Where's The Veterans, Where's The Priests, Where's The AFP & NAACP?

In one breath you have Shanie Shields back stepping from the original proposal to remove the Lord's Prayer and now the Pledge of Allegiance. Oh, she never supported such a move. Well, last night, soon after the Mayor's Prayer Vigil, the majority of the Salisbury City Council voted to remove both from the Rules of Order. That includes Shanie Shields. I also found it ironic that Laura Mitchell, the council member who instigated all of this, showed up at the Prayer Vigil.
However, where are the Veterans, the Priests, the AFP, the NAACP and everyone else who might want to have a say in this matter? I'll tell you where, they're absent and have been ever since this whole thing started a few months ago.
Since I posted on this matter last night, an anti-Albero blogger set out on a campaign to ALL of our advertisers stating I was a blatant racist. The dumb part on their behalf was that they actually sent the entire post along with it and clearly it had no racism in it whatsoever. How these people live with their actions is beyond me but I was grateful many of our advertisers replied back in support of Salisbury News.
One advertiser said:

"Thank you for your comments, I myself am an American of Native American and Irish decent. I have been reading SBYNews for a couple years and have never read anything I would consider, Blatant Racism. Though I will admit I don't read it every day, so I could have missed something. I know Joe Albero enough to know that he stands by MLK's statement about judging people not by the color of ones skin, but there content of character. Most all Repub' and concerves do. I also know he will remove comments he considers distasteful, it is his site he has the right. But remember, he is human, things may get past him. If it does, bring it to his attention, he is quite easy to contact, unlike the Time's. Again, Thank you for your comments and concerns. I will be forwarding this to Joe. And I will keep your email address on file in-case I find something in the future."

Am I to now be afraid to show pictures of any Afro-American? Am I to be afraid of using the words Afro-American or African-American? Am I missing something here. Will our advertisers get more fictitious letters from the Pope @ymail.com? Some call Councilwoman Terry Cohen a Jew. Well, she is a Jew, what's the big deal. Some people say black, some say African-American, heck, many of them call one another the N-Word. Make up your minds, will ya.
In my personal opinion we are ALL Americans. I personally feel that stuff about African-American is a load of crap. You are either an American, (which 99% were born here) or you were born in Africa and are here on a visa. When you become a citizen you are then an American, I just don't get it. Nevertheless, I make no apologies for my post. I find it hilarious that not one comment came in calling me a racist, not one.
Some people never seem to be satisfied and constantly look back instead of forward. Look at the picture above. Have ANY of you seen ANY of these people at ANY Council Meeting in the past (other than Lore Chambers)? I certainly haven't. While I'm all for a Prayer Vigil for ANY reason, throwing politics into the mix truly ticks me off.
Let me throw another issue into the mix here. I called Mayor Ireton's office last week because out of nowhere the Mayor has chosen to not send any press releases to any of the blogs any more. It seems the Mayor is trying to pound his chest towards anyone who disagrees with him. I explained to John Pick that it seemed funny to me that when the Mayor NEEDS something, I am the first one he sends his message to.
I have received several text messages from the Mayor with his intent to think I would simply JUMP on what he was saying and go right to publishing it. When I researched his alleged facts, he did not tell the truth and was completely wrong. I challenged him back with my findings and he simply got pissed off. Yesterday, isn't it interesting how Joe Albero and Salisbury News got a press release from the Mayor's office referencing the Prayer Vigil. As you can see, when it's convenient for some, we're the go to place to get it out there.
As I stated earlier, the majority of people who showed up for the Prayer Vigil are not regulars at a Council Meeting. Yet they want to focus on "Afro-American" but not Prayer or the Pledge of Allegiance. If they cared about what is important here they would have attended the Council Meeting in protest. Or do I have it all wrong and it was more about bringing religion into politics when it's CONVENIENT for them as well?

Sherwood Schwartz Dies At 94

At the height of his TV-writing career, Sherwood Schwartz probably did not particularly anticipate being eulogized by TV critics. Schwartz, who died today at age 94, was the creator of Gilligan's Island and The Brady Bunch, two sitcoms that were practically critical shorthand for ridiculous and/or lightweight comedy. Therefore, naturally, those were also two of the '60s and '70s sitcoms most fondly remembered today by the adults who watched them decades ago.

In particular, Gilligan—which stranded seven castaways, and occasionally the Harlem Globetrotters, on an island for three seasons and numerous reunions—was one of the most notorious high-concept sitcoms of a TV decade dominated by genies, witches and Martians. (Among Schwartz's pre-Gilligan credits, he was a script consultant for My Favorite Martian.)

It also contained one of TV's best inside jokes, aimed at one of TV sitcoms' most famous critics, former FCC chair Newton Minow, who decried TV's "vast wasteland"—and for whom Schwartz named the doomed S. S. Minnow. (Minow, reportedly, took the dig in good humor.)

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Another Attack On The 2nd Amendment

Obama is attacking the 2nd amendment because of something HIS administration did and is curcumventing the Peoples House - Congress - to do it. He is implementing new regulations that define high powered rifles as any larger than .22 caliber. There's more. A quote from Obama justifying this move:

“In an effort to stem the illicit flow of weapons into Mexico, the Justice Department announced Monday that all gun shops in four Southwest border states will be required to alert the federal government to frequent buyers of high-powered rifles.
Under the new policy, federal firearms licensees in Texas, California, Arizona and New Mexico must report purchases of two or more of some types of rifles by the same person in a five-day span. The requirement applies to purchases of semi-automatic rifles that have detachable magazines and a caliber of greater than .22.

ATF estimates it will generate 18,000 reports a year. ATF will retain the information and if no investigative leads have been realized after two years, it will be purged.”

It was the government that caused the flow of weapons into Mexico for God's sake.

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A Comment Worthy Of A Post

Jennifer Smith has left a new comment on your post "Wicomico County Council to Tackle Humane Society":

This comment is from Noah's Arks Rescue.

