Warren Buffett tells FBN's Liz Claman that S&P's downgrade of the US's credit rating "doesn't make sense" and will not prompt him to sell Berkshire Hathaway's large holdings in Treasuries.
From Fox News
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Friday, August 05, 2011
BREAKING NEWS: S&P Downgrades Credit Rating Of United States
For the first time in its history, the United States has seen its pristine credit rating downgraded, as Standard & Poor's cut the rating to AA-plus from AAA Friday night.From Fox News
Crime Solvers Press Release
The Salisbury Police Department is actively investigating these two incidents. Crime Solvers is asking anyone with information to come forward using the anonymous tip line at 410-548-1776.
Crime Solvers routinely pays cash rewards in amounts up to $1,000.00 for information that leads to an arrest. Callers in this case who provide information, even anonymously, will be eligible for a cash reward.
BREAKING NEWS: S&P Reportedly Downgrades U.S. Debt
Credit rating agency S&P downgrades U.S. credit rating from AAA, the Associated Press reports.
From Fox News
From Fox News
Pelosi’s Energy Savings Program Evaporates
House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi's four-year effort to "Green the Capitol" is officially no-more, having been dumped into an existing energy-savings program on the Hill in a move that Republicans say will save more money, eliminate redundancy and promote collaboration.
In response, some Democrats are crying foul, saying the move reflects the low priority that energy savings is for Republicans.
Home Ownership Hits Lowest Level Since 1965
Last Friday, the Census Bureau reported that the percentage of people who owned a home had dropped to 65.9% during the second quarter -- its lowest level since the first quarter of 1998 and a far cry from the high of 69.2% reached in late 2004.
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Great Quote
The dollar represents a one dollar debt to the Federal Reserve System. The Federal Reserve banks create money out of thin air to buy government bonds from the U.S. Treasury … and has created out of nothing a … debt which the American people are obliged to pay with interest.” —
Public Input Sought On Assateague Island’s Future
ASSATEAGUE -- With anticipated climate change and the associated sea level rise, Assateague Island officials are taking a proactive approach to planning for the future of the barrier island with a wide variety of alternatives on the table. Assateague National Seashore officials are currently working on a new General Management Plan (GMP) for the barrier island for the next few decades and are seeking the public’s help in a series of workshops in the coming weeks.
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Rep. Andy Harris Signs FAA Reauthorization Bill As Presiding Officer
Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Andy Harris presided over the House session as the designated Speaker Pro Tempore, and signed two bills, including the controversial FAA reauthorization extension bill. The bill temporarily restores the agency’s authorities and is expected to be signed later today by President Obama.
“The FAA and the aviation industry are a vital part of the American economy, and the House recognized that by sending this reauthorization over to the Senate weeks ago. I’m glad that the Secretary finally took the time to read the bill to discover that it specifically gave him the authority to waive the controversial parts of the bill, thus paving the way for Senate approval. It is unfortunate, however, that we had to furlough tens of thousands of workers in the interim, and that the Senate and the Administration remain unwilling to cut wasteful government spending like the $3,720 individual airline ticket subsidy for each passenger at the Ely, Nevada airport,” said Rep. Harris. “Eventually, we have to bring permanent common sense accountability to Washington and get wasteful spending like this under control if we ever hope to control our federal debt and deficit.”
Today, the Senate passed the FAA extension which the House previously approved over two weeks ago on July 20th.
New York's 'Rent Is Too Damn High' Candidate Says He's Being Evicted For Low Rent
Jimmy McMillan, the New York man who ran for governor on the "Rent is Too Damn High" ticket, says he is being thrown out of his Manhattan apartment because the rent is too low, the New York Post reported Friday.
McMillan — known as much for his trademark white wraparound moustache and goatee as he is his populist political views — told the newspaper he pays $872.96 for a rent-controlled apartment he's had since the 1970's.
"I've been here since 1977, and they want more money!" McMillan told the Post. "It's about 'My Rent is Too Damn Low.'
Even The Long-Lived Smoke, Drink And Don't Exercise
Is living clean the key to living long? Maybe not, says a new study by Yeshiva University's Institute for Aging Research, which shows that people who made it to the ripe age of 95 were just as likely as their shorter-lived peers to engage in the kinds of lifestyle habits that researchers deem unhealthy: eating fried foods, drinking, smoking and failing to exercise.
"They're as bad as everyone," says lead researcher Nir Barzilai. "The centenarians were telling us terrible stories about their life habits."
Fannie Mae to Taxpayers: We Need Another $5.1 Billion
Mortgage finance giant Fannie Mae said it would ask for an additional $5.1 billion from taxpayers as it continues to suffer losses on loans made prior to 2009.
The largest U.S. residential mortgage funds provider on Friday also reported a second-quarter net loss attributable to common shareholders of $5.2 billion, or 90 cents per share.
Postal Service Warns Of Default, Bleeds Money
USPS posts net loss of $5.7 billion for nine-month period
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Postal Service posted a net loss of $3.1 billion in its third quarter and warned again it would default on payments to the federal government if Congress did not step in.
Total mail volume for the quarter that ended June 30 fell to 39.8 billion pieces, a 2.6 percent drop from the same period a year earlier, as consumers turn to email and pay bills online.
