LOOK BEFORE YOU BOOK: VISITORS BEWARE OF INTERNET RENTAL SCAMS

(January 27, 2014) – With summer quickly approaching, the Ocean City Police Department is reminding citizens to be cautious while using the internet to search for vacation rentals. While popular websites can be a valuable tool in finding reasonable vacation rentals, consumers need to beware of scammers who are posing as property owners.

 

Some of the most consistent “red flags” associated with rental scams are demonstrated through poor grammar, spelling errors, poor capitalization and punctuation on any online material. In addition, if a vacation rental owner does not accept credit cards as a form of payment, they should almost always accept a personal check. Most scammers will only take cashier’s checks or ask money to be wired to a specific account.  Lastly, you should be cautious of a property owner who is hesitant or unwilling to provide additional information in regards to the rental property, such as amenities or photographs.

 

As a renter you should take additional steps to assure the owner and rental properties are legitimate. There are several tips you should remember to avoid being a victim of an online rental scam. First, do not wire money to a suspected landlord and remember, regardless how convincing the tale, make sure the person renting the house to you actually owns it. Also, verify where you will go and who you will see to pick up the rental key. Make sure that the person and location is valid. Finally, if you have any suspicious concerns, follow your instinct. Even if you have to pay a fee, you are often safer dealing with a licensed real estate agent.

The Internet Is A Gift From God

Pope Francis loves the internet. On Thursday, the Holy Father released a statement calling the internet a “gift from God,” and praised the web for “creating a sense of unity of the human family.” As part of the Catholic Church's World Communications Day, His Holiness said, “Communication is ultimately a human rather than a technological achievement...The digital world can be an environment rich in humanity. A network not of wires but of people.” Once again, Pope Francis connecting with younger people all around the world by appreciating the power of the internet. As far as the web being a gift from God...well... Al Gore may have something to say about that.

Ex-Marlboro Man Dies From Smoking-Related Disease

Eric Lawson, who portrayed the rugged Marlboro man in cigarette ads during the late 1970s, has died. He was 72.

Lawson died on January 10 at his home in San Luis Obispo, California, US, of respiratory failure due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, his wife, Susan Lawson said Sunday.

Lawson was an actor with bit parts on such TV shows as "Baretta" and "The Streets of San Francisco" when he was hired to appear in print Marlboro ads from 1978 to 1981. His other credits include "Charlie's Angels," "Dynasty" and "Baywatch." His wife said injuries sustained on the set of a Western film ended his career in 1997.

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WHO’S SITTING IN THE FIRST LADY’S BOX FOR TUESDAY’S BIG SPEECH?

Former NBA player Jason Collins, who last year became the first professional athlete to announce he is gay, will be among those sitting with first lady Michelle Obama during the State of the Union address, the White House announced Monday.

Collins, 35, played for six NBA teams over his 12-year professional career and was named the NCAA’s “Big Man of the Year” while at Stanford University. After his announcement in April, President Barack Obama called Collins to say he “couldn’t be prouder” of him.

Also sitting with the first lady will be two survivors of the Boston Marathon bombings: Carlos Arredondo, 53, and Jeff Bauman, 27. The two became friends after the attack, when Arredondo rescued Bauman after the blasts. In what became perhaps the most famous photo from the bombings, Arredondo – wearing his white cowboy hat – rushed a badly injured Bauman, who lost both of his legs, away from the bombing to safety. From his intensive care hospital bed, Bauman played a key role in identifying the bombing suspects.
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Bottle Deposit Supporters To Deliver Petitions Monday

ANNAPOLIS, Md. —Maryland PIRG is delivering petitions urging Gov. Martin O'Malley to support a measure to create a 5-cent redeemable bottle deposit.

Supporters said they will be delivering 7,000 signatures to the Maryland State House on Monday.

Joanna Guy, a program associate with Maryland PIRG, said the initiative could triple the state's recycling rates and reduce litter.
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THE ‘EARTH-SHATTERING’ NEWS RUSH LIMBAUGH SAYS THE MEDIA IGNORED, BUT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh expressed disgust, though not shock, that the mainstream media ignored an “earth-shattering” story out of Wisconsin that “should have caused a political earthquake.”

