Results From 2012 Delmarvacade Of Bands

A Class Bands:

Laurel 1A - 76.15

Lake Forest 2A - 83.05

Polytech 3A - 87.20

 

Open Class Bands:

1st place - Queen Anne's County (1 Open) - 83.05

1st place - Patuxent (2 Open) - 82.95

2nd place - Wicomico (2 Open) - 78.25

1st place - James M. Bennett (3 Open) - 86.30

 

Parkside (3 Open) - 89.60 (Exhibition) 

Why It’s Time To Get Rid Of Standardized Tests

Research repeatedly shows that tests heavily advantage some and disadvantage others. So why do we still rely on them?

Do standardized achievement tests unfairly advantage white and Asian students and disadvantage the rest? According to a group of educational organizations and civil rights groups the answer is yes. The recently filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education pointing out that black and Latino students in New York score below whites and Asians on standardized tests so consistently that although they are almost 70% of the overall student body, they are only 11% of students enrolled at elite public schools. As a result, the complaint argues that New York City is in violation of the 1964 Civil Rights Act because schools rely on a test that advantages one racial group over another.

This is not the only instance where race has become an important factor for how standardized tests are used in public education. Just last month public schools in both Virginia and Washington D.C. announced targets for how many students in each racial group must pass for schools to remain in good standing. For example, in Virginia only 45% of black students in each school must pass standardized math tests while 68% of whites, and 82% of Asians must do the same. Officials say that these plans are not discriminatory because students who are the farthest behind must progress the most, but critics reason that if one expects less from some students, those lower educational expectations will become a self-fulfilling prophecy for school districts and those students will fall even farther behind.

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QUOTES OF THE DAY 10-15-12

“The conventional view serves to protect us from the painful job of thinking.”

John Kenneth Galbraith

“Too often we honour swagger and bluster and the wielders of force. Too often we excuse those who are willing to build their own lives from the shattered dreams of other human beings. But this much is clear: Violence breeds violence, repression breeds retaliation, and only a cleansing of our whole society can remove this sickness from our souls.”

 Robert F. Kennedy

Republicans Hammer Obama Over Libya Attacks

(Reuters) - Republicans on Sunday kept the heat on President Barack Obama over the September 11 killing of four Americans in Libya, with a senior senator saying the attack supported the Romney campaign's claim that Obama's foreign policy is "unraveling."

Republican presidential challenger Mitt Romney has seized on the Obama administration's handling of the deadly attack on the U.S. diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya, to try to dent Obama's foreign policy credibility ahead of the November 6 election.

Questions about what happened at the Benghazi mission surfaced in Thursday's vice presidential debate, where Romney's running mate Paul Ryan decried the "unraveling of the Obama foreign policy." They look set to intensify at the next presidential debate, on Tuesday in New York.

"Either they are misleading the American people, or they are incredibly incompetent," Lindsey Graham, a senior Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, told CBS' "Face the Nation."

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Funny Lines

The liberals are asking us to give Obama time. We agree...and think 25 to life would be appropriate.
--Jay Leno

America needs Obama-care like Nancy Pelosi needs a Halloween mask.
--Jay Leno

Q: Have you heard about McDonald's new Obama Value Meal?
A: Order anything you like and the guy behind you has to pay for it.
--Conan O'Brien

Q: What does Barack Obama call lunch with a convicted felon?
A: A fund raiser.
--Jay Leno

Q: What's the difference between Obama's cabinet and a penitentiary?
A: One is filled with tax evaders, blackmailers, and threats to 
society. The other is for housing prisoners.
--David Letterman

Q: If Nancy Pelosi and Obama were on a boat in the middle of the ocean 
and it started to sink, who would be saved?
A:  America !
--Jimmy Fallon

Q: What's the difference between Obama and his dog, Bo?
A: Bo has papers.
--Jimmy Kimmel

Q: What was the most positive result of the "Cash for Clunkers" program?
A: It took 95% of the Obama bumper stickers off the road.
--David Letterman

Stock Up On Forever Stamps Right Now: USPS Increasing Stamp Prices By A Penny In 2013

In the midst of continuing struggles to fork over billions in defaulted payments, the United States Postal Service is tightening purse strings and generally doing anything it can to ride this budget problem out. An upcoming retrenchment will hit customers right where it hurts the most next year — the wallet. Stamps for letters will go up a penny to $0.46 starting Jan. 27, while postcard stamps will increase a cent to $0.33.

