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Wednesday, September 23, 2009

America Armed, But Guns Not Necessarily Loaded


Gun enthusiasts claim Obama's election is fueling demand for guns, ammo

METAIRIE, La.
- Bullet-makers are working around the clock, seven days a week, and still can’t keep up with the nation’s demand for ammunition.

Shooting ranges, gun dealers and bullet manufacturers say they have never seen such shortages. Bullets, especially for handguns, have been scarce for months because gun enthusiasts are stocking up on ammo, in part because they fear President Barack Obama and the Democratic-controlled Congress will pass antigun legislation — even though nothing specific has been proposed and the president last month signed a law allowing people to carry loaded guns in national parks.

Gun sales spiked when it became clear Obama would be elected a year ago and purchases continued to rise in his first few months of office. The FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System reported that 6.1 million background checks for gun sales were issued from January to May, an increase of 25.6 percent from the same period the year before.

GO HERE to read more.

EDITORS NOTE: Don't ever say I didn't tell you so quite some time ago. Nice to see the MSM finally catching on. Back on the 7th I provided THIS POST.

The Jeff Rense Program




With all due respect, forgive me for not knowing who this guy is but today we have been linked to this Radio Host and while we were experiencing an excellent day, all of a sudden our numbers skyrocketed, already bringing us past a record day. I looked at the referral list and this rense.com was all over the place. They linked to one of our articles, (below) and once again we have received National Coverage. I wonder what things would have looked like if they had done so earlier in the day. Have any of you heard of this guy? I'm telling you, the numbers are much higher than ever before, so he must have one hell of an audience.






Just to give you an example, check out these referrals!

Can Gary Comegys Tell The Truth?

Since Salisbury police chief Allan Webster is evidently afraid to risk discipline (did Salisbury mayor Jim Ireton suddenly grow a pair?) the Tilghman Times has now gone to Barrie Comegys leader Gary Comegys to supply tall tales about the Salisbury soap opera – TapeGate.  Unfortunately for Comegys and reporter Laura D’Alessandro, Comegys doesn’t appear capable of keeping the multi-threaded story straight.

READ MORE …

Kratovil Signs Onto Family Farm Preservation And Conservation Estate Tax Act


Legislation will help protect family farms from the estate tax

Washington, DC
– Today, Rep. Frank Kratovil signed on as a co-sponsor to H.R. 3524, the Family Farm Preservation and Conservation Estate Tax Act. This bill will exempt farms and ranches from Federal estate taxes after death of the owner for as long as the property stays in the family and it continues to operate as a farm. The legislation also exempts landowners who have placed their land in a conservation easement from paying the estate tax as long as it persists in that capacity.

“As I have traveled the district talking to farmers, one of the most frequent concerns I hear relates to the estate tax. When a family farm is passed down to the next generation, too often the family doesn’t have the liquid assets to pay the estate tax without selling off all or part of the farmland. Unless we want to see more and more farmland sold off for development, it is critical that Congress pass common sense legislation that recognizes the importance of preserving the family farm,” said Rep. Frank Kratovil. “The Family Farm Preservation and Conservation Act will help preserve the agricultural heritage of places like Maryland’s First Congressional District while also supporting environmental conservation. I am pleased to join a bipartisan group of my colleagues in backing this important bill.”

“Keeping profitable in Agriculture is challenging enough. Successful passage of H.R. 3524 will assist Families to continue Farming their land for future generations,” said Billy Boniface, Harford County Council President and local farmer.

The bipartisan measure was introduced by Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA) and Rep. John Salazar (D-CO), both colleagues of Kratovil’s in the Blue Dog Coalition of fiscally conservative Democrats. The bill is currently pending before the House Ways and Means Committee.

Breaking News: Annapolis Mayoral Candidate Drops Out Again

Annapolis Mayoral Candidate Drops Out Again

Former White House aide Zina Pierre isdropping out of the Annapolis mayor's race again.

MORE DETAILS: http://www.wbaltv.com/tu/5K0NXc2Ar.html

Student Arrested For Carrying BB Gun In School

Location: Christiana High School, 190 Salem Church Road, Newark, DE

Date of Occurrence: Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009 at approximately 12:30 p.m.


Resume:

Delaware State Police have arrested a 17 year-old student for carrying a weapon in school.

Troopers were called to the Christiana High School this afternoon after a student saw a 17 year-old ninth grader with bullets in his hand. The student later saw what he felt to be a handgun tucked in the 17 year-old boy’s waist. The student notified a teacher and school administrators confronted the 17 year-old. They found five .45 caliber rounds and a BB gun that resembled a .357 or .40 caliber weapon.

Troopers charged the 17 year-old with possession of a weapon in a safe school zone and carrying a concealed dangerous instrument.

No one was injured during the incident.

The school administration will be taking administrative action against the student.

GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY, BALTIMORE COUNTY EXECUTIVE JIM SMITH TO CUT RIBBON ON EMERGENCY RADIO TOWER

ANNAPOLIS, MD (September 23, 2009) – Governor Martin O’Malley will join Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith and public safety officials to announce the completion of a new radio transmission tower – one of ten new sites that are part of a $57 million project to totally replace the County’s aging public safety radio communications network. The three-year capital project marks an important step in Governor O’Malley’s goal to develop a completely interoperable communications system for first responders and law enforcement statewide. The system would enable emergency first responders, public safety officials and all law enforcement agencies to communicate reliably, rapidly and instantaneously thus enhancing public safety across the State.

WHAT: Governor O’Malley and Baltimore County Executive Smith to cut the ribbon on an emergency radio tower

WHEN: TOMORROW, Thursday, September 24, 2009 at 9:30 a.m.

WHERE: New radio tower location
Highways Shop #2 (far right corner of property)
7224 Windsor Mill Road
Baltimore

GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY APPOINTS THERESE M. GOLDSMITH TO THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION

ANNAPOLIS, MD (September 23, 2009) – Governor Martin O’Malley today announced the appointment of Therese M. Goldsmith to serve on the Public Service Commission, which regulates public utilities and certain passenger transportation companies doing business in Maryland.. Ms. Goldsmith fills the vacancy of Allen Mark Freifeld, Esquire.

“I am proud to appoint Therese Goldsmith as a member of the Public Service Commission,” said Governor O’Malley. “Ms. Goldsmith’s extensive legal background in regulatory compliance and government investigations will help the Public Service Commission continue their progress in restoring public confidence and protecting the interests of Maryland’s families.”

“I am honored and grateful to Governor O’Malley for this opportunity to serve on the Public Service Commission,” said Therese Goldsmith. “I look forward to joining the PSC and moving forward with the Commission's important work for the citizens of our State.”

