Robin Williams’ Wife: He Was In Early Stages Of Parkinson’s

Robin Williams’ wife, Susan Schneider, has released a statement on her husband’s death Monday, saying that he was in the early stages of Parkinson’s disease and encouraging those battling depression, anxiety and other illnesses to seek the care and support they need. Here it is in its entirety.

“Robin spent so much of his life helping others. Whether he was entertaining millions on stage, film or television, our troops on the frontlines, or comforting a sick child — Robin wanted us to laugh and to feel less afraid.

Since his passing, all of us who loved Robin have found some solace in the tremendous outpouring of affection and admiration for him from the millions of people whose lives he touched. His greatest legacy, besides his three children, is the joy and happiness he offered to others, particularly to those fighting personal battles.

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Russia's Fast And Elusive TOPOL-M Ballistic Missile Is Scary As Hell

The giant TOPOL-M road-mobile intercontinental ballistic missile is one frightening creation of mankind. It can hide in cities, forests, or even nuclear-attack hardened bunkers. It'll travel at over 15,000 MPH while taking evasive action and pumping out decoys on the way to its target.

TOPOL-M, known by NATO as the 'Sickle-B,' was the first ICBM created by Russia after the fall of the Soviet Union. Topol in Russian is the name for the White Poplar tree, which is very similar to the Aspen tree in North America.

First fielded in 1997 as an upgrade of the first generation TOPOL, this new system was originally designed in the 1980s, and then redesigned in the mid-1990s, with America's push for a ballistic missile defense shield in mind. Since its introduction, there have been about 80 TOPOL-Ms put into service, with close to a third of those being road-mobile versions and the rest being placed in highly fortified concrete silos. Another 170 older generation road-mobile TOPOL missiles remain in service to bolster the more modern TOPOL-M road-mobile fleet.

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Delmarva Chicken Festival Giant Fry Pans Assume New Roles

Delmarva Chicken Festival Giant Fry Pans Assume New Roles

 

Though Delmarva Poultry Industry, Inc. (DPI), the non-profit trade association for the region’s chicken industry, has ended its sponsorship of the Delmarva Chicken Festival, the giant fry pans that cooked chicken from 1950 to 2014 soon will have new roles in promoting the chicken industry.

The original one-piece fry pan, first used at the 1950 Delmarva Chicken Festival in Dover, Delaware and last used in 1987, has been donated to the Georgetown (Delaware) Historical Society for display at the Nutter D. Marvel Carriage Museum. The museum is home to a collection of historic objects and memorabilia related to Sussex County and Delaware’s history. Sussex County is the largest producer of meat chickens in America and Georgetown was the site of the first Delmarva Chicken Festival. “It was appropriate that the original fry pan be put on display at Georgetown because of the area’s significance to our industry,” noted DPI Executive Director Bill Satterfield. “We look forward to working with the Georgetown Historical Society to help it promote our industry.”

The 1988 replacement fry pan has been acquired by The English Company, known to generations for its delicious fried chicken. The English Company will use the pan to prepare chicken across Delmarva at festivals, community events, and other venues. The English Company looks forward to taking possession of this Delmarva icon and using it to promote chicken and the well-known English brand. Satterfield said the DPI decision to transfer ownership of the pan to The English Company would allow greater use of the pan than if it was transferred to just one community. Several Delmarva communities expressed interest in owning the pan for their local events, but DPI thought the proposal offered by The English Company would better serve the interests of the chicken industry. Persons interested in working with The English Company can contact Phil Hall at 443-254-4793 and demomanhall@hotmail.com.

Both pans were constructed by Mumford Sheet Metal Works of Selbyville, Delaware. When built in 1950, it was the world’s largest known fry pan. The 1988 replacement version of the same size, however, was surpassed in size by several other pans in America and around the world. Nevertheless, Delmarva’s giant fry pans easily were recognized in the Mid-Atlantic region as a symbol of Delmarva’s chicken industry.

White House eases ban on lobbyists on federal boards, committees

The White House is easing rules to allow lobbyists to serve on federal agency committees and boards so long as they represent nongovernmental entities like business groups or unions.

The changes would also pave the way for registered lobbyists who represent environmental groups to receive these appointments.

A preliminary report by the Office of Management and Budgets (OBM) was released Tuesday detailing the rule changes. Rules barring lobbyists from these boards and committees were adopted by the Obama administration in 2010.

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In One Month, The Chesapeake Bay’s ‘Most Critical’ Pollution Issue Could Be Unsolvable

For more than 30 years, states and environmental groups have been fighting to clean up the heavily polluted Chesapeake Bay. But according to some, the tremendous effort will all be for nothing if one issue isn’t addressed soon: the Conowingo Dam.

