ClimateGate's Michael Mann Received Stimulus Funds

And the media remained mum.

A scientist in the middle of the ClimateGate scandal received economic stimulus funds last June.

As NewsBusters reported on November 28, Penn State University is investigating Professor Michael Mann, the creator of the discredited "Hockey Stick Graph," for his involvement in an international attempt to exaggerate and manipulate climate data in order to advance the myth of manmade global warming.

According to the conservative think tank the National Center for Public Policy Research, Mann received $541,184 in economic stimulus funds last June to conduct climate change research.

With this in mind, NCPPR issued a press release Thursday asking for these funds to be returned:

In the face of rising unemployment and record-breaking deficits, policy experts at the National Center for Public Policy Research are criticizing the Obama Administration for awarding a half million dollar grant from the economic stimulus package to Penn State Professor Michael Mann, a key figure in the Climategate controversy.

"It's outrageous that economic stimulus money is being used to support research conducted by Michael Mann at the very time he's under investigation by Penn State and is one of the key figures in the international Climategate scandal. Penn State should immediately return these funds to the U.S. Treasury," said Tom Borelli, Ph.D., director of the National Center's Free Enterprise Project.

Professor Mann is currently under investigation by Penn State University because of activities related to a closed circle of climate scientists who appear to have been engaged in agenda-driven science. Emails and documents mysteriously released from the previously-prestigious Climate Research Unit at the University of East Anglia in the United Kingdom revealed discussions of manipulation and destruction of research data, as well as efforts to interfere with the peer review process to stifle opposing views. The motivation underlying these efforts appears to be a coordinated strategy to support the belief that mankind's activities are causing global warming. [...]

The $541,184 grant is for three years and was initiated in June 2009.

Potentially adding insult to injury, Penn State received additional stimulus funds to investigate the impact of climate change last week:

A nearly $1.9 million grant from the National Science Foundation is enabling a Penn State-led group of researchers to continue studies on the potential effects of climate change on the spread of infectious diseases, such as malaria and dengue. The grant is part of federal stimulus funding authorized under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

This grant appears to have nothing to do with Mann's department. However, given the high-profile the university is currently under as a result of his involvement in ClimateGate, it seems absurd that any federal funds involving climate change would be going to this school while it is investigating its chief proponent of this myth.

Maybe more importantly, why are economic stimulus funds being given to a university for scientific research in the first place, especially one with such political overtones?

As NCPPR noted in its release:

"It's no wonder that Obama's stimulus plan is failing to produce jobs. Taxpayer dollars aren't being used in the ways most likely to spur job creation. The stimulus was not sold to the public as a way to reward a loyalist in the climate change debate. Nor was the stimulus sold as a way to promote the Obama Administration's position on the global warming theory...As is often the case, political considerations corrupt the distribution of government funds," said Deneen Borelli, a fellow with the National Center's Project 21 black leadership network.

Despite the obviously controversial nature of this funding and its recipient, I can identify absolutely no media coverage concerning the matter.

I'm sure now that NCPPR has exposed this hypocrisy, press outlets across the fruited plain will be aggressively investigating economic stimulus grants to Mann and others involved in the ClimateGate scandal in order to inform the public about how their tax dollars are being spent.

Of course, I'm not holding my breath.

Source

Life: Bottlenose Dolphins Mud-Ring Feeding

Revolution Billboard In Missouri

AMERICANS ARE REACHING THE BOILING POINT

American's have got to be getting the message that their children's and grandchildren's futures are being mortgage so the Left can achieve its dream of an highly socialist society.

Every highly socialist society is reactionary, not progressive, once achieved, as people do not want to give up benefits they believe entitled to even if it becomes obvious that those entitlements are unsustainable. That will eventually lead to economic decline as people who are heavily taxed, i.e., those who actually produce the Nation's wealth, will either stop working hard and stop taking investment risk or they will leave the country.

That people are, in fact, leaving the country is evidenced by a recent change in U.S. tax law. In the past, if you turned in your citizenship you had to pay tax on all income and capital gains to the date of leaving. After that you were no longer taxed.

A recent change now allows the IRS to levy U.S. taxes for an additional ten years on former Americans, if, at the time you gave up your citizenship, you had current income of $100,000 per annum and total assets of $500,000. You are presumed to be leaving to avoid taxes.

All your rights of citizenship are taken away from you -- the right to vote, the right to social security that you into, etc. -- but you still are taxed. When I learned about this I was amazed and checked it out. It's true but a tax attorney says that the U.S. has a difficult time enforcing the change. What it does mean is that you cannot return to the U.S. to visit family and friends, as you will be arrested at the port of entry. (Wonder if the U.S. would ever follow up on this threat. Seems that it is unconstitutional, but who knows.)

What kind of a country have we become? Remember "No taxation without representation." What about innocent until proven guilty.

What this change means is that the number of people leaving the country and turning in their citizenship must be reaching levels that are of concern for our national well being. It's not only the really the rich who are leaving, as attested by the low income and asset thresholds. It's the well educated, moderately well off with a bright future who see the handwriting on the wall. The country is spending itself into eventual poverty.

What is different today than in the past, in addition to a very Left social progressive administration and government, is the world now offers many alternate opportunities for bright, young, well educated and ambitious professionals where living standards will shortly be be almost equal those in the U.S., and, as the U.S. eventually becomes poorer, maybe even better.

Maybe the trend is now unstoppable but at least there are some who will not allow it to happen without a fight.

Caption This Photo

Smack The Penguin

This one could keep you occupied for hours.

It's certainly a way to get rid of your aggression.

This is also really good for improving hand-eye coordination and timing.

Try it you'll like it!!

So, how far can you smack the penguin?

Click to make the penguin jump and then click again, in time to make the polar bear swing the bat to hit the penguin across the ice!

Warning : Very addictive ! ! !

GO HERE to play.

Determined Woodpecker

Today's Wildlife Photo By Scott Phoebus

CITY OF SALISBURY CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA

Meeting #2 January 25, 2010 6:00 p.m.
City/County Government Office Building Room 301

Times shown for agenda items are estimates only.

6:00 p.m. CONVENE – LORD’S PRAYER – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

6:04 p.m. ADOPTION OF AGENDA

6:07 p.m. CERTIFICATES – Mayor James Ireton, Jr.
Salisbury University Field Hockey Team
Santa’s Workshop

6:18 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
January 11, 2010

6:20 p.m. AWARD OF BIDS – Internal Services Director Pam Oland

6:25 p.m. ORDINANCES – City Attorney Paul Wilber

Ordinance No. 2095 – 2nd reading - amending 5.22.070(A) of the Code to increase the percentage of the cable television franchise fee that is dedicated for the Public, Educational and Governmental (PEG) Channel

Ordinance No. 2097 – 2nd reading – approving an amendment to the FY10 Sewer Fund budget (chemical costs)

6:40 p.m. RESOLUTIONS – City Administrator John Pick

Resolution No. 1883 - authorizing the Mayor and the Chief of Police to sign a Mutual Aid Agreement between Wicomico County, the City of Salisbury, the City of Fruitland and the Town of Delmar to allow the police departments and the Sheriff’s Office to operate sobriety checkpoints within the City of Salisbury and Wicomico County

Resolution No. 1884 - endorsing the revitalization of the Richardson Apartment House (known as “The Bricks”) to be financed either directly by the Department of Housing and Community Development of the State of Maryland or through the Department’s Community Development Administration

Resolution No. 1885 – authorizing the Mayor to sign a contract with PAC 14, Inc. providing for Public, Educational and Governmental Programming to be made available through the cable television system or systems serving the City

7:15 p.m. PUBLIC COMMENTS

CLOSED SESSION – following conclusion of regular meeting agenda
Consult with legal counsel on a litigation matter as permitted
under the Annotated Code of Maryland
Section 10-508(a)(7)(8)

