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Friday, January 06, 2012

The American Dream Is Dead

The New York Times is finally catching on to the fact that the American Dream is dead. An article running in the paper today points out the disturbing fact that the United States is one of the least socially mobile nations in the developed world. As in – it’s harder for someone born poor to become rich – or even just join the middle class throughout their life. Only 8% of Americans born in the poorest fifth of the population – ever make it to the top fifth, which is an income a bit over $100,000. The Times goes on to cite persistently high poverty rates, which “leave poor children starting especially far behind” as one of the reason for low social mobility. So much for the idea that America is a class-less society. Every day, millions of Americans are living a real life version of The Christmas Story – complete with corporate Scrooges and fully a quarter of American children living in poverty like Tiny Tim.

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U.S. Ambassador Threatens To ‘Downgrade’ Spain Over Online Piracy Laws

Just how serious is the U.S.’ dedication to fighting online piracy? A leaked letter sent by the U.S. Ambassador in Madrid to the Spanish president suggests it’s apparently serious enough to offer veiled threats to nations who apparently aren’t doing enough to help in the struggle.
 A letter from U.S. Ambassador Alan Solomont to outgoing Spanish president Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, dated December 12, leaked to the Spanish newspaper El Pais, argues that the government has “unfortunately failed to finish the job [of passing specific anti-piracy legislation] for political reasons, to the detriment of the reputation and economy of Spain” before going on to state that Spain is on a list compiled by U.S. trade representatives of countries not providing “adequate and effective” protection of intellectual property. The letter suggests that Spain may find itself joining a blacklist of “the worst violators of global intellectual property rights” if it doesn’t change direction soon.

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Homeowners Are Still Screwed

Last month – the Wall Street Journal pointed out that the ongoing housing crisis is killing progress on job creation. More than 10.7 million Americans are unable to move to find better work because they’re stuck in an underwater mortgage. Yesterday – the Federal Reserve called on Congress to take concrete steps to address the ongoing collapse of the U.S. housing market that “continues to impede the economic recovery.” Ideas include making it easier for struggling homeowners to refinance and restructure their mortgages – changing how mortgage lenders are paid – and allowing banks to rent out foreclosed homes. The Fed argues such policies will lead to banks saving money and more homeowners saving their homes. 4 years after the economy went into full meltdown – the banks are doing just fine – while homeowners are still screwed. Banksters got bailed out – we got sold out.

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Alabama Teacher Molested More Than 20 Girls


An Alabama schoolteacher was jailed on charges of sexually abusing a fourth-grade female student, and police said Thursday the man told them he molested more than 20 other girls over his 25-year career.
Alabaster police said Daniel Montague Acker Jr., 49, was charged with three counts of sexual abuse, and additional charges were possible.


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ALEC Owns Virginia Lawmakers

In today's On the News segment: New report by the advocacy group ProgressNow shows lawmakers in Virginia have outsourced their jobs to the shadowy, Koch brothers-funded, corporate think tank known as ALEC; yesterday, the Federal Reserve called on Congress to take concrete steps to address the ongoing collapse of the US housing market; inspired by the Occupy Wall Street movement, activists will "occupy" courts across America on Citizens United Anniversary; US war machine is about to take a cut; and more.

You need to know this. Virginia officially has the best government money can buy. According to a new report by the advocacy group ProgressNow – lawmakers in Virginia have outsourced their jobs to the shadowy, Koch brothers-funded, corporate think tank known as ALEC – the American Legislative Exchange Council. The report claims that ALEC has a “disturbing level of influence” over the Virginia legislature. ALEC works by bringing together corporate CEOs and lobbyists with elected lawmakers to come up with custom-made legislation that benefits big polluters, job outsourcers, and banksters, and hurts unions, poor people, and voters. Since 2007 – the Virginia General Assembly has introduced 50 different pieces of legislation that are “carbon copies” of model legislation written by ALEC. Not only that – taxpayers in Virginia have paid more than $230,000 to fly state lawmakers - almost all of them Republicans - to ALEC conferences across America. This is what a corporatocracy looks like.

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Marijuana May Both Trigger And Suppress Psychosis

Researchers uncover connections between marijuana and the psychoses of schizophrenia

It’s a familiar experience for most marijuana smokers — that sudden discovery of great meaning, humor or intensity in what they would ordinarily find to be mundane situations and sensations. It’s part of why people seek out marijuana, but this undue attention to what ordinarily seems insignificant is also part of the psychotic experience of schizophrenia— and new research finds that the two main ingredients in marijuana have opposing effects on it.
The study examined 15 normal men who had previously smoked cannabis only a few times. Researchers exposed the men to each of the two most psychoactive ingredients in marijuana — delta-nine tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) and compared their effects to a placebo while the participants performed a mental task.

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Maryland Polarized Politically, But Still Dominated By Democrats, New Book Says

Maryland has become increasingly polarized politically over the past two decades, but it will likely stay dominated by Democrats as it has been since the 19th century, although today’s Democrats bear little resemblance to those a century ago. That’s among the broad conclusions of a new book on the state’s political past, present and future by two local professors, who have also played an active hand in many election campaigns – mostly on the Democratic side.

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Experts Say Current Lead Poisoning Levels Are Set Too High

Older homes are a dangerous source of lead poisoning for young children, and experts say no level of lead exposure is safe

Lead poisoning continues to be a serious health problem for young children, especially those living in cities, so a government committee is recommending that the definition of lead poisoning be changed, to include even lower levels of exposure to the toxic chemical.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), which is the agency responsible for defining lead poisoning in children, currently says that 10 micrograms of lead per dL of blood should be considered lead poisoning. At these levels, children can show symptoms such as abdominal pain, low appetite, difficulty sleeping and constipation, as well as behavior or attention problems, hearing difficulties and slower growth. Most of the adverse effects of lead on the brain and nervous system build over time, so these symptoms are difficult to pinpoint immediately after exposure.

