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Friday, April 27, 2012

The Donald Isn’t Making Any Friends In Scotland

This week – Donald Trump appeared before the Scottish Parliament to rail against plans to build wind turbines off the coast that could interfere with the view from Trump’s new billion- dollar golf resort. Trump warned the wind turbines will lead to Scotland “going broke” – though he offered no evidence to how embracing alternative energy would lead to such financial ruin. But considering that Trump himself has filed for bankruptcy four different times in the past – I guess he’s sort of an expert in “going broke.”

Obama Cracks Down On Marijuana Dispensaries

President Obama is defending his decision to crack down on marijuana dispensaries that are legally operating in states that approved medicinal marijuana. In a recent interview with Rolling Stone – President Obama explained that he “can’t ignore completely a federal law that’s on the books” and, thus, has given the Justice Department authority to crack down large-scale producers of marijuana. The President did say his administration has not prosecuted a single-user of marijuana for medicinal purposes. But what the President doesn’t seem to understand is that sick Americans who depend on marijuana for medicinal purposes can’t have access to the medicine if the Justice Department is raiding suppliers. In just his first three years in office – President Obama has conducted nearly as many marijuana raids as George W. Bush. It’s time for the President to listen to the majority of Americans who now support marijuana legalization – and end Richard Nixon’s failed drug war.

Democrats & Republicans Propose Plans To Stop Student Loan Interest Rates From Doubling

Preventing the hike in interests rates will cost between four and six billion dollars – and Democrats in the Senate propose paying for it by closing what they call the “John Edwards Loophole” that allows high-priced consultants to escape from paying payroll taxes. Republicans in the House propose paying for it by slashing preventative healthcare programs included in Obamcare. So, these are the two choices: one, closing a corporate tax loophole, or two, cutting off funding to make sure Americans get the healthcare they need. In any other session of Congress – this would be an obvious choice. But with today’s Republican Party that even the Catholic Bishops say has lost its moral compass, Americans might have to choose between seeing a doctor and going to college in the near future.

Ford Earnings Beats Wall Street Estimates


Ford Motor Co (F.N) reported a higher-than-expected quarterly profit on Friday as strong results in North America helped offset weak international results and higher taxes.

Ford shares rose 2.4 percent to $12.16 in premarket trading after its profit from continuing operations beat expectations.

Excluding one-time items, the company reported a profit of 39 cents per share compared to analyst expectations of 35 cents, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S.

The No. 2 U.S. automaker reported first-quarter net income of $1.40 billion, or 35 cents per share, down from the $2.55 billion, or 61 cents a share, a year earlier.

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Maryland Doctors Save West Virginia Teen’s Life By Giving Her A Lung Transplant

BALTIMORE (WJZ)– A teenager from a high school in West Virginia will be able to go to her senior prom, thanks to doctors in Maryland.

As Mike Schuh explains, she’s lucky to be alive after her local doctors had given up hope.

At age 12, Victoria ‘Torry’ Chakwin knew something was wrong. She couldn’t breathe, tired easily, and ran out of energy. Her mother took her to doctors all over the country looking for an answer.

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County Store’s Alcohol License Revoked; Other Businesses Fined

SNOW HILL -- Ten area businesses faced hearings for alcohol sales to minors at last Wednesday’s Board of License Commissioners (BLC) meeting.

A total of $3,500 in fines was levied and one Snow Hill store was forced to turn in its alcohol license. One common theme stood out in all of the cases where underage Sheriff’s Office cadets attempted to buy alcohol -- a failure by clerks to simply deny vertical Maryland licenses, which board members assert would prevent a huge majority of sales to minors.

The business hardest hit by the board’s crackdown was the Super Soda Center in Snow Hill. Receiving two sale to minor violations in about a year, the last incident caused the BLC to eliminate the store’s right to sell beer and wine.

“Your license is revoked,” BLC Chair William Esham told owner Yuszant Patel.

Originally, attorney Pete Cosby, who represented the Soda Center, tried to convince the board that the store should be given a third chance despite its two violations.

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Government: Soldier Not Allowed to Defend Self

A government lawyer has told an appeals court that a police officer pointing a gun at a suspect would have no right to self-defense if attacked.

The shocker came in arguments before the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, the CAAF, during a hearing for 1st Lt. Michael Behenna, who was convicted of murder after shooting a known terrorist in Iraq who attempted to grab his weapon during an interrogation.

Vicki Behenna, an assistant district attorney and Michael’s mother, said it was evident during the hearing this week the judges were very knowledgeable about the case.

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Meanest Couple Ever Takes Foul Ball From Crying Child

WASHINGTON - Emily Post may not have spelled out the etiquette for catching a foul ball, but most would agree she wouldn't have advised an adult couple steal it from a child.
That's not exactly what happened on Wednesday night at The Ballpark in Arlington, Texas, but it's pretty close.

Rangers' first baseman Mitch Moreland tossed a foul ball into the stadium, where an adult couple and the toddler sitting next to them both reached for it. The adult couple grabbed the ball, then spent the next several minutes smiling and taking pictures with it while the child sitting next to them sobbed.

