Salisbury News: 05/20/09

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

415 Comments On Tuesday

Now that's a big day! Thanks for participating and expressing your opinions. Trust me, there were a couple hundred more that were rejected and while it kept us busy day and night, it's always worth sifting through and removing the bad ones. We also provided 42 Posts for the day, which is quite a few Posts.

Again, thanks for visiting, thanks for participating and for those of you who watched our LIVE Broadcast today, we hope you enjoyed it.

Robinson Just Can't Mind His Own Business

While John Robinson seems to have himself in a major bind with the law, today while we were broadcasting live, Robinson called the company we were working with and started demanding he speak to the person in charge.

While we all laughed it off, for some reason John thought he had some kind of power in which he could demand it stop immediately. What an Idiot!

Then he calls the Fat Man, (an individual John Robinson swears on a stack of Bible's he has no connection with) and asked him to drive over to this business location and take pictures, like that's a big deal.

Hey John, let's discuss why your RECORDS were gone through at your place of business but nothing was stolen. Now let's see John, why would ANYONE be interested in your business records? Was someone served recently by a court order to provide such said documents? Then someone breaks into your place of business and has their hands on all sorts of valuable items and then they drop them on the ground before they leave.

Hey Johnnie Boy, you're not fooling ANYONE! Then you have the nerve to start pointing fingers at the Police. Hey Johnnie, why don't you tell EVERYONE just why you went to Baltimore yesterday. Now THIS would be VERY interesting for every one to hear. Now I happen to know why, but let's let John Robinson sweat this one out for a day or two. I want to see just what kind of lies he's going to make up at this point.

Here's another funny thing. Many don't realize this but there's been a small rash of business break ins in the same area, yet NOTHING was taken. I'm no Detective but guess who my #1 Suspect would be right about now?

Here's a recent e-mail I received from John Robinson, yet he's NEVER going to contact me ever again and then says, why can't you leave me alone Joe. ROTFLMAO!

"Crazy-I know,

Joe and Jennifer,
It's John and my wife Tracy."

Joe, It was good chatting with you the other morning and it is the reason for this email.

Congats on court. It was obvious to me you won before you started.

Saw your post on Skate shop. We are opening up a skateboard shop in July. We are giving 10% of the profits from the store to this cause. As we think it is well needed. Just Giving you a heads up. The Skate Shop will be called HOUR HAND and will feature decks by all brands but also many local artists and we have the technology with our printing business to be able to put some ones own design on a deck.
As crazy as this sounds, I would like to invite you and Jennifer to Ruths Chris for dinner, my treat. I think it is well past time we FINALLY buried the hatchet. So if you want, and I hope you will take me up on this offer, the four of us can go out to dinner. NO ONE needs to know. Just the four of us for a nice meal. he past is the past and I choose to leave it all behind us for good. I really am not that bad of guy and neither are you. It's time we both realized that.

John and Tracy"

I ran into John the other day at the Skate Park Fundraiser and he asked if I had received his e-mail dated May 1, 2009. I replied, yes I did. I immediately changed the subject and walked away because I happen to know IMHO that John Robinson is absolutely crazy. I could produce e-mail after e-mail from this guy as well as text messages swearing he knows nothing about the Fat Man, even telephone messages. I had been leaving this guy alone and no matter what happens, as soon as I turn my back he's claiming he's having me followed by Private Detectives and now the Fat Man. Their hope was to "catch" me at this place of business, again, like it would make any difference and snap off a picture of me. Pretty scary, isn't it. The two of them are stalking us at every single moment and opportunity.

John, you have some serious issues at hand with the law right now. Why in God's Name would my Wife and I want to ever break bread with someone who cannot ever tell the truth and live such a questionable life. You hang with little children because they'll listen to your BS and they may even actually believe it. You know, like telling every one you're a Semi Pro Skateboarder. Folks, if you watched this guy get on a skateboard, he's so scared of his own shadow it isn't funny.

Anyhow, Robinson and the Fat Man are tied at the hip. If you want to be associated with those two, go for it. Perhaps you can come up with the bail money to get Robinson out of Jail real soon because he's going to need all the help he can get. Go ahead John, tell them about Baltimore yesterday. Are you absolutely sure that every one that has been selling you precious metals actually owned the pieces they pawned/sold off to you?

Clearly you have forgotten who you're messing with John Robinson. To those Folks who don't appreciate this Post, every once in a while I get to vent. It's my Blog and if you don't like the post, scroll down past it. For a guy who swears he never wants anything to do with me ever again, why the alleged private detectives and why the call today demanding they stop what they're doing with Salisbury News. You're a lot like Barrie Tilghman, John Robinson. You say one thing and swear it's all true, then you do another.

John Robinson, YOU'VE BEEN BLOGGED!

What Sick Bastard Would Do Something Like This!

Click on images to enlarge.

Hi Joe,

The cat has had surgery and is ok thus far. There were maggot eggs in the wound but miraculously, the arrow missed all the important stuff...ie, airway, lungs, heart, etc. She is a feral cat and will stay in our custody for now. She has a drain in her chest and will be given penicillin shots for a few days. In about 5-6 days, the drain will be removed, she will be spayed and vaccinated and we'll see how she does. She is a feral cat and all we can to tame her and at the very least, she will have a forever home here at the shelter with our cat colony. Thankfully she tested negative for feline leukemia. The vet thinks that she was up in a tree when she was shot due to the angle of the arrow and the wound. The arrow was a target arrow and the whole thing was intentional and very hard for us to understand. She is one lucky little kitty and has probably used up 4 or 5 of her 9 lives on this incident. I'll keep you posted on how she does...I'll also let you know what we name her.

