DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Monday, February 13, 2012
Federal Unions Plan To March On Capitol Hill
•One of the biggest federal unions plans to march on Capitol Hill this week. The Interior Department is going to redo the "drum major" quote on the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington. The current paraphrased quote — called "misleading" by some — will go down. The full text from King's 1968 sermon in Atlanta will go up. The National Park Service says it is exploring a range of funding options. But it aims to finish the work by next January. It will have to remove some of the granite stone upon which the current text is etched. Agencies leaders met with the King family earlier this month.
Arizona Law SB 1467 Would Make It Illegal To Teach Law, History, Or Literature
Just when you thought the Arizona legislature was out of bad ideas.
SB 1467, newly introduced in the Arizona State Senate, would force schools and universities to suspend, fine, and ultimately fire any teacher or professor who “engage[d] in speech or conduct that would violate the standards adopted by the federal communications commission concerning obscenity, indecency and profanity if that speech or conduct were broadcast on television or radio.”
For the first offense, you’d get a one-week suspension without pay. For the second offense, two weeks. For the third, a pink slip.
More
SB 1467, newly introduced in the Arizona State Senate, would force schools and universities to suspend, fine, and ultimately fire any teacher or professor who “engage[d] in speech or conduct that would violate the standards adopted by the federal communications commission concerning obscenity, indecency and profanity if that speech or conduct were broadcast on television or radio.”
For the first offense, you’d get a one-week suspension without pay. For the second offense, two weeks. For the third, a pink slip.
More
Lieberman: We Know Who Did It
Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman reacted Monday to the explosion in an Israeli diplomat's car in India, and apparently also to a failed attack in Georgia.
"The citizens and the state of Israel are targets of terror. We know who carried out the terror attacks and who is behind the attacks. We will not go back to business as scheduled."
More
"The citizens and the state of Israel are targets of terror. We know who carried out the terror attacks and who is behind the attacks. We will not go back to business as scheduled."
More
Odessa Man Succumbs To Injuries In Crash
Resume:
Smyrna: Peter S. Mein, the operator of a 2010 Toyota Prius that was involved in the motor vehicle crash that occurred on Saturday, February 11, 2012 on US Rt. 13 just north of Smyrna, has died from his injuries. Peter Mein was pronounced dead at the Christiana Hospital yesterday.
This crash remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Crash reconstruction Unit.
Smyrna: Peter S. Mein, the operator of a 2010 Toyota Prius that was involved in the motor vehicle crash that occurred on Saturday, February 11, 2012 on US Rt. 13 just north of Smyrna, has died from his injuries. Peter Mein was pronounced dead at the Christiana Hospital yesterday.
This crash remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Crash reconstruction Unit.
Federal Budget Cuts Trickle Down To Boating Channels
Everyone knows that looming federal budget cuts will have an impact on Maryland, but they are already affecting something as mundane as the boating industry. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will no longer be paying for dredging some of the 60 boating channels it used to maintain.
More
More
Thanks Barack… 3 West Virginia Coal Plants To Close
Before the election in 2008 Barack Obama told the San Francisco Chronicle that he would cripple the coal industry and bankrupt coal plants.
Three West Virginia coal plants just announced they will close this year.
Metro News reported:
Ohio based FirstEnergy Corporation announces it will close three coal fired power plants in West Virginia by this fall. The closings come directly from the impact of new federal EPA regulations.
The plants to close are Albright Power Station, Willow Island Power Station, and the Rivesville Power Station. The company says 105 employees will be directly impacted.
The three plants produce 660 megawatts and about 3-percent of FirstEnergy’s total generation. In recent years, the plants served as “peaking facilities” and generated power during times of peak demand for power.
More
Three West Virginia coal plants just announced they will close this year.
Metro News reported:
Ohio based FirstEnergy Corporation announces it will close three coal fired power plants in West Virginia by this fall. The closings come directly from the impact of new federal EPA regulations.
The plants to close are Albright Power Station, Willow Island Power Station, and the Rivesville Power Station. The company says 105 employees will be directly impacted.
The three plants produce 660 megawatts and about 3-percent of FirstEnergy’s total generation. In recent years, the plants served as “peaking facilities” and generated power during times of peak demand for power.
More
Sheila Jackson Lee Steered More Than $5 Million To Husband’s Employer
Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Tex.) steered more than $5 million in tax dollars to the University of Houston, where her husband is an official.
The Washington Post revealed in an investigative report dubbed “Family Ties” that Jackson ensured her husband’s university was well subsidized.
More
The Washington Post revealed in an investigative report dubbed “Family Ties” that Jackson ensured her husband’s university was well subsidized.
More
Was Maine Stolen From Ron Paul?
The mass media have repeated the official results for the Maine GOP presidential caucuses that former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney narrowly beat Texas Congressman Ron Paul by a 39 percent to 36 percent margin. But the official results are incomplete. And postponement of the results from one of Ron Paul's strongest counties, Washington County, because of a forecasted snowstorm may alone have tipped the balance in Romney's favor.
Ron Paul's campaign confidently predicted victory when the final votes are tallied. "Only 194 votes [statewide] stand between Paul and a first place victory," RonPaul2012 blogger Jack Hunter pointed out in a post after the media declared Romney the winner. "Washington County is a stronghold for Paul and has yet to report. It might be a week before we know the final outcome there and Washington County is expected to yield 200 votes or more." Former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum placed third with 18 percent of the vote in the official Maine caucus, while former House Speaker Newt Gingrich placed fourth with six percent of the vote.
More
Ron Paul's campaign confidently predicted victory when the final votes are tallied. "Only 194 votes [statewide] stand between Paul and a first place victory," RonPaul2012 blogger Jack Hunter pointed out in a post after the media declared Romney the winner. "Washington County is a stronghold for Paul and has yet to report. It might be a week before we know the final outcome there and Washington County is expected to yield 200 votes or more." Former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum placed third with 18 percent of the vote in the official Maine caucus, while former House Speaker Newt Gingrich placed fourth with six percent of the vote.
More
GOP Senators Push For Keystone Vote
Senate Republicans want to add an amendment to the highway bill that would mandate construction of the Keystone XL pipeline.
GOP lawmakers backing the controlversial oil pipeline plan to file an amendment mandating the project to the Senate transportation package Monday. It is unclear whether the Keystone measure—one of scores of proposed additions to the highway package—will come up for a vote.
The Senate last week began debate on the big transportation programs funding bill.
The move underlines the GOP's determination to promote the pipeline and attack the Obama administration for rejecting a permit for developer TransCanada Corp. in January. Republicans in both chambers along with the GOP candidates for president have consistently bashed President Obama for his decision to reject the pipeline, which they argue will cost the country jobs.
Keystone XL would bring oil from Alberta’s massive tar sands projects to Gulf Coast refineries. It’s also envisioned to carry oil from the Bakken formation in North Dakota and Montana, where production is booming.
Pipeline backers – including most Republicans, some Democrats, major business groups and several unions – call the project a way to create jobs and boost energy security.
More here
GOP lawmakers backing the controlversial oil pipeline plan to file an amendment mandating the project to the Senate transportation package Monday. It is unclear whether the Keystone measure—one of scores of proposed additions to the highway package—will come up for a vote.
The Senate last week began debate on the big transportation programs funding bill.
The move underlines the GOP's determination to promote the pipeline and attack the Obama administration for rejecting a permit for developer TransCanada Corp. in January. Republicans in both chambers along with the GOP candidates for president have consistently bashed President Obama for his decision to reject the pipeline, which they argue will cost the country jobs.
Keystone XL would bring oil from Alberta’s massive tar sands projects to Gulf Coast refineries. It’s also envisioned to carry oil from the Bakken formation in North Dakota and Montana, where production is booming.
Pipeline backers – including most Republicans, some Democrats, major business groups and several unions – call the project a way to create jobs and boost energy security.
More here
When Earmarks Trump Ethics
THE EXISTENCE — and, until recently, the rapid proliferation — of congressional earmarks presents a quandary. Lawmakers have a legitimate interest in securing funding for their districts. The Constitution grants Congress the power of the purse, and earmarks reflect the exercise of that authority. On the other hand, the explosion of earmarked spending threatens to elevate political clout over the merits of a project. The existence of earmarks may not increase overall spending, but they may send limited dollars to where they’re not most needed. When bridges are crumbling, the country cannot afford bridges to nowhere.
That background is helpful in assessing the significance of the latest installment of The Post’s series “Capitol Assets.” Reporters Scott Higham, Kimberly Kindy and David S. Fallis scoured disclosure reports and public records and found 33 lawmakers who had steered more than $300 million in earmarks or other spending to projects located within two miles of properties they own. Equally, if not more troubling, the investigation identified 16 lawmakers who have taken actions benefiting entities connected to their immediate families. The importance of these findings is not necessarily that they demonstrate out-and-out corruption as that they illustrate the inevitable ethical questions intertwined with congressional earmarking.
More
That background is helpful in assessing the significance of the latest installment of The Post’s series “Capitol Assets.” Reporters Scott Higham, Kimberly Kindy and David S. Fallis scoured disclosure reports and public records and found 33 lawmakers who had steered more than $300 million in earmarks or other spending to projects located within two miles of properties they own. Equally, if not more troubling, the investigation identified 16 lawmakers who have taken actions benefiting entities connected to their immediate families. The importance of these findings is not necessarily that they demonstrate out-and-out corruption as that they illustrate the inevitable ethical questions intertwined with congressional earmarking.
More
Romney CPAC Straw Poll Victory Rigged?
Rick Santorum suggested on Sunday that Mitt Romney's campaign may have rigged a straw poll of conservative activists by paying the entrance fee for supporters.
Romney beat Santorum by 7 points Saturday in a straw poll of almost 3,500 attendees at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC). Santorum pointed out that Ron Paul had won the poll in both of the past two years "because he just trucks in a lot of people pays for their ticket, they come in and vote and then leave."
"I don't try to rig straw polls," Santorum said on CNN's State of the Union.
Paul actually came in last on Saturday, having declined to address the conference or to activate his base for the straw poll. But Santorum said that wasn't the case with Romney.
"You have to talk to the Romney campaign and how many tickets they bought," Santorum said. "We've heard all sorts of things."
More
Romney beat Santorum by 7 points Saturday in a straw poll of almost 3,500 attendees at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC). Santorum pointed out that Ron Paul had won the poll in both of the past two years "because he just trucks in a lot of people pays for their ticket, they come in and vote and then leave."
"I don't try to rig straw polls," Santorum said on CNN's State of the Union.
Paul actually came in last on Saturday, having declined to address the conference or to activate his base for the straw poll. But Santorum said that wasn't the case with Romney.
"You have to talk to the Romney campaign and how many tickets they bought," Santorum said. "We've heard all sorts of things."
More
Do You Know What Heterogeneous Classrooms Are?
Well, if you don't, you better get familiar with it as in NOW.
Last year Mr. Fredericksen changed to this program in K through 2nd grade. What this means is that your child will now have ONE Teacher the whole day. What it also means is that instead of advanced students learning at a higher level you now have 7 students who are high achievers, 7 middle achievers and 7 low achievers in one classroom, one Teacher.
The word on the street today is that Fredericksen is proposing to do the same thing from K to 5th grade.
If you are a Parent with children in those grades, you need to go to tomorrow's meeting and address the Board with your concerns. This information comes from a very reliable source, so don't let them fool you.
More than likely they will come back and say they are not completely familiar with such a thing but you mark my words, something is up.
Last year Mr. Fredericksen changed to this program in K through 2nd grade. What this means is that your child will now have ONE Teacher the whole day. What it also means is that instead of advanced students learning at a higher level you now have 7 students who are high achievers, 7 middle achievers and 7 low achievers in one classroom, one Teacher.
The word on the street today is that Fredericksen is proposing to do the same thing from K to 5th grade.
If you are a Parent with children in those grades, you need to go to tomorrow's meeting and address the Board with your concerns. This information comes from a very reliable source, so don't let them fool you.
More than likely they will come back and say they are not completely familiar with such a thing but you mark my words, something is up.
New Posts to fall below.
Sarah Palin On HBO Palin Movie: I’ve Created More Impersonators Than Obama’s Created Jobs
Sarah Palin was asked for her reaction to the HBO shlockumentary on her life today on FOX News Sunday. Sarah responded after viewing the clip that she’s created more Palin impersonators than Barack Obama has created jobs.
“I think we’re going to call that the Sarah Palin Employment Act. And, you guys need to thank me for employing more people probably in their imitations of Sarah Palin than the president has put Americans to work… It is a stimulus act, yes.”
It’s a stimulus act.
More
“I think we’re going to call that the Sarah Palin Employment Act. And, you guys need to thank me for employing more people probably in their imitations of Sarah Palin than the president has put Americans to work… It is a stimulus act, yes.”
It’s a stimulus act.
More
Why Rick Santorum Connects With The Heartland
Rick Santorum not only possesses an extremely admirable track record as a conservative powerhouse during his sixteen years in the Congress and Senate, he has made the best and most consistent case for conservatism during this campaign season.
Even before the final results had been determined in Missouri, Minnesota, and Colorado, the liberal media cabal was in high gear incessantly reminding America that the decisive wins by Rick Santorum were not legally binding. Thus, his incredibly strong showing did not officially guarantee a windfall of delegates for him at the Republican National Convention. Of course only a few weeks back these same people were falling all over themselves, trumpeting the significance of Mitt Romney’s “win” in the Iowa caucuses, which likewise did not accrue delegates to any candidate. Even more significantly, they all went completely silent regarding Iowa once the actual count revealed that Romney in fact did not win, but was edged back to second place, behind Santorum.
Admittedly, media hypocrisy is nothing new, though it may have sunk to new depths during the course of the 2012 Republican primary contest. The same network mouthpieces who could never be bothered to notice the incessant lewdness of the Clinton White House were relentless in their efforts to defame Herman Cain and Newt Gingrich over every alleged impropriety. In essence, any Republican who dared to challenge Romney could expect a backlash on several fronts, including from Romney himself, along with his “Super PAC” surrogates, and predictably abetted by those objective and impartial experts on the nightly news.