Ms. Goldsmith was a partner at Hogan & Hartson, LLP where she specializes in litigation in the White Collar and Investigations Group, where she litigates government investigations, health care fraud and abuse, claims brought by the government or private whistleblowers under the Federal False Claims Act, and issues arising under the HIPAA and state privacy laws. She has served as Partner since January 2007, and prior to that served as an associate for the same division since 2001. Prior to joining Hogan & Hartson, Ms. Goldsmith worked as an associate at Venable, Baetjer and Howard, LLP and specialized in federal and state regulatory compliance, fraud and abuse investigations, provider reimbursement appeals, rate review matters, medical staff peer review proceedings, licensure board disciplinary actions, patient care issues and corporate transactions.

Prior to obtaining her law degree, Ms. Goldsmith served as a speech-language pathologist. From 1981 to 1984, she was a Speech-Language Pathologist at the Crozer-Chester Medical Center in Upland Pennsylvania. From 1984 to 1985, she served as a Speech-Language Pathologist, a Neurology Team Leader, and a Neurology Program Coordinator at the Bryn Mawr Rehabilitation Hospital. Ms. Goldsmith also served in various roles at the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Washington, DC. From 1986 to 1988, she served as a Clinical Supervisor for the Speech-Language Pathology Service, from 1988 to 1995, she served as the Assistant Director of the Speech Language Pathology Service and from 1995 to 19998, she served as the Director of the Speech Language Pathology Service.

She received her Bachelor of Science, with a dual major in Speech Pathology and Audiology and Psychology, in 1979, and received her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology in 1981. Ms. Goldsmith received her Juris Doctor in 1998 from the University of Maryland School of Law and graduated Order of the Coif. She was admitted to the Maryland Bar that same year. She was also admitted in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland in 1999, the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit in 2006, and the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. She is a resident of Catonsville, Maryland.

Rallies Catch Fire Against Obama's 'Minion Media'

'Operation: Can You Hear Us Now?' exploding 1 week after WND report

American citizens outraged by President Obama and the actions of Congress have set their sights on a new target – the so-called mainstream media – with tea-party protests now set to boil in front of more than 30 press offices across the U.S.

Following a WND report on the growing popularity of "Operation: Can You Hear Us Now?" taxpayers are making plans to bring their protests to the front doors of major media outlets.
Nearly 2,000 fans have flocked to a new Facebook page for the event. The following are some locations for protests being planned for Oct. 17:


Alabama
Birmingham
California
Burbank – NBC Studios, 3,000 W. Alameda Ave. from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Fresno – KMPH-TV Fox 26 and KSEE-TV 24 News, 5111 E. McKinley Ave (KMPH) and 5035 E. McKinley Ave. (KSEE), from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
La Jolla – NBC
San Diego – NBC studios, 225 Broadway, 3 p.m.
Florida
Doral – CBS 4, 8900 NW 18th Terrace, time TBA
Miami – ABC
Mirimar – NBC
Georgia
Atlanta – CNN Center, One CNN Center
Indiana
Indianapolis – location TBA, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Michigan
Troy – ABC studios in Southfield or NBC coprorate offices in Troy, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Minnesota
Minneapolis – KARE 11 (NBC), 8811 Olson Memorial Hwy
Missouri
Kansas City – location TBA, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
North Carolina
Asheville – WLOS-TV (ABC), 110 Technology Drive
Wilmington – Star News, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Charlotte – location TBA, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
New York
New York City
Rochester – location to be determined, 2 p.m.
Oregon
Coos Bay
Eugene – location TBA, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Portland – KGW-TV 8 (tentative), 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Roseburg – location TBA, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Salem – location TBA, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Ohio
Zanesville – Times Recorder newspaper, meet at Times Recorder, 34 South 4th Street at 12 p.m. and go to WHIZ, 629 Downard Rd. at 2 p.m.
Oklahoma
Tulsa – ABC, CBS, NBC, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Pennsylvania
Allentown – The Morning Call, 101 North 6th Street
Scranton – WNEP-TV 16, 16 Mountain Rd. from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Texas
Austin – KXAN-TV , 3 p.m.
San Antonio
Houston – Channels 2, 11, 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Virginia
Richmond – WTVR 6, 3301 W. Broad St., 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Richmond – WWBT 12, 5710 Midlothian Turnpike, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Richmond – WRIC TV 8, 301 Arboretum Pl, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Washington
Seattle – ABC, CBS, NBC, Seattle Times, Tacoma News Tribune, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Wisconsin
Green Bay – WGBA-TV 26 (NBC), 1391 North Rd.
Milwaukee – location TBA, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
As WND reported, the "Operation: Can You Hear Us Now?" webmaster, who has chosen to remain nameless, launched his website on Sept. 15. After only one week, he is experiencing an outpouring of support from citizens interested in hosting and attending rallies.

"People are really psyched up," he told WND today. "There are thousands of new visitors coming to the site daily."
GO HERE to read more.

Survey Question

Should Wicomico County Consider Repealing The Tax Cap?

Students Get 20% Discount On Tickets Until Monday


Go to the Shorebirds Stadium and purchase your ticket with ANY Student ID and get a 20% discount. This offer will last until 5:00 PM this Monday, so don't waste any time buying your Title Fight Ticket.

The Daily Times, Politics As Usual

In today's Daily Times Article about Debbie Campbell's recent Press Release, does anyone else wonder WHY they refused to add a link to the exact Press Release, yet they added all the other links to try to bash Debbie once again?
Come on Daily Times, if you claim you're not like a Blog, opinionated, then why didn't you play fair and let your readers see "everything" Debbie said. Instead, you pulled bits and pieces once again and twisted your story.
This is why Salisbury News provides every inch of every Press Release, word for word. We allow our readers to make an honest judgment call on each and every one of them and this is why Salisbury News is blowing the Daily Times away each and every day.
Comment away Folks!

10% Commission Back To Buyers!

Joe,

Just wanted to let you know that EXIT Shore Realty has launched a limited time only 10% commission back stimulus plan for all buyers now until the end of the year. When a buyer uses a Realtor from EXIT Shore Realty to purchase a home, we will give back 10% of the company’s gross commission to the buyer at settlement! Coupled with the $8,000 tax credit (expiring 11/30/09), this 10% stimulus is a win – win and can be used for anything including but not limited to mortgage payments, closing costs, new furniture for the house, a big screen TV, a vacation, etc.

This stimulus is a “Thank You” to buyers for choosing EXIT Shore Realty/The Roop Group as their home buying representative! You can reach any of our Realtor associates from 9-5, 7 days a week at 410-912-0310 or visit us online at www.TheRoopGroup.com for more details. We look forward to helping by putting more money back into the pockets of buyers, in a time that they could use it most.

