Monday, October 31, 2011

HOLLOW-EEN? Or PARTY ON?

Wow! This tidbit that came out exactly a year later about a Halloween party hosted by lawfirm Steven J. Baum should add fuel to the fire of the OWS movement and lend validity to cries of “class warfare”…. To think that this was encouraged let alone tolerated and encouraged as the “theme” of the party shows the hollow lack of compassion and empathy while showing the arrogance of some boot lickers who want to emulate their bosses’ swag at the expense of someone else. I’m sure these fuckers explanation is “buyer beware” which has been with us since Roman Law…this is where ethics and morality are supposed to come into play in a society in order to assist those less educated, less economically fortunate, and more trusting albeit gullible and niave of us who fall for predatory-styled scams, gimmicks and outright fraud….unfortunately the ruling minority have thrown those childish ideals aside to pursue their desire to become RICH and Famous or pimp their ride or crib just like the t.v. shows they grew up watching on the boob tube have bestowed prestige upon.

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Chairman Mooney Criticizes President Miller's Interference In Show Place Arena Investigation

ANNAPOLIS - Today, Maryland Republican Party Chairman Alex Mooney made the following comment on the alleged misuse of funds at Show Place Arena in Prince George's County.

"After an audit found numerous irregularities in spending at the Show Place Arena in Prince George's County, it's clear that an investigation was needed," Mooney said. "However, the mere fact that William Chambers' long-time political ally and Senate President Mike Miller threatened the arena's operators shows how deep the problem with one party rule in Maryland goes. Miller has threatened a state takeover of the arena if the auditors did not stop the investigation. Its outrageous that President Miller would want to stop investigation into financial irregularities."

"What may be needed is an independent audit from an outside source, a source that Senator Miller cannot threaten with the loss of state funds. The Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission has obviously found a real problem, that work should continue unabated to get to the bottom of the alleged misuse of funds at Show Place Arena," concluded Mooney.

GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY ANNOUNCES $2.2 MILLION IN STO*P VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT FUNDING

Over 50 organizations from across the state awarded federal funding to combat violence against women

ANNAPOLIS, MD (October 31, 2011) – Governor Martin O'Malley, joined by U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, Lt. Governor Anthony G. Brown, Maryland Attorney General Doug Gansler, advocates, community leaders, families and friends of domestic violence victims, and other state and local officials, today announced $2.2 million in awards to over 50 local organizations through the S*T*O*P (Services, Training, Officers and Prosecutors) Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). These federal funds are formula grants allocated from the U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women that will assist organizations throughout the state that work to help women who are the victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and dating violence.

“The most important responsibilities we have in government are to create jobs and to protect the public’s safety,” said Governor O’Malley. "In Maryland, we have set the big goal to reduce violence against women and children 25 percent by the end of next year. Today’s funding from the federal Violence Against Women Act is an important resource in achieving that goal, helping organizations and advocates from across the State who work on the front lines every day to combat domestic violence. Though we are seeing decreases in the number of domestic violence-related deaths on record, even one life lost is one too many. Together, with our federal, state and local partners, we can continue to make progress in saving lives.”

The VAWA program is administered by the Governor's Office of Crime Control & Prevention (GOCCP) which provides funding to law enforcement, prosecution, the court system and non-profit, non-government victim service agencies. Recipients are encouraged to forge lasting partnerships between the criminal justice system and victim advocacy organizations, and to look beyond traditional resources by partnering with community and faith-based organizations to respond more vigorously to domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking crimes.

Maryland’s Congressional delegation has been integral in securing these funds for Maryland.

“I have absolutely no tolerance for domestic violence,” said Senator Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.), who authored the Violence Against Women Act and, as Chairwoman of the Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations Subcommittee, puts funds in the federal checkbook to fund federal VAWA efforts.
“Maryland’s STOP program has proven a valuable resource in the fight to curb domestic violence. I was proud to put funds in the federal checkbook to support this important program that gives counselors, law enforcement officers and health care personnel the resources to serve victims of domestic violence.”

“Nearly three in four Americans personally know someone who is or has been a victim of domestic violence, and these statistics permeate all socioeconomic, ethnic, racial, and religious groups in our nation,” said U.S. Senator Ben Cardin. “This funding will significantly enhance domestic violence prevention efforts and improve the criminal justice system's response to violence against women.”

Congressman Steny Hoyer added, “I have long supported efforts to equip organizations serving battered women and their children as well as the law enforcement community with the resources needed to support victims and prosecute perpetrators. I am proud to support the STOP program and the women and men leading the cause against family violence.”

Attorney General Doug Gansler chairs the Governor’s Family Violence Council, established in 1995 to provide the Governor with timely and accurate information on family violence with recommendations that will reduce and eliminate abusive behaviors.

“These grants are critical to Maryland’s continued efforts to fight domestic violence and to protect victims of domestic abuse,” said Attorney General Gansler. “We need these resources to enhance prosecution of domestic abusers and to support the professionals who help victims through the legal system with dignity, even as they recover physically and mentally from such abuse.”

Lt. Governor Brown is also a member of the Council, and a steadfast advocate for ending domestic violence.

“Domestic violence is a tragedy that has impacted the lives of far too many, and those targeted by their abusers are not the only victims. The victims are also the families who share the pain of their loved ones, the communities that are shaken by these heinous acts, and our society as a whole,” said Lt. Governor Brown. “Addressing domestic violence is the collective responsibility of each and every one of us. These grants will help communities throughout Maryland provide critical support to victims and take another step towards eliminating this senseless crime.”

In Maryland, there were 38 domestic violence-related homicides in calendar years 2009 and 2010 combined. In fiscal year 2010, there were over 18,000 temporary and over 9,000 final protective orders filed in Maryland. According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, Maryland is ranked 17^th in terms of call volume.

The O’Malley-Brown Administration remains committed to protecting Maryland’s families by reducing the number of domestic violence incidents and homicides, and educating communities about the effects of domestic violence. The Governor has set a strategic policy goal to reduce violent crimes committed against women and children by 25 percent by the end of 2012. Since taking office, the Administration has:

· Signed legislation that provides law enforcement officers, child protective services, social workers, and all who work to protect Maryland’s child victims with the resources needed to maintain the viability of Child Advocacy Centers in Maryland.

