Prime Minister David Cameron of Britain, heading to Washington for a three-day visit, will add his voice to President Obama’s in discouraging an Israeli military strike on Iran, a diplomat said.
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DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Strip Club Comes To The Rescue Of Cash-Strapped Little Leaguers
It looked like there might have been a lot of pint-sized sluggers who wouldn't get to play baseball in Lennox, CA, because the local Little League was hard up for cash. But thanks in large part to a donation from a local strip club, the kids' baseball dreams are still alive for one more season.
To Many Teachers, Career Has Failed
Students aren’t the only ones who hate going to school.
An increasing number of teachers don’t like their jobs and are considering a new line of work, according to a major survey by MetLife.
The study, which sampled more than 1,000 instructors in kindergarten through 12th grade, found that only 44 percent of American public school teachers are “very satisfied” with their jobs, down 15 percentage points from 2009 and the lowest figure in more than 20 years.
Nearly 30 percent of teachers - up from 17 percent in 2009 - are now “very or fairly likely” to leave the profession entirely, the report shows. MetLife officials said the poll was the first to reflect how the recent economic downturn and cutbacks in public spending have affected teachers.
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An increasing number of teachers don’t like their jobs and are considering a new line of work, according to a major survey by MetLife.
The study, which sampled more than 1,000 instructors in kindergarten through 12th grade, found that only 44 percent of American public school teachers are “very satisfied” with their jobs, down 15 percentage points from 2009 and the lowest figure in more than 20 years.
Nearly 30 percent of teachers - up from 17 percent in 2009 - are now “very or fairly likely” to leave the profession entirely, the report shows. MetLife officials said the poll was the first to reflect how the recent economic downturn and cutbacks in public spending have affected teachers.
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In Case You Weren't Aware
The Downtown Post Office is down to one employee and these are their current hours.Redskins Penalized $36M In Salary Cap Space
The Washington Redskins, for years derided as champions of the offseason, positioned themselves Monday to legitimize that title in a salary-cap showdown with the NFL.
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Ron Paul, The Only Candidate Addressing Structural Issues
Nassim Taleb, the best-selling author of The Black Swan, endorsed the presidential aspirations of Ron Paul. "From the risk vantage point, Paul is the only candidate that represents my values," he told CNBC earlier today.
"There are four key issues that no one else is addressing," said NYU Politechnic Institute and Oxford University professor, the first three of which he identified as the deficit, the Fed, and US militarism. "Then there is the notion that America is about resilience. You do not achieve that through bailouts," he told CNBC.
"I want a system that gets better after every shock. A system that relies on bailouts is not such a system," he said, noting that Ron Paul is the only candidate willing to take the risk to talk about the hot button issues.
"He is doing the equivalent of chemotherapy on the fundamental issues," said Taleb. "It may hurt, but that is the only choice you have. You cannot advocate for novocaine when in fact you need a root canal."
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"There are four key issues that no one else is addressing," said NYU Politechnic Institute and Oxford University professor, the first three of which he identified as the deficit, the Fed, and US militarism. "Then there is the notion that America is about resilience. You do not achieve that through bailouts," he told CNBC.
"I want a system that gets better after every shock. A system that relies on bailouts is not such a system," he said, noting that Ron Paul is the only candidate willing to take the risk to talk about the hot button issues.
"He is doing the equivalent of chemotherapy on the fundamental issues," said Taleb. "It may hurt, but that is the only choice you have. You cannot advocate for novocaine when in fact you need a root canal."
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Maryland’s Local School Funding Mandate Opposed
County officials see rise in property taxes
Local leaders in Maryland say a proposed state mandate on local education funding goes too far in dictating the fiscal decisions made by county governments.
A budget package approved last week by the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee would toughen a state law that already requires counties to match or increase their education funding from year to year. The law has been criticized by county officials in recent years as untenable.
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Local leaders in Maryland say a proposed state mandate on local education funding goes too far in dictating the fiscal decisions made by county governments.
A budget package approved last week by the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee would toughen a state law that already requires counties to match or increase their education funding from year to year. The law has been criticized by county officials in recent years as untenable.
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GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY TO TESTIFY ON MARYLAND TRANSPORTATION FINANCING AND INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT ACT OF 2012
ANNAPOLIS, MD (March 13, 2012) – TOMORROW, at 1:00 p.m., Governor Martin O’Malley will testify before a joint hearing of the House Environmental Matters and Ways and Means Committees followed by the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee on the Maryland Transportation Financing and Infrastructure Investment Act of 2012.
WHAT: Governor to testify on Maryland Transportation Financing and Infrastructure Investment
Act
WHEN: Wednesday, March 14th at 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: Joint Hearing Room
Legislative Services Building
90 State Circle
Annapolis, MD
FOLLOWED BY:
3rd Floor, West Wing
Miller Senate Office Building
11 Bladen Street
Annapolis, MD
WHAT: Governor to testify on Maryland Transportation Financing and Infrastructure Investment
Act
WHEN: Wednesday, March 14th at 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: Joint Hearing Room
Legislative Services Building
90 State Circle
Annapolis, MD
FOLLOWED BY:
3rd Floor, West Wing
Miller Senate Office Building
11 Bladen Street
Annapolis, MD
Priest Who Denied Communion Placed On Leave
A Catholic priest who denied a lesbian Holy Communion at her mother’s funeral Mass was put on administrative leave for engaging in “intimidating behavior,” officials from the Archdiocese of Washington said.
According to a statement from the archdiocese, the Rev. Marcel Guarnizo, a parochial vicar with Saint John Neumann Church in Gaithersburg, is suspended from celebrating Mass, performing weddings and funerals or other priestly duties within the archdiocese until an investigation is completed.
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According to a statement from the archdiocese, the Rev. Marcel Guarnizo, a parochial vicar with Saint John Neumann Church in Gaithersburg, is suspended from celebrating Mass, performing weddings and funerals or other priestly duties within the archdiocese until an investigation is completed.
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Is Red Meat – Or Fake Meat – Killing Us?
Does Eating Red Meat Kill You … Or Is The Problem That We’re Eating FAKE Meat?
Harvard Medical School found that 1 in 10 premature deaths is caused by eating red meat:
Small quantities of processed meat such as bacon, sausages or salami can increase the likelihood of dying by a fifth, researchers from Harvard School of Medicine found. Eating steak increases the risk of dying by 12%.
Red meat often contains high amounts of saturated fat, while bacon and salami contain large amounts of salt. Replacing red meat with poultry, fish or vegetables, whole grains and other healthy foods cut the risk of dying by up to one fifth, the study found.
The study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine followed more than 100,000 people for around 28 years asking them periodically about their diet and lifestyle.
It was found that for every serving of red meat – equivalent to 3 ounces (85 grams) – eaten each day there was an 18 per cent increased risk of dying from heart disease and a 10 per cent increased risk of dying from cancer.
“The research itself seems solid and is based on two large scale cohort studies monitored over a long period of time.”
When The GOP Tried To Ban Dark Money
Last month, when House Democrats introduced [1] the DISCLOSE 2012 Act to try to stop the flow of secret "dark money" into the electoral process, it marked an ironic twist.
A decade ago, it was Republicans who were pushing for disclosure of donors to nonprofit social welfare groups who are now pouring millions into political attack ads and House Democrats who opposed them.
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A decade ago, it was Republicans who were pushing for disclosure of donors to nonprofit social welfare groups who are now pouring millions into political attack ads and House Democrats who opposed them.
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State Police Arrest Man For Calling In Bomb Threats
Locations:
•Howard T. Ennis School, 20346 Ennis Road, Georgetown, DE
•Georgetown Elementary School, 301 West Market Street, Georgetown, DE
Dates and Times of Occurrences:
•Tuesday March 6, 2012 at approximately 1:00 p.m.
•Tuesday March 13, 2012 at approximately 1:06 p.m.
Defendant, Charges, and Bail Information:
•David C. Detwiler, 38, of Seaford, DE (Photo Attached)
•Terroristic Threatening (2 felony counts)
Arraigned at JP2 and committed to SCI on $6,000.00 secured bail.
Resume:
Georgetown, DE- The Delaware State Police have arrested a Seaford man in connection with two bomb threats made to local schools.
David C. Detwiler, 38, of Seaford was arrested at his home Tuesday evening after Detectives were able to trace calls he made from his phone to two separate schools in Georgetown. The first incident occurred on Tuesday March 6th, around 1:00 p.m., when Detwiler is alleged to have placed a phone call to the Howard T. Ennis School stating there was a bomb in the building. Earlier today, around 1:06 p.m., a call was received at the Georgetown Elementary School stating there was a bomb in the school.
On both occasions, the schools were safely evacuated and State Police K9s were called in to search the buildings. Nothing out of the ordinary was found in either incident
Detwiler was charged with two felony counts of Terroristic Threatening which caused the evacuation of a school and was committed to Sussex Correctional Institute on $6,000.00 secured bail.
Classified Documents Contradict FBI On Post-9/11 Probe Of Saudis, Ex-Senator Says
Former Florida Sen. Bob Graham, who co-chaired Congress’ Joint Inquiry into the 9/11 terrorist attacks, has seen two classified FBI documents that he says are at odds with the bureau’s public statements that there was no connection between the hijackers and Saudis then living in Sarasota, Fla.
“There are significant inconsistencies between the public statements of the FBI in September and what I read in the classified documents,” Graham said.
“One document adds to the evidence that the investigation was not the robust inquiry claimed by the FBI,” Graham said. “An important investigative lead was not pursued and unsubstantiated statements were accepted as truth.”
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“There are significant inconsistencies between the public statements of the FBI in September and what I read in the classified documents,” Graham said.
“One document adds to the evidence that the investigation was not the robust inquiry claimed by the FBI,” Graham said. “An important investigative lead was not pursued and unsubstantiated statements were accepted as truth.”
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Feds Let BP Off Probation Despite Pending Safety Violations
A Justice Department spokesman said BP had addressed 270 serious violations at the Texas City refinery where 15 workers died in an explosion, but the company is still negotiating with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration over hundreds more.
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This Is How We Win
Ron Paul’s Georgia supporters succeeded in taking over a delegate-selection convention in a populous county on Saturday and nearly succeeded in another densely populated urban-suburban county.
The Texas congressman’s forces took over the DeKalb County delegate-selection convention in eastern metropolitan Atlanta. The mostly young, well-educated and well off Paul partisans nearly did so in Cobb County in northern metropolitan Atlanta, Republican convention participants in the state told The Washington Times.
Party regulars called the Paul supporters’ efforts a “hijacking.”
The Paul brigades’ strategy was to try to outlast the party regulars at the county conventions, raising unexpected issues and delaying long enough for the regulars who were unprepared for the delays to throw up their hands and leave the convention sites to fulfill other obligations.
“It was absolute bedlam and chaos,” Forsyth County physician and activist Brent Meadows said. “Our county’s convention didn’t end till 6:15 p.m.”
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The Texas congressman’s forces took over the DeKalb County delegate-selection convention in eastern metropolitan Atlanta. The mostly young, well-educated and well off Paul partisans nearly did so in Cobb County in northern metropolitan Atlanta, Republican convention participants in the state told The Washington Times.
Party regulars called the Paul supporters’ efforts a “hijacking.”
The Paul brigades’ strategy was to try to outlast the party regulars at the county conventions, raising unexpected issues and delaying long enough for the regulars who were unprepared for the delays to throw up their hands and leave the convention sites to fulfill other obligations.
“It was absolute bedlam and chaos,” Forsyth County physician and activist Brent Meadows said. “Our county’s convention didn’t end till 6:15 p.m.”
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Absent Compassionate Release, Austerity Helps Some Terminally Ill Prisoners Obtain Freedom
Patricia Wright is 60 years old, legally blind and wheelchair-bound. She also has Stage 4 cancer, which has spread to her breasts and to her brain. In November 2011, doctors removed one of three tumors from her brainstem and placed a steel plate in her head. It was Wright's seventh surgery that year alone.(1)
If Wright were anyone else, she would go home and recuperate among family and loved ones. But she is in prison, having been sentenced to life without parole in 1997. Instead of having a loved one bring her home, Wright was handcuffed, shackled and returned to the skilled nursing facility (SNF) at the Central California Women's Facility prison.
