COLUMBIA SPY

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.]

Go here for the article: http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/790442_Columbia-Tree-Society-holds-annual-membership-drive.html

Matthew Fabral Dejesus Matthew Fabral Dejesus, 18, of Columbia, a suspect in the recent string of burglaries, was arrested following a brief struggle with police. For more information, click  HERE .

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.)

Go here: http://www.ydr.com/letters/ci_22099393/gordon-freireich-new-old-lighting-wrightsville-columbia-bridge

Last Friday, a Columbia family's home was burglarized while they were at the grocery store for 15 minutes.  Firearms - some loaded - were taken. Go  HERE  for more information.

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 window...