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The situation on Clement Street is playing out on block after block across Baltimore, an investigation by The Baltimore Sun has found. Since the late 1970s, when it was devised as a low-cost way to keep a lid on tax increases, the homestead credit has morphed into a massive subsidy fueling widespread inequality — a problem made worse by errors in billing and inadequate oversight.

via Property tax: Benefits of tax break for homeowners are not spread evenly across Baltimore – baltimoresun.com.

Franchot, O’Malley are you listening? Where have you been? Spending the money I think. So Democrats in Annapolis are redistributing the wealth. Stop it. Get this fixed.

The ultimate gift for the oyster lover.

Opens horizontally, keeping juices in the shell.

Now anyone can open oysters, safely!

via Gear and Gifts at Chesapeake Bay Magazine.

(DougWeb: Just when you thought it wasn’t possible to find the ultimate gift for the shucker in your life.)

The graffiti writer known as Revok, whose work is displayed in the “Art in the Streets” exhibit at the Museum of Contemporary Art, was sentenced Monday to 180 days in jail after a judge found that he had violated the terms of his probation in a previous vandalism conviction, court officials said.

via ‘Revok’ graffiti writer sentenced to 180 days in jail | L.A. NOW | Los Angeles Times.

(Like I keep saying, the difference between graffiti and art is permission.)

WordPress plugin updates, an Akismet IP address, and updates to WP-Touch Pro have been blocked/broken at my Network Solutions hosted blogs for over a week. Is it just me or is anyone else experiencing this issue?

Levin has come under fire for saying he'd do anything short of throwing rocks to bring down the Tea Party. In the last two days, the Beaverton School District has received thousands of e-mails and phone calls from people across the country who said they were outraged at his behavior.

Read the ENTIRE story at FoxNEWS.com:

via FOXNews.com – Teacher Who Sought to ‘Demolish’ Tea Party Placed on Leave From School.

The Twitter snowstorm | Storm Blog | Blogs (www.HometownAnnapolis.com – The Capital).

Clever snow related story at Hometown Annapolis

I’m loving my Kindle DX. This Christmas I received a bundle of Amazon gift certificates that I used to buy more books and a clip on lamp. The Kindle and my computer, and the TV are my source entertainment while I have been home with an as yet diagnosed illness.

When I get tired of reading I can play old radio plays (mp3 files) that I downloaded from Zootradio.com my favorite old radio play site.  Using a male to male stereo cable I connect the headphone jack to a set of small amplified computer speakers. The Kindle DX brings new life to Sherlock Holmes episodes of the 40′s. Oh and don’t forget Orson Well and the Third Man.

The coolest part of shopping for Kindle books are the free books Amazon has made available. Amazon has quite a few Jack London titles. I’m a big fan of London. When I lived in California I visited Wolf House and his grave. When I was a kid I think I read White Fang three times.

Since I wrote my first comments on the device my Kindle fell from the seat of the car onto the curb as I got out of the car.  It was either damaged at this point or after placing it back in the car the car door slammed against one corner. When I got home I discovered the display had been damaged. I contacted Amazon using their on-line procedure of sending a form email first and then accepting telephone call from a support person. Amazon truly impressed me.  The warranty took care of my broken Kindle. Amazon had a new one in my mail box with forty-eight hours.

When I purchased the Kindle I bought this Belkin cover for it. In m ost circumstances it is all I needed but for longer trips I may consider a larger container with more padding. In a few days I should receive the clip on light I ordered for the Kindle. The reading light situation isn’t perfect in my home. I figure one of the small battery powered lamps will do the trick.  My only hope is the battery life of the lamp will be as good as the Kindle’s.   The Kindle has given me a great deal of enjoyment in the four or so months that I have owned it.  The good things about it out weigh the few gripes I have. Maybe I should have also purchased the extended warranty?  Perhaps you are thinking about purchasing a Kindle yourself. Feel free to use the links on this page to make your purchase and support DougWeb. While I am home and not able to work every little bit helps.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 6, 2009

