Senate Judiciary Chairman Unable to Say Where Constitution Authorizes Congress to Order Americans to Buy Health Insurance
Senate Judiciary Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) would not say what part of the Constitution grants Congress the power to force every American to buy health insurance--as all of the health care overhaul bills currently do.
Leahy, whose committee is responsible for vetting Supreme Court nominees, was asked by CNSNews.com where in the Constitution Congress is specifically granted the authority to require that every American purchase health insurance. Leahy answered by saying that “nobody questions” Congress’ authority for such an action.
All versions of the health care bill currently being considered in Congress mandate that individuals buy heatlh insurance. Americans who don't would be subject to a financial penalty.
More..
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Obama: Excessive Pay ‘Does Offend Our Values’
Average compensation expected to be cut in half for top executives
WASHINGTON - The Treasury Department on Thursday ordered seven companies that received billions of dollars in government bailouts to halve total compensation for their top executives. But the big reductions will not apply to pay earned before November.
Kenneth Feinberg, the Treasury official leading the pay review, told reporters that average salaries for the top 25 executives are being cut 90 percent starting next month.
The action will apply to the top executives at Bank of America Corp., American International Group Inc., Citigroup Inc., General Motors, GMAC, Chrysler and Chrysler Financial.
GO HERE to read more.
This Is Why You Can't Trust The Daily Times Or WBOC! UPDATED
In BOTH cases, the Main Stream Media is 100% incorrect! Because they REFUSED to stick around and find out the real details, they have BOTH reported inaccurate information to the Public. The owner was forced to donate $1,000.00 and NOT $10,000.00. The $10,000.00 was the original FINE the Fire Marshall imposed upon the owner. What a bunch of Idiots. STOP calling me people, I'm 100% right, (as usual) and they're 100% wrong. Come on now, you know where to go to get the truth. It's Salisbury News. The others just wait for us to produce it and if they like it they copy us. Sorry but it's the truth. Just watch WBOC at night. It's Salisbury News on Television. In this case, WBOC coppied the Daily Times OR the Daily Times simply copied WBOC. Neither one of them were at the trial though, so the JOKE is on them. This Blog blows you guys away.
"Salvatore Rinaldi, owner of the Americana Hotel, pleaded guilty to the 10 counts on Thursday in Worcester County District Court. He also agreed to donate $10,000 to the Ocean City Fire Department to help with its CO detector outreach programs." WRONG!!!!!!
"During his appearance in Ocean City District Court, Americana owner Salvatore Rinaldi also agreed to donate $10,000 to the Ocean City Fire Department to assist it in its CO detector outreach programs." WRONG!!!!!!
UPDATE:
OK, NOW I"M IMPRESSED!!!!! The Daily Times just published the following and my hat is tipped to them for doing so.
"The Associated Press, using information from WBOC-TV, reported early this afternoon that Rinaldi agreed to donate $10,000 to the fire department. That AP story was initially posted to delmarvanow.com.
An updated story sent over the AP wire at 4:25 p.m. did not specify the amount of donated money from the story.
Local blog sbynews.com reported the $1,000 donation at 1:52 p.m."
Now THAT'S Professional. WBOC has yet to change their information.
"Salvatore Rinaldi, owner of the Americana Hotel, pleaded guilty to the 10 counts on Thursday in Worcester County District Court. He also agreed to donate $10,000 to the Ocean City Fire Department to help with its CO detector outreach programs." WRONG!!!!!!
"During his appearance in Ocean City District Court, Americana owner Salvatore Rinaldi also agreed to donate $10,000 to the Ocean City Fire Department to assist it in its CO detector outreach programs." WRONG!!!!!!
UPDATE:
OK, NOW I"M IMPRESSED!!!!! The Daily Times just published the following and my hat is tipped to them for doing so.
"The Associated Press, using information from WBOC-TV, reported early this afternoon that Rinaldi agreed to donate $10,000 to the fire department. That AP story was initially posted to delmarvanow.com.
An updated story sent over the AP wire at 4:25 p.m. did not specify the amount of donated money from the story.
Local blog sbynews.com reported the $1,000 donation at 1:52 p.m."
Now THAT'S Professional. WBOC has yet to change their information.
STATE POLICE ARREST WOMAN FOR MANSLAUGHTER & CHILD ABUSE AFTER INFANT DIES
(Trappe, MD) Maryland State Police investigators arrested a Talbot County woman last night on multiple counts of child abuse, assault, reckless endangerment and manslaughter after an infant she was caring for died in the hospital.
The deceased is identified as Trevor Ulrich, 9 months old, of Dorchester County. He was pronounced dead at Children’s Hospital in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, September 3, 2009. Autopsy results revealed the child died of inflicted head trauma which is an injury associated with Shaken Baby Syndrome.
The accused is identified as Gail Dobson, 52, of the 3800 block of Harrison Court in Trappe, Maryland. Dobson is being charged with manslaughter, first degree child abuse resulting in death, two counts each of second degree child abuse, reckless endangerment, first degree assault, second degree assault, and one count of first degree child abuse causing severe injury. She is currently being held at the Talbot County Detention Center on $750,000 bond.
Yesterday evening, Dobson was arrested by Maryland State Police investigators from the Homicide Unit. She was arrested at the Easton Barracks and taken to the Talbot County court commissioner for her initial appearance.
At about 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 2, 2009, a 9-1-1 call was received from Dobson, a licensed day care provider. She requested an ambulance to respond to her residence. She reported Trevor was allegedly having trouble breathing.
Shortly after the call, paramedics from the Trappe Volunteer Fire Department arrived to find the child in full cardiac arrest. The child was transported to Easton Memorial Hospital and later flown to Children’s Hospital in Washington, D.C. for further treatment.
At approximately 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 3, state police investigators from the Easton Barracks received a phone call from the Dorchester Department of Social Services regarding a possible child abuse case. The Department of Social Services was notified by personnel from Children’s Hospital where the infant died.
State Police investigators from the Easton Criminal Investigation Section and the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit immediately initiated a thorough investigation. Police conducted scores of interviews and learned that Dobson cared for other children besides Ulrich. Information received revealed Dobson was Ulrich’s day care provider for two days.
The results from the extensive investigation and medical evidence revealed that Ulrich’s injuries were sustained during the days he was in Dobson’s custody. An autopsy by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Washington, D.C. ruled the infant’s death a homicide. The cause of death was inflicted head trauma which medical evidence reveals as an injury consistently found with Shaken Baby Syndrome.
State police investigators have contacted other parents and guardians whose children were under Dobson’s care. Anyone with information is urged to contact state police investigators at the Easton Barracks at (410) 822-3101.
Kratovil Announces Start of Special Payments For Service Members Who Served Under Stop Loss Orders
Washington, DC – Rep. Frank Kratovil announced that special payments are now available to over 185,000 service members who have had their enlistments involuntarily extended since September 11, 2001, providing $500 for every month they were held under stop-loss orders. Congress established this payment in the 2009 War Supplemental Appropriations Act enacted this summer.
“We owe our veterans and their families the best our government can possibly offer to improve their standard of living,” said Rep. Kratovil. “This $500 per month payment will help veterans and their families who have literally served above and beyond the call of duty. Although slight compared to their sacrifice the payment is in recognition of the hardship placed on these troops and their families by extended deployments.”
The Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay is available to service members who had their enlistment extended or retirement suspended due to Stop Loss between Sept. 11, 2001 and Sept. 30, 2009. Service members from every branch of the military will receive compensation.
Service members may begin submitting their claim for Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay today. All applications must be submitted to the respective services no later than Oct. 21, 2010. Service members must provide documented proof they were “Stop Lossed” with their claim. Family members of deceased service members should contact the appropriate military service for assistance in filing their claim.
Army: https://www.stoplosspay.army.mi l
Navy: send email to – NXAG_N132C@navy.mil
Marine Corps: https://www.manpower.usmc.mil/stoploss
Air Force: http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/stoploss
This payment builds on Congressman Kratovil’s continued efforts to support our veterans and troops including progress in improving veterans’ hospitals and facilities, expanding economic opportunities for returning soldiers and improving care for those with PTSD.
Ambulances Start Charging Extra For The Obese
Transporting heavy people can cost more than double
TOPEKA, Kan. - The memory still bothers Ken Keller: A panicked ambulance crew had a critically ill patient, but the man weighed more than 1,000 pounds and could not fit inside the vehicle. And the stretcher wasn't sturdy enough to hold him.
The crew offered an idea to Keller, who was then an investigator with the Kansas Board of Emergency Medical Services. Could they use a forklift to load the man — bed and all — onto a flatbed truck? Keller agreed: There was no other choice.
"I'm sure it was terribly embarrassing to be in his own bed, riding on the back of a flatbed with straps tying him down, going to the hospital, and then have a forklift at the hospital unload him," Keller said.
GO HERE to read more.
