Pay Per Mile: A Timely Tax Idea, Or A Privacy Threat?

Obama administration draft proposal for study of mileage fee spurs interest

As transportation officials struggle to raise enough tax dollars to maintain the nation's highway and transit systems, a tentative new proposal could put Americans on the hook for every mile they drive.

Department of Transportation officials have drafted legislation that would study a vehicle tax to track how far drivers travel and charge them by the mile. The proposal would create a “Surface Transportation Revenue Alternatives Office” to conduct trials of the concept.

The draft proposal was first reported this week in Transportation Weekly, a trade publication. A White House spokeswoman told The Hill newspaper that the draft "does not represent the views of the president” and is in no way an administration proposal.

The White House put the brakes on a similar proposal floated early in Obama's presidency, with then-spokesman Robert Gibbs said that a mileage tax "is not and will not be the policy of the Obama administration."

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STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY ON UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND MEN’S BASKETBALL COACH GARY WILLIAMS’ RETIREMENT

ANNAPOLIS, MD (May 5, 2011) – Governor Martin O’Malley issued this statement today following Gary Williams’ announcement that he will retire as coach of the University of Maryland, College Park men’s basketball team:

“I’d like to thank Gary Williams for over 20 years of dedication to the University of Maryland, College Park men’s basketball team and for his devotion to his alma mater. Gary’s leadership and outstanding coaching and recruiting abilities have developed the talents and skills of some of today’s best athletes, and helped them to become great professionals and individuals with confidence and character – on and off the court.

“In 2001, he led the Terps to their first Final Four in school history; and in 2002, they brought home an NCAA National Championship. Though it will be difficult to imagine men’s basketball at College Park without Gary Williams, we certainly wish him much success in the future.”

Thomas Leggs Stabbed In Prison

Thomas Leggs, murderer of Sarah Foxwell was stabbed in prison. It's not serious but Salisbury News has confirmed he was stabbed.

UPDATE: We have been told Leggs had just arrived at Cumberland.

Congressman Andy Harris To Hold Town Hall Meeting This Weekend In Berlin

Saturday, May 7, 2011

3:00-4:00 p.m.

Town Hall Meeting with residents of Worcester County.

Showell Elementary School

11318 Showell School Rd.

Berlin, MD 21811

GOVERNOR O’MALLEY AND LT. GOVERNOR BROWN TO PARTICIPATE IN 26TH ANNUAL FALLEN HEROES DAY CEREMONY

ANNAPOLIS, MD (May 5, 2011) – TOMORROW, Governor O’Malley and Lt. Governor Brown will honor members of Maryland’s public safety community who have died in the line of duty during the past year at the 26th Annual Fallen Heroes Day Ceremony.

Included in the 2011 Heroes are Trooper First Class Wesley Washington John Brown of the Maryland State Police Forestville Barracks, Sergeant Hector Ismael Ayala of the Montgomery County Police Department, Officer James Earl Fowler, III of the Baltimore Police Department, Officer Thomas Russell Portz, Jr. of the Baltimore Police Department, Officer William H. Torbit Jr. of the Baltimore Police Department, and Firefighter/Paramedic Mark Gray Falkenhan, a member of both the Lutherville and the Middle River Volunteer Fire Departments.

WHAT:                        Governor O’Malley, Lt. Governor Brown to participate in Fallen Heroes Day

WHEN:                        TOMORROW, Friday, May 6, 2011 at 1:00 p.m.

WHERE:                     Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens

                                     200 East Padonia Road

                                     Timonium, MD

Feeling The Pain At The Pump And More

Yesterday, I filled my mama van with petro. Opting for low grade, in spite of manufacturer recommendation, I completed the transaction noting I a total over $70!

Ouch- knowing this event is on a cycle of every 7-10 days, the simple task of driving comes with a steep price tag!

Off to Food Lion to replace the consumed food items for the household! There’s an increase in the grocery bill from last week!

For milk, bread, veggies, fruit (bypassing all of the pre-packaged snacks and meals) and gas, I spent $120. In order to spend that $120 I had to have earned more money so I could satisfy the mandatory tax burden through my employer. Yes, the “alphabet “ of deductions neatly itemized on a pay-stub- FIT, SIT, m-care and FICA, automatically removed. The leftovers- ALL MINE…or so I think!

Considering the $120 I spent, I did not get $120 worth of product. Taxes and fees are a considerable part of the total amount spent. What “taxes & fees” that are paid by manufacturers are contributing to their MSRP (manufacturer suggested retail price) for the items we purchase? It all adds up and the consumer covers the cost!

Earning and consuming is quite expensive! Food and gas are only one small example of how price of product is driven by taxes and fees. Not only am I working for said employer, but also working for the federal, state & local governments as my income contributes to the funds (by earning and spending) that they spend!

Since I’m forced to make contributions to the coffers of the government, am I wrong in arming myself with more information as to what they are doing with their funds and why they have a budget that spells disaster if it were applied to a household? Unlike the government who taxes, prints money and borrows; I do not have those options. It is up to me to take a good hard look at my budget: incomes, expenses and adjust accordingly!

Editors Notes: This piece comes from our newest Contributor from Ocean City. More to come...

Its OK To Publish This Photo Though?

The unidentified body of a man is seen after a raid by U.S. Navy SEAL commandos on the compound where al Qaeda leader bin Laden was killed in Abbottabad...

Photo Source

Veterans Fight To Keep 75-yr. Old Mojave Desert Memorial Cross

Today's Survey Question

Are You For Or Against Seeing A Photo Of Usama bin Laden Dead?

New Claims For Unemployment Aid Rise Unexpectedly

Highest level in eight months; troubling sign ahead of big April employment report

WASHINGTON — The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits unexpectedly surged last week to the highest level in eight months, a troubling sign a day ahead of the government's report on April employment.

The Labor Department said Thursday that the 43,000 spike in applications to a seasonally adjusted 474,000 last week was largely the result of unusual factors, including spring break layoffs and the introduction of an emergency benefits program.

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Salisbury Police Department Press Releases

On May 4, 2011 at approximately 1:39 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police were on routine patrol in the area of East Church Street and West Railroad Avenue and stopped a vehicle operated by the below listed suspect for traffic violations. A records check of the suspect revealed that the suspect’s driving privilege had been suspended and revoked. The suspect was taken into custody without incident and was transported to the Salisbury Police Department for routine processing. Upon arrival, it was found that the suspect was in possession of a small bag of suspected “crack”/cocaine.

ARRESTED: Lorenzo Tyrone Taylor, Sr., 34 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES:
Possession of cocaine
Possession of CDS/paraphernalia
Driving suspended/revoked

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 201100017012

On May 4, 2011 at approximately 3:04 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the Sears Department Store at the Centre at Salisbury for the report of a shoplifter. Upon arrival, the officers met with store security who advised the officers that store employees had observed the below listed suspect take clothing from the store without attempting to make payment. The clothing was recovered and returned to the store.

