DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Thursday, January 12, 2012
IRS Has Unmanageable Workload
A new report to Congress finds the Internal Revenue Service is facing an unmanageable workload in the face of budget cuts, according to the Associated Press. And, IRS' National Taxpayer Advocate says it's not just hindering the agency's mission. It's harming taxpayer rights. Congress cut the IRS budget by more than $1.5 billion, compared with what the administration requested for this year. At the same time, the agency has to deal with an ever-more-complex tax code, with 4,400 changes between 2001 and 2010. The report finds that's forced the IRS to rely on shortcuts, mostly using automated procedures. For example, IRS computers flagged almost a million tax returns as fraudulent last year and declined to process them without ever giving the taxpayers involved an opportunity to respond.
Judge Halts Mississippi Pardons After Uproar
As victims’ loved ones ask why killers and rapists got pardoned by former Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour during his final hours in office, a Mississippi state judge has temporarily halted the release of 21 of the 200-plus pardoned inmates.
Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood had requested the injunction against the inmates’ releases, telling reporters he believes some of Barbour’s pardons could have violated the state constitution by failing to give sufficient public notice that the convicts were seeking clemency.
American Indians Join The Federal Employee Health Benefits Program
The Federal Employee Health Benefits Program is preparing to welcome employees at hundreds of Indian tribes into the system. It will be the first time the Office of Personnel Management opens the insurance program to people with no connection to the federal government. The move could add up to 350,000 people to FEHB. Tribes have urged the government to open the federal employee coverage program to their workers for years. The change was finally mandated two years ago by the Affordable Care Act. Since then, OPM has been working through a complex logistical web involving hundreds of tribes, each with their own autonomous government.
Talking To Your Kids About Scary Rumors
At the turn of the century, there was the Y2K scare. Last year, Christian radio host Harold Camping issued not one but twodates where a worldwide judgment day or “Rapture” would overtake the planet. Some people snickered, others breathed a (secret) sigh of relief as each of these predictions proved to be unfounded. But we're not off the hook yet: according to some interpretations of an ancient Mayan calendar, the end of the world is coming again, on Dec. 21, 2012.
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Homeland Security Given Green Light To Monitor American Journalists
Under the National Operations Center (NOC)’s Media Monitoring Initiative that emerged from the Department of Homeland Security in November, Washington has written permission to collect and retain personal information from journalists, news anchors, reporters or anyone who uses “traditional and/or social media in real time to keep their audience situationally aware and informed.”
According to DHS, the definition of personal identifiable information can consist of any intellect “that permits the identity of an individual to be directly or indirectly inferred, including any information which is linked or linkable to that individual.”
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According to DHS, the definition of personal identifiable information can consist of any intellect “that permits the identity of an individual to be directly or indirectly inferred, including any information which is linked or linkable to that individual.”
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Lack Of Critical Thinking Is Key To The Corrupt Status Quo Maintaining Their Power
Have you ever noticed how vehemently people react when you question something they believe in instead of ever being able to have an intelligent discussion with him or her? In the below video, Chris Hedges, a Pulitzer Prize winning American journalist, author, and war correspondent, nails the reason that explains why it is so difficult to change a person’s mind when they are committed to believing something even when they are confronted with a mountain of evidence that points to the contrary. Chris states that universities have stripped away humanities and other courses that develop critical thinking skills and instead, due to the historical influences of men like Andrew Carnegie and John D. Rockefeller, focus on teaching young men and women “what to think” instead of “how to think.”
Like the proverb that states we have two ears and only one mouth so we should listen twice as much as we talk, when we are confronted with actually having our views challenged, many among us fail to listen, fail to analyze, fail to think, and we instead immediately open our mouths in defense without ever seriously considering the contrary information, often in factual form, that has been presented to us. All of us, including yours truly, have been guilty of responding insensitively and unintelligently in this manner, and I believe that there is a reason for this type of response. The powers that be have used education against us by employing teaching methods within institutional academia that condition us to automatically dismiss any notion that might conflict with our internal belief systems that THEY have programmed into us. If you believe that this notion is far-fetched, consider that from 1900 to 1920, at a time when the direction of American education was very much still being molded, Andrew Carnegie and John D. Rockefeller incredibly spent more money than the entire US government in funding and building the education system to meet their specifications and wishes.
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Like the proverb that states we have two ears and only one mouth so we should listen twice as much as we talk, when we are confronted with actually having our views challenged, many among us fail to listen, fail to analyze, fail to think, and we instead immediately open our mouths in defense without ever seriously considering the contrary information, often in factual form, that has been presented to us. All of us, including yours truly, have been guilty of responding insensitively and unintelligently in this manner, and I believe that there is a reason for this type of response. The powers that be have used education against us by employing teaching methods within institutional academia that condition us to automatically dismiss any notion that might conflict with our internal belief systems that THEY have programmed into us. If you believe that this notion is far-fetched, consider that from 1900 to 1920, at a time when the direction of American education was very much still being molded, Andrew Carnegie and John D. Rockefeller incredibly spent more money than the entire US government in funding and building the education system to meet their specifications and wishes.
More
Obama Campaign, DNC Bring In $68M In Fourth Quarter
President' Obama's re-election campaign announced this morning that it raised over $68 million, in conjunction with the Democratic National Committee, in the fourth quarter of 2011.
Mr. Obama's campaign team, Obama for America, raised more than $42 million, while the DNC brought in more than $24 million, OFA Campaign manager Jim Messina announced in a video emailed to supporters.
Messina boasted that the president's grassroots support remains strong, with more than 1.3 million donors. The average donation size in the fourth quarter was $55. Still, Messina warned of the misconception that the Obama team doesn't need small donations.
Free Car Seat Checks
Following are free car seat check events sponsored by Safe Kids Lower Shore Maryland. No appointments are needed, just drive up and have a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician check your child's car seat for free!
Friday 1/20/12
1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Walmart North
2702 N. Salisbury Blvd.
Salisbury
Friday 2/10/12
1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Fruitland Fire Dept.
104 E. Main Street
Fruitland
Friday 1/20/12
1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Walmart North
2702 N. Salisbury Blvd.
Salisbury
Friday 2/10/12
1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Fruitland Fire Dept.
104 E. Main Street
Fruitland
Ringing Cellphone Reportedly Disrupts New York Philharmonic Performance
A ringing cellphone reportedly disrupted a performance by the New York Philharmonic on Tuesday, prompting a conductor to stop abruptly stop the music.
Maestro Alan Gilbert stopped the iconic orchestra during the final movement of Gustav Mahler's Ninth Symphony at Lincoln Center's Avery Fisher Hall.
Gilbert turned his head to signal his displeasure when an iPhone's distinctive "Marimba" ringtone initially went off, but the ringing continued for minutes.
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Maestro Alan Gilbert stopped the iconic orchestra during the final movement of Gustav Mahler's Ninth Symphony at Lincoln Center's Avery Fisher Hall.
Gilbert turned his head to signal his displeasure when an iPhone's distinctive "Marimba" ringtone initially went off, but the ringing continued for minutes.
More
Maryland Schools Get Top Grade For Fourth Year In A Row, But Still Not #1 In Student Achievement
For the fourth year in a row, Maryland public schools have come out on top on the annual state-by-state report card published by Education Week magazine. Maryland earned its top place with an overall B+ grade, compared to a C average for the nation as whole.
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FDA Halts Imports Of Orange Juice: Is It Safe To Drink?
On Monday the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) decided to halt all imports of orange juice into the U.S. after a juice manufacturer alerted the agency to small amounts of an illegal fungicide in both their products and those of competitors.
The decision immediately raised prices of orange juice futures, but left a more pressing question unanswered — is it safe to drink OJ?
Read More
Coaltion Rallies For Revenue Hikes; O’Malley Suggests Sales Tax
Members of the Save Our State Coalition are hoping that putting problems caused by tight budgets on display will encourage the legislature to raise taxes. Gov. Martin O’Malley began talking about a one-cent sales tax increase he may be proposing, his first mention of such an increase.
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CES: Never Lose Anything Again
Wireless trackers aren’t new. At the high end are GPS- and cellular-equipped collars for pets, such as Tagg. Lower down are clunky beacons that sound an alarm when keys or other objects stray out of Bluetooth wireless range (in other words, get left behind).