Delmar Police Department Press Release
Incident: Attempted Burglary
Location: 8773 Sweet Pea Court., (Ponds Edge) Delmar, MD
Date: October 22, 2009
Suspect/Arrested: Mariah Helena Byrd, B/F, 22 Y.O.A., Hebron, MD
On October 22, 2009 at 8:38 AM officers of the Delmar Police Department responded to an apartment located at 8773 Sweet Pea Ct., in ref. to an attempted burglary. Upon arrival the officers learned through their investigation that Mariah Byrd had attempted to gain entry into the apartment using burglary tools in an attempt to commit a theft within. The renter of the apartment was home and was able to detain Mariah Byrd until the police arrived. Mariah Byrd was taken into custody by Delmar officers and transported to the Wicomico County Detention Center and charged.
Charges: Mariah Byrd
Attempted 1st Degree Burglary
Malicious Destruction of Property
Location: 8773 Sweet Pea Court., (Ponds Edge) Delmar, MD
Date: October 22, 2009
Suspect/Arrested: Mariah Helena Byrd, B/F, 22 Y.O.A., Hebron, MD
On October 22, 2009 at 8:38 AM officers of the Delmar Police Department responded to an apartment located at 8773 Sweet Pea Ct., in ref. to an attempted burglary. Upon arrival the officers learned through their investigation that Mariah Byrd had attempted to gain entry into the apartment using burglary tools in an attempt to commit a theft within. The renter of the apartment was home and was able to detain Mariah Byrd until the police arrived. Mariah Byrd was taken into custody by Delmar officers and transported to the Wicomico County Detention Center and charged.
Charges: Mariah Byrd
Attempted 1st Degree Burglary
Malicious Destruction of Property
A 43-Year-Old Man Pleads Guilty To 3 Counts Of Sex Offense On 3 Different Children In His Fruitland Neighborhood
A 43-year-old man pleads guilty to 3 counts of sex offense on 3 different children in his Fruitland neighborhood.
This morning, Russell Glen Burnett pleaded guilty to 3 counts of 3rd Degree Sex Offense on two 8-year-olds and an 11-year-old. State’s Attorney Davis R. Ruark says Burnett committed the sex offenses on the three girls in his yard and in his home in April of 2009.
Wicomico County Circuit Court Judge W. Newton Jackson deferred sentencing today. Burnett will be sentenced within 30 days and is currently being held without bond. He is facing a maximum of 30 years in the Division of Correction, 10 years per each offense.
“A serial child molester has been removed from the streets of Wicomico County thanks to the fine police work of detectives assigned to the Child Advocacy Center,” says Ruark.
The State’s Attorney adds Burnett is also awaiting a federal indictment by the U.S. Attorney’s Office of Maryland for a number of child pornography offenses stemming from the investigation by the Fruitland Police Department and the Wicomico Child Advocacy Center.
BREAKING NEWS: State Drops $10,000.00 Fine On CO Violations
http://sbynews.blogspot.com/2009/08/carbon-monoxide-detector-required-in.htmlhttp://sbynews.blogspot.com/2009/08/americana-hotel-update-condemned.html
http://sbynews.blogspot.com/2009/08/scenes-from-americana-hotel.html
http://sbynews.blogspot.com/2009/08/breaking-news-americana-hotel-in-oc.html
The above links are to the four other articles we produced on the Americana Hotel CO violations. However, today was their day in Court and the State shocked everyone!
The Americana Hotel Owner was three hours late in appearance for his 10:00 AM trial time and even with the disrespect towards the Judge, the Court reduced ALL fines all the way down to a $1,000.00 DONATION to the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Department to purchase CO Detectors instead.
Look Folks, I have been hearing all sorts of unbelievable stories recently about the Judicial System in Worcester County, many of those stories we're still working on. However, IMHO, I just can't believe the Fire Marshall, (who gave the Americana the $10,000.00 fine) has been slapped in the face.
Not everything in life makes sense and hopefully through comments I'll gain some wisdom and understanding towards such a decision. Right now I'm simply shocked. The Americana did NOT have CO Detectors in place and clearly violated the law.
I guess it's all about who you know. If I was the Judge I would have slapped them silly just for showing up several hours late! Must be that Bronx thing in me.
Wicomico County Sheriff's Office Press Release
Incident: Assault on a Deputy / Resist Arrest/ Possession of CDS
Date of Incident: 21 October 2009
Location: 900 block of Booth Street, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Keonte D. Bratten, 20, Salisbury, MD
Narrative: On 21 October 2009 at 10:20 PM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office stopped a vehicle during the investigation into a nearby home invasion style robbery that had recently occurred. The vehicle was discovered to be operated by Keonte D. Bratten of Salisbury. Upon contact with the deputy, Bratten exited the vehicle and the deputy attempted to do a protective pat down for weapons. During this, Bratten pushed the deputy away and attempted to flee. The deputy, along with additional deputies that had arrived, attempted to apprehend Bratten with the intent to place him under arrest. During the subsequent attempts to subdue Bratten and place him in handcuffs, Bratten actively resisted for several minutes until the deputies succeeded in placing him into handcuffs.
Upon a search of Bratten, the arresting deputy located crack cocaine. Due to the amount and the manner of packaging, it was evident that the crack cocaine was destined for distribution. The deputy also located marijuana also in Bratten’s possession.
Bratten was transported to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, Bratten was detained by the Commissioner in lieu of $150,000.00 bond.
Charges:
Possession of Crack Cocaine with the Intent to Distribute
Possession of Crack Cocaine
Possession of Marijuana
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Resist Arrest
Assault 2nd degree on a Law Enforcement Officer – two counts
WBI Press Release
INCIDENT: Daytime Residential Burglaries
DATE: September thru October
LOCATION: Wicomico County and Southern Delaware
NARRATIVE: In September the Maryland State Police and Wicomico Sheriffs Office began to experience reports of daytime burglaries throughout Wicomico County. The target of the burglaries mainly seemed to be jewelry. Detectives from the Wicomico Bureau of Investigation developed two suspects through pawn and precious metal dealer records. Victim’s identified recovered jewelry as being their property. Arrest warrants were issued for the suspects.
On 10/18/09 the suspects were apprehended. A search of the suspects residence resulted in the recovery of additional stolen jewelry which was later identified by numerous victims from Wicomico County and Southern Delaware. This investigation is ongoing as additional victim’s may be located.
Anyone with additional information is requested to contact Detective Robert Wilson at 410-548-4898 or Crime Solvers at 410-548-1776.
ACCUSED:
John Christopher Parsons W/M 25 YOA Delmar, Maryland
Nicole Marie White W/F 29 YOA Delmar, Maryland
CHARGES: Burglary First
Burglary Fourth
Theft over $500
Conspiracy Burglary 1st Degree
DISPOSITION: Held at the Wicomico County Detention Center
INVESTIGATING DETECTIVE Detective R. Wilson
DATE: September thru October
LOCATION: Wicomico County and Southern Delaware
NARRATIVE: In September the Maryland State Police and Wicomico Sheriffs Office began to experience reports of daytime burglaries throughout Wicomico County. The target of the burglaries mainly seemed to be jewelry. Detectives from the Wicomico Bureau of Investigation developed two suspects through pawn and precious metal dealer records. Victim’s identified recovered jewelry as being their property. Arrest warrants were issued for the suspects.
On 10/18/09 the suspects were apprehended. A search of the suspects residence resulted in the recovery of additional stolen jewelry which was later identified by numerous victims from Wicomico County and Southern Delaware. This investigation is ongoing as additional victim’s may be located.
Anyone with additional information is requested to contact Detective Robert Wilson at 410-548-4898 or Crime Solvers at 410-548-1776.
ACCUSED:
John Christopher Parsons W/M 25 YOA Delmar, Maryland
Nicole Marie White W/F 29 YOA Delmar, Maryland
CHARGES: Burglary First
Burglary Fourth
Theft over $500
Conspiracy Burglary 1st Degree
DISPOSITION: Held at the Wicomico County Detention Center
INVESTIGATING DETECTIVE Detective R. Wilson
Parsonsburg Haunted Forest
The Parsonsburg Volunteer Fire Company will be holding their annual Haunted Forest Hayride starting tonight, October 22 at dusk. It will also take place on October 23, 24, 29, and 30. The cost is $7.00, and children under 4 are $3.00.
This is a great way for the entire family to enjoy the Haloween season and we hope to see you there.
For more information, contact the Parsonsburg Volunteer Fire Company at 410-742-2408, or visit us on the web at www.parsonsburgfire.com.
This is a great way for the entire family to enjoy the Haloween season and we hope to see you there.
For more information, contact the Parsonsburg Volunteer Fire Company at 410-742-2408, or visit us on the web at www.parsonsburgfire.com.
Albero on Hip Hop Coffee Shop
Joe Albero checks in.mp3
Monday, while driving to New York, Joe was a guest of Bill Baker, the rump shaker and Jessica on the Hip Hop Coffee Shop.
Thanks to Bill and Jessica for the audio.
Monday, while driving to New York, Joe was a guest of Bill Baker, the rump shaker and Jessica on the Hip Hop Coffee Shop.
Thanks to Bill and Jessica for the audio.