More
Even before the final results had been determined in Missouri, Minnesota, and Colorado, the liberal media cabal was in high gear incessantly reminding America that the decisive wins by Rick Santorum were not legally binding. Thus, his incredibly strong showing did not officially guarantee a windfall of delegates for him at the Republican National Convention. Of course only a few weeks back these same people were falling all over themselves, trumpeting the significance of Mitt Romney’s “win” in the Iowa caucuses, which likewise did not accrue delegates to any candidate. Even more significantly, they all went completely silent regarding Iowa once the actual count revealed that Romney in fact did not win, but was edged back to second place, behind Santorum.
Admittedly, media hypocrisy is nothing new, though it may have sunk to new depths during the course of the 2012 Republican primary contest. The same network mouthpieces who could never be bothered to notice the incessant lewdness of the Clinton White House were relentless in their efforts to defame Herman Cain and Newt Gingrich over every alleged impropriety. In essence, any Republican who dared to challenge Romney could expect a backlash on several fronts, including from Romney himself, along with his “Super PAC” surrogates, and predictably abetted by those objective and impartial experts on the nightly news.
More
Blowing Away The Windmill Lies
The residents of rural Meredith, New York, are worried about global warming, dependence on foreign oil, and fossil-fuel pollution. So when a windmill company came to town and started offering cash-strapped residents checks in exchange for installing on their land wind turbines that would feed clean, renewable energy into the grid, the people were more than willing to listen. “We were helping the world,” says one resident. But when the townsfolk of this economically dozy area started to do a little research into this poster child for the new economy, they became worried, then horrified. The new documentary Windfall is about what they learned.
Windfall is that rare documentary that casts a skeptical gaze on claims made by the left, though in this case the environmental lobby’s interests line up neatly with those of the Wall Street investment banks that bankroll this supposed miracle cure to our alleged greenhouse-gas problem.
It turns out that the wind turbines are 400 feet tall — the height of a good-sized Manhattan skyscraper placed incongruously in the sprawling countryside. A single blade weighs seven tons. The diameter of the cement base of the windmills can be 250 feet. Once erected, they spoil the natural beauty of the nearby mountains, they cast giant shadows, they throw off dangerous quantities of ice. People living under them complain of health problems, difficulty sleeping, and strange pressure in their ears, and the low, intense thudding noises of the turbines are compared to the effect of living next door to a disco that never closes, or being under a plane that never lands. Another citizen says that living near a windmill is like having “your vacuum cleaner running beside your bed all night.”
More
Windfall is that rare documentary that casts a skeptical gaze on claims made by the left, though in this case the environmental lobby’s interests line up neatly with those of the Wall Street investment banks that bankroll this supposed miracle cure to our alleged greenhouse-gas problem.
It turns out that the wind turbines are 400 feet tall — the height of a good-sized Manhattan skyscraper placed incongruously in the sprawling countryside. A single blade weighs seven tons. The diameter of the cement base of the windmills can be 250 feet. Once erected, they spoil the natural beauty of the nearby mountains, they cast giant shadows, they throw off dangerous quantities of ice. People living under them complain of health problems, difficulty sleeping, and strange pressure in their ears, and the low, intense thudding noises of the turbines are compared to the effect of living next door to a disco that never closes, or being under a plane that never lands. Another citizen says that living near a windmill is like having “your vacuum cleaner running beside your bed all night.”
More
To Make Women Safe, We Treat Them Like Children
The domestic-violence case against San Francisco Sheriff Ross Mirkarimi did not start with a call from wife Eliana Lopez or neighbors who heard a fight getting out of control at the family's home on New Year's Eve. It started with a Jan. 4 phone call to police from a friend and neighbor, Ivory Madison, whom Lopez had visited on New Year's Day. According to a police affidavit, Madison videotaped Lopez crying and showing a bruise on her upper right arm, caused, Lopez said, by her husband's grabbing her.
Last month, District Attorney George Gascon filed misdemeanor charges against Mirkarimi for domestic violence battery of his wife, child endangerment and dissuading a witness, his wife. At the time, I questioned whether San Francisco wants to throw the full weight of the law to prosecute a man accused of bruising his wife's arm.
I appreciate that Gascon is in a difficult position. Bay Area Legal Aid staff attorney Minouche Kandel noted that Mirkarimi is the "chief law enforcement officer of the sheriff's office" and that he carries a gun. (Actually, the sheriff surrendered his gun when he was charged.) Kandel believes that the DA has an obligation to make sure that "a person in a position of authority with a gun is not abusing that power in their home." Besides, if Gascon did not file charges, there would have been an uproar.
More
Last month, District Attorney George Gascon filed misdemeanor charges against Mirkarimi for domestic violence battery of his wife, child endangerment and dissuading a witness, his wife. At the time, I questioned whether San Francisco wants to throw the full weight of the law to prosecute a man accused of bruising his wife's arm.
I appreciate that Gascon is in a difficult position. Bay Area Legal Aid staff attorney Minouche Kandel noted that Mirkarimi is the "chief law enforcement officer of the sheriff's office" and that he carries a gun. (Actually, the sheriff surrendered his gun when he was charged.) Kandel believes that the DA has an obligation to make sure that "a person in a position of authority with a gun is not abusing that power in their home." Besides, if Gascon did not file charges, there would have been an uproar.
More
Obama Campaign Launches ‘Truth Teams’
The Obama campaign is today beginning a new effort to enlist and educate at least 2 million supporters for a “grassroots communications team” they’re calling the Truth Team.
“The goal is to ensure that when Republicans attack President Obama’s record, grassroots supporters can take ownership of the campaign and share the facts with the undecided voters in their lives,” the campaign said in a statement.
The teams will be first launched in 13 “swing states,” including Iowa, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Minnesota, Nevada, Ohio and Virginia.
More
“The goal is to ensure that when Republicans attack President Obama’s record, grassroots supporters can take ownership of the campaign and share the facts with the undecided voters in their lives,” the campaign said in a statement.
The teams will be first launched in 13 “swing states,” including Iowa, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Minnesota, Nevada, Ohio and Virginia.
More
Ron Paul Has Something Big Up His Sleeve
Rachel Maddow is the first person among the mainstream media tv types to stumble upon the fact that Ron Paul is doing extremely well in these caucus states, and may very well have won them all or at least the majority of delegates so far via the delegate process. In this clip she basically figures it out, while Doug Wead comes on to confirm her suspicions.
I think this is a wonderful clip to show to most people because of how complex the strategy and concepts actually are. It should also bolster the spirits of the RP supporters to let them know he is going to have a lot of power at the upcoming convention.
More
I think this is a wonderful clip to show to most people because of how complex the strategy and concepts actually are. It should also bolster the spirits of the RP supporters to let them know he is going to have a lot of power at the upcoming convention.
More
How To Win This One In November
Seeing that it looks like Mitt Romney may well win the Republican nomination – though it's too early to be sure about that – it has been a concern of freedom loving Americans whether the nod given to human individual liberty by the Tea Party back in 2010 will have staying power. When the Republicans began their primaries it looked like one or another of the champions of serious liberty, such as former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson or Texas Representative Ron Paul, could either make it or at least have an influence on who will. This last is still a possibility but not very likely now.
With Gingrich injecting the influence of the Beltway Republican insiders into the race and with Mitt Romney derailing any progress toward a consistent political philosophy of liberty among Republicans, prospects for repeating, let alone enhancing, the central trends represented by the Tea Party – which itself has never been fully focused on true liberty – are waning. And that is very disturbing because it looks more and more like Barack Obama has no interest whatever in individual rights, in a bona fide free society and market, or even in civil liberties. What he is after is a populist reformation of the American polity, one that will usher in democratic socialism, with its confusing "market" socialism added.
This is the politics of soft Marxism; which is to say it aims to establish a legal order that's basically collectivist, communitarian to the core. The idea is that all Americans should be treated as one huge team lead by Obama or some similar minded politician and his or her cronies, with all property (including human labor) treated as public or social, with the serious implementation of the major step Marx and Engels identified on the road to socialism, namely, the abolition of the right to private property. The modern explication of this idea was laid out by NYU professors Liam Murphy and Thomas Nagel in their book The Myth of Ownership (Oxford 2002). It is an unabashed attack on the principles of free market economics and individualism (i.e., on a system of law based on Lockean individual rights).
More
With Gingrich injecting the influence of the Beltway Republican insiders into the race and with Mitt Romney derailing any progress toward a consistent political philosophy of liberty among Republicans, prospects for repeating, let alone enhancing, the central trends represented by the Tea Party – which itself has never been fully focused on true liberty – are waning. And that is very disturbing because it looks more and more like Barack Obama has no interest whatever in individual rights, in a bona fide free society and market, or even in civil liberties. What he is after is a populist reformation of the American polity, one that will usher in democratic socialism, with its confusing "market" socialism added.
This is the politics of soft Marxism; which is to say it aims to establish a legal order that's basically collectivist, communitarian to the core. The idea is that all Americans should be treated as one huge team lead by Obama or some similar minded politician and his or her cronies, with all property (including human labor) treated as public or social, with the serious implementation of the major step Marx and Engels identified on the road to socialism, namely, the abolition of the right to private property. The modern explication of this idea was laid out by NYU professors Liam Murphy and Thomas Nagel in their book The Myth of Ownership (Oxford 2002). It is an unabashed attack on the principles of free market economics and individualism (i.e., on a system of law based on Lockean individual rights).
More
Coventry Insurance YOU SUCK
Joe,
For the last 2 years my husband has been significantly suffering with pain in his knee. He used to be a Paratrooper in the Army for 8 years. It finally got to the point that he had to have total knee replacement. So last Tuesday he was admitted to the hospital and had knee replacement surgery. He was discharged from the hospital on Friday and was given a prescription of Percocet to help with the pain.
On Saturday a physical therapist came to our home and evaluated my husband. He had a fever, elevated blood pressure, swelling and pain in the entire leg and red streaks in his thigh area. So she contacted the orthopedic physician and we went to the emergency room Saturday night to rule out blood clots and infection. Thank God it wasn't a blood clot. They did start him on antibiotics and we were told to follow-up with the doctor on Monday.
So this afternoon we went into the doctor. The doctor decided that he had an excessive amount of fluid in the knee area and that he needed to drain fluid off of his knee. When we were finished he decided to give him a prescription for oxycontin extended release to help with pain. So we went to the Rite Aid in Berlin to get the script filled. They didn't have the medication so they called and found out that the Ocean Pines Rite Aid had the medication that he needed. Now comes the fun part. Rite Aid couldn't fill the prescription because the Coventry Insurance said it had to be pre-authorized by his doctor. Of course we find all this out after 5:00 p.m. so the doctor's office is now closed.
So I went outside to the car where my poor husband was waiting for me. I got the number out for Coventry and called. They said it usually takes 2 to 3 business days to get the authorization. WHAT? Since you already had to preapprove the freaking surgery who the hell do you think you are refusing to fill a prescription that the orthopedic doctor wrote in his office?? Yes it is a narcotic pain medication and it's not like we are asking for 3,000,000 of them. The script is for a total of 30 pills to get him through until some of the swelling, redness and pain subsides. We pay your stupid a$$es lots of money for your crappy insurance and this is how you treat someone who is suffering so much? How about this, why don't you come to my house tonight around 2:00 a.m. and watch my husband suffer and in tears because he is hurting so bad.
We have been in touch with the physician's office answering service. The on-call doctor is working to get this medication approved tonight so hopefully my husband can finally get some rest. You can't heal if you can't sleep. I have no complaints with the hospital, the doctors, the nurses, the techs and the physical therapists that have all taken care of him. Our experiences with all of them has been wonderful. I'm grateful for everything they did, have done and are trying to do to get my husband back to life.
COVENTRY, HOW DARE YOU TREAT MY HUSBAND IN THIS MANNER!! He gave up 8 years of his life defending our country and fighting for our freedom so that you can sit on your asses at your desks and make decisions for the doctors. Somehow you seem to forget the doctor is the one who is responsible for THEIR PATIENTS. What the hell is wrong with you? Since when did you go to medical school and have M.D. after your name??
You can rest assured that I will be filing an insurance complaint with the Maryland Insurance Administration and will be telling this story over and over again to whoever will listen. I wanted to start with you first Joe because I know that your blog is read by so many. It's time we all stand up and say enough is enough to these insurance companies. There has to be something that can be done so that this doesn't continue to happen. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.
For the last 2 years my husband has been significantly suffering with pain in his knee. He used to be a Paratrooper in the Army for 8 years. It finally got to the point that he had to have total knee replacement. So last Tuesday he was admitted to the hospital and had knee replacement surgery. He was discharged from the hospital on Friday and was given a prescription of Percocet to help with the pain.
On Saturday a physical therapist came to our home and evaluated my husband. He had a fever, elevated blood pressure, swelling and pain in the entire leg and red streaks in his thigh area. So she contacted the orthopedic physician and we went to the emergency room Saturday night to rule out blood clots and infection. Thank God it wasn't a blood clot. They did start him on antibiotics and we were told to follow-up with the doctor on Monday.
So this afternoon we went into the doctor. The doctor decided that he had an excessive amount of fluid in the knee area and that he needed to drain fluid off of his knee. When we were finished he decided to give him a prescription for oxycontin extended release to help with pain. So we went to the Rite Aid in Berlin to get the script filled. They didn't have the medication so they called and found out that the Ocean Pines Rite Aid had the medication that he needed. Now comes the fun part. Rite Aid couldn't fill the prescription because the Coventry Insurance said it had to be pre-authorized by his doctor. Of course we find all this out after 5:00 p.m. so the doctor's office is now closed.
So I went outside to the car where my poor husband was waiting for me. I got the number out for Coventry and called. They said it usually takes 2 to 3 business days to get the authorization. WHAT? Since you already had to preapprove the freaking surgery who the hell do you think you are refusing to fill a prescription that the orthopedic doctor wrote in his office?? Yes it is a narcotic pain medication and it's not like we are asking for 3,000,000 of them. The script is for a total of 30 pills to get him through until some of the swelling, redness and pain subsides. We pay your stupid a$$es lots of money for your crappy insurance and this is how you treat someone who is suffering so much? How about this, why don't you come to my house tonight around 2:00 a.m. and watch my husband suffer and in tears because he is hurting so bad.
We have been in touch with the physician's office answering service. The on-call doctor is working to get this medication approved tonight so hopefully my husband can finally get some rest. You can't heal if you can't sleep. I have no complaints with the hospital, the doctors, the nurses, the techs and the physical therapists that have all taken care of him. Our experiences with all of them has been wonderful. I'm grateful for everything they did, have done and are trying to do to get my husband back to life.
