Attention

The opinions expressed by columnists are their own and do not represent our advertisers

Thursday, September 26, 2013

GOVERNOR O’MALLEY HIGHLIGHTS EFFORTS TO STRENGTHEN THE MIDDLE CLASS BY INVESTING IN EDUCATION

Second policy forum in a series that focuses on the Administration’s strategic goals  

WALDORF, MD (September 26, 2013) — Governor Martin O’Malley today hosted the “Better Choices, Better Results Forum - Education” — the second in a series of statewide forums aimed at fostering an ongoing, collaborative dialogue on the O’Malley-Brown Administration's efforts to strengthen the middle class by pursuing its strategic goals. During the event, stakeholders from across the state engaged in a roundtable discussion about the better choices made, measuring progress and delivering results to strengthen and grow Maryland’s middle class and create a better, stronger Maryland for our children.

“One of the most important things we can do to strengthen the middle class is to provide every Maryland child with the opportunity to get a great education -- that's why we made the choice to invest in education, even in tough times,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “That investment is paying dividends with better results: we have had the number one rated public schools in the country for five straight years, eight out of ten children are entering Kindergarten ready to learn and we’ve made college affordable by holding tuition for our public colleges and universities to the lowest levels in the nation.”

This forum highlighted key education initiatives, showed Maryland’s progress on early childhood education, college and career readiness and college affordability, and fostered an ongoing dialogue to lay out a vision to sustain and continue to grow Maryland’s number one public education system into the future.

Recent Advanced Placement data shows that Maryland continues to make progress on our goal to prepare students for college and career.  This week, the U.S. Department of Education announced Eleven Maryland schools have earned a prestigious 2013 National Blue Ribbon designation.  And working together with Maryland’s hard working educators, Maryland has made more progress on low-income student achievement than any other state in the nation.

“Maryland is fully committed to raising the bar for our students, preparing them for the world that awaits beyond their high school doors,” said State Superintendent of Schools Lillian M. Lowery. “Strong instruction based on higher standards means a better future for our graduates and our communities.”

With better choices, the O’Malley-Brown Administration has built what Education Week magazine says is the best public school system in America for the fifth year in a row. These better choices are leading to better results. Eight out of 10 of our youngest students are entering Kindergarten ready to learn compared to five out of 10 a decade ago. Maryland’s elementary school students have raised their MSA scores nearly 40 percent in both reading and math, and our middle school students have increased their MSA scores in math by more than 80 percent. What’s more, Maryland’s high school students have been ranked number one in the nation in AP success for seven consecutive years and are graduating at the highest rate in our State’s history. In addition, alone among the 50 states, Maryland froze in-state tuition at state colleges and universities four years in a row and has held tuition increases to the lowest in the nation for more than five years. We also invested more in public education, more in innovation, and more in infrastructure than ever before in our State’s history.

More Md. Bond Funding In The Works

The O’Malley administration on Wednesday successfully pushed to raise next year’s bond authorization to $1.16 billion, $75 million more than this year, rejecting objections by state Comptroller Peter Franchot that “we’re adding another Christmas tree ornament.”

“We can’t afford it,” Franchot told the Capital Debt Affordability Committee, saying it should stick to this year’s bond authorization of $1,085,000,000.

As often happens, Franchot was the lone voice in opposition, and was outvoted 4-1 on the five-member committee that includes the state treasurer and two O’Malley cabinet secretaries.

More 

Open Carry Protesters And A Sheriff Who Gets It

TSA Finds Razor Blades in Shoes

TSA officers at BWI-Thurgood Marshall Airport tore open a pair of running shoes, only to find a pair of razor blades inside.

The blades were inside the shoes that were in a passenger's carry-on bag.

The shoes were seized Tuesday.

The TSA officer who was staffing the x-ray machine at the checkpoint spotted what appeared to be two pieces of box cutter-type blades in a passenger's carry-on bag. During the bag check, the items were removed from the bag and x-rayed separately. That's when they figured out the blades were inside a pair of shoes.

More 

F-16 Takes Its First Flight WITHOUT A Pilot: Boeing Converts Ageing Fighters Into Drones

iPhone Case Doubles As Powerful Stun Gun


To say the Yellow Jacket iPhone case is stunning is an understatement.

The hard-plastic protective case contains a 650,000-volt stun gun that can knock an assailant to his knees within seconds.

Seth Froom invented the device after being the victim of an armed robbery in 2011. It sells for $139.

To deliver a shock, the phone's electrode must come in contact with a person's body.

More 

‘THIS IS THE TIME’: RAND PAUL ON TED CRUZ’S HISTORIC OBAMACARE SPEECH, U.N. ARMS TREATY & COMMON CORE

Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) appeared on Glenn Beck’s radio program Wednesday to discusscolleague Ted Cruz’s 21-hour speech on the Senate floor about the perils of Obamacare, addressing, among other things, reports that some in the Republican Party were actually working to undermine the effort.