Copies of the agenda items are available for review in the City Clerk’s Office
Room 305 - City/County Government Office Building 410-548-3140 or on the City’s web site www.ci.salisbury.md.us

The City Council reserves the right to go into closed session as permitted under the Annotated Code of Maryland 10-508(a)

Proposed agenda items for February 8, 2010 (subject to change) Charter Amendment Resolution – amending §SC6-7, Primary elections, for the purpose of providing that a voter may vote for no more than one candidate per available position from the candidates on the primary election ballot and §SC6-9, Election of Mayor and Council, for the purpose of a) moving the date of elections from April to November beginning in the year 2015, b) modifying the terms of the three Councilmember positions who will be elected in April 2011, and c) modifying the terms of the Mayor and the two Councilmembers who will be elected in April 2013

Charter Amendment Resolution – amending §SC2-3 and §SC3-3 of the City Charter to permit elected officials (Mayor and City Council) to participate in employee benefits programs and removing reference to the salary amounts for
elected officials

Ordinance – 1st reading – approving an amendment to the FY10 General Fund budget to budget the expense for several vehicles that were budgeted in FY09 but not delivered and paid for until FY10 and to budget for a replacement for a fire destroyed vehicle.

"The Axis Of Idiots"

"The Axis of Idiots"

From the Podium:
J. D. Pendry, Retired Sergeant Major, USMC

FROM THE PODIUM



This retired USMC Sgt. Major has his Stuff together.

Jimmy Carter, you are the father of the Islamic Nazi movement. You threw the Shah under the bus, welcomed the Ayatollah home, and then lacked the spine to confront the terrorists when they took our embassy and our people hostage. You're the "runner-in-chief."

Bill Clinton, you played ring around the Lewinsky while the terrorists were at war with us. You got us into a fight with them in Somalia and then you ran from it. Your weak-willed responses to the USS Cole and the First Trade Center Bombing and Our Embassy Bombings emboldened the killers. Each time you failed to respond adequately, they grew bolder, until 9/11/2001.

John Kerry, dishonesty is your most prominent attribute. You lied about American Soldiers in Vietnam . Your military service, like your life, is more
fiction than fact. You've accused our military of terrorizing women and children in Iraq . You called Iraq the wrong war, wrong place, wrong time, and the same words you used to describe Vietnam . You're a fake! You want to run from Iraq and abandon the Iraqis to murderers just as you did to the Vietnamese. Iraq , like Vietnam , is another war that you were for, before you were against it.

John Murtha, you said our military was broken. You said we can't win militarily in Iraq . You accused United States Marines of cold-blooded murder without proof and said we should redeploy to Okinawa . Okinawa, John? And the Democrats call you their military expert! Are you sure you didn't suffer a traumatic brain injury while you were off building your war hero resume? You're a sad, pitiable, corrupt, and washed up old fool. You're not a Marine, sir. You wouldn't amount to a good pimple on a real Marine's ass. You're a phony and a disgrace. Run away, John.

Dick Durbin, you accused our Soldiers at Guantanamo of being Nazis, tenders of Soviet style gulags and as bad as the regime of Pol Pot, who murdered two million of his own people after your party abandoned Southeast Asia to the Communists. Now you want to abandon the Iraqis to the same fate. History was not a good teacher for you, was it? Lord help us! See Dick run.

Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, Carl Levine, Barbara Boxer, Diane Feinstein, Russ Feingold, Pat Leahy, Barack Obama, Chuck Schumer, the Hollywood Leftist morons, et al, ad nauseam: Every time you stand in front of television cameras and broadcast to the Islamic Nazis that we went to war because our President lied, that the war is wrong and our Soldiers are torturers, that we should leave Iraq, you give the Islamic butchers - the same ones that tortured and mutilated American Soldiers - cause to think that we'll run away again, and all they have to do is hang on a little longer. It is inevitable that we, the infidels, will have to defeat the Islamic jihadists. Better to do it now on their turf, than later on ours after they have gained both strength and momentum.

American news media, the New York Times particularly: Each time you publish stories about national defense secrets and our intelligence gathering methods, you become one united with the sub-human pieces of camel dung that torture and mutilate the bodies of American Soldiers. You can't strike up the courage to publish cartoons, but you can help Al Qaeda destroy my country. Actually, you are more dangerous to us than Al Qaeda is. Think about that each time you face Mecca to admire your Pulitzer.

You are America 's 'AXIS OF IDIOTS.' Your Collective Stupidity will destroy us. Self-serving politics and terrorist-abetting news scoops are more important to you than our national security or the lives of innocent civilians and Soldiers. It bothers you that defending ourselves gets in the way of your elitist sport of politics and your ignorant editorializing. There is as much blood on your hands as is on the hands of murdering terrorists. Don't ever doubt that. Your frolics will only serve to extend this war as they extended Vietnam . If you want our Soldiers home as you claim, knock off the crap and try supporting your country ahead of supporting your silly political aims and aiding our enemies.

Yes, I'm questioning your patriotism. Your loyalty ends with self. I'm also questioning why you're stealing air that decent Americans could be breathing. You don't deserve the protection of our men and women in uniform. You need to run away from this war, this country. Leave the war to the people who have the will to see it through and the country to people who are willing to defend it.

Our country has two enemies: Those who want to destroy us from the outside and those who attempt it from within.

Semper Fi,
J. D. Pendry - Sergeant Major, USMC, Retired

“HOPE-A-THON” FOR SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION FUNDING

GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY, BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS HOLD THIRD ANNUAL “HOPE-A-THON” FOR SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION FUNDING

$1.2 Billion Invested in School Construction Over Three Years

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Martin O’Malley, joined by Treasurer Nancy Kopp and Comptroller Peter Franchot, today met with Superintendents from school systems across the state at the annual “Hope-a-thon” for the allocation of the remaining $62.5 million in public school construction funding. Governor O’Malley has proposed $250 million in school construction funding for FY 2011. Over the last three years, the O’Malley-Brown Administration has awarded more than $1.2 billon to local jurisdictions for school construction and renovation projects.

The “hope-a-thon,” formerly known as the “beg-a-thon” was implemented by the Board of Public Works to allow school superintendents to have a more meaningful conversation with the Board of Public Works on their jurisdiction’s key school priorities.

“For a second year in a row, Education Week has ranked Maryland’s public schools #1 in the nation, and it is because of the important investments we have made in our public schools over the last three years,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “Even during these difficult economic times, we’ve continued to fully fund efforts to build new, state-of-the-art classrooms, integrate curriculum across all grade levels, and hire and retain the nation’s best educators. We must continue to protect these critical education investments for our children’s future and the future of our workforce.”

Today, superintendents from 18 local school systems in Maryland appeared before the Board of Public Works to discuss school construction projects in their local jurisdictions. Currently, $62.5 million of the total $250 million in state aid for public school construction funding remains unallocated. The recommendations are made by the State’s Interagency Committee on School Construction.

The O’Malley-Brown Administration has made record investments over the last three years totaling over $1.26 billion in public school construction and renovation. The Governor’s FY 2011 proposed budget includes record levels of funding for K-12 Education, totaling $5.7 billion, making it the largest component of the State’s General Fund budget. The O’Malley-Brown Administration has also included $92.4 million in teacher and librarian pensions, bringing the total to $866.7 million over the last three years. In addition, the O’Malley-Brown Administration has included an additional $99.1 million to close the achievement gap between economically disadvantaged students and their peers, and has included $8.4 million for the State’s first public residential boarding school, the SEED School in Baltimore City.

Last week, Maryland’s public school system was ranked number one in the nation, for a second year in a row according to Education Week. Each year, Education Week issues an education report card.

Scholarship Gala Ticket Info

Well, the tickets are finally here, and we're ready to roll!

