Salisbury News: 02/21/12

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

The Forgotten Man, Worth Repeating

Military Gay Group Growing, Aiming For More Rights

An association of gays in the military has more than doubled its membership since last year, is setting up more on-base chapters, and plans to hold its next national conference at a Defense Department resort at Walt Disney World.

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Frederick Co. Makes English Its Official Language

WASHINGTON - Frederick County has become the first in Maryland to make English the official language of the government.

The vote was 4-1 on Tuesday, with the lone dissent coming from Commissioner David Gray.

"If you would stop anyone on the streets, anywhere, and ask them what is the official language of the United States, they would say English," says Commission Board President Blaine Young.

A public hearing regarding the issue took nearly three hours, during which most of the 19 people who spoke were against the measure.

Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Press Release 2-21-12

On February 19, 2012 at 2:15am a Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Deputy was on patrol on Old Ocean City Road near Circle Road in Berlin, MD. The Deputy was blinded by the high beam head lights of an oncoming vehicle. The Deputy stopped the vehicle. The operator, Patrick Purves, 23 years of age from Salisbury Md. appeared to be to be under the influence of alcohol.

Mr. Purves was arrested and charged with Driving while impaired by alcohol. Mr. Purves was released pending court.

What Criminals Think Of Gun Control

Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Press Release 2-21-12

On February 18, 2012 at approximately 1225 hours a Deputy of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office arrested Thomas James Hennasey of Selbyville, DE on 6 District Court Bench Warrants for failure to appear for court on multiple charges of driving suspended, driving revoked, and false statement to police officer. Hennasey also had 1 arrest warrant for fraud – identity to avoid prosecution and driving suspended/revoked. Hennasey was held at the Worcester County Jail on $55,000 bond.

On February 17, 2012 at approximately 1505 hours a Deputy of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office arrested Lorenzo Sears of New Church, VA on a Circuit Court Grand Jury Indictment for the charges of CDS Manufacturing/Distribution and Conspiracy CDS – Distribution Cocaine. Sears was held at the Worcester County Jail on $200,000 bond.

On February 16, 2012 at approximately 1255 hours a Deputy of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office arrested Ryan James Searcy of Salisbury, MD on a Circuit Court Warrant for Violation of probation on the original charges of Assault 2nd degree and Theft under $100. Searcy was held at the Worcester County Jail on $25,000 bond.

On February 10, 2012 at approximately 1203 hours a Deputy of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office arrested Todd Robert Olenchick on a Fugitive Warrant from Cambria County PA for Violation of probation on the original charge of DUI. Olenchick was held at the Worcester County Jail.

Obama Housing Plans vs. Reality

The Obama administration recently unveiled a string of proposals to help struggling homeowners and get the housing market back on its feet — part of the administration’s “We Can’t Wait” election year to-do list . Of course, the White House has made big promises before about helping homeowners, only to see them disappoint time and again.

Here are the latest proposals, whether they are anything new and whether they stand a chance of going anywhere.

President Obama wants to allow homeowners whose mortgages are backed by private-sector companies to refinance at lower rates through the Federal Housing Administration. (The FHA insures many mortgages [3], and it is not the same as the FHFA, the regulatory agency in charge of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac [4].) The president stressed that the proposal would help only “responsible” homeowners who were current on their payments — to counter Republican complaints that his housing policies reward foolhardy borrowers.

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HB 1307 Natural Resources - State Boat Act - Fees And Requirements

The Real Job Creators: You And Me

Mitt Romney & Co. want us to think that making the rich richer will create jobs. That's not true. And it's not the American way.

For three decades, we have been told that “trickle-down” economics that benefit the wealthy is the key to creating jobs. But that's baloney. The evidence shows that ordinary people, not the rich, are the real job creators.

Conservatives like to promote a simplistic view that all you need are capital (cash or goods that produce income) and entrepreneurship in order to create wealth. They maintain that wealth, in turn, spurs rich people to do productive things, like creating jobs, and so the more concentrated wealth is, the more jobs are created. If you tax the rich, they argue, then jobs will be destroyed. Mitt Romney frequently echoes this line of thought by promoting economic programs that would give enormous tax breaks to the wealthiest 1% and concentrate wealth in their hands. Romney, who paid 13.9% in taxes in 2010 and likes to tout himself as a job creator, has just announced a plan that calls for preserving the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy, lowering the corporate tax rate, and repealing the estate tax.

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Former Raven Having Some Problems

Former Ravens Pro Bowler Jermaine Lewis is having some legal issues. He was arrested for driving on a suspended license, which comes two months after other problems. Justin Fenton of the Baltimore Sun joined Ed & Steve to talk about the details and future options for Mr. Lewis.

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Sip Apple Cider Vinegar For Stress Or A Cold

WASHINGTON - Finding people who are overworked and tired is not tough in Washington, D.C., but nutritionists say a little apple cider vinegar can help relieve those symptoms of stress.

The age-old remedy gets high praise for its antibacterial and germ-fighting properties, according to Reader's Digest. Packed with potassium and amino acids, a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar added to a glass of water or juice helps break down the lactic acid after a workout.

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Another Four Years; UPDATE

Update: 4 Yes, 2 No, 1 Abstain

I have just confirmed Dr.Fredericksen has been appointed for another four years.

Elmore - no
Fitzgerald - no
Blye - yes
Chase - yes
Willey - yes
Wright - yes
Dodd - abstained-wanted night meeting based on recently acquired information

New Posts to fall below.

Fetus Found In Sewer Pipe

Police say contractors were working on a clogged toilet in the basement of the home when they found what appeared to be a human fetus in the sewer pipe.

Police are investigating the discovery of a fetus inside a sewer pipe at a Kensington home.

It happened at a house on the 800 block of East Russell Street on Monday.

Police say contractors were working on a clogged toilet in the basement of the home when they found what appeared to be a human fetus in the sewer pipe.

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Nevada Approves Regulations For Self-Driving Cars

CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) - Nevada is envisioning a day when taxicabs might shuttle fares without a driver, or people with medical conditions that make them ineligible for a license could get around with a virtual chauffeur.

The concept took a big step when Nevada became the first state to approve regulations that spell out requirements for companies to test driverless cars on state roads.

"Then they have to take us out and prove that they can do it," Bruce Breslow, director of the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles, said of the autonomous vehicles. "They're not ready to go to market yet."