· Signed legislation that authorizes a police officer to arrest a person without a warrant if the officer has probable cause to believe that the person has violated a condition of pre-trial or post-trial release to further protect the victims of crime.

· Passed legislation that enables judges to extend the duration of a protective order beyond the original expiration date if the judge finds by clear & convincing evidence that the Respondent has committed a subsequent act of domestic violence.

· Supported a change in Maryland law to allow for the removal of firearms from domestic abusers. Now, judges have the authority to order the surrender of firearms from Respondents who are the subject of Temporary Protective Orders & made it mandatory for Respondents in Permanent Protective Order cases to surrender all firearms.

· Supported a system to help track the number of arrests that are related to domestic violence to get an accurate handle on the scope of the problem so that necessary resources can be dedicated to assisting victims.

"Buy Here Pay Here" Dealerships Investigated

The Los Angeles Times has an excellent investigation into the national "Buy Here Pay Here" auto dealership phenomenon. These used car sellers purposefully target bad credit borrowers and offer them what no one else will: the chance to buy a car on credit. All they have to do is agree to 20-30% interest rates, a price well above the car's Blue Book Value, and aggressive repo practices if they fail to pay up. But it's not a big deal if they don't. Borrower failure is baked into the business plan.

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Fox And DirecTV Kiss & Make-Up Hours Before Blackout Deadline

With only a few hours to go until a retransmission fee dispute would have left DirecTV subscribers unable to watch a number of Fox cable channels, the two sides have put away their swords and decided to work out a deal.

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Fruitland Police Department Press Releases

DATE & TIME: October 28, 2011 @ 1718 hours

INCIDENT: Possession of Marijuana

LOCATION: South Fruitland Blvd

CASE NO.: 2011-1277

PERSON CHARGED: Russell William Knox M/B

AGE: 19

ADDRESS: Princess Anne, Maryland

CHARGE(s) Possession of Marijuana

DISPOSITION: Released to custody of Central Booking at WCDC

SYNOPSIS: On the above date and time, a Fruitland officer was on patrol in the 200 block of S. Fruitland Blvd when he observed a vehicle, in which the suspect was a passenger, commit a traffic violation. During the traffic stop, the officer observed signs of criminal activity that led to the officer requesting a Narcotics K-9. A K-9 unit from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded and the K-9 did positively alert on the vehicle for the odor of a Controlled Dangerous Substance. A probable cause search was conducted and the suspect was found to be in possession of suspected Marijuana. The suspect was arrested and transported to WCDC without incident.

DATE & TIME: Saturday October 29, 2011 @ 0003 hours

INCIDENT: Disorderly Conduct /Possession of Marijuana

LOCATION: 300 Block of North Division Street

CASE NO.: 2011-1278

PERSON CHARGED: Ryan Thomas Gischel M/W

AGE: 21

ADDRESS: Baltimore, Maryland

CHARGE(s) Disorderly Conduct

False Statement

Obstructing and Hindering

Fail to Obey a Lawful Order

Possession of Marijuana

DISPOSITION: Released to custody of Central Booking at WCDC

SYNOPSIS:

On the above date and time, a Fruitland officer was on patrol in the 300 block of North Division Street when they observed the suspect urinating on the side of a residence in plain view of passing vehicles. The officer attempted to make contact with the suspect and the suspect attempted to leave the area and ignored the officer’s order to stop. Other officers located the suspect, uniquely dressed as a pirate, a couple blocks away at which time the suspect provided false information regarding his identity. The suspect was placed under arrest and was also found to be in possession of suspected Marijuana. The suspect was arrested and transported to WCDC without incident.

DATE & TIME: Saturday October 29, 2011 @ 1100 hours

INCIDENT: Burglary

LOCATION: Chestnut Street

CASE NO.: 2011-1281

PERSON CHARGED: Juvenile

AGE: Withheld

ADDRESS: Withheld

CHARGE(s) Burglary 2^nd Degree /Theft

DISPOSITION: Released to custody of a guardian

SYNOPSIS: On the above date and time, a Fruitland officer responded to Chestnut Street for a reported burglary to a garage. Upon arrival, the officer was provided sufficient evidence to develop a suspect. Later that day the officer located the juvenile who was in possession of the stolen property. The juvenile was arrested and later released to the custody of a guardian.

Karen Henry Arrested: Florida Woman Attacks Father For Not Sharing Potato Salad, Cops Say

One charge of aggravated assault, with a side of rage.

Police in Florida arrested a 45-year-old woman after she allegedly attacked her father for refusing to share his potato salad.

Sheriff: Time For Citizens To Arm Themselves

SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. -- The Spartanburg County Sheriff is known for speaking his mind, and at a news conference on Monday, he didn't hold back his anger and frustration after a woman was attacked in a park over the weekend.

Investigators said 46-year-old Walter Lance grabbed a woman who was walking her dog in Milliken Park on Sunday afternoon. They said Lance choked the woman, made her take off her clothing and tried to rape her. (Full Story)

(AP)

VERACRUZ, Mexico - An Internet video is threatening Mexico's Zetas drug cartel with exposure of its allies in the local police and news media this week unless the gang frees a kidnapped member of the international hacker movement known as "Anonymous."

The YouTube message, which claims to be from Anonymous "Veracruz, Mexico and the world," says it is "tired of the criminal group the Zetas, which is dedicated to kidnapping, stealing and extortion," and threatens to fight back with information instead of weapons.

Were U.S. Elections Sold to Corporations So Clarence Thomas Could Reward His Friends?

The ethical problems posed by Thomas' involvement in the Citizens United case hardly mark the end of questionable behavior by Thomas and his wife, Ginni.

When Clarence Thomas took his seat before the Senate Judiciary Committee in 1991, things were not looking good for him. Anita Hill, a former employee of Thomas' at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, came forward with explosive allegations of sexual harassment against the judge, and she was a credible witness. Thomas needed more than a Hail Mary to survive his confirmation hearing; he needed a major assist.