ARRESTED: Juvenile, 15 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES: Theft (under $ 100)

DISPOSITION: Released to guardian CC # 201100017059

On May 4, 2011 at approximately 5:25 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the Walmart Department Store on North Salisbury Boulevard for the report of a shoplifter. Upon arrival the officers met with store security who advised that store employees had observed the below listed suspect take cosmetics from the store without making any attempts at payment. The property was recovered and returned to the store.

ARRESTED: Tanita Nikki Gomes, 27 years of age Seaford, Delaware

CHARGES: Theft (under $ 100)

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 201100017077

Somerset County Sheriff's Office Press Release

Jeanie Rae Ward of Crisfield, arrested 4-29-11 on a warrant regarding violation of probation. Ward was later held without bond.

Steven Louis Akers of Fruitland, arrested 4-29-11 on warrants regarding accessory after statue, and obstructing and hindering police. Akers was later held without bond.

Gregory Lamont Cottman of Princess Anne, arrested 4-30-11 on two warrants regarding failing to appear in court. Cottman was later held on a $ 750.00 bond.

Michael James Beckley of Crisfield, arrested 5-2-11 on a warrant regarding failing to appear in court. Beckley was later held without bond.

Monica Rachel Jones of Princess Anne, arrested 5-2-11 on a warrant regarding failing to appear in court. Jones was later released after posting bond.

Anthony Antwain Destry of Baltimore, arrested 5-2-11 on a warrant regarding failing to appear in court. Destry was later released on personal recognizance.

Harry Maurice Ames of Crisfield, arrested 5-2-11 on a warrant regarding theft. Ames was later released on personal recognizance.

Mieashia Latrice Kellam of Princess Anne, criminal summons served 5-3-11 regarding theft less than $ 500.00. Kellam was later released pending court actions.

Thomas Lane Edwards of Crisfield, arrested 5-4-11 on five warrants regarding failing to appear in court, and violation of probation. Edwards was later held on a $ 52,000 bond.

Nicholas A. Battle of Seatpleasant Maryland, arrested 5-5-11 on a warrant regarding failing to pay court fines. Battle was later held on a $ 2,000 bond.

Labor Board Plays Fast And Loose In Boeing Case

Boeing executive vice president and general counsel Michael Luttig also happens to be a former federal judge who was on the White House short list for a Supreme Court appointment under President George W. Bush, so it is difficult to dismiss him as merely a self-interested corporate pleader. Luttig's recent letter to National Labor Relations Board acting general counsel Lafe Solomon accusing the NLRB of mischaracterizing and misquoting decisions by Boeing and statements by the company's top executives raises some especially disturbing questions.

"A number of these statements, which are critical to your case against Boeing, fundamentally misquote or mischaracterize statements by Boeing executives and actions taken by the Company," Michael Luttig wrote in the letter, which was first reported Tuesday by The Washington Examiner's Philip Klein. "You have a responsibility to correct these misquotations and mischaracterizations, for the public record and also for purposes of the complaint you have filed. Through these misquotations and mischaracterizations, you have done a grave disservice to The Boeing Company, its executives and shareholders, and to the 160,000 Boeing employees worldwide. And, of course, you have filed a complaint based upon these misstatements that cannot be credibly maintained under law."

To cite just three errors of fact described in Luttig's letter: First, Boeing did not, as alleged by NLRB, "transfer" any existing work being done by unionized employees in Washington state to the new plant in South Carolina. Second, the board complaint misquoted Boeing Commercial Airplanes CEO Jim Albaugh as saying the prospect of "future strikes" was a prime reason for the move to South Carolina. Third, the NLRB cannot quote any Boeing executive saying the South Carolina decision intended to "punish" the company's unionized employees because none made such a statement, according to Luttig.

More at the Washington Examiner

Lowering The Bar

Saying the measure of “operational control” of U.S. borders is obsolete, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano told Congress on Wednesday that the Obama administration is trying to come up with a new yardstick to better reflect the improvements it says it has made.

With the Government Accountability Office, Congress’s chief watchdog, saying less than half of the southern border is under operational control, the Obama administration has been distancing itself from that measure for more than a year.

” ‘Operational control’ it’s an archaic term,” Miss Napolitano told the Senate Homeland Security Committee. “The fact of the matter is that we need a more quantitative and qualitative way to reflect what actually is occurring at the border.”

The wording is more than just a semantic game.

House Republicans, in their campaign Pledge to America last year, set operational control as their goal, and at least some of the triggers lawmakers have suggested for determining when to move to legalization of illegal immigrants already here require the government first to prove it has control of the border.


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Gas Price Hypocrisy

Usama Bin Laden Death

On May 1. 2011, to the day exactly 235 years after the founding of Illuminate, US president Obama proudly announced that the US military had killed the "most wanted terrorist" in the world, Osama Bin Laden. And after this crime, where a man was apparently sentenced and murdered without any trial whatsoever, people all over the world are rejoicing and dancing in the streets!

Amazing - a tasteless and morbid celebration of murder on Illuminati day, exactly according the spirit of that organization.

There are, however, a couple more points that make all of this smell even more:

1. Funny that this happens right at the time where the birth certificate controversy is at its highest. What greater diversion could have been cooked up, than this? President Obama is apparently a very "lucky" guy, and the timing is just perfect.

2. Bin Laden was hastily buried, on the grounds that the US military had such a great respect for Islamic burial traditions. However, this did not apply when Saddam's sons were killed: they were kept for 11 days before burial, and displayed for all the world to see. And we all know about the tendency of great warlords, to put their captives and causalities in public display, for gathering whatever "honor" the masses can give them. You tell me that the US military/government has no such tendency anymore?

3. Now if the US military was so keen to observe Islamic burial traditions, why then did they allegedly bury Bin Laden at sea, when this is strictly prohibited in Islamic tradition? You tell me they respected one part of the tradition so much that they had to break another part of the same tradition? How stupid can these people possibly think that we are?

4. In no culture in this world is it preferred to bury people at sea. Everybody intuitively knows that having someone buried in the ground, is the preferred option. Why, because we then know where they are, of course. And more important: we know they are dead, leaving no room for uncertainty whatsoever. And with uncertainty gone, the eventual process of grief can then start with its healing effects. Bottom line is that the US military command perfectly knew and understood that burying the guy at sea was not in accord with any tradition whatsoever, and would provoke reactions and tough questions. There absolutely has to be some other reason for doing this. What could that possibly be...?

5. Of course the US military and the White House is now being challenged on whether they really killed Bin Laden on May 1. John Brennan, Barack Obama's counter-terrorism adviser said: "We are going to do everything we can to make sure that nobody has any basis to try to deny that we got Osama bin Laden."

Sorry guys, too late. If you really meant what you said here, why dump the guy at sea, effectively abandoning the only real evidence that could convince the skeptics: a dead body.

6. We then have the congressional statements of various CIA people that Bin Laden was killed in late 2001 or early 2002. This also coincides with the fact that the US hunt for Bin Laden was dramatically reduced after 2002. From regarding him as the "number one priority", president Bush Jr. later claimed that he "did not care" at all where Bin Laden was. What an incredible 180 degree turnaround regarding the so-called "world's most wanted man"! There can be only one reason for this change of attitude.
   
