Immigrants’ Dilemma in America

If America were to open its borders without restrictions, more than half the world population would be here. It is the American capitalist system that is still a dream come true to many who are more than happy to leave their stagnant, dysfunctional economies, burdened with class envy and re-distribution of “pennies” through government bureaucrats and red tape. Many immigrants were more than happy to trade their substandard government-run health insurance for life in America where hard work is rewarded with the best standard of living on the face of the earth.

As a young woman, I accomplished my dream of moving to America in November of 1978. Even though I had a good job as a journalist, a well-to-do family and connections to some movers and shakers in the Egyptian government, I could never have been financially independent, buy a car or rent an apartment on my own without family help. America was my outlet to freedom, economic self-reliance and escape from being surrounded by misery, injustice and poverty. I knew that if I worked hard in America I would achieve success, and I did.

It is hard to explain to Americans born and raised in this country how happy it felt to enjoy the simple things that Americans take for granted. The satisfaction I had after I looked at my check after a hard day’s work, how I enjoyed the ease of getting and decorating my beautiful apartment, buying a car on my own and dreaming of a bright future I knew I could achieve. How easy it is in America to do business, drive around, buy and sell whatever one needs without having to bribe, beg or threaten a lazy government worker who could care less. Americans rarely hear about life on the outside and the daily difficulties people around the world have to endure for things Americans take for granted.
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ACC Files Lawsuit Against Maryland

The Atlantic Coast Conference has filed a lawsuit against Maryland seeking full payment of the approximately $53 million exit fee for its move to the Big Ten.

According to the 10-page lawsuit, the ACC said the school must pay $52,266,342, which is three times the league's annual operating budget for the 2012-13 season.

The Associated Press obtained a copy of the lawsuit filed Monday in Guilford County Superior Court.
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Nude AIDS Activists arrested In Boehner's Office

WASHINGTON - Three women AIDS activists saying they wanted to highlight the "naked truth" about potential spending cuts in HIV programs have been arrested after taking their clothes off in the lobby of House Speaker John Boehner's office.
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Obamacare

GOP Senators 'More Concerned' About Benghazi After Rice Meeting

A Capitol Hill meeting Tuesday between United Nations Ambassador Susan Rice and U.S. Senators John McCain (R-AZ), Lindsay Graham (R-S.C.), and Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.) did little to quell the Republicans' criticism of Rice's involvement in the White House's handling of the Sept. 11 attacks on U.S. diplomatic personnel in Benghazi, Libya. 

“We are significantly troubled by many of the answers that we got and some that we didn’t get,” McCain told reporters after the hour-long meeting. 

Graham and Ayotte also doubled down on their criticism, saying that the confab had raised additional questions about the statements Rice made on political talk shows in the weeks following the attacks. 

"I'm more disturbed now than I was before,"Graham said. "I think it does not do justice to the reality at the time and in hindsight clearly was completely wrong." 

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RADIO CELEBRITIES TO BENEFIT LOCAL TOY & FOOD DRIVE

SALISBURY, Md. – (Nov. 27, 2012) - The 8th Annual Stuff the Bus Event to benefit Toys for Tots, The Maryland Food Bank, and the Food Bank of Delaware, takes place Saturday December 1, from 9 AM to 3 PM at three area Walmart locations. At each location a full sized school bus will be filled with unwrapped toys, non-perishable food items, and cash donations during the 6 hour event. The event is hosted by local radio stations Froggy 99.9 , KISS 95.9, Magic 98.9 , Q 105, Fox Sports 1470 and Comedy 960 in partnership with First Shore Federal.

“We look forward every year to helping out families in need,” says morning show host Jon “Whiskey” Wilson of the Whiskey & Randy morning show on Froggy 99.9 FM. “It is a great opportunity to give back to the local Delmarva community.”

According to Matt Derrick, Operations Manager for Clear Channel Media + Entertainment’s six participating stations, “Giving back to the local community is a value we take great pride in at all of our radio stations. These events are not possible without the generosity of Delmarva residents and it is amazing to see people coming out to help others in need.”

If you would like to participate in the Stuff the Bus event, drop-off locations include the Walmart in Berlin, MD on Route 50, Seaford, DE on Route 13, and the North Salisbury Boulevard Walmart in Salisbury, MD, on Saturday December 1 between 9 AM and 3 PM. Local radio personalities will be broadcasting on location and accepting donations. For more information and additional drop-off locations and times please visit www.Froggy999.com.

WCSO Press Release 11-27-12

11/27/2012 Jersey Rd. Homicide Suspect Lyons Apprehended
11/26/2012 Vandalism Investigation
11/26/2012 Assault Arrest - Clark
11/26/2012 Burglary Arrest - Skinner
11/26/2012 Sex Offense Arrest - Kelly & Bratten
11/26/2012 Threats Arrest - Cook
11/26/2012 Driving Revoked - Johnson
11/26/2012 Warrant Arrest - Kelleher
11/26/2012 Fugitive Arrest - Sterling

Is There Really a Santa Claus?

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Postal Service is helping keep the enchantment of Santa Claus alive with its “Letters From Santa” program. “Letters From Santa” allows a parent, grandparent or any person in a child’s life to mail a letter to their child “From Santa,” postmarked from the North Pole.