Thanks,
Linda

Body Found Behind Rite Aide In Salisbury

This is getting all a bit too strange, finding bodies at local Rite Aide's. Nevertheless, a body was found of a deceased man less than a half hour ago at the Ride Aide next to Giant. No further details are available at this time.

WE'RE GOING LIVE AGAIN IN 5 MINUTES

Considering it was such a huge success, we're going to Broadcast LIVE again in 5 minutes. Keep your eye out for the feed and watch what Salisbury News will be delivering on a regular basis. Don't forget to keep refreshing your computer until the screen pops up.

Did You See It?

It was our first run at going LIVE on the Internet and quite frankly it worked better than we had expected.

Looks like you'll be seeing Salisbury NEWS Broadcast regularly, perhaps daily on the Internet. Now it's just a matter of making sure we can do so from a laptop computer and we're done.

I was told I might not be able to see it on my wireless card but I was able to capture the entire thing live as well, no problems. Dial Up will be an issue but if you have high speed Internet access you'll be able to watch out Newscast LIVE.

Look out WBOC, WMDT & Daily Times, Salisbury News is on the fast track and we'll be able to bring to our viewers things like LIVE Auctions and all sorts of goodies.

John Robinson was on it within 30 seconds and started calling every one asking what the heck we were doing. Maybe we can sit in your parking lot tonight and catch those pesky robbers LIVE?

BREAKING NEWS

Ladies & Gentlemen, Salisbury News has been working on a new project in which will revolutionize the Blogging World.

Should everything work out right, some time within the next few minutes we will be broadcasting a LIVE FEED, just like television news!

The difference being is, it will be LIVE on the Internet. Let's see how she works.

Attempted Robbery

On the morning of May 20, 2009, two men attempted to rob the book-buy-back vendor on Bateman Street. This incident is being investigated by the Salisbury Police Department.

Anyone who may have information about this crime is asked to contact the Salisbury Police Department: (410) 548-3165; the Salisbury University Police Department: (410) 543-6222; or, report anonymously to Crime Solvers of the Lower Eastern Shore: (410) 548-1776.

I would like to remind our campus community that crimes can occur anywhere at anytime. Individuals should always be attentive to their surroundings, and remain alert to the potential ill-intent of others nearby.

Please review and consider the following street robbery tips:

1. Try to remain calm. Do not resist. Consider the robber dangerous.
2. In most cases, the robber only wants your valuables/money and is not there to hurt you.
3. Assume the robber is armed, even if you don't see a weapon.
4. If a weapon is displayed, consider it to be real and loaded.
5. Do only what the robber tells you. If you don't understand, tell the robber.
6. Attempt to get a good, complete description of the robber, - taking note of unique and unusual characteristics.
7. Your main goal is to survive!
8. Don't resist and fight with the assailant unless it is evident that your life is in danger.
9. Remember--your valuables can be replaced, - your life can't.

Report any suspicious persons immediately to the police. If possible, use a cellular phone to call 911 while maintaining visual observation of the subject(s).

Chief Edwin L. Lashley
University Police

John Robinson Accuses Police Of Wrong Doing

Click on this image to enlarge. Then take a few minutes to read and try to figure out what it says.

"To set the record straight I have decided to put up a post so everyone has the truth as to what occurred in my Family’s Stores.

We had a break in Saturday Night in both of our stores. They broke into our New Store, Robinson’s Personalize-It, first. I have no idea where they gained entry from to the crawl space area but you can access any store from the top. (We discovered our new store RPI was broken into because of the insulation from the ceiling that was left behind in our Jewelry and Clock Store.)They disabled the camera system in RPI that records the parking lot. They then left and broke into our Clock and Jewelry Store. They disabled our auditory alarm systems. Then, they erased our camera system hard drive from another alarm company. We do in fact have two alarm companies we deal with. It appears nothing was stolen only that our store and that some of our records were gone through. We do not store customer information here and NO CUTOMERS information or items were touched. As they are locked in another very secure area of our store. During the time frame we believe the break-ins occurred we have eye- witnesses that saw more than one police car parked behind our store.

The Maryland State Police were called and took a very complete report. We cleaned up the mess Sunday and had the Door replaced. The door was broken and two showcases were shattered, but again nothing was stolen. End of first Breaking and Entering.

We stayed at our store working until 11:23pm Sunday Night and had our cameras and alarm system put back in FULL OPERATION . At 12:00am a white male 5’8 -180lbs wearing a black sweatshirt with yellow and white writing, blue jeans, and tan boots broke the front door of our store. He appears to have a blondish scruffy facial hair not a full beard. We have a video of him smashing the front door and then two showcases, grabbing jewelry. Our interior flood lights came on and the entire thing is clearly on video. He proceeded to drop the few pieces of jewelry he grabbed at the door and the other two pieces in the side lot. Again, nothing was successfully stolen. We have turned a copy of the video over to POLICE. And will be posting here if the police give us permission.

I was very upset to realize our Sherriff’s office did an incorrect PRESS RELEASE. This was a breaking and entering not a burglary. We still have not been contacted for a follow up investigation from our Wicomico County Bureau of Investigation.

