Salisbury News: 08/29/12

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Ireton Prefers To Fiddle While Salisbury Burns

I Absolutely could NOT resist borrowing and linking to this entire article. I'm confident Mr. Harrison won't mind.

One thing has been made crystal clear during this whole episode, in Jimmy Ireton’s world politics will always trump public safety … or good public policy.

SALISBURY, MD – There are some things you will not read in the Daily Times. You will never read a factual article that criticizes Wicomico’s Board of Education. You will never read that the world’s weather runs in short and long term cycles and the notion of “climate change” is a myth. You also won’t read about Salisbury mayor Jim Ireton’s fits at Salisbury council meetings or the true actions of certain council members.

While Salisbury firefighters, and the town’s citizenry, may have been happy to see the Salisbury council accept a $1.4 million federal grant to hire additional firefighters, one person was VERY disappointed – Mayor Jim Ireton. Repeated attempts to goad the council majority into voting no failed. Ireton’s claims that the council was “holding this money hostage” fell on deaf ears. A 4-0 vote for acceptance would have been a 5-0 vote if Ireton had CHOSEN to act his age rather than perform like a two year old.

One thing was crystal clear Monday night; Jim Ireton believes that scoring cheap political points FAR exceeds the safety of the citizens of Salisbury.

If the twelve additional firefighters were so desperately needed, why has Ireton failed to request the additional firefighters in any of his budgets? Why were firefighters and police officers furloughed? If this grant was so important, why did Ireton REFUSE to allow the fire department to apply for it until THREE DAYS before the application deadline?

None of these questions will be asked by the mainstream media. Ireton will never have to answer them. Why? Because attacking council members like Debbie Campbell is far more important than solving the city’s problems.

WHY DID CAMPBELL VOTE NO?

First of all, she didn’t. Campbell abstained. Campbell stated that she would vote yes, but needed Ireton’s word that he would provide the UNAUDITED figures for the city’s cash balance and contribution to surplus by September 30th. The city’s finance director had already stated that the numbers would be available before that date. Ireton’s response was to puff up and refuse to respond. While we disagree that this was necessary to vote yes, it was in Campbell’s view. The request was reasonable. She is a council member and I am not.

Instead we endured Ireton lecturing the council, falsely claiming that the council (in general) and Campbell (in particular) was somehow holding the firefighters hostage. We have had to endure the media (particularly the Daily Times) inaccurately report that Ireton heroically persuaded FEMA to move back the deadline for acceptance.

To be blunt, we question whether or not there really was a deadline two weeks ago. One things is for sure, this entire sordid episode was driven by Jim Ireton’s disgraceful desire to destroy his political opponents. Like standing on a soapbox and calling council members racists, Ireton prefers to slash and burn rather than see Salisbury become a better place to live and work. One need only to look at the chronology of events leading up to Monday’s big show:

Ireton refused to allow firefighters to apply for the grant until the deadline.
Ireton refused to disclose to council that the grant had been applied for.
When the grant was awarded, Ireton refused to tell the council when the deadline for acceptance was.

Ireton refused to answer questions put to him and his administration. (Ireton claims he “responded” to every question. Saying I’m not going to answer may be a “response” but is hardly productive.)

Council found a $400,000 error in the grant application’s calculations.
After refusing to tell council president Terry Cohen when the deadline was, Ireton demanded that the council put the grant on the agenda just a few hours before the meeting, claiming that the deadline was 9 AM Tuesday.

Ireton attempted to goad the council majority into voting no this past Monday.

In the end, Ireton’s scheme didn’t work. All parties, except Ireton, bent a little. The Fire Department apologized for the errors on their part and the council approved the grant despite Ireton’s refusal to answer simple, and valid, questions.

One thing has been made crystal clear during this whole episode, in Jimmy Ireton’s world politics will always trump public safety … or good public policy.

Sorry Jimmy, our world view is slightly different than yours.

SOURCE

Two Noxious Weeds Targeted By Department Of Agriculture

Two weeds that have been gradually spreading into Delaware fields and threatening farm crops are now being targeted by the Department of Agriculture. The weeds - Palmer amaranth and Texas panicum - have officially been placed on the state’s noxious weed list, which allows officials to begin educating landowners about the best ways to control them.

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Mr Scam Man

ACORN Whistleblower

Classy: Giant Vaginas Decry ‘War On Women’ at Republican National Convention

Attendees at the Republican party’s convention in Tampa were given an eyeful this week when they were greeted by feminist protesters dressed up as giant vaginas.

A contingent of women with the anti-war group Code Pink donned pink homemade vagina costumes and perched outside the Republican National Convention Tuesday to express their indignation at the GOP’s support for pro-life legislation.

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The Rich Don't Pay Enough?

If you listen to America's political hacks, mainstream media talking heads and their socialist allies, you can't help but reach the conclusion that the nation's tax burden is borne by the poor and middle class while the rich get off scot-free.

Stephen Moore, senior economics writer for The Wall Street Journal, and I'm proud to say former GMU economics student, wrote "The U.S. Tax System: Who Really Pays?" in the Manhattan Institute's Issue 2012 (8/12). Let's see whether the rich are paying their "fair" share.

According to IRS 2007 data, the richest 1 percent of Americans earned 22 percent of national personal income but paid 40 percent of all personal income taxes. The top 5 percent earned 37 percent and paid 61 percent of personal income tax. The top 10 percent earned 48 percent and paid 71 percent of all personal income taxes. The bottom 50 percent earned 12 percent of personal income but paid just 3 percent of income tax revenues.

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End Wind Energy Tax Credit

There’s been a steady drumbeat recently from those seeking an extension of the wind production tax credit. For many reasons, including some that former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney has carefully highlighted in his opposition, this is a bad idea.

