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Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Comon Sense

An Obituary printed in the London Times....

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense , who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:
- Knowing when to come in out of the rain;
- Why the early bird gets the worm;
- Life isn't always fair;
- and maybe it was my fault.

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge).

His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.

Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children.

It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.

Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims.

Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.

Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.

Common Sense was preceded in death, by his parents, Truth and Trust, by his wife, Discretion, by his daughter, Responsibility, and by his son, Reason.

He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers;
I Know My Rights
I Want It Now
Someone Else Is To Blame
I'm A Victim

Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.

Kentucky Retirement Home

Dollar Coins Save The Government Money Because You'll Just Throw Them In A Jar

Here at The Consumerist, we have a long-standing anti-penny stance, but we're somewhat in favor of the gold-colored dollar coins. They're shiny! The Sacagawea ones have a woman on them! They save the government money! Except a new Government Accountability Office report mentions something interesting that we haven't discussed here before. Just replacing more fragile dollar bills with durable coins doesn't save any money at all. Minting and distributing all of those coins costs a lot. Instead, all of the cost savings would come from Americans throwing dollar coins in jars instead of circulating them.

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Budget Truth

by Delegate Mike McDermott

Does the Maryland State Budget “cut” spending on education as is being reported?
Here is the truth (and please fact check it at dls.state.md.us):
Under the current budget as passedSpending for K-12 education increases by $199 million.
Spending for higher education will increase by $82.4 million.
Spending for Public Safety will increase by $23.2 million.
No raiding of specialized funds and trusts are allowed under the adopted budget as well as no tax increases and, for the first time in anyone’s memory, the budget simply spends based upon current revenues.
When liberals ask for a million dollar increase and you only give them half a million, to them this is a “cut”. If an employer pays you more money this year than they did last year, was your pay “cut”, or did you receive a raise?

The passed budget represents as much a compromise as Annapolis may be capable of producing. It is $700 million more than Republicans wanted in their budget proposal and $500 million less than the O’Malley-Brown Budget submitted to the General Assembly in January. It does not increase taxes nor pass down many costs to the county governments.

The only reason we will be called back into a Special Session by Governor O’Malley is to raise taxes. There is no other reason. Those clambering for us to go back must agree with the progressive, liberal agenda of tax and spend which has dominated Maryland for far too long.

As a result of previous and current failed taxing policies in this state, we have fewer millionaires and fewer businesses from which we receive revenue. We have made ourselves dependent upon the federal government and that money is gone.

In any courtroom in the United States, the witness is compelled and put under oath to tell, “the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth...” This is something sorely missing from the many words being written and those being spoken regarding this budget.

Doctors Skip The Whole Insurance Thing By Charging Monthly Retainers

What if, instead of paying hundreds — or even thousands — of dollars each month for health insurance that you may not even be taking advantage of, you paid a retainer of somewhere between $39 to $79 a month to your primary care physician? Some doctors say this kind of service can work out to the benefit of both caregiver and patient.

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State Demands Man Pay Back $19K In Unemployment Benefits

Being out of work is bad enough, but imagine if the state not only took away what little unemployment benefits you had coming in every week but also demanded you pay back everything you'd received for the previous 18 months? That's what happened to a man in New Jersey who is caught in the middle of a battle of ineptitude between church and state.

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4-Year-Old Gets TSA Pat-Down Following Hug From Grandma

Kids today. They say and do the darndest things, even under the watchful eye of the Transportation Security Administration. So who knows what happens when your 4-year-old daughter gives grandma a hug at the airport security checkpoint. In addition to that peck on the cheek, a deadly weapon may have been exchanged.

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340 Comments Published So Far Today


What a day this has been! You certainly have kept us busy, that's for sure. I need to remind many of you, especially those students coming here for possibly the first time, we will not publish comments with curse words in them. Unfortunately we've had to reject quite a lot of those today, probably more than a hundred.

Considering it's only the first day back without word verification we may start seeing a lot more comments as time goes on. The ONLY way we're all going to make a difference is if we comment. You don't have to agree with what I/We have to say. As long as the comments are civil we can agree to disagree.

Thanks for participating so often today. I have a lot of thinking to do and I thank you for showing your support.

Dog Found: UPDATE



Good Morning,

We have found a black lab on our farm in the Coulbourn Mill Road area. There are no tags on the dog, however he does have a collar on. Could you post this to your site? I am attaching a picture I took this morning.

BREAKING NEWS: Romney Takes Delaware

Mitt Romney is projected to pick up his third win of the night, in Delaware's GOP primary, the AP reports.

From Fox News

Thanks For Finally Figuring Out How Brain Freeze Works, Scientists!

Brain freeze is nobody's friend — and there's no way we can slow down when it comes to eating ice cream, so it's one of those necessary evils. The science of the whole painful experience has alluded us for a long time, but now researchers claim they've gotten to the bottom of it.

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Paying $60 For A Light Bulb That Lasts 20 Years Is Kind Of A No-Brainer

After months in development, Philips is finally ready to sell LED light bulbs that last 20 years. Could be quite a game-changer — after all, if you didn't have to change a light bulb between now and when your unborn child graduates from high school, just think of all the precious minutes you could spend on other tasks. And the environment would surely thank you.

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College Students + Petition to Redistribute Grades = Another Funny Video

The idea isn’t new, but the results are just as funny.

The Young America’s Foundation (YAF) just released a “stellar entry” from its annual GPA Redistribution Petition and Video Contest. That contest looks to capture hypocritical thinking on college campuses, where many are willing to redistribute wealth but not grades. The following entry comes from Carthage College (located in Wisconsin*). YAF explains what you’re about to see:

Yet, when students at Carthage where asked if they would be willing to sign a petition to redistribute GPA points from the top 10% to the rest of the college, most of them said NO. One student said, “No, because I worked hard for my grades!”

