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Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Chaps Liquors Robbed Tonight


Chaps Liquors on N Bi State Blvd, just north of Delmar's limits, was robbed and DSP is on scene.

THERE IS A GOD, CHIEFY WEBSTER RESIGNS



Chief Allen Webster was injured while sitting in his chair in his Office and throwing darts at a photograph of Joe Albero when he suddenly fell out of his chair and injured his shoulder.

I don't give a rats A$$ how the guy goes, he can't go soon enough. I also don't care how he goes out, as long as he goes, gets out of every one's way and doesn't cause any more trouble for the new Chief.

Could Ernie Leatherbury be the next Chief of the Salisbury Police Department? I personally have been pushing Ernie for the past year or so but only time will tell. He'd make one hell of a Chief and I know he's close with Mayor Ireton, as well as Webster.

We reached out, YOU responded and the Chief is stepping down. End of story.

The Community Is Really Coming Through For The Salvation Army


I was just informed the Salisbury Career Firefighters Association just signed up to ring on 12/22 from 12 to 4 at N. Walmart, Retail entrance. Thank You!

Also, the milk cartons are starting to come back from the Schools.

Several Private Schools and Wicomico County Elementary and Intermediate Schools have been participating in a milk carton coin drive collection to benefit children and families most in need. Results are starting to be totaled and we will all be very impressed by the efforts of our schools when the final results are available.

The kids are really doing their part!!!!

Also, the Salvation Army is ADDING Panera Bread as a kettle location on Saturday, December 19th from 10 to 8 p.m. because of so many requests for another Saturday location. They are also adding Monday 12/21 - Wednesday 12/23 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Panera Bread to accommodate those wanting an evening time slot.

If you'd like to volunteer for a slot please send your request to ringabell4tsa@verizon.net or call Kettle Campaign Headquarters 410-749-RING (7464).

Social Security Benefits

"Joe,

I received my social security benefit amount statement today.

Based on the CPI(consumer Priced Index) there was no rise in cost of living in 2009. My benefits will remain the same as last year.

I have experienced some major increases at the food store and many other places. What do they consider cost of living?

I do know that the federal government employees are getting pay increases , isn’t that considered a cost of living increase?

I think everything has increased . This sucks , do you know anything about this crap."

Yes, it's called, Obamanomics. How's it working for you now!

Uh, Oh, I Must Have Ticked Off The Daily Times Again


SALISBURY NEWS: Arrest made in city hotel robberies

SALISBURY NEWS: City schedules special meeting for bond reallocation

SALISBURY NEWS: Police calls for Dec. 15

Oh, and look at this little gem I found,

PIZZA: Domino's Pizza to change recipe

You just keep following the leader Boys. Tick Tock.......

Poll: Public Sours On Obama's Overhaul Plan


Senate stalled as GOP lawmaker forces reading of 767-page amendment


WASHINGTON
- As Democrats struggle to pass a health care overhaul bill by Christmas, a new NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll released Tuesday found support for the reform plan has sunk to its lowest level since April 2009.

Just 32 percent of respondents said that President Barack Obama's health care overhaul proposal is a good idea, with 47 percent responding that the plan is a bad idea.

A portion of the poll was released just as the Senate was thrust into health care gridlock after a Republican senator forced a clerk to read aloud a 767-page amendment.

Republican Sen. Tom Coburn of Oklahoma had sought approval to require that any amendment considered by the Senate must be offered 72 hours in advance and with a full cost report.

When he was rebuffed by Democratic Sen. Max Baucus of Montana, Coburn invoked his right to require that an amendment by another lawmaker be read aloud. That sent the Senate into limbo, since the amendment by Sen. Bernie Sanders, an independent from Vermont, is 767 pages long.

It's unclear how long the procedural standoff will continue. GOP aides told NBC News that the reading of the bill could take until midnight.

GO HERE to read more.

Ronald McDonald Is Dead, Unless He Isn't


Michael Polakovs, a man credited with creating and playing Ronald McDonald in several 1960s commercials, has passed on to that big play area in the sky, the Telegraph reports.


Wikipedia says it was Willard Scott and not Polakovs who created the character. The Telegraph isn't the only media source to credit Polakovs with the creation, though, and Ronald's official site is no help. Scott is still alive, so in that sense Ronald McDonald is doing just fine and Mayor McCheese can hoist the flag back up to full mast.


Free Video Holiday Message To Our Troops This Afternoon


Click on image to enlarge.

Doctor Arrested In Lewes for Rape 2nd, And Sexual Contact Charges


Location: 18259, Coastal Highway, Lewes, DE

Date of Occurrence: 12/16/2009, at approximately 7:00 am

Defendant: Earl B. Bradley, 56, Lewes, DE

Resume: Troop 4 detectives are currently investigation Earl B. Bradley a pediatrician out of Lewes, DE, in reference to unlawful sexual contact charges. Doc. Bradley has been the focus of a year long investigation by detectives involving multiple victims. The recent charges against Doc. Bradley stemmed from an incident that took place between late October and early December of this year, involving a 2 year old female victim.

Charges were filed against Doc. Bradley late last night after the victim of the recent incident was interviewed by State Officials. Troop 4 detectives placed Doc. Bradley in custody at his residence early this morning. Detectives also conducted a search warrant at Doc. Bradley’s office on Coastal Highway, Lewes DE. Troop 4 detectives removed several computers and medical files from Doc. Bradley’s office while conducting the search warrant.

Earl B. Bradley is charged with Rape 2nd (f), Unlawful Sexual Contact 1st (f), and Endangering the Welfare of a Child (f). Earl B. Bradley is currently being interviewed at Troop 4 by detectives and the investigation is ongoing.

Upon completion of the interview, Doc. Bradley will be arraigned in reference to the above charges and bail will be set.

Parents of children with questions or concerns are asked to contact Troop 4 detectives at (302) 856-5850 ext 216.

Bank Robber Apprehended


Location: New Castle County

Resume: On Tuesday, December 15, 2009, Gregory Rasberry, 48, of Seneca Road in Wilmington, was arrested for the below listed bank robbery.

Rasberry was identified after surveillance photographs from the robbery were released to the media and tips were received which identified him as the bandit.

Mr. Rasberry was apprehended last night without incident at his home. He was transported back to Troop 2 for processing where he was formally charged with Robbery (felony). He was committed to the Howard Young Correctional Institute in lieu of a $10,000 secured bond.