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If Going Without Your Phone Makes You Want To Flip Out, You Might Be Nomophobic

Where is your cell phone right now? Is it right next to you? On the desk? In the other room? Where is it?!?!? If you find yourself mildly freaking out when you’re not near your phone, you might have nomophobia, otherwise known as the fear of losing or being unable to use a cellphone. Just another condition they didn’t have to deal with way back in yore.

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Trademark Office Doesn’t See Difference Between A Philadelphia Cheesesteak And “Philadelphia’s Cheesesteak”

Just about every pizza place, diner, deli and sandwich shop here in Philadelphia will make you a cheesesteak, and while many claim to make the city’s best, only one has actually tried — unsuccessfully thus far — to trademark the phrase “Philadelphia’s Cheesesteak.”

Campo’s Deli at Market has been using that phrase for a few years now and had hope to plant the little “TM” on it for a planned expansion to cities other than Philadelphia, but the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has denied the eatery’s attempts to trademark the words. Thus, Campo’s has asked a federal court to overturn that rejection.

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Van Hollen Attacks Opponent’s ‘Garbage’ On Israel

After arriving late to Sunday morning’s forum at the B’nai Israel Congregation in Rockville, Democratic Rep. Chris Van Hollen wasted no time in attacking charges that he is no friend of Israel by his Republican opponent for Maryland’s 8th Congressional District, Ken Timmerman. Van Hollen called the charges “garbage” that was part of a “dishonorable campaign.” 

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Student Drugs Teacher

A high school student who apparently drugged his teacher with butt-enchancing drugs. The North Carolina woman claims the kid put the pills in her coffee. The student was disciplined by the school but no word if she pressed charges.

Don't Drink And Apply For A Job

A Virginia man who was drunk when he went looking for a job as a truck driver. The 51-year-old was also driving without a license, which had been taken from him for another DUI arrest. He was sentenced to more than 2 years in prison.

Federal Retirement Tsunami Coming?

Retirements are up dramatically and rising every month. With baby boomers coming of age, plus buyout and early-out offers, will the long-expected tsunami of feds leaving their jobs hit at the end of this year?

FULL STORY

Lost Dog 10-15-12

Mr. Albero,

 

I know you have a huge success rate in finding lost dogs from your website. A family member's dog managed to get out of the fenced area he is kept and has run away. He has been missing since Sunday, October 14 about 3pm from the Archie Dennis/Walston Switch area. She answers to "CoCo". She is a small mixed breed dog that is light brown in color and is a very loving dog. Would you post on your website to help bring this dog home, this dog means alot to the family. Your help is greatly appreciated.

 

Please contact (410)422-6361 or anwilkerson26@hotmail.com for more information. Thanks again!

OC FOP Candidate Forum 10/30/12

American Exceptionalism Revisited

A fairly prominent perception across the globe is that America has had certain exceptional features. While these are mixed in with various traditional ones, they still manage – or have managed – to make the country unusual in human history. TheAmerican Revolution, for example, is widely taken to have undermined a central element of the ancient regime, namely, top-down government. Instead of the government being sovereign – in charge of the realm – it was to be individual citizens who assumed the right of self-government. Indeed, that is what marks the difference between subjects and citizens.

As with other elements of public affairs, the switch from the ancient to the modern regime had not been complete. America became a mixed system, economically and otherwise. For example, while serfdom was pretty much abolished, so that no involuntary servitude was legally permitted in the country, taxation, the confiscation or extortion of resources from the citizenry, persisted throughout the country. So to a significant extent citizens remained subjects, at least as far as their work and resources are concerned. If one works, one's earnings aren't deemed to be one's private property to belong, in large measure, to society (to be used by the government as it sees fit). Changes as radical as what the American Revolution involved, at least as spelled out in the Declaration of Independence, are easier to announce than to implement. The country, accordingly, is still a mixed system in which top-down government persists, never mind that the revolutionary rhetoric flatly contradicts that idea.

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Bridgeville Apple Scrapple Festival

Joe-   I wondered how many comments you may have gotten on the latest Bridgeville Apple Scrapple Festival.    I had attended for years, and then had missed the previous three.   Returning to the Festival I thought Saturday things were not as good as in previous years.  The people that work there were as gracious as ever, from the parking lots assistance, buses and vendors.   The thing that had changed the most for me were not as many vendors, and alot of home made crafts were not as abundant, and I was there by 10:00 am Saturday.   Also we hear so much about the apple food items and the scrapple, after leaving the school about 10:30 there were no scrapple sandwiches at the churches,  after asking around 10:45 where we could partake of these items I was told and saw signs that the food was over at 11:00 am.   Is it just me or if your festival is known for these items wouldn't they be available longer.   I will pray that next year things do improve because I'm sure they can use the money like everyone these days, and I do love the people.

