ANNAPOLIS, MD (February 2, 2010) – Governor Martin O’Malley delivered the 2010 State of the State address today before a joint session of the Maryland General Assembly, his fourth such address as Governor. The Governor’s address focused on job creation initiatives, and the need to work together, as One Maryland, to bring our State through this national economic recession more quickly than other states.
“In times of great adversity, we don’t make excuses – we make progress. We set aside partisanship and embrace the power of citizenship, guided by the values which unite us,” said Governor O’Malley. “In every part of our State I meet good people who have worked hard all their lives, only to watch their piece of the American dream slip away because of forces seemingly beyond their control. To rebuild and restore our economy, we must help our businesses create and save jobs. Jobs from innovation in science, security, and discovery. Jobs of noble and valuable service. Jobs that create and rebuild our vital connections of travel, trade, and business. Jobs that revitalize and restore our environment. Jobs in teaching, manufacturing, and healing. They all matter.”
A complete text of the Governor’s text as prepared for delivery is available here.
Governor O’Malley stressed the need for smart, sustainable government, noting that progress is only possible with fiscal responsibility. For four straight years, Governor O’Malley has submitted, and the General Assembly has passed, a budget that falls within strict spending affordability guidelines. And for the first time since the 1930s, General Fund spending is less now than it was four years ago. Total spending reductions are $5.6 billion under the O’Malley-Brown Administration, including over 3,500 state positions.
Maryland is one of only seven states to retain a Triple A bond rating, certified by all three major rating agencies. Maryland’s unemployment rate remains over 25 percent below the national average, and Maryland’s rate of job change was better than all but five other states last year.
Despite these positive economic indicators in Maryland, too many Maryland families are struggling through this recession, facing the loss of a job or their homes through no fault of their own. Governor O’Malley outlined specific strategies to create jobs, protect homeownership, and drive economic progress.
“Because of your work and the persistence of non-profit housing counselors and pro bono lawyers, many homes in Maryland have been saved, but many more have been lost in the relentless, grinding, home-destroying machinery of national mortgage companies. If they can pick up the phone to put a family into a home, shouldn’t they be able to pick up the phone before throwing a family out of their home,” Governor O’Malley said, urging members of the General Assembly to pass foreclosure mediation legislation that gives every Maryland homeowner the right to meet face-to-face with the mortgage company as part of a foreclosure proceeding.
He went on to outline initiatives to create jobs in Maryland, including:
Job Creation and Recovery Tax Credit (HB 92) would provide businesses a $3,000 per employee tax credit for every unemployed Marylander they hire. This tax credit could combine with President Obama’s proposed $5,000 federal tax credit to promote job creation.
Streamline the loan approval process for small businesses and expand access to credit by creating the Maryland Small Business Credit Recovery Program, offering a loan guaranty on small business deals through the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development’s current loan guaranty program - the Maryland Industrial Development Financing Authority Program (MIDFA).
$83 million in immediate tax relief for Maryland small business owners, and the infusion of $127 million in federal funds to stabilize the unemployment insurance trust fund.
Expanding the existing Heritage Tax Credit, reauthorizing as a Sustainable Communities Tax Credit by making Main Streets, Maple Streets, and transit-oriented development projects eligible for the credit (in addition to historic properties).
Even in difficult economic conditions, the O’Malley-Brown Administration has made the tough choices to move our State forward, achieving real progress for Maryland families:
For the second straight year, Maryland has been ranked by Education Week magazine as the number one ranked public school system in the nation.
Alone among the 50 states – we have made college more affordable for more families in Maryland by going four years in a row without a penny’s increase in college tuition for Maryland residents.
Violent crime in Maryland has been driven to its lowest levels since 1987 – including the steepest three-year reduction in homicides since the 1970s, and a 46 percent reduction in juvenile homicides over the same period.
Nearly 115,000 more people in Maryland have health coverage today who did not have it three years ago – 60,000 of them children.
Four rivers of the Chesapeake Bay are now getting healthier every year rather than sicker, and the O’Malley-Brown Administration has preserved five and half times the amount of open space than we did before.
The Blue Crab population is rebounding, and we are finally embracing the power of a new aquaculture industry to bring back the native Oyster.
“But in order to move forward as One Maryland, there is another kind of work which we must do as a people. It is not the work of our hands or of our heads, but of our hearts. For there is a dark thing that has penetrated deep into our collective soul, a thing that has to be recognized, seen for what it is and rejected by us all. It is the debilitating and un-American idea that our children will not enjoy a better quality of life than we have, that somehow we are destined to decline, backslide and fail,” said Governor O’Malley. “With every fiber of my being, I reject this notion. I find it utterly unacceptable and so do the generations ahead of ours. This recession will end. Our journey is not over. And our best days are still in front of us.”
A complete text of the Governor’s text as prepared for delivery is available here.
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
.jpg)
County Council Meeting LIVE
In a packed house at the GOB, the County Council is reviewing a Power Point presentation. Public comment will follow. I will continue to update this Post as things progress.
Council wants to hold off any votes until the next meeting so the public has more time to review the information.
The Power Point is explaining how the Civic Center is such a gem to our community.
The Committee recommended the purchase of additional land for the Civic Center. They're discussing the lack of parking at the Civic Center.
$560,000.00 at risk if they lose the deal on the parking lot. Man, this is a complete crock. They're showing how much the County would lose if they don't buy the lot. I wonder how they've survived all these years.
They have admitted it will cost $330,000.00 per acre through Open Space oney from the State. NOT TRUE.
The State is offering $705,000.00 in hand for the purchase. They conveniently forgot who will pay the balance and are claiming they'll lose a lot of business from surrounding municipalities.
John Palmer, President of Voice is now speaking. John would have liked to see this meeting held at night so the public could attend. Mr. Pollitt claimed this open space money cannot be used for anything else. John is expressing how that is absolutely incorrect. They can divert that money to the roads division. O'Malley even agreed it was a great idea. Just because information is printed in the paper doesn't mean its true. John is concerned about liability. Crossing the road, lighting, the County will have more liability than what they're expressing.
They're going to have to remove the asphalt and they replacing it, adding 50% green space. Has there been any discussion as to what it will cost the taxpayers to "improve" the property, above and beyond the purchase price?
John Pick is now speaking for the Mayor. The Mayor supports the purchase. Blah, Blah, Blah, democrats supporting democrats.
Joe Shiller, (resident) is 100% in favor of the purchase and supports Rick Pollitt's Letter to the Editor.
Barbara Furbush is now speaking representing the Salisbury Kennel Club. They truly do use that space for Dog Show and could in fact lose all of their business if they cannot expand the parking lot and supports the purchase. This is one event I'd personally have to agree with.
One resident stated, if you want to add additional fees to each ticket sale to pay for the lot, good. Until then, these people from the Kennel Club Show are mainly coming in from out of state not paying the taxes to purchase the property.
The Hotel/Motel Association supports the purchase. Aren't these the same people that represent all of those Hotels/Motels that aren't able to pay their County/City taxes?
Getting back to the Salisbury Kennel Club above, Folks, I have to be fair and add, the Kennel Club had quite a reduction in traffic this past year. They suffered paying INCREASES the County charged them for leasing the Civic Center as well as their services, especially the Hospitality Suite. Now add a few million dollars to their overhead. I wonder if anyone will survive renting that space anyway?
Julie Brewington is now speaking, upset about the special interest groups there supporting this purchase. She is also upset with this not being a night time meeting. Our state is $2 billion in debt right now. This is one solution but it is not the only solution, (Very True Julie)
GA Harrison: Firmly against the purchase. We could charge for parking, yet Mr. Politt refuses to entertain such a proposal. I'll let GA express his opinion later.
Zia's is now speaking admitting they are one of the "special interests." He's claiming if they don't purchase the property his people could lose their jobs. Give me a freakin break. Another Government Business forcing taxpayers to spend money to support another local business to survive. I don't eat at Zia's because the food sucks. Mind you, I'm an Italian from the Bronx and grew up on REAL Italian food. You lost my business after the first time I walked into that place. Explain that Sir. Now he just said, "you have to spend money to make money." So WE need to spend our taxpayer money to make YOU money. UNBELIEVABLE!
Mary Ashonte, (sp?) is now speaking. She does support purchasing the land. She believes we'll make our money back. Does this woman just like to hear herself speak? She delivered no facts. She simply said that if you spend the money you'll make it back. OK Mary, do tell us why we should BELIEVE you, just because you say it? How much money has the Civic Center made for the taxpayers so far!
One gentleman is talking about maximizing tourism dollars. Does everyone realize the economy sucks right now. Granted, I'm not saying this is the wrong thing to do but buying land with false money doesn't work for me. That is, unless you have a printing press like Obama does.
Public Comment has closed.
Council wants to hold off any votes until the next meeting so the public has more time to review the information.
The Power Point is explaining how the Civic Center is such a gem to our community.
The Committee recommended the purchase of additional land for the Civic Center. They're discussing the lack of parking at the Civic Center.
$560,000.00 at risk if they lose the deal on the parking lot. Man, this is a complete crock. They're showing how much the County would lose if they don't buy the lot. I wonder how they've survived all these years.
They have admitted it will cost $330,000.00 per acre through Open Space oney from the State. NOT TRUE.
The State is offering $705,000.00 in hand for the purchase. They conveniently forgot who will pay the balance and are claiming they'll lose a lot of business from surrounding municipalities.
