A Baltimore City Councilwoman who is suing a local blogger for reporting that she “does not reside” in the city signed a document last year certifying that her primary residence was in Baltimore County.
Councilwoman Belinda Conaway, who lists her father’s Northwest Baltimore home on city documents as her official residence, signed a mortgage agreement last year indicating that the house she bought in Randallstown in 1997 was her primary residence.
Conaway joined the City Council in 2004.
Contacted for a response on Monday, Conaway said: “You know I can't talk about that” and referred questions to her lawyer.
Attorney Thomas J. Maronick Jr. said the councilwoman and her husband signed the document “inadvertently.”
“They shouldn’t have signed it,” Maronick said. He said the couple “didn’t look very carefully” at the papers and called the signing an “oversight.”
“It’s not unusual for people at a real estate settlement to sign documents without reading them carefully,” Maronick said. “There was no attempt whatsoever to defraud anyone.”
Conaway filed a $21 million lawsuit against blogger Adam Meister and the Examiner news organization last month after Meister posted copies of Conaway’s property records online and wrote that she “should immediately resign from Baltimore's City Council since she does not reside in Baltimore.”
In her lawsuit, Conaway claims the posts were libelous, defamatory and intentionally inflicted emotional distress because she “does in fact live in Baltimore City.”
Meister said Monday that a major law firm had agreed to defend him pro bono. He declined publicly to name the firm publicly.
He said he planned to file a motion to dismiss “because the suit inhibits free speech.” He declined to comment further, on the advice of his lawyer.
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DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Monday, June 20, 2011
BREAKING NEWS … NOT
I usually leave this kind of thing to Albero, but c’mon!
A few minutes ago I received a “Breaking News” email form the Daily Times:
POCOMOKE CITY — An area of 50-70 acres of harvested wheat and barley land was burned in a fire June 14.
Breaking news? From 6 days ago? This wouldn’t have been breaking news back in the days of the Pony Express!
Contrary to what you may think, I actually like my daily newspapers. I many not agree with them; but I do enjoy them. They are important to our community, as a city, county, state, and nation. However, to maintain their economic viability they need do a better job. The Daily Times can start by looking at their sister publication in Wilmington. It’s an excellent paper, despite an editorial board that makes the DT’s look like a bunch of Reaganites.
Young Rider Dies After Horse Collides With Car
An 11-year-old girl died Sunday night after the horse she was riding ran in to a road in Stafford County, Va., The Free Lance-Star reported.
Virginia State Police Sgt. Les Tyler said the horse “got spooked” while running in a field parallel to Mount Olive Road. The horse ran into the road and was hit head-on by a car.
The horse died at the scene and its rider, Yasmine Deleon, was taken to an area hospital, where she died.
New Farms For New Americans In Vermont
Clothilde Ntahomvukiye, 63 and Michele Mpambazi, 64 are married and farm together in the New Farms for New Americans project. They were both born in Bujumburi, Burundi. They have been farmers since they were children.
The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Vermont is going above and beyond to reach socially disadvantaged farmers in the Green Mountain state. FSA’s Vermont State Executive Director, Robert Paquin, cites the outstanding work of two Vermont-based FSA employees in particular—brothers Brad and Larry Parker—as key to Vermont FSA’s success in reaching new immigrants from Africa and Asia and helping them adjust to farming in northern New England.
It all began when Paquin set up a meeting with the community-based organization, The Association of Africans Living in Vermont (AALV), to explore ways that Vermont FSA could support its work. Together, the Parker brothers and AALV were instrumental in providing technical expertise to Asian and African immigrants who were eager to return to their agrarian background, but unfamiliar with the challenges of farming in Vermont, let alone in a whole new country and culture.
The Parkers consulted directly with the new Vermonters, providing training and technical assistance in production techniques, agribusiness and the process of attaining farm credit. Their efforts were instrumental in reducing cultural and institutional barriers associated with language differences, financial resource limitations and lack of knowledge of credit programs and markets on the part of this newly emerging farming population.
Over time, the Parker brothers took on the role of teachers and supporters for the group, and the State Office directed its modest outreach funding to the “New Farms for New Americans Project” hosted by AALV. In addition to conducting training sessions, often through interpreters, the Parker brothers linked the new farmers to affordable farm land, farm markets and restaurant sales opportunities once the vegetable harvest began. In full partnership with AALV staff, the Parkers provided the new farmers with technical assistance in developing farm business plans and successfully applying for micro-loans through FSA.
The Parkers overcame social, cultural and language barriers to achieve positive results, as the new farmers paid off their FSA loans at the end of the growing season and earned a significant profit. They are currently planning for a new season this spring, and the restaurants and farm market consumers who purchased their products last year are looking forward to the upcoming season and increased business.
At the conclusion of the growing season, these new Vermont farmers looked back on a very successful year and invited Paquin and the Parker brothers to attend their harvest celebration. To illustrate the benefit of the innovative work done for the immigrant farmers and AALV, a representative of the group said to the Parkers and the Vermont FSA Office, “Thank you for allowing us to regain our dignity.”
For more information about Farm Service Agency programs click here.
Source
Salisbury Police Department Press Releases
On June 17, 2011 at approximately 11:44 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to a residence on the three hundred (300) block of Martin Street for the report of a home invasion robbery. Upon arrival the officers met with several victims who advised that they had been seated on their front porch when they were approached by three (3) unknown suspects. One victim was assaulted on the porch and had his wallet containing U.S. currency taken. The victims were then able to flee inside the residence and secure the door. Immediately thereafter, below listed suspects # 1 and # 2 broke through the door and suspect # 1 made entry into the residence. Suspect #1 produced a handgun and took a second wallet containing U.S. currency from another victim and assaulted a female victim. The suspects then fled from the area on foot. Neither of the two (2) assault victims required medical attention. Salisbury detectives responded and were able to identify the suspects for the purpose of obtaining arrest warrants. On June 18, 2011 all three (3) suspects were located and taken into custody. The Salisbury Police were assisted in this investigation by the Wicomico Co. Sheriff’s Department, the Wicomico County Gang Task Force and the Maryland State Apprehension Team.
ARRESTED #1: Vincent Edward Reddick, 22 years of age Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES:
Armed Robbery
Robbery (2 counts)
First degree burglary
Third degree burglary
First degree assault (2 counts)
Second degree assault (3 counts)
Use of a handgun in a felony-violent crime
Theft (2 counts)
Fourth degree burglary
Conspiracy to commit robbery
ARRESTED #2: Kyle Alexander Carey, 20 years of age Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES:
Robbery
Second degree assault
Conspiracy to commit robbery
Theft
Conspiracy to commit first degree burglary
ARRESTED #3: Jordan Devaughnta Jobe, 18 years of age Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES:
Robbery
Second degree assault
Conspiracy to commit robbery
Theft
Conspiracy to commit first degree burglary
DISPOSITION: All released to Central Booking CC # 201100023691
On June 17, 2011 at approximately 1:22 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to a residence on the nine hundred (900) block of East Church Street for the report of a domestic assault. Upon arrival the officers met with a female victim who advised that she had been involved in a domestic argument with the below listed suspect. During the argument, the suspect produced a handgun and used it to strike the victim in the facial area. The victim did not require medical attention. The suspect fled from the residence prior to the arrival of the officers but was later located and arrested pursuant to an arrest warrant received by Salisbury Detectives.
ARRESTED: Traemaine Donte Giddens, 34 years of age Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES:
Second degree assault
Reckless endangerment
Unlawful possession of a firearm
Possession of a firearm with felony conviction
Handgun on person
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 201100023517
On June 17, 2011 at approximately 3:30 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police were on routine patrol in the area of East Isabella Street and Davis Street and stopped a vehicle operated by the below listed suspect for traffic violations. A routine record check revealed that the suspect was wanted on an outstanding Department of Corrections parole retake warrant. The suspect was arrested and a search of the vehicle, incident to arrest, revealed a quantity of suspected marijuana on the vehicle floor.
