Location: Philadelphia Pike at Myrtle Avenue, Claymont, Delaware
Date of Occurrence: Thursday, April 01, 2010, 9:00 a.m.
Vehicle:
2008 Ford E150, operated by Frank Zardecki, 36, of Wilmington, Delaware
2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser, operated by Kevin Lawson, 25, of Media, Pennsylvania
Resume: State Troopers investigated a crash this morning on Philadelphia Pike at Myrtle Avenue that has closed the roadway.
The PT Cruiser was in the center lane of northbound Philadelphia Pike. The Ford was in the right lane adjacent to the PT Cruiser. The PT Cruiser changed lanes to the right and into the Ford. The Ford was forced off of the roadway where it struck a utility pole.
The pole snapped at the bottom and landed on top of the Ford. As a result, the pole needs to be replaced.
Repair crews responded to the scene and are currently replacing the damaged pole. Philadelphia Pike is closed in both directions and is expected to reopen by 3:00 p.m.
Mr. Lawson was cited with Unsafe Lane Change.
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Thursday, April 01, 2010
Isn't It Time Mayor Ireton Get Off The Pot
Ladies & Gentlemen, it has been one full year since Chief David See stepped down as the Chief of the Salisbury Fire Department.
In the first round of interviews for a new Chief, we exposed how acting Chief Hoppes was not qualified and another top runner being considered was up on alleged charges for sexual harassment.
Clearly Bill Gordy was not playing fair and Mayor Ireton saw right through the bull. However, now 1 year has passed and quite frankly with the job market being in favor for the City, how is it they have not filled the position to date.
Bill Gordy has returned after several weeks of recovering from what was reported as stress related time off. Today he was seen in uniform calling out the Hazmat Team for a simple petroleum spill. Someone probably over filled their gas tank. Gordy will do anything to keep that Hazmat Team operating, even if its not necessary. I will say this however, Firefighters are not too happy he chose to return. Looks like his days are numbered as well.
Can we get some answers Mr. Ireton?
MARYLAND HAS FOUR OF THE 25 RICHEST COUNTIES THANKS TO TAXPAYERS
In a recent ranking based on median household income from U.S. Census data for 2008, the results included:
3rd - Howard
10th - Montgomery
13th - Calvert
21st - Charles
Loudoun County, in northern Virginia, ranked first with a median household income of $110,643.
These data show the effect of the federal payroll and that of the so-called beltway bandit firms that feed at the public trough. In Charles County, over half of the work force is employed outside the County. Montgomery County has various government headquarters and agencies -- National Institutes of Health, Atomic Energy Commission, Bethesda Naval Hospital, etc., as well as "think-tanks" and consulting firms, and is the place of choice for many high ranking federal bureaucrats and elected officials to reside. Howard County shares that DC-based residential market and has become a magnet for affluent folks from Baltimore as well. And now things seems to be shifting to the southern Maryland area as the main metro counties have become more fully developed and land costs in those counties have skyrocketed. In addition, both Howard and Montgomery County now have various growth limits that apply.
For more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/30/AR2010033003483_pf.html
3rd - Howard
10th - Montgomery
13th - Calvert
21st - Charles
Loudoun County, in northern Virginia, ranked first with a median household income of $110,643.
These data show the effect of the federal payroll and that of the so-called beltway bandit firms that feed at the public trough. In Charles County, over half of the work force is employed outside the County. Montgomery County has various government headquarters and agencies -- National Institutes of Health, Atomic Energy Commission, Bethesda Naval Hospital, etc., as well as "think-tanks" and consulting firms, and is the place of choice for many high ranking federal bureaucrats and elected officials to reside. Howard County shares that DC-based residential market and has become a magnet for affluent folks from Baltimore as well. And now things seems to be shifting to the southern Maryland area as the main metro counties have become more fully developed and land costs in those counties have skyrocketed. In addition, both Howard and Montgomery County now have various growth limits that apply.
For more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/30/AR2010033003483_pf.html
Eastern Shore Soccer Club
U6 Coed 3v3 Soccer Training and Game Sessions
The first step in preparing for Travel/Competitive Soccer
May 8th thru June 19th (No Games Memorial Weekend)
Early registration encouraged, space is limited
$55 Per Player (Includes Uniform)
We will be following US Youth Soccer Rules and Guidelines
Must be Born Between 8/1/2003 and 7/31/2005
All Training/Games will be in Fruitland, MD.
The first step in preparing for Travel/Competitive Soccer
May 8th thru June 19th (No Games Memorial Weekend)
Early registration encouraged, space is limited
$55 Per Player (Includes Uniform)
We will be following US Youth Soccer Rules and Guidelines
Must be Born Between 8/1/2003 and 7/31/2005
All Training/Games will be in Fruitland, MD.
Why Small Sided Training and Games?
1. Because we want our young soccer players to touch the soccer ball more often and become more skillful with it! (Individual technical development)
2. Because we want our young soccer players to make more, less-complicated decisions during the game! (Tactical development)
3. Because we want our young soccer players to be more physically efficient in the field space they are playing in! (Reduced field size)
4. Because we want our young soccer players to have more individual teaching time with the coach! Less players on the field and less players on the team will guarantee this! (Need to feel worthy and need to feel important)
5. Because we want our young soccer players to have more, involved playing time in the game! (More opportunity to solve problems that only the game presents)
6. Because we want our young soccer players to have more opportunity to play on both sides of the ball! (More exposure to attacking and defending situations)
7. Because we want our young soccer players to have more opportunities to score goals! (Pure excitement)
**Volunteer Coaches Needed : Must attend Coaches Meeting and Will be provided with US YOUTH SOCCER Training DVD for this Specific Age Group.
Contact Harry Anderson at 443-373-1743 or email ESSoccerCoach@AOL.COM for Registration or More Information.
Delaware State Fair Concert Lineup
GO HERE for this year's concert lineup for the Delaware State Fair.
Anyone going this year? To see who?
Anyone going this year? To see who?
DELMAR POLICE DEPARTMENT PRESS RELEASE
Incident: Malicious Destruction of Property
Location: 100 block of N. Bi-State Blvd., Delmar, DE
Date: March 31, 2010
Arrested: Joshua James, white male, 19, Seaford, DE
On 03-31-2010 an officer of the Delmar Police Dept. responded to the 100 block of N. Bi-State Blvd., Delmar DE in reference to a white male that had caused damage to a vehicle. The officer located and stopped the suspect identified as Joshua James. James fled from the officer at which time Wicomico County Sheriffs K-9 unit responded to conduct a track. With the assistance of several residence of Delmar who saw James running, James was subsequently located and detained by Maryland State Troopers who were assisting Delmar with the search. James was also wanted on warrants from Sussex County Superior Court, and Justice of the Peace Court #4. James is being held in the Sussex County Detention Center on $10,177.00 secured bond.
Charges:
Criminal Mischief +$1000
Resisting Arrest
Location: 100 block of N. Bi-State Blvd., Delmar, DE
Date: March 31, 2010
Arrested: Joshua James, white male, 19, Seaford, DE
On 03-31-2010 an officer of the Delmar Police Dept. responded to the 100 block of N. Bi-State Blvd., Delmar DE in reference to a white male that had caused damage to a vehicle. The officer located and stopped the suspect identified as Joshua James. James fled from the officer at which time Wicomico County Sheriffs K-9 unit responded to conduct a track. With the assistance of several residence of Delmar who saw James running, James was subsequently located and detained by Maryland State Troopers who were assisting Delmar with the search. James was also wanted on warrants from Sussex County Superior Court, and Justice of the Peace Court #4. James is being held in the Sussex County Detention Center on $10,177.00 secured bond.
Charges:
Criminal Mischief +$1000
Resisting Arrest
Militia Draws Distinctions Between Groups
Local Michigan Militia commander doesn’t regret calling State Police
ADRIAN, Mich. - The Stone family, and the fiercely militant Christian group that revolved around them at a ramshackle homestead outside of town here, were best known by their neighbors for their active use of guns and their increasingly heated talk about fighting back violently against the government.
But their biggest and most surprising adversary was practically next door: the local branch of the Michigan Militia.
From a distance, the two might seem like peas in a pod: both wear fatigues or camouflage, train in the woods with heavy weaponry and believe in threats to liberty from Washington.
GO HERE to read more.
ADRIAN, Mich. - The Stone family, and the fiercely militant Christian group that revolved around them at a ramshackle homestead outside of town here, were best known by their neighbors for their active use of guns and their increasingly heated talk about fighting back violently against the government.
But their biggest and most surprising adversary was practically next door: the local branch of the Michigan Militia.
From a distance, the two might seem like peas in a pod: both wear fatigues or camouflage, train in the woods with heavy weaponry and believe in threats to liberty from Washington.
GO HERE to read more.
WICOMICO RESIDENTS AGAIN ASK THAT COUNTY’S “PIO” BE TERMINATED
At last night’s “town hall” style meeting, hosted by Councilman Bill McCain, to discuss solutions for the County’s fiscal problem, there was widespread applause at the suggestion that the County should eliminate its “public information office” who reports directly to the County Executive, Rick Pollitt. One speaker even urged Mr. Pollitt (who did not attend) to take the lead in doing so.
Those who attended and spoke were mostly T-party types, including its local leaders, and former VOICE activists. Few persons under 50 years of age were present. Two other members of the County Council – John Cannon and Sheree Sample-Hughes – were there.
As this blog has reported, when Rick Pollitt held a meeting last fall to discuss how to handle the County’s budget problems – before several million dollars in available funds were suddenly “found” – citizens called for termination of the PIO position. Pollitt has responded by saying that it is essential.
This is a quick initial report about Mr. McCain’s meeting. Hopefully, G. A. Harrison, who attended, will provide a more comprehensive account.
Those who attended and spoke were mostly T-party types, including its local leaders, and former VOICE activists. Few persons under 50 years of age were present. Two other members of the County Council – John Cannon and Sheree Sample-Hughes – were there.
As this blog has reported, when Rick Pollitt held a meeting last fall to discuss how to handle the County’s budget problems – before several million dollars in available funds were suddenly “found” – citizens called for termination of the PIO position. Pollitt has responded by saying that it is essential.
This is a quick initial report about Mr. McCain’s meeting. Hopefully, G. A. Harrison, who attended, will provide a more comprehensive account.
Top Doctor Refuses Orders, Tells Obama To Show Birth Certificate – 'If You Have 1'
A top-ranking, highly decorated officer in the U.S. Army says he's now refusing all orders until President Barack Obama finally releases his long-form, hospital-generated birth certificate to prove his eligibility to serve as commander in chief.
"I feel I have no choice but the distasteful one of inviting my own court martial," said Lt. Col. Terry Lakin, an active-duty flight surgeon charged with caring for Army Chief of Staff Gen. George Casey's pilots and air crew. "The Constitution matters. The truth matters."
"For the first time in all my years of service to our great nation, and at great peril to my career and future, I am choosing to disobey what I believe are illegal orders, including an order to deploy to Afghanistan for my second tour of duty there. I will disobey my orders to deploy because I – and I believe all servicemen and women and the American people – deserve the truth about President Obama's constitutional eligibility to the office of the presidency and the commander in chief.
GO HERE to read more.
"I feel I have no choice but the distasteful one of inviting my own court martial," said Lt. Col. Terry Lakin, an active-duty flight surgeon charged with caring for Army Chief of Staff Gen. George Casey's pilots and air crew. "The Constitution matters. The truth matters."
"For the first time in all my years of service to our great nation, and at great peril to my career and future, I am choosing to disobey what I believe are illegal orders, including an order to deploy to Afghanistan for my second tour of duty there. I will disobey my orders to deploy because I – and I believe all servicemen and women and the American people – deserve the truth about President Obama's constitutional eligibility to the office of the presidency and the commander in chief.
GO HERE to read more.
Trooper’s Arrest Suspect For DUI And CDS Violations
DATE & TIME: 4/1/2010 at 0142 hours
LOCATION: Route 13 at Arlington Street, Salisbury, MD 21801
BRIEF RESUME:
On the above date and time, a trooper stopped a 2004 Mazda for a headlight violation. During the course of the traffic stop the trooper learned the driver had been drinking and was put through field tests. The driver was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. The trooper noticed a silver foil smoking pipe located in plain view inside the vehicle containing marijuana. He was then transported to WCDC to go before a court commissioner.
Arrested:
1. Anthony Raymond Stahl, w/m age 21 of Salisbury, Maryland
The suspect was charged with: Possession of C.D.S. paraphernalia and driving under the influence of alcohol.
LOCATION: Route 13 at Arlington Street, Salisbury, MD 21801
BRIEF RESUME:
On the above date and time, a trooper stopped a 2004 Mazda for a headlight violation. During the course of the traffic stop the trooper learned the driver had been drinking and was put through field tests. The driver was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. The trooper noticed a silver foil smoking pipe located in plain view inside the vehicle containing marijuana. He was then transported to WCDC to go before a court commissioner.
Arrested:
1. Anthony Raymond Stahl, w/m age 21 of Salisbury, Maryland
The suspect was charged with: Possession of C.D.S. paraphernalia and driving under the influence of alcohol.
Attempted Murder Suspect Arrested
Location of Arrest: Mobile Gardens MHP in Seaford, Delaware
Suspect(s): Maurice Antonio Handy, Jr., 20
Date of Occurrence: March 31, 2010
Resume:
Delaware State Police have arrested a 20 year-old Seaford man after he eluded capture for over a month.
