Headers/housekeeping...

Site headers... I am at your bidding. What do you want to see?

Also, the Gulf Oil Tracker appears to be on the fritz. When I'm seeing consistent feeds again, I'll put it back in the sidebar. In the meantime, enjoy the stunning clarity of late 60's RCA CRT. Mmmmm...

Jobs Across Maryland

July 30, 2010
Dear Friends, This week, I was proud to stand with Senators Mikulski and Cardin as we announced federal investments for new cyber security job training opportunities for 1,000 Marylanders, and additional funding to establish a National Cybersecurity Center for Excellence at the National Institute of Standards and Technology in Gaithersburg.  Our Congressional delegation understands that the jobs of the future are those that support our innovative, knowledge-based economy.  And that includes our new fields of battle, protecting Americans against terrorists, hackers, spies, and criminals in cyber space.  Accordingly, we're investing in the skills of our people so we can train cyber soldiers that not only keep our citizens safe from 21st century attacks, but also provide good jobs for the future. We also visited University of Maryland, Baltimore's BioPark, which just a few years ago was a vacant, trash-filled, overgrown empty lot that now houses some of the most innovative, life-saving research and development companies in America's biotech industry.  There, we announced that the BioInnovation Center will double its size over the next six months, expanding to 18,000 square feet to accommodate its growing companies and allow up to 50 new employees. As we invest in these new, innovative industries, creating jobs for the future of our State, these investments continue to support a network of traditional industries that are beginning to turn the corner from recession to recovery to prosperity.  Industries including retail, hospitality, communications, and others are posting open positions just this week. Martin O'Malley Governor
Office of The Governor - 100 State Circle - Annapolis, Maryland 21401-1925

Kratovil Votes for Small Business Relief, While Eliminating Tax Breaks For Companies that Ship Jobs Overseas

 Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Frank Kratovil backed bipartisan legislation to repeal onerous small business reporting requirements contained in the recently passed health care bill, which Kratovil had opposed in part because of its potential negative impact on small businesses and job creation.  The provision, which will require all businesses to file Form 1099 paperwork with the IRS for every business-to-business transaction over $600, has been identified by numerous small business owners and advocacy groups as a major concern that could create unsustainable compliance and reporting costs for many small and medium-sized businesses.  The legislation also closed tax loopholes that create incentives for companies to move their operations overseas, offshoring jobs in the process. 

“I have heard from small businesses across the district concerned about this new reporting requirement. Today’s vote presented a clear choice between standing up for small businesses, or standing up for firms that are shipping American jobs overseas,” said Kratovil.  “To me, that’s an easy choice.  Congress should not be making things harder for the small businesses that will drive our economic recovery.  Instead, today’s bill is a common sense approach to repealing these new complex compliance reports that would otherwise drain time, money, and manpower.”

The cost of tax compliance falls most heavily on small businesses. On average, small businesses spend more than $74 per hour on their tax compliance obligations, which represents the most expensive paperwork burden that the federal government imposes on small business owners.  Small business owners typically lack in-house finance departments to track this kind of reporting.  A Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy report found that complying with the tax code is already 67% more expensive for a small business than a large business.

The legislation is fiscally responsible and pays for itself by also closing tax loopholes for corporations that ship American jobs overseas and stick American taxpayers with the bill.  The bill eliminates the foreign tax credit that was originally designed to prevent double taxation but has instead created economic incentives encouraging companies to move jobs offshore to avoid U.S. taxation.  Foreign tax credit abuse is among the IRS’s top compliance concerns for large corporate taxpayers.  In 2004, U.S. multinational corporations paid an effective U.S. tax rate of just 2% on their $700 billion of foreign active earnings. 

“Companies that take American jobs overseas should not be able to benefit from tax loopholes that leave the American people picking up the tab,” said Kratovil.  “By closing this loop hole we are taking the burden off the taxpayer and small business owners and putting it back on the large multi-national companies that are taking jobs overseas.”

Although a majority of members voted for this legislation, it failed  to get the two-thirds support required to pass under the procedure with which it was considered.  Despite this bill’s failure, Rep. Kratovil pledged his support to continue to fight for the offending provision’s repeal.

You Tell Them!

Anthony Weiner (NY) went nuts Thursday night after it became clear that Republicans had enough votes to defeat a bill that provided health care to 9/11 first responders. Wouldn't it be nice if people on both sides of the aisle listened? Quit this chicken poo strategy of hiding behind procedure, attaching bs amendments for political gain, and just . . . do the right thing? See the story on CNN.com

Road Closures Week of Aug. 2nd

RNC, NRCC continue to embrace Tea Party ideals

From Kicking Ass:

Yesterday, DNC Chairman Tim Kaine, DNC Vice Chairs Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Mike Honda, and other Democratic Members of Congress held a press conference announcing the release of the Republican Tea Party Contract on America, a compilation of ten extreme conservative Tea Party ideas that Republicans have adopted as part of their own platform.

