14-Year-Old’s Simple Idea Could Help Save U.S. Gov’t Nearly $400 Million a Year

A 14-year-old student came up with an ingenious idea to help his Pittsburgh-area middle school cut waste and save money. However, he soon realized that his idea could have a much more far-reaching impact.

Eventually, he was promising the federal government he could help them save nearly $400 million a year by simply changing fonts.

Let’s start at the beginning.

Suvir Mirchandani was determined to find ways to reduce the amount of ink used by his school. After all, he said, “ink is two times more expensive than French perfume by volume.”
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QE is Not Just a Mistake, It's DANGEROUS

By maintaining artificially low interest rates, the Fed was hoping to drive investors away from bonds and into stocks and other, more risky assets. The Crash of 2008, combined with a retiring or soon to retire Baby Boomer population that is more interested in income than capital gains, resulted in a mass exodus away from stocks in the 2009-2013 period.

By keeping interest rates near zero, the Fed has been hoping to push investors into the stock market. The hope here was that as stock prices rose, investors would feel wealthier (the “wealth effect”) and would be more inclined to start spending more, thereby jump-starting the economy.

This has not been the case. Instead the entire capital market structure has become mispriced.

Individual investors have been fleeing stocks for the perceived safety (and more consistent returns) of bonds. Since 2007, investors have pulled over $405 billion out of stock based mutual funds.

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Ray Rice Gets Married

There are reports that Ravens running back Ray Rice has married his fiancée Janay Palmer, one day after Rice was indicted in New Jersey for attacking Palmer in an Atlantic City casino.

On this week's Ravens Saturday Huddle, WBAL's Keith Mills quoted sources who said the couple had got married on Friday.

The wedding, which had been planned for some time, took place one day after Rice was indicted on a third degree assault charge for attacking Palmer on February 15. Several days later TMZ posted video showing Rice dragging an unconscious Palmer out of an elevator.

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Obamacare Is a Fitting Noose Around Democrats' Necks

Pollster Celinda Lake's advice to fellow Democrats to take a midway position in the 2014 congressional campaigns is flawed because it can't be sold as honest.

Reacting to results from her bipartisan Battleground Poll that show Obamacare to be a political loser, Lake said: "Don't defend it. Say it was flawed from the beginning and we're going to fix it."

Note that she didn't advise to reject it outright, apparently because she knows that's never going to fly with Obama and the Democratic establishment and probably because it would be tantamount to an admission that the party has failed in its central policy "achievement."

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Brown Admits Maryland "Won't Likely" Keep Health Exchange Website.

Maryland apparently is going to abandon its glitch plagued health insurance website next week, after the current enrollment period ends on Monday night.

The Washington Post reports today that the board of the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange will vote on Tuesday on a measure to shut down the state's website, and combine it with Connecticut's in time for the next enrollment period which begins November 15.

Connecticut officials told WBAL News earlier this month that they had met with Maryland officials to discuss the issue.

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Joe Biden: Illegal immigrants are ‘already American citizens’ to me

Vice President Joseph R. Biden — already known as a habitual blurter of the near-nonsensical and politically befuddling — may have one-upped himself this week with a somewhat shocking statement on illegal immigrants.

“You know, 11 million people live in the shadows. I believe they’re already American citizens,” Mr. Biden said during a Thursday address to the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, The Hill reported. “These people are just waiting, waiting for a chance to contribute fully. And by that standard, 11 million undocumented aliens are already Americans, in my view.”

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Maryland To Reportedly Abandon $125M ObamaCare Exchange For New System

With just days to go before open enrollment ends on March 31, Maryland officials are reportedly planning to abandon its glitch-ridden ObamaCare website and replace the health exchange with technology from Connecticut’s marketplace.

The Washington Post reported late Friday that the board of the Maryland exchange will vote on changing the system that has cost at least $125.5 million at a meeting on Tuesday, the day after the end of the first enrollment period under ObamaCare.

Maryland residents will still be able to use the exchange as it is being replaced with technology from the Connecticut exchange, Access Health CT, officials told The Post. The state is expected to tap consulting firm Deloitte for the overhaul.
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Democrat Senator and Top Gun Control Crusader Arrested for Gun Trafficking

One of the leading anti-Second Amendment rights crusaders in California, powerful State Senator Leland Yee, has ironically been arrested for (drum roll…) allegations of gun running, along with a host of other corruption charges, including campaign fraud (see video below).

Federal agents raided Yee’s home Wednesday while at the same time Yee’s offices were also raided, reports CBS San Francisco. The report states that Lee’s littany of corruption charges involve his current campaign to be California’s next Secretary of State, and that Lee was charged, among other crimes, with a scheme to move guns into U.S. from Russia:

The federal complaint was filed March 24 and unsealed Wednesday alleges Sen. Yee was engaged in soliciting illegal campaign donations in exchange for political favors and was involved in a conspiracy to traffic firearms from Russia.

The complaint also alleges Chow was engaged in money-laundering, conspiracy to transport stolen property and conspiracy to traffic contraband cigarettes.

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Md. Politico Defies Judge And Opens With Jesus Prayer: I’ll ‘go to jail for it’

A Carroll County, Md., commissioner said the heck with what a U.S. District judge said and went ahead and opened this week’s meeting with a prayer that invoked the name of Jesus Christ.

Commissioner Robin Bartlett Frazier said she’d go to jail for the right to say Jesus during a meeting prayer — just two days after a judge, on the heels of an atheist group’s pressing, issued a preliminary injunction that barred any type of sectarian prayer during government gatherings, The Blaze reported.

