Location:
Wine and Spirits Liquor Store (Pelican Square Shopping Center), Coastal Highway and Postal Lane, Lewes, DE
Date of Occurrence:
Friday, October 21, 2011 at 9:00 p.m.
Resume:
Lewes-The Delaware State Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit responded to the Pelican Square Shopping Center in Lewes last evening for the report of a suspicious briefcase.
On Friday, October 21, 2011 at approximately 9:00 p.m. Troopers responded to the Wine and Spirits Liquor Store after employees became concerned after discovering a suspicious briefcase that had been left inside the store unattended. Responding Troopers immediately evacuated the store and the adjoining Super Fresh Supermarket as a precaution and notified the DSP EOD Unit.
The Delaware State Police EOD Unit responded and examined the briefcase and determined it to be non explosive, containing papers and business forms, calculator, USB cords and office stationary items. The scene was declared safe at 1:00 a.m. with all units clearing.
“Troopers take this opportunity to encourage the public to become involved in the national “See Something, Say Something” Campaign. The effort urges the public to contact police if they see any suspicious activity or anything out of the ordinary, and assist by becoming force multipliers, acting as the eyes and ears for the Delaware State Police in combating terrorism.
The public can report suspicious activity by contacting Delaware’s Anti-Terrorism Tipline 1-800-FORCE-12 (1-800-367-2312) 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Days Later The Daily Times Continues To Promote Meals At SU
The word we're receiving is that these restaurants will consider putting a ban on advertising with The Daily Times, something the DT's had to know was coming but were willing to take the risk.
No doubt SU is getting a lot of attention and promotion on this matter, ALL of which has been FREE.
DOES WICOMICO COUNTY’S CHARTER REVIEW CHIEF WANT TO KILL THE TAX CAP?
This week’s “community forum” on the future of the tax revenue cap was very revealing. With the smoothness of a snake oil salesmen, Wayne Strausburg presented a barrage of data to support the notion that the tax burden on Wicomico County residents is low when compared to the other Eastern Shore counties, including those with much greater wealth (per capita), such as Talbot and Worcester.
Although he slickly sidestepped saying whether he would change or terminate the County’s tax revenue cap, it was obvious that he wants to substantially change or even eliminate the cap. Strausburg proposed major restructuring of the County’s tax revenue sources by reducing the “piggy-back” income tax significantly. That sounds great and will certainly be supported by some yokels, but it’s really snake oil made to look like champagne.
Because (as Strausburg also said) Wicomico County needs more total revenue, if its income tax rate – and, therefore, receipts from that tax – are reduced, how would the additional revenue be raised. That’s right, mostly from higher property taxes, by raising the tax rate. Ergo, Strausburg’s scheme would require killing or mortally wounding the tax revenue cap.
The property tax is much more regressive than the income tax, so the restructuring that Mr. Strausburg wants would hit most of us much harder than the more affluent (including him -?). And it would impact homeowners much more than renters. Plus, because of the lower assessed value of homes, the impact of his scheme on many residents, both owners and renters, could be catastrophic.
Hopefully, it won’t see the light of day – but don’t count on that because the Daily Times will be trumpeting it as the thing to do.
PS – wanna buy some champagne that smells sorta funny?
Random Thoughts
Kudoos
I want to commend Carroll County Commissioner Richard Rothschild for his effort to wake up a sleeping public to the dangers of UN Agenda 21 and its step child Plan Maryland. If you don't know much about this disastrous attack on American values check out this presentation: Agenda 21 For Dummies
www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzEEgtOFFlM
Schoen writes, "What binds a large majority of the protesters together … is a deep commitment to left-wing policies: opposition to free-market capitalism and support for radical redistribution of wealth…" He bluntly concludes, "President Obama and the Democratic leadership are making a critical error in embracing the Occupy Wall Street movement -- and it may cost them the 2012 election." I sure hope Schoen's instincts are right, but Obama will have a huge war chest and the best campaign that money can buy.