“The Conowingo Dam is a sediment trap,” said Chip MacLeod, general counsel at the Clean Chesapeake Coalition. “It’s been in existence for 85 years, and it’s never been dredged or maintained. If we do nothing to dredge that sediment, the bay is doomed.”

Today, approximately 175 million tons of polluted sediment sits trapped behind the Conowingo hydroelectric power dam in northeastern Maryland, a product of nearly a century of build-up from clay, silt, fertilizer runoff, and sewage plant runoff from Pennsylvania and New York. The sediment — enough to fill about 80 football stadiums — contains phosphorus, nitrogen, and other harmful nutrients that can cloud waters, sprout toxic algae bacteria, harm ecosystems, kill aquatic life, and sully drinking water.

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Homeless Man Cries As He Watches His Shelter Being Torn Down By Police

A heartbreaking video shows a homeless man watching his shelter being torn down by police, and the clip paints a picture of the big homeless problem in America.

In the clip, a homeless man named Sam is being kicked out of the shelter he’s been living in by police.

“Sam lived in this little house in the woods for many years,” reads the video’s caption.
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Larry Hogan to meet with Ocean City businesses on Boardwalk Friday 9:30AM

Larry Hogan to discuss economic issues on Boardwalk with Ocean City business owners and civic leaders - Friday, August 15, 2014 - 9:30AM

ANNAPOLIS, MD — August 14, 2014 — Larry Hogan will tour the Boardwalk with members of the Ocean City business community on Friday, August 15, 2014 at the Boardwalk Arch on N. Division Street.  The event will highlight local economic issues. Local business owners and organizations including the Ocean City Downtown Association, Boardwalk Association, Ocean City Development Corporation and the OC Chamber of Commerce are expected to participate.

Larry Hogan said, "This is a great opportunity to raise awareness of issues affecting Ocean City, as well as local economies across the state.  As governor, I’ll partner with local governments and organizations to build a more supportive climate for small businesses throughout the state."

Recently proposed regulations on arcade games that have sent a ripple through the Ocean City business community threaten a number of iconic businesses on the popular Boardwalk. 

Worcester County has been hit particularly hard by the state's poor economy over the last eight years.  Even in the peak of summer, the county's unemployment rate is far higher than the state average, and in the off-season has soared above 15 percent.  The county's average unemployment is the highest in the state, around 11 percent. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)

WHO:   Gubernatorial candidate Larry Hogan, Ocean City business owners and civic leaders.

WHAT:  Media availability with members Ocean City business community on economic development and impact of new regulations on amusement games.  

WHEN:   9:30AM – 10:00AM, Friday, August 15, 2014

WHERE: Ocean City Boardwalk Arch, N. Division Street.

Dog the Bounty Hunter: I'll find MMA fighter who allegedly assaulted porn star

Duane Chapman, better known as reality TV star Dog the Bounty Hunter, has pledged to track down the fugitive mixed martial arts fighter who allegedly assaulted porn star Christy Mack on August 8, News.com.au reports.

The brutal attack left Mack with broken bones, missing teeth and a severely ruptured liver, among other injuries. Since it happened, Las Vegas police have been searching for her former boyfriend, Jon Koppenhaver, a mixed martial arts fighter who legally changed his name to War Machine.

“He has beaten me many times before, but never this badly.”

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District Court Grudgingly Accepts Innocence as Defense

District Court judges in Montgomery County dismissed three speed camera citations, albeit somewhat reluctantly, after the person named in the citations successfully proved that they were not the driver of the vehicle and argued that state law specifically permits this as a defense. Both defendants successfully argued that state law does not require that they identify the driver.

Innocent Motorists Prevail in Court --- Barely 
On May 12, 2014 Attorney Paul Layer argued that he was not driving the vehicle at the time when two citations were issued under his name. Layer pointed out that Transportation Article §21-809(f)(1)(ii) specifically permitted that it was a defense if the person named in the citation was not driving. Transportation Article §21-09(f)(3) required that to exercise this defense, the defendant must mail the court a sworn affidavit stating they were not the driver certified mail return receipt requested, along with "corroborating evidence". Layer provided the court with plane tickets showing he was not present at the time, and a copy of the statement with the certified mail receipt he had mailed to the court.
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WBI - Assault 1st Degree 8-14-14‏

INCIDENT: Assault First Degree
REPORTING AGENCY: Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office
DATE REPORTED: August 14, 2014  
TIME: 0109 a.m.
LOCATION: 7184 Parsonsburg Rd., Parsonsburg, Wicomico County, MD

NARRATIVE: On 08/14/14 at approximately 0109 hours, Wicomico County Sheriff's Office responded to 7000 block of Parsonsburg Road, Parsonsburg, Wicomico County, MD for reports that Jason Michael Layfield was discharging a shotgun outside / inside the home and threatening the occupants.

