UPDATE: Three More Kittens Need Loving Homes

Joe,

I have 4 Kittens I need to find homes for immediately. You have a way with connecting people with pets, and was hoping you could assist me.

3 males and 1 female. The female is the striped calico one. I hate to separate the orange ones, as they have a strong bond with one another. I just hope there are a few people out there that will fall in love with these faces. They are 100% litter box trained. Never stepped outside. They all sleep with our lab/shepard mix, and love small children.

You can reach me at either 410-873-2347 or my cell 443-235-4637.

Thanks so very much!

UPDATE: The two orange kittens will be picked up Tuesday afternoon!
The black male is the only one left!
Thanks again so much Joe.
Thanks for taking the time to post

Ehrlich or O'Malley?

Which one are you voting for?

Ocean Currents Likely To Carry Oil Along Atlantic Coast

This animation shows one scenario of how oil released at the location of the Deepwater Horizon disaster on April 20 in the Gulf of Mexico may move in the upper 65 feet of the ocean. This is not a forecast, but rather, it illustrates a likely dispersal pathway of the oil for roughly four months following the spill. It assumes oil spilling continuously from April 20 to June 20. The colors represent a dilution factor ranging from red (most concentrated) to beige (most diluted). The dilution factor does not attempt to estimate the actual barrels of oil at any spot; rather, it depicts how much of the total oil from the source that will be carried elsewhere by ocean currents. For example, areas showing a dilution factor of 0.01 would have one-hundredth the concentration of oil present at the spill site.

The animation is based on a computer model simulation, using a virtual dye, that assumes weather and current conditions similar to those that occur in a typical year. It is one of a set of six scenarios released today that simulate possible pathways the oil might take under a variety of oceanic conditions. Each of the six scenarios shows the same overall movement of oil through the Gulf to the Atlantic and up the East Coast. However, the timing and fine-scale details differ, depending on the details of the ocean currents in the Gulf. The full set of six simulations can be found here. (Visualization by Tim Scheitlin and Mary Haley, NCAR; based on model simulations.)

BOULDER—A detailed computer modeling study released today indicates that oil from the massive spill in the Gulf of Mexico might soon extend along thousands of miles of the Atlantic coast and open ocean as early as this summer. The modeling results are captured in a series of dramatic animations produced by the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) and collaborators.

The research was supported in part by the National Science Foundation, NCAR’s sponsor. The results were reviewed by scientists at NCAR and elsewhere, although not yet submitted for peer-review publication.

“I’ve had a lot of people ask me, ‘Will the oil reach Florida?’” says NCAR scientist Synte Peacock, who worked on the study. “Actually, our best knowledge says the scope of this environmental disaster is likely to reach far beyond Florida, with impacts that have yet to be understood.”

The computer simulations indicate that, once the oil in the uppermost ocean has become entrained in the Gulf of Mexico’s fast-moving Loop Current, it is likely to reach Florida's Atlantic coast within weeks. It can then move north as far as about Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, with the Gulf Stream, before turning east. Whether the oil will be a thin film on the surface or mostly subsurface due to mixing in the uppermost region of the ocean is not known.

The scientists used a powerful computer model to simulate how a liquid released at the spill site would disperse and circulate, producing results that are not dependent on the total amount released. The scientists tracked the rate of dispersal in the top 65 feet of the water and at four additional depths, with the lowest being just above the sea bed.

“The modeling study is analogous to taking a dye and releasing it into water, then watching its pathway,” Peacock says.

GO HERE to read more.

HELP WANTED

Cathy's Pet Salon, Spa & Doggie Daycare has an opening for a grooming assistant. This job requires no experience. We will train.

The job duties includes bathing dogs and cats, cleaning crates, doing laundry, picking up after dogs, and cleaning salon. They basically assist the groomers.

It is a very physical job, but the potential is there to be taught to become a groomer. This is not a summer only job.

Anyone interested can drop off or mail a resume to: Cathy's Pet Salon, Spa & Doggie Daycare, 1005 Mt Hermon Road, Salisbury, MD 21804, Tues - Fri 8am - 5 pm.

No phone calls please.

HIGHWAY WORKER KILLED BY HIT/RUN DRIVER IN ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY

(Annapolis, MD) – Maryland State Police are searching for the driver of a hit and run vehicle believed to have struck and killed a highway contract worker early this morning in Anne Arundel County.

The victim is identified as Ghassen A. Sabra, 52, of Goldsboro, N.C. He worked for Sabra, Wang & Associates, Inc., of Halethorpe, Md., a company under contract with the Maryland State Highway Administration to conduct traffic surveys. Sabra was pronounced dead at the scene.

Just before 1:00 a.m. today, Maryland State Police at the Glen Burnie Barracks were contacted by the Anne Arundel Co. fire board and notified that a Queen Anne’s County ambulance returning to its base was on the scene of a traffic fatality on eastbound Rt. 50 at Bay Dale Drive. The ambulance crew had been a short distance behind a tractor trailer that struck the victim’s body lying in lane two of the highway. They provided immediate emergency care, but the victim was deceased.

Troopers closed eastbound Rt. 50 and detours were set up by Anne Arundel County Police and State Highway Administration personnel. Investigators from the Maryland State Police CRASH Team responded and conducted the investigation.