Schoen writes, "What binds a large majority of the protesters together … is a deep commitment to left-wing policies: opposition to free-market capitalism and support for radical redistribution of wealth…" He bluntly concludes, "President Obama and the Democratic leadership are making a critical error in embracing the Occupy Wall Street movement -- and it may cost them the 2012 election." I sure hope Schoen's instincts are right, but Obama will have a huge war chest and the best campaign that money can buy.
I want to commend Carroll County Commissioner Richard Rothschild for his effort to wake up a sleeping public to the dangers of UN Agenda 21 and its step child Plan Maryland. If you don't know much about this disastrous attack on American values check out this presentation: Agenda 21 For Dummies
www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzEEgtOFFlM
Phony Jobs Bill spin
FactCheck.org decided to take a look at Obama's jobs bill claim that it will create two million jobs. Here is their conclusion: "President Obama exaggerates when he claims 'independent economists' say his jobs bill 'would create nearly 2 million jobs.' The median estimate in a survey of 34 economists showed 288,000 jobs could be saved or created over two years under the president's plan." Mrk Zandy of Moodys says "Beginning in 2013, and certainly into 2014, the plan is a drag on the economy because the stimulus starts fading away," while Obama's tax increases remain in effect.
More Green
Fisker, an electric car company that received a $529 million federal government loan guarantee is assembling its first line of cars in Finland. They claim they could not find a facility in the United States capable of doing the work but predict they will eventually be building thousands of these cars. Well maybe, but they are pretty costly and they don't save much fuel. electric vehicle makers pretend that the electricity to charge the car comes from magic pixies sprinkling pixie dust rather than burning fossil fuels. In fact fossil fuels are utilized somewhere to make that electricity. And with that understanding, the Fisker miles per gallon is about the same as an SUV - around 20 MPG' What kind of market exists for Fisker's $97,000 electric car? So far "Government Motors" has only managed to sell 4,000 of the $41,000 taxpayer-subsidized Chevy Volt. Want to bet the taxpayer will get stuck again?
Political Genius
The political geniuses in Louisiana have passed a law that bans cash on all second-hand transactions. Now if someone holds a garage sale and accepts cash for their old record collection, they’ve broken the law. And no cash at the rummage sale or if you sell your old bike to your buddy. And it hurts the small business owner of a second hand shop who will have to pay transaction costs associated with a credit card swipe because the customer can't pay in cash. WOW. What a great country.
The Economist has some terrible statistics:
Over 6 million Americans, more than 40% of all those unemployed, have now been out of work for more than six months. Most of these, 4.5 million, haven’t worked for a year or more. This crisis of long-term joblessness is unprecedented in the post-war period. Workers are escaping unemployment more slowly than at any time since 1948. The long-term unemployed are struggling most. For the first time in decades, jobless workers are more likely to drop out of the labor force (and cease to be counted as unemployed) than to get a job.
Misery Index
Ballooning prices and high unemployment have created a miserable economic reality— the worst in more than 28 years, according to the “misery index.” This is a measure which is put together by adding the national unemployment rate to the increase in consumer prices. The misery index rose to 13 in September, up from 10.7 in the same period last year. While it is still a lot lower than Jimmy Carter days, if inflation takes off the index will soar.
Reapportionment:
As you have read, In western Maryland a district is being reformed to include a large chunk of Montgomery County for the purpose of taking out Rep. Roscoe Bartlett, one of only two Republicans out of the eight Maryland Congressional districts. The real devil in the details in this scenario poses serious concerns for Montgomery County minorities who represent over 50% of the population. Now all three of the new districts there are designed with less than 35% minority population. This may be a violation of federal law that mandates majority minority districts must be created wherever they can
Pensions - private vs. public
Most 55-year-olds don't have pensions. Just 26% of people older than 55 get a retirement benefit from a former employer, according to the Employee Benefit Research Institute. The average pension in 2009 was $13,007 for private-sector retirees and $25,286 for public retirees. The average pension for 455 retired federal lawmakers is $57,590, according to the Congressional Research Service
The stars, stripes and a pink slip:
Sean May was fired last week by the Casa Monica hotel in St. Augustine, Fla., for refusing to take off a lapel pin displaying the American flag. He says he had been wearing it on a daily basis for some two years... With the hotel showing no signs of reconsidering the decision, locals were planning to organize a boycott on behalf of May. Were such a movement to take off, May would become just the latest American worker to be in the spotlight of a lapel pin controversy.
