OLDER WOMEN
After being married for 44 years, I took a careful look at my wife one day and said "44 years ago we had a cheap apartment, a cheap car, slept on a sofa bed and watched a 10-inch black and white TV, but I got to sleep every night with a hot 25-year old girl". Now I have a $1,500,000.00 home, a $45,000.00 car, nice big bed and plasma screen TV, but I'm sleeping with a 65-year old woman. It seems to me that you're not holding up to your side of things.
My wife being a very reasonable woman told me to go out and find a hot 25-year old girl and we would make sure that I would once again be living in a cheap apartment, driving a cheap car, sleeping on a sofa bed and watching a 10-inch black and white TV.
Aren't older women great? They really know how to solve a mid-life crisis!
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Single Vehicle Crash Results In Ejection
Location of Incident: Route 1 northbound at the I-95 southbound exit ramp, Newark, Delaware, New Castle County
Date and Time of Occurrence: Wednesday, May 27, 2009, at approximately 2:56 p.m.
Resume: Just before 3:00 p.m. today, Troopers were called to the area of Route 1 northbound at the I-95 southbound exit ramp for a single vehicle crash.
A 2007 Honda Accord (operated by Tomika Coleman, 22, of Newark) was traveling Route 1 northbound approaching the I-95 southbound exit ramp.
For an undetermined reason, the Honda swerved to the right and lost control. The Honda slid sideways and into a guardrail. The operator of the Honda was then ejected from the vehicle and onto the roadway.
The operator, Ms. Coleman, was transported from the scene to Christiana Hospital where her injuries were considered non-life threatening.
This crash remains under investigation and no charges have been filed.
SUSPICIOUS LETTER MAILED TO STATE OFFICE FACILITY
(Annapolis, MD) - Maryland State Police investigators are continuing their investigation into a suspicious letter mailed to a Maryland State office facility in Annapolis and opened by an unsuspecting employee this morning.
Shortly before 9:00 a.m. this morning, Anne Arundel County Police responded to a 911 call received from the Maryland District Court Administration building located in the 900 block of Commerce Road in Annapolis, Maryland, after an employee opened a letter laced with a white powdered substance. The responding officer quickly evacuated and secured the office, as well as adjoining offices until troopers and emergency personnel arrived.
Due to the unknown nature of the powder, all precautions were taken and a hazardous materials team from the Anne Arundel County Fire Department, along with members from the Annapolis City Fire Department, Anne Arundel County Fire Marshals Office and the Maryland Department of the Environment responded to the scene. The nearby Anne Arundel County Medical Center was also notified of the incident, as exposed employees may require medical treatment. Fire department officials determined that four of the ten employees assigned to the office may have been exposed to the powder. Those employees were treated and decontaminated at the scene for precautionary measures.
State Police criminal investigators have determined that the letter was mailed from an address in the Richmond, Virginia area and are working with Virginia police as part of the investigation. Fire department officials took several samples of the powder before the office was cleaned and sanitized. It was later determined that the powder in the letter was baking powder. The office, utilized for receiving mail and packages for the Maryland District Court, was thoroughly searched by troopers before employees were allowed back in the building shortly after 12:00 p.m. today.
Maryland State Police continue to remind everyone that incidents like this will be taken very seriously and will be investigated fully. Persons found responsible will be arrested and face significant criminal charges. Incidents like this create significant hardship for the victims and involve a large amount of police and fire department resources.
UPDATE: Body Just Found On 94th St. In Ocean City
On Tuesday we Posted the following information:
The body of a 29 year old was just found unresponsive on 94th Street in Ocean City. The preliminary findings stated he died of an overdose.
I have been in regular contact with the Ocean City Police Department and while comments are coming in and even e-mail giving me a hard time for exposing the above information, the cause of death can not yet been CONFIRMED by the State Medical Examiners Office but are confident their findings will be in line with what we originally stated.
To those of you sending in threatening e-mail messages to me as well as demanding I give an apology, you're wrong, you're out of line and I'll apologize to no one. While we're sorry for your loss, don't ever send me a threatening e-mail again or you'll be getting a visit from the authorities.
As soon as we get word from the Medical Examiners Office we'll post it. Until then, the professionals at the scene know what they're talking about.
The body of a 29 year old was just found unresponsive on 94th Street in Ocean City. The preliminary findings stated he died of an overdose.
I have been in regular contact with the Ocean City Police Department and while comments are coming in and even e-mail giving me a hard time for exposing the above information, the cause of death can not yet been CONFIRMED by the State Medical Examiners Office but are confident their findings will be in line with what we originally stated.
To those of you sending in threatening e-mail messages to me as well as demanding I give an apology, you're wrong, you're out of line and I'll apologize to no one. While we're sorry for your loss, don't ever send me a threatening e-mail again or you'll be getting a visit from the authorities.
As soon as we get word from the Medical Examiners Office we'll post it. Until then, the professionals at the scene know what they're talking about.
The Guerrero Brothers Will Entertain
Fernando Guerrero has an opponent! His name is Brian Norman from Georgia. He's 17-8 and built like a statue. Preliminary fight tapes show this kid can hit!
Here's the cool news. Alex Guerrero is also on the fight card as a Professional. That's right, he'll be fighting a gentleman named Rodika Ray, 2-1. He's bigger and heavier than Alex so we'll be spoiled with the Guerrero Brothers right here at the Wicomico Civic Center.
They'll be flying Fernando's opponent in this Sunday for a Press Conference at the Black Diamond Restaurant on Rt. 13 this Sunday at 1:00, for any of you who might be interested.
Things are falling into place really quick Folks. Get your tickets sooner than later for choice seats to this great fighting event.
Susan Rainey (Sparkles The Clown) Makes The News Again
It seems this past Saturday Susan Rainey made the Daily Times as one of many who are in the process of foreclosure on her home. The woman so vocal about Joe Albero speaking at a Chamber of Commerce Meeting seems to be getting slapped in the face with Karma.
Perhaps Susan and the Fat Man should team up together and create a Circus. She could then pay her bills and he could, well, he has no clue what it is to work and pay normal bills anyway, so we'll leave that alone. What's more entertaining than an Elephant and a Clown?
The infamous John Robinson is in the news once again today as well. It seems Mr. Robinson flat out REFUSES to follow the law as he did an all nighter at his new place of business in the Court Plaza demolishing walls and doing all sorts of construction WITHOUT A PERMIT!
The County has been called in and a cease and desist order will soon follow, I'm sure. Johnnie, I don't know who you think you are but the law is the law and you're not above the law.
It sure is a Circus around here, isn't it.
Salisbury News Public Notices
GO HERE to view local Public notices now being offered here on Salisbury News.
We will soon provide a link so you may go there daily and see what's new and or what and when Public notices were provided.
This is a FREE service by Salisbury News as we have proven longevity on the Internet after 4 years. We hope you enjoy this new feature.
We will soon provide a link so you may go there daily and see what's new and or what and when Public notices were provided.
This is a FREE service by Salisbury News as we have proven longevity on the Internet after 4 years. We hope you enjoy this new feature.
Transportation Management Center Worker Assists Downed Motorcyclist
Awarded Employee of the Year 2008
Smyrna -- The Department of Transportation (DelDOT) is honored to name a technician at the Transportation Management Center (TMC) as an Employee of the Year for 2008. Her efforts went beyond the call of her job duties when she assisted an injured motorcyclist.
At 11:30 p.m. May 23, 2008, Pam Stant was driving home to New Castle after a late shift at the 24/7 DelDOT facility, the TMC. According to Stant, an approaching light shook in an unusual manner ahead of her as she was driving on Route 13. As the light continued to approach her, she realized that a motorcycle was flipping end-over-end and the driver was going through the air.
At the next crossover, Stant turned her personal vehicle around and headed south to assist. Arriving at the spot where the motorcycle lay in the roadway, Stant activated the flashers on her vehicle and donned a reflective safety vest.
By this time, the driver of the motorcycle was sitting up in the grass median. Stant went to his aid, while calling the incident in to the TMC to summon further assistance. A passing motorcyclist stopped and helped Stant get the downed bike upright and out of the roadway, however, he left almost as quickly as he had arrived.
