DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Friday, November 12, 2010
HALO Yard Sale
Dear Joe, I saw your posting about only one yard sale being submitted to you for this weekend. I wanted to submit a very important yard sale happening tomorrow at H.A.L.O. Bargain Center - Warehouse Sale on Snow Hill Road (the old Habitat for Humanity location on Sat., November 13, 2010 from 7:00am to 3:00pm. What makes this yard sale very important is the purpose. The warehouse behind the bargain center will be used for accepting and storing the food donated from the food drives taken place the past two weekends. This food will be distributed on November 22 to over 60 families in need for Thanksgiving. The warehouse is full right now and there is no room right now. The warehouse sale is inside and they are selling things at rockbottom prices to clear it out in time for next week's delivery of the food from Mountaire. We are talking cheap.........! GIANT YARD SALE SALISBURY H.A.L.O - Warehouse 701 Snow Hill Rd Sat , 11/13, 7-3pm, The warehouse is full of books, housewares, Christmas, toys, picture frames, baskets, and so much more. I would appreciate your support and reaaching the community about this event.
EDITORS NOTES: Please look at the other Yard Sales in our earlier Post along with comments. A few have popped up after we published the article and posted themunder comments.
MDGOP Statement On The Johnson Arrests
MDGOP statement on the Johnson arrests
ANNAPOLIS – Maryland Republican Party Chairman Audrey Scott issued the following statement in response to Prince Georges County Executive Jack Johnson and Councilwoman Leslie E. Johnson’s arrest:
“Another day, another Democrat lawmaker arrested; when will the Democrat corruption in this state end? Democrat lawmakers need to come to the realization that their role as elected officials is to serve Marylanders, not to use their title for personal gain. The Johnsons’ arrest today is just another addition to the long list of Maryland Democrats taken into custody this year for not playing by the rules. This unchecked corruption is symptomatic of what happens when one party controls nearly all levels of government and it needs to stop now. Sadly many Marylanders will most likely not be shocked by this latest round of arrests as Democrat corruption in this state has become common place.”
BEAU OGLESBY HAS WON
A Letter From Michael James
I recently called Jim Mathias to congratulate him on his victory in the District 38 State Senate race. I am also in the process of contacting many friends and supporters who have been so supportive to me and my family during the last year as we vigorously campaigned throughout Worcester, Wicomico and Somerset counties. It has been an honor and a privilege to take part and compete in this election. Though I wish the outcome was different, I truly believe we influenced and helped shape the agenda for the Eastern Shore with our ideas, our positions, and with the honest and assertive nature of our campaign. Our campaign was made possible by the hard work and dedication of many people who love the Eastern Shore and the strength that God gives us every day.
Sincerely,
Michael James
Sincerely,
Michael James
Election Update
Bob Caldwell is up by 2 votes and Salisbury News learned Michael James conceded to Jim Mathias. More to come.
SOLDIER'S DEATH NOW A MURDER
Fredericksburg.com: "The July death in Iraq of a decorated Army medic from the Fredericksburg area was murder, her parents say they have been told by military investigators. The Army initially reported that Spc. Morganne McBeth, 19, a combat medic, died July 2 in a noncombat incident. Her parents, Leonard and Sylvia McBeth, who live in Stafford County, said yesterday they were first told by investigators that Morganne had accidentally stabbed herself at her base in western Iraq. Then, they say, the Army told them that she had been accidentally stabbed by another soldier, and finally, that she had been murdered and that two soldiers were involved."
Source
Source
Brook's Scans Are All CLEAR!!
God Bless,
Amy
Salisbury Police Department Press Releases
On November 10, 2010 at approximately 1:14 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to a residence on Georgia Avenue in Salisbury for the report of a burglary in progress. While responding to the scene, officers were given a description of a possible vehicle that the suspects were using to leave the scene. Officers located and stopped the vehicle, and made contact with below suspect # 1, who was the driver. During the traffic stop the officers received consent to search the vehicle and located a loaded handgun beneath one of the seats in addition to a smoking device containing suspected "crack"/cocaine. Suspect # 1 along with below suspect # 2, the passenger, were both taken into custody. The victim of the burglary refused to cooperate in the investigation of the attempted burglary.
ARRESTED #1: Thomas Alphonso Broughton, 42 years of age
Seaford, Delaware
ARRESTED #2: Shamar Ralee Cropper, 19 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES (Both): Possession of a handgun
Carrying a handgun in a vehicle
Transporting a handgun on person
Possession of cocaine
Possession of Cds/paraphernalia
DISPOSITION: Both released to Central Booking
CC # 201000044587
On November 10, 2010 at approximately 8:36 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to a residence on the 300 block of Carrolton Avenue for the report of a burglary in progress. Upon arrival, the officers found that the four below listed suspects had broken into an unoccupied dwelling.
ARRESTED#1: Juvenile, 16 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
ARRESTED #2: Juvenile, 16 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
ARRESTED #3: Juvenile, 14 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
ARRESTED #4: Juvenile, 13 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Suspects # 1 and # 2 were charged with:
Fourth degree burglary
Trespassing
Truancy
Suspects # 3 and # 4 were charged with:
Fourth degree burglary
Trespassing
Resisting arrest
Failure to obey a lawful order
DISPOSITION: Suspects # 1, #2 and # 3 were released to
Juvenile detention
Suspect # 4 was released to a parent
CC # 201000044602
On November 10, 2010 at approximately 7:58 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the area of the Giant Food Store for the report of a robbery. While responding to the scene, officers were given a description of four (4) suspects. Officers responding to the scene located the below listed four (4) suspects in an area just south of the Giant Store and detained the suspects. The suspects were positively identified by witnesses to the robbery and taken into custody. The officers were advised by the victim that while walking away from the store he was approached by the four (4) suspects. Two (2) of the suspects then struck him in the head area with rocks or concrete, and all of the suspects took the contents of his pockets before fleeing. A search of the suspects incident to arrest revealed a quantity of suspected marijuana.
ARRESTED #1: Ashalom O’keefe Johnson, 21 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
ARRESTED #2: Kevmonta Lamar Stanley, 20 years of age
Cambridge, Maryland
ARRESTED #3: Joseph Lamar Johnson, 23 years of age
Cambridge, Maryland
ARRESTED #4: Keith Lamont Dawson, 19 years of age
Cambridge, Maryland
CHARGES (All): Armed robbery
Robbery
First degree assault
Second degree assault
Reckless endangerment
Theft
Possession of a deadly weapon
Possession of marijuana
Possession of cds/paraphernalia
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201000044656
ARRESTED #1: Thomas Alphonso Broughton, 42 years of age
Seaford, Delaware
ARRESTED #2: Shamar Ralee Cropper, 19 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES (Both): Possession of a handgun
Carrying a handgun in a vehicle
Transporting a handgun on person
Possession of cocaine
Possession of Cds/paraphernalia
DISPOSITION: Both released to Central Booking
CC # 201000044587
On November 10, 2010 at approximately 8:36 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to a residence on the 300 block of Carrolton Avenue for the report of a burglary in progress. Upon arrival, the officers found that the four below listed suspects had broken into an unoccupied dwelling.