We are in SC, not in NC and we help abuse cases all over the South and beyond. When we make arrangements with a Shelter to help an animal, we expect the shelter to be HONEST with the information they give us. We take their word for it they are going to do what they say. We wanted to get Ellie Mae out ASAP so she could be treated immediately because her medical condition would deteriorate in the shelter not being treated. We stepped up to save her, not to let her die at the hands of people that lied to us. We were told she had a 10 day stray hold and could not be released until that was up. We were also told her medical condition was not critical and that she was getting medical care and would be fine during that time. We had never dealt with this Shelter before and had no reason to not believe them. When we found out what had happened to this sweet pup, we were SHOCKED and OUTRAGED. We DO NOT believe this dog had rabies and if she did we would have gotten her medical care close by where the shelter is. All we cared about was saving her life and were willing to sign ANY waiver and take FULL responsibility for anything that happened while in our care. The system is BROKEN in a facility where the FOCUS is not on saving a life. By us taking her when we called, a spot would have been freed up to save another dog. That would have been two dogs saved. Instead, she was euthanized. If you feel this was right, then you have the right people in place. If you feel this is wrong, then it is up to you to stand up and make your voice heard. Animals matter and they have NO ONE but us to fight for their right to LIFE. Please, do your part and don't let more animals die. Find out what is wrong and get to the bottom of it. The animals in your county depend on your voice to speak for them.

Jennifer Smith, President
Noah's Arks Rescue
http://www.noahs-arks.net/

Gaming Open House

WHAT:  Open House in new Game Room

WHO:  Teens

WHEN: Tuesday, August 2^nd, 3-5 p.m.

WHERE: Wicomico Public Library, Main Library

SALISBURY, MD – July 12, 2011 – To celebrate the opening of our NEW teen gaming room, the Main Library is having an Open House on Tuesday, August 2nd at 3 p.m. Teens can play our new Xbox Kinect games in our new, much larger game room, as well as other new games for Wii and PS2.  The game room and teen programs are for ages 12-18 only.

For more information on this or other library services, visit us on the web at www.wicomicolibrary.org or call 410-749-3612. Programs are free and open to the public. 

Obama Says He Cannot Guarantee Social Security Checks Will Go Out On August 3

President Obama on Tuesday said he cannot guarantee that retirees will receive their Social Security checks August 3 if Democrats and Republicans in Washington do not reach an agreement on reducing the deficit in the coming weeks.

"I cannot guarantee that those checks go out on August 3rd if we haven't resolved this issue. Because there may simply not be the money in the coffers to do it," Mr. Obama said in an interview with CBS Evening News anchor Scott Pelley, according to excerpts released by CBS News.

The Obama administration and many economists have warned of economic catastrophe if the United States does not raise the amount it is legally allowed to borrow by August 2.

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Competing Currencies – A Defense Against Profligate Government Spending

The end of June marked what is hopefully the end of the Federal Reserve's policy of quantitative easing. For months the Fed has purchased hundreds of billions of dollars of Treasury debt, enabling the government to fund its profligate deficit spending, push the national debt to its limit, and further devalue the dollar. Confidence in the dollar is plummeting, confidence in the euro has been shattered by the European bond crisis, and beleaguered consumers and investors are slowly but surely awakening to the fact that government-issued currencies do not hold their value.

Currency is sound only when it is recognized and accepted as such by individuals, through the actions of the market, without coercion. Throughout history, gold and silver have been the two commodities that have most fully satisfied the requirements of sound money. This is why people around the world are flocking once again to gold and silver as a store of value to replace their rapidly depreciating paper currencies. Even central banks have come to their senses and have begun to stock up on gold once again.

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Why US Conservatives Won't Shut Down Real Tea Party Conversation

GOP tax pledge causes media meltdown ... If Obama moves forward with specific cuts on entitlement programs and Pentagon expenses, Republicans must work aggressively to close loopholes that favor billionaires and multinational corporations. I am quite confident that even tea party members would be fine with Warren Buffett paying more than a 14 percent income tax rate and would be happy to see the world's largest corporation, GE, pay more in taxes than their own household. There is room for compromise. There is still hope for a grand bargain. But launching hyperbolic attacks at conservatives for staying true to their campaign promises only keeps us further away from that final deal. – Politico/Joe Scarborough

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GOVERNOR O’MALLEY ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENTS TO THE HEALTH SERVICES COST REVIEW COMMISSION

ANNAPOLIS, MD (July 12, 2011) - Governor Martin O’Malley today announced the appointment of four new members to the Health Services Cost Review Commission (HSCRC).  The new members are John M. Colmers, Dr. Bernadette C. Loftus, Thomas R. Mullen, and Jack C. Keane.

“I thank these experts for their willingness to serve,” said Governor O’Malley.  “Innovation in hospital payment overseen by the Health Services Cost Review Commission will help Maryland control costs and improve health outcomes.” 

Mr. Colmers will serve as the new chair of the Commission.  He is currently vice president, Health Care Transformation and Strategic Planning for Johns Hopkins Medicine.  From January 2007 to January 2011, he served as the Secretary of the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.  He previously worked as a senior program officer for the Milbank Memorial Fund, as the executive director of the Maryland Health Care Commission, and as the executive director of the Maryland Health Services Cost Review Commission.

Dr. Loftus is the associate executive director of the Permanente Medical Group, where she is responsible for the Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group.  This organization of physicians represents 800 doctors in multiple specialties in the Baltimore, Washington D.C., and Virginia corridor.  From 1998 to 2008, Dr. Loftus served as physician-in-chief at the Santa Clara Medical Center. 

Mr. Mullen has served as the president and chief executive officer of Mercy Health Services and Mercy Medical Center since July 1, 1999.  He previously served as the vice president for finance for the University of Maryland Medical System Corporation.

Mr. Keane is an experienced health care consultant with expertise in health care payment policy.  He has worked for labor unions, insurers, physician organizations, and hospital associations.  He previously served as director of the Hospital Bureau for the Massachusetts Rate Setting Commission and as deputy director for the Maryland Health Services Cost Review Commission.

The HSCRC has set Maryland hospital rates for all payers, including Medicare and Medicaid, since 1977.  The HSCRC has also developed numerous innovative approaches to paying for performance and incentivizing quality care.

