It's been nearly a half decade since the housing market imploded like an old stadium packed with explosives and the ground is still rumbling from the impact. Realizing it's better to recover some money now rather than trying to get all their cash back eventually, more banks are making it easier for homeowners to unload their houses for less than what is owed on the mortgage.
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Wednesday, February 08, 2012
Atlantic Misleads With 'Short History Of Money'?
A Short History of American Money, From Fur to Fiat ... What do animal pelts, tobacco, fake wampum, gold, and cotton-paper bank notes have in common? At one point or another, they've all stood for the same thing: U.S. currency. ... The greenback is stable because the U.S. economy is huge and the United States is a terrific republic--OK. But it's also stable because everyone else's well-being depends on it, and on belief in its stability. That may be changing, though. As for paper money itself, the end of the gold standard meant that cash had become a total abstraction. Its value now comes from fiat, government mandate. It's a Latin word meaning let there be. In God we better trust. – The Atlantic / David Wolman
Dominant Social Theme: Money is that certain thing ... Well, we dunno exactly what it is, but here's a HISTORY of it.
Free-Market Analysis: Here's how we figure this article "went down" ...
"Hi, David, you're a contributing editor at Wired, a former Fulbright journalism fellow and a winner of the 2011 Oregon Arts Commission individual artists fellowship. You're a real bright guy and we're interested in a book on money. Why don't you write it?"
"But I don't know anything about money."
"OK! You'll learn along with your readers ... "
And so Mr. Wolman has written an article (see excerpt above) and a book called The End of Money. We looked up the book on Amazon.com, which shows it is to be published on February 14, 2012. Here's a book summary from the publisher:
For ages, money has meant little metal disks and rectangular slips of paper. Yet the usefulness of physical money—to say nothing of its value—is coming under fire as never before. Intrigued by the distinct possibility that cash will soon disappear, author and Wired contributing editor David Wolman sets out to investigate the future of money...and how it will affect your wallet.
Wolman begins his journey by deciding to shun cash for an entire year—a surprisingly successful experiment (with a couple of notable exceptions). He then ventures forth to find people and technologies that illuminate the road ahead. In Honolulu, he drinks Mai Tais with Bernard von NotHaus, a convicted counterfeiter and alternative-currency evangelist whom government prosecutors have labeled a domestic terrorist. In Tokyo, he sneaks a peek at the latest anti-counterfeiting wizardry, while puzzling over the fact that banknote forgers depend on society's addiction to cash. In a downtrodden Oregon town, he mingles with obsessive coin collectors—the people who are supposed to love cash the most, yet don't. And in rural Georgia, he examines why some people feel the end of cash is Armageddon's warm-up act. After stops at the Digital Money Forum in London and Iceland's central bank, Wolman flies to Delhi, where he sees first-hand how cash penalizes the poor more than anyone—and how mobile technologies promise to change that ...
More
Dominant Social Theme: Money is that certain thing ... Well, we dunno exactly what it is, but here's a HISTORY of it.
Free-Market Analysis: Here's how we figure this article "went down" ...
"Hi, David, you're a contributing editor at Wired, a former Fulbright journalism fellow and a winner of the 2011 Oregon Arts Commission individual artists fellowship. You're a real bright guy and we're interested in a book on money. Why don't you write it?"
"But I don't know anything about money."
"OK! You'll learn along with your readers ... "
And so Mr. Wolman has written an article (see excerpt above) and a book called The End of Money. We looked up the book on Amazon.com, which shows it is to be published on February 14, 2012. Here's a book summary from the publisher:
For ages, money has meant little metal disks and rectangular slips of paper. Yet the usefulness of physical money—to say nothing of its value—is coming under fire as never before. Intrigued by the distinct possibility that cash will soon disappear, author and Wired contributing editor David Wolman sets out to investigate the future of money...and how it will affect your wallet.
Wolman begins his journey by deciding to shun cash for an entire year—a surprisingly successful experiment (with a couple of notable exceptions). He then ventures forth to find people and technologies that illuminate the road ahead. In Honolulu, he drinks Mai Tais with Bernard von NotHaus, a convicted counterfeiter and alternative-currency evangelist whom government prosecutors have labeled a domestic terrorist. In Tokyo, he sneaks a peek at the latest anti-counterfeiting wizardry, while puzzling over the fact that banknote forgers depend on society's addiction to cash. In a downtrodden Oregon town, he mingles with obsessive coin collectors—the people who are supposed to love cash the most, yet don't. And in rural Georgia, he examines why some people feel the end of cash is Armageddon's warm-up act. After stops at the Digital Money Forum in London and Iceland's central bank, Wolman flies to Delhi, where he sees first-hand how cash penalizes the poor more than anyone—and how mobile technologies promise to change that ...
More
Federal Employees Will Pay Out 1.5% More Into Pensions And More
Changes to the federal retirement system advanced on Capitol Hill. The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee approved legislation that would make employees contribute 1.5 percent more of their salaries to their pensions. New federal hires would have to pay 4 percent of their salaries into the pension system. The bill would also end the Federal Employees Retirement System annuity supplement for people who retire before age 62. Before yesterday's vote, committee member debated sharply along party lines. Republicans favor the changes, Democrats oppose them.
Statement From Governor Martin O’Malley On PROPOSITION 8 RULING BY THE US 9TH CIRCUIT COURT OF APPEALS
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Martin O’Malley today issued the following statement on the US 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling on Proposition 8:
“Many people understand that over the long term, the principles of equal protection under the law and of equal respect for the freedom of all will prevail. Today’s decision is further evidence of that truth.”
“Many people understand that over the long term, the principles of equal protection under the law and of equal respect for the freedom of all will prevail. Today’s decision is further evidence of that truth.”
Solar Lights, Inside?
I have a friend who used her solar lights inside at night when her current was off during the hurricane. She stuck them in a jar or bottle and said they gave off plenty of 'free light'. She put one in each room and would put them back outside in the daytime and bring them in at night as long as the current was off. They are safe to use and cheaper than batteries. Bring in a solar light one night and test it.
Due to a thunderstorm, we lost power for about 5 hours. We were scrambling around in the darkness, looking for matches, candles, flashlights, etc. We looked outside, and noticed our solar lights shining brightly all around our patio, stairs, dock, etc. They were beautiful. My wife walked outside, and brought several of the solar lights inside.
We stuck the solar light pipes into plastic drink bottles containers and they made the nicest, brightest, safest, lighting you could ever imagine.
We put one in the bathroom, the kitchen, the living room, etc. There was plenty of light. There are all types of solar lights available. We bought ours at Harbor Freight. We put them all around our yard. They look nice and they do not attract flying bugs like the outdoor lights around our doorway.
The lights we have fit into the small (20 oz) water bottles and they also fit into most of the larger liter bottles. If you need a weight in the plastic bottle to keep them from tipping over, you can put a few of the pretty colorful "flat marbles" that they put in aquariums, and vases. (you can also use sand, aquarium gravel, etc., whatever you have available).
The lights we have were perfect inside our home. They burn all night long if you need them.
The next day, you just take your solar lights back outside and they will instantly recharge and be ready for you to use again any time you need them.
Perfect for power outages!
Due to a thunderstorm, we lost power for about 5 hours. We were scrambling around in the darkness, looking for matches, candles, flashlights, etc. We looked outside, and noticed our solar lights shining brightly all around our patio, stairs, dock, etc. They were beautiful. My wife walked outside, and brought several of the solar lights inside.
We stuck the solar light pipes into plastic drink bottles containers and they made the nicest, brightest, safest, lighting you could ever imagine.
We put one in the bathroom, the kitchen, the living room, etc. There was plenty of light. There are all types of solar lights available. We bought ours at Harbor Freight. We put them all around our yard. They look nice and they do not attract flying bugs like the outdoor lights around our doorway.
The lights we have fit into the small (20 oz) water bottles and they also fit into most of the larger liter bottles. If you need a weight in the plastic bottle to keep them from tipping over, you can put a few of the pretty colorful "flat marbles" that they put in aquariums, and vases. (you can also use sand, aquarium gravel, etc., whatever you have available).
The lights we have were perfect inside our home. They burn all night long if you need them.
The next day, you just take your solar lights back outside and they will instantly recharge and be ready for you to use again any time you need them.
Perfect for power outages!
Bank Of America Plaza Auctioned Off For Missing Mortgage Payments
Bank of America Plaza, the tallest building in Atlanta, went on the auction block today, in a perfect example of things that go around you know, coming around. How does that medicine taste now, Bank of America? Your landlords missed mortgage mortgage payments and now they have to sell. We're sure that must be soo hard.
More »
More »
Why Our Currency Will Fail
The idea that the very same economic forces that are currently plaguing Greece, et al., are somehow not relevant to the United States' circumstances does not hold water. As goes the rest of the world, so goes the US.
When we back up far enough, it is clear that money and debt are there to reflect and be in service to the production of real things by real people, not the other way around. With too much debt relative to production, it is the debt that will suffer. The same is true of money. Neither are magical substances; they are merely markers for real things. When they get out of balance with reality, they lose value, and sometimes even their entire meaning.
This report lays out the case that the US is irretrievably down the rabbit hole of deficits and debt, and that, even if there were endless natural resources of increasing quality available at this point, servicing the debt loads and liabilities of the nation will require both austerity and a pretty serious fall in living standards for most people.
Of course, the age of cheap oil is over. And as Jim Puplava says, the oil price is the new Fed funds rate, meaning that it is now the price of oil that sets the pace of economic movement, not interest rates established by the Fed.
However, of all the challenges that catch my eye right now, the one most worrisome is the shredding of our national narrative to the point that it no longer makes any sense whatsoever.
I'm a big believer that our actions are guided by the stories we tell ourselves. To progress as a society, having a grand vision that aligns and inspires is essential.
But when words emphasize one set of priorities and actions support another, any narrative falls apart. At a personal level, if someone touts their punctuality but chronically shows up hours late, the narrative that says "this person is reliable" begins to fall apart.
More
When we back up far enough, it is clear that money and debt are there to reflect and be in service to the production of real things by real people, not the other way around. With too much debt relative to production, it is the debt that will suffer. The same is true of money. Neither are magical substances; they are merely markers for real things. When they get out of balance with reality, they lose value, and sometimes even their entire meaning.
This report lays out the case that the US is irretrievably down the rabbit hole of deficits and debt, and that, even if there were endless natural resources of increasing quality available at this point, servicing the debt loads and liabilities of the nation will require both austerity and a pretty serious fall in living standards for most people.
Of course, the age of cheap oil is over. And as Jim Puplava says, the oil price is the new Fed funds rate, meaning that it is now the price of oil that sets the pace of economic movement, not interest rates established by the Fed.
However, of all the challenges that catch my eye right now, the one most worrisome is the shredding of our national narrative to the point that it no longer makes any sense whatsoever.
I'm a big believer that our actions are guided by the stories we tell ourselves. To progress as a society, having a grand vision that aligns and inspires is essential.
But when words emphasize one set of priorities and actions support another, any narrative falls apart. At a personal level, if someone touts their punctuality but chronically shows up hours late, the narrative that says "this person is reliable" begins to fall apart.
More
No One Is Allowed To Love Meat On Their Pizza Unless It's From Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut doesn't want you meat lovers to be loving up on any meat on any pizzas that aren't produced by them. To that end, they're threatening a small pizza shop with legal action for using the term "meat lovers."
More »
More »
DENNINGER OBLITERATES BLOOMBERG'S BERNANKE PUFF PIECE
The numbers are proving Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S. Bernanke’s critics wrong.
More than a year after Republicans from House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio to presidential candidate Ron Paul of Texas warned that the Fed’s second round of asset purchases risked a sharp acceleration in prices, the surge has failed to materialize. The personal-consumption-expenditures price index rose 2.4 percent for the 12 months ending in December, near the central bank’s 2 percent target.
Near? And second, what part of this target is difficult to understand?
The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Federal Open Market Committee shall maintain long run growth of the monetary and credit aggregates commensurate with the economy’s long run potential to increase production, so as to promote effectively the goals of maximum employment, stable prices, and moderate long-term interest rates.
Notice the repeated use of the words “long run”?
Why is this important? Because you live in the “long run.” Your life is, typically, about 85 years. So what is the difference in lifetime price inflation between 2 and 2.4%?
438% .vs. 651%, or close to 50% more lifetime inflation.