ARRESTED: Emmanuel (nmn) Jones, 31 years of age Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES:
Maryland Department of Corrections-
Parole Retake Warrant
Possession of marijuana
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 201100023625/201100023628
On June 17, 2011 at approximately 10:48 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to a residence on the four hundred (400) block of Pennsylvania Avenue for the report of a domestic type argument. Upon arrival the officers met with an adult female victim who advised that she had been involved in a verbal argument with the below listed suspect. During the argument, the suspect struck the victim in the facial area causing minor injuries. During the investigation of the incident it was found that the suspect had also broken furniture inside the residence. The suspect was taken into custody and when placed inside of a patrol vehicle for transport, kicked and damaged the patrol vehicle. The victim did not require medical attention.
ARRESTED: Larry Edward Church, 32 years of age Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES:
Second degree assault
Malicious destruction of property (2 counts)
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 201100023681
ARRESTED #1: Vincent Edward Reddick, 22 years of age Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES:
Armed Robbery
Robbery (2 counts)
First degree burglary
Third degree burglary
First degree assault (2 counts)
Second degree assault (3 counts)
Use of a handgun in a felony-violent crime
Theft (2 counts)
Fourth degree burglary
Conspiracy to commit robbery
ARRESTED #2: Kyle Alexander Carey, 20 years of age Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES:
Robbery
Second degree assault
Conspiracy to commit robbery
Theft
Conspiracy to commit first degree burglary
ARRESTED #3: Jordan Devaughnta Jobe, 18 years of age Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES:
Robbery
Second degree assault
Conspiracy to commit robbery
Theft
Conspiracy to commit first degree burglary
DISPOSITION: All released to Central Booking CC # 201100023691
On June 17, 2011 at approximately 1:22 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to a residence on the nine hundred (900) block of East Church Street for the report of a domestic assault. Upon arrival the officers met with a female victim who advised that she had been involved in a domestic argument with the below listed suspect. During the argument, the suspect produced a handgun and used it to strike the victim in the facial area. The victim did not require medical attention. The suspect fled from the residence prior to the arrival of the officers but was later located and arrested pursuant to an arrest warrant received by Salisbury Detectives.
ARRESTED: Traemaine Donte Giddens, 34 years of age Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES:
Second degree assault
Reckless endangerment
Unlawful possession of a firearm
Possession of a firearm with felony conviction
Handgun on person
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 201100023517
On June 17, 2011 at approximately 3:30 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police were on routine patrol in the area of East Isabella Street and Davis Street and stopped a vehicle operated by the below listed suspect for traffic violations. A routine record check revealed that the suspect was wanted on an outstanding Department of Corrections parole retake warrant. The suspect was arrested and a search of the vehicle, incident to arrest, revealed a quantity of suspected marijuana on the vehicle floor.
ARRESTED: Emmanuel (nmn) Jones, 31 years of age Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES:
Maryland Department of Corrections-
Parole Retake Warrant
Possession of marijuana
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 201100023625/201100023628
On June 17, 2011 at approximately 10:48 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to a residence on the four hundred (400) block of Pennsylvania Avenue for the report of a domestic type argument. Upon arrival the officers met with an adult female victim who advised that she had been involved in a verbal argument with the below listed suspect. During the argument, the suspect struck the victim in the facial area causing minor injuries. During the investigation of the incident it was found that the suspect had also broken furniture inside the residence. The suspect was taken into custody and when placed inside of a patrol vehicle for transport, kicked and damaged the patrol vehicle. The victim did not require medical attention.
ARRESTED: Larry Edward Church, 32 years of age Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES:
Second degree assault
Malicious destruction of property (2 counts)
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 201100023681
National Testing Day
HIV/AIDS Testing FREE!!!!!!!!
**Gift Cards for first 50 who complete testing**
Food, Giveaways, Literature
Friday, June 24, 2011
10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
John Wesley Community Center
211 West Division Street
Dover, DE
Confidential Testing provided by professionals from Kent Sussex Counseling Services. Funding sources provided by The Division of Public Health – State of Delaware For more information contact 302-943-4473 or 734-5517
Commission on Accreditation For Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) Presentation Ceremony
In 1987, the Salisbury Police Department achieved the distinction of being the 45th Nationally Accredited Police Agency in the United States. In March 2011, as the result of their "On-Site Assessment", the Command Staff of the Salisbury Police Department appeared before the CALEA Commissioners. At that time, we were presented with a Certificate of Advanced Meritorious Accreditation. This certificate reflects that the Department has exemplified the best professional practices in the conduct of its responsibilities for over 15 years. This Department was also recognized as a Flagship Agency and thereby acted at the convention as a resource for the newly accredited agencies and those seeking National Accreditation.
This Certificate will be presented to the Salisbury Police Department by Maryland Senator James Robey, who also serves as a CALEA Commissioner.
This Certificate will be presented to the Salisbury Police Department by Maryland Senator James Robey, who also serves as a CALEA Commissioner.
PUBLIC NOTICE
SPECIAL MEETING
In accordance with §SC2-4 of the Salisbury City Charter, a majority of the City Council have called for a Special Meeting to be held on Tuesday, June 21, 2011 for consideration of Resolution No. 2066 – accepting funds awarded through a grant from the Maryland Affordable Housing Trust. The special meeting is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. in Conference Room 306 of the City/County Government Office Building (125 N. Division Street).
Spray Tanning's Golden Moment
Will orange-ish politicians, celebrities, and aspiring princesses turn the faux tanning industry into a billion-dollar business?
When Jimmy Coco shows up for work, "somebody's getting naked," he says, "and it's not going to be me." That's because Coco is a pioneer of the spray tanning movement. In 2003 he created the world's first mobile spray tanning kit, known as The Bomb, which has helped him amass clients such as Heidi Klum, Victoria Beckham, and Katy Perry. For up to $350, Coco visits his customers' homes and gives them a full-body service in their shower or his tanning tent. His main skill, he says, is the ability "to connect with somebody who's about to take off their clothes."
As the world's first celebrity spray tanner, Coco is living in the golden age of bronzing. It's an industry that has come a long way since burnt-orange legend George Hamilton patented the George Hamilton Sun Care System in 1989. In the intervening years, faux tanning has transcended class boundaries and developed into its own flourishing business. Jersey Shore's Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi recently leveraged her ochre tint into a deal as the face of Sunlove self-tanning accessories. This spring, Kate Middleton's fake tan at the royal wedding prompted the sale of tanning products at U.K. department store Debenhams to spike by 219 percent. Kelly Osbourne, who straddles the line between British royalty and déclassé reality star, admits spray tanning is a "confidence booster" that's helped her "look and feel beautiful from the outside in." She's now the "self-esteem ambassador" for self-tanning line St. Tropez. Meanwhile, respectable politicians (John Boehner), regular politicians (Silvio Berlusconi), and celebrity politicians (Arnold Schwarzenegger) are proudly sporting suspiciously orange glows. Market research firm Mintel International values the sun protection and sunless tanning market at $701 million, nearly double its 2005 size.
It's a remarkable transformation for an industry that was once a joke. When it was introduced in 1998, Mystic Tan, which is widely credited as the first mainstream spray tan, often resulted in a bathed-in-Cheetos look. Yet in recent years, spray tan manufacturers perfected their recipes, decreasing the amount of dihydroxyacetone—the ingredient that darkens the skin—from 25 percent to just under 10 percent. Now the "artists with a spray gun," as Coco describes his peers, have gone from maligned outsiders to wealthy specialists. "This year," says Coco, "I'm getting more requests from new clients than I can handle." Rick Norvell, the president of Norvell Skin Solutions, a salon and sunless tanning product manufacturer in Alexandria, Va., has experienced a similar boom. "My sales have grown by 50 percent this year," he says. "I make about 6,000 gallons of spray tan solutions every week."
