According to a government report, Fannie Mae knew in 2003 that law firms it hired to foreclose on homes were abusing their authority. That's seven years before knowledge about the problems became widespread. The Federal Housing Finance Agency inspector general released a report that leveled the allegations, also blaming the agency he works for, which is tasked to oversee government-controlled Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
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DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Tuesday, October 04, 2011
2 Chicago Coaches Suspended After Teen Beating
(CBS/AP)
CHICAGO - Two Chicago football coaches have been removed from their positions amid allegations they were involved in a teen's beating.
Chicago Public Schools says it has removed the Fenger Academy High School coaches pending an investigation.
Police say the 16-year-old victim, Derion Jones, was attacked at his home on the far South Side Saturday afternoon.
No Conclusive Proof Of Fort Detrick Cancer Cluster
FREDERICK, Md. (WUSA) --- An interim report on health department investigations of a suspected cancer cluster near the Army's Fort Detrick does not conclusively determine whether that suspected cancer cluster exists.
"It's very much an open book in our minds," said state health department investigator Dr. Clifford Mitchell.
READ: Summary Of Frederick County Cancer Investigation (PDF)
The Two-Year Marriage Worth A Try?
Couples unwilling to commit "till death do they part" will be able to sign short-term marriage contracts under a proposal being considered by Mexico City lawmakers. Couples will be able to choose the term of their marriage, with a minimum length of two years, and renew the contract if they stay happy, according to a reform put forward by the liberal Democratic Revolution Party.
Share your thoughts.
Source
7-year-old In Diapers Forced To Sleep In Coffin
(AP)
SCRANTON, Pa. - Police are searching for a couple after a 7-year-old diaper-clad boy was found crying in the basement of a filthy northeastern Pennsylvania home, where he claimed he was forced to sleep in a coffin.
The Times-Tribune of Scranton reports investigators filed endangerment and unlawful restraint charges on Friday against 31-year-old Brian Sleboda and 26-year-old Lori Gardner. Scranton police Chief Dan Duffy says police are searching for them.
Your Medicine May Be Causing Your Nightmares
WASHINGTON - Slasher movies, indigestion and anxiety aren't the only things that can prompt scary dreams: medicine may be the cause of people's nightmares.
Some drugs cause nightmares when people first start taking them. Conversely, some medication can cause problems when you suddenly stop taking them instead of slowly weaning off the medication.
Nightmare-causing drugs include antidepressants, sleeping pills, or medication that help with overactive bladder and bronchial spasms.
Even over-the-counter medication such as antihistamines can disrupt deep sleep patterns, which can cause nightmares.
Some drugs cause nightmares when people first start taking them. Conversely, some medication can cause problems when you suddenly stop taking them instead of slowly weaning off the medication.
Nightmare-causing drugs include antidepressants, sleeping pills, or medication that help with overactive bladder and bronchial spasms.
Even over-the-counter medication such as antihistamines can disrupt deep sleep patterns, which can cause nightmares.
CFLs Use 75 Percent Less Energy
BALTIMORE (WJZ) – This energy saver focuses on making the switch to CFLs.
Mary Bubala reports a compact fluorescent light bulb or CFL uses 75 percent less energy.
They last about 10 times longer than an incandescent bulb.
The energy-saving light bulbs will pay for themselves in about six months.
Grizzly Linked To 2 Yellowstone Maulings Killed
(AP)
BILLINGS, Montana - A grizzly bear that fatally mauled a hiker in Yellowstone National Park was killed after DNA evidence linked the animal to the scene of a second hiker's death a month later, a park official said Monday.
The decision to euthanize the 250-pound female bear was meant to protect park visitors and staff, Superintendent Dan Wenk said.
However, the investigation remains open, and officials might never know definitively whether the same bear that killed California hiker Brian Matayoshi on July 7 also took the life of John Wallace of Michigan in August.
More Banks Going After Strategic Defaulters To Get Back Balance Of Unpaid Mortgages
Since the housing market went smash-bang-crash into a deep ravine a few years back, we've written numerous stories of homeowners with mortgages they couldn't pay — and some who could pay and chose not to — who opted to walk away and let the bank sell the house at a foreclosure auction. But if these people thought that they could abandon the home and have only a damaged credit rating to show for it, there's a chance they could be very, very wrong.
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Death Can Teach You How to Live
Dear Reader,
I come to you in the form of this article simply because I have found I have no other way to get through to you. It seems that most times when we meet, our encounters are quick, superficial and you quickly push your awareness of me from your mind.
Our relationship wasn't always this way. When you were a child, you couldn't understand me and so you thought of fun & interesting ways to grasp me. When it became too much, you simply put me out of your mind and went on your way. As a teenager, you recklessly pursued me as you thought you were invincible and that your virility would keep me at bay. Now, your awareness of me is limited to brief encounters and you cope with me by imagining that somehow, you are the exception.
PETA Sends Case Of Soy Milk To PR CEO Who Threatened To Fire Next Person Who Doesn't Replace The Milk
Today PETA sent a case of soy milk to Beckerman Public Relations CEO Keith Zakheim, who last week generated buzz for sending around an email that threatened to fire the next person in the office who finishes the milk in the staff refrigerator without replacing it. I don't care what kind of milk people choose to drink, but tweaking aggro CEOs is funny.
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TSA Pilot Program Promises Quicker Screening
(AP)
ATLANTA - A select group of travelers may find it easier Tuesday getting through security checkpoints at four major U.S. airports in return for voluntarily providing more personal information to the federal government as part of a new pilot program.
The "PreCheck" program is the first big attempt by President Barack Obama's administration to move away from a one-size-fits-all security approach and toward a more risk-based, intelligence-driven model. It comes after complaints about full-body pat downs and intensive searches of children and the elderly.
"By learning more about travelers through information they voluntarily provide, and combining that information with our other layers of security, we can focus more resources on higher-risk and unknown passengers," John Pistole, head of the U.S. Transportation Security Administration, said in prepared remarks before the official announcement.
Four Loko Changing Cans To Show How Many Beers You Would Actually Need To Drink To Get The Same Buzz
For some reason, the makers of Four Loko have been downplaying the amount of alcohol in their big, candy-colored cans. And so today, as part of a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission, the makers of Four Loko agreed to new labeling that will more accurately let buyers know just how drunk they can get on a single can.