The preliminary investigation indicates the tractor trailer, a 2006 Volvo owned by Trinity Transport of Asheboro, N.C., and driven by Ricky C. Beasley, 51, of Mt. Olive, N.C., was not the first vehicle to strike the victim. State Police CRASH Team investigators believe the victim was on foot in lane one (fast lane) of eastbound Rt. 50, either deploying or retrieving traffic counting equipment, when he was struck by a vehicle and thrown into lane two. The tractor trailer driver did not witness the victim being struck and did not see his body in the roadway until it was too late to stop.

The victim was wearing reflective clothing. A light was activated on the top of his pickup truck parked nearby on the highway shoulder.

At this time, there is no description of the vehicle that initially struck the victim. State Police and allied law enforcement agencies are searching for that vehicle and driver now. Anyone who was in the area of eastbound Rt. 50 and Bay Dale Drive between 12:30 a.m. and 1:30 a.m. today is urged to contact Maryland State Police at the Glen Burnie Barracks at 410-761-5130. Calls may be kept confidential.

State Police investigators have reviewed their investigation to this point with the Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney’s Office. No charges were filed against the tractor trailer driver. Eastbound Rt. 50 was reopened shortly before 7:00 a.m. today.

Jim Rutledge Criticizes Mikulski For Jeopardizing National Security

Mikulski Votes Against Border Fence

FOREST HILL, Maryland - Republican U.S. Senate Candidate Jim Rutledge is concerned that Barbara Mikulski continues to play politics at the expense of national security. Mikulski voted last week to defeat an amendment that would have allowed for the completion of a 700-mile fence along the United States-Mexico border. Rutledge said, “Barbara Mikulski is interested more in defending illegal immigrants when she should be working to defend our borders.”

The Rutledge for Senate Campaign believes Barbara Mikulski and Barack Obama are both guilty of political hypocrisy when is comes to protecting our borders. In 2006, Mikulski joined Barack Obama in voting for the “Secure Fence Act”, which passed the Senate by a margin of 80-19. The 2006 law called for building a double-layer fence along the border. To date only 34 miles of fence has been constructed. Now Barbara Mikulski has turned her back on national security to pander for a liberal Washington agenda. Jim Rutledge said, “Barbara Mikulski has decided to disavow her solemn oath to protect and defend America.”

Sen. Jim DeMint sponsored the “Finish the Fence Act” after efforts to create a virtual fence failed. Recent actions by the Mexican government to target drug cartels have led to an increase in violence along the border. Sen. DeMint recently pointed out that in Phoenix there have been 316 kidnapping cases with nearly all of them involving illegal immigrants and drugs.

Jim Rutledge supports Sen. Jim DeMint’s fight to finish the fence and secure our borders. Illegal immigration is costing the taxpayers of Maryland millions of dollars a year. Jim Rutledge believes it’s time for Marylanders to have a U.S. Senator who is willing to enforce the law to protect our citizens.

Delaware Electric Cooperative "Peak Alert"

URGENT “BEAT THE PEAK”

3 P.M. to 7 P.M., Tonight, June 3rd


Because of the warm weather forecasted in our region tonight, we are asking you to delay the usage of all unnecessary lights and appliances during these hours as well as turning your thermostat up 3 degrees.

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

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

For more information on our “Beat the Peak” program visit http://www.beatthepeak.coop/ and be sure to signup for a free In-Home Indicator which you plug into the wall and it will alert you when a Beat the Peak event happens.

You can also follow our Beat the Peak alerts and other news by becoming a follower of Delaware Electric Coop on and/or.

If we all save a little, together we save a lot.

Special Meeting/Work Session Agenda - June 7, 2010

SALISBURY CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
JUNE 7, 2010
CONFERENCE ROOM 306
GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING

SPECIAL MEETING – 4:00 p.m.
Ordinance No. 2110 – 2nd reading – amendment of the FY10 General Fund Budget to address a deficit in the Community Development Fund
Ordinance No. 2111 – 2nd reading – amending the FY10 Budget to address deficits in the City Attorney and Public Works Budgets


WORK SESSION – following conclusion of Special Meeting
Urban Salisbury quarterly report – Allan Hope
Marina Committee quarterly report – Michael Murray
CDBG Action Plan – Debbie Stam
Old Fire Station #16 proposals
Wastewater Treatment Plant design alternatives – Teresa Gardner
General discussion/upcoming agendas

British Airways Sorry For Bin Laden Boarding Pass Image

‘We are working to find out how this occurred,’ airline says via Twitter

LONDON - British Airways has apologized for a picture in a company magazine that showed a boarding pass in the name of Osama bin Laden.

The company said Thursday that the image of the fake boarding pass appeared in LHR News, a biweekly publication for British Airways employees at London Heathrow airport.

"A mistake was made and we are working to find out how this occurred. Apologies for the error," British Airways said in Twitter messages replying to Tweeters who raised the issue.

Bin Laden, who is thought to be hiding near the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan, is accused of being behind the Sept. 11 attacks in the U.S., as well other terrorist acts.

Source

GO HERE to view Salisbury News article/image.

Judicial Watch Announces List of Washington's "Ten Most Wanted Corrupt Politicians" For 2009

Washington, DC

Judicial Watch, the public interest group that investigates and prosecutes government corruption, today released its 2009 list of Washington's "Ten Most Wanted Corrupt Politicians."

