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Thursday, March 24, 2011

Former Clinton Official Paid $26 Million By Fannie Mae Is On Obama Shortlist To Run FBI

The Obama administration reportedly is considering former Clinton administration official Jamie Gorelick, among others, to become the next director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

The Wall Street Journal’s Evan Perez first reported the news last week, citing “U.S. officials” familiar with the situation.

Gorelick served as vice chairman of the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) when the government-sponsored enterprise began bundling subprime loans into securitized financial instruments. 

She was paid more than $26 million in total compensation as a top executive at Fannie Mae before taxpayers had to bail out the mortgage giant.

Prior to that, she served as deputy attorney general in the Clinton Justice Department under then-Attorney General Janet Reno from 1994 to 1997.

But Gorelick is perhaps best known for her 1995 memo, written when she was deputy attorney general, that later became known as “Gorelick’s Wall,” a policy prescription limiting the flow of information between intelligence gatherers and criminal investigators that some believe helped allow the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center to go unchallenged.

More at CNSNews

NLRB Rejects Hyatt’s Request For Election As Labor Union Pressures Employees

It’s rare for a company with workers targeted by Big Labor for unionization to ask the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) for a unionization election. That initiative is usually taken by the unions themselves.

But that’s exactly what hotel chain Hyatt did at four of its locations after Unite Here organizers allegedly badgered its workers by showing up at their houses and following them to places like supermarkets in order to pressure them to unionize. Unite Here is a labor union that represents various service industry workers, including workers employed at hotels, airports, food service providers and casinos. Unite Here doesn’t want to hold secret-ballot elections, though, despite leading numerous activities Hyatt contends are tantamount to organizing efforts.

Over the past few years, Hyatt says Unite Here has asked for payroll audits, demanded modifications in Hyatt’s employee health benefits plan, “wrongfully taken credit” for improvements in wages and working conditions, and filed complaints with the Department of Labor’s office of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Hyatt also said that the union has “misled” hotel guests about working conditions at its hotels. Hyatt says those activities and others should be enough to show Unite Here is trying to organize workers at those locations, and that they should be the equivalent of a union request for an election. But regional offices for the NLRB rejected Hyatt’s requests for unionization elections at all four locations in question: Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco; Long Beach, Calif.; Santa Clara, Calif.; and Indianapolis, Indiana.

Hyatt’s chief human resources officer, Rob Webb, told The Daily Caller the reason Hyatt asked the NLRB for secret-ballot elections was so workers could once-and-for-all decide whether or not they want Unite Here to represent them. “The employees have been telling us that there have been visits to their homes in the evening from delegations from Unite Here,” Webb said. “We understand there have been instances where they [Hyatt employees] go grocery shopping, and folks [from the union] kind of going into the store and walk with them into the parking lot to talk them into joining the union. We also know at these four properties they’ve been contacting customers of the hotel to try to dissuade them from coming to the hotel sort of to put pressure, presumably, on us.”

Webb said that, from his perspective, the union organizers are acting like they represent the employees at those four hotels when they really don’t.

More here

Nuke Plant Workers In Hospital For Radiation Exposure

Three workers at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant have been exposed to high levels of radiation after reportedly stepping into contaminated water as they battled to make the stricken No 3 reactor safe, London's Guardian reports.

Two of workers were taken to a special radiation unit at a hospital in Chiba city, east of Tokyo, Japan's nuclear safety agency said.

The workers, who are all in their 20s and 30s, were exposed to between 170 millisieverts and 180 millisieverts of radiation. This is above the usual legal limit of 100 millisieverts per year for nuclear power workers in Japan, but below a new limit of 250 millisieverts, introduced last week to enable them to spend more time inside the crippled facility.

The men were affected while laying cable in the turbine building of the No 3 reactor, said Fumio Matsuda, an agency spokesman, adding that two had exposed skin on their feet to radioactive elements. The condition of the men taken to hospital was not immediately clear.

More

WICOMICO COUNTY: HERE COMES THE JUDGE!

Oyez, oyez, oyez:
It was announced yesterday that the following attorneys have been approved by the "Trial Courts Judicial Nominating Commission" for Wicomico Worcester and Somerset Counties for the vacancy that exists on the Circuit Court due to the retirement of Judge Donald Davis:
George Guild Strott, Jr.
Melvin Joseph Caldwell, Jr.
Leah Jane Seaton
Your comments are welcomed.
By the way, the members of that "Trial Courts Judicial Nominating Commission" are: James V. Anthenelli (Chair), Paul Pereira Abu-Zaid, Dana S. Boston, D’Arcy Nicole Green, William C. Hudson, Robert Marvel, Carol Ann Miller, Mandip Parmar, Ernest R. Satchell, Raymond C. Shockley, Heather E. Stansbury, Barbara R. Trader, and Peter Ayers Wimbrow, III

ANOTHER CANDIDATES FORUM IN SALISBURY -- TONIGHT!

The Camden Neighborhood Association will host a forum for City Council candidates Thursday at 7 p.m.

The event will be held at the Bethany Lutheran Church, located at 817 Camden Avenue, and the public is welcome to attend.

NTSB Probing Sleeping Air Traffic Supervisor

Two airliners landed at Reagan National Airport near Washington without control tower clearance because the air traffic supervisor was asleep, safety and aviation officials said Wednesday.

New Milestone: 1 In 6 Americans Are Hispanic

Latest census figures show racial and ethnic minorities making up 90 percent of U.S. population growth since 2000.

