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Thursday, November 03, 2011

G20 RULING ELITE MEET IN SOUTH OF FRANCE WHILE THE PEASANTS RIOT

SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) — Occupy Cannes?

Brilliant idea. Why bother with snowy New York or tear-gas-filled Oakland when you can occupy the South of France by the beach and protest the elites at the same time?

But the estimated 10,000 protesters in nearby Nice on Wednesday weren’t the passive, anti-bank Occupy crowd. They were the real thing; the semi-annual anarchy tourists who make it a point to show up at any big global leaders event and steal its thunder, often with violence. Think the riots in Rome, or the Battle in Seattle during past G-8 meetings.

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Michael Krieger Explains Why It Takes Only 5 Minutes

Alright I am going to kick things off with Europe and get that out of the way as quickly as possible.  Nothing has changed and absolutely nothing has been accomplished.  There is no “solution” to the crisis that will not result in massive pain, confusion and wealth decimation.  The reason is patently obvious.  At least half the continent is completely and helplessly bankrupt.  There are only two outcomes to the entire situation.  Either the sovereign debts are written off aggressively and the banking system declared insolvent and restructured or the ECB decides to turn on those printing presses to the tune of trillions and destroys the purchasing power of the union in Zimbabwe-like fashion.  People will read this and think I am exaggerating .  The phrase “it takes 5 minutes” keeps running through my head because all it takes is a small amount of time to see the situation for what it is.  I am not that smart.  This is obvious.  The scary thing is that it is abundantly clear that the vast majority of U.S. investors have not bothered to take the 5 minutes necessary to understand how extreme and binary the outcomes to all this is.  Their clients will suffer massively in the months and years ahead as a result of their laziness and lack of macro curiosity. 

Remember, there is a very good reason that no “definitive solution” has been announced.  There is none.  What the Eurocrats are trying to do is pretend that lifelines to bankrupt nations will be enough to tide them over until strong growth allows them to wiggle out of the problems.  This has already been proven a failure after they tried it last year as Greece is now worse than ever.  So there are two choices and no one can be totally certain which outcome it will be but either one will result in massive wealth destruction.  The first choice is the one I prefer (hard defaults and a declaration of insolvency of the banking system followed by restructuring) because it will place the majority of the losses and pain on the elites that led us to this ruin and who own most of the financial assets in the world.  The second option (massive inflation and loss of purchasing power) will kill the poor and middle classes as well as the wealthy but financially illiterate.  The ruling oligarchs will be fine (until the masses come for their heads) as they understand what they are doing and will move to protect their assets.  Since the same criminal, crooked and morally bankrupt financial oligarchy is still pulling the strings worldwide you have to assume they will opt for choice number two, although unforeseen social and political events could throw a wrench into their twisted plans.  Gold is the only asset that should outperform in either scenario.    
  
Before I leave Europe, there is a must read article posted this week on Zerohedge that everyone needs to read and understand.  http://www.zerohedge.com/news/how-us-banks-are-lying-about-their-europea...

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Everybody Hates Capitalism

We begin another look at Zombieland with this editorial from Martin Wolf in The Financial Times:
Why did it take so long? It is over four years since the financial crisis began. Yet only now are anti-capitalist protests emerging, including at St Paul’s Cathedral. So is this the beginning of a resurgent leftwing politics? I doubt it. Are the protesters raising some big questions? Yes, they are.
Socialism failed as a way of running economies. It did, however, succeed in establishing welfare states. Socialism is a conservative force, dedicated to defending entitlements built up over a century. Meanwhile, organised labour is only strongly entrenched in the public sector. This gives it the same conservative agenda: defending the welfare state. Strikes by UK public sector workers against the fiscal cuts will demonstrate this.
We have promoted an insider form of capitalism which exploits and indeed creates subsidies and tax loopholes on which the insiders prosper. The need to rescue banks was horrifying. The role of money in politics is disturbing. The danger is that we are moving from what the Nobel laureate economic historian, Douglass North, calls an “open-access order” to its opposite, a system in which political influence is decisive.
The era of bail-outs must end.
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Our Fragile "Hothouse" Economy

Financialization has led to a "hothouse" global economy where the slightest disruption in central bank/Central State intervention will cause the sickly flowers to wilt and expire.

Of the three great financial truths that have been left unspoken for the past four years out of sheer dread, lest their mere mention collapse our economy, let's start with the most obvious: if the Federal Reserve and Federal government ever crimped the dripline of "easing" and bailouts, America's financial sector would promptly roll over and expire.

Does this strike you as a robust, flexible, transparent system? Of course not. Rather, it is a "hothouse" financial sector, one that needs constant injections and a carefully controlled environment just to keep it alive.

And since the U.S. economy has been fully financialized, it is now dependent on financial machinations and skimming for its "growth," profits and the debt expansion that fuels everything else, including the metastasizing Savior State, a gargantuan aggregation of an unaccountable National Security State with crony-capitalist cartels and a dependency-inducing Welfare State.