More
More than a year after Republicans from House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio to presidential candidate Ron Paul of Texas warned that the Fed’s second round of asset purchases risked a sharp acceleration in prices, the surge has failed to materialize. The personal-consumption-expenditures price index rose 2.4 percent for the 12 months ending in December, near the central bank’s 2 percent target.
Near? And second, what part of this target is difficult to understand?
The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Federal Open Market Committee shall maintain long run growth of the monetary and credit aggregates commensurate with the economy’s long run potential to increase production, so as to promote effectively the goals of maximum employment, stable prices, and moderate long-term interest rates.
Notice the repeated use of the words “long run”?
Why is this important? Because you live in the “long run.” Your life is, typically, about 85 years. So what is the difference in lifetime price inflation between 2 and 2.4%?
438% .vs. 651%, or close to 50% more lifetime inflation.
More
Wi Hi on fire?
I'm hearing Wi Hi is on fire....and then someone said it was the Board of Ed building. Anyone know if any of this is true?
12-Year-Old Raises $10,500 To Save Grandma From Foreclosure
It's such stuff as uplifting after-school specials are made on. A plucky Wisconsin tween recently managed to raise enough money to save his grandmother from losing a house that had been in the family for three generations.
More »
More »
Obama's Nominee To Air Force Materiel Command First Woman
President Obama's nominee to be the new leader of Air Force Materiel Command would be the first female four-star general in Air Force history. Lt. Gen. Janet C. Wolfenbarger's nomination still needs to be approved by the Senate. She's currently serving as the military deputy for the Air Force's acquisition chief, and before that, she was the number two leader at Air Force Material Command. Wolfenberger would be only the second four-star general in DoD history. Ann Dunwoody, the commander of Army Materiel Command, was promoted to general in 2008.
Trump To Redevelop The Old Post Office Pavilion
One-time presidential candidate Donald Trump has found another way into Washington. The real estate mogul has won a competition to redevelop the Old Post Office Pavilion. The Trump Organization will convert the 12-story building into a luxury hotel. The building occupies a prime spot on Pennsylvania Avenue. It's listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It's under control of the General Services Administration. Somewhat dilapidated, the partially empty building houses a few federal offices. In 2008, Congress directed GSA to find a long-term lessee. The Washington Post reports, Trump has teamed with Colony Capital to invest $200 million in the 19th century structure.
BREAKING NEWS: Washington State OKs Gay Marriage
Washington state Legislature passes bill paving the way for the state to become the seventh in the country to legalize gay marriage.
From Fox News
From Fox News
Energy Dept. Gave Out Billions To Inadquate Companies
Energy Department officials gave out billions in dollars in smart grid grants to companies that didn't always have adequate cybersecurity controls. That's according to an audit by the Energy Department's inspector general. The IG reviewed five of the grants and found three of them went to firms who had incomplete cyber security plans. The companies are being allowed to develop and implement cyber plans during the course of the three-year award period, but the IG worries the smart grid systems could be compromised before the right controls are put in place. Energy officials say they're committed to monitoring the grants to make sure the plans are updated as needed.
25 Great Truths & Possibly The 5 Best Sentences
GREAT TRUTHS
1. In my many years I have come to a conclusion that one useless man is a shame, two is a law firm and three or more is a congress. -- John Adams
2. If you don't read the newspaper you are uninformed, if you do read the newspaper you are misinformed. -- Mark Twain
3. Suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress. But then I repeat myself. -- Mark Twain
4. I contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle. -- Winston Churchill
5. A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul. -- George Bernard Shaw
6. A liberal is someone who feels a great debt to his fellow man, which debt he proposes to pay off with your money. -- G. Gordon Liddy
7. Democracy must be something more than two wolves and a sheep voting on what to have for dinner. -- James Bovard, Civil Libertarian (1994)
8. Foreign aid might be defined as a transfer of money from poor people in rich countries to rich people in poor countries. --Douglas Casey, Classmate of Bill Clinton at Georgetown University
9. Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys. -- P.J. O'Rourke, Civil Libertarian
10. Government is the great fiction, through which everybody endeavors to live at the expense of everybody else. -- Frederic Bastiat, French economist(1801-1850)
11. Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases:
If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it. -- Ronald Reagan (1986)
12. I don't make jokes. I just watch the government and report the facts. -- Will Rogers
13. If you think health care is expensive now, wait until you see what it costs when it's free! -- P.J.. O'Rourke
14. In general, the art of government consists of taking as much money as possible from one party of the citizens to give to the other. -- Voltaire (1764)
15. Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn't mean politics won't take an interest in you! -- Pericles(430 B.C.)
16. No man's life, liberty, or property is safe while the legislature is in session. -- Mark Twain (1866)
17. Talk is cheap...except when Congress does it. -- Anonymous
18. The government is like a baby's alimentary canal, with a happy appetite at one end and no responsibility at the other. --Ronald Reagan
19. The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of the blessings. The inherent blessing of socialism is the equal sharing of misery. -- Winston Churchill
20. The only difference between a tax man and a taxidermist is that the taxidermist leaves the skin. --Mark Twain
21. The ultimate result of shielding men from the effects of folly is to fill the world with fools. -- Herbert Spencer, English Philosopher (1820-1903)
22. There is no distinctly Native American criminal class...save Congress. -- Mark Twain
23. What this country needs are more unemployed politicians. --Edward Langley, Artist (1928-1995)
24. A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have. -- Thomas Jefferson
25. We hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public office. -- Aesop
FIVE BEST SENTENCES
1. You cannot legislate the poor into prosperity, by legislating the wealth out of prosperity.
2. What one person receives without working for...another person must work for without receiving.
3. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else.
4. You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it.
5. When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work, because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that is the beginning of the end of any nation!
1. In my many years I have come to a conclusion that one useless man is a shame, two is a law firm and three or more is a congress. -- John Adams
2. If you don't read the newspaper you are uninformed, if you do read the newspaper you are misinformed. -- Mark Twain
3. Suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress. But then I repeat myself. -- Mark Twain
4. I contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle. -- Winston Churchill
5. A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul. -- George Bernard Shaw
6. A liberal is someone who feels a great debt to his fellow man, which debt he proposes to pay off with your money. -- G. Gordon Liddy
7. Democracy must be something more than two wolves and a sheep voting on what to have for dinner. -- James Bovard, Civil Libertarian (1994)
8. Foreign aid might be defined as a transfer of money from poor people in rich countries to rich people in poor countries. --Douglas Casey, Classmate of Bill Clinton at Georgetown University
9. Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys. -- P.J. O'Rourke, Civil Libertarian
10. Government is the great fiction, through which everybody endeavors to live at the expense of everybody else. -- Frederic Bastiat, French economist(1801-1850)
11. Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases:
If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it. -- Ronald Reagan (1986)
12. I don't make jokes. I just watch the government and report the facts. -- Will Rogers
13. If you think health care is expensive now, wait until you see what it costs when it's free! -- P.J.. O'Rourke
14. In general, the art of government consists of taking as much money as possible from one party of the citizens to give to the other. -- Voltaire (1764)
15. Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn't mean politics won't take an interest in you! -- Pericles(430 B.C.)
16. No man's life, liberty, or property is safe while the legislature is in session. -- Mark Twain (1866)
17. Talk is cheap...except when Congress does it. -- Anonymous
18. The government is like a baby's alimentary canal, with a happy appetite at one end and no responsibility at the other. --Ronald Reagan
19. The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of the blessings. The inherent blessing of socialism is the equal sharing of misery. -- Winston Churchill
20. The only difference between a tax man and a taxidermist is that the taxidermist leaves the skin. --Mark Twain
21. The ultimate result of shielding men from the effects of folly is to fill the world with fools. -- Herbert Spencer, English Philosopher (1820-1903)
22. There is no distinctly Native American criminal class...save Congress. -- Mark Twain
23. What this country needs are more unemployed politicians. --Edward Langley, Artist (1928-1995)
24. A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have. -- Thomas Jefferson
25. We hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public office. -- Aesop
FIVE BEST SENTENCES
1. You cannot legislate the poor into prosperity, by legislating the wealth out of prosperity.
2. What one person receives without working for...another person must work for without receiving.
3. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else.
4. You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it.
5. When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work, because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that is the beginning of the end of any nation!
Who Wants War With Iran?
Appearing alongside CIA Director David Petraeus before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence last week, James Clapper, the director of national intelligence, said of Iran:
"We don't believe they've actually made the decision to go ahead with a nuclear weapon."
Before the hearing, as James Fallows of The Atlantic reports, Clapper released his "Worldwide Threat Assessment." It read, "We do not know ... if Iran will eventually decide to build nuclear weapons."
Clapper thus reaffirmed the assessment of 16 U.S. intelligence agencies in 2007, reportedly repeated in 2011, that the U.S. does not believe that Iran has decided to become a nuclear weapons state.
In December, when Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said that if Iran went all out, it might be able to build a nuclear weapon in a year, Pentagon spokesman George Little hastily clarified his comments:
"The secretary was clear that we have no indication that the Iranians have made a decision to develop a nuclear weapon."
On Jan. 8, Panetta himself told CBS:
"(Is Iran) trying to develop a nuclear weapon? No. But we know that they're trying to develop a nuclear capability. And that's what concerns us. And our redline to Iran is: Do not develop a nuclear weapon."
On Super Bowl Sunday, President Barack Obama told NBC's Matt Lauer that he hopes to solve the Iranian problem "diplomatically."
From the above, we may conclude that the administration does not believe that Iran has crossed any redline on the nuclear issue – and President Obama does not want war with Iran.
Who, then, does want war? Ayatollah Ali Khamenei? Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad?
From their actions, it would appear not. If Iran wanted war with the United States, any terror attack inside this country or on U.S. forces in Iraq or Afghanistan could bring that about in an afternoon.
Expulsion of the International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors from the Natanz enrichment facility, covering up the IAEA cameras, breaking the seals on the low-enriched uranium stockpiled there, or removing the LEU would be a fire bell for the Pentagon.
But the IAEA inspectors and LEU are still there.
When the alleged plot by a used-car salesman in Texas to hire Mexican cartel criminals to blow up a D.C. restaurant and kill the Saudi ambassador was revealed, Iran denied it emphatically and demanded to interview the alleged mastermind.
Moreover, Tehran has yet to retaliate for the assassinations of five of its nuclear scientists and four terror attacks by Jundallah in Sistan-Baluchistan and PJAK, a Kurdish terrorist organization operating out of Iraqi Kurdistan. Iran has alleged Western and Israeli involvement in these attacks.
Now that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has denied any U.S. involvement, Mossad is the prime suspect behind the killing of the nuclear scientists. And U.S. writer Mark Perry, in Foreign Policy, alleges that Mossad agents posed as CIA and used U.S. dollars in London to recruit Jundallah.
If this is true, this would be a false flag operation to provoke Iran into lashing out at America. Apparently, Iran did not take the bait.
Why have the Iranians not followed through on their threat to close the Strait of Hormuz and begun to dial it back?
War with the United States would be a disaster. Though the Tehran regime might survive – as Saddam Hussein's survived Desert Storm – Iran's navy, most of its armor, anti-aircraft and anti-ship defenses, and its strategic missile force would be destroyed, as would much of the country's infrastructure. Iran would be set back years.
Who, then, wants war with Iran?
All those who would like to see exactly that happen to Iran.
And who are they? The Netanyahu government and its echo chamber in U.S. politics and media, the neoconservatives, members of Congress, Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum.
And as the Obama administration is the major force in U.S. politics opposed to war with Iran, its defeat in November would increase, to near certitude, the probability of a U.S. war with Iran in 2013.
Yet if the Pentagon and U.S. intelligence community are correct – Iran does not have a bomb and has not decided to build a bomb – why should we go to war with Iran?
Answer: Iran represents "an existential threat" to Israel.
But Israel has 200 atomic bombs and three ways to deliver them, while Iran has never built, tested or weaponized a nuclear device. Who is the existential threat to whom here?
And though a U.S. war on Iran would be calamitous for Iran, it would be no cakewalk for Americans, who could become terrorist targets for years in the Gulf, Afghanistan, Baghdad's Green Zone, Lebanon and even here in the USA.
Year 2012 is thus shaping up as a war-or-peace election, with Republicans the war party and Democrats the peace-and-diplomacy party.
And as the months pass between now and November, this will become clear to the nation.
The Best of Patrick J. Buchanan
"We don't believe they've actually made the decision to go ahead with a nuclear weapon."
