Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Meghan McCain RedState Parody Post Removed After Lawsuit Threats

Don't mess with Meghan.

Last week, conservative site RedState posted a Meghan McCain parody, mocking her criticism of Rick Perry as "George Bush 2.0." McCain threatened to sue and RedState agreed to remove the post.

Some of the parody's best bits:

Go Here

Biden: GOP Crowd Members Booing Gay Soldier Was 'Reprehensible'

WASHINGTON -- Appearing on ABC's "The View," Vice President Joseph Biden said it was "reprehensible" for members of the audience at the most recent Republican presidential debate to boo a soldier simply because he was openly gay.

"I did have a visceral response to it," Biden said. "I'm not sure if it's because my son spent a year in Iraq. And I know my sons and all the kids with them -- kids, they're grown men -- I don't think they give a damn whether the guy firing a rifle to protect them is gay or straight. I don't think they care about that. Look this kid risked his life. This kid is there for them. And I, quite frankly, I thought it was reprehensible."

Kimberly Hooley, Bus Driver, Drove Drunk With Kids In Vehicle: Police

WINDHAM, N.H. -- A New Hampshire school bus driver is facing drunken driving charges after police say she struck a mailbox with her bus while transporting middle school students.

No one was hurt.

Police in Windham say they received several calls about a bus driving erratically on Monday morning. They eventually found the bus in the parking lot at Windham Middle School.

Could Chris Christie Win The Republican Nomination?

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has spent a decent portion of this year categorically denying that he is considering a run for the Republican presidential nomination, using the declarative simple language that makes him popular with many Republicans.

Among the denials:

"What do I have to do short of suicide to convince people I'm not running?"

"You have to believe in your heart, and in your soul, and in your mind that you are ready, and I don't believe that about myself right now."

"I am not arrogant enough to believe that after one year as governor ... that I am ready to be president of the United States."

"I threatened to commit suicide ... to convince people I'm not running. Apparently I actually have to commit suicide to convince people I am not running."

Indian Gov Says Poor Can Live On Half Dollar A Day

Half a dollar a day 'adequate', says panel ... Half a dollar a day is "adequate" for an Indian villager to spend on food, education and health, the country's main planning body has said. Critics say that the amount fixed by the Planning Commission is extremely low and aimed at "artificially" reducing the number of poor who are entitled to state benefits. – BBC

Avoiding Ron Paul, Desperate Republicans Turn To Chris Christie

Run, Chris, run? ... Will he or won't he? New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, that is, who suddenly finds himself under pressure from across the Republican Party to enter the presidential race. That's a prospect Christie himself has been exceedingly reluctant to embrace. So far. But some of the party's top leaders and most influential figures -- clearly troubled by the failure of anyone in the current field to stir broad, enthusiastic support -- are pressing Christie, whom they believe can successfully lead the party against an increasingly vulnerable President Obama. We agree. – NY Post

Economist Mag Makes Up New China Term

Catching up is so very hard to do ... The emerging economies have had a great decade. That was the easy part. THIS month Italy's government sold a slug of five-year paper at one of its regular bond auctions. There was barely enough demand for the bonds to meet supply, even at a steep interest rate. Contrast that with the sale in August of 20 billion yuan ($3.1 billion) of paper by China in Hong Kong's fledgling offshore market. The yield was miserly yet there were more than four times as many bids as there were bonds for sale. – The Economist

GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY APPOINTS HAROLD M. BARTLETT TO LEAD THE MARYLAND TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY

Maryland transportation veteran named Executive Secretary

ANNAPOLIS, MD (September 27, 2011) – Governor Martin O’Malley today appointed Maryland transportation veteran Harold M. Bartlett as Executive Secretary of the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA). The Executive Secretary manages the MDTA’s daily operations and works with eight Board members to establish policy and direction for the agency that owns and operates Maryland’s eight toll facilities. Mr. Bartlett has served previously as Maryland’s Deputy Transportation Secretary and Acting Executive Secretary of the MDTA. He entered state service following a 23-year career with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA).

“Harold understands that safety and customer service must be top priorities for the Maryland Transportation Authority,” said Governor O’Malley. “I’d like to thank him for his outstanding commitment to improving the services we provide to the citizens of Maryland. With numerous accomplishments throughout his career in transportation, we are confident that he has the knowledge and skills that will help us continue to move the MDTA forward.”

Mr. Bartlett was appointed as Deputy Transportation Secretary in September 2009 where he served as the Chief Operating Officer for the Maryland Department of Transportation, overseeing Maryland’s highway, transit, aviation, maritime, and motor vehicle registration operations.

“Whether it be operations, safety, customer service or finance, Harold has the background and the leadership ability to tackle any challenge that is put before him,” said Transportation Secretary and MDTA Chairman Beverley K. Swaim-Staley. “He is unique in his ability to grasp the issues and pull together a team of people to get things done.”

In August of 2010, while still serving as Deputy Secretary, Mr. Bartlett assumed the role of Acting Executive Secretary of the MDTA. He announced his intention to retire as Deputy Secretary in late 2010 and Governor O’Malley appointed Darrell B. Mobley as current Deputy Transportation Secretary. However, Mr. Bartlett agreed to stay on at the MDTA to oversee completion of the first seven-mile segment of the Intercounty Connector. He formally retired following its opening in February of this year.

