired.
If you are attending a Super Bowl party or watching at a sports bar or restaurant:
Designate your sober driver before the party begins and give that person your car keys.
Avoid drinking too much alcohol too fast. Pace yourself—eat enough food, take breaks, and alternate with non-alcoholic drinks.
If you don’t have a designated driver, ask a sober friend for a ride home; call a cab, friend, or family member to come and get you; or just stay where you are and sleep it off until you are sober.
Never let a friend leave your sight if you think they are about to drive while impaired. Remember, Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk.
Always Buckle Up– it’s still your best defense against other impaired drivers.
For more information, please visit http://www.stopimpaireddriving.com/
The New York Times' Sloppy Defense Of WikiLeaks And Its Journalistic Standards
On Sunday, in its magazine section The New York Times today offered what it calls the backstory on its publication of the stolen WikiLeaks documents. It includes the intriguing fact that the White House didn't try very hard to deter publication, but the report by executive editor Bill Keller mostly reads like house propaganda and a Pulitzer application.
There is a laugh-out-loud moment. It comes when Keller writes that "it is our aim to be impartial in our presentation of the news."
It's hard to imagine he believes that. Certainly nobody else does.
The upshot of Keller's piece, which appears in the magazine section and an e-book, is that you'll have to look elsewhere if you want truth or honest introspection. For that, I recommend "Gray Lady Down," a book that gives the backstory of what has gone wrong at The Times itself.
Author William McGowan has compiled a timely indictment of how the paper lost its way. He catalogs well-known mistakes and the cheerleading and other none-too-subtle ways it puts its thumb on the scales of key stories.
GO HERE to read more.
White House To Launch Job-Creating Start-Up Effort
WASHINGTON — The White House will announce an effort on Monday to encourage job-creating start-up businesses in hopes of reducing the country's stubbornly high unemployment rate.
Senior officials are to launch a national campaign called "Startup America," which will encourage private sector investment in startups and small firms, accelerate research and address barriers to success for entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Officials are to announce that President Barack Obama will propose making permanent the elimination of capital gains taxes on key investments in small businesses, a White House official said.
GO HERE to read more.
Church Robbed Of Heating Oil
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Hebron, Maryland was robbed of over $600 heating oil used for Sunday Church Services. The Hebron Episcopal Church Vestry Member said, “ this past week we put oil in the tank and now we just don’t have the money in our budget to replace it ”. Church members had placed a lock on the oil tank lid, but the crooks used an over-sized pipe wrench and removed the entire top of the pipe, lock and all. Both the vent pipe and fill pipe on the tank screw off and are really just for the honest person. St. Paul’s is one of Maryland's Historic Sites and has been open to all since the early 1700’s. With extreme cold weather and now no heating oil... all services in the church have been put on hold. Our doors have been open since before America was America and now with our struggling economy our tanks have been emptied. With church collections on the decrease and theft on the increase, we had no choice but to put service on hold in the old historic church. A police report was filed with Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office.
Conservative High-Rollers Gather To Plot Strategy
Koch brothers laying the groundwork for a major 'grassroots effort' to push GOP candidates
RANCHO MIRAGE, CA — A phalanx of sheriff’s deputies with riot gear fended off protestors and blocked all access to one of southern California’s most luxurious resort hotels on Sunday as more than 200 conservative donors gathered inside to plot political strategy and raise an estimated $30 million for the 2012 election.
House Majority Leader Eric Cantor was among several members of Congress who flew in for the two-day event, a semi-annual meeting of political high-rollers sponsored by Charles and David Koch, the billionaire owners of Koch Industries, the giant, privately held oil firm based in Wichita, Kan. The Koch brothers, strong economic libertarians, have become two of the country’s biggest donors to conservative political groups and think tanks.
Cantor, who declined to speak to reporters while he was there, has been generously backed by Koch Industries over the years, having received $36,650 in campaign contributions from the company’s executives and employees since 2002, according to figures compiled by the Center for Responsive Politics. Asked if he would speak to an NBC producer while attending the event, his spokesman emailed: “No thanks.”
GO HERE to read more.
Missing Dog - Jack Russel
Name: Mickey
Last seen 1/29/11
Parsonsburg area Zion/Dagsboro/Holt Road
Male, White with brown markings has a distinctive circle scar on front leg from surgery.
Was wearing a Harley Davidson collar. Would not run away most likely taken.
REWARD OFFERED!! PLEASE HELP US!
If you have seen him or know where he is Call: 443-614-7648 or 443-260-3813 - Kevin
Terrorism Panel Chairman: Washington Hasn't 'Come To Grips' With Pakistan As A Failing State
The leader of a House subcommittee on terrorism and nonproliferation said that the rise of extremism in Pakistan isn't getting due attention in Pakistan.
