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Saturday, March 17, 2012

Judge Rules School Must Allow Access to Sexually Explicit LGBT Sites

A federal judge has ordered a Missouri school district to unblock its web filters and give students access to sexually explicit material by the middle of March.

A US District Judge issued a preliminary junction against the Camdenton R – III School District banning them from using filtering software. The American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit against the district claiming it was deliberately restricting access to homosexual themed sites, while allowing students to view what it claims are “anti-LG BT sites that condemn homosexuality.”

In issuing its ruling, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri said the district's custom filtering system "systematically allows access to websites expressing a negative viewpoint toward LGBT individuals by categorizing them as 'religion,' but filters out positive viewpoints toward LGBT issues by categorizing them as 'sexuality.”

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Carbonite Crashing After Limbaugh Trashing

Carbonite, the Internet backup/security company, may be a good place to securely store irreplaceable computer data, but it’s not proving to be a good place to invest irreplaceable dollars.

The company, which went public last August, has seen its stock dive 20 percent after Carbonite CEO David Friend criticized Rush Limbaugh in the wake of the Sandra Fluke flap. Limbaugh’s dismissal of Fluke as a “slut,” in the wake of her call for the federal government to pay for her contraceptives, resulted in Carbonite withdrawing its advertising from Limbaugh’s highly successful show.

The plunge caused MarketWatch’s Chuck Jaffe to call Carbonite “the Stupid Investment of the Week.

Whether due to a backlash or boycott by Limbaugh’s supporters or loss of access to Limbaugh’s large national audience, Carbonite has paid a price in the marketplace.
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'American Idol' producers warn Colton Dixon That Faith Talk Could Hurt His Chances

Colton Dixon would rather lose "American Idol" than try to conceal his spirituality.

Colton, a devout Christian from Murfreesboro, Tenn., plans to continue using the show and social media to spread his message of faith -- despite warnings from producers that it could alienate some viewers and cost him the "Idol" crown.

"When we first started the Twitter and Facebook stuff, they said beware of political and religious tweets," he told TODAY.com. "Just because it can turn off voters or whatever. But, you know, being a Christian is who I am. It is a part of me musically. It is what I want to do after the show -- go into Christian music."

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Cost of living soars – under Obama

The cost of living in the U.S. rose in February by the most in 10 months, reflecting a jump in gasoline that failed to spread to other goods and services.

The consumer-price index climbed 0.4 percent, matching the median forecast of economists surveyed by Bloomberg News, after increasing 0.2 percent the prior month, the Labor Department reported today in Washington. The so-called core measure, which excludes more volatile food and energy costs, climbed 0.1 percent, less than projected.

The biggest jump in gasoline in more than a year accounted for about 80 percent of the increase in prices last month, leaving households with less money to spend on other goods and services. Federal Reserve policy makers say the advance in fuel costs will be temporary, and most see little risk inflation will flare out of control as unemployment exceeds 8 percent.

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George Clooney Arrested at Sudanese Embassy

Movie star George Clooney was led away in handcuffs after storming the Sudanese Embassy protesting the actions of the country's president Omar Al-Bashir, an alleged war criminal.

Clooney made the rounds in Washington this week, hoping his superstar wattage will help shine a light on the situation in Sudan. The actor testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and held private meetings with the Secretary of State and President Obama about the African nation's dire humanitarian situation and the Obama administration's policy. He led a protest today outside of Sudan's embassy calling on Omar Al-Bashir, an alleged war-criminal, to stop the violence and allow humanitarian aid into the country.

Also among those arrested as a mob of reporters and cameramen looked on were Clooney's Father Nick Clooney; President of United to End Genocide and former Congressman Tom Andrews; Congressmen Jim McGovern, D-MA, Al Green, D-TX, Jim Moran, D-VA., and John Olver D-MA; Martin Luther King III, NAACP President Ben Jealous; and Enough Project Co-Founder John Prendergast, according to a police statement.

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Ambulance Needed at Planned Parenthood

Emergency responders were summoned to a Planned Parenthood business in St. Paul, Minn., recently and pro-life activists captured the visit on video.

It’s been posted by officials with Operation Rescue, one of the cutting-edge pro-life organizations in the country.