Another said, “At Carthage, each student has an equal opportunity to get the GPA they desire.” And another, “I don‘t want my GPA being taken away from me if I had an ’A’.”

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Here's How to Ensure Obama Defeat

WASHINGTON – Left to the devices of the Republican Party and its nominee, Barack Obama is a shoo-in for re-election, says Joseph Farah, editor and founder of WND.

But he does believe there is an opportunity to defeat Obama and, equally importantly, restore the nation to constitutional integrity in 2012

“There’s a problem even bigger than Obama afflicting America,” he says. “And that means it is a huge, monumental, fundamental crisis, because Obama, given another four years in office, will effectively destroy the very fabric of everything good that set America apart from the rest of the world. That problem is we have no more anchor for self-government, the rule of law and governance through the will of the people. The Constitution is being rendered meaningless.”.

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‘Spiked Boulder’: Dangerous Booby Traps Found on Popular Utah Trail


A deadly booby trap rigged along a popular Utah trail could have killed someone if they had tripped a ground wire set up to send a 20-pound, spiked boulder swinging into an unsuspecting hiker, authorities said Monday.
Another trap was designed to trip a passer-by into a bed of sharpened wooden stakes.

Two men arrested over the weekend on suspicion of misdemeanor reckless endangerment told authorities the traps were intended for wildlife, but investigators didn’t believe the story.

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A Comment Worthy Of A Post 4-24-12


As soon as the video starts, look at the left of the screen. You will see 4 or 5 get thrown, and that was over a 3 second period. I am sure that this video will be deleted soon because we wouldn't want to see the little angels misbehave.

Today's Survey Question 4-24-12

After much thought last night I decided that perhaps some people are right. Perhaps I should go to the next level towards change. Perhaps I should make my move to Wicomico County and run for Mayor of Salisbury.

That being said, since we've turned off word verification on comments, what's your thoughts. If I were to run for Mayor of Salisbury, would I get your vote?

Former 'ER' Star Noah Wyle Arrested in DC Protest

WASHINGTON (AP) — Former "ER" star Noah Wyle and about 100 members of the group ADAPT were arrested Monday during a Capitol Hill protest to urge Congress not to cut Medicaid.

In an interview with The Associated Press while waiting to be processed in the basement of the Cannon House Office Building where the protest took place in the rotunda, Wyle said being arrested for the first time was "slightly surreal."

"As soon as everybody saw me being led away, they let up a big whooping cheer, which made me feel really good," Wyle said.

Many of the protesters were in wheelchairs. They're the ones who would be hurt most by any Medicaid cuts, Wyle said.

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BREAKING NEWS: 3 More Secret Service Agents Reportedly Ousted

Three more Secret Service agents have been forced out, and two have been cleared of wrongdoing in Colombia prostitution scandal, GOP lawmaker tells AP.

From Fox News

Reader's Story Of Lackluster Lawnmower Service Exemplifies Why Sears Is Sinking

It wasn't that long ago that the Sears name actually stood for quality, service and all those other buzz words you hear in TV commercials. When people ask "What happened?," it's easy to point to the growth of big-box competitors like Walmart and Target, but that doesn't paint the full picture of why the once-iconic Sears brand is now considered second-tier by many shoppers.

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Homeland Security's Top Terrorist?

If you want to know what the US Department of Homeland Security has been working hard at lately, leave it to a multimedia journalist from Miami, Florida to lay it out for you: they’ve been busy on Facebook.

Freelance journalist Carlos Miller was documenting a law enforcement raid on the southern Florida’s Occupy Wall Street offshoot, Occupy Miami, when he was arrested earlier in 2012 while filming police — for the third time in just a few years. After investigating why authorities in Miami may have singled him out during the ordeal (in which, he claims, he was only filming the event), Miller stumbled upon some evidence that exposes just why he was targeted by the local branch of the Department of Homeland Security.

Miller was able to obtain through a public records request communication logs from the Miami DHS that reveal what he believes is proof that authorities had been prepared to issue an arrest against him earlier in the year without him even committing a crime. To the DHS, believes Miller, using a camera seems comparable with carrying out an act of terrorism.

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Proactive Police Work In Salisbury

Here is an image of one Salisbury Police Officer using pepper spray on an unruly college crown who were throwing beer bottles at Police Officers and then complaining, I didn't do nuttin.

When a Police Officer tells you to do something you either listen or you get treated like a criminal. Our post the other day called it like it was, animals in a zoo.

As an old friend used to tell me, "It will only happen once, unless you're that stupid."

Worcester County Bureau Of Investigation Press Release 4-24-12


DATE: April 24, 2012
CBI Case # 12-0001
LOCATION: Nock’s Tire Service
1242 Ocean Highway
Pocomoke, MD
CHARGES: Theft Scheme over $100,000.00
ACCUSED: Julie D. Holland W/F 39yoa
Pocomoke, MD

NARRATIVE: Yesterday, Julie Holland of Pocomoke, Maryland was charged with a single-count criminal information for theft scheme over $100,000. Holland had been employed by Nock’s Tire Service as the bookkeeper for more than fifteen years before her employment ended in November 2011. The filing of this criminal information comes on the heels of a five-month-long investigation into missing funds from Nock’s Tire Service, Inc., Mason Quality Homes, and Mason Trucking, LLC, all Pocomoke businesses owned by Carlton Mason. The total dollar amount of the alleged thefts exceeds $400,000.

The Worcester County Bureau of Investigation was asked to investigate and Detective Corporal Robert Trautman, Worcester County Sheriff’s Office led the investigation after being provided extensive documentation from Charles Barnes, the General Manager of Nock’s Tire Service. Detective Corporal Trautman interviewed Holland, who at first denied her involvement with any theft from Nock’s Tire Service. Once confronted with bank records and credit card documents showing unauthorized transfers of money to her account from Nock’s Tire Service’s business checking account, Holland admitted to taking the funds. She later gave a written statement acknowledging that she took over $400,000 from her former employer. Holland stated that she had suffered some financial hardship, but could not explain where all of the money had gone.