The Fearmongering At The Top Begins: Obama Says "Can Not" Guarantee Social Security Payments Without A Debt Ceiling Hike

It worked for Hank Paulson who showed up in Congress with a three page termsheet, delusions of grandeur, a scary story, and an easily frightened audience. Why should it not work for the president. As Reuters reports, "Barack Obama said in an interview on Tuesday that checks to recipients of the Social Security retirement program may not go out in early August if he and congressional leaders do not agree a debt deal. "I cannot guarantee that those checks go out on August 3rd if we haven't resolved this issue," Obama said in an interview with CBS, according to a transcript on the network's web site. "Because there may simply not be the money in the coffers to do it," Obama said." Is that so Mr. President? Please explain then how according to the most recent DTS the YTD (fiscal) amount paid out on Social Security is $469 billion [1], well below the amount collected from Federal Tax Deposits of $780 billion. As a comparison, this number is lower than the combination of Medicare and Medicaid ($638 billion YTD), and the combination of Defense and Education Payments ($480 billion). Indicatively, Federal salaries are a whopping $137.6 billion, or said otherwise, all of the SSN payments to date are just three times bigger than what the government pays its own employees. Perhaps a bigger issue is that the debt held by the public has increased by $720 billion YTD, a number which will soon grow to $1.5 trillion if the government does get debt hike it so desperately needs.

So please Mr. President, feel free to engage in your hollow rhetoric when addressing your political adversaries or staring at the teleprompter, but please don't pander to the general population. It didn't work for Hank Paulson, at least not the first time. We all know what happened with your all important stock market after that.

Source

She Was So Blonde...

She got stabbed in a shoot-out.

She put lipstick on her forehead because she wanted to make up her mind.

She told me to meet her at the corner of 'walk' and 'don't walk'.

She tried to put M&Ms in alphabetical order.

She tried to drown a fish.

She thought a quarterback was a refund.

She got locked in a grocery store and starved to death.

If you gave her a penny for intelligence, you'd get change back.

They had to burn the school down to get her out of third grade.

Under 'education' on her job application, she put 'Hooked On Phonics.'

She tripped over a cordless phone.

She took a ruler to bed to see how long she slept.

At the bottom of the application where it says 'sign here', she put 'Sagittarius.'

She asked for a price docket at the Dollar Store.

If she spoke her mind, she'd probably be speechless.

She studied for a blood test... and failed.

She thought Boyz II Men was a daycare center.

She thought Meow Mix was a record for cats.

She thought she needed a ticket to get on Soul Train.

She sold the car for gas money.

The Cost Of Minnesota's Shutdown: A Warning To Washington

One place to measure the impact of the Minnesota-government shutdown is at a truck stop in Hudson, Wis., a small border town that hugs the banks of the St. Croix River, which separates a state with a budget from a state without one.

Truckers have been flocking to the Wisconsin stop, part of the national chain of TravelCenters of America, because the Minnesota-government shutdown has led to the closure of all the rest stops in the state, making it harder to find areas for truckers to catch rest that is required by federal regulations. Indeed, business is booming around the stop despite the fact that the gas pumps are under construction. "I was reading about the shutdown in USA Today in West Virginia," says Dennis Michaluk, 47, a trucker with American Emergency Response Training, finishing up the last of his eggs and toast at a 24/7 diner. "'Hmm, that's interesting. That's where I'm going,' I thought. 'Well, I've got to stop in Wisconsin.'" Michaluk put about $800 in fuel in a 2005 Columbia Freightliner — lost revenue for the state next door that, with a $5 billion budget deficit still not closed, could use all the earning it can get.

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What Do Your Dreams Mean?

Dreams do more than uncover our hidden wishes and fears. Dr. Allan Hobson, professor of psychiatry emeritus of Harvard Medical School, has uncovered evidence that dreams serve a physiological as well as psychological purpose. Without the electrical activity that occurs during dreams, he says, the brain would not stay limber enough to function in the day ahead. Here he shares his ground-breaking theory on why we dream.

Source

BREAKING NEWS: Moody’s Cuts Ireland Rating To ‘Junk’ Status

Moody’s on Tuesday lowered its bond ratings on Ireland by one notch, to Ba1 from Baa3, into junk territory. The ratings firm said Ireland is likely to need more financing from the EU and IMF before it can tap private markets again.

From Fox News

Politician Campaigns To Make 'South California' Into Our 51st State

A California politician is proposing that his state split in half as a way to address political and logistical issues – marking yet another instance someone has proposed this idea in the Golden State.

Although on a national scale, the idea of splitting up a state may seem novel, similar proposals has been made in California politics more than 220 separate times. But Riverside County Supervisor Jeff Stone is not letting the past failures of these proposals mute his ardor for secession.

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Willie Nelson Plea Rejected In Marijuana Possession Case

(CBS/AP) EL PASO, Texas - A judge has rejected a plea deal that would have resolved Willie Nelson's marijuana possession case in West Texas with a fine, saying the country singer shouldn't get what she considers special treatment.

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STATEMENT FROM FIRST LADY KATIE O’MALLEY ON FACEBOOK’S ANTI-BULLYING INITIATIVES

ANNAPOLIS, MD (July 12, 2011) – First Lady Katie O’Malley released the following statement today on Facebook’s launch of the "Stop Bullying: Speak Up” campaign through a recent partnership with Time Warner to combat bullying through a widespread media campaign:

“As parents, Martin and I, along with Lt. Governor Brown, are committed to addressing all forms of bullying in Maryland. I’d like to applaud Facebook and Time Warner for joining in the effort and partnering together to take on the important issue of cyberbullying.

“With the Internet, social networks and cell phones, the face of bullying has changed. The abuse no longer stops at the school yard, but bullies now have access to their victims 24 hours a day and the results can last a lifetime.

“We look forward to working with organizations like Facebook and Time Warner to combat cyberbullying. Together, we can work to continue to raise awareness and implement effective policies to stop the abuse in our schools, communities and online.

“We can and we must do all we can to stand up against bullying. It starts with each of us.”