Ms. Frazier didn’t care. She said, prior to opening with a prayer that invoked Jesus more than once, that: “I’m willing to go to jail for it. I believe this is a fundamental of America, and if we cease to believe that our rights come from God, we cease to be America. We’ve been told to be careful. But we’re going to be careful all the way to communism if we don’t start standing up and saying ‘no.’ “
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Welfare Without the State

Libertarians and free-market conservatives take an unequivocal stand on the provision of state welfare. It should be phased out and returned to the private sector. Charity is not a proper function of government. This, of course, attracts the usual horrified denunciations of, "My God, what kind of human being are you? Don't you have any compassion? How can you wish to suppress poor people so? We can't just let people be poor; we must do something!" But to be against state funded welfare does not mean one is devoid of compassion or desirous of suppressing poor people. It means one is against the dispensing of special privileges from the government to the citizens of a country, which means that the help we give to poor people must be done with our own money and time, and not be confiscated from others to gratify our desires and assuage our guilt. It means that if American citizens are to possess equal rights, then government cannot take money from some and give it to others. To enact such a policy is to convey privileges upon some at the expense of others, which destroys the moral-philosophical foundation of our entire system. So if we are to maintain justice (i.e., equal rights), government must be barred from transferring wealth from some individuals to other individuals. This means that all charity must be private.

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Voting Rights Activists Appeal Proof-of-citizenship Ruling

Civil rights groups on Friday appealed last week’s federal court decision that said states can require proof of citizenship on their voter registration forms — a ruling the activist groups said runs counter to Supreme Court precedent.

The judge had ruled that the federal Election Assistance Commissioncouldn’t refuse requests by Kansas and Arizona that registration cards distributed in their states include proof of citizenship requirements.

But the activists said that imposes an illegal burden on would-be voters.

“The EAC has the authority to reject the states’ unproven claims and unreasonable request to require more paperwork from eligible Americans who want to vote,” said Sam Wercinski, executive director of the Arizona Advocacy Network.”

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'KNOCKOUT' BY THE FAIRER SEX? PHILADELPHIA TEENS CHARGED WITH BEATING STUDENT WITH BRICK

Five juveniles in Philadelphia have been taken into custody in connection the assault of a Temple University student with a brick on Friday evening.

The five girls, ages 14, 15 and 17, were arrested early on Tuesday afternoon after police released security camera footage of the gang who also punched two other students in separate incidents within a 20 minute time span.

The five girls have all been interviewed at least three will be charged. The 15-year-old who used a brick to beat a 19-year-old student is expected to be charged with aggravated assault.

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Piers Morgan Signs Off CNN Show With Final Plea For Gun Control

LOS ANGELES – CNN host Piers Morgan issued one last plea for U.S. gun control as he wrapped up his show's three-year run.

Morgan devoted the prime-time show's final minutes Friday night to the issue that he said has been a "consistent and often very controversial" part of "Piers Morgan Live."

The British-born host cited gun violence statistics and expressed dismay that mass shootings including those in Newtown, Conn., and Aurora, Colo., haven't led to stricter laws.

Morgan blamed politicians that he said had been bullied into "cowardly" silence by a gun lobby led by the National Rifle Association.
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FEC NOT SATISFIED WITH HARRY REID'S EXPLANATION OF 'HOLIDAY GIFTS' TO GRANDDAUGHTER

On Tuesday, Reid announced he would reimburse his campaign, Friends of Harry Reid, the $17,000 they gave his granddaughter for “holiday gifts,” but the Federal Election Commission is not satisfied.

A spokeswoman for the FEC acknowledged that Reid’s plan to reimburse the money may not be sufficient to keep the FEC from auditing or penalizing him. The organization wrote Friends of Harry Reid to demand that they “include a brief statement or description … to clarify” why $17,000 was given to his granddaughter, Ryan Elisabeth Reid.

Reid has until April 25th to offer a clear explanation for his actions.

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O'Malley, Brown Pushing For Last Minute Health Care Sign Ups

With three days to go before the enrollment period ends for Marylanders to sign up for health insurance, Governor Martin O'Malley says there are still problems with the state's health exchange website.

In spite of those problems, the governor says the total number of Marylanders has exceeded the goal the state first set for the six month enrollment period, though fewer people than expected have enrolled in private insruance plans.

As for the website, the governor says things are improving.

"It is not a drive-thru McDonald's by any means. We still experience difficulties," O'Malley told reporters today.
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The Average Burger King Outlet Earns Half As Much As A McDonald’s. Why?

Competitors McDonald’s and Burger King sell similar food to similar customers, and both use a franchise business model. Yet, on average, a McDonald’s restaurant takes in about twice as much as the average Burger King restaurant. Why is that? Well, for starters, that creepy king mascot of theirs was driving women and children away.

The average McDonald’s earns $2.6 million every year, while the average Burger King takes in $1.2 million. Why is that? What are the other reasons for the disparity?

Off-peak business. Lunch is the peak time for fast food in general, but restaurants are open for most of the day. McDonald’s does more to get business at times that aren’t lunch or even dinner. People love Egg McMuffins, but what’s your favorite Burger King breakfast item? They have a nice breakfast menu, but you probably can’t name any iconic products from it.

There’s a reason why Taco Bell wants to enter the breakfast market, and it’s not because of a profound love of waffles.