First, an extension continues this unsettling policy trend in which citizens are asked to bear all the risks and gain none of the rewards. This socialization of risks and privatization of profits guarantees disasters, for corporate boards and even their federal overseers can become careless and, in some instances, reckless. This fact was clearly demonstrated by the Solyndra debacle — when a company with close ties to the Obama administration lost more than a half billion dollars of taxpayers’ money. At the heart of that fiasco was both the company and the administration’s indifference to the taxpayers

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Robert Gibbs: ‘Angry’ night ‘Full Of Insults’

In Tampa to lead the pushback for President Barack Obama’s campaign, top adviser Robert Gibbs said Tuesday that the first night of the Republican National Convention was “angry” and “strange” and “full of insults.”

“I’m kind of flabbergasted at the whole night,” Gibbs said on MSNBC after Gov. Chris Christie’s keynote speech. “It seemed first and foremost like this was a very angry convention tonight full of insults.”

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‘Designated Texter’ Enters The Automobile

After growing up during a campaign against drunken driving, many teenagers say they’ve embraced the notion of a designated driver. Coming of age amid condemnation of distracted driving, some say they use a “designated texter” when driving with friends.

Despite that, a new study shows that about a third of them admit to sending and reading text messages while behind the wheel. The report was consistent with federal research this year, which showed that teens and drivers under the age of 25 are much more likely to text than older drivers.

An Ugly Incident In Tampa...

TAMPA, Fla. -- An ugly incident at tonight's GOP convention, via TPM:

An attendee at the Republican National Convention in Tampa on Tuesday allegedly threw nuts at a black camerawoman working for CNN and said “This is how we feed animals” before being removed from the convention, a network official confirmed to TPM.

Hopkins Tapping Engineers, Families For Hospital Safety

Head of the hospital bed raised? Check. Patient’s teeth brushed? Check.

Those simple but often overlooked steps can help protect some of the most critically ill patients — those on ventilators — from developing deadly pneumonia. And if they knew about them, family members could ensure the steps weren’t forgotten.

Hospitals are rife with infections and opportunities for medical mistakes. Now, a nearly $9 million project at Johns Hopkins University aims to combine engineering with the power of patients and their families to prevent some of the most common threats.

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Judge Awards $21M in Somali Torture Suit

McLEAN, Va. — A U.S. judge on Tuesday awarded $21 million to seven people who sued a former prime minister of Somalia now living in Virginia, claiming he tortured and killed his own people more than two decades ago.

The judgment against Mohamed Ali Samantar, 76, of Fairfax comes after an eight-year legal battle that went to the U.S. Supreme Court and back.

Seven Somali natives filed the lawsuit in 2004 in federal court in Alexandria against Samantar, who served as vice president, defense minister and prime minister throughout the 1980s under dictator Siad Barre, until the months before the regime collapsed in 1991.

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Freedom vs Free Stuff

Stinky Shot: Texas Woman Aims For Skunk, Accidentally Shoots Husband

A Texas woman aiming for a pesky skunk that was feeding off cat food bowls outside her home wound up accidentally shooting her husband when the bullet ricocheted off the porch and struck him in the abdomen, a sheriff said.

The accident happened Sunday night at the family’s home in a subdivision south of College Station, Texas, Brazos County Sheriff Christopher Kirk said.

“Apparently they feed their cats out of bowls outside the back of the porch. They had a skunk that had been coming up there feeding. They decided they wanted to dispatch that skunk,” Kirk told NBC News on Tuesday.

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New Orleans Under Dusk-To-Dawn Curfew

New Orleans mayor imposes dusk-to-dawn curfew
More than 725,000 without power across 5 states
Isaac's maximum sustained winds slip to 70 mph
iReporter finds two homes collapsed in New Orleans

A report recently conducted has come back stating the building is not suitable for occupancy in its current condition.

We are awaiting the formal findings, (yeah, right, it's up to the Mayor) and once they are released we'll deliver the formal findings at that point. One thing is for sure, even though you're hearing about it here first, you can expect exclusive information in the local newspapers before you'll get it here. We ALL know how it works these days with the Mayor and his close friends who make alleged spoof phone calls.

We do know there's asbestos and exposed wiring, unfit under the current code. There seems to be a long list of hazards. The City did the inspection to help Council decide what needs to be done.

Look Who's Behind 'Voter ID Is Racist' Campaign

TAMPA, Fla. – A radical group funded by billionaire George Soros that has a history of biased research is primarily behind a national campaign to paint voter ID laws as racist.

The voter ID data collected by the group, the Brennan Center for Justice, has been called into question by experts and has been contradicted by other credible studies. Yet the center’s information is cited widely by news media and even members of the Obama administration

Besides receiving a reported $7.4 million from Soros’ Open Society Institute since 2000, the Brennan Center was also the recipient of grants from the Joyce Foundation from 2000 to 2003. President Obama served on the Joyce board from 1994 through 2002.

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"Labor's Day, Labor's Condition"

On Economic Update with Professor Richard Wolff, Wolff and guests will discuss the current state of the economy, both locally and globally in relation to the economic crisis.

This episode includes updates on corporations paying CEOs more than they pay in taxes; causes of coming food price spike; and strikes at Caterpillar in Illinois and Lonmin platinum mine in South Africa. Discussion of 50-year decline in US organized labor, drawing lessons from that decline, and using them to propose a new strategy for labor today. Response to questions about innovation and capitalism that challenge the criticism of capitalism.

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Americans’ confidence falls off in August

Americans are feeling worse about the economy than they have in a long time — a fact that could have wide-reaching implications everywhere from Wal-Mart to the White House.

