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Thursday, August 02, 2012

WE'VE MOVED


Salisbury News is excited to announce we have relocated our Offices. While we're still located at my building at 300 W. Main Street, we're no longer on the main floor at street level.

For those of you who have visited our building, every one knows it's huge. There are offices on the second and third floor as well.

We were recently approached by a company wanting to rent the entire first floor and I felt it was time to encourage another new business to the Downtown Plaza.

In the very near future you'll see a new Upscale Pawn Shop similar to the ones you see on TV. We'll update you once they are closer to opening their doors as they have a proven track record all across the state of Maryland and elsewhere.

Frederick County Weighs Property Tax Rebate

FREDERICK, Md. (AP) - Frederick County homeowners may be getting some property tax relief in the form of $100 checks.

The Frederick News-Post (http://bit.ly/OoAA7z ) reports that county commissioners were poised to vote Thursday on whether to refund $6.7 million in surplus revenue by sending $100 to each homeowner.

Republican Commissioner David Gray opposes the plan. He says it's just a costly form of politicking by Republican board president and gubernatorial hopeful Blaine Young.

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Wounded Warrior Event In Crisfield Hosted By Wheels That Heal



The Wheels That Heal Car Club of Salisbury MD was presented with the Key to the City of Crisfield in recognition of past and present charitable contributions. The presentation took place on July 28th at Wheels on the Waterfront cruise-in for Wounded Warriors in Crisfield MD. It was a great day with cars from as far away as New Jersey with over 135 registered. Cars lined both sides of the main street as well as having to park in the median strip.

California Professor Accused of Threatening Rampage At Son's School

A California professor accused of setting a string of fires following his son's suicide has been ordered held without bail after prosecutors said he wrote emails threatening to burn down the boy's school and kill administrators and students in a shooting rampage.
 
Rainer Klaus Reinscheid, an associate professor of pharmaceutical sciences at the University of California, Irvine, was arrested last week after police said they found him trying to set a fire in the park where his son hung himself in March.

The accusations against the 48-year-old professor come amid jitters about U.S. gun violence following a shooting rampage in Colorado by a gunman who burst into a midnight screening of the new "Batman" film last month, killing 12 people and wounding dozens more.

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Obama Authorizes Secret Support for Syrian Rebels


President Barack Obama has signed a secret order authorizing U.S. support for rebels seeking to depose Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his government, sources familiar with the matter said.

Obama's order, approved earlier this year and known as an intelligence "finding," broadly permits the CIA and other U.S. agencies to provide support that could help the rebels oust Assad.

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‘Racist Provocation’: Two Bloodied Pigs Heads Found Hanging Outside of French Mosque

PARIS (The Blaze/AP) — Authorities say two pigs’ heads were found hanging outside a mosque in southern France. The local mayor denounced what she described as “intimidation.” Expatica.com has more about the incident:

Muslims attending morning prayers Wednesday were confronted by two pigs’ heads in the entrance to their mosque in a French town where an Islamist gunman killed two paratroopers in March.

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Christmas in August: Court Allows Nativity

A federal appeals court panel has ruled that a Michigan county improperly censored a Nativity because of the religious content of the Christmas-season display, and ordered a lower court to resolve the situation in accordance with its ruling.

“Although the lawsuit is not yet over, we are tremendously pleased with the unanimous decision of the 6th Circuit Court panel,” said Richard Thompson, president of the Thomas More Law Center.

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Obama and Romney: Where They Stand On The Issues

A look at where Democratic President Barack Obama and Republican presidential rival Mitt Romney stand on a selection of issues:

OBAMA:
Abortion and birth control: Supports abortion rights. Health care law requires contraceptives to be available for free for women enrolled in workplace health plans, including access to morning-after pill, which does not terminate a pregnancy but which some religious conservatives consider tantamount to an abortion pill. Supported requiring girls 16 and under to get a prescription for the morning-after pill, available without a prescription for older women.

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Lovitz on Today's Democrats: Not 'Very Liberal ... Close Minded'

Jon Lovitz is a registered Democrat. In 2008, the "Saturday Night Live" alum voted for Sen. Barack Obama for president.

Today, Lovitz is more than disillusioned with his fellow Democrats. He tells the Charlotte Observer he doesn't feel a connection to the party he once proudly called his own.

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‘This is World War III’: Saudi Cleric Says Equality for Women ‘Sends Shivers Down Your Spine’

Islam, as many a liberal thinker will happily inform you, is a religion of peace, and anyone who disagrees, or questions what else it might teach, is racist. If this is so, one wonders how such people would defend the following clip, apparently of a sermon by Saudi cleric Sa’d Al-Qa’ud, decrying the U.N. Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), a law which the cleric in the video decries as an attack on “Allah and his Shari’a.”

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Immigrants Prove Big Business For Prison Companies

The U.S. is locking up more illegal immigrants than ever, generating lucrative profits for the nation's largest prison companies, and an Associated Press review shows the businesses have spent tens of millions of dollars lobbying lawmakers and contributing to campaigns.

The cost to American taxpayers is on track to top $2 billion for this year, and the companies are expecting their biggest cut of that yet in the next few years thanks to government plans for new facilities to house the 400,000 immigrants detained annually.

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Can’t Even Keep the Lights On: India & Her Supposed ‘Global Power’ Status

First it was corruption of staggering proportions, then an ill-conceived tax to claw back capital gains from foreign companies; that was followed by slowing growth and a swooning rupee. Now a power blackout in India has left 700 million people without electricity.

India has fallen a long way from 2009 when Hillary Clinton, on a visit to New Delhi, declared unequivocally
that “India is not just a regional power, but
a global power.”

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No, Seriously: Keystone Pipeline Could be Delayed for One Year Because of an Endangered Beetle

Hey, remember how much of a headache it was to get the Keystone Pipeline project going? Do you remember all the political fights and power plays?