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The Fed Twists, The Market Shouts
Last week the Federal Reserve began the second incarnation of "Operation Twist," an attempt to drive down interest rates by purchasing long-term Treasury debt and selling short-term debt. This is just the latest instance of the central bank desperately flailing around doing something merely for the sake of doing something. Fed officials still do not understand – or admit – that the Fed itself caused the financial crisis by driving interest rates too low and relentlessly expanding the money supply. Thus, this latest action will just exacerbate the problem.
Markets, however, understand that the Fed has failed and has no clue what it is doing. This is why markets went into a tailspin after the Fed's new strategy was announced. Stocks, bonds, and commodities dropped in price while the financial press wondered whether this worldwide sell-off meant that the entire system was collapsing. Not since 2008 had there been such a dramatic drop across so many different sectors of the market.
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Markets, however, understand that the Fed has failed and has no clue what it is doing. This is why markets went into a tailspin after the Fed's new strategy was announced. Stocks, bonds, and commodities dropped in price while the financial press wondered whether this worldwide sell-off meant that the entire system was collapsing. Not since 2008 had there been such a dramatic drop across so many different sectors of the market.
More
Report: Sprint Places Order For 30.5 Million iPhones
Among the many whispers surrounding tomorrow's big iPhone announcement are rumors that Sprint would finally get its hands on the coveted smartphone. Now comes a report that the wireless company isn't just going to be offering the iPhone but that it's betting the company's future on it.
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Alex Jones Campaigns To 'End The Fed'
The Occupy Wall Street crowd has become predictably focused on issues like taxing the middle class and moderately "rich," ending capitalism and even re-electing Obama to 'fight' the very elites who pushed him into power. Focus should instead be on the real source of power for the out-of-control bankster class – the private, unaccountable Federal Reserve bank that creates money out of thin air, issues secret loans to insiders and foreign governments and systematically institutes debt on the American people through their undue powers. – Infowars Press Release/article
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Calling All Space Cadets
Early next month, NASA will open applications for the next class of astronauts, who will embark on long-duration missions to the International Space Station. Janet Kavnadi, the director of flight crew operations at Johnson Space Center in Houston, said it's an exciting time to join the astronaut corps. It requires at least a bachelor's degree in engineering, science or math plus several years working experience. Having extensive experience flying high performance jets helps, too. NASA will make final selections in 2013. Click here for more information.
REVOLUTION
You say you want a revolution
Well you know
we all want to change the world
You tell me that it’s evolution
Well you know
We all want to change the wo-rld
But when you talk about destruction
Don’t you know you can count me out – IN
Beatles – Revolution 1
Well you know
we all want to change the world
You tell me that it’s evolution
Well you know
We all want to change the wo-rld
But when you talk about destruction
Don’t you know you can count me out – IN
Beatles – Revolution 1
Federal Grand Jury Indicts 55 People
A federal grand jury in Santa Ana, Calif., has indicted 55 people following a massive tax fraud sting. The FBI said the fraudsters tried to obtain $250 million in federal tax refunds. Operation Stolen Treasures, which was conducted by FBI special agents and IRS Criminal Investigators, centered on two companies in the Southland area of California. Justice officials say, one of the companies, Old Quest Foundation, filed hundreds of false 1099 forms and reported $1 billion in withholdings.
Cactus Taverna
Cactus Taverna is going to be having our Middle Eastern Party on Nov 6th to benefit March of Dimes.
Tickets are on sale now and are limited. We will be having a Mediterranean Buffet, Belly Dancers, and a live band, and all for a good cause.
Tickets are on sale now and are limited. We will be having a Mediterranean Buffet, Belly Dancers, and a live band, and all for a good cause.
Going Green Ain't Cutting It
A half-billion dollar Labor Department program to train "green job" workers is falling short of its goal: Only 10 percent of participants have found work so far, according to Labor's Inspector General. The IG report found the low placement rate makes it unlikely the job program will meet its goal of placing 80,000 workers in green energy careers by 2013. The head of Labor's Employment and Training Administration strongly disagrees with the report. She said she expects the number of job placements to increase in the next few months.
WORLDWIDE REVOLUTION
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. (MarketWatch) — Memo to the Super Rich, your high-paid lobbyists and your no-compromise political puppets whose sole mission is destroying the presidency: Yes, you are succeeding. You’re also killing the economy.
Thanks to your self-destructive ideology, America is now in the second of back-to-back Lost Decades. A new one on the heels of the 2000-2010 Lost Decade where Wall Street lost more than 20% inflation-adjusted. Get it? You guys launched America’s second Lost Decade of 21st century.
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Thanks to your self-destructive ideology, America is now in the second of back-to-back Lost Decades. A new one on the heels of the 2000-2010 Lost Decade where Wall Street lost more than 20% inflation-adjusted. Get it? You guys launched America’s second Lost Decade of 21st century.
More
Government Spends $1.25 Billion On Anthrax Vaccine
Emergent BioSolutions landed a contract worth up to $1.25 billion to deliver millions of doses of anthrax vaccine to the federal government. The Washington Business Journal reports the contract starts this year and runs for five more. The contract requires Emergent to deliver nearly 45 million doses of BioThrax to the government. BioThrax is the only vaccine licensed by the Food and Drug Administration to protect against anthrax infection.
Amanda Knox Heads Home To Seattle
Perugia, Italy (CNN) -- Murder victim Meredith Kercher's family cannot forgive anyone until they know the truth about her killing, Kercher's sister said Tuesday as Amanda Knox flew out of Italy, a free woman after four years.Knox and her Italian ex-boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito were dramatically cleared of the murder Monday, in a jury ruling that left Knox sobbing and almost unable to walk out of the court unaided.
The decision stunned the Kercher family, who were visibly downcast Tuesday morning.It sends them "back to square one," Kercher's brother Lyle said.
STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY CONGRATULATING DR. ADAM RIESS FOR RECEIVING THE NOBEL PRIZE IN PHYSICS
ANNAPOLIS, MD (October 4, 2011) – Governor Martin O’Malley today issued the following statement congratulating Dr. Adam Riess for receiving the Nobel Prize in physics:
“I’d like to congratulate Dr. Riess for being one of three recipients of the 2011 Nobel Prize in physics.
“For the second time in three years and the fourth in 10 years, a current member of the Johns Hopkins faculty has been awarded the Nobel Prize. Dr. Riess joins a proud tradition of scientists from Johns Hopkins who are making critical advances in their fields – to feed, fuel and heal our world.
“His contributions to astrophysics are remarkable and his continued quest for knowledge should serve as inspiration to the next generation of scientists and researchers, teaching us that you can reach for the stars and bring back a constellation. Dr. Riess is very deserving of this most prestigious honor and Marylanders should be proud to join him in celebrating this outstanding accomplishment.”
House Votes Today To Keep Government Running Into November
The House is scheduled to vote this afternoon on a continuing resolution, which the Senate has already approved, to keep the government running until Nov. 18th. The measure funds the government at a rate of slightly more than $1 trillion. President Obama would have until midnight, tonight, to sign the bill and avert a government shutdown. The move will give Congress about six more weeks to work out a fiscal 2012 budget.
GOVERNOR O’MALLEY RECEIVES PROPOSED CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING MAP
Announces Start of Special Session on October 17th 2011
ANNAPOLIS, MD (October 4, 2011) – Governor Martin O’Malley today issued the following statement on the release of the proposed map by the Governor’s Redistricting Advisory Committee:
“I’d like to thank the members of the Governor’s Redistricting Advisory Committee for their hard work and diligence over the last several months in helping ensure an open and fair process that included citizens from every corner of the state. The Committee held numerous public hearings, listening to hours of testimony and reviewing submitted suggestions.
“The Committee’s map will now be posted online for seven days to allow for public review and comment. I have been fully briefed and it is my intention to introduce a map that is substantially similar to the map submitted by the Committee. I encourage the members of the General Assembly and the public to prepare their comments based on the map that has been submitted in preparation for the start of Special Session on October 17th.”
Woman Punched In Face Upset With Police
BALTIMORE -- A Baltimore woman said Monday she no longer feels safe in the city after a night in Fells Point left her punched in the face.Sheila Kauffman said she has lost her faith in police after the way she said they treated her."I don't feel safe. It seems like this can happen all the time to people," she said.
OCPD IS REQUESTING CITIZENS’ HELP
Victims have reported a similar pattern where the naked male has walked up to adult female(s) who were walking on the beach or in an ocean front condominium parking lot.
The suspect is described as an adult male, 20-40 years old, approximately 6’ to 6’04, with a thick build, weighing 200-250 pounds. He is described as being a darker skin possibly tan Caucasian or a light/yellow-toned African American or of Hispanic ethnicity, clean-shaven, short cut dark hair and has no obvious scars, marks or tattoos. Several victims have reported the suspect was holding a dark pair of gym style shorts during the incident.
The OCPD is asking anyone who may have been a victim of this type of incident, or has seen a male with similar physical characteristics in this area, or has any information regarding this suspect to please contact the OCPD Detective Nick Simpson at 410-520-5349.
The OCPD reminds citizens to please report incidents as soon as they occur by either calling *911 or the OCPD at 410-723-6600. You do not have to leave your name.
NEW PREAMBLE TO THE CONSTITUTION
"We the sensible people of the United States, in an attempt to help everyone get along, restore some semblance of justice, avoid more riots, keep our nation safe, promote positive behavior, and secure the blessings of debt-free liberty to ourselves and our great-great-great-grandchildren, hereby try one more time to ordain and establish some common sense guidelines for the terminally whiny, guilt ridden, delusional. We hold these truths to be self evident: that a whole lot of people are confused by the Bill of Rights and are so dim they require a Bill of NON-Rights."
ARTICLE I: You do not have the right to a new car, big screen TV, or any other form of wealth.. More power to you if you can legally acquire them, but no one is guaranteeing anything.
ARTICLE II: You do not have the right to never be offended. This country is based on freedom, and that means freedom for everyone -- not just you! You may leave the room, turn the channel, express a different opinion, etc; but the world is full of idiots, and probably always will be.
ARTICLE III: You do not have the right to be free from harm. If you stick a screwdriver in your eye, learn to be more careful; do not expect the tool manufacturer to make you and all your relatives independently wealthy.
ARTICLE IV: You do not have the right to free food and housing. Americans are the most charitable people to be found, and will gladly help anyone in need, but we are quickly growing weary of subsidizing generation after generation of professional couch potatoes who achieve nothing more than the creation of another generation of professional couch potatoes ..
ARTICLE V: You do not have the right to free health care. That would be nice, but from the looks of public housing, we're just not interested in public health care.
ARTICLE VI: You do not have the right to physically harm other people. If you kidnap, rape, intentionally maim, or kill someone, don't be surprised if the rest of us want to see you fry in the electric chair..
ARTICLE VII: You do not have the right to the possessions of others. If you rob, cheat, or coerce away the goods or services of other citizens, don't be surprised if the rest of us get together and lock you away in a place where you still won't have the right to a big screen color TV or a life of leisure.
ARTICLE VIII: You do not have the right to a job. All of us sure want you to have a job, and will gladly help you along in hard times, but we expect you to take advantage of the opportunities of education and vocational training laid before you to make yourself useful. (AMEN!)
ARTICLE IX: You do not have the right to happiness. Being an American means that you have the right to PURSUE happiness, which by the way, is a lot easier if you are unencumbered by an over abundance of idiotic laws created by those of you who were confused by the Bill of Rights.
ARTICLE X: This is an English speaking country. We don't care where you are from, English is our language. Learn it or go back to wherever you came from! (Lastly.....)
ARTICLE XI: You do not have the right to change our country's history or heritage.. This country was founded on the belief in one true God. And yet, you are given the freedom to believe in any religion, any faith, or no faith at all; with no fear of persecution. The phrase IN GOD WE TRUST is part of our heritage and history, and if you are uncomfortable with it, TOUGH!
ARTICLE I: You do not have the right to a new car, big screen TV, or any other form of wealth.. More power to you if you can legally acquire them, but no one is guaranteeing anything.
