Who do you think will get voted off tonight on American Idol?
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Thursday, May 19, 2011
BREAKING NEWS: $1M Bail For Ex-IMF Chief
Judge OKs $1 million bail and home detention for former IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn in sexual assault case.
MDGOP Alcohol Tax Statement
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Maryland Republican Party Chairman Alex X. Mooney issued the following statement today in response to Governor O’Malley signing the Alcohol Tax into law:
"Today Governor O’Malley and Democrat leaders gleefully broke their word to not raise taxes on Marylanders if reelected. By signing the Alcohol Tax into law, Democrats unwillingly admitted that all tax hikes unfairly burden Maryland families by causing them to rethink how they spend their hard earned money. Democrats should now be honest with the Maryland people and admit that if the logic behind an Alcohol Tax is to increase prices to reduce demand, then the same logic must be applied to every tax and fee that’s proposed. After all, how can they argue that a tax on alcohol will discourage drinking but a tax on gasoline won’t discourage driving or business taxes will not discourage job creators from opening their doors in our state?
“It’s time for Democrats to stop using our wallets as a personal piggybank for reckless government spending. This nickel-and-diming of Marylanders must stop now.”
YARD SALE UPDATE
Joe,
Thanks you for posting the yard sale info next to hoops. As usual your post helped generate traffic & people got some great deals. Keep up the good work.
Thanks you for posting the yard sale info next to hoops. As usual your post helped generate traffic & people got some great deals. Keep up the good work.
Israel Rejects Obama's Call To Restore '67 Borders
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejects Obama's urging to pull back, calling 1967 borders 'indefensible'
BREAKING NEWS: Obama Proposes That Israel Pull Back To '67 Borders
President Obama, in speech on Middle East policy, tells Israel to pull back to its 1967 borders and allow for creation of self-governing Palestinian state
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Obama Message To Arab Leaders: Let Freedom Grow Or Face Consequences
President Obama, delivering his first major address tackling the uprisings in the Middle East, is pushing for the U.S. and other nations to bolster economic support in the region.
Speaking at the State Department Thursday, Obama said the U.S. is entering a "new chapter" in its diplomacy, citing the "extraordinary change" in the Middle East and North Africa.
The president is taking a carrot-and-stick approach as the Arab Spring turns to summer and protesters' demands across the region are met with repression.
BREAKING NEWS: FBI Investigates 'Unabomber' In 1982 Tylenol Deaths
FBI investigating whether 'Unabomber' Ted Kaczynski was involved in the Chicago-area Tylenol poisonings that killed seven in 1982
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Lottery Winner Continues to Use Food Stamps
A Michigan man isn't letting something like a lottery windfall stop him from using government assistance to buy food.
In an interview with WNEM Saginaw, the man says his $2 million winnings from last year didn't go as far as he would have liked. He said taxes swallowed up more than half the money, and he has no apologies for using his government-provided electronic card to buy food, saying "If you're going to ... try to make me feel bad, you aren't going to do it."
The man says he has permission from the Department of Human Services to continue using the card. Neighbors have spotted him driving an Audi convertible.
from The Consumerist
Today’s Survey Question
Should persons drawing a Board of Education pension be permitted to serve on a local or state school board?
When Buying A Home, Get Out Of Your Head And Do The Math On Paper
In the heat of house-hunting, it can be easy to keep all the numbers in your head. You debate back and forth over which properties to target and for how much and under what conditions. But as the Trulia blog notes, if you mostly just do this mental math without putting it down on paper it can be easy to talk yourself into less-advantageous deals when the numbers in your head collide with the emotions in your heart.
More »
More »
Obama To Sharply Cut Bonus Awards
The Obama administration is talking about sharply reducing performance bonus awards. Under discussion is a limit of 5 percent bonuses for Senior Executives, and one percent for everyone else. A six page memo outlining the plan was obtained and published by the Washington Post. Administration officials say the plan is still under discussion. The memo was sent to federal department heads. It was authored by OPM Director John Berry and Deputy OMB Director Jeff Zients. The two expressed worry that federal employees have come to expect awards as entitlements.
PUBLIC NOTICE
THE SALISBURY CITY COUNCIL HAS SCHEDULED AN ADDITIONAL BUDGET SESSION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2011 AT 3:30 P.M.
THE BUDGET SESSION WILL BE HELD IN CONFERENCE ROOM 306 OF THE GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING (125 N. DIVISION STREET).
SALE TODAY
If anyone around this area today:
parking lot/yard sale thursday 5/19/11
9:00 AM - 2:00PM
2213 Northwood Drive - Rain or Shine -
They are on the side of the Hoop's/Lacey's Restaurant complex
Misc chef coats/ aprons
Air pots
Misc glassware
Stainless steel water pitchers
Book shelves
Desks
Desk chairs
Dresser
Small end table
Bakery display case
Assorted Restaurant smalls and office items
Make us an offer, moving to smaller location
parking lot/yard sale thursday 5/19/11
9:00 AM - 2:00PM
2213 Northwood Drive - Rain or Shine -
They are on the side of the Hoop's/Lacey's Restaurant complex
Misc chef coats/ aprons
Air pots
Misc glassware
Stainless steel water pitchers
Book shelves
Desks
Desk chairs
Dresser
Small end table
Bakery display case
Assorted Restaurant smalls and office items
Make us an offer, moving to smaller location
BREAKING NEWS: Existing Home Sales Unexpectedly Fall
The National Association of Realtors reports sales of existing homes fell 0.8% in April. Economists were expecting a 2% increase.