Yet much like rehab centers and fad diets, the spray tanning economy revolves around its famous ambassadors. "Spray tanning is celebrity-driven and everybody knows it," says Lorit Simon, the president of Tanning Vegas. She giddily recounts how her new product, a self-tanning "mist" called Sevin Nyne—which somehow contains ingredients such as goji berry and chardonnay and costs $35 for a five-ounce bottle—was featured on MTV's The Real World. Not long ago, Simon says, spray tans were being purchased mostly by "old people, like in their 30s." These days, however, our sordid cultural obsession with the likes of Snooki and the Middleton sisters has helped the movement transcend all age categories. "We've tanned as young as five to seven years old," Simon says. She also recently bronzed an 87-year-old woman who was preparing for a cruise and wanted to "rock her tan in a bathing suit."
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When Jimmy Coco shows up for work, "somebody's getting naked," he says, "and it's not going to be me." That's because Coco is a pioneer of the spray tanning movement. In 2003 he created the world's first mobile spray tanning kit, known as The Bomb, which has helped him amass clients such as Heidi Klum, Victoria Beckham, and Katy Perry. For up to $350, Coco visits his customers' homes and gives them a full-body service in their shower or his tanning tent. His main skill, he says, is the ability "to connect with somebody who's about to take off their clothes."
As the world's first celebrity spray tanner, Coco is living in the golden age of bronzing. It's an industry that has come a long way since burnt-orange legend George Hamilton patented the George Hamilton Sun Care System in 1989. In the intervening years, faux tanning has transcended class boundaries and developed into its own flourishing business. Jersey Shore's Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi recently leveraged her ochre tint into a deal as the face of Sunlove self-tanning accessories. This spring, Kate Middleton's fake tan at the royal wedding prompted the sale of tanning products at U.K. department store Debenhams to spike by 219 percent. Kelly Osbourne, who straddles the line between British royalty and déclassé reality star, admits spray tanning is a "confidence booster" that's helped her "look and feel beautiful from the outside in." She's now the "self-esteem ambassador" for self-tanning line St. Tropez. Meanwhile, respectable politicians (John Boehner), regular politicians (Silvio Berlusconi), and celebrity politicians (Arnold Schwarzenegger) are proudly sporting suspiciously orange glows. Market research firm Mintel International values the sun protection and sunless tanning market at $701 million, nearly double its 2005 size.
It's a remarkable transformation for an industry that was once a joke. When it was introduced in 1998, Mystic Tan, which is widely credited as the first mainstream spray tan, often resulted in a bathed-in-Cheetos look. Yet in recent years, spray tan manufacturers perfected their recipes, decreasing the amount of dihydroxyacetone—the ingredient that darkens the skin—from 25 percent to just under 10 percent. Now the "artists with a spray gun," as Coco describes his peers, have gone from maligned outsiders to wealthy specialists. "This year," says Coco, "I'm getting more requests from new clients than I can handle." Rick Norvell, the president of Norvell Skin Solutions, a salon and sunless tanning product manufacturer in Alexandria, Va., has experienced a similar boom. "My sales have grown by 50 percent this year," he says. "I make about 6,000 gallons of spray tan solutions every week."
Yet much like rehab centers and fad diets, the spray tanning economy revolves around its famous ambassadors. "Spray tanning is celebrity-driven and everybody knows it," says Lorit Simon, the president of Tanning Vegas. She giddily recounts how her new product, a self-tanning "mist" called Sevin Nyne—which somehow contains ingredients such as goji berry and chardonnay and costs $35 for a five-ounce bottle—was featured on MTV's The Real World. Not long ago, Simon says, spray tans were being purchased mostly by "old people, like in their 30s." These days, however, our sordid cultural obsession with the likes of Snooki and the Middleton sisters has helped the movement transcend all age categories. "We've tanned as young as five to seven years old," Simon says. She also recently bronzed an 87-year-old woman who was preparing for a cruise and wanted to "rock her tan in a bathing suit."
More
Extremism Is the New Race Card
There was a time in American politics when the “race card” was an effective Establishment strategy against arguments it could not refute logically. Regardless of how unrelated an issue may have been to race, the Establishment would try to make a connection in order to avoid confronting the troublesome argument. Alternatively, they might completely ignore the issue at hand and simply present evidence that the proponent himself was racist. So distasteful is racism to most Americans that the mere suggestion that a politician might be racist was enough to condemn any idea, policy, or position he might take, whatever its merits.
Today, that is no longer true. While hardcore liberals still try to use the race card to discredit anyone who opposes their policy positions, it is apparent that it no longer resonates with average Americans. It was always a strategy with a limited shelf life. Besides, it is only effective for one half of the Establishment. If the race card sounds hollow and timeworn coming out of the mouths of liberals, it sounds downright ridiculous when employed by conservatives.
Besides, the entire ruling Establishment is in trouble. Their welfare-warfare state is coming apart at the seams. While the blue team and the red team will continue to fight with each other, they both realize that average Americans are becoming more open to hearing from candidates who refuse to put on either jersey.
Something must be done to stifle any reasonable consideration of these unapproved ideas. The Establishment needs a new pocket ad hominem, one that can be used by conservatives or liberals.
Extremism has filled the void. “Extremist” is a word that elicits an immediate emotional response. Thanks to the all-out propaganda campaign against extremism, average Americans immediately associate the word with images of bomb-laden Muslim terrorists or McVeigh-like “militia types,” both apocalyptic threats to all of humanity. The moment an argument is made that departs from the status quo, the tag of extremism is applied to its author in the attempt to deflect attention away from the argument.
The most discouraging aspect of this new slur tactic is its effectiveness. Not only is it employed by both sides of the Establishment, but it is immediately given credence by both conservative and liberal voters. Picture any discussion you’ve had with a group of friends on a political issue. If a position is taken that is outside of the Mitt Romney-Hillary Clinton continuum, it is inevitable that someone in the room will allege extremism. Heads will immediately nod in agreement, as if merely uttering the word makes the allegation true. It is also assumed without question that any “extremist” position must be wrong. The result? The discussion goes back to the continuum. So it goes in millions of households and hundreds of millions of minds.
But what does the word “extremism” mean? Merriam-Webster defines it (in the most relevant of several definitions) as “going to extreme lengths.” Often, extremism is characterized as “too much of a good thing.”
For example, one might agree that too many carbohydrates in one’s diet is not healthy, but consider eating no carbohydrates at all as “extreme.”
However, what does the word mean when applied to politics? If politics is the pursuit of justice, can any position be accurately characterized as “extremist?” Can there ever be too much justice?
Recently, freshman Senator Rand Paul made an argument on the senate floor that equated the assertion of a “right to healthcare” with support of slavery. This was identical to the argument I made in Chapter 7 of my book. Of course, this immediately drew accusations of “extremism.” Certainly, the statement “Claiming a right to healthcare is claiming a right to enslave” is provocative, but does that make it “extremist?” Absolutely not. There is no “extreme” or “moderate” position applicable here. It is just a fact.
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Today, that is no longer true. While hardcore liberals still try to use the race card to discredit anyone who opposes their policy positions, it is apparent that it no longer resonates with average Americans. It was always a strategy with a limited shelf life. Besides, it is only effective for one half of the Establishment. If the race card sounds hollow and timeworn coming out of the mouths of liberals, it sounds downright ridiculous when employed by conservatives.
Besides, the entire ruling Establishment is in trouble. Their welfare-warfare state is coming apart at the seams. While the blue team and the red team will continue to fight with each other, they both realize that average Americans are becoming more open to hearing from candidates who refuse to put on either jersey.
Something must be done to stifle any reasonable consideration of these unapproved ideas. The Establishment needs a new pocket ad hominem, one that can be used by conservatives or liberals.
Extremism has filled the void. “Extremist” is a word that elicits an immediate emotional response. Thanks to the all-out propaganda campaign against extremism, average Americans immediately associate the word with images of bomb-laden Muslim terrorists or McVeigh-like “militia types,” both apocalyptic threats to all of humanity. The moment an argument is made that departs from the status quo, the tag of extremism is applied to its author in the attempt to deflect attention away from the argument.