Without the debt conjured into existence by the Fed, Treasury and the financial sector, even the mighty multi-tenacled Savior State would quickly starve.

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Caption This Photo 11-3-11

MF Global – Regulation Matters?

Many Alarms Rang Before MF Global Crashed ... A little before 2 a.m. on Monday, Jon S. Corzine was in MF Global's offices in Midtown Manhattan, scrambling to cut a deal to save his firm. Haggard from too little sleep, at times pacing the hallways, he at least had a handshake agreement with one suitor for the firm. Then the chief executive was interrupted to handle a brief conversation that would stop the deal talks cold: hundreds of millions of dollars in customer funds, he was told, could not be located. Three hours later, the board of MF Global, with no bidders or options left, voted to file for bankruptcy, the largest failure on Wall Street since Lehman Brothers in 2008. While the commodities and derivatives brokerage firm fell apart with ferocious speed, the collapse came after regulators raised warning flags for more than four months. They told MF Global it needed to raise more capital, and they asked about risky transactions involving European debt ... Three years after the financial crisis, Wall Street executives are still fighting regulators' demands. It also shows that even when the watchdogs sound the alarm, it is not necessarily enough to save a firm. – New York Times

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Will Meredith Whitney Be Proven Right In The End?

We noted, in September [11], that corporate bond downgrades were outpacing upgrades very notably and today we get the other side of that with Moody's noting that in Q3, Muni downgrades outweighed upgrades by the most since the financial crisis began. At 5.3 to 1, the third quarter of 2011 had the highest downgrade-to-upgrade ratio of any quarter for the U.S. public finance sector since the onset of the financial crisis in 2008. "A rapid deterioration in credit metrics led to a higher-than-average 14 multi-notch downgrades."


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Fed Control: Whose Side Is Senator Sanders REALLY On?

The Veil of Secrecy at the Fed Has Been Lifted, Now It's Time for Change ... Over two years ago, I asked Ben Bernanke, the chairman of the Federal Reserve, a few simple questions that I thought the American people had a right to know: Who got money through the Fed bailout? How much did they receive? What were the terms of this assistance? Incredibly, the chairman of the Fed refused to answer these fundamental questions about how trillions of taxpayer dollars were being spent. The American people are finally getting answers to these questions thanks to an amendment I included in the Dodd-Frank financial reform bill which required the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to audit and investigate conflicts of interest at the Fed. Those answers raise grave questions about the Federal Reserve and how it operates -- and whose interests it serves. – Senator Bernie Sanders/ HuffingtonPost

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What's Wrong With This Post

Salisbury Police Bicycle Patrol

A resident on the Downtown Plaza just contacted me saying he just saw what seemed like a dozen SPD Officers riding bikes through the Downtown Plaza. In his own words, it's very reassuring.

One thing is for sure, the Salisbury Police Department is truly coming back under the new leadership of Chief Barbara Duncan and we have to also give credit to Mayor Ireton.

While crime is dropping, crime will always be there. However, we're NOT hearing excuses and we ARE seeing crimes, (especially serious ones) solved.

Its very refreshing and yes, reassuring, to say the least.

Are Americans That Stupid, Our Government Thinks So

The welcome screens on more than 1 million hotel televisions will show a short Homeland Security public service announcement, USA Today reports. Marriott, Sheraton, Hilton, Holiday Inn and others will show the 15-second spot, encouraging travelers to say something if they see something. The federal government gained access to the hotel TV sets by partnering with the hotel industry's largest association — the American Hotel & Lodging Association — which connected DHS with LodgeNet, the industry's largest TV-content provider. DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano called the move a significant step in engaging the full range of partners in Homeland Security efforts.

ACORN Officials Scramble, Firing Workers And Shredding Documents, After Exposed As Players Behind Occupy Wall Street Protests

Vehicle Flees After Striking Road Construction Worker

Location:
·         Kirkwood Highway westbound at RT 141 (Prices Corner), Wilmington, DE

Date of Occurrence:  
·         Thursday, November 3, 2011 at 6:40 p.m.

Pedestrian (Construction Worker):
·         Andrew Ramos-34 of Delaware City, DE
·         A-Del Construction Company employee

Operator/Vehicle:
·         Unknown operator
·         Fleeing vehicle described as white Ford Pickup Truck (F-150/F-250)

Resume
Prices Corner-Troopers are currently searching for the driver who fled from the scene after striking a construction worker on Kirkwood Highway this evening.

The incident occurred at approximately 6:40 p.m. as Andrew Ramos-34, a road worker for A-Del Construction Company, was placing construction barrels on Kirkwood Highway westbound in the area of RT 141, setting up a construction zone for ongoing road work.  As Ramos was placing the barrels near the right shoulder, he was struck from behind by a vehicle described as a white Ford Pickup Truck (F-150/F-250). The truck then fled westbound on Kirkwood Highway.  Ramos was transported to the Christiana Hospital Trauma Center with non life threatening injuries. (disposition and status unknown at the time of this release) 

Ramos was wearing a reflective vest and helmet while working in the construction zone.       

