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Tuesday, December 09, 2008

Special Offer from Good Fella's in Pittsville

I was talking to the owners of Good Fella's Restaurant in Pittsville today who told me that they are now offering 10% off of everything for Police Officers, Firefighters, and EMS personnel. They are doing this in recognition of the valuable service they provide to their communities everyday.
They will also now deliver to almost any location in the northern hemisphere! Just kidding! BUT they will deliver in Pittsville and surrounding areas including Gumboro, De. You can call 410-835-0222 to find out if they'll deliver to your area. I told them that I would put it here on this blog so that those qualified could take advantage of the savings.

DEMAND DESTRUCTION HITS WICOMICO COUNTY

Previously we reported that Wicomico County's sales tax collections were down, despite, a 20% increase in the sales tax rate.

Here are the totals, once again, for FY 2002 Through FY 2008

Wicomico County Sales Tax Collections

FY 2003 (08/02 through 07/03) - $55,487,221
FY 2004 (08/03 through 07/04) - $60,701,335
FY 2005 (08/04 through 07/05) - $68,168,174
FY 2006 (08/05 through 07/06) - $76,160,447
FY 2007 (08/06 through 07/07) - $76,254,189
FY 2008 (08/07 through 07/08) - $75,892,624

However, the actual number for 2008 might not be as authentic as one might be led to believe because on the State Comptroller's fiscal report it notes an adjustment in the amount of $661,668 that is presently unaccounted for. . .at least for which no adequate explanation has yet been presented as of this writing. It appears that an adjustment entry has been entered for which only one other County has a similar action - (Frederick).

Time and time again I have requested for State officials to implement a formula so that we citizens can determine how much of our collections are actually being returned back to our locality. This is only fair to maintain transparency. Moreover, even the State officials within the Comptroller's office have informed me that this information has been requested before by many people throughout Maryland.

If California's Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and New York's Governor David Paterson among many other Governors have questioned our President about their State's formula in returning Federal funds to their respective State. . . .wouldn't one believe that our State would disseminate similar information for each County and jurisdiction throughout Maryland?

Stay tuned as more revelations may be forthcoming in the very near future.

Salvation Army Bell Ringing UPDATE

Sams Club

North Walmart Retail Entrance

North Walmart Grocery Entrance


Click images to enlarge

Just a few slots left to fill. Thanks to all that have committed their time to the Red Kettle Campaign. This is the most recent update provided by the Salvation Army. If you would like to volunteer, please contact the Salvation Army at 410-749-7771 ext 100 or Joe at 410-430-5349 or send an email to alberobutzo@wmconnect.com

THANK YOU!

Don't forget Help Wanted & Yard Sales

I drove by a yard sale sign and reminded me to remind you guys . . . if you are still having yard sales, even in winter, please let us know. Everyone is looking for deals, especially during Christmas. Another's stuff (not trash!) may be another's treasure.

I had a comment last week regarding the help wanted ads. Let me remind everyone that the Help Wanted ads are for people that are looking for employment as well. So, if you are an employer looking for an employee OR if you are a person looking for employment, please place an ad here, for FREE. It doesn't get any better than that. Even if one person reads it, it's one person that may know someone that is looking for your expertise. Win-win situation!

So, if you have information you would like post for Friday, 12/12/08, please email me, SunnyInOC at atlanticjw@aol.com. Please type "yard sale" or "help wanted" in the subject of your email. Please have your email to me by 3pm on Thursday, 12/11/08.

Calling In 'Gay' To Work Is Latest Form Of Protest

SAN FRANCISCO — Some same-sex marriage supporters are urging people to "call in gay" Wednesday to show how much the country relies on gays and lesbians, but others question whether it's wise to encourage skipping work given the nation's economic distress.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,464024,00.html

Breaking News: Illinois Gov. Arrested

Illinois Gov. Arrested

Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is in federal custody on charges that he conspired to sell or trade the U.S. Senate seate left vacant by President-elect Barack Obama. http://www.wbaltv.com/video/18236436/index.html?treets=bal&tml=bal_break&ts=T&tmi=bal_break_-1_10570112092008

Ill. Gov. arrested in Obama successor probe http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081209/ap_on_re_us/blagojevich_corruption_probe

We're Still Looking For Help This Friday

There are some open slots for Bell Ringers this Friday at Sam's Club and WalMart.

