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Monday, November 29, 2010

Found Dog #2 UPDATE OWNER FOUND

Hi Joe,

This dog appeared at my front door yesterday and I need help finding his owners. He’s a young, well trained pitbull mix and I know there is someone missing this guy tonight. He has been taught all sorts of tricks and his coat and nails look professionally done. He was found west of Fenwick Island, Delaware, just off of Rt. 54 about a mile from Harris Teeter. My contact info is patty@mchsi.com or 410-726-2130. I’m keeping him at my house until his owner is found.

Thanks for helping to get the word out about this lost dog. I’m hopeful someone out there recognizes him.

Patty

The Salvation Army Red Kettle Schedule UPDATE!




Click on images to enlarge.
If you can fill in any slots please call 410-749-7464.
The pink slots were filled today. There were more but they were on the 14th and do not show up on these charts. THANK YOU!




Prince George’s Co. Pandemonium

ANNAPOLIS Maryland Republican Party Chairman Audrey Scott released the following statement today in response to the assault charges filed against Democrat Councilwoman Marilynn M. Bland:
 
“Democrats have absolutely gone wild in Prince George’s County. It does not seem as if a week can go by anymore with out a Democrat in Prince George’s County either being arrested or accused of a crime. It is becoming increasingly clear that one Party rule has bred a culture of corruption and a sense of entitlement among elected Democrats in the county. Prince George's County Democrats need to remember they work for the taxpayers, however, recent behavior shows just how out-of-touch they have become.”

OC Council To Propose Wage Cuts?

Joe,
 
Hearing a rumor coming out of OC that at the council meeting tomorrow night, one of the councilman (the rumor says Hall) will propose a 5% wage cut for most employees and up to a 20% cut in management wages. That is what is going around in the rumor mill of the town employees. If it is Hall, I wonder if he is going to cut prices in his restaurant 20% since times are so hard?

Can YOU Help Us Tuesday?

Hallmark Giant open 10 to 12 and 4 to 6
 
Super Fresh College Avenue open 5 to 9
 
Walmart North - Retail Entrance - open 3 to 5 and 7 to 9
 
Hallmark Twilley Center - open 10 to 5
 
Ace Hardware - open 10 to 4
 
The above times are slots that have not been filled for Tuesday. If you can help volunteer we'd greatly appreciate it. Please call 410-749-7464.

SHOREBIRDS TO HOST COOKIES WITH CLAUS ON DECEMBER 11

Holiday Fun at Perdue Stadium From 10 am – 12 pm

Salisbury, MD – With the holiday season upon us, the Delmarva Shorebirds are excited to announce that the annual “Cookies With Claus” event will be held on Saturday, December 11 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Executive Club at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.  The event is free and open to the public.  However, the Shorebirds are encouraging all attendees to bring a new and unwrapped toy to be donated to the Toys for Tots campaign. 

Santa Claus headlines a fun and festive day at Perdue Stadium.  Families will be able to pose for pictures with Santa.  In addition, the Shorebirds will provide cookies, hot chocolate and much more.  Coloring stations will also be set up for all children. 

Sherman, the Shorebirds lovable mascot, will also be dressed for the holiday season.

“Cookies with Claus is a fantastic event that will put everyone in the holiday spirit,” said general manager Chris Bitters.  “Since the event also coincides with Toys for Tots, it serves as a perfect blend of fun and giving.”

The Shorebirds are asking that each family brings a new and unwrapped toy to Perdue Stadium to be donated to the Toys for Tots campaign.  The toys will be distributed to underprivileged children on the Eastern Shore. 

Toys for Tots has been ongoing in Wicomico County for 27 years. In 2009, over 14,000 toys were given out to over 7,000 children.  For more information about the Toys for Tots program, click here.

For more information about “Cookies with Claus”, contact the Delmarva Shorebirds at 410-219-3112.