 Troopers are attempting to locate the driver and vehicle that fled and request anyone with information in reference to this incident, are asked to contact Troop 6 at 302-633-5000 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333.  Information may also be provided via the internet at www.tipsubmit.com 

Send an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword "DSP."

Outgoing Freddie CEO Gets $4 Million Bonus To Receive $21 Billion In Bailouts After Massive Q3 Loss

When last week we reported [3]about the scandal of outgoing Freddie Mac CEO Ed Haldeman receiving at least $3.9 million as a reward for his two year tenure at the top of the insolvent and nationalized housing entity, we said: "As the chart below demonstrates, the total "draws" received under Haldeman's tenure amounts to $14.5 billion. This excludes the Q3 number which will be made clear next week. Something tells us with this abrupt departure, the number may be higher to quite higher than expected." As usual: when in doubt, be cynical, and be skeptical, and you will be right. Today, Freddie just reported [4]that its Q3 draw, or required quarterly bailout amount from the Treasury, was $6 billion: the highest since Q1 2010, as a result of a massive loss of $4.4 billion. This means that during his tenure which ended just after the completin of Q3, Freddie has been "rewarded" with $20.5 billion in taxpayer capital merely to keep the zombie entity in operation! And for this, Ed gets $4 milliom. And this is why people in America are very, very pissed.

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New Plan Surfaces For Postal Service

A new plan to fix the Postal Service has hatched in the Senate. It would cut Postal employment by 100,000 but keep mail delivery at six days a week. Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) said his plan would let Postal spread out annual payments to the retiree health care plan. That's something Postal officials have been requesting for years. Last year the Postal Service lost $8 billion. It's on track to lose even more this year. Lieberman said his Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs committee will take up the bill next week.

Wicomico County Health Department To Hold PUBLIC FLU Vaccination Clinic

(Salisbury, MD) - Wicomico County Health Department will hold a public walk-in flu vaccination clinic on Friday, November 4, 2011 from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.  The clinic will be held at William C. Fritz Building on 300 W. Carroll Street, Salisbury, MD.  Appointments are not needed.  

Costs are as follows: 


Flu Shot

Adults age 18 and older - $15 suggested donation
Children ages 6 months to 18 years of age - $15

Flu Mist

Children age 2 to 18 only Free

Medicare can be billed, please be sure to bring card. Pnuemonia shots are available with a doctors note.
For additional information, visit http://www.wicomicohealth.org/ ( http://www.wicomicohealth.org/ ) or call 410-543-6943.

Federal Assistance Cuts Could Literally Leave Poor In Cold

Low-income residents who rely on federal assistance to keep the heat on may be in for a rough winter. Because the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services's allotment for heating assistance has plunged to $1.7 billion this year from $4.5 billion last year, thousands of homes may not be able to keep the heat on.

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True Meaning Of Harry Potter Term ‘Muggle’? Marijuana


Here’s a question you probably weren’t expecting to hear: What do burnouts and Harry Potter fans have in common?

To all of you fans camping outside your local cinemas to watch the first showing of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part Two, the term “muggle” will conjure images of cruel aunts and uncles and a nasty cousin or two.

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Average Student Loan Balance For New Grads Is More Than $25K

If college sent you into the real world last year saddled with $10,000 in student loan debt, take solace in the realization that there is someone out there who owes $40,000 in order to average things out. A newly released study found that the average balance of a student who took out loans and graduated in 2010 was $25,250 — a 5 percent increase from the previous year.

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Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson was a very remarkable man who started learning very early in life and never stopped.
At 5, began studying under his cousin's tutor.
At 9, studied Latin, Greek and French.
At 14, studied classical literature and additional languages.
At 16, entered the College of William and Mary.
At 19, studied Law for 5 years starting under George Wythe.
At 23, started his own law practice.
At 25, was elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses.
At 31, wrote the widely circulated "Summary View of the Rights of British America and retired from his law practice.
At 32, was a Delegate to the Second Continental Congress.
At 33, wrote the Declaration of Independence.
At 33, took three years to revise Virginia's legal code and wrote a Public Education bill and a statute for Religious Freedom.
At 36, was elected the second Governor of Virginia, succeeding Patrick Henry.
At 40, served in Congress for two years.
At 41, was the American minister to France, and negotiated commercial treaties with European nations along with Ben Franklin and John Adams.
At 46, served as the first Secretary of State under George Washington.
At 53, served as Vice President and was elected president of the American Philosophical Society.
At 55, drafted the Kentucky Resolutions, and became the active head of Republican Party.
At 57, was elected the third president of the United States.
At 60, obtained the Louisiana Purchase, doubling the nation's size.
At 61, was elected to a second term as President.
At 65, retired to Monticello..
At 80, helped President Monroe shape the Monroe Doctrine.
At 81, almost single-handedly created the University of Virginia, and served as its first president.
At 83, died on the 50th anniversary of the Signing of the Declaration of Independence, along with John Adams
Thomas Jefferson knew because he himself studied the previous failed attempts at government. He understood actual history, the nature of God, his laws and the nature of man. That happens to be way more than what most understand today. Jefferson really knew his stuff. A voice from the past to lead us in the future:
John F. Kennedy held a dinner in the white House for a group of the brightest minds in the nation at that time. He made this statement: "This is perhaps the assembly of the most intelligence ever to gather at one time in the White House with the exception of when Thomas Jefferson dined alone."
"When we get piled upon one another in large cities, as in Europe, we shall become as corrupt as Europe." -- Thomas Jefferson
"The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not."
-- Thomas Jefferson
"It is incumbent on every generation to pay its own debts as it goes. A principle which if acted on would save one-half the wars of the world."
-- Thomas Jefferson
"I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them." -- Thomas Jefferson
"My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government." -- Thomas Jefferson
"No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson
"The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government."
-- Thomas Jefferson
"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." -- Thomas Jefferson
"To compel a man to subsidize with his taxes the propagation of ideas which he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical."
-- Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson said in 1802:
"I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies.
If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency, first by inflation, then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around the banks will deprive the people of all property - until their children wake-up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered."
I wish we could get this out to everyone!!!
I'm doing my part.