New York Times Co. Narrows Loss, Ad Slump Lingers
NEW YORK
The New York Times Co. narrowed its losses in the most recent quarter, though the company showed only moderate signs of improvement in advertising.
The publisher of The New York Times, The Boston Globe, The International Herald-Tribune and 15 other daily newspapers said Thursday it would have made money if not for hefty one-time charges. Times Co. shares jumped 75 cents, or 8.6 percent, to $9.50 in premarket trading.
Times Co. CEO Janet Robinson pointed to "encouraging signs of improvement in the overall economy and in discussions with our advertisers." She said print ad trends during the third quarter "improved modestly," while digital ads got more of a boost. Her comments echoed upbeat remarks this week from Gannett Co. CEO Craig Dubow, who said "revenue trends are moving in the right direction."
The Times Co. sustained a 27 percent drop in ad revenue from July through September. While that was an improvement over last quarter's 30 percent decline, year-over-year comparisons are getting easier because ad sales were already falling off by this time in 2008.
GO HERE to read more.
Carrots, Eggs & Coffee
A carrot, an egg, and a cup of coffee...You will never look at a cup of coffee the same way again.
A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling... It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.
Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil; without saying a word.
In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl....
Turning to her daughter, she asked, 'Tell me what you see.'
'Carrots, eggs, and coffee,' she replied.
Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots.. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg. Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee.. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma.
The daughter then asked, 'What does it mean, mother?' Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water ... Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile.
Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.
'Which are you?' she asked her daughter. 'When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean ?
Think of this: Which am I?
Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?
Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?
Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain.. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you.
When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee?
May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make you happy.
The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way. The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can't go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches.
When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling.. Live your life so at the end, you're the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying.
A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling... It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.
Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil; without saying a word.
In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl....
Turning to her daughter, she asked, 'Tell me what you see.'
'Carrots, eggs, and coffee,' she replied.
Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots.. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg. Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee.. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma.
The daughter then asked, 'What does it mean, mother?' Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water ... Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile.
Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.
'Which are you?' she asked her daughter. 'When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean ?
Think of this: Which am I?
Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?
Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?
Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain.. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you.
When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee?
May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make you happy.
The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way. The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can't go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches.
When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling.. Live your life so at the end, you're the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying.
New Jobless Claims Climb More Than Expected
Employers seem unwilling to hire even as economy shows recovery signs
WASHINGTON - The number of newly laid-off workers filing claims for jobless benefits rose more than expected last week, after falling in five of the past six weeks, as employers remain reluctant to hire even with the economy showing signs of recovery.
The Labor Department said Thursday that new jobless claims rose to a seasonally adjusted 531,000 last week, from an upwardly revised 520,000 the previous week. Wall Street economists had expected only a slight increase, according to Thomson Reuters.
Economists closely watch initial claims, which are considered a gauge of layoffs and an indication of companies' willingness to hire new workers.
GO HERE to read more.
Cheney To Obama: Stop ‘Dithering’
Former vice president accuses the White House of indecision over Afghanistan and urges president to "do what it takes to win."
Scam
Hi Joe,
Love your blog. You had a story a few months ago about someone asking people for change so they could get to Easton. Well, I (along with numerous people) was approached in Super Fresh’s parking lot late yesterday afternoon. This was a white guy, early 20’s, aprox. 5’7”, average build, dark hair & close cut beard. He said his car ran out of gas & his wife was waiting for him at the Valero station which is across the end of the lot. I did give him about 50 cents & he left me alone. It was then that it “clicked” about the story you had with the getting to Easton line. When I passed the gas station I saw there was no small, black car in the lot at all. I had my daughter call SPD & went back to the lot & informed a store employee who then informed the manager. This guy was not alone. He had a friend waiting for him. The friend was also a white guy, early 20’s, about 5’10”, very thin & straggly, long, dark hair. They left the lot after the mgr. approached them. Unfortunately it was before SPD got there. Anyway, this scam is not just on the north side of town but on the south side also.
Love your blog. You had a story a few months ago about someone asking people for change so they could get to Easton. Well, I (along with numerous people) was approached in Super Fresh’s parking lot late yesterday afternoon. This was a white guy, early 20’s, aprox. 5’7”, average build, dark hair & close cut beard. He said his car ran out of gas & his wife was waiting for him at the Valero station which is across the end of the lot. I did give him about 50 cents & he left me alone. It was then that it “clicked” about the story you had with the getting to Easton line. When I passed the gas station I saw there was no small, black car in the lot at all. I had my daughter call SPD & went back to the lot & informed a store employee who then informed the manager. This guy was not alone. He had a friend waiting for him. The friend was also a white guy, early 20’s, about 5’10”, very thin & straggly, long, dark hair. They left the lot after the mgr. approached them. Unfortunately it was before SPD got there. Anyway, this scam is not just on the north side of town but on the south side also.
Obama Compares Fox News to Talk Radio, Says He's Not 'Losing Sleep' Over Controversy
Several top White House advisers have gone on other channels to criticize Fox News' coverage of the administration
President Obama spoke publicly for the first time Wednesday about his administration's portrayal of Fox News as an illegitimate news organization -- only to say he's not "losing sleep" over the controversy.
President Obama spoke publicly for the first time Wednesday about his administration's portrayal of Fox News as an illegitimate news organization -- only to say he's not "losing sleep" over the controversy.
Obama, in an interview with NBC, at first attempted to deflect a question about the White House's criticism of Fox News, saying "the American people are a lot more interested in what we're doing to create jobs or how we're handling the situation in Afghanistan."
The interviewer then pressed, noting that Obama's advisers have targeted the network openly.
"I think that what our advisers simply said is, is that we are going to take media as it comes," Obama said. "And if media is operating, basically, as a talk radio format, then that's one thing. And if it's operating as a news outlet than that's another. But it's not something I'm losing a lot of sleep over."
Several top White House advisers have gone on other channels to criticize Fox News' coverage of the administration, dismiss the network as the mouthpiece of the Republican Party and urge other news organizations not to treat Fox News as a legitimate news station
.
And on Tuesday, Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said White House officials "render (that) opinion based on some their coverage and the fairness of that coverage."
And on Tuesday, Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said White House officials "render (that) opinion based on some their coverage and the fairness of that coverage."
But asked how Fox News was different from other news organizations, Gibbs mentioned the channel's 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. shows, in an explicit reference to "Beck" and "Hannity" -- even though those two shows represent opinion programming.
Informed that those hours are for opinion programming, Gibbs said: "That is our opinion."
Michael Clemente, senior vice president of news for Fox News, issued a statement Tuesday defending the company.
"Hundreds of journalists come to work each day at Fox News all deeply committed to their craft. It's disappointing that the White House would be so dismissive of their fine work and continue their vengeful war against a news organization," he said.
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/10/21/obama-compares-fox-news-talk-radio-says-hes-losing-sleep-controversy/
The 63rd Annual Salisbury Jaycees Christmas Parade
The 63rd Annual Salisbury Jaycees Christmas Parade will be held Sunday December 6th 2009. Starting at 2:00 PM. The parade route will remain the same as the last few years. Starting at Mt Hermon Road and traveling along Civic Avenue to East Main Street. (The rain date for the parade will be Sunday December 13th at 2:00 PM)
This years theme is “Paws and Santa Claus” reminding everyone that our pets are part of our families and should not miss out on all celebration of the season! In addition to our Grand Marshall, we will have a Pet Grand Marshall. The Pet Grand Marshall will be selected through a photo contest . Pet owners may submit a digital photo of their pet, in holiday attire to 09sbyjcparade@comcast.net by October 25th 2009. The voting will take place on our website www.salisburyjc.com from November 2nd through November 30th 2009.
Entry forms for all parade participants and more information about the pet photo contest is available at www.salisburyjc.com. This year parade chairman is Angela Kuzma, she may be reached by calling the Salisbury Jaycees office at 410.749.0144 ext.109.
Please join us along with local bands, floats, marching units, local dignitaries and local, state and national Jaycee guests as we kick off the holiday season for Salisbury.
George W. Bush Wants To Help People 'Get Motivated!'
WASHINGTON (CNN) – Former President George W. Bush has a new speaking gig.
Bush will be featured as the "special guest speaker" at an October 26 "Get Motivated!" business seminar in Fort Worth, Texas, according to an announcement on the organization's Web site.
Tamara Lowe, the Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of Get Motivated Seminars, Inc., said in a phone interview that the former president will appear live and in person at the upcoming event. Lowe estimated that Bush will speak for roughly 20 minutes. Lowe also said that the company has all the necessary safety precautions in place to host a former president.
Bush's former Secretary of State Colin Powell and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani are set to join Bush at the October 26 event.
The former president is also scheduled to participate in another "Get Motivated!" seminar in San Antonio, Texas on December 2, according to the company's Web site.
"For a limited time only," the Web site says, tickets are available to the October and December events for $4.95 per person or $19 for a group.
CNN is awaiting confirmation from a representative of the former president about the scheduled appearances at the seminars.