ARRESTED#1: Juvenile, 16 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
ARRESTED #2: Juvenile, 16 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
ARRESTED #3: Juvenile, 14 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
ARRESTED #4: Juvenile, 13 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Suspects # 1 and # 2 were charged with:
Fourth degree burglary
Trespassing
Truancy
Suspects # 3 and # 4 were charged with:
Fourth degree burglary
Trespassing
Resisting arrest
Failure to obey a lawful order
DISPOSITION: Suspects # 1, #2 and # 3 were released to
Juvenile detention
Suspect # 4 was released to a parent
CC # 201000044602
On November 10, 2010 at approximately 7:58 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the area of the Giant Food Store for the report of a robbery. While responding to the scene, officers were given a description of four (4) suspects. Officers responding to the scene located the below listed four (4) suspects in an area just south of the Giant Store and detained the suspects. The suspects were positively identified by witnesses to the robbery and taken into custody. The officers were advised by the victim that while walking away from the store he was approached by the four (4) suspects. Two (2) of the suspects then struck him in the head area with rocks or concrete, and all of the suspects took the contents of his pockets before fleeing. A search of the suspects incident to arrest revealed a quantity of suspected marijuana.
ARRESTED #1: Ashalom O’keefe Johnson, 21 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
ARRESTED #2: Kevmonta Lamar Stanley, 20 years of age
Cambridge, Maryland
ARRESTED #3: Joseph Lamar Johnson, 23 years of age
Cambridge, Maryland
ARRESTED #4: Keith Lamont Dawson, 19 years of age
Cambridge, Maryland
CHARGES (All): Armed robbery
Robbery
First degree assault
Second degree assault
Reckless endangerment
Theft
Possession of a deadly weapon
Possession of marijuana
Possession of cds/paraphernalia
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201000044656
The Greatest Little Whore House In Salisbury
One of the greatest historic properties you own that the City still retains is the old Fire Station 16. Former Council members already sold off the old City Hall and the City regrets that to this day. Yet one of Gary Comegys, Shanie Shields and Louise Smith's friends, (Palmer Gillis) has proposed a purchase of the old building for $150,000.00, (some say it's $100,000.00) to put apartments upstairs and a deal with UMES to place a restaurant downstairs. This restaurant will compete with ALL of the Downtown Restaurants that are struggling in a very difficult economy and will not be able to compete against this restaurant package idea.
The local LORA, (Local Owners Restaurant Association) group intends to fight this proposal and I have personally heard of several people willing to pony up even more money to buy the building. Former Fire Chief David See stated they had an appraisal of $750,000.00 on that building and I personally stood in front of the Council on PAC 14 and offered $250,000.00 CASH right then and there with NO contingencies. So what did the former Mayor and Council do, the same thing they did with the Horses, money doesn't matter, they'll pick and choose who and what they want in that building and they don't care about the money.
That's YOUR money, not theirs. This building could go back on the tax roll but with UMES being there, that eliminates the tax idea. I'll bet some serious money that Brew River and Market Street Inn are paying more than $20,000.00 a year in taxes on their property.
So, are YOU going to allow this to continue? Are YOU going to re-elect Gary Comegys or Louise Smith in April? While I'm all about landing a great real estate deal and I cannot blame Palmer Gillis for his proposal, YOU need to decide, (since it is YOUR building) if YOU'LL accept such a deal.
There are other great proposals on the table but the good old boy system is allowing yet another screwing at taxpayers expense. Didn't Barrie Tilghman and her administration screw you enough! Oh, Barrie, you can't deny you didn't SCREW the taxpayers with your$140,000,000.00 Waste Water Treatment Plant, $14,000,000.00 Fire Station and The Bricks. So if you don't like that statement, go screw yourself. There's a new Pimp in Town.
Yard Sales
Only 1 this weekend. Here ya go:
Holiday ONE-STOP Shoppers FAIR
SATURDAY NOV 13; 11-4
Makemie Church Downtown Snow Hill
Easy to Find! Take Rt. 12 South to Snow Hill;
Right at the light onto Market Street; Church is on left side of Market St. across from M & T Bank
Cash and Carry Items; Ordering also available
Lots of Show Specials!! Door Prizes!!!!!
Longaberger Falling Snow Basket Raffle!!
Someone WILL win it on Saturday!
· TUPPERWARE
· INITIALS, INC.
· MARY KAY
· LONGABERGER BASKETS
· PAMPERED CHEF
· PREMIER JEWELRY
· More vendors!!
Holiday ONE-STOP Shoppers FAIR
SATURDAY NOV 13; 11-4
Makemie Church Downtown Snow Hill
Easy to Find! Take Rt. 12 South to Snow Hill;
Right at the light onto Market Street; Church is on left side of Market St. across from M & T Bank
Cash and Carry Items; Ordering also available
Lots of Show Specials!! Door Prizes!!!!!
Longaberger Falling Snow Basket Raffle!!
Someone WILL win it on Saturday!
· TUPPERWARE
· INITIALS, INC.
· MARY KAY
· LONGABERGER BASKETS
· PAMPERED CHEF
· PREMIER JEWELRY
· More vendors!!
ADDITIONAL YARD SALES UNDER COMMENTS.
Obama's Plan Shot Down By Frau Merkel
In one-on-one meetings with the heads of the U.S.'s biggest nemeses on trade issues at a Group of 20 economic powers meeting in Seoul, President Obama pressed his case for trying to curb ballooning trade deficits and surpluses to help prevent another financial collapse like the one that toppled the world economy in 2008.
But Mrs. Merkel shut the door on any concrete commitment from Europe's export engine to limit its large trade surpluses to 4 percent of economic output — a proposal floated by the U.S. in behind-the-scenes negotiations.
"To set political limits on trade surpluses and deficits is neither economically justified nor politically appropriate," the German leader told a G-20 business summit.
At her meeting with Mr. Obama, the German leader repeated concerns about the Federal Reserve's controversial decision last week to buy $900 billion of U.S. Treasury debt in the next six months. European officials worry the move will provoke a round of inflation and destructive currency devaluations.
Don't Miss The Dog Show At The Civic Center
Veterans Day In Wicomico County
Pennsylvania Game Commission Officer Fatally Shot
FAIRFIELD, Pa. -- A wildlife conservation officer has been shot and killed in the line of duty in central Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania Game Commission spokesman Jerry Feaser says the officer was fatally shot Thursday night in Freedom Township, near Gettysburg. Feaser would not release the identity of the officer.
GO HERE to read more.
Honoring Veterans
Dear Joe,
Too often we dwell on the negative aspects of events or people that touch our lives and never take time to appreciate the good things that occur around us. Yesterday, Veterans' Day, Applebees went above and beyond it's "call of duty" to honor the men and women who have, or or now serving in our nation's military.
Not only did they serve free meals to all military, active or retired, but did it quickly and efficiently with additional staffing. Even though the parking lot was full to capacity, the wait was no more than half an hour.
What a wonderful evening with much back slapping, hand shaking and thank yous for service...a real reunion of sorts for all who served.
I know several other local businesses also offered free meals. What a wonderful way to say thank you for a job well done.
John and Linda Riggin
Delmar, MD
4-Year-Old Killed In Home Invasion Stabbed 36 Times
(Nov. 11) -- Authorities in Oklahoma have arrested a teenager in the brutal slaying of child, who was stabbed 36 times. The killing was committed during a home-invasion robbery, police said.
"In my entire career, I've never seen anything like this," Muskogee police Cpl. Pedro Zardeneta told Kansas City's KMBC. "It's sad."
Officials with the Muskogee Police Department did not return calls for comment from AOL News today. According to online reports, Aaron Laconsello, 18, was arrested Tuesday after police were called to a home in the 700 block of North N Street to investigate a home invasion and assault.
GO HERE to read more.
"In my entire career, I've never seen anything like this," Muskogee police Cpl. Pedro Zardeneta told Kansas City's KMBC. "It's sad."
Officials with the Muskogee Police Department did not return calls for comment from AOL News today. According to online reports, Aaron Laconsello, 18, was arrested Tuesday after police were called to a home in the 700 block of North N Street to investigate a home invasion and assault.
GO HERE to read more.
