Could Wicomico have received preferential treatment in its sale of municipal bonds as a result of relaxed collateral standards to accept securities that weren't rated AAA?
For the first time the Fed's lending exceeded 2 trillion dollars. It rose by 138%, or 1.23 trillion, in the 12 weeks since September 14, when Central Bank governors relaxed collateral standards to accept securities that weren't rated AAA.
The Fed stepped into a rescue role that was the original purpose of the Treasury’s $700 billion Troubled Asset Relief Program. The central bank loans don’t have the oversight safeguards that Congress imposed upon the TARP.
‘Been Bamboozled’ - Click here to read more as Bloomberg News submits Freedom Of Information Request for disclosure of more than $2 trillion of emergency loans from US taxpayers and the assets the Central Bank is accepting as collateral.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601109&sid=aGvwttDayiiM&refer=exclusive
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Friday, December 12, 2008
GANNETT'S DETROIT FREE PRESS TO STOP HOME DELIVERY
Gannett's Detroit Free Press announced a few hours ago that it will cease home delivery of the papers' print editions on most days of the week, except for all but the most lucrative days of the week which are Thursday, Friday, and Sunday.
Gannett is The Daily Times parent company and its trading symbol is GCI.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122911296051802459.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
Gannett is The Daily Times parent company and its trading symbol is GCI.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122911296051802459.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
Armed Robbery Update
There's still only one suspect in custody and perhaps 3 still on the loose. The Sheriff's Department just cut off their K-9 Search.
Wicomico County Sheriff's Office Press Release
Incident: Robbery
Date of Incident: 11 December 2008
Location: 700 block of Dennis Street, Salisbury, MD
Suspect:
1. Jerold Dubois Brown, 37, Salisbury, MD
2. 16 male YOA Juvenile, Salisbury MD
Narrative: On 11 December 2008 at 1:39 PM, a deputy on patrol in the area of West Road and Dennis Street was approached by an individual who stated he had just been the victim of a robbery. The victim stated he was riding a bicycle in the 700 block of Dennis Street when he was approached and asked to purchase crack cocaine. When the victim declined, he was struck in the face and knocked off his bicycle. His assailants took twenty dollars and a pack of cigarettes before the victim was able to escape. The deputy returned to the area with the victim and concentrated his investigation on the house where the victim saw the perpetrators enter. Upon entering the house, the deputy located Jerold D. Brown in a back bedroom. Brown was positively identified by the victim as being involved in the robbery. Another subject, a 16 YOA juvenile, was detained after being seen by the deputies running from the area. The juvenile was also identified as being part of the robbery.
When Brown was located in the bedroom, he was found to be in possession of both Heroin and Marijuana.
Brown was transported to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, Brown was held in the Detention Center by the Commissioner without bond. The 16 YOA juvenile was detained by juvenile authorities in the Lower Shore Children’s Center.
Charges:
Robbery
Theft
Assault
Possession of Heroin
Possession of Marijuana
Designers Edge Raises More Than $1,000.00 At Fundraising Bake Sale Today
WOW! What a HUGE success. The ladies at the Designer's Edge helped raise over $1,000.00 at the bake sale today, and they are still selling raffle tickets until tomorrow at 5 PM for some pretty cool things. The turn-out was fantastic and the food was delicious! I want to thank all of the people who made this possible. Teeena Twilley, the owner of Designer's Edge, Mary Jane Adkins and Chelsea Pipes were all very instrumental in this event; as were many others. I apologize to those of you who I did not mention by name, but I am terrible at remembering names. You all have my sincere gratitude and I hope to one day be able to repay your kindness!! THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART!!
One more thing...let's move on and NOT give ANON 4:02 any more of our time. It's not worth it. I definitely appreciate all of the nice things that have been said about me and in my defense. But, there's one thing that I learned in the Marine Corps many years ago, and it has proven to be true over and over...you will always have "the 10%". They are the 10% that ruin it for the rest of us. The 10% that make things more difficult for the other 90% of us. The 10% of the "shitbirds" as we used to call them in the Corps. The one good thing about them...they make the rest of us look that much better. Now, let's move on and get this money raised so I can continue living among the 90% of the people who are so good!