In an interview with The Hill, Rep. Ed Royce (R-Calif.) referenced the recent assassination of Punjabi governor Salman Taseer, a liberal politician shot by his own guard in Islamabad. Afterward, 500 Pakistani religious scholars warned that anyone who mourned the governor, who opposed capital punishment blasphemy laws, would suffer the same fate.
Royce said that Pakistani lawmakers he's met on his three trips there over the past three years have gone underground.
"I don't that that many people either in Congress or the administration ...seem to have come to grips with the fact that Pakistan is failing," Royce said.
More here
In an interview with The Hill, Rep. Ed Royce (R-Calif.) referenced the recent assassination of Punjabi governor Salman Taseer, a liberal politician shot by his own guard in Islamabad. Afterward, 500 Pakistani religious scholars warned that anyone who mourned the governor, who opposed capital punishment blasphemy laws, would suffer the same fate.
Royce said that Pakistani lawmakers he's met on his three trips there over the past three years have gone underground.
"I don't that that many people either in Congress or the administration ...seem to have come to grips with the fact that Pakistan is failing," Royce said.
More here
"Government Shutdown"
The phrase "government shutdown" popped up again over the weekend. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell answered questions from Meet the Press host David Gregory yesterday about whether Senate Republicans will allow a shutdown. The National Journal reports McConnell declined repeatedly to say whether Republicans were willing to allow the fiscal showdowns expected in Washington over the next few months - over stopgap budget measures and the borrowing limit - to force a federal shutdown.
TSA Shuts Down Private Screening
Transportation Security Administration chief John Pistole has moved to shut down a program that allows airports to replace government screeners with private ones. CNN reports Pistole has decided not to expand the program beyond its current 16 airports. He says he just doesn't see an advantage to it. The Screening Partnership Program uses private contractors who wear TSA-like uniforms and meet agency standards. Among the airports that have "opted out" of government screening are San Francisco and Kansas City.
FY 2012 Budget Readied For Valentine's Day Release
Senate GOP Divided Over Tactics For Balanced-Budget Amendment
Senate Republicans are divided over whether to demand a balanced-budget amendment from the White House as a precondition for increasing the national debt ceiling.
Members of the Senate Tea Party Caucus have said they will filibuster the debt-limit increase unless two-thirds of the upper chamber votes for a balanced-budget amendment. Two-thirds of the House and three-quarters of the states must also ratify the amendment for it to become law.
But other Republicans are looking for more “realistic” concessions from Democrats, acknowledging it will be difficult to persuade at least 20 Democrats to join them in passing an amendment to drastically restrict federal spending.
“I’m in the camp of I want to see a process that leads to some realistic, achievable solutions,” said Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.). “I don’t think we’re going to get two-thirds of the Senate and the House.
“I’m willing to vote for a balanced-budget amendment, I think that’s the ultimate solution, but I’m not going to make that a requirement” for raising the debt ceiling, Graham said.
Graham co-sponsored a balanced-budget amendment with Sen. Jim DeMint (S.C.), the conservative chairman of the Senate Republican Steering Committee, in the 111th Congress.
DeMint will oppose an increase to the debt ceiling unless the Senate first passes a balanced-budget measure. A Senate GOP aide said DeMint would not settle for an opportunity merely to vote on a proposed amendment.
Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) said Thursday that he will filibuster legislation to increase the national debt limit unless Democratic leaders promise to support passage of a balanced-budget amendment.
"The only scenario in which I can imagine not using the filibuster is if the leadership of both parties agree that as a condition of that they would first pass out a balanced-budget amendment," Lee told The Hill.
DeMint and Lee are both members of the Tea Party Caucus.
More from The Hill
Members of the Senate Tea Party Caucus have said they will filibuster the debt-limit increase unless two-thirds of the upper chamber votes for a balanced-budget amendment. Two-thirds of the House and three-quarters of the states must also ratify the amendment for it to become law.
But other Republicans are looking for more “realistic” concessions from Democrats, acknowledging it will be difficult to persuade at least 20 Democrats to join them in passing an amendment to drastically restrict federal spending.
“I’m in the camp of I want to see a process that leads to some realistic, achievable solutions,” said Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.). “I don’t think we’re going to get two-thirds of the Senate and the House.
“I’m willing to vote for a balanced-budget amendment, I think that’s the ultimate solution, but I’m not going to make that a requirement” for raising the debt ceiling, Graham said.
Graham co-sponsored a balanced-budget amendment with Sen. Jim DeMint (S.C.), the conservative chairman of the Senate Republican Steering Committee, in the 111th Congress.