“Governor O'Malley's appointment of Harold Bartlett to the MDTA brings once again to this agency an invaluable asset in fulfilling its mission,” said Board member Dr. William C. Calhoun, Sr. “Harold’s impeccable character, people skills, organizational and management expertise, and commitment to diversity will help the Authority to continue its mammoth work in providing a quality toll infrastructure for Maryland. As chair of the human resources committee of the MDTA Board we are happy to unanimously concur with Harold Bartlett's appointment as Executive Secretary.”

“I am extremely pleased that Harold Bartlett has decided to return to the MDTA,” added Board member Mary Beyer Halsey. “Having previously worked with him, I cannot say enough about the vast knowledge and experience he brings to the Authority. Harold’s diplomatic management style was embraced by all. His leadership will surely enhance our existing staff and carry us through the many important projects we have still in progress.”

From 1997 to 2006 Mr. Bartlett served as Secretary and Chief of Staff at WMATA. He was responsible for the oversight of financial operations, government and labor relations, security, information technology and customer relations. Mr. Bartlett was active in dealing directly with members of Congress to obtain construction funding for the completion of the 106-mile Metro system, as well as working to secure dedicated funding for WMATA.

“I am excited to return to the Maryland Transportation Authority,” said Mr. Bartlett. “Few organizations directly touch as many citizens as the MDTA and our challenge is to deliver quality, safety and sound financial management. I thank Governor O’Malley for his confidence and I look forward to working with Secretary Swaim-Staley, the MDTA Board and the great team in place at the Authority.”

Mr. Bartlett is a resident of Montgomery County. He received a Masters of Public Administration from San Diego State University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the State University of New York at Albany. He was active with both American Public Transit Association and the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials. Mr. Bartlett is a veteran having served in the United States Navy.

Tom & Nikki McGuire Get Spanked In The Delmar Election

Both McGuire's received the lowest amount of votes proving AGAIN that no one in that Town want anything to do with these two. In fact, neither one of them even showed up at City Hall to get the voting results. Who can blame them. Maybe they saw my vehicle outside and decided it might not be such a good idea to come in.

While some of you may think I'm personally being harsh on these two, try sitting here day in and day out moderating comments on Salisbury News and reject hundreds of comments per day, knowing where many of them come from even though they're anonymous.

After doing this for as many years as I have, believe me, each person has a sort of fingerprint to their words and we know, (in most cases) who is behind them. McGuire doesn't even realize what he does in every one of his comments that immediately calls for a reject. Not much different from JR sending in comments and we catch him every time.

When a couple wish a young child dead dealing with a disease like cancer and demand their letter to me get published, well, I think you can get a pretty good idea what these people are all about.

We'd like to congratulate tonight's winners and thank them for their will to serve Delmar. Many will sleep well tonight knowing these two are out of the race. Those who are left seem to be very honorable people and at least from this point forward the candidates can stay on topic.

Georgetown Man Arrested After Burglary

Location: Residence in the 11000 block of Sycamore Road, Laurel, DE

Date of Occurrence: Monday, September 26, 2011 at approximately 8:45 a.m.

Defendant, Charges, and Arraignment Information:

-James Miller, 29, Georgetown, DE

-Burglary 2^nd Degree

-Conspiracy 2^nd Degree

-Theft

-Criminal Mischief

-Possession of Burglary Tools

-Arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution for lack $2600.00 bail.

Resume:

Laurel, DE- The Delaware State Police have arrested a 29 year old Georgetown man after he broke into a Laurel home yesterday morning.

The investigation into the incident began at approximately 8:45 a.m. on Monday, September 26^th, after troopers were told to respond to a home located in the 11000 block of Sycamore Road, Laurel for the report of a possible burglary in progress. Upon their arrival, troopers contacted the homeowner who advised them that he had just returned to the house and observed that someone had rummaged through the interior. The homeowner felt that that the person was possibly still inside of the residence. The responding troopers entered the home but found it to be empty. They also noticed that someone had in fact entered the home through a bathroom window and once inside, removed a video game console, video games, and money from the home before fleeing.

As the troopers were conducting their investigation at the scene, other officers were conducting a search of the area. It was at this point that they observed James Miller, 29, walking in the area of Bargain Bills Flea Market located on County Seat Highway, just behind the residence that had been burglarized. Upon making contact with Miller, troopers located the money and video games that had been stolen from the home in his possession.

James Miller was arrested and charged with the above list of crimes. He was arraigned at JP Court 2 and then committed to the Department of Corrections for lack of $2600.00 bail.

Report: Many Making Risky Moves To Cut Med Costs

(CBS News)

A new survey from Consumer Reports shows 48 percent of Americans are trimming their medical costs by delaying doctor's visits and procedures or ordering cheaper drugs from outside the U.S.

So how can people stretch the money they put toward healthcare better to make sure they appropriate enough for all the things they need?

CBS News medical correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton noted on "The Early Show" that staying healthy matters not just for your health, but your pocketbook. "Not ony does your life depend on it, but your finances do, as well," she said.

Lofts: The One Bright Spot in the Real Estate Market

Oh, a loft … who doesn’t want to live in a large empty space that can be customized to fit your needs? Loft properties can be especially appealing to empty nesters, whose aging knees may dictate a preference for all-on-one-floor layouts over those of classic multi-story houses. Lofts are often located in a city’s urban core, an area that can be revitalized and marketed with the promise of walk-to-retail that is missing from many traditional suburbs.

Although the housing slump continues, in many parts of the country, there is a proliferation of loft development … from South Norwalk, Connecticut (nicknamed SoNo) to Cleveland to San Francisco to … St. Louis?