Before the hearing, as James Fallows of The Atlantic reports, Clapper released his "Worldwide Threat Assessment." It read, "We do not know ... if Iran will eventually decide to build nuclear weapons."
Clapper thus reaffirmed the assessment of 16 U.S. intelligence agencies in 2007, reportedly repeated in 2011, that the U.S. does not believe that Iran has decided to become a nuclear weapons state.
In December, when Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said that if Iran went all out, it might be able to build a nuclear weapon in a year, Pentagon spokesman George Little hastily clarified his comments:
"The secretary was clear that we have no indication that the Iranians have made a decision to develop a nuclear weapon."
On Jan. 8, Panetta himself told CBS:
"(Is Iran) trying to develop a nuclear weapon? No. But we know that they're trying to develop a nuclear capability. And that's what concerns us. And our redline to Iran is: Do not develop a nuclear weapon."
On Super Bowl Sunday, President Barack Obama told NBC's Matt Lauer that he hopes to solve the Iranian problem "diplomatically."
From the above, we may conclude that the administration does not believe that Iran has crossed any redline on the nuclear issue – and President Obama does not want war with Iran.
Who, then, does want war? Ayatollah Ali Khamenei? Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad?
From their actions, it would appear not. If Iran wanted war with the United States, any terror attack inside this country or on U.S. forces in Iraq or Afghanistan could bring that about in an afternoon.
Expulsion of the International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors from the Natanz enrichment facility, covering up the IAEA cameras, breaking the seals on the low-enriched uranium stockpiled there, or removing the LEU would be a fire bell for the Pentagon.
But the IAEA inspectors and LEU are still there.
When the alleged plot by a used-car salesman in Texas to hire Mexican cartel criminals to blow up a D.C. restaurant and kill the Saudi ambassador was revealed, Iran denied it emphatically and demanded to interview the alleged mastermind.
Moreover, Tehran has yet to retaliate for the assassinations of five of its nuclear scientists and four terror attacks by Jundallah in Sistan-Baluchistan and PJAK, a Kurdish terrorist organization operating out of Iraqi Kurdistan. Iran has alleged Western and Israeli involvement in these attacks.
Now that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has denied any U.S. involvement, Mossad is the prime suspect behind the killing of the nuclear scientists. And U.S. writer Mark Perry, in Foreign Policy, alleges that Mossad agents posed as CIA and used U.S. dollars in London to recruit Jundallah.
If this is true, this would be a false flag operation to provoke Iran into lashing out at America. Apparently, Iran did not take the bait.
Why have the Iranians not followed through on their threat to close the Strait of Hormuz and begun to dial it back?
War with the United States would be a disaster. Though the Tehran regime might survive – as Saddam Hussein's survived Desert Storm – Iran's navy, most of its armor, anti-aircraft and anti-ship defenses, and its strategic missile force would be destroyed, as would much of the country's infrastructure. Iran would be set back years.
Who, then, wants war with Iran?
All those who would like to see exactly that happen to Iran.
And who are they? The Netanyahu government and its echo chamber in U.S. politics and media, the neoconservatives, members of Congress, Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum.
And as the Obama administration is the major force in U.S. politics opposed to war with Iran, its defeat in November would increase, to near certitude, the probability of a U.S. war with Iran in 2013.
Yet if the Pentagon and U.S. intelligence community are correct – Iran does not have a bomb and has not decided to build a bomb – why should we go to war with Iran?
Answer: Iran represents "an existential threat" to Israel.
But Israel has 200 atomic bombs and three ways to deliver them, while Iran has never built, tested or weaponized a nuclear device. Who is the existential threat to whom here?
And though a U.S. war on Iran would be calamitous for Iran, it would be no cakewalk for Americans, who could become terrorist targets for years in the Gulf, Afghanistan, Baghdad's Green Zone, Lebanon and even here in the USA.
Year 2012 is thus shaping up as a war-or-peace election, with Republicans the war party and Democrats the peace-and-diplomacy party.
And as the months pass between now and November, this will become clear to the nation.
The Best of Patrick J. Buchanan
Both Sides Claim Politics As Payroll Tax Cut Extension Stalls Again
(CNN) -- Deja vu, round two, a bad sequel or simply "here we go again" are some ways to describe the latest fight over extending the payroll tax cut. But even facing an end-of-month deadline before the 2% tax holiday expires, lawmakers appear no closer to a deal.
With talks stalled, congressional leaders of both parties Tuesday suggested the delay is intentional, arguing the other side actually sees an election-year political advantage in no deal being reached.
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, speaking to reporters on Capitol Hill, accused Democrats of dragging their feet to help President Obama's re-election efforts.
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With talks stalled, congressional leaders of both parties Tuesday suggested the delay is intentional, arguing the other side actually sees an election-year political advantage in no deal being reached.
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, speaking to reporters on Capitol Hill, accused Democrats of dragging their feet to help President Obama's re-election efforts.
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Politicians Want War With Iran
The war of words between the US, Israel, and Iran intensifies by the day.
All the parties involved are shamelessly playing to domestic audiences in this election year. Israel keeps issuing threats it will attack Iran’s nuclear power installations, though some of its senior security officials downplay an alleged threat from Iran.
US intelligence still maintains Iran is not working on nuclear weapons. UN nuclear inspectors confirm this view, though they have been pressured by the US, which pays a quarter of UN salaries, to suggest Iran might be working on something nefarious – though all Iran’s nuclear sites are under strict UN inspection and satellite surveillance.
Not a peep from the UN about what global damage would be caused by an Israeli attack on Iran’s nuclear sites. Radioactive dust storms, to say the least.
The US Congress pulsates with war fever, fuelled by oncoming elections and huge cash donations. North America’s media pounds the war drums.
Iran shows spectacular public relations ineptitude by fulminating against Israel, calling it a "tumor" that must be removed, and firing obsolete tactical missiles and staging flamboyant military exercises by its feeble armed forces.
More
All the parties involved are shamelessly playing to domestic audiences in this election year. Israel keeps issuing threats it will attack Iran’s nuclear power installations, though some of its senior security officials downplay an alleged threat from Iran.
US intelligence still maintains Iran is not working on nuclear weapons. UN nuclear inspectors confirm this view, though they have been pressured by the US, which pays a quarter of UN salaries, to suggest Iran might be working on something nefarious – though all Iran’s nuclear sites are under strict UN inspection and satellite surveillance.
Not a peep from the UN about what global damage would be caused by an Israeli attack on Iran’s nuclear sites. Radioactive dust storms, to say the least.
The US Congress pulsates with war fever, fuelled by oncoming elections and huge cash donations. North America’s media pounds the war drums.
Iran shows spectacular public relations ineptitude by fulminating against Israel, calling it a "tumor" that must be removed, and firing obsolete tactical missiles and staging flamboyant military exercises by its feeble armed forces.
More
Teen Pregnancy, Abortion Rates At Record Low
CHICAGO — Birth and abortion rates among U.S. teens fell to record lows in 2008 as increased use of contraceptives sent the overall teen pregnancy rate to its lowest level since at least 1972, a study showed on Wednesday.
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UPDATE: OCPD SEEKING PUBLIC’S ASSISTANCE IN CHARITY THEFT CASE
On February 7, 2012, at approximately2:30 p.m., a citizen returned the missing beach umbrella to the OCPD after it was found abandoned still in the original packaging at a location near the Pour House Saloon in downtown Ocean City.
At this time, Ocean City Police do not consider the citizen who returned the item to be a suspect. Police recently received the image of this unknown male person of interest. Police are asking for the public’s assistance to help locate and identify this person. This image was taken during the “Baby Ava” fund-raising event onJanuary 28, 2012.
Police are still attempting to identify the person of interest captured by the Pour House Saloon video surveillance system as well.
Ocean City Police are continuing to ask that anyone with any information about the identity of the man seen in the surveillance footage or who may have any information about the theft to please contact OCPD- PFC John Spicer at 410-520-5295. You do not have to provide your name.
Civil Rights
I think it's time we all had an understanding about what our rights are w. Do we have the right to refuse to a search of our cars? Our purses? Our Pockets? Our homes? Exactly what are our rights?
Well, all searches by the police are subject to the fourth amendment. No search can be made without probable cause - with a few exceptions. If a police officer has probable cause to search a house or building, he must get a search warrant. A search warrant isn't required to search a vehicle or person in most circumstances as long as the officer has probable cause. If a police officer has probable cause he doesn't need permission to search.
Note: If a police officer has probable cause he will not ask for permission to search - he will just search.
BUT if a police officer has a suspicion that falls short of probable cause, the rule is that he cannot search (with one exception I will go into later) without permission. If a police officer asks you "do you have any weapons or drugs on you?" and you say...."no I don't"...the next question will likely be "do you mind if I check you". Most people will say "yeah no problem". If you do that, you have just waived your 4th amendment right and gave them permission to search you. If you turn around and put your hands up as if to say "go ahead" without saying a word, you have given implied consent.
You have an absolute right to say no. Officers who are not knowledgeable may respond to a "no" by asking..."do you have something to hide?" I say they are not knowledgeable because knowledgeable officers will know that once a person says "no", they have invoked their 4th amendment right and all attempts must stop. Officers that continue to pressure people into consenting risk losing any evidence they find due to coercion. In other words, no means no.
The exception to the probable cause requirement is a limited search of a person authorized under the Supreme Court case Terry vs Ohio. In the Terry case the court broke the officer/violator contact into two parts. The stop and the frisk - or pat down. The stop occurs when an officer has Reasonable suspicion. Reasonable suspicion is an amount of evidence a police officer can articulate that justifies a suspicion that a person may be involved in the commission of a crime and the officer can detain the person. If an officer can justify a reasonable suspicion that the person in question is armed, the officer has the authority to pat down the outer garments of the person feeling for weapons. The officer may NOT reach into pockets. The officer may search in waist bands. The search is limited to a pat down of the outer garments only. If the officer has the right to pat a person down under Terry vs Ohio, the person may not resist the pat down.
While a police officer has the right to have you step out of your vehicle during a traffic stop, he does not have the right to pat you down without a reasonable suspicion that you are armed. Reaching into your pockets or your wasteband or having drugs in your possession are all indicators that you may be armed and are a bad idea when having contact with a police officer. It is all to common to watch Cops and see them ask people to get out of a car and say...."go ahead and put your hands on the hood, I'm gonna pat you down and make sure you don't have any weapons" and they proceed to pat down a person who isn't under arrest and hasn't been detained for anything other than maybe a domestic dispute of a theft. Neither of those things would justify patting a person down for weapons. This is a blatant violation for the fourth amendment. People better start learning what their rights are instead of continually giving them away.
Well, all searches by the police are subject to the fourth amendment. No search can be made without probable cause - with a few exceptions. If a police officer has probable cause to search a house or building, he must get a search warrant. A search warrant isn't required to search a vehicle or person in most circumstances as long as the officer has probable cause. If a police officer has probable cause he doesn't need permission to search.
Note: If a police officer has probable cause he will not ask for permission to search - he will just search.
BUT if a police officer has a suspicion that falls short of probable cause, the rule is that he cannot search (with one exception I will go into later) without permission. If a police officer asks you "do you have any weapons or drugs on you?" and you say...."no I don't"...the next question will likely be "do you mind if I check you". Most people will say "yeah no problem". If you do that, you have just waived your 4th amendment right and gave them permission to search you. If you turn around and put your hands up as if to say "go ahead" without saying a word, you have given implied consent.
You have an absolute right to say no. Officers who are not knowledgeable may respond to a "no" by asking..."do you have something to hide?" I say they are not knowledgeable because knowledgeable officers will know that once a person says "no", they have invoked their 4th amendment right and all attempts must stop. Officers that continue to pressure people into consenting risk losing any evidence they find due to coercion. In other words, no means no.
The exception to the probable cause requirement is a limited search of a person authorized under the Supreme Court case Terry vs Ohio. In the Terry case the court broke the officer/violator contact into two parts. The stop and the frisk - or pat down. The stop occurs when an officer has Reasonable suspicion. Reasonable suspicion is an amount of evidence a police officer can articulate that justifies a suspicion that a person may be involved in the commission of a crime and the officer can detain the person. If an officer can justify a reasonable suspicion that the person in question is armed, the officer has the authority to pat down the outer garments of the person feeling for weapons. The officer may NOT reach into pockets. The officer may search in waist bands. The search is limited to a pat down of the outer garments only. If the officer has the right to pat a person down under Terry vs Ohio, the person may not resist the pat down.
