BREAKING: Porsche Offices Raided On Suspicion Of Stock Manipulation

The soap opera surrounding Volkswagen AG and Porsche has just taken a turn for the legal, as Bloomberg reports that the company's German offices have been raided by prosecutors who are investigating whether the automaker has violated security laws.

The German prosecutor's office seized documents amidst the allegations of stock price manipulation and insider trading, prompting Porsche to issue a statement denying the allegations while vowing complete cooperation (available after the jump). The probe stems from the sports car maker's attempt to gain control of parent Volkswagen, and the investigation is reportedly focusing on recently departed CEO Wendelin Wiedeking as well as ex-CFO Holger Haerter.

As you may recall, Porsche had tried to take over VW back in May, but that maneuver failed because of the company's swirling debt and a veto on the action by Lower Saxony. Porsche has since been swallowed up by the very company it was once seeking to take over, with an additional stake going to Qatar investors. You can read more by clicking on the link below, but be sure to hit the jump to read Porsche's official statement.

GO HERE to read more.

Delaware Electric Cooperative "Peak Alert"

URGENT “BEAT THE PEAK”

3 P.M. to 7 P.M., Friday, August 21


Because of the extremely warm weather over our region, between the hours of 3 P.M. and 7 P.M., today, we are asking you to delay the usage of all unnecessary lights and appliances during these hours as well as turning your thermostat up 3 degrees.

While the largest consumers of electricity in the home during these hours and during this time of year are cooling costs and lighting, other large consumers of electricity include major appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines, clothes dryers, water heaters and stoves.

By delaying the use of unnecessary lighting and appliances as well as turning your thermostat up 3 degrees between 3 P.M. and 7 P.M., today, we can save energy resources, avoid high cost energy and help the environment.


We thank you for your help. Together we can “Beat the Peak”

What Will YOU Be Doing This Weekend?

I have to tell you, this has to be one of the busiest event weekends I have ever seen. There are fundraisers just about everywhere, all for great causes. There's the 3rd Friday event going on this evening in Downtown Salisbury and I strongly encourage you to join in on that one. If there's one thing I like about Mayor Ireton that stands out the most its his personality. If you don't know him, get down there tonight and get to know him. I'm confident you won't be disappointed. Show your support for our local businesses and have a great time to boot.

Anyhow, what will you be doing this weekend?

Robbery Suspects Sought

Location: Shore Stop Convenience Store / BP gas station, 4001 Lancaster Pike, Wilmington, DE 19805

DATE and TIME: August 19th, 2009, at 4:15 p.m.

Suspect(s):
Dominique Scales, 22, of Ryan Avenue in Wilmington, Delaware
Derlwin Browne, 23, of Ryan Avenue in Wilmington, Delaware

Resume: On August 19th, the two above listed subjects entered the Shore Stop on Lancaster Pike and approached the service counter. The 21-year-old male victim / clerk was approached by the subjects who began to assault him. One of the bandits reached into the victim's pockets and stole his money and his keys. The suspects then fled the store toward a maroon Buick Century.

The victim ran outside to attempt to obtain a license plate number from the suspect vehicle at which time the suspects assaulted him again. The suspects then drove from the scene. Investigative measures by officers and a thorough check of the area ultimately led to the identification of the suspects who again are identified above.

Warrants are on file at Troop 6 charging these two bandits with Robbery (felony) and related offenses. Anyone who may know their whereabouts is asked to call Troop 6 at 302-633-5000 ext. 0 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333.

Md. Unemployment Up To 7.3%, But New Jobs Added

Unemployment increased in Maryland last month, but so did the number of jobs, as employers filled 10,000 new positions, the Labor Department said Friday.

That's a turnaround from June, when companies shed 4,400 jobs from their payrolls, according to federal estimates. The numbers are preliminary, which means they could change.

Last month's job creation wasn't enough to keep the unemployment rate from ticking up to 7.3 percent, from 7.2 percent the month before.

Even with the extra jobs, Maryland had 50,000 fewer positions last month than a year ago.

The estimates are adjusted to try to account for seasonal changes in hiring and layoffs.

Source

UPDATE On School Bus Crash This Morning

School Bus Crash on Route 9

New Castle: The operator of the school bus was Brenda Swierk, 45, of Bear, Delaware.

The operator of the truck, a 2008 Chevrolet 3500 pick up, was Jose Guzman-Diaz, 46, of Newark, Delaware.

