UPDATE Lost dog

Joe

Cooper has been found and is safe. He's been hiding out in a hole in the ground behind Golden Corral and was spotted today and reunited with his family. He & his family are thrilled to have him back safe.

Thank you for posting and reposting the flyer for us.

US Consumers Go AWOL, Taking Recovery With Them

The U.S. economy is limping along with the help of modest business investment in new equipment, some exports to parts of the world that are growing and the last few dollars from the government's 2009 stimulus spending program.

For the time being, it looks like American consumers are AWOL. And until they come back, don't expect to see any real recovery in economic growth and the job market. Consumer spending typically accounts for roughly 70 percent of the U.S. economy.

Fresh data from the government Friday confirmed that American consumers are tapped out. Consumer spending in dollar terms rose 0.2 percent in August. But those extra dollars went to cover higher prices for food and gasoline; when adjusted for inflation, spending was flat.

Wages, meanwhile, slipped 0.1 percent -- the first decline in nearly two years. To make up the difference, American households had to dip into savings: the savings rate in August fell to its lowest level since late 2009.

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Depression Strikes Another Salisbury Business

It's been reported Delmarva Recycling, on Boundary St., has been taken over by a Baltimore company and has reduced work force from about 38 down to 13 - 15.

Another Downtown Business Closing Their Doors, Several Employees Looking For Employment

Click on image to enlarge.

“Speaker” Andy Harris, Gov. O’Malley To Meet On Redistricting

U.S. House Speaker-for-a-Day Andy Harris said he’s scheduled to meet with Gov. Martin O’Malley Friday afternoon about congressional redistricting. He’s not expecting the governor to ask him what he’d like his 1st Congressional District to look like, but instead to be told what it’s going to be.

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New State Laws Take Effect Today

Now illegal to read texts while driving

Effective today, it's illegal for a driver to read a text message, even while sitting at a red light

Also, employers may not consider an applicant's credit history unless there's a justifiable reason for doing so, and a court may order a convicted animal abuser not to live in a household that has animals.

These are but three of the roughly 300 bills - some of them identical House and Senate versions of the same legislation - that went into effect at 12:01 a.m. today.

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Wicomico County Sheriff's Office Press Releases 9-30-11

Incident: Domestic Assault
Date of Incident: 29 September 2011
Location: 300 Block Autumn Ter., Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Mindy M. Payton, 32, Salisbury, MD

Narrative: On 29 September 2011, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to a
report of a domestic dispute. Upon arrival an investigation revealed that the victim had been assaulted by
the suspect, Mindy M. Payton, and sustained minor injuries. Payton was placed under arrest.

The deputy transported Payton to the Central Booking Unit where she was processed and taken in front of
the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, the Commissioner released Payton on
personal recognizance.
Charges: 2nd Degree Assault

Incident: Theft
Date of Incident: 30 September 2011
Location: 600 Block Railway St., Sharptown, MD
Suspect: Alexander V. Collins, 19, Laurel, DE

Narrative: On 30 September 2011, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to a
report of a Theft. Upon arrival the victim reported that he observed the suspect, Alexander V. Collins,
take some Halloween decorations from his yard. Collins was placed under arrest for theft.

The deputy transported Collins 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 Collins on
personal recognizance.
Charges: Theft

GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES MARYLAND REACHES RECORD LOW TRAFFIC FATALITIES - NEW TEXTING LAW TAKES EFFECT

BAN ON TEXTING AND DRIVING STRONGER WITH NEW LAW

New Law Sends Drivers Message – Put the Phone Down

Governor Martin O’Malley announced Maryland reached a record low number of victims killed in traffic collisions in 2010 – 496 fatalities. The previous low was in 2009 with 550 people lost, a nine percent decrease.

“The efforts of law enforcement, educational outreach and better engineering to reduce fatalities on our roads have achieved positive results,” said Governor O’Malley. “But for those who lost loved ones in traffic crashes last year, 496 victims are still far too many. Our new law strengthening the texting while driving ban is another step toward continuing to reduce traffic deaths.”

