Joe,
This dog wandered into our yard minutes ago in Delmar.
Contact me @ 443-880-4109
Jason
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Found Dog
On Monday morning our students found a dog on school grounds. Mrs. Legg and our small animal care and agriculture students have been taking care of him during the day and Mrs. Legg and I have been taking him at night.
He is such a great dog and would be a wonderful addition to my family, he must belong to someone since he has been so well taken care of and is very kind and lovable.
I hope you can help us find it's owner.
Thank you,
Delmar Middle and Senior High School staff and students
You can call the school at 302-846-9544.
The Welfare Reform Act Of 2011
The Welfare Reform Act of 2011 will help food stamp recipients become independent of government assistance, give taxpayers a clearer picture of national welfare spending, and return the federal welfare budget to pre-recession levels after unemployment falls to 6.5%. Currently, there are 77 means-tested federal programs that provide benefits specifically to poor and low-income Americans.
Jobs Through Wind Power
Today it was announced that Sparrows Point Steel Mill is immediately bringing back 150 workers that had been previously laid off. And as they become fully operational over the next few weeks, they are expected to hire even more workers.
This is great news for Maryland’s steel workers and it also builds on our potential to become a wind turbine manufacturing state. As the General Assembly debates legislation that promotes offshore wind, the revitalization of this facility serves as a reminder that wind power will not only provide us with a sustainable energy future, but also create jobs right here in Maryland.
Our steel industry is just being revitalized. We have the potential to jump start this industry and create even more jobs with offshore wind. If we fail to act, the thousands of green jobs we could have created here will likely be created in other states.
This is great news for Maryland’s steel workers and it also builds on our potential to become a wind turbine manufacturing state. As the General Assembly debates legislation that promotes offshore wind, the revitalization of this facility serves as a reminder that wind power will not only provide us with a sustainable energy future, but also create jobs right here in Maryland.
Our steel industry is just being revitalized. We have the potential to jump start this industry and create even more jobs with offshore wind. If we fail to act, the thousands of green jobs we could have created here will likely be created in other states.
Libya Threatens Retaliation As U.S. Seeks UN Resolution Authorizing Strikes
Libya's defense ministry warned Thursday that any military action against the African nation resulting from a possible U.N. Security Council resolution authorizing airstrikes and other measures will be met with retaliatory strikes on air and sea traffic in the Mediterranean region.
Reuters reported that a statement by the regime of Muammar al-Qaddafi broadcast on Libyan television warned that "the Mediterranean basin will face danger not just in the short-term, but also in the long term."
House Votes To Cut Federal Funding For NPR
Dems criticize what they call GOP's attempt to punish National Public Radio
WASHINGTON — The House has voted to end federal funding to National Public Radio.
Republican supporters say it made good fiscal sense, and Democratic opponents calling it an ideological attack that would deprive local stations of access to programs such as "Car Talk" and "All Things Considered."
The bill, passed along partisan lines, bars federal funding of NPR and prohibits local public stations from using federal money to pay NPR dues and buy its programs. The prospects of support in the Senate are slim.
Bill sponsor Republican Doug Lamborn of Colorado, said that, with the current budgetary crisis, it was time for NPR to stand on its own. But the White House, in opposing the bill, said it could force some local stations that rely on NPR programs to shut down.
MDGOP Launches Maryland Democrats March Tax Madness Bracket
ANNAPOLIS – The Maryland Republican Party today launched the Maryland Democrats’ March Tax Madness Bracket to determine the worst of the worst proposed tax hikes.
“Maryland Democrat leaders who said just last November that Marylanders had no appetite for new taxes, have now proposed taxing everything from businesses to gasoline,” Mooney said. “Our March Tax Madness Bracket will allow Marylanders to learn about these devastating new taxes and vote for the worst ones.”
The March Tax Madness Bracket includes eight of the worst potential tax hikes facing Marylanders. Participants will be able to pick between gas, alcohol, snack, business, tobacco, energy, higher earner, and bag taxes - all sponsored by Democrat legislators. Marylanders can vote for the worst tax hikes at http://link.sc.states.gop.com/?65-1411-2947-125-11976.
“Sadly there are many more of the Maryland Democrats’ taxes and hidden fees we could have chosen from,” said Mooney. “Hopefully by participating in the March Tax Madness Bracket, people will realize just how badly Democrats are trying to nickel and dime Maryland’s families and businesses.”
I Thought Some Of You Might Find This Interesting
This week, I have been attending our Parish Mission and last night the subject was Divine Mercy Sunday. I consider myself a practicing Catholic, but I'm sorry to say this subject was new to me. I guess I never really focused on it before.
As I learned Divine Mercy Sunday is on the first Sunday after Easter Sunday(this year it is on May 1) and was started by Pope John Paul II in the year 2000 at St. Faustinas' canonization.
It basically states that if you make a good confession during the Easter Season (Lent) and receive Communion on Divine Mercy Sunday, you will gain a Plenary Indulgence. As you know, if you sin and make a good confession, your sins are forgiven, but you still have Temporal punishment due in Purgatory for those sins. This "Novena", however, forgives all your past sins plus eliminates all Temporal punishment derived from those sins from your soul. As a sinner, it's an offer I can't refuse.
In addition, you may choose a soul of your loved one, who may currently be in Purgatory and that soul will immediately ascend into Heaven. Extraordinary!
With all that is going on in this world it makes one think that, maybe, God instituted Divine Mercy Sunday as a last chance. At least it's worth thinking about.
You may wish to forward this on to your family and Catholic friends and let them know there are several websites for "Divine Mercy Sunday" information.
In baseball terms, this is not only a Home Run, it's a Grand Slam.
A good confession must be made within 20 days before or 20 days after Divine Mission Sunday. Let's see what this Post brings us for comments.
Editors Notes: It should be noted, this was sent to me from a Family Member who is in their 70's and a life long member of the Catholic Church. If this is new and interesting to them/me, then it should be quite interesting to many of YOU.
As I learned Divine Mercy Sunday is on the first Sunday after Easter Sunday(this year it is on May 1) and was started by Pope John Paul II in the year 2000 at St. Faustinas' canonization.
It basically states that if you make a good confession during the Easter Season (Lent) and receive Communion on Divine Mercy Sunday, you will gain a Plenary Indulgence. As you know, if you sin and make a good confession, your sins are forgiven, but you still have Temporal punishment due in Purgatory for those sins. This "Novena", however, forgives all your past sins plus eliminates all Temporal punishment derived from those sins from your soul. As a sinner, it's an offer I can't refuse.
In addition, you may choose a soul of your loved one, who may currently be in Purgatory and that soul will immediately ascend into Heaven. Extraordinary!
With all that is going on in this world it makes one think that, maybe, God instituted Divine Mercy Sunday as a last chance. At least it's worth thinking about.
You may wish to forward this on to your family and Catholic friends and let them know there are several websites for "Divine Mercy Sunday" information.
In baseball terms, this is not only a Home Run, it's a Grand Slam.
A good confession must be made within 20 days before or 20 days after Divine Mission Sunday. Let's see what this Post brings us for comments.
Editors Notes: It should be noted, this was sent to me from a Family Member who is in their 70's and a life long member of the Catholic Church. If this is new and interesting to them/me, then it should be quite interesting to many of YOU.
Don't Buy Gas Outside Of Salisbury
WaWa and Sam's Club are $3.25 a gallon. This is a complete CROCK! $ .24 cents per gallon difference is border line crimnal!
By the way. It was the Delmar Gordy Tiger Mart that had the bogus gas prices yesterday.
WHAT A DIFFERENCE!
Good Luck Pohanka!
Nuclear Facts To Remember While Following Japan
The true scope of the devastation in Japan caused by Friday’s earthquake and tsunami are still unknown. While the official death toll has surpassed 1,000, the police chief of the Miyagi Prefecture said Sunday there is “no question” that at least 10,000 people have died in just his region alone. Japan has mobilized 100,000 troops for rescue missions, and at least three U.S. Navy ships of the USS Ronald Reagan strike group are assisting in relief efforts. Yet, despite the gravity of the situation, some on the left in this country are already politicizing the disaster to score points against the nuclear power industry.