Troopers arrested Handy this afternoon not far from the crime scene. Troopers following up on leads came upon Handy in a residence located in the Mobile Gardens MHP. He was taken into custody without incident.
During the course of the investigation troopers also linked Handy to two burglaries which occurred in Sussex County.
He was subsequently charged with Attempted Murder and 2 counts of Burglary. He was committed to the Department of Correction in default of $101,000.00
Suspect(s): Maurice Antonio Handy, Jr., 20
Date of Occurrence: March 31, 2010
Resume:
Delaware State Police have arrested a 20 year-old Seaford man after he eluded capture for over a month.
Troopers arrested Handy this afternoon not far from the crime scene. Troopers following up on leads came upon Handy in a residence located in the Mobile Gardens MHP. He was taken into custody without incident.
During the course of the investigation troopers also linked Handy to two burglaries which occurred in Sussex County.
He was subsequently charged with Attempted Murder and 2 counts of Burglary. He was committed to the Department of Correction in default of $101,000.00
Arrests Lead To The Recovery Of Weapons And A Stolen ATV
Location: Cannon Drive, south of Bridgeville, Sussex County, DE
Date of Occurrence: Monday, March 29, 2010
Suspects:
Joshua A. Smith, 22, Wesley Church Road, Bridgeville, DE
Justin Dorey, 23, N. Porter Street, Seaford, DE
Alexander Bechtel, 21, North Oak Street, Seaford, DE
Resume:
Delaware State Police arrested a 22 year-old Bridgeville man after a month long drug investigation which resulted in the seizure of several hand guns.
Troopers conducted an investigation on Smith after he became the focus of their investigation as a large distributor of marijuana in Sussex County. During the investigation Smith was stopped as he was attempting flee from a storage space he rented on Cannon Drive. Troopers were about to execute a search warrant on the facility when Smith arrived. Troopers recovered a small amount of marijuana from the storage facility and in the car he was driving.
Troopers search Smith’s Wesley Church Road residence where they seized additional marijuana, paraphernalia and three handguns.
Smith was charged with Maintaining a Dwelling, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Smith was committed to the Department of Correction in default of $38,000.
During the investigation involving Smith, troopers observed an ATV and a second vehicle pulling into the storage facility located on Cannon Drive. As the troopers approached the ATV and car both vehicles sped off. Troopers were able to stop the car which was operated by Dorey. The ATV eluded the troopers and fled the scene.
Troopers were able to trace the ATV back to Bechtel and later took him into custody at his residence. The ATV was recovered in the area of Bechtel’s home and it was discovered the ATV was stolen. Troopers conducted a search on Bechtel’s home and recovered a rifle and shotgun
Bechtel was charged with Possession of a Fire Arm by a Person Prohibited, Receiving Stolen Property, Resisting Arrest, Conspiracy and Reckless Driving. He was committed to the Department of Correction in default of $9,501 bail.
Dorey was charged with Conspiracy 2nd, Reckless Endangering, Resisting Arrest and Driving During Suspension. No bail information was available at the time of this release.
Date of Occurrence: Monday, March 29, 2010
Suspects:
Joshua A. Smith, 22, Wesley Church Road, Bridgeville, DE
Justin Dorey, 23, N. Porter Street, Seaford, DE
Alexander Bechtel, 21, North Oak Street, Seaford, DE
Resume:
Delaware State Police arrested a 22 year-old Bridgeville man after a month long drug investigation which resulted in the seizure of several hand guns.
Troopers conducted an investigation on Smith after he became the focus of their investigation as a large distributor of marijuana in Sussex County. During the investigation Smith was stopped as he was attempting flee from a storage space he rented on Cannon Drive. Troopers were about to execute a search warrant on the facility when Smith arrived. Troopers recovered a small amount of marijuana from the storage facility and in the car he was driving.
Troopers search Smith’s Wesley Church Road residence where they seized additional marijuana, paraphernalia and three handguns.
Smith was charged with Maintaining a Dwelling, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Smith was committed to the Department of Correction in default of $38,000.
During the investigation involving Smith, troopers observed an ATV and a second vehicle pulling into the storage facility located on Cannon Drive. As the troopers approached the ATV and car both vehicles sped off. Troopers were able to stop the car which was operated by Dorey. The ATV eluded the troopers and fled the scene.
Troopers were able to trace the ATV back to Bechtel and later took him into custody at his residence. The ATV was recovered in the area of Bechtel’s home and it was discovered the ATV was stolen. Troopers conducted a search on Bechtel’s home and recovered a rifle and shotgun
Bechtel was charged with Possession of a Fire Arm by a Person Prohibited, Receiving Stolen Property, Resisting Arrest, Conspiracy and Reckless Driving. He was committed to the Department of Correction in default of $9,501 bail.
Dorey was charged with Conspiracy 2nd, Reckless Endangering, Resisting Arrest and Driving During Suspension. No bail information was available at the time of this release.
Obama’s Student Loan Takeover Adds $52 Billion To Deficit
The student loan overhaul legislation signed into law by President Barack Obama on Tuesday could add $52 billion to the deficit between 2010 and 2020 when the cost of the market risks and administrative expenses of the loans are taken into consideration, the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) reported.
“CBO recently estimated that whereas loans issued in the direct loan program between 2010 and 2020 would reduce the deficit by a total of $68 billion under FCRA accounting, those loans would increase the deficit by $52 billion on a fair value basis,” reads the March 2010 CBO study, Policy Options for Federal Student Loan Programs.( See p. IX of the Summary.)
The CBO report further notes that it explained its calculations about the budgetary impact of the administration's plan to change the federal student loan programs and the $52-billion addition to the deficit in a March 15 letter sent to Sen. Judd Gregg (R-N.H.), the ranking member of the Senate Budget Committee.
In the study, the CBO explains how the accounting mandated through the Federal Credit Reform Act (FCRA) is the standard procedure used to record the budgetary costs of the government’s direct and guaranteed loan programs.
However, the CBO notes that FCRA cost estimates exclude the value of “market risks” and the loan programs’ “administrative expenses” while the CBO’s “fair value” estimates takes them into account.
This discrepancy between the two estimates results in the FCRA figure being a less “comprehensive” appraisal of the true cost to taxpayers of the federal government’s direct student loan program, according to the CBO report.
“CBO recently estimated that whereas loans issued in the direct loan program between 2010 and 2020 would reduce the deficit by a total of $68 billion under FCRA accounting, those loans would increase the deficit by $52 billion on a fair value basis,” reads the March 2010 CBO study, Policy Options for Federal Student Loan Programs.( See p. IX of the Summary.)
The CBO report further notes that it explained its calculations about the budgetary impact of the administration's plan to change the federal student loan programs and the $52-billion addition to the deficit in a March 15 letter sent to Sen. Judd Gregg (R-N.H.), the ranking member of the Senate Budget Committee.
In the study, the CBO explains how the accounting mandated through the Federal Credit Reform Act (FCRA) is the standard procedure used to record the budgetary costs of the government’s direct and guaranteed loan programs.
However, the CBO notes that FCRA cost estimates exclude the value of “market risks” and the loan programs’ “administrative expenses” while the CBO’s “fair value” estimates takes them into account.
This discrepancy between the two estimates results in the FCRA figure being a less “comprehensive” appraisal of the true cost to taxpayers of the federal government’s direct student loan program, according to the CBO report.
Today's Survey Question
If You Were Diagnosed With Stage III Cancer,Would You Stay In Politics Or Step Down & Enjoy Life?
OBAMACARE At Work ALREADY
Dear Friends:
The above attachment is what I was handed at Peninsula Orthopaedic Associates, March 30th, for my appointment with Dr. Kang. Needless to say I told them I would not be back because I cannot afford to pay for Obama's Health Care. There are addresses in the attachment if you Old Folks wish to address this matter. I knew it was coming. I did not realize it would be today. This is just the beginning.
HEADS UP- They Are Mobilizing To Start Trouble On April 15th Tax Day Tea Parties
Crash the tea parties!
On April 15th thousands of right-wingers will attend rallies in cities and towns across the United States. The organizers of this nationwide day of protest call it a tea party. This tea party movement that emerged only a year ago is a coalition of conservatives, anti-Semites, fascists, libertarians, racists, constitutionalists, militia men, gun freaks, homophobes, Ron Paul supporters, Alex Jones conspiracy types and American flag wavers.
Crash the tea parties!
On April 15th thousands of right-wingers will attend rallies in cities and towns across the United States. The organizers of this nationwide day of protest call it a tea party. This tea party movement that emerged only a year ago is a coalition of conservatives, anti-Semites, fascists, libertarians, racists, constitutionalists, militia men, gun freaks, homophobes, Ron Paul supporters, Alex Jones conspiracy types and American flag wavers. If the tea party movement continues to grow in size and strength there is a big chance they will dominate this country in the near future. If the tea party movement takes over this country they will really hurt poor people by getting rid of social programs like food stamps, unemployment benefits, disability benefits, student aid, free health care, etc. The tea party movement will say these programs must be gotten rid of because hard-working taxpayers cannot afford to pay for these things especially when the economy is in a depression. There are three options we have with the tea party movement:
1. Organize counter-protests against the tea party demonstrations, same time, same place. This is probably the best option. We need to get in the streets on April 15th and show the tea party movement that there are lots of people out there who oppose their agenda.
2. Get individual tea party protesters to leave the right-wing and move to the left politically. That would involve passing out stuff like this at the tea party demonstrations: http://www.anarchist-studies.org/node/299
3. Ignore the tea party movement. This is the worst option because without anyone opposing them they could easily gain power.
Some good articles critical of the tea party movement:
http://www.anarkismo.net/article/16198
http://www.truthout.org/william-j-astore-a-very-american-coup-coming-soon-a-hometown-near-you56201
Tea party websites, so you can spy on them:
http://taxdayteaparty.com/
http://www.teapartypatriots.org/
http://www.reteaparty.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tea_Party_movement
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tea_Party_protests
BREAKING NEWS: U.S. Navy Frigate Captures Pirate Mother Ship
5 pirates held after exchange of fire
NAIROBI, Kenya - U.S. Navy frigate exchanges fire with pirates, captures five and confiscates mother ship.
More to come.......
NAIROBI, Kenya - U.S. Navy frigate exchanges fire with pirates, captures five and confiscates mother ship.
More to come.......
Obama’s Defining Lie
History will remember how often and how adamantly President Barack Obama insisted that the socialized medicine law he signed last week would reduce the federal deficit.
It will be his defining lie.
“This legislation will also lower costs for families and for businesses and for the federal government, reducing our deficit by over $1 trillion in the next two decades,” Obama said when he signed the bill on March 23. “It is paid for; it is fiscally responsible.”
Two days later, he repeated the claim at the University of Iowa. “Costs will come down for families and businesses and the federal government, reducing our deficit by more than $1 trillion over the next two decades,” he said.
Americans wisely do not believe him. A Gallup poll released on Tuesday asked people whether the federal budget deficit would “get better, not change or get worse” as a result of Obamacare.
Sixty-one percent said it would get worse, and 14 percent said it would not change.
An honest look at the Congressional Budget Office analysis of the total health care package backs the commonsense conclusion of the average American.
On March 19, two days before the House voted to enact the Senate health care bill and a companion reconciliation bill to make alterations in the Senate bill, the CBO sent a letter to Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, the ranking Republican on the House Budget Committee, responding to his question about the combined budgetary impact of these two bills plus an associated bill to adjust the Medicare payment rates for doctors that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has vowed to enact.
The bill to adjust the Medicare payment rates for doctors is needed because, under current law, those rates are set to suddenly plunge by 21 percent in April. After that, they are set to decline by about 2 percent per year for the next decade.
These dramatic cuts are the result of a gimmick members of Congress wrote into earlier budgets: They mandated that doctors’ fees suddenly drop by one-fifth as a way of making the deficit spending they were voting for seem less than it was. They always knew they would repeal the dramatic fee cuts before they actually hit.
Like Obama’s claim that the health care bill will reduce the deficit by $1 trillion, these phantom fee cuts were a lie.
So, what is the impact on the deficit when the Senate health care bill, the reconciliation bill to fix the Senate health care bill and the bill to fix the phantom reductions in doctors’ fees are all considered together?
“You asked about the total budgetary impact of enacting the reconciliation proposal (the amendment to H.R. 4872), the Senate-passed health bill (H.R. 3590) and the Medicare Physicians Payment Reform Act of 2009 (H.R. 3961),” CBO said in its letter to Ryan. “CBO estimates that enacting all three pieces of legislation would add $59 billion to budget deficits over the 2010-2019 period.”
Read the rest here
It will be his defining lie.
“This legislation will also lower costs for families and for businesses and for the federal government, reducing our deficit by over $1 trillion in the next two decades,” Obama said when he signed the bill on March 23. “It is paid for; it is fiscally responsible.”
Two days later, he repeated the claim at the University of Iowa. “Costs will come down for families and businesses and the federal government, reducing our deficit by more than $1 trillion over the next two decades,” he said.
Americans wisely do not believe him. A Gallup poll released on Tuesday asked people whether the federal budget deficit would “get better, not change or get worse” as a result of Obamacare.