The mail carrier, which does not get taxpayer funds, has struggled to overhaul its business as mail volumes fall. It has said personnel costs weigh heavily and is facing a massive retiree health benefit prepayment next month.
Border Agents Accused Of Making Drug Smugglers Eat Marijuana
(CNN) -- Two Border Patrol agents in Arizona are accused of forcing suspected drug smugglers to eat marijuana and strip down to their underwear before being told to flee into the desert.
A federal grand jury in Tucson indicted Dario Castillo, 23, and Ramon Zuniga, 29, with five counts of civil rights violations. Castillo faces an additional charge of tampering with a witness.
Genetically Engineered, Glow-In-The-Dark Beagle Created By South Korean
A glowing beagle is definitely on the list of things we never expected to see.
But South Korean scientists seem to have made it a reality in hopes of finding cures for diseases such asAlzheimer's and Parkinson's, according to Reuters. While genetically engineering a puppy to glow iscontroversial to say the least, the project aims to help researchers identify possible side-effects of certain treatments that could occur in humans.
Don't Fight Bet On The Fed
The era of quasi-religious belief in "Don't fight the Fed" is drawing to a close; the Fed has been revealed as significantly less omnipotent and powerful than previously imagined.
Many observers expect the Federal Reserve to bail out the stock market next Tuesday with an announcement of QE3, another round of "monetary easing" to reinstall the trade in risk assets. If they do, it will fail. The basic reason it will fail is that the Fed's credibility has fallen below a critical threshold. Put another way, the quasi-religious trust in the Fed's infallibility and power to single-handedly reverse global markets has been eroded by reality: QE2 was a monumental failure.
Here's a couple of things to understand about the Fed before you "buy the bounce when they announce QE3."
1. Though nominally independent, the Fed is a political construct. The idea that public opinion and political support have no influence on the Fed is wrong; the Fed's failure to revive the economy while squandering trillions of dollars propping up banks and Wall Street bonuses was not lost on the political class. Though nobody's talking about it, the Fed's abject failure to revive the real economy has greatly diminished its political range of maneuver.
Rumor has it that the word has already gone out to the Fed not to intervene with additional trillions to prop up Europe.
2. The consensus view is the Fed has either engineered the stock market drop to give it a free hand with QE3, or it will be "forced to do something" to combat the implosion of its pet fix to the broken economy, the "wealth effect" of rising stocks.
What these views miss is the Fed is now in a no-win endgame where its best move is to minimize the damage to what's left of its own reputation and credibility. The worst move here would be to double-down on QE3, because if it failed to goose global markets in a sustained fashion, then the Fed's remaining credibility and "magic" would vanish in a puff of smoke.
Chairman Ben Bernanke telegraphed this in his recent testimony to Congress, in which he basically stated that the Fed had done all it could and there was little more it could do other than wave a dead chicken and chant a few old incantations. Though he dutifully repeated the standard reassurances, i.e. "There is always more monetary easing we can do," he was careful to lower expectations that such easing would accomplish anything.
His testimony was that of someone setting up CYA in a major way. (CYA = cover your behind from recrimination when things head south.)
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Many observers expect the Federal Reserve to bail out the stock market next Tuesday with an announcement of QE3, another round of "monetary easing" to reinstall the trade in risk assets. If they do, it will fail. The basic reason it will fail is that the Fed's credibility has fallen below a critical threshold. Put another way, the quasi-religious trust in the Fed's infallibility and power to single-handedly reverse global markets has been eroded by reality: QE2 was a monumental failure.
Here's a couple of things to understand about the Fed before you "buy the bounce when they announce QE3."
1. Though nominally independent, the Fed is a political construct. The idea that public opinion and political support have no influence on the Fed is wrong; the Fed's failure to revive the economy while squandering trillions of dollars propping up banks and Wall Street bonuses was not lost on the political class. Though nobody's talking about it, the Fed's abject failure to revive the real economy has greatly diminished its political range of maneuver.
Rumor has it that the word has already gone out to the Fed not to intervene with additional trillions to prop up Europe.
2. The consensus view is the Fed has either engineered the stock market drop to give it a free hand with QE3, or it will be "forced to do something" to combat the implosion of its pet fix to the broken economy, the "wealth effect" of rising stocks.
What these views miss is the Fed is now in a no-win endgame where its best move is to minimize the damage to what's left of its own reputation and credibility. The worst move here would be to double-down on QE3, because if it failed to goose global markets in a sustained fashion, then the Fed's remaining credibility and "magic" would vanish in a puff of smoke.
Chairman Ben Bernanke telegraphed this in his recent testimony to Congress, in which he basically stated that the Fed had done all it could and there was little more it could do other than wave a dead chicken and chant a few old incantations. Though he dutifully repeated the standard reassurances, i.e. "There is always more monetary easing we can do," he was careful to lower expectations that such easing would accomplish anything.
His testimony was that of someone setting up CYA in a major way. (CYA = cover your behind from recrimination when things head south.)
More
Mo. Teachers Protest Facebook Crackdown
Law proposed after investigation found 87 Missouri teachers lost licenses because of sexual misconduct
COLUMBIA, Mo. — As they prepare lesson plans for fall, teachers across Missouri have an extra chore before the new school year begins: purging their Facebook friend lists to comply with a new state law that limits their contact with students on social networks.