The case is schedule for a May 2012 court date in the Worcester County Circuit Court.

Obama Administration Hires Former Planned Parenthood Spokesman

The Obama administration has hired Planned Parenthood's former spokesman to work in the Department of Health and Human Services' press shop -- angering anti-abortion groups, who pointed to the decision as evidence of the administration's bias.

The federal health department tapped Tait Sye, former media relations director at Planned Parenthood, to be the new deputy assistant secretary for public affairs.

In that role, Sye is likely to be dealing with many of the same controversies through which he navigated during his time at Planned Parenthood. While working for the abortion provider, Sye was outspoken in his organization's support for the Obama administration after it touched off the firestorm over its contraceptive coverage requirement.

Veterans Struggle To Get Mental Health Care

New findings suggest the Veterans Affairs Department is struggling to keep up with the number of veterans seeking mental health care. The agency inspector general said half of its mental health patients have to wait about 50 days for a full evaluation. That's far longer than previously thought. The report said the agency's tracking system is flawed. Doctors and clinicians said they don't have the manpower to handle all the cases. The VA last week began hiring 1,900 more mental health care workers.

29 Ways The Government Wastes Your Money

Why do chimpanzees throw poop?  The federal government would like to know and is using your tax dollars to investigate the matter.  Every single year, we all send huge amounts of our hard-earned money to the federal government.  We hope that they will spend that money wisely.  Unfortunately, that is simply not the case.  You are about to read some examples of how the government is wasting your money that are absolutely mind blowing.  Anyone that claims that there is not a lot of waste that can be cut out of the federal budget is lying to you.  Our politicians have racked up the biggest pile of debt in the history of the world and they are spending our money on some of the stupidest things imaginable.  It is imperative that the American people be educated about all of this outrageous government waste, because right now the political will to change this corrupt system is simply not there among the current crop of politicians in Washington.  We are stealing trillions of dollars from future generations and many of the things that our politicians are wasting that money on are almost too bizarre to believe.

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University Students, Administrators Are Anxious Over Possible Tuition Hikes

Students and administrators at the state universities are worried that the $50 million cut in the state budget will lead to a double-digit tuition hike.


With still no word on a special session two weeks after the General Assembly adjourned having failed to pass a revenue bill to fund the full state budget, higher education officials and students alike have begun to worry.

On Friday, dozens of students at the University of Maryland urged lawmakers to return to Annapolis and rallied against tuition hikes that would likely result if the “doomsday budget” is implemented.

Friday’s rally followed a unanimous vote by the Student Government Association calling on Gov. Martin O’Malley to order a special session. O’Malley has delayed ordering lawmakers back to Annapolis until a consensus can be met on the issues that derailed the legislation two weeks ago.

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Granny thwarts 2 Would-Be Robbers in Shootout

Looking at Lulu Campbell’s bullet-riddled silver Toyota Tundra, common sense says the 57-year-old grandmother should be dead.

It’s impossible to tell how many bullets were fired at 2 a.m. Saturday morning on English Avenue, but what started as an armed robbery attempt turned into a full-blown firefight.

There are eight bullet holes in the Tundra’s hood, another in the front grill, and both front-seat side windows have been shot out. There’s also a single bullet hole through the front windshield, when Campbell shot back at one of the assailants. At least four of the bullets that penetrated the hood left secondary holes in the metal that’s right behind the driver’s dashboard. One of those shots took out the vehicle’s power brakes.

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Read more here: http://www.macon.com/2012/04/23/2000577/i-carry-a-gun-all-the-time-says.html#storylink=cpy

Two SU Seniors Win $5,000 Bernstein Award

SALISBURY, MD---For Salisbury University senior Thomas Hood, winning the $5,000 top prize in the annual Bernstein Award competition stemmed from his work helping a nonprofit utilize data software in ways that cut costs and improved efficiency.

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Democrats Plan To Force Vote On Arizona Immigration Law If It’s Upheld By Court

Senate Democrats are making plans to force a floor vote on legislation that would invalidate Arizona’s controversial immigration statute if the Supreme Court upholds the law this summer.

Sen. Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) will announce the fallback legislation at a hearing on the Arizona law Tuesday, a day before the Supreme Court hears oral arguments in a suit to determine whether Arizona had the authority to enact the 2010 state crackdown.

The legislation would have little chance of passing in a stalemated Senate or being approved by a GOP-held House, but it would allow Democrats to push their electoral advantage with Latino voters just as the presidential campaign heats up in July.

The plan is to allow Democrats a route to express displeasure with the Arizona law if the court allows it to stand, and it would force Republicans to take a clear position on the law during the height of the presidential campaign. The immigration law is deeply unpopular with Latino voters, who could be key to the outcome of the presidential and Senate races in several Western states.

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Why Conservatives Have Lost The Political Battle For America's Soul

The battle for America’s political soul is always fought on the battlefield of federal politics. That’s why conservatives lose, generation after generation.”

Dr. North, would you please elaborate on this, why you believe the battle for America’s political soul is fought in Federal politics and why it is that conservatives continue to lose, generation after generation?

From the time of the ratification of the United States Constitution, American politics shifted to the national level. One of the things that I realized late in my career, even though I had been trained as an historian of the colonial period, was this: it is virtually impossible to write a history of the United States after 1788 without dividing it into four-year segments. Presidential election years set the tone for the direction of the country, and this has been true ever since the early 19th century, when the federal government’s share of the economy was minimal. It is not a matter simply of money; it is a matter of political legitimacy. Issues of legitimacy are much more important than issues of taxation. Legitimacy tells what the taxes will be spent on. That is far more important than the amount of taxes collected.

The problem is this: voting for the President, who is the only representative of all the people, is functionally a covenantal act. People ratify a particular President, and in doing so, they transfer authority and legitimacy to him and to his administration.