Sincerely,

Adam Roop
Realtor/Owner
EXIT Shore Realty
The Roop Group Rentals
www.TheRoopGroup.com
Licensed in MD & DE


SHOULD RICK POLLITT THIN THE GROWTH AT THE “GOB”?


Despite the tax revenue “cap,” compared to ten years ago Wicomico County’s main office is loaded with high salary types who specialize in pushing paper or doing so by means of a computer terminal. Mr. Pollitt has two special assistants, and the County Council has its own guru, who once was the County Administrator. The County’s attorney is now “in house” with the prospect of a big public pension, like the others named above, along with an assistant attorney.

So, what does a Wicomico County taxpayer get in return for contributing to the well-being, present and future, of these quasi-politicos? Please don’t shout so loud and all at once, and I really do know what “nada” means.

Consider, for cutting, the public information officer position. Mr. Pollitt says that the County probably will have to terminate employees in non-essential jobs in order to keep the core functions as strong as possible. The PIO position should be at the top of that list. If Rick wants media attention all he really has to do is whistle, and he can do those interviews with Bill Reddish without having a handler in the studio.

Starting with that position, it’s time to play “how low can you go,” Mr. Pollitt.

Wicomico County Detention Center Trying To Pull A Fast One?








I know, by looking at the images above you have to be saying to yourself, what the hell is Joe talking about?

Well, this Transfer Station is on Waller Road surrounded by residential homes and farm land. They're open 5 days a week with the exception of Tuesday's and Thursday's. It's a peaceful kind of place with wonderful employees who pretty much know everyone on a first name basis.

This morning I was alarmed by a friend who shared a story with me in which I just couldn't believe, until I started making some phone calls. My friend informed me that this Transfer Station would start swinging the gates on Tuesday's and Thursday's in the very near future as the WCDC, (Wicomico County Detention Center) will be creating a Shooting Range for their employees.

Now mind you Folks, not only are the neighbors completely unaware of what's going on, I contacted the County Council President and County Executive this morning and both individuals had absolutely no clue what was going on. It didn't take long before I got a call back from the County Executive's Office telling me that I was right, WCDC is in fact planning on doing this, yet they had NO CLUE 15 minutes earlier.

As you can see from the photos, there are residential neighborhoods not 100 yards from this Transfer Station with some very decent homes, (not that this should matter) and NO ONE has been informed.

Now I'm all about shooting guns and I'm also all about being allowed to do whatever the County Zoning states you can do. However, this was planned underhandedly and I should state that Mr. Robert Parkhurst who is employed with WCDC lives in one of the homes shown above in my photos, right across the street. Hmmmmmmmm?

Many of us who live very close to this Transfer Station own horses, (probably close to 100 horses) and all of this shooting would simply scare the crap out of them. Yeah, they might get used to it after a while but if the horses can hear it, so can we!

The idea they are planning this without any warning to the neighbors is just flat out wrong. Do you think our local government should be allowed to make such moves without even running an ad to let taxpayers know?

UPDATE: I just received a call from Jim Fineran who stated it's not a done deal and they're looking into it. I was informed that the Shooting Range would be in use on Tuesday's and Thursday's, the days the Transfer Station is closed.

I was also told that all three agencies, SPD, WCSO & WCDC should only use ONE Range. The Sheriff's Department had a deal worked out years ago when Dykes was Chief of the SPD where they, (WCSO) provided the Instructor for all agencies and they could have use of the Range. Once Webster came on board with the SPD that arrangement went away. The WCSO then used a piece of property actually owned by Frank Hastings, (the Instructor) to practice at but now it's my understanding that he has since retired and the WCSO is using ECI.

I personally believe Chief Webster should step up to the plate and offer the Range they currently own to ACT like a BROTHER and allow ALL agencies to work out of one facility. I'm confident once this Internal Affairs man is gone the City will make proper agreements with every one else to do so. In the mean time we'll just have to see how selfish Webster and Mayor Ireton continue to act until something is resolved.

Once again this is an exclusive story brought to you by Salisbury News. While I expect others to dig into it from this point forward, we're doing our best to deliver you news no one else is willing to provide, again, unless it's handed to them from this Blog.

Democratic Math

If you traded in a clunker worth $3500, you get $4500 off for an apparent "savings" of $1000.

However, you have to pay taxes on the $4500 come April 15th (something that no auto dealer will tell you). If you are in the 30% tax bracket, you will pay $1350 on that $4500.

So, rather than save $1000, you actually pay an extra $350 to the feds. In addition, you traded in a car that was most likely paid for. Now you have 4 or 5 years of payments on a car that you did not need, that was costing you less to run than the payments that you will now be making.

But wait, it gets even better: you also got ripped off by the dealer.

For example, every dealer here in LA was selling the Ford Focus with all the goodies including A/C, auto transmission, power windows, etc for $12,500 the month before the "cash for clunkers" program started.

When "cash for clunkers" came along, they stopped discounting them and instead sold them at the list price of $15,500. So, you paid $3000 more than you would have the month before. (Honda, Toyota, and Kia played the same list price game that Ford and Chevy did).

So lets do the final tally here:

You traded in a car worth: $3500

You got a discount of: $4500

Net so far +$1000

But you have to pay: $1350 in taxes on the $4500

Net so far: -$350

And you paid: $3000 more than the car was selling for the month before

Net -$3350

We could also add in the additional taxes (sales tax, state tax, etc.) on the extra $3000 that you paid for the car, along with the 5 years of interest on the car loan but lets just stop here.

So who actually made out on the deal? The feds collected taxes on the car along with taxes on the $4500 they "gave" you. The car dealers made an extra $3000 or more on every car they sold along with the kickbacks from the manufacturers and the loan companies. The manufacturers got to dump lots of cars they could not give away the month before. And the poor stupid consumer got saddled with even more debt that they cannot afford.

Obama and his band of merry men convinced Joe consumer that he was getting $4500 in "free" money from the "government" when in fact Joe was giving away his $3500 car and paying an additional $3350 for the privilege.

Salisbury Police Department Press Releases


On September 21, 2009 at approximately 9:00 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police responded to a residence on the 400 block of Jefferson Street to attempt service of an outstanding arrest warrant. Upon arrival the officers observed the below listed 3 suspects on the rear deck of the residence. The officers made contact with the owner of the residence and were able to identify and arrest below suspect # 1 for the outstanding warrant. While serving the arrest warrant on suspect # 1 the officers detected the scent of suspected marijuana in the area of the rear deck. The deck area was checked and the officers located a bag containing a loaded .45 caliber handgun and a large quantity of suspected “crack”/cocaine and suspected powder cocaine. The handgun was checked and found to have been reported stolen to the Maryland State Police from a burglary in December of 2006. Each of the suspects had previous criminal convictions that prohibited them from legally possessing a firearm. The recovered suspected powder and “crack”/cocaine was packaged in ten (10) bags and had a weight in excess of 200 grams. See attached photographs.