7. The US military command well knows that doing their thing this way, is going to provoke a lot of contention. Some will come from the Islamic parts of the world, but the heaviest allegations are going to be domestic, splitting the US population even more. The timing is perfect too, as the critique of president Obama is mounting. Just another example of the Illuminati strategy of divide-and-conquer, further dividing the US of A. All of this is probably done to make the "conspiracy theorists", meaning anyone not buying what the powers-that-be declare in their ex-cathedra statements as pure and unadulterated truth, look really stupid. Yet another attack on anyone trying to think for themselves.

Without a body, this issue will obviously never go to rest, but rather separate the population further into "trusters" and "skeptics" regarding the US government. Further, Bin Laden was allegedly executed on May 1., the same date as Illuminate was founded on, in 1776. Hey, what an interesting coincidence - how strange indeed! All of this is going to feed endless speculation and contention, and in reality we have yet another 9/11 to think about now, instead of a resolve of the original one as allegedly intended.

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Failure: Don't Despair, It's The New Normal

As our institutions fail, they will take down many individuals with them. Don't despair: the failure is systemic, not personal.As the U.S. economy fails on a systemic level, it is pushing individuals into a deep sense of failure. Feelings that one has failed one's family and oneself can feed a despair profound enough to trigger thoughts of suicide, and for many vulnerable people, thoughts lead to action.

In a terrible irony, those who do take their own lives are often those with the highest sense of responsibility and highest personal standards; their sense of failure is crushing in ways that less responsible, more laissez-faire people cannot imagine.

The systemic failure of the U.S. economy is pushing many to the brink of despair, as they interpret their own financial failures as personal rather than as the result of a system-wide decline stretching back decades. The need to explain this systemic failure is part of what drives me to write this blog day after day, month after month, year after year--to help people understand the roots of our national and global failings.

Despite these multiple systemic failures, I am an optimist, and I wrote Survival [2]+ to not only illuminate the roots of our institutional failures but to lay out guidelines for bypassing those institutions as they devolve and collapse.

I have addressed this many times, for example:

The Next Golden Age, Part I [3](July 28, 2010)

The Next Golden Age, Part II [4](July 28, 2010)

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Create An Emergency Kit for Your Pet

If you had to leave your home on short notice due to a natural disaster or other emergency, would you have a bag of emergency supplies ready to go? While adults and older children can handle packing their own bags in a hurry, members of your family who don't have opposable thumbs can't.

Here are some ideas from the ASPCA for an emergency kit to keep on hand for your pet.

• Pet first-aid kit and guide book
• 3-7 days' worth of canned (pop-top) or dry food (be sure to rotate every two months)
• Disposable litter trays (aluminum roasting pans are perfect)
• Litter or paper toweling
• Liquid dish soap and disinfectant
• Disposable garbage bags for clean-up
• Pet feeding dishes
• Extra harness and leash (Note: harnesses are recommended for safety and security)
• Photocopies of medical records and a waterproof container with a two-week supply of any medicine your pet requires (Remember, food and medications need to be rotated out of your emergency kit--otherwise they may go bad or become useless.)
• Bottled water, at least 7 days' worth for each person and pet (store in a cool, dry place and replace every two months)
• A traveling bag, crate or sturdy carrier, ideally one for each pet
• Flashlight
• Blanket (for scooping up a fearful pet)
• Recent photos of your pets (in case you are separated and need to make "Lost" posters)
• Especially for cats: Pillowcase or EvackSack, toys, scoopable litter
• Especially for dogs: Long leash and yard stake, toys and chew toys, a week's worth of cage liner.

from the Consumerist

Elder: Democrats' Hypocrisy On Race -- When Will People Wake Up?

Here we go again.

A Republican official, this time a member of the Orange County, Calif., GOP central committee, stands accused of -- racism!

Her crime?

She forwarded, to a circle of friends, an email depicting an image of a family of chimpanzees, with the superimposed face of President Barack Obama over the baby chimp's face. The caption read, "Now you know why no birth certificate." The national media soon picked up the story with the implicit "GOP-is-bigoted" story line.

Given her position as a central committee member, America's ugly history of demeaning images of blacks and the Democratic Party's unfair but calculated characterization of the Republican Party as racist, the official exercised poor taste and bad judgment. She has apologized. But many demand her resignation.

This is a teachable moment.

The Democratic Party has lost the "white vote" in every presidential election since 1964. Democrats attribute this to white racism. Yet in 2008, when a Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg poll asked whether voters would refuse to vote for a qualified black for president, only 3 percent of Republicans said "yes." More Democrats -- at 4 percent -- than Republicans admitted refusing to vote for a qualified black for president. Republican presidents have appointed more blacks to positions of authority than have Democrats. Of the black members of the House of Representatives, the only ones from majority white districts are Republicans.


More from Larry Elder

New Study: Low-Salt Diet Kills

Which is more dangerous: dietary salt or the government’s dietary guidelines? A new study confirms some old truths.

A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (May 4), reports that among 3,681 study subjects followed for as long as 23 years, the cardiovascular death rate was more than 50 percent higher among those on who consumed less salt.

The researchers concluded that their findings, “refute the estimates of computer model of lives saved and health care costs reduced with lower salt intake” and they do not support “the current recommendations of a generalized and indiscriminate reduction in salt intake at the population level.”

But that sort of reduction is precisely what the U.S. government now recommends.

In April 2010, the National Institute of Medicine issued a report calling for Americans to reduce salt intake from an average of 3,400 milligrams per day to 1,500 milligrams per day and less for those over 50.

The IOM report claimed that such population-wide reduction could prevent more than 100,000 deaths annually. “Sodium intake is too high to be safe,” was what Dr. Jane Henney, former commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and chairman of the IOM committee that produced the report, told the media at the time.

Then this past February, the U.S. Department of Agriculture incorporated the IOM’s recommendations into the federal dietary guidelines.

So who should we believe?

The new JAMA study didn’t break any ground with its finding. In fact, a host of studies published since 1995 fail to show any improved health outcomes for broad populations on reduced salt diets.

While the new study authors rightly acknowledge that “[our current findings] do not negate the blood-pressure lowering effects of a dietary salt reduction in hypertensive patients,” only a small portion of the population has that pathological condition.

Given that there is no scientific evidence showing dietary salt by itself to cause hypertension, as opposed to simply contributing to the condition once it already exists in individuals, a population-wide recommendation to reduce salt intake is simply not warranted.

More here

Americans Want 'Gay' Lessons Banished

An overwhelming majority of Americans say elementary school is no place to promote the homosexual lifestyle, and even among liberals there is the strong belief that such lessons should be left outside the door of the classroom, according to a new poll.

The results are from a WND/WENZEL Poll conducted for WND by the public-opinion research and media consulting company Wenzel Strategies.

"Whether they object on moral grounds or simply out of concern that many U.S. schools are failing in their core missions of teaching basics doesn't really matter – the vast majority of American adults want this type of curriculum kept out of the classroom," Wenzel chief Fritz Wenzel said.