The open slots at Sam's are, 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

The open slots at WalMart are 12:00 am to 1:00 pm and 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

If you have the time and would like to volunteer we'd greatly appreciate it.

Please contact me at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349. You can also contact the Salvation Army at 410-749-7771 ext. 100.

Thank You!

This Just In: Wicomico River

"Joe,

I just noticed that the dnr, army corp. of engineers and some other large boat are on the river near brew river. Could it be about the north prong? Or sewage plant?

The large boat is the j millard tawes out of Annapolis, I think it’s a dnr vessel, but not sure."

Bruce's Billiards Takes Empty Macy's Bell Ringing Slot

Folks, thanks for all the e-mail messages offering to fill the Macy's slot on Thursday. Bruce called me almost instantly and offered to do it on his Lunch Break from the Store. This is the busiest time of the year for the Billiard Industry and this was over the top kind of Bruce to make such a commitment. So thank you Bruce and I hope you have a record year this year!

ANOTHER SECRET MEETING ABOUT PAC-14 TODAY?

At last night’s meeting of the Salisbury City Council, the leaders of that “task force” (or whatever it’s called) that wants to seize control of PAC-14 – namely Mr. Pretl and Mr. Tilghman – spoke at great length. One of them stated (inadvertently -?) that they will be meeting with Wicomico County today.

But, there is no scheduled meeting of the County Council until next week.

So, is this another of those “off the record” unannounced sessions with certain select officials but not the entire Council? Or perhaps it’s a meeting with the County Executive, Rick Pollitt, alone? Maybe someone will inform the media of the details, including the time and place, and whether the meeting(s) are open to the public.

Inquiring minds want to know!

UPDATE FROM COUNTY EXECUTIVE RICK POLLITT:

"I know of no meeting of the “task force”. I am invited this morning to what I think is a meeting with Tom Jones, provost of SU and Mayor Tilghman at SU to talk about what’s left of the University’s role in PAC-14. As far as I know, it’s just the three of us and does not involve any of the proposals being circulated about future management of PAC-14. I am aware that the city and county councils are considering a joint meeting at Wor-Wic to talk as partners about the topic. That’s about it for me.

Rick Pollitt"

UPDATE #2:

"The one and only purpose of our meeting this morning turned out to be Provost Jones’ agreeing to continue to provide for payroll administration and facilities for PAC-14 while we sort out the mess that’s been created. Period.

Rick Pollitt"

Today's Wildlife Photo

Two Sentz is Here!

So here goes nothing. I am throwing my hat into the ring, one of the three rings of the circus that has come to be known as SBYnews. Thanks for the invite Joe. I have watched this site grow over the past year or so and I saw the discussion (or lack there of) grow in intensity as the election drew near. Some of the commenters on here were down-right bigoted, racist, ignorant low-lifes. No offense if that’s you. And of course, many comments from my side (the blue or Democratic side) were never allowed to be seen. I know that infuriated many people, myself included. So I started my own blog called “Two Sentz – Spreading the Blue Truth” where we allow all comments uncensored and in real-time. Joe has informed me that I am not allowed to link to it so you’ll have to “Google” it. Let me also add that Two Sentz will still be my main endeavor so keep checking it, but I will occasionally post here to.

Along the way at Two Sentz we picked up a troll who constantly played devil’s advocate and purposely tried to get under our skin by using racist and derogatory comments when referring to Barack Obama, democrats, liberals etc. He did raise good questions though, as many do here. Here is an excerpt from a Two Sentz discussion between this Anonymous troll and myself. First the troll:

Come on here guys what the heck? I see you spilling half truths more than a little. How about that drug screen for all the money you will give away, how about abortion for birth control, come on you guys convinced a bunch of people who if they had to take a reading writing test would flat out fail, bunch of dead beats looking for more. Once the general public sees their money taken, how bout your 401k (if you have saved) more worthless individuals getting cash for nothing, and lets not forget public safety against our enemies. Why do you think they wanted him elected, because like Jimmy Carter they will attack and we will cower under this guy. Besides how does someone like him attend Princeton and Harvard...at the public trough of course. I bet half you guys are unemployed and waiting for your check. So all you guys, until you are willing to talk turkey about Chicago crime rate, until you will address the homegrown terrorist he hangs with, until you are willing to discuss the drug testing for public money, AND LETS NOT FORGET THE BIRTH CERT. Has anyone seen a copy or the original of this document? Keep giving it away, then when they come for yours you can all live together. No you guys will kill yourselves at the public trough. NOT ONE OF YOU HAS THE STONES TO DISCUSS THE ISSUES I PUT FORTH.

