State Of The State

Reflections on the Governor’s State of the State Address

By Delegate Mike McDermott

Today, the full body of Maryland’s General Assembly heard from Governor O’Malley about his vision for Maryland, and his interpretation of the past year. The Governor stated in his speech, “Everything has a cost…” Well, the question Marylander’s are asking is, “How much?”

His proposed budget holds our deficit at $1.2 billion while actually increasing spending by over $2 billion. There are several fund raids conducted from the Transportation Trust Fund ($120 million) and the Chesapeake Bay Trust Fund ($90 million) with additional tax increases to replace the raided funds. At the same time, the governor plans to increase our debt through the issuance of bonds. This will further push our debt ceiling to the edge.

We cannot afford bonuses for all state employees ($750.00), nor the five additional paid holidays he is offering. We cannot afford to continue cutting Medicaid reimbursements while, at the same time, taking our enrollment up over a million Marylander’s (20% of our population). We simply cannot afford to extend ourselves at a time when the revenues from our citizens are contracting.

Today the governor spoke about the state creating winners and losers when it comes to business and industry. If you are about “green” jobs, you’re a winner; if not, you’re a loser. When the state predicates tax incentives and government backed funding sources to favored industry, it is akin to the king extending the scepter to whomever he wishes. Wind farms may be a great idea, but they need to stand on their own as a business endeavor. When the governor talks about “investments”, he should be talking about the private sector, not tax dollars.

We heard about the governors desire to place a moratorium on septic systems in rural developments, with no regard of the chilling effect this could have on land values, private property rights, and development on the Eastern Shore. He stated that “where we eat, sleep, and live…” is affecting our environment as if this, too, is something the government should control.

The governor stated we were “moving forward”, while his budget anchors us to our indebtedness. He called us a grand “experiment in self government”, while he offers only additional regulations, fees, and taxes on the business community. He says, “It’s all about jobs”, as if the government is the one who creates those jobs. The “ghost of disconnect” continues to haunt Maryland policy.

The bottom line is the governor expressed more visible outrage over the recent power outages in Prince George’s County than he did about the dismal state of our economy, and our failure to address critical budget areas when time was of the essence.

Governor O’Malley wants us to move toward a “knowledge based” economy. Well, that begins with a wisdom based budget, and that was sorely missing from the State of the State Address I heard today.

3 Car Accident On Rt. 13 North & More

There's been a 3 car accident on Rt. 13 North near the Holiday Inn and 3 Police Officers are at Tiger Mart at Vine & Rt. 13 right now arresting a woman witnesses say is nuts. Either way, let's be careful out there.

Castration Removed From Virginia Sexual Predator Bill

RICHMOND, Va. - A bill requiring officials to examine Virginia's program to civilly commit violent sexual predators is moving forward without a provision to study castrating offenders.

Sen. Emmett Hanger's bill had asked the state to study the use of physical castration as an alternative to costly civil commitment. The bill was amended Thursday to look into alternative treatments.

Opponents had decried the proposed use of castration as barbaric. Hanger had argued that it could help some offenders.

GO HERE to read more.

Oysters Disappearing Worldwide: Study

A survey of oyster habitats around the world has found that the succulent mollusks are disappearing fast and 85 percent of their reefs have been lost due to disease and over-harvesting.

Most of the remaining wild oysters in the world, or about 75 percent, can be found in five locations in North America, said the study published in BioScience, the journal of the American Institute of Biological Sciences.

An international team of researchers led by Michael Beck of the Nature Conservancy and the University of California, Santa Cruz, examined the condition of native oyster reefs in 40 ecoregions, including 144 bays.

"Oyster reefs are at less than 10 percent of their prior abundance in most bays (70 percent) and ecoregions (63 percent)," said the study.

"They are functionally extinct -- in that they lack any significant ecosystem role and remain at less than one percent of prior abundances in many bays (37 percent) and eco-regions (28 percent) -- particularly in North America, Australia and Europe."

By averaging the loss among all regions, the researchers came up with an estimate that 85 percent of oyster reef ecosystems have been lost, but said that figure was likely low because some areas lacked historical records for comparison.

The study also did not include oyster reefs in parts of South Africa, China, Japan, and North and South Korea.

Other studies and observations in those areas "suggest that wild oyster abundance was much higher in the past and that reefs have declined greatly in abundance or have disappeared altogether," the authors said.

The one bright spot in the oyster world was in the Gulf of Mexico, where native oyster catches are "the highest in the world despite significant declines in abundance and reefs," according to the study.

Five regions where oyster catches were globally the highest were located in eastern North America, from the Virginia coast southward and also in the Gulf of Mexico.

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Obama Adminstration In Contempt Over Gulf Drilling Moratorium, Judge Rules

The Obama Administration acted in contempt by continuing its deepwater drilling moratorium after the policy was struck down, a New Orleans judge ruled.

Interior Department regulators acted with “determined disregard” by lifting and reinstituting a series of policy changes that restricted offshore drilling, following the worst offshore oil spill in U.S. history, U.S. District Judge, Martin Feldman of New Orleans ruled yesterday.

“Each step the government took following the court’s imposition of a preliminary injunction showcases its defiance,” Feldman said in the ruling.

“Such dismissive conduct, viewed in tandem with the re- imposition of a second blanket and substantively identical moratorium, and in light of the national importance of this case, provide this court with clear and convincing evidence of the government’s contempt,” Feldman said.

President Barack Obama’s administration first halted offshore exploration in waters deeper than 500 feet in May, after the explosion and sinking of the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig off the Louisiana coast sparked a subsea blowout that spewed more than 4.1 million barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico.

More here

[Does this mean the judge could send Obama to jail? --  :-)  -- Editor]

GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY HIGHLIGHTS PATH TO WINNING THE NEW ECONOMY IN 2011 STATE OF THE STATE

In “promising but uncertain” times, Governor calls for “the right choices and investments to create jobs”

ANNAPOLIS, MD (February 3, 2011) – Governor Martin O’Malley delivered his fifth State of the State address today before members of the Maryland General Assembly, invited guests, and the people of Maryland.  In his address, Governor O’Malley focused on the tough choices to move Maryland forward by spurring innovation to create jobs.  The Governor highlighted real progress and his fiscally responsible plan to balance Maryland’s budget, but cautioned that “there is more we can do, and for the sake of our children’s future, there is more we must do.” 

Governor O’Malley outlined his innovation agenda for the State of Maryland during including innovation in education, public safety, science, discovery, healing, manufacturing and trade, public health, and our natural resources. 

“We live in a very different world than the one we inherited from our parents are grandparents.  Times are changing, and states must adapt to win,” said Governor O’Malley.  “The State of our State is stronger today than it was even a year ago, but better isn’t good enough. To make this new economy ours, we must make the right choices and investments to create jobs by spurring innovation.”

For the Governor’s complete remarks, as prepared for delivery, click here.

Even in difficult economic times, Maryland continues to perform better than other states.

• One of only eight states to maintain the coveted Triple A bond rating.
• Foreclosures are down 76% on the year.
• The 26,000 jobs created last year was the best year of job creation since before the start of the national recession.
• For the third straight year, Education Week magazine ranked Maryland’s public schools #1 in the nation.
• Kiplinger’s lists the University of Maryland, College Park, St. Mary’s College of Maryland, Salisbury University, Towson University and University of Maryland, Baltimore County among America’s best values.