COVENTRY, HOW DARE YOU TREAT MY HUSBAND IN THIS MANNER!! He gave up 8 years of his life defending our country and fighting for our freedom so that you can sit on your asses at your desks and make decisions for the doctors. Somehow you seem to forget the doctor is the one who is responsible for THEIR PATIENTS. What the hell is wrong with you? Since when did you go to medical school and have M.D. after your name??
You can rest assured that I will be filing an insurance complaint with the Maryland Insurance Administration and will be telling this story over and over again to whoever will listen. I wanted to start with you first Joe because I know that your blog is read by so many. It's time we all stand up and say enough is enough to these insurance companies. There has to be something that can be done so that this doesn't continue to happen. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.
The DHS Defends Globalism, Not America
The Department Of Homeland Security is the very epitome of unnecessary bureaucracy. Its formation was predicated on the existence of terrorist threats, many of which the U.S. government and orbiting alphabet agencies either created through acts of war, or fabricated out of thin air. Its policies of centralization were sold to the public as necessary to prevent systemic “miscommunications” that never actually took place. Throughout our history, it has been a rare occasion indeed when an attack falls upon American infrastructure or interests that was not influenced, directly or indirectly, by the actions of agencies which were supposedly employed to prevent such events from ever occurring. Whether through ‘blowback’, or through ‘false flag’, frankly, most of the harm that comes to our nation is perpetrated by the guiding hand of our inexorably corrupt government.
Knowing that the DHS was established on false pretenses forces us to question the agency’s true intentions, especially when a professional fear-monger like Secretary Janet Napolitano announces that the globalization of the world economy falls within her jurisdiction:
http://blogs.reuters.com/great-debate/2012/01/27/the-urgent-need-to-protect-the-global-supply-chain/
More
Knowing that the DHS was established on false pretenses forces us to question the agency’s true intentions, especially when a professional fear-monger like Secretary Janet Napolitano announces that the globalization of the world economy falls within her jurisdiction:
http://blogs.reuters.com/great-debate/2012/01/27/the-urgent-need-to-protect-the-global-supply-chain/
More
Nasty, Disgusting Duo Remain In Jail
The Town of Delmar, Maryland residents can sleep in peace tonight knowing the McGuire's remain locked up in the Wicomico County Detention Center with very little hope of getting out.Its pretty obvious they are not going to raise the $500,000.00 necessary to get out. Many wondered if John Robinson or Jonathan Taylor would find a way to pony up the cash to bail their buddy out of Jail but it appears even they are too afraid of a flight risk.
On the other hand, food stamps and advanced disability checks can only go so far. There's always a cake with a file in it.
The $13,000 Adoption Tax Credit Is Back!
NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- An adoption tax credit that brought huge refunds to many unsuspecting families last year is back.
Taxpayers can claim up to $13,360 for each child they have adopted in the past six years on their 2011 tax returns this year -- an increase of $190 from last year.
More
Taxpayers can claim up to $13,360 for each child they have adopted in the past six years on their 2011 tax returns this year -- an increase of $190 from last year.
More
Hotel Gripes From A Frequent Flyer
Everyone loves to gripe about air travel. But what about hotels?
On a recent trip around the world (New York-Frankfurt-Singapore-Tokyo-LA-New York) I stayed in six different hotels of various quality, and while my flights were perfect (thanks Singapore Airlines and United) the hotel stays were not always.
To their credit, you’re much more likely to get a gripe resolved at a hotel than you would with an airline. Usually a word or two with the front desk and they’ll take money off your bill or even eliminate that night’s room charge, and I’m not shy about marching down to the front desk to get satisfaction, such as when a wake up call didn’t arrive one morning, or a hoard of raucous teenagers kept me up all night by racing past my door. Here’s what I found to carp about:
More
On a recent trip around the world (New York-Frankfurt-Singapore-Tokyo-LA-New York) I stayed in six different hotels of various quality, and while my flights were perfect (thanks Singapore Airlines and United) the hotel stays were not always.
To their credit, you’re much more likely to get a gripe resolved at a hotel than you would with an airline. Usually a word or two with the front desk and they’ll take money off your bill or even eliminate that night’s room charge, and I’m not shy about marching down to the front desk to get satisfaction, such as when a wake up call didn’t arrive one morning, or a hoard of raucous teenagers kept me up all night by racing past my door. Here’s what I found to carp about:
More
States Considering Bills That Would Make Kids Repeat Third Grade For Failing Reading Tests
DENVER – Lawmakers in at least four US states are considering legislation that would make students repeat third grade if they can't pass state reading exams, reviving debates about whether retaining students boosts achievement or increases their odds of dropping out.
A bipartisan group of lawmakers in Colorado introduced legislation early this month that would prod schools to hold back children in kindergarten through third grade who don't meet state reading standards. In the early grades, parents could insist the child be promoted, but at third grade, the school district would have the ultimate say.
More
A bipartisan group of lawmakers in Colorado introduced legislation early this month that would prod schools to hold back children in kindergarten through third grade who don't meet state reading standards. In the early grades, parents could insist the child be promoted, but at third grade, the school district would have the ultimate say.
More
Cake For Breakfast? Study Says Go For It
Good news for the kid in you: Not only can you eat cake for breakfast, doing so may actually help you keep weight off, a new study suggests.
In the study, obese participants who ate a breakfast high in protein and carbohydrates that included a dessert were better able to stick to their diet and keep the pounds off longer than participants who ate a low-carb, low-calorie breakfast that did not include sweets.
The findings suggest that both meal timing and meal composition play a role in weight loss. Carbs and protein eaten at breakfast may keep us full throughout the day, plus allowing ourselves some sweets helps to stem cravings for these foods, said study researcher Dr. Daniela Jakubowicz, of Tel Aviv University in Israel.
More
In the study, obese participants who ate a breakfast high in protein and carbohydrates that included a dessert were better able to stick to their diet and keep the pounds off longer than participants who ate a low-carb, low-calorie breakfast that did not include sweets.
The findings suggest that both meal timing and meal composition play a role in weight loss. Carbs and protein eaten at breakfast may keep us full throughout the day, plus allowing ourselves some sweets helps to stem cravings for these foods, said study researcher Dr. Daniela Jakubowicz, of Tel Aviv University in Israel.
More
Price Of Gas Up Nearly 12 Cents In Last 3 Weeks
To head yet higher as rising crude costs not completely passed along, observer says
The average price for a gallon of gasoline in the United States rose nearly 12 cents in the past three weeks to about $3.51, due in part to higher prices for North Sea crude oil, according to the nationwide Lundberg Survey.
The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline rose 11.57 cents to $3.5101 as of February 10, the survey of about 2,500 gasoline stations in the continental United States found.
That was a greater change than the 3.5-cent rise in the previous survey, which covered the two weeks that ended January 20.
Survey editor Trilby Lundberg told Reuters that the higher prices came as the price for North Sea Brent crude rose more than $7 per barrel. Brent prices are more volatile and sensitive to changes in the Middle East than is U.S. crude.
One barrel holds 42 gallons.
More
The average price for a gallon of gasoline in the United States rose nearly 12 cents in the past three weeks to about $3.51, due in part to higher prices for North Sea crude oil, according to the nationwide Lundberg Survey.
The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline rose 11.57 cents to $3.5101 as of February 10, the survey of about 2,500 gasoline stations in the continental United States found.
That was a greater change than the 3.5-cent rise in the previous survey, which covered the two weeks that ended January 20.
Survey editor Trilby Lundberg told Reuters that the higher prices came as the price for North Sea Brent crude rose more than $7 per barrel. Brent prices are more volatile and sensitive to changes in the Middle East than is U.S. crude.
One barrel holds 42 gallons.
More
Today's Survey Question 2-13-12
Do you believe the Wicomico County Board of Education Meetings
should be held on PAC14?
Uncle Sam Leads The Pack In Job Cutting
Staff reductions. Job cuts. Layoffs. Right-sizing. Restructuring.
Euphemisms for firing workers have become painfully commonplace in recent years, as all sorts of employers have eliminated jobs to deal with the recession and weak economic recovery.
Plenty of big companies have led the way with massive layoffs, but the organization that has announced the largest reductions over the past five years may surprise you. It’s Uncle Sam.
Msnbc.com asked outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas to compile a list of the employers that have publicly announced the most job cuts from the beginning of 2007 through the end of 2011. Challenger relies on public announcements and news reports to compile its data and checks those against government-mandated layoff notices when available.
More
Euphemisms for firing workers have become painfully commonplace in recent years, as all sorts of employers have eliminated jobs to deal with the recession and weak economic recovery.
Plenty of big companies have led the way with massive layoffs, but the organization that has announced the largest reductions over the past five years may surprise you. It’s Uncle Sam.
Msnbc.com asked outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas to compile a list of the employers that have publicly announced the most job cuts from the beginning of 2007 through the end of 2011. Challenger relies on public announcements and news reports to compile its data and checks those against government-mandated layoff notices when available.
More
Witness Error: How Mind Tricks Can Put The Innocent Behind Bars
Dorothy Canady said she would never forget the man who shot a retired New York City police officer, but at trial she identified Juror No. 6 as the assailant. Another witness to the crime said the attacker was a black man with braids, yet he picked an Hispanic man with short hair out of a photo lineup.
Though the jury laughed when Canady fingered one of their own, and despite other discrepancies among the accounts of other witnesses to the fatal shooting in a Harlem numbers parlor in 1998, Jon-Adrian Velazquez was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. Today, he is fighting to clear his name from a cell in New York’s infamous “Sing Sing.”
“The eyewitness misidentification is the central and critical reason for his wrongful conviction,” said Velazquez’s attorney Robert Gottlieb, formerly an assistant district attorney in Manhattan. “There is no other evidence in this case that could possibly be the basis for a guilty verdict other than the eyewitness identifications that were false. Unfortunately this story is not … so unique.”
More
Publishers Notes: I watched this show last night and was amazed of how this innocent man is behind bars on such bs evidence. The worst part was the ending of the show as it gave no conclusion. My biggest problem is, those people who cannot afford a quality lawyer to defend them. Now I'm NOT suggesting that ALL do not get good lawyers because quite frankly Thomas Leggs had some of the best attorneys money can buy. It's just unfortunate that a white man can get three law firms to defend him but in this case a black man was not afforded the same kind of representation and is still sitting in jail today. Even the District Attorney stated, 12 jurors convicted him and the odds of his going free is an uphill battle and probably won't get overturned.
Though the jury laughed when Canady fingered one of their own, and despite other discrepancies among the accounts of other witnesses to the fatal shooting in a Harlem numbers parlor in 1998, Jon-Adrian Velazquez was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. Today, he is fighting to clear his name from a cell in New York’s infamous “Sing Sing.”
“The eyewitness misidentification is the central and critical reason for his wrongful conviction,” said Velazquez’s attorney Robert Gottlieb, formerly an assistant district attorney in Manhattan. “There is no other evidence in this case that could possibly be the basis for a guilty verdict other than the eyewitness identifications that were false. Unfortunately this story is not … so unique.”
More
Publishers Notes: I watched this show last night and was amazed of how this innocent man is behind bars on such bs evidence. The worst part was the ending of the show as it gave no conclusion. My biggest problem is, those people who cannot afford a quality lawyer to defend them. Now I'm NOT suggesting that ALL do not get good lawyers because quite frankly Thomas Leggs had some of the best attorneys money can buy. It's just unfortunate that a white man can get three law firms to defend him but in this case a black man was not afforded the same kind of representation and is still sitting in jail today. Even the District Attorney stated, 12 jurors convicted him and the odds of his going free is an uphill battle and probably won't get overturned.
Why Millions Won’t Get Help From Big Mortgage Settlement
Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae's opposition to principal reductions on mortgages means about half of homeowners in the U.S. couldn't qualify for the most significant help from banks' settlement today with states.
The Obama administration is billing today's $25 billion agreement [1] between most states and five banks that engaged in flawed or deceptive practices as a big win [2] for struggling homeowners.
Most of the money in the settlement isn't a penalty, or a fine levied on the banks. Instead, the biggest slice of the settlement will be money banks put toward principal reduction [3] -- reducing the amount owed by struggling or underwater borrowers [4]. (Banks will also put smaller amounts toward refinancing and other ways of helping people get back in control of spiraling debt.)
More
The Obama administration is billing today's $25 billion agreement [1] between most states and five banks that engaged in flawed or deceptive practices as a big win [2] for struggling homeowners.
Most of the money in the settlement isn't a penalty, or a fine levied on the banks. Instead, the biggest slice of the settlement will be money banks put toward principal reduction [3] -- reducing the amount owed by struggling or underwater borrowers [4]. (Banks will also put smaller amounts toward refinancing and other ways of helping people get back in control of spiraling debt.)
More
Questions To Ask Before You Sell Stuff On Consignment
If you've got some stuff that you think is too valuable to give away but don't want to go through the effort of a garage sale or selling it online, consignment is a route worth considering. By giving a cut of your sales to a retailer who stocks and sells your items, you can make money off your inventory with little effort.
More
More
Bus Accident On College Ave
We've been told there's been a bus accident on College Ave right in front of Bennett.
Help! My Employer Folded And Now I Can't Get A W-2
As you might have noticed, a number of companies have shut their doors over the last few years. Making matters worse for the former employees of some of those businesses is that they still have to file their tax returns — but no one wants to give them a W-2.
More
More
Guarantee She'll Run Away Screaming By Asking Her To Marry You With A Pizza Hut Proposal Kit
If you envisioned the one you love crying and hurling insults at you after you propose to her, you might want to check out Pizza Hut's "Tie the Knot with the Dinner Box" proposal kit. Perfect for the Valentine's Day you want to ruin by proffering her your love, devotion and a box full of pizza and breadsticks.
More
Rep. Andy Harris' Statement On President Obama's Budget
"Today, the President released his budget - one week late, and one trillion dollars short. Only in Washington could an actual 5 percent increase in spending be called a "cut" - but that's exactly what the President did. His budget continues to tax and spend. His budget never solves the deficit problem, much less begins to pay down the exploding national debt we will leave to our grandchildren. But the President does find money to pay for Solyndra-style programs, and continues to pass the costs on to hard-working taxpayers. To say this is whistling past the graveyard is an understatement - the President once again refuses to take leadership on the greatest challenge facing our nation today - getting our debt and deficit under control. The President is right; we can't wait for him to take leadership in tackling the debt and the deficit. He never will. And we can't wait for the Senate to take action - over 1,000 days have passed since they offered a budget blueprint. Once again, the House will have to take leadership on reining in the debt and deficit by proposing a budget that makes the tough choices that are necessary to head off a Greek-style federal bankruptcy."