The scientific telephone survey was done April 19-21, and has a margin of error of 3.23 percentage points. It found that 65 percent of all respondents objected to teaching elementary school children that homosexuality is a "normal alternative lifestyle."

Read more

The Obama Administration’s Cloud Of Confusion Explained

Okay, what do we have here:

1) There was a firefight.

2) There was no firefight.

3) Bin Laden was “resisting.”

4) Bin Laden wasn’t armed. (Makes the concept of “resisting” interesting.)
[4.a) And the newest one: the SEALS thought bin Laden was reaching for a weapon.]

5) He used his wife as a shield.

6) His wife was killed too.

7) He didn’t use his wife as a shield. She ran at a SEAL who shot her in the leg, but she’s fine.

8 ) Some other woman — the maid? — was used as a shield. By somebody. Downstairs.

9) That other woman — downstairs — was killed.

10) Maybe not. She was killed unless she wasn’t — and who was she, anyway?

11) Bin Laden’s son was killed.

12) Unless it was some other guy.

13) Bin Laden’s daughter saw him get killed. She’s undoubtedly traumatized, poor dear.

14) They were going to capture Bin Laden until the problem with the helicopter, which was:

A) It had mechanical trouble
B) It did a hard landing
C) It crashed
D) It clipped a wall with a tail rotor, effectively a crash

15.) They were never going to try to capture him; it was always a kill mission.

16.) No, it wasn’t.

17) The chopper blew up.

18) The SEALs blew it up.

19.) Panetta said yesterday the world needed proof and the photo would be released.

20.) Obama said today in an interview he taped with Steve Kroft for “60 Minutes” to be broadcast Sunday that it won’t be released. It’s too gruesome, would offend Muslim sensibilities (something he worries about a lot — I personally do not give a warm fart on a wet Wednesday about Muslim sensibilities), and how would Americans feel if Muslims released pictures of dead Americans?

21.) Kroft — who’s not a total idiot — pointed out that ever since “Black Hawk Down” days, Muslims have been doing precisely that, filming American bodies being dragged through the streets, filming Daniel Pearl’s head being cut off, filming any and everything.

22) Obama gets pissed at CBS, the tape gets cleaned up, that question disappears. (Inside info.)

23.) We got a “treasure trove” of stuff from hard drives, etc.

24.) There were no phone lines, and no internet access at the “mansion,” they didn’t even have TV — what “treasure trove?”

25.) There is obviously in the pictures of the place a large satellite dish. I guess they used it for making salads.

26.) And now, just today: apparently the idea was to capture him, but only if he was naked. There was a suspicion he might be wearing a suicide bomber type explosive vest, or belt. So if he’s not naked and you can’t see if he has a vest on or not – shoot him.

The idiot Carney — they actually managed to find someone who makes Gibbs look good — is currently twisting himself into knots trying to explain why the photograph that the whole world was expecting isn’t going to be released. (Obviously the thing to do is get Trump on the case, he’ll force Obama to release it.)

The military did great, the administration — or whatever that bunch is, kind of like “The Little Rascals” — have managed to turn it into spaghetti. The story has changed so many times in the course of a mere three days it’s a joke — the world would be better off if Panetta had left the little shitwit on the golf course.

Maryland Falls Again In State Business Rankings

As Governor O’Malley addresses the Maryland Chamber of Commerce tonight he has a lot of explaining to do about Maryland’s latest business rank:

Maryland fell again in Chief Executive magazine’s annual ranking of “best states for business.” The state ranked 37^th – pretty poorly. (Jay Hancock, “Maryland falls again in state business rankings,” Baltimore Sun, 5/4/11)

Illinois and Maryland are distinguished by their inclusion in the “5-Year Biggest Losers” category for states with falling rankings. (Jay Hancock, “Maryland falls again in state business rankings,” Baltimore Sun, 5/4/11)

Of course that period coincides with the departure of Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr., Maryland’s first Republican governor in decades, and the inauguration of Democratic Gov. Martin O’Malley, who substantially raised taxes. (Jay Hancock, “Maryland falls again in state business rankings,” Baltimore Sun, 5/4/11)

Maryland’s new dismal business ranking coincides with new data showing Maryland has lagged far behind other state’s when it comes to job creation:

Maryland ranks 44^th in the nation for percent change in job growth from March 2010 through March 2011; last among neighboring states. Pennsylvania (1.37%), Delaware (1.37%), Virginia, (1.02%), Washington D.C. (0.76%), West Virginia (0.71%), Maryland (0.22%). (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics,www.bls.gov, Accessed 4/25/11)

Maryland ranked 38^th in the nation for annual employment gains through the end of the first quarter.(G. Scott Thomas, “Maryland adds 5,400 jobs in the past year,” Baltimore Business Journal, 4/25/11)

Maryland ranks 38^th in the nation for jobs created from March 2010 through March 2011, second to last among neighboring states. Jobs created: Pennsylvania (76,500), Virginia (37,000), Delaware (5,600), Washington D.C. (5,400), Maryland (5,400), West Virginia (5,300). (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics,www.bls.gov, Accessed 4/25/11)

Maryland isn’t just falling behind when it comes to jobs, O’Malley’s mismanagement of the Pension Fund ranks among the worst in the nation:

Maryland ranks 39^th among the 50 states in the percentage of its funding at 65%. (Len Lazarick, “How Maryland compares on pension funding,” Maryland Reporter, 5/2/1)

Community Celebration

Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Press Releases

Assault
On May 1, 2011 around 10:40 pm, Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to Girdletree after a person called 911 reporting a woman screaming for help. The caller informed dispatchers that the woman was being assaulted by a man. The suspect male was identified as Stephen Vilsack 45 of Girdletree Md. and he fled the scene prior to the Deputies arrival. The victim went to a hospital for injuries she sustained from the assault. Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Deputies located and arrested Mr. Vilsack. Mr. Vilsack was charged with second degree assault and was seen by the court commissioner.

Driving under the influence of alcohol
On May 1, 2011 around 3:00 am a Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Deputy stopped a vehicle that was traveling 93 miles per hour in a posted 55 M.P.H. zone on Route 12 near Saint Lukes Road. The driver, Brandon Goslee, 29 years of age of Salisbury Md. appeared to be under the influence of alcohol and failed field sobriety tests. Mr. Goslee was placed under arrest and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol. Mr. Goslee was released pending trial

Driving under the influence of alcohol and possession of a controlled dangerous substance
On 5/1/2011, a Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Deputy conducted a traffic stop in the area of Rt. 113 near Bishopville road for a traffic violation. The Deputy detected a strong odor of alcohol coming from the driver, who was identified as Larry Elton Duffy, 32 years of age of Berlin, Md. Mr. Duffy was subsequently arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. A Worcester County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit arrived on the scene and conducted a scan of the vehicle. The K-9 indicated the presence of a controlled dangerous substance. A search of the vehicle found 28 Ecstasy pills. A search of Mr. Larry Duffy produced several pieces of crack cocaine.

Mr. Duffy was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, possession of a controlled dangerous substance, and possession of a controlled dangerous substance with the intent to distribute. Mr. Duffy was held without bond pending trial.