The state of Wisconsin’s unemployment rate is “rapidly falling” and the government’s budget ended the year with a $912 million surplus, Limbaugh explained. He says the dramatic turnaround is due in large part to the conservative policies of Gov. Scott Walker.

What’s even more amazing, he continued, is the fact that Walker is going to “rebate the money in the form of tax cuts to the people, who he said own the money.” Limbaugh says the news is “earth-shattering” because, in one of the bluest states, Walker was targeted for removal twice but continued to implement conservative policies that he was confident would help his state — and his strategy appears to be working.

“They did everything they could to gin up hate, anger, tried to destroy his reputation, his career, and his life,” he said. “He hung in there. The state of Wisconsin instituted his policy reforms, de-emphasizing the role of unions in the state.”

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Got A Charge For $9.84 On Your Credit Card? Beware

Wondering if your credit card number could be in the hands of a crook? Look for a charge for $9.84.

The Better Business Bureau issued a fraud alert last week about a raft of consumer complaints all reporting the same niggling charge. The business levying this fee may purport to provide “customer support,” or it may simply identify itself as any one of a number of different websites.


The fraud, uncovered by a former Washington Post reporter who writes an investigative blog called KrebsOnSecurity, apparently relies on consumer carelessness. Where an unfamiliar charge for a large amount would be spotted by most consumers, little charges can go unnoticed.
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Sussex County Governor's Task Force Arrest Ellendale Couple For Drug Dealing

Location: 12000 block of Holly Tree Road, Ellendale, DE

Date of Occurrence: Friday January 24, 2014 at approximately 11:40 a.m.

Defendant, Charges, and Bond Information:

Shyron R. Floyd, 37, Ellendale, DE
Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony (2 counts)
Possession with Intent to Deliver Heroin
Possession of a Tier 5 Controlled Substance - Heroin
Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (2 counts)
Tampering with Physical Evidence (2 counts)
Endangering the Welfare of a Child (4 counts)
Resisting Arrest
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (3 counts)

Arraigned at JP3 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $144,750.00 secured bond.

Elise R. Hanwell, 27, Ellendale, DE (No Photo Available)
Endangering the Welfare of a Child (2 counts)
Possession of a Controlled Substance - Methadone
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Arraigned at JP3 and released on $2,000.00 unsecured bond.

Resume:
Ellendale, DE- The Delaware State Police have arrested an Ellendale pair after they were found to be in possession of heroin and other drugs.

On Friday January 24, 2014, troopers assigned to the Governor's Task Force in Sussex County concluded a several week investigation after receiving numerous complaints about drug activity from a residence in the 12000 block of Holly Tree Road in Ellendale. The investigation revealed that one of the occupants of the home, Shyron R. Floyd, was wanted on two capiases out of Sussex County Courts. Troopers responded to the area of the house and observed Floyd standing at the front door, but he quickly went inside when he saw the patrol vehicles pull into the driveway. Task force members were able to take Shyron Floyd into custody after a brief foot pursuit once he exited the residence through a rear door. While running away, Floyd threw a brown pill bottle containing 5 Oxycodone pills and a small blue bag which contained 720 bags of heroin with a total weight of approximately 10.8 grams, all which were recovered.

Unit member then conducted a search warrant at the residence where four children under the age of 4 were residing, two of which were children of Shyron Floyd and Elise R. Hanwell. During the search, troopers located a martial arts sword and axe, 3 Morphine Sulfate pills, 5 Suboxone strips, and over $1,100.00 in suspected drug proceeds. Elise Hanwell was also found to be in possession of 10 Methadone pills. The four children were turned over to nearby relatives during the investigation.

Shyron Floyd and Elise Hanwell were transported back to Troop 4 where they were arrested on the above listed charges. Floyd was arraigned at JP3 and committed to SCI on $144,750.00 secured bond. Hanwell was released on $2,000.00 unsecured bail.

Several other individuals were contacted that afternoon as they drove up to the residence to attempt to purchase illegal drugs during the active investigation. They were all released on criminal summons.