ARRESTED #1: Quinton Jhonta Hayward, 26 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

ARRESTED #2: Nicole Anne Hayward, 25 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

ARRESTED #3: Donetello Dene Kelley, 36 years of age Clinton, Maryland

CHARGES (All):
Poss. of cocaine with intent to dist. (2 counts)
Possession of cocaine (2 counts)
Possession of CDS/paraphernalia
Poss. of a firearm in a drug trafficking crime
Wearing and carrying a firearm
Use of a concealed weapon in a felony
Poss. of a firearm after a criminal conviction
Possession of a stolen firearm

Suspect # 1 also served with an arrest warrant for assault

DISPOSITION: All released to Central Booking CC # 200900033663

On September 21, 2009 at approximately 12:13 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police were on routine patrol in the area of Parsons Road and conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle operated by the below listed suspect for traffic violations. During the traffic stop the officers received consent to search the vehicle and as a result located suspected marijuana and a smoking device containing suspected marijuana.

ARRESTED: Warren Christopher Parker, 24 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES:
Possession of marijuana
Possession of CDS/paraphernalia

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 200900033537

On September 21, 2009 at approximately 9:48 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the Wareheim Brake Corporation on Northwood Drive for the report of a burglary. Upon arrival officers met with company management who advised that a fenced compound on their property had been broken into and a number of used vehicle parts had been taken. Officers made contact with a local recycling company in regards to the used parts and found that the parts taken from Wareheim had been sold to the recycling company as scrap metal by the below listed two (2) suspects. A representative of Wareheim brakes was able to positively identify the stolen property at the recycling center.

ARRESTED #1: James Clayton Patrick, 36 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

ARRESTED #2: Melissa Angel Grant, 38 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES (Both):
Second degree burglary
Third degree burglary
Theft (under $ 500)

DISPOSITION: Both released to Central Booking CC # 200900033564

On September 21, 2009 at approximately 5:06 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the Boscovs Department Store at the Centre at Salisbury for the report of a shoplifter. Upon arrival the officers met with store security who advised that the below listed suspect had been observed by store employees taking clothing from the store without payment. The clothing was recovered and returned to the store.

ARRESTED: Juvenile, 17 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES: Theft (under $ 100)

DISPOSITION: Released to parent CC # 200900033623

Obama Gets Solid Marks Among Maryland Voters


Although his popularity has slipped nationally, President Obama received solid approval ratings in a new poll of Maryland voters.

Fifty-eight percent of Free State voters said they approve of the job the Democratic president is doing, while 31 percent disapproved and 11 percent had no opinion, the poll by Gonzales Marketing & Research found.

By way of comparison, a smaller number -- 48 percent -- approved of the job performance of Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley. Thirty-seven percent disapproved of the Democratic governor's performance and 15 percent had no opinion.

Obama's numbers diverge sharply along both party and racial lines. Seventy-five percent of Democrats approve of the president's job performance, compared to 57 percent of independents and 29 percent of Republicans.

Meanwhile, 83 percent of African American voters approve of Obama's job performance, compared with 50 percent of white voters.

GO HERE to read more.

Last Night's AFP Meeting Was Packed



W-O-W! Yea, that pretty much sums it up.

In the process of trying to help organize all that we had planned and manage my children, I neglected to bring my camera which I regret because we had such a great meeting and so many photo ops!

Joe Collins, kudos to you for your organizational efforts and laying out the details of this states political districts. You did a great job!

Also special thanks to Ed Nelson for all your organizational skills and voice of reason. Thank you for being our Treasurer and another collaborative mind.You did an awesome job getting together all the buses for 9-12 and beyond and I look forward to you replacing me as Joe's wife. lol

And congratulations to a great group of AFP'ers who have responded and stood up in this state and our district for lower taxes, smaller government, accountability and transparency. You folks have my gratitude and my respect for your dedication, knowledge on the issues, and your perseverance. It is from you that I get my energy to try to organize us together to work towards our common goals. Our success together makes us strong and gives us all a renewed spirit to fight against these things day after day, week after week, and month after month. I'm so very proud to be a part of those of you who have joined with us.

Tonight was particularly interesting as we had two elected officials who came out to speak with the group.

I should mention that I had invited the Wicomico County Council in it's entirety to address our group. I received three respondes that begged off due to prior engagements and I never even heard from the other four. I have to say that was extremely disappointing. Especially since I know the entire couuncil, as I have lobbied them to move their meetings to after work hours for 3 months, while I have known some members for decades. They are to vote on night meetings at their next meeting on Tuesday, October 6th at 10am, yet none of them even showed up to hear from their constituency.

That was not true of city council woman Debbie Campbell (D) or Paige Elmore(R) who both came out to our group to address up and take questions from the crowd of over 60members. As you might assume this is not a crowd that might throw out soft ball questions either. Debbie spoke of fiscal issues that were unhealthy to the city with a lack of accountability with various specifics and she was met with some tough questions from the interested crowd. She asked that city residences get involved in their meetings as many financial issues are on the table. We developed City Council and County Council Committees who pledged to attend the meetings and participate. Lastly, the issue of PAC 14 was discussed and we will as a group and on this blog, be discussing that subject in great detail in the coming months. *Note a tone of a coming surprise here*

Delegate Elmore shed much light on the state level and laid out much of what he felt was going on on a federal level as a result. He fielded some tough questions regarding the state budget, his voting record, and was really great about addressing the questions regarding the states' fiscal predicament.

Largely tonight, we focused on education about how folks can and should participate in their local and state politics in the ultimate effort to deal with big government, taxes, government budgets, and various intrusions into our lives.

We are looking forward to the future and hope to host other venues of local and state politicians and hopeful candidates, not as a platform but as a venue for citizens to examine canidates' voting records, as well as opportunity for the voters to be heard.

Who will be next up? Cain? Conway? Kratovil? Ireton? We welcome you all.

Source

Stand Down For Our Veterans

Hi Joe,

Thank you so much for spending the time you did with me this morning even in your poor state of health.

Joe, our organization is called the National Addiction Therapy Research Association or NATRA…We are a Maryland 501 (c) 3 nonprofit corporation devoted to providing alternative addiction treatment and education programs. As I said I am the grey building between the two draw bridges down from your building. Our organization partnered up with the Veterans Administration and Veteran Affairs late last year with the desire of becoming involved with their grant per diem program or GDP. The GDP program basically helps cover some of the acquisition and renovation costs and then provides a minimal per diem of around $34.00 a day to care for our homeless veterans. We did submit a proposal for the 2009 funding round but were passed over…our proposal was asking for two million in acquisition funding which was about two million more than the VA wanted award; we are rural and don’t qualify for any serious money.