Sussex County Councilman Vance Phillips Seriously Injured In Va. Plane Crash

Georgetown, Del., Oct. 31, 2011:
recovering in a Virginia medical center today following a single-engine plane crash near
Lynchburg, Va., that occurred around dusk on Sunday evening.

The crash occurred in Amherst County, Va., approximately 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 30, as
Mr. Phillips was conducting a solo flight in a sport plane at a private airstrip. Details of what
caused the crash are unknown and will be under investigation by state and federal aviation
authorities.

Mr. Phillips survived the crash, and was conscious when witnesses responded to the scene.

He was transported to Lynchburg General Hospital, and then airlifted to the University of
Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville, Va., where he is listed in serious condition.

The extent of Mr. Phillips’ injuries are unknown this morning. Due to federal patient privacy
rules, any information released on his condition will be at the discretion of Mr. Phillips and his
family.

County Council President Michael Vincent released the following statement: “The thoughts
and prayers of everyone here at Sussex County government are with Vance and his family
this morning. Vance is a strong and determined man. We wish him a speedy recovery, and
look forward to him returning to the important business of representing the people of Sussex
County.”Sussex County Councilman Vance Phillips is

Americans Spend About $6.8 Billion Total On Halloween

Even when the economy is shuffling along like a zombie, American aren't scared to spend big bucks on Halloween. A recent survey says the average person will spend $72.32 on Halloween — or about $6.8 billion nationwide.

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Harrisburg Man Sues City And Police Over seized Money

In August 2010, while searching for an officer’s stolen handgun, Harrisburg police seized tens of thousands of dollars in cash from Antoine Black’s home on Logan Street.

Black is claiming in a federal lawsuit that the cops should have left that money alone, especially since they didn’t find the missing gun in his house or charge him with a crime.

WHO DOES THE MILITARY SUPPORT?

Drunkenly Groping A Cardboard Display Woman Will Get You In Trouble

Can we just say right off the bat it's a better a cardboard woman than a real one? A convicted sex offender in Pittsfield, Mass., has been fined after he reportedly kissed and fondled a cardboard cut out of a woman at a Rite Aid.

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Wicomico County Sheriff's Office Press Releases 10-31-11

Incident: Assault
Date of Incident: 29 October 2011
Location: 700 block of S. Schumaker Dr., Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Mark Dion Douglas, 49, Salisbury, MD

Narrative: On 29 October 2011 at 11:47 PM, deputies from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office
responded to a reported altercation at a residence in the 700 block of S, Schumaker Drive in Salisbury.
Upon arrival, the deputies learned that Mark Douglas had become embroiled in an argument over his
girlfriend communicating with another man when the altercation turned physical. Douglas was accused of
grabbing his girlfriend on her neck and arm. During the investigation, the investigating deputy observed
signs of fresh injury on the victim that corroborated her account.

The deputy placed Douglas under arrest and transported him to the Central Booking Unit where he was
processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, the
Commissioner released Douglas on Personal Recognizance.

Charges: Assault 2nd Degree

Incident: Assault
Date of Incident: 30 October 2011
Location: 7000 block of Cherry Walk Road, Quantico, MD
Suspect: Male Juvenile, 16, Quantico, MD

Narrative: On 30 October 2011 at 1:31 AM, deputies from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office
responded to a reported problem at a residence in the 7000 block of Cherry Walk Road in Quantico. Upon
arrival, the met with the resident who advised that he had discovered, unbeknownst to him, that his 16
year old son was entertaining friends and they were consuming alcohol. When the father confronted his
son, the son punched his father in the head and then busted out a garage window. The deputy was able to
detect that the son appeared under the influence of alcohol.

The deputy completed a juvenile referral on the son for Assault and Vandalism which will be sent to the
Department of Juvenile Services for adjudication. The juvenile was left with his parents.

Charges: Assault 2nd Degree
Malicious Destruction of Property

Detectives Probe Millsboro Home Invasion

Location: Residence in the 28000 block of John J. Williams Highway, Millsboro, DE

Date of Occurrence: Saturday, October 29, 2011 at 11:50 p.m.

Victims:

-54 year old male resident

-57 year old female resident

Suspects:

-Hispanic male, 5’04”- 5’05” tall, 145-155 lbs. He was last seen wearing all black clothing, a black ski mask, and was armed with a semi-automatic handgun.

-Black female, 5’08-5’10” tall, 110-130 lbs, and black hair with blonde streaks in her bangs. She was also armed with a hammer.

Resume:

Millsboro, DE- The Delaware State Police are currently investigating a home invasion style robbery that occurred late Saturday night in Millsboro.

The incident happened at approximately 11:50 p.m. on October 29, as a male and female suspect forced their way into a home located in the 28000 block of the John J. Williams in Millsboro. Once inside the suspects confronted and assaulted the 54 year old male resident and the 57 year old female resident of the home. They then obtained cash and prescription medication from the homeowners before fleeing the residence in an unknown direction.

Both victims received injuries during the assault and were transported to the Beebe Memorial Hospital where they were treated and released.

The Delaware State Police are asking anyone who may have any information in reference to this incident to contact Detective Stephen Kelly at Troop 4 at 302-856-5850. Citizens may also provide a tip by texting keyword “DSP” plus your message to 274637 (CRIMES). Tipsters may also provide information through lines maintained by Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333. Callers can also submit information via the internet at www.tipsubmit.com.

FOP 10 Check Presentation To Worcester County Humane Society

On Monday 9/26/11, the Ocean City FOP held a Golf Tournanment to benefit the Worcester County Humane Society. As a result of the tournament, The OC FOP raised $4150.00 which was presented to Worcester County Humane Society.