Ten Reasons Why We Hate Facebook

(CBS) - Everyone uses Facebook. And yet, everyone hates Facebook. There's no privacy! Stop oversharing! Enough with the baby pictures!

Here are two hilarious puppets to help us break down the top ten reasons they (and everyone else) hate Facebook.

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"[For A Lot Of People] It's Going To Feel Very Hard, Harder Than Anything They've Experienced In Their Lifetime Now, For A Long Time To Come"

Many Americans will face hard times for a long time to come.

***
Geithner says will be some time before many people feel like the country is recovering.

Geithner tells NBC's "Meet the Press" that it's a very tough economy. He says that for a lot of people "it's going to feel very hard, harder than anything they've experienced in their lifetime now, for a long time to come."

Of course, Geithner is a large part of the reason that it will be so hard.

As I pointed out [2] in May:

Geithner has been a big part of the problem.

He's previously said that his job as head of the New York Fed wasn't as a regulator, even though one of the Fed's core jobs is to regulate. As Dylan Ratigan writes [3]:

In Geithner's own words during confirmation hearings in March: "First of all, I've never been a regulator...I'm not a regulator." According to the New York fed bank's Web site, that was your job!! Quoting from the Fed's website: "As part of our core mission, we supervise and regulate financial institutions in the Second District." That district of course is the epicenter for bailed out banks and billion dollar bonuses.

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Teen Girl Dies After Drinking Vodka At Sleepover

(AP) SAN FRANCISCO - Alcohol was a likely factor in the death of a 14-year-old Northern California girl after she and three friends apparently drank vodka mixed with soda during a weekend sleepover, authorities said Monday.

Paramedics found Takeimi Rao of Santa Rosa dead in her bedroom around 9 a.m. Sunday. Her parents could not be immediately reached for comment.

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WILL You Ever Sell Your House?

I checked this out on Snopes and its partially true. click on the following website for the full details.

http://www.snopes.com/politics/taxes/realestate.asp

Have you seen this?

Just some more of that old "Hope and Change" Obama promised the American People

Did you know that if you sell your house after 2012 you will pay a 3.8% sales tax on it?

That's $3,800 on a $100,000 home etc.

When did this happen? It's in the health care bill. Just thought you should know.

SALES TAX TO GO INTO EFFECT 2013 (Part of HealthCare Bill) REAL ESTATE SALES TAX So, this is the "change you can believe in"?

Under the new health care bill - did you know that all real estate transactions will be subject to a 3.8% Sales Tax? The bulk of these new taxes don't kick in until2013 if you sell your $400,000 home, there will be a $15,200 tax. This bill is set to screw the retiring generation who often downsize their homes. Does this stuff make your November and 2012 vote more important?

Oh, you weren't aware this was in the ObamaCare bill? Guess what, you aren't alone. There are more than a few members of Congress that aren't aware of it either.

LINK

http://www.gop.gov/blog/10/04/08/obamacare-flatlines-obamacare-taxes-home

Texas Woman Gives Birth To 16-lb., 1-oz. Boy

(CBS News) Before Texas native Janet Johnson had a baby shower recently, she had been told by her doctors that her soon-to-arrive son would be big. So, she told her friends "to not get any newborn stuff," reports CBS affiliate KYTX-TV.

Little did she know how right she was. On Sunday, Janet gave birth to a 16-pound boy, named JaMichael Brown.

"When they pulled the baby out, they could tell that he was huge," Janet told KYTX. "And then they weighed him."

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Tax Increases Coming

Treasury Secretary Geithner spoke this morning at a Women in Finance Symposium. In his remarks he said:

Let me be clear: the debt limit will be raised. Failure is not an option. Both sides understand what is at stake and will come to an agreement...The President has proposed some very sensible tax reforms that would eliminate loopholes and ask the wealthiest Americans to pay a modest additional share of the burden.

The only way to do this is in a balanced way, and I’m confident we’re going to get something accomplished soon that’s good for the country.

Translation taxes increases are coming. They are going to call it tax reform, but it will an increase---tax revenue will climb, and if you think it will fall only on the rich, well then, I have a great fog making machine in San Francisco that I would like to sell you.

Source

Cambridge Marine Killed In California Crash

FRESNO, Calif. A Cambridge native, who was a corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps, died July 1 in an accident with a semi-truck in Fresno, Calif.

A Naval Air Station Lemoore spokesman identified him and a sailor in the car killed in the crash on Highway 41 as Lance Cpl. Benjamin Brittingham, who was born in Cambridge, and Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Grant Rollet.

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MDGOP Announces New Executive Director

ANNAPOLIS – Today, the Maryland Republican Party announced the appointment of Del. Justin Ready as its interim executive director. Outgoing Executive Director Kim Jorns was hired for the same position in her home state of Michigan.

"I want to thank Kim for her outstanding service to the Maryland Republican Party and our state," said MDGOP Chairman Alex Mooney. "Her leadership and determination to make Maryland a true, two-party state helped Republicans make a net gain of 40 seats in the 2010 election, from the local to congressional level. We know she will do a great job for the Michigan GOP and help that state join the Republican column in the 2012 presidential election."

Chairman Mooney tapped Del. Ready to take the position on an interim basis while undergoing a search for a full-time Executive Director.

"Justin's experience as a former MDGOP Executive Director makes him the right choice to serve as the interim executive director through the end of 2011," Mooney said.

"I am excited about the opportunity to support and help the MDGOP during this time of transition," said Del. Ready. "I look forward to promoting the Republican agenda to make Maryland a place where families can afford to live and job creators can succeed."

Ready served as Maryland Republican Party Executive Director from April of 2008 through July of 2009. His experience includes working in the General Assembly as staff and on several campaigns. Ready was elected to the House of Delegates in 2010, representing District 5A in Carroll County.

Is A Bookless Library Still A Library?