Do you remember how President Obama took credit for “approving” the construction of the pipeline after TransCanada, the company behind the 1,700-mile project, decided to start construction in the U.S., thereby making it non-international and thereby taking away the president’s veto power?

Seems like it was all a real pain in the neck, right? Well, considering how bad the economy is, at least we can finally get started on that massive job creator — oh, wait. No.

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IRS Taxes Olympic Medals


As we watch U.S. Olympians competing in what, for many, is the fruition of a lifetime of effort and focus, it's sobering to remember that the IRS is watching too. The medals these athletes win as they represent the U.S. will be taxed as income under current law.

According to U.S. tax law, Olympians must add the value of their medals to their taxable income and are therefore liable for a tax of up to 35% on medals they receive from competing.


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Exposed! Obama's 2nd-term 'Marxist' Jobs Plan

Progressive organizations behind White House policy have crafted specific, second-term plans for President Obama to enact a “living wage” that would force all employers to increase the salaries of the nation’s workers to meet “basic needs” such as housing, food, utilities, transportation, health care and recreation.

Such a “living wage” was previously attempted in over 80 U.S. cities, many times to disastrous affect.

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Tighten Opioid Label Restrictions, Physicians Tell FDA

A coalition of 37 physicians that includes pain management and addiction experts petitioned the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) yesterday to tighten label restrictions for opioid analgesics as a way to combat the epidemic of addiction and fatal overdoses associated with these drugs.


Under the proposed label changes, opioids would no longer be indicated for moderate noncancer pain. The petition notes that moderate to severe pain is the FDA-approved indication for nearly all instant-release opioids as well as extended-release versions when 24/7 pain relief is needed for a long stretch of time. Such "overly broad indications" imply that the FDA has established that long-term use of opioids is safe and effective, the petition states. "An increasing body of medical literature suggests that long-term use of opioids may be neither safe nor effective for many patients, especially when prescribed in high doses."


In addition, the maximum daily dose would be the equivalent of 100 mg of morphine, and the maximum duration for continuous daily use would be 90 days under the proposed label changes. Both limits would apply to noncancer pain.


One of the petitioners, Andrew Kolodny, MD, president of Physicians for Responsible Opioid Prescribing, toldMedscape Medical News that the label changes would not prevent physicians from prescribing opioids at doses and durations that they deem appropriate for patients on a case-by-case basis. However, the changes would limit claims that drug companies can make about their products.


"Right now, drug companies are promoting long-term opioids as proven safe and effective for chronic pain," he said. "They'll promote [them] for lower back pain, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, whatever they want…because the current label is like a blank check."


Source

President Obama Attacked By GOP For Failing To Meet His Own Ethics Standards

WASHINGTON -- A new report from House GOP documenting instances in which President Barack Obama's White House conducted business with an eye towards secrecy has exposed the president to charges that he has failed to meet his own ethical standards.

On Tuesday evening, House Energy and Commerce Committee Republicans released a report showing emails sent from top administration officials -- including Jim Messina, the former deputy chief of staff who is now Obama's campaign manager -- to pharmaceutical industry officials from private email accounts. In addition, the report highlighted instances in which those same officials held meetings away from the White House so that they wouldn't be recorded in the official visitor logs.

"These are stunning revelations," Reince Priebus, the Republican National Committee chairman, said in a conference call for reporters on Wednesday. "The Obama White House is actively deceiving the American people and they are doing it over a Caribou latte."

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Rahmaland: The Deadliest Alpha City In The World

Chicago likes to compare itself to other world cities, so Ward Room thought it would find out how we rank in violence. It turns out no one can top us. Among what are considered Alpha world cities, Chicago has the highest murder rate -- higher even than the Third World metropolises of Mexico City and Sao Paolo. Here’s how we rank in murders per 100,000 among cities we consider our peers, based on a projected murder total of 505 for this year.

Singapore 0.4
Tokyo 0.5
Hong Kong 0.6
Berlin 1.0
Sydney 1.0
London 1.4
Toronto 1.7
Amsterdam 1.8
Paris 4.4
New York 6.0
Los Angeles 7.5
Mexico City 8.0
Moscow 9.6
Sao Paolo 15.6
Chicago 19.4

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‘Choke to Death on That LGBT Hating Chicken’: See How the Left is Reacting to ‘Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day’

So, how is the left reacting to former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee’s “Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day“ today? Well, with a lot of intolerance, actually.

Some of the restaurant’s fiercest critics took to Twitter to voice their opposition to the outpouring of public support that Chick-fil-A is seeing today. Many of the tweets involve wishing death upon anyone who eats at the fast food chain today. Others are even more disgusting and include vulgar profanities, which we chose not to include in our rundown.

HERE are some of the most vile tweets of the day:

WELFARE WARFARE STATE

When we allocate our tax dollars in the manner below, while taxing the middle class to death, over regulating small businesses out of existence, and borrowing to pay for 34% of the expenditures below, how can this empire possibly be sustained?


Source

Accident On Route 50 In Cambridge


Rt 50 eastbound is shut down due to accident.

It looks like a car had a collision with the fuel truck I'll bring a big backup
takes up most of Cambridge and westbound Route 50.

Rationing Begins: States Limiting Drug Prescriptions for Medicaid Patients

With the coming advent of ObamaCare, states that are bracing for the huge increase in Medicaid recipients are looking for a way to save money and they think they’ve found one; limiting the number of prescription drugs that Medicaid patients can obtain. The cost for Medicaid will skyrocket under Obamacare because of the expanded eligibility requirements.

As a result of the imminent financial crunch, seven states have tightened the limits on prescription drugs in the last two years, joining nine others that also set limits. Illinois only allows four brand-name drugs for Medicaid patients, Mississippi has a limit of two, and Arkansas adults are limited to six. In Alabama, Medicaid patients were only getting one brand-name drug per month, and HIV and psychiatric drugs were excluded, but on Aug. 1 the state will relax the limit to its previous level — four brand-name drugs — after the state saved more money than expected and received money as part of a settlement with a pharmaceutical company.

