UPDATE: PLEASE BE PATIENT. WE'RE WORKING ON THE POST.
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Restoration At Nuke Plant Disrupted Briefly
Work to restore power and key cooling functions was disrupted again Wednesday at the crisis-hit Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant as smoke caused workers to evacuate, while fear of radioactive pollution spread to Tokyo with an alert not to give tap water to infants.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano urged residents of areas under the wind from the plant to stay indoors and avoid exposure to air as much as possible as a precaution, while official advisories are for people within a 20-kilometer radius to evacuate and within 20 km to 30 km to stay indoors.
The plant operator Tokyo Electric Power Co. said it learned at around 4:20 p.m. that black smoke was seen rising at the No. 3 reactor building, leading to evacuation of workers from the four troubled reactors, but added about an hour later that it was receding.
The radiation level was unchanged shortly afterward, meaning the smoke caused no massive release of radioactive materials, the government's nuclear safety agency said. Smoke was also seen billowing from the No. 3 building on Monday.
It also turned out that the surface temperatures of the No. 1 and No. 3 reactor vessels have topped the maximum levels set by their designers. The rise of the temperatures came to light after data measuring instruments became available with the power restored Tuesday, the agency said.
In Tokyo, the metropolitan government said radioactive iodine exceeding the limit for infants' intake was detected in water at a purification plant, apparently due to the ongoing crisis at the power station crippled by the March 11 massive quake and tsunami.
At the plant run by the utility known as TEPCO, all six reactors were reconnected to external power as of Tuesday night and workers scrambled to check each piece of equipment, such as data measuring tools and feed-water pumps, before transmitting power to them.
As part of efforts to restore lost functions at the plant, TEPCO aimed to first revive a pump by Thursday to inject fresh water into the core of the No. 3 reactor, instead of seawater that has currently been poured using fire pumps, the Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency said.
While the maximum vessel temperature set by the reactors' designers is 302 C degrees, the surface temperature of the No. 1 reactor vessel briefly topped 400 C and dropped to about 350 C by noon, and that of the No. 3 reactor vessel stood at about 305 C, the agency said.
Although the facilities are not expected to start melting at those temperatures, according to agency spokesman Hidehiko Nishiyama, TEPCO increased the amount of seawater injected into the No. 1 reactor by nine times to help cool it down.
Nishiyama said TEPCO will carefully continue to inject massive amounts of water into the No. 1 reactor so as not to raise the pressure in the reactor.
Massive water injection could raise pressure in the reactor, which increases the risk of damage to the facility, and workers would be required to release radioactive steam from the reactor to lower the pressure.
At the No. 2 reactor, workers have been unable to replace a pump to help revive its internal cooling system since Friday as high-level radiation amounting to at least 500 millisieverts per hour was detected at its turbine building, the spokesman said.
Water-spraying operations, meanwhile, continued in the morning at the No. 4 reactor unit to help cool down its spent nuclear fuel pool, using trucks with a concrete squeeze pump and a 50-meter arm capable of pouring water from a higher point.
Kyoto News
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano urged residents of areas under the wind from the plant to stay indoors and avoid exposure to air as much as possible as a precaution, while official advisories are for people within a 20-kilometer radius to evacuate and within 20 km to 30 km to stay indoors.
The plant operator Tokyo Electric Power Co. said it learned at around 4:20 p.m. that black smoke was seen rising at the No. 3 reactor building, leading to evacuation of workers from the four troubled reactors, but added about an hour later that it was receding.
The radiation level was unchanged shortly afterward, meaning the smoke caused no massive release of radioactive materials, the government's nuclear safety agency said. Smoke was also seen billowing from the No. 3 building on Monday.
It also turned out that the surface temperatures of the No. 1 and No. 3 reactor vessels have topped the maximum levels set by their designers. The rise of the temperatures came to light after data measuring instruments became available with the power restored Tuesday, the agency said.
In Tokyo, the metropolitan government said radioactive iodine exceeding the limit for infants' intake was detected in water at a purification plant, apparently due to the ongoing crisis at the power station crippled by the March 11 massive quake and tsunami.
At the plant run by the utility known as TEPCO, all six reactors were reconnected to external power as of Tuesday night and workers scrambled to check each piece of equipment, such as data measuring tools and feed-water pumps, before transmitting power to them.
As part of efforts to restore lost functions at the plant, TEPCO aimed to first revive a pump by Thursday to inject fresh water into the core of the No. 3 reactor, instead of seawater that has currently been poured using fire pumps, the Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency said.
While the maximum vessel temperature set by the reactors' designers is 302 C degrees, the surface temperature of the No. 1 reactor vessel briefly topped 400 C and dropped to about 350 C by noon, and that of the No. 3 reactor vessel stood at about 305 C, the agency said.
Although the facilities are not expected to start melting at those temperatures, according to agency spokesman Hidehiko Nishiyama, TEPCO increased the amount of seawater injected into the No. 1 reactor by nine times to help cool it down.
Nishiyama said TEPCO will carefully continue to inject massive amounts of water into the No. 1 reactor so as not to raise the pressure in the reactor.
Massive water injection could raise pressure in the reactor, which increases the risk of damage to the facility, and workers would be required to release radioactive steam from the reactor to lower the pressure.
At the No. 2 reactor, workers have been unable to replace a pump to help revive its internal cooling system since Friday as high-level radiation amounting to at least 500 millisieverts per hour was detected at its turbine building, the spokesman said.
Water-spraying operations, meanwhile, continued in the morning at the No. 4 reactor unit to help cool down its spent nuclear fuel pool, using trucks with a concrete squeeze pump and a 50-meter arm capable of pouring water from a higher point.
Kyoto News
Military Indoctrinated On Gays Kissing, Behavior
Four branches of the military have begun sending training material to 2.2 million active and reserve troops as a prelude to opening the ranks to gays, with instructions on, for example, what to do if an officer sees two male Marines kissing in a shopping mall.
The briefings first target commanders, who will have to enforce the new law and deal with disputes, and then the entire force. The slides, vignettes and talking points by the Air Force, Army, Navy and Marine Corps are similar.
The Marine Corps, which a Pentagon survey found holds deep opposition to lifting the ban, plans to publicly release its training material April 1. A Marine source provided copies to The Washington Times.
More
The briefings first target commanders, who will have to enforce the new law and deal with disputes, and then the entire force. The slides, vignettes and talking points by the Air Force, Army, Navy and Marine Corps are similar.
The Marine Corps, which a Pentagon survey found holds deep opposition to lifting the ban, plans to publicly release its training material April 1. A Marine source provided copies to The Washington Times.
More
Senate To Hold Hearings On Muslims' Rights
Just weeks after House Republicans held a hearing looking at the dangers of radical Muslims in the U.S., Senate Democrats are countering with a hearing of their own, scheduled for after Congress returns from a 10-day vacation, to examine Muslims' civil rights.
Senate Majority Whip Richard J. Durbin, Illinois Democrat, announced the subcommittee hearing Tuesday, saying there has been a spike in anti-Muslim bigotry in the last year that demands closer attention.
“Our Constitution protects the free exercise of religion for all Americans,” Mr. Durbin said. “During the course of our history, many religions have faced intolerance. It is important for our generation to renew our founding charter’s commitment to religious diversity and to protect the liberties guaranteed by our Bill of Rights.”
The hearing will be the first ever before the Judiciary Committee's new subcommittee on the Constitution, civil rights and human rights, which Democrats created this year. Mr. Durbin is the chairman of the subcommittee.
More
Senate Majority Whip Richard J. Durbin, Illinois Democrat, announced the subcommittee hearing Tuesday, saying there has been a spike in anti-Muslim bigotry in the last year that demands closer attention.
“Our Constitution protects the free exercise of religion for all Americans,” Mr. Durbin said. “During the course of our history, many religions have faced intolerance. It is important for our generation to renew our founding charter’s commitment to religious diversity and to protect the liberties guaranteed by our Bill of Rights.”
The hearing will be the first ever before the Judiciary Committee's new subcommittee on the Constitution, civil rights and human rights, which Democrats created this year. Mr. Durbin is the chairman of the subcommittee.
More
Two Rockets Explode In Residential Beersheba; 1 Injured
Two rockets exploded in Beersheba on Wednesday morning, and ten mortar shells fell in the Sha'ar Hanegev and Eshkol Regional Councils.
A siren was heard as a rocket fell in an open field in Beersheba at 9:40 a.m. Wednesday morning. No injuries were reported.
Seven mortar shells fell in the Eshkol Regional Council, followed shortly after by three more near a kibbutz in the Sha'ar Hanegev Regional Council. No injuries were reported in either explosion.
A 122-millimeter Grad rocket landed in a private yard of a residential area in Beersheba earlier Wednesday morning.
No deaths were reported in the Beersheba blast, however, one 56-year-old man was injured moderately in the chest by flying debris when he witnessed the Grad's explosion from his third story window. He was treated by paramedics who arrived on the scene. Three others were treated for shock.
The Al-Quds Brigades, a branch of Islamic Jihad, took responsibility for the recent Grad rocket attacks on Beersheba, AFP reported on Wednesday.
"This is a reaction the the crimes of Zionism against our nation in Gaza," Islamic Jihad announced in a statement.
Only hours before, a Grad rocket launched from the northern Gaza Strip exploded south of Ashdod. There were no reports of injuries or damage to property.
An air raid siren was heard throughout the city.
Islamic Jihad reportedly took responsibility for the Ashdod attack as well.
JPost
A siren was heard as a rocket fell in an open field in Beersheba at 9:40 a.m. Wednesday morning. No injuries were reported.
Seven mortar shells fell in the Eshkol Regional Council, followed shortly after by three more near a kibbutz in the Sha'ar Hanegev Regional Council. No injuries were reported in either explosion.
A 122-millimeter Grad rocket landed in a private yard of a residential area in Beersheba earlier Wednesday morning.
No deaths were reported in the Beersheba blast, however, one 56-year-old man was injured moderately in the chest by flying debris when he witnessed the Grad's explosion from his third story window. He was treated by paramedics who arrived on the scene. Three others were treated for shock.
The Al-Quds Brigades, a branch of Islamic Jihad, took responsibility for the recent Grad rocket attacks on Beersheba, AFP reported on Wednesday.
"This is a reaction the the crimes of Zionism against our nation in Gaza," Islamic Jihad announced in a statement.
Only hours before, a Grad rocket launched from the northern Gaza Strip exploded south of Ashdod. There were no reports of injuries or damage to property.
An air raid siren was heard throughout the city.
Islamic Jihad reportedly took responsibility for the Ashdod attack as well.
JPost
Florida Mayor Attacked At Council Meeting
We’re always hearing about “civility” at Salisbury Council meetings (when parties simply disagree), I wonder what their attitude would be if they lived in Windemere, FL:
H/T: The Blaze
School District Changes Policy Regarding Christian Song in Talent Show
A California school district, and a local PTA, have revised their policy prohibiting a disabled 5th grader from performing in his school’s talent show … to a Christian song.
View FoxLA Story here. (embedded video wouldn't take,sorry)
I wish I could say, “Only in California”, but we see this behavior throughout the country. If not for the work of groups like the Alliance Defense Fund, Christians would face even greater instances of their right to worship being stripped from us.
For those who want to hear this “offensive song”, view the video below:
Terrorist Attack At Jerusalem Bus Station Wounds 50
One woman died and 50 were injured after an explosion took place near a bus in central Jerusalem Wednesday afternoon.
Police said that a bomb exploded outside Egged bus number 74 at a station opposite the Jerusalem Conference Center (Binyanei Ha'uma) in the center of town.
Police suspected that an explosive device inside a bag was left at the bus stop, which then exploded. Public Security Minister Yitzhak Aharonovitch said that the explosive device was between one and two kilograms and was packed with shrapnel.
There were reports that witnesses were able to identify the man who left the bag and police were searching for him.
Interior Minister Eli Yishai called for Israel to act after the bombing in Jerusalem and the rocket attacks in the south.
"I see the escalation is already here in a number of fronts - in the south and also in Jerusalem," Yishai said, while visiting the scene of the explosion.
He added that "recent events require us to take action. If we don't do this we will lose our power of deterrence."
JPost
Today's Survey Question
What do you think of a plan allowing local school boards to impose another property tax on top of the current property tax?
WO1 Goetz, Arthur H US Marine Corps: Arlington National Cemetery 03/18/2011
This video is the service for retired Marine Art Goetz. The Presidential Band was present. Very touching.
The Sign Of A Good Season
Some may look at this as trash but many will see this as GOLD! The Old Mill cranked out some heavy duty business this past weekend for their season opener. Good for them!