Phillies Blast Into World Series — Again
Reigning champs hit 4 HRs in 10-4 Game 5 win against Dodgers
PHILADELPHIA - Ryan Howard and the defending champs are back in the World Series — proving last year was no fluke and looking even more dangerous this time around.
Jayson Werth homered twice, Shane Victorino and Pedro Feliz also connected and the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 10-4 in Game 5 on Wednesday night to win their second straight NL pennant.
Brad Lidge closed it out, Howard was selected NL championship series MVP and the Phillies became the first team to reach consecutive World Series since the New York Yankees in 2000-01.
GO HERE to read more.
Funny Money
Funny Money
by Victor Davis Hanson
NRO’s The Corner
Obama recently promised $250 to seniors (who got no cost-of-living increases in Social Security because there had not been sufficient official inflationary pressures to merit them), and a good-paying job to every American who needs one. Apparently, the president did not say that in this period of $1.6 trillion dollar deficits and $12 trillion paper-printing national debts, he is going to borrow several more billions of dollars from the Chinese to spread around as the proper duty of the great benefactor in Roman bread-and-circuses fashion.
This madness, of course, of dressing up borrowing as “stimulus” will come to an end when the debts pile up and creditors begin to sniff that just maybe, in the style of Germany in the 1920s, we may be inflating our currency to prepare to pay off debts at a discount, and therefore they will want not 3 percent, but as in the days of Jimmy Carter, 10,12, or 15 percent to subsidize American entitlements not accorded to their own far poorer Chinese citizens. The servicing of the debt is going to be so large and take such a percentage of the annual budget that these same present beneficiaries will soon have to help to pay it all back with interest, given there are not enough greedy rich geese left to pluck.
Here in California, when the tab for past insanity came due, we didn’t call 10% across the board pay cuts “cuts” at all, but merely “furloughs” (that way a state professor can still brag that he really “makes” $100,000 when in fact he is told to take sufficient days off to ensure that he earns only $90,000). Presently Nevada is running ads inviting more Californians to flee to its non–tax sanctuary, while officially we are told either that 250,000 are not fleeing a year, or that they are not mostly the well off and educated — even as we damn Nevada for its below-the-belt ads.
If the President wants to give everyone a job and seniors cash, then he will probably soon impose a national sales tax so that in merry-go-round fashion we can pay a lot more for what we buy to get a little more in government checks — with thousands of new job holders taking the necessary cut for the expense and bureaucracy of administering the "redistributive" process.
Source
by Victor Davis Hanson
NRO’s The Corner
Obama recently promised $250 to seniors (who got no cost-of-living increases in Social Security because there had not been sufficient official inflationary pressures to merit them), and a good-paying job to every American who needs one. Apparently, the president did not say that in this period of $1.6 trillion dollar deficits and $12 trillion paper-printing national debts, he is going to borrow several more billions of dollars from the Chinese to spread around as the proper duty of the great benefactor in Roman bread-and-circuses fashion.
This madness, of course, of dressing up borrowing as “stimulus” will come to an end when the debts pile up and creditors begin to sniff that just maybe, in the style of Germany in the 1920s, we may be inflating our currency to prepare to pay off debts at a discount, and therefore they will want not 3 percent, but as in the days of Jimmy Carter, 10,12, or 15 percent to subsidize American entitlements not accorded to their own far poorer Chinese citizens. The servicing of the debt is going to be so large and take such a percentage of the annual budget that these same present beneficiaries will soon have to help to pay it all back with interest, given there are not enough greedy rich geese left to pluck.
Here in California, when the tab for past insanity came due, we didn’t call 10% across the board pay cuts “cuts” at all, but merely “furloughs” (that way a state professor can still brag that he really “makes” $100,000 when in fact he is told to take sufficient days off to ensure that he earns only $90,000). Presently Nevada is running ads inviting more Californians to flee to its non–tax sanctuary, while officially we are told either that 250,000 are not fleeing a year, or that they are not mostly the well off and educated — even as we damn Nevada for its below-the-belt ads.
If the President wants to give everyone a job and seniors cash, then he will probably soon impose a national sales tax so that in merry-go-round fashion we can pay a lot more for what we buy to get a little more in government checks — with thousands of new job holders taking the necessary cut for the expense and bureaucracy of administering the "redistributive" process.
Source
Obama’s Theorems
The people don’t believe any more.
by Victor Davis Hanson
National Review Online
Part of the problem with the president’s agenda is that it is predicated on a number of radical ideas that are asserted, rather than proven. His experts and the elites assure us of a reality that most people in their own more mundane lives have not found to be true. In short, they may find Obama personally engaging, but they no longer believe what he says.
Take cap-and-trade legislation. We are asked to endanger an already-weak U.S. economy with a series of incentives and punishments to discourage the use of carbon-based fuels, with which — whether shale, natural gas, coal, or petroleum — America is rather well endowed.
A number of eminent scientists, along with environmental advocates such as Mr. Gore, lecture us that global warming as a manmade phenomenon is unimpeachable. But this month Americans are shivering through one of the coldest Octobers in memory, whether in Idaho, Colorado, or Michigan. They understand that over the last decade average global temperatures did not spike; in fact, they slightly decreased.
We are advised, of course, to look at larger trends to grasp the full extent of the looming disaster. But again, that is a more abstract proposition. And it is not one that is enhanced by elite condescension. In the here and now, the weather seems cooler, and it has for a decade. Voters, unless convinced otherwise, are not about to invest trillions on a theorem.
If borrowing money is the right way to get us out of the recession, the public wants to know why we do not call it “borrowing,” rather than “stimulus.” If well over a trillion dollars in new debt was supposedly essential to restarting the economy, why not three, four, or five trillion more to make recovery a sure thing? And if Americans know from first-hand experience that charging purchases on their credit cards is optional, quick, easy, and fun, but that paying them off is necessary, slow, difficult, and unpleasant, why would they think their government’s charges would be any different?
We are in a terrible energy crisis, we are told: Petroleum supplies have spiked, and we must immediately convert to mass transit, hybrids, biofuels, and electric cars. Such concern is wise, since oil is indeed a finite product. And while this recession has unexpectedly given us a reprieve from crippling oil prices, it is only a reprieve.
But be that as it may, the public sees no reason why it should not hedge its bets. Why not keep frantically searching for oil and gas, both to avoid going broke by buying expensive imported fuels, and to ensure America’s political autonomy from the likes of Chávez, Putin, and the Saudis?
The annual World Gas Association conference in Argentina just announced that new finds — many of them in North America — have pushed natural-gas reserves up to 1.2 trillion oil-equivalent barrels. Recent discoveries of huge fields in the Dakotas, the Gulf of Mexico, and the interior of California remind the public that there are still enormous domestic resources, which, if tapped, could tide us over until solar power, windmills, and biofuels become more economical. Developing all our energy resources, rather than using often-changing parameters to brand some sources environmentally incorrect (is nuclear power still taboo, sort of okay, or acceptable in terms of global warming?), seems far wiser to voters.
Healthcare reform presents the same disconnect. The public is told the president’s radical overhaul of American medicine will save trillions of dollars. But the public wonders how that could be when more people are to be covered, with greater government intrusion.
They do not believe that the government — given vast unfunded liabilities from Medicare, Social Security, and the Postal Service — is particularly efficient. Or that all those who do not purchase private medical insurance are indigent or being “murdered” in a “holocaust,” rather than, in at least a few cases, simply gambling that they will stay healthy and preferring to spend their cash on other things.
If ridding Medicare of waste and fraud will help pay for nationalized healthcare, why have we waited this long to realize such economies? And if Medicare is admittedly rife with abuse, why would an even larger government-run program be singularly exempt from the same inherent dangers?
Abroad, there is the same commonsense intuition that something about the president’s talk does not quite seem right. One or two apologies might convey magnanimity; three or more reveal obsequiousness. Apologizing to a cranky neighbor for mowing on a Sunday morning is wise; apologizing to the entire block for an array of past sins does not just ensure ridicule, but could prove downright dangerous.
There is a reason why previous presidents were skeptical of Ahmadinejad, Assad, Castro, Chávez, Morales, and Putin, and it had nothing to do with Bush’s strut or twang. When Obama acts as if these rogues have been misunderstood, he might be right about one of them but not all of them — and it would not be because they were collectively and gratuitously alienated by the United States.
When told that Obama’s resonance abroad and forthright candor about what America has done wrong should be welcomed, since it makes us better liked, not all the public agrees. Some prefer not to be liked by some abroad; others wonder whether the president wants himself or the United States in general to be the more popular. If Obama can be quite detailed about all the things America has done wrong in the past, could he just once offer the same specificity about what we’ve done right — especially since America seems a far more prosperous and successful country today than, say, Egypt, Kenya, or India?
Something is also not quite right about Afghanistan. We are lectured ad nauseam that Bush took his eye off the good war to fight the optional and hopeless one in Iraq, while Obama for years has promised to reset priorities by finishing off the Taliban and bin Laden.
