tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-360900712024-02-03T07:20:33.786-05:00The Modern Day ProphetMaryland's Independent Student BloggerJkidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15663611334137896290noreply@blogger.comBlogger381125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36090071.post-3911086560711188912010-06-17T12:45:00.001-04:002010-06-17T14:13:18.955-04:00MD Governor Horse race 2010 – Ehrlich Dislikes Real Public TransitFormer Maryland Governor and candidate for the MD Governor Horserace 2010 Robert Ehrlich is restated his stance against the two light rail projects. The two light rail projects are the Baltimore's Red Line and the Washington's DC suburban Purple Line. Problem is that his position actually go against business leaders who support both projects. Instead, he wants to replace the light rail lines with bus rapid transit, which sucks for several reasons.<br /><br />While bus rapid transit is strongly supported by academics at conservative think tanks such as the Maryland Public Policy Institute, it does not address frequent stops, a need for a right of way not interrupted by traffic, the infrastructure...<br /><br />Another problem with Maryland's dragging it's feet toward light rail is that the need to seek federal approval for funding for the two light rail projects. But why need to wait for federal funding while the State can fund the projects on their own. The answer is in the roads, or in this case the need to build no more roads. The State of Maryland has plenty of funds for highway construction and maintaience, but has little for public transit.<br /><br />Remember the huge ten year plan for expansion for MARC? Mid-day trains, expansion to the L’Enfant Plaza, weekend trains, and the like. This is why this plan will never be implemented, because Maryland's transit priorities are screwed up. They just need to stop building roads, and start expanding public transport in frequency and in rolling stock.<br /><br />Ehrlich's proposal against public transport would be supported in rural areas where he is already popular. Because the people in these rural areas prefer their cars to get to work and expect people to get a car and provide offerings to the car god in the form of insurance and yes gas, despite dealing with traffic gridlock. (And Maryland's graduated driving requirements regardless of age does not help, they still to get to their jobs.) If they got a real alternative instead of spending money on car maintenace and gas they would not complain in the first place.<br /><br />If State Sen. E.J. Pipkin is opposed to public transit because O'Malley does it at the expense of the rest of the state, while not expand MARC and public transit to the rural counties. Not everyone can get a car, can learn to drive, or even afford to maintain a car. While you may point to Amtrak, it's more suited for intercity travel, and you can't just go out and buy a Amtrak ticket because getting one at the day of where you need to go is expensive. While MARC is just a set fare no matter what time you get the ticket.<br /><br />While this Horserace may be about jobs, jobs, jobs, economy, economy, economy, how good is jobs and economy if you don't have a extensive transit system.<br /><br />Quite honestly, Ehrlich if you hate public transport, you might as well tell the carless Marylanders this: “GET A CAR”<br /><br />Original article can be found here: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/politics/bs-md-ehrlich-transit-20100616,0,5775363.storyJkidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15663611334137896290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36090071.post-82218591612395082932010-04-28T10:00:00.002-04:002010-04-28T11:09:10.565-04:00News Headlines<a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bs-ci-school-bullying-20100427,0,3390696.story">Bullying, suicide attempt reported at elementary school</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/anne-arundel/bs-ar-annapolis-mayor-council-power-20100427,0,3777813.story">Annapolis council strips some power from mayor</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/politics/bs-md-omalley-kickoff-20100427,0,5321192.story">O’Malley kicks off re-election bid at city rally</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/27/AR2010042705238.html?hpid=newswell">Discrepancies detailed in minority foreclosures</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.gazette.net/stories/04282010/montnew183839_32554.php">Budget-cutting proposal to merge park officers into county police ripped</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bs-md-infrastructure-funding-20100427,0,3956486.story">Marylanders pay more in vehicle operating costs, due to rough roads, according to report</a>Jkidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15663611334137896290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36090071.post-15036655593564827492010-03-08T10:55:00.002-05:002010-03-08T11:01:32.919-05:00News Headlines<a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/features/commuting/bal-md.highway08mar08,0,5631842.story">Express toll lane project on I-95 being scaled back</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/features/commuting/bal-md.dresser08mar08,0,4054384.story">House panel chairman disrespects police chief</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/movies/bal-monique-oscars-0308,0,4976435.story">A 'Precious' Oscar for Mo'Nique</a>Jkidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15663611334137896290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36090071.post-85143788862590867922010-02-03T06:33:00.002-05:002010-02-03T07:48:00.216-05:00News