Monday, February 21, 2011

Watch Crude Very Carefully Folks

Egypt's oil and gas pipelines at a standstill

The SudMed pipeline which carries Saudi and Persian Gulf oil to the Egyptian Mediterranean is at a standstill. The military rulers in Cairo and the SudMed owners, Arab Petroleum Pipelines, say it is working normally. But debkafile's sources have confirmed that the pipeline, which carries 3.1 million barrels of oil per day from the Red Sea northwest along 322 kilometers west of the Delta up to Egypt's Mediterranean coast, was idle Monday and Tuesday morning, Feb. 14 and 15, due to a general strike by its Egyptian workers as part of their anti-regime protest.

Nonetheless, APP issued a statement that "Operations at the pipeline terminals at Ain Sukhna on the Red Sea and Sidi Kerir in the Mediterranean were running normally, with tankers being accommodated without delays."

This week, US oil sources played down the impact of the SuMed stoppage on world energy and tanker freight prices. A spokesman of the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) informed Congress Monday: "The increase in tanker requirements traffic would be modest in the context of current global oil shipment flows."

He did not mention the halted flow through the Egyptian pipeline or that most of the Egyptians employed at the Suez Canal and pipeline facilities are on strike. He only commented: "A disruption in oil shipments through the Suez Canal or SuMed pipeline would not add much to costs" – without saying how much it would affect world fuel prices.
MORE HERE

Libya's Big Question Marks: The Fates of Gaddafi -- and Oil

Libya's leader Muammar Gaddafi's rule seemed to hang by a thread on Monday as the Middle East's wave of revolts threw North Africa's biggest oil power into turmoil, threatening not just to end Gaddafi's 41 years in power, but to rock the petroleum world, too. With up to 300 people estimated to have been killed during a week of clashes between protesters and security forces, the price of oil futures soared in London and New York, as oil companies raced to extract their staff from the mounting chaos.

Rumors were rife on Monday that the regime was splintering in numerous ways, perhaps fatally. Libya's ambassadors in Indonesia, Poland and Bangladesh, as well as lower-level Libyan diplomats in Sweden, all quit their posts in protest at the brutal crackdown on protesters, according to Al Jazeera. And Gaddafi ordered the Air Force to fire on military installations, in order to prevent weapons from falling into the hands of anti-government groups, according to the BBC. British Foreign Secretary William Hague added to the drama by telling reporters on Monday that Gaddafi was en route to Venezuela. Update: But Venezuela denied that it was providing asylum for the Libyan strongman. And at just before 2 a.m. Tuesday morning Libya time, the country's state television aired a very brief clip of a slightly damp Gaddafi, collapsing an umbrella and getting into a car, saying he was not in Venezuela and remained in Tripoli "with all these dogs" according to a cryptic translation rebroadcast by CNN.

MORE HERE

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Oil industry worries Libya unrest could spread

Rising speculation reserves may be tapped, which has only happened twice in two decades

The first major protests to hit an OPEC country put the oil industry on edge Monday, sending crude prices jumping and raising speculation about the use of emergency oil reserves that have only been touched twice in two decades.

In addition to Libya, the industry is closely watching protests in Algeria, Bahrain and Iran, the second-largest crude exporter in the OPEC behind Saudi Arabia.

"The concerns in the market go beyond Libya," said Victor Shum, an energy analyst with Purvin & Gertz in Singapore. "It's unlikely we're going to see any meaningful disruption of oil from the Middle East or North Africa, but the spread of this unrest has raised anxieties."

Libya is more important to the oil industry than Egypt or Tunisia, scenes of the previous upheaval in North Africa. Oil passes through Egypt, where protesters recently forced out longtime ruler Hosni Mubarak, but Egypt is not an oil exporter. Tunisia is a minor exporter.

MORE HERE

Justine Siegal Becomes First Woman To Throw Batting Practice To MLB Team

Justine Siegal has made a habit out of breaking down barriers. She became the first woman to coach a professional baseball team when she was hired as the first base coach of the independent league Brockton Rox in 2009. She has also spent the past four years as the assistant baseball coach at Springfield College in Massachusetts. On Monday, she added another impressive accomplishment to the list.

According to the Associated Press, Siegal became the first woman to pitch batting practice to a major league team when she threw for the Indians earlier today.

Siegal, a Cleveland native who grew up rooting for the Tribe, was given the opportunity to throw after approaching general manager Chris Antonetti during December’s winter meetings. On Monday, the 36-year-old Siegal got to live out every fan’s dream, throwing BP to a few players in major league camp, including catcher Paul Phillips, Lou Marson and Juan Apodaca

MORE

BREAKING: Magnitude 6.3 Earthquake Near Christchurch, New Zealand

Magnitude 6.3

Date-Time:
    * 21 Feb 2011 23:51:42 UTC
    * 22 Feb 2011 12:51:42 near epicenter
    * 21 Feb 2011 18:51:42 EST

Location: 43.513S 172.638E
Depth: 4 km
Distances:
    * 5 km (3 miles) NNW (330 degrees) of Christchurch, New Zealand
    * 211 km (131 miles) SSE (157 degrees) of Westport, New Zealand
    * 304 km (189 miles) SW (215 degrees) of WELLINGTON, New Zealand

USGS

GOVERNOR O'MALLEY AND U.S. TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY RAY LAHOOD CELEBRATE COMPLETON OF ICC’S FIRST SEGMENT

ICC officially opens to traffic Wednesday, Feb. 23, by 6 a.m.; Commuters can try out the ICC for free by bus or car

ANNAPOLIS, MD (February 21, 2011) – Governor Martin O’Malley and U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today drove the ceremonial “first car” on Maryland’s Intercounty Connector (ICC)/MD 200 and later cut a ribbon to celebrate the completion of the first segment of Maryland’s first all-electronic toll road.

