Tonight the Air Defenses of the USA are being used to track Santa Claus on his way to make special deliveries.
Click here for his latest progress
Merry Christmas !
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Twas the Night Before Christmas
Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!
"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.
His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!
"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.
His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"
Mikulski Against Offshore Drilling and Anwar Drilling
I just received this email acknowledgement regarding our elected representative's position on offshore domestic drilling.
Would someone please step-up to the plate and unseat our other Congressional Representative. We've gotton rid of one bad apple, now the other needs to go.
I've got news for Barbara, we need it all, -(Domestic Offshore Drilling and Renewables) - and the sooner the better. AGAIN . . .WE NEED IT ALL!
She needs to get up off her high horse and take a reality pill.
She has a plan alright, just watch her try and stick-it-to us taxpayers by raising the Federal Gas Tax. The Federal Gas Tax increase is already being proposed by the liberals.
READ ON :
FROM SENATOR MIKULSKI:
Thanks for contacting me about drilling for oil and gas in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) and on the Outer Continental Shelf. It's nice to hear from you.
Gas prices are putting a tremendous burden on family budgets at a time when they are already stretched and I agree that we must do much more to become energy independent. But I believe there are many other ways to lower energy costs and lessen dependence on foreign oil.
Drilling off our coasts threatens coastal communities that rely heavily on tourism, while drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge would devastate one of our nation's last pure wilderness areas while not adding significantly to our domestic supply. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates that it will require 8 to 10 years after opening ANWR before oil is produced from any new leases and it would be 20 years after opening ANWR before oil production reached its peak of only 780,000 barrels per day, an amount that would quickly begin to decline. Drilling in ANWR would not significantly increase total world oil production, impact world oil prices, or bring us anywhere close to producing what we use. The United States consumes a quarter of the world's fossil fuels, but only possesses 3 percent of its reserves.
The United States needs a long-term energy plan that balances traditional sources of energy with alternative energy sources and conservation. That's why I voted to increase the efficiency of cars and trucks (P.L. 110-140) and to suspend the filling of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (S.Amdt.4737) through December 2008.
I am also a cosponsor of the Consumer First Energy Act (S. 3440). This bill would create tough new federal protections to guard against profiteering and market manipulation by oil and gas companies, create a temporary windfall profits tax on oil companies reaping record profits, and prevent commodity traders of U.S. crude oil from routing transactions through off-shore markets to evade speculative limits.
While we disagree on this particular issue, I know we share the same goals - lower energy costs and less dependence on foreign oil.
Thanks again for getting in touch with me. If there's anything I can do for you in the future, please do not hesitate to contact me again. Sincerely, Barbara A. MikulskiUnited States Senator P.S. If I can be of further assistance in the future,please visit my website at http://mikulski.senate.govor call my Washington D.C. office at 202-224-4654
Would someone please step-up to the plate and unseat our other Congressional Representative. We've gotton rid of one bad apple, now the other needs to go.
I've got news for Barbara, we need it all, -(Domestic Offshore Drilling and Renewables) - and the sooner the better. AGAIN . . .WE NEED IT ALL!
She needs to get up off her high horse and take a reality pill.
She has a plan alright, just watch her try and stick-it-to us taxpayers by raising the Federal Gas Tax. The Federal Gas Tax increase is already being proposed by the liberals.
READ ON :
FROM SENATOR MIKULSKI:
Thanks for contacting me about drilling for oil and gas in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) and on the Outer Continental Shelf. It's nice to hear from you.
Gas prices are putting a tremendous burden on family budgets at a time when they are already stretched and I agree that we must do much more to become energy independent. But I believe there are many other ways to lower energy costs and lessen dependence on foreign oil.
Drilling off our coasts threatens coastal communities that rely heavily on tourism, while drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge would devastate one of our nation's last pure wilderness areas while not adding significantly to our domestic supply. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates that it will require 8 to 10 years after opening ANWR before oil is produced from any new leases and it would be 20 years after opening ANWR before oil production reached its peak of only 780,000 barrels per day, an amount that would quickly begin to decline. Drilling in ANWR would not significantly increase total world oil production, impact world oil prices, or bring us anywhere close to producing what we use. The United States consumes a quarter of the world's fossil fuels, but only possesses 3 percent of its reserves.
The United States needs a long-term energy plan that balances traditional sources of energy with alternative energy sources and conservation. That's why I voted to increase the efficiency of cars and trucks (P.L. 110-140) and to suspend the filling of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (S.Amdt.4737) through December 2008.