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Obama Imposing National School Curriculum

A new report compiled by several former Education Department insiders for the Pioneer Institute warns that the Obama administration is imposing a national school curriculum, even though the law doesn’t allow it, by making trades with districts seeking waivers from other program requirements.

“In three short years, the present administration has placed the nation on the road to a national curriculum,” said the authors of the reported called “The Road to a National Curriculum: The Legal Aspects of the Common Core Standards, Race to the Top, and Conditional Waivers.”

“By leveraging funds through its Race to the Top fund and the Race to the Top Assessment Programs, the [Education] Department has accelerated the implementation of common standards in English language arts and mathematics and the development of common assessments based on those standards,” the authors said. “These standards and assessments will create content for state K-12 curriculum and instructional materials.

“The department has simply paid others to do that which it is forbidden to do,” the report continued. “This tactic should not inoculate the department against the curriculum prohibitions imposed by Congress.”

The authors are Robert S. Eitel and Kent D. Talbert, with help from Williamson M. Evers.

The authors said the federal agency is using “waiver conditions” for various requirements – “a power that Congress has not granted” – to set up the national standards.“Given the intense desire of most states to escape the strict accountability requirements of the [Elementary and Secondary School Education Act], most states will agree to the department’s conditions in order to obtain waivers. By accepting the department’s conditions, these states will be bound indefinitely to the Common Core standards, [Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers-SMARTER Balanced Assessment Consortium] assessments, and the curriculum and instructional modules that arise from those assessments,” the report said.“

As already evidenced by the eleven states that have already applied for waivers, most states will accept the Common Core standards and the PARCC-SBAC assessment consortia conditions.

Once this consummation occurs, the department will not permit a state to walk away from that commitment without the state losing its coveted waivers.“It is also highly doubtful that states will turn away from the Common Core standards and assessments after making the heavy investment that these initiatives require,” the report said.

“In the view of the authors, these efforts will necessarily result in a de facto national curriculum and instructional materials effectively supervised, directed, or controlled by the department.”

The authors suggest a multifaceted response to Obama’s agenda, including that Congress “should immediately pass legislation clarifying that the department cannot impose conditions on waivers requested by states under ESEA.”

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If You Really Need To Win The Lottery, You Probably Shouldn't Play

You don't need to be a financial genius to realize that lottery tickets are a poor investment. Players plunk down a little bit of money in exchange for short-lived, long shot dreams of wealth. While indulging the urge to buy a ticket won't kill most budgets, the regular, compulsive act of gambling needed funds on all-but-unwinnable bets is something different.

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Rash Of Historic-Door Knocker Thefts Reported In Society Hill

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – There’s a rash of thefts in Philadelphia’s Society Hill neighborhood, with police saying in the past couple weeks, over a dozen brass door knockers have been taken right off people’s homes.

George Blood of the 300 block of Delancy Street says someone stole a solid brass knocker in the shape of a hand off his door. “Middle of the day, over the weekend, we went out, came home and realized it was gone.”

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Save Money By Making Your Own Window Cleaner

Many store-bought window cleaners have labels that list hard-to-pronounce chemicals as ingredients, but you don't need that stuff to keep your glass clean. You can save a little money by making your own window cleaner.

Mark Berndt, California Teacher Accused Of Lewd Conduct, Scheduled To Be Arraigned Today

LOS ANGLES - The former Los Angeles teacher charged with taking bondage-style photographs of his elementary school students is set to appear in court Tuesday.

Mark Berndt, 61, will be arraigned on charges of committing lewd acts against 23 children ages 6 to 10, from 2005 to 2010.

SUPER RICH - "GO AHEAD, MAKE MY DAY"

Another thought provoking article from Paul Farrell. I kept wanting to disagree with him, but he makes a solid case. I see the situation somewhat different. Their is a super rich class that use their wealth and power to control the country and further enrich themselves. Their is a moocher class that grows by the day. It’s the broad swath in the middle that are getting screwed by the Super Rich and the moochers. We pay the taxes and we are most affected by inflation and Wall Street criminality. One Super Bowl commercial sure has stirred up a hornets nest of dialogue.

Halftime in America? More like sudden death

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. (MarketWatch) — Halftime in America, Clint,Eastwood calls it. Halftime? No folks, the game’s in overtime for Wall Street, the Super Rich and their “mutant capitalism,” as Jack Bogle calls America’s out-of-whack economic system in his “Battle for the Soul of Capitalism.”

It’s an economy so distorted we’re creating an ever-widening inequity gap bigger than the one that ignited the 1929 Crash and Great Depression.

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Why No President Can Bring Us $2 Gasoline

It’s Presidents’ Day as I write this, so if you were lucky enough to have the day off, give some thanks to Washington, Lincoln and all the other chief executives — even stinkers like James Buchanan and Andrew Johnson. Of course in modern American politics, every day is really Presidents’ Day — so central is the occupant of the White House to the perceived state of the nation. Good news or bad news, foreign or domestic, the President gets the credit — and he gets the blame, whether he actually deserves either.

That goes for one of the most importantly economic indicators — psychologically at least — that’s out there: gas prices. A gallon of gas now costs an average of $3.53, already up 25¢ from the beginning of the year, and the highest price it’s even been at this time of the year. (Gas prices are usually lower in the winter, when the cold weather and lack of holidays curtails some driving.) With the U.S. economy strengthening — driving up demand for gasoline, and price as well — and the situation in Iran and the rest of the oil-producing Middle East looking uncertain, analysts believes gas could be well over $4 a gallon by the prime driving months of the summer.

You can bet that gas prices will be a major campaign issue during the 2012 presidential election, just as they were in 2008 — better known as the summer of “drill, baby, drill.” Republican candidate Newt Gingrich — who wants to “drill here, drill now” — has been promising that he could bring gasoline to $2.50 a gallon or less if he takes office, while the other candidates are concentrating their fire at President Obama, blaming his policies for the pain at the pump. But does a President really have that much control over how much it costs for you to fill your car?

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Kids Who Don’t Gender Conform Are At Higher Risk Of Abuse

Swapping gender roles is common in childhood play, but a new study finds that non-conforming kids are at risk for physical and sexual abuse and post-traumatic stress.

Fitting in can be a tough business for kids, especially for the boy who wants to play dress-up and the girl with the short haircut. Now a new study finds that children who display such gender non-conformity — activity choices, interests and pretend play that don’t conform with what’s expected of their gender — are more likely to suffer physical, psychological and sexual abuse and experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by early adulthood.