Prior to the ratification of the Constitution, these events were limited to state and local governments, and before that to colonial governments that were technically under the authority of the King of England. Politics was local, and the great issues of the day were also local. These issues differed from state to state, or from colony to colony.

There was no national civil government. There was no national political issue that confronted citizens in every region. Because there was no national government, there was no means of covenant ratification, which first took place in 1788. There was no means of covenant renewal nationally. So, people did not think of themselves as Americans; they thought of themselves as residents of their particular state.

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Father Creates Video Time Capsule of Daughter's Childhood

Parents always say time with their kids goes by too fast. And now one father and filmmaker is doing his best to capture those fleeting moments using time-lapsed video.

Frans Hofmeester has been taping and interviewing his 12-year-old daughter, Lotte, since she was born. The nearly three-minute time-lapsed video encapsulates her childhood, illustrating her changing moods, hairstyles and outfits.

The video -- which has gone viral -- is being shared by parents, film fans and curious Internet users.

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Taxes vs. Fed – What's to Blame?

Ron Paul's analysis is correct ... There is an ongoing argument about higher income tax rates for the top 1 percent of us but that is just a diversion from the real problem. Since 9/11, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates to zero and started printing more money to keep our economy from collapsing. But a decade of free money caused a flurry of spending that caused the stock market and housing bubble to inflate and finally burst, leaving a mountain of new debt. – Des Moines Register

Dominant Social Theme: It's taxes, man!

Free-Market Analysis: The above article excerpt would seem to put the "fiscal versus monetary" argument into perspective. It is an argument that, in our view, defines the modern state and what's "gone off the rails."

Are taxes too high? Is that the reason for so much insolvency in Europe and the US?

Why is prosperity draining away? What's the REAL fix?

Our preference would be to explore monopoly central banking when it comes to determining the ills that afflict the modern world. There are 150 central banks now where before, at the beginning of the century, there was only a handful.

These central banks churn out money at an astonishing rate. And from what we can tell, making the mechanism purely public won't help, either. When given the opportunity, people will print as much money as they possible can. Power corrupts. Here's some more from the article:

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Seaford Man Wanted After Fleeing Vehicle Stop


Location:
Haven Drive, Seaford, DE

Date of Occurrence:
Monday, April 23, 2012 at 9:00 p.m.

Suspect:
Lemuel K. Wallop-50 of Seaford, DE (photo attached)

Charges:
Disregarding a Police Officer Signal
Resisting Arrest
Leaving the Scene of a Property Collision Accident
Driving While Suspended or Revoked

Dover PD active criminal warrant for Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle date 042312

Resume:
Seaford- The Delaware State Police are searching for a Seaford man who led Troopers on a short vehicle pursuit and then fled on foot, last evening.

The incident occurred last evening at approximately 9:00 p.m. as a Delaware State Trooper on routine patrol attempted to stop a 2006 Jeep Cherokee traveling westbound on SR 20 in Seaford. A computer check of the Cherokee indicated that it was reported wanted in a Dover Police Department criminal case as a vehicle in an unauthorized use investigation. The Trooper activated his emergency equipment, and followed the vehicle as it turned onto Haven Drive, refusing to stop. The Cherokee continued traveling on Haven Drive and began to stop on the right shoulder. As the Cherokee came to a stop, the operator and passenger exited and fled on foot. Prior to exiting the Cherokee, the operator placed it into reverse gear. The unoccupied vehicle traveled in reverse, striking the Trooper’s vehicle causing moderate damage. The Trooper exited his vehicle prior to the collision and was not injured. Additional Troopers assisted by K-9’s and Delaware State Police Helicopter Trooper 2 searched the area for the occupants of the vehicle with negative results.

Through further investigation it was determined that Lemuel K. Wallop-50 of Seaford, DE was the operator of the vehicle. Troopers have obtained warrants charging Wallop with the above crimes.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident, they are asked to contact Troop 5 at 302-337-1090 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333. Information may also be provided via the internet at www.tipsubmit.com

Send an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword "DSP."

The Next Health Care Overhaul? Look to Employers

If the Supreme Court strikes down President Barack Obama's health care law, employers and insurance companies _ not the government _ will be the main drivers of change over the next decade and maybe even longer.

They'll borrow some ideas from Obamacare, and push harder to cut costs.

Business can't and won't take care of America's 50 million uninsured, but for the majority with coverage, here's what experts say to expect:

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How To Improve the Public School Experience From An Unschooler's Perspective

As an unschooling parent, I often struggle with the thoughts of what happens to all the other children that are still in the public school system. While we believe very strongly in the benefits of having our children at home and following an unschooling lifestyle, I know that it is simply not possible for everyone. What can be done to help those children?

How can we care so much about our children while knowingly walking away from the other kids that are stuck in what I feel is a completely inefficient model for gaining knowledge? We can’t completely ignore these challenges. While I am not there in the U.S. to personally advocate changes, I can offer up some tips to help bring some homeschooling philosophies of learning into the classroom. It will require an open mind and a willingness to try something new, but I believe these ideas could revolutionize the way our public education system functions.

It will seem idealistic to some, but isn’t that what we need? Our children deserve new ideas to help guide them into the quickly changing future. Our school systems are deeply rooted in an archaic mindset and it is vital that we change that sooner rather than later.

I started to think of what an ideal school setting would look like to me, as an unschooler. If we look at the ways in which home educators teach, there are many components that can be introduced on a larger scale and used in schools now! In my opinion, these things could make our children successful on a whole new level. Happiness, confidence, and seeking out their own passions can take precedence even on a large scale.

The following ideas are how I think that can be achieved.

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This Day In History

Hostage rescue mission ends in disaster


On April 24, 1980, an ill-fated military operation to rescue the 52 American hostages held in Tehran ends with eight U.S. servicemen dead and no hostages rescued.