Driving under the influence of alcohol
On 05/01/11 a Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Deputy conducted a traffic stop in the area of W/B Ocean Gateway at Inlet isle Lane, West Ocean City, Maryland for a traffic violation. Upon approach of the vehicle, the Deputy detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on the driver who was identified as Brandon Hunter Rowe 25 years of age of Edgewood, Md. Mr. Rowe did poorly on field sobriety tests and was placed under arrest and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol. Mr. Rowe was released pending a trial.

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA

MAY 9, 2011 6:00 p.m.

Government Office Building Room 301

Times shown for agenda items are estimates only.

6:00 p.m. CONVENE - MEDITATION/INVOCATION - PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

6:04 p.m. ADOPTION OF AGENDA

6:07 p.m. CERTIFICATES OF RECOGNITION – Mayor James Ireton, Jr.

• 2011 5K Law Enforcement Cup Challenge

6:15 p.m. CONSENT AGENDA – City Clerk Brenda Colegrove

• April 19, 2011 closed meeting minutes separate envelope
• April 19, 2011 work session minutes
• April 25, 2011 work session minutes
• April 25, 2011 regular meeting minutes Manufacturing exemption request – Spartech Polycom Manufacturing exemption request – DiCarlo Precision Instrument Resolution No. 2051 - accepting a Maryland Clean Energy Center Grant for the replacement of traditional light fixtures at the Salisbury Fire Station #2 located on Brown Street

• Ordinance No. 2153 – 1^st reading - abandonment of an existing utility easement that is proposed to be relocated and for which the City will be granted a replacement easement on property owned by Walgreen Company located at 917 Mt. Hermon Road

6:18 p.m. AWARD OF BIDS – Internal Services Director Pam Oland Surplus of bicycles

6:25 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING – Mayor James Ireton, Jr.

• Ordinance No. 2150 - proposed FY2012 Budget Ordinance No. 2151 - proposed water and sewer rates Ordinance No. 2152 - amending City parking rates

6:45 p.m. RESOLUTION – Mayor James Ireton, Jr.

• Resolution No. 2052 - supporting Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, Neighborhood BusinessWorks Programfinancing to Pemberton Café, LLC located at 1100 Pemberton Drive

6:50 p.m. PUBLIC COMMENTS

7:00 p.m. ADJOURNMENT OF REGULAR MEETING

WORK SESSION (following conclusion of regular meeting)

• Further discussion on Towing Ordinance
• General Discussion/upcoming agendas



Number of Household With TV’s Drops

With seemingly everyone falling all over themselves to buy HDTVs at falling prices, it seems baffling that the number of American homes equipped with TVs dropped for the first time in nearly two decades. But that's the result Nielsen has derived from its research. The firm announced the 2012 Advance/Preliminary TV Household Universe Estimate (UE) will be set at 114.7 million, slipping from the 114.7 million 2011 figure.

Released in a Nielsen Wire story, the numbers mean that the total estimated percentage of U.S. homes with TVs fell from 98.9 percent of households to 96.7 percent.

Nielsen says the reasons for the decline include the shift to digital streaming -- TVs that aren't hooked up to traditional programming sources don't count as TV-having households -- as well as the tough economy.

How many people do you know who don't own a TV?

from the Consumerist

FedEx Settles Whistle-Blower Lawsuit For $8 Million

Employee in Crofton exposed shipping company's scheme that blamed delivery delays on 9/11 security concerns

FedEx will pay $8 million to settle a lawsuit filed by a former Crofton shipping center employee accusing the company of defrauding the federal government.

Mary Garofolo, who worked for FedEx for 23 years before retiring in May 2007, filed suit against the company under the federal whistle-blower statute after complaints to her supervisors about the scheme were ignored, she said. Her suit was filed under seal to enable government investigators to look into her allegations, which centered on a fraudulent billing scheme involving thousands of late deliveries that FedEx falsely blamed on 9/11-related security delays.

More

Illegal Net In Chesapeake Had 3 Tons Of Rockfish

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - Authorities say an illegal rockfish net found off Tilghman Island had more than 3 tons of fish.

Maryland Natural Resources Police said an 80-foot work boat outfitted with a crane worked for several hours to gather the nearly mile-long net on Tuesday.

The net was found Sunday by recreational fishermen near a buoy midway between Tilghman Island and North Beach.

More

Gas Prices Jump 62 Cents A Gallon In 2 Months

WASHINGTON - Gas prices keep soaring. WTOP's Price at the Pump survey shows prices are at an all-time high for the region.
 
The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is $4.08, up 6 cents from last week.
 
The increase is 62 cents a gallon in two months. WTOP's survey found the average on March 2 to be $3.46 a gallon for regular unleaded.
 
Mid-grade this week is up 4 cents to $4.24 a gallon. Premium now averages $4.37 a gallon, an increase of 6 cents. Diesel is up 3 cents to $4.26 a gallon.

More

Back By Popular Demand

Due to poplar demand Boonies Chop House and Pub has decided to run  our Thursday Night Specail thru the month of May.

WCSO Press Releases

Incident: Theft Investigation
Date of Incident: 2 May 2011
Location: 1300 block of Frederick Avenue, Salisbury, MD
Suspects: Pending

Narrative: On 2 May 2011 at 11:25 AM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office
responded to investigate a theft complaint in the 1300 block of Frederick Avenue in Salisbury. Upon
arrival, the deputy learned that a motor scooter had been stolen from the bed of a pick-up truck sometime
during the overnight hours. The scooter was a Yamati scooter covered with multiple bumper stickers such
as “K-Coast” and “Lazy Lizard.”

Anyone who has any information about this crime is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 410-548-
4891. You may also provide information anonymously through Crime Solvers at 410-548-1776.
Refer to case 11-1715

Incident: Theft Investigation
Date of Incident: 2 May 2011
Location: 1300 block of Allenwood Drive, Salisbury, MD
Suspects: Pending

Narrative: On 2 May 2011 at 8:11 AM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded
to a reported theft from a motor vehicle that was parked in the 1300 block of Allenwood Drive in
Salisbury. Upon arrival, the deputy learned that an unknown suspect removed a GPS device from the
vehicle during the overnight hours. The vehicle was believed to have been left unlocked.

Anyone who has any information about this crime is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 410-548-
4891. You may also provide information anonymously through Crime Solvers at 410-548-1776.
Charges: Pending

Incident: Theft Investigation
Date of Incident: 3 May 2011
Location: 32000 block of Campus Drive, Salisbury, MD
Suspects: Pending

Narrative: On 3 May 2011 at 1:06 PM, a deputy began an investigation into the theft of a student’s lap
top computer from a classroom. Investigation revealed that the student left the lap top computer
unattended in a classroom.

Anyone who has any information about this crime is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 410-548-
4891. You may also provide information anonymously through Crime Solvers at 410-548-1776.
Refer to case 11-1732

Incident: Assault / Protective Order Violation
Date of Incident: 2 May 2011
Location: 300 block of Wyman Drive
Suspects: Gerald O. Savage Sr., 36, Salisbury, MD

Narrative: On 2 May 2011 at 9:28 PM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office
investigated a disturbance in the 300 block of Wyman Drive. Upon arrival, the deputy learned that a
woman had been accosted by her estranged husband whom she had a Protective Order against. During the
altercation, the husband, Gerald O. Savage, allegedly struck his wife in the face.