Emergency assistance, including DelDOT and an ambulance crew, was on the scene quickly. Police officers got their report on the incident from Stant, who was the only witness. A helicopter landed on the highway as the wife of the injured cyclist arrived. Stant apprised the woman of what she had witnessed, then assisted the cyclist's wife in gathering his possessions that had been scattered when the motorcycle went through the air. The wife later telephoned Stant to report on her husband's condition.
Though she was on her own time and on the way home when the incident took place, Stant spent more than an hour on the scene. But she said she doesn't see her response and activities as anything unusual.
"I didn't do anything I expect someone else wouldn't do," she said.
Neither did Stant think about the personal risk to which she had exposed herself. A late night on a dark stretch of roadway has the potential for further injury. By taking her actions, Stant very well might have prevented further injury to the motorcyclist or potential injuries to unsuspecting motorists who would have encountered the aftermath of the incident.
Stant said she appreciates the recognition but, "It's just a little uncomfortable." She said she has stopped to help at incidents on the road previously, and will likely do so again if the need arises.
Smyrna -- The Department of Transportation (DelDOT) is honored to name a technician at the Transportation Management Center (TMC) as an Employee of the Year for 2008. Her efforts went beyond the call of her job duties when she assisted an injured motorcyclist.
At 11:30 p.m. May 23, 2008, Pam Stant was driving home to New Castle after a late shift at the 24/7 DelDOT facility, the TMC. According to Stant, an approaching light shook in an unusual manner ahead of her as she was driving on Route 13. As the light continued to approach her, she realized that a motorcycle was flipping end-over-end and the driver was going through the air.
At the next crossover, Stant turned her personal vehicle around and headed south to assist. Arriving at the spot where the motorcycle lay in the roadway, Stant activated the flashers on her vehicle and donned a reflective safety vest.
By this time, the driver of the motorcycle was sitting up in the grass median. Stant went to his aid, while calling the incident in to the TMC to summon further assistance. A passing motorcyclist stopped and helped Stant get the downed bike upright and out of the roadway, however, he left almost as quickly as he had arrived.
Emergency assistance, including DelDOT and an ambulance crew, was on the scene quickly. Police officers got their report on the incident from Stant, who was the only witness. A helicopter landed on the highway as the wife of the injured cyclist arrived. Stant apprised the woman of what she had witnessed, then assisted the cyclist's wife in gathering his possessions that had been scattered when the motorcycle went through the air. The wife later telephoned Stant to report on her husband's condition.
Though she was on her own time and on the way home when the incident took place, Stant spent more than an hour on the scene. But she said she doesn't see her response and activities as anything unusual.
"I didn't do anything I expect someone else wouldn't do," she said.
Neither did Stant think about the personal risk to which she had exposed herself. A late night on a dark stretch of roadway has the potential for further injury. By taking her actions, Stant very well might have prevented further injury to the motorcyclist or potential injuries to unsuspecting motorists who would have encountered the aftermath of the incident.
Stant said she appreciates the recognition but, "It's just a little uncomfortable." She said she has stopped to help at incidents on the road previously, and will likely do so again if the need arises.
Traffic Stop Yields Drugs And A Stolen Gun
A State Trooper stopped a vehicle that Parker was driving for a traffic violation. During the stop the trooper found 21 Xanax pills in the car. When Parker was taken into custody the trooper discovered she was in possession of a loaded 9mm Smith and Wesson hand gun that was found in her purse. The gun had been reported stolen in the city of Dover back in 2007. Also located in the purse were 38 bags of crack cocaine having a total weight of approximately 8.7 grams.
Parker was charged with Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony, Possession with the intent to Deliver Crack Cocaine, Possession with the Intent to Deliver a Schedule IV Drug, Receiving a Stolen Firearm, Maintaining a Vehicle, Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and traffic charges.
She was released after posting $50,000 bail. A preliminary hearing was scheduled for June 5, 2009 in the Court of Common Pleas in and for Kent County.
Released 052709 at 1530 hours
DelDOT Equipment Operator Saves Distraught Man
Awarded Employee of the Year 2008
Wilmington -- The Department of Transportation (DelDOT) is honored to name an equipment operator from Wilmington as an Employee of the Year for 2008. His heroic efforts May 26, 2008, saved a man from a suicide attempt.
As Bill Skinner, an equipment operator with DelDOT, was performing a routine Motorist Assistance Patrol (MAP) of I-495 last Memorial Day, he noticed a vehicle that was parked on the southbound side of the bridge over the Christina River in Wilmington.
DelDOT's MAP program assists stranded motorists with flat tires or dead batteries when they have their hazard lights on, indicating that they need help. The car on the I-495 bridge did not have its flashers on and its owner, "John Doe," was nervously chewing on a toothpick and pacing back and forth.
Skinner, a nine-year DelDOT Maintenance & Operations employee, pulled over to the shoulder, which is only a few feet wide. The bridge holds three lanes of traffic in each direction going at least the speed limit of 65 mph. The distraught driver was not only putting himself in danger but also drivers approaching the crest of the bridge.
"I asked him the normal questions, 'Why are you here and what's the problem?'" Skinner said. "He told me his wife kicked him out. He had thoughts of suicide. He shed a few tears."
John Doe was continuing to anxiously walk between the lane of traffic and the bridge wall. Skinner said he thought the man was either going to jump off the bridge into the river several stories below or into oncoming traffic as it raced by.
Skinner, who lives with his wife and children in Wilmington, said he talked to the distressed man about how his family would miss him if he went through with it.
"My mission was to talk him out of it and get him off that bridge," he said. "I told him about my family and how they would feel or react if I was in his situation. Basically, I asked him if it was really worth it to go through with what he was trying to do or keep living his life."
Unbeknownst to the distraught man, Skinner called his supervisor, Chris Marsh, at DelDOT's Transportation Management Center (TMC), and asked him to call the State Police. After John Doe got into his car and left the bridge, Skinner followed him until police met up with them.
"I don't think anyone who knows Bill would be surprised," said Chesapeake City, Md. resident Mike Farnan, Skinner's co-worker at a DelDOT equipment yard along I-95. "He's been a mentor to everyone. He's the go-to guy."
"You can talk to him about your problems," said William Gemignani, an equipment operator who lives in Pike Creek. "He's like a big brother. He helps whether it's the guy committing suicide or if you're just having a bad day."
Skinner, more commonly referred to as "Skin," hadn't told anyone about the May 2008 incident - not his co-workers nor his family - until DelDOT announced that he was an Employee of the Year.
Marsh, a TMC Shift Supervisor, said he was proud of how calm Skinner remained during the incident but he added that MAP staffers are dedicated to helping those in need.
"The patrollers just want to do the job and be out there for the people," Marsh said.
Wilmington -- The Department of Transportation (DelDOT) is honored to name an equipment operator from Wilmington as an Employee of the Year for 2008. His heroic efforts May 26, 2008, saved a man from a suicide attempt.
As Bill Skinner, an equipment operator with DelDOT, was performing a routine Motorist Assistance Patrol (MAP) of I-495 last Memorial Day, he noticed a vehicle that was parked on the southbound side of the bridge over the Christina River in Wilmington.
DelDOT's MAP program assists stranded motorists with flat tires or dead batteries when they have their hazard lights on, indicating that they need help. The car on the I-495 bridge did not have its flashers on and its owner, "John Doe," was nervously chewing on a toothpick and pacing back and forth.
Skinner, a nine-year DelDOT Maintenance & Operations employee, pulled over to the shoulder, which is only a few feet wide. The bridge holds three lanes of traffic in each direction going at least the speed limit of 65 mph. The distraught driver was not only putting himself in danger but also drivers approaching the crest of the bridge.
"I asked him the normal questions, 'Why are you here and what's the problem?'" Skinner said. "He told me his wife kicked him out. He had thoughts of suicide. He shed a few tears."
John Doe was continuing to anxiously walk between the lane of traffic and the bridge wall. Skinner said he thought the man was either going to jump off the bridge into the river several stories below or into oncoming traffic as it raced by.
Skinner, who lives with his wife and children in Wilmington, said he talked to the distressed man about how his family would miss him if he went through with it.