RED KETTLE DONATIONS DOWN

"One of the Salvation Army's most recognizable fundraisers — the Red Kettle campaign —isn't performing well in its first week and representatives are pointing toward a new Giant Food policy as the reason. The National Capital Area Salvation Army reported today that the campaign — where volunteers and paid personnel stand outside shopping centers during the holidays ringing a bell to draw attention to the large red bucket next to them — has seen a $74,000 drop in donations compared to the same week last year. "

Kenya Leader: Homosexuals 'Should Be Arrested'

'We will not tolerate such behaviors in the country,' prime minister reportedly tells rally

Kenya's prime minister has said that homosexuals should be arrested, according to reports.

"We will not tolerate such behaviors in the country," the BBC quoted Raila Odinga as saying. "The constitution is very clear on this issue and men or women found engaging in homosexuality will not be spared."

Africa Review reported that Odinga told a rally in Nairobi on Sunday that "if found the homosexuals should be arrested and taken to relevant authorities."

GO HERE to read more. 

Reggie Mason To Be Sworn In December 6th



Click on image to enlarge.

Council President Smith To Tape Issues & Answers Farewell


Council President Louise Smith will tape her farewell Issues and Answers message on Thursday, December 2, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. The public is invited to attend.

The press conference and taping will be held in the Council Chambers, Room 301 of the City/County Government Office Building, 125 N. Division Street.

Brother, Can You Spare A Time?




I want to thank all of the individuals, groups and businesses for stepping up early this season to ring the bell for so many Families in need this year.

With your help we can continue to keep this campaign an all Volunteer event. In the coming days you will see things slow down post wise on Salisbury News as I will be filling in many of the open slots that aren't filled. The more Volunteers we get, the more Posts you'll see on Salisbury News.

If you'd like to volunteer, please call 410-749-7464.

No Loitering In Front Of Main Library

WHAT:  No Loitering policy goes into effect
WHO:  Wicomico Public Library customers
WHEN: Beginning December 1st
WHERE: Main Library  

SALISBURY, MD – November 29, 2010 – Effective December 1, 2010 a “No Loitering” policy will be in effect outside the Main Library in Downtown Salisbury.   The amendment to the Library’s “Customer Rules of Conduct” was approved by the Library Board of Trustees at its October 12 meeting and specifically prohibits “Smoking, blocking the entrance, including the sidewalk, solicitation and loitering.”

“The increasing number of people who ‘hang out’ near the Library entrance at all hours has led to increased complaints of smoking, profanity, solicitation and congestion,” said Library Director Tom Hehman.  “A number of people have even said they no longer come to the library for that reason. The new policy is designed to keep the Main Library free and open to all who would use it, and everyone is welcome inside.”

Wicomico Public Library has its main facility in downtown Salisbury and two small branches in the Centre at Salisbury and Pittsville, a computer access station in Bivalve, and a bookmobile.  The library offers free Internet access, a variety of classes and events, as well as materials for loan including popular music CDs and DVD titles.  Computer use, classes and events are free and open to the public.

Obama To Announce Pay Freeze For Federal Workers

President Obama will announce a pay freeze for federal workers in a statement today, NBC's Savannah Guthrie reports.

The two-year pay freeze for civilian federal employees will save $2 billion during the rest of the current fiscal year and almost $30 billion over the next five years, the White House said Monday.

There are about 2.65 million civilian employees of the executive branch, per the Washington Post. That's about 8.4 federal workers per 1,000 American citizens.

GO HERE to read more.

Safe Streets Input Session

I wanted to remind you that a third opportunity to comment on the Safe Streets draft legislative package (http://www.ci.salisbury.md.us/Default.aspx?tabid=643)  is this Tuesday in the Council Chambers with doors opening at 6:00.

Lucky’s Fashionable Guide To Online Holiday Shopping

Discover 15 smart sites to please everyone on your Christmas list Looking for unique, fun gifts? Lucky magazine shares secrets to shopping for the perfect presents for everyone on your holiday list: GO HERE to view.

Living Small Looms Large Amid Real Estate Bust

Demand for diminutive houses rises among young and retiring Boomers GRATON, Calif. — As Americans downsize in the aftermath of a colossal real estate bust, at least one tiny corner of the housing market appears to be thriving. To save money or simplify their lives, a small but growing number of Americans are buying or building homes that could fit inside many people's living rooms, according to entrepreneurs in the small house industry. GO HERE to read more.