The Contract includes, among other things, repealing health insurance reform and Wall Street reform, ending Social Security and Medicare as we know them, and extending the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy while growing the federal deficit. Every single one of those positions has been advanced by Republican leaders in Congress or Republican candidates nationally, but even we would have supposed that at least a few Republicans would take issue with some of the most extreme positions. After all, could it really be true that there’s not a single Republican willing to stand against the dismantling of Social Security? At least for now, that seems to be the case.

As the Washington Post reported yesterday, a spokesman for the RNC “would not say whether the RNC disagrees with any of the 10 agenda items.”

And despite contacting the offices of multiple Republican leaders in Congress including Congressman Mike Pence, Congressman Eric Cantor, and Congressman Kevin McCarthy, CNN’s Political Ticker couldn’t find any Republicans who would disagree either.

In a statement to the Political Ticker, a spokesman for the National Republican Campaign Committee, who also refused to disavow any of the extreme conservative policies highlighted in the Contract, said:

"Not only has this tired line of attack already been proven to be ineffective, it is offensive to voters.”

If the NRCC considers it an ‘attack’ simply to highlight some of their candidates’ most closely held positions, perhaps they should rethink the Republican Party’s support for unpopular policies like enabling insurance companies to once again raise rates unfairly and rescind Americans’ coverage when they get sick or empowering big Wall Street banks to once again gamble taxpayers’ money away.

In the meantime, voters are more likely to be offended by Republicans’ continued allegiance with big banks, big insurance, big oil and other special interests – to the detriment of the American Middle Class – than by those who are simply willing to point out those ongoing relationships.

Infographic fun

Name That Flick

Click image to enlarge. Can you name the flick?

7.5/10

Inside the war room

A sneak peek inside Governor O'Malley's campaign HQ.

Kratovil Joins Ag Committee in Moving Forward with Chesapeake Bay Program Reauthorization and Improvement Act

Today, Rep. Frank Kratovil joined the House Committee on Agriculture in favorably reporting out H.R. 5509, a bill to reauthorize the Chesapeake Bay programs, marking the first House Committee action on this important environmental and agricultural priority. Kratovil called the markup “a step in an ongoing process” and pledged to work closely with agricultural and environmental organizations as the process continues.

“Two of my top priorities in Congress are protecting the Chesapeake Bay and supporting the district’s agricultural sector, both of which are major economic drivers sustaining thousands of jobs here in the first district. Reauthorizing and improving the Chesapeake Bay cleanup programs is critical to both priorities,” said Rep. Kratovil. “After 25 years of well-intentioned but insufficient efforts, we can and we must do more to protect Bay, and we must move forward in a way that acknowledges and mitigates the reasonable concerns of farmers. Building on the Chesapeake Bay programs included in the last Farm Bill, as this legislation considered today would do, is a positive step in that direction.”

Farm groups praised today’s action on H.R. 5509, citing provisions that will establish an independent advisory committee to review federal spending and the accuracy and fairness of EPA’s Bay model, strengthen existing USDA- NRCS programs to support farmers’ efforts to improve water quality, and create a nutrient trading program to provide additional economic opportunities for farmers. “We appreciate today’s action by the House Agriculture Committee and Congressman Kratovil’s support of H.R. 5509,” said Bill Satterfield, Executive Director of Delmarva Poultry Industry, Inc. “Thisis a significant step towards helping farmers on the Eastern Shore and throughout the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.”

Environmental leaders also acknowledged improvements made to the bill during the markup. “We appreciate Congressman Kratovil’s efforts to improve H.R. 5509 and his leadership on cleaning up the Bay and supporting Maryland farmers,” said Doug Siglin, Federal Affairs Director for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.

“It must be recognized that Maryland’s farmers are leaders in conservation efforts—in fact, the agriculture community’s contributions to the Bay’s nutrient load are decreasing,” said Kratovil. “ The significant strides made by Maryland farmers and others within the watershed deserve to be applauded. It is absolutely essential that we move forward in a broad based and effective manner that does not unfairly target one sector of the economy but rather supports the critical role farmer’s play while also improving the overall health of the Bay.”

While H.R. 5509 differs significantly from the Chesapeake Bay bill introduced in the Senate by Senator Benjamin L. Cardin, Cardin noted that he was pleased to see the House beginning the process of moving forward on the reauthorization. “Today’s action by the House Agriculture Committee helps our farmers take another step towards cleaning up the Bay,” said Senator Cardin. “I look forward to continue working with my colleagues and all stakeholders to craft a legislation that restores the health of the Chesapeake Bay and supports farmers throughout the watershed.”

Moving forward, Rep. Kratovil will continue to seek input and feedback from farmers, watermen, environmental leaders, local officials, and all concerned citizens about what changes are needed as the bill continues through the process.

Arizona Victory: Amplify the Impact

Dear ACLU Supporters,

Don't let racial profiling spread. Sign the ACLU's petition to Gov. O'Malley and all other governors.

You may have already heard that today a federal judge in Phoenix blocked the most egregious provisions of Arizona's racial profiling, "show me your papers" law from taking effect tomorrow.