Interestingly enough the USDA office in Dover after meeting with certain still hopeful VA personal back in June stepped up and earmarked over $2 million for this project that would have financed the remaining costs of the acquisition and renovations of the soon to be ill fated project. The USDA had designated this project as a “Signature Project” for the USDA…too bad the VA didn’t want to get into the deep end of the pool. Had we won an award we would have been able to house 200 veterans…

With that said the year and the over $40K I personally invested in this project were not done so in vain or at least I hope not. We gained a lot of support from our representatives like Congressman Kratovil, Senator Cardin and Mikulski and Stoltzfus and more. We found a terrific friend and supporter in Deputy Secretary of Maryland Veteran Affairs Wilber (Bill) Forbes and the Director of Outreach Bob Sharps….these two men have been unwavering in their support for our mission. We learned what the VA will allow us to shoot for on the next round for the GDP and we found a fantastic partner with the Maryland Center for Veteran Education & Training/MCVET found at: www.mcvet.org . MCVET has been designated by HUD as the National Model for Transitional Housing and is the only 100% military transitional veteran program in the country…they are located in Baltimore. They are going to mentor us by providing the technical assistance for several funding vehicles that they use to help fund their highly successful program. We are going to closely emulate their program with the exception of their use of the AA Disease based addiction model….we will be substituting this with our “Resolution Behavioral Based” model…more on this for a later discussion.

We actually thought we were going to be able to establish the our Transitional Veterans Education & Training Center out at the old Boot Camp Facility…the county was all about the project until the National Guard here in town slipped in the back door and offered to lease it for the next two years; effectively throwing our at risk veterans out on to the street. Their Armory is being renovated…why I don’t know…the damn thing is as solid as the proverbial brick outhouse. It makes even less sense with Governor telling us he has run the state into a defecate of over $400 million…I can save him a couple million…stop renovation projects that can wait for better times. It seems very unlikely that the County Executive, Rick Pollitt will accept our proposal when he has the state standing there with a check…so our veterans are again left to fend for themselves…and this time we are shot down by our own National Guard. I have to wonder why they can’t move in those temporary mobile offices and classrooms onto the Armory Grounds like every other school system in America does in the country while they are a “renovating the armory?”

The new Secretary of Veteran Affairs , Edward Chow is looking into the situation but I am not holding my breath….he is hoping that maybe we can get one of the dormitories and share the grounds.

Joe, I am sorry if I have spilled my guts but I am so damn frustrated now that I could eat nails!!!

Now for the reason I have sent this email…our upcoming Stand Down for our Veterans!!! See Stand Down at: http://www1.va.gov/homeless/page.cfm?pg=6

Stand Downs have been held for homeless veterans since 1988 with the first one being held in San Diego over 20 years ago. The term Stand Down is a military term used to when pulling a soldier off the front lines to effectively “stand down” and get some R&R…There a soldier would receive a bath and hair cut, clean uniform, medical attention, hot food and time to decompress. Today an event called a Stand Down is a one to three day Veteran Administration sponsored event usually partnering with a local agency or nonprofit. The idea is to provide basically the same services with special attention being devoted to enrolling these veterans for the VA benefits. Getting into programs that could help them come in off the streets and get their lives back on course as productive members of Society. Our event while recognizing the need of our veteran homeless community is opening this event up to all veterans especially those who have not enrolled for their VA benefits. It is not surprising to find that our OIF and OEF veterans are not enrolling for the benefits…saying let someone else who needs them have mine. The problem with this mentality is that the government doesn’t give them to someone else it simply takes away the funding as enrollment drops. These young hero’s of today’s military are not showing up on the “radar” they are not homeless because they do have resources. They are couch surfing at a friend’s house, staying with their parents or family…but these resources do eventually run dry…in fact they begin to largely dwindle about 18 months later. Our OIF & OEF veterans are reporting a higher rate of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder than that of the Vietnam War era veteran and sadly to bare this fact out so is their rate of suicide.

Our Stand Down being held October 24th and 25th is being geared to reach out to these young warriors, providing services and the much needed recognition that they so very much deserve. There are over 28 million veterans in this country with only 15% of that number having enrolled for their benefits. I believe that with current discussion about where our health care system is going that our veterans should make the safe play and enroll for their benefits. We are going to offer good food, showers, haircuts, clean cloths if needed, entertainment and will have some of political representatives there to address the crow.


Joe, we need clothes, transportation and PR…I have attached a copy of the flier and poster we are going to circulating throughout the Delmarva for your review. Please contact me with any questions you may have. October is the month to get the word out and to let our community know to about the plight of our homeless veteran community here are the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Please call me when you are ready and I will drop by to discuss our Stand Down. I would also like to invite you personally to attend our event and meet some of our veterans.

Joe, we are still hoping to establish a transitional center for our veterans…but have suffered a couple of hard blows that are almost show stoppers. I believe you and your subscribers can be our ace card to pull this thing off. I would like to discuss with you further some of our ideas and desires in a meeting yet to be scheduled…maybe over a cup of coffee or lunch.


Revealing the wholeness of you,



Jerry R Black
Executive Director
NATRA Inc.
Email: jrblack@natra7.org
Phone: 443-497-9731
Website: www.natra7.org

Stung! Undercover Celeb Exposes Obama Fiasco

'Milk it, baby – It's free money': You won't believe what happens inside Cash for Clunkers operation

While President Obama delivers speeches praising the alleged success of Cash for Clunkers, a former rebate processor for the federal program – also working undercover for WND – is calling it "complete chaos."

After the federal "Cash for Clunkers" program ended Aug. 24, the Department of Transportation reported that nearly 700,000 clunkers were taken off the roads and replaced by more fuel-efficient vehicles. Rebate applications worth $2.877 billion were submitted by the 8 p.m. deadline. The Transportation Department hired federal employees and private contract workers to process the rebates vouchers so car dealers would be compensated.

Former White House aide Kathleen Willey was hired as an employee with Vangent Incorporated, a company that provides information technology management and business process outsourcing services to the public and private sectors. Its clients include federal agencies such as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the U.S. Departments of Defense, Education, Health and Human Services, Justice and Labor and the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.

GO HERE to read more.

Wisdom From The Bar

Wisdom From

the Bar

Luke ''The Drifter'' says:


"We Americans got so tired of being thought of as dumb by the rest of the world that we went to the polls last November and removed all doubt."

More On O'Malley

GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY TO JOIN U.S. HOMELAND SECURITY

SECRETARY NAPOLITANO FOR RECOVERY ACT ANNOUNCEMENT



ANNAPOLIS, MD Governor Martin O’Malley will join Secretary Napolitano today as she visits Baltimore to announce Recovery Act-funded port, transit and fire station grants. Following the announcement, the Governor and Secretary will be available for media.