DeMint will oppose an increase to the debt ceiling unless the Senate first passes a balanced-budget measure. A Senate GOP aide said DeMint would not settle for an opportunity merely to vote on a proposed amendment.
Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) said Thursday that he will filibuster legislation to increase the national debt limit unless Democratic leaders promise to support passage of a balanced-budget amendment.
"The only scenario in which I can imagine not using the filibuster is if the leadership of both parties agree that as a condition of that they would first pass out a balanced-budget amendment," Lee told The Hill.
DeMint and Lee are both members of the Tea Party Caucus.
More from The Hill
OPEC Will Increase Output In Case Of Supply Disruption
The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries would increase output if current unrest in Egypt disrupts supplies of crude from the Middle East.
“If we see a real shortage we will have to add,” Secretary-General Abdalla el-Badri said in London. OPEC, whose members include Venezuela and Iran, accounts for about 40 percent of global oil supply.
Crude advanced earlier today amid concern anti-government protest in Egypt may spread to oil-producing nations in the Middle East. Roughly 2.5 percent of global production is shipped through Egypt via the Suez Canal and the Sumed oil pipeline, according to a Goldman Sachs Group Inc. report today.
“I don’t think the situation is out of control,” el-Badri said. A closure of the Sumed crude pipeline could cause a shortage in the market, he said, adding the oil market is well supplied with inventories at a high level.
OPEC last changed its production limits, or quotas, at the end of 2008 in response to a 54 percent drop in crude prices that year. The Suez Canal and Sumed pipeline aren’t running at full capacity currently, with most of the group’s production cuts from that time concentrated through those routes, according to the Goldman Sachs report.
Here is more
“If we see a real shortage we will have to add,” Secretary-General Abdalla el-Badri said in London. OPEC, whose members include Venezuela and Iran, accounts for about 40 percent of global oil supply.
Crude advanced earlier today amid concern anti-government protest in Egypt may spread to oil-producing nations in the Middle East. Roughly 2.5 percent of global production is shipped through Egypt via the Suez Canal and the Sumed oil pipeline, according to a Goldman Sachs Group Inc. report today.
“I don’t think the situation is out of control,” el-Badri said. A closure of the Sumed crude pipeline could cause a shortage in the market, he said, adding the oil market is well supplied with inventories at a high level.
OPEC last changed its production limits, or quotas, at the end of 2008 in response to a 54 percent drop in crude prices that year. The Suez Canal and Sumed pipeline aren’t running at full capacity currently, with most of the group’s production cuts from that time concentrated through those routes, according to the Goldman Sachs report.
Here is more
Suez Canal Ship Traffic ‘Normal,’ Official Says
Ships are passing normally and without delay through the Suez Canal, even as protests in Egypt continued for a seventh day, the head of traffic for the waterway’s operator said today.
More than 4 million barrels a day of crude oil, or 4.5 percent of global output, are shipped through the canal or the Sumed pipeline that runs adjacent to it, according to New York- based McQuilling Services LLC. The world’s longest man-made waterway, at 120 miles (190 kilometers), the canal is the fastest passage from the Atlantic Ocean to the Indian Ocean.
More
More than 4 million barrels a day of crude oil, or 4.5 percent of global output, are shipped through the canal or the Sumed pipeline that runs adjacent to it, according to New York- based McQuilling Services LLC. The world’s longest man-made waterway, at 120 miles (190 kilometers), the canal is the fastest passage from the Atlantic Ocean to the Indian Ocean.
More
SHOREBIRDS SCHEDULE 16 FIREWORKS SHOWS IN 2011
Secure Your Seats for the Biggest Nights of the Year
Salisbury, Md. – With less than three months until the first pitch of the 2011 season, the Delmarva Shorebirds are excited to release the schedule of fireworks shows at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium this summer. The Shorebirds will blast off 16 fireworks shows between April and September including the 2011 SAL “Strike Out Hunger” All-Star Game on June 21.
The Shorebirds will host back-to-back fireworks shows during the first home series of the year on Friday, April 8 and Saturday, April 9. Below is a look at the rest of the fireworks dates planned in 2011:
· Saturday, April 30 vs. Charleston
· Saturday, May 14 vs. Greensboro
· Saturday, May 28 vs. West Virginia
· Saturday, June 4 vs. Hickory
· Saturday, June 11 vs. Hagerstown
· Tuesday, June 21 | 2011 SAL “Strike Out Hunger” All-Star Game
· Saturday, July 2 vs. Lakewood
· Sunday, July 3 vs. Lakewood (Independence Day Bash)
· Saturday, July 16 vs. Hickory
· Friday, July 29 vs. Hagerstown
· Saturday, July 30 vs. Hagerstown
· Friday, August 12 vs. Hagerstown
· Saturday, August 13 vs. Hagerstown
· Saturday, September 3 vs. West Virginia
“Fireworks shows are always marquee nights at the stadium and we have once again packed our schedule with a full slate of shows,” said general manager Chris Bitters. “We really take pride on displaying the best fireworks shows in Minor League Baseball.”