To All You Parents Out There With Little Ones


Would you like to send your child a message from Santa?


GO HERE and see what Santa sent me.


You can create your own video message to your children.


Merry Christmas

Salisbury Police Department Press Release


On December 15, 2009 at approximately 7:54 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the Comfort Inn Hotel on North Salisbury Boulevard for the report of a robbery. Upon arrival the officers met with hotel employees who advised that a single suspect had entered the lobby of the hotel and had asked the staff questions. The suspect then utilized hotel paper and pen to write a note requesting U.S. currency. There were no weapons displayed and there were no injuries. The suspect was given an amount of U.S. currency and fled from the area on foot. The suspect matched the description of the suspect in the previous three (3) motel robberies.

On December 16, 2009 at approximately 1:04 am, Detectives and Officers of the Salisbury Police conducting a robbery surveillance observed a suspicious taxi cab in the area of the Residence Inn by Marriott. A suspect exited the cab and was observed approaching the hotel. The suspect was let into the lobby area by another guest of the hotel. The suspect approached the front desk and requested U.S. currency. The suspect did not display a weapon and there were no injuries. The suspect was given an amount of U.S. currency and fled from the hotel. Salisbury detectives and officers had established a perimeter around the business and after a brief foot chase took the suspect into custody. The suspect was still in possession of the currency taken from the Residence Inn. The suspect was charged with the robberies of the Comfort Inn and the Residence Inn, and will be charged with the previous three (3) robberies on today’s date. The taxi cab driver was taken into the Salisbury Police Department for questioning and was later released.

ARRESTED: Joshua Lee Satchell, 23 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES: Robbery (Comfort Inn)
Robbery ( Residence Inn by Marriott)
Theft (under $ 1000) (2 counts)
Obstructing and Hindering an investigation

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 200900044274

Bill Hearne Buys Back Property For $4,000,000.00

Bill Hearne, (well known for speaking his mind) bought back the 50 acre parcel of property he sold to Developers who filed bankruptcy. The property was sold for something like $10,000,000.00. Mr. Hearne held the 1st mortgage on the property and bought it back for $4 million.

Mr. Hearne did everything he could to help the Developer by holding off payments for more than 2 years but the 2nd mortgage holder had given up and forced the property into foreclosure.

Mr. Hearne has 3 serious buyers for the property again and is confident if these people qualify the property will be re-sold again in the very near future.

After the sale was completed today there has been much talk of County Executive Rick Pollitt purchasing 5 acres of land from the old mall for $300,000.00 an acre. Do the math Folks, something just isn't right.

A Message From Iraq To Salisbury News

Hey Joe, I'm currently in Iraq and thought the people of Delmar and the Eastern
Shore would enjoy this.


Conway Notes Importance of Iraq Mission

By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Dec. 15, 2009 - Despite a new U.S. strategy for Afghanistan that entails sending 30,000 additional American forces, the more important operation for the Marine Corps is Iraq, the service's top officer said today.

Gen. James Conway, the Marine commandant who returned recently from visiting troops in Afghanistan and Iraq, called the Afghan mission more dangerous but less vital than Iraq.

"What I told the troops in Iraq is that the most dangerous thing that our corps is doing today is happening in Afghanistan," he told Pentagon reporters. "The most important thing we're doing today is happening in Iraq. And that is because we're sealing the win there."

Currently, some 5,000 Marines are operating in Iraq as the phased drawdown of U.S. forces continues there.

"The major equipment items are 95 percent out of Iraq," he said. "Our folks there in this last rotation, if you will, have been doing a magnificent job phasing down, breaking trail for the much larger army, shipment of equipment that's going to follow."

Conway said the way the U.S. Marine Corps views operations in Afghanistan will be predicated on what happens in Iraq.

"I would also offer that the way we see Afghanistan is very much through the filter of Iraq," he said. "And that we come out of Iraq under a victory pennant, facing now what we see in Afghanistan, I think, is the way we ... would hope and expect American forces to be able to do that."

The commandant's remarks come weeks after President Barack Obama announced a U.S. strategy for Afghanistan that will send 30,000 additional forces over the next six months with the nonbinding goal of beginning to withdraw troops starting in July 2011.

Some 13,000 Marines currently are operating in Afghanistan - a number that is expected to rise to 20,000 by spring of next year. Military officials have said the distribution of additional troops would factor in the current U.S. footprint in Afghanistan, which comprises about 68,000 troops -- a mixture of combat forces and trainers -- spread throughout, but with the east and south serving as focal points.

In July, U.S. Marines and Afghan security forces launched an operation in southern Afghanistan's Helmand River valley, waging war against Taliban operatives in the area.

Currently, some 8,000 Marines of the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade of Camp
Leujeune, N.C., are responsible for southern and western Helmand province and in the western border province of Farah.

Conway acknowledged significant differences between the two wars, but said that lessons learned in Iraq might find valid application in Afghanistan.

"Certainly I can offer that although Afghanistan has a lot of things different about it," he said, "we have validated our tactics, techniques and procedures that we used in Iraq."

WMDT 47 News Joins Salvation Army Bell Ringing



This morning Stacy Sakai and Dawn Mitchell from WMDT were at WalMart North ringing the bell for the Salvation Army and enjoyed it so much they wanted to know what other shifts were available.

I want to thank WMDT for volunteering their time and making additional commitments over the next few days at Sam's Club as well. Stacy was so excited about so many people giving money for such a great cause. So much so she dedicated an additional 3 hour slot at Sam's Club.

There's not much more to fill in Folks. If you have any spare time please consider filling in the open slots. Simpson's Towing enjoyed their shift so much the other night they too put in for more time to ring the bell.

If you'd like to volunteer for a slot please send your request to ringabell4tsa@verizon.net or call Kettle Campaign Headquarters 410-749-RING (7464).

Bashing The Banks

The White House thinks it can jawbone banks into lending to people they don't want to lend to. We've been down this road before, and it led all the way to the 2007 financial meltdown.

The president on Monday gave a tongue-lashing to the "fat-cat bankers on Wall Street," as he called them the day before. He wants them to make more loans to small businesses and consumers to give the economy a boost.

But should banks be lending just because a politician tells them to? We tried this before. Indeed, it's the very source of the financial and economic calamity of the past two years.

President Obama may think dressing down the top dogs at Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, Bank of America and others is good politics. But it's demoralizing and will only lead to more bank write-offs, more bank failures and less lending.