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Roads To Ruin: Why ‘Drill And Drive’ Is The New Motto In Washington

When Republicans loaded up a transportation bill with what the NRDC’s David Goldston floridly calls “a gallimaufry of bad ideas” that included the Keystone XL pipeline and oil drilling in the Gulf of Mexico and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, it seemed like a cheap political stunt: The monstrosity would never stand a chance of becoming law. Sure enough, the White House has promised to veto the bill should it actually make it through Congress.

The House passed the drilling proposals last Thursday anyway, with help from 21 oil-loving Democrats. (Twenty-one Republicans broke ranks with House leadership, voting against the bill. A handful of them are from Florida, where the $60 billion tourism industry apparently trumps a few extra mil from offshore drilling.)

But amid all the debate over the transportation bill, one truth has gone unsaid — a truth that explains, at least in part, what these proposals are doing in the transportation bill in the first place, and why the lines between opponents and supporters are not more clearly drawn: We have become slaves to our roads.

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Trump Takes Hatchet To Santorum

(CNN) – Donald Trump demonstrated Monday that he has no qualms about going after one of Mitt Romney's chief rivals, Rick Santorum.

"There's nothing - there's no gift, no Christmas gift, that could be given better than Rick Santorum to the Democrats," Trump said in a radio interview which aired in Michigan. Democrats, he continued, "are just salivating at that. And, you know, I don't think they believe it's going to happen. But boy, would they like it to happen because that would be an easy election."

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Obama Fights To Retain Warrantless Wiretapping

Despite being propelled to victory by progressive supporters critical of the Bush administration’s record on civil liberties, President Barack Obama has directed the Justice Department to defend many of the policies of George W. Bush, including warrantless wiretapping. Last week, the Justice Department filed papers asking the Supreme Court to overturn an appeals court ruling that allowed the continuation of an ACLU lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of a 2008 law giving the government unprecedented authority to monitor Americans’ international emails and phone calls.

That monitoring has its origins in the wake of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, when, a few years later, President Bush instructed the National Security Agency (NSA) to intercept Americans’ telephone calls without warrants, which were required by the Constitution and the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). FISA, a post-Watergate statute meant to rein in domestic surveillance, created a special court, the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC), to approve or reject requests for domestic surveillance.

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Walmart's Low Prices Bear A High Cost For America

For untold millions, Walmart is not simply a place to shop, but the place. Considering that the quintessential big-box retailer claims to, and often does, offer just about every conventional item necessary for the family at an affordable price, this should be none too surprising. However, at what cost does this convenience come, and in the grander scheme of things, is what Walmart has to offer really convenience at all? The company’s ownership would most definitely say so, as would throngs of eager consumers. Many economists, social scientists, and former employees, though, have a strikingly different opinion. While one can choose to believe whichever side of the argument he or she likes best, where do the facts lie?

First and foremost, it should be known that every single American taxpayer is essentially footing the bill for Walmart’s mere existence. According to Reuters, this is because, as a study published last year by the City University of New York’s Hunter College Center for Community Planning showed, company employees receive inadequate health insurance coverage and in turn are left with few other options than to apply for public assistance. Beyond providing a lack of medical benefits, Walmart’s presence in most regions, says the study, "Depresses area wages....pushes out more retail jobs than it creates, and results in more retail vacancies."

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The End Of The For-Profit Prison Era?

A nationwide campaign to stem investments in private corrections companies is gathering steam

This article originally appeared on The Crime Report.

Early this year, the United Methodist Church Board of Pension and Health Benefits voted to withdraw nearly $1 million in stocks from two private prison companies, the GEO Group and Corrections Corporation of America (CCA).

The decision by the largest faith-based pension fund in the United States came in response to concerns expressed last May by the church’s immigration task force and a group of national activists.

“Our board simply felt that it did not want to profit from the business of incarcerating others,” said Colette Nies, managing director of communications for the board.

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For Boomers, It's A New Era Of 'Work Til You Drop'

When Paula Symons joined the U.S. workforce in 1972, typewriters in her office clacked nonstop, people answered the telephones and the hot new technology revolutionizing communication was the fax machine.

Symons, fresh out of college, entered this brave new world thinking she'd do pretty much what her parents' generation did: Work for just one or two companies over about 45 years before bidding farewell to co-workers at a retirement party and heading off into her sunset years with a pension.

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Violent Crime On Increase In D.C

Despite a dramatic drop in murders, violent crime in the District is up. Armed robberies are surging in many parts of the city.

So far this year, nearly 600 robberies have been reported across the city--that's a 30 percent increase from 2011. Upper Northwest has seen the biggest jump, with a 250 percent increase over the same time last year. In nearly half of the robberies, the attackers threatened the victims with a gun.

Tenleytown has been hit the hardest and residents are talking about how the crime has impacted the community. Longtime residents say they haven't seen this since the 1980s.

Feds Change Their Minds

Switching to dollar coins might save less federal money than first thought. The Government Accountability Office says getting rid of paper notes could save $4 billion over 30 years. That's down from an estimate last year that pegged the number at $5.5 billion. And either way, the government would lose money at first to pay for the new coins. Still, GAO says there is a benefit because the coins last longer.

Guns and Ammo

A friend and I just had a lengthy conversation about guns and ammo. We all have our own preferences relating to the types of weapons we have and the purpose they serve. All too often the subject of ammo (type, grade, manufacturer, etc.) is never touched upon.

In my opinion guns and ammunition are a partnership. A marriage if you will. Each weapon has a favorite type of ammunition. An ammunition type that it will shoot more accurately, based upon the amount of powder used as a propellant and the weight and type of projectile. For example some types of weapons will like a fast burning powder with a ballistic tipped boat tail bullet. The trick is to know your own weapon and what type of ammunition to use to get the most accurate, most reliable results.

Our discussion dealt specifically with manufacturer. I have an AK-47. I love it. It isn't picky. It doesn't have to operate in an environment that is almost sterile like some AR-15's. It likes cheap, steel cased, Russian ammo as much as it does the Remington brass cased ammo. My friend has aa Smith & Wesson AR-15. He loves it. He likes the way it shoots. He likes the way it feels. He also loves the fact that there is an unlimited supply of aftermarket add-ons to make his AR the best tactical/self-defense weapon God ever made. Unfortunately for him, it doesn't like cheap ammo.