I am also a cosponsor of the Consumer First Energy Act (S. 3440). This bill would create tough new federal protections to guard against profiteering and market manipulation by oil and gas companies, create a temporary windfall profits tax on oil companies reaping record profits, and prevent commodity traders of U.S. crude oil from routing transactions through off-shore markets to evade speculative limits.
While we disagree on this particular issue, I know we share the same goals - lower energy costs and less dependence on foreign oil.
Thanks again for getting in touch with me. If there's anything I can do for you in the future, please do not hesitate to contact me again. Sincerely, Barbara A. MikulskiUnited States Senator P.S. If I can be of further assistance in the future,please visit my website at http://mikulski.senate.govor call my Washington D.C. office at 202-224-4654
Breaking News: Salvation Army Raises 50% More Money This Year Part I
I can't believe it was almost a month ago, (11-28-08) I was asked to volunteer and ring the bell for the Salvation Army. This has to be the quickest month I can ever remember passing by. Today is the final day the Salvation Army will be ringing the bell for the season. That being said, during the past month I took a series of photos of the many people at WalMart, Sam's Club and even the Mall.
OK, here's the BIG NEWS that no one has heard as of yet. I kind of alluded to it yesterday but I wanted to make sure I had the go ahead from the Salvation Army before doing so. So here it goes.
As of last Tuesday, the Salvation Army had already surpassed last years donations! It's now 8 days later and the expectation today is that the Salvation Army will have brought in 50% more in donations this year than last year!!!!!
Here's what makes these numbers so special. First of all, we're in a recession, times are very tough for everyone, yet everyone dug deep and gave because they understand what the Salvation Army is all about. All too often I'd hear people say, (while making their donation) I'm blessed to have what I have and we need to give when we can.
Another major factor is the fact that for the past 10 years the Salvation Army has had to pay bell ringers to cover the locations. This year they have not had to pay out a single dime for bell ringers, making their net take that much greater! That's why I can't thank ALL of those people enough who took the time to volunteer this year and make this fundraising drive that much more successful. It has been cold, bitter cold at times and yet people still came out and fulfilled their commitments at each location and that's just unbelievable. Firefighters, Police Officers, the States Attorneys Office, The County Executive, the Mayor, many local businesses, individuals, man, the list just goes on and on.
While the photos above show just a few of those wonderful people who came to the rescue, there were hundreds more I regret not having. Perhaps the Salvation Army can provide us with a complete list of all of these special people, we'll see what they have to say in time.
All I can say is THANK YOU! The people of the Eastern Shore have come together and delivered in a very big way. It's going to be a very special year for quite a lot of people in desperate need of help.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you ALL.
Breaking News: Salvation Army Raises 50% More Money This Year Part II
Thanks for the memories & support! Merry Christmas Everyone and Thank You.
Daily Times Should Stop Denigrating Chief Dykes
"I read the article in The Daily Times reporting the announcement by Salisbury Mayor Barrie Parsons Tilghman that she will not run for re-election. In that article, she was quoted about what she considers her accomplishments, one of which was ridding the city of the then-chief of police because of corruption.
To my knowledge, that police chief was never investigated, never indicted nor was he convicted of any wrongdoing. That police chief genuinely searched out the criminal element in our community to protect all of us. Prior to becoming a city police officer, he served his country in Vietnam and was awarded the Silver Star, together with other awards, for bravery.
It disturbs me immensely that an exiting mayor would continue to cast a shadow over the life of a deceased, dedicated public servant and highly decorated soldier. I would think the mayor would end her political career listing the positive things she accomplished rather than leaving with such negative comments and with little civility.
The Editorial Board continues -- I assume with the approval of Executive Editor Greg Bassett -- to parrot the mayor's listing of her accomplishments. The editorial of Monday, Dec. 15, further denigrated the reputation and life of Chief Coulbourn Dykes and I find this to be a low ebb for The Daily Times. I don't understand why the newspaper continues to print articles to the detriment of this man's life and continues to hurt his family and friends. I suggest to the Editorial Board that it ascend to a higher plane in its efforts to inform the public.
Malvin Price Minton III
Salisbury"
Note: for an interesting aspect of Barrie's vendetta against Chief Dykes, see our post yesterday
http://sbynews.blogspot.com/2008/12/barries-secret-legal-bill.html
To my knowledge, that police chief was never investigated, never indicted nor was he convicted of any wrongdoing. That police chief genuinely searched out the criminal element in our community to protect all of us. Prior to becoming a city police officer, he served his country in Vietnam and was awarded the Silver Star, together with other awards, for bravery.