It was the second emergency transport from a Minnesota Planned Parenthood business in 10 months, Operation Rescue reported.

The latest incident happened earlier this month at the business’ new $16 million, three-story, 46,000-square-foot facility in St. Paul.

“Sixteen million dollars later and Planned Parenthood still is botching abortions and endangering the lives of women,” said Troy Newman, president of Operation Recue and Pro-Life Nation.

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Mass. Elementary School Changes Name of St. Patrick's Day to O'Green Day to be More Inclusive

St. Patrick’s Day is a holiday rooted in Christian values, however secular celebrations are also regularly held to commemorate the day. In fact, for a great many, the religious tones aren’t even a consideration, as alcohol, Shamrock shakes and other fun-filled elements regularly dominate the day’s observations. Somehow, though, the holiday is reportedly still too religious for one Massachusetts elementary school.

At the Soule Road School in Wilbraham, St. Patrick‘s Day has been replaced as the name for the school’s celebration surrounding the popular holiday. It’s been replaced with the generic “O’Green Day.” MassLive.com’s Patrick Johnson calls the move “a heavy-handed attempt to instill political correctness among the impressionable 4th and 5th graders.”

The school’s principal, Lisa Curtin, is apparently looking to become more inclusive. So, rather than tout St. Patrick’s Day, she has purportedly come up with a way to circumvent the faith-related nature of the holiday. The school apparently did something similar for St. Valentine’s Day, which, in some classrooms, was referred to as “Caring and Kind Day.”

Unemployed Taxpayers Face New Penalty Relief Provisions

As the April 17 tax deadline approaches, the Internal Revenue Service is offering relief for millions of unemployed Americans.

New penalty relief provisions allow a six-month grace period on failure-to-pay penalties.

Taxpayers who qualify can waive their payments until Oct. 15 of this year.

Those who have been unemployed for at least 30 consecutive days and self-employed individuals with at least a 25 percent drop in income qualify for the six-month extension.

In addition, the IRS is making payment installment options available to more people.

HUSBAND DOWN, AISLE 7!!!!!


A husband and wife are shopping in their local Wal-Mart. The husband picks up a...case of Miller Lite and puts it in their cart.

'What do you think you're doing?' asks the wife. 'They're on sale, only $10 for 24 cans', he replies. 'Put them back, it's a waste of money', demands the wife, and so he does and they carry on shopping.

A few aisles further on along, the woman picks up a $20 jar of ...face cream and puts it in the basket.

What do you think you're doing?' asks the husband... "It's my face cream. It makes me look beautiful,' replies the wife.

Her husband retorts: 'So does 24 cans of Miller Lite and it's half the price....'

HUSBAND DOWN, AISLE 7 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gerber Recalls Good Start Infant Formula

Gerber announced that it is recalling its Good Start Gentle powdered infant formula after some cases of gastrointestinal complaints linked to the product were reported.

In a news release, the company said the product poses no health or safety risk. However, it might have an off-odor noticeable to some consumers.

Gerber said the recall affects 23.2-ounce plastic packages of Good Start Gentle from batch GXP1684 with an expiration date of March 5, 2013.

Consumers who have the product with the recalled batch code and expiration date should contact the Gerber Parents Resource Center at 800-487-7763 for replacement.

ACLU Defend Student Who Wore ‘Lesbian’ Shirt To School

LYNN (CBS) – A Lynn English sophomore posted a video on the Internet explaining why she wanted to wear a t-shirt that says “all the cool girls are lesbians” at school.

“What I want from this, is I want justice,” says Rachel. “I’m someone who believes in justice, I’m someone who believes in standing up for what’s right.”

Rachel Bavaro posted the video after a controversy that has made headlines across the nation.

In January, a vice principal asked Rachel to cover up her shirt saying, “We don’t wear political things or inflammatory or anything that could be deemed disruptive.”

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Spycam Linked to Rutgers Suicide leads to Conviction

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. — A former Rutgers University student convicted in a webcam spying episode that ended in his gay roommate’s suicide could be headed to prison in a case experts say stands as a tragic lesson for young people about casual cruelties and unintended consequences in the Internet age.

Dharun Ravi was found guilty Friday of all 15 charges against him, including invasion of privacy and anti-gay intimidation. The jury decided that he not only spied on Tyler Clementi and another man as they were kissing but also singled out Clementi because he was gay.