The ICC/MD 200 is an east-west highway connecting Montgomery and Prince George’s counties that has been in the making for more than half a century. The first segment of the ICC that will open to traffic Wednesday morning, Feb. 23, weather depending, connects I-270/I-370 at Shady Grove and MD 97 (Georgia Avenue) in Rockville/Olney.

“After 50 years of planning, opening the ICC means not only progress, but opportunity because the ICC connects two of the State’s premier economic corridors along I-270 and I-95,” said Governor O’Malley.

“For Maryland residents, the ICC is more than just a commuting option. It gives Marylanders the freedom to connect with our communities, our jobs, valuable transit options and safer local roads. But above all, the ICC will give Marylanders back time they can enjoy with their families.”

Citizens are expected to gain immediate benefits and time savings by using the first ICC segment. In fact, it is projected that trip times can be reduced by up to 70 percent. On the existing local road network, traveling from Shady Grove Metro Station to Georgia Avenue takes about 22 minutes. On this first section of the ICC, that same trip should take about 7 minutes.

“The new Intercounty Connector will promote business and employment opportunities in Maryland by improving the mobility of goods and people,” said Secretary LaHood. “It is a terrific example of how a targeted transportation investment can help build for the future and strengthen America’s economic competitiveness.”

An economic catalyst, the $2.56 billion ICC is supporting 4,500 jobs involving more than 200 contractors in its construction alone with $330 million of its construction dollars designated for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise. An independent study by the University of Maryland projects that the ICC, when fully open, will support the development of about 14,000 jobs in Prince George’s and Montgomery counties. The study also found the ICC will save Maryland drivers and businesses an estimated $6.7 billion over the next 20 years in time, fuel and wear-and-tear on vehicles.

“The opening of the ICC is another historic achievement that physically links the State’s two largest counties,” said Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III. “The ICC will help enhance the range of transportation options for our residents and fosters a bold new direction in inter-county cooperation and collaboration in transportation policy.”

The ICC is the “greenest” highway in Maryland’s history, and one of the “greenest” ever built in the nation. More than 15 percent of the project’s budget -- $370 million -- is devoted to mitigating environmental impacts. Going beyond federal mitigation requirements, the ICC has led to stream restoration, hundreds of acres of new wetlands and forest habitat, longer bridges over sensitive streams, innovative storm-water improvements, state-of-the-art construction techniques to limit the road’s footprint and 26 wildlife passages. All-electronic tolling on the ICC helps to maintain free-flowing traffic conditions and improve air quality by eliminating stop-and-go traffic at toll plazas.

Drivers can enter and exit the ICC: at I-370/Shady Grove/Metro Access Road, at MD 97 (Georgia Avenue) and (until the ICC opens to I-95) at a temporary intersection at MD 28 (Norbeck Road).

The ICC is a variably priced toll facility in order to manage congestion and deliver reliable travel times. Motorists can “test drive” the ICC at no charge through March 6. Beginning Monday, March 7, drivers of passenger vehicles and light trucks will pay the following tolls to travel the ICC’s first 5.5-mile tolled segment:

$1.45 during peak hours	Monday to Friday from 6 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 7 p.m.
$1.15 during off-peak hours	Monday to Friday from 5 to 6 a.m., 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
$0.60 overnight	Daily from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.

ICC tolls are collected electronically at highway speeds using E-ZPass®. There will be no toll booths or cash toll collection on the ICC. Traveling the ICC without a valid E-ZPass will result in a “Notice of Toll Due” being sent to the registered owner of the vehicle for the cost of the toll. Effective April 6, the notice will include a $3 service charge per one-way trip.

Beginning March 1, two new Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) commuter bus routes begin express service via the ICC. Route 201 provides daily service with seven stops between the Gaithersburg Park & Ride and BWI Marshall Airport, and Route 202 provides weekday peak service with six stops between the Gaithersburg Park & Ride and NSA/Fort Meade. These express bus routes also will provide connections from the Metro Red Line to the MARC Camden and Penn Lines without traveling into the heart of Washington, D.C. From March 1 through March 14, the service will be offered for free to acquaint customers with this transportation option. For more information, visit www.mtaiccbus.com.

When the entire ICC is open to traffic, MTA will add three additional bus routes that will include service from Columbia to Bethesda, Urbana to College Park, and Greenbelt Metro to Germantown Transit Center. These additional routes will provide commuters with a convenient link to reach Metro’s Red and Green Lines and all three MARC Lines – Brunswick, Camden and Penn.

The State Highway Administration (SHA) is managing ICC construction, and the MDTA helped finance, owns, operates and maintains the ICC. The next segment of the ICC, under construction between Georgia Avenue and I-95 near Laurel, is scheduled to be complete in late 2011/early 2012.

For more on ICC operations, visit www.mdta.maryland.gov. To sign up for E-ZPass, visit www.ezpassmd.com.

For more details on the ICC construction project or $370 million environmental program, visit

www.iccproject.com.

Dateline for the ICC Opening:

Wednesday, Feb. 23, by 6:00 a.m.: ICC opens to traffic, weather depending.
Wednesday, Feb. 23 – Sunday, March 6 at 12 midnight: Test-drive period for cars. No tolls or service charges will be collected.
Monday, March 1: MTA commuter bus service begins. No bus fares will be collected.
Monday, March 7, 12:01 a.m.: Toll collection begins.
Monday, March 7, 12:01 a.m. – Tuesday, April 5, 12 midnight: Waiver of $3 Notice of Toll Due service charge.
Tuesday, March 15: MTA begins fare collection for commuter bus service.
Tuesday, April 6, 12:01 a.m.: Full tolling operations, including collection of $3 service charges.