ARTICLE II: You do not have the right to never be offended. This country is based on freedom, and that means freedom for everyone -- not just you! You may leave the room, turn the channel, express a different opinion, etc; but the world is full of idiots, and probably always will be.
ARTICLE III: You do not have the right to be free from harm. If you stick a screwdriver in your eye, learn to be more careful; do not expect the tool manufacturer to make you and all your relatives independently wealthy.
ARTICLE IV: You do not have the right to free food and housing. Americans are the most charitable people to be found, and will gladly help anyone in need, but we are quickly growing weary of subsidizing generation after generation of professional couch potatoes who achieve nothing more than the creation of another generation of professional couch potatoes ..
ARTICLE V: You do not have the right to free health care. That would be nice, but from the looks of public housing, we're just not interested in public health care.
ARTICLE VI: You do not have the right to physically harm other people. If you kidnap, rape, intentionally maim, or kill someone, don't be surprised if the rest of us want to see you fry in the electric chair..
ARTICLE VII: You do not have the right to the possessions of others. If you rob, cheat, or coerce away the goods or services of other citizens, don't be surprised if the rest of us get together and lock you away in a place where you still won't have the right to a big screen color TV or a life of leisure.
ARTICLE VIII: You do not have the right to a job. All of us sure want you to have a job, and will gladly help you along in hard times, but we expect you to take advantage of the opportunities of education and vocational training laid before you to make yourself useful. (AMEN!)
ARTICLE IX: You do not have the right to happiness. Being an American means that you have the right to PURSUE happiness, which by the way, is a lot easier if you are unencumbered by an over abundance of idiotic laws created by those of you who were confused by the Bill of Rights.
ARTICLE X: This is an English speaking country. We don't care where you are from, English is our language. Learn it or go back to wherever you came from! (Lastly.....)
ARTICLE XI: You do not have the right to change our country's history or heritage.. This country was founded on the belief in one true God. And yet, you are given the freedom to believe in any religion, any faith, or no faith at all; with no fear of persecution. The phrase IN GOD WE TRUST is part of our heritage and history, and if you are uncomfortable with it, TOUGH!
Salisbury News Welcomes Officer Brandon Caton And Companion Miso
Hank Williams Jr. Off MNF Over Obama-Hitler Remark
The voice of Hank Williams Jr. has become one with Monday Night Football, and he has opened the telecast for nearly 20 years, rhetorically asking America: "Are you ready for some football?"
Apparently, ESPN, the newish TV home of the NFL's Monday night telecast, wasn't ready for Hank Williams Jr.'s rant on the Fox News show "Fox and Friends." (Clip below.)
Williams was being interviewed via telecast when he was asked what he thought about President Obama and House Speaker John Boehner playing golf together recently.
Williams responded: "That'd be like Hitler playing golf with Netanyahu."
The befuddled hosts then listened as Williams went on to discussed the polarized electorate and Obama's role in it, saying: "They're the enemy!"
Mayor Of Salisbury Jim Ireton Makes A Fool Of Himself At Extreme Home Makeover
As Mayor Jim Ireton pulled up today for the unveiling, (Move That Bus) in Sharptown, Security told him he needed to park where every one else is parked and he threw an absolute fit.
In fact, he got so mad at the Sheriff's Deputy he said, (and I'll quote) "I'M DONE WITH YOU, GO BACK TO YOUR POST!"
You go Jimmy, that's the spirit! Wanna take a guess where they could park that bus once they move it. On second thought, please don't.
Gray-Haired Brigade
They like to refer to us as senior citizens, old fogies, geezers, and in some cases dinosaurs. Some of us are "Baby Boomers" getting ready to retire. Others have been retired for some time. We walk a little slower
these days, and our eyes and hearing are not what they once were.
We have worked hard, raised our children, worshipped our God and grown old together. Yes, we are the ones some refer to as being over the hill, and that is probably true. But before writing us off completely, there
are a few things that need to be taken into consideration.
In school we studied English, history, math, and science which enabled us to lead America into the technological age. Most of us remember what outhouses were, many of us with firsthand experience. We remember the days of telephone party-lines, 25 cent gasoline, and milk and ice being delivered to our homes. For those of you who don't know what an icebox is, today they are electric and referred to as refrigerators. A few even remember when cars were started with a crank. Yes, we lived those days.
We are probably considered old fashioned and out-dated by many. But there are a few things you need to remember before completely writing us off. We won World War II, fought in Korea and Viet Nam . We can quote The Pledge of Allegiance, and know where to place our hand while doing so. We wore the uniform of our country with pride and lost many friends on the
battlefield. We didn't fight for the Socialist States of America , we fought for the "Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave." We wore different uniforms but carried the same flag. We know the words to the Star Spangled Banner, America , and America the Beautiful by heart, and you may even see some tears running down our cheeks as we sing. We have lived what many of you have only read about in history books and we feel no obligation to apologize to anyone for America ..
Yes, we are old and slow these days but rest assured, we have at least one good fight left in us. We have loved this country, fought for it, and died for it, and now we are going to save it. It is our country and nobody is going to take it away from us. We took oaths to defend America against all enemies, foreign and domestic, and that is an oath we plan to keep. There are those who want to destroy this land we love but, like our founders, there is no way we are going to remain silent.
It was the young people of this nation who elected Obama and the Democratic Congress.
You fell for the "Hope and Change" which in reality was nothing but "Hype and Lies." You have tasted socialism and seen evil face to face, and have found you don't like it after all. You make a lot of noise, but most are all too interested in their careers or "Climbing the Social Ladder"
to be involved in such mundane things as patriotism and voting. Many of those who fell for the "Great Lie" in 2008 are now having buyer's remorse. With all the education we gave you, you didn't have sense enough to see through the lies and instead drank the 'Cool-Aid.' Now you're paying the price and complaining about it. No jobs, lost mortgages, higher taxes, and less freedom. This is what you voted for and this is what you got. We entrusted you with the Torch of Liberty, and you traded it for a paycheck and a fancy house.