The deputy was unable to locate Savage immediately following this report so an arrest warrant was
obtained. The deputy located him the following day and took him into custody. Upon an initial
appearance in front of the District Court Commissioner, Savage was detained in the Detention Center
without bond.

Charges: Assault 2nd Degree
Violation of a Protective Order

Incident: Burglary Investigation
Date of Incident: 3 May 2011
Location: 7000 block of Brantley Drive, Salisbury, MD
Suspects: Russell J. Schmidt, 18, Salisbury, MD

Narrative: On 2 May 2011 at 4:21 PM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded
to investigate a disturbance at a residence in the 7000 block of Brantley Drive in Salisbury. Upon arrival
the deputy learned that Russell Schmidt and his live in girlfriend had become involved in a physical
altercation. During this, Schmidt is accused of grabbing his girlfriend around her neck in an apparent
attempt to choker her. Victim also told the deputy that Schmidt shoved her into a wall. The deputy
observed signs of injuries on the victim that coincided with her account.

Schmidt was gone when the deputy tried to interview him, so an arrest warrant was obtained. Schmidt
was located the following day and brought to the Central Booking Unit. Upon an initial appearance in
front of a District Court Commissioner, Schmidt was held in the Detention Center in lieu of $75,000.00
bond.

Charges: Assault 1st Degree
Assault 2nd Degree
Reckless Endangerment
Malicious Destruction of Property

Weapons That Will Never Die: We Need To Stop The Expensive Reincarnations

Part I

This is the first part of a two-part series on how the Department of Defense (DoD) and its contractors keep reinventing overpriced and failed weapon systems. Many of these systems go on for decades, feeding the contractors who make them and becoming institutions within the DoD. These weapons also get political constituencies and end up outliving administration after administration, Congress after Congress and investigation after investigation. In this first column, I will examine a weapon system that I have been investigating and exposing since 1982 but which promises to outlast the harshest criticism with its perpetual reincarnations. Part II will examine some solutions on how to keep future unworkable and overpriced weapon systems from getting the same stranglehold on the DoD bureaucracy.

There are weapons that started out sounding good on paper but end up not fitting the threats of changing wars or are deployed in war and fail to perform. These same weapons, because of their myriad problems, also become vastly overpriced as the DoD and their contractors try to fix the problems under the guise of endless upgrades. The base price of the first round of the weapon gets very high, and subsequent buys of the weapon become so inflated that the DoD either lowers the units that they buy for the same amount of money, or cuts the spare parts and training budgets. The cuts either prevent the weapons from being used enough in training to prepare for the real battlefield, or create a lack of spare parts that keeps a large portion of these weapons from being battle-ready. Logic would tell you to move on to another concept early on and cut your losses, but the DoD bureaucracy knows these weapons will survive many generations of civilian managers and even weak Congressional inquiries, because the weapons take on a life of their own.

More

PHYLICIA BARNES DEATH INVESTIGATION UPDATE

(BALTIMORE, MD) – As Maryland State Police and Baltimore Police Department homicide detectives continue their investigation into the death of Phylicia Barnes, the Office of Chief Medical Examiner has released her body to her family for burial.

The autopsy conducted by the Office of Chief Medical Examiner determined the manner of death to be homicide. A cause of death was also determined, but police investigators are not releasing that information because it is an important part of the ongoing investigation. To release a cause of death at this time could jeopardize the investigation by revealing information known only to the person or persons responsible for her death. The cause of death will be made public at an appropriate time in the future.

The investigation is active and ongoing. No one has been charged in connection with the death of Phylicia Barnes. Maryland State Police homicide investigators continue to work out of the Baltimore Police Homicide Unit, alongside detectives there who have been working the Barnes case since her disappearance on December 28, 2010. FBI special agents are also continuing to assist this task force with the investigation

Police continue to urge anyone with information regarding the murder of Phylicia Barnes to contact them immediately. Persons with information may call the TIPS Line that has been established since Barnes disappeared at 1-855-223-0033. Or, they can call the Maryland State Police duty officer at 410-653-4200. Calls may be kept confidential.

Court OK’s Firing Whistleblowers

In a ruling that's sure to scuttle the urges of would-be whistleblowers who seek to expose wrongdoing by employers, an appeals court has allowed Boeing to fire two employees who leaked documents to the press that made the company look bad.

Wired reports that the fired whistleblowers, who were canned in 2008 after they released documents that seemed to indicate the company lacked safeguards for computer security, sought protection under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, which was meant to protect investors from secretive wrongdoing by publicly-held companies. A panel of 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals judges ruled that the law only protects the reporting of information to authorities, not the press.

The judges also noted that other whistleblower protection laws, which prevent businesses from firing employees for leaking info to the media, didn't protect the employees because their info didn't reveal "gross mismanagement, gross waste of funds, an abuse of authority or a substantial and specific danger to the public health or safety."

If you've ever stuck out your neck to tell on an employer, share your tale in the comments.

from the Consumerist

DelDOT Welcomes NASCAR Fans

Bus Service Available Sunday, May 15
Dover -- The Department of Transportation (DelDOT) welcomes fans to the 2011 NASCAR Race Series at the Dover International Speedway beginning on Friday, May 13 for the "Lucas Oil 200" NASCAR Camping World Truck Series; Saturday, May 14 for the "5-hour ENERGY 200" NASCAR Nationwide Series; and Sunday, May 15 for the "FedEx 400 benefiting Autism Speaks" NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

Traffic Information
DelDOT's Transportation Management Center (TMC) staff in coordination with the City of Dover Police and Delaware State Police will monitor traffic in and around the Dover vicinity to ensure safe travel for motorists.

On Sunday, May 15, the Dover International Speedway's main entrance on Route 13 will be CLOSED for all southbound traffic when parking at the Dover International Speedway is filled. When the race is concluded on Sunday afternoon, Leipsic Road will also be CLOSED to through traffic. This will allow traffic to immediately exit onto Route 13 and traffic from Lot 2 Parking to exit directly to Leipsic Road.

A designated exit route for the Saturday and Sunday races have been established through the cooperation of many groups including the Towne Point Civic Association. Vehicles parked in Lot 1 will be permitted to exit to Buckson Drive onto Townsend Boulevard (next to K-Mart) and the signalized intersection. Once at the traffic signal, motorists will be able to turn southbound only. Due to special routes being designed just for Saturday and Sunday races, motorists are encouraged to tune to WTMC 1380 AM and to read the variable message board signs surrounding the Dover area.

The TMC and DelDOT's Traffic Division will work from the Command Post at the Dover International Speedway with technicians monitoring traffic inside the track facilities and outside on Dover-area roadways. DelDOT's staff will watch major intersections for proper signal progression, place temporary directional signage, and assist with any incident or congestion problems along major travel routes.

