DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Tuesday, May 03, 2011
WARNING
WARNING: there is a video circulating around Facebook of a video of the killing of Osama Bin Laden, supposedly made by US troops. It is a Virus! Spread the news because it's circulating fast.
Panetta: Death Photo Will 'Ultimately' Be Released
But Panetta says that the ultimate decision rests with the White House
"The bottom line is that, you know, we got bin Laden and I think we have to reveal to the rest of the world the fact that we were able to get him and kill him," Panetta said in an interview with Nightly News.
Asked by Reuters about the remarks, a White House spokesman said no decision had been made about releasing images of bin Laden dead.
The White House had earlier expressed concerns about making any death images of bin Laden public, considering the nature of his fatal wounds. U.S. officials say the still-secret photographic evidence shows a precision kill shot above his left eye, which blew away part of his skull. He was also shot in the chest, they said.
The White House said the photograph of a dead Osama bin Laden is "gruesome" and that "it could be inflammatory" if released.
More
WASHINGTON — CIA director Leon Panetta told NBC News Tuesday that a photo proving the death of Osama bin Laden "would be presented to the public," but the comment quickly drew a response from the White House saying no decision has yet been made.
Asked by Reuters about the remarks, a White House spokesman said no decision had been made about releasing images of bin Laden dead.
The White House had earlier expressed concerns about making any death images of bin Laden public, considering the nature of his fatal wounds. U.S. officials say the still-secret photographic evidence shows a precision kill shot above his left eye, which blew away part of his skull. He was also shot in the chest, they said.
The White House said the photograph of a dead Osama bin Laden is "gruesome" and that "it could be inflammatory" if released.
More
Salisbury Burger King Calls In SFD For Second Day In A Row
WARNING TO ALL
It seems a certain someone using a droid cell phone is calling and texting friends and associates of mine from my telephone number.
Yes, you heard me right. There's an application that allows someone to use my telephone number, (or yours) and send messages.
One message went to a female friend of mine that was suggestive. Of course, this friends knows I would never do so. I have contacted law enforcement.
That being said, if you happen to receive a text message from my cell phone please call me or send me a message at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com.
Funny how this friend has a relative who works for a certain clock company.
Yes, you heard me right. There's an application that allows someone to use my telephone number, (or yours) and send messages.
One message went to a female friend of mine that was suggestive. Of course, this friends knows I would never do so. I have contacted law enforcement.
That being said, if you happen to receive a text message from my cell phone please call me or send me a message at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com.
Funny how this friend has a relative who works for a certain clock company.
ACLU Sues N.J. City Over Lord's Prayer
The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey has filed a lawsuit against the Point Pleasant Beach City Council for reciting the Lord's Prayer before its meetings begin.
The ACLU filed the lawsuit on behalf of a former Jewish city employee who said she felt uncomfortable hearing the Christian prayer. The suit says the prayer unconstitutionally shows preference to a particular religion.
"People of all faiths and beliefs should feel welcome at public meetings," Sharon Cadalzo told New York television station WNYW. "It's a matter of fairness. No member of the community should feel that their beliefs exclude them from public life."
The city council has opened its meetings with the prayer since the mid-1990s.
Kevin Riordan, an attorney for Point Pleasant Beach, said that when the practice began at council meetings, there was no intention to discriminate against any one religion.
Source
The ACLU filed the lawsuit on behalf of a former Jewish city employee who said she felt uncomfortable hearing the Christian prayer. The suit says the prayer unconstitutionally shows preference to a particular religion.
"People of all faiths and beliefs should feel welcome at public meetings," Sharon Cadalzo told New York television station WNYW. "It's a matter of fairness. No member of the community should feel that their beliefs exclude them from public life."
The city council has opened its meetings with the prayer since the mid-1990s.
Kevin Riordan, an attorney for Point Pleasant Beach, said that when the practice began at council meetings, there was no intention to discriminate against any one religion.
Source
GOVERNOR MARTIN O'MALLEY TO ADDRESS MARYLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
ANNAPOLIS, MD (May 3, 2011) – TOMORROW, Governor Martin O'Malley will address Maryland business leaders at the Maryland Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Membership Meeting and Business Hall of Fame Awards Dinner.
The Governor will discuss economic development and transportation priorities. The Annual Meeting is the Maryland Chamber’s largest networking event of the year. Attendees will also honor the achievements of three outstanding business leaders as they are inducted into the Maryland Business Hall of Fame. This year’s inductees are R. Neal Black, President & CEO of JoS. A. Bank Clothiers, Inc.; Thomas S. Bozzuto, Chairman & CEO of The Bozzuto Group; and Maurice B. Tosé, Chairman, President & CEO of TeleCommunication Systems, Inc.
WHAT: Governor O'Malley to Address the Maryland Chamber of Commerce
WHEN: TOMORROW, Wednesday, May 4, 2011 at 6:00 p.m.
WHERE: Hilton Baltimore BWI Airport
1739 West Nursery Road
Linthicum, MD
Virginia Governor Vetoes Funds For Public Broadcasting
WASHINGTON - Virginia's public radio and TV stations are about to take a big hit in funding.
Gov. Bob McDonnell has made a line item veto in the state's budget that eliminates $424,000 orginally allocated for public broadcasting.
He says the veto is in tune with his pledge to refucus state govvernment on its core functions.
The governor signed the overall budget bill.
Public broadcasting has been a frequent target on Capitol Hill as well, but federal funding was not cut in the current budget.
Source
Gov. Bob McDonnell has made a line item veto in the state's budget that eliminates $424,000 orginally allocated for public broadcasting.
He says the veto is in tune with his pledge to refucus state govvernment on its core functions.
The governor signed the overall budget bill.
Public broadcasting has been a frequent target on Capitol Hill as well, but federal funding was not cut in the current budget.
Source
Congress Gets Involved In Sony Cyber Breach
The federal government has more questions about the Sony cyber breach.
Members of Congress are pressing Sony for more information about the loss of personal data in the security breach.
The lapse in security affected 77 million accounts on the PlayStation network.
Among the things they want to know are when the breach was discovered, when others were told, and what the company is doing to address it.
Source
Members of Congress are pressing Sony for more information about the loss of personal data in the security breach.
The lapse in security affected 77 million accounts on the PlayStation network.
Among the things they want to know are when the breach was discovered, when others were told, and what the company is doing to address it.
Source
Pa. School To 5th-Grader: No Face Paint Over Bin Laden
DAUPHIN, Pa. -- A Pennsylvania school district says a fifth-grader's face paint marking the death of terrorist mastermind Osama bin Laden is too disruptive for class.