As you can see, he brought up lots of issues worthy of discussion but like many of the threads I have read here, it is more like a rambling tirade instead of civil discussion. Well I couldn’t let this go unanswered so I had to give him my response. This should give you some insight as to my opinions and position on some issues and hopefully it will serve as a good introduction of me to you the readers.

Drug screening for handouts? I assume you mean the "public trough" you speak of. That is SOOO broad; if you want to talk about it we need to narrow it down some. I will pick one example for us: unemployment. Let's say a drug addict got fired and applied for unemployment. Let’s also say he had a wife and three kids and he was the bread winner and the only way he could provide in the immediate future was to apply for unemployment. Would you be ok with his young children going hungry if he failed a drug test? They didn't do anything wrong. Would it be fair to punish them? Would they have some other assistance? I do think in general it is a great idea but there are problems. Logistically it would be a major undertaking. It would probably create a whole new industry. Who would pay for the drug test? Would all the test administrators in effect be getting a government handout for doing the tests? In some cases it would be easy to enforce and others it would be very hard. Some instances might be scholarships, Medicare, welfare, social security, maybe more. What if certain drugs were legal? Would you be fine with pot heads getting scholarships? If no, maybe your problem is more with drug abuse. Anyway, that is a huge topic.

Abortion for birth control? First of all, abortions reached their peak as a percentage in 1982 and in actual numbers in 1990 and have been on the decline ever since. That is great. I am personally against abortion and would never encourage any woman to have one. I know a few women who have had one and none of them are happy about it. They all wish they had kept it. If you read up on it I think you will find that is the sentiment. It is really devastating and to suggest that women just willy-nilly get them instead of using birth control I think is misguided. I guess the real question is Roe v Wade? I don’t think it will be overturned. I think abortion will happen regardless, they always have. Do you try to make it safer while continuing to make it rarer or do you make women go rogue? I don’t know. Whose interest is at heart? The mother or the unborn? I don’t think it can be both and there is where the choice comes in and thus the division. Another huge topic and one I think has two components, the legal and the moral. I’d love to get more into this but this damn post is so long already.

The 401k’s? You can see my post for my thoughts on that:
http://twosentz.blogspot.com/2008/11/401ks-iras-and-guaranteed-retirement.html

I don’t think we will “cower” behind this guy. I don’t think we will be as combative either. I think we will find a better and more respectable balance.

Attending Princeton and Harvard? Scholarships and loans of course. Plus he had to get some pretty damn good grades. Even if I could afford those schools, I doubt I could have gotten in? Could you? I don’t know if affirmative action helped him if you were implying that.

None of us here are unemployed. We are all married too and all but one has kids.

So, as for the comparison with Chicago and Iraq. Are you comparing civilian deaths to civilian deaths? Iraq has more. Military deaths to military deaths? Iraq has more. All deaths? Iraq has more. Civilian to military? Apples to oranges. Remember too, Barack Obama doesn’t work for the Chicago police force either. I would blame law enforcement, not him. Look at D.C.’s crime rate. Do you blame George Bush?

Bill Ayers. What can I say? Try fightthesmears.com. You can find supporting arguments for either side on the internet. I think Barack is telling the truth. I trust Barack. And why isn’t anyone up in arms about Bill Ayers being a college professor then, if he is so bad? Just saying.

And the birth certificate, well, I suggest you take a trip to the State records office of Hawaii if you still have doubt. According to snopes.com, it’s actually undetermined if McCain is a natural born citizen since he was born in Panama. I say whatever, he is obviously an American.

So my “stones” are now on the table here at SBYnews. I hope that table doesn’t turn out to be a chopping block and I end up regretting this decision. Oh, and this anonymous commenter never did reply back to the points I raised so if you are out there, let’s see what you got, Jack. And sorry for the excessively long post, I know most people don't want to bother with ones this long. Thank you if you are still reading.