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Breaking A Sweat


Just a few of the 12 workers standing around at 5:25 yesterday on Rt 13 in Salisbury.

This Is What Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day Looked Like (With Your Pictures, Stories, and Video)

Hungry diners from all across the country crowded their local Chick-fil-A’s to show their appreciation for the chicken chain’s Southern fried goodness. You knew this day was coming and you knew it was going to be busy.

How crowded did some stores get? Well, based on photo submissions and anecdotes from Blaze readers and editors, let’s just say “Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day” sounds like it was a major success:

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Death-By-Ally

Mission Failure: Afghanistan
A Message Written in Blood That No One Wants to Hear

Imagine for a moment that almost once a week for the last six months somebody somewhere in this country had burst, well-armed, into a movie theater showing a superhero film and fired into the audience. That would get your attention, wouldn't it? James Holmes times 21? It would dominate the news. We would certainly be consulting experts, trying to make sense of the pattern, groping for explanations. And what if the same thing had also happened almost once every two weeks in 2011? Imagine the shock, imagine the reaction here.

Well, the equivalent has happened in Afghanistan (minus, of course, the superhero movies). It even has a name: green-on-blue violence. In 2012 – and twice last week – Afghan soldiers, policemen, or security guards, largely in units being trained or mentored by the U.S. or its NATO allies, have turned their guns on those mentors, the people who are funding, supporting, and teaching them, and pulled the trigger.

It's already happened at least 21 times in this half-year, resulting in 30 American and European deaths, a 50% jump from 2011, when similar acts occurred at least 21 times with 35 coalition deaths. (The "at least" is there because, in May, the Associated Press reported that, while U.S. and NATO spokespeople were releasing the news of deaths from such acts, green-on-blue incidents that resulted in no fatalities, even if there were wounded, were sometimes not reported at all.)

Take July. There have already been at least four such attacks. The first, on July 1st, reportedly involved a member of the Afghan National Civil Order Police, a specially trained outfit, shooting down three British soldiers at a checkpoint in Helmand Province, deep in the Taliban heartland of the country. The shooter was captured. Two days later, a man in "an Afghan army uniform" turned his machine gun on American troops just outside a NATO base in Wardak Province, east of the Afghan capital Kabul, wounding five before fleeing. (In initial reports, the shooter in all such incidents is invariably described as a man "in an Army/police uniform" as if he might be a Taliban infiltrator, and he almost invariably turns out to be an actual Afghan policeman or soldier.)

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Children Charged in Attack on Lesbian in Missouri

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (AP) - Three children from the same family are in juvenile custody after allegedly attacking a Missouri woman, and the victim believes she was targeted because she is gay.

The Southeast Missourian ( http://bit.ly/QoSkT6) reports that Jeana Terry, 41, and her partner Lisa Lange were inside their home July 24 when a 16-year-old girl who lives nearby allegedly began shouting anti-gay slurs. The girl then allegedly gathered her 13-year-old sister and 11-year-old brother, went to Terry's porch and pulled her outside when she came to the door, according to authorities.

"Once I was down, it was pure chaos," Terry said, describing being repeatedly kicked and hit.

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Cash for Goals

Win Big at Wicomico Recreation’s Soccer Tournament
Adult 3v3 Tournament Set for August 25-26

(Salisbury, MD) Team registration is open for Wicomico Recreation’s 3v3 Soccer Tournament scheduled for Saturday, August 25 and Sunday, August 26 at the Henry S. Parker Athletic Complex in Salisbury, MD. The tournament is open to adults ages 18 and up.

The tournament features a three game guarantee; two pool games plus single elimination. Top finishing teams will win cash prizes. Prizes will be determined based on number of teams.

Registration is open at the Box Office located at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center or online at www.wicomicorecandparks.org. The registration fee is $150 per team. The registration deadline is Friday, August 17.

'Call Me Maybe' Getting More Than Numbers

As with every hit song, "Call Me Maybe" by Carly Rae Jepsen has spurred many parodies of its own. Here is a list of some of the most popular on the Web. (Disclaimer: WTOP is not responsible for getting the song stuck in your head)

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SALISBURY CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION AGENDA AUGUST 6, 2012

CONFERENCE ROOM 306
GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING

4:30 p.m. Service and Equipment Lease Agreement with Wicomico County Board of Elections
– Joanne Barthman/Kim Nichols
4:45 p.m. SAFER Grant for 12 Firefighters – Acting Chief Rick Hoppes
5:15 p.m. Enterprise Zone Follow-up Discussion (no additional materials in packet)
5:45 p.m. Towing RFP – Chief Barbara Duncan/Colonel Ivan Barkley/Catrice Parsons
6:15 p.m. Break
6:30 p.m. Vote to convene in closed session to seek information and legal advice with legal
counsel and staff on a contractual matter in accordance with the Annotated Code of Maryland §10-508(a)(7)(8)
7:00 p.m. General Discussion/Upcoming Agendas
7:30 p.m. Adjournment

Chick-fil-A Confirms 'Record-Setting Day' on 'Appreciation Day'

Chick-fil-A announced Thursday morning that supporters who flocked to the restaurant for "Appreciation Day" propelled the company to a "record-setting day." 
The statement confirmed anecdotal claims that the long lines seen at Chick-fil-A's across the country Wednesday fueled unprecedented sales. The turnout came after CEO Dan Cathy came under fire in some circles for his opposition to same-sex marriage. 
"We are very grateful and humbled by the incredible turnout of loyal Chick-fil-A customers on August 1 at Chick-fil-A restaurants around the country. We congratulate local Chick-fil-A Owner/Operators and their team members for striving to serve each and every customer with genuine hospitality," the company said in a statement. "While we don't release exact sales numbers, we can confirm reports that it was a record-setting day." 