Refugees Face Organ Theft In The Sinai

El Arish, Egypt (CNN) -- Bedouin smugglers involved in people trafficking are also believed to be stealing organs from refugees who are unable to pay their demands for large amounts of cash to take them into Israel.
The New Generation Foundation for Human Rights and the EveryOne Group, from Italy, have presented evidence that the bodies of African refugees have been found in the Sinai desert with organs missing.

Veterans Day Ceremony To Be Held At The Wicomico County War Memorial

(Salisbury, MD)  The Wicomico War Memorial Committee invites the community to join them in honoring our military veterans at a ceremony on Friday, November 11th at 11:00am. The ceremony will take place at the Wicomico County War Memorial located directly in front of the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center at 500 Glen Avenue in Salisbury, MD 21804.  The ceremony will take place rain or shine with limited seating available under tents in the event of rain. 

The ceremony, which is being coordinated by the Wicomico County War Memorial Committee, includes patriotic music, prayer and remembrance to honor all veterans. Veterans Day is set aside to thank and honor living veterans who served honorably in the military, in wartime or peacetime. Many Americans confuse this holiday with Memorial Day, which honors service members who died in service to their country or as a direct result of injuries incurred while in battle.

Veteran’s Day, initially termed Armistice Day, was created to honor World War I veterans and celebrate the official ending of the First World War which occurred at 11:00am on November 11, 1918.  In 1954, after having been through both World War II and the Korean War, legislation was approved by the 83rd US Congress to change the name from Armistice Day to Veterans Day – thereby making November 11th a day in which all American veterans of wars could be honored.

Feds Changing Bad-Weather Policy For Workers

WASHINGTON - The federal government is hoping to avoid another "Commute from Hell."

Drivers in the D.C. area no doubt have not forgotten January's hours-long stall and crawl, a commuting nightmare that started with feet of snow falling in the region and that many believe was worsened by an exodus of federal workers hoping to beat the storm home.

In an effort to avoid a similar scene, the Office of Personnel Management is updating its snow policy, saying workers will be told to leave the office by a specific time or stay around until they're told the roads are safe.

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International Security Assistance Force Data Shows Night Raids Killed Over 1,500 Afghan Civilians

Washington - U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) killed well over 1,500 civilians in night raids in less than 10 months in 2010 and early 2011, analysis of official statistics on the raids released by the U.S.-NATO command reveals.

That number would make U.S. night raids by far the largest cause of civilian casualties in the war in Afghanistan. The report by the U.N. Assistance Mission in Afghanistan on civilian casualties in 2010 had said the use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) by insurgents was the leading cause of civilian deaths, with 904.

Except for a relatively few women and children killed by accident, the civilians who died in the raids were all adult males who were counted as insurgents in press releases and official data released by the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).

The data on night raids, which were given to selected news media, cover three distinct 90-day night raid campaigns from May through July 2010, early August to early November, and mid-November to mid- February. The combined totals for the three periods indicate that a minimum of 2,599 rank and file insurgents were killed and an additional 723 "leaders" killed or captured in raids. [See Sidebar].

Assuming conservatively that one-third of the alleged leaders were killed, the total number of alleged insurgents killed in the raids was 2,844.

JOANNE GALE CONVICTED OF FIRST DEGREE CHILD ABUSE

On November 3, 2011, Joanne Gale, age 45, of Wicomico County, Maryland was convicted by the Honorable W. Newton Jackson, III of two counts of first degree child abuse and related offenses after a two day trial prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorney, Jamie Lynn Dykes. During the trial the State argued that Gale caused a three year old child to sustain second degree burns in a hot bath after a potty training incident. The three year old victim was treated initially at Peninsula Regional Medical Center before being transported to Johns Hopkins’ Burn Unit. The State expects sentencing to be held in approximately sixty (60) days.