The Shorebirds will host special fireworks shows on Tuesday, June 21 following the 2011 South Atlantic League “Strike Out Hunger” All-Star Game and July 3 following the Independence Day Bash.
Four ticket packages are currently available to secure your seats for the fireworks shows; Full Season Tickets, Half Season Tickets, 22-Game Mini Plan and 12-Game Mini Plan. All four ticket packages include a ticket to the 2011 SAL All-Star Game and the exhibition game against Salisbury University on April 5.
To purchase tickets and to learn more about the upcoming fireworks shows, contact the Shorebirds at 410-219-3112 or visit us online at http://www.theshorebirds.com/.
Home Depot Finds Its Softer Side
The New York Times reports that Home Depot is hoping to attract more women who are into things like redecorating, and it has recruited none other than Martha Stewart to help with the effort.
The home improvement retailer now carries a line of Martha Stewart Living products, and it also is sprucing up areas that might appeal to women looking for window treatments or other products.
GO HERE to read more.
Politician Breaks Into Home, Sues Owners For Injuries
File this one under "S" for "shut the front door!" — no, really, shut the front door and lock it: Senator Jim Alesi of New York is very angry that he injured himself after breaking into a home, and is suing the owners, his constituents, as well as the builders of the home.
More »
More »
Field Notes: By Delegate Mike McDermott
Observations and Reflections on Legislative Activities
By Delegate Mike McDermott
Week of January 24th-28th, 2011
· On Monday, I attended a reception hosted by the Maryland Association of Community Colleges. Several members of the Wor-Wic Community College were in attendance, including President Ray Hoy. We talked about the great demands being placed upon our community colleges in Maryland while the lion’s share of funding goes toward our 4-year schools. Enrollment numbers have reached their limit, yet the demand locally continues to grow. It is an interesting statistic that students who begin their 4-year education at Wor-Wic have a higher graduation rate than those students who begin their learning at the universities. I’m sure funding will be flat this year, and tuitions will rise.
· The Maryland Association of Realtors was in town as well. I had a nice visit with our local representatives. They are concerned about the many fees that could be increased as budgets tighten. There is also the problem stemming from bankruptcy condo properties being taken back by banks. With these units in limbo, no association fees are being submitted to maintain the corporate property. Although banks hold the properties, they are not necessarily responsible for contributing to the home owner associations. It needs some attention, particularly in the current economy.
· Tuesday the members received briefings on the Governor’s submitted budget. For starters, it is not balanced. In fact, it was over a billion short. The biggest cost overrun is the expansion of Medicaid funding. The new budget proposes expanding enrollment by 450,000 people. This would bring the total number of Marylanders receiving this entitlement to 1 million, and that is 20% of our population. The budget calls for further raids on the Transportation Trust Fund and the Chesapeake Bay Trust Fund. We are talking hundreds of millions. It would appear the only thing you can “trust” about the tax money in these funds it that they will not be used for the intended purpose. Of course, there will be a demand that we increase the Gas Tax and the Flush Tax to restore these funds…so we can take more for the General Fund later. Even my liberal colleagues were frowning that day.
· Wednesday morning was the first meeting of the newly formed House Pro-Life Caucus. I was pleased to see many of my Republican colleagues join, but sadly there was not a Democrat among our numbers. The chief concern this year is the late term abortion practice of Dr. Carhart on the western shore. He has already been tossed out of 3 other states for his barbaric practices, but Maryland law has never been changed to prohibit these procedures. We also spoke about a bill which would at least require abortion clinics to meet the same clean environment practices of any normal medical facility. Currently there is no such requirement. Clearly this is a woman’s health issue, at the very least, that needs to be addressed. The caucus had invited several area activist and members of church and Para church organizations to participate.
· A significant snow storm shut down the area on Wednesday night.
· Thursday marked a special celebration honoring Maryland veterans. This included recognition of members in the House who have served as well as some special guests in the galleries. The chamber was addressed by the Governor and Lt. Governor followed by a reading of the ten veterans in Maryland who were killed in the line of duty this year. This was a particularly moving service and it was made all the more special by the presence of the Naval Academy Honor Guard presenting the Colors.