Big Sis’ Street Scanners Target Of FOIA Request

The Electronic Privacy Information Center is demanding that Big Sis spill the beans on street scanners as part of a FOIA request that seeks to unveil the truth behind Homeland Security’s hundreds of roaming backscatter devices that are now radiating Americans in their homes and vehicles at internal checkpoints in the name of “safety”. As we reported earlier this year, as the national outrage surrounding the TSA’s use of naked body scanners at airports simmered, the feds had already purchased hundreds of x-ray scanners mounted in vans that were being used to randomly scan vehicles, passengers and homes in complete violation of the 4th amendment and with wanton disregard for any health consequences. “EPIC cited previous DHS testing of body scanners on New Jersey’s PATH trains and the development of street-roaming backscatter vans. EPIC has also filed a lawsuit to suspend body scanner program. EPIC has called the devices “invasive, ineffective, and unlawful,” states the press release. WSBTV reported on once instance of the mobile scanners being used to check trucks for explosive devices at an internal checkpoint set up by Homeland Security, the Department of Transportation, and the TSA. Officials admitted there was no specific threat that justified the checkpoint, and although it was labeled a “counter-terror operation,” the scans were also being conducted in the name of “safety”. Despite polls showing the majority of Americans oppose the use of body scanners in airports, many travelers are unaware of the fact that the TSA and Big Sis are now roaming neighborhoods and highways with the same invasive technology. GO HERE to read more.

Salisbury Holds Tree Lighting Ceremony






Friday night a smaller than usual crowd gathered at the GOB for their tree lighting ceremony and an early visit from Santa.
I've been there several times in the past when the weather was much colder. Speculating why the crowd was smaller, well, it could be a multitude of reasons. All I can tell you is, most of the people in attendance had a child there singing or participating in the pre lighting show.

I'm sure many people had truly hoped things would be much different morale wise in the City after electing a new Mayor. Perhaps it just takes time.

After seeing this crowd, I didn't make the effort to attend the lighting in the Park the following evening.

Many made remarks about how tiny the tree is and they're right. I'd say it was no more than double the size of a regular tree you'd have in your home. Many also remarked about how the tree across Rt. 50 at the Church, (already light up) would have made for a much better tree. To look at the base stand that holds up the tree, the trunk of the current tree left at least 90% of the stand empty.

Nevertheless, it's the symbol of the season that counts. A smaller tree means less lights and a lower electric bill. Maybe they can use the savings to hire another Police Officer.

Rhetoric Aside, Dems Tops With Special Interests

Democrats raised far more money from political action committees this past election than Republicans did, even counting the new "Super PACs" President Obama claimed were giving the GOP a corporate-funded unfair advantage.

Final campaign finance figures from the Federal Election Commission have come in, and they show a very different picture from the one painted by Obama and most of the media. The Democrats' advantage in money from traditional PACs was just about 10 times the size of the Republicans' advantage from the new Super PACs.

The Obama line -- special interests, upset about the Democrats' tough reforms, favored the GOP -- got plenty play this cycle, and fit neatly into many journalists' prejudices. But the truth is more complicated. Both parties are probably equally cozy with special interests.

PAC giving is a good measure of corporate political leanings, and by any measure, PACs gave more to Democratic candidates. According to the Center for Responsive Politics, traditional PACs -- which are limited to $10,000 to each candidate -- gave $220 million to Democratic House and Senate candidates this cycle, compared with $153 million to Republicans.

Some of the Democrats' PAC advantage stems from PACs' tendency to mostly fund incumbents -- and Democrats had a lot more of those. But even adjusting for Democrats' numerical advantage, you get a similar story: The average House Democrat running for re-election raised $677,409 from PACs, compared with $530,492 for the average Republican. On the Senate side, Democrats enjoyed a narrower advantage: $1.85 million to $1.61 million on average.

Again, these numbers can be explained in part by the incumbent bias -- almost no Republican incumbents faced tough re-elections, and so they may have been less aggressive in fundraising. The data don't prove that the Democrats are "the party of special interests," but they certainly undermine the standard claim to the contrary. And drilling down, there's more data like this.                            

