DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Monday, February 08, 2010
Storm Pictures - Tangier Island
Saw some pictures on your website from areas around the shore, we not only had snow Saturday but also sleet and high tides which then froze. This made for some beautiful pictures but treacherous conditions. These are pictures taken on Tangier by me, Hope Shores
It Was Pretty Evident School Wasn't Going To Be Open Today
As I complained yesterday about Schools in Wicomico County not being closed on Monday, once we got out and about yesterday it became even more evident there was no way they were going to have things cleared out in time for students to make it to School, let alone access any of the Schools they'd be attending. So again, why couldn't they make an early announcement that School would in fact be closed?
Who Built This?
Aren't you glad to see new building codes are set to make sure newer facilities can withstand more harsh conditions. I mean, after all, we've come so far over all the years and learned so much, well, need I say more.
It reminds me of the old saying, "They don't build them like they used to."
Bruce hunter, (Bruce's Billiards) Is A Great Guy!
Not only did Bruce volunteer to come get me, he never stood around and kept busy the entire day. If I was working the snow blower, he'd have a shovel in his hand cracking up the ice where snow plows threw snow near the ends of driveways. Heck, at one point even Councilwoman Debbie Campbell came by with a shovel in hand to help us out on one property on Camden Ave.
I'll never forget the sight of cranking up the snow blower, turning the blades on and by accident throwing a TON of snow right on Debbie's head. WHOOPS! She laughed like there's no tomorrow and kept right on going.
The worst part of our entire day out there was having to pass driveways that hadn't been cleared, knowing there were some elderly people living there. However, there were some special people that needed to be taken care of and we had to move on.
Folks, we're going to be out there again today as we still have some names on our list we need to get to. On my way home last night I got a call from a woman who runs a Handicap Day Care asking if we could help out one of their patients. We'll be out there first thing this morning to get that cleared but if you know someone who needs a helping hand don't hesitate to call.
If you're off work today, find the time to stop by your elderly neighbors home and give them a hand clearing out. This snow isn't going anywhere any time soon. The stories shared yesterday from Delmar were just remarkable. People and communities coming together like this has got to be one of the greatest examples you can set for your children. They may not be excited about doing it at first but you and I both know they'll pick up a shovel when they're adults and stop by their neighbors home when they get older.
Oh, let me say this. When that snow blower is running, there's no way I can hear it. Please leave a message and as soon as I can get to it I'll call you back. Have a great day! 410-430-5349
Sunday Morning On Delmarva
As you can see from the first photo, Bruce Hunter came all the way down Spring Hill Lane where the road had not been plowed. His 4 wheel drive truck bottomed out on the snow but that wasn't going to stop him from getting to my home.
As we headed back towards Salisbury I was able to capture some pretty cool shots I thought you might enjoy. Once we got towards Rt. 50 the plows had started hitting some of the side roads and as you can see, Rt. 50 was still a mess.
First things first, clear a path at 300 W. Main Street to keep Code & Compliance happy. Then we were off to a very long day of clearing out sidewalks and driveways for those in need.
A very special Thank You goes out to Bob from Bob's Automotive Repair. Bob was kind enough to work on my Snow Blower, not once but twice. I had some carburetor problems and Bob was able to fix it well enough to get it running so we could get out there and help people. We were on the last driveway of the day and one of the bolts broke. We stopped by Bob's on the way home and without hesitation he jumped right on it and replaced the bolt for us. Thanks Bob!
The Guerrero Guys - Thank You!!
Joe,
Just wanted to relay what genuine men Fernando and Alex Guerrero are. I went out this morning to shovel my walk. To my surprise, and almost immediately, guess who appeared and offered to help?? These fine young men (along with most others on our block) pitched in and we managed to shovel out our entire block.
What a breath of fresh air to have such giving people in our neighborhood! After the shoveling was done, Fernando played some football with the kids.
The Guerreros are truely an inspiration to the kids of the area!
Thanks again Fernando and Alex!!!!
DuPont Circle Snowball Fight
DuPont Circle in Washington, DC breaks out into a huge snowball fight after a blizzard comes pouncing into the Washington DC area Saturday morning. The Washington DC residents were in hopes that the police would not break up the fun for this snowball fight like they did in December, 2009. But sure enough, it is the Washington DC police’s job to protect and serve and break up the fun, so hence you will hear a whistle blow in the Dupont Circle with police shouting in background. Great stuff!
WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL?
WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL? = Try this test
FIND OUT WHO TRULY IS YOUR ROLE MODEL. DON'T SCROLL DOWN YET.
DO THE SIMPLE MATH BELOW, THEN SCROLL DOWN TO FIND YOUR HERO.
It's CRAZY how accurate this is!
No peeking!
1) Pick your favorite number between 1-9
2) Multiply by 3 then
3) Add 3
4) Then again Multiply by 3 (I'll wait while you get the
calculator....)
5) You'll get a 2 or 3 digit number....
6) Add the digits together
Now Scroll down
................
With that number, see who your ROLE MODEL is from the list below:
1. Einstein
2. Oprah Winfrey
3. Snoopy
4. Bill Clinton
5. Bill Gates
6. Gandhi
7. Brad Pitt
8. Babe Ruth
9. Joe Albero
(I know, I know....I just have that effect on people. One day, you too can be like me.
Why are you laughing???
P.S. Stop picking different numbers!!! I AM YOUR IDOL ..... JUST DEAL WITH IT!!!!!!
FIND OUT WHO TRULY IS YOUR ROLE MODEL. DON'T SCROLL DOWN YET.
DO THE SIMPLE MATH BELOW, THEN SCROLL DOWN TO FIND YOUR HERO.
It's CRAZY how accurate this is!
No peeking!
1) Pick your favorite number between 1-9
2) Multiply by 3 then
3) Add 3
4) Then again Multiply by 3 (I'll wait while you get the
calculator....)
5) You'll get a 2 or 3 digit number....
6) Add the digits together
Now Scroll down
................
With that number, see who your ROLE MODEL is from the list below:
1. Einstein
2. Oprah Winfrey
3. Snoopy
4. Bill Clinton
5. Bill Gates
6. Gandhi
7. Brad Pitt
8. Babe Ruth
9. Joe Albero
(I know, I know....I just have that effect on people. One day, you too can be like me.
Why are you laughing???
P.S. Stop picking different numbers!!! I AM YOUR IDOL ..... JUST DEAL WITH IT!!!!!!
US Swine Flu Epidemic Shows Signs Of Being Over
Is the U.S. swine flu epidemic over? Federal health officials won't go so far as to day that, but on Friday they reported for the fourth week in a row that no states had widespread flu activity.
U.S. cases have been declining since October.
Vanderbilt University's Dr. William Schaffner, said the epidemic has "one foot in the grave"-- a future large wave of cases now seems very unlikely.
More.
FBI Wants Records Kept Of Web Sites Visited
The FBI is pressing Internet service providers to record which Web sites customers visit and retain those logs for two years, a requirement that law enforcement believes could help it in investigations of child pornography and other serious crimes.
FBI Director Robert Mueller supports storing Internet users' "origin and destination information," a bureau attorney said at a federal task force meeting on Thursday.