Full story

USPS To Cut 7,500 Jobs

  • The U.S. Postal Service is expected to detail today how it plans to cut about 7,500 administrative jobs. The job eliminations are expected to impact about 2,000 postmasters - and another 5,500 supervisors and administrative staffers. Cutting postmasters may prompt USPS to close the post offices they operate. On average, about 22,000 postal workers leave the agency through attrition. The Washington Post reports Postmaster General Patrick R. Donahoe says between attrition and cuts his goal is to have 30,000 fewer employees working for the Postal Service by the end of its fiscal year, but that buyouts are "an option on the table."
  • Call Center Opens To Field Arlington Cemetery Inquiries

    A new call center, staffed by professionals trained to handle grieving callers, is among the first technology upgrades the Army has made in the aftermath of a management scandal at Arlington National Cemetery last year. Phase two will involve tackling the massive challenge of digitizing the cemetery's paper records.  

    Read Full Story

    Soldier Admits Killing Three Afghan Civilians

    Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington - An Army soldier facing a court-martial here on Wednesday admitted to killing three Afghan civilians as part of a conspiracy to kill for sport.

    “The plan was to kill people, sir,” the soldier, Specialist Jeremy N. Morlock, told a military judge at this base south of Seattle.

    Specialist Morlock, one of five soldiers accused of killing the Afghans near Kandahar last year, had previously agreed in court documents to testify against the other defendants in exchange for his plea. He is seeking a maximum of 24 years in prison. A military judge still must approve the agreement.

    Specialist Morlock, 22, of Wasilla, Alaska, is the first of the five soldiers to face a court-martial. He pleaded guilty on Wednesday to three charges of premeditated murder, conspiracy to commit murder, assault and other charges.

    Unlicensed Contractor

    I am a local contractor that is licensed and insured in Maryland. I am so feed up with all of these unlicensed contractor running around in this area. I have held my Home Improvement license for over 10 years. I wonder sometimes why I even abide by the laws, since the unlicensed contractors seem to get all the work. I guess that's why they are able to charge a low price. These homeowners do not get it, it is against the law for these people to even do this work. Then they wonder why they are ripped off - either financially or workmanship. You are required to have a license to perform work in roofing, siding, landscaping, painting etc.

    Abortionists Ordered To Refer Women To Pro-Life Centers

    A plan to require abortionists to refer potential patients to state-approved pro-life pregnancy help centers for "the other side of the story" before performing any procedure has been signed into law by South Dakota's governor, and state officials have been assigned the task of planning for its implementation and enforcement.

    Supporters call the bill a precedent-setter that is one of the most significant pieces of legislation since Roe v. Wade in 1973 and say they have lined up volunteer donors to fund the cost of the state's defense of the law should the abortion industry challenge it in court.

    In the signing message from Gov. Dennis Daugaard, he said, "everyone agrees with the goal of reducing abortion by encouraging consideration of other alternatives. I hope that women who are considering an abortion will use this three-day period to make good choices."

    The plan, which earlier sailed through the state legislature, is "An Act to establish certain legislative findings pertaining to the decision of a pregnant mother considering termination of her relationship with her child by an abortion, to establish certain procedures to better insure that such decisions are voluntary, uncoerced, and informed, and to revise certain causes of action for professional negligence relating to performance of an abortion."

    Daugaard said he consulted with state Attorney General Marty Jackley over the plan and was informed supporters, including prime sponsor state Rep. Roger Hunt, had arranged for private funds to be committed to finance the state's defense if needed, so that the bill would not impact Daugaard's efforts to balance the budget.

    Mathew Staver, founder and chief of Liberty Counsel, said the law is a "huge precedent" that moves America "in the right direction to return us to a respect for the sanctity of life."

    He said he expects abortionists will not take the requirement lightly, but he feels it can be supported constitutionally, and it even could be a dispute that could reach as high as the U.S. Supreme Court, with a possible change of precedent there.

    Those who argue against the law, he noted, will have to be arguing against providing full and complete information to women.

    Read more

    Uncle Sam Shelling Out Big Bucks For Government Jobs

    If you’re one of the millions of Americans still looking for a job, the federal government is hiring, and (especially for the unemployed) the pay is excellent. While private sector job growth creeps along at a snail’s pace, the roster of available federal jobs is booming.

    The Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs needs someone to run the Facebook page for the Dept. of the Interior and they’ll pay up to $115,000 a year. Over at the Dept. of Defense, they’ll drop nearly 50k a year for a new mail room clerk, plus the glorious benefits that comes with government work.

    In Washington, D.C., there are more than 1,000 openings this month alone. These include a “student internship” program at the Federal Housing Finance Agency that pays the equivalent of $48,304 a year; a $155,000-a-year gig at the Peace Corps to ensure the agency is complying with Equal Opportunity Employment standards; and a similar job at the Dept. of Transportation that promises nearly $180,000 a year.

    Read more

    Vicente Fox: Mexico At 'War,' Obama's Approach A Failure

    Former Mexican President Vicente Fox says his nation is at "war" with drug cartels, and he offered sharp criticism of the Obama administration for failing to assist its beleaguered neighbor.

    In an exclusive interview with Newsmax.TV on Tuesday, Fox said President Barack Obama's administration has failed to grapple with the deteriorating situation in Mexico.

    “Obama is thoroughly mixed up with all these things he’s got," Fox said, adding: "He’s got to solve Libya. He’s got to solve Afghanistan. He’s everywhere. And this nation, I don’t know why it’s not showing the leadership and capacity to attend different issues at the same time.”

    Asked if Mexico was entangled in a civil war involving the drug cartels, Fox responded: “We’re undergoing a war, no doubt — 35,000, maybe 40,000 people killed, either members of the cartels or members of the police force or members of the army. So yes, we’re undergoing a war, no doubt.

    “Everybody’s trying to deny that we’re going through a war, but that’s what it is. That’s why we have to move to a new paradigm."