WHAT: Secretary Napolitano and Governor O’Malley will announce Recovery Act-funded port, transit and fire station grants

WHEN: TOMORROW, Wednesday, September 23, 2009 at 9:45 a.m.

Media is asked to be in place by 9:15 a.m. and present valid credentials.

WHERE: Inner Harbor

Pier 1, Constellation Dock

301 East Pratt Street

Baltimore

In case of rain, this event will relocate indoors to the World Trade Center Constellation Room.

Poll Question

DO NOT MISS YOUR CHANCE TO CAST YOUR VOTE.

This is your chance to vote on Obama's performance on this Economy-AT&T/Yahoo Poll.... NOTE: this is a totally unbiased poll. The question is stated very simply... and, to the point. No tricks. No hidden messages. No nothing. JUST A SINGLE, SIMPLE QUESTION. There is no way that anyone can say that it was not a fair poll... or, that it was "phrased" in a way that it can be interpreted later... to fit someone else's desired answer. In other words... it is a spin-doctor's "nightmare."

http://js.polls.yahoo.com/quiz/quiziframe.php?poll_id=46067

NOTE: After you vote, you will see a second page that shows the running total and what the opinions are.

More Con Artists


Joe,

The driver of this pickup was driving around Salisbury, Main Street, at 4:43 p.m. today giving a sob story about his dump truck is broke down and his wallet is in Snow Hill. He needs some money to drive to Snow Hill to get his wallet in order to get his dump truck off of the side of the road where it is broke down. I told him I didn't have any money (and I didn't). He started to cry and when I repeated that I didn't have any money, he drove off to the next people. He was in for the same response from them. They told me they were from Baltimore and they told him "No Money". He tore off for the next people on Main Street looking for his next victims I am sure.

I tried to get his tag number but my cell phone was in the car and I didn't have time to get a close up of it. I had just enough time to click this picture. He has wavy dark/gray hair, mustache, rough beard. Times are hard, but then we have these idiots stealing from people.

Unemployment Fraud

Joe,

Can you please post something about unemployment fraud in Maryland and what can be done about it. I know of a dirty, rotten, drug addicted extended family member who continues collect unemployment insurance checks and has been for several months. This person was in jail for 3 weeks and still got her check. She has no intention of getting a job and has not even tried. She buys drugs with her money and is now saving it for bail money to get her equally drug addicted, dirtbag boyfriend out of jail. I really don't think Maryland cares about this subject. I called the bureaucrats at the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing & Regulation about this particular case and got the feeling they could care less.

A Concerned Citizen

Play Day 2009

The City of Salisbury is Proclaiming September 23 as Play Day in conjunction with KaBOOM! (www.KaBoom.org.) ; This day is titled “Keep Play In the Day”, which is a campaign KaBOOM! is promoting across the country between September 19 – 27. As noted on the attached flyer, a number of sponsors are participating and welcome involvement from all community members. That is why the request for organizations, involved with children, is ask to recognize September 23 as PlayDay at your location. In doing so, a request to take pictures during play time of how children are enjoying play so that we can forward to KaBOOM! to show the City of Salisbury’s support for a playful community!

Please accept this invitation to show the country Salisbury’s commitment to make play a priority and the benefits to our children! Take the challenge. You can also show your support by signing in @ http://playday.KaBoom.org/Salisbury

Edward L. Wise, III
CSAFE-VRI LEAD COORDINATOR - CHURCH STREET/DOVERDALE


"Not everything that is faced can be changed. But nothing can be changed until it is faced"
City of Salisbury - Office of the Mayor
501 East Church Street
Salisbury, Maryland 21801
Phone: 410-341-9550 x1335; Fax: 3682

National recognition as one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People 2005,2007 and 2008!

Tent Pitched Outside NYC For Gadhafi?


It appears Libyans rented the property from Donald Trump


WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. - The Libyan government has pitched a tent in suburban New York that leader Moammar Gadhafi may use for entertaining, according to a State Department official.


And it appears the property was rented from Donald Trump.



The State Department official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of diplomatic sensitivity and protocol concerns, said the property was obtained for the duration of this weeks' United Nations General Assembly. The official said no one would be staying there overnight.


GO HERE to read more.

IDIOT SIGHTING:

IDIOT SIGHTING:

We had to have the garage door repaired. The Sears repairman told us that one of our problems was that we did not have a 'large' enough motor on the opener. I thought for a minute, and said that we had the largest one Sears made at that time, a 1/2 horsepower. He shook his head and said, 'Lady, you need a 1/4 horsepower.' I responded that 1/2 was larger than 1/4. He said, 'NO, it's not.' Four is larger than two...'

We haven't used Sears repair since.

IDIOT SIGHTING:

My daughter and I went through the McDonald's take-out window and I gave the clerk a $5 bill. Our total was $4.25, so I also handed her a quarter. She said, 'You gave me too much money.' I said, 'Yes I know, but this way you can just give me a dollar bill back.' She sighed and went to get the manager who asked me to repeat my request. I did so, and he handed me back the quarter, and said 'We're sorry but we cannot do that kind of thing.' The clerk then proceeded to give me back $1 and 75 cents in change..

Do not confuse the clerks at McD's.

IDIOT SIGHTING:

I live in a semi rural area. We recently had a new neighbor call the local township administrative office to request the removal of the DEER CROSSING sign on our road. The reason: 'Too many deer are being hit by cars out here! I don't think this is a good place for them to be crossing anymore.'

From Kingman, KS.

IDIOT SIGHTING IN FOOD SERVICE:

My daughter went to a local Taco Bell and ordered a taco. She asked the person behind the counter for 'minimal lettuce.' He said he was sorry, but they only had iceberg lettuce.

From Kansas City

IDIOT SIGHTING:

I was at the airport, checking in at the gate when an airport employee asked, 'Has anyone put anything in your baggage without your knowledge?' To which I replied, 'If it was without my knowledge, how would I know?' He smiled knowingly and nodded, 'That's why we ask.'

Happened in Birmingham, Ala.

IDIOT SIGHTING:

The stoplight on the corner buzzes when it's safe to cross the street. I was crossing with an intellectually challenged coworker of mine. She asked if I knew what the buzzer was for. I explained that it signals blind people when the light is red. Appalled, she responded, 'What on earth are blind people doing driving?!'

She was a probation officer in Wichita, KS

IDIOT SIGHTING:

At a good-bye luncheon for an old and dear coworker. She was leaving the company due to 'downsizing.' Our manager commented cheerfully, 'This is fun. We should do this more often.' Not another word was spoken. We all just looked at each other with that deer-in-the-headlights stare.

This was a lunch at Texas Instruments.

IDIOT SIGHTING:

I work with an individual who plugged her power strip back into itself and for the sake of her life, couldn't understand why her system would not turn on.