Criminal Arrest - "Theft Of Precious Metal" - Perdue Facility
DATE: February 13, 2012
CBI Case # 11-0208 (WCSO 11-000659)
LOCATION: Purdue Farms – Showell Facility
11000BLK Worcester Highway, Showell, MD
CHARGES: Theft $1,000 to under $10,000 (2 counts)
Theft Scheme - $1,000 to under $10,000
Malicious Destruction of Property – over $500
ACCUSED: John Charles WOODWARD
W/M 56yoa
Millsboro, DE
NARRATIVE: On Sunday, July 10, 2011 a Deputy of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office took an initial report of a Theft and MDOP from the Perdue Farms – Showell Facility. The thefts actually took place during a few week timeframe and were documented by the maintenance personnel.
It was reported that the HVAC units on the roof of the building were stripped of their precious (copper and aluminum) metals. Several cooling fans along with duck work for the chillers were also taken. A ground based York A/C unit was also taken from the facility. To repair the mentioned HVAC systems to today’s EPA Standards are estimated to exceed $500,000.00.
Because of the monetary loss an intricacy of the investigation it was forwarded to the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation for follow-up. Working with the Perdue Farms Security Staff and reviewing surveillance equipment footage we were able to positively identify WOODWARD. He was captured by surveillance equipment on the property during the mentioned timeframe.
A search of invoices from area salvage yards where precious metals can be taken for cash was completed. WOODWARD had many invoices in his name for the mentioned timeframe. Many were for copper and aluminum with amounts consistent with the estimated loss.
Based upon the above facts and the detailed investigation an Application for Charges was prepared for a District Court Commissioner’s review and consideration. As a result a Summons was issued for WOODWARD on January 11, 2012 to answer for the above listed charges.
WOODWARD has been served and has obtained an attorney to represent him in this matter. An initial appearance is scheduled for Friday, February 24, 2012 in the District Court of Maryland.
Sorry You Need To Get Screened Before Your Flight, But The TSA Has No Females Working Right Now
A woman was trying to fly home to Colorado when she says she wasn't allowed to board her flight because of her gender. Well, not just that she was a woman, but because there were no female Transportation Security Administration agents on duty when she was going through security.
More
More
Study: Driving While Stoned Is Very Dangerous, But Not As Risky As Drunk Driving
You might have a friend — or you might even be that person — who swears that they actually drive better after smoking a bit of marijuana (I believe the kids call it "reefer"); that it clears their head and helps them focus. But a new study confirms what many people had probably already guessed: that smoking pot and driving isn't exactly a good idea.
More
More
Going To The Movies Is The Most Expensive It's Ever Been
All the whizbang 3-D hoopla IMAX excitement at movie theaters is coming at a hefty price, as the National Association of Theatre Owners says the average ticket price was at a record high in 2011.
More
More
AT&T Customers Surprised By 'Unlimited Data' Limit
NEW YORK (AP) - Mike Trang likes to use his iPhone 4 as a GPS device, helping him get around in his job. Now and then, his younger cousins get ahold of it, and play some YouTube videos and games.
But in the past few weeks, there has been none of that, because AT&T Inc. put a virtual wheel clamp on his phone. Web pages wouldn't load and maps wouldn't render. Forget about YouTube videos _ Trang's data speeds were reduced to dial-up levels.
"It basically makes my phone useless," said Trang, an Orange County, Calif. property manager.
More
But in the past few weeks, there has been none of that, because AT&T Inc. put a virtual wheel clamp on his phone. Web pages wouldn't load and maps wouldn't render. Forget about YouTube videos _ Trang's data speeds were reduced to dial-up levels.
"It basically makes my phone useless," said Trang, an Orange County, Calif. property manager.
More
Council Members To Attend Plan Maryland Meeting On Short Notice
At about 1 pm today County Council members received notice that MDP Secretary Rich Hall had scheduled a meeting for 2 pm today in Salisbury to discuss Plan Maryland. The meeting was originally believed to have been set up to be a meeting of Secretary Hall with County Executive Rick Pollitt. Earlier today it was learned that representatives from Somerset and Worcester counties will be in attendance, so an invitation was extended to Wicomico County Council members to send representatives. It is expected that the County Council will have a quorum of its membership present. This message is to give notice that the meeting will take place in the Council Chambers of the Government Office Building in Salisbury.
THE PICKLE JAR
(Author Unknown)
The pickle jar as far back as I can remember sat on the floor beside the dresser in my parents' bedroom. When he got ready for bed, Dad would empty his pockets and toss his coins into the jar. As a small boy I was always fascinated at the sounds the coins made as they were dropped into the jar. They landed with a merry jingle when the jar was almost empty. Then the tones gradually muted to a dull thud as the jar was filled. I used to squat on the floor in front of the jar and admire the copper and silver circles that glinted like a pirate's treasure when the sun poured through the bedroom window.
When the jar was filled, Dad would sit at the kitchen table and roll the coins before taking them to the bank. Taking the coins to the bank was always a big production. Stacked neatly in a small cardboard box, the coins were placed between Dad and me on the seat of his old truck. Each and every time, as we drove to the bank, Dad would look at me hopefully. "Those coins are going to keep you out of the textile mill, son. You're going to do better than me. This old mill town's not going to hold you back." Also, each and every time, as he slid the box of rolled coins across the counter at the bank toward the cashier, he would grin proudly.
"These are for my son's college fund. He'll never work at the mill all his life like me."
We would always celebrate each deposit by stopping for an ice cream cone. I always got chocolate. Dad always got vanilla. When the clerk at the ice cream parlor handed Dad his change, he would show me the few coins nestled in his palm.
"When we get home, we'll start filling the jar again."
He always let me drop the first coins into the empty jar. As they rattled around with a brief, happy jingle, we grinned at each other.
"You'll get to college on pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters," he said. "But you'll get there. I'll see to that."
The years passed, and I finished college and took a job in another town. Once, while visiting my parents, I used the phone in their bedroom, and noticed that the pickle jar was gone. It had served its purpose and had been removed. A lump rose in my throat as I stared at the spot beside the dresser where the jar had always stood.
My dad was a man of few words, and never lectured me on the values of determination, perseverance, and faith. The pickle jar had taught me all these virtues far more eloquently than the most flowery of words could have done. When I married, I told my wife Susan about the significant part the lowly pickle jar had played in my life as a boy. In my mind, it defined, more than anything else, how much my dad had loved me. No matter how rough things got at home, Dad continued to doggedly drop his coins into the jar. Even the summer when Dad got laid off from the mill, and Mama had to serve dried beans several times a week, not a single dime was taken from the jar. To the contrary, as Dad looked across the table at me, pouring catsup over my beans to make them more palatable, he became more determined than ever to make a way out for me.
"When you finish college, Son," he told me, his eyes glistening, "You'll never have to eat beans again...unless you want to."
The first Christmas after our daughter Jessica was born, we spent the holiday with my parents. After dinner, Mom and Dad sat next to each other on the sofa, taking turns cuddling their first grandchild. Jessica began to whimper softly, and Susan took her from Dad's arms.
"She probably needs to be changed," she said, carrying the baby into my parents' bedroom to diaper her.
When Susan came back into the living room, there was a strange mist in her eyes. She handed Jessica back to Dad before taking my hand and leading me into the room.
"Look," she said softly, her eyes directing me to a spot on the floor beside the dresser. To my amazement, there, as if it had never been removed, stood the old pickle jar, the bottom already covered with coins. I walked over to the pickle jar, dug down into my pocket, and pulled out a fistful of coins.
With a gamut of emotions choking me, I dropped the coins into the jar. I looked up and saw that Dad, carrying Jessica, had slipped quietly into room. Our eyes locked, and I knew he was feeling the same emotions I felt. Neither one of us could speak. This truly touched my heart.....I know it has yours as well.
Sometimes we are so busy adding up our troubles that we forget to count our
Blessings. Sorrow looks back. Worry looks around. Faith looks UP!
The pickle jar as far back as I can remember sat on the floor beside the dresser in my parents' bedroom. When he got ready for bed, Dad would empty his pockets and toss his coins into the jar. As a small boy I was always fascinated at the sounds the coins made as they were dropped into the jar. They landed with a merry jingle when the jar was almost empty. Then the tones gradually muted to a dull thud as the jar was filled. I used to squat on the floor in front of the jar and admire the copper and silver circles that glinted like a pirate's treasure when the sun poured through the bedroom window.
When the jar was filled, Dad would sit at the kitchen table and roll the coins before taking them to the bank. Taking the coins to the bank was always a big production. Stacked neatly in a small cardboard box, the coins were placed between Dad and me on the seat of his old truck. Each and every time, as we drove to the bank, Dad would look at me hopefully. "Those coins are going to keep you out of the textile mill, son. You're going to do better than me. This old mill town's not going to hold you back." Also, each and every time, as he slid the box of rolled coins across the counter at the bank toward the cashier, he would grin proudly.
"These are for my son's college fund. He'll never work at the mill all his life like me."
We would always celebrate each deposit by stopping for an ice cream cone. I always got chocolate. Dad always got vanilla. When the clerk at the ice cream parlor handed Dad his change, he would show me the few coins nestled in his palm.
"When we get home, we'll start filling the jar again."
He always let me drop the first coins into the empty jar. As they rattled around with a brief, happy jingle, we grinned at each other.
"You'll get to college on pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters," he said. "But you'll get there. I'll see to that."
The years passed, and I finished college and took a job in another town. Once, while visiting my parents, I used the phone in their bedroom, and noticed that the pickle jar was gone. It had served its purpose and had been removed. A lump rose in my throat as I stared at the spot beside the dresser where the jar had always stood.
My dad was a man of few words, and never lectured me on the values of determination, perseverance, and faith. The pickle jar had taught me all these virtues far more eloquently than the most flowery of words could have done. When I married, I told my wife Susan about the significant part the lowly pickle jar had played in my life as a boy. In my mind, it defined, more than anything else, how much my dad had loved me. No matter how rough things got at home, Dad continued to doggedly drop his coins into the jar. Even the summer when Dad got laid off from the mill, and Mama had to serve dried beans several times a week, not a single dime was taken from the jar. To the contrary, as Dad looked across the table at me, pouring catsup over my beans to make them more palatable, he became more determined than ever to make a way out for me.
"When you finish college, Son," he told me, his eyes glistening, "You'll never have to eat beans again...unless you want to."
The first Christmas after our daughter Jessica was born, we spent the holiday with my parents. After dinner, Mom and Dad sat next to each other on the sofa, taking turns cuddling their first grandchild. Jessica began to whimper softly, and Susan took her from Dad's arms.
"She probably needs to be changed," she said, carrying the baby into my parents' bedroom to diaper her.
When Susan came back into the living room, there was a strange mist in her eyes. She handed Jessica back to Dad before taking my hand and leading me into the room.
"Look," she said softly, her eyes directing me to a spot on the floor beside the dresser. To my amazement, there, as if it had never been removed, stood the old pickle jar, the bottom already covered with coins. I walked over to the pickle jar, dug down into my pocket, and pulled out a fistful of coins.
With a gamut of emotions choking me, I dropped the coins into the jar. I looked up and saw that Dad, carrying Jessica, had slipped quietly into room. Our eyes locked, and I knew he was feeling the same emotions I felt. Neither one of us could speak. This truly touched my heart.....I know it has yours as well.
Sometimes we are so busy adding up our troubles that we forget to count our
Blessings. Sorrow looks back. Worry looks around. Faith looks UP!
GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY ANNOUNCES MARYLAND NATIVE OYSTER SURVIVAL RATE HIGHEST SINCE 1985
Governor proposes $8 million capital investment for oyster restoration
Oyster disease levels lowest on record
ANNAPOLIS, MD (February 13, 2012) – Governor Martin O’Malley today announced another landmark in the State’s ongoing efforts to restore the Chesapeake Bay’s native oyster population. Results of Maryland’s 2011 Fall Oyster Survey show the highest survival rate for oysters since 1985. The 92 percent survival rate — the percentage of oysters found alive in a sample — builds upon last year’s strong spatset (number of baby oysters), which was the highest since 1997.
“Although our fight to restore a thriving oyster population to the Chesapeake Bay is far from over, our continued commitment to renewing this iconic species has begun to pay off,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “Through balanced investments in aquaculture, sanctuaries, stewardship and enforcement, our native oyster is coming back. Together, we can continue to create jobs and support our local economies while returning our native oyster to healthy, sustainable levels.”
In one of the longest running resource-monitoring programs in the world, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and its predecessor agencies have monitored the status of the State’s oyster population via annual field surveys since 1939. The survey tracks reproduction levels, disease levels and annual mortality rates, and offers a window into future population levels.
“The high survival of young oysters from 2010’s record spatset is an immediate asset to Maryland’s expanded sanctuary program,” said DNR Secretary John Griffin. “As these oysters grow and reproduce, they are supporting expanded populations in sanctuaries, public fishery areas and aquaculture operations.”
In his proposed FY2013 budget, Governor O’Malley has proposed a $7.5 million capital investment in oyster bar restoration in Harris Creek in Talbot County and the Little Choptank River in Dorchester County, two of the State’s new sanctuaries, where conditions are favorable for reproduction. The Governor has also proposed an additional $500,000 for aquaculture infrastructure improvements, which will include low-cost loans through the Maryland Agricultural and Resource Based Industry Development Corporation (MARBDICO) for entrepreneurial watermen and other citizens who want to grow oysters.
Oyster disease levels lowest on record
ANNAPOLIS, MD (February 13, 2012) – Governor Martin O’Malley today announced another landmark in the State’s ongoing efforts to restore the Chesapeake Bay’s native oyster population. Results of Maryland’s 2011 Fall Oyster Survey show the highest survival rate for oysters since 1985. The 92 percent survival rate — the percentage of oysters found alive in a sample — builds upon last year’s strong spatset (number of baby oysters), which was the highest since 1997.