"My mission was to talk him out of it and get him off that bridge," he said. "I told him about my family and how they would feel or react if I was in his situation. Basically, I asked him if it was really worth it to go through with what he was trying to do or keep living his life."
Unbeknownst to the distraught man, Skinner called his supervisor, Chris Marsh, at DelDOT's Transportation Management Center (TMC), and asked him to call the State Police. After John Doe got into his car and left the bridge, Skinner followed him until police met up with them.
"I don't think anyone who knows Bill would be surprised," said Chesapeake City, Md. resident Mike Farnan, Skinner's co-worker at a DelDOT equipment yard along I-95. "He's been a mentor to everyone. He's the go-to guy."
"You can talk to him about your problems," said William Gemignani, an equipment operator who lives in Pike Creek. "He's like a big brother. He helps whether it's the guy committing suicide or if you're just having a bad day."
Skinner, more commonly referred to as "Skin," hadn't told anyone about the May 2008 incident - not his co-workers nor his family - until DelDOT announced that he was an Employee of the Year.
Marsh, a TMC Shift Supervisor, said he was proud of how calm Skinner remained during the incident but he added that MAP staffers are dedicated to helping those in need.
"The patrollers just want to do the job and be out there for the people," Marsh said.
Denny Hamlin's FedEx Car Here In Salisbury
Hey Joe,
We have Denny Hamlin’s FedEx car in our parking lot today right here in Salisbury on 201 Kiley Drive right behind Gander Mt and Arby’s off of Rt.13. In case any of your readers are Nascar Fans. They are promoting the Dover race this Sunday.
CITY TO HOLD CEREMONY COMMEMORATING 100-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF 1909 EVENT
Mayor James Ireton, Jr., is pleased to announce that the City will hold a ceremony commemorating the 100-year anniversary of the Lake Humphreys Dam breaking in 1909. The ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2009. The ceremony will begin at 11:00 a.m. It will be held in front of the old Fire Station, 143 S. Division Street. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held in Meeting Room #1 of the Wicomico Public Library, 122 S. Division Street.
Mr. George Chevallier of the Wicomico Historical Society will talk about the history of Lake Humphreys and the Lake Humphreys Dam. Mr. Philip “Pete” Cooper, former City of Salisbury Public Works Director, will speak on the implications of the dam breaking from a public works perspective.
Humphreys Lake was located in the heart of downtown Salisbury until the dam holding the lake gave up in 1909. This event was significant in the City’s history and forever changed the appearance of downtown Salisbury. Thanks to the Nabb Center at Salisbury University and Brenda Colegrove, City Clerk, we will have on display historical pictures of this life changing event and minutes from 1909 City Council meetings referencing the event and subsequent cleanup.
The public is invited to attend this event.
If you have any questions about this event, please contact the Mayor’s Office at 410-548-3100.
Main Street Master Plan Presentation
Urban Salisbury will formally present the new Main Street Master Plan to Council on Monday, June 1 at their Work Session at 4:30 pm.
Everyone is invited to the official launch of the plan that is meant to be the foundation for the long-term renewal of our Downtown.
Discuss the future of the heart of Salisbury with Council. Share your ideas & suggestions with the designers from Urban Salisbury.
The meeting will be held on the third floor of the Government Office Building. The choice of meeting room is up to you. The more who attend; the larger the room.
This can be the beginning of a new future for our community. Invite your friends & neighbors to help recapture your Downtown.
Allan Hope
Urban Salisbury, Inc
Everyone is invited to the official launch of the plan that is meant to be the foundation for the long-term renewal of our Downtown.
Discuss the future of the heart of Salisbury with Council. Share your ideas & suggestions with the designers from Urban Salisbury.
The meeting will be held on the third floor of the Government Office Building. The choice of meeting room is up to you. The more who attend; the larger the room.
This can be the beginning of a new future for our community. Invite your friends & neighbors to help recapture your Downtown.
Allan Hope
Urban Salisbury, Inc
ReStore Volunteers Needed
Wicomico Habitat needs volunteers to work in the ReStore
Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County needs volunteers to help run its ReStore home improvement outlet in Salisbury. The ReStore accepts donated home improvement items, appliances and furniture and sells them for the benefit of Habitat’s home building program.
Requirements for volunteers are simply a knowledge of and commitment to the philosophy of Habitat, an open, cooperative attitude for working directly with donors, customers and staff and willingness to learn. No home improvement or retail experience is necessary.
The benefits for volunteers who work with Habitat are the satisfaction of serving a good cause, meeting new people with similar interests and learning the ins and outs of a nonprofit organization.
Volunteer positions available include cashier/customer service pro, pricing assistant, repair volunteer and donation collection assistant.
The front register volunteers are the first people a shopper sees at the ReStore. Volunteers who like to interact with people throughout the day and feel comfortable running a cash register are needed.
With donations coming in daily, the backroom can get overloaded. Pricing assistants will help accept donations directly from drop off donors with an emphasis on what the ReStore does and does not accept. The volunteers will also sort, price and send donations out to the floor.
With a little repair work, many donated items can help raise funds for Habitat and be rescued from unnecessarily cluttering landfills. Repair volunteers can help provide some TLC to donated furniture, appliances and other items.
Contact with our donors is a top priority for Habitat. The ReStore has a truck on the road each week day collecting donated items for resale and needs volunteers to ride along, help determine which items can be accepted and load them.
Volunteers are needed to work at the ReStore any day or time during regular business hours, which are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. To become a volunteer at the ReStore, contact the Rota Knott, ReStore manager, at rota@wicomicohabitat.org This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 410-546-1551.
Death Investigation In Smyrna
Smyrna- The identity of the deceased individual from the Smyrna investigation outlined below is Joshua Giddings, 32. Until recently, he was a sworn member of Delaware State Police.
This investigation is still ongoing by the Smyrna Police Department.
DSP News Release: Tuesday, May 26, 2009- Death Investigation in Smyrna
Location of Incident: Unit block of Wheeler Circle in Smyrna, Delaware
Date and Time of Occurrence: Tuesday, May 26, 2009- at approximately 6:00 p.m.
Resume: At approximately 6:00 p.m. this evening, emergency personnel were dispatched to a home along the unit block of Wheeler Circle in Smyrna, Delaware for a unresponsive male subject.
In this incident, the male subject was found in the shed at the residence. He was unresponsive. Emergency personnel arrived on the scene and pronounced the male deceased.
Foul play is not suspected and this incident is being investigated as a suicide.
The name of this subject is being withheld pending a notification of the next of kin.
Editors Note: Because this was a suicide Salisbury News chose NOT to run the original article. Because other News Sources chose to run with it and we have now received a second Press Release, clearly the DE State Police have no issues with the information being published.
Toast-Feline Anti-Grav Concept Explained
Somebody just had to ask in the toast post...So, what would happen if we stick a slice of toast with butter to a cat's back and we throw it to the air or drop it from a distance? The cat, by law, will land on its feet, but the toast (by law too) will land on the butter's side. Against this problem of physics laws, the nature chooses the best way of reaching a solution: the cat may just not fall.
(If you're trying this at home, be sure to attach the toast to the cat with the butter side UP and send the dog out of the room.)
The cat with the toast firmly attached, once it's free in the air, will float at its cat-toast equilibrium point, where butter repulsion forces and cat forces are in balance. This point can be adjusted by removing some butter from the toast, adding it, or cutting some hairs (or legs) from the cat. In theory, this will cause the cat to remain stationary, however, in reality, due to varied nature of gravity and the non-uniform profile of Earth, the cat will simply spin around its center of gravity at ever-increasing speed.
In fact, most civilized species in the universe already use this principle in order to build their UFOs. The buzzing that you can hear when you see an UFO is actually the purring of however many cats it takes to support the weight of the craft. Our government is undoubtedly experimenting with similar designs for weapons platforms. The Japanese and French are rumored to be using the concept for their high speed rail lines, but are suspected to push the animals beyond their limits, which may account for the screaming sound as the trains speed by.