As far back as a 2006 speech, Mueller had called for data retention on the part of Internet providers, and emphasized the point two years later when explicitly asking Congress to enact a law making it mandatory. But it had not been clear before that the FBI was asking companies to begin to keep logs of what Web sites are visited, which few if any currently do.
The FBI is not alone in renewing its push for data retention. As CNET reported earlier this week, a survey of state computer crime investigators found them to be nearly unanimous in supporting the idea. Matt Dunn, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent in the Department of Homeland Security, also expressed support for the idea during the task force meeting.
FBI Director Robert Mueller supports storing Internet users' "origin and destination information," a bureau attorney said at a federal task force meeting on Thursday.
As far back as a 2006 speech, Mueller had called for data retention on the part of Internet providers, and emphasized the point two years later when explicitly asking Congress to enact a law making it mandatory. But it had not been clear before that the FBI was asking companies to begin to keep logs of what Web sites are visited, which few if any currently do.
The FBI is not alone in renewing its push for data retention. As CNET reported earlier this week, a survey of state computer crime investigators found them to be nearly unanimous in supporting the idea. Matt Dunn, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent in the Department of Homeland Security, also expressed support for the idea during the task force meeting.
Dr. Fredericksen And Snow Days
Dear Mr. Albero,
After reading several remarks pertaining to the school cancellation tomorrow I thought it best to send you a quick note. I have drafted a letter to John Fredericksen regarding the fact that many of these snow days can be excused if he just asks for them to be. I'm all for our children attending school as much as they possibly can and making the most of their education. However, my son attends Northwestern Elementary in Mardela where more than half of the school has no air conditioning. Not only are half of the classes not air conditioned, but neither are most of the common areas shared by students (gym/cafeteria). The school is unbearable at the end of August when school begins and will start becoming uncomforable in late May when the temps really begin to rise. With that being said, I realize that air conditioning is a luxury - not a necessity. I was raised in a home with no airconditioning (where my parents still reside with no A/C). My point being that I understand that people can survive without the luxury. With all that being said, my question to the WCBOE is if they would like to go to school through June 18th knowing that they had no air conditioning to keep them cool. That won't happen. You can bet that they will be sitting in their nice, comfortable, climate controlled offices while our children try to learn while they stick to their seats with sweat.
I read some similar concerns in the comments section of your website and would just encourage anyone with the concern, to call the WCBOE and voice their opinion or draft a letter. I would love to know if Dr. Fredericksen intends to request that some of these days be excused and intend to ask him. Thanks for your voice on the web.
Sincerely,
Rae Murphy
Dr. Fredericksen at the WCBOE - 410-677-4596
WCBOE
101 Long Ave.
Salisbury, MD
After reading several remarks pertaining to the school cancellation tomorrow I thought it best to send you a quick note. I have drafted a letter to John Fredericksen regarding the fact that many of these snow days can be excused if he just asks for them to be. I'm all for our children attending school as much as they possibly can and making the most of their education. However, my son attends Northwestern Elementary in Mardela where more than half of the school has no air conditioning. Not only are half of the classes not air conditioned, but neither are most of the common areas shared by students (gym/cafeteria). The school is unbearable at the end of August when school begins and will start becoming uncomforable in late May when the temps really begin to rise. With that being said, I realize that air conditioning is a luxury - not a necessity. I was raised in a home with no airconditioning (where my parents still reside with no A/C). My point being that I understand that people can survive without the luxury. With all that being said, my question to the WCBOE is if they would like to go to school through June 18th knowing that they had no air conditioning to keep them cool. That won't happen. You can bet that they will be sitting in their nice, comfortable, climate controlled offices while our children try to learn while they stick to their seats with sweat.
I read some similar concerns in the comments section of your website and would just encourage anyone with the concern, to call the WCBOE and voice their opinion or draft a letter. I would love to know if Dr. Fredericksen intends to request that some of these days be excused and intend to ask him. Thanks for your voice on the web.
Sincerely,
Rae Murphy
Dr. Fredericksen at the WCBOE - 410-677-4596
WCBOE
101 Long Ave.
Salisbury, MD
Hoekstra Reintroduces Congressional Recall Bill
U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Holland, has reintroduced a bill that would allow voters to recall members of Congress.
"Government does not merely allow for citizen participation — it depends upon it," Hoekstra said. "Voters elected a Republican candidate opposed to the health care overhaul in Massachusetts in one of the most liberal states in America. They made their voices heard in what was effectively a recall of a Senate seat that had been held captive by one political party for 31 years."
The recall bill would be an amendment to the Constitution that allows voters in all 50 states to circulate petitions to demand a special election to recall members of the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate.
It is part of a series of five legislative initiatives called the "Voters' Bill of Rights" that Hoekstra introduced initially in 1994.
More here
"Government does not merely allow for citizen participation — it depends upon it," Hoekstra said. "Voters elected a Republican candidate opposed to the health care overhaul in Massachusetts in one of the most liberal states in America. They made their voices heard in what was effectively a recall of a Senate seat that had been held captive by one political party for 31 years."
The recall bill would be an amendment to the Constitution that allows voters in all 50 states to circulate petitions to demand a special election to recall members of the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate.
It is part of a series of five legislative initiatives called the "Voters' Bill of Rights" that Hoekstra introduced initially in 1994.
More here
Democrat / Lawyer
This is very interesting! I never thought about it this way. Perhaps this is why so many physicians are conservatives or Republicans.
The Lawyers' Party
By Bruce Walker
The Democratic Party has become the Lawyers’ Party.
Barack Obama is a lawyer.
Michelle Obama is a lawyer.
Hillary Clinton is a lawyer.
Bill Clinton is a lawyer.
John Edwards is a lawyer.
Elizabeth Edwards is a lawyer.
Every Democrat nominee since 1984 went to law school (although Gore did not graduate).
Every Democrat vice presidential nominee since 1976, except for Lloyd Bentsen, went to law school.
Look at leaders of the Democrat Party in Congress:
Harry Reid is a lawyer.
Nancy Pelosi is a lawyer.
The Republican Party is different.
President Bush is a businessman.
Vice President Cheney is a businessman.
The leaders of the Republican Revolution:
Newt Gingrich was a history professor.
Tom Delay was an exterminator. Dick Armey was an economist.
House Minority Leader Boehner was a plastic manufacturer.
The former Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist is a heart surgeon.
Who was the last Republican president who was a lawyer? Gerald Ford, who left office 31 years ago and who barely won the Republican nomination as a sitting president, running against Ronald Reagan in 1976.
The Republican Party is made up of real people doing real work, who are often the targets of lawyers.
The Democrat Party is made up of lawyers. Democrats mock and scorn men who create wealth, like Bush and Cheney, or who heal the sick, like Frist, or who immerse themselves in history, like Gingrich.
The Lawyers’ Party sees these sorts of people, who provide goods and services that people want, as the enemies of America .. And, so we have seen the procession of official enemies, in the eyes of the Lawyers’ Party, grow.
Against whom do Hillary and Obama rail? Pharmaceutical companies, oil companies, hospitals, manufacturers, fast food restaurant chains, large retail businesses, bankers, and anyone producing anything of value in our nation.
This is the natural consequence of viewing everything through the eyes of lawyers.
Lawyers solve problems by successfully representing their clients, in this case the American people.
Lawyers seek to have new laws passed, they seek to win lawsuits, they press appellate courts to overturn precedent, and lawyers always parse language to favor their side.