ARC Lower Shore Press Release
House Fire, Parsonsburg, MD
23 March 2011
The American Red Cross Lower Shore Chapter Disaster Action Team #4 is responded to assist a family of 6 displaced last evening by a house fire in Parsonsburg, MD.
A Letter To The Editor
Why I’ll Be Voting For Laura Mitchell In April
Events during the past week have convinced me to cast my third vote for Ms. Mitchell, who is an intelligent and moderate person – the type that we need on the Salisbury City Council now more than ever after the specter of the “Dream Team” and more recently the Comegys-Shields-Smith nightmare. Her response to questions at the PACE/Chamber of Commerce forum was uniformly outstanding, to say the very least. And consider how she has replied – with grace and civility – to the false allegations that were recently made in a comment that was posted on this blog.
It appears that a certain group composed mostly of nonresidents of Salisbury, which has controlled the Council under the regimes mentioned above, realizes that, if Ms. Mitchell and certain other candidates are elected, it would place the power back into the hands of City residents. For that reason they are doing everything possible to smear those candidates, using some of the same tactics as they did in past elections and some new ones too.
Ms. Mitchell has my vote, and many others from folks that I know.
California May Go After Online Shoppers For Unpaid Taxes
While most of the country don't pay sales tax to online retailers like Amazon, most customers are still supposed to pay those taxes to the state. No one does, of course, which is why the California State Board of Equalization is looking into the prospect of going after residents who have made more than $5,000 in online purchases in the hope of getting paid.
More »
More »
Behind the Battle Over Hidden Debit Card Fees
Here’s a look at why banks are lobbying lawmakers to postpone interchange fee reform, a payment system that most consumers may not know much about—but pay into anyway.
More
More
Travelers Review TSA, Suggest Changes
One thing you can say about the airport screening procedures used by the Transportation Security Administration: they work. There has been no successful airline terror attack since 9/11.
At the same time, many travelers are saying they're avoiding trips because of the hassle factor of flying.
"Our industry can't afford that, our economy can't afford that," Geoff Freeman, executive vice president, of the U.S. Travel Association told Federal News Radio. So the Association put together a panel to find a better way.
After a year-long analysis, the panel has released its recommendations.
First, Freeman told the Federal Drive with Tom Temin and Amy Morris, there should be some type of Trusted Traveler program. "You have so many listeners today, Amy, who are already cleared from a security perspective: Who have already gone through background checks and criminal checks and biometric checks. What we need to do is find an alternative system for people whom we trust. That doesn't mean they avoid all screening. It means they have an alternative system and we can focus our limited resources on those who have not provided us with as much information."
Make the program voluntary, said Freeman. In addition, the panel recommends allowing TSA to take full control of the security line and eliminating baggage fees. According to Freeman, the implementation of those fees has led to a "massive increase" in the number of bags coming through the security checkpoint. Allowing one free bag, argues the panel, would discourage that.
A closer look finds very few recommendations to change the TSA itself. "The fact is," said Freeman, "that the folks at TSA are doing all they can with the limited resources they can, and the directives they get from Congress. The real problem here rests with congress."
Freeman added TSA seems to already be out in front of some of the changes.
"We need to give, first of all, Administrator Pistole and others in TSA leadership credit for beginning to already take a fresh look at this. At a meeting recentely," said Freeman, "with Administrator Pistole, he cited the fact that they too are looking at some way are looking at some way of looking at some way of looking at what he referred to as 'known travelers' based on their frequency of flying and other characteristics. So TSA is already moving in a positive direction. We need Congress to embrace them moving in a much more bold direction."
Source
At the same time, many travelers are saying they're avoiding trips because of the hassle factor of flying.
"Our industry can't afford that, our economy can't afford that," Geoff Freeman, executive vice president, of the U.S. Travel Association told Federal News Radio. So the Association put together a panel to find a better way.
After a year-long analysis, the panel has released its recommendations.
First, Freeman told the Federal Drive with Tom Temin and Amy Morris, there should be some type of Trusted Traveler program. "You have so many listeners today, Amy, who are already cleared from a security perspective: Who have already gone through background checks and criminal checks and biometric checks. What we need to do is find an alternative system for people whom we trust. That doesn't mean they avoid all screening. It means they have an alternative system and we can focus our limited resources on those who have not provided us with as much information."
Make the program voluntary, said Freeman. In addition, the panel recommends allowing TSA to take full control of the security line and eliminating baggage fees. According to Freeman, the implementation of those fees has led to a "massive increase" in the number of bags coming through the security checkpoint. Allowing one free bag, argues the panel, would discourage that.
A closer look finds very few recommendations to change the TSA itself. "The fact is," said Freeman, "that the folks at TSA are doing all they can with the limited resources they can, and the directives they get from Congress. The real problem here rests with congress."
Freeman added TSA seems to already be out in front of some of the changes.
"We need to give, first of all, Administrator Pistole and others in TSA leadership credit for beginning to already take a fresh look at this. At a meeting recentely," said Freeman, "with Administrator Pistole, he cited the fact that they too are looking at some way are looking at some way of looking at some way of looking at what he referred to as 'known travelers' based on their frequency of flying and other characteristics. So TSA is already moving in a positive direction. We need Congress to embrace them moving in a much more bold direction."
Source
Tax Revenues Plummet In 2010
We take you now to the official data for important news. Federal tax revenues in 2010 were much smaller than in 2000. Total individual income tax receipts fell 30 percent in real terms. Because the population kept growing, income taxes per capita plummeted.
Individual income taxes came to just $2,900 per capita in 2010, down 36 percent from more than $4,500 in 2000. Total income taxes and income taxes per capita declined even though the economy grew 16 percent overall and 6 percent per capita from 2000 through 2010.
Corporate income tax receipts fell 27 percent and declined 34 percent per capita, even though profits boomed, rising 60 percent.
Payroll taxes increased slightly overall, but slipped per capita because the nation's population grew five times faster than the number of people with any work. The average wage also declined slightly.
Patriot Corporations Of America Act Of 2011 (HR 1163)
Bill would require contracting preferences for certain firms. | ||
Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) last week introduced the Patriot Corporations of America Act of 2011 (H.R. 1163), legislation that would require federal agencies to give preference to companies that produce at least 90 percent of their products and services within the United States, among other criteria, when evaluating contract proposals. The bill also would require the establishment of a process for certifying businesses as "Patriot" corporations. The measure has been referred to the House Committees on Ways and Means and Oversight and Government Reform.
|
Gaffney Lambastes Florida Judge As 'Unfit' For Using Shariah Law
Frank J. Gaffney Jr., president of the Center for Security Policy, castigated a Florida judge as unfit to serve for his decision to follow Islamic law instead of state or federal statutes in a case against a Tampa mosque that ultimately could decide who controls $2.2 million in state money.
Hillsborough Circuit Judge Richard Nielsen said he will decide in a lawsuit against the Islamic Education Center of Tampa, “whether the parties in the litigation properly followed the teachings of the Koran in obtaining an arbitration decision from an Islamic scholar," according to tampabay.com.
"This case will proceed under Ecclesiastical Islamic Law," the judge wrote in his March 3 ruling.
Gaffney bristled at the ruling in a comment to Newsmax Tuesday, saying, “Any judge who would apply shariah in an American courtroom — especially against the express wishes of Muslims seeking due process under laws promulgated pursuant to the U.S. Constitution — is certainly ignorant of the true, unconstitutional character of ‘Islamic ecclesiastical law.’
“Arguably, such a judge is unfit to serve on any bench in this country,” said Gaffney, adding that Nielsen’s decision augurs for the Florida Legislature and other state legislatures to enact “American Laws for American Courts” statutes.
In Florida, state Sen. Alan Hays and Rep. Larry Metz, both Republicans, have proposed bills to prevent Islamic law, or any foreign legal code, from being applied in state courts.
Read more on Newsmax
Hillsborough Circuit Judge Richard Nielsen said he will decide in a lawsuit against the Islamic Education Center of Tampa, “whether the parties in the litigation properly followed the teachings of the Koran in obtaining an arbitration decision from an Islamic scholar," according to tampabay.com.
"This case will proceed under Ecclesiastical Islamic Law," the judge wrote in his March 3 ruling.
Gaffney bristled at the ruling in a comment to Newsmax Tuesday, saying, “Any judge who would apply shariah in an American courtroom — especially against the express wishes of Muslims seeking due process under laws promulgated pursuant to the U.S. Constitution — is certainly ignorant of the true, unconstitutional character of ‘Islamic ecclesiastical law.’
“Arguably, such a judge is unfit to serve on any bench in this country,” said Gaffney, adding that Nielsen’s decision augurs for the Florida Legislature and other state legislatures to enact “American Laws for American Courts” statutes.
In Florida, state Sen. Alan Hays and Rep. Larry Metz, both Republicans, have proposed bills to prevent Islamic law, or any foreign legal code, from being applied in state courts.
Read more on Newsmax
Union Animals Storm Bank, Demanding CEO
For the life of me, I still don’t get why so many unions don’t realize that acting like untamed beasts in public hurts their cause for amassing widespread support for their agenda. In Wisconsin, for instance, not only did we see union supporters marching around the state capitol as a herd of cows, but they were harassing state senators at their offices and homes as well. There were also the death threats.
Now comes a story from northeast Pennsylvania, where hordes of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) fanatics stormed a bank demanding to speak to its CEO. When the request was rebuffed, the hooligans erupted into the mindless chants of “Respect our vote” and “We’ll be back.”
The drama unfolded because the CEO of ESSA Bank is also the chairman of the board of the Pocono Medical Center. According to local reports, SEIU reps are indignant over the board’s position that union membership and dues shouldn’t be “compulsory.” Allowing workers the choice of whether or not to join the union isn’t a viable option apparently.
More here
Now comes a story from northeast Pennsylvania, where hordes of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) fanatics stormed a bank demanding to speak to its CEO. When the request was rebuffed, the hooligans erupted into the mindless chants of “Respect our vote” and “We’ll be back.”
The drama unfolded because the CEO of ESSA Bank is also the chairman of the board of the Pocono Medical Center. According to local reports, SEIU reps are indignant over the board’s position that union membership and dues shouldn’t be “compulsory.” Allowing workers the choice of whether or not to join the union isn’t a viable option apparently.
More here
The Muslim Brotherhood In America: Part II: MB History & Their Arrival In America
In the autumn of 1914, the nearly 700 year old Islamic state (Caliphate), known as the Ottoman Empire, entered World War I on the side of the Central Powers (Germany et al), having already signed a secret agreement with Germany a few months earlier to do so. Following the defeat of the Imperial German Army and the end of the war, the Allies partitioned the Turkish country which led to the Turkish War of Independence. National hero and leader Mustafa Kemal created the secular nation-state of Turkey, and became its first President. Mustafa Kemal “Ataturk” (father of Turks) dissolved the Islamic Caliphate, did away of the position of “Sultan” in the system, banned overt Islamic signs such as the growing of beards, wearing of head coverings, and the public call to prayer by the muzzeins, and replaced Arabic script with Latin. The legal, business and social systems were turned on their heads in favor of those fashioned closer to a Western-style than an Islamic one. Ataturk built a secular military to protect Turkey.
The 700 year old Islamic Caliphate was dissolved. Across the Muslim world, this was not well-received.
A few years later (1928) outside of Cairo, Egypt, Hassan al Banna and his colleagues formed the Society of Muslim Brothers. Their purpose: to re-establish the Caliphate under which Shariah (Islamic Law) is the law of the land, and liberate the Islamic nation from the yolk of foreign rule. The Creed of the Brotherhood was, and is today: “Allah is our goal; the Messenger our Guide; the Koran our law; Jihad is our Way; and martyrdom in the way of Allah is our highest aspiration.”
Over the next decade, the “Muslim Brotherhood” built a multi-tiered system in furtherance of achieving its objectives – the same objectives they maintain today. Spreading throughout Egypt, the Brotherhood – or “MB” – strongly opposed the presence of British military troops and influence in Egypt. Under Islamic Law, the presence of non-Muslim forces in Muslim lands is a “weighty matter which cannot be ignored.” The Brotherhood used violence against the British troops and their families. They also fought against the system in Egypt which was not adhering to Islamic Law, targeting judges and others in the government. The Egyptian government sought to identify, capture, and/or kill members of the Brotherhood. In 1948, the Muslim Brotherhood killed the Prime Minister of Egypt, and in 1949, the Egyptian security service gunned down MB founder Hassan al Banna on the streets of Cairo.
