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Wednesday, December 07, 2011

Robber Gets His A$$ Kicked

(CHICAGO) (WLS) -- A man police say was trying to rob another man ended up picking a bad target: someone who competes in the Ultimate Fighting Championships.

The suspect, Anthony Miranda, 24, now has two black eyes, facial bruises and other injuries, as a result of the confrontation with the would-be victim.

Police say it started when Miranda pulled a gun on a motorist near 55th and Kenneth on Friday night. During the scuffle, Miranda got roughed up by the motorist -- who told police he was trained in mixed martial arts.

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Holidays And The Single Girl

As someone who spent most of her life being single, I know how difficult it can be to be alone during the holidays. In fact, I remember one time when another single friend and I knocked back a bottle of wine and then poured some crème de menthe on our ice cream just to numb the feeling of being single during yet another season of 'togetherness.'

Even though we had a great time that night as we laughed over a Jersey Shore marathon, I realized are much more constructive things one can do to avoid feeling lonely over the holidays.

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Store Front In Berlin



This is a must see......................... so spectacular... for a store to do this..

DE Ranks 3rd On "Quit-Friendly States" List

Delaware ranks high on a list of states most helpful to people who want to quit smoking.

The state comes in third in the American Lung Association's "Helping Smokers Quit--Tobacco Cessation 2011" report, which cites the top 5 so-called "quit-friendly" states in the US.

Fed Analysts: Falling Property Values May Amplify Municipal Budget Crises

The impact from the Great Recession is not completely over, especially at the municipal government level.

The dramatic fall in home prices is shrinking the property tax base, contributing to a sharp decline in municipal tax revenues, says a study by Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland researchers Thomas Fitzpatrick IV and Mary Zenker.

Using Cuyahoga County, Ohio, as an example, Fitzpatrick and Zenker say that differences between market and county estimates of property values from 2008 through 2010 imply that when property values are reassessed in 2012, they will be between 11 percent and 18 percent lower than the 2010 county estimates. This suggests that after reappraisal, the county tax base will be at least $1.1 billion lower than it was in 2010.

The impact has been felt most strongly in Cuyahoga County's central city (Cleveland) and its inner-ring suburbs, which may see property values fall 38 to 45 percent and 26 to 30 percent, respectively.

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Indiana 2008 Presidential Primary Election Fraud Probe Heats Up

Charity Rorie, a mother of four, sat in her Mishawaka, Ind., kitchen, stunned that her name appeared on a 2008 Democratic presidential primary petition for then-candidate Barack Obama.

"That's not my signature," she told Fox News, saying her signature is "absolutely" a fake. She also said she was troubled someone forged both her signature and that of her husband, Jeff, and listed personal details such as their address and birthdays.

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Deadly Weapon

Free Morning-After Pill Christmas Campaign From BPAS Sparks Controversy


(CBS) Many companies and organizations are getting into the holiday spirit this time of year, but one British charity's Christmas campaign has critics crying foul.

The advertisement from the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) shows a set of Christmas lights which spell out the word "sex," then asks the question "Getting 'turned on' this Christmas?"

Gingrich Anti-Gun

Is there any amendment in the Constitution that Newt Gingrich is for? I can’t find one. Probably prohibition, but the bastards repealed that one. We already know he doesn’t believe in the Ten Commandments, so why shouldn’t he trample the Constitution as well? Keep exposing this statist to all of your Fox News friends.

From Gun Owners of America:

Prior to the “Republican Revolution” of 1994, Rep. Newt Gingrich of Georgia had earned an A rating with Gun Owners of America. But that all changed in 1995, after Republicans were swept to power and Gingrich became Speaker of the House.

The Republicans gained the majority, thanks in large part to gun owners outraged by the Clinton gun ban. And upon taking the reins of the House, Speaker Gingrich said famously that, “As long as I am Speaker of this House, no gun control legislation is going to move in committee or on the floor of this House and there will be no further erosion of their rights.”

His promise didn’t hold up, however, and his GOA rating quickly dropped like a lead sinker to a “D.” In 1996, the Republican-led Congress passed the “gun free school zones act,” creating criminal safe zones like Virginia Tech, where the only person armed was a murderous criminal. Speaker Newt Gingrich voted for the bill containing this ban.

The same bill also contained the now infamous Lautenberg gun ban, which lowered the threshold for losing one’s Second Amendment rights to a mere misdemeanor. Gun owners could, as a result of this ban, lose their gun rights forever for non-violent shouting matches that occurred in the home — and, in many cases, lose their rights without a jury trial.

While a legislator might sometimes vote for a spending bill which contains objectionable amendments, that was clearly NOT the case with Newt Gingrich in 1996. Speaking on Meet the Press in September of that year, Speaker Gingrich said the Lautenberg gun ban was “a very reasonable position.” He even refused to cosponsor a repeal of the gun ban during the next Congress — despite repeated requests to do so.

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Police Say Boy Who Dropped Cart on Mom More Concerned With Shoes Than Victim

NEW YORK – The 13-year-old boy who admittedly threw a shopping cart over a fourth-story railing in New York -- striking a philanthropist mom of two -- cared more about his sneakers than the woman he nearly killed, officials revealed Tuesday.
"The respondent was more concerned with the condition of his sneakers than with the condition of his victim," city lawyer Leah Schmelzer said of pint-sized Jeovanni Rosario, 13, whose legal fate in the prank -- originally set for decision Tuesday -- was delayed due to lingering sentencing issues.

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Rothschilds Give Formal Support To US Direct Democracy?

The words of Irish poet William Butler Yeats in his poem, The Second Coming, have an eerie resonance for American politics today. "Things fall apart; the center cannot hold... The best lack all conviction, while the worst are full of passionate intensity. Surely some revelation is at hand." In an environment of unprecedented political gridlock in Washington and broad-based dissatisfaction with the leading candidates of both parties, 2012 may finally be the year when an independent candidate becomes president of the United States. – Lynn Forester de Rothschild / Huffington Post

Dominant Social Theme: The heck with this two-party stuff. Let's simply elect the best technocrat.

What Newt Gingrich Isn't Telling You About His Literacy Program

For a politician who once proposed relocating children from single-parent households to orphanages, it was not all that surprising when Newt Gingrich recently declared that, if elected president, he'd ease child labor laws to allow poor kids to work as janitors.