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If Wright were anyone else, she would go home and recuperate among family and loved ones. But she is in prison, having been sentenced to life without parole in 1997. Instead of having a loved one bring her home, Wright was handcuffed, shackled and returned to the skilled nursing facility (SNF) at the Central California Women's Facility prison.
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WANTED MAN WITH GUN WOUNDED BY TROOPER IN CECIL CO.
(NORTH EAST, MD) – A wanted man armed with what appeared to be a handgun who refused to surrender sustained a non-life threatening gunshot wound after he pointed his handgun at two state troopers who were trying to arrest him this morning outside his residence in Cecil Co.
The suspect is identified as Christopher B. Thomas, 37, of the unit-block of Pine Cone Drive, North East, Md. Thomas is undergoing treatment for a gunshot wound to both legs at Christiana Hospital.
In addition to pending charges from today’s incident, Thomas is wanted on a warrant from the North East Police Department for first degree assault, conspiracy to commit fourth degree burglary and conspiracy to commit trespass. He is wanted on a warrant from the Cecil County Sheriff’s Office for failure to appear on charges of resisting arrest, identity theft, and forgery. There is also a warrant for Thomas from Delaware authorities for failing to appear on traffic violation charges in Bethany Beach.
Troopers from the North East Barrack were dispatched to the home where Thomas rents the basement at about 4:00 a.m. today, after his landlord upstairs reported that he was disorderly and was apparently breaking up items in his apartment. When troopers arrived, the suspect had left the area. Troopers checked the suspect’s name and found he was wanted on the outstanding warrants.
The preliminary investigation indicates that shortly before 7:00 a.m. today, Trooper First Class Brian Schweers and Trooper First Class Matthew Telep, both assigned to road patrol at the North East Barrack, went to the home after receiving a call reporting that Thomas had returned. They were not the troopers who responded to the home at 4:00 a.m., but they had been informed the suspect was wanted on warrants. When the troopers looked around the back corner of the house, they saw Thomas about 30 feet away holding what appeared to be a silver handgun.
According to the preliminary investigation, the troopers, who were in uniform, immediately identified themselves and gave verbal commands, ordering Thomas to drop his gun and surrender. Thomas continued to refuse and yelled “kill me” repeatedly to troopers. Thomas was holding the handgun to his head as he began moving backwards toward a wooded area. Troopers continued to order him to drop the gun and surrender.
As he neared the woods, Thomas pointed the handgun at the two troopers. In fear for his life and the life of his partner, TFC Schweers fired several shots from his department issued .40 caliber pistol. At this time, it is believed one round struck Thomas and injured both legs at or below his knees.
EMS personnel were summoned to the scene. Thomas was transported by the North East Fire Department ambulance to Christiana Hospital.
Maryland State Police investigators obtained a search warrant for the residence. State Police crime scene technicians processed the house and yard for evidence. A silver revolver was recovered from the ground where the suspect was standing near the woods. Investigators found the gun was actually a replica gun. It was not a working firearm, but was very realistic looking and appeared to be a small caliber revolver.
Investigators from the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit responded and are conducting the investigation, which is procedure in police involved shootings. They will be reviewing evidence developed in this investigation with the Cecil County State’s Attorney’s Office to determine what criminal charges will be filed against Thomas in connection with today’s incident. Investigators will also present the State’s Attorney’s Office with their completed investigation for review, which is procedure in police involved shootings.
TFC Schweers is a four-year veteran of the Maryland State Police and TFC Telep has been a trooper for six and one-half years. Both troopers have been placed on routine administrative leave, which is procedure in police involved shootings. The State Police Internal Affairs Unit will also be conducting an investigation.
The suspect is identified as Christopher B. Thomas, 37, of the unit-block of Pine Cone Drive, North East, Md. Thomas is undergoing treatment for a gunshot wound to both legs at Christiana Hospital.
In addition to pending charges from today’s incident, Thomas is wanted on a warrant from the North East Police Department for first degree assault, conspiracy to commit fourth degree burglary and conspiracy to commit trespass. He is wanted on a warrant from the Cecil County Sheriff’s Office for failure to appear on charges of resisting arrest, identity theft, and forgery. There is also a warrant for Thomas from Delaware authorities for failing to appear on traffic violation charges in Bethany Beach.
Troopers from the North East Barrack were dispatched to the home where Thomas rents the basement at about 4:00 a.m. today, after his landlord upstairs reported that he was disorderly and was apparently breaking up items in his apartment. When troopers arrived, the suspect had left the area. Troopers checked the suspect’s name and found he was wanted on the outstanding warrants.
The preliminary investigation indicates that shortly before 7:00 a.m. today, Trooper First Class Brian Schweers and Trooper First Class Matthew Telep, both assigned to road patrol at the North East Barrack, went to the home after receiving a call reporting that Thomas had returned. They were not the troopers who responded to the home at 4:00 a.m., but they had been informed the suspect was wanted on warrants. When the troopers looked around the back corner of the house, they saw Thomas about 30 feet away holding what appeared to be a silver handgun.
According to the preliminary investigation, the troopers, who were in uniform, immediately identified themselves and gave verbal commands, ordering Thomas to drop his gun and surrender. Thomas continued to refuse and yelled “kill me” repeatedly to troopers. Thomas was holding the handgun to his head as he began moving backwards toward a wooded area. Troopers continued to order him to drop the gun and surrender.
As he neared the woods, Thomas pointed the handgun at the two troopers. In fear for his life and the life of his partner, TFC Schweers fired several shots from his department issued .40 caliber pistol. At this time, it is believed one round struck Thomas and injured both legs at or below his knees.
EMS personnel were summoned to the scene. Thomas was transported by the North East Fire Department ambulance to Christiana Hospital.
Maryland State Police investigators obtained a search warrant for the residence. State Police crime scene technicians processed the house and yard for evidence. A silver revolver was recovered from the ground where the suspect was standing near the woods. Investigators found the gun was actually a replica gun. It was not a working firearm, but was very realistic looking and appeared to be a small caliber revolver.
Investigators from the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit responded and are conducting the investigation, which is procedure in police involved shootings. They will be reviewing evidence developed in this investigation with the Cecil County State’s Attorney’s Office to determine what criminal charges will be filed against Thomas in connection with today’s incident. Investigators will also present the State’s Attorney’s Office with their completed investigation for review, which is procedure in police involved shootings.
TFC Schweers is a four-year veteran of the Maryland State Police and TFC Telep has been a trooper for six and one-half years. Both troopers have been placed on routine administrative leave, which is procedure in police involved shootings. The State Police Internal Affairs Unit will also be conducting an investigation.
My Condo Association Is Demanding DNA Sample From My Dog
Dave and his wife live in a condo complex in Northern Virginia. They also own a dog. Now, because of new a rule by his condo association, they and anyone else who owns a dog has 30 days to provide a DNA sample of their canine companion.
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America Gone Stupid Over Iran: Making The Same Mistake Twice
It is estimated that up to a million people died as a function of George Bush Jr.’s decision to invade Iraq. According to Bush, that decision was made on the basis of “faulty intelligence.” This is the ex-president’s way of passing the blame. The decision was made by Mr. Bush’s insistence that the accurate intelligence he was getting from traditional sources was false, and that the lies he was being told by other parties (for instance, Iraqi con-men such as Rafid al-Janabi) were true.
Now there is Iran. Over and again the intelligence community has told the powers that be that Iran is not engaged in a nuclear weapons program. And over and again the men and women in Congress and the White House have insisted that these traditional sources of information are wrong and that the stories that are coming from other sources (in this case the Israeli government and its special interest agents in Washington) know better. As in 2003, so it is in 2012. The politicians appear to be out for blood. One wonders how many dead and maimed bodies will satisfy them? Perhaps it will be a million dead Iranians.
The only difference is that today, we have a president who is hesitant to go to war this very moment. As General Martin Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has put it, the major difference between the U.S. and Israel on military action against Iran is timing. For President Obama, first comes the “diplomacy” of ultimatums combined with draconian sanctions, and then comes the slaughter. Perhaps it will come in his anticipated second term.
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Now there is Iran. Over and again the intelligence community has told the powers that be that Iran is not engaged in a nuclear weapons program. And over and again the men and women in Congress and the White House have insisted that these traditional sources of information are wrong and that the stories that are coming from other sources (in this case the Israeli government and its special interest agents in Washington) know better. As in 2003, so it is in 2012. The politicians appear to be out for blood. One wonders how many dead and maimed bodies will satisfy them? Perhaps it will be a million dead Iranians.
The only difference is that today, we have a president who is hesitant to go to war this very moment. As General Martin Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has put it, the major difference between the U.S. and Israel on military action against Iran is timing. For President Obama, first comes the “diplomacy” of ultimatums combined with draconian sanctions, and then comes the slaughter. Perhaps it will come in his anticipated second term.
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Statement From Governor Martin O’Malley On JANUARY Jobs Report
ANNAPOLIS, MD (March 13, 2012) – Governor Martin O’Malley today released the following statement on the U.S. Department of Labor’s release of preliminary employment data for the month of January. The report shows that Maryland’s unemployment rate was driven down to 6.5 percent – the lowest unemployment rate in three years and nearly two percentage points below the national rate. Maryland employers added 39,800 jobs since January of last year, the most since January 2005-2006.
“Since January of last year, Maryland continued to create jobs, adding 39,800 jobs and 32,600 jobs in the private sector alone. Our unemployment rate was driven down to 6.5 percent, the lowest we’ve achieved in three years and nearly 2 percentage points below the national average.
“This steady progress in job creation is a positive sign that Maryland continues to move forward. Maryland has now recovered 69 percent of the jobs lost during the Bush recession (compared to 39 percent for the nation overall). The most important job we create is the next one. There is more work to be done. That’s why our focus continues to be creating and saving jobs for Marylanders.
“Progress is a choice, strengthening and growing our middle class is a choice. We must make the modern investments a modern economy requires to create jobs– investments in education, investments in innovation and investments in infrastructure.
“Together, we can expand opportunity and secure a better future for our children.”
“Since January of last year, Maryland continued to create jobs, adding 39,800 jobs and 32,600 jobs in the private sector alone. Our unemployment rate was driven down to 6.5 percent, the lowest we’ve achieved in three years and nearly 2 percentage points below the national average.
“This steady progress in job creation is a positive sign that Maryland continues to move forward. Maryland has now recovered 69 percent of the jobs lost during the Bush recession (compared to 39 percent for the nation overall). The most important job we create is the next one. There is more work to be done. That’s why our focus continues to be creating and saving jobs for Marylanders.
“Progress is a choice, strengthening and growing our middle class is a choice. We must make the modern investments a modern economy requires to create jobs– investments in education, investments in innovation and investments in infrastructure.
“Together, we can expand opportunity and secure a better future for our children.”
Invisible Children Funded By Antigay, Creationist Christian Right
[Why does it matter, if Invisible Children was funded by controversial donors? Two reasons - one, we can assume those donors thought IC aligned with their agenda - which is antagonistic to LGBT rights. Two, it fits an emerging pattern in which Invisible Children appears selectively concerned about crimes committed by Joseph Kony but indifferent to crimes, perhaps on a bigger scale, committed by their provisional partner, the government of Uganda - whose president shot his way into power using child soldiers, before Joseph Kony began using child soldiers. Like Kony, the government of Uganda was also indicted by the International Criminal Court in 2005, for human rights abuses and looting in the DRC Congo (PDF file of ICC ruling against Uganda). Like Kony, the Ugandan army preys upon civilians and is currently accused, by Western human rights groups, with raping and looting in the DRC Congo, where it is hunting for Kony. In the late 1990s, Uganda helped spark a conflict in DRC Congo that, by the middle of the next decade it is estimated, had killed up to 5.4 million civilians, more than any conflict since World War Two. See appended "Resource" section for more information. For a very different perspective on IC, Kony, and Northern Uganda, see this editorial by Milton Allimadi, of the NYC-based Blackstar news service]
What does Invisible Children share in common with the Discovery Institute, the leading organization promoting “Intelligent Design”, a pseudo-scientific theory created to insinuate creationist ideas into public schools — or with The Call, whose leader Lou Engle claims homosexuals are possessed by demons, calls God an “avenger of blood” and a “terrorist”, and in May 2010 staged a rally in Kampala, Uganda, at which Engle warned of a gay menace to society and shared a stage with one of the authors of Uganda’s notorious Anti Homosexuality Bill?
