Costco Robbery

Troopers Probe Parking Lot Robbery in Newark

 

Location:  Costco, 900 Center Blvd., Newark, DE

 

Date of Occurrence:   Wednesday, November 10, 2010 at 7:20 p.m.

 

Victim: 58 year old Newark man  

 

Suspect:   Black male, 25-30 years of age, 6’00” tall, 170 lbs, short black “military style” hair. He was last seen wearing a dark colored hooded sweatshirt and dark colored pants. He was also armed with an automatic handgun.

 

Resume:   The Delaware State Police are investigating the robbery of a Newark man which occurred in the parking lot of the Costco Wholesale Club yesterday evening.

 

The incident occurred at approximately 7:20 p.m. on Wednesday as the victim was preparing to enter his vehicle which was parked in the lot. The victim was then approached by a male suspect who displayed a handgun and demanded money from the victim. The victim complied and turned over an undisclosed amount of money to the suspect. The suspect then fled and was last seen leaving the parking lot in a white unknown make and model two door vehicle. The victim was not injured.

 

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident, they are asked to contact Troop 2 at 302-834-2630 ext. 6 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333. Tips may also be provided online at www.tipsubmit.com.

Lost Dogs

The owners came and got them. Thank you so much for the help. They would not have found them if it weren't for your blog. Thank you again!

Hello,

I found two dogs today and I am trying to find their owners. My vet referred me to you for listing these dogs as lost. They are two yellow labs i think, one male one female. They did not have any collars or tags, nor are they microchipped. I found them around 10 am this morning on Farm House Drive in Hebron. The male has a large scar on his right hip (cannot see this is the picture). My phone number is 443-614-4772. If there is anything you can do to help me find the owners I would greatly appreciate it. The pictures are attached. I appreciate your time. 

Sincerely, 

Tanya Dickson

Bam AWOL On Vets Day

WASHINGTON -- Today is Veter ans Day. Do you know where your president is?

With his feeble flame of "hope" thoroughly doused here in the United States by last week's elections, President Obama has set out around the globe in search of throngs still enthralled by his flowery rhetoric.

He found them, of course, in Indonesia this week by telling them about how Americans must stop mistrusting Islam.

So that is why your president is halfway around the world instead of being here in the United States to celebrate the sacrifices American soldiers, sailors and airmen have made around the world to keep the real, still-burning flame of freedom alive.

Obama honored our veterans from afar by laying a wreath during a ceremony at an Army base in South Korea last night.

That is a distance from here matched only by the chasm that has opened up between him and the voters who elected him two years ago.

This aloofness of his really is becoming a problem.

Not that Obama doesn't appreciate the sacrifices of veterans. He absolutely does. Just ask the Indonesians.
He was in Jakarta for their Heroes Day this week to honor their veterans "who have sacrificed on behalf of this great country."

"This great country," of course, being Indonesia.

"When my stepfather was a boy, he watched his own father and older brother leave home to fight and die in the struggle for Indonesian independence," Obama told the audience.

GO HERE to read more.

Family In Need

Hi Joe--

I want to thank you for your efforts in getting the word out to help the family who lost their posessions in the house fire in Onancock. People were very generous in giving and we were able to take a trailer load of stuff to their new rental home! They were so appreciative, the entire family was waiting out in the yard for our arrival. The 2 1/2 year old was tickled pink with the colorful Elmo toddler bed that someone donated.  People donated mattresses, bed frames, couches, household cleaners, clothing, bookshelves and much more. One lady even donated a frozen turkey and a pot to cook it in! So thank you for all that you do on a daily basis to make a difference in this community we all call home. I  hope I will never have to be on the receiving end of such an effort, but i know if I were ever in a similar situation the wonderful and giving people here on the Shore would be there to help with giving hearts! Thanks to everyone who donated. 

Home Invasion Cox Road

INCIDENT: Home Invasion Robbery
DATE: November 11, 2010
LOCATION: 7800 Block of Cox Road, Mardela MD

NARRATIVE: On November 11, 2010 at 0031 hours the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to the above address for a reported home invasion robbery. Deputies learned the lone occupant of the home had been assaulted and bound by the intruders. Items of value had been taken from the residence. The victim is not familiar with the suspects. One white male and one black male were identified as the suspects both were wearing blue jeans and a ski mask
.
The Wicomico Bureau of Investigation was called and responded to assume the investigation. Investigators are asking anyone with any information contact the Bureau at 410-548-4898 or Crimesolvers at 410-548-1776.

VETERANS DAY

THANK YOU TO ALL MY BROTHER AND SISTER HEROES WHO EVER WORN STRIPES, BARS, INSIGNIAS OR A UNIFORM IN SERVICE TO THE GREATEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD! GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU FAMILIES….. IT DOES NOT MATTER WHO YOU ARE, SERVICE IS THE KEY COMPONENT TO HONOR!!!!

Detective Brian Beaver

GOP's Grassley Rips Obama's Empty Promise On Healthcare

Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa charges that President Barack Obama's healthcare legislation "isn't doing what it was supposed to do" and has failed to stop spiraling healthcare-premium increases nationwide. "The president promised that premiums would go down $2,500. Well, what people are going to find is they're going to go up $2,500, not down $2,500," he argues.

Grassley says voters may have to wait until 2013 for the repeal of Obamacare, because GOP senators don't have the votes to override a presidential veto. But until then, he pledges to do whatever he can to defund or modify the president's signature legislation.     