The Economic Case For Right-To-Work

The following economic case for right-to-work is an enlarged excerpt from a joint report prepared by a group of faculty members associated with Northwood University and Central Michigan State for the Michigan Chamber of Commerce entitled, 2012 Michigan Economic Competitiveness Study. This part of the report was written by Richard M. Ebeling, professor of economics at Northwood University.

The current economic crisis that has gripped the United States over the last several years has been especially negative in its affects on the levels and opportunities for employment in various parts of the country. Michigan has been one of the hardest hit states, with unemployment levels significantly above the national average.

A number of states attempting to recover from the severity of the recession have been looking at policy changes and economic reforms that could improve the labor market in terms of job creation. One of these policy changes has been reconsideration of Right-to-Work Laws. (Moore and Newman, 1985)

The Principle of Freedom of Association

An underlying and fundamental principle in the American political and economic system is the idea of freedom of association. Individuals should have the personal liberty to freely associate with any other members of society for lawful and commonly shared goals, purposes, and activities.

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Very Important Documentary

Dear Friends,

The movie  "Obama 2016"  is now available on Comcast On Demand (Xfinity).  You must watch it ASAP and tell everyone you know to do the same. 

Why Romney's 47% Comment Is Fundamentally Right

In the classic Hans Christian Andersen fable “The Emperor’s New Clothes,” a beloved but inept emperor is convinced to wear “special” clothes that are invisible. Neither the emperor nor his subjects will admit to not seeing the clothes. Finally, a young boy blurts out the unspeakable truth that the emperor is naked.

Historians may remember Romney’s candid “47 percent” comments as the unspeakable “emperor’s new clothes” moment that forced a long-overdue discussion of the nakedness of our entitlement funding.

Romney has since taken back what he said, calling his comments “completely wrong.” That’s probably the best political move, but I’m not running for president so I can afford to be nonpolitical.

I am of a different mind: Romney’s leaked comments put a spotlight on America’s least discussed but biggest problem: the rapid and unsustainable growth in entitlement spending. Indeed, most of the so-called “entitled,” such as veterans and the disabled, deserve or need these government benefits. But we need to have a national discussion on how to cut entitlement costs before they bankrupt us. Romney’s comments may not only force us to have that discussion, but also force us to examine how we veered from our parents’ ethic of frugality, hard work and self-reliance to an entitlement system that grants largesse more broadly and often undeservedly.

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Election Turnout

Joe,

In light of this new exposure and past suspicions of voter fraud, and the lack of voter ID and more importantly the vehement opposition to the mere THOUGHT that anyone would have to show an ID card to prove they are only voting once, I threw my hat into the ring and signed up to do anything I could to prevent voter fraud.

Well, today I went to election judge training, and will be an election judge working election day, November 6. There’s a lot to pay attention to, and I will make sure each voter is real, verified(to the extent we can) and encourage poll watchers to come out to the polls to keep an eye on things.

One thing I was told today is to expect an 80 to 90% voter turnout! REALLY? Isn’t it usually more like 25%? I’ll leave this open for opinion. Anyone out there care to venture a guess?

Romney's Tax Plan Actually Makes A Lot Of Sense

After watching interviews of Governor Romney and the debates, both Presidential and VP, I’m starting to fully get my arms around how Governor Romney works and the details of his tax plan.

Governor Romney is a successful financier. He is an amazing deal maker. When he has control of a situation, he knows exactly how to get things done. He knows exactly what he wants to do and he knows exactly the process he needs to take to get there. He is incredibly confident in his ability.

I see some of me in him. When it comes to my companies, I know what i want to do and I have complete confidence that I will get to where i need to go. I might not always get there, but I tend to only get into businesses and battles where I am extremely confident I can come out ahead. My failures have never stopped  me from having absolute confidence in how I approach business.  I have the feeling that Governor Romney has this trait to a far greater degree than even I do. No failure will ever slow down Governor Romney’s confidence.

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Funny Prayer About Getting Old At The Caregiver Of The Year Dinner

"New Normal" - Restore Our Future

Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Press Release 10-15-12

    

On October 2, 2012, members of the Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team executed a search and seizure warrant at 1012 Market Street, Apt. B-6, Pocomoke, Maryland regarding to controlled dangerous substance distribution investigation. The suspect of this investigation was identified as Ralph Harmon, also known as Ralph Feddernan, Age 69, Pocomoke, Maryland. Entry was made by the Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team without incident into Harmon’s apartment. A search of this apartment revealed the following:

·         Approximately two grams of marijuana

·         Approximately half gram of crack cocaine

·         Approximately thirty-five various Scheduled prescription pills

·         Various items of paraphernalia

Ralph Harmon was subsequently charged with the following offenses:

·         Possession of Not Marijuana (Crack Cocaine)

·         Possession – Not Marijuana (Prescription Pills)

·         Possession of Marijuana

·         Possession of paraphernalia (3 Cts.)

