DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Japan Races To Contain Nuke Threat
Japan suspends operations to prevent a stricken nuclear plant from melting down after surge in radiation make it too dangerous for workers at the facility, as rescue teams search for remaining victims of the quake and tsunami.
Japanese officials are scrambling to find ways to contain radiation leaks and combat deteriorating conditions at the troubled Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant, which was damaged by the country's devastating earthquake and tsunami.
The country has ordered a nearby 140,000 people to seal themselves indoors after a series of explosions and fires at the plant. The latest fire, at the plant's No. 4 reactor, is under control, according to Tokyo Electric Power Co., the owner of the facility, which blamed it on an earlier fire that hadn't been fully extinguished. But Japan's nuclear agency was unable to confirm that the blaze had been put out, and clouds of white smoke were billowing from the reactor, according to live video footage of the plant.
The agency also reported that damage to the fuel rods at the No. 1 reactor were at 70 percent. Kyodo News added that 33 percent of the second reactor's fuel rods were also damaged.
Officials said radiation levels in areas around the nuclear plant rose early Tuesday afternoon but appeared to subside by evening.
Japan Update
A new fire that broke out inside reactor 4 at the Fukushima Daaichi nuclear plant, which was damaged in Friday's earthquake and tsunami, appears to be out. This was the second time in two days that the reactor where spent nuclear rods were being kept caught fire. Workers at the plant are pumping sea-water through several of the plant's reactors in an effort to cool and stabilise them. Japanese media reports say radiation levels at the reactors remain too high for workers there to approach them. Japan's Prime Minister, Naoto Kan, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have expressed concern and called for the provision of more timely, and accurate information.
Tokyo Electric Power Company (Tepco) says it will be extremely difficult to spray water from a helicopter to cool down a storage pool for spent nuclear fuel in the No.4 reactor at the Fukushima Daiichi plant. Earlier Japanese news agency Kyodo reported that the storage pool could be boiling, while Tepco said readings showed high levels of radiation, making the building inaccessible.
Some good news-- another update on the Nikkei: Tokyo stocks are already UP 6% in early trading following the biggest two-day sell-off for 24 years.
BBC
Tokyo Electric Power Company (Tepco) says it will be extremely difficult to spray water from a helicopter to cool down a storage pool for spent nuclear fuel in the No.4 reactor at the Fukushima Daiichi plant. Earlier Japanese news agency Kyodo reported that the storage pool could be boiling, while Tepco said readings showed high levels of radiation, making the building inaccessible.
Some good news-- another update on the Nikkei: Tokyo stocks are already UP 6% in early trading following the biggest two-day sell-off for 24 years.
BBC
MOTOR VEHICLE COLLISION
DATE & TIME: 03/15/2011 @ 1809hrs C C. CARD NUMBER: 11-54-00-1883
Driver # 1/ Veh #1: Crystal Miller Benson, 31YOA of Fenwick Island, DE.
1995 Geo Tracker, Black
Injured-Transported to PRMC
Driver # 2/ Veh #2: Kenneth R Showalter, 47YOA of Pennsville, NJ.
2005 International Tractor Trailer
Not Injured
LOCATION: E/B Rt. 50 W/O Bent Pine, Willards, MD
BRIEF RESUME: On March 15, 2011 at approximately 1809 hours, Troopers from the Maryland State Police Salisbury Barrack were dispatched to the scene of a motor vehicle collision involving personal injury. Initial investigation revealed that Vehicle #1 driven by Crystal Miller Benson was traveling eastbound on Rt. 50 in the area of Bent Pine Rd when Benson lost control of the vehicle causing the vehicle to collide with the truck trailer pulled by Vehicle #2. As a result of the collision Vehicle #1 overturned and came to rest on the passenger side causing the driver to be entrapped. Benson was transported to PRMC with non-life threatening injuries. The driver of the tractor trailer was not injured. The roadway in that area was temporary shut down for the safety of emergency personal. Investigators believe Alcohol to be a factor in the collision and the investigation is continuing. All events occurred in Wicomico County, MD.