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Priscilla Of Boston Spray-Paints Unsold Wedding Gowns To Keep Them From Grubby Poor People

Priscilla of Boston, a high-end bridal chain best known for making Grace Kelly's wedding gown, came to an undignified end last week when current parent company David's Bridal shut it down. This news wouldn't have made national headlines if an alert shopper in a Minneapolis suburb hadn't noticed unsold dresses by the rackful being wrecked with red spray paint and tossed in a dumpster.

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Man Allegedly Dresses In Drag To Steal Oxy

(CBS/AP)  
ALTOONA, Pa. - Police say a central Pennsylvania man dressed as a woman so he could get a pharmacy to fill a stolen painkiller prescription issued to a female.
Thirty-four-year-old Michael C. Greene, of Tyrone, is charged with forgery, acquiring a controlled substance by deception, and other crimes in the Nov. 16 incident at an Altoona pharmacy.

Be Sure That Call From The Electric Company Isn't A Scam

A lot of people, especially in areas hit hard by the recession, haven't exactly been paying their utility bills in a prompt manner, knowing that it takes a long time for someone to eventually getting around to shutting off the power or gas service. Thus, scammers are trying to take advantage of these delinquencies by calling and pretending to be from the power company.

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Can a Court Make You Give Up Your Password?


Can the government force you to give up your password in the course of an investigation against you?
That’s the controversial debate that’s shaping up in U.S. District Court in Colorado. Ramona Fricosu has been charged with bank fraud and the case seemingly hinges on an encrypted computer.
Prosecutors argue that Fricosu should have to decrypt the computer, essentially giving investigators access to whatever is behind password protection. Fricosu’s attorney says that’s a violation of her right to privacy and her right against self-incrimination as protected by the Bill of Rights.

Payment From Class Action Case Arrives Without Warning & Looks Like Junk Mail

There are 10 million of you out there who might have checks coming to you as part of a class action lawsuit settlement, but unless you keep a very close eye on your mail, you might end up tossing it with your junk mail.

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Pope Benedict XVI Names 22 New Cardinals


Pope Benedict XVI named 22 new cardinals, announcing on Friday he will elevate them in a formal ceremony Feb. 18.
They include prelates from New York, Hong Kong, Berlin, Prague, Toronto and Florence, Italy, and some key Vatican offices.


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If CVS Sells You Something Expired, It's Your Own Damn Fault


Reader Andy noticed this sign in near the breakfast foods in a local CVS. It instructs customers to check the expiration dates of the items they choose before taking them up to the cash register. It's an innovative idea: maybe they're aiming to crowdsource stock rotation.


Oregon Firefighters Lift Car Off Pinned Cyclist

(AP)  
PORTLAND, Ore. - A crew of firefighters in Portland, Ore., used brute strength to lift up a 3,200-pound car and free a man pinned under it.
The rescue, which took about two minutes, came just before rush hour Thursday morning, after witnesses called 911.
The Oregonian reports that police interviewed witnesses and determined the man had been riding a bicycle when he made an illegal lane change and was struck by a car. Another vehicle then rolled over the man and pinned him face-down in a busy intersection.

Global Health Strategy

A new global health strategy is broadening the mission of the Department of Health and Human Services. HHS issued the plan yesterday. It describes three goals: to protect and promote the health and well-being of Americans through global health action; to provide leadership and technical expertise in science, policy, programs and practice to improve global health; and to work in concert with interagency partners to advance U.S. interests in international diplomacy, development and security through global health action. HHS says while its mission is to protect the health and well being of Americans, it can't overlook the increasing interconnectedness of the world and how that has demanded that HHS expand its global presence.

Timeline Scams Show Why Facebook Should Be More Upfront With Policies

Don’t like Facebook Timeline?

Too bad, because you’re stuck with it. Hence the arrival of scammers, cynically taking advantage of those nostalgic for the old profile design by creating at least 16 pages promising a way to undo Timeline. According to Inside Facebook, the pages have collectively accumulated around 71,000 “Likes,” prompting users to “invite friends, watch YouTube videos and download files.” They’re also pretty easy to find; search for “timeline” on Facebook and you’ll find pages titled “Deactivate Your FB Timeline” and “Here You Can Remove Facebook Timeline.”

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Are They Legitimate Financial Instruments Or Simply Gambling?

That's a question the Commodity Futures Trading Commission must decide. The CTFC is looking into proposed derivative contracts from the North American Derivatives Exchange. The Exchange wants to sell contracts based on who wins the next national election and whether Democrats or Republicans control Congress. The Commission has asked Nadex to suspend trading in the political events contracts while it decides if they're kosher.

New Hampshire Restaurant Bans Presidential Candidates, Says No "Whoring" For Votes

While most restaurants and diners welcome the chance to host pandering pols in their best sweaters telling potential voters what they want to hear, one New Hampshire restaurant, Colby's Breakfast and Lunch, refuses to be bothered with this time-honored, albeit disruptive, (small "d") democratic tradition. 


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IRS Audits

An IRS effort to boost audits of high income earners is producing results. Last year, IRS audited one in eight people earning at least $1 million. That's 12 percent. Only 5 percent to 7 percent of millionaires were audited in years leading up to 2010. The rate of audits fell for people earning less than $200,000. Last year, only one in 100 of them was audited. An IRS spokeswoman says the rising audit rate for high earners is simply because that's where the money is. She says it's not connected to President Obama's repeated calls for higher tax rates on millionaires and billionaires.