The bus was occupied by 35 students. In the end, 10 students were treated and released at Christiana Hospital.

Mr. Guzman-Diaz was also treated and released at Christiana Hospital. He was cited with Failure to Remain Stopped at a Stop Sign.

Ms. Swierk was not injured in this crash. The remaining students on the bus were either transported to school on another bus or went home with their parents.

The roadway was shut down for approximately three hours. It should be noted that in this crash, the school bus went through a guard rail which will have to be replaced.

Coming Soon - Cash For Clunkers: Home Appliance Edition

Now that it's ending, you thought you were done hearing about the Cash for Clunkers program, didn't you? Not yet. Coming soon will be a state-administered, federally-funded program providing rebates to consumers who buy Energy Star appliances. Check out Consumer Reports for a preview.

As a part of the Obama Administration's economic stimulus bill to encourage the purchase of energy-efficient appliances, the $300 million appliance-rebate program will soon dole out amounts that could reach $200 if you buy Energy Star-qualified models. Appliances that qualify for the Star should use roughly 10 to 25 percent less energy than the maximum allowed for that category by the Department of Energy, which monitors the Energy Star program.

Unlike the Cash for Clunkers car program, you won't have to turn in your old appliance to get the rebate. But states are expected to have recycling plans for the flood of old appliances the program could unleash. And while the money is coming from Washington, how much you get for which appliance will be a state-by-state decision.

Source

OC Emergency Services Issue Update On Hurricane Bill

The following will be the last update for Hurricane Bill, unless conditions change and cause a correction in the current forecast:

Bill is forecasted to track well off the U.S. East Coast through Sunday evening. The only forecasted effects from the tropical cyclone will be heavy surf conditions and the resulting high risk of dangerous "Rip Currents", starting this evening. On shore waves will increase in size starting this evening, as well. Saturday evening on shore waves are forecasted to be from 9-11 feet, with a risk of beach some beach erosion during the Saturday and Sunday time periods. A coastal tidal departure may also occur, however, the tidal departure, if at all occurring, will be limited to the Ocean front and not the back bays.

However, DPW has placed "High Water" signs along area's prone to standing water, as a precaution. The "sea Wall" storm gates will remain open, as winds are NOT forecasted to be a concern.

Rain is forecasted to be a high possibility, however, NOT from the Hurricane, but from the system that will be approaching our area, that in effect will cause the Hurricane to remain well off our Coast.

As always, Ocean City Emergency Management will continue to track this Tropical Cyclone and will update, if necessary......

Naked Passenger Arrested On US Air Flight

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Poll: Americans Losing Faith in Obama

WASHINGTON (Aug. 21) -- A new poll says that Americans, concerned over the future of health care reform and anxious about the growing federal budget deficit, are losing faith in President Barack Obama.

The Washington Post-ABC News survey found that less that half of Americans — 49 percent — say they believe the president will make the right decisions for the country. That's down from 60 percent at the 100-day mark of the Obama presidency.

GO HERE to read more.

Off Shore Drilling In Brazil?

Could it be after all the complaining the Democrats did about Dick Cheney and Haliburton they will try to cover this up? Will they try to say that this is different? Will they deny these facts? Will they try to change the subject by reverting back to how "bad" the last Republican administration was in an attempt to place the focus of the topic on something else? I'll bet ten bucks they try each of these things and more to try to disprove what this article brings to light. It just goes to show that most politicians are lying a-holes.


U.S. Loan to Brazilian Oil Company Riles Conservatives in Favor of Offshore Drilling

Some see a contradiction in an executive-branch agency facilitating abroad the very kind of energy exploration President Obama opposes domestically.

President Obama has opposed any expanded oil drilling off American shores largely on environmental grounds, turning a deaf ear to conservative cries of "Drill, Baby, Drill."

But now Obama may start hearing cries of "foul" after the U.S. Export-Import Bank promised Petrobras, Brazil's state-owned oil company, $2 billion in loan guarantees to help finance lucrative drilling off the shores of Rio De Janeiro.

Some see a contradiction in an executive branch agency, independent but with board members appointed by the president, facilitating abroad the very kind of energy exploration Obama opposes domestically.

White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said Thursday he wasn't prepared to address the issue.

GO HERE to read more.

