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Friday, April 12, 2013

The First Donation to DPR's Campaign

"Where the libs go to get the dough"

by Delegate Mike McDermott

Lately the Times has been full of articles about Delmarva Public Radio. Despite a $135 Million in additional State Debt provided to Salisbury University to pay for a new “library” courtesy of Delegate Norm Conway and the Democrats, the school could find no more room for the station on campus. The paper provided a platform for this supposedly listener supported station to launch their fund raising drives and awareness summoning all liberals and progressives to come to the aid of one of their own (although many conservatives enjoy classical music, the vast array of programming does not just lean left…it falls over).

With all of this attention, I thought surely those folks would rise to the occasion or the school would throw them a bone from that $135 Million (that’s $49 Million for planning and design plus $51 Million for bricks and mortar this year alone). Boy was I surprised on the last Saturday of the 2013 Session when I looked through a supplemental budget debt appropriation that included an amendment to provide Delmarva Public Radio $900,000.00 to cover relocation, equipment, and whatever else they deem appropriate. Not a bad day’s work for a station that claims an annual operating budget of $1 Million.

It seems the station has an ardent supporter in Delegate Norm Conway, Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. Why let a little thing like “public input” stand in the way between friends? To say that I am appalled at this reckless disregard for public spending is putting is putting it mildly. To see the paper fail to mention this “modest” donation courtesy of the taxpayers of this state is disturbing.

There are other “listener supported” radio stations in our state. The vast majority of them are Christian stations such as WOLC (102.5 FM) in Princess Anne. They all conduct annual “share-a-thons” which often cover a number of days whereby they receive pledges and donations upon which they base their budget. I wonder what they could do with a million bucks.

Our airwaves are full of commercial radio stations all competing for those precious dollars of advertising that tend to go toward those that have the greater listenership and programming. Like every other business, they have had a tough go of it in this Maryland economy. I’m sure a cool million would quench a few thirsts from where they sit.

At a time when our local governments are struggling and many needs cannot be met, it’s no wonder this little million dollar gem tried to slip in unannounced through the back door. We must expect better from our leaders.

Marylanders…take back your state!

JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo Report Record Profits As Lending Remains Constrained

BOSTON -- JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo, two of the biggest US banks by assets, kicked off Wall Street’s earnings season on Friday by reporting record profits thanks to cost-cutting and lower provisions for potentially bad loans.

But revenue fell at the two banking giants. And a popular measure to gauge lending activity also showed that JPMorgan isn't making enough loans to spur significant economic growth, sowing doubts about its ability to continue posting record earnings.

JPMorgan’s first-quarter profit surged 33 percent year-on-year to $6.5 billion, bolstered by gains in its investment bank and the division housing its chief investment office, which was responsible for significant trading losses in the same period last year by a group of traders led by the so-called "London Whale." The combined $1.8 billion increase in earnings for the two divisions offset the $350 million decrease in the bank’s consumer unit, which reduced lending and reported lower margins and revenues.

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The Daily Times Wants To Thank Obama, O'Malley And Mayor Ireton For Economic Development




Sublease offering flexible size and configurations. Tenant seeking to downsize and will vacate 100% or sublet portions of office, warehouse, or manufacturing. 100% HVAC with multiple loading configurations and functional sections. Designated enterprise zone offers qualified employers tax credits.

The information we have provided is current and accurate. Eight years ago the Daily Times had more than 100 employees and now they are down to a little more than a dozen. 

One can only wonder what the RAIN TAX will cost them for their roof and blacktop? Great endorsement guys! The property above IS the current location of the Daily Times.

Heart Attacks: What You Should Know

(CNN) -- If you are one of the nearly 785,000 Americans who suffer a first heart attack this year, what you do in the first few minutes can determine an entire lifetime.

Unfortunately, many people do not know what symptoms to look for or what life-saving steps to take. To help make sense of it all, the following can help you or someone you know survive a heart attack:

Q: What are the top three things I should know about heart attacks?

A: When a heart attack strikes, seconds count.

Ann Coulter Defends Meghan McCain Murder Joke: 'Everyone Laughed'

Ann Coulter defended her controversial joke about Meghan McCain's murder during a Thursday appearance on Sean Hannity's Fox News show.

