Taken moments ago at Sam's Club.
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Press Release Gully Shooting
On May 7, 2011 at approximately 2:00 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to Gully’s on Roland Street for the report of a fight. Upon arrival the officers found two (2) victims of gunshot wounds. The gunshot wounds were determined to be non-life threatening. The victims were treated for their injuries at Peninsula Regional Medical Center.
Victim # 1 is an adult male from Salisbury and victim # 2 is an adult female from Laurel, Delaware. Following the shooting, Salisbury detectives responded and interviewed both victims and a number of witnesses. As a result of this investigation, detectives were able to positively identify the suspect responsible and obtain a warrant for his arrest. The suspect has been identified as:
Darian Harold Makle, 25 years of age
Black Male
5’11” tall & 170 pounds.
LKA: 512 Swan Road, Salisbury, MD
POE: Gully’s, 733 Roland St, Salisbury, MD
This information was then turned over to the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force / Maryland State Apprehension Team for their assistance in locating Makle.
On May 9, 2011 at approximately 7:43pm, Fugitive Task Force investigators converged on Mackle in the 400 block of E Main St, Salisbury, MD as he met with a member of his family. Makle was taken into custody without incident and turned over to detectives for further questioning.
Makle was served with the arrest warant charging him with Attempted 2nd degree Murder (2 counts), 1st degree Assault (2 counts), 2nd degree Assault (2 counts), Reckless Endangerment (2 counts), Handgun Use in Violent Crime, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and Handgun on Person. Makle was released to Central Booking.
According to Salisbury Police Chief Barbara Duncan: “The Fugitive Task Force members and the Salisbury Police Detective Division worked tirelessly and together on this case and successfully removed a violent felon from our streets. Business ownership in this city means more than being willing to comply with the law, it means taking responsible and proactive measures to correct the criminal actions occurring in conjunction with the operation of the business. The Police Department’s goal here is to keep patrons and community members safe and to do our part to put a positive face on the City of Salisbury”.
Mayor James Ireton stated “Multiple acts of violence, in the areas of fights and assaults, have permeated this property for many years. Chief Duncan has had several meetings with local bar owners about the atmosphere of our city at closing time – and almost everyone has been cooperative. Unfortunately, Gully’s has not. The collective safety of our citizens must be the top priority, whether at 2:00 PM of 2:00 AM. The amount of resources that this establishment drains is unacceptable and the situation will change. I applaud the work of SPD and the Fugitive Task Force for identifying and apprehending this suspect this quickly. The community needs to know that the continued violence at Gully’s will not be tolerated”.
Victim # 1 is an adult male from Salisbury and victim # 2 is an adult female from Laurel, Delaware. Following the shooting, Salisbury detectives responded and interviewed both victims and a number of witnesses. As a result of this investigation, detectives were able to positively identify the suspect responsible and obtain a warrant for his arrest. The suspect has been identified as:
Darian Harold Makle, 25 years of age
Black Male
5’11” tall & 170 pounds.
LKA: 512 Swan Road, Salisbury, MD
POE: Gully’s, 733 Roland St, Salisbury, MD
This information was then turned over to the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force / Maryland State Apprehension Team for their assistance in locating Makle.
On May 9, 2011 at approximately 7:43pm, Fugitive Task Force investigators converged on Mackle in the 400 block of E Main St, Salisbury, MD as he met with a member of his family. Makle was taken into custody without incident and turned over to detectives for further questioning.
Makle was served with the arrest warant charging him with Attempted 2nd degree Murder (2 counts), 1st degree Assault (2 counts), 2nd degree Assault (2 counts), Reckless Endangerment (2 counts), Handgun Use in Violent Crime, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and Handgun on Person. Makle was released to Central Booking.
According to Salisbury Police Chief Barbara Duncan: “The Fugitive Task Force members and the Salisbury Police Detective Division worked tirelessly and together on this case and successfully removed a violent felon from our streets. Business ownership in this city means more than being willing to comply with the law, it means taking responsible and proactive measures to correct the criminal actions occurring in conjunction with the operation of the business. The Police Department’s goal here is to keep patrons and community members safe and to do our part to put a positive face on the City of Salisbury”.
Mayor James Ireton stated “Multiple acts of violence, in the areas of fights and assaults, have permeated this property for many years. Chief Duncan has had several meetings with local bar owners about the atmosphere of our city at closing time – and almost everyone has been cooperative. Unfortunately, Gully’s has not. The collective safety of our citizens must be the top priority, whether at 2:00 PM of 2:00 AM. The amount of resources that this establishment drains is unacceptable and the situation will change. I applaud the work of SPD and the Fugitive Task Force for identifying and apprehending this suspect this quickly. The community needs to know that the continued violence at Gully’s will not be tolerated”.
GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY JOINS NATION’S DRUG CZAR, HEALTH AND LAW ENFORCEMENT STAKEHOLDERS TO DISCUSS PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE MONITORING AND PREVENTION
BALTIMORE, MD (May 10, 2011) – Governor Martin O’Malley today convened a roundtable discussion on Maryland’s new Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, signed into law by the Governor this morning. He was joined at the event by Gil Kerlikowske, Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy and Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Dozens of representatives of the medical, pharmaceutical and law enforcement communities also took part.
The Governor convened the discussion at the laboratory of the National Institute on Drug Abuse on the Johns Hopkins Bayview Campus. The laboratory, known as the Intramural Research Laboratory, is a major federal center for research on the causes and prevention of drug abuse.
“Public safety is among our most solemn obligations as public servants, and preventing the abuse of prescription drugs – the fastest growing drug problem in Maryland – is a big part of our strategy to protect Maryland families,” said Governor O’Malley. “Thousands of Marylanders every year are suffering from the scourge of addiction. Our new program will link public health and public safety systems to knock down the silos that currently block information-sharing and provide the knowledge that is essential to the health and well-being of the people of our state.”
The new system will focus on potentially addictive prescription drugs, and electronically link the medical and pharmaceutical communities. It will enable professionals to track use of prescription drugs and recognize trends indicating abuse. This will make it clear if a patient is engaging in “doctor shopping” and shed light on “pill mills,” through which drugs are accumulated and sold illegally. When probable cause arises pointing to illegal use of certain prescription drugs, law enforcement will be able, with a subpoena, to draw on information from the system and follow up with appropriate criminal investigations.
“I congratulate Governor O’Malley and the State of Maryland for becoming the 47th state to sign a prescription drug monitoring program into law,” said Gil Kerlikowske, Director of National Drug Control Policy. “As public health officials in Maryland know all too well, the abuse of prescription drugs impose a tremendous burden on the residents of Maryland. This vital piece of legislation is a tremendous step forward in combating our national prescription drug abuse epidemic and will save lives by identifying, deterring, and preventing drug abuse and diversion, while at the same time allowing access to legitimate use of prescription drugs.”
The Maryland program will be administered by the State’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, DHMH Secretary joined the Governor and Mr. Kerlikowske at the discussion.
"Together we will reverse the rise of prescription drug abuse in Maryland,” said Joshua M. Sharfstein M.D., Maryland’s Secretary of Health and Mental Hygiene. “Health care providers can use this tool to spot patients in trouble and begin the treatment process.”