Our camera hard drive is in the processes to being has been sent to a Federal Agency to see if they can recover the deleted video from the Saturday Night incident. The Criminal Investigation Division of the State Attorneys office has been notified. As we have previously spoken to them regarding some other problems we believe this is the best source. A complete list of events and more that I can not share has also been forwarded to the FBI for investigation.

There is much more to this story I would like to post. But for now I can assure everyone, we are well. We have done NOTHING WRONG. All of our stores, they are open for business. We have not shut down and this place couldn’t ever be any safer with all the agencies involved. I will push this forward and I will not allow anyone to intimidate my family or me."

Photos Released Of Bat Point Robbery

Photos Released of Bat Point Robbery (Tuesday, May 19, 2009- Subject Robs Happy Harry’s at Bat Point)

Greenville- The following photographs were taken from the bat point robbery at the Greenville Happy Harry’s from May 18th. Anyone who may recognize this subject, or who may have information pertaining to this case, is asked to call investigators at 302-834-2630 ext. 6 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333.

Classified Ads

New Classified Ads are coming in. If you'd like to get on board, please send your items in with contact information and price to alberobutzo@wmconnect.com. Classified Ads are published on Saturday's and are FREE.

Three Men Charged In Shots Fired Incident

Location of Incident: Hebron Road, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, Sussex County

Date and Time of Occurrence: Wednesday, May 20, 2009, at approximately 2:53 a.m.

Suspect(s):
John R. Huffman, 32, of Club House Road in Ocean View, Delaware
Larry Wilson, 37, of Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
Alfred Landis, 32, of Yoles Ford Road in Manassas, Virginia

Resume: Shortly before 3:00 a.m. this morning, Troop 7 patrol officers were dispatched to the area of Hebron Road for a shots fired complaint.

As Troopers were arriving on scene, SUSCOM, the Sussex County Dispatch Center for DSP, advised officers of a possible suspect vehicle description- a dark colored pick-up truck with yellow running lights. Officers then observed the vehicle in question traveling southbound on Route 1. The truck was clocked at 76 mph in a 55 mph zone. A traffic stop ensued and the vehicle pulled over.

The driver was identified as John Huffman. The two passengers were identified as Larry Wilson and Alfred Landis.

Mr. Huffman was found to have been driving while impaired and he was subsequently arrested for DUI.

A search of the vehicle yielded a 9mm handgun. Back at the scene of the shots fired complaint, Troopers recovered a 9mm shell casing. The firearm also appeared to have been recently fired.

A routine computer check revealed Wilson and Landis were persons prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Mr. Wilson was also listed as an active probationer.

Charges are as follows:
John Huffman- Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (f), Conspiracy 2nd (f), Hunting from a Vehicle (m), DUI, Failure to have a Registration Card, No Insurance, Unreasonable Speed, Shoot Too Near a Dwelling and Shoot Too Near a Roadway. Huffman was committed to the Sussex Correctional Institute in lieu of $3,360.00.
Larry Wilson- Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (f), Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (f), Conspiracy 2nd (f), Hunt from a Vehicle, Shoot Too Near a Dwelling and Shoot Too Near a Residence. Wilson was committed to the Sussex Correctional Institute in lieu of $33,430.00.

Alfred Landis- Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (f), Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (f), Conspiracy 2nd (f), Hunt from a Vehicle, Shoot Too Near a Dwelling and Shoot Too Near a Residence. Landis was committed to the Sussex Correctional Institute in lieu of $3,750.00.

Troopers are asking that anyone who witnessed this incident call Troop 7 at 302-644-5020.

John Huffman

Larry Wilson

No Picture available for Mr. Landis.

STRAIGHT TALK ABOUT WICOMICO COUNTY’S EDUCATION FUNDING

Before the latest annual budget crisis fully matures in a week or so, let’s clear the air of some mistaken notions about the County’s funding of the public school system and the pay level of its teachers.

One popular misconception is that the Board of Education receives an increasingly larger portion of the County’s budget and more than half of the revenue from property and other taxes and fees. In fact, it’s just the opposite – as the accompanying chart shows in the past 10 years the percentage of Wicomico County’s appropriations for education has decreased from nearly 50% in the late 1990’s to about 38% in the past several years. Thus, as the data shows, the portion of the budget appropriated for things other than education has increased at a much greater rate than the education portion. During that period the non-education portion has increased from about 53-54% to more than 60% of the budget.

Another classical myth is that the salary level of teachers in Wicomico County’s school system is excessive. Again, the actual data show just the opposite – the "Teacher Salary Comparisons" table (prepared by the Cecil County school system) states the amounts paid by the various Maryland counties and their ranking at various points in the career path and also the maximum level possible. Although Wicomico County ranks in the top half (barely) in starting salary, as a teacher’s tenure accrues over the years the pay level ranking, compared to the other counties, decreases significantly to the lower third, well below that in Worcester.

The school system – teachers’ salary in particular – is the target of choice for those who want lower taxes and complain about "out of control" spending to support their position Critics of the school budget in Wicomico County – especially those who claim that teachers are overpaid – should clean up their act.

The data make clear that the Salary level for teachers in Wicomico County is on a par with or lower than what their peers receive elsewhere, and significantly less than Worcester County pays teachers with greater experience and training. And if the critics of County spending want to focus on the main area of growth in the County budget, it’s in areas other than the school system.

Panda Goes Into False Labor. Also, Watch The Live Cam From The Zoo.