Governor O’Malley noted the tough choices that were made to continue on a fiscally responsible path for a stronger future.

• Cut $5.6 billion in spending with another $1 billion in proposed spending reductions this year.
• Reduced the size of government to a lower level than four years ago, cutting more than 4,000 state positions.
• Amidst declining revenues, defended record funding for Maryland’s K-12 public schools the last four years.
• Only state in the nation to freeze college tuition at zero percent increase for four years in a row.

“Notwithstanding the limitations of this year’s budget, all that we need to build a better future is right here,” Governor O’Malley said. “Moving forward is not just about today's budget math, it's about tomorrow's better Maryland.  There are costs and there are values.  I believe in the better future that our children deserve.  And I believe in the goodness of a Maryland that is willing to make it so.”

For the Governor’s complete remarks, as prepared for delivery, click here.

Excerpts below

Creating Jobs through Education

“Innovation is key, and the foundation of innovation is education.  It’s one of the most important investments we make together,” Governor O’Malley said.  “And when this economy recovers, we’ll do even more for public education.  In the meantime – in these lean times – we will make that same all-time high level of investment.”

“To make this new economy ours, we must make college more affordable for more families.  Because of your tough choices, we are making some solid progress.  “Access to college is important, but completing college is essential in this knowledge-based economy.  That’s the goal of Complete College Maryland, which I hope you will support in this year’s budget.”

Creating Jobs with Innovation

Governor O’Malley said:  “No family can make real progress without a job.  In our State, where there is no such thing as a spare Marylander, the most important job we create is the next one.  No state is better positioned than we are to transform global challenges into the jobs and opportunities of the new economy.” 

“This year, we can take action to grow the next MedImmune or Human Genome Sciences.  Through InvestMaryland, you and I have the opportunity to unlock $100 million in venture capital.  Why does this matter?  Because seed and early stage money have all but dried up in the national recession. 

Passing this legislation can be the difference between running ahead or running in place. 

The lack of capital is one barrier to job creation.  Bureaucratic red tape is another.  This year we launched Maryland Made Easy to simplify and streamline the business licensing and permitting process in our State.  There are things we can do to get government out of the way without compromising our environment.”

Creating Jobs by Rebuilding our Infrastructure

Governor O’Malley noted needed improvements to our physical and cyber infrastructures:  “Together, in so many ways, we are building a 21^st Century cyber-infrastructure.  Our Health Information Exchange and interoperable communications network will protect public health and public safety.  The statewide rural broadband network we’re building will connect every county in Maryland to the information superhighway – thanks to President Obama and our congressional delegation.”

“To connect to the infrastructure of a stronger future, we are working together to grow smarter: protecting more open space, and advancing strategies like Transit Oriented Development. We must realize that where we choose to sleep, eat, and live effects our environment and our Bay.  Together, we’ve made great progress in recent years, reducing farm run-off, reducing pollution from sewage treatment plants, and – most recently – reducing pollution from storm water run-off.  But there is one area of reducing pollution where so far we have totally failed,… and that is pollution from the proliferation of septic systems.  You and I can put a stop to this by banning septic systems in major Maryland developments.  This isn’t radical, it’s common sense statute based on what several counties have already done.”

Creating Green Jobs

“We set one of the most ambitious goals for renewable energy in America, but so far we’re not on pace to meet it. This isn’t going to happen simply because we set this big goal or because it’s a good idea,” Governor O’Malley said.  “I need your support for the Maryland Offshore Wind Energy Act not only to create more renewable energy in Maryland, not only to reduce greenhouse emissions in Maryland, but to jumpstart the creation of thousands of green manufacturing, assembly and servicing jobs on the shores and waters of Maryland.”

Md. to receive redistricting data next week

BALTIMORE (AP) -- Maryland will receive the detailed Census data that's used to redraw congressional district boundaries next week.

Four states will get redistricting data this week, including Virginia, and Maryland is one of several scheduled to receive it next week. By law, all states must receive their redistricting data by April 1.

GO HERE to read more.

Senate GOP Caucus Votes To Oppose Same-Sex Union

By The Associated Press, The Capital (Annapolis)

The Senate Republican Caucus has voted to oppose same-sex marriage legislation in Maryland.
Read More

126-year-old Cuban Stakes Claim On Longevity Record Held by American Besse Cooper

Game on. Who is the world's oldest living person? 

A Cuban woman, Juana Bautista de la Candelaria Rodriguez, is claiming to have celebrated her 126th birthday, which would make her older than the current record holder 114-year-old American Besse Cooper.

The birthday girl spent the day talking and showing off her identification papers that, she says, shows she was born on Feb. 2, 1885.

GO HERE to read more.

Could The U.S. Shut Down The Internet?

(CNN) -- It seemed so easy for Egypt. Just order a shutdown of the country's internet connections and -- bam -- it happens.

But is such an authoritarian action transferable? Could the U.S. government shut down American internet connections? And is it possible for the global internet to be toppled?

Technically, yes, internet experts said Wednesday, shortly after Egypt's government restored internet connections there as violent political protests continued. But it's highly unlikely.

"Could you break the internet? Yeah. Can you shut it down? No. Shutting down the entire internet would be pretty much impossible at this point," said Jim Cowie, co-founder of Renesys, an worldwide internet tracker.
Cowie spoke of the internet as if it were a giant, adaptable worm.

"The funny thing about the internet is even if you break it in half, the two halves will function as [separate] internets," he said.

How Egypt shut down the internet

GO HERE to read more.

Al Gore Explains 'Snowmageddon'

If the planet is warming, why is a third of America locked in a deep freeze, with record-low temperatures as far south as the Mexican border, where the thermometer in Ciudad Juarez plummeted Wednesday night to a bone-chilling 9-below zero?

Self-proclaimed planetary climate czar Al Gore thinks he has answer.

"As it turns out, the scientific community has been addressing this particular question for some time now, and they say increased heavy snowfalls are completely consistent with what they have been predicting as a consequence of man-made global warming," Gore write in a blog post. The Nobel Prize-winning former vice president was responding to a question posed by Fox News’ Bill O’Reilly, who wondered on air why global warming was such an urgent science policy priority when the New York City area had become a “tundra” this winter.

Gore also indicated that he believes a rise in global temperatures is creating “all sorts of havoc,” from hotter dry spells to colder winters and ever more violent storms. This is even endangering certain species of animals and leading to forest fires and floods.

But not surprisingly, some climate-change skeptics are a bit hot under the collar over Gore’s “scientific” explanation.

GO HERE to read more.

QUOTE FROM 1944

This Is How You Pick A Dog

Salisbury Police Department Press Releases

On February 2, 2011 at approximately 2:05 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the Walmart Department Store on North Salisbury Boulevard for the report of two (2) shoplifters. Upon arrival the officers met with store security who advised the officers that employees of the store had observed the below listed suspects take sports equipment from the store without making any attempts at payment. The equipment was recovered and returned to the store.

ARRESTED #1: Juvenile, 17 years of age
Easton, Maryland
ARRESTED #2: Juvenile, 15 years of age
Easton, Maryland
CHARGES (Both): Theft (under $ 500)
DISPOSITION: Both released to guardians
CC # 201100004000

On February 2, 2011 at approximately 6:27 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department received a call to respond to the Walmart Department Store on North Salisbury Boulevard for the report of a shoplifter.