Wicomico County State’s Attorney, Matthew A. Maciarello, stated the following in regard to the conviction. “We are thankful for this conviction but we are reserving further comment until the Defendant is sentenced by the Court.” Maciarello commended the Wicomico Child Advocacy Center (CAC) and its partners (the Salisbury Police Department, Maryland State Police, Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office, Department of Social Services, and the Life Crisis Center), members of the Peninsula Regional Medical Center Emergency Department, and Johns Hopkins Hospital for their assistance in the investigation and prosecution of this case. Mr. Maciarello also thanked Assistant State’s Attorney Jamie Dykes who prosecuted this case.

Why Would China Want To Help Bail Out The Euro Zone?

In years to come, economists and historians might hark back to this week as the moment the balance of world power tipped toward China. The signs have been there for while, but the symbolism is especially potent now, in the few days between yet another euro-zone crisis summit, held in Brussels on Oct. 26, and the Nov. 3-4 G-20 summit in Cannes, France. The reason for choosing this as the watershed is crudely financial: at the Brussels summit, European leaders made a previously unthinkable appeal for China to use its $3.2 trillion currency reserves to help dig the euro out of its debt hole. And while the euro zone is anxiously awaiting an answer, China — inscrutable about its intentions — is milking the moment.

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Death In Guantanamo: Suicide Or Dryboarding?

On June 10, 2006, three Guantánamo prisoners were found dead in their cells. Two days later, a Department of Defense (DoD) news release described these deaths as suicides. The news release quoted Camp Commander Harry Harris, who described these suicides as acts of asymmetric warfare meant to advance al-Qaeda's cause in the war on terror.

The news release was categorical with regards to the self-inflicted nature of the deaths. And the camp commander was equally certain of their hostile intent. Yet the news release was curiously guarded about the manner of these deaths - the three "appear" to have hanged themselves with nooses made of bed sheets and clothing, it said.

America’s Happiest Woman Is a 50-Year-Old Californian

She works a flexible job, maintains a strong marriage, and keeps in shape to boot. We're jealous.

Lou Gehrig once considered himself the luckiest man on Earth. Now, USA Today found the happiest woman in America.

It isn’t surprising that the Baby Boom produced the largest demographic in America, women ages 45-55. As that generation glides into its golden years, USA Today teamed up with Healthways, a well-being improvement firm, to determine what contributes to high well-being in that age group and discovered one woman who embodies those characteristics.

Forty House Republicans Sign Letter Saying They’re Open To Tax Increases

Forty House Republicans joined 60 Democrats today in a letter calling on the congressional super committee to consider “all options” in crafting a deficit reduction package, including increasing revenues. As the AP notes, the “letter puts about one-sixth of House GOP lawmakers on record as saying the supercommittee should consider collecting more taxes.” From the letter:
We write to you as a bipartisan group of representatives from across the political spectrum in the belief that the success of your committee is vital to our country’s future. We know that many in Washington and around the country do not believe we in the Congress and those within your committee can successfully meet this challenge. We believe that we can and we must.
To succeed, all options for mandatory and discretionary spending and revenues must be on the table. In addition, we know from other bipartisan frameworks that a target of some $4 trillion in deficit reduction is necessary to stabilize our debt as a share of the economy and assure America’s fiscal well-being.
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Ridding Body Of Old "Zombie" Cells Slows Aging Process, Study Shows

(CBS) It's not quite the fountain of youth, but Mayo Clinic scientists may have hit upon a way to slow the aging process. The key, they report in a tantalizing new study, is purging the body of senescent cells - old "zombie" cells that no longer work as they should.

BREAKING NEWS

Salisbury Police dispatched to Jefferson and Kent for an alleged fight with some 30 people.

An Intrusion Of Reality

Things change, usually for the worse, and always against the innocent. (This truth is a principle of curmudgeonry.) When I came to Mexico some eight years ago, it was a peaceful, moderately successful upper-Third-World country – middle-class, barely, literate, though often barely, and as democratic as the United States, which is to say barely. Things were improving, though often they had a long way to go. The young were visibly healthier than preceding generations. The birth rate was in sharp decline. Women entered the professions in substantial and growing numbers.

And it was safe. Expats sat over coffee at the plaza laughing at people back in the States, insular, fearful, ignorant of the world outside their borders. (For recent college graduates, Mexico is a country south of the United States. “South” is down on maps.) Mexico, they believed, was most astonishing perilous. Don't drink the water, avoid ice. Salads were thought especially lethal. The Federales would kill you for sport, like squirrels. On any given day, you would probably be shot several times by bandidos. It was nonsense.

Then Vicente Fox left office, and Felipe Calderon came in. He declared war on the narcotraficantes. Why he did this, I don't know, since Mexico didn't have a drug problem. My guess is that Washington pushed him into it, but I don't know.