Chuck
One more thing...let's move on and NOT give ANON 4:02 any more of our time. It's not worth it. I definitely appreciate all of the nice things that have been said about me and in my defense. But, there's one thing that I learned in the Marine Corps many years ago, and it has proven to be true over and over...you will always have "the 10%". They are the 10% that ruin it for the rest of us. The 10% that make things more difficult for the other 90% of us. The 10% of the "shitbirds" as we used to call them in the Corps. The one good thing about them...they make the rest of us look that much better. Now, let's move on and get this money raised so I can continue living among the 90% of the people who are so good!
Chuck
MAJOR BREAKING NEWS!!!!!
ARMED ROBBERY!
LIVE, right now. The Wicomico County Sheriff's Department has one person in custody and the others are on foot.
Shots were fired from their vehicle onto an Armored Truck. This is all coming in as I write this. The suspects vehicle wrecked on the Railroad Tracks near Fratelli's, behind the Auto Zone.
Local Schools are in a code red and LOCKDOWN. More to come.............
UPDATE: Bennett went off lockdown at 2:40 pm. The robbery attempt was at the BB&T Bank.
You heard it here first.
The photos above are of the suspects vehicle wrecked near/on the R/R Tracks.
Photos Courtesy of Mr. Murphy.
Wicomico County Detention Center Officer Resigns Part II
While doing more research on the Wicomico County Detention Center I came to learn this was not in fact the first Inmate / Correctional Officer Pregnancy. It turns out there was another one a little more than a year ago.
An Inmate in the RSAP, (Recovering Substance Abuse Program) got a Correctional Officer S. Chandler pregnant. I'm told they monitored her phone calls and found through conversations with the Inmate's Parents she openly admitted to getting pregnant by their Son.
Getting back to the PREA Title of this Post. It stands for, Prison Rate Elimination Act. It means an Officer cannot have sex with an Inmate in their custody. The Inmate can actually sue, (and more than likely easily win) against the County because the Inmate is in the Correctional Officers Custody.
Based on some of the comments from our earlier Post on this matter, there's a lot more information about to hit the comments over the next several days. From what I've come to learn, it looks to me like there needs to be some very serious changes at the Detention Center right away.
What are your thoughts on Inmates having sex with Correctional Officers?
An Inmate in the RSAP, (Recovering Substance Abuse Program) got a Correctional Officer S. Chandler pregnant. I'm told they monitored her phone calls and found through conversations with the Inmate's Parents she openly admitted to getting pregnant by their Son.
Getting back to the PREA Title of this Post. It stands for, Prison Rate Elimination Act. It means an Officer cannot have sex with an Inmate in their custody. The Inmate can actually sue, (and more than likely easily win) against the County because the Inmate is in the Correctional Officers Custody.
Based on some of the comments from our earlier Post on this matter, there's a lot more information about to hit the comments over the next several days. From what I've come to learn, it looks to me like there needs to be some very serious changes at the Detention Center right away.
What are your thoughts on Inmates having sex with Correctional Officers?
You've Got To Love The Eastern Shore!
It drives me absolutely CRAZY when I'm driving down the road in any one of my vehicles and in front of me are two pickup trucks and or SUV's. We come upon Railroad Tracks and all of a sudden we go from driving 35 mph to a dead stop because these axxholes have to baby the vehicles designed to go off road and come to almost a complete stop!
It doesn't matter where you're at, Delmar is horrible and I can't say as I blame anyone for slowing down but when you're driving near the Sheriff's Department and it's smooth as silk, these Idiots deserve to be rear ended by an old, oh, let's say 1991 Chevy Pickup Truck!
