You all know I am very fond of my downtown neighbors, the ladies who run the Opportunity Shop. I like to promote their thrift ministry as often as I can and I know how well they serve needs of Salisbury's thrift shoppers.
The Opportunity Shop is a ministry of Asbury United Methodist Church, the large brick church on Camden Ave. just south of Salisbury University. In December, their 18 year senior pastor, Rev. Glenn Catley, announced his retirement effective June 30. This morning at Asbury's services it was announced that Associate Pastor, Rev. Dr. Benita Harris, will assume the role of Senior Pastor at Asbury in July. United Methodist Church Peninsula Delaware Conference Bishop Peggy Johnson, in consultation with her cabinet and with Asbury's staff parish committee, approved the appointment very recently.
I hope Rev. Harris will continue Asbury's Opportunity Shop commitment to Downtown Salisbury. I enjoy being their neighbor.
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Sunday, February 03, 2013
STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY ON THE BALTIMORE RAVENS’ SUPER BOWL VICTORY
Government House and State House dome illuminated in “Ravens Purple”
NEW ORLEANS, LA (February 3, 2013) – Governor Martin O’Malley tonight issued the following statement on the Baltimore Ravens victory in Super Bowl XLVII:
“The Baltimore Ravens have proven that they are the team of destiny this year. We are incredibly proud of Coach John Harbaugh and our entire Baltimore Ravens team for bringing the Lombardi Trophy back to Baltimore.
“Our Ravens have provided an inspirational lift for all of us to reach beyond our dreams this season. They are the heart and soul of Baltimore, and fans across our great State are celebrating in the historic accomplishments of this team. We look forward to the Ravens homecoming and the parade in the days to come.
“Congratulations to Joe Flacco for being named Most Valuable Player. We also wish Ray Lewis well in his future endeavors, and we are forever grateful for what he has done for Baltimore for 17 years. Go Ravens!”
STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY ON ADMINISTRATION’S COMMITMENT TO AFFORDABLE COLLEGE
ANNAPOLIS, MD (February 28, 2013) – This afternoon, Governor Martin O’Malley attended a rally hosted by the University System of Maryland Student Council supporting the Administration’s FY2014 budget that keeps college affordable for more families and makes investments to support innovation at Maryland’s colleges and universities. The Governor issued the following statement on the Administration’s continued commitment to affordable college:
“Six years ago, Lt. Governor Brown and I committed to making college more affordable for more of our families. And every year of this Administration, even during the toughest of times while cutting more than any administration in state history, we have invested to make this a reality.
“Because of the better choices we’ve made together, Maryland is alone among the 50 states to freeze in-state tuition at our colleges and universities for four years in a row. During that time, the University of Maryland System went from the eighth most expensive in the country to the 27th. And because of those better choices, the College Board says that Maryland has done more than any other state to hold down the cost of college tuition.
“If we want to be leaders in science, leaders in security, and leaders in innovation, it all comes down to how well we educate our future generations. We consider this not only to be something good for our State, but essential for our country.”
According to the College Board, Maryland has done more than any other state in the nation to hold down the cost of college with the lowest increase in college tuition in the nation. Alone among the 50 states, Maryland froze in-state tuition at state colleges and universities four years in a row and has held tuition increases to the lowest in the nation for over five years.
The Governor’s proposed FY2014 budget keeps college affordable, protects capital and operating investments in Maryland’s universities and community colleges, and makes investments in innovative initiatives like Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, as well as research, entrepreneurship and commercialization of blossoming ideas within the University System of Maryland.
For a fact sheet on the Administration's commitment to higher education and job creation, click here.
“Six years ago, Lt. Governor Brown and I committed to making college more affordable for more of our families. And every year of this Administration, even during the toughest of times while cutting more than any administration in state history, we have invested to make this a reality.
“Because of the better choices we’ve made together, Maryland is alone among the 50 states to freeze in-state tuition at our colleges and universities for four years in a row. During that time, the University of Maryland System went from the eighth most expensive in the country to the 27th. And because of those better choices, the College Board says that Maryland has done more than any other state to hold down the cost of college tuition.
