http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/md-news/ en-us Sat, 5 Jul 2008 11:59:44 GMT Focus Forum 15 http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2041043/posts If you've seen HBO's "The Wire," you know why those of us who live in Baltimore are often asked whether our city really is the hellhole it is portrayed to be on TV. Our answer is, well, yes. Baltimore deserves the Third-World profile it has developed because it has expanses of crumbling, crime-riddled neighborhoods populated by low-income renters, an absent middle class, and just a few enclaves of high-income gentry near the Inner Harbor or in suburbs. This wasn't what Baltimore looked like in the 1950s. Then it was a prosperous, blue-collar city. [Snip] Today, the city has a population... Wall Street Journal http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2041043/posts#comment Sat, 5 Jul 2008 11:59:44 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2040705/posts The Ravens probably have enough on their plate right now, what with a new coach and a new quarterback and Derrick Martin's recent citation for alleged marijuana possession and impersonation of a Cincinnati Bengal, but they still found time to run afoul of the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. Baltimore Sun http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2040705/posts#comment Fri, 4 Jul 2008 14:00:42 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2040526/posts No Dirty Dozen this week but a dozen of clean shaven gents and wise lady Patriots were in Olney today. They included Legionnaires Glenn (WWII - USMC), Francis (WWII - Army), Dave (WWII - Army), (YES - that is 3 WWII Vets!!), Halsey (Korea - USMC), Frank (Korea - Army) Lurker Bill, Fraxinus, Olney-Keith, PrezUSA222, Sensei Ern {Mrs} Trooprally, aka [Mrs] T, and myself, [Mr] T. Below Pics are by our Wise Lady Patriot, [Mrs] T PrezUSA222 is in the Army now but before he actually leaves, he is making the best of it by attending 3 Freeps. YES, that... http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2040526/posts#comment Fri, 4 Jul 2008 00:50:36 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2040075/posts The Trooprally's drive in heavy rain on the way to WR In a few weeks PrezUSA222 (Chad) will no longer be able to stand with us at Walter Reed on Friday nights. He's got new responsibilities. Responsibilities that will require 12 weeks of basic training, several months on job training, and then a probable tour in Free Iraq. Chad answered the call. He's in the Army now. We presented him with a plaque of a photo montage of most of the troop support signs we've used over the years. The montage is an original creation by iMacMan. After I... DC Chapter http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2040075/posts#comment Thu, 3 Jul 2008 02:44:17 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2040034/posts BETHESDA, Md., July 2, 2008 – They may not be on the pro tour yet, but two military children got a taste of the big time when they helped pro golfer Fred Couples kick off the second AT&T National at Congressional Country Club here today. Jeffrey Dahl, 9, of New Jersey, left, professional golfer Fred Couples, and Margaret Rollins, 13, of Virginia hit the ceremonial first shot to open the second AT&T National golf tournament July 2, 2008, at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Md. Both children’s fathers are servicemembers, serving in Pakistan and California, respectively. Defense Dept. photo... American Forces Press Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2040034/posts#comment Thu, 3 Jul 2008 00:55:56 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2039835/posts The Prince George's County Revenue Authority, its tax receipts sputtering as home prices plunge, has adopted a novel way to brake the slide. By cracking down on front lawns that resemble used-car lots and on trucks parked in residential areas, the authority reckons it can collect some of the $15 million in unpaid tickets and make neighborhoods more attractive to potential home buyers and prospective businesses. "A lot of the enforcement is for aesthetics because things are disorderly looking, but we also want to increase property values and make the community more livable," said Troy Thompson, director of parking operations... The Washington Times http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2039835/posts#comment Wed, 2 Jul 2008 18:16:42 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2039660/posts Several Prince George's County {MD} correctional officers who had access to a 19-year-old inmate found strangled in solitary confinement Sunday have initially declined to speak to investigators of the slaying, a source familiar with the interrogations said. The Maryland State Police and federal agents were investigating the death of Ronnie L. White, who was killed less than 36 hours after he was booked into the county correctional center on first-degree murder charges in the hit-and-run death Friday of county police Cpl. Richard S. Findley..... Washington Post http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2039660/posts#comment Wed, 2 Jul 2008 11:26:23 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2039249/posts Apparently, some District residents aren't waiting on the District Council and the Fenty administration to work out the specifics of how to modify the gun ban to comply to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling last week. Gun shops in Maryland and Virginia suburbs told The Washington Post's Allison Klein that they've gotten a number of inquiries from D.C. residents trying to buy hardware. See the article here: The Washington Post: Gun Shops Await New D.C. Rules. The Washington Post http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2039249/posts#comment Tue, 1 Jul 2008 16:52:51 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2039182/posts The FBI and Maryland State Police are investigating the death of a 19-year-old man accused of running down and killing a Prince George's County police officer. He died while in police custody Sunday, a little more than a