Here’s how “Letters From Santa” works:

1. Write a letter to your child from Santa Claus and sign it “From Santa.”

2. Insert the letter into an envelope addressed to your child with the return address:
SANTA, NORTH POLE.

3. Ensure a First-Class Mail stamp is affixed to the envelope.

4. Place the envelope into a larger envelope, with appropriate postage, and address the larger envelope to:

NORTH POLE POSTMARK
POSTMASTER
4141 POSTMARK DR
ANCHORAGE AK 99530-9998

5. Your letter “From Santa” will be mailed back to your child, postmarked from the North Pole.

“Letters From Santa” must be mailed to the Anchorage, AK, postmaster no later than Dec. 10, 2012. Santa’s helpers in Anchorage will take care of the rest.

The personalized letters that parents send to their children via the “Letters From Santa” program is different from the historical “Operation Santa” program. In “Operation Santa,” the Postal Service facilitates the matching of customers with letters written to Santa from needy children. Participants in “Operation Santa” help fulfill a child’s dream with a gift and a response letter from Santa. (Customers are not provided the child’s address in the “Operation Santa” program.) The “Letters From Santa” program helps parents fulfill the dreams of their own children.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

IF YOU HAVE A YAHOO! EMAIL ACCOUNT AND VALUE YOUR PRIVACY, YOU WILL WANT TO READ THIS

A hacker is capitalizing on a Yahoo! flaw that could allow email accounts to become compromised and could trick users into clicking on malicious websites. But criminal hackers will have to pay to obtain details about how to conduct this hack. The cost: $700.

Brian Krebs on his blog Krebs on Security reported last week that an Egyptian hacker was offering this deal on an “exclusive cybercrime forum” called Darkode. The hack itself steals cookies, which Krebs explains leads hackers into their target’s account where they can send or read emails.  Here’s how the hacker going by “The Hell” advertised his exploit, according to Krebs:

“I’m selling Yahoo stored xss that steal Yahoo emails cookies and works on ALL browsers. And you don’t need to bypass IE or Chrome xss filter as it do that itself because it’s stored xss. Prices around for such exploit is $1,100 – $1,500, while I offer it here for $700. Will sell only to trusted people cuz I don’t want it to be patched soon!”

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POLL: MORE AMERICANS BLAME REPUBLICANS FOR FISCAL CLIFF IMPASSE

A new poll from CNN/ORC shows that President Obama remains Teflon despite the fact that he designed the upcoming fiscal cliff to speculation. Even though Obama insisted on massive defense cuts and huge tax increases as the two alternative parts of the fiscal cliff, the American public will apparently blame Republicans if the fiscal cliff isn’t stopped. A full 45% of respondents said they would blame Congressional Republicans – even though the Democrats control the Senate – while just 34% would blame President Obama.

The public, by and large, sees Republicans as obstructionist. That's due to a combination of messaging failure on the part of the GOP -- nothing new, in that they seem incapable of explaining the simple fact that low tax rates, particularly on job creators, spur economic growth and thereby raise tax revenues -- and a media concerned only with saving its flailing president. The Republicans' mixed messaging on the fiscal cliff has been astounding to watch. They signed off on the sequester, which put a fiscal gun to their heads, forcing them to choose between raising taxes partially or watching tax rates skyrocket and defense get slashed. Then they turned around and complained about the gun being put to their heads. Now, they're standing for the principle that we need more tax revenue, but it can't be raised by raising rates. No wonder the public is confused.
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UNIONS, LATINOS DEMAND AMNESTY IN 2013

Latinos and unions are demanding the passage next year of so-called comprehensive immigration reform, or amnesty for millions of illegal aliens, declared a former adviser to President Obama whose union group has close ties to the White House.

“We expect passage of comprehensive immigration reform next year,” declared Eliseo Medina, treasurer of the Service Employees International Union, or SEIU.

“We don’t want promises; we don’t want debates. We expect action,” he said.

Medina added: “If Congress keeps erecting roadblocks in 2013, we will look elsewhere for leaders in the 2014 elections. The proof is tonight’s presidential election results.”
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GOP Blocks Bill To Give Hunters More Land Access

A wide-ranging bill to give hunters and fishermen more access to public lands stalled in the Senate Monday after Republicans said it spends too much money.

Republicans supported opening lands for outdoorsmen and many other provisions in the bill sponsored by Democratic Sen. Jon Tester, but GOP senators blocked the legislation on principle Monday evening in a mostly party-line procedural vote after Senate Budget Committee's top Republican, Jeff Sessions of Alabama, objected to spending on conservation programs included in the bill.

The sportsmen's bill would increase land access and allow hunters to bring home as trophies 41 polar bears killed in Canada before the government started protecting polar bears as a threatened species. The legislation would also exclude ammunition and tackle from federal environmental laws that regulate lead, allow bow hunters to cross federal land where hunting isn't allowed, encourage federal land agencies to help states maintain shooting ranges, boost fish populations and protect animal habitat.
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Rep. Hank Johnson: 'We Earn' Our $174K Salary

Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.) says members of Congress "earn" their $174,000 per year salary (plus benefits) and that this compensation is “not elaborate."

"The benefits and salary that we get, we earn," Johnson said at the Annesbrooks HOA Candidate Forum in Georgia in October. "It’s not elaborate, it’s just a bunch of poppycock that a lot of people have spread around trying to get us to hate our own government and our government representatives.”

According to a Congressional Research Services report compensation for most representatives and senators is $174,000 a year. 
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City Of Salisbury & DNR Want To Kill City Park Beavers

You have to ask yourself, which came first, the Beaver or humans? Once you realize humans have invaded their land, is it right for the City of Salisbury to step in, trap these beautiful animals and kill them simply because the Beavers have taken down a few small trees?