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Legion To Host Event Honoring Vietnam Veterans

The American Legion Synepuxent Post #166 will again host its Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day tomorrow, Saturday, at 2308 Philadelphia Avenue.

The same date in 1973 marked the official departure of the last U.S. troops from Vietnam and is celebrated nationwide as Vietnam Veterans Day. Last year, more than 60 veterans and their family members attended the local event.

The new Ocean City Chapter #1091 of the Vietnam Veterans of America will attend the welcome home event, which takes place from 1-3 p.m. tomorrow.

As its President Nelson Kelly explained, the day remains significant for the veterans.
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Obamacare’s Dependency Agenda

A Pennsylvania widow resists being pushed into welfare.

Helen lives in Pennsylvania. Her experience with Obamacare has left her so humiliated that she wants to keep her surname to herself.

Helen’s pride and self-respect reflect her intense sense of independence. This 60-year-old widow, a self-employed house cleaner, has survived on an annual personal income of approximately $15,000. She pays her own Social Security taxes and tells me that she never has accepted a penny of public assistance. She always has wanted to rely only on herself.

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Ocean City Introduces ‘Vacation Day’ Marketing Campaign

OCEAN CITY – Ocean City’s new television commercials for the 2014 summer season have been under wraps for the past several months but were debuted to the local business community this week.

“They were giddy,” Council Secretary Mary Knight said of the business community’s reaction.

Tourism Director Donna Abbott presented the spots to the Mayor and City Council during Monday evening’s legislative meeting for the public to see.

“We previewed them today at the Season Kickoff Meeting with members of the business community, which was very well attended. They [commercials] were very well received. There was a lot of excitement with applause and laughter, all very favorable, so we are very excited about this year’s campaign,” Abbott said.
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Bill Cosby on “Far From Finished” Tour

Makes an Appearance at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center

Tickets go on sale Friday, April 4th at 10 a.m.

Salisbury, MD – Do not miss the iconic Bill Cosby on his sell-out Comedy Central “Far From Finished” Tour. One of America’s most beloved comedians of all time, Bill Cosby, whose comedy transcends age, gender and cultural barriers, is making a rare appearance at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center on Friday, June 20 at 8 p.m. Cosby has captivated generations of fans with his comedy routines, iconic albums and best-selling books, including "Fatherhood," "Time Flies" and his current bestseller, "I Didn’t Ask to Be Born, (But I’m Glad I Was.)"

Tickets range from $38.50 to $84 plus fees and go on sale Friday, April 4 at 10 a.m. Tickets can be purchased online at www.WicomicoCivicCenter.org, by phone at 410.548.4911 or in person at the WY&CC Box Office, which is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Bill Cosby broke television’s racial barrier with "I Spy," becoming the first African American to co-star on a television series while winning three consecutive Emmys. He created and produced the Emmy-winning cartoon "Fat Albert" and the "Cosby Kids," which began airing in the 1970s and was made into a film in 2004. The show, based upon Cosby’s childhood in Philadelphia, was designed to educate and entertain.

SFD Calls For Service 3-28-14

• Friday March, 28 2014 @ 22:18:12Nature: Abdominal PainCity: Salisbury
• Friday March, 28 2014 @ 22:11:26Nature: Medical AssistAddress: 810 Beaglin Park Dr Salisbury, MD 21801
• Friday March, 28 2014 @ 22:08:28Nature: Pro Qa EmsCity: Salisbury
• Friday March, 28 2014 @ 21:50:08Nature: Pi AccidentAddress: E Salisbury Pkwy and civic Ave Salisbury, MD 21801
• Friday March, 28 2014 @ 21:46:54Nature: Pi AccidentAddress: E Salisbury Pkwy and civic Ave Salisbury, MD 21801
• Friday March, 28 2014 @ 17:36:49Nature: Medical AssistAddress: 2640 N Salisbury Blvd Salisbury, MD 21801
• Friday March, 28 2014 @ 16:52:20Nature: Non BreathingAddress: 200 Civic Ave Salisbury, MD 21801

Wave of lawmaker arrests: They’re all Democrats

Establishment media shy about reporting party

More than a dozen recent cases of criminal charges or investigations against elected officials, including a rash of arrests in just the past couple of days, have one major thing in common.

They’re all Democrats, and, in many instances, establishment media seems loath to report that fact.

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Has a plague already arrived? 205 Americans die each day after acquiring superbug hospital infections

If a jumbo jet crashed into the ocean every single day, it would roughly equal the number of Americans who die each day following superbug infections acquired at U.S. hospitals. Far from being some hyped-up scare story, that’s actually the conclusion of none other than the CDC, which has now publicly warned that 1 in 25 hospital patients gets infected and tens of thousands die each year.

“On any given day, 1 in 25 hospital patients has at least one healthcare-associated infection,” reports the CDC newsroom.(1)

“The CDC’s 2011 survey of 183 hospitals showed that an estimated 648,000 patients nationwide suffered 721,000 infections, and 75,000 of them died,” reports the Washington Post.(2)

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State Eyes Arundel Effort To Withhold Tax Refunds For People With Open Warrants

An Anne Arundel County program that withholds tax refunds from people with outstanding warrants — and last year enticed hundreds of people to turn themselves in — could be expanded to Baltimore and possibly even statewide.

The idea, tried by county Sheriff Ron Bateman, has produced impressive results. Last year, his office sent letters to 446 people with warrants, saying refunds wouldn't be mailed until they settled their legal issues. The result: 345 people — 77 percent of those notified — turned themselves in, including some who faced criminal charges for assault, drugs and prostitution.