Santorum Joins Bachmann, Pledges To Ban Porn, Same-Sex Marriages

COMMENTARY | Rick Santorum is always good for a laugh or ten. The fact that he's a former senator who lost his last time out and wants to be seriously considered as a viable GOP candidate may be the biggest laugh-fest he's given America yet, but the joke is mainly on himself (even though it probably wasn't meant to be self-deprecating). Still, he seems to try and best his most ridiculous acts and statements every time he gets a chance, and this time he has, along with that other Republican merry prankster Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., a person who actually won her last political contest, signed a "Marriage Vow," a document that not only calls for defining marriage with a Constitutional amendment denying same-sex marriages but also calls for a ban on all pornography. Good luck with the latter.

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Prepper's Benefits

Some people say...."You preppers are crazy, we'll never need to do any of the things you say". Really? Well well. If you were prepared for long and short term disasters, what benefits would you enjoy under "normal" circumstances? Today I was on my way home and I came upon a traffic accident. It seems as though a truck hit a pole. After being detoured back to go "the long way home" I found out that the power was out. It had been out since about 2:15 p.m. My trigger point is one hour. At 3:15 p.m. I turned my generator on and started filling the bathtubs (We have well water) in the event the power would have been out an extended period of time because you can never tell how long Delamarva Power may take to repair the damage. Everyone was advised that if they were going to take showers, this was the time and they would have to make it quick - 5 minutes. While collecting the eggs from my chickens and feeding the livestock, neighbors came over and asked if our power was out (they saw the lights). I told them that we were on emergency power temporarily but that if they needed water they could come and get what they need while we had power on. They never needed it but it was good to know I could help. By 6:00 p.m. the power was back on and we were back on the grid. The short term benefit is that we all had water and hot showers while everyone else was inconvenienced - and that's all it was. A minor inconvenience. Had it been worse, we would have reached the trigger for the implementaion of further measures to address a short term emergency/disaster.

I also used this as a drill to find some things that I'd like to change to make the transition more smooth and seemless.

Now think about it. If it were an ice storm and the power had been out for days or weeks, where would you and your family be?

USPS Reform

Postal reform bills could see more action, more quickly when lawmakers return to work later this month. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid says he's eager to move the Senate's version of postal reform early in the new session. NextGov reports, the House Oversight and Governmental Reform Committee is releasing its report on its version of the postal bill, within days of returning to work. Both the House and Senate bills contain provisions that give the Postal Service greater flexibility and power to modify employees' pay and benefits. USPS posted a $5 billion loss for fiscal 2011. The agency is eager for a legislative fix to its financial problems.

Mental Decline Can Begin As Early As 45, Study Finds


The brain's abilities to reason, comprehend and remember may start to worsen as early as age 45, a new study from England suggests.
Researchers gave tests of thinking skills to about 5,100 men and 2,200 women between the ages of 45 and 70 years over a 10-year period. They found people ages 45 to 49 years experienced a notable decline in mental functioning.

Mass Home Refinancing Rumor Rejected, And Why Even If It Was True It Would Not Help BAC

Looking for a reason why the surge of BAC has been abruptly halted after hours? Look no further - as predicted earlier, when we commented on the periodic reincarnation of the always false global refi rumor which served among other things to push BAC higher by almost 10%, the rumor was found to be false... all over again. In other words no refi, no benefit to TBTF, and all of today's gains are based on what Bloomberg noted was a report issued yesterday by a Jaret Seiberg, who until recently was an employee of MF Global, and has since been acquired with his entire Washington Research Group by none other than Guggenheim partners, which just happens to be run by former Bear Stearns exec Alan Scwhartz. From Bloomberg, here is the official denial (which came literally seconds after market close):

White House Has No Plan for Mass Home Refinancing, Person Says
Incidentally, even if the rumor was true, here is JMP explaining why it would have no real impact on Bank of America

Bank of America (BAC, $6.28, Market Perform): Market Overly Optimistic About the Impact of a Hypothetical $1 Tril. Refinance Program, in Our View

Shares of BAC were up 8% today as rumors swirled that President Obama may enact a $1 trillion refinance program. Granted, BAC shares were trading at a big discount to book (0.4x), and the investment community--now with several months of runway--seems to be going "risk on". But the big upward move on this news seems more a grasp for "validation", and we don't believe it will stick.

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DE Park Employee Accused Of Scamming Patrons


Delaware State Police have arrested a 60-year-old Delaware Park casino employee in connection with a felony theft scam investigation.
Police say Ashok Kaushal of Wilmington was arrested Wednesday and charged with four counts of felony theft involving amounts under $1,500; he was released on $4,000 bail and ordered to have NO contact with all Delaware casinos.

BLAST AWAY!!!!

While foreign politicians at the United Nations debate the merits of allowing American citizens to own firearms, yet another example of the absolute necessity of the right to bear arms in a free society emerges from Oklahoma, where an 18 year old mom and widow who lost her husband on Christmas Day was at home with her young son on New Year’s eve.

McKinley told ABC News Oklahoma City affiliate KOCO that she quickly got her 12 gauge, went into her bedroom and got a pistol, put the bottle in the baby’s mouth and called 911.

“I’ve got two guns in my hand — is it okay to shoot him if he comes in this door?” the young mother asked the 911 dispatcher. “I’m here by myself with my infant baby, can I please get a dispatcher out here immediately?”

The 911 dispatcher confirmed with McKinley that the doors to her home were locked as she asked again if it was okay to shoot the intruder if he were to come through her door.