Pictured (Left to Right) Andrew Yeager, Kenille Davies and Liza (year old pup up for adoption)

Delaware Aviation Industry Hosts First Aviation Career Day

Career Day for High School Students Scheduled for November 5

New Castle -- The Delaware Aviation Advisory Council (DAAC) and partners will hold the first Delaware Aviation Career Day and Static Display of Aircraft at the New Castle Airport (ILG) on Saturday, November 5, 2011. The day's activities are expected to start at 9:00 a.m. and continue through early afternoon. This event is a combined civilian and military outreach effort designed to inform area youth and educators of aviation and aerospace career opportunities.

What: The half-day event, which will include a box lunch for all participants, consists of identification of career options, one-on-one discussions, hands-on exhibits and activities, as well as civilian and military static aircraft displays/visits. Federal, state and local organizations participating include the Delaware Air and Army National Guard (DANG), the Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) Airports, Delaware State University (DSU) Flight Training, the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Delaware Tech, and the Civil Air Patrol Delaware Wing (CAP). Other participants include Boeing Corp., Campbell's Flight Department, Flight Safety International, Dassault Aircraft Services (DAS), Hawker Beechcraft Global Support, Atlantic Aviation - Wilmington, and the Professional Aviation Maintenance Association (PAMA) First State Chapter. The emphasis at this year's career day will be aviation maintenance technology.

"DAAC members conceived the idea of an annual Career Day to bring together students, educators, corporations and institutions at all levels to focus on opportunities in the aviation and aerospace fields. Civilian airmen and airport personnel, military officers and staff, and licensed airframe and power plant experts will be available to answer questions about any field within aviation," remarked Stephen D. Williams, DAAC Board member and Director of Airports for the DRBA. "The DANG has agreed to open up their facilities, aircraft and staff in a limited open house setting to enable students to learn about careers through a variety of hands-on and in-person demonstrations led by enlisted personnel." Williams added that law enforcement agencies that operate aircraft such as the Delaware State Police (DSP) have also been invited to participate.

When: Saturday, November 5, 2011 at 9:00 a.m.

Where: Delaware Air National Guard at New Castle Airport, 2600 Spruance Drive, New Castle, DE (All visitors will be subject to security screening at the remote guest parking site at Boeing Corp., 7 Penns Way, New Castle, DE 19720).

Cost: The event is free of charge; however, pre-registration is required by visiting Delaware conferences

or by calling (302) 571-6474 for more information.

CORZINE DOES IT AGAIN

MF Global declares bankruptcy

By Val Brickates Kennedy

BOSTON (MarketWatch) — MF Global Holdings /quotes/zigman/581106/quotes/nls/mf MF +10.00% filed for Chapter 11 protection in a New York bankruptcy court early Monday, in the wake of news that the Federal Reserve Bank of New York had suspended business dealings with the troubled broker-dealer. In a court filing made Monday, MF Global said that it owed approximately $39.7 billion, and had assets of roughly $41.1 billion. Late Sunday, The Wall Street Journal reported MF Global planned to file for bankruptcy on Monday and was negotiating a deal to sell off at least some of its assets to Interactive Brokers Group Inc. /quotes/zigman/104045/quotes/nls/ibkr IBKR +2.04% .

What Would Really Happen If Ron Paul Were To Be Elected President?

So what would really happen if Ron Paul were as elected President?

President Paul would immediately push for $1 trillion cut in federal spending (per year, not the $3 trillion that Democrats proposed over 10 years with half of that from increased taxes).

President Paul would have the authority as commander-and-chief towithdraw troops from overseas, within limits of treaty commitments which must be honored (US supplies defense for Saudi Arabia, many other nations). To the extent possible, the US would cease being the world's policeman and plunderer of foreign economies (Iraq, Libya). The US would cease being a war economy. President Paul would also push to eradicate foreign aid which essentially is bribery, often to foreign despots who the US quietly supports because they hold a strong hand over their masses.

President Paul would have some empty chairs in his Cabinet – the Department of Commerce, Department of Education and other Cabinet positions would be eliminated. Civil service employees would be ushered into other government jobs.

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Latest EU Bailout Deal Not Meant To Work?

Will Europe Rescue China? ... All eyes will be on China at this week's G-20 meeting in Cannes. The expectation—or at least the hope—is that Beijing will contribute to Europe's bailout fund, the European Financial Stability Facility. The Greece-rescue plan announced on Thursday in Brussels calls for an increase in the size of the EFSF from 440 billion to a trillion euros. At the press conference announcing the deal, French President Nicolas Sarkozy said that the EU would like support from Beijing, and he called his Chinese counterpart, Hu Jintao, to ask for help. – Forbes

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What Part of Idiopathic Epistaxis Don’t You Understand?

If we want doctors who can communicate, maybe we need med students who weren't pre-med

About a year ago, I accompanied my 80-year-old mother on a visit to the cardiologist’s office. She had been having unexplained dizzy spells and a rapid, irregular heart beat and was in for tests to see what the problem was. After the first test, we sat with the electrophysiologist, who explained Mom’s results.

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Disciplining Other People's Kids: Yes or No?

When I was growing up and misbehaved I was set straight by the parent in charge. And if my friends misbehaved at my house there were held accountable by my mom and dad. But these days the parenting rules about disciplining other kids have changed.

Wilmington Man Arrested For Beating Puppy

A Wilmington man was arrested for beating a puppy.

Police were dispatched to East 24th street because of reports a man was beating a nine month old puppy with a stick.

Witness say they say the subject, Dwight Phares strike the animal with the 3-foot stick 15 to 20 times.

Gov. Markell is toasting a new craft-brewed beer with a distinctive Delaware flair.

Markell is joining famed Dogfish Head brewer Sam Calagione for the unveiling of Delaware Native Ale.

Calagione worked with state economic development and agricultural official to make a truly Delaware-centric ale, which will be available only on tap in limited supplies after its unveiling Monday.

The walking undead reflect our anxieties over scary times

Zombies may be the walking undead, but their contribution to Main Street’s economy is very much alive. In modern times, the zombie genre has evolved from a cult following to a highly popular theme. 24/7 Wall St. estimates that the today’s zombie genre economy is worth billions of dollars.