I can go to Wal-Mart and buy 20 round boxes of Tul Ammo/Wolf Ammo made in Russia for $4.97. I can shoot hundreds of rounds without so much as a feed jamb. If he buys the same brand of ammo he will start to have malfunctions after about 50 rounds causing him to have to break his weapon down for a thorough cleaning. He has to buy ammo at least twice the cost to get the same results as I have with an AK-47.

I'm not picking one weapon over another. The truth is that the AR-15 is by far a superior weapon as it relates to accuracy. I am trying to bring to light the fact that there are many things to consider before purchasing a weapon. One of the most important consideration is the cost and availability of reliable ammunition. The only way to become efficient with your weapon is to get out and shoot as often as possible. Ammunition must be affordable in order to do that.

What's your favorite caliber and ammunition? Is there an ammunition you had problems feeding through your weapon?

NRA Official: Obama Wants To Outlaw Guns In 2nd Term

A top official with the National Rifle Association said Friday that President Obama will move to "destroy" gun rights and "erase" the Second Amendment if he is re-elected in November.

While delivering one of the liveliest and best-received speeches at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Washington, NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre said the president's low-key approach to gun rights during his first term was "a "conspiracy to ensure re-election by lulling gun owners to sleep."

"All that first term, lip service to gun owners is just part of a massive Obama conspiracy to deceive voters and hide his true intentions to destroy the Second Amendment during his second term," he said.

The Cost Of Maintaining Federal Property

The government is paying more to maintain federal property. The General Services Administration says the administration paid $1.5 billion more in 2010 compared with the previous year. The total price tag hit $31 billion. But Federal Times reports the price of maintaining excess and underutilized property fell by just a bit. Agencies are stepping up efforts to get rid of what they don't need.

Virginia House Passes NDAA-Nullifying Bill; Other States Join Fight

The sovereign states are courageously asserting their constitutionally protected right to self-determination by standing up to the federal government and refusing to execute the most noxious provisions of the recently enacted National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

Evidence of this laudable resistance to federal tyranny was most recently found in the Old Dominion, where on February 14 an impressive majority (96 out of 100 members) of the Virginia House of Delegates passed HB 1160, a bill that prohibits agents of the state government from “assisting an agency of the armed forces of the United States in the conduct of the investigation, prosecution, or detention of a citizen in violation of the United States Constitution, the Constitution of Virginia, or any Virginia law or regulation.”

The bill was sponsored by committed constitutionalist Virginia Delegate Bob Marshall. When asked by The New American what prompted him to author this legislation, Marshall referred to his "oath to uphold the U.S. and Virginia Constitutions. "They say this law [the NDAA] is designed to fight terrorists. You don't defeat terrorists by adopting their tactics." "I will be faithful to my calling to stand against these predators who would sell their birthright for a mess of pottage," he added.

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Obama On Vending Machines In Schools

The federal government is looking beyond the nation's school cafeterias. They're moving on to the vending machines down the hall. The New York Times reports, the Obama administration is preparing nutrition standards for food students buy outside of the cafeteria. The rules could be ready in a few weeks. At stake is $2.3 billion worth of annual school vending machine sales. Health advocates predict the rules will replace regular potato chips with baked, and regular peanuts with low-salt versions.

Minnesota GOP Refuses To Allow Citizens To Testify As It Steals Their Right To Vote

Last Wednesday, more than 200 protesters holding signs that read “ALL Our Voices Count No Voter ID Amendment” waited in the halls of the capital building while the Minnesota Senate committee conducted a hearing on a voter ID amendment. Why were they waiting in the halls? The Republican lead committee allowed no citizens to testify on the legislation. Predictably, it passed the committee on a party line vote, 8 Republicans for-6 Democrats against. Last year the Republican lead state congress passed a bill requiring voter ID and it was vetoed by Democratic Governor Mark Dayton. It really got me to wondering, why would 200 citizens protest the prospect of showing id to vote? It doesn’t sound unreasonable, after all, you have to show ID for almost everything now. What’s one more?

At least, that’s what Republicans want you think. The reality is far different.

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Appeal Of Friday’s Tuition Referendum Ruling Will Be ‘Frivolous,’ Petition Leader Says

Circuit Court Judge Ronald Silkworth ruled Friday that a referendum to challenge a new law granting in-state tuition rates to illegal immigrants can go forward on this November’s ballot. The attorney for Casa de Maryland said he will appeal, but the petition leader said the appeals court will uphold the judge's ruling, and the petition will be on the November ballot.

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Obama Takes Tougher Stance On Higher Education

WASHINGTON (AP) — Access to college has been the driving force in federal higher education policy for decades. But the Obamaadministration is pushing a fundamental agenda shift that aggressively brings a new question into the debate: What are people getting for their money?

Students with loans are graduating on average with more than $25,000 in debt. The federal government pours $140 billion annually into federal grants and loans. Unemployment remains high, yet there are projected shortages in many industries with some high-tech companies already complaining about a lack of highly trained workers.

You know the article I put up earlier about Health South and Genesis not accepting any new patients.

Well, now all of a sudden the nurses walked into my friends room at PRMC, all in gowns, gloves and masks, swabbed their nose and have informed this patient they now have MRSA.

We're not sure just how serious things are at PRMC but it doesn't sound good all around.

Comptroller Wants To Quit Sending Paper Supplements, Tax Forms

Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot says he can save taxpayers $500,000 in advertising expense next year if he doesn’t have to print and distribute the list of unclaimed property. He proposes saving more by eliminating tax filings on paper.

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Virginia guns on local government lots bill advances

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - A Senate committee has endorsed legislation to allow most local government employees to bring guns to work as long as they keep them locked in their vehicles.

The Courts of Justice Committee voted 9-6 Monday to send the House-passed bill to the Senate floor.

The measure prohibits localities from banning employees from keeping guns their cars on publicly owned parking lots.

The bill exempts public schools, jails and juvenile detention centers. Republican Del. Brenda Pogge of James City County said her bill clearly doesn't affect colleges because it only deals with local governments.

A.Y.C.E. SPAGHETTI DINNER

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2012

SNETHEN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
DOUBLE MILLS COMMUNITY HALL
MARDELA SPRINGS, MD

5:00 - 7:30

ADULTS $7

DINNER INCLUDES: ALL YOU CAN EAT SPAGHETTI, SALAD, BREAD, BEVERAGE AND DESSERT

CARRYOUTS AVAILABLE

SAUCE AND DESSERTS ARE ALL HOMEMADE!

Hepatitis C Deaths Up, Baby Boomers Most At Risk

WASHINGTON (AP) - Deaths from liver-destroying hepatitis C are on the rise, and new data shows baby boomers especially should take heed _ they are most at risk.