Many people have been working hard to stop this law from ever being enacted. And we still have a long way to go, but today's ruling is an important and critical first step.

I can tell you from first-hand experience that the reactionary forces that have been pushing this law will stop at nothing to see it enacted. And they'll keep trying to spread their misguided tactics in statehouses across the nation.

But, I also know that there are millions of people like you who care about justice, freedom and upholding the Constitution. That's why your voice is so critical. So, on the heels of this big victory today, help make sure the poisonous policy of racial profiling doesn't spread to other states.

Tell Gov. O'Malley and all other governors that you won't tolerate unconstitutional racial profiling in your state or anywhere in the United States. Sign the ACLU's petition.

Today's ruling came after the judge heard arguments from the U.S. Department of Justice, the ACLU and our allies last week that irreparable harm would occur if Arizona's law is allowed to go into effect tomorrow. The judge agreed and recognized that the law would lead to the "intrusion of police presence into the lives of legally-present aliens (and even United States citizens), who will necessarily be swept up by [its requirements]."

But today, we need you to take action. Let's make it clear that the unconstitutional "show me your papers" law does not belong in Arizona, or anywhere else people try to promote racial profiling.

Sign the ACLU's petition to Gov. O'Malley and all other governors.

Thanks for supporting our ongoing efforts to defeat this dangerous and unconstitutional approach in Arizona and for standing up against racial profiling all across America.

Sincerely, Vivek Malhotra Advocacy and Policy Counsel ACLU

P.S. This is our best chance to send a loud and clear message to governors across the country that what happens in Arizona, stops in Arizona. Sign the petition to Gov. O'Malley and all other governors, and we'll deliver your petition with thousands of others.

© ACLU, 125 Broad Street, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10004

Youth Leadership Academy Luncheon

Mayor Ireton to announce Safe Streets Legislation

To: Neighborhood Association Leaders

From: Mayor Ireton

July 28, 2010

Re:  2010 Safe Streets Neighborhood Legislative Agenda Unveiling is Monday

Dear Community Leader:

Since coming into office 14 months ago I have worked every day to improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods.  Recently, Salisbury was awarded 327K from the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention to continue our Salisbury Safe Streets Coalition efforts.  Though we have experienced tragedy over the past two weeks, our Type I crime rates are down, city-wide, by 10.8%.  I am proud of the efforts of Acting Chief Barkley and the men and women of the Salisbury Police Department.

As you know, the integrity and sustainability of our neighborhoods depends on a housing code that supports citizens, both homeowner and renter, in their desire to live in a safe and peaceful place. 

It’s taken longer than I would have liked, but I am ready to send to the City Council my 2010 Salisbury Safe Streets Neighborhood Legislation.  I am sending to council what I believe is an important step in our fight against neighborhood crime and blight.  The highlights of the proposed legislation are below. 

I am asking that you help show your support for making our neighborhoods a safer place to live for ALL our residents by joining me on Monday, August 2, 2010 at 1:00 PM in council chambers for my public announcement of these initiatives.  We will have to stand strong in the face of opposition that will seek no tangible change in our neighborhoods.  I did not run to accept the status quo, and I won’t do that now. 

If you can attend, please let Jessie Cocci or Sherrell McBride in my office know you will be joining us.  410-548-3100 is the phone number in my office.

2010 Salisbury Safe Streets Neighborhood Legislative Initiatives

1. Community Association Empowerment Act of 2010 – Helps neighborhoods battle houses riddled with prostitution – mirrors the state drug nuisance abatement law
2. Crime Free Lease Addendum – provides for lease termination due to calls for service for criminal activity
3. Tenants Bill of Rights – increases protection of tenants by providing legal contacts, and informs tenants of the number of non-related individuals that can occupy a dwelling
4. 3 Strikes – allows the city to recover the costs associated with repeated calls for service to the Salisbury Police Department or Neighborhood Services & Code Compliance Department
5. BZA Code Revisions – increase the burden of proof requirement that a dwelling is a legal use of a non-conforming use from 50% (preponderance of evidence) to 75% (clear and convincing evidence)

The Republican Tea Party

Because there is no difference. The Tea Party is nothing more than the base of the Republican Party. And here is what they really represent.