    More here

    Stewart Funeral Home Sold To John M. Holloway

    The Stewart family is proud to announce the sale of their funeral home Stewart Funeral Home to John M. Holloway, W. Richard Holloway Jr. and Keith R. Downey. The funeral home will continue to operate at 821 West Road in Salisbury under the new name of Stewart Funeral Home by Holloway and Downey, P.A., and will continue the Stewart Family name in the funeral profession. At this time the funeral home is being remodeled, beginning with the interior and we will incorporate all the latest technology,(including our new website that will be released very soon), available to better serve families we have served in the past and the new families we will serve in the future.

    The new owners bring years of professional experience serving families from all religions, races and financial situations as the Stewart family has done for fifty years and the Holloway family has done for four generations. Stewart Funeral Home by Holloway and Downey, P.A. will serve all with compassion, integrity and honesty. In addition, we will help you with all decisions necessary from beginning to end including choosing your cemetery spaces and memorial.

    The new owners are not new to Stewart Funeral Home, for years you have met with us during arrangements, viewings and funerals and along with the same dedicated staff Stewart Funeral Home by Holloway and Downey, P.A. will continue to serve each of your families with the compassion, integrity and honesty that you deserve. We now offer a dedicated pre-need advisor to answer any of your questions you may have regarding pre-arrangements at no cost to your family.

    As you will see, positive changes are being made to better serve each and every family who choose to use our services. We look forward to working with you in your time of need, remembering we wish to build friendships with the families we serve.

    Brooke Mulford Update

    Just wanted to update everyone that Brooke's scan and lab results all look good.  The CT scan picked up a very small spot on the lung that the doctors are not worried about and think that it is just probably a calcium deposit. 
     
    She has not gained any weight since August so a little worried about that - I'll be doing my best to try to fatten her up (with as much healthy food as possible).  She has grown 1/2" since November so that was good - I was thinking it might have been more than that but I guess I'm just shrinking her clothes!  Her audiology testing showed some additional hearing loss in her left ear. 

    Thank you so much for everyone's prayers!  Please continue to pray for a miracle for Trey Love (doctors have given him just 4-6 weeks).  Also, please pray for Brooke Shockley, Hannah, Beth, and Chelsea.

    God Bless,
    Amy

    House Speaker Seeks Clarification On Mission’ s Goals From Obama

    With some members of Congress already staging a minor rebellion against President Obama’s decision to attack Libya, House Speaker John A. Boehner on Wednesday blasted the administration for “contradictory” statements and told the president to lay out concrete goals for U.S. action.

    Some senior Senate Democrats tried to mount a defense of Mr. Obama’s efforts and said Congress is unlikely to tie the president’s hands or end military action despite the growing discontent on Capitol Hill.

    Still, with U.S. forces flying missions over Libya five days into the operation, lawmakers said the number of questions is growing over the chain of command within the international coalition, how far the U.S. is willing to go to unseat Libyan leader Col. Moammar Gadhafi and whether the country is prepared for a protracted conflict.

    “All of these concerns point to a fundamental question: What is your benchmark for success in Libya?” Mr. Boehner, Ohio Republican, said in a letter to Mr. Obama. He called the president’s decision to attack without seeking full congressional consultation “regrettable.”

    More here

    Led Into War By A President Who Can't Be Trusted

    ricans will have a hard time supporting President Obama's war in Libya -- because the United States is already fighting two wars, because the president never publicly made the case for involvement, because Congress never authorized the war, and because there are no identifiable American interests.

    But just as important, for those Americans paying close attention, is the growing realization that the president can't be trusted. His assurances that America's military role in Libya will be limited in scope and duration carry little weight after the lies and evasions of his top aides. Not even a week into our war on Libya, the White House has already peppered Americans with a handful of falsehoods, equivocations and misleading statements.

    On Tuesday, for instance, Obama was asked by Spanish-language Univision about an "exit strategy" from Libya. "The exit strategy," Obama said, "will be executed this week -- in the sense that we will be pulling back from our much more active efforts to shape the environment. We will still be in a support role. We will be supplying jamming, intelligence and other assets unique to us."

    It depends on what the meaning of "exit" is, I guess. ABC News White House reporter Jake Tapper responded to Obama's word games: "Planes in the air? Ships in the Mediterranean? Intelligence being provided? Doesn't sound like an exit strategy at all." But it was a typical Obama play of redefining words to mean something they have never meant before.

    Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also falsely downplayed our role in this war. "We did not lead this," Clinton said of Operation Odyssey Dawn. But Vice Adm. Bill Gortney of the Joint Chiefs of Staff sure made it sound like we did: "In these early days, the operation will be under the operational command of Gen. Carter Ham. ... And the commander of Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn ... is Adm. Sam Locklear."

    Gortney had his own moment of prevarication, speaking Saturday of "over 110 Tomahawk cruise missiles fired from both U.S. and British ships and submarines. ..." Turns out the Brits had fired two of those missiles. That's like talking about the time the NBA's Michael Jordan (69 points) and John Paxson (two points) poured in 71.

    Read more at the Washington Examiner

    Donald Wars With Whoopi Over Obama's Eligibility

    Billionaire developer and potential Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump got into a heated war of words on national television today as he questioned why Barack Obama has not revealed his long-form, hospital-generated birth certificate to help demonstrate his eligibility for the presidency.

    "I want him to show his birth certificate! There's something on that birth certificate that he doesn't like," said Trump on ABC's "The View."

    The comment enraged co-host Whoopi Goldberg, who fired back, "I think that's the biggest pile of dog mess I've heard in ages. It's not 'cause he's black is it?"

    "It has nothing to do with that," said Trump.

    Goldberg interjected, "Because I've never heard any white president asked to be shown the birth certificate. When you become a president of the United States of America, you know that he's American. I'm sorry, that's B.S."

    "I really believe there's a birth certificate," Trump explained. "Why doesn't he show his birth certificate? And you know what? I wish he would. Because I think it's a terrible pall that's hanging over him. He should show his birth certificate.