990 IRS tax forms and yearly reports from Invisible Children, and 990s from its major donors, tell a story that’s jarringly at odds with the secular, airbrushed, feelgood image the nonprofit has cultivated.
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What does Invisible Children share in common with the Discovery Institute, the leading organization promoting “Intelligent Design”, a pseudo-scientific theory created to insinuate creationist ideas into public schools — or with The Call, whose leader Lou Engle claims homosexuals are possessed by demons, calls God an “avenger of blood” and a “terrorist”, and in May 2010 staged a rally in Kampala, Uganda, at which Engle warned of a gay menace to society and shared a stage with one of the authors of Uganda’s notorious Anti Homosexuality Bill?
990 IRS tax forms and yearly reports from Invisible Children, and 990s from its major donors, tell a story that’s jarringly at odds with the secular, airbrushed, feelgood image the nonprofit has cultivated.
More
Maryland gets $1 billion mortgage settlement
Attorney General Doug Gansler told lawmakers Monday that the ink was still drying on the state’s $1 billion mortgage settlement with the five major banks -- Wells Fargo, GMAC, Bank of America, JP Morgan Chase, and Citibank. Gansler said the state gave up all rights to sue the big five banks for servicing and originating bad mortgage claims, but gained 42 pages of new bank standards for servicing loans in Maryland.
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Affirmative Action For School Reformers?
Affirmative action is a policy that does not poll well these days. Large majorities typically reject the idea that hiring or school admissions should take into account the discrimination that African-Americans, women, and other groups face. Most people will argue that we should have a strictly merit-based system with people evaluated on their records.
It might seem like a good idea that people stand or fall on their track record, but that doesn't seem to fit the United States today. It's certainly hard to maintain that standing in my profession of economics bears any relationship to performance. Nearly everyone in a top policymaking position today was among the group of economists who could not see the $8 trillion housing bubble that wrecked the economy when it collapsed
Economics is clearly not the only field where failure seems the best track forward. The top ranks of the so-called school reform movement are packed with people who have prospered in spite of failure.
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It might seem like a good idea that people stand or fall on their track record, but that doesn't seem to fit the United States today. It's certainly hard to maintain that standing in my profession of economics bears any relationship to performance. Nearly everyone in a top policymaking position today was among the group of economists who could not see the $8 trillion housing bubble that wrecked the economy when it collapsed
Economics is clearly not the only field where failure seems the best track forward. The top ranks of the so-called school reform movement are packed with people who have prospered in spite of failure.
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Federal Employees Ask Feds Not To Cut Pay And Benefits
Advocates for federal employees are once again on the Hill asking lawmakers not to cut feds' pay and benefits. The Federal-Postal Coalition of unions and managers' associations has written to senators to urge them not to extend the federal pay freeze, according to the National Treasury Employees Union. Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) proposed the extension as an amendment to a giant transportation bill. The chamber is expected to vote on it today. The coalition said federal workers shouldn't have to shoulder the burden of energy policy changes.
Look How Many In GOP Think Obama Is Muslim
Controversy over beliefs surging as 2012 election gets closer
The Obama campaign’s repeated insistence that the president is a Christian is having little impact in two Southern states where a new poll indicates about half of the likely GOP primary voters believe he’s a Muslim.
Skeptics have pointed to his Muslim father and step-father, his Islamic training in Indonesia and his statements that America is no longer a “Christian nation” and can be considered one of the largest Muslim nations. The White House and the Obama campaign, meanwhile, officially have maintained Obama is Christian, sometimes citing his membership in the Chicago church of radical preacher Jeremiah Wright.
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The Obama campaign’s repeated insistence that the president is a Christian is having little impact in two Southern states where a new poll indicates about half of the likely GOP primary voters believe he’s a Muslim.
Skeptics have pointed to his Muslim father and step-father, his Islamic training in Indonesia and his statements that America is no longer a “Christian nation” and can be considered one of the largest Muslim nations. The White House and the Obama campaign, meanwhile, officially have maintained Obama is Christian, sometimes citing his membership in the Chicago church of radical preacher Jeremiah Wright.
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‘Liberal Ladies’ Group Holding Sex Strike: ‘If Our Reproductive Choices Are Denied, So Are Yours’
The women’s group “Liberal Ladies Who Lunch” is putting together an unusual event, which it is calling “Access Denied: Sex Strike.” The event, which is scheduled to take place between April 28 and May 5, features a poster saying “If our reproductive choices are denied, so are yours.”
The group describes their motivations on the event’s Facebook page, saying, “In truth, if we lose our hard won rights to medical care, birth control and pregnancy choice, it won’t only affect women. Men will have to go back to the days when they waited for or paid for sex. This issue impacts all of us. This strike is designed to make that point. Ask your man to speak up for your rights, because when we lose our reproductive choices, so do they.”
GARDEN SNAKES CAN BE DANGEROUS...
Snakes also known as Garter Snakes (Thamnophissirtalis) can be dangerous Yes, grass snakes, not rattlesnakes. Here's why.
A couple in Sweetwater , Texas , had a lot of potted plants. During a recent cold spell, the wife was bringing a lot of them indoors to protect them from a possible freeze.
It turned out that a little green garden grass snake was hidden in one of the plants. When it had warmed up, it slithered out and the wife saw it go under the sofa.
She let out a very loud scream.
The husband (who was taking a shower) ran out into the living room naked to see what the problem was. She told him there was a snake under the sofa.
He got down on the floor on his hands and knees to look for it. About that time the family dog came and cold-nosed him on the behind. He thought the snake had bitten him, so he screamed and fell over on the floor.
His wife thought he had had a heart attack, so she covered him up, told him to lie still and called an ambulance.
The attendants rushed in, would not listen to his protests, loaded him on the stretcher, and started carrying him out.
About that time, the snake came out from under the sofa and the Emergency Medical Technician saw it and dropped his end of the stretcher. That's when the man broke his leg and why he is still in the hospital.
The wife still had the problem of the snake in the house, so she called on a neighbor who volunteered to capture the snake. He armed himself with a rolled-up newspaper and began poking under the couch.. Soon he decided it was gone and told the woman, who sat down on the sofa in relief.
But while relaxing, her hand dangled in between the cushions, where she felt the snake wriggling around. She screamed and fainted, the snake rushed back under the sofa.
The neighbor man, seeing her lying there passed out, tried to use CPR to revive her.
The neighbor's wife, who had just returned from shopping at the grocery store, saw her husband's mouth on the woman's mouth and slammed her husband in the back of the head with a bag of canned goods, knocking him out and cutting his scalp to a point where it needed stitches.
The noise woke the woman from her dead faint and she saw her neighbor lying on the floor with his wife bending over him, so she assumed that the snake had bitten him. She went to the kitchen and got a small bottle of whiskey, and began pouring it down the man's throat.
By now, the police had arrived.
Breathe here...
They saw the unconscious man, smelled the whiskey, and assumed that a drunken fight had occurred. They were about to arrest them all, when the women tried to explain how it all happened over a little garden snake!
The police called an ambulance, which took away the neighbor and his sobbing wife.
Now, the little snake again crawled out from under the sofa and one of the policemen drew his gun and fired at it. He missed the snake and hit the leg of the end table. The table fell over, the lamp on it shattered and, as the bulb broke, it started a fire in the drapes.
The other policeman tried to beat out the flames, and fell through the window into the yard on top of the family dog who, startled, jumped out and raced into the street, where an oncoming car swerved to avoid it and smashed into the parked police car.
Meanwhile, neighbors saw the burning drapes and called in the fire department. The firemen had started raising the fire ladder when they were halfway down the street. The rising ladder tore out the overhead wires, put out the power, and disconnected the telephones in a ten-square city block area (but they did get the house fire out).
Time passed! Both men were discharged from the hospital, the house was repaired, the dog came home, the police acquired a new car and all was right with their world.
A while later they were watching TV and the weatherman announced a cold snap for that night. The wife asked her husband if he thought they should bring in their plants for the night.
And that's when he shot her.
A couple in Sweetwater , Texas , had a lot of potted plants. During a recent cold spell, the wife was bringing a lot of them indoors to protect them from a possible freeze.
It turned out that a little green garden grass snake was hidden in one of the plants. When it had warmed up, it slithered out and the wife saw it go under the sofa.
She let out a very loud scream.
The husband (who was taking a shower) ran out into the living room naked to see what the problem was. She told him there was a snake under the sofa.
He got down on the floor on his hands and knees to look for it. About that time the family dog came and cold-nosed him on the behind. He thought the snake had bitten him, so he screamed and fell over on the floor.
His wife thought he had had a heart attack, so she covered him up, told him to lie still and called an ambulance.
The attendants rushed in, would not listen to his protests, loaded him on the stretcher, and started carrying him out.
About that time, the snake came out from under the sofa and the Emergency Medical Technician saw it and dropped his end of the stretcher. That's when the man broke his leg and why he is still in the hospital.
The wife still had the problem of the snake in the house, so she called on a neighbor who volunteered to capture the snake. He armed himself with a rolled-up newspaper and began poking under the couch.. Soon he decided it was gone and told the woman, who sat down on the sofa in relief.
But while relaxing, her hand dangled in between the cushions, where she felt the snake wriggling around. She screamed and fainted, the snake rushed back under the sofa.
The neighbor man, seeing her lying there passed out, tried to use CPR to revive her.
The neighbor's wife, who had just returned from shopping at the grocery store, saw her husband's mouth on the woman's mouth and slammed her husband in the back of the head with a bag of canned goods, knocking him out and cutting his scalp to a point where it needed stitches.
The noise woke the woman from her dead faint and she saw her neighbor lying on the floor with his wife bending over him, so she assumed that the snake had bitten him. She went to the kitchen and got a small bottle of whiskey, and began pouring it down the man's throat.
By now, the police had arrived.
Breathe here...
They saw the unconscious man, smelled the whiskey, and assumed that a drunken fight had occurred. They were about to arrest them all, when the women tried to explain how it all happened over a little garden snake!
The police called an ambulance, which took away the neighbor and his sobbing wife.
Now, the little snake again crawled out from under the sofa and one of the policemen drew his gun and fired at it. He missed the snake and hit the leg of the end table. The table fell over, the lamp on it shattered and, as the bulb broke, it started a fire in the drapes.
The other policeman tried to beat out the flames, and fell through the window into the yard on top of the family dog who, startled, jumped out and raced into the street, where an oncoming car swerved to avoid it and smashed into the parked police car.
Meanwhile, neighbors saw the burning drapes and called in the fire department. The firemen had started raising the fire ladder when they were halfway down the street. The rising ladder tore out the overhead wires, put out the power, and disconnected the telephones in a ten-square city block area (but they did get the house fire out).
Time passed! Both men were discharged from the hospital, the house was repaired, the dog came home, the police acquired a new car and all was right with their world.
A while later they were watching TV and the weatherman announced a cold snap for that night. The wife asked her husband if he thought they should bring in their plants for the night.
And that's when he shot her.
Obama Signs 'End to Free Speech'
In a terse online statement, the White House has confirmed that Barack Obama has signed into law an update of restrictions around the White House, the vice president’s resident and other locations – a move critics say signals the “end to free speech.”
The White House said yesterday Obama “signed into law: H.R. 347, the ‘Federal Restricted Buildings and Grounds Improvement Act of 2011,’ which makes it a federal crime to enter or remain knowingly in any restricted area of the White House, the vice president’s official residence, or their respective grounds without lawful authority.”
The critics say there’s more to the bill than that.
John Whitehead, president of the the Rutherford Institute, explained the plan came about as a knee-jerk reaction to a crazed assailant’s attack on U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords, D-Ariz., a year ago.
“The bill’s language is so overly broad as to put an end to free speech, political protest and the right to peaceably assembly in all areas where government officials happen to be present,” he wrote.
Gun Wisdom
Some words to the wise. Shooting Advice from various Concealed Carry Instructors. If you own a gun, you will appreciate this. If not, you should get one and learn how to use it:
A; Guns have only two enemies rust and politicians.
B; Its always better to be judged by 12 than carried by 6.
C; Cops carry guns to protect themselves, not you.
D; Never let someone or something that threatens you get inside arms length.