At both of the Route 1 and I-95 Toll Plazas, additional lanes will be open in expectation of traffic congestion. Extra toll operators will be working at the Route 1 Toll Plaza in Dover on Monday, May 16 to assist recreational vehicles leaving the speedway.

Park 'n' Ride Bus Service
DelDOT and Dover International Speedway are pleased to offer race fans a better way to enjoy their stay. If you're looking for a smart way to get to and from the track, consider using the Race Express Bus service. This bus service is only available on Sunday, May 15. In the event of inclement weather, and the race is postponed there will be NO bus service on Monday, May 16.

On race day, payment will only be accepted by exact CASH amount, no change will be available.

You can choose to ride from two locations:

(1) The Race Express from Christiana Mall Park & Ride in northern Delaware, just off I-95 takes NASCAR fans directly to Dover International Speedway. The bus service will begin at 8 AM with 800 seats available on a first come, first serve basis. The cost per person is $12.00 round-trip.

(2) For $20 per vehicle, NASCAR fans can also park at the Blue Hen Corporate Center located at 655 South Bay Road in Dover. All vehicle occupants can ride the Race Express Bus to and from the Dover International Speedway. The Race Express Bus avoids race day traffic congestion by traveling north on Route 1 to an exclusive bus-only exit ramp leading directly to Dover International Speedway, approximately 12 minutes. The service begins at 8 AM and is available to transport passengers back and forth until one (1) hour after the race.

Carry-on items on the buses to the grandstands must conform to Dover International Speedway's Gate Admission Policy, and any and all carry-on items that can be handled by one person are permitted on the buses upon departure after the race.

Smyrna Rest Area
The Smyrna Rest Area located approximately ten miles north of Dover International Speedway just off Exit 119 is open 24 hours each day; which offers snacks and sodas, restrooms, and has an RV dump station for the convenience of NASCAR campers.

Motorists should check DelDOT online at http://www.deldot.gov/  for updated travel-related information or tune to WTMC 1380 AM for up-to-the-minute traffic conditions.

Enjoy the races!

WBOE Events Today

Wed May 4

Bennett

AP Calculus AB/AP Calculus BC Exams

BOE

Sporting Event : 5:00pm

Boys Lacrosse, Wicomico vs Parkside

Sporting Event : 7:00pm

Girls Lacrosse, Wicomico vs Parkside

North Salisbury

PBIS Mustang Mart Shopping

Northwestern

Staff Appreciation Week

Parkside

Prom Ticket Sales : Lunch

Pinehurst

Naglieri Test given to 2nd Gr. : 10:15-11:30

Staff Appreciation Luncheon from PTA : 11:30-??

Westside Primary

PTA Staff Luncheon

Woman Robbed By Fake Utility Worker

GLEN BURNIE, Md. (AP) — Anne Arundel County police say a man claiming to be a utility company employee robbed a woman at gunpoint in her Glen Burnie home.

The woman told police about 10:20 a.m. Tuesday, a man came to her home, flashed an identity card and said he was from Pepco, a utility that does not serve Anne Arundel County.

Police said the robber told the woman he was there to check on a gas leak.

Once inside, the man pulled a gun and robbed the woman. He fled in a car parked around the corner.

Police say utility company workers do not make unannounced house calls.

from USA Today / AP

Markell Wants to Spend New Revenue

DOVER, Del. — Delaware Gov. Jack Markell on Wednesday unveiled plans for how he wants to spend hundreds of millions of dollars that have been added to Delaware's expected revenues since he released his budget proposal in January.

Markell announced a three-part plan to create jobs and boost the state's economy without further burdening the state's operating budget. It includes one-time expenditures on a variety of jobs-related initiatives, targeted tax and debt obligation reductions, and investments aimed at expanding economic opportunities within the state.

Markell discussed the first phase of his proposal on Wednesday, calling for $135 million in spending to help create jobs. He planned to address tax and debt reduction on Thursday and economic opportunity investments on Friday.

"We are very much focused on making sure that the money puts as many Delawareans to work as possible," he told a business group in Dover.

Markell noted that since he proposed his budget for the fiscal year that starts July 1, a state panel has added $320 million to its official revenue estimates.

The primary sources of the additional money identified by the Delaware Economic and Financial Advisory Council are corporate income taxes, bank franchise taxes and abandoned property.

READ MORE …

Del. Harvey Morgan to Retire

Delegate Harvey Morgan (R-98) has announced that he will not seek a 17th term to the Virginia House.  Morgan, a retired pharmacist, was first elected to the House in 1979.  He succeeded retiring House Speaker John Warren Cooke.

I realize that most SbyNEWS readers have never even heard of Harvey.  That is unfortunate.  Harvey represents a breed of public servant that we see less and less of today.  Right-of-center, but not ideological, Morgan was able to work for his constituents when the GOP was in the minority and when we won the majority in the 1990’s.  A solid Republican but never fiercely partisan, he put the people of his district, and of the Commonwealth, ahead of party or partisanship.

In 2003 rural Tidewater Virginians lost one great champion when Del. Bob Bloxom (R-100) chose to retire (and later become Virginia’s first Secretary of Agriculture.  Now another has chosen to retire.  At age 80, Harvey has earned a rest.  We can only hope that his successor will continue in the same tradition.

READ MORE ….

Are 8 Hour Work Sessions Necessary?

On Monday evening the Salisbury City Council began its work session at 3 PM and ended at almost 11.  They didn’t even complete all of the items on the agenda for that evening.  Is this really necessary?
Sadly, YES.
The previous council, under Louise Smith, left a large backlog of items that need to be addressed.  In addition, this council has chosen to actually ask questions and discuss items rather than simply ram items through (or out)without any thought.  Even councilwoman Shanie Shields is participating with some intelligent comments and observations.
Isn’t this they type of city government that Salisbury voters deserve?
Admittedly, I would love to see some of the discussion cut.  Council President Terry Cohen can be even more long winded than I am.  Regardless, it’s good to see some thoughtful attention paid to the city’s government.  Besides, once the backlog is taken care of, work sessions should be less frequent … and shorter.
As someone who attended most of Monday’s meeting, SURE, I wish it had been shorter.  However, we should cheer what appears to be a new approach to governance in Salisbury.  I’m hopeful that it will be worth the extra time and effort.

Judge Rules IP Addresses Aren’t People, Blocking Subpoenas

In a decision that could have long-term implications for cybercrime prosecution, a U.S. District judge ruled that IP addresses do not directly represent people, and thus aren't fair criteria for copyright holders to subpoena individuals.

TorrentFreak reports the case involved a Canadian porn company that's trying to subpoena the ISPs of subscribers. The judge cited a case in which American authorities raided the wrong people in a child porn investigation because the actual suspects were swiping the victims' Wi-Fi signal.

The judge wrote:

"The infringer might be the subscriber, someone in the subscriber's household, a visitor with her laptop, a neighbor, or someone parked on the street at any given moment."

The judge noted that connecting IP addresses to individuals in porn cases could ruin the reputations of those who are falsely connected with the material.