Salisbury Police Department Press Release

On February 21, 2011 at approximately 9:40 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to a residence on the four hundred (400) block of Hastings Street for the report of an assault involving a firearm.

Upon arrival the officers met with several witnesses that advised the officers that two (2) suspects had been involved in a fight in the roadway that resulted in one (1) suspect producing a shotgun. The witnesses advised that the fight had broken up and that no shots were fired from the weapon. The officers were given a possible location of the firearm and responded to a second residence, also on the four hundred (400) block of Hastings Street. The officers met with the occupants of the residence and were given consent to search for the shotgun. The shotgun was not located, but officers did locate a quantity of suspected marijuana and related paraphernalia. During contact with the occupants of the second residence, the officers located one (1) of the parties involved in the reported altercation. This subject advised the officers that there were no firearms involved in the altercation and was unable to provide information concerning the other involved suspects. The identified party was a juvenile and had sustained only minor injuries that did not require medical attention. The investigation of the altercation and to establish ownership of the suspected marijuana is continuing.

If anyone has any information regarding this altercation, they are asked to contact the Salisbury Police Department at 410-548-3165 or to contact Crime Solvers of Delmarva at 410-548-1776. Information may be left at both locations anonymously.

CC # 201100006540

State Of The City Address TONIGHT

Salisbury Mayor James Ireton, Jr. invites you and your family to the

2011 STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS

Monday, February 21, 2011 6 PM

SALISBURY UNIVERSITY

THE NANTICOKE ROOM

2ND FLOOR OF THE GUERRIERI UNIVERSITY CENTER

• Ed Cowell, Dean of Students - Welcome to Salisbury University

• Julia Glanz, Student Government Association President – Acknowledgments & Student Government Update

• Mayor James Ireton, Jr. – State of the City Address

Are You Missing Me?

Some very kind people called me just a little while ago telling me how they found this Dog in the K-Mart Shopping Center. He was heading towards rt. 50 so they called for him and he came right to them. Once they got him into the vehicle they started calling around to see what they could do with him.

Since he wasn't injured, Salisbury Animal Control refused to take him in. The Humane Society was closed, so they called me. I was able to direct them to Cathy's Pet Salon where Cathy had no problem at all taking him in for the time being.

If this is your pet, please call Cathy's Pet Salon at 410-546-5166. They are open until 5 PM. If you don't see this until after 5 you can call Christie at 443-235-0100 on her cell phone.

He is a mini poodle. He is not neutered and cries in a crate.

What's Wrong With This Picture?

Highlight Photos Of Fernando Guerrero Fight Friday Night

Ladies & Gentlemen, if you missed being there, you missed one incredible evening! Fernando Guerrero dominated this fight the entire night. It was boxing at its best.

Fernando simply out boxed his opponent and when he felt Fernando's power after the first 4 rounds, I think he knew he was in deep trouble.

Fernando Guerrero remains undefeated 21-0. Did any of you watch it on television?

WILL THE SALISBURY DAILY TIMES SOON BE “DISPATCHED”

Wicomico County residents now have another print news media – the Maryland Coast Dispatch, long a source for news at the beach, has enlarged its coverage and circulation to include Wicomico, too. It is a free newspaper that is distributed at various locations. If the initial issue with the expanded coverage is a harbinger, Greg Bassett and the Gannett gurus better prepare for the worst.

In a word, the Dispatch’s news coverage is “excellent” – see the attached article about the impact fee decision made at the last meeting of the Salisbury City Council. But, I’m possibly prejudiced, being a big fan of the newspaper that was founded almost 30 years ago by the late Dick Lohmeyer.

And some of its ads for beach based businesses are more “now” than the staid stuff in the Daily Times – see the attached graphic below from an ad for an OC watering hole.

If you have to go out of your way to get this gem, try it, you’ll like it (unless you work for the Daily Times).

What Will Happen if US Government Does Not Invoke a Continuing Spending Resolution

"When you can't make them see the light - then you have to turn-up the heat" - Ronald Reagan

As the deadline approaches for our Congress to raise the debt ceiling - there may be many of you who might not realize what will happen in the event the Congress decides to not raise the national debt ceiling.

Having lived through this once before - I can tell you what will happen - as it did when Bill Clinton was our President.

First off - most of the non-essential classified federal workers will not be required to report to work. Officially - they will be classified as being temporarily laid off. Then - most of the non-essential federal workers jobs will be assumed by the privately employed sub-contractors - (i.e. Lockheed Martin, Grumman, etc).

During the federal workers layoff period - which could last from a day or two to several weeks - our Congress will try to negotiate a new budget. If they cannot hammer out a budget resolution - then they will in all likelihood temporarily raise the debt ceiling whereby thousands of federal agencies can spend up to what they did during the previous budget cycle.

Now here is the real kicker - and I hope to drive home for all legitimate working Americans to consider.

For all of the days that the Federal employees missed as a result of being temporarily laid off - they are going to be issued back-pay - guess what for - not working! At the same time - the private sector workforce - who have pulled their weight during this period - will not realize an extra dime for having to prop-up the bureaucratic quagmire.

You want to know how do I know this will happen - because I was one of those private sector employees who lived and experienced the same situation the last time it happened during the tenure of then President Bill Clinton. I have never forgotten it - and soon after - I tendered my resignation. I hope the rest of the nation catches-on to their ploy this time around and not to be fooled by your elected official's diversions.