Ravi, 20, could get up to 10 years in prison by some estimates and could be deported to his native India even though he has lived legally in the U.S. since he was a little boy.

The case stirred a national conversation about anti-gay bullying and teen suicide. It also illustrated the dangers of technology in the hands of people who have grown up with the likes of Twitter and Facebook.

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Feds Attack Family Farms. . . Again

The Feds plan to regulate children on the family farm

by Craig Masters

Was 1989 the Mother of All Changes, as the Moscow News wrote? Maybe not?

That headline was the subject line of an email from Scott Baker (Glen Beck). But the story follows closely the last years of the Soviet Union and compares to today in America.

The Department of Labor Secretary, Hilda Solis, proposed sweeping regulations to impose the federal government into the business of micro-managing America's family farms. When the first effort to impose pro-union labor laws on family-owned farms was turned back earlier in 2011, Solis solicited public comments with a deadline set as December 1, 2011. The public responded with more than 18,000 comments in opposition to the new regulations which would force many family farms out of business.

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Guest List Reveals Who's Using Governor's Skybox

A guest list for the taxpayer-owned skybox at M&T Bank Stadium reveals Gov. Martin O'Malley hosted big donors to his campaigns and politicians, WBAL-TV 11 News I-Team lead investigative reporter Jayne Miller has learned through documents obtained by the I-Team.

The guests this past season typically included politicians, labor leaders, aides to Gov. Martin O'Malley and family members, Miller said.

The Public Eye

There was a time when I would just as soon stuff a pair of bobcats down my pants as take a commercial airline. Nothing in particular caused this, not even the 90-degree flip my plane once did as I was flying out of Houston seated next to the owner of a Chinese restaurant.

I will tell you this: Chinese is an interesting language, especially when it is spoken at such a high pitch, although “Aiiiiiieeeeeeee!” translates pretty well in all languages.

My fear of flying, which eventually went away just as it arrived, for no particular reason, made me think about the recent episode of the American Airways flight attendant who, right before the plane approached the runway for takeoff, screamed over the intercom, “This plane is going to crash!”

And welcome aboard to you too.

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Americans Have Become Compliant

Last month, at a Raeford, N.C., elementary school, a teacher confiscated the lunch of a 5-year-old girl because it didn’t meet U.S. Department of Agriculture guidelines and therefore was deemed nonnutritious. She replaced it with school cafeteria chicken nuggets. The girl’s home-prepared lunch was nutritious; it consisted of a turkey and cheese sandwich, potato chips, a banana and apple juice. But whether her lunch was nutritious or not is not the issue.

The issue is governmental usurpation of parental authority.

In a number of states, pregnant teenage girls may be given abortions without the notification or the permission of parents. The issue is neither abortion nor whether a pregnant teenager should have an abortion. The issue is this: What gives the government the authority to usurp parental authority?

Part of the problem is that people who act as instruments of government do not pay a personal price for usurping parental authority. The reason is Americans, unlike Americans of yesteryear, have become timid and, as such, come to accept all manner of intrusive governmental acts. Can you imagine what a rugged American, such as one portrayed by John Wayne, would have done to a government tyrant who confiscated his daughter’s lunch or facilitated her abortion without his permission?

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Obama's Phony Numbers Adding Up

With a number like this, I could run for president and beat Obama in November. And so could you.

I say that because I’m assuming that neither Mitt Romney nor Ron Paul is actually reading this article.

The numbers I’m referring to aren’t poll numbers, or employment numbers, or GDP growth, or gas prices.

Nope.

In a wholly predictable development, it turns out the cost for Obamacare will end up being twice the original price that the Democrats said.

Fancy Nancy was right: They did have to pass Obamacare for liberals to find out what was in it. But hey, this is what happens when you pass a bill you haven’t even read yet.

The Congressional Budget Office now forecasts “a gross cost to the federal government of $1,762 billion,” to implement Obamacare through year 2022 and that “those provisions will increase deficits by $1,083 billion.
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Donald Trump’s Sons Criticized After Brutal Hunting Photos Released


Donald Trump, Jr. and Eric Trump have drawn the ire of PETA after photos surfaced showing the brothers on a wild game hunting trip in Zimbabwe last year.