Public Workers May Face Cost Of Deficit Cuts Imposed By Congress

Sept. 26 (Bloomberg) -- The termination notice hit Irene Wilson like a sucker punch: “It is with deep regret that I must inform you,” it read, “that your position as a nurse for Connecticut Valley Hospital Merritt Hall Addiction Services, Division of Mental Health, is being eliminated.”

Wilson, 56, received the pink slip after Governor Dannel P. Malloy, a Democrat, ordered 3,000 job cuts in July when unions failed to approve concessions to help fill a $3.26 billion projected deficit in the state’s $18.7 billion general-fund budget for fiscal 2012.

“It was hard not to get caught up in all the what-ifs,” Wilson, who helps wean indigent residents off alcohol, valium and heroin, said in a telephone interview from Middletown. “What if I can’t pay my mortgage? What if I can’t pay my bills?”

Waiting For The Results Of The Delmar Primary

As we wait for the result from the Delmar primary election we can tell you they had over 125 votes cast today. While that may not seen like a lot they only had 65 votes cast in the last election.

More To Come....

Confirmed Both McGuires are OUT of this race!

Election Results For Delmar Maryland Primary The Election Supervisors gave their results tonight For Mayor Carl Anderton 115 votes Moves To General Election Luther Hitchens 69 votes moves to general election Nicole McGuire 37 votes out of the race For Commissioner Mike Gibb 85 votes moves to general election Jim Henderson 85 votes moves to general election Stephanie Ring 78 votes moves to general election Bunky Luffman 76 votes moves to general election Pam Schell 45 votes out of the race Cory Shaffer 29 votes out of the race Tom McGuire 20 votes out of the race.

Another Big Month At Geithner’s Whorehouse Bank

The Federal Financing Bank (FFB) has released its August report [7]. This is the bank that has provided the $500mm to Solyndra. Under normal conditions this monthly report would go unnoticed (except by folks like me). This time might be different. I would expect that a few Republicans are going to jump all over this. They should. The FFB is continuing to lend taxpayer money with virtually no oversight.
From the report:

Net holdings of government-guaranteed loans increased by $757.4 million.

Another ¾ of a billion out the door. Who got this money? Answer: The same characters that have gotten the "Free Money" since O/Timmy G. took control. The breakdown of the DOE advances and the pricing:

Personal Finance Roundup

The Secret to Living Well on $40,000 a Year [US News] "The father of two says that his family of four can live well on his $40,000 a year salary."

Make a million with $225 a month [MSN Money] "If you choose wisely and persevere, a modest monthly investment can produce a nest egg that will let you retire comfortably."

6 Reasons Why Used Is Better [Wise Bread] "My top six reasons why buying used is better."

How Would You Sell a Collection? [Get Rich Slowly] "If you had a collection of 300+ Barbie dolls, how would you sell them?"

6 new tools to help you get out of debt [CNN Money] "Knock out the money you owe before it ruins your dreams with these six new online debt-busting tools. "

—FREE MONEY FINANCE

New Jersey Governor Vetoes Tax Break For "Jersey Shore"

After the New Jersey Economic Development Authority passed a tax credit dubbed the "Snooki Subsidy" geared to bring more TV and film production to the state, governor Chris Christie has punched the legislation in the face. Christie's veto nullifies the $420,000 credit.

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Rite Aid Sells Video Chats With Doctors

Drugstores are fast becoming outlets for quick, relatively cheap medical care. Many CVS stores have MinuteClinics inside, and now Rite Aid has started offering video chats with doctors in a service called NowClinic Online Care. For $45, customers get 10 minutes of virtual face time with medical pros. Patients can also opt for voice chats or instant messages.

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Economist: 2011 Will Be Worst Year So Far For New Home Sales

As nearly each month passes, home sales get slower and slower. New home sales in August declined 2.3 percent from July. The numbers were up 6.1 percent from August 2010, which isn't saying much considering that was the 48-year low for the housing market.

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Legislators Take Fresh Look At Offshore Wind Power For Maryland

ANNAPOLIS— The Maryland House Economic Matters Committee today held its first of several study sessions to discuss 2012 legislation that would lead to the development of offshore wind farms off Maryland’s Atlantic coast. While the committee will study a variety of topics in public meetings over the coming months, today’s session focused on the progress other states have made toward developing offshore wind farms and Maryland’s potential to move forward.

“States all along the east coast have moved further toward developing offshore wind since the end of the 2011 Maryland General Assembly session. The question is, will Maryland join the race or watch from the sidelines?” said Jim Strong, Sub-District Director for the United Steelworkers in Maryland.

Atlantic coast states have made significant steps on offshore wind in the last five months. [See below for more details on what’s happening in different states.] Massachusetts is farthest along and will likely be the first eastern seaboard state to construct an offshore wind farm. New York has more than 2,000 megawatts of offshore wind power in the development pipeline, and regulators in New Jersey are setting the stage for their first projects. New Jersey has seen broad bipartisan support for their offshore wind development efforts.

In Maryland, more than 1,000 businesses could have a role in the offshore wind supply chain. Maryland is also one of four states with initial federal offshore wind leasing areas that are close to being finalized.

“Make no mistake—this industry is coming to the United States, and it has tremendous potential for jobs and economic development. Maryland is in the heart of it, and we should be moving aggressively to make our state a central player,” said John Congedo, a native Marylander and president of AC~Wind, a wind energy manufacturing and services firm with a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Salisbury.

“We’re going to hire Marylanders to help create homegrown, Maryland energy. We’re opening the door, and it’s up to our elected officials in Annapolis to lead Marylanders through it into the 21^st century,” added Congedo.