Minority Group Claims Discrimination in City Contract Process

A frequent critic of Baltimore's contract bidding process filed a lawsuit Wednesday contending that Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and other members of the Board of Estimates have acted "discriminatorily and outright corruptly" by awarding contracts to large firms without considering minority contractors.

The 185-page civil lawsuit brought by Arnold Jolivet, managing director of the Maryland Minority Contractors Association Inc., seeks damages for what it calls "flagrantly unlawful, willful and unconscionable conduct" by city officials.

The lawsuit by Jolivet, an influential advocate of minority business rights in years past, asked that the contractors association be awarded $40 million in damages as a result of the city's alleged discrimination.

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UC Davis Pepper-Spray Cop Finally Off The Force


Lieutenant John Pike’s long reign of burning, eye-watering terror is over. The University of California, Davis, cop that made headlines for blasting peaceful protesters with military-grade pepper-spray last year is no longer employed by the school.

Pike, a Sacramento police officer-turned-campus cop, became the target last year of a nationwide campaign spearheaded by activists with Occupy Wall Street and Anonymous after images of him discharging bursts of pepper-spray at the faces of seated UC Davis protesters went viral and caught even the mainstream media’s attention. Outrage over the incident eventually propelled the school to launch an internal investigation into the events of November 18, 2011, and following months of paid administrative leave, a campus official confirmed this week that the school no longer employs. Lt. Pike.

"Consistent with privacy guidelines established in state law and university policy, I can confirm that John Pike's employment with the university ended on July 31, 2012," UC Davis spokesman Barry Shiller tells the Sacramento Bee.

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GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENTS TO WICOMICO AND HARFORD COUNTY BOARDS OF EDUCATION

ANNAPOLIS, MD (August 2, 2012) – Governor Martin O’Malley today announced the appointment of Mr. Thomas Fitzpatrick to the Harford County Board of Education, and Ms. Kimberly Hudson to the Wicomico County Board of Education. The Governor also announced the reappointment of Dr. Tyrone Chase and Mr. Ronald O. Willey to the Wicomico Board of Education.

“These individuals come from a strong field of 12 very qualified and diverse candidates,” said Governor O’Malley. “Each of them brings a wealth of experience and expertise, and we are confident in their ability to help us build on the progress we’re making for our number-one ranked public schools.”

Mr. Thomas Fitzpatrick has been appointed to a term ending June 30, 2015, representing the Havre de Grace community (District F). He is currently the manufacturer’s representative with Storm-Services, LLC. Throughout his career, he has developed comprehensive strategic plans, and worked with state and local government to address storm water management. Mr. Fitzpatrick will bring the perspective of the business community to the Board’s deliberations. He is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers Technical Advisory Committee on Storm Water Issues, and a member of the Havre de Grace Lions Club and the County Engineers Association of Maryland. He also serves his community as a member of the Havre de Grace Planning and Zoning Commission and the Havre de Grace Independence Day committee.

Mr. Fitzpatrick earned his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Loyola College and his master’s in Business Administration with a concentration in marketing from the University of Baltimore. He has lived in Harford County since 1962.

The appointment of Mr. Fitzpatrick fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Mr. Ronald Browning.

Ms. Kimberly Hudson has been appointed to a term ending June 30, 2016. She currently writes a weekly parenting column for The Daily Times and works part-time at Salisbury University in the Perdue School of Business, providing reception services for the Franklin P. Perdue Museum of Business and Entrepreneurship.
As a co-founder of Parents in Action, she advocated before the County Council for school construction funding and the annual operating budget. Before deciding to spend more time with her children, she was an educational support advisor in the Wicomico County Public School System, and before that, a school counselor and school guidance counselor in the Dorchester County elementary schools.

She and her family have lived in Wicomico County since 1978, and her two children attend Wicomico County Public Schools, where she remains active in the local PTA. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English from Salisbury University in 1992 and a master’s degree in Education in Guidance and Counseling from the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore in 1997.

Ms. Hudson fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Ms. Michelle Wright.

Wicomico County Reappointments

Dr. Tyrone Chase is the Administrator of the Office of Community and Family Development for SHORE UP, Inc. and is an adjunct instructor for Sojourner-Douglas College in Salisbury. He graduated from Salisbury University with a bachelor's degree and holds a master's degree from the Seidel School of Education, Salisbury University, and a doctorate of philosophy from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

Mr. Ronald Willey, the current president of the Board, is a former teacher and principal having retired in 2006 after 44 years of service in the Wicomico County Public School System. He is lifelong resident of Wicomico County. He graduated from Salisbury University with a bachelor's degree in elementary education and holds a master's degree from West Virginia University.

Somali Comedian Who Poked Fun At Islamists Shot Dead

Gunmen shot dead a well-known comedian known for poking fun at Al-Qaeda linked Shebab insurgents in the Somali capital Mogadishu, officials and colleagues said Wednesday.

Abdi Jeylani Malaq Marshale, in his late thirties or early forties, was killed late Tuesday, minutes after leaving Kulmiye radio station, where he worked as drama producer and performer.

"Two men shot and seriously injured Marshale... the comedian was later pronounced dead," said police lieutenant Mohamed Gaal, adding that "unfortunately the assailants escaped."

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Burbage Rezoning Decision Delayed Until Next Month

The Ocean Pines board of directors does not endorse developer Jack Burbage’s request to have his 30 acres of land off Route 589 rezoned from agriculture to commercial.

Burbage, who asked the board members for their support during their March 20 meeting, wants to build a medical complex on the site. He said he envisioned eight buildings on the property.

Burbage said the medical complex could become part of Ocean Pines, which would mean revenue for the homeowners’ association. He also said the development could take care of its own water and wastewater needs and that access to the complex would be through King Richard Road in Ocean Pines and through developer Marvin Steen’s property. Steen, he said, had given him easements.