Read more here

Today's Survey Question

Will you shop online on Cyber Monday?

Your Paycheck Is About To Shrink

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Are you ready to give up $30 a month?


That's what may come out of your paycheck if -- as expected -- the Making Work Pay tax credit expires at the end of the year.

The credit was enacted last year as part of the Recovery Act to put more cash in people's pockets. For the past two years, it has boosted paychecks by up to $400 for single filers and $800 for joint filers by reducing the tax withheld and giving a credit for that amount. That's $33 or $67 a month.

Single taxpayers who make $75,000 or less and couples earning under $150,000 are eligible for the full credit, while higher earners can receive partial credit. More than 90% of working Americans have been helped by the tax break.

Now they will feel the pain when the credit goes away.

GO HERE to read more.

More Corruption Probed Within Pr. George's Co. Police

It seems the three Prince George's County officers named in a federal corruption probe are just the tip of the iceberg.

According to police officials and internal records, at least 46 officers are either currently suspended or assigned to administrative duties because of violations or misconducts.

The Washington Post reported that dozens of officers are accused of crimes ranging from driving while intoxicated to assault and drug possession.

Investigators believe at least 19 of these officers committed a crime, and at least 10 of the suspended officers have also been charged in court.

At least nine of the officers are suspected of sexual assault and theft, and at least seven officers are in trouble because of an allegation of excessive use of force.

Police Chief Robert Hylton said there are grumblings within the department because of the recent crackdown on officer behavior, but he said, "I'm not backing down from this whatsoever."

Source

Cyber Monday: Great Deals For Shoppers Who Know Where To Look

WASHINGTON -- Following the incursion of deal-seekers flooding local retail stores on Black Friday last week, workers return to the office after the Thanksgiving weekend for "Cyber Monday," one of the biggest online shopping days of the year rife with money-saving opportunities, provided the e-shopper knows where to look.

The National Retail Foundation has set up CyberMonday.com, an online clearinghouse with hundreds of the best deals, and industry experts suggest starting there.

"(It has) coupons, deals, discounts, and if you're really committed, you can send a text message to 77053 and they will give you deals of the hour," CBS Technology Correspondent Daniel Sieberg told the CBS Early Show. He recommends using this strategy to learn immediately about the newest deals in tandem with starting early.

"The sooner the better. Quantities are limited, especially online," he says.

Coupon sites like Dealio.com and GottaDeal.com are also good places to start.

GO HERE to read more.

Secondhand Smoke: Staggering Stats

Multisource political news, world news, and entertainment news analysis by Newsy.com


The first-ever study to analyze the global effects of secondhand smoke finds that it kills more than 600,000 people every year.

Hospitality Industry Says “Dime-A-Drink” Tax Hike Could Be Devastating

Despite the deceptively simple catch phrase, bars, restaurants, wineries and alcohol wholesalers think that the “dime-a-drink” proposal to increase the state tax rate on alcoholic beverages will cost them a lot more.

“They can call it 10 cents a drink. I call it $3 a case of beer,” said Jack Milani, a partner in Monaghan’s Pub in Baltimore County. Milani is legislative co-chair of the Maryland State Licensed Beverage Association.

The trade group represents about 1,400 restaurants, bars and package liquor stores, and times have been hard, he said.

“A lot of our people haven’t fully recovered from the last two years of the economic downturn,” Milani said. “We’ve lost establishments in the state.”

Proponents of increasing taxes on alcohol point out that Maryland has one of lowest state tax rates in the country. It was last raised in 1972 for beer and wine, and in 1955 for distilled spirits.

Currently, the state tax is 9 cents per gallon on beer, 40 cents per gallon on wine and $1.50 per gallon on spirits. The increase would add roughly 10 cents per “drink” across the board. While this seems small, calculations have shown that the actual taxes would increase by 700% to 1,300%.

The current state tax is an excise tax, which is applied at the distributor level.

GO HERE to read more.

Efforts For More Open Government Brings Divergent Groups Together

Legislators and advocates on the right and left are often at odds on policy, but a conference next week will bring divergent groups together on something they can all agree on: the need for greater openness and transparency in government.