Dog Found 1-27-14

Found dog in the Heather Glen area off of Parker Road in Sby. Has 2014 Somerset Co Rabies vaccination tags. Very friendly. Young male black lab.  Call 443-324-2448

40 Must-See Photos From The Past

Unpacking the head of the Statue of Liberty, 1885

Baby cages used to ensure that children get enough sunlight and fresh air when living in an apartment building, ca. 1937

The phrase “a picture is worth a thousand words” was coined by American newspaper editor Arthur Brisbane in 1911. It’s a simple notion that applies to many aspects of our lives, but especially to historical photography. Sometimes, one simple picture can tell you more about history than any story you might read or any document you might analyze.

These photographs all tell stories about the historical figures or events that they represent. Once taken simply to document their present, they now help us witness the past. Many photographs only become iconic shots years later, once we understand their importance and historical context. From historical landmarks and famous people to the basic daily routines of the past, these pictures portray the past in a way that we can empathize with and understand more intimately.

Perhaps the wars, poverty, fights for freedom and little miracles of the past have lessons for us that we can use today?
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Celtic Thunder Heritage - "A Place In The Choir"

Just In: Girl, 10, Rescued After Falling 30 Feet Down A Well

PASADENA, Md. (WJZ)—It took 20 people 30 minutes to rescue a 10-year-old girl, who fell about 30 feet down a well.

It is unclear how the girl fell into the well around 4 p.m. Monday in the 800-block of 208th Street in Pasadena.

A Medevac was requested. The Anne Arundel Fire Department remains on the scene.
Source

Bill Cosby's Kids Say The Darndest Things

More Amazing Pictures Of A Frozen Ocean City

Ocean City picture of the day... I always try to find good perspective and some unique view. Did you see frozen Assawoman Bay ? Of course you did But how about from this perspective ? Something you don't see every day... Share, Like, Enjoy !

See More Photos from Chris Parypa Photography HERE

Harvard Study: Single Parents A Hindrance To Social Mobility

A new study from Harvard University on the ability of low-income children to achieve social mobility found that the largest hindrance to moving up the income ladder is being raised by a single parent.

“The strongest and most robust predictor [of social mobility] is the fraction of children with single parents,” the study said.

Further, the study found that “[children] of married parents also have higher rates of upward mobility if they live in communities with fewer single parents.”

Now, obviously there are cases of successful children who were raised by single parents, but the study suggests that it is more likely for a child to climb the income ladder if they are living with both parents in a community of married parents.
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Illegal Aliens Collect WIC Vouchers in Georgia -- and Sell Them for Cash

CHUCK SCHUMER CALL ON IRS TO CRACK DOWN ON TEA PARTY FUNDING: ‘REDOUBLE THOSE EFFORTS IMMEDIATELY’

Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said Thursday that the Internal Revenue Service should be used more aggressively to keep Tea Party funding in check, explaining that this would help “weaken” and “exploit” the conservative movement.

Schumer during remarks to the Center for American Progress argued that Tea Party groups have an unfair financial advantage over left-leaning groups because of the Supreme Court’s 2010 Citizens United decision, at one point even suggesting that President Barack Obama go around Congress to impose stricter campaign finance laws.

“It is clear that we will not pass anything legislatively as long as the House of Representatives is in Republican control, but there are many things that can be done administratively by the IRS and other government agencies — we must redouble those efforts immediately,” Schumer said.

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What Do You Do When Your Dog is Choking?

Choking is one of the most common reasons our dogs are taken to the emergency veterinary clinic. We try our best to keep our pets safe, but even under a watchful eye they can get into trouble. Knowing how to handle that trouble can become a life saving event. Dogs are constantly getting into items that they can, and do, choke on. A choking dog is an emergency situation, and you may not have time to get to the vet soon enough to save your precious friend. Therefore, it’s very important to understand how to safely treat a choking dog to make sure that he’s alive and as well as can be for his follow up visit with the veterinarian.