54 GOPers Buck Leaders As Short-Term Budget Bill Passes House
The House has passed a stopgap measure to continue funding the federal government until April 8, with over 50 Republicans bucking their leadership to oppose the three-week spending bill.
Fifty-four Republicans – more than many observers expected -- voted against the continuing resolution, which GOP critics said demonstrated a lack of seriousness about solving the nation’s long-term budget woes.
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Fifty-four Republicans – more than many observers expected -- voted against the continuing resolution, which GOP critics said demonstrated a lack of seriousness about solving the nation’s long-term budget woes.
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BREAKING: New Fire At Building With Spent Fuel, Nuclear Reactor
Unit 4 again ablaze after fire that left 2 workers missing; Units 5, 6 also eyed
TOKYO — The world's worst nuclear crisis since Chernobyl rose to a new level Wednesday as another fire erupted at Japan's stricken nuclear complex and engineers worried about the possibility of blasts at two other reactor buildings. In addition, two workers were reported missing after an earlier fire.
The new fire broke out Wednesday morning at Unit 4 of the Fukushima Dai-ichi plant. It was inside the structure covering the containment vessel for the unit's nuclear reactor, Tokyo Electric Power Co. spokesman Hajimi Motujuku said.
A blast and fire at Unit 4 nearly 24 hours earlier opened two holes in the outer building, emitting radiation from overheating spent fuel in a storage pool.
Two workers inside the unit were missing after the first fire, Japan's nuclear safety agency said. The status of the nuclear reactor inside the building was not known.
Officials were also concerned about the reactors in Units 5 and 6.
"Plant operators were considering the removal of panels from units 5 and 6 reactor buildings to prevent a possible buildup of hydrogen," the International Atomic Energy Agency said in a statement.
"It was a buildup of hydrogen at units 1, 2, and 3 that led to explosions at the Dai-ichi facilities in recent days," it added.
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Local Leader Honored
Executive Director of Women Supporting Women Named in Maryland's Top 100 Women
The Board of Directors and staff of Women Supporting Women are proud to announce that their Executive Director, Sue Revelle, has been named one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women for 2011! A Registered Nurse who also works at Peninsula Regional Medical Center (PRMC), Sue co-founded the non-profit Women Supporting Women (WSW) in 1993. The group started out of her home after discovering the need to help women through their journey with breast cancer. With offices now in Salisbury, Berlin and Crisfield, WSW still fulfills its original mission: To provide awareness, education and support to all those who are affected by breast cancer.
A grass-roots organization, all of WSW’s funding stays right here on Delmarva to provide free services and support to local breast cancer survivors, their families and friends. Included are: Community education and awareness, informational tote bags, lending library, lift chair loaner program, mentoring services, post-surgery comfort pillows, support group meetings, wigs, hats and scarves. For more information, please stop by or call one of our offices, or visit us on the web at http://www.womensupportingwomen.org/
Other award winners from the Eastern Shore this year include Peggy Naleppa from PRMC, and Thelma B. Thompson and Veronique Diriker, both from UMES. The award ceremony will take place on May 9 at Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in Baltimore, MD.
GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY TO PRESENT 2011 FEDERAL PRIORITIES TO STATE’S CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION
This event rescheduled from an earlier date
ANNAPOLIS, MD (March 15, 2011) – Governor Martin O’Malley will present Maryland’s 2011 federal legislative priorities to the state’s Congressional delegation tomorrow at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington. Senator Barbara Mikulski, Chair of the Maryland Delegation, will offer opening remarks. The entire meeting is open press, and is a rescheduled event from mid-February, when it was postponed due to conflicting vote schedules in Congress.
Legislative priorities presented by Governor O’Malley will include transportation, education, job creation, environmental protection, and public safety initiatives.
WHAT: Governor O’Malley to present 2011 federal priorities to state’s Congressional delegation
WHEN: TOMORROW, Wednesday, March 16, 2011 at 2:30 p.m.
WHERE: Dirksen Senate Office Building
SD-138
Washington, DC 20510
NOTE: Dirksen Senate Office Building is located at the Northeast of the Capitol, adjoining the Hart Senate Office Building on a site bounded by Constitution Avenue, Second Street, First Street, and C Street, N.E.