Despite improving U.S. job and housing markets, consumer confidence fell to the lowest level it’s been since November 2011, according to The Conference Board, a private research group. The results are the latest swing in the index, which has been on a rollercoaster ride this year.

The index declined in January, rose in February and then posted four months of declines before registering an increase in July. August’s reading indicates that the gains in the job and housing markets aren’t big enough to put to rest Americans’ economic fears. That not only threatens to put a damper on retail sales for the back-to-school and winter holiday seasons — the two biggest shopping periods of the year — but it also could have an impact on how Americans vote in November’s presidential election.

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Noel-Levitz Honors SU For Marketing-Recruitment Excellence

One of the nation’s leading companies in higher education research and communications has honored Salisbury University for outstanding marketing and recruitment efforts. Noel-Levitz, based in Iowa and Colorado, presented SU with its 2012 Marketing-Recruitment Excellence Award for state-of-the-art programs, services and strategies that positively impact student enrollment.

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Northern Va. Teen Youngest Delegate at RNC

A 17-year-old high school senior from Mount Vernon is making an impression at the Republican National Convention with what he says is a "unique message" representing young voters.

Evan Draim makes Paul Ryan, the youthful Republican vice presidential contender, look like a late bloomer — less Doogie Howser, M.D., and more Grandma Moses.

At 17, Draim is not of voting age. But he'll be 18 by Election Day, making him eligible to serve and vote as a delegate to the Republican National Convention. Of the more than 2,000 delegates slated for Tampa, Draim will be the youngest.

Location:
I95 Northbound in the area of Basin Road (SR141), Wilmington, DE

Date of Occurrence:
Tuesday, August 28, 2012 at 8:45 p.m.

Victim:
29 year old male Delaware State Trooper assigned to Troop 6, Prices Corner

Defendant/Charges/Bond Information:
John N. Escobosa-31 of New Castle, DE (photo attached)
Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (firearm)
Possession of a Deadly Weapon by Person Prohibited
Resisting Arrest with Force that Causes Injury
Carrying Concealed Deadly Weapon (brass knuckles)
Endangering the Welfare of a Child
Carrying a Concealed Dangerous Instrument (2 pocket knives)
Related pedestrian traffic violations
5 active court capiases issued out of JP and CCP Courts
Committed to HRYCI on $16,202 Secured Bond

Resume:
Wilmington- Troopers have arrested a 31 year old New Castle, DE man on weapons charges after he assaulted a Trooper in an attempt to flee from custody.

The incident occurred after a Delaware State Trooper on routine patrol was dispatched to a report of a disabled vehicle with the occupants walking on the shoulder of I95 northbound in the area of Basin Road. Upon arrival to the area, the Trooper observed 2002 Buick Rendezvous parked on the left shoulder and a subject, later identified as John N. Escobosa-31 of New Castle, and an 8 year old male child walking on the shoulder away from the disabled vehicle. The Trooper contacted Escobosa who advised that his vehicle had run out of gas. The Trooper offered to transport both Escobosa and the child from the interstate and to a gas station where they could get assistance. The Trooper explained to Escobosa that he would need to conduct a cursory pat down search prior to allowing him into the patrol vehicle, and asked him if he had any weapons in his possession, in which Escobosa claimed he had a knife. The Trooper attempted a pat down search to remove the knife from Escobosa and felt a handgun, later identified as a Smith and Wesson .380, concealed in his pants pocket. The Trooper was able to remove the gun from Escobar’s pocket, and place it on the patrol vehicle outside of Escobosa’s reach. A physical struggle ensued as Escobosa actively attempted to resist arrest and flee from the Trooper. Responding Troopers arrived and assisted in taking Escobar into custody.

Further investigation revealed that Escobosa was in possession of the Smith and Wesson .380 caliber handgun, brass knuckles, and two pocket knives. A search of the vehicle located 2 spent handgun shell casings and a police style baton.

Escobosa was charged with the above crimes and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $16,202 Secured Bond.

The Trooper received unspecified injuries as a result of the struggle and was treated at the Christiana Hospital Trauma Center and released.

The 8 year old male child accompanying Escobosa was identified by Escobosa as his stepson. The child was not injured and was turned over to relatives.

Nuclear Energy Proponent Criticizes Fracking, Upsetting Some GOP Delegates

A nuclear energy expert from Maryland found himself under fire from some members of the state's Republican delegation during his Monday breakfast speech after criticizing natural gas fracking and its viability as a primary energy source.

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BREAKING NEWS: Isaac Weakens to Tropical Storm

Isaac weakens to a tropical storm over Louisiana.

From Fox News

Presidential Inauguration Hotel Rooms Sell Out Quickly

Despite the presidential election being months away, hotel reservations for next year's inauguration are already selling fast.

Whether you're looking for a low-end or high-end hotel, rooms are running out quickly. And if a high-end room is a must for you, be ready to pay.

Allen Haigh of Yorkshire, England wanted the chance to see the presidential inauguration, but it quickly became clear a summer vacation in Washington, D.C. would have to do instead.

Tea Party Marylanders In Tampa Want Focus On Fiscal Issues

TAMPA, Fla. - Maryland tea party supporters will try to use this week's Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., to shift the focus away from more divisive social issues to their message of fiscal responsibility, conservative leaders said. But both locally and nationally, social issues continue to compete for the spotlight with the election's top issue: the economy.

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New Mileage Standards Would Double Fuel Efficiency

The Obama administration has finalized regulations that will force automakers to nearly double the average gas mileage of all new cars and trucks they sell by 2025.