I hope everyone who might be reading this will go to bed tonight and ponder what you have just read in preparation for your upcoming work week in the private sector.

As Thomas Jefferson once said;

"A little revolution every now and then is good for a democracy"

Don't you think it is high time for the private sector - ordinary citizens - to rise up and now protest.

Sick Adopted Baby Lawsuit

NewsCore - A Brooklyn couple filed a $5 million lawsuit against its attorneys for failing to warn them about their adopted baby's serious medical conditions, the New York Post reported Monday.

Lynell and Victor Jeffrey were suing adoption lawyers Aaron Britvan and Alyssa Seiden after spending thousands of dollars on medical treatment for their son Ellington, who was born with severe neurological deficits, according to the lawsuit filed in Queens Supreme Court.

The Jeffreys adopted Ellington in August 2006 from his birth mother in Indiana.

A CAT scan taken at the Long Island Jewish Medical Center three months after the baby was brought home informed the couple of the his problems.

"Ellington is a wonderful little boy, but this has been hard," said Lynell Jeffrey.

Had his problems been disclosed to the Jeffreys prior to finalizing the adoption, they would not have completed the process, the lawsuit said.

MORE

Better With Age? Midlife Crises Are A Myth

According the stereotype, a guy who hits his mid years develops a yearning for a fast car, a young girlfriend and a return to youth. But the truth is, most middle aged people are actually living at their fullest, research shows.

'Skins' Continues Ratings Decline; What Went Wrong With Heavily Hyped Show?

Not quite a million people tuned in to watch the fifth episode of MTV’s controversial teen drama “Skins” last Monday night, a major drop from the 3.2-plus million people who watched the premiere on January 19.

Now, halfway through the first season of its run, MTV is staying true to its promise to air all 10 episodes of "Skins," despite a parent's group's request for a federal investigation into whether it cosntitutes child pornography, declining viewership, and, most important for the network's bottom line, a continued lack of advertiser support.

“At this point, the only advertising that you see on the show, aside from Clearasil, are movie trailers and various direct marketing type of things,” Dan Isett, director of public policy for the Parents Television Council, tells FOX411. “So, there’s virtually no mainline commercial support for this show. There’s no economic reason to keep ‘Skins’ on the air.

If I were a Viacom shareholder, I’d be upset that my corporate management is going out of their way to lose me money by putting on this show.”

The Parents Television Council is the watchdog group that called for the show to be investigated for possibly being child pornography.

Even as schools raise prices on meals, new guidelines under federal consideration threaten to put an added burden on an already budget-strained program. Msnbc.com's Alex Johnson reports.

Tax Free Shopping In Maryland

Normal 0 If you’re in the market for a new refrigerator, dishwasher, or other large appliance, this holiday weekend might be the perfect time to make that purchase. Through February 21st, Maryland is waiving the sales tax on certain Energy Star appliances.

Energy Star products can save homeowners money as well as energy, cutting energy bills by about one-third. When it comes to dishwashing, installing an energy-efficient dishwasher will save consumers an average of $431 per year on utility and water bills combined.

This tax-free shopping period was approved during a special session of the Maryland General Assembly back in 2007. There will also be a week of tax-free shopping on clothing and shoes under $100. That takes place the 2nd week in August.

More information about the tax-free shopping program and which appliances are eligible can be found on the website for the Maryland State Comptroller.

Source

Snow Possible As Weather Extremes Continue

From 60 degrees to snow in less than 24 hours? It could happen. MORE

TODAY GOVERNOR O’MALLEY, US TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY LAHOOD TO HOST OFFICIAL ICC RIBBON CUTTING

ANNAPOLIS, MD (February 21, 2011) – Governor Martin O’Malley, Lt. Governor Anthony Brown and US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood will host the ceremonial opening of the first segment of Maryland’s Intercounty Connector (ICC)/MD 200 today at 11:00 a.m. The ICC is an east-west highway connecting Montgomery and Prince George’s counties in the Washington, D.C., suburbs and the State’s first all-electronic toll road.

More than 500 guests are expected to attend this historic event. Representatives from Montgomery County and Prince George’s County will be attending.

The event location will be accessed via I-370 to eastbound ICC/MD 200 and will take place rain or shine. Risers will be available for photographers and videographers.

WHAT: Governor O’Malley, U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood to officially open first segment of Intercounty Connector (ICC)/MD 200

WHEN: TODAY, Monday, February 21, 2011, at 11:00 a.m.

WHERE: ICC/MD 200 in Gaithersburg, Maryland

DIRECTIONS: Take I-270 to Exit 9 to I-370 and stay right toward Exit 9A East towards Metro Station/Gaithersburg Town Center. From I-370 East, police will direct you to a LEFT onto the ICC/MD 200. Continue on Eastbound ICC/MD 200 until you reach the event location, where you will be directed to park. To exit the event, all event attendees will exit by continuing on Eastbound ICC/MD 200 to MD 97/Georgia Avenue.

Scientists Warn Of Solar ‘Katrina’

The sun is waking up from a long quiet spell. Last week it sent out the strongest flare for four years – and scientists are warning that earth should prepare for an intense electromagnetic storm that, in the worst case, could be a “global Katrina” costing the world economy $2 trillion.

Senior officials responsible for policy on solar storms – also known as space weather – in the US, UK and Sweden urged more preparedness at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Washington.

“We have to take the issue of space weather seriously,” said Sir John Beddington, UK chief scientist. “The sun is coming out of a quiet period, and our vulnerability has increased since the last solar maximum [around 2000].”