I Need A Bell Ringer For Macy's

The Salvation Army needs a Bell Ringer for ONE hour this Thursday at Macy's inside the Mall from 12:00 to 1:00 PM. Please e-mail me at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com if you have the interest and can spare the time. Thanks, Joe

Salisbury News Welcomes A New Contributor

Salisbury News welcomes "Two Sentz" to our list of Contributors. This individual is an incredible writer who has a different look on issues in which I felt would be a great addition to debates here on Salisbury News.

While the two of us started off completely disagreeing on just about anything and everything, we came to learn the good each of us was trying to offer our little piece of the world and chose to try working together, rather than apart. This has gone on for quite a while now and as it is extremely difficult to keep up with maintaining a full time Blog. I noticed things slowing down on his Site so I asked if he'd be interested in joining out team.

Fortunately he has agreed to do so and I am honored to have him on board. Hopefully other Bloggers will see tat we can come together and agree to disagree at times but still be friends/friendly. Sit tight Folks, things are about to get even more interesting here on Salisbury News.

Coughing? Try This!

I had a friend email this to me last night. If I had a cold, I would try it. If anyone has done this, please comment and let me know your findings. If you have a cold with coughing, try it tonight and comment on if it worked.


VICKS VAPOR RUB INTERESTING

During a lecture on Essential Oils, they told us how the foot soles can absorb oils.

Their example: Put garlic on your feet and within 20 minutes you can 'taste' it.

Some of us have used Vicks Vaporub for years for everything from chapped lips to sore toes and many body parts in between. But I've never heard of this. And don't laugh, it works 100% of the time, although the scientists who discovered it aren't sure why.

To stop night time coughing in a child (or adult as we found out personally), put Vicks Vaporub generously on the bottom of the feet at bedtime, then cover with socks. Even persistent, heavy, deep coughing will stop in about 5 minutes and stay stopped for many, many hours of relief.

Works 100% of the time and is more effective in children than even very strong prescription cough medicines. In addition it is extremely soothing and comforting and they will sleep soundly. It was found to be more effective than prescribed medicines for children at bedtime, in addition to have a soothing and calming effect on sick children who then went on to sleep soundly.

If you end up sick, try it yourself and you will be absolutely amazed at how it works.

It's The Height Of The Crime Season But In Salisbury There's No Crime

Can you tell it's an election year. It has been 7 full days since the Salisbury Police Department released a Press Release on criminal activity in Salisbury. The Mayor must have laid down the law to make sure a very small percentage of crime is actually exposed to her minions so as to make things look great in the City.

I will say this however, as I have stood ringing the bell at WalMart and Sam's Club throughout entire days and evenings up until 9:00 PM, there have been days I've been out there and never once saw a Salisbury Police Vehicle, never once! I should add, I have never once seen the Fire Chief out checking out Fire Lanes ever since Black Friday, Idiot!

On other days, like yesterday, I saw ONE. They just happened to be out getting something to eat and sat in the WalMart parking lot to eat it. I drove up to them to say hello and question an e-mail that was going around yesterday that turned out to be a lie. Someone was spreading the word that a guy was dressing up like one of the shopping cart guys and attacking and robbing people in the parking lot, NOT TRUE.

I knew it couldn't be accurate because they wouldn't stick around and continue to do it if it were in fact true. I did enough digging to find out the information was false, so don't believe that crap.

Anyhow, Webster is covering up crime again in the City of Salisbury. I hope all of you feel safe. I'm wondering though, are your car doors left unlocked at night? Are you leaving your doors and windows unlocked? Are you carrying hundreds of dollars in your wallet because you're that confident you're so well protected that no one will rob you? That's what this Mayor and Chief want you to believe. Everything is just fine in Salisbury because there is NO CRIME.

Psst...America, Time to Wake UP!!

You're sound asleep when you hear a thump outside your bedroom door. Half-awake, and nearly paralyzed with fear, you hear muffled whispers. At least two people have broken into your house and are moving your way. With your heart pumping, you reach down beside your bed and pick up your shotgun. You rack a shell into the chamber, then inch toward the door and open it. In the darkness, you make out two shadows.

One holds something that looks like a crowbar. When the intruder brandishes it as if to strike, you raise the shotgun and fire. The blast knocks both thugs to the floor. One writhes and screams while the second man crawls to the front door and lurches outside. As you pick up the telephone to call police, you know you're in trouble.