The rules mean that all new vehicles would have to get an average of 54.5 miles per gallon in 13 years, up from 28.6 mpg at the end of last year. The requirements will be phased in gradually between now and then, and automakers could be fined if they don't comply.

The regulations, announced Tuesday, will change the cars and trucks sold in U.S. showrooms, with the goal of slashing greenhouse gas emissions and fuel consumption. Automakers will need to improve gasoline-powered engines, and sell more alternative fuel vehicles. Critics say the rules will make cars unaffordable by adding thousands of dollars to the sticker price.

When Alex dropped his clothes off at his dry cleaner for washing, he received a ticket for when he returned to pick them up. He didn't glance at the ticket until after he left the shop, and was surprised to learn that an unknown employee had dubbed him "Asshole, Alex." Were they commenting on his behavior as a customer, or was it some kind of terrible phonetic mistake?

DOE Questions Solyndra Bankruptcy Plan

DOVER, Del. — Lawyers for the federal government say Solyndra LLC needs to provide more information in its reorganization plan about tax breaks that could be worth hundreds of millions of dollars to private equity funds that control the failed solar power company.

The Department of Energy and the Internal Revenue Service are objecting to a disclosure statement filed by Solyndra, which received a half-billion dollar loan from the Obama administration before filing for bankruptcy last year.

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You’ve Gotta Fight For Your Right To Make Vaguely Naughty Jokes On A License Plate

Listen New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division, just because your dirty mind is taking a simple inside joke to a scandalous place doesn't mean one man is about to give up on his ideal license plate. His plate reading "IB6UB9" (we'll wait while you figure it out... got it? Great.) was recently revoked because the MVD says it's obscene.

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Correctional Officer Charged For Sexual Relations With Female Inmate

Location:
Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution, 660 Baylor Boulevard, New Castle, DE

Date of Occurrence:
Monday, August 27, 2012 between 2:00 a.m.-4:00 a.m.

Victim:
23 year old female inmate

Defendant/Charge/Bond Information:
Larry R. Clinkscale-40 of Bear, DE (photo attached)
Sexual Relations in a Detention Facility
Arraigned and released on $10,000 Unsecured Bond

Resume:
New Castle-The Delaware State Police have arrested a Correctional Officer with Delaware Department of Correction, after it was reported that he had sexual relations with a female inmate.

On Monday, August 27, 2012, Delaware State Police Detectives initiated an investigation after being contacted by the Department of Correction Internal Affairs Investigators, after a 23 year old female inmate at the Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution, disclosed that she had had sexual relations with Larry R. Clinkscale-40, a Correctional Officer assigned to the facility. The 23 year old female inmate later contacted a staff member and reported the incident.

Through further investigation it was determined that the incident occurred on Monday, August 27, 2012 between 2:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. as the 23 year old female inmate was assigned to clean floors within a unit of the facility. The victim reported that she was approached by Clinkscale who propositioned her for sex and requested her to go to a staff restroom located on the unit. Once she arrived, they entered a nearby closet where the sexual relations occurred.

After further investigation, Detectives obtained a warrant charging Larry R. Clinkscale with Sexual Relations in a Detention Facility.

On Tuesday, August 28, 2012, Clinkscale turned himself in to Detectives at Troop 2, where he was arrested and charged with the above crime. He was arraigned and released on $10,000 Unsecured Bond.

Inquiries as to Larry R. Clinkscale’s employment status should be directed to the Delaware Department of Correction.

SCHOOL ALLEGEDLY ASKS DEAF PRESCHOOLER TO CHANGE HIS NAME BECAUSE SIGN LANGUAGE VERSION RESEMBLES ‘WEAPONS’

A deaf 3-year-old from Nebraska is being asked by the school district to change his name, his family alleges, because the way he refers to himself in sign language resembles “weapons.”

Apparently the Grand Island school district has a policy that prevents students from bringing “any instrument…that looks like a weapon” to school, and now hands can be considered “instruments.”

“Anybody that I have talked to thinks this is absolutely ridiculous. This is not threatening in any way,” Hunter Spanjer’s grandmother Janet Logue said.

EPA Announces New Fuel Efficiency Standards American Automakers Must Institute By 2025

While many American automakers are already shifting toward more fuel-efficient vehicles to please consumers aiming to save at the gas pump, the White House has made an official move in that direction. A new rule announced by the Environmental Protection Agency and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today says the U.S.' fleet of vehicles must average 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025.

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Update From Tampa

I’ve been doing conventions long enough to realize that when you don’t have the numbers, things will not go your way.

Today, we didn’t have the numbers. That is not in question.

Four years ago, the Republican Party simply handled our R3VOLUTION by slamming the door in our faces with hardly any consequences.

Today, the GOP establishment can no longer afford to employ these tactics.

Instead, they’ve adopted new ones.

Properly elected Ron Paul delegates were stripped from us. And when a motion was made to amend the Credentials Committee Report, it was ignored.

Morton Blackwell, a longtime conservative activist and RNC Rules Committee expert, found himself indefinitely detained – along with the rest of the Virginia delegation.

The RNC’s bus driver responsible for transporting delegates somehow “got lost” for well over an hour until a critical Rules Committee meeting adjourned.

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'THE HOPE AND THE CHANGE' SPECIAL MOST-WATCHED CABLE NEWS PROGRAM LAST FRIDAY

Last Friday, more than 2.25 million viewers watched Fox News’ one-hour special on “The Hope and The Change” on “Hannity,” making the program the most-watched cable news show of the evening.

More people watched the one-hour special about “The Hope and The Change” than all the other cable news programs combined during the 9 p.m. and midnight hours. It was the most watched program on FOX News on Friday and won the coveted age 25-54 demographic.