The list, in alphabetical order, includes:

1. Senator Christopher Dodd (D-CT): This marks two years in a row for Senator Dodd, who made the 2008 "Ten Most Corrupt" list for his corrupt relationship with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and for accepting preferential treatment and loan terms from Countrywide Financial, a scandal which still dogs him. In 2009, the scandals kept coming for the Connecticut Democrat. In 2009, Judicial Watch filed a Senate ethics complaint against Dodd for undervaluing a property he owns in Ireland on his Senate Financial Disclosure forms. Judicial Watch's complaint forced Dodd to amend the forms. However, press reports suggest the property to this day remains undervalued. Judicial Watch also alleges in the complaint that Dodd obtained a sweetheart deal for the property in exchange for his assistance in obtaining a presidential pardon (during the Clinton administration) and other favors for a long-time friend and business associate. The false financial disclosure forms were part of the cover-up. Dodd remains the head the Senate Banking Committee.

GO HERE to read the other nine.

BREAKING NEWS:

BP crews successfully cuts pipe in latest attempt to stem oil spill, Coast Guard says. More to come.

GO HERE to read more.

Tax News Flash

Legislative Update: Employment Tax Rule Changes for Partnerships, Limited Liability Companies, and S Corporations in Professional Services Businesses Under the American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act

Provisions in H.R. 4213, the American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act of 2010, would significantly change the employment tax rules with respect to partnerships, limited liability companies, and S corporations in professional services businesses—i.e., trades or businesses substantially all of the activities of which involve providing services in the fields of health, law, lobbying, engineering, architecture, accounting, actuarial science, performing arts, consulting, athletics, investment advice or management, or brokerage services.*

* The term “substantially all” is not defined for this purpose.

Effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2010, very generally, the bill would require certain service provider partners and shareholders in these businesses to take into account their distributive shares of the businesses’ operating income in determining self-employment tax. The bill does not provide for any portion of the service provider partner’s or shareholder’s distributive share to be excluded from the self-employment tax as a return on capital.

GO HERE to read more.

GOVERNOR O’MALLEY SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER TO ESTABLISH GOVERNOR’S COMMISSION ON SMALL BUSINESS

ANNAPOLIS, MD (June 3, 2010) –Governor Martin O’Malley signed Executive Order 01.01.2010.13, that would create the Governor’s Commission on Small Business. The 26 member Commission was formed upon recommendation of the Governor’s Task Force on Small Business and is charged with providing a forum for small businesses to articulate and address barriers to business growth.

“Small business is the foundation of Maryland’s economy. If we’re going to turn the corner from recovery to prosperity, we must continue to recognize that our progress as a State depends on the prosperity of small businesses,” Governor O’Malley said. “The creation of this Commission will help our State identify barriers to assist small business development in our State.”

Small businesses represent more than 97 percent of the all employers and more than 54 percent of the private sector workforce in Maryland. Last year, the Governor established the Governor’s Task Force on Small Business to advocate actions, identify barriers and solicit input on issues of importance to the sustainability and growth of Maryland’s small businesses. The Task Force convened and submitted a report to Governor O’Malley in December of 2009.

Priorities from the Task Force included establishing a center for small business excellence and establishing a Maryland Small Business Commission.

The Commission consists of members appointed by the Governor, the Senate President and the Speaker of the House. Ex-officio members include the Secretary of Business and Economic Development, the Secretary of Housing and Community Development, the Secretary of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, the Secretary of General Services and the Secretary of the Governor’s Office of Minority Affairs. The Commission will submit an annual report to the Governor by June 30 of each year.

In addition to providing a forum for small businesses to articulate and address barriers to business growth, the Commission is responsible for recommending economic policy development measures to the Governor and General Assembly, overseeing the implementation of the Small Business Task Force recommendations, developing and recommending a standard definition of small business, advocating for full employment and skills upgrades to support business development and job creation in emerging and growth industries, identifying public/private partnership opportunities to supplement small business economic programs and financial incentives, and identifying methods to improve resource accessibility for small Minority Business Enterprises, among others.

The full Executive Order can be found here: www.governor.maryland.gov/documents/100602EOSmallBusiness.pdf For information on small business resources and assistance or the Commission, contact the Department of Business and Economic Development at 410-767-6300 or visit www.ChooseMaryland.org.

Bishop Stabbed To Death In Turkey

Driver arrested after Catholic cleric attacked in his home

ANKARA, Turkey - A Roman Catholic bishop has been stabbed to death in southern Turkey, a government official said.

Luigi Padovese, the pope's apostolic vicar in Anatolia, was attacked in his home in the Mediterranean port of Iskenderun.

Gov. Mehmet Celalettin Lekesiz said police had detained a man suspected of carrying out the killing.

GO HERE to read more.

Bush Defends Waterboarding 9/11 Mastermind

Ex-president says he would 'do it again to save lives'

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Former President George W. Bush says if he had it to do over, he would still waterboard the self-professed mastermind of the Sept. 11 attacks.

Waterboarding is a simulated drowning technique that the Obama administration considers torture. Bush acknowledged Wednesday that the U.S. used the harsh interrogation technique on Khalid Sheik Mohammed and said he would "do it again to save lives."

Bush made the comment while speaking to the Economic Club of Grand Rapids, Mich.

GO HERE to read more.

Drinking Offers The Same Benefits As Yoga

How About Nuking Oil Spill? No way, U.S. Says

Soviets reportedly tried it with land-based gas wells

The chatter began weeks ago as armchair engineers brainstormed for ways to stop the torrent of oil spilling into the Gulf of Mexico: What about nuking the well?

Decades ago, the Soviet Union reportedly used nuclear blasts to successfully seal off runaway gas wells, inserting a bomb deep underground and letting its fiery heat melt the surrounding rock to shut off the flow. Why not try it here?