We've been hearing about it for years, but the bookless library has finally arrived, making a beachhead on college campuses. At Drexel University's new Library Learning Terrace, which opened just last month, there is nary a bound volume, just rows of computers and plenty of seating offering access to the Philadelphia university's 170 million electronic items. Scott Erdy, designer of the new library, says open, flexible space — the furniture is movable and the walls act as one giant whiteboard — allows student and staff "knowledge transfer," a concept reinforced by Danuta Nitecki, dean of Drexel's libraries. "We don't just house books, we house learning," she says.

The trend began, naturally, with engineers, when Kansas State University's engineering library went primarily bookless in 2000. Last year, Stanford University pruned all but 10,000 printed volumes from its new engineering library, making more room for large tables and study areas. And the University of Texas at San Antonio ditched print in lieu of electronic material when it opened its engineering library in 2010.

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BREAKING NEWS: Latest Federal Reserve Minutes: Economic Recovery Slower Than Expected

The Federal Reserve on Tuesday released the minutes from its June 21-22 meeting, which showed members see the economic recovery moving more slowly than they projected in April. The housing market has been persistently weak, the Fed notes, and the unemployment rate is seen improving only gradually.

From Fox News

No More Happy Hour Ever! How Utah Just Got To Be An Even Drier State

The sandwich board that sat in front of Jackalope Lounge, a popular Salt Lake City watering hole that sits about a block away from Utah's U.S. District Court, used to advertise a variety of daily specials. The bar hosted "Tequila Tuesdays" and $2.50 tall-can specials on Thursdays. Unfortunately for the patrons of this establishment, and many others across the state of Utah, June 30 was the final day that any establishment serving alcohol was allowed to offer discounted drink specials. Under Utah's SB 314, which Governor Gary Herbert signed into law last March, drink specials are now illegal in the state of Utah.

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Our Friend Jack Richards Says, Come On Down To Florida

Stay-At-Home Dads Are More Likely To Divorce

Once upon a time, men worked, women didn't and that appeared to be the equation for a harmonious family life. Now, new research shows how much that truism has changed for women but stayed the same for men.

While attitudes about women working have evolved considerably, social pressure on men to be breadwinners is still strong, according to the study, which was published in a recent issue of the American Journal of Sociology. The study shows that unemployment, more than unhappiness in the relationship, predicts divorce — at least for men.

"It's still unacceptable for men to stay home and take care of the kids," says Liana Sayer, an associate professor of sociology at Ohio State University and lead author of the study.

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Republicans Cut Off Money For High-Speed Rail, And More

In today's On the News segment: Wisconsin Republicans running fake candidates in Democratic primary today, New Hampshire Republicans cut funding for Planned Parenthood, corporations forcing Americans to work more for meager wages, Minnesota shut down for 11 days and counting, Republicans cut off money for high-speed rail, and more. Scroll down to watch the newscast.



Source

U.S. Rules That Marijuana Has No Medical Use. What Does Science Say?

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) ruled on Friday that marijuana has "no accepted medical use" and should therefore remain illegal under federal law — regardless of conflicting state legislation allowing medical marijuana and despite hundreds of studies and centuries of medical practice attesting to the drug's benefits.

The judgment came in response to a 2002 petition by supporters of medical marijuana, which called on the government to reclassify cannabis, which is currently a Schedule I drug — like heroin, illegal for all uses — and to place it in Schedule III, IV or V, which would allow for common medical uses.

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BARRICADE ENDS PEACEFULLY IN ALLEGANY COUNTY

(Cresaptown, MD) A barricade situation in Allegany County ended peacefully this morning when Maryland State Police arrested a 36 year old man who is believed to have fired off several rounds from his residence last night and early this morning.

The accused is identified as Michael Wilhelm, II, 36, of the 14,000 block of Spruce Street in Cresaptown. After consulting with the Allegany County State’s Attorney, Wilhelm is charged with four counts of first degree assault and four counts of reckless endangerment. Additional charges may be pending.

Shortly before 9:00 a.m. this morning, Wilhelm, who had barricaded himself inside the Spruce Street residence, walked out of the home and surrendered. He was immediately taken into police custody without incident. Police believe Wilhelm was living with his father, but was alone inside the house at the time of the incident.

Members of the Combined County Criminal Investigation Unit (C3I), remain at the scene. They are executing a search warrant at the residence for evidence related to the shooting.

Troopers made several attempts to communicate with Wilhelm since the 9-1-1 call was received last night at 11:30 p.m. A nearby resident called police to report the sounds of gunfire coming from the residence.

When troopers arrived and attempted to approach the house, additional gunshots were heard coming from inside the residence. Officers retreated, immediately secured the area and called for backup. Maryland State Troopers, Sheriff Deputies from the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office, the Maryland State Police K-9 Unit and officers from the Department of Natural Resources police responded.

Members of the Maryland State Police Special Tactical Assault Team Element Team (S.T.A.T.E.) and Hostage Recovery Team used an armored vehicle to approach the residence where Wilhelm was believed to be alone. Several attempts were made, urging him to comply with police. Numerous phone calls were made, but all were unsuccessful at contacting Wilhelm.

A motive for the shooting is not clear at this time. The investigation continues…

What Does Bottle-Feeding Have To Do With Autism Risk?

As if there weren't already enough tension between bottle-feeding and breast-feeding moms, now a researcher at the State University of New York at Albany is courting controversy by suggesting that bottle-feeding is associated with an increased risk of autism.

In actuality, it's not bottle-feeding per se that may be linked to autism, but the absence of breast-feeding, contends evolutionary psychologist Gordon Gallup in an article published in June in the journal Medical Hypotheses.

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Laws, What Laws!

Don't feel like waiting in beach traffic Salisbury's finest tag #63660?

Make your own lane! No emergency, no lights, because we coasted right through town right behind you from this shot at Hobbs Rd.

Publishers Notes: Sent in by a loyal reader.

BREAKING NEWS: Texas Rep. Ron Paul Will Not Seek Re-Election In 2012

Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) reportedly will not seek re-election to the House in 2012 to focus his attention on bid for the White House.