As was reported on AOL Jobs in 2009, Florida-based Home Deport cashier Trevor Keezor was fired for refusing to take off an American flag pin that had an inscription that read, "One nation under God, indivisible." Keezor said that he was wearing the pin out of solidarity with his brother, then on a second tour of duty in Iraq for the National Guard. Home Depot's rationale was of a piece with that of the Casa Monica.
The continuing saga of Occupy Wall Street
In an op-ed in a recent Wall Street Journal, Doug Schoen,the former Clinton pollster warns Democrats not to embrace the Occupy Wall Street movement. Schoen sent one of the top researchers at his polling firm into the OWS crowd to interview 200 demonstrators. Here are some of his findings:
· 65% believe government should provide "health care, a college education, and a secure retirement—no matter the cost."
· "48% say they will vote to re-elect [Obama] in 2012, while at least a quarter won't vote."
· 31% "would support violence to advance their agenda."
Schoen writes, "What binds a large majority of the protesters together … is a deep commitment to left-wing policies: opposition to free-market capitalism and support for radical redistribution of wealth…" He bluntly concludes, "President Obama and the Democratic leadership are making a critical error in embracing the Occupy Wall Street movement -- and it may cost them the 2012 election." I sure hope Schoen's instincts are right, but Obama will have a huge war chest and the best campaign that money can buy.
Man Robbed/Assaulted During Illegal Drug Transaction
Location:
Salem Center (parking lot), 1605 Pulaski Highway, Newark, DE
Date of Occurrence:
Saturday, October 22, 2011 at 1:10 a.m.
Victim:
23 year old male
Suspect(s):
4-5 black males, 20-25 years of age, 5’06-5’10” tall (no further description). One suspect armed with unknown type handgun.
Suspect Vehicle described as an older style minivan (no further description)
Resume:
Newark-Delaware State Troopers are investigating the robbery and assault of a 23 year old man as he attempted to purchase marijuana, early this morning.
The incident occurred on Saturday, October 22, 2011 at approximately 1:10 a.m. as the victim was meeting with the suspects to purchase marijuana in the parking lot in the area of the Wawa Store. Investigation indicates that the victim entered what was described as an older model minivan that was occupied by the four to five suspects. One of the suspects displayed a handgun and then the victim was assaulted by all of the suspects inside of the minivan. The suspects took an undisclosed amount of cash and removed the victim’s pants and shoes, before throwing him out of the vehicle. The minivan fled the parking lot in an unknown direction. The victim received facial injuries but declined medical treatment. Troopers are continuing their investigation into this incident.
If anyone has any information in reference to this incident, they are asked to contact the Robbery Unit at Troop 2 at 302-834-2630 Extension #6 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333. Information may also be provided via the internet at http://www.tipsubmit.com/
Send an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword "DSP."
Salem Center (parking lot), 1605 Pulaski Highway, Newark, DE
Date of Occurrence:
Saturday, October 22, 2011 at 1:10 a.m.
Victim:
23 year old male
Suspect(s):
4-5 black males, 20-25 years of age, 5’06-5’10” tall (no further description). One suspect armed with unknown type handgun.
Suspect Vehicle described as an older style minivan (no further description)
Resume:
Newark-Delaware State Troopers are investigating the robbery and assault of a 23 year old man as he attempted to purchase marijuana, early this morning.