Earlier this week, Coulter wrote a piece that included this line:

MSNBC's Martin Bashir suggested that Republican senators need to have a member of their families killed for them to support the Democrats' gun proposals. (Let's start with Meghan McCain!) 
McCain berated Coulter for the joke. She tweeted ,"I should expect nothing less but disgusted regardless."
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The Eroding Premium On Truth And Trust

The premium in America has shifted from truth to self-serving distortion, and from trust to manipulation.

The premium we place on truth and trustworthiness is self-evident. Truth is uniquely productive feedback from the real world. Truth (including factual data) is indispensable, for it alone enables us to correct errors, learn from mistakes and improve our effectiveness and communication.

We pay a premium for trust because the cost of dishonesty and artifice is steep.Would you pay more to buy a used car from someone you trust? If you place no premium on trustworthiness, then you buy the "great deal" used car you found online: oops, the "new" battery was spray-painted black, the crankcase leaks, the engine is shot and doesn't pass smog, and the certificate of ownership is forged.

The premium on truth and trust is eroding under the constant onslaught of officially manipulated data and markets, and a vast array of distortions and propaganda designed to serve the interests of ruling Elites and key constituencies.

We all know the negative premium placed on fact: telling the truth will get you fired. And not just in the corporate world: politicians from the President on down all worship at the altar of the carefully distorted unemployment rate.

ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT APPREHENDED AT BORDER: ‘OBAMA’S GONNA LET ME GO’

MISSION, TX – APRIL 11: A U.S. Border Patrol agent guards a suspected drug smuggler on April 11, 2013 in Mission, Texas. Border Patrol agents with helicopter support from the Office of Air and Marine broke up a smuggling shipment of marijuana being transported across the border from Mexico into Texas. In addition to heavy drug smuggling in the area, Border Patrol agents say they have also seen an additional surge in immigrant traffic in Texas’ Rio Grande Valley sector since immigration reform negotiations began this year in Washington D.C. Credit: Getty Images
It seems even illegal immigrants seeking to cross over the U.S.-Mexico border are following the current immigration debate. Linda Vickers, who owns a ranch in Brooks County, Texas, told WOAI that she witnessed one man being arrested on her ranch and that he told the border agent Obama would let him go.

“The Border Patrol agent was loading one man up, and he told the officer in Spanish, ‘Obama’s gonna let me go’,” Vickers said.

Meanwhile, Border Patrol agents report that some immigrants will even ask, “Where do I go for my amnesty?” while they are surrendering.

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3rd Friday: Art & Entertainment In Downtown Salisbury

Salisbury, MD – It’s finally here! NEXT Friday April 19th, 2013, 3rd Friday is back outside for the summer, and we our kicking off the season with a very special COMIC CON themed event! Live music will be held and, of course, tons of amazing artists and local crafters will be set up all along the Plaza, but 3F has tons of other “super” things planned to really make this one special!

Get your costumes ready because this 3rd Friday will be a night to remember! From a Super Hero Scavenger Hunt and an Action Packed Photo Booth, to getting a chance to meet real life local comic book creators, and making your own comic strip with SWAC; there will be something for everyone at this 3F. The Plaza will be jumping with live music from the Raucous Brothers and there will even be a Fine Art Show in the Parker Place Building, showcasing the finer side of graphic illustration and the sequential arts! Being Super really is an Art!

And be sure to stop by Art Institute and Gallery, for their very first “Art & History of the Tattoo” Exhibition, from 5-7pm. The exhibition is open to all tattoo artists; and photographs, paintings and pen & ink designs will be judged for Best in Show, Form, Integrity & Expressive Power and Best Use of Medium! There will also be Live Judging on “Best Sleeve or Leg” so bring your tattooed selves, and win accolades for yourself and your tattoo artist! Awards will begin at 6:00 PM with the live judging at 6:30. The event is sponsored in part by Irish Buddha Tattoo and Crucial Tattoo, and will definitely be something you have never seen before on the Shore!

For more information, on all the restaurant specials, special sales and event information visit www.3rdfridaysby.com. 3F is an all-volunteer effort, a downtown economic development initiative and a project of the Salisbury Arts & Entertainment District Committee.