With the Iran Hostage Crisis stretching into its sixth month and all diplomatic appeals to the Iranian government ending in failure, President Jimmy Carter ordered the military mission as a last ditch attempt to save the hostages. During the operation, three of eight helicopters failed, crippling the crucial airborne plans. The mission was then canceled at the staging area in Iran, but during the withdrawal one of the retreating helicopters collided with one of six C-130 transport planes, killing eight soldiers and injuring five. The next day, a somber Jimmy Carter gave a press conference in which he took full responsibility for the tragedy. The hostages were not released for another 270 days.

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Salisbury University Students Plan To Attack Salisbury Police Officers On This Saturday

Perhaps this Post will actually put a stop to their actions, I don't know. What I do know is that we are receiving information that students from Salisbury University are going into Gander Mountain and buying up all the pepper spray they can get their hands on and plan to retaliate against local Law Enforcement this Saturday.

Where not sure if this has to do with the Salisbury Festival or not but it's a scary thought knowing everything has been cancelled this weekend at SU for this event.

We are reaching out to Gander Mountain and ALL other local businesses that may sell pepper spray to NOT sell it to local Students.

Believe me, after what happened last Saturday there are search warrants going out like there's no tomorrow. This is NOT going away.
Please call Gander Mountain and ask them to STOP selling any more pepper spray this week.

The Future Is Unknown, But We Know The Unsustainable Will Implode

There are no apolitical “personal choice” acts; there are only profoundly political acts of resistance or complicity.

I don't how the future will unfold, not just because I'm an idiot but because it's unknowable. Though we cannot know the future, we do know two very important things: 1) that which is unsustainable will implode, and 2) the present Status Quo is unsustainable.

That ultimately leaves us with a single question: what are we going to do about it? In my view, it's not important that we agree on solutions--agreement would in fact be a catastrophe, for dissent and decentralization are the essential characteristics of any sustainable "solution." What is important is that we realize the future boils down to a simple choice: do we passively comply with the Status Quo feudalism or do we resist?

In my book Resistance, Revolution, Liberation [6] I summarize this thusly: There are no apolitical “personal choice” acts; there are only profoundly political acts of resistance or complicity.

The roots of this line of thinking go back to 1969 when at the age of 16 I discovered Jean-Paul Sartre's What is Literature? (print) [7] (Kindle [8]). This book inspired my goal of becoming a writer, and it's easy to understand why: Sartre's central argument is that among the arts only prose has the power to change our lives.

Amazon.com reviewer Riccardo Pelizzo summarized this concept brilliantly: "The function of a committed writer is to reveal the world so that every reader loses her innocence and assumes all her responsibilities in front of it."

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Police Chief in Martin Case Remains Under Scrutiny

SANFORD, Fla. (AP) - While George Zimmerman is free on bail, the police chief criticized for not charging him after Trayvon Martin's slaying remains under scrutiny, as city commissioners want to wait for the results of a federal investigation to decide if they will accept Chief Bill Lee's resignation.

It could take months before Sanford city commissioners have the information they say they need.

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Death Classified As Homicide

Location:
  • Delaware Truck Plaza, 194 South DuPont Highway, New Castle, DE
 
Date of Occurrence:
  • Sunday, April 22, 2012 at 9:00 a.m.
 
Victim:
  • Ronald A. Hardy-56 of New Castle, DE
 
Victim’s Missing Vehicle:
  • 1992 Ford Ranger, tan in color, Delaware Registration # CL71413. Vehicle has distinctive black steel wheels with small silver center caps.
  • Surveillance photo of the vehicle leaving the Delaware Truck Plaza attached.
 
Resume:
New Castle-The death of Ronald A. Hardy-56 of New Castle, DE has been classified as a homicide by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Details as to the cause and manner of death are not being released at this time due to the ongoing investigation.
 
Delaware State Police Homicide Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident and have released a surveillance photo of the victim’s missing vehicle exiting the Delaware Truck Plaza on Saturday night, April 21, 2012 at approximately 10:00 p.m.
 
If anyone has information as to the whereabouts of the victim’s vehicle, or has observed or located the vehicle are asked to call 911 immediately.
 
If anyone has any information in reference to this incident, they are asked to contact Detective David Chorlton at 302-741-2731 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333.  Information may also be provided via the internet at www.tipsubmit.com 
 
Send an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword "DSP."

STOP THE PRESSES

There is some breaking news coming out of the Snow Hill area.

Allegedly, an election board member is being investigated by Police for handing out resume's along with absentee ballots for candidate Charlie Dorman.

It's on the down low right now but you can expect this to get hot and heavy very soon. The election is one week from today. Shame, Shame, Shame.

More to come....

BREAKING NEWS: Feds Make First Arrest In BP Oil Spill

Justice Department announces it has made first arrest in BP oil spill case,
charging ex-engineer with obstruction of justice.


From Fox News

Update On Special Session

This morning, the Governor had a productive meeting with Senate President Miller and House Speaker Busch. After, the press caught up with the Governor. We wanted to share the audio with you.

GO HERE to listen.

PUBLIC NOTICE 4-24-12

The City Council has scheduled an additional open work session for Thursday, April 26, 2012, at 6:30 p.m.  The work session will be held in Conference Room 306 of the Government Office Building (125 N. Division Street) for continuing discussion of Election Redistricting.  The meeting and its deliberations are open for the public to observe; however, due to pending litigation from the ACLU/NAACP, the Council may exercise its reserved right to convene in closed session for purposes of obtaining advice from legal counsel and/or consulting with staff, consultants or other individuals about pending or potential litigation as permitted under Section 10-508(a)(7)(8) of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

Today's Fill In The Blank 4-24-12

My favorite place to buy groceries is _______.