Confined to the narrow practice of law, that is fine. But it is an awful way to govern a great nation.
When politicians as lawyers begin to view some Americans as clients and other Americans as opposing parties, then the role of the legal system in our life becomes all-consuming. Some Americans become “adverse parties” of our very government. We are not all litigants in some vast social class-action suit. We are citizens of a republic that promises us a great deal of freedom from laws, from courts, and from lawyers.
Today, we are drowning in laws; we are contorted by judicial decisions; we are driven to distraction by omnipresent lawyers in all parts of our once private lives. America has a place for laws and lawyers, but that place is modest and reasonable, not vast and unchecked. When the most important decision for our next president is whom he will appoint to the Supreme Court, the role of lawyers and the law in America is too big. When lawyers use criminal prosecution as a continuation of politics by other means, as happened in the lynching of Scooter Libby and Tom Delay, then the power of lawyers in America is too great. When House Democrats sue America in order to hamstring our efforts to learn what our enemies are planning to do to us, then the role of litigation in America has become crushing.
We cannot expect the Lawyers’ Party to provide real change, real reform or real hope in America Most Americans know that a republic in which every major government action must be blessed by nine unelected judges is not what Washington intended in 1789. Most Americans grasp that we cannot fight a war when ACLU lawsuits snap at the heels of our defenders. Most Americans intuit that more lawyers and judges will not restore declining moral values or spark the spirit of enterprise in our economy.
Perhaps Americans will understand that change cannot be brought to our nation by those lawyers who already largely dictate American society and business. Perhaps Americans will see that hope does not come from the mouths of lawyers but from personal dreams nourished by hard work. Perhaps Americans will embrace the truth that more lawyers with more power will only make our problems worse.
The United States has 5% of the world’s population and 66% of the world’s lawyers! Tort (Legal) reform legislation has been introduced in congress several times in the last several years to limit punitive damages in ridiculous lawsuits such as “spilling hot coffee on yourself and suing the establishment that sold it to you” and also to limit punitive damages in huge medical malpractice lawsuits. This legislation has continually been blocked from even being voted on by the Democrat Party. When you see that 97% of the political contributions from the American Trial Lawyers Association goes to the Democrat Party, then you realize who is responsible for our medical and product costs being so high!
The Lawyers' Party
By Bruce Walker
The Democratic Party has become the Lawyers’ Party.
Barack Obama is a lawyer.
Michelle Obama is a lawyer.
Hillary Clinton is a lawyer.
Bill Clinton is a lawyer.
John Edwards is a lawyer.
Elizabeth Edwards is a lawyer.
Every Democrat nominee since 1984 went to law school (although Gore did not graduate).
Every Democrat vice presidential nominee since 1976, except for Lloyd Bentsen, went to law school.
Look at leaders of the Democrat Party in Congress:
Harry Reid is a lawyer.
Nancy Pelosi is a lawyer.
The Republican Party is different.
President Bush is a businessman.
Vice President Cheney is a businessman.
The leaders of the Republican Revolution:
Newt Gingrich was a history professor.
Tom Delay was an exterminator. Dick Armey was an economist.
House Minority Leader Boehner was a plastic manufacturer.
The former Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist is a heart surgeon.
Who was the last Republican president who was a lawyer? Gerald Ford, who left office 31 years ago and who barely won the Republican nomination as a sitting president, running against Ronald Reagan in 1976.
The Republican Party is made up of real people doing real work, who are often the targets of lawyers.
The Democrat Party is made up of lawyers. Democrats mock and scorn men who create wealth, like Bush and Cheney, or who heal the sick, like Frist, or who immerse themselves in history, like Gingrich.
The Lawyers’ Party sees these sorts of people, who provide goods and services that people want, as the enemies of America .. And, so we have seen the procession of official enemies, in the eyes of the Lawyers’ Party, grow.
Against whom do Hillary and Obama rail? Pharmaceutical companies, oil companies, hospitals, manufacturers, fast food restaurant chains, large retail businesses, bankers, and anyone producing anything of value in our nation.
This is the natural consequence of viewing everything through the eyes of lawyers.
Lawyers solve problems by successfully representing their clients, in this case the American people.
Lawyers seek to have new laws passed, they seek to win lawsuits, they press appellate courts to overturn precedent, and lawyers always parse language to favor their side.
Confined to the narrow practice of law, that is fine. But it is an awful way to govern a great nation.
When politicians as lawyers begin to view some Americans as clients and other Americans as opposing parties, then the role of the legal system in our life becomes all-consuming. Some Americans become “adverse parties” of our very government. We are not all litigants in some vast social class-action suit. We are citizens of a republic that promises us a great deal of freedom from laws, from courts, and from lawyers.
Today, we are drowning in laws; we are contorted by judicial decisions; we are driven to distraction by omnipresent lawyers in all parts of our once private lives. America has a place for laws and lawyers, but that place is modest and reasonable, not vast and unchecked. When the most important decision for our next president is whom he will appoint to the Supreme Court, the role of lawyers and the law in America is too big. When lawyers use criminal prosecution as a continuation of politics by other means, as happened in the lynching of Scooter Libby and Tom Delay, then the power of lawyers in America is too great. When House Democrats sue America in order to hamstring our efforts to learn what our enemies are planning to do to us, then the role of litigation in America has become crushing.
We cannot expect the Lawyers’ Party to provide real change, real reform or real hope in America Most Americans know that a republic in which every major government action must be blessed by nine unelected judges is not what Washington intended in 1789. Most Americans grasp that we cannot fight a war when ACLU lawsuits snap at the heels of our defenders. Most Americans intuit that more lawyers and judges will not restore declining moral values or spark the spirit of enterprise in our economy.
Perhaps Americans will understand that change cannot be brought to our nation by those lawyers who already largely dictate American society and business. Perhaps Americans will see that hope does not come from the mouths of lawyers but from personal dreams nourished by hard work. Perhaps Americans will embrace the truth that more lawyers with more power will only make our problems worse.
The United States has 5% of the world’s population and 66% of the world’s lawyers! Tort (Legal) reform legislation has been introduced in congress several times in the last several years to limit punitive damages in ridiculous lawsuits such as “spilling hot coffee on yourself and suing the establishment that sold it to you” and also to limit punitive damages in huge medical malpractice lawsuits. This legislation has continually been blocked from even being voted on by the Democrat Party. When you see that 97% of the political contributions from the American Trial Lawyers Association goes to the Democrat Party, then you realize who is responsible for our medical and product costs being so high!
Obama Budget Will Cost Jobs
Would jobs be recovering faster if the Fed had not almost tripled the money supply, almost doubled the deficit with new spending programs, had the Treasury not bought more than $1 trillion in questionable mortgage-backed securities, and if the president was not committed to major tax increases next year. What seems to be little understood is that the money spent by the federal government is pulled out of the private sector either through increased taxes, higher interest rates or inflation (which is lurking in the wings). This means less credit available for businesses to borrow to expand their businesses, replace their inventory, or hire new workers. Dick Morris nails it in the article below.
Ellen Sauerbrey
.
Morris: Obama Budget Will Cost Jobs
Thursday, 04 Feb 2010 08:22 PM
By: John Rossomando
If the nation’s economy is a patient, then Barack Obama is a bit like a medieval doctor trying to bleed it back to health, Fox News analyst Dick Morris tells Newsmax. TV.