Beginning October 1st, if you are thinking of picking up your phone and reading emails at a red light, don’t. The prohibition of texting and driving became law two years ago, but did not exclude reading texts. That loophole is now closed. Maryland’s Texting While Driving Law takes effect on October 1, 2011 and prohibits all drivers in Maryland from using an electronic device to write, send, or read a text message while operating a motor vehicle in the travel lanes of the roadway. The law does not apply to texting 9-1-1 or using a global positioning system.

“We have seen dramatic declines in traffic fatalities in Maryland in recent years and we want that trend to continue,” Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel Marcus L. Brown said. “That is why police officers across Maryland are working hard with state and local agencies to inform and educate our citizens about the dangers of texting and cell phone use while driving. We know these activities can be major distractions to drivers and can have deadly consequences.”

The texting law is a primary enforcement law and the activity is a misdemeanor crime. A first offense carries a fine of $70 and a second offense fine is $110. According to the US Department of Transportation, an estimated 800,000 vehicles nationally were driven by someone who used a hand-held cell phone during their drive last year.

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reports that 67 percent of drivers admitted to talking on their cell phones within the last 30 days, and 21 percent of drivers indicated they had read or sent a text or e-mail message. That figure rose to 40 percent for drivers under the age of 35.

The first texting while driving law took effect October 1, 2009 and the hands-free cell phone bill became law one year later. From the time each law took effect, police officers from 76 Maryland police departments who use the State Police Electronic Traffic Information Exchange system have issued 587 warnings and 379 traffic citations for driving while texting. Police have issued 4,021 warnings and 5,227 citations for failure to use a hands-free cell phone while driving. Included in those numbers are 325 warnings and 240 citations for texting and 1,859 warnings and 2,905 traffic citations for cell phone use issued by the Maryland State Police.

Senior Safety Expo Coming To The Dover DMV October 8

Expo Will Highlight Health and Safety Programs for Seniors
Dover -- There is a lot of information available to seniors that deals with topics ranging from health to safety, but it can sometimes be difficult to find. To help wade through these issues, the Delaware Senior Driver Task Force is sponsoring a Senior Safety Expo to provide seniors and their families with a one-stop shop for information and services from a variety of vendors. The expo will be held on Saturday, October 8, from 8:30 a.m. to noon, at the Dover DMV facility at 303 Transportation Circle, Dover. This event is also sponsored by the Department of Transportation's (DelDOT) Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

The Senior Driver Task Force was established on March 30, 2010, with the intention of providing senior drivers with the information that they need to remain safe and mobile. The Task Force is made up of members from both public and private organizations, such as the DMV, DelDOT, the Department of Health and Social Services, the State Office of Highway Safety, the Department of Insurance, the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities, the AARP Driver Safety Program, the Institute of Public Administration - University of Delaware, AAA Mid-Atlantic, the Delaware Aging Network, the Delaware Transit Corporation, Ride Share of Delaware, the Kent County Metropolitan Planning Organization, and the Sussex County Mobility Consortium.

"This expo is a wonderful opportunity for the members of the Senior Driver Task Force to highlight the wide variety of information, safety and health screenings, transit options, and DMV services that are available from them and their partners for seniors and their families," said DMV Director Jennifer Cohan. "This event is a continuation of the task forces efforts aimed at keeping seniors safe, independent, and mobile."

The Senior Driver Task Force has partnered with several organizations to bring valuable events and information to the event, including Beebe Medical Center, the Delaware Aging Network, and the Delaware Safety Council. The AARP CarFit program will also be at the expo offering 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 expo 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.

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/.

Quick Fixes That Ready Your Home For The Cold

Now that the colder months are approaching, it's a good time to ready your home for the change in weather. It's better to consider maintenance and repairs now then when your roof has sprung a leak or your ragged windows start allowing drafts.

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New Maryland Law Bans Reading Texts While Driving

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - Motorists in Maryland will be prohibited from reading text messages while driving and may be pulled over by police under a new state law taking effect Saturday - one of a variety of new laws being added to the books.

A first offense of reading or sending a text while behind the wheel carries a fine of $70. A second-offense fine will be $110.

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Euro Stability Fund Is A Mirage

Economists say that it's a foregone conclusion. It's no longer IF Greece will default, but WHEN. Experts are saying that Greece will go through a "structured default". Here in the real world we call it "bankruptcy". Those who have already loaned Greece money to stay out of default are going to have to forgive up to 50% if Greece will ever get out of debt. Many banks will go under.