But that narrative troubles the public. If we neglected the war in Afghanistan, why were almost no Americans dying there between 2001 and 2006? In some years of war, fewer perished in twelve months in Afghanistan than in a single month in Iraq. Either both sides went into an agreed-on remission, or both sides simultaneously escalated elsewhere, turning to the hotter theater in Iraq. If we took our eye off the ball, did not radical Islam as well, when it called forth thousands to flock to Anbar Province?
If Bush was crazy to think that an oil-rich Sunni Arab kleptocracy on the Gulf — with a long history of genocide, sponsorship of terror, and war with the United States — needed a long-overdue reckoning after 19 Sunni Arab terrorists slaughtered 3,000 Americans, were his enemies even crazier to agree that Iraq was indeed now the central front in radical Islam’s war against the infidel?
Other questions arise. If Obama long ago wanted to finish off the Afghan war, why doesn't he do it now when Iraq is not the distraction that it was under Bush? Why, after a victory in Iraq, should we be discouraged, while radical Islam, coming off a defeat in Anbar Province, should be eager to escalate in Afghanistan? And if General Petraeus was right about the surge in Iraq, and candidate Obama, who wanted to clear the country of American combat forces by March 2008, was quite wrong (“the surge is not working”), then why would we assume that Petraeus is now wrong on Afghanistan and Obama right? After all, the former has been proven wise and consistent, and the latter wrong in the past and erratic in the present.
Americans want out of the recession and wish long-term problems of war, energy, and healthcare to be solved. They welcomed a young, charismatic president who seems eager to tackle these challenges head-on. The problem, however, is that they are not convinced that he understands the challenges, let alone that he offers the right solutions. In short, what Obama says seems pleasant to the ear, but an increasing number of Americans believe that his answers are not just unlikely, but perhaps not even possible.
Source
by Victor Davis Hanson
National Review Online
Part of the problem with the president’s agenda is that it is predicated on a number of radical ideas that are asserted, rather than proven. His experts and the elites assure us of a reality that most people in their own more mundane lives have not found to be true. In short, they may find Obama personally engaging, but they no longer believe what he says.
Take cap-and-trade legislation. We are asked to endanger an already-weak U.S. economy with a series of incentives and punishments to discourage the use of carbon-based fuels, with which — whether shale, natural gas, coal, or petroleum — America is rather well endowed.
A number of eminent scientists, along with environmental advocates such as Mr. Gore, lecture us that global warming as a manmade phenomenon is unimpeachable. But this month Americans are shivering through one of the coldest Octobers in memory, whether in Idaho, Colorado, or Michigan. They understand that over the last decade average global temperatures did not spike; in fact, they slightly decreased.
We are advised, of course, to look at larger trends to grasp the full extent of the looming disaster. But again, that is a more abstract proposition. And it is not one that is enhanced by elite condescension. In the here and now, the weather seems cooler, and it has for a decade. Voters, unless convinced otherwise, are not about to invest trillions on a theorem.
If borrowing money is the right way to get us out of the recession, the public wants to know why we do not call it “borrowing,” rather than “stimulus.” If well over a trillion dollars in new debt was supposedly essential to restarting the economy, why not three, four, or five trillion more to make recovery a sure thing? And if Americans know from first-hand experience that charging purchases on their credit cards is optional, quick, easy, and fun, but that paying them off is necessary, slow, difficult, and unpleasant, why would they think their government’s charges would be any different?
We are in a terrible energy crisis, we are told: Petroleum supplies have spiked, and we must immediately convert to mass transit, hybrids, biofuels, and electric cars. Such concern is wise, since oil is indeed a finite product. And while this recession has unexpectedly given us a reprieve from crippling oil prices, it is only a reprieve.
But be that as it may, the public sees no reason why it should not hedge its bets. Why not keep frantically searching for oil and gas, both to avoid going broke by buying expensive imported fuels, and to ensure America’s political autonomy from the likes of Chávez, Putin, and the Saudis?
The annual World Gas Association conference in Argentina just announced that new finds — many of them in North America — have pushed natural-gas reserves up to 1.2 trillion oil-equivalent barrels. Recent discoveries of huge fields in the Dakotas, the Gulf of Mexico, and the interior of California remind the public that there are still enormous domestic resources, which, if tapped, could tide us over until solar power, windmills, and biofuels become more economical. Developing all our energy resources, rather than using often-changing parameters to brand some sources environmentally incorrect (is nuclear power still taboo, sort of okay, or acceptable in terms of global warming?), seems far wiser to voters.
Healthcare reform presents the same disconnect. The public is told the president’s radical overhaul of American medicine will save trillions of dollars. But the public wonders how that could be when more people are to be covered, with greater government intrusion.
They do not believe that the government — given vast unfunded liabilities from Medicare, Social Security, and the Postal Service — is particularly efficient. Or that all those who do not purchase private medical insurance are indigent or being “murdered” in a “holocaust,” rather than, in at least a few cases, simply gambling that they will stay healthy and preferring to spend their cash on other things.
If ridding Medicare of waste and fraud will help pay for nationalized healthcare, why have we waited this long to realize such economies? And if Medicare is admittedly rife with abuse, why would an even larger government-run program be singularly exempt from the same inherent dangers?
Abroad, there is the same commonsense intuition that something about the president’s talk does not quite seem right. One or two apologies might convey magnanimity; three or more reveal obsequiousness. Apologizing to a cranky neighbor for mowing on a Sunday morning is wise; apologizing to the entire block for an array of past sins does not just ensure ridicule, but could prove downright dangerous.
There is a reason why previous presidents were skeptical of Ahmadinejad, Assad, Castro, Chávez, Morales, and Putin, and it had nothing to do with Bush’s strut or twang. When Obama acts as if these rogues have been misunderstood, he might be right about one of them but not all of them — and it would not be because they were collectively and gratuitously alienated by the United States.
When told that Obama’s resonance abroad and forthright candor about what America has done wrong should be welcomed, since it makes us better liked, not all the public agrees. Some prefer not to be liked by some abroad; others wonder whether the president wants himself or the United States in general to be the more popular. If Obama can be quite detailed about all the things America has done wrong in the past, could he just once offer the same specificity about what we’ve done right — especially since America seems a far more prosperous and successful country today than, say, Egypt, Kenya, or India?
Something is also not quite right about Afghanistan. We are lectured ad nauseam that Bush took his eye off the good war to fight the optional and hopeless one in Iraq, while Obama for years has promised to reset priorities by finishing off the Taliban and bin Laden.
But that narrative troubles the public. If we neglected the war in Afghanistan, why were almost no Americans dying there between 2001 and 2006? In some years of war, fewer perished in twelve months in Afghanistan than in a single month in Iraq. Either both sides went into an agreed-on remission, or both sides simultaneously escalated elsewhere, turning to the hotter theater in Iraq. If we took our eye off the ball, did not radical Islam as well, when it called forth thousands to flock to Anbar Province?
If Bush was crazy to think that an oil-rich Sunni Arab kleptocracy on the Gulf — with a long history of genocide, sponsorship of terror, and war with the United States — needed a long-overdue reckoning after 19 Sunni Arab terrorists slaughtered 3,000 Americans, were his enemies even crazier to agree that Iraq was indeed now the central front in radical Islam’s war against the infidel?
Other questions arise. If Obama long ago wanted to finish off the Afghan war, why doesn't he do it now when Iraq is not the distraction that it was under Bush? Why, after a victory in Iraq, should we be discouraged, while radical Islam, coming off a defeat in Anbar Province, should be eager to escalate in Afghanistan? And if General Petraeus was right about the surge in Iraq, and candidate Obama, who wanted to clear the country of American combat forces by March 2008, was quite wrong (“the surge is not working”), then why would we assume that Petraeus is now wrong on Afghanistan and Obama right? After all, the former has been proven wise and consistent, and the latter wrong in the past and erratic in the present.
Americans want out of the recession and wish long-term problems of war, energy, and healthcare to be solved. They welcomed a young, charismatic president who seems eager to tackle these challenges head-on. The problem, however, is that they are not convinced that he understands the challenges, let alone that he offers the right solutions. In short, what Obama says seems pleasant to the ear, but an increasing number of Americans believe that his answers are not just unlikely, but perhaps not even possible.
Source
WBI Press Release
INCIDENT: Home Invasion Robbery
DATE: October 21, 2009
LOCATION: 720 N. Westover Drive Salisbury, MD 21801
NARRATIVE:
On 10/21/09 between 2130 – 2140 hours, two unknown suspects kicked in the back door of the above residence and entered with a handgun. Upon entry they entered one of the bedrooms where the victim was and assaulted him. The suspects stole money from the victim and fled on foot. The first suspect is described as a thin, black male wearing a blue and black hoodie and black tennis shoes. The second suspect is described as a heavyset black male with dreads and no facial hair, wearing a black hoodie, white T-shirt, black pants and black boots.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact WBI at (410) 548-4898 or Crimesolvers at (410) 548-1776.