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Commission: John Edwards' Campaign Must Repay $2M
Auditors found the former N.C. senator did not itemize more than $4 million in loan payments
WASHINGTON — Federal officials say former presidential candidate John Edwards must repay more than $2 million to the U.S. Treasury.
In a final report released Friday, the Federal Election Commission unanimously approved an internal audit that said Edwards' campaign understated its cash on hand and overstated its expenses.
Auditors also found that Edwards, a former senator from North Carolina, did not itemize more than $4 million in loan payments as part of his 2008 bid for the Democratic nomination. Audits are required for federal campaigns that accept public financing.
Edwards' campaign committee now has 90 days to make a payment to the Treasury or 60 days to ask the FEC to review its decision.
Wall St. Plunge May Mean Gas Price Drop
Who would have thought something positive would come out of Thursday's severe drop on Wall Street. Well, here it is -- lower gas prices.
While the price at the pump in the D.C. area doesn't represent it yet, oil posted its lowest one-day drop in three months on Thursday. Crude prices fell nearly 6 percent.
BREAKING NEWS: Wall Street Finishes Up After Roller Coaster Day
Dow Jones closes up 61 points after a volatile day in which it was once down by 200.
From Fox News
Publishers Notes: I wonder where Obama found the money to dump into the market today?
From Fox News
Publishers Notes: I wonder where Obama found the money to dump into the market today?
Md. Media Mogul Dorothy Brunson Dies
Dorothy Brunson died from complications from ovarian cancer.
The Georgia native moved to Baltimore in 1979 to become the owner of WEBB-AM radio.
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BREAKING NEWS: Stocks Closed Mixed In Volatile Session, With Dow Up, Nasdaq Soft
A day after Thursday’s 512-point shellacking, blue-chip stocks were generally higher Friday, while tech names slumped further. The Dow Industrials edged higher, the S&P 500 closed flat and the Nasdaq Composite lost nearly 1%.
From Fox News
From Fox News
Its Easier To Have A Baby Than It Is To Adopt An Animal At The Wicomico Humane Society
They were asked to fill out paperwork. One of the staff members asked them if the OWNED THEIR HOME. Funny, I didn't know that was one of the qualifications. I say that because when the Humane Society called them back the next day they said they confirmed they did in fact own their own home but they spoke to their Vet and they couldn't adopt the dog unless they took it back in to have shots.
My friend explained how the dog is dying and they didn't want to put it through all of that. Well, unless you do so, you can't adopt this dog. They went on to say that even after they got the shots they'd have to bring their 15 year old dying dog into the HS to see if the two dogs are compatible!
Just who in the hell do these people think they are! As my title states, its easier to have a baby in the United States than it is to ADOPT an animal who just might get put to sleep any moment now.
At least by having a baby you don't have a government agency TELLING you what you can or can't do. They don't come inspect your home, whether you RENT or OWN.
So, that being said, (and there is more) have any of you had the same kind of experience?
FAA Employees Could Be Eligible For Interest Free Loans
Furloughed FAA workers could be in line for an interest-free loan. The Federal Employees Education and Assistance fund is prepared to make no-interest loans of up to $1,000 to feds knocked off the job by the partial FAA shutdown. FEEA just asks for a copy of your pay stub showing your furloughed status and copies of bills that are due. Executive Director Steve Bauer said FEEA exists in part to help feds at times like this.
Job Growth is Still Job One
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today’s mediocre jobs report for July indicates a stalled economy – the report states that the share of the eligible population holding a job has declined to 58.1%, the lowest since July 1983. With the national unemployment rate at 9.1%, and only 117,000 jobs added last month, it is clear that a new fiscal policy course must be charted.
“It is apparent that America’s job creators remain concerned, resulting in a continuation of the worst unemployment streak since the Great Depression. We cannot continue down the President’s path of higher taxes, increased regulation, and more wasteful government spending” said Rep. Andy Harris. “We need accountability. We need to send a strong signal to the rest of the world, and especially to America’s job creators, that Washington has a permanent solution to its reckless spending. It’s time we pass a Balanced Budget Amendment to the Constitution to restore global confidence in the American economy and bring back jobs.”
Since the passage of President Obama’s cornerstone economic policy, the trillion-dollar Stimulus package of 2009, 1.8 million American jobs have been shed, the unemployment rate has risen, and the federal debt has increased to $14.5 trillion. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, at least 150,000 new jobs need to be created each month just to keep up with population growth. The economy is not growing fast enough to employ the nearly 14 million Americans looking for jobs.
Oh, That's Right, Its Not Third Friday, Is It
Brother, Can You Spare A Dime
When I confronted them they held out a copy of the Constitution and informed me that they had every right to be there and there wasn't a thing I could do about it.
I didn't want to give them any money because I didn't want to get charged with soliciting a prostitute. God Forbid.
HOUSING AUTHORITY APPOINTS NEW DIRECTOR, WINS NATIONAL AWARD
Mark Thompson, Rick Pollitt, Narcinda Church
Wicomico County Executive Richard M. Pollitt, Jr., announced today that he has appointed Mark S. Thompson to serve on the board of the Wicomico County Housing Authority (WCHA). Mr. Thompson has served in a wide range of volunteer community positions. He was most recently the chair of the Wicomico County Board of Education. Mr. Thompson is the Program Director for the Americorps program at Salisbury University.