• Know the Signs – Pets, just like humans, that can’t breath will start panicking. If you happen to see your dog frantically pawing at its mouth or under severe distress, check to see if he’s choking. If you’re later on the scene, and you find your dog unresponsive or unconscious, check his throat to make sure there is nothing lodged in the airway. The most common items dogs choke on are balls, chew toys or sticks that have broken into smaller pieces, and lumps of gristle. Chew toys as sticks can become enlarged when moistened by the saliva in the dog’s mouth, and although they may seem small enough to pass through initially, they could get stuck.

Read more

Retired Cop And Educator Threatened For Questioning Sandy Hook Investigation

The correspondence below was sent by Wolfgang Halbig to Connecticut State Police Lieutenant J. Paul Vance and Newtown Police Chief Michael Kehoe on January 22, 2014. A retired Florida State Trooper, US Customs Inspector, school administrator, security consultant and entrepreneur, Mr. Halbig has independently researched the Sandy Hook Massacre for over one year.

Understanding what procedures are common during such an event, he attempted with to consult state and federal law enforcement authorities in charge of the investigation only to be rebuffed. His numerous public records requests with Connecticut officials to obtain materials related to the inquiry have similarly been met with silence. Just prior to the Christmas 2013 holiday Halbig explains how he was threatened by Connecticut State Police via the Lake County Florida Sheriff’s Deputies with arrest on felony charges of harassment if he continued to investigate the event.

An audio file is embedded of Halbig’s January 24, 2014 appearance on Prof. Jim Fetzer’s The Real Deal internet radio program.

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WCSO Press Release 1-27-14

Incident: Possession of Heroin

Date of Incident: 23 January 2014

Location: Catchpenny Road at Nanticoke Road, Quantico, MD

Suspect: Erroll Ralph Jenkins, Jr., 19, Salisbury, MD

Narrative: On 23 January 2014 at 6:39 PM, a deputy stopped to check on a vehicle in a ditch off of Catchpenny Road near Nanticoke Road in Quantico. During the subsequent investigation of the incident, the deputy discovered a warrant for the arrest of the passenger, Erroll Ralph Jenkins Jr. for failing to appear in the District Court for a case involving charges of CDS Possession and counterfeiting currency. Post arrest, the deputy located what the deputy identified as heroin in individual baggies in close proximity to where Jenkins had been standing prior to contact with the deputy. The deputy was able to conclude that Jenkins had dropped the baggies in an apparent attempt to keep the deputy from locating them on his person. The amount of baggie seized indicated intent to distribute on the part of Jenkins.

The deputy transported Jenkins to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. Jenkins was detained on a total bond of $17,500.00 between the warrant the charges stemming from the possession of the heroin.

Charges: Possession of Heroin with the Intent to Distribute and Possession of Heroin

Jenkins Jr., Erroll

Incident: Theft

Date of Incident: 24 January 2014

Location: 7000 block of Sixty Foot Road, Pittsville, MD

Suspect: Paul Andrew Tatem, 34, Quantico, MD

Narrative: On 24 January 2014 at 11:15 AM, a deputy arrested Paul Tatem in connection with thefts from the Pittsville Dollar General on 14 and 16 January 2014. In these incidents, Tatem is accused of exiting the store with merchandise without paying for it. In the first incident Tatem allegedly walked out of the store on 14 Jan after hiding plastic jugs of laundry detergent in his pants and “waddling” out of the store. Tatem managed to get out of the area before he could be detained. On 16 January, Tatem again returned to the store and again tried to make off with laundry detergent in the same fashion. This time store employees were able to get a description of Tatem’s vehicle and registration plate.

The deputy was able to locate Tatem with the information provided and charged him on 24 January. Upon arrest Tatem was transported 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 Tatem in the Detention Center in lieu of $25,000.00 bond.

