THE MASTER PLAN

Back in 1973 my Family moved from New York to Bowie, Maryland. Bowie was actually a pretty cool community built by the Levitt Family. Tens of thousands of homes with about 7 different styles. What I liked about it was the idea that no one seemed to be wealthier than the next guy. An average home in the early 1970's was around $15,000.00.

Bowie was filled with a ton of Washington D.C. employees. The school system in elementary and middle school was not bad but when you got the the high school level things got pretty bad. They bussed kids in from all over PG County. The Afro American kids were jealous of us rich kids, (YEAH RIGHT) and the clash could sometimes be pretty brutal.

As time went on the desire to live in Bowie started growing like mad. A house for sale didn't last on the market for more than a few days. The Afro American community was leaving the D.C. area and buying up homes in Bowie like there was no tomorrow. Growing up in New York City this was cool with me and quite frankly it was about time.

The old row houses in D.C. were being revitalized and poor communities in the past were becoming very desired rebuilt homes and were selling as fast as they went on the market. You might say D.C.'s own Code & Compliance was forcing people out of those old neighborhoods slamming home owners with fines strong enough in which it was either no longer affordable to fix things or people simply got sick and tired of the constant abuse. Bowie had no such Code & Compliance, yet everyone truly took good care of their properties.

Bowie also had its very own Waste Water Treatment Plant and Police Department. Is ANY of this starting to sound familiar?

Bowie had two small Malls and we could always go to Annapolis Mall or even the Landover Mall. Things really started to change in the early 1980's. New fancy developments were being built for the wealthier people and property no one ever thought would be developed out of the main core were the hot ticket. I've seen some of those $15,000.00 homes from the 1970's then sell for as much as $400,000.00, it's true.

The catch was, taxes on those same properties which were about a quarter of an acre were now, (1980's) around $2,800.00 a year. New Malls were being constructed just about everywhere you turned. Rt. 301 became a new metropolis and those who were rebuilding their old Levitt homes were now RENTING them out like crazy.

I share all of this information with you today because I did an article years ago about how the new Salisbury Police Station and the new $14,000,000.00 Salisbury Fire Palace were being built on the west side of town. It was pretty clear to me that we were going to experience the same kind of restructuring I had seen 30 years earlier in Bowie. Since many of you didn't watch Bowie as closely as I had, I wanted to express my concerns back then.

Then came all of the pressure placed on those property owners on the north prong of the river. The Tilghman Administration really started cracking down on riverfront property owners and presented this Master Plan for that area, excluding many of those long standing businesses currently located there.

Now we're seeing yet another liberal Mayor step in on the sly trying to sell the community on his new Master Plan for Downtown Salisbury. Desperate, he even goes so far as to create a petition drive in the hopes of garnishing enough people to support his idea with a hidden agenda, as usual. So how do you get the Afro American communities to accept such a plan. Raise taxes enough, send in Code & Compliance and fine these people as much as you can and slowly create a subsidized housing community as a place to land, (so to speak) once things get too unbearable.

When you have 30 years worth of City Council's who CAN'T seem to come together with a Downtown plan, give up. Relocate those other, (west side) communities to an area you CAN'T revitalize and create a new (BOWIE) community where the land is cheap and generations of future developers can have a field day developing.

Annex Sassafras Meadows for no reason and run a pipe annexation to the furthest west end are as you can for FUTURE DEVELOPMENT.

Am I getting too far ahead of you, or are you finally seeing the light?

One reason I have always done well with Salisbury News is because I could see way ahead of most people. If you think for a second I may be wrong, DON'T VOTE FOR ME. I see Ireton's plan as an extension of the old Tilghman Administrations plans. They will use government funding to create a whole new community Downtown and it's no wonder why CERTAIN people support Ireton's "Downtown Projects".

While progress may be something we may need, let's be fair about it and call it what it is. Expect to see a new Mall near the Bypass on the west side of Salisbury and remember, Salisbury extends all the way out to Memory Garden Lane, then all the way north on Spring Hill Road to the Delaware line. Mind you, that is NOT in the City limits but you mark my words, it will be and that is where you'll see growth. The current Mall is now somewhere near 30 years old. It may be all we've got right now but you go take a trip to Bowie and see what all of us NEVER thought would happen, happen.

GOP Freshman Challenges Maryland Power Structure

By any standard measure, Neil Parrott's place in Maryland politics ought to be toward the very bottom. He's a freshman Republican delegate in a very blue state, without pedigree or government connections.

Yet through dogged organizing and clever use of technology, this tea party leader from Hagerstown has turned a little-used provision of the Maryland Constitution into a tool capable of overturning chunks of the ruling Democrats' legislative agenda.

Parrott, a University of Maryland-trained traffic engineer, developed a website that makes it much easier to collect the 56,000 valid signatures needed to petition a law to referendum in Maryland. As a result, three laws are headed to voters in November — laws to legalize same-sex marriage, allow some illegal immigrants to pay in-state tuition, and create a new congressional map.

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Maryland Ranks 10th in Child Well-Being, National Study Says

Fewer Maryland children are living in high-poverty neighborhoods than a decade ago, but the lingering economic slump has left more parents without a steady paycheck, theAnnie E. Casey Foundationreported Wednesday.

The Baltimore-based charity ranks Maryland 10th in the nation for overall child well-being in its 2012 Kids Count Data Book, which analyzed nationwide research and statistics on children's economic well-being, education, health, family and community.

Becky Wagner, executive director of Advocates for Children and Youth, said the report shows that the state has made "good, solid advancements," but Maryland must keep working to close the remaining gaps. Wagner's nonprofit group collects the Kids Count data for the state.

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Republicans have Democrats on the run in California

Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi’s, D-Calif., plan to retake the House just got tougher. The National Republican Congressional Committee is launching a mobile billboard and Facebook campaign today introducing California voters to four of Pelosi’s must-win candidates.

“California families and seniors want solutions that will lower healthcare costs and create jobs, but these Democrat candidates are all running to support the same failed Washington policies that will gut Medicare and raise taxes,” said NRCC Communications Director Paul Lindsay. “Californians need to know the true agenda of these candidates before it’s too late.”

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Pepco Warns Service Will Suffer Under Md. Rate Ruling

Lawmakers say company's reaction disappointing but not surprising

Pepco warned Tuesday that its reliability -- heavily criticized after a storm last month left thousands of customers without power for days in scorching heat -- will suffer without the higher rate increases that it requested from Maryland regulators.

The Maryland Public Service Commission, or PSC, approved $18 million of the company's requested $68 million rate hike, pointing to Pepco's poor performance over the last several years. Even so, residents will pay an average $2.02 more a month for their electricity.

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Many Drugs Remain Legal After "Bath Salts" Ban

People are inventing so many new, legal ways to get high that lawmakers can't seem to keep up.

Over the past two years, the U.S. has seen a surge in the use of synthetic drugs made of legal chemicals that mimic the dangerous effects of cocaine, amphetamines and other illegal stimulants.

The drugs are often sold at small, independent stores in misleading packaging that suggests common household items like bath salts, incense and plant food. But the substances inside are powerful, mind-altering drugs that have been linked to bizarre and violent behavior across the country. Law enforcement officials refer to the drugs collectively as "bath salts," though they have nothing in common with the fragrant toiletries used to moisturize skin.