Representative Edward Markey (D–MA) released a statement Saturday comparing the current situation in Japan to Chernobyl and called on the Obama Administration to impose a moratorium on all new nuclear reactors. What is happening in Japan right now is nothing like Chernobyl, and imposing a moratorium on the nuclear industry would be as big a policy blunder as the Obama Administration’s offshore drilling moratorium after the Deepwater Horizon explosion.
The cable news networks and newspapers are filled with frightening headlines like “Radioactive Releases in Japan Could Last Months” that will aid Markey’s anti-nuclear crusade. But the reality is far removed from the hype.
Here are some cold hard facts to keep in mind as news continues to come in from Japan:
Read more--
Representative Edward Markey (D–MA) released a statement Saturday comparing the current situation in Japan to Chernobyl and called on the Obama Administration to impose a moratorium on all new nuclear reactors. What is happening in Japan right now is nothing like Chernobyl, and imposing a moratorium on the nuclear industry would be as big a policy blunder as the Obama Administration’s offshore drilling moratorium after the Deepwater Horizon explosion.
The cable news networks and newspapers are filled with frightening headlines like “Radioactive Releases in Japan Could Last Months” that will aid Markey’s anti-nuclear crusade. But the reality is far removed from the hype.
Here are some cold hard facts to keep in mind as news continues to come in from Japan:
Read more--
CHECK YOUR RECEIPTS!!!!!
A close friend was charged $5.36 per gallon. They noticed after they had started pumping their gas that it wasn't right, so they stopped, got their receipt and went inside to complain. The person inside told them that couldn't be right and started arguing with my friend.
Once my friend produced the receipt PROVING they were being charged $5.36 per gallon they finally brought in the manager. The manager started off right away trying to argue but again, they showed him the receipt with the price per gallon and they finally shut up.
SO, how many people do you think got screwed yesterday? Better check your receipts and keep a keen eye on Gordy Tiger Marts from here on out. They like to claim YOU are in the wrong.
They credited my friend back the difference.
U.S. Seeks UN Resolution Authorizing Strikes On Libya
The Obama administration is pushing hard for a Thursday vote on a U.N. Security Council resolution authorizing airstrikes and other measures to stop Libyan leader Col. Muammar al-Qaddafi from killing more civilians and defeating rebel forces in Libya.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Thursday that a U.N. no-fly zone over Libya "requires certain actions taken to protect the planes and the pilots, including bombing targets like the Libyan defense systems."
Clinton told reporters in Tunisia the specifics of international action against Qaddafi were still being negotiated at the United Nations in New York.
New York Times To Start Charging For Website
Beginning March 28, prices start at $15 for 4 weeks of full access
NEW YORK — The New York Times says it will start charging for access to its website and for the use of smart phone and tablet applications later this month in the U.S.
Beginning March 28, prices start at $15 for four weeks of full access to the website and the smart phone app.
Subscribers to the printed edition will keep free access to the website and apps. Others will be able to view 20 articles a month for free on the website and see the "Top News" section in the apps.
Getting Power To The Cooling Pumps
Workers at the nuclear plant in Japan that was crippled by last Friday's earthquake have been laying new power cables to the pumps that should be keeping the reactors cool.
The BBC's Chris Hogg says it will be Friday before officials know whether they can get electricity through them. He says, however, that this is the first good news they've had in days.
He also says there's a plan to use the helicopter "water-bombing" again on Friday in an attempt to cool down the nuclear plant. He says the power company has said the method proved quite effective on Thursday and is worth trying again.
BBC
[It's nighttime in Japan right now-- we'll be watching and update you when things pick up again. --Editor]
The BBC's Chris Hogg says it will be Friday before officials know whether they can get electricity through them. He says, however, that this is the first good news they've had in days.
He also says there's a plan to use the helicopter "water-bombing" again on Friday in an attempt to cool down the nuclear plant. He says the power company has said the method proved quite effective on Thursday and is worth trying again.
BBC
[It's nighttime in Japan right now-- we'll be watching and update you when things pick up again. --Editor]
Local Company Going Above And Beyond
Hey Joe,
I wanted to let you know about a local company that went WAY above and beyond their job. I had American Outback Septic come to drain our tank today. Somehow my dog jumped off the deck and fell in the septic tank. Mike the owner without even thinking went head first while I held his feet and after a few minutes pulled my 12 year old American Eskimo out. So I want to thank Mike and if anyone needs any septic work done you should give him a call at 410-546-1666. Thanks. Jeff Trivits
Today's Survey Question
Do You Believe What The Japanese Government Is Saying
About The Nuclear Condition/Radiation In Japan?
City Submits OJJDP Grant Application
Salisbury Mayor James Ireton, Jr., is pleased to announce that on Friday, March 11, 2011 the City of Salisbury successfully submitted a federal grant to the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention in Washington, D.C.
A $750,000, 3 year grant will fund the City of Salisbury Gang Reduction Initiative. This initiative, as with Salisbury Safe Streets, is a multi-agency collaboration with Salisbury’s Police Department, Maryland State Police, the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Department, the State’s Attorney’s Office, Maryland Department of Juvenile Services, and the Wicomico County Board of Education. The Gang Reduction Initiative will fund the Youth Link Gang Prevention program, the “Connections” program through the Board of Education, the Salisbury Police Department Athletic League, before and after school programs, targeted law enforcement, and police overtime.
“Chief Barbara Duncan and Colonel Ivan Barkley are building on the successes of the Safe Streets Initiative with this OJJDP grant that focuses on keeping young people from entering gangs. Our partnerships are rock-solid and making a difference in the community. We recognize the importance of partnering with the Wicomico County Board of Education in this effort providing an alternative to gangs at an early age.” Mayor Ireton said.
Salisbury Police Chief Duncan added, “This grant offers the City of Salisbury the much needed financial backing to move the community forward as partners with law enforcement in the fight against juvenile crime and gang activity. Pairing the traditional law enforcement mechanism with proven community outreach is a solid way to bring about sustainable change. By focusing the efforts of the partnership on the City's most valuable natural resource, our children, we will be taking a big step towards securing the future viability of Salisbury.”
Dr. John Fredericksen, Superintendent of Wicomico County Schools said, “I strongly support this effort to address safety in our schools and community. By acting proactively, we can make a positive difference in the lives of our youth, our families, and our neighbors.”
Dr. Margo Handy, Assistant Superintendent of Wicomico County Schools said,
“We must continue to work as community partners to ensure the safety of our students in a healthy school learning environment and at home. In addition, we should work diligently and collaboratively towards making all neighborhoods safe havens for every citizen.”
A $750,000, 3 year grant will fund the City of Salisbury Gang Reduction Initiative. This initiative, as with Salisbury Safe Streets, is a multi-agency collaboration with Salisbury’s Police Department, Maryland State Police, the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Department, the State’s Attorney’s Office, Maryland Department of Juvenile Services, and the Wicomico County Board of Education. The Gang Reduction Initiative will fund the Youth Link Gang Prevention program, the “Connections” program through the Board of Education, the Salisbury Police Department Athletic League, before and after school programs, targeted law enforcement, and police overtime.
“Chief Barbara Duncan and Colonel Ivan Barkley are building on the successes of the Safe Streets Initiative with this OJJDP grant that focuses on keeping young people from entering gangs. Our partnerships are rock-solid and making a difference in the community. We recognize the importance of partnering with the Wicomico County Board of Education in this effort providing an alternative to gangs at an early age.” Mayor Ireton said.
Salisbury Police Chief Duncan added, “This grant offers the City of Salisbury the much needed financial backing to move the community forward as partners with law enforcement in the fight against juvenile crime and gang activity. Pairing the traditional law enforcement mechanism with proven community outreach is a solid way to bring about sustainable change. By focusing the efforts of the partnership on the City's most valuable natural resource, our children, we will be taking a big step towards securing the future viability of Salisbury.”