Details

Americans Line Up To Join 'No-fly' List

Supporters say it enhances security aboard passenger jets, but critics say it is little more than government-sponsored voyeurism for Transportation Security Administration workers.

The dispute is over the new enhanced airport security screening procedures that offer a choice of either a nude, full-body image X-ray scan or a hands-on-all-parts pat-down by a federal agent.

And the controversy could be coming to a head.

The Air Transport Association of America says it expects 24 million people to fly during the Thanksgiving holiday period, and an online campaign is urging everyone who flies the day before Thanksgiving – usually one of the busiest air travel days of the year – to opt out of the new full-body, nude-image scanners.

"The goal of National Opt-Out Day is to send a message to our lawmakers that we demand change," states the website. "No naked body scanners, no government-approved groping. We have a right to privacy and buying a plane ticket should not mean that we're guilty until proven innocent.

"While the government doesn't always like to advertise this, you have the ability to opt-out of the naked body scanner machines," the organizers said.
 But the one-day protest is just one of the growing tremors in an earthquake developing over the issue. And it's not even the most extreme.

James Babb and George Donnelly have launched the "We Won't Fly" website, which is a message directly to airlines.

"We do not consent to strip searches, virtual or otherwise. We do not wish to be guinea pigs for new, and possibly dangerous, technology. We are not criminals. We are your customers. We will not beg the government anymore. We will simply stop flying until the porno-scanners are history," the site states.


"We will not be abused simply for the privilege of purchasing your services. We demand the airlines make their maximum lobbying effort in support of our, your customers', rights and liberties. We are eager to fly again, but only when this invasive threat has been contained."

David Castelveter of the Air Transport Association said the industry is concerned about the privacy of its passengers, but safety takes priority.

"[The] decisions are made by the TSA. We simply comply with their recommendations and mandates," he told WND. "They have established these new security measures."

He said he doesn't believe people will be deterred from flying by the invasion of privacy.

But the organizers of National Opt-Out Day and "We Won't Fly" are committed.

"If we don't take action, however meager and ineffective it may seem at first, the ability to opt out may soon disappear. We may soon find these porno-scanners on our roads, in our train stations and sports stadiums. We must end this dangerous and invasive technology here and now! Here's what you can do," said the "We Won't Fly" site run by Babb and Donnelly.

"If you can avoid flying, drive, take a bus or train instead. Make them feel your resistance in their bottom line. Tell your airline about the business they lost."

Read more>>

Plan To Accept Mexican ID Draws Fire

DURHAM, NC -- Durham's city council is getting an earful over a controversial plan to allow Mexican immigrants to use a special Mexican ID card for Mexican citizens living outside Mexico.

If approved, Durham would be the first city in the country to accept the Matricula Consular. It's an identification card issued by the Government of Mexico through its consulate offices to Mexican citizens residing outside of Mexico regardless of their emigration status.

According to an opinion from the Durham City Attorney, "the official purpose of the card is to demonstrate that the holder is a Mexican citizen living outside of Mexico. It includes an official Government of Mexico issued ID number and bears a photograph and address of the Mexican National to whom it is issued."

If Durham approves the resolution, city officials and police officers would accept it as a legal form of ID and banks could also accept it for financial transactions.

Click here to read the resolution (.pdf)

Some see the plan as an endorsement of undocumented workers, while others say it will save time and taxpayer money.

Mexican advocacy groups like El Centro Hispano in Durham are pushing for the idea. But since word of the plan went public, city council members have found their mailboxes stuffed with messages from people who hate the proposal.

More

Now It's Obama Who Is 'Bitter' And Clinging To Something

Look at President Obama’s face during his White House press conference following last week’s post-midterm election debacle, and what do you see? You may not be a facial coding expert like I am, but anybody can recognize –and maybe even be shocked by—the degree to which Barack Obama has gone from the ebullient campaigner of 2008 to a very bitter, frustrated man. The pressed lips and especially the bulge beneath the lower lip betray anger, disgust and sadness, with the last of those emotions accentuated by the narrow, lowered eyes that also reveal disappointment.

How, beyond the ghastly specter of partisan sniping and gridlock over pressing national issues, did it come to this point? Why has the president’s originally attractive cool confidence begun to strike many (especially independent) voters as aloof arrogance worth rejecting instead?

To answer that question, let me back up to the two most decisive impressions I got of Barack Obama during the Democratic debates of 2008. Both came in Philadelphia, with the first on October 30, 2007, when Hillary Clinton was caught by the late Tim Russert in a lie about whether she truly wanted to seek the release of Bill Clinton’s presidential papers, as a way to validate her White House experience. When Russert held up a copy of a letter from the Clintons asking for the papers withheld until 2013, first John Edwards pounced, and then by degrees Barack Obama weighed in.

GO HERE to read more.

N.Y. School To Maintain 'Partial' Pledge Of Allegiance Policy

Despite pleas that the Pledge of Allegiance should be recited in unison over the public address system, students at an upstate New York elementary school will continue to hear only a six-word prompt before they continue the recitation in their classrooms.

"I pledge allegiance to the flag" will be heard over the intercom at North Collins Elementary School, but then the sound system will shut off and the students will finish the pledge in class at their own pace, Ben Halsey, superintendent of North Collins Central School District, told FoxNews.com on Wednesday.