The most discouraging aspect of this new slur tactic is its effectiveness. Not only is it employed by both sides of the Establishment, but it is immediately given credence by both conservative and liberal voters. Picture any discussion you’ve had with a group of friends on a political issue. If a position is taken that is outside of the Mitt Romney-Hillary Clinton continuum, it is inevitable that someone in the room will allege extremism. Heads will immediately nod in agreement, as if merely uttering the word makes the allegation true. It is also assumed without question that any “extremist” position must be wrong. The result? The discussion goes back to the continuum. So it goes in millions of households and hundreds of millions of minds.
But what does the word “extremism” mean? Merriam-Webster defines it (in the most relevant of several definitions) as “going to extreme lengths.” Often, extremism is characterized as “too much of a good thing.”
For example, one might agree that too many carbohydrates in one’s diet is not healthy, but consider eating no carbohydrates at all as “extreme.”
However, what does the word mean when applied to politics? If politics is the pursuit of justice, can any position be accurately characterized as “extremist?” Can there ever be too much justice?
Recently, freshman Senator Rand Paul made an argument on the senate floor that equated the assertion of a “right to healthcare” with support of slavery. This was identical to the argument I made in Chapter 7 of my book. Of course, this immediately drew accusations of “extremism.” Certainly, the statement “Claiming a right to healthcare is claiming a right to enslave” is provocative, but does that make it “extremist?” Absolutely not. There is no “extreme” or “moderate” position applicable here. It is just a fact.
More
TV Smell-o-vision May Be Closer Than You Think
NEW YORK -- Someday in the future, your TV set will smell -- and it turns out that day is not that far away, the New York Post reported late Sunday.
Researchers at the University of California San Diego, in collaboration with Samsung, have developed a compact device capable of generating on command thousands of aromas, according to a paper published in the scientific journal Angewandte Chemie.
The device is small enough to attach directly to the back of any TV set or to mobile phones.
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Time Magazine Attacks Ron Paul Conservatives
Conservatives used to be the ones with heads firmly based in reality. Their reforms were powerful because they used the market, streamlined government and empowered individuals. Their effects were large-scale and important: think of the reform of the tax code in the 1980s, for example, which was spearheaded by conservatives. Today conservatives shy away from the sensible ideas of the Bowles-Simpson commission on deficit reduction because those ideas are too deeply rooted in, well, reality. – Time Magazine
Dominant Social Theme: Leviathan cannot provide prosperity for all and you better not forget it.
Free-Market Analysis: This article, written by CNN correspondent and CFR member Fareed Zakaria provides us with a good idea of the arguments that the Anglosphere elites are trying to use against the growing Internet Reformation. This sociopolitical and economic movement is one that likely cannot be stopped but the elites will do their best to slow it down and further manipulate it if they can.
The article is apparently based on the recent Republican presidential debates that no doubt frightened elite apologists. In the years since the last set of debates, the libertarian ideas of Congressman Ron Paul (R-Tex) have gained considerable ground.
Much of the recent presidential debate turned on foreign policy and the idea that US imperial overreach was not feasible anymore. These were arguments that Paul was making four years ago and they were not well received by other Republican candidates. Today they have resonance. Ron Paul is making them again, with even more power and vigor.
The war on terror is a major dominant social theme of the Western power elite. As it is an amorphous concept, the elites can locate terrorists wherever they wish to create a war. The wars, as we try to repeat regularly, are not wars for resources – oil or commodities. The wars are for power and conquest.
More
Dominant Social Theme: Leviathan cannot provide prosperity for all and you better not forget it.
Free-Market Analysis: This article, written by CNN correspondent and CFR member Fareed Zakaria provides us with a good idea of the arguments that the Anglosphere elites are trying to use against the growing Internet Reformation. This sociopolitical and economic movement is one that likely cannot be stopped but the elites will do their best to slow it down and further manipulate it if they can.
The article is apparently based on the recent Republican presidential debates that no doubt frightened elite apologists. In the years since the last set of debates, the libertarian ideas of Congressman Ron Paul (R-Tex) have gained considerable ground.
Much of the recent presidential debate turned on foreign policy and the idea that US imperial overreach was not feasible anymore. These were arguments that Paul was making four years ago and they were not well received by other Republican candidates. Today they have resonance. Ron Paul is making them again, with even more power and vigor.
The war on terror is a major dominant social theme of the Western power elite. As it is an amorphous concept, the elites can locate terrorists wherever they wish to create a war. The wars, as we try to repeat regularly, are not wars for resources – oil or commodities. The wars are for power and conquest.
More
Too Much Skin Showing? Time To Create A Dress Code
Dress codes are legal and having one could help you avoid problems
It's an uncomfortable summertime moment that many small business owners face: A female staffer shows up for work in the shortest of shorts. Or a male staffer arrives wearing a tank top. And they work in full view of customers or clients.
Dress code problems aren't confined to the summer months. But they do tend to be more frequent than in colder months when everyone is covering up. Employers who don't like a lot of skin showing need to create a dress code, and do it now.
Chances are, most of your staffers do have a sense of how they should dress for work. But having a dress code will help you avoid problems or to resolve them easily.
Dress codes are legal Your staffer in a skimpy outfit may protest when you say that's inappropriate dress for work. But you have the law on your side.
Employers are allowed to require employees to wear certain kinds of clothes, and to ban other types from the workplace. Consider that uniforms are required in some jobs. And that some clothes can be forbidden because of safety issues.
But the boss is also allowed to determine what kind of atmosphere the company is trying to project, and to require employees to conform with it.
The law does require you to create a dress code that is, to use a legalism, gender-neutral. That means that you're telling both sexes to dress appropriately. And the law does require that you don't discriminate against someone's religious beliefs -- for example, by banning turbans or dreadlocks that are worn for religious reasons.
What kind of atmosphere do you want?
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Call For Tougher Laws After Toddler Left In Car
There are renewed calls to change a Virginia law after the death of two-year-old Ryan Murphy in Bristow, Virginia.
His mother told police she found her son unresponsive inside the family minivan at their home. Investigators said he may have been left in the family mini-van for nearly seven hours during the middle of the day. One group is pushing for a law that would make it illegal to leave a child alone in a car. "We have a slogan, zero seconds," said Becky Ball, spokeswoman for Harrison’s Hope. "We want all parents, caregivers and children to recognize it's zero seconds, never to leave a child unattended in or around a car. Not even for a second." The non-profit group educates caregivers and parents about the dangers of children being left alone in and around cars. Police said the death appears to be an accident. No charges have been filed in the case.
American Indian Four Day Festival At Smithsonian
The Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian is holding a four-day festival to feature the music, dance, food and art of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma on the National Mall. The festival runs Wednesday through Saturday. Each day begins with traditional dancing, followed by presentations by artisans and storytellers in the museum's atrium. Short films will be screened each day, featuring Choctaw code talkers of World War I and other stories. Activities for children will include grinding corn, weaving baskets, making clay pots and stringing beads for a necklace. Food demonstrations will be held Wednesday and Saturday. The museum's Mitsitam CafDe will feature items such as fried rabbit, braised venison and fried salt pork.
Medicare Says It Is Cracking Down On Fraud.
They plan to use technology similar to what credit card companies use to screen claims for fraud. The technology upgrade will help detect abuses, like a small clinic that suddenly starts billing more for a particular outpatient procedure. Medicare has awarded a contract worth up to $77 million to Northrop Grumman and a group of companies for the new system. It will begin operating July first.
Md. Studying Tax Revenue Lost To Internet Sales
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - Maryland officials are working on a study to find out just how much tax revenue the state is losing to Internet sales and what could be done to recapture the money.
In an April letter, Gov. Martin O'Malley asked Comptroller Peter Franchot to study the issue. The comptroller asked the Maryland Bureau of Revenue Estimates last month to prepare the study, which is expected to be done by the end of summer.
Franchot said he believes lawmakers are likely to take up the issue within the next year.
"It's a fair application of existing taxes," Franchot said. "It's a business fairness issue, and it's increasingly a revenue issue because of the greater use of the Internet."