John Palmer, President of Voice is now speaking. John would have liked to see this meeting held at night so the public could attend. Mr. Pollitt claimed this open space money cannot be used for anything else. John is expressing how that is absolutely incorrect. They can divert that money to the roads division. O'Malley even agreed it was a great idea. Just because information is printed in the paper doesn't mean its true. John is concerned about liability. Crossing the road, lighting, the County will have more liability than what they're expressing.
They're going to have to remove the asphalt and they replacing it, adding 50% green space. Has there been any discussion as to what it will cost the taxpayers to "improve" the property, above and beyond the purchase price?
John Pick is now speaking for the Mayor. The Mayor supports the purchase. Blah, Blah, Blah, democrats supporting democrats.
Joe Shiller, (resident) is 100% in favor of the purchase and supports Rick Pollitt's Letter to the Editor.
Barbara Furbush is now speaking representing the Salisbury Kennel Club. They truly do use that space for Dog Show and could in fact lose all of their business if they cannot expand the parking lot and supports the purchase. This is one event I'd personally have to agree with.
One resident stated, if you want to add additional fees to each ticket sale to pay for the lot, good. Until then, these people from the Kennel Club Show are mainly coming in from out of state not paying the taxes to purchase the property.
The Hotel/Motel Association supports the purchase. Aren't these the same people that represent all of those Hotels/Motels that aren't able to pay their County/City taxes?
Getting back to the Salisbury Kennel Club above, Folks, I have to be fair and add, the Kennel Club had quite a reduction in traffic this past year. They suffered paying INCREASES the County charged them for leasing the Civic Center as well as their services, especially the Hospitality Suite. Now add a few million dollars to their overhead. I wonder if anyone will survive renting that space anyway?
Julie Brewington is now speaking, upset about the special interest groups there supporting this purchase. She is also upset with this not being a night time meeting. Our state is $2 billion in debt right now. This is one solution but it is not the only solution, (Very True Julie)
GA Harrison: Firmly against the purchase. We could charge for parking, yet Mr. Politt refuses to entertain such a proposal. I'll let GA express his opinion later.
Zia's is now speaking admitting they are one of the "special interests." He's claiming if they don't purchase the property his people could lose their jobs. Give me a freakin break. Another Government Business forcing taxpayers to spend money to support another local business to survive. I don't eat at Zia's because the food sucks. Mind you, I'm an Italian from the Bronx and grew up on REAL Italian food. You lost my business after the first time I walked into that place. Explain that Sir. Now he just said, "you have to spend money to make money." So WE need to spend our taxpayer money to make YOU money. UNBELIEVABLE!
Mary Ashonte, (sp?) is now speaking. She does support purchasing the land. She believes we'll make our money back. Does this woman just like to hear herself speak? She delivered no facts. She simply said that if you spend the money you'll make it back. OK Mary, do tell us why we should BELIEVE you, just because you say it? How much money has the Civic Center made for the taxpayers so far!
One gentleman is talking about maximizing tourism dollars. Does everyone realize the economy sucks right now. Granted, I'm not saying this is the wrong thing to do but buying land with false money doesn't work for me. That is, unless you have a printing press like Obama does.
Public Comment has closed.
A Recent Letter To Rick Pollitt
"Really Sir,
What are you thinking? I've written in the past to both the mayor and the governor about they're policy of buying land or starting unnecessary projects just because they can get the money from other coffers. It is still Our tax dollars being waisted. In a time when State & County employees are taking pay cuts, of which some are on the verge of Foreclosure or bankrupsy, government waste should not even have crossed your mind. That lot has been empty for years, it can stay that way until after this crisis is over, then you can go ahead and justify it. At this time we don't need to see our elected officials wasting our money. If this goes through, Expect to find yourself in a heated election, real soon.
I am sure that Salisbury News will remind everyone, during your next campaign, what a wastefull spender you were.
I hope you take my advice."
Tom Sawyer
What are you thinking? I've written in the past to both the mayor and the governor about they're policy of buying land or starting unnecessary projects just because they can get the money from other coffers. It is still Our tax dollars being waisted. In a time when State & County employees are taking pay cuts, of which some are on the verge of Foreclosure or bankrupsy, government waste should not even have crossed your mind. That lot has been empty for years, it can stay that way until after this crisis is over, then you can go ahead and justify it. At this time we don't need to see our elected officials wasting our money. If this goes through, Expect to find yourself in a heated election, real soon.
I am sure that Salisbury News will remind everyone, during your next campaign, what a wastefull spender you were.
I hope you take my advice."
Tom Sawyer
OCPD CONTINUE TO ARREST SUSPECTED DRUG DEALERS
On January 27 & 28, 2010, Ocean City Police Narcotics detectives concluded two different drug distribution investigations.
On January 27, 2010, OCPD detectives arrested Miranda L. Florio, 22-years-old of Ocean City, Maryland. Over the past two months; OCPD narcotics detectives conducted an undercover investigation of Florio for the illegal distribution of prescription drugs. Police obtained a Search and Seizure Warrant for Florio’s Ocean City residence and recovered various items of drug paraphernalia. Florio has been charged with three counts of distribution of prescription medication, and four counts of possession of controlled dangerous substances.
Florio was seen by an Ocean City District Court Commissioner and was held on $50,000 bond. Florio was transferred to the Worcester County Jail.
On January 28, 2010, the OCPD narcotics unit concluded a six-month drug distribution investigation with the arrest of Chase Allen Martin, 20-years-old of Ocean City, Maryland. OCPD detectives served a Search and Seizure Warrant at Martin’s Ocean City residence. Police recovered Marijuana, Morphine, Heroin and numerous prescription narcotics. Martin was charged with two counts of distribution of Marijuana, three counts of possession of Marijuana, four counts of possession of narcotic prescription medication and Theft under $1000.
Martin was seen by an Ocean City District Court Commissioner and was released after posting a $25,000 bond.
City Council Additional Work Session - February 8, 2010
PUBLIC NOTICE
The City Council has scheduled an additional work session for Monday, February 8, 2010.
The work session will begin following the conclusion of the Council’s regular 6:00 p.m. meeting in Council Chambers.
Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk
Make the right play to save your life and others.
Salisbury MD: The Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office announced today that they are teaming up with the National Football League (NFL), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and other State and local highway safety and law enforcement officials to remind everyone to designate a sober driver if they plan to be drinking alcohol on Super Bowl Sunday.
“We want to pass our safety message to everyone who will be drinking this weekend, real Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk,” said Sheriff Mike Lewis. “Please act responsibly, designate a sober driver before the Super Bowl party begins and leave your car keys at home.”
Super Bowl Sunday is one of America’s biggest and most entertaining national sporting events as friends and families gather to socialize and watch the big game. Yet, it has also become one of the Nation’s most dangerous days on the roadways due to impaired driving.
According to research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2008, fatalities in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes accounted for 32 percent of all motor vehicle traffic fatalities. On Super Bowl Sunday (February 3 to 5:59 am February 4), 49 percent of the fatalities occurred in crashes where a driver or motorcycle rider had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of .08 or higher.
“Designating a sober driver should be on the top of everyone’s Super Bowl party list,” said Sheriff Lewis. “It’s just one of several easy steps to help save lives.”
Additional tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration follows. To learn more information you can also visit www.stopimpaireddriving.org.
If you are hosting a Super Bowl party:
• Remember, you can be held liable and prosecuted if someone you served ends up in an impaired-driving crash.
• Make sure all of your guests designate their sober drivers in advance, or help arrange ride-sharing with other sober drivers.
• Serve lots of food and include lots of non-alcoholic beverages at the party.
• Stop serving alcohol at the end of the third quarter of the game and begin serving coffee and dessert.
• Keep the numbers for local cab companies handy, and take the keys away from anyone who is thinking of driving while impaired.
If you are attending a Super Bowl party or watching at a sports bar or restaurant:
• Designate your sober driver before the party begins and leave your car keys at home.
• Avoid drinking too much alcohol too fast. Pace yourself—eat enough food, take breaks, and alternate with non-alcoholic drinks.
• If you don’t have a designated driver, ask a sober friend for a ride home; call a cab, friend, or family member to come and get you; or just stay where you are and sleep it off until you are sober.
• Never let a friend get behind the wheel of their vehicle if you think they are about to drive while impaired. Remember, Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk.
• Always buckle up – it’s still your best defense against other impaired drivers.
Durbin, Schumer Prep For Fight With Donations To Senate Colleagues
The second- and third-ranking Senate Democratic leaders are doling out huge sums of cash, laying the groundwork for a leadership race should Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid lose reelection.
Sen. Charles Schumer (N.Y.), the vice chairman of the Democratic Conference, has been the biggest giver to Democratic Senate candidates, contributing $210,000 to colleagues and candidates.
During the same span, Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) has given $110,000 to Senate candidates.
The leaders gave money to newcomers and candidates facing tough races. But they also contributed to those whose reelection prospects seem solid, such as Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), who last won in liberal Vermont with 71 percent of the vote. While Leahy probably does not need the money for reelection, Durbin and Schumer may feel they need to contribute to his campaign to cement his loyalty.
Both lawmakers gave the money through their leadership political action committees (PACs), which allies say is a sign that they are preparing for a possible leadership battle if Reid (D-Nev.) loses reelection, a prospect that is looking more likely.
Spokesmen for Durbin and Schumer declined requests for comment.
“You have a leadership PAC for a reason: You give to people that you want to support you at some point in the future,” said a former aide to one of the Democratic leaders. “Is a future leadership race part of the calculation when you give? Yes, it is.”