Dr. John Fredericksen, Superintendent of Wicomico County Schools said, “I strongly support this effort to address safety in our schools and community. By acting proactively, we can make a positive difference in the lives of our youth, our families, and our neighbors.”
Dr. Margo Handy, Assistant Superintendent of Wicomico County Schools said,
“We must continue to work as community partners to ensure the safety of our students in a healthy school learning environment and at home. In addition, we should work diligently and collaboratively towards making all neighborhoods safe havens for every citizen.”
Worse Than They're Letting On
It was clear yesterday from the testimony of the head of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the White House briefing that the U.S. government no longer trusts the information coming out of the Japanese government on the nuclear crisis. But officials can’t say that outright because this is such a delicate situation, and Japan is such a key ally. The news out of Japan last night: the government tried dumping water from helicopters (that largely missed) and shooting high-pressure water cannons at the buildings (but they couldn’t get close enough). The U.S. is advising Americans not to get within a 50-mile radius of the nuclear site. The U.S. government also issued a voluntary evacuation order for families of U.S. government personnel in the affected areas of the country. The British government is also telling its citizens in Tokyo and to the north that they “should consider leaving the area.”It was clear yesterday from the testimony of the head of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the White House briefing that the U.S. government no longer trusts the information coming out of the Japanese government on the nuclear crisis. But officials can’t say that outright because this is such a delicate situation, and Japan is such a key ally. The news out of Japan last night: the government tried dumping water from helicopters (that largely missed) and shooting high-pressure water cannons at the buildings (but they couldn’t get close enough). The U.S. is advising Americans not to get within a 50-mile radius of the nuclear site. The U.S. government also issued a voluntary evacuation order for families of U.S. government personnel in the affected areas of the country. The British government is also telling its citizens in Tokyo and to the north that they “should consider leaving the area.”
Souce
Souce
Alex Guerrero Is The Main Event This SaturdayNight!
GOP Leaders, 'Mainline' Caucus Fume At Conservative ‘No’ Votes On Three- Week CR
GOP leaders and much of the mainline party caucus that voted for a three-week continuing resolution Tuesday are fuming at the 54 conservative Republicans who voted no — and the right-wing activists who cheered them on.
Many saw the move by conservatives, galvanized by a closed-door speech by former GOP Conference Chairman Rep. Mike Pence, as a pointless protest vote that weakened House Speaker John Boehner’s hand in negotiations with top Democrats on spending cuts.
“It weakened Boehner. If he walked into [a meeting with Sen. Reid] and he said, ‘My party is unified and we are willing to go three more weeks and that’s it.’ Unity is a strength in this town and it shows how we’re not unified. So I do think there was a weakness on that,” said Rep. Jack Kingston, Georgia Republican.
Meanwhile, conservatives are basking in the success of peeling off 54 votes in a head-to-head battle against their party’s leadership. They also say the “no” votes strengthen, rather than weaken, Boehner’s hand.
The vote “marked a turning point in the debate as a growing chorus of dissent has made clear that a full CR must be negotiated in the coming weeks,” said Heritage Action Chief Executive Michael Neeham.
The episode provoked furious anger from advocates for the party’s line, with GOP Whip Kevin McCarthy angrily confronting Pence in a members-only meeting before the vote.
Read more
Many saw the move by conservatives, galvanized by a closed-door speech by former GOP Conference Chairman Rep. Mike Pence, as a pointless protest vote that weakened House Speaker John Boehner’s hand in negotiations with top Democrats on spending cuts.
“It weakened Boehner. If he walked into [a meeting with Sen. Reid] and he said, ‘My party is unified and we are willing to go three more weeks and that’s it.’ Unity is a strength in this town and it shows how we’re not unified. So I do think there was a weakness on that,” said Rep. Jack Kingston, Georgia Republican.
Meanwhile, conservatives are basking in the success of peeling off 54 votes in a head-to-head battle against their party’s leadership. They also say the “no” votes strengthen, rather than weaken, Boehner’s hand.
The vote “marked a turning point in the debate as a growing chorus of dissent has made clear that a full CR must be negotiated in the coming weeks,” said Heritage Action Chief Executive Michael Neeham.
The episode provoked furious anger from advocates for the party’s line, with GOP Whip Kevin McCarthy angrily confronting Pence in a members-only meeting before the vote.
Read more
NPR Funding On The Block Today
In wake of conservative James O’Keefe’s Project Veritas sting videos of National Public Radio (NPR) senior executives, House Republicans are set to vote Thursday to defund NPR completely. They’re expected to pass a bill that would pull all taxpayer money out of NPR, including the money that’s funneled through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB).
The bill’s sponsor, Congressman Doug Lamborn, Michigan Republican, told The Daily Caller he thinks NPR will survive in a free market situation. But, even if it wouldn’t, he questions the need to fuel it with taxpayer money.
“Certainly, it would survive,” Lamborn said. “They have a loyal following. With the turnover in leadership we’re seeing there, I hope we see new leaders with a free market approach, a private-sector approach.”
By turnover in leadership, Lamborn is referring to how NPR CEO Vivian Schiller and NPR foundation nonprofit president Ron Schiller (no relation) were ousted after O’Keefe’s videos.
Lamborn admits, though, that “the Senate will be more of a problem” than getting a bill through the House. “I’m kind of relying on the Senate sponsor of a very similar bill, Jim DeMint of South Carolina,” he said.
Media Research Center president Brent Bozell told TheDC that it’s possible that Republicans could get Senate Democrats to support defunding NPR if they frame it the right way.
“This is such a no-brainer, both from the standpoint of ideology and the standpoint of money and a complete lack of need, that if someone is not willing to consider hacking this out of the budget, then that person is just simply not serious about reining in deficit spending,” Bozell said.
Read more
The bill’s sponsor, Congressman Doug Lamborn, Michigan Republican, told The Daily Caller he thinks NPR will survive in a free market situation. But, even if it wouldn’t, he questions the need to fuel it with taxpayer money.
“Certainly, it would survive,” Lamborn said. “They have a loyal following. With the turnover in leadership we’re seeing there, I hope we see new leaders with a free market approach, a private-sector approach.”
By turnover in leadership, Lamborn is referring to how NPR CEO Vivian Schiller and NPR foundation nonprofit president Ron Schiller (no relation) were ousted after O’Keefe’s videos.
Lamborn admits, though, that “the Senate will be more of a problem” than getting a bill through the House. “I’m kind of relying on the Senate sponsor of a very similar bill, Jim DeMint of South Carolina,” he said.
Media Research Center president Brent Bozell told TheDC that it’s possible that Republicans could get Senate Democrats to support defunding NPR if they frame it the right way.
“This is such a no-brainer, both from the standpoint of ideology and the standpoint of money and a complete lack of need, that if someone is not willing to consider hacking this out of the budget, then that person is just simply not serious about reining in deficit spending,” Bozell said.
Read more
In wake of conservative James O’Keefe’s Project Veritas sting videos of National Public Radio (NPR) senior executives, House Republicans are set to vote Thursday to defund NPR completely. They’re expected to pass a bill that would pull all taxpayer money out of NPR, including the money that’s funneled through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB).
The bill’s sponsor, Congressman Doug Lamborn, Michigan Republican, told The Daily Caller he thinks NPR will survive in a free market situation. But, even if it wouldn’t, he questions the need to fuel it with taxpayer money.
“Certainly, it would survive,” Lamborn said. “They have a loyal following. With the turnover in leadership we’re seeing there, I hope we see new leaders with a free market approach, a private-sector approach.”
By turnover in leadership, Lamborn is referring to how NPR CEO Vivian Schiller and NPR foundation nonprofit president Ron Schiller (no relation) were ousted after O’Keefe’s videos.