Health Officials Warn Of Extreme Heat And Poor Air Quality Conditions: “Keeping Cool And Healthy On A Not So Cool Day”

(Salisbury, MD)  During these extreme heat conditions, the Wicomico County Health Department is encouraging residents to be careful, stay cool, and keep hydrated. While temperatures and heat indices rise to record breaking levels, so does the risk for heat related illness. Health Officials are asking residents to remain indoors in the air conditioning, during the advisory which is in effect today from 11 A.M. to 8 P.M.   

“The Health Department is working in conjunction with Emergency Management to monitor heat related illnesses and local power outages. A cooling center will be opened in the county should it be deemed appropriate,” says Lori Brewster, Health Officer for Wicomico County.

Infants, young children, young athletes, obese persons, those older than 65 years of age, and those persons with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease or a mental illness are at highest risk for heat related illness. Family, friends, and neighbors who are at high risk will need extra help and residents should consider how they can help someone they know get to an air-conditioned place, if needed.

Heat rashes and muscle cramping are usually the first signs of heat related illness, and may lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Here is how you recognize heat exhaustion and heat stroke and what to do:

Signs and Symptoms:

Heat Exhaustion                                                        Heat Stroke (medical emergency-call 911)

*Heavy sweating                                                          *High body temperature (above 103 degrees)

*Weakness                                                                  *Hot, red, dry or moist skin   

*Dizziness or Fainting                                                   *Rapid and strong pulse

*Nausea or vomiting                                                    *Possible unconsciousness

*Shortness of breath or trouble breathing                      *Confusion or disorientation

What to Do:

Heat Exhaustion: Move individual to a cooler location, lie them down and loosen clothing, offer small amounts of water to sip. If vomiting occurs, seek medical attention immediately.

Heat Stroke: Call 911 immediately – this is a medical emergency. Move the person to a cooler environment. Reduce the person’s body temperature with cool cloths or even a bath. Do NOT give fluids.

Here are some additional tips offered by the Health Department, to help you and others stay healthy and cool during this extreme heat:

·         Stay indoors;

·         Wear light colored, loose fitting clothing;

·         Drink plenty of cool fluids without sugar, caffeine or alcohol;

·         If outdoors, schedule frequent water breaks.  In extreme heat or when exercising drink 2 – 4 glasses (16 – 32 oz.) each hour;

·         Avoid hot, spicy or heavy foods as they add heat to the body;

·         Limit using the stove or oven to keep the house cooler; 

·         Take a cool shower or bath;

·         Practice the buddy system.  Monitor co-workers if working outdoors, exercise with a partner, and check-in, at least twice a day, on anyone over age 65; 

·         Seek air-conditioned environments such as malls, libraries and cooling centers or shelters.

For local and updated cooling center information, facts on heat related illness, or additional tips on how to stay cool, visit the Wicomico County Health Department's website at www.wicomicohealth.org. 

Word of the Day – 07/12/2011

athanasia

(noun)  immortality

 

from Rare Words II by Jan and Hallie Leighton; copyright 2008: Levenger Press

Former Red Cross Employee Gets Probation For Embezzling Thousands

Martinsburg man to pay back more than $30,000

MARTINSBURG, W.Va.— A former American Red Cross worker convicted of embezzling more than $30,000 from the agency’s Eastern Panhandle chapter was placed on probation for five years Monday with the condition that he pay back the money.

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6-Year-Old Illinois Girl Quietly Sinks Hole In 1

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (AP) - A 6-year-old golfer sank a hole in one on a course in central Illinois and calmly walked back to her cart.

Why such a quiet reaction? Reagan Kennedy's father had told the Bloomington girl not to make a lot of noise on the course.

But 13-year-old Cheyenne Broquard says she told her younger sister that a hole in one was the one time a golfer could be excused for making a little noise.

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Stock Market Set To Drop Like A Rock?

You awake at this hour of the night?

You should be.

The Euro is breaking down severely along with big declines in Asia.  Why?  Lies.

What's the actual exposure at Unicredit to bad debt?  Everything - mortgages, sovereign, Greek, whatever?
Does the market know the truth?  No.

Does it know the truth about our banks?  No.  Bank of America just recently took a charge that was massively in excess of their alleged reserves for the same event.  Do you believe its over?  Why would you - it hasn't been thus far.

This campaign of lies is now running out of gas.  The market is calling "Bull!" on everything that is being emitted from the so-called "authorities", including in this case Junker.

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The Potential Tax Perils Of Catching A Historic Baseball

If you're a dreamer who totes a baseball glove to a ballgame and seeks bleacher seats in hopes of catching a home run ball, you may want to consider the tax implications of your whimsy. The man who chased down the home run ball that was Derek Jeter's 3,000th hit — and gave it back to Jeter — may face financial peril because of the windfall of swag the Yankees showered upon him. The IRS may consider the free season tickets and signed merchandise the team gave the man to be taxable income.

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Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #10 Golf Shoot Out

Monday, September 26, 2011
Shotgun start at 1 PM
Ocean Pines Golf & Country Club
100 Clubhouse Drive
Ocean Pines, MD 21811

Proceeds raised from this event will go to benefit the Worcester County Humane Society.

Registration cost is $80 per golfer which gets you:
18 holes of golf with cart at Ocean Pines Golf & Country Club
Gift at Registration
Beverages during golf outing

Dinner after the tournament. Dinner will begin at approximately 6 pm at The Oasis Bar and Grille (7539 Old Ocean City Road Whaleyville, MD).

Don’t worry, if you don’t have a complete team we will put you with other golfers!

Name of Golfer Email address Contact Phone Number
1.
2.
3.
4.

To sign up please send a check and completed sign up sheet to:
Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #10
Attn: Andrew Yeager
9927 Stephen Decatur Hwy. G14
Ocean City, Maryland 21842
Make checks payable to: OCMD FOP

For any additional information on the tournament contact Andrew Yeager (814)341-4467 or ayeager@oceancitymd.gov

TRAFFIC ALERT - Bridge Painting Will Require The Closure Of Front Street

Seaford -- The Department of Transportation (DelDOT) has scheduled painting of the bridge over the Nanticoke River along Front Street in Seaford. The bridge will be closed beginning on Monday, July 18 and ending on Thursday, August 25.