News from the Fujifilm Giant Panda Habitat
The Panda House has reopened.
Sign up to get panda news from the Zoo.
May 20

Staff confirmed late yesterday that Mei Xiang is not pregnant but was experiencing a pseudo, or false, pregnancy during the past several months. Zoo scientists, veterinarians, and keepers were keeping a close eye on Mei Xiang, monitoring her hormone levels and behavior, as well as conducting weekly ultrasound exams in an attempt to determine if she was pregnant.
On April 20, Mei’s level of urinary progesterone (a hormone associated with pregnancy) began to decline. Upon reaching normal baseline levels, this decline would end in either the birth of a cub or the end of a pseudopregnancy. Based on this information, and not having seen a fetus during the ultrasound exams, Zoo researchers have determined that Mei experienced a pseudopregnancy.

As you may recall from previous years, female giant pandas almost always undergo a pseudopregnancy when they ovulate but fail to conceive. During a pseudopregnancy, hormonal changes and behaviors are identical to those of a true pregnancy, making it very difficult to determine if a giant panda is actually pregnant or not. This is the fifth time Mei Xiang has had a pseudopregnancy. She had her only cub, Tai Shan, in 2005. Giant pandas ovulate just once a year—Zoo scientists will determine whether Mei should be considered for breeding again in 2010.

We expect Mei to return to normal, hormonally and behaviorally (including an increase in appetite and activity level), in the coming days. The indoor part of the Fujifilm Giant Panda Habitat will reopen today at 10 a.m. It had been closed to provide Mei with a quiet environment in the event that she did give birth.

Yesterday, veterinarians anesthetized male giant panda Tian Tian so that scientists could collect semen to freeze and store as part of the Zoo’s collaboration with the worldwide giant panda breeding program.

To allow more people to view the cam, sessions are limited to 15 minutes. If you are unable to connect, please try again later.

GO HERE to watch the live cam.

DISNEY RESORT COMING TO PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD

LAS VEGAS, NV – Prince George’s County Executive Jack Johnson today made a major announcement during the Maryland reception at the International Council of Shopping Centers Convention, proudly revealing that the Walt Disney Corporation will build a facility at National Harbor.

“I am so pleased that Disney has selected Prince George’s County as the home for its latest entertainment resort,” Johnson said. “This shows that we understand what it takes to build confidence and attract a company like Disney. We are a first class county and our future is bright.”

The resort will be a 500-room venue on a 15 acre parcel of land at National Harbor. It will be located at the top of American Way, overlooking all of National Harbor and the Potomac River.

Johnson said he has been working on this project with Milt Peterson for the last four years. This will be the seventh hotel resort to come to National Harbor and this would be the second stand alone Disney hotel resort in the world.

Disney officials considered many factors before deciding on National Harbor as the location for their latest entertainment resort. They ultimately chose this site, calling it a great location for a Disney resort hotel.

Racial Gap Lingers In Somerset County

Blacks missing from top jobs, ACLU, NAACP find
By Laura Smitherman | laura.smitherman@baltsun.com
May 20, 2009

Decades of racial strife have left their mark on Somerset County, the American Civil Liberties Union and the NAACP said Tuesday as they called on leaders of the Eastern Shore county to ensure minorities get better access to good-paying school and government jobs.

In a report, the groups noted that no African-American has ever been elected or appointed to a top job in county government, and that no African-American was employed by the county in a professional capacity in 2007, according to the latest statistics submitted to the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

The county's population is 42 percent African-American.

The ACLU and NAACP asked county and school officials to create a working group for recruitment and to appoint an affirmative action officer who would lead the efforts. The civil rights groups are planning a community meeting next month.

GO HERE to read more from the Baltimore Sun.

Our Government Will Do ANYTHING To Raise Taxes

U.S. lawmakers weigh beverage taxes in health revamp

By Donna Smith - Mon May 18, 12:56 PM PDT

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A tax on soft drinks and other sweetened beverages and higher taxes on alcohol are among the options U.S. lawmakers will consider to pay for expanded healthcare coverage, a Senate report said on Monday

The beverage taxes were among the options outlined in a Senate Finance Committee report that panel members will review in a closed-door session on Wednesday.

Senators will look at a mix of taxes and cost savings to pay for a healthcare overhaul that aims to provide affordable medical coverage for all Americans, including an estimated 46 million who have no insurance.

Wednesday's session will likely be contentious as lawmakers search for politically palatable ways to finance health reform amid soaring budget deficits.

President Barack Obama wants Congress to pass the overhaul by the end of the year. He has called for a $634 billion "reserve fund" in his budget as a downpayment toward expanding coverage to the uninsured.

Many analysts believe the final cost is likely to be much higher. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, and other Democrats, argue that an overhaul of the $2.5 trillion U.S. healthcare system is needed to control soaring costs.

"Without healthcare reform, healthcare spending will reach $4.4 trillion by 2018," Baucus said in a statement accompanying the release of the possible financing options.

The committee is expected to draft healthcare legislation next month with aim of winning Senate passage by August. The House of Representatives is working on a similar timetable.

Raising taxes on sweetened beverages would provide an added benefit in helping to fight obesity, which drives up healthcare costs, the committee report said. The proposal calls for no tax on artificially sweetened drinks.

Another option would raise taxes on all types of alcohol and apply a standard rate. Taxes now are lower for beer and wine, which are based on volume, than for distilled spirits, which are based on alcohol content.