It never fails at that location too. I don't care if the people in front of me are in a car, they almost come to a stop and you can very clearly see to your left or right if a train is coming. Anyhow, I just thought I'd get that off my chest and see if YOU experience the same problem.
Eastern Shore Rednecks, your vehicle won't fall to pieces and you paid all that money so it can handle conditions like this. These vehicles are not held to a law in which they have to stop for R/R Tracks! Watch out for a 1991 Chevy Pickup in your rear view mirror. The image WILL be closer than it appears!
It doesn't matter where you're at, Delmar is horrible and I can't say as I blame anyone for slowing down but when you're driving near the Sheriff's Department and it's smooth as silk, these Idiots deserve to be rear ended by an old, oh, let's say 1991 Chevy Pickup Truck!
It never fails at that location too. I don't care if the people in front of me are in a car, they almost come to a stop and you can very clearly see to your left or right if a train is coming. Anyhow, I just thought I'd get that off my chest and see if YOU experience the same problem.
Eastern Shore Rednecks, your vehicle won't fall to pieces and you paid all that money so it can handle conditions like this. These vehicles are not held to a law in which they have to stop for R/R Tracks! Watch out for a 1991 Chevy Pickup in your rear view mirror. The image WILL be closer than it appears!
Mayoral Candidate Jim Ireton: Website Release
(Salisbury)--Sailsbury Mayoral Candidate Jim Ireton announces this morning an updated campaign website.Designed to increase awareness of the upcoming municipal election, the website, www.friendsofjimireton.com lists Ireton's stance on issues facing Salisbury, has biographical and contact information, and includes a photo gallery from the "Help Is On The Way!" campaign.
Salisbury elections are slated for March 3, 2009 (primary) and April 7, 2009 (general election). Ireton announced his candidacy for mayor on November 15, 2009, and will file official papers with Salisbury City Clerk Brenda Colegrove the week of December 21, 2009.
"We are greatly encouraged by the response to the 'Help Is On The Way!' Tour. Our fundraising continues, yard signs are going up, and we are taking our message to the citizens. Our goal of uniting homeowners, senior citizens, university students, and all city renters in the common goal of revitalizing Salisbury is on track to propel us to victory in March and April. Though the campaign is it's early stages, I am encouraged by the positive tone so far. I, and all the candidates, owe the citizens of Salisury a debate that highlights our visions for change." Ireton said.
"Help Is On The Way!"
BREAKING NEWS
This just in Folks.
Two victims from the Chesapeake Ship Builders are being rushed to the Hospital. One as a Priority 1 burn victim and the other as a Priority 2. We're not exactly sure what just happened but would guess it was a flash fire because the Fire Department wasn't called out for a fire.
Let's just hope these guys are OK because I'm told the Priority 1 victim isn't doing too great. If anything new comes in on this I'll let you know.
Two victims from the Chesapeake Ship Builders are being rushed to the Hospital. One as a Priority 1 burn victim and the other as a Priority 2. We're not exactly sure what just happened but would guess it was a flash fire because the Fire Department wasn't called out for a fire.
Let's just hope these guys are OK because I'm told the Priority 1 victim isn't doing too great. If anything new comes in on this I'll let you know.
Wicomico County Detention Center Officer Resigns
A female Correctional Officer has resigned recently due to a pregnancy. Not just any pregnancy though. You see, she's pregnant from an Inmate detained at the Detention Center.
I'm told by several sources that there is actually an investigation going on as there may be criminal charges placed against this Officer, time will tell.
While our last Post about the WCDC brought in more than 250 comments, things are heating up everywhere you look down there and it became obvious there are some serious issues with the Warden, Management and Staff.
Wicomico County must be one horny County with all the sexual charges flying around, especially in the last places anyone would suspect! I'm told one female inmate who has refused to do what she's told had been ordered by a Judge she could NOT have visitation with her two children. Word on the street is, the Warden recently over rode the Judge's Order and in fact gave emergency visitation for this Inmate and questions are roaming everywhere as to just how this could have happened all of a sudden.