Zoo Animals Face Budget Knife
NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Lions and tigers and budget cuts, oh my!
The famed Bronx Zoo could lose more than half its operating support from New York City, under the fiscal 2012 budget proposed earlier this month by Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
The mayor wants to chop $4.7 million from the zoo and the New York Aquarium, both run by the Wildlife Conservation Society.
Cuts of that magnitude could have a major impact on the zoo, the nation's largest urban zoo, according to the society. In an email plea to the public Wednesday, society officials wrote the reduction could force layoffs and program cuts.
"We're at a tipping point," John Calvelli, a society spokesman, said in an interview. "Everything is on the table."
More
The famed Bronx Zoo could lose more than half its operating support from New York City, under the fiscal 2012 budget proposed earlier this month by Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
The mayor wants to chop $4.7 million from the zoo and the New York Aquarium, both run by the Wildlife Conservation Society.
Cuts of that magnitude could have a major impact on the zoo, the nation's largest urban zoo, according to the society. In an email plea to the public Wednesday, society officials wrote the reduction could force layoffs and program cuts.
"We're at a tipping point," John Calvelli, a society spokesman, said in an interview. "Everything is on the table."
More
Somerset County Sheriff's Office Press Releases
Bobby Lee Davis of Pocomoke, arrested 5-17-11 on a warrant regarding violation of probation. Davis was later held without bond.
Crystal Michele Wiggins of Princess Anne, arrested 3-19-11 on two warrants regarding failing to appear in court. Wiggins was later held on a $ 1,000 bond.
REPORTED THEFT; On 5-17-11 Deputies were called to 5075 Bivens Rd, Westover regarding a theft. The investigation showed that a unknown suspect entered the property and stole two gas generators, 12volt battery charger, Wallmart aircompressor, two fishing poles, and a five horse power Honda boat motor, total value of theft at $1,000. Anyone with information regarding the theft is urged to call the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office at 410-651-9225
These Cats Need A Home
I currently am housing 3 estate cats – their owner died and the estate is in the process of being closed
Dusty and Rusty are 10 yr old DSH orange cats that would do real well together
Punkin is a 7 year old DSH calico
Please ask around and see if any one can take 3 or 1 or whatever
They are very very good cats
Any ? give me a call at 410-548-4860
I hate to see these guys go to the shelter – but the executor will have to do so if we can’t find a home
Save on Your Wedding Without Looking Cheap
Wedding season is upon us, and while it may be too late for this summer's brides and grooms to trim their wedding budgets too severely, there is still time for next year's couples to start thinking about ways to spend less while still having a storybook ceremony.
Over at SmartMoney.com, they spoke to wedding expert Anja Winnika from The Knot to put together a list of 10 ways to save money on your wedding. The full video is below, but here are some highlights:
1. TRIM THE GUEST LIST:
C'mon, you don't really want to invite all those people from work anyway. Cutting out a table of 10 guests means 10 fewer invites, 10 fewer dinners and at least (but probably many, many more) 10 cocktails.
2. BE FLEXIBLE ABOUT THE DAY/TIME:
You can get deals, and possibly freebies, from venues and caterers when you book your reception on an off-peak day or time.
Marriage
A woman's husband had been slipping in and out of a coma for several months, yet she had stayed by his bedside every single day.
One day, when he came to, he motioned for her to come nearer.
As she sat by him, he whispered, eyes full of tears, 'You know what?
You have been with me all through the bad times.
When I got fired, you were there to support me.
When my business failed, you were there.
When I got shot, you were by my side.
When we lost the house, you stayed right here.
When my health started failing, you were still by my side...
You know what Martha?'
'What dear?' she gently asked, smiling as her heart began to fill with warmth.
'I'm beginning to think you're bad luck....'
One day, when he came to, he motioned for her to come nearer.
As she sat by him, he whispered, eyes full of tears, 'You know what?
You have been with me all through the bad times.
When I got fired, you were there to support me.
When my business failed, you were there.
When I got shot, you were by my side.
When we lost the house, you stayed right here.
When my health started failing, you were still by my side...
You know what Martha?'
'What dear?' she gently asked, smiling as her heart began to fill with warmth.
'I'm beginning to think you're bad luck....'
FDA: Diabetes Drug Avandia To Be Pulled From Retail Pharmacies In November
For several years, prescription diabetes medicine Avandia has been at the center of a debate about whether the medication's heart attack risk was high enough to pull it from pharmacies. Now, nearly eight months after the FDA announced it would be introducing strict restrictions on its sale and use, the agency has finally gotten around to announcing the specifics of those restrictions.