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D.C. Delegate to Barry: Tone Down the Racial Rhetoric

WASHINGTON - Some say he put his foot in his mouth again. Now, a D.C. leader and a community group are asking Marion Barry to stop the divisive rhetoric and apologize.

District Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton has a message for D.C. Councilman Marion Barry: Leave the racial rhetoric behind.

Norton is calling on the Ward 8 official to stop targeting racial groups when talking about issues.

She says Barry should apologize to the Filipino nurses in particular, "who do not deserve to be insulted for helping fill an indispensable health care need in a profession that we in this country have neglected," according to a news release.

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"If I Wanted America To Fail"


New Posts to fall below. Please watch this important video. NOTE: In case you had problems before this video is now working again

Senator Wants EPA 'Crucify' Threat Investigated

Sen. James Inhofe is calling for an investigation into a top Environmental Protection Agency administrator who confessed that his “philosophy of enforcement” was to “crucify” and “make examples of” energy companies.

And an author of a book on such behavior, Eco-Tyranny: How the Left’s Green Agenda will Dismantle America,” says it’s just too much.

Region VI Administrator Al Armendariz has apologized for his remarks, but meteorologist and author Brian Sussman points out that this is only the surface of a much deeper problem with the federal bureaucracy.

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Teens Drinking Hand Sanitizer To Get Drunk


Doctors are warning parents and teens about a dangerous new trend after some kids around the country have landed in emergency rooms after drinking hand sanitizer.

David Monroe, a pediatric ER physician at Howard County General Hospital, says he should not be surprised by the cases.

"Teenagers are pretty creative and inventive and they've had other household products that they've taken to try to get high or drunk on in the past," he tells WBAL Radio News.

"I guess drinking soap should be a surprise, but it is not a great surprise," he says.  

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Surprise Military Homecoming



"Where to begin... My husband, MSG Joseph D. (U.S. Army) returned last Thursday, March 15, 2012 after serving one year in Afghanistan. We have 2 of our 3 children still living at home with us and, as you can imagine, a deployment hits kids the hardest. This year has been painful beyond words, and the worst part has been holding my kids as they cry themselves to sleep at night, missing their most amazing daddy. My kids are heroes, just like their dad!

Anyway, after our 7-year-old son greeted his dad at the airport, we had a different kind of surprise in store for our amazing 18-year-old daughter, who is a senior in high school. She is the captain of her speech team and, after having just completed her 10-minute speech, we had her daddy come on stage to surprise her! She is daddy's only little girl, always will be, and boy did it show. We are all really just starting to be whole again after being without our #1 guy this last year. I hope you enjoy the video and my less than stellar recording ability! :-)" -Submitted by Kathryn D. on March 19th, 2012

Insight: Falling Home Prices Drag New Buyers Under Water


More than 1 million Americans who have taken out mortgages in the past two years now owe more on their loans than their homes are worth, and Federal Housing Administration loans that require only a tiny down payment are partly to blame.

That figure, provided to Reuters by tracking firm CoreLogic, represents about one out of 10 home loans made during that period.

It is a sobering indication the U.S. housing market remains deeply troubled, with home values still falling in many parts of the country, and raises the question of whether low-down payment loans backed by the FHA are putting another generation of buyers at risk.

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GOP Plans To Cut $33 Billion From Food Assistance Programs

The Center for American Progress is out with a new study on how the Republican budget cuts to food assistance programs will lead to millions of low-income Americans including children going hungry. Earlier this month – the House Agricultural Committee passed legislation to cut 33 billion from food assistance. Those cuts will lead to 1.8 million Americans a year getting kick off food assistance – and nearly 300,000 children losing the free school lunch program. And here’s the kicker – Republicans aren’t using the savings from these cuts to lower the deficit or stimulate the economy – they’re putting the extra money toward $3 trillion in tax cuts for the Romney-super rich in America. The Republicans-slash-Libertarian vision for the future of this nation is one in which the oligarchs ride to work in their stretch limousines as millions of working poor Americans beg for food on the streets.

Obama Admin Proposes Ban on Farm Chores for Kids

Times have changed…

When I was a kid my dad used to let us ride in the back of the pickup truck from point A to point B. We never had seat belts, car seats or helmets. We just knew that if we didn’t sit down and hold tight the outcome wouldn’t be fun. And we were all about fun. I don’t recall ever hearing of a kid falling out of a pickup truck. I’m sure it happened somewhere in the world, but not in the farming areas around us in southwest Arkansas.

I occasionally hear a parent talk about how they don’t let their kids play out of sight. I suppose this makes sense in heavily populated areas. There are, after all, more nutty people around these days. But when I was a kid my little brother and I would pack a sandwich, grab our high powered pellet guns and fishing rods, and head off into the woods from morning well into the late afternoon. We built tree houses, dug tunnels and crafted multi-room bush forts. Was it slightly risky for my parents to let us go out on adventures alone? Maybe. Did we get into mischief? Occasionally. Honestly, though, I would suggest it was during these adventures that my brother and I crafted our own unique sense of creativity and drive. It was during these times that we learned basic common sense and rules of life.