Sixty-one percent said it would get worse, and 14 percent said it would not change.
An honest look at the Congressional Budget Office analysis of the total health care package backs the commonsense conclusion of the average American.
On March 19, two days before the House voted to enact the Senate health care bill and a companion reconciliation bill to make alterations in the Senate bill, the CBO sent a letter to Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, the ranking Republican on the House Budget Committee, responding to his question about the combined budgetary impact of these two bills plus an associated bill to adjust the Medicare payment rates for doctors that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has vowed to enact.
The bill to adjust the Medicare payment rates for doctors is needed because, under current law, those rates are set to suddenly plunge by 21 percent in April. After that, they are set to decline by about 2 percent per year for the next decade.
These dramatic cuts are the result of a gimmick members of Congress wrote into earlier budgets: They mandated that doctors’ fees suddenly drop by one-fifth as a way of making the deficit spending they were voting for seem less than it was. They always knew they would repeal the dramatic fee cuts before they actually hit.
Like Obama’s claim that the health care bill will reduce the deficit by $1 trillion, these phantom fee cuts were a lie.
So, what is the impact on the deficit when the Senate health care bill, the reconciliation bill to fix the Senate health care bill and the bill to fix the phantom reductions in doctors’ fees are all considered together?
“You asked about the total budgetary impact of enacting the reconciliation proposal (the amendment to H.R. 4872), the Senate-passed health bill (H.R. 3590) and the Medicare Physicians Payment Reform Act of 2009 (H.R. 3961),” CBO said in its letter to Ryan. “CBO estimates that enacting all three pieces of legislation would add $59 billion to budget deficits over the 2010-2019 period.”
Read the rest here
O'Reilly Pays Legal Bill For Fallen Marine's Father
No. 1 cable news host Bill O'Reilly said Tuesday that he will personally write a check to cover $16,500 in legal costs for the father of a fallen U.S. Marine who sued the members of a church who picketed his son's funeral.
According to news reports, the members of the Westboro Baptist Church, located in Topeka, Kan., believe that God is punishing the United States because of its acceptance of gay people. The church garners attention for its views by protesting high-profile funerals.
On March 3, 2006, Marine Lance Cpl. Matthew A. Snyder died in a non-combat related vehicle accident in Al Anbar province in Iraq.
"He was a hero and he was the love of my life," said Albert Snyder, Matthew's grieving father.
During the wake that was held after his son's funeral, family members turned on the television to view coverage of the massive procession involving over 1,500 persons. They saw the church members waving signs and protesting the funeral.
Albert Snyder filed a federal lawsuit against the church, and a jury awarded him nearly $11 million dollars for invasion of privacy and intentional infliction of emotional distress. But the U.S. Court of Appeals overturned the verdict on the grounds that the church's First Amendment right to free expression must be protected.
Adding insult to injury, the court also ruled that Snyder would have to pay $16,500 to church members, to defray what they spent to defend themselves in court.
It was a tough blow for the father, who was already trying to raise the funds needed to appeal the Court of Appeals verdict to the U.S. Supreme Court.
On Tuesday's The O'Reilly Factor, however, the host stepped forward.
"That is an outrage," he said. "I will pay Mr. Snyder's obligation. I am not going to let this injustice stand."
O'Reilly added, "It's obvious they were disturbing the peace by disrupting the funeral. They should have been arrested, but our system is so screwed up, so screwed up, that loons are allowed to run wild. Snyder is fighting the good fight, and he is taking his case to the Supreme Court as he should. We are behind him 100 percent."
Snyder's attorney, Sean Summers, says people can contribute to a legal fund established at MatthewSnyder.org. The Supreme Court has agreed to hear Snyder's appeal during its October term, with a verdict likely to be announced in mid-2011.
Source
According to news reports, the members of the Westboro Baptist Church, located in Topeka, Kan., believe that God is punishing the United States because of its acceptance of gay people. The church garners attention for its views by protesting high-profile funerals.
On March 3, 2006, Marine Lance Cpl. Matthew A. Snyder died in a non-combat related vehicle accident in Al Anbar province in Iraq.
"He was a hero and he was the love of my life," said Albert Snyder, Matthew's grieving father.
During the wake that was held after his son's funeral, family members turned on the television to view coverage of the massive procession involving over 1,500 persons. They saw the church members waving signs and protesting the funeral.
Albert Snyder filed a federal lawsuit against the church, and a jury awarded him nearly $11 million dollars for invasion of privacy and intentional infliction of emotional distress. But the U.S. Court of Appeals overturned the verdict on the grounds that the church's First Amendment right to free expression must be protected.
Adding insult to injury, the court also ruled that Snyder would have to pay $16,500 to church members, to defray what they spent to defend themselves in court.
It was a tough blow for the father, who was already trying to raise the funds needed to appeal the Court of Appeals verdict to the U.S. Supreme Court.
On Tuesday's The O'Reilly Factor, however, the host stepped forward.
"That is an outrage," he said. "I will pay Mr. Snyder's obligation. I am not going to let this injustice stand."
O'Reilly added, "It's obvious they were disturbing the peace by disrupting the funeral. They should have been arrested, but our system is so screwed up, so screwed up, that loons are allowed to run wild. Snyder is fighting the good fight, and he is taking his case to the Supreme Court as he should. We are behind him 100 percent."
Snyder's attorney, Sean Summers, says people can contribute to a legal fund established at MatthewSnyder.org. The Supreme Court has agreed to hear Snyder's appeal during its October term, with a verdict likely to be announced in mid-2011.
Source
7 Blacks Run As GOP Candidates
At least seven African Americans are running for congress as Republicans in the South this year, according to the Southern Political Report.
The trend might provide the GOP a welcomed opportunity to expand its base.
Some of the emerging black Republican candidates have excellent resumes:
--State Rep. Tim Scott (R-SC) spent 13 years on the Charleston County Council.
--Deon Long made law review at the University of Michigan Law School before practicing law in Winter Park, Florida.
--Les Phillip in Huntsville, Alabama, is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy.
--Angela McGlowan in Oxford, Mississippi, was a Fox News analyst before launching her congressional bid.
--Lou Huddleston in Fayetteville, North Carolina, retired from the Army as a full colonel in 2003 and has since been both a civic and business leader in the district.
Read the full Southern Political Report story
The trend might provide the GOP a welcomed opportunity to expand its base.
Some of the emerging black Republican candidates have excellent resumes:
--State Rep. Tim Scott (R-SC) spent 13 years on the Charleston County Council.
--Deon Long made law review at the University of Michigan Law School before practicing law in Winter Park, Florida.
--Les Phillip in Huntsville, Alabama, is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy.
--Angela McGlowan in Oxford, Mississippi, was a Fox News analyst before launching her congressional bid.
--Lou Huddleston in Fayetteville, North Carolina, retired from the Army as a full colonel in 2003 and has since been both a civic and business leader in the district.
Read the full Southern Political Report story
Here.
N.Y. Times Columnist: Death Panels Will Save 'A Lot Of Money'
Paul Krugman tells 'Roundtable' economists agree it's 'going to be major'
Left-leaning New York Times economic columnist Paul Krugman says the so-called "death panels" established by President Obama's trillion-dollar nationalized health-care plan will end up saving "a lot of money" for the government.
The comments from Krugman, who also writes on the New York Times blogs, came during a discussion of "Obamacare" on the ABC News Sunday program "This Week."
GO HERE to read more.
Left-leaning New York Times economic columnist Paul Krugman says the so-called "death panels" established by President Obama's trillion-dollar nationalized health-care plan will end up saving "a lot of money" for the government.
The comments from Krugman, who also writes on the New York Times blogs, came during a discussion of "Obamacare" on the ABC News Sunday program "This Week."
GO HERE to read more.
GOP’S HAYES: COASTAL DRILLING LONG WELCOMED NEWS
CHICAGO: The following statement was released today by Isaac Hayes, GOP Nominee for Congress in Illinois' 2nd district, in response to President Obama's announcement to open American coastlines to oil and natural gas drilling.
"The President’s announcement to allow drilling along America’s coastline is long welcomed news. The off shore drilling ban has been an unwanted and unneeded moratorium on energy exploration. For years, Republicans have pushed for energy independence by utilizing the vast resources God has blessed our nation with. While I am pleased that America’s plea for freedom from dependence on sponsors of terror is finally being heard, I am cautiously optimistic that this is not a smoke screen for a soon to come cap-and-trade bill jammed down our throats."
"The President’s announcement to allow drilling along America’s coastline is long welcomed news. The off shore drilling ban has been an unwanted and unneeded moratorium on energy exploration. For years, Republicans have pushed for energy independence by utilizing the vast resources God has blessed our nation with. While I am pleased that America’s plea for freedom from dependence on sponsors of terror is finally being heard, I am cautiously optimistic that this is not a smoke screen for a soon to come cap-and-trade bill jammed down our throats."
Jim Rutledge Responds To Eric Wargotz Liberal Voting Record
FORREST Hill, Maryland- Republican U.S. Senate Candidate Jim Rutledge believes Maryland Republicans have the right and the responsibility to know where the candidates stand on the issues. Jim Rutledge stated, “Eric Wargotz claims to be a conservative but yet his voting record contradicts conservative values.”
Jim Rutledge points out that Wargotz voted for a zoning ordinance that diminished the property rights of farmers and potentially decreased the value of their land. (Queen Anne’s Co. Ordinance 8-25) Jim Rutledge thinks the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate should have a track record that reflects conservative beliefs and platforms. The Rutledge Campaign believes cutting government should be the first consideration not raising taxes. The Wargotz record reflects his willingness to raise taxes as opposed to cutting government. (Ordinance 8-17)
Jim Rutledge feels strongly that being the Republican Party Nominee is a privilege that carries with it an obligation to the voters. Each candidate should demonstrate to the voters their position on issues like taxes and government spending. Every candidate should explain their vision for America and discuss the beliefs and values they hold. Candidates have the responsibility to show up, be willing to debate, and be accessible to the voters.
The Rutledge Campaign encourages Eric Wargotz to quit hiding from the voters and start having an honest debate about who best represents the conservative values of the Republican Party. Jim Rutledge said, “I have concerns about what Eric Wargotz really believes and what his positions are from day to day.” Jim Rutledge is proud to claim the conservative values that provided the strength and prosperity of the Reagan Presidency. The Rutledge Campaign continues to share the message of limited government and lower taxes while encouraging Eric Wargotz to defend his record of larger government and more taxes.
Jim Rutledge points out that Wargotz voted for a zoning ordinance that diminished the property rights of farmers and potentially decreased the value of their land. (Queen Anne’s Co. Ordinance 8-25) Jim Rutledge thinks the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate should have a track record that reflects conservative beliefs and platforms. The Rutledge Campaign believes cutting government should be the first consideration not raising taxes. The Wargotz record reflects his willingness to raise taxes as opposed to cutting government. (Ordinance 8-17)
Jim Rutledge feels strongly that being the Republican Party Nominee is a privilege that carries with it an obligation to the voters. Each candidate should demonstrate to the voters their position on issues like taxes and government spending. Every candidate should explain their vision for America and discuss the beliefs and values they hold. Candidates have the responsibility to show up, be willing to debate, and be accessible to the voters.
The Rutledge Campaign encourages Eric Wargotz to quit hiding from the voters and start having an honest debate about who best represents the conservative values of the Republican Party. Jim Rutledge said, “I have concerns about what Eric Wargotz really believes and what his positions are from day to day.” Jim Rutledge is proud to claim the conservative values that provided the strength and prosperity of the Reagan Presidency. The Rutledge Campaign continues to share the message of limited government and lower taxes while encouraging Eric Wargotz to defend his record of larger government and more taxes.
Broadband Map Announcement
Hi Joe,
We’ve got a new project we’re working on that your readers would probably find interesting. Plus, we need their help! Salisbury University is part of a team that’s building a map of high-speed Internet service in Maryland. We’re trying to find out where the fast Internet is, where the slow Internet is, and where can’t you get broadband service at all.
We’ve developed a tool that allows people to take a Internet speed test, then put in their address. We’ll use that info to validate what the broadband service providers (like Verizon and Comcast) are telling us about their network speeds. It’s really important that we get good test coverage on the Eastern Shore, as we’d like to make the business case for the BBSPs to expand service here.
Anyway, I’ve attached the email we’ve been using to get the word out. Have a look at the sites… http://broadband.maryland.gov (that’s the Governor’s site) and http://www.mdbroadbandmap.org (that’s the project site). Take the speed test…see what you think.
Thanks!
We’ve got a new project we’re working on that your readers would probably find interesting. Plus, we need their help! Salisbury University is part of a team that’s building a map of high-speed Internet service in Maryland. We’re trying to find out where the fast Internet is, where the slow Internet is, and where can’t you get broadband service at all.
We’ve developed a tool that allows people to take a Internet speed test, then put in their address. We’ll use that info to validate what the broadband service providers (like Verizon and Comcast) are telling us about their network speeds. It’s really important that we get good test coverage on the Eastern Shore, as we’d like to make the business case for the BBSPs to expand service here.
Anyway, I’ve attached the email we’ve been using to get the word out. Have a look at the sites… http://broadband.maryland.gov (that’s the Governor’s site) and http://www.mdbroadbandmap.org (that’s the project site). Take the speed test…see what you think.
Thanks!
