Author: SPY

Corruption Perceptions Index

On this, the 71st anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor, consider that the United States is now ranked lower than Germany and Japan (the two main Axis powers) on the Corruption Perceptions Index 2102, recently presented by Transparency International.  The index measures perceived levels of public sector corruption.  The US is number 19 on the list of 176 countries/territories, and has a score of 73 out of 100.  Germany is 13th, with a score of 79, and Japan is 17th, with a score of 74.
Our ranking should be a powerful incentive to start paying attention to what our government is up to.
Otherwise, we may as well just watch the bright, red choo-choo going by (on its way back to Sahd’s (December 5, 2012)).
[That was an awkward segue, but I wanted to get the train pics in there somehow.]

Have a Heart

A deer heart, that is . . .
 
Someone placed it on one of the metal posts at River Park.  
Why?
Shock value?
Crassness?
Forgetfulness
Satanic ritual?
I wonder if it was tested for chronic wasting disease?
Oh well, at least the bridge and its reflection were worth seeing.
(I took these shots on Saturday morning.)

Columbia Borough Police Investigate String of Burglaries

Police are investigating a string of burglaries that occurred throughout Columbia Borough in the last week.
The perpetrators are entering homes through unlocked doors and windows, during the early evening hours when residents are home.
The burglars should be considered armed and dangerous because firearms are among the items they have stolen. Residents should not try to confront them but should retreat to safety and call police.
Some victims have spotted the burglars, but police are not releasing their descriptions, Sgt. Adam Miller said.
Since November 23, purses, cash, guns, digital cameras, GPS units, loose change and other small items have been stolen from homes in the 600 and 900 blocks of Plane Street, South 9th Street, the 100 block of Chestnut Street, the first block of North 4th Street, and the 100 block of South 6th Street.
Losses could end up in the thousands of dollars, Miller said.
Residents should keep doors and windows locked, even when they are home and should not leave valuables in plain view through windows and doors.
Police are adding extra patrols and using camera systems in the borough to assist in their investigation.
Police ask anyone with information to call Columbia police Det.  Matthew Leddy or Sgt. Miller at 684-7735.
Tipsters also may call Lancaster City/County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-322-1913 or anonymously text LANCS plus your message to 847411 (TIP411).

Prudhomme's Gets OK on Religious Promotion

The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission says Prudhomme’s may give discounts to patrons with church bulletins, as long as the discount extends to atheists, also.  According to the commission’s legally binding settlement order, discounts may be given to any bulletin holders “from any group oriented around the subject of religious faith.”
So, what bulletin (other than a church bulletin) should an atheist present to get the discount?  
And doesn’t this decision basically mean everyone (with a religious bulletin) gets the discount?  (In that case, what’s the point of the promotion, other than creating a faux controversy to publicize Prudhomme’s?)

Go HERE for more information.