This is not surprising, since violence is inherent to the MB’s structure. The “Special Section” is an integral part of the Muslim Brotherhood and conducts “special work” - ”military work” or violence and warfare. These are the guys who conduct assassinations, bombings, and other similar operations within the MB. The Special Section still exists today – several of the International leaders of the Muslim Brotherhood or “Supreme Guides” have come from the Special Section – a hint the MB doesn’t eschew violence as they say they do.
Following the MB’s assassination attempt on the life of Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser in 1954, Nasser cracked down, outlawed the Brotherhood, and went after its leadership. Many of the key MB leaders fled Egypt and moved into Europe and elsewhere. In many European countries, the Brotherhood established the first Islamic organizations there, many of which are the most prominent Islamic organizations in Europe today.
According the MB By-Laws: “The Muslim Brotherhood in achieving these objectives (creation of the Islamic state under which Islamic Law is the law of the land) depends on the following means…make every effort for the establishment of educational, social, economic, and scientific institutions and the establishment of mosques, schools, clinics, shelters, clubs, as well as the formation of committees to regulate zakat affairs and alms.”
In other words, the Muslim Brotherhood uses the subversion of a society via the creation of many front groups to gain influence and power within a society in furtherance of its stated objectives. Did they execute on this doctrine when they came to the United States and create these kinds of organizations?
Lets take a look at the history...
The 700 year old Islamic Caliphate was dissolved. Across the Muslim world, this was not well-received.
A few years later (1928) outside of Cairo, Egypt, Hassan al Banna and his colleagues formed the Society of Muslim Brothers. Their purpose: to re-establish the Caliphate under which Shariah (Islamic Law) is the law of the land, and liberate the Islamic nation from the yolk of foreign rule. The Creed of the Brotherhood was, and is today: “Allah is our goal; the Messenger our Guide; the Koran our law; Jihad is our Way; and martyrdom in the way of Allah is our highest aspiration.”
Over the next decade, the “Muslim Brotherhood” built a multi-tiered system in furtherance of achieving its objectives – the same objectives they maintain today. Spreading throughout Egypt, the Brotherhood – or “MB” – strongly opposed the presence of British military troops and influence in Egypt. Under Islamic Law, the presence of non-Muslim forces in Muslim lands is a “weighty matter which cannot be ignored.” The Brotherhood used violence against the British troops and their families. They also fought against the system in Egypt which was not adhering to Islamic Law, targeting judges and others in the government. The Egyptian government sought to identify, capture, and/or kill members of the Brotherhood. In 1948, the Muslim Brotherhood killed the Prime Minister of Egypt, and in 1949, the Egyptian security service gunned down MB founder Hassan al Banna on the streets of Cairo.
This is not surprising, since violence is inherent to the MB’s structure. The “Special Section” is an integral part of the Muslim Brotherhood and conducts “special work” - ”military work” or violence and warfare. These are the guys who conduct assassinations, bombings, and other similar operations within the MB. The Special Section still exists today – several of the International leaders of the Muslim Brotherhood or “Supreme Guides” have come from the Special Section – a hint the MB doesn’t eschew violence as they say they do.
Following the MB’s assassination attempt on the life of Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser in 1954, Nasser cracked down, outlawed the Brotherhood, and went after its leadership. Many of the key MB leaders fled Egypt and moved into Europe and elsewhere. In many European countries, the Brotherhood established the first Islamic organizations there, many of which are the most prominent Islamic organizations in Europe today.
According the MB By-Laws: “The Muslim Brotherhood in achieving these objectives (creation of the Islamic state under which Islamic Law is the law of the land) depends on the following means…make every effort for the establishment of educational, social, economic, and scientific institutions and the establishment of mosques, schools, clinics, shelters, clubs, as well as the formation of committees to regulate zakat affairs and alms.”
In other words, the Muslim Brotherhood uses the subversion of a society via the creation of many front groups to gain influence and power within a society in furtherance of its stated objectives. Did they execute on this doctrine when they came to the United States and create these kinds of organizations?
Lets take a look at the history...
MK Shamalov-Berkowitz: Feminism Turned Into 'Jihad'
Israeli Member of Knesset Julia Shamalov-Berkowitz of the Kadima party continues to criticize Israel's extremist feminist leaders in her stand for family values. Shalamov-Berkowitz told attendees at the Knesset Conference for Gender Equality, "Enlightened feminism has been hijacked by radical feminists. We call it 'the Feminist Jihad.'"
Shamalov-Berkowitz, who recently accused extremist feminist leaders of exaggerating claims of sexual harassment, and of hurting families by uncritically supporting programs for single mothers, said, "radical feminism pressures the 'enlightened' to fund organizations that harm the family."
"The State of Israel is founded on the values of community and unity, but funds activities of organizations working to split the family and enshrine individualism," Shamalov-Berkowitz said, adding she thought the Jewish State should legislate to strengthen the organic family, including state subsidies for counseling. "Today only a family with means can go for marital counseling, but on the other hand, the cost of a divorce can run up to NIS 100,000 for each side. There is a huge money industry on the backs [of divorcing families]."
Shamalov-Berkowitz recommended providing new parents with parenting courses for free, allowing maternity leave for men independent of their wife's maternity leave, and a longer school day "to ensure the safety of children in a safe environment." Causing a media firestorm last month, Shamalov-Berkowitz attacked the trend of women intentionally becoming a single mother and seeking benefits. "Its kind of a bon ton to be one [a single mother] - to make a baby outside the family and seek benefits from the state."
Pro-family activists hailed the conference as a breakthrough and explained that while criticism of the excesses of feminism has been stifled by the press for decades, Shamalov-Berkovich's courage and conviction have broken the media silence on the issue.
More here
Shamalov-Berkowitz, who recently accused extremist feminist leaders of exaggerating claims of sexual harassment, and of hurting families by uncritically supporting programs for single mothers, said, "radical feminism pressures the 'enlightened' to fund organizations that harm the family."
"The State of Israel is founded on the values of community and unity, but funds activities of organizations working to split the family and enshrine individualism," Shamalov-Berkowitz said, adding she thought the Jewish State should legislate to strengthen the organic family, including state subsidies for counseling. "Today only a family with means can go for marital counseling, but on the other hand, the cost of a divorce can run up to NIS 100,000 for each side. There is a huge money industry on the backs [of divorcing families]."
Shamalov-Berkowitz recommended providing new parents with parenting courses for free, allowing maternity leave for men independent of their wife's maternity leave, and a longer school day "to ensure the safety of children in a safe environment." Causing a media firestorm last month, Shamalov-Berkowitz attacked the trend of women intentionally becoming a single mother and seeking benefits. "Its kind of a bon ton to be one [a single mother] - to make a baby outside the family and seek benefits from the state."
Pro-family activists hailed the conference as a breakthrough and explained that while criticism of the excesses of feminism has been stifled by the press for decades, Shamalov-Berkovich's courage and conviction have broken the media silence on the issue.
More here
Recession Of 2008 Exposed True Cost Of Public Employee Unions
A silver lining in the dark cloud of the recession that began in 2008 is that it has awakened the nation's beleaguered private-sector work force to the fact that government employees are prospering at their expense.
For the private sector, the recession meant layoffs, pay cuts and reduced benefits. State and local employees felt nary a scratch. In fact, life is pretty good if your paycheck comes from the taxpayer.
In 2009, hourly compensation (wages plus benefits) for the average state and local government employee was 45 percent higher than the private-sector average. The share of state and local employees offered health care benefits was 88 percent versus 71 percent in the private sector.
For retirement benefits, it's 90 percent to 67 percent. State and local employees are also more likely to be offered life insurance (80 percent to 59 percent) and paid sick leave (89 percent to 67 percent).
Did I mention that defined-benefit pensions are offered to about 80 percent of state and local employees, versus 20 percent in the private sector? Or that they're typically twice as generous? That's kind of a problem because these pensions are underfunded by about $3 trillion and state and local government finances are already in poor shape.
But wait, there's more.
For the private sector, the recession meant layoffs, pay cuts and reduced benefits. State and local employees felt nary a scratch. In fact, life is pretty good if your paycheck comes from the taxpayer.
In 2009, hourly compensation (wages plus benefits) for the average state and local government employee was 45 percent higher than the private-sector average. The share of state and local employees offered health care benefits was 88 percent versus 71 percent in the private sector.
For retirement benefits, it's 90 percent to 67 percent. State and local employees are also more likely to be offered life insurance (80 percent to 59 percent) and paid sick leave (89 percent to 67 percent).
Did I mention that defined-benefit pensions are offered to about 80 percent of state and local employees, versus 20 percent in the private sector? Or that they're typically twice as generous? That's kind of a problem because these pensions are underfunded by about $3 trillion and state and local government finances are already in poor shape.
But wait, there's more.
Pol Fears Congress Is Unprepared To Defund ObamaCare
On the eve of the one-year anniversary of the passing of ObamaCare, the efforts by congressional Republicans to repeal, replace, or defund it appear to be in neutral. For many Americans in the medical profession, the impact of the bill has already been felt, and public nervousness about its content remains high.
In a lecture at the Heritage Foundation on the impact of ObamaCare on doctors, Rep. Michael Burgess (R.-Tex.), who was a practicing M.D. himself, hinted that the new House and its leadership might be currently unprepared for the fight to defund the massive bill. He said about a recent conference that discussed the House budget Continuing Resolution, “The conference was not ready to fight. The last thing you want to do is go into a fight like this, when possibly the government is shut down for a period of time, when your troops aren’t ready.” He continued to say bluntly, “Our troops aren’t ready.”
Burgess made it clear that he wanted Congress to take action against ObamaCare now, but that defunding the massive bill was complex and difficult to do under current circumstances. Burgess lamented about the future under ObamaCare, “We don’t want the next generation of physicians to be looking back in 20 years time and say, ‘Not only did we let this happen, why didn’t we fix it?’ ”
Waiting for the Supreme Court to rule the bill unconstitutional will most likely take years if it even happens at all. The ruling by Florida dstrict Judge Robert Vinson has opened up the possibility that ObamaCare might be ruled entirely unconstitutional, but it won’t prevent the costs racked up in the meantime. With $105 billion already appropriated to ObamaCare through 2014 automatically, the cost could add substantially to the deficit of a budget already deeply in the red.
There is little hope of a fully repealing ObamaCare without a change in administration, but it doesn’t bode well for any future attempts if even defunding a small part fails. Having to defer continually to the Supreme Court for so many important decisions may explain why the latest Gallup poll has congressional ratings at 18%. The public generally lacks confidence in their collective judgment and doubts whether they have the ability to deliver on promises.
On the role of the high court, Burgess said, “The Supreme Court may save the day on this, the problem is when is that day?” He said that it most likely wouldn’t be until July of 2012 because of the long process that it must go through. For the health of medicine in America, that date could be too late.
More
In a lecture at the Heritage Foundation on the impact of ObamaCare on doctors, Rep. Michael Burgess (R.-Tex.), who was a practicing M.D. himself, hinted that the new House and its leadership might be currently unprepared for the fight to defund the massive bill. He said about a recent conference that discussed the House budget Continuing Resolution, “The conference was not ready to fight. The last thing you want to do is go into a fight like this, when possibly the government is shut down for a period of time, when your troops aren’t ready.” He continued to say bluntly, “Our troops aren’t ready.”
Burgess made it clear that he wanted Congress to take action against ObamaCare now, but that defunding the massive bill was complex and difficult to do under current circumstances. Burgess lamented about the future under ObamaCare, “We don’t want the next generation of physicians to be looking back in 20 years time and say, ‘Not only did we let this happen, why didn’t we fix it?’ ”
Waiting for the Supreme Court to rule the bill unconstitutional will most likely take years if it even happens at all. The ruling by Florida dstrict Judge Robert Vinson has opened up the possibility that ObamaCare might be ruled entirely unconstitutional, but it won’t prevent the costs racked up in the meantime. With $105 billion already appropriated to ObamaCare through 2014 automatically, the cost could add substantially to the deficit of a budget already deeply in the red.
There is little hope of a fully repealing ObamaCare without a change in administration, but it doesn’t bode well for any future attempts if even defunding a small part fails. Having to defer continually to the Supreme Court for so many important decisions may explain why the latest Gallup poll has congressional ratings at 18%. The public generally lacks confidence in their collective judgment and doubts whether they have the ability to deliver on promises.
On the role of the high court, Burgess said, “The Supreme Court may save the day on this, the problem is when is that day?” He said that it most likely wouldn’t be until July of 2012 because of the long process that it must go through. For the health of medicine in America, that date could be too late.