“I can’t tell you that you can do that but you do what you have to do to protect your baby,” the dispatcher told her. McKinley was on the phone with 911 for a total of 21 minutes.

When Martin kicked in the door and came after her with the knife, the teen mom shot and killed the 24-year-old. Police are calling the shooting justified.

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Gattis Defense Lawyer Argues For Sentence Commutation

A lawyer for a convicted killer scheduled to die later this month says his client should instead serve a life term without parole. Attorney John Deckers tells WDEL News the original defense team for his client, Robert Gattis, overlooked clear eveidence that Gattis was physically and sexually abused as a child.

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Former SS Boss Proposes Global Email Fusion Center

Ronald Noble – the former head of the Secret Service, the BATF, and secretary general of Interpol – wants to create a fusion center with the ability to track and trace your email.

Noble says that although there is no known threat posed against the Olympics planned for 2012 in London, the state needs a fusion center to make sure.

“A smart terrorist would know that if the world’s attention is focused on something and they commit a terrorist act it will help them create the kind of fear that would make people want to leave London,” Noble told The Independent before visiting Scotland Yard to discuss arrangements for the Games.

“My concern is that the people planning that attack – that nuclear attack, that bio-terrorist attack, that attack that should concern us all as a world – would be able to plan it more effectively because we don’t have a network in place for tracing the source of email messages on the internet,” he said.

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Who Stole Baby Jesus?


REHOBOTH BEACH — Baby Jesus and his cradle have disappeared and a wise man was beheaded, both part of a popular nativity scene that stood on Rehoboth Avenue in Rehoboth Beach throughout the Christmas season. Police say the vandalism was a New Year's Eve prank.
"We've been out looking to see if the baby Jesus is in someone's yard or hidden somewhere," said Chief Keith Banks of the Rehoboth Beach Police Department.

New Hampshire Press Endorses Ron Paul For President

Ahead of the New Hampshire primary next week, three of the State’s newspapers have endorsed Ron Paul for president.

The Littleton Courier, Berlin Reporter, and Coos County Democrat all announced today their support for Paul, citing Paul’s consistentcy and legitimacy on major issues.

“Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney has been in the lead for months,” wrote the editors, “but voters still seem desperate for an alternative — there’s always another candidate pulling stronger or almost as strong numbers in the polls. Voters have lost faith in Obama, but they are not sold on Romney to replace him.”

Congressman Ron Paul, however, “has never voted to raise a tax and voted against all of the bailouts that have riled up Tea Partiers and Occupy Wall Streeters alike,” they continued. “His prediction that the United States can no longer afford the economic cost of our overseas commitments makes many Republicans uncomfortable, possibly by the very truth of the assertion. For decades he has been that rare sort of politician who speaks what he believes to be the truth and doesn’t flutter in the wind of public opinion. That could not be said of Obama or Romney.”

“Powerful leaders like Franklin Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan change the political landscape,” the editors concluded. “This is what Ron Paul would do for our country and why we support him.”

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40TH ANNUAL ELKS HOOP SHOOT COMPETITION


Date:  January 5, 2012

PRESS RELEASE
THE SALISBURY ELKS #817
ANNOUNCE the 40TH ANNUAL ELKS ―HOOP SHOOT COMPETITION

The Salisbury Elks Lodge #817  competition for the 40th Annual Elks ―Hoop Shoot”®, the national free throw shooting contest for children ages 8 through 13, will be held at the Salisbury Salvation Army gym (Oak Street) on January 7, 2012 at 9 AM.

Nearly three million students from across the country entered last year’s competition for boys and girls in age categories 8 to 9, 10 to 11, and 12 to 13. Each contestant has 25 shots at the hoop. The boy and girl in each age group with the best scores receives a trophy and advances through four tiers of competition to qualify for the national finals in Springfield, Mass.

Local winners will compete against other contestants in the District event at the Salisbury Salvation Army on February 4, 2012. Names of the national winners will be inscribed on the Elks National ―Hoop Shoot‖ plaque, on permanent display in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts.

For more details or to learn about the Elks, visit www.elks.org/hoopshoot or call Rick Konrad at 443-497-1022.

No Billionaire Oligarchs For Ron Paul

They no the party would be over.

According to WaPo, no billionaires have given to Ron Paul's campaign:

Detectives Seek Public’s Help In Locating Sex Offender


Location: Greenwood, DE

Date of Occurrence: November of 2011

Victim:

10 year old Houston, DE female

Suspect:

Frank J. Lovett, 34 (last known address Greenwood, DE)
Black male, 5’06” tall and 220 lbs. He has black hair and brown eyes. (pictured below)

Charges:

Endangering the Welfare of a Child
Sexual Solicitation of a Child

Resume:
Greenwood, DE- Delaware State Police detectives are seeking the publics help in locating a registered sex offender after he asked a ten year old female if he could take nude pictures of her.

The incident occurred in late November of 2011 as Frank J. Lovett, 34, was babysitting the 10 year old daughter of his then girlfriend. As Lovett and the victim were riding in a vehicle, Lovett allegedly told the victim that he liked her and that he wanted to take pictures of her in the nude with his cellular phone. The victim refused, however. The victim then reported the incident to his mother who then made Lovett move out of the home.

Detectives have obtained warrants charging Frank J. Lovett with one count each of Endangering the Welfare of a Child and Sexual Solicitation of a Child but have been unable to apprehend him at this time. Lovett, who is a medium risk Tier II sex offender, is known to frequent the Greenwood, Milford, and Lincoln areas of Delaware.