· Later in the day, the Judiciary Committee heard testimony concerning HB-22 which would mandate that a uniform subpoena be utilized by all Circuit Courts in Maryland. Currently, all counties use their own version of a form and no two are alike. It was generally well received as a good idea that would save money and cost the state nothing to implement.
· Friday was Tourism Day at the State House. Our weekly Eastern Shore Delegation Meeting was dominated by a discussion on tourism dollars generated on the shore and ways that the state could work to improve conditions through advertising. It was great to see most of the tourism folks from the district in attendance. Clearly, tourism is a top industry on the shore. The dollars tell the tale. It is said that the return on a tax dollar invested in tourism equates to 25-40 dollars in return to the shore, yet we continue to reduce spending on advertising. These types of economic incentives can be lost on folks who have not worked in the private sector and do not understand getting a return on your investment. Funding dollars will be tough this year, but our tourism leaders stated their case with plenty of facts to back up the claims.
· Friday afternoon, I had the opportunity to have lunch with Lt. Governor Anthony Brown along with several of my freshman, republican colleagues. I asked some tough questions regarding their submitted budget and how he suggested we explain the various Trust transfers to people who are no longer in the dark about the process. I cannot say that he had any answers, particularly regarding the increases in Medicaid funding. He offered some advice stemming from his own 8-years as a former delegate in the House, and he acknowledged the difficulty in getting things accomplished. He received a laundry list from several of the delegates for their respective districts. I cannot blame them for trying, but we have arrived in the General Assembly at a critical juncture for our state. We are not here for projects…we are hear to insure our children are not imprisoned by the debts of this generation. Now, that’s something worth fighting for!
Obama [Finally] Consults With World Leaders
U.S. President Barack Obama consulted with world leaders on Sunday following the latest developments in the uprising in Egypt.
Among those leaders with whom Obama spoke was Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu. The President also consulted Jordanian King Abdullah, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and British Prime Minister David Cameron.
The White House said in a statement that "During his calls, the president reiterated his focus on opposing violence and calling for restraint; supporting universal rights, including the right to peaceful assembly, association, and speech; and supporting an orderly transition to a government that is responsive to the aspirations of the Egyptian people."
Earlier on Sunday, the U.S. embassy in Cairo told its citizens to consider leaving the country as soon as possible and warned against traveling in the country. The warning is more severe than the previous statement to citizens to avoid non-essential travel in Egypt.
Approximately 90,000 Americans are estimated to live, work and study in Egypt, and several companies have told their employees’ families to leave.
More
Among those leaders with whom Obama spoke was Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu. The President also consulted Jordanian King Abdullah, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and British Prime Minister David Cameron.
The White House said in a statement that "During his calls, the president reiterated his focus on opposing violence and calling for restraint; supporting universal rights, including the right to peaceful assembly, association, and speech; and supporting an orderly transition to a government that is responsive to the aspirations of the Egyptian people."
Earlier on Sunday, the U.S. embassy in Cairo told its citizens to consider leaving the country as soon as possible and warned against traveling in the country. The warning is more severe than the previous statement to citizens to avoid non-essential travel in Egypt.
Approximately 90,000 Americans are estimated to live, work and study in Egypt, and several companies have told their employees’ families to leave.
More
Still Waiting To Hear From Our Presidential Speechifier
by Prof. Phyllis Chesler
The historical ground trembles beneath our feet.
Tunisia has risen (or fallen); and now, Egypt, the historically stabilizing force in the Arab world is on fire, in chaos. Stealthily, almost invisibly, the Muslim Brotherhood is gathering its power in Suez, Alexandria, and Cairo. Wealthy Egyptians have already chartered private planes and flown to safety. President Mubarak has reportedly sent his wife and heir out to London many days ago.
Some wealthy Egyptians refuse to leave. They are personally guarding their gated Cairo homes from looters. I heard such a man’s voice on television last night. It was hoarse with anguish and anger, trembling with fatigue. “This land belongs to the Egyptian people not to Mubarak. This home belongs to me, I own it, I will not flee. I will guard it with my life.” [More...]
As I write, the Egyptian police are still fighting the protesters. Armed groups have freed prisoners and jailed Muslim militants. Looting is widespread.
Will Al-Qaeda, the Muslim Brotherhood, Iran’s Hezbollah in Lebanon and Syria, Gaza’s Hamas, soon proclaim an Arab Caliphate and further launch World War Four, this time with their hands on the levers of power in five or six states? Will Mubarak actually manage to hold onto power?
At this precise and critical moment, our Presidential Speechifier has still not risen to the task. He is walking a “careful line,” and waiting to see what develops.