“I think the caucus is unified against Obamacare,” Paul said. “I think there are some differences on how we best should do it, and I think they are honest differences, to tell you the truth…I think it is a little bit unfair, on some of the criticism. For example, you know, Senator Barrasso, the M.D., has fought Obamacare like nobody else, puts out information every week on it, has always voted to defund it. It’s a little unfair, really, to say that if he’s unwilling to filibuster a bill that he actually agrees with that he’s opposed to Obamacare — and so I think that really some of the tactics aren’t necessarily fair, and I think that our caucus is unified.”

More

Hillary Snaps On Student

Trash Truck Driver Honored After Saving Family From House Fire

Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz presented a Hero Pin to a trash truck driver Wednesday after he saved a sleeping Catonsville couple and their dogs in a house fire.

Officials say Bruce Wood, of Catonsville, protected the family from potential serious injury or death from a house fire around 6:20 a.m. on September 6th.

Wood told authorities that during his early-morning collection rounds, he noticed smoke coming from the roof of a home on Bathurst Road in Catonsville. Wood told two other men with him to call 9-1-1 and check the front door.

More 

Nancy Pelosi Should Be Denied Holy Communion Over Abortion Rights Stance: Vatican Official

Raymond Cardinal Leo Burke says the California Democrat has 'obstinately' separated her religious and political lives, which he calls a 'grave error.'
A Vatican official has come out in support of denying communion to House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi for her support of abortion rights.

Raymond Cardinal Leo Burke, Prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura in Rome — the Vatican's Supreme Court — slammed the California Democrat for "obstinately" persisting in grave sin by supporting the policy, even "after repeated admonitions."

More

UNDERCOVER PROBE: COLLEGES SUPPRESS EX-'GAY' INFO

An undercover investigation conducted by Voice of the Voiceless, an advocacy group now promoting “Ex-Gay Awareness Month,” is charging that many of Virginia’s state universities are promoting homosexuality – even though they are required to deliver accurate information that represents both sides of the issue.

The investigation was conducted by VoV over several weeks this month, and had two former homosexuals pose as graduate students seeking “anonymous counseling for unwanted homosexual feelings at university resource centers.”

Visited by the investigators were centers at the University of Virginia, James Madison University, George Mason University, Virginia Commonwealth, Old Dominion, Christopher Newport and the College of William and Mary.
Read more

NH Woman Who Drove Without License Arraigned In Crash That Killed 2 Cyclists From Mass.

HAMPTON, N.H. – A 19-year-old New Hampshire woman has been arraigned on negligent homicide charges after a weekend car crash that killed two cyclists from Massachusetts.

Police say Darriean Hess of Seabrook was driving too fast and without a license when she plowed into a group of cyclists on an annual ride in Hampton on Saturday. Two riders died and two were injured.

More

On Winning $30K In Lottery, Winner Says, ‘I’m Still Going To Do My Normal Thing And Work Six Days A Week’

OCEAN CITY – For one Ocean City local, buying scratch-off lottery tickets and forgetting about them turned into the realization of one of her dreams.

Ocean City resident Lauren Buckler, 21, had purchased 15 of Maryland Lottery’s $2 Blackout Bingo tickets at 7-Eleven on 139thStreet. She held onto them for a few days before she got around to scratching them off.

“I had sort of forgotten about them,” she said.

Buckler was bartending at Kirby’s Red Onion Bar and Grill last Wednesday when she remembered to scratch off her tickets. She had two couples sitting at the bar when she came across a winning ticket and they all began helping her count up her bingo spaces one-by one.

More 

Obamacare - An Unintended Consequence?

Obamacare officially kicks off in nine days. What the heck is going to happen? I don't believe that anyone really knows.

I'm concerned that there will be many 'unintended' consequences. Information has being coming out in recent days about how much Obamacare is going to cost individuals. As near as I can determine, the cost of Obamacare is going to be substantially lower than what it was thought to be. The liberal press has been having a field day over these cost estimates. Yesterday Obama and Clinton were on TV touting how cheap the new insurance will be. Obama made the point that the cost of health insurance for younger people will be less than a cell phone bill.

More

BREAKING NEWS: MLB Commissioner To Resign

Bud Selig, who took over the role of commissioner of Major League Baseball in 1992, to announce that he will step down at the end of the 2014 season
From Fox News

Benghazi Investigator Won't Deny Stevens Kidnap Plot

JERUSALEM – Is the Obama administration suppressing evidence of a kidnapping or attempted kidnapping of murdered U.S. Ambassador Christopher Stevens?

As WND reported, the State Department’s lead Benghazi investigator, Thomas Pickering, refused to deny there was a plan to kidnap Stevens.

Pickering’s response is just the latest in a series of developments raising questions about the story behind Stevens’ murder.
Read more

Just How Dangerous Is An Internet Sales Tax?

One unique aspect of my homeschool curriculum is that students can start and manage their own online business. Students will be responsible for deciding what products or services to offer, getting the business up and running, and marketing the business’s products. Students and their families will get to keep the profits made from the business. Hopefully, participants in this program will develop a business that can either provide them with a full-time career or a way to supplement their income.