The project includes the removal of the existing paint material and priming/recoating with a lead-free paint on the steel bridge. The contractor for these improvements is Marinis Brothers, Inc. of New Castle, Delaware.

The detour route will be clearly posted for motorists and pedestrians.

Motorists should drive with caution, slow down in work zones, and never enter a roadway that has been blocked with barriers or cones.

Man Charged In Theft Of Farm Equipment

THURMONT, Md. (AP) — A Thurmont-area farmer known for elaborate corn mazes faces charges of possessing stolen farm and construction equipment valued at more than $106,000.

Fifty-two-year-old Jan Lawyer told The Associated Press on Monday that he didn’t know the machinery was stolen when he bought some of it years ago. He says the other pieces somehow ended up on his property but he didn’t steal them.

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Sixth Annual NAACP Back-To-School Rally Set For Thursday, Aug. 4

Wicomico County Branch #7028 of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People will hold its annual Back-To-School Rally at Salisbury Middle School, 607 Morris St. in Salisbury, from 2-4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 4.

Mark Thompson will be the master of ceremonies of the program, which includes entertainment by Wesley Temple United Methodist Church Youth Choir.

The NAACP is expecting approximately 300children from the public school system (prekindergarten through middle school) and their families to attend this rally. This event encourages each child to begin the school year ready to work and learn. In addition to the entertainment and a motivational speaker, each student will be given a bag of school supplies. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

The Wicomico County Branch of the NAACP wishes to thank Pepsi Bottling Venture of Salisbury for donating $500 each year for the past six years. Also, the organization is grateful to Food Lion for donating a $400 gift card for the past several years.

The NAACP is still soliciting monetary donations and/or contributions of school supplies (pencils, composition books, spiral notebooks, pens, hand sanitizer, etc.). Please bring your donations to Sojourner-Douglass College,408 Coles Circle, Suite D, Salisbury; you may also mail your contributions to PO Box 1047,Salisbury, MD 21802. Contibutions to this NAACP unit are not tax deductible; however, you may use your donation as an advertisement promotional deduction for your business.

For further details, please call Wicomico County NAACP at 410-543-4187.

Today's Survey Question

Do you believe the Lord's Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance should have been removed by the Salisbury City Council?

U.S. Trade Deficit Widens To $50.23 Billion In May

The U.S. trade gap widened to an almost three-year high of $50.23 billion, more than the $44 billion economists had been expecting, as imports jumped 2.6% to the second-highest level ever.

Wind Farm Off Delaware Moves Closer To Reality

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) -- A proposed wind farm off the Delaware coast is getting closer to reality.

NRG Bluewater has the first contract in the nation for offshore wind power, signed in 2008 with Delmarva Power. The Department of the Interior announced Monday it would open a 30-day public comment period on the environmental and socioeconomics impacts of offshore renewable-energy projects off the coast of Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey and Virginia.

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These Alarm Clocks Aim To Wake You Up

Hitting the snooze button is something many people do. Designers are looking at all sorts of ideas to get you up and going, including changing your alarm clock to something more pleasant than a beep.

Several designers have made the beep go away. Instead, they've built a digital clock into a pair of outlets. The outlets, where you can brew coffee or start on a fan, automatically turn on at whatever time you choose.

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Maryland Offshore Wind Area Slashed

Interior agency trims turbine sites over shipping safety concerns

The Obama administration took another step Monday toward opening the Mid-Atlantic coast for offshore wind development, but in the process slashed Maryland's potential stake in the developing new energy industry by more than half.

Pointing to concerns about shipping safety, the Department of Interior's Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement reduced the area off Ocean City where industrial wind turbines might be placed from 206 square nautical miles to 94 square nautical miles. Turbines could be placed from 10 nautical miles off the beach to 27 nautical miles out to sea.

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Banks Should Die For Their Countries, Not Countries For Their Banks

In 1922, Greek armies trying to conquer western Anatolia were routed by Turkey's military leader, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. Hundreds of thousands of ethnic Greeks were uprooted from Ionian coastal areas.

After this debacle, Greek officers took three former prime ministers, a general and two other politicians who had led the Turkish-Greek War and shot them. Greeks cheered.

Many Greeks today must be wishing to see similar punishment inflicted on their politicians and bankers who were responsible for the nation's bankruptcy and staggering $500 billion debt.

For decades, Greece's conservatives and Socialist parties alike bought votes by dishing out the very cushy, do-nothing government jobs, high pensions, and benefits that brought Greece to its knees. Call it state sponsored laziness.

Politicians know that if they can put 51% of the population on the government payroll, their party is assured of permanent power.

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Owners Of Repair Shop Plead Guilty In Towing Scandal

Dozens of police officers suspected of taking kickbacks

Two owners of Majestic Auto Repair pleaded guilty Monday in federal court to paying up to $1 million in bribes to more than 50 Baltimore police officers who allegedly steered business to the Rosedale shop and falsified crash reports.

Brothers Hernan Alexis Moreno and Edwin Javier Mejia each face a maximum of 25 years in prison for one conviction each of extortion and conspiracy and fines of up to $500,000 at their U.S. District Court sentencings, which are scheduled for Nov. 18.

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In Philly, Buy A Paper, Get A Tablet PC

PHILADELPHIA –  The city's two major newspapers said Monday that they will give heavily-discounted Android tablet computers to paid digital subscribers as part of a new venture designed to shore up readership and revenue nearly a year after the publications emerged from bankruptcy.

The pilot project slated for launch in late August will provide about 2,000 tablets to customers who buy long-term subscriptions to The Philadelphia Inquirer or Philadelphia Daily News, according to publisher Greg Osberg.

It's the first time a major U.S. media company will bundle its content with a device, said Osberg, who is also the CEO of Philadelphia Media Network, which owns the papers and their joint website philly.com.

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Maryland’s Grasp for Internet Tax Likely to Fail

The guy didn't want a necklace, brooch or anything else shiny. He already had the bling: a huge diamond-and-sapphire ring that he placed on the counter at Nelson Coleman Jewelers a couple months ago.