But BiKN, made by Treehouse Labs and debuting at CES, is especially versatile — in both the number of items it tracks and how well it tracks them. And this product (pronounced "beacon") is just a toe in the water for a company looking to install smart sensors on virtually anything. A wireless transceiver is tucked into a slim, good-looking case for the iPhone 4 and 4s. It pairs with up to eight wireless dongles (called tags) that look a bit like key chains. They link to the iPhone over a wireless standard inelegantly called 802.15.4.
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But BiKN, made by Treehouse Labs and debuting at CES, is especially versatile — in both the number of items it tracks and how well it tracks them. And this product (pronounced "beacon") is just a toe in the water for a company looking to install smart sensors on virtually anything. A wireless transceiver is tucked into a slim, good-looking case for the iPhone 4 and 4s. It pairs with up to eight wireless dongles (called tags) that look a bit like key chains. They link to the iPhone over a wireless standard inelegantly called 802.15.4.
More
O’Malley Issues Official Redistricting Map, With Changes In Some Counties
Gov. Martin O’Malley quietly released his legislative redistricting map Wednesday afternoon, the deadline for its introduction as a joint resolution in the Maryland General Assembly.
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‘White Only’ Pool Sign Discriminatory, Not Decorative Commission Rules
The Ohio Civil Rights Commission dismissed a landlord’s claim today that a“white only” pool sign was simply an historical antique sign and ruled that it was discriminatory.
“At this point, it means that we believe that it’s probable that discrimination has occurred,” commission spokeswoman Brandi Martin told ABCNews.com. The five-member commission decided unanimously on the matter, upholding an earlier ruling.
In December, Cincinnati landlord Jamie Hein was accused of discriminating against an African-American girl with a “white only” sign at her swimming pool. Hein told ABCNews.com that the sign was an antique and a decoration.
USUAL SUSPECTS
I’ve been rather busy of late trying to keep up with work, the homestead, typical bullshit… Just over the past couple of days have I had the chance to sift through some of the articles here – and their associated comments, as always – and articles from the other usual suspects…
Usual suspects. Isn’t this fast becoming the operative phrase du jour? Am I now a ‘suspected terrorist’ simply by virtue of posting independent thoughts and drawing conclusions from the evidence I can see? Aren’t we all, at this point, suspected terrorists? I would ask – Who, EXACTLY, am I terrorizing by finding the NDAA to be a treasonous act? Please, if anyone reading this is frightened of any authors’ revelations regarding NDAA in the least, do tell.
I for one am not intimidated by being informed of the truth. The truth does not scare me. Not about NDAA, the equally treasonous Patriot Act, the expansive list of documented cases of police murder going unpunished. Pick your favorite recent lethal government abuse, as there are so many to choose from… Finding out about these things is not what has me concerned – the perpetrators and politicians that have enacted these policies are the problem. Yet, for some arcane, classified reason, I AM NOW THE TRAITOR? I am to be considered a threat? To whom, exactly? I ask again, do tell. Who, exactly, are the authors, economists, journalists (not presstitutes), peaceful protesters, and random Citizens-at-large who oppose the recent, and increasingly militarized & fascist, regimes of this republic supposed to be terrorizing? Are you scared of these people? Were you really scared of OWS?
More
Usual suspects. Isn’t this fast becoming the operative phrase du jour? Am I now a ‘suspected terrorist’ simply by virtue of posting independent thoughts and drawing conclusions from the evidence I can see? Aren’t we all, at this point, suspected terrorists? I would ask – Who, EXACTLY, am I terrorizing by finding the NDAA to be a treasonous act? Please, if anyone reading this is frightened of any authors’ revelations regarding NDAA in the least, do tell.
I for one am not intimidated by being informed of the truth. The truth does not scare me. Not about NDAA, the equally treasonous Patriot Act, the expansive list of documented cases of police murder going unpunished. Pick your favorite recent lethal government abuse, as there are so many to choose from… Finding out about these things is not what has me concerned – the perpetrators and politicians that have enacted these policies are the problem. Yet, for some arcane, classified reason, I AM NOW THE TRAITOR? I am to be considered a threat? To whom, exactly? I ask again, do tell. Who, exactly, are the authors, economists, journalists (not presstitutes), peaceful protesters, and random Citizens-at-large who oppose the recent, and increasingly militarized & fascist, regimes of this republic supposed to be terrorizing? Are you scared of these people? Were you really scared of OWS?
More
PUBLIC NOTICE
The Salisbury City Council has scheduled an additional work session in Council Chambers (Room 301) of the Government Office Building (125 N. Division Street) for Friday, January 13, 2012 at 2:15 p.m.
The purpose of the work session is to discuss 1) how to proceed on Fire Chief selection; and 2) annual evaluation of legal services contract/performance.
Brain Aging: What’s Nintendo Got To Do With It?
Who says video games are a waste of time?
Researchers from Tohoku University in Japan show that elderly men and women playing the game Brain Age, made by Nintendo, can improve some of their declining cognitive abilities.
For the new study, 32 elderly Japanese participants were tested for cognitive function and then randomly assigned to play either Brain Age, which is touted by its makers as a “brain training game,” or the classic arcade game Tetris, in which players arrange an onslaught of differently shaped blocks to form a solid line, for about 15 minutes per day, at least five days per week for four weeks. At the end of the four-week study period, the participants were then tested again for cognitive function.
Read More
STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY ON MARYLAND PUBLIC SCHOOLS BEING NAMED NUMBER-ONE IN THE NATION FOR FOUR STRAIGHT YEARS
Governor delivers keynote address at Education Week Quality Counts 2012 event in the nation’s capital
ANNAPOLIS, MD (January 12, 2012) – Governor Martin O’Malley, today delivered a keynote address at the Education Week Quality Counts 2012 event, where Maryland’s public schools were once again named the number-one public school system in the nation, now for four years in a row. The Governor released the following statement:
“I’d like to thank the students, parents, teachers, principals, administrators, and all of our advocates for continuing to achieve at unprecedented levels. Thanks to their tremendous work and dedication, we are able to say that Maryland’s public schools have been ranked number-one in the nation for the fourth straight year.
“In Maryland, we believe in making the investments needed to build the nation’s best public school system to help us create jobs, expand opportunity and move forward in this changing new economy. Together, we’ve made record investments in K-12 public schools, even during tough times, when we have cut record amounts of spending from virtually every other priority. In 2010, we proposed investing $250 million in school construction every year for the next four. This year, we’re asking our General Assembly to do $100 million better – with a $373 million investment which would support 11,650 jobs.
“To win, we have to recommit ourselves as a country to public education.”
To view a special message from the Governor, click here.
ANNAPOLIS, MD (January 12, 2012) – Governor Martin O’Malley, today delivered a keynote address at the Education Week Quality Counts 2012 event, where Maryland’s public schools were once again named the number-one public school system in the nation, now for four years in a row. The Governor released the following statement:
“I’d like to thank the students, parents, teachers, principals, administrators, and all of our advocates for continuing to achieve at unprecedented levels. Thanks to their tremendous work and dedication, we are able to say that Maryland’s public schools have been ranked number-one in the nation for the fourth straight year.
“In Maryland, we believe in making the investments needed to build the nation’s best public school system to help us create jobs, expand opportunity and move forward in this changing new economy. Together, we’ve made record investments in K-12 public schools, even during tough times, when we have cut record amounts of spending from virtually every other priority. In 2010, we proposed investing $250 million in school construction every year for the next four. This year, we’re asking our General Assembly to do $100 million better – with a $373 million investment which would support 11,650 jobs.
“To win, we have to recommit ourselves as a country to public education.”
To view a special message from the Governor, click here.
Rules For Life
1. Money cannot buy happiness but its more comfortable to cry in a Mercedes than on a bicycle.
2. Forgive your enemy but remember the bastard's name.
3. Help someone when they are in trouble and they will remember you when they're in trouble again.
4. Many people are alive only because it's illegal to shoot them.
5. Alcohol does not solve any problems, but then again, neither does milk.
CHAIR YVETTE LEWIS SALUTES MARYLAND’S #1 EDUCATION RANKING
ANNAPOLIS (January 12, 2012) – Maryland Democratic Party Chair Yvette Lewis issued the following statement after Education Week ranked Maryland first for the fourth straight year in their annual report card on American education. Education Week grades all 50 states and the District of Columbia in six areas related to policy and performance.