Connor Tressler's face paint showed a flag, the date of bin Laden's death and the letters U-S-A. The artwork drew the attention of administrators at Middle Paxton Elementary School near Harrisburg on Monday.
Central Dauphin School District spokeswoman Shannon Leib says the paint violates a requirement that student dress be "conducive to a scholastic atmosphere."
She says the boy's mother decided to remove him from school for the day.
GOVERNOR O’MALLEY TO PLANT ONE MILLIONTH TREE
Maryland Forest Brigade to reach one millionth tree goal
ANNAPOLIS, MD (May 3, 2011) – TOMORROW, Governor O’Malley will join the Maryland Forest Brigade and supporting state agencies to plant the one millionth tree, helping the inmate labor program surpass its goal of one million new trees on public lands.
Through a partnership among the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Department of Public Safety and Corrections (DPSC), State Highway Administration (SHA) and local governments throughout the state, the Forest Brigade planted 152,300 in 2009 and 399,410 in 2010, and will surpass a million with 505,100 this year.
In 2009, the Governor announced the Marylanders Plant Trees initiative to encourage citizens and organizations to partner with the State of Maryland to plant trees across the state.
Canada Liberal Leader Ignatieff Quits After Election
Former Harvard professor Michael Ignatieff says he is resigning as the leader of Canada's Liberal Party, after a crushing defeat in the country's general election.
PM Stephen Harper's Conservative Party took 167 seats to win a majority government in Monday's election.
The New Democratic Party (NDP) became the official opposition by claiming 102 seats, while the Liberals took 34.
The election marks the worst defeat in the history of the Liberal Party.
The Liberal Party dropped from 77 seats to 34 in the House of Commons, with Mr Ignatieff even losing his own seat in a suburb of the city of Toronto.
The election marks the first time in Canadian history the Liberal Party did not finish either first or second.
"It's tough to lose like this," Ignatieff said.
"Defeat is a teacher and now we have to learn the lesson of defeat and look at ourselves in the mirror."
More
PM Stephen Harper's Conservative Party took 167 seats to win a majority government in Monday's election.
The New Democratic Party (NDP) became the official opposition by claiming 102 seats, while the Liberals took 34.
The election marks the worst defeat in the history of the Liberal Party.
The Liberal Party dropped from 77 seats to 34 in the House of Commons, with Mr Ignatieff even losing his own seat in a suburb of the city of Toronto.
The election marks the first time in Canadian history the Liberal Party did not finish either first or second.
"It's tough to lose like this," Ignatieff said.
"Defeat is a teacher and now we have to learn the lesson of defeat and look at ourselves in the mirror."
More
Poll: Nine-Point Bounce For Obama After Bin Laden News
Less than 48 hours after President Barack Obama announced the death of the man who orchestrated the 9/11 attacks, one new poll shows the president’s approval rating has jumped up by nine points, with Americans’ opinions of his handling of terrorism reaching the highest point during Obama’s presidency.
The overnight poll, conducted by The Washington Post and the Pew Research Center, found that 56 percent of respondents approve of Obama’s performance as president, up nine points from similar polls last month. That boost includes a substantial bump of 10 points among independents.
More
The overnight poll, conducted by The Washington Post and the Pew Research Center, found that 56 percent of respondents approve of Obama’s performance as president, up nine points from similar polls last month. That boost includes a substantial bump of 10 points among independents.
More
Inside The SEAL Team That 'Doesn't Exist'
'Quiet professionals' make up the fabled SEAL Team Six that reportedly killed bin Laden
WASHINGTON — The raid that killed Osama bin Laden will earn permanent bragging rights for the the elite Navy SEAL team that carried it out.
The SEALs won't confirm they carried out the attack, but their current chief, Rear Adm. Edward Winters of the Naval Special Warfare Command in California, sent an email congratulating his forces and cautioning them to keep their mouths shut.
"Today we should all be proud. That handful of courageous men, of strong will and character, have changed the course of history," he wrote, adding, "Be extremely careful about operational security ... The fight is not over."
More
WASHINGTON — The raid that killed Osama bin Laden will earn permanent bragging rights for the the elite Navy SEAL team that carried it out.
The SEALs won't confirm they carried out the attack, but their current chief, Rear Adm. Edward Winters of the Naval Special Warfare Command in California, sent an email congratulating his forces and cautioning them to keep their mouths shut.
"Today we should all be proud. That handful of courageous men, of strong will and character, have changed the course of history," he wrote, adding, "Be extremely careful about operational security ... The fight is not over."
More
Canada's Conservatives Score MASSIVE Election Win (WooHoo!)
Canada's Conservatives stormed to a decisive victory in Monday's federal election, winning 54 percent of the seats in Parliament and securing a stable four-year term in power after vowing to focus on the economy.
The Conservatives grabbed 167 seats in Canada's Parliament, well above the 155 they needed to transform their minority government into a majority, according to provisional results. They won about 40 percent of the vote, beating expectations.
The victory, a relief for Canadian financial markets, left support for the separatist Bloc Quebecois in tatters and the party's leader without a seat. Bloc Quebecois advocates independence for the province of Quebec.
The Liberals, who have ruled Canada for more years than any other party, were reduced to a dismal third place showing with their worst ever seat haul.
"What a great night. ... Canadians can now turn the page on the uncertainties and the repeat elections of the past seven years and focus on building a great future," Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper told a victory rally in Calgary, Alberta early on Tuesday morning.
"Our plan (is) to create jobs and growth without raising your taxes," he said to loud cheers.
The market's nightmare scenario of an unstable minority government headed by the pro-labor New Democratic Party never came to pass. Harper now has free rein to keep corporate taxes low in the nation of more than 34 million people and bring in a string of tax breaks once he balances the budget, projected within four years.
"It's going to reinforce quite a bit of stability and confidence, and Canada is going to continue to be very attractive for foreign investors," said Youssef Zohny, portfolio manager at Van Arbor Asset Management in Vancouver.
"With a Conservative majority, you're essentially assured a fairly business-friendly platform, low taxes, continued investment in energy and potential future energy projects. In terms of investment it's definitely got a bullish bias."
More here
The Conservatives grabbed 167 seats in Canada's Parliament, well above the 155 they needed to transform their minority government into a majority, according to provisional results. They won about 40 percent of the vote, beating expectations.
The victory, a relief for Canadian financial markets, left support for the separatist Bloc Quebecois in tatters and the party's leader without a seat. Bloc Quebecois advocates independence for the province of Quebec.
The Liberals, who have ruled Canada for more years than any other party, were reduced to a dismal third place showing with their worst ever seat haul.