CONTACT: Ron Miller, (410) 474-3778

Ron Miller Files for District 27 Maryland Senate Seat

Local Republican hopes to be the GOP challenger in 2010 to 34-year plus incumbent and Senate President Thomas V. "Mike" Miller

ANNAPOLIS –Community activist, U.S. Air Force veteran and technology executive Ron Miller of Huntingtown filed his Certificate for Candidacy today at the Maryland State Board of Elections offices in Annapolis for the Legislative District 27 state Senate seat. District 27, which includes southern Prince George’s County and portions of Calvert County, is represented by longtime incumbent and current Senate president Thomas V. "Mike" Miller.

In announcing his candidacy as "the right Miller" for District 27, Ron Miller released the following statement:

"In just a few short years, Maryland has degenerated into a high-tax, high-cost, anti-business state, and our families are paying dearly for the lack of fiscal discipline in Annapolis. Maryland has the 4th highest tax burden in the nation, higher even than that of California which is in full fiscal meltdown. Our business tax climate has plunged from 24th to 45th in the nation, and we have the 6th highest cost of living, 5th if you exclude the District of Columbia.

"This free fall isn’t the result of chance. I fundamentally disagree with the policies I’ve seen Mike Miller shepherd through the Senate, including the largest tax increase in Maryland history. Now he’s talking about a gas tax on an already overtaxed public, and mocking those of us who believe government takes too much and spends too much.

"Policies affect real lives. Young families with children, working families, seniors on fixed incomes – all and more are hurting because it’s simply become too expensive to live here. Yet all we’ve seen out of Annapolis every year is avoidance where they put off fixing the long-term problems and hope for a miracle each year to rescue them from billion dollar annual deficits. The first year, they depleted Governor Ehrlich’s $1 billion-plus rainy day fund. The next year, they slapped us with a $1.4 billion tax increase which was supposed to fix our fiscal woes for good but didn’t. Now it’s the federal so-called "stimulus" package where the federal government is spending money we don’t have. I guess Mike Miller’s gas tax will be the next stopgap fix.

"I can’t stand by and act as if the status quo is OK. It’s not; people are hurting and all the special projects Mike Miller brings to the district to buy favor at election time aren’t doing anything for families who need more money in their pockets to make a living and build a life. As a veteran, businessman, and government and non-profit executive, I have the breadth of experience a 21st century leader needs to make sound policies that fix problems and help people. As someone who lives and works every day like everyone else and has personally felt the sting of this fiscal crisis, I have the heart to listen, learn and serve rather than dictate. I will always remember that I work for you.

"It’s your money, not theirs. You earned it and you should decide how it’s spent. I understand that and I need your help to carry that message to the Miller Senate Office Building and the State House in 2010."

——————————–

Doug Smith supports Ron Miller for State Senate, District 27, in 2010. Please vote with me and vote for the “right Miller” in 2010.

Press Release

Date: July 01, 2009

Contact: Tom Nunes

Public Affairs Officer
602-617-1979
[email protected]

http://www.news.auxpa.org/

Washington – In a landmark study on drinking and boating, funded by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Highway Safety Research Center (HSRC) researchers collaborated with colleagues from Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health to conduct the first population-based, case-control study of the role of alcohol in recreational boating deaths.

Drinking evidence of those who died in North Carolina and Maryland in recreational boating incidents between 1989 and 1998 were combined with interview data and Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) measurements obtained a probability sample of 3,943 boaters on lakes, rivers and coastal bays and sounds during three summers in North Carolina and Maryland.