While you debate those questions in your mind, know the facts that surround this situation/problem.

It was former Zoo Director Jim Rapp and DNR who decided to line the river by the Park with "Alder" trees. If they had done ANY research first they would know that the Alder tree is like chocolate candy to ANY Beaver. You can't blame the Beaver for wanting his/her candy, but Salisbury can and will.

Then keep in mind these Beavers are simply doing what they do best. We have invaded on their territory and the only answer, (in the City Park Committee) is to trap these Beavers and kill them. Mind you, they'll only get the Father and perhaps the Mother but it is very unlikely they will trap the two babies. You should also know that the babies will stay with their Parents until they are past 2 years old.

Trapping and killing the Parents will certainly kill the babies as well. So what is it with the Zoo that they want to put out 200 pounds of duck chow every day in feeders on the River so they can attract other wildlife to visit the Zoo, then they want to KILL all of the Geese that tend to NOT fly south every Winter because they have an ample supply of food all year round.

Of course your NOT hearing about the Beaver problem anywhere else in the Main Stream Media, much like many of the stories we bring to you here on Salisbury News. Mind you, perhaps after this story breaks they'll have the stones to mention it but somehow I doubt it.

So now we'll leave it to the Court of Public Opinion. Know this, the City Park Committee have already agreed to trap and kill these Beavers. Unless enough pressure is placed on them immediately, these animals will be killed.

Some Facts About Beavers...

Wildlife rehabilitators find beavers to be gentle, reasoning beings who enjoy playing practical jokes. An Indian word for "beaver-like" also means "affable." Adults may weigh over 40 pounds, and beavers mate for life during their third year. Both parents care for the kits (usually one to four) that are born in the spring. The youngsters normally stay with their parents for two years.

Beavers are both fascinating animals to watch and an important keystone species. Yet old attitudes die hard and some people may consider the mere presence of a beaver to be a problem. They may not be aware that these peaceful animals make good neighbors, and removing beavers often creates more problems than coexistance. 

Most beaver removals are done by kill-trappers, which creates another slew of problems, because no trap is entirely selective. Dogs are routinely killed in the Conibears commonly set for beavers, children can be injured, and rare species, such as Bald Eagles, have been victims. This device is difficult to open, unless you know the technique, and there've been lawsuits from families who've had to watch their beloved pet being crushed to death. Although the Conibear was originally designed for a "fast kill", a study done with experienced trappers showed that most beavers are not caught in the right position for a fast death.

Other studies have shown that drowning traps are not humane for beavers, because they can hold their breath for ten minutes or more. Snares have eviscerated victims, and even those with catches can injure beavers, or drown ones that become entangled in the wires. Any trap that holds an exposed animal leaves them vulnerable to predators and must be checked frequently. Live traps are preferred as the victim is protected from predators.
Live trapping is labor intensive, and should be done by a trained individual to ensure that an entire family is caught and then relocated unharmed (beavers can die rather easily from hyperthermia if left for hours in a cage-like trap during the daytime) in suitable habitat. If beavers must be removed from a site, often a news story will lead to landowners, who desire beavers and have the right habitat, coming forward.

Currently projects in the Southwest and Northwest are relocating beavers from damage sites, where they would be killed, to areas where they are needed to regulate water flowages.

FBI ASKED TO PROBE OBAMA 'VOTE-CHANGING' MACHINES

A state lawmaker in Maryland has asked the FBI to impound two voting machines used in the 2012 election to determine whether there was a malfunction or something nefarious going on.

“I just feel it is my duty to try to get to the bottom of this,” state Delegate Kathryn Afzali told WND today.“We’re not making any accusations. The Board of Elections are good people. They have checks and balances … but we want to make sure everything is fair.”

She said a number of people contacted her after the Nov. 6 election to report that they pressed a touch-screen button for GOP candidate Mitt Romney, but the vote registered for Barack Obama. 
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The Only Way To Take Down A Twinkie

DHS Website Promotes Gov't Handouts To Immigrants

Pennsylvania Confronts $41 Billion In Pension Deficits

Pennsylvania’s two public pensions face a combined shortfall of $41 billion, and their costs will consume 62 percent of fiscal 2014 revenue growth, according to a report from the state budget office.

The State Employees’ Retirement System has 65 percent of assets needed to cover projected liabilities, and the Pennsylvania Public School Employees’ Retirement System is 69 percent funded, the report said. The plans cover 817,000 people.

In July, Moody’s Investors Service cut the state’s general- obligation debt rating to Aa2, its third-highest, citing rising pension obligations that will weigh on its economic recovery. Funding for state retirement plans across the U.S. fell in fiscal 2011 for a fourth straight year, to a median coverage ratio of about 72 percent, data compiled by Bloomberg show.

“Absent meaningful structural pension reform, the state’s general-fund budget is on a very predictable path that will force a choice between either fully funding pension obligations or making cuts to the core functions of government,” Charles Zogby, Pennsylvania’s budget secretary, said in a statement.

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Md. Opening Domestic Violence Visitation Center

Maryland is opening a new center to allow victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse to have supervised parent-child visitation.