Well, what else can he really do? Send in the troops? Nah—he campaigned on his opposition to the troops we already have in Iraq and Afghanistan—and, bogged down though we might be, even Obama was forced to understand that America’s other options might be even worse.
Shamefully, Obama did not even stand rhetorically with the demonstrating and bloodied democrats on the streets of Tehran and he is now only tepidly standing with their counterparts on the streets of Cairo.
Yes, America has always supported the Arab “Strong Horse,” the brutal dictator whose reign has been justified as a means of ensuring regional stability. Karzai is our man on the ground, as is Mubarak. Secretary of State Clinton has called for “an orderly transition.” She opposes “violence.” The Pentagon has called for “restraint.”
I have no idea what they mean. Do you?
Tyrannical as Mubarak has been, if he goes, the Muslim Brotherhood and possibly Al-Qaeda will zoom to power. And, believe it or not, they will be worse, ever so much worse, both to their own people and to the West.
The barefoot Egyptian protesters, the suffering and impoverished people, are simply not organized ideologically, politically, economically, or militarily. They will have no way of holding their own against such dark and purposeful forces. They have not read Saul Alinsky’s guidebook and have no charismatic and well-connected leader. One wonders whether the Egyptians finally rose up because they saw Tunisians doing so—and successfully—on the internet, on Al-Jazeera.
Much more here
The historical ground trembles beneath our feet.
Tunisia has risen (or fallen); and now, Egypt, the historically stabilizing force in the Arab world is on fire, in chaos. Stealthily, almost invisibly, the Muslim Brotherhood is gathering its power in Suez, Alexandria, and Cairo. Wealthy Egyptians have already chartered private planes and flown to safety. President Mubarak has reportedly sent his wife and heir out to London many days ago.
Some wealthy Egyptians refuse to leave. They are personally guarding their gated Cairo homes from looters. I heard such a man’s voice on television last night. It was hoarse with anguish and anger, trembling with fatigue. “This land belongs to the Egyptian people not to Mubarak. This home belongs to me, I own it, I will not flee. I will guard it with my life.” [More...]
As I write, the Egyptian police are still fighting the protesters. Armed groups have freed prisoners and jailed Muslim militants. Looting is widespread.
Will Al-Qaeda, the Muslim Brotherhood, Iran’s Hezbollah in Lebanon and Syria, Gaza’s Hamas, soon proclaim an Arab Caliphate and further launch World War Four, this time with their hands on the levers of power in five or six states? Will Mubarak actually manage to hold onto power?
At this precise and critical moment, our Presidential Speechifier has still not risen to the task. He is walking a “careful line,” and waiting to see what develops.
Well, what else can he really do? Send in the troops? Nah—he campaigned on his opposition to the troops we already have in Iraq and Afghanistan—and, bogged down though we might be, even Obama was forced to understand that America’s other options might be even worse.
Shamefully, Obama did not even stand rhetorically with the demonstrating and bloodied democrats on the streets of Tehran and he is now only tepidly standing with their counterparts on the streets of Cairo.
Yes, America has always supported the Arab “Strong Horse,” the brutal dictator whose reign has been justified as a means of ensuring regional stability. Karzai is our man on the ground, as is Mubarak. Secretary of State Clinton has called for “an orderly transition.” She opposes “violence.” The Pentagon has called for “restraint.”
I have no idea what they mean. Do you?
Tyrannical as Mubarak has been, if he goes, the Muslim Brotherhood and possibly Al-Qaeda will zoom to power. And, believe it or not, they will be worse, ever so much worse, both to their own people and to the West.
The barefoot Egyptian protesters, the suffering and impoverished people, are simply not organized ideologically, politically, economically, or militarily. They will have no way of holding their own against such dark and purposeful forces. They have not read Saul Alinsky’s guidebook and have no charismatic and well-connected leader. One wonders whether the Egyptians finally rose up because they saw Tunisians doing so—and successfully—on the internet, on Al-Jazeera.
Much more here
While Cairo Burns, Obama Parties
The Washington A-List was out in force Saturday night at the farewell party for senior adviser David Axelrod, with a roster of guests featuring Cabinet secretaries, big shot journos and – President Obama.
As revolution threatened to sweep Egypt and possibly other allies – with the horrifying prospect of Islamism replacing reliable friends – the president was on view partying with the IN crowd.
The skepticism beyond the Beltway about whether Washington is just one big Love-In certainly gets fed by the sight – as conveyed by the press pool report – of reporters like ABC’s Jake Tapper, NBC’s Chuck Todd, National Journal’s Major Garrett, and John Harwood of CNBC and the New York Times emerging from a bash with the president that was held to toast his chief political fixer and leading spinmeister.