More »
More »
Lowe's To Offer Sungevity Solar Panel Estimates
Wonder how much solar panels on your home would cost and how much power they'd produce? An easy answer will soon be at hand at Lowe's home improvement stores in eight U.S. states.
Beginning this summer in California, select Lowe's stores will have kiosks provided by residential solar company Sungevity. These booths will feature the company's iQuote system, which uses aerial and satellite imaging to give shoppers a firm installation estimate within 24 hours. The California-based company offers solar leases, which include monitoring, repairs, and a money-back guarantee.
"I am thrilled about the potential of reaching Lowe's 15 million weekly customers at their more than 1,750 retail locations," Andrew Birch, Sungevity's chief executive officer said Monday in announcing the deal, which gives Lowe's an undisclosed equity position in his company.
More
Beginning this summer in California, select Lowe's stores will have kiosks provided by residential solar company Sungevity. These booths will feature the company's iQuote system, which uses aerial and satellite imaging to give shoppers a firm installation estimate within 24 hours. The California-based company offers solar leases, which include monitoring, repairs, and a money-back guarantee.
"I am thrilled about the potential of reaching Lowe's 15 million weekly customers at their more than 1,750 retail locations," Andrew Birch, Sungevity's chief executive officer said Monday in announcing the deal, which gives Lowe's an undisclosed equity position in his company.
More
THE SHOEBOX
A man and woman had been married for more than 60 years.
They had shared everything. They had talked about everything.
They had kept no secrets from each other except that the little
Old woman had a shoe box in the top of her closet that she had
Cautioned her husband never to open or ask her about.
For all of these years, he had never thought about the box, but
One day the little old woman got very sick and the doctor said
She would not recover.
In trying to sort out their affairs, the little old man took
Down the shoe box and took it to his wife's bedside.
She agreed that it was time that he should know what was
In the box. When he opened it, he found two crocheted dolls
And a stack of money totaling $95,000.
He asked her about the contents.
'When we were to be married,' she said, ' my grandmother told me
The secret of a happy marriage was to never argue. She told me that
If I ever got angry with you, I should just keep quiet and crochet a doll.'
The little old man was so moved; he had to fight back tears. Only two
Precious dolls were in the box. She had only been angry with him two
Times in all those years of living and loving. He almost burst with
Happiness.
'Honey,' he said, 'that explains the doll, but what about all of this money?
Where did it come from?'
'Oh,' she said, 'that's the money I made from selling the dolls.'
They had shared everything. They had talked about everything.
They had kept no secrets from each other except that the little
Old woman had a shoe box in the top of her closet that she had
Cautioned her husband never to open or ask her about.
One day the little old woman got very sick and the doctor said
She would not recover.
In trying to sort out their affairs, the little old man took
Down the shoe box and took it to his wife's bedside.
She agreed that it was time that he should know what was
In the box. When he opened it, he found two crocheted dolls
And a stack of money totaling $95,000.
He asked her about the contents.
'When we were to be married,' she said, ' my grandmother told me
The secret of a happy marriage was to never argue. She told me that
If I ever got angry with you, I should just keep quiet and crochet a doll.'
The little old man was so moved; he had to fight back tears. Only two
Precious dolls were in the box. She had only been angry with him two
Times in all those years of living and loving. He almost burst with
Happiness.
'Honey,' he said, 'that explains the doll, but what about all of this money?
Where did it come from?'
'Oh,' she said, 'that's the money I made from selling the dolls.'
Salisbury Police Department Press Releases
On May 17, 2011 at approximately 9:20 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police arrested the below listed suspect on an outstanding arrest warrant charging the suspect with credit card fraud and theft. On March 13, 2011, Officers met with a victim making a complaint of a theft from her by a known suspect. The victim advised that the below listed suspect, who was employed by the victim had taken a credit card from her while in the victim’s home. The suspect then made several transactions with the card before the victim was able to cancel the card.
ARRESTED: Jennifer Ruth Byrd, 28 years of age Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES:
Theft of a credit card
Unlawful use of a credit card (2 counts)
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 201100009220
On May 17, 2011 at approximately 11:05 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the Superfresh Store on East College Avenue for the report of disorderly subject and theft. Upon arrival, the officers met with the complainant who advised the officers that Superfresh store employees had observed the below listed suspect take flowers from the store without attempting to make payment. When confronted, the subject became disorderly and relocated to the Ace Hardware Store on Eastern Shore Drive. The suspect left the flowers at that location, then entered the store and assaulted an employee. The suspect was told to leave the Ace Hardware store and again became disorderly while leaving the store. The Ace employee was not injured, and the property of Superfresh was recovered and returned to the store.
ARRESTED: Robert Edward Lovely, Jr., 52 years of age Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES:
Second degree assault
Theft (under $ 100)
DISPOSITIONS: Released to Central Booking CC # 201100018876
On May 17, 2011 at approximately 11:40 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the Boscov’s Department Store at the Centre at Salisbury 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 property from the store without making payment. When confronted, the suspect fled from the store and left the area in a vehicle. Salisbury officers located the suspect operating the vehicle and positively identified the suspect. The property was recovered and returned to the store.