The Evolution Of Dance

A Letter To The Editor: Nonsense About Gun Control

Joe, 

I was wondering if you could post this following the Sandyhook shooting. I was watching debate after debate about gun control and the nonsense like if the shooter had 10 round mags it would have saved lives. Now answer me this. How can it save lives if there is no armed intervention to bring the shooter down? Also it only takes 3 to 5 seconds max to switch mags and reload. the liberal media will have you believe a teacher with a taser could have brought this to an end I don't know about you but I'm not facing a man with a gun with a taser that's on a suicide mission. Then when it comes to talks of resource armed officers in the schools the first rebuttal is MONEY! not safety. Last but not least when your alone at night no matter who you are and someone smashes your door in liberal or not you will wish you had a gun and remember the ones saying NO to you having a gun has people surrounding them with guns. People its time to rise up vote these dictators out its all about control not about you or your children's safety.
MSL

City Staff To Work Closely With Proposed Country Music Festival

OCEAN CITY – City officials are becoming skeptical of next summer’s proposed High Tide Music Festival, asking this week for staff to work closely with the event organizers to get the facts straight.

On Tuesday afternoon, Tom Russell of Founders Entertainment presented an update of the long-awaited High Tide Music Festival and asked the Mayor and City Council to consider renting the Inlet Parking Lot during the event.

The High Tide Music Festival has been on a roller coaster ride since it was first proposed in October of 2011 when it was presented to be held on June 2-3, 2012 on the beach in downtown Ocean City. It was to consist of four stages and aimed to target talent such as Paul Simon, Tom Petty, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Mumford and Sons, Florence & The Machine, Adele and more.

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Assassination Attempt Against Sheriff Joe Arpaio

Reward Offered In Drive-By Shooting Of Ringling Elephant in Mississippi

The drive-by shooting of an elephant with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus in Mississippi has led to a $33,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction, authorities said on Thursday.

Carol, a 39-year-old Asian elephant, was hit in the shoulder in Tupelo on Tuesday by a shot fired from a passing vehicle. The elephant was in an enclosure outside an arena when it was shot.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said in a statement the shot left a dime-sized entry hole but the animal is "active, mobile and comfortable and is being treated with medication."

The shooting has been deemed a federal offense because the Asian elephant is an endangered species.

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City Of Salisbury Proposed Budget Schedule


Schedule of FY14 Budget Sessions

Thursday April 18 4:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Overview of City's financial condition
Room 306 General Fund Revenues
City Council
City Clerk
Elections
Mayor's Office
City Attorney

Monday April 22 6:00 p.m.
Council Chambers
Regular Council Meeting - 1st reading of proposed FY14 Budget and establishing date for a public
hearing; Water & Sewer rates Ordinance

Tuesday April 23 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Community Development
Room 306 Information Technology
Planning & Zoning
Municipal Buildings - Poplar Hill Mansion
Fire Department
Building, Permitting & Inspections
Neighborhood Services & Code Compliance
Community Promotions
Lunch Break
Police Department
Internal Services - Finance

Tuesday April 30 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Debt Service & Other Uses
Room 306 Marina Fund
Parking Authority
SWED ?
Internal Services - Procurement
Internal Services - Human Resources
Government Office Building
Lunch Break
Public Works - General Fund

Thursday May 2 4:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Water & Sewer Fund
Room 306 Water & Sewer Rates


Thursday May 9 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. General Discussion
Personnel Committees
Tax Rate – Discussion
Follow-up on outstanding issues

Monday May 13 6:00 p.m. Regular Council Meeting - Public Hearing on FY13
Council Chambers Budget; Proposed Water and Sewer Rates & Constant Yield

Tuesday May 14 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. General Discussion (if necessary)
Room 306 Follow-up on outstanding issues

Thursday May 16 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. General Discussion (if necessary)
Room 306 Follow-up on outstanding issues

Tuesday May 28 6:00 p.m. Regular Council Meeting - 2nd reading and adoption
Council Chambers of Budget; adoption of Water & Sewer rates

Md. Comptroller Presents Golden Apple Awards

BERLIN -- Comptroller Peter Franchot made the rounds on the Eastern Shore Wednesday presenting education-based Golden Apple Awards in both Wicomico and Worcester counties as part of a continuing campaign to honor volunteers in Maryland.

In its inaugural year, the Golden Apple Award has been presented to both individuals and groups around the state. The common denominator is that award winners dedicate themselves to education without any form of compensation.