Upon arrival the officers met with store management who advised the officers that employees of the store had observed the suspect take medical supplies and cosmetics from the store without making any attempts at payment. The property was recovered and returned to the store.

ARRESTED: Jeannie Prettyman Adshead, 63 years of age
Seaford, Delaware
CHARGES: Theft (under $ 1,000)
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201100004020

On February 3, 2011 at approximately 12:27 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle operated by the below listed suspect for traffic violations. During the stop, due to the actions of the driver, a K-9 from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Department was requested and did a scan of the vehicle for controlled dangerous substances. The K-9 gave a positive indication for illegal substances in the vehicle which resulted in the recovery of a quantity of suspected heroin. The suspected heroin was examined and is believed to be fake.

ARRESTED: Christopher Charles Simone, 30 years of age
Berlin, Maryland
CHARGES: Possession of a non-controlled substance
believed to be a CDS
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201100004085

Costs For Home Mortgages Rise As Fannie, Freddie Hike Fees

The cost of getting a mortgage is rising as higher fees hit more borrowers, including those with stellar credit.

For the first time since 2009, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are raising risk fees they charge lenders on loans they buy for resale to investors. The mortgage giants are also adding risk fees to more loans extended to people with stellar credit. To avoid a fee or to get a discount, most borrowers will need FICO scores of 740 or better and down payments of 25% or more. Lenders could absorb the cost, but most are expected to add it to loan costs within days, if they haven't already, says Cameron Findlay, LendingTree economist. The increases affect most loans with longer than 15-year terms sent to Freddie starting March 1 and to Fannie on April 1.

For example, a buyer of a $200,000 house who has a 700 FICO credit score and 20% down payment will pay $1,600 for the Fannie risk fee vs. $1,200 before. If the borrower's score is 680, the fee will be $2,800. Borrowers can pay fees upfront, or lenders will price them into interest rates.

GO HERE to read more.

Burglar Busted, Leaves Phone Charging At Victim's Home

SILVER SPRING, Md. - Hint to burglars: Don't charge your cell phone at your target's home and then leave it there.

For Montgomery County Police that mistake was what they say they needed to crack a number of residential burglaries.
 
As a result, cops busted Cody Wilkins, 25, of Silver Spring for 10 burglaries and break-ins where thousands of dollars worth of jewelry was stolen.

GO HERE to read more.

Wicomico County Recreation, Parks & Tourism 2010 Annual Report

It is exciting to look back at 2010 and recognize the many accomplishments that were attained in the face of change, budget reductions, and uncertainty. Our boards, stakeholders and staff are “All In” resulting in continued efficiencies, service, growth and outreach, and new ways to better serve Wicomico County. The attached annual report is a testimony to this!

 

GO HERE to review report.

DC Council Ranks 2nd In Members' Salaries

WASHINGTON - A new report says members of the D.C. Council are the second-highest paid among their counterparts in major cities.

The report by the Pew Charitable Trust released Wednesday studied city councils in 15 cities nationwide, including the 10 largest. It said Los Angeles city council members get about $179,000 a year, while council members in Washington average about $131,000 a year. New York council members came in third, with an average yearly salary of $122,000.

Unlike lawmakers from other cities, however, D.C. Council members are both the state and local government.

Source

Judge Says Jail For Bush Whistle-Blower Protector Scott Bloch

WASHINGTON - A federal judge says the former head of a whistle-blower protection office under President George W. Bush must spend at least a month in jail.

The opinion issued by U.S. Magistrate Judge Deborah Robinson Wednesday night could derail Scott Bloch's plea agreement. Prosecutors had agreed he should get probation for pleading guilty to a misdemeanor charge of lying to Congress about files that he ordered erased from office computers.

Bloch was scheduled to be sentenced Thursday, but Robinson postponed that until Monday because of her ruling.

GO HERE to read more.

Ditch TSA? Airports No Longer Can 'Opt Out'

The Transportation Security Administration has said it won’t allow any more airports to “opt out” and bring in private security contractors in place of the agency’s federal workers.

GO HERE to read more.

Dan Snyder Sues Washington City Paper

Redskins owner Dan Snyder filed a $2 million lawsuit Wednesday against the parent company of the Washington City Paper. The suit stems from an article written by City Paper reporter Dave McKenna in November.

In the lawsuit filed in New York, Snyder says that the City Paper has "engaged in an ongoing campaign" to "smear his business and personal reputation," has published more than 50 columns in which he "was the subject of derision, ridicule and/or vilification," and that the November cover story on him "featured an anti-Semitic depiction of Mr. Snyder with horns on his head, bushy eyebrows, and surrounded by dollar signs." The lawsuit claims that the article contained "numerous outrageous, false and defamatory statements of and concerning" Snyder.

GO HERE to read more.

NORM CONWAY – STILL PUSHING FOR PORK IN ANNAPOLIS!

This is incredible – please sit down and take a deep breath before reading any further.

The State of Maryland is broke, and has taken all the highway user funds for other uses rather than to fund local road repair and rebuilding, state funding for our schools will be reduced again this year, and O’Malley is making the Counties fund the tax assessment offices. So what do we find Mr. Conway doing – asking for special appropriations (Maryland’s version of "earmarks") totaling $500,000 for a new building for the Salisbury Zoo and funding for the Tri-County Council – both totally unnecessary matters (and that Council is a do-nothing if ever there were).

Please, Mr. Conway, if you can get you hands on a half million bucks in Annapolis don’t waste it on these things. Instead get it for Wicomico County’s general fund so it can be used for essential things like road work and public safety.

Egypt Now Fears Obama A 'Manchurian President'

Top members of the Egyptian government say they feel betrayed by President Obama, charging that he is acting against American interests.

"Mubarak's regime feels Obama is pushing the advancement of the Muslim Brotherhood against U.S. interests," said WND's Jerusalem bureau chief and senior reporter Aaron Klein. "They are genuinely trying to understand why Obama is seemingly championing the anti-regime protests."

Klein said that a top Egyptian diplomat with whom he has developed a rapport over the last few years asked him earlier this week to explain Obama's motivation to support the opposition to Mubarak.

"I told him none of this should be a surprise," said Klein. "That the Obama administration has developed an extensive relationship over the last few years with allies of the Muslim Brotherhood.

"That my investigating has proven that Obama has been closely associated throughout his political career with radical-left elements who have long petitioned for policies many believe are aimed at weakening the American enterprise both domestically and internationally."

"The Egyptian diplomat seemed surprised," said Klein. "I told him this material was thoroughly documented in my latest book."

The diplomat requested 20 copies of Klein's New York Times bestselling book investigating Obama, "The Manchurian President: Barack Obama's Ties to Communists, Socialists, and Other Anti-American Extremists."

The diplomat said he would deliver the book, which was co-authored by Brenda J. Elliott, to senior officials in Mubarak's embattled government.

Obama in recent days urged Mubarak to give up power in Egypt, where the Muslim Brotherhood forms the main opposition.

Mubarak has been a staunch U.S. ally and a recipient of billions of dollars in military aid. His regime has long been considered a stabilizing force in the Arab world.