"One Maryland" e-Newsletter, 7/27

July 27, 2010 A Message from the Governor The Power of Partnerships This afternoon, we stood with local officials, construction workers, and community leaders to announce – after three years of intensive research and planning – that this fall, with Board of Public Works approval tomorrow, we will break ground on the 28-acre redevelopment of Baltimore's State Center. The five-phase, 15-year redevelopment is expected to bring nearly 10,000 jobs during the construction phase and more than 5,400 permanent, private-sector jobs to the heart of Baltimore City when the project is complete. This is the beginning of an ambitious public-private partnership that will transform a stagnant, government office complex into a vibrant, walkable, green space that will link nine surrounding communities, revitalize a key part of Baltimore City, and bring thousands of private-sector jobs to the heart of Baltimore.  The state commitment to lease office space opens the door for the development team to seek the private funding necessary to build the project, a project that will drive our economic recovery by supporting jobs and attracting new business to the area with work beginning this fall. State Center is the second major public-private partnership to move forward in the past year.  Last year, we finalized an agreement to lease operation of Seagirt Marine terminal at the Port of Baltimore to Ports America Chesapeake.  As part of the agreement, Ports America Chesapeake is now constructing a new 50-foot berth at Seagirt using private funds, which will support 5,700 new jobs in the area.    As we work through this national recession, we will continue to leverage our job creating potential through innovative, public-private partnerships that create jobs and fuel economic progress. Martin O'Malley Governor Maryland Selected as Race to the Top Finalist Today, Maryland was named a finalist for the federal government's $4.3 billion "Race to the Top" education grant initiative. The unprecedented federal program is aimed at boosting student achievement, reducing gaps in achievement among student subgroups, turning around struggling schools, and improving the teaching profession.  Maryland is eligible for up to $250 million in the grant program's second round, expected to be awarded in September. A delegation led by Governor Martin O'Malley and State Superintendent of Schools Nancy S. Grasmick will head to Washington, DC next month to be interviewed by U.S. Department of Education officials as part of the grant selection process. Maryland developed its proposal with unprecedented engagement and openness.  State officials held more than 80 meetings with local systems, organizations, and teacher's associations over the past six months.  In addition, the State held 40 focus groups with teachers and principals.             Governor O'Malley has committed record investments to Maryland's public schools all four years of his Administration, despite difficult economic times.  This year, for the second year in a row, Education Week Magazine named Maryland's public schools the number one school system in the nation.  As a result of unprecedented state investment, Maryland's elementary and middle school students achieved their highest MSA scores since testing began in 2003. Governor O'Malley Calls for Long-Term Electricity Report Last week, Governor O'Malley signed an Executive Order directing the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to prepare a Long-Term Electricity Report for the State by the end of next year. The first such report in 20 years will evaluate Maryland's long-term electricity needs and will include a comprehensive review of alternatives to meet those needs. Building on MEA's 2008 Electricity Strategy and 2010 Maryland Energy Outlook, this report will be the first comprehensive, alternatives analysis for Maryland since 1990. During the intervening years, Maryland's population has grown by about one million people, electricity consumption has grown by more than 25 percent, and concerns about the environmental impacts of electricity supply and consumption have increased.  With an estimated population increase of one million Marylanders by 2030, this report will be an essential tool in securing our energy future, and keeping Maryland Smart, Green and Growing. O'Malley-Brown Administration Launches "Jobs Across Maryland" Map The Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development recently launched the "Jobs Across Maryland" Interactive Map, which allows citizens to see the efforts statewide currently underway to expand opportunity and create jobs in Maryland. The map illustrates Governor O'Malley's "Jobs Across Maryland Tour," providing in depth detail of each employer the Governor has visited, and the number of employees supporting their families at that location.  The "Jobs Tour" icons also provide a link to the Governor's blog where viewers can read more about each visit. The map also pin points locations in Maryland where businesses or organizations have already hired more employees. By clicking on the individual icons, users are able to gain more information about each location, including how many new employees have been hired. Shop Maryland Week begins August 8th! Just in time for back-to-school shopping, August 8th to August 14th has been designated "Shop Maryland Week," a week when Marylanders can enjoy tax-free shopping on clothing and footwear under $100. Examples of qualifying items are sweaters, shirts, slacks, jeans, dresses, robes, underwear, belts, shoes, and boots priced at $100 or less.  Additionally, the weekend of February 19, 2011 through February 21, 2011 will be a tax–free three day weekend during which the sales and use tax will not apply to the sale of selected Energy Star Product, or solar water heater.	In This Issue Maryland Selected as Race to the Top Finalist Governor O'Malley Calls for Long-Term Electricity Report O'Malley-Brown Administration Launches "Jobs Across Maryland" Map Shop Maryland Week begins August 8th! Maryland Events Carroll County 4-H and FFA Fair July 31-August 6, Sat.-Fri. 9am-10pm at the Carroll County Agriculture Center in Westminster. Join our extended family for a week filled with wonderful food, entertainment, exhibits and fun! Cecil County Fair July 27-31, varied times at Routes 273 & 213 in Fair Hill. 4-H and open fair, goats, cows, horses, rabbits, chickens, demo derby, midway, truck/tractor pulls, nightly entertainment. White Marlin Open August 2-6, Mon.-Fri fishing 8:30am-3:30pm and weigh-ins are 4-9pm daily at Harbour Island Marina in Ocean City. World's largest billfish tournament. Prize money of $3.5 million, off-shore fishing for white marlin, blue marlin, wahoo, dolphin, tuna, shark. Great spectator event; more than 350 boats compete. Defenders Return to the Fort July 31-August 1, 1-4pm at Fort McHenry in Baltimore City. Activities vary but include canon and musket-firing demonstrations, fife and drum concerts, washerwoman and barracks activities and posting guard. Related Links Office of the Governor Office of Community Initiatives Read last week's One Maryland
Office of The Governor - 100 State Circle - Annapolis, Maryland 21401-1925

“Salisbury Safe Streets Week” August 2-6, 2010 – Salisbury, Maryland National Night Out

Mayor James Ireton, Jr. invites the public to participate in events celebrating “Salisbury Safe Streets Week” and “National Night Out: America’s Night Out Against Crime.”