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WCSO Press Release 4-27-12

Incident: Assault 1st / Handgun Violation
Date of Incident: 26 April 2012
Location: 27000 block of Edgewood Circle, Hebron, MD
Suspect: Ronald L. Smith, 50, Seaford, DE

Narrative: On 26 April 2012
at 1:20 AM, deputies from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a man brandishing a firearm in the 27000 block of Edgewood Circle in Hebron.

Upon arrival, the deputies learned that Ronald Smith had been present with a group of individuals who were consuming alcohol when an argument ensued. It was during the argument that Smith produced a loaded semi-automatic handgun and began pointing it at others. Upon the arrival of the deputies, Smith was located and the handgun was recovered. Upon their encounter with Smith, the deputies observed that Smith appeared to be extremely intoxicated.

During additional investigation, it was discovered that Smith was a convicted felon, which prohibited Smith from possessing a firearm. Upon checking the status of the firearm, it was discovered stolen from Virginia. During processing, it was also discovered that Smith was in the possession of marijuana.

Smith was transported to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, the Commissioner detained Smith in the Detention Center in lieu of $750,000.00 bond.

Charges: Assault 1st Degree
Reckless Endangerment
Possession of a handgun by a prohibited person
Possession of a handgun while under the influence of alcohol
Possession of a Stolen Firearm
Possession of Marijuana

Home Show Returns to Ocean Pines for Third Time

Free appraisals of antiques and collectibles will be available during the Ocean Pines Home Show this weekend in Ocean Pines.

Dr. Lori, an expert antiques appraiser, director of the online fine art resource www.DrLoriV.com and judge from Discovery Channel’s “Auction Kings,” will be present to discuss antiques, collectibles and their values. She will offer free appraisals of items taken to the show during presentations at noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturday. Her Web site, www.drloriv.com describes the presentation as an antiques appraisal comedy show during which she will “break some hearts and make some millionaires” as she and her audience laugh and learn.

“She’s one of the best presenters I’ve ever seen,” said show promoter Scott Smith of Mid-Atlantic Expositions & Entertainment. “She makes it a lot of fun. It’s amazing what people will bring. You never know what you’ll see.”

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SU Makes Special Preparations For Weekend Activities

As Salisbury University looks forward to a weekend of athletics competitions, arts performances and special events such as the Student Research Conference, safety and security remain top priorities. In advance, the University has been engaged in preparations on multiple levels to ensure security, said Dr. Dane Foust, vice president of student affairs.

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Independent Panel Judges Charge Bible Appeases Muslims

Even though Wycliffe Bible Translators says it changed some references to “Son of God,” and “Father” in an Arabic Bible translation for accuracy, it now has confirmed it is allowing an outside review of the project that drew heated criticism from several quarters.

According to a report in the Washington Post, Wycliffe has agreed to a review of its policies by a group called the World Evangelical Alliance, which is planning to set up a panel of experts on the issue.

The report said Wycliffe, which is working on hundreds of translation efforts in dozens of countries around the globe, also decided to withhold publishing materials that are in dispute until after the panel reports on the situation.

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Somerset County Sheriff's Office Press Releases 4-27-12

Lorenzo Charles Aydelott Sr. of Salisbury, arrested 4-19-12 on a warrant regarding failing to appear in court. Aydelott was held on a $500.00 bond.

Latonya Nadine Waters of Princess Anne, criminal summons served for confine unattended child (2 counts), reckless endangerment (2 counts), and child neglect minor (2 counts). Waters was released on signature pending court actions. The summons’s were a result of Deputies being called to the Nutters Lane apartments, Princess Anne regarding two small children outside the apartment, left alone.

Wei Cong Lin of Philadelphia Pennsylvania, arrested 4-23-12 for driving on a suspended driver’s license. Lin was later released on signature pending court actions.

Eddie Steward Neal Sr. of Pocomoke, arrested 4-23-12 on warrants regarding assault second degree, reckless endangerment, and unlawful taking of a motor vehicle. Neal was later released to the Pocomoke City Police Department for further investigation.

David Allen Gebo of Crisfield, arrested 4-24-12 regarding second degree assault. The arrest was a result of Deputies being called to the Crackertown Road, Crisfield area regarding a domestic dispute. Gebo was later held on a $10,000 bond.

William Kenneth Grupp Jr. of Princess Anne, arrested 4-25-12 on a warrant regarding failing to appear in court. Grupp was later held on an unknown bond.

Brittany Leigh Gebo of Crisfield, criminal summons served for second degree assault, and reckless endangerment. Gego was released on signature pending court actions.

Zachary Depriest Scott of Brooklyn Maryland, arrested 4-25-12 on warrants regarding failing to appear in court. Scott was held on a $1,000 bond.

Lisa Lynn Tyler of Crisfield, criminal summons served for second degree assault, and reckless endangerment. Tyler was released on signature pending court actions.

Sarah Margaret Ward of Crisfield, criminal summons served for second degree assault, and reckless endangerment. Ward was released on signature pending court actions. Augustus Ward Sr. of Crisfield, criminal summons served for second degree assault, and reckless endangerment. Ward was released on signature pending court actions.