day after he was charged with the killing. The Maryland medical examiner ruled Monday that the inmate, Ronnie White, died from strangulation. Two small bones in his neck were broken. The FBI, which investigates prison deaths as a matter of course, said it is focused on possible civil rights violations. White had been charged with first-degree murder in the death of Cpl.... NPR.org http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2039182/posts#comment Tue, 1 Jul 2008 15:17:24 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2039157/posts Gabe Schwartzman, a tall, lanky high school senior from Montgomery County, can fill up the tank of his 1980 Volvo sedan for less than $20. And he's happy to share his secret: "I take what would be thrown away and turn it into fuel." Over the last several months, Gabe has been hunkered down in the basement of his parents' Garrett Park home, converting used fryer oil from a restaurant up the street into fuel for his car. Brewing biodiesel, once a quaint hobby for green-minded citizens and budding chemists, is becoming more mainstream. The spike in gas prices is... The Washington Post http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2039157/posts#comment Tue, 1 Jul 2008 14:40:43 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2038944/posts PRICELESS!!! It was a hot and humid day with a passing shower. After dealing with the dilapidated umbrella that I gave [Mr] Trooprally for our 1st Rain FReep , he gave us big umbrellas just in case! The shower was quick and luckily not enough to even break out the umbrellas. It was, however, enough to get a rain drop on [Mrs] Trooprally's camera lens at one point. So, when you see a little spot in the middle of a few pictures, you will know the reason! Great pics courtesy of [Mrs] T. What a day full of surprises... http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2038944/posts#comment Tue, 1 Jul 2008 02:45:24 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2037531/posts Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) is scheduled to pay a solemn visit to wounded Iraq veterans at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington on Saturday, Politico has learned. The visit will be Obama’s third. Obama’s staff is keeping his trip low key. It is not on his public schedule, and his campaign would not confirm it. A pool of reporters will go with him, but will not accompany him inside. (snip) McCain occasionally visits soldiers at Walter Reed on weekends when he is in Washington, most recently May 31. McCain’s visits are usually unannounced to the press, and sometimes he... Politico http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2037531/posts#comment Sat, 28 Jun 2008 00:41:46 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2037022/posts WASHINGTON, June 26, 2008 – Sunny days will be just around the corner when Elmo and his friends bring “The Sesame Street Experience” to 43 military installations to help children trying to cope with parents’ deployments. Jillian Kules, 13 months, shows Leslye Arsht, deputy under secretary of defense for military community and family policy the new DVD she got June 26, 2008, at the launch of Sesame Workshop's "The Sesame Street Experience." Both the DVD and the live show were developed with the support of Arsht's office to help young military children cope with parents' deployments. Defense Dept. photo... America Supports You http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2037022/posts#comment Thu, 26 Jun 2008 23:47:23 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2036849/posts ANNAPOLIS | Gov. Martin O'Malley said Wednesday that he supports reforming a campaign finance system from which he and other Democrats have benefited immensely over the past decade. "I'm open to any ideas that modernize and update our campaign finances," he said. Mr. O'Malley's statement follows a series of investigations involving Democratic lawmakers in Maryland who also received large contributions from developers who used loopholes in the state's campaign finance law to give the money. Mr. O'Malley received more than $56,000 from Baltimore developer Ronald H. Lipscomb, who is the focus of a six-month state investigation. No charges have been... The Washington Times http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2036849/posts#comment Thu, 26 Jun 2008 18:22:35 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2036543/posts The Supreme Court has ruled in favor of terrorists to get access to our courts, illegal aliens can stay even when they agree to leave, and ruled in favor of child rapists. Based on this I wouldn't put it passed them to rule against law abiding gun owners if they ruled against an 8 year old rape victim!! vanity http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2036543/posts#comment Thu, 26 Jun 2008 03:26:53 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2036494/posts ACLU tries to halt mealtime prayer at Naval Academy By Josh Mitchell | Sun reporter 8:09 PM EDT, June 25, 2008 A national civil liberties group is renewing a push to end mealtime prayer at the U.S. Naval Academy, where a group of midshipmen recently complained to officials that they felt pressured to participate in the longtime practice. The tradition, believed to date back to the college's founding in 1845, now involves a chaplain's leading grace before a noon meal that all 4,200 midshipmen must attend at King Hall. Midshipmen are not required to pray, though they must stand during... Baltimore Sun http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2036494/posts#comment Thu, 26 Jun 2008 01:02:19 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2036347/posts Date/Time: 6/25/2008 3:20:34 PM Title: Baltimore Sun announces downsizing plans Posted By: Jim Romenesko Memo from Baltimore Sun publisher Tim Ryan Sent: 6/25/2008 3:00 PM Subject: Organizational Update Dear Employees / Owners, The two key factors that will sustain our company for the future are customer satisfaction and financial stability. Achieving both goals is challenging in the very best of market conditions. In the face of today’s tough economy, adapting