Other options include limiting some of the current federal tax subsidies for healthcare, which amounted to $194.2 billion in 2008. In particular, lawmakers are looking at limiting a tax break for employer-provided health insurance, a proposal opposed by labor unions.

Lawmakers are also looking at cost savings in the Medicare and Medicaid health programs for the elderly and poor, including requiring high-income earners to pay more for their Medicare drug coverage.

Lewes Man Charged With 6th DUI Offense

Last evening, a Troop 7 patrol officer was on Route 9, east of CR 261, when he observed a Chevrolet pick up swerving back and forth on the roadway. The officer stopped the truck and approached the driver- James B. Walsh.

When the Trooper spoke with Mr. Walsh, he could smell the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his breath. A DUI investigation ensued and the officer eventually took Mr. Walsh into custody.

Mr. Walsh was transported back to Troop 7 where a computer check revealed he had five previous DUI convictions- this arrest would make #6.

James Walsh was formally charged with Felony DUI and Failure to Obey a Traffic Control Device. He was committed to the Sussex Correctional Institute in lieu of $10,250.00 secured bond.

Unicity Concert A Major Flop

Last weekend at Winter Place Park, Bands from all over the Country came to Salisbury in what seemed like a really cool event. However, there came a time after several local Blogs posted information about this upcoming event I came to learn they were charging for this event.

That's when I heard for the first time it would cost $15.00 just to get through the gates. Now look, I understand there's a big expense for stages and sound equipment and so forth but to expect a Family of let's just say 4, that's $60.00 just to get in. Then there's the cost for beer, food, arcade rides for the kids, I mean, what the hell were these people thinking?

In the end, Bands were complaining about the lack of attendance, some of which came all the way out here and refused to get on stage. The following was Posted over at Two Sentz:

"Hey, I read your blog about Unicity:
We were a band that ended up going through, from a sonicbids submission. let me tell you this festival was complete crap. First off, this festival claims of 5,000 people attending...I don't know if they meant in theory. There was like 250 people tops on May 16th. In perception it seemed organized, but in actuality it was something I could have pulled if in my backyard. We ended up bailing and not even performing after a 5 hour drive from NYC. We really found no benefit in performing in front of 10 people and a pile of grass. I wish I read your blog sooner.
-Mike"

So where do YOU think they went wrong? It seems like everyone publicized the event. TV, Radio, Print, Blogs, was it the cost to get in? Is it simply something most people have no interest in? We'd love to know your thoughts.

URGENT!!!! HELP SAVE PG COUNTY SHELTER ANIMALS BEFORE JUNE 30

It is vital to try to have all the cats and dogs placed prior to June 30. I have been told that management is leaning toward killing all the remaining animals so none will be brought to the new facility. I have also been told on good authority that management feels that all owner releases should be killed within hours of arrival. If this is a foreshadowing of what is to come, I shudder to think of the fate of PG animals after APL pulls out. Who will be a voice for the voiceless?

Forwarded message:
I would like to touch base with all of you rescuers, groups, and animals lovers about a potential horrific/disastrous situation that could potentially happen at the PG Shelter in the very near future.

As many of you may have seen word going around, the Animal Protection League Inc. (APL) who is the contractor for the shelter has ended their contract on June 30th for various reasons.

In their words:

"The principal and most essential components of this agreement were based upon a common vision, mission, commitment and goal(s) for the animal management facility. We made a commitment to enter into a partnership with the expectation of mutual respect and a resolve to carry out our mission and reach the goals of the APL at the animal management facility."

The Goals of the Animal Protection League at the Prince George ’s Animal Control are:
1. Increase adoption rates and decrease euthanasia rates at the facility
2. Increase participation and cohesion of Rescue groups
3. Increase Community Education in order to promote humane education and responsible pet ownership
4. Increase percentage of financial support from private sources
5. Increase community involvement in and recognition of the facility
6. Improve Quality and Standard of Animal Care
7. Become recognized as the premier source of information on animal issues and care.
1. Employ passionate, motivated, and well-trained people who enjoy a high level of job satisfaction from the work they do each day.
2. Foster a pleasant, welcoming atmosphere where people are glad to come and where customer service is at the forefront of our interactions with the public.
3. Become the a trusted component in the community by consistently demonstrating that it we are a dedicated, hardworking, trustworthy steward of the public's money and deserving of financial and community support.

Over the last ten months, it has become evident that there is a significant disparity in the mission and vision of the APL vs. the County. To further exacerbate the issue, there is a lack of proper funding and the absence of a sound business and organizational plan/structure for the larger facility in Upper Marlboro.

We regret that this decision was necessary. However, it would be irresponsible and unprofessional for the APL to commit to operating the new facility without the necessary components required to provide the level of care and service that the animals and citizens of Prince George's County and surrounding areas deserve.

The County will be taking over management of the shelter on it's OWN which I believe in most of the years past has ALWAYS been run by an animal management company.

APL staff is working diligently (on their days off) to get as many cats and kittens to rescue as possible before their contract ends, HOWEVER more pour in daily.

As of right this moment their are 93 cats/kittens LISTED not counting all the very young fosters the staff has that they are housing. There are 118 dogs/puppies LISTED, again not included the ones that are fostered by the staff that are very very young.

The major issue right here that these animals face is a potential MASS EUTHANASIA of ALL the animals in the current shelter on D'Arcy Rd. I have been told anonymously that no animals in the current shelter will be moved to the new facility in Upper Marlboro.