The idea has gained fans with each failed attempt to stem the leak and each new setback — on Wednesday, the latest rescue effort stalled when a wire saw being used to slice through the riser pipe got stuck.

GO HERE to read more.

Maytag Recalls 1.7 Million Dishwashers

Failures in heating element have led to fires and damage

WASHINGTON - Maytag Corp. is recalling about 1.7 million dishwashers because of a fire hazard.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission, which announced the recall Thursday, says the company has received 12 reports of electrical failures in the dishwasher heating element that led to fires and damage.

One kitchen fire caused extensive damage, the agency said. No injuries have been reported.

GO HERE to read more.

ACORN 'Pimp' Releases Undercover Census Video

Multisource political news, world news, and entertainment news analysis by Newsy.com

A Letter To The Editor

"I CANNOT THANK YOU ENOUGH FOR WHAT YOU HAVE DONE FOR MYSELF AND OTHERS OUT THERE, YOU GIVE US A VOICE IN THE GOOD AND BAD THINGS THAT OCCUR IN LIFE AND BRING ABOUT CHANGES THAT CAN IMPROVE THINGS FOR EVERYONE WITHIN THE SALISBURY NEWS RANGE, THE FACT THAT YOU ARE SO PASSIONATE ABOUT THINGS THAT EFFECTS OTHERS, ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO MAY HAVE A LITTLE LESS, YOU GIVE THEM THAT VOICE AND LISTEN.

WHAT YOU SAY PULLS PEOPLE IN THE NEGATIVE AND THE GOOD, AND THAT IS NOT DONE OFTEN ENOUGH IN TODAY'S TIMES. YOU HAVE STARTED SOMETHING FROM THIS THAT WILL HELP HOPEFULLY CHANGE FOR THE BETTER SOME OF THE SERVICES PROVIDED TO PEDESTRIANS AND NEED TO BE CLOSER EXAMINED, AND CODES UPDATED AND THE HUMAN ELEMENT PUT BACK INTO THE EQUATION.

THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART FOR NOT JUST THIS ONE THING BUT FOR ALL THAT YOU DO. AND ESPECIALLY FOR WHAT YOU HAVE DONE FOR THE SARAH FOXWELL FAMILY AND HER MEMORY.

YOUR FAMILY HAS A LOT TO BE PROUD OF, FOR SOMEONE WHO HAS SO MUCH AND COULD JUST SIT BACK AND LET OTHERS GET INVOLVED YOUR VERY BEING WILL NOT LET YOU SIT ON THE SIDELINES. I HOPE TO BE MORE LIKE YOU AND PLUG ALONG WITH MY LITTLE GROUP AND DO WHAT I CAN FOR THIS NEIGHBORHOOD, THE HAVE NOTS AND THE ELDERLY. THANK YOU AGAIN."

Oil Spill Undermines Obama's Credibility

Multisource political news, world news, and entertainment news analysis by Newsy.com

Mexico Opens California Office To Provide ID For Illegals

The Mexican government is opening a satellite consular office on Catalina Island -- a small resort off the California coast with a history of drug smuggling and human trafficking -- to provide the island's illegal Mexican immigrants with identification cards, The Washington Examiner has learned.

The Mexican consular office in Los Angeles issued a flier, a copy of which was obtained by The Examiner, listing the Catalina Island Country Club as the location of its satellite office. It invites Mexicans to visit the office to obtain the identification, called matricular cards, by appointment.

Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, a Republican whose district includes Catalina Island, said handing out matricular cards will exacerbate an already dangerous situation.

"Handing out matricular cards to Mexicans who are not in this country legally is wrong no matter where it's done," he said. "But on Catalina it will do more damage. It's a small island but there's evidence it's being used as a portal for illegals to access mainland California."

Rohrabacher added, "If there were a large number of Americans illegally in Mexico and the U.S. consulate was making it easier for them to stay, Mexico would never permit it."

Officers with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said their agency was asked by Mexican officials not to enforce U.S. immigration laws on the island while the cards were being issued.

"It amazes me every time that the Mexican government has the gall to tell us what to do," said an ICE official, who asked not to be named. "More surprisingly is how many times we stand by and let them. This is just an example of one of hundreds of requests we've had to deal with."

Read more

More On That Job Offer To Andrew Romanoff

Colorado Senate candidate Andrew Romanoff said a White House aide offered him a job to drop out of a primary race against Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.).

In a statement, Democrat Andrew Romanoff, who rankled President Barack Obama's White House, said Obama's deputy Chief of Staff Jim Messina tried to prevent Romanoff from challenging incumbent Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.).

Romanoff said Messina called him after news of his run was reported and told him that the president would be supporting Bennet.

“Mr. Messina also suggested three positions that might be available to me were I not pursuing the Senate race,” Romanoff said. “He added that he could not guarantee my appointment to any of these positions. At no time was I promised a job, nor did I request Mr. Messina’s assistance in obtaining one.”

The three positions described in the email are two senior positions at the USAID and director of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency.

Romanoff said after he received the email from Messina, he called the deputy chief of staff and left a voicemail saying that he was not withdrawing from the race.

“I have not spoken with Mr. Messina, nor have I discussed this matter with anyone else in the White House, since then,” the statement read.

A spokesman for the White House told the Associated Press that Romanoff was recommended to the White House by Colorado Democrats for a position in the administration.

“There were some initial conversations with him but no job was ever offered,” said White House deputy press secretary Bill Burton.

Romanoff is the second Democratic Senate candidate the White House approached with an offer of a job in order to clear the field for its chosen candidate.