It disturbs me immensely that an exiting mayor would continue to cast a shadow over the life of a deceased, dedicated public servant and highly decorated soldier. I would think the mayor would end her political career listing the positive things she accomplished rather than leaving with such negative comments and with little civility.
The Editorial Board continues -- I assume with the approval of Executive Editor Greg Bassett -- to parrot the mayor's listing of her accomplishments. The editorial of Monday, Dec. 15, further denigrated the reputation and life of Chief Coulbourn Dykes and I find this to be a low ebb for The Daily Times. I don't understand why the newspaper continues to print articles to the detriment of this man's life and continues to hurt his family and friends. I suggest to the Editorial Board that it ascend to a higher plane in its efforts to inform the public.
Malvin Price Minton III
Salisbury"
Note: for an interesting aspect of Barrie's vendetta against Chief Dykes, see our post yesterday
http://sbynews.blogspot.com/2008/12/barries-secret-legal-bill.html
Barack Obama to be sworn in using Lincoln Inaugural Bible
Here's one for all those who thought Obama would be using the Koran:Barack Obama will take the oath of office using the same Bible that Abraham Lincoln was sworn in on at his first inauguration, marking the President-elect's latest symbolic gesture to follow in the foot steps of the nation's 16th president.
Obama, who will become the first African-American president when he is sworn in Jan. 20, will be the first president to use the Lincoln Bible since its initial use in 1861.
"President-elect Obama is deeply honored that the Library of Congress has made the Lincoln Bible available for use during his swearing-in," Emmett Beliveau, executive director of the presidential inaugural committee, said in a statement.
Obama launched his presidential campaign in February 2007 at the Historic Old State Capitol building in Springfield Ill., where Lincoln gave a famous speech condemning slavery.
During the speech, Obama said that "divided we are bound to fail. But the life of a tall, gangly, self-made Springfield lawyer tells us that a different future is possible.
"He tells us that there is power in words. He tells us that there is power in conviction, that beneath all the differences of race and religion, faith and station, we are one people."
The theme for Obama's inaugural ceremony - "A New Birth of Freedom” is taken from Lincoln's Gettysburg Address.
Earlier this year, when asked which book, aside from the Bible, he would find essential in the Oval Office, Obama said, "Team of Rivals,” Doris Kearns Goodwin's 2005 bestseller about how Lincoln surrounded himself with advisers who coveted the president's job.
For the inauguration, Obama plans to take a train trip from Philadelphia to Washington, evoking Lincoln's inaugural trek.
The Bible, bound in burgundy velvet with a gold-washed white metal rim around the three outside edges of both covers, was originally purchased by William Thomas Carroll, clerk of the Supreme Court, for Lincoln's swearing-in ceremony on March 4, 1861.
Lincoln could not use his family bible for his inaugural ceremony because it was packed away with the First Family's belongings and still en route to the White House at the time of the ceremony.
All the edges of the 1,280-page bible are heavily gilded. In the center of the top cover is a shield of gold wash over white metal with the words "Holy Bible" chased into it.
The Bible will be on display at the Library of Congress Feb. 12th to May 9th, 2009, as part of an exhibition titled "With Malice Toward None: The Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Exhibition." The exhibit will then travel to five other American cities.
Another Puppy Mill Located In Delmar
"Hi Joe,
I know this has nothing to do with this post, however, this needs to be posted asap. The DFD was dispatched to 8775 Bi-state Blvd today for a odor investigation. I was told while at the residence, they discovered a puppy mill behind the home including over 25+ dogs, 1 goat, and several cats. I am not much into telling on others or trying to be a problem causer. However, all these animals were mostly small dogs and were located outside in the cold and also let it be known there kennels were located in mudd. They were all extremely dirty and in non-livable conditions. I don't want to cause a lot of problems for anyone. But these animals cannot speak for themselves and I was outraged when I heard this story. We all need to pull together and fight against this cause. Please I'm asking you to post a topic on this situation and please attach the closest number of people we can contact in order to report this kind of behavior. Word has it, DFD already took care of that for this specific case. But, please do your own investigation and see for yourself. It will be located behind the residence from what I was told. Thank you so kindly and I hope everyone a Merry and Safe Christmas season."
You may call me 24/7 at 410-430-5349. If anyone knows of anything like this you are welcome to contact me and I will handle it from there. Now, if you'd prefer to contact the Humane Society you can contact Linda Lugo at 410-749-7603. If you can't reach them, again, you're welcome to contact me as I have cell phones in which I can call to take care of it. Let's clean up all these bad situations for these animals.
