today’s news and information gleanings from here and there!
Quote for today… “My colleagues, every statement I make today is backed up by sources, solid sources. These are not assertions. What we’re giving you are facts and conclusions based on solid intelligence.’ – Colin Powell, speaking to the UN in February 2003, when he was certain the Iraq had nuclear weapons. Fast Forward 13+ years, and two new mad men make the same kind of assertions about another government’s use of chemical warfare. First mad man. Second mad man.
- NOTE to those working in state government offices in Columbia: Check out the US Census Bureau statistics on ethnicity.
- What kind of fiscal control allows someone to steal $400,000 from a fire company? – Scranton Times-Tribune
- Wow! “More than 250 people turned out Tuesday night” in a York County township meeting to uncover secrets an unidentified developer and their elected public servants would not tell them. If only …
- A regular Columbia news, views & reviews reader sends along this: Call the White House comment line now at 202-456-1111 or 202-456-1414 to be put on hold until operator is available, and say: “I oppose military intervention and military support in Syria. I support massive efforts for a political solution and continued humanitarian aid.” Other ways to contact the White House.
- The Produce Geek’s recommendations for the week include watermelon, apples and more.
- Want to buy some newspapers? “The parent company of the Citizens’ Voice, The Times-Tribune and the Standard-Speaker informed employees Monday it is looking to sell four daily and five weekly newspapers.” – Wilkes-Barre Times-Leader
Columbia news, views & reviews 
Stealing from a fire company? It happened right here in good old Columbia, why not other municipalities? I believe the amount stolen right under the noses of one of our fire companies was around $250,000. Seems those things get brushed under the carpet in Columbia though.
In the Scranton case, “A judge told Sweeney to expect jail time when he’s sentenced in a few months. He could face up to 14 years in prison.” Was that the case with the Columbia theft?
Nope, of course not. I think they had their hands slapped, no jail time and I think $50/month in restitution
Oh–h-h … I calculate that the perp will have that quarter mil paid off in just over 415 years. That’s a great deal. Really! Dipping your hands into someone’s cash to buy who knows what and then not to pay the price. Almost makes people want to become crooks.