Here is more

Arizona's Brewer: We'll Fight Obama Efforts To Overturn Immigration Law

Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer will meet with President Barack Obama on Thursday, a White House aide confirmed amid mounting ire over the state's immigration law that critics say encourages ethnic profiling.

A defiant Brewer told CNN Tuesday night that her state will fight any federal attempts to overturn the law. She also cited several major polls that have showed national support for the immigration law running as high as two-thirds of registered voters surveyed. A majority in several polls said they want a similar law in their own states.

"We'll meet you in court," she said Tuesday, addressing the Obama administration. "I have a pretty good record of winning in court."

More here

Gallup: GOP Hits All-Time High In Generic Vote

Republicans are now polling with their largest lead ever over Democrats in the history of the Gallup poll, the polling agency reported Tuesday.

Gallup's generic polling shows the number of voters saying that they would vote for Republicans rising three points from last week, while the number saying they will vote for Democrats dropped four points.

The 49 percent to 43 percent lead for the GOP is the party's best lead ever. Democratic enthusiasm for voting this fall fell a point, while enthusiasm among Republicans stayed about fifteen points higher.

This indicates an even wider lead for Republicans once Gallup imposes a likely voter screen this fall, the Real Clear Politics website pointed out.

Read more (including the poll data) here

Umpire: ‘I Just Cost That Kid A Perfect Game’

Veteran Joyce admits 2-out call that denied Tigers' Galarraga history wrong

DETROIT - Armando Galarraga squeezed the ball in his mitt, stepped on first base with his right foot and was ready to celebrate the first perfect game in Detroit Tigers’ history.

What happened next will be the talk of baseball for the rest of this season and likely a lot longer.

Umpire Jim Joyce emphatically called Cleveland’s Jason Donald safe and a chorus of groans and boos echoed in Comerica Park.

GO HERE to read more.

How To Plug The Leak In The Gulf

Under Cheney’s Influence, Wyoming’s Oil Ties Flooded MMS

In a speech last week on the disaster unfolding in the Gulf, President Obama told the nation that for decades, there existed a “scandalously close relationship between oil companies and the agency that regulates them,” and that he took responsibility for a culture that had “not fully changed” under his administration.

On that subject-the culture of coziness between the Minerals Management Service and industry-a non-profit Wyoming news service WyoFile published a report today that details some of the ties between MMS internal culture, the state of Wyoming, and the state’s native son, Dick Cheney.

Read More…

STATEMENT FROM FIRST LADY KATIE O’MALLEY REGARDING THE PASSING OF THEIR FAMILY GOLDEN RETRIEVER LADY

ANNAPOLIS, MD (June 3, 2010) – First Lady Katie O’Malley today issued the following statement following the passing of the O’Malley family Golden Retriever, Lady. Lady was 13 years old and she was euthanized on Friday, May 14, 2010. The decision to euthanize Lady was made in consultation with the family veterinarian who had treated Lady for over 3 years.

”A few weeks ago, we had to make a very difficult decision, and euthanized our family Golden Retriever, Lady. My children and Lady grew up together – she was a part of our family for over 10 years – and we are very sad to lose her.”

“When we first got Lady, we adopted her from a woman who had health issues. Her kids were older and she wanted Lady to be around kids that would enjoy playing with her. My kids loved her instantly – she was very gentle with them – they would lay on her and watch TV. They loved her and she loved them.”

“When she was younger, every Sunday, Lady would run 10 miles with me at Loch Raven. She loved to chase squirrels and jump in the dam.”

“And as she got older, she got really attached to Martin and would get very sad when he left the house. When he returned, even when her hips got bad, she would go crazy jumping and barking. She liked sleeping at the side of our bed right next to Martin. He used to sing songs to her and she loved it.”

“Lady O’Malley will be missed dearly.”

Congress Considers Federal Anti-Slapp Law To Protect Consumers From Angry Businesses

The New York Times has an article about Justin Kurtz, the college student who angered the owner of T&J Towing by creating a Facebook page about the company and who is now fighting a $750k defamation lawsuit. That sort of lawsuit--the kind meant to intimidate an opponent into silence--is called a "strategic lawsuit against public participation," or Slapp. Now two Representatives are sponsoring a bill that would create a federal anti-Slapp law to protect consumers from vengeful businesses.

More »

How Fast Is Your Broadband?

FCC wants volunteers to test connection speeds

How do you connect your home computer to the Internet? If you have broadband service, what’s the download speed? If you don’t know — and odds are you don’t — you’re in the majority
.
“People know whether they’re paying extra money to upgrade to a faster speed,” says Aaron Smith, a research specialist with the Pew Research Center’s Internet and American Life Project. “But when you ask them if they have a 400 Mbps (megabit per second) or a 200Mbps connection, you generally get quizzical expressions and an inability to answer the question.”

I know I pay a lot more for broadband because it’s much faster than my old dial-up service. But I couldn’t tell you the speed I bought or the speed I get if my life depended on it. And I’m not alone.

GO HERE to read more.

Concerns with Somerset County Budget

ONCERNS WITH SOMERSET COUNTY BUDGET FY 2010-2011 to be adopted June 8, 2010

1. Debt service is high and will continue to increase with present rate of spending. Interest rates are anticipated to rise in the near future.

2. Spending is excessive in many departments and should be broken down within the account so that the public and commissioners actually know how the money is being spent. A LINE -ITEM BUDGET would clarify questionable expenditures.