“If we want to be leaders in science, leaders in security, and leaders in innovation, it all comes down to how well we educate our future generations. We consider this not only to be something good for our State, but essential for our country.”
According to the College Board, Maryland has done more than any other state in the nation to hold down the cost of college with the lowest increase in college tuition in the nation. Alone among the 50 states, Maryland froze in-state tuition at state colleges and universities four years in a row and has held tuition increases to the lowest in the nation for over five years.
The Governor’s proposed FY2014 budget keeps college affordable, protects capital and operating investments in Maryland’s universities and community colleges, and makes investments in innovative initiatives like Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, as well as research, entrepreneurship and commercialization of blossoming ideas within the University System of Maryland.
For a fact sheet on the Administration's commitment to higher education and job creation, click here.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES!
Volunteer opportunities are available at the Holly Center in area departments such as Recreation, the Adult Day Program, Administration Clerical Services and the Holly Center Auxiliary. The benefits of volunteering are enormous.In addition, volunteers are needed to assist staff with special events that directly benefit Holly Center people. If you would like you to consider becoming a volunteer of Holly Center, please contact the Office of Volunteer Services at 410.572.6204. The next scheduled adult volunteer orientation will be held on:
Pre-registration is required to attend the Volunteer Orientation. For more information, please call Marlina Belote, Director of Volunteer Services & Community Relations at 410.572.6204.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2012
CANTEEN BUILDING
4:30 PM
Pre-registration is required to attend the Volunteer Orientation. For more information, please call Marlina Belote, Director of Volunteer Services & Community Relations at 410.572.6204.
IRS: Cheapest Obamacare Plan Will Be $20,000 Per Family
In a final regulation issued Wednesday, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) assumed that under Obamacare the cheapest health insurance plan available in 2016 for a family will cost $20,000 for the year.
Under Obamacare, Americans will be required to buy health insurance or pay a penalty to the IRS.
The IRS's assumption that the cheapest plan for a family will cost $20,000 per year is found in examples the IRS gives to help people understand how to calculate the penalty they will need to pay the government if they do not buy a mandated health plan.
More
Under Obamacare, Americans will be required to buy health insurance or pay a penalty to the IRS.
The IRS's assumption that the cheapest plan for a family will cost $20,000 per year is found in examples the IRS gives to help people understand how to calculate the penalty they will need to pay the government if they do not buy a mandated health plan.
More
Delinquencies On Student Loans Surpass Those On Credit Card Debt
Those who have been following our year-long series exposing the student debt bubble are by now well aware that this latest $1 trillion+ reincarnation of subprime will have a very unhappy ending. Which is why today's release of the quarterly Fed report [5]on household debt and credit will hold few surprises for them. There is however, one data point which is notable: as of December 31, 2012, the soaring delinquency rate on student loans (first reported here [6], and subsequently confirmed by the Fed itself [7]), has surpassed that of credit card debt.
More
More
United Way Of The Lower Eastern Shore Invites Local Clubs & Organizations To ‘Community Of Caring’ Breakfast
Inaugural Event Scheduled for February 14 at Wicomico Youth & Civic Center
Tony Sarbanes and the United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore Board of Directors enthusiastically invite two members of your club/organization and/or your auxiliary group to the inaugural ‘Community of Caring’ Breakfast on Thursday, February 14 at 8:00am. Sponsored by Pepsi Bottling Ventures, the breakfast will take place in the DaNang Rooms of the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center.
Attendees can enjoy a complimentary breakfast and refreshments while hearing presentations by Sheriff Mike Lewis and United Way’s Kathleen Momme. Updates will also be given on the United Way’s community impact and how the United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore can partner with your group to make a LOCAL difference.
Please RSVP by February 7th by calling 410.742.5143.
Tony Sarbanes and the United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore Board of Directors enthusiastically invite two members of your club/organization and/or your auxiliary group to the inaugural ‘Community of Caring’ Breakfast on Thursday, February 14 at 8:00am. Sponsored by Pepsi Bottling Ventures, the breakfast will take place in the DaNang Rooms of the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center.