Prescription drug abuse is the fastest growing drug problem in Maryland. Illegal diversion of prescription drugs takes a heavy toll on the public health and safety in the state.
· Between 2007 and 2010, treatment admissions related to abuse of prescription opiates in Maryland increased 106 percent.
· Between 2007 and 2010, poison control calls related to oxycodone increased 250 percent.
· In 2010, 55 percent of all intoxication deaths in Maryland involved a prescription opiate.
The new law creating the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program calls for the creation of a multi-disciplinary Advisory Board on Prescription Drug Monitoring to make recommendations on the design and implementation of the program, including regulations, legislation, and sources of funding. The Board will report annually on the impact of the program and include state health officials, physicians, pharmacists, law enforcement, and patients.
Stakeholders from Maryland’s health community as well as law enforcement joined the Governor at the roundtable today, to discuss their role in the monitoring program and offer insights into the abuse of prescription drugs and its prevention.
GOVERNOR O’MALLEY, SENATE PRESIDENT MILLER, SPEAKER BUSCH SIGN LEGISLATION MAKING MARYLAND SAFER
Governor O’Malley fulfills commitment to Maryland ratepayers by signing reliability standards into law
Governor, Senate President, House Speaker add signatures to in-state tuition legislation
ANNAPOLIS, MD (May 10, 2011) – Governor Martin O’Malley today joined Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr, House Speaker Michael E. Busch, and Lieutenant Governor Anthony G. Brown to sign important legislation aimed at making Maryland neighborhoods safer. Today, the Governor signed into law legislation creating a Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, electronically linking the medical and pharmaceutical communities and providing a tool for Maryland law enforcement in cracking down on Maryland’s fastest growing drug problem. The Governor also signed into law legislation closing a loophole in Maryland’s gun laws and increasing the penalties for felons in possession of a firearm.
“Even in tough times, we’ve protected our investments in public safety, maintaining our commitment to protecting Maryland neighborhoods and families,” said Governor O’Malley. “Thanks to these efforts, together, we've driven violent crime, property crime and total crime to the lowest rates ever recorded and today, we take another step in protecting Maryland families and keeping guns out of the hands of violent criminals.”
The Governor will join President Obama’s Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, Gil Kerlikowske, later today for a roundtable discussion on the establishment of Maryland’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. The new system will focus on potentially addictive prescription drugs, and electronically link the medical and pharmaceutical communities. It will enable professionals to track use of prescription drugs and recognize trends indicating abuse. This will make it clear if a patient is engaging in “doctor shopping” and shed light on “pill mills,” through which drugs are accumulated and sold illegally. When probable cause arises pointing to illegal use of certain prescription drugs, law enforcement will be able, with a subpoena, to draw on information from the system and follow up with appropriate criminal investigations.
“Prescription drug abuse is a scourge of communities across the state. By creating a monitoring program, we are taking a decisive step towards stemming the tide of prescription drug abuse in Maryland,” said Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr. “I want to commend Governor O’Malley, Lt. Governor Brown and Secretary Sharfstein for their work on this issue. Their leadership was critical to passing this law.”
Governor O’Malley also signed into law SB 167, Public Institutions of Higher Education – Tuition Rates – Exemptions, providing in-state tuition to Maryland high school graduates regardless of the immigration status of their parents. Today, Maryland joins 11 other states, including California, Texas, New York, and Utah, in extending affordable college to Maryland high school graduates, regardless of the immigration status of the students’ parents, provided they have paid taxes in Maryland and are on a path to citizenship.
“The signing of the DREAM Act shows that in Maryland we believe in the equality of opportunity for all who wish to give back to our great State,” said Lt. Governor Anthony Brown. “Maryland’s economy and future leadership have much to gain by removing financial barriers to help children who have attended and graduated from Maryland high schools access an affordable college education so they can better contribute to their communities.”
In addition, Governor O’Malley fulfilled a commitment today he made earlier this year in response to the unacceptable power outages lasting as long as five days in parts of Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties earlier this year. The legislation signed today establishes certain standards of reliability for Maryland utilities, and imposes fines for the failure to provide reliable service to Maryland customers. In January, Governor O’Malley asked the Public Service Commission to conduct an investigation into the failure of Pepco to adequately respond to widespread outages in its service area.
“Consumer protection has consistently been a priority for the Governor and Maryland General Assembly,” said Speaker Michael E. Busch. “We continue this tradition today by signing legislation to protect Maryland electricity ratepayers from inconsistent service; protect Maryland children from the harmful effects of the bisphenol-A chemical; and help protect Maryland consumers from prescription drug abuse.”
Governor O’Malley’s commitment to public safety included the introduction of a bill this year to close a loophole in Maryland’s gun laws. Legislation signed today expands the current prohibition against the use of a handgun in the commission of a violent crime or felony to apply to any firearm, including long guns. The bill also expands the category of firearms certain felons are prohibiting from possessing to include rifles and shotguns and increases the maximum penalty for certain felons in possession of a firearm from 5 to 15 years.
Through the innovative use of public safety technology, unprecedented information sharing across borders, and strategic reforming of long-troubled public safety state agencies, law enforcement personnel throughout Maryland have driven crime to historic lows:
- Violent crime at its lowest rate ever reported.
- Homicides at their lowest rate ever reported.
- Robberies at their lowest rate ever reported.
- Aggravated Assaults at their lowest rate since 1976.
- Motor vehicle thefts at their lowest rate ever reported.
- Property crime at its lowest rate ever reported.
- Total crime at its lowest rate ever reported.
Governor O’Malley’s FY2012 budget maintains our shared commitment to protecting our law enforcement, including those who work in Maryland's correctional facilities, while investing in advances in law enforcement technology to further support effective communication and information-sharing. In a continued effort to make Maryland the national leader in homeland security preparedness, the Governor’s budget supports our state's abilities to respond to natural disasters, terrorist activities, pandemics, and other large-scale emergencies.
JetMan Quietly Makes Historic Flight Over Grand Canyon
With a pair of rockets strapped to his back, Swiss adventurer "JetMan" Yves Rossy soared over the Grand Canyon over the weekend, marking the flying man's first U.S. flight.
Steering only with movements of his body, JetMan launched from a helicopter at 8,000 feet over the canyon and skimmed the walls of one of the America's grandest natural formations on a sunny weekend morning, before deploying his parachute and descending to the Canyon floor.
Just don't ask when it happened.
While a spokeswoman for the adventurer said that the flight was a success, and issued a picture of Rossy over the Grand Canyon, she could not specify what time Rossy flew, or even whether the flight was on Saturday or Sunday.
More
Steering only with movements of his body, JetMan launched from a helicopter at 8,000 feet over the canyon and skimmed the walls of one of the America's grandest natural formations on a sunny weekend morning, before deploying his parachute and descending to the Canyon floor.
Just don't ask when it happened.
While a spokeswoman for the adventurer said that the flight was a success, and issued a picture of Rossy over the Grand Canyon, she could not specify what time Rossy flew, or even whether the flight was on Saturday or Sunday.