to consumer trends while maintaining our fiscal strength is proving to be even more difficult – yet even more critical. Our long-term strategy of going on offense and creating growth... Poynter Online http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2036347/posts#comment Wed, 25 Jun 2008 20:12:22 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2036267/posts Below is the survey question at Senator Ben Cardin's website. If you are a Maryland Freeper, I invite you to visit the website - http://cardin.senate.gov/ - and participate in the survey. If you are not a Maryland Freeper, vist anyway. http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2036267/posts#comment Wed, 25 Jun 2008 17:38:44 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2036244/posts A Maryland judge sentenced an illegal immigrant to more than seven years in prison for coercing a 14-year-old girl into prostitution and forcing her to engage in sex with more than 25 men a day, according to federal prosecutors in Maryland. Javier Miguel Ramirez, 35, a Mexican national living in Hyattsville, was sentenced Monday to 87 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release for sex trafficking of a minor girl. He had pleaded guilty in March. U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein said the case was one of the most shameful human trafficking cases he’s seen. “Javier Miguel... Examiner http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2036244/posts#comment Wed, 25 Jun 2008 17:00:51 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2036154/posts One of the most ambitious pay-for-performance initiatives in Washington area schools is drawing strong teacher interest and local union support even though many national labor leaders have long asserted that it is unfair to link teachers' paychecks directly to their students' test scores.... ...The program's criteria exclude some teachers from certain bonus pools. Half of the bonus money is tied to scores on state tests given in third through eighth grades and in high school: Up to $2,500 is won when the school meets test score targets, and up to $2,500 is given for improving a given class's scores. The... The Washington Post http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2036154/posts#comment Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:57:08 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2035756/posts To their everlasting horror, the global-warming alarmists have discovered that ExxonMobil advertises with the Washington Nationals. This act of free enterprise cannot go unpunished, so the global-warming alarmists have initiated a campaign to educate the Lerner family and baseball-supporting public in the hope the Nationals will end their relationship with ExxonMobil. It is unclear whether the global-warming alarmists walked to the ballpark from their homes, took mass transportation or drove there in an automobile. That, of course, is often the rub with the global-warming zealots. They talk a good game if it concerns you, your neighbor and the person down... The Washington Times http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2035756/posts#comment Tue, 24 Jun 2008 18:17:57 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2035659/posts Several hikers ran across eight bares last week in Gathland State Park. A group of men between the ages of 40 and 60 reportedly disrobed and started walking along the trail, said Sgt. Ken Turner, a spokesman for the Department of Natural Resources. About 10:30 a.m. Friday, a man was in the park when he saw the men gathering near the Appalachian Trail. He then saw them hiking in nothing but their shoes, Turner said. His wife reported the sighting to police about an hour later, Turner said. Officials did not release the name of the man or his wife.... The Frederick News-Post http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2035659/posts#comment Tue, 24 Jun 2008 15:08:24 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2035329/posts After spending the winter in a warmer climate, 3DJoy in back in town for the summer. And she’s back in style. Just arriving last week, she was at Walter Reed, spent Friday night at the Olney Compound and was out at Olney, cheering for our brave troops. Then lunch at Dave’s Bistro. For those who know the place, they actually have a 6 page menu now. And the weather was almost perfect, just a little on the warm side in Olney. What a way to spend her first weekend in town. BELOW 3D in her stylish outfit at Walter Reed.... http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2035329/posts#comment Mon, 23 Jun 2008 23:31:47 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2035048/posts Here's how rising fuel prices affect an organization with a fleet of 1,273 school buses: The Montgomery County school board today will consider giving Superintendent Jerry D. Weast emergency powers to make students walk farther to school, if need be, in the coming academic year. (snip) Should prices continue to rise, the school system could save money by raising maximum walking distances for students, because more walkers means fewer buses. Currently, elementary school students walk up to a mile, middle school students 1.5 miles and high school students two miles. The Washington Post http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2035048/posts#comment Mon, 23 Jun 2008 13:32:36 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2034356/posts Over the past two years, Estes, 43, has conducted a free golf clinic for the [catastrophically wounded] soldiers every Saturday morning in the spring. A section of the range is cordoned off for use by the men and women who make the 30-minute trip from Walter Reed. Every week, in a more formal group session, Estes focuses on a different aspect of the game: bunker shots, chipping, putting, the driver. But he and other staff members also offer individual instruction for anyone who asks. Somehow, Estes manages to find a way to get them to make contact with the golf... washington Post http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2034356/posts#comment Sat, 21 Jun 2008 14:55:36 GMT