WICOMICO PAYING STEEP PRICE FOR NOT DIVERSIFYING INDUSTRY
Wicomico County has become increasingly vulnerable to economic downturns as a result of non-diversity in industry types. Listed on MACO - (Maryland Association of Counties) - Wicomico is the only County out of 24 Maryland jurisdictions that list Education as its primary industry.
Despite what you hear about Agriculture or Poultry, Wicomico County's largest employer is in the Education Department. So it should come as no surprise that when the revenue streams start to dry-up on news of any economic downturn in the US economy, that the Educational Industry will also follow suit. The only exception to this scenario is the Federal Government located in and around St. Mary's County or Southern Maryland. In that area they can just print more money and raise their debt limit masking the real economic realities. That's what helped to spawn the tea party rebellions held across America just a few weeks ago.
During economic downturns most all other Industries throughout our Country try to downsize, cut overhead, shave benefits, and that should be the same technique being considered here in Wicomico. What happened the other night with the BOE voting to increase their health care benefit package in the midst of the greatest recession since 1929 - has got to have ramifications for those of us that are primarily on the paying end - the Taxpayers. Moreover, the audacity to raise these benefits is discriminatory against the minions of other government agencies ranked in the system that are already having to make similar and even larger sacrifices.
A civilized society cannot exist by exempting certain groups based upon a system that ignores the economic realities of our Free Enterprise System. It didn't work when the British tried to imposed their will by imposing tax on the Colonies and it ought not work now.
So stay tuned Delmarva as we enter 2009 and prepare the budgets for 2010. I do not see any immediate economic relief in sight for the near future. Just this past week we saw Chrysler announce additional closures with GM following suit. Next week it is likely GM will file for bankruptcy protection. We've now seen failures of Citicorp, AIG, Bears Stearns, Fannie Mae, Freddy Mac, among many other industry giants. Oil is starting to rise again and the economic storm winds are starting to brew yet again.
We now have a President that is assigning new Corporate salaries while simultaneously replacing CEOs. Socialism is on every channel - (exception CNN, NBC) - while GE's CEO, Jeffrey Immelt, is trying to cash-in for his supporting of Obama by riding on the administration's coat tail. And just this morning it was announced that the Federal Governments stake in GM could be as large as 70%. That's right you heard it, the Federal Government will have a 70% stake in one of America's largest private industries. If that is not fitting the precise definition of Socialism I don't know what is.
Beezer
Should Municipalities Be Required To Advertise On Blogs Now?
As I'm sure many of you will agree, far too many people have dumped their subscription to the Daily Times and have instead become dependent on Salisbury News to deliver local news and information for FREE.
There are many notices that are advertised in the Daily Times, probably what's keeping them afloat these days. Permits, Meetings, you name it. Considering many are no longer purchasing the newspaper, isn't the old law antiquated as far as letting the public know who's doing what and when?
If Salisbury News offered this service for FREE to local Municipalities, or even a minimal fee to cover the cost, I believe it should be considered by Rick Pollitt and Jim Ireton.
What do you think?
There are many notices that are advertised in the Daily Times, probably what's keeping them afloat these days. Permits, Meetings, you name it. Considering many are no longer purchasing the newspaper, isn't the old law antiquated as far as letting the public know who's doing what and when?
If Salisbury News offered this service for FREE to local Municipalities, or even a minimal fee to cover the cost, I believe it should be considered by Rick Pollitt and Jim Ireton.
What do you think?
Frisbee Of Death - It's Not Your Mother's Pie Plate
Having a bad day? If you see a couple of these coming your way, it'a going to get worse in a hurry, thanks to some Air Force funded weapons designers.Modular Disc-Wing (Frisbee) Urban Cruise Munitions, also called Lethal Frisbee UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), are under development by Triton Systems at the behest of the US Air Force.
It is believed that the 3-D maneuverability of the Frisbee-UAV format will provide "revolutionary tactical access and lethality against hostiles hiding in upper story locations and/or defiladed behind obstacles to direct observation and fire."
According to the company: "The fuzing mode of the MEFP warheads will be controllable so as to provide a single large fragment (bunker-buster) or tailorable pattern of smaller fragments (unprotected infantry or light utility vehicles)."
MEFP (Multiple Explosively Formed Penetrator) warheads have been under development since the 1980's. The intent is to provide a technology allowing not just single munition loads, but many individual penetrators to attack light materiel area targets. Initial MEFP warhead concepts utilized a steel case, LX-14 explosive billet and a tantalum, iron or copper liner embossed or formed to produce the individual penetrators.
The design spec for the Lethal Frisbee UAVs requires that they may be directed wirelessly by an operator, or run in fully autonomous mode - "autonomous target classification routines." All flight data will be transmitted back to the controllers.
According to the company: "The fuzing mode of the MEFP warheads will be controllable so as to provide a single large fragment (bunker-buster) or tailorable pattern of smaller fragments (unprotected infantry or light utility vehicles)."
MEFP (Multiple Explosively Formed Penetrator) warheads have been under development since the 1980's. The intent is to provide a technology allowing not just single munition loads, but many individual penetrators to attack light materiel area targets. Initial MEFP warhead concepts utilized a steel case, LX-14 explosive billet and a tantalum, iron or copper liner embossed or formed to produce the individual penetrators.
The design spec for the Lethal Frisbee UAVs requires that they may be directed wirelessly by an operator, or run in fully autonomous mode - "autonomous target classification routines." All flight data will be transmitted back to the controllers.
Millionaires Go Missing
Here's a two-minute drill in soak-the-rich economics:
Maryland couldn't balance its budget last year, so the state tried to close the shortfall by fleecing the wealthy. Politicians in Annapolis created a millionaire tax bracket, raising the top marginal income-tax rate to 6.25%. And because cities such as Baltimore and Bethesda also impose income taxes, the state-local tax rate can go as high as 9.45%. Governor Martin O'Malley, a dedicated class warrior, declared that these richest 0.3% of filers were "willing and able to pay their fair share." The Baltimore Sun predicted the rich would "grin and bear it."
One year later, nobody's grinning. One-third of the millionaires have disappeared from Maryland tax rolls. In 2008 roughly 3,000 million-dollar income tax returns were filed by the end of April. This year there were 2,000, which the state comptroller's office concedes is a "substantial decline." On those missing returns, the government collects 6.25% of nothing. Instead of the state coffers gaining the extra $106 million the politicians predicted, millionaires paid $100 million less in taxes than they did last year -- even at higher rates.
No doubt the majority of that loss in millionaire filings results from the recession. However, this is one reason that depending on the rich to finance government is so ill-advised: Progressive tax rates create mountains of cash during good times that vanish during recessions. For evidence, consult California, New York and New Jersey (see here).
The Maryland state revenue office says it's "way too early" to tell how many millionaires moved out of the state when the tax rates rose. But no one disputes that some rich filers did leave. It's easier than the redistributionists think. Christopher Summers, president of the Maryland Public Policy Institute, notes: "Marylanders with high incomes typically own second homes in tax friendlier states like Florida, Delaware, South Carolina and Virginia. So it's easy for them to change their residency."
All of this means that the burden of paying for bloated government in Annapolis will fall on the middle class. Thanks to the futility of soaking the rich, these working families will now pay Mr. O'Malley's "fair share."
THANK GOODNESS THAT COMEGYS IS NOT SALISBURY’S MAYOR!
His conduct during the City Council’s recent budget work sessions has been astounding, but his performance at last night’s televised meeting to adopt next year’s budget was beyond the pale. Even though he has led the charge, supported by Smith and Shields, to spend the City’s surplus funds to buy new capital equipment, he claimed to be sorry that the budget will provide no cost of living salary increase (the second year in a row) for City personnel.
Isn’t the reason that he and the other two members mentioned above supported the double-digit tax increase in the property tax rate that Barrie Tilghman demanded in 2007, which has yielded much of the surplus, to generate funds for better pay?
The hit being put on the City’s unreserved surplus funds – they could drop from $6.4 million to $3.5 million in just two years – is downright dangerous. In this economic climate, what lies ahead?
Then there’s Bubba’s grandstanding and public posturing during and after the meeting. Disgusting
Isn’t the reason that he and the other two members mentioned above supported the double-digit tax increase in the property tax rate that Barrie Tilghman demanded in 2007, which has yielded much of the surplus, to generate funds for better pay?