Initial responding Wicomico County Sheriff’s Deputies and Troopers from the Maryland State Police Salisbury Barrack arrived on scene and took Jason Layfield into custody without incident.

The Wicomico County Bureau of Investigation responded to the scene and assumed the investigation. Through the course of the investigation it was learned Jason Layfield had come home with signs of alcohol intoxication and was allegedly upset over a game of pool. Layfield began to argue with the occupants of the home. Layfield retrieved a shotgun from his bedroom and went outside the residence where he discharged the weapon into the air. Layfield then returned inside the residence reloaded the weapon and targeted a female occupant of the home. Layfield then turned the firearm on himself and threatened to take his own life. Layfield then discharged the weapon sending the projectile into the living room ceiling.

No injuries were reported during this investigation. Layfield was additionally found to be in possession of a large quantity of marijuana, and distribution related paraphernalia.

Jason Layfield has been charged with the above related offenses and is in the custody of the Wicomico County Detention Center.

** Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Wicomico Bureau of Investigation at PHONE: 410-548-4898 Email: WBI.WicomicoCounty@Maryland.Gov **
SUSPECT(s): Name: Jason Michael Layfield
Age: 41, Race: White , Sex: Male
Residence: Parsonsburg Rd., Parsonsburg, Wicomico County, MD
CHARGES: *Assault First Degree *Assault Second Degree *Reckless Endangerment * Possession CDS * Possession CDS with Intent to Distribute *Possession CDS paraphernalia
DISPOSITION: In custody of Wicomico County Detention Center
INVESTIGATING DETECTIVE: Tfc. J. Brant

Is the roof falling in?

Last Saturday in the Wall Street Journal I read about the dilemma of the European welfare state: its low fertility cannot sustain the welfare state and its anemic economy cannot offer jobs to young millennials. Yesterday, I read Fred Andrews’s New York Times review of Carbone and Cahn’s “Marriage Markets,” an unhappy recounting of the unappealing economics of marriage for all but the upper class. Last night, I started reading Mitch Perlstein’s wonderfully written book, “From Family Collapse to America’s Decline.” This morning I read Mark Regnerus’s latest analysis from his massively expanded survey, on the significant splitting in the nation regarding what is seen good and acceptable in sexual and family matters. Every author each in his own way sees the drift tending in the wrong direction away from marriage.

Regnerus has a wonderfully enlightening interpretation in his video graphic on the economics of sex. The price of sex has lowered. Before the pill it used to cost a guy his life, now just a date or two. By and large he (and she) can get away with it as never before but the price is being exacted in declining education, productivity and employability and stagnant near-poverty for more and more. This sets the next generation up for still further decline.

Charles Murray says we are Coming Apart and recently retired professor of political philosophy, Fr. James Schall of Georgetown, says we, as a polity, already are that nasty mix described by Aristotle: the classical combination of tyranny and democracy.

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Martial Arts Teacher Gets 10 Days For Sex Offense Against Student

A former Edgewater martial arts instructor was sentenced to 10 days in jail Wednesday for having a sexual encounter with a 14-year-old female student.

Jason Webb, 27, apologized for his actions after he pleaded guilty to a third-degree sex offense in Anne Arundel Circuit Court in Annapolis. He was 26 when the incident occurred last summer.

"I made an irresponsible decision," Webb said. "I'm not proud of that decision and I would never want someone to go through something like that."

But Assistant State's Attorney Sandra Howell said Webb had two previous sexual relationships with girls who were 17 years old.

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5 Chesapeake swimmers, boaters hit with flesh-eating bacteria

A Maryland woman is lucky after a "wee beastie" invaded a cut on her foot while she enjoyed the waters of the Patuxent River, a tributary of Chesapeake Bay.

The aggressive, flesh-eating Vibrio vulnificus bacteria multiply in warm weather and can cause skin and blood infections and intestinal illness, reports the Baltimore Sun.

Elisavietta Ritchie’s husband made her go to the ER when her leg became swollen—one of the symptoms of a vibrio infection. "It can spread very quickly and become very dangerous in a short period of time," say health officials, according to WTVR.

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ABC’s Jon Karl Grills WH on Democrat Fundraising Hypocrisy

Wednesday at the daily press briefing, ABC's chief White House correspondent Jonathan Karl asked if President Barack Obama was willing to return the political donations about "a number of the president top donors who have profited from corporate inversion," which Karl noted was a practice the president "condemned."