TMZ first posted photos from the trip under the headline, "Donald Trump's Sons Ignite War Over Animal Butchery." During the hunting trip, the Trump sons reportedly killed a number of exotic animals, including an elephant, crocodile, kudu, civet cat and waterbuck.

The photos were criticized by the animal rights organization PETA, who said in a statement toHollywood Life:

"Like all animals, elephants, buffalo, and crocodiles deserve better than to be killed and hacked apart for two young millionaires' grisly photo opportunity. If the young Trumps are looking for a thrill, perhaps they should consider skydiving, bungee jumping, or even following in their anti-hunting father's footsteps and taking down competing businesses—not wild animals. If the Trumps want to help villagers, they have plenty of resources at their disposal."

Air Show To Expand Flyovers To North OC

OCEAN CITY -- Resort business leaders this week got an update on the 2012 Ocean City Air Show, including a plan to extend many of the show’s flyovers to the north end of town.

Ocean City Air Show Director of Sponsorship and Hospitality Sales Steven Webster on Monday morning presented an update to the Ocean City Economic Development Committee (EDC) on the 2012 event set for June 9-10 in Ocean City. Among other things, Webster confirmed the signature act for 2012 will again be the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and told resort business leaders the U.S. Navy Blue Angels have committed for the 2013 event.

Webster also told EDC members because of ongoing economic concerns, the U.S. service groups such as the Air Force and Navy are cutting back somewhat on their demonstration team activities, but there are several private sector demonstration teams stepping on to fill the void. For example, the private sector Black Diamond Jet Team is expected to be an integral part of the 2012 Ocean City Air Show.

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Md. Sen. Committee Passes Governor's Septic Bill

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - A Maryland Senate committee has signed off on a bill to limit where new septic systems can be installed.

Senate Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee Chairwoman Joan Carter Conway said the committee supported the measure in a 7 to 4 vote Friday afternoon.

The bill, sponsored by Gov. Martin O'Malley, failed to gain traction last year and was altered to create a tiered system local governments would use to determine what areas are eligible to put new septic systems.

Proponents of the legislation say septic systems for individual homes cause more pollution than public water and sewer systems.

Conway, a Baltimore Democrat, said the committee significantly amended the bill Friday and expects lengthy debate on the Senate floor.

Source

Republican Bill Would Enroll Seniors in Same Health Plans as Lawmakers

A group of Senate Republicans has introduced legislation that would end traditional Medicare and sign seniors up for the same private healthcare plans received by members of Congress.

The "Congressional Health Care for Seniors Act" would allow seniors to choose from the array of plans currently offered to the four million federal employees and their dependents in the Federal Employee Health Benefit program, starting in 2014. It would also gradually increase the eligibility age for Medicare from 65 to 70 over a 20-year period.

The bill was introduced Thursday by Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.). South Carolina Sens. Lindsey Graham and Jim DeMint are co-sponsors, along with Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah).

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Dems to Obama: Yeah, You Should Probably Just Quit

At this point, President Obama has got to be sick of hearing about buyer's remorse from Democratic voters; and I'm sure Hillary Clinton is getting sick of hearing about why she should run against Obama in 2012, but the calls for Obama to step down and for Clinton to step up are only getting louder. Democratic pollsters Doug Schoen and Patrick Caddell have said Obama should step aside before, and they did it again over the weekend in the Wall Street Journal.

He should abandon his candidacy for re-election in favor of a clear alternative, one capable not only of saving the Democratic Party, but more important, of governing effectively and in a way that preserves the most important of the president's accomplishments. He should step aside for the one candidate who would become, by acclamation, the nominee of the Democratic Party: Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

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WBOC Going All Basketball?

Joe,

What do think about non stop basketball on WBOC? I wish there was a tv station that all sports could be broadcast on so I could get it disconnected. I am sure some folks love sports but to change all programming to force feed basket ball is a bit much. Do you agree????

Break Out The Green Attire and Crock Pot -- it’s St. Patty’s Day

The day of green is upon us. It is time to go through one’s closet and support the tradition of the Irish. But as we sip on green beer and get out the green hair band, green beads, green hat, green shirt, green pants and green socks, do we really know what the celebration is about?