Advocates for offshore wind energy added that job creation and economic development are just one of the many tangible benefits of investing in offshore wind power.

“Offshore wind works for Marylanders on a number of fronts. It works for Maryland workers by helping make our state a leader in this imminent American industry. It works for our families and children by preventing premature deaths linked with air pollution caused by burning fossil fuels. Wind works for our national security by helping to break our dependence on foreign oil. And it works for our climate by reducing global warming pollution,” said Tommy Landers, Campaign Director for Environment Maryland.

The White House Blasts Fox News For Misleading Viewers On Tax Cuts

Today, the White House accused Fox News of misleading their viewers about taxing the rich, and offered a point by point debunking of the Fox talking points.

Here is the Fox News Sunday video where Chris Wallace misinforms his audience about the wealthy and taxes:

Chris Wallace tried to argue that taxes should not be increased on the wealthy by saying, “1 percent of households with the highest incomes pay 38 percent of federal income taxes. The top 10 percent pay 70 percent of federal income taxes. Meanwhile, 46 percent of households pay no federal income tax at all.”

Go Here To Watch

U.S. Private Prison Population Grew 37 Percent Between 2002-2009 As Industry Lobbying Dollars Grew 165 Percent

Today, the Michigan Messenger reportsabout how the private prisons behemoth Corrections Corporations of America grew over the last decade, expanding both its prisoner population and its political clout. The Messenger cites data from the U.S. Department of Justice showing that the private prison population grew from 87,369 to 129,336 from 2000 to 2009:

See Chart Here

Muslim Denied Spot With Florida County's Republican Party

MIAMI — Islam and tea party activism clashed at a raucous meeting Monday night when a group of Broward County Republicans blocked a Muslim activist as a member of the party's executive committee.

Republicans, who changed their rules to publicly vet Nezar Hamze and then vote on his application by secret ballot, said they didn't oppose him because he was a Muslim - but because he is associated with the Center for American-Islamic Relations, whose Washington-area affiliate was an unindicted co-conspirator in a federal terrorism indictment.

Unless you get out and VOTE today, residents of Delmar, Maryland could be dealing with this woman who wishes a young Salisbury child with cancer dead.

Her husband, (Tom McGuire, running for town council) a man who agrees with his wife, girlfriend, whatever it is, could also be in the running.

Hopefully the residents of Delmar, Maryland see right through these two BS artists and get them dumped right away.

There's always a nut case in each town but Delmar, MD. they've got TWO!

Man Accused Of Stealing Documents Wants To Sell Own Valuables

The FBI raided Barry H. Landau's Manhattan apartment twice, hauling out thousands of documents that authorities say link him to a theft scheme involving historical artifacts pilfered from libraries and museums in Baltimore, elsewhere in the United States and in the United Kingdom.

But agents didn't take everything from his $2,700-a-month rent-controlled apartment. The 63-year-old who was arrested in Baltimore in July is seeking permission from a federal judge to sell some of his prized artifacts to pay his rent and other "everyday living expenses" while he is out on bail awaiting trial.

Petit Murder Trial: Coroner Describes Teen Girl's Death in Fire

Dr. William Petit and several of his family members walked out of court today, some of them in tears, unable to listen to the coroner's testimony describing the final moments of his teenage daughter who died in a fire set by a pair of robbers.

Hayley Petit, 17, died along with her younger sister, Michaela, on July 23, 2007, tied to their beds in a suburban Connecticut house splashed with gasoline. Their mother, Jennifer Hawke-Petit, was raped and strangled before the house was set ablaze.

Breaking News

Apartment Fire at 631 East Railroad Ave. SFD has called for backup.

UPDATE: Apartment fire in progress right now. Fire dept has rescued one person. Salisbury fire on scene and Delmar just called for an addtional engine.

One male patient prority one being taken to the PMRC.

Perry Appointees May Raid Public School Funds to Give Oil Refineries $135 Million Tax Break

The nation’s biggest oil companies — many of them headquartered in oil-rich Texas — are raking in record profits this year and don’t need any more incentive to keep doing business. But Gov. Rick Perry (R-TX) and his hand-picked appointees are giving them one anyway, and literally taking money away from children and schools to pay for it.

Anonymous Publicly Identifies NYPD Officer Who Cowardly Pepper-Sprayed Protesters

The NYPD officer who pepper-sprayed female protesters this past weekend in Union Square and laughed about it afterward is a career officer who has relished his promotions. One must wonder if he also laughed as Wall Street bankers and investors brought the economy to its knees.

The NYPD officer who pepper-sprayed female protesters this past weekend in Union Square has been publicly identified, as claimed in a Pastebin posting by Anonymous—Deputy Inspector Anthony V. Bologna of the NYPD Patrol Borough Manhattan South. A man who always wanted to be a police officer and who seems to relish being promoted.
Anonymous posted, “As we watched your officers kettle innocent women, we observed you barberically pepper spray wildly into the group of kettled women. We were shocked and disgusted by your behavior. You know who the innocent women were, now they will have the chance to know who you are. Before you commit atrocities against innocent people, think twice.”

Redskins Not Quite Ready For Prime Time

Being force-fed a dose of humility by your biggest rival isn’t exactly what the Redskins were hoping for against the Dallas Cowboys. Yet Monday night’s heart-wrenching 18-16 loss serves as a reality check for a team who might have been garnering a bit too much attention in the early stages of this season.