Well, don't worry youngsters, the Grey Haired Brigade is here, and in 2012 we are going to take back our nation. We may drive a little slower than you would like but we get where we're going, and in 2012 we're going to the polls by the millions. This land does not belong to the man in the White House nor to the likes of Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid. It belongs to "We the People" and "We the People" plan to reclaim our land and our freedom. We hope this time you will do a better job of preserving it and passing it along to our grandchildren. So the next time you have the chance to say the Pledge of Allegiance, Stand up, put your hand over your heart, honor our
country, and thank God for the old geezers of the "Gray-Haired Brigade."
~Author, Anon. Gray-Haired Brigade Member
these days, and our eyes and hearing are not what they once were.
We have worked hard, raised our children, worshipped our God and grown old together. Yes, we are the ones some refer to as being over the hill, and that is probably true. But before writing us off completely, there
are a few things that need to be taken into consideration.
In school we studied English, history, math, and science which enabled us to lead America into the technological age. Most of us remember what outhouses were, many of us with firsthand experience. We remember the days of telephone party-lines, 25 cent gasoline, and milk and ice being delivered to our homes. For those of you who don't know what an icebox is, today they are electric and referred to as refrigerators. A few even remember when cars were started with a crank. Yes, we lived those days.
We are probably considered old fashioned and out-dated by many. But there are a few things you need to remember before completely writing us off. We won World War II, fought in Korea and Viet Nam . We can quote The Pledge of Allegiance, and know where to place our hand while doing so. We wore the uniform of our country with pride and lost many friends on the
battlefield. We didn't fight for the Socialist States of America , we fought for the "Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave." We wore different uniforms but carried the same flag. We know the words to the Star Spangled Banner, America , and America the Beautiful by heart, and you may even see some tears running down our cheeks as we sing. We have lived what many of you have only read about in history books and we feel no obligation to apologize to anyone for America ..
Yes, we are old and slow these days but rest assured, we have at least one good fight left in us. We have loved this country, fought for it, and died for it, and now we are going to save it. It is our country and nobody is going to take it away from us. We took oaths to defend America against all enemies, foreign and domestic, and that is an oath we plan to keep. There are those who want to destroy this land we love but, like our founders, there is no way we are going to remain silent.
It was the young people of this nation who elected Obama and the Democratic Congress.
You fell for the "Hope and Change" which in reality was nothing but "Hype and Lies." You have tasted socialism and seen evil face to face, and have found you don't like it after all. You make a lot of noise, but most are all too interested in their careers or "Climbing the Social Ladder"
to be involved in such mundane things as patriotism and voting. Many of those who fell for the "Great Lie" in 2008 are now having buyer's remorse. With all the education we gave you, you didn't have sense enough to see through the lies and instead drank the 'Cool-Aid.' Now you're paying the price and complaining about it. No jobs, lost mortgages, higher taxes, and less freedom. This is what you voted for and this is what you got. We entrusted you with the Torch of Liberty, and you traded it for a paycheck and a fancy house.
Well, don't worry youngsters, the Grey Haired Brigade is here, and in 2012 we are going to take back our nation. We may drive a little slower than you would like but we get where we're going, and in 2012 we're going to the polls by the millions. This land does not belong to the man in the White House nor to the likes of Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid. It belongs to "We the People" and "We the People" plan to reclaim our land and our freedom. We hope this time you will do a better job of preserving it and passing it along to our grandchildren. So the next time you have the chance to say the Pledge of Allegiance, Stand up, put your hand over your heart, honor our
country, and thank God for the old geezers of the "Gray-Haired Brigade."
~Author, Anon. Gray-Haired Brigade Member
What This Country Needs Now Is Hope
Finch: Why are you doing this?
Evey Hammond: Because he was right.
Finch: About what?
Evey Hammond: That the world needs more than just a building right now. It needs hope.
Evey Hammond: Because he was right.
Finch: About what?
Evey Hammond: That the world needs more than just a building right now. It needs hope.
The dialogue above occurred at the end of the dystopian movie V for Vendetta. It is a tale of revenge and restoring hope among citizens who had chosen safety and security over freedom and liberty. Even though this movie was fictional and adapted from a comic strip, its message and warnings should be heeded. Millions of middle class citizens in the U.S. sink deeper into despair every day. Day by day hope is being lost that the future for our children will be better than our past. The political, financial, and corporate leaders of our country are intellectually and morally bankrupt. The major Wall Street banks are bankrupt. Social Security is bankrupt. Medicare is bankrupt. The whole damned world is bankrupt. Anyone with an unbiased view of our planet would conclude that we are in unfathomable danger. The list of impending catastrophic issues that will blow up the world for millions in the U.S. and across the globe is virtually endless:
U.S. Debt
- The national debt is currently $14.6 trillion, up from $5.7 trillion in 2000. It took over 200 years to accumulate the first $5.7 trillion of debt and only 11 years to tack on another $8.9 trillion.
- With the new $450 billion jobs package proposed by President Obama, the deficit in FY12 will likely exceed $1.8 trillion, or 12% of GDP. Greece’s 2010 deficit was 10.5% of GDP.
- Kenneth Rogoff and Carmen Reinhart in their book This Time is Different: Eight Centuries of Financial Folly, using data from 44 countries over 200 years, concluded that once a country’s national debt exceeds 90% of GDP, the economy stagnates and ultimately makes that country vulnerable to a debt crisis. The U.S. national debt as a percentage of GDP is currently 97% and will reach 107% in 2012. This does not count state and local debt, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac debt, and the unfunded liabilities for Social Security and Medicare. We are at the same place Greece was in 2007. But we’re no Greece, right? This time is different.
Spain’s Stolen Baby Scandal
Docs and nuns took thousands of infants at birth and sold them to childless couples. The painful truth is now emerging.BARCELONA, Spain — Antonio Barroso cried himself to sleep every night until he was 12, haunted, he says, by a taunt from other children: "Your mother isn't your real mother."
He asked his mother repeatedly, and even secretly checked his official birth certificate. But she insisted, and the documents confirmed, he was her son.
It wasn’t until 2008, when he was 38, that he discovered the lie: He was stolen from his biological parents and sold into adoption.
Police Say Delaware Woman Agreed To Sell Baby
NEW CASTLE, Del. (AP) -- A New Castle County woman is charged with trying to sell her newborn baby to a Philadelphia man for $15,000.