LORA presents the inaugural "Tastes for Tomorrow" Scholarship Gala on March 6, 2010 at Chef Fred's Chesapeake Steakhouse.

This western-themed event is sure to be a hit! Western wear is encouraged, but please leave your horses outside! With 17 members in our organization, we will showcase a wide assortment of freshly-prepared food from 6 to 8pm, accompanied by a cash bar. Randy Lee Ashcraft will then provide entertainment and there will be dancing and socializing from 8 till 11pm.

During the gala, we will have a live Chef's Auction in which the services of several local chefs will be won by the highest bidder, as well as other equally high-end donated items. A silent auction will also be featured. Tickets for this gala are quite reasonably priced at $30 each, or two for $55.

Our event was designed to generate funds in order to assist two local students in their pursuit of higher education in the culinary field. It is our intention to continue to offer this scholarship on an annual basis to qualified individuals who meet the scholarship criteria as determined by area school administrators. Our goal is to set aside these funds in perpetuity. Tickets may be purchased at any member restaurant.

Our membership at this time includes Adam's Ribs, Back Street Grill, Bistro 54, Boonie's, Break Time Sports Grill & Pub, Cactus Taverna, Cakes by David, Chef Fred's Chesapeake Steakhouse, Catering by Chef Stewart of Flannery's, Lagoon Bar & Grill, Lombardi's, Namaste Indian Cuisine, Old West Steakhouse, Red Roost, Sobo's, Vinny's La Roma and Zia's Italian Grill. Tickets are also available at the Salisbury Chamber of Commerce.

HURRY! Tickets are expected to sell out quickly, and we don't want you to be left out! A final note... if you would like to be a sponsor of this event, please contact us immediately, as sponsorship packages are very attractive and are moving at a brisk pace. In addition to quite a lot of advertising, sponsors are also receiving multiple tickets to the event, as well as LORA gift certificate packages, website placement, banners and more! Contact Pat Scott or Jinya Bennett at 410-742-7665, or Alex Bubas at 443-783-4214 for full sponsorship information.

AND... we are still seeking wonderful items for both of our auctions! If your business would like to donate something unique to this worthy event, please call us at the above numbers! Thanks so much, and we look forward to seeing you at the gala!

STUFF YOU MAY NOT KNOW

1. Money isn't made out of paper, it's made out of cotton.

2. The Declaration of Independence was written on hemp (marijuana) paper.

3. The dot over the letter “I” is called a 'tittle.”

4. A raisin dropped in a glass of fresh champagne will bounce up and down continuously from the bottom of the glass to the top.

5. Susan Lucci is the daughter of Phyllis Diller.

6. 40% of McDonald's profits come from the sales of Happy Meals.

7. 315 entries in Webster's 1996 Dictionary were misspelled.

8. The “spot” on 7UP comes from its inventor, who had red eyes. He was albino.

9. On average, 12 newborns will be given to the wrong parents, daily.

10. Warren Beatty and Shirley MacLaine are brother and sister.

11. Chocolate affects a dog's heart and nervous system; a few ounces will kill a small sized dog.

12. Orcas (killer whales) kill sharks by torpedoing up into the shark's stomach from underneath, causing the shark to explode.

13. Most lipstick contains fish scales (yuck).

14. Donald Duck comics were banned from Finland because he doesn't wear pants.

15. Ketchup was sold in the 1830's as medicine.

16. Upper and lower case letters are named “upper” and 'lower” because in the time when all original print had to be set in individual letters, upper case letters were stored in the case on top of the case that stored the smaller, lower case letters.

17. Leonardo Da Vinci could write with one hand and draw with the other at the same time, hence, multi-tasking was invented.

18. Because metal was scarce, the Oscars given out during World War II were made of wood.

19. There are no clocks in Las Vegas gambling casinos.

20. The name Wendy was made up for the book Peter Pan; there was never a recorded Wendy before.

21. There are no words in the dictionary that rhyme with: orange, purple, and silver!

22. Leonardo Da Vinci invented scissors. Also, it took him 10 years to paint Mona Lisa's lips.

23. A tiny amount of liquor on a scorpion will make it instantly go mad and sting itself to death.

24. The mask used by Michael Myers in the original “Halloween” movie was a Captain Kirk's mask painted white.

25. If you have three quarters, four dimes, and four pennies, you have $1.19. You also have the largest amount of money in coins without being able to make change for a dollar.

26. By raising your legs slowly and lying on your back, you can't sink in quicksand (and you thought this list was completely useless.)

27. The phrase 'rule of thumb' is derived from an old English law, which stated that you couldn't beat your wife with anything wider than your thumb.

28. The first product Motorola started to develop was a record player for automobiles. At that time, the most known player on the market was the Victrola, so they called themselves Motorola.

29. Celery has negative calories! It takes more calories to eat a piece of celery than the celery has in it to begin with. It's the same with apples!

30. Chewing gum while peeling onions will keep you from crying!

31. The glue on Israeli postage stamps is certified kosher.

32. Guinness Book of Records holds the record for being the book most often stolen from Public Libraries.

33. Astronauts are not allowed to eat beans before they go into space because passing wind in a space suit damages it. I NEED TO REMEMBER THIS.

34. George Carlin said it best about Martha Stewart. “Boy, I feel a lot safer now that she's behind bars. O.J. Simpson and Kobe Bryant are still walking around - Osama Bin Laden too, but they take the last woman in America willing to cook, clean, and work in the yard, and they haul her fanny off to jail."

Notes from the Jan. 12 Meeting Of The Wicomico County Board Of Education

The Wicomico County Board of Education at its monthly meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 12, voted on first reading to raise the minimum GPA for extracurricular activities to 2.0 starting next school year, approved most of the calendar for the 2010-11 school year, and adopted a plan to pilot bocce in high schools this spring in cooperation with Special Olympics Maryland.

The Board heard a number of public comments Tuesday about the proposal to raise the minimum grade point average (GPA) for participation in cocurricular and extracurricular activities from the current 1.6 to 1.85 next school year, and 2.0 the year after that. A number of speakers urged the Board to raise the standard to 2.0 for next school year and said students would rise to the challenge. Others endorsed the interim step of 1.85 next school year, saying that students would benefit from time to meet the new standard for participation. Others asked the Board not to further limit eligibility for extracurricular activities because of the benefits all students receive from participation in activities beyond the classroom.

Following its own discussion on the issue, the Board voted 4-3 against the plan to step from 1.6 to 1.85 to 2.0, then voted 5-2 on first reading to raise the minimum GPA to 2.0 starting with the 2010-11 school year. A second and final vote on the 2.0 GPA proposal is anticipated at the Feb. 9 Board meeting. If the 2.0 minimum GPA is approved on second reading, students would need a 2.0 GPA in the 4th marking period of this school year to be eligible for sports and other extracurricular activities such as dances and clubs – this August.

The Board approved the 2010-11 school calendar with the exception of commencement dates. The Board said it wants further input on the proposal to hold all four commencement ceremonies at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center, with Mardela High School students graduating on Friday, June 3, and ceremonies for the three in-town high schools at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 4. Scheduling commencement ceremonies for two days instead of four would save approximately $2,500. Some speakers advocated not changing the tradition of having each school’s ceremony on a different day. Comments about commencement for 2011 may be made to comments@wcboe.org or to 410-677-4421. The Board will approve commencement dates at an upcoming meeting.

The 2010-11 school year will begin Monday, Aug. 30 and end June 10, 2011. Students will be off Nov. 24-26 for the Thanksgiving break, Dec. 23-Jan. 2 for the winter holidays (schools reopen Jan. 3), and April 21-25 for the spring holidays. June 8, 9 and 10 will be early dismissal days.