Maybe some of the Staff can pop in this morning and express their feeling with one of their co workers getting pregnant by an Inmate AND how this other Inmate got visitation with her children out of nowhere.
I'm told by several sources that there is actually an investigation going on as there may be criminal charges placed against this Officer, time will tell.
While our last Post about the WCDC brought in more than 250 comments, things are heating up everywhere you look down there and it became obvious there are some serious issues with the Warden, Management and Staff.
Wicomico County must be one horny County with all the sexual charges flying around, especially in the last places anyone would suspect! I'm told one female inmate who has refused to do what she's told had been ordered by a Judge she could NOT have visitation with her two children. Word on the street is, the Warden recently over rode the Judge's Order and in fact gave emergency visitation for this Inmate and questions are roaming everywhere as to just how this could have happened all of a sudden.
Maybe some of the Staff can pop in this morning and express their feeling with one of their co workers getting pregnant by an Inmate AND how this other Inmate got visitation with her children out of nowhere.
Elk Crossing
This is the turn-off at Banff, Alberta, Canada to the #1 highway to Calgary .
Great picture isn't it? They had to build the animals (especially the elk)their own bridge because this is where their natural crossing was. After the highway was built there were far too many animals killed. It didn't take the animals long to learn that this was their very own bridge!
And you have some people who say 'Animals are stupid'. Oh really....?
This was sent in by a loyal reader. Thank you, for sharing with us.
Kenneth L. Townsend
"Here's a sad story Joe.
The thief, Kenneth L Townsend, Owns 2 properties. 30933 ward rd. in Salisbury, Where he lives with his present wife Deborah ( who I may add may work for one of our Judges. Funny, ain't that.). Also, he owns 105 Coulbourn Dr, Salisbury, Where His Ex-Wife Karen lives in accordance to a Divorce agreement of lifetime rights. Now, after The divorce, Kenny, being the man that he is, put his new wifes name on the property with his and took a mortgage out on it. You can most likely see where this ones going.
Yesterday they had to put on Karen Townsends only place to live a Fore-closure Notice.
Joe, a special place in hell awaits that man."
How's Your Heart This Christmas Season?
Joe-
I heard about a local family this morning that is need of some help:
A single mother who is 27 has two daughters, ages 5 & 7, was recently diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. She can no longer work due to the chemo. This may very well be her last Christmas with her daughters and it would nice if they remember a great Christmas. We are asking for help make this Christmas a very special one.. The girls love Hannah Montana, Dora, and High School Musical. They wear size 7 pants, 7-8 and 10-12 girls shirts. The mom is a size 7.
If you have any questions or would like to donate something to this family please email me at Lacey@coastalcomfort.com or please call Kerry @ 410-251-4049
THANKS!
I heard about a local family this morning that is need of some help:
A single mother who is 27 has two daughters, ages 5 & 7, was recently diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. She can no longer work due to the chemo. This may very well be her last Christmas with her daughters and it would nice if they remember a great Christmas. We are asking for help make this Christmas a very special one.. The girls love Hannah Montana, Dora, and High School Musical. They wear size 7 pants, 7-8 and 10-12 girls shirts. The mom is a size 7.
If you have any questions or would like to donate something to this family please email me at Lacey@coastalcomfort.com or please call Kerry @ 410-251-4049
THANKS!
How Signs Should Read
Sign over a Gynecologist's Office:
'Dr. Jones, at your cervix.'
**************************
In a Podiatrist's office:
Time Wounds All Heels.
**************************
On a Septic Tank Truck:
Yesterday's Meals--on Wheels
**************************
At a Proctologist's door:
To expedite your visit, please back in.
**************************
On a Plumber's truck:
We Repair What Your Husband Fixed
**************************
On another Plumber's truck:
Don't sleep with a drip; Call your plumber!
**************************
On a Church's Billboard:
7 days without God makes one weak.
**************************
At a Tire Shop in Milwaukee :
Invite us to your next blowout..