Unfortunately Mexico, which neither produces nor uses a lot of drugs, lies between Colombia, which produces vast amounts of drugs, and Americans, who want vast amounts of drugs. Washington does not want Americans to have vast amounts of drugs. Neither did it want to lose votes by imprisoning white users of drugs, such as college students, high-school students, professors, Congressmen, lawyers, and blue-collar guys driving bulldozers. The answer was to make Mexico fight Washington's wars.

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Navy Vet Gets Eviction Notice After Hanging American Flag On Navy Day

A Navy veteran says he’s being evicted from his Oregon apartment complex for displaying an American flag on Navy Day.
The apartment management company delivered the eviction notice to Edward Zivica after he hung the Old Glory in a common area at the Springfield, Ore., complex, KVAL.com reported. If he doesn't agree to refrain from any more such flag displays, the complex told him, it's anchors aweigh by midnight Nov. 29.


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Gold Is Nothing But A Metaphor For Fear

Gold Is a "Fear Index" That Must Come Down ... That's sort of how Don Hays views gold, as an indicator that's in the way of the next great bull market. It's also why the chairman and chief investment strategist at Hays Advisory wants and expects to see prices fall. "Gold, pure and simple, is a fear index," says Hays in the attached clip. "People try to paint it with a lot of different colors, but it's a fear index." – Yahoo

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German Parents Killed, Buried New Baby Because They Already Had 3 Kids

JUTERBORG, Germany -- A German couple murdered their newborn baby and buried him in the garden of their home because they already had three children and could not afford to feed another, a court has heard.
Named as Marcel T., 35, and Kirsten H., 38, the pair allegedly killed their son shortly after he was born in the small town of Juterborg, near Berlin, two years ago and wrapped his body in a bag carrying the inscription "Welcome to the family," before burying him 40 inches below paving in their garden.


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Final Suspect In Home Invasion In Custody

On this date, November 3, at approximately 2:45 pm, the Maryland State Apprehension Team located and took into custody the fourth suspect wanted in connection with the Emerson Avenue home invasion. The below listed suspect was located in the area of the Schumaker Apartments and was taken into custody without incident. This investigation is continuing.

ARRESTED: Lomar Lamont Belote, 29 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Armed robbery
Conspiracy to commit armed robbery
First degree assault
Robbery
Handgun on person
Handgun use in a felon crime
Second degree assault

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking

MF Global Shines A Light On Monetarism's Incapacity To Enhance The Real Economy

The temptation to compare any financial institution’s failure to those that preceded the 2008 crisis and panic are reasonable.  It is easy to classify MF Global as 2011’s “Lehman” event, just as it was to use the same term to describe Dexia a few weeks ago.  The use of the term “this year’s Lehman” is somewhat misplaced simply because its users are looking for an event that kicks off another crisis or panic.  Instead of using “Lehman” to describe a potential inflection point that propels the crisis into panic, it might be better to see MF Global as AIG.

The comparison to AIG is not to say that MF Global was as interconnected, that its failure will be as devastating, or that it is the straw that breaks the European camel’s back.  The urge to see the past in the present is historically valid, but it will never be exactly alike (Mark Twain had this right).  Rather I think the comparison is useful in that AIG taught the wider world what was really rotten at the core of modern finance, namely hidden risks that were shockingly existential.  MF Global’s failure importantly shows that none of the lessons have been heeded in the days since, providing a somewhat unique window into the real dangers that still lurk hidden in the shadows.  More than that, though, MF Global demonstrates an obvious shortcoming of the financial system as it relates to the real economy.

ZeroHedge posted the bankruptcy affidavit of MF Global’s President and Chief Operating Officer Bradley I. Abelow, drawing attention to Section E, item 33 on page 13.  Mr. Abelow makes the following statement under oath:

“On September 1, 2011, MF Holdings announced that FINRA informed it that its regulated U.S. operating subsidiary, MFGI, was required to modify its capital treatment of certain repurchase transactions to maturity collateralized with European sovereign debt and thus increase its required net capital pursuant to SEC Rule 15c3-1.” [emphasis added]

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Men Become The Target Of Jokes

(CNN) -- "That's the second unmanly thing you've done today," is the punch line of the most frequently played Miller Lite ad during NFL games. It ends with the ultimatum, "Man up."

In a new McDonald's commercial, two newlyweds delay their honeymoon after the man hears that McDonald's is featuring the McRib sandwich again. The woman says in disbelief, "I married a 14-year-old."

Officials From Terror-Sponsoring State ‘Exempted From Enhanced Screening’ By TSA

(CNSNews.com) – While six-year-old girls and retired school teachers with bladder cancer were subjected to intrusive pat-downs by Transportation Security Administration officials at U.S. airports after Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab tried to detonate his underwear on a Northwest Airlines flight on Christmas 2009, officials from Sudan--one of just four countries the State Department lists as a state sponsor of terrorism--were “exempted from enhanced screening” at airports, according to a State Department cable obtained by CNSNews.com.