A deputy with the Dallas County Sheriffs office, no less.

IDIOT SIGHTING:

When my husband and I arrived at an automobile dealership to pick up our car, we were told the keys had been locked in it. We went to the service department and found a mechanic working feverishly to unlock the driver side door. As I watched from the passenger side, I instinctively tried the door handle and discovered that it was unlocked. 'Hey,' I announced to the technician, 'Its open!' His reply, 'I know. I already got that side.'

This was at the Ford dealership in Canton, MS.

IDIOT SIGHTING:

When I left Hawaii and was transferred to FL I still had the Hawaiian plates on my car, as my car was shipped from Hawaii. I was parking somewhere (I can't remember) and a guy asked me "Wow, you drove from Hawaii to here?" I looked at him and quickly said "Yep. I took the Hawaii/San Francisco Bridge". He nodded his head and said "Cool!"

STAY ALERT!

They walk among us... and they VOTE and they REPRODUCE...........

Salisbury Police Department Press Releases


On September 20, 2009 at approximately 2:39 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the Rise Up Coffee shop on Riverside Drive for the report of the theft of a pocketbook. Upon arrival the officers met with the victim who advised that while sitting outside of the restaurant a single suspect had taken her pocketbook from a chair and had fled on foot from the area. Efforts to locate the suspect by the officers and a Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office K-9 proved negative. The victim was not injured.

The suspect is described as a black male, approximately 30 years of age, 6’-6’3”, thin build, medium complexion, with short hair and wearing blue jeans and a Philadelphia Eagles football jersey.

On the same date at approximately 7:20 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the Long Parish Center at St. Frances DeSales on Riverside Drive for the report of an assault. Upon arrival the officers met with 2 victims that were located within the Parish Center. The victims advised that while cleaning the center following an event the victims observed a single suspect enter the center and grab one of the victim’s pocketbooks. One of the victims confronted the suspect causing the suspect to drop the first pocketbook. The suspect then grabbed the second victim’s pocketbook and swung it at the first victim striking the victim in the face. The suspect dropped the pocketbook and fled from the center on foot. No property was taken and the second victim sustained a minor injury to the facial area. The victims did no require medical attention.

This suspect was described as a black male, approximately 40 years of age, 5’11”, 180 pounds, with short black hair and wearing a burgundy shirt and gray pants.

If anyone has any information regarding these incidents they are asked to contact the Salisbury Police Department at 410-548-3165 or contact Crime Solvers at 410-548-1776.

On September 18, 2009 at approximately 4:54 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police were on routine patrol in the area of Mill St. and W. Main St. and observed the below listed suspect disabled in a motor vehicle. The officers stopped to assist the suspect and a routine records check revealed that the suspect was operating a stolen motor vehicle. The suspect was taken into custody and a records check revealed that the suspect was also wanted on an outstanding arrest warrant from Baltimore City. The vehicle was returned to its owner.

ARRESTED: Kenneth Corey Green, 28 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES:
Theft of a motor vehicle
Theft (over $ 500)
Theft (under $ 500)
Rogue and vagabond
Baltimore City Court Bench Warrant – Failure To appear

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 200900033128

On September 19, 2009 at approximately 1:13 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the business of Scott Rice Pest Control on Tilghman Road for the report of an activated burglar alarm. Upon arrival the officers found a broken window on the north side of the building. The officers checked the interior and located the below listed suspect asleep in the kitchen area of the business. The suspect was taken into custody.

ARRESTED: Nicholas James Robellard, 21 years of age Hebron, Maryland

CHARGES:
Third degree burglary
Fourth degree burglary
Malicious destruction of property (2 counts)

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 200900033271

On September 19, 2009 at approximately 7:10 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police arrested the below listed suspect on an outstanding Worcester County Circuit Court Bench Warrant. A search of the suspect’s person, incident to arrest, revealed eight (8) small bags each containing a quantity of suspected “crack”/cocaine.

ARRESTED: Antonio Maurice Tindley, 24 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES:
Possession of cocaine with intent to distribute
Possession of cocaine
Possession of CDS/paraphernalia

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 200900033374

On September 20, 2009 at approximately 1:16 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police were on routine patrol in the area of the Brew River Restaurant and were flagged down by an employee of the restaurant. The witness advised the officers that the below listed suspect, who was on the property, was in possession of a handgun. The suspect immediately fled from the area and was pursued by the officers. The suspect fled through the Perdue Inc. property then ran into the Wicomico River where he was apprehended. During the foot pursuit the suspect threw away the handgun which was recovered by the pursuing officers. The handgun was found to be loaded. A records check of the suspect, following his arrest, revealed past conviction that prohibit his possession of a firearm.

ARRESTED: Kentral Antwyn Carter, 23 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES:
Wearing and carrying a handgun
Possession of a regulated firearm
Obliterating the serial number of a handgun
Failure to obey a lawful order
Reckless endangerment

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 200900033429

THE ANT AND THE GRASSHOPPER

This one is a little different....
Two Different Versions! ................. Two Different Morals!

OLD VERSION:

The ant works hard in the withering heat all summer long, building his house and laying up supplies for the winter.

The grasshopper thinks the ant is a fool and laughs and dances and plays the summer away.

Come winter, the ant is warm and well fed.

The grasshopper has no food or shelter, so he dies out in the cold.

MORAL OF THE STORY: Be responsible for yourself


MODERN VERSION:

The ant works hard in the withering heat all summer long, building his house and laying up supplies for the winter.

The grasshopper thinks the ant is a fool and laughs and dances and plays the summer away.


Come winter, the shivering grasshopper calls a press conference and demands to know why the ant should be allowed to be warm and well fed while others are cold and starving..

CBS, NBC , PBS, CNN, and ABC show up to provide pictures of the shivering grasshopper next to a video of the ant in his comfortable home with a table filled with food. America is stunned by the sharp contrast.

How can this be, that in a country of such wealth, this poor grasshopper is allowed to suffer so?

Kermit the Frog appears on Oprah with the grasshopper and everybody cries when they sing, 'It's Not Easy Being Green.'

Acorn stages a demonstration in front of the ant’s house where the news stations film the group singing, 'We shall overcome.' Rev. Jeremiah Wright then has the group kneel down to pray to God for the grasshopper's sake.

Nancy Pelosi & Harry Reid exclaim in an interview with Larry King that the ant has gotten rich off the back of the grasshopper, and both call for an immediate tax hike on the ant to make him pay his fair share.

Finally, the EEOC drafts the Economic Equity & Anti-Grasshopper Act retroactive to the beginning of the summer.

The ant is fined for failing to hire a proportionate number of green bugs and, having nothing left to pay his retroactive taxes, his home is confiscated by the Government Green Czar.