I know this has nothing to do with this post, however, this needs to be posted asap. The DFD was dispatched to 8775 Bi-state Blvd today for a odor investigation. I was told while at the residence, they discovered a puppy mill behind the home including over 25+ dogs, 1 goat, and several cats. I am not much into telling on others or trying to be a problem causer. However, all these animals were mostly small dogs and were located outside in the cold and also let it be known there kennels were located in mudd. They were all extremely dirty and in non-livable conditions. I don't want to cause a lot of problems for anyone. But these animals cannot speak for themselves and I was outraged when I heard this story. We all need to pull together and fight against this cause. Please I'm asking you to post a topic on this situation and please attach the closest number of people we can contact in order to report this kind of behavior. Word has it, DFD already took care of that for this specific case. But, please do your own investigation and see for yourself. It will be located behind the residence from what I was told. Thank you so kindly and I hope everyone a Merry and Safe Christmas season."
You may call me 24/7 at 410-430-5349. If anyone knows of anything like this you are welcome to contact me and I will handle it from there. Now, if you'd prefer to contact the Humane Society you can contact Linda Lugo at 410-749-7603. If you can't reach them, again, you're welcome to contact me as I have cell phones in which I can call to take care of it. Let's clean up all these bad situations for these animals.
A Great Senior Moment
A very self-important college freshman was attending a recent football game. He took it upon himself to explain to a senior citizen sitting next to him why it was impossible for the older generation to understand his generation.
"You grew up in a different world, actually an almost primitive one," the student said, loud enough for many of those nearby to hear. "The young people of today grew up with television,jet planes, space travel, man walking on the moon, our spaceships have visited Mars. We havenuclear energy, electric and hydrogen cars, computers with light-speed processing, and....," pausing to take another drink of beer.
The Senior took advantage of the break in the student's litany and said, "You're right, son. We didn't have those things when we were young........so we invented them. Now, you arrogant little shit head, what are you doing for the next generation?"
The applause was deafening.
"You grew up in a different world, actually an almost primitive one," the student said, loud enough for many of those nearby to hear. "The young people of today grew up with television,jet planes, space travel, man walking on the moon, our spaceships have visited Mars. We havenuclear energy, electric and hydrogen cars, computers with light-speed processing, and....," pausing to take another drink of beer.
The Senior took advantage of the break in the student's litany and said, "You're right, son. We didn't have those things when we were young........so we invented them. Now, you arrogant little shit head, what are you doing for the next generation?"
The applause was deafening.
MSP Aviation Division At Risk Again
"Hey Joe
I know this is not related to this post but I dont know if your readers watched the water main break rescue on tv performed by the MSP Aviation Division. Just so you know Senator Pipkin and his friends in Anapolis want to severely decimate the helicopter capacity of the Aviation Division. they want to allow private helicopters replace the medevac function of the helicopters. that sounds like a good idea but the MSP helicopters do more than medevac. the water and mountain rescues are a staple, as well as law enforcement. it is interesting to note that the medevacs are paid for by all motorists who own vehicles in Maryland, but if we switch to the private helicopters they charge thousands of dollars for medical transport. Also these private helicopters will not serve rural areas due to low volume of transports in rural areas. The lobby that represent the private helicopter transport are a major financial supporter of the good Senators political campaign."
I know this is not related to this post but I dont know if your readers watched the water main break rescue on tv performed by the MSP Aviation Division. Just so you know Senator Pipkin and his friends in Anapolis want to severely decimate the helicopter capacity of the Aviation Division. they want to allow private helicopters replace the medevac function of the helicopters. that sounds like a good idea but the MSP helicopters do more than medevac. the water and mountain rescues are a staple, as well as law enforcement. it is interesting to note that the medevacs are paid for by all motorists who own vehicles in Maryland, but if we switch to the private helicopters they charge thousands of dollars for medical transport. Also these private helicopters will not serve rural areas due to low volume of transports in rural areas. The lobby that represent the private helicopter transport are a major financial supporter of the good Senators political campaign."
PANIS?
This store is located next to the old Consolidated Electric Supply on the east side of 13 north. It’s a second hand clothing store and cleaners. I don’t think it has a name, just huge paper signs in the windows, “suits/shirts” and the like. The sign has been like this for days and no one is doing anything about it. If it were YOUR store, how fast would YOU be correcting this?
Winter
I found this beautiful winter poem and thought it might be a comfort to you and help warm things up. It was to me, and it's very well written.
SHIT,
The End
SHIT,
It's Cold !
The End
Breaking News Post At 9:00 AM
Be sure to come back to Salisbury News at 9:00 AM for another Breaking News Story.