“There are thousands of people around the state of Maryland that volunteer to help out in the public schools. And we created this Golden Apple award because we wanted them to not always be unsung heroes without any recognition because we at the state level appreciate what you do, the way you handle yourself and the consistency with which you come in and help out. It’s a huge help to us as we try to make these kids better prepared and have a higher quality of life than we had,” said Franchot.

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Drones, Guns, And The President

Does the government work for us, or do we work for the government? How can the president claim the lawful power to kill whomever he wishes and at the same time ask Congress to incapacitate our ability to defend ourselves against those who might seek to kill us?

Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul struck a raw nerve in the weak underbelly of the Obama administration last month with his 13-hour filibuster. Paul was furious – as every American should be – that the president refused to admit that he does not possess the lawful authority to kill Americans with drones. The senator used the confirmation hearings of now CIA Director John Brennan as a forum in which to articulate the principled constitutional argument that whenever the government wants the life, liberty or property of anyone, it can only obtain that via due process.

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Five Decades of Lies Help Dems Create Monolithic Black Vote

As recently as 1956, nearly 39 percent of blacks voted Republican in that year’s presidential election. After the Civil War, Abe Lincoln’s Republican Party easily carried the black vote — where blacks were allowed to vote. Unwelcome in the Democratic Party, most blacks voted Republican and continued to do so through the early part of the 20th century. It wasn’t until 1948, when 77 percent of the black vote went to Harry Truman, who had desegregated the military, that a majority of blacks identified themselves as Democrats.

Yet, as a percentage of the party, more Republicans voted for the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 than did Democrats. For his key role breaking the Democrats’ filibuster and getting the act to pass the stalled Senate, Republican Sen. Everett Dirksen, a conservative from Illinois, landed on the cover of Time magazine. President Lyndon Johnson called Dirksen “the hero of the nation.” The Chicago Defender, then the country’s largest black daily newspaper, applauded Dirksen’s “generalship” for helping to successfully push through the bill.

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Rain Barrels To Be Sold At Discount Price April 16-18 through DNREC’s Nonpoint Source Program

DOVER – To encourage water conservation and promote wise use of it throughout the state, DNREC’s Division of Watershed Stewardship is again offering rain barrels at a discounted price to Delaware residents in April at pickup locations in each county. Having a rain barrel provides an innovative way to capture rainwater from your roof and store it for later use. Water collected from rain barrels can be used to wash cars and to water lawns, gardens and indoor plants.
“Without a rain barrel, this water would run off your roof and become stormwater, picking up pollutants on its way to a storm drain, stream, lake, bay or ocean,” said Environmental Scientist Sharon Webb of the Division’s Nonpoint Source Program. “By using a rain barrel, you can lower your water bill, conserve well water in the dry season and reduce polluted stormwater runoff.”
The terra cotta-colored barrels are made from recycled food grade barrels that originally entered the United States filled with olives and pickles. Thoroughly scrubbed, the barrels may have some small scrapes and scratches from their travels. The barrels are fitted with a screw-on perforated top with an inside mesh screen to help keep out debris, bugs, pets and children. Included are a spigot and an overflow hose fitting to allow water to be diverted into a second barrel.
Rain barrels will be available for pickup at the dates, times and locations listed below. Barrels will fit in the backseat of most cars but not in most normal trunk space, so you may want to bring a tarp or blanket to protect the seat.A limited number of barrels are available and will be distributed on a first come, first served basis.
Sussex County residents: Thursday, April 18 between 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., or until all barrels are sold, at the DNREC Division of Watershed Stewardship, Lewes Facility, next to the Lewes boat ramp, located at 901 Pilottown Road, Lewes. For directions, please visit http://www.swc.dnrec.delaware.gov/Shoreline/Pages/LewesFieldFacility.aspx.
Regular retail price for these heavy-duty plastic barrels is $120 or more. However, by purchasing the rain barrels in quantity, DNREC’s Nonpoint Source Program can offer them for $59 each.
In addition to the barrels, Flex Fit Diverters, which connect the downspout to the barrel, will be available at a discounted price of $19.85. To view diverters please visit http://www.rainbarrelsandmore.com/ .
For more information, please call Sharon Webb, Nonpoint Source Program, at 302-739-9922, or email sharon.webb@state.de.us. To check on availability during distribution, please call 302-739-9922. Payment may be made by check or money order made out to “State of Delaware.” Credit cards cannot be accepted.