'Jaw-dropping' amount of contraband seized; alleged drug smugglers thought to have close ties to violent Mexican cartel

Law enforcement officials in Arizona seized thousands of pounds of narcotics and arrested at least 70 suspected drug smugglers with apparent ties to a violent drug cartel in Mexico, an official involved with the investigation in the U.S. Southwest told Reuters.

Inspector General Backpedaling On $16 Muffins

The muffins didn't really cost $16. The Justice Department's Inspector General is backpedaling from a report about excessive spending at federal conferences. The IG said some highly publicized muffins were actually part of a breakfast package that totalled more than $16 per person. The IG office made the revision after it said it received additional information about food and beverage costs. The original report examined spending for 10 Justice conferences and found the department spent almost $500,000 dollars on food and drinks alone. That led the Office of Management and Budget to order a governmentwide review of conference spending. (Federal News Radio)

Trial of Alleged Hit Man Begins Today; Alleged Victim, Yvonne Stern, Stands by Husband Indicted in Conspiracy Plot to Kill Her

The case of accused hit man Damian Flores goes to trial today, but his alleged victim will likely grab the bigger headlines.

Her name is Yvonne Stern, and she has survived three attempts on her life in a span of six months -- attempts for which her husband of 20 years, prominent Houston attorney Jeffrey Stern, has been indicted.

North Carolina Considers Constitutionally Banning Same-Sex Marriage

Gay marriage is already illegal in North Carolina, but last month, the state's Republican-controlled legislature put a proposal to amend the state Constitution to ban same-sex marriage on a May 8, 2012, primary ballot. Some Democrats say the proposal is simply redundant and politicians should be focused on the economy, but gay rights groups claim it poses a dangerous legal threat to the rights of same-sex and other unmarried couples in the state.

The 2012 Democratic National Convention will be held in Charlotte, North Carolina, and the ballot initiative could pose a public relations dilemma for Democrats and President Obama. The president has shifted his position on the issue in the past and told reporters that states should be left to decide on same-sex marriage. Obama won North Carolina, a key battleground state, by a narrow margin in 2008.

North Carolina Gov. Bev Perdue, a Democrat, has already avoided taking a firm stance in support of gay rights. In an October 7 statement, Perdue said the amendment could "harm our state's business climate."

"I believe that marriage is between one man and one woman: That's why I voted for the law in 1996 that defines marriage as between one man and one woman, and that's why I continue to support that law today," Perdue said. "But I'm going to vote against the amendment because I cannot in good conscience look an unemployed man or woman in the eye and tell them that this amendment is more important than finding them a job."

As costume-clad kids get ready for a night of trick-or-treating, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has a warning for candy-loving grown-ups: Too much black licorice can cause heart problems.
The old-fashioned favorite contains glycyrrhizin, a chemical that can trigger a dangerous drop in potassium levels. When potassium runs low, heart rhythms fluctuate and blood pressure can rise causing swelling, lethargy, even congestive heart failure.

New York's Sex Ed Mandate: The Radical Notion Our Kids Might Learn Facts

Monica has it good. A junior at Bard High School Early College on the Lower East Side, she has a twice-weekly health class this semester that includes one unit each on sex education and on HIV and AIDS. Two-hundred blocks north at Aerospace High School in the Bronx, eighteen-year-old Tamara has never been taught sex education, and it doesn’t appear on the syllabus for this semester’s health class. Somewhere in between, metaphorically anyway, eighteen-year-old Brandon at New Design High School has the option of choosing sex education as a one-week elective, alongside other options like sports, LGBTQ Alliance, and poetry. “It’s a shame you have to pick it,” Brandon said, because so many students don’t.

New York City’s universal standard for sex education, announced by schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott in a letter to middle school and high school principals on August 9, 2011, seeks to put an end to this loose patchwork of sex ed programs across the city. For decades, students’ likelihood of receiving sex ed has come down to the luck of the draw, depending on whether principals have considered it a priority, teachers have the training to teach it, or parents are informed enough to demand it.

HEROES DARE

“By the rude bridge that arched the flood,
Their flag to April’s breeze unfurled,
Here once the embattled farmers stood,
And fired the shot heard round the world.

The foe long since in silence slept;
Alike the conqueror silent sleeps;
And Time the ruined bridge has swept
Down the dark stream which seaward creeps.

On this green bank, by this soft stream,
We set to-day a votive stone;
That memory may their deed redeem,
When, like our sires, our sons are gone.

Spirit, that made those heroes dare
To die, and leave their children free,
Bid Time and Nature gently spare
The shaft we raise to them and thee.”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson

Delaware Attorney General Sues Mortgage Electronic Measuring System, Calls For Halt To Foreclosures

The mortgage securitization industry has just had a new major front open on its battle with those who are less than happy with the way it has run roughshod over the law. While there are a significant number of court rulings questioning foreclosures in the name of MERS or other practices commonly associated with the use of MERS (for instance, in Oregon, its violation of recording requirements mandated at the state level), no major regulator or public official (beyond county registers of deeds) has gone after MERS in a serious way (New York’s AG has opened an investigation, but it has not led to any litigation).

This has changed with the Delaware attorney general Beau Biden’s filing. The suit takes the interesting angle of pursuing MERS for engaging in deceptive consumer practices. Nevada’s attorney general has also used the deceptive practices argument in suing Countrywide for violation of HAMP procedures.

The damages sought are substantial, $10,000 per violation. Since MERS is a tiny company, with under 50 employees and many of its operations outsourced (and no reason for it to maintain a substantial balance sheet), success in court would almost certainly mean bankruptcy for MERS. In theory, a new consortium or private investors could buy the database out of bankruptcy, but how would one structure its operations so as to not run afoul of the law? Yet with so many mortgages recorded in the MERS database (the registry has claimed over 60 million) the banks will need to find a way to keep it going and operate it in an above-board manner.

I’ve not yet seen the claim, but DelawareOnline gives an overview of the case:

Taking Aspirin Could Help Prevent Hereditary Cancer

If you've ever seen those super serious Bayer ads, you might know that aspirin can help fend off heart disease, and now a new study says taking it regularly could cut the risk of developing hereditary cancer by 50%.