GW BUSH
Story by: Bruce Vincent
I've written the following narrative to chronicle the day of the award ceremony in DC. I'm still working on a press release but the White House press corps has yet to provide a photo to go with it. When the photo comes I'll ship it out. When you get done reading this you'll understand the dilemma I face in telling this story beyond my circle of close friends.
Stepping into the Oval Office, each of us was introduced to the President and Mrs. Bush. We shook hands and participated in small talk. When the President was told that we were from Libby , Montana , I reminded him that Marc Racicot is our native son and the President offered his warm thoughts about Governor Racicot.
Stepping into the Oval Office, each of us was introduced to the President and Mrs. Bush. We shook hands and participated in small talk. When the President was told that we were from Libby , Montana , I reminded him that Marc Racicot is our native son and the President offered his warm thoughts about Governor Racicot.
I have to tell you, I was blown away by two things upon entering the office. First, the Oval Office sense of 'place' is unreal. The President later shared a story of Russian President Putin entering the room prepared to tackle the President in a tough negotiation and upon entering, the atheist muttered his first words to the President and they were "Oh, my God."
I concurred. I could feel the history in my bones. Second, the man that inhabits the office engaged me with a firm handshake and a look that can only be described as penetrating. Warm, alive, fully engaged, disarmingly penetrating. I was admittedly concerned about meeting the man. I think all of us have an inner hope that the most powerful man in our country is worthy of the responsibility and authority that we bestow upon them through our vote.
I concurred. I could feel the history in my bones. Second, the man that inhabits the office engaged me with a firm handshake and a look that can only be described as penetrating. Warm, alive, fully engaged, disarmingly penetrating. I was admittedly concerned about meeting the man. I think all of us have an inner hope that the most powerful man in our country is worthy of the responsibility and authority that we bestow upon them through our vote.
I admit that part of me was afraid that I would be let down by the moment -- that the person and the place could not meet the lofty expectations of my fantasy world. This says nothing about my esteem for President Bush but just my practical realization that reality may not match my 'dream.'
Once inside the office, President Bush got right down to business and, standing in front of his desk, handed out the awards one at a time while posing for photos with the winners and Mrs. Bush. With the mission accomplished, the President and Mrs. Bush relaxed and initiated a lengthy, informal conversation about a number of things with our entire small group. He and the First Lady talked about such things as the rug in the office It is traditionally designed by the First Lady to make a statement about the President, and Mrs.Bush chose a brilliant yellow sunburst pattern to reflect 'hope.' President Bush talked about the absolute need to believe that with hard work and faith in God there is every reason to start each day in the Oval Office with hope. He and the First Lady were asked about the impact of the Presidency on their marriage and, with an arm casually wrapped around Laura, he said that he thought te place may be hard on weak marriages but that it had the ability to make strong marriages even stronger and that he was blessed with a strong one.
After about 30 or 35 minutes, it was time to go. By then we were all relaxed and I felt as if I had just had an excellent visit with a friend. The President and First Lady made one more pass down the line of awardees, shaking hands and offering congratulations. When the President shook my hand I said, "Thank you Mr. President and God bless you and your family." He was already in motion to the next person in line, but he stopped abruptly turned fully back to me, gave me a piercing look, renewed the vigor of his handshake and said, "Thank you -- and God bless you and yours as well."
On our way out of the office we were to leave by the glass doors on the west side of the office. I was the last person in the exit line. As I shook his hand one final time, President Bush said, "I'll be sure to tell Marc hello and give him your regards."
I then did something that surprised even me. I said to him, "Mr. President, I know you are a busy man and your time is precious. I also know you to be a man of strong faith and I have a favor to ask of you."
As he shook my hand he looked me in the eye and said, "Just name it" I told him that my step-Mom was at that moment in a hospital in Kalispell , Montana , having a tumor removed from her skull and it would mean a great deal to me if he would consider adding her to his prayers that day. He grabbed me by the arm and took me back toward his desk as he said, "So that's it. I could tell that something is weighing heavy on your heart today. I could see it in your eyes.This explains it."
From the top drawer of his desk he retrieved a pen and a note card with his seal on it and asked, "How do you spell her name?" He then jotted a note to her while discussing the importance of family and the strength of prayer. When he handed me the card, he asked about the surgery and the prognosis. I told him we were hoping that it is not a recurrence of an earlier cancer and that, if it is, they can get it all with this surgery.
He said, "If it's okay with you, we'll take care of the prayer right now. Would you pray with me?" I told him yes and he turned to the staff that remained in the office and hand motioned the folks to step back or leave. He said, "Bruce and I would like some private time for a prayer."
As they left he turned back to me and took my hands in his. I was prepared to do a traditional prayer stance -- standing with each other with heads bowed. Instead, he reached for my head with his right hand and pulling gently forward, he placed my head on his shoulder. With his left arm on my mid-back, he pulled me to him in a prayerful embrace.
He started to pray softly. I started to cry. He continued his prayer for Loretta and for God's perfect will to be done. I cried some more. My body shook a bit as I cried and he just held tighter. He closed by asking God's blessing on Loretta and the family during the coming months. I stepped away from our embrace, wiped my eyes, swiped at the tears I'd left on his shoulder, and looked into the eyes of our president. I thanked him as best I could and told him that me and my family would continue praying for him and his.
Once inside the office, President Bush got right down to business and, standing in front of his desk, handed out the awards one at a time while posing for photos with the winners and Mrs. Bush. With the mission accomplished, the President and Mrs. Bush relaxed and initiated a lengthy, informal conversation about a number of things with our entire small group. He and the First Lady talked about such things as the rug in the office It is traditionally designed by the First Lady to make a statement about the President, and Mrs.Bush chose a brilliant yellow sunburst pattern to reflect 'hope.' President Bush talked about the absolute need to believe that with hard work and faith in God there is every reason to start each day in the Oval Office with hope. He and the First Lady were asked about the impact of the Presidency on their marriage and, with an arm casually wrapped around Laura, he said that he thought te place may be hard on weak marriages but that it had the ability to make strong marriages even stronger and that he was blessed with a strong one.
After about 30 or 35 minutes, it was time to go. By then we were all relaxed and I felt as if I had just had an excellent visit with a friend. The President and First Lady made one more pass down the line of awardees, shaking hands and offering congratulations. When the President shook my hand I said, "Thank you Mr. President and God bless you and your family." He was already in motion to the next person in line, but he stopped abruptly turned fully back to me, gave me a piercing look, renewed the vigor of his handshake and said, "Thank you -- and God bless you and yours as well."
On our way out of the office we were to leave by the glass doors on the west side of the office. I was the last person in the exit line. As I shook his hand one final time, President Bush said, "I'll be sure to tell Marc hello and give him your regards."
I then did something that surprised even me. I said to him, "Mr. President, I know you are a busy man and your time is precious. I also know you to be a man of strong faith and I have a favor to ask of you."
As he shook my hand he looked me in the eye and said, "Just name it" I told him that my step-Mom was at that moment in a hospital in Kalispell , Montana , having a tumor removed from her skull and it would mean a great deal to me if he would consider adding her to his prayers that day. He grabbed me by the arm and took me back toward his desk as he said, "So that's it. I could tell that something is weighing heavy on your heart today. I could see it in your eyes.This explains it."
From the top drawer of his desk he retrieved a pen and a note card with his seal on it and asked, "How do you spell her name?" He then jotted a note to her while discussing the importance of family and the strength of prayer. When he handed me the card, he asked about the surgery and the prognosis. I told him we were hoping that it is not a recurrence of an earlier cancer and that, if it is, they can get it all with this surgery.
He said, "If it's okay with you, we'll take care of the prayer right now. Would you pray with me?" I told him yes and he turned to the staff that remained in the office and hand motioned the folks to step back or leave. He said, "Bruce and I would like some private time for a prayer."