“Although our fight to restore a thriving oyster population to the Chesapeake Bay is far from over, our continued commitment to renewing this iconic species has begun to pay off,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “Through balanced investments in aquaculture, sanctuaries, stewardship and enforcement, our native oyster is coming back. Together, we can continue to create jobs and support our local economies while returning our native oyster to healthy, sustainable levels.”
In one of the longest running resource-monitoring programs in the world, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and its predecessor agencies have monitored the status of the State’s oyster population via annual field surveys since 1939. The survey tracks reproduction levels, disease levels and annual mortality rates, and offers a window into future population levels.
“The high survival of young oysters from 2010’s record spatset is an immediate asset to Maryland’s expanded sanctuary program,” said DNR Secretary John Griffin. “As these oysters grow and reproduce, they are supporting expanded populations in sanctuaries, public fishery areas and aquaculture operations.”
In his proposed FY2013 budget, Governor O’Malley has proposed a $7.5 million capital investment in oyster bar restoration in Harris Creek in Talbot County and the Little Choptank River in Dorchester County, two of the State’s new sanctuaries, where conditions are favorable for reproduction. The Governor has also proposed an additional $500,000 for aquaculture infrastructure improvements, which will include low-cost loans through the Maryland Agricultural and Resource Based Industry Development Corporation (MARBDICO) for entrepreneurial watermen and other citizens who want to grow oysters.
Pentagon May Oust Troops Involuntarily Under Budget Reductions
The Defense Department may have to force soldiers, Marines or other members of the military out of the services for the first time since the aftermath of the Cold War to achieve the spending reductions in its budget proposal.
The Pentagon plans to cut 67,100 soldiers from active and reserve Army units and the Army National Guard in the five years starting Oct. 1, as well as 15,200 from the active and reserve ranks of the Marine Corps as part of an effort to save $487 billion over a decade, according to the budget sent to Congress today. The Navy and Air Force would lose fewer people -- 8,600 and 1,700 respectively -- because of their role in a strategic shift toward the Asia-Pacific region and the Middle East.
More
The Pentagon plans to cut 67,100 soldiers from active and reserve Army units and the Army National Guard in the five years starting Oct. 1, as well as 15,200 from the active and reserve ranks of the Marine Corps as part of an effort to save $487 billion over a decade, according to the budget sent to Congress today. The Navy and Air Force would lose fewer people -- 8,600 and 1,700 respectively -- because of their role in a strategic shift toward the Asia-Pacific region and the Middle East.
More
The People's Media: Preventing Corporate Takeover Of The Internet
Public interest groups have waged a spirited campaign to prevent a corporate takeover of the Internet.
AT&T spared no expense in 2011 when it sought government approval of its $39 billion deal to acquire T-Mobile. The merger would have created a duopoly, leaving AT&T and Verizon in control of nearly 80 percent of the wireless market.
AT&T would then have been able to set higher prices, at a cost to people on modest incomes who depend on their cell phones to connect with work, family, and the details of modern life.
The poor and people of color would have been hard-hit. The National Hispanic Media Coalition, for example, said the merger would increase the cost of wireless services for Latinos. And the Center for Media Justice noted that the merger would have resulted in “fewer options and higher prices” for people of color, who disproportionately depend on access to the Internet through mobile devices.
Knowing there would be opposition to this deal, AT&T began doling out money in Washington, D.C. The company spent $16 million on lobbying during the first nine months of 2011 in its drive to pass the merger, dished out $2 million in campaign contributions to both Democratic and Republican members of Congress, and spent $40 million on advertisements promoting the deal.
More
AT&T spared no expense in 2011 when it sought government approval of its $39 billion deal to acquire T-Mobile. The merger would have created a duopoly, leaving AT&T and Verizon in control of nearly 80 percent of the wireless market.
AT&T would then have been able to set higher prices, at a cost to people on modest incomes who depend on their cell phones to connect with work, family, and the details of modern life.
The poor and people of color would have been hard-hit. The National Hispanic Media Coalition, for example, said the merger would increase the cost of wireless services for Latinos. And the Center for Media Justice noted that the merger would have resulted in “fewer options and higher prices” for people of color, who disproportionately depend on access to the Internet through mobile devices.
Knowing there would be opposition to this deal, AT&T began doling out money in Washington, D.C. The company spent $16 million on lobbying during the first nine months of 2011 in its drive to pass the merger, dished out $2 million in campaign contributions to both Democratic and Republican members of Congress, and spent $40 million on advertisements promoting the deal.
More
Dogfight At The FAA Over Drones
The flight agency now bans most unmanned aircraft but is preparing for a deluge of them in U.S. skies
Last fall, Russ Freeman’s successful business shooting commercial aerial photos and video flew straight into a political battle over control of the nation’s skies. Freeman’s MI6 Films, based in Hollywood, captures dramatic overhead views for movies, TV ads, and realtors showing off mansions. Instead of hiring a photographer to shoot from a helicopter with a long lens, he uses small drones equipped with high-definition cameras controlled by radio from the ground.
That is, he did until October, when the Federal Aviation Administration grounded his operation. Freeman’s business ran afoul of FAA rules barring the use of unmanned aircraft for commercial purposes. The agency permits hobbyists to fly small radio-controlled planes and helicopters, but only in unpopulated areas and only below 400 feet. “ ‘Until we figure out how to regulate it, nobody’s flying,’ ” Freeman says an FAA official told him. “He literally put us out of business.” In an e-mail, the agency declined to comment on Freeman’s case but said it investigates allegations of unauthorized drone flights.
More
Last fall, Russ Freeman’s successful business shooting commercial aerial photos and video flew straight into a political battle over control of the nation’s skies. Freeman’s MI6 Films, based in Hollywood, captures dramatic overhead views for movies, TV ads, and realtors showing off mansions. Instead of hiring a photographer to shoot from a helicopter with a long lens, he uses small drones equipped with high-definition cameras controlled by radio from the ground.
That is, he did until October, when the Federal Aviation Administration grounded his operation. Freeman’s business ran afoul of FAA rules barring the use of unmanned aircraft for commercial purposes. The agency permits hobbyists to fly small radio-controlled planes and helicopters, but only in unpopulated areas and only below 400 feet. “ ‘Until we figure out how to regulate it, nobody’s flying,’ ” Freeman says an FAA official told him. “He literally put us out of business.” In an e-mail, the agency declined to comment on Freeman’s case but said it investigates allegations of unauthorized drone flights.
More
What $100 Million Could Do For Out Of Work, Underpaid Teachers
Instead of spending the money to train new teachers, we could focus on putting laid off teachers back to work and keeping them there by paying them better.
News came out today that President Obama is announcing a new plan to spend $100 million on training 100,000 new teachers over the next decade. Responding to a call from American businesses to provide more high-skilled workers, Obama’s plan will focus on training more STEM teachers — aka those teaching science, technology, engineering, and math.
Spending more money on education is a healthy priority, but is this the right tactic? The plan seems to presuppose that there is a dearth of teachers right now. Yet the opposite is true — we’ve been laying them off in droves in response to tight state and local budgets. So there is a whole pool of people that we could put back to work doing what they already want to do. The number of jobs in “local government education” — in other words, elementary school teachers — has been falling steadily since February 2008, according to the BLS. We’ve lost 217,900 of those jobs since then, and things aren’t getting much better, even with seemingly good signs in the latest jobs report. Those education jobs were down 9.6 percent since December.
So rather than enticing and training a new army of teachers, perhaps we could start by putting the ones we’ve already got back to work. It would likely be a lighter lift to retrain them. And it would help ease the ongoing womancession.
White House Calling For Cuts In NASA Funding
Planetary science division slashed 20% in plan that trims spending to lowest level in 4 years
President Barack Obama will ask Congress for $17.7 billion for NASA for 2013, an amount that would leave the agency funded at its lowest level in four years, according to sources familiar with the forthcoming budget proposal.
NASA’s planetary science division would shoulder a heavy share of the cut. Under the president’s proposal, its budget would drop from $1.5 billion to $1.2 billion, a 20 percent reduction.
More
President Barack Obama will ask Congress for $17.7 billion for NASA for 2013, an amount that would leave the agency funded at its lowest level in four years, according to sources familiar with the forthcoming budget proposal.
NASA’s planetary science division would shoulder a heavy share of the cut. Under the president’s proposal, its budget would drop from $1.5 billion to $1.2 billion, a 20 percent reduction.
More
Army Officer's Leaked Report Rips Afghan War Success Story
An analysis by Lt. Col. Daniel Davis, which the U.S. Army has not approved for public release but has leaked to Rolling Stone magazine, provides the most authoritative refutation thus far of the official military narrative of success in the Afghanistan War since the troop surge began in early 2010.
In the 84-page unclassified report, Davis, who returned last fall after his second tour of duty in Afghanistan, attacks the credibility of claims by senior military leaders that the U.S.-NATO war strategy has succeeded in weakening the Taliban insurgent forces and in building Afghan security forces capable of taking primary responsibility for security in the future.
The report, which Davis had submitted to the Army in January for clearance to make it public, was posted on the website of Rolling Stone magazine by journalist Michael Hastings Friday. In a blog for the magazine, Hastings reported that "officials familiar with the situation" had said the Pentagon was "refusing" to release the report, but that it had been making the rounds within the U.S. government, including the White House.
Hastings wrote that he had obtained it from a U.S. government official.
More
In the 84-page unclassified report, Davis, who returned last fall after his second tour of duty in Afghanistan, attacks the credibility of claims by senior military leaders that the U.S.-NATO war strategy has succeeded in weakening the Taliban insurgent forces and in building Afghan security forces capable of taking primary responsibility for security in the future.
The report, which Davis had submitted to the Army in January for clearance to make it public, was posted on the website of Rolling Stone magazine by journalist Michael Hastings Friday. In a blog for the magazine, Hastings reported that "officials familiar with the situation" had said the Pentagon was "refusing" to release the report, but that it had been making the rounds within the U.S. government, including the White House.
Hastings wrote that he had obtained it from a U.S. government official.
More
Sony Hikes Whitney Houston Album Prices Online
It's easy to get so emotional about a singer after they've passed prematurely, as Whitney Houston did Saturday at the age of 48. But fans seeking to buy her albums in remembrance weren't too happy at sudden price hikes so soon after her death.
The Brits picked up on it quickly, with London-based Next Web writer Matt Brian and The Guardian's Josh Halliday both finding the price increases, which raised Houston's "The Ultimate Collection" 2007 album from £5 (about $7.89) to £8 (about $12.63). In the United States, the cost is even steeper: $15 for the "Greatest Hits" collection at both Amazon and iTunes.
More
The Brits picked up on it quickly, with London-based Next Web writer Matt Brian and The Guardian's Josh Halliday both finding the price increases, which raised Houston's "The Ultimate Collection" 2007 album from £5 (about $7.89) to £8 (about $12.63). In the United States, the cost is even steeper: $15 for the "Greatest Hits" collection at both Amazon and iTunes.
More
Proposed Tax On Bullion, Gold Coins Draws Concern From Business Owner
Matt Lerner relies on the wink of gold bullion to draw shoppers into his downtown Frederick coin shop But lately, the gleam in stores like his has attracted some unwanted attention from state lawmakers.
Lerner, owner of the Frederick Coin Exchange, said he is concerned about a proposal that would have all buyers of rare coins and precious metals paying a 6 percent sales tax. Right now, because of a special exemption, customers who spend more than $1,000 on precious metal or coins can add to their treasure chests tax-free.
Rolling back the exemption would more than double the markup on many of Lerner's products and could send buyers heading to Pennsylvania or the Internet for their South African Krugerrands.
"It might force our business to open in another state," Lerner said.
More
Lerner, owner of the Frederick Coin Exchange, said he is concerned about a proposal that would have all buyers of rare coins and precious metals paying a 6 percent sales tax. Right now, because of a special exemption, customers who spend more than $1,000 on precious metal or coins can add to their treasure chests tax-free.
Rolling back the exemption would more than double the markup on many of Lerner's products and could send buyers heading to Pennsylvania or the Internet for their South African Krugerrands.
"It might force our business to open in another state," Lerner said.
More
At Least 65 Police Officers Who Worked At Ground Zero Died Of Cancer
NEW YORK – At least 65 police officers who attended Ground Zero have died of cancer since 9/11, statistics showed.
The Patrolmen's Benevolent Association (PBA) released the figure at a Sunday briefing featuring ailing cops who worked at Ground Zero. The announcement will turn up pressure on New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg to release cancer data to the federal government for expanded medical coverage, PBA officials said.
More
The Patrolmen's Benevolent Association (PBA) released the figure at a Sunday briefing featuring ailing cops who worked at Ground Zero. The announcement will turn up pressure on New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg to release cancer data to the federal government for expanded medical coverage, PBA officials said.
More
02/10/2012 CAC Arrests McGuires
On February 09, 2012 Detectives and Child Protective Service Investigators of the Wicomico County Child Advocacy arrested Thomas John Mc Guire and his spouse Nicole Crystal McGuire of Delmar, Maryland. It is alleged that the McGuires sexually abused minor children between 06-01-10 thru 08-28-11. The investigation revealed that the McGuires sexually abused a fifteen year old male and a fourteen year old female on or about the above stated dates. The investigation is continuing in efforts locate any additional victims.
Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office or the Wicomico County Child Advocacy at 410-713-3476.
Release date: 02-10-12
Suspects: Nicole Crystal McGuire
Address: Delmar, Maryland
Age: 28
Thomas John McGuire
Age: 43
Charges:
Child Abuse- 1 count
Child sex abuse-2counts
Assault II- 2 counts
Reckless Endangerment- 1count
Sex Offense second degree and fourth degree-1count
The McGuires were held on one million dollars bond at WCDC.
"See Something Say Something" Campaign Could Allow People to Label ANY AMERICAN A Suspected "Terrorist" . Just Like In NaziTown
LIST OF ACTIONS OR BELIEFS WHICH MAY GET YOU LABELED A TERRORIST GROWS DAILY
Every American could – literally – be labeled a suspected terrorist under current governmental criteria.
Specifically, the following actions may get a U.S. citizen labeled as a suspected terrorist today:
•Speaking out against government policies [9]
•Protesting anything [10]
•Questioning war [10] (even though war reduces our national security [11]; and see this [12])
•Criticizing the government’s targeting of innocent civilians with drones [13] (although killing innocent civilians with drones is one of the main things which increases terrorism [14]. And see this [15])
•Asking questions about pollution [10] (even at a public Congressional hearing [16]?)