That has drawn attention from officials across the state.

"Everybody is all about money," said Washington County Sheriff Douglas Mullendore. "If they think they're going to lose a couple hundred dollars, they might as well turn themselves in."
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Picturing Our Dystopian World - Where Less Is More

The economic growth expectations for the world in 2014 just plunged to fresh lows at a mere 2.78% - that is 15% "less" growth than was expected a year ago. The world's equity markets are up 25% "more" than at the start of 2013. Thus, our dysfunctional dystopian world where 'less' economic growth is 'more' wealth-creating. Long live the central bank utopia...

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LOWE'S SHOPPERS BE AWARE - PART 2

Mr. Joe, 

Thank you for publishing the story about crime at LOWE'S HOME IMPROVEMENT STORE on Sussex Hwy., in Seaford, Delaware. There are additional informations that came to light and they are quite disturbing. As I mentioned previously there were 2 seperate occurances of crime in the same area of Commercial Parking lot near Entrance/Exit of LOWES Lumber Dept. I will give Timeline and Info on these events, We have been told there is ongoing investigation on the matter, so we will not be revealing any names at this time. Monday March 24, 2014 Crime #1 between 12:45 pm to 1;15 pm Male customer reports his 2 Nail-Guns were stolen from his truck which was parked at the above mentioned location, while he was inside the store. It is unknown if the nailguns were stolen from inside the truck or from the pickup bed, but we know he was in the store for only 15 mins. We would like this gentleman to provide more info on this and send us an email on address provided below. Crime #2 between 2:45 pm to 3:31 pm Another male customer Mr. M. parks his vehicle Chevrolet Cargo Van with attached trailer into the same parking lot and into the same spot. He locks all doors except back panel door which is facing LOWES STORE, about 20 feet from their Sliding Glass Door. He goes inside. Whle inside picking through lumber, he notices something odd or strange, but doesn't think much of it and continues his shopping. He pays for his purchase at 3:31 at the checkout and walks outside and immediatelly notices the Back Panel Door of his van is swung wide open. The large Air Compressor which was tied with bungee cord has been stolen. He notices the handle on the trailer is also bent which confirms his suspicion of Compressor being pulled and carried out the back door. He also noticed that one vehicle which was parked nearby is not there and left. That vehicle is model 1998-2001 Dodge Ram 1500 Extended Cab, two-tone dark red & silver, presumably with DE tag. After speaking with LOWE'S employees in the area, Seaford Police is contacted and their Officer X. writes the report of the incident. At 4:46 pm customer Mr. M. receives phone call from female Manager of Lowes in Seaford, thanking him for his business and sorry for his loss, and informing him THERE IS NO SURVEILLANCE TAPE AVAILABLE. Next day Mr. M. calls and speaks with Seaford Police Officer X., who confirms there is no surveillance tape, because he was told 'THE CAMERA WAS TURNED IN OPPOSIITE DIRECTION, THEREFORE THERE IS NO RECORDING FOR ALL DAY'. So, based on the information we have, we have decided to seek legal help on this matter, We welcome any legal advice to send email to MartinKing40@aol.com Update -- We have unconfirmed report about similar crime happened in Salisbury on Tuesday March 25th, this time perpetrators broke into locked vehicle.

Sheriff’s Office Requests Funding Increases

Sheriff Reggie Mason is asking for a 12 percent increase for his fiscal year 2015 budget.

If the Worcester County Commissioners grant his request, his office would have a budget of $6.99 million, an increase of $752,041 over the current budget of $6.28 million.

That requested increase includes $189,535 for salaries for additional deputies, part-time employees and increased hours for school safety deputies, $121,795 for law enforcement maintenance, supplies and equipment and $431,157 for new vehicles.

The biggest portion of the requested budget for personnel, $5.33 million, is 4 percent higher than the current $5.13 million and is expected to continue to grow in future years.

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SR 1 Road Rage Incident Leads to Shooting

Location: SR 1 Northbound at the Biddles Toll Plaza, Middletown, DE

Date of Occurrence: Saturday, March 29, 2014 at 2:15 a.m.

Victim: 20 year old male

Suspects:
4 unknown males, no physical description or clothing description available at this time. At least 1 suspect armed with an unknown type handgun. Suspects occupied an unknown make or model sedan type vehicle described as dark in color. Suspect vehicle should have a shattered rear driver side window from the altercation

Resume:
Middletown-Troopers are investigating an early morning shooting in the parking lot of the Biddles Toll Plaza as result of a possible road rage incident on SR 1, leaving a 20 year old male in critical condition.

Preliminary investigation indicates that the incident occurred on Saturday, March 29, 2014 at approximately 2:15 a.m. as the 20 year old male victim was a passenger in a Toyota Camry being operated by a second 20 year old male, traveling SR 1 northbound approximately 3 miles south of the Biddles Toll Plaza, Middletown.

26 arrested in gang-related Portsmouth bus

Portsmouth, Va. – Portsmouth Police’s Gang Suppression Unit have arrested 26 people after a long-term investigation into the Gangster Disciples Criminal Street Gang.

The unit focused on the sale and distribution of drugs and firearms in Portsmouth.

Indictments for the 26 suspects were approved by a Portsmouth Grand Jury and the Gang Suppression Unit on March 6th.

The task of locating and arresting the suspects began afterwards.