The Obama administration’s economic stimulus has done the exact opposite of what ought to have happened in the economy over the past year because the stimulus has been largely ineffectual in creating private-sector jobs in his opinion.
See Video: Dick Morris slams the Obama budget - Click Here Now
“When the stimulus passed, they said it would create 2 million jobs… and then it turns out it wasn’t 2 million; it was 600,000,” Morris told Newsmax.TV’s Ashley Martella. “And it didn’t create any jobs; it just saved 600,000, and it turned out 350,000 were government workers ̶ primarily teachers.
“While I’m glad they saved their jobs, it’s got nothing to do with the economy,” Morris said.
Obama doesn’t realize that government borrowing has the net effect of crowding out those in the private sector who need to borrow the same money they need to create new jobs, Morris said.
“They can’t get loans,” he said. “So in the last 12 months, Treasury debt has gone up 41 percent, but consumer lending and commercial lending is down by over 20 percent. And that’s the exact opposite of what we should have happening.”
The expiration of the Bush tax cuts next year does not bode well for the economy because many small businesses file on personal income tax forms and report incomes in excess of $250,000.
The prospect of a 12-percent tax increase next year for those in the top tax bracket ̶ up to 39.6 percent from 35 percent ̶ along with capital gains taxes and the reinstatement of the estate tax, will scare people into hoarding their money, Morris said.
“All of those are going to scare people, and they’re not going to make purchases or investments, or create jobs, or expand when they know the boom is going to be lowered next year, “ Morris said. “It’s like inviting a cow to have a wonderful final meal when they know they are going to get their head chopped off tomorrow.”
Morris sees several ways Obama can chop $1 trillion from the federal deficit. The first way would be for the president not to spend the billions of dollars that have not already been spent out of the $787 billion stimulus plan.
“That’s half a trillion right there,” Morris said.
Another $500 billion could be cut from the deficit by taking the TARP money that has been repaid and use it for deficit reduction rather than his jobs program.
“That would have a huge impact on reducing the deficit and stimulating the economy,” he said.
But Morris said Obama will not do this and he will keep bleeding the economy.
Ellen Sauerbrey
.
Morris: Obama Budget Will Cost Jobs
Thursday, 04 Feb 2010 08:22 PM
By: John Rossomando
If the nation’s economy is a patient, then Barack Obama is a bit like a medieval doctor trying to bleed it back to health, Fox News analyst Dick Morris tells Newsmax. TV.
The Obama administration’s economic stimulus has done the exact opposite of what ought to have happened in the economy over the past year because the stimulus has been largely ineffectual in creating private-sector jobs in his opinion.
See Video: Dick Morris slams the Obama budget - Click Here Now
“When the stimulus passed, they said it would create 2 million jobs… and then it turns out it wasn’t 2 million; it was 600,000,” Morris told Newsmax.TV’s Ashley Martella. “And it didn’t create any jobs; it just saved 600,000, and it turned out 350,000 were government workers ̶ primarily teachers.
“While I’m glad they saved their jobs, it’s got nothing to do with the economy,” Morris said.
Obama doesn’t realize that government borrowing has the net effect of crowding out those in the private sector who need to borrow the same money they need to create new jobs, Morris said.
“They can’t get loans,” he said. “So in the last 12 months, Treasury debt has gone up 41 percent, but consumer lending and commercial lending is down by over 20 percent. And that’s the exact opposite of what we should have happening.”
The expiration of the Bush tax cuts next year does not bode well for the economy because many small businesses file on personal income tax forms and report incomes in excess of $250,000.
The prospect of a 12-percent tax increase next year for those in the top tax bracket ̶ up to 39.6 percent from 35 percent ̶ along with capital gains taxes and the reinstatement of the estate tax, will scare people into hoarding their money, Morris said.
“All of those are going to scare people, and they’re not going to make purchases or investments, or create jobs, or expand when they know the boom is going to be lowered next year, “ Morris said. “It’s like inviting a cow to have a wonderful final meal when they know they are going to get their head chopped off tomorrow.”
Morris sees several ways Obama can chop $1 trillion from the federal deficit. The first way would be for the president not to spend the billions of dollars that have not already been spent out of the $787 billion stimulus plan.
“That’s half a trillion right there,” Morris said.
Another $500 billion could be cut from the deficit by taking the TARP money that has been repaid and use it for deficit reduction rather than his jobs program.
“That would have a huge impact on reducing the deficit and stimulating the economy,” he said.
But Morris said Obama will not do this and he will keep bleeding the economy.
Palin: 'America Is Ready For Another Revolution'
Sarah Palin received a rousing welcome from a crowd of more than 1,000 tea partiers last night at the first national tea party convention as she sent a strong message that she supports lower taxes, smaller government, transparency, energy independence and strong national security.
A large banquet room at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel was crowded from wall-to-wall with energized tea partiers and as many as 120 press organizations from around the world – including broadcasters from Spain, France, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Croatia and Japan.
"I'm a big supporter of this movement," she said. "America is ready for another revolution."
Palin applauded Scott Brown's recent Senate win in Massachusetts.
"Scott Brown represents what this beautiful movement is all about," she said. "He was just a guy with a truck and passion to serve our country. It took guts, and it took a lot of hard work. But with grass-roots support, Scott Brown carried the day."
Palin warned tea partiers not to let the movement be defined by one leader or politician.
"The tea party movement is not a top-down operation. It's a ground-up call to action that is forcing both parties to change the way that they're doing business," she said.
She said Americans are discouraged by what they see in Washington, and the "Obama-Pelosi-Reid agenda" is leaving the nation less secure, deeper in debt and more submissive to big government.
Circular Logic Gone Mad
It's late fall and the Indians on a remote reservation in South Dakota asked their new chief if the coming winter was going to be cold or mild. Since he was a chief in a modern society, he had never been taught the old secrets.
Unlike the chiefs before him, when he looked at the sky, he couldn't tell what the winter was going to be like. Nevertheless, to be on the safe side, he told his tribe that the winter was indeed going to be cold and that the members of the village should collect firewood to be prepared.
But, being a practical leader, after several days, he got an idea. He went to the phone booth, called the National Weather Service and asked, 'Is the coming winter going to be cold?'
'It looks like this winter is going to be quite cold,' the meteorologist at the weather service responded.
So the chief went back to his people and told them to collect even more firewood in order to be prepared.
A week later, he called the National Weather Service again. 'Does it still look like it is going to be a very cold winter?'
'Yes,' the man at National Weather Service again replied, 'it's going to be a very cold winter.'
The chief again went back to his people and ordered them to collect every stick and branch.
Two weeks later, the chief called the National Weather Service again. 'Are you absolutely sure that the winter is going to be very cold?'
'Absolutely,' the man replied. 'It's looking more and more like it is going to be one of the coldest winters we've ever seen.'
'How can you be so sure?', the chief asked.
The weatherman replied, 'The Indians are collecting a shitload of firewood...'
Unlike the chiefs before him, when he looked at the sky, he couldn't tell what the winter was going to be like. Nevertheless, to be on the safe side, he told his tribe that the winter was indeed going to be cold and that the members of the village should collect firewood to be prepared.