Police say family members told them last month that 33-year-old Bridget Wismer was attempting to sell her baby, but investigators were unable to substantiate the allegations. The Division of Family Services had received a similar report after the child was born in late August.
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Police say family members told them last month that 33-year-old Bridget Wismer was attempting to sell her baby, but investigators were unable to substantiate the allegations. The Division of Family Services had received a similar report after the child was born in late August.
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Sesame Street
On the lighter side of life, I was pleased to hear on the news this morning that sesame street will now be producing their shows with the goal of educating children in the sciences (math, health, food, etc.). Looks like they just heard about the “magic school bus”. There were 52 episodes of the “magic school bus” that taught the basics of every science course taught in school from “K” to the 12th grade. In addition, the English and speech patterns were impeccable, as well as the social interaction demonstrated by the characters. I know of several schools that use these videos almost like textbooks. The Wicomico library had some of them at one time, but I haven’t seen them there for quite a while. Anyone interested in the education of their children see www.scholastic.com/magicschoolbus/.
8 States Hike Minimum Wages
Eight state governments are forcing bosses to give low-rung workers pay raises, thanks to automatic annual raises in minimum wages. Washington state leads the way, scheduled to up its minimum wage 37 cents an hour to $9.04 next year. Burger flipping in Colorado will still only pay $7.64 in 2012, but at least that's better than the $7.36 it pays now.
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Stealing Elderly Parents' Identities A Hidden, Common Crime
Child ID theft is a scourge of the digital age -- a terrible crime that often sees parents ruining their own kids’ futures by taking out mortgages, car loans and other financial obligations in their names. But a new study shows that another kind of family-based ID theft, which rarely grabs headlines, might be much more prevalent: Stealing the identities of elderly parents.
Security firm ID Analytics looked at billions of credit applications and other related data recently to find people using the same Social Security number and last name, but different first names, with an eye toward determining the prevalence of child ID theft. The firm then narrowed the list by searching for pairs sharing SSNs who were 18 to 25 years apart in age, indicating a jump in generations.
Former Archives Employee Pleads Guilty To Theft
GREENBELT, Md. - A former National Archives employee pleaded guilty Tuesday to stealing and selling recordings from his former employer, including an original 1937 sound recording of baseball legend Babe Ruth.
Leslie Charles Waffen, who spent 40 years working at the National Archives and Records Administration, pleaded guilty to stealing property from the agency that safeguards government records including the Declaration of Independence and Constitution. Waffen acknowledged stealing at least 955 "sound recording items" from the archives, which were seized from his Maryland home in October 2010. More than 6,000 items were seized at the time, though Tuesday's hearing in federal court in Greenbelt, Md., did not make clear the nature of the other recordings.
According to a plea agreement Waffen, 66, stole and sold items from the archives between 2001 and 2010, selling some of the recordings on eBay. The sales included an original master recording of Babe Ruth hunting from 1937, which Waffen sold for $34.74.
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Leslie Charles Waffen, who spent 40 years working at the National Archives and Records Administration, pleaded guilty to stealing property from the agency that safeguards government records including the Declaration of Independence and Constitution. Waffen acknowledged stealing at least 955 "sound recording items" from the archives, which were seized from his Maryland home in October 2010. More than 6,000 items were seized at the time, though Tuesday's hearing in federal court in Greenbelt, Md., did not make clear the nature of the other recordings.
According to a plea agreement Waffen, 66, stole and sold items from the archives between 2001 and 2010, selling some of the recordings on eBay. The sales included an original master recording of Babe Ruth hunting from 1937, which Waffen sold for $34.74.
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BREAKING NEWS: Helicopter Crash In NYC's East River
Rescuers search for survivors after helicopter crashes into New York City's East River.
From Fox News
From Fox News
FIRST LADY KATIE O’MALLEY LAUNCHES CHOPCHOP MARYLAND
Joins Executive Director of “Let’s Move” Campaign Dr. Judith Palfrey and Founder and President of ChopChop Magazine Sally Sampson to kick-off series of healthy and fun recipes for Maryland families
ANNAPOLIS, MD – First Lady Katie O’Malley, joined by Executive Director of First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” Campaign Dr. Judith Palfrey, Founder and President of ChopChop Magazine Sally Sampson, Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) Secretary Dr. Joshua M. Sharfstein, Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance, and Maryland children and families, officially launched “ChopChop Maryland,” a new program that will provide a new, healthy, fun, family-friendly recipe each month for a year, using local Maryland ingredients.
“We’re happy to announce ChopChop Maryland,” said First Lady Katie O’Malley. “Starting this month, and every month for the next year, we’ll be sending out delicious, easy-to-make recipes that families can make together, using local Maryland ingredients. I’d like to thank Sally Sampson, Dr. Sharfstein and all of our partners for making this happen. There’s nothing like enjoying the value of the work it takes to make something yourself, and the joy of tasting something delicious that you’ve made together as a family. By including local ingredients in our recipes, it helps us eat healthier, protect our environment, support our farms, and grow our local economies.”
The recipe for October 2011 is “Maryland’s Apple Crisp.” The first in the series of recipes was unveiled during a special event at Government House with a cooking demonstration led by Sally Sampson, and featured apples donated from Catoctin Mountain Orchards in Thurmont, MD.
“ChopChop is so thrilled to be joining forces with First Lady O’Malley and the State of Maryland on this exciting and innovative initiative,” said Sally Sampson, president and founder of ChopChop Magazine. “We are looking forward to partnering with Maryland families to empower, educate and engage them in making cooking cool.”
Every month for the next year, a new healthy and easy recipe will be featured using local Maryland ingredients. The recipes will be featured online, at local non-profits and health organizations around the State.
“Healthy eating is an important part of healthy living,” said Dr. Sharfstein. “ChopChop Maryland is a fun way for families to spend time together and make delicious and healthy recipes.”
Marylanders can also text to receive recipes and other information about the program. Participants can sign up to receive the recipes by text message, and will have a chance to win prizes. To get the recipes and be eligible for prizes, text CHOPMD to 43186. For Spanish, text CHOPES to 43186. (Message and data rates may apply.)