"It has been the philosophy of the building that the pledge does indeed get recited every day, but it gets recited by teachers and students individually, so the pace is appropriate for their level," Halsey said. "The public address system simply serves as a prompt to start the pledge."

He said the practice enables students to recite the pledge at their own pace, which is typically slower for younger students.

GO HERE to read more.

Democrats Pressing Pelosi To Step Aside

In a fresh sign of turmoil among defeated Democrats, a growing number of the rank and file say they won't support the House speaker when the new Congress meets.

GO HERE to read more.

1 In 10 Kids In U.S. Has ADHD, New Study Says

ATLANTA — Nearly 1 in 10 U.S. children has ADHD, a sizable increase from a few years earlier that government scientists think might be explained by growing awareness and better screening.

ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, makes it hard for kids to pay attention and control impulsive behavior. It's often treated with drugs, behavioral therapy, or both.

In the new government study, about two-thirds of the children who have ADHD are on medication.

The new estimate comes from a survey released Wednesday that found an increase in ADHD of about 22 percent from 2003 to the most recent survey in 2007-08. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention interviewed parents of children ages 4 through 17 in both studies.

In the latest survey, 9.5 percent said a doctor or health care provider had told them their child had ADHD. The earlier study found that fewer than 8 percent of kids had been diagnosed with it.

Researchers calculate about 5.4 million kids have been diagnosed with ADHD, which suggests that about 1 million more children have the disorder than a few years earlier.

Scientists don't have clear answers about why there was such a significant increase. Study lead author Susanna Visser of the CDC suggests greater awareness and stepped-up screening efforts as part of the explanation.

GO HERE to read more.

Thank A Veteran Today

When I was growing up, I found it unfair that my sister and I would get Veterans Day off from school, while our father -- an actual veteran of the United States Air Force -- had to go to work. We would usually spend part of our lazy day off making him cards or baking him a cake, but the gesture seemed a bit empty.

I had very little concept of just what he had done during those two years on Okinawa, since my only concept of the military came from “M*A*S*H.” My childhood took place in a decade of nuclear fears but no immediate risk of war.

Years later, after moving to Washington, my wife and I went down to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial with her mother and stepfather, children of the generation shaped by that war. Though the Wall spoke to me in an abstract way, the impact on them was much greater. More than 58,000 of their peers had died in that long conflict. My youth, by contrast, had witnessed only the short conflicts in Grenada, Libya, and Panama, and the celebratory rout of what we now must call the First Iraq War.

GO HERE to read more.

Obama Doesn’t Get It

President Obama came close, but he still just cannot admit that his radical policies and their effects on the economy are the cause of his devastating political rebuke. For most of his press conference, an oddly depressed Obama voted present, as he all but said that the problems are mostly ours, not his — or at least not his agenda but perhaps an occasional inadequate communication.

In clingers fashion, he once more is talking down to us, explaining that we confused his necessary solutions with a bogeyman increase in big government, and so typically, in fright and ignorance, lashed out at his party. He is claiming the outrage grew from the same frustration that elected him, rather than arising precisely because of him and his agenda. In short, we are angry because his EU-socialist agenda is progressing too slowly and hasn’t delivered as promised — as it will in time. Perhaps then we will thank him for his proper big-government, big-spending solution.

He seems bewildered (for the first time?) that his popularity as a campaign rhetorician did not last when he became responsible for actual governance. For most of the press conference, a humbled but deer-in-the-headlights Obama half-heartedly argued that the populist outrage against his own massive debt, huge wasteful government, and elitism was really outrage against the economy he inherited, an outrage that he shares. We don’t know it, the president hints, but we are still angry at the Bush years, and yesterday mistakenly took our wrath out on Obama’s methodical, albeit too slow, efforts at recovery. In short, there was little admission whatsoever that Obama’s message and the way he pushed it turned off millions — there was no repentant Clinton, circa autumn 1994, here; instead, a shocked Obama who seems hurt that we do not appreciate him.

I don’t think the American people — who just last week heard their president boast that Republicans had to sit in the back seat, and that Latinos should punish their Republican “enemies,” and who have now given him the greatest midterm putdown in over a half-century — suddenly will pay much attention to his calls for an end to the old divisiveness.
GO HERE to read more.

Israeli City May 'Expose' Landlords Who Illegally Rent To Immigrants

Following a ruling issued by Israeli rabbis in Bnei Brak, according to which residents are forbidden to rent out apartments to African migrants, the municipality announced Wednesday its inspectors would work in the coming days against landlords who illegally subdivide apartments and rent them out to "many Sudanese who have arrived recently."

Speaking to Ynet, Mayor Rabbi Yaakov Asher explained, "Police do not deal with them on grounds that they have refugee status, and this is the only way we found to tackle the phenomenon."

The City of Bnei Brak has the authority to file charges against people who subdivide apartments. A city official said the phenomenon is expanding "as many Sudanese who lived near the central bus station in Tel Aviv have left because of the police station located nearby."

According to city officials, some landlords cram as many as 10 Sudanese refugees into the apartments and charge $100-200 from each of them.

One official said the City is considering the possibility of revealing the landlords' names "so the public will learn the identity of those whose personal monetary interests outweigh the harm caused to the general population."       
(Source: Ynet News)

Bachmann Drops Bid For Conference Post, Backs Hensarling

Rep. Michele Bachmann (Minn.) dropped her bid to become the next House GOP Conference Chairman late Wednesday.