MEDICAL BREAKTHROUGH

A French doctor says 'Medicine in my country is so advanced that we can take a kidney out of one man, put it in another, and have him looking for work in six weeks.'

A German doctor says 'That is nothing; we can take a lung out of one person, put it in another, and have him looking for work in four weeks.

The Russian doctor says 'In my country, medicine is so advanced that we can take half a heart out of one person, put it in another, and have them both looking for work in two weeks.'

An American doctor, not to be outdone, says 'You guys are way behind. We recently took a man with no brains out of Illinois, put him in the White House, and now half the country is looking for work.'

Yard Sales

GO HERE for tomorrow's yard sales. I hope the weather holds out....

If you have a yard sale that you would like to post, please email me, SunnyInOC, at atlanticjw@aol.com. Please type "yard sale" in the subject of your email.

Remember folks, posting yard sales, classified ads and help wanted ads are FREE!!!!
Doesn't get any better than free.

Have a stupendous weekend!!!

Police Find 9-Year-Old's Body In River

After a day and a half of searching, Philadelphia Police found the body of 9-year-old Madousou Konneh in the Schuykill River Thursday morning.

Madousou was playing with a group of friends Tuesday evening on the banks of the river near 56th Street when a boy playfully pushed her into the water at about 8 p.m.

The little girl could not swim and a strong current pulled her away and she disappeared, despite her 14-year-old sister’s efforts to save her.

Source

Bernanke Says Worst Of Economic Woes Is Over

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke says the U.S. economy is on the verge of a long-awaited recovery after enduring a brutal recession and the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression.

GO HERE to read more from MSNBC.

Home Sales Soar 7.2 Percent In July

First-time buyers rushed to take advantage of tax credit

WASHINGTON - Home resales posted the largest monthly increase in at least 10 years last month as first-time buyers rushed to take advantage of a tax credit that expires this fall.

The National Association of Realtors says home sales rose 7.2 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.24 million last month, from a pace of 4.89 million in June.

It was the fourth-straight monthly increase and the highest level of sales since August 2007. Sales had been expected to rise to an annual pace of 5 million, according to economists surveyed by Thomson Reuters.

GO HERE to read more.

Salisbury Police Department Press Releases

On August 14, 2009 at approximately 5:42 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police Community Action Team executed a search and seizure warrant at a residence on the eight hundred (800) block of Springfield Circle in Salisbury for drug violations. During the execution of the search and seizure warrant, officers found items used to package CDS and several separate quantities of suspected marijuana. The officers also located a firearm during the search, and one suspect (# 6) was wanted on a separate arrest warrant for an assault with firearm that occurred earlier on Hastings St.

ARRESTED #1: Brittney Faran Freedman, 22 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

ARRESTED #2: Alexandria Marie Kitchens, 23 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

ARRESTED #3: Garry Eric Mosley, 18 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

ARRESTED #4: Robert (nmn) Colon, 28 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

ARRESTED #5: Rashaun Pierre Carey, 26 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

ARRESTED #6: Kyle Alexander Carey, 18 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

ARRESTED #7: Alecia Jeane Lawrence, 25 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES (All):
Possession of marijuana
Possession of CDS/paraphernalia

DISPOSITION: All released to Central Booking CC # 200900027602

On August 19, 2009 at approximately 2:00 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department arrested the below listed suspect on an outstanding warrant for forging and passing a fraudulent prescription for oxycodone at a local pharmacy in May of 2009.

ARRESTED: Derek Pusey, 27 years of age Laurel, Delaware

CHARGES:
Obtaining CDS by false document
Forgery of a prescription
Possession of a forged prescription
Possession of a CDS
Issuing a forged prescription

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 200900015563

On August 19, 2009 at approximately 4:45 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the area of South Division St. and Center St. for the report of an attempted robbery. Upon arrival the officers met with the victim who advised that a suspect, known to the victim, had assaulted the victim and had attempted to take the victim’s backpack. The victim was not injured and was able to escape from the suspect without losing the property. The officers located the suspect several blocks away, who was positively identified by the victim.

ARRESTED: Juan Carlos Gonzales-Frias, 23 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES: Attempted robbery



DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 200900029185

Fire Station Fire In Oklahoma City

Rise Of The Super-Rich Hits Sobering Wall

Wealthiest have lost billions in recession; economists see shift in trend

WASHINGTON - The rich have been getting richer for so long that the trend has come to seem almost permanent.