Harmon was charged via District Court application and was issued a Criminal Summons from the District Court. The Criminal Enforcement Team was assisted by the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office patrol division and the Pocomoke City Police Department during the execution of this search and seizure warrant.

On October 4, 2012, members of the Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team executed a search and seizure warrant at the Rambler Motel, Apartment 13, Elm Street, West Ocean City, Maryland as a result of a heroin distribution investigation. Entry was made by members of the Criminal Enforcement Team and the Ocean City Police Department Narcotics Unit without incident. Upon entry, investigators located and seized the following items pursuant to this search and seizure warrant:

·         164 Individually wrapped bags of heroin

·         25 tablets of Alprazolam (Xanax)

·         3 Grams of marijuana

·         Various items of paraphernalia

·         $704.00 United States Currency

These individuals were charged with the following offenses:

Jake L. Docca, Age 25, Ocean Pines, Berlin, Maryland:

·         Possession of Marijuana

·         Possession of Heroin

·         Possession of Alprazolam

·         Possession with intent to distribute Heroin

·         Possession with intent to distribute Heroin / Large Amount

·         Possession of drug paraphernalia

Frank Wray King, Age 25, Berlin, Maryland:

·         Possession of Marijuana

·         Possession of Heroin

·         Possession of Alprazolam

·         Possession with intent to distribute Heroin

·         Possession with intent to distribute Heroin / Large Amount

·         Possession of drug paraphernalia

The Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team was assisted by the Ocean City Police Department Narcotics Unit, Worcester County State’s Attorney’s Office, and the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office patrol division. This investigation was successful as a result of the collaborative effort by all agencies involved.

On 10/06/12 at 2130 hours members of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office investigated a personal injury collision that occurred on eastbound Route 50 just east of 589.

Investigation revealed that James McQuiggan of Berlin, MD was operating a scooter on eastbound Route 50. Mr. McQuiggan drifted out of his lane of traffic and struck another vehicle, this caused Mr. McQuiggan to lose control of the scooter and to come to rest in the travel lanes of eastbound Route 50. Mr. McQuiggan sustained a head injury as a result and was airlifted to PRMC for treatment. Hospital staff later advised that the injuries were not life threatening.

Mr. McQuiggan was issued several traffic citations as a result of the accident

MARYLAND’S UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE TAX RATES TO DROP

Many Maryland employers to see unemployment insurance tax reduced by 55 percent; State moves from Table F to Table C

ANNAPOLIS, MD (October 15, 2012) – Governor Martin O’Malley today joined Speaker Michael Busch and Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation Secretary Leonard J. Howie III to announce that beginning January 1, 2013, most Maryland businesses will see their unemployment insurance taxes drop. Improving the unemployment insurance trust fund has been a priority for the O’Malley-Brown Administration.

"In Maryland, we are moving forward. This progress doesn't happen by chance, but by the choices we’re making together to build a strong, growing and resilient economy,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “Working closely with business, labor and the General Assembly, Maryland businesses will see a significant cut in their unemployment insurance rate - many as much as 55 percent. That’s good news for all Marylanders.”

At $794,535,858.84, Maryland has the fifth highest trust fund balance in the country. The balance in the trust fund is healthy enough to trigger a key rate change for 2013. In 2012, Table F was in effect with a range of tax rates of 2.2 percent to 13.5 percent of the first $8,500 in annual wages. For calendar year 2013, Table C will be in effect. The range of rates is 1.0 percent to 10.5 percent of the first $8,500 in wages. All businesses will benefit from the State unemployment insurance tax table moving downward from Table F to Table C.

“By working together when times are tight, we’re now seeing significantly reduced unemployment insurance taxes for Maryland’s employers, adding further fuel to our economic recovery,” said Secretary Howie. “Thanks to the leadership of Governor O’Malley and the work of our partners in the General Assembly, we are far ahead of most states in this area,” said Secretary Howie, noting that 19 other states have loans from the U.S. Government to pay unemployment insurance benefits.

By not having a Trust Fund Loan, Maryland employers have not had an increase to their federal unemployment insurance tax (FUTA) and have not had to pay interest obligations. Twenty states had increased FUTA payments in 2011 including Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York.