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.), on the other hand, seems to be strengthening his grip on the top job, giving away $330,000 through his leadership PAC in 2009. That exceeds the $310,000 he doled out in 2008 and the $275,000 in 2007.
But McConnell is facing pressure from conservatives to move the party rightward. Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.), who has emerged as the strongest voice in the chamber for that movement, gave away $148,000 to candidates.
More.
Sen. Charles Schumer (N.Y.), the vice chairman of the Democratic Conference, has been the biggest giver to Democratic Senate candidates, contributing $210,000 to colleagues and candidates.
During the same span, Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) has given $110,000 to Senate candidates.
The leaders gave money to newcomers and candidates facing tough races. But they also contributed to those whose reelection prospects seem solid, such as Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), who last won in liberal Vermont with 71 percent of the vote. While Leahy probably does not need the money for reelection, Durbin and Schumer may feel they need to contribute to his campaign to cement his loyalty.
Both lawmakers gave the money through their leadership political action committees (PACs), which allies say is a sign that they are preparing for a possible leadership battle if Reid (D-Nev.) loses reelection, a prospect that is looking more likely.
Spokesmen for Durbin and Schumer declined requests for comment.
“You have a leadership PAC for a reason: You give to people that you want to support you at some point in the future,” said a former aide to one of the Democratic leaders. “Is a future leadership race part of the calculation when you give? Yes, it is.”
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.), on the other hand, seems to be strengthening his grip on the top job, giving away $330,000 through his leadership PAC in 2009. That exceeds the $310,000 he doled out in 2008 and the $275,000 in 2007.
But McConnell is facing pressure from conservatives to move the party rightward. Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.), who has emerged as the strongest voice in the chamber for that movement, gave away $148,000 to candidates.
More.
A Trip To Home Depot
Men's Age ... as Determined by a Trip to Home Depot
You are in the middle of some kind of project around the house- mowing the lawn, putting in a new fence, painting the living room, or whatever. You are hot and sweaty, covered in dirt or paint. You have your old work clothes on. You know the outfit - shorts with the hole in the crotch, old T-shirt with a stain from who knows what, and an old pair of tennis shoes.
Right in the middle of this great home improvement project you realize you need to run to Home Depot to get something to help complete the job.
Depending on your age you might do the following:
In your 20's:
Stop what you are doing. Shave, take a shower, blow dry your hair, brush your teeth, floss, and put on clean clothes. Check yourself in the mirror and flex. Add a dab of your favourite cologne because you never know, you just might meet some hot chick while standing in the checkout lane. And you went to school with the pretty girl running the register.
In your 30's:
Stop what you are doing, put on clean shorts and shirt. Change shoes. You married the hot chick so no need for much else. Wash your hands and comb your hair. Check yourself in the mirror. Still got it. Add a shot of your favourite cologne to cover the smell. The cute girl running the register is the kid sister to someone you went to school with.
In your 40's:
Stop what you are doing. Put on a sweatshirt that is long enough to cover the hole in the crotch of your shorts. Put on different shoes and a hat. Wash your hands. Your bottle of Brute Cologne is almost empty so you don't want to waste any of it on a trip to Home Depot. Check yourself in the mirror and do more sucking in than flexing. The spicy young thing running the register is your daughter's age and you feel weird thinking she is spicy.
In your 50's:
Stop what you are doing. Put a hat on, wipe the dirt off your hands onto your shirt. Change shoes because you don't want to get dog doo-doo in your new sports car. Check yourself in the mirror and you swear not to wear that shirt anymore because it makes you look fat. The Cutie running the register smiles when she sees you coming and you think you still have it. Then you remember the hat you have on is from Buddy's Bait &Beer Bar and it says, 'I Got Worms.'
In your 60's:
Stop what you are doing. No need for a hat anymore. Hose the dog doo-doo off your shoes. The mirror was shattered when you were in your 50's. You hope you have underwear on so nothing hangs out the hole in your pants. The girl running the register may be cute, but you don't have your glasses on so you are not sure.
In your 70's:
Stop what you are doing. Wait to go to Home Depot until the drug store has your prescriptions ready, too. Don't even notice the dog doo-doo on your shoes. The young thing at the register smiles at you because you remind her of her grandfather.
In your 80's:
Stop what you are doing. Start again. Then stop again. Now you remember you needed to go to Home Depot. Go to Wal-Mart instead and wander around trying to think what it is you are looking for. Fart out loud and you think someone called out your name. You went to school with the old lady who greeted you at the front door
In your 90's and beyond:
What's a home deep hoe? Something for my garden? Where am I? Who am I? Why am I reading this? Did I send it? Did you? Who farted?
They Say They'll Spend More Than $900 Million To Keep Olympians Safe
OK, when is enough, enough? If you want to go visit an Olympic Event, first of all you'll have to be rich. Secondly, you should know that the only ones really being protected are the Olympians.
I'm sorry Folks but I'd rather not see all these Countries being dragged into the expense of physical protection for these athletes. I mean, can't we simply expect the World to understand that the Olympics are OFF LIMITS just like the Red Cross in war time?
Now we're hearing they'll spend $900,000,000.00 just to protect these athletes. Time to take your ball and go home people.
I'm sorry Folks but I'd rather not see all these Countries being dragged into the expense of physical protection for these athletes. I mean, can't we simply expect the World to understand that the Olympics are OFF LIMITS just like the Red Cross in war time?
Now we're hearing they'll spend $900,000,000.00 just to protect these athletes. Time to take your ball and go home people.
We go to war, no one can audit how much money is actually being spent. Let me ask you this Folks. Would YOU hire a company that can openly take whatever kind of money you have and spend it freely without showing you ANY receipts? Welcome to the US Government!
I don't know how much longer you people are going to take Obama, Bush & Clinton's BS but quite frankly I've seen just about all I need to see. Now we're participating in spending close to a billion dollars just to protect athletes, Homey Don't Play Dat Game!
We don't spend close to a billion dollars to deliver bullet proof vests for our Soldiers, yet we're protecting Athletes that no one should touch anyway. Put a little FEAR in Americans and there is no price tag.
Salisbury Mall Parking Proposal Reeks (Letter to the Editor)
Rick Pollitt wet his finger and stuck it someplace other than in the wind if he believes any of the nonsense that was printed in Sunday’s newspaper over his signature. His gauzy reminisce about events from decades past struck a nostalgic note; too bad very few of these events appear with any regularity at the Civic Center; it’s mainly devoid of activity.
He spewed hyperbole and speculative comments and generated a whiteout of verbiage lacking facts and puffed full of rhetorically dubious reasoning that made this weekend’s snowstorm look like a dusting of flurries in comparison.
The Civic Center is a building that is showing its age in a number of respects. Recognizing that, Pollitt with great fanfare appointed a distinguished panel of community leaders quite a while back and asked them to report back with recommendations regarding its future or potential replacement. Maybe I haven’t been paying attention, but I don’t recall any concrete news from the commission in the interim. Is the current parking lot proposal a precursor to an announcement about the need for even more land for a new and exciting Circus Maximus?
Civic Center manager, and Sol Hurok wannabe, Gary Mackes always has some notion for expanding his empire and building his pyramid. Too bad we live in a smaller community with iffy average incomes. The bleat that the only thing standing between sellouts of extravaganzas, professional hockey teams locating here and making the Civic Center cash flow positive on a recurring basis has been lack of parking space. It is a bogus argument.
Overflow parking, already owned by the public and off the tax rolls, is available at the County Stadium and at Wi-Hi (which has two lots) and at the ball field on Civic Avenue, not to mention at Twilley Center (which is on the tax rolls) a block away. The fact of the matter is that the Civic Center rarely hosts events which draw a full crowd….and when it does folks utilize the spaces noted above. Folks have also used some spaces at the Salisbury Mall location across time, both when it was functioning and since then.
Mr. Pollitt feels paying $300,000 an acre to purchase 5 acres at the old mall site for a total outlay of $1.5 million is a prudent use of public funds. He dwelt at length on the source of the funds and basically said “As long as the money isn’t coming from your (individual citizen) or our (Wicomico County) funds, what do you care how much we pay?” This is the state of mind that blithely approves expensive brass-plated trash cans, et al since it’s on the public dime.
Somewhere in the flurry of lousy arguments supporting this assault on the public dollar I recall the phrase “highest projected use” or such, being proffered as the reason for the high private appraisal of the value of the contemplated parcel. In plain English, the appraisers acted as if there was some present value to the land beyond being old, crumbling asphalt. They took the putative developers rosy vision for the revenue to be reaped from the parcel and endorsed it as if it were fact or a likely near accomplishment. Guarantee the appraisers would not buy land for themselves, out of their pocket, on a similar premise. So why should the county? Why should the state? Tell us Ricky!
Salisbury Mall Associates paid $4,060,000 for the two mall parcels totaling 56 +/- acres in late 1997. The property had the ailing but functional Salisbury Mall on its premises. Purchase price, per acre, was $72,500. Now in his unrebutted opinion piece Mr. Pollitt, who claims a family inspired ability to divine the value of things since he’s oblivious to their price, feels paying 4 times as much per acre for this land is visionary statesmanship of the highest order. He is just plain wrong since the above figures only relate to the purchase price of the old mall land and structures. Ooops! That’s right; he neglected to mention he wanted to pay 4 times more per acre than it cost the sellers.