Lt. Governor Anthony G. Brown and Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake plan to announce the opening of the Safe Havens center Tuesday afternoon in Baltimore.
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A Thanksgiving Message

The older I get, the more thankful I am on each and every Thanksgiving.  On this day, I am thankful for all the wonderful things in my life and the blessings I have been provided with, but there is something else I am thankful for.  Something that everyone should be thankful for since it presents such great opportunity.

Each and every one of us faces very different circumstances and challenges on this day, but pretty much everyone reading this shares one very special thing with one another – a tremendous opportunity to change the world together.  While I firmly believe that we are at a huge crossroads politically, socially and economically as a nation, I believe we are at an even greater crossroads as a species.  Back in my college days, I felt that things could never sustainably change on a planet level for the better without a change in consciousness. Back then, I cynically couldn’t see how such a consciousness shift could happen in my lifetime, but then a few years ago a strange thing happened.  I started noticing a shift in consciousness within myself and within many of the people around me.  I still don’t know exactly what happened, but I think the internet played a huge role. This awakening sends shivers down the spine of the power structure, but should be cheered to the heavens by the rest of us.

I firmly believe Gandhi’s statement “be the change that you want to see in the world” applies now more than ever.  One thousand years ago, most people couldn’t read, had almost zero access to any knowledge, and the most contact they would have with the world beyond themselves might be an occasional visit from a neighboring village or some army rolling in to invade. Think about what prior generations would have given to have had the tremendous opportunity that we have with the internet.

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ARMED ROBBERY SUSPECT ARRESTED BY O.C.P.D.

Hector Aaron Torres

On November 26, 2012, Ocean City police detectives received confidential information that a male, later identified as Hector Aaron Torres, 25, of Ocean City, was planning an armed robbery of the O.C. Dollar Store, located at 203 Philadelphia Avenue.  Police detectives corroborated the information and based upon the detailed information developed, officers immediately removed the store employees from the business.  Ocean City Police concealed tactical officers inside and outside of the business and began surveillance. 

At approximately 8:20 p.m., Torres entered the O.C. Dollar Store wearing a hooded sweat shirt, with the hood pulled over his head concealing his face.  Torres was holding a razor knife in one hand and a kitchen knife in his other hand.  During the attempted armed robbery, Torres walked through the store aisles attempting to locate a store employee.  Officers confronted Torres inside of the business and attempted to arrest him.

Torres immediately attempted to flee on foot, at which time officers ordered him to stop.  After failing to obey verbal commands by officers, Torres was subdued and taken into custody by an officer who used a TASER electronic control device.  Police recovered the razor knife and kitchen knife which were discarded by Torres when he attempted to flee the scene. 

Torres has been charged as follows:

• Armed Robbery (Felony)
• Robbery (Felony)
• Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery
• Conspiracy to Commit Robbery
• Resisting Arrest
• Possession of a Concealed Deadly Weapon
• Possession of a Deadly Weapon With Intent to Injure

Torres is being held on $250,000 bond.

Texas Schools Teaching Boston Tea Party As "Terrorist Act"

Absolutely remarkable... and in Texas to boot!  As I have said for years, pretty soon anyone that disagrees with Washington D.C., Federal Reserve policies and rule by TBTF Wall Street criminal banks will be labeled a “terrorist.”  That is where all this is headed.

From CBS Houston:

HOUSTON (CBS Houston) – The most historical instance of protesting against taxation without representation is now being taught in Texas schools as a terrorist act.

As recently as January of this year, the Texas Education Service Center Curriculum Collaborative included a lesson plan that depicted the Boston Tea Party, an event that helped ignite the American Revolution, as an act of terrorism.

“A local militia, believed to be a terrorist organization, attacked the property of private citizens today at our nation’s busiest port,” wrote the teachers in charge of organizing the curriculum about the Boston Tea Party. “Although no one was injured in the attack, a large quantity of merchandise, considered to be valuable to its owners and loathsome to the perpetrators, was destroyed. The terrorists, dressed in disguise and apparently intoxicated, were able to escape into the night with the help of local citizens who harbor these fugitives and conceal their identities from the authorities.

1984 has arrived folks.

Full article here. 

Arafat's Body Exhumed; Experts To Investigate If He Was Poisoned

The remains of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat were exhumed from his grave on Tuesday -- eight years after his death at age 75 -- as part of an investigation into allegations that he was poisoned, according to official Palestinian radio.

The remains were taken from the massive mausoleum in the West Bank city of Ramallah, where Arafat was buried, and moved to a nearby mosque so that Palestinian doctors could take samples from his bones, Palestinian officials told The Associated Press.

The samples will be handed over to French, Swiss and Russian experts who have flown in for the exhumation and who will examine them in their home countries, the officials said. They said samples were taken earlier from Arafat's bedroom, office and personal belongings.
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New Sticker

Docs: Give Teens Emergency Contraception

The American Academy of Pediatrics is fighting back against teen pregnancy with revised recommendations on emergency contraception.

The organization is encouraging physicians to talk about medications like Plan B and Next Choice in their discussions with their adolescent patients - both boys and girls - on safe sex.

The United States has one of the highest rates of teen pregnancy among developed countries. Nearly 80% of teen pregnancies are unplanned, a result of contraception failure or nonuse, according to the AAP.
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Hereafter

High Court To Decide Who Counts As A Supervisor

When does your co-worker also count as your supervisor? The Supreme Court may make a final decision on whether to draw a legal line between work colleagues and work managers, at least when it comes to harassment and retaliation claims.