While a police officer has the right to have you step out of your vehicle during a traffic stop, he does not have the right to pat you down without a reasonable suspicion that you are armed. Reaching into your pockets or your wasteband or having drugs in your possession are all indicators that you may be armed and are a bad idea when having contact with a police officer. It is all to common to watch Cops and see them ask people to get out of a car and say...."go ahead and put your hands on the hood, I'm gonna pat you down and make sure you don't have any weapons" and they proceed to pat down a person who isn't under arrest and hasn't been detained for anything other than maybe a domestic dispute of a theft. Neither of those things would justify patting a person down for weapons. This is a blatant violation for the fourth amendment. People better start learning what their rights are instead of continually giving them away.
New Posts to fall below.
Alex Guerrero, Profiled?
In an earlier Post we published information about Alex Guerrero getting arrested. HOWEVER, there's a LOT more to the story.While the Sheriff's Department Press Release IMPLIED there was drugs involved, THERE WAS NOT!
Alex was pulled over for not wearing his seat belt. He was with his Girlfriend and Daughter. Their Daughter was asleep in the back seat. It should be known, Alex is no virgin to traffic violations and had NEVER been confrontational, ever.
A Salisbury Police Officer pulled them over and immediately called in a K-9 Unit from the WCSO. Alex was immediately upset because there are no drugs. Big name, big bust????
What should be known is this. Alex was handcuffed in front of his Daughter AND his Girlfriend was handcuffed in front of their Daughter. There was never a search of the vehicle, (so I'm told) and the girlfriend was released while Alex was arrested. He was released on his own Personal Recognizance.
The Press Release IMPLIES "The deputy attempted to have the driver, Alexis Guerrero-Delacruz exit his vehicle while his K9 partner sniffed the vehicle for the presence of the odor of illegal drugs" yet there were NONE. It suggests that Alex became confrontational and BOTH Officers had to take him down, (so to speak).
Well, in doing so, interesting how once Alex was released he immediately went to the Hospital to get checks out because he has cuts AND A BROKEN NOSE!!!!
Funny how a Professional Boxer who is in a multitude of fights survives a broken nose but once he gets into an alleged confrontation with local Police Officers, they have no problem breaking his nose.
Alex and Fernando Guerrero have done more for this community than ANY other celebrity. They have been working with underprivileged children for many years. They have mentored Lord knows how many children and they are WELL KNOWN by all. The Police have pushed buttons and have clearly disrespected an INNOCENT man, even though a professional police officer/K-9 allegedly smelled the odor of drugs, yet NOTHING was found.
I'm NOT going to mention names here because while they may want to be the center of attention, screw that, they're NOT getting it here.
There will be more to come on this story. I will NOT get into details but the Sheriff should have done a whole lot more to calm this situation down. Oh, that's right, he's not been the center of attention in what, a year or more now. FIGURES!
New Posts to fall below.
February Is Children’s Dental Health Month
(Salisbury, MD) Did you know that tooth decay (cavities) is the most common chronic disease found in children? It is five times as common as asthma and seven times as common as hay fever. Each year, more than 51 million school hours are lost due to dental problems. Untreated, tooth decay causes pain and infections that may lead to problems with eating, speaking, playing, and learning. Fortunately, with good oral health care habits, tooth decay can be prevented.
“It is important for parents to teach their children good dental health care habits, including proper brushing with fluoride toothpaste and flossing techniques, eating nutritious foods without sugar, and having regular visits to the dentist,” said Dr. Gary Womer, Clinical Director of the Village Dental Center at Wicomico County Health Department. Steps such as these will help ensure that children will have a healthy mouth, as well as a healthy body. Since children learn oral health care from their parents, it is important that parents serve as role models and practice good oral health care habits. Parents should supervise brushing until children are seven to eight years old.
“It is important for parents to teach their children good dental health care habits, including proper brushing with fluoride toothpaste and flossing techniques, eating nutritious foods without sugar, and having regular visits to the dentist,” said Dr. Gary Womer, Clinical Director of the Village Dental Center at Wicomico County Health Department. Steps such as these will help ensure that children will have a healthy mouth, as well as a healthy body. Since children learn oral health care from their parents, it is important that parents serve as role models and practice good oral health care habits. Parents should supervise brushing until children are seven to eight years old.
Honda Frets Over Civic Mileage Verdict
Honda is bracing for a possible flood of lawsuits if it loses an appeal of a recent small claims court decision that ruled the Civic Hybrid's mileage didn't live up to promises.
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Jobless Want You To Quit Already!
Even though some employees are frustrated with their jobs because the tough economy has led to furloughs, wage freezes, and cuts in benefits, many of them aren’t upset enough to say, “I quit!”
More workers are reluctant to leave their employer and it’s shrinking job opportunities for the unemployed , underemployed and those looking to find new work horizons, according to an article in the Wall Street Journal Wednesday. Turns out, some workers are just too scared to take a chance on a new gig in this job market.
We Will Never See This Again
Harry & Bess
(This seems unreal.)
Harry Truman was a different kind of President. He probably made as many, or more important decisions regarding our nation's history as any of the other 42 Presidents preceding him. However, a measure of his greatness may rest on what he did after he left the White House.
The only asset he had when he died was the house he lived in, which was in Independence Missouri . His wife had inherited the house from her mother and father and other than their years in the White House, they lived their entire lives there.
When he retired from office in 1952 his income was a U.S. Army pension reported to have been $13,507.72 a year. Congress, noting that he was paying for his stamps and personally licking them, granted him an 'allowance' and, later, a retroactive pension of $25,000 per year.
After President Eisenhower was inaugurated, Harry and Bess drove home to Missouri by themselves. There was no Secret Service following them.
When offered corporate positions at large salaries, he declined, stating, "You don't want me. You want the office of the President, and that doesn't belong to me. It belongs to the American people and it's not for sale."
Even later, on May 6, 1971, when Congress was preparing to award him the Medal of Honor on his 87th birthday, he refused to accept it, writing, "I don't consider that I have done anything which should be the reason for any award, Congressional or otherwise."
As president he paid for all of his own travel expenses and food.
Modern politicians have found a new level of success in cashing in on the Presidency, resulting in untold wealth. Today, many in Congress also have found a way to become quite wealthy while enjoying the fruits of their offices. Political offices are now for sale (cf. Illinois ).
Good old Harry Truman was correct when he observed, "My choices in life were either to be a piano player in a whore house or a politician. And to tell the truth, there's hardly any difference!
I say dig him up and clone him!
Enjoy life now -- it has an expiration date!
(This seems unreal.)
Harry Truman was a different kind of President. He probably made as many, or more important decisions regarding our nation's history as any of the other 42 Presidents preceding him. However, a measure of his greatness may rest on what he did after he left the White House.
The only asset he had when he died was the house he lived in, which was in Independence Missouri . His wife had inherited the house from her mother and father and other than their years in the White House, they lived their entire lives there.
When he retired from office in 1952 his income was a U.S. Army pension reported to have been $13,507.72 a year. Congress, noting that he was paying for his stamps and personally licking them, granted him an 'allowance' and, later, a retroactive pension of $25,000 per year.
After President Eisenhower was inaugurated, Harry and Bess drove home to Missouri by themselves. There was no Secret Service following them.
When offered corporate positions at large salaries, he declined, stating, "You don't want me. You want the office of the President, and that doesn't belong to me. It belongs to the American people and it's not for sale."
Even later, on May 6, 1971, when Congress was preparing to award him the Medal of Honor on his 87th birthday, he refused to accept it, writing, "I don't consider that I have done anything which should be the reason for any award, Congressional or otherwise."
As president he paid for all of his own travel expenses and food.
Modern politicians have found a new level of success in cashing in on the Presidency, resulting in untold wealth. Today, many in Congress also have found a way to become quite wealthy while enjoying the fruits of their offices. Political offices are now for sale (cf. Illinois ).
Good old Harry Truman was correct when he observed, "My choices in life were either to be a piano player in a whore house or a politician. And to tell the truth, there's hardly any difference!
I say dig him up and clone him!
Enjoy life now -- it has an expiration date!
Mayor Ireton Slams City Council Members Again
From: Jim Ireton
Sent: Wednesday, February 08, 2012 8:53 AM
Subject: Redistricting Meeting Tonight!
Hi everyone!
I want to invite you to a political redistricting forum to be held tonight, February 8, 2012, at Salisbury Fire Department Station 16 on Cypress Street in Salisbury. Please come out and give me your input on these plans! It will be held from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Three redistricting plans were introduced in November of 2011. I’m hoping to move this process forward with public input that will move the city council to make redistricting decisions. Again, we are waiting far too long for decisions from council regarding this and so many other issues.
I need to hear what you think about the three plans that were introduced.
Copies of the Redistricting Maps are available online or at the mayor’s office.
Thanks!
-Jim
Sent: Wednesday, February 08, 2012 8:53 AM
Subject: Redistricting Meeting Tonight!
Hi everyone!
I want to invite you to a political redistricting forum to be held tonight, February 8, 2012, at Salisbury Fire Department Station 16 on Cypress Street in Salisbury. Please come out and give me your input on these plans! It will be held from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Three redistricting plans were introduced in November of 2011. I’m hoping to move this process forward with public input that will move the city council to make redistricting decisions. Again, we are waiting far too long for decisions from council regarding this and so many other issues.
I need to hear what you think about the three plans that were introduced.
Copies of the Redistricting Maps are available online or at the mayor’s office.
Thanks!
-Jim
MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND MARYLAND LIBRARIES LAUNCH ONLINE FINANCIAL LITERACY CLEARINGHOUSE
WHAT: Online Financial Literacy Clearinghouse
WHO: available for everyone
WHEN: now
WHERE: www.MyMoneyMatters-md.org
SALISBURY, MD (February 8, 2012) – MAPLA and the Maryland Department of Labor’s (DLLR) Office of the Commissioner of Financial Regulation today announced the launch of an online Financial Literacy Clearinghouse. The clearinghouse provides Marylanders with access to information on personal finance topics ranging from budgeting and saving to foreclosure prevention. Hosted by the Library, the clearinghouse is located at www.MyMoneyMatters-md.org.
“Promoting strong financial literacy is critical to our state’s economy and to all Marylanders,” said Secretary of Labor Alex Sanchez. “We are pleased to partner with the Maryland library communities with this initiative as we continue to move Maryland forward both locally and competitively in a global economy.”
The MAPLA and DLLR announced a partnership in October of 2011 in an effort to provide all Maryland residents with resources to empower and assist in making smart financial decisions, and to improve workforce development and adult education. Visitors to the Library seeking job training and advancement assistance have increased during this period of economic downturn. MyMoneyMatters provides another resource for Maryland residents.
“The financial and career information provided by librarians are invaluable to our patrons," said Carla D. Hayden, Chief Executive Officer of the Enoch Pratt Free Library. "Everyday library staff across the state are on the front lines as they talk to Marylanders in need of help. The resources they provide and the free programming offered by libraries can hopefully help patrons find jobs and pave the way to personal financial recovery.”
In response to the financial crisis, the General Assembly created the Task Force to Study How to Improve Financial Literacy. Co-chaired by Senator Anthony Muse and Delegate Dana Stein, the Task Force developed a list of recommendations which proposed, among other things, that the Commissioner of Financial Regulation create and maintain a website to provide financial education resources, services and programs for Maryland consumers.
“The current downturn has highlighted the importance of assisting our citizens with understanding financial products and making sound financial decisions,” said Commissioner of Financial Regulation Mark Kaufman. “We are excited to be able to deliver this assistance online, and I can think of no better partner in connecting consumers with helpful information than the Enoch Pratt Free Library.”
MyMoneyMatters contains content which pertains to all ages, at all stages of life and will be updated regularly to include new consumer alerts and materials related to financial literacy. A link can be found on Wicomico Public Library’s Internet Links page via www.wicomicolibrary.org.
WHO: available for everyone
WHEN: now
WHERE: www.MyMoneyMatters-md.org
SALISBURY, MD (February 8, 2012) – MAPLA and the Maryland Department of Labor’s (DLLR) Office of the Commissioner of Financial Regulation today announced the launch of an online Financial Literacy Clearinghouse. The clearinghouse provides Marylanders with access to information on personal finance topics ranging from budgeting and saving to foreclosure prevention. Hosted by the Library, the clearinghouse is located at www.MyMoneyMatters-md.org.