    "There's something on his birth certificate he doesn't want to show?" an incredulous Barbara Walters asked. "That's a terrible thing to say."

    More, including the video here

    Restoration Work Resumed At Fukushima Power Plant

    Tokyo Electric Power Co. on Thursday morning resumed work to restore power and key cooling functions at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant after it was hindered the previous day when black smoke was observed at its No. 3 reactor building.

    The utility company, known as TEPCO, said it has ensured it is safe for workers to return after evacuating due to the smoke at the plant, which has been crippled since the March 11 devastating earthquake and tsunami and has leaked radiation.

    While the cause of the black smoke remains unknown, no fire was seen and the radiation level did not climb. The Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency confirmed the smoke stopped as of 4:50 a.m. Thursday.

    All six reactors at the plant had been reconnected to external power as of Tuesday night and workers scrambled to check each piece of equipment, including data measuring tools and feed-water pumps before transmitting power to them.

    The science ministry, meanwhile, has launched monitoring of the radiation levels in soil, seawater and air around the plant to examine the extent of contamination and how it will affect the farm and fishery industries.

    The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, which has been monitoring the radiation level in areas 20 to 60 kilometers from the evacuation zone around the plant, said it also started collecting soil within that radius to check the amounts of radioactive iodine and cesium.

    It will also monitor if the soil contains strontium, which can cause bone cancer and leukemia.

    KyotoNews

    Hizbullah 'Sanitized' In US Intelligence Report

    U.S. intelligence report will characterize Hizbullah as a political entity with terrorist capabilities, David Ignatius of the Washington Post reported on March 18.

    The distinction, which will appear this year's National Intelligence Estimate (NIE), removes the focus from Hizbullah's long pedigree as a paramilitary terrorist organization and Iranian proxy in favor of viewing it as a social and political movement despite its ongoing involvement in terror.

    “Officials who have read draft versions of the estimate say it assesses Hezbollah in a broad context, as a political and social force in Lebanon in addition to the militia officially designated by the United States as a ‘foreign terrorist organization,’” Ignatius wrote. “Like most NIEs, this one is said to contain a broad array of views, with some analysts stressing Hizbullah’s terrorist capabilities and others noting the organization’s growing political role, including its representation in the Lebanese cabinet.”

    Reports of the National Intelligence Estimate are intended to reflect the cumulative knowledge of U.S. intelligence agencies and do not always form policy. Nonetheless, such an assessment is likely to set off alarm bells for many and raise the ire of many in Washington.

    Previous intelligence assessments characterizing Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood as a "largely secular political organization" came under fire as Egypt's popular revolution took hold earlier this year. Members of that organization - the spiritual brothers of Hamas - have long pushed an Islamic agenda and have been unabashedly involved in religiously motivated violence against Egypt's Coptic community during the past year.

    In addition, White House counterintelligence adviser John Brennan has taken heat from conservatives and congressional Republicans for past statements noting Hizbullah’s evolution from a terrorist group to one with political pre-eminence in Lebanon.

    IsraelNationalNews

    Hamas Says It Wants Calm; 15 More Shells Hit Israel

    Hamas stated Wednesday evening that it wants to “restore calm” and indicated it is backing off from escalation in attacks as Israel makes it clear it will not tolerate terror.

    Gaza-based terrorists fired 15 mortar shells at western Negev farming areas during the day, causing property damage but no injuries. The IDF has not yet retaliated for the latest barrage.

    The de facto Hamas government in Gaza stated, "We stress that our constant position in the government is to protect stability and to work to restore the conditions on ground that used to be dominant in previous weeks.”

    The statement was milder than Hamas position two days ago, when it demanded that Israel declare a ceasefire in return for restoration of quiet. However, Islamic Jihad terrorists threatened to continue the escalation of attacks, which have struck Be’er Sheva and south of Ashdod, increasing the chance of another all-out retaliation similar to the Operation Cast Lead counterterrorist campaign two years ago.

    Amos Gilad, senior Defense Ministry adviser, said Wednesday night that Hamas will be making a “dramatic mistake” if it does not halt the rocket and mortar attacks on Israeli civilians and soldiers.

    He also said that Hamas is inspired and encouraged by the recent uprisings in the Arab world.

    Gilad said, “it is the responsibility of any government to protect civilians,” and that Israel will continue to do so.

    Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, prior to leaving Wednesday night for a meeting with top officials in Moscow, stated, “We have set a clear policy on security, the essence of which is a vigorous response to any attempt to harm Israeli citizens, and systematic and assertive preventive measures against terrorism.”

    He said that elements that have tried to violate the relative quiet since the end of Cast Lead. “They are trying to test our resolve and the fortitude of our people,” the Prime Minister continued. “They will learn that the government, the IDF and the Israeli public have an iron will to defend the state and its citizens.”

    INN

    Netanyahu Vows Aggressive Response To Attacks

    Israel's prime minister says his country will react "aggressively, responsibly and wisely" to a recent wave of Palestinian violence.

    Benjamin Netanyahu issued his statement just hours after a bomb killed a 60-year-old woman at a crowded bus stop in Jerusalem. Earlier Wednesday, southern Israel was bombarded by Palestinian rocket and mortar fire.

    Netanyahu said he spent the evening huddled with top security officials to discuss the situation.

    He spoke to reporters just before boarding a flight to Russia, where he said he would discuss Israel's security situation with that country's leaders.