AS RESCUERS, WE NEED TO PREVENT THIS! We need to get this out to the media so they can get involved and we need as many rescue groups as possible to step in and PULL PULL PULL.

My fear a few weeks ago about what could possibly happen to those animals when they change facilities is seemingly more confirmed from the information I have just received anonymously.

Please do whatever you can to get the word out about the animals at PG right now. If people do not step in, their days may be numbered when APL's contract is done and before the County moves to the new facility. Again please keep in mind the intake numbers rise daily so who knows how many more animals will be added to the list. Humane hold cases may be the only ones who have any chance to make it to the new place as their owners get their day in court, but owner surrenders and strays may have no chance.

The news, animals rights groups, and lawyers for animals rights need to know about this just as a prevention. Obviously this is speculation (and anonymous information) that euthanasia will be the decision for those animals housed at D'Arcy road but before it can even be an affirmative decision for the County, let's expose the potential so that it absolutely CANNOT happen!

Kind Regards,
A Concerned Avid Rescuer

Letter To The Editor (Concerning Daily Times)

Greg (Daily Times),

Thank you for returning my call. After making many attempts at finding a live body to answer the phone at the Daily Times a dear friend who also happens to be Captain of the Police Dept suggested that I call you.

You took my name, address and number to make sure I won't be getting a paper in the future on Tuesdays. As you said, in the fture the driver will be the one who will be punished if this continues. You seriously need to take a look at the driver who comes to Fruitland. As I told you, I have sat on my porch yelling for her not to toss it out....she looked right at me and did it anyway. Not to mention a finger I got from the driver you had before this one. Both of these drivers saw that I was in a wheelchair and can't pick the paper up on my own. Finger-girl tossed it and laughed.

I'll take you on your word that in two weeks I won't be seeing another paper in my yard.

Thank you,

Kim Marshall

Arts On The Dock Returns To West OC

Arts on the Dock is an entertainment filled evening on the docks of one of Ocean City's most scenic marinas, the Ocean City Fishing Center. As you browse through the arts and crafts, listening to local musicians, enjoy our beautiful sunsets while the boats return from their day of fishing. Every Thursday, June 18th - September 24th, from 4:00PM - 8:00PM you may find wood sculpture, pottery, watercolors, blown glass, gold and silver jewelry and much, much more. Micky Fin's Bar & Grill is a spectacular place to have a waterfront dinner, your favorite cocktail and breath taking sunsets. Enjoy weekly dinner and drink specials at West Ocean City's best Happy Hour.

Are you an artist, who'd like to show at Arts on the Dock? Any Questions? Call the Ocean City Fishing Center at (410) 213-1121.

Wicomico County Hosts Youth Soccer Day

2009 Wicomico County Soccer Day

(Salisbury, MD) Wicomico County will be holding their youth Soccer Day on Saturday, May 30 from 9am – 11am at the Henry S. Parker Athletic Complex. The event is free of charge and open to boys and girls ages 3 – 14 year old. Children will be divided into age groups to participate in soccer drills, exercises, games, and FUN! All attendees will receive a discount coupon for the fall soccer season. On site registration for the Fall league will also be available this day. Come see what Wicomico County Soccer has to offer!

For more information contact program director Kelly Rados at 410-548-4900 ext. 108 or email krados@wicomicocounty.org.

If you would like to learn about other upcoming programs offered by Wicomico County Recreation, Parks and Tourism check out our web site at www.wicomicorecandparks.org.

NHSCA 10th Annual Wrestling Duals This Weekend At The WY&CC

National High School Coaches Association (NHSCA) 10th annual Wrestling Duals tournament held in Salisbury

WHAT: National High School Coaches Association (NHSCA) will hold their 10th annual Wrestling Duals tournament in Salisbury May 22-25th. More than 100 teams representing 21 states will participate in the event. With this tournament being the largest of its kind on the east coast and projected to infuse about a million dollars into the local economy, Salisbury looks forward to hosting it once again.

WHERE: Wicomico Youth & Civic Center/Normandy Arena

WHEN: May 22nd - 25th 2009 Time: Competition begins 9am Saturday and wrestling will continue to about 8 p.m. Wrestling will continues to start promptly Sunday and Monday at 9 a.m.

WHY: Participants from the top 4 place finishing teams of this event will be officially declared NHSCA All-American Team Members.

INFO: For more information, please contact Sports Marketing Manager; Kate Roth at 410-548-4914 or katemroth@comcast.net.

Memorial Day Concert

The Salisbury Community Band will perform a program of traditional Memorial Day favorites honoring the members of our Armed Forces, Veterans and those who gave their Lives in the defense of our Country. Conductor Charlie Smith has created a concert that is sure to please everyone.

The Federal City Brass Band presents a special program featuring favorite music of Lincoln and the Civil War in honor of the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. This program includes songs from Lincoln’s presidential campaigns, hymns, sentimental ballads, operatic selections, music written especially for his inaugurations and funeral, patriotic airs and popular wartime tunes. The Federal City Brass Band performed their Music of Lincoln program at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in January at the Inauguration weekend and in February at Ford's Theatre on Lincoln's 200th birthday.

Join your friends at this very special free concert. For more information call, Urban Salisbury at 410-546-3205.

U.S. May Strip SEC Of Powers In Regulatory Overhaul (Update1)

By Robert Schmidt and Jesse Westbrook

May 20 (Bloomberg) -- The Obama administration may call for stripping the Securities and Exchange Commission of some of its powers under a regulatory reorganization that could be unveiled as soon as next week, people familiar with the matter said.