“Promoting strong financial literacy is critical to our state’s economy and to all Marylanders,” said Secretary of Labor Alex Sanchez. “We are pleased to partner with the Maryland library communities with this initiative as we continue to move Maryland forward both locally and competitively in a global economy.”
The MAPLA and DLLR announced a partnership in October of 2011 in an effort to provide all Maryland residents with resources to empower and assist in making smart financial decisions, and to improve workforce development and adult education. Visitors to the Library seeking job training and advancement assistance have increased during this period of economic downturn. MyMoneyMatters provides another resource for Maryland residents.
“The financial and career information provided by librarians are invaluable to our patrons," said Carla D. Hayden, Chief Executive Officer of the Enoch Pratt Free Library. "Everyday library staff across the state are on the front lines as they talk to Marylanders in need of help. The resources they provide and the free programming offered by libraries can hopefully help patrons find jobs and pave the way to personal financial recovery.”
In response to the financial crisis, the General Assembly created the Task Force to Study How to Improve Financial Literacy. Co-chaired by Senator Anthony Muse and Delegate Dana Stein, the Task Force developed a list of recommendations which proposed, among other things, that the Commissioner of Financial Regulation create and maintain a website to provide financial education resources, services and programs for Maryland consumers.
“The current downturn has highlighted the importance of assisting our citizens with understanding financial products and making sound financial decisions,” said Commissioner of Financial Regulation Mark Kaufman. “We are excited to be able to deliver this assistance online, and I can think of no better partner in connecting consumers with helpful information than the Enoch Pratt Free Library.”
MyMoneyMatters contains content which pertains to all ages, at all stages of life and will be updated regularly to include new consumer alerts and materials related to financial literacy. A link can be found on Wicomico Public Library’s Internet Links page via www.wicomicolibrary.org.
Has WalMart Gone Crazy
As every one knows, the Albero household has a LOT of animals. That being said, we have quite a few cats. Like most of you, we spoil our animals and the cats are no exception. They get wet food in the morning and dry food as well. However, last night I made a trip to WalMart to buy another case of large canned cat food and couldn't believe what I was seeing.
When we got our first cat on the property I went up to WalMart to get some food. I stood in the isle looking confused thinking, what in the heck should I buy? A very nice woman saw me standing there and said, let me ask you, is there a special brand you're looking for. I explained my situation and she gave me some great advice. She said, buy the cheapest you can get and try it. If the cat likes it, stick with it. Well, it turns out the cat liked it and ate it so we just stuck with that theory and it has worked perfectly.
However, last night I went into WalMart ready to grab a case until I saw the price. Overnight the price went from 74 cents per can to 94 cents per can! I don't care who you are, that's a HUGE jump in price, period!
I can go to Save A Lot, (so I'm told) and buy two cans of tuna for that price, does this make any sense? We all know none of us would ever eat a can of crappy cat food, but we would eat tuna! Remember now, this is the cheapest brand of wet cat food and I'm sure people spend a lot more than that for one or two spoiled cats. However, we have 7 cats and while they're cool and all, I'm just not spending that additional money and that's final.
So, let's reach out to all of you animal lovers out there and find out who has the best deal out there for cat food, hard or soft. We get the bag of hard cat food at Sam's Club and it went from $7.00 a bag to almost $10.00 a bag. I know one thing, I'm going to stock up on cans of tuna and feed the cats that if these big box stores think they're going to continue subjecting us to these prices.
Social Fractals And The Corruption Of America
Social fractals and social control myths help explain the complete corruption of America.
Correspondent Kathy K. recently elucidated a powerful concept: social fractals. We typically think of fractals--structures that are scale-invariant--as features of Nature or finance. For example, a coastline has the same characteristically ragged appearance from 100 feet, 1,000 feet and 10,000 feet in altitude. It is scale-invariant, i.e. its characteristics remain constant whether it is viewed on a small, medium or large scale.
This is how Kathy described social fractals:
"This dishonest, self-serving individual behavior is a fractal of what is happening in our society at large: dishonest and self-serving people are extending and pretending, and their complicity keeps the system going."
The concept of social fractals can be illustrated with a simple example. If the individuals in a family unit are all healthy, thrifty, honest, caring and responsible, then how could that family be dysfunctional, spendthrift, venal and dishonest? It is not possible to aggregate individuals into a family unit and not have that family manifest the self-same characteristics of the individuals.
This is the essence of fractals.
More
Correspondent Kathy K. recently elucidated a powerful concept: social fractals. We typically think of fractals--structures that are scale-invariant--as features of Nature or finance. For example, a coastline has the same characteristically ragged appearance from 100 feet, 1,000 feet and 10,000 feet in altitude. It is scale-invariant, i.e. its characteristics remain constant whether it is viewed on a small, medium or large scale.
This is how Kathy described social fractals:
"This dishonest, self-serving individual behavior is a fractal of what is happening in our society at large: dishonest and self-serving people are extending and pretending, and their complicity keeps the system going."
The concept of social fractals can be illustrated with a simple example. If the individuals in a family unit are all healthy, thrifty, honest, caring and responsible, then how could that family be dysfunctional, spendthrift, venal and dishonest? It is not possible to aggregate individuals into a family unit and not have that family manifest the self-same characteristics of the individuals.
This is the essence of fractals.
More
RON PAUL - THE MILLENIAL CANDIDATE
The following is an unabridged version of an op-ed written by South Central Regional Director Clint Townsend, originally published in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram on February 3, 2012:
Eleanor Roosevelt once said that “poor minds talk about other people, average minds talk about events, and great minds talk about ideas.”
If you listen to the speeches of the Republican presidential candidates, you will likely notice a lot of talk about other people, with the exception of one, Rep. Ron Paul of Texas.
RON PAUL SURGES IN POLLS
A surprising national poll released Tuesday found Texas Rep. Ron Paul surging to second place in the GOP presidential field, coming within eight percentage points of front-runner Mitt Romney.
The Reuters/Ipsos poll results show Paul at 21 percent nationally, with Romney, the former Massachusetts governor, at 29 percent.
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich scored 19 percent support in the poll, conducted Feb. 2–6, while former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum took 18 percent.
Although national polls are largely insignificant in a primary season where individual states are of crucial importance, they do indicate trends in voter preferences.
Reuters/Ipsos found that despite big wins by Romney in Florida and Nevada, his popularity actually declined since early January. Meanwhile, Paul’s support grew by five percent.
Romney “still hasn’t really convinced all the Republicans across the country that he’s the guy to get behind,” said Ipsos research director Chris Jackson in a statement.
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The Reuters/Ipsos poll results show Paul at 21 percent nationally, with Romney, the former Massachusetts governor, at 29 percent.
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich scored 19 percent support in the poll, conducted Feb. 2–6, while former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum took 18 percent.
Although national polls are largely insignificant in a primary season where individual states are of crucial importance, they do indicate trends in voter preferences.
Reuters/Ipsos found that despite big wins by Romney in Florida and Nevada, his popularity actually declined since early January. Meanwhile, Paul’s support grew by five percent.
Romney “still hasn’t really convinced all the Republicans across the country that he’s the guy to get behind,” said Ipsos research director Chris Jackson in a statement.
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Morris: Obama’s Sneaky Treaties
President Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are entering negotiations over — or seeking ratification of — five treaties that could radically limit our national sovereignty and the reach of our democratic institutions. Particularly scary is that the treaties, once signed and ratified, have the same status as constitutional law and cannot be altered or eclipsed by Congress or state legislatures. And their provisions must be enforced by U.S. courts.
Those who wish to preserve our sovereignty and democratic control over our future must rally to block these treaties, either by pressing Obama and Clinton not to sign them or by blocking their ratification.
• International Criminal Court — Clinton has reversed George W. Bush’s policy and entered into negotiations over U.S. participation in the court. Specifically, the leftists who are sponsoring the court wish to create a new crime of “aggression,” which is essentially going to war without the approval of the United Nations. If we submit to the court’s jurisdiction, our presidents and Cabinet officials could be prosecuted criminally for going to war without U.N. approval. This would, of course, give Russia and China a veto over our military actions. Clinton says she will stop our military’s hands from being tied, but we all must realize that once we accept the International Criminal Court, we go down a slippery slope. The court could even prosecute Americans who have been cleared by our own judicial system.
• The Law of the Sea Treaty (LOST) has been signed, and the Obama administration — with the aid of RINO Sen. Richard Lugar (Ind.) — will push for its ratification as soon as Lugar’s primary in Indiana is over this year. LOST requires that the United States pay an international body half of its royalties from offshore drilling. The body would then distribute the funds as it sees fit to whichever nations it chooses. The United States would only have one vote out of 160 regarding where the money goes. LOST will also oblige us to hand over our offshore drilling technology to any nation that wants it … for free.
• Small-arms control — Clinton is about to negotiate on a global ban on export of small arms. It would only apply to private citizens but, of course, most small-arms deals come not from individuals or private firms but from governments, specifically those of the United States, Russia, China and Israel. The treaty would require each nation to adopt measures to stop exportation of small arms. It is easy to see how this could be a backdoor way to require national registration of all guns and to assert federal regulation over firearms. It would also require the registration of all ammunition to track its source once a gun is fired. The Second Amendment be damned!
• Outer Space Code of Conduct — Under the guise of stopping debris from accumulating in outer space, the European Union has enlisted Clinton in negotiations over a code of conduct. The code would prohibit activities that are likely to generate debris in outer space — space littering. The code might inhibit or prohibit the United States from deploying anti-missile missiles on platforms in space, denying us the key weapon we need to counter Iranian, Chinese and North Korean missile threats. European leftists reacted angrily when G.W. Bush opted out of the ABM treaty banning defensive weapons. Now they seek to reimpose it under the guise of a code of conduct.
• Rights of the Child — Even more fanciful is a treaty Clinton plans to negotiate setting forth a code of rights for children, to be administered by a 14-member court set up for the purpose. The draft treaty obliges rich nations to provide funds for shelter, food, clothing and education for children in poor nations. This provision could create grounds to litigate to challenge the level of foreign aid we give as inadequate to meet our treaty obligations. Already, leftists in the United Kingdom are using the treaty to attack welfare cuts by the Cameron government.
More here
Those who wish to preserve our sovereignty and democratic control over our future must rally to block these treaties, either by pressing Obama and Clinton not to sign them or by blocking their ratification.
• International Criminal Court — Clinton has reversed George W. Bush’s policy and entered into negotiations over U.S. participation in the court. Specifically, the leftists who are sponsoring the court wish to create a new crime of “aggression,” which is essentially going to war without the approval of the United Nations. If we submit to the court’s jurisdiction, our presidents and Cabinet officials could be prosecuted criminally for going to war without U.N. approval. This would, of course, give Russia and China a veto over our military actions. Clinton says she will stop our military’s hands from being tied, but we all must realize that once we accept the International Criminal Court, we go down a slippery slope. The court could even prosecute Americans who have been cleared by our own judicial system.
• The Law of the Sea Treaty (LOST) has been signed, and the Obama administration — with the aid of RINO Sen. Richard Lugar (Ind.) — will push for its ratification as soon as Lugar’s primary in Indiana is over this year. LOST requires that the United States pay an international body half of its royalties from offshore drilling. The body would then distribute the funds as it sees fit to whichever nations it chooses. The United States would only have one vote out of 160 regarding where the money goes. LOST will also oblige us to hand over our offshore drilling technology to any nation that wants it … for free.
• Small-arms control — Clinton is about to negotiate on a global ban on export of small arms. It would only apply to private citizens but, of course, most small-arms deals come not from individuals or private firms but from governments, specifically those of the United States, Russia, China and Israel. The treaty would require each nation to adopt measures to stop exportation of small arms. It is easy to see how this could be a backdoor way to require national registration of all guns and to assert federal regulation over firearms. It would also require the registration of all ammunition to track its source once a gun is fired. The Second Amendment be damned!
• Outer Space Code of Conduct — Under the guise of stopping debris from accumulating in outer space, the European Union has enlisted Clinton in negotiations over a code of conduct. The code would prohibit activities that are likely to generate debris in outer space — space littering. The code might inhibit or prohibit the United States from deploying anti-missile missiles on platforms in space, denying us the key weapon we need to counter Iranian, Chinese and North Korean missile threats. European leftists reacted angrily when G.W. Bush opted out of the ABM treaty banning defensive weapons. Now they seek to reimpose it under the guise of a code of conduct.