It's all too familiar. Instead of currying favor with a breakthrough victory on prime time television, the Redskins have no choice but to settle for playing under the watchful eye of those cynics who had hidden in the woodwork following a 2-0 start.

However, don't expect the pressure from the critics to affect the organization’s mentality. Washington might not be ready to impress a national audience quite yet, but Mike Shanahan's guys are closer than you might think.

Yes, the Redskins are unquestionably a work in progress. But they're also better than the 2010 edition, hanging tough against the Cowboys in a defensive struggle. Ultimately what cost them was that they couldn’t find a way to make those few extra plays that often separate good teams from great ones.

Geospatial Intelligence HQ Is Now DC's 3rd Largest Federal Office Building

The National Geospatial Intelligence Agency cut the ribbon on its brand new headquarters Monday, putting the ceremonial finishing touches on a workforce consolidation process that the agency has been conducting for the past nine months as part of this year's defense Base Realignment and Closure moves.

NGA's sparkling new, $1.7 billion facility in Springfield, Va., is the third largest federal building in the D.C. area (No. 1and No. 2 are the Pentagon and the Ronald Reagan building, for those keeping score).

The intelligence agency's moves under the 2005 round of BRAC relocations will bring under one roof an 8,500-member workforce that had been located at a mix of government-owned and leased facilities in Bethesda, Md., Reston, Va., and at the Washington Navy Yard.

The facility includes 2.1 million square feet of office space, a dry cleaner, a beauty salon, a credit union, a state-of-the-art fitness center and a dining facility. The atrium at the center of the main office building — 500 feet long and 120 feet wide — is large enough to house the Statue of Liberty.

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Don't Fall For Facebook Fee Hoax

It turns out you can't trust all the news that reaches you via email forwards. A hoax that declares Facebook is about to start charging for its services is reportedly circulating, involving a request for users to post messages on their walls that will allow them to continue using Facebook for free.

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The Federal Reserve Plans To Identify "Key Bloggers" And Monitor Billions Of Conversations About The Fed On Facebook, Twitter, Forums And Blogs

The Federal Reserve wants to know what you are saying about it. In fact, the Federal Reserve has announced plans to identify "key bloggers" and to monitor "billions of conversations" about the Fed on Facebook, Twitter, forums and blogs. This is yet another sign that the alternative media is having a dramatic impact. As first reported on Zero Hedge, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York has issued a "Request for Proposal" to suppliers who may be interested in participating in the development of a "Sentiment Analysis And Social Media Monitoring Solution". In other words, the Federal Reserve wants to develop a highly sophisticated system that will gather everything that you and I say about the Federal Reserve on the Internet and that will analyze what our feelings about the Fed are. Obviously, any "positive" feelings about the Fed would not be a problem. What they really want to do is to gather information on everyone that views the Federal Reserve negatively. It is unclear how they plan to use this information once they have it, but considering how many alternative media sources have been shut down lately, this is obviously a very troubling sign.

You can read this "Request for Proposal" right here. Posted below are some of the key quotes from the document (in bold) with some of my own commentary in between the quotes....

"The intent is to establish a fair and equitable partnership with a market leader who will who gather data from various social media outlets and news sources and provide applicable reporting to FRBNY. This Request for Proposal ("RFP") was created in an effort to support FRBNY's Social Media Listening Platforms initiative."

A system like this is not cheap. Apparently the Federal Reserve Bank of New York believes that gathering all of this information is very important. In recent years, criticism of the Federal Reserve has become very intense, and most of this criticism has been coming from the Internet. It has gotten to the point where the Federal Reserve Bank of New York has decided that it had better listen to what is being said and find out who is saying it.

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Washington Monument Remains Closed

The Washington Monument remains closed indefinitely because of damage from last month's earthquake.

National Park Service officials said there's no timetable for reopening the structure. Starting today, engineers will begin rappelling down the sides of the monument to check for damage outside. Dozens of pieces of stone fell in the interior of the monument during and after the quake. The monument's elevator was damaged as well but is now working again.

Fire Station 16 Back On The Block

Palmer and Brad Gillis made an honorable attempt at purchasing the old Fire Station 16 in Downtown Salisbury. Their intentions were honorable and several critics wanted to claim they just weren't being up front enough.

Paul Wilber said it best last night when he stated that even though the agreement was NOT a contract, asking them to come up with a final plan within 60 days was just too aggressive.

Now, mind you, Terry Cohen stated, (more or less) that this wasn't a game and she understood a contract to be a serious commitment. The fact that Gillis didn't deliver a disposition contract telling the City their final intention just wasn't good enough.

Tim Spies stated, "This is the 4th extension." "I won't put my name on this." "Its time to knuckle down and get what we deserve from this project."

The group LORA chimed in with several representatives during the meeting, all of which stated that unless Palmer was willing to sign a contract stating they were not going to be government funded, they wouldn't support it.

Brad Gillis met with the LORA group 15 minutes before the meeting started and openly discussed their concerns. Brad Gillis seemed to be very open but in the end LORA was afraid one thing would be said and another would be delivered, just like Salisbury University did.

One thing every one needs to really look at here is this. Palmer and Brad Gillis have been and are doing the best they can to help revitalize Downtown Salisbury. Should they make money at it in the process, absolutely. If they are the only ones willing to pony up the money to do so, they deserve the right to a good deal.

However, I have to agree 100% with Council President Terry Cohen. Taking 2 years to get nowhere is not good for the taxpayers. A previous Council made the decision to surplus that building and quite frankly they were very wrong for doing so.