As they left he turned back to me and took my hands in his. I was prepared to do a traditional prayer stance -- standing with each other with heads bowed. Instead, he reached for my head with his right hand and pulling gently forward, he placed my head on his shoulder. With his left arm on my mid-back, he pulled me to him in a prayerful embrace.
He started to pray softly. I started to cry. He continued his prayer for Loretta and for God's perfect will to be done. I cried some more. My body shook a bit as I cried and he just held tighter. He closed by asking God's blessing on Loretta and the family during the coming months. I stepped away from our embrace, wiped my eyes, swiped at the tears I'd left on his shoulder, and looked into the eyes of our president. I thanked him as best I could and told him that me and my family would continue praying for him and his.
As I write this account down and reflect upon what it means, I have to tell you that all I really know is that his simple act left me humbled and believing. I so hoped that the man I thought him to be was the man that he is. I know that our nation needs a man such as this in the Oval Office. George W. Bush is the real deal. I've read Internet stories about the President praying with troops in hospitals and other such uplifting accounts. Each time I read them I hoped them to be true and not an Internet perpetuated myth This one, I know to be true. I was there. He is real. He has a pile of incredible stuff on his plate each day -- and yet he is tuned in so well to the here and now that he 'sensed' something heavy on my heart. He took time out of his life to care, to share, and to seek God's blessing for my family in a simple man-to-man, father-to-father, son-to-son, husband-to-husband, Christian- to-Christian prayerful embrace. He's not what I had hoped he would be. He is, in fact, so very, very much more.
Federal Pay Hike? Let's Start With A Freeze, Then Cut 10 Percent
Record numbers of Americans are out of work, struggling to avoid foreclosure, and watching their retirement savings evaporate. Meanwhile, 2.1 million federal civil service workers have never had it so good.
The number of these government workers making more than $150,000 per year has more than doubled since President Obama took office, and it has increased tenfold since 2005, according to USA Today.
In 2005, the Defense Department had nine civilian employees making more than $170,000. When Obama took office, the number had risen to 214. The number is now 994 -- an 11,000 percent increase in five years.
Obama has exacerbated the problem by creating 141,000 new federal jobs since he took office -- and that total doesn't count temporary census workers, the postal service or the uniformed military. Democrats are already talking about using the upcoming lame-duck legislation to grant the federal work force yet another pay increase, this time of 1.4 percent.
Never mind that federal pay has increased 3 percent annually since 2005. Never mind that inflation has been nonexistent during that period, or that total compensation for federal bureaucrats has increased nearly four times faster than in the private sector.
National Treasury Employees Union President Colleen Kelley told USA Today that the pay increase "is a modest amount and should be implemented" so the federal work force can stay competitive in the job market. But in many occupational categories, average federal compensation is double that of the private sector.
Moreover, federal union representatives have some nerve demanding pay increases to "stay competitive" when unemployment stands at 9.6 percent. As for being "competitive," the government is the nation's largest employer.
Read more at the Washington Examiner
The number of these government workers making more than $150,000 per year has more than doubled since President Obama took office, and it has increased tenfold since 2005, according to USA Today.
In 2005, the Defense Department had nine civilian employees making more than $170,000. When Obama took office, the number had risen to 214. The number is now 994 -- an 11,000 percent increase in five years.
Obama has exacerbated the problem by creating 141,000 new federal jobs since he took office -- and that total doesn't count temporary census workers, the postal service or the uniformed military. Democrats are already talking about using the upcoming lame-duck legislation to grant the federal work force yet another pay increase, this time of 1.4 percent.
Never mind that federal pay has increased 3 percent annually since 2005. Never mind that inflation has been nonexistent during that period, or that total compensation for federal bureaucrats has increased nearly four times faster than in the private sector.
National Treasury Employees Union President Colleen Kelley told USA Today that the pay increase "is a modest amount and should be implemented" so the federal work force can stay competitive in the job market. But in many occupational categories, average federal compensation is double that of the private sector.
Moreover, federal union representatives have some nerve demanding pay increases to "stay competitive" when unemployment stands at 9.6 percent. As for being "competitive," the government is the nation's largest employer.
Read more at the Washington Examiner
Maryland Black Caucus Members Hoping For Hoyer-Clyburn Deal
Maryland's black Democrats are in a pickle as Reps. Steny Hoyer and James Clyburn vie for the No. 2 leadership spot in the next Congress.
Geography ties them to Hoyer (Md.), a 30-year House veteran and current majority leader, while their membership in the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) aligns them with Clyburn (S.C.), a nine-term lawmaker and outgoing majority whip.
Torn between conflicting allegiances, Maryland Reps. Elijah Cummings (D) and Donna Edwards (D) have adopted a strategy: Don't take sides and pray for a deal.
"[Speaker] Nancy Pelosi is going to work out a deal with the three of them in the room that makes sure that we have a leadership table that really represents our caucus and is strong enough to keep us going," Edwards told MSNBC's Chris Matthews on Wednesday night.
When Matthews asked who should be minority whip, Edwards said, "I'm not voting on that."
The remarks echo those of Cummings earlier in the week, who also declined to pick sides in the contest. More here
Geography ties them to Hoyer (Md.), a 30-year House veteran and current majority leader, while their membership in the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) aligns them with Clyburn (S.C.), a nine-term lawmaker and outgoing majority whip.
Torn between conflicting allegiances, Maryland Reps. Elijah Cummings (D) and Donna Edwards (D) have adopted a strategy: Don't take sides and pray for a deal.
"[Speaker] Nancy Pelosi is going to work out a deal with the three of them in the room that makes sure that we have a leadership table that really represents our caucus and is strong enough to keep us going," Edwards told MSNBC's Chris Matthews on Wednesday night.
When Matthews asked who should be minority whip, Edwards said, "I'm not voting on that."
The remarks echo those of Cummings earlier in the week, who also declined to pick sides in the contest. More here
NPR Says It's 'Imperative' That Its Federal Funding Not Be Cut
NPR said it's "imperative" that it receives federal funding in light of a recommended cuts by the leaders of President Obama's fiscal commission.
"Federal funding has been a central component of public radio stations’ ability to serve audiences across the country," NPR said in a statement.
"It’s imperative for funding to continue to ensure that this essential tool of democracy survives and thrives well into the future."
["Essential tool of democracy"? Is this the laugh line?-- Editor]
The co-chairmen of Obama's fiscal commission, Democrat Erskine Bowles and Republican Alan Simpson, proposed eliminating funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, among other ideas, in their report on how to bring down the long-term debt in the U.S. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting assists NPR and PBS stations in their operations.
"The National Commission’s proposal to eliminate federal funding for public media would have a profound and detrimental impact on all Americans," NPR said in response to the proposal.
More
"Federal funding has been a central component of public radio stations’ ability to serve audiences across the country," NPR said in a statement.
"It’s imperative for funding to continue to ensure that this essential tool of democracy survives and thrives well into the future."
["Essential tool of democracy"? Is this the laugh line?-- Editor]
The co-chairmen of Obama's fiscal commission, Democrat Erskine Bowles and Republican Alan Simpson, proposed eliminating funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, among other ideas, in their report on how to bring down the long-term debt in the U.S. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting assists NPR and PBS stations in their operations.
"The National Commission’s proposal to eliminate federal funding for public media would have a profound and detrimental impact on all Americans," NPR said in response to the proposal.
More
Obama's Fiscal Commission Calls For Veterans To Make Co-Payments For Some Health Care
American veterans would have to cover at least a portion of their own medical costs under a proposal from the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform in its draft report, released on Wednesday.