"What a great night. ... Canadians can now turn the page on the uncertainties and the repeat elections of the past seven years and focus on building a great future," Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper told a victory rally in Calgary, Alberta early on Tuesday morning.
"Our plan (is) to create jobs and growth without raising your taxes," he said to loud cheers.
The market's nightmare scenario of an unstable minority government headed by the pro-labor New Democratic Party never came to pass. Harper now has free rein to keep corporate taxes low in the nation of more than 34 million people and bring in a string of tax breaks once he balances the budget, projected within four years.
"It's going to reinforce quite a bit of stability and confidence, and Canada is going to continue to be very attractive for foreign investors," said Youssef Zohny, portfolio manager at Van Arbor Asset Management in Vancouver.
"With a Conservative majority, you're essentially assured a fairly business-friendly platform, low taxes, continued investment in energy and potential future energy projects. In terms of investment it's definitely got a bullish bias."
More here
Wicomico County Council Budget Hearing
DON’T MISS TONIGHT’S LIVE EVENT!
If you can’t be at the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center, tune in on PAC-14 and log in to our Live Blogging Event. Comment in REAL TIME.
Meeting begins at 6 PM.
Budget Hearing is SCHEDULED to begin at 6:30 PM.
Salisbury Council’s Marathon Work Session
Eight hours! Monday evening the Salisbury City Council worked to clear the backlog of items from their desks in a marathon work session. Beginning with a closed session at 3 PM, the council (along with city staff, members of the public, and Mayor Jim Ireton) slogged through a laundry list of items before calling it quits shortly before 11 PM.
The open session did not begin until 5 PM. The council chose to start off with whether or not the Salisbury Council should begin their meetings with the Lord’s Prayer. City Attorney Paul Wilber provided a précis of the current law. Councilwoman Shanie Shields, one of the original people pushing this issue, now claims that she never called for the prayer’s removal from council proceedings. Laura Mitchell, the other chief proponent, continued to push for a generic “moment of silence”. Council President Terry Cohen stated that she will opt for a “moment of silent meditation” at the next council meeting because the council has not reached a consensus on the issue.
What is the city council’s discretion in granting manufacturing tax exemptions? This question loomed large after Wilber reversed his previous opinions that granting such exemptions was mandatory. Internal Services Director Pam Oland repeatedly emphasized that, while the city has discretion as to the type of exemption to grant, the city government needs a consistent policy. Cohen agreed that the city can’t be accused of “cherry picking”.
This issue became controversial after Gannett, the owners of Salisbury’s Daily Times, received a $400,000 manufacturing exemption AFTER they had moved their printing operation to their Basin Road plant in New Castle, DE. At the time the exemption was granted, during the last legislative meeting of the previous council, council Vice President Debbie Campbell asked if the council had any discretion in granting the exemption for Gannett. Wilber told her that granting the exemption was mandatory. He later reversed himself after the current council was sworn in. The council has agreed to review the city’s current written policy (if one can be found) and amend it if necessary.
One of the more heated discussions revolved around an update of “The Bricks” project the city has undertaken with Homes for America. Nancy Rase, president of Homes for America, apprised the council that a new funding scheme had been developed. The project would receive a loan from the state’s Partnership Rental Housing Plan. However, the city is under no obligation to pay back the loan unless the property ceases to be used as affordable housing or if they sell the property. The project is estimated to cost $179,000 per unit for nine (9) one bedroom units. Mayor Ireton emphasized that some of these costs can be mitigated and that the actual construction cost is budgeted at $106,000 per unit (or $93.22 / sq. ft.). Campbell argued that the cost of this project was far too high, noting that similarly sized condos are currently being auctioned off for $75,000 in Ocean City.
The council was then informed that city taxpayers would owe Homes for America approximately $75,000 if the council refused to move forward with the project. When this project was last discussed (by the previous council), councilwomen Louise Smith and Shanie Shields both promised citizens that the city was not on the hook for any costs.
Council then tackled a proposed annexation agreement for a parcel at the corner of US 50 and Walston Switch Road just west of Wor-Wic Community College. While there was no opposition to the annexation, council members wanted the developers to fully understand that they could not guarantee them the zoning they desire – Planned Development District.
The final major item on the agenda was the proposed “Tenants’ Bill of Rights”. This bill would require Salisbury landlords to include an addendum to their leases which would provide information to tenants as to where to seek help in landlord / tenant disputes and in exactly what rights a tenant has. This proposal was brought to the table at 9:35 PM.
Kris Adams, president of the Salisbury Area Property Owners’ Association (SAPOA), had been invited to meeting by Councilwoman Campbell and spoke to the measure on behalf of SAPOA. Mrs. Adams stated that, while she was not expressly opposed to a tenant’s bill of rights, she did feel that it was government’s responsibility to inform tenants of their rights rather than placing the obligation on landlords. Adams also noted that if certain other portions of the Mayor’s “Safe Streets” legislative package (such as the “Crime Free Lease addendum” and the “3 strikes” provision) became law then the city should offer some form of protection to landlords who can be sued for simply enforcing the city’s own ordinances.
Adams also offered several suggestions for re-vamping the city’s website regarding rental housing. While this measure must go back to a future work session for some technical / legal issues, it is slated to move to a future legislative session.
After the “Tenants’ Bill of Rights” discussion, a few minor items such as amending the council’s rules of order were discussed.