Charges: Theft under $100.00 and Theft Scheme under $100.00

Tatem, Paul

Incident: Assault

Date of Incident: 26 January 2014

Location: 300 block of Glen Avenue, Salisbury, MD

Suspect: Jay Scott Burrows, 30, Salisbury, MD

Narrative: On 26 January 2014 at 12:33 PM, a deputy responded to a residence in the 300 block of Glen Avenue for a reported assault in progress. Upon arrival the deputy met with a male victim who advised that he had been attacked by Jay Burrows in the parking lot of the apartment complex. During the investigation, the victim stated that he and Burrows had been consuming alcohol together when, according to the victim, Burrows attacked him unprovoked. The victim told the deputy that Burrows was yelling he would kill him while shocking him with a taser and kicking him in the abdomen while on the ground.

Upon locating and detaining Burrows, the deputy recovered a taser from his possession.

The deputy placed Burrows under arrest 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 detained Burrows in the Detention Center in lieu of $50,000.00 bond.

Charges: Assault 1st Degree and Reckless Endangerment

Burrows, Jay

Incident: Attempted Murder

Date of Incident: 26 January 2014

Location: 29000 block of Santa Fe Drive, Salisbury, MD

Suspect: Stuart K. Joudrey, 63, Salisbury, MD

Narrative: On 26 January 2014 at 7:45 PM, a deputy began investigating a domestic assault that escalated into an attempted murder. During the investigation, the deputy learned that Stuart Joudrey had engaged in a verbal argument with his wife the previous day that escalated when Joudrey reportedly assaulted her with an oscillating fan in her leg. According to Joudrey’s wife another argument broke out on 26 January when Joudrey began making statements that he would burn their house down with her inside.

During the investigation of the threats of arson, the deputy observed that Joudrey had in fact attempted to start a fire in the residence by lighting bedding on fire.

Based on the threats by Joudrey and the act of lighting bedding on fire it appeared that Joudrey intended to in fact burn the house down with his wife inside. The deputy arrested Joudrey 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 detained Joudrey in the Detention Center in lieu of $250,000.00 bond.

Charges: Attempted Murder, Assault 1st Degree, Reckless Endangerment, Arson 1st Degree and Threats of Arsons

Joudrey, Stuart

Incident: WCSO Activity 24 Jan 2014

Location: Wicomico County 

• On 24 Jan 2014 at 10:35 AM a deputy arrested Dana Dennard, 25 of Salisbury, on an outstanding District Court Bench Warrant. The warrant was issued after Dennard violated the terms of her pre-trial release in an Assault 2nd degree and Burglary 4th degree case. Dennard was detained in the Detention Center on a bond of $20,000.00.

 

Dennard, Dana

• On 24 Jan 2014 at 11:30 AM, a deputy arrested Shaquille De Wayne Gaskins, 19 of Salisbury, on an outstanding Circuit Court Bench Warrant. The warrant was issued after Gaskins violated the terms of his probation following a conviction in a CDS Distribution case. Gaskins was detained without bond in the Detention Center.

 

Gaskins, Shaquille

• On 24 Jan 2014 at 8:07 PM, a deputy stopped a vehicle in which Monica Louise Everettes, 23 of Eden, was a passenger. During the encounter, the deputy seized what was identified as a marijuana smoking device that still contained a small amount of that drug from Everettes. Everettes was charged on a Criminal Citation and released pending a future court date.

Incident: WCSO DUI Arrests

Location: Wicomico County

• On 25 Jan 2014 at 3:20 AM, a deputy stopped a vehicle operated by Katherine Ann Linton, 26 of Snow Hill, for speeding and swerving on Snow Hill Road east of Salisbury. During the stop the deputy suspected that Linton was under the influence of alcohol which was confirmed through sobriety testing. Linton was subsequently arrested for DUI and released upon the issuance of citations.

• On 26 Jan 2014 at 12:50 AM, a deputy stopped a vehicle operated by Hepburne George Gilmore, 49 of Salisbury, for traveling on the wrong side of a double yellow line. Upon contacting Gilmore, the deputy suspected that Gilmore was under the influence of alcohol which was confirmed through sobriety testing. Gilmore was subsequently arrested for DUI and released upon the issuance of citations.