• Rights of the Child — Even more fanciful is a treaty Clinton plans to negotiate setting forth a code of rights for children, to be administered by a 14-member court set up for the purpose. The draft treaty obliges rich nations to provide funds for shelter, food, clothing and education for children in poor nations. This provision could create grounds to litigate to challenge the level of foreign aid we give as inadequate to meet our treaty obligations. Already, leftists in the United Kingdom are using the treaty to attack welfare cuts by the Cameron government.
More here
A Letter To The Editor 2-8-12
Just got a call from a marketing research firm, 512-757-8111, which showed up as "customer research" on caller ID. Asked a bunch of questions about city council, water quality, quality of life, sewer, crime, parks & rec, politicians, engineers, lawyers, & who we look to as leaders in business, politics, & environmental issues (I gave your name & website as the person who has had the most positive influence on the community).
Well anyway, the call seemed to revolve around a $60mil proposed WWTP & a sewer increase that just went in effect. There were questions about whether I trust engineers & lawyers, & local politicians, who was the biggest polluter, whether I thought 2 engineering firms could come up w/ 2 entirely different approaches to solve a problem, whether I thought the rate increase would go back down, whether I would lean towards "tried & true" engineering or cutting edge, whether it made sense to refurbish existing buildings or build new, & whether I would consider price in deciding between 2 engineering firms plans.
I can only assume they are doing research for one of the firms submitting a proposal for a new WWTP. What I'm wondering is when we'll get the scoop on sbynews about this 60mil proposal that this guy mentioned. Maybe I missed it, but I wasn't aware that the lawsuit on the old new upgrade was ever settled. Fill us in when you can.
Publishers Notes: I have touched on this for years now. The old system failed and must be rebuilt. Yes, at an ADDITIONAL $60,000,000.00 expense to the taxpayers above and beyond the $84,000,000.00 already spent on the system that doesn't work. The lawsuit is smoke and mirrors. They'll get next to nothing, IMHO. The old lawsuit has not been settled. Because Mayor Ireton keeps so much of this under wraps, I wouldn't trust our local politicians to feed you, (or I) anything more on the progress of the suit. Mind you, what he will feed us is his side of things and probably not all the facts involved. Remember though, this was passed on to him from Barrie Tilghman. Joe
Well anyway, the call seemed to revolve around a $60mil proposed WWTP & a sewer increase that just went in effect. There were questions about whether I trust engineers & lawyers, & local politicians, who was the biggest polluter, whether I thought 2 engineering firms could come up w/ 2 entirely different approaches to solve a problem, whether I thought the rate increase would go back down, whether I would lean towards "tried & true" engineering or cutting edge, whether it made sense to refurbish existing buildings or build new, & whether I would consider price in deciding between 2 engineering firms plans.
I can only assume they are doing research for one of the firms submitting a proposal for a new WWTP. What I'm wondering is when we'll get the scoop on sbynews about this 60mil proposal that this guy mentioned. Maybe I missed it, but I wasn't aware that the lawsuit on the old new upgrade was ever settled. Fill us in when you can.
Publishers Notes: I have touched on this for years now. The old system failed and must be rebuilt. Yes, at an ADDITIONAL $60,000,000.00 expense to the taxpayers above and beyond the $84,000,000.00 already spent on the system that doesn't work. The lawsuit is smoke and mirrors. They'll get next to nothing, IMHO. The old lawsuit has not been settled. Because Mayor Ireton keeps so much of this under wraps, I wouldn't trust our local politicians to feed you, (or I) anything more on the progress of the suit. Mind you, what he will feed us is his side of things and probably not all the facts involved. Remember though, this was passed on to him from Barrie Tilghman. Joe
Ter·ror·ist (Noun): Anyone Who Disagrees With The Government
The Department of Homeland Security and police forces label anyone who they disagree with – or who disagrees with government policies – as “terrorists”.
Don’t believe me?
Well, according to a law school professor [8], pursuant to the Military Commissions Act, “Anyone who … speaks out against the government’s policies could be declared an ‘unlawful enemy combatant’ and imprisoned indefinitely. That includes American citizens.”
And according to an FBI memo [9], peace protesters are being labeled as “terrorists”.
Anyone who disagrees with the “acceptable” way of looking at things is a terrorist.
How is this different from Stalin or Mao’s use of labels such as “enemy of the state”?
This may have seemed over-the-top to some, but events have proven it true.
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Don’t believe me?
Well, according to a law school professor [8], pursuant to the Military Commissions Act, “Anyone who … speaks out against the government’s policies could be declared an ‘unlawful enemy combatant’ and imprisoned indefinitely. That includes American citizens.”
And according to an FBI memo [9], peace protesters are being labeled as “terrorists”.
Anyone who disagrees with the “acceptable” way of looking at things is a terrorist.
How is this different from Stalin or Mao’s use of labels such as “enemy of the state”?
This may have seemed over-the-top to some, but events have proven it true.
More
House Panel Approves Keystone Pipeline Bill
The House Energy and Commerce Committee on Tuesday approved legislation that would reverse President Obama’s rejection of the Keystone XL oil sands pipeline.
The bill is the latest GOP-led effort to advance the Alberta-to-Texas pipeline. Republicans are also trying to punish Obama politically ahead of the 2012 election for failing to greenlight the project that GOP lawmakers call a way to create jobs and boost energy security.
Rep. Lee Terry’s (R-Neb.) bill — which passed the powerful committee in a 33-20 vote — is likely heading for the House floor next week as part of wider transportation and energy legislation.
It would instruct the independent Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to issue a permit for TransCanada Corp.’s proposed pipeline within 30 days, taking the issue out of the State Department’s hands.
The bill is the latest GOP-led effort to advance the Alberta-to-Texas pipeline. Republicans are also trying to punish Obama politically ahead of the 2012 election for failing to greenlight the project that GOP lawmakers call a way to create jobs and boost energy security.
Rep. Lee Terry’s (R-Neb.) bill — which passed the powerful committee in a 33-20 vote — is likely heading for the House floor next week as part of wider transportation and energy legislation.
It would instruct the independent Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to issue a permit for TransCanada Corp.’s proposed pipeline within 30 days, taking the issue out of the State Department’s hands.
Reuters/Ipsos Poll: Romney's Lead Dips Despite Wins
Despite his strong showing in early state contests in the race for the U.S. Republican presidential nomination, Mitt Romney's support nationwide has dipped slightly during the past month, according to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Tuesday.
Romney was backed by 29 percent of Republican voters in the telephone poll conducted Feb. 2-6, down from 30 percent in a survey in early January.
The former Massachusetts governor's three rivals in the race to oppose Democratic President Barack Obama in November were in a virtual tie for second, the poll showed. The gaps between the three were within the poll's margin of error.
Texas Rep. Ron Paul's support grew by 5 percentage points to 21 percent, moving him into second place and ahead of former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, whose support slipped to 19 percent from 20 percent.
Support for former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum also rose by 5 points to reach 18 percent, putting him just behind Gingrich, according to the poll.
The results suggest Romney — despite his vast advantages in organization, fundraising and momentum after victories in New Hampshire, Florida and Nevada — still has many doubters among Republicans nationwide.
"He still hasn't really convinced all the Republicans across the country that he's the guy to get behind," said Chris Jackson, research director for Ipsos public affairs.
Read more
Romney was backed by 29 percent of Republican voters in the telephone poll conducted Feb. 2-6, down from 30 percent in a survey in early January.
The former Massachusetts governor's three rivals in the race to oppose Democratic President Barack Obama in November were in a virtual tie for second, the poll showed. The gaps between the three were within the poll's margin of error.
Texas Rep. Ron Paul's support grew by 5 percentage points to 21 percent, moving him into second place and ahead of former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, whose support slipped to 19 percent from 20 percent.
Support for former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum also rose by 5 points to reach 18 percent, putting him just behind Gingrich, according to the poll.
The results suggest Romney — despite his vast advantages in organization, fundraising and momentum after victories in New Hampshire, Florida and Nevada — still has many doubters among Republicans nationwide.
"He still hasn't really convinced all the Republicans across the country that he's the guy to get behind," said Chris Jackson, research director for Ipsos public affairs.
Read more
Maryland's Son Of Obama
O'Malley aims at 2016 with another tax increase.
Most states have improved their financial condition coming out of the recession and so new taxes are generally off the table this year. Then there's Maryland. Here's another case of a failed tax increase on "millionaires."
Democratic Governor Martin O'Malley has acknowledged another $1.1 billion deficit for 2013 thanks to a $35.9 billion budget with about $400 million for new school construction, roads and transit. To close the budget gap and help plug a $16 billion unfunded liability in public-employee pensions, Mr. O'Malley is seeking to raise $180 million by reducing income-tax deductions and exemptions for those earning more than $100,000. This is Maryland's new definition of "rich."
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Most states have improved their financial condition coming out of the recession and so new taxes are generally off the table this year. Then there's Maryland. Here's another case of a failed tax increase on "millionaires."
Democratic Governor Martin O'Malley has acknowledged another $1.1 billion deficit for 2013 thanks to a $35.9 billion budget with about $400 million for new school construction, roads and transit. To close the budget gap and help plug a $16 billion unfunded liability in public-employee pensions, Mr. O'Malley is seeking to raise $180 million by reducing income-tax deductions and exemptions for those earning more than $100,000. This is Maryland's new definition of "rich."
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Video Shows Officers Beating Motorist In Diabetic Shock
Adam Greene is on his stomach as a pack of police officers pile on him, driving their knees into his back and wrenching his arms and legs. One officer knees him in the ribs; another kicks him in the face.
"Stop resisting," officers on the video yell, but Greene, his face pushed into the pavement, hasn't resisted. He doesn't even move -- maybe can't move -- because he's gone into diabetic shock caused by low blood sugar.
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OCEAN CITY POLICE UNDERCOVER OFFICER POSES AS CAB DRIVER, NEARLY TWO-YEAR INVESTIGATION LEADS TO 34 INDICTMENTS
The Ocean City Police Department’s Narcotics Unit concluded a nearly two-year undercover investigation this week with the indictments of 34 individuals for 91 charges of distribution of controlled dangerous substance (CDS) and 28 charges of conspiracy to distribute CDS. During the investigation, an Ocean City Police officer acting in a covert capacity started a legitimate taxicab company in which he acted as the owner/operator of the company.
WHAT: Press conference to discuss the Ocean City Police Department‘s nearly two year undercover operation.
WHEN: Monday, February 13, 2012
10:00 a.m.
WHERE: Ocean City Public Safety Building, 1st Floor Lobby
6501 Coastal Highway
Ocean City, Maryland 21842
WHO: Chief Bernadette A. DiPino, Ocean City Police Department
Sheriff Reggie Mason, Worcester County Sheriff’s Office
States Attorney Beau Oglesby, Worcester County State’s Attorney’s Office
WHAT: Press conference to discuss the Ocean City Police Department‘s nearly two year undercover operation.
WHEN: Monday, February 13, 2012
10:00 a.m.
WHERE: Ocean City Public Safety Building, 1st Floor Lobby
6501 Coastal Highway
Ocean City, Maryland 21842
WHO: Chief Bernadette A. DiPino, Ocean City Police Department
Sheriff Reggie Mason, Worcester County Sheriff’s Office
States Attorney Beau Oglesby, Worcester County State’s Attorney’s Office
POLICE ARREST LOCAL WOMAN FOR ILLEGAL DISTRIBUTION OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS AND POSSESSION OF PCP
On February 4, 2012, narcotics detectives from the Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team and Ocean City Police served a search and seizure warrant at 115 “A” Newport Bay Drive, in reference to an ongoing narcotics investigation involving the illegal distribution of prescription narcotics and Phencyclidine (PCP).
During the execution of the warrant a suspect identified as Robin Dale Smith, 54 of Ocean City, was located inside the unit and arrested for distribution of prescription narcotic medication and PCP. A search of the house revealed:
Large amount of various prescription narcotic pills
4 vials withPCP residue and associated paraphernalia
Straws with pill residue used to snort drug
Syringes
CDS smoking pipes
Smith was seen by an Ocean City District Court Commissioner and released after posting a $25,000 bond.
Narcotics investigators are awaiting chemical analysis of some of the suspected drugs recovered during the search warrant. Additional charges are pending in this case.