Principal deputy press secretary Eric Schultz replied, "No."

Jonathan Karl was referencing a report from Bloomberg News that calls into question Obama criticisms of major corporations for being "economically unpatriotic" for using offshore mergers to change their home base and reduce tax rates to those of foreign countries hungry for investment that have lower rates.

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Maine Governor Calls For NFL Boycott Over Rice Suspension

Gov. Paul LePage, outraged that National Football League player Ray Rice received only a two-game suspension for a domestic violence arrest, pledged to boycott the league and called on its commissioner to take the issue seriously.

In a scathing letter sent to Roger Goodell on Tuesday, the outspoken Republican governor said the punishment given to the Baltimore Ravens running back sends the message that it's OK "for professional athletes to beat women, just for the sake of ratings."

"Taking thugs and wife-beaters off the field may be bad for business, but you are playing games with people's lives," said LePage, who was beaten by his father when he was young and has made domestic abuse prevention and awareness a priority of his administration.

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A Second Declaration of Independence

When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to assume that their president, hostile to the principles that formed the nation and determined to act with malice toward its inhabitants by suppressing their rights and enabling its enemies to prosper in their attempts to destroy it, must be confronted, a rational response for the nation is to encumber itself no more with such a president and reject his authority and the acolytes who carry out his wishes.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, but their gifts are varied, and it is through the voluntary efforts of the fortunate among them to care for the less fortunate, not the province of a government to intrude on the natural imbalances that arise from the human condition, that the sanctity of ethically earned property is not to be compromised by a government eager to impose its will to address such imbalances, that when a president or member of the government flagrantly ignores the restraints of the Constitution of the United States they be punished with expulsion from the government; that when despotism in the form of such behavior arises it is the duty of the people to throw off such government and elect representatives who honor the foundational principles that underlie the nation’s existence.

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BREAKING NEWS: Iraq PM al-Maliki gives up post

Embattled Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki says he is relinquishing his post to Haider al-Abadi as the nation's next prime minister, ending the deadlock that has plunged Baghdad into political uncertainty.

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Governor Markell Announces Gun Investigations Unit at State Police

Fulfills State of the State proposal to address illegal gun sales

Wilmington, DE – Joined by leaders from the City of Wilmington, New Castle County, various law enforcement bodies, and anti-violence community groups at a news conference in Freedom Plaza, Governor Markell today announced the formation of a new Gun Investigation Unit at the Delaware State Police to focus on better prevention of and ensuring punishment for illegal gun sales.

This guns task force, originally proposed in Markell’s State of the State address and funded by $265,000 in fiscal year 2015 budget, is a partnership between the state, New Castle County, and the City of Wilmington to address gun violence throughout the state and specifically the wave of shootings that has claimed a record number of lives in Wilmington this year. Markell emphasized the unit is an important part, but only one part, of what must be a comprehensive effort to reduce gun crimes.

“Far too often, gun violence is committed by shooters prohibited from owning guns, so it’s critical that we more effectively trace the sources of these weapons and punish those involved in illegal sales,”

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It’s the Loyalty, Stupid

WASHINGTON — I talked to Robin Williams once, about breasts.

In 1993, when he played a prim British nanny in “Mrs. Doubtfire,” I went to interview him at his Pacific Heights house.

“It’s great to be this blue-mouthed old lady hitting on somebody,” he said, in his character’s soft Scottish burr, “opening your blouse and saying, ‘What about these? Behold my dirty pillows, my fun bags. Come nurse at the fountain of bliss.’ ”

He was 42 then, wearing his Popeye outfit, a blue-striped T-shirt and black baggy jeans. Surrounded by kids, a rabbit and an iguana, we talked about everything from John Belushi to his father, a stern Ford Motor Company executive.

As our interview ended, I was telling him about my friend Michael Kelly’s idea for a 1-900 number, not one to call Asian beauties or Swedish babes, but where you’d have an amorous chat with a repressed Irish woman. Williams delightedly riffed on the caricature, playing the role of an older Irish woman answering the sex line in a brusque brogue, ordering a horny caller to go to the devil with his impure thoughts and disgusting desire.

I couldn’t wait to play the tape for Kelly, who doubled over in laughter.

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It's Moving Day!

Our offices will be closed on Friday, August 15th
as we begin moving, and we plan to
reopen on Monday, August 18th in our new location:

803 N. Salisbury Boulevard, Suite 2100

Salisbury, MD  21801

Same phone number:  410.742.5143

Our new office is in the same ES Adkins business complex, but just one building North.  We expect the phone service to be active on Monday, but if you have difficulty reaching us, please contact us via email at info@unitedway4us.org
and we will respond as quickly as possible. 