The open session did not begin until 5 PM. The council chose to start off with whether or not the Salisbury Council should begin their meetings with the Lord’s Prayer. City Attorney Paul Wilber provided a précis of the current law. Councilwoman Shanie Shields, one of the original people pushing this issue, now claims that she never called for the prayer’s removal from council proceedings. Laura Mitchell, the other chief proponent, continued to push for a generic “moment of silence”. Council President Terry Cohen stated that she will opt for a “moment of silent meditation” at the next council meeting because the council has not reached a consensus on the issue.What is the city council’s discretion in granting manufacturing tax exemptions? This question loomed large after Wilber reversed his previous opinions that granting such exemptions was mandatory. Internal Services Director Pam Oland repeatedly emphasized that, while the city has discretion as to the type of exemption to grant, the city government needs a consistent policy. Cohen agreed that the city can’t be accused of “cherry picking”.This issue became controversial after Gannett, the owners of Salisbury’s Daily Times, received a $400,000 manufacturing exemption AFTER they had moved their printing operation to their Basin Road plant in New Castle, DE. At the time the exemption was granted, during the last legislative meeting of the previous council, council Vice President Debbie Campbell asked if the council had any discretion in granting the exemption for Gannett. Wilber told her that granting the exemption was mandatory. He later reversed himself after the current council was sworn in. The council has agreed to review the city’s current written policy (if one can be found) and amend it if necessary.One of the more heated discussions revolved around an update of “The Bricks” project the city has undertaken with Homes for America. Nancy Rase, president of Homes for America, apprised the council that a new funding scheme had been developed. The project would receive a loan from the state’s Partnership Rental Housing Plan. However, the city is under no obligation to pay back the loan unless the property ceases to be used as affordable housing or if they sell the property. The project is estimated to cost $179,000 per unit for nine (9) one bedroom units. Mayor Ireton emphasized that some of these costs can be mitigated and that the actual construction cost is budgeted at $106,000 per unit (or $93.22 / sq. ft.). Campbell argued that the cost of this project was far too high, noting that similarly sized condos are currently being auctioned off for $75,000 in Ocean City.The council was then informed that city taxpayers would owe Homes for America approximately $75,000 if the council refused to move forward with the project. When this project was last discussed (by the previous council), councilwomen Louise Smith and Shanie Shields both promised citizens that the city was not on the hook for any costs.Council then tackled a proposed annexation agreement for a parcel at the corner of US 50 and Walston Switch Road just west of Wor-Wic Community College. While there was no opposition to the annexation, council members wanted the developers to fully understand that they could not guarantee them the zoning they desire – Planned Development District.
The final major item on the agenda was the proposed “Tenants’ Bill of Rights”. This bill would require Salisbury landlords to include an addendum to their leases which would provide information to tenants as to where to seek help in landlord / tenant disputes and in exactly what rights a tenant has. This proposal was brought to the table at 9:35 PM.
Kris Adams, president of the Salisbury Area Property Owners’ Association (SAPOA), had been invited to meeting by Councilwoman Campbell and spoke to the measure on behalf of SAPOA. Mrs. Adams stated that, while she was not expressly opposed to a tenant’s bill of rights, she did feel that it was government’s responsibility to inform tenants of their rights rather than placing the obligation on landlords. Adams also noted that if certain other portions of the Mayor’s “Safe Streets” legislative package (such as the “Crime Free Lease addendum” and the “3 strikes” provision) became law then the city should offer some form of protection to landlords who can be sued for simply enforcing the city’s own ordinances.
Adams also offered several suggestions for re-vamping the city’s website regarding rental housing. While this measure must go back to a future work session for some technical / legal issues, it is slated to move to a future legislative session.
After the “Tenants’ Bill of Rights” discussion, a few minor items such as amending the council’s rules of order were discussed.
MARYLAND DEMOCRATS ADOPT DELEGATE SELECTION PLAN FOR 2012 DNC CONVENTION
ANNAPOLIS – The Democratic State Central Committee of Maryland overwhelmingly approved the Maryland Delegate Selection and Affirmative Action Plan for the 2012 Democratic National Convention on Wednesday, April 27. The plan outlines the process the Maryland Democratic Party will take to select its delegation to Charlotte, and was voted upon after a 30-day public comment period.
The process will begin with the primary election, which will be held on April 3, 2012. During the primary, Democrats in each congressional district will state their presidential preference and elect district-level delegates and alternates. The Democratic State Central Committee will meet later in 2012 to elect “pledged party leader and elected official” delegates and “at-large” delegates.
Maryland will send 120 delegates and 7 alternates to the 2012 Convention; the delegation size reflects a 10 percent bonus for the state’s primary having been moved to April 3. Since the District of Columbia has also moved its primary to the same date, Maryland will receive any additional 15 percent delegate bonus if one more state in the region schedules their nominating contest on the first Tuesday in April.
Any Maryland voter who is a registered Democrat can participate in the primary election, or become a candidate for delegate to the national convention. Complete information about the delegate selection process is available on the Party’s website at http://www.mddems.org/ or by calling 410-269-8818.
Maryland Man Arrested For Attempted Robbery
Location: Rite Aid Pharmacy, 701 Governor’s Place (Governor Square Shopping Center) Bear, DE
Date of Occurrence: Monday, May 2, 2011 at 9:50 a.m.
Defendant: Daniel Rosado, 21, Elkton, Maryland
Charges:
-Attempted Robbery 1st Degree
-Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony
-Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon
Resume:
Bear- The Delaware State Police have arrested an Elkton, Maryland man after he attempted to rob a Bear area pharmacy by calling in a fictitious gas leak yesterday morning.
The incident began at approximately 9:50 a.m. yesterday morning (May 2) as a male subject called the Rite Aid Pharmacy located in the 700 block of Governor’s Place, Bear, claiming to be an employee of Delmarva Power. The subject advised the pharmacy employee who answered the phone that there was a gas leak in the shopping center and that the Rite Aid needed to be evacuated. The subject then hung up the phone.
Approximately ten minutes later, the subject called the store again and repeated the same story he had told previously. However, the employee was suspicious of the caller and contacted the police who responded to the store.
At approximately 11:00 a.m. the suspect called the store a third time, however; the phone was answered by a state trooper who was investigating the incident. The trooper identified herself as an employee of the Rite Aid and told the subject that she wanted to discuss the gas leak with him. The subject then advised the trooper that he was in the rear of the store in a Delmarva Power work truck. The trooper responded to the rear of the store where she observed a suspicious male subject dressed in all black clothing and gloves. The subject, later identified as Daniel Rosado, 21, was detained by the trooper who realized that his voice was similar to the subject she had spoken to on the phone. The trooper then conducted a pat down search of Rosado. During the search a fully loaded 40 caliber handgun, gloves, face masks, and plastic zip ties were all located in Rosado’s possession. After further investigation, Rosado was arrested and charged with the above list of crimes. He was arraigned at JP Court 2 and then committed to the Howard Young Correctional Institution after failing to post $55,000 secured bail.
Salisbury Police Department Press Release
On May 2, 2011 at approximately 8:55 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the Tim’s Pizza Restaurant on Tilghman Road for the report of a robbery. Upon arrival the officers met with an adult male employee of the business who advised that he had been robbed while leaving the restaurant for a food delivery. The victim advised the writer that while leaving the restaurant he was approached by two suspects, one of which produced a handgun. As the first suspect held the handgun on the victim, the second suspect took property from the victim’s pockets to include car keys and an amount of U.S. currency. Both suspects then fled from the area on foot, into the woods at the rear of the business. The victim was not injured during the robbery. The officers were able to locate witnesses that observed the suspects enter a vehicle operated by a third suspect, a female, on Whispering Ponds Court and leave the area. The suspects are described as:
Suspect # 1: African American male, 5’08”, 150 pounds, wearing a black bandanna on his face, a black shirt and grey pants.