King Richard Road residents have been opposed to their short, narrow road being used to access Burbage’s property.

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Illegals Obama Refused To Deport Charged With 19 Murders, 142 Sex Crimes

Well, this seems fair -- perfectly in line with Obama's socialist drive to spread the wealth.
After hundreds of innocent Mexicans died as a result of the Obama Administration flooding that country with thousands of guns through the cynical and politically motivated Fast and Furious program, it's only fair for the White House to allow Mexican citizens to wreak havoc and misery here in America:

The Obama administration released illegal immigrants who went on to commit more crimes, including charges of 19 murders, 3 attempted murders and 142 sex crimes, the House Judiciary Committee said in a report Tuesday.

All told, the nearly 47,000 illegal immigrants the administration was notified of but declined to deport between 2008 and 2011 under its Secure Communities program had a recidivism rate of 16 percent, the committee said.

They were just part of the nearly 160,000 immigrants — most of them here legally — who were flagged by Secure Communities during the three year period but who were either not eligible to be deported or who the administration decided to release. Those immigrants went on to be charged in nearly 60,000 more crimes, according to the committee and the Congressional Research Service, which issued a report on the matter.

The findings stem from the Obama administration’s Secure Communities program, which was designed to identify immigrants who run afoul of the law and who the administration decides it wants to deport.

Equality, it's a beautiful thing.

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Today's Fill In The Blank 8-2-12

The most popular name in America is _____.

Retailers Race To Cities, More On Walk Appeal

Retailers are heading to the cities and they’re often willing to break all the rules they had previously imposed on their operations to do so, according to a detailed story in the July-August 2012 issue of Better! Cities & Towns. Multi-story layouts, smaller footprints, parking on the roof or in the basement, lower ceilings (when using certain older buildings), and custom architecture that faces the street— all are possibilities in this new retail environment. For years, retailers built standard boxes on the edge of sprawl, a little ahead of the market, confident that residential subdivisions would fill up and supply customers. Since the housing market collapsed in 2007, this paradigm has also collapsed as well, leaving retailers with underperforming stores. Publicly traded retail companies need to open new stores continually to demonstrate growth. The best option under current conditions, says retail expert Robert Gibbs, is to open stores where people already live — in cities and first-ring suburbs.
go to website/comment
Walk Appeal measurables
Steve mouzon, Better! Cities & Towns
Streets and the streetscapes that surround them have measurable aspects that can tell us which standard of Walk Appeal the street provides.
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Walk Appeal immeasurables
steve mouzon, Better! Cities & Towns
People on the street, lovable things along the way, and the magic of the city are three Walk Appeal factors I have no idea how to measure, but they clearly contribute to making more walkable places.
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Build a better model
Charles Marohn, Better! Cities & Towns
We humans are eager to pretend, in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary, that we are far more in control of things than we really are.
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Singles are good for cities
Better! Cities & Towns
The growing number of people living alone are a much more positive force than many Americans have thought, says Eric Klinenberg, author of a new book from Penguin Press, Going Solo: The Extraordinary Rise and Surprising Appeal of Living Alone. The periodical Urban Land says Klinenberg recently told a Washington conference that notions about singles being neurotic, immoral, sick, or lonely are off the mark. Those who live alone are in fact more likely than married people to take advantage of urban amenities, go out at night, attend public events, and engage in activities that "animate the streets," according to Klinenberg, a sociology professor at New York University. They are also more likely to volunteer with civic organizations. Over all, 27.6 percent of US households consist of those who live alone. They are predominantly urban—a change from the 1950s, when people living alone were more rural. Today's "singletons," as Klinenberg calls them, should be seen as appreciating both solitude and connection with others. One form of housing that may appeal to them, he suggested, is small units accompanied by multiple shared amenities, such as a health club, coffee bar, party room, public lounge space, and an outdoor terrace. The conference was held at the Urban Land Institute Terwilliger Center for Housing.
go to website/comment
Dogs vs. SUVs, and other silly distractions
scott doyon, Better! Cities & Towns
Wanna maintain your club of who’s eco-friendly and who’s the opposite? The internet will continue to serve up a never-ending buffet of tasty factoids that paint your neighbors in a most unflattering light.
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Walk Appeal


Walk Appeal promises to be a major new tool for understanding and building walkable places, and it explains several things that were heretofore either contradictory or mysterious. It begins with the assertion that the quarter-mile radius (or 5-minute walk,) which has been held up for a century as the distance Americans will walk before driving, is actually a myth.

Both images below are at the same scale, and the yellow dashed line is a quarter-mile radius. On the left is a power center. As we all know, if you're at Best Buy and need to pick something up at Old Navy, there's no way you're walking from one store to another. Instead, you get in your car and drive as close as possible to the Old Navy front door. You'll even wait for a parking space to open up instead of driving to an open space just a few spaces away… not because you're lazy, but because it's such a terrible walking experience.

The image on the right is Rome. The circles are centered on the Piazza del Popolo (North is to the left) and the Green radius goes through the Vittorio Emanuele on the right. People regularly walk that far and then keep on walking without ever thinking of driving.

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What Would Jesus Do With Bankers?

Preface: If you are an atheist and believe that religion is crazy, please remember that some 85% of the American population identifies itself as Christian [12] and millions more identify themselves as Jewish. Very few [13] Americans are atheists … and the majority don’t trust [14] atheists.

The head of Goldman Sachs said [15] he’s doing “God’s work” with his banking activities.

The head of Barclays also told [16] his congregation that banking as practiced by his company was not antithetical to Christian principles.

Are they right? Is big banking as practiced by the giant banks in harmony with Christian principles?

Do Justice

Initially, the Bible does not counsel us to ignore the breaking of laws by the the powerful.