In your country, most guns were outlawed years before, and the few That are privately owned are so stringently regulated as t o make them useless. Yours was never registered. Police arrive and inform you that the second burglar has died. They arrest you for First Degree Murder and Illegal Possession of a Firearm. When you talk to your attorney, he tells you not to worry: authorities will probably plea the case down to manslaughter.

"What kind of sentence will I get?" you ask.

"Only ten-to-twelve years," he replies, as if that's nothing. "Behave yourself, and you'll be out in seven."

The next day, the shooting is the lead story in the local newspaper. Somehow, you're portrayed as an eccentric vigilante while the two men you shot are represented as choirboys. Their friends and relatives can't find an unkind word to say about them. Buried deep down in the article, authorities acknowledge that both "victims" have been arrested numerous times. But the next day's headline says it all: "Lovable Rogue Son Didn't Deserve to Die." The thieves have been transformed from c areer criminals into Robin Hood-type pranksters. As the days wear on, the story takes wings. The national media picks it up, then the international media. The surviving burglar has become a folk hero.

Your attorney says the thief is preparing to sue you, and he'll probably win. The media publishes reports that your home has been burglarized several times in the past and that you've been critical of local police for their lack of effort in apprehending the suspects. After the last break-in, you told your neighbor that you would be prepared next time. The District Attorney uses this to allege that you were lying in wait for the burglars.

A few months later, you go to trial. The charges haven't been reduced, as your lawyer had so confidently predicted. When you take the stand, your anger at the injustice of it all works against you. Prosecutors paint a picture of you as a mean, vengeful man. It doesn't take long for the jury to convict you of all charges.

The judge sentences you to life in prison.
This case really happened.

On August 22, 1999, Tony Martin of Emneth, Norfolk , England , killed one burglar and wounded a second. In April, 2000, he was convicted and is now serving a life term.

How did it become a crime to defend one's own life in the once great British Empire ?

It started with the Pistols Act of 1903.
This seemingly reasonable law forbade selling pistols to minors or felons and established that handgun sales were to be made only to those who had a license. The Firearms Act of 1920 expanded licensing to include not only handguns but all firearms except shotguns.

Later laws passed in 1953 and 1967 outlawed the carrying of any weapon by private citizens and mandated the registration of all shotguns.

Momentum for total handgun confiscation began in earnest after the Hungerford mass shooting in 1987. Michael Ryan, a mentally
disturbed Man with a Kalashnikov rifle, walked down the streets shooting everyone he saw. When the smoke cleared, 17 people were dead.

The British public, already de-sensitized by eighty years of "gun control", demanded even tougher restrictions. (The seizure of all privately owned handguns was the objective even though Ryan used a rifle.)

Nine years later, at Dunblane, Scotland, Thomas Hamilton used a semi-automatic weapon to murder 16 children and a teacher at a public school.

For many years, the media had portrayed all gun owners as mentally unstable, or worse, criminals. Now the press had a real kook with which to beat up law-abiding gun owners. Day after day, week after week, the media gave up all pretense of objectivity and demanded a total ban on all handguns. The Dunblane Inquiry, a few months later,

Sealed the fate of the few sidearm still owned by private citizens.

During the years in which the British government incrementally took away most gun rights, the notion that a citizen had the right to armed self-defense came to be seen as vigilantism.

Authorities refused to grant gun licenses to people who were threatened, claiming that self-defense was no longer considered a reason to own a gun. Citizens who shot burglars or robbers or rapists were charged while the real criminals were released.

Indeed, after the Martin shooting, a police spokesman was quoted as saying, "We cannot have people take the law into their own hands."

All of Martin's neighbors had been robbed numerous times, and several elderly people were severely injured in beatings by young thugs who had no fear of the consequences. Martin himself, a collector of antiques, had seen most of his collection trashed or stolen by burglars.

When the Dunblane Inquiry ended, citizens who owned handguns were given three months to turn them over to local authorities. Being good Briti sh sub jects, most people obeyed the law. The few who didn't were visited by police and threatened with ten-year prison sentences if they didn't comply. Police later bragged that they'd taken nearly 200,000 handguns from private citizens.

How did the authorities know who had handguns? The guns had been registered and licensed. Kinda like cars.

Sound familiar?

WAKE UP AMERICA , THIS IS WHY OUR FOUNDING FATHERS PUT THE SECOND AMENDMENT IN OUR CONSTITUTION.