The hit being put on the City’s unreserved surplus funds – they could drop from $6.4 million to $3.5 million in just two years – is downright dangerous. In this economic climate, what lies ahead?
Then there’s Bubba’s grandstanding and public posturing during and after the meeting. Disgusting
Obama's Tax Credit Isn't Worth It!
Hey Joe!
Attached is some information you may want to provide to readers in reference to he "stimulus" money most of us are seeing in our paychecks each pay period. Basically, there was no point for us to receive this money as now we may not have enough being withheld to keep us from having to pay in at the end of the year when we file taxes.
Please feel free to contact our office with any questions regarding this, we are trying to pass the information on to clients as well as anyone else that can benefit from it.
Thank you!
"Making Work Pay" tax credit—Understanding the facts
Last February, President Obama announced to the nation that most American workers would begin to see more money in their paychecks due to the "Making Work Pay" tax credit that was to be effective no later than April 1. Some may have even heard of an exact figure per paycheck. However, not only is the tax credit amount not consistent for all workers, it could also potentially result in not enough tax withheld for the year.
While the tax credit is beneficial to many individuals and families, it is important that research be done in order to understand the impact that it will have on personal income tax returns. The tax credit is intended to provide up to $400 to individuals and $800 to married couples as part of the economic recovery package enacted in February. Instead of issuing this credit in the form of refund checks to all eligible workers, the IRS issued new withholding tax tables. These new tables will result in reduced tax withheld from employee’s paychecks.
The IRS has recently identified that the new withholding tables could cause some workers to have too little income tax withheld (causing some to either owe taxes or to see their refund reduced next year) if:
An employee is working more than one job (OR)
A married couple where both spouses are working
For example, a married couple’s combined income could make them eligible for an $800 credit; however, if both spouses work, the new withholding tables could reduce their tax withheld each by $600 – creating an overall joint reduction of $1,200 where only $800 will be allowed. The under withholding created by the new tables could result in the employee owing taxes to the IRS in April 2010.
It is strongly suggested that employees use the new IRS withholding calculator to ensure that they are not at risk. Click on the link below to access the calculator:
www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=96196,00.html
For more information about the new withholding tables that your employer is now required to use in calculating federal income tax withheld, visit the IRS website at: www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=204521,00.html
Attached is some information you may want to provide to readers in reference to he "stimulus" money most of us are seeing in our paychecks each pay period. Basically, there was no point for us to receive this money as now we may not have enough being withheld to keep us from having to pay in at the end of the year when we file taxes.
Please feel free to contact our office with any questions regarding this, we are trying to pass the information on to clients as well as anyone else that can benefit from it.
Thank you!
"Making Work Pay" tax credit—Understanding the facts
Last February, President Obama announced to the nation that most American workers would begin to see more money in their paychecks due to the "Making Work Pay" tax credit that was to be effective no later than April 1. Some may have even heard of an exact figure per paycheck. However, not only is the tax credit amount not consistent for all workers, it could also potentially result in not enough tax withheld for the year.
While the tax credit is beneficial to many individuals and families, it is important that research be done in order to understand the impact that it will have on personal income tax returns. The tax credit is intended to provide up to $400 to individuals and $800 to married couples as part of the economic recovery package enacted in February. Instead of issuing this credit in the form of refund checks to all eligible workers, the IRS issued new withholding tax tables. These new tables will result in reduced tax withheld from employee’s paychecks.
The IRS has recently identified that the new withholding tables could cause some workers to have too little income tax withheld (causing some to either owe taxes or to see their refund reduced next year) if:
An employee is working more than one job (OR)
A married couple where both spouses are working
For example, a married couple’s combined income could make them eligible for an $800 credit; however, if both spouses work, the new withholding tables could reduce their tax withheld each by $600 – creating an overall joint reduction of $1,200 where only $800 will be allowed. The under withholding created by the new tables could result in the employee owing taxes to the IRS in April 2010.
It is strongly suggested that employees use the new IRS withholding calculator to ensure that they are not at risk. Click on the link below to access the calculator:
www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=96196,00.html
For more information about the new withholding tables that your employer is now required to use in calculating federal income tax withheld, visit the IRS website at: www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=204521,00.html
A Reader Writes In
Hi, Joe,
I was watching the City Council meeting on PAC14 tonight. I thought I would see you there, but didn’t. If you weren’t hiding by a back wall or out in the hall, I gotta tell ya, you missed a good one!
Gary Comegys made a total ass of himself! He brought up the health insurance for the council members again, even after Jim Ireton fixed what Barrie Tilghman screwed up (just to be mean!) Even after Paul Wilber said the correction could just be accepted with the vote on the budget, Comegys kept right on pushing.
He made a motion to have the council vote to include the already included health insurance. Doh! He tried to make it sound like he was doing it because it was needed to be legal. Doh! again.
Looked more like he was setting a trap for Campbell and Cohen so he could scream ethics violation. (Practically confirmed by Lynn Cathcart getting up there in public comment and babbling about ethics.)
But Campbell wasn’t there. She was sick with flu. Cohen kept her cool, sounded just great, while Comegys sounded like an emotional nut. He even admitted he had abstained on the issue before because “it’s personal.”
He kind of danced around who made him mad, referring to an article. Probably Campbell or Cohen or maybe both. He was always happy to side with Barrie Tilghman when she changed her budget, but he didn’t want to do the same with Ireton.. I don’t think Comegys has gotten over losing his dream election to be mayor. (Sure didn't sound like it!)
A note about the side players: Shanie Shields was ready to play Comegys’ game. But surprise! Louise Smith was not. Good for her. About time.
Jim Ireton sat there attentively. It was absolutely refreshing to see a mayor sit there respectfully at the table, not jumping up, not passing notes to Comegys, not debating the council, and not storming out!
I don’t know when the rerun will be on PAC14, but no question you get to see professionalism with Cohen and Ireton and buffoonery with Comegys.
I don’t know what Comegys is going to run for next, but I wouldn’t vote for him for dog catcher. If the man gets mad over newspaper articles and let’s that determine his vote, I’m double glad he didn’t get in as mayor!
I was watching the City Council meeting on PAC14 tonight. I thought I would see you there, but didn’t. If you weren’t hiding by a back wall or out in the hall, I gotta tell ya, you missed a good one!
Gary Comegys made a total ass of himself! He brought up the health insurance for the council members again, even after Jim Ireton fixed what Barrie Tilghman screwed up (just to be mean!) Even after Paul Wilber said the correction could just be accepted with the vote on the budget, Comegys kept right on pushing.
He made a motion to have the council vote to include the already included health insurance. Doh! He tried to make it sound like he was doing it because it was needed to be legal. Doh! again.
Looked more like he was setting a trap for Campbell and Cohen so he could scream ethics violation. (Practically confirmed by Lynn Cathcart getting up there in public comment and babbling about ethics.)
But Campbell wasn’t there. She was sick with flu. Cohen kept her cool, sounded just great, while Comegys sounded like an emotional nut. He even admitted he had abstained on the issue before because “it’s personal.”
He kind of danced around who made him mad, referring to an article. Probably Campbell or Cohen or maybe both. He was always happy to side with Barrie Tilghman when she changed her budget, but he didn’t want to do the same with Ireton.. I don’t think Comegys has gotten over losing his dream election to be mayor. (Sure didn't sound like it!)
A note about the side players: Shanie Shields was ready to play Comegys’ game. But surprise! Louise Smith was not. Good for her. About time.
Jim Ireton sat there attentively. It was absolutely refreshing to see a mayor sit there respectfully at the table, not jumping up, not passing notes to Comegys, not debating the council, and not storming out!
I don’t know when the rerun will be on PAC14, but no question you get to see professionalism with Cohen and Ireton and buffoonery with Comegys.
I don’t know what Comegys is going to run for next, but I wouldn’t vote for him for dog catcher. If the man gets mad over newspaper articles and let’s that determine his vote, I’m double glad he didn’t get in as mayor!
Why Is Maryland Broke?
Because they waste millions of dollars on projects just like this one because guys like Gary Comegys think it's important to have sidewalks where no one walks and no sidewalks where people do walk.