In fact, the Bible mentions justice over 200 times — more than just about any other topic. The Bible asks us to do justice and to stand up to ANYONE — including the rich or powerful — who do injustice or oppress the people.

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Today's Advertiser Of The Day 8-2-12



BEHIND THE WHEEL AND IMPAIRED=BEHIND BARS

Eastern Shore Police Take Aim At Drunk Drivers Through Toward Zero Deaths

EASTON, M.D.
– Every 57 hours a drunk driver kills someone on Maryland’s roadways. Preventing such tragedies from striking Maryland families is why police from across the Eastern Shore are joining together for a targeted, heightened effort to catch drunk drivers.

Over forty law enforcement agencies will be out in force on Friday nights, from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. during the month of August, cracking down on drunk driving. Weekend, nighttime enforcement is integral to drunk driving prevention since 68 percent of alcohol-impairment-related crashes occur in the overnight hours and 62 percent occur Friday through Sunday.

“We won’t tolerate impaired driving and we refuse to accept the fact that nearly three people die every week due to this crime. Drunk driving is a completely preventable violent crime and we’re fully committed to doing just that. We are serious when we say that, if you find yourself drunk behind the wheel, then you’ll also find yourself behind bars.” warned Easton Police Chief David Spencer.

In 2011, there were 63 roadway fatalities in the nine counties that comprise the Eastern Shore. Of those, 44 percent were alcohol or drug related. “These aren’t just statistics,” said Talbot County Sheriff Dallas Pope. “These are lives lost and families grieving. One bad decision could be fatal for you and those around you.”

This intensified enforcement effort along the Eastern Shore coincides with the new statewide Toward Zero Deaths campaign, which kicked off August 1. From aggressive driving to seatbelt compliance to driving while impaired to other causes of highway fatalities, Toward Zero Deaths is focused on reducing highway mortality through policy changes, public health efforts, communications outreach and other elements. This initiative brings together law enforcement, elected officials, and champions in the community in an effort to change perception of highway safety.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the last six months of the year are the deadliest on the state’s roadways. Over a five year span, there were 13 percent more fatalities on the roads in Maryland from July to December than during the first six months.

“Our goal is to prevent tragic outcomes for families across our region,” stated Sheriff Pope.

Special Session Schedule Set


The president of the Maryland Senate is planning a quick start for next week's special session to expand gambling, and is urging senators to drive home in the evenings to save money if they don't live too far away.

Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, D-Calvert, outlined scheduling plans for the first two days of the session in a memo to senators on Friday, when Gov. Martin O'Malley announced he would be calling a special session to begin next Thursday.

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Caption This Photo 8-2-12



WiHi Class Of 1963 Is Looking For Some Lost People

The WiHi Class of 1963 will soon be holding their 50th reunion. Hopefully some of you can help find the following people.

Sharon Anderson Crandall

Peggy Chandler Sonleer Gibson

Jenny Ferberg

IF you know any of the above please contact Nancy Evans at netevans@verizon.net

Today's Survey Question 8-2-12

Have you donated to the Obama campaign for 2012?

QUOTES OF THE DAY 8-2-12

“Half of the American people have never read a newspaper. Half never voted for President. One hopes it is the same half.”
― Gore Vidal

“As societies grow decadent, the language grows decadent, too. Words are used to disguise, not to illuminate, action: you liberate a city by destroying it. Words are to confuse, so that at election time people will solemnly vote against their own interests.”
― Gore Vidal

“The unfed mind devours itself.”
― Gore Vidal

“Today’s public figures can no longer write their own speeches or books, and there is some evidence that they can’t read them either. ”
― Gore Vidal

“No good deed goes unpunished”
― Gore Vidal

“Little Bush says we are at war, but we are not at war because to be
at war Congress has to vote for it. He says we are at war on terror,
but that is a metaphor, though I doubt if he knows what that means.
It’s like having a war on dandruff, it’s endless and pointless.”
― Gore Vidal

“The genius of our ruling class is that it has kept a majority of the people from ever questioning the inequity of a system where most people drudge along paying heavy taxes for which they get nothing in return.”
― Gore Vidal

“The American press exists for one purpose only, and that is to convince Americans that they are living in the greatest and most envied country in the history of the world. The Press tells the American people how awful every other country is and how wonderful the United States is and how evil communism is and how happy they should be to have freedom to buy seven different sorts of detergent.”
― Gore Vidal

The Smallness Of The New Obama

It has become the disappearing presidency.

He went from peddling the “audacity of hope” to sheer hopelessness. From promising change to — literally — begging for change. Any spare change.

One of the latest depressing pitches came from Ann Marie Habershawinside President Obama’s campaign.

“Hi,” it begins, as if we are friends. Which is really kind of creepy. And sad. We certainly are not.

“Yep, me again,” she goes on, trying to make light of the fact that she has clearly become a pest.

“Surprise: I’m here to ask you for money.” Really, that is what she actually wrote. Beyond depressing. Sad, pathetic, and she knows it. And she even knows that she better beat people to the punch by going ahead and broadcasting what a broke and pathetic stalker she sounds like.

Goes on to explain that July 31 would be the next big fundraising deadline.

“To be frank, we’ve gotten our behinds handed to us,” she says of the past two deadlines. She asks for $3.

It might be “crass,” she pretends to worry, but says the campaign is desperate for money — “a whole lot of it.”

These degrading pleas for money have come from campaign hacks, Joe Biden, Hollywood actresses. Even from his wife, begging people to donate money for Mr. Obama’s birthday.

Even Mr. Obama has made some of these sad entreaties, going so far as to announce yesterday that he himself was donating to his own campaign — a symbolic gesture, he explained, of just how much he expects all of us to pony up for his re-election.

That must have been one tough call from such a towering ego as Barack Obama.

It is all so sad because this money-grubbing and vote-pandering has forced Mr. Obama to undo one of the sterling accomplishment of his 2008 campaign.