"..it does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brush fires in people's minds.."

--Samuel Adams

Here's Testimony From A New Salvation Army Volunteer

"Hey Joe I just got back from my bell ringing session, 2hrs flew by in no time. From a first timers perspective it was very easy and extremely rewarding. I met many wonderful people, received many warm smiles along with several heartfelt stories on how the Salvation Army has helped them out in one way or another. I plan on continuing this for years to come. Thank you for the opportunity and that little extra push to get out there and do the right thing.


Thanks again for your time.


Happy Holidays,


Adam C Stanley"

Thank You Adam! I'm very happy you found the same joy in giving as I do. Hopefully this message encourages others to do so. Last year the Salvation Army actually hired people to ring bells and it has been my personal goal to see that this didn't happen this year and thanks to good people like you, it's worked. Merry Christmas!

Questions That Haunt

If you have sex with a prostitute without paying, is it considered rape or shoplifting?

Can you cry under water?

How important does a person have to be before they are considered assassinated instead of just murdered?

Why do you have to "put your two cents in"... but it's only a "penny for your thoughts"? Where's that extra penny going to?

Once you're in heaven, do you get stuck wearing the clothes you were buried in for eternity?

Why does a round pizza come in a square box?

What disease did cured ham actually have?

How is it that we put man on the moon before we figured out it would be a good idea to put wheels on luggage?

Why is it that people say they "slept like a baby" when babies wake up like every two hours?

Why are you IN a movie, but you're ON TV?

Why do people pay to go up tall buildings and then put money in binoculars to look at things on the ground?

Why do doctors leave the room while you change?
They're going to see you naked anyway.

Why is "bra" singular and "panties" plural?

Why do toasters always have a setting that burns the toast to a horrible crisp, which no decent human being would eat?

If Jimmy cracks corn and no one cares, why is there a stupid song about him?

Can a hearse carrying a corpse drive in the carpool lane ?

If the professor on Gilligan's Island can make a radio out of a coconut, why can't he fix a hole in a boat?

Why does Goofy stand erect while Pluto remains on all fours?
They're both dogs!

If Wile E. Coyote had enough money to buy all that ACME crap, why didn't he just buy dinner?

If corn oil is made from corn, and vegetable oil is made from vegetables, what is baby oil made from?

If electricity comes from electrons, does morality come from morons?

Do the Alphabet song and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star have the same tune?

Why did you just try singing the two songs above?

Why do they call it an asteroid when it's outside the hemisphere, but call it a hemorrhoid when it's in your butt?

Did you ever notice that when you blow in a dog's face, he gets mad at you, but when you take him for a car ride, he sticks his head out the window?

The Few, The Proud, The Marines!


This article was published in Sunday's Daily Times. Kyle's Grandfather, Art Goetz is a Marine as well and couldn't be more proud of his Grandson. I should add, Jennifer and I are extremely proud of Kyle and his commitent to his Country. While they got the addresses wrong, Kyle is currently living in Delmar until he heads off to Boot Camp.

The Story Of Black Peter

Before elves and eight tiny reindeer, St. Nicholas had a much more menacing assistant. Named Black Peter, this companion was the physical opposite of St. Nicholas. Tall and gaunt with a dark beard and hair, Black Peter was associated with the punitive side of Christmas. Traditionally St. Nicholas would hand out presents to good children, while it fell to Black Peter to dole out coal (and sometimes knocks on the head) to children who misbehaved.

Black Peter, or Zwarte Piet in Dutch, began in Holland in the 15th century. His dark appearance is supposed to suggest a Spaniard, a reflection of Spain's occupation of the Netherlands at the time. Black Peter was also associated with pirates, a common threat to naughty Dutch children was that he would take them to a pirate's hide out and beat them. He was often represented holding a large stick for this purpose. The large bag that he held was rumored to be used for stuffing children in for the trip back to Spain. At the time "Black Peter" was a euphemism for the devil, and it was thought that St. Nicholas, being a representative of God, had beaten the devil and made him his servant. Thus it fell to Black Peter to hand out the punishments, while St. Nicholas dealt with the more pleasant sides of Christmas.