Ringling Bros. And Barnum & Bailey® Proudly Announces Wicomico County’s Barnum Award Winners
(Salisbury, MD) In 2010, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey launched The Barnum Award which honors the spirit of P.T. Barnum, creator of The Greatest Show On Earth, and his contributions to society by identifying and celebrating children who give back to their own communities in creative and innovative ways.
The Wicomico Youth & Civic Center was pleased to announce that Salisbury, MD was one of more than 75 cities throughout the United States selected to participate in the program. Nominations for children from Salisbury and the surrounding area were accepted online through March 19, 2010 and were reviewed by a local panel of judges. The panel included Wicomico County Executive Richard M. Pollitt, Jr., WMDT-47 News Anchor Katherine Amenta, and George Whitehead Professor of Psychology at Salisbury University and co-author of the newly released book A Glorious Revolution for Youth and Communities: Service-Learning and Model Communities.
After reviewing all nominations, the judges were asked to select the top three nominations for a Gold, Silver and Bronze Barnum Award. This proved a very difficult task, as County Executive Pollitt explained, “These are remarkable children.” The Gold and Silver Barnum Award Recipients are*:
Gold Barnum Award Recipient: Sarah Bell of Sussex County, Delaware
Bell grew fresh vegetables to benefit the Seaford Community Food Closet, which benefits local low income clients through donations. She grew over 100 pounds of vegetables and also launched a campaign at local farmers markets to encourage others to donate.
Silver Barnum Award Anita Grace Stevenson of Wicomico County, Maryland
Stevenson has helped raise over $50,000 for Relay for Life. She has baked cookies, participated in walks and also donated her hair to Locks of Love.
Along with a Barnum Award medal, each recipient will receive a cash award to help them in their future community service efforts ranging from $1000 to $500. Additionally, all three recipients will be honored at 7:30pm on the opening night performance of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents Illuscination at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center on Thursday, April 1. They and their families will also be invited to stay and enjoy the show.
Additional performances of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents Illuscination will take place at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center on:
Friday, April 2 at 10:30am and 7:30pm
Saturday, April 3 at 11am, 3:30pm and 7:30pm
Sunday, April 4 at 3pm
Tickets for all performances are still available. Opening night tickets begin at just $12 while seats to all other shows start at $14 (additional taxes/fees may apply) Please visit www.WicomicoCivicCenter.org, call 410-548-4911 or stop by the Box Office to purchase tickets.
The Wicomico Youth & Civic Center was pleased to announce that Salisbury, MD was one of more than 75 cities throughout the United States selected to participate in the program. Nominations for children from Salisbury and the surrounding area were accepted online through March 19, 2010 and were reviewed by a local panel of judges. The panel included Wicomico County Executive Richard M. Pollitt, Jr., WMDT-47 News Anchor Katherine Amenta, and George Whitehead Professor of Psychology at Salisbury University and co-author of the newly released book A Glorious Revolution for Youth and Communities: Service-Learning and Model Communities.
After reviewing all nominations, the judges were asked to select the top three nominations for a Gold, Silver and Bronze Barnum Award. This proved a very difficult task, as County Executive Pollitt explained, “These are remarkable children.” The Gold and Silver Barnum Award Recipients are*:
Gold Barnum Award Recipient: Sarah Bell of Sussex County, Delaware
Bell grew fresh vegetables to benefit the Seaford Community Food Closet, which benefits local low income clients through donations. She grew over 100 pounds of vegetables and also launched a campaign at local farmers markets to encourage others to donate.
Silver Barnum Award Anita Grace Stevenson of Wicomico County, Maryland
Stevenson has helped raise over $50,000 for Relay for Life. She has baked cookies, participated in walks and also donated her hair to Locks of Love.
Along with a Barnum Award medal, each recipient will receive a cash award to help them in their future community service efforts ranging from $1000 to $500. Additionally, all three recipients will be honored at 7:30pm on the opening night performance of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents Illuscination at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center on Thursday, April 1. They and their families will also be invited to stay and enjoy the show.
Additional performances of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents Illuscination will take place at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center on:
Friday, April 2 at 10:30am and 7:30pm
Saturday, April 3 at 11am, 3:30pm and 7:30pm
Sunday, April 4 at 3pm
Tickets for all performances are still available. Opening night tickets begin at just $12 while seats to all other shows start at $14 (additional taxes/fees may apply) Please visit www.WicomicoCivicCenter.org, call 410-548-4911 or stop by the Box Office to purchase tickets.
SALISBURY CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION AGENDA
APRIL 5, 2010
4:30 P.M.
CONFERENCE ROOM 306
GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING
Special Meeting – 4:30 p.m.
Ordinance No. 2104 – 1st reading – Jane E. Lawton Conservation Program loan
Work Session – following conclusion of Special Meeting
Follow-up on donation of Anderson property (Linens of the Week) – John Pick/Paul Wilber
Zoning text amendment amending Sections 17.04.120 and 17.156.030 of the Salisbury Municipal Code to add a definition and to permit a Veterans Training Center by special exception in the R-5 Residential District – Jack Lenox/Paul Wilber
Zoning text amendment amending Section 17.76.020.B of the Salisbury Municipal Code to add a church as a use permitted by special exception – Jack Lenox
Follow-up on fire station proposals
Ordinance to allow elected officials to participate in elective employee benefits programs offered by the City subject to certain restrictions – John Pick
General discussion/upcoming agendas
4:30 P.M.
CONFERENCE ROOM 306
GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING
Special Meeting – 4:30 p.m.
Ordinance No. 2104 – 1st reading – Jane E. Lawton Conservation Program loan
Work Session – following conclusion of Special Meeting
Follow-up on donation of Anderson property (Linens of the Week) – John Pick/Paul Wilber
Zoning text amendment amending Sections 17.04.120 and 17.156.030 of the Salisbury Municipal Code to add a definition and to permit a Veterans Training Center by special exception in the R-5 Residential District – Jack Lenox/Paul Wilber
Zoning text amendment amending Section 17.76.020.B of the Salisbury Municipal Code to add a church as a use permitted by special exception – Jack Lenox
Follow-up on fire station proposals
Ordinance to allow elected officials to participate in elective employee benefits programs offered by the City subject to certain restrictions – John Pick
General discussion/upcoming agendas
GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY TO HONOR BLACK SAGA COMPETITION WINNERS TODAY
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Martin O’Malley will honor the winners of the 2010 Black Saga Competition at a recognition ceremony for the contestants and their supporters. The Governor will present citations to academic teams from elementary and middle schools around the state.
The Black Saga Competition is a learning activity that tests students’ knowledge of the African American experience as a part of American history. The Competition is based upon Black Saga – The African American Experience: A Chronology written by Dr. Charles M. Christian. The book documents the African American experience in the United States from colonial times to the present in brief entries arranged in chronological order.
The Black Saga Competition is a learning activity that tests students’ knowledge of the African American experience as a part of American history. The Competition is based upon Black Saga – The African American Experience: A Chronology written by Dr. Charles M. Christian. The book documents the African American experience in the United States from colonial times to the present in brief entries arranged in chronological order.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
One Year Ago Today
Former Mayor Barrie Tilghman met with the Camden Neighborhood Association to discuss a "laundry list" of ideas in the hopes of feeding Mayoral Candidate, (at the time) Gary Comegys with ideas to help his campaign. I doubt the "laundry list" ever made it to Ireton's desk but you never know.House Of Delegates Members, Norm Conway & Jim Mathias Presented House Bill 56
Slot Machines for Nonprofit Organizations, today, to the MD Senate Budget & Taxation Committee.
House Bill 56 has been passed favorably by the House of Delegates each year since 2008.
This bill, granting Worcester County the equal opportunity to allow its’ service club organizations, the privilege, the other eight Eastern Shore service clubs enjoy, enabling up to five slot machines in the service clubs primary meeting places failed 2008 and 2009, in the MD Senate Chamber. Delegate Norm Conway gave a summary of the bill’s elements and Delegate Jim Mathias stated he was hopeful this “third time in the charm”.
Joining the Delegates was Sarge Garlitz, Adjutant of The American Synepuxent Legion Post 166, and representing the Ocean City Elks Lodge #2645, Thomas T. P. Simons, Exalted Ruler, Jim Flaig, Treasurer and Niles Edwards, Past Exalted Ruler of Elks.
For further information please call:
410 841 4129 Delegate Conway
or
410 841 3431 Delegate Mathias
House Bill 56 has been passed favorably by the House of Delegates each year since 2008.
This bill, granting Worcester County the equal opportunity to allow its’ service club organizations, the privilege, the other eight Eastern Shore service clubs enjoy, enabling up to five slot machines in the service clubs primary meeting places failed 2008 and 2009, in the MD Senate Chamber. Delegate Norm Conway gave a summary of the bill’s elements and Delegate Jim Mathias stated he was hopeful this “third time in the charm”.
Joining the Delegates was Sarge Garlitz, Adjutant of The American Synepuxent Legion Post 166, and representing the Ocean City Elks Lodge #2645, Thomas T. P. Simons, Exalted Ruler, Jim Flaig, Treasurer and Niles Edwards, Past Exalted Ruler of Elks.
For further information please call:
410 841 4129 Delegate Conway
or
410 841 3431 Delegate Mathias
You Have Until Midnight Tonight To Buy Your Raffle Ticket
As I stated earlier Folks, I made the trip up to Pohanka and purchased my tickets for a chance to win a brand new Mercedes Convertible and a Town House on a Golf Course in Florida.
As you can see from the images above, volunteers are working their butts off trying to process all of the orders and the phones are ringing off the hook.
Chuck Campbell is in need of a double lung transplant and rather than just asking for your donation, the wonderful people of Pohanka have offered the Town House and the Mercedes in order to help their friend.
The raffle will be televised on the Bonnie Hunt Show on April 17th. If you'd like to purchase a ticket, GO HERE. You can do so until midnight tonight.
Good Luck Everyone and THANK YOU for your support.
TMS President Jim Lentz Discusses Toyota’s Progress At Automotive Forum
1. TMS President Jim Lentz Discusses Toyota’s Progress at Automotive Forum Toyota dealers have repaired nearly 1.7 million vehicles under the floor mat and sticking pedal recalls, and the company expects U.S. sales to rise up to 35 percent for March versus a year ago, TMS President Jim Lentz told reporters and others in New York Tuesday. "I can't overemphasize the job dealers have done," Lentz said at a panel discussion hosted by the New York International Auto Show. "That's where the rebuilding of trust begins." During the panel discussion and in conversations afterward, Lentz also expressed his confidence in the quality and reliability of the electronics in Toyota vehicles. “We have 40 million cars (worldwide) with electronic throttle controls, and not one case of failure of ETCs that has resulted in unintended acceleration,” he said. Lentz also noted, according to the New York Times, that the company welcomed efforts by specialists from the National Academy of Sciences and scientists from NASA to study whether electronic issues had been involved in instances of unintended acceleration. “The more discussion of science and facts, the better,” Lentz said.
To read the New York Times report on Lentz’s comments and related issues, please click on: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/31/business/global/31toyota.html.
2. TMC President Akio Toyoda Emphasizes Regional Input in Safety Decisions Speaking at the first meeting of the Special Committee for Global Quality that he heads, TMC President Akio Toyoda said the company will improve internal communication on safety issues. “We discussed several things: an especially important subject was the decision-making process for recalls and other safety matters,” Toyoda said at a news briefing after the committee meeting Tuesday in Japan, according to The Detroit News. “We agreed to build a framework to ensure that regional input receives full consideration in that process.”
To read the Detroit News report on his comments and related matters, please click on http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=20103310334.
3. Prius, Two Lexus Models among Forbes’ Toughest Cars on the Road Forbes Tuesday released its list of the “toughest cars on the road,” and despite recent recalls, the Toyota Prius and two Lexus models – the RX SUV and the LS 460 sedan – made it on the list of top vehicles. The Forbes article highlights the Prius specifically, saying, "Anxious drivers may take comfort that the Toyota Prius…is among the country's sturdiest cars.”
To read more about the Forbes list, please click on: http://www.forbes.com/2010/03/29/toyota-prius-power-lifestyle-vehicles-toughest-cars.html.
4. MotorTrend Ranks Camry Best of Best-Selling Midsize Family Sedans While MotorTrend’s editors liked aspects of some of its rivals, they gave Camry top honors because it “Seemingly excels at nothing, yet it really excels at everything.” MotorTrend tested the Camry, Subaru Legacy, Chevrolet Malibu, Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord and Hyundai Sonata. Their goal was to “determine which of these solid-citizen sedans deserves to be a best-seller by best delivering the space, utility, comfort, and quiet that today's families expect.” Among the editors’ comments in a video on the magazine’s web site: “You know, this is a car that just really does everything for the family perfectly.” “…the ride is by far and away the best in this group.” “Everything about this car is very simple, easy and user-friendly, and that’s why we think it’s the best-selling car of all time.” Noting that Camry is involved in the unintended acceleration recalls, the editors said: “Having studied Toyota’s electronic throttle system, we find it difficult to imagine that electromagnetic interference or natural electrical shorts could outflank the system’s double-redundant circuits and parallel control systems, even though wily college professors with patch boards certainly can when TV cameras are rolling.” The magazine concluded, “For now, this Camry remains one helluva sedan that may never sell for less than it is right now.”