Lamborn admits, though, that “the Senate will be more of a problem” than getting a bill through the House. “I’m kind of relying on the Senate sponsor of a very similar bill, Jim DeMint of South Carolina,” he said.
Media Research Center president Brent Bozell told TheDC that it’s possible that Republicans could get Senate Democrats to support defunding NPR if they frame it the right way.
“This is such a no-brainer, both from the standpoint of ideology and the standpoint of money and a complete lack of need, that if someone is not willing to consider hacking this out of the budget, then that person is just simply not serious about reining in deficit spending,” Bozell said.
Read more
The bill’s sponsor, Congressman Doug Lamborn, Michigan Republican, told The Daily Caller he thinks NPR will survive in a free market situation. But, even if it wouldn’t, he questions the need to fuel it with taxpayer money.
“Certainly, it would survive,” Lamborn said. “They have a loyal following. With the turnover in leadership we’re seeing there, I hope we see new leaders with a free market approach, a private-sector approach.”
By turnover in leadership, Lamborn is referring to how NPR CEO Vivian Schiller and NPR foundation nonprofit president Ron Schiller (no relation) were ousted after O’Keefe’s videos.
Lamborn admits, though, that “the Senate will be more of a problem” than getting a bill through the House. “I’m kind of relying on the Senate sponsor of a very similar bill, Jim DeMint of South Carolina,” he said.
Media Research Center president Brent Bozell told TheDC that it’s possible that Republicans could get Senate Democrats to support defunding NPR if they frame it the right way.
“This is such a no-brainer, both from the standpoint of ideology and the standpoint of money and a complete lack of need, that if someone is not willing to consider hacking this out of the budget, then that person is just simply not serious about reining in deficit spending,” Bozell said.
Read more
Low Radioactivity Seen Heading towards N. America
Low concentrations of radioactive particles are heading eastwards from Japan's disaster-hit nuclear power plant and are expected to reach North America in days, a Swedish official said on Thursday.
Lars-Erik De Geer, research director at the Swedish Defence Research Institute, a government agency, was citing data from a network of international monitoring stations established to detect signs of any nuclear weapons tests.
Stressing that the levels were not dangerous for people, he predicted the particles would continue across the Atlantic and eventually also reach Europe.
"It is not something you see normally," he said by phone from Stockholm. But, "it is not high from any danger point of view."
He said he was convinced it would eventually be detected over the whole northern hemisphere.
"It is only a question of very, very low activities so it is nothing for people to worry about," De Geer said.
"In the past when they had nuclear weapons tests in China ... then there were similar clouds all the time without anybody caring about it at all," he said.
Before he spoke, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission advised any Americans living near Japan's crippled Fukushima nuclear plant to move at least 50 miles (80 km) away but it played down the risks of contamination to the United States.
"All the available information continues to indicate Hawaii, Alaska, the U.S. Territories and the U.S. West Coast are not expected to experience any harmful levels of radioactivity," it said in a statement on Wednesday.
More details
Lars-Erik De Geer, research director at the Swedish Defence Research Institute, a government agency, was citing data from a network of international monitoring stations established to detect signs of any nuclear weapons tests.
Stressing that the levels were not dangerous for people, he predicted the particles would continue across the Atlantic and eventually also reach Europe.
"It is not something you see normally," he said by phone from Stockholm. But, "it is not high from any danger point of view."
He said he was convinced it would eventually be detected over the whole northern hemisphere.
"It is only a question of very, very low activities so it is nothing for people to worry about," De Geer said.
"In the past when they had nuclear weapons tests in China ... then there were similar clouds all the time without anybody caring about it at all," he said.
Before he spoke, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission advised any Americans living near Japan's crippled Fukushima nuclear plant to move at least 50 miles (80 km) away but it played down the risks of contamination to the United States.
"All the available information continues to indicate Hawaii, Alaska, the U.S. Territories and the U.S. West Coast are not expected to experience any harmful levels of radioactivity," it said in a statement on Wednesday.
More details
Somerset County Sheriff's Office Press Release
Ernest Layne Chandler, of Princess Anne, Two criminal summons served regarding second degree assault. Chandler was released pending trial.
James Webster Jewett of Chance, arrested 3-10-11 on a warrant regarding failing to appear in court. Jewett was later released on personal recognizance pending trial.
Ty Wayne Jones of Baltimore, arrested 3-11-11 on a warrant regarding violation of probation. Jones was later held on a $20,000 bond.
Shiana Michelle Fountaine of Princess Anne, arrested 3-11-11 regarding possessing a knife in school. Deputies were called to the Washington High School regarding a student possessing a knife. Deputies recovered a black 6" folding knife from Fountaine. Fountaine was charged with possession of a deadly weapon on school property, and disturbing school functions. Fountaine was later released on personal recognizance pending trial.
Marion Monroe Gross of Princess Anne , arrested 3-11-11 regarding assault second degree. Deputies were called to the Washington High School regarding an assault. Deputies learned that Gross had punched a juvenile student in the face on school property. Gross was arrested and charged with second degree assault, and disturbing school functions. Gross was later released on personal recognizance.
Victor Vaughn Armwood Jr. and Andrew Henry LLuis of Princess Anne, arrested 3-14-11. Deputies conducted a traffic stop on Hampton Ave Princess Anne, regarding an equipment violation. Deputies later learned that the Driver, Armwood had two Circuit Court child support warrants. The passenger, LLuis was arrested and charged with possession of suspected marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. LLuis was later released on personal recognizance pending trial.
James Lee Byers Jr. of Princess Anne, arrested 3-14-11 on a warrant regarding failing to appear in court. Byers was later released on personal recognizance.
Brandon Lee Toth of Pocomoke, arrested 3-15-11 on a warrant regarding violation of probation. Toth was later held on a $50,000 bond.
Willis Trent Cottman of Princess Anne, arrested 3-15-11 on a warrant regarding violation of probation. Cottman was later held on a $20,000 bond.
Jeremiah Ulysses Handy of Princess Anne, arrested 3-15-11 on two warrants regarding failing to register as a sex offender. Handy was later released back to the Somerset County detention center pending trial.
Jerry Thomas Holland of Crisfield, arrested 3-16-11 on a warrant regarding violation of probation. Holland was later held on a $25,000 bond.
LORA Gala A Huge Success
LORA Members chose The Fountain's to hold this years event and boy were they lucky. Some 600 people bought tickets and crowded the Fountain's. Every seat in the house was taken.
Because Salisbury News is not one of those "social event" kind of sites, we chose to refrain from publishing the many faces of Delmarva. After all, its about getting out and having a great time and all I can tell you is, LORA delivered! The Band was fantastic!
The food was out of this world, ALL OF IT! If you're in the restaurant business and you're not a part of LORA, contact them and see what they have to offer.
Pohanka Toyota Opens New Massive Dealership TODAY!
The new car showroom is loaded with massive Eastern Shore photos from Stephen DiCarlo that span from one end of the dealership to the other. The service center waiting area is by far the coolest setting I've ever seen in the business, including a play room for children.
Pohanka made one of the biggest investments, (if not THE biggest) Salisbury has ever seen for one single business. You never know what kind of special deals they'll be making throughout the day to celebrate this new opening but I'd suggest you stop in and see what they have to offer if you're in the market for a new car or truck. Remember, Pohanka takes $100.00 from every sale throughout ALL of their dealerships to "Pay It Forward" to the local charity of your choice.
Congratulations Pohanka and thanks for providing so many new jobs and economic & development to Salisbury.
Grass-Roots Credited With Defeat Of MD Same-Sex 'Marriage'
A bill to establish same-sex "marriage" in Maryland that apparently had the backing of bigwigs ranking up to the level of Bill Clinton and that had been greased for success by leaders in the state derailed solely because of an uprising by voters, according to a key legislator involved in the battle.
Media coast to coast reported a few days back when the bill failed to collect enough votes despite support from the Democrat-controlled House of Delegates and an even more liberal state Senate.