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Editorial

The fact that our entire government is crazy should surprise no one. The "Greens" are now in control of several departments, including the Department of Energy. Dr. Chu, who is the head of that agency, lacks any business acumen and together with his Democrat friends reaches decisions that are disastrous for America. The fact that socialists overtook the green movement in the '60s is also common knowledge and is characterized by Germany, where an alliance between Die Bunten (the Gays), Die Gruenen (the Greens), Buentniss 90 (Association 90), the DDR communist party green branch, and the SPD Sozialistische Partei Deutschland (German Socialist Party) formed a union which has been governing Germany for some decades.

So it is fair to say that the green movement is also the socialist movement. Once this is understood many things become clear. Among these is the fact that socialism does not sell but environmentalism does. There are several sectors of the economy where the Greens have become a paramount instrument of intended change. As has been demonstrated, these are all losing propositions for the country, for science and for individual citizens.

The automotive industry has long been criticized by the Greens for CO2 (greenhouse gases) production and for environmental harm. The fact that CO2 does no harm to the environment and is in fact the gas converted by plants in the process of converting CO2 into Oxygen, called photosynthesis – a process by which chlorophyll converts light energy (protons) into electrical energy splitting water molecules, thereby producing oxygen – all seems to have escaped environmental scientists. Regardless, the fact that most environmentalists have no foundational understanding of business or science will become very clear by the time you finish this article.

The primary impetus of the Obama administration relating to the automotive industry demonstrates that people within this administration have no foundational understanding of manufacturing processes or functions, lack any and all understanding of markets and are scientific neophytes relating to the automotive industry as well as the environment. They have invested over one billion dollars starting up their principal corporations for the production of electrically powered cars. The fact that present battery technology is unable to meet the requirements and demands necessitated by buyers' expectations is not part of the Obama energy equation.

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Judges Are For Sale — And Special Interests Are Buying

The Occupy Wall Street movement is shining a spotlight on how much influence big-money interests have with the White House and Congress. But people are not talking about how big money is also increasingly getting its way with the courts, which is too bad. It’s a scandal that needs more attention. A blistering new report details how big business and corporate lobbyists are pouring money into state judicial elections across the country and packing the courts with judges who put special interests ahead of the public interest.

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Wreck 50 And Walston Switch Road Area: UPDATE

Serious car wreck right now. At least one priority 4. Stations 6,7, and 1.

UPDATE: One 25 year old male trauma arrest. One 30 year old male serious priority 1.

UPDATE #2: Its sad to report one of them has passed. Prayers go out to the family.

This Post went up at 1:45 PM

Its Another Big Day For Salisbury News Posts

I'm pretty confident we'll have Posts up every 15 minutes until midnight tonight. We're already at 10:30 PM and the information just keeps flying in.

Make sure you keep checking back with us throughout the night because quite a bit of it is local and very informative.

Congressional Reform Act Of 2011

1. No Tenure / No Pension. A Congressman collects a salary while in office and receives no pay when they are out of office.

2. Congress (past, present & future) participates in Social Security. All funds in the Congressional retirement fund move to the Social Security system immediately. All future funds flow into the Social Security system, and Congress participates with the American people. It may not be used for any other purpose.

3. Congress can purchase their own retirement plan, just as all Americans do.

4. Congress will no longer vote themselves a pay raise. Congressional pay will rise by the lower of CPI or 3%.

5. Congress loses their current health care system and participates in the same health care system as the American people.

6. Congress must equally abide by all laws they impose on the American people.

7. All contracts with past and present Congressmen are void effective 1/1/12. The American people did not make this contract with Congressmen. Congressmen made all these contracts for themselves. Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, so ours should serve their term(s), then go home and back to work. If each person contacts a minimum of twenty people then it will only take three days for most people (in the U.S. ) to receive the message. Maybe it is time.
THIS IS HOW YOU FIX CONGRESS!!!!!*

Campaign Alerts Small Businesses And Nonprofits To Federal Tax Credit Program

For the first time, small businesses and nonprofit organizations can get financial help for the health care coverage they offer their workers. But so new is the program, part of the Obama health care reform, that campaigns to alert businesses are taking place around the country, including in Maryland.

Continue Reading...

Salisbury Police Department Press Releases 10-31-11

On October 29, 2011 at approximately 11:05 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to a church on the four hundred (400) block of East Church Street for the report of a burglary. During response, the officers were advised that the suspect was fleeing from the building on foot and were given the suspect’s description. Responding officers located the suspect in the area of U.S. Rt. 13 north and Isabella Street. The suspect was positively identified as the suspect that had broken into the church. Further investigation revealed that the suspect had taken property from the church that was not located.

ARRESTED: Tyrone Sheppard, 45 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES:
Second degree burglary
Third degree burglary
Fourth degree burglary

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 201100042562

On October 30, 2011 at approximately 12:56 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to a residence on River Oak Court for the report of a burglary in progress. Upon arrival the officers met with the victim who was able to direct the officers to the suspect who was attempting to flee from the area on foot. The officers pursued the suspect and apprehended him after a substantial distance. The suspect fought with the officers who eventually were able to secure the suspect and take him into custody. The victim advised the officers that the suspect had been kicking and beating on the rear door of his residence attempting to make entry. No entry was gained.

ARRESTED: Travis Aaron Huff, 24 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES:
Attempted burglary
Malicious destruction of property
Trespassing
Failure to obey a lawful order
Disorderly conduct
Obstructing and hindering an investigation
Intoxicated endangerment

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 201100042657

On October 31, 2011 at approximately 12:56 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to a residence on the four hundred (400) block of Decatur Avenue for the report of a burglary in progress. Upon arrival the officers made contact with the complainant who advised that a subject known to her, listed below, had attempted to break into her residence by kicking and breaking the door. The complainant advised the officers that the suspect had left the area and was traveling to another residence on the six hundred (600) block of Hammond Street. The officers relocated and observed the suspect who had chased another victim in the yard of the residence with a kitchen knife. The suspect was taken into custody and the knife was recovered.