Bachmann, a darling of the Tea Party movement, ended her week-long run against fellow conservative Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas) after it was apparent that Hensarling had the votes to win the leadership election.

Bachmann was quick to endorse Hensarling, who her supporters had painted as the "establishment" candidate in the race to be the fourth-ranking House Republican in the 112th Congress.

“Jeb Hensarling has my enthusiastic support for his candidacy to become Republican House Conference Chair. Jeb has demonstrated his commitment to limited government, reduced spending and lower taxes and he will be a strong voice for the Tea Party’s call for these values," Bachmann said in a statement released late Wednesday.

Bachmann said that she spoke with the presumptive Speaker, Rep. John Boehner (R-Ohio), and "other members of leadership," and is "convinced they will wholeheartedly work towards the issues the American people are calling for such as fiscal responsibility, ending the bailouts and repealing Obamacare.”

Hensarling responded to Bachmann's announcement in short order.

In a statement, he called Bachmann a "committed movement conservative whose effective voice played an important role in America’s decision to trust House Republicans once again. She is a dear friend, and I am humbled to earn her support. I look forward to her energetic leadership in a united House Republican Conference during the 112th Congress."      More here

National Fiscal Commission Seeks Cuts In NPR, PBS

National Public Radio and the Public Broadcasting System are getting too much money from the taxpayers, according the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform.

A draft report by the commission released on Wednesday calls for cutting federal funding to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which provides funding to National Public Radio (NPR).

“The Corporation for Public Broadcasting’s primary job is to fund NPR and its member stations (and other public radio stations) and PBS and its member stations,” the draft report says. “The current CPB funding level is the highest it has ever been. This option would eliminate funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, saving just under $500 million in 2015.”

“Additionally, Congress should end two duplicative public broadcasting programs on President Obama’s termination list: The Public Telecom Facilities Grant Program (PTFP) and USDA’s Public Broadcasting Grants program,” states the report.  “In recent years, PTFP has primarily provided funding to help broadcasters transition to digital broadcasts. In FY2010, PTFP received $20 million in appropriations. The President has twice recommended terminating USDA’s Public Broadcast Grants program for the same reason. This program received $5 million in FY10 to provide funding to public broadcast companies to convert to digital transmission as well – an obsolete task.”      More here

Kickers Celebrates Veterans Day And The Marine Corps 235th Birthday Today

In honor of Veterans day and The Marine Corps Birthday, Kickers Sport Tae Kwon Do center in Salisbury, Maryland is offering a special to the community. All evening classes for new students who sign up today only $23.50 monthly. To join for the whole year you can pay in full for only $235. Why this special price you ask? The Marine Corps turned 235 years old on November 10th. Kickers is owned and operated by Master Eric Thompson, a combat decorated Marine Corps Veteran that served in Desert Storm, Bosnia and Somilia. Master Eric Thompson would like to celebrate and let you take advantage of this special offer! If your interested in martial arts why not be trained by someone who has served his country and has had real life martial art experiance. His backround includes 26 years of active martial art experience, marine corps hand to hand instructor, martial arts instructor for the USS Guadalcanal and USS Saipan. In addition anyone who signs up today, Kickers will make a $10 donation to the Wounded Warrior Project. Thank you to everyone who has served and the sacrifices you and your family have made for our freedom.

Contact us today: 443.736.8601 www.kickerstkd@live.com (click on ad posted on this page) or find us on facebook

Iowa Governor-Elect Thumbs Nose At Iowa City's Bid To Become ‘Sanctuary’ City

The city council of Iowa City, Iowa, is considering whether to turn the municipality into a “sanctuary city” for illegal aliens, but the state's new governor-elect not only opposes the bid, he would like to see Iowa adopt a tough Arizona-style immigration statute.

In an interview with CNSNews.com, Tim Albrect, spokesman for Iowa Governor-elect Terry Branstad, said that the incoming governor opposes turning any Iowa city into a sanctuary for illegal immigrants and wants tougher laws against illegal immigration put on the books.

“The governor-elect does support an Iowa-specific law similar to the one that passed in Arizona,” Albrect said. “Additionally he would not support any effort to weaken our immigration laws.”

In Iowa City, home of the University of Iowa, a group known as the “Sanctuary City Committee” is leading a push to become a “sanctuary” for illegal aliens – a city where law enforcement officials are ordered to ignore the immigration status of those involved in police matters.      More

New Group Wants Balanced Federal Budget — And Now

Taxpayer advocate Ken Blackwell will be knocking on the 112th Congress’ door soon with his group pushing a widespread campaign to balance the federal budget. Lest the members’ wonder when, the group’s name is Balanced Budget Amendment Now — and it wants a vote by Oct. 1. And Republican U.S. Sen.-elect Mike Lee will be with him, carrying a draft of the proposal as he enters Capitol's hallowed halls.

Blackwell is chairing the Arizona-based group, which aims to enlist 5,000 to 10,000 voters in each congressional district to press members of Congress to back such an amendment.

"We're glad to see the historic change in Congress and in state houses across America,” Blackwell said in announcing the formation of the group Monday. “The people have spoken forcefully, and they reject the profligate spending and massive expansion of government that they see in Washington, D.C. The new Congress will face tremendous pressure as they seek to cut spending, and Balanced Budget Amendment Now will be there to remind them that they weren't elected to trim spending or slow down the rate of growth, but to cut, de-authorize and balance the budget.”