The cable indicates that Sudan, upset that its citizens traveling to the United States would be subjected to increased scrutiny--as were those from 13 other countries--threatened to subject U.S. passengers traveling to Sudan to the same stepped-up body pat-downs, bag checks and other security measures.

“We will have to accord you the same treatment,” it quotes a Sudanese official telling a U.S. diplomat in early 2010.

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Texas Judge's Daughter: Violence Was Regular Occurrence

Dallas (CNN) -- A woman who launched a firestorm by posting a 2004 video of her father, a Texas judge, beating her on the Internet said Thursday that violence was a regular occurrence in her family home.
"It did happen regularly, for a period of time, and I could tell, because of the pattern, that things were escalating again," Hillary Adams, now 23, said on NBC's "Today." She said she left her video camera on her dresser recording and covered its light with a scarf in order to capture the video.

SUSTAINABLE?

7 billion people.

Car Crashes Cost U.S. $300B A Year: AAA

(CBS News)

Every hour, car crashes kill an average of four people on America's roads.

That's the human cost.

But, according to a triple-a study released Thursday, the financial cost of car crashes is just as stunning.

The study, reports CBS News correspondent Mark Strassmann, says crashes costs $300 billion a year -- three times more expensive than traffic congestion.

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Afterburner With Bill Whittle: Three And A Half Days

FDA Should Warn Smokers Of Increased Danger Of Chantix, Study Says

Scientists say the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) should take warnings about the stop-smoking drug Chantix up a notch, citing data showing that the drug increases suicidal behavior and depression far more than other drugs and methods designed to help smokers quit.

Now Occupy Wall Street Seeks Global Warming/UN Accord!

Of the many questions swirling around #OCCUPY, the most challenging is how to gel into a global movement without sacrificing the decentralized, leaderless model. There is a widespread acknowledgment that there are challenges that can only be dealt with on a global scale, such as a climate change accord and overturning international casino capitalism, and that we must therefore forge a globally united people's movement. – Adbusters

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Do You Kiss Your Kids on the Lips?

When your kids are the cute, little doll-like babies that seem to require all of your efforts just to keep them afloat, smothering them with kisses seems absolutely normal. In some cases it's like an uncontrollable urge, a natural reaction to that (usually) great baby smell. As they get older the affection-meter changes and you may start to wonder when it's time to stop giving them the big, sloppy one on the lips.

TSA To Conduct New Study Of X-Ray Body Scanners

The head of the Transportation Security Administration testified today that the agency will perform a new, independent study on the safety of X-ray body scanners after lawmakers raised questions about a ProPublica investigation [1] at a Senate hearing on aviation security.

The story, researched in conjunction with the PBS NewsHour, reported that while the radiation emitted from the machines is extremely low, scientific studies have concluded that they could still increase the risk of cancer. It also reported that the Food and Drug Administration went against the advice of a 1998 expert panel, which recommended the agency set a mandatory federal safety standard for the machines. Several members of that panel said they were concerned about widespread use of X-ray scanners, including in airports.

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Something Needs To Be Done


If you've ever been Downtown and made the turn around the corner of my building onto Market Street, well, it's a complete 45 degree turn and most vehicles rear tires end up on the sidewalk.

Its bad enough that people are constantly parking right on the sidewalk several times a day but when you get a tractor trailer that thinks this is a normal thoroughfare, well, it's impossible for them to go in either direction without their trailer almost hitting the corner of my building or at least taking up the entire sidewalk.

The City has already replaced the concrete on the corner because it was so warn out from people driving on the curbing and sidewalk. Then there's people like the second picture that think nothing will happen to the concrete curb when they ride their vehicle up onto the sidewalk. Trust me, this happens so many times in a day it isn't funny.

Nevertheless, I'd request that the Mayor and Council restrict ANY traffic on this portion of the road to passenger vehicles only. I'd then request that they PAINT the curbs again, (it's probably been 20 years or more since it was done) and then start writing tickets.

Heck, give me the paint and I'll do it.

Freddie Mac Seeks $6 Billion More In Aid

Government-controlled mortgage giant Freddie Mac has requested $6 billion in additional aid after posting a wider loss in the third quarter.

Freddie Mac said Thursday that it lost $6 billion, or $1.86 per share, in the July-September quarter. That compares with a loss of $4.1 billion, or $1.25 a share, in the same quarter of 2010.

This quarter's $6 billion request from taxpayers is the largest since April 2010.

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Best Line Of The Year

This should be engraved in stone at the front of the Capitol.

“Witnessing the Republicans and the Democrats bicker over the U.S. debt is like watching two drunks argue over a bar bill on the Titanic.”

Coons Marks First Anniversary In Senate

Delaware's junior US Senator Wednesday celebrated his 1-year anniversary in the Senate.

Chris Coons tells WDEL News he's tried to work with members of both parties to create jobs, reduce the national debt and deficit and improve infrastructure, but it's not always an easy thing to do.