The Obama administration's support for the unrest is strikingly reminiscent of Jimmy Carter's support of the Islamic revolution in Iran in 1979, which marked the birth of modern Islamist expansion.

More from WND

Maryland Investigating Pepco For Overcharging Customers

Maryland officials have started an investigation into Pepco for charging thousands of customers during power outages for the last four years.

The Maryland Public Service Commission, which regulates the state's utilities, says ratepayers who are on Pepco's rate stabilization plan may be paying for power although the power is out.

Commissioners say the plan's billing system "may be allowing the company to recover revenues lost during extended outages, and thus may have unwittingly eliminated a critical incentive to restore service quickly," according to documents initiating the investigation.

Pepco's rate stabilization plan, which started in July 2007, allows ratepayers to balance out their electricity payments across the seasons to contain month-to-month cost fluctuations.

The system also is designed to protect the utility company from sales fluctuations -- where Maryland officials say it has created a loophole for the company to recoup lost revenues.

Pepco spokesman Bob Hainey said Wednesday that the company "will cooperate fully with the investigation."

Hundreds of thousands of Maryland ratepayers lost power for days -- and some for longer than a week -- during the February 2010 snowstorms. Many more ratepayers again lost power for extended periods during three late summer thunderstorms, as well as during last week's snowstorm.

"Due to these interruptions, electricity sales for these months were reduced, but Pepco's current [system] has allowed the company to bill and collect the lost revenues from its customers," the commission said. "To the extent that Pepco is being compensated for sales lost due to reliability failures, Pepco's [billing system] may not result in just and reliable rates."

Read more at the Washington Examiner

Yemeni President Says He Won’t Seek Another Term

Yemen‘s president told parliament on Wednesday he will not seek another term in office or hand power to his son — an apparent reaction to protests in this impoverished nation that have been inspired by Tunisia‘s revolt and the turmoil in Egypt.

The U.S.-allied Ali Abdullah Saleh, who has been in power for nearly 32 years, spoke to lawmakers in both houses of the assembly on the eve of mass rallies that the opposition has called for Thursday in all Yemeni provinces.

“I won’t seek to extend my presidency for another term or have my son inherit it,” Mr. Saleh told the parliament.

Mr. Saleh has earlier tried to defuse simmering tensions in Yemen by raising salaries for the army and by denying opponents’ claims he plans to install his son as his successor.

But that hasn’t stopped critics of his rule from taking to the streets of the capital, Sanaa. In January, tens of thousands gathered in days of demonstrations, boldly calling for Mr. Saleh to step down — a red line that few dissenters had previously dared to cross here.

Mr. Saleh‘s current term in office expires in 2013 but proposed amendments to the constitution could let him remain in power for two additional terms of ten years.

After the Tunisian revolt, which forced that country’s president to flee into exile, and the mass protests in Egypt calling for the end of President Hosni Mubarak‘s 30 year-long rule, Mr. Saleh ordered income taxes slashed in half and instructed his government to control prices. He deployed anti-riot police and soldiers to several key areas in Sanaa and its surroundings to prevent riots.

But the street protests, led by opposition members and youth activists, continued, adding to the threats to Yemen‘s stability.

In the parliament Wednesday, Mr. Saleh called upon the opposition to meet for a dialogue on political reforms and their demands.

More

CHAVOUS: The New Rosa Parks

For years, many of us in the education reform movement have believed that the fight to ensure all children equal access to a high-quality education is the civil rights issue of our time. If that is indeed the case, the civil rights movement has found a new “Rosa Parks” - Kelley Williams-Bolar.

Ms. Williams-Bolar is a single mother of two daughters in Ohio who was sent to jail for 10 days for using her father’s address to get her kids in a better school. She wanted her daughters to get a good education. But the city wanted to make an example of her. Ms. Williams-Bolar, like struggling parents all over the country, was desperate to have her children attend a quality school. Was she legally wrong? Technically, yes. Was she morally right? Absolutely. As Martin Luther King Jr. said, “One has not only a legal, but a moral responsibility to obey just laws. Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws.” Similar to Rosa Parks, Ms. Williams-Bolar may be just the person to demonstrate the need for quality options today for all children, particularly those from low-income communities.

She is not alone. Several weeks ago, parents in Compton, Calif., took advantage of a new parent-trigger law - which allows parents to petition and shut down failing schools - and effectively closed a school in their neighborhood that for years had failed to educate their children. Standing in front of the school she was helping to shut down, parent leader Ismenia Guzman said, “Us parents, we care. I don’t want our kids struggling in poor schools.” This unprecedented action sent a clear, unambiguous message to the school district: Either fix our school or we will put you out of business.

Clearly, something is happening in the push to reform American schools, and it is not going away. Slowly, but ever so surely, parents are injecting themselves into the discussion. For years, policymakers, visionary legislators, entrepreneurial school leaders and self-proclaimed education reformers have been fighting for changes in our education system. They all bemoan the fact that the long-standing achievement gap between children of color and white children is not being closed and that U.S. schoolchildren are falling behind the rest of the world in educational outputs. And while many of us who have been doing this work for a long time see positive signs of change with the advancement of charter schools, the education policy of President Obama and efforts being waged in many states, the catalytic moment signaling real change just hasn’t occurred. Until now.

It is increasingly clear that parents are fed up.

More here

Malkin: A Christian Business In The Left’s Crosshairs

Here’s a modest proposal for liberals who say they support job creation: Stop smearing successful, law-abiding private companies whose values don’t comport with yours. I’m looking at you, New York Times.

Chick-fil-A is an American success story. Founded by Georgian entrepreneur Truett Cathy in 1946, the family-owned chicken-sandwich chain is one of the country’s largest fast-food businesses. It employs some 50,000 workers across the country at 1,500 outlets in nearly 40 states and the District of Columbia. The company generates more than $2 billion in revenue and serves millions of happy customers with trademark Southern hospitality.

So, what’s the problem? Well, Chick-fil-A is run by devout Christians who believe in strong marriages, devoted families, and the highest standards of character for their workers. The restaurant chain’s official corporate mission is to “glorify God” and “enrich the lives of everyone we touch.” The company’s community-service initiatives, funded through its WinShape Foundation, support foster-care, scholarship, summer-camp, and marriage-enrichment programs. On Sunday, all Chick-fil-A stores close so workers can spend the day at worship and rest.

For the Left, these Biblically based corporate principles constitute social-justice high crimes and misdemeanors. Democrats are always ready to invoke religion to support their big-government, taxpayer-funded initiatives (Obamacare, illegal-alien amnesty, increased education spending, and FCC regulatory expansion, for starters). But when an independent company — thriving on its own merits in the marketplace — wears its soul on its sleeve, suddenly it’s a theocratic crisis.

Over the past month, several progressive-activist blogs have waged an ugly war against Chick-fil-A. The company’s alleged atrocity: One of its independent outlets in Pennsylvania donated some sandwiches and brownies to a marriage seminar run by the Pennsylvania Family Institute, which happens to oppose same-sex marriage.

More from NRO

White House Implies Muslim Brotherhood Endorsement

For the first time, a U.S. government supports granting a government role to an extremist Islamic organization: the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt.