Luvernea Khadjia Michelle Hodge of Princess Anne, arrested 4-27-12 regarding ( two counts) second degree assault, disorderly conduct, and false imprisonment. Hodge was later released on personal recognizance.

Report: Rebates From Health Care Law Will Top $1B

WASHINGTON (AP) - More than 3 million health insurance policyholders and thousands of employers will share $1.3 billion in rebates this year, thanks to President Barack Obama's health care law, a nonpartisan research group said Thursday.

The rebates should average $127 for the people who get them, and Democrats are hoping they'll send an election-year message that Obama's much-criticized health care overhaul is starting to pay dividends for consumers. Critics of the law call that wishful thinking.

The law requires insurance companies to spend at least 80 percent of the premiums they collect on medical care and quality improvement or return the difference to consumers and employers. Although many large employer plans already meet that standard, it's the first time the government has imposed such a requirement on the entire health insurance industry.

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Deaths Classified As Double Homicide

Location:
Residence located in the 28000 block of Liden School Road, Greenwood, DE

Date of Occurrence:
Thursday, April 26, 2012 at 5:30 p.m.

Victims:
Harvey Cashwell-76 of Greenwood, DE
Carolyn Cashwell-66 of Greenwood, DE

Resume:
Greenwood-The deaths of Harvey Cashwell-76 and Carolyn Cashwell-66 have been classified as a double 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.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident, they are asked to contact Detective William Porter at 302-531-5892 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333. Information may also be provided via the internet at http://www.tipsubmit.com/

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

Boardwalkin’ For Pets Saturday

OCEAN CITY -- The Worcester County Humane Society is having its 13th Annual Boardwalkin’ for Pets event on Saturday, April 28, rain or shine, on the Boards in Ocean City. The event is from 9 a.m.-noon and is hosted by The Wave, 97.1.

Participants collect pledges from friends, family, and co-workers, and can walk with their dog either the 2.5-mile or 5-mile course. If you raise $25, you receive a dog bandana. If you raise $50, you receive a bandana and a T-shirt. If you raise $100, you receive a bandana, T-shirt, and sun visor.

For those that collect the most money, great prizes from local businesses are awarded.
The child under 12 that raises the most money also wins a special prize basket.

Activities begin at 9 a.m. with pet contests starting at 9:30 a.m. Pet contests include Largest Dog, Smallest Dog, Best Dressed, Pet and Owner Look alike, Best Trick, and Sloppiest kiss. Prizes are awarded to the winners.

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QUOTE OF THE DAY 4-27-12

“Do you not know, my son, with how little wisdom the world is governed?”

Axel Oxenstierna af Södermöre, 1648

Judge Denies Request to Release Bin Laden Photos

WASHINGTON (AP) - A federal judge Thursday denied a request to release photos and video taken of Osama bin Laden during and after a raid in which the terrorist leader was killed by U.S. commandos last year.

"The court declines plaintiff's invitation to substitute its own judgment about the national-security risks inherent in releasing these records for that of the executive-branch officials who determined that they should be classified," wrote U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg in rejecting a lawsuit filed by Judicial Watch, a conservative watchdog group.

The group, which had sought the records under the Freedom of Information Act, filed an appeal on Thursday.

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Operation Medicine Drop Sites Announced

BERLIN -- Local officials from the Worcester County Sheriff's Office, Worcester County Health Department, Ocean City Police Department, Berlin Police Department and Assateague Coastal Trust/Coastkeeper this week announced the drop off locations for Operation Medicine Drop, a one-day drug take back effort on Saturday April 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Worcester County residents are encouraged to bring unwanted, unused, expired over-the-counter and prescription medications to the following drop off locations. Local law enforcement will ensure the medications are safely disposed of to prevent potentially harmful substances from entering our waterways or from being abused, misused, or ingested by small children.

The locations are the Pocomoke Health Center, Snow Hill Health Department, Berlin Police Department, Food Lion in West Ocean City and Ocean Pines and the Ocean City Public Safety Building on 65th Street.

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World War II In Photos

World War II is the story of the 20th Century. The war officially lasted from 1939 until 1945, but the causes of the conflict and its horrible aftermath echoed for decades in both directions. While feats of bravery and technological breakthroughs still inspire awe today, the majority of the war was dominated by unimaginable misery and destruction. In the late 1930s, the global population stood at approximately 2 billion. In less than a decade, the war between the nations of the Axis Powers and the Allies resulted in some 80 million deaths -- killing off about 4 percent of the whole world.

This series of entries was published weekly on TheAtlantic.com from June 19 through October 30, 2011, running every Sunday morning for 20 weeks. In this collection of 900 photos spread over 20 essays, I tried to explore the events of the war, the lives of the people fighting at the front and working back home, and the effects of the trauma on everyday activity. These images still give us glimpses into the experiences of our parents, grandparents and great grandparents, moments that shaped the world as it is today.

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Berlin Is State’s 1st Sustainable Municipality

BERLIN -- Berlin’s growing environmental efforts have been honored with two significant awards including being named the first Sustainable Maryland Certified Municipality and receiving one of the first-ever Worcester Green Awards.