Federal health officials are considering whether anyone born between 1945 and 1965 should get a one-time blood test to check if their livers harbor this ticking time bomb. The reason: Two-thirds of people with hepatitis C are in this age group, most unaware that a virus that takes a few decades to do its damage has festered since their younger days.

The issue has taken new urgency since two drugs hit the market last summer that promise to cure many more people than ever was possible. And research published Monday says testing millions of the middle-aged to find those who need the pricey treatment would be worth the cost, saving thousands of lives.

Main and 13 South bond blocked.

Advocates Testify Against Proposed Cut To Student Breakfast Program

Childhood hunger activists were out in force on Monday, opposing a recommendation to cut additional funding for a program that provides thousands of students with a free classroom breakfast in participating schools across the state.

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Corporations Make First Political Donations — And It’s Not Through Checks

Corporations have made some of their first significant political donations since a 2010 court ruling permitted them — and surprisingly, they’re not monetary.

Some companies have discovered a more cost-effective way to support a favored candidate while ensuring their money is used wisely: giving hundreds of thousands of dollars of free goods or services, known as “in-kind” contributions.

Documents filed Monday with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) showed the activity propping up what has become a major super PAC supporting the presidential campaign of Rep. Ron Paul, Texas Republican. The technique has allowed small businesses to take a stand by doing what they do best.

Romney Super PAC Raised $6.6M In January

Restore Our Future, a super PAC aiding Mitt Romney, raised $6.6 million in January to aid his presidential campaign, documents filed today show.

The super PAC spent nearly $14 million in January as it blistered Romney's GOP rivals with stinging ads during last month's caucuses and primaries. It ended the month with $16.3 million in the bank, some of which is being deployed in Romney's native state of Michigan ahead of the Feb. 28 primary there.

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Gay Marriage Flip-Flop Angers Supporters

WASHINGTON - He was lobbied by former President Bill Clinton and actor Kal Penn, but no one knew for sure how Maryland Delegate Sam Arora would vote on a bill to legalize gay marriage in the state until the very last minute.

Arora's decision to vote "no" has infuriated constituents and same-sex marriage supporters from across the country. It's led to an online petition calling on him to resign, and it prompted his Legislative Director, Joshua Lapidus, to quit on the spot.

Battle Of The Airbrush: Arizona Bill Targets Digitally Altered Ads

A new bill introduced in Arizona's House of Representatives would require advertisers to add a disclaimer alerting readers to photo alterations.

Has the digital alteration of print advertisements gone too far? One Arizona politician thinks so, and has introduced new legislation that would require advertisers to fully disclose the use of image modification in all their ads.

House Bill 1793 was proposed by Phoenix representative Katie Hobbs this week. The bill states that readers should be made aware of ads that utilize photo manipulation techniques — such as airbrushing out wrinkles, smoothing skin texture or slimming body types — by including this disclaimer: “Post-production techniques were made to alter the appearance in this advertisement. When using this product, similar results may not be achieved.”

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Is Your Cell Phone Making You A Jerk?

Cell phones connect you socially, but they may also make you less socially minded.

Cell phones keep us socially connected, but new research suggests they actually reduce users’ social consciousness. In fact, the study showed that cell phone use was linked to more selfish behavior.

Researchers from the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business found that after a short period of cell phone use, people were less likely to partake in “prosocial” behavior — actions that are intended to help another person or society — compared with a control group. For example, after using a cell phone, study participants were more likely to turn down volunteer opportunities and were less persistent in completing word problems, even though they knew their answers would provide money for charity.

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Piracy Has Negligible Influence On U.S. Box Office: Study

Film piracy has a very little impact on box office results in the U.S. but likely cuts into studio profits overseas depending on the time lag between a film’s American debut and rollout overseas. Those are the surprising conclusions of an extensive study titled “Reel Piracy: The Effect of Online Film Piracy on International Box Office Sales,” spearheaded by Brett Danaher of Wellesley College and Joel Waldfogel at the University of Minnesota and the National Bureau of Economic Research.

While researchers in the study acknowledge an increase in piracy — especially for genres such as science fiction and action films — U.S. audiences still prefer the theatrical experience. The study found that Americans are heading to theaters in about the same numbers they would have otherwise in the absence of piracy, suggesting that perhaps people opt to see a film in a theater despite an initial pass online, or word of mouth from a pirated copy of a film may push others to the multiplex.

I bought my first car in 19___ and it was a _____.

JOANNE EVETTE GAIL SENTENCED TO 45 YEARS IN PRISON FOR SCALDING CHILD

Joanne Evette Gail, age 44, of Salisbury, Maryland was sentenced by the Wicomico County Circuit Court to 45 years in the custody of the Department of Corrections. After a two-day bench trial on November 2nd and 3rd, 2011, Gale was found guilty of numerous charges including first degree child abuse, first degree assault, reckless endangerment, among other crimes.

Wicomico County State’s Attorney Matthew A. Maciarello commended the Child Advocacy Center for their role in the investigation and the prosecution of this case. Mr. Maciarello also thanked Jamie Lynn Dykes who prosecuted this case.

Billionaire Romney Donor Uses Threats To Silence Critics

Frank VanderSloot is an Idaho billionaire and the CEO of Melaleuca, Inc., a controversial billion-dollar-a-year company which peddles dietary supplements and cleaning products; back in 2004, Forbes, echoing complaints to government agencies, described the company as “a pyramid selling organization, built along the lines of Herbalife and Amway.” VanderSloot has long used his wealth to advance numerous right-wing political causes. Currently, he is the national finance co-chair of the Mitt Romney presidential campaign, and his company has become one of the largest donors ($1 million) to the ostensibly “independent” pro-Romney SuperPAC, Restore Our Future. Melaleuca’s get-rich pitches have in the past caused Michigan regulators to take action, resulting in the company’s entering into a voluntary agreement to “not engage in the marketing and promotion of an illegal pyramid”‘; it entered into a separate voluntary agreement with the Idaho attorney general’s office, which found that “certain independent marketing executives of Melaleuca” had violated Idaho law; and the Food and Drug Administration previously accused Melaleuca of deceiving consumers about some of its supplements.

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PRMC Can't Get Rid Of Patients

Salisbury News just learned that PRMC isn't able to release patients to Health South or Genisis. There seems to be an unknown GI virus going around and NO ONE is allowed to be admitted to either facility.