More
Washington Republicans, Look To Wisconsin
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker’s principled stand can teach Washington Republicans an important lesson in bravery.
Al Aitken, a good friend of mine who is a Marine veteran and a commercial airline pilot, explained to me a few years ago the difference between courage and bravery.
Courage is taking action and not considering the consequences. Bravery is when you take action knowing that you are going to face pain or peril, yet you take action anyway.
Walker showed bravery in his fight to balance the state budget and modify collective bargaining for certain public employees.
Washington Republican politicians, by contrast, seem fearful of fighting for anything these days.
Republicans in Congress have “Government Shutdown Disorder.” This illness causes Republicans to shudder and make bizarre decisions when they feel like they’ll be blamed for shutting down the federal government. Democrats, of course, are preying on this anxiety. They know how to use this disorder to force Republicans to undermine themselves.
Why didn’t House Republicans send over to the Senate a measure to fund the government for the rest of this fiscal year and dare Senate Democrats to not pass it? Government Shutdown Disorder.
The House passed $61 billion in cuts this year, defunding elements of ObamaCare, EPA regulations and Planned Parenthood. Then they engaged in a strategy insuring that the House-passed measure never saw the light of day. House Republicans passed two- and three-week resolutions to fund the government. They removed any pressure building on the Senate to pass its own spending measure. Clearly, House Republicans fear being blamed for a government shutdown more than Democrats do.
House Republicans and the conservative movement need to declare a truce. They need to sit down find a way to pass the necessary cuts. Any chance Gov. Walker can jet into Washington, D.C. for some leadership training?
More here from Brian Darling
Al Aitken, a good friend of mine who is a Marine veteran and a commercial airline pilot, explained to me a few years ago the difference between courage and bravery.
Courage is taking action and not considering the consequences. Bravery is when you take action knowing that you are going to face pain or peril, yet you take action anyway.
Walker showed bravery in his fight to balance the state budget and modify collective bargaining for certain public employees.
Washington Republican politicians, by contrast, seem fearful of fighting for anything these days.
Republicans in Congress have “Government Shutdown Disorder.” This illness causes Republicans to shudder and make bizarre decisions when they feel like they’ll be blamed for shutting down the federal government. Democrats, of course, are preying on this anxiety. They know how to use this disorder to force Republicans to undermine themselves.
Why didn’t House Republicans send over to the Senate a measure to fund the government for the rest of this fiscal year and dare Senate Democrats to not pass it? Government Shutdown Disorder.
The House passed $61 billion in cuts this year, defunding elements of ObamaCare, EPA regulations and Planned Parenthood. Then they engaged in a strategy insuring that the House-passed measure never saw the light of day. House Republicans passed two- and three-week resolutions to fund the government. They removed any pressure building on the Senate to pass its own spending measure. Clearly, House Republicans fear being blamed for a government shutdown more than Democrats do.
House Republicans and the conservative movement need to declare a truce. They need to sit down find a way to pass the necessary cuts. Any chance Gov. Walker can jet into Washington, D.C. for some leadership training?
More here from Brian Darling
Syrians Call For Revolution
Protests spread in southern Syria Tuesday as hundreds of people marched to demand reforms in a previously peaceful village, witnesses and activists said.
In a nearby city, troops and protesters faced off outside a mosque where demonstrators have taken shelter.
A group named "United Arab Tribes in Syria" posted a message online in which it declared a "revolution against the Syrian regime."
The government sought to contain the first serious intrusion of the Arab world's political unrest by firing the governor of the southern province of Deraa, where security forces killed seven protesters in the main city of Deraa over the weekend.
A clip posted on YouTube showed several hundred villagers in Sanamein, near Deraa, chanting "Freedom!" while another showed dozens gathered in the Hajar Aswad neighborhood of the capital.
Syrian activists who reported the protests said they took place Monday evening. The activists spoke on condition of anonymity because they feared government reprisals. The authenticity of the videos could not be independently verified.
Protests also spread Monday to the towns of Jasim and Inkhil near Deraa, witnesses said.
Many demonstrators demanded the departure of provincial governor Faisal Kalthoum after security forces used tear gas, water cannons and later live ammunition to disperse the crowds, which first gathered on Friday.
More here
In a nearby city, troops and protesters faced off outside a mosque where demonstrators have taken shelter.
A group named "United Arab Tribes in Syria" posted a message online in which it declared a "revolution against the Syrian regime."
The government sought to contain the first serious intrusion of the Arab world's political unrest by firing the governor of the southern province of Deraa, where security forces killed seven protesters in the main city of Deraa over the weekend.
A clip posted on YouTube showed several hundred villagers in Sanamein, near Deraa, chanting "Freedom!" while another showed dozens gathered in the Hajar Aswad neighborhood of the capital.
Syrian activists who reported the protests said they took place Monday evening. The activists spoke on condition of anonymity because they feared government reprisals. The authenticity of the videos could not be independently verified.
Protests also spread Monday to the towns of Jasim and Inkhil near Deraa, witnesses said.
Many demonstrators demanded the departure of provincial governor Faisal Kalthoum after security forces used tear gas, water cannons and later live ammunition to disperse the crowds, which first gathered on Friday.
More here
Large-Scale IDF Retaliation Strikes Gaza Terrorists Bases
Israeli aircraft bombed smuggling tunnels, weapons manufacturing sites and terrorist bases in Gaza overnight in retaliation for massive mortar shell attacks on Israeli civilians and soldiers. One of the bases was a Hamas training site.
Arab media pointed out that the retaliation came hours after another ceasefire offer by Hamas, which said it would cease attacks if Israel did the same. The Israeli retaliation was a clear sign that the government and military do not accept Hamas truce offers, all of which the terrorist organization has broken dozens of times over the past four years.
After weeks of claiming that other terrorist organizations have broken a ceasefire promise by Hamas earlier this year, Hamas stated on Saturday that it participated in the massive mortar attack last week on the Negev.
Israeli military spokesmen pointed out that Monday night’s retaliation struck tunnels dug to allow terrorists to infiltrate beyond Gaza and attack and kidnap Israelis. As after previous attacks on tunnels, the Defense Ministry has not explained why the tunnels are not bombed before rocket and mortar shell attacks from Gaza.
Hamas and allied terrorists have attacked Israel more than 125 times with rockets and mortars since the beginning of the year, not including dozens of attempts to plant bombs on the patrol road at the Gaza separation/security fence.
INN
Arab media pointed out that the retaliation came hours after another ceasefire offer by Hamas, which said it would cease attacks if Israel did the same. The Israeli retaliation was a clear sign that the government and military do not accept Hamas truce offers, all of which the terrorist organization has broken dozens of times over the past four years.
After weeks of claiming that other terrorist organizations have broken a ceasefire promise by Hamas earlier this year, Hamas stated on Saturday that it participated in the massive mortar attack last week on the Negev.
Israeli military spokesmen pointed out that Monday night’s retaliation struck tunnels dug to allow terrorists to infiltrate beyond Gaza and attack and kidnap Israelis. As after previous attacks on tunnels, the Defense Ministry has not explained why the tunnels are not bombed before rocket and mortar shell attacks from Gaza.
Hamas and allied terrorists have attacked Israel more than 125 times with rockets and mortars since the beginning of the year, not including dozens of attempts to plant bombs on the patrol road at the Gaza separation/security fence.
INN
US Demanding Gay Rights Support At UN
The Obama administration will introduce its first statement calling for the United Nations' top human rights body to combat discrimination against gays and lesbians around the world, completing a U.S. reversal from years of ambiguity on the subject during the presidency of George W. Bush.
The U.S. declaration will be made Tuesday at the Geneva-based Human Rights Council and has the support of more than 80 countries. Although it is not in the form of binding resolution, the American push for U.N. action has helped win over a handful of new countries to the cause. A resolution could be brought to a vote later this year.
The issue of gay rights has polarized nations at the U.N. for years. And despite growing acceptance for homosexuality in Western nations and parts of Latin America, lawyers say there is still a gap in human rights treaties for the protection of gays against discrimination and mistreatment.
"We are very concerned that individuals continue to be killed, arrested and harassed around the world because of their sexual orientation or gender identity," said Suzanne Nossel, deputy assistant secretary of state for international organizations. "This statement sends a strong message from across the globe that such abuses should not be tolerated."
The U.S. document calls for nations to end any criminal punishments against lesbians, gays and bisexuals, and asks the global body to review how governments treat them in the U.N.'s human rights assessments. It acknowledges that "these are sensitive issues for many," but insists that people must be freed from discrimination because of their sexual orientation.
Nossel said the U.S. was proud to be taking a leading role in promoting the idea that gay rights are human rights — among the sharper foreign policy redirections that occurred after President Barack Obama took office.
More
The U.S. declaration will be made Tuesday at the Geneva-based Human Rights Council and has the support of more than 80 countries. Although it is not in the form of binding resolution, the American push for U.N. action has helped win over a handful of new countries to the cause. A resolution could be brought to a vote later this year.
The issue of gay rights has polarized nations at the U.N. for years. And despite growing acceptance for homosexuality in Western nations and parts of Latin America, lawyers say there is still a gap in human rights treaties for the protection of gays against discrimination and mistreatment.
"We are very concerned that individuals continue to be killed, arrested and harassed around the world because of their sexual orientation or gender identity," said Suzanne Nossel, deputy assistant secretary of state for international organizations. "This statement sends a strong message from across the globe that such abuses should not be tolerated."
The U.S. document calls for nations to end any criminal punishments against lesbians, gays and bisexuals, and asks the global body to review how governments treat them in the U.N.'s human rights assessments. It acknowledges that "these are sensitive issues for many," but insists that people must be freed from discrimination because of their sexual orientation.
Nossel said the U.S. was proud to be taking a leading role in promoting the idea that gay rights are human rights — among the sharper foreign policy redirections that occurred after President Barack Obama took office.
More
Republicans ‘Hard-Pressed’ To Alter Bank Overhaul, Frank Says
U.S. Representative Barney Frank, the Democrat who co-authored legislation overhauling the financial industry last year, said House Republicans will be “hard-pressed” to change the law substantively.
“The Senate won’t go along and the president won’t go along,” Frank, of Massachusetts, said yesterday on public television’s “Charlie Rose” program. Democrats control the Senate and White House.
House Republicans have worked in recent weeks to chip away at the Dodd-Frank Act, releasing bills to make changes to the law. Republicans have vowed to strike or revise specific provisions, rather than push to repeal the entire law. For those efforts to succeed, Republicans would need broad support within their party and bipartisan backing in the Senate.
The Republicans won’t stay united on changes to the law, primarily because their own members would split on the issues, Frank said.
“The Tea Party is not that crazy about derivatives,” said Frank, the top-ranking Democrat on the Financial Services Committee. “There’s a populist element there and they don’t mind us regulating credit cards.”
Frank reiterated his opposition to a provision in the law to cap debit-card interchange, or “swipe” fees, charged to merchants on each transaction.
The Federal Reserve in December proposed capping the fees at 12 cents, replacing a formula that averages 1.14 percent of the purchase price. The caps, set to take effect July 21, may cost banks including JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Citigroup Inc. as much as $12 billion a year. The proposal set off a lobbying fight on Capitol Hill pitting retail and small-business groups against banks and payment networks including Visa Inc.
Read more
“The Senate won’t go along and the president won’t go along,” Frank, of Massachusetts, said yesterday on public television’s “Charlie Rose” program. Democrats control the Senate and White House.
House Republicans have worked in recent weeks to chip away at the Dodd-Frank Act, releasing bills to make changes to the law. Republicans have vowed to strike or revise specific provisions, rather than push to repeal the entire law. For those efforts to succeed, Republicans would need broad support within their party and bipartisan backing in the Senate.
The Republicans won’t stay united on changes to the law, primarily because their own members would split on the issues, Frank said.
“The Tea Party is not that crazy about derivatives,” said Frank, the top-ranking Democrat on the Financial Services Committee. “There’s a populist element there and they don’t mind us regulating credit cards.”
Frank reiterated his opposition to a provision in the law to cap debit-card interchange, or “swipe” fees, charged to merchants on each transaction.
The Federal Reserve in December proposed capping the fees at 12 cents, replacing a formula that averages 1.14 percent of the purchase price. The caps, set to take effect July 21, may cost banks including JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Citigroup Inc. as much as $12 billion a year. The proposal set off a lobbying fight on Capitol Hill pitting retail and small-business groups against banks and payment networks including Visa Inc.
Read more
HB 1352
Mr. Albero,
You might want to check into this newly introduced Maryland House Bill 1352.
It appears at first glance to allow an un-elected board of education to levy a tax.