Julie Ellen Squire, assistant secretary for the Division of Unemployment Insurance, attributes the tax rate reduction to cooperative planning in the State. “Through Maryland’s Unemployment Insurance Oversight Committee we work together to have a strong system for everyone.”

When unemployment claims increased during the national recession, the Governor introduced legislation to strengthen Maryland’s unemployment insurance program and worked with the Division of Unemployment Insurance on a new program to offer payment plans for employers. “In our meetings with employers and the Governor’s Commission on Small Business, we saw a need for payment plans, so we made the change. We are continuing to work with employers who need additional time in making payments,” said Ms. Squire.

“Much of today’s success stems from the incredible work of the Unemployment Insurance Oversight Committee. We were able to access critical federal funds and modernize unemployment insurance to fit today’s workforce by establishing a cooperative working relationship with business, labor and community representatives,” said Senator Thomas McLain "Mac" Middleton, Co-Chair of the General Assembly’s Joint Committee on Unemployment Insurance Oversight and Chair of the Senate Finance Committee. “Had it not been for this cooperation, we would not have been able to move from Table F to Table C.”

“Lower tax liabilities will have positive consequences for Maryland’s employers, workers, and the economy. They are the direct result of the prudent decisions made by Maryland business leaders, labor, the legislature, and the O’Malley Administration. Maryland is well-positioned to seize new economic opportunities,” said Ronald Adler, President-CEO of Laurdan Associates, Inc., Chair of the Maryland Chamber of Commerce UI Subcommittee and member of the UI Oversight Committee.

“The reduced costs are welcome news for Maryland businesses; the ability to lower the unemployment tax rates is a sign that the state’s economy is improving. We must stay vigilant and continue working together to improve employment and return the Trust Fund to its $1 billion fully healthy position,” says Tom Hood, CPA, CEO and Executive Director of the Maryland Association of CPAs.

“This tax reduction will spark business expansion and a stronger, more optimistic Maryland,” noted Jay Steinmetz, CEO of Barcoding, Inc. and a member of the Governor's Commission on Small Business.

Reflecting the recovery of the fund, the range of unemployment insurance rates will be significantly lower in 2013, compared to the rates in the prior three years. The tax rates are established each year according to law, based upon the health of the Trust Fund on September 30. This year the balance was $794,535,858.84, compared to $460,222,356.99 on September 30 of last year. Weekly benefit payouts have declined steadily since peaking in 2009.

According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Maryland ranks #1 in the nation for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and remains one of the best-positioned states to grow, create jobs and prosper in the coming years. Maryland remains only one of eight states to maintain a Triple A bond rating, certified by all three rating agencies. Maryland’s businesses have the 6th lowest average tax burden according to Ernst and Young. The Milken Institute ranks Maryland #1 for human capital capacity, and the Kauffman Foundation ranks Maryland #3 for the state’s ability to win in the New Economy in the 2010 State New Economy Index.

Mamas, Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Biden

“When a wise man has a controversy with a foolish man, the foolish man either rages or laughs, and there is no rest.” —Proverbs 29:9

I was going to title this column, “How Not to Be a Smarmy, Bellicose, Horse-Toothed Dork Like Biden.” However, upon deeper contemplation I thought I’d direct it toward parents as an attempt to save the next generation from the insufferable effects of the boorish Biden bug.

To call Biden an ass-clown after last Thursday’s debate with Rep. Paul Ryan is to insult bottoms, donkeys and Bozos far and wide. I’m surprised Joe didn’t fart loudly and then say, “What can you and Romney do about that?!”

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A Word To Rioting Muslims

Maryland Task Force Poised To Renew Pit Bull Debate

Breed ruled ‘inherently dangerous’

Maryland lawmakers tasked with reviewing a court ruling on the danger of pit bulls are scheduled to meet next week to continue the complicated debate on the rights of dog owners, the safety of residents and the protection of the breed.

Sen. Brian E. Frosh, Montgomery County Democrat and co-chairman of the task force, said the group is set to meet Oct. 25, with the goal “to try to finish what we started.”

“We think we can do better for victims and do better for dog owners than the current law or the decisions by the Court of Appeals,” he said. “We’re essentially trying to carve out a third way.”

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Dennis Prager Q & A At University of Denver

Our Apologies

One of the features we have enjoyed putting out to the public is Police Reports.

Recently we have been having issues with such Press Releases from the Salisbury Police Department. This actually all started around the time of the alleged phone spoof.