Attendees can enjoy a complimentary breakfast and refreshments while hearing presentations by Sheriff Mike Lewis and United Way’s Kathleen Momme. Updates will also be given on the United Way’s community impact and how the United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore can partner with your group to make a LOCAL difference.
Please RSVP by February 7th by calling 410.742.5143.
The Most Wanted Gun in America
The answer is no. Pasadena Pawn and Gun, a gun retailer and pawnshop 15 miles south of Baltimore, is pretty much sold out of America’s most wanted gun, the AR-15-style semiautomatic rifle. Since the massacre in Newtown, Conn., in December, the AR-15, the military-style weapon that the police say was used in the shootings, has been selling fast here and across the nation.
Before Newtown, the rifles sold for about $1,100, on average. Now some retailers charge twice that. At Pasadena Pawn, on the wall behind glass counters of handguns, are three dozen or so AR-15-style rifles. Dangling from nearly every one is a tag that says “Sold.”
More
New York Governor's Approval Rating Plunges 15 Points After Gun Control Passed
I guess even New Yorkers don’t like it when a politician uses a tragedy to immediately jam through gun control legislation. I wonder how many people will actually register their guns as that would be an interesting act of civil disobedience. These political creatures are totally out of control. From the Daily News:
ALBANY — Gun-loving New Yorkers have turned on Gov. Cuomo in the wake of his sweeping new gun law, giving him his first major drop in poll numbers.
Gov. Cuomo’s new gun law expands the state’s assault weapons ban, as well as limits gun magazines and requires that owners of now-illegal guns register them with the state. Since the gun law was approved, Cuomo’s approval rating has dropped 15 points since December.
At the end of the day, I hold out very little hope for New York. It is as statist a place as you can find in America, which is partially why I left. That said, this poll is an interesting development.
Full article here.
ALBANY — Gun-loving New Yorkers have turned on Gov. Cuomo in the wake of his sweeping new gun law, giving him his first major drop in poll numbers.
Gov. Cuomo’s new gun law expands the state’s assault weapons ban, as well as limits gun magazines and requires that owners of now-illegal guns register them with the state. Since the gun law was approved, Cuomo’s approval rating has dropped 15 points since December.
At the end of the day, I hold out very little hope for New York. It is as statist a place as you can find in America, which is partially why I left. That said, this poll is an interesting development.
Full article here.
CMS Issues Sunshine Rule
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued a long-awaited rule Friday finalizing the details for a database that will list payments made to physicians by pharmaceutical and device manufacturers.
"You should know when your doctor has a financial relationship with the companies that manufacture or supply the medicines or medical devices you may need," Peter Budetti, MD, the agency's deputy administrator for program integrity, said in a statement. "Disclosure of these relationships allows patients to have more informed discussions with their doctors."
The rule, a provision of the Affordable Care Act known as the Physician Payments Sunshine Act, "finalizes the provisions that require manufacturers of drugs, devices, biologicals, and medical supplies covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or the Children's Health Insurance Program to report payments or other transfers of value they make to physicians and teaching hospitals to CMS," the statement explained. "CMS will post that data to a public website. The final rule also requires manufacturers and group purchasing organizations (GPOs) to disclose to CMS physician ownership or investment interests."
More
"You should know when your doctor has a financial relationship with the companies that manufacture or supply the medicines or medical devices you may need," Peter Budetti, MD, the agency's deputy administrator for program integrity, said in a statement. "Disclosure of these relationships allows patients to have more informed discussions with their doctors."
The rule, a provision of the Affordable Care Act known as the Physician Payments Sunshine Act, "finalizes the provisions that require manufacturers of drugs, devices, biologicals, and medical supplies covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or the Children's Health Insurance Program to report payments or other transfers of value they make to physicians and teaching hospitals to CMS," the statement explained. "CMS will post that data to a public website. The final rule also requires manufacturers and group purchasing organizations (GPOs) to disclose to CMS physician ownership or investment interests."
More
Better Choices Deconstructed
Governor Martin O’Malley delivered his State of the State address focused on the better choices we’ve made together to deliver results and nearly eliminate the inherited $1.7 billion structural deficit while maintaining our Triple A bond rating.
We wanted to break down an excerpt of the speech and showcase a few of the polices that works.