**************************
At a Towing company:
We don't charge an arm and a leg: We want tows.
**************************
On an Electrician's truck:
Let Us c heck Your Shorts
**************************
In a Nonsmoking Area:
If we see smoke, we will assume you are on fire and take appropriate
action.
**************************
On a Maternity Room door:
Push. Push. Push!
**************************
At an Optometrist's Office:
If you don't see what you're looking for, you've come to the right
place.
**************************
On a Taxidermist's window:
We really know our stuff.
**************************
On a Fence:
Salesmen Welcome! Dog Food Is Expensive!
***** *********************
At a Car Dealership:
The best way to get back on your feet: miss a car payment.
**************************
Outside a Muffler Shop:
No appointment necessary; We hear you coming.
**************************
In a Veterinarian's waiting room:
Be back in 5 minutes. Sit! Stay!
**************************
At the Electric Company
We will be de-lighted if you send in your payment.
However, if you don't, you will be.
**************************
In a Restaurant window:
Don't stand there and be hungry; come on in and get fed up.
**************************
In the front yard of a Funeral Home:
Drive carefully! We'll wait...
**************************
At a Propane Filling Station:
Thank heaven for little grills.
**************************
And don't forget the sign at a
CHICAGO RADIATOR SHOP:
Best place in town to take a leak
**********************
Sign on the back of anot her Septic Tank Truck:
CAUTION - This Truck is Full of Political Promises
'Dr. Jones, at your cervix.'
**************************
In a Podiatrist's office:
Time Wounds All Heels.
**************************
On a Septic Tank Truck:
Yesterday's Meals--on Wheels
**************************
At a Proctologist's door:
To expedite your visit, please back in.
**************************
On a Plumber's truck:
We Repair What Your Husband Fixed
**************************
On another Plumber's truck:
Don't sleep with a drip; Call your plumber!
**************************
On a Church's Billboard:
7 days without God makes one weak.
**************************
At a Tire Shop in Milwaukee :
Invite us to your next blowout..
**************************
At a Towing company:
We don't charge an arm and a leg: We want tows.
**************************
On an Electrician's truck:
Let Us c heck Your Shorts
**************************
In a Nonsmoking Area:
If we see smoke, we will assume you are on fire and take appropriate
action.
**************************
On a Maternity Room door:
Push. Push. Push!
**************************
At an Optometrist's Office:
If you don't see what you're looking for, you've come to the right
place.
**************************
On a Taxidermist's window:
We really know our stuff.
**************************
On a Fence:
Salesmen Welcome! Dog Food Is Expensive!
***** *********************
At a Car Dealership:
The best way to get back on your feet: miss a car payment.
**************************
Outside a Muffler Shop:
No appointment necessary; We hear you coming.
**************************
In a Veterinarian's waiting room:
Be back in 5 minutes. Sit! Stay!
**************************
At the Electric Company
We will be de-lighted if you send in your payment.
However, if you don't, you will be.
**************************
In a Restaurant window:
Don't stand there and be hungry; come on in and get fed up.
**************************
In the front yard of a Funeral Home:
Drive carefully! We'll wait...
**************************
At a Propane Filling Station:
Thank heaven for little grills.
**************************
And don't forget the sign at a
CHICAGO RADIATOR SHOP:
Best place in town to take a leak
**********************
Sign on the back of anot her Septic Tank Truck:
CAUTION - This Truck is Full of Political Promises
Celebrate The “Holly Days” At Pemberton Historical Park This Weekend
(Salisbury, MD) The Department of Recreation, Parks and Tourism is ushering in this holiday season with a “Holly Day” wreath making program.
On Saturday, December 13 from 10:00am to 2:00pm participants can learn how to make their own holiday wreaths. The program will take place at Pemberton Park, located at 5561 Plantation Lane in Salisbury, Maryland.
All wreath making supplies will be provided for only $10 per wreath. No pre-registration is necessary and children are welcome to join us for this program, which is hosted in cooperation with Pemberton Hall. For more information, please contact Andy Wisk at 410-548-4900 ext. 114.