3. Some accounts (departments) should be eliminated as they are not essential and other accounts should be cut drastically.

4. Spending does NOT have to equal revenue. Extra revenue could and should be used to pay down debt.

SOLUTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Request a 5% cutback from all departments and allow department heads to determine cuts.

2. Eliminate or drastically reduce community promotions. $112,250.

3. Spending on Truancy Court seems excessive and should be curtailed unless explained and justified by commissioners. $193,000.

4. Family Support Services expenditures seem high and do not benefit a significant number of local citizens and could be reduced. $180,000.

5. States Attorney Office salaries, expenses, and benefits seem extremely high for a small county in which a majority of cases seem to be plea bargained. $1,005,081.00

6. Planning and Zoning should be seriously downsized. In today’s economic environment with little construction anticipated in the near future, there is no need for the permit, inspection, and code enforcement personnel that had been required in the past. $924,246.

7. Tourism salaries, expenses, and benefits should be eliminated. The county simply does not recapture these expenses in additional tourism and this expense should be totally eliminated. Lack of fiscal responsibility is reflected in allowing the Crisfield office to remain open all winter. $236,859.

8. Civil Defense can probably be reduced or further explanation is needed as to what they do and how they benefit the county. $297,638.

9. Animal Control needs a major reduction. The name of the account is misleading as well since this department only responds to calls involving dogs and is identified as dog control by Rt. 413 signage. $232,000.

10. Highway Safety should be eliminated entirely unless the commissioners have proof that this program has benefited the county. $83,000.

11. Transportation (Tri county Council) expenditures are exorbitant. Citizens using this service for work are few. Many from Somerset use this service in order to actually spend money in Wicomico County. Somerset’s return on this investment is low and should be reconsidered. $389,495.

12. Public Health at $620,000 needs to be justified and broken down as to where this money actually goes and if it is spent to benefit the citizens of Somerset County.

13. The Board of Education budget is high and Somerset County needs to demand that the Board of Education operate as efficiently as possible. Money and new buildings does not equate to a good education.

14. Golf course should be sold to private entrepreneur. This action would result in the county NOT subsidizing the golf course in the amount of $277,000 a year but actually collecting taxes and adding revenue to the budget. Private ownership would increase tax rolls.

15. Department of Recreation should be eliminated. Somerset County is not able to support the cost involved with a community park. The schools in the communities have ball fields and the county has other ball fields which residents can use. While the need for a park is good in theory, we simply can’t afford it. $373,000.

16. Economic Development at $207,000 is a waste of taxpayers money and should be purged immediately. Economic Development money has produced NO real economic development, but using this money to lower taxes would do more to create a friendly business environment thereby producing real economic development.

17. County Roads at $3,100,000 is unreasonable in tough economic times. Roads are being resurfaced that do not need it and could be delayed several years without creating any problems.

18. Overall, no cuts were made in the 2010-2011 budget. With minimal insight it can be predicted that 2011-2012 will be more challenging due to lower assessments and fewer grants from state and federal agencies.

The Somerset County Commissioners should incorporate the above suggestions and recommendations into the 2010-2011 budget or justify not doing so. At a time when all entities are scaling back on spending, it is wasteful for Somerset to carry on with business as usual. As assessments and tax revenue decline, the commissioners forge ahead unconcerned with fiscal responsibility. Be transparent and produce a LINE ITEM BUDGET that may justify these expenditures.

Today's Wildlife Photo By Scott Phoebus

Today's Wildlife Photos

The Great Blue Heron is back and enjoying another bull frog for its meal. Click on the images to enlarge.

YOUR TAXES NEXT YEAR

You really need to read this…… starts next year

This is supposed to be part of the new Health Care Bill.

I contacted my Congressman about House bill HR3590 the health care bill
just passed. I asked for a summary of changes.

The aid directed me to go to www: thomas.gov ; enter HR3590 in the search
box and look for summaries.

Starting in 2011 (next year folks) your W 2 tax form sent by your employer will be increased to show the value of what ever health insurance you are given by the company. It does not matter if that's a private concern or governmental body of some sort. If you're retired? So what; your gross will go up by the amount of insurance you get.

You will be required to pay taxes on a large sum of money that you have
never seen. Take your tax form you just finished and see what $15,000 or $20,000 additional gross does to your tax debt. That's what you'll pay next year. For many it also puts you into a new higher bracket so it's even worse.

This is how the government is going to buy insurance for the15% that don't
have insurance and it's only part of the tax increases.

Not believing this I researched the summaries and here's what I'm reading:
On page 25 of 29: TITLE IX REVENUE PROVISIONS- SUBTITLE A: REVENUE OFFSET PROVISIONS-(sec. 9001, as modified by sec. 10901) Sec.9002. "requires employers to include in the W-2 form of each employee the aggregate cost of applicable employer sponsored group health coverage that is excludable from the employees gross income."

Joan Pryde is the senior tax editor for the Kiplinger letters. Go to Kiplingers and read about 13 tax changes that could affect you. Number 3 is what I just told you about.

EVERY CANDIDATE SHOULD HAVE TO DISCUSS THIS !!!

Never Piss Off A Nurse

A big shot attorney had to spend a couple of days in the hospital. He was a royal pain to the nurses because he bossed them around just like he did his staff. None of the hospital staff wanted to have anything to do with him.

The head nurse was the only one who could stand up to him. She came into his room and announced, "I have to take your temperature." After complaining for several minutes, he finally settled down, crossed his arms and opened his mouth.