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Hey, Boston: Leave Chick-fil-A Alone

It's one thing for Hollywood moppets and television Muppets to protest Chick-fil-A over the fast-food chain president's support for traditional marriage. They're private citizens and entities. But when an elected public official wields the club of government against a Christian business in the name of "tolerance," it's not harmless kid stuff. It's chilling.

This week, Boston Mayor Thomas Menino declared, "Chick-fil-A doesn't belong in Boston." He recklessly slandered the company by accusing it of "discriminat(ing) against the population." And he warned ominously: "If they need licenses in the city, it will be very difficult — unless they open up their policies."

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Inspector General: SSA sitting on $134 million in uncashed checks

The federal government has made it a top priority to reduce the rate of improper payments that needlessly drain agency coffers.

But a new report indicates at least one agency has the opposite problem: Holding on to payments that should be disbursed to eligible recipients.

The inspector general for the Social Security Administration estimated the SSA is sitting on about $133.7 million in funds from benefit checks that recipients haven't cashed in at least a year and are subsequently returned to the agency.

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Sen. Inhofe Demands Panetta Explain Why He Allowed Military to March in Uniform in Gay Pride Parade

Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, demanded that Defense Secretary Leon Panetta explain why the Pentagon allowed uniformed service members to participate in this past weekend’s "gay pride" parade in San Diego.

The Pentagon said last week that it would allow approximately 300 military personnel wearing uniforms to march in the San Diego parade, but that it was not making a blanket exception for the future.

In a letter to Panetta sent Tuesday,  however, Inhofe said the move was a clear violation of the long-time ban on military personnel marching in a political parade in uniform.

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Iran Pledges to Deploy Warships in the Atlantic

For the second time in less than a year, Iran’s top naval commander has said Iranian Navy vessels will soon be plying the Atlantic Ocean, having made great strides in recent years in expanding its presence beyond Iranian waters.

Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari’s comments came on the same day Iran launched its first domestically-built oil tanker. The 21,000-ton vessel, capable of carrying up to 750,000 barrels of oil, was ordered by Venezuela, and Sayyari’s remarks raise the possibility that a warship may escort the tanker on its delivery sailing to Iran’s Latin American ally.

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Shock Video Shows Teen Bus Bullies Hurling Racial Slurs & Burning a 10-Year-Old Boy With a Cigarette Lighter

There’s a new instance of disturbing bus bullying that is making its media rounds. Considering the massive and viral response that accompanied a 10-minute clip of bus monitor Karen Klein being tormented by children in Greece, New York, a newly-released video of an entirely different incident — this time in Virginia — is likely to disgust those who view it.

In the 40-minute video, 10-year-old Cequan Haskins can be seen being abused by two 15-year-olds. The incident, which occurred in May 2011, was released to the public by the boy’s mother, who claims she wants to show just how bad bullying can get.

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Language warning

Mike Huckabee Calls For National 'Chick-Fil-A Appreciation Day'

Mike Huckabee, the former governor of Arkansas and Fox News host, has had enough of what he called the "vicious hate speech and intolerant bigotry" aimed at Chick-fil-A.

On his Facebook page, Huckabee announced that Aug. 1 will be "Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day," a day on which he is encouraging people to patronize the fast food chain.

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Farrah Hall: Windsurfing In The Olympics With A Maryland Flare

What a journey it has been for Farrah Hall as the U.S. Olympic windsurfer from Annapolis gets ready to compete on the world's biggest stage in the London Games.

While Hall was born and raised in what is known to many as the "Sailing Capital of the World", she didn't take up sailing until she was 13 and it wasn't until college when she decided she wanted to be an Olympic windsurfer.

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Md. Schools Ban Zero-Tolerance Discipline Policies

Maryland education officials have approved changes to the state's discipline policy that are meant to cut back on suspensions and expulsions.

The State Board of Education approved the new regulations Tuesday. The changes come amid a national debate about whether too many students are suspended or expelled for offenses that could be handled in other ways.

Zero-tolerance discipline policies with automatic consequences will be banned under the regulations. Schools will now be required to adopt a rehabilitative approach to discipline, and suspensions and expulsions are referred to as a last result.

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BREAKING NEWS: Senate OKs Dem Tax Rate Bill

Democrats' plan to extend existing tax rates another year for most households but let them rise for top earners passes in the Senate on a 51-48 vote but faces an uncertain future in Republican-controlled House.

From Fox News

Mass Murder 'Normal' in World Without God

WASHINGTON – The press is eagerly hunting clues as to why James “the Joker” Holmes murdered 12 people and injured dozens more in a shooting attack at an Aurora, Colo., movie theater where people had gathered to see the latest Batman movie.

But they’re not likely to find them, says evangelist-author Ray Comfort – because they’re looking in all the wrong places.

“This latest alleged mass murderer isn’t so easy to peg,” says Comfort, author of the new book “Hitler, God and the Bible.” “He came from a good home, in a good area, and he had a good education. But those who ask ‘What went wrong?’ are asking the wrong question. It should rather be ‘What is wrong?’ The biblical worldview isn’t that anything went wrong. Here was a normal sinful human being involved in an evil act of murder. The Scriptures tell ‘The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked’ (Jer. 17:9), and that no one is morally good in God’s eyes.”

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Pair Inherits $65M Sculpture, But Can't Sell It To Pay $29M Tax Bill

Heirs of a wealthy New York art dealer were left a $65 million sculpture that might just be more trouble than its worth.

Illeana Sonnabend, who died in 2007, left an art collection worth an estimated $1 billion. But one item in particular, Robert Rauschenberg's “Canyon,” is an heir's nightmare, a lawyer's dream and an IRS conundrum. The bequest comes with a $29 million tax bill, but since the piece includes a stuffed eagle, it can't be sold.

Lawyers for Sonnabend's children and beneficiaries, Nina Sundell and Antonio Homem, are hoping federal tax collectors change their valuation of the item, since they're stuck with the piece - and the taxes on it. But for now, the IRS isn't budging, and the case may be decided by a jury.

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BREAKING NEWS: Senate Rejects GOP Bill On Taxes

Republican plan to extend existing tax rates another year for all Americans fails in the Senate with a 45-54 vote.

From Fox News

Black Mobs Now Have Soundtrack for Violence

Please be forewarned the following report, and especially the videos linked, contain lyrics that will be offensive, even though WND uses dashes for the most offensive terms.

The epidemic of black-mob violence now has a soundtrack.

In fact, lots of them: sophisticated, highly produced songs and videos that urge black people to create all kinds of mayhem. From murdering CEOs and delivery drivers to starting riots and engaging in random warfare and everything in between.

Millions of people enjoy them every day; not just as music, but as a lifestyle.

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The Do-It-Yourself Pension System Has Failed

America is diving head first into a retirement crisis, but perhaps we shouldn't beat ourselves up for the dismal state of things.