They began to pull away from everyone else in the 1970s. By 2006, income was more concentrated at the top than it had been since the late 1920s. The recent news about resurgent Wall Street pay has seemed to suggest that not even the Great Recession could reverse the rise in income inequality .

But economists say — and data is beginning to show — that a significant change may in fact be under way. The rich, as a group, are no longer getting richer. Over the last two years, they have become poorer. And many may not return to their old levels of wealth and income anytime soon.

GO HERE to read more.

The Dollar: Soon To Swoon?

Bearish pronouncements on the greenback from Buffett and Pimco add to the market's unease. Here's what investors need to know

Reports of the demise of the U.S. dollar may be premature. But when some of the world's most powerful investors are warning of the currency's decline, investors take notice.

Berkshire Hathaway (BRKA) Chief Executive Warren Buffett warned in a New York Times op-ed on Aug. 19 that the U.S. debt load threatened to turn the U.S. into a "banana republic economy."

A flood of greenbacks from the Federal Reserve and the Obama and Bush Administrations may be necessary now to prop up the ailing economy, Buffett said. But the government must control its debt in the future—or risk the consequences.

"The dollar's destiny lies with Congress," Buffett wrote.

GO HERE to read more.

Caption This Photo

IS WICOMICO COUNTY’S LIBRARY BOARD DOING A BAIT & SWITCH?

Some months ago, the Library Board issued a slick multi-colored brochure to kickoff the drive for an expensive new library building. It may have been used to get the funding for the consultant’s study that has been used to support the plan to build on the City parking lot "10" at the intersection of Route 50 and Route 13. But the cover of the brochure shows the glitzy new building at a different location – the current site of the library on Division Street.

Folks, it looks like we’ve been scammed!

Hey Congress, Welcome To West Ocean City!

Nothing But The Facts, Mam

The Obama Administration explains that we should replace our health care system rather than merely reform health care insurance. Our president wants a National Health Care System like the one Europeans and Canadians enjoy. Obama insists Republicans and the mobs that oppose HR 3200 are spreading lies about National Health System in England. Read the article below about the success or failure of England’s National Health System: GO HERE.

Kara's Day

All You Can Eat

SPAGHETTI DINNER $8

(Includes salad, garlic bread, dessert and beverage)

Children under 8 FREE

Saturday, August 22nd

4-7 pm

Silent and Live Auction with Stacy Sakai and Katherine Amenta of WMDT News

To be held at Fraternal Order of Eagles

107 Alexander Ave.

Salisbury, MD 21801

Benefits 10 yr. old Kara Adams of Delmar

In Her Battle With Cancer

Donations May Be Made at any

Farmers Bank of Bank of Willards

To the “Kara Adams Fund”

For more information contact:

Brian Jones 410-749-1981

Carole Kauffman 443-783-5112

Paulette Powell 410-726-5163

Dark Skies Ahead

Click on image to enlarge.

I'll Bet This Was A Surprise To NBC

NBC POLL

Do you believe that the word God should stay in American culture?

NBC this morning had a poll on this question. They had the highest Number of responses that they have ever had for one of their polls, and the Percentage was the same as this:

86% to keep the words, IN God We Trust and God in the Pledge of Allegiance

14% against

That is a pretty 'commanding' public response.

Another Great Comment Worthy Of A Post

I just got back from the kids' pediatrician's office, and asked him what he thought of the proposed plan. His points:

1) It doesn't fix whats broken

2) What we have is a Mercedes

3) What's proposed is a Hyundai

4) And still doesn't serve middle Americans

5)Australia's nice

6) Norway & Sweden have good plans, but tax is 80% there. Sounds like there's still work to do, Barack.

9-11-09

THE PROGRAM:

On Friday, September 11th, 2009, an American flag should be displayed outside every home, apartment, office, and store in the United States. Every individual should make it their duty to display an American flag on this eighth anniversary of one of our country's worst tragedies. We do this to honor those who lost their lives on 9/11, their families, friends and loved ones who continue to endure the pain, and those who today are fighting at home and abroad to preserve our cherished freedoms.

CELEBRATE DOWNTOWN SALISBURY! CITY HOLDS THIRD FRIDAY EVENT

Salisbury Mayor James Ireton, Jr., invites the public to downtown Salisbury this Friday, August 21st, to join in and support the Third Friday Celebration. A number of businesses located within the Arts & Entertainment District in downtown Salisbury will open their doors at 5:00 pm for this event.