Mrs. Obama stayed home. Good for her. Maybe she was monitoring the situation in Egypt.
More here
As revolution threatened to sweep Egypt and possibly other allies – with the horrifying prospect of Islamism replacing reliable friends – the president was on view partying with the IN crowd.
The skepticism beyond the Beltway about whether Washington is just one big Love-In certainly gets fed by the sight – as conveyed by the press pool report – of reporters like ABC’s Jake Tapper, NBC’s Chuck Todd, National Journal’s Major Garrett, and John Harwood of CNBC and the New York Times emerging from a bash with the president that was held to toast his chief political fixer and leading spinmeister.
Mrs. Obama stayed home. Good for her. Maybe she was monitoring the situation in Egypt.
More here
Obama Will Go Down In History As The President Who Lost Egypt
Jimmy Carter will go down in American history as "the president who lost Iran," which, during his term, went from being a major strategic ally of the United States to being the revolutionary Islamic Republic.
Barack Obama will be remembered as the president who "lost" Turkey, Lebanon and Egypt, and during whose tenure America's alliances in the Middle East crumbled.
The superficial circumstances are similar. In both cases, a United States in financial crisis and after failed wars loses global influence under a leftist president whose good intentions are interpreted abroad as expressions of weakness. The results are reflected in the fall of regimes that were dependent on their relationship with Washington for survival, or in a change in their orientation, as with Ankara.
America's general weakness clearly affects its friends. But unlike Carter, who preached human rights even when it hurt allies, Obama sat on the fence and exercised caution. He neither embraced despised leaders nor evangelized for political freedom, for fear of undermining stability.
Obama began his presidency with trips to Turkey, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, and in speeches in Ankara and Cairo tried to forge new ties between the United States and the Muslim world. His message to Muslims was "I am one of you," and he backed it by quoting from the Koran. President Hosni Mubarak did not join him on the stage at Cairo University, and Obama did not mention his host. But he did not imitate his hated predecessor, President George W. Bush, with blunt calls for democracy and freedom.
More here
Barack Obama will be remembered as the president who "lost" Turkey, Lebanon and Egypt, and during whose tenure America's alliances in the Middle East crumbled.
The superficial circumstances are similar. In both cases, a United States in financial crisis and after failed wars loses global influence under a leftist president whose good intentions are interpreted abroad as expressions of weakness. The results are reflected in the fall of regimes that were dependent on their relationship with Washington for survival, or in a change in their orientation, as with Ankara.
America's general weakness clearly affects its friends. But unlike Carter, who preached human rights even when it hurt allies, Obama sat on the fence and exercised caution. He neither embraced despised leaders nor evangelized for political freedom, for fear of undermining stability.
Obama began his presidency with trips to Turkey, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, and in speeches in Ankara and Cairo tried to forge new ties between the United States and the Muslim world. His message to Muslims was "I am one of you," and he backed it by quoting from the Koran. President Hosni Mubarak did not join him on the stage at Cairo University, and Obama did not mention his host. But he did not imitate his hated predecessor, President George W. Bush, with blunt calls for democracy and freedom.
More here
Top Court Throws Out Anne Arundel Pastor's Conviction Of Molesting Boy
He can be retried without the written apology to his accuser
A divided state Court of Appeals erased the molestation conviction of a minister this week, ruling that an Anne Arundel County police detective wrongly lured Enoch Jermaine Hill into writing an apology to the boy who accused him.In a 4-3 ruling, the majority said that Detective Patrick McLaughlin went too far when he told the pastor that the family wanted an apology and, in the same breath, said they were not interested in a trial.
From that, Hill could reasonably believe that making a statement that included an apology to the child who accused him would result in no charges "or at the least, lessen the likelihood of a successful criminal prosecution," Judge Mary Ellen Barbera wrote for the majority.
GO HERE to read more.
Extra Fine For Bad Driving Part Of Proposed State Budget
There are speeding tickets and penalties for driving drunk. But if an obscure provision in Gov. Martin O'Malley's budget proposal becomes law, motorists in Maryland will have another sanction to worry about: a fine for bad driving.
Howard Lawmakers Struggle With Hotel Tax Increase
Howard County's state legislators are struggling to decide if the county's hotel room tax should rise to 7 percent from 5 percent, even though hotel owners are supporting the idea as a way to raise money for tourism and business promotion.
Report Card On Obama's First Two Years
By K.E. Campbell
Two years ago today, Barack Obama was inaugurated as president of the United States . Are you better off today than you were two years ago?
Numbers don't lie, and here are the data on the impact he has had on the lives of Americans:
Two years ago today, Barack Obama was inaugurated as president of the United States . Are you better off today than you were two years ago?