To read more the article about the Camry, please go to: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/112_1005_best_selling_midsize_family_sedan_comparison/2010_toyota_camry.html.
To read the main article, go to: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/112_1005_best_selling_midsize_family_sedan_comparison/index.html.
5. Fox News Poll: Most Parents Would Let Their Kids Ride in a Toyota Despite numerous news reports questioning the safety of Toyota vehicles, a national telephone poll of 900 registered voters conducted for Fox News found that 73 percent of parents would allow their children to ride in a Toyota, while 26 percent would not. The numbers are even higher among Toyota owners, with 92 percent saying yes and only 7 percent saying no.
To read more, please go to: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/03/30/fox-news-poll-parents-let-kids-ride-toyota/?test=latestnews.
To read the New York Times report on Lentz’s comments and related issues, please click on: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/31/business/global/31toyota.html.
2. TMC President Akio Toyoda Emphasizes Regional Input in Safety Decisions Speaking at the first meeting of the Special Committee for Global Quality that he heads, TMC President Akio Toyoda said the company will improve internal communication on safety issues. “We discussed several things: an especially important subject was the decision-making process for recalls and other safety matters,” Toyoda said at a news briefing after the committee meeting Tuesday in Japan, according to The Detroit News. “We agreed to build a framework to ensure that regional input receives full consideration in that process.”
To read the Detroit News report on his comments and related matters, please click on http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=20103310334.
3. Prius, Two Lexus Models among Forbes’ Toughest Cars on the Road Forbes Tuesday released its list of the “toughest cars on the road,” and despite recent recalls, the Toyota Prius and two Lexus models – the RX SUV and the LS 460 sedan – made it on the list of top vehicles. The Forbes article highlights the Prius specifically, saying, "Anxious drivers may take comfort that the Toyota Prius…is among the country's sturdiest cars.”
To read more about the Forbes list, please click on: http://www.forbes.com/2010/03/29/toyota-prius-power-lifestyle-vehicles-toughest-cars.html.
4. MotorTrend Ranks Camry Best of Best-Selling Midsize Family Sedans While MotorTrend’s editors liked aspects of some of its rivals, they gave Camry top honors because it “Seemingly excels at nothing, yet it really excels at everything.” MotorTrend tested the Camry, Subaru Legacy, Chevrolet Malibu, Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord and Hyundai Sonata. Their goal was to “determine which of these solid-citizen sedans deserves to be a best-seller by best delivering the space, utility, comfort, and quiet that today's families expect.” Among the editors’ comments in a video on the magazine’s web site: “You know, this is a car that just really does everything for the family perfectly.” “…the ride is by far and away the best in this group.” “Everything about this car is very simple, easy and user-friendly, and that’s why we think it’s the best-selling car of all time.” Noting that Camry is involved in the unintended acceleration recalls, the editors said: “Having studied Toyota’s electronic throttle system, we find it difficult to imagine that electromagnetic interference or natural electrical shorts could outflank the system’s double-redundant circuits and parallel control systems, even though wily college professors with patch boards certainly can when TV cameras are rolling.” The magazine concluded, “For now, this Camry remains one helluva sedan that may never sell for less than it is right now.”
To read more the article about the Camry, please go to: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/112_1005_best_selling_midsize_family_sedan_comparison/2010_toyota_camry.html.
To read the main article, go to: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/112_1005_best_selling_midsize_family_sedan_comparison/index.html.
5. Fox News Poll: Most Parents Would Let Their Kids Ride in a Toyota Despite numerous news reports questioning the safety of Toyota vehicles, a national telephone poll of 900 registered voters conducted for Fox News found that 73 percent of parents would allow their children to ride in a Toyota, while 26 percent would not. The numbers are even higher among Toyota owners, with 92 percent saying yes and only 7 percent saying no.
To read more, please go to: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/03/30/fox-news-poll-parents-let-kids-ride-toyota/?test=latestnews.
Yes, There Will Be A Primary
Dear friends,
Thank you again for your continued support. As expected, it appears the former Governor will join me in the Republican Gubernatorial Primary. Our campaign to grow Maryland's economy is unwavering, and we look forward to making our case with Maryland voters.
Check out our latest blog and follow our event calendar. Follow us on Facebook and help us spread the word. This is an exciting time for our State, for our Country, and for our Party. The Republican Party is still the party of ideas; let's make Lincoln, Douglass, Reagan and Kemp proud.
Thank you again for your continued support. As expected, it appears the former Governor will join me in the Republican Gubernatorial Primary. Our campaign to grow Maryland's economy is unwavering, and we look forward to making our case with Maryland voters.
Check out our latest blog and follow our event calendar. Follow us on Facebook and help us spread the word. This is an exciting time for our State, for our Country, and for our Party. The Republican Party is still the party of ideas; let's make Lincoln, Douglass, Reagan and Kemp proud.
Very best regards,
Brian Murphy
TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO WIN!!!!!!!!!!
I don't know about any of you but I'm heading up to Pohanka right now with a check for $1,000.00 to support Chuck Campbell and hopefully win a Golf Course Town House and Convertible Mercedes.
Now let's see. What can I lose, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! If you haven't taken a chance with $50.00 to try to win, well, you're crazy. I know some cannot afford to do this but can you afford NOT TO? Your money will go towards purchasing a new set of lungs for Chuck Campbell, so its "GOOD MONEY AFTER GOOD MONEY.
I'll be there by 1:30 today. So if I don't moderate comments for a while, now you know why. I'm on my way Chuckster!
Another Facebook Question
Women seem to enjoy posting pictures on Facebook where another woman is in the same picture, side by side.
Now, the question is, how are we supposed to know which one is the person asking to become friends?
Have any of you notice that before?????
Now, the question is, how are we supposed to know which one is the person asking to become friends?
Have any of you notice that before?????
Rutledge For US Senate Request For MD GOP Senate Debate At Convention
March 31, 2010
Via Email and First Class Mail
Ms. Audrey Scott
Chairman, Maryland Republican Party
15 West Street
Annapolis, MD 21401
Dear Chairman Scott:
Next month, the Maryland GOP’s spring convention commences in Ocean City, Maryland. This is an historic year that warrants bold action to energize the party. I kindly request the Maryland Republican Party to schedule a debate among all of the Republican United States Senatorial candidates at the convention in Ocean City and open that debate to the party and the public. There is no substitute for a good old-fashioned, hard-hitting public debate. I trust you will recognize the opportunity to embrace our Constitutional heritage in the tradition of the Lincoln-Douglas debates that gave birth to our party.
The democrats in Washington just locked the America people and the Republicans out of the debate on the most sweeping legislation passed in our lifetime. Not hosting a debate for the US Senate race would be hypocrisy. President Obama, Harry Reid, and Nancy Pelosi left the American public out in the cold. Now is the time for the MD GOP to invite the public in. The Ocean City convention will provide an opportunity to show that our party will open its doors to all Marylanders including Democrats, Independents, and Republicans to see our first amendment and democracy in action. Unlike the Democrats, Republicans do not shy away from open debate; instead, we embrace it and make it happen.
I also suggest that it is very important in this political climate for the Maryland Republican Party to go the extra mile to show a sense of fairness to all candidates by providing a US Senate debate at the convention. This sense of fair play is important in building party unity to help achieve the ultimate goal of electing Republicans in November.
If you need any assistance with establishing a debate format, I recommend that you consult with Eli Gold of the Harbour League or the leaders of the 42nd District Republican Club in Towson. Both hosted excellent debates for the US Senate candidates, which sadly were not attended by all of the candidates. A debate at the convention will assure the participation of all candidates.
I look forward to your acceptance of this proposal for freedom. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Jim Rutledge
United States Senatorial Candidate
Via Email and First Class Mail
Ms. Audrey Scott
Chairman, Maryland Republican Party
15 West Street
Annapolis, MD 21401
Dear Chairman Scott:
Next month, the Maryland GOP’s spring convention commences in Ocean City, Maryland. This is an historic year that warrants bold action to energize the party. I kindly request the Maryland Republican Party to schedule a debate among all of the Republican United States Senatorial candidates at the convention in Ocean City and open that debate to the party and the public. There is no substitute for a good old-fashioned, hard-hitting public debate. I trust you will recognize the opportunity to embrace our Constitutional heritage in the tradition of the Lincoln-Douglas debates that gave birth to our party.
The democrats in Washington just locked the America people and the Republicans out of the debate on the most sweeping legislation passed in our lifetime. Not hosting a debate for the US Senate race would be hypocrisy. President Obama, Harry Reid, and Nancy Pelosi left the American public out in the cold. Now is the time for the MD GOP to invite the public in. The Ocean City convention will provide an opportunity to show that our party will open its doors to all Marylanders including Democrats, Independents, and Republicans to see our first amendment and democracy in action. Unlike the Democrats, Republicans do not shy away from open debate; instead, we embrace it and make it happen.
I also suggest that it is very important in this political climate for the Maryland Republican Party to go the extra mile to show a sense of fairness to all candidates by providing a US Senate debate at the convention. This sense of fair play is important in building party unity to help achieve the ultimate goal of electing Republicans in November.
If you need any assistance with establishing a debate format, I recommend that you consult with Eli Gold of the Harbour League or the leaders of the 42nd District Republican Club in Towson. Both hosted excellent debates for the US Senate candidates, which sadly were not attended by all of the candidates. A debate at the convention will assure the participation of all candidates.
I look forward to your acceptance of this proposal for freedom. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Jim Rutledge
United States Senatorial Candidate
A Jennifer Foxwell Comment Just In I Thought I'd Share
"All of you disgust me and you speak of God? Read the Bible. Joe you won’t post this because you are a coward, but truly think before you attack someone. Joe Albero needs to get psychological help for being a Douche bag!"
This came in after someone challenged me by stating I must have contacted Jennifer for her to send me the message she did. I responded stating I have NEVER contacted Jennifer Foxwell in any way, shape or form.
Anyway, the ONLY coward I see here is the coward using anonymous. You should practice what you preach, or perhaps you never read the Bible yourself.
This came in after someone challenged me by stating I must have contacted Jennifer for her to send me the message she did. I responded stating I have NEVER contacted Jennifer Foxwell in any way, shape or form.
Anyway, the ONLY coward I see here is the coward using anonymous. You should practice what you preach, or perhaps you never read the Bible yourself.
China In Uproar Over Dumped Dead Babies
Parents unable to afford funerals paid morgue staff to deal with bodies
BEIJING - Chinese officials have sought to contain public outrage after workers at a hospital dumped 21 dead fetuses and infants' bodies near a river bank.
The corpses were discovered near a bridge in Jining, a city in Shandong province on China's east coast, abandoned there by staff at a local hospital morgue, according to Chinese news reports that have stirred sharp public criticism.
Authorities have not said how the infants and fetuses died, but news reports said some of the fetuses had been aborted.
GO HERE to read more.
PUBLIC NOTICE
SPECIAL MEETING
In accordance with §SC2-4 of the Salisbury City Charter, a majority of the City Council have called for a Special Meeting to be held on Monday, April 5, 2010, at 4:30 p.m. for consideration of Ordinance No. 2104 (Jane E. Lawton Conservation Program loan) for first reading.
The meeting will be held in Conference Room 306 of the City/County Government Office Building (125 N. Division Street).
In accordance with §SC2-4 of the Salisbury City Charter, a majority of the City Council have called for a Special Meeting to be held on Monday, April 5, 2010, at 4:30 p.m. for consideration of Ordinance No. 2104 (Jane E. Lawton Conservation Program loan) for first reading.
The meeting will be held in Conference Room 306 of the City/County Government Office Building (125 N. Division Street).
WILLIAM MCCAIN: SOME QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO ANSWER TONIGHT
It is difficult to view Mr. McCain’s event tonight as anything other than an effort to push the agenda that he shares with his fellow tax & spend Democrat, Rick Pollitt, to kill Wicomico County’s tax revenue cap so that more tax dollars can be extracted from property owners. McCain, who has decided not to run for reelection to the County Council, is now carrying the ball that Pollitt has decided not to touch before this fall’s election.
In his single term on the Council, McCain, a professional property appraiser, has been notable for approving the purchase of land by the County for outrageous prices – most recently the land across the street from the Civic Center. The County’s budget and tax revenue have increased greatly during his (and Pollitt’s) term.
These questions that should be put to him during the rally he is staging:
1. Do you know whether any business firm or family has ever decided to leave Wicomico County or not to locate here because of the County’s tax revenue cap? If so, please explain who and when.
2. Would repealing or changing the tax cap so that County taxes could be raised cause businesses or families to decide to remain in Wicomico County or to locate here?
3. How much has the County’s tax revenue and budget increased since you have been on the County Council? Please state both the total dollars and percentage increase if you know.
4. Have you asked Mr. Pollitt to take any action in regard to the County purchasing agent who ordered those $400 trash cans – if so, what has happened?
5. Will you vote to eliminate funding for the County Executive to have a “public information officer” if Mr. Pollitt includes that funding in his next proposed budget to be submitted in several weeks?
6. How could that land across the street from the Civic Center possibly be worth $300,000 per acre?
If you can think of additional questions that Mr. McCain should answer at tonight’s meeting, please post them here.