House Votes To Rein In Feds Today

The House today votes on a bill to sharply rein in federal regulatory agencies, the Associated Press reports. Backed mainly by Republicans, the bill would make it harder for agencies to establish new regulations without Congressional approval. It's aimed at rules likely to cost industry more than $100 million. Under current law, Congress must pass a joint resolution signed by the president to stop new regulations. The bill is unlikely to pass the Democratically controlled Senate. The Office of Management and Budget recommended that the president veto it, should it reach his desk.

New Birth To Five Area Unveiled At Holiday Story Time

WHAT: Holiday Story Time & Grand Opening
WHO: everyone
WHEN: Monday, December 19th at 10:30 a.m.
WHERE: Wicomico Public Library, Main Library

SALISBURY, MD
–December 7, 2011 – The Wicomico Partnership for Families and Children awarded the library a grant of $8,245 in July to refurbish and upgrade the Birth to Five area of the Main Library. The newly improved area will be unveiled at the Holiday Story Time on December 19th at 10:30 a.m. There will be much to see, including a puppet theatre, Lego table, new coloring table, and interactive educational toys. Children and families will enjoy this new area, which is packed full of books and toys to enhance early learning, including reading.

Children will enjoy interactive songs, stories and a surprise at the Holiday Story Time at Wicomico Public Library. In a new twist on hanging a stocking for Santa, the librarians will ask the children to leave their shoes outside the program room during the story time. When they return they will find a surprise!

For more information on this event or other library services, visit us on the web at www.wicomicolibrary.org or call 410-749-3612. Programs are free and open to the public.

This Is National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

Seventy years ago today, on a quiet Sunday morning in Hawaii, everything changed. Hundreds of Japanese warplanes swooped over Pearl Harbor, attacking the U.S. Pacific Fleet. Nearly 24-hundred Americans died in that attack. Twelve ships were sunk or beached, nine others were damaged. The U.S. lost 164 aircraft. The attack plunged the United States into World War Two. President Franklin Roosevelt went before Congress to ask for a declaration of war, which Congress approved within hours. Today, flags are to be lowered to half staff from sunrise to sunset to honor the Americans who sacrificed their lives that day.

A Key Trick To Bed Bugs' Persistence: Inbreeding

If bed bugs seem to be everywhere, it's probably because they are. Some bug watchers have estimated that populations of the tiny, blood-sucking mattress-dwellers have jumped by as much as 500% in recent years, and a 2010 survey found that 95% of exterminators in the U.S. had reported taking care of at least one bed bug infestation in the past year.

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Local Government Having Issues With Foreclosed Homes

Foreclosed, vacant and unattended homes can cause a lot of problems in your neighborhood and, local governments are having a hard time keeping up. The Government Accountability Office took a closer look at how different federal agencies can help state and local governments maintain vacant properties. The local municipalities say they need money and oversight from the federal government to keep up with local property maintenance codes. GAO says the Federal Reserve, Census, Office of Comptroller of the Currency, FHA and the Federal Housing Finance Agency can all play a role. Also, Treasury says the data in GAO's study can help the governments work together on solutions.

Proposal: State Lawmakers Should Be Drug-Tested

State Rep. Scott Holcomb, D-Atlanta, said he filed a bill Friday requiring all state lawmakers to be drug tested.

The bill came in response to one filed last month by Republicans, who want the state to drug-test parents who apply for federal financial assistance. Holcomb, who represents parts of north DeKalb County, tweeted that "if required for the poor, we [lawmakers] need to do it, too."

Black Caucus To Submit Legislative Redistricting Maps This Week, Seeking More Black Senators

The Legislative Black Caucus plans on submitting General Assembly redistricting maps to the Governor’s Redistricting Advisory Committee (GRAC) this week, saying black voters are under-represented in the legislature. “We can’t operate in the same way we’ve operated in the past because we’re going to run afoul of the Voting Rights Act,” said the Black Caucus Redistricting Committee chair, Del. Aisha Braveboy.


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Opportunity To Support Wicomico Students And Schools

Friday, Dec. 9
Bookfair to Benefit Wicomico High School
Barnes & Noble

Barnes & Noble in Salisbury will host a bookfair to benefit Wicomico High School on Friday, Dec. 9. From 5:30 until close, the WiHi community will sponsor special features, including gift wrapping, cookie decorating, crafting, writing, and storytelling. A special alumni corner where WiHi students past and present can reminisce and share current information will also be available. Parents will even have an opportunity to win a Nook. By presenting a voucher at checkout, portions of sales during the Bookfair directly support the school. Vouchers are available from WiHi students, at the school, and at Barnes & Noble the day of the event. Shoppers may continue their spree at Uptown Cheapskate; by showing a valid Barnes & Noble receipt dated Dec. 9, shoppers supporting the Bookfair may receive 10% off of their purchases at this upscale, wear-it-again store. Can’t make it to the Bookfair at Barnes & Noble in Salisbury that day? Visit bn.com/bookfairs between December 9-14 and enter Bookfair ID10586071 at checkout.) Customers at Barnes & Noble stores across the country can also use this ID at their local Barnes & Noble on Dec. 9 to benefit Wicomico High School. 410-677-5146

FDA, FTC Crack Down On Illegal HCG Weight Loss Products

The Food and Drug Administration and the Federal Trade Commission issued warning letters today to seven companies that market over-the-counter weight loss products containing the hormone HCG, calling for these companies to stop selling and marketing these unapproved drugs.

Human chorionic gonadotrpin (HCG), otherwise known as a fertility hormone, is produced in women's placentas and is also found in pregnant women's urine. The hormone is FDA-approved only as a prescription injection drug to treat some cases of infertility and for select male hormone imbalances.

Some studies suggest that HCG can also absorb excessive fat tissue. Many companies also claim the hormone can curb appetite and speed metabolism.

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How Child Maltreatment May Scar the Brain


Child maltreatment has a profound effect on the brain — even in kids who are resilient and don't suffer from psychiatric disorders, according to two new studies, one of which found that brain activity in children raised in violent homes resembled that seen in soldiers exposed to combat.

For that study, published in Current Biology, researchers used functional MRI to image the brains of 43 London children as they looked at pictures of angry, sad or neutral faces. Twenty of the children, aged 11 to 13, were known to have been exposed to violence at home. They were compared with a matched group of 23 children from healthy families.

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Senate Republicans Block Obama Judge Pick Caitlin Halligan

Arguing that she is too activist for a position on the federal circuit court, Senate Republicans on Tuesday blocked President Obama's nominee to the U.S. Court of Appeals seat previously held by Supreme Court Justice John Roberts.

The vote Tuesday, 54-45, was far short of the 60 votes needed under Senate rules.