Schools will also be closed Sept. 6 (Labor Day), Sept. 14 (Primary Election), Oct. 15 (MSTA Convention), Nov. 2 (General Election), Jan. 17 (Martin Luther King Birthday), Feb. 21 (Presidents Day) and May 30 (Memorial Day). Schools will be closed for students (but open for teachers) for professional days on Oct. 18, Jan. 24 and 25, Feb. 28 and May 2.

In other business, the Board voted to go forward with a pilot bocce (lawn bowling) athletic program in all four high schools this spring, in cooperation with Special Olympics Maryland. Under the Maryland Fitness and Athletics Equity for Students with Disabilities Act, all Maryland school systems must provide appropriate and meaningful athletic opportunities to students with disabilities by July 1, 2011. Launching bocce teams in the four high schools this spring, with funding and other support from Special Olympics Maryland, will be a first step toward meeting that deadline and will allow Wicomico to meet a May 15, 2010 deadline to report on its progress to the Maryland General Assembly.

The bocce teams will have eight athletes, evenly divided between students with and without disabilities, an approach the Special Olympics calls Unified Sports. Special Olympics Maryland will fund the Wicomico pilot through a federal grant, providing stipends for a Unified Sports coordinator for the bocce season, coaches at the four high schools, uniforms, equipment, transportation, and a state championship event in May. Other sports that provide the opportunity for meaningful competition for both athletes with and without disabilities include team track and field, team aquatics, team powerlifting, bowling and team tennis.

In other business, the Board:

PUBLIC COMMENT

Heard from a parent from the Advocates for Accelerated Learners who said the Magnet centers are the best option for educating high-performing learners, and another parent who said the community might want to consider a charter school for high-performing students.

REPORT FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

Heard from Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Fredericksen that:

Anyone seeking H1N1 vaccine can contact the Health Department at 410-543-6943.

The 2010 Maryland General Assembly will convene on Wednesday, Jan. 20, and key issues this session will likely include legislation on maintenance of effort funding, student performance, underfunded and unfunded mandates, and budget.

Wicomico has been invited to express interest in joining Maryland’s application for federal Race to the Top funding of $150-$200 million to target the lowest performing schools and student subgroups.

The Redistricting Task Force had begun moving school boundary lines and will meet two nights next week to develop a redistricting proposal that could be shared with the Board Jan. 22 and discussed at the Board work session Jan. 26. Comments may be made at any time at 410-677-5251 or comments@wcboe.org.

Wicomico will appeal to the Board of Public Works on Jan. 20 for almost $3 million in state funding needed to finish the James M. Bennett High School project. The Maryland Interagency Committee on Public School Construction has recommended $7 million in state funding for fiscal 2011, but nearly $10 million is needed. Wicomico may know next month whether the building can be done in time to open in August 2010, a full year ahead of schedule.

Results of the school climate survey done last fall will arrive next week. The school system will then review the results and data to begin planning next steps.

A proposed revision of the dress code is posted on the web site at www.wcboe.org and input is being taken at comments@wcboe.org.

A firm and appropriate response is being made to recent student misbehavior.

Negotiations on the Bi-State Agreement with the Delmar School District will begin Friday.

The school system continues to work on the capital budget with the County Executive, with the goal of securing funding for the Bennett Middle School project. In other budget news, the Board has received for consideration Tiers I and II of the superintendent’s proposed budget reduction for fiscal 2011, and four additional tiers of reductions have been drafted. The Board will hold a budget input session to receive public comments for the fiscal 2011 budget process at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 14, in the Wicomico High School Auditorium.

The staffs of Wicomico Middle School, East Salisbury Elementary and Beaver Run Elementary, as well as support staff from the school system and staff from the Wicomico County Health Department, responded very well to the tragedy of Sarah Foxwell during the winter holidays, and will continue to support students and staff members as needed.

Wicomico can be proud of 2009 James M. Bennett High graduate Derek Wu, now a freshman at Princeton University, who because of his community and academic achievements will represent his country as a 2010 Olympic Torchbearer.

The First Lego League Regional Tournament held at Salisbury Middle School Jan. 9 was a great success, with three Eastern Shore teams moving on to the state competition.

GRANTS REPORT

Received for information the latest update of the 2009-10 grants report and updated information on 2008-09 grants. In 2008-09, Wicomico County Public Schools applied for almost $3.6 million in grants and received $2.9 million, an 80.1 % success rate. So far this school year, Wicomico Schools have applied for $2,039,140 in grants and received $1.9 million, a 93 % success rate. Dr. Fredericksen said Wicomico has also been invited to participate with lead applicant Anne Arundel County Public Schools on a state STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) grant, as well as a grant for arts instruction in Maryland schools.

REPORTS

Approved the monthly report of personnel matters for certificated employees, received for information the monthly personnel report for classified employees, and approved January 2010 budget transfers within category in the amount of $2,870.

CONTRACT EXTENSION

Authorized a five-year voluntary contract extension with Sunesys LLC for the Board of Education’s Managed Leased Lit Fiber Wide Area Network.

REFLECTIONS ART RECEPTION

Heard from Ben Brumbley, president of the Wicomico County Council of PTAs, that the Reflections Art Reception will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 27, at the Parkside High Auditorium.

TRAFFIC ALERT

Emergency Road Closure of Bender Farm Road Replacement of Crossroad Pipes

Greenwood -- The Department of Transportation (DelDOT) announces that Bender Farm Road between Memory Road and Blacksmith Shop Road near Greenwood will be closed for the replacement of crossroad pipes. The closure will occur at 7 a.m. on Thursday, January 21. The road will reopen at 3 p.m. on Friday, February 5, pending weather.

Detour eastbound: Bender Farm Road to Blacksmith Shop Road onto Staytonville Road to Route 36 to Memory Road and back onto Bender Farm Road

Detour westbound: Bender Farm Road to Memory Road onto Route 36 to Staytonville Road to Blacksmith Shop Road and back to Bender Farm Road

6:00 Nightly News On SBYNews.com Corrected Version

Troopers Arrest Three Suspects Involved In A Rash Of Robberies In New Castle County

Location: Shell Gas Station, 3932 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE

Date of Occurrence: Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at or about 7:25 p.m.

Suspects:

Marvin J. Poore, 19, 2400 block North Jacqueline Dr, Wilmington, DE
Blake R. Marsh, 21, 2400 block North Jacqueline Dr, Wilmington, DE
Jeffrey M. Moore, 22, Elkton, MD

Resume:

Delaware State Troopers have nabbed three men suspected in a series of armed robberies in New Castle County.

Yesterday at 7:25 p.m. Poore walked into the Shell Gas Station located at 3932 Concord Pike, Wilmington and confronted a clerk with a handgun and demanded money. As Poore was fleeing the scene a state trooper was in the area and saw Poore fleeing on foot. After a foot chase in the neighborhood behind the gas station Poore was taken into custody after a brief struggle with the trooper. A weapon and the money taken in the robbery were recovered at the time Poore was apprehended.

Troopers also located a “get-a-way” car in the neighborhood which was occupied by Marsh and Moore. All three men were suspects for the following robberies that the state police investigated:

Wah Yuan Restaurant, 2705 Philadelphia Pk., Claymont, 010310
Lena's Nail Salon, 2803 Philadelphia Pk., Claymont, 010610
7-11 Store, 2100 Foulk Rd., Wilmington, 010610
BP/Dunkin Donuts, 1923 Pulaski Hwy., Bear, 010810
Gulf Express, 3310 Philadelphia Pk., Claymont, 011210
China Inn Restaurant, 2308 Concord Pk., Wilmington, 011210
Seasons Kitchen, 505 Basin Rd., New Castle, 011210
7-11 Store, 1800 Naamans Rd., Wilmington, 011510
Papa John's Pizza, 2114 Marsh Rd., Wilmington, 011710
Exxon Station, 1801 Foulk Rd., Wilmington, 011810

In addition the Newark Police Department is charging the three suspects for their involvement in an armed robbery at the Dunkin Donuts, 1142 Elkton Road on January 5 and then again on the 18th.