Find local ingredients for your ChopChop recipes and support local farmers by visiting Marylandsbest.net.
The project is in partnership with ChopChop Magazine, published by the Massachusetts-based nonprofit ChopChopKids. Funding for the project was provided by the Horizon Foundation and the Aaron and Lillie Straus Foundation.
D.C. Gun Restrictions Upheld In Court
The District of Columbia can bar residents from owning assault weapons and require them to register their handguns without violating the Second Amendment, but the District must explain further why its numerous handgun registration requirements are necessary, a federal appeals court ruled Tuesday.
Full Story
Full Story
Raccoon Dogs "Skinned Alive" For The Iconic Aussie Ugg Boot: Australian News Reports
Horrific video of animals being skinned alive for their pelts in China have featured in Australian news reports on the illicit trade in dog fur.
The fur is even being used to make the iconic Aussie ugg boot, according to one report, which cites claims by the Humane Society International.
In another report, on Australia's 10 Network, an animal welfare activist is seen holding what appears to be a variation on the ugg boot — labeled the MuggBoot.
Student Arrested After Incident At School
Location: Middletown High School, 120 Silver Lake Road, Middletown, DE
Date of Occurrence: Tuesday, October 4, 2011 at 7:30 a.m.
Defendant: 15 year old Middletown, DE female (student)
Charges:
-Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (3 counts)
-Possession of a Weapon in a Safe School Zone (3 counts)
Resume:
Middletown, DE- A fifteen year old Middletown High School student was arrested this morning after she was found to be in possession of three knives at the school.
The incident began at approximately 7:30 a.m. after a 15 year old female student at the high school located in the 100 block of Silver Lake Road, in Middletown, DE, had responded to the school psychologist’s office. The student advised the psychologist that she wanted to do harm to another student at the school who she had been in a confrontation with on Monday, October 3rd. Concerned over the student’s comments, the psychologist then contacted the Assistant Principal of the school. As the Assistant Principal was speaking with the student, it was learned that she was in possession of three knives and produced a kitchen knife with a 6.5 inch blade, a steak knife with a 5.5 inch blade, and a large butcher knife from a book bag she was carrying. She then grabbed the butcher knife and walked out of the school with it, leaving the other two knives behind.
The School Resource Officer, a Delaware State Trooper, was then notified of the incident and the school was placed in a lock down as a precaution. The trooper and the school principal then responded to the front of the school where they observed the student walking through the parking lot carrying the butcher knife. The trooper then contacted the police dispatch center for assistance and awaited the arrival of fellow troopers as well as officers from the Middletown Police Department. They then confronted the student, who after numerous commands, refused to drop the knife. It was then that a Middletown police officer deployed his departmentally issued taser on the student. She then dropped the knife and was taken into custody after a brief struggle. There were no injuries.
The female student was then arrested and charged with the above list of crimes. She was arraigned at the New Castle County Family Court and released on $7,000.00 unsecured bail.
Middletown High School was on lockdown for approximately 10 minutes as the situation was occurring.
OctoberFeast This FRIDAY~PJ Aldridge Foundations & Cancer Support Community
Join us for Food, Fun and Drink to benefit TWO local cancer organizations.
Call 410.546.1200 for your reservations!
Move Or Go Bust?
I have spoken to multiple people over the past two days referencing this situation, ALL of which had NEVER thought of the tax increases, gas & electric, homeowners insurance, the whole nine yards.
It truly does open your eyes to what these recipients can or can't afford. I was then enlightened to the speech the Producer gave at SU. He gave a tear jerking story about how he chose to seek out people who are truly down and out, who cannot afford to refuse to have their homes remodeled.
What's sad to me is that the families who are chose are always wonderful and kind people. You know the type, those willing to give you the shirt off their backs. Unfortunately, in the end, they look horrible because they couldn't afford to keep up that beautiful remodel because of the unexpected bills.
So what do you do then, hold another fundraiser to help these people pay their bills, AFTER they have already been gifted a few hundred thousand dollars worth of renovations. To me, it's a sad situation and one that really forces you to think hard and deep about such gifts.
If it was 10 or 20 years ago I wouldn't have the wisdom I have today to have thought this through like many of us have. I probably would have been upset that someone even brought it up. Nevertheless, this is my job, like it or not.
I will keep my fingers crossed that this family will not see the misfortune other families have experienced from this show. It's a wonderful gift with wonderful volunteers. Hopefully in the end we can all remember "Move That Bus".
Boss Offered $10 To Workers To Guess Who Would Be Fired Next
Employees walked out on a convenience store owner in Iowa after he introduced a contest to predict which worker would be fired next, the Des Moines Register reports.
In March, William Ernst, 57, who owns a chain of stores called QC Mart, sent employees a memo entitled “New Contest – Guess The Next Cashier Who Will Be Fired!!!” In it, he encouraged employees to write the name of the next cashier they thought would be fired on a piece of paper and seal it in an envelope. The memo explained:
“If the name in your envelope has the right answer, you will win $10 CASH. Only one winner per firing unless there are multiple right answers with the exact same name, date, and time. Once we fire the person, we will open all the envelopes, award the prize, and start the contest again.
And no fair picking Mike Miller from (the Rockingham Road store). He was fired at around 11:30 a.m. today for wearing a hat and talking on his cell phone. Good luck!!!!!!!!!!”
Bank Of America Site Down For Third Day In A Row
Well this is starting to get a tad disturbing. When BofA gets its site up, it would be very helpful if it could please notify its clients how much of the $1 trillion in deposits as of June 30, 2011 it has left as of end of close today?
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Obama Wants to Ease Way for Debt Collectors to Call Cellphones
WASHINGTON -- To the dismay of consumer groups and the discomfort of Democrats, President Obama wants Congress to make it easier for private debt collectors to call the cellphones of consumers delinquent on student loans and other billions owed the federal government.
The change "is expected to provide substantial increases in collections, particularly as an increasing share of households no longer have landlines and rely instead on cellphones," the administration wrote recently. The little-noticed recommendation would apply only to cases in which money is owed the government, and is tucked into the mammoth $3 trillion deficit-reduction plan the president submitted to Congress.