Downtown
I saw something yesterday that really upset me. 45 years ago, going Downtown every Friday night was the thing to do. That is where all the major stores were and when you needed something, anything; you went downtown. Through out the years I have repeatedly heard revitalize the Downtown. Well yesterday I had to attend a funeral of one of our choral buddies at St. Peters Church. As I walked down the middle of what was Downtown I was devastated. All of the Time and Monies that Salisbury has spent and it looked almost like a 3rd world country. Better than half of the Buildings were empty. It is nothing.
I’m wondering if this will be what the United States of America will look like when Obama and his leaguers get done with it.
People with Master Degrees can not get a job here. I’m beginning to wonder if I will ever be able to work gainfully earning a salary again. Also, the Mall or Center is empty. Walmart seems to be the only store with a majority of cars in front of it. This scares me. What do you think others notice or say as you are closer to the situation? Is this Mayor Barrie’s’ legacy?
I have been a Democrat since I registered over 38 years ago, well this week I changed my affiliation. I have had enough of the Democrats Democracy.
Anyone still believing in the Democrats agenda is either deaf dumb or just plain stupid or a crook.
Wilma.
I’m wondering if this will be what the United States of America will look like when Obama and his leaguers get done with it.
People with Master Degrees can not get a job here. I’m beginning to wonder if I will ever be able to work gainfully earning a salary again. Also, the Mall or Center is empty. Walmart seems to be the only store with a majority of cars in front of it. This scares me. What do you think others notice or say as you are closer to the situation? Is this Mayor Barrie’s’ legacy?
I have been a Democrat since I registered over 38 years ago, well this week I changed my affiliation. I have had enough of the Democrats Democracy.
Anyone still believing in the Democrats agenda is either deaf dumb or just plain stupid or a crook.
Wilma.
Crime, Census, And Censorship
by Michelle Malkin
Creators Syndicate
There are serious problems with the administration of the U.S. Census. Americans have good reason to be wary of the stranger’s knock on the door. Unfortunately, anything critics say about the federal census can and will be used against them in the court of left-wing opinion.
First, the disturbing news about the government’s most recent census travails: According to a new General Accounting Office report, botched finger-printing by ill-trained employees led to the hiring of some 36,000 census workers with insufficient background checks. “More than 200” of those workers may have had serious criminal records, according to the GAO. The investigators revealed that:
“…of the prints that could be processed, fingerprint results identified approximately 1,800 temporary workers (1.1 percent of total hires) with criminal records that name check alone failed to identify. Approximately 750 (42 percent) [of those] were terminated or were further reviewed because the Bureau determined their criminal records—which included crimes such as rape, manslaughter, and child abuse—disqualified them from census employment.”
Gulp. This comes on the heels of the Census Bureau’s admission that it is uncertain of the final cost of the 2010 decennial census and that it faces ongoing problems with handheld computers used to collect data. The failure of the handheld devices will increase census costs by up to $3 billion, officials told a House subcommittee last month. On top of that, NewMajority.com blogger Tim Mak points out, the bureau is grappling with cost overruns of nearly $90 million related to verifying its address list.
Then there’s the troubling alliance between the Census Bureau and the aggressively partisan Services Employees International Union – whose many leading officials and organizing tactics are inextricably intertwined with the disgraced personnel and methods of the ACORN community
GO HERE to read more.
Creators Syndicate
There are serious problems with the administration of the U.S. Census. Americans have good reason to be wary of the stranger’s knock on the door. Unfortunately, anything critics say about the federal census can and will be used against them in the court of left-wing opinion.
First, the disturbing news about the government’s most recent census travails: According to a new General Accounting Office report, botched finger-printing by ill-trained employees led to the hiring of some 36,000 census workers with insufficient background checks. “More than 200” of those workers may have had serious criminal records, according to the GAO. The investigators revealed that:
“…of the prints that could be processed, fingerprint results identified approximately 1,800 temporary workers (1.1 percent of total hires) with criminal records that name check alone failed to identify. Approximately 750 (42 percent) [of those] were terminated or were further reviewed because the Bureau determined their criminal records—which included crimes such as rape, manslaughter, and child abuse—disqualified them from census employment.”
Gulp. This comes on the heels of the Census Bureau’s admission that it is uncertain of the final cost of the 2010 decennial census and that it faces ongoing problems with handheld computers used to collect data. The failure of the handheld devices will increase census costs by up to $3 billion, officials told a House subcommittee last month. On top of that, NewMajority.com blogger Tim Mak points out, the bureau is grappling with cost overruns of nearly $90 million related to verifying its address list.
Then there’s the troubling alliance between the Census Bureau and the aggressively partisan Services Employees International Union – whose many leading officials and organizing tactics are inextricably intertwined with the disgraced personnel and methods of the ACORN community
GO HERE to read more.
LIFT YOUR VOICE IN SONG
The Salvation Army is seeking voices to join a Community Choir being formed for the Blessing of the Kettles service.
Whether you are a member of a formal choir or just love to sing - please come join us.
The Choir will be led by Mae Higgins, music coordinator for Providence Presbyterian Church. The service is scheduled for 7 p.m. on November 14th at the church located at 311 Parker Road, Salisbury.
Rehearsals are scheduled for Monday, October 26th from
7 p.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sundays, November 1st and 8th from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The service will be open to the public. Attendees are requested to bring a canned good for The Salvation Army Food Pantry.
Please join us, raise your voice in song and help the Red Kettle Campaign continue The Salvation Army's mission of "Doing The Most Good".
To join the Choir, please email kettlechoir@gmail.com or call The Salvation Army at 410-749-7771.
Thank you,
Your Friends at The Salvation Army
Whether you are a member of a formal choir or just love to sing - please come join us.
The Choir will be led by Mae Higgins, music coordinator for Providence Presbyterian Church. The service is scheduled for 7 p.m. on November 14th at the church located at 311 Parker Road, Salisbury.
Rehearsals are scheduled for Monday, October 26th from
7 p.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sundays, November 1st and 8th from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The service will be open to the public. Attendees are requested to bring a canned good for The Salvation Army Food Pantry.
Please join us, raise your voice in song and help the Red Kettle Campaign continue The Salvation Army's mission of "Doing The Most Good".
To join the Choir, please email kettlechoir@gmail.com or call The Salvation Army at 410-749-7771.
Thank you,
Your Friends at The Salvation Army
Americrooks: The Volunteerism Scandal Hollywood Won’t Be Broadcasting
The volunteerism scandals Hollywood won’t be broadcasting
Hollywood hearts Obama. Obama hearts government-directed national service. That is why you won’t be able to change the TV channel all week without getting lectured about the need to get off the couch and Do Something. (After your favorite shows are over, of course.) Creeped out? You should be.
The entertainment industry, inspired by Obama’s $6 billion expansion of government volunteerism spending, is coordinating plot lines and ads to push public service. “The message will be nearly ubiquitous,” reports the Los Angeles Times, “starting in the morning with programs such as ‘Today’ and ‘The View,’ and then echoed on soap operas, prime-time series and late-night shows.” First Lady Michelle Obama, a relentless Americorps promoter who publicly extolled the Tinseltown initiative last month, will cap off the week with an appearance on the Jay Leno show on Friday.
But don’t expect Leno to ask Mrs. Obama about her reported meddling in personnel decisions at the scandal-plagued Americorps. Or about the program’s long history as a government boondoggle stuffed with make-work jobs, permanent bureaucracies, left-wing slush funds, and partisan lobbyists. More on that in a moment.
GO HERE to read more.
TRAFFIC ALERT
Roth Bridge Inspection Will Require Lane Closures on Route 1
St. Georges -- The Department of Transportation's (DelDOT's) Bridge Management Forces announce that lane and shoulder closures will occur on the Roth Bridge over the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal on Route 1.
The left and center southbound lanes and shoulder will be closed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, October 26. The left and center northbound lanes and shoulder will be closed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, October 27. The rain date will be Wednesday, October 28.
The Roth Bridge inspection which is conducted once every two years is a normal process to ensure the continued safe operation of the span. DelDOT handles the formal inspection process even though the Roth Bridge is maintained by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Sex In The Dark
There was this couple that had been married for 20 years.
Every time they made love the husband always insisted on shutting off the light.
Well, after 20 years the wife felt this was ridiculous.
She figured she would break him out of this crazy habit
So one night, while they were in the middle of a wild, screaming,
romantic session, she turned on the lights.
She looked down.... and saw her husband was holding a battery-operated pleasure device... a vibrator!
Soft, wonderful and larger than a real one.
She went completely ballistic.
'You impotent bastard,' She screamed at him, 'How could you be lying to me all of these years?
You better explain yourself!'
The husband looks her straight in the eyes and says calmly:
'I'll explain the toy , you explain the kids.'
Every time they made love the husband always insisted on shutting off the light.
Well, after 20 years the wife felt this was ridiculous.
She figured she would break him out of this crazy habit
So one night, while they were in the middle of a wild, screaming,
romantic session, she turned on the lights.
She looked down.... and saw her husband was holding a battery-operated pleasure device... a vibrator!
Soft, wonderful and larger than a real one.
She went completely ballistic.
'You impotent bastard,' She screamed at him, 'How could you be lying to me all of these years?
You better explain yourself!'
