Maps to Help You Understand the World

1. This map shows the world divided into 7 sections (each with a distinct color) with each section containing 1 billion people. 

2. This map shows (in white) where 98 percent of Australia's population lives. 

3. It may not come as a surprise but more people live inside the circle than outside of it

Student Charged With Racism, Forced To Apologize For Image Of Obama Kicking Door

Because nothing says racism like a doctored image of President Barack Obama kicking a door, a student in Montreal, Canada has been forced to apologize for sharing it.

In what may come to define the moment liberals “jumped the shark” on using race as a gimmick to push thier political agenda, McGill University student Brian Farnan was forced to issue an apology after emailing a .gif file of the president kicking open a door at the end of a press conference.

According to Legal Insurrection, as vice president of the university’s student government, Farnan included the .gif in a weekly email, along with the caption: “Honestly midterms get out of here.”

If the manipulated scenario involving Obama sounds familiar, that’s because it was first shown by Jay Leno to millions of viewers watching the “Tonight Show.”

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Minimum Wage Hike Would Kill A Half-Million Jobs: CBO

Raising the minimum wage to $10.10 will cut about a half-million jobs out of the economy by 2016, according to a new Congressional Budget Office report Tuesday that could deal a major blow to Democrats’ chief domestic agenda item this year.

A majority of low-wage workers would see their pay rise thanks to the increase and would be substantially better off, including many who would be lifted above the poverty line. But a minority would also lose jobs as businesses choose to invest elsewhere, the CBO said in its analysis of a proposal very similar to the one congressional Democrats have offered.

“Once fully implemented in the second half of 2016, the $10.10 option would reduce total employment by about 500,000 workers, or 0.3 percent,” the nonpartisan scorekeepers said, adding that there is substantial uncertainty and the loss could be anywhere from “very slight” to as much as 1 million jobs.

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OCPD SEEKING PUBLIC’S ASSISTANCE IN BURGLARY INVESTIGATION

(February 18, 2014) – Ocean City police are currently investigating several recent burglaries that have occurred in the uptown area, between 120^th Street and the Delaware line.  The burglaries, some of which appear to be related, have specifically targeted flat screen televisions.

Ocean City police are asking anyone with information about these burglaries or the suspect(s) involved to please contact Detective Nick Simpson of the Ocean City Criminal Investigation Division at 410-520-5349. As always, the OCPD’s Crime Tipline is available 24/7 and can be reached by dialing 410-520-5136.  Those providing information may remain anonymous.

The Ocean City Police Department reminds citizens to continue to remain vigilant for suspicious activity.  Any citizen leaving the area for any extended period of time is encouraged to take advantage of the “Residential Security Check” program.  This free program is available to all Ocean City homeowners. By providing OCPD with basic information regarding their property, the OCPD will conduct security checks at random times each day.  For more information and to sign up for a “Residential Security Check,” visithttp://oceancitymd.gov/Police/securitycheck.html.

Why Grandparents Are So Necessary

POTHOLE REPAIRS AND DRAINAGE TOP PRIORITIES AS SHA CREWS CONTINUE STORM CLEANUP

Work to also Include Opening Drainage Inlets as Heavy Rain Expected (February 18, 2014) – Now that the latest winter storm has made its exit, the men and women of the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) will turn their attention to filling potholes and opening up drainage inlets as heavy rain, warmer weather and melting are expected through the end of the week. “Travelers are advised to remain alert for slow moving work zone operations along Maryland’s state roads,” stated SHA Administrator Melinda B. Peters. “Often, our crews work in three to four person teams with up to several trucks per team.  To keep everyone safe, please drive at the appropriate speed to navigate carefully around the temporary work zones.” As the snow melts and storm cleanup continues, drivers should also be on the lookout for fallen trees and standing water, remain alert when turning at intersections and be mindful of pedestrians.  Local jurisdictions are also continuing storm cleanup operations, therefore many sidewalks are not clear and pedestrians may be walking in travel lanes. Customers may submit service requests for issues along State numbered routes by visiting the SHA website and submitting requests using the "Contact Us" link. County road information is also available; click here for website links and phone numbers.

Capital One Says It Can Show Up At Cardholders' Homes, Workplaces

The credit card company's recent contract update includes terms that sound menacing and creepy.

Ding-dong, Cap One calling.