ARRESTED: William Phillip Bullion, 34 years of age Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Theft (under $ 1,000)
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 201100018884
On May 17, 2011 at approximately 6:35 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department arrested the below listed suspect on an outstanding arrest warrant charging the suspect with theft from a local hotel. On August 2, 2009, Officers responded to a local hotel and met with hotel management in reference to the theft of a computer from their business center. The investigation of the theft revealed that the below listed suspect, and an accomplice, who were both guests of the hotel took the computer from the business center. The accomplice has already been charged with the theft.
ARRESTED: Brandon Earl Waltemeyer, 20 years of age Lincoln, Delaware
CHARGES:
Theft (under $ 500)
Conspiracy to commit theft (under $ 500)
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 200900027131
On May 17, 2011 at approximately 6:38 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police met with the victim of a domestic type assault. The victim advised the officers that she had responded to a residence on the five hundred (500) block of Delaware Avenue as the result of a text message received on her cellular telephone. The victim believed that the message was from a friend that was asking her to respond to the residence. Upon arrival, the victim was confronted by below listed suspect # 1 for a domestic type argument. During the argument, suspect # 1 produced a kitchen knife and lunged at the victim, causing a cut to the victim’s forehead area. The victim attempted to leave the residence but was restrained from doing so by both suspect # 1, and below listed suspect # 2, who was assisting the first suspect. Suspect # 1 continued the assault of the victim by striking the victim with her hands. The victim was finally able to escape the residence and responded to the Police Department to report the assault. Officers responded to the residence and arrested both suspects without incident. The victim was treated and released for her injuries.
SUSPECT #1: Melvina Mona Chambliss, 24 years of age Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES:
First degree assault
Second degree assault
Reckless endangerment
Possession of a deadly weapon – intent to injure
False Imprisonment
SUSPECT #2: Cristin Elise Corbin, 19 years of age Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES:
Conspiracy to commit first degree assault
Conspiracy to commit second degree assault
False Imprisonment
DISPOSITION: Both released to Central Booking CC # 201100018927
On May 17, 2011 at approximately 10:27 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the parking lot of the Centre at Salisbury for the report of a malicious destruction to a motor vehicle. Upon arrival the officers met with centre security who advised that they had observed the two (2) below listed suspects exit a motor vehicle and began to beat on and damage another motor vehicle. The Salisbury Officers approached the suspects, who had relocated but were still in the parking lot, and below listed suspect # 1 attempted to flee from the area on foot. The officers were able to apprehend the suspect after a brief foot chase. When apprehended, suspect # 1 fought with the officers and resisted arrest. Suspect # 2 remained in the area and was arrested without incident. The suspect vehicle, operated by suspect # 1, was searched incident to arrest and revealed a bag containing suspected marijuana.
ARRESTED #1: Cody Nathaniel Broomall, 18 years of age Millsboro, Delaware
CHARGES:
Malicious destruction of property
Resisting arrest (2 counts)
Possession of marijuana
Possession of CDS/Paraphernalia
ARRESTED #2: Jeremy Robert Miller, 18 years of age Laurel, Delaware
CHARGES: Malicious destruction of property
DISPOSITION: Both released to Central Booking CC # 201100018953
ARRESTED: Jennifer Ruth Byrd, 28 years of age Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES:
Theft of a credit card
Unlawful use of a credit card (2 counts)
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 201100009220
On May 17, 2011 at approximately 11:05 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the Superfresh Store on East College Avenue for the report of disorderly subject and theft. Upon arrival, the officers met with the complainant who advised the officers that Superfresh store employees had observed the below listed suspect take flowers from the store without attempting to make payment. When confronted, the subject became disorderly and relocated to the Ace Hardware Store on Eastern Shore Drive. The suspect left the flowers at that location, then entered the store and assaulted an employee. The suspect was told to leave the Ace Hardware store and again became disorderly while leaving the store. The Ace employee was not injured, and the property of Superfresh was recovered and returned to the store.
ARRESTED: Robert Edward Lovely, Jr., 52 years of age Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES:
Second degree assault
Theft (under $ 100)
DISPOSITIONS: Released to Central Booking CC # 201100018876
On May 17, 2011 at approximately 11:40 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the Boscov’s Department Store at the Centre at Salisbury 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 property from the store without making payment. When confronted, the suspect fled from the store and left the area in a vehicle. Salisbury officers located the suspect operating the vehicle and positively identified the suspect. The property was recovered and returned to the store.
ARRESTED: William Phillip Bullion, 34 years of age Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Theft (under $ 1,000)
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 201100018884
On May 17, 2011 at approximately 6:35 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department arrested the below listed suspect on an outstanding arrest warrant charging the suspect with theft from a local hotel. On August 2, 2009, Officers responded to a local hotel and met with hotel management in reference to the theft of a computer from their business center. The investigation of the theft revealed that the below listed suspect, and an accomplice, who were both guests of the hotel took the computer from the business center. The accomplice has already been charged with the theft.