E; Never say "Ive got a gun." If you need to use deadly force, the first sound they hear should be the safety clicking off.
F; The average response time of a 911 call is 23 minutes, the response time of a .357 is 1400 feet per second.
G; The most important rule in a gunfight is: Always win - cheat if necessary.
H; Make your attacker advance through a wall of bullets . . . You may get killed with your own gun, but he'll have to beat you to death with it, cause it'll be empty.
I; If youre in a gun fight:
1/ If you're not shooting, you should be loading.
2/ If you're not loading, you should be movin',
3/ If you're not movin', you're dead.
J; In a life and death situation, do something . . . It may be wrong, but do something!
K; If you carry a gun, people call you paranoid. Nonsense! If you have a gun, what do you have to be paranoid about?
L; You can say 'stop' or 'alto' or any other word, but a large bore muzzle pointed
at someone's head is pretty much a universal language.
M; You cannot save the planet, but you may be able to save yourself and your family.
A; Guns have only two enemies rust and politicians.
B; Its always better to be judged by 12 than carried by 6.
C; Cops carry guns to protect themselves, not you.
D; Never let someone or something that threatens you get inside arms length.
E; Never say "Ive got a gun." If you need to use deadly force, the first sound they hear should be the safety clicking off.
F; The average response time of a 911 call is 23 minutes, the response time of a .357 is 1400 feet per second.
G; The most important rule in a gunfight is: Always win - cheat if necessary.
H; Make your attacker advance through a wall of bullets . . . You may get killed with your own gun, but he'll have to beat you to death with it, cause it'll be empty.
I; If youre in a gun fight:
1/ If you're not shooting, you should be loading.
2/ If you're not loading, you should be movin',
3/ If you're not movin', you're dead.
J; In a life and death situation, do something . . . It may be wrong, but do something!
K; If you carry a gun, people call you paranoid. Nonsense! If you have a gun, what do you have to be paranoid about?
L; You can say 'stop' or 'alto' or any other word, but a large bore muzzle pointed
at someone's head is pretty much a universal language.
M; You cannot save the planet, but you may be able to save yourself and your family.
BEWARE OF MATRESS WAREHOUSE IN NORTH SALISBURY
Dear Mr. Albero,
I normally do not write letters such as this, however I feel as though your readers need to be aware of shady businesses in Salisbury. On Feb. 19th, 2012, I went mattress shopping for a new bed. I looked at many different locations and decided on a Sealy bed at Mattress Warehouse in North Salisbury. It is located in front of Marshalls and Old Navy. The sales associate and I picked out the bed that suited my needs and I negotiated the price to $950.00. I felt that was reasonable for a $1,400 bed, so we did the paperwork and I paid them. The delivery was scheduled for the following week on Friday before noon. I was happy because I was finally getting a new mattress and box spring. When I was leaving the store, Ennis told me I would need to pay the delivery people $65 plus $28 for recycling of the old set. I told him that he had stated that it all was included previously. He tried to say that since the delivery was on a Friday and not a Tues, Thurs or Saturday, there is an additional charge. At this point, a female worker told him since he had told me that then there would be no charge. Back to the desk I went to redo the paperwork. While I was redoing the paperwork, another disgruntled customer called with a similar issue. She was from the Eastern Shore of Virginia. He was calling her a liar to the woman who had corrected him with me. I know, red lights should have been flashing on this one, but I agree that the customer is not always right, but in this case it is the business that is/was completely unprofessional.
Friday came and I had taken off work to be there for the delivery. Noon came and went and the delivery never showed up. I proceeded to call the store and inquire about the delivery. I spoke to "Ennis" who claimed to be the store manager and asked him about how much longer it might be before they got there. He started stuttering and stammering before he finally said the bed set was on back order and would not be available for another 3 weeks. I inquired as to why they did not give me a call to let me know this in advance, but Ennis claims that he did. Now forgive me if I am wrong, but I would not have taken the day off if they were going to be there nor would I be calling the store to check on the delivery. When I stated that I hadn't been called, I was called a "liar". With that being said, I decided to just cancel my order and go elsewhere with my purchase. Ennis refuses to refund my money back to me and claims I would pay much more for the same bed elsewhere. He claims that he can not do a refund on my credit card. At this point, I decide to escalate the matter to the corp. office.
I tracked down the corp. offices in Fredrick, MD at (301)682-8504. I call and speak with "Sharon". The situation is explained to her as stated above and she tries to find my order in the system using my phone number. There is no phone number listed for my purchase, so she takes it down again and states that she is going to call the store and check out the situation. About 45 minutes later, Sharon calls me back and says that they will issue my refund and I will have it by the 3rd of March. She also stated that she would oversee the paperwork and be sure it would be handled.
Well it is now the 13th and I still have not been refunded my money, so I called the corp. offices again today. This time I spoke to a different person who claims Sharon is out on medical leave. When she looks into my case, she finds everything noted in their system as stated above, but the paperwork has never been submitted for my refund. She states that she will be calling me back on Thursday to update me on the status of my refund. I am certainly not holding my breath on that, so I am off to my bank to dispute the charge. I know I should have done this from the beginning, but I wanted to give the company an opportunity to correct their mistake. It is a shame that many businesses have forgotten what good customer service is.
And Ennis, if you are reading this, I purchased the same Serta Perfect Sleeper for $699 from Lisa Fox at Sleepy's. She is great and the best, most honest sales associate I have ever bought from. It seems that their prices and customer service are far superior to Mattress Warehouse and yours. I received my bed last week and love it. I am just fortunate that I have the resources to not have to wait to buy another bed. I wanted to share this situation with your readers so they can avoid this store or be prepared to handle issues with them when they arise.
Signed,
Sleeping Better Because of Sleepy's
I normally do not write letters such as this, however I feel as though your readers need to be aware of shady businesses in Salisbury. On Feb. 19th, 2012, I went mattress shopping for a new bed. I looked at many different locations and decided on a Sealy bed at Mattress Warehouse in North Salisbury. It is located in front of Marshalls and Old Navy. The sales associate and I picked out the bed that suited my needs and I negotiated the price to $950.00. I felt that was reasonable for a $1,400 bed, so we did the paperwork and I paid them. The delivery was scheduled for the following week on Friday before noon. I was happy because I was finally getting a new mattress and box spring. When I was leaving the store, Ennis told me I would need to pay the delivery people $65 plus $28 for recycling of the old set. I told him that he had stated that it all was included previously. He tried to say that since the delivery was on a Friday and not a Tues, Thurs or Saturday, there is an additional charge. At this point, a female worker told him since he had told me that then there would be no charge. Back to the desk I went to redo the paperwork. While I was redoing the paperwork, another disgruntled customer called with a similar issue. She was from the Eastern Shore of Virginia. He was calling her a liar to the woman who had corrected him with me. I know, red lights should have been flashing on this one, but I agree that the customer is not always right, but in this case it is the business that is/was completely unprofessional.
Friday came and I had taken off work to be there for the delivery. Noon came and went and the delivery never showed up. I proceeded to call the store and inquire about the delivery. I spoke to "Ennis" who claimed to be the store manager and asked him about how much longer it might be before they got there. He started stuttering and stammering before he finally said the bed set was on back order and would not be available for another 3 weeks. I inquired as to why they did not give me a call to let me know this in advance, but Ennis claims that he did. Now forgive me if I am wrong, but I would not have taken the day off if they were going to be there nor would I be calling the store to check on the delivery. When I stated that I hadn't been called, I was called a "liar". With that being said, I decided to just cancel my order and go elsewhere with my purchase. Ennis refuses to refund my money back to me and claims I would pay much more for the same bed elsewhere. He claims that he can not do a refund on my credit card. At this point, I decide to escalate the matter to the corp. office.
I tracked down the corp. offices in Fredrick, MD at (301)682-8504. I call and speak with "Sharon". The situation is explained to her as stated above and she tries to find my order in the system using my phone number. There is no phone number listed for my purchase, so she takes it down again and states that she is going to call the store and check out the situation. About 45 minutes later, Sharon calls me back and says that they will issue my refund and I will have it by the 3rd of March. She also stated that she would oversee the paperwork and be sure it would be handled.
Well it is now the 13th and I still have not been refunded my money, so I called the corp. offices again today. This time I spoke to a different person who claims Sharon is out on medical leave. When she looks into my case, she finds everything noted in their system as stated above, but the paperwork has never been submitted for my refund. She states that she will be calling me back on Thursday to update me on the status of my refund. I am certainly not holding my breath on that, so I am off to my bank to dispute the charge. I know I should have done this from the beginning, but I wanted to give the company an opportunity to correct their mistake. It is a shame that many businesses have forgotten what good customer service is.
And Ennis, if you are reading this, I purchased the same Serta Perfect Sleeper for $699 from Lisa Fox at Sleepy's. She is great and the best, most honest sales associate I have ever bought from. It seems that their prices and customer service are far superior to Mattress Warehouse and yours. I received my bed last week and love it. I am just fortunate that I have the resources to not have to wait to buy another bed. I wanted to share this situation with your readers so they can avoid this store or be prepared to handle issues with them when they arise.
Signed,
Sleeping Better Because of Sleepy's
New Posts to fall below.
General Tells Beck: WND Has Truth on Soros
A former senior Pentagon official told radio talk-show host Glenn Beck where to find the shocking truth about billionaire George Soros’ influence on President Obama’s decision to deploy U.S. troops to Uganda – as he directed Beck’s listeners to WND.
On the March 9 GBTV show, retired Gen. Jerry Boykin, the former U.S. deputy under secretary of defense for intelligence – who has played a part in nearly every recent major U.S. military operation in the last four decades – said of WND’s Aaron Klein:
He shows that there’s a more sinister side to this. And that is a George Soros connection to the whole influence on the administration of deploying U.S. military forces in there, certainly under the guise of going after Joseph Kony [leader of the rebel Lord's Resistance Army accused of major human rights atrocities], but I think there is some very good information in that article that shows there is a Soros connection to this whole thing. And, fundamentally, it’s about oil.
In the Oct. 15, 2011, expose, “Why U.S. military in Uganda? Soros fingerprints all over it,” Klein broke the news of Soros’ ties both to the political pressure behind Obama’s decision and to the African nation’s fledgling oil industry.
Mount Sterling Police Chief To Resign
Taser incident wasn’t reason, he says
MOUNT STERLING, Ohio – Embattled police Chief Mike McCoy announced last night that he will soon resign from his village post, though he insisted it has nothing to do with the fact that one of his officers shocked a 9-year-old boy twice with a Taser last week.
McCoy, who was placed on paid leave late last week after he did not tell Mount Sterling Mayor Charlie Neff of the incident, said he wasn’t pressured to resign.
More
MOUNT STERLING, Ohio – Embattled police Chief Mike McCoy announced last night that he will soon resign from his village post, though he insisted it has nothing to do with the fact that one of his officers shocked a 9-year-old boy twice with a Taser last week.
McCoy, who was placed on paid leave late last week after he did not tell Mount Sterling Mayor Charlie Neff of the incident, said he wasn’t pressured to resign.
More
'Pink Slime' is Good for America's Schoolchildren, Manufacturers Claim
The company that sells ground beef treated with ammonia proclaims their meat mixture is good for America's schoolchildren, even though parents across the country are seriously questioning the safety of what has been dubbed "pink slime."
Beef Products Inc. (BPI) made the declaration about its "lean finely textured beef" or LFTB over the weekend to The Daily, which broke the news that the federal government plans to buy ground beef that contains 7 million pounds of the product in the coming year. After the report, "pink slime" became the most searched topic on the internet.
"Including LFTB in the national school lunch program's beef products accomplishes three important goals on behalf of 32 million kids," BPI spokesman Rich Jochum said. "It 1) improves the nutritional profile, 2) increases the safety of the products and 3) meets the budget parameters that allow the school lunch program to feed kids nationwide every day."
Senate Gives Initial OK To Vehicle Smoking Ban
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Maryland residents would not be able to smoke in a vehicle with a passenger younger than 8, under a measure that has received preliminary approval in the state Senate.
The Senate blocked two amendments Monday night that were offered by Sen. Edward Reilly, R-Anne Arundel.
More
The Senate blocked two amendments Monday night that were offered by Sen. Edward Reilly, R-Anne Arundel.