OC FOP Poker Run 5/12/12

The Ocean City, MD Fraternal Order of Police will hold its 4th Annual Poker Run on Saturday May 12, 2012. Proceeds for the event will go to benefit the "Home of the Brave" in Berlin, MD. The "Home of the Brave" supports America's combat veterans and their families by providing a relaxing environment where they can reconnect after combat military service.

The beginning and end of the Poker Run will be at Hooters of Ocean City (123rd Street Ocean City, MD)

Attached you will find an event flyer as well as registration form
  
If you have any questions and/ or concerns, please contact Event Coordinator Joe Lotito by email fop10pokerrun@gmail.com or by phone 410-202-6042.

Medicare Trustees Report Projects Medicare Bankruptcy In 2024

Rep. Harris criticizes the Obama Administration for calling fiscal health “stable”

Today, the Medicare Trustees released a comprehensive report outlining the fiscal problems of the Medicare system.  The report found that Medicare will go bankrupt in 2024.  After the release of the report, the acting CMS Administration claimed the Medicare system is “stable.”

Congressman Andy Harris, M.D., a physician representing Maryland’s First District, released the following statement:
“The current Medicare system is not “stable” as the Administration claims; this report shows Medicare is going bankrupt.  Unless action is taken to save Medicare, beneficiaries will see dramatic cuts in benefits.  Instead of the Obama Administration’s plan to impose draconian cost-cutting measures which will lead to rationing of care for beneficiaries, we need comprehensive reform to the system to ensure the federal government keeps its promise of Medicare  to current beneficiaries and to future generations.  I am ready to work across the aisle to preserve the Medicare program through physician-patient centered reforms.”

Facts citizens should know about Medicare:
Medicare expenditures total $571billion, of which, $211billion comes from the general fund. Medicare premiums and taxes do not cover the costs of the system.
On average, a two earner household pays $119,000 in Medicare taxes in their lifetime, but gets $357,000 in benefits out of the system.
Each year it becomes more difficult for new Medicare patients to find healthcare providers.

Today's Advertiser Of The Day 4-24-12

Wet T-Shirt Contest

We've Already Exceeded 100 Comments This Morning


Since we turned off the word verification we have already seen a great increase in comments, thank you.

New Program Wants To Keep Cell Phones Out Of Prisons

Getting contraband cell phones out of prisons. That’s the goal of a new pilot program launching next month in Maryland. Meghan McCorkell has more on how this could help public safety.

The new pilot program to get cell phones out of the hands of inmates is thanks to a new federal grant, and some say it can’t come soon enough.

Marge Shipley says a cell phone behind prison walls killed her son.

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No! No! Gannett

Tonight on Mad Money Lightning Round - 'No! No! Gannett'
Gannett - The Daily Times parent company (GCI) - Trading symbol has been tanking due to declining sales. Tonight on Mad Money when asked about Gannett;

Gannett (GCI_): "I know they seem cheap, but the newspapers are not for me."

Click Here for More:
http://www.thestreet.com/story/11505484/1/mad-money-lightning-round-no-no-gannett.html

Word Verification Has Been Turned Off

Good News, Word Verification has been turned off. This will allow everyone easy opportunity to leave comments without getting frustrated trying to figure out what each letter is.

So you know, the purpose behind it was to stop spam messages. The bigger your Blog, the more spam you get. Considering we're at this so many hours a day we figured we could deal with the additional comments and reject them as they come in.

We hope this pleases all of you and I hope it helps you leave more comments on each article. Time will tell. Have a great day everyone.

Frederica Man Charged In Sexual Relationship With Teenager


Location:
300 block of Jean Bradley Circle, Frederica, DE

Date of Occurrence:
Between January 2012-April 2012

Victim:
16 year old female

Defendant/Charges/Bond Information:
Thomas E. Myers-47 of Frederica, DE (Photo Attached)
Rape Fourth Degree (2 counts)
Unlawful Sexual Contact Second Degree with Person less than 18 years of age (3 counts)
Endangering the Welfare of a Child
Arraigned and released after posting $9000.00 Secured Bond. Issued a no contact order with the victim as well as any child under the age of eighteen.

Resume:
Frederica- The Delaware State Police have arrested and charged a 47 year old Frederica, DE man in connection with a sexual relationship involving a 16 year old female acquaintance.

On April 15, 2012 State Police Detectives were contacted by the family of the 16 year old female victim reporting that she was involved in a sexual relationship with a 47 year old man. After a thorough and comprehensive investigation, it was determined that the Thomas E. Myers-47 of Frederica, DE was involved in a sexual relationship with the victim, occurring at his residence in the 300 block of Jean Bradley Circle, Frederica, DE since January 2012.

On Monday, April 23, 2012, Thomas E. Myers-47 of Frederica, DE was charged with 6 charges, consisting of Rape Fourth degree (2 counts), Unlawful Sexual Contact Second Degree with Person less than 18 years of age (3 counts), and Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

Myers was arraigned on the charges and released after posting $9000.00 Secured Bond. Myers was also issued a no contact order with the victim as well as any child under the age of eighteen.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident or any other similar incident involving Thomas E. Myers, they are asked to contact Detective Mark Csapo, Troop 3 Criminal Investigations Unit at 302-741-2810 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333. Information may also be provided via the internet at www.tipsubmit.com

Send an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword "DSP."

Naval Academy professor finds possible remains of Annapolis Army fort

For as long as Bill Karditzas has been working at the Naval Academy, a giant slab of marble has sat right smack in the midst of his firing range.

The marksmanship training coach couldn’t figure out where it belonged and it was too heavy to move, he said.

So there the stone sat — that is, until it became subject of great curiosity earlier this year after a history professor from the Naval Academy began asking some questions about the land within the firing range fence line.

“I told her, ‘I think I know where your fort is,’ ’’ Karditzas said.