St. Patrick is one of Christianity’s most widely known figures. Born in Roman Britain, he was kidnapped and brought to Ireland as a slave at the age of 16. He eventually escaped and was credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland. He died on March 17, 461 AD and eventually this date became a day of celebration.


Interestingly, the first parade held to honor St. Patrick did not take place in Ireland. On March 17, 1862, Irish soldiers serving in the English military marched through New York City. The parade helped the soldiers reconnect with their Irish roots, as well as with other fellow Irishmen serving in the English army.


St. Patty’s Day is synonymous with corned beef, and crock pots are ideal for cooking the tough meat. Try to avoid putting cold or frozen food in the slow cooker. It simply takes too long to start the cooking process. Also, frozen foods cooked in a crock pot can yield an unusual texture.


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Is Regulation Good For You?

The Inherent Tensions of Regulation ... (If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary. —The Federalist, Number 51) ... In most regulatory programs, there is an inherent tension between promoting the industry in question and protecting the public ... The industry has the power of political access through campaign contributions, corporate officers who rub shoulders with politicians at elite events, and the power of high-priced legal help. – Governing.com

Dominant Social Theme: Regulation ain't so hot, but maybe it can be ...

Free-Market Analysis: This article posted over at governing.com is an interesting one. It is written by Dr. Mark Funkhouser, a former Kansas City mayor and auditor, who is the director of the Governing Institute.

It focuses on the "big picture" of regulation, which is that while private industry can give rise to problems and quarrels, regulation itself is also flawed. The proximate cause of the article, however, is the pushback that New York Mayor Bloomberg is receiving over his program, begun in July 2010, of giving letter grades to the city's restaurants for cleanliness, etc

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Job Opportunity

Location: Salisbury MD

Base Pay: 100% Commission Based (Ave. yearly pay $40-$50K Annually)

Employee Type: Full/Part Time

Industry: Executive Property Management Co.

Managers Others: No

Job Type: Leasing Agent

Experience: Customer Service experience preferred

Excellent communication skills and attention to detail

Some property management experience is a plus

Sales Experience preferred

Travel: Must have a valid drivers license and vehicle insurance.

Travel is local to show prospective tenant properties

Contact Information: Call Adam Roop / Billie Jo Reynolds

Phone: 410-742-7368

Description:

Are you looking for a career path? As a Leasing Agent with The Roop Group you will be placed on the fast track to a career in property management. The leasing agent is the property’s first contact with prospective residents. A leasing agent is a professional sales consultant that uses interpersonal and selling skills to professionally present the features and benefits of the property and close the deal. You will be responsible for listing, showing and procuring residents. This includes communicating with the owner and prospects regarding the property for lease. Leasing agent previews each property and suggests to owners what is needed to lease the property including pricing and rent-ready issues, installs lockboxes and signs, takes photos, and creates a detail features report. During marketing phase agents track the properties condition, check utilities, lawn care and reports to all owners and Maintenance Manager. Lastly, Leasing Agents are responsible for conducting move-ins, including getting lease paperwork completed, performing move-in inspections and collecting security deposits.

If you are a multi-tasking, customer service driven, motivated individual and are eager to learn about a dynamic industry then this is the sales position for you. Our leasing agents are tomorrows Community Managers. If this sounds like a good career move for you, then call our office today to set up a personal interview.

STATE HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCES


Prior to the peak tourist season in Ocean City, the State Highway Administration (SHA) has started a three-year pilot program using newly designed sidewalk markings to safely guide pedestrians along MD 528 (Coastal Highway). The new yellow and black pedestrian sidewalk markings will be located 10 feet prior to the intersections at 19th, 33rd and 49th streets in order to direct pedestrians to safe crosswalks. The pilot program specifically addresses the dangerous behavior of jaywalking.

The population of Ocean City swells June-August to such an extent that it becomes the second most populated city in the State. As a result the nine-mile Coastal Highway corridor experiences dramatically increased pedestrian activity as well as vehicular traffic with most pedestrians and drivers unfamiliar with the area. SHA traffic engineers examined pedestrian crash data for the past three years along MD 528 (Coastal Hwy) and determined the three locations at 19th, 33rd and 49th streets experienced the highest frequency of pedestrian incidents. Police reports reveal the primary cause of these crashes was failure of pedestrians to cross at marked crosswalks, or walking in a crosswalk against the traffic signal. Efforts and programs to protect pedestrians are closely coordinated between SHA, the Town of Ocean City Public Works Department and the Ocean City Police Department.