Besides, as economist Thomas Sowell noted in a recent series in IBD, our current economic ills are largely due to just the kind of government meddling we now see in the financial markets.

In this, President Obama is treading the very same ground as President Clinton and President Bush in pushing banks to make risky loans they shouldn't make. And it will have the same dire results.

This is how the subprime meltdown, the source of our current financial troubles, came about. Not by "greedy" banks or by "deregulation." Banks had a choice: make bad loans or face more scrutiny when it came time to raise capital or to merge with other banks.

Banks have nearly $1 trillion in reserves. So why don't they lend them? Simply put, they can't sneeze without government permission. Worse, they don't know what taxes or regulations they'll face in coming years. If the House's vote on Friday to impose a $150 billion "fee" on Wall Street is any indicator, they can expect far lower profits and much more destructive government control — not less.

More..

Should You Do Business With Wicomico County?

More and more reports continue to come in from vendors who do business with Wicomico County and are very disturbed at their lack of payments.

One business hasn't been paid for 180+days now and the County has the nerve to keep contacting them and asking them to do even more work for them.

I happen to know the Green Hill Country Club is in the hole for more than $18,000.00 owed to the County and are making payments of $750.00 a week to pay off their debt. Now mind you, this is not taxes owed because it's in their accounts payable and no one within the County that I spoke to had any clue that much money was owed and or for what.

So is it that bad that businesses owe the County and that's the reason the County has delayed payments to the businesses providing services to the County? I can't answer that question. All I know is, things are much worse out there than anyone wants to admit and this is your warning that IF you do business with the County, you better get some kind of guarantee you'll be paid within the net terms you contract with them.

Good Neighbor Energy Fund

Delmarva Power Encourages Customers to Support Giving Season
Utility Offers Good Neighbor Energy Fund, Gift of Energy

SALISBURY, Md.
- With the giving season upon us, Delmarva Power reminds
customers of the ways in which they can help less fortunate families, such as
through the company's Good Neighbor Energy Fund and Gift of Energy program.

The Good Neighbor Energy Fund, which is administered by the Salvation Army,
helps income-eligible families pay their energy bills. It launched this month
with pre-addressed envelopes included in Delmarva Power customers' bills.
Contributions are tax-deductible and matched by Delmarva Power, which gives one
dollar for every three dollars donated.

Delmarva Power founded the fund more than 25 years ago. Through the years, the
fund has raised more than $5 million and has helped more than 60,000 families in
Delaware and Maryland.

To apply for energy assistance from the Good Neighbor Energy Fund, customers
should contact their local Salvation Army Office, which receives both personal
and corporate contributions made to the fund.

"Unfortunately, there are many more families this year who will struggle to pay
their energy bills, particularly when the weather is extremely cold for an
extended period of time," said Delmarva Power regional Vice President Glenn
Moore. "We hope customers will hear this call to help those less fortunate
families this holiday season."

Delmarva Power also offers the Gift of Energy program, which is available to
anyone despite their income level. The program works like this:

* Visit a participating Delmarva Power Walk-In Office in Delaware;
* Provide Customer Care with the name and address of the person you're buying
the gift of energy for;
* Make a payment on that person's account; and
* Receive a FREE holiday greeting card to give to that special someone,
compliments of Delmarva Power.

Gift of energy payments must be made in person, by check or credit card, at one
of the company's participating Delaware walk-in offices, where a customer
service representative can assist with the purchase. The program runs through
January 15, 2010.

The location and hours of participating Delmarva Power walk-in offices are:
Wilmington Walk-In Office
630 Martin Luther King Blvd.
Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
New Castle Regional Walk-In Office
I-95 at Route 273 in Newark
Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Millsboro Walk-In Office
700 E. DuPont Highway, Millsboro
Monday - Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Delmarva Power, a public utility owned by Pepco Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: POM),
provides safe and reliable energy to more than 500,000 electric delivery
customers in Delaware and Maryland and over 121,000 natural gas delivery
customers in northern Delaware.

Here We Go Again With Graffiti

This image is at the college apartments behind Bennett High. Keep up the good work Chiefy!

POLLITT PROPOSES PAYING $300,000/ACRE FOR PARKING LOT!


Yikes! And yes, you read that right.

The bombshell at yesterday’s meeting of the Wicomico County Council: Rick Pollitt wants to buy 5 acres at the site of the former "Salisbury Mall" for additional parking for the Civic Center at a "prime development" price. Do you think that the land is worth even half that amount? Councilman McCain, a professional appraiser, appears to be the only member of the Council who thinks that a current appraisal is not needed.

Not all that long ago, the owner held an auction to sell the site and received no serious bids. And that was before the real estate bubble burst. Another "prime development" site, the former Hearne property on South Division Street and Dykes Road, is scheduled for foreclosure sale today. Whatever the value of land in Salisbury a year ago, it is much lower now.

And there is another significant issue – unless the former mall site handles the "stormwater runoff" from the parking lot, how will that be done under the tougher regulations that the State of Maryland has recently imposed. What if the mall owner is unable to perform an agreement in that regard? Can the stormwater simply be put into the City’s drainage system or dumped into the river behind the Civic Center (more flooding in the City Park, for sure)?

Fortunately, the Council has deferred taking any action on this nonsense, but it could be back on the agenda soon. And in the meantime Ricky will surely deploy his taxpayer paid spokesman, Fineran, to try to whip up support along with Gary Mackes.

Is Crime Really Being Reported In Salisbury Like Its Supposed To Be?

"When my warehouse was broken into 2 years ago and the SPD met 2 of my staff there at midnight while I was out of town...the PD called me from the scene to tell me that the garage door was not on the building and that all of my inventory and a bucket truck were gone."

"Months later my attorney got a copy of the SPD report on that incident and it starts out with "No visible sign of forced entry". WHAT!!!"

"The cops never did anything about it."

"When my best friend had his 1985 Chevy stolen from his apartment lot, they refused to file a report, saying that if the car is over 10 years old, it's not a police matter. WHAT!!!"

"It's real bad here. "

Global Tax In Our Future?

The UN effort to get Western nations to donate 0.7% of GNP to development assistance with undeveloped countries was resisted by the Bush Administration while I was at the UN but Senator Obama attempted to do it through legislation, so hold on to your wallets.