Internet commerce is the most dynamic and rapidly growing sector of the American economy. Not surprisingly, the Internet is also relatively free of taxes and regulations, although many in Washington are working to change that. For example, earlier this year the Senate passed the Marketplace Fairness Act, more accurately referred to as the national Internet sales tax act. This bill, which passed the Senate earlier this year, would require Internet businesses to collect sales tax for all 10,000 American jurisdictions that assess sales taxes. Internet business would thus be subject to audits from 46 states, six territories, and over 500 Native American tribal nations.

Delaware DUI Checkpoint

Dover –  During the most recent Checkpoint Strikeforce DUI checkpoint on Sept. 20th  a total of sixteen (16) people were arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) of alcohol and/or drugs at two separate DUI checkpoints in Dover and Newark. Statewide, there have been over 3,000 DUI arrests made in Delaware this year.
In addition to the 16 DUI arrests, officers also apprehended 1 wanted person, made 1 drug arrest, and issued 23 citations for various other traffic violations.
One DUI checkpoint is scheduled to take place this weekend.
Saturday September 28 –  New Castle- (DSP & New Castle County DUI Task Force)- checkpoint
Checkpoint Strikeforce is a regional sobriety checkpoint campaign aimed at arresting DUI offenders, by using high visibility enforcement to deter those who would otherwise choose to drink and drive.  The campaign, a six month long effort running through New Year’s Eve, involves setting up weekly DUI checkpoints statewide.
For more information on Checkpoint Strikeforce visit www.ohs.delaware.gov,www.DUIRealTime.com and follow regular campaign updates on Twitter atwww.twitter.com/DEHighwaySafe  and Facebook www.facebook.com/ArriveAliveDE.

13 Everyday Phrases That Actually Came From Shakespeare

Just the mention of William Shakespeare makes some people cringe. Even I'll admit his writing seems daunting at times.
Whether a fan or not though, you probably use many of Shakespeare's phrases on a regular basis.

Here's a list of 13 popular, albeit strange, sayings The Bard coined. In fact, we say or write some of these so often, they've become clichés.

1. "Green-eyed monster"

Meaning: jealousy.

In "Othello," Iago describes jealousy as a monster which devours its source.

"Oh, beware, my lord, of jealousy!
It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock
The meat it feeds on" (Act 3, Scene 3).

In this case, Iago uses romance as an example. He thinks a man would rather know his wife is cheating than suspect her without proof.

2. "In a pickle"

Meaning: a difficult or uncomfortable situation.

In "The Tempest," King Alonso asks his jester, Trinculo, "How camest thou in this pickle?" (In modern language, "how did you get so drunk?")

The drunk Trinculo responds, "I have been in such a pickle since I saw you last ..." (Act 5, Scene 1).

Trinculo's drinking does cause trouble for him, the way we use the phrase today. Shakespeare's original intent makes sense though. Many pickling processes use alcohol.

More

Out of Darkness – Suicide Awareness Walk

Ocean City, Md. – The public and media are invited to participate in the second annual Out of the Darkness Community Walk to promote awareness about suicide prevention. 

What: The event is a fundraising and outreach effort to support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the leading national nonprofit exclusively dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide through research, education and advocacy.

About: The ceremonial walk will feature memorial activities, local exhibitors and guest speakers. Senator Jim Mathias will give the opening speech for the event.

Time: 10 a.m.
Date: September 28
Place: Caroline Street and the Boardwalk, Ocean City.

Hosted by:  American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Atlantic General Hospital,  Life Crisis Center, Jesse Klump Memorial Fund, Worcester County Health Department and Core Service Agency, Worcester County Youth Suicide Awareness and Prevention Program and other local partners.
 
Media Contact                                                                                               
Ron Piling, Jesse Klump Memorial Fund
Phone: 443-982-2716

Uncle And Nephew Charged In Multiple Burglaries In Sussex County

Location: Various locations throughout Lincoln, Dagsboro, and Frankford

Date of Occurrence: August 2013

Defendant, Charges and Bond Information:

Christopher S. Powell, 50, Georgetown, DE (Photo Attached, white t-shirt)
Burglary 3rd (4 counts)
Possession of Burglary Tools (3 counts)
Theft of a Firearm (3 counts)
Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited
Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
Theft (5 counts)
Conspiracy 2nd (2 counts)
Conspiracy 3rd
Criminal Mischief (3 counts)
Criminal Trespass 3rd

Arraigned at JP2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $71,350.00 secured bond.

Kyle E. Powell, 23, Frankford, DE (Photo Attached, grey t-shirt)
Burglary 3rd (5 counts)
Possession of Burglary Tools (4 counts)
Theft of a Firearm (3 counts)
Theft (7 counts)
Conspiracy 2nd (2 counts)
Conspiracy 3rd
Criminal Mischief (3 counts)
Criminal Trespass 3rd (2 counts)

Arraigned at JP2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $12,500.00 secured bond.