Participating venues will have balloons at their entrances to denote their involvement in Third Friday. To date, participants for the August event include the Art Institute & Gallery, Parker Place, Uptown Chef, Velvet Pearl, Seasons Best Antiques, Chesapeake East, YUM! Café, Enza’s, Clay-Lapollooza at Parker Place, Beauty in Motion, The Perfect Dress, Flavors of Italy, Sushi Kanpai, and Market Street Inn.

Special attractions for this Friday’s celebration will be the Near East Family, performing from 6-8 pm in front of the Government Office Building (125 N. Division Street), and the Alex Wersen Band, performing from 6-8 pm in the parking lot adjacent to the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce (144 E. Main Street). In addition, a number of artists, photographers, and designers will showcase their work on sidewalks within the downtown area.

Urban Salisbury’s Arts & Entertainment Steering Committee is assisting in this effort as part of the Renaissance of Downtown Salisbury. Similar celebrations are held monthly in Arts & Entertainment Districts in Berlin, Cambridge and Snow Hill.
Take a look at Mayor Ireton’s video on YouTube (www.youtube.com) promoting Salisbury’s Third Friday event.

Mayor Ireton says, “See you downtown Friday night!”

For additional information on Third Friday, contact Connie Strott at 410-430-3112.

BREAKING NEWS: School Bus Crash On Route 9

Location: Route 9 and Hamburg Road, New Castle, Delaware

Date of Occurrence: Friday, August 21, 2009, at 7:10 a.m.

Resume: State Troopers and emergency personnel are currently on the scene of a two vehicle crash, involving a school bus, on Route 9.

Preliminary reports indicate a Colonial School District bus, heading to Gunning Bedford Middle School, was traveling southbound on Route 9. A pick up truck was on Hamburg Road at Route 9. The pick up truck pulled out onto Route 9 and into the path of the bus. The two collided and the bus subsequently traveled off of the roadway where it came to a stop.

At the time of this release, 9 people have been transported with minor injuries: 8 students and the driver of the pick up. All went to Christiana Hospital. It should be noted that parents and school officials responded immediately to the scene.

A more complete release will be provided later this morning when the details of this incident are known and confirmed.

CITY OF SALISBURY CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA

CITY OF SALISBURY
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AGENDA
Meetmg #17 August
City/County Government Office Building
Room 301

CONVENE-LORD'S PRAYER-PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

ADOPTION OF AGENDA

PROCLAMATION - Mayor James Ireton, Jr.
• Proclaiming "Firefighter Appreciation Week"

CONSENT AGENDA - City Clerk Brenda Colegrove

• August 10,2009 minutes

• Resolution No. 1817 - accepting state grant funds in cooperation with the Wicomico County Health Department to provide for overtime reimbursement to police officers participating in neighborhood patrols intended to reduce violations of the open container and underage drinking laws of the City

• Resolution No. 1818 - accepting federal grant funds awardedthrough the United States Department of Justice to provide for overtime reimbursement to officers participating in additional enforcement activity related to controlled dangerous substance violations

• Resolution No. 1819 - reappointment of Kay Crouch to the Housing Id Board of Adjustments and Appeals for a term ending August 2013 AWARD OF BIDS - Internal Services Director Pam Oland 2

MANUFACTURING EXEMPTION REQUESTS - Internal Services Director
Pam Oland

• Harvard Custom Manufacturing, Inc.

• K & L Microwave

ORDINANCES - Attorney Skip Cornbrooks

• Ordinance No. 2083 - 2nd reading - approving an amendment to the FY09 Marina Fund Budget and the FY09 General Fund Budget to appropriate funds to provide for uncollectible receivables

• Ordinance No. 2084 - 1st reading - changing the name of Asbury Place to Makemie Place

• Ordinance No. 2085 - 1st reading - authorizing legislation to issue sell General Obligation Bonds ($3,000,000) - Maryland Water Quality Financing Administration - acquisition, construction, installation, improvement and equipping of a new treated water storage facility and related pumps, backup power and associated improvements and appurtenances

• Ordinance No. 2086 - 1st reading - authorizing legislation to issue sell General Obligation Bonds ($3,000,000) - Maryland Water Quality Financing Administration - acquisition, construction, rehabilitation, upgrading, installation, improvement and equipping of a sewage lift station and related force mains and sewer lines and other associated improvements and appurtenances