Lee, acting in cooperation with the group to draft language for the amendment, said, "The time has come for Congress to do the right thing and pass a balanced budget amendment. The majority of states in this country balance their budgets every year. Requiring Congress to do the same simply requires self-restraint, fiscal discipline, forethought and a commitment to follow both the roles and restraints outlined in the Constitution."      

More on this>>

DeMint Gathers Earmark Ban Support

Sen. Jim DeMint (R., S.C.) has rounded up half the 12-member freshman class of Senate Republicans to cosponsor his proposal to ban earmarks, including high-profile tea party allies Marco Rubio of Florida and Rand Paul of Kentucky.

Mr. DeMint, who wants a vote on the ban next week by the GOP conference, is trying to capitalize on the influx of new members who campaigned against earmarks, Congress’s much-criticized practice of channelling appropriations to favored projects outside the competitive federal funding process.

In announcing 10 cosponsors of the ban today, Mr. DeMint did not intend the list to be exhaustive, an aide said. But among the half of the freshman class who had not signed on: Gov. John Hoeven of North Dakota, the only newcomer who has already been promised a coveted seat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, where lawmakers are best positioned to get earmarks. During the campaign Mr. Hoeven called for more disclosure of earmarks, but said he thought they were not all bad.     

More

Liberal Group Joins Conservative Group In Calling for $600 Billion In Federal Spending Cuts

With the federal deficit at $1.3 trillion and conservative members of Congress talking about ways to trim government spending, a newly released report by the National Taxpayer Union (NTU) and the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) proposes $600 billion in federal budget cuts over the next 5 years. 

In a "strange bedfellows" confab, the right-leaning NTU and left-leaning US PIRG have highlighted 31 specific examples of wasteful government spending that they say can be eliminated.

In the report, Toward Common Ground: Bridging the Political Divide to Reduce Spending, the 31 examples fall into the categories of ending wasteful subsidies, improving contract and asset acquisition, improving program execution and government operations, ending wasteful or outdated military programs and systems, and aligning military spending with current needs.

One of the report’s authors, Nicole Tichon, the Federal Tax and Budget Reform Advocate at U.S. PIRG, explained that the main reason for the proposal is to get the conversation started on cutting spending.

“We know that this is just one step of the way,” Tichon said.  “We have no illusions that this is going to solve all the problems. But it was not just about the substance for us, it was also about the process. Just showing that if you sit down and think these things through and take it seriously, there are places where we could find some common ground and actually get to some fairly decent numbers.”
     
There's lots more here >>

Cut U.N. Funding, Obama’s Fiscal Commissi On Says In Draft Report

Cutting “voluntary” funding from the United Nations would trim $300 million off the federal deficit by 2015, according to a draft report from the president’s National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform.

“According to the Office of Management and Budget, the United States provided over $6.3 billion in taxpayer funds to the United Nations in FY2009. Less than half ($2.7 billion) of that total went to ‘assessed’ dues -- payments that the United States is charged for being a member and for its share of peacekeeping operations around the world,” the draft report says.

“The United States is by far the largest donor to the United Nations in terms of assessed dues,” the draft continued. “However, the United States gives the United Nations more than $3.5 billion in ‘voluntary’ funds each year. This option allows the United States to remain a member in good standing of the United Nations by contributing the full dues that will be assessed, but reduces voluntary payments by 10 percent, which will save $300 million per year.”      Here is more

Former CIA Director Defends Oklahoma Ban On Shariah Law

Former CIA director James Woolsey is defending a measure that Oklahoma voters overwhelmingly passed last week barring state judges from relying upon Islamic (Shariah) law as the basis for making court decisions. The ballot measure is being challenged in federal court by a Muslim group.

Woolsey, a member of a group of policy experts dedicated to exposing the dangers of Shariah and a champion of the Oklahoma measure, told CNSNews.com the Islamic system of laws represents a danger to the United States.

“In some countries -- more in Europe than here, but also a little bit here -- men are saying if they are in adherence to Shariah, that Shariah gives them the authority to beat their wives and daughters, for various disciplinary purposes or for whatever reason,” Woolsey said.

On Monday, U.S. District Judge Vicki Miles-LaGrange, chief judge for the Western District of Oklahoma, issued a temporary retraining order blocking implementation of referendum measure 755, which adds an amendment to the state constitutional to prohibit state court judges from considering principles of Shariah law and international law when deciding cases.     

More

Maryland Deficit Estimated At $1.6 Billion

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - Maryland's budget gap is about $1.6 billion for the next fiscal year, state budget analysts warned lawmakers on Wednesday, creating difficult conditions again for balancing the state's budget.

Lawmakers must try to balance the next state budget at a time when federal aid used by states in the last two years is drying up, particularly in the federal government's past enhanced match of Medicaid money that will disappear.

"We are now seeing what it means to rely on one-time money for ongoing expenses," said Warren Deschenaux, director of the nonpartisan agency that reviews state fiscal matters.

Nonpartisan budget analysts also warned that the state's use of bonds to help ease pressure on the state's operating budget during the recession has significantly cut into the amount of bonding available next year for a variety of competing state needs for state facilities, health and social services, education and public safety.

Deschenaux told lawmakers that the state's structural deficit - the difference between revenue the state brings in and the costs of running the government - is about $2.1 billion a year for the next several years. While he noted that the state could see moderate upward revisions in revenue estimates in December, he emphasized that no easy answers are in sight.