“Maryland’s number one ranking among all 50 states for the fourth year in a row is a great tribute to Governor O’Malley and Maryland Democrats who have made significant reforms and record investments in public education. When it comes to opportunity, competitiveness, and jobs, nothing is more important than education. Thanks to Governor O’Malley, an outstanding education is within reach of every Maryland child. In these tough times, it is more important than ever to continue to protect investments in education and to ensure we never shortchange Maryland’s children and our future.”
10-Year-Old Houston Boys Arrested For Alleged Sex Assault Of 8-Year-Old Boy On School Bus
Two 10-year-old Houston boys could face up to 40 years in prison if convicted of sexually assaulting an 8-year-old boy on a school bus.
The boys were arrested last week after authorities reviewed a security videotape from the bus, Fox affiliate KRIV-TV reports.
The alleged incident happened in August, but the investigation took several months. Houston police spokesman Kese Smith said Tuesday it is not unusual for investigations involving juveniles to take that long.
Read More
PUBLIC NOTICE
CANCELLATION OF CITY COUNCIL CLOSED SESSION
The City Council’s closed session scheduled for Friday, January 13,
2012, at 2:00 p.m. has been cancelled.
The City Council’s closed session scheduled for Friday, January 13,
2012, at 2:00 p.m. has been cancelled.
CATCHING PIGS
There was a chemistry professor in a large college that had some exchange students in the class. One day while the class was in the lab, the Prof noticed one young man, an exchange student, who kept rubbing his back and stretching as if his back hurt.
The professor asked the young man what was the matter.
The student told him he had a bullet lodged in his back. He had been shot while fighting communists in his native country who were trying to overthrow his country's government and install a new communist regime.
In the midst of his story, he looked at the professor and asked a strange question. He asked: "Do you know how to catch wild pigs?"
The professor thought it was a joke and asked for the punch line. The young man said that it was no joke.
"You catch wild pigs by finding a suitable place in the woods and putting corn on the ground.
The pigs find it and begin to come everyday to eat the free corn. When they are used to coming every day, you put a fence down one side of the place where they are used to coming.
When they get used to the fence, they begin to eat the corn again and you put up another side of the fence.
They get used to that and start to eat again.
You continue until you have all four sides of the fence up with a gate in the last side.
The pigs, which are used to the free corn, start to come through the gate to eat that free corn again.
You then slam the gate on them and catch the whole herd.
Suddenly the wild pigs have lost their freedom.
They run around and around inside the fence, but they are caught.
Soon they go back to eating the free corn. They are so used to it that they have forgotten how to forage in the woods for themselves, so they accept their captivity."
The young man then told the professor that is exactly what he sees happening in America. The government keeps pushing us toward Communism/Socialism and keeps spreading the free corn out in the form of programs such as supplemental income, tax credit for unearned income, tax exemptions, tobacco subsidies, dairy subsidies, payments not to plant crops (CRP), welfare, medicine, drugs, etc. while we continually lose our freedoms, just a little at a time.
One should always remember two truths:
1) There is no such thing as a free lunch, someone is paying for it
2) and when you begin to think that having your government
provide for you and make your decisions is ok, realize that you've
also given up the freedom that goes with making your own choices.
If you see that all of this wonderful government 'help' is a problem confronting the future of democracy in America, you might want to send this on to your friends.
If you think the free ride is essential to your way of life, then you will probably delete this email.
But help us all when the gate slams shut!
The professor asked the young man what was the matter.
The student told him he had a bullet lodged in his back. He had been shot while fighting communists in his native country who were trying to overthrow his country's government and install a new communist regime.
In the midst of his story, he looked at the professor and asked a strange question. He asked: "Do you know how to catch wild pigs?"
The professor thought it was a joke and asked for the punch line. The young man said that it was no joke.
"You catch wild pigs by finding a suitable place in the woods and putting corn on the ground.
The pigs find it and begin to come everyday to eat the free corn. When they are used to coming every day, you put a fence down one side of the place where they are used to coming.
When they get used to the fence, they begin to eat the corn again and you put up another side of the fence.
They get used to that and start to eat again.
You continue until you have all four sides of the fence up with a gate in the last side.
The pigs, which are used to the free corn, start to come through the gate to eat that free corn again.
You then slam the gate on them and catch the whole herd.
Suddenly the wild pigs have lost their freedom.
They run around and around inside the fence, but they are caught.
Soon they go back to eating the free corn. They are so used to it that they have forgotten how to forage in the woods for themselves, so they accept their captivity."
The young man then told the professor that is exactly what he sees happening in America. The government keeps pushing us toward Communism/Socialism and keeps spreading the free corn out in the form of programs such as supplemental income, tax credit for unearned income, tax exemptions, tobacco subsidies, dairy subsidies, payments not to plant crops (CRP), welfare, medicine, drugs, etc. while we continually lose our freedoms, just a little at a time.
One should always remember two truths:
1) There is no such thing as a free lunch, someone is paying for it
2) and when you begin to think that having your government
provide for you and make your decisions is ok, realize that you've
also given up the freedom that goes with making your own choices.
If you see that all of this wonderful government 'help' is a problem confronting the future of democracy in America, you might want to send this on to your friends.
If you think the free ride is essential to your way of life, then you will probably delete this email.
But help us all when the gate slams shut!
Seaford Man Arrested After Drug Investigation
Location: The Car Wash, Rt. 13-A and Fallon Avenue, Seaford, DE
Date of Occurrence: Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Defendant and Charges:
Howard F. Green IV, 30, Seaford, DE (pictured below)
Drug Dealing
Possession of a Controlled Substance
Possession of Marijuana
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (4 counts)
Possession of K-2
Arraigned at JP Court 2 and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution for lack of $59,000.00 secured bail.
Resume:
Seaford, DE- The Delaware State Police Sussex County Governor’s Task Force as well as the Sussex County Drug Unit have arrested a Seaford man following an investigation into illegal drug sales in the Seaford area.
On Wednesday, January 11, detectives arrested Howard F. Green IV, 30, following an investigation into illegal drug sales that had been occurring in a Seaford car wash located at Rt. 13-A and Fallon Avenue. Detectives observed Green seated in a four door Chevrolet Impala and after contacting him, located 2.1 grams of crack cocaine, 2.2 grams of powder cocaine, and $122.00 in suspected drug proceeds in his possession. A search of the Impala revealed an additional 16.9 grams of crack cocaine, 49.5 grams of powder cocaine, one Oxycodone tablet, a digital scale, and $1700.00 in cash.
Howard F. Green IV was arrested and charged with the above list of crimes. He was arraigned at JP Court 2 and committed to the Department of Corrections for lack of bail.
25-Foot Sea Ice Ridge Confronts Alaska Fuel Convoy
What most people take for granted -- how fuel gets to our homes and cars -- is an epic story for Nome, Alaska, where the latest obstacle facing a fuel convoy trying to resupply the town is a 25-foot ice ridge blocking the harbor entrance.
Created by offshore ice pushing against the shore ice, the ridge sits inside the frozen harbor at Nome, population 3,500, and its tip sticks about five feet above the rest of the surface.
Buyouts Possible After USDA Office Closures
The Agriculture Department's closing of 259 offices could result in buyout offers, said the agency's deputy secretary.
This week Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said the closures would save about $150 million in the agency's $145 billion budget.
More
This week Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said the closures would save about $150 million in the agency's $145 billion budget.
More
Main Street Gym News
Wilmington N.C.
Main Street Gym's, Corey Moore, came away with a silver medal in the Regional Silver Gloves Tournament, held last week in Wilmington, N.C. After three days of competition, Moore came into the 14yr/15yr 100 lb championship bout on Saturday, having never been to this level. Corey was nervous going into the championship, giving up both size, power and experience, but he listened real well to instructions going into the second round and stepping up to make the bout close. In the end, Moore was edged out on points, walking away with the silver medal. I am so proud of Corey for this accomplishment. He got very close to making the nationals and he helped his Maryland team win the first place team trophy with his silver medal.