The measure had been on track for approval and was running under the radar when it swept through the Senate. Then it moved to the state House, where Democrats hold 98 of the 141 seats, and collapsed, said Delegate Don Dwyer, a leader of the opposition to homosexual "marriages."
Dwyer said the Maryland legislation was described to him as a "done deal" by homosexual activists who thought they had lined up support.
The sudden turnaround came after the bill was approved in the Senate and moved to the House, where supporters of traditional marriage have been working on a constitutional amendment for their state.
The first signal of defeat came when a committee chairman ruled that the bill would be held instead of being voted on immediately. Three days later, the bill had failed to advance at all.
The reason, Dwyer said, was the hundreds and thousands of telephone calls, e-mails and other contacts from constituents informing lawmakers of their opposition..
"Nobody thought we could really [stop the bill,]" Dwyer told WND, especially once it advanced – barely – from committee to the House floor.
"It was a tremendous effort to create public pressure that this was not the constituents' [desire]," he said. "I've got to tell you, the black churches were tremendously responsible for stepping up to the plate."
The calls, e-mails and other contacts from citizens, prompted by church groups, networks and others, changed the bill's outcome, he said.
"It normally doesn't play out like this," he said. "The process itself is typically corrupt. This was through a cooperative effort of a large network of diverse communities."
The result was that the bill was referred back to committee in a procedural move that is seen as the death knell for the plan this year.
He said promoters of same-sex "marriage" likely were only a handful of votes away from success when their effort hit the roadblock. He said he expects the issue to return, and he expects the people will, too.
"We need to keep up the pressure and build on it," Dwyer said.
Media coast to coast reported a few days back when the bill failed to collect enough votes despite support from the Democrat-controlled House of Delegates and an even more liberal state Senate.
The measure had been on track for approval and was running under the radar when it swept through the Senate. Then it moved to the state House, where Democrats hold 98 of the 141 seats, and collapsed, said Delegate Don Dwyer, a leader of the opposition to homosexual "marriages."
Dwyer said the Maryland legislation was described to him as a "done deal" by homosexual activists who thought they had lined up support.
The sudden turnaround came after the bill was approved in the Senate and moved to the House, where supporters of traditional marriage have been working on a constitutional amendment for their state.
The first signal of defeat came when a committee chairman ruled that the bill would be held instead of being voted on immediately. Three days later, the bill had failed to advance at all.
The reason, Dwyer said, was the hundreds and thousands of telephone calls, e-mails and other contacts from constituents informing lawmakers of their opposition..
"Nobody thought we could really [stop the bill,]" Dwyer told WND, especially once it advanced – barely – from committee to the House floor.
"It was a tremendous effort to create public pressure that this was not the constituents' [desire]," he said. "I've got to tell you, the black churches were tremendously responsible for stepping up to the plate."
The calls, e-mails and other contacts from citizens, prompted by church groups, networks and others, changed the bill's outcome, he said.
"It normally doesn't play out like this," he said. "The process itself is typically corrupt. This was through a cooperative effort of a large network of diverse communities."
The result was that the bill was referred back to committee in a procedural move that is seen as the death knell for the plan this year.
He said promoters of same-sex "marriage" likely were only a handful of votes away from success when their effort hit the roadblock. He said he expects the issue to return, and he expects the people will, too.
"We need to keep up the pressure and build on it," Dwyer said.
Japan's Nuke Crisis Not A Significant U.S. Threat
The tragedy in Japan continued to worsen today, with word that one of the failed nuclear reactors may have run out of water and a serious meltdown was imminent, and the Internet erupted with rumors the U.S. government was seizing the supply of potassium iodide, which diminishes the impact of radiation poisoning, lethal waves of radiation were just hours away, and more.
Also, Reuters reported that the European Union was worried that food exported from Japan could be radioactive and the alternative Westword newspaper in Denver reported on the state health agency's list of recommendations regarding the ongoing disaster at the Fukushima plant on the other side of the world.
But several experts in the field said while preparations certainly are reasonable – and could contribute to a level of safety in other emergencies too – there really was no reason for a panic.
Dr. Jane Orient, of the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons, told WND that some of the reports of radiation measurements at the evacuation zone surrounding the Fukushima plant have equaled roughly three chest X-rays.
"I have seen maps suggesting that within 10 days the whole United States from Alaska to the tip of Baja California on the West Coast will see 750 rads, which is an instantly lethal dose," she said.
"That's totally preposterous."
Read more
Also, Reuters reported that the European Union was worried that food exported from Japan could be radioactive and the alternative Westword newspaper in Denver reported on the state health agency's list of recommendations regarding the ongoing disaster at the Fukushima plant on the other side of the world.
But several experts in the field said while preparations certainly are reasonable – and could contribute to a level of safety in other emergencies too – there really was no reason for a panic.
Dr. Jane Orient, of the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons, told WND that some of the reports of radiation measurements at the evacuation zone surrounding the Fukushima plant have equaled roughly three chest X-rays.
"I have seen maps suggesting that within 10 days the whole United States from Alaska to the tip of Baja California on the West Coast will see 750 rads, which is an instantly lethal dose," she said.
"That's totally preposterous."
Read more
School In Philadelphia Teaches Brotherly 'Jihad'
The school originally was founded as the International Muslim Brotherhood, which boasted of educational input from a radical cleric who was an associate of Osama bin Laden.
The institute's website promotes jihad "in the context of self-defense or guarding the sacred, holy lands of Islam."
The school is allied with a Muslim student association known for hosting anti-American extremists.
No, the school is not in Afghanistan or Saudi Arabia. It's based in Philadelphia.
The Quba Institute, a project of Quba Inc., is a full-time, state-accredited school that enrolls about 100 students from pre-kindergarten to the 12th grade. Quba also runs an adult weekend school and the Sheikh Nafea Muhaimin Quran School, named after the father of the main school administrator.
In 2003, Quba was approved by the U.S. Department of Education to engage in work-study programs.
Quba's website contains its "religious philosophy."
The declarations include a rejection of "terrorism as [a] method for forwarding any Islamic or Muslim cause." No definition of terrorism is given.
The site also declares a rejection of "'jihad al-saif' (armed warfare) unless in the context of self-defense or guarding the sacred, holy lands of Islam."
The statements seem specifically designed to allow for jihad in Israel, Saudi Arabia or any other areas claimed by Islam as "holy lands."
Read more
The institute's website promotes jihad "in the context of self-defense or guarding the sacred, holy lands of Islam."
The school is allied with a Muslim student association known for hosting anti-American extremists.
No, the school is not in Afghanistan or Saudi Arabia. It's based in Philadelphia.
The Quba Institute, a project of Quba Inc., is a full-time, state-accredited school that enrolls about 100 students from pre-kindergarten to the 12th grade. Quba also runs an adult weekend school and the Sheikh Nafea Muhaimin Quran School, named after the father of the main school administrator.
In 2003, Quba was approved by the U.S. Department of Education to engage in work-study programs.
Quba's website contains its "religious philosophy."
The declarations include a rejection of "terrorism as [a] method for forwarding any Islamic or Muslim cause." No definition of terrorism is given.
The site also declares a rejection of "'jihad al-saif' (armed warfare) unless in the context of self-defense or guarding the sacred, holy lands of Islam."
The statements seem specifically designed to allow for jihad in Israel, Saudi Arabia or any other areas claimed by Islam as "holy lands."
Read more
Deputy PM: Death To The Itamar Murderers
Deputy Prime Minister and Regional Development Minister, Silvan Shalom, took part in the 8th Jerusalem Conference on Wednesday, where he said that the terrorists who carried out last Friday night’s massacre of the Fogel family in Itamar should be executed.
“We need to make the decision to impose a death penalty on those murderers,” Shalom told Israel National News TV. Referring to the murders as “brutal” and “unacceptable”, he added: “I think that all of us believe that those murderers should be executed.”
He noted, however, that “it doesn’t mean that we should impose a death penalty in every case, but I think this case is so extreme, so brutal, so inhuman, that those murderers should be executed.”