Democrats called Caitlin Halligan, currently general counsel in the New York City district attorney's office, well qualified for the D.C. Court of Appeals.

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Suspect In Szczerba Case Indicted On 24 Counts


A 24 count indictment has been handed up against the man accused of stabbing New Castle County Police Sergeant Joe Szczerba to death.

32-year-old David Salasky faces first degree murder charges and other counts ranging from assault to deadly weapons posession.

Police say Salasky stabbed Szczerba during a struggle in the early morning hours of September 16th.

The Clinton's

Coons Wants Answers About Stealthy Smartphone App

Senator Coons has written a letter to the president of an analytics company asking why their smartphone app records users' keystroke and location information.

The Doug Church Saga Continues



After yesterdays alleged break in event in Doug Church's Downtown building, Salisbury News informed the local Police of the multiple problems with the entrance door.

Mayor Ireton just summoned 47 News, (as usual) to come down to that building while Mayor Ireton simply walked up to the security door and opened it right up without any problem whatsoever.

As we stated yesterday, there's so much moisture on the door it swells to a point in which you cannot close it in order for the lock to close. In other cases it swells so much you cannot even open the door. The first image clearly shows ALL of the paint gone around the inside of the door because of such swelling.

I'm sure you'll be able to see the 47 News interview tonight where we're told Mayor Ireton becomes quite irate about the situation and even though Salisbury News was the one who tipped the City off with the problem, we're not the "play nice" news organization in which Mayor Ireton will recognize. Nevertheless, this should make him look pretty darned foolish, since we're letting the cat out of the bag ahead of time.

One would think Doug Church would be right on this, especially since his Father was down at the building today doing demolition work to a commercial suite. Tenants are irate. We should add, this has been a problem for more than a year now and Mr. Church has NOT fixed it.

It's a shame Mayor Ireton is grandstanding on this issue. It's a bigger shame that the City Inspectors who were aware of the problem last week DIDN'T do something about it.

Mayor Ireton, rather than the LOOK AT MEEE in front of the cameras, perhaps YOU can be proactive and do something about it. I personally think you'll look like a fool bitching about the problem when tens of thousands of people will see this first and know you knew about it and couldn't get the City to take care of it. We need more laws, right Jim?

Why I Married A Girl From Mississippi?

Alabama

A group of Alabama friends went deer hunting and paired off in twos for the day. That night, one of the hunters returned alone, staggering under the weight of an eight-point buck.

"Where's Henry?" the others asked.

"Henry had a stroke o' some kind. He's a couple of miles back up the trail," the successful hunter replied.

"You left Henry layin' out there and carried the deer back?" they inquired.
"A tough call," nodded the hunter. "But I figured no one's gonna steal Henry!"

Georgia

The young man from Mississippi came running into the store and said to his buddy, "Bubba, somebody just stole your pickup truck from the parking lot!"
Bubba replied, "Did y'all see who it was?"

The young man answered, "I couldn't tell, but I got the license number."

Louisiana

A senior citizen in Louisiana was overheard saying ... "When the end of the world comes, I hope to be in Louisiana .."

When asked why, he replied, "I'd rather be in Louisiana 'cause everythang happens in Louisiana 20 years later than in the rest of the world."

Mississippi

The owner of a golf course in Georgia was confused about paying an invoice, so he decided to ask his secretary for some mathematical help.

He called her into his office and said, "Y'all graduated from the University of Georgia and I need some help. If I wuz to give yew $20,000, minus 14%, how much would you take off?"

The secretary thought a moment, and then replied, "Everthang but my earrings."

South Carolina

A man in South Carolina had a flat tire, pulled off on the side of the road, and proceeded to put a bouquet of flowers in front of the car and one behind it. Then he got back in the car to wait.

A passerby studied the scene as he drove by, and was so curious he turned around and went back. He asked the fellow what the problem was.

The man replied, "I got a flat tahr."

The passerby asked, "But what's with the flowers?"

The man responded, "When you break down they tell you to put flares in the front and flares in the back. I never did understand it neither."

Tennessee

A Tennessee State trooper pulled over a pickup on I-65. The trooper asked, "Got any ID?"

The driver replied, "Bout whut?"

Texas

The Sheriff pulled up next to the guy unloading garbage out of his pick-up into the ditch. The Sheriff asked, "Why are you dumping garbage in the ditch? Don't you see that sign right over your head."

"Yep," he replied. "That's why I'm dumpin' it here, 'cause it says: 'Fine For Dumping Garbage.' "

Y'all kin say whut y'all want 'about the South, but y'all never heard o' nobody retirin' an' movin' North now have ya?

No Jail Time For Fulton Man In Second Earth Treks Sex Case

The second of two former climbing coaches at Earth Treks charged with having sexual contact with a 14-year-old girl will not spend any time behind bars.

Daniel Lloyd Montague, 20, who worked at the Columbia location, pleaded guilty Tuesday, Dec. 6 in Howard County Circuit Court to one count of committing an unnatural or perverted practice. The Fulton resident admitted to receiving oral sex from the girl, who was a member of the competitive climbing team.

"The bottom line is this was poor judgment on my part. We should've never done what we did," Montague, who was 19 at the time, told the court.

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WBOC Gets The Scoop From Salisbury News Again

You should see the Dr. Fox story headlining on WBOC tonight. They were at his office shooting soon after we put up our article. Your welcome WBOC. Bet you a thousand bucks they won't give credit where credit is due.

O'Brian and Gere Files Lawsuit Against City of Salisbury


The Engineering firm O'Brian and Gere have hired, (my attorney, above) Bruce Bright to represent them in a lawsuit against the City of Salisbury for violating the Freedom of Information Act.

We're digging into this information as we speak and will hopefully provide you with more details but clearly the City has not been forthcoming with providing the proper information required by law and there's a possibility this could actually throw their lawsuit referencing the Waste Water Treatment Plant right into the trash.

Playing With Fire: Obama’s Risky Oil Threat To China

When it comes to China policy, is the Obama administration leaping from the frying pan directly into the fire? In an attempt to turn the page on two disastrous wars in the Greater Middle East, it may have just launched a new Cold War in Asia -- once again, viewing oil as the key to global supremacy.

The new policy was signaled by President Obama himself on November 17th in an address to the Australian Parliament in which he laid out an audacious -- and extremely dangerous -- geopolitical vision. Instead of focusing on the Greater Middle East, as has been the case for the last decade, the United States will now concentrate its power in Asia and the Pacific. “My guidance is clear,” he declared in Canberra. “As we plan and budget for the future, we will allocate the resources necessary to maintain our strong military presence in this region.” While administration officials insist that this new policy is not aimed specifically at China, the implication is clear enough: from now on, the primary focus of American military strategy will not be counterterrorism, but the containment of that economically booming land -- at whatever risk or cost.