Requiring veterans to pay for non-combat-related medical problems, instead of the government covering the entire cost, would save $700 million by 2015, the commission says in its draft report.
“This option would increase out-of-pocket costs for veterans in Priority Group 5 — those who do not have service-connected disabilities and whose income is below a VA-defined threshold,” states the draft report.
“Currently, those patients pay no fees for inpatient or outpatient medical care. This option requires co-payments for medical care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs to these enrollees, saving $0.7 billion in 2014,” the report says.
More
Requiring veterans to pay for non-combat-related medical problems, instead of the government covering the entire cost, would save $700 million by 2015, the commission says in its draft report.
“This option would increase out-of-pocket costs for veterans in Priority Group 5 — those who do not have service-connected disabilities and whose income is below a VA-defined threshold,” states the draft report.
“Currently, those patients pay no fees for inpatient or outpatient medical care. This option requires co-payments for medical care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs to these enrollees, saving $0.7 billion in 2014,” the report says.
More
After Obama Criticizes Israel, Palestinians Push For Urgent U.N. Security Council Meeting
Buoyed by President Obama’s criticism of Israel during his visit to Indonesia, the Palestinian Authority is seeking an urgent U.N. Security Council meeting to confront Israel on its housing plans in Jerusalem.
Abbas’ spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeinah told news agencies the P.A. wanted the Security Council to tackle “the issue of widespread settlement in Jerusalem and the West Bank.”
Israel’s confirmation this week of plans to build some 1,300 new apartments in its capital city triggered a fresh storm of protest, with P.A. negotiator Saeb Erekat calling for “dramatic international action for immediate recognition of the Palestinian state,” with east Jerusalem as its capital.
As with previous such announcements, the Obama administration State Department censured Israel for “unhelpful” activity.
Obama joined the criticism, saying in Jakarta that “each of these incremental steps can end up breaking trust” between the Israeli and Palestinian sides.
Palestinians welcomed the president’s comments. “Obama leads world chorus against Israel plan for Jerusalem,” ran the headline over the Palestinian news agency Ma’an’s report on the issue.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who is scheduled to meet with Netanyahu in New York on Thursday, echoed the criticism.
Speaking in Washington during a video linkup with P.A. Prime Minister Salam Fayyad Wednesday, she and called the housing plan “counterproductive to our efforts to resume negotiations between the parties.”
From Israel’s perspective, it is the administration’s stance on building in Jerusalem that is complicating the situation, by taking positions that buttress the P.A. in its refusal to return to talks unless Israel backs down.
“Jerusalem is not a settlement,” Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s office retorted in a statement hours after the president’s remarks, repeating an assertion he has come to use frequently over the two years since Obama took office.
“Israel sees no link between the peace process and its development plans in Jerusalem,” the statement read. “All Israeli governments in the past 40 years have built in all parts of the city.” More on this
Abbas’ spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeinah told news agencies the P.A. wanted the Security Council to tackle “the issue of widespread settlement in Jerusalem and the West Bank.”
Israel’s confirmation this week of plans to build some 1,300 new apartments in its capital city triggered a fresh storm of protest, with P.A. negotiator Saeb Erekat calling for “dramatic international action for immediate recognition of the Palestinian state,” with east Jerusalem as its capital.
As with previous such announcements, the Obama administration State Department censured Israel for “unhelpful” activity.
Obama joined the criticism, saying in Jakarta that “each of these incremental steps can end up breaking trust” between the Israeli and Palestinian sides.
Palestinians welcomed the president’s comments. “Obama leads world chorus against Israel plan for Jerusalem,” ran the headline over the Palestinian news agency Ma’an’s report on the issue.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who is scheduled to meet with Netanyahu in New York on Thursday, echoed the criticism.
Speaking in Washington during a video linkup with P.A. Prime Minister Salam Fayyad Wednesday, she and called the housing plan “counterproductive to our efforts to resume negotiations between the parties.”
From Israel’s perspective, it is the administration’s stance on building in Jerusalem that is complicating the situation, by taking positions that buttress the P.A. in its refusal to return to talks unless Israel backs down.
“Jerusalem is not a settlement,” Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s office retorted in a statement hours after the president’s remarks, repeating an assertion he has come to use frequently over the two years since Obama took office.
“Israel sees no link between the peace process and its development plans in Jerusalem,” the statement read. “All Israeli governments in the past 40 years have built in all parts of the city.” More on this
Breaking News
There has been an accident on Nanticoke Rd. involving a School Bus. It's near the Barrington Heights Development. An Ambulance just pulled away with lights on heading to the Hospital. Bus #8.
Pawlenty Ups Challenge To Fed Health Law
Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, a potential GOP presidential candidate, stepped up his attack Thursday on President Barack Obama's federal health care law with a court filing challenging its cost to states.
Pawlenty and Rhode Island Gov. Donald Carcieri, both Republicans leaving office soon, joined in the federal court filing in Pensacola, Fla.
A judge there ruled last month that parts of a lawsuit filed by 20 other states challenging the health care overhaul can go to trial. The two governors' filing seeks permission to submit a friend-of-the-court brief in support of the lawsuit.
The filing, written by a Washington lawyer from the Competitive Enterprise Institute, said the governors are safeguarding their citizens from "federal abuse of the spending power." They argue the law places liabilities on states through a Medicaid expansion.
"Although the Act indicates that the federal government will initially pay for some Medicaid expansions, the states are advised that they will pay for 10 percent of some unspecified costs in four years, and there is no indication that the states will not pay more in succeeding periods," the governors' document said.
Pawlenty has been vocal in his opposition to the law. He has said he would make repealing it a focal point of a run for president in 2012 if he wages a campaign. Pawlenty has ordered state agencies to avoid discretionary grants related to the health law.
Pawlenty also has resisted a federal offer to enroll more people in Medicaid, refusing $1.4 billion in federal grants. Read more here
Pawlenty and Rhode Island Gov. Donald Carcieri, both Republicans leaving office soon, joined in the federal court filing in Pensacola, Fla.
A judge there ruled last month that parts of a lawsuit filed by 20 other states challenging the health care overhaul can go to trial. The two governors' filing seeks permission to submit a friend-of-the-court brief in support of the lawsuit.
The filing, written by a Washington lawyer from the Competitive Enterprise Institute, said the governors are safeguarding their citizens from "federal abuse of the spending power." They argue the law places liabilities on states through a Medicaid expansion.
"Although the Act indicates that the federal government will initially pay for some Medicaid expansions, the states are advised that they will pay for 10 percent of some unspecified costs in four years, and there is no indication that the states will not pay more in succeeding periods," the governors' document said.
Pawlenty has been vocal in his opposition to the law. He has said he would make repealing it a focal point of a run for president in 2012 if he wages a campaign. Pawlenty has ordered state agencies to avoid discretionary grants related to the health law.
Pawlenty also has resisted a federal offer to enroll more people in Medicaid, refusing $1.4 billion in federal grants. Read more here
Chinese Missiles Could Close U.S. Bases in Attack, Report Says
The Chinese military’s nonnuclear missiles have “the capability to attack” and close down five of six major U.S. Air Force bases in South Korea and Japan, an unpublished government report says.
China’s improved inventory of short- and medium-range missiles provides a “dramatic increase” in its ability to stifle U.S. military operations in the western Pacific, according to excerpts from the draft of the 2010 annual report that the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission is scheduled to release on Nov. 17.
China’s current force “may be sufficient” to destroy runways, parked aircraft, fuel and maintenance facilities at Osan and Kunsan air bases in South Korea, and Kadena, Misawa and Yokota bases in Japan, the report says. The facilities are within 700 miles of China.