The Secret Plan to Pass a Global TaxBy Cliff Kincaid

With President Barack Obama attacking "fat cat bankers on Wall Street," left-wing non-governmental organizations (NGOs) see a great opportunity to pass a global tax on financial transactions that could generate at least $700 billion a year from the U.S. and other "rich" countries. They are expecting Obama's support.

The banks are a key target because of the "anger" that already exists against them for their roles in the global financial crisis, says a detailed 13-page memorandum from Max Lawson of the foreign aid group Oxfam.

Calling the global Financial Transactions Tax (FTT) "an idea whose time has come," Lawson says in his memorandum that "politically the time is now" to pass such a tax. "It will take some great campaigning but I think we can do this," he says in a message introducing the memo.

Lawson explains, "The global anger against the bankers; the huge pressure on rich country budgets; the need for money in 2010 to rescue the MDGs [Millennium Development Goals] and from failure; to protect poor countries from the economic crisis; and the need to come up with money for climate change to unlock a global deal. All combine to make a very strong political backdrop."

The MDGs were established by the United Nations to make sure that the U.S. and other Western nations devote 0.7 percent of Gross National Product to official development assistance or foreign aid. As a Senator, Obama had introduced a bill, the Global Poverty Act, to mandate U.S. compliance with the MDGs at an estimated cost of $845 billion.

Lawson, head of development and finance for Oxfam in Britain, has distributed his 13-page memorandum to members of NGOs in the U.S. and other countries. "There is potentially plenty of money here for all of our issues," he tells them.

The global tax is being called "the Robin Hood tax," in order to convince people that it is somehow designed to take money away from rich people in order to help the poor. Another variation on this theme is the claim that the tax is aimed at Wall Street to help Main Street.

In reality, such a tax would affect IRAs, Mutual Funds and pensions by taxing the exchange of financial transactions. It would hand over great sums of money to politicians in the name of bashing the big banks but ordinary Americans and their life savings would be hurt.

As outlined by Lawson, however, the idea is to create the appearance of public support for the plan, ultimately enabling G8 leaders meeting in Canada in June to agree to the global tax and then get acceptance from the G20 leaders meeting afterward.

At the same time, the U.S. Congress is moving ahead with the "Let Wall Street Pay for the Restoration of Main Street Act of 2009" (HR 4191), a financial transactions tax introduced by Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.), a leading member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.

Lawson's document cites support for the tax from Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who endorsed the DeFazio measure during a December 7 news conference and, according to a CNS News report, announced that the bill would have to be made "global" to keep U.S. investors from taking their business overseas and out of taxable reach.

Senator Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) is introducing a similar bill, which has the backing of the AFL-CIO, in the Senate.

An "Open Letter from Economists in Support of Financial Transaction Taxes" has been released and signed by 200 liberal and left-wing economists.

Lawson also cites support for the tax from billionaires George Soros and Warren Buffet and such media organizations and figures as Le Monde, The Mail, The Guardian and Paul Krugman of the New York Times.

President Obama "supported [the idea] during his campaign," Lawson says, but the U.S. Treasury Department under Timothy Geithner has been resisting it.

However, Politico reported on December 3 that Pelosi is now pressuring Geithner to accept the global tax proposal. "Geithner was widely seen as opposing such a levy when it was proposed by Gordon Brown, the British prime minister, at a meeting of G-20 finance ministers last month in Scotland," the publication reported. But after a telephone conversation, "Pelosi told colleagues that the secretary indicated he was more open to some such fee than had been reported," it added.

Some elements of the Lawson plan that are designed to secure passage of the legislation seem modeled on the 1999 "Battle in Seattle," when 5,000 activists marched against the idea of global free markets, producing confrontations with police trying to keep order on the occasion of a meeting of the World Trade Organization. Lawson suggests "two or three global events" and "days of action" where "activists climb up banks" in order to pressure officials to adopt the global tax.

Joseph E. Stiglitz, a cabinet member in the Clinton Administration, claimed in his book, Globalization and Its Discontents, that the "protests at meetings of global financial leaders in Seattle, Prague, Washington, and Genoa..." had put pressure on the international community for more global action to solve the world's problems.

Stiglitz is one of several high-profile figures listed in the Lawson memo as supporting a global financial transactions tax.

In Copenhagen, where governments are now meeting on the so-called "climate change" issue, some of the same leftists have been on display, marching in the streets under the banner of "Climate Justice Action" to demand that the U.S. and other Western nations pay "reparations" and an "ecological debt" to the less developed nations. U.N. reports have put this figure at $24 - $45 trillion.

On the eve of the Copenhagen summit, French President Nicolas Sarkozy joined with Prime Minister Gordon Brown in issuing a statement calling for a global financial transactions tax and other "innovative financing mechanisms" to assist countries fighting climate change.

Other elements of the Lawson plan seem modeled on "anti-poverty" campaigns such as Live Aid and Comic Relief. Live Aid was a rock music concert held on July 13, 1985, in order to raise funds to fight global poverty, while Comic Relief was designed to use comedy and laughter to alert the public to poverty.

In terms of using celebrities and making a big splash in the media, Lawson cites the case of Richard Curtis, a film director and the "creative energy" behind the Make Poverty History campaign, which urges people to wear a white band around their wrists as a "common symbol of the global fight to end poverty."

Lawson says Curtis "is very interested in a short campaign" to press for a Financial Transaction Tax and "is working with colleagues in the advertising industry to work up ideas around a set of creative ideas that could be used by campaigns around the world, based on a Robin Hood Tax. His hope is to produce a set of materials that would be useful to all, and give the issue a huge global profile. He is also likely to use his media contacts around the world to ensure high profile for the fight for the tax."

The global targets are the G8 and G20 groups of nations because the G20 summit in Pittsburgh in September decided that the G20 would replace the G8 as the leading international body for economic matters. As numerous media organizations have observed, the move signaled a major shift in global politics that has seen the authority and power of the U.S. in global affairs undermined. President Obama went so far at the G20 meeting to agree to a proposal for an International Monetary Fund study of how a global tax could be implemented.

Oxfam, which is spearheading the campaign to get a global tax implemented, is one member of an international coalition of organizations working "to fight poverty and injustice." Its American affiliate receives funding from such entities as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Rockefeller Foundation.

So-called progressives in the U.S. are now openly pressuring the Obama Administration to go along with the proposal. "We need to make this bill [the DeFazio/Harkin approach] a reality in the United States―and then take it worldwide," The Progressive magazine proclaims.