"There are a lot of variables that can shave a few hundred million dollars off of the gap, but when you're starting at a number like $2.1 billion, a couple hundred million dollars is nice, but it doesn't really mitigate the dimension of the problem," Deschenaux said.

GO HERE to read more.

FDA Proposes More Graphic Warning Labels For Cigarettes

In an effort to convince cigarette smokers to quit -- and to stop potential smokers from picking up a pack -- the FDA's Dept. of Health and Human Services has proposed a series of larger, more graphic warnings for cigarette packs and advertising.

More »

Gas Station Chain Slapped With $30 Million Verdict For Shortchanging Drivers

A jury handed down a $30 million verdict agains gas station chain Sun Mart for leaving their customers a little light at the pump. The Texas Department of Agriculture found in an investigation that the chain was routinely shortchanging customers with improperly calibrated pumps.

More »

Neat Clock

You've never seen a clock like this one.

http://www.poodwaddle.com/worldclock.swf

Veterans Day

Joe-

Catering by Chef Stewart of Flannery's in Fruitland will be giving Free Special Pit Sandwiches to all Veterans in uniform or with a military Id today for Veterans Day. My / our freedom is important and this is just a small "Thank You" to our service men and women...

Chef Stewart Davis
Catering by Chef Stewart (Flannery's)

GLEN AVENUE CLOSED AT THE CIVIC CENTER UNTIL 9:00 P.M. ON SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14TH

Glen Avenue north of the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center is closed until 9:00 P.M. on Sunday, November 14^th as a safety measure on behalf of the participants in the Eastern Shore Classic All Breed Dog Show. Show organizers anticipate that about 1,000 dogs will be exhibited each day.

Editors Note: There are some 5,000 dogs registered for this Show.

Princess Anne House Fire & The Red Cross

The American Red Cross Lower Shore Chapter Disaster Action Team #3 assisted a family of 3 displaced due to a house fire early yesterday morning on Antioch Ave, Princess Anne.  We assisted the family with food, clothing, lodging, medical, and disaster mental health counseling.

Registration Opens For Youth Volleyball Programs

(Salisbury, MD) Registration for the 2010 - 2011 Youth Volleyball Programs has begun. Wicomico County offers two different Youth programs based on ages. Both programs are open to girls and boys and will be held at Bennett Middle School Gymnasium.

The Scholastic Volleyball program is open to students in grades 8th – 12th. Three different sessions will be offered, with all play taking place on Wednesdays from 6:15pm to 7:15pm:

Session I: December 1 – January 19,
Session II: February 2 – March 16,
Session III: April 6 – May 18 at 7:30pm

The fee is $45 per session and participants must register in advance. Players will get the chance to learn and/or brush up on their volleyball skills and participate in scrimmage games. All skill levels are invited. A Session Package is also offered for $125. The package includes all 3 sessions and a league T-shirt.

The Junior Volleyball program is open to those in 2nd – 8th grade. This instructional program introduces the sport of volleyball, teaching the fundamental skills and rules of the game. The Junior Volleyball program is $65 per participant. Classes are an hour long and are held on Thursday evenings January 6 – February 24. Three divisions are offered with play taking place on Thursday evenings for one hour from January 6th through February 24th:

Division I is open to all 7th & 8th graders and returning/experienced 6th graders at 8pm.

Division II is open to all 5th & 6th graders and returning/experienced 4th graders at 7pm.

Division III is open to all 2nd, 3rd & 4th graders at 6pm.

Registration for Scholastic and Junior Volleyball is accepted at the Box Office located at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center, or online via active.com at http://www.wicomicorecandparks.org/. ; For more information contact program director Kelly Rados at 410-548-4900 ext. 108 or email krados@wicomicocounty.org.

GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY TO PARTICIPATE IN VETERANS DAY CEREMONY AT MARYLAND WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Martin O’Malley will join military officials, veterans, and other Marylanders in recognizing Veterans Day.  The ceremony, organized by the American Legion Post 141 of Annapolis, will be held at the Maryland World War II Memorial, a lasting tribute to the men and women who fought for the principles of freedom, both abroad and at home, recognizing their contributions as well as educating present and future generations about World War II and its impact as the world’s greatest military effort to date.

SALISBURY CITY COUNCIL AGENDA

NOVEMBER 15, 2010

COUNCIL CHAMBERS

GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING

(times shown for agenda items are estimates only)

SPECIAL MEETING
1:30 p.m. Ordinance No. 2131 - 2nd reading - accepting State Aid In Lieu Funds and to amend the FY11 General Fund Budget to fund the repaving of a portion of Beaglin Park Drive

WORK SESSION
1:35 p.m. Follow-up discussion on fireboat specs/award of bids information – Jeff Simpson
2:05 p.m. Follow-up discussion on Downtown Fire Station proposals – John Pick
2:35 p.m. Ordinance No. 2124 – establishing a fee structure for the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Salisbury Board of Zoning Appeals, and the Mayor and City Council relative to advertising fees for certain public hearings – Jack Lenox
3:05 p.m. Harbor Pointe land donation – John Pick
3:35 p.m. Request for waiver of liens (114 Tilghman Street) – Pam Oland
4:05 p.m. Revision to procedure for temporary road closures – Teresa Gardner
4:35 p.m. General discussion/upcoming agendas