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OCPD'S NEW CSI TEAM - TROOP 225


The Ocean City Police Department was visited by a special guest on Tuesday, March 13th, as the Ocean City/Berlin boy scouts marched into the Public Safety Building. Approximately eight members of troop 225 met with Pfc. Mike Levy and Pfc. Joe Zurla, to earn their finger printing merit badge.

In addition to learning how to “lift” a fingerprint, the Boy Scout group learned the history of fingerprinting, the difference in patterns and classifications of fingerprints and what it takes to positively identify a person using a fingerprint. Perhaps one of the most significant lessons was the two principals of fingerprinting, (1) fingerprints never change and (2) no two fingerprints are alike.

With a wealth of knowledge and an abundance of fun, it was hard to tell who had more fun….the Ocean City/Berlin boy scouts or Pfc. Levy and Pfc. Zurla! Thank you to troop 225 for visiting the PSB and for your active involvement in your police department and your community!

Women Figure Anew In Senate’s Latest Battle

Washington - With emotions still raw from the fight over President Obama’s contraception mandate, Senate Democrats are beginning a push to renew the Violence Against Women Act, the once broadly bipartisan 1994 legislation that now faces fierce opposition from conservatives.

The fight over the law, which would expand financing for and broaden the reach of domestic violence programs, will be joined Thursday when Senate Democratic women plan to march to the Senate floor to demand quick action on its extension. Senator Harry Reid of Nevada, the majority leader, has suggested he will push for a vote by the end of March.

Democrats, confident they have the political upper hand with women, insist that Republican opposition falls into a larger picture of insensitivity toward women that has progressed from abortion fights to contraception to preventive health care coverage — and now to domestic violence.

“I am furious,” said Senator Maria Cantwell, Democrat of Washington. “We’re mad, and we’re tired of it.”

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Keyboard Shortcuts That Make It Easier To Use Facebook

The more keyboard shortcuts you learn to use, the easier you'll be able to navigate most applications. Several little-known keystrokes work particularly well on Facebook. Practice using them and you can be more efficient while wasting your time on the site.

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Top 100 Most Dangerous Cities In The U.S.

(Population 25,000 or more)


Click on any city name below to get a report
rank - city
100
Pompano Beach, FL
99
Nacogdoches, TX
98
Jackson, MI
97
Tallahassee, FL
96
Kissimmee, FL
95
Carbondale, IL
94
Albany, NY
93
Mount Vernon, NY
92
Lauderdale Lakes, FL
91
Council Bluffs, IA
90
Columbia, SC
89
Schenectady, NY
88
Kingsville, TX
87
New London, CT
86
Farmington, NM
85
Youngstown, OH
84
Bessemer, AL
83
Danville, IL
82
Chicago, IL
81
Goldsboro, NC
80
Rochester, NY
79
North Miami, FL
78
Newark, NJ
77
Minneapolis, MN
76
Milwaukee, WI
75
Dayton, OH
74
San Bernardino, CA
73
Paterson, NJ
72
Houston, TX
71
East Point, GA
70
Lansing, MI
69
Orlando, FL
68
Tulsa, OK
67
Elizabeth, NJ
66
Lowell, MA
65
Fort Myers, FL
64
St. Petersburg, FL
63
Sumter, SC
62
West Hollywood, CA
61
Richmond, CA
60
Hot Springs, AR
59
Norristown, PA
58
Brockton, MA
57
Fort Pierce, FL
56
Nashville, TN
55
Rocky Mount, NC
54
Kansas City, MO
53
Holyoke, MA
52
Philadelphia, PA
51
Niagara Falls, NY
50
Poughkeepsie, NY
49
New Bedford, MA
48
Fall River, MA
47
Cincinnati, OH
46
Miami, FL
45
Alexandria, LA
44
Bridgeton, NJ
43
Springfield, IL
42
Lake Worth, FL
41
Hartford, CT
40
Washington, DC
39
Daytona Beach, FL
38
Springfield, MA
37
Battle Creek, MI
36
Compton, CA
35
Buffalo, NY
34
Cleveland, OH
33
Atlanta, GA
32
Pine Bluff, AR
31
Trenton, NJ
30
Stockton, CA
29
Homestead, FL
28
Desert Hot Springs, CA
27
Texarkana, TX
26
Rockford, IL
25
Baltimore, MD
24
Little Rock, AR
23
New Haven, CT
22
Salisbury, MD
21
Harvey, IL
20
Harrisburg, PA
19
Memphis, TN
18
Oakland, CA
17
Spartanburg, SC
16
Inkster, MI
15
Myrtle Beach, SC
14
Chelsea, MA
13
Riviera Beach, FL
12
Newburgh, NY
11
Pontiac, MI
10
St. Louis, MO
9
Atlantic City, NJ
8
Wilmington, DE
7
Flint, MI
6
Detroit, MI
5
Camden, NJ
4
Saginaw, MI
3
West Memphis, AR
2
Chester, PA
1
East St. Louis, IL