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Handicap Permit

I just need to share this with you. I went to the county treasurer’s office yesterday to pay my $2000 tax bill. When I returned to my car I was met by a very nice female police person who explained to me at length that the handicap tag must be hung on the rear view mirror with the expiration date forward, but must be removed before the vehicle is put in motion. Leaving it stuck in the bottom corner of the windshield is a violation.... Makes me feel a little better about my approaching 80th birthday.

HISTORICAL COMMENTS BY GEORGE CHEVALLIER 10-1-11

Aunt Jemima

Little did I know back in December, 1955, that the Aunt Jemima serving up the pancake and sausage dinner was not the original Aunt Jemima. But I had her sign a paper plate and graciously took one of the Aunt Jemima Breakfast Club pins and meticulously filed them away in my scrapbook where they have resided until today.

         

The original company was started by a newspaperman named Chris Rutt and another man named Charles Underwood. They bought the Pearl Milling Company and had the original idea of developing and packaging a ready-mixed, self rising pancake flour. To survive in a highly competitive business, the man needed an image for their product. In 1889, Rutt attended a vaudeville show where he heard a catchy tune called “Aunt Jemima” sung by a blackface performer who was wearing and apron and bandanna headband. He decided to call their pancake flour “Aunt Jemima”.

         

In 1890, they were broke so they sold the formula to the R. T. Davis Milling Company. Mr. Davis began looking for a black woman to employ as a living trademark for his product. He found Nancy Green in Chicago. She was 56 years old. The Aunt Jemima Pancake Mix was introduced in St. Joseph, MO.

         

In 1893, the Davis Milling Company began and all-out promotion of “Aunt Jemima” at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, The Columbian Exposition was the venue for the debut of consumer products which are so familiar today – including Cream of Wheat, Shredded Wheat, Pabst Beer, Aunt Jemima syrup and Juicy Fruit gum. Nancy Green, as “Aunt Jemima” demonstrated the pancake mix and served thousands of pancakes. Green was a hit, friendly, a good storyteller, and a good cook. Her warm and appealing personality made her the ideal “Aunt Jemima”, a living trademark. Her exhibition booth drew so many people that special policemen were assigned to keep the crowds moving. The Davis Milling Company received over 50,000 orders, and Fair officials awarded Nancy Green a medal and certificate for her showmanship.

         

She was proclaimed “Pancake Queen”. She was signed to a lifetime contract and traveled on promotional tours all over the country. Flour sales were up all year and pancakes were no longer considered exclusively for breakfast.

        

Nancy Green maintained this job until a car crash in Chicago killed her on September 23, 1923. The company has had other representatives impersonating “Aunt Jemima”, but the original was Nancy Green, a former slave from Montgomery County, Kentucky. She was born on November 17, 1834.

         

An actress, Rosie Hall was the last to portray Aunt Jemima, giving demonstrations at state fairs from 1950-1967. The company is now part of the Quaker Oats family of commercial products.

Delaware Officials Ban Sale of 'Bath Salts'

DOVER, Del. – Citing an increasing danger to the public, Delaware authorities on Friday imposed an emergency rule outlawing products being marketed as "bath salts" but that are often used by some people to get high.

The rule was signed by Secretary of State Jeffrey Bullock following an emergency meeting convened at his request of the Controlled Substances Advisory Committee.

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CDC Reports Additional Listeria Death In Colo.

(AP)

WASHINGTON - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported a third Colorado death linked to listeria in cantaloupes, bringing the nationwide death toll in the outbreak to as many as 17 people.

The CDC said Friday that 84 people in 19 states have become ill after eating Colorado cantaloupes. That number includes 15 deaths, the CDC said. Health departments in Wyoming and Kansas have said they are investigating additional deaths that may be connected to the outbreak.

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Salisbury Police Department Press Releases

On September 29, 2011 at approximately 11:09 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police were on routine patrol in the area of Rt. 13 and Ashylon Street and conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle operated by the below listed suspect for a traffic violation. During the stop a routine records check revealed that the suspect was driving on a suspended and revoked privilege. The officers requested a K-9 to check the vehicle and received the assistance of the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Department. The K-9 gave a positive indication on the vehicle for the presence of controlled dangerous substances and a check of the vehicle revealed a quantity of suspected marijuana between the driver’s seat and center console.