Salisbury Police Department Press Releases

On November 9, 2010 at approximately 3:36 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the Karemore Pharmacy on Snow Hill Road for the report of an armed robbery. Upon arrival the officers met with a witness who advised that while working in the store, the witness had observed a lone suspect enter the pharmacy. The suspect produced a handgun and demanded the U.S. currency from the store. Another witness threw an object at the suspect causing the suspect to flee from the store without receiving any currency. The officers were able to locate witnesses outside of the business who gave the officers the description of a possible suspect vehicle. Detectives were able to trace the vehicle to a location in Princess Anne, MD. With the assistance of the Princess Anne Police Department, the vehicle was located and Salisbury detectives made contact with below listed suspect # 1. Detectives were able to positively identify suspect #1 as involved in the robbery and placed her under arrest. Further investigation led to the identification of suspect # 2 and the below listed wanted subject. The Detectives recovered two (2) "fake" handguns from the suspect vehicle, and with the assistance of the Salisbury Fire Department, a third "fake" handgun from the water near E. Main Street. This investigation is continuing.

ARRESTED #1: Billy Brandice Kilmon, 27 years of age
Parksley, Virginia
ARRESTED #2: Walter Lee Marshall, Jr., 34 years of age
Princess Anne, Maryland
CHARGES: Armed Robbery
Conspiracy to commit armed robbery
First degree assault
DISPOSITION: Both released to Central Booking
CC # 201000044539
In Addition, the following suspect is currently wanted on an outstanding arrest warrant for the above incident:
Walter Hunter Wharton, III, 30 years of age
Caucasian male, 5’11", 180 pounds
Parksley, Virginia


On November 9, 2010, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to Pemberton Elementary School for the report of an injured juvenile. The officers met with the juvenile, and with a representative of Social Services, and was advised that the juvenile and his brother had both been struck and injured by a family member. The juvenile and his brother were transported to the Peninsula Regional Medical Center for an evaluation. A physician advised the officer that both of the juveniles had been struck repeatedly with a hard object on the legs and back. The officers then responded to the juvenile’s residence and placed the below listed suspect under arrest for child abuse.

ARRESTED: Sun Jin Kim, 30 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Child Abuse
Second degree child abuse
First degree assault (2 counts)
Second degree assault (3 counts)
Reckless endangerment (3 counts)

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201000044536

Some Gave All

Arsenic Facts

Mr. Albero,

Thanks for your comments on today’s site. 

Attached are materials prepared by Delmarva Poultry Industry, Inc. during this year’s Maryland General Assembly session related to bills to ban the use of arsenic-containing ingredients in chicken feed.  I encourage you to read them and know the facts about arsenic and its use in some birds on Delmarva.  Not all chickens are fed arsenic-containing products and those that are fed this poultry health product do not have it in every morsel they eat. 

You will see that there are many reasons why a ban is not needed.  This is a federally regulated product that undergoes a new FDA review regularly.

The amount of arsenic in the soils where chicken manure is applied is negligible.  From an environmental perspective, the use of the arsenic products to reduce a microscopic organism in the guts of chickens makes for healthier birds, improves bird welfare, and allows them to better absorb their feed and the nutrients in the feed.  Thus, the birds’ manure contains less phosphorous and nitrogen, the elements of primary concern in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.  One could argue that the use of this federally regulated product actually can provide water quality benefits in our region.

I trust these materials will give you a better understanding of the role arsenic plays in ensuring the health of some of Delmarva’s chickens.

Bill Satterfield
Executive Director

Delmarva Poultry Industry, Inc.

16686 County Seat Highway

Georgetown, Delaware 19947-4881

302-856-9037

302-856-9799 (fax)

satterfield@dpichicken.com

http://www.dpichicken.org/

2010_maryland_arsenic_bills_senate_handout.doc, 2010_arsenic_bills_talking_points.doc, Roxarsone_rebuttal_comments_Mar_2010_3.doc  

Next

Lowering Of The United States Flag And Maryland State Flag To Half Staff

Lance Corporal Terry E. Honeycutt, Jr., USMC

            This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the United States Flag and Maryland State Flag flown at half staff on Monday, November 15, 2010 from sunrise to sunset.   This is in memory of Lance Corporal Terry E. Honeycutt, Jr., USMC, of Waldorf, Maryland, who died on October 27, 2010 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

            This action is taken under the Protocol for the United States and Maryland State Flag.  Any questions on the above should be directed to the Office of the Secretary of State.

Public Workshop Announced For Patriots Way Project

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Georgetown -- The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) invites citizens to attend an upcoming public workshop for the Patriots Way, Avenue of Honor to Stockley Branch project. The workshop will be held Tuesday, November 16, 2010, from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. at the DelDOT South District Administration Building, 23697 DuPont Boulevard, Georgetown.

The project involves the widening of Patriots Way to provide for turn lanes at the entrances to Sussex Central High School. The work will include 11 foot travel lanes and 8 foot shoulders on this portion of Patriots Way.

Interested persons are invited to express their views in writing, giving reasons for support of or in opposition to, the proposed project. Comments will be received during the workshop or can be mailed to DelDOT Public Relations, P.O. Box 778, Dover, DE 19903-0778. This location is accessible to persons having disabilities. Any person having special needs or requiring special aid, such as an interpreter for the hearing impaired, is requested to contact DelDOT by phone or mail one week in advance.