Headlines<span style="font-family: times new roman;font-size:100%;" ><a href="http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&ct2=us%2F0_0_s_1_2_aa&usg=AFQjCNG-O0wZxnOWElek6I7ZWfcq5JnM6Q&cid=8797493503802&ei=lF5pS_j-HM33lAeznaKLAQ&rt=SEARCH&vm=STANDARD&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonpost.com%2Fwp-dyn%2Fcontent%2Farticle%2F2010%2F02%2F02%2FAR2010020202192.html" target="_self" class="usg-AFQjCNG-O0wZxnOWElek6I7ZWfcq5JnM6Q _tracked" id="">In State of the State speech, Md. Gov. O'Malley focuses on jobs</a><br /></span><h2 style="font-family: times new roman;" class="title"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a target="_self" class="usg-AFQjCNHwRwaoqHhiLRWXyQOncHB8FpBGHA _tracked" href="http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&ct2=us%2F0_0_s_7_0_t&usg=AFQjCNHwRwaoqHhiLRWXyQOncHB8FpBGHA&cid=8797493873675&ei=lF5pS_j-HM33lAeznaKLAQ&rt=SEARCH&vm=STANDARD&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baltimoresun.com%2Fhealth%2Fbal-bz.md.hs.exchange03feb03%2C0%2C4789975.story" id="">Md. doesn't need state-operated insurance exchange, report says</a></span></h2><h2 style="font-family: times new roman;" class="title"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a target="_self" class="usg-AFQjCNGTYesiIquF7GBzM4kLGEoe05wf0g _tracked" href="http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&ct2=us%2F0_0_s_9_0_t&usg=AFQjCNGTYesiIquF7GBzM4kLGEoe05wf0g&cid=8797493864910&ei=lF5pS_j-HM33lAeznaKLAQ&rt=SEARCH&vm=STANDARD&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baltimoresun.com%2Fbusiness%2Fbal-bz.mdgeneral03feb03%2C0%2C3702294.story" id="">Md. General to open $57 million expansion</a></span></h2><h2 style="font-family: times new roman;" class="title"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a target="_self" class="usg-AFQjCNFnfjZ6acmSbIq-H6NoqpU8CGPdFA _tracked" href="http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&ct2=us%2F0_0_s_4_0_t&usg=AFQjCNFnfjZ6acmSbIq-H6NoqpU8CGPdFA&cid=8797493526035&ei=dl9pS46aLuCclQeMrbSLAQ&rt=SEARCH&vm=STANDARD&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baltimoresun.com%2Fentertainment%2Fdining%2Fbal-md.gr.bpa03feb03%2C0%2C813135.story" id="">Bills would ban products with 2 chemicals in Md.</a></span></h2><h2 style="font-family: times new roman;" class="title"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a target="_self" class="usg-AFQjCNH9IYQYQiMDemEYLWxwiUDATbrGZg _tracked" href="http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&ct2=us%2F0_0_s_8_0_t&usg=AFQjCNH9IYQYQiMDemEYLWxwiUDATbrGZg&cid=8797493558446&ei=dl9pS46aLuCclQeMrbSLAQ&rt=SEARCH&vm=STANDARD&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Flocal%2Fcrime%2FJury-must-decide-whether-crash-that-killed-8-was-a-street-race-83394257.html" id="">Jury must decide whether crash that killed 8 was a street race</a></span></h2><h2 style="font-family: times new roman;" class="title"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a target="_self" class="usg-AFQjCNGxxFd8AJgC3k_0tBR7GA9aaybTVg _tracked" href="http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&ct2=us%2F0_0_s_2_0_t&usg=AFQjCNGxxFd8AJgC3k_0tBR7GA9aaybTVg&cid=0&ei=SmBpS_ChLs33lAeznaKLAQ&rt=SEARCH&vm=STANDARD&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gazette.net%2Fstories%2F02032010%2Fmontnew181414_32547.php" id="">Lawsuit targets speed cameras</a></span></h2><h2 style="font-family: times new roman;" class="title"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a target="_self" class="usg-AFQjCNEI5MM-UGDjQsYeIReKIZAXEm6a4g _tracked" href="http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&ct2=us%2F0_0_s_3_0_t&usg=AFQjCNEI5MM-UGDjQsYeIReKIZAXEm6a4g&cid=8797493905011&ei=SmBpS_ChLs33lAeznaKLAQ&rt=SEARCH&vm=STANDARD&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gazette.net%2Fstories%2F02032010%2Fsilvnew183630_32554.php" id="">Silver Spring wants to make city safer for pedestrians</a></span></h2><h2 style="font-family: times new roman;" class="title"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a target="_self" class="usg-AFQjCNHplq3m3X-tRv_sTK_VGOLyMNcGiw _tracked" href="http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&ct2=us%2F0_0_s_0_0_t&usg=AFQjCNHplq3m3X-tRv_sTK_VGOLyMNcGiw&cid=8797493578736&ei=QmBpS-juMcX8lAfz4cGLAQ&rt=SEARCH&vm=STANDARD&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonpost.com%2Fwp-dyn%2Fcontent%2Farticle%2F2010%2F02%2F02%2FAR2010020203572.html" id=""><b>Montgomery County</b> to favor disabled job seekers</a></span></h2><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-size:100%;" ><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/02/AR2010020204279.html"> <b>Maryland court rules in favor of NAACP over Âdriving while black' issue: </b> Maryland State Police must release records on 'driving while black'</a><br /></span><h1 style="font-family: times new roman;" class="mainSlideHeadline"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/education/bal-md.co.schools03feb03,0,6020366.story" target="" title="Balto. Co. schools official is reassigned">Balto. Co. schools official is reassigned</a></span></h1>Jkidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15663611334137896290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36090071.post-37611051723463299262010-02-02T12:26:00.000-05:002010-02-02T12:27:06.603-05:00News Headlines for Tuesday, Feburary 2, 2010<h2 style="font-family: times new roman;" class="title"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a target="_self" class="usg-AFQjCNGs04lAehC-oz6VJ6Ey2sPBy216tg _tracked" href="http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&ct2=us%2F0_0_s_2_0_t&usg=AFQjCNGs04lAehC-oz6VJ6Ey2sPBy216tg&cid=0&ei=NTBoS_CtKsX8lAfjiOfBAw&rt=SEARCH&vm=STANDARD&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diamondbackonline.com%2Fnews%2Fprince-george-s-crime-levels-hit-35-year-low-1.1110054" id=""><b>Prince George's</b> crime levels hit 35-year low</a></span></h2><h2 style="font-family: times new roman;" class="title"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a target="_self" class="usg-AFQjCNEqxhooadGfzryjEHcqmHQp4bUnTw _tracked" href="http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&ct2=us%2F0_0_s_4_0_t&usg=AFQjCNEqxhooadGfzryjEHcqmHQp4bUnTw&cid=8797493558446&ei=NTBoS_CtKsX8lAfjiOfBAw&rt=SEARCH&vm=STANDARD&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baltimoresun.com%2Fnews%2Fmaryland%2Fcrime%2Fbal-md.crimebriefs023feb02%2C0%2C5987035.story" id="">Jury selection in street race trial continues after dark</a></span></h2><h2 style="font-family: times new roman;" class="title"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a target="_self" class="usg-AFQjCNFsZKVAD3LaLqpBFy3-8WEBR05w7Q _tracked" href="http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&ct2=us%2F0_0_s_8_0_t&usg=AFQjCNFsZKVAD3LaLqpBFy3-8WEBR05w7Q&cid=0&ei=tDJoS7qiJoLWlQfn8tnBAw&rt=SEARCH&vm=STANDARD&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marylandreporter.com%2Fpage5503928.aspx" id="">Assembly website called “antiquated”</a></span></h2><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-size:100%;" ><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/01/AR2010020103309.html">Hogan won't run, backs Ehrlich for governor</a><br /></span><h2 style="font-family: times new roman;" class="headline"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/education/bal-md.teachers29jan29,0,701595.story" target="" title="Md. gets poor mark in teacher regulations">Md. gets poor mark in teacher regulations</a></span></h2>Jkidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15663611334137896290noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36090071.post-78087566628218088322010-01-14T11:15:00.000-05:002010-01-14T11:15:21.570-05:00News Headlines for Thursday, January 14, 2010<a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/01/13/AR2010011304632.html?hpid=topnews">The End is Near of the Maryland's Public University Tuition Freeze</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-city/bal-md.ci.horse14jan14,0,716613.story">Corporate Sponsorship for Baltimore Police Mounted Unit</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/01/13/AR2010011304631.html">Major Shift in Federal Transport policy could help aid DC transit projects.</a><br /><br /><br /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Jkidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15663611334137896290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36090071.post-87189273262168350842010-01-07T11:02:00.002-05:002010-01-07T11:41:30.872-05:00News Headlines for Thursday, January 7 2010<a href="http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/local/State-lawmakers-balk-at-pay-raises-8718423-80814217.html">State lawmakers balk at pay raises</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/01/05/AR2010010502921.html">Md. lawmakers get set for budget-heavy session</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/crime/bal-md.hermann07jan07,0,4533794.story">Baltimore City putting police back on foot patrol</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/01/06/AR2010010602558.html">2 public safety unions back Baker for Pr. George's executive</a>Jkidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15663611334137896290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36090071.post-68721738243775610502009-10-30T11:18:00.003-04:002009-10-30T11:55:59.097-04:00News Headlines For Friday, October 30, 2009.<a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/politics/">Federal stimulus spending created or saved 4,460 jobs, O'Malley claims</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/">Md. test standards for reading, math called among lowest in U.S.</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/29/AR2009102903450.html">Housing grant funds at risk in Prince George's</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/29/AR2009102904429.html">Opposition to school closing gets organized</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.gazette.net/stories/10302009/polinew201414_32528.shtml">Politicians take on public defender oversight</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.gazette.net/stories/10282009/montnew182943_32530.shtml">MARC passengers, prepare to have your bags searched</a><br /><br /><a href=" http://baltimore.bizjournals.com/baltimore/stories/2009/11/02/story2.html?b=1257138000^2354791">Drop in Maryland jobless claims signals layoff slowdown</a>Jkidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15663611334137896290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36090071.post-4963756829775231982009-10-29T13:10:00.002-04:002009-10-29T14:08:35.460-04:00News Headlines For Thursday, October 29, 2009.