Corey has been in the gym for a while now and did not come out of the gate racking up wins. Most kids would probably have gotten discouraged had they been in his shoes, but he just kept training and coming to the gym, even on those nights that I knew it was hard for him. He also kept getting better and began to impress both the new members of the gym as well as the older member that saw the progress. Once he started putting things together, you could see the change happening and that was great to watch. Sure it's nice when kids can come into the sport and make a big splash early, but it's even more satisfying when a young guy like Corey perseveres over time and comes from behind to excel. It's like the story of the tortoise and the hare. It helps reinforce that you don't have to start out a superstar to be good at something. It shows that slow steady progress can take you as far or further, plus it's a real character builder" said Main St Gym's coach Hal Chernoff. "Corey is a very reserved and quiet young man. He stays close to home and doesn't travel much and has never been to a competition like this. My main advise to him was just enjoy the experiences and have fun. It was nice when he confirmed that's exactly what he did and brought home silver. I think I can safely say this has sparked something in Corey and there will be.... Moore see"
Corn Estimate Holds Steady, Low Supply Expected
(AP) - The government said Thursday that it expects no real change in next fall's tight corn supply, a factor that promises little relief from high food prices.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimated that there will be 846 million bushels of corn on hand at the end of the summer. The forecast was mostly unchanged from last month's estimate.
The surplus would satisfy demand for less than 25 days. A 30-day supply is considered healthy.
A low supply of corn pushed food prices higher last year because corn is a key ingredient in everything from soda to cereal to animal feed.
Still, corn futures fell by the maximum allowed by trading boards, to $6.12 per bushel. The reason was that traders had been expecting a decline in the monthly estimate.
More
The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimated that there will be 846 million bushels of corn on hand at the end of the summer. The forecast was mostly unchanged from last month's estimate.
The surplus would satisfy demand for less than 25 days. A 30-day supply is considered healthy.
A low supply of corn pushed food prices higher last year because corn is a key ingredient in everything from soda to cereal to animal feed.
Still, corn futures fell by the maximum allowed by trading boards, to $6.12 per bushel. The reason was that traders had been expecting a decline in the monthly estimate.
More
'Deplorable': U.S. Defense Chief Condemns Urinating Marines Video
U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta has condemned a video that apparently shows U.S. Marines urinating on the corpses of Afghan men, promising to punish those involved.
"I have seen the footage, and I find the behavior depicted in it utterly deplorable," Panetta says in a statement, adding that he had ordered the Marine Corps and the commander of U.S. and NATO troops in Afghanistan to investigate the incident.
"Those found to have engaged in such conduct will be held accountable to the fullest extent," he says.
Today's Top News 1-12-12
BLOOMBERG
President Obama’s re-election effort raised more than $68 million in the quarter that ended Dec. 31, campaign manager Jim Messina said today. He also said that expectations for a $1 billion campaign are “completely untrue.”
Mitt Romney began campaigning in South Carolina by trying to bolster a sense of inevitability around his drive for the 2012 Republican presidential nomination.
After criticizing Mitt Romney in New Hampshire for his investment practices, one of the first attack ads aimed at the Republican front-runner by his presidential primary rivals in South Carolina highlights his changed position from supporting abortion rights to opposing them.
Bank of England Governor King refrained from adding to emergency stimulus again today as policy makers await new forecasts and the economy showed some resilience heading into 2012.
The European Central Bank held interest rates steady after two straight cuts as signs of respite from the sovereign debt crisis gave it scope to pause.
President Nicolas Sarkozy said that losing the AAA rating isn’t “insurmountable” -- to mean that France has accepted the inevitable. The question now is whether Standard & Poor’s will follow through with a threat of a two-level cut.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Geithner’s efforts to tighten economic sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program won backing from Japan a day after China rejected limiting oil imports from the country.
Consumer confidence in the U.S. last week reached the highest level since July as the improving job market helped allay pessimism. As recently as October, the index registered its lowest readings since the 2007-2009 recession, making 2011 the second-worst year in 25 years of data. It’s since increased in four of the past five weeks.
Vestas Wind Systems, the biggest wind turbine maker, said it will halt production at one factory and cut 2,335 jobs, or 10 percent of its staff, to become competitive with Chinese suppliers.
Sales at U.S. retailers in December rose less than forecast, restrained by cheaper fuel prices and holiday discounting that helped hold down the value of goods sold.
Jobless claims climbed by 24,000 to 399,000 in the week ended Jan. 7.
AP Top Stories
Myanmar's government signed a cease-fire with ethnic Karen rebels Thursday to try to end one of the world's longest-running insurgencies, part of its efforts to resolve all conflicts with separatist groups.
A Mississippi state judgehas temporarily halted the release of 21 of the 200-plus inmates pardoned or givenearly release byformer Gov. Haley Barbour as he left office.
With Mitt Romney's Mormon faith often under the microscope, a new survey finds that most Mormons feel they are misunderstood, discriminated against and not accepted by Americans as part of mainstream society.
Iranian President Ahmadinejad denounced capitalism at the University of Havana on a trip to highlight friendships with his Latin American allies, most of them thorns in Washington's side.
Spain and Italy spread cheer through euro zone markets with solid debt auctions at lower borrowing costs in 2012's first real test for debt from the euro zone's bruised periphery.
Royal Bank of Scotland abandoned ambitions to be a top global investment bank and said it would cut another 4,450 jobs as it bows to pressure from the UK government to shut down risky operations and prepare for tougher international regulations.
Fixed mortgage rates fell once again to a record low, 3.89 percent, offering a great opportunity for those who can afford to buy or refinance homes.
President Obama’s re-election effort raised more than $68 million in the quarter that ended Dec. 31, campaign manager Jim Messina said today. He also said that expectations for a $1 billion campaign are “completely untrue.”
Mitt Romney began campaigning in South Carolina by trying to bolster a sense of inevitability around his drive for the 2012 Republican presidential nomination.
After criticizing Mitt Romney in New Hampshire for his investment practices, one of the first attack ads aimed at the Republican front-runner by his presidential primary rivals in South Carolina highlights his changed position from supporting abortion rights to opposing them.
Bank of England Governor King refrained from adding to emergency stimulus again today as policy makers await new forecasts and the economy showed some resilience heading into 2012.
The European Central Bank held interest rates steady after two straight cuts as signs of respite from the sovereign debt crisis gave it scope to pause.
President Nicolas Sarkozy said that losing the AAA rating isn’t “insurmountable” -- to mean that France has accepted the inevitable. The question now is whether Standard & Poor’s will follow through with a threat of a two-level cut.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Geithner’s efforts to tighten economic sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program won backing from Japan a day after China rejected limiting oil imports from the country.
Consumer confidence in the U.S. last week reached the highest level since July as the improving job market helped allay pessimism. As recently as October, the index registered its lowest readings since the 2007-2009 recession, making 2011 the second-worst year in 25 years of data. It’s since increased in four of the past five weeks.
Vestas Wind Systems, the biggest wind turbine maker, said it will halt production at one factory and cut 2,335 jobs, or 10 percent of its staff, to become competitive with Chinese suppliers.
Sales at U.S. retailers in December rose less than forecast, restrained by cheaper fuel prices and holiday discounting that helped hold down the value of goods sold.
Jobless claims climbed by 24,000 to 399,000 in the week ended Jan. 7.
AP Top Stories
Myanmar's government signed a cease-fire with ethnic Karen rebels Thursday to try to end one of the world's longest-running insurgencies, part of its efforts to resolve all conflicts with separatist groups.
A Mississippi state judgehas temporarily halted the release of 21 of the 200-plus inmates pardoned or givenearly release byformer Gov. Haley Barbour as he left office.
With Mitt Romney's Mormon faith often under the microscope, a new survey finds that most Mormons feel they are misunderstood, discriminated against and not accepted by Americans as part of mainstream society.
Iranian President Ahmadinejad denounced capitalism at the University of Havana on a trip to highlight friendships with his Latin American allies, most of them thorns in Washington's side.