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RON PAUL WINS IOWA & MINNESOTA - YOU WON'T HEAR IT FROM THE MSM

Ron Paul supporters surged to victory in yesterday’s Minnesota and Iowa district conventions, dominating the process and picking up more delegates to the Republican National Convention. As reported last week, a number of Romney Hawks are now deeply concerned that Ron Paul has already laid the groundwork for similar success in six more caucus states.

Yesterday’s results for Ron Paul will only increase the influence of Hawks inside the Mitt Romney camp.

Romney advisers are concerned that the rising total of Ron Paul delegates will lead to an unmanageable RNC. Some observers felt that the 1992 convention hurt an incumbent president George H. W. Bush and was a factor in his loss to Bill Clinton.

In most states, victories at the district conventions decide who will move onto the state conventions where most of the delegates to the Republican National Convention in Tampa will be selected.

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Fraudsters Use Social Security Numbers of Dead People to Get Credit

We know all about ID theft and how to protect ourselves, but you think the threat ends when you pass away.  However, a new study says deceased Americans are at risk of having their personal information stolen and used to try and get credit.

A California company called ID Analytics compared the names of people used in millions of credit applications to people listed in the federal government's Social Security Death Master File.  They found ID theft of the dead in big numbers when it comes to attempts to get credit.

Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid - Charged up about our latest test car

The one Prius every hardcore green-car enthusiast has been waiting for, the Prius plug-in hybrid, has finally arrived at dealerships. And we just took delivery of ours.

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GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY TO ADDRESS MARYLAND STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION

ANNAPOLIS, MD (April 24, 2012) –TODAY, Governor Martin O’Malley will address the State Board of Education on Maryland’s commitment to quality, public education and challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. He will also officially welcome Dr. Lillian Lowery as Maryland’s new Schools Superintendent.

For four years in a row, Maryland’s public schools have been named #1 in the nation by Education Week Magazine. Maryland has also led the nation in the percentage of graduating seniors that had taken and passed an AP exam according to the College Board, now for four years in a row. Since taking office, the O’Malley-Brown Administration has continued its commitment to quality public education, making strategic and record investments in K-12 education even in tough times. The Administration has set a strategic goal to Improve Student Achievement and School, College, and Career Readiness in Maryland by 25 percent by the end of 2015.

The Governor’s remarks will be followed by a discussion on the State’s education priorities, and a tour of MSDE and MHEC.

Police Arrest Second Suspect in Baltimore Beating

A second person has been arrested in the videotaped beating of a man on St. Patrick's Day in downtown Baltimore.

Baltimore police say Shayona Davis, 20, was arrested for her involvement in the assault.
Aaron Parsons, the first person to be arrested, turned himself in to police April 15. Parsons was charged with assault, robbery and other crimes.

Police have said they are not investigating the incident as a hate crime.

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Man Acquitted In Dog Burning Pleads Guilty In Murder Trial

BALTIMORE (AP) — A Baltimore man acquitted of setting a pit bull puppy on fire has been sentenced to eight years in a separate case.

Travers Johnson, one of two brothers acquitted this month of animal cruelty, pleaded guilty Monday to attempted second-degree murder and a weapons charge in a shooting that occurred while he was free on bail in the dog burning case.

Johnson was sentenced to 25 years, with all but eight years suspended. He is expected to receive about 14 months credit for the time already served.

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I can do without premium fuel, and so can you

Too many motorists who routinely take a proverbial slap in the face at the gas pumps, turn the other cheek for further punishment. These are drivers who power their ride with premium fuel. And why not? With a name like "premium," it has to be better than plain-old "regular," right?

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"Dogs Welcome"

A man wrote a letter to a small hotel in a midwest town he planned to visit on his
vacation. He wrote: I would very much like to bring my dog with me. He is well-groomed
and very well behaved. Would you be willing to permit me to keep him in my room with
me at night?"

An immediate reply came from the hotel owner, who wrote: SIR: "I've been operating
this hotel for many years. In all that time, I've never had a dog steal towels, bedclothes, silverware or pictures off the walls. I've never had to evict a dog in the middle of the night for being drunk and disorderly. And I've never had a dog run out on a hotel bill. Yes, indeed, your dog is welcome at my hotel. And, if your dog will vouch for you, you're welcome to stay here, too."

Experts Say FDIC Emails About Your Bank Account Are a Scam

The thought of losing access to your money would get anyone's attention, but that's what scammers are threatening.  The federal government says they're using idle threats to get you to share personal information.
Chances are you've heard the name, but maybe you don't know how the FDIC functions.  Scammers these days are counting on that, sending emails that use the agency's four famous letters to intimidate.  Deanna Booker with the Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Maryland and Delaware says, "It sounds very official and it says you've got to contact us right away because we're going to suspend your banking privileges or there's something wrong with your accounts."
 

Man Beaten By Mob, In Critical Condition

MOBILE, Alabama --
Mobile police need your help to catch a mob that beat Matthew Owens so badly that he's in critical condition.

According to police, Owens fussed at some kids playing basketball in the middle of Delmar Drive about 8:30 Saturday night. They say the kids left and a group of adults returned, armed with everything but the kitchen sink.

Police tell News 5 the suspects used chairs, pipes and paint cans to beat Owens.

Owens' sister, Ashley Parker, saw the attack. "It was the scariest thing I have ever witnessed." Parker says 20 people, all African American, attacked her brother on the front porch of his home, using "brass buckles, paint cans and anything they could get their hands on."

Police will only say "multiple people" are involved.

What Parker says happened next could make the fallout from the brutal beating even worse. As the attackers walked away, leaving Owen bleeding on the ground, Parker says one of them said "Now thats justice for Trayvon." Trayvon Martin is the unarmed teenager police say was shot and killed February 26 by neighborhood watch captain George Zimmerman in Samford, Florida.