Salisbury Police Department Press Release: Speed Cameras


As of November 4, 2011, The Salisbury Police Department is announcing that the warning phase for its speed camera program has concluded. On this date, the Automated Speed Enforcement Systems in the areas of East College Avenue, between Eastern Shore Drive and Arthur Court, and Emerson Avenue, from Union Avenue to Talbot Street will become active and will monitor for speed violations. The registered owners of vehicles found in violation will receive a citation in the mail. The Salisbury Police Department urges drivers to be alert and drive responsibly in these school zones.

This Should Clear Things Up For You

Fill In The Blank 11-03-11


____ gets on my nerves more than anything!

Incredible Media Hatchet Job

NewsMax.com has posted the full 25 minute New Hampshire  Perry speech and the edited eight minute one that has gone viral where he appears to be drunk or unhinged.   I have just watched the full 25 minute speech and must say that every conservative -no matter who your favorite candidate is - should be beyond outraged at the phony editing job the media has been gleefully circulating.  This is not poor editing .  This is an outright hatchet job.  If you watch the full speech, or even a few unedited minutes, you see an animated Republican candidate giving a substantive conservative speech and enjoying interacting with the audience.   If the media can do this to Perry, it can and will destroy anyone who threatens the re-election of Barack Obama

Add the current media feeding frenzy over Herman Cain's accuser and recall how Paula Jones's accusations against a sitting President were barely covered.  The media dishonesty and bias is disgusting and frightening. 

 

"Our republic and its press will rise or fall together"- Joseph Pulitzer. 

Accident On Rt. 50 In Hebron



There's been a serious accident on east bound Rt. 50 and Old Railroad. Two priority 3 patients. Pictures to follow.

Salisbury Home Invasion Update

This morning at approximately 10:00 am, the below listed suspect turned himself in to Salisbury Detectives as a result of the investigation of the home invasion robbery that occurred on October 24 on Emerson Avenue. He will be charged as a juvenile with the same offenses as the two (2) previous arrests, Ridge Lee Belote and Michelle LeeAnn Smith.

ARRESTED: Juvenile, 15 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Armed robbery
Conspiracy to commit armed robbery
First degree assault
Robbery
Handgun on person
Handgun use in a felon crime
Second degree assault
DISPOSITION: Pending decision by Juvenile Justice

The fourth suspect in this investigation is still at large. The fourth suspect has been identified by Salisbury Detectives as:


Lomar Lamont Belote, 29 years of age
African American Male, 6’2", 190 lbs.
Last known address: Roberts St., Salisbury

If anyone has any information regarding this investigation or the location of this suspect, they are asked to contact the Salisbury Police Department at 410-548-3165, or Crime Solvers of Delmarva at 410-548-1776. Information may be left at both locations anonymously.

DSP Calls Elderly Millsboro Woman's Death "Suspicious"

A 70-year-old Millsboro woman has died under what State Police say are suspicious circumstances.

Neighbors hadn't seen the woman leave her house on Barkantine Drive for several days, so they called 9-1-1 Wednesday afternoon, and when troopers arrived, they forced their way into the house after no one answered the door.

Christmas Boat Parade

The Wicomico Yacht Club Christmas Boat Parade will motor up the Wicomico river on Saturday November 26 2011. The lighted fleet will leave the club, in Allen Maryland, at dusk pass Upper Ferry just after 6PM and arrive in downtown Salisbury about 7PM. The parade will immediately reverse course and head back down river and return to the Wicomico Yacht Club. The parade may be viewed anyplace along the river from Wicomico Creek to downtown Salisbury and the full parade will pass in each direction. This year Wicomico Yacht Club has teamed with Toys For Tots and will be collecting toys. All the toys collected from the members and general public will be loaded on the boats and given to the Toys For Tots representatives when the parade arrives at the Port Of Salisbury Marina. The club will be accepting donations for Toys For Tots anytime until the parade. For any additional information on the parade or to make a donation please contact Wicomico Yacht Club 410-430-2282 or 410-726-3075.

Paul Tuetul Jr., (Paul Jr. Designs) Unveils New Chopper In Ocean City, Maryland

Prominent figures in attendance were Mayor Rick Meehan, Paul Teutul Jr., Mikey (Paul's brother), Cody (builder), and dignitaries from the companies involved.

You Say You Wanna Bomb Iran? Take A Number And Stand In Line

Yes, you heard right: Britain is preparing to bomb Iran. Well, that's if the latest reported leaks from the British government are to be believed. The Guardian -- not known, like some of its British rivals are, for frequent breathless front-page claims of imminent military strikes on Iran -- reported Wednesday that Britain's Defense Ministry has stepped up plans for military action against Iran. Not that the Brits would kick things off, of course; their contingency planning is ostensibly geared towards playing a largely symbolic support role (think "Coalition of the Willing") should the Obama Administration "decide to fast-forward plans for targeted missile strikes at some key Iranian facilities."

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