“Predict and prepare should be the watchwords,” agreed Jane Lubchenco, head of the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. “So much more of our technology is vulnerable than it was 10 years ago.”

A solar storm starts with an eruption of super-hot gas travelling out from the sun at speeds of up to 5m miles an hour. Electrically charged particles hit earth’s atmosphere 20 to 30 hours later, causing electromagnetic havoc.

More here

Battle Of Wisconsin Threatens Unions' Political Might

Wisconsin's Republican governor, Scott Walker - elected last November along with GOP majorities in both chambers of the state's legislature -- wants his state's public employees to contribute half the cost of their pensions -- up from zero -- and about one-eighth of the cost of their health insurance premiums.

These contributions are less than the private-sector average, but you wouldn't know it from watching the 25,000 unionists and supporters from around the country who have descended on the capitol building in Madison, carrying signs comparing Walker to Hitler. Madison has become ground zero in the battle for the future of America because there is a lot more at stake than the simple concept that well-paid state employees should share the sacrifices that hard economic times have imposed on the private sector workers who pay their salaries.

Walker's proposals have also brought condemnation from President Obama, because they directly threaten his favored union-boss constituency. Walker wants to let state workers vote each year on which union (if any) they want representing them. He wants the state to stop garnishing workers' wages on the unions' behalf, and to exclude state benefit packages from future negotiations. The unions, whose object is to underwrite the election of politicians who care more about them than taxpayers, fear that their days of cutting sweetheart deals may soon be over.

Thousands of Wisconsin teachers who called in sick last week somehow managed to stagger over to the state capitol building in Madison to participate in protests, forcing many school districts to cancel classes. In various interviews with Wisconsin newspapers, teachers at the capitol expressed frustration with Walker's plans.

We went to the Wisconsin's Department of Public Instruction to get the salary data for some of the noisiest teachers, and found that they were making salaries of $67,000, $68,000, $58,000, and $59,000, with benefit packages of $18,000, $20,000, $12,000, and $29,000, respectively.

Read more

Daniels And Christie Light Fuse Under GOP Lawmakers

As congressional Republicans mull whether to address the government's long-term fiscal problems (House Republican leaders are being pushed by the 87 freshmen to do so, while some Senate Republicans are seeking some bipartisan accords with Democratic colleagues), two Republican governors barrelled into Washington with the message that the lawmakers better get moving. And that congressional Republicans might do just fine politically if they do.

The two Republican governors are Mitch Daniels of Indiana, who spoke to a Conservative Political Action Committee dinner Feb. 11, and Chris Christie of New Jersey, who spoke at American Enterprise Institute on Feb. 16.

In style they're a contrast. Daniels is slight, balding and spoke quietly from a carefully prepared text. Christie is large and spoke bombastically without notes. But in substance they were much the same.

They were both mightily concerned with what Daniels called "the red menace" -- "the debts our nation has amassed for itself over decades of indulgence." He warned that "federal spending commitments now in place will bring about the leviathan state" and "the slippage of the United States into a gray parity with the other nations of this Earth."

The response, he said, must be "the creation of new Social Security and Medicare compacts" that "reserve their funds for those most in need of them." And "our morbidly obese federal government needs not just behavior modification but bariatric surgery."

Daniels also called for changes in taxes, regulation and energy policy, and he roiled some conservatives by saying that defense shouldn't get a free pass. He roiled others by ignoring the cultural issues on which he suggested last June we should have a "truce."

But his central message was that Republicans must address entitlements -- Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid. Which Barack Obama conspicuously failed to do in the budget plan he released a few days after Daniels' speech.

Christie was less elegant and even more blunt than his Hoosier colleague. Drawing on his struggles with New Jersey's public employee unions over pensions and benefits, he turned to national issues.

"My children's future and your children's future are more important than political strategy," he began." You're going to have to raise the retirement age for Social Security. Whoa, I just said it, and I'm still standing here. I did not vaporize.

"We have to reform Medicare because it costs too much and it is going to bankrupt us. Once again lightning did not come through the windows and strike me dead. And we have to fix Medicaid because it's not only bankrupting the federal government, it's bankrupting every state government."

Obama, he said, was offering "the candy of American politics" -- high-speed rail, plug-in cars -- and congressional Republicans so far haven't offered much more. If those he campaigned for don't, he said, "the next time they'll see me in their district is with my arm around their primary opponent."

Washington insiders and oldtimers tend to think Republicans would be foolish to heed Daniels' and Christie's advice. Talking about entitlements is supposed to be the third rail of American politics.

"I don't think it's fatal," Christie said. "You just have to have the spine to take the lead," and if you ask for shared sacrifice and don't let people game the system voters will respond.

Read more

James Simpson: The Consequences Of A Government Shutdown

In a post yesterday, I described the actual consequences of a government shutdown.

This is information every patriotic American should be aware of because the Democrats are going to demagogue it to death. This article dissects what they are saying, their methodology, and just exactly how cynically dishonest they really are. No opinions here, but irrefutable fact.

A few gems:

Virtually all Democrat websites, media outlets, members of Congress and the President are warning of a shutdown of Social Security.

Absolute, irrefutable lie.

The Post Office will stop delivering mail:

Idiots! (Okay that is an opinion. I could say worse.) The Post Office self-funds via stamp revenues.

Air traffic controllers will be furloughed.

No they will not.

The Dems know all this stuff because they posted a 2004 Congressional Research Service report on their House Rules Committee website which refutes all their heated rhetoric.

I wish that the worst you could say about Democrats is that they lie, but as we all now know, it is much worse than that.

This is a fight for our country. Don't let the Republicans lose their spine. The House has passed a Continuing Resolution that cuts government spending and defunds Obamacare. The Democrats will go to the mat to defeat it.