The Delaware State Police are asking anyone who may have any information in reference to the location of Frank J. Lovett to contact Detective Danny Wright at 302-741-2811. Citizens may also provide a tip by texting keyword “DSP” plus your message to 274637 (CRIMES). Tipsters may also provide information through lines maintained by Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333. Callers can also submit information via the internet at www.tipsubmit.com.

"Changeable Collection"



You only have until the 13th for the 70 percent off sale


These are part of our "Changeable Collection"
Melissa Bailey

Bailey Jewelers

30400 Mount Vernon Road

Princess Anne, MD 21853

410-651-3073

SUBSEQUENT OFFENDER SENTENCED TO THIRTY (30) YEARS IN THE CUSTODY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS FOR DRUG DISTRUBUTION CHARGES

On January 6, 2012, Maurice Brown, age 27, of Salisbury, Maryland was sentenced to thirty (30) years in the custody of the Department of Corrections (DOC) for drug and firearms violations. This case arose out of an investigation initiated by the Wicomico County Narcotics Task Force (WINTIF). A traffic stop was conducted by a Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office deputy on January 6, 2011, wherein the defendant was found to be in possession of 6.92 ounces of cocaine. A subsequent search warrant executed by WINTIF at a residence utilized by the defendant yielded the recovery of $10,400 in U.S. currency, three handguns, digital scales and other drug paraphernalia.

On December 5, 2011, the Defendant elected to have a trial by jury and was convicted of six charges including possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, possession of a firearm after being convicted of a felony (this was the Defendant’s second drug distribution offense), and concealment of proceeds from a drug offense.

A Wicomico County Circuit Court Judge sentenced the Defendant to twenty five (25) years of active incarceration for the drug and firearms violations. Fifteen (15) of the aforesaid twenty five (25) years is a mandatory/minimum sentence, which means that the Defendant has limited possibilities of parole during the first fifteen (15) years of his sentence. In a subsequent hearing, the same judge sentenced the Defendant to an additional five years to be served consecutively to the twenty five year sentence because the defendant committed these offenses while he was on probation for a drug conviction the Defendant received in 2008. Notably, the 2008 Drug Conviction arose out of an investigation conducted by the Salisbury Police Department.

Matt Maciarello, Wicomico County State’s Attorney, commended the efforts of the Wicomico County Narcotics Task Force in the investigation of this case. Mr. Maciarello further states, “We hope that this conviction serves as notice to the drug dealers in Wicomico County that this conduct will not be tolerated in our community. Armed drug dealers are a threat to every member of our community. This investigation and prosecution by the members of WINTIF keeps this danger to our community incarcerated for a very long time.”

Mr. Maciarello commended Mrs. Patrizia Colletta, the WINTIF task force prosecutor who was the lead prosecutor on this case. For more information or for an interview please call the Office of the State’s Attorney at (410) 548-4880 or go to www.wicomicosao.com.

Lawsuit Filed To Protect Tuna

OCEAN CITY -- Nearly one year to the day after threatening to sue federal fisheries officials over a failed threatened or endangered listing for Atlantic Bluefin tuna, an environmental watchdog agency last week filed suit in U.S. District Court in an attempt to reverse a rule change expanding the fishery.

In late December 2010, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announced an endangered or threatened listing for Atlantic Bluefin tuna was not warranted based on the best available science. Instead, NMFS officials kept Bluefin tuna on the “species of concern” list and promised to revisit a potential ESA listing for the species in 2013.

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Dear Leader

I am really concerned about North Korea 's appointment of the "dear leader", Kim Jung Ill 's youngest son to be the new leader of North Korea-- a nuclear power!

After all, Kim Jung Un (pronounced Kim's young-un?) had NO military experience whatsoever before daddy made him a four-star general in the military. This is a snot-nose twerp who has never accomplished anything in his life that that would even come close to military leadership: he hasn't even so much as led a cub scout troop, let alone coached a sports team or commanded a military platoon. So, setting that aside, next they make him the "beloved leader" of the country. Terrific!!!

Oh, crap! I'm sorry. I just remembered that we did the same thing here, We took a community organizer who has never worn a uniform and made him Commander-in-Chief; a guy who has never led anything more than an ACORN demonstration and made him the leader of this country.

Never mind.

It's 3 P.M., Do You Know Where Your Kids Are?

We worry about our teens driving after school. We worry about whether or not they are doing their homework. Well, it turns out that YES they may be driving and learning but not necessarily  about your preferred topic. It turns out that they may be driving to see each other with the intention to learn about anatomy.


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Ron Paul's Investment Success Is Driving WSJ Crazy

WSJ just can't deal with the fact that Ron Paul, by buying gold and silver stocks and thus betting against the Fed, has most likely the best performing portfolio of any congressmen ever.

They are out with, amazingly, another hit piece on his successful portfolio. At one point, they suggest they don't know it is a huge success:

Many of Rep. Paul’s supporters protested, in their comments, that his portfolio has already been vindicated by its performance.

It isn’t that simple.

Congressional financial-disclosure forms report holdings only in wide dollar ranges (for example, $15,001 to $50,000). If Rep. Paul owned gold bullion, estimating his investment performance would be fairly easy. But he doesn’t; he owns gold-mining stocks instead. And since the size of each stock holding is disclosed only within a broad band of valuation, there’s no way an outside observer can derive a long-term rate of return for Rep. Paul’s portfolio (or for any other member of Congress, for that matter).

Puhleez. If anything, Ron Paul's gold stocks likely out performed gold.

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No Sanctions Against Hudson Farm For Information Leak

BERLIN -- The ongoing legal battle between a Berlin farm family and an environmental watchdog group over alleged pollution violations continued this week with a federal judge ruling the defendant’s leak of confidential information regarding settlement negotiations did not warrant sanctions. In March 2010, the Waterkeeper Alliance, along with the Assateague Coastkeeper and the Assateague Coastal Trust, filed suit in U.S. District Court against Perdue and Berlin’s Hudson Farm, a contract Perdue factory farm operation of about 80,000 birds.