The real place to put the blame, says Teresa Ghilarducci, professor of economics at the New School for Social Research, is on commercially-run, do-it-yourself retirement plans that expect far too much from average investors. Like saving regularly and not breaking our piggy banks in a crisis, she writes in the Times:

"First, figure out when you and your spouse will be laid off or be too sick to work. Second, figure out when you will die. Third, understand that you need to save 7 percent of every dollar you earn ... Fourth, earn at least 3 percent above inflation on your investments, every year ...

Fifth, do not withdraw any funds when you lose your job, have a health problem, get divorced, buy a house or send a kid to college. Sixth, time your retirement account withdrawals so the last cent is spent the day you die."

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Shabazz: Black Panthers a Reminder to Obama of ‘Where He Comes from’ & Are the ‘Moral Consciousness of This Nation’

In another recent radio rant, New Black Panther Chairman Malik Zulu Shabazz took dead aim at the current president and his policies.  The Panthers, who were at the center of a voter intimidation case in 2008, have lost much love for our current Chief Executive.

Chairman Shabazz describes the roll that he believes the Black Panthers serve for the President:

“We are the voice of consciousness of the president of the United States of America. We are that reminder to him of that who he really is, and where he comes from, his people. We are, when it comes to the black people and the justice they deserve, the moral consciousness of this nation, and we always have been.”

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Rep Wants Public Hearing on Planned Parenthood After Woman's Death

Planned Parenthood is facing new calls for congressional scrutiny after a Chicago woman died following an abortion at a local clinic last week.

Twenty-four-year old Tonya Reaves died Friday of hemorrhaging following the abortion, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner's office. Her death has been ruled an accident.

While Planned Parenthood afterward issued a statement expressing condolences to the family, the abortion provider's most vocal critics in Washington swiftly began calling for a closer look into the group's safety guidelines and financial practices.

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How Big Is Our Government?

One of the most divisive issues in this country right now is the size of the government.

And understandably so.

We have a huge budget deficit and $15 trillion of debt to contend with, so the size of the government--and government spending--is obviously important.

Unfortunately, this topic has now been "politicized," which means that you can't talk about it without being cheered or jeered by fans of each respective political team.

And that, unfortunately, leads to a lot of facts being ignored or distorted.

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Christian Bale In Aurora: Actor Visiting Victims Of Shooting At 'Dark Knight Rises' Showing

Victims of Friday's shooting at a midnight screening of "The Dark Knight Rises" received a visit from Batman himself on Tuesday, as Christian Bale reportedly stopped by Aurora, Colo.

"Mr. Bale is there as himself, not representing Warner Brothers," a representative for the studio told the Denver Post.

The actor, who has portrayed Batman in all three of director Christopher Nolan's films on the subject, had previously released a statement of condolences.

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Sanitizing Obama's Radical Past

A striking clash between those who feel a profound duty to report that the young Obama was nurtured by Marxists, socialists, and Communists and those who think it is a better idea to erase this information from the public record is on display in two current books. One book provided key politically significant details of a heated debate I had with the young Marxist-Leninist Obama over Christmas break 1980. The other book only confirmed that young Obama and his roommate were both in my vicinity at the time. The gap between how Paul Kengor covered Obama's Christmas break in The Communist and how David Maraniss covered this same moment in Barack Obama: The Story is chilling.

As an eyewitness to young Obama's Marxist-Leninist ideology, I count myself among those who think it is our duty to report the truth about young Obama, especially if it helps us understand the persistent, contemporary influence of Frank Marshall Davis, the Communist who became young Barack Obama's mentor. I do not think it is any exaggeration to suggest that in the long run, the mainstream media's failure to confront the reality of young Obama's ideological extremism is almost as important than the reality of Obama's tenure in office.

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HURT: An open letter to Christopher Nolan, Sean Penn and Warner Brothers

It is all so perfectly fitting that in the wake of a murderous rampage in which 70 people are shot —12 fatally, including a 6-year-old girl — and countless families are sacked with unspeakable grief, you would take the time to share with us your feelings.

Because, really, at this moment, all that matters to most of us is what a bunch of smutty purveyors of violent fantasy, half-rate actors and an industry of sick narcissism is feeling at this moment.

Director Christopher Nolan, speaking on behalf of the cast and crew of “The Dark Knight Rises,” you told us how much you love going to the movies and how they are “one of the great American art forms.”

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Stubborn Ignorance

Academic intelligentsia, their media, government and corporate enthusiasts worship at the altar of diversity. Despite budget squeezes, universities have created diversity positions, such as director of diversity and inclusion, manager of diversity recruitment, associate dean for diversity, vice president of diversity and perhaps minister of diversity. This is all part of a quest to get college campuses, corporate offices and government agencies to "look like America."

For them, part of looking like America means race proportionality. For example, if blacks are 13 percent of the population, they should be 13 percent of college students and professors, corporate managers and government employees. Law professors, courts and social scientists have long held that gross statistical disparities are evidence of a pattern and practice of discrimination. Behind this vision is the stupid notion that but for the fact of discrimination, we'd be distributed proportionately by race across incomes, education, occupations and other outcomes. There's no evidence from anywhere on earth or any time in human history that shows that but for discrimination, there would be proportional representation and an absence of gross statistical disparities, by race, sex, height or any other human characteristic. Nonetheless, much of our thinking, legislation and public policy is based upon proportionality being the norm. Let's run a few gross disparities by you, and you decide whether they represent what the courts call a pattern and practice of discrimination and, if so, what corrective action you would propose.

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Thunderstruck: Iranian Computer Systems Hit With ‘AC/DC’ Attack

Computer systems in Iran were allegedly attacked on Monday by a malware that forced workstations “to play AC/DC’s Thunderstruck at full volume in the middle of the night,” the International Business Times reports.

We don’t care what anyone says, that’s pretty much the most awesome act of international
sabotage we’ve ever heard of.

Lead researcher at the Finnish computer security firm F-Secure Mikko Hypponen wrote on his blog that a colleague working at the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran
(AEOI) sent him an e-mail informing him that the system had come under cyber-attack.

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A Letter To The Editor 7-25-12

Joe, I ran across this article on CNN.com.

I wonder if anyone else interprets the article and possible outcome as I do.

Evidently Wall Street (Remember them? They were the ones that CREATED the housing bubble) now wants to get into the Landlord business. I read the article and a chill went down my spine.

The very same companies that packaged up the toxic loans that were then sold as "investment vehicles" are now lining up to arrange financing so the very hedge fund managers that created the bubble can now buy up foreclosed homes "en-masse".

Today is a very dark day in American history. Today will be the day you first heard about what's going to be the norm in 5-10 years.

In 5-10 years there won't be the “Larry Landlord or Lisa Landlady” or any other individual slum/landlords. Nope. In 5-10 years anyone wanting to rent a house will go to a realtor's type company, fill out an application, spend money for a credit check and if they're lucky, very lucky, will be able to spend 2k/month on a 2 bedroom apartment in some run down tenement in their city. Note that I didn't comment on what part of "their city". Why? Because once this becomes the norm,
tenement buildings with welfare recipients will be everywhere. How can I make this bold statement? Easy. Look at the Fed.

If you review Section 8 housing codes you will see that the Fed subsidizes landlords rents to help low income families afford housing.