"No, I'm sorry," the nurse stated, "but for this reading, I can't use an oral thermometer." This started another round of complaining but eventually he rolled over and bared his behind. After feeling the nurse insert the thermometer, he heard her announce, "I have to get something. Now you stay JUST LIKE THAT until I get back!"

She left the door to his room open on her way out. He cursed under his breath as he heard people walking past his door, laughing..... After about 20 minutes, the man's Doctor came into the room. "What's going on here?" asked the doctor.

Angrily, the man answered, "What's the matter, Doc? Haven't you ever seen someone having their temperature taken?"

After a pause, the doctor confessed..... "Not with a Daffodil."

News from Help Save Maryland

Thursday June 17, 2010 - MoCo Police Chief Tom Manger's Monthly Latino Liaison Meeting, 1-3 pm, Rockville, Montgomery County. More Details to Follow

This is a real treat to see Chief Manger kowtow to the hateful, anti-citizen Latino groups which are funded and supported by MoCo Executive Ike Leggett (Democrat) and Montgomery County Council (Democrats). This includes CASA of Maryland and other tax hungry organizations, a host of local Church leaders and MoCo County workers who serve these ethnic centric, illegal alien supporting organizations.

Its an experience to hear CASA reps and others attack MoCo Police for trying to enforce any laws against illegal aliens, even those illegals in jail for crimes. And to listen to Chief Manger of course deny any attempts to enforce the law against illegals is music to their lawless ears.

Even better, you can listen to the Latino groups attack HSM's Latino members who attend the meetings, calling them racists and traitors, all under the watchful eye of Chief Manger. Its a despicable monthly event and a waste of MoCo citizen tax dollars.

Saturday June 19, CASA of Maryland's Ribbon Cutting for their New Taxpayer Funded Illegal Alien Clubhouse/Day Labor Center, 11:30am - 1:30pm, Langley Park, Prince George's County. More Details to Follow.

Cancer

Car Air-conditioning - No wonder more folks are dying from cancer than ever before.

We wonder where this stuff comes from but here is an example that explains a lot of the cancer causing incidents.

Many people are in their cars first thing in the morning and the last thing at night, 7 days a week.

As I read this, it makes me feel guilty and ill. Please pass this on to as many people as possible.
Guess its not too late to make some changes

Car A/C (Air Conditioning) MUST READ!!!


Please do NOT turn on A/C as soon as you enter the car. Open the windows after you enter your car and then turn ON the AC after a couple of minutes.

Here's why: According to research, the car dashboard, seats, air freshener emit Benzene, a Cancer causing toxin (carcinogen - take time to observe the smell of heated plastic in your car).

In addition to causing cancer, Benzene poisons your bones, causes anemia and reduces white blood cells. Prolonged exposure will cause Leukemia, increasing the risk of cancer. Can also cause miscarriage.

Acceptable Benzene level indoors is 50mg per cu.ft.

A car parked indoors with windows closed will contain 400-800 mg of Benzene.

If parked outdoors under the sun at a temperature above 60 degrees F, the Benzene level goes up to 2000-4000 mg, 40 times the acceptable level.

People who get into the car, keeping windows closed will inevitably inhale, in quick succession, excessive amounts of the toxin.

Benzene is a toxin that affects your kidney and liver.. What's worse, it is extremely difficult for your body to expel this toxic stuff.

So friends, please open the windows and door of your car - give time for interior to air out -dispel the deadly stuff - before you enter.

Thought: 'When someone shares something of value with you and you benefit from it, you have a moral obligation to shareit with others.'

This is what snopes.com says. It is not the air conditioning in the car but the Benzene producing agents that cause cancer. http://www.snopes.com/medical/toxins/benzene.asp

CHESAPEAKE BAY EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

GOVERNOR O’MALLEY TO JOIN EPA Deputy Administrator Bob Perciasepe, VIRGINIA GOVERNOR MCDONNELL, WASHINGTON D.C. MAYOR FENTY AT 27TH CHESAPEAKE BAY EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Martin O’Malley tomorrow will join EPA Deputy Administrator Bob Perciasepe, Virginia Governor Robert McDonnell, Washington, DC Mayor Adrian Fenty, federal and state environmental officials and other stakeholders at the 27th Chesapeake Bay Executive Council Meeting. During the meeting, the officials will highlight progress towards two year milestones to accelerate Bay restoration efforts and accountability.

After the meeting, officials will join for a press conference where Governor O’Malley will make an important announcement about the future of the Bay.

Before the Press conference, the Executive Council and Living Classrooms students will participate in a restoration project, enhancing the last protected tidal wetland in Baltimore City. Press is invited to attend and stay for the press conference.

MSP Press Release

BRIEF RESUME:

On 06-02-2010 at approximately 1222 hours, Troopers from the Salisbury Barrack received a call for a domestic assault in progress at the above address. Upon arrival Troopers met with the complainant a Clarence Vance who stated that his live in girlfriend had assaulted him. She was identified as Deborah Tyler. Tyler also reported to Troopers that she was also assaulted in the altercation. Troopers determined that Tyler was the aggressor and she was arrested. While Troopers were at the residence numerous controlled dangerous substances were observed and consent to search the residence was granted by the residents. That search revealed suspected marihuana manufacturing equipment and suspected marihuana. Also recovered were several dozen different types of prescription narcotic pills that neither Vance nor Tyler had prescriptions for. Vance was then placed under arrest. Both subjects were transported to the Wicomico County Central booking unit for an appearance before the District Court Commissioner.