In his single term on the Council, McCain, a professional property appraiser, has been notable for approving the purchase of land by the County for outrageous prices – most recently the land across the street from the Civic Center. The County’s budget and tax revenue have increased greatly during his (and Pollitt’s) term.
These questions that should be put to him during the rally he is staging:
1. Do you know whether any business firm or family has ever decided to leave Wicomico County or not to locate here because of the County’s tax revenue cap? If so, please explain who and when.
2. Would repealing or changing the tax cap so that County taxes could be raised cause businesses or families to decide to remain in Wicomico County or to locate here?
3. How much has the County’s tax revenue and budget increased since you have been on the County Council? Please state both the total dollars and percentage increase if you know.
4. Have you asked Mr. Pollitt to take any action in regard to the County purchasing agent who ordered those $400 trash cans – if so, what has happened?
5. Will you vote to eliminate funding for the County Executive to have a “public information officer” if Mr. Pollitt includes that funding in his next proposed budget to be submitted in several weeks?
6. How could that land across the street from the Civic Center possibly be worth $300,000 per acre?
If you can think of additional questions that Mr. McCain should answer at tonight’s meeting, please post them here.
What's The Word On The Street??????
Many talk about some of the moves County Executive Rick Pollitt has made during his almost 4 years on the job. Some are saying it will cost him his job.
That being said, I'm curious. What's the word on the street as to who may run against him?
If you're going to Talk The Talk, who's going to Walk The Walk?
That being said, I'm curious. What's the word on the street as to who may run against him?
If you're going to Talk The Talk, who's going to Walk The Walk?
Private Sector Cuts 23,000 Jobs In March: Report
Economists expected that the industry would add 40,000 jobs this month
NEW YORK - Private employers shed 23,000 jobs in March, missing expectations for an increase in jobs although fewer than the adjusted 24,000 jobs lost in February, a report by a private employment service said Wednesday.
The February fall was originally reported at 20,000.
The median of estimates from 35 economists surveyed by Reuters for the ADP Employer Services report, jointly developed with Macroeconomic Advisers LLC, was for a rise of 40,000 private-sector jobs this month.
GO HERE to read more.
NEW YORK - Private employers shed 23,000 jobs in March, missing expectations for an increase in jobs although fewer than the adjusted 24,000 jobs lost in February, a report by a private employment service said Wednesday.
The February fall was originally reported at 20,000.
The median of estimates from 35 economists surveyed by Reuters for the ADP Employer Services report, jointly developed with Macroeconomic Advisers LLC, was for a rise of 40,000 private-sector jobs this month.
GO HERE to read more.
5 Day Delivery May Not Save USPS
Lost in the Mail
The U.S. Postal Service is on track to lose $23 billion a year for the next decade. Can reducing delivery to five days a week really save the system?
This year, the U.S. Postal Service will turn 235 years old. For most of its history, the USPS has not only delivered mail, but profits, too. Though not any more. In 2008, the agency began losing money. By the end of this fiscal year, it will have lost another $7 billion and will owe the government $13.8 billion. By 2020, the USPS will have lost an eye-popping $238 billion.
Today, the Postal Service went hat in hand to its regulator with a plan to save itself. It's a plan the agency spent nearly $5 billion developing. And the solution it has reached, to stop delivering mail on Saturday, is so simple, it's almost stupid. The Postal Service claims that by only delivering mail five days a week, it will save $3.5 billion a year. Its regulator, the Postal Regulatory Commission, thinks it'll be more like $1.9 billion. Either way, its peanuts considering the agency is projected to lose an average of $23 billion a year for the next decade.
GO HERE to read more from Newsweek.
The U.S. Postal Service is on track to lose $23 billion a year for the next decade. Can reducing delivery to five days a week really save the system?
This year, the U.S. Postal Service will turn 235 years old. For most of its history, the USPS has not only delivered mail, but profits, too. Though not any more. In 2008, the agency began losing money. By the end of this fiscal year, it will have lost another $7 billion and will owe the government $13.8 billion. By 2020, the USPS will have lost an eye-popping $238 billion.
Today, the Postal Service went hat in hand to its regulator with a plan to save itself. It's a plan the agency spent nearly $5 billion developing. And the solution it has reached, to stop delivering mail on Saturday, is so simple, it's almost stupid. The Postal Service claims that by only delivering mail five days a week, it will save $3.5 billion a year. Its regulator, the Postal Regulatory Commission, thinks it'll be more like $1.9 billion. Either way, its peanuts considering the agency is projected to lose an average of $23 billion a year for the next decade.
GO HERE to read more from Newsweek.
Joe Albero Adds 50 New Friends Yesterday To Facebook
Have you checked out the new list of extremely beautiful women that continue to join my Facebook Page? It's amazing Folks! I'm a fortunate man to be surrounded by so many beautiful women, inside and out. Thanks for asking everyone, I'm honored.
If you're interested in seeing who's now on board, GO HERE.
If you're interested in seeing who's now on board, GO HERE.
POLLITT DIDDLES WHILE WICOMICO COUNTY BURNS
In the past several days, the Daily Times has run both an editorial and an article trumpeting the proposed new library facility that the library board wants to build on the edge of Salisbury, for which it wants approval by the County and (of course) a commitment for future funding for a $31 Million building that has all the ambiance of a dealership in southern California. It’s long past the time that Rick Pollitt should tell them that this is not the time to be buying land or asking for any funding for a new library to replace the facility in downtown Salisbury, and suggest that the board make plans to do appropriate repair and maintenance of the existing library facilities and, if funding can be found, to open branch facilities in the Fruitland area and on the west side of the County.
Mr. Pollitt: your silence is deafening! You seem to lack the stones to “just say no” to inappropriate spending, so I’m beginning to wonder if you should be reelected
Mr. Pollitt: your silence is deafening! You seem to lack the stones to “just say no” to inappropriate spending, so I’m beginning to wonder if you should be reelected
Economics For Dummies
Y ou probably missed it. But a new school of economics was unveiled last week shortly after health care reform passed the House of Representatives. Speaker Nancy Pelosi stepped to the podium in the House chamber and said the legislation will “unleash tremendous entrepreneurial power” and create millions of jobs. “Our economy needs something new, a jolt,” she said. And she and her Democratic colleagues had just delivered it.
Pelosi, author of the new departure in economic thinking, said we should now “imagine a society and an economy where a person could change jobs without losing health insurance, where they could be self-employed or start a small business.” With health care reform, “their entrepreneurial spirit will be unleashed.”
That’s not the half of it. While insuring 32 million more people, making insurance “more affordable for the middle class,” producing “a healthier America through prevention, through wellness and innovation,” and a whole lot more—in addition to all that, the legislation creates “4 million jobs in the life of the bill and [does] all that by saving the taxpayer $1.3 trillion.”
The proper response if you believe Pelosi even a little bit is, “Thank you, Nancy!” or perhaps simply, “Wow!”
But restrain yourself. Pelosi has a gift for economic lunacy. This wouldn’t be especially worrisome, except Pelosi is second in line to the presidency and would be prime minister if we had a parliamentary system.
So far as I know, Pelosi is the first person in the universe to regard the lack of portability of health insurance as a deathblow to entrepreneurship.
GOP Leaders Seek To Distance Themselves From Michael Steele
Republican leaders in Congress have moved to distance themselves from GOP national chairman Michael Steele, but that job will become more difficult as the spotlight on the midterm election intensifies.
A GOP lawmaker who requested anonymity said the Republican National Committee chairman’s relationship with House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) is "not good at all."
The legislator added, "Steele lacks a base of support. The donors, the activists will all drop him if they sense he might squander the electoral opportunity of the decade."
The RNC did not comment for this article.
In an interview with The Hill earlier this month, Boehner said he only talks to the RNC chairman "every month or two." Asked if Steele will have a role in Boehner's effort to release another policy document like the Contract with America, Boehner replied, "No."
House Minority Whip Eric Cantor (R-Va.) criticized Steele for holding an RNC retreat in Hawaii while also taking issue with the chairman's initial prediction that the GOP would not take back the House in November.
At the time, Cantor said, "Chairman Steele has a role to play in these elections. Obviously, I have said that I disagree with his statement that we can't take back the House. So, do I want voters to think that Republicans do nothing but go to beach resorts in January? No."
Meanwhile, McConnell declined to defend Steele a couple months ago after the RNC chief made some controversial remarks. McConnell said, "Chairman Steele will be judged on the basis of how much money did he raise and how many candidates did he elect."
Obama Slams Tea Party 'Core' As Fringe Radicals, Birthers
President Barack Obama says he believes the tea party is built around a "core group" of people who question whether he is a U.S. citizen and believe he is a socialist.
But beyond that, Obama tells NBC he recognizes the movement involves "folks who have legitimate concerns" about the national debt and whether the government is taking on too many difficult issues simultaneously.
During an interview broadcast Tuesday on NBC's "Today" show, Obama said he feels "there's still going to be a group at their core that question my legitimacy." But he said he didn't want to paint tea party activists "in broad brushes" and he hopes to win over members who have "mainstream, legitimate concerns."
Obama told NBC’s Matt Lauer that "there's some folks who just weren't sure whether I was born in the United States, whether I was a socialist, right?
“There is a broader circle around that core group, of people who are legitimately concerned about the deficit, who are legitimately concerned that the federal government may be taking on too much."
Obama said he hopes to allay these fears as time moves on.
And those core tea partyers? "That group we're probably not going to convince," Obama said.
The comments come as the debate over Obama’s healthcare overhaul continues to anger a sizable majority of the American public.
A new Rasmussen Reports poll reveals that the tea party movement is resonating with U.S. voters. This is despite attempts on the part of many mainstream and left-leaning media to label the tea party as a fringe group.
The poll specifically asked voters to express their opinions about the tea party compared with Congress. Among the findings:
* 47% reported that their own views are closer to the tea party than to Congress
* 26% said their views are aligned more closely with Congress
* 46% reported that the average tea partier is more ethical than the average member of Congress
* 27% believe that members of Congress are more ethical
* 52% reported that the average tea partier has a better understanding of the issues facing America than the average member of Congress
* 30% believe that members of Congress have a better understanding of the issues
But beyond that, Obama tells NBC he recognizes the movement involves "folks who have legitimate concerns" about the national debt and whether the government is taking on too many difficult issues simultaneously.
During an interview broadcast Tuesday on NBC's "Today" show, Obama said he feels "there's still going to be a group at their core that question my legitimacy." But he said he didn't want to paint tea party activists "in broad brushes" and he hopes to win over members who have "mainstream, legitimate concerns."
Obama told NBC’s Matt Lauer that "there's some folks who just weren't sure whether I was born in the United States, whether I was a socialist, right?
“There is a broader circle around that core group, of people who are legitimately concerned about the deficit, who are legitimately concerned that the federal government may be taking on too much."
Obama said he hopes to allay these fears as time moves on.
And those core tea partyers? "That group we're probably not going to convince," Obama said.
The comments come as the debate over Obama’s healthcare overhaul continues to anger a sizable majority of the American public.
A new Rasmussen Reports poll reveals that the tea party movement is resonating with U.S. voters. This is despite attempts on the part of many mainstream and left-leaning media to label the tea party as a fringe group.
The poll specifically asked voters to express their opinions about the tea party compared with Congress. Among the findings:
* 47% reported that their own views are closer to the tea party than to Congress
* 26% said their views are aligned more closely with Congress
* 46% reported that the average tea partier is more ethical than the average member of Congress
* 27% believe that members of Congress are more ethical
* 52% reported that the average tea partier has a better understanding of the issues facing America than the average member of Congress
* 30% believe that members of Congress have a better understanding of the issues
HR 3400-- The GOP Health Care Bill
H.R.3400 Title: Empowering Patients First Act
Sponsor: Rep. Tom Price, MD [GA-6] (introduced 7/30/2009-- 8 months ago) Co-sponsors (52)
Latest Major Action: 10/22/2009 Referred to House subcommittee.
Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions.
[Translation: rotting in a committee chairman's drawer-- Editor]
EMPOWERING PATIENTS FIRST ACT
A Solution from the Republican Study Committee for Access to Affordable, Quality Health Care for All Americans
Pillar #1: Access to Coverage for All Americans
Makes the purchase of health care financially feasible for all – Extends the income tax deduction (above the line) on health care premiums to those who purchase coverage in the non-group / individual market. And, there is an advanceable, refundable tax credit (on a sliding scale) for low-income individuals to purchase coverage in the non-group / individual market.
Covers pre-existing conditions – Grants states incentives to establish high-risk / reinsurance pools. Federal block grants for qualified pools are expanded.
Protects employer-sponsored insurance – Individuals can be automatically enrolled in an employer-sponsored plan. Small businesses are given tax incentives for adoption of auto-enrollment.
Shines sunlight on health plans – Establishes health plan and provider portals in each state, and these portals act to supply greater information, rather than acting as a purchasing mechanism.
Pillar #2: Coverage Is Truly Owned by the Patient
Grants greater choice and portability – Gives patients the power to own and control their own health care coverage by allowing for a defined contribution in employer-sponsored plans. This also gives employers more flexibility in the benefits offered.
Expands the individual market – Creates pooling mechanisms, such as association health plans and individual membership accounts. Individuals are also allowed to shop for health insurance across state lines.
Reforms the safety net – Medicaid and SCHIP beneficiaries are given the option of a voucher to purchase private insurance. And states must cover 90% of those below 200% of the federal poverty level before they can expand eligibility levels under Medicaid and SCHIP.