More
Dog Found Near Pemberton
Pohanka Of Salisbury Press Release
Stop the Violence in Wicomico County inc. will be announcing the winner of their Call to Designers logo contest, where submissions were accepted from area middle, High school and college students. The unveiling of the new logo and the giving away of the grand prize of an Apple I-pad 2 will be on Wednesday, May 11, 2011 at 4:30pm at Pohanka Toyota in Salisbury, Maryland.
Stop the Violence in Wicomico County, Inc. believes in creating a safe and enjoyable environment for area youth by working together with caring individuals and providing programs designed to enrich lives and build healthy and responsible young adults.
SENIORS TEXTING CODE...
ATD - At The Doctors...
BFF - Best Friend Fell...
BTW - Bring the Wheelchair...
BYOT - Bring Your Own Teeth...
FWIW - Forgot Where I Was...
GGPBL - Gotta Go Pacemaker Battery Low...
IMHO - Is My Hearing-Aid On...
LMDO - Laughing My Dentures Out...
OMMR - On My Massage Recliner.....
OMSG - Oh My! Sorry, Gas...
ROFLACGU - Rolling On Floor Laughing And Can't Get Up
BFF - Best Friend Fell...
BTW - Bring the Wheelchair...
BYOT - Bring Your Own Teeth...
FWIW - Forgot Where I Was...
GGPBL - Gotta Go Pacemaker Battery Low...
IMHO - Is My Hearing-Aid On...
LMDO - Laughing My Dentures Out...
OMMR - On My Massage Recliner.....
OMSG - Oh My! Sorry, Gas...
ROFLACGU - Rolling On Floor Laughing And Can't Get Up
Yankee Food Workers File Lawsuit Over Tips
NEW YORK - Waiters who serve the higher-priced seats at Yankee Stadium claim in a lawsuit that their tips are being withheld.
The suit names Volume Services America, which ran food services in the old stadium, and Legends Hospitality, which runs them in the new stadium. It was filed in Manhattan federal court on Monday. It seeks unpaid wages and other damages.
Menus in the seats' cup holders say "a 20 percent service charge will be added to the listed prices. Additional gratuity is at your discretion."
More
The suit names Volume Services America, which ran food services in the old stadium, and Legends Hospitality, which runs them in the new stadium. It was filed in Manhattan federal court on Monday. It seeks unpaid wages and other damages.
Menus in the seats' cup holders say "a 20 percent service charge will be added to the listed prices. Additional gratuity is at your discretion."
More
Obama Says Our Economy Is Getting Strong
How can that be if our dollars continues on its weakening trend? Yes folks, keep your eyes on the prize and dont let this administration blind you with its campaign lies and political ploys. The proof is in the pudding. "Unexpected" increases in unemployment numbers are pushed aside as this administration tries to convince the American people that things are getting better under Obama's watch. The proof, however, is in the pudding. Look at how the U.S. dollar continues on it's downward plunge for the past 12 months.
The National Park Service Expecting Record Numbers This Year
The National Park Service is gearing up for what it expects to be its biggest numbers ever. Time Magazine reports that rising airfares mean more domestic vacations, and the National Park Service is preparing for millions of visitors at its parks across the nation. More than 281 million people visited the parks last year, which is a good thing for the Park Service. But it also means longer lines to get in, fewer parking spaces, and longer waits at concession stands. It also means more crime. This year, officials expect to see another 10-percent increase in visitors. They're already adding shuttle services, requiring reservations for more popular attractions, and hiring more guides just to help find parking.
Judge Throws Out Doctor’s Defamation Suit
A Minnesota judge weighed a touchy healthcare issue in a defamation lawsuit, deciding whether or not a doctor's right to protect his reputation outweighs the family of a patient's intentions to publicize their grievances against the doc. The District Court judge sided with the family, tossing out the doctor's defamation lawsuit.
Chairman Of FDIC Stepping Down
Sheila Bair is stepping down as chairman of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The FDIC says Bair will end her five year term as one of the government's top bank regulators on July 8th. Bair was among the first officials to raise concerns about the explosion in high-risk lending to borrowers with bad credit. Under her tenure, the agency closed 365 banks since the crisis began.
Bin Laden Fallout
by Victor Davis HansonNRO’s The Corner
I think there will be repercussions from the hit, and most of them will turn out to be good in terms of the War on Terror.
1) The world must now realize that the domestic antiwar movement is dead, kaput; it cares not a whit whether we assassinate bin Laden or a son of Qaddafi or go into Libya. Everything is on the table now and there are no self-restraints, no snickers on The Daily Show, no quirky insider winks on Letterman, no Barbara Streisand crazy faxes. A Nobel peace laureate is now the Left’s totem and he can send quite deadly Americans on quite deadly missions as he sees fit — and without worry about a New York Times op-ed barrage or an ACLU lawsuit. That gives the US newfound advantages, a veritable blank check, from keeping Guantanamo open indefinitely to using a Cheney “assassination” team and valuable water-boarded intelligence wherever it wishes to. A Harold Koh is not going to be filing any more lawsuits against his government — he is the government.
2) For all the talk of “leading from behind” and the quagmire in Libya, the truth is that the U.S. military remains preeminent and transcends the administration in power at any given time. It won the Iraq war, and could easily, if unleashed, take out Qaddafi. The odds are still that it can stabilize Afghanistan. It is hard to imagine another country pulling off an operation of the sort that killed bin Laden. A “post-America” is simply a choice not to utilize its resources and power in a way it most certainly could with dispatch and success — as we see, in contrast, from the agonizing efforts of the British and French in Libya, or Russian anti-terrorism incompetence.
3) There is much talk of a payback to come. But the triumphalism of unapologetically celebrating the death of bin Laden also conveys a newfound confidence, or perhaps even fatalism, a sort of Bring it on, let’s get it over with once and for all. I think we will see that ‘whatever’ attitude with Pakistan, whose yelps about violation of its airspace will soon give way to the reality that American public opinion considers it not an ally, not even a neutral, but a veritable enemy that has done more harm to this country than Cuba, North Korea, or Venezuela ever dreamed of. Should Obama wish to deal toughly with the Pakistanis, he has public support, and of course the option of much closer relations with India, in and outside of Afghanistan. The public wants the Pakistan two-step to end.
4) Radical Islam has been incrementally and steadily weakened over the last decade. It has not repeated a 9/11-like operation. There are Bush-era antiterrorism protocols in place, embraced or expanded by Obama, that make terrorism far harder. We have killed thousands of Islamists in Anbar Province and in Afghanistan. The Arab world is fragmented, in open revolt, and the Arab Street is incapable of voicing, as it once did, solidarity with bin Laden. Obama knows this better than anyone, so talks of ‘reset’ even as he keeps the Bush antiterrorism protocols unchanged. Whether the trigger for this wave of Middle Eastern unrest and rebellion was the removal of Saddam and the establishment of a democracy in Iraq, or a Soviet-like implosion of failed autocratic government throughout the Middle East, it matters little. At least for now, Middle East dictatorships in extremis are claiming as their one saving grace their antiterrorism and anti-al-Qaeda credentials, and, likewise, those in the streets seeking to destroy these Middle East authoritarians are claiming just about the same. Both groups are probably lying, but their rhetoric at least is predicated on the fact that bin Laden & Co. are now losers in a way they were praised as winners between 2001 and 2003.