The New Castle County Police Department is also investigating the possibility that the three men are involved in crimes they are investigating.

All three men were charged by the state police with multiple counts of robbery, weapons charges and conspiracy.

STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY ON THE PASSING OF PATRICIA HUGHES

ANNAPOLIS, MD (January 20, 2010) – Governor Martin O’Malley issued this statement today following the death of Patricia Hughes, wife of former Maryland Governor Harry Hughes.

“My thoughts, and the thoughts and prayers of all Marylanders, are with the family of Patricia Hughes on this very difficult and sad day.

“Anyone involved in public service in Maryland has seen Patricia’s devotion to her family – her husband of nearly 60 years and their two children – and to the preservation of Maryland’s natural and historical treasures. As a teacher, she believed in the dignity of every individual, and that every person has potential that we, as a community, have an obligation to help unlock.

“Her life and legacy serving her family and our State touched the lives of thousands of Marylanders and reminds us all that a life lived for others is the greatest of gifts.

“We will miss Patricia greatly.”

Found Dog

Hey Joe,

I work over at the new Bennet High School construction site, and found this dog wandering the site. The dog is quite large, possibly a mastiff type dog. He was limping and knowing how cold it gets I brought him home with me. He is definitely someone's pet. He knows commands and listens fairly well. He didn't have a collar or tags of any kind. I am attaching a picture of him with this email hoping you would be able to post something up. If he is somebody's they can contact me at 443-416-5333.

Thanks,

Nick Miller

BREAKING NEWS: SHOOTING IN SALISBURY

There has been a shooting at the Bank of Delmarva on Eastern Shore Drive. The scene is not secure and SPD are on their way now. A suspect has been shot in the face. More to come.

Don't Miss Our 6:00 News Program Tonight

SBYNews.com will have our Nightly News program right at 6:00 PM tonight, Commercial Free.

Technical Difficulties:

The Show Will Be Up In Just A Few Minutes

U.S. Senate Candidate Eric Wargotz Works The Brown Campaign In Mass.

Eric Wargotz took time out of his busy schedule to make the trip up north to Massachusetts to lend a hand in the Brown Campaign over the past few days and came home victorious. Republicans truly stepped it up a notch for this election and clearly made a positive difference. Let's hope we can see this same momentum for republicans throughout the Country.

It's what You can do for Your Country. Badabing!

Big Jim Ireton Makes The Big Time On CNBC Today

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Millsboro Man Arrested On Burglary Charges

Location:
28000 block of Sloop Ave. Millsboro, Delaware

DATE and TIME:
Monday January 18, 2010 12:25 A.M.

Victim(s):
60 year old male from Millsboro

Defendant(s):
Bruce E. Revel-51 of the 26000 block of Old Landing Millsboro

Charge(s) and Bond Information:
Burglary 3rd
Theft
Criminal Mischief
Revel Released on $3,500 unsecured bond

Resume:

Delaware State Police investigated a burglary complaint in the 28000 block of Sloop Ave. Millsboro. The burglary occurred on January 18, 2010 around 12:25 A.M. in the morning.


A State Police investigation revealed that Bruce Revel was seen leaving the victim’s driveway in a two toned Chevy pickup truck early Monday morning by the victim. The victim followed Revel’s vehicle and observed various items in the bed of the truck resembling his property. The victim followed the pickup for a short distance however after losing site returned to his residence. The victim then was able to confirm his suspicions and discovered an air conditioning unit, lawn mower and copper tubing as missing.


The State Police contacted the suspect and through its investigation was able to link Bruce Revel to the crime. Revel was later charged with the above listed offenses and released on $3,500 unsecured bond.

Seaford Man Facing Assault And Weapons Charges

Location:
26000 block of Line Road Seaford, Delaware

DATE and TIME:
Occurred Saturday January 16, 2010 9:00 P.M.
Reported Tuesday January 19, 2010

Victim(s):
56 year old female (spouse) Sustained a hand bruise

Defendant(s):
Raymond M. Cook-56
26000 block of Line Road Seaford, Delaware

Charge(s):
Assault 3rd degree
Terroristic Threatening
Interference with Placing a 911 Call
Menacing
Criminal Mischief
Possession of a Destructive Weapon
Resisting Arrest

Bond Information:
Currently being held however bond information is unavailable as well as the photo.

Resume:

On Tuesday January 19, 2010 Delaware State Police received an anonymous call regarding a domestic that occurred on Saturday January 16, 2010. Delaware State Police responded to the 26000 block of Line Road Seaford and contacted the 56 year old female victim.

State Police learned that on Saturday January 16, 2010 around 9:00 P.M. Raymond M. Cook came home allegedly drunk and disorderly and began pulling items out of their refrigerator creating a disturbance. Cook then turned to the victim and gestured with his fingers the shape of a gun and advised he would do harm to the victim. The victim attempted to call 911 for police service when Cook began to chase her around the residence. Cook grabbed the victim’s hand and took the phone away. Cook next broke the phone rendering it useless. Cook then removed the victim from the residence and locked her outside. The victim later was able to gain access back into the residence without further incident.


State Police on Tuesday January 19, 2010 contacted Raymond Cook at his residence. Cook at the time was driving a tractor and refused commands of officers to exit from the tractor. Cook had to be physically removed and taken into custody.


State Police later discovered Cook had guns in his residence one of which was a sawed off shotgun illegal in the State of Delaware. Cook was later arrested on the above listed offenses.

Lost Cat

Hi, my name is Leon and I’m lost. I’m a gentle, but shy 10
year-old male trying to find my way back home. Please call
my mom at (408) 470-0986. I know she’s worried about
me.
· Last seen night of 1/12/2010 in Aspen Drive

Salisbury, MD.

WBI Needs Your Help UPDATE!!!!

FOUND

Click on image to enlarge.

WBI needs help with identifying the witness pictured is the attached photo. He was in the Barnes and Noble Store in Salisbury on 1/15/10 at 9:19 am. He is the older gentleman in the black and blue jacket. Please contact WBI at 410-548-4898.

UPDATE: Joe thanks and as you may have just read we now have him identified thanks to your site. Found in 10 minutes, not too shabby!

GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY TO TAKE LIVE CALLS, EMAILS FROM MARYLANDERS TONIGHT

ANNAPOLIS, MD (January 20, 2010) – Governor Martin O’Malley will appear tonight on Maryland Public Television’s “Ask the Governor,” a monthly broadcast where the Governor takes live phone calls and emails from viewers on issues that are important to the people of the State. The broadcast comes on the same day Governor O’Malley formally submitted the FY11 budget, closing a $2 billion budget deficit and maintaining fiscal responsibility while protecting key priority areas for Marylanders.

The Governor will broadcast tonight live at 7pm from the Maryland State House in Annapolis.
Viewers can email questions to askthegovernor@mpt.org or call live at 1-800-926-0629.

GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY FORMALLY SUBMITS FY11 BUDGET

Governor releases open letter to the people of Maryland on more than $1 billion in budget cuts

ANNAPOLIS, MD (January 20, 2010) – Governor Martin O’Malley will formally submit the FY11 budget today, closing the state’s deficit with more than $1 billion in budget reductions and maintaining fiscal responsibility by remaining with spending affordability guidelines for the fourth straight year. The FY11 budget brings total spending reductions under the O’Malley-Brown Administration to $5.6 billion and more than 3,500 state positions eliminated.

Today, Governor O’Malley released an open letter to the people of Maryland and legislative leadership outlining the budget proposal, the tough decisions made to maintain fiscal responsibility, and the more than $1 billion in budget reductions to balance the FY11 budget in the most challenging economic times since the Great Depression.