So what's going to happen is these companies that will now own most of the rental properties in any given city will all jack up the rent to ridiculous rates. The NICE thing is, the mainstream liberal government that will ultimately be in power will do everything they can do to make sure that the Middle Class ceases to exist.

So with at that time, 2/3 of Americans living below the poverty line, EVERYONE
qualifies for section 8 housing. And when the corporate fat cats hear of this, then rent will be 1k/bedroom.

The problem with that is the plan will bankrupt the country even faster than it's going broke now.

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Just For Fun

No X rated titles please.

GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY ISSUES EXECUTIVE ORDER TO STUDY WAYS TO STRENGTHEN MARYLAND’S ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

State officials to consider the impact of potential infrastructure investments on the resiliency of Maryland’s electric distribution system

ANNAPOLIS, MD (July 25, 2012) – Governor Martin O’Malley today issued an Executive Order directing the Administration’s Energy Advisor, Abigail Hopper, to mobilize several key government agencies to solicit input and recommendations from experts throughout the State to improve and strengthen Maryland’s utility infrastructure and create a more resilient electric distribution system.

“As a result of climate change, Maryland may continue to suffer violent weather patterns in the months and years ahead. That’s why we must engage in a thoughtful and informed dialogue to strengthen the resiliency of our electric grid,” said Governor O’Malley. “Together, we can create the 21st century infrastructure that a 21st century economy requires - these costs and benefits must be evaluated.”

Citing the economic and health damage resulting from repeated and prolonged electricity outages, and pointing to projections of more violent weather to come, the Executive Order sets in place an important evaluative process for the following:

1) The effectiveness and feasibility of undergrounding supply and distribution lines in selected areas as a means to increase the resiliency of Maryland’s electric distribution system;
2) Options for other infrastructure investments in the electric distribution infrastructure that can or should be made in order to improve the resiliency of Maryland’s electric distribution system. The costs and benefits of such investments should be evaluated over various time periods, including a 30-year period; and
3) Options for financing and cost recovery for capital investments to the electric distribution system.

The group is tasked with reporting back to the Governor within 60 days regarding recommended legislative changes, regulatory reforms, and other executive branch actions.

“I am pleased that we will have an opportunity to broaden the conversation around our infrastructure investments to create a more sustainable grid for Maryland,” said Abigail Hopper.

“I look forward to conducting numerous roundtable discussions over the next few months.”

The work being done internally will not supplant the investigation currently underway by the Public Service Commission; rather, the Governor’s efforts will be forward-looking and could lead to recommendations for further investigation and analysis by the Commission.

A copy of the Executive Order can be found here.

Citizen Heroes Identified In Weekend Water Rescue

On Friday, July 20, 2012, at approximately 6 p.m., Ocean City Communications received a call for swimmers in distress in the area of 90th Street and the beach. As officers arrived on scene, a water rescue was in progress with three females being pulled from the water by beachgoers and one off-duty beach patrol employee.

Witnesses told police that the beach patrol had instructed the females to leave the water approximately 10 minutes before the incident occurred. The females, who entered the water despite beach patrol’s warning, became visibly distressed. At this time, two beachgoers, who were identified as Christopher Bourdeau, 39, of Vienna, VA and Robert Miller, 43, of Falls Church, VA, entered the water to help the swimmers.

Miller and Bourdeau, who were at the beach with their families, rescued one swimmer and got her safely to the shore break. Miller and Bourdeau went back to assist the second swimmer. As Miller and Bourdeau rescued the second swimmer, an off-duty beach patrol lieutenant arrived and rescued the third swimmer.

The three swimmers, who were identified as a 21-year-old female from Bowie, MD, a 19-year-old female from Woodstock, MD and a 20-year-old female from Silver Spring, MD, were transported by Ocean City Emergency Services to Atlantic General Hospital. Two of the swimmers were treated and released, however, the third swimmer, who went into full cardiac arrest at the time of the incident, was still listed in critical condition.

Ocean City Police commend the citizens involved in the rescue of these women. Miller, Bourdeau and the off-duty beach patrol employee are responsible for preventing a serious tragedy from taking place. The OCPD is reminding residents and visitors to use caution in the water and encourages residents and visitors to leave their feet in the sand, if a lifeguard is not in the stand.

Cal Ripken Jr.'s Mother, Violet Ripken, Abducted at Gunpoint Police Said

The 74-year-old mother of former Baltimore Orioles player Cal Ripken Jr. was kidnapped, say police. Violet Roberta Ripken was taken on Tuesday morning and found Wednesday morning in Harford County, police said.

Violet Ripken was approached by a man at her home, who displayed a gun and forced her into her vehicle. He then fled the area, police said.

Aberdeen police say they got a call from the Baltimore County Police Tuesday night, concerning a suspicious vehicle in the Ebenezer Road area of the county. Violet Ripken was found unharmed in her vehicle at 6:15 a.m. Wednesday. She was not injured.

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Ad Campaign Blasts Eligibility Question at Voters

Remember all the questions that Hillary Clinton had about Barack Obama’s eligibility when the two were competing for the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination?

Oh, right.

How about the times the issue was raised by the 2008 GOP nominee, Sen. John McCain?

Him, too?

And what about the gauntlet thrown down by likely 2012 GOP nominee Mitt Romney on the question? Or by members of Congress? … Wait, how about this? The questions from the mainstream press?

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Investigators Seek Public’s Help In Identifying A Subject

Locations: Wells Fargo, 18489 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth, DE (Delaware State Police)
PNC Bank, 1 Church Street, Selbyville, DE (Selbyville P.D.)

Dates of Occurrence: Monday July 2, 2012 & Tuesday July 3, 2012

Suspect: Black female, 5’05” tall, 130 – 160 lbs. (Photos Attached)

Resume: Rehoboth, DE- The Delaware State Police and Selbyville Police Department are asking the public’s assistance in attempting to identify a subject who used false information to obtain cash at two separate banks.

On Monday July 2nd, a black female entered the Wells Fargo Bank in Rehoboth and presented a fake Florida identification and cashed a check for an undisclosed amount of cash. When the suspect attempted to obtain a debit card under the name on the I.D., the teller became suspicious and she fled the bank. On July 3rd, the same suspect entered the PNC Bank in Selbyville and presented a Maryland license and bank card, withdrawing an undisclosed amount of cash before departing the bank.

If anyone has any information on the suspect, they are asked to contact Selbyville PD at 302-436-5085 or Troop 7 at 302-644-5020 ext. 285 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333. Information may also be provided via the internet at www.tipsubmit.com

Send an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword "DSP."

Officer Enters Ocean To Rescue Swimmer Refusing To Exit Water

On Friday, July 20, 2012, at approximately 12:09 a.m., Ocean City Police officers were performing evening ATV patrol on the beach. ATV officers responded to the area of 140th Street for a report of fireworks. Upon arrival, officers did not witness any fireworks, however, they did locate a woman near the shoreline who was acting disoriented and confused. Officers attempted to speak to the 30-year-old woman, who continued to disregard the officers. The woman then ran into the water as officers approached her and refused to exit the ocean despite officers’ requests.