Source

Yard Sale Information Needs To Be In By Tonight

If you'd like to advertise your yard sale for FREE this weekend please send your information to alberobutzo@wmconnect.com today.

Fed Says U.S. Economy Has Slowed, Takes No New Steps

The Federal Reserve said Wednesday that the U.S. economy is losing strength and repeated a pledge to take further steps to boost growth if hiring remains weak.

The Fed took no new action after a two-day policy meeting. But it acknowledged in a statement released after the meeting that economic activity had slowed over the first half of the year, with job creation remaining sluggish and consumer spending tapering off.

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Video Of NYPD Cop Bodyslamming Young Man Sparks Controversy: Too Harsh Or Just Right?

Worcester Residents Urged To Attend The Burbage Rezoning Hearing

Notices for public hearings are posted in local newspapers routinely to give citizens the opportunity to attend these meetings, where they may learn more about zoning changes, pending legislature and many other significant issues. Attendance provides an opportunity to communicate their opinions on these issues.

Far too often, the public does not utilize this opportunity. I encourage Worcester County residents -- in particular, those who live in the Ocean Pines and northern (Ocean Pines, Showell and Bishopville) election districts -- to attend a public hearing regarding the property owned by J. Burbage, located on Route 589. The meeting isscheduled for Aug. 7 at 11 a.m., at the Worcester County Government Center, Room 1101. For confirmation of the agenda, call410-632-1194on Monday.

This property (along with all properties in Worcester County) was reviewed in the Comprehensive Plan, then reviewed again in 2009-10 in the Comprehensive Rezoning Plan. In both cases, it was decided this property was best suited to retain its agricultural zoning status. To change a zoning classification, there must be one of two reasons: a change in the character of a neighborhood or a mistake in the zoning designation.

I do not believe the test has been met to support a change in taking this property from an agricultural (A-1) status to a commercial (C-2) status.

Should the rezoning occur, consider that what is stated for intended use may not occur. The approved usage includes retail business, personal service businesses, restaurants, convenience stores, bars, night clubs, general and professional offices, bowling alleys, arcades, theaters, funeral homes, veterinary clinics or kennels including outside pens and runways, gas stations and self-storage facilities.

Also consider the future impact to traffic and the community surrounding this property.

I hope citizens will contact their County Commissioners representatives to express their views and more importantly, show up at this public hearing. While minds may have already been made up, if you don't make your opinions known, it will be assumed they voted on the change appropriately, reflecting the desires of their constituency.

Linda Busick

"Obama Can Kiss My Ass"

Toyota Recalling 778,000 RAV4 SUVs

DETROIT (AP) - Toyota Motor Corp. said Wednesday it's recalling 778,000 RAV4 SUVs and Lexus HS 250h sedans in the U.S. to fix a suspension problem that could cause crashes.

The company says if rear suspension nuts aren't tightened properly after a wheel alignment, the arms can rust and separate from the vehicle.

Toyota reported nine crashes and three minor injuries from the problem.

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Chick-Fil-A Continues To Pack Them In After 9:30 Last Night

I don't know what they had left to feed people but from all the images we've published there's no question they were packed the entire day and night. I got this image at 10:03 last night. The funny thing is, not one person came on here saying they didn't or don't like Chick-Fil-A food. They truly have a good thing going.

Obama Campaign Ends July With Desperate, Embarrassing New Low

If you are on the Obama fundraising e-mail list, you may have gotten a vague hunch by now that Obama’s birthday is coming up. By my count, I have received eight e-mails in the last two weeks centered on Obama’s birthday.


It was like June's donation begathon all over again, with a new "birthday" twist.


Vice President Joe Biden, and Julianna Smoot, warned supporters that -- if they didn’t send in “$3 or more”-- they’d miss out on the “fun” in maybe being one of “two grassroots donors and their guests” who are going to be flown in “to celebrate his birthday with him at his home in Chicago on August 12th.”


Michelle Obama just begged "folks to commit to doing just one thing" to help build the campaign "right now, whether that's registering a new voter, pitching in at a local office for one hour, or recruiting one friend to volunteer.”


But, as the old saying goes, "time is money" too.


Begging supporters to “make a donation today to be automatically entered for a chance to be there—flight and hotel paid for” -- Obama’s National Finance Director, Rufus Gifford, exclaimed:


Have you ever gotten to do something so cool you're almost jealous of yourself?”
Yes, not only is begging "cool," it's worthy of envy.


Trinko received Obama’s latest, "begging-for-dollars" Thursday.


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We've Always Been At War With Eastasia

Oceania suddenly switches sides, naming Eastasia as its enemy and making its mortal enemy, Eurasia, its new ally.

The government uses propaganda to convince people that, “We’ve always been at war with Eastasia”. The dumbed-down public doesn’t even notice that they’ve switches sides, and blindly rallies around Eurasia as its perennial friend and ally.

The same thing is happening in real life with Al Qaeda.

Western governments and mainstream media have admitted [14] that Al Qaeda is fighting against the secular Syrian government, and that the West is supporting the Syrian opposition … which is helping Al Qaeda [15].

Similarly, the opposition which overthrew Libya’s Gadaffi was mainly Al Qaeda [16] … and they now appear to be in control of Libya [17] (and are instrumental in fighting in Syria [18].)

The U.S. also funds terrorist groups within Iran [19].

Of course, Al Qaeda was blamed for 9/11, and the entire decades-long “War on Terror” was premised on rooting out Al Qaeda and related groups.

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Lt. Gov. Brown To Discuss Health Enterprise Zones

Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown will be holding a public forum on an initiative to try to improve health care in underserved areas.

The forum is being held Thursday evening in Oxon Hill. Prince George's County Executive Rushern Baker also is expected to attend.

The state budget includes $4 million to create a pilot program of 2 to four health enterprise zones in Maryland.