Grow Berlin Green team members Steve Farr, Dave Wilson, Jane Kreiter, Kate Patton, Kathy Phillips and Debbi Dean-Colley came before the Mayor and Council on Monday to present the town with the two environmental awards. Earlier this month, the town of Berlin became the first municipality in Maryland to be certified under the Sustainable Maryland Certified (SMC) program. Berlin attained certification by surpassing the program’s point requirement, fulfilling mandatory and priority actions and completing a rigorous application and review process.

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Wicomico Recreation, Parks & Tourism Introduces “Dock Daze”

New Festival Set For May 19 & 20 at Cedar Hill Marina

On the heels of Pork in the Park, Wicomico Recreation, Parks & Tourism is proud to introduce a new festival to Wicomico County that promises to be a splash! Dock Daze, a two-day celebration of Eastern Shore food, artwork, maritime tradition and the great outdoors will bring DockDogs, boat docking, an outdoor expo and a plethora of other events and activities to the Cedar Hill Marina in Bivalve, MD on May 19 & 20, 2012.

All weekend, join Gateway Subaru to watch the Delmarva DockDogs catch some air as dogs of all breeds leap off a dock and into the water while competing in “the fastest growing sport on four legs!” Delmarva DockDogs welcomes dogs of any breed, any mix, any size to compete in a variety of events including Big Air, a “long jump for dogs,” Extreme Vertical, a “high jump for dogs” and Speed Retrieve, a timed event. Dogs competing in all of these three disciplines may register as an Iron Dog. Similar to a triathlon, Iron Dogs will have their best score from each discipline calculated on a points table where the goal is to achieve the highest total points.

On Saturday, enjoy one of the Eastern Shore’s favorite past times – the Boat Docking Competition! Sponsored by Fish Bomb, the Boat Docking Competition will take place Saturday afternoon from 1:00-4:00pm. Cheer for your favorite as captains from all over compete for a trophy and bragging rights in this challenging and entertaining event.

WBOC’s Outdoors Delmarva will host an Outdoor Expo featuring Chainsaw Artist Rick Pratt and the Wicomico County Duck & Goose Calling Challenge presented by World Goose Calling Champion of Champions John Taylor. Several vendors will also be on hand with outdoor products including archery supplies, knives, waterfowl calls and accessories, model boats and more.

Families are encouraged to participate in a variety of kid-friendly activities during Dock Daze. As a part of the Outdoor Expo, the Maryland Bowhunters Society will teach archery for kids and the Ward Museum and Home Depot will each host kid’s activities. On Sunday, the family can take in the sailboat races or try their luck in the paddle boat races. The Kids Klub staff will also offer free crafts and activities Sunday afternoon from 1:00-5:00pm.

In addition to these featured events, Dock Daze will also include live entertainment, craft and food vendors and more throughout the weekend. Dock Daze is presented by Wicomico Recreation, Parks & Tourism. Festival hours are 12:00-6:30pm on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $2 per person and kids under 12 are free. For a full list of events and more details, visit our website at www.DockDaze.org.

H.L. Mencken Was Right

“I believe that it is better to tell the truth than a lie. I believe it is better to be free than to be a slave. And I believe it is better to know than to be ignorant.” - H.L. Mencken

H.L. Mencken was a renowned newspaper columnist for the Baltimore Sun from 1906 until 1948. His biting sarcasm seems to fit perfectly in today’s world. His acerbic satirical writings on government, democracy, politicians and the ignorant masses are as true today as they were then. I believe the reason his words hit home is because he was writing during the last Unraveling and Crisis periods in America. The similarities cannot be denied. There are no journalists of his stature working in the mainstream media today. His acerbic wit is nowhere to be found among the lightweight shills that parrot their corporate masters’ propaganda on a daily basis and unquestioningly report the fabrications spewed by our government. Mencken’s skepticism of all institutions is an unknown quality in the vapid world of present day journalism.

The Roaring Twenties of decadence, financial crisis caused by loose Fed monetary policies, stock market crash, Depression, colossal government redistribution of wealth, and ultimately a World War, all occurred during his prime writing years. I know people want to believe that the world only progresses, but they are wrong. The cycles of history reveal that people do not change, just the circumstances change. How Americans react to the undulations of history depends upon their age and generational position. We are currently in a Crisis period when practical, truth telling realists like Mencken are most useful and necessary.

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Hearing Today Focusing on Zimmerman's Sealed Files

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - George Zimmerman's attorney says he'll disclose more than $200,000 raised by a website created for his legal defense.
Friday's hearing was initially scheduled to deal with several media organizations, including The Associated Press, asking the judge to unseal documents from Zimmerman's court file.
 
Mark O'Mara said on CNN's Anderson Cooper 360 Thursday night that he learned about the money on Wednesday and will inform a judge at Friday's hearing.

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CISPA Passes In The House After Surprise Vote

Washington - The plan was for the debate on the controversial Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Actto take place on Thursday, with the vote the next day. As it turns out, the legislation came to a surprising vote after the debate tonight, eventually passing in the House by a vote of 248-168.