ARRESTED: Brandon Earl Waltemeyer, 20 years of age Lincoln, Delaware
CHARGES:
Theft (under $ 500)
Conspiracy to commit theft (under $ 500)
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 200900027131
On May 17, 2011 at approximately 6:38 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police met with the victim of a domestic type assault. The victim advised the officers that she had responded to a residence on the five hundred (500) block of Delaware Avenue as the result of a text message received on her cellular telephone. The victim believed that the message was from a friend that was asking her to respond to the residence. Upon arrival, the victim was confronted by below listed suspect # 1 for a domestic type argument. During the argument, suspect # 1 produced a kitchen knife and lunged at the victim, causing a cut to the victim’s forehead area. The victim attempted to leave the residence but was restrained from doing so by both suspect # 1, and below listed suspect # 2, who was assisting the first suspect. Suspect # 1 continued the assault of the victim by striking the victim with her hands. The victim was finally able to escape the residence and responded to the Police Department to report the assault. Officers responded to the residence and arrested both suspects without incident. The victim was treated and released for her injuries.
SUSPECT #1: Melvina Mona Chambliss, 24 years of age Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES:
First degree assault
Second degree assault
Reckless endangerment
Possession of a deadly weapon – intent to injure
False Imprisonment
SUSPECT #2: Cristin Elise Corbin, 19 years of age Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES:
Conspiracy to commit first degree assault
Conspiracy to commit second degree assault
False Imprisonment
DISPOSITION: Both released to Central Booking CC # 201100018927
On May 17, 2011 at approximately 10:27 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the parking lot of the Centre at Salisbury for the report of a malicious destruction to a motor vehicle. Upon arrival the officers met with centre security who advised that they had observed the two (2) below listed suspects exit a motor vehicle and began to beat on and damage another motor vehicle. The Salisbury Officers approached the suspects, who had relocated but were still in the parking lot, and below listed suspect # 1 attempted to flee from the area on foot. The officers were able to apprehend the suspect after a brief foot chase. When apprehended, suspect # 1 fought with the officers and resisted arrest. Suspect # 2 remained in the area and was arrested without incident. The suspect vehicle, operated by suspect # 1, was searched incident to arrest and revealed a bag containing suspected marijuana.
ARRESTED #1: Cody Nathaniel Broomall, 18 years of age Millsboro, Delaware
CHARGES:
Malicious destruction of property
Resisting arrest (2 counts)
Possession of marijuana
Possession of CDS/Paraphernalia
ARRESTED #2: Jeremy Robert Miller, 18 years of age Laurel, Delaware
CHARGES: Malicious destruction of property
DISPOSITION: Both released to Central Booking CC # 201100018953
FIRST LADY JUDGE KATIE O’MALLEY TO VISIT STUDENTS AT GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Will meet with students who have created a PSA on bullying awareness and prevention
ANNAPOLIS, MD (May 18, 2011) – TODAY, First Lady Judge Katie O’Malley will meet with students from George Washington Carver Center for the Arts and Technology to view a PSA created to promote anti-bullying efforts. This event previews the First Lady’s Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week ahead, May 23-27. This year, the Governor and Lt. Governor will join the First Lady by participating in events across Maryland.
As a mother of four, Judge O’Malley is committed to addressing bullying in Maryland. Though Maryland is the seventh state to enact an anti-bullying law that protects all students, there are still many instances of bullying throughout communities and schools. During the 2009-2010 school year in Maryland, a total of 3,318 incidents of bullying were reported, an increase of 2,132 over the previous year. Last year, the First Lady teamed up with the Maryland State Department of Education to declare Bullying Prevention and Awareness Week in May to encourage schools across the state to engage students in events to stress non-tolerance towards bullying. The First Lady also recorded a video for the It Gets Better campaign to give hope to LGBT youth and other young people facing bullying and harassment.
Bay Bridge Toll Expected To Double
QUEEN ANNE’S COUNTY, Md. (WJZ)—Anger is growing about plans to drastically raise tolls at the Bay Bridge and other locations across the state. Some lawmakers say it will hurt families and businesses.
Mike Schuh has more on the opposition.
Folks over the Bay Bridge don’t call the toll a toll; they call it a tax. And they say implementation of it could have severe impacts.
While waiting in line to get some of the best fried chicken in Maryland, Kim Wingo has time to reflect on what is being asked of her. The state wants to double the Bay Bridge toll to $5 and then to $8.
“If they’d work better on their budget and maybe cut back their spending, I think it would be a lot easier for people to make it,” said Wingo, an Eastern Shore resident.
Restaurant owners don’t know what is going to happen to their budget if people don’t travel over the bridge to come and eat.
Karen Oertedl owns Harris Crab House.
“I’d say a third of the market comes from the western shore,” Oertedl said.
Researchers Find Security Hole in Android OS
Researchers in Germany recently discovered a small problem with Google's Android smartphone operating system, one that affects around 97% of Android users and could make their personal info available to evil bastards.
According to CNN:
Android devices running versions 2.3.3 and below could be susceptible to attack when they are connected to unencrypted Wi-Fi networks. Anyone else on that network could gain access to, modify or delete Android users' calendars, photos and contacts.