Resume:
Sussex County, DE- Delaware State Police Detectives have arrested two people in connection with numerous burglaries and thefts that occurred in Sussex County.

Detectives from Troop 4 Property Crimes began their investigation on August 20, 2013 into multiple burglaries occurring in the Lincoln and Frankford areas where scrap metal and copper were removed from area businesses and then sold to local scrap and salvage yards. Through the investigation Kyle E. Powell was developed as a suspect after some of the items he had exchanged through the scrap yards were registered in his name.

On August 21, 2013, Kyle Powell was arrested at his residence in Frankford and transported back to Troop 4 in Georgetown. He was charged with the above listed offenses and committed to SCI in default of $12,500.00 secured bond.

Further investigation revealed Kyle was working with Christopher S. Powell, his uncle, when these crimes were committed. During one of the burglaries committed on August 15th, the two removed a double barrel shotgun, a semi-automatic, and an SKS 7.62 rifle from a 74 year old male victim’s out-building located in the 9000 block of North Union Church Road in Lincoln.

Christopher Powell was arrested on September 20, 2013 and charged with the above listed crimes. He was arraigned at JP2 and committed to SCI in lieu of $71,350.00 secured bond
 

One Last Stand Against Obamacare

When Senator Ted Cruz took to the well of the United States Senate yesterday to begin his filibuster, he didn’t rise just for the sake of garnering headlines, he rose to stand athwart the onrush of Obamacare. Most of Cruz’s Senate colleagues headed for the hills, talking in hushed tones to any reporter who would listen about the “brazenness” and “incivility” of the junior Senator from Texas. They sneered. They sniped. They complained.

It was not too long ago that the party of Lincoln and Reagan was the party of limited government. Of course, that is still the official Republican Party line, but in practice, over the last decade, establishment Republicans have had a poor track record of standing firm and advocating for their principles. John McCain voted against the Bush tax cuts, and the establishment rewarded him with the nomination. Mitt Romney received the same reward after signing into law an individual mandate for health insurance.

Now, the establishment is at it again. Republicans, save for principled conservatives, have forgotten their roots and their function in Congress. While many Senate Republicans fail to act for fear of failing, Senator Ted Cruz stood apart. Republicans now have a choice between conveniently folding to political pressure or standing firm and holding true to their promises to work towards destroying Obamacare not merely in theory, but in practice.

More

Priebus Backs Cruz In Filibuster Fight Against McConnell

Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus backed Sen. Ted Cruz’s anti-Obamacare quasi-filibuster Tuesday, possibly sending a message to senior GOP leaders who are criticizing Cruz’s tactics in defunding Obamacare.

Cruz is speaking against Democratic Majority Leader Harry Reid’s plans to hold a vote on a stopgap continuing budget resolution Wednesday, where Reid is expected to strip out language from the House version of the budget resolution that defunds Obamacare. Cruz doesn’t want the vote to happen until Obamacare is definitively defunded — without Reid’s expected changes.

“In a fight between Harry Reid and Ted Cruz, I will stand with Ted Cruz any day,” Priebus wrote in an email Tuesday headlined “I stand with Ted.” ”Today, Senator Cruz has taken the fight to defund ObamaCare to the Senate floor. I hope you will join me in standing with him in solidarity.”

More

Freeze! Global Gun Grab Treaty 'Dead In The Water,' Inhofe Says

Secretary of State John F. Kerry on Wednesday formally signed a far-reaching international treaty in New York designed to regulate the international purchase and sale of conventional firearms — despite intense resistance from the American gun lobby and warnings from at least one Republican that the pact will never get ratified in Washington.

The U.N. Arms Trade Treaty requires signatories to draw up national regulations to control the transfer of conventional arms and components and to regulate arms brokers, but drafters insist it will not control the domestic firearms market in any country. It prohibits the transfer of conventional weapons if they violate international arms embargoes or if they go to regimes accused of genocide, crimes against humanity or war crimes.

More

INVESTIGATION QUICKLY LEADS POLICE TO SCOOTER THEFT SUSPECT

Treyon Parker
On September 21, 2013, at approximately 1:30 p.m. Ocean City police responded to Continental Cycles at 7203 Coastal Highway in reference to the theft of a scooter. Upon their arrival, officers learned that an employee had noticed a scooter was
 

missing approximately a half hour before calling the police. The employee informed the officer that during that time, they had located the scooter in the area of 75th Street with a blanket draped over it and the registration plate and key missing.
 
During the investigation, officers quickly determined the suspect’s as: Treyon Miles Parker, 22, of Laurel, DE.  When officers located Parker, they discovered that he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. During a search, officers found prescription Xanax pills on his person. Officers then were able to locate the registration plate and key to the scooter nearby. 
 
Parker was charged by Ocean City police with theft ($1,000 to $10,000), possession of Xanax without a prescription and unlawful taking of a motor vehicle. Parker was seen by a Maryland District Court Commissioner and was held on $8000 bond.  Parker was later transferred to Worcester County Jail.