While the Dutch St. Nicholas has always been represented in much the same way, similar to the original saint in long robes with a staff, tall mitre hat, and white beard, Black Peter has been depicted in many different ways. Originally a stereotypical Spaniard in pirate garb, due to the political situation in Holland at the time, his later incarnations would also reflect popular politics. In the nineteenth century, at the height of imperialism, he was alternately portrayed as an Indian and an African in traditional dress. Rather than the devil that had been made a servant of St. Nicholas, Black Peter was now thought to be a slave who had become the willing servant of St. Nicholas. Many of the illustrations took on racist symbolism, often showing Black Peter in shackles and tattered garments. Peter's job was to remove the hay and carrots from the shoes that had been left by children underneath their chimneys, and to drop candy and gifts in their place. If the children had been bad, Peter wouldn't remove the hay and would leave a rod in place of a gift.

In parts of central Europe like Austria, Germany, and Switzerland, the character of Black Peter was a more like a monster, with horns, long hair, and a red tongue. He was known by a variety of names: Klaubauf, Krampus, Grampus, Bartel. St. Nicholas sent naughty children to him to be beaten.

Nowadays there is still not one universal image of Black Peter, but he has lost his large stick and is usually dressed in a Renaissance page style costume with short pants, stockings, and a cap with a large feather. He has not lost his connection to Africa; he is still always portrayed by a person in blackface, and often wears gold earrings.

The character gained popularity in the twentieth century and St. Nicholas's and Black Peter's annual arrival in Holland became more elaborate. During World War II, it was thought that the tradition would be suspended, until Canadian soldiers offered some of their tanks to use for the purpose. It didn't seem to make sense to have more than one St. Nicholas. So on one of the tanks rode St. Nicholas and one Black Peter, while multiple Black Peters rode on the other tanks. The tanks, with Canadian soldiers at the helm and Black Peter sitting on the back, traversed the countryside, handing out candy and gifts to children who waited by the roadside. The practice of more than one Black Peter stuck and has continued since then.

Today the negative associations have left Black Peter and he has become more of an elf-like figure, an assistant to an overloaded St. Nicholas who helps to hand out gifts every December 5th, St. Nicholas Day in Holland. The Dutch continue to stage elaborate arrivals of Santa Claus and Black Peter. In the weeks before the feast, Santa and Black Peter arrive by boat, supposedly from Spain, and are greeted by ever increasing crowds of excited children and adults.

We All Need A Tree

GO HERE to see what I'm talking about. It's well worth the visit.

DELMAR CHRISTMAS PARADE RESULTS:

Thank you to everyone who participated this year and to those who came out to enjoy the parade and help us kick off the Christmas season in Delmar!

Best Appearing Float......

1st St. Stephens U.M.C.
2nd Sherry Lynn's Just for Kids

Best School Band......
(unfortunately, we only had Delmar bands this year)

1st Delmar H.S. Band
2nd Delmar M.S Band

Best Appearing Vehicle(s)......

1st Strictly VW Club
2nd 51 Packard

Best Fire Dept......

1st Laurel
2nd Parsonsburg

Most Unique Entry......

Historic Expeditions Inc.

Judges Award.....

Black Belt World

Next year's parade will be on the first Saturday in December.

Signed,
Greater Delmar
Chamber of Commerce

CHRISTMAS STAMPS


How ironic is this??

They don't even believe in Christ and they're getting their own
Christmas stamp, but don't dream of posting the ten commandments on federal
property?

USPS New Stamp

This one is impossible to believe. Scroll down for the text.

If there is only one thing you forward today.....let it be this!

REMEMBER the MUSLIM bombing of Pan Am Flight 103!

REMEMBER the MUSLIM bombing of the World Trade Center in 1993!

REMEMBER the MUSLIM bombing of the Marine Barracks in Lebanon !

REMEMBER the MUSLIM bombing of the military Barracks in Saudi Arabia !

REMEMBER the MUSLIM bombing of the American Embassies in Africa !

REMEMBER the MUSLIM bombing of the USS COLE!

REMEMBER the MUSLIM attack on 9/11/2001!

REMEMBER all the AMERICAN lives that were lost in those vicious MUSLIM attacks!

Now the United States Postal Service REMEMBERS and HONORS the EID MUSLIM holiday season with a commemorative first class Holiday postage stamp.

REMEMBER to adamantly and vocally BOYCOTT this stamp: When purchasing your stamps at the post office. To use this stamp would be
a slap in the face to all those AMERICANS who died at the hands of those whom this stamp honors.