The husband looks her straight in the eyes and says calmly:
'I'll explain the toy , you explain the kids.'
Cost Cutter
Senator Carden says a government run option on heathcare will bring dow the cost of health care reform.
GO HERE to watch the video.
GO HERE to watch the video.
Delmarva Dance News
16 October Stayin' Alive at Seacrets: The Wellness Community's fundraiser was a blast from the past. The weather may have been frightful outside but inside it was heating up with lots of dancing, auctions, and the introduction of the stars for DWTS2010. What a great turn out and it was nice to see so many people from DWTS2009. April Brilliant did a fantastic job as MC and what a pleasure it was to see Bill and Bernadette together once again on stage. Bill and I feel so fortunate to have met both April and Bernadette. They are wonderful ladies who donate a great deal of their time to help with community efforts. Thanks April and Bernadette for allowing us to be part of your busy lives!
November is just around the corner and new classes will begin at both the Y in Salisbury and Pocomoke.
From 7 - 28 November, Bill will continue to excite and thrill students in Salisbury with West Coast Swing lessons from 4:30 - 5:30pm and his award winning Hustle from 5:30 - 6:30pm. The Y in Salisbury is located at 715 South Schumaker Drive Salisbury, MD. Look for us in the aerobics studio, which has a wooden dance floor. In November, you have twice as many chances to learn Swing as Bill will be offering West Coast at the Y in Pocomoke 7 - 28 November from 12 - 1pm. The YMCA in Pocomoke is located at 1900 Worcester Hwy Pocomoke City, MD. West Coast Swing is extremely versatile and can be danced to the blues, country, swing, beach, and top 40 music. For more information on November classes, e-mail Bill at bgdance1@cs.com. Walk-ins are welcome!
New class begins this Friday, 23 October at Indian River High School (IRHS). Whether a beginner or advanced dancer, guaranteed Bill will teach you some hot Cha-Cha moves. Come join him for lessons from 6:30 - 7:30pm in the auditorium. Immediately following lessons is open dancing with our Friday night Dancing in Dagsboro from 7:30 - 9:30pm. This weekly dance is open to all dancers for only $5 per person. Come out and have some fun while practicing your moves to the live sounds of Fox and Company. IRHS is located at 29772 Armory Road Dagsboro, DE. Some directions coming from Salisbury: Route 50E to Whaleyville, at 610 make a left to Selbyville and go to the end. Red light is route 113 (Emings is on the corner to your left) make a left onto 113N to Frankford, turn right onto Hickory and take to the end. Make a left on Clayton (you will pass old IRHS on your left). About one block up, you will see the new IRHS on your right. Make a right at the ballfields (at the new white fence). Yield to the left, park in the lot, and enter thru the glass doors. Once inside, go straight and the auditorium is immediately on your right.
Hope to see you on the floor! Sue Goschen
November is just around the corner and new classes will begin at both the Y in Salisbury and Pocomoke.
From 7 - 28 November, Bill will continue to excite and thrill students in Salisbury with West Coast Swing lessons from 4:30 - 5:30pm and his award winning Hustle from 5:30 - 6:30pm. The Y in Salisbury is located at 715 South Schumaker Drive Salisbury, MD. Look for us in the aerobics studio, which has a wooden dance floor. In November, you have twice as many chances to learn Swing as Bill will be offering West Coast at the Y in Pocomoke 7 - 28 November from 12 - 1pm. The YMCA in Pocomoke is located at 1900 Worcester Hwy Pocomoke City, MD. West Coast Swing is extremely versatile and can be danced to the blues, country, swing, beach, and top 40 music. For more information on November classes, e-mail Bill at bgdance1@cs.com. Walk-ins are welcome!
New class begins this Friday, 23 October at Indian River High School (IRHS). Whether a beginner or advanced dancer, guaranteed Bill will teach you some hot Cha-Cha moves. Come join him for lessons from 6:30 - 7:30pm in the auditorium. Immediately following lessons is open dancing with our Friday night Dancing in Dagsboro from 7:30 - 9:30pm. This weekly dance is open to all dancers for only $5 per person. Come out and have some fun while practicing your moves to the live sounds of Fox and Company. IRHS is located at 29772 Armory Road Dagsboro, DE. Some directions coming from Salisbury: Route 50E to Whaleyville, at 610 make a left to Selbyville and go to the end. Red light is route 113 (Emings is on the corner to your left) make a left onto 113N to Frankford, turn right onto Hickory and take to the end. Make a left on Clayton (you will pass old IRHS on your left). About one block up, you will see the new IRHS on your right. Make a right at the ballfields (at the new white fence). Yield to the left, park in the lot, and enter thru the glass doors. Once inside, go straight and the auditorium is immediately on your right.
Hope to see you on the floor! Sue Goschen
Fight Climate Treaty NOW!
In a few weeks newly minted Nobel laureate Barack Obama is expected to sign a new climate change treaty in Copenhagen (sight of Obama’s recent Olympics debacle). This treaty will, if ratified by the Senate, prove far more insidious than the recently enacted “Cap and Tax” legislation:
Remember, it will take 2/3 of all senators to ratify this treaty. The time to start calling your senators is NOW!
If you wish to watch all of Lord Monckton’s speech, CLICK HERE.
from Delmarva Dealings
Publicity Antique Appraisal Event
Saturday, Oct. 24th, from 1-4, The Friends of Poplar Hill Mansion will present an Antique Appraisal, "What's It Worth?, Ask the Experts. On hand to value your family treasures will be Ann Von Forthuber, a certified personal property appraiser, and auctioneer, who has provided values for James Monroe's presidential china as well as Sevres from the Iranian Embassy, Mr Craig Flinner of televisions's Antique Roadshow, and owner of the Craig Flinner Gallery in Baltimore, specializing in antique posters, lithographs, and fine art. Paul Mint, artist, Illustrator and antique dealer, specializing in antique toys and art, who appraised the Fats Domino collection to the rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and Howard Simons, an antique restorer who studied under Pru Savoy, noted author, historian & antique restorer. Mr. Simons specializes in furniture, coins, collectibles, tools and machinery. Admission price is $15.00 per person, all proceeds going to the restoration of Poplar Hill Mansion. You may bring 1-3 items for appraisal, all appraisals are verbal only. Refreshments will be available for sale by The Friends of Poplar Hill Mansion. Don't miss this chance to value your heirlooms!
Please consider bringing a non perishable item for the Joseph House food bank.
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, 1795-1805. Please consider becoming a friend of Poplar Hill Mansion with membership beginning at the annual giving level of $25.00 which includes many benefits. Call the Curator for event information or visit the website.
Please consider bringing a non perishable item for the Joseph House food bank.
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, 1795-1805. Please consider becoming a friend of Poplar Hill Mansion with membership beginning at the annual giving level of $25.00 which includes many benefits. Call the Curator for event information or visit the website.
Dollar Hits 14-Month Low Against The Euro
Currency tops psychologically significant $1.50 mark last done in Aug. 2008
NEW YORK - The euro broke through $1.50 against the dollar for the first time in 14 months Wednesday as a recovering stock market further sapped the U.S. currency's appeal as a safe-haven investment.
The dollar's slide came despite recent supportive comments from Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner and senior European finance officials, who are growing increasingly anxious about the euro's appreciation. A stronger euro makes European exports more expensive in other currencies, and thus less competitive.
The 16-nation euro peaked at $1.5046 in New York, up from $1.4928 late Tuesday. That's the euro's strongest level since August 2008, when it traded above $1.56.
GO HERE to read more.
NEW YORK - The euro broke through $1.50 against the dollar for the first time in 14 months Wednesday as a recovering stock market further sapped the U.S. currency's appeal as a safe-haven investment.
The dollar's slide came despite recent supportive comments from Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner and senior European finance officials, who are growing increasingly anxious about the euro's appreciation. A stronger euro makes European exports more expensive in other currencies, and thus less competitive.
The 16-nation euro peaked at $1.5046 in New York, up from $1.4928 late Tuesday. That's the euro's strongest level since August 2008, when it traded above $1.56.
GO HERE to read more.
FBI: Mobster 'More Powerful Than A John Gotti'
Editor's Note: In an exclusive series this week on "Campbell Brown," the FBI has unveiled three additions to its list of the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives.NEWTOWN, Pennsylvania (CNN) -- Semion Mogilevich may be the most powerful man you've never heard of.
The FBI says Mogilevich, a Russian mobster, has been involved in arms trafficking, prostitution, extortion and murder for hire.
"He has access to so much, including funding, including other criminal organizations, that he can, with a telephone call and order, affect the global economy," said FBI Supervisory Special Agent Peter Kowenhoven.
Mogilevich's alleged brutality, financial savvy and international influence have earned him a slot on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list, though he has lived and operated from Moscow, Russia, for years.
GO HERE to read more.
Spain's High-Speed Trains Outmuscle Airlines
U.S. President Barack Obama has set aside $13 billion in stimulus and budget funds for high-speed trains in America. If he wants an example of how best to use that cash, Obama might take a look at Spain’s growing high-speed network.I’ve just arrived in Madrid from Barcelona during a reporting trip. And for the first time, I chose the high-speed rail system, known locally as Ave, instead of a traditional airline connection. My verdict: The train beats air travel hands down.