The incident occurred on Saturday, October 22, 2011 at approximately 1:10 a.m. as the victim was meeting with the suspects to purchase marijuana in the parking lot in the area of the Wawa Store. Investigation indicates that the victim entered what was described as an older model minivan that was occupied by the four to five suspects. One of the suspects displayed a handgun and then the victim was assaulted by all of the suspects inside of the minivan. The suspects took an undisclosed amount of cash and removed the victim’s pants and shoes, before throwing him out of the vehicle. The minivan fled the parking lot in an unknown direction. The victim received facial injuries but declined medical treatment. Troopers are continuing their investigation into this incident.
If anyone has any information in reference to this incident, they are asked to contact the Robbery Unit at Troop 2 at 302-834-2630 Extension #6 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333. Information may also be provided via the internet at http://www.tipsubmit.com/
Send an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword "DSP."
Today's Wildlife Photo
"Picture from IPad. Wait until you see the ones off the camera. We saw her stalking her meal."
Dominion Says Nuclear Reactors Ready To Restart
ROCKVILLE, Md. (AP) - Two Virginia nuclear reactors shut down since an earthquake hit the state in August did not suffer damage that would prevent them from running and are ready to restart, the plant's operator told the government Friday.
But the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's review is continuing and the agency has not decided whether the reactors at the North Anna Power Station in Mineral, Va., should return to service.
25 Foot Whale Washes Up On Assateague
A 25 foot long whale just washed up on the south side of Assateague Island near the Virginia line.
Missing Deer Update
Mr Albero,
My Name is Jennifer Mansfield. I saw your post about the missing deer
the other day and thought you may be interested in the outcome. I had
a friend stop by saying they heard that it was on WBOC.com, so we
looked. My friend recognized the store as the one on Nanticoke Rd, as
she lived in that area she went there yesterday at lunchtime. The
girls working told her that the deer showed up late Tuesday and
"bunked down" in the back yard, with several people stopping, petting,
getting pics.....etc. On Wednesday a customer called DNR on him and
they (DNR) came out and picked him up. According to the girls DNR was
very nasty to them stating that they were going to destroy the deer
and they could have the store closed down by the health department.
Their reasons were all the Diseases that deer carry, anyone who
touched the deer and entered the store "compromised" the health and
welfare of the other people in and out of the store. If this is true
then they need to ban all hunters from entering any place of business,
after hunting, for the entire hunting season. I have done extensive
research and there are 6 diseases that deer can harbor. Only 1 (brain
abscess) is stated to not be consumed by humans, no other diseases are
transmittable to humans. Therefore DNR lied. I just wanted to put out
there the callous arrogance of the DNR. This deer was only trying to
survive and did not deserve to be destroyed! I hope you have the
willingness and the contacts to put this out there.
Thank You
NPR Drops Opera Show Over Show Host's D.C. Protest Involvement
This undated handout photo provided by WDAV shows Lisa Simeone. Simeone, a freelance radio host was fired from a documentary program that airs on NPR affiliates after she became a spokeswoman for a Washington protest because her producers believed she violated the public radio network's code of ethics, the host said Thursday.
WASHINGTON – NPR will no longer distribute the member station-produced program "World of Opera" to about 60 stations across the country because the show host helped organize an ongoing Washington protest, a network official said Friday evening.
Panel OKs Dogfish Rezoning Application
MILTON — Dogfish Head Brewery's request to rezone recently acquired land has cleared the first hurdle.
Milton Planning & Zoning Commission voted 3-1 to recommend approval of an amendment to the town's comprehensive plan and to accept Dogfish's application to rezone 39.6 acres adjacent to its current facility from residential to light industrial.
Commission Gives Bloom Energy The Go-Ahead
Delmarva Power raises rates to pay for project
SUSSEX COUNTY — Delaware Public Service Commission has voted unanimously to allow Bloom Energy to move forward with a plan to set up shop in Delaware.
The Oct. 18 vote allows Bloom Energy to build a manufacturing center, which is expected to create more than 900 jobs, but it also means an increase in utility fees for Delmarva Power customers.