I have confronted Chief Barbara Duncan about this problem as well as other officials at the SPD, NOTHING has been done to resolve the problem. Its as if they purposely do NOT want anyone to have access to their information, which is actually OUR information.

We can see the information on their Site but we cannot copy and paste the entire Press Release, INTERESTING!

Nevertheless, we apologize for any inconvenience on this matter but know we have made numerous attempts to resolve it but the Police Chief refuses to make the proper changes on their Site to keep you informed.

Politics at its best.

A Letter To The Editor 10-15-12

I'm Charles e Lewis I was stopped and k9 was called was charged with having methadone used needles and a tool that was converted for a smoking device they like printing things to make one look bad there was nothing about my insulin and that I was prescribed the methadone or the fact that I'm a machanic and the device they found was a socket with fuzz in it and all charges were dropped but that is typical for Salisbury city police not to be completely honest and make up things and will do anything to get in your car and search it and you something needs to be done with the police in this area most of them think they are above the law and can do whatever they want!

American Jewry's Cherished Values

Decades ago, the sociographer Milton Himmelfarb coined the aphorism that "American Jews earn like Episcopalians and vote like Puerto Ricans." And his words ring as true today as ever. Surveys show that roughly 70 percent of American Jews intend to cast their ballots for President Barack Obama's reelection next month.

Himmelfarb's quip indicated that American Jews abjure their economic interests in favor of their liberal values. Certainly it is true that for American Jews to vote for Obama next month they must act against their economic interests.

Obama's economic policies have taken a huge toll on the economic fortunes of American Jews who invest disproportionately in the stock market. His nationalization of the college loan business has given universities impetus to raise tuition rates still further, thus dooming more young American Jews to start their adult lives under a mountain of debt. And it isn't at all clear how they will be able to pay off this debt since under Obama half of recent college graduates cannot find jobs.

Obama's gutting of Medicare to pay for Obamacare has harmed the medical choices for older Jewish Americans.

His war on tax deductions for charitable contributions has placed synagogues, Jewish schools and nursing homes in financial jeopardy.

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Today's Fill In The Blank 10-15-12

My advice to the Redskins/Ravens is _____.

Obama Vs. Romney Gallup Poll

Mitt Romney continues to surge in the FiveThirtyEight forecast, and Friday may have featured his best set of polls all year.

The best way to track a change in the polls is to look for instances in which the same firm has surveyed the same state (or the national race) multiple times. The FiveThirtyEight forecast model relies on a procedure very much like this to calculate the overall trend in the race.

Fifteen polls were released on Friday that provided a comparison with another survey conducted between the Democratic convention and last week’s debate in Denver. Mr. Romney gained an average of 4.6 percentage points in these surveys.

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Today's Advertiser Of The Day 10-15-12

Social Security Increase For 2013 Could Be Lowest Since 1975

Social Security recipients shouldn't expect a big increase in monthly benefits come January.

Preliminary figures show the annual benefit boost will be between 1 percent and 2 percent, which would be among the lowest since automatic adjustments were adopted in 1975.

Monthly benefits for retired workers now average $1,237, meaning the typical retiree can expect a raise of between $12 and $24 a month.

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Kaminsky On "Hypocrite" Biden: "I'd Have Punched Him In The Face"

In a little over three minutes, CNBC's Gary 'Golden Gloves' Kaminsky not only pointed out the dismal reality of our political class but explained, in his out loud voice - which we assumed was typically suppressed for career-limiting reasons - exactly what he thinks of Joe Biden and what he would have done had be been sat next to him on that table. In saying what we suspect a lot of readers may have felt, Kaminsky exposes the underbelly; as like many of Wall Street who are 'compelled' to give politicians money (Biden has raised the great majority of his funds from financial services firms) hearing the hypocritical "wall-street-vs-main-street" double-talk and 'nasty' laughing and smirking last night made the ex-PM angry. Impressed at Ryan's calm, Kaminsky sums it all up, about Biden: "I would have punched the guy in the face!" - the truth.

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Bankrupt Solyndra Seeks $1.5 Billion In Damages From Chinese Peers

Bankrupt solar firm Solyndra has filed a lawsuit against three U.S.-listed Chinese solar players, including Suntech Power Holdings Co , seeking $1.5 billion in compensation due to monopolization by these firms, according to court documents filed on Thursday.

The lawsuit was filed against Suntech, Trina Solar Ltd and Yingli Green Energy Holding Co claiming that the trio's panel prices moved in tandem - falling 75 percent in four years in the U.S.

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Today's Survey Question 10-15-12

What will your child be dressing up as for Halloween?

