today’s news and information gleanings from here and there! Today’s Weather!   Today in History!

Quote for today… “A commonly quoted figure is that there are as many as 4.2 million cameras, or one for every 14 people.”  – The Atlantic, an article about surveillance cameras in England.

• Another THE article (Allentown Morning Call)
• Letter to the Editor (Lancaster Sunday News) – Come to Columbia, Wes! “Safety first? Your Aug. 7 editorial called for the expanded use of red-light cameras based on the argument that the cameras may make us safer. If you value safety over all else, perhaps the police should also install cameras inside our vehicles. Imagine how safe we will be when we know that our every move is monitored by the state. Surely, you will not object to a camera that watches you in your office, because you must not be permitted to write anything that is inaccurate. Finally, your logic argues that the state must install a camera in each of our homes, because then we will truly be safe. For the rest of us, let’s not forget that Benjamin Franklin said, “Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.” –Wes Bruckno, Conestoga Township
• Dumb move; trying to steal from this company: “Police: Employee stole $2,600 from Walmart” Notice that the cameras play a role after the act – cameras do not prevent crime. (York Daily Record)
• “Social Security office to close at 3:30 p.m. Effective Monday, the Lancaster Social Security office will be open to the public 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, a reduction of 30 minutes each weekday. While agency employees will continue to work their regular hours, this shorter public window will allow them to complete face-to-face service with the visiting public without incurring the cost of overtime. the change is the result of federal budget cuts. Most Social Security services do not require a visit to an office. For example, anyone wishing to apply for benefits, or replace a Medicare card may do so at socialsecurity.gov or by calling, toll free, 800-772-1213. People who are deaf or hard of hearing may call the TTY number, 800-325-0778.” (Lancaster Sunday News)
• Take a bow, Cole Umber! The cartoon strip below comes from the talented hands and brain at this Columbia Website: http://columbiapa17512.blogspot.com/ – On the mark! And thanks for granting permission to Columbia news, views & reviews to post it here!
• Single-Lane Traffic Restriction Scheduled for Route 441 (Lancaster County) – Motorists are advised that Route 441 between Depot Road and Beattys Tollgate Road in East Donegal Township, Lancaster County, will be restricted to a single lane on Monday, Aug. 15, between 8:30 a.m. and about 3:30 p.m. Flaggers will assist motorists through the work area using an alternating traffic pattern. Drivers are asked to be alert to this operation and to slow down when approaching and traveling through the work zone. The single-lane restriction is necessary so that construction crews working For PennDOT can safely remove construction material and debris associated with work on a bridge in the area. (SOURCE: PennDOT Travel Release)