Credit card issuer Capital One isn't shy about getting into customers' faces. The company recently sent a contract update to cardholders that makes clear it can drop by any time it pleases.

The update specifies that "we may contact you in any manner we choose" and that such contacts can include calls, emails, texts, faxes or a "personal visit."

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UP TO $2,000 REWARD OFFERED FOR INFORMATION LEADING TO ARREST IN PORT DEPOSIT MURDER

(PORT DEPOSIT, MD) – A reward of up to $2,000 is being offered to anyone with relevant information leading police to an arrest in the murder of a Cecil County man found dead in his home yesterday in Port Deposit.

The victim is identified as Vincent M. Robertson, 47, of the unit-block of Green Lane, Port Deposit in Cecil County, Maryland. Autopsy results indicate Robertson suffered multiple gunshots to his upper torso. Emergency medical personnel pronounced Robertson dead at the scene.

Military Pay

CINDY WILLIAMS was appointed by Obama as an Assistant Director for NATIONAL SECURITY in the Congressional Budget Office.....

This is an Airman's response to Cindy Williams' editorial piece in the Washington Times about MILITARY PAY, it should be printed in all newspapers across America.

Ms. Cindy William wrote a piece for the Washington Times denouncing the pay raise(s) coming service members' way this year citing that she stated a 13% wage increase was more than they deserve.

A young airman from Hill AFB responds to her article below. He ought to get a bonus for this.

"MS Williams:

I just had the pleasure of reading your column, "Our GI's earn enough", and I am a bit confused. Frankly, I'm wondering where this vaunted overpayment is going, because as far as I can tell, it disappears every month between DFAS (The Defense Finance and Accounting Service) and my bank account. Checking my latest earnings statement I see that I make $1,117.80 before taxes per month. After taxes, I take home $874.20. When I run that through the calculator, I come up with an annual salary of $13,413.60 before taxes, and $10,490.40 after.

33rd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival

Ocean City will be glowing with green at the 33rd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival, which marches down Coastal Highway on Saturday, March 15. Sponsored by the Delmarva Irish-American Club, this Ocean City tradition has grown to become the second largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the state, in addition to a seasonal kick-off for many local businesses.

Leading the parade will be the Donovan family, this year’s grand marshals and long-time members of the DIAC. With pipe and drum bands, including the Chesapeake Caledonia Pipe and Drum Band and the Ocean City Pipe Band, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade brings the sounds of Ireland to the streets of Ocean City. Also participating are several area high school marching bands including the Stephen Decatur High School Marching Band and numerous festively decorated St. Patty’s Day floats.

The procession begins at noon at 58th Street and marches south on Coastal Highway to the 45th Street Shopping Center, where the reviewing and judges stand will be located. Trophies will be awarded for best marching band, best commercial float, best non-commercial float, best motorized unit, best adult marching unit, best youth marching unit, special committee award, judges’ choice award and best overall entry in the parade.

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Admiral Claims Obama Conspired With America’s Enemies To Stage A Phony Scandal To Kidnap Chris Stevens

(GOPUSA) — It’s even worse than we previously thought. A retired four-star admiral is now claiming that Barack Obama intentionally conspired with America’s enemies to stage a bogus attack and the kidnapping of an American ambassador so he could “negotiate” the release of a “hostage” and bolster his mediocre approval ratings just prior to the election?

On Lou Dobbs, retired Four-Star Admiral James Lyons, said: “the attack on the American Consulate in Benghazi… was the result of a bungled abduction attempt…. the first stage of an international prisoner exchange… that would have ensured the release of Omar Abdel Rahman, the ‘Blind Sheik’…”

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SHERONDA JENNINGS CONVICTED OF ATTEMPTED THEFT FROM WALMART

RETAIL ALLIANCE CONVICTION

SHERONDA JENNINGS CONVICTED OF ATTEMPTED THEFT FROM WALMART

SENTENCED TO 6 +YEARS IN D.O.C.

On February 18, 2014, Sheronda Jennings, age 43, of Frankford, Delaware, was convicted by a Wicomico County Jury of Attempted Theft, Conspiracy to Commit Theft, Possession of Cocaine and Trespassing.  The charges against Jennings arose after she attempted to steal a 50” television from the Fruitland Walmart.