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The best exterior paints stand up to all weather conditions

The unpredictable weather that's assailed much of the nation this year might make it hard to get dressed in the morning. But you can always put on extra layers or pack a rain coat. Your home, on the other hand, has to make do with the same exterior finish no matter the conditions. Wild temperature swings, which cause wood and other siding materials to expand and contract, are particularly tough on paint, prompting less-flexible formulas to peel and flake. Consumer Reports' exterior paint test was designed with this variability in mind, so the products we recommend should perform predictably well in all conditions.

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Wi Hi Coach Pleads Guilty To Sex Abuse Of A Minor

Steven Mark Kiggins has pleaded guilty and will be sentenced to 4 years in jail. Salisbury News reported back in January this Post about this case. A few days later we followed up with this Post.

Of course, our main concern was how this individual had been ignored by the rest of the local MSM, especially with all of the contacts the Daily Times has within the Board of Education.

One victim stated she had been having sex with Kiggins once a week when she was 16 and 17 years old. Kiggins was placed on administrative leave, (WITH PAY) for several months. Once again, great work Mr. Fredericksen!

Va. and Md. Are Not Among Most Peaceful States

The Institute for Economics and Peace has put together a list of the most peaceful places to live.

The results are based on homicides, violent crime, incarceration rates, police force size and availability of small arms. The institute calls the findings the "Peace Index."

Maine is ranked No. 1 as the most peaceful state. Louisiana was ranked 50th -- the most violent state.

Virginia is 25th on the index. Maryland is 38th. 

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DART Announces 12th Annual Statewide Transit Poster Contest Winners

Wilmington -- DART First State announced today the winners of its 12th Annual Statewide Transit Theme Poster Contest. Seven winners will receive gifts and prizes from DART First State and one of its Business Partners, Wilmington Blue Rocks.

Over 120 students from 12 schools and after-school programs statewide participated in the contest, depicting their vision of the theme this year, Do Not Text and Drive! Commute Smart, Ride DART. Students researched the bus service and its various destinations and learned of the benefits of riding transit in Delaware. Students from 6th through 12th grade were invited to participate. A First Place Winner from each grade was chosen along with an overall Grand Prize Winner.

The Grand Prize Winner this year is Tiffany Tang, a 10th Grader at Wilmington Christian in Hockessin. The artwork by Tiffany will be placed on all DART First State buses statewide and her artwork will also be featured on our website, DartFirstState.com, and in the DART newsletters.

The 1st Place Winners by grade are: Leah Somerville, 6th Grade, Sanford School; Faith Ward, 7th Grade, Central Middle School; Kasai Guthrie, 8th Grade, Layton Preparatory School; Emily Patten, 9th Grade, Wilmington Christian School; Tiffany Tang, 10th Grade, Wilmington Christian School; Nicole Lebedz, 11th Grade Sussex Central High School; and Eyren Lindsay, 12th Layton Preparatory School. All first place winners will receive a number of prizes from DART and be recognized at a future Wilmington Blue Rocks game.

O'Malley Scheduled to Meet with Busch, Miller

ANNAPOLIS, Md - Gov. Martin O'Malley is scheduled to have breakfast with the Legislature's presiding officers to talk about holding a special session.
 
   O'Malley is set to meet at the governor's residence with House Speaker Michael Busch and Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller on Tuesday morning.
 
   The Maryland General Assembly ended up adjourning from their regular 90-day session earlier this month without passing a revenue package needed to avoid about a half a billion dollars in budget cuts.

OCEAN CITY POLICE VISIT WORCESTER PREP UPPER SCHOOL TO DISCUSS PROM SAFETY

Ocean City Police Sergeant Dennis Eade recently spoke to a room full of upper school students at Worcester Preparatory School about a number of precautions they can take to ensure that they are safe during prom weekend.  The April 19th presentation included a variety of subjects, including how students can avoid getting arrested, how to prevent dangerous and tragic situations and how making the right choices will result in a weekend full of wonderful memories instead of a troubled or disastrous situation.
Pictured: Nancy Decker, Head of Worcester Preparatory Upper School, junior Henry Hastings, senior Kaitlin Talbot and OCPD Sgt. Dennis Eade all sign the pledge to drive phone-free.
“I am thankful to Worcester Preparatory School for inviting me here,” commented Sgt. Eade.  “Not only does it give me the opportunity to discuss prom safety and tips about how to avoid drinking and drugs, but it also allows me to discuss the importance of their future and how the decisions they make today will affect them tomorrow.  If I am able to get that message through to at least one student then I think the presentation is worthwhile.”
In addition to impaired driving information, the Ocean City Police Department discussed distracted driving with Worcester Preparatory students.  “The under-20 age group has the greatest proportion of distracted drivers,” said Sgt. Eade.  “Of all drivers younger than 20 involved in fatal crashes, 16 percent were reported to have been distracted while driving.  This is a problem and I am hoping that Worcester students will help be part of the solution.”
As part of National Distracted Driving Prevention Month, nearly 100 students from Worcester Preparatory Upper School signed the OCPD pledge to drive phone free. “By signing the pledge, these students are not only setting an example amongst their peers but they are being leaders of the fight to end distracted driving,” Eade continued.  “They are protecting lives and making our community safer by never texting or talking on the phone while driving.”
The Ocean City Police Department is encouraging citizens to fight to end distracted driving and take the pledge to drive phone free.  To find out more information or to find out how to sign the pledge, visit:  http://ocpdmdinfo.blogspot.com/.

Twitter Death Threats Hurled at Zimmerman, Family, Lawyer, and Judge

It did not take long for death threats to arise on Twitter against George Zimmerman, his family, lawyer, and Circuit Judge Kenneth Lester, who allowed Zimmerman to be released on $150,000 bond. Mr. Zimmerman is charged with second degree murder for the February 26 killing of seventeen year old Trayvon Martin. Zimmerman is claiming self-defense.

After being fitted with a GPS monitoring device, Mr. Zimmerman left the Seminole County Jail in Sanford at midnight Monday morning. Below are examples of death threats being tweeted out:

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