Over 11 pounds of marijuana as well as large amounts of DMT/MDMA hallucinogens, prescription drugs, heroin, cocaine, THC lollipops, and several firearms were recovered.

Over 150 charges were handed out.

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Stunned Turtle Rescued In Ocean City Eyes Release

OCEAN CITY — A “cold-stunned” sea turtle rescued in Ocean City in November has completely recovered and is now ready for a re-release in sunny Florida after an extensive rehabilitation at the National Aquarium in Baltimore.

The juvenile green sea turtle was rescued in Ocean City by a volunteer with the Marine Animal Rescue Program (MARP) in late November after falling victim to the cold-stunned phenomena that affected thousands of sea turtles up and down the Atlantic coast through much of the winter. Hundreds of sea turtles were discovered on the beaches in the mid-Atlantic region and many were rescued and taken to rehabilitation centers including the National Aquarium.

The sea turtles hit patches of extremely cold water in their typical migratory patterns to warmer climates and the cold water literally stuns them to the point their bodies start to shut down and they wash up on beaches. One of green sea turtles rescued in Ocean City in November, now affectionately known as “Chipper,” has been rehabilitating at the National Aquarium for the last few months and is now fully restored and ready for re-release. Chipper’s name was chosen as part of the aquarium’s pattern this winter to name rescued sea turtles after “Top Gun” movie characters.
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RON GEORGE STATEMENT ON ABANDONING THE HEALTH EXCHANGE

Renews calls for federal prosecutor to investigate influence of large corporate donors in procurement process

Annapolis, Md. – Republican gubernatorial candidate Ron George has issued the following statement regarding the O'Malley/Brown administration's decision to abandon the Maryland Health Exchange for a Connecticut model.

“We cannot allow the O'Malley/Brown administration to get away with wiping this scandal under the rug and forget that over $260 million taxpayer dollars were doled out to large corporate special interests in exchange for a broken website. The Maryland Health Exchange never stood a chance because the administration approached the Affordable Care Act as a pile of federal money they could convert into favors for political allies and donors. We have been taken to the cleaners by these vendors.

"I ask the Attorney General to take the primary contractors, including prolific O'Malley/Brown donors Maximus Inc, to court to win back our wasted taxdollars. As a sitting delegate, I call on the Department of Justice to appoint a federal prosecutor to begin investigations into how these vendors contracts were procured and at what stage these vendors knew the exchange was never going to effiectively operate. The citizens of Maryland deserve a full and thorough investigation into the collapse of our state exchange."

Salisbury Heritage/Host Lions Club Coach/Vera/Longaberger/Cash Bingo

More Parents Choose Homeschooling Due to Common Core

As Common Core champions like Jeb Bush, Bill Gates, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce continue to attack parents, teachers, and taxpayers for what they claim are “myths” spread about the centralized standards initiative, many parents across the nation are not convinced.

They are refusing to subject their children to the stress, pressure, and confusion associated with the Common Core by opting out of the assessments aligned with the standards, or by withdrawing them from school and choosing homeschooling instead.

WHNT 19 News in Alabama reports a growing number of families making the decision to withdraw their children from school in order to homeschool because of “confusion,” “chaos,” and stress related to the Common Core standards.

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Maryland Lawmakers Put Official State Sandwich On Menu

From the official state bird, the Baltimore Oriole, to the official state dessert, the Smith Island Cake, Maryland has just about every state symbol covered. But that’s not enough for some lawmakers who — for the second year in a row — are trying to add one more “official” to the pile: a state sandwich.

A proposal to make the soft-shell crab sandwich the state’s official sandwich passed in the Senate but went stale in the House during the 2013 session. However, advocates have put it back on the menu — it’s being debated again this year in both chambers.

A soft-shell crab is simply a crab which has molted its shell, thus making it soft. The first full moon in May traditionally marks the beginning of the season for the delicacy, which is fried whole and stuck between two pieces of bread — complete with the legs sticking out the sides.

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Ribbon Cutting for The Center for Women's Health

Salisbury, Md. - On March 26, 2014, the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce assisted with a ribbon cutting for The Center for Women's Health located at 659 South Salisbury Blvd., Suite 4. The Center relocated to a new suite next door, which offers a warm and welcoming environment and has allowed for an expansion of services. The Center focuses on the management of women's health at all stages of their lives and the services were developed to provide an unparalleled level of care that women both want and deserve. At the Center for Women’s Health, patients can expect to receive the most advanced diagnostic and treatment options currently available. Dr. Vincent Killeen, MD, FACOG, OB/GYN Surgeon, and Kerri Ellinger, PA-C, and their entire staff are committed to helping patients maintain a healthy lifestyle. The Center was designed with comfort and health in mind. From massage chairs and a coffee station in the lobby to elegantly decorated rooms with a private changing area complete with cotton robes and even chocolate! Visit their website to learn more about the services are available,www.healthcareyoudeserve.com.

HISTORICAL COMMENTS BY GEORGE CHEVALLIER 3-29-14

Main St. Icon

There are two artifacts from Main St. in Salisbury that evoke memories of a bygone era. One is the “Big Shoe” that graced the front of E. Homer White’s shoe store and is now in the collection of Wicomico Historical Society’s artifacts overseen by the NabbCenter in Salisbury. In fact, the history of Salisbury, can be seen at various times when the Nabb puts it out on display.

The other is the Peanut Roaster of Tom Cinno. This is also in the collection at theNabb Center.