•Paying cash at an Internet cafe [17]
•Asking questions about Wall Street shenanigans [10]
•Holding gold [10]
•Creating alternative currencies [18]
•Stocking up on more than 7 days of food [19] (even though all Mormons are taught to stockpile food [20], and most Hawaiians store up on extra food [21])
[22]
•Investigating factory farming [22]
•Infringing a copyright [23]
•Taking pictures or videos [24]
Holding the following beliefs may also be considered grounds for suspected terrorism:
•Valuing online privacy [25]
•Supporting Ron Paul or being a libertarian [10]
•Liking the Founding Fathers [26]
•Being a Christian [26] (?)
•Being anti-tax, anti-regulation or for the gold standard [27]
•Being “reverent of individual liberty” [28]
•Being “anti-nuclear” [28]
•“Believe in conspiracy theories” [28]
•“A belief that one’s personal and/or national “way of life” is under attack” [28]
•“Impose strict religious tenets or laws on society (fundamentalists)” [28]
•“Insert religion into the political sphere” [28]
•“Those who seek to politicize religion” [28]
•“Supported political movements for autonomy” [28]
•Being “anti-abortion” [28]
•Being “anti-Catholic” [28]
•Being “anti-global” [28]
•“Suspicious of centralized federal authority” [28]
•“Fiercely nationalistic (as opposed to universal and international in orientation)” [28]
•“A belief in the need to be prepared for an attack either by participating in … survivalism” [28]
SEE SOMETHING, ACT LIKE A SNITCH IN NAZI GERMANY, STASI EAST GERMANY OR IRAQ
More
Every American could – literally – be labeled a suspected terrorist under current governmental criteria.
Specifically, the following actions may get a U.S. citizen labeled as a suspected terrorist today:
•Speaking out against government policies [9]
•Protesting anything [10]
•Questioning war [10] (even though war reduces our national security [11]; and see this [12])
•Criticizing the government’s targeting of innocent civilians with drones [13] (although killing innocent civilians with drones is one of the main things which increases terrorism [14]. And see this [15])
•Asking questions about pollution [10] (even at a public Congressional hearing [16]?)
•Paying cash at an Internet cafe [17]
•Asking questions about Wall Street shenanigans [10]
•Holding gold [10]
•Creating alternative currencies [18]
•Stocking up on more than 7 days of food [19] (even though all Mormons are taught to stockpile food [20], and most Hawaiians store up on extra food [21])
[22]
•Investigating factory farming [22]
•Infringing a copyright [23]
•Taking pictures or videos [24]
Holding the following beliefs may also be considered grounds for suspected terrorism:
•Valuing online privacy [25]
•Supporting Ron Paul or being a libertarian [10]
•Liking the Founding Fathers [26]
•Being a Christian [26] (?)
•Being anti-tax, anti-regulation or for the gold standard [27]
•Being “reverent of individual liberty” [28]
•Being “anti-nuclear” [28]
•“Believe in conspiracy theories” [28]
•“A belief that one’s personal and/or national “way of life” is under attack” [28]
•“Impose strict religious tenets or laws on society (fundamentalists)” [28]
•“Insert religion into the political sphere” [28]
•“Those who seek to politicize religion” [28]
•“Supported political movements for autonomy” [28]
•Being “anti-abortion” [28]
•Being “anti-Catholic” [28]
•Being “anti-global” [28]
•“Suspicious of centralized federal authority” [28]
•“Fiercely nationalistic (as opposed to universal and international in orientation)” [28]
•“A belief in the need to be prepared for an attack either by participating in … survivalism” [28]
SEE SOMETHING, ACT LIKE A SNITCH IN NAZI GERMANY, STASI EAST GERMANY OR IRAQ
More
Judge Allows Sandusky To See Grandkids, Receive Visits
Jerry Sandusky can see his grandchildren while he awaits trial, the judge overseeing the child sex abuse against the former coach said Monday.
The judge ruled that Sandusky can also use a jury chosen from the State College, Penn. area to hear his case.
More
The judge ruled that Sandusky can also use a jury chosen from the State College, Penn. area to hear his case.
More
Wicomico County Sheriff's Office Press Releases 2-13-12
On February 09, 2012 Detectives and Child Protective Service Investigators of the Wicomico County Child Advocacy arrested James Meager of Salisbury, Maryland for sexual assault of a minor. The investigation also resulted in Meager being charged with twenty-seven counts of possessing Child Pornography. Detectives uncovered over one hundred thousand images of Child Pornography from a computer owned by the accused. It is alleged that Meager sexually assaulted an eight year old female. The investigation is continuing. Detectives are attempting to locate children that Meager has had contact with.
Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office or the Wicomico County Child Advocacy at 410-713-3476.
Release date: 02-10-12
Suspects: James Lewis Meager
Address: Salisbury Maryland
Age: 63
Charges:
Rape second degree- 1 count
Child Abuse- 1 count
Poss. Of Child Porn –27 counts
Meager was committed to W.C.D.C. on $750,000.00 secured bond
INCIDENT:
Burglary and Theft
DATE:
Reports began January 28, 2012
LOCATION:
Somerset and Wicomico Counties
NARRATIVE: On February 9, 2012 Investigators from WBI, SPD CID and MSP Somerset learned they all had related investigations and came together to combine information. As a result the below listed individuals were arrested for multiple day time burglaries. In the cases the suspects determined that no one was at the residence before breaking in and taking the property.
Anyone with information is asked to contact WBI at 410-548-4898 or Crimesolvers at 410-548-1776.
ACCUSED: William Joseph Smith W/M 36 YOA Jonathan Louis Chilly W/M 31 YOA
CHARGES: Burglary First Degree, Burglary Second Degree, Felony Theft, Theft
DISPOSITION:
Held on Bond
Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office or the Wicomico County Child Advocacy at 410-713-3476.
Release date: 02-10-12
Suspects: James Lewis Meager
Address: Salisbury Maryland
Age: 63
Charges:
Rape second degree- 1 count
Child Abuse- 1 count
Poss. Of Child Porn –27 counts
Meager was committed to W.C.D.C. on $750,000.00 secured bond
INCIDENT:
Burglary and Theft
DATE:
Reports began January 28, 2012
LOCATION:
Somerset and Wicomico Counties
NARRATIVE: On February 9, 2012 Investigators from WBI, SPD CID and MSP Somerset learned they all had related investigations and came together to combine information. As a result the below listed individuals were arrested for multiple day time burglaries. In the cases the suspects determined that no one was at the residence before breaking in and taking the property.
Anyone with information is asked to contact WBI at 410-548-4898 or Crimesolvers at 410-548-1776.
ACCUSED: William Joseph Smith W/M 36 YOA Jonathan Louis Chilly W/M 31 YOA
CHARGES: Burglary First Degree, Burglary Second Degree, Felony Theft, Theft
DISPOSITION:
Held on Bond
Charting The Federal Reserve's Assets - 1915-2012
Here we present a history of the Fed in charts. As you’ll surely glean from the below — the Fed has degenerated from a by and large passive institution (dealing only in high-quality self-liquidating commercial paper and gold) to an active pursuant of junk, an enabler of wars, a ‘benevolent’ combatant of the depressions of its own creation, a central planner of employment & prices and of course a forgiving friend to inconvenient market follies.
View Charts HERE.
View Charts HERE.
Help Wanted 2-13-12
Do you have a job available? Put your information up for FREE in comments and watch your e-mail/phone go off the hook.
O'Malley Claim That Maryland Tops Virginia In Job Creation Rated False
The growing rivalry between Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell and Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley is on national tour.
The two faced off Feb. 5 on CNN's "State of the Union," disagreeing on why the economy has improved.
McDonnell, chairman of the Republican Governors Association, gave all the credit to job-creation policies by GOP governors and was dismissive of President Barack Obama's efforts. O'Malley, head of the Democratic Governor's Association, lauded the president's "choices and policies."
More
The two faced off Feb. 5 on CNN's "State of the Union," disagreeing on why the economy has improved.
McDonnell, chairman of the Republican Governors Association, gave all the credit to job-creation policies by GOP governors and was dismissive of President Barack Obama's efforts. O'Malley, head of the Democratic Governor's Association, lauded the president's "choices and policies."
More
SUSPECT WOUNDED AFTER ASSAULT ON POLICE IN DORCHESTER CO.
(HURLOCK, MD) – A suspect is under police guard while being treated for what is believed to be a non-life threatening injury he sustained when shot by a police officer after assaulting two officers and driving at one of the officers early this morning in Dorchester County.
The suspect is identified as Leon J. Spry, 35, of the 4300-block of Harmony Road, Preston, Md. Spry sustained a gunshot wound to the upper torso and is under State Police guard at the Peninsula Regional Medical Center where he is being treated. Criminal charges against him are pending.
The officers involved are from the Hurlock Police Department and are identified as Officer Frank Schmidt and Officer Kyle Willey. Officer Schmidt is a two-year veteran of the Hurlock Police Department and has prior law enforcement experience. Officer Willey has been with department for ten months.
When the police involved shooting occurred, Chief Les Hutton, of the Hurlock Police Department, requested the investigation be conducted by the Maryland State Police. Investigators from the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit are conducting the investigation, assisted by uniformed troopers and criminal investigators from the Easton Barrack and State Police Forensic Sciences Division crime scene technicians.
The preliminary investigation indicates that minutes before midnight on Friday, February 10, 2012, Officer Willey and Officer Schmidt were dispatched to the area of North Main Street and Academy Street in Hurlock for a report of possible shots fired. The report came from personnel at the fire house down the street, who reported hearing what sounded like loud bangs.
When the officers arrived minutes later, they saw a pickup truck parked in the roadway in front of 201 Academy Street. The driver’s door was open and the engine was running. A witness met the officers and said someone had been knocking on his door just before they arrived.
The officers then heard a loud noise coming from the common area of the apartment building at 201 Academy Street. The officers, who were in full uniform and had arrived in marked police cars, entered the building and found a man, later identified as Spry, slumped over just inside the door. The officers attempted to talk with Spry, but he was argumentative. Officers noted Spry was exhibiting signs of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
Without warning, Spry ran from the officers and entered the pickup truck parked in the street. The officers ran after him and attempted to extract Spry from the truck. The officers gave repeated verbal commands for Spry to surrender. Instead, Spry swung his arm and repeatedly struck the officers as he attempted to drive away.
During the altercation, Spry grabbed Officer Schmidt’s arm and accelerated the truck forward. Due to the position of the officers at the driver’s side door, both were caught up and dragged by the truck. The suspect continued to accelerate forward until he crashed into one of the patrol cars, causing enough damage to disable it.
After the crash, the officers were able to disengage from the vehicle and Spry backed his truck away from the patrol car. The preliminary investigation indicates Officer Schmidt was in front of the suspect’s truck when Spry accelerated directly at him.
In fear for his life, Officer Schmidt fired his pistol at the suspect. Fearing for the life of Officer Schmidt, Officer Willey also fired his pistol at Spry. Both officers were carrying police department issued .40 caliber Glock pistols. Spry then accelerated away and fled from the scene in the truck.
A Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office deputy arrived on the scene to assist and, while collecting information from the officers, received a call regarding a crash on Route 307 about two miles north of Hurlock. The deputy and the Hurlock officers responded and found Spry and his truck where it had left the roadway and struck a pole. Emergency medical services personnel responded and transported Spry to the hospital.
Officer Schmidt was not injured during the incident. Officer Willey sustained a minor injury, but did not require hospitalization.
Throughout the early morning hours, Maryland State Police investigators conducted numerous interviews of residents in the area and crime scene technicians processed both scenes. Nothing found during the scene processing indicates that any shots were originally fired in the area. The loud noises reported may have been caused by something else. Investigators are unsure why Spry was in the apartment building, but they believe he may know at least one person who lives there.
Maryland State Police investigators have consulted with the Dorchester County State’s Attorney and advised him of the case information so far. Upon completion of the investigation, it will be forwarded to the State’s Attorney for his review.
Chief Hutton has placed both officers on routine administrative leave. The investigation is continuing.
The suspect is identified as Leon J. Spry, 35, of the 4300-block of Harmony Road, Preston, Md. Spry sustained a gunshot wound to the upper torso and is under State Police guard at the Peninsula Regional Medical Center where he is being treated. Criminal charges against him are pending.
The officers involved are from the Hurlock Police Department and are identified as Officer Frank Schmidt and Officer Kyle Willey. Officer Schmidt is a two-year veteran of the Hurlock Police Department and has prior law enforcement experience. Officer Willey has been with department for ten months.
When the police involved shooting occurred, Chief Les Hutton, of the Hurlock Police Department, requested the investigation be conducted by the Maryland State Police. Investigators from the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit are conducting the investigation, assisted by uniformed troopers and criminal investigators from the Easton Barrack and State Police Forensic Sciences Division crime scene technicians.
The preliminary investigation indicates that minutes before midnight on Friday, February 10, 2012, Officer Willey and Officer Schmidt were dispatched to the area of North Main Street and Academy Street in Hurlock for a report of possible shots fired. The report came from personnel at the fire house down the street, who reported hearing what sounded like loud bangs.
When the officers arrived minutes later, they saw a pickup truck parked in the roadway in front of 201 Academy Street. The driver’s door was open and the engine was running. A witness met the officers and said someone had been knocking on his door just before they arrived.
The officers then heard a loud noise coming from the common area of the apartment building at 201 Academy Street. The officers, who were in full uniform and had arrived in marked police cars, entered the building and found a man, later identified as Spry, slumped over just inside the door. The officers attempted to talk with Spry, but he was argumentative. Officers noted Spry was exhibiting signs of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
Without warning, Spry ran from the officers and entered the pickup truck parked in the street. The officers ran after him and attempted to extract Spry from the truck. The officers gave repeated verbal commands for Spry to surrender. Instead, Spry swung his arm and repeatedly struck the officers as he attempted to drive away.
During the altercation, Spry grabbed Officer Schmidt’s arm and accelerated the truck forward. Due to the position of the officers at the driver’s side door, both were caught up and dragged by the truck. The suspect continued to accelerate forward until he crashed into one of the patrol cars, causing enough damage to disable it.
After the crash, the officers were able to disengage from the vehicle and Spry backed his truck away from the patrol car. The preliminary investigation indicates Officer Schmidt was in front of the suspect’s truck when Spry accelerated directly at him.