Current assessment value of the two parcels is $2,191,300, or $42,487.50 per acre. So if paying more than 4 times the purchase value/acre is an act of statesmanship, what is the intellectual rating ascribed to paying over 7 times the current, state assessed value. Genius, pure genius! Oh, how the rarified air of the third floor clarifies the mind! Yikes! He forgot to mention that paying 7 times the cost was better than paying 4 times the cost. Thank goodness for Ricky math which understands the true value of expenditures, rather than small-minded concepts like their cost!
Back to the Civic Center proper for a moment. Another bleat is that selling booze would transform the white elephant into a cash cow. The deed restriction prohibits selling booze there, from all accounts. It hasn’t prohibited groups from serving alcohol there as long as they were not selling alcohol; I’ve attended some of those events when companies held events there before prohibitive pricing by the center sent them elsewhere. Not to mention the creation of an on-site, government run catering operation that was incredibly expensive, in addition to banning private caterers from serving the events. Way to support the local tax-paying food service businesses! So you’d think Sol Hurok, Jr. would have tried selling two tier tickets; regular for whatever $ the event commanded, and BYOB for a stiffer $$ (pun intended) price. That way he’d have the coveted revenue without having to purchase, inventory or dispense the juice. Patrons could check their hooch at a booze-check (like a coat check) and return as they wished to refill their glass. More revenue could be generated by selling the setups. Problem solved.
In sum, regardless of the source, using public money for this purpose is foolish, and the foolish rationale that if we don’t squander the public dollar on it some other city or town will get to squander it instead of us is an argument without a leg to stand on. It is definitely a losing argument in Wicomico County 100% of the time, even in good times!
Council members…..this is a very bad deal for the public masquerading as a very bad deal for the public. Please turn it back.
He spewed hyperbole and speculative comments and generated a whiteout of verbiage lacking facts and puffed full of rhetorically dubious reasoning that made this weekend’s snowstorm look like a dusting of flurries in comparison.
The Civic Center is a building that is showing its age in a number of respects. Recognizing that, Pollitt with great fanfare appointed a distinguished panel of community leaders quite a while back and asked them to report back with recommendations regarding its future or potential replacement. Maybe I haven’t been paying attention, but I don’t recall any concrete news from the commission in the interim. Is the current parking lot proposal a precursor to an announcement about the need for even more land for a new and exciting Circus Maximus?
Civic Center manager, and Sol Hurok wannabe, Gary Mackes always has some notion for expanding his empire and building his pyramid. Too bad we live in a smaller community with iffy average incomes. The bleat that the only thing standing between sellouts of extravaganzas, professional hockey teams locating here and making the Civic Center cash flow positive on a recurring basis has been lack of parking space. It is a bogus argument.
Overflow parking, already owned by the public and off the tax rolls, is available at the County Stadium and at Wi-Hi (which has two lots) and at the ball field on Civic Avenue, not to mention at Twilley Center (which is on the tax rolls) a block away. The fact of the matter is that the Civic Center rarely hosts events which draw a full crowd….and when it does folks utilize the spaces noted above. Folks have also used some spaces at the Salisbury Mall location across time, both when it was functioning and since then.
Mr. Pollitt feels paying $300,000 an acre to purchase 5 acres at the old mall site for a total outlay of $1.5 million is a prudent use of public funds. He dwelt at length on the source of the funds and basically said “As long as the money isn’t coming from your (individual citizen) or our (Wicomico County) funds, what do you care how much we pay?” This is the state of mind that blithely approves expensive brass-plated trash cans, et al since it’s on the public dime.
Somewhere in the flurry of lousy arguments supporting this assault on the public dollar I recall the phrase “highest projected use” or such, being proffered as the reason for the high private appraisal of the value of the contemplated parcel. In plain English, the appraisers acted as if there was some present value to the land beyond being old, crumbling asphalt. They took the putative developers rosy vision for the revenue to be reaped from the parcel and endorsed it as if it were fact or a likely near accomplishment. Guarantee the appraisers would not buy land for themselves, out of their pocket, on a similar premise. So why should the county? Why should the state? Tell us Ricky!
Salisbury Mall Associates paid $4,060,000 for the two mall parcels totaling 56 +/- acres in late 1997. The property had the ailing but functional Salisbury Mall on its premises. Purchase price, per acre, was $72,500. Now in his unrebutted opinion piece Mr. Pollitt, who claims a family inspired ability to divine the value of things since he’s oblivious to their price, feels paying 4 times as much per acre for this land is visionary statesmanship of the highest order. He is just plain wrong since the above figures only relate to the purchase price of the old mall land and structures. Ooops! That’s right; he neglected to mention he wanted to pay 4 times more per acre than it cost the sellers.
Current assessment value of the two parcels is $2,191,300, or $42,487.50 per acre. So if paying more than 4 times the purchase value/acre is an act of statesmanship, what is the intellectual rating ascribed to paying over 7 times the current, state assessed value. Genius, pure genius! Oh, how the rarified air of the third floor clarifies the mind! Yikes! He forgot to mention that paying 7 times the cost was better than paying 4 times the cost. Thank goodness for Ricky math which understands the true value of expenditures, rather than small-minded concepts like their cost!
Back to the Civic Center proper for a moment. Another bleat is that selling booze would transform the white elephant into a cash cow. The deed restriction prohibits selling booze there, from all accounts. It hasn’t prohibited groups from serving alcohol there as long as they were not selling alcohol; I’ve attended some of those events when companies held events there before prohibitive pricing by the center sent them elsewhere. Not to mention the creation of an on-site, government run catering operation that was incredibly expensive, in addition to banning private caterers from serving the events. Way to support the local tax-paying food service businesses! So you’d think Sol Hurok, Jr. would have tried selling two tier tickets; regular for whatever $ the event commanded, and BYOB for a stiffer $$ (pun intended) price. That way he’d have the coveted revenue without having to purchase, inventory or dispense the juice. Patrons could check their hooch at a booze-check (like a coat check) and return as they wished to refill their glass. More revenue could be generated by selling the setups. Problem solved.
In sum, regardless of the source, using public money for this purpose is foolish, and the foolish rationale that if we don’t squander the public dollar on it some other city or town will get to squander it instead of us is an argument without a leg to stand on. It is definitely a losing argument in Wicomico County 100% of the time, even in good times!
Council members…..this is a very bad deal for the public masquerading as a very bad deal for the public. Please turn it back.
Britain's Prescription For Health Care: Take A Seat
Britain's Prescription for Health Care: Take a Seat
By SARAH LYALL
Every patient in Britain knows about the notorious National Health Service waiting list, which tells how many people are waiting for hospital treatment for anything from varicose vein removal to hip replacement surgery. Never a short list, it currently boasts 1.12 million sick and generally tired members. Waiting has always been part and parcel of the British health service, a price patients pay -- sometimes willingly, sometimes grudgingly -- for free medical treatment. But there is another list, one that the Government, which has vowed to improve health care, does not officially acknowledge and that patients are just learning about. This is the underground waiting list -- the waiting list to get on the waiting list -- and it appears to be rising precipitously, even as the Labor Government proudly announces that the official list itself is shrinking.
A Must Read
BEING A MOTHER...
After 17 years of marriage, my wife wanted me to
take another woman out to dinner and a movie. She
said, 'I love you, but I know this other woman loves
you and would love to spend some time with you.'
* * *
The other woman that my wife wanted me to visit
was my MOTHER, who has been alone for 20 years,
but the demands of my work and my two boys had
made it possible to visit her only occasionally.
* * *
That night I called to invite her to go out for
dinner and a movie.
* * *
'What's wrong, aren't you well,' she asked?
* * *
My mother is the type of woman who suspects that a
late night call or a surprise invitation is a sign
of bad news..
* * *
'I thought it would be pleasant to spend some
time with you,' I responded. 'Just the two of us.'
She thought about it for a moment, and then said,
'I would like that very much.'
* * *
That Friday after work, as I drove over to pick
her up I was a bit nervous. When I arrived at her
house, I noticed that she, too, seemed to be nervous
about our date. She waited in the door. She had curled her hair and was wearing the
dress that she had worn to celebrate her last
birthday on November 19th.
* * *
She smiled from a face that was as radiant as an
angel's. 'I told my friends that I was going to go
out with my son, and they were impressed,' she said,
as she got into that new white van. 'They can't wait to hear about our date'.
* * *
We went to a restaurant that, although not
elegant, was very nice and cozy. My mother took my
arm as if she were the First Lady. After we sat
down, I had to read the menu. Her eyes could only
read large print. Half way through the entries, I
lifted my eyes and saw Mom sitting there staring at
me. A nostalgic smile was on her lips. 'It was I
who used to have to read the menu when you were
small,' she said. 'Then it's time that you relax and
let me return the favor,' I responded..
* * *
During the dinner, we had an agreeable
conversation- -nothing extraordinary but catching up
on recent events of each other's life. We talked so
much that we missed the movie.
* * *
As we arrived at her house later, she said,
'I'll go out with you again, but only if you let me
invite you.' I agreed.
* * *
'How was your dinner date ?'
asked my wife when I got home.
'Very nice. Much more so than I could have imagined,'
I answered.
* * *
A few days later, my mother died of a massive
heart attack. It happened so suddenly that I didn't
have a chance to do anything for her.
* * *
Some time later, I received an envelope with a
copy of a restaurant receipt from the same place
mother and I had dined. An attached note said: 'I
paid this bill in advance. I wasn't sure that I
could be there; but nevertheless, I paid for two
plates - one for you and the other for your wife.
You will never know what that night meant for me.
I love you, son.'