Monday, August 2, 2010
1.    2010 Safe Streets Neighborhood Legislative Package Announcement – 1:00 PM, City Hall
2.    Safe Streets Week Prayer Service – 6:00 PM, Rev. Annette Wilson - Cathedral of Love, 419 E. Church Street, Salisbury

Tuesday, August 3, 2010
1.   National Night Out, Salisbury City Park – 6:00 PM.  Activities include Salisbury Fire Department truck tours, Neighborhood Services Department face painting & balloons, McGruff the Crime Dog, PRMC’s Wellness Mobile, Maryland Department of Juvenile Services, Red Cross, Wicomico County Health Department, Youth MOVE Maryland/Wicomico Chapter, Maryland Food Bank, St. James A.M.E. Zion Church, New Macedonia Baptist Church, United Church of the First Born, Salisbury Zoo, Center for Conflict Resolution. The City of Salisbury thanks the Centre at Salisbury for making National Night Out possible.

Wednesday, August 4, 2010
1.    Princeton Avenue City Service Center Opening – 1:00 PM, 117 Princeton Avenue
2.    NAACP Back to School Rally – 2:00 PM at Salisbury Middle School

Thursday, August 5, 2010
1.    Safe Streets/Salisbury Neighborhood Housing Services – Stimulus/Community Development Block Grant Sidewalks/Principal Buy-Down Event. Location: Dover & Vaden Streets – 5:30 PM
2.    Doverdale Playground Night – Wicomico County Recreation and Parks, Neighborhood Services & Code Compliance – Moon Bounce, face painting, children’s games – 6:00 PM

Friday, August 6, 2010
1.    Law Enforcement Appreciation Night – Downtown Plaza Salisbury – 5:00 - 7:00 PM
The City of Salisbury and Urban Salisbury, Inc. invite you to come show your appreciation and meet people from many different Maryland law enforcement entities. Food provided by downtown restaurants and Perdue. Drinks by Pepsi.  Plaza will be closed for Law Enforcement and their families to visit with citizens of Salisbury.

Official response from Julie Brewington, re: Joe Stack Facebook page

"I do not support or advocate terrorism, unwarranted violent attacks on innocent people and civilians in any circumstance. Terrorism has brought much pain and loss of life in this country over the past few decades and is a serious issue and problem that must be faced. I, like most people were perplexed at Joe Stacks actions and wanted answers as to why he did what he did, if he was connected to any group, and who he was. I watched the news with great interest and looked for information on the story on the internet as well as face book, as the information unfolded. In the days and weeks that followed, we found he was a lone mad man. 

Information gathering is something I do as a concerned citizen and while I actively blogged. I follow Obama on twitter, and have "liked" Kratovil and O'Malley's facebook pages among others. This is not an endorsement of any one, but rather a means of learning more about the people that affect our lives. To make some alleged connection or jump to the conclusion, that because I follow anyone on twitter or face book means I have a relationship with them or that I support them in anyway is purposely misleading and  false."

Mikulski, Cardin, Sarbanes, & O'Malley Announce New Opportunity for Training for Jobs of the Future in Maryland

Delegation announces almost $5 million in federal funds for group of Maryland academic, industry and government partners to train 1,000 students to work in cyber security field

WASHINGTON, DC (July 26, 2010) – U.S. Senators Barbara A. Mikulski and Benjamin L. Cardin, Congressman John Sarbanes (all D-Md.), and Governor Martin O’Malley today announced new cyber security job training opportunities for 1,000 Marylanders. The announcement was made at ARINC, an Annapolis-based leader in cyber security and a partner in the Pathways to Cyber Security Careers Consortium, a consortium of academic, industry and government partners awarded a nearly $5 million, three-year, competitive Community-Based Job Training grant from the U.S. Department of Labor (DoL).

“This is about jobs, jobs, jobs – jobs that keep the country safe and keep the economy strong. It’s about giving people the tools they need to prepare for the jobs of the future,” Senator Mikulski said. “With these funds, the Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation - alongside the Mid-Maryland Workforce Investment System in Howard and Carroll Counties, as well as the Baltimore Mayor’s office of Employment Development - will train a new pipeline of workers to fill jobs in cyber security, which are needed now and will be needed even more as Maryland continues to be the national leader in cyber. This is a win-win opportunity to help save lives, transform lives and transform communities.”

The Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation, in partnership with community colleges in Anne Arundel, Carroll and Howard counties; University of Maryland-University College; and more than a dozen industry and government partners such as ARINC, was awarded $4,953,035 to create a new training program in cyber security and information assurance, which will lead to more than 765 students attaining industry credentials in the field during the course of the grant and to 1,000 students receiving training in the field.

“This DoL grant is important for job creation and will help ensure our nation’s future cyber security,” said Senator Cardin, chairman of the Homeland Security and Terrorism Subcommittee of the Judiciary Committee. “I am committed to making sure that Marylanders have the training and skills to get jobs in the growing field of cyber security and I applaud the partnership that it creates between Anne Arundel Community College and the business community. We all have the same goal and that is to protect our nation’s Internet from an attack by terrorists who want to disrupt our communications network.”

“I’m very pleased that these federal job training funds are flowing into Maryland,” said Congressman Sarbanes. “Cyber security is a tremendous growth field for this region and we must prepare Marylanders to take advantage of job opportunities in the cyber security industry.”

“Threats such as identity theft, network viruses, loss of sensitive information and other malicious activity are part of the ever evolving world of cyber information and communications,” said Governor O’Malley. “As public servants, our most solemn obligation is to protect the safety of the citizens we serve, and that includes protection from cyber threats. All Marylanders have an obligation to protect themselves as well, as we address this modern security threat as One Maryland.”
"We are pleased to be part of this strategic collaboration of industry, academia and government working together on the important mission of ensuring an upcoming workforce that is trained on cyber security and information assurance," said John Belcher, Chairman & CEO of ARINC.

“I want to expressly thank Senator Mikulski and the Maryland delegation for her and their outstanding leadership and support for all of Maryland’s community colleges as we work to meet the state’s existing and emerging workforce needs,” said Dr. Martha Smith, President of Anne Arundel Community College “Through this grant Anne Arundel Community College will provide education and training for workers entering the field of Cyber Security as well as for those already in the field needing to increase their knowledge and skills.

“This grant will provide Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation and our other workforce partners with additional funds to retain our Dislocated Workers and get them back to work sooner,” AAWDC President and CEO Kirkland Murray said.

Nationwide, the U. S. Department of Labor awarded $125 million in Community-Based Job Training grants through a competitive process to support workforce training for high-growth/high-demand industries through the national system of community, technical, and tribal colleges. A wide range of industries, including green industries, health care, transportation and advanced manufacturing, are considered high-growth or high-demand.

Chili Throwdown in October!!

I know it is way early to announce, but since there's been talk of it below in comments, I just wanted to make it official. Building on the huge success of the PD Crabcake throwdown (through which we raised a bunch of money for Habitat for Humanity), we'll be having a chili throwdown in October (exact date and time TBA). Kids of Honor is the chosen charity--check them out, they do great work. Format will be the same: contestants foot the bill for their chili, non contestants pay $10 to be a judge, and 100% of the proceeds will go to the charity.

You think your chili is the best on the Eastern Shore? Well, bring it on! And don't be coming anywhere near me with that Cincinatti stuff! I know we can disagree on a lot around here, but can we all agree that putting pasta in chili makes it . . . pasta? And that having to order something two way, three way, or all the way makes it sound like you are in a brothel? Beans vs meat we can discuss, however. I will beat down those who add beans and those who see beans of any sort as a sacrilege. Here's my objective prediction: Donna? Going down in flames. Champs? Going down in flames. Julie? Going down in flames!!!! GDP? Going down in flames. Chuck? Going down if he is not too scared to enter. Anyone else who dares enter (Bob?)? Going down in flames. Me? Winning and getting the adoration of the masses.

We had a lot of fun last time, it is a good chance to hang out and set aside politics for awhile and just eat good food.

Equal Opportunity political email forwards

For those of you who only get the right wing email forwards from your concerned loved ones and relatives, you may recognize this one because it's been making the rounds for the last couple of weeks:

Which side of the fence?
If you ever wondered which side of the fence you sit on, this is a great test!

If a Republican doesn't like guns, he doesn’t buy one.
If a Democrat doesn't like guns, he wants all guns outlawed.

If a Republican is a vegetarian, he doesn’t eat meat.
If a Democrat is a vegetarian, he wants all meat products banned for everyone.

If a Republican is homosexual, he quietly leads his life.
If a Democrat is homosexual, he demands legislated respect.

If a Republican is down-and-out, he thinks about how to better his situation.
A Democrat wonders who is going to take care of him.

If a Republican doesn't like a talk show host, he switches channels.
Democrats demand that those they don't like be shut down.

If a Republican is a non-believer, he doesn't go to church.
A Democrat non-believer wants any mention of God and religion silenced.

If a Republican decides he needs health care, he goes about shopping for it, or may choose a job that provides it.
A Democrat demands that the rest of us pay for his.

If a Republican reads this, he'll forward it so his friends can have a good laugh.
A Democrat will delete it because he's "offended".

Well, I forwarded it.

So, in the interest of fairness, I offer a Democratic version to send to all your NON-INSANE friends who are tired of all the astro-turfing right wing PR firms thinking up new ways to fill their inboxes:

If a Democrat hears about a crime in his neighborhood, he calls the cops, and then finds out if his local police department is adequately funded.