The bill's passage, despite a veto threat from the White House Wednesday, now places the responsibility in the lap of the Senate, which has its own cybersecurity legislation in the works.


Just 28 Republicans voted against the bill, joined by 140Democrats.


CISPA is built as a mechanism to provide a greater degree of information sharing between the federal government and private companies, from Facebook to antivirus software providers, so that information regarding upcoming threats and ongoing hacking efforts can be spread through the community.


CISPA passed with a series of additional amendments, many of which have been outlined previously, including one from Rep. Ben Quayle (R-Ariz.) bringing cybersecurity crimes, the threat of harm or death to an individual and protection against child pornography under the bill's umbrella. Those responsibilities are in addition to the sharing of cybersecurity and protecting national security. For more details on the bill, click here.


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Today's Survey Question 4-27-12

Are you satisfied with Mayor Jim Ireton?

The Economic Tyranny Of The Interstate Commerce Clause

Dr. Tibor MachanHere is an instructive comment from Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg during the recent oral arguments presented about Obamacare:

"People who don't participate in this market are making it much more expensive for the people who do; that is, they will get, a good number of them will get services that they can't afford at the point where they need them, and the result is that everybody else's premiums get raised? It's not your free choice just to do something for yourself. What you do is going to affect others, affect them in a major way."

Ergo, we may infer from this, Congress is authorized to regulate − including coerce − commerce for us all in the United States of America.

First of all, when one applies this view to nearly anything people purchase, it would imply that everyone must act in concert with everyone else. If you don't purchase something I do purchase, say an orange colored sweater which I want badly, or blood pressure medication, which I evidently need to stay alive (judging from what my doctor suggested when she prescribed it for me), my purchase will very likely cost me much more than it would if you purchased these items as well!

One central point of having a free and not a centrally planned market system is that different people are at liberty to make very different choices in it. If just a few people buy certain goods and services, this will, of course, drive the cost of these up (if one wishes to put it that way − "drive" suggests an impersonal process but that is misleading.) Elementary economics.

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Biker's Prayer

BIKER'S PRAYER:
MAY THE SUN RISE IN FRONT OF ME
MAY THE RAIN FALL BEHIND ME
AND THE WIND FOLLOW ME
MAY THE ANGELS OF MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS
WHO HAVE GONE BEFORE ME
... GUARD MY TRAVELS
FOR THEY KNOW THE PERILS
OF THE ROAD AHEAD OF ME
KEEP ME SAFE THROUGH THE ROUGH CITY STREETS
ON MY WAY TO THE LAND OF SWIRLING TURNS
AND ROLLING HILLS
LET THE COLORS OF FALL KEEP ME WARM
LET THE EAGLE GUIDE ME TO THE MOUNTAINTOPS
LET THE MOONS LIGHT GUIDE ME
THROUGH THE NIGHT
MAY MY TIRES NOT FAIL ME
NOR MY ENGINE GROW OLD
MAY MY BIKE DRAW LIFE
FROM THE STREAMS I PASS
KEEP MY SEAT SOFT AND MY MIND SHARP
LET THE AIR OF SPRING BREATHE LIFE
INTO MY SOUL
TO JOURNEY TO ANOTHER ADVENTURE
BESIDES MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS
Amen!

Bikes To The Beach This Weekend

OCEAN CITY -- Featuring live music, a custom bike show, celebrities and a new bike run, the 2nd Annual Bikes to the Beach extravaganza is now underway and continues through Sunday.

Hosted at Hooper’s Crab House in West Ocean City and the Oasis Bar and Grille in Whaleyville, events are planned throughout the weekend and include something for everyone, particularly live music.

Throughout this year’s event, a participant ride will consist of a treasure hunt. Participants will register and receive a treasure map with all the designated spots outlined. At each site, participants must find the answer to a provided riddle. Once the correct answer is received, a key will be awarded. Each key earned increases the chances of finding the key that opens the ultimate treasure chest at the Oasis on Sunday at 1 p.m.

The ride continues all weekend. You may register at any time at Hooper’s Crab House during the event for $20.  The grand prize will consist of $500 cash, hotel vouchers, more than $400 in gift certificates, official event merchandise, a collector’s edition Zippo lighter, an official licensed Harley jacket and more.

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Where Do We Go From Here In The Freedom Movement?

The Feds Prepare for Social Unrest . . . Shouldn't You?

Join Senator Rand Paul, Judge Andrew Napolitano, Tom Woods,
Peter Schiff and John Browne plus over 150 other speakers for the
"Crisis in America: A Call to Action" sessions at FreedomFest, July 11 – 14, 2012 in Las Vegas.

These are scary times, and that is why we are having a special "emergency" session at FreedomFest entitled "Crisis in America: A Call to Action." We expect another record crowd (over 1,000 have already signed up) and are on our way to selling out. Now, more than ever, your freedoms and hard-earned wealth are in danger.