Suspect # 2: African American male, 5’08”, 200 pounds, wearing a black bandanna on his face, a black shirt and blue jeans.
Suspect # 3: African American female, late 20’s to early 30’s in age, shoulder length black hair, and glasses.
The vehicle was described as a late 1990’s to early 2000 Hyundai Sonata, maroon or burgundy in color, with red and white Hawaiian print seat covers.
If anyone has any information regarding this incident and these suspects, they are asked to contact the Salisbury Police Department at 410-548-3165, or to contact Crime Solvers at 410-548-1776. Information may be left at either location anonymously. CC # 201100016822
Suspect # 1: African American male, 5’08”, 150 pounds, wearing a black bandanna on his face, a black shirt and grey pants.
Suspect # 2: African American male, 5’08”, 200 pounds, wearing a black bandanna on his face, a black shirt and blue jeans.
Suspect # 3: African American female, late 20’s to early 30’s in age, shoulder length black hair, and glasses.
The vehicle was described as a late 1990’s to early 2000 Hyundai Sonata, maroon or burgundy in color, with red and white Hawaiian print seat covers.
If anyone has any information regarding this incident and these suspects, they are asked to contact the Salisbury Police Department at 410-548-3165, or to contact Crime Solvers at 410-548-1776. Information may be left at either location anonymously. CC # 201100016822
200 Jobs To Be Eliminated At Giant Distribution Center
Employees to get hiring preference in other departments
About 200 people — or nearly half the workers — who handle dry goods at the Jessup distribution center that serves Giant Food regionally will lose their jobs under a new contract negotiated with the union local, labor leaders said Monday.But union leaders with Teamsters Local 730, which represents 430 dry-goods workers who serve the region's largest grocery store chain, said the employees would be offered buyouts and jobs in other parts of the company. The facility also employs 380 people in fresh produce and 200 truck drivers, as well as workers in recycling.
Giant Food outsourced the dry-goods part of its distribution facility to New Hampshire-based C&S Wholesale Grocers last year as a cost-saving measure. The grocer continues to run the fresh foods part of the facility as well as the transportation and recycling divisions.
More
Door-To-Door Sales
Hi, Joe!
I just wondered if you could alert your readers to another group of questionable door-to-door sales people in the area. I live in Delmar in the Whitesville Road area and was approached by a young man selling "TufStuffUSA" cleaning product for $99 a gallon yesterday. (He was dropped off by a dark-haired driver in a white Ford Expedition.) Although he did not offer the information, I recognized the product as one sold by N.J. Distributors, Inc. (owned by Nick Joseph) out of Satellite Beach, Fla. They recruit young people and bus them all over the country to pedal their products. They lure them with the promise of 50% commission and then "deduct" fees such as transportation, housing and food so they are basically left with nothing. The company encourages them to spray the cleaner in their mouth to demonstrate how safe it is and tells them to say it will just "make you go to the bathroom a lot." They did it years ago with a product called "Hy-Pro" which contained butyl cellosolve, a chemical which ingested even in small amounts, can cause system poisoning leading to kidney and liver failure.
They are very evasive about what "TufStuffUSA" cleaner contains and continue to have these naive kids demonstrate by spraying the product in their mouth. The bottom line is this: they are pimping these wayward kids out all over the place by dumping them off in neighborhoods early in the morning and not picking them up until late at night. These young people are far from home and usually pretty desperate, so the risk of crime is very high.
Please, be very cautious and keep an eye out for yourself and for your neighbors who may not be at home. Given the situation, I am very concerned for my property right now and for my dog!
Thank you, Joe!
I just wondered if you could alert your readers to another group of questionable door-to-door sales people in the area. I live in Delmar in the Whitesville Road area and was approached by a young man selling "TufStuffUSA" cleaning product for $99 a gallon yesterday. (He was dropped off by a dark-haired driver in a white Ford Expedition.) Although he did not offer the information, I recognized the product as one sold by N.J. Distributors, Inc. (owned by Nick Joseph) out of Satellite Beach, Fla. They recruit young people and bus them all over the country to pedal their products. They lure them with the promise of 50% commission and then "deduct" fees such as transportation, housing and food so they are basically left with nothing. The company encourages them to spray the cleaner in their mouth to demonstrate how safe it is and tells them to say it will just "make you go to the bathroom a lot." They did it years ago with a product called "Hy-Pro" which contained butyl cellosolve, a chemical which ingested even in small amounts, can cause system poisoning leading to kidney and liver failure.
They are very evasive about what "TufStuffUSA" cleaner contains and continue to have these naive kids demonstrate by spraying the product in their mouth. The bottom line is this: they are pimping these wayward kids out all over the place by dumping them off in neighborhoods early in the morning and not picking them up until late at night. These young people are far from home and usually pretty desperate, so the risk of crime is very high.
Please, be very cautious and keep an eye out for yourself and for your neighbors who may not be at home. Given the situation, I am very concerned for my property right now and for my dog!
Thank you, Joe!
FOP Presents FREE Kids Day In The Park
Worcester County FOP Lodge 50, in conjunction with Worcester County Sheriff's Office and Sonrise Church is giving back to the community by Hosting a FREE Kids Day in the Park on Saturday May 14, 2011.
US Mulls Release Of bin Laden Photos, Video
'We want to make sure that not only the American people but the world understand exactly what happened'
WASHINGTON — Knowing there would be disbelievers, the U.S. says it used convincing means to confirm Osama bin Laden's identity during and after the firefight that killed him. But the mystique that surrounded the terrorist chieftain in life is persisting in death.
Already, those questions are spreading in Pakistan and surely beyond. In the absence of photos and with his body given up to the sea, many people do not believe bin Laden — the Great Emir to some, the fabled escape artist of the Tora Bora mountains to foe and friend alike — is really dead.
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Gun Dealers Oppose Theft Check
Scott Scharf buys guns, sells guns and has no problem telling police officers where he gets his firearms. But Scharf, owner of Scotts Gunsmithing in Glen Burnie, doesn't want to pay a dime to report it, let alone the $450 license county police demanded.
Prince Charles Is Coming To Washington
Britain's Prince Charles is coming to Washington, four days after the wedding of his older son. The Prince of Wales has several appearances scheduled, including two related to his interest in sustainable agriculture. The prince also plans a visit to the Supreme Court, where he'll attend a reception for Marshall scholarship alumni. The scholarship program gives American students a chance to do graduate work in the United Kingdom.