RESOLUTION - City Administrator John Pick

• Resolution No. 1820 - authorizing the mayor to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with The Circuit Court for Wicomico County to designate five parking spaces on Calvert Street for law enforcement and court security vehicles

PUBLIC COMMENTS

ADJOURN

Copies of the agenda items are available for review in the City Clerk's Office
Room 305 - City/County Government Office Building
410-548-3140
or on the City's web site http://www.ci.salisburv.md.us/

The City Council reserves the right to go into closed session as permitted under the Annotated Code of Maryland 10-508(a) 5

Proposed items for September 14. 2009 (subiect to change)
• Public Hearing - Ordinance No. 2084 - changing the name of Asbury Place to Makemie Place
• Public Hearing - Ordinance No. 2085 - authorizing legislation to issue/sell General Obligation Bonds ($3,000,000)Maryland

Water Quality Financing Administration - acquisition, construction, installation, improvement and equipping of a new treated water storage facility and related pumps, backup power and associated improvements and appurtenances

• Public Hearing - Ordinance No. 2086 - authorizing legislation to issue/sell General Obligation Bonds ($3,000,000)Maryland

Water Quality Financing Administration - acquisition, construction, rehabilitation, upgrading, installation, improvement and equipping of a sewage lift station and related force mains and sewer lines and other associated improvements and appurtenances

• Resolution - approving amendment to the Employee Handbook (health insurance)

• Resolution - approving Debt Policy

ASPIRIN

TO ALL AGES. EVEN THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE NOW NEARING ONLY 50!!

I HAD NO IDEA YOU SHOULD NOT LAY DOWN.

Why keep aspirin by your bedside?

About Heart Attacks

There are other symptoms of an heart attack

besides the pain on the left arm.

One must also be aware of an intense pain on the chin, as well as nausea and lots of sweating, however these symptoms may also occur less frequently.

Note: There may be no pain in the chest during a heart attack.

The majority of people (about 60%) who had an heart attack during their sleep, did not wake up. However, if it occurs, the chest pain may wake you up from your deep sleep.

If that happens, immediately dissolve two aspirins in your mouth and swallow them with a bit of water. CALL 911 do NOT lie down

Unlock the front door

Afterwards:

- phone a neighbor or a family member who lives very close by

- say "heart attack!"

- say that you have taken 2 aspirins.

- take a seat on a chair or sofa near the front door, and wait for their arrival and... do NOT lie down

A Cardiologist has stated that, if each person, after receiving this e-mail, sends it to 10 people, probably one life can be saved!

Celtic Show

The Irish are back!

Voted your favorite event, "Music at the Mansion" will once again present the music of Ireland performed by Michael O'Loughlin, Mickey Justice, and Aleta Davis. Bring the kids, and come join us for a rollicking afternoon of fine entertainment and refreshments.

You'll be transported back to the Emerald Isle, or your favorite Irish Pub at least, on Sunday, Oct. 11th from 1-4, as you sing along to your favorite tunes.

Tickets are $15,00 for adults, children under 12 are free. Silent auction items will also be available to bid on. All proceeds go to the restoration of Poplar Hill Mansion, reservations are suggested.

Call the curator at 410-749-1776 for information. The Friends of Poplar Hill Mansion is a 501-( c ) (3) dedicated to the preservation of this fine home, the oldest in Salisbury, built in the Federal style in 1795.

Please consider becoming a Friend of Poplar Hill with membership beginning at the annual giving level of $25.00 which includes many benefits.

Call the Curator for event information or about our free tours. Donations to our Food Pantry for Joseph House are greatly appreciated.

Visit our website, www.poplarhillmansion.org for upcoming events.

Hymn # 365

A minister was completing a temperance sermon... With great emphasis he said, 'If I had all the beer in the world, I'd take it and pour it into the river.'

With even greater emphasis he said, 'And if I had all the wine in the world, I'd take it and pour it into the river.'

And then finally, shaking his fist in the air, he said, 'And if I had all the whiskey in the world, I'd take it and pour it into the river.'

Sermon complete, he sat down.

The song leader stood very cautiously and announced with a smile, nearly laughing, 'For our closing song, let us sing Hymn #365, 'Shall We Gather at the River.'

Words Of Wisdom

Words of Advice from my Stockbroker

...called my stockbroker this morning and asked him what I should be buying.