Spain and Italy spread cheer through euro zone markets with solid debt auctions at lower borrowing costs in 2012's first real test for debt from the euro zone's bruised periphery.
Royal Bank of Scotland abandoned ambitions to be a top global investment bank and said it would cut another 4,450 jobs as it bows to pressure from the UK government to shut down risky operations and prepare for tougher international regulations.
Fixed mortgage rates fell once again to a record low, 3.89 percent, offering a great opportunity for those who can afford to buy or refinance homes.
SUICIDAL SUBJCET TAKEN INTO CUSTODY
On January 11, 2012, at approximately 1:14 a.m., Ocean City police and paramedics responded to a unit in The Jockey Beach Club condominium on 123rd Street in reference to an injured subject.
Emergency personnel arrived at the scene and located two males and a female. One of the adult males was bleeding from an injury to the hand. Initially the injured man indicated the injury was the result of a cooking accident and that he had cut himself by accident. While in the unit, the second male who appeared to be very intoxicated became belligerent and uncooperative. While Ocean City paramedics were treating the injured male in the ambulance prior to transporting the victim to the hospital, the victim’s girlfriend made contact with the police in the parking lot and disclosed to police the victim’s injury was actually sustained during a struggle with the intoxicated male prior to police arrival.
Police were advised the man who was still in the unit, had become very upset after having a telephone conversation with an estranged girlfriend. He was discovered by the victim attempting to cut his wrists with a knife. The victim attempted to stop the man and his thumb was cut accidentally while trying to wrestle the knife away from the man.
Police set up a perimeter around the unit and attempted numerous times to make contact with the man who was still in the unit. OCPD officers eventually entered the unit and took the subject into custody without incident.
The man was taken to Peninsula Regional Medical Center for emergency psychological evaluation. Because no charges have been filed, the OCPD is not releasing the names of the involved parties.
Emergency personnel arrived at the scene and located two males and a female. One of the adult males was bleeding from an injury to the hand. Initially the injured man indicated the injury was the result of a cooking accident and that he had cut himself by accident. While in the unit, the second male who appeared to be very intoxicated became belligerent and uncooperative. While Ocean City paramedics were treating the injured male in the ambulance prior to transporting the victim to the hospital, the victim’s girlfriend made contact with the police in the parking lot and disclosed to police the victim’s injury was actually sustained during a struggle with the intoxicated male prior to police arrival.
Police were advised the man who was still in the unit, had become very upset after having a telephone conversation with an estranged girlfriend. He was discovered by the victim attempting to cut his wrists with a knife. The victim attempted to stop the man and his thumb was cut accidentally while trying to wrestle the knife away from the man.
Police set up a perimeter around the unit and attempted numerous times to make contact with the man who was still in the unit. OCPD officers eventually entered the unit and took the subject into custody without incident.
The man was taken to Peninsula Regional Medical Center for emergency psychological evaluation. Because no charges have been filed, the OCPD is not releasing the names of the involved parties.
BREAKING NEWS: Obama Asks For $1.2 Trillion Increase in Debt Limit
President Obama asks Congress for $1.2 trillion increase in U.S. debt limit, the third and final request under deal reached in August to prevent government default.
Source Fox News
Source Fox News
AG Biden Calls For Re-Authorization Of VAWA
State Attorney General Beau Biden and 51 other state and territorial AG's are calling on Congress to re-authorize the Violence Against Women Act.
Biden and his counterparts sent a letter to lawmakers Wednesday saying since the measure passed in 1994, crimes against women that used to be kept behind closed doors have been subject to public scrutiny, cutting domestic violence by 50 percent nationally, but the problem hasn't gone away.
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Biden and his counterparts sent a letter to lawmakers Wednesday saying since the measure passed in 1994, crimes against women that used to be kept behind closed doors have been subject to public scrutiny, cutting domestic violence by 50 percent nationally, but the problem hasn't gone away.
More
THE DWARF-THROWING BILLIONAIRE WHO'S BUYING UP AMERICA: Tales Of The Mysterious Saudi Prince Alwaleed
It was 3 a.m. and Matthew, an American working for a Saudi prince and living in Saudi Arabia, wanted to go home.
Not to the palace, the place Matthew called "home," over there.
Home, home. California. Away from princes, million-dollar sports cars, and guns.
Away from Prince Alwaleed.
The problem, Matthew now says, was that every time he got up to leave, a guard – Prince Alwaleed's guard – put a hand over the gun holstered under his left shoulder and told Matthew to stay put.
So Matthew stayed put.
***
If you've heard of Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud it's probably because you've seen him on CNBC or read about his vast wealth and investments.
Alwaleed, one of Saudi Arabia's thousands of princes (literally), likes to be called the "Warren Buffett of The Middle East."
With a reported net worth approaching $20 billion, Alwaleed is number 26 on Forbes's list of the world's billionaires.
Alwaleed has that much money in part because, back in 1991, he invested $590 million in a struggling American bank, then called Citibank.
The bet paid off insanely well, turning the nephew of Saudi Arabia's king into a billionaire many times over.
Then Alwaleed invested in Apple, just before Steve Jobs turned it around. He's now the second largest shareholder in News Corporation and owns a big stake in Time Warner, too. Just last month, he took a $300 million stake in Twitter, one of the hottest American tech companies.
Prince Alwaleed calls himself the largest foreign individual investor in the United States. And he may well be.
With ownership comes power.
European Tax Rates - Coming Soon To A Country Near YOU!
The current administration is committed to building a European style socialist state in America. If they succeed, here is what lies ahead to pay for the welfare state. And remember that even with these tax rates, Europe is drowning in debt.
Current European tax Rates
United Kingdom
Income Tax: 50%
VAT: 17.5% TOTAL: 67.5%
France
Income Tax: 40%
VAT: 19.6% TOTAL: 59.6%
Greece
Income Tax: 40%
VAT: 25% TOTAL: 65%
Spain
Income Tax: 45%
VAT: 16% TOTAL: 61%
Portugal
Income Tax: 42%
VAT: 20% TOTAL: 62%
Sweden
Income Tax: 55%
VAT: 25% TOTAL: 80%
Norway
Income Tax: 54.3%
VAT: 25% TOTAL: 79.3%
Netherlands
Income Tax: 52%
VAT: 19% TOTAL: 71%
Denmark
I! ncome Tax: 58%
VAT: 25% TOTAL: 83%
Finland
Income Tax: 53%
VAT: 22% TOTAL: 75%
If you've started to wonder what the real costs of socialism are going to be - once the full program in these United States hits your wallet, take a look at the table. As you digest these mind-boggling figures, keep in mind that in spite of these astronomical tax rates, these countries are still not financing their social welfare programs exclusively from tax revenues! They are deeply mired in public debt of gargantuan proportions. Greece has reached the point where its debt is so huge it is in imminent danger of defaulting. That is the reason the European economic community has intervened to bail them out. If you're following the financial news, you know Spain and Portugal are right behind Greece .
The United States is now heading right down the same path. The VAT tax in the table is the national sales tax that Europeans pay. Stay tuned because that is exactly what you can expect to see the administration proposing after the fall elections, probably with some Republican support. The initial percentage in the United States isn't going to be anywhere near the outrageous numbers you now see in Europe . Guess what. the current outrageous numbers in Europe didn't start out as outrageous either. They started out as minuscule - right around the 1% or 2% where they will start out in the United States . Magically, however, they ran up over the years to where they are now. Expect the same thing here.
It is the very notion that with hard work and perseverance, anybody can get ahead economically here in the USA . Do you think that can ever happen with tax rates between 60% and 80%? Think again. With the government taking that percentage of your money,! your life will be exactly like life in Europe ... You will never be able to buy a home. You will never buy a car. You will never send your children to college. Let's not shuffle the battle cry of the socialists under the rug either. It's always the same cry. Equalize income. Spread the wealth to the poor (whoever they are). Level the economic playing field. Accomplish that and everything will be rosy.
It's time to take a really hard look at reality. Greece is a perfect example. Despite the socialism system that has ruled this country for decades, with a 65% tax rate, they are drowning in public debt, would have defaulted without hundreds of billions in bailout money from the EU, and still. . . 20% of their population lives in poverty. What has all that socialism money bought, besides ultimate power for the politicians running the show? Do you think these people are "free"? They're not.