Support can also be expected from the New Rules for Global Finance coalition, which runs the gamut from typical liberal-left groups to religious-oriented organizations.

The main problem with the Lawson scenario is that the truth about massive corruption in the foreign aid business is a matter of public record.

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee published a report in 1995 which revealed that the cost of foreign aid provided by the U.S. to the rest of the world since the end of World War II had already reached nearly $2 trillion, with little to show for it in terms of alleviating poverty.
Two excellent books―The Lords of Poverty by Graham Hancock, and The Road to Hell by Michael Maren―exposed massive corruption in the foreign aid business.
---
Cliff Kincaid is the Editor of Accuracy in Media, and can be contacted at cliff.kincaid@aim.org.

Salisbury News Alexa Ratings Continue To Drop

95,781 Traffic Rank in US
Yesterday brought us yet another record breaking day here on Salisbury News. "The Joe Albero Show" is delivering quite a few new viewers and Salisbury News has doubled with other Websites that are now linking to us on a daily basis. It's always nice when The Washington Post or The Baltimore Sun is one of those groups linking to us.
I had always thought the closer you get to the Holidays the less traffic you have, not true any more. While our numbers anger some, there's no denying Salisbury News has gained a ton of attention in the US and we want to thank Chief Webster, (just as we used to thank Barrie Tilghman) for all the news they provide to this Site.
The Eastern Shore is like going back in time some 50 years ago. Another example to compare us to is WMDT 47 News at 272,062 Traffic Rank in US. Not too shabby for a Blog, eh. 2010 is going to be a big year for Salisbury News.

Bank Of America - Reaping For All They're Worth


What's with Bank of America, anyway? They accepted a gazillion dollars in federal assistance, raised their interest rates to outrageous, and still can't get a grip.

A notice from Bank of America came to my mailbox a few weeks ago. It was for the credit card I've had with them in one form or another for over fifteen years, one that I regularly use, but always pay off at the end of each month. I use it because it's convenient, it generates points (slowly) that I can use for merchandise or gift cards or even a cash rebate (at $.01 per point, generated at a rate of 1 point per dollar spent). In the letter, Bank of America told me that they were instituting a $50 annual fee for the use of the card. Now, I come from stock that included New England hardscrabble farmers, and when someone tells me to pay them $50 for the privilege of gracing them with about 1 to 3% in profits each and every month on the $1500 to $2000 I spend on household bills, food, auto expenses, etc., I wonder what the world's coming to. ( I think one of their problems is that they have too much real estate and that what they have is overpriced and too fancy. Another is that they have too many employees at the top who make way too much money for what they do, which is ways to make even more. In that regard, they've failed miserably of late, but they continue to make the same bloated wages. President Obama said he was pissed about that, but I guess his being pissed is as far as it's going to go. Other people are angry, too, but in a more desperate and personal way.)









So, I called those folks at Bank of America, and asked why they were going to charge me for their card. The young fellow at the other end of the line didn't have a good answer, just that “it was policy.” When I asked if the fee could be waived for a customer in good standing (great, really – I haven't ever missed a monthly payoff), he said, “That's the one thing they won't let me do. It's the new policy.” “Well, what can you do?”, I asked. His reply was that he could cancel my card and set me up with another card that had a point reward program and no annual fee. And why couldn't he do that with the card that I already had? “Policy,” he said.

So, now I have a new credit card. I'll have a credit check done in about a month or so to see if my credit rating has been affected by dropping one card and getting another. I hear that it sometimes does, even when the holder keeps up on payments. As for the card itself, it's not the familiar orangy-red and yellow intersecting globes on the black background; it's silver with blue highlights. Already I don't like it. It looks weak and ineffective. Sort of the way I feel after dealing with Bank of America.
Care to share a personal story about Bank of America? Here's your chance to do it where just more than underpaid BoA employees will listen.

Red Kettle Campaign - UPDATE







If you'd like to volunteer for a slot at any of the above locations please, send your request to ringabell4tsa@verizon.net or call Kettle Campaign Headquarters 410-749-RING (7464).

THANK YOU, to all that have so generously volunteered their time to this worthwhile campaign.

Domino's Changing Pizza Recipe


Finally realizing its pizza is mediocre, Domino's has decided to take its recipe to the wood chipper and start over with an attempt at a new, better product.

From a press release:

““2010 will be our 50th year in the business, and we are kicking it off with the most aggressive promotion in the history of our company,” said Domino’s Chairman and CEO David A. Brandon. “This is the biggest product introduction we’ve done since…well, pizza.”

The primary changes include:

· Crust - A garlic seasoned crust with parsley baked to a golden brown.

· Sauce - Sweeter, bolder tomato sauce with a medley of herbs and a red pepper kick.

· Cheese - Shredded cheese made with 100% real mozzarella and flavored with just a hint of provolone.


The new recipe is rolling out over the chain's stores and will be everywhere by Dec. 27. To get people to sample its revamped wares, Domino's will be offering 2 medium 2-topping pizzas for $12.

If you try the new Domino's, let us know your reactions at tips@consumerist.com. Really, it's almost certain that the changes will be for the better because there's so much room for improvement. Whether or not Domino's will be able to hang with rival Papa John's is the real issue.

Source

Holiday Recycling - Free To The Public On January 2nd



Green Your Holidays!

Holiday Recycling Program

Drop off the following items to be recycled:

Used Gift Boxes
Used Wrapping Paper
Broken Christmas Tree and Outdoor Lights
Cardboard Boxes (Any kind)
Packing Materials
Including Styrofoam Peanuts & Styrofoam Blocks


Just leave the packing material in the boxes they came in

and we’ll take of the rest!

Your local collection site is:

Asbury UMC

Camden Avenue and Dogwood Drive
Saturday, January 2nd, 2009
10am-2pm


SBYNews Editor's Note:

Not only will recycling these boxes and packing materials take them out of the landfill and back into circulation as reprocessed goods (which is good for everybody), but NOT having those boxes and cartons and packing out in front of your house won't tell the drive-by crooks what you got for Christmas, like that new PSP, 42" plasma screen tv, Wii, or computer. More tips on holiday recycling here.

Sponsored by the Sierra Club and the Wicomico Environmental Trust

Lost Generation


A palindrome reads the same backwards as forward. This video reads the exact opposite backwards as forward. Not only does it read the opposite, the meaning is the exact opposite.

This is only a 1 minute, 44 second video and it is brilliant. Make sure you read as well as listen…forward and backward.