4th Annual Kim Scott Memorial Benefit
Break Time Sports Grill and Pub hosts event to benefit Women Supporting Women
Break Time Sports Grill and Pub proudly presents the 4th Annual Kim Scott Memorial Benefit Thursday, February 23 at 7:00 PM, featuring music by Tranzfusion. Tickets are $20, and are available at Break Time and Women Supporting Women in Salisbury. Your ticket includes all you can eat with a cash bar and auction. All proceeds benefit Women Supporting Women. For more information, please call 410-548-7880 or 410-742-7665.
Women Supporting Women is a local, grass-roots non-profit organization dedicated to providing awareness, education and support to all those who are affected by breast cancer. With no national ties or funding, we rely completely on our community to help us provide free services to our neighbors, friends and families right here on Delmarva. To learn more about WSW, visit www.womensupportingwomen.org or www.facebook.com/womensupportingwomen/delmarva , or stop by our Salisbury office located at 1320 Belmont Avenue, next to the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore.
Break Time Sports Grill and Pub proudly presents the 4th Annual Kim Scott Memorial Benefit Thursday, February 23 at 7:00 PM, featuring music by Tranzfusion. Tickets are $20, and are available at Break Time and Women Supporting Women in Salisbury. Your ticket includes all you can eat with a cash bar and auction. All proceeds benefit Women Supporting Women. For more information, please call 410-548-7880 or 410-742-7665.
Women Supporting Women is a local, grass-roots non-profit organization dedicated to providing awareness, education and support to all those who are affected by breast cancer. With no national ties or funding, we rely completely on our community to help us provide free services to our neighbors, friends and families right here on Delmarva. To learn more about WSW, visit www.womensupportingwomen.org or www.facebook.com/womensupportingwomen/delmarva , or stop by our Salisbury office located at 1320 Belmont Avenue, next to the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore.
Man Arrested For Raping A Teenager
Location: 4000 block of Cedar Neck Road, Milford, DE
Date(s) of Occurrence: June 2011 – October 2011
Victim:
15 year old female
Defendant, Charges, and Bail Information:
Armont R. Wilson, 35, of Harrington, DE
Rape 2nd (3 counts)
Unlawful Sexual Contact 2nd (3 counts)
Arraigned at JP2 and committed to JTVCC on $66,000.00 secured bail
Resume:
Milford, DE- Delaware State Police Detectives have arrested a 35 year old Harrington man in connection with a sexual relationship involving a 15 year old female.
On January 3, 2012, an investigation began when Detectives learned that Armont Wilson, 35, had entered into a sexual relationship involving a 15 year old female. The two had met at the Cedar Neck Road residence through mutual friends in May of 2011. Soon after, a sexual relationship had started and continued until October of 2011.
Detectives obtained a warrant for Wilson’s arrest and he was picked up by Milford P.D. on February 1, 2012. He was charged with three counts of Rape 2nd degree and three counts of Unlawful Sexual Contact 2nd degree. He was committed to JTVCC on $66,000.00 secured bond.
If anyone has any information in reference to this incident or any other similar to this involving Armont Wilson, they are asked to contact the Criminal Investigations Unit at Troop 3 at 302-697-2104 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."
Date(s) of Occurrence: June 2011 – October 2011
Victim:
15 year old female
Defendant, Charges, and Bail Information:
Armont R. Wilson, 35, of Harrington, DE
Rape 2nd (3 counts)
Unlawful Sexual Contact 2nd (3 counts)
Arraigned at JP2 and committed to JTVCC on $66,000.00 secured bail
Resume:
Milford, DE- Delaware State Police Detectives have arrested a 35 year old Harrington man in connection with a sexual relationship involving a 15 year old female.
On January 3, 2012, an investigation began when Detectives learned that Armont Wilson, 35, had entered into a sexual relationship involving a 15 year old female. The two had met at the Cedar Neck Road residence through mutual friends in May of 2011. Soon after, a sexual relationship had started and continued until October of 2011.
Detectives obtained a warrant for Wilson’s arrest and he was picked up by Milford P.D. on February 1, 2012. He was charged with three counts of Rape 2nd degree and three counts of Unlawful Sexual Contact 2nd degree. He was committed to JTVCC on $66,000.00 secured bond.
If anyone has any information in reference to this incident or any other similar to this involving Armont Wilson, they are asked to contact the Criminal Investigations Unit at Troop 3 at 302-697-2104 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."
Chart Of The Day - Alaska Oil Production
Perception versus the reality of peak oil.
I asked 10 Americans the question, "How is oil production going up in Alaska?" Nine said they do not know, and one said great. Here is the truth in my personal Chart of the Day.
Source
I asked 10 Americans the question, "How is oil production going up in Alaska?" Nine said they do not know, and one said great. Here is the truth in my personal Chart of the Day.
Source
Community Event
“WELCOME SHOPPERS!”
You and your friends are invited to embark on a great shopping experience at the next opening of the Canteen Boutique! The boutique offers a variety of new and gently used apparel for men, women and children. In addition, we have a special line of jewelry, purses, scented oils and much more! We are located on Snow Hill Road in Salisbury. Please join us for our next opening on:
WEDNESDAY, February 15th 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
HOLLY CENTER CANTEEN BUILDING
The Canteen Boutique Project is operated by the Holly Center Auxiliary. All proceeds realized from this venture will be used to enhance the quality of life for Holly Center individuals. For more information, call Marlina Belote, Director of Volunteer Services & Community Relations, at 410-572-6204.
You and your friends are invited to embark on a great shopping experience at the next opening of the Canteen Boutique! The boutique offers a variety of new and gently used apparel for men, women and children. In addition, we have a special line of jewelry, purses, scented oils and much more! We are located on Snow Hill Road in Salisbury. Please join us for our next opening on:
WEDNESDAY, February 15th 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
HOLLY CENTER CANTEEN BUILDING
The Canteen Boutique Project is operated by the Holly Center Auxiliary. All proceeds realized from this venture will be used to enhance the quality of life for Holly Center individuals. For more information, call Marlina Belote, Director of Volunteer Services & Community Relations, at 410-572-6204.
Truth About Afghan War Failure Is More False Flag?
Truth, lies and Afghanistan ... How military leaders have let us down ... I spent last year in Afghanistan, visiting and talking with U.S. troops and their Afghan partners. My duties with the Army's Rapid Equipping Force took me into every significant area where our soldiers engage the enemy. Over the course of 12 months, I covered more than 9,000 miles and talked, traveled and patrolled with troops in Kandahar, Kunar, Ghazni, Khost, Paktika, Kunduz, Balkh, Nangarhar and other provinces. What I saw bore no resemblance to rosy official statements by U.S. military leaders about conditions on the ground ... The American people deserve better than what they've gotten from their senior uniformed leaders over the last number of years. Simply telling the truth would be a good start. – Lt. Col. Daniel L. Davis /Armed Forces Journal
Dominant Social Theme: It is time to face facts. The Afghan war is not a success.
Free-Market Analysis: This is a weird article. Apparently, Davis, the author (see excerpt above) has claimed it will cost him his career. But we have a hard time believing that the US military did not in some sense know the article was coming and that there is more to this "whistleblower" comment than meets the eye.
Of course, it could be exactly what it seems to be: the turning point in a failed war after more than a decade. And Davis could be just as courageous as he seems to be. On the other hand, this is GANNETT that we are talking about, the publisher of USA Today. We're not talking about the alternative media here. We're not talking Prison Planet. We're not even talking the Village Voice. Here's something about the publisher from Wikipedia:
More
Dominant Social Theme: It is time to face facts. The Afghan war is not a success.
Free-Market Analysis: This is a weird article. Apparently, Davis, the author (see excerpt above) has claimed it will cost him his career. But we have a hard time believing that the US military did not in some sense know the article was coming and that there is more to this "whistleblower" comment than meets the eye.
Of course, it could be exactly what it seems to be: the turning point in a failed war after more than a decade. And Davis could be just as courageous as he seems to be. On the other hand, this is GANNETT that we are talking about, the publisher of USA Today. We're not talking about the alternative media here. We're not talking Prison Planet. We're not even talking the Village Voice. Here's something about the publisher from Wikipedia:
More
When Did The Middle Finger Become Offensive?
An American television network has apologised after pop star M.I.A. extended her middle finger during Sunday night's Super Bowl halftime show. What does the gesture mean, and when did it become offensive?
A public intellectual, expressing his contempt for a gas-bag politician, reaches for a familiar gesture. He extends his middle finger and declares: "This is the great demagogue."
The episode occurred not on a chat show nor in the salons of New York or London, but in 4th Century BC Athens, when the philosopher Diogenes told a group of visitors exactly what he thought about the orator Demosthenes, according to a later Greek historian.
The middle finger, extended with the other fingers held beneath the thumb, is thus documented to have expressed insult and belittlement for more than two millennia.
More
A public intellectual, expressing his contempt for a gas-bag politician, reaches for a familiar gesture. He extends his middle finger and declares: "This is the great demagogue."
The episode occurred not on a chat show nor in the salons of New York or London, but in 4th Century BC Athens, when the philosopher Diogenes told a group of visitors exactly what he thought about the orator Demosthenes, according to a later Greek historian.
The middle finger, extended with the other fingers held beneath the thumb, is thus documented to have expressed insult and belittlement for more than two millennia.
More
Bernanke Lies To Congress & The Rule Of 72
Making breakfast and had to turn the live internet stream [LINK] of C-Span off. Not one Ás kloun in Congress could call him out on his lie that the Fed has been doing well with its dual Congressional mandate of stable prices and stable employment. Unemployment is 23% and inflation is, well see chart below. Core Inflation that Bernanke uses is meaningless – unless you can back out energy and food from your overhead.
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SAFE KIDS LOWER SHORE MARYLAND FREE CHILD SAFETY SEAT CHECK
WHO: Safe Kids Lower Shore Maryland
WHAT: FREE CHILD SAFETY SEAT CHECK
Have a certified child safety seat technician inspect your child’s safety seat for free!
WHEN: Friday, February 10, 2012
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
WHERE: Fruitland Volunteer Fire Department
104 East Main Street
Fruitland, Maryland 21826
Rain or shine!
WHY: While 96 percent of parents and caregivers believe their child safety seats are installed correctly, research shows that seven out of ten children are improperly restrained.
Safe Kids Lower Shore Maryland is part of SAFE KIDS Worldwide, the first and only national nonprofit organization dedicated solely to the prevention of unintentional childhood injury – the number one killer of children ages 14 and under. Three hundred state and local SAFE KIDS coalitions in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico comprise the Campaign. Former U.S. Surgeon General C. Everett Koop, M.D. is chairman of the Campaign.
WHAT: FREE CHILD SAFETY SEAT CHECK
Have a certified child safety seat technician inspect your child’s safety seat for free!
WHEN: Friday, February 10, 2012
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
WHERE: Fruitland Volunteer Fire Department
104 East Main Street
Fruitland, Maryland 21826
Rain or shine!
WHY: While 96 percent of parents and caregivers believe their child safety seats are installed correctly, research shows that seven out of ten children are improperly restrained.
Safe Kids Lower Shore Maryland is part of SAFE KIDS Worldwide, the first and only national nonprofit organization dedicated solely to the prevention of unintentional childhood injury – the number one killer of children ages 14 and under. Three hundred state and local SAFE KIDS coalitions in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico comprise the Campaign. Former U.S. Surgeon General C. Everett Koop, M.D. is chairman of the Campaign.
Spiegel: "It's Time To End The Greek Rescue Farce"
Back in July of 2011, when we first predicted [19]the demise of the second Greek bailout package, even before the details were fully known in "The Fatal Flaw In Europe's Second "Bazooka" Bailout: 82 Million Soon To Be Very Angry Germans, Or How Euro Bailout #2 Could Cost Up To 56% Of German GDP" we asked, "what happens tomorrow when every German (in a population of 82 very efficient million) wakes up to newspaper headlines screaming that their country is now on the hook to 32% of its GDP in order to keep insolvent Greece, with its 50-some year old retirement age, not to mention Ireland, Portugal, and soon Italy and Spain, as part of the Eurozone? What happens when these same 82 million realize that they are on the hook to sacrificing hundreds of years of welfare state entitlements (recall that Otto von Bismark was the original welfare state progentior) just so a few peripheral national can continue to lie about their deficits (the 6 month Greek deficit already is missing Its full year benchmark target by about 20%) and enjoy generous socialist benefits up to an including guaranteed pensions? What happens when an already mortally wounded in the polls Angela Merkel finds herself in the next general election and experiences an epic electoral loss? We will find out very, very shortly." Alas, it has not been all that very "shortly", as once again we underestimated people's stupidity and willingness to pay the piper of a crumbling economic and monetary system. But our prediction is finally starting to come true. Spiegel has just released an article, which encapsulates what well over 50% of Germans think, who say that the time to let Greece loose, has come.