Now in our 70th year serving the Lower Shore, our new home will help us make an even bigger impact on the growing needs of our neighbors.  

This BIG step for us (even over a small distance!) would not be possible
without the amazing generosity and efforts of:

Gillis Gilkerson

Becker Morgan Group

ES Adkins
Delmarva Power

Sherwin Williams
Bates Moving & Storage

Shore Distributors

Alarm Engineering

Sound Advice Audio

Many thanks to these Community Stars for
making our moving dream come true!  

After all, Great Things Happen When We LIVE UNITED!

Please watch for details on our Fall Open House to 
celebrate our new home and our very special 70th Birthday!

PS... Be sure to check our Facebook page for
additional updates & pictures of our big weekend!

SPECIAL EVENT: Jeff Gordon Visits Rehoboth Beach

NASCAR star in town to promote the Sept. 28 “AAA 400” NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race in Dover

Jeff Gordon, a four-time winner at Dover International Speedway, is scheduled to participate in a free question-and-answer session open to fans on the bandstand at the Rehoboth Beach, Del. boardwalk on Wednesday, Aug. 20 at 2:30 p.m. as part of the NASCAR Victory Tour. Gordon will be joined by Sam Calagione, founder of the Dogfish Head Brewery, who is serving as Coastal Delaware’s ambassador and will welcome him to the area.

The four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion will be in Delaware promoting the Sept. 28 “AAA 400” NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Dover International Speedway, and will be joined in the Q&A by Sam Calagione. Mike Bagley, of the Motor Racing Network and host of The Morning Drive on SiriusXM NASCAR radio, will emcee the event.

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Sessions Warns of ‘Chilling’ Obama Immigration Plotting

"Recent developments suggest the president’s planned executive amnesty could be increasingly imminent"

Senator Jeff Sessions (R., Ala.) called for Americans to pressure their senators about voting against President Obama’s expected executive orders on immigration, which he described as a “chilling” plot with activists to undermine national laws.

“Recent developments suggest the president’s planned executive amnesty could be increasingly imminent and broad in scope. House Democrat Leader Pelosi — clearly one of the White House’s closest allies — has just urged the president to issue ‘the broadest possible’ executive actions,” Sessions said in a statement on Wednesday.

“Open-borders groups have grown bolder and louder in their unlawful demands, launching a campaign for the president to ‘go big,’ and demanding that he ‘stand up’ to Congress and ‘expand DACA,’” he added, citing an Associated Press report that administration officials were meeting with immigration activists and the Chamber of Commerce.

“It is chilling to consider now that these groups, frustrated in their aims by our Constitutional system of government, are plotting with the Obama administration to collect their spoils through executive fiat,” he said.

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Delaware Finalizes Contract For First Medical Marijuana Dispensary

The state has finalized negotiations with First State Compassion Center to run Delaware’s first medical marijuana dispensary, despite an ongoing lawsuit against the company.

In a letter to Sen. Margaret Rose Henry (D-Wilmington East), a sponsor of the original legislation, and New Castle County Executive Tom Gordon, DHSS officials say the growing operation is expected to start this fall, with sales beginning in early 2015.

First State Compassion Center and its president Mark Lally, former Sussex County Regional Director for Sen. Tom Carper (D-Delaware) inked the deal Monday, although both are still locked in a bitter dispute with his former business partner.

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The Big Chill

Obama strangles the U.S. economy in fresh red tape to fight imaginary “global warming.”

Where is the warming?

As I start to write these words, I am on my Manhattan balcony savoring a Friday evening. It normally is oppressive this time of year. Stifling humidity and sweltering temperatures relentlessly squeeze New Yorkers in a brutal vice. The infernal stickiness typically keeps it from cooling down, even at night. It is not unusual to wilt beneath 2:00 a.m. lows in the high 80s.

But not tonight.

After a mid-day high of just 83 and a dry, 81-degree breeze at dusk (headed for a morning low of 66), it feels downright autumnal. It’s Santa Monica on the Hudson.

It has been like this around much of the country.

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SFD Calls For Service 8-13-14

• Wednesday August, 13 2014 @ 21:50 Nature: Debris In RoadwayAddress: Cook Dr & Kirkwood Dr Salisbury, MD 21801
• Wednesday August, 13 2014 @ 17:57Nature: Medical EmergencyCity:Salisbury
• Wednesday August, 13 2014 @ 17:25Nature: Medical EmergencyCity:Salisbury
• Wednesday August, 13 2014 @ 13:25Nature: Medical EmergencyCity:Salisbury
• Wednesday August, 13 2014 @ 13:24Nature: Medical EmergencyCity:Salisbury

Operation Checkpoint Strikeforce Aug 15-17

A 'Folksy' President Obama Reimagined (In 2 Cartoons)

Source

Federal Snitch Rev. Sharpton Confronted in Ferguson, Missouri

Sharpton in town to exploit tragic killing of 18-year old

Adam Sharp of Progressives Today confronted federal informant Rev. Al Sharpton in Ferguson, Missouri, on Tuesday.