Now, why is this important. Anyone who has a friend or family member in either one of the above locations should be well aware of the conditions there.

These seem to be flu like symtoms but no one is really sure at this point what the bug actually is.

Anyhow, those patients expecting to be released cannot be admitted to either of these facilities as they are in a sort of lock down.

Travis Gie Gets 15 Years For Drug Distribution

TRAVIS GIE CONVICTED BY WICOMICO COUNTY JURY RECEIVES 15 YEAR SENTENCE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS FOR DRUG DISTRIBUTION CHARGES

On December 19 2011, Travis Gie, age 20, of Salisbury, Maryland was convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute 53 grams of Crack Cocaine by a Wicomico County jury. Today, February 17, 2012, he was sentenced by the Circuit Court to 15 years in the Department of Corrections the first 10 of which are to be served with only limited possibilities of parole.

The charges against Gie arose out of his arrest on June 16, 2011 when he was stopped by the Fruitland police for a traffic violation. The Fruitland officers utilized the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit to scan Gie’s car for drugs which led to the discovery of a large bag of crack cocaine concealed within the passenger seat.

Wicomico County State’s Attorney Matthew A. Maciarello commended the Fruitland Police Department and the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Department for their excellent teamwork in the investigation and prosecution of this case. Mr. Maciarello also thanked the citizens of Wicomico County who sat on the jury and Safe Streets Prosecutor, Richard J. Brueckner Jr., who prosecuted this case.

Let's See What The Board Of Education Members Do Now

We have done everything we can possibly do to educate the Board Members as to Fredericksen's past. Today we deliver factual documents, something your local Main Stream Media has not done. Click on images to enlarge.

Today, if you were to go to the Board of Education Website, there's no mention of today's meeting/vote.

We have seen comments come through challenging us as to why we do not attend such mentioned meetings, IF it's so important to us.

The deal is this. They hold these meetings when "We the People" cannot attend. However, don't you think for a second that "We the People" aren't gaining ground. In the past, all that the citizens had was the Daily Times. Citizens simply went by what they were told. Guess what, ALL of that has changed now and these people know it.

Accountability today is far different from the past where local media controlled what was said. "We the People" are providing information never seen before, such as the documents shown above.

You can chastise us and act as if we really don't care because we can't make a meeting on a week day during working hours. However, you mark my words right here and now, ALL of that will change in the near future.

We will get these meetings aired on PAC 14. We will get the Board to change their meeting hours after the business day is over.

Salisbury News IS "We the People". Michelle Wright better not cast her vote and resign soon after. If she does this, (knowing what lies ahead with new laws) she will never be elected into any office down the road and we'll see to that. We'll expose her for such and the citizens, "We the People" will not vote for her.

We have provided documents and information no one else has ever provided. We WALK THE WALK. Let's see what the Board Members do today after they see this information.

New Posts to fall below.

Wicomico County Sheriff's Deputies Acting Unprofessional

Look, while pretty much all of you know I have my differences with Sheriff Lewis and I've stated numerous times it's not that I dislike the man. We simply disagree on certain matters and I, (along with many others) do not feel he is the same person you elected years ago.

That's here nor there. What I'm about to tell is is why I have some issues with his leadership. Today, in court, Sheriff's Deputies were passing around a photo of Zoey McDuffy, the man recently murdered in Salisbury.

The photo was McDuffy dead in the front seat of his car with his hat still on his head. These Deputies were laughing and joking around about it and quite frankly it didn't sit well with many people in the court room. Yes, some were even able to see the photo of the man shot to death.

Come on Sheriff, this is not the kind of behavior I know you expect from your Staff. Nevertheless, the buck stops at your Office.

Battle lines are drawn over whether Obama is waging a war on religion

There’s a war raging over the “war on religion.”

President Obama’s public clash with U.S. Catholic bishops in recent weeks over the issue of health insurance coverage for birth-control services has ignited a wider debate over whether the administration’s policies such as gay marriage, abortion and employment-discrimination laws are running roughshod over religious freedom.

Critics — many of whom packed a contentious Capitol Hill hearing Thursday to examine the contraception debate — say the administration’s policies amount to a pattern of decisions that are either insensitive to faith-based convictions or actively hostile to long-established religious freedoms and legal rights.

Overspending On National Security Threatens National Security

The administration recently released its 2013 budget proposal, and conservatives are correctly alarmed that it calls for unprecedented spending and continued annual deficits exceeding $1 trillion. But the same conservatives complain that the budget does not devote enough funds to overseas adventurism.

I continue to be dismayed that in spite of our economic problems, most of those who call themselves fiscal conservatives refuse to consider any reductions in military spending. Doug Bandow of the Cato Institute very aptly addresses this in his recent article for the American Conservative entitled "Attack of the Pork Hawks." He points out that conservatives are using a tired liberal argument to defend the bloated military budget: Namely, that more spending equals better results. The federal education morass is merely one example that clearly disproves this.

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Today's Survey Question 2-21-12

Would you consider voting for a third-party presidential candidate this year?

PUBLIC NOTICE

THE SALISBURY CITY COUNCIL IS ANTICIPATING A PHONE CALL DURING THE EARLY PORTION OF TODAY’S WORK SESSION (FEBRUARY 21, 2012) THAT WILL NECESSITATE GOING INTO CLOSED SESSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONSULTING WITH LEGAL COUNSEL AND STAFF ON PENDING OR POTENTIAL LITIGATION AS PERMITTED UNDER THE ANNOTATED CODE OF MARYLAND SECTIONS 10-508(a)(7)(8).

BOTH THE OPEN WORK SESSION AND CLOSED SESSION WILL BE HELD IN CONFERENCE ROOM #

Military Gay Group Growing, Aiming For More Rights

The expansion of the group OutServe in the five months since the repeal of the Pentagon’s ban on open gays shows how a steady stream of service members is coming out of the closet and becoming better organized to achieve demands for more benefits.

Air Force 1st Lt. Josh Seefried, OutServe’s co-director, said its current 4,900 members are more than double the number on Sept. 20, when the prohibition ended. There are now 42 local chapters at bases around the world.

Alabama Court's Wrongful Death Ruling Used To Recommend Abandoning Roe 'Viability' Argument

Life groups are hailing an opinion by an Alabama Supreme Court justice who argued that it's time to abandon the viability standard used in Roe v. Wade because medical breakthroughs -- backed by case law and legislation -- have shown a fetus is only as viable as the technology monitoring it.