Softbank To Buy 70% Stake In Sprint For $20B

Japanese mobile operator Softbank Corp said it will buy about 70 percent of Sprint Nextel Corp, the third-largest U.S. carrier, for $20.1 billion - the most a Japanese firm has spent on an overseas acquisition.

The deal, announced by Softbank's billionaire founder and chief Masayoshi Son and Sprint CEO Dan Hesse at a packed news conference in Tokyo on Monday, gives Softbank an entry into a U.S. market that still shows growth, while Japan's market is stagnating. It also gives Sprint the firepower to buy peers and build out its 4G network to compete better in a market dominated by AT&T and Verizon Wireless .

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At meeting, Billy Graham pledges to do 'all he can' to help Romney win presidency

Romney went to see Graham and his son, the Rev. Franklin Graham, at the elderly evangelist's mountaintop home in the mountains of western North Carolina.

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney met Thursday with Rev. Billy Graham, and the aging evangelist pledged to do "all I can" to help the GOP nominee win the presidency.

Romney went to see Graham and his son, the Rev. Franklin Graham, at the elderly evangelist's mountaintop home in the mountains of western North Carolina.

"Prayer is the most helpful thing you can do for me," Romney told the 93-year-old Graham.

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GOVERNOR O'MALLEY TO HOLD PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY AT 12:30 P.M.

ANNAPOLIS, MD (October 15, 2012) - Governor Martin O'Malley will hold a press conference today at 12:30 p.m. in the the Governor's Reception Room in Annapolis to discuss the State's recent reduction in it's unemployment insurance tax rate.  As a result of the reduction, many Maryland businesses could see as much as a 55 percent reduction in their unemployment insurance tax rate. 

RADDATZ VISITED BIDEN AT HOME EARLIER THIS YEAR

The Obama campaign and their media minions would have had us believe that Martha Raddatz truly was non-partisan even after the Daily Caller revealed that Obama had attended her wedding to Julius Genachowski in 1991. The lame excuse that was given was that she is no longer married to Genachowski.

Right. Now information has come to light that Raddatz visited Vice President Joe Biden at his official residence earlier this year, on March 26, 2012. Biden was hosting a "Women's History Month Reception."

In addition, Raddatz visited the White House on December 18, 2009. The reason for that visit isn’t clear, but one thing is clear; Raddatz is not the innocent non-partisan journalist  she was made out to be, and her performance last night in attacking Paul Ryan consistently betrayed that fact.

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Some Roads Just Can't Be Crossed

A month has now passed and the streets and driveways in Wicomico County seem to be much cleaner without the weekly giveaway newspaper. Delmarva Crossroads started dismantling the once hopeful newspaper headquarters by taking down their signage on the awnings.

In recent discussions with some who seem to be in the know, the paper was simply under capitalized and didn't stand a chance.

I tried making contact with Mr. Robinson when I had heard they were in trouble. There was a brief thought of publishing a weekly Salisbury News. While I had set up a meeting with John, he never showed up. I can't say as I blame him but I hated to see him throw away an alleged $100,000.00 investment, as I was told.

I Kept Looking For The Onion Insignia

…but can’t seem to find it anywhere in this article.

I saw this pop up on Yahoo and couldnt’ believe it.  The EU wins the Nobel Peace Prize.  WTF!?!?!?!

It is not like “Nobel” has any credibility anyway, they gave it to the “Exalted One” a few years ago.

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Will Maryland Be First State To Vote 'Yes' On Gay Marriage?

BOWIE, Md. –  Irene Huskens has the wedding venue picked out: a charming bed-and-breakfast in southern Maryland. But the wedding is no sure thing.

The plans made by Huskens, a 43-year-old police captain, and her partner, Leia Burks, hinge on whether Marylanders make history on Nov. 6 by voting to legalize same-sex marriage. A "yes" vote, and the wedding is on. A "no" victory? Huskens is loath to consider it.

"There are a lot of Marylanders who want to set the precedent of equality who will vote from their gut for fairness," she said at her colonial suburban home in Prince George's County, where she and Burks are raising two adopted children.

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Global Warming

Global warming stopped 16 years ago, reveals Met Office report quietly released... and here is the chart to prove it

• The figures reveal that from the beginning of 1997 until August 2012 there was no discernible rise in aggregate global temperatures
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• This means that the ‘pause’ in global warming has now lasted for about the same time as the previous period when temperatures rose, 1980 to 1996

The world stopped getting warmer almost 16 years ago, according to new data released last week. 