Internal Senate Email Warns Lawmakers Not To Sign Up For Obamacare Yet

The Senate this week warned lawmakers and their staff not to sign up for Obamacare’s health exchanges, saying that the administration hasn’t yet finalized the rules for how to keep paying for their premiums.

“Members and staff are advised that they should delay enrolling in health insurance plans until we are able to offer further guidance as to how they should enroll in these insurance plans for 2014,” the Senate disbursing office said in an email to staffers Monday. “Premature enrollment could adversely impact eligibility for the employer premium contribution.”

More

Good Beer Festival To Introduce Local Beer Garden And Firkin Garden

The Good Beer Festival will return to Salisbury’s Pemberton Park on October 12 & 13 and will expand its offerings this year with the introduction of a Local Beer Garden and a Firkin Garden. The Local Beer Garden will feature eight Eastern Shore breweries including Tall Tales, Evo, Third Wave, Burley Oak, 16 Mile, Dogfish Head, Fin City and Shorebilly. Representatives from these breweries will be on site each day from 2-5 p.m. The Local Beer Garden will be open all weekend and is included in festival admission. The festival will also introduce a Firkin Garden on Saturday, allowing tasters the opportunity to sample unique, one-of-a-kind batches made exclusively for the event. Admission to the Firkin Garden will be $5 per person.

In addition to these new events, the festival will also bring back the Hangover 5K and Home Brew Competition. The Hangover 5K will take place on Sunday morning offering runners to jumpstart their day before the festival opens. Not a runner? The event will also offer a 1.5 mile walk. Registration is $25 per person and includes a race t-shirt and light breakfast.

The Home Brew Competition will return on Sunday, offering home brewers the opportunity to see how they stack up against the competition. This Beer Judge Certification Program sanctioned event is accepting entries through October 1. Complete rules, entry forms and submission instructions are available at www.GoodBeerFestival.org. Xtreme Brewing will also present a home brew demonstration on Sunday afternoon.

Police Run Over, Kill Man For Seatbelt Violation

US: ATF Misplaced 420 Million Cigarettes In Stings

WASHINGTON – The Justice Department's internal watchdog says the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives mounted dozens of undercover investigations into illicit cigarette sales without proper approval.

It says the agency misused some of $162 million in profits from the stings -- including overpaying an informant by millions of dollars -- and lost track of at least 420 million cigarettes.

More

OCPD LIEUTENANT GRADUATES FROM FBI NATIONAL ACADEMY

LT Ray Austin
Ocean City Police Lieutenant Ray Austin graduated on Friday, September 20, 2013, from the FBI National Academy Program at Quantico, Virginia. Lieutenant Austin was among over 200 law enforcement officers from across the country originating from local law enforcement agencies to federal and military organizations.

Lieutenant Austin began the internationally recognized program in July His time during the National Academy Program consisted of ten weeks of training, including topics on health and fitness, advanced criminal investigation and leadership development. The FBI Academy is a very selective program in which participants must have proven records as professionals within their agency.

“It is no surprise to me that Lieutenant Austin was selected for this prestigious program,” said Chief Ross Buzzuro.  “Graduates from the FBI Academy typically return to their agencies to serve as leaders of their departments in command level positions.  Ray has been a leader and a great example of a police officer for years.  His recent training at the FBI Academy will not only be a great experience for him but ultimately for the officers who work for him who will also benefit from his guidance.”

Lieutenant Austin is the assistant commander for the Criminal Investigation Division. He was hired by OCPD in July 1994. He was promoted to PFC in 1998, Sergeant in 2003, and Lieutenant in 2010. He has worked in the department’s Patrol Division and Criminal Investigation Division where he has served as a detective in both General Assignment and Narcotics Units. He was also a member of the Traffic Safety Unit while he was in the Patrol Division. In addition to his supervisor responsibilities, Lieutenant Austin is also a certified police trainer and has taught Drug Identification to Seasonal Officers during past seasonal academies.

Lois Lerner's Lawyers Negotiating For Possible Immunity

IRS scandal figure Lois Lerner is negotiating through her lawyers with Rep. Darrell Issa’s House Oversight and Government Reform Committee about possibly gaining immunity to testify again in the committee’s investigative hearings.

“The Chairman did not adjourn the hearing, he recessed it. Ms. Lerner remains under subpoena. The Committee has not made any offer of immunity to Ms. Lerner. The Committee has, however, indicated a willingness to listen to any offers from her attorney about what she would testify to if it was offered,” Oversight Committee adviser Ali Ahmad told The Daily Caller.

“I don’t have any update for you on timing,” Ahmad said in regard to when Lerner will be called back before the committee.

More

Obamacare Trade-Off: Low Premium, High Deductible

WASHINGTON (AP) — You might be pleased with the low monthly premium for one of the new health insurance plans under President Barack Obama's overhaul, but the added expense of copayments and deductibles could burn a hole in your wallet.

An independent analysis released Wednesday, on the heels of an administration report emphasizing affordable premiums, is helping to fill out the bottom line for consumers.