Federal Employees To Sit On Non Profit Boards?
Federal Employees may soon be allowed to sit on non-profit boards. The U.S. government's ethics office proposes an exemption to current conflict-of-interest laws. The Wall Street Journal reports, it would allow feds to sit on the boards of non-profit organizations in their official capacity. The Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel, ruled 15 years ago that such appointments violated the law.
Look Who Makes The Most Money Off The Feds
Doctors, lawyers, and dentists top the list of the highest paid feds in government. USA Today analyzed federal workforce data from the Office of Personnel Management. They found feds who make more than $180,000 a year account for less than one percent of the workforce. Doctors make up eight out of 10 of those top-salaried jobs. Attorneys accounted for 6 percent, followed by dentists, with almost 3 percent, and financial institution examiners, with nearly 2 percent.
Paul Revere National Radio To Interview Presidential Candidate Miller Live!
This Thursday May 5, 2011, Registered Republican Presidential Candidate Thomas J. Miller will be interviewed live from 7 P.M.- 8:30 P.M. CDT. on the Paul Revere National Radio Show. We invite you to listen as Candidate Miller discusses his solutions to many of our Nation's problems.
You can GO HERE Thursday evening to listen.
You can GO HERE Thursday evening to listen.
Kate Smith Introduces God Bless America
In early 1940, Kate Smith, a fiercely patriotic American, and the biggest star on radio, was deeply worried about her country.
She asked Irving Berlin if he could give her a song that would re-ignite the spirit of American patriotism and faith. He said he had a song that he had written in 1917, but never used it. He said she could have it.
She sat at the piano & played it and realized how good it was. She called Mr. Berlin and told him that she couldn't take this from him for nothing. So, they agreed that any money that would be made off the song would be donated to the Boy Scouts of America.
Thanks to Kate Smith and Irving Berlin, the Scouts have received millions of dollars in royalties.
This clip is from the movie "You're in the Army Now". You will see a familiar face in this—one that we are all very proud of.
Frank Sinatra said that when Kate Smith, whom he considered the greatest singer of his age, first sang this song on the radio, a million guys got 'dust' in their eyes and had to wipe the tears the 'dust' caused.
If you can watch and listen without 'dust' getting in your eyes, you have no soul. Sit back and enjoy a Real Star.
Bin Laden Brings Out The Best In Conspiracy Theorists
Was he killed earlier and frozen? Taken out to knock 'Celebrity Apprentice' off air?
It’s not hard to imagine why the announcement sounds suspicious: A decade-long search for an international terrorist ends with his body dumped at sea, with no photos, film or other documentation provided.
President Barack Obama's announcement on Sunday night that United States forces had killed Sept. 11 mastermind Osama bin Laden leaves a lot for conspiracy theorists to chew on.
"The potential is tremendous," said Barna Donovan, a professor of communications at St. Peter's College in New Jersey and author of the forthcoming book "Conspiracy Films: A Tour of Dark Places in the American Conscious" (McFarland & Company, 2011).
In fact, the conspiracy theorists are already out. Politico reporting that radio host Alex Jones, who thinks the U.S. government was behind the Sept. 11 attacks, said that he believes that the government had bin Laden frozen for years. Anti-war activist Cindy Sheehan has also called the announcement a fake as did an arm of a Pakistani Taliban group, according to the website. A Facebook group Osama bin Laden NOT DEAD has begun collecting attracting like minded people, and apparently fake photos of bin Laden's battered face have added fuel to the fire.
Ingredients for a conspiracy
"We have a couple of factors already that are coming out that naturally fuel the conspiratorial impulse," Donovan said. “Apparently there is no body, he was buried at sea. The conspiratorial mindset will glom onto that."
American officials have said they identified bin Laden's body with 99.9 percent confidence using DNA evidence, and that his body was photographed before being buried at sea, according to The Associated Press. (Officials said bin Laden was buried at sea because it would have been difficult to find a country willing to accept his remains and because Islamic custom requires a swift burial, the AP reported.)
The lack of documentation leaves room for conspiracy theorists to question whether or not bin Laden is actually dead, or whether he died long ago — as some, including the author David Ray Griffin, have suggested.
Mummified Body May Belong To Playboy Playmate
Neighbor discovers corpse in home of B-movie actress Yvette Vickers
A mummified body believed to be that of an early Playboy Playmate has been found in a dilapidated Beverly Hills home after evidently being undiscovered for up to a year, authorities said on Monday.
The house was owned by Yvette Vickers, a B-movie actress who was named Playboy's Miss July in 1959, almost six years after the men's magazine was first published.
Neighbor Susan Savage found the body last Wednesday when her suspicions were aroused by old letters and cobwebs in the mailbox. The house was packed with boxes, and at least one window was broken. A space heater was running in the upstairs room where the body was lying on the floor.
National Security Expert Talks About Mission That Killed Osama Bin Laden
WASHINGTON (WUSA) -- New details are emerging about the dramatic raid that ended Osama bin Laden's decade on the run. A team of CIA officers and Navy SEALS killed the mastermind of the September 11th attacks in a firefight near the Pakistani capital.
Bin Laden was long believed to be hiding out in a cave. But U.S. intelligence found him in a million dollar compound, in a town full of Pakistani soldiers.
On a moonless night, Blackhawk helicopters brought the Special Operations team from an air base in Afghanistan. When the Navy SEALS trained for this mission, they were NOT told who the target was. Precision was critical.
"This is why they practice and practice and practice and train and train and train, so they know exactly what to do instinctively," said Mike Barrett, a national security expert.
As a helicopter hovered over the compound, two dozen SEALS rappelled into action.
"You tend to just actually jump out. You have a rope, grab it very quickly," said Barrett.
As the 40 minute raid transpired, the tension was obvious in the White House situation room where President Obama and other high-ranking government officials monitored its progress.
More
Bin Laden was long believed to be hiding out in a cave. But U.S. intelligence found him in a million dollar compound, in a town full of Pakistani soldiers.
On a moonless night, Blackhawk helicopters brought the Special Operations team from an air base in Afghanistan. When the Navy SEALS trained for this mission, they were NOT told who the target was. Precision was critical.
"This is why they practice and practice and practice and train and train and train, so they know exactly what to do instinctively," said Mike Barrett, a national security expert.
As a helicopter hovered over the compound, two dozen SEALS rappelled into action.
"You tend to just actually jump out. You have a rope, grab it very quickly," said Barrett.
As the 40 minute raid transpired, the tension was obvious in the White House situation room where President Obama and other high-ranking government officials monitored its progress.