Screen Legend Elizabeth Taylor Dies At 79
Academy Award-winning actress succumbs to heart failure
Hollywood legend Elizabeth Taylor, who went from child star to screen siren, died Wednesday in Los Angeles from congestive heart failure. She was 79. Her children were at her side when she died.
Touchtable
Take look at this video from PBS. This is a program about a touch-table.
(It's Google-Earth on steroids!!!!) About half way in the video it shows Iran 's nuclear facility and does an interesting thing. It moves the satellite pictures as a function of time in years and lets you see what has really has been happening there! And what they "hid" or thought they "hid" underground! http://www.pbs.org/kcet/wiredscience/video/231-touchtable...html
(It's Google-Earth on steroids!!!!) About half way in the video it shows Iran 's nuclear facility and does an interesting thing. It moves the satellite pictures as a function of time in years and lets you see what has really has been happening there! And what they "hid" or thought they "hid" underground! http://www.pbs.org/kcet/wiredscience/video/231-touchtable...html
Former SEIU Official Strategizes To Sabatoge US Economy
How do you spell SABATOGE? Please click on the link below to see the shocking tape of a former SEIU official, Stephen Lerner, spelling out plans for an early May campaign to destabilize the economy, return banks to the brink of insolvency, and crash the stock market. This needs to be forwarded to everyone you know. These are dangerous people.
Ellen Sauerbrey
An excerpt:
..."There are actually extraordinary things we could do right now to start to destabilize the folks that are in power and start to rebuild a movement.
For example, 10% of homeowners are underwater right their home they are paying more for it then its worth 10% of those people are in strategic default, meaning they are refusing to pay but they are staying in their home that's totally spontaneous they figured out it takes a year to kick me out of my home because foreclosure is backed up
If you could double that number you would you could put banks at the edge of insolvency again."...
Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/seiu-union-plan-to-destroy-jpmorgan#ixzz1HNTwRdOJ
For example, 10% of homeowners are underwater right their home they are paying more for it then its worth 10% of those people are in strategic default, meaning they are refusing to pay but they are staying in their home that's totally spontaneous they figured out it takes a year to kick me out of my home because foreclosure is backed up
If you could double that number you would you could put banks at the edge of insolvency again."...
Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/seiu-union-plan-to-destroy-jpmorgan#ixzz1HNTwRdOJ
Dogs In Japan
It's a universal truth that dogs are man's best friend, but they're pretty darn loyal to their own as well. Case in point: this tear-inducing video, via the website Jezebel, showing a dog, shivering and disoriented, remaining loyally by the side of a stricken fellow canine amid the devastation of the Japanese tsunami.
You can watch the video below:
More
You can watch the video below:
More
Tell Your Governor To Support Open Government
Dear Joe,
In several states including Utah, Wisconsin, Maine, Tennessee and Florida, governors are rolling back transparency and restricting the citizens’ right to know about their government.
At the Sunlight Foundation, we stand with activists who believe in open government and we are asking you to help spread the word by signing the open letter to the governor telling them to stop the roll back of transparency. You can also encourage others in Maryland to demand a transparent, open and accountable government - just as Jennifer Pebbles of Texas Watchdog did.
When we hit 10,000 signatures, we’ll take these letters to the National Governors Association in person. At the moment, over 5,000 people have signed on with us. Will you help us hit 10,000 so we can show our governors that Americans believe in transparency in government? To sign the open letter, visit the Sunlight Foundation to tell our governors to support open government
Thank you for supporting the sunshine movement!
In several states including Utah, Wisconsin, Maine, Tennessee and Florida, governors are rolling back transparency and restricting the citizens’ right to know about their government.
At the Sunlight Foundation, we stand with activists who believe in open government and we are asking you to help spread the word by signing the open letter to the governor telling them to stop the roll back of transparency. You can also encourage others in Maryland to demand a transparent, open and accountable government - just as Jennifer Pebbles of Texas Watchdog did.
When we hit 10,000 signatures, we’ll take these letters to the National Governors Association in person. At the moment, over 5,000 people have signed on with us. Will you help us hit 10,000 so we can show our governors that Americans believe in transparency in government? To sign the open letter, visit the Sunlight Foundation to tell our governors to support open government
Thank you for supporting the sunshine movement!
HELP WANTED:
GROOMING ASSISTANT No experience needed, will train. This job is very physical. Apply at Cathy's Pet Salon, 1005 Mt. Hermon Rd, Salisbury, MD |
20 Year Reunion?
Wi-Hi Class of 1991
Please join us in celebrating our 20th Class Reunion on July 23, 2011. Now is
the time to reminisce and reconnect with old friends.
PRE-PARTY
Begin by joining us Friday night, July 22nd, for Happy Hour at Break Time from
6:00 - 9:00. We have a room and pool tables reserved for us during this time.
Live music begins at 9:30 for those who would enjoy staying longer.
PRE-PARTY
Begin by joining us Friday night, July 22nd, for Happy Hour at Break Time from
6:00 - 9:00. We have a room and pool tables reserved for us during this time.
Live music begins at 9:30 for those who would enjoy staying longer.
MAIN EVENT
Continue celebrating with us Saturday evening, July 23rd, at Salisbury
University for our 20th Class Reunion Dinner from 6:30 - 10:30. You can
socialize, dance, or possibly win a door prize. A cash bar will be available.
The cost for this special event is $50 per person. You may purchase your ticket
at our website using Paypal or you can pay by check.
Please make your check out to: Wi Hi Class of 1991.
Mail to: April Guard, 3378 Residential Dr., Eden, MD 21822.
Your ticket includes Saturday evening's Reunion and dinner (Chesapeake Buffet)
at Salisbury University Commons.
A $30 return check fee will be added to the ticket price if a check is returned.
For more Reunion details, please visit our new Class of 1991 Wi Hi website at
http://www.whsclassof91.wikispaces.com/
You will be able to view the delicious menu we have planned for you, pay for
your ticket, and more.
If you know any other classmates whose emails are not listed, please forward it
to Penny Travers or April Guard. Thank you!
Look forward in seeing you there!
20th Class Reunion Committe,
April Guard,Traci Yerkes, Jennifer Bushman, Lee Outen, Kelley Nance, and Penny
Travers
Continue celebrating with us Saturday evening, July 23rd, at Salisbury
University for our 20th Class Reunion Dinner from 6:30 - 10:30. You can
socialize, dance, or possibly win a door prize. A cash bar will be available.
The cost for this special event is $50 per person. You may purchase your ticket
at our website using Paypal or you can pay by check.
Please make your check out to: Wi Hi Class of 1991.
Mail to: April Guard, 3378 Residential Dr., Eden, MD 21822.
Your ticket includes Saturday evening's Reunion and dinner (Chesapeake Buffet)
at Salisbury University Commons.
A $30 return check fee will be added to the ticket price if a check is returned.
For more Reunion details, please visit our new Class of 1991 Wi Hi website at
http://www.whsclassof91.wikispaces.com/
You will be able to view the delicious menu we have planned for you, pay for
your ticket, and more.
If you know any other classmates whose emails are not listed, please forward it
to Penny Travers or April Guard. Thank you!
Look forward in seeing you there!
20th Class Reunion Committe,
April Guard,Traci Yerkes, Jennifer Bushman, Lee Outen, Kelley Nance, and Penny
Travers
SOME RIDDLES TO PONDER......SEND YOUR BEST GUESS......NO CHEATING-NO GOOGLE
1. A murderer is condemned to death. He has to choose between three rooms. The first is full of raging fires, the second is full of assassins with loaded guns, and the third is full of lions that haven't eaten in 3 years. Which room is safest for him?
2. A woman shoots her husband.Then she holds him under water for over 5 minutes. Finally, she hangs him. But 5 minutes later they both go out together and enjoy a wonderful dinner together. How can this be?
3. What is black when you buy it, red when you use it, and gray when you throw it away?
4. Can you name three consecutive days without using the words Wednesday, Friday, or Sunday?
5. This is an unusual paragraph. I'm curious as to just how quickly you can find out what is so unusual about it. It looks so ordinary and plain that you would think nothing was wrong with it. In fact,nothing is wrong with it. It is highly unusual though. Study it and think about it, but you still may not find anything odd. But if you work at it a bit, you might find out. Try to do so without any coaching!
2. A woman shoots her husband.Then she holds him under water for over 5 minutes. Finally, she hangs him. But 5 minutes later they both go out together and enjoy a wonderful dinner together. How can this be?
3. What is black when you buy it, red when you use it, and gray when you throw it away?
4. Can you name three consecutive days without using the words Wednesday, Friday, or Sunday?
5. This is an unusual paragraph. I'm curious as to just how quickly you can find out what is so unusual about it. It looks so ordinary and plain that you would think nothing was wrong with it. In fact,nothing is wrong with it. It is highly unusual though. Study it and think about it, but you still may not find anything odd. But if you work at it a bit, you might find out. Try to do so without any coaching!
2011 Hall Of Fame Of Delaware Women – 30th Annual Celebration Of Delaware Women
The Delaware Commission for Women is pleased to announce the 2011 inductees into Hall of Fame of Delaware Women: Neda P. Biggs (Legal Advocacy), Imogene F. Chandler (Early Childhood Education), Susan Del Pesco (Law and Advocacy), Audrey Kohl Doberstein (Higher Education), and Moonyeen L. Klopfenstein (Health Care). The Hall of Fame Award Ceremony will be held Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at the Christiana Hilton in Newark.
“I’m very excited about this year’s inductees into Hall of Fame of Delaware Women,” said Governor Jack Markell. “Their dedication to the people of Delaware should serve as a model for men and women alike.”
Annually the Delaware Commission for Women uses Women’s History Month to formally recognize and pay tribute to the varied and outstanding ways women contribute to the well-being and progress of the state. Established in 1981, the Hall of Fame of Delaware Women remains one of the Delaware’s most prestigious awards for women. Including the 2011 inductees, only 117 Delaware women have received the honor. Each fall, individuals and organizations throughout Delaware are invited to submit nominations. Recipients of the award are selected based on their reputations as trailblazers; respect among colleagues; work significance and lasting impact; leadership roles; and community service that has impacted the lives of others locally or globally.
The 2011 celebration will be held at the Christiana Hilton Hotel, 100 Continental Drive, Newark DE 19713. The evening will begin with a reception and cash bar at 5:30 p.m. followed by the award ceremony at 6:30 p.m. and a dessert reception at 7:30 p.m. Members of the press are welcomed as our guests, and will have the opportunity to meet the 2011 inductees, as well as many current members of the Hall of Fame.
The cost per person is $40. For reservations, contact the Delaware Commission for Women at (302) 577-5287, or go online to: www.commissionforwomen.delaware.gov. Please RSVP before the Friday, March 12, 2011 deadline.
More about the 2011 inductees: GO HERE.
“I’m very excited about this year’s inductees into Hall of Fame of Delaware Women,” said Governor Jack Markell. “Their dedication to the people of Delaware should serve as a model for men and women alike.”
Annually the Delaware Commission for Women uses Women’s History Month to formally recognize and pay tribute to the varied and outstanding ways women contribute to the well-being and progress of the state. Established in 1981, the Hall of Fame of Delaware Women remains one of the Delaware’s most prestigious awards for women. Including the 2011 inductees, only 117 Delaware women have received the honor. Each fall, individuals and organizations throughout Delaware are invited to submit nominations. Recipients of the award are selected based on their reputations as trailblazers; respect among colleagues; work significance and lasting impact; leadership roles; and community service that has impacted the lives of others locally or globally.
The 2011 celebration will be held at the Christiana Hilton Hotel, 100 Continental Drive, Newark DE 19713. The evening will begin with a reception and cash bar at 5:30 p.m. followed by the award ceremony at 6:30 p.m. and a dessert reception at 7:30 p.m. Members of the press are welcomed as our guests, and will have the opportunity to meet the 2011 inductees, as well as many current members of the Hall of Fame.
The cost per person is $40. For reservations, contact the Delaware Commission for Women at (302) 577-5287, or go online to: www.commissionforwomen.delaware.gov. Please RSVP before the Friday, March 12, 2011 deadline.
More about the 2011 inductees: GO HERE.
You Won't See This One Coming
A father put his 3 year old daughter to bed, told her a story and listened to her prayers which ended by saying: "God bless Mommy, God bless Daddy, God bless Grandma and good-bye Grandpa."
The father asked, 'Why did you say good-bye Grandpa?
The little girl said, "I don't know daddy, it just seemed like the thing to do." The next day grandpa died. The father thought it was a strange coincidence.