I have stated from day one, it should be leased to the Wicomico Library for a children's library and this will allow the library to open up enough space to expand the way they CLAIMED they needed to. It should remain a taxpayer asset and IF the City wants to sell it they can do so when the market is better.

Unfortunately I can see Palmer and Brad Gillis losing some interest but I doubt it will completely stop them from doing what they think is right. Downtown Salisbury does need to be revitalized but it needs to be done so with those businesses already heavily invested in that area in mind.

Brad Gillis told LORA he is done with this project, it's time for LORA to step up and do something with the building instead.

Mayor Ireton stated, At your earliest convenience please bring this to a work session or put it back on the agenda. This is a giant step backwards.

Let's just hope someone comes along with a bright idea. As for me, I have NO interest as I will NOT be told what I can or can't do with a property I own/purchase. If they want to drop that from the sale, I might be interested.

Lockheed Martin To Cut 540 Jobs

Lockheed Martin will cut 540 jobs in its aeronautics division as part of ongoing payroll reductions first announced in June. The Washington Business Journal reports the aeronautics division has about 28,000 employees. Lockheed said the affected employees will depart by the end of the year. Meanwhile, Lockheed plans to cut 1,500 jobs company-wide by the end of the year. More than 450 salaried employees agreed to voluntary layoffs offered last month.

Sick Days For Needier Colleagues

A new bill would allow federal employees to donate their unused sick days to their needier colleagues.

Lawmakers from Virginia and Maryland are teaming up to sponsor the Federal Employees Leave Transfer Act of 2011, which would let government workers transfer unused time to "leave banks" at each agency.

While many agencies have leave banks, the Federal Aviation Administration is the only one that lets workers donate both annual vacation time and sick leave. Rep. Jim Moran (D-Va.) said the bill is a way for federal workers to help out their colleagues in times of prolonged illness.

Hey Salisbury, Your Mayor Is Having A Busy Day

Mayor Jim Ireton and a hand full of other people were at Congressman Andy Harris' Salisbury Office to picket the Congressman once again.

However, IF the information I have read is in fact accurate, well, I can't say as I blame him/them. You see, there's a LOT about the USPS that is NOT being exposed to the general public. Such as, do you know
why the Postal Service is having the financial problems they are having right now?

Let me tell you why. In 2006 Congress passed a law requiring the Postal Service to pre-fund a 75 year liability for health care in just a 10 year period of time for future retirees. This mandate costs the USPS more than $5 billion dollars a year. That is why they are in the financial crisis they are currently in.

NO OTHER Government or Private agency have to bear such an expense, just the USPS. Mind you, the USPS is NOT funded by the Government. They completely rely on the sale of stamps and postage.

Follow the link below to learn more. Mind you, I'm sure there's another side to all of this but I have attempted to contact the Congressman and other Delegates in reference to this matter but was unsuccessful in reaching anyone.

GO HERE to read the details. Be sure to click on all the different tabs to get all the details. In the mean time, Ireton needs to work on revitalizing Downtown Salisbury and stay the hell out of picketing a respected Congressman's Office. Grow up Jim. I like your cause and agree with it but Salisbury has its own issues you need to get in order.

Senators Blumenthal And Franken Ask Social Intelligence Corp About Using Your Facebook Photos In Employer Background Checks

Senators Blumenthal and Franken have figuratively posted on Social Intelligence Corp's Facebook wall a poll asking the company to answer several questions about its background check business. What makes this company's service unique is that it scours the internet profiles of prospective employees and flags them for things like holding drinks or holding guns.

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Let's Be Real: The Phrase 'Caught On Tape'

These days in our business we have fallen in love with that phrase "caught on tape." But beware: the feeling is probably not mutual.

In Virginia, they want cameras in the high school cafeterias. It will stop food fights and keep the kids safer, they tell us.

DC just bought 19 more of those speed cameras -- gotta keep those dangerous drivers under control says the police chief.

And now some insurance companies say they'll charge a lower rate if you'll just allow them to put a GPS in your car. Make sure you don't drive too fast or too many miles. Seems your safe driving record is no longer good enough...and you already know I'm just scratching the surface of this thing.

They keep saying it's all about safety, but am I the only one wondering about that price for that sense of security? I'm going say something a bit radical here. That is, a free country is by its very nature more chaotic, less predictable, less safe than a place where Big Brother is always watching. After all, doesn't freedom also mean the freedom to screw up...to make a mistake?

Let's be real: a speed camera on every corner, a cafeteria cam in every high school -- it might be a really safe place to live...don't know if I'd want to live there though.

Food fight, anyone?

Source

Porch Lights Can Use CFLs, Too

Your porch light or lamp post is one of the highest used light fixtures in your home.

Mary Bubala reports it’s the perfect place to install Energy Star light bulbs.

CFLs are now coming in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit smaller lamps.

You can also install a motion sensor that turns the light off when no one is around.

Source

BREAKING NEWS: Sources Say N.J. Gov Won't Run

Sources close to Chris Christie tell Fox News that the Republican New Jersey governor has decided, once and for all, not to run for president in 2012.

From Fox News

Va. Regulators To Vote On Winter Crab Harvest Ban

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (AP) -- Virginia regulators will vote whether to continue a ban on dredging crabs during the winter months.

The Virginia Marine Resources Commission is only allowed to enact a ban on a year-to-year basis. It is considering the proposal to ease pressures on the Chesapeake Bay's blue crab population.