The Maryland Public Policy Institute, along with the Maryland Budget and Tax Policy Institute, Progressive Maryland, and Community Research, are sponsoring a session Dec. 8 to discuss ways that the government can be more accountable to the people through increased disclosure of information.

Different viewpoints from across the political spectrum will be represented at the conference. Del. Warren Miller, a Howard County Republican, and Del. Heather Mizeur, a Democrat from Montgomery County, who have both championed legislation to increase transparency through legislation, will be represent the legislature. Representatives from three national organizations – the Institute for Truth in Accounting, the American Legislative Exchange Council, and Common Cause – will also speak.

GO HERE to read more.

Oakland Immigrant ID CardsTto Work As Debit Cards

Oakland, California is poised to join a handful of cities in creating a municipal identification card that is touted primarily as a way for illegal immigrants to prove their identity.

But unlike programs in other locales, Oakland's plan will be the first in the nation to create an alternative banking system for the poor, with the ID doubling as a full-service debit card.

Card holders will be able to load money onto their cards, freeing them from the vulnerability of walking around with cash or relying on costly check-cashing outlets.

"This will probably be the most advanced municipal ID in the country," said Councilwoman and Mayor-elect Jean Quan, who has driven the effort alongside Councilman Ignacio De La Fuente.

While the debit card function is intended to help illegal immigrants, others see the card's varied uses as a way to broaden interest. That, they say, will prevent a municipal ID card from being a scarlet letter.

"We want to make sure that it's not just another way of identifying people who don't have documentation," said Councilwoman Nancy Nadel.

Oakland is not the first city to try to make municipal ID cards part of the fabric of nonimmigrants' lives.

An ID offered by San Francisco doubles as a library card and provides discounts at certain businesses. The Washington, D.C., card has a slew of functions and can be used to pay for public transit. New Haven, Conn., which implemented the first municipal ID in 2007, allows residents to use the card at parking meters.

Claudia Burgos, an aide to De La Fuente, said Oakland hopes to start issuing cards by March, after the council earlier this month awarded a contract to SF Global Group, a Los Angeles company that operates prepaid banking systems. The card would cost $15, or $10 for seniors and students.

Unlike a typical debit card, the Oakland ID can be loaded with up to $1,000 at a time at participating stores. Unlimited amounts can be added via payroll direct deposit.


Read more

Breaking News

Barney Frank resigns from Congress to pursue dream job with TSA.

DE State Police On High Alert For Wyatt Young

Preliminary Release: Search Underway for Suspect Wanted for Attempted Murder of a Maryland State Trooper

Location: 
State Route #1 @ Bayview Road, Middletown  

Date of Occurrence:   
Sunday, November 28, 2010 7:40 p.m.

Suspect: 
Wyatt A. Young-18 years old, White Male, 5’10”, 160 lbs,  
(Photo Attached as File)

Resume:  
Middletown- Delaware State Police and multiple police agencies are currently searching the area of SR#1 and Bayview Road, Middletown, Delaware for Wyatt A. Young-18 of Hebron, MD wanted for the Attempted Murder of a Maryland State Trooper that occurred on November 26 in Hebron.

Search was initiated tonight at approximately 7:40 p.m. after a Delaware State Trooper conducted a vehicle stop on a stolen car on SR#1 in the area of Bayview Road Middletown, DE.  After the stolen vehicle was stopped, the operator fled on foot.  Further investigation concluded that the operator of the vehicle was identified as Wyatt A. Young.

Delaware State Police, New Castle County Police, and multiple other agencies are operating in the area conducting the search, utilizing K-9 Teams and Delaware State Police Aviation Helicopters.

Wyatt A. Young is considered Armed and Dangerous.

The Public is asked to stay indoors and report any suspicious persons or activity by dialing 911.

****UPDATE: SUSPECT NOT LOCATED AFTER SEARCH**** November 29, 2010 07:30 a.m.

DSP News Release:  Suspect Not Located After Search


Resume:
After an extensive search of the area, the suspect was not located.  Troopers assisted by multiple police agencies including the Maryland State Police, searched through heavy wooded areas utilizing K-9 Teams, Delaware and Maryland State Police helicopters.