ARRESTED: Daniel James Handley, 39 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES:
Possession of marijuana
Possession of CDS/Paraphernalia

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201100038259

On September 30, 2011 at approximately 2:38 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police were on routine patrol in the area of W. Isabella Street and Mill Street and conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle operated by the below listed suspect for a traffic violation. While meeting with the suspect the officers observed a baggie containing suspected “crack”/cocaine in plain view inside of a shirt pocket. The baggie was retrieved and the suspect was taken into custody. A routine records check of the suspect revealed that the suspect was operating the vehicle without a license.

ARRESTED: Guy Carlyle Venable, 43 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES:
Possession of cocaine
Possession of CDS/Paraphernalia

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201100038307

Our Many Layers Of Entitlement

The entitlement mindset includes much more than government benefits programs.

The word entitlement commonly refers to government benefits to which we are entitled as taxpayers and/or citizens/residents. But there are layers of entitlement in the American psyche far beyond government benefits programs.

Let's start with the government benefits entitlements. The programs most people refer to as entitlements are Social Security and Medicare, which taxpayers pay for with payroll taxes (even if the money just goes into one giant Federal pot).

Beyond these "I paid into them" entitlements are the "welfare" entitlements of Medicaid, Section 8 Housing, SNAP/food stamps, etc., which are paid out of general tax revenues and which are available to anyone who qualifies, regardless of their status as taxpayers.

Buried within Social Security is another large entitlement program for the disabled and dependents (widows and orphans).

Veterans are entitled to benefits as a result of their military service, as are their families.

Employers pay for other employment-related entitlements: Federal and state unemployment, workers compensation and disability insurance, etc.

The entitlement mindset is thus firmly established in the American psyche. If we experience bad luck and/or the negative consequences of poor choices, we have been trained to expect the government at some level to alleviate our suffering, cut us a check or otherwise address our difficulties.

The poisonous problem with the entitlement mindset is intrinsic to human nature: once we "deserve" something, then our minds fill with resentment and greed, and we focus obsessively on creating multiple rationalizations for why we "deserve our fair share."

Eventually this leads to a government that has been reduced to a competitive stripmining operation in which the spoils are divided up amongst the most politically powerful Elites: in other words, the government we now have.

The entitlement mindset atrophies self-reliance, adaptability and flexibility, all key survival traits. If the government will "fix" our health, we no longer feel responsible in the way one does if there is limited government/employer-provided healthcare. If we expect our Social Security retirement regardless of what other conditions may be affecting the global economy or our nation, then we stop being responsible for managing our financial affairs in the same way as one does when there is no "guaranteed" retirement entitlement.

The question isn't whether entitlements are a "right" or not, the question is their sustainability now that the demographic, financial and energy foundations of those promises has eroded. Clearly, the government has a role in providing for public health and safety, but to claim that entitling every citizen to hundreds of thousands of dollars in healthcare is "public health" spending is absurd.

Based on projections of high-birthrates/cheap-oil/high-growth in the 1940s - 1960s, entitlement programs were promised basically forever, with no recognition that conditions might change. Now conditions have changed, demographically, financially and in terms of energy input costs.

We might usefully think of the government as a ship in a sea governed by forces too planetary to influence: the tides, currents, winds, etc. Entitlements are essentially a claim that the small ship of government "should" be able to bend the sea to its will, regardless of what tidal forces, winds and currents are at work.

we can claim it's our "right" not to sink, but gravity and the ocean do not respond to our claims of permanent "rights."

But these direct government entitlements only scratch the surface of our sense of entitlement. We don't just expect healthcare and retirement; if we're honest with ourselves, don't we also expect these other entitlements?

1. Cheap and abundant fuels and energy. We can debate whether this constitutes an implicit "right" or an entitlement, but the point is that Americans expect unlimited fuels and energy at low cost, and if cheap, abundant energy vanishes then they will demand "somebody make this right," with the "somebody" presumably in government and certainly not the individual American or his community.

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