The proposal, still being drafted, is likely to give the Federal Reserve more authority to supervise financial firms deemed too big to fail. The Fed may inherit some SEC functions, with others going to other agencies, the people said. On the table: giving oversight of mutual funds to a bank regulator or a new agency to police consumer-finance products, two people said.

The 75-year-old SEC, chartered to oversee Wall Street and safeguard investors, has seen its reputation tarnished as some lawmakers blamed it for missing the incipient financial crisis and failing to detect Bernard Madoff’s $65 billion Ponzi scheme. Any move to rein in the agency is likely to provoke a battle in Congress, which would need to approve the changes, and draw the ire of union pension funds and other advocates for shareholders.

“It would be a terrible mistake,” said Stanley Sporkin, a former federal judge and enforcement chief at the SEC. “Whatever the SEC has done or didn’t do, it is still the premier investor protection agency around.”

GO HERE to read more.

Credit Card Theft

"Joe:

I had the unfortunate circumstance last week when my credit/debit card was stolen and I didn't discover it until late the next day.

However, I had read some time ago, perhaps on your site, that you should not sign the back of the card. But instead of a signature I wrote in the signature space, "PHOTO ID REQUIRED".

My card was missing for at least a day and apparently was never used and I attribute that to the notation on the back. I always carry my driver's license with my credit card and I never mind having the show the photo ID when asked.

Perhaps this information would benefit some of your readers.

JB"

JB, You are correct. I have preached for years on this Blog, never sign the back of your Credit Card. Mind you, I rarely use my Credit Cards but when I do, IF they demand I have a signature, I REFUSE to purchase the item. "PHOTO ID REQUIRED" is, (IMO) the best way to secure your credit and card.

Fundraiser Softball Tournament

MARDELA RECREATION COUNCIL IS SPONSORING A SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT THE WEEKEND OF JUNE 19-21, 2009

$200 ENTRANCE FEE PER TEAM (CHECKS MADE PAYABLE TO MARDELA RECREATION COUNCIL)
ALL GAMES ARE SLOWPITCH SOFTBALL ADULTS ONLY (AGES 16 AND OVER; MAY BE CO-ED)
ALL GAMES PLAYED AT MARDELA BALL PARK
ALL TEAMS MUST PROVIDE A ROSTER OF PLAYERS ALONG WITH THEIR ENTRANCE FEE NO LATER THAN MONDAY, JUNE 15.

ALL PROCEEDS WILL BENEFIT THE FAMILY OF JESI SIMPSON
Jesi Simpson is a 15 yr. old student & aspiring athlete in 9th grade at Parkside High School. He was recently diagnosed with Leukemia and is currently being treated at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, MD. You can read Jesi’s story at www.caringbridge.org

PLEASE SIGN YOUR TEAM UP EARLY BY CALLING:

SHARON HARCUM (MARDELA REC COUNCIL SECRETARY) AT 443-735-1987

OR

BRENT SPICER (TOURNAMENT CHAIRPERSON) 443-235-2373

Checks made payable to :
Mardela Recreation Council
PO Box 57
Mardela Springs, MD 21837

Magnolia Man Charged With Continuous Sexual Abuse Of A Child

Detectives from Troop 3 in Woodside have arrested a Magnolia man, Richard Parson, for allegedly sexually assaulting a family member (who is a female under the age of 10) in recent months.

This investigation came to light after the victim was able to tell an adult Parson had touched her in an inappropriate manner, on multiple occasions, over a period of time. The acts allegedly took place at Parson’s home.

Richard B. Parson was charged yesterday with a single count of Continual Sexual Abuse of a Child (felony), seven counts of Unlawful Sexual Contact (felony), seven counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child (felony) and twelve counts of Offensive Touching (misdemeanor). He was committed to the Howard Young Correctional Institute in lieu of $89,000.00.

Anyone who believes they too have fallen victim to Mr. Parson is asked to call investigators at 302-697-2104 ext. 309.

Think You Had A Bad Day?

Long Live The First Amendment

Published May 18, 2009 11:01 pm - City administrators have sent a letter to a local Website operator, ordering her to remove information related to municipal offices, City Council members learned at Monday's work session.

Conneaut says no to Web site

By MARK TODD - Staff Writer - mtodd@starbeacon.com
Star Beacon

CONNEAUT — City administrators have sent a letter to a local Website operator, ordering her to remove information related to municipal offices, City Council members learned at Monday's work session.

The cease-and-desist order was sent last week to Katie Schwartz, who oversees the everythingconneautohio.com Web site. The letter was authorized by City Manager Robert Schaumleffel Jr.

Ward 1 Councilman Dave Campbell, who has promoted the Web site, was outraged by the letter, calling it “garbage. We cannot dictate how she runs her business,” he said.

At the end of the meeting, Campbell made a motion that would order Schaumleffel to rescind the letter and apologize to Schwartz. The motion was defeated by a 3-3 vote. Voting yes were Campbell, Ward 2 Councilman Charles Lewis and Ward 3 Councilman Greg Mooney. Opposed were Council President James Jones, Councilman-at-Large Chris Castrilla and Ward 4 Councilman Tony Julio. Absent was Councilman-at-Large Jacob Chicatelli.