An upgraded missile arsenal, including a 30 percent increase in cruise missiles since last year, “poses a significant challenge to U.S. forces operating in the region,” the report says. Defense Secretary Robert Gates in June called China’s improved missile arsenal “a real concern” that also threatens U.S. aircraft carriers.
Wang Baodong, a spokesman for the Chinese Embassy in Washington didn’t respond to an e-mail seeking comment.
More here
China’s improved inventory of short- and medium-range missiles provides a “dramatic increase” in its ability to stifle U.S. military operations in the western Pacific, according to excerpts from the draft of the 2010 annual report that the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission is scheduled to release on Nov. 17.
China’s current force “may be sufficient” to destroy runways, parked aircraft, fuel and maintenance facilities at Osan and Kunsan air bases in South Korea, and Kadena, Misawa and Yokota bases in Japan, the report says. The facilities are within 700 miles of China.
An upgraded missile arsenal, including a 30 percent increase in cruise missiles since last year, “poses a significant challenge to U.S. forces operating in the region,” the report says. Defense Secretary Robert Gates in June called China’s improved missile arsenal “a real concern” that also threatens U.S. aircraft carriers.
Wang Baodong, a spokesman for the Chinese Embassy in Washington didn’t respond to an e-mail seeking comment.
More here
Obama Lawyers Back Military Gay Ban At Supreme Court
The Obama administration said the U.S. Supreme Court should let the military continue to bar openly gay people under the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, arguing that a change in the law should come from Congress, not the courts.
Acting U.S. Solicitor General Neal Katyal, the administration’s top courtroom lawyer, today urged the justices not to reinstate a federal judge’s order that had temporarily suspended the law.
U.S. District Judge Virginia A. Phillips declared the law unconstitutional in September, and a Republican gay-rights group is seeking to put that ruling into effect immediately. A federal appeals court put Phillips’s order on hold.
In asking the Supreme Court to lift the ban while the litigation goes forward, the Log Cabin Republicans said the government “presented no evidence to support a finding that open service by gay and lesbian individuals harmed the military’s interests.”
GO HERE to read more.
D.C. EMTs Accused Of Lying About Rescue
The D.C. Fire Department is looking into allegations that two firefighters lied about the location of their ambulance -- delaying their response to a call in which a woman died, NBC4 has learned.
At about 6 a.m. on September 29, emergency responders from Fire House 11 in Columbia Heights were sent on a medical emergency call just a few blocks away. Christina Chavarria, 72, was bleeding uncontrollably from a shunt in her neck.
A fire engine arrived at the Oak Street NW location in just six minutes. Sources told NBC4 the firefighters frantically radioed the dispatch asking, “Where is the ambulance?”
The ambulance arrived 16 minutes after that radio call, according to a timeline obtained by NBC4. Chavarria eventually died from her injuries.
GO HERE to read more.
State Uses Grants, Initiative To Advance Domestic Violence Programs
The state’s domestic violence programs are expanding with $4.3 million more in federal grants allocated by the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention, and funds from other legislative initiatives to bring services and programs to domestic violence victims across the state.
In addition to the $10 million in federal funding that the Office of Crime Control and Prevention received in 2010 for any victims of crime, executive director Kristen Mahoney said they got $2 million in annual federal STOP Violence Against Women grants, and $2.3 million as a one-time federal stimulus STOP Violence Against Women grant. The two new funds were distributed to 108 programs.
GO HERE to read more.
In addition to the $10 million in federal funding that the Office of Crime Control and Prevention received in 2010 for any victims of crime, executive director Kristen Mahoney said they got $2 million in annual federal STOP Violence Against Women grants, and $2.3 million as a one-time federal stimulus STOP Violence Against Women grant. The two new funds were distributed to 108 programs.
GO HERE to read more.
Mortgage Scandal Of The Day: Forced-Placed Insurance
In a dark cranny of the mortgage-servicing world a "force-placed insurance" scandal is brewing. When a homeowner's insurance lapses, the servicer steps in and buys them a new one, at a price several factors higher than their original. And the company they buy it from is essentially themselves with a different name. Now investors are finding out about the incestuous self-dealing and kickbacks and they're pissed.
More »
More »
Alabama Schools Paddle Kids With No Way For Parents To Opt-Out
Here's an type of opt-out list we don't often write about: Corporal punishment in schools is legal in lots of states, but if you assumed parents could always opt-out, you'd be mistaken. According to a report from WHNT in Alabama, one student was beaten until he was bruised because he failed a science test.
More »
More »
Woman Says She Was Cuffed And Booted From Airport For Questioning Body Scanners
Meg McLain claims that the TSA ripped up her US Airways plane ticket and called police who restrained her in a chair, cuffed her, and escorted her out of the airport after she opted out of the backscatter can. Her radio interview describing the incident is at 390,000 hits and growing, and the TSA has posted CCTV of the incident on their blog.
More »
More »
Police Raid Spencer Gifts, Confiscate 'Sex-Related' Products
We hadn't been in a Spencer Gifts (aka Spencer's) since Color Me Badd was lighting up the charts, but our memories of the mall-based stores are of goofy bachelor party gag gifts and posters of bikini-clad women. The authorities in Rapid City, SD, believe the store is an unlicensed "adult-oriented business" and on Monday the police seized boxes containing around 2,000 "sex-related" products.
More »
More »
Somerset County Sheriff's Office Press Releases
Jammar Darrell Roberts of Princess Anne, arrested 11-4-10 on three warrants regarding failing to appear in court, and child support. Roberts was held on $20,500 bond.
Charles Maurice Turner of Princess Anne, arrested 11-4-10 on three warrants regarding fraud, identity theft, and fail to appear in court. Turner was later released after posting bond.
Sierra Cherelle Jackson of Crisfield, arrested 11-5-10 on a warrant regarding failing to appear in court. Jackson was held on a $1,000 bond.
Preston Lee Taylor of Crisfield, arrested on 11-5-10 on a warrant regarding failing to appear in court. Taylor was held on a $500.00 bond.
Two female juveniles arrested 11-5-10, at Washington High School. Deputies were called to the Washington High School regarding a fight. Deputies later arrested and charged two students for second degree assault, affray, and disrupting school functions. The juveniles were later released to their parents pending juvenile court actions.
Five students arrested at Washington High School . Deputies were called to the Washington High School regarding a large fight. Deputies later arrested and charged five students with second degree assault, affray, disrupting school functions. On student was charged additionally with possessing a deadly weapon on school property after deputies recovered a 6" knife. All five juveniles were later released to their parents pending juvenile court actions.
Thomas Stanford Harrison Jr. of Princess Anne, arrested 11-8-10 for driving on a suspended drivers license. Harrison was released after signing citations.
Ronald Francis Rhodes Jr. of Parkville Maryland, arrested 11-8-10 on a warrant regarding failing to appear in court. Rhodes was released after posting bond.
Robert Milton Davis Jr. of Princess Anne, arrested 11-8-10 on a warrant regarding violation of probation. Davis was held on a $50,000 bond.
William Dale Ward of Crisfield, arrested 11-9-10 on a warrant regarding failing to appear in court. Ward was later released on a unsecured bond.
Juvenile from Deal Island arrested 11-10-10 on a body attachment warrant. The juvenile was later held at the Lower Eastern Shore Juvenile Facility.
SHOREBIRDS COLLECTING TOYS FOR TOTS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
Bring New and Unwrapped Toys to Arthur W. Perdue Stadium
Salisbury, Md. - The Delmarva Shorebirds are once again collecting new and unwrapped toys at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium as part of the Toys for Tots program. The Shorebirds front office is opened for drop off Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. The drop box is located just inside the front office at Perdue Stadium.