1 Clarence Vance w/m age 46 of Eden, Maryland
2. Deborah Tyler age 41 of Eden, Maryland

Both suspects were charged with:
Possession of cds manufacturing equipment
Possession of cds marihuana
Possession of cds non-marihuana w/intent to distribute
Possession of cds paraphernalia

Additionally Tyler was charged with 2nd degree Assault

SHOREBIRDS LEVEL SERIES WITH 8-3 WIN OVER GRASSHOPPERS

‘Birds Record Five Two-Out RBIs

Greensboro, N.C. – The Delmarva Shorebirds plated all eight runs between the second and sixth innings to defeat the Greensboro Grasshoppers, 8-3, at NewBridge Bank Park Wednesday. The Shorebirds recorded five two-out hits in the win. Steve Bumbry paced the offensive attack with three hits.

The Grasshoppers took an early lead in the first inning. Justin Bass reached on a two-out error by Garabez Rosa. Bass moved to second on a wild pitch and scored from second on another wild pitch.

The Shorebirds tied the score at 1-1 in the second. Steve Bumbry hit a lead-off single. Then, Tyler Stampone hit an infield single to push Bumbry to second base. A double play ball off the bat of Mikey Planeta advanced Bumbry to third. With two outs, Michael Ohlman singled through the right side of the infield to score Bumbry.

The Grasshoppers regained the lead in the home half of the second. Kyle Jensen started the frame with the double down the left field line. Carlos Paulino dropped a sacrifice bunt to move Jensen to third. After a strikeout of Taylor Krick, Michael Pasek hit a two-out RBI single to plate Jensen. Then, Terrence Dayleg singled to give the Grasshoppers a 3-1 lead.

In the third inning, the ‘Birds took their first lead. T.J. Baxter led off with his fourth home run of the season over the left-center field wall. Ty Kelly followed with a single. He came into score on an error by the third baseman Terrence Dayleg.

The Shorebirds tacked on two more in the fourth inning. Kelly hit a single up the middle to plate Garabez Rosa and T.J. Baxter. Delmarva scored one more in the fifth on a single by Mikey Planeta and two more in the sixth inning.

Eight of the nine Shorebirds starters recorded a hit and all nine reached base.

Luis Noel picked up his first win of the season in five innings of work. He allowed just four hits. Greensboro starter Curtis Peterson was pinned with the loss.

The Shorebirds play game three of the series on Thursday night at 7:00 p.m. LHP Nathan Moreau makes his fourth start of the season.

THIS IS WHY WE LOVE OLD PEOPLE

A farmer stopped by the local mechanics shop to have his truck fixed. They couldn't do it while he waited, so he said he didn't live far and would just walk home.

On the way home he stopped at the hardware Store and bought a bucket and a gallon of paint. He then stopped by the feed store and picked up a couple of chickens and a goose. However, struggling outside the store he now had a problem - how to carry his entire purchases home.

While he was scratching his head he was approached by a little old lady who told him she was lost. She asked, 'Can you tell me how to get to 1603 Mockingbird Lane ?'

The farmer said, 'Well, as a matter of fact, my farm is very close to that house I would walk you there but I can't carry this lot.'

The old lady suggested, 'Why don't you put the can of paint in the bucket. Carry the bucket in one hand, put a chicken under each arm and carry the goose in your other hand?'
'Why thank you very much,' he said and proceeded to walk the old girl home.

On the way he says 'Let's take my short cut and go down this alley. We'll be there in no time.'

The little old lady looked him over cautiously then said, 'I am a lonely widow without a husband to defend me.. How do I know that when we get in the alley you won't hold me up against the wall, pull up my skirt, and have your way with me?'

The farmer said, 'Holy smokes lady! I'm carrying a bucket, a gallon of paint, two chickens, and a goose. How in the world could I possibly hold you up against the wall and do that?'

The old lady replied, 'Set the goose down, cover him with the bucket, put the paint on top of the bucket, and I'll hold the chickens.

Twenty-Fourth Annual Statewide Law Enforcement Torch Run Benefiting Special Olympics Delaware

Statewide- The 24th ANNUAL STATEWIDE LAW ENFORCEMENT TORCH RUN involving over 500 Law Enforcement Officers and spanning 161 miles will be held between Wednesday, June 9 and Friday, June 11.

Special Olympics Delaware provides a year-round program of quality sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. A family of over 4,000 volunteers makes this program possible for the more than 3,300 athletes who compete in Special Olympics Delaware.

“We build sports skills, confidence, strength, motivation and self-esteem ... not just for the athletes, but for everyone involved,” says Ann Grunert, executive director of Special Olympics Delaware.

This year’s Torch Run will be a three-day event, starting in Rehoboth Beach on Wednesday, June 9 at 7:00 p.m. The First State Force Band will lead the gala Torch Run sendoff from the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand.

On Thursday, June 10, the Torch will start in Lewes, Georgetown and Delmar, and will travel through Milford, Harrington, Dover, Smyrna and Odessa, including a stop at Legislative Hall in Dover. The event continues on Friday, June 11, from Troop 9, with the Torch proceeding to the Wilmington Police Headquarters in Wilmington for a 1:20 p.m. celebration and then on to Newark for a 4:15 p.m. celebration at the Newark Municipal Building.

The event culminates with a final leg into the University of Delaware’s Bob Carpenter Center for the official opening of the 40th annual Special Olympics Delaware Summer Games, where the Special Olympics Flame of Hope will be delivered.