<a href="http://www.gazette.net/stories/10292009/frednew155202_32536.shtml">Board member says she may have violated rules</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.gazette.net/stories/10292009/frednew155154_32525.shtml">Few schools still celebrate Halloween</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.gazette.net/stories/10292009/newcnew170447_32521.shtml">Counseling service victim of state cuts</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/28/AR2009102802570.html">Gaithersburg, Rockville, and Takoma Park Go to the Poles Next Tuesday</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/29/AR2009102905579.html">Montgomery County residents fight school's closure</a>Jkidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15663611334137896290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36090071.post-67672341869223617962009-10-27T08:22:00.002-04:002009-10-27T10:12:09.242-04:00News Headlines for Tuesday, October 27, 2009<span style="font-size:100%;"><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/27/AR2009102700642.html"> Montgomery board moves to raise compulsory attendance age</a><br /><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&ct2=us%2F0_0_s_2_3_aa&usg=AFQjCNGurqhd9a4huNh45Y5XkhhifMubKg&cid=1458793817&ei=XObmStidMt6zmQeyr9eRAQ&rt=SEARCH&vm=STANDARD&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbaltimore.bizjournals.com%2Fbaltimore%2Fstories%2F2009%2F10%2F26%2Fdaily11.html" target="_self" class="usg-AFQjCNGurqhd9a4huNh45Y5XkhhifMubKg _tracked">MTA to step up security at MARC stations</a><br /></span><h2 style="font-family: arial; font-weight: normal;" class="title"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a target="_self" class="usg-AFQjCNFCOsfM7aK-eDJO6x29ApdD57SfLA _tracked" href="http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&ct2=us%2F0_0_s_9_0_t&usg=AFQjCNFCOsfM7aK-eDJO6x29ApdD57SfLA&cid=1459135483&ei=tebmSpCXPJzFmQe6y9iRAQ&rt=SEARCH&vm=STANDARD&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baltimoresun.com%2Fnews%2Fmaryland%2Fbal-md.foreclosure27oct27%2C0%2C3020746.story">O'Malley urging mediation before foreclosures</a></span></h2><h2 style="font-family: arial; font-weight: normal;" class="title"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a target="_self" class="usg-AFQjCNEhJ6z-hNTcJmp6sGOMSeBBSocMcg _tracked" href="http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&ct2=us%2F0_0_s_8_0_t&usg=AFQjCNEhJ6z-hNTcJmp6sGOMSeBBSocMcg&cid=1457207189&ei=tebmSpCXPJzFmQe6y9iRAQ&rt=SEARCH&vm=STANDARD&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baltimoresun.com%2Fnews%2Fopinion%2Foped%2Fbal-op.publicoption27oct27%2C0%2C1871008.story">On public option, public is ahead of the politicians</a></span></h2><span style="font-size:100%;"><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20091027/NEWS01/910270353">Md. will ask counties to consider cell phone ban</a></span>Jkidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15663611334137896290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36090071.post-71841064907041747632009-10-26T22:30:00.004-04:002009-10-26T23:02:48.730-04:00Sen. Cardin to Congress: Extend Unemployment Insurance Benefits!Maryland Sen. Ben Cardin has urged Congress to pass a <a href="http://baltimore.bizjournals.com/baltimore/stories/2009/10/26/daily8.html">bill that would extend unemployment insurance benefits in all states in the Union</a>. But there are two bills<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />A bill pending in the House would allow states with unemployment rates of 8.5 percent or higher to continue paying out unemployment benefits for 14 additional weeks. But a Senate version applies that change to all states. Maryland’s unemployment rate was 7.2 percent in September.</span><br /><br />OK if Congress is really serious in helping workers in this Great Recession, he's what they really should do. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Make all unemployment benefits permanent</span> Yes you heard me, make all unemployment benefits permanent, until the person finds a full-time job. The standing beneficial unemployment rate is 6%, right?<br /><br />Here are the unemployment rates for all counties in Maryland from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Mid-Atlantic Information Office. (Stats are in %.)<br /><br />Allegany County: 8.6 <br />Anne Arundel County:6.9<br />Baltimore County: 8.0<br />Baltimore City:11.3<br />Calvert County:6.4<br />Caroline County:8.8<br />Carroll County:6.7<br />Cecil County:9.4<br />Charles County:6.4<br />Dorchester County:11.5<br />Frederick County:6.4<br />Garrett County:7.9<br />Harford County:7.7<br />Howard County:5.7<br />Kent County:7.3<br />Montgomery County:5.5<br />Prince George's County:7.5<br />Queen Anne's County:6.8<br />Somerset County:9.5<br />St. Mary's County:6.1<br />Talbot County:6.7<br />Washington County:9.7<br />Wicomico County:8.0<br />Worcester County:7.3<br /><br />It's going to take about two years for private sector jobs to be back at the 2008 level at this point. That means for people who have been unemployed by the recession, it's going to take a long time to get a decent job. So instead of extending it 14 weeks and risking another beg session with Congress, why not make it permanent? The unemployed payed their federal unemployment taxes, and corporations who fired their employees are still making record profit, they should have the responsibility for taking care of their own fired people, until they get anohter job, by paying their unemployment taxes.Jkidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15663611334137896290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36090071.post-55667042095905438432009-10-26T22:10:00.002-04:002009-10-26T22:28:47.136-04:00Montgomery County and Healthy Eating! Council Debates on Requirng Resutants to List Nutrition Values!The Montogomey County Council is set to resume debate on a ordinance requiring chain restaurants to <a href="http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/local/Montgomery-to-resume-debate-on-restaurant-nutrition-labeling-8431394-65944967.html">list nutritional values on their food offerings</a>. In 2007, Councilman George Leventhal, Democrat-at Large introduced a bill requring such resturants with ten or more facilties (Chick-a-fllia, McDonalds, etc) nationwide to post nutritional information similar to the nationally recoginized Nutrition Facts labled on the back of each food and drink package on their menues and menu boards in all of their lcoations in the country. Work sessions were held on the bill, but the bill never got to a full vote.