Congressman Andy Harris To Hold Town Hall Meetings Next Monday
Congressman Andy Harris invites the community to attend a town hall forum at the Tawes Museum in Crisfield on Monday, March 21 from 12pm-1pm. This is an opportunity for you to meet with Congressman Harris about any concerns you may have and to hear an update on the 112th Congress. Tawes Museum is located at the end of 9th street in Crisfield, Maryland near the Somers Cove Marina.
Congressman Harris will also be at Chef Freds in Salisbury on this same evening at 7 PM for another town hall forum.
HOW MUCH WOULD POLLITT’S PENSION GIFT COST TAXPAYERS?
If you live in Wicomico County did you know that it has a "defined benefit" pension plan for the retired county employees and those now employed when they retire? That requires a specific amount of payment obligation that must be funded come rain or come shine.
It’s the same type of pension plan that has now driven California and other places to the brink of bankruptcy – and that could happen here if it’s not stopped soon by appropriate action. But don’t look for Rick Pollitt to take the lead in pushing for any significant change – the County Exec. position is eligible to participate in the County’s pension plan (did you know that?).
Now Pollitt has proposed a scheme that would knock off 5 years from the time someone must work for the County before hopping on the gravy train. The purpose is to get older employees to leave, but if the position is filled, even at a lower pay level, does the County wind up paying even more?
PS, See Post Below.
It’s the same type of pension plan that has now driven California and other places to the brink of bankruptcy – and that could happen here if it’s not stopped soon by appropriate action. But don’t look for Rick Pollitt to take the lead in pushing for any significant change – the County Exec. position is eligible to participate in the County’s pension plan (did you know that?).
Now Pollitt has proposed a scheme that would knock off 5 years from the time someone must work for the County before hopping on the gravy train. The purpose is to get older employees to leave, but if the position is filled, even at a lower pay level, does the County wind up paying even more?
PS, See Post Below.
POLLITT’S PUPPETS NOW COME FORWARD PLEASE
You knew it would happen. Today’s Daily Times has letters by both Phil “tax & spend” Tilghman and a teacher whose husband, another former Wicomico County Councilman, Wm. McCain, was in Rick Pollitt’s right-hand pocket during his term. Surprise – they bemoan the decision to defer further funding for construction of the new Bennett Middle School for a year and berate the County Council for doing so.
They remind me of myself as a child, whining when my dad said we could not afford to get a color TV or a new car that year (and sometimes the next one, too) and pointing out that they were, at the time, on sale and that prices would be higher next year. Fortunately, there were no “IPAD’s” back then.
The Pollitt-Frederickson is simple – get the school funding back on track before the reality of the next (FY2012) County budget is revealed. Revenue will be down significantly, and that trend will continue in the following year. Worcester County recently recognized that its property tax revenue will drop by about $10 Million in the next two years. Queen Anne’s County will be dropping or not replacing about 60 employees next year; Frederick County about 35. Rick has remained silent on the County’s prospective revenues, however, and does not have to submit a proposed budget until April 15 (or later if the Council agrees to the postponement).
Pollitt is now pushing a scheme to obtain “alternative funding” to build the school, which would be rented from a private owner/investor at a huge cost to the taxpayers. The County’s “public information officer” probably is writing a press release right now. For general details about “alternative financing”, see this blog’s recent post:
Caught In The Middle East Minefield
America seems trapped in an exploding Middle East minefield.
Revolts are breaking out amid the choke points of world commerce. Shiite populations are now restive in the Gulf monarchies. Not far away, Iran's youth are sick and tired of the country's seventh-century theocracy. Astride the Suez Canal, Egyptian demonstrators just threw out the Mubarak regime. On the coast of the southern Mediterranean, Tunisia and Libya are in upheaval, just a few hundred miles from Europe.