The annual deductible for a mid-range "silver" plan averaged $2,550 in a sample of six states studied by Avalere Health, or more than twice the typical deductible in employer plans. A deductible is the amount consumers must pay each year before their plan starts picking up the bills.

More

UPDATE ON THE SHOOTING IN PRINCESS ANNE

Princess Anne Police Department

UPDATE ON THE SHOOTING IN PRINCESS ANNE: Less than four days of the incident occurring, Princess Anne Police Officers identified and have made an arrest in the shooting that occurred on Somerset Avenue early Sunday morning. On 9-25-13, the Princess Anne Police Department arrested Tyshon Gabriel Hobson Sr., 26, of Princess Anne Maryland for attempted murder. Hobson Sr. was charged with attempted first and second degree murder, first and second degree assault, reckless endangerment, and related firearm violations. Hobson Sr. was seen by a District Court Commissioner who issued no bond and he was released into the custody of the Somerset County Detention Center. The Princess Anne Police Department was assisted in this investigation by the following agencies: United States Attorney’s Office, United States Parole and Probation Pre-Trial Office, United States Marshall’s Office, Maryland State Police Princess Anne Barrack, Maryland Parole and Probation Office, Maryland State Police Gang Unit, Salisbury Police Department, Somerset County Narcotics Task Force, Wicomico County Narcotics Task Force, Somerset County Sheriff’s Office, and the UMES Police Department.

Haunting Reminder Of Millions Of Lives Lost In War As Artists Stencil 9,000 Bodies Onto Normandy Beach To Mark Peace Day



  • British led project covered the famous coastline in poignant silhouettes
  • A team of 500 artists and volunteers contributed the moving installation
  • The 'fallen' were left to be washed away by the tide at the end of the day
A pair of British artists have created this stunning installation of 9,000 silhouettes on a D-Day Landings beach to mark international Peace Day.

The project, named, 'The Fallen' is a tribute to the civilians, German forces and Allies who lost their lives during the Operation Neptune landing on June 6, 1944.

The design was the brainchild of Jamie Wardley, 33, and Andy Moss, 50. 

More 

‘WE HAVE A PROBLEM’: HERE’S THE ANTI-OBAMACARE LETTER FROM UNION PRESIDENT JIMMY HOFFA THAT TED CRUZ KEEPS QUOTING

“We have a problem. You need to fix it.”

It sounds like a line from scene in a movie where thugs are strong-arming someone. That specific line came from a Teamster, in fact it came from the president of the Teamster’s Union, James Hoffa.

During the over 16-hour Senate speech from Ted Cruz (featuring assists from Mike Lee and Marco Rubio) on the dangers of implementing the president’s health care law, there have been several mentions of a letter from from Hoffa in which he criticizes that same law.

More

Census: State And Local Income, Sales, Motor Fuel, Motor Vehicle, And Alcoholic Beverage Taxes Hit All-Time Highs In 2nd Quarter

(CNSNews.com) - Revenues from state and local individual income taxes, general sales and gross receipt taxes, motor fuel taxes, motor vehicle taxes and taxes on alcoholic beverages each hit all-time highs in the second quarter of this year, according to data released today by the Census Bureau.

That means that in no quarter of any year since the Census Bureau first started tracking state and local tax revenues in 1962 have Americans paid more in each of these categories of state and local taxes then they did in the quarter that ran from April through June of 2013.

More

Why Is Obamacare So Unaffordable?

Right now, all across America, employees are receiving notices that their insurance coverage is being dropped because it isn’t “compliant” with Obamacare. Simultaneously, employers everywhere are slashing jobs, cutting hours and downsizing their operations just to stay afloat by avoiding the most punishing requirements of Obamacare. Across the economy, Obamacare is devastating American workers and casting tens of millions of people into a state of despair.

Why is Obamacare — the “Affordable Care Act” — so unaffordable? Why is it causing jobs, hours and insurance policies to be gutted all across America? Because it was designed as a political weapon to destroy private sector jobs so that more people would become dependent on government entitlements, food stamps and welfare programs.

Mass victimization is a political strategy, and Obamacare is the weapon

More

Obamacare Premiums: Tennesee Men Face 290%, Women 197% Hike

The White House on Wednesday released a report on the costs of Obamacare for most Americans, heralding its interpretation that 95 percent of the nation will be able to buy health insurance premiums below “earlier projections.”

But note the words “earlier projections.” That doesn’t mean that the insurance Americans will have to buy, or be fined, under Obamacare will be cheaper than what they pay today, before Obamacare kicks in.

We know this because at the same time the White House was releasing its broad study, Tennessee Sen. Lamar Alexander released his analysis of the report's portion on his state. He found that Obamacare will cost far more than what many of his constituents are paying today, some by as much as 190 percent.

More

WCSO Press Release 9-26-13

'Yellow Brick Road' Leads To Massachusetts Pirate Booty, Explorer Says

BREWSTER, MASS. – He calls it "the yellow brick road" because it's literally sprinkled with gold dust.