More
Saudi on Student Visa Was Arrested After ‘Threatening to Blow Up White House’
A Saudi Arabian national who entered the United States on a student visa was arrested in January after he threatened to blow up the White House, according to written and verbal testimony presented to Congress last week by two top officials of the Department of Homeland Security.
The revelation came in a hearing called on March 6 by the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security to examine why a Moroccan national, Amine El Khalifi, had been able to remain in the United States for 13 years after his tourist visa expired before he was arrested last month for allegedly attempting to commit a suicide bombing at the U.S. Capitol.
At the March 6 hearing, DHS tried to highlight some of its successes in tracking down dangerous aliens who have been let into the United States.
“In January 2012, for example,” said Peter Edge, DHS’s deputy associate director for Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigations, “ICE special agents from our Washington, D.C., office arrested a Saudi Arabian national who was admitted as an F-1 nonimmigrant student and violated the term and condition of his admission.
Senate Gets Budget; O'Malley Changes Mind On Flush Fee
Governor Touts Making $7B In Cuts; GOP Disagrees
ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- The Maryland state budget officially lands on the Senate floor Monday night, but the chamber is not expected to begin working on it until later in the week.
While the governor touts making $7 billion in cuts since taking office, Republicans argue those aren't cuts, instead, they are reductions in planned increases.
More
ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- The Maryland state budget officially lands on the Senate floor Monday night, but the chamber is not expected to begin working on it until later in the week.
While the governor touts making $7 billion in cuts since taking office, Republicans argue those aren't cuts, instead, they are reductions in planned increases.
More
D.O.J. Revises Americans With Disabilities Act With Changes Effective This Thursday
Last year, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced major revisions were being made to the Americans with Disabilities Act’s (ADA) guidelines on accessibility. All entities covered by the ADA have until Thursday, March 15, to comply with these new standards.
“The new rules usher in a new day for the more than 50 million individuals with disabilities in this country,” said Thomas E. Perez, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights. “The rules will expand accessibility in a number of areas and, for the first time, provide detailed guidance on how to make recreation facilities, including parks and swimming pools, accessible.”
Under the guidance of Attorney General Eric Holder, the new ADA rules were signed on July 23, 2010, the official text was published in the Federal Register on September 15, 2010, the regulations went into effect March 15, 2011, and the compliance deadline is set for this Thursday.
CHANGE IN FINGERPRINT SERVICES FOR BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS
(PIKESVILLE, MD) – Citizens wanting their fingerprints taken for background checks or applicant requirements will need to find an electronic fingerprint capture location and will temporarily be unable to obtain those from Maryland State Police barracks, due to a change in requirements by the FBI.
Effective March 19, 2012, Maryland State Police barracks that have previously provided fingerprinting services to citizens will be unable to do so, at least temporarily. The FBI will no longer accept paper fingerprint cards. All fingerprints submitted to the FBI will need to be taken electronically.
Persons needing fingerprints can visit the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services website at www.dpscs.maryland.gov and click on the “fingerprinting services” link beneath the “quick links” column. A list of electronic fingerprinting sites is located there.
Maryland State Police barracks are in the process of converting to electronic fingerprinting. That process will not be completed however, for at least several months.
Effective March 19, 2012, Maryland State Police barracks that have previously provided fingerprinting services to citizens will be unable to do so, at least temporarily. The FBI will no longer accept paper fingerprint cards. All fingerprints submitted to the FBI will need to be taken electronically.
Persons needing fingerprints can visit the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services website at www.dpscs.maryland.gov and click on the “fingerprinting services” link beneath the “quick links” column. A list of electronic fingerprinting sites is located there.
Maryland State Police barracks are in the process of converting to electronic fingerprinting. That process will not be completed however, for at least several months.
Raquel Welch: Americans Are 'All Sex Addicts' Living in an 'Era of Porn'
Cinema bombshell Raquel Welch thinks Americans are living in an “era of porn,” and that today’s stars are simply too sexual.
In an interview with Men’s Health magazine, Welch,71, says, “I think we’ve gotten to the point in our culture where we’re all sex addicts, literally. We have equated happiness in life with as many orgasms as you can possibly pack in.”
A sex-symbol herself, Welch comes in second place on the magazine’s “Hottest 100 Women of All Time” countdown, beaten only by Jennifer Aniston.
But despite her roles in racy films like “Myra Breckinridge” and “One Million Years B.C.,” the actress says, “I think this era of porn is at least partially responsible for it. Where is the anticipation and the personalization? It’s an exploitation of the poor male’s libidos. Poor babies – they can’t control themselves!”
Nine Wicomico Elementary Schools Celebrated In Maryland School Recognition Program; 2012 MSA Testing March 13-14 And 20-21
Nine Wicomico County elementary schools are among the 454 schools the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) receiving recognition for the academic performance of their students.
MSDE has recognized 384 elementary and middle schools and 70 high schools statewide for their performance on the 2011 Maryland School Assessment (MSA) or the High School Assessment (HSA), and for improving the performance of special populations of students. Special populations are subgroups that include race/ethnicity, special education, limited English proficiency, and students who are receiving free or reduced price meals.
Dr. Margo Handy, Assistant Superintendent of Instruction and Student Services, said three schools, Delmar Elementary, North Salisbury Elementary and Northwestern Elementary, were recognized for both overall achievement and subgroup achievement. One school, Willards Elementary, was recognized for overall achievement. Five schools were recognized for subgroup achievement: Beaver Run Elementary, Fruitland Primary, Glen Avenue Elementary, West Salisbury Elementary and Westside Intermediate.
“We take great pride in the achievement of these outstanding schools recognized in the Maryland School Recognition Program,” Dr. Handy said. “They represent the excellent progress that all of our schools are making as they continue to strive to do the best that they can to ensure success for every student, every day.”
The recognition for 2011 MSA and HSA performance came as Maryland students in grades 3 through 8 prepare to begin the 2012 MSA testing. The Math MSA will be administered this Tuesday and Wednesday, with the Reading MSA on March 20 and 21. All students are encouraged to get a good night’s sleep, eat a nutritious breakfast, and come to school on testing days ready to do their best.
A pep rally at 1:30 p.m. today will encourage Pittsville Elementary and Middle School students to give 100% and do their best on the MSA. Staff members and other supporters are asked to “bring your pompoms, your cow bells & your #1 foam fingers to cheer our students on as they take the Wildcat March of Champions” during the 2nd annual MSA Pep Rally. Other schools have also held pep rallies and similar events to encourage students to do their best.
As the 2012 MSA testing begins, the announcement of Maryland School Recognition Program honorees spotlights schools that are already seeing success in improving the performance of students.
“The School Recognition Program allows us to celebrate the remarkable work of educators and students as they meet the increasingly difficult academic standards,” said Interim State Superintendent of Schools Bernard J. Sadusky. “Maryland schools were recognized as the nation’s best for the fourth straight year, and the effort put forth in the classroom is a primary factor for this success.”
MSDE has recognized 384 elementary and middle schools and 70 high schools statewide for their performance on the 2011 Maryland School Assessment (MSA) or the High School Assessment (HSA), and for improving the performance of special populations of students. Special populations are subgroups that include race/ethnicity, special education, limited English proficiency, and students who are receiving free or reduced price meals.
Dr. Margo Handy, Assistant Superintendent of Instruction and Student Services, said three schools, Delmar Elementary, North Salisbury Elementary and Northwestern Elementary, were recognized for both overall achievement and subgroup achievement. One school, Willards Elementary, was recognized for overall achievement. Five schools were recognized for subgroup achievement: Beaver Run Elementary, Fruitland Primary, Glen Avenue Elementary, West Salisbury Elementary and Westside Intermediate.
“We take great pride in the achievement of these outstanding schools recognized in the Maryland School Recognition Program,” Dr. Handy said. “They represent the excellent progress that all of our schools are making as they continue to strive to do the best that they can to ensure success for every student, every day.”
The recognition for 2011 MSA and HSA performance came as Maryland students in grades 3 through 8 prepare to begin the 2012 MSA testing. The Math MSA will be administered this Tuesday and Wednesday, with the Reading MSA on March 20 and 21. All students are encouraged to get a good night’s sleep, eat a nutritious breakfast, and come to school on testing days ready to do their best.
A pep rally at 1:30 p.m. today will encourage Pittsville Elementary and Middle School students to give 100% and do their best on the MSA. Staff members and other supporters are asked to “bring your pompoms, your cow bells & your #1 foam fingers to cheer our students on as they take the Wildcat March of Champions” during the 2nd annual MSA Pep Rally. Other schools have also held pep rallies and similar events to encourage students to do their best.
As the 2012 MSA testing begins, the announcement of Maryland School Recognition Program honorees spotlights schools that are already seeing success in improving the performance of students.
“The School Recognition Program allows us to celebrate the remarkable work of educators and students as they meet the increasingly difficult academic standards,” said Interim State Superintendent of Schools Bernard J. Sadusky. “Maryland schools were recognized as the nation’s best for the fourth straight year, and the effort put forth in the classroom is a primary factor for this success.”
Selective Editing of Christie Confronting Critic Misleads Viewers
The latest video of New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie confronting a detractor head-on is going viral on the political web, and popping up on various news sites. It shows him calling a constituent an "idiot" during a town hall meeting.
Oddly, though, the video isn't showing the whole encounter - just the part where Gov. Christie calls the constituent an idiot. And it isn't just mainstream media websites that have the edited video, or liberal-leaning blogs. Even HotAir.com has only a brief, edited, video clip. Most news websites carry this clip, or an even shorter version.
The edited video makes it easier for news accounts to portray Gov. Christie as a hot head who treated a constituent disrespectfully. Identifying the constituent as a former Navy Seal is part of that effort to downplay the questioner's role in exchange, in order to depict Gov. Christie as out-of-control.
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Yahoo sues Facebook over patents
NEW YORK (AP) - Yahoo is suing Facebook over patents, just weeks before the social-networking heavyweight is due to cash in with its initial public offering of stock.
Yahoo Inc. said in a court filing Monday that Facebook has infringed 10 of its patents covering advertising, privacy controls and social networking. Yahoo had threatened to sue Facebook last month, insisting that the social network license its patents.
Facebook vowed to defend itself vigorously against what it called "puzzling actions" by Yahoo.
"We're disappointed that Yahoo, a longtime business partner of Facebook and a company that has substantially benefited from its association with Facebook, has decided to resort to litigation," Facebook said in a statement. Yahoo ties a lot of its online services to Facebook, which has helped it attract users.
Fed To Take Propaganda To The Schoolroom: Will Teach Grade 8-12 Students About Constitutionality Of... The Fed
Back in September we noted a peculiar RFP by the Fed which sought to become a secret 'big brother' to the social media world, and to "monitor billions of conversations and generate text analytics based on predefined criteria." The Fed's desired product should be able to "determine the sentiment of a speaker or writer with respect to some topic or document"... "The solution must be able to gather data from the primary social media platforms – Facebook, Twitter, Blogs, Forums and YouTube. It should also be able to aggregate data from various media outlets such as: CNN, WSJ, Factiva etc." Most importantly, the "Listening Platform" should be able to "Handle crisis situations, Continuously monitor conversations, and Identify and reach out to key bloggers and influencers." While it is unclear just how successful the Fed has been in eavesdropping on various critical blogs, and divining "sentiment", it now appears that the propaganda masters at the Office of Central Planning have decided to go for young American minds while they are still pliable. It appears that as part of its reenactment of Goebbels "economic education" curriculum, the Fed will now directly appeal to K 8-12 student, in which it will elucidate on the premise of "Constitutionality of a Central Bank." You know - just in case said young (and soon to be very unemployed) minds get ideas that heaven forbid, the master bank running the US is not exactly constitutional - you know, that whole thing between Andrew Jackson and the Second Bank of the United States...
And in case one is wondering what dogmatic propaganda their childredn will be filled with, here is tje course outline.
Police Take on Rising Wave of Tide Detergent Theft
NEW YORK – Law enforcement officials across the US have been left baffled by a crime wave targeting an unlikely item -- Tide laundry detergent.
Theft of Tide detergent has become so rampant that some cities are setting up special task forces to stop it and retailers like CVS are taking special security precautions to lock down the liquid.
One Tide thief in West St. Paul, Minn., stole $25,000 of the product over 15 months before he was arrested last year.