A law expert quoted in the story says the ruling could affect future download-oriented lawsuits.

from the Consumerist

Tuesday’s LIVE BLOG Event

Tuesday evening we were able to cover the Wicomico County Council’s budget hearing live.  458 SbyNEWS readers participated in the event.  That was 6 times as many people who actually attended the hearing.  We thank you.

What was your opinion?

Do you think we should do more?

If so, what type of events would you like us to cover live?

Do you have any other suggestions?

Let us know.  If you didn’t participate Tuesday, but would like to see what we did, check the event here.

NOTE:  It had been a while since we had done a live blog.  We’re hoping to add more features to future events.

McDonnell Cuts Virginia Public Broadcasting

Gov. Bob McDonnell used his line-item veto authority to reduce state funding for public broadcasting, calling it "a smart, practical budgeting decision to make Virginia government smaller and more efficient and save taxpayer dollars."

McDonnell's veto will reduce educational programming by $424,000, or about 16 percent, in the fiscal year that begins July 1. Total state funding for public broadcasting has been cut by about 25 percent since last year.

The governor did not make any other changes to the two-year, $80.7 billion spending plan that runs through June 2012.

It is the third time since December that the Republican governor has sought cuts to public broadcasting.

READ MORE ….

Governor’s School Wins National Competition

A team of 17 seniors from the Maggie L. Walker Governor's School in Richmond returned home to a hero's welcome Tuesday afternoon after winning the "We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution National Finals" in Washington.

The victory, announced Monday evening, marks Maggie Walker's second national title and 13th consecutive top-10 finish in the competition, which consists of simulated congressional hearings on the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

"I couldn't be more proud of the students," government teacher and coach Matt McGuire said. "They've prepared weekends, evenings" since last summer.

READ MORE …

Sponsor of Illegal Immigrant Bill Says Repeal Could Cost Millions

The lead sponsor who objects to efforts to overturn his bill granting in-state college tuition to illegal immigrants said referendum efforts by opponents could cost the state millions and the drive is being funded by outside Tea Party interests.

“It costs the state a lot of money, and these guys are supposed to be fiscally conservative?”  Sen. Victor Ramirez, D-Prince Georges, said last Friday. “We’re going to spend millions of dollars potentially for a referendum.  It’s going to be more expensive to run the referendum than it is to fund the policy.”

“It’s definitely being driven by the Tea Party, not locally, but nationally,” Ramirez said.  “It’s people from the outside trying to tell Maryland what policy they should pass.”

Officials say cost is minimal

But state officials say the cost of putting the issue on the ballot is fairly minimal, and some organizers say there is little evidence of out-of-state funding for the petition drive.

Read More …

Tricking Yourself Into Saving

While trying to find an article in the Twin Cities Pioneer Press archive, I found a letter from one of their readers who had a unique way of tricking herself into saving money. Whenever she writes a check, she rounds it up in the check register. When she deposits a check, she rounds it down. At the end of the year she finds she has a cache of "ghost money" that she uses to buy new shoes, go to the movies, make donations and do home improvement projects. Depending on how you look at it, this is either the dumbest savings method ever, or an incredibly smart one.

The columnist this person wrote weighed in heavily on the side of the former. She guessed that the reader never balanced their checkbook and if the bank ever made an error, the reader would have no way of knowing if they were out money. " Instead of using this complicated system, why don't you determine a set amount you will have transferred automatically to your savings account each month," wrote the reporter. "Then, keep an accurate record of each withdrawal and deposit in your checking account. I'm afraid your game of hide-and-seek, though entertaining, is costing more money than you know."

Good point. That gives you a lot more control over your money and lets you know exactly how much you have at all times. You know how much you're going to save each month. If you were to choose methods, I would say go with this one.

But even though it lives in spreadsheets and computers and numbers, money is very emotional. You have to put in hours of your life to get it and confront your needs, desires and dreams when it comes to spending it. Some people can make a cool calculation and just flip the necessary switches on their online bank account and within their lives. Not everyone can do that, though.

At the end of the day, what matters most is that she has found a way to do what many Americans find themselves incapable of: saving money. If this is the only way for her to get there, then more power to her.

from the Consumerist

Effort to Repeal Illegal-Immigrant Tuition Break Under Way

Opponents of Maryland's plan to offer in-state college tuition rates to illegal immigrants are optimistic that they can stop the measure in its tracks.

A Republican-led petition drive to repeal the bill approved last month by the Democratic-led General Assembly began in earnest last week and has been welcomed enthusiastically by voters across the state, organizers say.

To succeed, they will have to collect 55,736 signatures — the equivalent of 3 percent of voters in the last gubernatorial election — by June 30. That would suspend the measure until November 2012, when voters would decide its fate in a referendum.

The first batch of more than 18,500 signatures is due by the end of this month.

"We're off to a fantastic start," said Del. Neil C. Parrott, theWashington County Republican who is leading the petition drive. He would not say how many signatures have already been collected, but said he passed around the petition last week at a Washington Nationals baseball game and couldn't believe how excited Marylanders were to sign on.

Read More …

Bribery Trial Begins for Former Virginia Delegate

A former official with Old Dominion University testified Monday that then-Del. Phillip A. Hamilton wanted a job at a new center his legislation would fund.

David A. Blackburn, 71, the head of ODU's Program for Research and Evaluation in Public Schools until 2009, was the only witness to testify on the opening day of Hamilton's bribery and extortion trial.

Blackburn, who has a cooperation agreement with federal prosecutors giving him immunity, admitted he was less than truthful to state and ODU officials and even a federal grand jury about circumstances surrounding the hiring of Hamilton.

"I was part of trading a job for money," Blackburn said when asked by David V. Harbach II, a trial attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice, about why he was not completely truthful when testifying before a federal grand jury in December 2009.

Hamilton, 59, was indicted in January on charges of helping to arrange state funding for an educational center at ODU, where he was hired as the director for $40,000 a year.

READ MORE …

Maryland Casinos Rake in $13.6 Million in April

Maryland's two casinos took in nearly $13.6 million in slots revenue in April, the Maryland Lottery announced Tuesday.

Hollywood Casino Perryville, the larger of the two slots parlors, generated $10 million in April, the second-biggest take since its opening in late September.

Perryville's per-machine daily revenue in April was $223.38, the casino's best showing in six months.

The revenue reflects money the casinos take in after winners are paid but before expenses and other costs are deducted.

The Casino at Ocean Downs, near Ocean City on the Eastern Shore, raked in its largest revenue yet in April, with $3.5 million since its January opening.

The casino took in $155.94 daily per machine last month.

Read More …

Delaware’s Best Educators Honored

WILMINGTON -- Educators from across Delaware were honored Monday at the annual Superstars in Education awards dinner at the Center on the Riverfront.

Winners of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce's Superstars in Education each earned a $2,500 prize. The educators will visit other schools to help them learn how to replicate the programs.

More than 500 attended the awards dinner Monday, where they learned more about achievements in Delaware schools.

The business community wants to work to help build better schools, something that's important to have a strong workforce, said Jim Wolfe, the president and CEO of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce.

Gov. Jack Markell told the crowd -- educators, union leaders, the business community and politicians -- that their support is key to education reforms in Delaware.

Read More …