How Quickly Can Price Inflation Explode To The Upside?

The answer: Very quickly.

Amity Shlaes is a senior fellow in economic history at the Council on Foreign Relations. Her writings are followed carefully by the top of the top at CFR. And to a significant degree she uses Hayekian business cycle theory in analyzing the economy. She also has the distinct honor of being hated and attacked by the Keynesian Paul Krugman.

In other words, take her very seriously.

Yesterday, I wrote on how confused Bernanke was by stating that price inflation was of little concern. Here's Shlaes putting things in historical perspective:

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Ballot


Hi Joe:

I received my Maryland/Wicomico County ballot in the mail the other day, (yes Democrat Party), and couldn't believe that convention delegates are voted on by male/female. (page 2 of attached file) Whats you opinion on this? I am dumbfounded.

How We Cured “The Culture Of Poverty,” Not Poverty Itself

It’s been exactly 50 years since Americans, or at least the non-poor among them, “discovered” poverty, thanks to Michael Harrington’s engaging book The Other America. If this discovery now seems a little overstated, like Columbus’s “discovery” of America, it was because the poor, according to Harrington, were so “hidden” and “invisible” that it took a crusading left-wing journalist to ferret them out.

Harrington’s book jolted a nation that then prided itself on its classlessness and even fretted about the spirit-sapping effects of “too much affluence.” He estimated that one quarter of the population lived in poverty -- inner-city blacks, Appalachian whites, farm workers, and elderly Americans among them. We could no longer boast, as President Nixon had done in his “kitchen debate” with Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev in Moscow just three years earlier, about the splendors of American capitalism.

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Wicomico County Sheriff's Department Press Releases 3-17-12

Incident: Fugitive Arrest
Date of Incident: 10 March 2012
Location: 2700 block of N. Salisbury Blvd., Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Walter Hilborn Shaffer, 25, Salisbury, MD

Narrative: On 10 March 2012
at 7:25 PM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office located Walter Shaffer, who was wanted on an arrest warrant, at a restaurant in the 2700 block of N. Salisbury Blvd. Shaffer was wanted on a Violation of Probation bench warrant in a CDS Distribution case.

Shaffer was taken into custody and transported to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed. Shaffer was detained in the Detention Center without bond pending an appearance in the Circuit Court of Wicomico County.
Charges: Violation of Probation

Incident: Fugitive Arrest
Date of Incident: 13 March 2012
Location: Baltimore, MD
Suspect: Dwight Foreman, 35, Berlin, MD

Narrative: On 13 March 2012
at 9:00 PM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office travelled to Baltimore, MD to pick up a Wicomico County fugitive that was being temporarily detained there. The deputy picked up Dwight Foreman who was wanted in Wicomico County on two Violation of Probation Bench Warrants in two Constructive Contempt cases.

The deputy transported Foreman to the Detention Center where he was processed. Foreman was subsequently held without bond pending an appearance in the Circuit Court for Wicomico County
Charges: Violation of Probation

Incident: Fugitive Arrest
Date of Incident: 12 March 2012
Location: 200 block of Fawn Drive, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Samuel Max Thompson, 20, Salisbury, MD

Narrative: On 12 March 2012
at 10:15 AM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence in to 200 block of Fawn Drive for the purpose of locating Samuel Thompson, Thompson was wanted on a Violation of Probation Bench Warrant that had been issued in a Possession of Child Pornography Case.