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THIS IS WHAT INJUSTICE LOOKS LIKE: ACCUSED SERIAL CHILD RAPIST JERRY SANDUSKY WALKS FREE WITHOUT PAYING BAIL…WHILE PEACEFUL OCCUPY LA PROTESTERS FORCE

When I worked in Russia, there were two sets of laws–one for Kremlin favorites and oligarchs, who never worried about paying for their crimes; and laws for everyone else, who paid no matter what. Here, it’s starting to get even worse than in Russia: Not only has there not been a single banker arrested since they destroyed the entire economy and looted trillions (while at the same time a mother who fudges her address to get her child in a better school district gets jail time), but even worse than that, judges think it’s more important to punish peaceful protesters with obscene bail demands than a serial child-rapist, who was let out without having to post a single penny.

Doug Church Tenants Reaching Out To Salisbury News For Help



I moved into an apartment on the downtown plaza in the beginning of September. Ever since.. every time it rains, there are leaks throughout the apartment. I have informed him every time that it was leaking badly and that it needed to be fixed. The stucco on my patio had been ripped off before I moved in supposedly to repair the leak and he kept insisting that once the stucco guy did his part it should be fine. Needless to say it fixed nothing. A roofer was out to re-access about 3 weeks ago and has still not been out to actually make repairs. It leaks in 4 places throughout the apartment and I'm fed up with having to keep towels and bowls down every time it rains. On top of the raining leak my refrigerator leaks internally because of the ice maker line I'm assuming and that has yet to be fixed. The city inspector is supposed to be coming Friday to make sure that the building is up to code so he finally mentioned someone coming to look at that. My question is as a renter, do I have any legal rights to withhold rent over something like a roof leak?



Thanks for your time

The above image was taken on 12-5-11, several days after it had rained. Yet the water continued to come off the roof of the building. This happens ALL the time.




Publisher's Notes: During the last major storm, another one of Doug Church's tenants contacted me and asked if I had a sump pump. It turns out I have two of them and was able to loan that tenant a unit to drain all of the water that backed up and wouldn't drain off the roof so as this time it wouldn't flood their apartment again.



All that being said, the City has been made aware of the problems/issues with this building. It also turns out the Mayor was quite upset today with 47 News because HE was being interviewed and not Doug Church. Interesting how the Mayor doesn't want to \be placed in a position in which they are held accountable.



Look, let's just get the problems fixed as these tenants, (many of them) are paying $1,200.00 a month rent.

Mine Owner To Pay $200 Million In Death Of 29 Men

In what officials say is the largest ever settlement in a government investigation of a mine disaster, Alpha Natural Resources agreed to pay $209 million in restitution and civil and criminal penalties for the role of its subsidiary, Massey Energy, in a 2010 mine explosion that killed 29 men in West Virginia.

That amount includes $46.5 million allocated to the families of the victims and those who were injured in the blast, and includes terms that protect Alpha — but not individual Massey executives — from prosecution, said Steven Ruby, an assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia.

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BREAKING NEWS: NYPD Puts Banks on Alert After Parcel Bomb Found

NYPD puts New York banks on alert after suspected parcel bomb addressed to Deutsche Bank chief executive Josef Ackermann discovered in Frankfurt, Germany.

From Fox News

Guns N' Roses, Chili Peppers In Rock Hall

(NEW YORK) — Welcome to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Guns N' Roses.
The seminal rock band of the late 1980s and early '90s, best known for hits like "Welcome to the Jungle," "Sweet Child O' Mine" and "November Rain," leads the 2012 class of inductees announced on Wednesday. Also making the cut is the hip-hop trio Beastie Boys; rockers the Red Hot Chili Peppers; the late singer/songwriter Laura Nyro; Donovan; and influential British rock group The Small Faces/The Faces, which included Rod Stewart and Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood.


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A Very Subtle Form Of Theft

Say what you want about him, but Bernie Madoff was a guy who knew how to keep the party going. For years, he ran one of the largest private-sector Ponzi schemes in history and always heeded the golden rule of financial scams: make sure your inflows are greater than your outflows.

He was finally done in when redemptions exceeded new investments. He didn’t have enough cash to pay out investors, and he wasn’t able to scam more people into paying in to the scheme. As a result, Madoff finally had to admit that the whole thing was a total fraud.

Governments around the world are in similar situations right now with their own public sector Ponzi schemes. Faced with failed auctions, declining demand, and rising yields, politicians are having to resort to desperate measures.

Like any good scam artist, they’re appealing to the masses first; all over Europe, governments are sponsoring new marketing campaigns suggesting that it’s people’s patriotic duty to buy government debt.

In Spain, they’re actually issuing instruments called ‘Bonos Patrioticos,’ or ‘patriotic bonds’. Ad campaigns say that the bonds are “good for you, good for the future.”

In Ireland, they’ve issued “Prize Bonds” which carry a 0% interest rate; instead of receiving interest, bondholders are entered into a weekly lottery contest. Naturally, lottery winnings are only possible as long as people keep buying the bonds… pretty much the definition of a Ponzi scheme!

In Italy, they’re rolling out the country’s sports celebrities to encourage everyone to buy Italian sovereign debt.

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Teasing Over Haircut Ends With 2 Slain

A customer who killed his barber after being teased about his haircut was shot dead by the victim's brother, according to reports in the Philippines.

The Cebu Daily News said Benjie Lozada was killed Tuesday inside a police station where he was being held. He was found with a gunshot wound to the head.

Senior police inspector Aron Palomo told the paper that Nonito Agustino, the slain barber's brother, used a homemade shotgun in the attack. The paper said his older brother Charlie Agustino had been hacked to death last week.

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WE'RE ALREADY AT WAR WITH IRAN

Whether it is just posturing or this time Iran feels it has little to lose, following a spate of mysterious explosions and a downed US attack drone (for those who can put 2 and 2 together), it seems that the oil-rich country is increasingly seeing war as the probable endspiel. YNet reports that Iran is “moving missiles to secret sites, Western officials tell British paper; earlier, Tehran residents reported to stockpile goods, fearing imminent strike. The commander of Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards has ordered his forces to raise their operational readiness ahead of a possible war or strike on the country’s nuclear facilities, the Telegraph reported late Monday.” The move is for now precautionary: “The British newspaper quoted Western intelligence sources as saying that Iran is repositioning ballistic missiles, explosives and troops into defensive positions, in order to offer a quick response in the case of an attack by Israel or the United States.” And while all this is happening, Iran is busy shipping of the downed US drone to the highest regional bidder (with substantial reverse engineering skills).