(Source)

Wright: End Public Sector Unions...Period

It's about time. I've been waiting for this debate to mature for 15 years.

The battles in Wisconsin and New Jersey over public sector union benefits are merely financial precursors to a much bigger ideological war that has been on the horizon now for years, if not decades. When you acknowledge the coming battle, you realize that Governors Walker and Christie -- courageously as they are behaving -- are only nibbling at the edges of the real issue.

And the real issue is whether public sector unions should even be allowed to exist. Frankly, when even a modicum of common sense is infused into the equation, the answer is a resounding no. And the foundational reason is simple. There is no one at the bargaining table representing the folks who are actually going to pay whatever is negotiated.

Gee, what could possibly go wrong?

Well let's see what went wrong: California, New Jersey, Illinois, Michigan, Chicago, New York State, New York City, Wisconsin...on and on I could go including almost every city and state where government workers are unionized.

Oh, and have you seen pictures of Detroit lately?

The problem is that our country has been lulled to sleep over decades of hearing that government workers are dedicated and low paid public servants who trade good pay for security. And every time a union pay debate came up, it seemed like only cops and fire fighters and teachers were mentioned. No one stopped to think that most government workers are actually bureaucratic charmers like those we see at the DMV and other government offices -- and not "heroic teachers" or crime fighters.

But as long as the private sector was humming along, there was no reason for reality to permeate that myth in most peoples' minds. But the reality is that government workers long ago passed private sector workers in pay and benefits, and now the compensation is more like 150% or even double, factoring in all the benefits, including more vacation days than private sector workers enjoy. And of course, the inestimable value of job security remains intact and strengthened -- while all of us in the private sector deal daily with the risk-reward constraints of reality that are only getting riskier.

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Rich DC Burbs Pay $9.58, Rurals Pay $31.17/Mbps

The rich get richer while the poor get...slower? A new report by investigative journalist John Dunbar cracks open the numbers that are tightly held by the industry and found vast disparities in the quality and price of service based on how close to town. By comparing customer speed tests and surveys, he found that while folks in the low-income areas outside of the Washington Metropolitan Area pay slightly less for their broadband, those in the wealthier DC burbs are getting far more bandwidth for their buck. The poor are paying on average $31.17/Mbps while the rich are paying only $9.58.

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School Tracks Truant Students With GPS Devices

To combat seventh and eighth graders who constantly skip class, a school in California is equipping the worst offenders with GPS tracking units. If you have more than four unexcused absences, you're assigned to carry a handheld GPs device. Five times a day you have enter in a code to verify your location. You also get an automated call in the morning reminding you to come to school and three times a week an adult assigned to you calls you to check in and discuss attendance strategies. The devices have increased attendance by truants to 95% up from 77%, but some parents feel it treats their kids "like common criminals." Do you think this program is a good idea? Take our poll and sound off in the comments.

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American Beverage Association Responds To Call For Ban On Caramel Coloring In Cola

Earlier this week, the Center For Science In The Public Interest petitioned the FDA to ban two forms of caramel coloring, claiming that the ammonia and sulfites used in the creation of the products results in allegedly carcinogenic chemicals making their way into the resulting food and drink. Consumerist reached out to Coca-Cola and Pepsi to get their side of the story, but were instead passed on to the American Beverage Association, which offered its own version of things.

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Food Prices Rise to 'Dangerous Levels'

Multisource political news, world news, and entertainment news analysis by Newsy.com

A report from the World Bank reveals rising food prices could cause major ripple effects in the global economy - especially for developing nations.

AMERICANS FOR PROSPERITY WILL HOST SALISBURY CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES FORUM

Salisbury - Americans for Prosperity Maryland to host Salisbury City Council Candidates Forum.

The Wicomico Chapter of Americans for Prosperity will host a candidate’s forum to allow citizens to get to know who is running for Salisbury City Council. All candidates have been invited and the event is a free public event.

Date: February 23, 2011, Wednesday

Time: 7:00 P.M.

Location: Brew River Restaurant 502 West Main Street, Salisbury

The Salisbury City Council primary election will be held on March 1, 2011 and the general election is April 5, 2011.

Local radio personality Bill Reddish will moderate the forum.

All general inquiries can be directed to State Political Director Nick Loffer 443-994-9395 or nick@afpmaryland.com. For event information, or if you are a candidate confirming, please contact Donna Ennis at 410-860-1008 or estrnshr45@gmail.com.

Will Obama’s Proposed Cuts To Heating Assistance Leave Poor Out In Cold?

Citing a need for stricter belt-tightening, President Obama has said he wants to slash almost $2.5 billion [1] from a program that helps low-income families pay their energy bills. The White House says lower oil prices mean funding can be reduced without leaving Americans too far in the cold. But whether that's actually the case is an open question.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, began in the 1980s as a federal program that helps eligible households pay for gasoline, oil and electricity to heat and cool their homes.

The administration has defended its proposal -- which would bring the program's current $5.1 billion budget down to pre-2008 levels -- by claiming that fuel prices simply aren't as high as they were three years ago.

But fuel prices can be volatile, and they have actually been trending upward. Last week, the Associated Press reported [2] that gasoline prices in the U.S. "have jumped to the highest levels ever for the middle of February," while oil prices "hit $100 per barrel in January for the first time since 2008." And critics of Obama's plan say his fuel price argument ignores another factor that has record-setting numbers of Americans asking for LIHEAP help: high unemployment [3].