I think there will be repercussions from the hit, and most of them will turn out to be good in terms of the War on Terror.
1) The world must now realize that the domestic antiwar movement is dead, kaput; it cares not a whit whether we assassinate bin Laden or a son of Qaddafi or go into Libya. Everything is on the table now and there are no self-restraints, no snickers on The Daily Show, no quirky insider winks on Letterman, no Barbara Streisand crazy faxes. A Nobel peace laureate is now the Left’s totem and he can send quite deadly Americans on quite deadly missions as he sees fit — and without worry about a New York Times op-ed barrage or an ACLU lawsuit. That gives the US newfound advantages, a veritable blank check, from keeping Guantanamo open indefinitely to using a Cheney “assassination” team and valuable water-boarded intelligence wherever it wishes to. A Harold Koh is not going to be filing any more lawsuits against his government — he is the government.
2) For all the talk of “leading from behind” and the quagmire in Libya, the truth is that the U.S. military remains preeminent and transcends the administration in power at any given time. It won the Iraq war, and could easily, if unleashed, take out Qaddafi. The odds are still that it can stabilize Afghanistan. It is hard to imagine another country pulling off an operation of the sort that killed bin Laden. A “post-America” is simply a choice not to utilize its resources and power in a way it most certainly could with dispatch and success — as we see, in contrast, from the agonizing efforts of the British and French in Libya, or Russian anti-terrorism incompetence.
3) There is much talk of a payback to come. But the triumphalism of unapologetically celebrating the death of bin Laden also conveys a newfound confidence, or perhaps even fatalism, a sort of Bring it on, let’s get it over with once and for all. I think we will see that ‘whatever’ attitude with Pakistan, whose yelps about violation of its airspace will soon give way to the reality that American public opinion considers it not an ally, not even a neutral, but a veritable enemy that has done more harm to this country than Cuba, North Korea, or Venezuela ever dreamed of. Should Obama wish to deal toughly with the Pakistanis, he has public support, and of course the option of much closer relations with India, in and outside of Afghanistan. The public wants the Pakistan two-step to end.
4) Radical Islam has been incrementally and steadily weakened over the last decade. It has not repeated a 9/11-like operation. There are Bush-era antiterrorism protocols in place, embraced or expanded by Obama, that make terrorism far harder. We have killed thousands of Islamists in Anbar Province and in Afghanistan. The Arab world is fragmented, in open revolt, and the Arab Street is incapable of voicing, as it once did, solidarity with bin Laden. Obama knows this better than anyone, so talks of ‘reset’ even as he keeps the Bush antiterrorism protocols unchanged. Whether the trigger for this wave of Middle Eastern unrest and rebellion was the removal of Saddam and the establishment of a democracy in Iraq, or a Soviet-like implosion of failed autocratic government throughout the Middle East, it matters little. At least for now, Middle East dictatorships in extremis are claiming as their one saving grace their antiterrorism and anti-al-Qaeda credentials, and, likewise, those in the streets seeking to destroy these Middle East authoritarians are claiming just about the same. Both groups are probably lying, but their rhetoric at least is predicated on the fact that bin Laden & Co. are now losers in a way they were praised as winners between 2001 and 2003.
Cell Phone Terrorist Attack Warning Coming Soon
Soon, all cell phones will be fitted with a new emergency alert technology. The Federal Communications Commission and Federal Emergency Management Agency say the system will warn people about terrorist attacks, natural disasters or other emergencies. Starting next year all new cell phones will be required to have a chip that receives the alerts. Some smart phones already have the technology. People can opt out of certain alerts, like the amber alerts for missing children. The alert system can send emergency messages even if other cell services aren't working. The system is being launched first in New York and here in Washington.
Navy Chaplains To Officiate Gay Marriages
The Navy will allow its chaplains to officiate same-sex marriages once the military's ban on gay marriage is officially lifted this summer, according to a new memo written by Navy's head chaplain, Rear Admiral Mark Tidd.
The memo's guidance, which serves to train chaplains on a number new procedures to be instituted along with the repeal of don't ask don't tell, went through a rigorous legal review before being issued.
The memo reads: "Regarding the use of base facilities for same-sex marriages, legal counsel has concluded that generally speaking, base facility use is sexuality orientation neutral. If the base is located in a state where same-sex is legal, then base facilities may normally be used to celebrate the marriage."
Navy marriages on Navy bases typically involve Navy Chaplains, but the memo goes on to say the chaplains involvement is not mandatory and he or she could decline to participate if gay marriage is not "consistent with the tenets of his or her religious organization."
More
The memo's guidance, which serves to train chaplains on a number new procedures to be instituted along with the repeal of don't ask don't tell, went through a rigorous legal review before being issued.
The memo reads: "Regarding the use of base facilities for same-sex marriages, legal counsel has concluded that generally speaking, base facility use is sexuality orientation neutral. If the base is located in a state where same-sex is legal, then base facilities may normally be used to celebrate the marriage."
Navy marriages on Navy bases typically involve Navy Chaplains, but the memo goes on to say the chaplains involvement is not mandatory and he or she could decline to participate if gay marriage is not "consistent with the tenets of his or her religious organization."
More
In College Kid v. Big Companies, Small Claims Court Key To Big Satisfaction
Christopher Akinyemi hates feeling like a company has taken advantage of him. Like the rest of us, he gets angry at what seems like a constant stream of broken products, ignored warranties, screwed up reservations, endless phone calls and unwanted email. But unlike most of us, the 22-year-old college student in Indiana puts his anger to good use.
He takes the culprits to small claims court.
He's filed a dozen cases in the past few years, and wins nearly all the time. In 10 of the 12 cases, he said, companies have settled and sent cold, hard cash rather than a team of lawyers to fight him in court.
"I've stood up for the average Joe since I was 18. I put my foot down," said Akinyemi. "I have a heart for justice in business. ... I'm on a mission to show you don't have to pay a lawyer $225 an hour to get your voice heard."
For a trivial court fee -- usually $76 in Indiana -- Akinyemi often gets himself settlement checks of $500 or more. He also gets something most of us rarely taste: satisfaction.
More
He takes the culprits to small claims court.
He's filed a dozen cases in the past few years, and wins nearly all the time. In 10 of the 12 cases, he said, companies have settled and sent cold, hard cash rather than a team of lawyers to fight him in court.
"I've stood up for the average Joe since I was 18. I put my foot down," said Akinyemi. "I have a heart for justice in business. ... I'm on a mission to show you don't have to pay a lawyer $225 an hour to get your voice heard."
For a trivial court fee -- usually $76 in Indiana -- Akinyemi often gets himself settlement checks of $500 or more. He also gets something most of us rarely taste: satisfaction.
More
Maryland Senators Announce $22M For Bridge
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Maryland will receive $22 million in federal funding for studies needed to begin replacing a bridge over the Susquehanna River, state officials announced Monday.
The money is part of about $2 billion in high-speed rail funding that has been redirected to projects in 15 states after Florida's governor canceled plans for high-speed train service in his state.