But, being a practical leader, after several days, he got an idea. He went to the phone booth, called the National Weather Service and asked, 'Is the coming winter going to be cold?'
'It looks like this winter is going to be quite cold,' the meteorologist at the weather service responded.
So the chief went back to his people and told them to collect even more firewood in order to be prepared.
A week later, he called the National Weather Service again. 'Does it still look like it is going to be a very cold winter?'
'Yes,' the man at National Weather Service again replied, 'it's going to be a very cold winter.'
The chief again went back to his people and ordered them to collect every stick and branch.
Two weeks later, the chief called the National Weather Service again. 'Are you absolutely sure that the winter is going to be very cold?'
'Absolutely,' the man replied. 'It's looking more and more like it is going to be one of the coldest winters we've ever seen.'
'How can you be so sure?', the chief asked.
The weatherman replied, 'The Indians are collecting a shitload of firewood...'
EXILED QUEENS TEACHER ON PAYROLL DESPITE KNOCKING UP STUDENT
By SUSAN EDELMAN, KATHIANNE BONIELLO and CYNTHIA R. FAGEN
Click on the link below to access the story. http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/queens/head_of_the_crass_qWrc4xPXr5UxSo8Npym2vO
Three strikes and he wasn't out.
At the beginning of his 32-year career as a math teacher in Queens, Francisco Olivares allegedly im pregnated and married a 16-year-old girl he had met when she was a 13-year-old student at his Corona junior high, IS 61, The Post learned.
He sexually molested two 12-year-old pupils a decade later and another student four years after that, the city Department of Education charged.
But none of it kept Olivares, 60, from col lecting his $94,154 salary.
He hasn't set foot in a classroom in seven years since beating criminal and disciplinary charges. Chancellor Joel Klein keeps Olivares in a "rubber room," a district office where teachers accused of misconduct sit all day with nothing to do.
The DOE insists it can't get rid of him. "The department's hands are tied by state law and union rules," said spokeswoman Ann Forte.
She said tenured teachers can be fired only if an arbitrator approves.
"The department twice tried to terminate this teacher, and both times, an arbitrator decided to keep him on the payroll," she said.
Most of the 660 rubber-room teachers on the city payroll are awaiting disciplinary proceedings, but Klein has exiled "a handful" of duds like Olivares even though they have been legally cleared to return to class.
Last week, The Post reported that typing teacher Alan Rosenfeld, 64, was banned from the classroom in 2001 for allegedly making lewd comments to and leering at girls at IS 347 in Queens. Raking in $100,049 a year, he has spent time in a Brooklyn rubber room working on his law practice and overseeing more than $7 million in real-estate investments.
Olivares has an even worse record. The Queens district attorney charged him with abusing two 12-year-old students in school, one in December 1988 and the other a month later.
He showed one girl porn pictures and photographed her in suggestive poses with her pants down, the DA charged. Another accused him of rubbing against her from behind.
A jury found him guilty, but his conviction was reversed on appeal on technicalities. The DOE held an administrative trial on the charges, but a panel of arbitrators voted 2-1 in favor of Olivares. They sent him back to IS 61.
He struck again, according to Special Schools Investigator Richard Condon, who recommended firing him. In 2002, Condon found Olivares had backed a girl against a wall and caressed her arms while urging her not to transfer, saying, "I'm becoming very fond of you."
After a hearing, an arbitrator let Olivares off with just a warning not to stand close to students.
This time, Klein refused to return Olivares to the classroom. The teacher sued in 2004 to have his records expunged.
It was then that DOE officials dug up accusations from 1978 that Olivares had a sexual relationship with a former IS 61 student he had met when she was 13 -- and got her pregnant at 16, according to records filed in Manhattan Supreme Court in the 2004 suit.
Olivares, then 30, married the teen and falsified DOE forms to get her health insurance sooner, it was alleged.
DOE officials could not explain Friday why the department waited until 2003 to formally bring those sex and fraud charges.
Olivares' student-turned-wife, whose name is being withheld by The Post, could not be reached.
Reached in Georgia, his daughter, now 29, said her parents "have been estranged for so many years."
"I try to keep in touch a few times a year," she said of her dad. "I wish I could say something, but I don't want to go behind his back. My father can do his own defense."
After separating from his wife, Olivares, at age 50, fathered a son with a 23-year-old, records show.
The teachers union did not defend him.
"The current system works for no one," United Federation of Teachers President Michael Mulgrew said, adding that the union "has made repeated attempts to work with the administration to resolve the rubber-room issue, but the administration has preferred to grandstand rather than solve it."
PUBLIC NOTICE
CANCELLATION OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The Salisbury City Council’s regular meeting and work session, scheduled for Monday, February 8, 2010, have been cancelled.
FLEMING HEALTH CARE REFORM UPDATE
Update on H.Res 615: Call on Members of Congress to Enroll in the Public Option
Because you have previously contacted my office by email in support of H. Res. 615, my resolution calling on Members of Congress to enroll in the public option, I wanted to give you an update.
Like many of you, I am deeply concerned that Congress will press forward to enact an intrusive government administered health care plan, despite the higher costs and lowered level of care other countries with similar systems have experienced.
You will be pleased to know that more than 100 Members of Congress joined in support of H. Res. 615, my common sense measure calling on Members who vote for an intrusive government-administered health care plan to enroll in that system. Since launching this effort, nearly 3 million Americans like you have contacted my office in support of H. Res. 615. In response I offered an amendment to the Democratic Leadership health care bill to automatically enroll all Members of Congress and all Senators in the public option. Predictably, my amendment was rejected out of hand by the Majority and was not given a vote on the floor of the House of Representatives.
Common sense seems to have failed us in the health care debate. That is why I offered a resolution asking Members of Congress to put their “money where their mouth is” and call for Members who support a public option lead by example and be required to enroll in the public option themselves. If a Member is willing to vote for such an option, why shouldn’t they enroll in it?
THE DOCTOR’S DIAGNOSIS: There is no doubt about it; health care in America must be reformed. The answer, however, is not an intrusive government administered health care plan. As a practicing physician for over 30 years, I am concerned that the kind of “reform” being debated back and forth on Capitol Hill will insert Washington bureaucrats between patients and their doctors, burden the middle class with new taxes, and raise insurance premiums for almost everyone. That is unacceptable “reform.” I will continue to work to represent you and to bring common sense back to this debate.
You can also click these links to follow me on Facebook or Twitter.
JOHN FLEMING, M.D.
Because you have previously contacted my office by email in support of H. Res. 615, my resolution calling on Members of Congress to enroll in the public option, I wanted to give you an update.
Like many of you, I am deeply concerned that Congress will press forward to enact an intrusive government administered health care plan, despite the higher costs and lowered level of care other countries with similar systems have experienced.
You will be pleased to know that more than 100 Members of Congress joined in support of H. Res. 615, my common sense measure calling on Members who vote for an intrusive government-administered health care plan to enroll in that system. Since launching this effort, nearly 3 million Americans like you have contacted my office in support of H. Res. 615. In response I offered an amendment to the Democratic Leadership health care bill to automatically enroll all Members of Congress and all Senators in the public option. Predictably, my amendment was rejected out of hand by the Majority and was not given a vote on the floor of the House of Representatives.