This is a video that was submitted in a contest by a 20-year old. The contest was titled "u @ 50" by AARP. This video won second place. When they showed it, everyone in the room was awe-struck and broke into spontaneous applause. So simple and yet so brilliant. Take a minute and watch it.

Fifth Salisbury Hotel Robbed, 2 Suspects In Police Custody


SALISBURY, Md.- Two suspects are in police custody after a fifth Salisbury hotel was robbed early Wednesday morning, police said.

The two men were caught around 1 a.m. after Salisbury police noticed one of the men matched the description from earlier hotel robberies. The suspects were captured in the area of the Residence Inn in north Salisbury, according to police.

One of the suspects had robbed the Residence Inn by walking up to the front desk, presenting a hand-written demanding cash for his family. After being given the money, the suspect walked out of the hotel where officers confronted him, according to police. He then led officers on a foot chase before he was captured in a thicket near the Route 50 bypass.
GO HERE to read more from WBOC.

OCPD NARCOTICS DETECTIVES HAVE BUSY WEEKEND























On December 12, 2009, at approximately 6:20 a.m., The Ocean City Police Narcotics Unit and patrol officers served two Search and Seizure Warrants at 207 8th Street, “Jocelyn Manor Apartments”, units 77 and 86.

During the search of unit 86 police located suspected Marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Two persons were taken into custody by the OCPD and charged with Possession of
Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. The arrestees were identified as: Ann
Terri Sullivan-Glynis, 47-years-old and Robert Craig Scheeler, 48-years-old; of Ocean City Maryland.

While searching unit #77, OCPD investigators located Marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

A total of five people, including four adults and one juvenile were arrested and charged with Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. The arrestees have been identified as: Nicholas Steven Douglas, 19-years-old, Jason Mark Hager, 24-years-old, Patrick Michael Simpson, 24-years-old, Ashley Marie Reynolds, 20-years old and a Juvenile, 17-years-old all of Ocean City.

All of the adults were seen by an Ocean City District Court Commissioner and were
released on their own recognizance. The Juvenile was released to an adult guardian.

Today's Survey Question


Do You Think Mayor Ireton Should Step In And Ask Sheriff Lewis For Help In Fighting Crime In The City?

OIL CHANGE

Caption This Photo


Cigar Night Tonight


Tonight we will gather, (once again) at the Lagoon Bar at the Fountain's in Salisbury to enjoy a fine cigar and great fellowship between friends and associates.

If you enjoy smoking cigars, come on out and join us. There's no charge and we gather starting at 6:30 PM. See you there!

Obama Gun Ban


Just like the stimulus plan and healthcare, I expect the current administration will make a swift attack on gun rights. Once they have our guns separated from us, the average American will have no way to resist a radical new world government.


Whether you own a gun or don't, this is a right guaranteed by the Constitution and no foreign power should have a say in our way of life, by whatever means is used to deny us..... These treaties should not be signed.


Obama finds way Around The 2nd. Amendment and Uses It.If This Passes, There Will Be WAR!
The Full Article Herehttp://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSTRE59E0Q920091015
Subject: Obama Takes First Step in Banning All FirearmsOn Wednesday Obama Took the First Major Step in a Plan to Ban All Firearms in the United StatesOn Wednesday the Obama administration took its first major step in a plan to ban all firearms in the United States . The Obama administration intends to force gun control and a complete ban on all weapons for US citizens through the signing of international treaties with foreign nations. By signing international treaties on gun control, the Obama administration can use the US State Department to bypass the normal legislative process in Congress. Once the US Government signs these international treaties, all US citizens will be subject to those gun laws created by foreign governments. These are laws that have been developed and promoted by organizations such as the United Nations and individuals such as George Soros and Michael Bloomberg. The laws are designed and intended to lead to the complete ban and confiscation of all firearms. The Obama administration is attempting to use tactics and methods of gun control that will inflict major damage to our 2nd Amendment before US citizens even understand what has happened. Obama can appear before the public and tell them that he does not intend to pursue any legislation (in the United States) that will lead to new gun control laws, while cloaked in secrecy, his Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton is committing the US to international treaties and foreign gun control laws. Does that mean Obama is telling the truth? What it means is that there will be no publicized gun control debates in the media or votes in Congress. We will wake up one morning and find that the United States has signed a treaty that prohibits firearm and ammunition manufacturers from selling to the public. We will wake up another morning and find that the US has signed a treaty that prohibits any transfer of firearm ownership. And then, we will wake up yet another morning and find that the US has signed a treaty that requires US citizens to deliver any firearm they own to the local government collection and destruction center or face imprisonment.This is not a joke nor a false warning. As sure as government health care will be forced on us by the Obama administration through whatever means necessary, so will gun control. Read the ArticleU.S. reverses stance on treaty to regulate arms tradeWASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States reversed policy on Wednesday and said it would back launching talks on a treaty to regulate arms sales as long as the talks operated by consensus, a stance critics said gave every nation a veto.The decision, announced in a statement released by the U.S. State Department, overturns the position of former President George W. Bush's administration, which had opposed such a treaty on the grounds that national controls were better.The Full Article http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSTRE59E0Q920091015 .Silence will lead us to Socialism.

Salisbury Police Department Press Releases


On December 9, 2009 at approximately 2:25 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration on Tilghman Road for the report of a disorderly subject. Upon arrival the officers found that the below listed suspect had become disorderly with a staff member during a disagreement about his driving license. As other staff members intervened to assist the first staff member, the suspect assaulted them and continued to yell. The officers met with the suspect who was still combative and yelling inside of the business.

ARRESTED: Alex Blair Slocum, 22 years of age
Glen Burnie, Maryland

CHARGES: Second degree assault (2 counts)
Disorderly conduct

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 200900043465


On December 9, 2009 at approximately 6:53 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to a residence on Baker Street for the report of an assault with a knife. Upon arrival the officers met with an adult male victim who advised the officers that he had been assaulted with a knife during a domestic dispute. The victim had a small cut on his left forearm. The investigation of the incident revealed that the victim had cut himself in an attempt to have the other party taken into custody.

ARRESTED: Blaise Delma, 49 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES: False report to a police officer

DISPOSITION: Released to central booking
CC # 200900043378


On December 9, 2009 at approximately 11:20 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond and meet with the victim of an assault that occurred at a residence on South Division Street. Upon arrival the officers met with an adult male victim who advised that he had been assaulted by a family member. While at a residence on the eight hundred (800) block of South Division Street the victim became involved in a verbal argument with a male family member. The argument escalated and resulted in the below listed suspect assaulting the victim with a wooden walking stick.