The above picture shows Tom Cinno’s grandson, also named Tom, outside the confectionery at 243 Main St. (old address – presently 229-231A W. Main St.) The peanut roaster is clearly visible in the picture. The roaster was rolled out in front of the confectionery every day and not rolled around town as some people thought. Behind the current false front on the building is a gas hook-up for the roaster. The bags of hot roasted peanuts were a tradition on Main St. from the 1920’s through WWII. On chilly winter evenings, downtown shoppers would buy two bags and use them to warm their hands in their pockets. Many a bag was sold to the attendees of the old Ulman Theater across the street. In those days the city’s street sweeper was a man with a push cart and a broom, He swept up many a peanut shell.

Tom Cinno changed his name to Cinno when he came to America in the early part of the Twentieth Century. The family name was Cimino (pronounced “cha mino” but he Americanized it as did a lot of other immigrants. I have also heard the story from his granddaughter that his peanut bags were printed “Cimino’s Peanuts” and that the company from which he obtained the bags misprinted the order to read “Cinno’s Peanuts”. He couldn’t afford to throw the bags away and order more, so he used them. After that he was known as Tom Cinno. Every reference I can find refers to him as Tom Cinno. The first listing is the Salisbury City Directory of 1921. I was intrigued by this because I knew his son, Sam Cinno, and his two grandchildren. His grandson, also Tom, was born in the 1930’s and I always knew him as Tom Cinno. However, his sister, Nona, was a year ahead of me at St. Francis and I always knew her as Nona Cimino. Tom now goes by the name of his birth certificate – Tom Cimino.

Another fascinating bit of information is the fact that when he came over from Italy, he came with his best friend, Johnny Testa. They both worked in Louisiana,Chicago and Baltimore to get enough money to bring their families over. They finally settled in Salisbury. Johnny’s son was also named Johnny and, along with Sam Cerniglia, started what was to become the premier restaurant in Salisbury – Johnny’s and Sammy’s.

A Comment Worthy Of A Post 3-29-14

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Another Plant Closing In Salisbury?":

I know this posting is a few days old but I'll leave a comment anyway about K & L Microwave which has been in business over 30 years. Having been employed there the last 23 years I have seen our business succeed though low points and come out strongly profitable and continue to grow. In the last 5 years we have declined in profitability but still maintained a healthy future earnings outlook. The last 24 months I have seen cutbacks in staff. Cuts is production supply's. Building maintenance has been reduced to where our facility looks sad at best. This was a once thriving company and now all we hear from management is what we're not doing right with the little we have to do it with. We have stacks of test equipment too old to fix and too expensive to replace. We recently switched production suppliers(they supply hardware, razor blades, production aids, etc) all made in China and all the bare minimum in quality. Junk. The outlook for us is grim at this point. Our main source of purchase orders were coming from military contractors. You can imagine what has happened to that demand under Obama. Most of our purchase orders now are commercial(which means low profitability) and overseas reps. If our mother company wants to see us continue. There is no way we can hit any kind of acceptable profitability in the state of Maryland with the average revenue we're generating. None. Not to mention the added burden of being in Wicomico County. For us the writing is on the wall.

Senate Gives First Ok To "Moneyball" Or "Minority Report" Bail Bill

The Maryland Senate is now just a vote away from approving a plan to rework the bail system and depend more on data, in what the bill's sponsor calls a "moneyball" approach.

The Senate advanced the bill Friday, rejecting amendments that would have delayed or derailed it.

The bill is expected to get a final vote in the Senate on Monday night.

The bill is a response to a Court of Appeals decision, requiring the state to provide a public defender at every bail hearing for indigent defendants. Sen. Brian Frosh, D-Montgomery, the sponsor of the data-based plan, says the state could avoid this requirement at the earliest bail stage by replacing the first hearing with an automated system that uses criminal history data.

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The Person You Are Trying To Reach Is Not Available, Blah, Blah, Blah!

For the life of me I just can't understand how after 20 plus years now we all have to listen to a recorded message telling us the person we're trying to reach is not available. At the tone please leave a message and if you'd like to leave a call back number, blah, blah, blah.

OK Verizon, I THINK WE GET IT! Drop the voice recording and let us get back to the business at hand. Are you with me Folks?

Kent County Drug Unit Arrests Three for Heroin Distribution

Location: Unit block of Wayne Drive, Dover, DE

Date of Occurrence: Thursday March 27, 2014 at approximately 12:55 p.m.

Defendant, Charges, and Bond Information:

Kenneth E. Randolph, 52, Dover, DE
Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (2 counts)
Possession with Intent to Deliver Heroin
Possession of Heroin
Possession of a Deadly Weapon by a Person Prohibited (5 counts)
Receiving a Stolen Firearm
Failure to Re-Register as a Sex Offender
Conspiracy 2nd
Endangering the Welfare of a Child (2 counts)
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (2 counts)

Arraigned at JP2 and committed to James T. Vaughn Correctional Center on $56,200.00 cash bond.

Jermaine D. Brinkley, 28, Dover, DE
Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (2 counts)
Possession with Intent to Deliver Heroin
Possession of Heroin
Possession of a Deadly Weapon by a Person Prohibited (5 counts)
Receiving a Stolen Firearm
Conspiracy 2nd
Endangering the Welfare of a Child (2 counts)
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (2 counts)

Arraigned at JP2 and committed to James T. Vaughn Correctional Center on $55,200.00 cash bond.