Internet retailers are required to collect sales tax only when they sell to customers living in a state where they have a store or office. Franchot, a Democrat, said he has asked his staff to come up with an estimated tax bill for Internet retailer Amazon.com, which he said would add up to tens of millions of dollars if the company had a store in Maryland.
"The key point for Maryland is that the Internet industry is no longer in need of subsidies and tax protections and special treatment," Franchot said. "They've grown into behemoth companies that they currently are, and they have a responsibility to the states, I believe, that they do commerce in. Right now, they're avoiding it on a technicality, which is `we don't have a bricks and mortar company in Maryland.'"
O'Malley, a Democrat, noted in his letter that the state's Department of Legislative Services adapted a study by the University of Texas to estimate that Maryland loses more than $160 million each year from unpaid taxes related to Internet sales.
"I am concerned that the failure of any subset of retailers to collect and remit sales tax has a negative impact on Maryland's overall fiscal strength, including our ability to meet our priority investments such as public school construction or maintaining our Transportation Trust Fund," O'Malley wrote.
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In an April letter, Gov. Martin O'Malley asked Comptroller Peter Franchot to study the issue. The comptroller asked the Maryland Bureau of Revenue Estimates last month to prepare the study, which is expected to be done by the end of summer.
Franchot said he believes lawmakers are likely to take up the issue within the next year.
"It's a fair application of existing taxes," Franchot said. "It's a business fairness issue, and it's increasingly a revenue issue because of the greater use of the Internet."
Internet retailers are required to collect sales tax only when they sell to customers living in a state where they have a store or office. Franchot, a Democrat, said he has asked his staff to come up with an estimated tax bill for Internet retailer Amazon.com, which he said would add up to tens of millions of dollars if the company had a store in Maryland.
"The key point for Maryland is that the Internet industry is no longer in need of subsidies and tax protections and special treatment," Franchot said. "They've grown into behemoth companies that they currently are, and they have a responsibility to the states, I believe, that they do commerce in. Right now, they're avoiding it on a technicality, which is `we don't have a bricks and mortar company in Maryland.'"
O'Malley, a Democrat, noted in his letter that the state's Department of Legislative Services adapted a study by the University of Texas to estimate that Maryland loses more than $160 million each year from unpaid taxes related to Internet sales.
"I am concerned that the failure of any subset of retailers to collect and remit sales tax has a negative impact on Maryland's overall fiscal strength, including our ability to meet our priority investments such as public school construction or maintaining our Transportation Trust Fund," O'Malley wrote.
More
Ehrlich Fundraiser Calls Henson Hire ‘Terrible Mistake’; Gov Goes Fishing And Other Briefs
Dick Hug, top fundraiser for ex-Gov. Bob Ehrlich for his last three campaigns, said hiring campaign consultant Julius Henson was “a terrible mistake” and he and Elaine Pevenstein, executive director of Ehrlich campaign office, argued against the hire. Henson and campaign chief Paul Schurick were indicted Thursday for deceptive Election Day robocalls telling black voters to stay home. Hug said Henson’s reputation for dirty tricks was well known, particularly his role in depicting Republican nominee Ellen Sauerbrey as a racist in her 1998 race for governor.
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What Exactly Is the War Powers Act And Is Obama Really Violating It?
President Obama is facing a swell of bipartisan criticism for continuing military engagement in Libya without congressional approval. Even supporters of the Libya intervention have complained that the administration is flouting the law.
So, is it?
Well, the president is certainly sidestepping the controversial law known as the War Powers Act, but in doing so he’s following a well-worn path.
The Vietnam-era law requires the president to seek approval from Congress after 60 days of military engagement. The law was passed in 1973 after the United States fought the Korean and Vietnam wars without actual declarations of war. But it’s always been controversial. (President Nixon actually vetoed the law, but Congress overrode him.)
According to a 2004 Congressional Research Service report, “every President since the enactment of the War Powers Resolution has taken the position that it is an unconstitutional infringement on the President’s authority as Commander-in-Chief.”
President Obama, in defending the legitimacy of the Libyan operation, hasn’t actually made that argument. On Wednesday, he submitted a report to Congress arguing that his administration isn’t in violation of the act at all, despite the fact that the 60-day deadline for congressional approval of Libya operations came and went in May.
Wouldn't It Be Nice
Many of us have come to view traffic cops as little better than armed tax collectors deployed to fleece motorists for the benefit of state/local government.
Fixing the system – and restoring a mutually respectful relationship between the average citizen and police will require a change in attitudes and a shift in enforcement that focuses on identifying bad/dangerous drivers and getting them off the road – and leaving everyone else alone.
Some steps in the right direction would include:
Take the profit motive out of traffic enforcement
All funds raised via traffic fines should go to some third party purpose such as a charity – and not to fund the operations of state/local government or (much worse) the cops themselves. This would remove the financial incentive to use police as tax collectors. And it would eliminate one of the main reasons for public cynicism and contempt for traffic enforcement.
Set reasonable traffic laws
No more arbitrary or artificially low speed limits. Speed limits should be set by highway safety engineers, not government bureaucrats, and in accordance with the 85th percentile rule. That means doing a traffic survey – noting what the natural flow of traffic is on any given stretch of road – and setting the limit about 10-15 MPH higher than the average. Right now, most roads have limits that comport with the “slow average” speed of traffic – in effect, turning almost every driver on the road into a lawbreaking “speeder” subject to a ticket. It’s an outrage and worse, a ridiculous outrage. Excepting Prohibition back in the 1920s, few laws have ever been so casually, so routinely, ignored by a majority of citizens – who are otherwise law-abiding and reasonable people. Either they somehow morph into unreasonable people when they get behind the wheel, or the laws about speeding are themselves unreasonable – and absurd.
Speed limits should be just that – maximum safe limits. Not routine/average traveling speeds. If speed limits were set appropriately, most drivers would not be “speeding.” Which is probably why current speed limits are set they way they are. It maximizes the pool of potential victims.
More
Fixing the system – and restoring a mutually respectful relationship between the average citizen and police will require a change in attitudes and a shift in enforcement that focuses on identifying bad/dangerous drivers and getting them off the road – and leaving everyone else alone.
Some steps in the right direction would include:
Take the profit motive out of traffic enforcement
All funds raised via traffic fines should go to some third party purpose such as a charity – and not to fund the operations of state/local government or (much worse) the cops themselves. This would remove the financial incentive to use police as tax collectors. And it would eliminate one of the main reasons for public cynicism and contempt for traffic enforcement.
Set reasonable traffic laws
No more arbitrary or artificially low speed limits. Speed limits should be set by highway safety engineers, not government bureaucrats, and in accordance with the 85th percentile rule. That means doing a traffic survey – noting what the natural flow of traffic is on any given stretch of road – and setting the limit about 10-15 MPH higher than the average. Right now, most roads have limits that comport with the “slow average” speed of traffic – in effect, turning almost every driver on the road into a lawbreaking “speeder” subject to a ticket. It’s an outrage and worse, a ridiculous outrage. Excepting Prohibition back in the 1920s, few laws have ever been so casually, so routinely, ignored by a majority of citizens – who are otherwise law-abiding and reasonable people. Either they somehow morph into unreasonable people when they get behind the wheel, or the laws about speeding are themselves unreasonable – and absurd.
Speed limits should be just that – maximum safe limits. Not routine/average traveling speeds. If speed limits were set appropriately, most drivers would not be “speeding.” Which is probably why current speed limits are set they way they are. It maximizes the pool of potential victims.
More
IMF Cuts U.S. Growth Forecast, Warns Of Crisis
SAO PAULO (Reuters) - The International Monetary Fund cut its forecast for U.S. economic growth on Friday and warned Washington and debt-ridden European countries that they are "playing with fire" unless they take immediate steps to reduce their budget deficits.
The IMF, in its regular assessment of global economic prospects, said bigger threats to growth had emerged since its previous report in April, citing the euro zone debt crisis and signs of overheating in emerging market economies.