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Only 8,000 U.S. Troops Left In Iraq

(CBS News)

After nearly nine years of war, the U.S. is getting out of Iraq. Just 8,000 troops remain at five bases, down from 170,000 spread out over more than 500 bases in 2007. All will leave by the end of the month.

CBS News correspondent Jim Axelrod met some of them at Camp Kalsu, and found their work is far from over.

At Camp Kalso Army base, 60 miles south of Baghdad, soldiers of the 1st Brigade, First Cavalry, are making their final checks. It won't be long now before they load up and move out.

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A Letter To The Editor 12-7-11 Dr. Brent Fox Office Closed?

Dr. Brent Fox's office called me to cancel my appointment for today. He is a pain management doctor. The secretary diadem he can't write scripts until maybe Monday but maybe not. I asked if I should be concerned and looking for another doctor. Her reply was that might not be a bad idea. Any chance you can find out what is going on?

I received a message earlier telling me that Dr. Brent Fox Pain Management Office on Milford Street had been raided. Salisbury News has NOT confirmed this. In fact, when we attempted to check with Law Enforcement, no one could confirm or deny it.

CHART THAT EXPLAINS OWS


This chart explains OWS. It couldn’t be any clearer. Only a dunce, Fox News pundit or CNBC anchor wouldn’t get it.

Source

Kittens Discarded In Cat Food Bag Rescued By Dog


(CBS News)

Two kittens who were thrown mercilessly into a a bag and then dumped in the middle of the road are now available for adoption from and Iowa rescue group But if it weren't for the heroic actions of dog named Regan, they probably would not have survived.

Why No Financial Crisis Prosecutions? Ex-Justice Official Says It’s Just Too Hard

The official, David Cardona, told the Wall Street Journal that bringing financial wrongdoing to account is "better left to regulators," who he says are doing a "fine job" bringing civil cases.

It’s an issue we and others [1] have noted again [2] and again [3]: Years after the financial crisis, there have still been no prosecutions of top executives at the major players in the financial crisis [4].

Why’s that? Well, according to a now-departed Justice Department official who used to be in charge of investigating such matters, the Justice Department has decided that holding top Wall Street executives criminally accountable is too difficult a task [5].

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Weird Laws In Maryland (Rockville)

Persons may not swear while on the highway.

Sec. 13-53. Profanity; violation of section declared misdemeanor.
(a) A person may not profanely curse and swear or use obscene language upon or near any street, sidewalk orhighway within the hearing of persons passing by, upon or along such street, sidewalk or highway.

(b) A person may not act in a disorderly manner by profanely cursing, swearing or using obscene language.

(c) Any person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(Laws of Rockville, Ch. 12, � 12-1.00)

Cross references: Punishment for misdemeanors, � 1-10.

State law references: Profanity, Anno. Code of Md., Art. 27, �� 121, 122.

3 Car Accident

There's been a 3 car accident inside the District Court House Garage in Salisbury. Two of the cars were parked and the entrance gate was damaged.

BREAKING NEWS: Former Ill. Gov. Rod Blagojevich Gets 14 Years In Prison

Judge sentences former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich to 14 years in prison on political corruption charges.

From Fox News

BREAKING NEWS: Ex-Penn State Coach Taken From Home In Handcuffs

Former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky, accused of child sex abuse, has been taken from his home in handcuffs amid new charges filed against him, NBC News reports.

From Fox News

Howard County Council Passes Gender Identity Law

ELLICOTT CITY, Md. - The Howard County Council has adopted a measure prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity and
expression.

The Council voted in favor of the legislation Monday night.

It bars discrimination in housing, law enforcement, employment, public accommodations, financing and health and social services.

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Gotta Love Em'

Two blondes went deep into the frozen woods searching for a Christmas tree.

After hours of subzero temperatures and a few close calls with hungry wolves, one blonde turned to the other and said,

“I’m chopping down the next tree I see. I don’t care whether it’s decorated or not!”


BREAKING NEWS: 'M*A*S*H' Star Harry Morgan Dies



Actor Harry Morgan, who starred as Colonel Potter in the classic TV comedy 'M*A*S*H,' and as Officer Bill Gannon in '50s detective series 'Dragnet,' dies at 96.






From Fox News

No Bigger Trucks Maryland Fire Chief Tells Congress

December 6, 2011 – H. Edward Woods, Legislative Director of the Maryland Fire Chiefs Association, was on Capitol Hill today with a simple message for Congress: Marylanders and other motorists should not be forced to share the road with bigger, more dangerous trucks.

Chief Woods travelled to Washington to join other first responders and law enforcement leaders to speak out against proposals in Congress that would increase maximum truck weights and remove current restrictions on triple trailer trucks and other “longer combination vehicles” (LCVs.

Truck weights are currently capped at 80,000 pounds on Interstates in Maryland and most other states to preserve safety and infrastructure. Legislation before Congress would raise maximum truck weights as much as 20 percent, topping out at 100,000 pounds. Some of the nation’s largest and most powerful trucking companies are also lobbying to lift a 20-year-old “freeze” that strictly limits operations of triple trailer trucks and other LCVs.

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Can We Have Too Much Communication And Honesty?

One of the cornerstones of any relationship is trust. That, of course, begins with forthright and open communication. We all want it. We all expect it from our partners. Rightfully so. Years of trust can be shredded by one breach of a couple’s virtual relationship contract.

Bob Ehrlich Can’t Turn This Vote Fraud Conviction Around

Voter suppression disgusts sensible Democrats and Republicans alike, but will it sell Bob Ehrlich's new book to Red Meat Republicans?

Former Maryland Gov. Bob Ehrlich (R), who lost his comeback bid last year by 14 points despite the Tea Party tsunami, isn’t the first failed Republican politician to simultaneously cash in on the right wing junk book circuit and the unregistered lobbying racket, but he couldn’t have picked a better moment to launch his national book tour than the day a home state jury found his campaign chief guilty of fraudulent voter suppression.

Here’s how Bob Ehrlich’s campaign committed fraudulent voter suppression: They paid a dirty tricks consultant to robocall 100,000 of their opponent’s voters hours before the polls closed on Election Day with a message pretending to be from their opponent (or their opponent’s supporter) telling them to stay home and not bother voting because they had already won. It was stupid and the voters who received it were too smart to fall for it (plus a local television reporter rushed onto the air to set the record straight), but that’s not the point....