The politics of rebellion are often bewildering. Theocrats in Iran, kings in the Gulf states and Jordan, dictators in Egypt and Tunisia, and mad-hatter thugs in Libya are all gone or threatened. Some, like Mubarak, were often pro-American. Others, like Libya's Gaddafi, hate the United States. Calls for reform now come from a bewildering menu of protestors — Muslim extremists, secular pro-Western liberals, hard-core terrorists, and everyday people who just want a better life.
Strategic concerns frame almost every one of these upheavals. Israel may soon have enemies on all of its borders. Iran is close to getting a nuclear weapon. All the unrest reminds us that today's supposed friend is tomorrow's possible enemy — with no certainly about who will end up with a deposed strongman's arsenal of weapons.
Proximity to Europe means millions of possible refugees could head north and westward. America either has military relations with or gives foreign aid to (and sometimes both) Egypt, Jordan and the West Bank. Over the last decade, terrorists who have been caught in the United States plotting our destruction came almost exclusively from the restive Middle East.
Tens of thousands of American troops are dispersed throughout Iraq and the Gulf region. Oil-starved China has a hungry eye on these resource-rich, unstable states. More than half the world's daily supply of exported petroleum is shipped from the Middle East.
There are only a few constants in the maze of unrest. The common enemy is autocracy that has impoverished and terrorized Middle East populations for decades. Only a few governments in the general region that have consensual and legitimate governments — Israel and, to a much lesser degree, Turkey and Iraq — have escaped the most recent unrest.
More
Revolts are breaking out amid the choke points of world commerce. Shiite populations are now restive in the Gulf monarchies. Not far away, Iran's youth are sick and tired of the country's seventh-century theocracy. Astride the Suez Canal, Egyptian demonstrators just threw out the Mubarak regime. On the coast of the southern Mediterranean, Tunisia and Libya are in upheaval, just a few hundred miles from Europe.
The politics of rebellion are often bewildering. Theocrats in Iran, kings in the Gulf states and Jordan, dictators in Egypt and Tunisia, and mad-hatter thugs in Libya are all gone or threatened. Some, like Mubarak, were often pro-American. Others, like Libya's Gaddafi, hate the United States. Calls for reform now come from a bewildering menu of protestors — Muslim extremists, secular pro-Western liberals, hard-core terrorists, and everyday people who just want a better life.
Strategic concerns frame almost every one of these upheavals. Israel may soon have enemies on all of its borders. Iran is close to getting a nuclear weapon. All the unrest reminds us that today's supposed friend is tomorrow's possible enemy — with no certainly about who will end up with a deposed strongman's arsenal of weapons.
Proximity to Europe means millions of possible refugees could head north and westward. America either has military relations with or gives foreign aid to (and sometimes both) Egypt, Jordan and the West Bank. Over the last decade, terrorists who have been caught in the United States plotting our destruction came almost exclusively from the restive Middle East.
Tens of thousands of American troops are dispersed throughout Iraq and the Gulf region. Oil-starved China has a hungry eye on these resource-rich, unstable states. More than half the world's daily supply of exported petroleum is shipped from the Middle East.
There are only a few constants in the maze of unrest. The common enemy is autocracy that has impoverished and terrorized Middle East populations for decades. Only a few governments in the general region that have consensual and legitimate governments — Israel and, to a much lesser degree, Turkey and Iraq — have escaped the most recent unrest.
More
STATE POLICE DUI PATROLS TO BE DEPLOYED IN EVERY COUNTY THIS THURSDAY/FRIDAY
(Pikesville, MD) -- Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel Terrence B. Sheridan has ordered the deployment of additional State Police DUI saturation patrols in each county later this week to coincide with the increase in drinking and driving that occurs as a result of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
“We know from experience that St. Patrick’s Day celebrations increase the number of drunk drivers on our roads and the risk of highway tragedies resulting from drunken driving crashes,” Colonel Sheridan said. “Our goal is to keep our highways safe and additional DUI patrols at each of our 22 barracks will help us do that. We do not wish to diminish anyone’s celebration. We want to remind people of their responsibility to use common sense, make plans ahead of time, and make a commitment not to get behind the wheel after consuming alcoholic beverages.”