Common sense seems to have failed us in the health care debate. That is why I offered a resolution asking Members of Congress to put their “money where their mouth is” and call for Members who support a public option lead by example and be required to enroll in the public option themselves. If a Member is willing to vote for such an option, why shouldn’t they enroll in it?
THE DOCTOR’S DIAGNOSIS: There is no doubt about it; health care in America must be reformed. The answer, however, is not an intrusive government administered health care plan. As a practicing physician for over 30 years, I am concerned that the kind of “reform” being debated back and forth on Capitol Hill will insert Washington bureaucrats between patients and their doctors, burden the middle class with new taxes, and raise insurance premiums for almost everyone. That is unacceptable “reform.” I will continue to work to represent you and to bring common sense back to this debate.
You can also click these links to follow me on Facebook or Twitter.
JOHN FLEMING, M.D.
Kids Enjoy Eastern Shore Blizzard Of 2010
Joe,Here is some pics i took of the kids in the neighborhood building there igloo. Thought you might enjoy.
OBITUARY
OBITUARY
Born 1776, Died 2008
It does not hurt to read this several times.
Professor Joseph Olson of Hamline University School of Law, St. Paul, MN, points out some interesting facts concerning last November's Presidential election:
Number of States won by: Obama: 19 McCain: 29
Square miles of land won by: Obama: 580,000 McCain: 2,427,000
Population of counties won by:
Obama: 127 million McCain: 143 million
Murder rate per 100,000 residents in counties won by:
Obama: 13.2 McCain: 2.1
Professor Olson adds: "In aggregate, the map of the territory McCain won was mostly the land owned by the taxpaying citizens of the country.
Obama territory mostly encompassed those citizens living in low income tenements and living off various forms of government welfare..."
Olson believes the United States is now somewhere between the "complacency and apathy" phase of Professor Tyler's definition of democracy, with some forty percent of the nation's population already having reached the "governmental dependency" phase.
If Congress grants amnesty and citizenship to twenty million criminal invaders called illegals and they vote, then we can say goodbye to the USA in fewer than five years...
Born 1776, Died 2008
It does not hurt to read this several times.
Professor Joseph Olson of Hamline University School of Law, St. Paul, MN, points out some interesting facts concerning last November's Presidential election:
Number of States won by: Obama: 19 McCain: 29
Square miles of land won by: Obama: 580,000 McCain: 2,427,000
Population of counties won by:
Obama: 127 million McCain: 143 million
Murder rate per 100,000 residents in counties won by:
Obama: 13.2 McCain: 2.1
Professor Olson adds: "In aggregate, the map of the territory McCain won was mostly the land owned by the taxpaying citizens of the country.
Obama territory mostly encompassed those citizens living in low income tenements and living off various forms of government welfare..."
Olson believes the United States is now somewhere between the "complacency and apathy" phase of Professor Tyler's definition of democracy, with some forty percent of the nation's population already having reached the "governmental dependency" phase.
If Congress grants amnesty and citizenship to twenty million criminal invaders called illegals and they vote, then we can say goodbye to the USA in fewer than five years...
The New Orleans Saints Superbowl Drinking Game
-Every time they mention hurricane Katrina, drink 1
-If they show pictures of the City of New Orleans right after Katrina, drink 1
-Every time they say how much the Saints mean to the City of New Orleans, drink 1
-Every time the words “tragedy”, “flood”, or “devastation” are used, drink 1
-Every time they talk about how good Reggie Bush was in college, drink 3
-If they show Kim Kardashian in the stands, drink 5
-Every time they show a picture of Reggie Bush with a bat or say “bringing the wood” drink for 5 seconds.
-Every time Reggie Bush gets negative yardage trying to run around in the backfield a bunch and outrun the defense, drink 1 and turn to the person next to you and say “I told you Vince Young should have won the Heisman”
-Every time Reggie Bush gets up and flexes his arms in that pose he likes to do, drink 1
-If they mention Tim Tebow for any reason, funnel a beer
-Every time they say that “it’s destiny for the Saints to win” drink 1
-If they show footage of Katrina survivors at the Superdome, take a shot of cheap liquor
-If they call Saints fans the most passionate fans in football, drink 1
-If they say that the Saints, Saints fans, or the City of New Orleans “deserve” a Superbowl victory, drink 1
-Every time they say how good of a story the Saints are, drink 1
-If Jeremy Shockey pretends to be hurt after dropping a pass, drink 2
-If they mention the Saints beating the Falcons in 2006 in the first game after Katrina in the Superdome, drink 5
-Every time they compare hurricane Katrina to the Haiti earthquake, funnel a beer and yell “bullshit!”
-Every time they mention Drew Brees as the Mardi Gras king, drink 1
-Every time they show Archie Manning, drink 1, and mention how bad he sucked. If they show old footage of him on the Saints, drink 5. If they mention how tough of a decision it was for him as for whom to cheer for, drink 10.
-Every time they show a saints fan yelling "Who dat!" Or a sign/shirt saying the same, drink 1.
-If they show Chris Paul at the game, drink 1 and mention to someone how much better he is than Marvin Williams.
-If they show former Mayor Ray Nagin, drink 5 and then punch someone in the throat
-If they show pictures of the City of New Orleans right after Katrina, drink 1
-Every time they say how much the Saints mean to the City of New Orleans, drink 1
-Every time the words “tragedy”, “flood”, or “devastation” are used, drink 1
-Every time they talk about how good Reggie Bush was in college, drink 3
-If they show Kim Kardashian in the stands, drink 5
-Every time they show a picture of Reggie Bush with a bat or say “bringing the wood” drink for 5 seconds.
-Every time Reggie Bush gets negative yardage trying to run around in the backfield a bunch and outrun the defense, drink 1 and turn to the person next to you and say “I told you Vince Young should have won the Heisman”
-Every time Reggie Bush gets up and flexes his arms in that pose he likes to do, drink 1
-If they mention Tim Tebow for any reason, funnel a beer
-Every time they say that “it’s destiny for the Saints to win” drink 1
-If they show footage of Katrina survivors at the Superdome, take a shot of cheap liquor
-If they call Saints fans the most passionate fans in football, drink 1
-If they say that the Saints, Saints fans, or the City of New Orleans “deserve” a Superbowl victory, drink 1
-Every time they say how good of a story the Saints are, drink 1
-If Jeremy Shockey pretends to be hurt after dropping a pass, drink 2
-If they mention the Saints beating the Falcons in 2006 in the first game after Katrina in the Superdome, drink 5
-Every time they compare hurricane Katrina to the Haiti earthquake, funnel a beer and yell “bullshit!”
-Every time they mention Drew Brees as the Mardi Gras king, drink 1
-Every time they show Archie Manning, drink 1, and mention how bad he sucked. If they show old footage of him on the Saints, drink 5. If they mention how tough of a decision it was for him as for whom to cheer for, drink 10.
-Every time they show a saints fan yelling "Who dat!" Or a sign/shirt saying the same, drink 1.
-If they show Chris Paul at the game, drink 1 and mention to someone how much better he is than Marvin Williams.
-If they show former Mayor Ray Nagin, drink 5 and then punch someone in the throat
Snow In Princess Anne
Mt. Vernon Road, Princess AnneThis is a fence along my driveway. My wonderful neighbor come over and shoveled my driveway. Nice people in Princess Anne also.