Mr. Pollitt commented, “It is most appropriate to make this key appointment at this time as the Housing Authority has just been given an ‘Award of Merit’ by the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO). I offer my congratulations to Housing Authority Executive Director Narcinda Church.”
Executive Director Church submitted a county program entitled, “From the Brink of Condemnation to Rejuvenation” for consideration by NAHRO. On May 20th, Ms. Church learned that the entry was selected for an Award of Merit and that Wicomico County would be honored with other national winners at the NAHRO Summer Conference in Louisville on July 28th.
“From the Brink of Condemnation to Rejuvenation,” vividly and pictorially describes the rehabilitation of 90 of the WCHA’s 277 housing units starting in 2008. The narrative states that many of the to-be-rehabbed units were boarded-up and were in a general state of unattractive disrepair. The end result of the success story states that all units are now back on the rental rolls.
The entry pointed out that the capital costs for the rehab program came from H.U.D. capital funding and federal Stimulus funding valued at a combined $1.57 Million.
Executive Director Church said, “It wasn’t too long ago that the WCHA bore the burden of being classified as a ‘Troubled Housing Authority.’ We left that category in 2009 and we’ve won a national award in 2011. And we’re not done yet. We have 30 more units scheduled for rehabilitation in the near future.”
CHINA LIES
China censors find hiding rail crash difficult
In a tightly controlled dictatorship, the people hear only what the government chooses to tell them.
As the Chinese become more well-off, technically sophisticated and curious about the sometimes inscrutable ways of the ruling Communist Party, the people are hearing more and more about what the government rather they not know.
A case in point was the collision last Saturday between two high-speed trains outside the city of Wenzhou, killing 39 people and injuring 192, including one little girl who wasn’t found for 21 hours.
The news of the crash was out within four minutes on China’s two large Twitter-like networks called weibos. While these micro blogs spread news of the crash, the official TV networks were providing saturation coverage of the mass killings in Norway.
When the mainstream and heavily censored media finally turned to covering the wreck, the Financial Times reports that the central propaganda office instructed journalists that the theme of their reporting should be “in the face of great tragedy, there should be great love.” And the coverage focused heavily on kindly rescue workers leading passengers from the wreckage.
According to The New York Times, a young girl watching from her window knew something the local railroad officials did not. Something had happened to the lead train. She posted on weibos, “It’s moving slower than a snail. I hope nothing happens to it.”
Something did because China’s vaunted high-speed rail system makes no provision for warning about trains that slow suddenly.
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U.S. May Have To Decriminalize Prostitution Per U.N. Treaty
If the U.S. Senate passes the UN Convention the was adopted by the U.N. General Assembly and has been signed by 165 countries this could force the U.S. to acknowledge voluntary prostitution is a legal women’s choice as well as a women’s right to choose of abortion. If passed the U.S. would have to accept these human rights as the treaty provides.
The following summary is from a religious right group, Concerned Women of America (CWA) who of course oppose any such rights of women and want to keep them from having control over their own bodies.
The United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women
SOURCE: http://cwfa.org/library/nation/2000-09_pp_cedaw.shtml
The U.N. General Assembly adopted CEDAW on December 18, 1979. President Jimmy Carter signed it in 1980. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee passed it on September 29, 1994, but the full Senate has not ratified it. So far, 165 countries have signed the treaty, legally binding them to implement its provisions.1
CWA (Strong opponents “Concerned Women of America) is convinced that, if the Senate ever ratifies CEDAW, the federal government would allow it to supersede all federal and state laws, as evidenced by past federal court rulings.4
Part V (Articles 17-22) of CEDAW outlines the creation of a Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women to oversee the implementation of CEDAW in every signatory nation. This Committee consists of "23 experts of high and moral standing and competence in the field covered by the Convention" whom representatives of the Convention signatories elect. This, in essence, places the welfare and well being of American women and families at the mercy of 23 individuals, among whom the United States might not even have a voice.
CEDAW legally binds every signatory country to implement its provisions. After signing, each country must submit an initial report with a detailed and comprehensive description of the state of its women, "a benchmark against which subsequent progress can be measured."5 This initial report should include legislative, judicial, administrative and other measures the signatory nation has adopted to comply with CEDAW. The country must submit follow-up reports at least every four years.
Treaty Provisions Includes
Legalized Prostitution
Article 11, section 1(c) of the treaty upholds "the right to free choice of profession and employment." The Committee has included "voluntary" prostitution in that "free choice"—to the detriment of needy women around the world. It has called upon China to "decriminalize prostitution,"38 expressing concern that it is often the "result of poverty."39 Also, while it urged Germany "to recognize that trafficked women and girls are victims of human rights violations in need of protection,"40 it also expressed concern "that although they are legally obliged to pay taxes, prostitutes still do not enjoy the protection of labor and social law."41 Even more blatant, its report on Greece stated, "While noting positively the fact that prostitution is decriminalized and instead is dealt with in a regulatory manner, the Committee is concerned that inadequate structures exist to ensure compliance with regulatory framework."42
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The following summary is from a religious right group, Concerned Women of America (CWA) who of course oppose any such rights of women and want to keep them from having control over their own bodies.