On Saturday, December 13 from 10:00am to 2:00pm participants can learn how to make their own holiday wreaths. The program will take place at Pemberton Park, located at 5561 Plantation Lane in Salisbury, Maryland.
All wreath making supplies will be provided for only $10 per wreath. No pre-registration is necessary and children are welcome to join us for this program, which is hosted in cooperation with Pemberton Hall. For more information, please contact Andy Wisk at 410-548-4900 ext. 114.
Parental Alienation Syndrome
"I have thought long and hard about posting this as it is a difficult matter that I have dealt with over the past year but I feel it is more important to let people know the effect this has on the children as a result of trashing by the other parent.
Going through a separation and divorce is always a difficult and emotional time for everyone, especially children, so we need to know how to conduct ourselves for their overall mental health through these difficult times. It is so easy when we are angry to say things to the children portraying the other parent as a bad and evil person but you need to think before you speak because you are psychologically scaring your kids and you don’t even realize you’re doing it. You must understand a child’s brain is not done developing yet and their comprehension is not the same as ours no matter how smart they are. If you say mommy/daddy is a bad person they sometimes will think well I’m half mommy/daddy does that make me half bad, am I a bad person also?
The truth be told kids love both parents and need them both and don’t like to here them talked bad of. If you run the other parent down to the point that the personal relationship with the other parent is damaged with the kids it can cause terrible psychological damage to children extending well into adulthood. Now I understand you cannot control the other parent and you may find yourself on the receiving end of the trash talking ex but there is still help. I relied on a book by Dr. Richard A. Warshak called **“Divorce Poison:** Protecting the Parent-Child Bond from a Vindictive Ex**”*. This book explains the damages caused by PAS and how to combat it.
You don’t have to sit on the sidelines watch as your kids are being brainwashed and you can combat it but it has to be done in an appropriate manner by all means. If you are going through a separation or a divorce this book is a must read. Please if you get one and only one thing out of this post is that your kids are the most important thing in the world and don’t hurt them by saying bad things about your ex.
Everyone needs to vent but don’t vent on the kids as they are not mature enough to understand everything that is going on and they have enough to deal with on their own. You may have a reason to be upset but the kids should never be your outlet of anger towards your ex no matter the circumstance.
Ted Hastings"
Going through a separation and divorce is always a difficult and emotional time for everyone, especially children, so we need to know how to conduct ourselves for their overall mental health through these difficult times. It is so easy when we are angry to say things to the children portraying the other parent as a bad and evil person but you need to think before you speak because you are psychologically scaring your kids and you don’t even realize you’re doing it. You must understand a child’s brain is not done developing yet and their comprehension is not the same as ours no matter how smart they are. If you say mommy/daddy is a bad person they sometimes will think well I’m half mommy/daddy does that make me half bad, am I a bad person also?
The truth be told kids love both parents and need them both and don’t like to here them talked bad of. If you run the other parent down to the point that the personal relationship with the other parent is damaged with the kids it can cause terrible psychological damage to children extending well into adulthood. Now I understand you cannot control the other parent and you may find yourself on the receiving end of the trash talking ex but there is still help. I relied on a book by Dr. Richard A. Warshak called **“Divorce Poison:** Protecting the Parent-Child Bond from a Vindictive Ex**”*. This book explains the damages caused by PAS and how to combat it.
You don’t have to sit on the sidelines watch as your kids are being brainwashed and you can combat it but it has to be done in an appropriate manner by all means. If you are going through a separation or a divorce this book is a must read. Please if you get one and only one thing out of this post is that your kids are the most important thing in the world and don’t hurt them by saying bad things about your ex.
Everyone needs to vent but don’t vent on the kids as they are not mature enough to understand everything that is going on and they have enough to deal with on their own. You may have a reason to be upset but the kids should never be your outlet of anger towards your ex no matter the circumstance.