Here’s what the call said (my bold)….

"Hello. I'm calling to let everybody know that Governor O'Malley and President Obama have been successful. Our goals have been met. The polls were correct, and we took it back. We're OK. Relax. Everything's fine. The only thing left is to watch it on TV tonight. Congratulations, and thank you."
They deliberately left out the authority line required by law (“Paid for by Bob Ehrlich for Maryland Committee”) but they used the words “our goals,” “we,” “we’re OK,” and “thank you,” so voters would think Mr. Ehrlich’s opponent, not Mr. Ehrlich, was telling them not to bother voting.

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Something's Making Maryland Millionaires Leave

Gov. Martin O'Malley's notorious but temporary "millionaire tax" doesn't seem to have prompted rich folks to flee Maryland in much greater numbers than usual, according to the latest data. But that doesn't mean they're not fleeing, and it doesn't mean the tax should be resurrected, as some advocate.

Even without the millionaire surcharge that began in 2008 and expired in 2010, Maryland's income tax is sufficiently high to repel some of the wealthy. Add in this state's higher estate taxes, and we don't need another reason to push plutocrats into Virginia.

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Firefighters Watch Another House Burn To The Ground Because Of Unpaid $75 Fee

In October 2010, firefighters in South Fulton, TN, were criticized all across the country after they refused to put out a fire because the homeowner hadn't paid a $75 "fire subscription fee" to the city. If you thought such public scrutiny might have changed that policy, think again.

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Fill In The Blank 12-07-11

My BEST "Fill In The Blank" is ______. (^_^)

The 5 Coolest Toys That Barely Cost A Thing

WASHINGTON -- The coolest toys don't have to cost a lot of money. In fact, some of the most basic household items have been known to inspire the most creative playtime for kids.

With that notion in mind, Wired.com put together a list of the five best toys of all time, and parents might be pleased to know most of them can be found in the basement or the backyard.

The toy that tops the list is almost too simple: A stick. Not only is the stick required for a game of stickball, but they lend themselves to endless creativity because of the shapes and sizes they come in, like digging and poking. Added to that, they're biodegradable, so a very green toy. And, they grow on trees.

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Two Upcoming Events At Fraternal Order Of Eagles


Click on images to enlarge.

D.C. Council To Consider Easing Some Handgun Laws

WASHINGTON - The D.C. Council will consider a bill that would remove some of the hurdles residents have to clear before obtaining a handgun.

Councilmember Phil Mendelson introduced the bill Tuesday. It would do away with the requirement that residents undergo a vision test and submit handguns for ballistic identification before taking them home.

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Women Are Better At Driving, Studying And ... Hammering?

WASHINGTON -- Conventional wisdom says that men and women were created equally. According to a new list by Yahoo's Shine, this is might not the case. Women best men in at least eight tasks.

Topping the list is dealing with a broken heart. This might not be so surprising given that women tend to share their feelings more. Plus, men tend to dwell longer on a breakup, according to a Journal of Health and Social Behavior study.

But what about driving? Yes, women are better at that, too. When men are behind the wheel, they are 77 percent more likely to die in a car crash than women, according to Carnegie Mellon University study.

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Clinton Meets Syria Opposition; Envoy Returns

GENEVA - The Obama administration moved Tuesday to boost contacts with foes of Syria's President Bashar Assad, as Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton held a rare meeting with Syrian opposition figures and the top U.S. envoy to Syria returned to Damascus after a six-week absence.

Amid reports of a new surge in violence that the U.N. says has killed more than 4,000 people since an uprising against Assad erupted in March, Clinton told Syrian pro-reform activists in Geneva that she wanted to hear their plans to establish a new democratic government if they are successful in prying Assad and his regime from power.

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"WE JUST SCRAPED THAT ICEBERG"

Citigroup to eliminate 4,500 jobs, says CEO Pandit

NEW YORK (MarketWatch) — Citigroup Inc. /quotes/zigman/5065548/quotes/nls/c C -3.09% Chief Executive Vikram Pandit said the bank plans to eliminate 4,500 jobs, starting in the fourth quarter.

The job cuts will be completed “over the next few quarters” and Citi will take a charge of about $400 million in the fourth quarter tied to those cuts, Pandit told investors during a Goldman Sachs conference in New York.

The CEO also said that the bank would take a $200 million charge tied to the valuation of Citi’s own debt if credit spreads remain as they were at market close Monday. “I should note, however, that this number can vary significantly and will be based on our spreads in the last day of the quarter,” Pandit said.

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Mom Denied Food Stamps Shoots Kids, Kills Self

(AP) SAN ANTONIO - A Texas woman who for months was unable to qualify for food stamps pulled a gun in a state welfare office and held a seven-hour standoff with police that ended with her shooting her two children before killing herself, officials said Tuesday.

The 10-year-old boy and 12-year-old girl remained in critical condition Tuesday. Authorities identified the mother as Rachelle Grimmer, 38, and children Ramie and Timothy.

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PUBLIC NOTICE 12-7-11



THE SALISBURY CITY COUNCIL WILL ENTERTAIN A VOTE TO CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION AT 4:30 P.M. ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2011, TO CONSULT WITH THE CITY ATTORNEY AND STAFF ON PENDING LITIGATION AS PERMITTED UNDER THE ANNOTATED CODE OF MARYLAND SECTIONS 10-508(a)(7)(8).



THE SESSION WILL BE HELD IN CONFERENCE ROOM 306 OF THE GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING (125 N. DIVISION STREET) AT WHICH TIME THE PUBLIC CAN OBSERVE THE MOTION, ANY DISCUSSION AND THE VOTE TO CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION AS NOTED ABOVE.

Explore Downtown Salisbury

Cultural Events

» Main Street Salisbury

Wednesday 12/7/2011 01:00 p.m. - 04:00 p.m.

Nabb Center Gallery

Explore the turn-of-the-20th-century business district of Salisbury. Discover Main Street through artifacts and photographs from Nabb Center archives. This exhibit is co-sponsored by DiCarlo Digital Copying Center.
Admission is free and the public is invited.
For information call 410-543-6312 or visit the SU Web site at www.salisbury.edu.


Couple On Welfare Had $1.2M House, Traveled Globe

(AP)

SEATTLE - A Seattle chiropractor and his wife live in a $1.2 million waterfront home and have spent the past eight years flying to Moscow, Paris, Israel, Turkey, Mexico and the Dominican Republic.