    Newsmax

    Fwd: Bingo Benefit For Brooke

    THE CHICAGO WAY


    Bread Winner...Making Babies!
    I was speaking to an emergency room physician this morning.  He told me that a woman in her 20s came to the ER with her 8th pregnancy.  She stated, "My momma told me that I am the breadwinner for the family." He asked her to explain.  She said that she can make babies and babies get money for the family.  The scam goes like this: The grandma calls the Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) and states that the unemployed daughter is not capable of caring for these children.  DCFS agrees and states that the child or children will need to go to foster care.
    The grandma then volunteers to be the foster parent, and thus receives a check for $1500 per child per month in Illinois.  Total yearly income:$144,000 tax-free ! not to mention free health-care (Medicaid) plus a monthly card entitling her to free groceries, etc, and a voucher for 250 free cell phone minutes per month.  This does not even include WIC and other welfare programs.  Indeed, grandma was correct in that her fertile daughter is the "breadwinner" for the family.
    THIS is how the 'RULING CLASS' spends your tax dollars.  And this is what their children learn; why should they work?
    Sebastian J. Ciancio, M.D. Urologist, Danville Polyclinic, LTD 

    Buy One Get One For A Penny

    Operation We Care

     

    Greetings friends of Operation We Care,
     
    Hopefully this email finds everyone happy, healthy and ready for Spring. As we come out of a long tough winter Operation We Care is preparing for our next major packing event on:
     
    Sunday May 22
    Powellville Fire Hall
    10:00am til we finish - usually around 3:00pm
     
    We have lots of exciting things planned for this event and we will release the details as they are confirmed. Here are a few of the things that we are in need of:
     
    1. We need kids to color boxes!!
    The girls from Girl Scout Troop 688 have already begun their effort. Here is what we are doing:
    The Post Office has imprinted writing on the inside of the care packages making it difficult to color them properly so some folks have been cutting out panels of colored construction paper and writing messages, flags, etc. on them and then glue them to the inside of the boxes. Or you can be creative and do your own thing. Our goal is to show our appreciation for the dedication and sacrifice of our brave men and women serving in harm's way and getting the kids involved in this effort has been very successful.
     
    2. We need names and addresses of troops to send the care packages to.
    If you have a family member, co-worker, neighbor, friend or just know of someone who we could send a care package to please email me at http://us.mc1102.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=jemerritt314@yahoo.com . The information we need is:
         1. The soldier's name, rank and address
         2. The soldier's branch of service and how long they have been deployed 
         3. Your name, phone number and email address for contact reasons
    Our mailing list and all contact info is kept private for security and privacy reasons.
     
    3. We need to collect lots of donations to fill the care packages.
    After sending 328 care packages in November our supplies of most items have run low. We need all the items on the donation list but here are the top 10:
      1. SMALL packs of baby wipes. Example is the 40ct size from Walmart for 97 cents.
      2. Ramen noodles. Not the kind in the cup. We use the "packets".
      3. Shampoo and body wash
      4. Lip balm
      5. Microwave popcorn
      6. Pop Tarts
      7. Granola bars
      8. Chef Boyardee canned pasta
      9. Small packs of peanuts, trail mix, etc.
     10. Decks of playing cards
    We also need ziplock bags in the sandwich, quart and gallon size to package some of the items in to prevent cross contamination. A copy of our updated donation list is attached.
     
    4. We need financial donations to help cover the cost of postage.
    In 2010 Operation We Care spent over $7000.00 on postage to mail over 550 care packages. Financial donations are much needed and appreciated. You can make your check out to "Operation We Care" and drop it off at any of the drop off locations or mail it to: Operation We Care
         c/o Minuteman Press
         1008 S. Salisbury Blvd.
         Salisbury, MD 21801
     
    5. We need space!!!
    For the past 3 years we have been able to utilize the space in our house to store some of the items for Operation We Care but the project has grown to such a degree that we need to find an option. We are looking for enough space to store 3-4 pallets worth of supplies. If the space were in the Salisbury area it would be helpful for accessability reasons. If the space were donated to Operation We Care it would be helpful as we try to use the money collected for postage expenses - see item #4 above.
     
    6. We need your pictures.
    As many of you know Karly Bolon creates a picture DVD each year that we include in the care packages at the November packing party. As you travel around this year and see interesting sights - especially the patriotic ones - please take a few pictures and email them to me. Karly will go through them in October when she produces the next DVD.

    GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY TO JOIN U.S. HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES SECRETARY KATHLEEN SEBELIUS, SENATOR BARBARA A. MIKULSKI, AND ATTORNEY GENERAL DOUG GANSLER TO CELEBRATE ANNIVERSARY OF THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT


    ANNAPOLIS, MD  –  Governor Martin O’Malley will join U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, Senator Barbara Mikulski and Attorney General Doug Gansler to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The Governor will participate in a roundtable to discuss how the Consumer Assistance Program is helping families in Maryland and across the country navigate their health insurance options. Made possible under the ACA, the Consumer Assistance Program provides nearly $30 million in new resources to States to help them provide consumers with information on insurance options and their rights under the new law. Today marks the official one-year anniversary of the ACA.

    Maryland has become a national leader in health care reform and innovation. Since entering office in 2007, the O’Malley-Brown Administration has championed measures that have expanded health care coverage to 262,000 Marylanders, provided small businesses with incentives to offer coverage to employees, expanded dental care to low income children and launched initiatives, such as the Patient Centered Medical Home pilot and the Healthiest Maryland program, aimed to promote prevention and to coordinate patient care.

    Please visit http://www.blogger.com/ for more information.

    GOVERNOR O’MALLEY JOINS LOCAL STEELWORKERS, ADVOCATES IN FINAL PUSH FOR OFFSHORE WIND

    Governor announces new amendments to ensure minimal price impact on Maryland families

    ANNAPOLIS, MD  – Governor Martin O'Malley joined local steelworkers, environmental advocates, and legislative leaders at Annapolis’ City Dock to promote the Maryland Offshore Wind Energy Act of 2011 as Sine Die approaches.  Governor O’Malley announced at today’s event the introduction of new amendments that will limit the Public Service Commission’s (PSC) ability to approve projects to only those projects with pricing impacts on Maryland families of less than $2 per month.  The O’Malley-Brown Administration and the PSC have each, independently estimated the potential price impact to be even lower than that.