<br /><br />But this year it will be heard by the Health and Human Services Committee of the council on Thursday. Yes this Thursday.<br /><br />What does this bill means to you? This means that when you step into a resutrant you will able to find out how much calories, fat, oil, vitaimins and minerals, your food contains. This will allow you to make better informed and healthier choices. Great for those who are dieting or just courious of much calories you will be consuming for your next meal in a fast food resturant.<br /><br />Opponents have spoken out of the bill and said it would would hurt small business owners. The owner of two IHOP restaurants in the county estimated that the "bill would cause customers to take longer to read menus and make selections, leading to losses of more than $62,000 a year for a business centered on speedy service."<br /><br />I have to ask that man how much does the resturants he own make in year in profit and revenue. If he's really concerned because of the lost profit and instead of health concerns, that's something else.Jkidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15663611334137896290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36090071.post-3594244942930265902009-10-26T20:18:00.003-04:002009-10-26T20:24:13.737-04:00Your Maryland Government WeeklyWhile all Americans know their federal constitution, they do not realize that each state including their own have their own constitutions. Maryland is just one of many states that have their own constitutions. According to the Maryland state manual, the state actually had four constitutions. There are 29 articles in the constitution plus one which is the declaration of rights.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Random facts</span>:<br /><br />For reasons unknown (to me)Article X is vacant.<br /><br />Art. 37 of the declaration of rights: No religious test is required except for declarartion of belief in the existence of God.<br /><br />Art. 41. That monopolies are odious, contrary to the spirit of a free government and the principles of commerce, and ought not to be suffered. (An anti-monopoly law)<br /><br />Art. 46 Equality of rights under the law shall not be abridged or denied because of sex (Equal Rights Amendment)<br /><br />Elective Franchise<br /><br />1. SEC. 4. The General Assembly by law may regulate or prohibit the right to vote of a person convicted of infamous or other serious crime or under care or guardianship for mental disability (This is called the mental illness and felony disenfranchise clause of the Maryland constitution)<br /><br />The three branches of of government in Maryland are called Departments. So instead of the Legislative Branch, you have the Legislative Department, and so on. This is a relic of the time when the State constitution was written. But Branch and Department are one in the same in seperation of powers.<br /><br />Legislative Department:<br /><ol><li>SEC. 18. No Senator or Delegate shall be liable in any civil action, or criminal prosecution, whatever, for words spoken in debate. </li><li>SEC. 21. The doors of each House, and of the Committee of the Whole, shall be open, except when the business is such as ought to be kept secret. </li><li>SEC. 39. The books, papers and accounts of all banks shall be open to inspection under such regulations as may be prescribed by law.</li></ol>Judiciary Department:<br /><ol><li>SECTION 1. The Judicial power of this State is vested in a Court of Appeals, such intermediate courts of appeal as the General Assembly may create by law, Circuit Courts, Orphans' Courts, and a District Court. These Courts shall be Courts of Record, and each shall have a seal to be used in the authentication of all process issuing from it</li><li>SEC. 44. There shall be elected in each county and in Baltimore City one person, resident in said county or City, above the age of twenty-five years and for at least five years preceding his election a citizen of the State, to the office of Sheriff. He shall hold office for four years, until his successor is duly elected and qualified, give such bond, exercise such powers and perform such duties as now are or may hereafter be fixed by law. In case of vacancy by death, resignation, refusal to serve, or neglect to qualify or give bond, or by disqualification or removal from the County or City, the Governor shall appoint a person to be Sheriff for the remainder of the official term. The Sheriff in each county and in Baltimore City shall receive such salary or compensation and such expenses necessary to the conduct of his office as may be fixed by law. All fees collected by the Sheriff shall be accounted for and paid to the Treasury of the several counties and of Baltimore City, respectively<br /></li></ol>Other articles<br /><br />Article XI is mostly dedicated to the City of Baltimore except for Articles XI-E and F.<br /><br />Article XIX is dedicated to Video Lottery Terminals that was amended on November 8 2009. They could have simply passed a regular law allowing these terminals, but the gambling lobby wanted the provision to be amended by the constitution.