All the while, federal authorities say, the couple was collecting more than $100,000 in public welfare payments.

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BREAKING NEWS: Abuse Allegations Against Ex-Syracuse Coach Too Old to Prosecute

District attorney in Onondaga County, N.Y., says child sex abuse allegations against former Syracuse basketball coach Bernie Fine are 'credible,' but too old to be prosecuted

Fox News

LOOK AT MEEEE, LOOK AT MEEEE!

Salisbury City Council Person Laura Mitchell has to be one of the dumbest people I have ever seen. In Monday's Council Work Session Laura Mitchell stated she wants to file ethics charges against Council Member Tim Spies. She's claiming that he shouldn't have voted for the Charter Amendment because Mr. Spies has a pending case with the City through Code and Compliance.

Mrs. Mitchell, this is America. You see, in America you are innocent until proven guilty. You go file all the ethics violation charges you like, you will lose.

In fact, Mr. Spies should file ethics charges against YOU for attempting to RETALIATE against another Council Member because your PISSED OFF you lost your referendum.

After Mitchell went to States Attorney Matt Maciarello, his case was suddenly delayed. Mr. Spies had already gone to an attorney to ask if there was any conflict and they advised him there was absolutely no conflict whatsoever.

Laura Mitchell needs to go.

IR Bridge Will Open In Late January

INDIAN RIVER INLET — The new Indian River Inlet bridge will open to traffic by the end of January, one month later than officials at the Delaware Department of Transportation planned.

In October, officials expected the bridge to open before the end of the year, but Jason Lang, community relations officer for DelDOT, said Hurricane Irene in late August and subsequent storms set back construction.

“The back-to-back storms that we had near the end of summer took a toll on the progress of the construction and are the main causes for the extra time needed,” he said.

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Caption This Photo 12-7-11



Today's Survey Question 12-7-11

Is it time to do away with the Postal Service?

Wicomico County Sheriff's Office Press Release 12-7-11

Incident: Possession of CDS
Date of Incident: 5 December 2011
Location: Delaware Avenue, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Kirk T. Leberon, 46, Hebron, MD

Narrative: On 5 December 2011
at 5:23 PM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office stopped a vehicle operated by Kirk Leberon of Hebron for a traffic violation. During the encounter, the deputy became aware that Leberon possessed CDS related paraphernalia which led to a search of the vehicle. During that search, the
deputy recovered crack cocaine, xanax pills and a metal smoking device.

The deputy placed Leberon under arrest and transported him to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, Leberon was detained in the Detention Center by the Commissioner in lieu of $50,000.00 bond.

Charges: Possession of CDS (2 counts)
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

10 Percent Of American Billionaires Have Donated To Romney

A former venture capitalist with a net worth in the neighborhood of $250 million, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (R) has struggled with the perception that he is the candidate of the one percent, particularly since the 99 Percent Movement turned America’s focus to rising income inequality and corporate greed coming from Wall Street. Former Louisiana Gov. Buddy Roemer (R), in fact, labeled Romney as such last week, stating plainly that “Mitt Romney represents the one percent.”

Listing Of 2011 Holiday And Winter Concerts, Programs And Events For Wicomico Schools

Wednesday, Dec. 7

Salisbury Middle School presents the 7th-Grade Winter Chorus Concert, “It’s the Holiday Season,” at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7, in the school cafeteria. Free. Donations of canned goods will be accepted for the Maryland Food Bank. 410-677-5149

Thursday, Dec. 8

Glen Avenue Elementary presents its Winter Concert, “Snowed In,” at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, in the cafeteria. The concert will feature performances by the Glen Avenue Band, Strings (several holiday tunes, including “Up on the Housetop,” “Jingle Bells,” and “Dreidel”), and 4th-Grade Choir, with a mixture of holiday and cultural music. Free. 410-677-5806

Wicomico Middle School’s 7th- and 8th-Grade Bands will present a Winter Concert at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, in the school auditorium. The bands will perform a variety of seasonal and non-seasonal musical selections, including some Mozart, some samba music, and some Christmas medleys. Free. 410-677-5145

Pittsville Middle School Band presents its Winter Concert at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, in the Parkside High School Auditorium. Selections will be performed by the 6th-Grade Band, 7th/8th-Grade Band, and Marching Band. Free. 410-677-5811

Bennett Middle School 6th- and 7th-Grade Chorus will present the holiday concert, “Holiday Lights,” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, in the James M. Bennett Auditorium. Join us for an exciting evening of song and dance with full choir numbers, soloists, dancers and some special surprises. Tickets are $2 and will be sold in the school office and cafeteria beginning Monday, Dec. 5. No tickets will be sold at the door. 410-677-5140

Salisbury Middle School Holiday Band Concert will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, in the school cafeteria. The concert will feature the 6th-, 7th- and 8th-Grade Intermediate, Advanced and Symphonic Bands performing a variety of patriotic and holiday songs. Free. 410-677-5149

Fruitland Police Department Press Release 12-07-11

DATE & TIME: Friday December 2, 2011 @1408 hours

INCIDENT: CDS Possession-Not Marijuana / Counterfeit Currency

LOCATION: N. Fruitland Blvd @ Pollitt Drive
CASE NO.: 2011-1428

PERSON CHARGED: Bryan A. Winder

AGE: 35

ADDRESS: Seaford, Delaware
CHARGES: Possession of CDS (Not Marijuana)
Possession of Counterfeit Currency
DISPOSITION: Released to custody of Central Booking at WCDC

SYNOPSIS:On the above date and time a Fruitland Officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle operated by the above named suspect. Upon finally getting the vehicle stopped, the officer observed several indicators of criminal activity. The Fruitland Police K-9 unit conducted a scan of the vehicle which resulted in a positive alert for the presence of the odor of a controlled dangerous substance. A probable cause search was conducted and a quantity of suspected Cocaine was located. Incident to arrest, the suspect was also found to be in possession of $180.00 in counterfeit U.S. currency. The suspect was transported to WCDC without incident.

DATE & TIME: Saturday December 3, 2011 @0152 hours

INCIDENT: Domestic Assault

LOCATION: Cartwright Avenue
CASE NO.: 2011-1431

PERSON CHARGED: Corey D. Spence

AGE: 40

ADDRESS: Fruitland, Maryland
CHARGES: Assault 2nd Degree (Domestic)
DISPOSITION: Released to custody of Central Booking at WCDC


SYNOPSIS:On the above date and time Fruitland Officers responded to Cartwright Avenue for a reported assault in progress. Upon arrival, officers met with the victim and observed signs of injury consistent with the victim’s account of what had occurred prior to police arrival. The victim stated that the suspect committed the assault and the suspect was arrested and transported to WCDC without incident.