Toys for Tots was developed by the United States Marine Corps Reserve to collect new and unwrapped toys during October, November and December. The toys are then distributed as Christmas gifts to underprivileged children in the community.
"Toys for Tots is a tremendous program and we are honored to serve as a drop off site," said general manager Chris Bitters. "I want to personally encourage everyone that can to bring a toy to Perdue Stadium because each toy will help brighten the holiday season for the children of the Eastern Shore."
Toys for Tots has been ongoing in Wicomico County for 27 years. Each toy collected at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium will be distributed to children on the Eastern Shore. In 2009, over 14,000 toys were given out to over 7,000 children.
For more information about the Toys for Tots program, click here.
Gov’t Has Spent Small Fraction Of $50 Billion Pledged For Loan Mods
When the Obama administration launched its flagship foreclosure prevention program in early 2009, it pledged to spend up to $50 billion helping struggling homeowners. But the government has so far only spent a tiny fraction of that.
A recent Treasury Department report [1] summarizing TARP spending put the total at $600 million through October.
Although the Treasury Department posts the maximum amount that could go to each mortgage servicer on its website [2], it doesn’t report the details of the spending. So we filed a Freedom of Information request for the data, and can now show for the first time exactly how much money has gone to each servicer. (A Treasury Department spokeswoman said they’re considering regularly releasing the information going forward.)
The program, which uses TARP money, tries to prevent foreclosures by paying mortgages servicers incentives to make loan modifications. The largest payout, $79 million, has gone to JPMorgan Chase [3]. Next on the list is Bank of America with $45.1 million [4]. That’s a drop in the bucket for BofA, which reported [5] net servicing income of $780 million in the third quarter. (You can use our bailout tracker [6] to see how much money has gone to each mortgage servicer. The figures, which come from our FOIA request, only go through August.)
With the government’s program showing signs of slowing down [7], the small payout so far shows that Treasury won’t come close to using the full $50 billion, said Guy Cecala, publisher of Inside Mortgage Finance. “It’s a joke, because everyone’s asking ‘is [the program] really worth the $50 billion we’ve committed?’” he said. “We’ll never spend anywhere near that.”
There are two main reasons why so little money has been paid out. First, there have been few modifications done through the program [8]. The government only pays incentives for finalized modifications, not trials. For instance, even though $8.3 billion has been set aside for Bank of America [4], it won’t get that money unless it provides modifications.
GO HERE to read more.
A recent Treasury Department report [1] summarizing TARP spending put the total at $600 million through October.
Although the Treasury Department posts the maximum amount that could go to each mortgage servicer on its website [2], it doesn’t report the details of the spending. So we filed a Freedom of Information request for the data, and can now show for the first time exactly how much money has gone to each servicer. (A Treasury Department spokeswoman said they’re considering regularly releasing the information going forward.)
The program, which uses TARP money, tries to prevent foreclosures by paying mortgages servicers incentives to make loan modifications. The largest payout, $79 million, has gone to JPMorgan Chase [3]. Next on the list is Bank of America with $45.1 million [4]. That’s a drop in the bucket for BofA, which reported [5] net servicing income of $780 million in the third quarter. (You can use our bailout tracker [6] to see how much money has gone to each mortgage servicer. The figures, which come from our FOIA request, only go through August.)
With the government’s program showing signs of slowing down [7], the small payout so far shows that Treasury won’t come close to using the full $50 billion, said Guy Cecala, publisher of Inside Mortgage Finance. “It’s a joke, because everyone’s asking ‘is [the program] really worth the $50 billion we’ve committed?’” he said. “We’ll never spend anywhere near that.”
There are two main reasons why so little money has been paid out. First, there have been few modifications done through the program [8]. The government only pays incentives for finalized modifications, not trials. For instance, even though $8.3 billion has been set aside for Bank of America [4], it won’t get that money unless it provides modifications.
GO HERE to read more.
Highlighted Events This Week And Next Week In Wicomico Schools
Friday, Nov. 12, at 8:25 a.m.
Coffee at the Curb
Prince Street Elementary School
Prince Street Elementary have Coffee at the Curb for parents, guardians and grandparents bringing children to school on Friday. The welcoming event will begin at 8:25 a.m. For Coffee at the Curb earlier this year, school staff handed out hot coffee, juice and snacks to wish parents, guardians and grandparents a good day. 410-677-5813.
Through Nov. 12
Maryland School Psychology Week
Wicomico Schools will join in the statewide observance of the week of Nov. 8-12 as Maryland School Psychology Week. Every day, in all of Maryland’s public schools, school psychologists help to address individual student learning needs and differences, children’s social-emotional development, family-school collaboration issues, and a myriad of academic skills across all grade levels, learning styles and content areas. School psychologists are among the most unique professionals in school systems, as their skills work to bridge learning, social and emotional performance. They use different strategies to support student needs and to improve school-wide and system-wide supports. To this end, they serve on Student Support Teams, Positive Behavioral Support Teams and IEP teams, to name a few of their collaborative rolls.
Through Nov. 2, Dec. 6-10
One Man Band Curtis Blues and The History of Acoustic Delta Blues: The Roots of Rock and Hip Hop
Wicomico elementary and middle schools
Blues preservationist and one man band Curtis Blues is a talented musician and educator whose performances keep the tradition of acoustic Delta blues alive, and demonstrate for students the roots of modern rock and hip hop music. Curtis has been playing Delta blues since he was 14 years old, when he was exposed to some of the last living Delta blues masters at folk festivals. Curtis has recorded two critically acclaimed CDs and performs at blues festivals and schools in an effort to pass this precious music down to the next generation. This show demonstrates the origins of modern popular rock, country, and hip hop music from the Mississippi Delta in the 1920's to 1940's. Tracing rhythms from work songs, Curtis invites students to help demonstrate infectious blues rhythms. Curtis Blues plays a one-string Diddley Bow, a handmade box guitar, and an African gourd banjo, as well as 1928 style metal resonator guitars and wood guitars along with his harmonica, foot drum, and cymbals. By taking his instruments into the audience for a closer look, this presentation makes African American and musical history come alive for students.
Friday, Nov. 12: Delmar Elementary (8:30 and 9:30 a.m.), Pinehurst Elementary 1:30 p.m.
Additional Curtis Blues school shows are scheduled for the week of Dec. 6-10.
Saturday, Nov. 13
STEM Saturday
Salisbury Middle School
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) Saturday classes will be offered throughout the 2010-11 school year for students in grades 4/5 and 6/7/8. The next STEM Saturday will be held at Salisbury Middle School from 10 a.m.-noon on Saturday, Nov. 13, with students in grades 4-5 exploring “The Science Behind Winning” and middle schoolers working on “Robotics.” The elementary offerings are new to the STEM Saturdays schedule this year. Anyone interested in attending a STEM Saturday event must pre-register, and early registration is recommended as the courses fill up early. STEM Saturdays will also be held 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 (middle), 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; and April 9, The Bug Detective (elementary) and The Science Behind Winning (middle), both at Salisbury Middle. For a detailed schedule and registration form, visit http://www.wcboe.org/news/510. For information contact Gretchen Boggs at 410-677-5149 or gboggs@wcboe.org.
Sunday, Nov. 14-Saturday, Nov. 20
American Education Week
All Wicomico County Public Schools
Schools will welcome hundreds of parents, grandparents and other guests during this year's celebration of American Education Week. This annual spotlight on public education has as its theme "Great Public Schools: A Basic Right and Our Responsibility." Visitors must have been submitted in advance on the Approved Visitor Form sent home by each school. For more information about American Education Week, please check with your student's school.