The United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women
SOURCE: http://cwfa.org/library/nation/2000-09_pp_cedaw.shtml
The U.N. General Assembly adopted CEDAW on December 18, 1979. President Jimmy Carter signed it in 1980. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee passed it on September 29, 1994, but the full Senate has not ratified it. So far, 165 countries have signed the treaty, legally binding them to implement its provisions.1
CWA (Strong opponents “Concerned Women of America) is convinced that, if the Senate ever ratifies CEDAW, the federal government would allow it to supersede all federal and state laws, as evidenced by past federal court rulings.4
Part V (Articles 17-22) of CEDAW outlines the creation of a Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women to oversee the implementation of CEDAW in every signatory nation. This Committee consists of "23 experts of high and moral standing and competence in the field covered by the Convention" whom representatives of the Convention signatories elect. This, in essence, places the welfare and well being of American women and families at the mercy of 23 individuals, among whom the United States might not even have a voice.
CEDAW legally binds every signatory country to implement its provisions. After signing, each country must submit an initial report with a detailed and comprehensive description of the state of its women, "a benchmark against which subsequent progress can be measured."5 This initial report should include legislative, judicial, administrative and other measures the signatory nation has adopted to comply with CEDAW. The country must submit follow-up reports at least every four years.
Treaty Provisions Includes
Legalized Prostitution
Article 11, section 1(c) of the treaty upholds "the right to free choice of profession and employment." The Committee has included "voluntary" prostitution in that "free choice"—to the detriment of needy women around the world. It has called upon China to "decriminalize prostitution,"38 expressing concern that it is often the "result of poverty."39 Also, while it urged Germany "to recognize that trafficked women and girls are victims of human rights violations in need of protection,"40 it also expressed concern "that although they are legally obliged to pay taxes, prostitutes still do not enjoy the protection of labor and social law."41 Even more blatant, its report on Greece stated, "While noting positively the fact that prostitution is decriminalized and instead is dealt with in a regulatory manner, the Committee is concerned that inadequate structures exist to ensure compliance with regulatory framework."42
More
9-11 And The War On Terror
As the 10th anniversary of Sept. 11 nears, Mike Huckabee this week began promoting his company's latest animated educational video for children: "9/11 and the War on Terror." The release of the kids' cartoon has sparked significant criticism, accusing Huckabee of profiting off the 2001 terror attacks.
During an appearance on the Christian Broadcasting Network's "700 Club" Tuesday, the former Arkansas governor and 2008 presidential candidate noted the company he co-founded, Learn Our History, is releasing a new video "just in time" for the 10th anniversary of the attacks. "The first one is $9.95 and $11.95 after that," Huckabee explained of the ordering process via his company website.
You can watch the trailer for "9/11 and the War on Terror" below via Learn Our History:
Source
During an appearance on the Christian Broadcasting Network's "700 Club" Tuesday, the former Arkansas governor and 2008 presidential candidate noted the company he co-founded, Learn Our History, is releasing a new video "just in time" for the 10th anniversary of the attacks. "The first one is $9.95 and $11.95 after that," Huckabee explained of the ordering process via his company website.
You can watch the trailer for "9/11 and the War on Terror" below via Learn Our History:
Source
STATE POLICE ENFORCEMENT ALERT FOR CAPITAL BELTWAY TONIGHT
(GREENBELT, MD) – Maryland State Police in the Washington Metro Troop are warning weekend Capital Beltway drivers ahead of time that almost two dozen additional troopers will be saturating the interstate tonight in a concentrated effort to reduce injuries and fatalities on one of the most heavily traveled sections of highway in the country.
Troopers will again be deploying “Operation Centipede” beginning tonight and extending into the early morning hours of Saturday along the entire length of the Capital Beltway in Prince George’s County. At least 20 additional troopers will be added to the regular patrol force in that area tonight. Troopers in marked and unmarked vehicles will be focused on finding aggressive drivers, drunk drivers, speeding drivers, inattentive drivers, and others operating in a reckless or negligent manner. The State Highway Administration will be using overhead signs to inform drivers they are in a speed enforcement zone and there will be no warnings. Some of the additional troopers will be on overtime funded by state and federal highway safety money.
“Our goal is a simple, but very important one,” Captain Clifford Hughes, Washington Metro Troop Commander said. “We want to save lives and reduce injuries resulting from crashes on the Capital Beltway. Traffic crashes just don’t happen. Each traffic crash has a cause and usually that cause is the result of a driver’s aggressiveness, negligence, or inattentiveness. Our enforcement efforts tonight will be abundant and effective.”
“Operation Centipede” is an ongoing traffic enforcement program implemented periodically along the Capital Beltway. A National Highway Transportation Safety Administration study showed speed and alcohol use were factors in a majority of traffic fatalities on this section of the Capital Beltway, with most fatalities occurring between 11:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m.
Maryland State Police are continuing their investigation into a six vehicle crash that killed two people and injured two others on the Capital Beltway near Ritchie Marlboro Road early Tuesday morning. A driver involved in the crash and suspected of driving under the influence was taken into custody and released without charges pending the outcome of the investigation and a review by the county state’s attorney’s office.