Breitbart News Executive Chairman Stephen Bannon wrote and directed “The Hope and The Change,” which Sean Hannity called the “most powerful documentary I’ve ever seen.”

Farmers’ Tractorcade Protests Cecil County Commissioners ‘Tier’ Maps, Property Rights Limits

About 20 tractors, in classic John Deere green and a few blue Fords, formed a political conga line on Route 40 Tuesday afternoon and circled the Cecil County administration building in Elkton, to protest a map adopted by a majority of County Commissioners that would sharply limit many farmers’ property rights.

It was the second consecutive day of repudiation for a so-called “tier” map adopted earlier this month by the Three Amigos faction of the Cecil County Commissioners—Diana Broomell (R-4), James Mullin (R-1) and Michael Dunn (R-3.) On Monday, the county Planning Commission rejected that proposal and instead will develop its own map, based upon the county’s Comprehensive Plan, that would still protect farm and rural areas from development but would not impose more restrictive limits advocated by the Three Amigos.

The tractorcade assembled at the old Wal-Mart site at Whitehall Road and proceeded east on Route 40, accompanied by Elkton town police and county Sheriff’s cars with flashing lights. Traffic was not delayed much as the single-file tractorcade occupied the right lane so motorists could pass. But Chesapeake Boulevard had a long backup as the tractors moved slowly toward the county building and began their circuit around the building.

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Bic Is Of The Mind That A Sex-Specific Pen Is Necessary For Women Stuck In The Kitchen Or Whatever

Perhaps the Bic Cristal For Her pen has been around for some time now — after all, women have had writing needs for at least a few hundred years — but now that Amazon reviewers have gotten wise to the pen's "elegant design - just for Her!" featuring a "thin barrel designed to fit a women's hand," (women's, not woman's, eh, Bic?) the company is catching holy hell in the form of hilarious reviews.

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Governor's Response To Change Maryland, Wall Street Journal Riddled With Errors, Falsehoods, Omissions

In Remarkable 48-hour period, O'Malley Attacks Change Maryland, Comptroller, Governors, Mitt Romney, WSJ

Annapolis - While Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley completes a political crusade at the GOP convention to get TV exposure as an Obama campaign surrogate and in preparation for his own 2016 Presidential bid, Administration staff here at home have another agenda. Using state resources, the Administration launched another personal, partisan and political attack yesterday against Maryland’s largest citizen organization in response to a Wall Street Journal article that angered the Governor.

In response to numerous political attacks on Change Maryland, The Wall Street Journal and many others, the organization's Chairman, Larry Hogan, said, "Rather than focus on facts, the Governor once again tries to simply demean the messenger. With our lagging economic performance and record tax increases, the evidence is clear, and grows by the day, that the real aberration in American politics today is Martin O'Malley."

Human Organs Found in Florida Storage Locker

A former medical examiner crudely preserved human brains, hearts and lungs in soda cups and plastic food containers found inside a storage unit in Florida, authorities said Tuesday.

A man bought the contents of a storage unit at auction last week in Pensacola and made the gruesome discovery after being overpowered by a strange smell while sifting through furniture and boxes.

Investigators found formaldehyde, a chemical used to embalm and preserve bodies, leaking from a 32-ounce drink cup with a cracked lid that was holding a heart, said Jeff Martin, director of the District 1 Medical Examiner's Office in Pensacola. The unit had been rented previously by Dr. Michael Berkland.

We’re All Gonna Die, Might As Well Make Some Money Off It

Imagine that you, your spouse, or a beloved relative is terminally ill. A man who works for a local lawyer approaches you and asks whether your relative would be interested in a little proposition. Your relative would need to provide their name, Social Security number, and a signature or two. In return, they would receive a few thousand dollars. Sounds like an identity theft scheme, doesn't it? Only it was all perfectly legal. No families were swindled, no fake credit cards were opened. The lawyer behind this scheme was taking advantage of a loophole in the rules of a specific type of life insurance product, variable annuities. The end result was that investors used a system intended to protect a large nest egg for future generations to profit without having to die.

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USPS Early Retirement Packages Available To 3,500 Employees

The Postal Service is offering early retirement to 3,300 workers so it doesn't have to hand out pink slips. The agency said it was trying to avoid reductions in force. This round of buyouts targets managers and administrative staff. They will have until the end of the year to leave. More than 60,000 postmasters and mail handlers received buyout offers earlier this year. The Postal Service said it was also making organizational changes to save money. It was consolidating processing centers and its computerized forwarding system.

Are They Really Helping?

The federal government operates 52 programs to help entrepreneurs. But the Government Accountability Office said they aren't managed very well. A new 97-page report cites instances in which agencies agreed to coordinate their support programs but never followed through. In other cases, agencies didn't track, or failed to meet, their performance goals. GAO also found that many of the programs overlapped. Auditors looked at programs in the Agriculture, Commerce and Housing and Urban Development departments and the Small Business Administration. Together they spend $2 billion a year to help entrepreneurs with loans, grants and training.

Today's Fill In The Blank 8-29-12

My favorite candy is ______.

New Billboard

A Comment Worthy Of A Post 8-29-12

I work fot the SFD and I thank the council for finally voting yes for the grant. No I am not a resident of the city. Yes I am a resident of the county and my taxes do fund the fire department. I also pay federal taxes and I am glad we are getting money returned to the area. Yes I would rather have the cash, but still glad to see it come back to us. I just have one question. Why do you the citizens dislike us so much. We put our lives on the line day in day out to serve you. I am sure we have come to serve you in some manner whether fire or ems. I am sure you were glad we were there and probably thanked us for coming. Then you come on here and talk so much hate toward us. I am proud to serve the city and hope you all can soon support our department. We will show that this grant was a positive step and a benefit to the city.