I travel Business Rt. 50 almost every single day and quite frankly I can't recall ever seeing anyone walk on the grass or anywhere along Rt. 50 with the exception of Downtown.
Governor O'Malley reads this Blog. We don't think it's necessary Governor, do you?
DO NOT BUY FOR THE OTHER GUY
(Pikesville, MD) - Maryland law enforcement, together with the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention are issuing a warning, “Don’t Buy for the Other Guy”.
State law regulates the purchase of handguns in Maryland. ‘Buying for the other guy’ refers to what is called a straw purchase. A straw purchase is any sale of a regulated firearm where an individual uses another person to complete the application to purchase a regulated firearm, take initial possession of that firearm, and subsequently transfer that firearm to the individual. Regulated firearms include handguns and a variety of assault weapons.
The Maryland State Police, in cooperation with the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention, the Maryland Coordination and Analysis Center, the Baltimore Gun Tracing Task Force, the Baltimore City Police Department, the Baltimore County Police Department, the Firearms Interdiction Task Force, the Prince Georges County Police Department and the Prince Georges County Sheriff’s Department have initiated this statewide pro-active campaign to educate the general public in an effort to help law enforcement identify gun law offenders in Maryland. Firearm owners, dealers and the general public who suspect a straw purchase taking place are urged to contact police.
The slogan “Don’t Buy for the Other Guy” is being distributed statewide on brochures and posters to encourage the citizens of Maryland to report handgun law violators. In addition, a twenty-four hour toll free hotline, 1-888-637-7274, has been dedicated for the reporting of handgun offenders. This telephone number will be answered by personnel at the Maryland Coordination and Analysis Center’s (MCAC) Watch Section and will be disseminated as appropriate to firearm investigators for further investigation.
Straw purchases are violations of federal regulations and Maryland law. Both the purchaser and the possessor can be charged. If found guilty of a straw purchase a violator may be fined up to $25,000 and/or imprisoned up to ten years. Maryland law enforcement asks if you are approached to make a straw purchase, don’t!
More information can be found at www.mdgunsafety.com/mspfaq.htm.
State law regulates the purchase of handguns in Maryland. ‘Buying for the other guy’ refers to what is called a straw purchase. A straw purchase is any sale of a regulated firearm where an individual uses another person to complete the application to purchase a regulated firearm, take initial possession of that firearm, and subsequently transfer that firearm to the individual. Regulated firearms include handguns and a variety of assault weapons.
The Maryland State Police, in cooperation with the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention, the Maryland Coordination and Analysis Center, the Baltimore Gun Tracing Task Force, the Baltimore City Police Department, the Baltimore County Police Department, the Firearms Interdiction Task Force, the Prince Georges County Police Department and the Prince Georges County Sheriff’s Department have initiated this statewide pro-active campaign to educate the general public in an effort to help law enforcement identify gun law offenders in Maryland. Firearm owners, dealers and the general public who suspect a straw purchase taking place are urged to contact police.
The slogan “Don’t Buy for the Other Guy” is being distributed statewide on brochures and posters to encourage the citizens of Maryland to report handgun law violators. In addition, a twenty-four hour toll free hotline, 1-888-637-7274, has been dedicated for the reporting of handgun offenders. This telephone number will be answered by personnel at the Maryland Coordination and Analysis Center’s (MCAC) Watch Section and will be disseminated as appropriate to firearm investigators for further investigation.
Straw purchases are violations of federal regulations and Maryland law. Both the purchaser and the possessor can be charged. If found guilty of a straw purchase a violator may be fined up to $25,000 and/or imprisoned up to ten years. Maryland law enforcement asks if you are approached to make a straw purchase, don’t!
More information can be found at www.mdgunsafety.com/mspfaq.htm.
Ocean City Today
DiPino wins inaugural 'Dancing with Delmarva's Stars' contest
OCPD chief, her partner score perfect '30' and get standing ovation May 16
LISA CAPITELLI n Staff Writer
OCPD chief, her partner score perfect '30' and get standing ovation May 16
LISA CAPITELLI n Staff Writer
PHOTO COURTESY SBYNEWS.COM Ocean City Police Chief Bernadette DiPino performs the hustle with her partner, Bill Goeshen, during the inaugural "Dancing with Delmarva's Stars."(May 22, 2009) Ocean City Police Chief Bernadette DiPino is a Dancing Queen. She hustled her way to first place during the inaugural "Dancing with Delmarva's Stars," a dance competition that mimics the popular TV show, "Dancing with the Stars."
The sold-out event, attended by approximately 800 people, took place May 16, at Holloway Hall on the Salisbury University campus. Participants helped raise more than $40,000 for The Wellness Community of Delmarva, a Salisbury-based organization that provides free cancer support, education and hope for people fighting the disease and their families on the Eastern Shore.
"We thought it was something the community would enjoy and that would be successful," said Brynne Moore, director of marketing and special events for the Wellness Community. "We had a phenomenal response. There was a different synergy and air about it from the other fundraisers we've done, and it was a lot of fun also."
PHOTO COURTESY SBYNEWS.COM Ocean City Police Chief Bernadette DiPino and her partner, dance instructor Bill Goeshen, hold the trophy they won for their first-place performance during the inaugural "Dancing with Delmarva's Stars" on May 16. The dance competition raised funds for The Wellness Community of Delmarva.The fourth-generation police officer raised more than $7,000 for the organization, more than any of the 11 other "local celebrities," such as April Brilliant of Froggy 99.9 and Stacy Sakai of WMDT, who participated.
Ocean City's police chief was the final contestant to dance and that was a bit nerve-racking, she said. DiPino admitted she was nervous as she and her partner, dance instructor Bill Goeshen, took the stage to do the hustle to Michael Buble's "Sway." The lights were so bright she couldn't see into the crowd but could hear her family and friends cheering, she said.
Once the music started, however, DiPino's nerves disappeared, she said, and her comfort obviously came through on the dance floor — the three judges awarded the pair perfect "10s" and the crowd offered a standing ovation. DiPino, a police officer since 1985, and her partner were the only pair to get a score of 30.
"I was so excited and surprised to have won. One of the judges said, 'They really did save the best for last,'" DiPino said Tuesday. "It was like nothing I've experienced before. It was a magical night, one I'll never forget for the rest of my life. And the best part, we were doing it for charity."
When DiPino, who had never had dance training, was asked to be a part of the fundraiser, she said many things when through her mind. She said it was an honor to be selected and knew her grandmother Rose would be excited because she loves watching "Dancing with the Stars" on television. DiPino also wanted to participant because there are people in her life who have battled cancer or who are fighting the disease now.
She thought it was a great opportunity to give back to the community as well.
DiPino said she didn't think it would be as much works as it was, learning to do the hustle, selling tickets for the event and raising money, but vowed to give 110 percent. She had 10 to 12 dance lessons at the Ocean City Health & Racquet Club on 61st Street, between early April and mid-May to perfect the routine.
"The first couple of times dancing I had no idea what I was doing, but Bill worked me right through it," she said of her dance instructor.
DiPino also wrote a blog regularly so people could follow her journey.
Moore said the organization was getting together this week to set the date for the second dancing competition. She said organizers want to do it in conjunction with the "Dancing with the Stars" television show on ABC. The next date, she said, would be posted on www.dancingwithdelmarvastars.com next week.
MARYLAND LAW ENFORCEMENT LAUNCHES ANNUAL CHIEFS’ CHALLENGE CAMPAIGN
Law Enforcement Officials Seek Community Participation in Lifesaving Initiative
Maryland State Police Salisbury Barrack will join more than one hundred law enforcement agencies across the state in an effort to educate the public on the lifesaving and injury-reducing benefits of safety belt/child seat use. Additional attention will focus on the reduction of aggressive driving and driving while impaired. This campaign will take place from May through December 2009.
The Maryland Chiefs of Police, Sheriffs, Campus Safety Directors, and Maryland State Police Barrack Commanders challenge their law enforcement personnel to design community-outreach programs and events, to recruit community partners, and to conduct enhanced educational and enforcement initiatives. In Wicomico County, state and local law enforcement officials will be conducting an aggressive driving campaign, entitled the Smooth Operator Program. This enforcement initiative will be from May 31 to June 6, 2009.