Troopers did take the individual’s driver’s license and, as required by law, issued a temporary license that will be valid for 45 days or until a Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration hearing is held. Charges against the driver are pending.
Troopers will again be deploying “Operation Centipede” beginning tonight and extending into the early morning hours of Saturday along the entire length of the Capital Beltway in Prince George’s County. At least 20 additional troopers will be added to the regular patrol force in that area tonight. Troopers in marked and unmarked vehicles will be focused on finding aggressive drivers, drunk drivers, speeding drivers, inattentive drivers, and others operating in a reckless or negligent manner. The State Highway Administration will be using overhead signs to inform drivers they are in a speed enforcement zone and there will be no warnings. Some of the additional troopers will be on overtime funded by state and federal highway safety money.
“Our goal is a simple, but very important one,” Captain Clifford Hughes, Washington Metro Troop Commander said. “We want to save lives and reduce injuries resulting from crashes on the Capital Beltway. Traffic crashes just don’t happen. Each traffic crash has a cause and usually that cause is the result of a driver’s aggressiveness, negligence, or inattentiveness. Our enforcement efforts tonight will be abundant and effective.”
“Operation Centipede” is an ongoing traffic enforcement program implemented periodically along the Capital Beltway. A National Highway Transportation Safety Administration study showed speed and alcohol use were factors in a majority of traffic fatalities on this section of the Capital Beltway, with most fatalities occurring between 11:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m.
Maryland State Police are continuing their investigation into a six vehicle crash that killed two people and injured two others on the Capital Beltway near Ritchie Marlboro Road early Tuesday morning. A driver involved in the crash and suspected of driving under the influence was taken into custody and released without charges pending the outcome of the investigation and a review by the county state’s attorney’s office.
Troopers did take the individual’s driver’s license and, as required by law, issued a temporary license that will be valid for 45 days or until a Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration hearing is held. Charges against the driver are pending.
TSA Managers Undergoing Mandatory Sensitivity Training
Transportation Security Administration managers at Los Angeles International Airport are undergoing mandatory sensitivity training in transgender issues. This comes after a transgender employee reached a five-figure settlement with the agency. She was fired last summer when co-workers saw her use the ladies restroom. She successfully contested the firing. The settlement mandated sensitivity training.
Republican Senators Want To Shrink The Size Of Government By 15%
A new Senate bill would extend the federal pay freeze until the end of 2014. The Federal Workforce and Reduction Act of 2011 would also freeze bonuses, including performance and recruitment bonuses, for the same period and reduce the federal workforce by 15 percent in the next decade. The bill is sponsored by Republican Senators Orrin Hatch of Utah and Tom Coburn of Oklahoma, who said their proposal would shrink the size of government "to a fiscally-responsible level."
New Defense Secretary Warns Of Doomsday
Defense Secretary Leon Panetta used his first news conference to warn of doomsday if DoD budget cutting goes too far. Panetta told reporters, the military could handle the initial $350 billion worth of cuts called for in this week's debt-ceiling agreement. But that agreement could take another $500 billion dollars from DoD over the next ten years, which Panetta called "completely unacceptable" and dangerous to national security. He said Congress should also consider tax hikes and reductions in entitlement spending to ease the fiscal crisis.
Bong-Selling Duo Busted At County Fair, Say Pa. Police
(CBS/AP) DUNBAR, Pa. - It's county fair season - ferris wheels, livestock, funnel cakes, bongs....
A drug task force detective says two people openly sold marijuana pipes and bongs at the Fayette County Fair in southwestern Pennsylvania.
Thirty-three-year-old Stephen Krug and 24-year-old Maria Zelik, both of Freedom, are charged with possession, conspiracy and possession with intent to deliver drug paraphernalia.
Hunger in America Growing At Staggering Pace
It's hard to believe, but one in seven Americans – 15% of the country – now need government-provided food stamps simply to survive. ... Nearly 46 million Americans receive food stamps out of a population of some 311 million people. That's the highest number on record. ... The continued high unemployment and the weak U.S. economy have contributed to the explosive growth of the food stamp program – with no end in sight to the monthly increases. – CNN
Todd Pleads Guilty To Assault; Gets Time Served And Probation
CAMBRIDGE Rickey Tyrone Todd, 21, of 710 Hughlett St., who was accused of allegedly having sex with a 13-year-old girl in December, received a time-served sentence Tuesday morning in Dorchester County Circuit Court after he pleaded guilty to second-degree assault.
Todd waived his right to a jury trial Monday morning and pleaded guilty Tuesday to second-degree assault as part of a plea agreement with the Dorchester County State's Attorney's Office. The remaining charges were dropped by state prosecutors.
Dorchester County Circuit Court Judge Brett Wilson sentenced Todd to five years in prison, with all but five months suspended. Todd received credit for the five months he already has served at the Dorchester County Detention Center. Wilson also placed Todd on three years of probation.
BREAKING NEWS: Jury Convicts 5 Police Officers In Post-Katrina Shootings
NEW ORLEANS — A federal jury convicted five current or former police officers Friday of civil rights violations in the deadly shootings on a New Orleans bridge after Hurricane Katrina, but decided they were not guilty of murder.