January 20, 2010

The Senate of Maryland
The Honorable Thomas V. “Mike” Miller, President

The Maryland House of Delegates
The Honorable Michael E. Busch, Speaker

The Citizens and Families of Maryland

Dear Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the General Assembly, and Fellow Marylanders:

Over the course of the last three years – in the face of the most serious economic challenges faced by our country in several generations – we’ve been able to work together to restore fiscal responsibility to our state government. While the decisions we have made have not always been easy, choosing fiscal responsibility has allowed us to protect our families and small businesses, create the conditions for economic growth by creating and saving jobs, and it has allowed us to make real progress on priorities like public education, college affordability, health care, public safety and the environment.

I am pleased to submit for your consideration the State of Maryland’s FY2011 Operating and Capital budget. This is the fourth balanced budget that I have submitted to the Maryland General Assembly that has come in under the spending affordability guidelines. Like last year’s budget that grew at a negative rate, the FY2011 proposed budget grows at a negative affordability rate of minus 2.9%.

By choosing to strategically reform and reduce the size of our state government, we have already reduced state spending by $4.6 billion in the last three years. With today’s budget proposal, we bring that total to $5.6 billion. Today, for the first time in at least 40 years, state general fund spending is lower than it was four years ago.
Because of these tough decisions, we are one of only seven states to maintain a Triple A Bond Rating, a seal of fiscal responsibility certified by all three major rating agencies.

Our state government is more accountable and transparent to the people it serves. Our rate of job growth was better last year than all but two other states and our housing market has stabilized. With our well educated work force, our public and private research facilities, our vital small business sector, and a host of other assets, we are in a better position than our counterparts in other states to move forward from recovery to prosperity.

As the national economy slowly begins to climb back, our challenge for this fiscal year and beyond is to continue making the tough choices which will allow our families to come through this recession even stronger – and to create the economic conditions that will allow us to continue creating jobs, protect our families, and strengthen our middle class and small and family owned businesses and farms.

As I submit the FY 2011 budget I am mindful of the difficult decisions ahead as we continue to weather this global economic downturn, but I am confident that this proposed budget will help create jobs and grow our economy in the near-term and strategically position our state for long-term economic growth and prosperity.

Thank you,

Martin O’Malley
Governor

The Governor’s presentation on the FY11 budget is available here.

The full FY11 Budget Highlights document is available here.

Salisbury Police Department Press Release

January 20, 2010

On January 16, 2010 at approximately 2:20 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police arrested the below listed suspect on an outstanding warrant charging the suspect with the possession of CDS on January 1, 2010. On that date, during a traffic stop, the suspect was found to be in possession of suspected cocaine, prescription medication, and related paraphernalia.

ARRESTED: Nathanial David Blaher, 23 years of age, Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES: Possession of cocaine, Possession of xanax, Possession of CDS/paraphernalia

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 201000002332

On January 17, 2010 at approximately 11:00 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police were on routine patrol in the area of Maryland Avenue and Camden Avenue and conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle operated by the below listed suspect for traffic violations. During a check of the vehicle, the officers located a quantity of suspected marijuana inside of the vehicle. The suspect was arrested and a search of the suspect, incident to arrest, revealed a quantity of suspected “crack”/cocaine on his person.

ARRESTED: Wyand Odell Lehman, 54 years of age, Laurel, Delaware

CHARGES: Possession of cocaine, Possession of CDS/paraphernalia

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 201000002446

On January 18, 2010 at approximately 5:12 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the Giant Food Store on South Salisbury Boulevard for the report of a shoplifter. Upon arrival the officers met with store employees who advised that the below listed suspect had been observed by employees taking food from the store without making payment.

ARRESTED: Matthew Gregory Miller, 35 years of age, No fixed address

CHARGES: Theft (under $100)

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 201000002615

On January 19, 2010 at approximately 12:05 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the Walmart Department Store on North Salisbury Boulevard for the report of a shoplifter. Upon arrival the officers met with store security who advised that the below listed suspect had been observed by store employees taking property from the store without making payment. The property was recovered and returned to the store.

ARRESTED: Michael James Lawley, 38 years of age, Dover, Delaware

CHARGES: Theft (under $ 100), Trespassing

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 201000002725

On January 20, 2010 at approximately 2:09 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to a residence on Mt. Hermon Road for the report of a home invasion. Upon arrival the officers met with the below listed suspect, who represented himself as the victim of a home invasion at the residence. Further investigation by the responding officers revealed that there was no home invasion, and that the suspect was involved in a domestic argument and altercation.
The suspect was taken into custody and was found to be in possession of a quantity of suspected cocaine and related paraphernalia.

ARRESTED: Hurley William Spence, 29 years of age, Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES: False statement, Possession of cocaine, Possession of CDS/paraphernalia

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 201000002848

Elderly Woman Victim Of Home Invasion

http://cambridgedailybanner.md.newsmemory.com/

Home invasion investigated

HURLOCK — On Jan. 14 deputies from the Dorchester County sheriff ’s office re­sponded to 4815 Williamsburg Church Rd. for a reported home invasion.According to Sheriff James W. Phillips Jr., upon arrival, the elderly female oc­cupant of the residence advised that two unknown black males armed with a small black handgun had forced entry to her residence. Once inside they forced her to the floor where one of the suspects armed himself with a knife from the kitchen and held it to her neck while the other suspect ransacked the residence. The victim was not injured in the attack.

The description of the two suspects was limited to two black males wearing ski masks. The investigation is continuing. The sheriff ’s office was assisted by the Mary­land State police.

The Massachusetts Miracle

New York Times To Charge For Articles Online

Paper will use a metered system, free to a certain number of articles

NEW YORK - The New York Times says it will charge readers for full access to its Web site starting in 2011, a risky move aimed at drawing more revenue online without driving away advertisers that want the biggest possible audience.

After months of deliberation that other newspapers also have been undertaking, the Times said Wednesday it will use a metered system, allowing free access to a certain number of articles and then charging users for additional content.

The price has yet to be disclosed.

GO HERE to read more.

WHAT DO TRASH CANS AND LAND FOR PARKING HAVE IN COMMON?

It’s not random coincidence that Wicomico County has been caught, pants down, on both those $500 trash cans and the 5 acres that Rick Pollitt wants to purchase for $300,000 per acre for parking at the Civic Center. The common aspect is that County officials are cavalier in spending money raised by taxes, or “the people’s money.”

Trash cans should be bought, if needed, and the Civic Center may really need another 5 acres, and possibly more, for parking. But, the price that was paid in the first instance and proposed to be paid for the parking area is not appropriate.

In the case of the cans, no discussion is necessary – simply go online or visit a store. The land at the old “Salisbury Mall” opposite the Civic Center is not that simple, but it is not really a complex matter to examine the real estate market. A tract very desirable for development, the “Hearne Farm,” recently went for about $80,000 per acre at foreclosure, bought by the mortgage holder. Several lots at the Centre at Salisbury are on the market (but have not sold) for $225,000 to 235,000 per acre. The land at the old mall is not worth anything close to that – probably not even $100,000 per acre – but the County is seriously proposing to pay three times that amount.

It appears that the County is the only prospective buyer for the land at its “fair market value,” which means that value is not very great, because the only other likely buyers would be speculators looking to flip it for a profit and unwilling to pay full value. And there are other factors that reduce its fair market value – the mall owner wants to have a clause in the deed that would prevent the property from being used in competition, and there is uncertainty about the storm water runoff requirements.

The truly disturbing aspect is that Mr. Pollitt and a majority on the County Council refuse to insist upon a fair price for the property, but want to pay a grossly excessive price for it because the County has the funds. They tell us that the State requires doing the deal at the proposed price, but it is difficult to accept the notion that there would be any objection if the property were bought for a lower price, or for the same total sum, about $1.5 Million, the County got more than 5 acres of land. If the mall property is worth $100,000 per acre, which seems generous in today’s market, that’s enough funding to acquire the full 15 acres that Mr. Pollitt feels is needed for more parking.