          Jennings was prosecuted as a repeat offender.  She had previously been convicted multiple times of shoplifting in Delaware and Maryland.  The Court ultimately sentenced Jennings to a total of 6 years and 90 days in the custody of the Division of Corrections (D.O.C.). 

Wicomico County State’s Attorney Matthew A. Maciarello commended the Fruitland Police Department (FPD), Walmart Loss Prevention, and the Wicomico County Retail Alliance for their work in the investigation and prosecution of this case.  Mr. Maciarello also thanked the citizens of Wicomico County who sat on the jury, and Assistant State’s Attorney, Ethan Freyman, who prosecuted the case.

Retailers have formed an alliance in Wicomico County to combat shoplifting.  They are meeting regularly with investigators and prosecutors. Now, more than ever, shoplifting in Wicomico County is a bad idea. 

For more information or for an interview please call the Office of the State’s Attorney at (410) 548-4880 or go to www.wicomicosao.com. 

Obama Gets Satan Cut From 'Son of God'

An eerie resemblance between Barack Obama and Satan in the upcoming “Son of God” movie has prompted the film’s producers to completely banish the devil.

Roma Downey, who co-produced the film with her husband Mark Burnett, says scenes with an actor who portrayed the devil but looked like the president have now been edited out.

“It gives me great pleasure to tell you that the devil is on the cutting-room floor. This is now a movie about Jesus, the Son of God, and the devil gets no more screentime,” Downey told the Hollywood Reporter.

The 20th Century Fox film, which opens Feb. 28, is mainly a reworked version of 2013′s popular 10-hour TV miniseries titled “The Bible.”
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Any Questions

Navy Dad William Smith Surprises Daughter At Cheer Practice - Delainey Smith Reaction

Do This Again Chevy

Senator Mathias Supports Increased Power Rates

Senator Mathias currently supports SB 521. SB 521 is about electric generation plants that use the anaerobic decomposition of poultry litter as a fuel source. This is a great use of a waste product farmers now have to depose of, at great personal expense,because increasing regulations severely limit the amount of "natural" fertilizer they are allowed to use on crops.

The problem is that the bill will require electric utilities, like Choptank Electric, to buy power from these plants at above market prices. The increased cost of power would then be passed on to customers.

Governments should not mandate that taxpayers subsidize a private enterprise, especially when such a law would result in higher rates for hard-working citizens.

If the electric generation plants are such a good thing for the Eastern Shore, why is it necessary to force companies to buy their power. Let's let the free market system determine the best sources of energy.

SB 521 will be voted on Tues, Feb 18th. Please contact Senator Mathias today and urge him to vote against this bill.

Email him at jamesmathias@senate.state.md.us or call 1-800-492-7122 Ext 3645 and tell him you are against SB 521.
https://choptank.mypreferencecenter.com/Messaging/Email/View/e9cacce4-991b-426c-91b4-5bed17e92fe9

Getting To The Bottom Of Md.’s $250M Health Care Fiasco

Accountability is sorely lacking when it comes to Maryland’s botched rollout of Obamacare. Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown is nowhere to be found when tough questions are asked. Gov. Martin O’Malley deflects “who’s at fault” inquiries, focusing instead on getting the deeply flawed software partly operable.

The computer system’s main contractor, Noridian Healthcare Solutions, blames its prime subcontractor, who in turn accuses Noridian — a healthcare services company, not an IT firm — of incompetence and conning the state. Given that Noridian has received $65 million to construct a failed system, the subcontractor may have a point.

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Mike Tyson - In Living Color With Jim Carrey

WCSO Press Release 2-18-14

Press Releases 2/18/2014

Incident: Assault / Threat of Arsons

Date of Incident: 10 February 2014

Location: 28000 block of Riverside Drive, Salisbury, MD

Suspect: Tyler Andre Gaskins, 20, Salisbury, MD

Narrative: On 10 February 2014 at 11:20 AM a deputy arrested Tyler Gaskins in connection with an assault that had occurred back in January. In this incident, Gaskins stands accused of engaging in a verbal altercation during which he spit on two other women. Gaskins also allegedly threatened to burn their house down.  Upon arrest Gaskins 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 Gaskins in the Detention Center in lieu of $50,000.00 bond.