* * *
At that moment, I understood the importance of
saying in time: 'I LOVE YOU' and to give our loved
ones the time that they deserve. Nothing in life is
more important than your family. Give them the time
they deserve, because these things cannot be put off
till 'some other time.'
After 17 years of marriage, my wife wanted me to
take another woman out to dinner and a movie. She
said, 'I love you, but I know this other woman loves
you and would love to spend some time with you.'
* * *
The other woman that my wife wanted me to visit
was my MOTHER, who has been alone for 20 years,
but the demands of my work and my two boys had
made it possible to visit her only occasionally.
* * *
That night I called to invite her to go out for
dinner and a movie.
* * *
'What's wrong, aren't you well,' she asked?
* * *
My mother is the type of woman who suspects that a
late night call or a surprise invitation is a sign
of bad news..
* * *
'I thought it would be pleasant to spend some
time with you,' I responded. 'Just the two of us.'
She thought about it for a moment, and then said,
'I would like that very much.'
* * *
That Friday after work, as I drove over to pick
her up I was a bit nervous. When I arrived at her
house, I noticed that she, too, seemed to be nervous
about our date. She waited in the door. She had curled her hair and was wearing the
dress that she had worn to celebrate her last
birthday on November 19th.
* * *
She smiled from a face that was as radiant as an
angel's. 'I told my friends that I was going to go
out with my son, and they were impressed,' she said,
as she got into that new white van. 'They can't wait to hear about our date'.
* * *
We went to a restaurant that, although not
elegant, was very nice and cozy. My mother took my
arm as if she were the First Lady. After we sat
down, I had to read the menu. Her eyes could only
read large print. Half way through the entries, I
lifted my eyes and saw Mom sitting there staring at
me. A nostalgic smile was on her lips. 'It was I
who used to have to read the menu when you were
small,' she said. 'Then it's time that you relax and
let me return the favor,' I responded..
* * *
During the dinner, we had an agreeable
conversation- -nothing extraordinary but catching up
on recent events of each other's life. We talked so
much that we missed the movie.
* * *
As we arrived at her house later, she said,
'I'll go out with you again, but only if you let me
invite you.' I agreed.
* * *
'How was your dinner date ?'
asked my wife when I got home.
'Very nice. Much more so than I could have imagined,'
I answered.
* * *
A few days later, my mother died of a massive
heart attack. It happened so suddenly that I didn't
have a chance to do anything for her.
* * *
Some time later, I received an envelope with a
copy of a restaurant receipt from the same place
mother and I had dined. An attached note said: 'I
paid this bill in advance. I wasn't sure that I
could be there; but nevertheless, I paid for two
plates - one for you and the other for your wife.
You will never know what that night meant for me.
I love you, son.'
* * *
At that moment, I understood the importance of
saying in time: 'I LOVE YOU' and to give our loved
ones the time that they deserve. Nothing in life is
more important than your family. Give them the time
they deserve, because these things cannot be put off
till 'some other time.'
A 'Nuisance' Snowfall
Tuesday's East Coast storm will be nothing remotely close to the big winter storm that hit the area Saturday.
All things considered, it will be nothing more than a nuisance for most.
The most serious aspect of the system is a possible band of ice from western North Carolina into south-central Virginia. North of there, it will snow for several hours from central Virginia toward southern Maryland and Delaware.
Snow accumulations will be an inch or two in most cases, but there might be a few locations in central Virginia and up into Delmarva that come in with 3 or 4 inches.
The rain/snow will likely start in this area late afternoon, and snow will continue into the overnight hours.
A more significant winter storm may hit the central Atlantic region later this week. We'll keep an eye on that.
Accuweather
More French Saying 'Oui' To McDonald's
PARIS Would you like a steak au poivre sandwich and some deluxe potatoes, followed by a lemon macaroon and a cappuccino? Welcome to McDonald's, French version.
And the French are lovin' it. They've increased spending each year on McDonald's to the point that France is now the U.S. chain's second-biggest market, even in the midst of a global recession. In perhaps the ultimate cultural inversion, McDonald's in the U.S. is taking some notes from the French franchises' recipe for success.
McDonald's sales in France amounted to 3.6 billion euros ($5 billion) in 2009, according to numbers released in late January. That was an 8.5 percent increase over the 2008 figure, which was 11.2 percent higher than the previous year. For 2009, McDonald's France marked the sixth consecutive year that sales increased at a more rapid rate than any of the chain's other European subsidiaries.
"Few companies have resisted the global recession like the fast-food chains," said Nicolas Herpin, a French sociologist studying consumption. "In France, people who never came to McDonald's before are now customers."
The American fast-food icon's success in France runs counter to pop-culture images of French "cuisine," and French demonstrators have attacked the Golden Arches as symbols of American-style capitalism.
Mr. Herpin said he thinks McDonald's has appeal in a country known for its love of good food because of its affordable prices and convenient service.
"The French used to come to cafes between meals to eat a hard-boiled egg. Now they eat a sandwich at McDonald's," he said.
Also, McDonald's has marketed itself with an emphasis on what the French like to eat and how they like to eat it. "We still have some work to do on the quality. But more than 70 percent of our products come from France," said a communication department spokesman at the McDonald's France headquarters.
In France, McDonald's customers sit at tables surrounded by wood panels, television screens showing environment-friendly messages, and computer terminals where they can order food quickly and pick up their meal at the counter when it's ready. As a result, the French no longer are ashamed to say they ate at one of the country's 1,161 McDonald's and enjoyed the food.
"The Frenchman is not a typical customer. Unlike in the United States, his relationship with food is linked with pleasure. He does not come here too often, only about once every three weeks. But every time he comes, he will take a full menu," the McDonald's spokesman said.
"We changed the design, the lighting, the furniture. We want them to spend some time in the restaurant," the officer said.
On a Sunday afternoon, the newly opened McDonald's in the Beaugrenelle neighborhood of the 15th district was full. At the entrance stands a McCafe, which sells hot drinks and French pastries. A customer sitting on a large, dark-red sofa was using his computer.
Guilhene Just, who lives in the area, was sipping hot chocolate and chatting with her mother.
"I come here to warm up when it's cold outside. It is much friendlier than before. It makes me feel like 'sit down and relax,'" she said. Her mother, Paulette, agreed, saying, "And, why not, even take a full meal. But my coffee is terrible."
McDonald's has become a place where the French can grab a quick lunch or to eat in the traditional French style, by lingering, socializing and enjoying the whole experience.
Layan Malshi and Jade Seidman were spending several hours that afternoon going over their chemistry lessons.
"Here we can stay studying for hours, the food is cheap, and no one is going to tell you to leave," said Layan, a 17-year-old student from the Palestinian territories. Her friend Jade is from New York. "It is so different from the United States," she said. "There, it's dirty. Here, you can have Wi-Fi and macaroons."
However, both girls agreed that the food quality still has plenty of room to improve.
For the past couple of years, though, the emphasis has been more desserts and salads on the menu.
Delphine and Kosseika, who were looking for that type of food, brought their 2-year-old son to McDonald's for the first time. He loved the french fries.
"We don't want to bring him here too often," said Delphine, who later said she visited the restaurant once or twice a month. "You have to be careful not to become obese with that kind of food."
But will the McDonald's-French love affair last?
Members of the McDonald's France communications department said the company has come a long way.
"Ten years ago, we were a bit corny, and Jose Bove was demolishing the Millau McDonald's," the officer said, referring to the anti-globalization activist's destruction of a restaurant as it was being built in 1999 in a southern town. In December, the opening of a McDonalds restaurant inside the gallery leading to the entrance of the world-famous Louvre museum sparked controversy.
In July, the government enacted a law that slashed the sales tax at restaurants from 19.1 percent to 5.5 percent — the same level as fast foods — and gave a much-needed boost to the restaurant industry.
Regardless, the other side of the Atlantic is feeling the impact of McDonald's success in France.
In November, a Manhattan McDonald's was remodeled along French lines, to look more like a lounge or bistro, with laptop outlets, subdued lighting, upholstered chairs, and employees in "blacks."
A U.S. McDonald's spokeswoman told the Associated Press that "we'll continue to evaluate" whether more such U.S. restaurants might follow.
From the Washington Times
And, for the curious, what does a McDonalds meal cost in France? A Big Mac Meal (Big Mac, fries and a drink) in Paris will set you back 6.5 Euros, or about $8.50, plus tax.
And the French are lovin' it. They've increased spending each year on McDonald's to the point that France is now the U.S. chain's second-biggest market, even in the midst of a global recession. In perhaps the ultimate cultural inversion, McDonald's in the U.S. is taking some notes from the French franchises' recipe for success.
McDonald's sales in France amounted to 3.6 billion euros ($5 billion) in 2009, according to numbers released in late January. That was an 8.5 percent increase over the 2008 figure, which was 11.2 percent higher than the previous year. For 2009, McDonald's France marked the sixth consecutive year that sales increased at a more rapid rate than any of the chain's other European subsidiaries.
"Few companies have resisted the global recession like the fast-food chains," said Nicolas Herpin, a French sociologist studying consumption. "In France, people who never came to McDonald's before are now customers."
The American fast-food icon's success in France runs counter to pop-culture images of French "cuisine," and French demonstrators have attacked the Golden Arches as symbols of American-style capitalism.
Mr. Herpin said he thinks McDonald's has appeal in a country known for its love of good food because of its affordable prices and convenient service.
"The French used to come to cafes between meals to eat a hard-boiled egg. Now they eat a sandwich at McDonald's," he said.