There is a significant difference in the two episodes because of the action and largess of Judge Donald Davis. In the case of the parking lot land there would be nobody ready, willing and able to reimburse the public if the County proceeds to pay about $1 Million too much of the people’s money to purchase that land.

Today's Survey Question

Would You Like To See A Daily 6:00 News Broadcast 5 Days A Week Here On Salisbury News?

Conan's O'Brien's $40 Million Muzzle

It looks like Conan O’Brien isn’t getting a golden parachute, but a golden muzzle. Is it worth it? The (for now) Tonight Show host has gotten a lot of mileage—and improved ratings—out of poking fun at NBC, et al, over the mess about moving the show’s time slot.

And I admit watching Conan skewer his employers and colleague/competitor Jay Leno has been part of the great fun in watching Conan of late. But what will happen when he can’t do that anymore?

It looks like NBC will pay Conan O’Brien $40 million to walk away from The Tonight Show because of Conan’s refusal to move the time of the show to 12:05 am. One of the apparent stipulations of the deal with NBC is that Conan refrain from bad-mouthing the network (and I assume “the network” also means Jay Leno and Jeff Zucker, two favorite O’Brien targets of late). I know I haven’t been alone in being fascinated by this corporate drama/train wreck. And I think part of the reason we’ve enjoyed it so much is there’s been a certain vicarious thrill in watching Conan trash his employer so publicly (and with such biting but still funny humor).

Who hasn’t wanted, on some occasion, to do so? I’ve been pretty lucky in my career. For the most part, I’ve worked for people and companies that were good to me and I respected, and I’ve had lots of great colleagues (and when I didn’t, that was pre-Twitter). But everyone has wanted to stick it to their boss/company at some point, and rail about egregious unfairness, stupid decisions, how badly we’ve been treated, and undeserving colleagues. And for a while there, Conan was venting for all of us. It was fun while it lasted.

GO HERE to read more.

Airlines May Face Higher U.S. Security Fee After Terror Attempt

Added safety measures after last month’s failed attempt to blow up a jetliner may make it harder for U.S. airlines to thwart a security-fee increase the Obama administration has been seeking.

“There’s no question” the administration and Congress will enact higher fees in response to the Christmas Day attempt, Michael Boyd, president of the Boyd Group International Inc., an aviation consulting firm, said in an interview.

U.S. airlines, with collective losses of about $60 billion since 2001, say they lack pricing power to pass fees on to fliers. The government is buying more full-body scanners after it said a 23-year-old Nigerian man attempted to ignite explosives in his undergarments on a Detroit-bound flight.

Security costs should be borne by the government, said David Castelveter, spokesman for the Air Transport Association, whose members include Delta Air Lines Inc. and AMR Corp.’s American Airlines. “The airlines are not under attack; the country is under attack,” Castelveter said.

Even before the Dec. 25 attempt, President Barack Obama’s Homeland Security Department last year proposed increasing a $2.50-a-passenger security fee by $1 annually for three years, starting in fiscal 2012. Airline industry groups opposed the increase, and Congress never acted on it.

GO HERE to read more.

Obama's Nominee To Lead TSA Withdraws

He admits giving inconsistent answers to Congress over old reprimand

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama's choice to lead the Transportation Security Administration withdrew his name Wednesday.

In a statement, Erroll Southers said he was pulling out because his nomination had become a lightning rod for those with a political agenda.

Obama tapped Southers, a former FBI agent, to lead the TSA in September but his confirmation has been blocked by Republican Sen. Jim DeMint, who says he was worried Southers would allow TSA employees to engage in collective bargaining with the government.

GO HERE to read more.

Strong Aftershock Hits Haiti

Port-au-Prince, Haiti (CNN) -- A strong aftershock rocked Haiti on Wednesday morning just as much-needed medical aid was set to reach the earthquake-ravaged nation.

The 6.1-magnitude aftershock was about 6.2 miles deep, with an epicenter about 35 miles (60 kilometers) west-southwest of the capital of Port-au-Prince, the U.S. Geological Survey said.

It rattled people struggling to recover from the devastating 7.0-magnitude earthquake that walloped the impoverished country January 12, killing at least 72,000 people.

Such a strong tremor can pose significant danger in a nation where damaged buildings are teetering precariously. The aftershock was the strongest to hit Haiti since last week's original quake, the USGS said.

GO HERE to read more.

Two Dozen States’ Unemployment Funds In The Red, Nine More Within Six Months

The record 20 million Americans who collected unemployment insurance benefits last year landed on a safety net that was already deeply frayed.

New Interactive: ProPublica Predicts if Your State's Unemployment Insurance Fund Is About to Hit the SkidsA historical compromise has left responsibility for unemployment benefits largely in the hands of states, and they have fulfilled this charge with varying degrees of effectiveness.

In a series last summer with public radio’s Marketplace, we reported that only a handful of states had built up reserves sufficient to weather the Great Recession – and forecast a spate of borrowing by states where reserves ran out.

Half a year later, the direst predictions seem to be coming true: So far twenty-five states have borrowed more than $25 billion to keep benefits flowing after their trust funds ran dry. In many other states the situation is deteriorating fast.

GO HERE to read more.

STORM WARNING FOR KRATOVIL!

Compared to Massachusetts, the First Congressional District in Maryland is off the scale on the conservative side, Salisbury being the closest place, politically, to Boston (the major place that went Dem. yesterday) and it’s not very close.

Frank: the Obama agenda fell as flat up there as he did in Copenhagen last year, and your party’s in deep doo-doo now thanks to Barack’s non-stop BS. If you want to have a chance of reelection, you had best mind your ways, beginning with health care reform.

Dick Armey: Recapturing The Radical Spirit Of 1994

Special elections are often the harbingersof political change. As I watch the Senate race in Massachusetts, where an insurgent small-government conservative campaign has shocked the Democrat establishment, I am amazed at how similar the political climate today is to the early days of the Contract with America.

Back in May of 1994, the 2nd Congressional District of Kentucky held a special election to fill the seat following the passing of Democrat William Natcher. The district had not elected a Republican in 129 years, but Republican Ron Lewis won by a wide margin. Seven months later, Republicans won 54 more seats to take the majority for the first time since 1954.

Can the Republicans do it again and win the 40 seats necessary to win the House majority in the 112th Congress?

The 1994 Republican Revolution had three major components: an unpopular president in Bill Clinton, an unpopular legislative initiative in HillaryCare, and a popular political vision in the Contract with America.

Today, like 1994, a new Democrat president is overreaching in an attempt to centralize the nation's health care system in Washington in lockstep with a congressional leadership that is far to the left of the American public.

Tax-and-spend legislative agendas bent on income redistribution may sit well with the academics and the beautiful people, but not regular Americans who gets stuck with the bills.

Democrats are reading the tea leaves and heading for the door with senators retiring, a House Democrat switching parties and a wave of Blue Dog Democrats hanging up their spurs. There is no doubt that Republicans will make substantial gains, but there is a big difference between winning seats and winning a majority. The latter will require a bold agenda, and the blueprints can be found when you look at the lessons of 1994.

The main lesson from 1994 is that when Republicans act like Republicans, we win; when we act like Democrats, we lose. If Republicans embrace the energy of the small-government activists showing up at "tea parties," they will be rewarded at the ballot box. These are folks not looking for a new program or entitlement, but holding placards at events saying, "We want less."

Here's more..

The Washington Times Commits To Lead The Way

As the Editorial Board of The Washington Times - the publishers, editors and writers responsible for the daily Commentary section - we see our role as upholding the principles of America's founding. A key part of that duty is to hear the voice of the American people as well. We aim to inform, to listen and to influence.