In fear for his life, Officer Schmidt fired his pistol at the suspect. Fearing for the life of Officer Schmidt, Officer Willey also fired his pistol at Spry. Both officers were carrying police department issued .40 caliber Glock pistols. Spry then accelerated away and fled from the scene in the truck.
A Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office deputy arrived on the scene to assist and, while collecting information from the officers, received a call regarding a crash on Route 307 about two miles north of Hurlock. The deputy and the Hurlock officers responded and found Spry and his truck where it had left the roadway and struck a pole. Emergency medical services personnel responded and transported Spry to the hospital.
Officer Schmidt was not injured during the incident. Officer Willey sustained a minor injury, but did not require hospitalization.
Throughout the early morning hours, Maryland State Police investigators conducted numerous interviews of residents in the area and crime scene technicians processed both scenes. Nothing found during the scene processing indicates that any shots were originally fired in the area. The loud noises reported may have been caused by something else. Investigators are unsure why Spry was in the apartment building, but they believe he may know at least one person who lives there.
Maryland State Police investigators have consulted with the Dorchester County State’s Attorney and advised him of the case information so far. Upon completion of the investigation, it will be forwarded to the State’s Attorney for his review.
Chief Hutton has placed both officers on routine administrative leave. The investigation is continuing.
Do You Have The Right To Record Police?
ACLU suing Baltimore Police Department over right to record officers
It's an argument that will be heard in Federal Court Monday.
The ACLU is suing the Baltimore City Police Department on behalf of Christopher Sharp.
Sharp was at the Preakness in May of 2010 when he used his cell phone to record police arresting a friend.
The ACLU says police stopped sharp and demanded he turn over his cell phone. When he refused, officers took his phone, deleted the video and other videos he had on his phone including several of his young son.
The Baltimore police commissioner will ask the judge to dismiss the case or a judgment in their favor.
More
It's an argument that will be heard in Federal Court Monday.
The ACLU is suing the Baltimore City Police Department on behalf of Christopher Sharp.
Sharp was at the Preakness in May of 2010 when he used his cell phone to record police arresting a friend.
The ACLU says police stopped sharp and demanded he turn over his cell phone. When he refused, officers took his phone, deleted the video and other videos he had on his phone including several of his young son.
The Baltimore police commissioner will ask the judge to dismiss the case or a judgment in their favor.
More
LA Detective's DNA Matched Bite Mark
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A criminalist has told a Los Angeles jury that DNA taken from a former police detective matched saliva from a bite mark on the arm of a murdered woman so closely that no one else on Earth could have produced the genetic match.
Los Angeles Police Department scientist Jennifer Francis, who analyzed evidence in the 26-year-old cold case, on Friday provided the conclusion that bolstered prosecution claims that Stephanie Lazarus murdered her romantic rival.
Francis said the DNA of victim Sherri Rasmussen and Lazarus was found on the bite mark discovered on Rasmussen's body in 1986. The case was reopened after two decades and the science of DNA implicated Lazarus.
She has pleaded not guilty and her lawyer suggests the DNA evidence was corrupted over the years.
Source
Los Angeles Police Department scientist Jennifer Francis, who analyzed evidence in the 26-year-old cold case, on Friday provided the conclusion that bolstered prosecution claims that Stephanie Lazarus murdered her romantic rival.
Francis said the DNA of victim Sherri Rasmussen and Lazarus was found on the bite mark discovered on Rasmussen's body in 1986. The case was reopened after two decades and the science of DNA implicated Lazarus.
She has pleaded not guilty and her lawyer suggests the DNA evidence was corrupted over the years.
Source
Whitney Houston Died of Prescription Drug, Alcohol Cocktail: Reports
Whitney Houston likely died from a combination of the drug Xanax and other prescription medication mixed with alcohol, TMZ reported today, citing family sources who were briefed by Los Angeles County Coroner officials.
Officials told the singer's family that there was not enough water in her lungs for her to have drowned, and that she may have died before sinking into the bathtub in the Beverly Hilton hotel room where her body was found Saturday.
More
Officials told the singer's family that there was not enough water in her lungs for her to have drowned, and that she may have died before sinking into the bathtub in the Beverly Hilton hotel room where her body was found Saturday.
More
That's Not The Help He Wanted
A depressed Army reservist who made a phone call for help says dozens of police responded by surrounding his home and arresting him, vandalizing and searching his place without a warrant, seizing his dog and killing his tropical fish.
Matthew Corrigan, who lives alone with his dog, sued the District of Columbia in D.C. Federal Court.
Confronted with a massive police presence after his plea for help, Corrigan says, he denied officers permission to enter his house, but they entered and trashed it anyway, saying, "I don't have time to play this constitutional bullshit!"
Corrigan says the debacle started on Feb. 2, 2010.
"Corrigan telephoned what he believed to be the 'Military's Emotional Support Hotline' because he was depressed and had not slept for several days," the complaint states.
"The number Corrigan called was in fact the National Suicide Hotline. When he stated that he was a veteran, he was asked if he had firearms, to which he said yes. He said nothing about being suicidal or using a firearm or threatening anyone. After a short conversation, Corrigan hung up, turned off the phone, took prescribed sleeping medication, and went to bed.
"At approximately 4 a.m. in the morning of Feb. 3, 2010, Corrigan awoke because he heard his name being called over a bullhorn. There were floodlights outside his front and back doors and an estimated 8 police officers in the back yard and 20 in the front yard.
"Corrigan turned on his phone and found that Officer Fischer of the 5th District was calling him, asking him to come out, which he did at about 4:50 a.m., locking the door behind him. He was handcuffed and put in the back of a SWAT truck.
"When Officer John Doe I (upon information and belief, Officer John Doe I is Lieutenant Robert Glover) asked Corrigan for the key to his apartment, he informed the officer: 'There is no way I am giving you consent to enter my place.' Officer John Doe I stated: 'I don't have time to play this constitutional bullshit!' and ordered that Officers John Does II-V, members of the Emergency Response Team (ERT), enter the apartment." (Parentheses in complaint).
Corrigan says police took him to a VA hospital, broke his front door and entered his apartment without a warrant, where they confiscated his guns, vandalized his place and took his dog to an animal shelter.
"Although the officers had no information that there were explosives in Corrigan's home and the home had been secured, John Does VI-X, the Explosives Ordinance Disposal (EOD) team, entered Corrigan's home without a warrant and searched for explosives," the complaint states. "The EOD team opened closed containers and used X-ray equipment to search closed containers.
"After the initial warrantless search, the EOD team brought in a dog to search for firearms.
"During the search of Corrigan's home, John Does II-XV seized three firearms and numerous rounds of ammunition for those firearms and others. The three firearms were a rifle, which was unloaded and trigger-locked in a locked hard-side container under his bed, a hand gun which was in a hard case in a drawer in the closet, and another handgun which was in a zipped bag on the shelf at the bottom of a clothes rack (pillows and blankets were on top and next to the bag). The locked cases were taken but the broken latches were left on the floor. The ammunition was stored in a sealed plastic crate and the rest was in boxes, in their original packing, in a milk crate, which was stored under a sleeping bag in a utility closet.
"Corrigan's eyeglasses were broken and thrown in a corner." (Parentheses in complaint).
Corrigan says he spent three days in the VA hospital, because "having weapons pointed at him upon leaving his apartment triggered his PTSD hyper-vigilance and caused irregular heartbeat."
After he was released from the hospital and determined not to be a suicide risk, Corrigan says, police arrested him and put him in jail, where he remained for almost 2 weeks.
"When Corrigan returned to his apartment 16 days after being seized, he found that John Does I-XV had left the front door unlocked and unsecured, had left the electric stove on, had cut open every zipped bag, had dumped every box and drawer, had broken locked boxes from under the bed and the closet, and emptied shelves into piles in each room. All his tropical fish in his 150 gallon aquarium were dead."
Corrigan seeks more than $500,000 in damages for constitutional violations.
He is represented by Richard Gardiner, of Fairfax, Va.
Source
Matthew Corrigan, who lives alone with his dog, sued the District of Columbia in D.C. Federal Court.
Confronted with a massive police presence after his plea for help, Corrigan says, he denied officers permission to enter his house, but they entered and trashed it anyway, saying, "I don't have time to play this constitutional bullshit!"
Corrigan says the debacle started on Feb. 2, 2010.
"Corrigan telephoned what he believed to be the 'Military's Emotional Support Hotline' because he was depressed and had not slept for several days," the complaint states.
"The number Corrigan called was in fact the National Suicide Hotline. When he stated that he was a veteran, he was asked if he had firearms, to which he said yes. He said nothing about being suicidal or using a firearm or threatening anyone. After a short conversation, Corrigan hung up, turned off the phone, took prescribed sleeping medication, and went to bed.
"At approximately 4 a.m. in the morning of Feb. 3, 2010, Corrigan awoke because he heard his name being called over a bullhorn. There were floodlights outside his front and back doors and an estimated 8 police officers in the back yard and 20 in the front yard.
"Corrigan turned on his phone and found that Officer Fischer of the 5th District was calling him, asking him to come out, which he did at about 4:50 a.m., locking the door behind him. He was handcuffed and put in the back of a SWAT truck.
"When Officer John Doe I (upon information and belief, Officer John Doe I is Lieutenant Robert Glover) asked Corrigan for the key to his apartment, he informed the officer: 'There is no way I am giving you consent to enter my place.' Officer John Doe I stated: 'I don't have time to play this constitutional bullshit!' and ordered that Officers John Does II-V, members of the Emergency Response Team (ERT), enter the apartment." (Parentheses in complaint).
Corrigan says police took him to a VA hospital, broke his front door and entered his apartment without a warrant, where they confiscated his guns, vandalized his place and took his dog to an animal shelter.
"Although the officers had no information that there were explosives in Corrigan's home and the home had been secured, John Does VI-X, the Explosives Ordinance Disposal (EOD) team, entered Corrigan's home without a warrant and searched for explosives," the complaint states. "The EOD team opened closed containers and used X-ray equipment to search closed containers.
"After the initial warrantless search, the EOD team brought in a dog to search for firearms.
"During the search of Corrigan's home, John Does II-XV seized three firearms and numerous rounds of ammunition for those firearms and others. The three firearms were a rifle, which was unloaded and trigger-locked in a locked hard-side container under his bed, a hand gun which was in a hard case in a drawer in the closet, and another handgun which was in a zipped bag on the shelf at the bottom of a clothes rack (pillows and blankets were on top and next to the bag). The locked cases were taken but the broken latches were left on the floor. The ammunition was stored in a sealed plastic crate and the rest was in boxes, in their original packing, in a milk crate, which was stored under a sleeping bag in a utility closet.
"Corrigan's eyeglasses were broken and thrown in a corner." (Parentheses in complaint).
Corrigan says he spent three days in the VA hospital, because "having weapons pointed at him upon leaving his apartment triggered his PTSD hyper-vigilance and caused irregular heartbeat."
After he was released from the hospital and determined not to be a suicide risk, Corrigan says, police arrested him and put him in jail, where he remained for almost 2 weeks.
"When Corrigan returned to his apartment 16 days after being seized, he found that John Does I-XV had left the front door unlocked and unsecured, had left the electric stove on, had cut open every zipped bag, had dumped every box and drawer, had broken locked boxes from under the bed and the closet, and emptied shelves into piles in each room. All his tropical fish in his 150 gallon aquarium were dead."
Corrigan seeks more than $500,000 in damages for constitutional violations.
He is represented by Richard Gardiner, of Fairfax, Va.
Source
MARCH 2ND & 3RD - JustAdvice(r) Initiative Legal Advice Clinic
Do you have a legal issue? Do you know anyone that needs legal advice?
This message is to let you know that the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law's JustAdvice® Initiative is coming to the Eastern Shore!
The JustAdvice® Initiative is a program designed to increase community access to legal counsel. Our program, which is based in Baltimore City, is making our second trip to the Eastern Shore on March 2nd & 3rd. The JustAdvice® Initiative seeks to give community members the opportunity to discuss a legal issue with an attorney for thirty to forty minutes for only $10 (with a fee waiver option for persons unable to pay $10). This program seeks to expand access to legal advice so people can figure out the “next steps” required to tackle their legal issue, whether that means proceeding pro se or engaging an attorney referred by our program.
Our staff of student attorneys and experienced volunteer attorneys are able to offer legal advice on a variety of issues ranging from expungement, landlord tenant, employment/labor law, consumer issues, civil cases, and more. Community members can make appointments at (410) 929-4809 (preferred to get an idea of the number of attendees) or may just walk-in to speak with an attorney!
Our Eastern Shore sessions are scheduled for:
FRIDAY, MARCH 2, 2012 12-4pm @ Caroline County Public Health and Service Building in Denton, Maryland
SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012 10:30-2:30pm @ Wicomico County Public Library - Main Branch in Salisbury, Maryland
This message is to let you know that the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law's JustAdvice® Initiative is coming to the Eastern Shore!
The JustAdvice® Initiative is a program designed to increase community access to legal counsel. Our program, which is based in Baltimore City, is making our second trip to the Eastern Shore on March 2nd & 3rd. The JustAdvice® Initiative seeks to give community members the opportunity to discuss a legal issue with an attorney for thirty to forty minutes for only $10 (with a fee waiver option for persons unable to pay $10). This program seeks to expand access to legal advice so people can figure out the “next steps” required to tackle their legal issue, whether that means proceeding pro se or engaging an attorney referred by our program.
Our staff of student attorneys and experienced volunteer attorneys are able to offer legal advice on a variety of issues ranging from expungement, landlord tenant, employment/labor law, consumer issues, civil cases, and more. Community members can make appointments at (410) 929-4809 (preferred to get an idea of the number of attendees) or may just walk-in to speak with an attorney!
Our Eastern Shore sessions are scheduled for:
FRIDAY, MARCH 2, 2012 12-4pm @ Caroline County Public Health and Service Building in Denton, Maryland
SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012 10:30-2:30pm @ Wicomico County Public Library - Main Branch in Salisbury, Maryland
IT CAN BE HARD KEEPING A STRAIGHT FACE AS A COURT REPORTER
These are from a book called Disorder in the American Courts, and are things people actually said in court,
word for word, taken down and now published by court reporters that had the torment of staying calm while
these exchanges were actually taking place.
ATTORNEY: What was the first thing your husband said to you that morning?
WITNESS: He said , 'Where am I, Cathy?'