Also, McDonald's has marketed itself with an emphasis on what the French like to eat and how they like to eat it. "We still have some work to do on the quality. But more than 70 percent of our products come from France," said a communication department spokesman at the McDonald's France headquarters.
In France, McDonald's customers sit at tables surrounded by wood panels, television screens showing environment-friendly messages, and computer terminals where they can order food quickly and pick up their meal at the counter when it's ready. As a result, the French no longer are ashamed to say they ate at one of the country's 1,161 McDonald's and enjoyed the food.
"The Frenchman is not a typical customer. Unlike in the United States, his relationship with food is linked with pleasure. He does not come here too often, only about once every three weeks. But every time he comes, he will take a full menu," the McDonald's spokesman said.
"We changed the design, the lighting, the furniture. We want them to spend some time in the restaurant," the officer said.
On a Sunday afternoon, the newly opened McDonald's in the Beaugrenelle neighborhood of the 15th district was full. At the entrance stands a McCafe, which sells hot drinks and French pastries. A customer sitting on a large, dark-red sofa was using his computer.
Guilhene Just, who lives in the area, was sipping hot chocolate and chatting with her mother.
"I come here to warm up when it's cold outside. It is much friendlier than before. It makes me feel like 'sit down and relax,'" she said. Her mother, Paulette, agreed, saying, "And, why not, even take a full meal. But my coffee is terrible."
McDonald's has become a place where the French can grab a quick lunch or to eat in the traditional French style, by lingering, socializing and enjoying the whole experience.
Layan Malshi and Jade Seidman were spending several hours that afternoon going over their chemistry lessons.
"Here we can stay studying for hours, the food is cheap, and no one is going to tell you to leave," said Layan, a 17-year-old student from the Palestinian territories. Her friend Jade is from New York. "It is so different from the United States," she said. "There, it's dirty. Here, you can have Wi-Fi and macaroons."
However, both girls agreed that the food quality still has plenty of room to improve.
For the past couple of years, though, the emphasis has been more desserts and salads on the menu.
Delphine and Kosseika, who were looking for that type of food, brought their 2-year-old son to McDonald's for the first time. He loved the french fries.
"We don't want to bring him here too often," said Delphine, who later said she visited the restaurant once or twice a month. "You have to be careful not to become obese with that kind of food."
But will the McDonald's-French love affair last?
Members of the McDonald's France communications department said the company has come a long way.
"Ten years ago, we were a bit corny, and Jose Bove was demolishing the Millau McDonald's," the officer said, referring to the anti-globalization activist's destruction of a restaurant as it was being built in 1999 in a southern town. In December, the opening of a McDonalds restaurant inside the gallery leading to the entrance of the world-famous Louvre museum sparked controversy.
In July, the government enacted a law that slashed the sales tax at restaurants from 19.1 percent to 5.5 percent — the same level as fast foods — and gave a much-needed boost to the restaurant industry.
Regardless, the other side of the Atlantic is feeling the impact of McDonald's success in France.
In November, a Manhattan McDonald's was remodeled along French lines, to look more like a lounge or bistro, with laptop outlets, subdued lighting, upholstered chairs, and employees in "blacks."
A U.S. McDonald's spokeswoman told the Associated Press that "we'll continue to evaluate" whether more such U.S. restaurants might follow.
From the Washington Times
And, for the curious, what does a McDonalds meal cost in France? A Big Mac Meal (Big Mac, fries and a drink) in Paris will set you back 6.5 Euros, or about $8.50, plus tax.
Protection From Child Predators Act
It looks as though Sarah Foxwell's plight won't be in vein.
Here is a House Bill that was just introduced. The ink is still wet and I'm not able to read the bill - but the synopsis looks as though it will protect kids like in Sarah's case.
http://mlis.state.md.us/2010rs/billfile/HB0490.htm
Here is a House Bill that was just introduced. The ink is still wet and I'm not able to read the bill - but the synopsis looks as though it will protect kids like in Sarah's case.
http://mlis.state.md.us/2010rs/billfile/HB0490.htm
McDonalds Items Not Coming To A Store Near You
So you think you know the McDonald’s menu like the back of your hand? Think again. From McDonald’s international, here are some menu items you have probably never tried before.
Good morning, welcome to McDonald’s. May I have your order please?
INDIA
In India, there are no Big Macs because the Hindu people don’t eat beef.
However, they have the Maharaja Mac, which is a Big Mac made of lamb or chicken meat. There is also a vegetarian burger, the McAloo Tikki.
GERMANY
It’s bottoms up in Germany, where McDonald’s (and everywhere else) serves – Beer!
CANADA
In parts of Canada, have a lobster dinner with the McLobster lobster roll. Pardon me – “McHomard” (in French).
JAPAN
Japan totally reinvents McDonald’s with its Ebi Filet-O (shrimp burgers), Koroke Burger (mashed potato, cabbage and katsu sauce, all in a sandwich), Ebi-Chiki (shrimp nuggets) and Green Tea-flavored milkshake!
NORWAY
In fish-loving Norway, they have the McLaks, a sandwich made of grilled salmon and dill sauce.
CHILE
In Chile, you can dress your burgers with – not ketchup – avocado paste!
COSTA RICA
In Costa Rica, unsurprisingly, you can order Gallo Pinto, meaning rice and beans.
GREECE
It’s not Greek without pita, so when in Greece, have a Greek Mac, a burger made of patties wrapped in pita.
HONG KONG
Rice-loving Hong Kong, has – of course – Rice Burgers, where the burgers are in between, not burger buns, but two patties of glutinous rice.
ISRAEL
Despite Jewish religious dietary laws, most McDonald’s are not Kosher (there are a few exceptions), and they serve “McPitzutz” ice creams and cheeseburgers… and Israel is one of the only countries that cooks the meat over charcoal versus frying. They also have the McKebab, two patties with Middle Eastern seasonings, stuffed into a pita bread.
URUGUAY
In Uruguay, they have the McHuevo, which is like a regular hamburger, but it is topped with a poached egg.
On the other hand:
McDONALD’S PRODUCTS YOU PROBABLY NEVER HEARD ABOUT
Although McDonald’s is a giant success in the food industry, not everything Ray Kroc touches turns to gold. Here are some of the Golden Arches’ products that didn’t turn out to be golden after all.
What products are these? Find out here: Nine Mcdonald’s Products That Actually Flopped.
More from Trifter here.
Say NO To Pollitt’s Parking Lot!
Today the Wicomico County Council will hold a public hearing on whether or not YOUR tax dollars should be used to spend $1.5 million for 5 acres of parking at the old Salisbury Mall. If you can attend, do. If you can’t, call your council members.
Be like Nancy Reagan. JUST SAY NO!
County Executive Rick Pollitt wants to use state dollars to overpay for property. He admits as much in his Sunday op-ed. Rick needs to understand that we don’t care which pot the money comes from. We care about how our tax dollars – federal, state, and local – are spent.
There are alternatives such as using the Wicomico football stadium lot and charging for parking (something Pollitt seems unwilling to consider). Pollitt needs to learn that the answer to every problem is not money from his pal Martin O’Malley.
Just click on the links and enjoy a trip to a movie theater of yesterday.
Day before yesterday, even. Settle in and enjoy.
Today's Cartoons
The hero is entrusted with but one unyielding duty: To protect and preserve the lives of children. There are but three things he must battle while endlessly fighting to perform his calling... One, he's only a crossing guard. Two, the traffic is heavy. Three, he's an armadillo. (2001)
The Miracle of the Can (1956)
Today's Short Feature
The Miracle of the Can (1956)How the invention of the metal can and advent of commercial canning radically changed food production and the economy, from bottom to top.
Today's Double Feature
M (1931)
When police in a German city are unable to catch a serial child-murderer, criminals join in the manhunt.
Fritz Lang's powerful statement about how all society abhors crimes against children.
Superb performance by Peter Lorre. A must-see film.
And Then There Were None (1945)
Classic Agatha Christie tale of 10 people invited to an isolated place only to find that an unseen person is killing them, one by one.
Is it one of them?
*All SBYNews PD Theater films are, as far as the poster can determine, under Public Domain.
A Brooke Mulford Update
Sorry for the long break from updates. We have had a nice uneventful 2 weeks so not much to fill you in on. Brooke's transplant precautions are getting a little more flexible so last Tuesday I took her out of the house for the first time since June (other than for dr. appts)! We took Baily dog for a bath at the doggie wash Tails & Tubs. Brooke had fun helping to give her a bath & then buying her a "good doggie" gift in the guest shop. Next she spent some birthday $ doing a little shopping at her favorite store, Pemberton Pharmacy. Then it was taking the car through the car wash (which I think was Bailey's favorite part of the day). We ended the day with an early dinner at Market Street Inn! She was so excited to be back there again and Chef Joel spoiled her with all her favorites (Salmon, Shrimp, Scallops & rippin' bread).
The next day we had to be back up to CHOP for a clinic visit and I bolted back home to make it to the gourmet wine dinner at MSI benefiting the United Way (mmm yummy).
Another night, Kellie brought over a new Wii game, Dance Party, and the 3 of us had a great time bustin a move! Brooke kicked both our butts and she sat out half of the dances (Kellie swore her remote was malfunctioning)!
Yesterday during the snow storm, we lost power from 6pm - 11pm. Thank goodness we have a gas fireplace! Brooke, Baily and I slept on the living room floor in front of the fireplace all night.