DATE & TIME: Saturday December 3, 2011 @1258 hours

INCIDENT: CDS Possession-Not Marijuana / Warrant Service

LOCATION: Clyde Avenue @ Warrior Lane
CASE NO.: 2011-1434

PERSON CHARGED: Craig M. Handy

AGE: 49

ADDRESS: Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES:Possession of CDS (Not Marijuana)
Violation of Probation (Warrant served)
DISPOSITION: Released to custody of Central Booking at WCDC

SYNOPSIS:
On the above date and time a Fruitland Officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle operated by the above named suspect. Upon contact with the suspect, the officer observed several indicators of criminal activity and learned that the suspect was wanted on an outstanding arrest warrant. The suspect was placed under arrest for the warrant and the Fruitland Police K-9 unit responded and conducted a scan of the vehicle which resulted in a positive alert for the presence of the odor of a controlled dangerous substance. A probable cause search was conducted and a quantity of suspected Cocaine was located in the vehicle. The suspect was
transported to WCDC without incident.

DATE & TIME: Friday December 2, 2011 @1810 hours

INCIDENT: CDS Possession-Not Marijuana

LOCATION: N. Fruitland Blvd @ Pollitt Drive
CASE NO.: 2011-1429

PERSON CHARGED: Jaime L. Dailey

AGE: 35

ADDRESS: Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES: Possession of CDS (Not Marijuana)
DISPOSITION: Released to custody of Central Booking at WCDC

SYNOPSIS:
On the above date and time a Fruitland Officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle operated by the above named suspect. Upon contact with the suspect, the officer observed several indicators of criminal activity. The Fruitland Police K-9 unit responded and conducted a scan of the vehicle which resulted in a positive alert for the presence of the odor of a controlled dangerous substance. A probable cause search was conducted and a quantity of suspected Cocaine was located. The suspect was transported to WCDC without incident.


DATE & TIME: Sunday December 4, 2011 @ 1530

INCIDENT: Shoplifting / Theft

LOCATION: Walmart 409 N. Fruitland Blvd

CASE NO.: 2011-1439

PERSON CHARGED: Emenna Badjo

AGE: 21

ADDRESS: Princess Anne, Maryland

CHARGES: Theft under $100
Obstructing and hindering
False statement
DISPOSITION: Released to custody of Central Booking at WCDC

SYNOPSIS:
On the above date and time Fruitland Officer responded to Walmart for a shoplifter in custody in the Loss Prevention area. Store employees reported that the above named suspect had removed several items from their packaging and concealed them in her purse while attempting to exit the store without paying. During the investigation, the suspect provided a false and fictitious name to officers regarding her true identity. The suspect was arrested and transported to WCDC without incident.

Brittingham Press Release-Burglary


Worcester County Bureau of Investigation

NEWS RELEASE
Date & Time: 12/03/2011 @ 0200 A.M.
Case #:11-0285
Location Occurred: Evans Road, Berlin, Worcester County, Maryland
Crime or Violation: 1st Degree Burglary, 4th Degree Burglary, Malicious
Destruction of Property Under $500, Possession of Heroine, Possession
Paraphernalia
Victim: Dorothy Warren
Accused: Kyle Barton Brittingham W/M 1520 Ingleside Avenue, Perryville, MD
21903

Narrative:

On 12/03/2011 at 0230 Hrs, investigators from the Worcester County Bureau of
Investigation responded to Evans Road, Berlin, Worcester County Maryland to
investigate a burglary. Investigation revealed that the suspect, who was later
identified as Kyle Barton Brittingham, entered the residence of 9378 Evans Road
and attempted to steal a “safe” located beside the victim’s bed. A description
and positive identification was made by the victim and Brittingham was
subsequently located and arrested at the residence next to the victim’s.

Brittingham was charged with First and Fourth Degree Burglary, Malicious
Destruction of Property Under $500, Possession of Heroine, and Possession of
Paraphernalia. Brittingham was taken to the Snow Hill Commissioner where he was
held on $25,000 bond.

Mine Owner Flouted Safety Rules Before Disaster, U.S. Says

(CNN) -- The operators of West Virginia's Upper Big Branch coal mine dodged federal safety rules and hid violations before the April 2010 explosion that killed 29 men, a scathing report on the disaster concluded Tuesday.
The immediate cause of the blast was a methane ignition that set off a massive coal-dust explosion, the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration stated in a report issued Tuesday afternoon. But the agency found the "unlawful policies and practices" of Massey Energy and its subsidiary, Performance Coal Company, laid the foundation for the disaster.

A Brooke Mulford Update 12-7-11


It is scan time again! The past 3 months have flown by and here we are again at CHOP waiting to have her CT scan done. Brooke just started drinking the contrast. Once she is done with the first 16 oz. bottle then she will have to wait 2 hours and drink another one. During that time she will have an IV placed in her hand for the scan and they will also draw her labs from it. The CT scan is scheduled for 12:30 but I don’t think we will start on time because it takes her so long to drink the contrast. She is scheduled to have her MIBG injection at 1:30. After we get out of CHOP today we will head to Grammy’s to celebrate cousin Chelsea’s 19th (I think) birthday.

Tomorrow it’s back to CHOP again for her MIBG scan at 10:00am, Echocardiogram at 11:30 and Oncology clinic at 3:00pm. We will get the results of the CT and MIBG scans at clinic so I will try to post again before we leave the hospital.

Please pray that her scans are all clear and that the issues they saw on her last Echo are no longer present.

Oh, and don’t forget to watch Extreme Makeover Home Edition this Friday at 8:00-10pm on ABC to see the Johnson/Goslee family of Mardela Springs, MD get an amazing new home. You might catch a glimpse of me under the tent helping out and Brooke during the “Move that bus”. It was such a cool experience and we met so many wonderful people. Here's a link to a short video I made from the build http://youtu.be/gU014hRa9hc

Also, Cooking with Brooke for a Cure cookbooks are now available at Market Street Inn and the offices at Salisbury Christian School as well as Headquarters Hair Salon on Haddon Ave in Westmont, NJ. Cookbooks are $12 and all proceeds go to The Brooke Mulford Foundation for NB research at CHOP. If you would like one and would need it shipped to you contact me at amy.mulford@yahoo.com with how many you would like and your address and I will calculate the total with shipping. Checks can be made out to The Brooke Mulford Foundation.

Thank you for your prayers!