Jay-Z raps: White House Cleared Cuba Trip With Beyonce

Although the White House said it wasn’t involved, rapper Jay-Z boasts in a new song Thursday that he got “White House clearance” for his recent trip to Cuba with wife Beyonce.

“I done turned Havana into Atlanta,” Jay-Z raps in the song. “Boy from the hood, I got White House clearance… Politicians never did [expletive] for me except lie to me, distort history. … They wanna give me jail time and a fine. Fine, let me commit a real crime.”

Later in the song titled “Open Letter,” he raps, “Hear the freedom in my speech. … Obama said, ‘Chill you gonna get me impeached. You don’t need this [expletive] anyway, chill with me on the beach.’ “

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Milford Man Charged With Illegally Selling Mounted Wildlife

MILFORD – An investigation that began in January culminated in DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife Enforcement agents citing a Milford man for illegally offering mounted deer heads, turkeys and a bear for sale online.
On April 4, John J. Ament Jr., 57, of Milford, was charged with two counts of offering for sale antlered deer, one count of commercialization of wildlife and one count CITES international wildlife trafficking violation for offering for sale a mounted bear, a violation under an international wildlife treaty to which Delaware adheres. (*See note at end of press release.)
The mounted wildlife items were seized as evidence. Ament, who has the option to pay the citation or opt for a trial, could face more than $2,600 in fines and court costs for the alleged violations.
Under the Delaware Code, it is unlawful for any person to collect, possess, import, export, buy, sell or offer for sale any native wildlife species or any part thereof without a permit from the director of the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife, or, alternately, written documentation to confirm that said wildlife was legally taken and transported from another state. 
In a second, unrelated case, following an investigation into illegal taxidermy, Thomas G. Baker, 57, of Felton, was arrested on March 27 and charged with eight counts of illegal possession of untagged migratory waterfowl, one count of working without a federal migratory bird taxidermy permit, and one count of illegal possession of a wild bird for mounting purposes. Baker was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court 3 in Georgetown with a court date pending.
“In Delaware, in order to provide services, a taxidermist must have a valid business license, and also must adhere to state and federal wildlife laws and regulations as applicable, including observing permit, tag and species restrictions,” said Sgt. Gregory Rhodes of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement.
*The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is an international agreement to which more than 170 countries worldwide adhere voluntarily, with the aim of ensuring that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. Although participation in CITES is legally binding, it does not take the place of national laws. Rather, it provides a framework to be respected by each country, which must then adopt its own domestic legislation to ensure that CITES is implemented at the national level.
DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife Enforcement Section works to achieve public compliance through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe boating and public safety. Citizens are encouraged to report fish and wildlife and boating violations to the Delaware Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Section by calling 302-739-4580

Police In Del. Say Father Left 3-Year-Old Child In Car, Went To College Class

NEWARK, Del. — Newark Police have arrested a man they say left his 3-year-old child in his car while he went to a class.

Officers say passers-by heard the toddler crying and banging on the car window about 1 p.m. Police say the car was locked and the windows cracked.

The passers-by had the child to unlock a door and called police.

The child was not injured. The Delaware Division of Family Services turned the child over to the child’s mother.

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Thank God Its Friday 4-12-13

What will you be doing this weekend?

Jonathan Winters Dead; Groundbreaking Improv Comic Was 87

Jonathan Winters, the cherub-faced comedian whose breakneck improvisations and misfit characters inspired the likes of Robin Williams and Jim Carrey, has died. He was 87.

The Ohio native died Thursday evening at his Montecito, Calif., home of natural causes, said Joe Petro III, a longtime family friend. Petro said Winters died surrounded by family and friends.

Winters was a pioneer of improvisational standup comedy, with an exceptional gift for mimicry, a grab bag of eccentric personalities and a bottomless reservoir of creative energy. Facial contortions, sound effects, tall tales — all could be used in a matter of seconds to get a laugh.

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Carter's One-Piece Footed Infant Clothing With a Zipper

Company/Brand:
The William Carter Company

The Danger:
The zipper pull can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.