• On 26 Jan 2014 at 5:11 AM, a deputy stopped to check on a vehicle stopped in the travel portion of Nanticoke Road in the Tyaskin area without any headlights on. Upon approaching the vehicle, the deputy observed the operator, Matthew James Golding, 22 of Salisbury, unconscious behind the wheel. The deputy detected an odor of alcohol emanating from within the vehicle along with a marijuana smoking device in plain view. Following sobriety testing the deputy placed Golding under arrest. Golding would be released upon the issuance of both traffic and criminal citations.

Incident: Theft

Date of Incident: 26 January 2014

Location: 4000 block of Skylar Drive, Fruitland, MD

Suspect: Female Juvenile, 17, Salisbury, MD

Narrative: On 26 January 2014 at 1:35 AM, a deputy responded to a residence in the 4000 block of Skylar Drive outside of Fruitland for a reported theft. Upon arrival, the deputy met with a pizza delivery driver who told the deputy that the individual at that residence took the pizza and closed the door without paying. The driver knocked on the door for approximately ten minutes with no answer before he contacted the Sheriffs’ Office.

Upon arrival of the deputy the door was opened and the driver identified the subject who had taken the pizza. The deputy identified that subject as a 17 year old female from Salisbury. The juvenile was transported to the Sheriff’s Office where she was released to her mother. The deputy completed a juvenile referral that will be sent to the Department of Juvenile Services for adjudication.

Charges: Theft less than $100.00

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Releasing Authority: Lt. Tim Robinson        Date: 27 January 2014

Walker Expects Bipartisan Support For Tax Cuts

MADISON, Wis.—Gov. Scott Walker said Thursday that increasing the state's projected budget shortfall will not be a deal breaker for his proposed half billion-dollar tax cut plan, even though some Republican senators have raised concerns about it.

Walker said he expects his $504 million property and income tax cut plan to pass with bipartisan support, even though Democrats have been quick to criticize it and some Republican senators have said they want to see changes.

Republicans are zeroing in on the fact that the plan would increase the state's projected shortfall heading into the 2015 budget from about $700 million to $800 million. That shortfall, however, does not take into account any revenue growth, which Walker expects to more than cover the difference.

"One or two people have raised the concern," Walker said in response to questions following a speech at a meeting of the Wisconsin Grocers Association. "I don't think that it's a deal breaker."

Walker outlined his "Blueprint for Prosperity" in his State of the State speech on Wednesday night and then touted it across Wisconsin, making stops Thursday in La Crosse, Madison, De Pere and Hurley.

The tax cuts are made possible by $912 million in revenue above previous projections. Walker argued that the money ought to be returned to taxpayers.

"The budget surplus is really your money," he said at the grocers meeting. "You earned it."

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There Is No Lake In This Photo, Tilt Your Head To The Right.

JUST IN: Caught in the Web: Comptroller Releases Names of Top 50 Tax Evaders

Baltimore, Md. (January 27, 2014) – Today, Comptroller Peter Franchot announced the names of the top 25 businesses and individuals collectively owing nearly $15 million in unpaid taxes, penalties and interest to the state of Maryland. Known as the Caught in the Web program, the Comptroller’s Office routinely publishes the list of the top 50 scofflaws on the agency’s website, as a public attempt to get people to pay.

“The Caught in the Web program highlights the small number of Marylanders who have chosen to take advantage of the benefits of this great state, but who make a conscious effort to avoid paying taxes,” said Comptroller Franchot.

“These are not people simply down on their luck and unable to pay, but individuals and business owners who knowingly thumb their noses at the vast majority of Maryland taxpayers who fulfill their legal obligations to the state,” he added.

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The U.S. Chamber Of Commerce vs. America

Giant corporations make common cause with leftist special interests to win government favors.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is a politically entrenched synod of special interests. These fat cats do not represent the best interests of American entrepreneurs, American workers, American parents and students, or Americans of any race, class, or age who believe in low taxes and limited government. The chamber’s business is the big business of the Beltway, not the business of mainstream America.

If you are a business owner who believes your country should strictly and consistently enforce its borders and deport illegal immigrants who violate the terms of their visas, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce doesn’t represent you.

If you are a worker who believes that the feds should punish illegal aliens who use fake documents to obtain jobs instead of rewarding them with “legal status,” the U.S. Chamber of Commerce doesn’t champion you.