This road runs along Cape Cod's shifting seafloor, and undersea explorer Barry Clifford believes it leads to undiscovered treasure from the wreck of the pirate ship Whydah.

About two weeks ago, Clifford and his dive team took a previously unplanned trip back to the wreck site, and Clifford returned more convinced than ever that the road he's exploring is a path to riches.

"We think we're very, very close," Clifford said.

More

Former President George H.W. Bush Witness At Maine Same-Sex Wedding

KENNEBUNK, Maine – Former President George H.W. Bush was an official witness at the same-sex wedding of two longtime friends, his spokesman said.

Bush and his wife, Barbara Bush, attended the ceremony joining Bonnie Clement and Helen Thorgalsen as private citizens and friends on Saturday, said spokesman Jim McGrath.

Thorgalsen posted a photo on her Facebook page showing Bush signing the marriage license as a witness. She captioned the photo: "Getting our marriage license witnessed!"

More

Joe Lhota On Bill de Blasio’s Strategy: ‘Directly Out Of The Marxist Playbook’

Well, that escalated quickly.

The general election reached a new heated phase this morning as Republican mayoral candidate Joe Lhota charged that Democrat Bill de Blasio’s “tale of two cities” message was “directly out of the Marxist playbook.”

Mr. Lhota had already criticized Mr. de Balsio yesterday following a New York Times report that described Mr. de Blasio’s past support for revolutionary Nicaraguan politics, as well as his desire for a “democratic socialism” vision for society–which Mr. Lhota called “unfortunate.”

But Mr. Lhota doubled down today in far harsher words–calling on Mr. de Blasio to “explain himself” and equating Mr. de Blasio’s views with communism.

“Bill de Blasio needs to explain himself — and explain himself now — to the hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers who escaped Marxist tyranny in Asia, Central America, and from behind the Iron Curtain in Eastern Europe,” he said in a statement.

TONIGHT

If you're from the Lower Shore, I want to let you know about an important meeting happening in Ocean Pines tomorrow:
Worcester County Tea Party Monthly Meeting

Thursday, September 26, 2013
7:00 p.m. 
OCEAN PINES COMMUNITY CENTER

COMMON CORE is on the agenda. Jeff Scully from FreedomWorks will discuss the federal take over of our education system. If you're concerned about losing local control of our education system to federal bureaucrats, come & get educated.

Bring a friend. County School Board members & Commissioners have been invited.

Q&A to follow presentation.

Another PRMC Letter To The Editor

There was also a meeting yesterday where loads of PRMC employees were in attandance and they were giving out PRMC marketing materials. How can they do this if they are broke???

ESMGMA Fall Conference Set
The ESMGMA Fall Conference has been set for October 23, 2013. This year, the event will be held at The Black Diamond Lodge in Fruitland, MD. To better accommodate the large number of speakers and attendees, we will use two rooms and double the number of sessions. The conference will also start earlier this year, with registration beginning at 8:30AM and the final session concludcing at 3:30PM. The theme for 2013 will be: The Future of Healthcare.

The ESMGMA Executive Committee is excited to announce that Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, Maryland Secretary of Health will be the keynote speaker. Following Dr. Sharfstein will be Dr. Peggy Naleppa, CEO of Peninsula Regional Medical Center.
© 2013 Eastern Shore Medical Group Managers Association
PO Box 4566
Salisbury, MD 21803-4566

Driver Of Van That Rammed Trooper's Vehicle After August Home Depot Shoplifting Arrested

Location: The Home Depot, 2000 Peoples Plaza, Newark, DE

Date of Occurrence: Sunday, August 25, 2013, at 7:28 p.m.

Defendant, Charges, and Bail Information:

Davin M. Jeter, 27, of Philadelphia, PA (photo attached)
Assault First Degree (3 counts)
Unlawful Imprisonment First Degree (2 counts)
Shoplifting Over $1,500
Criminal Mischief Over $5,000 (2 counts)
Resisting Arrest with Force or Violence
Disregarding a Police Officer's Signal
Conspiracy Second Degree
Reckless Endangering Second Degree (2 counts)
Numerous Traffic Violations
Committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institute on $161,100 secured bail.

Resume:
Newark- Troopers have charged a Philadelphia man in connection with the August 25 Home Depot shoplifting that resulted in a Trooper being injured when his vehicle was rammed by the fleeing van.

Troopers determined that Davin M. Jeter, 27, participated in the August 25 shoplifting, and drove the rental van in which the defendants fled from the scene. After Troopers attempted to stop the van, Jeter fled in the vehicle. While some of his coconspirators begged Jeter to let them out of the van, Jeter continued to drive recklessly. As the van approached a fully marked state police vehicle on I-95, Jeter intentionally drove the van into the driver's side of the patrol vehicle in an attempt to disable it.