Wyatt A. Young is considered Armed and Dangerous.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Young should call 911.
They may also contact Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or provide tips online at www.tipsubmit.com or contact the Maryland State Police Salisbury Barrack at 410-749-3101.

DREAM Act For Illegal Immigrants? Dream On

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has obstinately defied the wishes of the American people by scheduling a vote on a controversial immigration bill during Congress' upcoming lame duck session. It takes hubris to try to ram through what conservative commentator David Frum calls "a massive unwinnable fight over amnesty for illegal aliens" through the same Congress that rejected it just two months ago.

The Development, Relief and Education of Alien Minors Act would grant legal residency status to any illegal immigrants under 35 who were brought to the U.S. as children if they enroll in college or join the military. On the surface, this may appear to be a compassionate way to deal with youngsters whose parents broke the law, but Frum notes that the bill's provisions are fraught with peril to our national security.

Since the Department of Homeland Security would be forbidden from using any information in a DREAM Act application during deportation proceedings, the bill provides what Frum calls a "no-risk option" to halt any present removal attempts and taint all future efforts. It's also an insult to the intelligence of voters that a bill officially directed at minors provides retroactive benefits to illegal immigrants of any age who have merely completed some military service or taken prior college classes.

In return for legal residency and an estimated $44 billion in taxpayer-supported in-state tuition and federal student aid, DREAM applicants don't even have to earn a college degree or be honorably discharged from the military.

Even before the bill's two-year requirement is up, all they have to do is claim "significant hardship" to quit college or leave the service, and then use their newfound status to sponsor members of their extended family -- ahead of foreigners waiting patiently for legal permission to enter the U.S.                                  

Read more at the Washington Examiner

Durbin Says Debate In U.S. Congress To Go Beyond Bush Tax Cuts

Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois, the senate’s No. 2 Democrat, said negotiations over extending the Bush-era tax cuts also will include prolonging emergency unemployment benefits and other tax credits.

“I want to put a couple other things on the table,” Durbin said today on NBC’s “Meet the Press.” “We do have unemployment running out,” he said, and “I also want to make sure the earned-income tax credit, the childcare tax credit, and the ‘Making Work Pay’ tax credit are part” of the discussion.

At issue are tax cuts passed in 2001 and 2003 that are set to expire Dec. 31. Obama is scheduled to meet with Democratic and Republican congressional leaders Nov. 30 at the White House to discuss the legislative agenda.

Additionally, emergency jobless benefits that kick in after the initial 26-weeks of payments end will expire at the end of this month. Without congressional action, about 2 million Americans will lose the federally funded benefits, according to a Labor Department estimate.

Arizona Senator Jon Kyl, the chamber’s second-ranking Republican, said there is “an opportunity for us to sit down and negotiate a resolution to this that’s good for the economy.” Kyl also repeated a key sticking point for Republicans: “We don’t believe taxes should be increased on anyone.”

Obama has argued the country can’t afford indefinitely extending tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans, defined by the president as individuals making more than $200,000 and couples earning more than $250,000.

“I believe it is a mistake for us to borrow $700 billion to make tax cuts permanent for millionaires and billionaires,” Obama told reporters Nov. 14. “It won’t significantly boost the economy and it’s hugely expensive, so we can’t afford it.”                  

[We agree, that would be a mistake. Let's CUT SPENDING by at least $700 billion. That will solve the problem. -- Editor]
Read more here

Leak: Iran Used Red Crescent To Smuggle Weapons

Iran used the cover of the Iranian Red Crescent to smuggle intelligence agents and missiles into Lebanon during the Second Lebanon War in 2006, according to a leaked US embassy cable published on Sunday.

Dated October, 2008, the cable, which originated in Dubai was based on a meeting between a US diplomat and an unnamed source the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) smuggled officers into Lebanon during the 2006 war with Hizbullah under the guise of Red Crescent officials. The source also claimed, according to the cable, that medical supplies were used to facilitated weapons shipments.

“He [the source] said that Iranian Red Crescent had seen missiles in the planes destined for Lebanon when delivering medical supplies to the plane. The plane was allegedly ‘half full’ prior to the arrival of any medical supplies,” the cable read.          

