http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/md-news/ en-us Wed, 30 Dec 2009 21:30:07 GMT Focus Forum 15 http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2417896/posts After a cold and rainy Christmas Day Rally at Walter Reed, Olney was the FReepers Christmas Gift. A misty rain was still there, blowing all over our glasses, but it was sufficiently warm that no gloves were needed. At least I didn't wear any. And the State Highway Administration has provided us with another flag pole support. BELOW LEFT: The new signal pole that will hold some additional flags. I’m putting up one flag on the power pole but the new pole will hold two. BELOW RIGHT: Lurker Bill setting up a banner on the soon to be torn down... http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2417896/posts#comment Wed, 30 Dec 2009 21:30:07 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2417768/posts Received my notice on MD Unemployment Insurance 2010 rate increases, what would you do? If you have 4 employees at $10/hr 40/hr/wk.=$20800, wages for the 1st quarter 2010. My current unemployment rate now would cost me $187. With the NEW rate increases (they have not given us what our individual rates will be yet, just a range of increases) my cost will be between $457-$2800.(for the 1st quarter) Do I lay off someone, move, or go out of business? This is just the first increase notice, what about suppliers, other tax rates, etc. My margins don't allow for this amount... http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2417768/posts#comment Wed, 30 Dec 2009 18:11:45 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2417767/posts Maryland's Motor Vehicle Administration says it has halted, at least temporarily, a policy change that would have forced people living as the opposite sex to get an amended birth certificate before applying to change their gender on their driver's license. The gay-rights group Equality Maryland said...the change would have put a financial burden on many people who are struggling financially. It would have taken effect Friday. The current policy demands only written confirmation from a physician or psychologist that the applicant is under supervision for a gender change. The decision doesn't affect a policy requiring people who have had transgender... Examiner, DC http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2417767/posts#comment Wed, 30 Dec 2009 18:07:44 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2417154/posts Capitol Police tell staffers the situation has "stabilized" and the lock down will soon be called off. Hill staffers are in lock down after Capitol Police issued a report of a person with a gun. The email: Sent: Tuesday, December 29, 2009 3:24 PM To: All House Staff Subject: Capitol Hill Complex Lock Down December 29, 2009 1523 hours A lock down has been intiated for all buildings in the Capitol Politico http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2417154/posts#comment Tue, 29 Dec 2009 20:51:11 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2417160/posts Siren up on Drudge. Possible man with a gun. Drudge Report http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2417160/posts#comment Tue, 29 Dec 2009 20:57:44 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2416146/posts As a national recession wears on, more middle-class people are asking for food, even in places like affluent Montgomery County, Md. About 24,000 families have been added to the rolls of Manna Food Center in Rockville, Md., in the last year and a half, said Kim Damion, director of development and communication. Close to 400 families picked up food boxes on Thanksgiving Day this year, more than any other year since the center opened in 1983, Damion said. Manna gave food to 1,600 families on Thanksgiving week. Nationally, 49 million Americans are at risk of not getting enough to eat... UPI http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2416146/posts#comment Mon, 28 Dec 2009 09:42:47 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2416037/posts Many homeowners who are tens thousands of dollars underwater on their mortgages — meaning they owe more than the value of their homes — have decided it's just not worth it. Some, like Heather Baker, can even afford their payments, but they're walking away anyway. Baker is done with being a homeowner. Last month, she stopped paying her mortgage. "Who says that my American dream has to be a home with a white picket fence and all of that?" says Baker, sitting at her dining room table. But that's not what she was saying three years ago when she bought... NPR http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2416037/posts#comment Mon, 28 Dec 2009 02:54:46 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2415564/posts Christmas Day evening at Walter Reed, Week 245, December 25, 2009 Wet, Icy and Standing Tall FRONT GATE NOTES Not just another Friday Night at Walter ReedAfter four and a half years of Friday night... “support the troops” rallies at Walter Reed, the DC Chapter of Free Republic, lurkers and friends, were way overdue for a Friday evening on Christmas Day (and next week on New Year’s Day). And so it was last night on a wet, icy dark evening. It was quiet with only one ambulance arriving, Very few cars or pedestrians going in or out of the front... http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2415564/posts#comment Sun, 27 Dec 2009 01:59:51 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2415404/posts As a parent on the Delmarva penninsula I have followed this local story with interest. This is a parent's worst nightmare and our thoughts and prayers are with Sarah and her family. There safeguards to help prevent these types