A few months later the father put the girl to bed and listened to her prayers which went like this: "God bless Mommy, God Bless Daddy and good-bye Grandma."
The next day the grandmother died.
"Holy crap" thought the father, "this kid is in contact with the other side."
Several weeks later when the girl was going to bed the dad heard her say: "God bless Mommy and good-bye Daddy."
He practically went into shock. He couldn't sleep all night and got up at the crack of dawn to go to his office. He was nervous as a cat all day, had lunch and watched the clock. He figured if he could get by until midnight he would be okay. He felt safe in the office, so instead of going home at the end of the day he stayed there, drinking coffee, looking at his watch and jumping at every sound. Finally, midnight arrived, he breathed a sigh of relief and went home.
When he got home his wife said "I've never seen you work so late.
What's the matter?"
He said "I don't want to talk about it, I've just spent the worst day of my life."
She said, "You think you had a bad day, you'll never believe what happened to me. This morning my golf pro dropped dead in the middle of my lesson!"
Joe Biden Railroad
It's amazing how modern politics resembles scenes of Ayn Rand's best-seller Atlas Shrugged.
Like the one in which a high-ranking government official pumps millions of dollars into a failing railroad company.
The grateful railroad CEO rewards the government official by renovating his hometown train station and naming it after the government official. The renovation costs $5,700,000 more than expected.
Then comes the ribbon cutting ceremony. The CEO gets on one of his trains to go to the ceremony, but it breaks down. No surprise there:
One out of every four trains his company runs is late. The CEO, chuckling at the irony, abandons the train and takes a car to the ceremony.
Unfortunately, that wasn't a scene in Atlas Shrugged. It happened this weekend.
The government official is Joe Biden.
By the way, the first of three Atlas Shrugged movies opens next month, appropriately on April 15th.
Like the one in which a high-ranking government official pumps millions of dollars into a failing railroad company.
The grateful railroad CEO rewards the government official by renovating his hometown train station and naming it after the government official. The renovation costs $5,700,000 more than expected.
Then comes the ribbon cutting ceremony. The CEO gets on one of his trains to go to the ceremony, but it breaks down. No surprise there:
One out of every four trains his company runs is late. The CEO, chuckling at the irony, abandons the train and takes a car to the ceremony.
Unfortunately, that wasn't a scene in Atlas Shrugged. It happened this weekend.
The government official is Joe Biden.
By the way, the first of three Atlas Shrugged movies opens next month, appropriately on April 15th.
DE Governor To Discuss Importance Of Agriculture
NEWARK, Del. (AP) -- Delaware Gov. Jack Markell and Agriculture Secretary Ed Kee are heading to the University of Delaware to talk about the importance of farming to the state's economy.
Markell and Kee will be in Newark on Wednesday morning. The discussion is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m.
On Thursday, agriculture will be on the governor's schedule again. The governor is scheduled to speak at the Delaware Farm to School Summit at the Delaware Agricultural Museum.
Source
Markell and Kee will be in Newark on Wednesday morning. The discussion is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m.
On Thursday, agriculture will be on the governor's schedule again. The governor is scheduled to speak at the Delaware Farm to School Summit at the Delaware Agricultural Museum.
Source
Poaching Is Popular Topic With Lawmakers
Each General Assembly session, a single issue tends to dominate environmental discussions. In recent years, the hot topics have included building along the shoreline, septic systems and air pollution. This year, it has turned out to be something a bit unexpected: poaching.
Miller Proposes Merger Of Top Md. Universities
The powerful president of the Maryland Senate proposed Monday that two of the premier campuses in the state's public university system merge into one in coming years.
Wicomico County Sheriff's Office Press Release
Incident: Motor Vehicle Accident
Date of Incident: 22 March 2011
Location: Norris Twilley Road, Delmar, MD
Narrative: On 22 March at 12:02 AM, deputies from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office investigated a single vehicle accident on Norris Twilley Road in Delmar, MD. Investigation revealed that Milton Gary Shiles, 58, of Mardela Springs was travelling S/B on Norris Twilley Road when his vehicle left the roadway on a curve and overturned in a field. During the roll-over, Shiles was ejected from the vehicle. Paramedics transported Shiles to PRMC where he was pronounced deceased. There were no other passengers in the vehicle.
Anyone who may have witnessed the accident or have any further information in reference to his is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 410-548-4891.
March 28-31 Registration Fair For 2011-12 Kindergarten/Prekindergarten
A Registration Fair to enroll students in kindergarten and prekindergarten for the 2011-12 school year will take place March 28-31 in the lobby of the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center.
The Registration Fair is for families of children who will start prekindergarten or kindergarten next year, and children not in public kindergarten now who will be enrolled in the first grade for the 2011-2012 school year. The Registration Fair will be open in the Civic Center lobby from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on the following schedule:
Monday, March 28: Willards Elementary, Charles H. Chipman Elementary, West Salisbury Elementary and Prince Street Elementary
Tuesday, March 29: Beaver Run Elementary, Pemberton Elementary, Fruitland Primary
Wednesday, March 30: Delmar Elementary, Westside Primary, Pinehurst Elementary, Northwestern Elementary
Thursday, March 31: For any family that has not been able to register on the assigned day
Individual schools will not handle enrollment for prekindergarten and kindergarten students. (The March 24 date published in the 2010-11 school system calendars is no longer valid; no registration will take place on that date.)
Any parent or guardian who is not able to enroll a child during the Registration Fair should contact the Centralized Enrollment Office at 410-677-4448 or 410-677-4476 to schedule an appointment after the Registration Fair. The Centralized Enrollment Office is located in Annex 2 of the Board of Education Office.
What to Bring
For the Registration Fair, parents or guardians will need to bring immunization records (please see a doctor or the health department to ensure that the child’s vaccination record is complete), birth certificate, Social Security card and proof of residency (utility bill with address served, or a lease or property tax bill) for each child. Income verification is needed for prekindergarten registration ONLY.
The flier on prekindergarten/kindergarten registration is posted online at www.wcboe.org, under Quick Links. Forms for registration are available online at www.wcboe.org, and in the Centralized Enrollment Office. Forms will be available in English, Spanish and Haitian Creole. Other forms and information, such as immunization requirements, Early Entrance Request and Kindergarten-Level of Maturity Waiver Form are also posted online and available in the Centralized Enrollment Office.
Kindergarten
Children must be 5 years old by Sept. 1, 2011. Kindergarten is mandatory for all Maryland children who are 5 by this date unless the parents or guardians have completed a Kindergarten-Level of Maturity Waiver Form. Forms will be available at the schools or the Board website after Feb. 28. Completed forms should be forwarded to the attention of Mrs. Susan Jones, Director of Elementary Education.
Prekindergarten
Prekindergarten is not mandatory, and is offered to qualified children who will be 4 by Sept. 1, 2011. (For families in the Judy Center catchment areas of Beaver Run and Pemberton elementary schools only, prekindergarten services are also available to qualified children who will be 3 by Sept. 1, 2011.)
Maryland and Delmar, Del., neighborhood children who come from low-income or at-risk situations, have prior participation in Head Start or who experience challenges like emergency or health problems, limited English proficiency, homelessness, or other home or family circumstances, will be given priority admission to prekindergarten. Children may also be recommended for the program by government or court referral.
Parents or guardians whose child does not meet those criteria can put the child’s name on a waiting list, which will be used to fill any remaining slots. Documentation must be submitted prior to a child’s acceptance into the program.
Early Entrance Requests
Parents/guardians may seek early admission to prekindergarten, kindergarten or grade 1 for a child whose birth date falls between Sept. 2 and Oct. 15. The parents/guardians must submit an Early Entrance Request Form giving a reason for the request. The request form must be submitted to the Director of Elementary Education by July 31st of the year in which the parents/guardians would like the child to begin school. The child will be assessed and a determination will be made on eligibility for early admission as outlined in the Board of Education policy for the requested grade level.
The Board policy on early admission to kindergarten and prekindergarten is on the web site at www.wcboe.org; Look for Board of Education in Quick Links and click to go to Policies.
March 21, 2011
Documents
Results Of The Eastern Region DI Tournament
The winners of the 2011 Eastern Region Destination ImagiNation (DI) Tournament were announced at the end of the tournament Saturday, March 19. The winners (up to five teams per level) are listed below, with a (G) beside teams that are going on to the state DI Tournament at UMBC on April 2.
Learn more about DI at:
Pre-Tournament:
http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20110318/NEWS01/103180324/-1/7daysarchives/Teams-prep-DI-tourney
Tournament Day:
http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20110320/NEWS01/103200322/1001/news/Tournament-tests-students-imaginations
http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20110319/NEWS01/110319020/Destination-Baltimore-Shore-DI-winner s
Eastern Region DI Tournament Video:
http://www.delmarvanow.com/section/VideoNetwork?bctid=840138055001&odyssey=mod|video||umbrella
Eastern Region DI Tournament results are:
Challenge A: Unidentified Moving Object
Elementary Level:
1st Place: East Salisbury Tie DIES BB's (G)
Middle Level:
1st Place: Salisbury Middle School DI Flip Sides (G)
Secondary Level:
1st Place: St. Michaels HS Thunder Down Under (G)
Challenge B: Spinning A Tale
Elementary Level:
1st Place Westside Intermediate School Tied Up Twisters (G)
2nd Place: St. Francis de Sales Spinning Penguins (G)
3rd Place: Westside Intermediate School DI-ppy Hippies
Middle Level:
1st Place: Bennett Middle School Unequivocal (G)
2nd Place: Salisbury Middle School King D and the 5 Females (G)
Senior Level:
1st Place: JMB HS Juvenile DI-Linquents (G)
Challenge C: Triple Take Road Show
Elementary Level:
1st Place: St. Francis de Sales Poppin' Penguins (G)
2nd Place: North Salisbury School DI-Tergent (G)
Middle Level:
1st Place: Snow Hill Middle School deDIcated (G)
2nd Place: St. Michaels Roll the Dice (G)
3rd Place: Salisbury Middle School Smarticle Particles
4th Place: WiMiddle Giants
Secondary Level:
1st Place: JMB High School 1 Step 4ward & 6 Steps Back (G)
Challenge D: Mythology Mission
Elementary Level:
1st Place: North Salisbury DImaican Bacon (G)
2nd Place: Fruitland Int. School DayDreamerz (G)
3rd Place: North Salisbury Mythologists
4th Place: St. Michaels DI Dragons
5th Place: East Salisbury Raging Wildcats
Middle Level:
1st Place: Salisbury Middle DI-namic PEEPS (G)
2nd Place: St. Francis DInos (G)
3rd Place: St. Michaels DI-Hards
Secondary Level:
1st Place: St. Michaels HS Veggie Crew (G)
2nd Place tie: Mardela MHS Poptart Misfits (G)
2nd Place tie: St. Michaels HS Francy Pants & The Snazzees (G)
3rd Place: St. Michaels HS DIdn't Think of a Name Again (G)
4th Place: St. Michaels HS Cup O Joe & The Donuts (G)
Challenge E: Verses! Foiled Again!
Elementary Level:
1st Place: St. Michaels DI Dollars (G)
2nd Place: St. Michaels DI Joes (G)
3rd Place: Pemberton Elementary DI-scoverers
4th Place: Pinehurst Elementary Thinkers
5th Place: St. Francis DI Bob's Builders
Middle Level:
1st Place: St. Francis Foiled Farmers (G)
Secondary Level:
1st Place: Mardela MHS Les Trubadores (G)
Delaware Teams: ( presented solutions at our tournament, but do not compete against MD teams )
Challenge C: Triple Take Road Show
Elementary Level:
1st Place: Central Elementary Dream Team
2nd Place: Central Elementary Ice Breakers
Secondary Level:
1st Place: Delmar High School DI JOES
Challenge E: Verses Foiled Again!