The Failure Of The Mortgage Modification System Threatens Housing
The theory was simple and elegant. By offering homeowners who could not afford their monthly mortgage costs lower monthly payments, people could be able to stay in their homes. That would lower the US default and foreclosure rate, in turn building a foundation under the housing market. The programs are simple, but they appear to be a failure.
A report about to be issued by credit rating agency Fitch says that a large number of the people who get better terms for their monthly payments still walk away from their homes. According to The Wall Street Journal, “Fitch said a conservative projection was that between 65% and 75% of modified subprime loans will fall 60-days or more delinquent within 12 months of the loan change.” That makes the problem so severe that any effort to turn home prices back in the right direction is likely to fail.
Fitch believes that a major reason people still default on their home loans is that their mortgages are “underwater”. A homeowner whose home loan is worth 150% of the value of his house may believe that he has no chance to ever recoup the equity he has invested. He may be able to stay in his residence but over time it becomes more evident that there is no financial advantage to that.
The other, and perhaps more probable cause of defaults among people who have secured better payment terms, is unemployment and under-employment. As the non-farm unemployment goes up by more than 500,000 people a month and businesses cut more people from full-time to part-time to save money, the ability of many homeowners to make mortgage payments disappears even if they desperately want to stay in their houses.
Banks do not want to cut the principal value of mortgages because it effects their balance sheets. That means that the issue of underwater mortgages may not be solved. And, the more serious issue, unemployment, shows no sign of moving in a direction that will help the housing market this year, in 2010, or even 2011.
Douglas A. McIntyre
A report about to be issued by credit rating agency Fitch says that a large number of the people who get better terms for their monthly payments still walk away from their homes. According to The Wall Street Journal, “Fitch said a conservative projection was that between 65% and 75% of modified subprime loans will fall 60-days or more delinquent within 12 months of the loan change.” That makes the problem so severe that any effort to turn home prices back in the right direction is likely to fail.
Fitch believes that a major reason people still default on their home loans is that their mortgages are “underwater”. A homeowner whose home loan is worth 150% of the value of his house may believe that he has no chance to ever recoup the equity he has invested. He may be able to stay in his residence but over time it becomes more evident that there is no financial advantage to that.
The other, and perhaps more probable cause of defaults among people who have secured better payment terms, is unemployment and under-employment. As the non-farm unemployment goes up by more than 500,000 people a month and businesses cut more people from full-time to part-time to save money, the ability of many homeowners to make mortgage payments disappears even if they desperately want to stay in their houses.
Banks do not want to cut the principal value of mortgages because it effects their balance sheets. That means that the issue of underwater mortgages may not be solved. And, the more serious issue, unemployment, shows no sign of moving in a direction that will help the housing market this year, in 2010, or even 2011.
Douglas A. McIntyre
40 Things You'd Love To Say Out Loud At Work:
1. I can see your point, but I still think you're full of sh!t.
2. I don't know what your problem is, but I'll bet it's hard to pronounce.
3. How about never? Is never good for you?
4. I see you've set aside this special time to publicly humiliate yourself.
5. I'm really easy to get along with once you people learn to see it my way.
6. Who lit the fuse on your tampon?
7. I'm out of my mind at the moment, but feel free to leave a message.
8. I don't work here - I'm a consultant.
9. It sounds like English, but I don't understand a damn word you're saying.
10. Ahhh. I see the screw-up fairy has visited us again.
11. I like you. You remind me of myself when I was young and stupid.
12. You are validating my inherent mistrust of strangers.
13. I have plenty of talent and vision - I just don't give a damn.
14. I'm already visualizing the duct tape over your mouth.
15. I will always cherish the initial misconceptions I had about you.
16. Thank you. We're all refreshed and challenged by your unique point of view.
17. The fact that no one understands you doesn't mean you're an artist.
18. Any connection between your reality and mine is purely coincidental.
19. What am I? Flypaper for freaks?
20. I'm not being rude. You're just insignificant.
21. It's a thankless job, but I've got a lot of karma to burn off.
22 Yes, I am an agent of Satan, but my duties are largely ceremonial.
23. And your cry-baby whiny assed opinion would be?
24. Do I look like a f...ing people person to you?
25. This isn't an office. It's Hell with fluorescent lighting.
26. I started out with nothing and I still have most of it left.
27. Sarcasm is just one more service we offer.
28. If I throw a stick, will you leave?
29. Errors have been made. Others will be blamed.
30. Whatever kind of look you were going for, you missed.
31. Oh, I get it. Like humor. Only different.
32. A cubicle is just a padded cell without the door.
33. Can I trade this job for what's behind door number 1?
34. Too many freaks, not enough circuses.
35. Nice perfume, but must you marinate in it?
36. Chaos, panic and disorder - my work here is finally done.
37. How do I set a laser printer to stun?
38. I thought I wanted a career; turns out I just wanted a salary.
39. I'll try being nicer if you try being smarter.
40. Wait a minute - I'm just trying to imagine you with a personality.
2. I don't know what your problem is, but I'll bet it's hard to pronounce.
3. How about never? Is never good for you?
4. I see you've set aside this special time to publicly humiliate yourself.
5. I'm really easy to get along with once you people learn to see it my way.
6. Who lit the fuse on your tampon?
7. I'm out of my mind at the moment, but feel free to leave a message.
8. I don't work here - I'm a consultant.
9. It sounds like English, but I don't understand a damn word you're saying.
10. Ahhh. I see the screw-up fairy has visited us again.
11. I like you. You remind me of myself when I was young and stupid.
12. You are validating my inherent mistrust of strangers.
13. I have plenty of talent and vision - I just don't give a damn.
14. I'm already visualizing the duct tape over your mouth.
15. I will always cherish the initial misconceptions I had about you.
16. Thank you. We're all refreshed and challenged by your unique point of view.
17. The fact that no one understands you doesn't mean you're an artist.
18. Any connection between your reality and mine is purely coincidental.
19. What am I? Flypaper for freaks?
20. I'm not being rude. You're just insignificant.
21. It's a thankless job, but I've got a lot of karma to burn off.
22 Yes, I am an agent of Satan, but my duties are largely ceremonial.
23. And your cry-baby whiny assed opinion would be?
24. Do I look like a f...ing people person to you?
25. This isn't an office. It's Hell with fluorescent lighting.
26. I started out with nothing and I still have most of it left.
27. Sarcasm is just one more service we offer.
28. If I throw a stick, will you leave?
29. Errors have been made. Others will be blamed.
30. Whatever kind of look you were going for, you missed.
31. Oh, I get it. Like humor. Only different.
32. A cubicle is just a padded cell without the door.
33. Can I trade this job for what's behind door number 1?
34. Too many freaks, not enough circuses.
35. Nice perfume, but must you marinate in it?
36. Chaos, panic and disorder - my work here is finally done.
37. How do I set a laser printer to stun?
38. I thought I wanted a career; turns out I just wanted a salary.
39. I'll try being nicer if you try being smarter.
40. Wait a minute - I'm just trying to imagine you with a personality.
Pastor's Business Card
A new pastor was visiting in the homes of his parishioners. At one house it seemed obvious that someone was at home, but no answer came to his repeated knocks at the door.
Therefore, he took out a business card and wrote 'Revelation 3:20' on the back of it and stuck it in the door.
When the offering was processed the following Sunday, he found that his card had been returned. Added to it was this cryptic message, 'Genesis '
3:10".
Reaching for his Bible to check out the citation, he broke up in gales of laughter. Revelation 3:20 begins 'Behold, I stand at the door and knock.' Genesis 3:10 reads, 'I heard your voice in the garden and I was afraid for I was naked.'
Remember when the funniest jokes were the clean ones?
Therefore, he took out a business card and wrote 'Revelation 3:20' on the back of it and stuck it in the door.
When the offering was processed the following Sunday, he found that his card had been returned. Added to it was this cryptic message, 'Genesis '
3:10".
Reaching for his Bible to check out the citation, he broke up in gales of laughter. Revelation 3:20 begins 'Behold, I stand at the door and knock.' Genesis 3:10 reads, 'I heard your voice in the garden and I was afraid for I was naked.'