Description:
This recall involves about 218,000 units of eight styles of one-piece, footed cotton clothing for infants made by Carter's. They have a zipper from the foot to the neck and were sold in sizes newborn, 3, 6 and 9 months. Baby B'gosh, Child of Mine made by Carter's or Just One You made by Carter's is printed on the fabric inside the neck area. The style number is printed on a side seam label.
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Lower Shore Child Care Resource Center Hosts Family Concert April 12

The Lower Shore Child Care Resource Center (LSCCRC) at Salisbury University celebrates the Month of the Young Child in April with a free family concert Friday, April 12. Early childhood consultant, curriculum writer and recording artist Dr. Mike performs at 7 p.m. in the Wicomico Room of the Guerrieri University Center. Admission is free, but tickets are required.

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WEIGHTS FROM SALISBURY!

WEIGHTS FROM SALISBURY, MD!
Alex Guerrero 193.5 Terrance Smith 191.5
AJ Williams 161 Issa Coulibaly 164
Frank Fillippone 169 Marcus Clay 166.5
Damont Giddins 143 Cyprian Khumalo 140.5
Lonnie Kornegay 273 Duane Mobley 247
Hugh Hinds 128.5 Nuwan Jayakody 128.5
Promoter: Jake "The Snake" Promotions
Venue: Wicomico Youth & Civic Center
First Bout: 8 PM

More Evidence That Voter Fraud Is Indeed ‘A Normal Political Tactic’ For New York Democrats

Early last year, as the voter fraud trial in upstate New York was getting under way, a Democrat Committeeman named Anthony DeFiglio claimed that falsifying records and forging signatures on ballots was simply “a normal political tactic”.

He himself would plead guilty to falsifying business records, and was identified as being one of three Democrats who convinced two mentally disabled men to sign absentee ballots, which were later filled in for them. For his efforts, DeFiglio was sentenced to 100 hours of community service. Other colleagues received similar sentences for similar crimes, with one former Councilman being hit with six months of jail time.

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Salisbury Festival Weekend Eyes April 26-28 Return

SALISBURY -- The Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce has announced the 31st Annual Salisbury Festival, presented by Toyota, Clear Channel Media & Entertainment, and the City of Salisbury, on April 26-28, in downtown Salisbury and Riverwalk Park.

One of the primary goals of the festival is to provide an opportunity for local non-profit organizations to raise money for their cause and to get the word out about the many good things that they are doing for our community. Live entertainment, local artisans, shopping, carnival rides and games, children’s activities, food, a car show and so much more will make up the three-day festival.

Toyota, Clear Channel Media & Entertainment, and the City of Salisbury play an instrumental role in guaranteeing a safe and successful Salisbury Festival. The festival’s major festival supporter is Comcast.

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State Sues Florist Who Refused To Decorate Gay Wedding

The State of Washington is suing a small flower shop after the owner declined to provide flowers for a homosexual wedding – based on her religious beliefs.

Barronelle Stutzman, the owner of Arlene’s Flowers in Richland, Wash., is facing thousands of dollars in fines and penalties for allegedly violating the state’s Consumer Protection Act.

“If a business provides a product or service to opposite-sex couples for their weddings, then it must provide same-sex couples the same product or service,” Attorney General Bob Ferguson said in a statement.

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'Sandy' Retired From Tropical Storm Name List

Officials say 'Sandy' is being retired from the list of tropical storm names due to the catastrophic damage its massive size and strength caused along the East Coast last year.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration officials say the name 'Sara' will take its place.

According to officials, 'Sandy' is being retired Thursday from the official list of Atlantic Basin tropical storm names by the World Meteorological Organization's hurricane committee.

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Mixed Bag Of Bull

The president's proposed 2014 budget request is a mixed bag for federal employees. They'd see a 1 percent increase in pay. But they'd also begin to pay more into their retirement accounts. The White House is calling for an increase of 1.2 percent over three years to those payments. It says that would save $20 billion over ten years. Plus, the president is calling for use of a so-called chained index that would trim cost of living allowances for retirees. The budget calls for continuing the pay freeze for political appointees.

First Lady To Address Graduates In Ky., Md., Tenn.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Michelle Obama's commencement speaking schedule is taking her to Kentucky, Maryland and Tennessee.