A Speech Every American High School Principal Should Give

By Dennis Prager.

To the students and faculty of our high school:

I am your new principal, and honored to be so. There is no greater calling than to teach young people.

I would like to apprise you of some important changes coming to our school. I am making these changes because I am convinced that most of the ideas that have dominated public education in America have worked against you, against your teachers and against our country.

First, this school will no longer honor race or ethnicity. I could not care less if your racial makeup is black, brown, red, yellow or white. I could not care less if your origins are African, Latin American, Asian or European, or if your ancestors arrived here on the Mayflower or on slave ships. The only identity I care about, the only one this school will recognize, is your individual identity -- your character, your scholarship, your humanity. And the only national identity this school will care about is American.

This is an American public school, and American public schools were created to make better Americans. If you wish to affirm an ethnic, racial or religious identity through school, you will have to go elsewhere. We will end all ethnicity, race and non-American nationality-based celebrations. They undermine the motto of America , one of its three central values -- e pluribus Unum, "from many, one." And this school will be guided by America 's values. This includes all after-school clubs. I will not authorize clubs that divide students based on any identities. This includes race, language, religion, sexual orientation or whatever else may become in vogue in a society divided by political correctness.

Your clubs will be based on interests and passions, not blood, ethnic, racial or other physically defined ties. Those clubs just cultivate narcissism -- an unhealthy preoccupation with the self -- while the purpose of education is to get you to think beyond yourself. So we will have clubs that transport you to the wonders and glories of art, music, astronomy, languages you do not already speak, carpentry and more. If the only extracurricular activities you can imagine being interested in are those based on ethnic, racial or sexual identity, that means that little outside of yourself really interests you.

Second, I am uninterested in whether English is your native language. My only interest in terms of language is that you leave this school speaking and writing English as fluently as possible. The English language has united America 's citizens for over 200 years, and it will unite us at this school. It is one of the indispensable reasons this country of immigrants has always come to be one country. And if you leave this school without excellent English language skills, I would be remiss in my duty to ensure that you will be prepared to successfully compete in the American job market. We will learn other languages here -- it is deplorable that most Americans only speak English -- but if you want classes taught in your native language rather than in English, this is not your school.

Third, because I regard learning as a sacred endeavor, everything in this school will reflect learning's elevated status. This means, among other things, that you and your teachers will dress accordingly. Many people in our society dress more formally for Hollywood events than for church or school. These people have their priorities backward. Therefore, there will be a formal dress code at this school.

Fourth, no obscene language will be tolerated anywhere on this school's property -- whether in class, in the hallways or at athletic events. If you can't speak without using the f-word, you can't speak. By obscene language I mean the words banned by the Federal Communications Commission, plus epithets such as "Nigger," even when used by one black student to address another black, or "bitch," even when addressed by a girl to a girlfriend. It is my intent that by the time you leave this school, you will be among the few your age to instinctively distinguish between the elevated and the degraded, the holy and the obscene.

Fifth, we will end all self-esteem programs. In this school, self-esteem will be attained in only one way -- the way people attained it until decided otherwise a generation ago -- by earning it. One immediate consequence is that there will be one valedictorian, not eight.

Sixth, and last, I am reorienting the school toward academics and away from politics and propaganda. No more time will be devoted to scaring you about smoking and caffeine, or terrifying you about sexual harassment or global warming. No more semesters will be devoted to condom wearing and teaching you to regard sexual relations as only or primarily a health issue... There will be no more attempts to convince you that you are a victim because you are not white, or not male, or not heterosexual or not Christian. We will have failed if any one of you graduates this school and does not consider him or herself inordinately fortunate -- to be alive and to be an American.

Now, please stand and join me in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of our country. As many of you do not know the words, your teachers will hand them out to you.

Today's Advertiser Of The Day 8-29-12

The Prisoner: 'I Am Not A Number. I Am A Free Man!'

What Orwell feared were those who would ban books. What Huxley feared was that there would be no reason to ban a book, for there would be no one who wanted to read one. Orwell feared those who would deprive us of information. Huxley feared those who would give us so much that we would be reduced to passivity and egoism. Orwell feared we would become a captive audience. Huxley feared the truth would be drowned in a sea of irrelevance. Orwell feared that we would become a captive culture. Huxley feared we would become a trivial culture, preoccupied with some equivalent of the feelies, the orgy porgy, and the centrifugal bumblepuppy. As Huxley remarked in Brave New World Revisited, the civil libertarians and rationalists who are ever on the alert to oppose tyranny “failed to take into account man’s almost infinite appetite for distractions.” In Brave New World, they are controlled by inflicting pleasure. In short, Orwell feared that what we hate would ruin us. Huxley feared that what we love will ruin us.

~ Neil Postman, Amusing Ourselves to Death (1985)

Thus goes the strain of thought in two of the great prophetic minds of literature, not so much opposed in their rationale as intertwined like the serpentine strands of DNA. The relevance of Aldous Huxley and George Orwell lies in their fears, which in recent years are being actualized at an accelerated pace.

Like the automatons of Orwell’s 1984, our glazed eyes have melted into the television screen. Recent statistics, for example, indicate that approximately 1 in 7 or 42 million Americans cannot read a newspaper or even the instructions on a pill bottle.

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Unprecedented Power: An Executive Order All Americans Should Know About

Texas Insider Report: Washington, D.C. – Fourteen days ago President Obama issued an Executive Order that you should know about. This order gives an unprecedented level of authority to the President and the federal government to take over all the fundamental parts of our economy – in the name of national security – in times of national emergency. With all that is going in Washington these days, some things don’t make the news the way they should.