Pillar #3: Improve the Health Care Delivery Structure
Institutes doctor-led quality measures – Nothing suggested by the Council for Comparative Effectiveness Research can be finalized unless done in consultation with and approved by medical specialty societies. It also establishes performance-based quality measures endorsed by the Physician Consortium for Performance Improvement (PCPI) and physician specialty organizations.
Reimburses physicians to ensure continuity of care – Rebases the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) and establishes two separate conversion factors (baskets) for primary care and all other services.
Promotes healthier lifestyles – Allows for employers to offer discounts for healthy habits through wellness and prevention programs.
Pillar #4: Rein in Out-of-Control Costs
.
Reforms the medical liability system – Establishes administrative health care tribunals, also known as health courts, in each state, and adds affirmative defense through provider-established best practice measures. It also encourages the speedy resolution of claims and caps non-economic damages.
Pays for the plan – The cost of the plan is completely offset through decreasing defensive medicine, savings from health care efficiencies (reduce DSH payments), ferreting out waste, fraud, and abuse, plus an annual one-percent non-defense discretionary spending step down.
(Source)
Sponsor: Rep. Tom Price, MD [GA-6] (introduced 7/30/2009-- 8 months ago) Co-sponsors (52)
Latest Major Action: 10/22/2009 Referred to House subcommittee.
Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions.
[Translation: rotting in a committee chairman's drawer-- Editor]
EMPOWERING PATIENTS FIRST ACT
A Solution from the Republican Study Committee for Access to Affordable, Quality Health Care for All Americans
Pillar #1: Access to Coverage for All Americans
Makes the purchase of health care financially feasible for all – Extends the income tax deduction (above the line) on health care premiums to those who purchase coverage in the non-group / individual market. And, there is an advanceable, refundable tax credit (on a sliding scale) for low-income individuals to purchase coverage in the non-group / individual market.
Covers pre-existing conditions – Grants states incentives to establish high-risk / reinsurance pools. Federal block grants for qualified pools are expanded.
Protects employer-sponsored insurance – Individuals can be automatically enrolled in an employer-sponsored plan. Small businesses are given tax incentives for adoption of auto-enrollment.
Shines sunlight on health plans – Establishes health plan and provider portals in each state, and these portals act to supply greater information, rather than acting as a purchasing mechanism.
Pillar #2: Coverage Is Truly Owned by the Patient
Grants greater choice and portability – Gives patients the power to own and control their own health care coverage by allowing for a defined contribution in employer-sponsored plans. This also gives employers more flexibility in the benefits offered.
Expands the individual market – Creates pooling mechanisms, such as association health plans and individual membership accounts. Individuals are also allowed to shop for health insurance across state lines.
Reforms the safety net – Medicaid and SCHIP beneficiaries are given the option of a voucher to purchase private insurance. And states must cover 90% of those below 200% of the federal poverty level before they can expand eligibility levels under Medicaid and SCHIP.
Pillar #3: Improve the Health Care Delivery Structure
Institutes doctor-led quality measures – Nothing suggested by the Council for Comparative Effectiveness Research can be finalized unless done in consultation with and approved by medical specialty societies. It also establishes performance-based quality measures endorsed by the Physician Consortium for Performance Improvement (PCPI) and physician specialty organizations.
Reimburses physicians to ensure continuity of care – Rebases the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) and establishes two separate conversion factors (baskets) for primary care and all other services.
Promotes healthier lifestyles – Allows for employers to offer discounts for healthy habits through wellness and prevention programs.
Pillar #4: Rein in Out-of-Control Costs
.
Reforms the medical liability system – Establishes administrative health care tribunals, also known as health courts, in each state, and adds affirmative defense through provider-established best practice measures. It also encourages the speedy resolution of claims and caps non-economic damages.
Pays for the plan – The cost of the plan is completely offset through decreasing defensive medicine, savings from health care efficiencies (reduce DSH payments), ferreting out waste, fraud, and abuse, plus an annual one-percent non-defense discretionary spending step down.
(Source)
Billy Burke Lies Again
Hello Joe,
I ran across this post on the Pocomoke Liars, can you please post that this is an absolute lie.
No Pocomoke school has ever done a Scar Face play, nor would our teachers and admin allow such garbage to be portrayed in our schools.
It is disgusting that a blogger would post such a blatant lie about our schools and our youth, Joe they (the children) actually have been taught to substitute the work F--k by the word fudge in this play.
read this article and watch the disgusting video.
here's the video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uovMpapeCJQ&feature=player_embedded
I ran across this post on the Pocomoke Liars, can you please post that this is an absolute lie.
No Pocomoke school has ever done a Scar Face play, nor would our teachers and admin allow such garbage to be portrayed in our schools.
It is disgusting that a blogger would post such a blatant lie about our schools and our youth, Joe they (the children) actually have been taught to substitute the work F--k by the word fudge in this play.
read this article and watch the disgusting video.
here's the video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uovMpapeCJQ&feature=player_embedded
Starner Jones
I was looking at this blog recently and I came across something that Starner Jones, MD sent in. He was talking about how his patient with Medicaid had gold teeth, tattoos, and nice clothes and shoes. As someone that works for the Dept of Social Services, I would like to clarify a few things that Mr. Jones felt was necessary to send in to you. 1st, it is a breach of confidentiality for him to release any information about a patient, regardless of whether it is her name or not, that can identify her in public. By giving a description of her personal appearance he has given us a way of identifying her and her gave out confidential information by stating that she received Medicaid. 2nd, his opinions about Medicaid are totally unfounded because while yes, as tax payers we do fund most of the welfare programs; however, it isn’t truly your money because the feds took it in the first place and would continue to take it even if it did not go towards the welfare system. 3rd, as a doctor he took an oath to do everything within his ability to help heal people. If this woman wants to smoke and drink that is her business and I would never ever go to him for my needs, because who is he to judge. Does he know that woman personally? Does he know the circumstances of her life? Can he say for certain that she doesn’t have just cause for being on Medicaid. How does he know if she isn’t a widow and her husband just died? Maybe she worked for 20 years to pay for all the stuff she wants only to be laid off by her job and now she has to be on TCA to feed her kids? He doesn’t know these things and if I were this woman then I would sue his pants off and make a MAJOR issue out of this SEVERE breach of confidentiality.
'Right-Wing White Brothers' May 'Attempt To Kill' Obama
President's extremist pal calls for protection, rips America in 'decline'
Speaking at a televised roundtable alongside Nation of Islam Leader Louis Farrakhan, a personal friend and recent adviser to President Obama decried "right-wing white brothers" who are attacking Obama and who "could even attempt to kill him."
Cornel West, an extremist race-relations instructor at Princeton, was speaking last Saturday at the "We Count! The Black Agenda is the American Agenda" conference in Chicago organized by talk show host Tavis Smiley. The event was broadcast on CSPAN.
Stated West, "There are a number of highly misguided right-wing white brothers and sisters who are engaged in assault and attack and could even attempt to kill him (Obama). So we have to protect our brother. There's no doubt about that. And we have to keep track of those forces that will lie and degrade. ... He is our brother. He needs to be protected."
GO HERE to read more.
Speaking at a televised roundtable alongside Nation of Islam Leader Louis Farrakhan, a personal friend and recent adviser to President Obama decried "right-wing white brothers" who are attacking Obama and who "could even attempt to kill him."
Cornel West, an extremist race-relations instructor at Princeton, was speaking last Saturday at the "We Count! The Black Agenda is the American Agenda" conference in Chicago organized by talk show host Tavis Smiley. The event was broadcast on CSPAN.
Stated West, "There are a number of highly misguided right-wing white brothers and sisters who are engaged in assault and attack and could even attempt to kill him (Obama). So we have to protect our brother. There's no doubt about that. And we have to keep track of those forces that will lie and degrade. ... He is our brother. He needs to be protected."
GO HERE to read more.
Canada tells Clinton troops are leaving
OTTAWA (AP) - Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper told U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton that Canada's military mission in Afghanistan will end in 2011.
Clinton went on Canadian television on Monday and said the U.S. would like Canadian troops to remain in Afghanistan past 2011 and suggested they could switch from a combat to a training role.
But Dimitri Soudas, a spokesman for Harper, says Harper told Clinton on Tuesday that after 2011 Canada will be involved in a civilian mission focused largely on aid and reconstruction.
Canadian Foreign Minister Lawrence Cannon also ruled out any form of a military mission post-2011 at a news conference late Monday night following Clinton's remarks.
Harper and Clinton met for 20 minutes on the sidelines of the Group of Eight foreign ministers meeting.
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Source
Clinton went on Canadian television on Monday and said the U.S. would like Canadian troops to remain in Afghanistan past 2011 and suggested they could switch from a combat to a training role.
But Dimitri Soudas, a spokesman for Harper, says Harper told Clinton on Tuesday that after 2011 Canada will be involved in a civilian mission focused largely on aid and reconstruction.
Canadian Foreign Minister Lawrence Cannon also ruled out any form of a military mission post-2011 at a news conference late Monday night following Clinton's remarks.
Harper and Clinton met for 20 minutes on the sidelines of the Group of Eight foreign ministers meeting.
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Source
GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY TO MEET WITH ANDREWS BUSINESS & COMMUNITY ALLIANCE IN PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Martin O’Malley will meet over lunch with business and community leaders of the Andrews Business & Community Alliance today. The Governor will meet with the Alliance to discuss opportunities for businesses and job creation in Prince George’s County.
This meeting is open for media b-roll and photo opportunities.
WHAT: Governor O’Malley to meet with Andrews Business and Community Alliance
WHEN: TODAY, Wednesday, March 31, 2010 at 12:30 p.m.
WHERE: Mama Stella's Pasta House
7918 Old Branch Avenue
Clinton, MD
This meeting is open for media b-roll and photo opportunities.
WHAT: Governor O’Malley to meet with Andrews Business and Community Alliance
WHEN: TODAY, Wednesday, March 31, 2010 at 12:30 p.m.
WHERE: Mama Stella's Pasta House
7918 Old Branch Avenue
Clinton, MD
Spring Into Action: Build A Rain Garden
Looking for a simple, outdoor project this spring that includes the whole family?
Build a rain garden.
The Worcester County Development, Review and Permitting Department invites area residents to attend one of six upcoming rain garden sessions to learn how rain gardens work, how to build one and how their own garden can help clean up the bays. Participants will receive a free rain garden design manual, Rain Gardens Across Maryland.
The sessions are free, and are as follows:
• April 6 -Ocean Pines Library from 3:00-4:30 p.m.
• April 13 -Snow Hill Library from 2:30-4:00 p.m.
• April 20 -Ocean Pines Library from 10:30 a.m. –12:00 p.m.
• April 22 -Delmarva Discovery Center in Pocomoke from 11:00 a.m. –12:30 p.m.
• April 27 -St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Berlin, MD from 2:30-4:00 p.m.
• April 29 -Stevenson United Methodist Church in Berlin from 1:30-3:00 p.m.
For more information or to register for an upcoming session, contact Keota Silaphone at (410) 632-1200, ext. 1304.
Build a rain garden.
The Worcester County Development, Review and Permitting Department invites area residents to attend one of six upcoming rain garden sessions to learn how rain gardens work, how to build one and how their own garden can help clean up the bays. Participants will receive a free rain garden design manual, Rain Gardens Across Maryland.
The sessions are free, and are as follows:
• April 6 -Ocean Pines Library from 3:00-4:30 p.m.
• April 13 -Snow Hill Library from 2:30-4:00 p.m.
• April 20 -Ocean Pines Library from 10:30 a.m. –12:00 p.m.
• April 22 -Delmarva Discovery Center in Pocomoke from 11:00 a.m. –12:30 p.m.
• April 27 -St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Berlin, MD from 2:30-4:00 p.m.
• April 29 -Stevenson United Methodist Church in Berlin from 1:30-3:00 p.m.
For more information or to register for an upcoming session, contact Keota Silaphone at (410) 632-1200, ext. 1304.
Magnet Program Update: Statement From Dr. Margo Handy, Assistant Superintendent
Statement on the Magnet Program from Dr. Margo Handy, Assistant Superintendent of Instruction and Student Services, Wicomico County Public Schools:
Over the past several months, teachers, principals, school system administrators and Board members have received many comments and inquiries about the status of the Elementary Magnet Program for the 2010-2011 school year. At this time, the Superintendent’s Advisory Committee on High Performing Learners is in the midst of a comprehensive, research-based examination of the Magnet Program and many answers are not yet available, but I would like to address a few key points.
Current Magnet Program Students: Students now in grades 3 and 4 at the North Salisbury Elementary and Pemberton Elementary Magnet Centers will continue in the Magnet Program at the same school next year.
Magnet Program Criteria for This Year’s Second-Graders: A criteria subcommittee of the Superintendent’s Advisory Committee on High Performing Learners is evaluating the existing criteria and drafting suggested changes. The full committee of approximately 42 parents, teachers, Board members, and school and district-level administrators will discuss the criteria and could recommend changes to criteria to the superintendent this spring. If the school system adopts new criteria at the direction of the superintendent but there is not sufficient time for the criteria to be changed for consideration of this year’s second-graders (next year’s third-grade class), then the criteria for the Magnet Program would remain the same as the criteria used to determine eligibility for the 2009-10 school year. The current criteria take into account math and reading benchmark scores, end-of-year Leveled Reading Passage Book performance level, and a 15-item teacher checklist, and other factors including grade point average and Primary Talent Development.