The deputy took Thompson into custody and transported him to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed. Thompson was detained in the Detention Center without bond pending an appearance in the Circuit Court of Wicomico County.
Charges: Violation of Probation

HISTORICAL COMMENTS BY GEORGE CHEVALLIER 3-17-12



Housing



Everyone lives somewhere. First, we live with our parents. Then, after college years or a stint in the military, we strike out on our own. Many people live in apartments for awhile until they get married. Some young married couples live in an apartment for awhile until they make that great plunge into home ownership. When I was young, a nice new house could be had for around $15-20,000. At the time that seemed like all the money in the world. Now, it will barely buy a car. The same house now is in the $130-140,000 range. Not only has inflation minimized a young couples chances of home ownership, but the governmental regulations are daunting. Some of the charges are the origination charge (whatever that is), the tax service, the appraisal, the credit report, a flood certification, FNMA LQI Update (?), hazard insurance, mortgage insurance, city taxes, county taxes, PMI/MIP Funding Fee (another?), attorney’s fee for title search, owner’s coverage for title search, government recording charge, and government transfer tax. These closing costs alone can be $5,000 or more. These are in addition to all the inspections that have to be performed, such as electrical, plumbing, sewage and flood plain assessment.

I remember my grandfather telling me that when he started building houses, there was no such thing as an inspection. He did all the wiring and plumbing himself without any inspection by the government. Then, he couldn’t do any of that himself, he had to hire all that done by “certified” electricians and plumbers.

The government has become very intrusive in all aspects of our lives and not always for the better. Of all the people getting money from the aforementioned charges, not one of them drove a single nail in the construction of that house.

Bigger homes were the norm 100 years ago because most homes had three generations living in them and families were larger. As time went on, especially after WWII, the returning soldiers had to have a place to live. Most of them had left as boys and returned as men wanting their own living quarters. At that time, most of the larger homes were divided into apartments and remain so to this day. The cost of painting one of these larger old homes is upwards of $20,000 to correctly paint it in the Victorian style and colors, according to the dictates of the historical district within which it is situated. This can be detrimental to a young couple just starting out. There are other factors that make a new home more attractive to today’s new home buyers. Things such as heat pumps and multiple electrical outlets for all the modern conveniences are not available in the older homes without extensive and expensive costs. For what it would cost to fix up an older home, a new home with all the modern amenities can be had. It’s a tough situation for all concerned and not one that appears ready to be solved any time soon.

BREAKING NEWS: Convicted Nazi Criminal Demjanjuk Dies

German police say John Demjanjuk, a retired Ohio autoworker who was stripped of his U.S. citizenship and convicted in 2011 of serving as a Nazi death camp guard, has died at 91.

From Fox News

Comedian Gallagher Placed in Medically Induced Coma After Heart Attack

Comedian Gallagher is slowly being taken out of a medically induced coma following a heart attack at a Texas bar before his show Wednesday.

Gallagher's promotional manager, Christine Scherrer, said Friday that the 65-year-old is being slowly taken out of sedation. She says he had two stents replaced after collapsing Wednesday night.

Scherrer previously the comedian was placed in the coma for 24 hours to relax and recover, People.com reports. She said the comedians family is with him and that the doctors think his vital signs are good.

TRAFFIC ALERT

Installation of Multiple Pipes Will Require Weekend Nighttime Closure of Route 1 Northbound

Wilmington -- WHEN: Friday, March 23 at 10 p.m. until 8 a.m. on Saturday, March 24
Saturday, March 24 at 10 p.m. until 9 a.m. on Sunday, March 25

WHERE: Route 1 northbound will be CLOSED from Route 273 to I-95

WHAT: This nighttime weekend closure is necessary for the contractor, Cherry Hill Construction Company to install multiple concrete pipes for drainage.

Detour for Route 1 Northbound Traffic:

Route 1 Northbound traffic will be detoured to Route 273 westbound to I-95 northbound onto Route 1 northbound.

This work is being performed during the weekend and at night to decrease impact on commuter traffic during the week.

Variable message signs will be posted to alert motorists of the upcoming closure and detour routes.