However, the jury decided that neither fatal shooting was a murder.
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Pentagon Chief Warns Won't Accept Extra Spending Cuts
Defense Secretary Leon Panetta warned Thursday he would not accept large military cutbacks under a debt deal, charging the move would weaken the United States faced with rising powers. ... Such cuts "I believe would do real damage to our security, our troops and their families and our military's ability to protect the nation," Panetta said. "It is an outcome that would be completely unacceptable to me as secretary of defense, to the president and, I believe, to our nation's leaders," he said. – AFP Source
BREAKING NEWS: Dow Climbs Out of 200-Point Hole As Volatility Continues
Stocks continue to experience heavy turbulence in early afternoon trading, with the Dow turning its 200-point loss into a triple-digit gain.
From Fox News
From Fox News
Man Stopped At BWI With Loaded Gun In Carry-On Bag
A Carroll County man was arrested at BWI Thurgood Marshal Airport early Tuesday morning after airport screeners spotted a loaded .45-caliber gun in his carry-on luggage, authorities said.
A Transportation Security Administration X-ray operator saw what was believed to be a gun in the man's luggage.
A Maryland Transportation Authority Police officer was called to Pier C at 6:22 a.m. and found the handgun in the man's bag.
Ground Turkey Recall: Why Did It Take So Long?
Tracking down the source of an illness is a difficult, complicated business, and federal officials defended the months-long process Thursday by saying they wanted to be absolutely sure before they asked Cargill to initiate the third-largest meat recall in history. ... Caroline Smith DeWaal, food safety director for the Center for Science in the Public Interest believes the government should have told the company – and the public – about the possible outbreak much sooner. ... "Clearly this kind of delay in an outbreak situation is one that puts the public health at risk," DeWaal said. – AP
Dominant Social Theme: Unregulated food providers will make you sick.
Free-Market Analysis: This theme is an oldie; it's been running since Upton Sinclair published The Jungle in 1906. Tales of profit-hungry food companies feeding tainted food to the public have rhetorical power because everyone eats, everyone can feel disgust and everyone has had at least a brush with food poisoning. But it's not government inspectors and government punishers that keep your food safe. It's the desire of food companies to protect their reputations and to keep their customers. Sometimes that means defending a brand name (e.g. Kraft) from any taint. In Cargill's case, it means protecting its relationships with food distributors and retailers. In every case it means that a food provider either is vigilant about quality or it goes out of business.
Source
Dominant Social Theme: Unregulated food providers will make you sick.
Free-Market Analysis: This theme is an oldie; it's been running since Upton Sinclair published The Jungle in 1906. Tales of profit-hungry food companies feeding tainted food to the public have rhetorical power because everyone eats, everyone can feel disgust and everyone has had at least a brush with food poisoning. But it's not government inspectors and government punishers that keep your food safe. It's the desire of food companies to protect their reputations and to keep their customers. Sometimes that means defending a brand name (e.g. Kraft) from any taint. In Cargill's case, it means protecting its relationships with food distributors and retailers. In every case it means that a food provider either is vigilant about quality or it goes out of business.
Source
Sussex Bets On State’s First Gambling District
If the state legislature expands gambling in Delaware, Sussex County could be in line for a new casino, and Sussex officials want to be ready.
If a proposed zoning ordinance is approved, Sussex could become the first county in the state to have a commercial gambling district.
The new district would limit where casinos and gambling venues could locate in unincorporated areas of the county. Under the proposed regulations, venues would be restricted to areas along the major roadways, including routes 1, 13 and 113.
Got Bank Of America CDS? New York AG Says BAC's $8.5 Billion Settlement Is "Unfair and Misleading"; BAC Equity Offering Imminent
When we last looked [15]at the Bank of America joke of a "non-settlement" settlement for a paltry $8.5 billion when $424 billion in total misrepresented (530 in total) Countrywide mortgage trusts were at stake, we said, "we are confident that the legal process will prevail and that the presiding judge on this case, and if not him then certainly the New York District Attorney, will step up and demand a thorough reevaluation of the settlement process." We were, oddly enough, correct. According to a just released filing from the New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, Bank of America (and Bank of New York Mellon, one of the tri-party repo banks mind you), violated New York state law and "misled investors." In a knock out punch to Bank of America (and Brian Lin who was profiled here previously [15]), the bank allegedly violated the New York’s Martin Act and misled investors about its conduct tied to mortgage securitization as Bloomberg summarizes. Schneiderman said he has "potential claims" against Bank of America Corp. and its Countrywide Financial unit. As Zero Hedge alleged all along, "The proposed cash payment is far less than the massive losses investors have faced and will continue to face." What does that mean? Well, as the countersuit [15]by the FHLB indicated (which we are certain will be the basis for the NY AG claims), the likely final settlement is probably going to be about $22 to $27.5 billion. Which also means that the bank's Tier 1 capital is about to be discounted by about 25% lower. Which, lastly, means that the stock is about to plunge due to a massive litigation reserve shortfall which will have to be plugged with, surprise, a new equity capital raise. Which brings us to our original question: got CDS (which closed around 200 bps today, roughly 25 bps wider - it is going much wider tomorrow, especially if the expected Sarkozy-Merkel-Zapatero meeting achieves absolutely nothing)? Cause this baby is going down... and it is probably about to be broken up into good BAC and bad bank, consisting almost entirely of all legacy Countrywide operations. Said otherwise, it could well be time for a CFC-BAC CDS pair trade.