"That was unique that he stole so much soap," said West St. Paul Police Chief Bud Shaver.
Advocacy In The Media Environment
NEW YORK - At the same time that superpacs are paying for millions of dollars in traditional advertising, a new study has found that using new media, such as social networking, is believed to be more effective at enhancing an organizations persuasiveness during political issue campaigns.
According to a study out of Pace University, large political advocacy groups are using new technology to reach out to members and the public. Surveys and interviews with representatives of advocacy groups indicated that digital media were seen to be superior outreach methods compared to using traditional media forms. This study, set to be published in the March 2012 issue of Mass Communication and Society, discovered that groups using e-mail and websites were considered more effective than those using direct mail, television, and radio to get their messages out to the public.
"In (an) array of various types of media, advocacy groups strategically choose new technologies as the right communication tools for public mobilizations. Grassroots groups in particular more actively utilize new technologies in public mobilization than conventional lobbying groups," Dr. Young Mie Kim, co-author, said.
In recent political campaigns, grassroots advocacy groups have reached out to multiple generations through their creative use of websites. It isn't clear if those surveyed gave higher praised to new media simply because they were using it heavily, or because they saw how it had enhanced their mobilization efforts. But certainly those trying to mobilize the public to support social issues on topics from abortion to the environment rated radio and TV as the most inferior for those efforts.
The study used interviews with 242 U.S. issue advocacy group members from 209 different advocacy groups. Group interests ranged from a single specific social issue to general interests like "empowering citizens." Groups included grassroots organizations as well as those representing powerful interests such as labor or professional organizations.
"To have a full understanding of today's civic engagement, we must examine those who organize and mobilize citizens' political action, moving beyond the individual-level civic participation," Dr. Kim said. "By examining advocacy groups' relative gratifications for new communication technologies in the media ecology system, we can better understand groups' strategic resource allocation and better predict successful mobilization and citizen engagement."
According to a study out of Pace University, large political advocacy groups are using new technology to reach out to members and the public. Surveys and interviews with representatives of advocacy groups indicated that digital media were seen to be superior outreach methods compared to using traditional media forms. This study, set to be published in the March 2012 issue of Mass Communication and Society, discovered that groups using e-mail and websites were considered more effective than those using direct mail, television, and radio to get their messages out to the public.
"In (an) array of various types of media, advocacy groups strategically choose new technologies as the right communication tools for public mobilizations. Grassroots groups in particular more actively utilize new technologies in public mobilization than conventional lobbying groups," Dr. Young Mie Kim, co-author, said.
In recent political campaigns, grassroots advocacy groups have reached out to multiple generations through their creative use of websites. It isn't clear if those surveyed gave higher praised to new media simply because they were using it heavily, or because they saw how it had enhanced their mobilization efforts. But certainly those trying to mobilize the public to support social issues on topics from abortion to the environment rated radio and TV as the most inferior for those efforts.
The study used interviews with 242 U.S. issue advocacy group members from 209 different advocacy groups. Group interests ranged from a single specific social issue to general interests like "empowering citizens." Groups included grassroots organizations as well as those representing powerful interests such as labor or professional organizations.
"To have a full understanding of today's civic engagement, we must examine those who organize and mobilize citizens' political action, moving beyond the individual-level civic participation," Dr. Kim said. "By examining advocacy groups' relative gratifications for new communication technologies in the media ecology system, we can better understand groups' strategic resource allocation and better predict successful mobilization and citizen engagement."
Prison for recording a cop? Illinois law under fire
Chris Drew was looking for trouble on Dec. 2, 2009, when he set out on Chicago’s State Street to sell art without a permit. He was not looking for the amount of trouble he found.
Drew was carrying an Olympus digital voice recorder. Police had no idea that he was recording the arrest. When you record police, prosecutors or judges in Illinois without their consent, it is a class one felony, punishable by 15 years in prison.
“We weren’t listening in on anything private. We were all public, in public," Drew said. "So by the very definition of eavesdropping, I could not imagine there was an eavesdropping law that made it illegal to listen in on a public conversation.”
California Police Chief Reportedly Sends Sergeant To Reporter's Home Over Story
A California police chief reportedly ordered a sergeant to a reporter's home insisting on changes to a news story he perceived to be inaccurate.
The Oakland Tribune reports that Berkeley Police Chief Michael Meehan ordered the sergeant to the reporter's home minutes after reading the report online, a move First Amendments said reeked of intimidation and attempted censorship.
Jim Ewert, general counsel of the California Newspaper Publisher's Association, characterized Meehan's alleged actions as "totally despicable," he told the newspaper.
"It's the most intimidating type of (censorship) possible because the person trying to exercise it carries a gun," Ewert said.
Bay Area News Group reporter Doug Oakley said he was shaken by the 12:45 a.m. Friday knock on the door of his Berkeley home. Oakley said he and his wife initially thought something was terribly wrong, perhaps that a relative had died.
Meehan apologized Friday.
"I would say it was an overzealous attempt to make sure that accurate information is put out," Meehan said. "I could have done better."
Meehan said he didn't think Oakley would be upset or intimidated because the police sergeant, Mary Kusmiss, regularly deals with the media.
"I did not mean to upset [Oakley] or his family last night; it was late, (I was) tired, too," he said. "I don't dispute that it could be perceived badly."
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The Oakland Tribune reports that Berkeley Police Chief Michael Meehan ordered the sergeant to the reporter's home minutes after reading the report online, a move First Amendments said reeked of intimidation and attempted censorship.
Jim Ewert, general counsel of the California Newspaper Publisher's Association, characterized Meehan's alleged actions as "totally despicable," he told the newspaper.
"It's the most intimidating type of (censorship) possible because the person trying to exercise it carries a gun," Ewert said.
Bay Area News Group reporter Doug Oakley said he was shaken by the 12:45 a.m. Friday knock on the door of his Berkeley home. Oakley said he and his wife initially thought something was terribly wrong, perhaps that a relative had died.
Meehan apologized Friday.
"I would say it was an overzealous attempt to make sure that accurate information is put out," Meehan said. "I could have done better."
Meehan said he didn't think Oakley would be upset or intimidated because the police sergeant, Mary Kusmiss, regularly deals with the media.
"I did not mean to upset [Oakley] or his family last night; it was late, (I was) tired, too," he said. "I don't dispute that it could be perceived badly."
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ANOTHER $100 BILLION TO BAILOUT IDIOTS
WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) — Jose, 47, hoped to build a life with his wife Maria, 43, and three children in Phoenix, Arizona where he took a new job at a plastic bag factory in 2007.
Unfortunately, he was unable to sell a home he and his wife bought in 2002 in La Puente, California, six hours away by car. After five years of frustration, Jose moved back there in September to take a lower-paying job at a factory he had previously worked at.
Like many of their neighbors in La Puente, a community of about 40,000 located 15 miles from downtown Los Angeles, they are “underwater,” which means they owe more than their home is worth.
The couple bought the home for $415,000 and later took out a $65,000 second mortgage. Today, Maria and Jose owe $245,000 more than their home is worth (which is $235,000) and have a loan to value ratio of 204%.
Selling the home without harsh negative consequences seems impossible without government assistance, a prospect that is unlikely at best.
Either a foreclosure or a bank-assisted short-sale would, in the best scenario, stain their credit rating and make it harder to buy a new home in the next few years. So they continue to pay monthly into a mortgage where they have no equity.
“He [Jose] is frustrated because he would like to find another job that makes more money, but in the current situation he is taking the job that is near where we live,” said Maria.
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Unfortunately, he was unable to sell a home he and his wife bought in 2002 in La Puente, California, six hours away by car. After five years of frustration, Jose moved back there in September to take a lower-paying job at a factory he had previously worked at.
Like many of their neighbors in La Puente, a community of about 40,000 located 15 miles from downtown Los Angeles, they are “underwater,” which means they owe more than their home is worth.
The couple bought the home for $415,000 and later took out a $65,000 second mortgage. Today, Maria and Jose owe $245,000 more than their home is worth (which is $235,000) and have a loan to value ratio of 204%.
Selling the home without harsh negative consequences seems impossible without government assistance, a prospect that is unlikely at best.
Either a foreclosure or a bank-assisted short-sale would, in the best scenario, stain their credit rating and make it harder to buy a new home in the next few years. So they continue to pay monthly into a mortgage where they have no equity.
“He [Jose] is frustrated because he would like to find another job that makes more money, but in the current situation he is taking the job that is near where we live,” said Maria.
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Yet Another US Debt Infographic
Probably the most amusing thing about this latest US debt infographic courtesy of FX Fatcat [2], which by now everyone has seen in some capacity, is how out of date it is, as the latest debt is $15.518 trillion [3], or $100 billion more than shown here in "March 2012."
Source
If You Want The Next iPad This Week, Don't Order It Online
Last week Apple revealed its next iPad would be available Friday, but that doesn't mean everyone who orders them online will get them on day one. Apple has moved back its shipment date to Monday, March 19, presumably because it's sold out the first round.
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Lawmakers Reject Freeze On Judges’ Salaries, Pay Hike Expected
Lawmakers rejected an amendment Monday night to freeze judges salaries at the current range of $127,000 to $181,000 a year, and a final vote on raises of up to $14,500 over three years is expected Tuesday.
Continue Reading...
Continue Reading...
Here It Is, Your Lineup For Worst Company In America 2012!
Welcome to Consumerist's 7th Annual Worst Company In America tournament, where the businesses you nominated face off for a title that none of them will publicly admit to wanting — but which all of them try their hardest to earn. So it's time to fill in the brackets and start another office pool. That is, unless you work at one of the 32 companies competing in the tournament.
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Estonian Ambassador Marina Kaljurand Speaks At SU March 13
Her Excellency Marina Kaljurand, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United States of America from the Republic of Estonia, speaks at Salisbury University on Tuesday, March 13, at 7 p.m. in the Great Hall of Holloway Hall. She discusses Estonia’s strategic partnership with the U.S. and the role of the Baltic States in today’s world.
Why China Is Dumping The Dollar - And Why You Should Read Up On The Weimar Republic
As ZH posted today, China is systematically dumping the dollar [14] (and beginning to set up other agreements [15]). CNBC assures everyone, however, that things are fine. Don't read those anonymous financial blogs.
China has a long way to go in turning itself into more of a consumption based economy, so the dumping of USD has to be rather gradual (as to not rock the boat too much, the U.S. still needs to be supplied the funds to purchase Chinese goods, and also most trades are settled in USD for now), but it is happening.
One major reason for this action by China is due to the fact that the United States Government has loaded up on so much debt that it's not possibly sustainable - and the Federal Reserve knows that unless they want to see the house of cards the Keynesians have built come crashing down, they have no choice but to completely monetize the debt. As the dollar continues to be devalued (more in a second), the more yuan China has to print in order to buy dollars to keep their fx target. So not only is China on the hook to pay higher commodity prices (priced in dollars), they're stuck with creating more domestic inflation as well - which is something they don't have time to deal with at the moment, as their housing market is on the verge of collapsing [16].
Today ZH also pointed out that Greece has 107 Billion Euro in hidden liabilities [17] that oops, they forgot to disclose to anyone. Which made me think, hey, how about the unfunded & if not hidden, largely swept under the rug liabilities the United States has.
Alas, the Treasury doesn't use GAAP accounting when they put out their debt figures, they use cash accounting. This means that all of the social programs we have in place (medicare, pensions, social security, etc) are left out of the debt calculation. China is not stupid, they realize that not only are we going to be 100% of GDP soon on our reported debt, we're going to be well over 100% of GDP on total debt if we are being honest & including our unfunded liabilities. Over $80 Trillion in debt, or over 500% of GDP, accordng to Shadow Stats John Williams.
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China has a long way to go in turning itself into more of a consumption based economy, so the dumping of USD has to be rather gradual (as to not rock the boat too much, the U.S. still needs to be supplied the funds to purchase Chinese goods, and also most trades are settled in USD for now), but it is happening.
One major reason for this action by China is due to the fact that the United States Government has loaded up on so much debt that it's not possibly sustainable - and the Federal Reserve knows that unless they want to see the house of cards the Keynesians have built come crashing down, they have no choice but to completely monetize the debt. As the dollar continues to be devalued (more in a second), the more yuan China has to print in order to buy dollars to keep their fx target. So not only is China on the hook to pay higher commodity prices (priced in dollars), they're stuck with creating more domestic inflation as well - which is something they don't have time to deal with at the moment, as their housing market is on the verge of collapsing [16].