Zashonna L. Wayman, 25, Dover, DE
Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
Possession with Intent to Deliver Heroin
Possession of Heroin
Possession of a Deadly Weapon by a Person Prohibited (2 counts)
Receiving a Stolen Firearm
Conspiracy 2nd
Endangering the Welfare of a Child (2 counts)
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (2 counts)

Arraigned at JP2 and released after posting $45,700.00 secured bond.

Resume:
Dover, DE – The Delaware State Police Kent County Drug Unit have arrested three people after the culmination of a month long investigation into illegal drug sales from a residence on Wayne Drive.

On Thursday March 27, 2014, the Kent County Drug Task Force along with the assistance of the Ken County Governor’s Task Force (GTF) and Delaware State Police Special Operations Response Team (SORT) conducted a search warrant in the unit block of Wayne Drive, Dover. Upon executing the search warrant, Zashonna L. Wayman and Kenneth E. Randolph were taken into custody without incident. Two juvenile children were also in the house and were turned over to relatives at the scene. The search revealed a total of 546 bags of heroin weighing approximately 10.92 grams, two fully loaded 9mm handguns and ammunition, drug paraphernalia, and over $2,800.00 in suspected drug proceeds.

BWI THURGOOD MARSHALL AIRPORT WELCOMES ALASKA AIRLINES

New Airline for BWI Marshall Adds Year-Round,Transcontinental Service to Seattle

ANNAPOLIS, MD -- Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport welcomed the announcement that Alaska Airlines will start nonstop service between BWI Marshall and Seattle on September 2, 2014. Alaska Airlines is a new carrier for BWI Marshall.

“The addition of Alaska Airlines further demonstrates the strength of BWI Marshall Airport and the State of Maryland,” said Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley. “The new nonstop service will enhance BWI Marshall as a key economic generator for Maryland and the entire National Capital region.”

Alaska Airlines will fly one daily roundtrip between BWI Marshall and the airline’s hub at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The new service will be offered by the airline on its Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

Standing Up for Maryland And the "Forgotten Marylanders"

Over the past few days, Melinda and I stopped and visited with friends and supporters in all parts of the state. Last week we visited 10 counties. And this past Monday alone we drove 400 miles and made campaign stops in Montgomery, Calvert, St. Mary's, and Charles counties. Then we headed back to Montgomery and then on to Baltimore and Carroll counties. We just want to say "thank you" to all the nice people we met. At one of our stops on the Eastern Shore, Salisbury to be exact, I talked with Republican blogger and consultant, Jackie Wellfonder.

David Craig with Republican leader, Jackie Wellfonder in Salisbury.

Melinda Craig speaking to the Republican women of St. Mary's County.

I mentioned to her that she and the Eastern Shore are the "Forgotten Marylanders." I wanted her and all of her friends to know that when I am governor, they will be heard.

For me, a visit to the Eastern Shore is not a trip to the beach. It is a chance to connect with people who have been left behind. With Jeannie Haddaway as your Lieutenant Governor, the Eastern Shore will have one of its own, making, shaping and influencing policy.

  

And while the campaign continues to criss-cross the state, it becomes more and more apparent that we need to reverse the reckless taxes, spending and policies of the O'Malley-Brown administration, before it is too late.

  

This week I made a number of policy announcements that would reverse the O'Malley-Brown madness that is killing our state.

  Harford County Executive David Craig Decries

Governor's Budget Gimmicks

  

(ANNAPOLIS, Md) Today, Harford County Executive and Republican candidate for governor, David R. Craig released a statement on Governor Martin O'Malley's plan to use $100 million from the pension system to close a deficit in his budget.

"It's unfortunate that the Governor treats the pension system as his own piggy bank. And more disappointing is the fact that just a few years ago he told state employees, teachers, first responders, and other union workers that they needed to pay more to ensure the solvency of the pension system, promising them that the money would be there for their retirement, only to use the funds to balance his budget. Read more. 

 Craig-Haddaway Call Out "Failing"by State Leaders 

Delegate and candidate for Lt. Governor Jeannie Haddaway and House GOP caucus offer an alternative budget that reduces the size of departments and agencies by 3% a year.

 

As the O'Malley-Brown budget is being considered in the House of Delegates, Jeannie and I released the following joint statement;

(ANNAPOLIS, Md) "Maryland's budget has increased from $28.8 billion in actual spending in 2007 to $39.2 billion proposed for fiscal year 2015, a spending increase of 36% over seven years.

  

"As spending has gone up at record levels, basic management and oversight of core government functions has gone down.  The state's top elected officials are failing in areas where they once boasted Maryland was a national leader. Read more.

Make Plans Now- Special Campaign Events-Mark Your Calendar!

  

Wednesday, April 2nd-"Happy Hour with David Craig" Share Happy Hour with David at Red Brick Station in Whitemarsh, Maryland, 6pm to 8pm. Tickets are $75 per person and $125 per couple. Click here for all details. 

Sunday, April 13th-"Watermen of the Chesapeake" welcome you to support David R. Craig, noon to 4pm at Sailwinds Park, Cambridge, Maryland. Sailwinds Fundraiserand Donation Information.

Monday, April 14th--- Join Governor Bob Ehrlich for a Reception & Book Signing in support of Harford County Executive & Gubernatorial Candidate, David R. Craig, at Bellisimo in Bel Air. Click here for all details.