Schaumleffel said he did not want to see Schwartz's for-profit Web site be mistaken as the official city of Conneaut Web site, which is being overhauled by another individual. "We can't turn the city Web page into a commercial site," he said.

The manager said he would gladly create a link on the city page to Schwartz's site. “I’m trying to keep this on a business basis,” Schaumleffel said.

Disclosure of the cease-and-desist letter followed some terse words Schaumleffel directed at Schwartz at the beginning of the meeting. The manager said he understood Schwartz made accusations about him at a town hall-style meeting Thursday night.

Schaumleffel used Schwartz as a springboard to rail against what he said was an organized campaign among some to “dig up dirt” on his administrative staff.

“I am tired of the dirt,” he said. “I don't know what the hell is going on. These personal attacks are going to stop. I'm really tired of the personal attacks.”

The manager also scolded council members who attended the meeting and didn't speak on his behalf, without naming names,

Schaumleffel said the same tactics prompted interim city manager Edward Somppi to abruptly resign last summer. “It didn't start with me and or end with me, but I'm going to try to put a stop to it,” he said.

THE 5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE CAKE FOR ONE PERSON

5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE
4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
A small splash of vanilla extract
1 large coffee mug (MicroSafe)

Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly.

Pour in the milk and oil and mix well..

Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again.
Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts or high.

The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed!

Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.
EAT ! (this can serve 2 if you want to feel slightly more virtuous).

And why is this the most dangerous cake recipe in the world?
Because now we are all only 5 minutes away from chocolate cake at any time of the day or night!

Today's Wildlife Photo

Memorial Weekend Kick-Off Party

Memorial Weekend Kick-Off Party
Friday May 22nd
6 to 10 p.m. on the patio at The Fountains

Live Entertainment by: Muskrats
Formerly “Mustang Sally Band”

Come out with your friends to kick start your weekend. Relax on our spacious patio & enjoy Cook out style food; Burgers, Hot Dogs, & Smoked Pulled Pork BBQ.
*You keep the glass* Drink Specials & $2 Domestics
*Door prizes* *No Cover Charge*

The Fast Thinker

An elderly man in Florida had owned a large farm for several years.

He had a large pond in the back.

It was properly shaped for swimming, so he fixed it up nice with picnic
tables, horseshoe courts, and some orange, and lime trees.

One evening the old farmer decided to go down to the pond, as he hadn't
been there for a while, and look it over.

He grabbed a five-gallon bucket to bring back some fruit.

As he neared the pond, he heard voices shouting and laughing with glee.

As he came closer, he saw it was a bunch of young women skinny-dipping in
his pond.

He made the women aware of his presence and they all went to the deep end

One of the women shouted to him, 'we're not coming out until you leave!'

The old man frowned, 'I didn't come down here to watch you ladies swim
naked or make you get out of the pond naked.'

Holding the bucket up he said, 'I'm here to feed the alligator.'

Some old men can still think fast.

American Capitalism Gone With A Whimper

Source: Pravda.Ru

It must be said, that like the breaking of a great dam, the American decent into Marxism is happening with breath taking speed, against the back drop of a passive, hapless sheeple, excuse me dear reader, I meant people.

True, the situation has been well prepared on and off for the past century, especially the past twenty years. The initial testing grounds was conducted upon our Holy Russia and a bloody test it was. But we Russians would not just roll over and give up our freedoms and our souls, no matter how much money Wall Street poured into the fists of the Marxists.

Those lessons were taken and used to properly prepare the American populace for the surrender of their freedoms and souls, to the whims of their elites and betters.

First, the population was dumbed down through a politicized and substandard education system based on pop culture, rather then the classics. Americans know more about their favorite TV dramas then the drama in DC that directly affects their lives. They care more for their "right" to choke down a McDonalds burger or a BurgerKing burger than for their constitutional rights. Then they turn around and lecture us about our rights and about our "democracy". Pride blind the foolish.

Then their faith in God was destroyed, until their churches, all tens of thousands of different "branches and denominations" were for the most part little more then Sunday circuses and their televangelists and top protestant mega preachers were more then happy to sell out their souls and flocks to be on the "winning" side of one pseudo Marxist politician or another. Their flocks may complain, but when explained that they would be on the "winning" side, their flocks were ever so quick to reject Christ in hopes for earthly power. Even our Holy Orthodox churches are scandalously liberalized in America.

The final collapse has come with the election of Barack Obama. His speed in the past three months has been truly impressive. His spending and money printing has been a record setting, not just in America's short history but in the world. If this keeps up for more then another year, and there is no sign that it will not, America at best will resemble the Wiemar Republic and at worst Zimbabwe.

These past two weeks have been the most breath taking of all. First came the announcement of a planned redesign of the American Byzantine tax system, by the very thieves who used it to bankroll their thefts, loses and swindles of hundreds of billions of dollars. These make our Russian oligarchs look little more then ordinary street thugs, in comparison. Yes, the Americans have beat our own thieves in the shear volumes. Should we congratulate them?

Do You Qualify For The Obama Feri Plan?

The federal government's Home Affordable Refinance program is designed to help homeowners refinance their mortgages even if they owe slightly more than the current value of their homes. The program could be a boon for some borrowers, though its many layers of rules may resemble one of those maddeningly complex contests that offer valuable prizes to people who complete a maze of special offers.

The program is complicated because the federal government has a top-level set of rules; Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have their own separate sets of rules; and lenders, loan servicers and mortgage insurers generally have their own rules as well.

Attention

Wednesday, May 20, 2009