Charges: Assault 2nd Degree and Threat of Arson

Gaskins, Tyler Andre

Incident: Burglary Arrest

Date of Incident: 13 February 2014

Location: 800 block of Booth Street, Salisbury, MD

Suspect: Tyree L. Price, 19, Salisbury, MD

Narrative: On 13 February 2014 at 7:00 PM a deputy arrested Tyree Price in connection with a burglary to an apartment complex laundry room the previous evening. Upon entering the laundry room at that time, the deputy detected a strong odor of burnt marijuana. During the investigation the deputy located an I-Phone and a set of keys that were apparently left behind by the perpetrator. On the key ring was a swipe card to a local fitness facility and the deputy was able to identify the owner of the swipe card as Tyree Price. Additionally upon finding a cell number for Price, the deputy called it and the phone left behind started ringing.  The deputy obtained a warrant for the arrest of Price and upon apprehension he was discovered by the deputy to be in possession of what was identified as marijuana. Upon presentation to the District Court Commissioner, Price was released on $15,000.00 unsecured bond. 

Charges: Burglary 4th Degree, Malicious Destruction of Property and Possession of Marijuana

Price, Tyree L.

College Textbook Paints Reagan As Sexist, Conservatives As Pessimists

The authors of a textbook used at University of South Carolina earned an 'F' in Ronald Reagan 101, according to several conservative Gamecock students.

“Introduction to Social Work & Social Welfare: Critical Thinking Perspectives” portrays the 40th president as a sexist who was insensitive to minorities and whose main accomplishments were cutting taxes, jacking up defense spending and "slashing" social programs. The book states that conservatives like Reagan "take a pessimistic view of human nature.”

“I was absolutely shocked and was tempted to throw the book away,” Anna Chapman, 19, a sophomore majoring in political science, told FoxNews.com. “I would even write comments in the actual textbook next to some of the offensive things that I read. I didn’t know that this is what I had signed up for.”
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Co-op News - Let Your Voice Be Heard

Call to Action!

Currently there is a bill before the Maryland Senate, Senate Bill 521, Agriculture — Poultry Litter — Energy-Generating Cooperative Program. This bill is about electric generation plants that use the anaerobic decomposition of poultry litter as a fuel source. A noble cause. The problem is that the essence of the bill is to require electric utilities, like Choptank Electric and its members, to buy the power from these plants and to pay above market prices for the power from the plants. This bill is to go before the Senate Finance Committee Tuesday, February 18, so time is short!

Although Choptank Electric supports renewable generation initiatives and the poultry industry, we do not support those that would mandate our members to subsidize a private enterprise. Our members would be paying more for this energy, through higher rates.

While these regulations are technical, the potential increase in electric rates is something we take personally because we know it's difficult to make ends meet. We know the tough choices you face — we all face — in trying to live on a budget. That's what sets cooperatives apart from other utilities and that's why we must stick together.

And by the way, although the word "cooperative" is in the name of this bill, this is not a Choptank Electric Cooperative initiative.

We want our members to be aware of issues that may affect the availability, reliability and affordability of their electric power. Here's how you can help: call or email Senator Jim Mathias to voice your opinion today at james.mathias@senate.state.md.us or call 1-800-492-7122, Ext. 3645, and tell him you are against SB 521!

Although Senator Mathias represents Wicomico, Worcester and Somerset Counties, the impact of this implementation rests on the shoulders of all Choptank Electric members.

YOUR VOICE CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE!

Baby & Me

Devastating Attack Ad Will Destroy John Cornyn

Obama’s Executive Actions Can Backfire On Democrats If GOP Takes The White House

Republican could dismantle his law

President Obama’s repeated use of executive powers to ease the rollout of his health care law could be setting the stage for Republicans to roll back the overhaul’s most controversial parts if they retake the White House in 2016, say analysts who have tracked the law’s shifting landscape.

The president has tweaked or delayed Obamacare’s mandates on employers and individuals without Congress on multiple occasions, each in a bid to put out a political firestorm caused by the law’s rocky rollout.

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The Marijuana Policy Project has set up shop to legalize pot in Maryland

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Just underneath the same progressive arc that saw the DREAM Act and same-sex marriage become a reality in Maryland, you may find a seedling just beginning to poke through the frozen ground: legalizing marijuana.

"I think once people get used to the idea and hear it, it is not going to be as big a hurdle to jump over as you might have thought at one time,” said Del. Curt Anderson.

Anderson, a Baltimore city Democrat, has had his eye on the legalization of marijuana since the 2012 legislative session.