Officers continued their attempts to have the woman exit the surf, however, she ignored the officers’ request and continued deeper into the water. Fearing for the safety of the woman, who was fully clothed and now neck deep in the water, one of the ATV patrol officers removed his duty gear and entered the water. The officer was able to get to the woman and remove her from the water. Once on shore, she continued to try to run back into the water.

As a precautionary measure due to the woman’s behavior, officers requested the assistance of the Worcester County Health Department`s Crisis Response Team (CRT). The CRT responder believed the woman may have been suffering from an unknown mental disorder and in danger of causing harm to herself or others. A petition for emergency evaluation was subsequently completed on scene.

The woman whose name is not being released, was taken by Ocean City EMS to Peninsula Regional Medical Center for psychological evaluation. Ocean City Police commend the officers involved, particularly the officer who entered the water, preventing a potentially serious situation. In addition, Ocean City Police remind citizens that Ocean City beaches are closed from midnight to 5 a.m. To ensure citizens safety, OCPD officers patrol the beaches on horses and ATV’s. Citizens should always use caution when involved in any type of water activity; never swim in the ocean when the Ocean City Beach Patrol is off-duty.

Dog Located

We are thrilled that our dog has been found, thanks to this site. After posting the "lost" notice just yesterday, I got a call from someone who saw a "found" dog on Facebook and recognized it from the picture; knew that person, and made the contacts. We am extremely grateful, impressed with the effectiveness of your website, and will recommend it to anyone in a similar situation.

Betsy and Tim

Groups Write Obama Supporting Offshore Wind

Environment Maryland says more than 215 groups have written to the Obama administration supporting development of offshore wind power.

Environment Maryland says the groups represent environmental, conservation, clean energy and business interests. The letter says the groups are encouraged by actions taken so far by the administration and federal leadership is needed to move away from fossil fuels that threaten the environment, public health and national security.

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WHO'S YOUR LENDER?

The cronies have effectively used propaganda and lies to convince Americans that naive and greedy homeowners crashed the global credit markets in 2008.

They blamed the crash and current economic malaise on homeowners who bought too much house.

This couldn’t be further from the truth.

The fact of the matter is that the cronies crashed the global markets when they revealed that there are no mortgages to back the mortgage backed securities. They told Paulsen there was no there there. That’s why he panicked and tossed his cookies.

They could have pulled an Iceland, told the truth, arrested the bad actors and instituted real safeguards to restore the capital markets and consumer confidence.

But they chose to continue the lies and backstop the fraud on the taxpayer’s dime. The cronies covered up their partners’ crimes and orchestrated the bailout.

They feasted on our pension money and left us with the tab.

The bare naked truth is that tens of millions of mortgages were fake securitized. The cronies who fleeced Institutional Investors of $13 trillion clouded title on all the mortgages they originated and purportedly sold on the secondary market. They stole the pension money and now they’re stealing our houses.

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QUOTES OF THE DAY 7-25-12

“All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.”

Edmund Burke

“The Obama theory of entrepreneurship is that behind every successful businessman, there is a successful government. Everyone is helpless without the state, the great protector, builder and innovator. Everything is ultimately a collective enterprise.”

Rich Lowry

"Americans Should Lose Faith In Their Government ... Only With This Appropriate And Justified Rage Can We Hope

The Special Inspector General for Tarp Issues a Wakeup Call … Lambasts the Government and the Banks

The government’s special inspector general in charge of oversight of the Troubled Asset Relief Program (the “TARP” bank bailouts) – Neil M. Barofsky – wrote a stunning editorial for Bloomberg yesterday, concluding:

Americans should lose faith in their government. They should deplore the captured politicians and regulators who distributed tax dollars to the banks without insisting that they be accountable. The American people should be revolted by a financial system that rewards failure and protects those who drove it to the point of collapse and will undoubtedly do so again.

Only with this appropriate and justified rage can we hope for the type of reform that will one day break our system free from the corrupting grasp of the megabanks.

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Today's Fill In The Blank 7-25-12

If Mayor Ireton doesn't want to call it subsidized housing, affordable housing or section 8 housing it should be called _______.

Democrats' Ideal Voter: Illegal Alien, Single Mother, Convicted Felon

Before taking the oath of office, Barack Obama vowed to fundamentally transform the United States. He has certainly done so. For example, Obama has:

-- destroyed the job market;

-- sent billions of taxpayer dollars to Wall Street, companies overseas, his campaign contributors and public sector unions;

-- forced the passage of a wildly unpopular national health care law on a purely partisan vote;

-- come out for gay marriage;

-- refused to enforce laws on illegal immigration;

-- eliminated the work requirement for welfare.

How can a country that elected Ronald Reagan have Obama tied in the polls with Mitt Romney?

The answer is: It's not the same country.

Similarly, when two successful, attractive multimillionaire women in California can't beat a geriatric leftist like Jerry Brown or an old prune like Barbara Boxer, that's not the same state that elected Ronald Reagan twice, either.

The same process that has already destroyed California is working its way through the entire country.

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Large, Profitable Companies Employ Most Minimum-Wage Earners

If you’ve ever had a conversation about the minimum wage with friends and family, you invariably hear an argument about how raising it would hurt small businesses.

There is compelling academic research that increasing the minimum wage doesn’t dramatically impact employment levels, but a new study underscores another important point—most people earning minimum wage work for large, profitable corporations.

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One In Four Private Sector Workers Earn Less Than $10 An Hour

The last increase in the federal minimum wage was passed into law four years ago today, but the current minimum wage falls far short of meeting the needs of the average worker. To match the buying power of the 1968 minimum wage, for instance, today's would need to be increased to $10.55 an hour.

And yet, more than a quarter of America's private sector workers make less than $10 an hour, according to a report released this month by the National Employment Law Project:

In 2011, more than one in four private sector jobs (26 percent) were low‐wage positions paying less than $10 per hour. These jobs, moreover, were concentrated in industries where low‐wage workers make up a substantial share – in some cases more than half – of the entire workforce.

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Today's Advertiser Of The Day 7-25-12

BREAKING NEWS: FOXNEWS.COM EXCLUSIVE: Gunman Sent Notebook To Psychiatrist

James Holmes, accused gunman in last Friday's midnight movie massacre in Colorado, mailed a notebook 'full of details about how he was going to kill people' to a University of Colorado psychiatrist -- but it sat in a mailroom for as long as a week before its discovery Monday, FoxNews.com has learned.

Big Brother Is Watching You

In an interview with Current TV on Monday, former NSA senior official Thomas Drake revealed that the NSA is not just monitoring international phone calls and emails as its been given the authority to do, but also domestic calls and emails. As Drake said, "a key decision [was] made shortly after 9/11, which began to rapidly turn the United States of America into the equivalent of a foreign nation for dragnet blanket electronic surveillance." Drake admitted that data is being collected on virtually "the entire country" and then being inserted into a computer algorithm to pick out suspicious chatter. It's been long speculated – and even known – that the government was abusing its powers and spying on innocent Americans during the Bush administration. Unfortunately, since the whole nation has been whipped into a fear of terrorism, not many seem to have the courage to speak truth to power.