A Comment Worthy Of A Post 3-29-14

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Critical WTE facts not reaching public":

I sent this information to Matt Holloway and he is a big supporter of this idea. Didn't hear squat from Stevie, Gail said she would share it with the other members and only Bob Culver bothered to call me to discuss. And he said he's not in favor of it. Tricky Ricky never called me back. 

1.The proposed WTE Incinerator plans are based on financial, technological, and environmental assumptions that are inaccurate, out of date, misleading, or false.

2.The Northeast Maryland Waste Disposal Authority (Authority) plans to borrow approximately $500 million to construct the plant. Repayment is guaranteed by your system benefit charge (SBC) on your property tax bill.

3.The plant will cost millions to operate which are guaranteed by contract to increase approximately 3% per year and will be billed to county taxpayers via System Benefit Charge.

4.Frederick County long hauled 157,000 tons of trash in 2011. Frederick as host County will have to dispose of 151,000 tons of ash resulting from trash imported from other jurisdictions. Frederick County will still need a landfill to bury the ash either in county or long haul it to another landfill.

5.The Authority assumes annual income from electricity sales of $33.2 million based on selling the power at $87.38 per megawatt hour (MWh). Currently the wholesale price of electricity is less than half that amount and decreasing (Wall Street Journal April 10, 2012). Revenue shortfalls will increase the Service Benefit Charge on your property tax bill.

6.Frederick County has not announced even one county signed up to provide trash to the incinerator and appears to be losing Carroll County as a partner. Since all revenue assumptions are based on a plant at full capacity, volume shortages will cause the net cost to increase which taxpayers will pay for via System Benefit Charges.

7.The incinerator contractor is seeking permits to burn up to 40 million pounds of tires per year, emit up to 90 pounds of mercury per year, and discharge 400,000 gallons of contaminated waste water per day into the Potomac River. This pollution will continue every year for thirty years.

8.At full capacity, the incinerator will emit 10 million pounds of particulate matter per year, including mercury, lead and dioxin. These emissions are in very small particles that can lead to serious health problems and environmental damage as they accumulate and persist in the air, water, land and our bodies.

9.The incinerator will be located within 3 miles of 7 schools and 4 daycare facilities exposing thousands of children to the emissions noted above.

10.Alternatives are available for solid waste disposal that cost less than incineration and are better for the environment. These alternatives include recycling, reuse, and composting.

FBI Raids Assemblyman Bill Scarborough’s Office

Federal agents today raided the Albany and city offices of Queens Democratic Assemblyman Bill Scarborough, the FBI confirmed this afternoon.

“The FBI conducted searches today of the Albany and New York City Offices of New York State Assemblyman William Scarborough,” FBI Albany spokesman Paul Holstein said in a statement. “At this time, no further information is being released.”

A spokeswoman for the bureau’s city office said the search was conducted as part of “an ongoing FBI investigation,” but declined to discuss whether any items were removed, what specifically agents were looking for, or the nature of the investigation.

Reporters at the Capital spotted boxes — sealed with yellow tape and marked “evidence” — being carried out of Mr. Scarborough’s legislative office in Albany, according to Capital Tonight.

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Wisdom

Men in the Girl's Bathroom? by Delegate Kathy Szeliga

 SB 212, Transgender Rights Law 

Dubbed the bathroom bill for good reason ...

A good title does not make a good bill.  Case in point is SB 212, Fairness for All Marylanders Act of 2014.  This bill sounds great.  Don't we all want "fairness for all Marylanders?"  What SB 212 really does is jeopardize the safety of women and little girls by allowing predators and pedophiles access to the women's bathrooms, locker rooms, shower rooms and other similar places.  This bill is poorly written and ignores the responsibility to protect us from those who would do harm to others.  The supporters of this measure have neglected to consider those who would pretend to be transgenders and abuse the law.   

  

SB 212 language says a person can change their gender identity by "any other evidence that the gender identity is sincerely held as part of the person's core identity."  Pedophiles and sexual predators are clearly mentally ill.  All they must do after this bill passes is to claim that they are in the women's bathroom or locker room because they have a, "sincerely held belief" that they are a woman.  This is terrible policy and law making.

  

I offered a great amendment to exclude facilities where women do not expect to see men, like public bathrooms.  Unfortunately, this bill was fast-tracked by the Democrat majority and any and all amendments were rejected.  Even when it was revealed on the House floor that a man who "sincerely believes" he is a woman - even though he has male parts - would be able to use a women's shower room/locker room at a public pool.  Can you imagine your young daughter or granddaughter in the pool changing room or bathroom with a fully grown man?  This is just not right.   

  

Finally, I find it very troubling that the state will be adding people confused about which sex they are, (transgenders) to the list of people who have faced discrimination because of; race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, and now - GENDER IDENTITY.  

  

I voted no.  The House of Delegates vote can be found here.  CLICK HERE TO SEE HOUSE VOTE

Citi Fails Fed Stress Test … The REAL Story

Bloomberg reports that Citigroup has failed the Fed’s new round of stress tests:

Citigroup Inc.’s capital plan was among five that failed Federal Reserve stress tests, while Goldman Sachs Group Inc. and Bank of America Corp. passed only after reducing their requests for buybacks and dividends.

Citigroup, as well as U.S. units of Royal Bank of Scotland Group Plc, HSBC Holdings Plc and Banco Santander SA, failed because of qualitative concerns about their processes, the Fed said today in astatement. Zions Bancorporation was rejected as its capital fell below the minimum required. The central bank approved plans for 25 banks.

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