The crash disabled both vehicles and injured the Trooper and Jeter's coconspirators. Jeter fled and was not located that night. He was eventually apprehended in Pennsylvania and extradited to Troop 2 on Monday. Jeter was charged with three counts of assault first degree, two counts of unlawful imprisonment second degree, shoplifting over $1,500, two counts of criminal mischief over $5,000, resisting arrest with force or violence, disregarding a police officer's signal, conspiracy second degree, two counts of reckless endangering second degree, and numerous traffic charges. He was committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institute on $161,100 secured bail.

SFD Calls For Service 9-25-13

  • Wednesday September, 25 2013 @ 23:03:56 Nature: Assault Ems City: Salisbury
  • Wednesday September, 25 2013 @ 22:55:49 Nature: Emergency Unknown City: Salisbury
  • Wednesday September, 25 2013 @ 20:53:11 Nature: Medical AssistAddress: 315 E College Ave Salisbury, MD 21801
  • Wednesday September, 25 2013 @ 20:51:35 Nature: Choking City: Salisbury
  • Wednesday September, 25 2013 @ 18:41:07 Nature: Assault Ems City: Salisbury
  • Wednesday September, 25 2013 @ 18:36:41 Nature: Automatic Alarm Address: 212 Hollow Mist Dr Salisbury, MD 21801
  • Wednesday September, 25 2013 @ 17:54:23 Nature: Difficulty Breathing City: Salisbury
  • Wednesday September, 25 2013 @ 17:51:34 Nature: Maternity Patient City: Salisbury
  • Wednesday September, 25 2013 @ 17:16:05 Nature: Subject Fallen City: Salisbury
  • Wednesday September, 25 2013 @ 16:15:35 Nature: Difficulty Breathing City: Salisbury
  • Wednesday September, 25 2013 @ 16:10:49 Nature: Maternity Patient City: Salisbury
  • Wednesday September, 25 2013 @ 14:17:55 Nature: Sick Subject City: Salisbury
  • Wednesday September, 25 2013 @ 14:16:01 Nature: Seizure City: Salisbury
  • Wednesday September, 25 2013 @ 13:58:42 Nature: Subject Fallen City: Salisbury
  • Wednesday September, 25 2013 @ 10:17:33 Nature: Pi Accident Address: Fooks Rd and airport Rd Salisbury, MD 21801
  • Wednesday September, 25 2013 @ 09:14:51 Nature: Abdominal Pain City: Salisbury
  • Wednesday September, 25 2013 @ 08:51:39 Nature: Pi Accident Address: W Salisbury Pkwy and lemmon Hill Ln Salisbury, MD 21802
  • Wednesday September, 25 2013 @ 08:21:03 Nature: Chest Pain City: Salisbury
  • Wednesday September, 25 2013 @ 07:44:03 Nature: Chest Pain City: Salisbury
  • Wednesday September, 25 2013 @ 07:21:27 Nature: Automatic Alarm Address: 440 Stream Valley Ct Salisbury, MD 21801
  • Wednesday September, 25 2013 @ 02:09:50 Nature: Difficulty Breathing City: Salisbury
  • Wednesday September, 25 2013 @ 01:29:53 Nature: Difficulty Breathing City: Salisbury

GOVERNOR O'MALLEY STATEMENT ON CENTER FOR AMERICAN PROGRESS REPORT: THE STATE OF WOMEN IN AMERICA

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Martin O’Malley released the following statement on The Center for American Progress’ report released today entitled: The State of Women In America: 

“In Maryland, we understand that our diversity is our greatest strength and the accomplishments of women are an integral part of our progress as a people. 

“Today, Lt. Governor Anthony G. Brown and I were thrilled to learn that the Center for American Progress (CAP) released a report naming Maryland as the best place in the nation for women. CAP said that ‘on matters of economics, leadership, and health, women, on average, fare the best in Maryland.’

“We’re continuing to focus everyday on strengthening Maryland’s middle class by investing in education, innovation, and infrastructure. Working together, we have made great strides in making Maryland a great place for women to live, lead, and learn -- we know we can continue to achieve even better results by continuing to make better choices.”

Soliders Coming Home

Lost Dog 9-26-13

Hi, I've lost my Dog, Chucky in Delmar, Maryland on Sunday, September 22nd, 2013.Our gate was left open and he wondered off. If you could post this picture for a missing dog I would be very greatful. If you could contact me at 443-880-2520 that would be great. thank you so much.

John Voight Speaks

LOS ANGELES – Jon Voight, an outspoken supporter of the Republican party for years, says President Obama is taking the country further and further left.

“I have really big difficulties with what it going on, and it is not like I am in the dark… I can see the decisions he has made since he’s been President,” Voight told FOX411 at last week’s Hollywood Reporter Emmy party in West Hollywood. “I said at one point, he is following his father’s footsteps to bring us to socialism and that’s what he is doing. There are no secrets.”

During last year’s GOP convention, the actor also expressed fears regarding Obama and his father’s alleged Marxist ties.

"Well, his father was a Marxist — of course he was influenced by it,” Voight told Reveal Politics. “His mother, who led him towards his father’s Marxism – yes. His mentor was a fellow by the name of Frank Marshall Davis, he was a communist. And, of course, his alliances from that time on."

More