Of the Palestinian Authority’s condemnation of the murders, Shalom said that the statements made by PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas “were not as strong as they should’ve been. The incitement is very big in their media and in their educational system and so long as they are not teaching their own children to move toward reconciliation, I think that talks about moving forward with the peace process look like a joke.”
Shalom also addressed the capture of the Victoria ship, which carried weapons destined for Hamas, by Israel’s navy on Tuesday. “The interception of the ship shows us that protecting the sea is very important to the safety and security of Israel,” he said. “Those who ask us to lift the closure from Gaza are now more aware of the difficulties we are facing and of the dangers that it might bring to the safety and security of the State of Israel.”
More here
“We need to make the decision to impose a death penalty on those murderers,” Shalom told Israel National News TV. Referring to the murders as “brutal” and “unacceptable”, he added: “I think that all of us believe that those murderers should be executed.”
He noted, however, that “it doesn’t mean that we should impose a death penalty in every case, but I think this case is so extreme, so brutal, so inhuman, that those murderers should be executed.”
Of the Palestinian Authority’s condemnation of the murders, Shalom said that the statements made by PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas “were not as strong as they should’ve been. The incitement is very big in their media and in their educational system and so long as they are not teaching their own children to move toward reconciliation, I think that talks about moving forward with the peace process look like a joke.”
Shalom also addressed the capture of the Victoria ship, which carried weapons destined for Hamas, by Israel’s navy on Tuesday. “The interception of the ship shows us that protecting the sea is very important to the safety and security of Israel,” he said. “Those who ask us to lift the closure from Gaza are now more aware of the difficulties we are facing and of the dangers that it might bring to the safety and security of the State of Israel.”
More here
Harvard’s Ferguson: Obama Leading Us Back To Carter '70s
In a scenario reminiscent of the “Back to the Future” movie franchise, a Harvard professor says that we’re close to being mired in the economic disaster of the 1970s, except that Barack Obama instead of Jimmy Carter is at the wheel as the country roars toward inflation.
Fueled by the oil crisis, government overspending, money printing at the world’s central banks, and chaos in the Middle East, inflation is poised to take off, says Harvard economic historian Niall Ferguson.
The world faces a “pretty inflationary scenario" not seen since the 1970s, he said. How bad did inflation make the ’70s? Those who bought houses, or tried to, faced mortgage rates of 17, 18, and 19 percent.
Today, food prices are through the roof, chaos continues in the Middle East, and the nuclear crisis in Japan is multiplying the devastating effects of the deadly earthquake and tsunami Friday.
In the best of times, these are bad economic and news trends. After surprising bull run for stocks, it’s a flashing “sell” signal to some.
“You’ve got to be myopic if you’re not at least concerned that there might be a major correction,” investing legend Carl Icahn told the Financial Times.
Just a week before, Icahn gave back $1.75 billion in investor cash, saying he no long wanted to take risks with other people’s money.
Part of the problem, Icahn said, is the big unknowns ahead. The Federal Reserve this week stood firm on virtually zero interest rates, but an end to the easy money is set. The Fed has said repeatedly that it will let its latest $600 billion bond-buying program expire in June.
Read more on Newsmax
Fueled by the oil crisis, government overspending, money printing at the world’s central banks, and chaos in the Middle East, inflation is poised to take off, says Harvard economic historian Niall Ferguson.
The world faces a “pretty inflationary scenario" not seen since the 1970s, he said. How bad did inflation make the ’70s? Those who bought houses, or tried to, faced mortgage rates of 17, 18, and 19 percent.
Today, food prices are through the roof, chaos continues in the Middle East, and the nuclear crisis in Japan is multiplying the devastating effects of the deadly earthquake and tsunami Friday.
In the best of times, these are bad economic and news trends. After surprising bull run for stocks, it’s a flashing “sell” signal to some.
“You’ve got to be myopic if you’re not at least concerned that there might be a major correction,” investing legend Carl Icahn told the Financial Times.
Just a week before, Icahn gave back $1.75 billion in investor cash, saying he no long wanted to take risks with other people’s money.
Part of the problem, Icahn said, is the big unknowns ahead. The Federal Reserve this week stood firm on virtually zero interest rates, but an end to the easy money is set. The Fed has said repeatedly that it will let its latest $600 billion bond-buying program expire in June.
Read more on Newsmax
President O'Bama? Irish-American Relatives ID'd
WASHINGTON - A family history website says President Barack Obama has 28 living relatives who descended from an Irishman who fled the potato famine -- including a displeased Arizona Republican.
The Democratic president's newly identified relatives are revealed in a study released to The Associated Press by Ancestry.com , whose genealogists traced descendants of the Irish passengers on the ship that brought Falmouth Kearney to the United States in 1850.
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The Democratic president's newly identified relatives are revealed in a study released to The Associated Press by Ancestry.com , whose genealogists traced descendants of the Irish passengers on the ship that brought Falmouth Kearney to the United States in 1850.
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Clinton: No Interest In Job If Obama Wins In 2012
WASHINGTON — Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said she does not want to stay in her job if President Barack Obama wins a second term in 2012.
The top U.S. diplomat also firmly said Wednesday she neither has plans to mount another White House bid nor interest in other posts, such as vice president or defense secretary.
Clinton, visiting Cairo, was asked whether she would stay on in a second Obama term. She also was asked if she would like the jobs of president, vice president or defense secretary. She offered single word responses to each:
"No."
Speculation about Clinton's future is always high and she has been mentioned as a possible successor to Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who has told Obama he is stepping down. In an interview with CNN television, Clinton made clear she has no interest in running the Pentagon or repeating her 2008 presidential run.
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Disaster In Japan Brings Out The Crooks
WASHINGTON - It may be hard to hear reports for Japan without thinking about ways to help.
Scammers are starting to prey on that generosity.
A phony pitch may come in a phone call, or an e-mail, or even door-to-door. Both Virginia and Maryland are warning people to avoid giving out personal information over the phone or online if you do want to donate.
Raquel Guillory, a spokeswoman for Maryland's Attorney General, office says e-mail in particular should send up a red flag.
"For instance, the American Red Cross website is redcross.org. You want to be careful of organizations whose website ends in dot-com," Guillory says.
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Scammers are starting to prey on that generosity.
A phony pitch may come in a phone call, or an e-mail, or even door-to-door. Both Virginia and Maryland are warning people to avoid giving out personal information over the phone or online if you do want to donate.
Raquel Guillory, a spokeswoman for Maryland's Attorney General, office says e-mail in particular should send up a red flag.
"For instance, the American Red Cross website is redcross.org. You want to be careful of organizations whose website ends in dot-com," Guillory says.
More
How To Split A Restaurant Check
Are you going out to eat today? The Awl provides this helpful guide to splitting the check at a restaurant. Writer Neel Shah helpfully devises different rules for people over and under the age of 25. Or maybe for people who are or aren't poor. Whatever the case, there's a social contract involved, and if you only pay what you owe down to the last cent, you're sort of a cheap jerk. Or under 25.
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Mom Sues Preschool For Failing To Prep Tot For Harvard
A Manhattan mother has filed a class action suit against her 4-year-old daughter's $19,000 a year Upper East Side preschool for not properly preparing her child for a top-tier university.
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UCLA Student's Racist Rant Goes Viral
A UCLA student's YouTube rant targeting Asians has gone viral- leaving the community angry and the student humiliated.
Navy Stops Work By Contractor In Kickback Scheme
The Navy has terminated work by a company accused of paying kickbacks to a federal manager. Federal Times reports a criminal complaint against Advanced Solutions For Tomorrow was entered in February. Work was suspended then. Navy Secretary Ray Mabus canceled the company's contracts last week. The Navy alleges the company's founder, Anjan Dutta-Gupta, paid $10 million in bribes and kickbacks to Ralph Mariano and his family. Mariano is a project manager and systems engineer with the Naval Sea Systems Command. Advanced Solutions provided engineering and technical services for submarine combat and command-and-control systems.