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NO LIMITS MONSTER TRUCK Winter Nationals

Wicomico Youth & Civic Center

Friday, January 31 & Saturday, February 1

Monster Trucks Winter Nationals will return to the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center in Salisbury for three shows on Friday, Jan. 31 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 1 at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. “This year we threw away the rule book will let the drivers turn the horsepower up on their trucks. No maximum engine size, no weight minimum - this will let the trucks really get some big air, which is what the people want to see,” said Big Ed Beckley, owner of Checkered Flag Productions.

Bigfoot, the most famous monster truck in the world, will return to fend off the competition. “We know when we come to race we are a target and everyone wants to beat us,” said Bigfoot driver J. R. Adams. Ready to take on Bigfoot this year are Monster Medic, Jethro Tow, Wild Thang, Wicked Sickness and local truck Saigon Shaker.

Saigon Shaker was built by The Metal Shop in Delmar, DE. Also a sponsor of the event, The Metal Shop has been involved in the Monster Trucks Winter Nationals for years. “Rick Disharoon started in this business nearly 20 years ago with his Backdraft truck and we are excited to see their new truck,” said Beckley.

In addition to the trucks, the show will feature daredevil motorcycle jumper Tim Dyson, who will hit the ramp and fly over 70 feet while doing all sorts of tricks, including a full rotation back flip.

The general public is invited to get involved in the show with street vehicles as part of the Tuff Truck Challenge. Watch local drivers in old demo cars, pickups, Jeeps and SUVs attack the obstacle course as they race against the clock for top honors and the state championship. For more information on the Tuff Truck Challenge, call Checkered Flag Productions at 940-683-4742 between the hours of 9 a.m-5 p.m.

Tickets for the No Limits Monster Truck Winter Nationals are on sale now. Tickets bought in advance are $20 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under. Adult tickets purchased the day of the show are $25. For a limited time, a group rates are available for groups of 10 or more adults. Tickets are available at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center Box Office, online at www.WicomicoCivicCenter.org or by phone at 410-548-4911. Additional fees may apply to all ticket prices.

One Year Later... It Still Makes A Difference

Dangerous Levels Of Methane Gas Are Leaking All Around Our Nation's Capital

Using portable methane detectors, a team of scientists from Duke University found almost 6,000 leaks from gas utility lines in Washington, D.C. Last year the team alerted the Washington Gas Company that 12 of those leaks were large enough to cause an explosion, and the scientists say that nine of those are still leaking dangerous amounts of methane. In addition to posing a dangerous risk of explosion, these leaks have a huge impact on our environment. As a greenhouse gas, methane is 20 times more potent than carbon dioxide, and it is significantly contributing to global warming. And these Scientists say that DC isn't the only city with thousands of leaks. The team also found more than 3,000 methane leaks in Boston, which means many more cities could have the same problem. For the safety of residents, and our environment, utility companies must repair these methane leaks now.

Rascovar Column: O’Malley’s Boring Valedictory

Yes, there are times when a picture is worth a thousand words — and more. Such was the case in Annapolis on Thursday when Gov. Martin O’Malley turned in an all-too predictable, stilted and boring valedictory in his concluding State of the State Address.

Judge for yourself.

The facial expressions of Senate President Mike Miller, House Speaker Mike Busch, Attorney General Doug Gansler, Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera and Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown speak volumes in the photo:
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Percentage Of Millionaires

Raw Milk Could Be Legal In Maryland... Again

A proposed Maryland bill would restore the right of the states’ citizens to participate in cow shares, or cow boarding, to obtain raw milk. Maryland citizens lost the right to raw milk via cow shares in 2006, when the appointed director of the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene redefined the word “sale” to include agistments. A hearing on the bill is scheduled for January 28 at 1:00pm at the Lowe House Office Building in Annapolis.

Cow shares or cow boarding refers to a practice in which people buy shares in individual animals for a portion of the milk they produce. These people may not own the land or have the skill or time necessary to own a cow (and since cows produce far too much milk for a single family to consume selling shares even makes sense for people who are able to own a cow or two), but the farmer is paid to care for the animals and distribute the milk to the cows’ owners. It is a very popular way of getting around raw milk bans nationwide.