ARRESTED: Eugene Thomas Cottingham, 56 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES: First degree assault
Second degree assault
Reckless endangerment

DISPOSITION: Released to parent
CC # 200900043536


On December 10, 2009 at approximately 10:34 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police Community Action Team executed a search and seizure warrant at a residence on the three hundred (300) block of Naylor Street in Salisbury. During the execution of the search and seizure warrant, the below listed suspect was found in close proximity to a quantity of suspected “crack”/cocaine and related paraphernalia.

ARRESTED: Jasmen Joseph McMillion, 24 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES: Possession of cocaine
Possession of CDS/paraphernalia

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 200900038525


On December 11, 2009 at approximately 2:00 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the Thrift Travel Inn for the report of a subject possibly selling controlled dangerous substances. The officers were given a description of the suspect and upon arrival located the below listed suspect matching the description. The suspect was checked and was found to be in possession of a quantity of suspected heroin and a quantity of suspected “crack”/cocaine. The suspect was also in possession of CDS/paraphernalia.

ARRESTED: Joseph Everett Domneys, 46 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES: Possession of heroin
Possession of “crack”/cocaine
Possession of CDS/paraphernalia (2 counts)

DISPOSITION: Released to central booking
CC # 200900043741


On December 11, 2009 at approximately 7:30 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to a residence on the six-hundred block of Liberty Street for the report of an assault with a knife. Upon arrival the officers met with two (2) adult males. Both males had injuries consistent with involvement in a fight. Both subjects advised that they had been involved in a physical altercation with each other that resulted in each subject threatening the other with a screwdriver. During the threat, below listed suspect # 1 discarded the screwdriver and threatened suspect # 2 with a kitchen knife. There were no further injuries and no medical attention was necessary.

ARRESTED #1: Leconte Delva, 40 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland

ARRESTED #2: Maxine (nmn) Nelson, 28 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES (Both): Second degree assault

DISPOSITION: Both released to Central Booking
CC # 200900043771


On December 13, 2009 at approximately 1:15 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the security guard booth at the Pemberton Apartments for the report of a fight. Upon arrival the officers met with security guards and the below listed suspect. The guards advised that the subject had become disorderly and had been ordered from the property. The officers attempted to have the suspect leave the property without success. After several attempts to have the suspect leave, the suspect continued to refuse the officers and became more and more disorderly. The suspect was taken into custody and assaulted one of the security guards and one of the officers during the arrest.

ARRESTED: Duane B. Williams, 26 years of age
Bronx, NY

CHARGES: Assault on a police officer (2 counts)
Second degree assault (2 counts)
Disobeying a lawful order
Resisting arrest
Disturbing the peace

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 200900043961

Today's Wildlife Photo By Scott Phoebus



Fall Of The Republic

Dear Joe,

I finally found a free copy of Fall of the Republic. It has quite a bit about Cap and Trade in the second half and worth the time even if it is long. S many of us have no idea what the heck is going on in Washington . This documentary does help open your eyes.

Thanks,

http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/fall-of-the-republic-the-presidency-of-barack-obama

99 Years Overdue, Man Returns Library Book


Tome on government facts was checked out in 1910 by his mother

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. - The book Stanley Dudek finally returned to the New Bedford Public Library this week wasn't overdue by a week, a month or even a year.

It was nearly a century overdue. "Facts I Ought to Know about the Government of My Country" was supposed to have been returned on May 10, 1910.

Dudek told the Standard Times newspaper he came across the book while going through things that had belonged to his mother, who died about 10 years ago.

GO HERE to read more.

Australia Goes The Way Of China

China censors the Internet that is delivered to its citizens via the “Great Firewall of China.” This device “protects” the populace from inappropriate content, such as religious material or anything critical of the Communist Party.

Now, the seemingly free society of Australia is about to have their access to the Internet censored, too.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8413377.stm

Early Dismisal

It is near the Christmas break of the school year.

The students have turned in all their work and there is really nothing more
to do.

All the children are restless and the teacher decides to have an early dismissal.

Teacher: "Whoever answers the questions I ask, first and correctly can leave early today."

Little Johnny says to himself
"Good, I want to get outta here. I'm smart and will answer the question."

Teacher: "Who said 'Four Score and Seven Years Ago'?"

Before Johnny can open his mouth, Susie says, "Abraham Lincoln."

Teacher: "That's right Susie, you can go home."

Johnny is mad that Susie answered the question first.

Teacher: "Who said 'I Have a Dream'?"

Before Johnny can open his mouth, Mary says, "Martin Luther King."

Teacher: "That's right Mary, you can go."

Johnny is even madder than before.

Teacher: "Who said 'Ask not, what your country can do for you'?"

Before Johnny can open his mouth, Nancy says, "John F. Kennedy."

Teacher: "That's right Nancy, you may also leave."

Johnny is boiling mad that he has not been able to answer to any of the questions.

When the teacher turns her back Johnny says, "I wish these b###hes would keep their mouths shut!"

The teacher turns around: "NOW WHO SAID THAT?"

Johnny: "TIGER WOODS. CAN I GO NOW?"

Texas Limo


USDA HIGHLIGHTS TWO GRANTS FOR PRINCESS ANNE PUBLIC SAFETY VEHICLES

WHO:
Linda Prochaska, representing U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski (invited)
Lee Whaley, representing U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (invited)
Tamara Lee-Brooks, representing U.S. Congressman Frank Kratovil (invited)
Jack Tarburton, USDA Rural Development State Director
The Honorable Lowell Stoltzfus, State Senate (invited)
The Honorable Page Elmore, State Delegate (invited)
P. Franklin White, President Princess Anne Town Commission
Princess Anne Town Commission (invited)
Brenda Benton, Princess Anne Town Manager
Tracy Grangier, Princess Anne Code Compliance Officer
Members of the Princess Anne Volunteer Fire Company (invited)

WHAT: With the help of USDA Rural Development, the Town of Princess Anne has purchased a 2010 Ford Explorer that will greatly enhance the ability of the Code Compliance Officer to do her job. USDA Rural Development State Director Jack Tarburton will handover the vehicle’s keys to Town officials.