As President & Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, he has the Constitutional authority to issue Executive Orders. And while similar orders have been made before by presidents from Eisenhower and Reagan to Clinton and George Bush – it has never been done to this extent.

This means all of our:
Water Resources
Construction Services & Materials (steel, concrete, etc.)
Civil Transportation System
Food & Health Resources
our Energy Supplies, including Oil & Natural Gas
even Farm Equipment – can be taken over by the President and his Cabinet Secretaries.

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AMERICAN GESTAPO IN TAMPA

Video streaming by Ustream
Now the TSA is in the Tampa Greyhound Station. And the videographers get harassed by the DHS.

Sieg Heil.

Tea Party Marylanders Want Focus On Fiscal Issues

TAMPA, Fla. - Maryland tea party supporters will try to use this week's Republican National Convention to shift the focus away from more divisive social issues to their message of fiscal responsibility, conservative leaders said.

But both locally and nationally, social issues continue to compete for the spotlight with the election's top issue: the economy.

At the state level, Maryland tea party groups said they are focusing their efforts on defeating several social issue referendums on the Nov. 6 ballot, including legalizing same-sex marriage and allowing some undocumented immigrants to pay in-state college tuition.

US FOREST SERVICE WANTS AMMO

Another US agency has submitted a request for a variety of ammunition.

This time it is the US Forest Service, the Pacific Southwest Region of the United States, which is 20 million acres of National Forest land in California and assists the State and Private forest landowners in California, Hawaii and the U.S. Affiliated Pacific Islands.

There are eighteen national forests are located in this region.

The amounts appear to be just enough for training of staff needed to manage such a large area, as well as arm themselves against methamphetamine kitchens and illegal grow farms.

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Responsible Dog Ownership Day

SALISBURY MD KENNEL CLUB
CHARITABLE TRUST, INC.
Responsible Dog Ownership Day
SATURDAY, Sept 22, 2012

REGISTRATION 8A.M. TO 9:00 A.M. ~ WALK 9:00AM

SALISBURY MD KENNEL CLUB TRAINING CENTER
31663 WINTERPLACE PARKWAY, SALISBURY, MD

Protect our K-9’s
(Bullet & Stab Proof Dog Safety Vest)
For Area K-9 units and Small Animal
Oxygen Masks for the Fire Departments in the Tri County Area

DOG WALK REGISTRATION FORM

NAME______________________________________________

ADDRESS___________________________________________

PHONE #_________________ E-MAIL___________________

DOG & HANDLER $20.00 ~ ADDITIONAL DOGS $5.00 EACH

AMOUNT ENCLOSED_______________________________

Bring Day of Event

MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO SALISBURY MD KENNEL CLUB CHARITABLE TRUST
[Contributions are tax deductible IRS code 501(c)(3)]

In consideration of the furtherance of the Salisbury MD Kennel Charitable Trust, and of the Salisbury MD Kennel Club Charitable Trust permitting me and my dog(s) to participate in the SMKCCT Dog Walk, on behalf of myself, my heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, by submitting this form or participating in this event, I hereby waive and release any and all rights and claims for damages or injuries that I and my dog(s) might sustain while taking part in this event or as a result there of: the Salisbury MD Kennel Club Charitable Trust, Salisbury MD Kennel Club or any other person connected with the event. I give the Salisbury MD Kennel Club Charitable Trust and Salisbury MD Kennel Club permission to take photographs or video of myself and dog(s) at this event and use them on their websites, in print and in other media to promote the Salisbury MD Kennel Club Charitable Trust.

Signature
Date

For Questions Contact: mailto:gary9043@comcast.net

Meaningless Words In Politics

As we enter the fall political season, we will hear a great deal of rhetoric from both major political parties and their many candidates for office. It’s important for us to remember, however, that words can be made meaningless by misuse or overuse. And when we as citizens allow politicians to obscure the truth by distorting words, we diminish ourselves and our nation.?

For example, we’ve all heard politicians use the words “democracy” and “freedom” countless times. They are used interchangeably in modern political discourse, yet their true meanings are very different. They have become what George Orwell termed “meaningless words”. Words like “freedom,” “democracy,” and “justice,” Orwell explained, have been abused for so l?ong that their original meanings have been eviscerated. In Orwell’s view, such words were “often used in a consciously dishonest way.”

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Today's Survey Question 8-29-12

When you die, what would you like to come back as?

TEXAS GOP REVOLT

TAMPA–On Monday morning, at a meeting of more than 100 Texan delegates and alternates at the Saddlebrook Resort 20 miles north of Tampa, one topic got the crowd more fired up than any other. Delegate Melinda Fredricks read aloud a letter condemning recent changes to the national Republican party’s rules that would allow the GOP presidential candidate to veto and replace state delegates.

“Our delegates are in shock that such an amendment even would be presented before the Rules Committee much less passed into rule,” Fredricks said. “Please know from the Texas delegation standpoint that the only way a floor fight can be avoided is for this rule to be stricken.”

At that point, the entire Texas delegation stood up and applauded.

Texans don’t necessarily want to have an ugly floor fight on the same day the party officially nominates Mitt Romney. But they’re willing to do it if their concerns about the rule aren’t satisfied. The changes, which Mitt Romney’s top lawyer put forward last week and Gov. Haley Barbour along with some other Romney supporters have embraced, are seen by opponents as intended to significantly weaken the power of grassroots politics and insurgent candidates such as Ron Paul. Many against the move worry that it would give national candidates the power to replace delegates–often grassroots party faithfuls–with big-time donors or friends.