At issue during oral arguments Monday was a decision by the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which declared that only a person with the ability to fire or hire employees can be considered a supervisor, regardless of the person’s other duties. But other federal appeals courts — and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission — have a broader test, saying a person can be a supervisor if they have the authority to direct daily work activities and can undertake or recommend “tangible employment decision affecting employees.”
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Three Things About Islam

Billionaire Buffett Breaks With Obama Over Taxes

Billionaire investor Warren Buffett has stepped up his call for the government to impose bigger taxes on himself and others like him — but broke with President Obama, calling for everyone who makes under $500,000 to continue to pay the lower tax rates passed under President George W. Bush.

Mr. Obama has called for tax increases for those making $250,000 or more but has failed to push that through Congress. Many lawmakers say the $250,000 cutoff would hurt middle-class families at a time when they can't afford it.

The threshold for tax increases is one of the major issues Congress is trying to work out as it decides who will pay more taxes on Jan. 1.
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BREAKING NEWS: Myles Lyons Captured In Cambridge

Salisbury News has learned Myles was taken by force and is being returned to Wicomico County.

My Son Jonathan

By Lt. Governor Anthony Brown

I became an adoptive parent 12 years ago when we brought my son, Jonathan, into our family. As we considered expanding our family through adoption, I had an overwhelming sense of the tremendous thing we were doing for this child. But upon bringing Jonathan home, we quickly learned the truth—that we were the recipients of a gift that continues to change and enrich our life every single day in ways we couldn’t possibly imagine.

The most important factor in a child’s life is a stable, loving home in which he or she can laugh, learn and thrive. That’s why Governor O’Malley and I have made improving outcomes for children who need permanent homes a priority. Since the launch of our Place Matters initiative, almost 3,200 children have found permanent homes through adoption, guardianship or reunification with family, and we’ve reduced the number of children in foster care by 35 percent.

Although we’ve seen significant progress, there is still much work to be done. It is my hope that by sharing Jonathan’s story, other families will come to know the gift of adoption.

In honor of National Adoption Month, I’m excited to announce that I’ll be hosting a Twitter Chat this Wednesday, November 28^th at 2pm. We’ll be answering questions and providing information on various topics related to adoption. I’m also hoping the conversation will inspire other families to share their own experiences. Please help spread the word and join in the conversation using the hashtag #LGBrownChat.

UN Committee Calls For Ban On Female Circumcision

Campaigners against female circumcision scored a major victory Monday with the approval by a key U.N. committee of a resolution calling for a global ban on female genital mutilation.

The resolution, adopted by consensus by the U.N. General Assembly's human rights committee, calls the practice harmful and a serious threat to the psychological, sexual and reproductive health of women and girls.

It calls on the U.N.'s 193 member states to condemn the practice, known as FGM, and launch education campaigns for girls and boys, women and men, to eliminate it. It also urges all countries to enact and enforce legislation to prohibit FGM, to protect women and girls "from this form of violence," and to end impunity for violators.
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Murder Crime Scene On Jersey Road

Many have called and asked where the crime took place. The images above are the home in which several people were shot and stabbed. The latest update was the the suspects vehicle was found in Cambridge and Myles Lyons is still on the loose. Please keep the Family in your thoughts and prayers today.

DEATH INVESTIGATION IN ALLEGANY CO. CONTINUES

(OLDTOWN, MD) -- Maryland State Police homicide investigators are working with the Allegany County Combined Criminal Investigation Unit (C3I) in an ongoing investigation into the death of a man whose body was found in a wooded area of southern Allegany County two days ago. 

The body of the adult male has not been positively identified. Forensic tests are ongoing at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore to verify the identity of the man. He has tentatively been identified by police as Lewis W. Joy, 37, of Flintstone, Md. 

The cause and manner of death have not been determined at this time. They remain under investigation at the medical examiner’s office as part of the ongoing autopsy process. Nothing has been ruled out and all possibilities are being considered by police investigators at this time. 

At about 10:00 a.m. on November 24, 2012, hunters in a remote wooded area near Oldtown, Md., found decomposing human remains lying on the ground. C3I investigators and State Police crime scene technicians responded to the scene. The scene was secured overnight and processed the next morning with the assistance of a forensic pathologist. The remains were taken to Baltimore for an autopsy and identification. The body appeared to have internal injuries, but it remains unclear how those injuries were sustained. 

The body was clothed in underwear, jeans, and brown boots. Investigators found a hooded sweatshirt tied between two trees about 28 feet from the ground, near where the body was found. 

On October 22, 2012, Lewis Joy was reported missing to Maryland State Police at the Cumberland Barrack. Troopers learned Joy had last been seen on October 13, 2012. They also found he had two outstanding warrants for his arrest in Allegany County and he had told at least one friend that he would not go back to jail. 

Police also learned on October 16, 2012, a vehicle being used by Joy was found abandoned in the woods at a gun club on Cresap Mill Road at Oldtown Road. Searches of the area surrounding the location of the truck were conducted by friends and police, but Joy was not located. The recovered body was found by the hunters Saturday not far from where the truck was located. 

The investigation is continuing.

STATE POLICE ENFORCEMENT EFFORTS YIELD RESULTS

(PIKESVILLE, MD) – Troopers throughout the state made their presence known this Thanksgiving weekend with initiatives and additional patrols which yielded significant results. 