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FAA Furloughed Workers Going Back To Work
The Senate is scheduled to approve legislation to end the two-week partial shutdown of the Federal Aviation Administration. That means 4,000 furloughed workers could return to work by Monday, presuming President Barack Obama signs the legislation over the weekend. The bill, which includes cuts in rural airport subsidies sought by House Republicans, would extend FAA's operating authority only through mid-September.
White House Plans New Veteran-Hiring Incentives
President Barack Obama plans to head to Washington, D.C.'s Navy Yard today to unveil a $120 million package of new tax incentives for businesses that hire U.S. veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.
The "Returning Heroes Tax Credit" will award $2,400 to firms for each veteran they hire that has been unemployed for less than six months. It gives $4,800 dollars if the veterans were unemployed for more than six months, administration officials said.
The package of measures also includes improved retraining and education for vets to help smooth their transition back into the civilian workforce.
This story is part of Federal News Radio's daily DoD Report. For more defense news, click here.
Builders Cite Rise In `Mother-In-Law Suites'
Jane and William Merrill also decided that they didn't want his mother living on her own any more. Then 81, Jane Merrill, who shares her daughter-in-law's name, was still active but in need of companionship.
Both families considered nursing homes, assisted living and retirement communities. In the end, they came to the same conclusion: Their homes were the best place for their mothers. But they needed more home.
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10.5% Of Spirit's Revenue Comes From Baggage Fees
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Virginia Beach Considers 'Tent City' For Homeless
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (AP) - Homeless people in Virginia Beach could find shelter in an encampment authorized by the city under a proposal being studied by the city's staff.
Staff members tell The Virginian-Pilot that an authorized "tent city" would make it easier to provide services to the homeless and keep tabs on them.
If the City Council approves the proposal, it would be the first authorized homeless encampment in Virginia.
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Staff members tell The Virginian-Pilot that an authorized "tent city" would make it easier to provide services to the homeless and keep tabs on them.
If the City Council approves the proposal, it would be the first authorized homeless encampment in Virginia.
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Auto Warranty Company Bilks Up To 17,000 Marylanders
WASHINGTON --Thousands of people across the country have been bilked by an extended auto warranty company that claims to cover repairs on many makes of cars.
Only a few may get some money back.
Maryland obtained a court order against U.S. Fidelis to cease operations in the state and pay $25 million in restitution and penalties to as many as 17,000 residents.
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Only a few may get some money back.
Maryland obtained a court order against U.S. Fidelis to cease operations in the state and pay $25 million in restitution and penalties to as many as 17,000 residents.
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Leaving State To Avoid Taxes Is ‘A Myth,’ Study Says
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BREAKING NEWS: Stocks Sinking Further Into The Red, Dow Down 200
The selloff in stocks is gathering steam with the Dow Jones Industrial Average off 200 points and the Nasdaq Composite index down another 3.4%.
From Fox News
From Fox News
Political Quote Of The Day
An old West Virginia Hillbilly saying: "You cannot get the water to clear up until you get the pigs out of the creek".
BREAKING NEWS: Selling Gains Steam On Wall Street
After rallying in early trade, the Dow was off about 100 points midday as July's jobs report fails to quell Wall Street's economic fears.
From Fox News
From Fox News
FCC Promises 100,000 New Jobs... At Call Centers
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Vegas Cop Beats Videographer
(CBS News) A Las Vegas police officer is in hot water after being caught on tape beating a videographer outside of his home in March.
A police department review found that Officer Derek Colling violated police policies when he used "excessive force" on Mitchell Crooks, reports the Las Vegas Review Journal.
According to the newspaper, the incident occurred on the night of March 20, when the 36-year-old Crooks was in his driveway videotaping police as they investigated a burglary report across the street. Crooks said that when he refused to stop filming, Colling arrested and beat him, with much of the altercation recorded by the camera.
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A police department review found that Officer Derek Colling violated police policies when he used "excessive force" on Mitchell Crooks, reports the Las Vegas Review Journal.
According to the newspaper, the incident occurred on the night of March 20, when the 36-year-old Crooks was in his driveway videotaping police as they investigated a burglary report across the street. Crooks said that when he refused to stop filming, Colling arrested and beat him, with much of the altercation recorded by the camera.
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YARD SALE
St. Thomas Church Shepherd's Shop Indoor Yard Sale
Corner of Old Ocean City Road &
Moss Hill Lane
Salisbury, MD 21804
Fridays - 9:00am to 1:00pm
Saturadys - 8:00 to 12:00pm
Come visit and see our, large selection of
Corner of Old Ocean City Road &
Moss Hill Lane
Salisbury, MD 21804
Fridays - 9:00am to 1:00pm
Saturadys - 8:00 to 12:00pm
Come visit and see our, large selection of
gently use and new cloths, womens, mens & children. Shoes, pocketbooks, jewelry toys, furniture, kitchen cabinet (new), bedding, nick-nacks, brass & crystal candle stick holder, kitchen items and large selection of books, and electronics.
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