HISTORICAL COMMENTS BY GEORGE CHEVALLIER 10-22-11
The Hardy Boys
Since the first book was published in 1927, an American institution has been the Hardy Boys mystery series. They are still published today although the tone and language is more in tune with modern times. The best reading is from the ones published the year in which they were written. In the early books there were no modern conveniences that kids have today. The Hardy brothers, Frank and Joe, were always getting into some sort of scrape with bad guys and managed to get out through their own wiles and determination.
My first experience with them began in the late 1940’s. A man that worked with my father had a son that went off to college and he had a lot of the early Hardy Boys books. They sat around until I was old enough to read them and then I was hooked. I kept them long after I finished with them and read them to my sons as they were growing up. For about five years, I read two chapters a night before they went to bed. Since they were each exactly twenty-five chapters long and each chapter was ten pages, this worked out to a nice time frame.
The original six books were written by a Canadian named Leslie McFarlane under the pseudonym Franklin W. Dixon. They are still published today under that name. Leslie McFarlane only received $25 each for those historical volumes. He sold the rights to the New Jersey publisher named Edward Stratemeyer. Mr. Stratemeyer had a company that employed ghostwriters to expand into a book the outline for the twenty five chapters which he would provide for them. The company was also responsible for putting out in the same manner all the Nancy Drew mysteries. At one time, the Stratemeyer Syndicate was responsible for about 90% of all children’s books.
It is really hard to interest children today in reading, but there is nothing like a good book. If a love of books is instilled in children at an early age, then it may be with them throughout their lives. Reading to a child at night is a good way to get them settled down. I know the half hour or so we spent reading every night was beneficial to all.
Maybe I will get into another favorite of mine sometime and that is the Uncle Wigglely series by Howard Garis. My children loved them, too.
Massive Fish Kill Adjacent to Chinese Solar Plant
Law Offices of Howard G. Smith Announces Class Action Lawsuit Against JinkoSolar Holding Company, Ltd.
Click Here to see more!
Click Here to see more!
Getting Distracted from the Real Issues of ADHD
Yes, it’s a real disorder. Why are we still so disposed to thinking it’s overdiagnosed?
The outcry this week in response to the American Academy of Pediatrics’ decision to publish new treatment guidelines for Attention-Deficity/Hyperactivity Disorder in children ages 4 to 18 (as opposed to age 6 to 12, as was the case previously,) has been largely focused on the fear that the change will vastly increase the number of very young children being diagnosed with ADHD and pump younger and younger kids full of medication.
More
The outcry this week in response to the American Academy of Pediatrics’ decision to publish new treatment guidelines for Attention-Deficity/Hyperactivity Disorder in children ages 4 to 18 (as opposed to age 6 to 12, as was the case previously,) has been largely focused on the fear that the change will vastly increase the number of very young children being diagnosed with ADHD and pump younger and younger kids full of medication.
More
Ruth Madoff Regretted Standing By Bernie, Daughter-in-Law Says
Ruth Madoff refused to turn her back on her notorious husband, Bernie, despite a desperate plea from her suicidal son. It was only on the day last December when Mark Madoff killed himself that Ruth expressed regret for her decision, saying in an email to his widow, "What a fool I was."
Battle Over Prayer Continues In Sussex County
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”
First Amendment to the U.S. ConstitutionSussex County’s defiance of requests to stop saying the Lord’s Prayer to open meetings is headed to federal court next year. Oral arguments are due to be presented in January 2012 in U.S. District Court.
On June 30, Americans United for Separation of Church and State filed a lawsuit on behalf of four Sussex County residents who say the prayer is sectarian and unconstitutional because it promotes the Christian religion over all others.
Auditor: Mariner Band Boosters Money Mismanaged
Unauthorized bank account was opened
An audit of the Mariner Middle School band boosters has uncovered an unauthorized bank account opened by the band director who then mismanaged funds, state auditors say.
The report found a reducation of nearly $10,000 in the band boosters bank account from 2008 to 2010, according to the report. However, Chief Administrative Auditor Kathleen O'Donnell said there's no way to tell how much is actually missing because no one was checking it. Band boosters also tend to handle a lot of cash, which can be tough to track, she said.