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Hypocrisy

Pepper-Sprayed Occupy Portland Protester Liz Nichols Gets $7,116 Payment Demand From City

Pay up.

That’s the message Portland is sending Elizabeth Evon Nichols -- to the tune of $7,116.

Nichols is the Occupy Portland protester whose image became widely known for being blasted in the face with pepper spray by a Portland police officer in fall 2011. She sued the city for excessive force but lost after a four-day trial in August in U.S. District Court in Portland.

She had sought $30,000, noting the excruciating pain of pepper spray in her eyes and throat -- and the ensuing nightmares, depression and worsening eczema.

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Welcome To Jobless America

It is becoming laughable to hear the Obama administration talk about a so-called “recovery.” Supposedly, this “recovery” started in June of 2009; however, in reality our economy is on life support and the latest jobs figures just confirm this horrible news.

In the government’s December labor report, the nation’s unemployment rate dropped to 6.7 percent, which is our lowest rate since October of 2008. While this may be heralded as good news, it is truly disturbing. Unfortunately, only 74,000 new jobs were added last month, the worst job growth numbers since January of 2011.

This is anemic job creation, a fraction of the 200,000+ new jobs needed each month just to keep pace with the nation’s population growth. It is even more shocking since most analysts predicted approximately 193,000 new jobs in December.

Even worse, of the new jobs, 40,000 were temporary positions, not what wage earners need to care for their families. Not surprisingly, the average work week for Americans dropped to only 34.4 hours. So, there are few full time jobs being created and on average Americans are working less. No wonder there are 47 million Americans on food stamps and over 50 million people who are considered poor.

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Good Samaritans Rescue Dog Stranded For Hours On Icy Delaware River

Two Good Samaritans risked their lives to rescue a dog that was stranded in the middle of the icy Delaware River for several hours.

'Duke' is one lucky dog thanks to Russ Miller and Ciro Silvestri.

"I didn't think. I just went out there and got him. We had the canoe in case anything happens," said Miller.

What made them decide to do what they did?

"I love animals, that's it," said Silvestri.
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A Very Very Good Question To Liberals Who Don't Believe Liberty Works

D.C. Police Chief Faces Questions About Officer Integrity At Public Safety Committee’s Hearing

D.C. Police Chief Cathy L. Lanier asked the City Council on Friday for help ridding her department of officers convicted of crimes, saying that too often, she’s been ordered to rehire officers fired for serious misconduct because of procedural errors in the termination process.

The chief blamed independent arbitrators, who hear appeals that fired officers file with the D.C. Public Employee Relations Board. Lanier asked members of the council’s public safety committee to revise the law and strip those arbitrators of the authority to overrule her decisions when problems are solely technical, such as a missed filing deadline.

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The Washington Post's Readers Are Already Freaking Out At Having to See The Volokh Conspiracy In Their Little Cocooned Cult

That didn't take very long at all, now did it.

The hive reacts frantically and angrily at signs of a foreign presence.

I open up the “Saturday Morning Headlines” email and this is at the top. Is the WashPo going gun nut? They hired what looks like a teenage law professor? “Negroes and the Gun”?? What? And what the hell is a Volokh Conspiracy?

You go to read NEWS, and you get BIZARRE. That’s the internet for ya. Too bad it’s happening at the Washington Post. Yet another sign of decadence.

Eugene Volokh answers him with far greater bonhomie than I could ever hope to manage.

Volokh tries to reassure him that the new libertarian/conservative leaning blog will be offering Washington Post readers solid facts, novel arguments, and fresh perspectives, some of them quite strong and possibly even quite convincing.

I hate to tell him this but: They know that's what you're offering to the public. That's the problem.

Thanks to @tsrblke.

[Update - Andy:] I was about to double-post the Head Ewok on this. Glad I looked.

But this needs a screenshot. Like I said on Twitter, it's like I died and woke up in schadenheaven.

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