    The bill will require that public utilities leverage Maryland's outstanding offshore wind resources by entering into long-term purchase agreements with wind power generation facilities off of the Mid-Atlantic coast. The Governor underscored the importance of offshore wind in leveraging Maryland’s natural assets to promote ‘green’ job creation and generate much needed clean, renewable energy.

    “Thanks to the tough choices we’ve made over the last four years, Maryland has emerged as one of the leaders in the effort to harness the power of offshore wind – an industry with the potential to create thousands of jobs and power hundreds of thousands of homes,” said Governor O'Malley. “By requiring the utilities to enter into long-term agreements, we can finally shift our focus from short term profit to our state's long-term energy security, and put these steelworkers back to work building the energy infrastructure of the future.”

    Today the O’Malley-Brown Administration is proposing several amendments to the Maryland Offshore Wind Energy Act.  Most importantly, the Governor has proposed a threshold test in which the PSC would kick out any proposals that are projected to raise an average family's electricity bill by more than $2 per month in the first year. It is anticipated that the impact will decrease after that first year, as fossil fuel prices continue to rise. Another important amendment related to price would require the developer of the project to pass along any savings from federal tax incentives to our ratepayers.  The Governor has also proposed amendments that would require the PSC to consider, as a criterion of choosing the project, a developer's plan to include minority, women-owned, and small businesses in the development and distribution of offshore wind energy.

    Offshore wind could create more than twenty direct jobs per annual megawatt, including jobs in manufacturing, engineering, and skilled labor.  A 500MW wind generation facility in the waters off of the Delmarva coast could generate as many as 2,000 manufacturing and construction jobs during the five-year development period, with an additional 400 permanent jobs once the turbines are spinning. 

    Due to its ideal location in the Mid-Atlantic, as well as the deep-water port and manufacturing infrastructure in Baltimore, Maryland is well positioned to be a leader not only in offshore wind energy generation, but also in ongoing construction and maintenance.

    Governor O’Malley was joined by members of the United Steelworkers of Maryland, many of which are headed back to work following the successful acquisition of Baltimore County’s Sparrow’s Point steel mill by New York-based Renco Group.

    “I'm proud to stand here today with Governor O'Malley on behalf of the men and women of the United Steelworkers,” said James Strong, local District Director of the United Steelworkers. “Offshore wind presents a tremendous opportunity to secure and expand the steel industry in Maryland and throughout the region.”

    In addition to creating new ‘green’ jobs, harnessing the potential of offshore wind power will generate much needed clean, renewable energy, and promote long-term price stability while helping to ensure that Maryland meets its Renewable Portfolio Standard goal of generating 20% of its energy from renewable resources by 2022.

    The bill would require that public utilities purchase between 400-600 megawatts (MW) of power from offshore wind generation facilities in federal waters adjacent to the PJM Control Area for a period of 25 years. For residential ratepayer, the PSC currently directs the utilities to procure approximately 25% of their power at a time, in two year contracts, making ratepayers vulnerable to periodic increases in the market price of energy–particularly electricity based on fossil fuel resources. 500 MW of offshore wind energy is enough to power more than half of the homes in the City of Baltimore, or 79% of the homes on Maryland's Eastern Shore.

    SALISBURY CITY COUNCIL AGENDA

    MARCH 28, 2011 6:00 p.m.
    Government Office Building Room 301

    Times shown for agenda items are estimates only.

    6:00 p.m. CONVENE – LORD’S PRAYER – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

    6:04 p.m. ADOPTION OF AGENDA

    6:07 p.m. CONSENT AGENDA – City Clerk Brenda Colegrove
    March 14, 2011 minutes 1a
    Resolution No. 2041 - appointment of Katherine Crowell Gunby to the City Park Committee
    Resolution No. 2042 - accepting donation of an air light unit for the Salisbury Fire Department

    6:10 p.m. AWARD OF BIDS – Internal Services Director Pam Oland

    6:15 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING – City Attorney Paul Wilber
    Ordinance No. 2145 - amending Section 15.24, Method of Service, of the Salisbury Municipal Code, requiring owner of a vacant building, who is notdomiciled in Wicomico County, to have a local designated agent who is a
    permanent resident of Wicomico County

    6:20 p.m. ORDINANCES – City Attorney Paul Wilber
    Ordinance No. 2137 - 2nd reading - authorizing Word of Life Center to operate a church at 504 Delaware Avenue in an Industrial District as required by Section 17.72.040K of the Salisbury Municipal Code
    Ordinance No. 2141 - 2nd reading - amending FY11 General Fund Budget to appropriate additional funds to pay City’s unemployment costs
    Ordinance No. 2142 - 2nd reading - amending FY11 Marina Fund Budget and FY11 General Fund Budget to appropriate additional funds to pay the projected cost of electricity usage during the remaining half of FY11 and to purchase electric meters for live-aboard customers to reduce excessive electricity usage and charges
    Ordinance No. 2143 - 2nd reading - amending FY11 Street Lighting budgetary account and FY11 General Fund Budget to appropriate additional funds to pay the projected cost of lighting facilities maintenance and electricity usage during the remaining half of FY11
    Ordinance No. 2144 - 2nd reading - amending FY11 General Fund Budget to appropriate funds received from the recovery and recycling of brass shell casings at the Salisbury Police Range to purchase service weapons
    Ordinance No. 2146 - 1st reading - amending Chapter 15.24 Housing Standards, Article XXVI Accumulation of Rubbish Prohibited, of the Salisbury Municipal Code
    Ordinance No. 2147 - 1st reading - adding Section 8.09, Tree and Plant Trimming or Removal, to the Salisbury Municipal Code, to provide departmental authority to examine nuisance tree, shrub or other plant growth
    Ordinance No. 2148 - 1st reading - amending Chapter 10.08 General Traffic Regulations, of the Salisbury Municipal Code, to include the use of speedmonitoring devices, setting fees for exceeding speed limits and penaltiesfor violation of Chapter 10.08
    Ordinance No. 2149 - 1st reading - amending Chapter 15.26 Rental of Residential Premises, of the Salisbury Municipal Code, to require a Crime-Free Lease Addendum in every new lease or renewed lease of residential real property

