The Patriots 4th Annual visit to the Blacks at Microsoft Minority Student Day

Submitted by Thurman D. Jones, Jr., Founder, Patriots Technology Training Center

Tuesday, March 8th, 2011, 12:36pm

Friday, February 25, 2011, was a fun-filled day for the Patriots members that joined Rodney Beverly and Danna Jennings at the 20th Annual Blacks at Microsoft Minority Student Day. Mr. Beverly is also a Member of the Patriots Board of Directors.

During a Mix and Mingle breakfast our members enjoyed the opportunity to network with Microsoft representatives who encouraged them to learn about the opportunities that the field of technology can bring. Overall, the objective of Microsoft's Minority Student Day was to provide a mechanism for students to learn about emerging technologies that Microsoft is developing for the present and near future, plus their ability to one day possibly be the creator of that technology.

(Left to Right) Danna Jennings, Rodney Beverly, Wes Anderson, Thurman Jones, and Dorian Orr

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Senate Passes Ban On Reading Texts While Driving

Submitted by WUSA9 Web Staff

Monday, March 7th, 2011, 10:52pm

Senate Passes Ban On Reading Texts While Driving

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- The Maryland Senate has approved a measure banning people from reading text messages while they are driving.

The Senate passed the bill Monday night 35-11. Violators could be fined up to $500. Drivers also could not read a text message while stopped at a traffic light.

The House of Delegates approved a similar bill last week.

Current law prohibits a driver from using a hand-held device to send a text message while driving, but it still allows a driver to read one.
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Read House Bill 196:

http://mlis.state.md.us/2011rs/billfile/HB0196.htm

Read Senate Bill 424:

http://mlis.state.md.us/2011rs/billfile/SB0424.htm

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Traffic Volume Dips On ICC

Submitted by WUSA9 Web Staff

Monday, March 7th, 2011, 3:51pm

GAITHERSBURG, Md. (AP) -- The first day of toll collections on the new Intercounty Connector has led to a big drop in the number of drivers using the 7-mile stretch of highway.

The Maryland Transportation Authority reports that about 2,100 vehicles traveled the ICC between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. Monday. That's down from about 5,500 a day during peak hours while the toll road was free.

A trip on the ICC costs $1.45 during the morning and afternoon rush hours. It costs less during off-peak and overnight hours.

RELATED STORY: ICC Tolls Now Charged On New Highway

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Learning To Save Lives

Submitted by WUSA9 Web Staff

Thursday, March 3rd, 2011, 8:10pm

Mental illness. Just the two words scare a lot of us. Especially after the attacks in Tucson and at Virginia Tech.

This week, Maryland's governor announces a plan to train people at every community college in the state in what's called Mental Health First Aid.

It's a ground-breaking program that's already saving lives.

At the Mental Health Association in Rockville. Two dozen staffers from Montgomery College gathered recently to learning a simple way to remember the five steps in mental health first aid. It's a memory device that goes by the name ALGEE:

1) Assess the risk of suicide or harm.
2) Listen non-judgmentally.
3) Give reassurance and information.
4) Encourage appropriate professional help.
5) Encourage self-help and other support strategies.

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Don't Donate Your Identity

Submitted by WUSA9 Web Staff

Thursday, March 3rd, 2011, 1:09am

WASHINGTON (WUSA) -- How many of us have donated used computers and their parts to charity? Most people never think twice about it. But you'll be shocked to learn what 9News Now found.

We purchased four computers from a Montgomery County, Maryland thrift shop. They ranged in price from $19.99 to 49.99, but what we found inside them could be priceless in the wrong hands.

We brought our thrift shop computers to WUSA's Manager of Technology, Richard Gorbutt. One by one, Richard plugged them in and fired them up.

"People take time and effort to shred the credit card applications they get at home, but they just don't take time and effort when they get rid of their PCs," said Gorbutt.

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Maryland Truckers to Head to the Capital Today to Protest Fuel Tax & Fee Hikes

Submitted by Anonymous on Wednesday, March 2nd, 11:05 am

Truck drivers from across the state will roll into Annapolis Today (Tuesday) at 11:00 AM to protest legislation that would substantially increase the state's fuel tax and vehicle registration fees.

Press reports say the protest was organized by the Maryland Motor Truck Association, though its website reveals no such plans.

The truckers plan to encircle the Lowe House Office Building in Annapolis, Md. while industry representatives tell lawmakers how proposals to raise revenue will cripple their businesses, inflate consumer prices and stall the economic recovery.

Members of the Mid-Atlantic Petroleum Distributors' Association, WMDA Service Station and Automotive Repair Association, and National Federation of Independent Business will also participate.

More info: www.mmtanet.com

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Md. Gay Marriage Vote Delayed After Protests

Submitted by WUSA9 Web Staff

Tuesday, March 1st, 2011, 10:27pm

Md. Gay Marriage Vote Delayed After Protests

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- The effort to extend full marriage rights to same-sex couples is on hold in the Maryland House following a day of delegate protests and closed-door negotiations.

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Joseph Vallario delayed two planned votes on the gay marriage Tuesday after it became apparent supporters did not have the votes needed to pass the measure.

Delegate Jill Carter, D-Baltimore, and Delegate Tiffany Alston, D-Prince George's, forced the panel to delay a morning vote earlier Tuesday. The two are looking for more school money for Baltimore City and Prince George's County, Carter said Tuesday afternoon.

Supporters need 12 votes on the committee to pass the bill. Carter, a likely swing vote, said her request had not been met, after a 90-minute meeting with House Speaker Michael Busch.

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