of things. While no one seemed to suspect the alleged perpetrator, there seems to be an indication that something was amiss: read more... Examiner.com http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2415404/posts#comment Sat, 26 Dec 2009 19:04:21 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2415039/posts SALISBURY — - More than 3,000 volunteers gathered on Christmas Day to take part in the ongoing search for an 11-year-old girl who police say was kidnapped from her bedroom by a registered sex offender. The voluneers gathered around 7 a.m. at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium to register for the search. The night before, more than 200 people scoured frozen fields and ponds the night before without success. Sarah Haley Foxwell was wearing a pink shirt and red pajamas printed with Christmas trees when she disappeared from her maternal aunt's home Tuesday night, police said. A younger sister awoke during... The Baltimore Sun http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2415039/posts#comment Fri, 25 Dec 2009 19:27:53 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2415144/posts The body of a Maryland girl who authorities say was abducted by a registered sex offender was found Friday after thousands of volunteers fanned out to look for her. Wicomico County Sheriff Mike Lewis said that the body of 11-year-old Sarah H. Foxwell was discovered at about 4 p.m. near the Delaware state line. He offered few other details. Thomas J. Leggs Jr., 30, has been charged in her kidnapping. Leggs is a former boyfriend of the girl's aunt, who is her legal guardian. A public defender representing him has not returned a phone call. Thousands of volunteers gathered in... AP via NY Daily News http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2415144/posts#comment Sat, 26 Dec 2009 01:08:46 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2415143/posts <p>SALISBURY, Md. — The body of a Maryland girl who authorities say was abducted by a registered sex offender was found Friday after thousands of volunteers fanned out to look for her.</p> <p>Wicomico County Sheriff Mike Lewis said that the body of 11-year-old Sarah H. Foxwell was discovered at about 4 p.m. near the Delaware state line. He offered few other details. Thomas J. Leggs Jr., 30, has been charged in her kidnapping.</p> Fox News http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2415143/posts#comment Sat, 26 Dec 2009 01:05:52 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2414637/posts BALTIMORE, Dec. 24, 2009 – As the rest of Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport bustled with holiday travelers yesterday, its USO Lounge offered military travelers -- many returning home from overseas deployments -- a welcome sanctuary of solace. The USO Lounge at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport offers military travelers a respite from crowded airport terminals, particularly during the holiday season. DoD photo by Donna Miles  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. The lounge is conveniently positioned near the international departure gates on the airport’s lower level. Yet, to the dozens of servicemembers who took refuge here yesterday afternoon, it... American Forces Press Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2414637/posts#comment Thu, 24 Dec 2009 19:55:05 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2414162/posts Self-Evident Truths: Sen. Dianne Feinstein says it comes under the Commerce Clause. Rep. Steny Hoyer says it's mandated by the "general welfare" clause. Despite liberal wishes, health care is not a right. The "living Constitution" that Democrats and their court appointees have given us may be the death of our freedoms. Their constitution adapts to the times and serves the whims of the elitists. The Constitution is supposed to limit government powers. It does not allow government to do anything it feels like doing. Cass Sunstein, the head of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, is the author of... Investors.com http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2414162/posts#comment Thu, 24 Dec 2009 01:08:51 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2414114/posts BALTIMORE, Dec. 23, 2009 – Two days before Christmas, the longest line today at the airport here wasn’t at a ticket counter, or at security checkpoints. It was at the international terminal, where hundreds of well-wishers lined up to welcome about 150 troops home from combat deployments. Troops returning from deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan get a hearty holiday homecoming as they arrive at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. DoD photo by Donna Miles  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Families, veterans, beauty queens, students enjoying the first day of their holiday vacations and even Santa Claus began descending on... American Forces Press Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2414114/posts#comment Wed, 23 Dec 2009 23:40:58 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2413449/posts All details and information, including info on buses and hotels, will be found on the primary planning hub at http://www.TaxDayTeaParty.com capveterans http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2413449/posts#comment Wed, 23 Dec 2009 01:44:50 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2413543/posts An American Airlines plane crashed and broke in two after landing at the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston shortly after 10 p.m. Tuesday, according to local reports. There were no immediate reports of casualties. Details were not immediately available, however, passengers on the