The Maryland State Police conducted traffic and criminal enforcement initiatives throughout the state during the busiest travel time of the year. During the Thanksgiving weekend, all 22 state police barracks made their presence known as troopers made numerous traffic stops focusing on impaired or distracted drivers, aggressive and speeding motorist, as well as those who were not properly seat belted or refused to put children in safety seats.

Theses efforts resulted in over 8,900 vehicles being stopped by troopers. There were 96 motorists arrested for driving under influence. Fifty-six people were arrested for drug violations and 133 were arrested for various other criminal violations. Troopers recovered three guns during traffic stops. Additional initiatives will continue through the holiday season.

The Maryland State Police continue to encourage motorists to plan ahead, be courteous and be patient while traveling. Always reduce as many distractions as possible when driving. If you find yourself impaired, call a friend or family member, or use public transportation. If you see a driver you think is impaired or driving their vehicle in an unsafe manner, keep a safe distance and contact law enforcement.

The additional State Police patrols are in support of the Maryland Highway Safety Office and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration initiatives to reduce crashes on the roadways. The overtime funding for additional patrols was provided by grants from the Maryland Highway Safety Office.

EXCITING CAREER OPPORTUNITY AVAILABLE FOR TEENS WITH EMT TRAINING - FLY WITH THE RENOWNED MD STATE POLICE AVIATION COMMAND

(PIKESVILLE, MD) -- The Maryland State Police is expanding career opportunities for young people interested in emergency medicine who are up to the challenge of helping to save lives in the air. 

The Maryland State Police is now hiring for the position of “aviation cadet.” This position serves as a second medical care provider onboard a Maryland State Police medevac helicopter. Applicants for the position must be between the ages of 17-19 and must be certified as an emergency medical technician at either the basic, intermediate, or paramedic levels.

The position of aviation cadet provides young men and women 18-20 years old the opportunity to experience many of the duties and responsibilities performed by sworn personnel of the Maryland State Police Aviation Command while preparing for entry into the State Police Academy. Cadets will immediately begin working toward their state service retirement. More importantly, they will be part of a world-renowned team of dedicated trooper flight paramedics, aviation technicians, and pilots, who make up the Maryland State Police Aviation Command and are an important partner in Maryland’s integrated emergency medical services system.

The first step for interested candidates is the applicant orientation conducted by members of the State Police Recruitment Unit and Aviation Command. During the orientation, applicants will learn much more about the Maryland State Police through discussions and video presentations. Orientations specific to the aviation cadet position will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 29, 2012, at the Maryland State Police Easton Barrack, 7053 Ocean Gateway, Easton, or Thursday, December 6, 2012, at Maryland State Police Headquarters, 1201 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville.

Trooper and cadet applicants not meeting the requirements for aviation command are welcome to attend the orientation at Easton Barrack. Pre-registration is required on the Maryland State Police webpage www.mdsp.org, or by contacting TFC Travis Nelson of the Recruitment Unit at: travis.nelson@maryland.gov, or 410-653-4430. 

Today's Fill In The Blank 11-27-12

We'd be much better off if _____.

Capitalism, Socialism And Human Dignity

Capitalism means human individual freedom, especially in the sphere of striving to
become prosperous. To defend the system is a challenge because of its ties to
individualism, even ethical egoism. For centuries the ethical and moral guidelines
people have been urged to live by have been some kind of communitarianism,
such as altruism, utilitarianism, socialism, communism, etc. The individualism
associated with capitalism had been thought as atomistic, seeing people as
isolated from and indeed hostile toward one another.

Socialism is the political economic order that sees human beings as part of a larger entity, society, to which they are all beholden and which they must serve not of their own free will but as a matter of coerced duty.

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Youth Wrestling Program Season - Tues & Thurs - Civic Center

Registration Open For Eastern Shore Elite Volleyball Academy Programs

Parent Interest Meeting for Travel & Taxi Squads Scheduled for Thursday, November 29

Bump! Set! Spike! Wicomico Recreation's Eastern Shore Elite Volleyball Academy offers a variety of volleyball programs for girls and boys, 1st-12th grade. Whether your child is a new player interested in learning the game, a returning player looking to build on skills, a recreational player looking for extra practice and scrimmage games or a competitive player looking to excel, we have a program for you.

Youth Volleyball Instructional Program

Open to girls and boys of all skill levels. Learn the fundamentals and skills of volleyball in a fun, non-competitive environment. Participants will receive a t-shirt. Registration is open now. 

Ages: Girls & Boys, 1st-8th Grade

Division I - 7th & 8th Graders & Returning / Experienced 6th Graders

Division II - 4th, 5th & 6th Graders

Division III - 1st, 2nd & 3rd Graders

Program Fee: Division I & II - $65; Division III - $50

Dates & Times: 

Division I - Wednesdays 6:15-7:00pm, January 9-February 27

Division II - Tuesdays 6:15-7:00pm, January 8-February 26

Division III - Mondays 6:15-7:00pm, January 7-February 25  

*(No class on January 21 or February 18.)

Location: Bennett Middle School Gymnasium

Volleyball Skills Clinic

Clinics will be offered the second Saturday of the month and offer additional instruction and coaching in station drills and exercises. Clinics are open to girls of all skill levels. Registration is open now. 

Ages: Girls, 6th-12th Grade

Program Fee: $20 Per Clinic or $50 Clinic Package (includes all three clinics)

Dates: January 12, February 9, March 9

Time: 10:00am-12:00noon

Location: Bennett Middle School Gymnasium

Youth / Women Drop-In Volleyball

It's ladies night! Girls, women, mothers and daughters can participate in drop-in, scrimmage and pick-up games in a fun, relaxed environment. Registration is not necessary, program fee will be collected at the door. 