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Great Comparison

Geithner To DeMarco: "I Do Not Believe [Un-Socialism] Is The Best Decision For The Country"

In an administration that has completely lost its mind, and in which the solution to every problem is the forgiveness of debt to those who lived beyond their means, FHFA's Ed DeMarco is a lone voice of sanity. In a letter to Tim Geithner, the FHFA has the temerity to tell the truth and say that "after extensive analysis of the revised [Principal Reduction Act]...FHFA has concluded that the anticipated benefits do not outweigh the costs and risks... FHFA concluded that HAMP PRA did not clearly improve foreclosure avoidance while reducing costs to taxpayers relative to the approaches in place today."Via Bloomberg:

*FANNIE MAE, FREDDIE MAC WON'T WRITE DOWN LOANS, DEMARCO SAYS
*FHFA'S DEMARCO SAYS PRINCIPAL REDUCTION WON'T BENEFIT TAXPAYERS
Needless to say, when presented with a minority opinion that socialism just may not be the answer, Geithner was not happy and penned his own response. Both are presented below.

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FANNIE AND FREDDIE WILL NOT LET HOMEOWNERS WRITE DOWN PRINCIPAL

This news is just breaking now via Bloomberg and CNBC.

What does this mean?

Basically, The Treasury has been pressuring the GSEs to allow for some kind of homeowner principle writedown scheme.

Their chief regulator Ed Demarco has always been against this idea (quite controversially) over a fear of more strategic defaults if allowed.

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Federal Appeals Court Grants Stay In Md. Gun Case


Maryland can continue enforcing its gun permit law requiring residents to show a "good and substantial reason" to carry handguns until a federal appeals court decides the matter, the court said Wednesday.

The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond granted a stay in the case as requested by Maryland Attorney General Doug Gansler. The court also directed the case to be expedited, tentatively scheduling arguments during a session set for Oct. 23-26.

"The proceedings have been expedited and the state will present its arguments to the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals in late October," said David Paulson, a spokesman for Gansler. "In the meantime, the state will continue to follow and enforce this law as passed by the General Assembly."

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I-Team finds Md. take-home vehicles taken out of state

BALTIMORE - Millions of Marylanders' taxpayer dollars fund state employees' cars and trucks for use 24/7. The WBAL-TV 11 News I-Team tracked whether the vehicles are necessary for the job or whether they're just a perk.

The I-Team requested from more than three-dozen state agencies the names and titles of employees who have take-home vehicles, in addition to information related to their cost and, in some cases, how often the vehicles are legitimately used to respond to an emergency.

The findings took the I-Team out of state. Maryland has no rules that require employees with take-home vehicles to live in the state. As such, dozens of the vehicles are paid for by the Maryland taxpayer but the employees go home to, for example, Pennsylvania.

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Registration Open For Oh-My-Cheer Camp Two-Day Camp Set For August 11 & 12

(Salisbury, MD) Wicomico Recreation has teamed up with Coach Toni Eller to present Oh-My-Cheer, a cheerleading camp for girls ages three and up. Camp will be held Saturday, August 11 and Sunday, August 12 from 10am-2pm each day at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center.

Camp is open to girls ages three and up of all skill levels and experience. Participants do not need to be cheerleaders, just interested in trying it out and ready to learn. Girls will be grouped according to age and skill level. Camp will cover motions, cheers, jumps, tumbling, dance, stunting, safety, strength, conditioning, stretching, cheer game, prizes and much more! Campers will need to pack a lunch.

Coach Toni Eller has over 15 years of experience in cheerleading. She has built two nationally recognized recreational cheerleading programs from the ground up. These teams have over 20 national championship titles including world and international titles. She is currently the head coach of the varsity and junior varsity teams at the Institute of Notre Dame High School. Their junior varsity team is 2011 Maryland State Champions and varsity team is 2011 National Champions at Reach the Beach Nationals. She is also the head coach at Johns Hopkins University.

Registration is being accepted at the Box Office located at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center or online at www.wicomicorecandparks.org. The registration fee is $65 per camper.

For more information, please contact Kelly Rados, Program Director at 410-548-4900 ext. 108 or email krados@wicomicocounty.org.

Democrats: Doomsday; Republicans: Your fault

President Obama’s budget director told Congress Wednesday that automatic spending cuts will slash funding for 16,000 school employees, cut the U.S. Border Patrol and kick 100,000 children out of the Head Start program as the White House sought to up the political pain for lawmakers bickering over how to stave off the cuts.

House Republicans offered to cancel their August vacation and stay in town to work on a solution, but Jeffrey Zients, acting director of the Office of Management and Budget, said the administration can’t deal with the Republicans until they agree to raise taxes on the wealthy.

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Neil Barofsky Gave Us The Best Explanation For Washington's Dysfunction We've Ever Heard

Neil Barofsky was the Inspector General for TARP, and just wrote a book about his time in D.C. called Bailout: An Insider Account of How Washington Abandoned Main Street While Rescuing Wall Street.

Naturally, we had to read the tell-all and then invite him to the office to tells us even more.

In his interview with Business Insider, Barofsky touched on everything from yesterday's announcement that Americans holding Fannie and Freddie mortgages would not get a principal write downs, to the general culture in Washington.

Bottom line: Barofsky said the incentive structure in our nation's capitol is all wrong. There's a revolving door between bureaucrats in Washington and Wall Street banks, and politicians just want to keep their jobs.

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Maryland Man Who Called Himself 'Joker' Charged

UPPER MARLBORO, Md. - A man accused of referring to himself as "a joker" and threatening to shoot up his workplace has been charged with misdemeanor telephone misuse, prosecutors announced Wednesday.

Neal E. Prescott, 28, of Crofton, was taken into custody last Friday after police said they found ammunition and a cache of about two dozen weapons, including semi-automatic rifles and pistols, in his apartment.

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