The Washington-based global lender forecast that U.S. gross domestic product would grow a tepid 2.5 percent this year and 2.7 percent in 2012. In its forecast just two months ago, it had expected 2.8 percent and 2.9 percent growth, respectively.
With regard to the global economy overall, the IMF struck a measured tone, saying the slowdown of recent months should be "temporary." It trimmed its forecast for global growth this year only slightly, to 4.3 percent from 4.4 percent, and maintained its estimate for robust Chinese growth of 9.6 percent despite recent signs of a slowdown there.
Yet that relatively benign global outlook could quickly fall apart if politicians in the United States and Europe do not start showing more leadership in addressing their countries' debt problems, the fund warned.
"You cannot afford to have a world economy where these important decisions are postponed, because you're really playing with fire," said Jose Vinals, director of the IMF's monetary and capital markets department.
"We have now entered very clearly into a new phase of the (global) crisis, which is, I would say, the political phase of the crisis," he said in an interview in Sao Paulo, where the updates to the IMF's World Economic Outlook and Global Financial Stability Report were published.
In the United States, the political problems include a fight over raising the legal ceiling on the nation's debt. A first-ever U.S. default would roil markets, and Fitch Ratings said even a "technical" default would jeopardize the country's AAA rating.
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The IMF, in its regular assessment of global economic prospects, said bigger threats to growth had emerged since its previous report in April, citing the euro zone debt crisis and signs of overheating in emerging market economies.
The Washington-based global lender forecast that U.S. gross domestic product would grow a tepid 2.5 percent this year and 2.7 percent in 2012. In its forecast just two months ago, it had expected 2.8 percent and 2.9 percent growth, respectively.
With regard to the global economy overall, the IMF struck a measured tone, saying the slowdown of recent months should be "temporary." It trimmed its forecast for global growth this year only slightly, to 4.3 percent from 4.4 percent, and maintained its estimate for robust Chinese growth of 9.6 percent despite recent signs of a slowdown there.
Yet that relatively benign global outlook could quickly fall apart if politicians in the United States and Europe do not start showing more leadership in addressing their countries' debt problems, the fund warned.
"You cannot afford to have a world economy where these important decisions are postponed, because you're really playing with fire," said Jose Vinals, director of the IMF's monetary and capital markets department.
"We have now entered very clearly into a new phase of the (global) crisis, which is, I would say, the political phase of the crisis," he said in an interview in Sao Paulo, where the updates to the IMF's World Economic Outlook and Global Financial Stability Report were published.
In the United States, the political problems include a fight over raising the legal ceiling on the nation's debt. A first-ever U.S. default would roil markets, and Fitch Ratings said even a "technical" default would jeopardize the country's AAA rating.
More
Another Presidential Ticket
Rumor has it that Anthony Weiner is going to run for President. He has chosen Attorney General Holder as his running mate. Get your Weiner-Holder bumper stickers early, before they are all gone.
Do You Have What It Takes to Be a Landlord?
Investing in a rental house can single-handedly secure money for a college or retirement, but do you have what it takes to be a landlord?
Success in real estate investing and life is all about point of view. Investing in a rental home will require you to adopt the effort as a small business to succeed.
Too many people who decide to buy an investment property take the approach that real estate is a way to turn a quick dollar. If you look at the investment property as a long-term endeavor, there is a very rewarding financial gain. You need to invest not only money, but also time and energy.
The upside of the housing market drop is the creation of a more affordable segment of homes. Couple that with today’s insanely low interest rates, and you’ve got a recipe for success in making the move to be a landlord. Not to mention the increased demand for rentals.
There is a good, free online resource to analyze potential investments at www.ownamerica.com. Supply purchase details, annual rents and operating expenses, and the calculator will provide investor equity, cash flow and rate of return.
If you are considering becoming a landlord, or already have rental property, here are a few tips: z Treat tenants as clients. They provide the return on your investment. z Minimize vacant days; always keep an urgency to refill a vacancy. Don’t use the current economy as an excuse to let the property sit vacant for more than a week. z Work to get rent in an automatic way, such as automatic debit. This will save time, money and headaches on the collection side and is well worth any fee or setup investment. z If you do not have the time to oversee crucial elements such as rent collections, maintenance or selecting tenants, consider hiring a property management company.
Sex Offender Unit Searching For Seaford Man
Location: Seaford, DE
Date of Occurrence: Friday, June 17, 2011
Suspect:
-Brandon P. Eskridge, 32, Seaford, DE
-6’01” tall, 190 lbs, black hair, brown eyes
Charges:
-Failure to Re-Register as a Sex Offender with Three Days of Changing Address
-Attempted Burglary 3rd Degree
-Theft
Criminal Mischief (2 counts)
Resume:
Seaford- The Delaware State Police Sex Offender Apprehension and Registration Unit is currently looking for a Seaford man after he failed to re-register as a sex offender.
Troopers obtained a warrant for Brandon Eskridge, a registered sex offender, on Friday, June 17, after he failed to notify them of a change of address within three days, which he is required to do by law.
State Police burglary detectives are also looking for Eskridge, after he was identified as a suspect in the attempted burglary of the Combined Commercial Enterprise located in the 30000 block of Sussex Highway in Laurel, DE on Tuesday, June 14. In the incident Eskridge entered onto the business property and proceeded to cut the lock off of a shed on the property and then entered it. He, however, did not remove anything from the shed. He then entered a van and a horse trailer on the property and removed coils of copper wire valued at over $1500.00 before fleeing. Brandon Eskridge has ties to the Seaford and Laurel, Delaware areas.
Detectives are asking anyone who may know the location of Brandon Eskridge to contact the Sex Offender Apprehension and Registration Unit at 302-943-1560 or Troop 4 burglary detectives at 302-856-5850. Citizens may also provide a tip by texting keyword “DSP” plus your message to 274637 (CRIMES). Tipsters may also provide information through lines maintained by Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333. Callers can also submit information via the internet at www.tipsubmit.com.
Pictures Do Not Lie
Mind you, I'm talking about 7:30 PM, Sunday evening. While Salisbury News grows, so do the stacks on unsold newspapers. The truth hurts.
Agenda - Sussex County Council
SUSSEX COUNTY COUNCIL
A G E N D A
JUNE 21, 2011
10:00 A.M.
A G E N D A
JUNE 21, 2011
10:00 A.M.
Call to Order
Approval of Agenda
Approval of Minutes
Reading of Correspondence
Delaware Technical & Community College – Gala Keepsake Presentation
David Baker, County Administrator
1. Board Appointments
2. Board of Adjustment - Application Fee
3. Request for Time Extension – W. Edward Metz – Conditional Use No. 1681
4. Fiscal 2011 Funding Requests
5. Administrator’s Report
1. Board Appointments
2. Board of Adjustment - Application Fee
3. Request for Time Extension – W. Edward Metz – Conditional Use No. 1681
4. Fiscal 2011 Funding Requests
5. Administrator’s Report
Susan M. Webb, Finance Director
1. Fund Balance Policy
2. Insurance Renewal Recommendations
1. Fund Balance Policy
2. Insurance Renewal Recommendations
Karen Brewington, Personnel Director
1. Medical Insurance Savings Proposal
1. Medical Insurance Savings Proposal
Old Business
Conditional Use No. 1862
Nanticoke Shores Associates, LLC
Nanticoke Shores Associates, LLC
Michael Izzo, County Engineer
1. Millville Sanitary Sewer District – Northwest Expansion, Contract 11-02
1. Millville Sanitary Sewer District – Northwest Expansion, Contract 11-02
A. Bid Award
Juel Gibbons, Project Engineer
1. Fine Bar Screen for the Wolfe Neck Regional Wastewater Facility
A. Bid Award
1. Fine Bar Screen for the Wolfe Neck Regional Wastewater Facility
A. Bid Award
Grant Requests
1. The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra for operating expenses.
1. The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra for operating expenses.
2. West Rehoboth Children and Youth Program for a computer lab to enhance their summer enrichment program.
3. Millsboro Hut for operating expenses.
Introduction of Proposed Zoning Ordinances
Any Additional Business Brought Before Council
Executive Session – Job Applicants′ Qualifications, Personnel, Pending/Potential Litigation, and Land Acquisition pursuant to 29 Del. C. §10004(b)
Possible Action on Executive Session Items
GOVERNOR O’MALLEY LAUNCHES “CYCLE MARYLAND”
Promotes a new interactive initiative encouraging Marylanders to enjoy the benefits of biking
KENT ISLAND, MD (June 18, 2011) –Governor O’Malley today, joined by Queen Anne’s County Commission President Steven J. Arentz, Bike Maryland Executive Director Carol Silldorff, members of Maryland’s cycling community, and others, officially kicked-off the “Cycle Maryland” initiative at the Chesapeake Exploration Center in Chester.