Ted Hastings"
The Christmas Pickle
"Joe,
I have never heard of this before it was brought up at my daughter’s daycare. I figured I would share it.
It is a quaint tradition that nobody wants to claim. And its story would not be the first tradition of Christmas born of a total fabrication. It is the little-known tradition of the Christmas pickle.
The Christmas pickle is not really a pickle at all. It is a pickle-shaped ornament that is the last one hung on the tree on Christmas Eve. The first child to find the Christmas pickle gets an extra gift from Saint Nicholas. Or so the so-called legend goes.
There are two other versions of the origins of the Christmas pickle. One is a family story of a Bavarian-born ancestor who fought in the American Civil War. A prisoner in poor health and starving, he begged a guard for just one pickle before he died. The guard took pity on him and found a pickle for him. The pickle by the grace of God gave him the mental and physical strength to live on.
The other, perpetuated in Berrien Springs, MI, is a medieval tale of two Spanish boys traveling home from boarding school for the holidays. When they stopped at an inn for the night, the innkeeper, a mean and evil man, stuffed the boys into a pickle barrel. That evening, St. Nicholas stopped at the same inn, became aware of the boys' plight, tapped the pickle barrel with his staff, and the boys were magically freed.
Berrien Springs calls itself the Christmas Pickle Capital of the World. They celebrate with an annual Christmas Pickle Festival held during the early part of December. A parade, led by the Grand Dillmeister who passes out fresh pickles along the parade route, is the featured event. You may even purchase the German glass pickle ornaments at the town’s museum.
Rumor and speculation place the origin of this tradition in Germany. However few in modern-day Germany recognize or have even heard of the Christmas pickle. Some in West Germany blame generations of East Germans who may have had nothing more than pickles to decorate their Christmas trees with after World War II. But even families and historians in East Germany shrug at the mention of the Christmas pickle tradition.
Regardless of where it came from, the Christmas tradition survives. Ornament manufacturers continue to make the specialty decoration and enjoy perpetuating the myth of its legendary origins -- false though they may be."
I have never heard of this before it was brought up at my daughter’s daycare. I figured I would share it.
It is a quaint tradition that nobody wants to claim. And its story would not be the first tradition of Christmas born of a total fabrication. It is the little-known tradition of the Christmas pickle.
The Christmas pickle is not really a pickle at all. It is a pickle-shaped ornament that is the last one hung on the tree on Christmas Eve. The first child to find the Christmas pickle gets an extra gift from Saint Nicholas. Or so the so-called legend goes.
There are two other versions of the origins of the Christmas pickle. One is a family story of a Bavarian-born ancestor who fought in the American Civil War. A prisoner in poor health and starving, he begged a guard for just one pickle before he died. The guard took pity on him and found a pickle for him. The pickle by the grace of God gave him the mental and physical strength to live on.
The other, perpetuated in Berrien Springs, MI, is a medieval tale of two Spanish boys traveling home from boarding school for the holidays. When they stopped at an inn for the night, the innkeeper, a mean and evil man, stuffed the boys into a pickle barrel. That evening, St. Nicholas stopped at the same inn, became aware of the boys' plight, tapped the pickle barrel with his staff, and the boys were magically freed.
Berrien Springs calls itself the Christmas Pickle Capital of the World. They celebrate with an annual Christmas Pickle Festival held during the early part of December. A parade, led by the Grand Dillmeister who passes out fresh pickles along the parade route, is the featured event. You may even purchase the German glass pickle ornaments at the town’s museum.
Rumor and speculation place the origin of this tradition in Germany. However few in modern-day Germany recognize or have even heard of the Christmas pickle. Some in West Germany blame generations of East Germans who may have had nothing more than pickles to decorate their Christmas trees with after World War II. But even families and historians in East Germany shrug at the mention of the Christmas pickle tradition.
Regardless of where it came from, the Christmas tradition survives. Ornament manufacturers continue to make the specialty decoration and enjoy perpetuating the myth of its legendary origins -- false though they may be."