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Santorum As Typical DC Opportunist

Bloomberg reports that former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum , has come a long way from from being one of the poorer members of the U.S. Senate to earning $1.3 million between January 2010 and August 2011. How did he do it? Mostly by providing access, after he lost his Senate seat.Here's Bloomberg:


Santorum’s financial rise was powered by consulting contracts with fuel producer Consol Energy Inc, faith advocacy group Clapham Group and American Continental Group, a Washington consultancy, as well as media engagements.


“If he’s claiming he’s not an insider, this is the thing that insiders do -- after public office they cash in,” said Kent Cooper, a campaign finance expert and former Federal Elections Commission assistant staff director.


Outside of his employment contracts, Santorum’s greatest financial gain came from $395,414 in director fees and stock options he listed in a recent financial disclosure.The fees and options came from King of Prussia-based Universal Health Services Inc., a publicly traded health-care management company that was sued in 2010 by the federal government for alleged Medicaid fraud.


When Santorum left office after the 2006 defeat, he was earning a $165,200 congressional salary with $32,245 in outside income from book royalties.His assets, primarily investment funds, were valued at between $20,000 and $125,000. “For the Senate, once you get below a couple million, you’re one of the less wealthy,” said Cooper.After leaving office, Santorum signed on with a number of outside companies and organizations, bringing in $1.3 million from January 2010 through Aug. 2 of last year, according to disclosure forms. His home in the Washington Virginia suburbs has four bedrooms, five bathrooms and sits on five acres of land.


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ID Now Needed To Buy Drain Cleaner In Illinois

With every new year comes a new set of laws, some of which are destined to, in the words of the great Arsenio Hall, make you go "hmmm..." One of the latest is a new regulation in Illinois that requires you to show your ID and sign a log if you purchase drain cleaner or other similarly caustic substances.

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Controlled Burns Planned On Eastern Shore Refuge

CAMBRIDGE, Md. (AP) - Controlled burns are planned this winter and spring at the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge on Maryland's Eastern Shore.

Blackwater fire crews along with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources plan to conduct the burns, which are expected to last five months beginning in January. The burns will be conducted in marshlands, woodlands, and agricultural fields on the refuge as well as the Fishing Bay Wildlife Management Area and small privately held properties within and adjacent to the two areas.

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They're Back

This time they were stuck there from the red light.

U.N. Taking Over City Councils Across America!

Thank God Its Friday 1-6-12

What will you be doing this weekend?

What the DC Press Is Really Concerned About If Ron Paul Is Elected

Listen in to the conversation as the press wait for President Obama to enter the Pentagon briefing room. You will hear:"See this room? Two-thirds of us laid-off when Ron Paul is president."

Doctors Going Broke


NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Doctors in America are harboring an embarrassing secret: Many of them are going broke.
This quiet reality, which is spreading nationwide, is claiming a wide range of casualties, including family physicians, cardiologists and oncologists.

Ron Paul

They couldn't lie about Ron Paul and defeat him so now I guess the plan is to just pretend he's not really there!!! You can't make this crap up!!!

Obedience/Rally And Agility Classes

Joe:

I wanted to let you know that Salisbury MD Kennel Club classes start this coming week. We have classes for ALL dogs at all levels from 4 mos. old pups to any age. The old adage "you can't teach an old dog new tricks" is untrue! Agility, Obedience, Rally, Freestyle Dancing and Conformation Show Handling so just get off the couch, grab your dog and come have fun. . You need to bring records from your vet of vaccines given along with some good treats and leave the rest to us. Call 410-548-2110, leave a message and we will call you back or go to www.salisburymarylandkennelclub.org to enroll.

Rick Santorum Shadow Government Prediction From Sep 7, 2011

September 7, 2011. Verona, PA. Who exactly is Rick Santorum? That’s a question most Americans, including many Republican primary voters, can’t seem to answer. For the highest ranking candidate in the entire field of GOP presidential hopefuls, that’s a peculiar scenario. Make no mistake however, that’s exactly how the behind-the-scenes power players want it. You see, the people that rule the world, the ‘shadow government’ as some call them, have already chosen former US Senator Rick Santorum to be the next President of the United States.

former US Sen Rick Santorum
Four years ago at this time, we were one of the first to predict that a little-known politician out of Chicago’s notoriously corrupt Democratic Machine, Barack Obama, would be our next President. That was before he announced his candidacy and before most even knew who he was. With that said, we at Whiteout Press would like to make our early prediction for the 2012 Presidential election. Mark our words, Rick Santorum will be the next President of the United States.

If you the readers would like to mark another one of our controversial predictions, take note. Americans will spend the next decade debating what type of government is preferable – a democratic republic or an empire ruled by a republican dictatorship. As incredible as it sounds that America is making the exact same transition from Republic to Empire that ancient Rome made 2,000 years ago, the truth is, we’re already a decade into the transition. And that leads us to former US Senator Rick Santorum.

Perhaps it’s not so much Senator Santorum’s platform, ideas or track record that set him apart from the rest of the Republican field. It may simply be that he is one of only two ‘globalists’ running for the White House in a sea of particularly weak GOP candidates. And the other candidate from the New World Order, Mitt Romney, can’t win. Also, while the Republican field has a number of candidates who vocally support an American Empire over a democratic republic, the former Pennsylvania Senator is the only one that is publicly supporting the global empire path. And that was the secret sign to New World Order supporters everywhere that he, Rick Santorum, is their candidate.