“I am pleased to announce a new interactive initiative to encourage Marylanders to enjoy cycling,” said Governor O’Malley. “By getting out and taking a bike ride, we can learn to enjoy more of Maryland’s natural treasures, help reduce the impact on the land, improve our fitness and well-being, and enhance our quality of life.”
Before biking along the Cross Island Trail, the Governor also announced a new interactive map that allows users to view the many bike trails and routes in Maryland and plan their cycling trips. Cyclists now have one central location to find places to bike using the various layers of the map, including the BLOC rating feature (Bike Level of Comfort) on state-owned roadways, points of interest, and information on the Maryland Trails Plan. Additionally, there will be an online survey of Maryland's biking community to improve upon the existing map to make it more user-friendly for cyclists.
“The selected events for ‘Cycle Maryland’ showcase Maryland’s cycling diversity,” says Margot Amelia, Executive Director of the Maryland Office of Tourism. “From family-friendly recreational rides on newly opened rail trails to highly competitive long-distance road races, these routes take visitors on an up-close and personal journey through some of the most scenic landscapes in Maryland.”
Bike Maryland Executive Director Carol Silldorff joined the Governor in supporting biking in Maryland.
“We promote bicycling because planning and public health research all indicate that the best places to bike are the best places to live,” said Silldorff. “We know that bike friendly places allow people of all ages, races and economic backgrounds to enjoy healthy recreational opportunities and to travel via bicycle to and from destinations in their communities.”
All Marylanders are encouraged to attend other “Cycle Maryland” events now through October 9, 2011. At today’s event, the Governor announced a contest sponsored by the Maryland Office of Tourism and the Maryland State Highway Administration that invites participants to post pictures of themselves at events on Facebook to be eligible for a $250 VISA gift card. Prize winners will be randomly drawn from all eligible entries. The winners will be notified on or about October 31.
Agenda - Somerset Board of County Commissioners
AGENDA
JUNE 21, 2011
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR SOMERSET COUNTY
Correspondence: Received:
MD. Dept. of Planning, State Clearinghouse re: CDBG-Rehab. of City Dock-Crisfield
MD. Dept. of Planning, State Clearinghouse re: CDBG-Repaving Project-Pr.Anne
MD. Dept. of Planning, State Clearinghouse re: CDBG-Wind Turbine – Crisfield
MD. Dept. of the Environment re: Notice of Applications Received for State Permits
MD. Dept. of Assessments/Taxation re: Local County Cost Sharing
MD. Dept. of Agriculture re: Cooperative Agreement – Eradication of Noxious Weeds
MD. Board of Public Works re: Supplementary Appropr. for School Constr. Projects Comcast re: Subscription Changes
Sent:
Ms. Irene M. Padilla, MD. Dept. of Education re: Letter of Support – New Library
Mr. James Ward re: Official Levy – Fiscal Year 2012
Mr. Gary Pusey re: Waiver of Fees – St. Johns Family Worship Center
Appointments:
2:30 p.m. - Bid Award – Recycling Containers
3:00 p.m. - Public Hearing – Electrical Code Amendment
3:15 p.m. - Public Hearing – Forest Conservation Ordinance Amendment
Discussion Items:
1. Signature – Assurance of Compliance – Commission on Aging
2. Workforce Investment Board – Two Vacancie
Vehicle Stop Leads to Drug Arrest
Location: Captains Grant Community off of Oak Orchard Road, Millsboro, DE
Date of Occurrence: Friday, June 17, 2011 at 7:05 p.m.
Defendant: Kevin D. Handy, 48, Millsboro, DE
Charges:
-Possession with the Intent to Deliver a Schedule II Controlled Substance (Cocaine)
-Maintaining a Vehicle for Keeping Drugs
-Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
-Driving While Suspended or Revoked
-No Proof of Motor Vehicle Insurance
-No registration Card in Possession
Resume:
Millsboro- A 48 year old man has been arrested on drug charges following a vehicle stop in Millsboro yesterday evening.
The incident occurred at approximately 7:05 p.m. yesterday as a Delaware State Trooper on routine patrol on Oak Orchard Road in Millsboro observed a Ford Taurus with a partially covered registration plate traveling in front of him. The trooper pulled alongside the Taurus and observed that Kevin. D. Handy, 48, was the operator of the vehicle. The trooper recognized Handy as being a subject he had dealt with on prior occasions and knew that he was not in possession of a valid driver’s license. The trooper conducted a traffic stop of the Taurus and made contact with Handy. Upon speaking with Handy, the trooper observed that he was acting in a nervous manner. As Handy began to search for the paperwork for his vehicle, the trooper observed a plastic baggie with the end tied in the center console of the car and realized that this is a common way for drugs to be packaged for sale. Kevin Handy was asked to exit the vehicle at which time a second plastic baggie containing 3.1 grams of cocaine was located in his pants pocket. The trooper also found a plastic straw used to snort cocaine in his pocket as well as a box of plastic bags used to package cocaine in the car. The plastic baggie which had been spotted in the center console of the car also contained cocaine residue.
Kevin Handy was arrested for the above list of crimes. He was then arraigned at JP Court 3 and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution for lack of $22,000.00 secured bail.
Agenda - Worcester County Commissioners
AGENDA
WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
June 21, 2011
9:00 AM - Meet in Commissioners’ Conference Room - Room 1103 Government Center, One
West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland - Vote to Meet In Closed Session
9:01 - Closed Session: Discussion regarding filling critical vacant positions including four Communication Clerk Trainees, one Scale Operator in the Solid Waste Division of Public Works, other critical vacancies in Public Works; and a Deputy Sheriff Trainee; considering appointments to various County Boards and Commissions; considering acquisition of real property for public purposes; receiving legal advice from Counsel and performing administrative functions
10:01 - Report on Closed Session; Review and Approval of Minutes
10:10 - Chief Administrative Officer: Administrative Matters
10:40 - P. Pelstring - National Wind, LLC: Proposed Wind Farm Feasibility Study - Central Landfill
11:00 - Legislative Session: Introduction of Bills
12:00 - Questions from the Press
Lunch
1:30 PM - Closed Session: Conduct Interviews of Board of Education Candidates to fill District 2 Vacancy
2:30 - Chief Administrative Officer: Administrative Matters (continued - see above)
WalMart Fresh Fruit?
Agenda - Wicomico County Council Meeting
COUNTY COUNCIL OF
Room 301,
LEGISLATIVE SESSION 2011-13
June 21, 2011 10:00 a.m.