Senate Braces For Symbolic Showdown on Tax Cuts

The Senate is bracing for a tax-cut showdown that is all about Democrats and Republicans showing voters their differences over taxing the well-off while accusing each other of threatening to shove the government over a fiscal cliff.

Senators planned to vote Wednesday on a $250 billion Democratic bill that would extend expiring tax cuts next year for all but the highest earners. Democrats will need 60 votes to advance the proposal, which they do not have.

It seemed unlikely that senators also would vote on a rival GOP plan that includes the best-off Americans in the tax reductions, a measure that was destined to lose.

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Check This Out

The Department of Justice is investigating another state over controversial Voter Suppression ID laws that will end up kicking millions of Democratic voters off the rolls. This time it's Pennsylvania, with the DOJ launching a formal investigation into whether the state's new Voter Suppression ID law discriminates against minorities. The DOJ has already filed suit against Texas and South Carolina over their respective Voter Suppression ID laws – but the investigation into Pennsylvania marks the first time the DOJ has targeted a state not covered under the Civil Rights Act, which protects minorities living in states with a history of racial discrimination. The state's VoterSuppression ID law is also being challenged within Pennsylvania, as a number of plaintiffs led by 93-year-old Viviette Applewhite, who will be unable to obtain the necessary identification to vote, are suing the state to have the law repealed. Pennsylvania is the perfect example of why these Voter Suppression ID laws are not about curbing voter fraud, which virtually doesn't exist, but actually about helping Republicans win in November. As Pennsylvania's Republican Speaker of the House, Mike Turzai, told a group of fellow Republicans in June, "Voter ID...is going to allow Governor Romney to win the state of Pennsylvania."

Cool Shirts

Get them while they last Ladies & Gentlemen.

Today's Survey Question 7-25-12

What restaurant in Salisbury serves the best salmon or tuna?

The Best Reporting On Guns In America

In the wake of last week's shooting in Aurora, Colo., we've taken a step back and laid out the best pieces we could find about guns. They're roughly organized by articles on rights, trafficking and regulation. And include your suggestions in comments.

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State Changes Wind Policy For Bridges

Maryland transportation officials are making some changes to when severe weather could force them to close some of the state's larger bridges.

The  Maryland Transportation Authority which runs the Bay Bridge, the Key Bridge, and Tydings Memorial Bridge and Harry Nice Bridge has now added a policy to deal with wind gusts.

Cheryl Sparks, Director of  Communication for the MdTA, tells WBAL Radio that the agency has had a policy in place to deal with sustained winds but not for wind gusts.

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Everything You've Ever Wanted To Know About Voter ID Laws

More than 30 states have enacted some version of voter ID law in recent years. How much do these laws change voting rules and what impact could they have on the general election?

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Romney Donor Bashed by Obama Campaign Now Target of Two Federal Audits

An Idaho businessman singled out by the Obama campaign for giving $1 million in support of Mitt Romney is now the focus of IRS and Labor Department audits.

Frank VanderSloot, in an interview with FoxNews.com on Tuesday, said he received the initial audit notice from the IRS last month. Two weeks later, he got one from the Labor Department stating the agency would be looking into records related to foreign employees working at his Idaho Falls cattle ranch.

It might all be a coincidence, he said -- but the timing was peculiar.

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Boating Tragedy Averted As Life Jackets Worn By All Aboard

DOVER Nine people - including six small children and an infant - were pulled to safety from the Indian River Inlet Sunday afternoon when their open bow boat was swamped by heavy waves and sank soon after. When the waves struck, and as the boat went down, all nine aboard were wearing life jackets, which enabled their successful rescue by passing boaters, with assistance from the US Coast Guard and DNREC Fish & Wildlife Enforcement.

[more]

As Watermelon Harvest Booms, Pick Up A Slice On The Rehoboth Boardwalk

Next week, Delaware residents and visitors along the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk will be getting slices for free as part of an annual event from the Mar-Del Watermelon Association and the Delaware Department of Agriculture.

[more]

WCSO Press Release 7-25-12

Incident: Motor Vehicle Theft
Date of Incident: 20 July 2012
Location: 100 block of Potomac Avenue, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Female Juvenile, 15, Salisbury, MD

Narrative: On 20 July 2012 at 6:50 PM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office met with a resident in the 100 block of Potomac Avenue in reference to the theft of a vehicle. The victim advised that he returned from a doctor’s appointment and discovered his vehicle missing from the driveway along with the keys which were kept inside. The victim suspected his 15 year old granddaughter was responsible since she had been at the house when he left and was now gone. A deputy on patrol in the area of West Road observed the vehicle on the road at approximately 8:00 PM. Upon stopping the vehicle, the deputy located the victim’s 15 year old granddaughter behind the wheel.

The deputy placed the juvenile under arrest and transported her to the Sheriff’s Office. The juvenile was released to a guardian and the case will be referred to the Department of Juvenile Services for adjudication.

Charges: Theft of a Motor Vehicle
Driving Without a License
Releasing

Incident: Assault
Date of Incident: 14 July 2012
Location: 300 block of Joann’s Way, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Jerry Norman Copes, 29, Pocomoke, MD

Narrative: On 20 July 2012 at 1:40 PM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office arrested Jerry Copes after an arrest warrant was issued in an assault case. Copes is accused of assaulting a female subject and then trying to strike the vehicle in which she was riding with his vehicle.

The deputy transported Copes to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, the Commissioner released Copes on Personal Recognizance.

Charges: Assault 2nd Degree

Incident: Resisting Arrest
Date of Incident: 21 July 2012
Location: N. Division Street, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Joseph L. Tingle, 28, Salisbury, MD

Narrative: On 21 July 2012 at 10:56 AM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office observed a subject later identified as Joseph Tingle, operating an off road dirt bike on Salisbury Boulevard. The deputy observed that Tingle began passing other motorists in the center turn lane before turning onto Baltimore Avenue and then onto N. Division Street while doing a “wheelie.” The deputy attempted to stop Tingle who attempted to flee from the deputy but was stopped when his dirt bike
crashed into a curb then bounced back into the deputy’s patrol vehicle. Tingle attempted to flee on foot and physically resisted arrest upon being caught by the deputy, forcing the deputy into a physical confrontation.

The deputy took Tingle into custody and transported him to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, the Commissioner released Tingle on Personal Recognizance.

Charges: Resisting Arrest
Attempt by Driver to Elude Police by Failing to Stop
Attempt by Driver to Elude Police by Fleeing on Foot

Incident: Possession of Marijuana / Resisting Arrest
Date of Incident: 22 July 2012
Location: 34000 block of Tingle Road, Pittsville, MD
Suspect: Jordan H. Cropper, 19, Parsonsburg, MD

Narrative: On 22 July 2012 at 1:50 AM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office stopped a vehicle operated by Jordan Cropper after the deputy observed the vehicle being operated recklessly while leaving a loud party. Upon stopping the vehicle and making contact with Cropper, the deputy detected the
odor of burnt marijuana which led to a search of the vehicle and subsequent recovery of two baggies of marijuana. Cropper was placed under arrest and placed into the deputy’s patrol vehicle while handcuffed.