Expansion of the Magnet Program: The Superintendent’s Advisory Committee on High Performing Learners is actively working and has not yet made any recommendations on the Magnet Program, including whether to expand Magnet-type services to other schools. This discussion began in November, when an expansion of the Magnet Program was discussed as part of the Superintendent’s Task Force on Redistricting, and again in December, when the centers-based Magnet Program was included on a list of potential budget reductions for the next school year. The Magnet Program is no longer on the list of potential budget reductions for the fiscal 2011 budget.
More details will be shared with parents and guardians and the community when the Superintendent’s Advisory Committee on High Performing Learners makes its recommendations to the superintendent. Information will continue to be posted at http://www.wcboe.org/boe/high_performing_learners/ as the committee continues its work.
Over the past several months, teachers, principals, school system administrators and Board members have received many comments and inquiries about the status of the Elementary Magnet Program for the 2010-2011 school year. At this time, the Superintendent’s Advisory Committee on High Performing Learners is in the midst of a comprehensive, research-based examination of the Magnet Program and many answers are not yet available, but I would like to address a few key points.
Current Magnet Program Students: Students now in grades 3 and 4 at the North Salisbury Elementary and Pemberton Elementary Magnet Centers will continue in the Magnet Program at the same school next year.
Magnet Program Criteria for This Year’s Second-Graders: A criteria subcommittee of the Superintendent’s Advisory Committee on High Performing Learners is evaluating the existing criteria and drafting suggested changes. The full committee of approximately 42 parents, teachers, Board members, and school and district-level administrators will discuss the criteria and could recommend changes to criteria to the superintendent this spring. If the school system adopts new criteria at the direction of the superintendent but there is not sufficient time for the criteria to be changed for consideration of this year’s second-graders (next year’s third-grade class), then the criteria for the Magnet Program would remain the same as the criteria used to determine eligibility for the 2009-10 school year. The current criteria take into account math and reading benchmark scores, end-of-year Leveled Reading Passage Book performance level, and a 15-item teacher checklist, and other factors including grade point average and Primary Talent Development.
Expansion of the Magnet Program: The Superintendent’s Advisory Committee on High Performing Learners is actively working and has not yet made any recommendations on the Magnet Program, including whether to expand Magnet-type services to other schools. This discussion began in November, when an expansion of the Magnet Program was discussed as part of the Superintendent’s Task Force on Redistricting, and again in December, when the centers-based Magnet Program was included on a list of potential budget reductions for the next school year. The Magnet Program is no longer on the list of potential budget reductions for the fiscal 2011 budget.
More details will be shared with parents and guardians and the community when the Superintendent’s Advisory Committee on High Performing Learners makes its recommendations to the superintendent. Information will continue to be posted at http://www.wcboe.org/boe/high_performing_learners/ as the committee continues its work.
Edit Draft REVISED SCHEDULE FOR GOVERNOR MARTIN O'MALLEY
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Martin O’Malley will attend remarks by President Obama tomorrow at Andrews Naval Air Facility in Prince George’s County. Due to the schedule conflict, Lt. Governor Brown will represent the Administration at the rally to celebrate health care reform at Lawyer’s Mall.
The Lt. Governor will be joined by DHMH Secretary John Colmers, health care advocates, and Marylanders who will benefit directly from recent reforms.
WHAT: Lt. Governor Brown to attend health care reform rally
WHEN: TODAY, Wednesday, March 31, 2010 at 11:30 a.m.
WHERE: Lawyer’s Mall
Outside Maryland State House
Annapolis, MD
The Lt. Governor will be joined by DHMH Secretary John Colmers, health care advocates, and Marylanders who will benefit directly from recent reforms.
WHAT: Lt. Governor Brown to attend health care reform rally
WHEN: TODAY, Wednesday, March 31, 2010 at 11:30 a.m.
WHERE: Lawyer’s Mall
Outside Maryland State House
Annapolis, MD
Autism Awareness Day On April 2, 2010
Dear Joe,
Could you please post some information regarding Autism Awareness Day on April 2, 2010. Autism affects 1 in 91 children and 1 in 58 boys.
http://www.generationrescue.org/autism-facts-statistics.html
My name is Heather Edwards.
I was born and raised in Salisbury. I left in January 2000 to join the United States Air Force. In January 2004 my husband and I came to live in Virginia to be near my husband's family. In February 2006 we were blessed with the birth of our little boy, Sean Liam.
My son, Sean, who is 4 years old was diagnosed with Autism (by a pediatric neurologist) when he was 2 years old. When my husband and I discovered his Autism we were filled with guilt, however we knew we had to do everything we could to help our son. We started him on a Gluten Free/Casein Free diet and a few vitamin supplements. After we started his diet, he completely stopped spinning objects. (this was a CONSTANT thing he had to do) He has also started following directions, making eye contact and making noises. Sean is non-verbal and can do 3 signs in ASL (more, eat and thirsty). He has a few sensory issues, such as the need to chew on something and he snaps his fingers (very fast) while flapping his arms. He goes to speech therapy 3 times a week and music therapy 1 time a week. Just like any 4 year old he has his good days and bad days. Sean will be starting preschool in the fall! He is very loving, intelligent, stubborn and energetic. Some of his favorite things are listening to music, guitar hero, jumping, dancing and swinging! All of this is just a portion of our story with our amazing son! He is our blessing, our sweet angel.
There are many families affected by Autism with many stories like ours. Please help us spread awareness! The Empire State Building will be lite up blue on Thursday for the start of Autism Awareness Month. Everyone is encouraged to wear blue on Friday, Autism Awareness Day, to help us spread awareness.
Thank you for your help in spreading the word of Autism Awareness.
Heather Edwards
IDIOT SIGHTINGS
IDIOT SIGHTING #1
My daughter and I went through the McDonald's take-out window and I gave the clerk a R 5 note. Our total was R4.20, so I also handed her a 20 cent .
She said, 'You gave me too much money.' I said, 'Yes I know, but this way you can just give me R1 back.' She sighed and went to get the Manager who asked me to repeat my request. I did so, and he handed me back the 20 cent and said 'We're sorry but we do not do that kind of thing.' The clerk then proceeded to give me back 80 cents in change.. Do not confuse the clerks at MacDonald's.....
IDIOT SIGHTING #2
We had to have the garage door repaired. The GARADOR repairman told us that one of our problems was that we did not have a 'large' enough motor on the opener.
I thought for a moment, and said that we had the largest one made at that time, a 1/2 horsepower. He shook his head and said, 'Lady, you need a 1/4 horsepower.'
I responded that 1/2 was larger than 1/4 and he said, 'NOOO, it's not. Four is larger than two..' We haven't used Garador repair since.....
IDIOT SIGHTING #3
I live in a semi-rural area. We recently had a new neighbour call the Highways Department to request the removal of the 'DEER CROSSING' sign On our road.
The reason: 'Too many deer are being hit by cars on this stretch of road! I don't think this is a good place for them to be crossing anymore.'
IDIOT SIGHTING #4
My daughter went to a local Kentucky Fried Chicken and ordered a Taco. She Asked the person behind the counter for 'minimal lettuce.'
He said he was sorry, but they only had Iceberg Lettuce.
IDIOT SIGHTING #5
I was at the airport, checking in at the gate when an airport employee asked, 'Has anyone put anything in your baggage without your knowledge?' To which I replied, 'If it was without my knowledge, how would I know?' He smiled knowingly and nodded, 'That's why we ask.'
IDIOT SIGHTING #6
The traffic light on the corner buzzes when it's on red and safe to cross the road. I was crossing with an intellectually challenged friend of mine.
She asked if I knew what the buzzer was for. I explained that it signals blind people when the light is red. Appalled, she responded, 'What on earth
are blind people doing driving?!'
IDIOT SIGHTING #7
When my husband and I arrived at our local BMW dealer to pick up our Car, we were told the keys had been locked in it. We went to the Service Department and found a
mechanic working feverishly to unlock the Driver's door. As I watched from the passenger side, I instinctively tried the door handle and discovered that it was unlocked. 'Hey,' I announced to the Fitter/Mechanic, 'its open!' His reply: 'I know. I already did that side.'
My daughter and I went through the McDonald's take-out window and I gave the clerk a R 5 note. Our total was R4.20, so I also handed her a 20 cent .
She said, 'You gave me too much money.' I said, 'Yes I know, but this way you can just give me R1 back.' She sighed and went to get the Manager who asked me to repeat my request. I did so, and he handed me back the 20 cent and said 'We're sorry but we do not do that kind of thing.' The clerk then proceeded to give me back 80 cents in change.. Do not confuse the clerks at MacDonald's.....
IDIOT SIGHTING #2
We had to have the garage door repaired. The GARADOR repairman told us that one of our problems was that we did not have a 'large' enough motor on the opener.
I thought for a moment, and said that we had the largest one made at that time, a 1/2 horsepower. He shook his head and said, 'Lady, you need a 1/4 horsepower.'
I responded that 1/2 was larger than 1/4 and he said, 'NOOO, it's not. Four is larger than two..' We haven't used Garador repair since.....
IDIOT SIGHTING #3
I live in a semi-rural area. We recently had a new neighbour call the Highways Department to request the removal of the 'DEER CROSSING' sign On our road.
The reason: 'Too many deer are being hit by cars on this stretch of road! I don't think this is a good place for them to be crossing anymore.'
IDIOT SIGHTING #4
My daughter went to a local Kentucky Fried Chicken and ordered a Taco. She Asked the person behind the counter for 'minimal lettuce.'
He said he was sorry, but they only had Iceberg Lettuce.
IDIOT SIGHTING #5
I was at the airport, checking in at the gate when an airport employee asked, 'Has anyone put anything in your baggage without your knowledge?' To which I replied, 'If it was without my knowledge, how would I know?' He smiled knowingly and nodded, 'That's why we ask.'
IDIOT SIGHTING #6
The traffic light on the corner buzzes when it's on red and safe to cross the road. I was crossing with an intellectually challenged friend of mine.
She asked if I knew what the buzzer was for. I explained that it signals blind people when the light is red. Appalled, she responded, 'What on earth
are blind people doing driving?!'
IDIOT SIGHTING #7
When my husband and I arrived at our local BMW dealer to pick up our Car, we were told the keys had been locked in it. We went to the Service Department and found a
mechanic working feverishly to unlock the Driver's door. As I watched from the passenger side, I instinctively tried the door handle and discovered that it was unlocked. 'Hey,' I announced to the Fitter/Mechanic, 'its open!' His reply: 'I know. I already did that side.'
Fruitland Football
Football played on a new irrigated and sodded field with lights and new player equipment
3 Age Groups:
Age divisions are determined by a player's age as of September 1, 2010
6-8 year olds
9-10 year olds
11-12 year olds
Summer Camp (3 available weeks, must attend 2 weeks):
July 26 – 30, 5:30-7:30
August 2 – 6, 5:30-7:30
August 9 – 13, 5:30-7:30
First Day of Season:
Monday, August 16th
1st Sign-Up
1st Sign-up date is opening day of the Fruitland Little League:
10% Discount will be given
Date: Saturday, April 17th
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Place: Fruitland Baseball Complex, Brown Street
Other Sign Up Days
May 8th, May 22nd, June 5th, June 19th
9a.m- 11a.m at the Football field on Brown St. in Fruitland
Opening Day
August 27th, 28th, 29th
Visit our website at http://www.fruitlandfootball.com/.
Email us at fruitlandfalconsfootball@comcast.net
Join us on Facebook at Fruitland Falcons Football
3 Age Groups:
Age divisions are determined by a player's age as of September 1, 2010
6-8 year olds
9-10 year olds
11-12 year olds
Summer Camp (3 available weeks, must attend 2 weeks):
July 26 – 30, 5:30-7:30
August 2 – 6, 5:30-7:30
August 9 – 13, 5:30-7:30
First Day of Season:
Monday, August 16th
1st Sign-Up
1st Sign-up date is opening day of the Fruitland Little League:
10% Discount will be given
Date: Saturday, April 17th
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Place: Fruitland Baseball Complex, Brown Street
Other Sign Up Days
May 8th, May 22nd, June 5th, June 19th
9a.m- 11a.m at the Football field on Brown St. in Fruitland
Opening Day
August 27th, 28th, 29th
Visit our website at http://www.fruitlandfootball.com/.
Email us at fruitlandfalconsfootball@comcast.net
Join us on Facebook at Fruitland Falcons Football
Support the Snyder Legal Defense Fund
Al Snyder, Lance Corporal Snyder’s father, sued these despicable human beings. He has now been ordered to pay their attorney’s fees while also attempting to carry his fight to the US Supreme Court.
I’m as strong a supporter of free speech as the next guy. Ditto with our right to worship as we (as individuals) see fit. However, can you imagine burying a loved one while these people were picketing? I can almost sympathize with an atheist after seeing these claimants to Christianity at work.
Al Snyder needs our prayers, and our support. Help him out any way that you can. He has been ordered to pay $16,500 to the attorneys of this scum. You can help by visiting here: www.MatthewSnyder.org
You can go directly to the donation page HERE.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)