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Dems Desert Faltering Obama Amid Election Year Disarray

Infighting flares over trade deals

Even as President Obama is praising congressional Democrats for their unity on raising the nation’s debt ceiling, he is encountering the election-year limits of party discipline on a wide range of his other priorities.

On trade, energy and, to a lesser extent, health care, the president is grappling with Democrats who are going their own way. Some lawmakers don’t want to be seen with him in public as the November elections near, although Mr. Obama is embarking this month on a round of fundraisers to benefit Democratic candidates.

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Labor Unions Benefit More From Citizens United Than Big Conservative Donors

The loosening of federal rules for political spending has done more to help Democrats than Republicans, according to two recent analyses of campaign contributions.

Those facts run counter to a well-established national media narrative — one often repeated by liberal groups and Democratic lawmakers who bemoan the influence of corporate cash in politics after the Supreme Court’s ruling in 2010 opened the flood gates to unlimited political spending — that says Republicans and their big business allies have been able to unduly influence elections with unfettered spending.

The collection of Supreme Court rulings known as Citizens United opened the door to the creation of so-called “super PACs” with no spending limits. While high-profile conservatives like the Koch Brothers and Sheldon Adelson have been at the center of attention over their political spending, their pockets are hardly the deepest.

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Rand Paul: Republican Won't Be President Until There's A 'New GOP'

Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky has an ominous prediction for the future of his party: It won't win the White House unless it undergoes a major transformation.

"I think Republicans will not win again in my lifetime for the presidency, unless they become a new GOP, a new Republican party, and it has to be a transformation, not just a little tweaking at the edges," Paul said in an interview with conservative talk show host Glenn Beck on The Blaze.

Paul said he thinks it's better to find what those in the party can agree on and unite around those things instead of focusing on the disagreements. That is is one of the reasons why he decided to endorse the re-election bid by fellow Kentucky Sen. and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.

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SPD Press Release 2-18-14

The Democratic Party And Karl Marx

New York Senator Chuck Schumer thinks that it is a good thing, an affirmation of “family values” and “freedom,” that nearly 3 million people are expected to stop working in order to be able to qualify for Obamacare subsidies.

While on “Meet the Press” this past weekend, Schumer was blunt: The “bottom line,” he said, “is very simple. What [the] CBO [Congressional Budget Office] said is that many American workers would have freedom. Now that’s a good word,” Schumer continued, for it means that Americans would now have the “freedom to do things that they couldn’t [previously] do.”

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Minimum Wage Needs A Boost, But It Is Not A Living Wage

In prior posts on my Freestater blog, I’ve argued against proposals in Maryland to raise the minimum wage to $10.10 per hour on the grounds that it will do significant damage to the employment prospects of young and unskilled workers — and not provide much actual help to the working poor.

What I’ve not made clear is that I do not oppose raising the minimum wage. In fact, I think a review of the history of the wage suggests that it should be raised to approximately $8.40 an hour and then indexed to inflation thereafter. But the proposal to make Maryland’s minimum $10.10 by 2016 simply goes too far and would likely have significant negative effects on youth and unskilled employment levels.

Those advocating the $10.10 an hour wage like to claim that had the minimum wage in the late 1960s simply kept pace with inflation the wage today would be well be roughly $10.50 per hour. Unfortunately, those folks are being intentionally misleading.

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Obama Remembers ‘Why I’m A Democrat’

At a policy retreat for House Democrats at a resort an hour outside of Washington, President Obama and Vice President Biden rallied their fellow Democrats with a lot of talk about partisan unity at a moment when both parties have been particularly fractured.

The president on Friday cast raising the federal minimum wage to $10.10 an hour as his biggest priority, and he boasted about the executive action he took this week to raise it in future federal contracts.

Obama said, “It reminded me of why I’m a Democrat, and it reminded me of why I’m so proud of this caucus because you’re standing up” on behalf of low-wage earners.

The president’s second priority: immigration reform. He also applauded the Democrats who led the House in increasing the government’s borrowing power with no strings attached.

“The fact that we were able to pass a clean debt limit is just one example of why when you guys are unified, you guys stick together, this country is better off and I could not be more thankful and more appreciative and prouder of what you are doing.”