“We used the pressure of sinking revenues to make government more efficient.”
More
We wanted to break down an excerpt of the speech and showcase a few of the polices that works.
“We used the pressure of sinking revenues to make government more efficient.”
More
Google Boss Schmidt Labels China An 'IT Menace'
The New Digital Age - due for release in April - reportedly brands China "the world's most active and enthusiastic filterer of information".
China is "the most sophisticated and prolific" hacker of foreign companies, according to a review obtained by the Wall Street Journal(WSJ).
China denies allegations of hacking.
Revolution coming?
Beijing has been accused by several governments, foreign companies and organisations of carrying out extensive cyber espionage for many years, seeking to gather information and to control China's image.
Race To The Top: D.C., Maryland And Georgia Way Back In The Field
In the second year of Race to the Top, the Obama administration’s signature effort to improve public schools, nine of 12 jurisdictions that received $4 billion in federal grants made good progress. But three — the District, Maryland and Georgia — have stumbled, federal officials said.
“We have a lot of good news in this report and also some challenges,” Education Secretary Arne Duncan told reporters Thursday.
The Education Department has been closely tracking the performance of the 12 states, praising those that are performing well while identifying others where problems have arisen.
More
“We have a lot of good news in this report and also some challenges,” Education Secretary Arne Duncan told reporters Thursday.
The Education Department has been closely tracking the performance of the 12 states, praising those that are performing well while identifying others where problems have arisen.
More
Stop Obama's Gun Grab In Maryland
Already, O'Malley's henchmen in the Maryland State Senate have introduced Senate Bill 281, the O'Malley Gun Grab Bill.
It's up to us to kill this bill.
Senate Bill 281 drastically broadens the definition of an assault weapon and constitutes one of the most outrageous assault weapon bans proposed in the country.
This bill classifies 15 different types of semi-automatic pistols as "assault weapons" as well as certain types of shotguns and rifles.
This means that if Senate Bill 281 passes these guns will be illegal to purchase or bring into the State of Maryland.
This 38-page bill also bans high-capacity magazines limiting ammunition magazines to 10 rounds.
If this bill becomes law, it criminalizes all citizens owning newly banned weapons unless they immediately register their guns with the State of Maryland.
Gun owners who don't register their "banned" weapons would face up to 3 years in jail or a $5,000 dollar fine under O'Malley's Gun Grab Bill.
Current law governing carry permits in Maryland makes it almost impossible to carry, yet this bill will make it even harder by requiring a new 16-hour handgun training course.
To purchase or rent a handgun, citizens will now have to pay roughly $400 dollars in fees, background checks, training courses, and finger-printing.
This bill, if passed, will be the death knell for the 2nd Amendment in Maryland.
We can't let that happen. We need to move fast.
The gun grabbers are feverishly working to ram Senate Bill 281 through the Senate before we can mobilize.
Already, this destructive bill was assigned a hearing date.
O'Malley's Gun Grab Bill will be heard by the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee on February 6th, 2013 at 1:00 p.m.
A Committee vote could happen immediately following the hearing.
The politicians on the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee need to hear from us loud and clear that moving O'Malley's Gun Grab Bill out of their Committee will cost them dearly.
Wicomico County Sheriff's Department Chief Gary Baker At The Super Bowl
Snow Hill, Md., To Host 2013 Delmarva Chicken Festival
The Town of Snow Hill, Md., and the Snow Hill Chamber of Commerce have invited the Delmarva Chicken Festival to return to the scenic, historic community on Friday and Saturday, June 21 and 22. The event will take place at Byrd Park along the Pocomoke River in downtown Snow Hill.
Kemp Wills, an actively involved Snow Hill resident, will chair the 64th annual salute to Delmarva’s chicken industry. Assisting Wills in coordinating the festival are Charlotte Cathell, register of wills for Worcester County, Md., and William L. Gordy, retired Maryland State Police detective sergeant who teaches criminal justice and forensic science at Worchester Technical High School.