Remember when the funniest jokes were the clean ones?
National Click It Or Ticket Campaign
Law Enforcement from the Eastern Shore Support National Click it or Ticket Campaign
On May 27 at 10 a.m. at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium, representatives from Law Enforcement Agencies from across Delmarva will gather to support the National Click it or Ticket Campaign to increase seat belt usage. 17 Agencies from the Eastern Shore of Maryland will show their support for saving lives.
Speakers for the event include Wicomico County Sheriff Mike Lewis who is nationally recognized for his traffic enforcement expertise. Also speaking will be Chief Bernadette DiPino from Ocean City Police Department who is also currently the President of the Maryland Chief’s of Police.
Statistics prove that the most effective way to reduce deaths and injuries on our Nation’s highways is to increase seat belt use in the daytime as well as at night. As a matter of fact, an estimated 15,383 lives were saved last year simply by buckling up.
Unfortunately, too many motorists still need a tough reminder. That’s why the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is encouraging all States and local law enforcement agencies and highway safety officials to join the annual Click It or Ticket mobilization campaign which runs from May 1 - June 6th. The campaign will renew its emphasis on day and night enforcement as well as young drivers.
What’s so alarming is that motor vehicle crashes continue to be the leading cause of death for 15- to 20-year-olds in America. In fact, of the total fatalities in 2006, 5,130 were passenger vehicle occupants between the ages of 15 and 20, and 64 percent of those killed were NOT wearing their seat belts at the time of the fatal crash. That’s why law enforcement officers will be working overtime to crack down on all young drivers who are not buckling up.
Research shows that high-visibility enforcement campaigns work. This year, the campaign across the Eastern Shore, will step-up law enforcement activities and will have officers out on the streets around the clock to enforce seat belt laws and save lives.
When worn correctly, seat belts have proven to reduce the risk of fatal injury to front-seat passenger car occupants by 45 percent – and by 60 percent in pickup trucks, SUVs, and minivans.
So unless you want to risk a ticket, or worse – your life, please remember to buckle up day and night – Click It or Ticket.
For more information, please visit www.nhtsa.gov/link/ciot.htm.
On May 27 at 10 a.m. at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium, representatives from Law Enforcement Agencies from across Delmarva will gather to support the National Click it or Ticket Campaign to increase seat belt usage. 17 Agencies from the Eastern Shore of Maryland will show their support for saving lives.
Speakers for the event include Wicomico County Sheriff Mike Lewis who is nationally recognized for his traffic enforcement expertise. Also speaking will be Chief Bernadette DiPino from Ocean City Police Department who is also currently the President of the Maryland Chief’s of Police.
Statistics prove that the most effective way to reduce deaths and injuries on our Nation’s highways is to increase seat belt use in the daytime as well as at night. As a matter of fact, an estimated 15,383 lives were saved last year simply by buckling up.
Unfortunately, too many motorists still need a tough reminder. That’s why the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is encouraging all States and local law enforcement agencies and highway safety officials to join the annual Click It or Ticket mobilization campaign which runs from May 1 - June 6th. The campaign will renew its emphasis on day and night enforcement as well as young drivers.
What’s so alarming is that motor vehicle crashes continue to be the leading cause of death for 15- to 20-year-olds in America. In fact, of the total fatalities in 2006, 5,130 were passenger vehicle occupants between the ages of 15 and 20, and 64 percent of those killed were NOT wearing their seat belts at the time of the fatal crash. That’s why law enforcement officers will be working overtime to crack down on all young drivers who are not buckling up.
Research shows that high-visibility enforcement campaigns work. This year, the campaign across the Eastern Shore, will step-up law enforcement activities and will have officers out on the streets around the clock to enforce seat belt laws and save lives.
When worn correctly, seat belts have proven to reduce the risk of fatal injury to front-seat passenger car occupants by 45 percent – and by 60 percent in pickup trucks, SUVs, and minivans.
So unless you want to risk a ticket, or worse – your life, please remember to buckle up day and night – Click It or Ticket.
For more information, please visit www.nhtsa.gov/link/ciot.htm.
Hudson Health Services 29th Annual Alumni Picnic
Hudson Health Services, a 501(c)(3) non-profit inpatient substance abuse treatment facility, will hold its 29th Annual Alumni Picnic on Saturday, June 6, 2009. This event is free and the public is invited and encouraged to attend.
Held from Noon to 3 p.m., we will have a lunch catered by Whitey’s BBQ, DJ, magician, dunking booth, moon bounce, children’s games, snow cones and popcorn, face painting and great door prizes from several businesses, including Splash Mountain and the Delmarva Shorebirds.
This is a day when we gather to celebrate recovery; we always have speakers from the recovery community say a few words about how treatment at Hudson as improved their lives.
In addition, this year Salisbury Mayor Jim Ireton, Hal Chernoff and Fernando Guerrero are scheduled to make appearances and say a few words. We would love to have you join us for this great day of community celebration! The event will take place at our campus on Harting Drive (near Deers Head Hospital).
Held from Noon to 3 p.m., we will have a lunch catered by Whitey’s BBQ, DJ, magician, dunking booth, moon bounce, children’s games, snow cones and popcorn, face painting and great door prizes from several businesses, including Splash Mountain and the Delmarva Shorebirds.
This is a day when we gather to celebrate recovery; we always have speakers from the recovery community say a few words about how treatment at Hudson as improved their lives.
In addition, this year Salisbury Mayor Jim Ireton, Hal Chernoff and Fernando Guerrero are scheduled to make appearances and say a few words. We would love to have you join us for this great day of community celebration! The event will take place at our campus on Harting Drive (near Deers Head Hospital).
Portions Of Glen Ave To Be Closed In Evenings This Week
Portion of Glen Avenue to be closed in the evenings this week for Wicomico County High School Commencements at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center
(Salisbury, MD) Glen Avenue from the intersection of Civic Ave to St Albans Lane will be closed in the evenings on Wednesday, May 27th, Thursday, May 28th and Friday, May 29th from approximately 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. to allow for pedestrian traffic across Glen Avenue. The Wicomico Youth & Civic Center will be hosting the Parkside High School (5/27), Wicomico High School (5/28) and the James M. Bennett High School (5/29) commencements on those days. Access into the Old Salisbury Mall parking lot will be permitted for overflow parking.
(Salisbury, MD) Glen Avenue from the intersection of Civic Ave to St Albans Lane will be closed in the evenings on Wednesday, May 27th, Thursday, May 28th and Friday, May 29th from approximately 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. to allow for pedestrian traffic across Glen Avenue. The Wicomico Youth & Civic Center will be hosting the Parkside High School (5/27), Wicomico High School (5/28) and the James M. Bennett High School (5/29) commencements on those days. Access into the Old Salisbury Mall parking lot will be permitted for overflow parking.
Why Toast Falls Butter Side Down
You're holding that piece of toast. The butter is melting into the bread just the way you like it. But somehow it slips from your grip and away it goes, on a tumble toward the kitchen floor. On its way down, you have a fraction of a second to guess which side it's going to fall on. You hope it's not on the buttered side, but you're usually wrong. Why is that?
The answer isn't related to Murphy’s Law or to bad luck. It's physics.
Note how you hold the toast: at an edge, not at the middle. If you hold toast level with the ground with both hands and then release it, it will fall butter side up. But toast held at one end acts like a lever. When you lose the grip, the toast doesn’t fall straight but turns first. So the toast turns down first on the hinge of your thumb and forefinger's failing grip, and then completely slips from your hand and falls down, rotating as it goes. The force of rotation pushes the toast beyond a 90-degree angle. A piece of falling toast doesn’t have enough time to stabilize. After passing this partial rotation, the toast appears butter side slightly down and falls in that position, landing at about 180 degrees from its original position in your fingers. The inertia is not sufficient for the toast to keep rotating. It continues falling in butter-down position and lands that way. (The rotation effect is pronounced for elongated toast; it more often continues turning on its way down and lands butter side up.)
And that's the simple explanation. If you want a brief and more technical overview of the physics of falling toast, go here.
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