Is Washington considering a firepower solution to unrest? The Department of Homeland Security just ordered 450 million rounds of special "hollow point" .40 caliber ammunition from defense contractor ATK. The high performance HST bullets are designed for law enforcement and ATK says they offer "optimum penetration for terminal performance." While we can only guess in what situations this type of domestic firepower might be used by Homeland Security, American citizens should also remember this type of ammunition has been outlawed in international warfare by the Hague Convention Declaration III since 1899.

In addition, the Department has an open bid to stockpile rifle ammo, up to 175 million rounds of .223 caliber ammo, the same used by NATO forces.

Why? The answer is clear: The Federal government is gearing up for the unprecedented social unrest (worse than Greece or Spain) when Washington is forced to impose "austerity" plans next year, after this November's elections. Either that or face runaway inflation to pay for the costly welfare programs like Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Food Stamps and massive unfunded liabilities.

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MRSA Found in Maryland Respiratory Deaths

LUSBY, Md. - The Centers for Disease Control says two of three family members who died from a respiratory illness earlier this year in Calvert County were infected with an antibiotic resistant bacterial strain.
The CDC says in its weekly report that the two were infected with methicillin-resistant staph, or MRSA, and all three had the flu.

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Delmar High School News

A total of 9 DMSHS students have been selected to participate in this year’s BLUE/GOLD Football Game held every June on the campus at Delaware State University. The outstanding young people have taken upon themselves to create a fundraising event to benefit DRFC the recipient of BLUE/GOLD fundraising efforts.

On Saturday, May 12th from 7-11 a.m. there will be an A.Y.C.E. Pancake & Sausage Breakfast held in the cafeteria at DMSHS. The cost is $6.00 per person. Beverages including coffee, tea, milk and juice are included in the price.

On the same day the Delmar Chapter of the F.F.A. will have their annual car wash and plant sale held in the south parking lot of the campus.

You can have breakfast while your car is being washed –then go home to plant your flowers!!

Dinosaur Bone Found By Archaeological Team in Md.

EDGEWATER, Md. - The artifact-rich, multilayered Pig Point site being worked by Anne Arundel County's archaeological team for yet another season has turned up more unusual finds _ a dinosaur bone and a dog burial site.

The dinosaur bone was found during last season's dig along the banks of the Patuxent River overlooking Jug Bay in south county, and later identified as technicians pored over the pickings at the county's archaeological lab at Historic London Town and Gardens.

The dog burial site was discovered just weeks ago as this season's dig got under way near the original upper tract. Three years ago, the team found evidence of a series of wigwams indicating a settlement over hundreds of years.

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Thank God Its Friday 4-27-12

What will you be doing this weekend?

Ezekiel's Miracle

On September 1st, 2011 our son Ezekiel Cal Lugo was born 4 months too early. He was born at 25 weeks weighing 1 lb 2 oz. Doctors didn't expect him to live. If he did live, we were told he would have multiple health issues. Ezekiel aka "Zeke" survived and he's very healthy! God had different plans for our little guy! We are sharing this video to show that God is Faithful and to inspire and give hope to anyone thats needs a miracle. God is alive and still doing miracles! God Bless, Rudy and Nellie

College Loan Vote Set for Today

There is a deadline looming for any student who will need to take out a government subsidized loan for the upcoming academic year.

The interest rate is set to double.

This means their college degree will cost them thousands of dollars more.

The house is expected to vote on a GOP bill on Friday that would prevent interest rates on federal student loans from doubling as of July 1st.

President barrack Obama visited three college campuses this week calling to keep the rates down.

If congress does not act, the current interest rate on federally subsidized student loans will jump from 3.4% to 6.8%.

Trial Date Inked In Case Settlement Talks Unsuccessful

BERLIN -- The ongoing legal battle between a Berlin family farm, Perdue and an environmental watchdog group over alleged pollution runoff violations is headed for an October trial unless a settlement can be reached.

In March 2010, the New York-based Waterkeeper Alliance, along with the Assateague Coastkeeper and the Assateague Coastal Trust (ACT), filed suit in U.S. District Court against Perdue and Berlin’s Hudson Farm, a contract Perdue factory farm operation of about 80,000 birds. The suit was filed when sampling in ditches adjacent to the property allegedly revealed high levels of harmful bacteria including fecal coliform and E. Coli in concentrations above state limits.

The Waterkeeper Alliance filed suit in federal court accusing the Hudson Farm of violating the state’s Clean Water Act. The Assateague Coastkeeper and the Assateague Coastal Trust were later dismissed as plaintiffs in the case. After months and months of legal wrangling, both sides met for a settlement conference in March, but no middle ground was met. With no resolution apparently forthcoming, a trial date has been set for Oct. 9.

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Carving Competition Features New Events

OCEAN CITY — Bird carving has evolved from its utilitarian beginnings as a tool for hunting, into a fine art which is coveted by celebrities and avid collectors alike. These carvings mimic wildfowl species such as red tail hawks, bald eagles, saw whet owls, wood ducks and hundreds of other wildfowl species from around the globe.
Now in its 42nd year, world-class artists from the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia will return to Ocean City to showcase their carving skills at the Ward World Championship Wildfowl Carving Competition and Art Festival. The Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art, Salisbury University, hosts the competition, which will take place at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center beginning today through Sunday.