The leadership team will guide a committee of community volunteers in planning an exciting two-day schedule of family entertainment featuring the festival’s trademark 10-foot giant fry pan, a variety of other food concessions, educational displays related to chicken, fun-filled Chicken Capers, and a Chickin' Pickin' competition. There will also be an arts and crafts show, home and trade show, live musical entertainment, a classic car show, and children’s rides and games.
More
Kemp Wills, an actively involved Snow Hill resident, will chair the 64th annual salute to Delmarva’s chicken industry. Assisting Wills in coordinating the festival are Charlotte Cathell, register of wills for Worcester County, Md., and William L. Gordy, retired Maryland State Police detective sergeant who teaches criminal justice and forensic science at Worchester Technical High School.
The leadership team will guide a committee of community volunteers in planning an exciting two-day schedule of family entertainment featuring the festival’s trademark 10-foot giant fry pan, a variety of other food concessions, educational displays related to chicken, fun-filled Chicken Capers, and a Chickin' Pickin' competition. There will also be an arts and crafts show, home and trade show, live musical entertainment, a classic car show, and children’s rides and games.
More
'Unprecedented' Federal Inmate Increase Strains Resources
The federal prison system faces an unprecedented growth in inmate population and Congress has to decide if the growth is sustainable or if it needs to change federal criminal justice policy to reduce the population while maintaining public safety, says the Congressional Research Service.
In a report (.pdf) posted by Secrecy News on Jan. 29, CRS says the number of inmates under the Bureau of Prison's jurisdiction has increased 790 percent from roughly 25,000 in fiscal 1980 to nearly 219,000 in fiscal 2012, an average annual increase of 6,100 inmates. During this time, BOP appropriations increased from $3.67 billion to $6.38 billion.
The report says that largest portion of new inmates are being incarcerated for drug offenses, but weapons and immigration charges-populations are also increasing. It attributes some of the growth to changes in federal sentencing policies since the early 1980s, such as "increasing the number of federal offenses subject to mandatory minimum sentences; changes to the federal criminal code that have made more crimes federal offenses; and eliminating parole."
There are also a number of secondary problems linked to these increased rates, says the report, including rising per capita costs, overcrowding and budget shortfalls preventing infrastructure repairs.
Some of the options open to Congress are building more prisons, investing in rehabilitation programs, moving inmates to private prisons or making policy changes. Policy changes could include expanding probation offerings, modifying mandatory minimum sentences and repealing some federal criminal statutes, says the report.
Congress should also "consider whether incarcerating more offenders would continue to generate a significant deterrent effect," says the report. It says outside research shows a decline in violent crime in the 1990s but that since then increasing incarceration rates have had diminishing marginal returns.
"The unprecedented increase… was not the result of a singular policy change," and the only suggestion CRS makes is that Congress consider a multi-faceted approach to address prison population growth and its impacts.
More
In a report (.pdf) posted by Secrecy News on Jan. 29, CRS says the number of inmates under the Bureau of Prison's jurisdiction has increased 790 percent from roughly 25,000 in fiscal 1980 to nearly 219,000 in fiscal 2012, an average annual increase of 6,100 inmates. During this time, BOP appropriations increased from $3.67 billion to $6.38 billion.
The report says that largest portion of new inmates are being incarcerated for drug offenses, but weapons and immigration charges-populations are also increasing. It attributes some of the growth to changes in federal sentencing policies since the early 1980s, such as "increasing the number of federal offenses subject to mandatory minimum sentences; changes to the federal criminal code that have made more crimes federal offenses; and eliminating parole."
There are also a number of secondary problems linked to these increased rates, says the report, including rising per capita costs, overcrowding and budget shortfalls preventing infrastructure repairs.
Some of the options open to Congress are building more prisons, investing in rehabilitation programs, moving inmates to private prisons or making policy changes. Policy changes could include expanding probation offerings, modifying mandatory minimum sentences and repealing some federal criminal statutes, says the report.
Congress should also "consider whether incarcerating more offenders would continue to generate a significant deterrent effect," says the report. It says outside research shows a decline in violent crime in the 1990s but that since then increasing incarceration rates have had diminishing marginal returns.
"The unprecedented increase… was not the result of a singular policy change," and the only suggestion CRS makes is that Congress consider a multi-faceted approach to address prison population growth and its impacts.
More
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)