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Romneycare Required Anti-Catholic Regulations Like Obamacare's
Mitt Romney is vociferously attacking a provision in Obamacare requiring religious employers to cover birth control in employee health plans — but the healthcare bill he enacted as governor of Massachusetts also contained that requirement.
C.J. Doyle, executive director of the Catholic Action League of Massachusetts, told the Boston Globe that Romney’s criticism of President Obama is hypocritical because as governor he did not lift the state-level requirement of contraception coverage.
“The initial injury to Catholic religious freedom came not from the Obama administration, but from the Romney administration,” Doyle said.
“President Obama’s plan certainly constitutes an assault on the constitutional rights of Catholics, but I’m not sure Gov. Romney is in a position to assert that, given his own very mixed record on this.”
On a presidential campaign swing in Colorado, Romney told a crowd on Monday night that the Obama administration “said that the churches and institutions they run such as schools and adoptions agencies, hospitals, that they have to provide for their employees free of charge contraceptives, morning after pills, in other words abortive pills, and the like, at no cost.
“Think what that does to people who are in faiths that do not share those views. This is a violation of conscience.”
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C.J. Doyle, executive director of the Catholic Action League of Massachusetts, told the Boston Globe that Romney’s criticism of President Obama is hypocritical because as governor he did not lift the state-level requirement of contraception coverage.
“The initial injury to Catholic religious freedom came not from the Obama administration, but from the Romney administration,” Doyle said.
“President Obama’s plan certainly constitutes an assault on the constitutional rights of Catholics, but I’m not sure Gov. Romney is in a position to assert that, given his own very mixed record on this.”
On a presidential campaign swing in Colorado, Romney told a crowd on Monday night that the Obama administration “said that the churches and institutions they run such as schools and adoptions agencies, hospitals, that they have to provide for their employees free of charge contraceptives, morning after pills, in other words abortive pills, and the like, at no cost.
“Think what that does to people who are in faiths that do not share those views. This is a violation of conscience.”
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Prop 8 Reversal: On To Supreme Court For Gay Marriage?
The ruling Tuesday, Feb. 7, striking down California's ban on gay marriage marks the first time a federal appellate court has squarely rejected a state decision to limit marriage to straight couples.
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Navy SEAL Commander Advised To 'Get The Hell Out Of The Media'
A retired general today assailed the commander of the Navy SEAL raid that killed Osama bin Laden for drawing too much media attention to operations that he argued should be kept under wraps.
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Iran Calls New US Sanctions 'Psychological War'
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) - Iran's foreign ministry has dismissed the new U.S. sanctions on Tehran, saying they are part of a "psychological war" meant to sow discontent among Iranians.
Ramin Mehmanparast, the foreign ministry spokesman, says Iran's central bank has no financial transactions with the United States and would not be affected by the measures.
He told reporters in Tehran on Tuesday that the penalties are just "propaganda."
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Ramin Mehmanparast, the foreign ministry spokesman, says Iran's central bank has no financial transactions with the United States and would not be affected by the measures.
He told reporters in Tehran on Tuesday that the penalties are just "propaganda."
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Aide Charged With Making Child Porn In NYC School
NEW YORK (AP) - A New York City teacher's aide already accused of possessing child pornography was jailed Tuesday after prosecutors brought new allegations that he videotaped himself spanking one naked child and fondling another in a public elementary school classroom.
FBI agents arrested Taleek Brooks, 40, at his Brooklyn apartment on Monday night after an investigation uncovered the videos on a computer seized last month from the home, authorities said.
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FBI agents arrested Taleek Brooks, 40, at his Brooklyn apartment on Monday night after an investigation uncovered the videos on a computer seized last month from the home, authorities said.
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Davidsonville Man Sentenced To Prison In $2.8 Million Mortgage Fraud Scheme
Two co-defendants will be sentenced later this month
A Davidsonville man was sentenced to a year and a day in federal prison Tuesday for wire fraud stemming from a plot to defraud lenders and a title insurance company of $2.8 million, Maryland's U.S. Attorney's Office announced in a statement.
The sentence offers Stephen J. Troese Sr., 72, the opportunity to have time knocked off his sentence for good behavior. Troese, who pleaded guilty in October, has also been given three years of supervised release following his incarceration.
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A Davidsonville man was sentenced to a year and a day in federal prison Tuesday for wire fraud stemming from a plot to defraud lenders and a title insurance company of $2.8 million, Maryland's U.S. Attorney's Office announced in a statement.
The sentence offers Stephen J. Troese Sr., 72, the opportunity to have time knocked off his sentence for good behavior. Troese, who pleaded guilty in October, has also been given three years of supervised release following his incarceration.
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Baltimore Raven And Author Michael Oher Visits Prince Street Friday
Michael Oher, Baltimore Raven and author of "I Beat the Odds," is coming to Prince Street Elementary School on Friday, Feb. 10 to take questions and sign books for students, staff, and the community.
Oher's visit Friday will focus on students during the day, followed by a public event at 7 p.m. for those with tickets. (Free tickets to the evening public event were given out on Feb. 4.) At both times, Oher will make brief comments, respond to questions submitted in advance, and sign paperback copies of his book. At the evening event, copies of the book will be available for $16, cash only. For anyone purchasing five copies of the book, he will sign one piece of memorabilia.
Among those excited about Oher’s visit to Prince Street is Oher himself. On Monday, he taped an interview with Fox News for its “Beyond the Dream” segment that airs on Saturdays. He spoke about what he is doing at Prince Street School and how humbled he is that students are using him as an example to grow and succeed. A Fox News crew will be coming on Friday to tape at the school assembly. Oher’s interview will air in two parts, with one part airing this coming Saturday, and a second part airing later in February with a focus on Black History Month.
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Oher's visit Friday will focus on students during the day, followed by a public event at 7 p.m. for those with tickets. (Free tickets to the evening public event were given out on Feb. 4.) At both times, Oher will make brief comments, respond to questions submitted in advance, and sign paperback copies of his book. At the evening event, copies of the book will be available for $16, cash only. For anyone purchasing five copies of the book, he will sign one piece of memorabilia.
Among those excited about Oher’s visit to Prince Street is Oher himself. On Monday, he taped an interview with Fox News for its “Beyond the Dream” segment that airs on Saturdays. He spoke about what he is doing at Prince Street School and how humbled he is that students are using him as an example to grow and succeed. A Fox News crew will be coming on Friday to tape at the school assembly. Oher’s interview will air in two parts, with one part airing this coming Saturday, and a second part airing later in February with a focus on Black History Month.
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Firefighters Protest Ban On Highway Signs
LITTLE ORLEANS, Md. (AP) — A volunteer fire company in western Maryland says its survival is threatened by a crackdown on illegal signs along state highways.
The Cumberland Times-News reported Monday that the Orleans Volunteer Fire Company in Little Orleans has historically advertised its chicken barbecues by placing temporary signs along Interstate 68.
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The Cumberland Times-News reported Monday that the Orleans Volunteer Fire Company in Little Orleans has historically advertised its chicken barbecues by placing temporary signs along Interstate 68.
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Former Pastor Pleads Guilty To Child Sex Abuse
FREDERICK, Md. -- The former pastor of a Montgomery County church has pleaded guilty in Frederick to second-degree sex offense involving a 10-year-old girl.
Joe Ivey, 74, of Walkersville, entered into the plea deal Tuesday. Frederick County prosecutors dropped charges of second-degree assault and sexual abuse of a minor.
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Joe Ivey, 74, of Walkersville, entered into the plea deal Tuesday. Frederick County prosecutors dropped charges of second-degree assault and sexual abuse of a minor.
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MVA Hopes To Cut Mailings, Save Money With Email
BALTIMORE -- Even if you're driving a gas guzzler, Maryland's Motor Vehicle Administration has a way for you to be a little more green when renewing your vehicle registration.
The MVA said motorists can opt to receive registration renewal notices by email instead of paper mail.
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The MVA said motorists can opt to receive registration renewal notices by email instead of paper mail.
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Why Hasn’t The Report Received Media Coverage?
Why hasn’t the Arab League report received any press, given that it provides a much more reassuring and less apocalyptic picture of what is going on in Syria?
Pepe Escobar reports in the Asia Times:
When the over 160 monitors, after one month of enquiries, issued their report … surprise! The report did not follow the official GCC [i.e Arab League] line – which is that the “evil” Bashar al-Assad government is indiscriminately, and unilaterally, killing its own people, and so regime change is in order.
The Arab League’s Ministerial Committee had approved the report, with four votes in favor (Algeria, Egypt, Sudan and GCC member Oman) and only one against; guess who, Qatar – which is now presiding the Arab League because the emirate bought their (rotating) turn from the Palestinian Authority.
So the report was either ignored (by Western corporate media) or mercilessly destroyed – by Arab media, virtually all of it financed by either the House of Saud or Qatar. It was not even discussed – because it was prevented by the GCC from being translated from Arabic into English and published in the Arab League’s website.
Until it was leaked.
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Pepe Escobar reports in the Asia Times:
When the over 160 monitors, after one month of enquiries, issued their report … surprise! The report did not follow the official GCC [i.e Arab League] line – which is that the “evil” Bashar al-Assad government is indiscriminately, and unilaterally, killing its own people, and so regime change is in order.
The Arab League’s Ministerial Committee had approved the report, with four votes in favor (Algeria, Egypt, Sudan and GCC member Oman) and only one against; guess who, Qatar – which is now presiding the Arab League because the emirate bought their (rotating) turn from the Palestinian Authority.
So the report was either ignored (by Western corporate media) or mercilessly destroyed – by Arab media, virtually all of it financed by either the House of Saud or Qatar. It was not even discussed – because it was prevented by the GCC from being translated from Arabic into English and published in the Arab League’s website.
Until it was leaked.
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Madness: Former Obama Adviser Calls For Hike In Minimum Wage
As if there wasn't enough unemployment in the country, Jared Bernstein, wh was the Chief Economist and Economic Adviser to Vice President Joe Biden, executive director of the White House Task Force on the Middle Class, and a member of President Obama’s economic team, is calling for a hike in the minimum wage from it's current federal level of $7.25 to the $9.00 to $10.00 range.
Here's Milton Friedman on minimum wage laws:
Here's Milton Friedman on minimum wage laws:
Better Living Expo Returns To Wicomico Youth & Civic Center February 24-26
The Better Living Expo & Craft Show, presented by the Optimist Club of Salisbury, will return to the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center on Friday, February 24 through Sunday, February 26, 2012. Spend the day gathering ideas and information while perusing a multitude of booths displaying the newest home and garden innovations. The expo will also include a full room devoted to arts and crafts featuring vendors offering unique home décor.
Show hours are Friday from 4:00pm-8:00pm, Saturday from 10:00am-8:00pm and Sunday from 11:00am-4:00pm. Tickets to the event are $4 and are good for the entire weekend. Children under 12 will be admitted for free. Kids will enjoy jugglers, clowns and animals from the Salisbury Zoo making scheduled appearances during the expo.
Proceeds from the expo are used to support the Optimist Club’s youth-focused local activities.
For more information about the Better Living Expo & Craft Show and the Optimist Club of Salisbury, please visit www.SalisburyOptimist.org.
Show hours are Friday from 4:00pm-8:00pm, Saturday from 10:00am-8:00pm and Sunday from 11:00am-4:00pm. Tickets to the event are $4 and are good for the entire weekend. Children under 12 will be admitted for free. Kids will enjoy jugglers, clowns and animals from the Salisbury Zoo making scheduled appearances during the expo.
Proceeds from the expo are used to support the Optimist Club’s youth-focused local activities.
For more information about the Better Living Expo & Craft Show and the Optimist Club of Salisbury, please visit www.SalisburyOptimist.org.
Santorum Wins Minnesota Caucuses
Rick Santorum projected to win Minnesota GOP presidential caucuses after taking Missouri primary, AP reports.
From Fox News
From Fox News
Colleges Are Selling Bathroom Stall Naming Rights
For decades, names affixed to college bathrooms have adhered to the time-honored tradition of vindictive dudes etching names and numbers of their exes on stall walls. Now the institutions are making the bathroom naming thing part of official fundraising efforts by affixing monikers of donors to the places where some of the deepest thought on campus takes place.
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