The 105-year-old bridge carries Amtrak and MARC trains. The money will be used for preliminary engineering and environmental studies for a new bridge across the river between Perryville and Havre de Grace, Gov. Martin O'Malley's administration said.
Maryland Governor To Sign Immigrant Tuition Bill
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Gov. Martin O'Malley will sign a bill allowing illegal immigrants to pay in-state college tuition, if they meet certain conditions.
The Democratic governor is set to sign the bill Tuesday in Annapolis.
The measure would allow illegal immigrants to pay in-state tuition rates at public colleges if they complete two years at a community college. Students also will have to show that their parents or legal guardian have paid state income taxes.
Republican opponents are leading a petition drive to give voters a chance to overturn the legislation. They have until May 31 to submit a third of the 55,700 signatures needed to put the measure on next year's ballot. The rest are due June 30.
O'Malley also plans to sign legislation Tuesday to create a prescription drug monitoring program.
The Democratic governor is set to sign the bill Tuesday in Annapolis.
The measure would allow illegal immigrants to pay in-state tuition rates at public colleges if they complete two years at a community college. Students also will have to show that their parents or legal guardian have paid state income taxes.
Republican opponents are leading a petition drive to give voters a chance to overturn the legislation. They have until May 31 to submit a third of the 55,700 signatures needed to put the measure on next year's ballot. The rest are due June 30.
O'Malley also plans to sign legislation Tuesday to create a prescription drug monitoring program.
WBFF FOX45 News
Veterans Rescue Tired Flag
Joe,
A few veterans who pass the now closed Legion Post 145 noticed the flag still on the pole.
Closer look showed it to be torn and wrapped around the eagle on top.
Thanks to Katie at Weisner Realty, we got permission to get the flag down and properly disposed of.
And special thanks to SBY FD for taking the flag down for us.
Dave Suiter
USN-RET
New Data Show Chesapeake Streams In Bad Health
BALTIMORE (AP) - Most streams in the Chesapeake watershed are in poor condition, according to data released Monday by the Chesapeake Bay Program.
The federal and state partnership that coordinates restoration efforts, also released data showing reductions in key pollutants over the past 25 years at monitoring sites along tributaries that feed the Chesapeake, but noted levels were still below restoration goals.
The stream survey involved sampling of nearly 8,000 streams sites between 2000 and 2008 and found 54 percent were in poor or very poor condition while 27 percent were in excellent or good condition.
Peter Tango, Chesapeake Watershed Coordinator for the U.S. Geological Survey, said the monitoring shows a clear link between land use and stream quality with those in urban, farming and mining areas faring the worst.
Chesapeake Bay Foundation scientist Beth McGee said the findings show the fragile nature of streams, and how small amounts of development can affect them.
Paved surfaces covering as little as 5 percent to 10 percent of an area can affect nearby streams, and urban areas such as Baltimore and Washington can often have 30 percent to 50 percent, McGee said.
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The stream survey involved sampling of nearly 8,000 streams sites between 2000 and 2008 and found 54 percent were in poor or very poor condition while 27 percent were in excellent or good condition.
Peter Tango, Chesapeake Watershed Coordinator for the U.S. Geological Survey, said the monitoring shows a clear link between land use and stream quality with those in urban, farming and mining areas faring the worst.
Chesapeake Bay Foundation scientist Beth McGee said the findings show the fragile nature of streams, and how small amounts of development can affect them.
Paved surfaces covering as little as 5 percent to 10 percent of an area can affect nearby streams, and urban areas such as Baltimore and Washington can often have 30 percent to 50 percent, McGee said.
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McDonald's Spending $1 Billion On Redesign, Nothing To Make Burgers Taste Less Like Chewed Cardboard
Last year, McDonald's made headlines when its burgers came in dead last out of the 20 chains surveyed by our kin over at Consumer Reports. So to improve its image, is the grease goliath falling on its own sword like Domino's and coming out with a better product? Nope. It's dumping over a billion dollars into remodeling its restaurants.
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Homeowners Exploiting Bankruptcy Loophole To Dump 2nd Mortgages
Some homeowners are taking advantage of a little-known loophole in the bankruptcy law to get rid of their second mortgage and also avoid the pain of foreclosure, reports the San Jose Mercury News. Here's how it works:
The debt from a first mortgage can't be eliminated through bankruptcy proceedings if you plan to stay in your home. But you can declare the debt of a second mortgage as unsecured debt when there isn't any equity to support them, like with all the tons of underwater houses out there...see where this is going?
In this case the payments for the second mortgage get put on pause while the homeowner goes through a debt repayment plan. And after completing that process, the second mortgage gets totally vaporized. Whoosh!
Bankers hate it, but for a homeowner who bought an investment property during the boom, it might be the only way for them to get out from under crushing debt.
Bankrupt homeowners shed second mortgages [San Jose Mercury News]
Consumerist
The debt from a first mortgage can't be eliminated through bankruptcy proceedings if you plan to stay in your home. But you can declare the debt of a second mortgage as unsecured debt when there isn't any equity to support them, like with all the tons of underwater houses out there...see where this is going?
In this case the payments for the second mortgage get put on pause while the homeowner goes through a debt repayment plan. And after completing that process, the second mortgage gets totally vaporized. Whoosh!
Bankers hate it, but for a homeowner who bought an investment property during the boom, it might be the only way for them to get out from under crushing debt.
Bankrupt homeowners shed second mortgages [San Jose Mercury News]
Consumerist
Twenty Years Ago Today
In this particular match, I won. Yes, I can take that to my grave but believe me, that didn't happen often against Mike. At one time, Mike and I were the only professional players from the state of Maryland.
It cracks me up today when I listen to people talk about playing pool and being in major tournaments. Then it comes out, they're on the Bud Light Bar Leagues. Some even made it as far as Vegas. While I think its great that so many enjoy the game of pool and get involved in amateur pool leagues, nothing compares to the Pro Tour and playing across America on a regular basis.
Oh well, those days are long over for me but have I got some stories to tell.
TSA Tries To Explain Need For Patting Down An Infant
Over the weekend, TSA agents at the Kansas City International Airport felt the full furor of the internet when a camera phone image of a baby being patted-down hit the web. The world wanted to know if we'd moved from worrying about dirty bombs to hunting for poopy bombs. In an attempt to diffuse the explosive situation, the folks behind the curtains of Security Theater took to their blog to offer an explanation.
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Report: Microsoft Close To Buying Skype For $8 Billion
What do you do when you've got $8 billion burning a hole in your pocket? If you're Microsoft, you head to the corner store and pick yourself up a Skype. A report says the software giant is on the verge of completing a mega-deal to turn itself into a more formidable player in online video communication.
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Jenny Craig Beats Out Weight Watchers For Top Spot In Consumer Reports Health Ratings
Our more body-conscious colleagues over at Consumer Reports Health have just released their ratings for a variety of diet programs and have rated Jenny Craig the highest, far ahead of runner-up Weight Watchers.