Specifically, the problem is that Android's Calendar, Contacts and Picasa apps use the less secure HTTP instead of HTTPS. This means that someone using software to capture data over an unsecured WiFi network can potentially grab this information.
"It is quite easy," wrote the researchers. "The implications of this vulnerability reach from disclosure to loss of personal information."
East Main Street Neighborhood Association Meeting
DATE: May 19, 2011
TIME: 6:30 PM
PLACE: Epilepsy Association, 688 East Main Street
The East Main Street Neighborhood Association will be holding it’s bi-monthly meeting on Thursday 19 May 2011 at the Epilepsy Association office located at 688 East Main Street. All neighbors are invited and we look forward to seeing you in attendance.
Please email us at LWD7734@comast.net with any items you would like added to the agenda. If you have any questions please call 410-430-8900.
Report On Catholic Church Sex Abuses Sparks Outrage
BALTIMORE (WJZ) — An attempt to explain the Catholic church sex abuse scandal is sparking new outrage. Kelly McPherson explains the findings of a new report and why victims are outraged.
A five-year study of the causes of sexual abuse within the Catholic church is disappointing abuse victims and their supporters. The report says that homosexuality, celibacy and an all-male priesthood are not the reasons for the scandalous sex abuse. Instead, the report blames the sexual revolution.
“The increase in frequency of abuse in the 60s and 70s is consistent with increased deviance in society during that time,” said principal investigator Dr. Karen Terry.
“I feel like they’re minimizing my own abuse and I fell like they’re minimizing by saying, well, it was what was going on in the 60s and 70s,” said victim Becky Ianni.
The Baltimore archdiocese says the church is filtering out potential abusers better than they did decades ago.
“I think people can look at the church’s performance in the last 20 years and say that it’s a much safer institution,” said Sean Caine. “The one thing it does tell us is that the policies we have in place are working.”
“That’s bah humbug,” said Frank Drible.
Victim support groups in Maryland say the information used in the report can’t be trusted since it was provided by the church itself and the report was funded by US bishops.
“To say that it wasn’t pedophilia or not homosexual—it was a sin. It’s a sin to abuse a child,” Drible said.
“What we need is honesty and truth and we have not gotten it.”
More
A five-year study of the causes of sexual abuse within the Catholic church is disappointing abuse victims and their supporters. The report says that homosexuality, celibacy and an all-male priesthood are not the reasons for the scandalous sex abuse. Instead, the report blames the sexual revolution.
“The increase in frequency of abuse in the 60s and 70s is consistent with increased deviance in society during that time,” said principal investigator Dr. Karen Terry.
“I feel like they’re minimizing my own abuse and I fell like they’re minimizing by saying, well, it was what was going on in the 60s and 70s,” said victim Becky Ianni.
The Baltimore archdiocese says the church is filtering out potential abusers better than they did decades ago.
“I think people can look at the church’s performance in the last 20 years and say that it’s a much safer institution,” said Sean Caine. “The one thing it does tell us is that the policies we have in place are working.”
“That’s bah humbug,” said Frank Drible.
Victim support groups in Maryland say the information used in the report can’t be trusted since it was provided by the church itself and the report was funded by US bishops.
“To say that it wasn’t pedophilia or not homosexual—it was a sin. It’s a sin to abuse a child,” Drible said.
“What we need is honesty and truth and we have not gotten it.”
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O'Malley Plans To Elevate Status Of Trash-Burning As Source Of Energy
In a move that disappointed environmentalists who usually support him, Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley announced Tuesday that he plans to sign legislation that will put incineration of garbage on par with solar and wind power as a source of renewable energy.
Governor Pledges To Fight For Transgender Protections
Gov. Martin O'Malley said Tuesday that he would work with state lawmakers to "provide even greater protections" for transgender people in the wake of the beating last month of a woman at a McDonald's restaurant in Rosedale. Lawmakers who fought unsuccessfully this year for legislation to prohibit employment and housing discrimination against transgender people welcomed the support of the Democratic governor.
DE Will Separate Office Run by Sen. Anthony DeLuca
DOVER -- A Department of Labor office run by Senate President Pro Tem Anthony DeLuca will be officially separated from the finances of another office to clear a backlog of workplace discrimination complaints, alleviating a potential legal conflict for DeLuca.
The Joint Finance Committee on Tuesday approved splitting the Office of Anti-Discrimination from DeLuca's Office of Labor Law Enforcement under the state's operating budget.
During DeLuca's six years as an administrator at the Department of Labor, his office's funding has been commingled with a federal contract for discrimination investigations. A News Journal story in March revealed records showing DeLuca initially supervised discrimination investigators, even though a federal law prohibits elected state officials like himself from overseeing federal contracts.
High Gas Prices Aren't Giving The Blues To Motown Car Makers
When gas hit $4 a gallon in 2008, Detroit's Big Three auto makers took it on the chin as American demand for big, fuel-thirsty SUVs and trucks suddenly disappeared. But even with gas prices again hovering north of $4, American car companies are whistling a much happier tune—all the way to the bank.