The figures, which have triggered debate among climate scientists, reveal that from the beginning of 1997 until August 2012, there was no discernible rise in aggregate global temperatures.

This means that the ‘plateau’ or ‘pause’ in global warming has now lasted for about the same time as the previous period when temperatures rose, 1980 to 1996. Before that, temperatures had been stable or declining for about 40 years.

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Eagle Feathers

The Justice Department said it was acknowledging law and tradition in letting Indian tribes possess eagle feathers. For everyone else, possessing eagle feathers remains a federal crime. bald and golden eagles are protected species. But for some Indians, the birds and therefore their feathers have spiritual significance. Now tribe members will be allowed to keep and wear or otherwise use feathers they find. But they can't disturb nests. Nor can they legally kill eagles, except in limited circumstances with a permit from the Fish and Wildlife Service. Trafficking in bird parts other than feathers is also still against the law.

Stay Out Of The Syrian Maelstrom

"In Syria, I will work ... to identify and organize those members of the opposition who share our values and ensure they obtain the arms they need to defeat Assad's tanks, helicopters and fighter jets."

This commitment by Mitt Romney in his VMI address has thrilled the neocons as much as it has unsettled the realists in his camp.

And the reasons for the latter's alarm are apparent.

Last year, U.S. planes scrambled to defend Benghazi against the "tanks, helicopters and fighter jets" of Col. Gadhafi. Now we are investigating the murders of our ambassador and three Americans in the city we saved.

To bring down helicopters and fighter jets would require U.S. F-16s over Syria or putting surface-to-air missiles in rebel hands. Do we really want to be passing Stingers around a no man's land where al-Qaida agents could buy up a few to bring down U.S. airliners?

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2 AMERICANS WIN NOBEL ECONOMICS PRIZE

Americans Alvin Roth and Lloyd Shapley have won the Nobel economics prize.

Grocery Stores

Mr. Albero,

Are we ever going to get a decent grocery store in the Salisbury? Foodlions are on every corner but the meat selection is lacking. Giant just plain sucks most of the time. They went downhill after the buyout or whatever changed with them. You have to dig through the meat and dairy products to find items that aren’t close dated or already expired. Walmart is ok but can get wiped out if you don’t get there at the right time. It would be nice to have one of those higher end stores like a Harris-Teeters,Whole Foods or something along those lines.

Government Tries To Screw Landowners

Landowners along the U.S.-Mexico border are accusing the federal government of ripping them off. The government has seized their land to build a fence. One Texas farmer said federal officials offered him about $1,600 for part of his backyard. Then he learned his neighbor received 40 times that amount for a similar parcel. And another one got $1 million after hiring an attorney to negotiate for him. The disparities raise questions about why the Justice Department treats landowners differently. Federal attorneys told the Associated Press the initial offers are starting points, that let the government start construction. Most of the fence is now done, but the government is still negotiating for surrounding land.

Brad Sherman, Howard Berman Fight: California Hopefuls Almost Come To Blows

"Imagine A Litter-Free Delaware" Day Set For Saturday, October 20

DelDOT seeks volunteers for annual, state-wide road clean up

Dover -- For the 8th year in a row, Delawareans are being asked to assist with a clean-up of Delaware's roads and community areas by participating in the 8th Annual "Imagine A Litter-Free Delaware" Day on Saturday, October 20th. The event is organized by The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) as part of its Adopt-A-Highway program.

"The goal of 'Imagine a litter-free Delaware Day' is to encourage Adopt-A-Highway groups and other interested residents to help tidy up the state's roadways before the onset of colder weather," said DelDOT Secretary Shailen Bhatt. "This is also a perfect time for everyone to consider how much nicer a litter-free Delaware would look, and to spread the message that litter is unwelcome in the First State." 

To participate, Adopt-A-Highway groups and other volunteers should register at deldot.gov. By registering, DelDOT will be able to monitor the scope of the effort and provide volunteers with safety vests, safety information, and trash bags. In addition, all volunteers will receive a free gift. 

Volunteers can also call DelDOT public relations at 760-2080 with questions. 

There is no fee to participate, just a desire to make our state a more beautiful place to live and to have fun! 

Following the cleanup, participants should either dispose of the trash themselves (i.e., via household trash pickup or state transfer station), or place it near a highway sign for DelDOT to pick up. If you need DelDOT to remove the trash bags, please call the nearest DelDOT district office to request DelDOT to remove them as soon as possible. District office phone numbers can be found at www.deldot.gov .

If you care about the beauty of our state, want to help the environment, want to get some exercise, or all three, please join your neighbors in keeping our state beautiful.