A recent newspaper survey indicated more than half of Americans will be celebrating the holiday. Almost one third of those celebrating say they will be attending a party at a bar or restaurant.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 103 traffic crash fatalities nationwide on St. Patrick’s Day in 2009. Of those, 37 percent involved an impaired driver with a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher.
Maryland State Police DUI arrest numbers from 2010 clearly show the increase in arrests that occur during the period of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. During the five days before St. Patrick’s Day 2010, Maryland state troopers made an average of 16 DUI arrests per day statewide. On St. Patrick’s Day and the next four days last year, state troopers made an average of 38 DUI arrests, more than doubling the daily average of the week before.
In Maryland, a first offense for driving under the influence could result in a fine of up to $1,000 and a sentence of up to one year in jail. In addition, the violation would mean 12 points on the offender’s driver’s license and a license revocation for six months. Driver’s licenses are confiscated by police from those refusing to take a blood alcohol test and from those whose test result is .08 or higher.
Those planning to drink alcoholic beverages are urged to make plans to get home safely before they begin drinking. Options include arranging for a sober driver, to whom you gave your keys, to drive you home; use a taxi; call a friend or family member to pick you up; or use public transportation.
State troopers are urging motorists to contact police if they see a driver who might be operating under the influence. Troopers and allied law enforcement will make every attempt to locate the driver and take the appropriate enforcement action.
The additional troopers deployed by State Police will be on overtime and funded through a DUI enforcement grant from the Maryland Highway Safety Office. All troopers on regular patrol duty will also be on the alert for drunk drivers.
“We know from experience that St. Patrick’s Day celebrations increase the number of drunk drivers on our roads and the risk of highway tragedies resulting from drunken driving crashes,” Colonel Sheridan said. “Our goal is to keep our highways safe and additional DUI patrols at each of our 22 barracks will help us do that. We do not wish to diminish anyone’s celebration. We want to remind people of their responsibility to use common sense, make plans ahead of time, and make a commitment not to get behind the wheel after consuming alcoholic beverages.”
A recent newspaper survey indicated more than half of Americans will be celebrating the holiday. Almost one third of those celebrating say they will be attending a party at a bar or restaurant.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 103 traffic crash fatalities nationwide on St. Patrick’s Day in 2009. Of those, 37 percent involved an impaired driver with a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher.
Maryland State Police DUI arrest numbers from 2010 clearly show the increase in arrests that occur during the period of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. During the five days before St. Patrick’s Day 2010, Maryland state troopers made an average of 16 DUI arrests per day statewide. On St. Patrick’s Day and the next four days last year, state troopers made an average of 38 DUI arrests, more than doubling the daily average of the week before.
In Maryland, a first offense for driving under the influence could result in a fine of up to $1,000 and a sentence of up to one year in jail. In addition, the violation would mean 12 points on the offender’s driver’s license and a license revocation for six months. Driver’s licenses are confiscated by police from those refusing to take a blood alcohol test and from those whose test result is .08 or higher.
Those planning to drink alcoholic beverages are urged to make plans to get home safely before they begin drinking. Options include arranging for a sober driver, to whom you gave your keys, to drive you home; use a taxi; call a friend or family member to pick you up; or use public transportation.
State troopers are urging motorists to contact police if they see a driver who might be operating under the influence. Troopers and allied law enforcement will make every attempt to locate the driver and take the appropriate enforcement action.
The additional troopers deployed by State Police will be on overtime and funded through a DUI enforcement grant from the Maryland Highway Safety Office. All troopers on regular patrol duty will also be on the alert for drunk drivers.
OCPD & FOP LODGE 10 PARTICIPATE IN 4th ANNUAL MARCH MADNESS MINI-GOLF FUNDRAISER TO BENEFIT PLAY IT SAFE
Also in attendance, were members from the Ocean City Recreation and Parks
Department, the Worcester County Health Department, Ocean City Special
Events, the Bank of Ocean City, Atlantic General Hospital and several volunteers from the Ocean City Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Committee. In addition, golf pros from Glen Riddle and Ocean City Golf and Yacht were in attendance.