Highlights of the study include:

• Recreational boat passengers are just as likely as operators to die as a result of drinking alcohol. A primary reason for this is that most boating fatalities involve falling overboard and drowning, rather than collisions. Drinking increases the risk to passengers of falling into the water, and of drowning once in the water, even if the operator has not been drinking.
• Even with a BAC of only 0.01%, the risk to operators and passengers increased 30% compared to individuals with no alcohol in their blood. The risk of death was more than 52 times greater when victims showed a blood alcohol content of 0.25%.
• About 80 percent of boating fatalities result from drowning.
• Efforts to reduce boating deaths that target only operators such as legal limits for boat operators or suggestions to use "designated operators" fail to protect many boaters who are at risk.

Over the Fourth of July weekend and whenever on the water, don?t drink and boat.

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed volunteer component of the United States Coast Guard created by an Act of Congress in 1939. The Auxiliary, America’s Volunteer Guardians, supports the Coast Guard in nearly all of the service’s missions. 

###

Editors Note: 

See http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/286/23/2974?maxtoshow=&HITS=10&hits=10&RESULTFORMAT=&fulltext=Foss&searchid=1140799040798_3754&FIRSTINDEX=0&journalcode=jama

News Release

Date: June 25, 2009

Contact: Public Affairs Det. Baltimore
(757) 309-3828

BALTIMORE – The Coast Guard rescued one adult and four children that were stranded on a disabled vessel due to an engine fire in the Chesapeake Bay near Gibson Island, Md., Thursday afternoon.

The owner/operator of a 26-foot pleasure craft notified Coast Guard Sector Baltimore watchstanders via marine-band radio at 2:05 p.m. reporting his engine had been on fire.

A 41-foot utility boat crew from Coast Guard Station Curtis Bay, Md., and a volunteer Riviera Beach Fire Department boat crew were dispatched. The boat crew from Station Curtis Bay arrived on scene and located the disabled boat at 2:38 p.m. The Coast Guard crew transferred the five people to their boat meanwhile the fire department boat crew boarded the vessel to ensure the fire was out.  Once the vessel was determined to be safe, the people were transferred back to their boat and the Coast Guard crew began towing the disabled boat and crew to Bodkin Creek Marina in Pasadena, Md.  Towboat U.S. then met the crew and took over the tow due to water depth.

"He did everything that he needed to do," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Timothy A. Jacobs, a coxswain from Station Curtis Bay.  "He used a marine-band radio, turned off the engine, secured the fuel source and moved the kids to the bow of the boat.  This made the response easier with not having to search for the vessel and the fact that the people aboard remained calm."

There were no reports of injuries.

The Coast Guard urges mariners to outfit their boat with a functioning marine-band radio, using channel 16 on a marine-band radio is the most reliable way to communicate a distress to search and rescue personnel in the event of an emergency while on the water.

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Saving Lives and Guarding the Coast Since 1790.
The United States Coast Guard — Proud History. Powerful Future.

The tea party movement heads to Capitol Hill this summer.

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WASHINGTON — The U.S. Coast Guard announced Monday the publication of a notice of policy in the Federal Register stating the Coast Guard will no longer inspect nor issue certificates of inspection for permanently moored watercraft.

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(Got2BeGreen) The Got2BeGreen blog writes about the Chesapeake Bay of our ancestors and the pollutants that concern us today. A very good read. Thanks to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation for Tweeting about it!

Excerpt: “Yes, our nation’s settlers would have seen Orcas, also called Killer Whales (Orcinas orca), in the Chesapeake Bay. Naturalist and researcher for the Oceanic Society, Wayne Sentman says, “Orcas would not have been uncommon in the bay, yet today no one would dream of seeing them here.”

Visit the Got2BeGreen Blog.

(RedCounty.com – Ron Miller) State Senate candidate Ron Miller, for District 27, Calvert and Prince Georges Counties writes a new article at the Red County Blog entitled, “Greetings from a Red County in a “Deep Blue” State. Excerpt:

“I hope to add to that number in 2010 when I make my second run at the state Senate against Thomas V. "Mike" Miller, an old-school Democratic party boss who, between his one term as a delegate and nine terms as a state senator has been in Annapolis, the state capital for more than 38 years, and has been President of the Senate for 22 years. He is an old-fashioned party boss in the traditional sense, controlling votes, dictating appointments and threatening people who don’t do things his way. He represents everything I oppose in our public servants – a career politician who places power politics over servant leadership and humbling himself as an employee answerable to the people.”