Ages: Girls, Ages 13 & Up and Women 

Program Fee: $3 Per Night

Dates: Thursdays beginning in December

Time: 6:15-7:00pm

Location: Bennett Middle School Gymnasium

Travel & Taxi Squads

For players looking for competition, Eastern Shore Elite Volleyball Academy offers Travel & Taxi Squads featuring coaching from college and high school coaches and current and former collegiate players. Travel teams will be competing throughout Maryland, Delaware and Virginia. Open to girls ages 14-18. 

Parent Interest Meeting: Thursday, November 29th at 7:00pm

Tryouts: Saturday, December 8th, 10:00am-1:00pm and/or Sunday, December 9th, 5:00-7:30pm

Program Fee: Travel Squad: $750 Per Player (Includes two practices per week, tournaments and uniform); Taxi Squad: $150 Per Player (Includes one practice per week)

Please visit www.WicomicoRecandParks.org for more information on Travel & Taxi Squads.

Registration is available online at www.WicomicoRecandParks.org or in person at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center Box Office, 500 Glen Avenue, Salisbury, MD 21804; Monday-Friday, 8:00am-6:00pm. For more information on any of the volleyball programs listed above, please contact Kelly Rados, Program Director at 410-548-4900 x108 or krados@wicomicocounty.org.

Today's Advertiser Of The Day 11-27-12

Native American's Settle $3.4 Billion Settlement With U.S. Government

After nearly 17 years of courtroom actions, hundreds of thousands of Native Americans have won a $3.4 billion settlement with the U.S. government. The appeal period expired Friday meaning payments in the so-called Cobell Settlement could begin by the end of the year. Elouise Cobell, a Blackfeet leader in Montana, sued the government in 1996. She said those who leased Indian land made money from natural resources with no accounting of royalties for Native Americans. The government was responsible, she said, since it holds the land in trust for Native Americans. Cobell died last year, but on Monday, President Barack Obama praised her for her legacy of "honorable work." 

You Just Have To Feel Fantastic About Paying $1.00 A Day For This Crap

Police say mother stole from marching band

A former mother of a high school student is accused of stealing more than $2,200 from the marching band boosters, and now faces several felony charges of theft and forgery.

http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20121127/NEWS/311270051/Police-say-mother-stole-from-marching-band?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|

Third Man Expcted To File Lawsuit Against "Elmo" Puppeteer Kevin Clash

On Tuesday a third man is expected to file a lawsuit against Kevin Clash, the man behind the world-famous “Elmo” character on Sesame Street.

He's been performing as Elmo since 1984 -- winning 21 Emmys for Best Performer in a Children's Series.

That career is over. Kevin Clash resigned last week after his first accuser came forward. That man recanted his allegation of an underage sexual relationship.

Since then, a second man -- Cecil Singleton -- filed a $5-million lawsuit against Clash.
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Army Awards $10 Billion Contracts

The Army has awarded 20 companies a spot on a $10 billion contract for communications technologies. The Global Tactical Advanced Communications System is a five-year, indefinite delivery-indefinite quantity deal. Orders smaller than $4.5 million dollars are set aside for small business. The roster of winners includes six small companies. The Army says GTACS provide a single place to buy technology for both production and test environments. It replaces the World Wide Satellite Systems contract.

Today's Survey Question 11-27-12

Did you pick up any good deals on  Cyber Monday?

FDA HAS POWER TO SHUT DOWN FOOD FACTORIES

The Food and Drug Administration has for the first time used its new power to shut down food factories. It ordered the suspension of operations at a New Mexico peanut butter plant thought to be a source of salmonella poisoning. Before a new law was enacted in 2011, the FDA had to go to court to get an order to close a plant. The company which operates the plant, Sunland, must prove to FDA inspectors that the factory is clean enough to start up again. Sunland is the country's biggest processor of organic peanuts.

O’Malley Expected To Continue In A Top Role In Democratic Governors Group

Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley will most likely retain a leadership post in the Democratic Governors Association when his two-year tenure as chairman ends next week, according to party sources.

O’Malley is expected to be named finance chairman at the DGA’s annual meeting in Los Angeles, the sources said. O’Malley held the position previously, and it will keep him in front of key Democratic donors as he weighs his political future.

O’Malley, whose national profile has grown considerably during his two terms as chairman, is likely to be succeeded by Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin. Shumlin hasannounced staff changes in Vermont in anticipation of his election next week by fellow Democratic governors. 
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Don't Stop Sequestration On The Backs Of Federal Workers

A coalition of unions have sent a le tter to Congress saying: Don't stop sequestration on the backs of federal workers. The Federal Workers Alliance which represents more than 300,000 feds told House and Senate leaders they must move to stop the automatic spending cuts set for January 3. But any compromise cuts should come from somewhere other than federal pay and benefits. FWA said feds have already given more than $103 billion. It also hit back against stereotypes that the federal retirement system is extravagant, saying it came about as a bipartisan effort between former President Ronald Reagan and former House Speaker Tip O'Neill.

Charities Come Up With Day To Encourage Donations During The Holidays

Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Small Business Saturday, it seems like every day of the week has something to do with shopping during the holidays. You can add one more day to that list, but instead of buying, you're encouraged to donate.