That certainly wasn’t always the case. It has been years since I’ve traveled between the two biggest Spanish cities, but I remember well that there used to be only two options: Forking out big bucks for an airline ticket on the national carrier, Iberia, or facing five or more hours trundling slowly across Spain’s countryside in a worn-out train.
Since early 2008, though, Spaniards have enjoyed the new, state-of-the-art Ave railway service (based on the same Alstom technology as France’s famous TGV), which makes the journey between the city centers of Madrid and Barcelona in just two-and-a-half hours. (No traveling to far-flung airports, long lines for check-in and security, fighting for space in overhead luggage bins…) It’s another of the superfast train systems that cover Europe and that are the envy of some dreamers in the U.S.
GO HERE to read more.
General Motors CEO Wagoner Had To Go
GM's executive suite and corporate culture are its biggest challenges, says Steven Rattner, the former head of the Obama auto task forceDespite the more than 60 billion of U.S. taxpayer dollars pumped into the rescue of General Motors and Chrysler, their futures remain hazy, Steven Rattner, the former head of the Obama Administration's auto task force, said on Wednesday.
Rattner resigned his post in July and his Oct. 21 speech at the National Press Club in Washington was one of the first times he's spoken publicly about the restructuring process. Rattner said the primary challenge facing Chrysler now is how to use its partnership with Fiat (FIA.MI) to introduce fresh new products that catch the eye of auto buyers who had soured on the company's lineup as it cut back on vehicle development and in other areas. For GM, the biggest changes need to come in corporate culture and decision-making in the executive suite, Rattner said. The government asked GM's CEO, Rick Wagoner, to step aside in March after Rattner and his team observed what he called a "lack of financial discipline" within the company.
The decision to replace Wagoner with Chief Operating Officer Frederick "Fritz" Henderson and gut the company's board, while controversial at the time, was common sense, Rattner said Wednesday: "It seemed obvious that any CEO who had burned through $44 billion of cash in 15 months should not continue."
GO HERE to read more.
Mardela Community Mourns Passing Of Legendary Coach And Teacher Barbara McCool
Barbara McCool, 71, who since 1965 had served Mardela Middle and High School as a physical education teacher and coach of girls basketball and other sports, died Wednesday, Oct. 21.
Arrangements are being handled by Holloway Funeral Home in Salisbury. Coach McCool’s funeral service will be held at Mardela Middle and High School at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31.
“I loved her and she loved kids,” Principal Lori Batts said. “She went to the ends of the earth to help students. She put so much of her time, money, blood, sweat and tears into this school and we are grateful for her.”
McCool received a bachelor’s degree from Appalachian College in Boone, N.C., in 1960, and for five years she taught physical education in Virginia school districts. In 1965 she was hired as a teacher for Mardela Middle and High, and she remained there for the rest of her career, serving not only as a teacher but as the athletic director and girls head basketball coach. She also served as head coach of the boys soccer team for three years at a time when a strong coach was needed to rebuild the program.
“As a head coach, she was a true professional, performing her duties with the utmost efficiency and ability. She was an innovative and dynamic coach, infusing her athletes with tremendous motivation and instilling in them a desire to be the best they can be,” said Ralph Osborne, who as supervisor of athletics for Wicomico County Public Schools supervised Coach McCool for 23 years. Though she coached at one of the smallest high schools in the state, she fostered a tradition of success for her teams and athletes. She was recognized earlier this year for reaching the milestone of 600 career varsity wins, and in 2008-09 was selected as the Maryland District VIII Athletic Director of the Year. Her teams had numerous county, conference and regional titles over the decades.
“While she was demanding of her athletes, she always had their best interests at heart. She nurtured them and encouraged them in all their endeavors,” Osborne said. “Her demands and expectations of her athletes were only surpassed by the demands and expectations she placed on herself. She was like iron, never bending or breaking. In more than 40 years of coaching, she only ever missed one game, and that was due to an emergency stay at the hospital – with guards outside the door, of course, to prevent her leaving for the game.”
Liza Hastings, assistant principal at Bennett Middle School, played for Coach McCool from 1988-92. Unlike one of her contemporaries, Tia Jackson, Hastings did not seem destined for a career in basketball either as a player or coach. That didn’t matter to Coach McCool, who pushed every player to be their personal best no matter what their level of ability. Though Hastings was not a natural athlete, “She never let me use that as an excuse. She taught me to push myself, that you have to have pride, and that you never settle… She pushed, and because of that I pushed, and that translated into academics and other areas of high school, like getting into the SGA (Student Government Association).”
“I have such respect for her, I really do. She’s one of my heroes,” Hastings said.
Ron Wainwright, a Mardela High School history teacher and former Wicomico Teacher of the Year, held Coach McCool in high esteem after knowing her for 25 years and spending 14 years as her assistant coach for soccer, track and basketball. “She sacrificed a lot of her own personal life for the kids and the school,” he said. “I know of no person who has ever put in as much time for the kids and the basketball program and the school as she did – ever.”
“She would do or say anything if it was in the best interest of the kids,” Wainwright said.
The Mardela Middle and High School family and the community will celebrate her life and career even as they mourn her passing. She will be missed by many in Wicomico County and beyond.
“Coach McCool exemplifies our Wicomico County teaching staff in her intense dedication to the success of every student in her care,” said Dr. John Fredericksen, superintendent of schools. “She was the consummate professional in her knowledge of her subjects and students. She spent the time needed not only to bring their skills up to the highest level at which they could achieve, but to give the gift of focused attention to each student who entered her classroom, field or gym. She was a true teacher in the highest sense of the title.”
Arrangements are being handled by Holloway Funeral Home in Salisbury. Coach McCool’s funeral service will be held at Mardela Middle and High School at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31.
“I loved her and she loved kids,” Principal Lori Batts said. “She went to the ends of the earth to help students. She put so much of her time, money, blood, sweat and tears into this school and we are grateful for her.”
McCool received a bachelor’s degree from Appalachian College in Boone, N.C., in 1960, and for five years she taught physical education in Virginia school districts. In 1965 she was hired as a teacher for Mardela Middle and High, and she remained there for the rest of her career, serving not only as a teacher but as the athletic director and girls head basketball coach. She also served as head coach of the boys soccer team for three years at a time when a strong coach was needed to rebuild the program.
“As a head coach, she was a true professional, performing her duties with the utmost efficiency and ability. She was an innovative and dynamic coach, infusing her athletes with tremendous motivation and instilling in them a desire to be the best they can be,” said Ralph Osborne, who as supervisor of athletics for Wicomico County Public Schools supervised Coach McCool for 23 years. Though she coached at one of the smallest high schools in the state, she fostered a tradition of success for her teams and athletes. She was recognized earlier this year for reaching the milestone of 600 career varsity wins, and in 2008-09 was selected as the Maryland District VIII Athletic Director of the Year. Her teams had numerous county, conference and regional titles over the decades.
“While she was demanding of her athletes, she always had their best interests at heart. She nurtured them and encouraged them in all their endeavors,” Osborne said. “Her demands and expectations of her athletes were only surpassed by the demands and expectations she placed on herself. She was like iron, never bending or breaking. In more than 40 years of coaching, she only ever missed one game, and that was due to an emergency stay at the hospital – with guards outside the door, of course, to prevent her leaving for the game.”
Liza Hastings, assistant principal at Bennett Middle School, played for Coach McCool from 1988-92. Unlike one of her contemporaries, Tia Jackson, Hastings did not seem destined for a career in basketball either as a player or coach. That didn’t matter to Coach McCool, who pushed every player to be their personal best no matter what their level of ability. Though Hastings was not a natural athlete, “She never let me use that as an excuse. She taught me to push myself, that you have to have pride, and that you never settle… She pushed, and because of that I pushed, and that translated into academics and other areas of high school, like getting into the SGA (Student Government Association).”
“I have such respect for her, I really do. She’s one of my heroes,” Hastings said.
Ron Wainwright, a Mardela High School history teacher and former Wicomico Teacher of the Year, held Coach McCool in high esteem after knowing her for 25 years and spending 14 years as her assistant coach for soccer, track and basketball. “She sacrificed a lot of her own personal life for the kids and the school,” he said. “I know of no person who has ever put in as much time for the kids and the basketball program and the school as she did – ever.”
“She would do or say anything if it was in the best interest of the kids,” Wainwright said.
The Mardela Middle and High School family and the community will celebrate her life and career even as they mourn her passing. She will be missed by many in Wicomico County and beyond.
“Coach McCool exemplifies our Wicomico County teaching staff in her intense dedication to the success of every student in her care,” said Dr. John Fredericksen, superintendent of schools. “She was the consummate professional in her knowledge of her subjects and students. She spent the time needed not only to bring their skills up to the highest level at which they could achieve, but to give the gift of focused attention to each student who entered her classroom, field or gym. She was a true teacher in the highest sense of the title.”