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Former Planned Parenthood Worker: ‘It Was A Money-Grubbing, Evil, Very Sad, Sad Place To Work’

INDIANAPOLIS, IN, (LifeSiteNews.com) – A former Planned Parenthood worker hasopened up to a diocesan newspaper in a gripping tell-all interview, saying she was shocked at the horrors she witnessed during the two years she worked in Indiana’s largest abortion facility.

Marianne Anderson is a nurse who assisted Planned Parenthood abortionists by partially sedating women who paid extra for that luxury. She told The Criterion newspaper that she saw many women pressured into abortions they did not want, including minor girls.

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Delaware Should Be So Proud

Stray Dog Whose Rescue From Trash Heap Touched Millions Of Animal Lovers Has Found A Forever Home

The dog who was rescued from a trash heap two months ago by Eldad Hagar has found a forever home. Miley’s rescue touched the hearts of millions of people around the world after her video went viral on the Internet. The Husky was severely malnourished and her fur and skin was in terrible shape. She was barely surviving off the garbage she could scrounge on the streets of Los Angeles.

After she was rescued, she went to The Fuzzy Pet Foundation, where she was taken care of, socialized and nursed back to health. They announced on Valentine’s Day that they had found her a new home.

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The dog who was rescued from a trash heap two months ago by Eldad Hagar has found a forever home. Miley’s rescue touched the hearts of millions of people around the world after her video went viral on the Internet. The Husky was severely malnourished and her fur and skin was in terrible shape. She was barely surviving off the garbage she could scrounge on the streets of Los Angeles.
Read more at http://www.dogheirs.com/larne/posts/5135-stray-dog-whose-rescue-from-trash-heap-touched-millions-of-animal-lovers-has-found-a-forever-home#bEoTrPsCLkgx5XdA.99

The dog who was rescued from a trash heap two months ago by Eldad Hagar has found a forever home. Miley’s rescue touched the hearts of millions of people around the world after her video went viral on the Internet. The Husky was severely malnourished and her fur and skin was in terrible shape. She was barely surviving off the garbage she could scrounge on the streets of Los Angeles.
Read more at http://www.dogheirs.com/larne/posts/5135-stray-dog-whose-rescue-from-trash-heap-touched-millions-of-animal-lovers-has-found-a-forever-home#bEoTrPsCLkgx5XdA.99

GOVERNOR O’MALLEY, SENATOR MIKULSKI TO JOIN FEDERAL AND LOCAL OFFICIALS FOR CYBERSECURITY SIGNING

ANNAPOLIS, MD - U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski and Governor Martin O’Malley will join Acting Undersecretary of Commerce Dr. Patrick Gallagher, along with Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett and other officials, to sign an agreement strengthening the National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence and advancing Maryland’s footprint in cybersecurity.

The event will be held at 10:30 a.m. in the Governor’s Reception Room located at 100 State Circle, Annapolis, Md. 21401.

Field Notes By Delegate Michael A. McDermott Week 6 February 10-14, 2014

Observations and Reflections on Legislative Activities

Monday Evening Session:

Bills introduced on First Reader

Our annual Lincoln Day Address was given by Delegate Herb McMillan (R-Anne Arundel)

Tuesday Afternoon Judiciary Hearings:

HB-311 would require the courts, upon request of the State’s Attorney, to indicate whether or not a crime should be designated as “gang related”. There was much discussion on the need to see this designation applied.

HB-312 would include Parking Enforcement Officers under the statute which provides a felony charge for 2nd Degree Assault as in the case with law enforcement officers. We heard from several officers that have been seriously assaulted committed against them while they were performing their duties in issuing citations.

HB-342 would provide protection from civil or criminal prosecution if someone reports a drug/alcohol overdose when they otherwise might be charged based upon evidence of drug use or alcohol violations at the scene of the incident. This is said to be a “good Samaritan bill”. We heard testimony from family members of those who died as a result of a drug/alcohol overdose when the incident was not reported. It is in the same posture as HB-425. I asked how far the immunity would be extended under these circumstances and the response seems that it is unclear in the both bills.

HB-358 would direct the Governor’s Office of Crime Control to develop a training program to address human trafficking in Maryland.

HB-362 would insure that certain employees and volunteers in the public schools would fall under the statute that prohibits sexual contact with a minor. It would designate certain persons as “person in a position of authority” at a school that could be deemed not to be included under this law. The bill is in a similar posture as HB-781.