Brooke could not wait to get out in the snow but I think she likes the idea of it more than the reality! We lasted about 10 minutes before the tears and the "mommy I'm freezing" started! Bailey on the other hand couldn't get enough of it!
We head back to CHOP Wednesday for Round 4. This is another 2 part round (first week is IL2 and the second week is IL2 + antibodies...aka "hell week"). Last time she had one of these rounds the first week was a breeze and the second lived up to its name so please keep her in your prayers.
I will post updates while we are there with specific prayer requests.
God Bless,
Amy
Dagnabbit Akhmed
I told you not to wiggle it too much....
The attached video of thermal footage was recorded from an AC-130 gunship from a mile or more away. No rounds were fired by the aircraft. The problem solved itself with no American intervention. Some jihadists were trying to bury an IED made from a 155 mm artillery shell. Evidently they lost the instruction manual...
Wicomico County Sheriff's Office Press Releases
Incident: Assault
Date of Incident: 27 January 2010
Location: 30000 block of Brandywine Ct, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Will S. Dean, 28, Salisbury, MD
Narrative: On 27 January 2010 at 12:07 AM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence in the 30000 block of Brandywine Ct for a reported altercation that had occurred there. Upon arrival, the deputy met with a victim who advised that he had become involved in a verbal altercation with an adult son, Will Dean that turned physical. The deputy learned that Dean allegedly assaulted the victim and then observed signs of injury that corroborated that account.
The deputy placed Dean under arrest and transported Dean 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 Dean in the Detention Center in lieu of $5,000.00 bond.
Charges: Assault 2nd degree
Incident: Assault
Date of Incident: 29 January 2010
Location: 1500 block of S. Salisbury Blvd., Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Samuel J. Gomez, 22, Salisbury, MD
Narrative: On 29 January 2010 at 10:45 PM, deputies from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported fight occurring on the premises of Cherokee Lanes in Salisbury, MD. Upon arrival, deputies located a male victim suffering from a facial laceration. During the ensuing investigation, deputies identified Samuel Gomez as the assailant who cut the victim utilizing a piece of glass.
Gomez was placed under arrest and 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 Gomez in the Detention Center in lieu of $30,000.00 bond
Charges: Assault 1st degree
Assault 2nd degree
Incident: Driving Under the Influence
Date of Incident: 30 January 2010
Location: Vine Street at Eastern Shore Drive, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Vincent John Bellia, 58, Salisbury, MD
Narrative: On 30 January 2010 at 12:07 AM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office stopped a vehicle operated by Vincent Bellia of Salisbury for a traffic violation. Upon making contact with Bellia, the deputy determined that Bellia had been consuming alcohol and initiated an investigation to determine the sobriety of Bellia. After the completion of Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, the deputy placed Bellia under arrest for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol. Also, the deputy discovered that Bellia was required to have an ignition interlock device in any vehicle he drove. Upon examining Bellia’s vehicle, the deputy discovered that it was not equipped with one of these devices.
Bellia was transported to the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office where he was processed and released upon signing citations.
Charges: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
Driving While Impaired by Alcohol
Violation of a License Restriction
Incident: Obstruct and Hinder
Date of Incident: 30 January 2010
Location: U.S. 13, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Jay M. Struve, 52, Mardela Springs, MD
Narrative: On 30 January 2010 at 6:30 PM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office observed a vehicle stuck in a snow bank on the entrance ramp to the U.S. 13 bypass from Rt. 50. Upon making contact with the operator, Jay Struve, the deputy informed Struve that a tow truck would be called to get Struve’s vehicle from the roadway. Struve refused to accept the instructions and floored his accelerator pedal in an attempt to break free from the snow, which he did, only to become stuck in another snow back in the travel portion of the roadway. Struve then exited his vehicle and lay underneath it, all the while yelling about the snow and refusing to allow his vehicle to be towed.
Due to the traffic hazard caused by Struve’s vehicle and his refusal to allow his vehicle to be towed, the deputy placed him under arrest. Struve was transported to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, Struve was released on Personal Recognizance.
Charges: Obstruct and Hinder
Failure to Obey a Law Enforcement Officer’s Order to Prevent a Disturbance of the Peace
Incident: Assault
Date of Incident: 31 January 2010
Location: 400 block of Patrick Avenue, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Tiffany L. Abitua, 20, Salisbury, MD
Narrative: On 31 January 2010 at 10:16 AM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported altercation that had occurred inside a residence in the 400 block of Patrick Avenue. Upon arrival, the deputy discovered that the male victim had been involved in a verbal altercation with Tiffany Abitua over money when she struck him in the back with a hammer. The deputy saw signs of injury on the victim that corroborated his account.
The deputy placed Tiffany Abitua under arrest and transported her to the Central Booking Unit where she was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, the Commissioner detained Abitua in the Detention Center in lieu of $2,500.00 bond.
Charges: Assault 1st degree
Assault 2nd degree
A Prebuttal to O’Malley’s “State of the State” Address
Today, ironically on Groundhog Day, Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley will deliver his “State of the State” address. If you remember, the movie Groundhog Day is about a TV weatherman (Bill Murray) who lives the same day (Groundhog Day) over, and over, and over again. One term under O’Malley has yielded the same thing – over, over, and over again:
- Higher Taxes
- Excuses
- More Government, Less Liberty
Red Maryland has chosen to do a “Prebuttal” of O’Malley’s address.
So, If Socialism Is So Great, Why The Ongoing Protests?
A new slogan appearing on the T-shirts and banners of anti-government protesters in Venezuela sums up a growing sentiment about President Hugo Chavez after 11 years in power: "You struck out."
The list of strikes against Mr. Chavez keeps growing: Latin America's worst inflation, increased blackouts, runaway violent crime and a scandal involving bankers close to his government.
The socialist-inspired governing model that Mr. Chavez calls his Bolivarian Revolution — named after 18th-century independence leader Simon Bolivar — is weakened and hobbling. And though Mr. Chavez retains close ties with a bloc of leftist governments from Bolivia to Nicaragua, many Latin Americans don't see Venezuela's oil-funded populism as viable.
Among Venezuelans, Mr. Chavez's popularity slipped below 50 percent in polls late last year.
The protest slogan "you struck out" recently appeared on banners held up during Venezuelan baseball games, which Mr. Chavez himself follows closely, and spread to signs and shirts during street demonstrations.
State-imposed economic controls have failed to contain 25 percent inflation, rapidly eroding the earnings of the poor who have been Mr. Chavez's core of political support. Mr. Chavez's devaluation of the currency last month — aimed at allowing the government finances to boost public spending — is expected to push prices even higher.
To counter that, Mr. Chavez deployed inspectors and soldiers to check, threatening to expropriate any businesses engaging in price-gouging. Some have been temporarily shut down. The government recently seized a French-controlled retail chain, Exito.
Mr. Chavez's foes say such measures will only further discourage private investment, which fell 7.6 percent last year amid the nationalization of banks, coffee producers and oil-field service companies.
More from the Washington Times
Hogan Concludes Exploratory Effort, Calls On Ehrlich To Enter Race
Dear Friend,
Six months ago, it seemed Maryland Republicans had very little chance of capturing the governor's seat. Democrats were still flying high from the big wins of 2008 and looked pretty invincible. Heavily in debt, and with Governor Ehrlich on the sidelines, our State Party appeared to have little hope leading into 2010. In that environment, I decided to step up to the plate and form an exploratory committee to consider running for Governor of Maryland.
I believed very strongly that the incumbent governor's failed record of lost jobs, higher spending, record tax increases and broken promises was unacceptable. We just could not afford another four years of Martin O'Malley. I felt that we needed to stand up and fight back for struggling families and small businesses, and believed that the people of Maryland deserved to have a strong clear choice for a change. As I traveled across the State I found that a lot of people felt the same way and that they were fed up with politics as usual in Washington and in Annapolis.
Our exploratory effort succeeded beyond my wildest dreams. Our message has been resonating and our movement has been growing. We have thousands of committed supporters and volunteers across the entire State of Maryland. We earned the support of state and national party leaders, have been receiving media attention and are being taken seriously as a viable and credible challenger to O'Malley. We invested the initial money necessary to get started, have a winning campaign plan and have built an organization second to none. It has been such a rewarding and humbling experience to gain the enthusiastic support of so many wonderful people.
The environment for challenging the status quo and taking on the monopoly has become much better since we started our effort. The energy and enthusiasm has continued to grow and the wins in Virginia, New Jersey, and Scott Brown's win in Massachusetts have energized even more people. The winds of change are blowing and Maryland is not immune to that change. I am now absolutely convinced that we could put together a winning campaign that would send a loud and clear message to Annapolis that they would hear all the way in Washington.
This effort has never been about me. From the beginning, it has always been about all of us, and about Maryland's future. Maryland Republicans certainly cannot afford a bruising and expensive primary. If we are to be successful here in Maryland, we simply must all get behind one candidate. While I am convinced I could win this race, I also know that there is another candidate with more name recognition, and the ability to raise more money, who will allow us to put our best team on the field.
From day one, I said that if I were needed, I would step up to the challenge on behalf of the party and the State, but that I had no intention of running against my friend Governor Bob Ehrlich. Bob Ehrlich and I have been close friends for 30 years, since back when I was Chairman of Youth for Reagan and President of the Young Republicans. His involvement in politics started as a volunteer in my dad's race for U.S. Senate, and he worked hard for me in my race against Steny Hoyer. I supported him in all his races, and had the honor of serving as a Cabinet Secretary in his Administration.