On Monday, White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said Egypt's new government will have to include a "whole host of important non-secular actors." Most prominent among these is clearly the Muslim Brotherhood – which has made Islamic world domination one of its ultimate goals. It also opposes Egypt's 30-year-old peace treaty with Israel.

 Gibbs said the Muslim Brotherhood must reject violence and recognize democratic goals for the U.S. to be comfortable with it assuming a role in the new government. This caveat does not significantly alter the new American approach, which is very different than that of the previous Administration, in which George W. Bush pushed Mubarak for democratic reforms but never publicly accepted a role for Islamists.

Today, new White House chief of staff William Daley moderated the position very slightly, saying the U.S. hopes for a "strong, stable and secular Egyptian government." Noting that the strengthening of the Muslim Brotherhood is "some people's expectation [and] some people's fear," Daley acknowledged that the situation in Egypt is largely out of American control.

Obama's new position, while not totally surprising, is worrisome to many. "The White House appears to be leaving Hosni Mubarak, an ally for three decades and lynchpin of Mideast stability, twisting slowly in the wind," writes David Horowitz of the Freedom Center. "And worse, it appears to be open to allowing the Muslim Brotherhood to play a key role in a 'reformed' Egyptian government, as long as the organization renounces violence and supports democracy. If the Obama White House really believes this is possible, it is even more hopelessly incompetent than we imagined!"

More here

Devastation At Cyclone Yasi's Ground Zero

THE scene at Cyclone Yasi's  ground zero in Queensland, Australia has been described by one Mission Beach businessman as "apocalyptic".

The manager of the Elandra Resort, David Brook, said the area now looked like "Vietnam (in the war movie) Apocalypse Now".

Trees are down, cars have been swept away, roofs have been torn off and the sand on the beach is gone.

"Nothing's been spared. The devastation is phenomenal, like nothing I've ever experienced," the veteran of at least five cyclones told the ABC.

Police who endured Yasi's fury in the town of Mission Beach that took a direct hit say trees had been reduced to sticks, streets were littered with debris, and some buildings had been damaged.

But conditions are still too dangerous in the wake of the category five monster to allow even a cursory assessment of the damage.

"Around 10pm (AEST) there was this massive roar and we could hear vegetation being shredded to pieces," officer in charge Sergeant Dan Gallagher told AAP about 6am (AEST).

But he said the police station had protected all the officers and a handful of locals who also sought refuge there, including a couple and their 18-month-old baby girl.

"We've been in lockdown since 7pm (on Wednesday). It's still roaring out there but nothing what it was like last night," he said.

"The station is pretty solid and its held up really well.

"I have never been through anything as severe as this but we were all positive and supportive and got each other through this.

"We're happy. We all have a smile on our faces and can say 'we got through this'."

When the eye of the cyclone passed over Mission Beach, bringing almost an hour's reprieve from its winds, put at up to 290km/h (180 mph), the officers did a quick scout of the station grounds.

"Vegetation has been reduced to sticks. A lot of trees are down and one police house was damaged," Sgt Gallagher said.

More here

VW Factory - Germany

Makes you think about the pit called Detroit, the unions that have ruined the US Auto industry…and Obama who has “bailed” them out….what a pathetic joke. Leave it to the Germans.

Super Bowl Pani Pit Pizza Specials

GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY, GENERAL ASSEMBLY RESPOND TO EXTENDED POWER OUTAGES

ANNAPOLIS, MD  – Governor Martin O’Malley and the Maryland General Assembly formally announced legislation to institute reliability standards for Maryland utilities with legislation to be introduced tomorrow.  The legislation, with lead sponsors Delegate Brian Feldman and Senator Thomas Middleton, will require the Public Service Commission to adopt enhanced reliability standards and allow the Commission to fine utilities for poor performance and direct those payments back to the affected ratepayers.

“Despite earnest promises, numerous press releases, and even a six point plan, families in our State went without service for up to five days.  This type of failure is unacceptable,” said Governor O’Malley.  “The people of our state deserve to have basic standards of reliability – standards to which they can hold their utilities, and standards that include financial incentives for the utilities to adhere.”

This emergency legislation ensures for Maryland ratepayers that their utilities are held to the highest levels of service quality and reliability.  The legislation would require the Public Service Commission to adopt regulations by July 1, 2012 to implement service quality and reliability standards, which would address service interruption, downed wire repair, service quality, vegetation management, annual reliability reporting, and other standards established by the Commission.  The Act also requires annual reporting by the electric companies as to whether they have met the standards and requires the Commission to “take appropriate corrective action” against an electric company that fails to meet any or all of the standards, including appropriate civil penalties for noncompliance.

Civil penalties collected under this section shall be credited to the electric company’s residential ratepayers in a manner determined by the Commission.  Electric companies may not recover the cost of civil penalties from ratepayers.

“The best way to ensure our utilities keep their promise to provide reliable and timely service is through tough reliability standards with serious penalties for nonperformance,” said Senator Thomas Middleton.  “I commend the Governor for his proposal to use penalty revenues to compensate ratepayers who bear the burden when these promises are broken.”

“Hundreds of thousands of Marylanders have lost confidence in the ability of their utilities to provide reliable electric service,” said Delegate Brian Feldman.  “They are looking to their elected officials to step up and take action.  This legislation is a significant step in the right direction and I commend the Governor for his leadership on this issue.”

To read the Governor’s letter this week to Pepco Chairman Joseph Rigby, click here.

STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY ON THE RATIFICATION OF A NEW CONTRACT FOR MARYLAND STATE EMPLOYEES

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Martin O’Malley issued this statement following the overwhelming ratification of a new contract for Maryland state employees:

“Today’s ratification of a new contract for our state employees represents a step forward for our dedicated state employees as we come through this national recession.

“Over the last three years, state employees have made sacrifices to help us get through these trying times - identifying reductions and promoting efficiencies while sharing the burden of furloughs, temporary salary reductions, and the temporary loss of cost of living adjustments and step increases.

“I truly appreciate the dedication, patience, sacrifice, and ingenuity of our state employees as we have moved through these difficult years.  Their invaluable service has helped us navigate these challenging times.”

Salisbury Police Department Press Releases

On January 31, 2011 at approximately 1:41 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police responded to the parking lot area of the Twilley Center for the report of a shoplifter. Upon entering the parking lot the officers observed the below listed suspects inside of a vehicle involved in suspected controlled dangerous substance activity. Upon further inspection, the officers observed suspected drug paraphernalia inside of the vehicle. The officers received consent to search the vehicle and recovered a quantity of suspected heroin, suspected cocaine and suspected "crack"/cocaine.

ARRESTED #1: Norman Alan Bromley, 43 years of age
Princess Anne, Maryland
ARRESTED #2: Jessica Trudy Smith, 36 years of age
Pittsville, Maryland
CHARGES (Both): Possession of heroin
Possession of cocaine (2 counts)
Possession of CDS/Paraphernalia (4 counts)

DISPOSITION: Both released to Central Booking
CC # 201100003729

On February 1, 2011 at approximately 9:45 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police arrested the below listed suspect on an outstanding arrest warrant for forgery of two (2) checks. The warrant was the result of an investigation involving the counterfeiting and passing of two (2) checks in Salisbury. The suspect had created two (2) checks utilizing the information of a local business and had cashed the checks causing a financial loss to that business.