Japanese Workers Evacuate Again
Japanese workers were forced to evacuate a stricken nuclear power plant after radiation levels surged this morning. Workers at the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear complex abandoned the plant temporarily, but are now back at work trying to cool the crippled reactors and prevent a complete meltdown. The nuclear crisis comes after Friday's 9.0 earthquake and subsequent tsunami, that destroyed Japan's northeastern coastline. The U.S. military, and U.S. disaster response teams led by US AID, are on the ground helping with search and rescue, logistics and providing food and supplies. Two NRC nuclear experts are also helping the Japanese. Tens of thousands of people are still missing as rescuers work against freezing temperatures.
Stop-Gap Spending Bill
The House passed yet another stop-gap spending bill yesterday. This one funds the government for three-weeks and includes $6 billion in cuts. This is the 6th Continuing Resolution to pass this year. The vote was closer than previous ones, passing 271 to 158. The Senate is expected to pass the bill and the President is expected to sign it by Friday, which is when the existing CR expires. It will fund the government through April 8th.
Study: Majority Of Consumers Obtain News From Online Sources
For the first time, 21st century consumers are reading the news online more than in print, according to the "State of the News Media 2011" report by the Pew Research Center Project for Excellence in Journalism. Only television remains the most-used resource for news among American adults, but the gap is closing.
In fact, most sectors of the American news industry began to recover in 2010 after two difficult years - but technological advances present old and new media alike with increasingly complex challenges.
Call The GOP On Lies
We’ve all heard that China owns a large share of our national debt. In fact, the Congressional Budget Office recently reported that China owns about 9.8% of our $13.5 trillion debt. The good news is that Chinese bankers have shown more confidence in the United States than the economic turncoats in the Republican Party have.
Republican leaders have been exaggerating the impact of the national debt on the economy ever since Barack Obama moved into the White House. (They didn’t care much as long as George W. Bush was piling up the debt, of course.) In a recent talk with National Journal’s Major Barrett about his plans to tackle the debt, House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) praised the conclusions of President Obama’s fiscal commission and chastised the president for not endorsing them, especially as they related to proposed cuts to Social Security. But Jamelle Bouie noted at Prospect.org that Ryan also opposed the controversial Bowles-Simpson plan (which failed to get the required majority to send it to Congress). “Not only did he sit on the commission, but he voted against the final report, and called it a step ‘backwards.’
“In short,” Bouie concluded, “when offered a big opportunity to endorse a solution for Social Security, Ryan refused. Between this, and his willingness to mislead the public, I’m continually stunned by the Beltway’s willingness to take him seriously.”
Steve Benen at WashingtonMonthly.com noted that one of House Speaker John Boehner’s favorite phrases is “We’re broke.” That’s the justification for brutal cuts in areas like education, medical research, infrastructure, job training, and national security, all of which would cost the economy hundreds of thousands of jobs. And it’s a lie.
“The US government is not broke,” Marc Chandler, global head of currency strategy for Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. in New York, told David J. Lynch of Bloomberg News (March 6). “There’s no evidence that the market is treating the US government like it’s broke.”
Food Prices Jump By Biggest Amount Since 1974
SILVER SPRING, Md. (WUSA) -- The 3.9 percent increase in food prices last month is the largest monthly jump since 1974. Shoppers here see it clearly.
"I would say we used to spend about $120 a week for our family. We have three kids. Now it's closer to $175 or sometimes close to $200," said Kate Jelen as she shopped for produce Wednesday evening.
Snider's grocery store has posted signs in it's produce department explaining price hikes as coming largely from bad winter weather.
"I think they've gone up drastically. It's hard to find fresh produce that affordable...I only buy things on sale. I search the market for a sale. If it's not on sale, I can't buy it," said shopper Evangeline Washington.
Store personnel say they can see changes in customer habits. Instead of shopping once a week, some customers now appear at the store each day, buying only what they need for the hours ahead.
Local farmers are feeling the squeeze, as well.
"We've seen some increase in some of the materials and supplies that we buy for our farm, probably 10 to 15 percent compared to last year," said John Brill of Olney's Sligo Creek Farm.
Brill says not all of those price increases get passed on to customers.
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"I would say we used to spend about $120 a week for our family. We have three kids. Now it's closer to $175 or sometimes close to $200," said Kate Jelen as she shopped for produce Wednesday evening.
Snider's grocery store has posted signs in it's produce department explaining price hikes as coming largely from bad winter weather.
"I think they've gone up drastically. It's hard to find fresh produce that affordable...I only buy things on sale. I search the market for a sale. If it's not on sale, I can't buy it," said shopper Evangeline Washington.
Store personnel say they can see changes in customer habits. Instead of shopping once a week, some customers now appear at the store each day, buying only what they need for the hours ahead.
Local farmers are feeling the squeeze, as well.
"We've seen some increase in some of the materials and supplies that we buy for our farm, probably 10 to 15 percent compared to last year," said John Brill of Olney's Sligo Creek Farm.
Brill says not all of those price increases get passed on to customers.
More
National Zoo Wants Help Naming Baby Anteater In DC
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Smithsonian's National Zoo is asking the public to help name its newest anteater, which was born in December.
The zoo announced this week that the public can vote online until March 28 and choose from five different names chosen by zoo keepers.
After the voting, zoo keepers will allow the mother anteater, Maripi, to choose from the top three names. On April 6, signs with the three names will be paired with an object in the anteater yard. When Maripi is released into the yard, whichever name she goes to first will become her pup's name.
Each name has a connection to anteaters or to their native homes in Central and South America.
The names are: Pablo, Termito, Demetrio, Fausto and Valerio.
Online:
National Zoo: http://nationalzoo.si.edu/
The zoo announced this week that the public can vote online until March 28 and choose from five different names chosen by zoo keepers.
After the voting, zoo keepers will allow the mother anteater, Maripi, to choose from the top three names. On April 6, signs with the three names will be paired with an object in the anteater yard. When Maripi is released into the yard, whichever name she goes to first will become her pup's name.
Each name has a connection to anteaters or to their native homes in Central and South America.
The names are: Pablo, Termito, Demetrio, Fausto and Valerio.
Online:
National Zoo: http://nationalzoo.si.edu/
Delaware Bill Would Ban Trans Fats In School Foods
DOVER, Del. (AP) -- The state House could soon vote on a bill that would prohibit schools from serving foods and beverages containing industrially produced trans fats to students.
The bill sponsored by Newark Democrat John Kowalko cleared a House committee on Wednesday and is now ready for a vote by the full House.
As proposed, the bill would apply to all food and beverages sold on school grounds during regular school hours, whether from the cafeteria or vending machines. It would not apply to food and drink sold at events open to the wider community, such as athletic games and school plays.
Kowalko introduced a similar bill in 2009 that was approved in the House but never voted on in the Senate.
Source
The bill sponsored by Newark Democrat John Kowalko cleared a House committee on Wednesday and is now ready for a vote by the full House.
As proposed, the bill would apply to all food and beverages sold on school grounds during regular school hours, whether from the cafeteria or vending machines. It would not apply to food and drink sold at events open to the wider community, such as athletic games and school plays.
Kowalko introduced a similar bill in 2009 that was approved in the House but never voted on in the Senate.
Source
Arundel Executive Leopold Under Investigation By State Prosecutors
Leader says he was contacted about delivery of check to police driver; election opponent says she has been contacted as well
State prosecutors are investigating whether Anne Arundel County Executive John R. Leopold misused government resources by directing his county-funded security detail to carry out campaign activities, according to witnesses who say they were interviewed in connection with the probe.John M. Singleton, an attorney acting on behalf of five members of Leopold's security detail, said they are negotiating an immunity deal with the Office of the State Prosecutor that would allow the county police officers to provide information to investigators without threat of prosecution.
The county's fire union chief and Leopold's former political challenger also said they were contacted by an investigator from the state prosecutor's office regarding the county executive's use of his security detail.