Today ZH also pointed out that Greece has 107 Billion Euro in hidden liabilities [17] that oops, they forgot to disclose to anyone. Which made me think, hey, how about the unfunded & if not hidden, largely swept under the rug liabilities the United States has.
Alas, the Treasury doesn't use GAAP accounting when they put out their debt figures, they use cash accounting. This means that all of the social programs we have in place (medicare, pensions, social security, etc) are left out of the debt calculation. China is not stupid, they realize that not only are we going to be 100% of GDP soon on our reported debt, we're going to be well over 100% of GDP on total debt if we are being honest & including our unfunded liabilities. Over $80 Trillion in debt, or over 500% of GDP, accordng to Shadow Stats John Williams.
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You Make The Call
So let's say the Police get a warrant for a particular address. Oh, let's make one up like 303 Vine Street. They go to the location, break down the door only to find out they have the wrong location. However, the address IS 303 Vine Street. They quickly learn the home has been split up into two apartments and immediately go into the second apartment and find their suspect and make an arrest.
OK, now all of a sudden when the Police broke down the first door to the wrong apartment they found a small amount of drugs in that apartment. Can they also make an arrest for the person in the first apartment?
Just know this is something that did happen recently. You Make The Call.
OK, now all of a sudden when the Police broke down the first door to the wrong apartment they found a small amount of drugs in that apartment. Can they also make an arrest for the person in the first apartment?
Just know this is something that did happen recently. You Make The Call.
New Posts to fall below.
And Now, a New Definition of 'Romney-CAIR'
In what could be called a new version of “Romney-CAIR,” Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney’s Maryland campaign chairman, former Republican Maryland Gov. Robert Ehrlich, is an endorser of the controversial Council on American-Islamic Relations.
“I’m glad that you have established such a strong voice in the community and that you are working to maintain a strong sense of cultural and economic identity,” Ehrlich is quoted on CAIR’s website as saying in December 2005.
“I’m glad that you have established such a strong voice in the community and that you are working to maintain a strong sense of cultural and economic identity,” Ehrlich is quoted on CAIR’s website as saying in December 2005.
Under the headline “What They Say About CAIR,” dated March 2010, there are lists of comments from religious, law enforcement and election officials. Ehrlich’s comment is included there.
The Justice Department named CAIR an “unindicted co-conspirator in 2007 in the trial of the Holy Land Foundation, a charity discovered to be a front for the Hamas terrorist group. On July 1, 2009, District Court Judge Jorge Solis ruled that there was “ample evidence to establish the association” of CAIR to Hamas to justify the label.
MoreElite Promotion Rolls On – Are BRICs The Hope Of The World's Future?
Don't be scared away by BRIC inflation ... Whether it's been ongoing inflation fears and rising interest rates or the extreme volatility in commodity prices, it's been a pretty rough year for these four darlings of the emerging markets. With investors running scared from all things risky these days, it may get even worse in the weeks ahead, but that doesn't mean that all is lost for the investment play that has led the way during most of the post-financial crisis rally. Indeed, it must not be forgotten that these developing nations have a powerful secular growth cycle at their backs and should ballooning inflation peak later this year as many analysts now expect, better performance from the BRICs will soon return. – National Post
Dominant Social Theme: The BRICs are great.
Free-Market Analysis: The power elite and its controlled mainstream media continue to "talk up" the BRICs – Brazil, Russia, India and China. This is a swelling dominant social theme and one that bears watching because the powers-that-be will do anything to continue to prop up the world's central banking economy.
We can see this elite dominant social theme in this article in the National Post, "Canada's source for market intelligence." The article makes the point that the BRICs are fairly troubled economies, but that investors shouldn't be worried about it.
Where have we heard that before? Maybe in the US just before the housing bubble popped. Actually, we hear it ALL the time. "Don't worry, be happy." The powers-that-be badly yearn for pre-Internet days when people weren't as yet, in aggregate, illuminated (and only certain people were).
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Dominant Social Theme: The BRICs are great.
Free-Market Analysis: The power elite and its controlled mainstream media continue to "talk up" the BRICs – Brazil, Russia, India and China. This is a swelling dominant social theme and one that bears watching because the powers-that-be will do anything to continue to prop up the world's central banking economy.
We can see this elite dominant social theme in this article in the National Post, "Canada's source for market intelligence." The article makes the point that the BRICs are fairly troubled economies, but that investors shouldn't be worried about it.
Where have we heard that before? Maybe in the US just before the housing bubble popped. Actually, we hear it ALL the time. "Don't worry, be happy." The powers-that-be badly yearn for pre-Internet days when people weren't as yet, in aggregate, illuminated (and only certain people were).
More
Woman Discovers Her Husband's Other Wife On Facebook
A Washington woman got quite a surprise when Facebook's "People You May Know" feature reportedly recommended a potential contact. The two women certainly had something in common: a husband.
The woman's identity has remained anonymous, so we will call her Wife 1. She was perusing the popular social networking site when she says she saw the other woman, who we will call Wife 2, suggested by Facebook as a person she may know. She clicked on the woman's profile and saw photos of the woman standing next to a wedding cake -- along with Wife's 1 estranged husband. That's when Wife 1 did what any logical person would do: She called her mother-in-law.
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The woman's identity has remained anonymous, so we will call her Wife 1. She was perusing the popular social networking site when she says she saw the other woman, who we will call Wife 2, suggested by Facebook as a person she may know. She clicked on the woman's profile and saw photos of the woman standing next to a wedding cake -- along with Wife's 1 estranged husband. That's when Wife 1 did what any logical person would do: She called her mother-in-law.
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Today's Survey Question 3-13-12
When paying cash, what local restaurant offers you a receipt for the meal you ordered?
Maryland School Assessment (MSA) Testing
All students in grades 3-8 The 2012 Maryland School Assessment (MSA) testing is scheduled for March 13-14 and March 20-21 in Wicomico County Schools for all students in grades 3-8. Testing will be on March 13-14 for MSA Math and on March 20-21 for MSA Reading. (Grades 5 and 8 will take the MSA Science assessment later this spring.)
Romney Echoes Obama Administration, Calls Afghan War 'Kinetic Activity'
In an interview today with Neil Cavuto, Mitt Romney took a page from the Obama administration’s playbook when responding to a question about troop withdrawal.
Romney tried to avoid being pinned down on his position whether or not the United States should leave Afghanistan early in the wake of the mass shooting of Afghan civilians, and he used the phrase “kinetic activity” to do so.
“The actions of a deranged person are not going to shape American foreign policy," Romney said. "That being said, we should on a regular basis reassess what's happening in Afghanistan and any place for that matter where we have kinetic activity going on. And assess what's the right course forward, are we making progress, are we not, what are the prospects for success in our mission and that's something I would continue to do on a regular basis."
Monthly Meeting Of Wicomico County Board of Education
Board of Education AuditoriumThe March meeting of the Wicomico County Board of Education will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 13, in the Board of Education auditorium. The agenda will be posted at www.wcboe.org. 410-677-4561
Energy Production Revolution Begins in Mideast
Scenes of carnage and upheaval have been playing out for so many decades in the Middle East – car bombings, terrorist attacks, wars, intifadas, and the slightly more optimistic images associated with the Arab Spring – that they are by now well familiar.
But there is another revolution in the Mideast, presently underway, that is not being televised. It centers on the all-important area of energy production, and it might be called, "the Battle for Leviathan."
At issue is the recent discovery of huge untapped natural gas fields in the Levant Basin, the section of the eastern Mediterranean Sea that abuts Israel to the East, and Cyprus to the North
MoreMoney From Nothing - A Primer On Fake Wealth Creation And Its Implications (Part 1)
Introduction:
What is fraud except creating “value” from nothing and passing it off as something?
Frauds interlink and grow upon each other. Our debt-based money system serves as the fraud foundation. In our debt-based money system, debt must grow in order to create money. Therefore, there is no way to pay off aggregate debt with available money. More money must be lent into the system to make the payments for old debts. This causes overall debt to expand as new money for actual people (vs. banks) always arrives at interest and compounds exponentially. This process is called financialization.
Financialization: The process of making money from nothing in which debt (i.e. poverty, lack) is paradoxically considered an asset (i.e. wealth, gain). In current financialized economies “wealth expansion” comes from the parasitic taxation of productivity in the form of interest on fiat lending. This interest over time consumes a greater and greater share of resources, assets, labor, and livelihood until nothing is left.
Only in a debt-based money system could debt be curiously cast as an asset. We’ve made “extend and pretend” a quaint phrase for a burgeoning market for financial lying and profiteering aimed toward preventing the collapse of a debt- (or lack-) based system that was already doomed by its initial design to collapse. This primer will detail the major components and basic evolution of fake wealth creation, accelerating debt expansion, hollowing out of the economy, and inevitable financial implosion.
Stage one—Fiat money origination, multiplication, and distribution
The U.S. Federal Reserve System (“The Fed”): A private, non-transparent entity, formed in 1913, representing and serving private, profit-driven banks that creates money from nothing (fiat) and to which the U.S. government has delegated and effectively ceded its constitutional power to coin money.
The Fed essentially lends our “sovereign” public money to us at interest, paying for things like government debt with more debt, thus expanding debt. By contrast, the Fed currently gives away money to its constituent private banks at zero percent interest, allowing those banks to buy U.S. Treasury bonds, which yield a 2-3 percent interest mark-up to be paid by taxpayers, adding to citizen debt.
Fractional reserve: Private fiat fabrication of exchangeable public “money” as a bookkeeping entry through “multiplication” of public fiat held in private bank reserves. Holding 100,000 dollars of depositors’ money may allow me, as a bank, to lend out 1,000,000 dollars. By what authority? None, really, just my say-so and my action.
More
What is fraud except creating “value” from nothing and passing it off as something?
Frauds interlink and grow upon each other. Our debt-based money system serves as the fraud foundation. In our debt-based money system, debt must grow in order to create money. Therefore, there is no way to pay off aggregate debt with available money. More money must be lent into the system to make the payments for old debts. This causes overall debt to expand as new money for actual people (vs. banks) always arrives at interest and compounds exponentially. This process is called financialization.
Financialization: The process of making money from nothing in which debt (i.e. poverty, lack) is paradoxically considered an asset (i.e. wealth, gain). In current financialized economies “wealth expansion” comes from the parasitic taxation of productivity in the form of interest on fiat lending. This interest over time consumes a greater and greater share of resources, assets, labor, and livelihood until nothing is left.
Only in a debt-based money system could debt be curiously cast as an asset. We’ve made “extend and pretend” a quaint phrase for a burgeoning market for financial lying and profiteering aimed toward preventing the collapse of a debt- (or lack-) based system that was already doomed by its initial design to collapse. This primer will detail the major components and basic evolution of fake wealth creation, accelerating debt expansion, hollowing out of the economy, and inevitable financial implosion.
Stage one—Fiat money origination, multiplication, and distribution
The U.S. Federal Reserve System (“The Fed”): A private, non-transparent entity, formed in 1913, representing and serving private, profit-driven banks that creates money from nothing (fiat) and to which the U.S. government has delegated and effectively ceded its constitutional power to coin money.
The Fed essentially lends our “sovereign” public money to us at interest, paying for things like government debt with more debt, thus expanding debt. By contrast, the Fed currently gives away money to its constituent private banks at zero percent interest, allowing those banks to buy U.S. Treasury bonds, which yield a 2-3 percent interest mark-up to be paid by taxpayers, adding to citizen debt.
Fractional reserve: Private fiat fabrication of exchangeable public “money” as a bookkeeping entry through “multiplication” of public fiat held in private bank reserves. Holding 100,000 dollars of depositors’ money may allow me, as a bank, to lend out 1,000,000 dollars. By what authority? None, really, just my say-so and my action.
More
Young Arms And Curveballs: A Scientific Twist
Recent studies seem to show that, despite conventional wisdom, curveballs pose no greater danger to young pitching arms than other pitches.
For decades, it has been an article of faith for parents of young pitchers: Do not let them throw curveballs. The reason was simple. Contorting elbows — all in the service of ever more competitive baseball at ever younger ages — puts more strain on the joint than arms can handle.