Elementary Level:
1st Place: Central Elementary The Imagineers
Learn more about DI at:
Pre-Tournament:
http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20110318/NEWS01/103180324/-1/7daysarchives/Teams-prep-DI-tourney
Tournament Day:
http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20110320/NEWS01/103200322/1001/news/Tournament-tests-students-imaginations
http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20110319/NEWS01/110319020/Destination-Baltimore-Shore-DI-winner s
Eastern Region DI Tournament Video:
http://www.delmarvanow.com/section/VideoNetwork?bctid=840138055001&odyssey=mod|video||umbrella
Eastern Region DI Tournament results are:
Challenge A: Unidentified Moving Object
Elementary Level:
1st Place: East Salisbury Tie DIES BB's (G)
Middle Level:
1st Place: Salisbury Middle School DI Flip Sides (G)
Secondary Level:
1st Place: St. Michaels HS Thunder Down Under (G)
Challenge B: Spinning A Tale
Elementary Level:
1st Place Westside Intermediate School Tied Up Twisters (G)
2nd Place: St. Francis de Sales Spinning Penguins (G)
3rd Place: Westside Intermediate School DI-ppy Hippies
Middle Level:
1st Place: Bennett Middle School Unequivocal (G)
2nd Place: Salisbury Middle School King D and the 5 Females (G)
Senior Level:
1st Place: JMB HS Juvenile DI-Linquents (G)
Challenge C: Triple Take Road Show
Elementary Level:
1st Place: St. Francis de Sales Poppin' Penguins (G)
2nd Place: North Salisbury School DI-Tergent (G)
Middle Level:
1st Place: Snow Hill Middle School deDIcated (G)
2nd Place: St. Michaels Roll the Dice (G)
3rd Place: Salisbury Middle School Smarticle Particles
4th Place: WiMiddle Giants
Secondary Level:
1st Place: JMB High School 1 Step 4ward & 6 Steps Back (G)
Challenge D: Mythology Mission
Elementary Level:
1st Place: North Salisbury DImaican Bacon (G)
2nd Place: Fruitland Int. School DayDreamerz (G)
3rd Place: North Salisbury Mythologists
4th Place: St. Michaels DI Dragons
5th Place: East Salisbury Raging Wildcats
Middle Level:
1st Place: Salisbury Middle DI-namic PEEPS (G)
2nd Place: St. Francis DInos (G)
3rd Place: St. Michaels DI-Hards
Secondary Level:
1st Place: St. Michaels HS Veggie Crew (G)
2nd Place tie: Mardela MHS Poptart Misfits (G)
2nd Place tie: St. Michaels HS Francy Pants & The Snazzees (G)
3rd Place: St. Michaels HS DIdn't Think of a Name Again (G)
4th Place: St. Michaels HS Cup O Joe & The Donuts (G)
Challenge E: Verses! Foiled Again!
Elementary Level:
1st Place: St. Michaels DI Dollars (G)
2nd Place: St. Michaels DI Joes (G)
3rd Place: Pemberton Elementary DI-scoverers
4th Place: Pinehurst Elementary Thinkers
5th Place: St. Francis DI Bob's Builders
Middle Level:
1st Place: St. Francis Foiled Farmers (G)
Secondary Level:
1st Place: Mardela MHS Les Trubadores (G)
Delaware Teams: ( presented solutions at our tournament, but do not compete against MD teams )
Challenge C: Triple Take Road Show
Elementary Level:
1st Place: Central Elementary Dream Team
2nd Place: Central Elementary Ice Breakers
Secondary Level:
1st Place: Delmar High School DI JOES
Challenge E: Verses Foiled Again!
Elementary Level:
1st Place: Central Elementary The Imagineers
U.S. Military 'Considering All Options' In Libya
TRIPOLI, Libya—
The U.S. is days away from turning over control of the air assault on Libya to other countries, President Barack Obama said. Just how that will be accomplished remains in dispute: Obama spoke Tuesday with British Prime Minister David Cameron and French President Nicolas Sarkozy in hopes of quickly resolving the squabble over the transition.
"When this transition takes place, it is not going to be our planes that are maintaining the no-fly zone. It is not going to be our ships that are necessarily enforcing the arms embargo. That's precisely what the other nations are going to do," the president said at a news conference in El Salvador as he neared the end of a Latin American trip overshadowed by events in Libya.
More
Wicomico Board Of Education Recognizes Outstanding Students, Teachers, Schools At March 22 Awards Night
The Wicomico County Board of Education recognized outstanding students, teachers, school groups and schools on Tuesday, March 22, at an Awards & Recognitions Night at Delmar Elementary School.
Community Giving Activities
Wicomico High School and its Student Government Association, represented by Principal Don Brady, SGA Advisor Chareka Harris, and student leader Olivia Overton, for a successful “Shoe Boxes for Salisbury” effort that resulted in the donation of 87 gift boxes to HALO for the homeless. During the month of January students and staff, along with the community, brought in travel size toiletry items such as toothpaste, tooth brushes, soap, shampoo, conditioner, etc. to be donated to HALO (Hope and Life Outreach) mission in the form of gift-wrapped boxes. The boxes were shoe boxes donated by Vernon Powell Shoes.
North Salisbury Elementary School and the Rainbow Project team of Trupti Valsangikar, Jeffrey Dumpson, Alison Sahler, Lily Wampler and Kameron Hoppes, and their teacher, Mrs. Debbie Wilkins for leading the school’s effort to raise money for Wyzhir Johnson’s I-Limb bionic hand. February was “Hearts and Hands” Month at North Salisbury Elementary School, a time when students in Mrs. Wilkins’ classes engaged in a variety of community service projects. Students heard about Wyzhir, a 15-year-old Mardela High School student who lost his hand on Christmas Eve in an accident with a saw. A team of students quickly organized the Rainbow Project, which collected more than $600 for Wyzhir.
Wicomico Middle School and its Students for Service Club, represented by student Douglas Buck, club advisor Kari Hoffman, and Principal Lil Giddens, for initiating a school-wide service-learning initiative. The initiative, Project CARE, involved sending care packages to the brother of club member Douglas, who is serving in Afghanistan, and his troop. Students, staff and families came together to send 5 care packages, with another 13 packages for Valentine’s Day. Girl Scout Troop 980 also joined in to help out, and Peninsula Dental Center made a generous donation to cover shipping and handling. On March 4, the school had a surprise visit from Douglas' brother, Andrew Eisemann, who was home from Afghanistan for a brief visit and came in person to let everyone know how much it meant to him and the “guys” to get care packages from people they haven’t even met before.
The Arc of Maryland Poster Contest
The Arc of Maryland, Inc., in partnership with the Maryland State Department of Education, the Maryland Department of Disabilities, Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education and Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council, held a poster contest as part of its “Together We’re Better” Inclusive Schools Awareness Campaign. The theme for the contest was “Together We’re Better.” At Fruitland Primary School, the contest raised awareness of the value and importance of inclusion and promoted awareness of disabilities, enhancing school-wide awareness of inclusive practices while engaging students in activities that create a sense of caring and community. Participants, with the guidance of Special Education teacher Tammy DeBerardinis and Special Education Assistant Harry Green, were:
Kaitlin Cashman
Isabell Alley
Raegan Porter
Paige Robinson
Alexandra Etling
Lucas Ingley
Porter Scoglio
Keeley Block
Sophia Fenoglietto
Lindsey Gregory
Operation S.P.E.A.K
The 2011 Operation S.P.E.A.K. (Stimulate, Prepare & Encourage Articulate Kids) oratorical competition was held at Prince Street Elementary Jan. 28 for fifth-grade students from three Title I schools – Prince Street, Pinehurst Elementary and Glen Avenue Elementary. Each student had 2-4 minutes to present a prepared speech on either “Kids Spell Love T-I-M-E” or “Your Children Need Your Presence More Than Your Presents.” Winning students were:
1st place, Marvin McCaskill, Glen Avenue Elementary
2nd place, Faith King, Prince Street Elementary
3rd place, TeArah Royall, Prince Street Elementary
Scholastic Scope Claudette Colvin Contest
Jon McGee, Bennett Middle School, for being one of 10 winners nationwide in Scholastic's Scope Magazine's Claudette Colvin Contest. Students across the country were invited to enter the contest by reading a play, “The Girl Who Got Arrested,” and writing and submitting a paragraph on how the setting affected the characters and plot of the play. The play was about the true story of a 15-year-old girl who was arrested for not giving up her seat on a bus nine months before Rosa Park's well-known arrest. Jon received a free copy of the book, Claudette Colvin: Twice Towards Justice," and recognition on the magazine's website
FIRST LEGO League
All five Wicomico County middle schools had a team that competed in December 2010 at the Eastern Shore Regional FIRST LEGO League Tournament. As a result of their hard work and competitive spirit, Salisbury Middle School and Pittsville Elementary and Middle School teams qualified and got invitations to compete in the state tournament.
Salisbury Middle School:
Matthew Truitt
Jason Cole Hentschel
Fabien Donat
Alex Tyler
Nicholas Selser
Bradley Sherman
Connor Romblad
Coaches: Ken Johnson & Jeremiah Mowen
Pittsville Elementary and Middle School:
Kiersten Bateman
Austin Parsons
Corey Garland
Mary Hilton
Patricia Manning
Mackenzie Richardson
Michael Harr
Cody Morris
Coaches: Greg Singer & Jack DeMorra
Shorebirds Bookmark
Yumin Jeong of Bennett Middle School, for designing the winning bookmark illustration for the annual Shorebirds “Hit the Books” Reading Program. Every spring, the Delmarva Shorebirds, in partnership with Sylvan Learning Center and Schwartz Orthodontics, encourage students to read with the “Hit the Books” reading program. Students receive two free Shorebirds tickets in return for reading four books, and they record those books on a bookmark illustrated with a student’s winning design. “Hit the Books” has become one of the biggest reading programs on the Shore with more than 100 schools involved and thousands of students filling the stands at Perdue Stadium on “Hit the Books” game nights.
Disney’s Dreamers Academy
TeAna Brown, a junior from Wicomico High School, for being selected to attend Disney’s Dreamers Academy, in Orlando, Fla. She entered the essay competition and won the honor of representing Wicomico County and Salisbury. At the three-day event, there were 110 high school students who had been chosen from the 4,000 hopefuls who entered the contest from across the country. The students participated in career-inspiration programs which included motivational seminars, networking events, hands-on creative experiences, celebrity appearances, and lots of fun at Walt Disney World Resort. They heard inspirational stories from celebrities, and were introduced to "The Four Cs," which stand for curiosity, confidence, courage, and constancy, as they shared and celebrated their dreams.
Maryland General Assembly Pages
Each year, 120 student pages and 36 alternates are selected by the local school systems to participate in the Maryland General Assembly Page Program. Selected pages work for two non-consecutive weeks at the State House in Annapolis and are assigned to either the House of Delegates or the Senate and perform duties such as run errands, distribute materials on the floor, obtain additional legislative materials as necessary, etc. A Student Page Selection Panel of teachers, parents, and students from each of the county’s high schools interviewed applicants and selected two pages and one alternate from Wicomico County Public Schools.
2011 Pages:
Katherine Rodriguez, James M. Bennett High School, serving in the House of Delegates
Kaushal Desai, Parkside High School, serving in the Senate.
Alternate: Taylore Thompson, Mardela High School
Math League
The Wicomico County Math League tests the math and problem-solving skills of students in grades 9 through 12 in Junior Varsity and Varsity competition, with each school having two teams. Top competitors and schools are recognized each spring.
Top Scorers for each school, Junior Varsity:
David Hearne, James M. Bennett High School
Abigail Guillemart, Mardela High School
Abby Keen, Parkside High School
Desiree Morris, Wicomico High School
Top Scorers in the County, Junior Varsity:
First Place: David Hearne, James M. Bennett High School
Second Place: Tristen Phillips, James M. Bennett High School
Third Place: Abby Keen, Parkside High School
Top Scorers for each school, Varsity:
Stephen Sechler, James M. Bennett High School
Jessica Arford, Mardela High School
Luke Corcos and Caitlin McCain, Parkside High School
Gwyneth Hazel, Wicomico High School
Top Scorers in the County, Varsity:
First Place: Stephen Sechler, James M. Bennett High School
Second Place: Chong Zhou, James M. Bennett High School
Third Place: Shreyash Milak, James M. Bennett High School
School trophies for 2010-11 Math League were awarded to the James M. Bennett High JV team coached by Mr. Keith Donoway and the James M. Bennett High Varsity team coached by Ms. Kaye Reichenberg, for scoring the highest number of points in this year’s Math League meets.
Maryland Service Stars
Each year, the Maryland State Department of Education recognizes students for outstanding service to the community with the Maryland Service Star Award. Wicomico’s 2011 Service Stars are:
Rebecca Pierson, James M. Bennett High School. Rebecca has volunteered with several organizations. In the Appalachian Service Project, Rebecca traveled to an impoverished community to help provide quality housing to less fortunate families. Rebecca says, “Through my various service activities I have grown passion for helping others. The Appalachia Service Project has taught me a lot about myself and has helped me grow in my faith. I plan to continue to do service projects throughout my life and to always make an effort to help other people.”