HB-410  would allow a person convicted of a non-violent misdemeanor to file for an Expungement of the offense after 2-years if the person has no previous criminal record. This bill goes way beyond the concept of “shielding” a record (certain exceptions applied for public safety concerns). We heard more testimony against this bill rather than for it to be adopted.

HB-416 would provide immunity to specified persons who seek medical assistance while experiencing alcohol or drug-related overdose.

HB-425 would provide protection from civil or criminal prosecution if someone reports a drug/alcohol overdose when they otherwise might be charged based upon evidence of drug use or alcohol violations at the scene of the incident. This is said to be a “good Samaritan bill”. We heard testimony from family members of those who died as a result of a drug/alcohol overdose when the incident was not reported. It is in the same posture as HB-342. I asked how far the immunity would be extended under these circumstances and the response seems that it is unclear in the both bills.

HB-491 is another “Revenge Porn” bill. We have seen multiple bills this session which seek to make it illegal for a person to distribute sexually explicit photos or video of another without their permission.

HB-552 would grant certain police powers to the law enforcement staff currently serving the Anne Arundel Community College. This designation would make them capable of conducting law enforcement practices including the wearing and carrying of firearms and the powers of arrest.

HB-599 would alter the Law Enforcement Officers Bill of Rights so that a trial board could not receive evidence that was collected in a way that is contrary to the manner which is stipulated in the LEOBR. It would apply the Exclusionary Doctrine to evidence utilized in these trial boards.

HB-646 would extend the Statute of Limitations for the crimes of Solicitation to Commit Murder or Arson to be the same as the underlying crime (no limitation). There were questions raised about having an unlimited time period to address these crimes which may not have resulted in the act actually ever having occurred.

HB-781 would insure that certain employees and volunteers in the public schools would fall under the statute that prohibits sexual contact with a minor. It would designate certain persons as “person in a position of authority” at a school that could be deemed not to be included under this law. The bill is in a similar posture as HB-362.

Meeting On The Internet

If You Enjoy Old Cars...

GO HERE

By the way, do you like this red for the 1957 Chevy Pickup?

Elbert Guillory: "Why I Am A Republican"

Adopt A Pet, Get A Tax Break In Maryland

WASHINGTON - Two Maryland lawmakers think you - and your future pet - deserve a tax break.

Under House Bill 1358, you could get a one-time tax break of $100 for adopting a pet from a shelter or a rescue organization.

Maryland Delegate Glenn Glass came up with the idea. "I think that this bill would incentivize people to adopt," he says.

Glass adopted a cat from a shelter, and his House colleague, Delegate Michael Hough is a fan of shelter dogs. Hough is helping Glass shepherd the legislation through the General Assembly.

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Sochi Olympics - Skating Update

Stamp For Alzheimers

As all of us know Alzheimer’s is one of the greatest and most costly medical and social problems facing our nation today.

It is a cruel disease which extracts a tremendous physical, emotional, and financial toll from all it touches. We must continue our support for those with this disease and their care partners, but we must also fight to stop this disease by finding varied innovative ways to fund research!

The proposed legislation for an Alzheimer’s Disease Research Semipostal Stamp, H.R. 1508 or S. 1091 is one such way.

Quite simply, this legislation would direct the USPS to design and issue a postage stamp that would raise awareness and crucial funds for Alzheimer’s research.

The beauty of this stamp is that is does this WITHOUT increasing taxes, discretionary spending, or the deficit.

Fact Check Needed!

Fact Check #1:

Widely reported and often repeated, there have been "historic cuts" made by the O'Malley/Brown administration.

Below, you will see the Maryland state budget over the last 8 years. Using simple addition and subtraction, you will see that Maryland spending has increased by more than $10 billion, a 32% increase. Apparently, government math isn't the same math you and I use in our family budgets.

If your family budget looked like this, would you talk about "historic cuts?" Would your spouse believe you? Would your bank agree that you've made cuts?

Suspended Gilberton Police Chief Mark Kessler Of YouTube Fame Suing To Halt Hearing On His Firing In Scranton

The last time we saw suspended Gilberton Police Chief Mark Kessler, he was fighting for his job during an administrative hearing in the cramped coal-country borough hall that doubles for a sewage treatment plant back in early October.

Then, one of the guns carried into the proceeding by one of Kessler’s Second Amendment supporter-followers hit the floor, and the hearing was quickly adjourned. Even Kessler’s own attorney didn’t feel safe in the cramped venue with many of Kessler’s gun-toting supporters in attendance.