“We truly consider that an infringement on our rights,” Fredricks, a member of the rules committee, told Yahoo News of the changes. Today, states generally choose their delegates at state conventions, and then those individuals travel to the national convention to cast their vote for a candidate based on the share the candidate won of the primary or caucus vote of each state. But, the changes could allow a candidate such as Mitt Romney to boot out any delegates who are assigned to vote for him and replace them.

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Tribute

Neil’s spirit of discovery lives on in all the men and women who have devoted their lives to exploring the unknown—including those who are ensuring that we reach higher and go further in space. That legacy will endure—sparked by a man who taught us the enormous power of one small step.

—President Obama on the passing of Neil Armstrong

27 Psychological Reasons Why Good People Do Bad Things

The white-collar crimes that lead major companies to collapse usually begin with seemingly minor ethical violations that spiral into something much bigger.

The question of what motivates smart and talented people to commit fraud is fascinating, and is the subject of a new paper by Dr. Muel Kaptein of the Rotterdam School Of Management.

We've put together some of his most interesting insights on the situations and behavioral biases that lead people to do wrong.

Thanks to Dr. Kaptein for letting us feature his work.

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Lawyer: Md. School Shooting Suspect Was Bullied

At 6:27 a.m. on his first day as a sophomore at Perry Hall High School in the Baltimore suburbs, Robert Wayne Gladden Jr. updated his Facebook status.

"First day of school, last day of my life," he wrote. He then typed a symbol resembling a person with two middle fingers extended before adding "f--- the world."

Gladden, a pale youth with long, dark hair who turned 15 just three weeks ago, has been charged as an adult in the shooting of a 17-year-old classmate, who was hit in the back with a shotgun blast in the school's cafeteria Monday morning. The victim, Daniel Borowy, remained in critical condition Tuesday afternoon.

Here are a couple of charts from Tim Wallace on the food stamp program, now called "SNAP" to remove the stigma. SNAP stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

O’Malley Crashes GOP Convention, Draws Fire From Md. Republicans In Tampa

Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley made a surprise appearance in Tampa Tuesday, criticizing Republican candidate Mitt Romney and other high-profile Republicans, leading to a quick, critical response by the state's GOP convention delegates.

Continue Reading...

OBAMA BANNED THIS VIDEO - GEE, I WONDER WHY!.

O’Malley To Play GOP Foil In Tampa

Before Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) heads to Charlotte for the Democratic National Convention, he is making a stop in Tampa for the Republican National Convention.

O’Malley, the chairman of the Democratic Governors Association, is scheduled to touch down late Thursday afternoon and has a string of media interviews scheduled into Friday, according to aides.

O’Malley is among those appearing in enemy territory to make the counter argument to that being put forward by Republicans this week. He offered a hint of what’s likely to come on Sunday during an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union,” when he called the GOP a “party of exclusion.”

Thoughts

I call people rich when they're able to meet the requirements of their imagination.

This is the best way to be rich.

OCPD ADVISORY – NEW MARYLAND LAWS EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1ST FOR:

The Ocean City Police Department in a joint effort with the Maryland State Police, Berlin Barrack are advising all Ocean City businesses and citizens that beginning October 1, 2012, the State of Maryland will be changing to laws governing vehicles classified as a motor scooter and/or moped. These new laws will directly impact ALL Ocean City scooter rental and retail sale operators as well as privately citizens who own and operate these types of vehicles.

To better help both rental and private owners and operators understand the upcoming changes the following information is being provided to you:

Moped Definition

A moped is a bicycle that meets the following requirements:

Is designed to be propelled by human power with some assistance from a motor;
Is equipped with pedals that mechanically drive the rear wheel or wheels;
Has two or three wheels, of which are more than 14 inches in diameter; and
Has a motor with a rating of 1.5 brake horsepower or less, and, if the motor is an internal combustion engine, a capacity of 50 cubic centimeters piston displacement or less.
Mopeds are also not allowed to be operated at a speed greater than 30 MPH on public roads.

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American Crossroads: Operation Hot Mic

Gold Alert Issued for Missing Elderly Female

Gold Alert Subject:
Cynthia P. Rose-68 of New Castle, DE (photo attached)
Black female, 5’07” tall, 170 lbs
Last seen wearing a green floral dress

Location last Seen:
Christiana Hospital, 4755 Ogletown Stanton Road, Newark, DE

Date Last Seen:
Tuesday, August 28, 2012 at 3:15 a.m.

Resume:
Newark-The Delaware State Police are investigating and issuing a Gold Alert for a missing elderly female, last seen after being discharged from the Christiana Hospital Emergency Room early Tuesday morning.

Troopers were contacted on Tuesday, August 28, 2012 at 10:15 p.m. and initiated an investigation for Cynthia P. Rose-68 of New Castle, DE after family members could not locate her whereabouts. The investigation revealed that her last know location was determined to be at the Christiana Hospital Emergency Room where she was treated and released for an undisclosed medical problem early Tuesday morning, at approximately 3:15 a.m.

Cynthia Rose’s medical condition is such that there is real concern for her safety and welfare.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident or knows the whereabouts of Rose are asked to contact 911 or Troop 6 at 302-633-5000 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."

MGM Opens Gaming Fight With $2.3M ante

Global gaming heavyweight MGM Resorts International is paying millions of dollars to a political action committee registered to lobby for the expansion of gaming in Maryland.

So far, MGM has paid at least $2.3 million to a group called For Maryland Jobs and Schools.

That amount appears to be a pittance compared to the annual revenue expected if voters approve plans for a casino in Prince George’s County.

Attention

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Last Friday, more than 2.25 million viewers watched Fox News’ one-hour special on “The Hope and The Change” on “Hannity,” making the program the most-watched cable news show of the evening.