<br /><br />Next Week: The Maryland State Code of Statues (If I can find a way to read a section of the code without clicking on each clause one by one first.)Jkidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15663611334137896290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36090071.post-36204411138093311782009-10-26T17:15:00.000-04:002009-10-26T17:16:00.671-04:00News Headlines for Monday, October 26, 2009<a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/features/commuting/bal-marc1026,0,3100949.story">Security screenings at MARC stations to begin this week</a><br /><br /><a href="http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/features/green/2009/10/maryland_addresses_health_impa.html">Maryland addresses health impact of climate change</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/local/Montgomery-to-resume-debate-on-restaurant-nutrition-labeling-8431394-65944967.html">Montgomery to resume debate on restaurant nutrition labeling</a><br /><br /><a href="http://baltimore.bizjournals.com/baltimore/stories/2009/10/26/daily8.html">Sen. Cardin urges Congress to extend unemployment insurance benefits</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/business/bal-circulation-1026,0,6204053.story">Baltimore Sun circulation drops almost 15 percent</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%20http://wjz.com/local/watchdog.isolation.teens.2.1270899.html">Watchdog Cites Youth Isolation</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/25/AR2009102501408.html">Pr. George's looks to rely more on transit, HOV</a>Jkidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15663611334137896290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36090071.post-80034718621961024132009-10-19T15:12:00.003-04:002009-10-19T15:52:11.662-04:00News Headlines<a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/anne-arundel/bal-md.ar.stephens19oct19,0,593632.story">Court test today for death penalty revisions</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/features/bal-ae.party18oct18,0,3655112.story">Maryland Public Television celebrates 40th anniversary</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/features/commuting/bal-md.dresser19oct19,0,6675834.story">P.G. County's Revenue Authority to set out speed cameras</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-county/bal-md.co.roads19oct19,0,1081129.story">Md. transportation meeting in Towson today</a><br /><br /><a href="Frugality falling out of fashion?">http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/18/AR2009101802543.html</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.gazette.net/stories/10192009/prinnew150053_32562.shtml">Prince George's continues to lead in Beltway deaths</a><br /><br /><a href="http://baltimore.bizjournals.com/baltimore/stories/2009/10/19/daily6.html">Report: 50,000 Marylanders have lost health insurance</a>Jkidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15663611334137896290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36090071.post-41773807576976889542009-10-05T14:41:00.002-04:002009-10-05T14:47:37.912-04:00News Headlines<a href="http://www.times-news.com/local/local_story_278141733.html">Transportation officials consider National Highway parking problems</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/health/bal-swine-flu-vaccine-1006,0,4448425.story">Officials urge public to get swine flu vaccine</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-city/bal-dixon1005,0,428060.story">Judge denies motion to dismiss perjury charges against Dixon</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/education/bal-nobel-hopkins1005,0,516452.story">Hopkins professor among Nobel winners in medicine</a>Jkidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15663611334137896290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36090071.post-6393305195069142002009-10-05T14:12:00.000-04:002009-10-05T14:15:08.691-04:00What is the Modern Day Prophet?The Modern Day Prophet is a news and commentary blog reporting on events in the state of Maryland. When I mean news, I mean hard news. No celebrity news, no crime blotter news that our local TV news reports every day, no fluff consumer or health pieces. Just hard news: News about social issues, politics, the economy, government, civic and cultural events.<br /><br />Why hard news? Because local TV news in Baltimore/Washington area, rarely report hard news, because doing hit-and-run crime blotter stories, showing AP copies of national stories, reporting on sport, celebrities, human-interest stories, and the latest uncited health study is just too profitable. Newspapers? They just either too focused on Washington or too focused on Baltimore.<br /><br />So why not have a regular person, a regular African American, to report hard news? And probably do it’s own investigations as well? Probably even better than the various consumer story laden investigative reports that our local TV station “I-teams” trot out once in a while.<br /><br />Most of the modern day prophet will be mix of news, news with commentary, or just plain commentary. It will be focused on the state of Maryland. Social and political issues, civic events and issues, culture. If it happens in Maryland, it goes here.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Investigative Reports:</span><br /><br />Even a news blog has to have some investigative reporting. Once in a while if a topic comes up and I want to investigate it, I’ll do it. If a newspaper has interesting story that I see that they just hit-and-run I’ll pick up the story and do most of the heavy lifting.<br /><br />Long Form Reports:<br /><br />Long form reports could be anything, like a regular news report or on a civic or cultural event that I attended. It’s just like a news report<br /><br />But not everything in this blog will be plain hard news.