More
Controlled Deer Hunts Approved In Baltimore Co. Public Parks
Council also revokes approved PUD for first time ever
Controlled deer hunts can take place in certain Baltimore County parks, but under tighter conditions than originally proposed, according to a bill approved Monday by the County Council.Seeking to frame the bill as part of a broader strategy to control the overflowing deer population, council members deleted some references to hunting from the bill in favor of "deer cooperator program." County officials will also explore other methods of deer control including sterilization. The bill clearly states that it is not intended to allow open season in county parks — requiring any hunt to be conducted at night under the supervision of the state Department of Natural Resources. The parks would be closed to the public during the hunt.
The bill, sponsored by Republicans Todd Huff and David Marks, passed 6-1, with Councilwoman Vicki Almond, a Pikesville Democrat, voting against it.
Almond said many of her constituents were against the bill. They sent several emails and requested meetings to discuss their concerns, she said.
"Sometimes you have to remember they're the ones who put me here. The majority said 'no,' so I didn't vote for it."
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5 Maryland Correctional Officers Indicted
BALTIMORE - Maryland corrections officials say five correctional officers have been indicted by a grand jury on assault charges.
Corrections officials say the charges stem from a January incident at Baltimore's central booking center. Eight officers were placed on administrative leave following the incident, including the warden and a major at the Baltimore Central Booking and Intake Center.
The department of corrections issued a statement Monday saying the five include the major and four officers and it plans to fire all eight.
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Corrections officials say the charges stem from a January incident at Baltimore's central booking center. Eight officers were placed on administrative leave following the incident, including the warden and a major at the Baltimore Central Booking and Intake Center.
The department of corrections issued a statement Monday saying the five include the major and four officers and it plans to fire all eight.
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Howard County Council Approves School Zone Cameras
ELLICOTT CITY, Md. (AP) - The Howard County Council has voted to allow speed cameras in school zones.
The vote was taken Monday night after the council's lone opponent offered 13 amendments designed to limit the bill. County executive Ken Ulman has projected revenues of $1.2 million in his budget proposal that is now before the council. However, the program is expected to cost just under $1 million.
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The vote was taken Monday night after the council's lone opponent offered 13 amendments designed to limit the bill. County executive Ken Ulman has projected revenues of $1.2 million in his budget proposal that is now before the council. However, the program is expected to cost just under $1 million.
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LAPD Falls For Internet Hoax, Sends Out Misguided Alert About UPS Deliveries
Internet hoaxes are capable of tricking not only your grandma, but also the Los Angeles Police Department. An 8-year-old yarn about terrorists — dressed as UPS workers thanks to uniforms bought on eBay — who could deliver explosives disguised as packages spurred the force to send out an alert to residents. An unidentified state law enforcement agency passed the info to the police department.
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NYC 8-Year-Old Sells Gun At School For $3
In a disturbing sign of how easy it is for kids to get their hands on firearms, an 8-year-old Queens kid was caught selling a loaded 9mm handgun to another student at school for $3.
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USPS Attempts To Fight Off Financial Disaster By Selling Gift Cards
As the US Postal Service faces insolvency, the relic of a pre-internet world (and symbol/punch line for inefficiency and ineptitude) has come up with a really good idea for making some extra cash: Selling pre-paid AMEX, Visa, MasterCard and Discover cards.
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McDonald's Hires 62,000 At Job Event, Turns Down 938,000
McDonald's reports that it has hired 62,000 people who applied during its April 19 nationwide job event. If that sounds like a lot of people who want to work at McDonald's, get a load of this number. They say they got over a million applications, meaning they turned down over 938,000 wanna-be burger flippers.
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When Should You Strategically Default?
Homeowners who owe more on their house than it's worth face a dilemma. Should I stay or should I go now? Suze Orman tells CBS Sacramento's Call Kurtis that those folks need to take a hard look at the value of their homes and make a tough decision. "If you own a home that is 50% underwater, 70% underwater, it will never ever, ever come back to where you purchased it." she said.
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Bin Laden Death A Proud Moment For Federal Law Enforcement
In announcing the killing of 9/11 mastermind Osama bin Laden to the American people Sunday night, President Barack Obama thanked federal employees.
Jon Adler, president of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, told Federal News Radio neither thanks nor congratulations are necessary.
"Whether it's the FBI or it's the inspector general community or one of our military law enforcement components or our land management folks, it's one team - one fight," said Adler.
A fight, added Adler, that's far from over. Given that Panetta warned that "terrorists almost certainly will attempt to avenge" the killing, anchor Amy Morris asked Adler if members of FLEOA are on alert too.
Tonight, we give thanks to the countless intelligence and counterterrorism professionals who've worked tirelessly to achieve this outcome. The American people do not see their work, nor know their names. But tonight, they feel the satisfaction of their work and the result of their pursuit of justice.Monday morning, CIA director Leon Panetta offered his congratulations to feds for their "outstanding expertise, amazing creativity and excellent tradecraft" in tracking down and launching the military strike that killed bin Laden.
Jon Adler, president of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, told Federal News Radio neither thanks nor congratulations are necessary.
"Whether it's the FBI or it's the inspector general community or one of our military law enforcement components or our land management folks, it's one team - one fight," said Adler.
A fight, added Adler, that's far from over. Given that Panetta warned that "terrorists almost certainly will attempt to avenge" the killing, anchor Amy Morris asked Adler if members of FLEOA are on alert too.
It's a good question Amy, we're always on alert, but as far as we're concerned, you know, God bless our military components for eradicating a vile cancer to humanity and we're prepared. We get up every morning. We live to defend the American citizenry. We live to affect justice. And irrespective of what they may see, what they may say, what they may attempt to do, we're going to carry on our mission with the same honor we do every single day, only today's a little bit different. Today's a moment of triumph for us. It shows both the American citizenry and the rest of the world that the indomitable American will stands strong and eternal, and we're going to continue to carry our our mission and we do it with honor. Whatever the press may ultimately report in terms of things said by these factions overseas, we're still going to do what we do what we do with our heart and our soul, which is defend our country with pride and honor.More
LIVE Coverage of Tonight’s Council Meeting
SbyNEWS will cover the meeting LIVE! If you can’t make it out, watch the proceedings on PAC-14 and participate through the SbyNEWS live blog.
The meeting begins at 6PM and will be in the Midway room of the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center.
Information Sharing 'Instrumental' In Bin Laden Killing
The intelligence community was admonished for its lack of information sharing before the Sept. 11 attacks, but interagency collaboration has "come a long way since 9-11," said Gen. Howie Chandler, retired Air Force vice chief of staff.