Play It Safe will be celebrating its 22nd year in Ocean City in 2011. Play It Safe began in 1989 as a program for the latest high school graduates. Play It Safe joins several Town of Ocean City departments, as well as local businesses and organizations, to encourage high school graduates
to make informed, healthy choices while having responsible fun without the use of alcohol and other drugs.
To find out how you can volunteer or donate to Play It Safe, please contact Ocean City Police Public Affairs Specialist Jessica Waters at 410.520.5395 or visit http://www.playitsafeoceancity.com/.
Former Md. Governor Ehrlich Joins Law Firm
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Former Maryland Gov. Robert Ehrlich has been named senior counsel at an international law firm.
King and Spalding says on its website that Ehrlich will serve in the firm's government advocacy and public policy practice. He'll work in the firm's Washington office.
The firm's managing partner, Wick Sollers, says in a statement that Ehrlich offers "incomparable insight and connections at the busy intersection of business and politics."
Ehrlich, a Republican, was elected governor in 2002 but lost his bid for re-election four years later. He ran unsuccessfully last year against Democratic incumbent Martin O'Malley.
Ehrlich has worked at the law firm of Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice. He founded the firm's Baltimore office.
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Grocery Store Rip-Offs: Watch Out For These
There's a good chance you're getting ripped off at the grocery store, according to the author of "Eat This, Not That."
David Zinczenko says it's happening from the minute you walk in the door.
He says you're paying too much for organic avocados and onions. Guess what. They're mostly pesticide-free, so you're paying more just for that organic label.
Gluten-free products will set you back three times the price of food that's not gluten free. Unless you are among those with celiac disease, it may not be worth the extra cash and you may actually gain weight.
In the case of tenderloin steaks, expensive doesn't necessarily mean tender or tasty. Switch to a top sirloin instead.
Here are the rest of the ripoffs.
David Zinczenko says it's happening from the minute you walk in the door.
He says you're paying too much for organic avocados and onions. Guess what. They're mostly pesticide-free, so you're paying more just for that organic label.
Gluten-free products will set you back three times the price of food that's not gluten free. Unless you are among those with celiac disease, it may not be worth the extra cash and you may actually gain weight.
In the case of tenderloin steaks, expensive doesn't necessarily mean tender or tasty. Switch to a top sirloin instead.
Here are the rest of the ripoffs.
Radiation Falls At Japan Nuke Plant, Officials Say
Nonetheless, 140,000 people near the plant have been ordered to seal themselves indoors
SOMA, Japan — Japanese data indicate that radioactivity levels fell during a six-hour period on Tuesday at a nuclear power plant damaged by last week's earthquake and tsunami, the U.N. nuclear watchdog said.
The Vienna-based U.N. agency said a radiation dose level of 11.9 millisieverts (mSv) per hour was observed at the main gate of the Fukushima nuclear power plant at midnight GMT on Tuesday (8 p.m. ET Monday).
Six hours later, the rate had declined to 0.6 millisieverts, the agency said in a statement. The IAEA uses the unit to measure doses of radiation received by people. It quantifies the amount of radiation absorbed by human tissue.
Exposure to more than 100 millisieverts (mSv) a year is a level that can lead to cancer, the World Nuclear Association says. People are exposed to natural radiation of 2-3 mSv a year.
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Costs Of In-State Tuition For Illegal Immigrants Could Be Higher Than Projected
The cost of offering in-state college tuition to illegal immigrants who graduate from Maryland high schools might be significantly higher than estimated, since they were based only on figures from Montgomery College and none of the other community colleges. The bill is scheduled for debate and a final vote in the Senate Monday night.
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O’Malley Co-Opts Protest Of His Own Budget
It was a bizarre finale to a rally that brought thousands of state workers and teachers to Annapolis to protest cuts in pensions, retirement benefits and pupil spending. The last speaker was none other than the man who had triggered the rally by proposing the cuts: Gov. Martin O’Malley. “I don’t like this budget either,” O’Malley said in a short speech. He was met by cheers, some grumbling, and the evening’s chant of “Keep the Promise.”
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