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Comcast Parent Involvement Matters Awards
Friday, May 20
Comcast Parent Involvement Matters Awards
Glen Burnie, MDBen Brumbley, Wicomico County’s semifinalist for the Comcast Parent Involvement Matters Award, will be one of 24 semifinalists honored at the awards banquet Friday, May 20 in Glen Burnie, Md. A collaboration between Comcast and the Maryland State Department of Education, the Comcast Parent Involvement Matters Awards is the nation’s first statewide initiative of its kind – recognizing parents and legal guardians for their exceptional support of public education. Parents are nominated for demonstrating significant, positive impact in their education communities. The Comcast Parent Involvement Matters Awards Program recognizes parents from local school systems across the State of Maryland, nominated for their contributions in one or more of the five areas of parental involvement: Communication, Volunteering, Learning, Decision Making, and Community Collaboration. Brumbley is president of the Wicomico County Council of PTAs and a member of the Parkside High School PTA. The 2011 Comcast Parent Involvement Matters Awards will be presented during an evening celebration at North County High School in Glen Burnie. Five finalists and a statewide winner will be announced.
Comcast Parent Involvement Matters Awards
Glen Burnie, MDBen Brumbley, Wicomico County’s semifinalist for the Comcast Parent Involvement Matters Award, will be one of 24 semifinalists honored at the awards banquet Friday, May 20 in Glen Burnie, Md. A collaboration between Comcast and the Maryland State Department of Education, the Comcast Parent Involvement Matters Awards is the nation’s first statewide initiative of its kind – recognizing parents and legal guardians for their exceptional support of public education. Parents are nominated for demonstrating significant, positive impact in their education communities. The Comcast Parent Involvement Matters Awards Program recognizes parents from local school systems across the State of Maryland, nominated for their contributions in one or more of the five areas of parental involvement: Communication, Volunteering, Learning, Decision Making, and Community Collaboration. Brumbley is president of the Wicomico County Council of PTAs and a member of the Parkside High School PTA. The 2011 Comcast Parent Involvement Matters Awards will be presented during an evening celebration at North County High School in Glen Burnie. Five finalists and a statewide winner will be announced.
O’Malley Axes Two Baltimore County School Board Members
This is another great argument for an elected school board. The next time someone argues that keeping an appointed board takes the “politics” out of our children’s educations, REMEMBER this incident.
May 19, 2011 - Wicomico Planning Commission
The Salisbury – Wicomico County Planning and Zoning Commision will hold their regular monthly meeting this afternoon at 1:30 PM. The meeting will be held in the council chambers.
The only item on the agenda for this meeting is discussion of the draft county comprehensive plan. If you are concerned about minor issues like property rights then you are encouraged to attend. Just as you should be concerned with how the county spends your tax dollars; you should be concerned with whether or not the most basic of liberties is protected (or not).
Skimmers Found INSIDE Gas Pumps
If you're the type of person who already reflexively jiggles every card slot and looks for pinhole cameras whenever you go to swipe your card, despair. There is no 100% foolproof way to protect yourself, as proven by a pair of banditos who stole 3,600 card numbers after installing a credit card skimmer inside several gas pumps, reports the Mountain View Voice.
There was no way for a customer to detect the devices from the outside. The crooks had keys which opened up the pumps and installed the skimmers to the circuit board.
The only thing you can really do is keep an eye on your balances and make sure to quickly report any suspicious activity you see on your account.
from The Consumerist
DREAM Act Costs on the Rise
Potentially hundreds of undocumented students not originally considered in government tax estimates are planning to attend college this fall, according to student enrollment predictions by CASA de Maryland, an immigrant rights advocacy group with offices in Silver Spring.
Legislation permitting undocumented high school graduates to receive in-state tuition rates—also known as the Maryland Dream Act—was signed into law by Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) earlier this month.
The law will become effective July 1, but efforts to repeal it by referendum are already underway.
“Based on our organizing in high schools in several counties, we believe that both Montgomery and Prince George’s County will produce several hundred high school grads taking advantage [of the tuition discount] and anywhere from 50 to 100 in other regions of the state,” CASA de Maryland spokeswoman Susanna Flores wrote in a recent email to Patch.
Super Fresh Closings Could Mean 1,500 Layoffs
Nearly 1,500 workers are in danger of losing their jobs under a reorganization plan by the Superfresh supermarket chain that would sell almost all its stores in Maryland, most of which are in the Baltimore area.
The workers will lose their jobs unless other supermarket chains buy the Superfresh locations and retain their employees.
State regulators said Monday that the company filed notice about the layoffs and said that store closings could begin as soon as July 6.
Superfresh has 24 stores in the state, and all but two locations — both in Ocean City — are for sale. The bulk of the workforce is in the Baltimore area, where 1,100 people at 16 stores face pink slips as part of the grocer's plan to emerge from bankruptcy protection.
A spokesman for the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co. of Montvale, N.J., which owns Superfresh, said the company would close any stores that are not sold, ending the chain's existence in the Baltimore area.