While the principles that we advocate - individual liberty and limited government - do not change with the winds of public opinion, the focus of our work should be determined by the concerns of the people. And we hear Americans speaking. And we hear that most are not happy. And you have told us why.

It is because the size and scope of government have grown in recent years and, in the past year, have grown at a pace that is horrifying to most Americans. Government is growing so quickly it threatens the quality of your life and threatens to take control of your life. The Washington leviathan threatens to eclipse the light of freedom.

Most Washington leaders have forgotten that the greatness of America is in the hearts and minds of her people. The successful government is one that fosters an environment in which the people can pursue their own vision of happiness. Mostly, that means staying out of the way.

Life in the Washington cocoon - marble-floored and walnut-paneled - makes it easy for too many to forget that they were sent here to serve and, most important, to preserve the American liberty and greatness that already exist. The perquisites and trappings of personal power,too often exercised behind closed doors, allow leaders to forget and begin to think that America is something they need to fix, not an ideal they need to defend.

We have concluded that such a serious problem requires a focused and determined response. The Washington Times Editorial Board therefore commits to you that each day over the next 365 days, we will work tirelessly to refocus Washington on how to shrink government and solve problems by giving responsibility and resources back to the individuals and families and businesses where they belong.

More here..

Boehner Hires New Chief Of Staff

House Minority Leader John Boehner's (R-Ohio) office announced it has hired Barry Jackson, an architect of the "Contract with America," to serve as Boehner's chief of staff.

Republican leaders have discussed the possibility of drafting a second document, similar to 1994 "Contract" that helped the GOP win back the House, to guide its candidates in the 2010 midterms.

“By bringing the director of the Contract with America back to the Hill during this important time for the nation, we’re sending a message that Republicans are serious about listening to the people, building a principled and lasting majority, and renewing the drive for smaller, more accountable government," Boehner said in a statement.

More here..

Roanoke Police Believe Missing Toddler Is Dead

On January 14, 2010, the Roanoke Police Department received a report of the abduction of Aveion Malik Lewis from the 2100 block of King Charles Avenue.

Since then, the department has investigated the reported abduction and received varying degrees of cooperation from key persons in the investigation; which lead police to question the validity of information received from some individuals.

As a result, investigators began to focus on the possibility that Brandon Lockett, Aveion’ step-father was not providing accurate details. Based on conflicting statements given, and significant developments within the last 24 hours, police determined that it was necessary to expand the previous and ongoing ground search.

As the search progressed, Police were advised that the reported abduction did not occur.
It is with great regret and sadness that the Roanoke Police Department announces that our investigation has moved from an abduction to an investigation into the death of Aveion Malik Lewis.

All indications are that Aveion was deceased prior to the 911 call made on January 14. This information has been provided by Brandon Lockett. Unfortunately, police do not yet have a known location of Aveion’s body. The expanded ground search, which began this morning will continue in an effort locate Aveion.

GO HERE to read more.

I Want This Guy On My Side

Today's Wildlife Photo By Scott Phoebus

The Night Before The Fight

Fruitland Police Department Press Release

On November 7, 2009 the Wicomico County Narcotics Task Force along with the Fruitland Police Department initiated the first part of an Aggressive Criminal Enforcement Initiative in the Fruitland, Wicomico County, Maryland area in an attempt to reduce the drug and criminal activity within the City limits. During this first stage of this operation 4 Search and Seizure warrants were executed resulting in 5 arrests with seizures of marijuana, Crack/Cocaine and Gang related material. During this leg, the operation was supported by the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office K-9 and Tactical Units, Worcester County Sheriff’s Offices S.T.A.R. and Criminal Enforcement Team, Somerset County Sheriff’s Office H.E.A.T. Team and Task Force, United States Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, Maryland State Police Barrack “E”, Maryland State Police Gang Unit and the Princess Anne Police Department.

On January 15, 2010 the Fruitland Police Department initiated the second leg of the initiative targeting wanted individuals and street crimes in the Fruitland and surrounding areas. This leg of the operation resulted an additional 14 arrests were made on outstanding warrants, criminal indictments and on – view arrests. During this operation the Fruitland Police Department was supported by the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office, Salisbury City Police Department, Maryland State Police Barrack “E” as well as the Wicomico and Somerset County Narcotics Task Forces.

Individuals Arrested and Charged during Phase One:

1. Jerry L. White
Oak Street
Fruitland, Maryland
49 Y.O.A.
Charges: Possession of Crack/Cocaine

2. Oliver L. Long
Church Street
Fruitland, Maryland
29 Y.O.A.
Charges: Possession w/intent to distribute Crack/Cocaine

3. Duran M. Doane
Pine Street
Fruitland, Maryland
21 Y.O.A.
Charges: Possession w/intent to distribute Crack/Cocaine

4. Carlos H. Moore
Poplar Street
Fruitland, Maryland
37 Y.O.A.
Charges: Possession/w intent to dist marijuana

5. Rodney L. Spence
Anderson Street
Fruitland, Maryland
22 Y.O.A.
Charges: Possession w/intent to distribute Crack/cocaine


Individuals Arrested and Charged during Phase Two

1. Joseph Aravanis
Shelltown, Road
Westover, Maryland
34 Y.O.A.
Charges: Bench Warrant for FTA – CDS violations

2. Terrance D. Taylor
Oak Street
Fruitland Maryland
22 YOA
Charges: Criminal Indictment: Distribution of Crack/Cocaine

3. Pearl Anna Katherine Cox
Walnut Tree Road
Eden, Maryland
55 yoa
Charges: Possession of Crack/Cocaine

5. Terrance R. Justice
Dennis St.
Salisbury, Maryland
28 YOA
Charges: Possession of Marijuana
Obstructing/Hindering

6. Wanda Mason
Church St.
Fruitland Maryland
36 Y.O.A.
Charges: Criminal Indictment: Distribution of Crack/Cocaine

7. Steven Leach Hodgdon
Lilac Dr.
Fruitland, Maryland
31 YOA
Charges: Bench Warrant Service (2 FTA)

8. Maurice L. Fountain
Sheldon Ave.
Fruitland, Maryland
36 YOA
Charges: Bench Warrant Service - Child Support

9. Jeremy Michael Dow
Aspen Dr.
Salisbury, Maryland
18 YOA
Charges: Driving under the influence of alcohol

10. Richard Eugene Sanders
Bryan Hall Road
Marion Station, Maryland
26 YOA
Charges: Driving on a Revoked license

11. Clyde Emerson Polk
Eden, Maryland
53 YOA
Charges: Bench Warrant Service FTA - CDS

12. Ashley Marie King
Main Street
Fruitland, Maryland
19 Y.O.A.
Charges: Arrest Warrant Service - Threats of Arson

13. Nikta E. Boothman
Dulaney Ave.
Fruitland, Maryland
19 YOA
Charges: Bench Warrant Service – Violation of Probation

14. Zarvell J. Snell
Eden Allen Road
Eden, Maryland
34 YOA
Charges: Criminal Indictment: Distribution of Crack/Cocaine

All subjects were released to Central Booking.

Additional operations targeting individuals involved with drug, criminal, and gang activity will be forthcoming.

Caption This Photo

PUBLIC NOTICE

THE CITY COUNCIL WILL CONVENE IN A CLOSED SESSION ON MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2010 TO CONSULT WITH LEGAL COUNSEL ON A LITIGATION MATTER AS PERMITTED UNDER THE ANNOTATED CODE OF MARYLAND SECTIONS 10-508(A)(7)(8).

THE CLOSED SESSION WILL BE HELD FOLLOWING THE CONCLUSION OF THE 6:00 P.M. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING (COUNCIL CHAMBERS - 125 N. DIVISION STREET).