Elana Walker, Wicomico High School. Elana has amassed more than 800 hours of service in her work with local groups such as homeless shelters, as well as internationally on a service trip to Australia. Elana says, “I believe little acts of sacrificial love can change the lives of many. Whether it be building a hut for a family in an Aboriginal village in Australia or giving a hot meal to a homeless person, seeing that person's face light up and smile gives me a feeling of accomplishment and knowing that I have impacted that person's life is the best feeling one can have."
State Wrestling Champion
Zach Eure of Parkside High School for being named the 2011 1A-2A MPSSAA 215-pound Individual State Champion in wrestling. This was Zach’s second state championship. As a senior, he amassed a 36-0 wrestling record, reached the 144-win mark, and broke his school’s all-time wrestling win record of 115 career wins. He also earned 102 career pins in his career and earned the Bayside Conference Outstanding Senior Award
NASA Leadership Academy
JoAnne Hoeffner, a science teacher, science chair and lead technology teacher at Mardela Middle and High School, for being selected for the 2011 NASA Leadership Academy. The academy will be held at the Johnson Space Center in Houston this summer. NASA will partner with experts from the School of Earth and Space Exploration at Arizona State University to provide tours, presentations, and all kinds of advanced space instruction at the Johnson Space Center.
Maryland School Performance Recognition Program
This month, the Maryland State Department of Education announced schools that earned recognition based on the results of the 2010 Maryland School Performance Program. Schools were recognized for achievement on overall performance and subgroup improvement on the Maryland School Assessment (MSA) or the High School Assessment (HSA). Title I schools will receive a $2,000 award with the honor. The three Wicomico schools honored were:
For subgroup improvement: Pemberton Elementary
For overall achievement: Westside Primary
For overall achievement and subgroup improvement: Willards Elementary
FY2010-11 Second Quarter Recycling Contest Winner
Salisbury Middle School, for recycling 6.89 pounds of paper per student in the FY2010-11 Second Quarter and winning the $1,000 recycling prize from Walmart. During the second quarter contest, which ran from December-February, Wicomico Schools recycled 45,190 pounds of paper.
Community Giving Activities
Wicomico High School and its Student Government Association, represented by Principal Don Brady, SGA Advisor Chareka Harris, and student leader Olivia Overton, for a successful “Shoe Boxes for Salisbury” effort that resulted in the donation of 87 gift boxes to HALO for the homeless. During the month of January students and staff, along with the community, brought in travel size toiletry items such as toothpaste, tooth brushes, soap, shampoo, conditioner, etc. to be donated to HALO (Hope and Life Outreach) mission in the form of gift-wrapped boxes. The boxes were shoe boxes donated by Vernon Powell Shoes.
North Salisbury Elementary School and the Rainbow Project team of Trupti Valsangikar, Jeffrey Dumpson, Alison Sahler, Lily Wampler and Kameron Hoppes, and their teacher, Mrs. Debbie Wilkins for leading the school’s effort to raise money for Wyzhir Johnson’s I-Limb bionic hand. February was “Hearts and Hands” Month at North Salisbury Elementary School, a time when students in Mrs. Wilkins’ classes engaged in a variety of community service projects. Students heard about Wyzhir, a 15-year-old Mardela High School student who lost his hand on Christmas Eve in an accident with a saw. A team of students quickly organized the Rainbow Project, which collected more than $600 for Wyzhir.
Wicomico Middle School and its Students for Service Club, represented by student Douglas Buck, club advisor Kari Hoffman, and Principal Lil Giddens, for initiating a school-wide service-learning initiative. The initiative, Project CARE, involved sending care packages to the brother of club member Douglas, who is serving in Afghanistan, and his troop. Students, staff and families came together to send 5 care packages, with another 13 packages for Valentine’s Day. Girl Scout Troop 980 also joined in to help out, and Peninsula Dental Center made a generous donation to cover shipping and handling. On March 4, the school had a surprise visit from Douglas' brother, Andrew Eisemann, who was home from Afghanistan for a brief visit and came in person to let everyone know how much it meant to him and the “guys” to get care packages from people they haven’t even met before.
The Arc of Maryland Poster Contest
The Arc of Maryland, Inc., in partnership with the Maryland State Department of Education, the Maryland Department of Disabilities, Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education and Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council, held a poster contest as part of its “Together We’re Better” Inclusive Schools Awareness Campaign. The theme for the contest was “Together We’re Better.” At Fruitland Primary School, the contest raised awareness of the value and importance of inclusion and promoted awareness of disabilities, enhancing school-wide awareness of inclusive practices while engaging students in activities that create a sense of caring and community. Participants, with the guidance of Special Education teacher Tammy DeBerardinis and Special Education Assistant Harry Green, were:
Kaitlin Cashman
Isabell Alley
Raegan Porter
Paige Robinson
Alexandra Etling
Lucas Ingley
Porter Scoglio
Keeley Block
Sophia Fenoglietto
Lindsey Gregory
Operation S.P.E.A.K
The 2011 Operation S.P.E.A.K. (Stimulate, Prepare & Encourage Articulate Kids) oratorical competition was held at Prince Street Elementary Jan. 28 for fifth-grade students from three Title I schools – Prince Street, Pinehurst Elementary and Glen Avenue Elementary. Each student had 2-4 minutes to present a prepared speech on either “Kids Spell Love T-I-M-E” or “Your Children Need Your Presence More Than Your Presents.” Winning students were:
1st place, Marvin McCaskill, Glen Avenue Elementary
2nd place, Faith King, Prince Street Elementary
3rd place, TeArah Royall, Prince Street Elementary
Scholastic Scope Claudette Colvin Contest
Jon McGee, Bennett Middle School, for being one of 10 winners nationwide in Scholastic's Scope Magazine's Claudette Colvin Contest. Students across the country were invited to enter the contest by reading a play, “The Girl Who Got Arrested,” and writing and submitting a paragraph on how the setting affected the characters and plot of the play. The play was about the true story of a 15-year-old girl who was arrested for not giving up her seat on a bus nine months before Rosa Park's well-known arrest. Jon received a free copy of the book, Claudette Colvin: Twice Towards Justice," and recognition on the magazine's website
FIRST LEGO League
All five Wicomico County middle schools had a team that competed in December 2010 at the Eastern Shore Regional FIRST LEGO League Tournament. As a result of their hard work and competitive spirit, Salisbury Middle School and Pittsville Elementary and Middle School teams qualified and got invitations to compete in the state tournament.
Salisbury Middle School:
Matthew Truitt
Jason Cole Hentschel
Fabien Donat
Alex Tyler
Nicholas Selser
Bradley Sherman
Connor Romblad
Coaches: Ken Johnson & Jeremiah Mowen
Pittsville Elementary and Middle School:
Kiersten Bateman
Austin Parsons
Corey Garland
Mary Hilton
Patricia Manning
Mackenzie Richardson
Michael Harr
Cody Morris
Coaches: Greg Singer & Jack DeMorra
Shorebirds Bookmark
Yumin Jeong of Bennett Middle School, for designing the winning bookmark illustration for the annual Shorebirds “Hit the Books” Reading Program. Every spring, the Delmarva Shorebirds, in partnership with Sylvan Learning Center and Schwartz Orthodontics, encourage students to read with the “Hit the Books” reading program. Students receive two free Shorebirds tickets in return for reading four books, and they record those books on a bookmark illustrated with a student’s winning design. “Hit the Books” has become one of the biggest reading programs on the Shore with more than 100 schools involved and thousands of students filling the stands at Perdue Stadium on “Hit the Books” game nights.
Disney’s Dreamers Academy
TeAna Brown, a junior from Wicomico High School, for being selected to attend Disney’s Dreamers Academy, in Orlando, Fla. She entered the essay competition and won the honor of representing Wicomico County and Salisbury. At the three-day event, there were 110 high school students who had been chosen from the 4,000 hopefuls who entered the contest from across the country. The students participated in career-inspiration programs which included motivational seminars, networking events, hands-on creative experiences, celebrity appearances, and lots of fun at Walt Disney World Resort. They heard inspirational stories from celebrities, and were introduced to "The Four Cs," which stand for curiosity, confidence, courage, and constancy, as they shared and celebrated their dreams.
Maryland General Assembly Pages
Each year, 120 student pages and 36 alternates are selected by the local school systems to participate in the Maryland General Assembly Page Program. Selected pages work for two non-consecutive weeks at the State House in Annapolis and are assigned to either the House of Delegates or the Senate and perform duties such as run errands, distribute materials on the floor, obtain additional legislative materials as necessary, etc. A Student Page Selection Panel of teachers, parents, and students from each of the county’s high schools interviewed applicants and selected two pages and one alternate from Wicomico County Public Schools.
2011 Pages:
Katherine Rodriguez, James M. Bennett High School, serving in the House of Delegates
Kaushal Desai, Parkside High School, serving in the Senate.
Alternate: Taylore Thompson, Mardela High School
Math League
The Wicomico County Math League tests the math and problem-solving skills of students in grades 9 through 12 in Junior Varsity and Varsity competition, with each school having two teams. Top competitors and schools are recognized each spring.
Top Scorers for each school, Junior Varsity:
David Hearne, James M. Bennett High School
Abigail Guillemart, Mardela High School
Abby Keen, Parkside High School
Desiree Morris, Wicomico High School
Top Scorers in the County, Junior Varsity:
First Place: David Hearne, James M. Bennett High School
Second Place: Tristen Phillips, James M. Bennett High School
Third Place: Abby Keen, Parkside High School
Top Scorers for each school, Varsity:
Stephen Sechler, James M. Bennett High School
Jessica Arford, Mardela High School
Luke Corcos and Caitlin McCain, Parkside High School
Gwyneth Hazel, Wicomico High School
Top Scorers in the County, Varsity:
First Place: Stephen Sechler, James M. Bennett High School
Second Place: Chong Zhou, James M. Bennett High School
Third Place: Shreyash Milak, James M. Bennett High School
School trophies for 2010-11 Math League were awarded to the James M. Bennett High JV team coached by Mr. Keith Donoway and the James M. Bennett High Varsity team coached by Ms. Kaye Reichenberg, for scoring the highest number of points in this year’s Math League meets.
Maryland Service Stars
Each year, the Maryland State Department of Education recognizes students for outstanding service to the community with the Maryland Service Star Award. Wicomico’s 2011 Service Stars are:
Rebecca Pierson, James M. Bennett High School. Rebecca has volunteered with several organizations. In the Appalachian Service Project, Rebecca traveled to an impoverished community to help provide quality housing to less fortunate families. Rebecca says, “Through my various service activities I have grown passion for helping others. The Appalachia Service Project has taught me a lot about myself and has helped me grow in my faith. I plan to continue to do service projects throughout my life and to always make an effort to help other people.”
Elana Walker, Wicomico High School. Elana has amassed more than 800 hours of service in her work with local groups such as homeless shelters, as well as internationally on a service trip to Australia. Elana says, “I believe little acts of sacrificial love can change the lives of many. Whether it be building a hut for a family in an Aboriginal village in Australia or giving a hot meal to a homeless person, seeing that person's face light up and smile gives me a feeling of accomplishment and knowing that I have impacted that person's life is the best feeling one can have."
State Wrestling Champion
Zach Eure of Parkside High School for being named the 2011 1A-2A MPSSAA 215-pound Individual State Champion in wrestling. This was Zach’s second state championship. As a senior, he amassed a 36-0 wrestling record, reached the 144-win mark, and broke his school’s all-time wrestling win record of 115 career wins. He also earned 102 career pins in his career and earned the Bayside Conference Outstanding Senior Award
NASA Leadership Academy
JoAnne Hoeffner, a science teacher, science chair and lead technology teacher at Mardela Middle and High School, for being selected for the 2011 NASA Leadership Academy. The academy will be held at the Johnson Space Center in Houston this summer. NASA will partner with experts from the School of Earth and Space Exploration at Arizona State University to provide tours, presentations, and all kinds of advanced space instruction at the Johnson Space Center.
Maryland School Performance Recognition Program
This month, the Maryland State Department of Education announced schools that earned recognition based on the results of the 2010 Maryland School Performance Program. Schools were recognized for achievement on overall performance and subgroup improvement on the Maryland School Assessment (MSA) or the High School Assessment (HSA). Title I schools will receive a $2,000 award with the honor. The three Wicomico schools honored were:
For subgroup improvement: Pemberton Elementary
For overall achievement: Westside Primary
For overall achievement and subgroup improvement: Willards Elementary
FY2010-11 Second Quarter Recycling Contest Winner
Salisbury Middle School, for recycling 6.89 pounds of paper per student in the FY2010-11 Second Quarter and winning the $1,000 recycling prize from Walmart. During the second quarter contest, which ran from December-February, Wicomico Schools recycled 45,190 pounds of paper.