Click hear to read the entire story.

Also visit Ron’s Team Ron Miller site for more information about Ron.

Press Release.

Date: May 04, 2009

A constantly updated map of the cases swine flu can be viewed here.
Mapa con los casos de influenza porcina.

read more | digg story

The Maryland Senate changed its mind and passed a law it had just defeated that will allow cameras to issue speeding tickets within a five mile radius of schools and work zones.

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We visited the Killarney House twice in one month. The food and the service at the Killarney House is simply outstanding. Over the years we have visited this establishment many times and have never been disappointed.

Each time we go back we see many of the same faces and speaks very highly of the management of the Killarney House. Linda, and Melissa just to name two have always made our visits special.

Located on West Central a very short distance from Davidsonville Rd at 584 West Central Avenue, Davidsonville, MD 21035 (410) 798-8700 the Killarney House serves special Irish faire. The corn beef and cabbage is superb, the Irish mixed grill a treat and a half. Even the crab cakes will have your mouth watering.

The restaurant’s pub serves a variety of Irish and UK beers. Bar food is part of the service just like it is in Ireland. The bar folks make a show out of their skills. The walls are filled with farming antiques, Celtic K’iche, and photographs of Ireland.

The dining room is a family place. It is visually pleasing with its giant stone fireplace, colorful windows, great photographs, and attractive decor. The food is as authentic as any we had when visiting the UK and Ireland.

It can get a little noisy in this busy place. We like to time our visits so we are ahead of the crowd. Others that like a busier ambiance will appreciate the restaurant during evenings when musical entertainment is available. Visiting their website is a must.  At the website you will find, menus, beverage lists, entertainment schedules, and even catering details and copies of newspaper restaurant reviews over the years.

I like the Killarney House because the manager is present. He is watching over the place, visiting with customers, delivering meals to tables, and making sure your dining experience is the best he can muster. You can tell the wait staff enjoy working at the Killarney House. We have never encountered a sour mood and each of the staff knows the menu well. Customers are VALUED at the Killarney House. That is obvious. The Killarney House is one of the few restaurants we have been to where everything on the menu tastes wonderful. It just is. The wait staff knows it. When the wait staff say that everything on the menu is delicious they mean it. Not one of them has ever said, “Stay away from this or that.” Good food is part of the Killarney House culture.

The restaurant is owned by the Irish Restaurant Company. A link to other restaurants owned by the company is at the Killarney House website.

The food here has a special touch that makes it very special indeed. The Killarney House is one of our five out of five restaurants for food and for service.

Microsoft has issued a security advisory about an Excel vulnerability that affects both Mac and Windows versions of the popular spreadsheet program. The vulnerability “could allow remote code execution if a user opens a specially crafted Excel file.

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STOCKHOLM (AP) — Maybe it was abstract impressionism.
Passengers in Stockholm were terrified when a masked man spray-painted graffiti inside a train, then smashed a window and threw himself onto the platform. Officials were flabbergasted to learn the rampage was part of an art thesis. And they didn’t seem to appreciate the artistic merit.

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Graffiti Tagger falls to his death trying tag a sign over FL-826.

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The Dunning-Kruger effect describes the phenomenon whereby people who don
’t know anything about something think they know more than those who do. The peculiar part is that those who lack the expertise are often far more confident and forceful when they discuss the issue than those who are knowledgeable.

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As if MD didn’t impose enough fees and taxes on their residents. Now they plan to charge users $1.50 a month for E-ZPass, regardless of whether or not they actually use the transponder. This would make MD the most expensive state in this regard. Is this meant to encourage more people to get E-ZPass?

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