ARRESTED: David Armando Feliciano-Geigel, 42 years of age Seaford, Delaware

CHARGES:
Attempted first degree murder
First degree assault
Second degree assault
Attempted first degree burglary
Attempted fourth degree burglary
Malicious destruction of property (3 counts)
Failure to obey a lawful order
Possession of a deadly weapon
Reckless endangerment
Disorderly conduct

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 201100042797

This Birthday Is Nothing To Celebrate

The world's 7 billionth person is likely to be born today (Monday).

However, this birthday isn't something to celebrate.

Since the global population passed 6 billion only in late 1999, we've added more than 80 million people each year on average. And the environmental footprint of those people is expanding rapidly as emerging market populations modernize.

The planet may be able to accommodate these extra people and their consumption - but then again, it may not.

And if it can't, the drain on our planet's resources could harm us all.

So we'd better find a way to reduce population growth - fast.

Of course, if you think I'm about to propose something along the lines of China's one-child policy, you couldn't be more wrong.

We have economic means of population control that are neither coercive nor costly. And the sooner we implement them, the better.

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Found Dogs: UPDATE

Hi Joe
Just wanted to let you know that the owner of the Siberian Husky and the Pitbull Terrier was located this afternoon.

Found 2 dogs. 1 Siberian Husky and 1 Pitbull Terrier. Both male. Found at Twilley Center 7:30 Sat night.

Call Sherry Dillon at 443-669-4277.

HOLLOWEEN SURVEY

What's the best neighborhood to go trick or treating?

Indian River Inlet Bridge Southside Form Traveler Lowered And Removed

Indian River -- The Department of Transportation (DelDOT) announces that the south side form traveler was successfully removed from the Indian River Inlet Bridge on Friday, October 28, 2011. The form traveler was a piece of equipment that was partially suspended beneath the new bridge and was used to build the bridge deck portions over the inlet. The bridge deck is now completely formed and the form traveler is no longer needed for construction. Removal of the south side form traveler represents a significant milestone for this project.

Since the final bridge deck concrete closure pour occurred on Tuesday, October 18, 2011, preparations have been underway for the final lowering and removal of the south side traveler. On Friday, around 7:00 p.m. the traveler was lowered and placed on a barge. The lowering required the temporary closure of the entire Indian River Inlet waterway to allow for the safe removal of the 300 ton form system. This activity was closely coordinated with and assisted by the United States Coast Guard.

The operation went as planned, and the south side form traveler has been shipped offsite to Norfolk, Virginia. The form traveler will be recycled, as it was designed specifically for the Indian River Inlet Bridge project and cannot be used on any other construction project.

Two lanes of the bridge are expected to be opened to traffic in late December 2011/early 2012. All four lanes will be opened to traffic in spring 2012, once the Roadway Approach/Demolition contract has been completed.

University of Maryland Wins Solar House Competition

Nineteen university teams from around the world turned West Potomac Park on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., into a futuristic neighborhood last week at the U.S. Department of Energy's fifth biennial Solar Decathlon competition.

The only guidelines? Design, raise money for, build, and live in a self-sufficient house that runs on solar energy. Houses were judged on 10 criteria, including affordability, market appeal, comfort level, architecture, and, of course, energy efficiency. The wide-open guidelines led to a wide variety of houses. Students from the Southern California Institute of Architecture and the California Institute of Technology built something they call CHIP—a hyper-insulated, roomless structure that looks more like a tennis bubble than a house.

"We wanted to create what tomorrow looks like," says project engineer Fei Yang. "We want people to know that this isn't a house you stick a [solar] panel onto—it was designed from the ground up to be like this."

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Hotel Guest Checks Out After 10-Plus Years

Falls Church, Virginia (CNN) -- Garrulous and active, 79-year-old Joy Bricker presides over her hotel suite in a manner befitting a grander home. She offers tea to the staff and media with the ease of a person schooled in proper etiquette.

Like many hotel guests, Bricker has learned to make herself feel comfortable, making her room a home away from home. Only, Bricker has called the Towne Place Suites by Marriott, in Falls Church, Virginia, home for more than 10 years.

A former pilot, the 5-foot tour de force is finally turning in her key card, as movers wait to carry off the few labeled belongings she'd brought in to room 202.

"I had this chair brought up from my condo in Florida," says Bricker.

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November Dog Shows

This is just a note to remind you that there will be FIVE (5) days of dog shows at the Civic Center on Nov 9 (Wed), 10 (Thur), 11 (Fri), 12 (Sat) and 13 (Sun). Each day is a completely separate dog show. There are approximately 5,000 entries in total for the five days. Daily admission fee is $5.00 ( Students $1.00 ) and Five-day Catalog is $12.00. Please note that unentered dogs are not allowed at any of the shows except for the Saturday HEART, EYE, or EAR HEALTH CLINICS which are open to the public. (see www.easternshoreclassic.com to enroll.)

The Salisbury Md Kennel Club was incorporated in 1954 for the purpose of furthering an interest in pure-bred dogs in our community. We are IRS-approved non-profit, with a volunteer membership. Donations to SMKC CHARITABLE TRUST are tax-deductible. This will be our 58th year of service to our community. A portion of our profits from operations has been regularly donated to support local dog-related projects. Continuing projects are to equip the police K-9's on the lower shore with safety/bullet-proof vests, and to visit classrooms to teach children about the love and care of their pets.

We have a "state of the art" 8,000 sq.ft. building at 31663 Winterplace Parkway where we have training classes and mini dog shows year-round. We also hold eight days of Agility trials per year at the Crown building in Fruitland, and we are host to Poodle Club of America's International Dog Show. Our goal is to make our area the dog show capital of the East Coast.

At our invitation, the Talbot Kennel Club moved their show to the Civic Center and will host the Wednesday and Thursday shows. The Mispillion Kennel Club also moved their show to the Civic Center and will host the Sunday dog show. Salisbury Md Kennel Club will host Friday and Saturday shows.

