Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Yes, Wednesdays can be a challenge. Need some inspiration from those who "climbed a mountain?"
Are Wednesdays really so tough? Well, yes, they can be. Here, though, is to keeping things in perspective. For more than a month now, Patch and Grape-Nuts have teamed up to present stories about your neighbors - neighbors who have faced challenges that would seem insurmountable to many of us. But not to the people we've featured in this series, Journeys. Not surprisingly, the stories have generated dozens of comments on Patch and on Facebook: "Great story..." "Thanks for sharing..." "So wonderfully inspiring..." And, so, here they are again. Great stories shared to inspire. Take a look at what these people have faced. Then click on the story to see their responses. And feel better about your tough Wednesday. Enterprising Dad Juggles …
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Potentially more fees in store at BWI, Reagan National and Dulles airports for summer travel.
In 2012, airlines raked in more than $6 billion in baggage and change fees, solely accounting for a 3.7 percent profit margin, according to WTOP. The practice of collecting additional fees for the once-free baggage began in 2008, when prices for jet fuel rose nearly 50 percent as oil hit an all-time high. Since then, the fees have increased and are typically in the range of $25 for the first checked bag and $35 for the second. These baggage fees added $3.5 billion to airline coffers in 2012, 3.8 percent more than in 2011. While some commercials make light of the anger and frustration caused by the additional fees, a J.D. Power & Associates survey cited by the Los Angeles Times shows that a greater percentage of passengers who pay to …
Some helpful links with information for how to pitch in as Oklahomans try to pick up the pieces today from yesterday's massive tornado.
Patch is about helping your neighbors, and today after the devastation near Oklahoma City where a giant tornado claimed dozens of lives, Oklahoma is our neighbor. In addition to hoping for the best for the survivors and rescue workers still out in harm's way today, here are some links where you can donate your time or money to help the recovery efforts. Give: Share: Do you have any experience with a tornado or other natural disaster? What do people need most after going through something like this? Share your tips with us by writing a blog post.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it's likely that there's fecal matter in public pools across the country.
Summer is just around the corner and what could be more refreshing than a dip in your local pool? Just don't open your mouth. In a recently released study, the CDC found E.coli in more than half of the public pool filters tested for genetic material. Although the researchers did not find the toxin-producing strain of E. coli that can cause diarrhea, cramps and, sometime, kidney failure, the bacteria they did find is normally found in human intestines and feces. What that means, in case it’s unclear, is that “swimmers frequently contaminate pool water when they have a fecal incident in the water or when feces rinse off of their bodies because they do not shower thoroughly before getting into the water.” In addition to 58 percent of the …
At the second annual Conference on Combatting Human Trafficking, the governor noted inter-agency cooperation was key to success.
New state-wide outreach programs have helped more than 15 child victims of human trafficking in the past five months alone, according to the governor’s office. Last year, nearly 80 victims received services from the state. Those numbers were some of the highlights of Monday's Second Annual Conference on Combating Human Trafficking in Maryland, in which more than 400 stakeholders and representatives of local, state and national organizations got together to discuss efforts to battle this crime, which is alive in Maryland. “Working together with all of our partners in law enforcement, we’ve assembled quite a collection of public servants and leaders in the fight against human trafficking,” Gov. Martin O'Malley said in a statement. Public …
Monday, May 20, 2013
Tuition rates and fees for In-county, out-of-county and out-of-state students will all go up next semester.
Students attending the Community College of Baltimore County will have to dig a little deeper next semester. The college will increase fees across the board by 3 percent. Currently, in-county students pay $106 per credit. Out-of-county and out-of-state students pay $202 and $303 respectively. Under the new tuition rates, those costs will increase to $109, $208 and $312 respectively. General services fees will also increase across the board. Currently, in-county students pay $9 per credit. Out-of-county and out-of-state students pay $18 and $27 respectively. The new increases will bring those fees to $10.50, $20.50 and $30.50 respectively. Registration fees will increase from $40 to $50. Graduation fees will increase from $50 to $75. …
Residency requirements could thwart Timothy Tenne's efforts to get his name on the 2014 ballot
Timothy Tenne has lived in Baltimore County nearly all his life except for the time he spent in the Air Force. The retired Lt. Colonel and commercial airline pilot wants to be Baltimore County Executive but he may need a little help to meet the residency requirements. "There is going to have to be some kind of an opinion from the Attorney General or we're going to need a Charter change," Tenne said speaking of his eligibility. Tenne filed earlier this year and is listed on the Maryland State Board of Elections website as a provisional candidate. "He is provisional until he satisfies his residency requirement of 5 years living in Baltimore County," wrote Katie Brown, director of elections for the Baltimore County Board of Elections. The …
Baseball's Iron Man delivered the commencement address Sunday at the University of Maryland's Comcast Center.
Drawing on his experience with talent, attitude, and success in professional baseball, hall of famer Cal Ripken, Jr. delivered the University of Maryland commencement address Sunday at the Comcast Center in College Park. The "Iron Man"—best known for playing a record 2,632 consecutive games with the Baltimore Orioles—spoke to some 7,000 members of the class of 2013 along with their family, friends, and professors. Recalling his transformation from a headstrong rookie to American League MVP, Ripken urged each student to "thoroughly examine your attitude, to make it positive, and to go forth and make your mark on this world." Ripken, who was raised in Aberdeen, played shortstop and third base for Orioles from 1981 to 2001. He is one of just …
The robber forced a woman in her car at gunpoint and had her drive to an alley.
A robber stole money, a phone and keys from an Arbutus woman after forcing her into her car at gunpoint. Police patrolled and sent a K-9 unit to the scene, the 5400 block of Dolores Avenue, after the call came in at 11:28 a.m. on Tuesday, May 14, according to Baltimore County Police spokeswoman Julia Hardgrove. A robber approached a 38-year-old woman while she was removing things from her vehicle and pointed a handgun at her back. He told her to get into her vehicle and drive, according to a police report. The woman drove to an alley, and took the woman’s cell phone, money and car keys. He got out of the car and ran down the alley, according to police. Police were not able to located the suspect, the report said.
A handgun, rifle and $2,000 were stolen from the running back’s Reisterstown home between Friday night and Saturday morning.
Penelope Patch
6:50 pm on Tuesday, May 21, 2013
E. coli is fine as long as it stays where it is supposed to (e.g. intestine). If you know you or a member of your family is ill, don't go swimming in a public pool. Even though the article indicates that the deadly strain (0157) wasn't identified, E. coli that is introduced in an area of the body where it doesn't belong, including the skin, can be harmful, and in people who are immune-compromised… more ›