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The Housing Recovery Continues Apace - Mortgage Apps At 14-Year Low

How much longer can the myth of a housing recovery remain alive in the mainstream media's narrative? The smoothed average of Mortgage Applications in the US fell to its lowest since September 2000 this week. Mortgage applications have slumped for 9 months... as mortgage rates have declined notably... but still we are told 'rates are just too high'. And yet, bullish market protagonists are convinced rates are due to rise (and the bond market is wrong) - one can only imagine the slump if that should occur...

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HURT: Hillary Clinton — a woman of no convictions

The rank spectacle of ex-Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton suddenly turning on her commander in chief and former boss to shiv him in the back over the burning ruins she helped make of the Middle East is staggering to behold.

The brassiness, dishonesty and shamelessness as she slides into yet another presidential campaign season is enough to choke that old Arkansas draft mule of a husband she hitched her career to. The scheming calculation of it all would make Lady Macbeth take to the bed for blushing.

How on earth did such a crafty street fighter get so completely trounced by such a naive rookie like Barack Obama in 2008?

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SALISBURY RESIDENT BITTEN BY RACOON

Salisbury, MD – A Salisbury resident in the Newtown area noticed a baby raccoon sleeping near his home yesterday. After calling Animal Control, the raccoon was caged by an Animal Control officer.  While the officer and the resident were discussing the incident, an adult raccoon, presumably the mother, attacked the resident, bit him, and then ran into bushes near the home. The victim went to Peninsula Regional Medical Center where he began treatment for rabies as a precautionary measure because the animal was not captured for testing.

Rabies is a serious disease spread by saliva from an infected animal through bites and scratches. Appropriate medical treatment can prevent the disease when a person comes in contact with a rabid animal.

Please keep the following tips in mind:

• Avoid all contact with wild or stray animals;
• Teach children to leave unfamiliar animals alone;
• Vaccinate pets - Maryland law requires that all dogs, cats, and ferrets, 4 months of age and older have a current rabies vaccination;

·         Avoid feeding pets outside  - do not leave food or water outside;

·         Secure outside garbage lids

The Wicomico County Health Department is holding a rabies clinic tonight, August 14, 2014, at the Pittsville Fire Department from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. The cost is $10. All dogs must be on a leash and all cats in a carrier.

To report abnormal animal behavior, please call Wicomico County Animal Control at (410) 749-1070.  All animal bites or scratches should be reported to the Wicomico County Health Department (410) 546-4446. 

Redskins is a Powerful Name

Surfers Healing Provides ‘Magical’ Day For Special Needs Families

OCEAN CITY — Surfers Healing made its fifth trip back to Ocean City on Wednesday, attracting record numbers despite some weather scares the day prior.

The day-long surfing camp helps children with special needs and their families have at least one perfect day a year. It is a decades’ old national organization but the recent addition Ocean City is quickly becoming a staple and a summer tradition for many.

“We’ve grown to be one of the larger camps really quick,” said co-organizer Woody German.

Wednesday’s all-day surf camp, which included other games, events and music, had more than 200 children registered to surf with dozens more joining them and their families on the beach to cheer them on. While the weather took a rough turn the day before the event, by Wednesday the sky was clear and the water was glassy.

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Study: You Have 'Near-Zero' Impact on U.S. Policy

A startling new political science study concludes that corporate interests and mega wealthy individuals control U.S. policy to such a degree that "the preferences of the average American appear to have only a minuscule, near-zero, statistically non-significant impact upon public policy."

The startling study, titled "Testing Theories of American Politics: Elites, Interest Groups, and Average Citizens," is slated to appear in an upcoming issue of Perspectives on Politicsand was authored by Princeton University Professor Martin Gilens and Northwestern University Professor Benjamin Page. An early draft can be found here.

Noted American University Historian Allan J. Lichtman, who highlighted the piece in a Tuesday article published in The Hill, calls Gilens and Page's research "shattering" and says their scholarship "should be a loud wake-up call to the vast majority of Americans who are bypassed by their government."

The statistical research looked at public attitudes on nearly 1,800 policy issues and determined that government almost always ignores the opinions of average citizens and adopts the policy preferences of monied business interests when shaping the contours of U.S. laws.

