WBAL.com

The online search giant launched a project called Google Fiber for Communities, where it plans to develop ultra-high speed broadband networks in one or more locations across the United States. Google has said that its new fiber-optic network would deliver Internet speeds “more than 100 times faster” than what most people have access to today.

[Mayor] Rawlings-Blake picked Tom Loveland, chief executive officer of technology company Mind Over Machines, to be the volunteer “Google Czar.” Loveland will be working with the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development and Neighborhoods to complete and submit details on Baltimore’s proposal to Google by the March 26 deadline.

Loveland said the Baltimore region has world-class resources in its universities, hospitals and private industries, and “a growing population of entrepreneurs who are trying to make a difference in the community.”

Technology advocates in Baltimore have also launched their own Website – BmoreFiber.com – which is documenting the support for bringing the project to Baltimore. So far, more than 1,600 people have expressed their support through the site, which also features supporting videos by Gov. Martin O’Malley and Dr. Andres Alonso, chief executive officer of Baltimore’s public schools.

Topeka, Kansas changed the city name to Google for the month in an attempt to get Google Fiber. Greenville, South Carolina is planning an event March 20 with what some are calling a “flashmob” with glow sticks spelling out a message for Google that will be photographed from the sky.

Baltimore County Police

Police Ask For Help Locating 24-Year Old Woman

Baltimore County, Md. (March 3, 2010) – Baltimore County Police are asking for the public’s help in locating a 24-year-old woman missing from where she was last seen on February 21 in the Catonsville area of Route 40 and Rolling Road, 21228 in Precinct 2/Woodlawn.

Police say that Cherice Maria Ragins, 24, of the 3600-block of North Rogers Avenue, 21215 went to the Catonsville area of Baltimore County to meet with someone. She has not been seen or heard from since.

She is described as a black female, 5’4” tall, 120 pounds, with brown eyes, and brown hair. Ragins also has her name “Cherice” tattooed on her neck. She was last seen wearing gray sweatpants, a red hooded sweatshirt over a black shirt, and green and pink shoes. She was also carrying a black purse with silver trim.

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Cherice Ragins is asked to call Baltimore County Police at 410-307-2020.

LUSH, a chain of stores selling socially-conscious and environmentally-friendly bath and body products, will be offering a free bath bomb of your choice with any $30 purchase on Saturday, February 20 at their Towson Town Center location (2nd level).  “As a salute to being the creators of the original bath bomb back in 1989, and as a throwback to the retro vibe of the 1980s Olympics, this party is all about cranking up the energy!”  LUSH offers a range of products from soap to solid bubble bath bars to hair and skincare items.   Hillary’s picks:  their best-selling Honey I Washed the Kids soap, Amondopondo bubble bar for a tub full of long-lasting suds, strawberry-scented Yummy Yummy Yummy shower gel, and Waving Not Drowning bath bomb for a soothing lavender-scented soak.

Phone: 410.828.1313

E-mail: towsontowncenter@lushusa.com

Tonight Baltimore County Republicans blasted the Democrat-led county government for a miserable response to a historic snowstorm; one that has left many neighborhoods paralyzed, days after the blizzard ended.

“Jim Smith used the response to Hurricane Isabel for partisan purposes, but today, he can’t blame Republicans for Baltimore County’s deplorable response to a historic snowstorm,” commented Chris Cavey, Chairman of the Baltimore County Republican Party. “Whole neighborhoods are still inaccessible days after the snowstorm ended, and citizens are confused about what to do with mounting garbage. It reflects years of underinvestment in public works, and a basic breakdown in services.”

This past Tuesday at the Spending Affordability Committee the County auditor revealed a $144 million revenue shortfall. “Poor planning will now drive us further in debt.” Cavey said, “I guess they will try to blame the budget deficit on harsh winter storms – too bad we know the truth.”

Cavey also noted the following:

· County Executive James Smith, normally in front of cameras for every press event, has been virtually invisible over the past few days, doubtfully he is snowed in.

· Neighborhoods are isolated, trapped under mounting piles of snow, while many county roads remain difficult to maneuver or unplowed.

· The county’s garbage collection is confusing and haphazard. On Monday, the county issued a press release that said there would be “limited” collection the next day. This implies that residents should pack up the piles of mounting garbage and haul it back to the house—through feet of snow—if the trash wasn’t picked up.

“Over the past two months, Democrats on the County Council spent their time debating their lucrative pension benefits and speed cameras when perhaps they could have invested a little time on how to prepare for winter emergencies,” Cavey concluded. “After 16 years, Democrats can add this latest breakdown to their legacy, which already includes traffic-choked roads and overcrowded schools.”

Every month Radisson Hotel at Cross Keys hosts a “Wine Wednesday”. The goal every month is to support Maryland wineries by hosting educational events in a relaxed environment. The featured winery this month is Boordy Vineyards.

On February 10^th from 6:30 to 8:00pm guests can enjoy samples of Boordy wines, and special made appetizers to pair. Boordy representatives will be present for the tasting. Wines will be available for sale by either glass or bottle. Unfinished bottles will even be corked and bagged for guests to take home.

So make sure to head over to Radisson Hotel at Cross Keys and start your “Romatic-a-thon” Valentines weekend early!