ARRESTED: Daniel Gary Treadway, 49 years of age
Dover, Delaware
CHARGES: Forgery
Theft (under $ 500)
Issuing false documents
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 200900032859

On February 1, 2011 at approximately 2:55 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police arrested the below listed suspect on an outstanding arrest warrant for an incident that occurred on January 29. On that date, Salisbury Police responded to the area of Smith Street for the report of a robbery. Upon arrival, the officers met with an adult male victim who advised that two (2) suspects had assaulted the victim with a handgun and had taken an amount of U.S. Currency.

The victim was not injured during the robbery. The officers received information from witnesses that led to the identification of this suspect. The investigation is continuing to identify the second suspect.

ARRESTED: Marcus Leon Wright, 29 years of age
Princess Anne, Maryland
CHARGES: Armed robbery
First degree assault
Second degree assault
Reckless endangerment
Theft (under $100)
Handgun use in a violent crime
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201100003544

On February 1, 2011 at approximately 7:22 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the Walmart Department Store on North Salisbury Boulevard for the report of a shoplifter. Upon arrival the officers met with store security who advised the officers that employees of the store had observed the below listed suspect take tools from the store without making any attempts at payment. The tools were recovered and returned to the store.

ARRESTED: Tyrone Leroy Eldridge, 49 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Theft (under $ 100)
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201100003888

Win Big at Bingomania On Saturday, February 12

 

(Salisbury, MD)  Be the first to shout bingo at Bingomania, which returns to the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center Saturday, February 12. Doors open at 5:00pm for early bird games and regular games begin at 7:30pm.

Admission to Bingomania includes all regular and special games, including the Jumbo Jackpot Game. Regular games offer a $500 prize while special games pay out $1000. The Jumbo Jackpot Game pays a maximum of $10,000 depending upon attendance.

Increase your chances of winning and help a local food bank at the same time by bringing three non-perishable food items to the game. Those that do will receive 3 additional cards for the first early bird game, which has a payout of $500.

Tickets are $45 per person in advance and $55 per person at the door. Tickets are on sale now at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center Box Office (500 Glen Ave. Salisbury, MD), online at www.WicomicoCivicCenter.org and by phone at 410-548-4911. 

SALISBURY CITY COUNCIL AGENDA

FEBRUARY 7, 2011

4:30 P.M.

COFERENCE ROOM 306

GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING

SPECIAL MEETING

Refund request – 630 Ridge Road

Refund request – 720-724 Riverside Road

WORK SESSION (following conclusion of Special Meeting)

Reallocation of FY07 and FY08 bond proceeds – Pam Oland

FY11 bond issuance – Pam Oland

Quarterly financial results – Pam Oland

Follow-up discussion - Capital Improvement Plan – John Pick

General discussion/upcoming agendas

Wicomico County Sheriff's Office Press Releases

Incident: Underage Party
Date of Incident: 29 January 2011
Location: 500 block of Ferry Street, Sharptown, MD
Suspects: 1. Cody W. Matthews, 18, Seaford, DE
2. Christopher I. Caswell, 18, Laurel, DE
3. Christopher F. Kelley, 20, Seaford, DE
4. 17 Year Old Juvenile Male, Hebron, MD
5. 17 Year Old Juvenile Female, Sharptown, MD
6. 17 Year Old Juvenile Female, Sharptown, MD


Narrative: On 29 January 2011 at 1:34 AM, deputies from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to a noise complaint at a residence in the 500 block of Ferry Street in Sharptown. Upon arrival, the deputies saw the group inside playing what the deputies believed was "Beer Pong" and that cans of beer were in plain sight. All the subjects observed appeared to be under the legal drinking age of 21. Upon making contact with those inside, the deputies verified they were under the age of 21 and were home with any other adult supervision.

The subjects located inside were cited for underage possession of alcohol
Charges: Underage Possession of Alcohol

Incident: Theft Investigation
Date of Incident: 1 Feb 2011
Location: Wicomico County
Suspects: Pending


Narrative: On 1 February 2011 a deputy began an investigation in reference to the theft of scrap metal. During the investigation, the deputy recovered two Chain style drags for a baseball field. One was approximately six feet wide while the other was approximately three feet wide. At this time the Sheriff’s Office is attempting to identify the owner(s) of these drags. We are asking anyone who normally maintains athletic fields to check their equipment and contact us if they may be able to identify these as theirs.

When contacting the Sheriff’s Office please reference case 11-411

Charges: Pending

Incident: Vandalism
Date of Incident: 28 January 2011
Location: Pemberton Drive, Salisbury, MD
Suspects: Pending


Narrative: On 28 January 2011 the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation into a series of incidents where moving vehicles on Pemberton Drive were targeted. In one incident, a motorist advised while driving in the 27000 block, an occupant in a vehicle heading the opposite direction leaned out their window and ripped off part of the vinyl roof of this motorist’s vehicle. In another incident, a motorist driving in the 1300 reported a subject leaned out of a passing automobile and struck this motorist’s windshield causing it to shatter.

Both of these incidents occurred between 10:45 PM and 11:00 PM on Saturday 28 January. At this time, the Sheriff’s Office is seeking information about these two crimes. We believe that perpetrators may have been operating a silver or tan four door sedan.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 410-548-4890 or Crime Solvers at 410-548-1776.

When contacting the Sheriff’s Office please reference case 11-384 and 11-387
Charges: Pending

Wicomico County Sheriff's Office Press Release

Incident: False Name to Law Enforcement
Date of Incident: 31 January 2011
Location: Cross Road, Mardela Springs, MD
Suspects: Thomas F. Keen III, 29, Hebron, MD


Narrative: On 31 January 2011 at 10:03 AM, a deputy stopped to check on an individual inside a vehicle who appeared to be slumped over the steering wheel while the vehicle was in the travel portion of the roadway. Upon approach, the deputy discovered that the operator, Thomas Keen of Hebron, MD was asleep in the car. Upon initially contacting Keen and inquiring his name, he replied "Thomas Keen." The deputy began to inquire what Keen was doing there parked in the roadway and after a discussion proceeded to ask Keen his full name and date of birth. At this point Keen decided to give the deputy a different name along with a Date of Birth and address that would not be associated with him. The deputy became puzzled due to Keen’s earlier statement that his name was Thomas Keen and confronted him with that. Keen then relented and provided his proper information. The deputy then discovered an open warrant for Keen’s arrest stemming from a violation of probation in a CDS related case. Keen admitted he had attempted to lie about his name because he knew of the arrest warrant.

The deputy placed Keen under arrest and transported him to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance on the false name charge, the Commissioner detained Keen in the Detention Center in lieu of $25,000.00 bond.
Keen was also detained in the Detention Center on the Violation of Probation warrant on $10,000.00 bond.

Charges: False Statement to Law Enforcement with the intent to deceive

Wicomico County Sheriff's Office Press Release

Incident: Assault 1st Degree
Date of Incident: 28 January 2011
Location: 500 block of Hearn Lane, Salisbury, MD
Suspects: Chantal L. Whitney, 39, Salisbury, MD


Narrative: On 28 January 2010 at 10:15 PM, a deputy with the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office met with a male victim who advised his girlfriend, Chantal Whitney, had come after him and stabbed him with a knife. The male victim advised he came home shortly before summonsing law enforcement and found his Chantal hanging out with four men in their residence consuming alcohol and what he believed was CDS. The victim told these men to leave and Chantal began badgering him for money to buy CDS. When the victim refused, she produced a knife and held it to his throat. The victim managed to wrestle the knife from her but Chantal then produced a smaller pen knife and began slashing at the victim at which time he received lacerations on his arm.