The story ends as we see the grasshopper finishing up the last bits of the ants food while the government house he is in, which just happens to be the ant's old house, crumbles around him because he doesn't maintain it.

The ant has disappeared in the snow.

The grasshopper is found dead in a drug related incident and the house, now abandoned, is taken over by a gang of spiders who terrorize the once peaceful neighborhood.

MORAL OF THE STORY: Be careful how you vote in 2010.

Facebook Misconduct: Med Students Cross Line


Some broke confidentiality, tried to 'friend' patient online, study shows

CHICAGO - From Facebook to YouTube to personal blogs, future doctors are crossing the line — and getting in trouble.

A new study finds most medical school deans surveyed said they were aware of students posting unprofessional content online, including photos of drug paraphernalia and violations of patient privacy. Some infractions resulted in warnings, others in being expelled.

The survey cited a handful of examples. In one, a student posted identifying patient details on Facebook. Another requested an inappropriate friendship with a patient on the site. Others used profanity, according to the deans.

GO HERE to read more.

Reported Photos, Video Of Microsoft Tablet Seen



Images leaked to Web site show dual-screen device using touch and stylus

Photos and video of a prototype tablet reportedly being worked on by Microsoft were leaked Tuesday to Gizmodo.com, and if the prototype becomes a reality, it could be quite an impressive device. (Msnbc.com is a joint venture of Microsoft and NBC Universal.)

The tablet shown on the site has dual, multi-touch 7-inch screens that use both touch as well as a stylus for input and writing, and resembles an e-reader more than a computer. Microsoft could not be reached for comment about the photos or the device, which reportedly is called "Courier."

Several Web sites noted that if the Microsoft tablet is indeed a near reality, the software giant may beat Apple to the finish line for releasing such a device.

GO HERE to read more.

ACORN Votes Are Nothing But 'Cover'

Bachmann says disgraced group still eligible for billions of tax dollars

U.S. Rep. John Boehner of Ohio, the top Republican in the U.S. House of Representatives, is demanding a straight up-or-down vote on a bill dedicated to removing ACORN from the list of recipients of federal largesse, or says he'll force the issue.


And a key conservative vote, U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., says unless there is such an action, it will mean the recent votes on that very issue were nothing but "cover."


Filmmaker James O'Keefe and an associate, Hannah Giles, for the last week have been posting undercover videos on the Big Government.com website, revealing the actions and attitudes of employees of ACORN, an organization for whom President Obama once worked.


The two posed as a pimp and prostitute and have asked questions about setting up brothels, importing underage girls for prostitution and tax issues, largely getting affirmative help from the ACORN employees, several of whom already have been fired for their statements.


One of the undercover videos feature a woman identified as Tresa Kaelke at an ACORN office in California:.


GO HERE to read more.


Nurses Plan Rally To Protest Mandatory Swine Flu Shot

Albany nurses and other health professionals are planning to stage a rally next week to protest a state regulation that mandates they will lose their jobs if they refuse to take the swine flu shot, as fears grow about the vaccine’s dangerous ingredients and government plans to forcibly inoculate whole populations with the H1N1 jab.

Earlier today we reported on the case of “Clare,” a daycare worker in Albany who, despite having minimal contact with hospital staff who work in a separate building, an exemption allowed in the official decree, was ordered to take the seasonal flu shot on the spot or be fired.

She was also advised that the same procedure would be in place for the swine flu shot, as is outlined in the New York State Department of Health’s emergency regulation issued in August.
Now nurses across the state are standing up against government intimidation to take the shot, pointing out that the vaccine has not been properly tested and contains mercury, squalene and other dangerous additives.

The New York State Nurses Association is supporting a demonstration on behalf of nurses set to take place next week, reports Newsday.

“This vaccine has not been clinically tested to the same degree as the regular flu vaccine,” said Tara Accavallo, a registered nurse in Stony Brook’s neonatal intensive care unit, the division that has produced a number of protesters. “If something happens to me, if I get seriously injured from this vaccine, who’s going to help me?”

Accavallo says she is willing to lose her job if need be, which is exactly what will happen to thousands of other health professionals on November 30 if the government refuses to back down.

GO HERE to read more.

Delaware's People Choice Award Contest

I-95 Widening Nominated as 2009 America's Transportation Award

Dover
-- Delaware's Transportation Secretary Carolann Wicks and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) are campaigning Delawareans to get out the vote to support the I-95 5th Lane Widening Project in a national "People's Choice Award" contest.

The I-95 Mainline Widening Project is one of the ten finalists for the "Grand Prize" in the 2009 National Achievement Award for an on-time, medium-sized project. In addition to the "Grand Prize," AASHTO will also present a "People's Choice Award" to the state that can gather the largest number of votes supporting their state's project.

The project, which added a fifth lane to I-95 in both the northbound and southbound directions in the Churchmans Marsh area, was constructed between May 2007 and October 2008.

"This national recognition as being one of ten finalists for the '2009 American's Transportation Award' demonstrates the state's commitment to provide Delawareans and travelers to our state, both the safest and most up-to-date highway system possible," says Transportation Secretary Carolann Wicks. "The top ten projects are also competing among the other nominees for the 'People's Choice Award,' which will be decided by popular vote."

Secretary Wicks continues; "Now is the time for Delawareans to show their support and pride for what we have accomplished. We are asking everyone; elected officials, state employees, private industry, and citizens, to vote and let the nation know how proud they are for our state, the nomination we received, and the transformation that took place along the I-95 Corridor within Delaware."

In announcing the nomination, AASHTO cited that Delaware has demonstrated innovation in utilizing a cost-plus-time bid, finishing 18 months ahead of schedule and $8 million under the engineer's original estimate. On-line voting is now underway at the competition's official website through October 23, 2009: www.americastransportationaward.org.

"These nominees represent the best and the brightest for 2009. Your project is now vying for one of two top prizes: The 'Grand Prize' and the 'People's Choice Awards,'" says Sherry, Conway Appel, AASHTO's National Marketing Manager. "Both winning projects will receive a substantial cash prize, which will go toward a charity or scholarship of the state's choosing. The "Grand Prize" will be determined by an independent judging panel, the "People's Choice Award" will be selected through on-line voting. Voting continues through October 23, 2009. The winners will be announced at the AASHTO Annual Meeting on October 25, 2009.

Richard E. Pierson Construction Company, Inc. of Swedesboro, N.J., executed the $57 million I-95 Mainline Widening project. The widening project is part of a multi-year, multi-project Interstate Improvement Program that has included work at the Churchmans Road/Route 7 intersection and the Churchmans Road Bridge over I-95; and will also include the upcoming work at the Route 1/I-95 interchange and the I-95 Toll Plaza in Newark. RKK, DMJM Harris, Century Engineering, and KCI Technologies also worked on the project.