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Incident:
AssaultDate of Incident:
5 May 2011Location:
31000 block of Old Ocean City Rd., Salisbury, MDSuspects:
Narrative
residence in the 31000 block of Old Ocean City Road. Upon arrival, the deputy learned that Kevin Wright
was involved in a verbal altercation with a female subject he resided with when the altercation turned
physical. The deputy observed signs of physical injury on the female that corroborated the account which
led to the deputy placing Wright under arrest.
The deputy transported Wright to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of
the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, the Commissioner released Wright on
Personal Recognizance.
Incident:
Burglary InvestigationDate of Incident:
7 May 2011Location:
9000 block of Green Branch Road, Willards, MDSuspects:
Narrative
investigation into a residential burglary that occurred in the 9000 block of Green Branch Road. Upon the
return home of the residents in the evening hours of 7 May, they discovered that an unknown perpetrator
had entered their residence through an unlocked window and removed several home electronic devices.
Anyone who has any information about this crime is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 410-548-
4891. You may also provide information anonymously through Crime Solvers at 410-548-1776.
Refer to case 11-1794
Incident:
AssaultDate of Incident:
7 May 2011Location:
4000 block of Allen Road, Eden, MDSuspects:
2. Jacqueline A. Parsons, 21, Eden, MD
Narrative
responded to a reported altercation inside a residence in the 4000 block of Allen Road. Upon arrival the
deputy met with Charles Parsons and his daughter Jacqueline Parsons. The pair allegedly became
involved in a verbal altercation over the daughter’s boyfriend staying at the residence when the argument
turned physical. Charles is alleged to have dragged Jacqueline by her hair across the floor while
Jacqueline is alleged to have scratched her father.
The deputy placed both under arrest for assault and transported them to the Central Booking facility
where they were processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial
appearance, the Commissioner released both on Personal Recognizance.
Incident:
Theft from Motor VehiclesDate of Incident:
5 May 2011Location:
Wicomico CountySuspects:
2. Jennifer L. Foskey, 25, No Fixed Address
Narrative
items from unattended vehicles parked at the Wicomico County Youth and Civic Center. On 5 May 2011
at 9:00 AM, a deputy began investigating an additional theft from another vehicle in a parking lot in the
same vicinity. This time, a witness was able to provide a suspect description and the deputy quickly
located the perpetrators on a nearby street.
Upon contacting the suspects, John Russell and Jennifer Foskey, the deputy concluded that the pair were
not only the ones responsible for the theft he was investigating, but also were the pair responsible for the
thefts reported the previous weekend at the Civic Center.
The deputy transported both Russell and Foskey to the Central Booking Unit where they were processed
and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, the Commissioner
detained Russell in the Detention Center in lieu of a total of $20,000.00 bond and Foskey in lieu of
$5,000.00 bond.
The Wicomico Bureau of Investigation assisted with the investigation of this case.
Charges:
TheftRogue and VagabondAssault 2nd DegreePendingCEO Bonuses Rose by Nearly 20 Percent In 2010, While Average Worker Saw Income Stagnate
As most American families continue to struggle withhigh unemploymentandstagnant wages, CEOs at the country's 350 biggest companies saw their pay jump 11% last year to a median of $9.3 million, according to astudyconducted for the Wall Street Journal. Thesurveylooked at direct compensation — salary, bonuses, and long-term incentive awards — and did not include assets like stock options:
For the surveyed CEOs, the sharpest pay gains came via bonuses, which soared 19.7% as profits recovered, especially in some hard-hit industries. … Net income rose by a median of 17%; shareholders at those companies enjoyed a median return, including dividends, of 18%.
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For the surveyed CEOs, the sharpest pay gains came via bonuses, which soared 19.7% as profits recovered, especially in some hard-hit industries. … Net income rose by a median of 17%; shareholders at those companies enjoyed a median return, including dividends, of 18%.
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Religious Civil Rights: Why Have The Washington Times And The Air Force Academy Savaged Them?
Albert Einstein once famously said, "There are only two things that are infinite; the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe." To that end, especially that part about the infinite depth of human stupidity, one is compelled to pose the following question; has The Washington Times editorial staff fallen so low on the ethical, rational, reasonable and integrity scale that they've taken to "drunk dialing in" their editorials now?
Last Thursday evening, May 5, 2011, The Washington Times published a breathtakingly hurtful and almost preposterously ignorant screedentitled"Air Force witchcraft: political correctness casts a spell on the armed forces." In this pathetic and putrescent journalistic piece of filth, parading as the opinion of an alleged so-called leader of the "conservative" newspaper world, the Times revels itself to be just another run-of-the-mill, prejudiced bully cum bigot.
Among other asinine assertions, the Times argues that certain nonmainstream religious faiths being practiced in the United States military are "fringe ideas" not worthy of any institutional respect, and even derides one faith group's worship area at the United States Air Force Academy as "a pile of rocks." A complete detailing of the Times' egregious savaging of the legitimate, religious civil rights of honorable US military members, who apparently don't meet the Times' own convenient "religious test of legitimacy," is beyond the intended scope of this brief rebuttal. I will restrict my responsive comments to two substantially enormous errors committed by this degradingly disgusting Times editorial; to wit, (1) the illegality and real-world danger of the Times' "religiously profiling" any faith as "fringe"; and, (2) the Times' selection of the United States Air Force Academy as the would-be quintessential example of too much religious accommodation gone awry.
It seems that the Times has either suspiciously forgotten or is engaged in "willful ignorance" (i.e., being stupid on purpose) regarding the purpose of the Bill of Rights of the United States Constitution. This compendium of the first ten Amendments was absolutely not passed for the convenience of the majority, but to protect the minority from the tyranny of the majority. Who is the Times to establish a "Religion Legitimacy Star Chamber" to seemingly render verdicts, sua sponte, on which faiths are "mainstream" and, thus, deserving of constitutional rights in our nation's armed forces and, alternatively, which are "fringe" and, consequently, should inherit the wind?
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Last Thursday evening, May 5, 2011, The Washington Times published a breathtakingly hurtful and almost preposterously ignorant screedentitled"Air Force witchcraft: political correctness casts a spell on the armed forces." In this pathetic and putrescent journalistic piece of filth, parading as the opinion of an alleged so-called leader of the "conservative" newspaper world, the Times revels itself to be just another run-of-the-mill, prejudiced bully cum bigot.
Among other asinine assertions, the Times argues that certain nonmainstream religious faiths being practiced in the United States military are "fringe ideas" not worthy of any institutional respect, and even derides one faith group's worship area at the United States Air Force Academy as "a pile of rocks." A complete detailing of the Times' egregious savaging of the legitimate, religious civil rights of honorable US military members, who apparently don't meet the Times' own convenient "religious test of legitimacy," is beyond the intended scope of this brief rebuttal. I will restrict my responsive comments to two substantially enormous errors committed by this degradingly disgusting Times editorial; to wit, (1) the illegality and real-world danger of the Times' "religiously profiling" any faith as "fringe"; and, (2) the Times' selection of the United States Air Force Academy as the would-be quintessential example of too much religious accommodation gone awry.