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Black Otaku:</span><br /><br />The black otaku is a section of the blog where I discuss anything related to anime, manga, video games, comics, music, films, television, music. Basically anything that is related to the otaku culture in the United States. There will be news, previews, reviews, observations, and reports of anything in the culture.<br /><br />Why? I have been an avid fan of anime for years, my first ones was Dominion, and You’re Under Arrest. The First DVD series I bought for Christmas was Neon Genesis Evagelion, the entire series including the End of Evagelion. I have played video games since the NES and I currently own a Dremacast, PS2, a Nintendo DS, an Xbox and now an Xbox 360.<br /><br />This is where I’ll post information about upcoming anime convention in the DC-Baltimore area. I usually attend four major conventions in the area: Anime USA, MAGFest, Katsucon, and Otakon. During these conventions I usually do most of the conventions taking pictures of cosplayers, events, and taking videos of the same. I tend to take upwards of an average of 1500 pictures during conventions, about 30% are pictures of cosplayers. As such this will be the section where I will be posting my convention reports from each convention, as well as post videos and pictures of the conventions a few days after I return home.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Everyday Photography</span><br /><br />Everyday photography is the section where I post at I post a picture of I taken during the day. I usually bring my camera and my camcorder everywhere I go, and there’s at least one picture I take or one video per day. One of the pictures will be posted on the website. Also, there will be daily (when possible) videos I’ve shot with my camcorder.<br /><br />The pictures you’ll see on the website will be made into headers for my blog, soon after I post it.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Vast Wasteland</span><br /><br />The Vast Wasteland is the section of the blog which covers the current state of American media. From broadcast television and radio, cable news, children’s programming, high definition offerings, basically anything related to the degenerate state of American mass media. Because even if you get cable, most of it is junk unless you pay more, especially with HD programming.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Trains, Subways, and Buses</span><br /><br />This is the dedicated section of public transport in the blog. I have been an avid supporter of public transportation for several reasons. It’s more energy efficient that using a car, it saves money and cost less than using or maintaining a car, and is more efficient. Despite the fact that the America worships automobiles more than their God, many still use public transport. This section will feature news of public transit developments not only in the United States, but across the world as well. Commuter rail, light rail, subways, trams. Anything that has to do with public transit, it’s in here.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Modern Day Prophecies</span><br /><br />The Modern Day Prophecy is essentially the main commentary of the week. It could be anything related to the State of Maryland, civic issues, politics, the main news storties of the week. The commentary’s would be at least a page long. But it will not be your average commentary or the daily news commentary I do for the news reports.Jkidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15663611334137896290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36090071.post-68677646285981105782009-09-28T08:03:00.000-04:002009-09-28T08:04:26.669-04:00Morning News Headlines<span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" ><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/27/AR2009092702563.html"> Brandywine Crossing Thrives in Prince George's County</a><span style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);font-size:11;" ><br /><br /></span><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/27/AR2009092702890.html">Will That Maryland Road Make You Sick?</a><br /></span><h2 style="font-weight: normal;font-family:arial;" class="headline"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/crime/bal-md.duilaws28sep28,0,4655701.story" target="" title="State's new DUI laws are called insufficient">State's new DUI laws called insufficient</a></span></h2>Jkidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15663611334137896290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36090071.post-17630343011604894712009-09-23T15:23:00.000-04:002009-09-23T15:24:05.128-04:00Afternoon News Headlines<a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/23/AR2009092302283.html">Montgomery County Graduation Rate Sinks Lowest in a Decade</a><br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/23/AR2009092302305.html"><br />Maryland Board Issues Toll Recommendations for ICC</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-city/bal-budget0923,0,173980.story">Dixon details $12 million in spending cuts</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bal-port0923,0,4226449.story">Md. to get $6 million in stimulus money for port, transit security</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/22/AR2009092204189.html">The State of the Arts District? What Arts District?