Today I am officially concluding my exploratory committee and calling on my friend Bob Ehrlich to enter this race for governor. Not only do I believe that Bob Ehrlich should run, but I am convinced he will run and that we should all push in the same direction to elect him as Maryland's next governor. He not only has my endorsement, but he will have my enthusiastic support, as he always has, and nobody will work harder to make sure we win in November. It is my sincere hope that all my many great friends and supporters will join me in getting behind Governor Ehrlich and helping us take back our State in November.
I am honored and privileged to have received so much support during this exploratory effort. And, while today marks the end of my exploratory effort, I will still be standing on the frontlines continuing the fight to change Maryland.
Sincerely,
Larry Hogan
NEW MATH
Ratio of an igloo's circumference to its diameter: Eskimo Pi
2000 pounds of Chinese soup: Won ton
Time between slipping on a peel and smacking the pavement: 1 bananosecond
Weight an evangelist carries with God: 1 billigram
Half of a large intestine: 1 semicolon
1000 aches: 1 kilohurtz
Basic unit of laryngitis: 1 hoarsepower
1 million microphones: 1 megaphone
2000 mockingbirds: two kilomockingbirds (work on it....)
52 cards: 1 decacards
3 statute miles of intravenous surgical tubing at Yale University Hospital: 1 I.V. League
2000 pounds of Chinese soup: Won ton
Time between slipping on a peel and smacking the pavement: 1 bananosecond
Weight an evangelist carries with God: 1 billigram
Half of a large intestine: 1 semicolon
1000 aches: 1 kilohurtz
Basic unit of laryngitis: 1 hoarsepower
1 million microphones: 1 megaphone
2000 mockingbirds: two kilomockingbirds (work on it....)
52 cards: 1 decacards
3 statute miles of intravenous surgical tubing at Yale University Hospital: 1 I.V. League
A Blonde's Year In Review
January
Took new scarf back to store because it was too tight..
February
Fired from pharmacy job for failing to print labels......
Helllloooo!!!.......bottles won't fit in printer !!!
March
Got really excited.....finished jigsaw puzzle in 6 months..... box said "2-4 years!"
April
Trapped on escalator for hours .... power went out!!!
May
Tried to make Kool-Aid...wrong instructions....8 cups of water won't fit into those little packets!!!
June
Tried to go water skiing.......couldn't find a lake with a slope.
July
Lost breast stroke swimming competition.....learned later, the other swimmers cheated, they used their arms!!!
August
Got locked out of my car in rain storm..... car swamped because soft-top was open.
September
The capital of California is "C"..isn't it???
October
Hate M & M's.....they are so hard to peel.
November
Baked turkey for 4 1/2 days .. instructions said 1 hour per pound and I weigh 108!!
December
Couldn't call 911 . "duh".....there's no "eleven" button on the stupid phone!!!
Took new scarf back to store because it was too tight..
February
Fired from pharmacy job for failing to print labels......
Helllloooo!!!.......bottles won't fit in printer !!!
March
Got really excited.....finished jigsaw puzzle in 6 months..... box said "2-4 years!"
April
Trapped on escalator for hours .... power went out!!!
May
Tried to make Kool-Aid...wrong instructions....8 cups of water won't fit into those little packets!!!
June
Tried to go water skiing.......couldn't find a lake with a slope.
July
Lost breast stroke swimming competition.....learned later, the other swimmers cheated, they used their arms!!!
August
Got locked out of my car in rain storm..... car swamped because soft-top was open.
September
The capital of California is "C"..isn't it???
October
Hate M & M's.....they are so hard to peel.
November
Baked turkey for 4 1/2 days .. instructions said 1 hour per pound and I weigh 108!!
December
Couldn't call 911 . "duh".....there's no "eleven" button on the stupid phone!!!
Salisbury Police Department Press Releases
On January 30, 2010 at approximately 2:14 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the area of Truitt Street and Johnson Street for the report of a robbery to a taxi cab driver. Upon arrival the officers made contact with the male cab driver who advised that he had been robbed by a suspect with a knife. The victim advised that he picked up the suspect in the area of the Hardee’s restaurant on North Salisbury Boulevard and transported the suspect to the Truitt Street area at the request of the suspect. When the victim was due payment for the transport, the suspect produced a knife and threatened the victim. The suspect took an amount of U.S. currency from the victim then fled the cab. The suspect entered the passenger side of a red four-door Honda vehicle with unknown registration and fled from the area. Attempts to locate the suspect and the suspect vehicle were unsuccessful. The suspect was described as:
White male, early 20’s in age, wearing a black hooded
sweatshirt, blue jeans, brown boots and a black
toboggan style hat.
CC # 201000004495
On January 30, 2010 at approximately 5:10 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to a residence on the two hundred (200) block of Holland Avenue for the report of a purse snatching. Upon arrival the officers met with the female victim who advised that a male suspect had taken her pocketbook from her as she walked to her vehicle. The victim advised that the suspect ran to her and grabbed the pocket book, taking it after a brief struggle. The victim was not injured and described the suspect as:
Male, approximately 5’08", medium build, wearing a white
hooded sweatshirt. There is no further description.
CC # 201000004456
If anyone has any information regarding the above incidents they are asked to contact the Salisbury Police Department at 410-548-3165 or to contact Crime Solvers at 410-548-1776.
On January 29, 2010 at approximately 5:12 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to a residence on the six hundred (600) block of E. Church Street for the report of a burglary in progress. Upon arrival the officers found the below listed two (2) suspects running from the rear door of the residence. Further investigation revealed that the suspects had broken into the unoccupied residence to facilitate a drug transaction.
ARRESTED #1: Faith Katina Sheppard, 31 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Third degree burglary
Fourth degree burglary
Prostitution
ARRESTED #2: Juvenile, 17 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Third degree burglary
Fourth degree burglary
Malicious destruction of property
DISPOSITIONS: Suspect # 1 released to Central Booking
Suspect # 2 released to guardian
CC # 201000004537
On January 31, 2010 at approximately 12:07 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police received information to look for a vehicle that had been reported stolen in Worcester County. Officers in the area of Newton Street and Camden Avenue located the stolen vehicle being operated by the below listed suspect. The vehicle was stopped and the suspect was taken into custody. A search of the suspect, incident to arrest, revealed a smoking device containing suspected "crack"/cocaine.
ARRESTED: Clifford Winford Spady, 52 years of age
Fruitland, Maryland
CHARGES: Worcester County Arrest Warrant-
Unlawful taking of a motor vehicle
Possession of cocaine
Possession of CDS/Paraphernalia
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201000004618/4619
On January 31, 2010 at approximately 4:05 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to a residence on Marley Manor Drive for the report of the theft of a motor vehicle. Upon arrival the officers met with a female victim who advised that a suspect who was known to the victim had taken her vehicle without permission. The victim advised that she had allowed the suspect into her residence to assist the suspect and he had taken her keys and vehicle. A short time later the officers located the stolen vehicle in the area of Vermont Avenue. The officers located the suspect in a residence close to the recovered vehicle and took the suspect into custody. The vehicle was not damaged and was returned to the owner. The suspect was found to be wanted on an additional arrest warrant for several counts of theft.
ARRESTED: Charles David Jones, 39 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Unlawful taking of a motor vehicle
Unauthorized use of a motor vehicle
Unauthorized removal of property
Theft (over $ 1000) (2 counts)
Wicomico Co. Arrest Warrant –
Theft (under $ 100) (2 counts)
Theft scheme (under $ 1000)
Failure to obey a lawful order (2 cts)
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201000004532/4610
On January 31, 2010 at approximately 4:35 pm, officers of the Salisbury Police stopped the below listed suspect in the seven hundred (700) block of E. Church St. for suspicious behavior. The officers attempted to identify the suspect, however the suspect refused to cooperate. As the officers attempted to communicate with the suspect the suspect swung his fist and struck one of the officers in the head area. The suspect was then taken into custody. The officer sustained a small abrasion and a minor cut on the head.
ARRESTED: Robert Carl Early, 29 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Second degree assault
Resisting arrest (2 counts)
Failure to obey a lawful order
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201000004640
AND WHO SAYS WE'RE NOT RICH!!!
Silver in the Hair
Gold in the Teeth.
Stones in the Kidneys
Sugar in the Blood.
Lead in the Ass.
Iron in the Arteries..
And an inexhaustible supply of Natural Gas.
Gold in the Teeth.
Stones in the Kidneys
Sugar in the Blood.
Lead in the Ass.
Iron in the Arteries..
And an inexhaustible supply of Natural Gas.
I never thought I'd accumulate such wealth...
Monday, February 01, 2010
Despite Pledge, Reid Calls Major Senate Vote
Despite a promise that he would not "rush" important votes before Massachusetts Sen.-elect Scott Brown is seated sometime next week, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Nevada Democrat, has scheduled a Monday vote on the contentious nomination of M. Patricia Smith to be solicitor for the Department of Labor.
Mrs. Smith, now New York's labor commissioner, has come under fire from conservatives and some business groups for the state's "Wage Watch" program. The project, which started in January 2009, enlisted unions and advocacy groups to visit private businesses, educate employers about labor laws and report potential wage violations to the government.
Sen. Michael B. Enzi, Wyoming Republican, who is the ranking minority member on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, has put a hold on her nomination and asked President Obama to withdraw his nominee, charging that she gave inconsistent testimony before the panel about the program.
Because of Mr. Enzi's hold, 60 votes would be required in the Senate to approve a cloture motion and move the nomination to a full floor vote.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)