In addition, Rural Development provided a $50,000 grant to help the Princess Anne Volunteer Fire Company purchase a brush truck. The truck is currently being retrofitted and will not be on display; however, the code compliance vehicle will be on hand for a photo.

WHEN: THURSDAY, December 17, 2009 at 10:00 a.m.

WHERE:
Town Hall
30489 Broad Street
Princess Anne, MD

WHY:
USDA Rural Development is committed to the future of rural communities and through our programs we are dedicated to improving the quality of life and increasing economic opportunity in rural America.

THREE INDICTED IN EASTERN SHORE INMATE MURDER


(Westover, MD) Murder charges were served today on three individuals who were indicted by a Somerset County Grand Jury in connection with the death of a state prison inmate and an assault on one other inmate, in a facility on the Eastern Shore on November 8, 2009.

The Somerset County Grand Jury issued indictments for Damien Dupree, 27, Sheldon Briscoe, 20, and Phillip Sample, 24, all of whom are currently incarcerated at the Eastern Correctional Institution in Westover, Maryland. All three were charged by indictment with one count each of first and second degree murder, two counts of first degree assault, one count of attempted first degree assault, four counts of conspiracy to commit first degree assault, one count of possession of contraband in a place of confinement and one count of carrying a dangerous or deadly weapon.

Police served the indictment this morning at 10:00 a.m. on Dupree, Briscoe and Sample at the Eastern Correctional Institution in Westover, Maryland, where all three are incarcerated for other unrelated incidents. They were all assigned to the same tier as their victims during the time of the incident.

Since November, 2009, Maryland State Police homicide investigators, along with criminal investigators from the Salisbury and Princess Anne barracks have been investigating the murder of one inmate and the assault of another inmate in the Eastern Correctional Institution. After concluding the investigation, a state police investigator testified before the Somerset County Grand Jury, who later came back with a total of eleven indictments on each of the three incarcerated defendants. With the assistance of the Somerset County State’s Attorney, new charges were issued.

Northwestern Elementary Named 2010 Maryland Blue Ribbon School

State Superintendent of Schools Nancy S. Grasmick announced on Tuesday, Dec. 15, that Northwestern Elementary School in Mardela Springs is one of six public schools that have been selected as the 2010 Maryland Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence.

Northwestern Elementary, a school of 250 students, was recognized as a school of Sustained Improvement & High Achievement. The school has 51 percent of its students on Free and Reduced Priced Meals, and has student achievement at high standards with 94.4 percent of its 5th grade reading and 5th grade math students scoring in the proficient range.

The school received a Maryland School Performance Recognition Award in 2008 for increasing its subgroup performance on the MSA. Northwestern Elementary is a professional learning community school with all teachers, coaches, and administrators discussing student data on a weekly basis.

Representing Northwestern Elementary and Wicomico County Public Schools at the award announcement were Northwestern Principal Kirby Bryson, Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Fredericksen, Board of Education President Mark Thompson and Vice President L. Michelle Wright, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction and Student Services Dr. Margo Handy, Director of Elementary Education Susan Jones, and other school system staff members.

The names of all six Blue Ribbon schools have been submitted to the U.S. Secretary of Education for the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program. They are being recognized by the Maryland State Department of Education on the basis of rigorous state and national requirements for high achievement and dramatic improvement.

“Maryland is fortunate to have a large number of terrific schools, and making this selection from our 1,450 schools truly difficult,” Dr. Grasmick said. “We congratulate the students, teachers, parents, administrators and community members of these six outstanding schools, which serve as gleaming examples of educational excellence.”

Four of the schools are in the top 10 percent of state schools as measured by the Maryland School Assessments. The other two have achieved dramatic improvement over the past five years while serving an economically disadvantaged school population.

The 2010 Maryland Blue Ribbon Schools are:
• Northwestern Elementary School, Wicomico County
• Snow Hill Middle School, Worcester County
• Eastern Technical High School, Baltimore County
• Northern Middle School, Calvert County
• New Market Elementary School, Frederick County
• Ellicott Mills Middle School, Howard County

The schools will be honored by Dr. Grasmick and other dignitaries at a banquet March 15 in Annapolis. They also will be recognized with a special tribute by the Maryland General Assembly. Each school will receive more than $6,000 in technology equipment from Smart Technologies, $1,000 each from corporate sponsors, and a school-wide pizza party from Joe Corbi’s Pizza.

The schools will represent Maryland in the National Blue Ribbon Schools Competition. National winners will be announced in the fall of 2010 and will be invited to Washington, D.C., to be honored by national officials.

Maryland corporate sponsors of the Blue Ribbon Schools Program include Comcast, Joe Corbi’s Pizza, EduTrax, Scholastic, The SmarterKids Foundation, Sylvan Centers and Verizon of Maryland.

Senate Rejects Low-Cost Drug Imports


Plan would have allowed Americans to buy prescriptions from abroad

WASHINGTON
- The Senate rejected a plan Tuesday to allow Americans to import low-cost prescriptions from abroad, handing drug makers a victory that may help secure passage of President Barack Obama's health care overhaul.

The vote on the amendment by Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., was 51-48 in favor, but 60 votes were needed to prevail under a special rule. Obama had supported the measure as a senator, but his administration echoed safety concerns raised by the pharmaceutical industry — which is supporting the Democrats' health care bill.

An angry Dorgan denounced a competing amendment that would permit drug imports if the Food and Drug Administration certifies it can be done without risks.

GO HERE to read more.

When Will Plug-In Cars Pay Off?


Report says it will take decades for benefits to outweigh battery cost

Automakers are promising that affordable plug-in hybrid electric vehicles will be available in the next couple of years, but a new report contends that it will be decades before the fuel savings and lower emissions make up for the high cost of batteries.

The National Research Council issued its reality check on the prospects for plug-ins on Monday, the same day that Toyota announced it would field an "affordable" plug-in version of its Prius hybrid in the United States in 2011. The Japanese automaker said the car would be capable of traveling 14.5 miles on electricity alone, and achieve levels of fuel economy equivalent to 134 miles per gallon.

Toyota is just one of the companies in the race to get plug-ins to the marketplace. General Motors and Nissan are expected to roll out their entrants — the Chevy Volt hybrid and the Nissan Leaf all-electric car, respectively — by the end of next year.

GO HERE to read more.

Mexican Swat Team Part III

Mexico Swat Team Part II

Mexico Swat Team Part I