More from JPost

Netanyahu: Flood of Migrants Must Be Stemmed

On the day that the cabinet approved construction of a new detention center for illegal migrants, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu flew south Sunday afternoon to look at work being done on a fence being built between Egypt and Israel, and to illustrate the scope of the problem.

At briefings, he heard from top IDF officials at a location some 60 kilometers north of Eilat. On the border, Netanyahu was told that some 1,000 illegal migrants come across the border each month.

The prime minister said that this is a "danger" to the character of the state, and that the "flood" needed to be stemmed. Netanyahu said he was told by the IDF that the measures they are currently taking will cut the number in half in 2011 and perhaps even further in 2012. Among the steps being taken include the building of the barrier, enhancing forces in the region, and building the detention center with the hope that potential migrants will realize they won't be able to work once they enter into Israel.

Netanyahu said that less than 1% of the 12,000 migrants expected to arrive this year are political refugees, with more than 99% of them being migrants looking economic gain.

Earlier Sunday, prior to the cabinet's approval for the construction of a detention facility for illegal migrants, the prime minister said, "We do not intend to arrest refugees from war.  We allow them to enter and will continue to do so.  But we must stop the mass entry of illegal infiltrators who are looking for work due to the very harsh repercussions that this wave will have on the character and future of the State of Israel.," Netanyahu                  

JPost

Report Warns Obama About 'New' Dark Ages



Two national-security experts have issued a report through the Heritage Foundation that warns Obama administration officials to start working now to prevent – and mitigate the damage from – an electromagnetic pulse attack on the United States, because of the potential for "unimaginable devastation."

"Not even a global humanitarian effort would be enough to keep hundreds of millions of Americans from death by starvation, exposure, or lack of medicine. Nor would the catastrophe stop at U.S. borders. Most of Canada would be devastated, too, as its infrastructure is integrated with the U.S. power grid. Much of the world's intellectual brain power (half of it is in the United States) would be lost as well. Earth would most likely recede into the 'new' Dark Ages," states the report by James J. Carafano, the deputy director of the Kathryn and Shelby Cullom Davis Institute for International Studies and director of the Douglas and Sarah Allison Center for Foreign Policy Studies, and Richard Weitz, senior fellow and director of the Center for Politial-Military Analysis at the Hudson Institute.

The report, which is described by the Heritage Foundation as a "backgrounder," is titled "EMP Attacks – What the U.S. Must Do Now" and was released just days ago, says what is needed right now is for the government to "prevent the threat," by pursuing "an aggressive protect-and-defend strategy, including comprehensive missile defense; modernizing the U.S. nuclear deterrent; and adopting proactive nonproliferation and counterproliferation measures."

Further, measures are needed to add to the "resilience" of the electrical grid and telecommunications systems, including duplicating some essential functions, and "robust" pre-disaster planning should be going on now for "federal, state, local private-sector, non-government organizations and international support," the report said.
Especially, the nation needs to work to "protect the capacity to communicate," the report explains
.
"An EMP strike can easily obliterate America's electrical, telecommunications, transportation, financial, food,and water infrastructures, rendering the United States helpless to coordinate actions and deliver services essential for daily life," says the report.

"In the words of Arizona Sen. John Kyl, EMP 'is one of only a few ways that the United States could be defeated by its enemies.' The time to prepare is now!"

The new report echoes the warnings carried in a story first broken in WND five years ago about a blue-ribbon commission appointed by Congress to investigate the impact of an EMP attack on the U.S.
An EMP catastrophe, which scientists have warned also could come through a naturally occurring Coronal Mass Ejection from the sun, largely is feared to come from an act of war from an enemy.

If there is a nuclear explosion high in the atmosphere over North America the resulting electromagnetic discharge can "permanently disable the electrical systems that run nearly all civilian and military infrastructures," the report said.

"A massive EMP attack on the United States would produce almost unimaginable devastation. Communications would collapse, transportation would halt, and electrical power would simply be non-existent," the report warns.          