Cropper managed to turn around, unlock the door and exit the patrol vehicle before attempting to flee on foot while still handcuffed behind his back. The deputy caught Cropper who refused to willingly get back into the patrol vehicle, requiring assistance from the deputy.

The deputy transported Cropper to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, the Commissioner detained Cropper in the Detention Center in lieu of $3,000.00 bond.

Charges: Possession of Marijuana
Escape 2nd Degree
Resisting Arrest

Downtown Barber Shop Closed Today

Md. Democratic Party Files Complaint

The Maryland Democratic Party has filed a complaint against the Maryland State Board of Elections relating to the validation process of signatures in a petition drive against the state's congressional redistricting map.

David Sloan, the party's executive director, said in a statement Tuesday the board failed to apply standards for reviewing and validating the signatures.

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TRAFFIC ALERT 7-25-12

Replacement of Culvert Will Require the Closure of Burbage RoadOcean View --

WHEN: 7 AM on Monday, July 30 until 5 PM on Monday, August 27, pending weather.

Complete road closure (24/7)

WHERE: Burbage Road between Substation Road and Roxanna Road near Ocean View

WHAT: DelDOT's contractor, George & Lynch, Inc., will be replacing the culvert.

DelDOT will post signs to alert motorists of the upcoming closure and the accompanying detour routes.

Maryland Poised To Lose 115,000 Jobs

Maryland lost 11,000 jobs in June, the fourth straight month of employment declines, the U.S. Department of Labor said Friday.

The agency's new numbers revise the total from May, suggesting that month wasn't as bad as preliminary numbers had shown. Maryland employers cut 2,900 jobs rather than 7,500 in May.

But the state's job loss for June is third-biggest in the country, according to the Labor Department's early estimates.

Wisconsin shed 13,200 jobs and Tennessee lost 12,100, the agency estimated.

Maryland shifted from gains to losses as the country's growth downshifted. Monthly job gains nationwide, above 200,000 early in the year, fell below 100,000 for each of the past three months.

Maryland's unemployment rate rose to 6.9 percent in June from 6.7 percent in May. But the state's jobless rate remains better than the country as a whole, which has a rate of 8.2 percent.

The figures are adjusted to try to account for normal changes in hiring and layoffs by season.

Report: Maryland Poised to Lose 115,000 Jobs - The state of Maryland could have the fifth highest number of losses nationwide, according to analysis.

· By Brandie Jefferson

Maryland could lose as many as 115,000 jobs next year when automatic federal budget cuts go into effect, according to a study commissioned by theAerospace Industries Association (AIA).

Many of those losses could come from one of Howard County's largest employers—the John Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab.

“The Economic Impact of the Budget Control Act of 2011” predicts that the automatic cuts, known as the “sequestration” mandate, could lead to more than 2 million job losses nationwide.

The report’s author predicted that the national unemployment rate would rise to 9 percent, in a bleak introduction on Second to None, an AIA-funded website.

Report author Stephen Fuller, an economist at George Mason University, predicted the result would be a move toward recession, and a two-thirds reduction in projected growth in 2013.

“An already weak economy will be undercut as the paychecks of thousands of workers across the economy will be affected from teachers, nurses, construction workers to key federal employees such as border patrol and FBI agents, food inspectors and others.”

Fuller’s analysis concluded that in Maryland about 39,000 of the 115,000 job losses would be in the defense sector. Overall, the state of Maryland could have the fifth highest number of losses nationwide.

California would lose the most, according to Fuller, with about 225,000 jobs in danger of being cut.
According to ChooseMaryland.org, the state’s economic development arm, the largest employer in Howard County is the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab (APL), which lists its clients as “Primarily Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, NASA, and NSA sponsors, as well as R&D.”

APL employs about 4,700 people, according to Choose Maryland, more than twice the number of the next biggest employer, Verizon Wireless, which employs a little more than 2,000 people.

Nationwide, according to Fuller, most of the jobs lost in both the defense and non-defense sector would be in office and administrative support. Nearly 13 percent of defense-sector losses and 24.5 percent of non-defense-sector jobs nationwide are in danger, he said.

During a news conference, Fuller said his report presents “a stark accounting of what sequestration will cost off the top,” the Baltimore Business Journal reported.

“There are other consequences that will evolve and are already showing up.”

Market Street Inn Recognized By Comptrollers Office

Peter Franchot paid a visit yesterday to meet with Market Street Inn Owner Rob Mulford to present him with an award for atmosphere, gourmet food and superb service to Salisbury. He called the Market Street Inn an "the icon on the river".

Rob was honored to be recognized and will certainly be framing this Certificate of Recognition.

High Court Health Ruling To Increase Uninsured, CBO Says

About 3 million fewer low-income Americans will have health insurance as a result of the Supreme Court decision that threw out part of President Barack Obama’s health-care overhaul, the Congressional Budget Office said.

The cost of expanding coverage will shrink by $84 billion to $1.168 trillion under the court decision, which voided a requirement that states expand Medicaid coverage for the poor in 2014, the nonpartisan agency said in a report yesterday.

At the same time, the report said the per-person cost of expanding aid will increase because some who would have been covered by Medicaid will instead receive more-expensive subsidies to buy private health insurance.

It is the first official estimate of the effects of the June 28 court decision upholding the core requirement in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that most Americans carry health insurance or pay a penalty.

The court threw out a provision requiring states that don’t comply with the Medicaid expansion to lose existing federal Medicaid funding. The court said Congress can require states to meet conditions to receive new Medicaid money.

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Senior Discounts

FOR YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW WHO CAN USE IT.

As I was waiting in line behind an older gentleman at Wendy'srecently, I heard him ask for his senior discount. The girl at the register apologized and charged him less. When I asked the man what the discount was, he told me that seniors over 55 gets 10% off everything on the menu, every day.

Being that age myself, I figured I might as well ask for the discount too. As I waited for my turn, I thought about the consequences of doing so. If the employee asked me for I.D., it could be embarrassing having to show my license. But if she didn't ask for proof, I would get depressed that I really did look "old" and that I didn't need to prove it. Since I always like to save money, I boldly asked for the discount, and sadly she just rang up the discount (even though I am convinced I don'tlook a day over 54).

Anyway, this incident prompted me to do some research, and I came across a list of restaurants, supermarkets, department stores, travel deals and other types of offers giving various discounts with different age requirements. I was actually surprised to see how many there are and how some of them start at the young age of 50.

This list may not only be useful for you, your friends and family, but it might also be appreciated by your clients. You might consider sending them an e-mail about it and link to our site in the e-mail, or maybe include it in your newsletter.

Hmmmm, Dunkin Donuts gives free coffee to people over 55. If you're paying for a cup every day, you might want to start getting it for free.