It seems that the Times has either suspiciously forgotten or is engaged in "willful ignorance" (i.e., being stupid on purpose) regarding the purpose of the Bill of Rights of the United States Constitution. This compendium of the first ten Amendments was absolutely not passed for the convenience of the majority, but to protect the minority from the tyranny of the majority. Who is the Times to establish a "Religion Legitimacy Star Chamber" to seemingly render verdicts, sua sponte, on which faiths are "mainstream" and, thus, deserving of constitutional rights in our nation's armed forces and, alternatively, which are "fringe" and, consequently, should inherit the wind?
More
Spend Your Gas Money Wisely!
Ocean City, Md., is less than a four-hour drive from your front door
(May 9, 2011) – With gasoline prices at $4 a gallon, everyone’s budget is crunched for the summer. Where you take your summer vacation matters: Don’t blow it on a lame day trip.
There is no better reason to fill up your tank than the 2011 OC Air Show in Ocean City, Maryland!
The 2011 OC Air Show promises to answer the question: Who said raptors are extinct? Come see the Air Force F-22 Raptor and the Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier jet demonstration team.
The 2011 OC Air Show promises to answer the question: Who said raptors are extinct? Come see the Air Force F-22 Raptor and the Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier jet demonstration team.
This year’s show will deliver the “Year of Extreme Flight,” with performers that will leave you picking your jaw up from off the Boardwalk!
Don’t miss a special appearance by pilot Chuck Aaron and his Red Bull Helicopter. You’ve never seen a chopper do flips and turns like this one!
So spend your gas money wisely! Take the whole family to the 2011 OC Air Show for the best vacation you’ll have all year. Getting here is easy: Ocean City is within a four-hour drive of half the East Coast.
Show Center Beach, extending from 14th to 17th streets, will offer premium viewing in the Drop Zone, Waterfront Clubhouse and the new VIP Penthouse on the rooftop of the Quality Inn 16th Street. Both Clubhouse and Penthouse tickets include reserved parking!
For more information and to buy tickets, visit http://www.ocairshow.com/ or call (888) 695-0888.
***
IF YOU GO
2011 OC Air Show
June 11-12, noon – 3:30 pm
16th Street, Ocean City, Md.
2011 OC Air Show
June 11-12, noon – 3:30 pm
16th Street, Ocean City, Md.
Tickets: 888-695-0888
http://www.ocairshow.com/
http://www.ocairshow.com/
Join The Petition Drive
Under the Maryland Constitution, aggrieved citizens are allowed to petition bills passed by the General Assembly under a process known as "the referendum."
Grassroots activists are currently engaged in a petition drive to take Senate Bill 167 to referendum so that citizens can decide whether the state will allow in-state tuition for illegal immigrants. If the petition drive is successful, the bill becomes ineffective until its fate is determined at the ballot box on November 6, 2012.
The Maryland Senate Republican Caucus voted unanimously against Senate Bill 167 that would create taxpayer-subsidized tuition rights for illegal immigrants.
We encourage you to visit the website http://mdpetitions.com and use the "Sign the Petition" link to print out your personalized petition to sign and mail in.
In addition, we have posted below a column written by Senator Joe Getty (R-Baltimore and Carroll) and published in today's edition of the Northern News that describes substantive policy reasons in opposition to Senate Bill 167:
Grassroots activists are currently engaged in a petition drive to take Senate Bill 167 to referendum so that citizens can decide whether the state will allow in-state tuition for illegal immigrants. If the petition drive is successful, the bill becomes ineffective until its fate is determined at the ballot box on November 6, 2012.
The Maryland Senate Republican Caucus voted unanimously against Senate Bill 167 that would create taxpayer-subsidized tuition rights for illegal immigrants.
We encourage you to visit the website http://mdpetitions.com and use the "Sign the Petition" link to print out your personalized petition to sign and mail in.
In addition, we have posted below a column written by Senator Joe Getty (R-Baltimore and Carroll) and published in today's edition of the Northern News that describes substantive policy reasons in opposition to Senate Bill 167:
Statement On Wicomico Middle School
As a followup to Friday's inspection of Wicomico Middle School by Facility Services staff and the Salisbury Fire Department, Facility Services returned to the school Monday for a thorough check and found nothing at the school that presented an environmental hazard or could have caused adverse health symptoms.
Facility Services staff spent five hours Monday checking the school, in cooperation with the Maryland Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MOSHA). MOSHA will make its own report.
The staff of Wicomico Middle School and administrators from Central Office worked cooperatively with the Salisbury Fire Department Friday afternoon as the fire department's hazardous materials team investigated a report of a possible leak at the school.
The building was evacuated in an orderly fashion between about 1:30 and 1:40 p.m., with the 700 students and 100 staff members moving to prearranged areas around the Wicomico Middle property. The fire department's hazardous materials team checked throughout the school and found an old empty freon container on the third floor. The container was removed, and the building was reopened at 2:55 p.m. Students and staff were dismissed within minutes of the usual 3 p.m. dismissal time. The fire department's report on its findings at Wicomico Middle stated that the container was capped and removed, and that there were no alarms or readings of hazardous materials on any of the hazmat team's monitoring equipment.
Earlier in the day Friday, three staff members had reported feeling ill and left the school. The school system will continue to investigate the situation and evaluate the procedures used to respond to it.
Facility Services staff spent five hours Monday checking the school, in cooperation with the Maryland Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MOSHA). MOSHA will make its own report.
The staff of Wicomico Middle School and administrators from Central Office worked cooperatively with the Salisbury Fire Department Friday afternoon as the fire department's hazardous materials team investigated a report of a possible leak at the school.
The building was evacuated in an orderly fashion between about 1:30 and 1:40 p.m., with the 700 students and 100 staff members moving to prearranged areas around the Wicomico Middle property. The fire department's hazardous materials team checked throughout the school and found an old empty freon container on the third floor. The container was removed, and the building was reopened at 2:55 p.m. Students and staff were dismissed within minutes of the usual 3 p.m. dismissal time. The fire department's report on its findings at Wicomico Middle stated that the container was capped and removed, and that there were no alarms or readings of hazardous materials on any of the hazmat team's monitoring equipment.
Earlier in the day Friday, three staff members had reported feeling ill and left the school. The school system will continue to investigate the situation and evaluate the procedures used to respond to it.
May 9, 2011
Poplar Hill Mansion Goes National In Early American Life Magazine
Mayor James Ireton, Jr. is proud to announce Poplar Hill Mansion is featured in Early American Life, a national magazine dedicated to the preservation and design on Early American interiors. The two page article was written by Louise Cordeman of “The Historic Interior”, a website devoted to historic interior design and restoration.
Aleta Davis, Board Chair, Friends of Poplar Hill Mansion said, “Ms. Cordeman had called to talk about historic interior restoration for a column she was doing for Early American Life. During our discussions I told her that we were actually nearing completion of our own historic interior paint project. She was very excited about our work, having done an article for The Historic Interior on our Clara Gunby Art exhibit a couple of years ago. I sent her information about our restoration, information about Ageless Treasures, who was restoring the interior according to a paint analysis done in 2007, and photos by Dean Davis, Rita Tiso and myself.”