Parents/Guardians Have Until Nov. 10 To Return Approved Visitor Form For American Education Week [Form And Letter Posted Inside]

Parents/Guardians Have Until Nov. 10 to Return Approved Visitor Form for American Education Week [Form and Letter Posted Inside]

Schools will welcome many parents, grandparents and other guests during this year's celebration of American Education Week, Nov. 15-19. This annual spotlight on public education has as its theme "Great Public Schools: A Basic Right and Our Responsibility."

This week, every student received a letter about American Education Week and an Approved Visitor Form to bring home outlining new visitor procedures for American Education Week. By Nov. 10, the student’s family must fill out and return to the school office the Approved Visitor Form listing the people who will be allowed to visit the student at school. Space is provided to list approved visitors by name and relationship to student.

For the safety of all students and staff, no one who is not identified in advance as an approved visitor will be allowed to visit classrooms. Visitors may only visit the classroom of the child for whom they are an approved visitor. All visitors must be age 21 or older and must present photo identification when checking in at the school, either in the main office or at a special table. Unless a school has announced that it will have babysitting services available during American Education Week, younger siblings should not be brought for the visit.

Other procedures to ensure a safe and smooth American Education Week include:

-Visiting at the day/time designated for your student’s grade level, if possible. Schools often schedule different days for different grade levels to ensure adequate parking and to minimize classroom and hallway congestion.
-Keeping cell phones on vibrate and not using them during the classroom visit.
-Leaving food and drink in the car.
-Removing hats and outside garments before entering the classroom.
-Checking out at the conclusion of the visit.

Schools, staff and students look forward to seeing many visitors in the classroom for American Education Week Nov. 15-19. For more information about American Education Week, please check with your student's school, and be sure to return the Approved Visitors Form by Nov. 10.

Documents

• [529]American Education Week Letter to Parents.pdf
• [529]Approved Visitor Form for AEW.pdf

Free STEM Saturday Classes Offered For Wicomico Students In Grades 4-8

Students who want to explore STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) topics and careers should check out the STEM Saturdays classes that will be offered free of charge during the 2010-11 school year.

STEM Saturdays were a hit during the 2009-10 school year, and this year classes have been added for students in grades 4-5 as well as middle school. Classes this year scheduled for the rest of this year are:

Nov. 13:
The Science Behind Winning (elementary) and Robotics (middle), both at Salisbury Middle

Jan. 15:
Green Keepers: Going Green to Preserve Our World (elementary) and The Bug Detective (middle), both at Salisbury Middle

Feb. 12:
The Magic of Chemistry (elementary) and Out of Sight: Bringing Astronomy Down to Earth, both at Salisbury Middle

March 12:
Flying Wild: Bird Science and Conservation (elementary) at Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art
Fossils of the Chesapeake: A Hands-On Exploration (middle) at Parkside High

April 9:
The Bug Detective (elementary) and The Science Behind Winning (middle), both at Salisbury Middle

Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Please click on the attached flier to print, fill out, and return as directed on the form. Students may register for all of the classes, or only the ones that suit the student’s interests and schedule.

Latest Edition Of "Working Together For Children" Airing On PAC 14

The latest edition of "Working Together for Children" will air at 8:29 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 11 and noon Saturday, Nov. 13 on PAC 14 (Comcast Channel 14). Visit pac14.org for additional times during the next month.

This show features an interview with George Whitehead of Salisbury's Promise on the fourth 100 Best Communities For Young People Award for Salisbury and Wicomico County, and Salisbury City Administrator John Pick on Salisbury being named an All America City. Also featured on the show is an interview on the 20/20 reading initiative, with Dr. Carolyn Johnston, supervisor of reading for Wicomico Schools and chair of the Wicomico County Reading Committee, and Patricia Blevins, coordinator of reading for Wicomico Schools. "The Reading Song," written by Pinehurst Elementary teachers John Cox and Derek Perdue for the 20/20 initiative, is accompanied by video of students at Pinehurst and at Pittsville Elementary and Middle reading. A Safe Walk to School event at Salisbury Middle School is also highlighted.

"Working Together for Children" airs regularly at 6:30 p.m. Thursdays and noon Saturdays; check the Programming grid at www.pac14.org for additional times. PAC 14 also streams its programming live on its web site at www.pac14.org, so viewers can visit the web site to "tune in" on line when the show is on the air. "Working Together for Children" is produced monthly by the Wicomico County Public Schools for broadcast to the community on PAC 14. For further information or to give feedback, please contact Dr. Faye Wilson at 410-677-4529 or fwilson@wcboe.org.

SOUTH KOREAN OFFICIAL TRYS TO SET OBAMA ADMINISTRATION STRAIGHT

At yesterday's G20 summit held in Seoul, S. Korea - a south Korean trade official ridiculed the Obama administration for harping on the Chinese for currency manipulation.

He went onto point out that the Obama administration had failed to grow the US economy and that the solution lies with the US ability to grow their own economy. Moreover, he indicated that latest US feds move to print more money is going to lead to a backlash by the other European leaders - China, Germany. He said the latest US maneuver is not going to add a significant number of US jobs.

Maybe we should invite the South Korean to our own Country and encourage him to run for the Presidential office? His advise certainly makes enough sense to this American.

One last thing - in case you missed the news late yesterday afternoon - Moody's upgraded China's credit rating to an impeccable - AA- status. Moreover, China's economy is now set at a blistering pace to overtake the US and become the worlds largest economy by the 2012 or within 24 months.
As Confucius say - 'He who ignores History is Doomed to Repeat It'