The victim managed to escape the residence and summons law enforcement. Upon the Arrival of the deputy, Chantal was found hiding underneath a futon at which point she was taken into custody. Also found during her arrest were both marijuana and crack cocaine pipes that appeared to have been used and still held remnants of the drugs in them.

Chantal was transported to the Central Booking Unit where she was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, the Commissioner detained Chantal in the Detention Center in lieu of $250,000.00 bond.

Charges: Assault 1st Degree
Possession of Crack Cocaine
Possession of Marijuana
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Somerset County Sheriff's Office Press Releases

Michael Eugene Tilghman of Crisfield, arrested 1-27-11 on a warrant regarding violation of probation. Tilghman was later held on a $35,000 bond.

Geomar Lenn Handy of westover, arrested 1-27-11 on a warrant regarding fail to appear in court for child support. Handy was later held on a $500.00 bond. 

William Andrew Jones of Westover, arrested 1-28-11 on a warrant regarding violation of probation. Jones was later held on a $250.000 bond.

Christine Renee Elliott of Elkton, arrested 1-31-11 on two warrants regarding failing to appear in court. Elliott was later held on a $14,000 bond.

The Somerset County Sheriff's Office is investigating a theft that occurred during the month of January, at a farm house on Clinton Bozman Rd, Fairmont. Suspects stole a home made log splitter that attaches to a three point farm tractor. The suspects also stole a 8' blue grader blade, 80 gal horizontal air compressor, and an out door HVAC unit. Anyone with information are asked to contact the sheriff's Office at 410-651-9225  

Fallen Marine's Parents Adopt Son's Bomb Dog

SAN ANTONIO (AP) - The parents of a U.S. Marine killed in Afghanistan are adopting the bomb-sniffing dog who the military says loyally rushed to their son's side when he was fatally shot.

Darrell and Kathy Rusk were expected to take home Eli on Thursday. The black Labrador is being retired from military service following the death of Pfc. Colton Rusk. The military says the 20-year-old Texan died in December during a gun battle with Taliban fighters.

GO HERE to read more.

Minority Growth

The Census Bureau reports racial minorities accounted for 85 percent of the nation's population growth over the last decade. Growth in the Hispanic population will result in several states gaining seats in the House of Representatives. Census Director Robert Groves says, growth of the Hispanic community is one of the *big stories* of the 2010 count. This week, Census began releasing state-by-state data from the 2010 count. Among the other findings, the country houses 5 million multi-racial people, a gain of 20 percent since 2000.

State Department Screwed Out Of More Than A Quarter Of A Million

A Jordanian citizen hired by the State Department to work at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad has been convicted of stealing nearly a quarter million dollars. Thirty-six-year-old Osama Ayesh has been convicted of two counts of theft and a conflict of interest charge. Ayesh was a shipping and customs supervisor at the embassy when investigators got a tip that Ayesh had been embezzling funds. Ayesh moved about $237,000 to his private Jordanian bank account between 2008 and June 2010.

Pentagon Contractor Fraud

The Pentagon says it has given millions of dollars to contractors that have committed fraud. The DOD report outlines more than five million dollars to at least 16 vendors who were either suspended or debarred when the funds were obligated. The report covers the years 2007 to 2009. Defense says that in some cases, contracting officers approved the spending to ensure missions could be finished safely. In other cases, they simply didn't check to see if vendors were on the excluded parties list.

Warner: Give Feds A Say In Program Cuts

With President Obama recently signing new government reform legislation, lawmakers said accurate data about agencies and their programs will be the key to effective change. Sen. Mark Warner said budget pressures will make improving program performance more pressing than ever before. Warner wants to increase collaboration between long term federal employees and leadership in Congress and the White House.  

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Consumers Group Asks FTC To Stop Misleading Vitaminwater Marketing

Sick of seeing Vitaminwater continue to market itself as some sort of health drink, in spite of all evidence to the contrary, the National Consumers League has called on the Federal Trade Commission to intervene and put an end to what it believes are Vitaminwater's deceptive practices.

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Today's Survey Question

Do Cameras Belong In The Delivery Room?

Solar-Powered Glass Road Could Melt Snow Automatically

It’s being called snowmageddon – and for good reason. Snow and ice are wreaking havoc all across the United States with record wind chills and more precipitation than Siberia on a bad day. If your commute is taking three times as long as it usually does, go ahead and blame the archaic highway system.

That’s right. In the 1950s, the idea of paving America with black asphalt seemed like a good idea. Now, 60 years later, we’re still using it -- and still sliding all over the road.

But what if the road itself could change?

That’s the dream for Scott Brusaw, who has a novel idea for dealing with snowy roads: replace them with a glass surface embedded with solar cells that generate power form the sun and store it in batteries for use at night. In his view, such a proliferation of solar cells could also help solve our ongoing dependence on fossil fuels, because they could feed excess electric power into the grid. He has even developed illuminated lane markings that change according to current road conditions.

His company, Solar Roadways is waiting for approval on a new $750,000 grant from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) that will help him build a large-scale prototype to test new materials and electronics, and hopefully prove that his invention works.

GO HERE to read more.

What Exactly Are Those Extra Ingredients In Taco Bell's Ground Beef?

Since the news broke about the lawsuit alleging that Taco Bell's ground beef doesn't meet the USDA's definition of "ground beef," there has been a lot of speculation about exactly what percentage of the taco filling is actually made up of non-meat ingredients. But what's been left out of the discussion is a closer look at what those extra recipe items are doing there.

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A Miserable Life Inside A Foreclosed Apartment

Living inside an apartment building that has been foreclosed on can become a living hell when the building crumbles into disrepair around you and there's no landlord to call. Bursting heat pipes, cockroaches, mice, hunks of ceiling falling on you, and black mold seeping up the walls have become the new neighbors to tenants in one low-income apartment building in the Bronx where the landlord has long since checked out.

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Posts Every 5 Minutes Until At Least Noon Today UPDATE: Make That 1 PM

Salisbury News will once again deliver articles every 5 minutes today until at least Noon. Make that 1 PM.

The Top 10 Foreclosure Hotspots In The U.S.

We already know which states were hit hardest by last year's foreclosure boom, but today CNN.com has a look at the 10 cities with the fastest-growing foreclosure rates in the country.

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The Real CSI: How America’s Patchwork System Of Death Investigations Puts The Living At Risk

An investigation by ProPublica, PBS “Frontline” and NPR looks at the nation’s 2,300 coroner and medical examiner offices and finds a troubled system that literally buries its mistakes.

Read more...

Go Red This Saturday

White House Vows To Implement Health Care Reform, Despite Judge's Ruling

Senior administration officials vowed on Monday to continue with the full implementation of President Obama’s health care reform law despite a federal judge’s decision declaring the law unconstitutional and void in its entirety.

“This is not the last word by any means,” a White House official told reporters in a background briefing. “We are quite confident it won’t stand.”