More details here

US Diplomats Told To Spy On Other Countries At United Nations

The US State Department gave its diplomats instructions to spy on other countries' representatives at the United Nations, according to a directive signed by Hillary Clinton. Diplomats were told to collect information about e-mail accounts, credit cards and passwords, among other things.

US diplomats are alleged to have been requested by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to spy on the diplomats of other countries at the United Nations. That was the purpose of the "National Humint Collection Directive," which has been seen by SPIEGEL. The document was signed by Clinton and came into force on July 31, 2009.


The information to be collected included personal credit card information, frequent flyer customer numbers, as well as e-mail and telephone accounts. In many cases the State Department also required "biometric information," "passwords" and "personal encryption keys." In the US, the term biometric information generally refers to fingerprints, passport photos and iris scans, among other things.

GO HERE to read more.

Hits The Nail On The Head

Md. GOP fares well in local elections

BALTIMORE - This month's defeat of former governor Robert Ehrlich seemed to spell a low point for Republicans in Maryland.

But the GOP fared much better at the local level, picking up three dozen positions in local government and courthouses across the state.

Starting next month, 15 of Maryland's 23 counties will be run at the local level by Republicans, and nine won't have a single Democrat in their governing body.

GO HERE to read more.

War Games Begin; China Wants To Talk


Multisource political news, world news, and entertainment news analysis by Newsy.com
China wants an emergency meeting to ease rising tensions on the Korean peninsula, as the U.S. and South Korea proceed with planned military exercises.

Salisbury Police Department Press Releases

On November 26, 2010 at approximately 5:45 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the Walmart Department Store on North Salisbury Boulevard for the report of a shoplifter. Upon arrival the officers met with store security who advised the officers that store employees had observed the below listed suspect take property from the store without making payment. The suspect was apprehended and the property was returned to the store. A search of the suspect, incident to arrest, revealed a quantity of prescription medication that was not prescribed to the suspect.

ARRESTED: Rosetta Mae Fagans, 52 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Theft (under $ 1,000)
Possession of a controlled dangerous substance

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201000046443

On November 26, 2010 at approximately 2:41 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police arrested the below listed suspect on an outstanding arrest warrant charging the suspect with the possession of a deadly weapon on November 13. On that date officers were investigating a call of a subject armed with a gun in the area of Kent Avenue and located Miles in the area wearing clothing matching that of the described suspect. Miles was checked and was found to be in possession of a knife with an approximate eight (8) inch blade. Miles was wearing the knife concealed in a pants pocket.

ARRESTED: Brederick Lee Miles, 19 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Possession of a concealed dangerous and
Deadly weapon
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201000044999

On November 27, 2010 at approximately 7:50 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police were on routine patrol in the area E. Church Street and Naylor Street and conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle operated by the below listed suspect for traffic violations. The suspect gave the officers false identification information and when investigated, the driver’s true identity revealed that he was driving on a suspended license. A K-9 from the Wicomico Co. Sheriff’s Department conducted a scan on the vehicle and gave a positive indication for the presence of contraband. The vehicle and suspect were checked and a smoking device and quantity of suspected "crack"/cocaine were located in the area of the driver’s seat.


ARRESTED: Calvin Glen Handy, 48 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Driving while suspended
Possession of cocaine
Possession of CDS/paraphernalia
False statement to a police officer
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201000046580

On November 27, 2010 at approximately 2:48 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the Best Buy Store on North Salisbury Boulevard for the report of a shoplifter. Upon arrival the officers met with store security who advised the officers that store employees had observed the below listed suspect attempt to take property from the store without making payment. The suspect was apprehended and the property was recovered and returned to the store.

ARRESTED: Ruslan (nmn) Berzegov, 24 years of age
Clifton, New Jersey
CHARGES: Theft (under $ 100)
Malicious destruction of property
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201000046625

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Car Crashes Into Parkside High School

A car has crashed INTO Parkside High School. Minor injuries only. No delays on getting into school.

NATO: 6 Service Members Killed In Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan -- NATO forces say a gunman in an Afghan police uniform has killed six service members in eastern Afghanistan.

NATO says the shooter turned his weapon on NATO troops during a training mission on Monday. He was also killed in the incident

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