They are slaves to their economic "system."
Ellen Sauerbrey
Current European tax Rates
United Kingdom
Income Tax: 50%
VAT: 17.5% TOTAL: 67.5%
France
Income Tax: 40%
VAT: 19.6% TOTAL: 59.6%
Greece
Income Tax: 40%
VAT: 25% TOTAL: 65%
Spain
Income Tax: 45%
VAT: 16% TOTAL: 61%
Portugal
Income Tax: 42%
VAT: 20% TOTAL: 62%
Sweden
Income Tax: 55%
VAT: 25% TOTAL: 80%
Norway
Income Tax: 54.3%
VAT: 25% TOTAL: 79.3%
Netherlands
Income Tax: 52%
VAT: 19% TOTAL: 71%
Denmark
I! ncome Tax: 58%
VAT: 25% TOTAL: 83%
Finland
Income Tax: 53%
VAT: 22% TOTAL: 75%
If you've started to wonder what the real costs of socialism are going to be - once the full program in these United States hits your wallet, take a look at the table. As you digest these mind-boggling figures, keep in mind that in spite of these astronomical tax rates, these countries are still not financing their social welfare programs exclusively from tax revenues! They are deeply mired in public debt of gargantuan proportions. Greece has reached the point where its debt is so huge it is in imminent danger of defaulting. That is the reason the European economic community has intervened to bail them out. If you're following the financial news, you know Spain and Portugal are right behind Greece .
The United States is now heading right down the same path. The VAT tax in the table is the national sales tax that Europeans pay. Stay tuned because that is exactly what you can expect to see the administration proposing after the fall elections, probably with some Republican support. The initial percentage in the United States isn't going to be anywhere near the outrageous numbers you now see in Europe . Guess what. the current outrageous numbers in Europe didn't start out as outrageous either. They started out as minuscule - right around the 1% or 2% where they will start out in the United States . Magically, however, they ran up over the years to where they are now. Expect the same thing here.
It is the very notion that with hard work and perseverance, anybody can get ahead economically here in the USA . Do you think that can ever happen with tax rates between 60% and 80%? Think again. With the government taking that percentage of your money,! your life will be exactly like life in Europe ... You will never be able to buy a home. You will never buy a car. You will never send your children to college. Let's not shuffle the battle cry of the socialists under the rug either. It's always the same cry. Equalize income. Spread the wealth to the poor (whoever they are). Level the economic playing field. Accomplish that and everything will be rosy.
It's time to take a really hard look at reality. Greece is a perfect example. Despite the socialism system that has ruled this country for decades, with a 65% tax rate, they are drowning in public debt, would have defaulted without hundreds of billions in bailout money from the EU, and still. . . 20% of their population lives in poverty. What has all that socialism money bought, besides ultimate power for the politicians running the show? Do you think these people are "free"? They're not.
They are slaves to their economic "system."
Ellen Sauerbrey
Now Even Sarah Palin Is Trashing Romney Over Bain Capital
Never one to miss an opportunity to grab a headline Sarah Palin has jumped onto the anti-Mitt, Bain Capital bandwagon.
Via Political Wire:
"This isn't about a politician making huge profits in the private sector. I think what Governor Perry is getting at is that Governor Romney has claimed to have created 100,000 jobs at Bain and people are wanting to know is there proof of that claim?"
Well if they weren't "wanting to know" before this week Gingrich, Perry and now Palin are going to make sure they do heading into South Carolina.
Related: Sarah Palin's 2008 beehive appears to have made a permanent comeback....perhaps she's hoping her political relevance will follow?
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Via Political Wire:
"This isn't about a politician making huge profits in the private sector. I think what Governor Perry is getting at is that Governor Romney has claimed to have created 100,000 jobs at Bain and people are wanting to know is there proof of that claim?"
Well if they weren't "wanting to know" before this week Gingrich, Perry and now Palin are going to make sure they do heading into South Carolina.
Related: Sarah Palin's 2008 beehive appears to have made a permanent comeback....perhaps she's hoping her political relevance will follow?
More
Gingrich Campaign Tells TV Stations: Don't Run Pro-Romney PAC's 'Fine' Ads
The war between the Gingrich and Romney camps is escalating over the former speaker’s threats to sue TV stations that continue to air attack ads by a Romney super PAC claiming that he was "fined" $300,000 for ethics violations.
In a letter sent to TV stations in Florida and South Carolina, Stefan Passantino, national counsel to the Gingrich presidential campaign, wrote that the ads asserting that Gingrich was "fined" for violating House ethics rules are "NOT TRUE" and represent "a defamatory communication which exposes this station to potential civil liability.
GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY ANNOUNCES RENTAL HOUSING WORKS INITIATIVE
New program will provide funding for up to 20 affordable housing projects and support more than 1,100 jobs
Doubles the amount of funding in the capital budget for rental housing projects
ANNAPOLIS, MD (January 12, 2012) – Governor Martin O’Malley today, joined by Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) Secretary Raymond A. Skinner and affordable housing developers and advocates, announced a new $15 million housing initiative, “Rental Housing Works,” designed to support jobs and provide much-needed affordable rental housing for Maryland’s hardworking families, including Maryland’s seniors and individuals with special needs.
The new initiative will provide funding to up to 20 affordable housing projects and support more than 1,100 jobs in Maryland.
“Today we are announcing Rental Housing Works, a new job creation initiative that is designed to close the gap in our rental housing needs, invest in our economy, and create jobs,” said Governor O’Malley. “Here in Maryland, we’re facing a shortfall of nearly 127,000 affordable rental housing units over the next four years. Through Rental Housing Works, we will work to address those critical housing needs by proposing to invest $15 million from our capital budget in this new initiative – which would allow us to leverage up to 20 times that amount in private sector funding. And, it would allow us to build over 1,700 new affordable rental housing units, support nearly 1,100 jobs, and generate $36 million in state and local taxes over the next decade and a half.”
Rental Housing Works nearly doubles the amount of funding in the capital budget for rental housing projects. Over the past several years, $15.5 million in State funding has been provided for these programs annually. In FY2013, the total amount of funding for these programs is $30.5 million, including the Rental Housing Works initiative—the highest funding level since the programs were consolidated in FY1991.
Rental Housing Works will also help address a critical lack of affordable rental housing in Maryland, which faces an estimated shortage of approximately 127,000 affordable units by 2015. The new initiative provides critical gap funding for shovel-ready projects that are already in the pipeline, allowing Maryland to focus on resources and developments that will positively impact the State’s economy as quickly as possible. It will leverage significant resources from the private sector, generate $36 million in local and state tax revenue over 15 years, and help stabilize neighborhoods hard-hit by foreclosures.
“The Rental Housing Works initiative will allow Maryland to continue its high level of affordable rental housing production into Fiscal Year 2013, despite the winding down of federal stimulus resources and the continued fragility of the financial market,” said Secretary Skinner. “Due to the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s cap authority and pre-existing rental housing processes, we anticipate that we will be able implement Rental Housing Works quickly and provide an immediate positive impact to the state’s economy.”
Trudy McFall noted that this jobs housing initiative was of the highest possible priority for the coalition of affordable housing developers and has been a true partnership with DHCD. She said, “We are extremely grateful to the Governor for his decision to include this in his budget and it is a win/win for all. It creates high quality private sector jobs and will provide badly needed rental housing.”
Under the leadership of Governor O’Malley and Lt. Governor Brown, Maryland has one of the most effective multifamily lending programs in the country. Using State resources and federal tax credits, the O’Malley-Brown Administration has helped finance the production and preservation of more than 10,000 rental housing units in 113 projects. Those 113 projects put more than $1.5 billion into the State’s economy from Fiscal Year 2008 through Fiscal Year 2011, generated thousands of jobs and produced critically needed affordable rental housing during one of the worst economic downturns in our nation’s history while the housing finance market was at a virtual standstill. In Fiscal Year 2011, DHCD financed the production of 2,255 units in 24 projects, putting more than $364 million into the State’s economy and creating or preserving the full time equivalent of 1,471 jobs.