The White House announced Thursday that Mrs. Obama will address graduates at Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond on May 11 and at Bowie State University in Bowie, Md., on May 17. She's also speaking to graduating seniors at the Martin Luther King Academic Magnet High School for Health Sciences and Engineering in Nashville, Tenn., on May 18.

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With A Friend Like You, Who Needs Enemies

Federal unions are telling the White House: with a friend like you, who needs enemies? Many are upset that President Barack Obama's budget plan would require federal employees to contribute 1.2 percent more of their paychecks toward their pensions. The plan also calls for eliminating the FERS annuity supplement and calculating retirement benefits according to a chained CPI. It's a triple whammy, according to the National Federation of Federal Employees. And the groups are saying, c'mon, a 1 percent pay raise after three years of freezes? TheNational Treasury Employees Union says it's "simply inadequate."

QUOTES OF THE DAY 4-12-13

“Free education, almost free healthcare, a generous benefits system and a better state pension than elsewhere, guarantee equal opportunities for all citizens. The only problem is that all these require a considerable amount of public revenue. This is why the common assertion that to be born in Finland is like winning the jackpot in the lottery is only applicable when you are at the receiving end. A far more common experience is that you need to win the lottery just to cover the tax bill.”
Tarja Moles, Xenophobe’s Guide to the Finns

“A right, of course, is a gift from God that emanates from a person’s being. Rights are innate, in every individual from birth, and cannot be given or taken away. On the other hand, a good is an object or service that a person wants or needs. A person has a right to obtain these goods, but no one has a right to the goods themselves. They must be purchased. The government can bestow these objects or services, but only at the expense of taking money from others. No matter the motive, it is impossible to be charitable with someone else’s money.”
Daniel Greenup

Dog Found

Please help us find this little girl her home. We think she is around two years old. Possibly a wire haired Jack Russell terrier or mix. Found on March 30, 2013 on Shavox Rd in Parsonsburg MD. She is very loving and sweet. My email is imatazlover@hotmail.com if you know where she belongs. We already have three pets and can't keep her. We would if we could. 443-880-8094

ACLU Challenges New Ocean City Noise Law

OCEAN CITY -- Ocean City’s street performer laws are under attack again this week after the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed suit in U.S. District Court on behalf of a Boardwalk violinist, alleging the town’s 30-foot noise ordinance on the historic promenade is unconstitutional.

The ACLU filed suit in federal court on Wednesday on behalf of violinist William Hassay, Jr. challenging the town’s noise ordinance changes on the Boardwalk they believe is an attempt to silence musicians. In the suit filed this week against the Mayor and Council and acting-Police Chief Michael Colbert, the ACLU alleges the enforcement of the town’s 30-foot noise ordinance on the Boardwalk infringes on Hassay’s, and other performers’ fundamental right under the First Amendment to engage freedom of speech and expression in a public forum.

Last year, the Mayor and Council approved an ordinance setting the acceptable limit on noise in any form on the Boardwalk to 30 feet. Essentially, the ordinance was directed at several Boardwalk merchants who habitually play loud music from speakers on their stores, but caught up in the fray were the numerous Boardwalk street performers and musicians whose music often extends beyond the set 30-foot limit.

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Obama's 2014 Budget Requests

Details of President Obama's 2014 budget request reveal big increases for some departments and big cuts for others. Commerce, Energy, Labor and Transportation would all see double-digit boosts, mostly for discretionary grant programs. For example, DOT would get $50 billion for road and bridge projects. Agriculture, Defense, Education, EPA, Interior and Homeland Security would all see reductions. DHS components taking the hit include the Secret Service and Coast Guard. The State Department budget would also fall as the agency shrinks out of Iraq. Overall, the president seeks slightly more than $1 trillian to operate the government. The total budget is $3.8 trillion including Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security and interest on the national debt.

How The Market Creates Jobs And How The Government Destroys Them

If the media tell us that “the opening of XYZ mill has created 1,000 new jobs,” we give a cheer. When the ABC company closes and 500 jobs are lost, we’re sad. The politician who can provide a subsidy to save ABC is almost assured of widespread public support for his work in preserving jobs.

But jobs in and of themselves do not guarantee well-being. Suppose that the employment is to dig huge holes and fill them up again? What if the workers manufacture goods and services that no one wants to purchase? In the Soviet Union, which boasts of giving every worker a job, many jobs are just this unproductive. Production is everything, and jobs are nothing but a means toward that end.