...he said "Canned Goods and Ammunition."

The Truth About Death Counseling

The Truth About Death Counseling
By Charles Krauthammer

WASHINGTON -- Let's see if we can have a reasoned discussion about end-of-life counseling.

We might start by asking Sarah Palin to leave the room. I've got nothing against her. She's a remarkable political talent. But there are no "death panels" in the Democratic health care bills, and to say that there are is to debase the debate.

We also have to tell the defenders of the notorious Section 1233 of H.R. 3200 that it is not quite as benign as they pretend. To offer government reimbursement to any doctor who gives end-of-life counseling -- whether or not the patient asked for it -- is to create an incentive for such a chat.

What do you think such a chat would be like? Do you think the doctor will go on and on about the fantastic new million-dollar high-tech gizmo that can prolong the patient's otherwise hopeless condition for another six months? Or do you think he's going to talk about -- as the bill specifically spells out -- hospice care and palliative care and other ways of letting go of life?

No, say the defenders. It's just that we want the doctors to talk to you about putting in place a living will and other such instruments. Really? Then consider the actual efficacy of a living will. When you are old, infirm and lying in the ICU with pseudomonas pneumonia and deciding whether to (a) go through the long antibiotic treatment or (b) allow what used to be called "the old man's friend" to take you away, the doctor will ask you at that time) what you want for yourself -- no matter what piece of paper you signed five years ago.

You are told constantly how very important it is to write your living will years in advance. But the relevant question is what you desire at the end -- when facing death -- not what you felt sometime in the past when you were hale and hearty and sitting in your lawyer's office barely able to contemplate a life of pain and diminishment.

Well, as pain and diminishment enter your life as you age, your calculations change and your tolerance for suffering increases. In the ICU, you might have a new way of looking at things.

My own living will, which I have always considered more a literary than legal document, basically says: "I've had some good innings, thank you. If I have anything so much as a hangnail, pull the plug." I've never taken it terribly seriously because unless I'm comatose or demented, they're going to ask me at the time whether or not I want to be resuscitated if I go into cardiac arrest. The paper I signed years ago will mean nothing.

And if I'm totally out of it, my family will decide, with little or no reference to my living will. Why? I'll give you an example. When my father was dying, my mother and brother and I had to decide how much treatment to pursue. What was a better way to ascertain my father's wishes: What he checked off on a form one fine summer's day years before being stricken; or what we, who had known him intimately for decades, thought he would want? The answer is obvious.

Except for the demented orphan, the living will is quite beside the point. The one time it really is essential is if you think your fractious family will be only too happy to hasten your demise to get your money. That's what the law is good at -- protecting you from murder and theft. But that is a far cry from assuring a peaceful and willed death, which is what most people imagine living wills are about.

So why get Medicare to pay the doctor to do the counseling? Because we know that if this white-coated authority whose chosen vocation is curing and healing is the one opening your mind to hospice and palliative care, we've nudged you ever so slightly toward letting go.

It's not an outrage. It's surely not a death panel. But it is subtle pressure applied by society through your doctor. And when you include it in a health care reform whose major objective is to bend the cost curve downward, you have to be a fool or a knave to deny that it's intended to gently point you in a certain direction, toward the corner of the sick room where stands a ghostly figure, scythe in hand, offering release.

Bears Beg For Treats

TRAFFIC ALERT

Overnight Pave & Rehab Set for Route 13 South of St. Georges Bridge

Port Penn -- The Department of Transportation (DelDOT) announces that a pave and rehab project on Route 13, south of the St. Georges Bridge will begin Monday, August 24, 2009. The project is one of DelDOT's pave and rehab projects funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

There are two locations involved in the project. The first location is Route 13 northbound from Port Penn Road to the south side of the St. Georges Bridge. The second location is Route 13 southbound from the south side of the St. Georges Bridge to Port Penn Road.

Work on the pavement will include milling the existing surface, hot mix patching of potholes, and a two-inch overlay of the new road surface. Crews will also replace pavement striping. All work will be conducted Monday through Friday, from 8 p.m. until 6 a.m. Crews will not be permitted to work during race weekend in Dover from Thursday evening, September 24 through Tuesday morning, September 29. Work must be completed within 40 calendar days.

A-Del Construction is the contractor for the pave and rehab project. The total cost is $951,446.62.