    6:55 p.m. RESOLUTION – City Administrator John Pick
    Resolution No. 2043 - allowing the City to enter into a license agreement with the United States Marshal’s Service to modify and repair the City’sproperty at 311 W. Isabella Street for the purpose of housing the Capital
    Area Regional Fugitive Task Force (CARFTF) for a three year period

    7:10 p.m. PUBLIC COMMENTS

    CLOSED SESSION – following conclusion of regular meeting agendaConsult with legal counsel/potential litigation as permitted under theAnnotated Code of Maryland Sections 10-508(a)(7)(8)

    Copies of the agenda items are available for reviewin the City Clerk’s Office Room 305 – City/County Government Office Building 410-548-3140 or on the City’s web site http://www.ci.salisbury.md.us/

    The City Council reserves the right to go into closed session as permitted under the Annotated Code of Maryland 10-508(a)

    Proposed agenda items for April 11, 2011 (subject to change)
    Resolution - approving lease agreement between the City and the Chamber of Commerce for the Salisbury Dogwood Festival
    Resolution - approving City’s Action Plan for CDBG 2011
    Ordinance No. 2145 - 2nd reading - amending Section 15.24, Method of Service, of the Salisbury Municipal Code, requiring owner of a vacant building, who is not domiciled in Wicomico County, to have a local designated agent who is apermanent resident of Wicomico County
    Public Hearing - Ordinance No. 2146 - amending Chapter 15.24 Housing Standards, Article XXVI Accumulation of Rubbish Prohibited, of the Salisbury Municipal Code
    Public Hearing - Ordinance No. 2147 - adding Chapter 8.09, Tree and Plant Trimming or Removal, to the Salisbury Municipal Code, to provide departmental authority to examine nuisance tree, shrub or other plant growth
    Public Hearing - Ordinance No. 2148 - amending Chapter 10.08 General Traffic
    Regulations, of the Salisbury Municipal Code, to include the use of speed monitoring devices, setting fees for exceeding speed limits and penalties for violation of Chapter 10.08
    Public Hearing - Ordinance No. 2149 - amending Chapter 15.26 Rental of Residential Premises, of the Salisbury Municipal Code, to require a Crime-Free Lease Addendum

    Come Taste What We Have Cooking At Winter Place Park!

    Pork in the Park BBQ Festival Returns on April 15-17, 2011

    (Salisbury, MD)   Follow your nose and the pig signs on Route 50 to the Pork in the Park BBQ Festival at Winter Place Park in Salisbury, Maryland on April 15-17, 2011. This family-friendly barbeque event has grown in leaps and bounds since its inception eight years ago; an estimated 130 BBQ teams will compete in this year’s competition.

    Each team will spend the weekend slicing, seasoning and sizzling pork, chicken and beef in hopes their cooking will earn them a portion of the $19,000 in cash prizes and invaluable bragging rights on the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) BBQ Circuit. The competition decisions lie in the hands of the KCBS certified professional judges. Judging is done in many areas including whole hog, beef, chicken, pork, ribs, anything butt and a special seafood category.

    The festival surrounding the competition is three days of events with entertainment the whole family will enjoy-all for only $2 per person and kids under 12 are free! Taking part in the largest KCBS Festival on the East coast, attendees can enjoy live entertainment including blues, country and southern rock on our festival stage. Friday night will offer a Froggy 99.9 Country Showdown and Saturday night welcomes Matt Ryan in Bruce in the USA. Ryan’s striking resemblance to Springsteen and amazing portrayal will leave you feeling like you just saw “The Boss” live in concert. Sunday afternoon, Chase Rice will perform, bringing his passion for singing and songwriting to entertain you. All entertainment is included with admission and attendees are encouraged to bring a chair or a blanket to grab a great seat.

    In addition to a great entertainment line-up, the weekend also features the return of the Mountaire Chickin’ Pickin’ contest on Saturday, where a champion picker will be crowned.  Sunday will kick-off with an Amateur Backyard BBQ Competition and a  cornhole competition.
      
    Throughout the weekend, many regional craftsmen and artists will take part in the festivities offering their jewelry, pottery, photography and artwork. Guests can also take a chance on the mechanical bull or have a caricature done of themselves.  Children can enjoy the wide selection of amusement rides, slides and games. On Saturday from 10am to 5pm, kids can explore a special area of their own- the Piglet’s Korner, which features free crafts and entertainment.

    Many different types of food including pulled pork sandwiches, ribs and beef BBQ will be available. This scrumptious barbecue-some of it cooked by competitor teams themselves-and other festival style food will tempt your taste buds. Fresh squeezed lemonade is always a festival favorite. A wide selection of beer and wine will also be available including Delmarva’s own Evolution Craft Beer and Bordeleau Wine. Wine from Maryland’s Boordy Vineyards will also be featured this year.

    The festival is open from 4pm to 10pm on Friday, 10am to 10pm on Saturday and 11am to 5pm on Sunday. Please visit www.PorkinthePark.org for a complete schedule of events and ‘Like’ us on www.Facebook.com/PorkinthePark.

    The Pork in the Park BBQ Festival is sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society and presented by Gateway Subaru and sponsored by Pepsi, Johnsonville Brats, Mountaire Farms, Famous Daves, BB&T, Boordy Vineyards, Giant, LORA, Kingsford Charcoal, Maryland Life Magazine, Spotlight Web Design, Delmarva Power, Miller Lite and Froggy 99.9.