The Justice Department issued a statement saying it intends to appeal the decision. “We strongly disagree with the court’s ruling,” the statement says in part.

GO HERE to read more.

Why The Army Won't Shoot Protesters

Cairo - Khalid Ibrahim Al-Laisi has been a soldier in the Egyptian army for 20 years. Today, far from shooting protesters, he says the time has come "to revolt against oppression."

And as protesters vow to continue to press for President Hosni Mubarak to leave now, rather than at election time later in the year as he offered to do Tuesday, Al-Laisi, 38, is the face of an army that is one with protesters, not against them.

Khalid tells IPS just why. "My monthly wage is 1,100 Egyptian pounds (188 dollars). It’s not enough, and I have to do another job in the evenings." He and his wife struggle to bring up their three children, aged 13, nine and four in the Al-Zaytoun neighbourhood of Cairo.

"No one can afford to live on these wages," he says. "There is no joy in life. You bring a child into this world to enjoy life, not to feel trapped. One kilo of meat costs 60 Egyptian pounds (EGP) in today’s market. To eat meat once a week costs me 300 (Egyptian) pounds a month. That leaves no money to go out and do anything else."

GO HERE to read more.

Will Companies And Organizations Step Up To The Challenge In The New Green Economy?

Problem: Changing the US and other countries in the world to create a green-based economy, while phasing out fossil fuels.

Solution: It will take more than government programs and incentives. Companies and other organizations need to embrace the change and can prosper in doing so.

This week's Solution column is inspired by an article and video by Robert Bell Ph.D., professor of management and chair of the Department of Finance and Business Management, Brooklyn College, City University of New York. He is the author of "The Green Bubble- Waste Into Wealth: the New Energy Revolution," Abbeville Press, New York, 2008.

His previous books include: "Beursbedrog" (The Stock Market Sting), De Arbeiderspers, Amsterdam, 2003; "Les peches capitaux de la haute technologie" (The Capital Sins of High Technology), Seuil, Paris, 1998; Impure Science, Wiley, New York, 1992.

GO HERE to read more.

Recession Takes Severe Toll On Low-Income Renters

Washington - Rising rents, stagnant wages and high unemployment led more than 7 million U.S. households either to live in substandard dwellings or pay more than half their monthly incomes for rent in 2009, according to a federal report delivered to Congress on Tuesday.

During the height of the Great Recession, the number of low-income households with "worst-case housing needs" increased by nearly 1.2 million, or 20 percent, from 2007 to 2009. That's the largest two-year increase since the Department of Housing and Urban Development began tracking the data in 1985.

Very-low-income renters who don't receive government housing assistance are considered to have "worst-case housing needs" if they live in poor conditions or their rent consumes more than half their incomes.

All family types, all racial and ethnic groups and all regions of the country saw an increase in these distressed renters in 2009, said Raphael Bostic, HUD's assistant secretary for policy development.

"The loss of income, the general lack of affordable housing and the increased monthly rent burden are clearly putting a lot of stresses on unassisted families at the lower end of the income spectrum," Bostic said.

The data for HUD's report, "Worst Case Housing Needs 2009," were gleaned from Census Bureau surveys conducted in May and September of 2009.

GO HERE to read more.

60 Minutes: Putting The BS In CBS

The reason people in Tunisia, Egypt, and other parts of the world have been influenced to some extent by the work of Wikileaks is that they have read or heard about the material that Wikileaks has helped to make public. The CBS program "60 Minutes" has just published video of an interview with Wikileaks' Julian Assange -- with the video focused, of course, on Assange himself, with almost no substantive content related to the massive crimes and abuses that have made news around the globe.

The value of the "60 Minutes" video is not in its potential to inform anyone about Wikileaks. We can't, after all, judge the utility of informing Americans about their nation's illegal spying, bombing, war making, or coup facilitating until Americans are actually informed of it, which will require that we finally drop the BS "reporting" on Assange's childhood and haircuts.

The value of the "60 Minutes" video is in its potential to inform us about CBS and the corporate media in the United States, of which it is a typical or even above average example. 60 Minutes' Steve Kroft shot six hours of interview with Assange, which "60 Minutes" cut down to snippets for tv viewing. Some decent questions may have been asked. If so, they didn't make the cut.

Kroft tries desperately in the interview to distinguish Assange from respectable journalists. At one point he explains to Assange that most reporters interpret information, whereas Wikileaks puts out raw data for others to interpret. Of course, this isn't true of Wikileaks, which has often provided context and explanations, transcriptions and timelines. What it hasn't done is pile ideological spin and fluff on the information it has sought to communicate.

GO HERE to read more.

Stamped Concrete Lane Tops Boardwalk Poll

OCEAN CITY – The town is taking a poll of what material the majority of the public would prefer Ocean City’s famous Boardwalk be renovated with.

City Engineer Terry McGean presented the Mayor and City Council last December with three different options to renovate the Boardwalk.

The three options are an all wooden board surface, boards with a plain concrete train lane and boards with a stamped concrete train lane to resemble wood.

“Option One” will replace the entire existing wooden surface with new wooden boards. The supporting structure of the Boardwalk might be built with different materials, but the Boardwalk would look essentially the same as it does now. This is the most traditional option, but also the most expensive to build and maintain.

“Option Two” will replace the existing Boardwalk from 4th to 27th streets with a combination of wood boards and concrete. The Boardwalk would be divided into three lanes. The inner lane where the train runs will be a plain concrete surface that would look like the tram lane that currently exists south of 4th Street. This option is the least expensive to build and maintain.

“Option Three” is like option number two but the inner tram lane would be a concrete that is colored and stamped to resemble wooden boards. This option is more expensive than number two but still less expensive than the all wooden option.

As of Thursday at 2 p.m., there were a total of 5,430 votes. Option number three was in the lead with 2,562 votes, or 47 percent. Option number one was in second place with 1,654 votes, and option number two was trailing behind at 1,214 votes.

GO HERE to read more.

Attorney in latest slots appeal is lobbyist for the Maryland Jockey Club

The attorney representing opponents of a slots parlor at Arundel Mills mall in a new legal challenge is a registered lobbyist for the Maryland Jockey Club — the project's most vocal opponent — according to Anne Arundel County records.

Harry C. Blumenthal, an Annapolis attorney, is representing a homeowners association and three residents of a nearby housing development in a complaint alleging that Anne Arundel County officials improperly approved the Cordish Cos.' plan to accommodate increased traffic around a planned slots parlor and entertainment complex at Arundel Mills.

Blumenthal and the Jockey Club say the track owner is not involved with the current appeal, although Blumenthal said he has done lobbying work for the Jockey Club regarding slots zoning in the past.
GO HERE to read more.

Teen Guilty Of Raping Classmate

State to drop more serious adult charges

A former Annapolis High School student was convicted yesterday in juvenile court of raping a 17-year-old classmate last April outside a community pool near her home.

t the same time, however, prosecutors announced plans to drop adult charges next month against Troy Traon Reid involving allegations he sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl last September on a wooded path near the school
.
Reid, a 17-year-old father of at least one, will be sentenced March 10 in county Circuit Court in Annapolis in the juvenile case. A judge could order him held at a juvenile facility until he is 21.

Until he is sentenced, Reid will be held at the Jennifer Road Detention Center on the adult case.

GO HERE to read more.