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WATCH LIVE: President Obama is expected to address the situation in Iraq and Ferguson, Mo.

Fox News

WATCH LIVE: President Obama is expected to address the situation in Iraq and Ferguson, Mo., in statement at 12:15p ET. Tune in to Fox News Channel and FoxNews.com. http://bit.ly/1gAAt59

Retail Sales Miss For Third Month In A Row, Worst Print Since January

But the talking heads said that the consumer is back and jobs are soaring? Retail sales missed expectations for the 3rd month in a row (after the weather rebound was supposed to kick in?) with an unchanged 0.0% print in July (against expectations of a 0.2% rise). This is dramaticaly off the 1.5% growth rate seen in March. Across the board, retail sales were weak with Ex Auto & Gas up only 0.1% against expectations of a 0.4% gain. Department Store sales fell 0.7% MoM. So much for pent-up demand.

So - let us get this straight - Q1 was a disaster because of the weather (but retail sales surged and beat expectations in every month) and Q2 was the pent-up demand rebound and retail sales missed every month and slipped to six month lows.

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"The Posers"

by Delegate Mike McDermott

I remember a time when I first heard the term, “OPM”. It was years ago when I had first been elected as the Mayor of Pocomoke City and I was reviewing the means by which we were seeking to fund a certain project. I pointed out some of my concerns and the tax money that was being applied and I was told, “Don’t worry about that Mayor...that’s OPM”. Since I knew we were not growing poppy fields, I asked, “What do yo mean by OPM?” He replied, “You know...Other Peoples Money”.

When it comes to government bureaucrats, “OPM” simply means Taxpayer money that does not have the appearance of being tied directly to a local source. It is tax money via the sleight of hand.

What is disturbing is when politicians stand up in front of the public, hold up those giant prop checks, and, in turn, hand them over to a local group or official as if it came out of their personal bank account. This is the great ruse of politicians and it is all done with OPM.

US Senator Ben Cardin poses with a Cheshire Cat grin holding a “check” signed by “U.S. Treasury” and takes a bow for a runway project that is simply part of ongoing improvements and upgrades at an airport that we pay for! To add more irony to the mix, Cardin and Jim Mathias pose with the check standing with a US Airways Turboprop in the background. Afterall, it is that private sector company (US Airways) who pays fees and taxes along with every passenger who flies in and out of the SBY terminal that have foot the bill for that runway. Heck, we even pay for the politician’s flights when they use the runway!

Taking credit is what politicians do best. Especially in an election year. Are we to believe that a state senator holds sway over the Federal government? No way! However, as a means of political control and illusion, whenever the Democrat power brokers show up with one of those checks they wrote on our account, they always put their arm around their local democrat politicians and infer that they had something to do with it. We saw the same thing in Crisfield following the devastation of Sandy. Frankly, it is shameless.

It is no different with school construction allocations or highway money; all of these things are projects on a list that are placed on a timeline. When their turn comes up, we will hear how hard the politician worked to aid in the process, but it is all just smoke and mirrors.

Ben Cardin and Jim Mathias had little to do with the decision to improve upon a runway at SBY. They simply acted as government couriers. After all, when someone sends you a beautiful bouquet of flowers, do you fall all over yourself thanking the delivery person from the florist for the thoughtful gift?

Here’s the picture I have in mind:

Taxpayers standing on the steps boarding the US Airways plane, an executive director for the commercial airline industry, a rep from the General Aviation group, the local airport planners, and lower shore business owners (everyone smiling). The caption would read: “All of the folks who provided the money for the expansion listen as local elected leaders thank them for believing in their community and investing in the future of the

Eastern Shore.”

One of the first things I learned in Annapolis: Self aggrandizement is often mistaken for leadership by those whose single goal is to be re-elected every 4-years.

Marylanders...Take Back Your State!

Taking credit and posing for the camera are Democrats, Laura Mitchell, Jim Mathias, and Ben Cardin

Gun stores see sales spike in wake of Ferguson riots

"A huge spike for business”

For the past two days, Steve King has been “unbelievably busy” at his gun store, Metro Shooting at 11434 St. Charles Rock Road. King said business spiked 50 percent as local residents respond to the violent events taking place in Ferguson.

“We’ve sold a variety of handguns, shotguns and AR-15s (a semi-automatic rifle),” King said. “All of the sales are having to do with home defense.”

King, who owns the store that has 17 employees and 2013 revenue of about $2 million, added that customers have ranged from new firearm buyers to those upgrading their current arsenal. He said both black and white individuals have purchased firearms at his store over the past few days.