The FY2013 budget will continue the Administration’s commitment to job creation, rebuilding the state’s infrastructure, building state-of-the-art classrooms, and contributing to Maryland’s communities. This year’s capital budget alone will support approximately 22,000 direct jobs for Marylanders. The FY2013 budget will be the sixth budget the Governor has submitted to the General Assembly that complies with Spending Affordability guidelines. By choosing to strategically reform and reduce the size of state government and make tough decisions, Maryland remains one of only nine states to maintain a Triple A Bond Rating, a seal of fiscal responsibility certified by all three major rating agencies that allows the State to maximize the impact of its capital budget.
California Educators Normalizing Deviancy?
Here's what's passed off as behavior that's perfectly OK
The chief of a major pro-family organization in California is accusing state education officials of softening the language they use to describe new requirements that schools teach affirmatively about homosexuality and other alternative sexual lifestyle choices.
“In an apparent attempt to keep children enrolled for the purpose of sexual indoctrination and average daily attendance funding, the California Department of Education is deceiving parents about the mandate of SB 48, which requires, through supplement instructional materials right now, and new textbooks in three years, that children admire ‘lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans,’” said Randy Thomasson, founder of SaveCalifornia.com.
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The chief of a major pro-family organization in California is accusing state education officials of softening the language they use to describe new requirements that schools teach affirmatively about homosexuality and other alternative sexual lifestyle choices.
“In an apparent attempt to keep children enrolled for the purpose of sexual indoctrination and average daily attendance funding, the California Department of Education is deceiving parents about the mandate of SB 48, which requires, through supplement instructional materials right now, and new textbooks in three years, that children admire ‘lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans,’” said Randy Thomasson, founder of SaveCalifornia.com.
More
QUOTE OF THE DAY 1-12-12
“Who is wise? He that learns from everyone. Who is powerful? He that governs his passions. Who is rich? He who is content.”
Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin
Gov. Walker Accused Of Over 1,000 Violations Of Campaign Finance Law, Could Face $557,500 Fine
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R) may have violated his state’s campaign finance law over 1,000 times in the 2010 gubernatorial campaign by failing to properly report contributions, according to a new report.
Wisconsin law requires gubernatorial campaigns to disclose information about contributors who give more than $100. Again and again, Walker appears to have skirted that requirement.
Library Wars
WHAT: An All Ages Tournament
WHO: everyone
WHEN: Begins Monday February 6th, Grand Champion declared February 28
WHERE: Wicomico Public Library, various locations
SALISBURY, MD – January 12, 2012 – Battle for the ultimate prize in Mario Kart, Wii Bowling, or SmackDown vs Raw 2011 at Library Wars! Starting on February 6, with the Centre Branch Tournament at 5:30 p.m., each branch will crown a winner to compete in the Grand Championship at the Main Library on February 28. The Ultimate Winner receives a trophy and prize. The Main Library Tournament is February 7th at 5:30 and the Pittsville Tournament is February 9th at 6 p.m. The tournaments are open to all ages. Throw your hat into the ring, or just come watch. All games will be played on Wii or Xbox 360.
For more information see the library’s website www.wicomicolibrary.org, or call 410-749-3612. Programs are free and open to the public.
WHO: everyone
WHEN: Begins Monday February 6th, Grand Champion declared February 28
WHERE: Wicomico Public Library, various locations
SALISBURY, MD – January 12, 2012 – Battle for the ultimate prize in Mario Kart, Wii Bowling, or SmackDown vs Raw 2011 at Library Wars! Starting on February 6, with the Centre Branch Tournament at 5:30 p.m., each branch will crown a winner to compete in the Grand Championship at the Main Library on February 28. The Ultimate Winner receives a trophy and prize. The Main Library Tournament is February 7th at 5:30 and the Pittsville Tournament is February 9th at 6 p.m. The tournaments are open to all ages. Throw your hat into the ring, or just come watch. All games will be played on Wii or Xbox 360.
For more information see the library’s website www.wicomicolibrary.org, or call 410-749-3612. Programs are free and open to the public.
PUBLIC NOTICE
THE SALISBURY CITY COUNCIL WILL ENTERTAIN A VOTE TO CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION AT 2:00 P.M. ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 13, 2012, TO CONSIDER THE ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY FOR A PUBLIC PURPOSE AND MATTERS DIRECTLY RELATED THERETO AS PERMITTED UNDER THE ANNOTATED CODE OF MARYLAND SECTION 10-508(a)(3).
THE SESSION WILL BE HELD IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS (ROOM 301) OF THE GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING (125 N. DIVISION STREET) AT WHICH TIME THE PUBLIC CAN OBSERVE THE MOTION, ANY DISCUSSION AND THE VOTE TO CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION AS NOTED ABOVE.
Systematic Shutdown Of (2.4MM Barrels Per Day) Nigerian Oil Ahead
Crude prices rose modestly this morning so far (up to $102) as news of the Nigerian oil and gas union will shut down all production starting Sunday in a nationwide strike over fuel prices. As the Associated Press [4] reports, the nationwide strike has been under way since Monday and the 20,000 oil and gas union members joining on Sunday will mean a top supplier of crude to the US (approximately 2.4mm barrels per day) will stop production. The union notes [5]that the Nigerian government's reversal of a two-decade-long subsidy program to keep gas prices low for Nigerians "forced them to go ahead and apply the bitter option of ordering the systematic shutting down of oil and gas production." The market for now does not seem too bothered by this drop in supply, even in the tight markets we are facing, as most of the oil move seems driven by USD weakness post the ECB decision - perhaps things will change when the unions call the market's bluff on Sunday?
Source
Source
Weird Delaware Laws
Lewes, De
Getting married on a dare is grounds for an annulment.
Rehoboth,De
Alcohol may not be served in nightclubs if dancing is occurring on the premises at the same time.
BREAKING NEWS: Judge Declares Natalee Holloway Legally Dead
Alabama judge says he will sign order declaring American teen Natalee Holloway legally dead, six years after she disappeared in Aruba.
Source Fox News
SALISBURY CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION AGENDA
JANUARY 17, 2012
CONFERENCE ROOM 306
GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING
CONFERENCE ROOM 306
GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING
1:30 p.m. Follow-up on possible Comcast audit and other Comcast issues – John Pick
2:00 p.m. Follow-up discussion on Capital Improvement Plan – John Pick
3:00 p.m. Break
3:15 p.m. 501-503 Poplar Hill Avenue request from Newtown Association – John Pick
3:45 p.m. City Clerk position - Council
4:15 p.m. General discussion/Upcoming Agenda items
4:45 p.m. Adjournment
New Bill Would Put Taxpayer-Funded Science Behind Pay Walls
Want to read the results of the biomedical research you helped pay for? You can find it for free. Now, two House members have introduced a bill — with the backing of big medical publishers — that would force taxpayers to pay for access.
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DOJ Urges Federal Court To Protect The Right To Record Police
The U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division has urged a federal court to side with a Howard County man in a lawsuit over his cellphone being seized by Baltimore police at the Preakness Stakes after he filmed officers making an arrest.
The federal attorneys say the lawsuit “presents constitutional questions of great moment in this digital age.” They asked U.S. District Judge Benson Everett Legg to rule that citizens have a right to record police officers and that officers who seize and destroy recordings without a warrant or due process are violating the Fourth and 14th Amendments.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Maryland, which is representing the plaintiff, Christopher Sharp, said it believes this is the first time the Department of Justice has weighed in on the topic of recording police.
A Gentle Voice Of Reason For America
America has come back, at least politically, to where it was in the far-off 1950’s when Communist-scares and the American fascism of Wisconsin Senator Joe McCarthy kept the republic in a state of anxiety and deep fear.
"Reds under our beds" was the slogan in those days of paranoia and witch-hunting. Today, the new scare mantra is: "Muslims under our mattresses," and "Iran threatens the world."
In the McCarthy era, the Republican Party was run by East Coast moderate conservatives from New York, Boston and Washington who were well educated and worldly. McCarthy was a GOP black sheep from the political badlands of the deep Midwest.
The Soviets and their fellow travellers were a real danger in that era, but not to the absurd degree of McCarthy’s fevered claims. But for a while, his anti-Communist campaign intimidated America and held it in thrall. Being accused of pro-Communism was then as ruinous a charge as being called "pro-terrorist" today.