Information sharing was key in the weekend operation that led to the death of Osama bin Laden.
"The military is very methodical on analyzing the information we're given and our ability to plan for an operation like this," Chandler said.
Steve Cooper, former chief information officer of the Department of Homeland Security and current CIO of the Air Traffic Organization at the Federal Aviation Administration, agreed that information sharing played an important role in the operation's success.
"I am firmly convinced that that has been instrumental in achieving this victory over the weekend," Cooper said. "I believe it serves as an example of what is possible when we all collaborate and work together."
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Information sharing was key in the weekend operation that led to the death of Osama bin Laden.
"The military is very methodical on analyzing the information we're given and our ability to plan for an operation like this," Chandler said.
Steve Cooper, former chief information officer of the Department of Homeland Security and current CIO of the Air Traffic Organization at the Federal Aviation Administration, agreed that information sharing played an important role in the operation's success.
"I am firmly convinced that that has been instrumental in achieving this victory over the weekend," Cooper said. "I believe it serves as an example of what is possible when we all collaborate and work together."
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Feds Owing Money Could See Pay Garnished
Your pay check could be garnished if you owe back taxes or other federal debts. The Office of Personnel Management is proposing a rule change that says even if you've owed debts for more than 10 years, the government can collect by taking money from your paycheck.
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PR Industry Fills Vacuum Left By Shrinking Newsrooms
TheGulf oil spill[3] was 2010's biggest story, so when David Barstow walked into a Houston hotel for last December's hearings on the disaster, he wasn't surprised to see that the conference room was packed. Calling the hearing to order, Coast Guard Captain Hung Nguyen cautioned the throng, "We will continue to allow full media coverage as long as it does not interfere with the rights of the parties to a fair hearing and does not unduly distract from the solemnity, decorum, and dignity of the proceedings." It's a stock warning that every judge gives before an important trial, intended to protect witnesses from a hounding press. But Nguyen might have been worrying too much. Because as Barstow realized as he glanced across the crowd, most of the people busily scribbling notes in the room were not there to ask questions. They were there to answer them.
"You would go into these hearings and there would be more PR people representing these big players than there were reporters, sometimes by a factor of two or three," Barstow said. "There were platoons of PR people."
An investigative reporter for The New York Times, Barstow has written severalbig[4]stories[5] about the shoving match between the media and public relations in what eventually becomes the national dialogue. As the crowd at the hearing clearly showed, the game has been changing.
"The muscles of journalism are weakening and the muscles of public relations are bulking up -- as if they were on steroids," he says.
In their recent book, "The Death and Life of American Journalism[6]," Robert McChesney and John Nichols tracked the number of people working in journalism since 1980 and compared it to the numbers for public relations. Using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, they found that the number of journalists has fallen drastically while public relations people have multiplied at an even faster rate. In 1980, there were about .45 PR workers per 100,000 population compared with .36 journalists. In 2008, there were .90 PR people per 100,000 compared to .25 journalists. That's a ratio of more than three-to-one, better equipped, better financed.
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"You would go into these hearings and there would be more PR people representing these big players than there were reporters, sometimes by a factor of two or three," Barstow said. "There were platoons of PR people."
An investigative reporter for The New York Times, Barstow has written severalbig[4]stories[5] about the shoving match between the media and public relations in what eventually becomes the national dialogue. As the crowd at the hearing clearly showed, the game has been changing.
"The muscles of journalism are weakening and the muscles of public relations are bulking up -- as if they were on steroids," he says.
In their recent book, "The Death and Life of American Journalism[6]," Robert McChesney and John Nichols tracked the number of people working in journalism since 1980 and compared it to the numbers for public relations. Using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, they found that the number of journalists has fallen drastically while public relations people have multiplied at an even faster rate. In 1980, there were about .45 PR workers per 100,000 population compared with .36 journalists. In 2008, there were .90 PR people per 100,000 compared to .25 journalists. That's a ratio of more than three-to-one, better equipped, better financed.
More
Gas Tax Called Quick Fix For State Transportation Funding
An increase in Maryland's gas tax could be a quick fix for the state's depleted transportation fund, key members of a blue-ribbon financing commission said Friday, while cautioning that the move — a tough sell on its own — would not solve long-term woes.
Public Comment Sought For New State Rail Plan
Wilmington -- The Delaware Department of Transportation and DART First State have prepared a new State Rail Plan (SRP), which is currently available for public review and comment. The SRP is a project of Delaware Transit Corporation and the DelDOT Division of Planning, with consultant services from Parsons Brinckerhoff and S.L. Bassford and Associates. The Plan was prepared specifically in response to the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 (PRIIA) which requires states to maintain current rail plans as a condition for federal funding (and it is timely since the last SRP dates from the year 2000).
The SRP identifies the Delaware goals for freight and passenger rail as elements of the overall transportation system. Much of the SRP text comprises an inventory of railroads operating in the state, their tracks and facilities, commodities and customers, and passenger services and stations. The SRP identifies opportunities for expanded service as well as potential chokepoints and other obstacles. The Plan summarizes projects currently underway and those recently completed, some of which may serve as models for future public-private partnerships. The state plan discusses DelDOT's organization for managing rail-related activities and cooperation with private rail companies, neighboring states, and regional partnerships. The SRP concludes with a listing of all identified potential rail improvements and areas for further study.
The SRP can be viewed on DartFirstState.com in the DART Programs menu, and under Transportation Programs. Public comment can also be made via the DART website or by mail. Comments may also be made by telephone by calling 800-652-DART. After the public comment period concludes on May 16th, and approved by the Acting Secretary of DelDOT, the final plan will be filed with the Federal Railroad Administration, and placed on the DART website
The SRP identifies the Delaware goals for freight and passenger rail as elements of the overall transportation system. Much of the SRP text comprises an inventory of railroads operating in the state, their tracks and facilities, commodities and customers, and passenger services and stations. The SRP identifies opportunities for expanded service as well as potential chokepoints and other obstacles. The Plan summarizes projects currently underway and those recently completed, some of which may serve as models for future public-private partnerships. The state plan discusses DelDOT's organization for managing rail-related activities and cooperation with private rail companies, neighboring states, and regional partnerships. The SRP concludes with a listing of all identified potential rail improvements and areas for further study.
The SRP can be viewed on DartFirstState.com in the DART Programs menu, and under Transportation Programs. Public comment can also be made via the DART website or by mail. Comments may also be made by telephone by calling 800-652-DART. After the public comment period concludes on May 16th, and approved by the Acting Secretary of DelDOT, the final plan will be filed with the Federal Railroad Administration, and placed on the DART website