Amber Alert: Kansas City Infant Believed to Have Been Abducted from Crib
Kansas City Police have issued an Amber Alert for Lisa Irwin, a missing 10-month-old infant they believe may have been abducted from her crib late last night in Missouri. The FBI has joined the Kansas City Police in the investigation.
Lisa's mother put her down to sleep at approximately 10:30 p.m. Monday night, according to police. When Lisa's father arrived home from work at around 4 a.m., he went into her room to check on her and discovered she was missing. The parents immediately called police.
WHERE'S WARREN?
Dear Uncle Warren:
We have a problem. Can you fork over another $5 billion? We’ve blown through the first wad. It seems our public relations campaign isn’t working. Our stock is down 35% since you were foolish enough to invest in our insolvent piece of crap bank. People are withdrawing their money so fast we had to purposely unplug a few servers so they think we’re having technical difficulties. They are starting to catch on. An electronic bank run is underway. We only have days before we are forced to declare bankruptcy. Do you think the American sheeple will be stupid enough to bail us out again? We promise to be good this time.
Signed The Bank of America
Help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Source
We have a problem. Can you fork over another $5 billion? We’ve blown through the first wad. It seems our public relations campaign isn’t working. Our stock is down 35% since you were foolish enough to invest in our insolvent piece of crap bank. People are withdrawing their money so fast we had to purposely unplug a few servers so they think we’re having technical difficulties. They are starting to catch on. An electronic bank run is underway. We only have days before we are forced to declare bankruptcy. Do you think the American sheeple will be stupid enough to bail us out again? We promise to be good this time.
Signed The Bank of America
Help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Van Jones Urges Progressives to 'Steal' Tea Party Strategy
Making no secret of his disdain for Tea Party ideals and ideas, ex-White House adviser Van Jones on Monday nonetheless urged liberal activists to "steal" the Tea Party's playbook.
The former "green jobs" adviser, speaking at the top of a three-day conference in the nation's capital designed to galvanize liberal activists, spoke interchangeably in harsh and glowing terms about the Tea Party movement. He described their cause as "the worst" and "silly" and other unflattering adjectives. At the same time, he said progressives can learn from what the Tea Party has accomplished, as he tried to steer the crowd toward his own umbrella group which he's been working on since the summer.
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Study supporting gay conversion challenged
A study designed by professors from two religious universities says that some people can change their sexual orientation after undergoing years of a ministry program.
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Salisbury Police Department Press Release 10-4-11
On October 2, 2011 at approximately 2:14 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the parking lot area of the Salisbury Marina on West Main Street for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival the officers were unable to locate a victim or evidence of gun fire. Approximately twelve (12) minutes later the officers were advised that the gunshot victim had been transported to the Peninsula Regional Medical Center by a friend and was in the Emergency Room. The officers responded to that location and met with the victim, 28 year old Ali Antonio Bradley of Salisbury. The victim had sustained a single gunshot wound to the upper left leg and was in serious condition. The victim advised that he had driven to the Brew River Restaurant parking lot and had parked his vehicle near the Salisbury Marina Office. The victim remained in his vehicle and was talking to a friend when he was approached by a single suspect. The suspect produced a handgun and fired several shots, one of which struck the victim. A second shot struck the victim’s vehicle. There were no further injuries. The suspect then fled from the area on foot. Friends of the victim utilized his vehicle and transported him to the medical center.
The suspect was described as:
Black male, approximately 5’3" to 5’6" in height,medium build, cornrow type hair and wearing dark
clothing.
If anyone has any information concerning this incident they are asked to contact the Salisbury Police Department at 410-548-3165 or Crimes Solvers of Delmarva at 410-548-1776. Information may be left at both locations anonymously.
CC # 201100038674
On October 1, 2011 at approximately 5:23 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to a residence on the seven hundred (700) block of Camden Avenue for the report of a stabbing. Upon arrival the officers made contact with an adult female victim who advised that a subject known to her had assaulted her and two (2) other subjects in the residence. One of the victims was a seventy-one (71) year old female.
The victim advised that the suspect had been staying in the residence and had earlier been involved in a domestic assault of the victim’s niece. A short time later the suspect attacked the seventy-one year old female with a kitchen knife without provocation. The victim sustained severe cutting injuries to her face, right hand, left hand and right arm. The suspect then fled from the residence in the victim’s vehicle. Salisbury officers obtained an arrest warrant for the suspect and broadcast a description of the suspect and vehicle. On the same date at approximately 12:13 pm, Officers located the suspect operating the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop in the area of Gordy Road and Windsor Drive. The suspect was taken into custody without incident. The victim was treated and released.
ARRESTED: John Robert Costello, 35 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Attempted second degree murder
First degree assault
Second degree assault
Possession of a dangerous and deadly weapon
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201100038259
The suspect was described as:
Black male, approximately 5’3" to 5’6" in height,medium build, cornrow type hair and wearing dark
clothing.
If anyone has any information concerning this incident they are asked to contact the Salisbury Police Department at 410-548-3165 or Crimes Solvers of Delmarva at 410-548-1776. Information may be left at both locations anonymously.
CC # 201100038674
On October 1, 2011 at approximately 5:23 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to a residence on the seven hundred (700) block of Camden Avenue for the report of a stabbing. Upon arrival the officers made contact with an adult female victim who advised that a subject known to her had assaulted her and two (2) other subjects in the residence. One of the victims was a seventy-one (71) year old female.
The victim advised that the suspect had been staying in the residence and had earlier been involved in a domestic assault of the victim’s niece. A short time later the suspect attacked the seventy-one year old female with a kitchen knife without provocation. The victim sustained severe cutting injuries to her face, right hand, left hand and right arm. The suspect then fled from the residence in the victim’s vehicle. Salisbury officers obtained an arrest warrant for the suspect and broadcast a description of the suspect and vehicle. On the same date at approximately 12:13 pm, Officers located the suspect operating the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop in the area of Gordy Road and Windsor Drive. The suspect was taken into custody without incident. The victim was treated and released.
ARRESTED: John Robert Costello, 35 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Attempted second degree murder
First degree assault
Second degree assault
Possession of a dangerous and deadly weapon
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201100038259
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