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For decades, it has been an article of faith for parents of young pitchers: Do not let them throw curveballs. The reason was simple. Contorting elbows — all in the service of ever more competitive baseball at ever younger ages — puts more strain on the joint than arms can handle.
More
Still A Fast-Food Nation: Eric Schlosser Reflects On 10 Years Later
Ten years after his seminal book Fast Food Nation, Eric Schlosser reflects on how little has changed in the production, safety, and consumption in America—but why he’s still hopeful.
More than a decade has passed since Fast Food Nation was published, and I’d love to report that the book is out of date, that the many problems it describes have been solved, and that the Golden Arches are now the symbol of a fallen empire, like the pyramids at Giza. Sadly, that is not the case. Every day about 65 million people eat at a McDonald’s restaurant somewhere in the world, more than ever before. The annual revenues of America’s fast-food industry, adjusted for inflation, have risen by about 20 percent since 2001. The number of fast-food ads aimed at American children has greatly increased as well. The typical preschooler now sees about three fast-food ads on television every day. The typical teenager sees about five. The endless barrage of ads, toys, contests, and marketing gimmicks has fueled not only fast-food sales, but also a wide range of diet-related illnesses. About two thirds of the adults in the United States are obese or overweight. The obesity rate among preschoolers has doubled in the past 30 years. The rate among children aged 6 to 11 has tripled. And by some odd coincidence, the annual cost of the nation’s obesity epidemic—about $168 billion, as calculated by researchers at Emory University—is the same as the amount of money Americans spent on fast food in 2011.
Throughout both terms of President George W. Bush’s administration, every effort to reform the nation’s food-safety system was blocked by the White House and by Republicans in Congress. During the summer of 2002, ground beef from the ConAgra slaughterhouse in Greeley, Colo., was linked to an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7. The outbreak killed one person and sickened at least 46.
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More than a decade has passed since Fast Food Nation was published, and I’d love to report that the book is out of date, that the many problems it describes have been solved, and that the Golden Arches are now the symbol of a fallen empire, like the pyramids at Giza. Sadly, that is not the case. Every day about 65 million people eat at a McDonald’s restaurant somewhere in the world, more than ever before. The annual revenues of America’s fast-food industry, adjusted for inflation, have risen by about 20 percent since 2001. The number of fast-food ads aimed at American children has greatly increased as well. The typical preschooler now sees about three fast-food ads on television every day. The typical teenager sees about five. The endless barrage of ads, toys, contests, and marketing gimmicks has fueled not only fast-food sales, but also a wide range of diet-related illnesses. About two thirds of the adults in the United States are obese or overweight. The obesity rate among preschoolers has doubled in the past 30 years. The rate among children aged 6 to 11 has tripled. And by some odd coincidence, the annual cost of the nation’s obesity epidemic—about $168 billion, as calculated by researchers at Emory University—is the same as the amount of money Americans spent on fast food in 2011.
Throughout both terms of President George W. Bush’s administration, every effort to reform the nation’s food-safety system was blocked by the White House and by Republicans in Congress. During the summer of 2002, ground beef from the ConAgra slaughterhouse in Greeley, Colo., was linked to an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7. The outbreak killed one person and sickened at least 46.
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Senate Gives Initial OK to Vehicle Smoking Ban
ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Maryland residents would not be able to smoke in a vehicle with a passenger younger than 8, under a measure that has received preliminary approval in the state Senate.
The Senate blocked two amendments Monday night that were offered by Sen. Edward Reilly, R-Anne Arundel.
Reilly tried to change the bill so a violation of the law would be a secondary, rather than a primary, offense. As a primary offense, a police officer would be able to pull someone over for the offense.
Senators also shot down an amendment that would have prevented a child from riding in a vehicle in which someone had smoked at all.
Supporters of the measure as it currently stands say it is needed to protect children from second-hand smoke.
QUOTE OF THE DAY 3-13-12
“Just think of how stupid the average person is, and then realize half of them are even stupider!”
George Carlin
George Carlin
Nuclear Regulatory Commission Orders Big Change
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission ordered big changes in safety procedures for U.S. nuclear generators. The orders came on the one-year anniversary of the earthquake that severely damaged coastal reactors in Japan. U.S. operators must install new equipment to limit core damage in a serious accident. They also have to beef up protection of safety equipment. U.S. plants have until 2016 to comply. NRC Chairman Gregory Jaczko said he was disappointed the commission couldn't agree to faster compliance. An industry spokesman put the compliance tag at $100 million.
Sidewalk Messages Stir Controversy At Towson University
TOWSON, Md. -- Lingering flames of racial tension among Towson University students have been fanned to high levels after "White Pride" was scribbled on sidewalks all over campus.
At Towson University, students use chalk to write messages or promote events on campus sidewalks, but a recent chalking by one group is raising eyebrows because it has divided students. On Thursday, students gathered for a forum on campus to discuss their thoughts and concerns about the messages.
"I came from one of the roughest neighborhoods in Baltimore, and to come all the way to Towson University and feel like this is the most insecure, unstable environment because I see things like white [pride]," said Ignacio Evans.
At Towson University, students use chalk to write messages or promote events on campus sidewalks, but a recent chalking by one group is raising eyebrows because it has divided students. On Thursday, students gathered for a forum on campus to discuss their thoughts and concerns about the messages.
"I came from one of the roughest neighborhoods in Baltimore, and to come all the way to Towson University and feel like this is the most insecure, unstable environment because I see things like white [pride]," said Ignacio Evans.
Having To Fund Immoral Policies
At the outset I am talking about what someone considers immoral, not what is objectively immoral. Nonetheless, millions are coerced by governments, backed by other millions, to work and pay for what they consider morally wrong. Is that right? Is it avoidable in a democracy?
Back during the Vietnam war a great many opponents of that disastrous policy wanted to withhold their taxes, or the portion of it that went to fund the war. They were mostly from the Left but that doesn't matter. The point is that such people argued that it is unjust to make them do this. And there is something to this: Why would it be okay to require someone to contribute resources he or she has produced and owns to a policy deemed to be morally wrong?
Granted, requiring someone to make contributions to anything is objectionable but isn't it more so if the policy is objected to by the victim of such coercion on moral grounds? Suppose the source of the moral objection is one's religion. Wouldn't that contradict the idea of freedom of religion? You are supposed to be free to choose what faith you accept and practice but then you are forced to give up portions of your life for some other faith! Isn't that inconsistent? You are both free to choose as well as not free to choose!
Doesn't democracy amount to just this kind of confusion? Well, not if it's property limited, as limited government champions have insisted it should be. All this stuff about funding or not funding contraceptives would be off the table, not up for the vote.
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Back during the Vietnam war a great many opponents of that disastrous policy wanted to withhold their taxes, or the portion of it that went to fund the war. They were mostly from the Left but that doesn't matter. The point is that such people argued that it is unjust to make them do this. And there is something to this: Why would it be okay to require someone to contribute resources he or she has produced and owns to a policy deemed to be morally wrong?
Granted, requiring someone to make contributions to anything is objectionable but isn't it more so if the policy is objected to by the victim of such coercion on moral grounds? Suppose the source of the moral objection is one's religion. Wouldn't that contradict the idea of freedom of religion? You are supposed to be free to choose what faith you accept and practice but then you are forced to give up portions of your life for some other faith! Isn't that inconsistent? You are both free to choose as well as not free to choose!
Doesn't democracy amount to just this kind of confusion? Well, not if it's property limited, as limited government champions have insisted it should be. All this stuff about funding or not funding contraceptives would be off the table, not up for the vote.
More
Soldier Suspected in Afghanistan Massacre Likely to be Tried in US, Could Face Death Penalty
The Army staff sergeant being detained in Afghanistan for allegedly killing 16 civilians Sunday, most of them children, likely will stand trial in the U.S., military sources told Fox News -- and Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said he could face the death penalty.
The suspect, whose name has not yet been released, is described to Fox News by military sources as an infantry sniper out of Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state. He suffered traumatic brain injury in 2010 after a vehicle rollover accident in Iraq, though he later was deemed "fit for duty," a senior U.S. official said.
Sources also said the suspect had "family problems," possibly related to trouble in his marriage, before deploying for the fourth time.
Panetta said he may face capital charges, and that the U.S. must resist pressure from Washington and Kabul to change course in Afghanistan because of anti-American outrage over the shooting.
No Paul = No Vote In November
"I would also say of Ron Paul – he doesn't need to win. In his view he is winning already. This is an ideological point he is making. But here's why it's electorally significant – a lot of people, I mean 41 percent in Virginia, only two people on the ballot, still a lot of people voted for Ron Paul. A lot of those voters are portable. They're not Republican – they're not dedicated Republican voters." – Tucker Carlson, Editor, The Daily Caller
It is time for a groundswell of Ron Paul supporters to quietly, respectfully but firmly make their position clear to the mainstream media and the GOP establishment. Simply put, "No Paul on the ticket means no vote for the GOP in November."
The Ron Paul Campaign has the GOP establishment stuck between a rock and a hard place even though they have not won a single state in the primaries to date. Every Paul supporter knows the underhanded tactics used by the Republican leadership at the state and national level as well as the organized smear and news blackout campaign carried out by the mainstream media.
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It is time for a groundswell of Ron Paul supporters to quietly, respectfully but firmly make their position clear to the mainstream media and the GOP establishment. Simply put, "No Paul on the ticket means no vote for the GOP in November."
The Ron Paul Campaign has the GOP establishment stuck between a rock and a hard place even though they have not won a single state in the primaries to date. Every Paul supporter knows the underhanded tactics used by the Republican leadership at the state and national level as well as the organized smear and news blackout campaign carried out by the mainstream media.
More
Sex Offense Charges Dropped Against Teacher, Coach
WASHINGTON - Charges against a teacher and coach accused of having sex with a 16-year-old student have been dropped due to a legal loophole.
Police say Scott Spear, 47, had sex with a female student from Richard Montgomery High School, where he coaches track and basketball, at least twice last year in a Rockville home. He was originally charged with two counts of a fourth-degree sex offense.
Those charged were dropped, however, because of a technicality in Maryland state law. It stipulates that in order for school personnel to be charged with having inappropriate sexual relationships with a student, the accused must be a "full-time, permanent employee." In this case, Spear was not a full-time employee at Richard Montgomery. He teaches at Julius West Middle School.
Also, the age of consent in Maryland is 16, therefore the state could not move forward on the charges against him, officials say.
Let's Clear The Air
Yesterday we did a Post referencing the Tom McGuire case and the States Attorney Nolle Prosqui the arson charges. At the end of that Post we clearly stated, "There are cases in which a states attorney will nolle prosqui a case if an indictment has been returned. They do have the ability to re-charge Mr. McGuire at a later point." This is exactly what happened.
It should be noted, even though we got a call from the States Attorneys Office immediately following our original Post, they had no information to offer and assured me they would make contact with me once they could find someone who knew what was going on with the case. That call never came.
From what I learned last night, McGuire has now been re-charged with 1st degree arson instead of 2nd degree.
I should add, the States Attorneys Office has made it next to impossible to gather public information on their website. In fact, so much so that they have actually been deleting press releases on their site that had been previously published. They do not make current information available. Considering so many are victims of crimes, one would think they'd do everything possible to keep the public up to speed on cases, yet they do not. I guess they don't want the public to see just how many cases fall into the nolle prosqui kingdom.
Dog Found At Landfill
This evening at 6pm I went to the county landfill on Brick Kiln Rd. in Salisbury and there was a pitbull mix dog there. I asked the worker at the dump station whose dog it was. He said that he didn't know and that the dog had been there walking around and sitting all day since 7am. Hesaid they called the animal control multiple times, but on one came out.
The dog looks to be in good health, clean cut, nails trimmed teeth clean.
It is a non fixed male dog with a blue collar. No name of info on the collar. It is the most friendly dog I have ever seen. It was even scared of my cat.
I know you helped find my dog last year when he was lost so I thought Id try to do the same.
If you can find out whose dog this is I will be glad to take him to them.
info@classiclawncareinc.com 410-749-5967
Bill To Ban Smoking In Car With Children Takes Strange Turn
A controversial bill that would ban smoking inside any car with a child under the age of 8 took an interesting turn in the state Senate Friday morning, when a killer amendment almost succeeded.
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