    A Foolish And Unconstitutional War

    "The president does not have power under the Constitution to unilaterally authorize a military attack in a situation that does not involve stopping an actual or imminent threat to the nation."

    So said constitutional scholar and Senator Barack Obama in December 2007 – the same man who, this weekend, ordered U.S. air and missile strikes on Libya without any authorization from Congress.

    Obama did win the support of Gabon in the Security Council, but failed with Germany. With a phone call to acquitted rapist Jacob Zuma, he got South Africa to sign on, but not Brazil, Russia, India or China. All four abstained.

    This is not the world's war. This is Obama's war.

    The U.S. Navy fired almost all the cruise missiles that hit Libya as the U.S. Air Force attacked with B-2 bombers, F-15s and F-16s.

    "To be clear, this is a U.S.-led operation," said Vice Adm. William Gortney.

    "In wartime, truth is so precious that she should always be attended by a bodyguard of lies," said Winston Churchill. Obama is a quick study.

    In his Friday ultimatum, he said, "We are not going to use force to go beyond a well-defined goal – specifically, the protection of civilians in Libya."

    More

    Somerset County Sheriff's Office Press Release

    Emmanuel Yuwong Titanji of Baltimore, arrested 3-17-11 on two warrants regarding failg to appear in court, and failing to pay fines. Titanji was later held on a $1,500 bond.
     
    Juvenile arrested for fighting on school bus. Deputies were called to the area of Tawes Campus Drive, Westover regarding students fighting on a school bus.  Deputies arrested Jasmine Domenique Lewis of Princess Anne, and a juvenile female. Both females were charged with second degree assault, and disturbing school functions, and later released pending court actions.
     
    Shane Michael Abbott of Deal Island, arrested 3-18-11 regarding possession of cds, not marijuana. The arrest was a result of a traffic stop conducted on East School Rd, where deputies recovered suspected prescription pills, and drug paraphernalia. Abbott was charged with possession of cds, not marijuana, failing to stop for stop sign, negligent driving, and driving on a learners permit. Abbott was later released on personal recognizance pending trial.
     
    James Lee Cotton Sr. of Westover, arrested 3-18-11 on a warrant regarding violation of probation. Cotton was later held on a $25,000 bond.
     
    Glinda Mae Foxwell of Princess Anne, arrested 3-21-11 on a warrant regarding violation of probation. Foxwell was later held on a $20,000 bond.
     
    George Edward Bennett IV of Princess Anne, arrested 3-21-11 on a Wicomico County warrant regarding assault 2nd degree, reckless endangerment, and false imprisonment. Bennett was later held on a $10,000 bond.
     
    Two juenile females arrested at Washington High School on 3-21-11. Deputies  were called to the Washington High School regarding two female juvenile students fighting. Deputies arrested and charged both juveniles with assault second degree, affray, and disturbing school functions. The juveniles were released to parents pending juvenile court actions.
     
    James Gregory Wright of Chance, arrested 3-22-11 on two warrants regarding failing to appear in court for child support. Wright was later released after posting $1,000 bond.
     
    Shawn David Sturgis of Princess Anne, arrested 3-22-11 on a warrant regarding violation of probation. Sturgis was later held on a $10,000 bond.

    FREE COURSE Community Emergency Response Training (CERT)


    A seven week course designed for the general public taught as a partnership between Worcester County Emergency Services and the American Red Cross Lower Shore Chapter.

    To be held on Wednesday mornings at
    Ocean Pines Fire Department South Station
    April 13 - May 25
    9:00 AM - Noon
    (note April 27 class will be held 9 AM - 1 PM)
    The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community.

    Included in this course is the American Red Cross Adult CPR/AED with First Aid training.  The AED is an automatic external defibrillator which delivers a shock to the heart in the event of cardiac arrest.

    Upon completion of the course, students will receive a CPR/AED certificate which is valid for two (2) years, Standard First Aid certificate valid for two (2) years, and a CERT completion certificate which does not have an expiration date.

    Upon registration, students will receive a complete outline of the course schedule. 

    Register by phone at 410-749-5331 or www.redcrosslowershore.org

    Royal Wedding Mug Mixup: Idiotic Error Or Savvy Prank


    This royal wedding souvenir mug from Guandong Enterprises Ltd. could be either of two things. It could be a Chinese company hoping to capitalize on global royal wedding mania and sell a few overpriced, unauthorized souvenir mugs without doing enough research beforehand. Or it could be something even more interesting: a cynical prank mocking outsourced manufacturing, cultural ignorance, and the globalized economy.

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    Georgia Jury Awards Soldier $21 Million Over Mortgage Mix-Up

    A Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army went up against a terrifying enemy — the mortgage industry, in the form of PHH Mortgage Corporation — in court and came away victorious after a jury awarded him $21 million for his troubles.

    More »

    Bank Of America Donating 10 Homes To Detroit To Attract Cops To Live In The City

    If there's one thing — aside from general ineptitude — that Bank of America's mortgage division has a surplus of, it's abandoned and foreclosed properties. Meanwhile, the city of Detroit has a lack of police officers living within city limits. Now the city will have 10 more houses for cops to live in and BofA will have 10 fewer buildings they can't unload.

    More »

    Theater Owners Don't Want You To Know A Large Popcorn Is Like Eating 3 Big Macs

    The FDA is reportedly set to announce a decision that would force movie theater operators to post calorie counts next to their items in the same way that restaurant chains must. Not surprisingly, the theater owners are popping mad about this possibility.

    More »

    SALISBURY CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES FORUM -- ANOTHER CHANCE TO SEE IT

    The forum sponsored by PACE and the Chamber of Commerce will be broadcast this morning on PAC 14, beginning at 10:04 AM.