To see how former Senator Santorum might end up in the White House, let’s trace the steps.

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Fill In The Blank 01/06/12

After a hard work week I like to _______ on weekends.

ACORN Officials Scramble, Firing Workers And Shredding Documents, After Exposed As Players Behind Occupy Wall Street Protests

Officials with the revamped ACORN office in New York -- operating as New York Communities for Change -- have fired staff, shredded reams of documents and told workers to blame disgruntled ex-employees for leaking information in an effort to explain away a FoxNews.com report last week on the group’s involvement in Occupy Wall Street protests, according to sources.

NYCC also is installing surveillance cameras and recording devices at its Brooklyn offices, removing or packing away supplies bearing the name ACORN and handing out photos of Fox News staff with a stern warning not to talk to the media, the sources said.

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From Democracy To Dictatorship

As I walk the streets of Manhattan, I study the other pedestrians and wonder if they sense our danger. A mother pushing her son’s stroller laughs into her cell phone; two elderly gentlemen greet each other effusively; a jogger shuffles past; shoppers lug their treasures home. No one looks especially worried or upset, and I wonder if they’ve heard about the National Defense Authorization Act of 2012 (NDAA).

How can the sun brightly shine and taxis whiz past as if nothing has changed?

With this legislation, America joins some of the modern world’s most brutal dictatorships – regimes like Nazi Germany, Mao’s China, and communist Russia. Places where people disappear into concentration camps or gulags, for any reason or, more usually, none at all. Nations in which citizens don’t count except for the taxes and labor they furnish the State. These contemporary serfs exist only to further their rulers’ whims; they dare not voice even the faintest opposition for fear of ruthless reprisal.

This is what happens when governments accuse and imprison whomever they please without an iota of evidence.

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Ron Paul And Iowa

A few belated thoughts on Ron Paul and the Iowa caucuses.

Certainly it’s a disappointment. Some people counter that what matters are the delegates, but in my opinion what actually matters right now is momentum, and an Iowa victory would have been great in that department. At the same time, 22% in a state that is not ideologically in Ron’s camp, with all the media hate and ridicule so intense for two solid weeks – and heck, with Ron’s opposition to ethanol subsidies thrown in – is nothing to sniff at.

So many people worked so hard in Iowa for this 20+% showing – particularly A.J. Spiker, David Fischer, and Drew Ivers, all friends of mine – and we owe them our thanks.

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Judge: Youth Drunk Driving 'Must Stop'

Following the Thursday sentencing of Kevin Coffay, 20, a Md. judge says there seems to be a culture that "doesn't just tolerate" the recklessness of underage drinking and driving, but that sometimes empowers it.

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3rd Graders Forced To Sing Pro-Occupy Song

Click on image to enlarge.

Obama Announces Pentagon Budget Cuts

President Obama announced a new military strategy on Thursday that will cut the Pentagon budget by hundreds of billions of dollars over the next decade.Speaking from the Pentagon, Obama said the plan is "smart, strategic" and sets priorities.
"I just want to say that this effort reflects the guidance I gave throughout this process," Obama said. "Yes, the tide of war is receding. But the question that this strategy answers is what kind of military will we need after the long wars of the last decade are over. And today, we're moving forward, from a position of strength."


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After Bailout, GM To Move Volt Production To China?

Although it happened back in September, 2011, it appears many American taxpayers are unaware that General Motors struck a deal in Shanghai wherein the company has agreed to develop an electric vehicle (EV) platform with its longtime Chinese partner SAIC.

What else was included in this deal? GM has agreed to effectively move all future EV development to China. It could also mean that production of the vehicle itself will be moved overseas.

More here

U.S. Military Plan Casts Wary Eye At China

(CBS News)  
The Cold War is long over. The hot war in Iraq just ended. And America's future in Afghanistan is uncertain.
Now the commander-in-chief has decided it's time for a major overhaul of the U.S. military.
At the Pentagon on Thursday, President Obama announced plans for a "leaner" fighting force, while maintaining America's military superiority.
Republican criticism came quickly. House Armed Services Chairman Buck McKeon called it "a lead-from-behind strategy for a left-behind America."

Five Years Ago Today 1-6-07



How many people remember all the graffiti all over the Downtown buildings 5 years ago?

SNB Chief Denies Wrongdoing Over Deals


(ZURICH) — The Swiss National Bank chief denied any wrongdoing Thursday and said he had no plans to resign over private currency deals that produced hefty profits for his family.
Breaking his silence to counter a national uproar, Philipp Hildebrand said had acted according to the central bank's internal rules in the U.S. dollar swaps, which came as he was spearheading efforts to lower the value of the Swiss franc.


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It Makes You Wonder

Several times a day we see school buses going back and forth, (with no children in them) down Market Street onto Mill Street. There is no possible way they can legally make the turn in either direction, so why do they choose this route?

I'd like to thank the Mayor and Council, as well as the SPD for contacting the trucking companies in which they have all agreed to change their route through this area. Now we'll have to see if the BOE is willing to follow their lead. Or is the BOE exempt from the law?

Today's Survey Question 1-6-12

How much does religion factor into your vote?

National Defense Authorization Act Outrage Continues To Grow Online

This is day three of living in post-NDAA America.

In case you've been living under a particularly large and comfy rock, the NDAA is a radical and dangerous bill -- which Barack Hussein Obama quietly signed into law on New Year's Eve, while almost every American was preoccupied with New Year's binge drinking. (His administration had previously vowed to veto the NDAA, before strangely reversing course and signing it into law. He issued a signing statement saying his administration would not use the controversial indefinite detention provisions. This promise, however, is not legally binding -- and it also does not prevent future Presidents from detaining and torturing American citizens without the right to a trial or attorney, and without bringing formal charges against them. The signing statement is the legal equivalent of a Post-it note affixed to a manuscript.)