Restaurants

Applebee’s: 15% off with Golden Apple Card (60+)
Arby’s: 10% off (55+)
Ben & Jerry’s: 10% off (60+)
Bennigan’s: discount varies by location
Bob’s Big Boy: discount varies by location (60+)
Boston Market: 10% off (65+)
Burger King: 10% off (60+)
Captain D’s Seafood: discount varies on location (62+)
Chick-Fil-A: 10% off or free small drink or coffee (55+)
Chili’s: 10% off (55+)
CiCi’s Pizza: 10% off (60+)
Culver’s: 10% off (60+)
Denny’s: 10% off, 20% off for AARP members (55+)
Dunkin’ Donuts: 10% off or free coffee (55+)
Einstein’s Bagels: 10% off baker’s dozen of bagels (60+)
Fuddrucker’s: 10% off any senior platter (55+)
Gatti’s Pizza: 10% off (60+)
Golden Corral: 10% off (60+)
Hardee’s: $0.33 beverages everyday (65+)
IHOP: 10% off (55+)
Jack in the Box: up to 20% off (55+)
KFC: free small drink with any meal (55+)
Krispy Kreme: 10% off (50+)
Long John Silver’s: various discounts at participating locations (55+)

McDonald’s: discounts on coffee everyday (55+)
Mrs. Fields: 10% off at participating locations (60+)
Shoney’s: 10% off
Sonic: 10% off or free beverage (60+)
Steak ‘n Shake: 10% off every Monday & Tuesday (50+)
Subway: 10% off (60+)
Sweet Tomatoes: 10% off (62+)
Taco Bell: 5% off; free beverages for seniors (65+)
TCBY: 10% off (55+)
Tea Room Cafe: 10% off (50+)
Village Inn: 10% off (60+)
Waffle House: 10% off every Monday (60+)
Wendy’s: 10% off (55+)
White Castle: 10% off (62+)

Retail And Apparel
Banana Republic: 10% off (50+)
Bealls: 20% off first Tuesday of each month (50+)
Belk’s: 15% off first Tuesday of every month (55+)

Big Lots: 10% off

Bon-Ton Department Stores: 15% off on senior discount days (55+)
C.J. Banks: 10% off every Wednesday (60+)
Clarks: 10% off (62+)
Dress Barn: 10% off (55+)
Goodwill: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Hallmark: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Kmart: 20% off (50+)
Kohl’s: 15% off (60+)
Modell’s Sporting Goods: 10% off
Rite Aid: 10% off on Tuesdays & 10% off prescriptions
Ross Stores: 10% off every Tuesday (55+)
The Salvation Army Thrift Stores: up to 50% off (55+)
Stein Mart: 20% off red dot/clearance items first Monday of every
month (55+)

Grocery
Albertson’s: 10% off first Wednesday of each month (55+)
American Discount Stores: 10% off every Monday (50+)

Compare Foods Supermarket: 10% off every Wednesday (60+)
DeCicco Family Markets: 5% off every Wednesday (60+)
Food Lion: 6% off every Monday (60+)
Fry’s Supermarket: free Fry’s VIP Club Membership & 10% off every
Monday (55+)
Great Valu Food Store: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)

Gristedes Supermarket: 10% off every Tuesday (60+)
Harris Teeter: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
Hy-Vee: 5% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Kroger: 10% off (date varies by location)
Morton Williams Supermarket: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
The Plant Shed: 10% off every Tuesday (50+)
Publix: 5% off every Wednesday (55+)
Rogers Marketplace: 5% off every Thursday (60+)
Uncle Guiseppe’s Marketplace: 5% off (62+)

Travel
Alaska Airlines: 10% off (65+)
Alamo: up to 25% off for AARP members
American Airlines: various discounts for 65 and up (call before
booking for discount)
Amtrak: 15% off (62+)
Avis: up to 25% off for AARP members
Best Western: 10% off (55+)
Budget Rental Cars: 10% off; up to 20% off for AARP members (50+)
Cambria Suites: 20%-30% off (60+)
Clarion: 20%-30% off (60+)
Comfort Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
Comfort Suites: 20%-30% off (60+)
Continental Airlines: no initiation fee for Continental Presidents
Club & special fares for select destinations
Dollar Rent-A-Car: 10% off (50+)
Econo Lodge: 20%-30% off (60+)
Enterprise Rent-A-Car: 5% off for AARP members
Greyhound: 5% off (62+)
Hampton Inns & Suites: 10% off when booked 72 hours in advance
Hertz: up to 25% off for AARP members
Holiday Inn: 10%-30% off depending on location (62+)
Hyatt Hotels: 25%-50% off (62+)
InterContinental Hotels Group: various discounts at all hotels (65+)
Mainstay Suites: 10% off with Mature Traveler’s Discount (50+); 20%-30%
off (60+)
Marriott Hotels: 15% off (62+)
Motel 6: 10% off (60+)
Myrtle Beach Resort: 10% off (55+)
National Rent-A-Car: up to 30% off for AARP members
Quality Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
Rodeway Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
Sleep Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
Southwest Airlines: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before
booking for discount)
Trailways Transportation System: various discounts for ages 50 and up
United Airlines: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before
booking for discount)
U.S. Airways: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before
booking for discount)

Activities And Entertainment
AMC Theaters: up to 30% off (55+)
Bally Total Fitness: up to $100 off memberships (62+)

Busch Gardens Tampa: $3 off one-day tickets (50+)
Carmike Cinemas: 35% off (65+)
Cinemark/Century Theaters: up to 35% off
U.S. National Parks: $10 lifetime pass; 50% off additional services
including camping (62+)
Regal Cinemas: 30% off
Ripley’s Believe it or Not: @ off one-day ticket (55+)
SeaWorld Orlando: $3 off one-day tickets (50+)

Cell Phone Discounts
AT&T: Special Senior Nation 200 Plan $29.99/month (65+)
Jitterbug: $10/month cell phone service (50+)
Verizon Wireless: Verizon Nationwide 65 Plus Plan $29.99/month (65+).

Miscellaneous
Great Clips: $3 off hair cuts (60+)
Super Cuts: $2 off haircuts (60+)

Video Shows Enraged Man Attacking U.S. Flag-Bearer During Obamacare Protest

A video posted by a conservative student group during a recent anti-Obamacare protest shows a man losing his cool and attacking protesters during what they say was a peaceful gathering to oppose the president’s healthcare mandate.

The group, Tradition Family and Property (TFP), was protesting in North Little Rock, AR, on July 17, the group’s website says. Sometime during the protest — with cameras rolling — a man approached the group and eventually attacked.

More including video   Here

Obama Puts Democrats Back In Welfare Reform Trap

Political controversy over welfare is back after a 16-year hiatus.

As with the fight that started earlier this year over whether Catholic organizations should be forced to provide contraceptive coverage to their employees, a rule change from the Department of Health and Human Services started the dispute.

And once again, the Obama administration is on shaky ground as a matter of both law and politics.

In 1996, a Republican Congress enacted, and President Bill Clinton signed, a welfare-reform law that imposed a “work requirement” on all states. Every state must make 40 percent of welfare recipients either work, look for work, get on-the-job training, go to high school, get vocational education or participate in job-readiness training. These activities must take up at least 30 hours a week.

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Complaints Prompt Probe of Va. Animal Shelter

An internal investigation is under way at a Roanoke Valley animal shelter following complaints of neglect and financial improprieties.

Officials with the Regional Center for Animal Control and Protection and the Roanoke Valley SPCA announced the investigation on Monday. Media outlets report that the Roanoke municipal auditor's office and law enforcement officials also are investigating the shelter.

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