plane told local media that flight 331 had just arrived from Miami in pouring rain when the accident occurred. The flight apparently originated in Washington, D.C. Fox News http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2413543/posts#comment Wed, 23 Dec 2009 05:05:01 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2412511/posts WASHINGTON (AP) - The Washington Times says it will publish its last Sunday edition this weekend. The newspaper made the announcement Monday, saying it will produce Monday through Friday editions that focus on its "distinctive news and opinion content." The new print edition will be sold for $1 at retail outlets and newspaper boxes in the Washington area. The current weekday edition is 50 cents and Sunday's paper costs $1. Breitbart http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2412511/posts#comment Mon, 21 Dec 2009 22:08:50 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2412668/posts The Lost City, The Lost Patrol and now the Lost Walter Reed Rallies. With the BIG 9/11Walter Reed Rally and the HUGH Tea Party 9/12 March closely following these two weeks at Walter Reed, the After Action Reports were lost. They have been recovered from our archives for your pleasure. WEEK 226, August 14 Patriots attending this week include Lurker Bill, BufordP, Cindy_True_Supporter, Fraxinus, GunsAreOK, Jimmy Valentines Brother, Sensei Ern, [Mrs] Trooprally and me. BELOW LEFT: BufordP before the banners and flags showed up, with cigar in hand listening to Mark Levin. Cindy_True_Supporter on her way to help. BELOW RIGHT:... http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2412668/posts#comment Tue, 22 Dec 2009 01:50:33 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2412412/posts This Saturday, to all those who have attended Olney’s Support the Troops Rally, YOU WERE OUT ON OLNEY’s CORNER “IN SPIRIT”. And those who have read the Olney AARs as we come up to our 4 Year Anniversary on January 2,2010, Thank You for your support. BELOW LEFT: Distant view of our red banner from Friday night thru Monday morning. BELOW RIGHT: Close up of banner, dah. That explanation is for any moonbats who are reading this AAR. BELOW LEFT: Saturday AM at the Olney Bunker. “Hey [Mrs] T - think we can make it up the hill?”. BELOW RIGHT:... http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2412412/posts#comment Mon, 21 Dec 2009 19:35:37 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2412015/posts Walter Reed, Week 244, 12/18/09 T’was the Friday Before Christmas Santa Arrives at Walter Reed FRONT GATE NOTES T’was the Friday Before Christmas and Santa joined the DC Chapter in Supporting the Troops and their Families.This past Friday night saw the beginning of what the lame stream media is now calling the great Blizzard of ’09. It began during our Support the Troops Friday night rally and ended early Sunday morning leaving 21 inches on the ground. But it didn’t scare the DC Chapter of Free Republic away from its 244th consecutive Friday night at the front gates of Walter... http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2412015/posts#comment Mon, 21 Dec 2009 04:01:13 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2411867/posts Federal agencies in the Washington, DC, area are CLOSED. OPM http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2411867/posts#comment Sun, 20 Dec 2009 22:25:03 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2411407/posts A blizzard-like storm rocked the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast on Saturday, crippling travel across the region and causing hundreds of thousands of power outages. Those who did venture out were treated to nearly desolate stores on what is usually one of the busiest shopping days of the year. There were virtually no lines to get a picture with a mall Santa on the last weekend before Christmas. The National Guard used Humvees to rescue stranded motorists in Virginia and some 500 people had sought warmth and refuge in emergency shelters. At least one person was killed in a traffic accident in... npr http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2411407/posts#comment Sun, 20 Dec 2009 00:26:31 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2411385/posts Garrison Keillor, self-appointed cultural representative of regular old Americans, ruffled some feathers yesterday with a mildly xenophobic rant about Christmas: "...all those lousy holiday songs by Jewish guys that trash up the malls every year, Rudolph and the chestnuts and the rest of that dreck. Did one of our guys write ‘Grab your loafers, come along if you wanna, and we’ll blow that shofar for Rosh Hashanah’? No, we didn’t. Christmas is a Christian holiday—if you’re not in the club, then buzz off." Tablet Magazine http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2411385/posts#comment Sat, 19 Dec 2009 23:28:06 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2411231/posts A major winter storm was moving up the Atlantic Coast on Friday night, with forecasters expecting accumulations of one to two feet of snow in some areas by Saturday night, according to the National Weather Service. President Obama returned from Copenhagen early Saturday, landing at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland amid a major winter storm. Winter storm warnings were in effect from Tennessee and North Carolina to the southern New England states, and the storm was expected to affect Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia and other cities. A blizzard warning was in effect for Long Island. The National Weather Service said... New York Times http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2411231/posts#comment Sat, 19 Dec 2009 17:53:00 GMT