He just wanted a Nelson Coleman gift box in which to wrap the ring, to disguise the fact that he'd bought it on the Web and received it by mail in a zip-lock bag, recalls store co-owner Chris Coleman.

Maryland jewelers have gotten used to this kind of thing. For many shoppers, the high value and low shipping weight of jewelry make it the perfect Internet product. Shop the world. Compare discount prices. Get the bauble in your mailbox. Use the local jeweler for sizing and other minor services.

And skip the sales tax while you're at it.

READ MORE …

Incandescent Light Bulb War

Some House Republicans are launching a new salvo in the light bulb wars. They want to repeal 2007 legislation outlawing standard incandescent light bulbs in favor of compact fluorescents. Because they use less electricity to produce light, the fluorescents are seen by environmentalists as the wave of the future. Texas Representative Joe Barton says Americans should be able to buy any kind of light bulbs they want. He'll have an uphill legislative battle. Democrats on the Energy and Commerce committee oppose the repeal.

Stun Gun Found on JetBlue Plane at Newark Airport

If you feel smug when you get away with bringing more than three ounces of shampoo in your carry-on, you ain't seen nothing yet — the FBI is investigating the discovery of a stun gun on a JetBlue flight into Newark Airport yesterday, officials said.
The New York Daily News reports that the weapon was found in a seat back pocket by a cleaning crew on Flight 1179, after the plane landed from Boston on Friday night.

The airline alerted Transportation Security Administration agents and the FBI is now on the case as to how such a thing could've possibly slipped past screeners.
Stun gun found on JetBlue plane following arrival at Newark Airport [New York Daily News]
from M. B. Quirk @ The Consumerist

2009 Fraud Detection System Still Doesn't Work

The federal government's system for detecting Medicare and Medicaid fraud is late, inadequate and underused. Those conclusions from a new Government Accountability Office report. GAO says the systems don't even include Medicaid data. So far, 639 analysts were supposed to have been trained to use the system, but only 41 have. GAO also says the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services lacks a plan to finish the system. CMS has spend $150 million on the fraud detection system. It went live in 2009, but remains incomplete.

Quote of the Day - 07/12/2011

“Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world, the blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere the ceremony of innocence is drowned; the best lack all conviction, while the worst are full of passionate intensity.”

- Robert Sobel

Government Spends Less On High Risk Contracts, But Not Much Less

Agencies spent less on high risk types of contracts last year. But not much less. The Office of Federal Procurement Policy, in a report to Congress, says the figure was $28 billion in 2010, a billion less then the year before. The Office of Management and Budget has deemed labor-hours and time-plus-materials contracts to be high risk. For two years it has been telling agencies to avoid them in favor of fixed price contracts. While dollars for those types of contract fell, spending on cost-reimbursement contracts is still on the rise. Procurement chief Dan Gordon says, more accurate reporting might be the culprit, not agencies ignoring policy.

Md. Lawmakers Eye New Taxes On Snacks, Online Sales, Medicine

Gasoline tax increase also targeted

Maryland lawmakers plan to weigh new taxes on snack foods, medicine and online sales, as well as an increase in the state's gasoline tax, as they prepare for a special General Assembly session in the face of a
$1.1 billion structural deficit.

The Senate Budget and Taxation Committee will consider various revenue-generating proposals at its next meeting later this month, committee members told The Washington Examiner

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Lawsuit Ties Tainted Wipes To Twin's Brain Damage

Rare bacterial infection stumped experts until news of contaminated products surfaced

For nearly four years, a bacterial infection that left a Seattle-area newborn with severe brain damage while his twin brother developed normally has remained a medical mystery, traumatizing his family and stumping local and national disease experts.

Myles Massey, now 3, can’t speak or walk, must be fed through a stomach tube, has little use of the left side of his body and suffers from cerebral palsy and mental delays, all attributed to a rare Bacillus cereus infection that developed after his birth on Sept. 1, 2007.

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Can Rick Pollitt Levy Fees Without Council Approval?

As we learned yesterday, Wicomico County Executive Rick Pollitt has announced that, starting on Thursday, you can pay your county taxes online. Pollitt should be commended for moving into the 21st century and making an unpleasant task a little more convenient.

Along with convenience, paying your bill online requires a fee. If you pay by electronic check, there is a flat fee of $3.00. If you use a credit card, it will cost you 2.75% of the bill amount with a minimum charge of $3.95. Since processing credit card transaction and electronic checks costs money, it is pretty normal to pas these fees on to the taxpayer.

There’s just one problem. The county council hasn’t approved these fees. While I don’t doubt that Pollitt and the Finance Department are simply passing through what they are being charged, it is still my understanding that any fee must be approved by council. Since council does not meet until AFTER July 14th (when the new features will be available), is Pollitt exceeding his authority as County Executive?

We’ll have to see. I’m sure that the council will be asking the same questions.

It is possible that Pollitt is not exceeding his authority. I am confident that the county is simply subscribing to a payment processing service rather than building their own payment portal. It could be looked on as the VENDOR charging the fee rather than the county. If so, this opens up several other cans of worms. Regardless, it would have been more prudent to ask council’s approval for the fee structure at their last meeting. Instead, this will be one more example of Pollitt coming in at the 11th hour (in this case, after the fact) and asking for approval to an action that he has already taken.

When Pollitt argues “separation of powers” his arguments don’t ring too true when he is constantly exceeding his own authority.

Post Script -
Last night I marveled at the number of people who complained about the fees in comments. Do they believe that other taxpayers should subsidize their convenience? The fees aren’t mandatory. If they don’t want to pay the fee, simply mail a check or ride by the GOB and pay their taxes in person.

Restaurant Says It Has Heard Enough, Bans Kids

'Parents have gradually diminished their cooperation,' owner says

If your 5-year-old has a jones for the crab cakes at McDain's Restaurant, which the menu boasts are “The Best Around — Period,” you’d best take him or her there by Friday. Or be prepared to get the food to go.

Beginning Saturday, children 6 and under are no longer welcome at the restaurant in Monroeville, Pa., just outside of Pittsburgh. They’ve just become too much of a bother for the other customers.

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