The opinion by Judge Thomas Parker was issued Friday in the case of a woman who sued her doctors for wrongful death when her baby died in the womb while only three months in gestation.

The Alabama Supreme Court threw out a DeKalb Circuit Court summary judgment in favor of the defendants that held the wrongful-death action could not be maintained because the unborn child was not viable.

Boy Scout Troop 151 Spaghetti Dinner

Saturday March 24th
5:00-7:30
Asbury Church
Spaghetti w/ Meatballs
Homemade Sauce
Salad , Bread, Desert and Beverage
$8.00 ea
6 and under free Carry Out Available
Call
Christopher Filippelli 443-944-2218
Filippelli@comcast.net

Wicomico County Sheriff's Office Press Releases 2-21-12

Incident: DUI
Date of Incident: 16 February 2012
Location: 1300 block of N. Schumaker Drive, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Edward Anthony Mitchell, 31, Delmar, MD

Narrative: On 16 February 2012 at 9:07 PM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office observed a Dodge Dakota pick-up truck stuck on the guard rail near the intersection of North Schumaker Drive and Hinman lane in Salisbury.

Upon making contact with the operator, Edward Mitchell, the deputy detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from within the vehicle and Mitchell himself. The deputy attempted to have Mitchell perform sobriety testing, but Mitchell refused.

The deputy discovered that Mitchell’s privilege to drive a vehicle had been revoked.
The deputy placed Mitchell under arrest and was offered the opportunity to take a breath test which Mitchell also refused.

The deputy released Mitchell upon the issuance of citations.
Charges: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
Driving While Revoked

Incident: DUI
Date of Incident: 16 February 2012
Location: Ocean Gateway westbound, Wicomico County, MD
Suspect: Melanie K. Rivers, 30, Pittsville, MD

Narrative: On 16 February 2012 at 7:13 PM, the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office received a report of an erratic driver entering Wicomico County on Ocean Gateway westbound in the Willards area. The report stated that this vehicle was swerving widely while travelling in excess of the speed limit.

Communications also relayed that an Ocean City Police vehicle was attempting to stop the vehicle but this vehicle refused to do so. Upon the deputy locating the vehicle, the deputy managed to utilize his own vehicle in an effort to get this vehicle to yield to the side of the road.

Upon contacting the driver, Melanie Rivers, the deputy detected a strong odor of alcohol emanating from within the vehicle and from Rivers herself. The deputy attempted to administer sobriety tests but Rivers could not complete them, at one point telling the deputy she couldn’t do the requested tests because she had been drinking.

The deputy placed Rivers under arrest and transported her to the Maryland State Police barrack for further processing and a breath test. The result of the breath test was .31.

The deputy transported Rivers to the Central Booking Unit where she was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, Rivers was detained in the Detention Center in lieu of $10,000.00 bond.

Charges: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol Per Se

STATE POLICE INVESTIGATING HELICOPTER ENGINE MALFUNCTION

(CHURCHVILLE, MD) – Maryland State Police aviation maintenance technicians are investigating why one of two engines on a State Police helicopter malfunctioned and caught fire while the aircraft was landing at an accident scene in Harford County last night.

Shortly after 10:00 p.m. yesterday, fire and rescue personnel on the scene of a three car collision with multiple victims on Rt. 543 south of Wheel Road in Harford County requested medevac assistance from the Maryland State Police Aviation Command. Due to the number of victims possibly needing transport, two State Police helicopters were dispatched to the scene. They were Trooper One, stationed at Martin State Airport and Trooper Two, stationed at Andrews Air Force Base.

When Trooper One arrived on the scene, fire department personnel had established a landing zone in the yard of a residence near the accident scene. While Trooper One was initiating its landing approach, the crew felt a shudder in the aircraft that seemed to come from one of the engines and a caution light illuminated in the cockpit. The pilot immediately initiated precautionary procedures and continued to land the aircraft safely.

The pilot conducted a wheels-down, normal landing and began procedures to shut the aircraft down. The flight paramedic exited the aircraft and fire department personnel on the ground directed his attention to fire that could be seen inside one of the two engines. Fire extinguishers were used to put the fire out. The fire did not spread outside the engine compartment area.

The flight paramedic from the aircraft went to assess the condition of the victims in the crash. Three victims were already pronounced dead at the scene. The conditions of the two injured victims enabled them to be transported to a hospital by ambulance.

At that time, State Police helicopter Trooper Two was circling overhead and was available for medevac transport if needed. Air transport was not necessary and the crew of Trooper Two assisted investigators on the ground by illuminating the area and helping them to ensure no other victims had been ejected from the vehicles involved.

State Police Aviation Command officers and technicians responded to the scene and assessed the aircraft. The American Eurocopter Dauphin helicopter, delivered to the State Police in 1999, was loaded on a flatbed trailer and transported back to Aviation Command headquarters where it will be inspected. State Police Aviation Command officials immediately notified both the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration of this incident.

At this time, there is no indication regarding why this malfunction occurred. One of the most significant benefits of a twin-engine helicopter is that if one of the engines fails, the pilot will be able to continue to safely operate the aircraft using the remaining engine.

Rick Santorum Gives George W. Bush's Compassionate Conservatism A Libertarian Twist

WASHINGTON -- Rick Santorum is trying to bring back a version of George W. Bush's compassionate conservatism, with one major difference: very little talk of government programs.

Bush's version was a government-centric model, which his campaign brain trust used to differentiate him from the stereotype of the free-market conservative who cared little about the circumstances of the less fortunate.

"We had to face reality: The Democrats had been wildly successful in painting the Republican Party as a natural home for right-wing lunatics and nutballs of all stripes. And the party hadn't helped itself with antics like shutting down the government," wrote Stuart Stevens, a strategist for Bush's 2000 campaign who is now running Mitt Romney's presidential campaign, in his 2001 book "The Big Enchilada."

POLICE INVESTIGATING APPARENT HOMICIDE IN WICOMICO CO.

(SALISBURY, MD) – Maryland State Police and allied law enforcement are continuing their search for the person or persons responsible for the death of a man in an apparent homicide in Wicomico County tonight.

The victim has not been positively identified by police. He is described as an adult African American male. His identity is expected to be released tomorrow after he is positively identified and his family has been notified.

Shortly before 6:30 p.m. today, Maryland State Police from the Salisbury Barrack were dispatched to the area of the 700-block of Olivia Street, Salisbury, Md., for a report of shots fired. Troopers and EMS personnel responded to the scene.