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Ex-Leader Of Charity For Disabled Gets 10 Years In Prison, Must Pay $65 Million

A judge sentenced the former CEO [1] of an El Paso charity to 10 years in prison and $65 million in restitution for corruption and embezzlement involving the federal government’s biggest jobs program for the disabled.
The sentence is the result of a federal probe launched after a 2006 investigation by reporters Les Zaitz, Jeff Kosseff, Byan Denson and photographer Faith Cathcart at The (Portland) Oregonian. Examining charities that hired the disabled nationwide, they found non-profit executives were cashing in huge paychecks [2] while their disabled workers made pennies an hour.

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Greenspan's Incompetence Badgers Wisconsin's Workers

Alan Greenspan has been strangely missing from the fierce battle over the future of public sector unions in Wisconsin and other states. His absence is strange because he bears more responsibility for the current conflict than anyone else alive.

The reason is simple. Mr. Greenspan's incredible incompetence in allowing the $8 trillion housing bubble to grow unchecked created the fiscal crisis that is gripping Wisconsin and most other states.

To be clear, states always face financial stress in economic downturns. Most states had to struggle to balance their budgets in 2001-2002 and earlier in the earlier 1990-1991 recession. During a recession tax revenues fall. Consumers buy less, which means less sales tax revenue. Workers earn less money, which means less income tax. And property values fall, leading to less property tax revenue.

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China Cracks Down On Protest Threats, Rounds Up Dissidents

Beijing - Chinese officials on Sunday cracked down against protests, or rumors of them, sending police to detain dissidents and breakup public gatherings in the capital and Shanghai.

After Internet messages calling for demonstrations in 13 cities surfaced on Saturday, apparently from Chinese language sites based overseas, there were reports of activists being preemptively hauled away.

Very few Chinese responded, and in only a couple of cities, but Beijing’s authoritarian regime still mobilized large teams of police to ensure all remained quiet.

The heavy response by Chinese officials was a reminder of the government’s low tolerance for any hint of political discord. The country’s combination of surveillance, sophisticated management of information, and a willingness to deploy large numbers of security forces has so far allowed it to cut off even the most remote of challenges to the Chinese Communist Party.

18th century tribute fuels 21st century debate

GRANTSVILLE bs-md-history-teaching-20110216 —

Bryant Bunch, who came from Prince George's County to attend college here at the far end of the Maryland panhandle, first saw the sign on Interstate 68 while traveling with a carload of friends a few years back.

He remembers their reaction: Does that say what we think it says?

Maxine Broadwater, born and raised on a farm outside Grantsville, and the town's librarian for three decades, recalls the first time she ever gave the name a second thought. It was the early 1990s, and people passing through had stopped at her library to ask about it.

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Virginia Couple Carjacked At Restaurant Near BWI Airport

Police arrest, charge Glen Burnie man in incident

A Virginia couple, staying at a hotel near the airport, was forced into a vehicle as a Glen Burnie man attempted to rob them Thursday, Anne Arundel County police said.

The 43-year-old woman and 44-year-old man from Richmond were getting into their vehicle at about 9:45 p.m. near a restaurant in the area of West Nursery Road and Winterson Road when an armed man forced them into their vehicle and demanded money, police said.

The couple told him they had no money but had some in their nearby hotel in the 1100 block of Winterson Road, near BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport.
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Family In Need Of Help After House Fire

Joe,

Nice to talk to you today. Ed, Sandy, and Ed Jr. West lost their rental home and all contents to a house fire.

What wasn't burned was smoke and water damaged. They had no renters insurance. Ed can be contacted on his cell phone @ 410-202-6559. Ed's sizes are: 4 XL in pants and shirt, 12 W or EEE in shoes. His wife Sandy: size 10 in pants, medium shirt, and shoe size 7. Their son Ed Jr. escaped with only his shorts. His size is 32 x 32 in pants, large in shirt, and shoe is an 11. Our care group at Allen Memorial is trying to help.

Department Of Transportation Secretary Wicks Resigns

Dover -- It is with great consideration, that Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) Secretary Carolann Wicks has resigned her position as Cabinet Secretary effective March 18, 2011.

"This has been a difficult decision, but one that has been made with a clear conscience and the best interest of the department at heart." Secretary Wicks stated. "I have greatly enjoyed the many years I have served the State of Delaware, from an engineer just out of college to my position of leadership in one of the most hardworking agencies in the State of Delaware. The opportunities I have experienced in my years at DelDOT will always be looked upon with sincere gratitude. But, as with many other retirees, I will now move on to the next chapter in my life, including spending more time with my family."

Carolann Wicks is the eighth Secretary of the Department of Transportation. Carolann began her long career at DelDOT more than 28 years ago as a Civil Engineer. She served in several leadership roles including the Chief Engineer for the department and Director of Transportation Solutions. As Secretary, she was responsible for the capital program, managing statewide transit services, motor vehicle services, and the maintenance and operation of 90 percent of Delaware's transportation system. DelDOT employs over 2600 transportation professionals to achieve these goals.

"My only regret is that I am leaving a great organization with the most hardworking, dedicated state employees. The citizens of Delaware are being well-served by these many individuals, all with the goal of making Delaware's transportation system the best and safest for all who travel throughout our State," said Secretary Wicks.

During her time with the department, Secretary Wicks was selected to serve on numerous national and regional Boards and Committees. Recently she served as President for the Northeast Association of State Transportation Officials (NASTO), and is currently serving as Chairperson on the Northeast Corridor Infrastructure and Operations Advisory Commission (NEC). She has received numerous awards: the Eugene E. Abbott Award for excellence in Transportation Planning, the department's highest honor; AASHTO's Alfred E. Johnson award for excellence in Engineering and Management; the Outstanding Alumnus Award and the Presidential Citation for Outstanding Achievement from the University of Delaware, and the Woman in History Award presented by the Business and Professional Women/Dover Chapter. Additionally, she has the honor of serving as an executive board member for the Diamond State Port Authority and she is a member of the University of Delaware's Civil Engineer Executive External Advisory Council. She also is a member of the American Association of State Highway Engineers (ASHE).