Troubles At James M Bennett High School
A reader sends the following.........
Joe:
You are the only one with the balls to tell the public about the situation at James M. Bennett High School. It is a war zone, Teachers threatened with physical harm and rape even. The Sheriff's Department is aware as the school resource officers, yes plural are in place. Teachers have been told not to talk because it will impede the investigation. The Principal there allegedly disciplined a Teacher when a camera was set up to catch who was leaving threatening notes on the teachers desk. Joe this is bad I am not going to lie. Tomorrow I will meet you at Sam's or Walmart in person face to face, but my job requires that I be annon right now, or P will join the ranks of the unemployed. The principal there has turned the place into a war zone, let it turn into a war zone.
This should get interesting! Just look at the open slots on the schedule and that's where you'll find me.
Joe:
You are the only one with the balls to tell the public about the situation at James M. Bennett High School. It is a war zone, Teachers threatened with physical harm and rape even. The Sheriff's Department is aware as the school resource officers, yes plural are in place. Teachers have been told not to talk because it will impede the investigation. The Principal there allegedly disciplined a Teacher when a camera was set up to catch who was leaving threatening notes on the teachers desk. Joe this is bad I am not going to lie. Tomorrow I will meet you at Sam's or Walmart in person face to face, but my job requires that I be annon right now, or P will join the ranks of the unemployed. The principal there has turned the place into a war zone, let it turn into a war zone.
This should get interesting! Just look at the open slots on the schedule and that's where you'll find me.
Salisbury Police Department Press Releases
On December 9, 2008 at approximately 3:05 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department received a call to respond to the Sears Department Store in reference to a juvenile shoplifter. Upon arrival the officers were advised by store personnel that the below listed suspect had been observed by store personnel taking clothing from the store without making payment. The clothing was recovered and returned to the store.
ARRESTED: 16 year old juvenile Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Theft (under $ 100)
DISPOSITION: Released to guardian CC # 200800044881
On December 8, 2008 at approximately 7:00 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department received a call to respond to the Walmart Department Store in reference to a shoplifter. Upon arrival the officers were advised by store personnel that the below listed suspect had been observed by store security taking computer equipment from the store without making any attempts at payment. The equipment was recovered and returned to the store.
ARRESTED: Linda Elaine Bryant, 46 years of age Delmar, Delaware
CHARGES: Theft (under $ 100)
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 200800044781
On December 9, 2008 at approximately 9:40 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police arrested the below listed suspect on an outstanding arrest warrant received for an incident that occurred in May, 2008. At that time an investigation revealed that the suspect was involved in receiving prescription medication utilizing a forged and fraudulent prescription.
ARRESTED: Lynn Robinson Burse, Jr., 42 years of age Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES:
CDS obtained by altered prescription
CDS obtained by forged prescription
CDS obtained by altered order
CDS obtained by forging prescpription
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 200800017734
ARRESTED: 16 year old juvenile Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Theft (under $ 100)
DISPOSITION: Released to guardian CC # 200800044881
On December 8, 2008 at approximately 7:00 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department received a call to respond to the Walmart Department Store in reference to a shoplifter. Upon arrival the officers were advised by store personnel that the below listed suspect had been observed by store security taking computer equipment from the store without making any attempts at payment. The equipment was recovered and returned to the store.
ARRESTED: Linda Elaine Bryant, 46 years of age Delmar, Delaware
CHARGES: Theft (under $ 100)
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 200800044781
On December 9, 2008 at approximately 9:40 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police arrested the below listed suspect on an outstanding arrest warrant received for an incident that occurred in May, 2008. At that time an investigation revealed that the suspect was involved in receiving prescription medication utilizing a forged and fraudulent prescription.
ARRESTED: Lynn Robinson Burse, Jr., 42 years of age Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES:
CDS obtained by altered prescription
CDS obtained by forged prescription
CDS obtained by altered order
CDS obtained by forging prescpription
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 200800017734