If You And Bruce Are Out This Way
"Good morning Joe. I love what you are doing for people and the snow. Today if you and Bruce are out in Willards and are hungry, please stop by and have some fresh chili at XOXO Massey Crossing Road. I bought a pool table a few years back from Bruce and last year I had him break it down for me. I also was in a commercial for him. So Bruce knows who I am. Like I said if you want a hot bowl of chili and you guys are out this way, please don't hesitate to stop by.
You won't have a problem getting through back here either. All of our farmers have been plowing the roads and digging everyone out with their tractors. That's me included.
Thanks for what you guys are doing. Not every one is as fortunate as I am to have access to tractors and neighbors who help everyone out. Have a great and safe day."
Yesterday we hadn't eaten all day, so let me tell you, that's a very kind offer. Thank You Very Much!
You won't have a problem getting through back here either. All of our farmers have been plowing the roads and digging everyone out with their tractors. That's me included.
Thanks for what you guys are doing. Not every one is as fortunate as I am to have access to tractors and neighbors who help everyone out. Have a great and safe day."
Yesterday we hadn't eaten all day, so let me tell you, that's a very kind offer. Thank You Very Much!
Sunday, February 07, 2010
Another Wonderful Delmar Story, Actually, Two
"Hi Joe
I am writing to to telling you that there is a boy(sorry young MAN around 8 or 9 yrs old) that was plowing a driveway for a couple in delmar del on brittingham rd. I was heading to my father house to give a hand on shoveling the snow for him when I pulled up I notice that his driveway was cover in about two and half feet of snow drifts. I realized that my four wheel drive would probably not make it, so down the street I saw someone using a bocat plowing a driveway and drove down there to ask if he would mind plowing my father driveway. I realized it was this young man operating the bobcat. When I asked how much he said nothing. He came down to do his driveway. In mean while my wife ask how much he was charging I said nothing but lets give him something anyway. When he was done I walked up to him to give him money, he told me no thanks we dont charge on Sunday.I told him to come back on Monday then to get your money, he said no. I was so amazed that a young man at his age helping his neighbor out. Kudos to this kid and his parents for raising a fine young man."
Editors Note: Have we started something refreshing? Are we coming back as Americans? Folks, if your neighbors driveway and sidewalks aren't clear, lend a helping hand. As my old New York friends used to say, "It Can't Hurt."
Bruce Hunter and I spent our entire day today helping those in need. In fact, we'll be out all day tomorrow getting to the rest of the people who have requested help. To this young man and especially his Parents, God Bless you. The apple will not fall far from the tree and clearly this young man has been raised by some excellent parents.
So everyone knows as well. After a VERY long day today I came home to Delmar to find my own driveway plowed. I have no idea who this individual is but from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU! My back also thanks you! Spread the love Folks.
I am writing to to telling you that there is a boy(sorry young MAN around 8 or 9 yrs old) that was plowing a driveway for a couple in delmar del on brittingham rd. I was heading to my father house to give a hand on shoveling the snow for him when I pulled up I notice that his driveway was cover in about two and half feet of snow drifts. I realized that my four wheel drive would probably not make it, so down the street I saw someone using a bocat plowing a driveway and drove down there to ask if he would mind plowing my father driveway. I realized it was this young man operating the bobcat. When I asked how much he said nothing. He came down to do his driveway. In mean while my wife ask how much he was charging I said nothing but lets give him something anyway. When he was done I walked up to him to give him money, he told me no thanks we dont charge on Sunday.I told him to come back on Monday then to get your money, he said no. I was so amazed that a young man at his age helping his neighbor out. Kudos to this kid and his parents for raising a fine young man."
Editors Note: Have we started something refreshing? Are we coming back as Americans? Folks, if your neighbors driveway and sidewalks aren't clear, lend a helping hand. As my old New York friends used to say, "It Can't Hurt."
Bruce Hunter and I spent our entire day today helping those in need. In fact, we'll be out all day tomorrow getting to the rest of the people who have requested help. To this young man and especially his Parents, God Bless you. The apple will not fall far from the tree and clearly this young man has been raised by some excellent parents.
So everyone knows as well. After a VERY long day today I came home to Delmar to find my own driveway plowed. I have no idea who this individual is but from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU! My back also thanks you! Spread the love Folks.
Hoekstra: Obama Didn't Consult With GOP On Terror Intel
U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Mich., issued the following statement on Sunday concerning statements by White House Deputy National Security Adviser John Brennan on "Meet the Press."
"Can anyone take seriously the White House's assertion that it consulted with Republicans when President Obama didn't even consult his own Director of National Intelligence, FBI Director or Homeland Security Secretary concerning Abdulmutallab? Anyone who knows my record and the leadership of Republicans on national security issues knows that we have not been shy about expressing our thoughts and strategies with the administration.
"The mishandling of this case is the Obama administration's failure, and they have no one to blame but themselves. President Obama failed to respond after the terrorist attack at Fort Hood, and failed to respond immediately after the terrorist attack in Detroit.
"Instead of lashing out politically and attempting to deflect blame, Obama and his advisers need to settle on a coherent and rational national security strategy to help secure our homeland.
Facts:
Hoekstra had a brief, non-secure conversation with Brennan. Brennan only informed him that Abdulmutallab had severe burns and was being treated.
Contrary to what he attempts to imply, Brennan at no time informed Hoekstra that Abdulmutallab had been Mirandized nor did he seek Hoekstra's consultation or provide any sort of meaningful briefing. The faulty decision to Mirandize Abdulmuttalab was the Obama administration’s, and its decision alone.
More.
Special Weather Related Closings Of State Buildings, Liberal Leave And Emergency Information
Note: This closing and/or liberal leave information applies to principal units and independent agencies in the Executive Branch, except educational units under the jurisdiction of the University of Maryland, Morgan State University, St. Mary's College of Maryland, Maryland School for the Deaf and Baltimore City Community College.
A statewide liberal leave policy is in effect for all state employees beginning at 6 a.m. on Monday, February 8, 2010 to the end of the day shift on Monday, February 8, 2010. Emergency essential personnel should report as scheduled.
A statewide liberal leave policy is in effect for all state employees beginning at 6 a.m. on Monday, February 8, 2010 to the end of the day shift on Monday, February 8, 2010. Emergency essential personnel should report as scheduled.
Delmar Is A Beautiful Place To Live
Joe,
I just wanted to tell you how wonderful it is to live in Delmar (I live on the Maryland side). I went out to start the big dig out & all the neighbors were out doing the same. It turns out that I live in such a great place that we all helped each other & got it done. I just feel so blessed to live in a community where we can all work together. Just thought you would like to hear how much I appreciate Delmar.
I additionally want to say thanks for your blog it has been a great way for me to always know what's going on. My parents live in Annapolis and they check the blog everyday (actaully several times a day). My dad says he is addicted to it. Your blog has been a great way for my dad to always know what is going on here. I am 31, but he still feels like he needs to check on his "little girl". You rock Joe!
Thanks, Christine in Delmar
"Operation Bombshell" A Big Hit With Service Spouses And Returning G.I.s
Author Lily Burana has founded a burlesque school especially for military spouses. Free to spouses of all branches, Burana hopes to help those dealing with deployment.