Today is #GivingTuesday, a nationwide effort to give a boost to local charities during the holidays. The goal is to make this day as large and successful as Black Friday or Cyber Monday.

"What's so inspiring is how many organizations and individuals have taken up the charge for #GivingTuesday," one of the movement's creator, Henry Timms, told CNN.
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NEED WASHING?

A little girl had been shopping with her Mom in WalMart. She must have been 6 years old, this beautiful red haired, freckle faced image of innocence.

 

It was pouring outside. The kind of rain that gushes over the top of rain gutters, so much in a hurry to hit the earth it has no time to flow down the spout.. We all stood there, under the awning, just inside the door of the WalMart.
We waited, some patiently, others irritated because nature messed up their hurried day. 

I am always mesmerized by rainfall. I got lost in the sound and sight of the heavens washing away the dirt and dust of the world.  Memories of running, splashing so carefree as a child came pouring in as a welcome reprieve from the worries of my day.

Her little voice was so sweet as it broke the hypnotic trance we were all caught in, 'Mom let's run through the rain,'
She said.
'What?' Mom asked.

'Let's run through the rain!' She repeated.

'No, honey. We'll wait until it slows down a bit,' Mom replied.

This young child waited a minute and repeated: 'Mom, let's run through the rain..'

'We'll get soaked if we do,' Mom said.

'No, we won't, Mom. That's not what you said this morning,' the young girl said as she tugged at her Mom's arm.

'This morning? When did I say we could run through the rain and not get wet?'

'Don't you remember? When you were talking to Daddy about his cancer, you said, ' If God can get us through this, He can get us through anything! ' '

The entire crowd stopped dead silent.. I swear you couldn't hear anything but the rain.. We all stood silently. No one left. Mom paused and thought for a moment about what she would say. 

Now some would laugh it off and scold her for being silly. Some might even ignore what was said. But this was a moment of affirmation in a young child's life. A time when innocent trust can be nurtured so that it will bloom into faith.

'Honey, you are absolutely right. Let's run through the rain. If GOD let's us get wet, well maybe we just need washing,' Mom said.

Then off they ran. We all stood watching, smiling and laughing as they darted past the cars and yes, through the puddles. They got soaked. 
They were followed by a few who screamed and laughed like children all the way to their cars. And yes, I did. I ran.  I got wet.  I needed washing.

Circumstances or people can take away your material possessions, they can take away your money, and they can take away your health. But no one can ever take away your precious memories...So, don't forget to make time and take the opportunities to make memories everyday. 

To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven.
I HOPE YOU STILL TAKE THE TIME TO RUN THROUGH THE RAIN. 

5 Greatest Dangers To A Free Society

This is an excerpt from Ron's Farewell to Congress address which was given on November 15, 2012.

What are the greatest dangers that the American people face today and impede the goal of a free society? There are five.

1. The continuous attack on our civil liberties which threatens the rule of law and our ability to resist the onrush of tyranny.

2. Violent anti-Americanism that has engulfed the world. Because the phenomenon of "blow-back" is not understood or denied, our foreign policy is destined to keep us involved in many wars that we have no business being in. National bankruptcy and a greater threat to our national security will result.

3. The ease in which we go to war, without a declaration by Congress, but accepting international authority from the UN or NATO even for preemptive wars, otherwise known as aggression.

4. A financial political crisis as a consequence of excessive debt, unfunded liabilities, spending, bailouts, and gross discrepancy in wealth distribution going from the middle class to the rich. The danger of central economic planning, by the Federal Reserve must be understood.

5. World government taking over local and US sovereignty by getting involved in the issues of war, welfare, trade, banking, a world currency, taxes, property ownership, and private ownership of guns.

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QUOTES OF THE DAY 11-27-12

“If everyone demanded peace instead of another television set, then there’d be peace.”
― John Lennon

“The things you own end up owning you. It’s only after you lose everything that you’re free to do anything.”
― Chuck Palahniuk, Fight Club

“It is the preoccupation with possessions, more than anything else that prevents us from living freely and nobly.”
― Bertrand Russell

“The world says: “You have needs — satisfy them. You have as much right as the rich and the mighty. Don’t hesitate to satisfy your needs; indeed, expand your needs and demand more.” This is the worldly doctrine of today. And they believe that this is freedom. The result for the rich is isolation and suicide, for the poor, envy and murder.”
― Fyodor Dostoyevsky, The Brothers Karamazov

“Normal is getting dressed in clothes that you buy for work and driving through traffic in a car that you are still paying for – in order to get to the job you need to pay for the clothes and the car, and the house you leave vacant all day so you can afford to live in it.”
― Ellen Goodman

“What’s the use of a fine house if you haven’t got a tolerable planet to put it on?”
― Henry David Thoreau, Familiar Letters

“Our economy is based on spending billions to persuade people that happiness is buying things, and then insisting that the only way to have a viable economy is to make things for people to buy so they’ll have jobs and get enough money to buy things.”
― Philip Elliot Slater

“The Master said, “A true gentleman is one who has set his heart upon the Way. A fellow who is ashamed merely of shabby clothing or modest meals is not even worth conversing with.”
(Analects 4.9)”
― Confucius

“But I do know we’re deficient in some way. We are too involved in materialistic things, and they don’t satisfy us. The loving relationships we have, the universe around us, we take these things for granted.”
― Mitch Albom, Tuesdays with Morrie

“Every increased possession loads us with new weariness.”
― John Ruskin