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Police Looking For Suspect In Robbery At Laurel Cigarette Outlet

The investigation continues into a robbery around 11:30 Wednesday morning at the Laurel Cigarette Outlet.  State Police say a 53 year old employee was coming out of the storage room in the rear of the store and saw a man at the register taking money.  The suspect pointed a gun at the employee who ran back into the storage room – then a few minutes later returned to the store and called police.  The suspect is white, about 5’ 10” to 6’ tall, 210 to 230 pounds and wore a red flannel striped sweatshirt with a gray hood, blue jeans and brown work boots.  He also wore a black ski mask over his face.  Anyone with information – call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333.


Austrian Economics, Religion And Devils

Ron Paul's Masonic Jewish Economics ... Whether or not a currency is backed by gold makes no difference. As long as we pay interest, it is still Masonic Jewish (i.e. Illuminati) economics. The real alternative is interest-free currency. – HenryMakow.com

Dominant Social Theme: Austrians are the devil?

Free-Market Analysis: In his latest musings on Austrian economics, money-entrepreneur Anthony Migchels seems to make the case that Austrian economics may be part of a Zionist plot to impose one-world government.

Now, we have pointed out that Anthony Migchels, like "greenbacker" Ellen Brown, is certainly an energetic and eloquent spokesperson for the view of a kind of money-from-nothing. He believes that money ought not to be backed by commodities and that "people" ought to control money rather than "banksters."

Whatever else Anthony Migchels is doing, he is certainly livening up the debate over Austrian economics in an unexpected way and Henry Makow has given him a platform to do it. He is quite an entrepreneur and quite a commentator ...

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AAA: Gas Prices Highest Ever To Start A Year

If you think gas prices were outrageous in 2011, you're right, says Triple-A, and the price you paid to start this year was a record-breaker.

 The auto club Wednesday released figures showing the national average price for a gallon of regular, at just under 3.28 as of New Year's Day, was the highest ever at the beginning of a year, relegating 2011's New Year's Day price of 3.07 to second place.

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Renting? 9 Tips To Help You Make The Right Move

The U.S. Census Bureau reported homeownership in the fourth quarter of 2010 dropped to 66.5%. That's down from 69% back in the boom of 2006. And rental vacancy rates have dropped, too, indicating more units are filled, says Walter Molony of the National Association of Realtors, or NAR.

Molony explains that as the economy improves, more young adults are leaving the nest to become first-time renters. And more Americans are seeking a roof over their heads without the burden of a mortgage, maintenance and other responsibilities.

"If you have a short-term time horizon or don't have the economic wherewithal to own a home, then renting is certainly better," Molony says. "You don't want to get into a homebuying situation unless it's for the long haul."

You can always make owning a home a longer-term goal. In fact, a NAR survey released in January says 72% of renters believe it still makes sense to own a home over a period of several years, and 63% say they're at least somewhat likely to buy a home down the road.

In the meantime, if it looks like a lease is in your immediate future, consider these factors to help you find the right rental.

https://www.usaa.com/inet/pages/advice_renting_right_move?EID=corp_cc_hill5_2012_01-03

DUI Arrests Down From 2010

Thirty-nine people were arrested New Year's Eve weekend on DUI-related charges in Delaware...but the total number for the Department of Highway Safety's Checkpoint Strikeforce and Safe Family Holiday Campaigns was down from the previous year. Some 490 people were arrested during the campaign for DUI in 2011, almost 100 fewer than in 2010.

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QUOTES OF THE DAY 1-6-12

“The love of liberty is the love of others; the love of power is the love of ourselves.
(1778 – 1830)”
― William Hazlitt

“The world loves to be amused by hollow professions, to be deceived by flattering appearances, to live in a state of hallucination; and can forgive everything but the plain, downright, simple, honest truth.”
― William Hazlitt

“I am not, in the ordinary acceptation of the term, a good-natured man; that is, many things annoy me besides what interferes with my own ease and interest. I hate a lie; a piece of injustice wounds me to the quick, though nothing but the report of it reach me. Therefore I have made many enemies and few friends; for the public know nothing of well-wishers, and keep a wary eye on those who would reform them.”
― William Hazlitt

“Man is the only animal that laughs and weeps; for he is the only animal that is struck with the difference between what things are, and what they ought to be.”
― William Hazlitt

“He will never have true friends who is afraid of making enemies.”
― William Hazlitt

“The art of conversation is the art of hearing as well as of being heard.”
― William Hazlitt

“The only vice that cannot be forgiven is hypocrisy. The repentance of a hypocrite is itself hypocrisy.”
― William Hazlitt

“Perhaps the best cure for the fear of death is to reflect that life has a beginning as well as an end. There was a time when we were not: this gives us no concern. Why, then, should it trouble us that a time will come when we shall cease to be?”
― William Hazlitt

“I’m not smart, but I like to observe.
Millions saw the apple fall, but Newton was the one who asked why,”
― William Hazlitt

“Modern fanaticism thrives in proportion to the quanitity of contradictions and nonsense it poures down the throats of the gaping multitude, and the jargon and mysticism it offers to their wonder and credulity.”
― William Hazlitt

“Shall I faint, now that I have poured out the spirit of my mind to the world, and treated many subjects with truth, with freedom, with power, because I have been followed with one cry of abuse ever since for not being a Government tool?”
― William Hazlitt

Mister Paul's Legacy Restaurant