Mrs. Davis continued, “To see Poplar Hill Mansion in a national magazine devoted to authentic restoration of historic interiors is gratifying and a tribute to all of the Board and Friends of Poplar Hill Mansion who have given time, money, expertise, and countless hours of research and planning to see that Poplar Hill Mansion once again looks as glorious as it did over 200 years ago. Poplar Hill Mansion is a treasure that Salisbury can be proud to share with the entire country.”
Aleta Davis, Board Chair, Friends of Poplar Hill Mansion said, “Ms. Cordeman had called to talk about historic interior restoration for a column she was doing for Early American Life. During our discussions I told her that we were actually nearing completion of our own historic interior paint project. She was very excited about our work, having done an article for The Historic Interior on our Clara Gunby Art exhibit a couple of years ago. I sent her information about our restoration, information about Ageless Treasures, who was restoring the interior according to a paint analysis done in 2007, and photos by Dean Davis, Rita Tiso and myself.”
Mrs. Davis continued, “To see Poplar Hill Mansion in a national magazine devoted to authentic restoration of historic interiors is gratifying and a tribute to all of the Board and Friends of Poplar Hill Mansion who have given time, money, expertise, and countless hours of research and planning to see that Poplar Hill Mansion once again looks as glorious as it did over 200 years ago. Poplar Hill Mansion is a treasure that Salisbury can be proud to share with the entire country.”
Delaware Does More For Senior Drivers
DMV to Hold Two Senior Driver Days in May
Dover -- The Department of Transportation's (DelDOT) Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) announces that May 2011 has been declared as Older Americans Month and Driver Safety Month nationally. In celebration of this declaration, the DMV will be offering two different opportunities for senior drivers to visit DMV locations and get assistance with driver services that they need, as well as to get information that they may find useful.
The two Senior Driver Day events will be held on Saturday, May 14, from 8:30 a.m. to noon, at the Greater Wilmington DMV facility at 2230 Hessler Boulevard in New Castle and on Saturday, May 21, from 8:30 a.m. to noon, at the Georgetown DMV facility at 23737 DuPont Boulevard, Georgetown. During both events, seniors and their families are invited to come out and discover what Delaware is doing to assist seniors in their cars and on the road.
"These two events give us the opportunity to highlight the ongoing outreach efforts of the members of the Senior Driver Task Force who are dedicated to keeping seniors safe and mobile," said DMV Director Jennifer Cohan. "By partnering with other state and local organizations, these events are a one-stop shop of information that can benefit them, their families, and even their vehicles."
DMV has partnered with several agencies, bringing valuable events and information to one location. Senior Day events include information from the Senior Driver Task Force Partners and the AARP CarFit program, which offers a team of trained technicians working with each participant to ensure they "fit" their vehicle properly for maximum comfort and safety.
DMV services available to seniors during the events include vehicle inspection, registration, driver license, handicap placards, and self assessments, which help promote safer driving by comparing current driving abilities with the requirements for safe driving. Even if your vehicle is not due for inspection, come by and get a free safety and emissions check.
Additional information will be available from our partners at Beebe Medical Center, the Office of Highway Safety, the Delaware Aging Network, the Delaware Safety Council, the Delaware Transit Corporation, DelDOT Traffic, and the Delaware Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities.
For more information about these events or to call ahead to make your CarFit appointment, please call 302-744-2562 or visit the Senior Driver Web site at http://www.seniordriver.dmv.de.gov/.
Dover -- The Department of Transportation's (DelDOT) Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) announces that May 2011 has been declared as Older Americans Month and Driver Safety Month nationally. In celebration of this declaration, the DMV will be offering two different opportunities for senior drivers to visit DMV locations and get assistance with driver services that they need, as well as to get information that they may find useful.
The two Senior Driver Day events will be held on Saturday, May 14, from 8:30 a.m. to noon, at the Greater Wilmington DMV facility at 2230 Hessler Boulevard in New Castle and on Saturday, May 21, from 8:30 a.m. to noon, at the Georgetown DMV facility at 23737 DuPont Boulevard, Georgetown. During both events, seniors and their families are invited to come out and discover what Delaware is doing to assist seniors in their cars and on the road.
"These two events give us the opportunity to highlight the ongoing outreach efforts of the members of the Senior Driver Task Force who are dedicated to keeping seniors safe and mobile," said DMV Director Jennifer Cohan. "By partnering with other state and local organizations, these events are a one-stop shop of information that can benefit them, their families, and even their vehicles."
DMV has partnered with several agencies, bringing valuable events and information to one location. Senior Day events include information from the Senior Driver Task Force Partners and the AARP CarFit program, which offers a team of trained technicians working with each participant to ensure they "fit" their vehicle properly for maximum comfort and safety.
DMV services available to seniors during the events include vehicle inspection, registration, driver license, handicap placards, and self assessments, which help promote safer driving by comparing current driving abilities with the requirements for safe driving. Even if your vehicle is not due for inspection, come by and get a free safety and emissions check.
Additional information will be available from our partners at Beebe Medical Center, the Office of Highway Safety, the Delaware Aging Network, the Delaware Safety Council, the Delaware Transit Corporation, DelDOT Traffic, and the Delaware Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities.
For more information about these events or to call ahead to make your CarFit appointment, please call 302-744-2562 or visit the Senior Driver Web site at http://www.seniordriver.dmv.de.gov/.
Do Wicomico Voters Really Want A Tax Rate Increase?
Well, there’s no real evidence to think so. However, Wicomico Public Information Officer Jim Fineran wants us to believe that.
Last week Fineran penned a letter to the Daily Times where he argued that those attending the Wicomico Council’s budget hearing spoke up in favor of County Executive Rick Pollitt’s 5 cent tax rate increase by a margin of more than two to one. We are somehow supposed to draw the inference that taxpayers are in support of the rate hike.
While attendance at Tuesday's hearing was miniscule in comparison to the overall population of Wicomico County, its content offers the only barometer of public opinion on the proposed nickel tax increase. From this, a conclusion could be drawn that the participating public understands a small increase in the real property tax rate is needed to maintain the current level of county services.
It is possible that Wicomico voters want to pay more in taxes than they otherwise would have to. Lacking any objective polling data, I can’t say with any confidence. However, before Mr. Fineran (or his boss) attempt to claim that a majority of citizens don’t mind paying a higher rate they should consider a few other things:
- Wicomico County voters instituted the revenue cap by an overwhelming majority.
- We are still in the midst of a recession. I haven’t come across too many folks (other than government employees and their spouses) who think that paying higher taxes right now is a good thing.
IF Fineran wants to use a handful of people at a budget hearing as a barometer for public opinion, perhaps he should consider a larger sample. SbyNEWS hosted a live blog of that hearing. Over 450 people participated. I honestly don’t recall anyone commenting that they wanted to pay a higher rate. A very small number of readers did vote for a rate hike in an interactive poll we ran within the event.
Are SbyNEWS readers more representative of Wicomico’s voters as a whole? They are definitely more representative than the sample Fineran points to. Almost all of those who spoke in favor of the tax rate increase fall into one (or more) of three categories:
- Government employees
- Spouses (or other family) of government employees V
- Members of various boards who have a personal interest in seeing that their favorite part of the county government isn’t cut any more.
C’mon Jim! If you are trying to show the county council that you earn your paycheck don’t look foolish while you’re trying.
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