Upon arrival, they found a 1991 white Oldsmobile convertible parked on the roadside. Inside, they found the victim who had sustained apparent gunshot wounds. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

Maryland State Police K-9 units responded to conduct a search of the area. State Police crime scene technicians responded and are continuing to process the scene.

Maryland State Police Homicide Unit investigators responded and are coordinating the investigation. They are being assisted by members of the Wicomico Bureau of Investigation, Maryland State Police Salisbury Barrack, Salisbury Police Department and the Wicomico County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Anyone who may have witnessed this shooting, or who may have information about who is involved, is urged to contact Maryland State Police at the Salisbury Barrack, at 410-749-3101. Callers may remain confidential.

The investigation is continuing.

Contentious "Don't Say Gay" Bill Passes Subcommittee

MEMPHIS, TN - (WMC-TV) - A proposal dubbed the "Don't Say Gay" bill passed the House Education Subcommittee Wednesday.

The legislation limits all sexually related instruction to "natural human reproduction science" in kindergarten through eighth grade.

"This bill, if amended, does not prohibit the use of the word gay, it does not change the anti-bullying statute, and it does not prohibit a school guidance counselor from discussing issues of sexuality with a student," said Rep. Bill Dunn (R) of Knoxville.

Anne Gullick with the Tennessee Equality Project said if the law is passed, it will have a chilling effect on the teacher-student relationship.

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Hoops For The Homeless

Third Annual Hoops For The Homeless Men’s Charity Basketball Tournament Set for March. 10 in Salisbury, MD, Features High Flying Hoop Action and Gently Used Clothing Items Giveaway…

Salisbury, Mar. 10, 2012 — ESBL Sports & Corporate 31 will host its 3rd annual “Hoops for the Homeless Men’s Charity Basketball Tournament. This event goes a long way to provide a platform and a voice to bring awareness to our areas homeless population. With an economy in a touch and go situation, and local and state funding being cut back even more, it is imperative for events such as this to take place. To ensure this event remains a future success we need everyone in our communities to come out and support this great cause.

Time: Saturday March 10, 2012…12pm-until
Location: Richard Hazel Youth Center…Salisbury MD
What to expect: Adult Men’s Basketball Tournament /Youth Game…Charity giveaway of gently used clothing/Non-perishable food giveaway
Host: ESBL Sports & Corporate 31

The event will feature high flying hoop action/food vendors/great entertainment and additional giveaways. Admission is free for youth ages 12 and under; $5 for adults.
For more information, please contact Gary Tucker begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 443-735-5139 or Shawn Tucker 443-359-4138…www.gtucker2007@yahoo.com/www.shawntucker2011@gmail.comend_of_the_skype_highlighting. To participate in the event, please contact us immediately to make a donation, please call for details
About Hoops For The Homeless:

The Hoops for the Homeless Men’s charity Basketball tournament, was introduced to the Tri-County area of the lower Eastern Shore of Maryland in early 2010. Our mission is to raise awareness and provide gently used clothing items for ready use to local less fortunate individuals to brave the harsh elements of the Winter Months in our surrounding area. With two successful years under our belts, “Hoops for the Homeless Charity Basketball Tournament”, is well on its way to ensuring that the areas less fortunate will be provided with the necessary resources to brave the unbearable winter for years to come. All non-perishable food items and clothing collected that day will be disbursed to local homeless shelters and organizations.

Analysis: 'Fair Share' In Taxes? Not By The Numbers

As Americans sit down to file their federal tax returns, a simple question comes to mind -- what's a "fair share" to give the federal government in taxes?

For half the working population, fair means paying almost no income taxes at all.

"The top 10 percent income earners pay about 70 percent of federal income taxes," says Will McBride of the Tax Foundation. "The bottom 50 percent of tax filers have, they pay almost no federal income tax. They pay about 3 percent of federal income taxes."

Liquor License Issued To Danvers Toy Store

DANVERS, Mass. (WHDH) -- The location of a Danvers toy store was granted a liquor license. The license was supposed to go to a restaurant that never opened in that location.

The Green Elephant in Danvers is full of toys for children, but last week the governor approved a request that was approved by town officials last spring for a liquor license at 13 Elm St.

“It was very shocking to us,” said Jennifer LaMontagne, Green Elephant co-owner.

The Green Elephant has been at the location for several months.

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Shrove Tuesday / Mardi Gras / Pancake Day

You might be familiar with Mardi Gras, but what about Bursting Day or Pancake Day? Tuesday is Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday, which kicks off Lent. Shrove Tuesday is a day of feasting, indulging and eating fats and other perishable foods like eggs.

* In Iceland they celebrate Bursting Day, or "Sprengidagur," which means burst. People enjoy a filling meal of split pea soup and salted or smoked lamb on the day before the fasting period starts. The motto of the day, according to Iceland Review, is "Eat stew until you burst."

* In Olney, England, they celebrate Shrove Tuesday with the annual Shrovetide Pancake Race. Women dress up in traditional "housewife" costumes, cook pancakes, then race, with their pancakes to a church. For all of her hard work, the winning woman receives a kiss from the ringer of the Pancake Bell.

Is There A Right To Lie?

XAVIER ALVAREZ is a liar. Even the brief filed on his behalf in the United States Supreme Court says as much: “Xavier Alvarez lied.” It informs us that he has told tall tales about playing hockey for the Detroit Red Wings, being married to a Mexican starlet and rescuing the American ambassador during the Iranian hostage crisis. But as the brief reminds us, “none of those lies were crimes.”

Another of his falsehoods, however, did violate the law. In 2007, while introducing himself at a meeting of a California water board, he said that he was a retired Marine who had been awarded the Medal of Honor (both lies). He was quickly exposed as a phony and pilloried in the community and press as an “idiot” and the “ultimate slime.”

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Same Sex Marriage Legislation Still Has Hurdles

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- A Maryland Senator said his chamber could take a final vote on legislation to legalize gay marriage later this week.

Sen. Brian Frosh said the Judicial Proceedings Committee is expected to vote Tuesday on a bill passed by the House of Delegates last week that would allow same sex couples to marry.

Frosh, a Montgomery County Democrat, expects the bill to pass out of his committee and said amendments to the bill are unlikely to gain traction.

The House cleared a long-standing hurdle to same-sex unions Friday, passing the legislation by just one more vote than required, 72 to 67.
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Tuesday, February 21, 2012