Now Kessler is suing the borough in Schuylkill County Court in an effort to prevent the continued hearing from being reconvened later this month in Scranton. According to TheTimes-Tribune.com, Kessler is asking the court to issue an injunction barring the borough from holding the hearing Jan. 24 at the Lackawanna County Courthouse, alleging Gilberton officials are trying to deny him his rights:

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SFD Calls For Service 2-17-14

• Monday February, 17 2014 @ 22:56:33Nature: Medical AssistAddress: 836 Larch Way Salisbury, MD 21801
• Monday February, 17 2014 @ 22:56:26Nature: Unconscious SubjectCity: Salisbury
• Monday February, 17 2014 @ 22:42:57Nature: Sick SubjectCity: Salisbury
• Monday February, 17 2014 @ 22:29:42Nature: Psychiatric EmergencyCity: Salisbury
• Monday February, 17 2014 @ 21:08:32Nature: Pro Qa EmsCity: Salisbury
• Monday February, 17 2014 @ 20:37:01Nature: Medical AssistAddress: 124 Shamrock Dr Salisbury, MD 21801
• Monday February, 17 2014 @ 20:09:54Nature: Assault EmsCity: Salisbury
• Monday February, 17 2014 @ 17:22:14Nature: Difficulty BreathingCity: Salisbury
• Monday February, 17 2014 @ 17:16:17Nature: Abdominal PainCity: Salisbury
• Monday February, 17 2014 @ 15:24:48Nature: Allergic ReactionCity: Salisbury
• Monday February, 17 2014 @ 12:14:19Nature: Sick SubjectCity: Salisbury
• Monday February, 17 2014 @ 11:46:57Nature: Sick SubjectCity: Salisbury
• Monday February, 17 2014 @ 10:25:40Nature: Medical AssistAddress: 507 Schumaker Ln Salisbury, MD 21801
• Monday February, 17 2014 @ 10:25:33Nature: Psychiatric EmergencyCity: Salisbury
• Monday February, 17 2014 @ 10:22:45Nature: Chest PainCity: Salisbury
• Monday February, 17 2014 @ 09:54:37Nature: StrokeCity: Delmar
• Monday February, 17 2014 @ 09:53:05Nature: General WeaknessCity: Salisbury
• Monday February, 17 2014 @ 09:49:56Nature: StrokeCity: Delmar
• Monday February, 17 2014 @ 09:09:46Nature: Abdominal PainCity: Salisbury
• Monday February, 17 2014 @ 07:50:54Nature: Chest PainCity: Salisbury
• Monday February, 17 2014 @ 07:49:44Nature: Sick SubjectCity: Salisbury
• Monday February, 17 2014 @ 03:22:48Nature: Sick SubjectCity: Salisbury

Wicomico County & Delmar Schools Have A One Hour Delay Today

Schools will be opening 1 hour late.

How many of you got TWO calls this morning?

No, make that FOUR times this morning!

A Letter To The Editor: Background Info On Wor Co School Supt.

A few weeks ago, I started thinking about Dr. Wilson and why in the world would one leave beautiful Fort Collins, CO (rank best place to live in 2006 by Money mag. and the county is about the same size as Douglas County) to come back to MD (grew up in Silver Spring, MD - land of the liberals), halfway across the country, so I did some digging.

Worcester County citizens who object to Common Core have been researching for quite some time - we also find it distressing that teachers are NOT subject to drug & alcohol testing

http://www.coloradoan.com/article/20100117/NEWS01/100311009

http://www.sublettecountyjournal.com/v4n42/v4n42s1.htm I found Wilson's quote regarding assessments very interesting.

Dr. Wilson outlined a couple of concerns he had, looking ahead. First were the graduation standards that will be imposed upon the class of 2003. How these standards will be assessed is a complicated puzzle that hasn't been solved by the State yet. Dr. Wilson also expressed concern over the statewide assessment, WyCAS, and assessing statewide standards in general. "The more that these standards have to be assessed," he told the board, "the more your teachers have additional responsibilities which take them from their primary responsibility, which is teaching children."

Seems like in 2003, Dr. Wilson still had the energy to fight the system but now looks like he is simply accepting the changes without opposition. Do you think he might have come here for pre-retirement?