Imagine the Swiss Family Robinson marooned on a deserted South Sea island. Do they need jobs? No, they need food, clothing, shelter, and protection from wild animals. Every job created is a deduction from the limited, precious labor available. Work must be rationed, not created, so that the market can create the most product possible out of the limited supply of labor, capital goods, and natural resources.

The same is true for our society. The supply of labor is limited. We must not allow government to create jobs or we lose the goods and services which otherwise would have come into being. We must reserve precious labor for the important tasks still left undone.

Alternatively, imagine a world where radios, pizzas, jogging shoes, and everything else we might want continuously rained down like manna from heaven. Would we want jobs in such a utopia? No, we could devote ourselves to other tasks—studying, basking in the sun, etc.—that we would undertake for their intrinsic pleasure.

Instead of praising jobs for their own sake, we should ask why employment is so important. The answer is, because we exist amidst economic scarcity and must work to live and prosper. That’s why we should be of good cheer only when we learn that this employment will produce things people actually value, i.e., are willing to buy with their own hard-earned money. And this is something that can only be done in the free market, not by bureaucrats and politicians.

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Contractor Fees Questioned As State Moves To Paper Ballot Voting System

State election officials are planning to spend up to $1.2 million to hire just five contractors working for nine months, a high-dollar figure that has shocked key lawmakers and voter advocacy groups watching as the state transitions from touch-screen voting to paper ballots.

The transition, which is scheduled for the 2016 presidential elections, will move the state from computerized voting without a paper trail to optical scan paper ballots. Under the recommendation of State Election Board Administrator Linda Lamone, the state budgeted $1.2 million for the five positions handling the initial transition.

The elections budget calls for the senior project manager position to receive up to $350,000, the deputy project manager $300,000, two business analysts $210,000 each and a technical writer $170,000. The budget figures are estimates, since the elections board has not yet selected contractors.

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Tiger Trot 2 Mile Run/Walk Scheduled For May 4 At Billy Gene Jackson, Sr. Park

(Salisbury, MD) Join the Salisbury Advisory Council on Youth Activities (SACYA) for the Tiger Trot 2 Mile Run/Walk, Yard Sale and May Day Celebration on Saturday, May 4 at Billy Gene Jackson, Sr. Park. Proceeds from the event will benefit youth scholarships to the Salvation Army.

2 Mile Run/Walk

· Date: Saturday, May 4
Time: 9:00am
Location: Billy Gene Jackson, Sr. Park, Jersey Road, Salisbury
Registration: Register in advance at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center (500 Glen Avenue, Salisbury, MD 21804; M-F, 8:00am-6:00pm) or register the day of the event between 8:00-8:45am.
Fee: Adults $10 / Children Under 18 $5 (Make checks payable to SACYA.)
Awards: Overall Male & Female, Top Finishers in 10 Age Groups

Yard Sale

Prior to the run/walk, a community yard sale will be held at the Billy Gene Jackson, Sr. Park beginning at 7:30am. Tables are $10.00 each. Contact April Jackson at 410-726-8478 or pooh0914@comcast.net for more information.

May Day Celebration

After the run/walk, stay for the May Day Celebration at Billy Gene Jackson, Sr. Park from 12:00-5:00pm. The celebration will include DJs, food, May Day dances, basketball, softball and tennis.

Homosexual Activists Target Two Young Girls

No one is beyond the wrath of homosexual activists in the U.S. as a major news organization learns about two young girls who were the target of attacks by homosexuals who didn’t like their support for traditional marriage.
William Bigelow of Breitbart.com is reporting that there have been two targeted attacks of young girls in the past two months by homosexual activists who were upset by the girls’ stance in favor of traditional marriage.

The first victim, 11 year-old Grace Evans, received some “rather colorful comments” from activists upset with her bold testimony before the Minnesota House Committee on Civil Law in February.

“Since every child needs a mom and a dad to be born, I don’t think we can change that children need a mom and a dad. I believe God made it that way,” Evans said during her testimony. “I know some disagree, but I want to ask you this question: Which parent do I not need – my mom or my dad?”

She paused, waiting for one of the members of the Committee to answer. When no one did, she asked the question again.

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