We will appreciate your support to help make our shows successful.

Thank you,
Barbara Furbush, Show Chairman
b.furbush@comcast.net 410-742-8358
http://www.salisburymarylandkennelclub.org/ 410-548-2110
SHOW INFORMATION: http://www.easternshoreclassic.com/

Home Prices Heading For Triple-Dip

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- The besieged housing market has even further to fall before home prices really hit rock bottom.

According to Fiserv (FISV), a financial analytics company, home values are expected to fall another 3.6% by next June, pushing them to a new low of 35% below the peak reached in early 2006 and marking a triple dip in prices.

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TIC-TAC-TOE

YOU GOTTA TRY THIS AT LEAST ONCE!

Click HERE

Fill In The Blank 10-31-11

Mondays are like _____ !

Its The LAW

1. Law of Mechanical Repair - After your hands become coated with grease, your nose will begin to itch and you'll have to pee.
2. Law of Gravity - Any tool, nut, bolt, screw, when dropped, will roll to the least accessible corner.

3. Law of Probability - The probability of being watched is directly proportional to the stupidity of your act.

4. Law of Random Numbers - If you dial a wrong number, you never get a busy signal and someone always answers.
6. Variation Law - If you change lines (or traffic lanes), the one you were in will always move faster than the one you are in now (works every time).

7. Law of the Bath - When the body is fully immersed in water, the telephone rings.

8. Law of Close Encounters - The probability of meeting someone you know increases dramatically when you are with someone you don't want to be seen with.

9. Law of the Result - When you try to prove to someone that a machine won't work, it will.

10. Law of Biomechanics - The severity of the itch is inversely proportional to the reach.

11.. Law of the Theater & Hockey Arena - At any event, the people whose seats are furthest from the aisle, always arrive last. They are the ones who will leave their seats several times to go for food, beer, or the toilet and who leave early before the end of the performance or the game is over. The folks in the aisle seats come early, never move once, have long gangly legs or big bellies and stay to the bitter end of the performance. The aisle people also are very surly folk.

12. The Coffee Law - As soon as you sit down to a cup of hot coffee, your boss will ask you to do something which will last until the coffee is cold.

13. Murphy's Law of Lockers - If there are only 2 people in a locker room, they will have adjacent lockers.

14. Law of Physical Surfaces - The chances of an open-faced jelly sandwich landing face down on a floor, are directly correlated to the newness and cost of the carpet or rug.

15. Law of Logical Argument - Anything is possible if you don't know what you are talking about.

16. Brown's Law of Physical Appearance - If the clothes fit, they're ugly.

17. Oliver's Law of Public Speaking - A closed mouth gathers no feet.

18. Wilson's Law of Commercial Marketing Strategy - As soon as you find a product that you really like, they will stop making it.

19. Doctors' Law - If you don't feel well, make an appointment to go to the doctor, by the time you get there you'll feel better.. But don't make an appointment, and you'll stay sick.

Obama To Order FDA To Allay Drug Shortages

WASHINGTON -- Acting once again ahead of Congress, President Obama is directing the Food and Drug Administration to take steps to reduce drug shortages, an escalating problem that has placed patients at risk and raised the possibility of price gouging.

A White House official said the president planned to sign an executive order Monday instructing the FDA to take action. The order would be the latest in the president's campaign to move on initiatives that do not require congressional approval.

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Magic

Every magician likes to involve a pretty girl in his magic tricks but it’s not often that the pretty girl is also a magician herself. This magic duo performs a stunning illusion during the World Magic Awards in 2009 that will leave you wondering exactly how they pulled this trick off.

View HERE.

Access To The Facts About The Charter Amendment

Charter referendum petitions are an important part of our democracy, but when the petitioners and public are misinformed, it is my duty as an elected representative to provide accurate information to preserve the integrity of the process and give the public the opportunity to make an informed decision.

For instance, last Sunday, the Daily Times misinformed readers about the Charter amendment. The amendment WILL allow the city’s legislative body, the city council, unfiltered access to the legal advice of the city attorney. It WILL prevent the city’s Mayor from denying the city council access to the city attorney. The old charter language was especially problematic because it could be and was used to prevent the city attorney from keeping the council apprised of litigation, thereby undermining accountability, outcomes, and effectiveness. The charter change WILL place the authority of selecting and retaining the city attorney with the legislative body, the city council.

It will NOT prevent the Mayor from directing the city attorney relative to conducting the day-to-day business of the city. The things that will remain unchanged: the City Administrator (Mr. Pick) WILL CONTINUE to serve at the pleasure of the Mayor and Council; the City Clerk WILL CONTINUE to serve at the pleasure of the council; all other department heads will CONTINUE to serve at the pleasure of the Mayor with advice and consent of the council. The charter change does NOT change the city’s form of government. (See Sections 2-10, 4-3 and 8-1 of the City Charter, which is available online and at the county library)

A letter to the editor and electronic blast communications mid-week perpetuated the misunderstandings.

The decision was NOT made in haste and it was NOT made without the proper public notice. Among the contributing factors supporting the need for this change are the inefficiency and duplication of effort that the old language fosters as legislation is drafted, the problems that Salisbury has had with its laws withstanding court challenge once written, a lack of conformity between various sections of the code, and numerous other inefficiencies that have plagued progress in the city back for a decade. The Charter amendment WAS passed at a regularly scheduled televised meeting of the council (10/10). It WAS advertised in the usual manner with the agenda and briefing materials available to the public the Thursday prior to the Monday meeting. As an extra step in informing the public, a press release WAS distributed to local media outlets by the Council President in advance of the meeting (10/5). (The meeting audio is available from the city clerk.)

During the last election someone who has long supported Salisbury’s suffering stated, “Who cares if it’s true or not? We’ll say it anyway.” This is a tactic that has often been used to keep Salisbury down.

The truth is, the amendment and the resolution’s stated rationales are very straight forward and practical. It is modest and I believe that it will drive positive change. I have provided the citations that will allow readers to fact check.

Debbie Campbell

Debbie Campbell is Salisbury City Council Vice President.

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