DE House Republicans Propose Re-Districting
DOVER -- In the political horse race to reshape Delaware's electoral map, House Republicans were the out of the gate first Tuesday, unveiling proposed maps that would diminish northern New Castle County's voting power in the General Assembly.
The minority party's redistricting plan would move Rep. Helene Keeley's city of Wilmington district to rural western Kent County and Rep. Greg Lavelle's Brandywine Hundred district to eastern Sussex County.
Lavelle, R-Sharpley, said the plan reflects Wilmington's population decline over the past decade and the northern suburban population was stagnant, while Kent and Sussex counties saw an explosion ofreal estate development and population growth.
Visualize County Pensions with Interactive Map
While most of the focus on pension reform for public employees has been on the state as a whole, counties are also finding themselves with growing unfunded liabilities, according to a new interactive chart launched on Tuesday by the Maryland Public Policy Institute.
The pension map plots out the amount that each county and Baltimore City spent on pensions – both in benefits paid out and in the employer contribution – in the last fiscal year.
The interactive pension map released by the Maryland Public Policy Institute.
The results are not surprising. The larger jurisdictions – led by Baltimore City – are paying more in pensions, and have larger unfunded liabilities. However, some of the smaller jurisdictions have a larger percentage of unfunded liability than some of the larger ones.
Small Business Credit Cards Come with Risks
In spite of the "small business" name, there is nothing about most so-called small business credit cards that requires the cardholder to actually own or operate a business. In fact, over a five year period ending last December, credit card companies sent out more than 2.6 billion business card offers to regular Janes and Joes in the U.S. But while these cards are available to the everyday consumer, they do not come with all the protections associated with non-business credit cards.
Business cards have long been exempt from Truth in Lending Act protections because legislators felt that businesses were able to decide for themselves the best way to handle their credit card selection. But these cards are no longer being targeted to just big businesses with employee expense accounts.
The Pew Trusts recently released a study comparing business cards versus personal credit cards. A chart of the discrepancies between the two types of cards is below, but here are some of the bigger ones:
Haley Signs Voter ID Bill
South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley signed a bill Wednesday which will require SC voters to show a photo ID prior to voting. Currently, SC voters must only show a voter registration card; which has no photo.
“If you can show a picture to buy Sudafed, if you can show a picture to get on an airplane, you should be able to show a picture ID to (vote),” Haley said during the signing ceremony, surrounded by supporters and lawmakers who pushed the bill. Because SC is a Voting Rights Act state, the new law must be approved by the Obama Justice Department.
Canadian Border A Bigger Threat?
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency has apprehended more suspected terrorists on the nation’s northern border than along its southern counterpart, CBP Commissioner Alan Bersin said Tuesday.
“In terms of the terrorist threat, it’s commonly accepted that the more significant threat” comes from the U.S.-Canada border, Bersin told a hearing of the Senate Judiciary subcommittee on Immigration, Refugees, and Border Security.
Bersin attributed the situation, in part, to the fact that the U.S. and Canada do not share information about people placed on their respective “no-fly” lists. As a result, individuals deemed a threat who fly into one country may then cross the land border into the other.
NY School Superintendent Earns Over $500,000 per Year
Bloomberg reports that a Long Island school superintendent is earning a $225,000 annual salary in addition to a pension of over $300,000. A study by the Empire Center for New York State Policy revealed the following:
The average pension for educators retiring in 2010 was $52,270, compared with $38,924 for all retirees, the report said. It also found that 1,167 took in benefits with annualized values of between $100,000 and $150,000. Two people’s benefits were valued between $250,000 and $300,000.
The Manhattan Institute, Empire Center’s parent, has been arguing that the state’s defined benefit plans should be replaced with 401-K type defined contribution plans similar to those in the private sector.
Romney Gets Bump as Trump, Huckabee Exit Race
So who benefits from the recent departures of Mike Huckabee and Donald Trump? Mitt Romney, by a fair margin, according to one just-released poll.
Just as telling, though, is that four out of 10 Republicans said they were still dissatisfied with the GOP field. And none of the current crop of candidates, according to a Suffolk University poll of likely voters, could beat President Barack Obama if the election were held now.
The poll, one of the first to be released since Messrs. Huckabee and Trump said they wouldn’t run, found that a plurality of their supporters—29%–said they would now back Mr. Romney, the former Massachusetts governor. The pollsters called back those who had supported the other two in the first round of calls.
No. 1 Tool for Divorce Lawyers? FACEBOOK
The days of finding lipstick on a shirt collar are over. All you need now is to look on a cheating spouse's Facebook wall, as one man in a 20-year long marriage learned.
KOMO has the sad story of a man whose wife reconnected with an old flame on Facebook. At first it was innocent. But then things escalated and he found her addicted to checking Facebook, behaving secretively about her online activity, and snapping her laptop closed when he asked her what she was doing. When he got access to her cellphone, he found a stream of steamy cellphone messages from her old college bonk-buddy.
One divorce attorney says that the first place she goes to when starting a case is all the various social networking sites, Facebook being the primary one.