Burana is the author of the memoir Strip City [Miramax, 2003] and the Western novel Try [St. Martin's Griffin, 2007]. In 2009 she published her third book, the memoir I Love a Man in Uniform [Weinstein Books, 2009] which chronicles her transformation from a former punk rock stripper to wife of an Officer in the United States Army. Her latest book describes many of the challenges of a military wife, such as the complicated etiquette, the stress of deployment and the experience of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Toward the end of the book, Burana writes of her desire to help other wives of deployed soldiers. She writes, “I wanted them to feel confident that when they faced their husbands again, they’d be strong and sexy. But mostly I wanted them to be there for themselves.” To achieve this, Burana came up with the idea of “Operation Bombshell”, the world’s only burlesque school for military wives.
Open to military wives of all branches, Operation Burlesque is a 90-minute burlesque class taught by Burana. The routines are choreographed by Jo Weldon, headmistress of The New York School of Burlesque. Burana stresses that there is no nudity involved in the burlesque routines and that classes are open to all levels of physical ability; no previous dance training is required.
More HERE.
Operation Bombshell's website HERE.
To Those Of You Nagging Me About Road Conditions....
Look, we have produced photos of large trucks run off the road and these are professionals.
We are working to get out there ourselves to help others in need and let me assure you, I wouldn't be going anywhere if it weren't for that.
So my suggestion to you is, stay home, stay off the roads. Most of the side roads are single lanes and have not even been plowed yet. If you want to go somewhere, I suggest you walk, like we used to do in the old days.
Maybe when we return I can deliver some photos. That being said, if any of you who happen to have the proper vehicles to get out there can take some pictures and send them to us we'll be happy to post them later this evening.
Thanks for the photo Stephanie.
In Defense Of The Constitution Of The United States Of America
In Defense Of The Constitution Of The United States Of America
By pointing out the errors of past and present administrations, I am defending the Constitution of the United States of America. Some would call us conservatives, right-wing extremists, racists, dissidents and even terrorists; all because we don’t aggress with their ideas and, or actions.
“Dissent is the greatest form of Patriotism”; you could pay a high price of it!
Is the price worth it to you? It is to me and to the future of our great nation. I really don’t have a choice, because I understand what is happening. I realize it is easier for some to personally be silent, but it would be just like being in a burning building and not pulling the fire alarm.
“Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentleman wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery?” – Patrick Henry – 1775
The oath that our soldiers, congressmen and president takes, also applies to ‘We the People’
The Oath of ‘We the People’
‘We the people’, do solemnly swear, (or affirm), that we will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign or domestic; that we will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that we take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that we will well and faithfully discharge our duties of citizenship, so help us god.
As average citizens we have taken the ‘Pledge of Allegiance’ many, many times in our lives.
“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and justice for all”
· Are you committed to the Pledge that you have taken so many times in you life?
· Do you love this country like our founding fathers did?
· Do you pledge your all to preserving this great nation?
· Do you do everything you legally can to uphold the truths and principles of freedom founding in both The Declaration of Independence as well as the Constitution of the United States of America?
· Are you willing to take the Oath of ‘We the People’ and to live by it everyday?
As Thomas Paine said, “Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must, like men, undergo the fatigues of supporting it.”—September 11, 1777
And as James Madison said, “The advancement and diffusion of knowledge is the only guardian of true liberty”.
So please pledge allegiance again to this great nation. Take the Oath of ‘We the People’ and spread the knowledge and words of liberty and freedom. Our nation’s future, our children’s future and freedom’s future depends on it.
By pointing out the errors of past and present administrations, I am defending the Constitution of the United States of America. Some would call us conservatives, right-wing extremists, racists, dissidents and even terrorists; all because we don’t aggress with their ideas and, or actions.
“Dissent is the greatest form of Patriotism”; you could pay a high price of it!
Is the price worth it to you? It is to me and to the future of our great nation. I really don’t have a choice, because I understand what is happening. I realize it is easier for some to personally be silent, but it would be just like being in a burning building and not pulling the fire alarm.
“Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentleman wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery?” – Patrick Henry – 1775
The oath that our soldiers, congressmen and president takes, also applies to ‘We the People’
The Oath of ‘We the People’
‘We the people’, do solemnly swear, (or affirm), that we will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign or domestic; that we will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that we take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that we will well and faithfully discharge our duties of citizenship, so help us god.
As average citizens we have taken the ‘Pledge of Allegiance’ many, many times in our lives.
“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and justice for all”
· Are you committed to the Pledge that you have taken so many times in you life?
· Do you love this country like our founding fathers did?
· Do you pledge your all to preserving this great nation?
· Do you do everything you legally can to uphold the truths and principles of freedom founding in both The Declaration of Independence as well as the Constitution of the United States of America?
· Are you willing to take the Oath of ‘We the People’ and to live by it everyday?
As Thomas Paine said, “Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must, like men, undergo the fatigues of supporting it.”—September 11, 1777
And as James Madison said, “The advancement and diffusion of knowledge is the only guardian of true liberty”.
So please pledge allegiance again to this great nation. Take the Oath of ‘We the People’ and spread the knowledge and words of liberty and freedom. Our nation’s future, our children’s future and freedom’s future depends on it.
Time To Get To Work
This morning we will get our things together and hit the streets. Our goal is to reach as many of you as we can to clear a path for you to access the road. Mind you, we will only be doing so for those most in need. Elderly, ill and handicap people.
If you fit the above category, call me at 410-430-5349. We will do our best to get to your home and clear a path for you.
I encourage ALL of you to do what you can to help your neighbor. You know who they are and you know they cannot do it on their own.
All that being said, (unless I get help) comments will not be moderated for quite some time. I'll check in here and there.
I should add: My friend Bruce Hunter from Bruce's Billiards will be picking me up and helping me throughout the day. Every time we do things like this, Bruce is always the very first to volunteer.
What Will Your Children Be Taught?
Mathew Staver on The Huckabee Show this Weekend to Discuss Changes to Textbooks
This weekend Mathew D. Staver, Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel and Dean of Liberty University School of Law, will appear on Mike Huckabee’s show to discuss potentially dramatic changes to the framework of textbooks that are being discussed by the Texas State Board of Education (TSBOE). Huckabee and Staver will be revealing suggested changes, some of which are still under discussion. The show will begin at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday and 2:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, Eastern Time.
TSBOE will soon finalize the language that textbook publishers use to align their textbooks to current standards. As Texas is a leader in textbooks, most other states purchase the same educational materials. The textbook controversy in Texas affects every American because, to have a bright future, we must know our past. America has a rich past founded on Judeo-Christian values and to forget them, or worse, to distort them, will doom our future. Those who want to reshape America begin by rewriting our past. We repeat the mistakes of the past when we are ignorant of them.
Some of the suggestions that have come forward at various times include:
Removing references to Daniel Boone, General George Patton, Nathan Hale, Columbus Day, and Christmas.
Including the cultural impact of hip hop music, ACLU lawyer Clarence Darrow, and the Hindu holiday of Diwali.
Replacing the term "American" with "Global Citizen"– stating that students need to be shaped "for responsible citizenship in a global society" without any mention of citizenship in American society.
Replacing expansionism and free enterprise with imperialism and capitalism.
The Board's next meeting is in March and the final reading and adoption of the social studies guidelines will be in May.
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