10:00 a.m. Gail M. Bartkovich, President
Call meeting to order
Opening Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance
10:03 a.m. Proclamation:
Robert Gladden-Elections
10:05 a.m. Approval of Minutes of June 7, 2011 and June 14, 2011
10:05 a.m. Matthew E. Creamer: Council Administrator:
1. Resolution 78-2011-Confirming the appointment of Richard M. Duvall to the Board of Library Trustees
2. Resolution 79-2011-Confirming the appointment of Richard Keenan to the Board of Library Trustees
3. Resolution 80-2011-Confirming the appointment of James Otway to the Board of Library Trustees
4. Resolution 81-2011-Approve the FY 2012 Intergovernmental agreement with the Wicomico County Department of Social Services for Child Support and Work Opportunities Positions-Matt Maize and Pam Herndon, Social Services
5. Resolution 82-2011-Making a supplemental appropriation from Capital Contingency to the Department of Recreation, Parks and Tourism in the amount of One Hundred Thirty-Four Thousand Dollars ($134,000)-Gary Mackes, Director of Recreation, Parks and Tourism
6. Resolution 83-2011-Making a supplemental appropriation from Contingency to the Department of Recreation, Parks and Tourism in the amount of Sixty Thousand Dollars ($60,000)-Gary Mackes, Director of Recreation, Parks and Tourism
7. Resolution 84-2011-Accepting the Fuel Audit-Steve Roser, Internal Auditor
10:35 a.m. Edgar A. Baker, Jr.,
10:36 a.m. Public Comments-Please limit all public comments to five minutes or less; any presented material may be submitted to Council members-Please include eight copies
10:40 a.m. Council Comments
10:45 a.m. Council President’s Comments
10:50 a.m. Open Work Session:
Housing Authority
11:30 a.m. Open Work Session:
FY2012 Audit Plan-Internal Auditor
12:00 p.m. LUNCH
12:30 p.m. Open Work Session:
Critical Area Legislation-Jack Lenox, Frank McKenzie, Jimmy Sharp
Possible Lost Dog
Good morning Mr. Albero.
There appears to be a lost dog on Morris Leonard RD, Parsonsburg, MD. It is a small gray dog which looks like a Pomeranian. This dog spent June 9th under my patio furniture, which was a very hot day. I tried to approach the dog but he/she would not let me near her. The poor thing did eat the food I left out and drank the water. Yesterday I saw him/her near Walston Switch RD in a neighbor’s yard and today he/she was on the other side of Walston Switch RD, still on Morris Leonard RD in another neighbor’s yard. Hopefully, you can post this on your webpage and the dog will be reunited with his/her owner. Thank you for your help.
Recycling in Salisbury
We’re constantly told that we need to recycle. Mr. Trader is always getting up at the Salisbury City Council meetings and discussing it. One of the ladies from my church is on the city’s re-cycling committee and has even gotten me to give it a go (my current cartage vendor actually offers re-cycling).
This is why I was saddened by an email from one of our readers. She enclosed some photos of the re-cycling station at the north Wal-Mart:
To be fair, I don’t know when the city picks up from these stations. I also don’t know what is “normal” for this site. However, if this is a regular occurrence it makes it a little difficult for people to do what their local government is asking of them.
Agenda – Ocean City Council
AGENDA
MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL – REGULAR SESSION
MONDAY, JUNE 20, 2011 – 6:00 P.M.
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. PRAYER AND PLEDGE
3. REPORT FROM CITY MANAGER ON UPCOMING WORK SESSION
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Work Session – dated May 31 2011
B. Regular Session #11 – dated June 6, 2011
5. ITEMS PRESENTED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
6. PRIVATE EVENT PERMIT REQUESTS
A. 78th Army Band Celebrating America Tour – Saturday, July 9, 2011
Presented by: Lisa Mitchell, Private Events Coordinator
B. Dreams Studio of Dance Show Troupe – July 2 –3, 2011
Presented by: Lisa Mitchell, Private Events Coordinator and Tara Anderson
C. OC Cruzers Car Show and Music – June 26, July 10, August 21 and September 25, 2011
Presented by: Lisa Mitchell, Private Events Coordinator and Ray Schmidt, President OC Cruzers and Glen Irwin, OCDC
D. Maryland Combined Public Safety Pipes and Drums Memorial Service – Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Presented by: Lisa Mitchell, Private Events Coordinator and Roger Steger, OCFD
E. “Plein-Aire” Artists Paint Ocean City – July 16 – 17, 2011
Presented by: Lisa Mitchell, Private Events Coordinator and Paige Ruby, Ocean City Art League and Glenn Irwin, OCDC
F. Amendment to Dew Tour Private Event Application
Presented by: Lisa Mitchell, Private Events Coordinator Chris Pryvylo, Dew Tour
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. Discussion of Ayres Creek Kayak Project
Presented by: Dave Wilson, Maryland Coastal Bays
B. Discussion of Golf Marketing Plan
Presented by: Council Member Brent Ashley
9. NEW BUSINESS
Proposal for Aerial Tram Ride Adjacent to the Boardwalk
Presented by: Trey Winstead, Skyline Ocean City and David Bambrick, G S Proctor & Assoc.
10. REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
11. APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND OTHER CITY ORGANIZATIONS
12. ITEMS REFERRED TO AND PRESENTATIONS FROM THE CITY SOLICITOR
A. Second Reading – Ordinance 2011-18 – FY 2012 Budget
B. Second Reading – Ordinance 2011-19 Declaring Certain Personal Property as Surplus Property No Longer Needed for Public Use and Authorize its Sale
C. Second Reading – Ordinance 2011-20 to Amend Chapter 102 – Entitled Vehicles for Hire (Allows interior advertising in taxis)
D. Second Reading – Ordinance 2011-21 to Amend Chapter 58 Entitled Offenses and Miscellaneous Provisions (allow private property owners to sign up for trespassing enforcement)
E. Second Reading – Ordinance 2011-22 Authorizing Additional Parking Spaces (increases paid parking on Philadelphia Avenue from S. Division to N. Division)
F. First Reading – Ordinance to Amend Chapter 62 Entitled Peddlers and Solicitors (eliminates N. Division Street as a performance area)
13. ITEMS REFERRED TO AND PRESENTATIONS FROM THE CITY MANAGER
A. Upcoming Bid Opening Boardwalk Renovation Phase I
B. Recommendation of Bid Award for Transfer Station Concrete Floor Repairs
14. COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS – 5 MINUTE TIME LIMIT
15. COMMENTS FROM THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
States Look to Internet Taxes to Close Budget Gaps
State governments across the country are laying off teachers, closing public libraries and parks, and reducing health care services, but there is one place they could get $23 billion a year if they could only agree how to do it: Internet retailers such as Amazon.com.
That's enough to pay for the salaries of more than 46,000 teachers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In California, the amount of uncollected taxes from Amazon sales alone is roughly the same amount cut from child welfare services in the current state budget.
But collecting those taxes from major online retailers is difficult.
NBC Apologizes for Omitting "Under God" from Pledge of Allegiance
NBC issued an on-air apology Sunday for omitting the words "under God" from the Pledge of Allegiance during its coverage of golf's U.S. Open.
The words were edited out of a clip of children reciting the oath -- a move immediately noted by viewers, who took to Twitter and various blogs to voice their anger, the Huffington Post reported.
In a statement during the broadcast, NBC commentator Dan Hicks said, "We began our coverage of this final round just about three hours ago and when we did it was our intent to begin the coverage of this U.S. Open Championship with a feature that captured the patriotism of our national championship being held in our nation's capital for the third time.
"Regrettably, a portion of the Pledge of Allegiance that was in that feature was edited out. It was not done to upset anyone and we'd like to apologize to those of you who were offended by it."
The words "under God" were not in the original pledge from 1892 and were not added until 1954.
While this was going on, Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy romped to an eight-shot win to claim his first major title with a record-low 72-hole score of 16-under par at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Md.
Chef Walks Through TSA Security With Bag of Knives
Another day, another example of the ineptitude of the TSA screeners at American airports. The latest news comes from an award-winning Chicago chef who says that while the screeners were busy worrying about the contents of his pockets, they completely missed an arsenal of knives in his carry-on.
A few days ago James Beard Award-winning chef Paul Kahan wrote the following on his Twitter account:
“Flew outa ohare today. Forgot I had four huge chefs knives in carry on bag. Got patted down for wallet. Knives went through. ”
That's right, travelers of the skies, the TSA will detain you while they inspect your contact lens solution, but feel free to just carry those huge, deadly knives onto the plane.
Chicago Chef Paul Kahan Slips Chef Knives Through TSA Security [Jaunted.com]