State Prosecutor Emmet C. Davitt, whose office is charged with prosecuting public officials, would not confirm or deny an investigation, citing his office's policy not to comment on what could be a continuing inquiry.
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Meals On Wheels Requests On The Rise
Eighty-nine years old and largely housebound, Eva Smith treasures any visitors she gets - but in particular, the volunteers who bring her food a few times a week.
The Annapolis resident has come to depend on Meals on Wheels, a nonprofit organization that provides nutritious meals for people who are unable to provide food for themselves. She is one of 222 clients in the area, a figure that is increasing in the county and region as the economy leaves more in a financial pinch.
Many of the clients are senior citizens: The county has about 62,000 county residents 65 years and older, and about 26,000 residents live below the poverty level, according to the U.S. Census.
"It means a whole lot to me," said Smith, who suffered a stroke last year. "I don't know what I would do (without them). I'd probably be eating sandwiches, or eating nothing."
Since October, the Anne Arundel County branch has seen a 10 percent increase in the number of people needing meals. Ordinarily, it gets greater numbers during the holidays but they drop off after the new year, said Terry Lehr, the county's program supervisor.
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The Annapolis resident has come to depend on Meals on Wheels, a nonprofit organization that provides nutritious meals for people who are unable to provide food for themselves. She is one of 222 clients in the area, a figure that is increasing in the county and region as the economy leaves more in a financial pinch.
Many of the clients are senior citizens: The county has about 62,000 county residents 65 years and older, and about 26,000 residents live below the poverty level, according to the U.S. Census.
"It means a whole lot to me," said Smith, who suffered a stroke last year. "I don't know what I would do (without them). I'd probably be eating sandwiches, or eating nothing."
Since October, the Anne Arundel County branch has seen a 10 percent increase in the number of people needing meals. Ordinarily, it gets greater numbers during the holidays but they drop off after the new year, said Terry Lehr, the county's program supervisor.
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As Rift Grows Between Maryland Unions And Lawmakers, State Aims For School-Funding Deal
For much of the past four years, record spending increases for schools proposed by Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) made him and other Maryland lawmakers mutual cheerleaders with the state's powerful teachers unions.
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The Former Speaker Air Force Flight Data
As a result of a Judicial Watch filing under the Freedom of Information Act, the USAF released documents detailing House Speaker Pelosi's use of United States Air Force aircraft between March 2009 and June 2010. The data are published in the Judicial Watch Verdict of December 2010, Volume 16, Issue 12.
Here are the main highlights revealed by the USAF. Keep in mind that all the data below relate to United States Air Force aircraft used by one woman over a sixteen month period.
Several of these flights included Ms Pelosi's guests such as grown children, grand children, various in-laws, friends, and hangers-on. Over 95% of the trips were between the west coast and Washington, DC or what we might call a commute between home and the office.
Total trips: 85 trips over a 68 week period or 1.25 average trips per week.
Total mileage: 206,264 miles or 2,427 average miles per trip
Total flying time: 428.6 hours or an average of 5 hrs per trip
Cost to the taxpayers: $2,100,744.59 or $27,715.00 per trip or $1,285,162.00 per year
Cost of in flight food and alcohol: $101,429.14 or $1,193.00 per trip or $62,051.00 per year
On one trip to Baghdad, according to the Air Force report, she had the aircraft bar stocked with Johnny Walker Red Scotch, Grey Goose Vodka, E&J Brandy, Bailey's Irish Creme, Maker's Mark whiskey, Courvoisier Cognac, Bacardi Rum, Jim Beam Whiskey, Beefeater Gin, Dewars Scotch, Bombay Sapphire Gin, Jack Daniels Whiskey, Corona Beer and several varieties of wine.
A Paraprosdokian...
A paraprosdokian is a figure of speech in which the latter part of a sentence or phrase is surprising or unexpected in a way that causes the reader or listener to reframe or reinterpret the first part. It is frequently used for humorous or dramatic effect, sometimes producing an anticlimax.
1. Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.
2. Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car.
3. The last thing I want to do is hurt you. But it's still on the list.
4. If I agreed with you we'd both be wrong.
5. We never really grow up, we only learn how to act in public.
6. War does not determine who is right - only who is left.
7. Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
8. Evening news is where they begin with 'Good evening', and then proceed to tell you why it isn't.
9. A bus station is where a bus stops. A train station is where a train stops. On my desk, I have a work station.
10. How is it one careless match can start a forest fire, but it takes a whole box to start a campfire?
11. Dolphins are so smart that within a few weeks of captivity, they can train people to stand on the very edge of the pool and throw them fish.
12. I thought I wanted a career, turns out I just wanted pay checks.
13. Whenever I fill out an application, in the part that says "In an emergency, notify:" I put "Doctor".
14. I didn't say it was your fault, I said I was blaming you.
15. Behind every successful man is his woman. Behind the fall of a successful man is usually another woman.
16. You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to skydive twice.
17. The voices in my head may not be real, but they have some good ideas!
18. Hospitality: Making your guests feel like they're at home, even if you wish they were.
19. I discovered I scream the same way whether I'm about to be devoured by a great white shark or if a piece of seaweed touches my foot.
20. There's a fine line between cuddling and holding someone down so they can't get away.
21. I always take life with a grain of salt, plus a slice of lemon, and a shot of tequila.
22. When tempted to fight fire with fire, remember that theFire Department usually uses water.
23. You're never too old to learn something stupid.
24. To be sure of hitting the target, shoot first and call whatever you hit the target.
Coming Up Soon On The Wicomico School Calendar
Friday, April 1
Secret Keeper Girl LIVE - The Pajama Party Tour
Cross Pointe Church of the Nazarene, Salisbury
The Secret Keeper Girl LIVE – The Pajama Party Tour will stop in Salisbury Friday, April 1 with an exciting show for tween girls (typically ages 8-12) and their mothers about modesty, peer, pressure, fashion and true beauty. The show is the creation of author Dannah Gresh, who wrote the Secret Keeper Girl book series. This national show, which will be hosted locally by Cross Pointe Church of the Nazarene, will feature dramatized stories about meaningful friendships, fun fashion shows that demonstrate modesty, incredible balloon sculptures, mother/daughter conversation time and colorful confetti cannons. A few girls from the area have been pre-selected to serve as models for the tour’s hallmark, a seasonal tween fashion show featuring Gresh’s Truth or Bare Modesty Tests. Tickets for the Secret Keeper Girl LIVE – The Pajama Party Tour show are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. Tickets are on sale now at Cross Pointe Church of the Nazarene (Nanticoke Road, Salisbury) and The Gospel Shop, and online at http://www.itickets.com/events/255402/Salisbury_MD/Secret_Keeper_Girl_LIVE!_Pajama_Party_Tour.html.
Secret Keeper Girl LIVE - The Pajama Party Tour
Cross Pointe Church of the Nazarene, Salisbury
The Secret Keeper Girl LIVE – The Pajama Party Tour will stop in Salisbury Friday, April 1 with an exciting show for tween girls (typically ages 8-12) and their mothers about modesty, peer, pressure, fashion and true beauty. The show is the creation of author Dannah Gresh, who wrote the Secret Keeper Girl book series. This national show, which will be hosted locally by Cross Pointe Church of the Nazarene, will feature dramatized stories about meaningful friendships, fun fashion shows that demonstrate modesty, incredible balloon sculptures, mother/daughter conversation time and colorful confetti cannons. A few girls from the area have been pre-selected to serve as models for the tour’s hallmark, a seasonal tween fashion show featuring Gresh’s Truth or Bare Modesty Tests. Tickets for the Secret Keeper Girl LIVE – The Pajama Party Tour show are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. Tickets are on sale now at Cross Pointe Church of the Nazarene (Nanticoke Road, Salisbury) and The Gospel Shop, and online at http://www.itickets.com/events/255402/Salisbury_MD/Secret_Keeper_Girl_LIVE!_Pajama_Party_Tour.html.