</a>Jkidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15663611334137896290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36090071.post-89522046881310304402009-09-23T08:09:00.000-04:002009-09-23T08:09:35.180-04:00News Headlines<a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/22/AR2009092204024.html">With Ehrlich Decision in Play, Md. GOP Faces Election Doubts</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/22/AR2009092203683.html">Deal With Private School in Environmental Dispute Criticized</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/22/AR2009092203698.html">D.C. Area Transit Agency to Fund Fix for Faulty Train Doors</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/outdoors/bal-sp.boatingdeaths23sep23,0,2155000.story">Department of Natural Resources Seeks Law Requiring Those Under 13 Wear a Flotation Device.</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.diamondbackonline.com/news/hoff-theater-to-shut-doors-in-january-1.526806">The End of the Hoff? Plans to Reopen the Hoff Theater as Auditorium</a><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><a href="http://www.gazette.net/stories/09232009/montnew185517_32521.shtml">Montgomery County Recycling More Items than Before</a><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><a href="http://www.gazette.net/stories/09232009/montnew185523_32528.shtml">Franchot to run for second term as Comptroller</a></span></span>Jkidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15663611334137896290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36090071.post-177962351314836322009-09-22T12:43:00.002-04:002009-09-22T12:55:47.257-04:00News Headlines<a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/health/bal-md.stemcells22sep22,0,5016407.story">Md., Calif. sign agreement on stem-cell research</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-city/bal-md.ci.dixon22sep22,0,3600211.story">Dixon inquiry notes 'unexplained cash'</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/21/AR2009092103748.html">Md. Near Awarding First Slots Gambling License</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/21/AR2009092102289.html">Skills Set Drafted For Students Nationwide</a>Jkidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15663611334137896290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36090071.post-60255201655104168742009-08-12T15:28:00.000-04:002009-08-12T15:30:09.357-04:00Top Stories for Wednesday, August 12, 2009College Park City Council Extends Rent Stabilization Ordinance.<br /><br />Another Man Dies in Metrorail System<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gazette.net/stories/08112009/prinnew125953_32542.shtml"> Samuel L. Dean to Run for Prince George's County Executive?</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/anne-arundel/bal-md.ar.grouphome12aug12,0,40588.story">Closer Watch Needed on Anne Around Group Home</a>Jkidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15663611334137896290noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36090071.post-53734115829743078972009-08-07T11:34:00.001-04:002009-08-07T11:36:15.456-04:00MD Chamber of Commernce is Opposed to Health Care ReformThe first top story on Friday, with the current health care debate rages on, even though the actual reform proposal is a joke because it merely strengthens the private health insurance industry (even though that joke proposal may be replaced with an amendment that effectively gets us a single payer system). The <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/baltimore/stories/2009/08/03/daily43.html">Maryland Chamber of Commence</a> has voiced their opposition for a government run insurance system. Basically saying that if the bill is passed, it will further increase health care spending on their end.<br /><br />In plain english: Even if this bill is passed, we will lose profit"The Maryland Chamber of Commerence practically sides with the health insurance industry in the Health Care debate. Again, I'm opposed to universal health care if it has a forced private insurance mandate, like Massachusetts. I rather prefer universal health care that a single-payer (The Federal Government), pays for. No deductables, no co-pay, any and every medical procedure is covered. That is single-payer health care. The American people want it, and I would want it too.<br /><br />But I doubt even the MD Chamber of Commence would support single payer either.Jkidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15663611334137896290noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36090071.post-30602587849320980412009-08-07T06:46:00.000-04:002009-08-07T06:47:34.368-04:00News Headlines For Friday, August 7, 2009.<a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/baltimore/stories/2009/08/03/daily43.html">Maryland Chamber of Commerce Opposed to Health Care Reform Proposals</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/local/Questions-remain-on-Purple-Line-proposal-8072231-52612997.html">Questions Remain on Purple Line Proposal</a> and <a href="http://www.gazette.net/stories/08072009/polinew193003_32524.shtml">Purple and Red Lines Being Built </a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bal-md.stem07aug07,0,4118498.story">Maryland Plans to Boost Math and Science Learning.</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.philly.com/philly/wires/ap/news/state/pennsylvania/20090806_ap_mdregulatorstoapprovenewdeepcoalmine.html">Maryland Regulators to Approve Deep Coal Mine</a>Jkidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15663611334137896290noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36090071.post-16231040079935046842009-08-06T21:10:00.000-04:002009-08-06T21:11:44.219-04:00Random Youtube Video<object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/tDUC9m_EBsA&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/tDUC9m_EBsA&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object>Jkidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15663611334137896290noreply@blogger.com1