ATTORNEY: And why did that upset you?
WITNESS: My name is Susan!
____________________________________________
ATTORNEY: This myasthenia gravis, does it affect your memory at all?
WITNESS: Yes.
ATTORNEY: And in what ways does it affect your memory?
WITNESS: I forget..
ATTORNEY: You forget? Can you give us an example of something you forgot?
___________________________________________
ATTORNEY: Now doctor, isn't it true that when a person dies in his sleep,
he doesn't know about it until the next morning?
WITNESS: Did you actually pass the bar exam?
____________________________________
ATTORNEY: The youngest son , the 20-year-old, how old is he?
WITNESS: He's 20, much like your IQ.
___________________________________________
ATTORNEY: Were you present when your picture was taken?
WITNESS: Are you shitting me?
_________________________________________
(My Favorite)
ATTORNEY: So the date of conception (of the baby) was August 8th?
WITNESS: Yes.
ATTORNEY: And what were you doing at that time?
WITNESS: Getting laid
____________________________________________
(Another favorite)
ATTORNEY: She had three children, right?
WITNESS: Yes.
ATTORNEY: How many were boys?
WITNESS: None.
ATTORNEY: Were there any girls?
WITNESS: Your Honor, I think I need a different attorney. Can I get a new attorney?
____________________________________________
ATTORNEY: How was your first marriage terminated?
WITNESS: By death..
ATTORNEY: And by whose death was it terminated?
WITNESS: Take a guess.
____________________________________________
ATTORNEY: Can you describe the individual?
WITNESS: He was about medium height and had a beard
ATTORNEY: Was this a male or a female?
WITNESS: Unless the Circus was in town I'm going with male.
_____________________________________
ATTORNEY: Is your appearance here this morning pursuant to a deposition notice which I sent to your attorney?
WITNESS: No, this is how I dress when I go to work.
______________________________________
ATTORNEY: Doctor, how many of your autopsies have you performed on dead people?
WITNESS: All of them.. The live ones put up too much of a fight.
_________________________________________
ATTORNEY: ALL your responses MUST be oral, OK? What school did you go to?
WITNESS: Oral..
_________________________________________
ATTORNEY: Do you recall the time that you examined the body?
WITNESS: The autopsy started around 8:30 PM
ATTORNEY: And Mr. Denton was dead at the time?
WITNESS: If not , he was by the time I finished.
____________________________________________
And last:
ATTORNEY: Doctor, before you performed the autopsy, did you check for a pulse?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: Did you check for blood pressure?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: Did you check for breathing?
WITNESS: No..
ATTORNEY: So, then it is possible that the patient was alive when you began the autopsy?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: How can you be so sure, Doctor?
WITNESS: Because his brain was sitting on my desk in a jar.
ATTORNEY: I see, but could the patient have still been alive, nevertheless?
WITNESS: Yes, it is possible that he could have been alive and practicing law.
word for word, taken down and now published by court reporters that had the torment of staying calm while
these exchanges were actually taking place.
ATTORNEY: What was the first thing your husband said to you that morning?
WITNESS: He said , 'Where am I, Cathy?'
ATTORNEY: And why did that upset you?
WITNESS: My name is Susan!
____________________________________________
ATTORNEY: This myasthenia gravis, does it affect your memory at all?
WITNESS: Yes.
ATTORNEY: And in what ways does it affect your memory?
WITNESS: I forget..
ATTORNEY: You forget? Can you give us an example of something you forgot?
___________________________________________
ATTORNEY: Now doctor, isn't it true that when a person dies in his sleep,
he doesn't know about it until the next morning?
WITNESS: Did you actually pass the bar exam?
____________________________________
ATTORNEY: The youngest son , the 20-year-old, how old is he?
WITNESS: He's 20, much like your IQ.
___________________________________________
ATTORNEY: Were you present when your picture was taken?
WITNESS: Are you shitting me?
_________________________________________
(My Favorite)
ATTORNEY: So the date of conception (of the baby) was August 8th?
WITNESS: Yes.
ATTORNEY: And what were you doing at that time?
WITNESS: Getting laid
____________________________________________
(Another favorite)
ATTORNEY: She had three children, right?
WITNESS: Yes.
ATTORNEY: How many were boys?
WITNESS: None.
ATTORNEY: Were there any girls?
WITNESS: Your Honor, I think I need a different attorney. Can I get a new attorney?
____________________________________________
ATTORNEY: How was your first marriage terminated?
WITNESS: By death..
ATTORNEY: And by whose death was it terminated?
WITNESS: Take a guess.
____________________________________________
ATTORNEY: Can you describe the individual?
WITNESS: He was about medium height and had a beard
ATTORNEY: Was this a male or a female?
WITNESS: Unless the Circus was in town I'm going with male.
_____________________________________
ATTORNEY: Is your appearance here this morning pursuant to a deposition notice which I sent to your attorney?
WITNESS: No, this is how I dress when I go to work.
______________________________________
ATTORNEY: Doctor, how many of your autopsies have you performed on dead people?
WITNESS: All of them.. The live ones put up too much of a fight.
_________________________________________
ATTORNEY: ALL your responses MUST be oral, OK? What school did you go to?
WITNESS: Oral..
_________________________________________
ATTORNEY: Do you recall the time that you examined the body?
WITNESS: The autopsy started around 8:30 PM
ATTORNEY: And Mr. Denton was dead at the time?
WITNESS: If not , he was by the time I finished.
____________________________________________
And last:
ATTORNEY: Doctor, before you performed the autopsy, did you check for a pulse?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: Did you check for blood pressure?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: Did you check for breathing?
WITNESS: No..
ATTORNEY: So, then it is possible that the patient was alive when you began the autopsy?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: How can you be so sure, Doctor?
WITNESS: Because his brain was sitting on my desk in a jar.
ATTORNEY: I see, but could the patient have still been alive, nevertheless?
WITNESS: Yes, it is possible that he could have been alive and practicing law.
The High Price Of Telling The Truth About Islam
[Editor's note: The article below is written by Eric Allen Bell, a filmmaker who was recently banned from blogging at the “Daily Kos” because he wrote three articles that ran afoul of the mindset there, specifically naming “Loonwatch.com” as a “terrorist spin control network.” This article first appeared in our Feb 7 issue and we have decided to rerun it due to the massive interest and reaction it received. Don't miss Eric Bell on Frontpage's television program, The Glazov Gang, which we will air in our Monday, Feb. 13 edition.]
A strange thing happened to me the other day when I was driving past the Federal Building in Los Angeles. There were a crowd of people assembled there with signs which said that Israel is an aggressive force in the Middle East and that Iran is being picked on. As I stopped at a red light I heard a man with a mega phone lead the protesters in a chant charging Obama with genocide. I saw many young people and several Muslim women with their heads covered. It was an anti-war demonstration that probably a year ago I would have supported. But although I am not in favor of military action, I know that Iran is not another Iraq, and that in fact there is more going on here than the overly-simplified picture that the protestors were painting, as cars drove by honking in support. As the light turned green another sign caught my eye – a picture of the Twin Towers burning which read “911 Was an Inside Job”. As I looked at a sea of Palestinian flags and college kids banging on drums I felt a certain frustration – frustration based on a series of events that have changed my world view.
In the Summer of 2010, having recently escaped Hollywood, CA to take a much needed break from my profession as a film maker, I was driving in my car listening to a story on NPR. It seems the people in my new home of Murfreesboro, TN were up in arms over the proposed construction of a 53,000 square foot mega mosque, to be built in their small town in the middle of the American Bible Belt.
I listened carefully, to the sound bytes, of those who had shown up to a town hall meeting to voice their opposition and, as someone who was rather new to the South, I was surprised by what I was hearing. “America is a Christian nation and there is only one God and his name is not Allah and his son is Jesus Christ” and “America is a Christian Nation” and “These Muslims do not share my values and I don’t want them in my backyard”. Growing up in Southern California, I had never heard anything like this before in my life. And I started to follow the story with great interest.
More
A strange thing happened to me the other day when I was driving past the Federal Building in Los Angeles. There were a crowd of people assembled there with signs which said that Israel is an aggressive force in the Middle East and that Iran is being picked on. As I stopped at a red light I heard a man with a mega phone lead the protesters in a chant charging Obama with genocide. I saw many young people and several Muslim women with their heads covered. It was an anti-war demonstration that probably a year ago I would have supported. But although I am not in favor of military action, I know that Iran is not another Iraq, and that in fact there is more going on here than the overly-simplified picture that the protestors were painting, as cars drove by honking in support. As the light turned green another sign caught my eye – a picture of the Twin Towers burning which read “911 Was an Inside Job”. As I looked at a sea of Palestinian flags and college kids banging on drums I felt a certain frustration – frustration based on a series of events that have changed my world view.
In the Summer of 2010, having recently escaped Hollywood, CA to take a much needed break from my profession as a film maker, I was driving in my car listening to a story on NPR. It seems the people in my new home of Murfreesboro, TN were up in arms over the proposed construction of a 53,000 square foot mega mosque, to be built in their small town in the middle of the American Bible Belt.
I listened carefully, to the sound bytes, of those who had shown up to a town hall meeting to voice their opposition and, as someone who was rather new to the South, I was surprised by what I was hearing. “America is a Christian nation and there is only one God and his name is not Allah and his son is Jesus Christ” and “America is a Christian Nation” and “These Muslims do not share my values and I don’t want them in my backyard”. Growing up in Southern California, I had never heard anything like this before in my life. And I started to follow the story with great interest.
More
NEW HANDGUN
Pistol
Ruger is coming out with a new pistol in honor of members of the United States Senate and the House of Representatives.
It will be named the "Congressman".
It doesn't work and you can't fire it.
Ruger is coming out with a new pistol in honor of members of the United States Senate and the House of Representatives.
It will be named the "Congressman".
It doesn't work and you can't fire it.
The English Language
1) The bandage was wound around the wound.
2) The farm was used to produce produce.
3) The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse.
4) We must polish the Polish furniture..
5) He could lead if he would get the lead out.
6) The soldier decided to desert his dessert in the desert..
7) Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present.
8) A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum.
9) When shot at, the dove dove into the bushes.
10) I did not object to the object.
11) The insurance was invalid for the invalid.
12) There was a row among the oarsmen about how to row.
13) They were too close to the door to close it.
14) The buck does funny things when the does are present.
15) A seamstress and a sewer fell down into a sewer line.
16) To help with planting, the farmer taught his sow to sow.
17) The wind was too strong to wind the sail.
18) Upon seeing the tear in the painting I shed a tear..
19) I had to subject the subject to a series of tests.
20) How can I intimate this to my most intimate friend?
Let's face it - English is a crazy language. There is no egg in eggplant, nor ham in hamburger; neither apple nor pine in pineapple. English muffins weren't invented in England or French fries in France . Sweetmeats are candies while sweetbreads, which aren't sweet, are meat. We take English for granted. But if we explore its paradoxes, we find that quicksand can work slowly, boxing rings are square and a guinea pig is neither from Guinea nor is it a pig..
And why is it that writers write but fingers don't fing, grocers don't groce and hammers don't ham? If the plural of tooth is teeth, why isn't the plural of booth, beeth? One goose, 2 geese. So one moose, 2 meese? One index, 2 indices? Doesn't it seem crazy that you can make amends but not one amend? If you have a bunch of odds and ends and get rid of all but one of them, what do you call it?
If teachers taught, why didn't preachers praught? If a vegetarian eats vegetables, what does a humanitarian eat? Sometimes I think all the English speakers should be committed to an asylum for the verbally insane. In what language do people recite at a play and play at a recital? Ship by truck and send cargo by ship? Have noses that run and feet that smell?
How can a slim chance and a fat chance be the same, while a wise man and a wise guy are opposites? You have to marvel at the unique lunacy of a language in which your house can burn up as it burns down, in which you fill in a form by filling it out and in which, an alarm goes off by going on.
English was invented by people, not computers, and it reflects the creativity of the human race, which, of course, is not a race at all. That is why, when the stars are out, they are visible, but when the lights are out, they are invisible.
PS. - Why doesn't 'Buick' rhyme with 'quick' ?
2) The farm was used to produce produce.
3) The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse.
4) We must polish the Polish furniture..
5) He could lead if he would get the lead out.
6) The soldier decided to desert his dessert in the desert..
7) Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present.
8) A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum.
9) When shot at, the dove dove into the bushes.
10) I did not object to the object.
11) The insurance was invalid for the invalid.
12) There was a row among the oarsmen about how to row.
13) They were too close to the door to close it.
14) The buck does funny things when the does are present.
15) A seamstress and a sewer fell down into a sewer line.
16) To help with planting, the farmer taught his sow to sow.
17) The wind was too strong to wind the sail.
18) Upon seeing the tear in the painting I shed a tear..
19) I had to subject the subject to a series of tests.
20) How can I intimate this to my most intimate friend?
Let's face it - English is a crazy language. There is no egg in eggplant, nor ham in hamburger; neither apple nor pine in pineapple. English muffins weren't invented in England or French fries in France . Sweetmeats are candies while sweetbreads, which aren't sweet, are meat. We take English for granted. But if we explore its paradoxes, we find that quicksand can work slowly, boxing rings are square and a guinea pig is neither from Guinea nor is it a pig..
And why is it that writers write but fingers don't fing, grocers don't groce and hammers don't ham? If the plural of tooth is teeth, why isn't the plural of booth, beeth? One goose, 2 geese. So one moose, 2 meese? One index, 2 indices? Doesn't it seem crazy that you can make amends but not one amend? If you have a bunch of odds and ends and get rid of all but one of them, what do you call it?
If teachers taught, why didn't preachers praught? If a vegetarian eats vegetables, what does a humanitarian eat? Sometimes I think all the English speakers should be committed to an asylum for the verbally insane. In what language do people recite at a play and play at a recital? Ship by truck and send cargo by ship? Have noses that run and feet that smell?
How can a slim chance and a fat chance be the same, while a wise man and a wise guy are opposites? You have to marvel at the unique lunacy of a language in which your house can burn up as it burns down, in which you fill in a form by filling it out and in which, an alarm goes off by going on.
English was invented by people, not computers, and it reflects the creativity of the human race, which, of course, is not a race at all. That is why, when the stars are out, they are visible, but when the lights are out, they are invisible.
PS. - Why doesn't 'Buick' rhyme with 'quick' ?