“Usually it’s pretty slow through the summer, but this has been a huge spike for business,” King said. “People are hunkering down because those events are taking place too close to their own home … in some cases, a half a mile away. Lots of people are afraid.”

Full article here

58 Degrees In Ocean City At 7:00 This Morning

Seven People Shot Overnight in D.C.

There's no word on whether any of the shootings are related.

Police say seven people were shot in just over three hours in Washington, D.C. overnight.

Crews first responded to the area of 46th Place and Central Avenue NE around 10:15 p.m. Wednesday for a shooting, where they found two men with gunshot wounds. One was unconscious and unresponsive and another was breathing.

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City Of Salisbury August Meetings For City Board And Commissions

2 Bedroom Rental In Salisbury Averages $900.00 A Month

Joe,

I was struck by the chart of average costs for a 2 bedroom apartment that was in one of your posts. I've included it here as an attachment.

Check out the numbers at http://www.apartmentlist.com/md/salisbury for a comparison of some of the 2 bedroom apartments in Salisbury. Results can be filtered by # of bedrooms. I would put the average at close to $900 for one here, This is the average cost of some of the bigger cities in the U.S. Why? Market driven. Pretty expensive for the average income in the city. So, what demographic leads the market here?

Obama claims US is 'stronger' than 'when I first came into office'

As economy weakens, debt soars, America loses global influence and border crisis deepens

President Barack Obama claimed Monday night during a Democratic Party fundraising dinner that the United States is 'stronger' than it was when he assumed office in January 2009.

His statement, though, appears to be at odds with key economic indicators, America's sliding reputation abroad, and the American public's estimation of the direction the country has taken under the Obama administration.

'In all sorts of ways,' Obama told Democratic partisans who paid between $15,000 to $32,400 to hear him speak, 'we are not just stronger than when we – where we were when I first came into office.'

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A Look At The Typical State Employee Health Plan: Full Breakdown By State

According to a new report by the Pew Trust, states in the US collectively spent $31 billion to insure 2.7 million employee households in 2013, an uptick in spending from 2011 and 2012 after adjusting for inflation. The average per-employee per-month premium for employees’ and dependents’ coverage was $963. States paid $808 (84 percent) of the total on average, and employees covered the remaining $155 (16 percent). However, this average masks sharp differences across the states, due to factors such as plan richness, average household size, provider price and physician practice patterns, as well as the age and health status of enrollees.

Some of the key findings:

Insutring Households: $31 billion was spent on state employee health plans by states in 2013

Premiums: 3/1 was the ratio between the highest and lowest per-employee state health plan premium in 2013

Actuarial Value: 92 percent was the average percentage of costs covered by state health plans in 2013

Deductibles: 76 percent of state employees enrolled in plans with an annual deductible of less than $500 in 2013

Early Retirees: 29 states enroll pre-65 retirees in health plans at the same premium rate as active employees

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Commentators cite poll showing Hogan has slashed Brown’s lead to six points

http://centermaryland.org/index.php?option=com_easyblog&view=entry&id=1005

“A recent statewide poll that was shared with me the other day, which was not conducted for either of the candidates for governor, showed Brown with a 46 percent to 40 percent lead over Hogan. The survey was taken by a highly reputable D.C.-based pollster who has vast experience querying Maryland voters.”

https://freestatenotes.wordpress.com/2014/08/13/poll-report-brown-only-6-points-up-on-hogan/

“This seems like big news, no? Only a few weeks ago Anthony Brown was polling, what, 18 points ahead of Larry Hogan? If the gap has indeed narrowed to 6 points, I’d say that’s reason for Brown’s people to hit the panic button — and for national analysts to begin following this race as a potential Republican pickup.”

Granny Goes to Jail For Public Sex

A 68-year-old woman was sentenced to six months in jail after police found her having sex in public at her Florida retirement community. So reports The Smoking Gun.

The woman, a married grandmother of 14, was seen having intercourse in a public square with a 49-year-old man who is not her husband.

Read the full report from The Smoking Gun.

Assateague Island Banning Drones As Of August 20th

Assateague Island National Seashore

Did you know that as of August 20, 2014, the National Park Service policy that prohibits launching, landing or operating unmanned aircraft (aka drones) goes into effect?

National Park Service director Jonathan Jarvis says, “We embrace many activities in national parks because they enhance visitor experiences with the iconic natural, historical and cultural landscapes in our care. However, we have serious concerns about the negative impact that flying unmanned aircraft is having in parks, so we are prohibiting their use until we can determine the most appropriate policy that will protect park resources and provide all visitors with a rich experience.”

Tell us - what are your thoughts on this new policy?

$5.00 Burger Night Tonight At All Station 7 Restaurants