If a Republican hears about a crime in his neighborhood, he buys a gun and gets shot by his wife when he's drunk. Unless his kid used it to shoot the neighbor kid first.

If a Democrat has a religion, he practices it at home and at church.
If a Republican has a religion, everyone must practice it in all public places, schools and courthouses.

If a Democrat isn't a homosexual, he doesn't have sex with homosexuals.
If a Republican isn't a homosexual, he wants to ban homosexuals from ever enlisting in the military and getting married (because there's nothing worse than a monogamous homosexual) but will still have sex with them in a public restroom.

If a Democrat sees his hard-working neighbor out of a job, he wonders if any of the existing economic policies cost him his job, how this can be corrected, and how society can help him until he gets back to work.
If a Republican sees his hard-working neighbor out of a job, he assumes the guy is lazy or being punished by God.

If a Democrat doesn't like a talk show host, he changes stations...and finds that they are all Republicans even though half or more Americans are Democrats.
If a Republican doesn't like a talk show host, he calls him a terrorist-loving, America-hating traitor who should be shot (or maybe that was just Rush Limbaugh).

If a Democrat has good health insurance, he wonders if others have it too and how he can help them get it.
If a Republican has good health insurance, he doesn't give a crap if other people die in the streets like unwanted dogs.

If a Democrat hears a good idea like "Love your neighbor as yourself," they try to live by it.
If a Republican hears a good idea like that, they make a long list of exceptions to the rule, to include women, minorities, immigrants, gays....

Lastly, if a Democrat gets an un-sourced email, he wonders if it was concocted by some big DC-based corporate public relations lobbying firm who knows just how to push Republicans’ buttons.
If a Republican gets an un-sourced email, he forwards it without thought because it pushed all his buttons.

Send it to your friends, and I'll let you know how long it takes to eventually get back to me. Until then, I'll just keep reading the ones that tell me how I'm a Communist Nazi baby killer who hates Jesus. And maybe they'll have lots of American Flag animated gifs at the bottom!

Melanie's Movie Reviews!

It's been a long time since I offered my sage advice about current movies, so here goes. With the extreme heat we've had lately, I was inspired to check out two movies: "Inception," and "Salt." Let's take "Inception" first. I'm sure you have seen the trailers for this one and have heard the buzz. Part "Matrix," part "Killers," and a little bit of "Titanic" (ok, not much of that last one except Leo), "Inception" follows the journey of a gang of people who essentially have figured out how to enter into someone else's subconscious and either steal an idea, or, in this case, plant one. That's the easy part. The tricky part is getting back out. You see, the brain doesn't particularly like folks messing with it, and there's the added difficulty that the deeper you go, the more likely you are to confuse the dream world with reality. So the central question here is, what is reality? Cool stunts, amazing special effects, an interesting ending and some plodding plot lines in between. The film is not much for dialogue--more like monologues trying to explain what the heck is going on--but it is still trippy enough that you should go see it. So I give this one a "pay full price," and maybe even splurge on popcorn. If you figure out the ending, please email me your theories . . .

Next up, "Salt." This film is basically "Mr. And Mrs. Smith" without the Mister. The "Smith" film, of course, is where our heroine Angelina Jolie met Brad Pitt and decided to have 43 children with him. "Salt" is not a sequel, but it does feature Angelina kicking the snot out of many foes. Jolie plays a CIA agent who may or may not be a double (triple, quadruple?) agent. The bad guys, refreshingly enough, are the Russians. It makes you long for the Cold War, and is particularly relevant given the recent expulsion of 10 Russian sleeper agents here in the real world. You can see most of the twists a mile away, but it is pretty fun watching how we get there. There's one distracting scene where Jolie is supposed to look like a guy, but the make-up is so bad that all the Secret Service guys who let "him" through need to be fired (well, that is, if they are still alive. Have I mentioned a giant body count?). I'm a sucker for a spy film, so I enjoyed this rock 'em, sock 'em throwback to the 1980s. Just don't go into it expecting a philosophical puzzle like "Inception." I rate it a definitely Netflix, a go ahead and see the matinee, and if you are feeling rich, go pay full price. It is a fun diversion.

Ehrlich And Harris Palling Around With Supporter Of Domestic Terrorist

Julie Brewington, Republican candidate for Delegate in 38A, locked her Facebook page probably since she does not want voters to know that she is a fan of domestic terrorists.... but guess what: she is. The candidate Mrs. Brewington is a FAN of the philosophy of the domestic terrorist Joe Stack. Remember him? He is the guy who flew an airplane into a government building in Texas, killing a worker there.

Here is Bob Ehrlich palling around with Julie Brewington: fan and supporter of a domestic terrorist.


And Here is the birther Andy Harris palling around with Julie Brewington: fan and supporter of a domestic terrorist.


Why are Bob Ehrlich and Andy Harris palling around with someone who supports a domestic terrorist?