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Customer Sues Bank Of America After Getting Locked Inside & Then Teased By Staffers

How many bank heist movies have involved a thief cooking up some elaborate plan just to get a few hours alone inside an empty bank? Well there's one Bank of America customer in Connecticut who wasn't too thrilled when he found himself in this situation, and even less thrilled when he was let out only to then allegedly be mocked by BofA staffers. And this is how we end up with the nation's largest bank being sued for false imprisonment.

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Delaware Seeks Comment On Fuel Cell Plan

DOVER, Del. (AP) -- State officials are encouraging the public to support an effort to bring an alternative energy company to Delaware.

Bloom Energy wants to build a fuel-cell factory at the closed Chrysler plant in Newark, with the help of $16 million in state incentives. Delmarva Power would be allowed to count electricity from the fuel cells toward its renewable energy requirements.

The decision to let Bloom's fuel cells to be counted as renewable energy even though they are powered by natural gas has angered some proponents of solar and wind power, but supporters say Bloom Energy's fuel cells are more efficient than conventional natural gas turbines.

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Dairy Industry Shrinks Across Maryland

Regulations, land prices and economy contribute to loss of farms

Andy and Mary Laudenklos each spend more than 70 hours a week caring for their 600 cows, delivering calves and overseeing the milking at their Carroll County dairy farm — and they're also raising three young sons.

The couple and their three-year-old business, East West Farm outside Union Bridge in Carroll County, are struggling. They have doubled the size of their herd and hope to one day procure a robotic milker, all to turn the operation profitable. They are just breaking even now.

Dairy farmers are an increasingly rare breed in Maryland, where such operations are disappearing at a rate twice the national average. Nearly 65 percent of the state's dairy farmers have left the industry in the past 20 years, including 34 operations that shut down last year, according to the state Department of Agriculture.

The decline is driven by the higher cost of land in Maryland, increasing regulations and a global decline in consumption and prices, industry and state officials said. Moreover, dairy operations have shrunk as farmers age and leave the business and too few new farmers replace them.

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Caesars Bids For Baltimore Casino Rights

Rocky Gap draws three applicants

Caesars Entertainment Corp., the world's largest casino operator, applied Friday for the license to run the slot machine parlor proposed for Baltimore, while three developers will compete for the opportunity to run a casino in Western Maryland.

Caesars submitted a bid for a 3,750-machine casino on Russell Street in Baltimore. The location drew another bidder, Baltimore City Casino LLC, but the company did not submit the required $22.5 million initial license fee and is likely to be disqualified, state slots commission Chairman Donald C. Fry said.

There will be more competition for the slots license at Rocky Gap Lodge and Golf Resort in Allegany County. Landow Partners LLC, the Bethesda firm owned by former Democratic state Chairman Nathan Landow; Allegany Entertainment Group and Potts Gaming; and Paragon Project Resources of Dallas, under the name Evitts Resort LLC, submitted bids for that license.

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Cheech & Chong Still Encouraging Baby Boomers To Get High... On Fiber

Once upon a time, the comedy duo of Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong (some refer to them as Cheech and Chong) were as closely associated with marijuana as rolling papers and bongs. But oh how times have changed and priorities have shifted from getting high on pot brownies to getting high amounts of fiber from brownies.

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This Pawn Shop Is Very Up Front With Its Feelings About Crack Smokers

Last week, we brought you a marketing ploy by one Albany pawn shop looking to expand its customer base by giving spurned mothers a way to get back at their exes. Now, Consumerist reader Brady sends us a photo of a Georgia shop that is trying to limit certain people — namely those who smoke crack cocaine — from entering.

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How To Have A 20-Minute Conversation With A Partner About Money

The lifestyle changes you need to get out of debt can seem overwhelming. They can seem impossible if you don't feel your partner isn't on board with your plan. That's why it can be very helpful to set up a dedicated 20-minute conversation where the two of you discuss it so you can get them on your wagon of change. But you'll want to set up the parameters and a few ground rules so that the two of you will get the most out of the talk.

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Americans Express Historic Negativity Toward U.S. Government

PRINCETON, NJ -- A record-high 81% of Americans are dissatisfied with the way the country is being governed, adding to negativity that has been building over the past 10 years.

Majorities of Democrats (65%) and Republicans (92%) are dissatisfied with the nation's governance. This perhaps reflects the shared political power arrangement in the nation's capital, with Democrats controlling the White House and U.S. Senate, and Republicans controlling the House of Representatives. Partisans on both sides can thus find fault with government without necessarily blaming their own party.

The findings are from Gallup's annual Governance survey, updated Sept. 8-11, 2011. The same poll shows record or near-record criticism of Congress, elected officials, government handling of domestic problems, the scope of government power, and government waste of tax dollars

More.... http://www.gallup.com/poll/149678/Americans-Express-Historic-Negativity-Toward-Government.aspx

The Stress of Divorce, Writ on Women's Heads

In men, baldness is due mostly to an unlucky roll of the genetic dice. But in women, hair loss appears to be linked much more strongly to lifestyle factors like stress — from divorce or the death of a spouse, for example — according to preliminary findings from two studies.

For the studies, Dr. Bahman Guyuron, a plastic surgeon at Case Western Reserve University, and colleagues looked at 66 male and 84 female identical twin pairs. Since twins are genetically identical — and programmed to have identical hairlines — the researchers knew that any differences could be attributed to environmental factors.

Dear Friend,

Your support in the past election touched me and my family deeply. As we approach 11 months since Election Day 2010, you would have to agree that the work that needs to happen in Washington is just not getting done. Unemployment is still above 9%, our debt is still not under control and our President insists on continuing down the same road he has led us before. Let us not forget that Obamacare has not been repealed and remains a real threat to our health-care system and our prosperity.