Monday, Nov. 15
Report cards for 1st Marking Period sent home
Monday, Nov. 15
Family CSI Night
Salisbury Middle School
On Nov. 15, Salisbury Middle will have a PTA Visitation and Family CSI Night. PTA classroom visitation will occur from 4:30-5:30 p.m., with dinner being served by our PTA from 5:30-6 p.m. Our CSI activities will run from 6-7:30 p.m. These activities will consist of two crimes scenes that students and their families can take part in solving. We will have the local police department, archaeologists and representatives of other CSI-related careers discussing what they do in the field. Last year’s second CSI night brought out some 300 students, parents and guardians to investigate a crime scene. Students solve the CSI riddle using math, science, reading, writing, problem-solving, teamwork and lab analysis skills. 410-677-5149.
Tuesday, Nov. 16, 1:42 p.m.
“Let’s Move” Workout Event
Salisbury Middle School
At 1:42 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 16, students at Salisbury Middle School will join students around the country in “Let’s Move,” an event from First Lady Michelle Obama’s campaign to keep kids active. Students at SMS will do a choreographed flash workout routine that will be televised. 410-677-5149.
Tuesday, Nov. 16
Board of Education Awards & Recognitions Night
Westside Intermediate School
The first Wicomico County Board of Education Awards & Recognitions Night of the 2010-11 school year will be held at 7 p.m. Nov. 16 at Westside Intermediate School to honor outstanding students, teachers, administrators, schools, programs and community partners. 410-677-4561.
Wednesday, Nov. 17
Superintendent’s Open Door Session
Board of Education Office
A Superintendent’s Open Door Session will take place Wednesday, Nov. 17, from 4-6 p.m., in the Administrative Conference Room at the Board of Education Office. The Open Door Sessions are opportunities to meet one-on-one with Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Fredericksen to discuss any issue, idea or concern. No appointments are made: Anyone interested in meeting with the superintendent should come to the Board office that day and sign in. Other Superintendent Open Door Sessions for this year are scheduled for: Dec. 15, Jan. 19, Feb. 23, March 23, April 27 and May 25. 410-677-4495.
Coffee at the Curb
Prince Street Elementary School
Prince Street Elementary have Coffee at the Curb for parents, guardians and grandparents bringing children to school on Friday. The welcoming event will begin at 8:25 a.m. For Coffee at the Curb earlier this year, school staff handed out hot coffee, juice and snacks to wish parents, guardians and grandparents a good day. 410-677-5813.
Through Nov. 12
Maryland School Psychology Week
Wicomico Schools will join in the statewide observance of the week of Nov. 8-12 as Maryland School Psychology Week. Every day, in all of Maryland’s public schools, school psychologists help to address individual student learning needs and differences, children’s social-emotional development, family-school collaboration issues, and a myriad of academic skills across all grade levels, learning styles and content areas. School psychologists are among the most unique professionals in school systems, as their skills work to bridge learning, social and emotional performance. They use different strategies to support student needs and to improve school-wide and system-wide supports. To this end, they serve on Student Support Teams, Positive Behavioral Support Teams and IEP teams, to name a few of their collaborative rolls.
Through Nov. 2, Dec. 6-10
One Man Band Curtis Blues and The History of Acoustic Delta Blues: The Roots of Rock and Hip Hop
Wicomico elementary and middle schools
Blues preservationist and one man band Curtis Blues is a talented musician and educator whose performances keep the tradition of acoustic Delta blues alive, and demonstrate for students the roots of modern rock and hip hop music. Curtis has been playing Delta blues since he was 14 years old, when he was exposed to some of the last living Delta blues masters at folk festivals. Curtis has recorded two critically acclaimed CDs and performs at blues festivals and schools in an effort to pass this precious music down to the next generation. This show demonstrates the origins of modern popular rock, country, and hip hop music from the Mississippi Delta in the 1920's to 1940's. Tracing rhythms from work songs, Curtis invites students to help demonstrate infectious blues rhythms. Curtis Blues plays a one-string Diddley Bow, a handmade box guitar, and an African gourd banjo, as well as 1928 style metal resonator guitars and wood guitars along with his harmonica, foot drum, and cymbals. By taking his instruments into the audience for a closer look, this presentation makes African American and musical history come alive for students.
Friday, Nov. 12: Delmar Elementary (8:30 and 9:30 a.m.), Pinehurst Elementary 1:30 p.m.
Additional Curtis Blues school shows are scheduled for the week of Dec. 6-10.
Saturday, Nov. 13
STEM Saturday
Salisbury Middle School
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) Saturday classes will be offered throughout the 2010-11 school year for students in grades 4/5 and 6/7/8. The next STEM Saturday will be held at Salisbury Middle School from 10 a.m.-noon on Saturday, Nov. 13, with students in grades 4-5 exploring “The Science Behind Winning” and middle schoolers working on “Robotics.” The elementary offerings are new to the STEM Saturdays schedule this year. Anyone interested in attending a STEM Saturday event must pre-register, and early registration is recommended as the courses fill up early. STEM Saturdays will also be held 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 (middle), 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; and April 9, The Bug Detective (elementary) and The Science Behind Winning (middle), both at Salisbury Middle. For a detailed schedule and registration form, visit http://www.wcboe.org/news/510. For information contact Gretchen Boggs at 410-677-5149 or gboggs@wcboe.org.
Sunday, Nov. 14-Saturday, Nov. 20
American Education Week
All Wicomico County Public Schools
Schools will welcome hundreds of parents, grandparents and other guests during this year's celebration of American Education Week. This annual spotlight on public education has as its theme "Great Public Schools: A Basic Right and Our Responsibility." Visitors must have been submitted in advance on the Approved Visitor Form sent home by each school. For more information about American Education Week, please check with your student's school.
Monday, Nov. 15
Report cards for 1st Marking Period sent home
Monday, Nov. 15
Family CSI Night
Salisbury Middle School
On Nov. 15, Salisbury Middle will have a PTA Visitation and Family CSI Night. PTA classroom visitation will occur from 4:30-5:30 p.m., with dinner being served by our PTA from 5:30-6 p.m. Our CSI activities will run from 6-7:30 p.m. These activities will consist of two crimes scenes that students and their families can take part in solving. We will have the local police department, archaeologists and representatives of other CSI-related careers discussing what they do in the field. Last year’s second CSI night brought out some 300 students, parents and guardians to investigate a crime scene. Students solve the CSI riddle using math, science, reading, writing, problem-solving, teamwork and lab analysis skills. 410-677-5149.
Tuesday, Nov. 16, 1:42 p.m.
“Let’s Move” Workout Event
Salisbury Middle School
At 1:42 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 16, students at Salisbury Middle School will join students around the country in “Let’s Move,” an event from First Lady Michelle Obama’s campaign to keep kids active. Students at SMS will do a choreographed flash workout routine that will be televised. 410-677-5149.
Tuesday, Nov. 16
Board of Education Awards & Recognitions Night
Westside Intermediate School
The first Wicomico County Board of Education Awards & Recognitions Night of the 2010-11 school year will be held at 7 p.m. Nov. 16 at Westside Intermediate School to honor outstanding students, teachers, administrators, schools, programs and community partners. 410-677-4561.
Wednesday, Nov. 17
Superintendent’s Open Door Session
Board of Education Office
A Superintendent’s Open Door Session will take place Wednesday, Nov. 17, from 4-6 p.m., in the Administrative Conference Room at the Board of Education Office. The Open Door Sessions are opportunities to meet one-on-one with Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Fredericksen to discuss any issue, idea or concern. No appointments are made: Anyone interested in meeting with the superintendent should come to the Board office that day and sign in. Other Superintendent Open Door Sessions for this year are scheduled for: Dec. 15, Jan. 19, Feb. 23, March 23, April 27 and May 25. 410-677-4495.
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