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NAACP holds rally for Trayvon Martin in LA

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Civil rights leaders and relatives of Trayvon Martin and a slain California teenager joined together at a Los Angeles rally Thursday, urging justice and tolerance and called for action to stop the violence.

A photo of Martin wearing a hooded sweatshirt sat at the podium at the West Angeles Church of God in Christ with the word "Justice" written in red below his face. Martin was wearing a hoodie when he was shot on Feb. 26.

"There are Trayvons all over this country," the Rev. Al Sharpton told the cheering crowd. "What kind of world are we living in that we can put a black man in the White House, but a black man can't walk through a gated community?"

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Families Invited To Annual Beach Kite Expo

OCEAN CITY -- The resort will kick off the season early by painting the sky with every color under the sun at the Maryland International Kite Expo (M.I.K.E.), set for April 27-29.

The festival will be showcasing a spectacular cast of kite flyers from all over the United States. The giant kite field will be coordinated by Jeff and Joyce King. Thousands of spectators will watch giant kites, as big as a city bus, fly high above the Ocean City skyline.
In addition, stunt teams will perform amazing acrobatic maneuvers all in sync to the delight of the crowds.

One such team is the Rev Ryders from New England, who are four precision kite fliers, all flying four line kites in perfect formation. They are the Thunderbirds of the kiting world. They will perform amazing routines choreographed to music. Rev Riders will be performing demos on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

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Eastern Shore Postal Facility To Remain Open

One week after battling for amendments to a proposed bill that included the closure of the U.S. Postal Service mail processing facility in Easton, which serves the entire Eastern Shore, Senators Barbara Mikulski and Ben Cardin this week received assurances the facility will remain open.

On Tuesday, Mikulski and Cardin announced their advocacy to protect mail delivery service standards in the U.S. Senate’s 21st Century Postal Reform Act has led to changes in the bill that will assure Maryland mail processing facilities, including the somewhat controversial facility in Easton, will not be closed as anticipated. Mikulski and Cardin on Tuesday received a letter from Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe outlining the facilities that would remain open, including the Easton facility.

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Four Charged, Heroin Cache Seized At Days Inn Hotel, Newark

Location:
Days Inn Hotel, 900 Churchmans Road, Newark, DE

Date of Occurrence:
Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at 1:25 a.m.

Defendants/Charges/Bond Information:
Dawane R. Cox-34 of Chester, PA
Possession a Controlled Substance in Tier 5 Quantity
Possession with Intent to Deliver Heroin
Conspiracy Second Degree
Possession of Controlled Substance (Oxycodone)
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Released after posting $13,500 Secured Bond

Aaron Jones-22 of Newark, DE
Possession a Controlled Substance in Tier 5 Quantity
Possession with Intent to Deliver Heroin
Conspiracy Second Degree
Possession of Controlled Substance (Oxycodone)
Possession of Marijuana
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Released after posting $15,000 Secured Bond

Dahndra Y. Jones-24 of Newark, DE
Possession a Controlled Substance in Tier 5 Quantity
Possession with Intent to Deliver Heroin
Conspiracy Second Degree
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Released after posting $13,250 Secured Bond


Devin L. Chambers-40 of Woodly, PA
Possession a Controlled Substance in Tier 5 Quantity
Possession with Intent to Deliver Heroin
Conspiracy Second Degree
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Released after posting $13,250 Secured Bond

Resume:
Newark- The Delaware State Police Governors Task Force has arrested 3 men and one woman on multiple drug charges after discovering a cache of heroin in a Days Inn Hotel room in Newark, DE.

The incident began on Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at approximately 1:25 a.m. as members of the Delaware State Police Governors Task Force (GTF) were conducting routine patrols at the Days Inn Hotel located on Churchmans Road, Newark, DE

As Task Force members were checking the area, they observed a glassine bag, utilized to package heroin, on the ground in front of the door to room #128 and also smelled a moderate odor of burnt marijuana coming from the room. Task Force Members knocked on the door and initially did not receive a response from within the room, but could hear activity and furniture being moved inside. Task Force members continued to knock on the door which was eventually opened by a female occupant later identified as Dahndra Y. Jones-24 of Newark. After the door was opened Task Force members could smell a strong odor of marijuana from within the room, and observed a burnt marijuana cigar on the nightstand. Three other occupants were also in the room and were later identified as Dawane R. Cox-34 of Chester, PA, Aaron Jones-22 of Newark, DE, and Devin L. Chambers-40 of Woodly, PA. Task Force members secured the room and obtained a search warrant to continue their investigation.

During the execution of the search warrant Task Force members located and seized 1,077 bags of heroin totaling 26.9 grams, unpackaged heroin totaling 9.8 grams, and drug paraphernalia utilized to package and distribute heroin. Total street value of heroin seized is $7000.00 (Photo of items seized attached).

Dawane R. Cox, Aaron Jones, Dahndra Y. Jones, and Devin L. Chambers were taken into custody without incident and charged with the above listed crimes. All were arraigned and released after posting secured bond.