Where is our leadership? For Marylanders and non-Marylanders alike, what meaningful contributions to the discussion of getting Americans back to work, solving our debt crisis, and addressing the government’s out of control spending have our two U.S. Senators, Cardin and Mikulski provided? The answer is “NONE.” As an elected official on the local level, I lowered taxes twice, cut the size of government, and cut government spending. We also increased future job opportunities in our community through approval of a number of small business projects. We need real leadership in the U.S. Senate from Maryland. We in Maryland deserve it, the Nation deserves it.

Let’s be frank, if we can elect additional Republican Senators then the gridlock in the U.S. Senate can be broken. Maryland can be one of the battleground states with me in the race. I believe we can build on the momentum you helped me gain in 2010, and give Senator Cardin his pink slip. There is no question that Senator Cardin is more vulnerable than Senator Mikulski. Still, the question only you can help me answer “Is Senator Cardin vulnerable enough for Dr. Eric Wargotz to beat him?”

My core campaign team and I have been carefully evaluating whether to formally enter the 2012 election cycle. As I continue to travel around the great State of Maryland and to reach out across this great Nation trying to gauge potential support for another run, I am encouraged! We are not there yet.

I cannot and you would not want me to make such a commitment to enter the 2012 U.S. Senate race, blindly. That is why I call on you now to do what you have done before and that is to support me as you did in 2010.

With your contribution, we can seek to provide an answer to that question and have the data in hand to garner the support we need State-wide and nationally to win the U.S. Senate seat and send Senator Cardin home. The Federal Campaign reporting deadline is this Friday, September 30th.

You may contribute online (click here) or send checks made to “Wargotz for US Senate” and mailed to "Wargotz for US Senate, P.O. Box 790, Centreville, MD 20617

I thank you in advance for your contribution!

Sincerely,

Eric

Eric Wargotz, M.D.

Fill In The Blank 9-27-11

I know it is bad for me,but I just can not resist ______.

Elections 2012

I knew someone would find a name for our election process for this year.

ElectileDysfunction : the inability to become aroused over any of the choices for President put forth by either party in the 2012 election year.

Hanson Stays As Mayor In Dewey

Dewey Beach — Diane Hanson will continue to serve as mayor of Dewey Beach. Commissioner Anna Legates, who received more votes than any other candidate in the Sept. 17 election, nominated Hanson for the position.

In a Sept. 24 town council meeting, Legates and Commissioner Joy Howell, who had both been sworn in with Hanson moments before, and Commissioner Marty Seitz voted to approve Hanson as mayor for a second term. Hanson gladly accepted the nomination.

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Program Seeks To Break Isolation Of Poor, Single Mothers, And Reduce Infant Deaths

Breaking the cycle of isolation for low-income, single mothers is just one benefit of an expanding social services program in Maryland, known as “Healthy Families America.” The program dramatically changed the lives of two Baltimore City mothers, and has likely saved the lives of dozens of infants across the state.

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Look What Your Salisbury Mayor Jim Ireton Is Doing On Your Time/Dime

TODAY: MARYLAND DEMOCRATIC PARTY TO HOLD PRESS CALL ON RICK PERRY’S DISASTROUS RECORD

ANNAPOLIS – The Maryland Democratic Party will hold a press call TODAY, September 27 at 2:15 p.m. EDT with Lieutenant Governor Anthony Brown, Salisbury Mayor Jim Ireton, Maryland Democratic Party Chair Yvette Lewis and Rita Haecker, President of the Texas State Teachers Association, to discuss Perry’s disastrous record and his agenda, which will hurt the middle class, seniors and students while protecting millionaires and big business.

Rick Perry, who held a fundraiser today in Baltimore, is wedded to positions that are far-right, divisive and out of the mainstream. He and the rest of the Republican field don’t have any new ideas that will create jobs in Maryland or help working class Americans. These Tea-Partying Republicans are committed to dismantling Social Security and Medicare, rolling back critical protections for consumers and promoting economic policies that will lead the country back into recession.

Sinepuxent Receipts – Deviled Crab

DEVILED CRAB

1 egg, well beaten

3 tbsp. Hellmann’s mayonnaise

1 tsp. prepared mustard

1 tsp. Lea & Perrins Worcestershire sauce

1 tbsp. minced pimiento

1 tbsp. minced green pepper

8 saltines, finely crushed

1 lb. jumbo lump crab

Cayenne pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 425°; butter clam or scallop shells or ramekins or a casserole dish. In a large bowl beat egg then add mayonnaise, mustard and Worcestershire sauce and blend well. Add pimiento and green pepper and blend well. Place crushed saltines on top of sauce then add lump crab, checking for shell but at the same time keeping the lumps of crab together. Sprinkle one or two shakes of cayenne pepper on top of crab and then carefully fold all ingredients together. Place in shells or ramekins. If desired, tops may be coated with 1 cup of mayonnaise blended with two egg yolks. Bake until browned.

Tom Clarke is the author of “Sinepuxent Receipts, A Personal Collection of Eastern Shore Cooking”. Tom lives in Hebron. When not cooking for friends or developing new recipes (“receipts”), Tom sings in the choir at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. All profits from the sale of “Sinepuxent Receipts” go to the St. Peter’s Church Organ Fund.

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Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Maryland transportation veteran named Executive Secretary

Regulations, land prices and economy contribute to loss of farms

Rocky Gap draws three applicants