Statement From Dr. John E. Fredericksen, Superintendent Of Schools, On The Bennett Middle School Project

ProjectStatement from Dr. John E. Fredericksen, Superintendent of Schools, on the Bennett Middle School Project:

On behalf of the Wicomico County Board of Education and the Wicomico County Public School System, I am pleased that County Executive Rick Pollitt has included $15 million for the construction of the replacement Bennett Middle School in his fiscal year 2012 capital plan. This project has been on the drawing board since 2005, and comes to the county for funding with the endorsement of the county-appointed School Building Commission. This Commission has been a key partner in the planning and oversight of this project from the very beginning, as it has been on previous major school projects.

In fiscal year 2010, the County Council approved $5 million in construction for this project, but the sale of those bonds is still pending. It is critically important for the county to vote to fund this year’s capital request of $15 million for the project for a number of reasons.

Timing: Wicomico Schools received state planning approval for this project and anticipate receiving partial state construction funding later this year. However, if county funding does not come through, it could mean that state funding would not be allocated. If Wicomico misses the state funding cycle for Bennett Middle construction this year, it would in all likelihood increase the projected cost of the project and delay it by several more years. While we understand and appreciate the tough economic conditions we are all in, we also realize that these same conditions are extremely favorable for construction. Funding this project now would allow us to take advantage of marketplace factors that make construction more affordable right now. It is also important to understand the state funding formula. For this project, the state’s share of eligible construction costs is 87%, leaving only 13% of eligible construction costs requiring local funding.

Process: The planning for the Bennett Middle project took several years, and included a feasibility study on the entire Bennett Complex (2005), public exploration of a new site for Bennett Middle (2007), development of educational specifications for the new Bennett Middle by a school and community panel (2008), acquisition of the property on South Division Street in Fruitland for the relocated Bennett Middle (2009), and state planning approval for the replacement Bennett Middle School project (2010). Throughout this process, the Board of Education, the Wicomico County Council and the County Executive have been kept informed, as has the School Building Commission, which has at each step recommended that the school system’s plan for Bennett Middle move forward. The construction plans for which the Board of Education is seeking funding from the county were developed through a thorough, well-considered process designed to result in a facility that would best serve the educational needs of students now and for the future.

Other Projects: The replacement of James M. Bennett High School on the Bennett Complex site and demolition of the old JMB were always understood – by the school system, School Building Commission and county – to be the first two phases of a three-phase project. Phase 3 is the demolition of the existing Bennett Middle School and development of the entire site for the high school’s use. Until the replacement Bennett Middle is built off site, at the Fruitland location, the James M. Bennett High project cannot be finished nor can the resultant 8-acre parcel of open land at the corner of College Avenue/South Division Street be made available to potentially help fund the Bennett Middle replacement project. In addition, other important school projects such as renovations of West Salisbury Elementary, Glen Avenue Elementary, East Salisbury Elementary and Wicomico Middle School would continue to be further delayed. At the same time, critically important systemic renovation projects such as the HVAC improvements for Pittsville Elementary and Middle School, Parkside High, Mardela Middle and High, and Delmar Elementary, would also be delayed. All of these projects are behind Bennett Middle on the Board of Education’s priority list for projects requiring funding.

Instruction: The existing Bennett Middle facility, like the old James M. Bennett High School, is deficient in many ways and is less than adequate to support the current instructional requirements there. Students attending Bennett Middle come from several elementary schools, many of which use the latest instructional technologies. Many Bennett Middle students will go on to James M. Bennett High to experience its technology rich instructional environment, but during their three years at Bennett Middle access to instructional technology is severely limited by the facility. Inadequate space and advanced building systems to facilitate the free movement of staff, students and technology equipment between floors, along with a total lack of air conditioning, create both instructional and technology challenges.

Facility Issues: The school is deficient in many aspects as was outlined in the feasibility study done in 2005. It does not include a fire suppression system, does not meet the new life safety/building codes, and does not meet the accessibility standards. This last issue alone forced several students to transfer to other middle schools where they can be served. Along with a lack of an elevator, Bennett Middle does not have a full HVAC system and is not able to meet the new ASHEA standards for new schools. The level of air quality, including the lack of air conditioning, does not support the school system’s Master Plan Strategic Priorities of High Student Achievement, Safe Learning Environment, and Effective and Efficient Operations. Bennett Middle is the only large school in Wicomico County without air conditioning.

Community: Bennett Middle used to host the annual Destination ImagiNation Tournament and monthly SAT testing, but those events have now moved across town to the better facilities offered by Salisbury Middle. Bennett Middle has also lost the after-school use of its grounds, which must be used by the high school until the three-phase project is complete. The facility limits the connection students, families and the community have to the school. The continued presence of Bennett Middle at the current site will also prolong the community’s frustrations with traffic congestion on College Avenue, congestion that the school system seeks to reduce.

We are all aware of the funding issues government faces at all levels given current revenue issues. The school system is developing its own budget for fiscal year 2012, and we face difficult decisions in trying to live up to our responsibility of providing a quality education even with shrinking resources. While this may not be an easy time for the county to vote on funding a major project like Bennett Middle School, it is the right time. For the sake of Wicomico County students and families, and the community, please vote to include this year’s construction funding request of $15 million in the county Capital Improvement Plan.

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