The Republican elite eventually became sickened by McCarthy’s lies and alarms that the government was filled with Communists and Soviet spies, and worried that they were fast losing control of the party to the populist McCarthy. Sixty years later, the GOP indeed fell under control of the rural heartland.
More
"Reds under our beds" was the slogan in those days of paranoia and witch-hunting. Today, the new scare mantra is: "Muslims under our mattresses," and "Iran threatens the world."
In the McCarthy era, the Republican Party was run by East Coast moderate conservatives from New York, Boston and Washington who were well educated and worldly. McCarthy was a GOP black sheep from the political badlands of the deep Midwest.
The Soviets and their fellow travellers were a real danger in that era, but not to the absurd degree of McCarthy’s fevered claims. But for a while, his anti-Communist campaign intimidated America and held it in thrall. Being accused of pro-Communism was then as ruinous a charge as being called "pro-terrorist" today.
The Republican elite eventually became sickened by McCarthy’s lies and alarms that the government was filled with Communists and Soviet spies, and worried that they were fast losing control of the party to the populist McCarthy. Sixty years later, the GOP indeed fell under control of the rural heartland.
More
It's Labor Camps For Those In North Korea Who Failed To Show Emotion On Death Of Kim Jong-il
North Korean citizens, who did not take part in the mourning ceremonies for the country’s late Leader Kim Jong-il, are facing up to six months in labor camps, Interfax reported January 11.
According to the South Korean media sources, “People’s Courts” took place all over the country starting December 29 to condemn those who did not show enough emotion after the death of “the great leader” Kim Jong-il.
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According to the South Korean media sources, “People’s Courts” took place all over the country starting December 29 to condemn those who did not show enough emotion after the death of “the great leader” Kim Jong-il.
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Magazine Editorial Reveals Shocking Disparity Between Sizes Of Models And Real Women
A size 6 is now plus size in the fashion world, and most runway models meet the physical criteria for anorexia, according to a report that offers shocking insight into the disparity between models and the real-life women they are purporting to represent.
In the January issue of PLUS Model Magazine, plus size model Katya Zharkova and a straight size model are seen in the nude in an attempt to “open the minds of the fashion industry," which is stepping further away from reality, according to PLUS founder and editor-in-chief, Madeline Figueroa Jones.
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Underwater Homeowners May Swim Freely
Prevailing wisdom has it that homeowners who owe more on their mortgages than their houses are worth -- known as being "underwater" -- are forced to stay put because the property is too difficult to sell. So people who would otherwise relocate -- say, to find a job -- are "tethered to their homes ." It's a theory touted by prominent New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman, Harvard economist Lawrence Katz , and regularly makes appearances in the media.
But according to economist Sam Schulhofer-Wohl at the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, they've all got it backwards: underwater homeowners are actually more likely to move.
Group Petitions To Bring Breastfeeding Back To Sesame Street
What’s not to like about lovable furry old Grover and his pals Elmo, Zoe and Oscar the Grouch? If you’re a member of the robust movement that saucily refers to itself as NIP — “nursing in public,” natch — the answer is plenty.
Coming on the heels of a well-attended national “nurse-in” that sought to normalize breast-feeding in Target stores, NIPers are now lowering the boom on Sesame Street. Apparently a generation ago, the kiddie show incorporated tasteful shots of nursing mothers who explained that “lots of mothers feed their babies this way” and that breast milk was “warm and natural.” More recently, however, when a baby gets fed on “The Street,” it seems to be courtesy of a bottle. Not that there’s anything wrong with bottle-feeding, the NIP moms are quick to point out. But bottle-feeding to the exclusion of breast-feeding, especially at a time when even the U.S. Surgeon General has called for more support for breast-feeding mothers?
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Wicomico County Press Release
This morning County Executive Rick Pollitt announced the appointment of Wayne Strausburg to the position of Director of Administration for Wicomico County – the position formerly held by Ted Shea.
Wayne brings a wealth of experience in the business world and a long record of civic service to the position. His skills and capabilities will be a great benefit in assisting the County Executive in moving the County forward.
The County Council is expected to act on this appointment next week. Please be sure to welcome Wayne to our “Wicomico County” family and wish him well in this new endeavor.
Somerset County Sheriff's Office Press Releases 1-12-12
Charles Timothy Turner 2nd of Salisbury, arrested 1-6-12 on a warrant regarding failing to appear in court. Turner was released after posting $500,00 bond.
John Richard Hill Jr. of Crisfield, arrested 1-6-12 on a warrant regarding failing to appear in court. Hill was held on a $500.00 bond.
Lionel Leon Goeins of Salisbury, arrested 1-6-12 on warrants regarding violation of probation, and failing to appear in court. Goeins was held on a $75,500 bond.
Eric Hearley of Princess Anne, arrested 1-6-12 on warrants regarding violation of probation, and failing to appear in court. Hearley was held on a $35,000 bond.
Lamarquis Jamar Douglas of Withams Virginia, arrested 1-9-12 for driving on a suspended out of state drivers license, and equipment violations. Douglas was released on citations pending court actions.
John Kendell Drummond of Crisfield, arrested 1-9-12 for driving on a suspended out of state drivers license, and equipment violations. Drummond was released on citations pending court actions.
Randall Hanson Dykes of Salisbury, arrested 1-9-12 on warrants regarding possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Dykes was released on personal recognizance.
Leroy James Taylor of New Church Virginia, arrested 1-10-12 for driving on a suspended out of state drivers license, and equipment violations. Taylor was released on signature pending court actions.
Eric Lee Miles of Salisbury, arrested 1-10-12 on a warrant regarding failing to appear in court. Miles was held on a $5,000 bond.
Laura Faye Oneal of Laurel Delaware, arrested 1-10-12 on warrants regarding failing to appear in court. Oneal was held on a $10,000 bond.
Donna Ray Fletcher of Salisbury, arrested 1-10-12 on a warrant regarding failing to appear in court. Fletcher was held on a $500.00 bond.
Erin Lynn Griffin of Princess Anne, arrested 1-11-12 on a warrant regarding failing to appear in court. Griffin was held on a $500.00 bond.
Charles Andrew Coulbourne of Salisbury, arrested 1-11-12 on a warrant regarding failing to appear in court. Coulbourne was held on a $5,000 bond.
John Richard Hill Jr. of Crisfield, arrested 1-6-12 on a warrant regarding failing to appear in court. Hill was held on a $500.00 bond.
Lionel Leon Goeins of Salisbury, arrested 1-6-12 on warrants regarding violation of probation, and failing to appear in court. Goeins was held on a $75,500 bond.
Eric Hearley of Princess Anne, arrested 1-6-12 on warrants regarding violation of probation, and failing to appear in court. Hearley was held on a $35,000 bond.
Lamarquis Jamar Douglas of Withams Virginia, arrested 1-9-12 for driving on a suspended out of state drivers license, and equipment violations. Douglas was released on citations pending court actions.
John Kendell Drummond of Crisfield, arrested 1-9-12 for driving on a suspended out of state drivers license, and equipment violations. Drummond was released on citations pending court actions.
Randall Hanson Dykes of Salisbury, arrested 1-9-12 on warrants regarding possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Dykes was released on personal recognizance.
Leroy James Taylor of New Church Virginia, arrested 1-10-12 for driving on a suspended out of state drivers license, and equipment violations. Taylor was released on signature pending court actions.
Eric Lee Miles of Salisbury, arrested 1-10-12 on a warrant regarding failing to appear in court. Miles was held on a $5,000 bond.
Laura Faye Oneal of Laurel Delaware, arrested 1-10-12 on warrants regarding failing to appear in court. Oneal was held on a $10,000 bond.
Donna Ray Fletcher of Salisbury, arrested 1-10-12 on a warrant regarding failing to appear in court. Fletcher was held on a $500.00 bond.
Erin Lynn Griffin of Princess Anne, arrested 1-11-12 on a warrant regarding failing to appear in court. Griffin was held on a $500.00 bond.
Charles Andrew Coulbourne of Salisbury, arrested 1-11-12 on a warrant regarding failing to appear in court. Coulbourne was held on a $5,000 bond.