Numbers don't lie, and here are the data on the impact he has had on the lives of Americans:
January 2009 | Current | % chg | Source | |
Avg. retail price/gallon gas in U.S. (regular conventional) | $1.83 | $3.104 | 69.6% | 1 |
Selected commodities: | ||||
Crude oil, European Brent (barrel) | $43.48 | $99.02 | 127.7% | 2 |
Crude oil, West TX Inter. (barrel) | $38.74 | $91.38 | 135.9% | 2 |
Natural gas, Henry Hub, $ per MMbtu | $4.85 | $4.48 | -7.6% | 2 |
Gold: London (per troy oz.) | $853.25 | $1,369.50 | 60.5% | 2 |
Corn, No.2 yellow, Central IL | $3.56 | $6.33 | 78.1% | 2 |
Soybeans, No. 1 yellow, IL | $9.66 | $13.75 | 42.3% | 2 |
Sugar, cane, raw, world, lb. fob | $13.37 | $35.39 | 164.7% | 2 |
Consumer Price Index (for all urban consumers) | 211.1 | 219.2 | 3.8% | 3 |
Producer Price Index: finished goods | 170.3 | 183.0 | 7.5% | 3 |
Producer Price Index: all commodities | 171.0 | 189.9 | 11.1% | 3 |
Unemployment rate, non-farm, overall | 7.6% | 9.4% | 23.7% | 3 |
Unemployment rate, blacks | 12.6% | 15.8% | 25.4% | 3 |
Number of unemployed | 11,616,000 | 14,485,000 | 24.7% | 3 |
Number of fed. employees, ex. uniformed military (curr = 12/10 prelim) | 2,779,000 | 2,840,000 | 2.2% | 3 |
Real median household income (2008 vs 2009) | $50,112 | $49,777 | -0.7% | 4 |
Number of food stamp recipients (curr = 10/10) | 31,983,716 | 43,200,878 | 35.1% | 5 |
Number of unemployment benefit recipients (curr = 12/10) | 7,526,598 | 9,193,838 | 22.2% | 6 |
Number of long-term unemployed, in millions | 2.6 | 6.4 | 146.2% | 3 |
Poverty rate, individuals (2008 vs 2009) | 13.2% | 14.3% | 8.3% | 4 |
People in poverty in U.S. , in millions (2008 vs 2009) | 39.8 | 43.6 | 9.5% | 4 |
House price index (current = Q3 2010) | 198.7 | 192.7 | -3.0% | 7 |
S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Index: 20 city composite (curr = 10/10) | 146.4 | 145.3 | -0.8% | 8 |
Number of properties subject of foreclosure filings, in millions | 2.82 | 2.87 | 1.7% | 9 |
DJIA (12,403 on 6/3/08, date BHO clinched Dem. nomination) | 7,949 | 11,825 | 48.8% | 2 |
NASDAQ (2,480 on 6/3/08) | 1,441 | 2,725 | 89.1% | 2 |
S&P 500 (1,378 on 6/3/08) | 805 | 1,282 | 59.2% | 2 |
Global Dow | 1,356 | 2,153 | 58.8% | 2 |
U.S. rank in Economic Freedom World Rankings | 5 | 9 | n/a | 10 |
Consumer Confidence Index (curr = 12/10) | 37.7 | 52.5 | 39.3% | 11 |
Present Situation Index (curr = 12/10) | 29.9 | 23.5 | -21.4% | 11 |
Failed banks (curr = 2010 + 2011 to date) | 140 | 164 | 17.1% | 12 |
U.S. dollar versus Japanese yen exchange rate | 89.76 | 82.03 | -8.6% | 2 |
U.S. money supply, M1, in billions (curr = 12/10 preliminary) | 1,575.1 | 1,865.7 | 18.4% | 13 |
U.S. money supply, M2, in billions (curr = 12/10 preliminary) | 8,310.9 | 8,852.3 | 6.5% | 13 |
National debt, in trillions | $10.627 | $14.052 | 32.2% | 14 |
Sources: | ||||
1 - U.S. Energy Information Admin. | ||||
2 - Wall Street Journal | ||||
3 - Bureau of Labor Statistics | ||||
4 - Census Bureau | ||||
5 - USDA | ||||
6 - U.S. Dept. of Labor | ||||
7 - FHFA | ||||
8 - Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller | ||||
9 - RealtyTrac | ||||
10 - Heritage Foundation and WSJ | ||||
11 - The Conference Board | ||||
12 - FDIC | ||||
13 - Federal Reserve | ||||
14 - U.S. Treasury |
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