Why has the candidate Mrs. Julie Brewington not told the voters that she is a fan of a domestic terrorist?

Nail-d is here!!!!!!!

Hello everyone..... Our CD tracks are now mastered and off to be printed. We are announcing a name change as well. Reconcile520 is now ...Nail-d. You can check us out on our Facebook page and of course then become a fan. We have 2 songs up to listen to from the new project.

UPDATE: NEW MYSPACE PAGE FOR NAIL-D IS UP AND RUNNING. IT INCLUDES ALL 7 TRACKS CLICK AND LISTEN........................

Another "Reverse Racism" plot exposed!

I thought this political cartoon summed up everything that Breitbart and Fox did to Shirley Sherrod last week.

Remember the name "Andrew Breitbart". Remember what he does. Remember his Saul Alinsky tactics. When you see the names of his websites pop up in stories (BigGovernment.com, BigHollywood.com, BigJournalism.com, Breitbart.com), remember what he intentionally did to destroy Shirley Sherrod's life in the pursuit of "beating Democrats". This is the man who is the poster child of what is wrong in politics today.

We need to rise above the Breitbarts and the Fox News' of the world, and reclaim civil discourse on behalf of good Americans. We cannot let them push us into the muck. We cannot let them dictate our values, or lack thereof. They are destroying this country within and fomenting hate to push their pro-corporatist agend, and it's high time that every American recognizes them for what they are: Saul Alinsky style propagandists for the interests of the ultra-wealthy.

Middle Class Americans need to know whose side Breitbart and Fox are really on.

Wicomico County Democratic Headquarters Grand Opening

Thanks to Duck Around for the great pics.

Everybody give a warm welcome to...

Things have been so busy on my end, I haven't yet had the opportunity to welcome the newest member of the PD community, SAGEGILIAN!

Everybody say hi!

Jobs Across Maryland

July 23, 2010
Dear Friends, Small businesses account for 2 out of every 3 jobs in Maryland and are the backbone of our economy.  Ensuring that credit is available and flowing to small businesses is vital to recovery and job growth.  Yesterday, I met with banks and lenders from across the state and challenged all of us to find ways to increase small business lending so that our state's small businesses can continue to grow and succeed. In 2009, we launched Maryland's Small Business Credit Recovery Program, which works through an existing state financing program – the Maryland Industrial Development Financing Authority – to provide a state-funded guaranty of privately-financed small business loans.  Already this year, we have provided $6 million in loan guaranties to small businesses. This week, we learned that for the fourth straight month, Maryland experienced job growth.  In June, Maryland employers added 1,600 jobs to their payrolls, marking a gain of more than 40,000 jobs since January – the most net jobs growth in a January to June period since 1996.  Particularly notable is that Maryland continues to grow jobs at about twice the rate of the rest of the nation, and added jobs in June when the rest of the nation experienced a decline. We also learned this week that venture capital investments in Maryland shot up more than 52%, to more than $100 million in the second quarter of 2010, indicating that the market anxiety that has slowed the recovery appears to be turning.  And there are indications that employer confidence is on the upswing as well.  A recent survey showed 39 percent of businesses said they expected to add staff during the second half of the year. This week's news is another positive sign for families and businesses in Maryland.  In these tough economic times, we have made the tough choices necessary to create and save jobs, improve conditions for Maryland businesses, and fuel economic progress.  Together, we continue to leverage the enormous job-creating potential of our State, including strategic tax cuts for businesses that hire unemployed workers, and investments in important growth sectors of our economy, a world-class workforce, and America's #1 ranked public schools. Martin O'Malley Governor
Office of The Governor - 100 State Circle - Annapolis, Maryland 21401-1925

Birther Loses Endorsement

In a hopeful sign of things to come, a Kansas newspaper withdrew their support for a Republican Congressional candidate because they discovered he was a birther. Tracey Mann, who is leading the race right now, twice called for Obama to prove that he is a citizen--as recently as this week! So the Hutchinson News withdrew their endorsement noting "That this even continues as an issue is appalling."

Now Mann is trying to claim he isn't a birther, though it is kind of hard when he is quoted saying "I think the president of the United States needs to come forth with his papers and show everyone that he is an American citizen." Yeah, Tracey, that would make you a birther!

My guess is that the GOP will finally being fleeing from these nutters soon. But unfortunately for them, we've got pretty good memories.

Se the story at CNN.com

Democratic Club of Wicomico County Headquarters Opening

Democratic Club of Wicomico County Headquarters Opening

Don't miss the grand opening of the new Wicomico Democratic Headquarters tomorrow.

Where:  110 Baptist St, suite B.  in downtown Salisbury
When:  Tomorrow, July 24th, at 11am
Why:   To show support for our Democratic candidates and to see the new HQ in Salisbury!

Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown will be there to help us cut the ribbon.  We'll have light refreshments, and the candidates running in the county will be in attendance as well.   Don't miss the grand opening of the headquarters tomorrow!

More Pics from Tawes Clam Bake