DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Monday, February 15, 2010
Phillip Morris Between Mt Hermon
Phillip Morris between mt hermon & 50... Theres not even 1 lane clear...
SALISBURY CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION AGENDA
FEBRUARY 18, 2010
CONFERENCE ROOM 306
GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING
(Times shown for agenda items are estimates only)
9:30 a.m. Impact fees – Jack Lenox
[part of the discussion may be held in closed session to consult with legal counsel
as permitted under the Annotated Code of Maryland Section 10-508(a)(7)]
10:45 a.m. Amendment to subdivision regulations pertaining to bonding and plat recordation with respect to Construction Improvements Plan approval – Teresa Gardner
11:15 a.m. Budget amendment - lease/purchase vehicles – Pam Oland
11:45 a.m. Quarterly financials – Pam Oland
12:15 p.m. Follow-up on financial policies – John Pick
12:40 p.m. General discussion/upcoming agendas
12:45 p.m. Adjourn
Pancake Dinner At St Andrews
A Pancake Supper will be held this Tuesday, Feb. 16th from 4-7 pm at St Andrews Church , 400 E Vine St , Salisbury, MD
God Created Maryland
God was missing for six days. Eventually, Michael, the archangel, found him, resting on the seventh day..
He inquired, "Where have you been?"
God smiled deeply and proudly pointed downwards through the clouds, "Look, Michael. Look what I've made."
Archangel Michael looked puzzled, and said, "What is it?"
"It's a planet," replied God, and I've put life on it.. I'm going to call it Earth and it's going to be a place to test Balance."
"Balance?" inquired Michael, "I'm still confused."
God explained, pointing to different parts of Earth. "For example, northern Europe will be a place of great opportunity and wealth, while southern Europe is going to be poor. Over here I've placed a continent of white people, and over there is a continent of black people. Balance in all things."
God continued pointing to different countries. "This one will be extremely hot, while this one will be very cold and covered in ice."
The Archangel , impressed by God's work, then pointed to a land area and said, "What's that
one?"
"That's Maryland , the most glorious place on earth. There are beautiful mountains, rivers and streams, lakes, forests, hills, and plains. The people from Maryland are going to be handsome, modest, intelligent, and humorous, and they are going to travel the world. They will be extremely sociable, hardworking, high achieving, carriers of peace, and producers of good things."
Michael gasped in wonder and admiration, but then asked, "But what about balance, God? You said there would be balance..."
God smiled, "Right next to Maryland is Washington , DC . Wait till you see the idiots I put there."
He inquired, "Where have you been?"
God smiled deeply and proudly pointed downwards through the clouds, "Look, Michael. Look what I've made."
Archangel Michael looked puzzled, and said, "What is it?"
"It's a planet," replied God, and I've put life on it.. I'm going to call it Earth and it's going to be a place to test Balance."
"Balance?" inquired Michael, "I'm still confused."
God explained, pointing to different parts of Earth. "For example, northern Europe will be a place of great opportunity and wealth, while southern Europe is going to be poor. Over here I've placed a continent of white people, and over there is a continent of black people. Balance in all things."
God continued pointing to different countries. "This one will be extremely hot, while this one will be very cold and covered in ice."
The Archangel , impressed by God's work, then pointed to a land area and said, "What's that
one?"
"That's Maryland , the most glorious place on earth. There are beautiful mountains, rivers and streams, lakes, forests, hills, and plains. The people from Maryland are going to be handsome, modest, intelligent, and humorous, and they are going to travel the world. They will be extremely sociable, hardworking, high achieving, carriers of peace, and producers of good things."
Michael gasped in wonder and admiration, but then asked, "But what about balance, God? You said there would be balance..."
God smiled, "Right next to Maryland is Washington , DC . Wait till you see the idiots I put there."
Somerset Commisioners Spend With NO Money And NO Questions Asked
EMPTY Pauper Burial Account Used Again to Subsidize Funeral
But Somerset Commissioners Fail to Ask Full Price
Somerset County Commissioners in a vote of 3-1 approved spending $250.00 from an EMPTY pauper burial account without knowledge of the full price charged by Bennie Smith Funeral Home.
County Adminstrator Sam Boston said just over $500.00 was owed Bennie Smith after much was covered by donations, but Boston did not know what the full price of the funeral had been.
The Bennie Smith Funeral Home made the request for financial assistance after a portion on Ms. Handy's bill remained unpaid. Hilda Handy of Mt. Vernon died December 19, 2009.
Commissioner Vice President Rex Simpkins, of Mount Vernon, made the motion to approve payment. This passed 3-1 with President Mike McCready the lone opposition since the original cost of the funeral was not provided.
The Commissioners made no effort to obtain cost documents or reschedule request until documents were provided. Commissioner Jim Ring had left the meeting prior to this discussion. The request from Bennie Smith should have been reserved until adeqate documents were provided as to the full cost of the Handy funeral. There was no need to rush this approval since the request was incomplete.
Regardless of the expenditure, the Commissioners seem to have little regard for the taxpayers' money. There may be a legitimate need for a pauper burial account, but the Commissioners must require full documenation before spending our money. It is inexcusable to not have knowledge of the full cost and still award the funds. President Mike McCready made the correct decision since Bennie Smith failed to provide the full cost of the Handy funeral.
With declining revenues, all government agencies would be wise to curtail expenditures and carefully review budget items if the cost is hundreds, thousands, or millions. The reckless spending of the past must be over. The citizens are vigliant and expect fiscal responsibility.
Full story in Crisfield-Somerset County Times, February10, 2010
page 10
But Somerset Commissioners Fail to Ask Full Price
Somerset County Commissioners in a vote of 3-1 approved spending $250.00 from an EMPTY pauper burial account without knowledge of the full price charged by Bennie Smith Funeral Home.
County Adminstrator Sam Boston said just over $500.00 was owed Bennie Smith after much was covered by donations, but Boston did not know what the full price of the funeral had been.
The Bennie Smith Funeral Home made the request for financial assistance after a portion on Ms. Handy's bill remained unpaid. Hilda Handy of Mt. Vernon died December 19, 2009.
Commissioner Vice President Rex Simpkins, of Mount Vernon, made the motion to approve payment. This passed 3-1 with President Mike McCready the lone opposition since the original cost of the funeral was not provided.
The Commissioners made no effort to obtain cost documents or reschedule request until documents were provided. Commissioner Jim Ring had left the meeting prior to this discussion. The request from Bennie Smith should have been reserved until adeqate documents were provided as to the full cost of the Handy funeral. There was no need to rush this approval since the request was incomplete.
Regardless of the expenditure, the Commissioners seem to have little regard for the taxpayers' money. There may be a legitimate need for a pauper burial account, but the Commissioners must require full documenation before spending our money. It is inexcusable to not have knowledge of the full cost and still award the funds. President Mike McCready made the correct decision since Bennie Smith failed to provide the full cost of the Handy funeral.
With declining revenues, all government agencies would be wise to curtail expenditures and carefully review budget items if the cost is hundreds, thousands, or millions. The reckless spending of the past must be over. The citizens are vigliant and expect fiscal responsibility.
Full story in Crisfield-Somerset County Times, February10, 2010
page 10
You Have To See This!
POPCORN (This will blow your mind).probably already has.
This is enlightening!!!
This is probably what it does to our brain cells - like putting your head in a microwave.
Check this out! And we're supposed to believe that cell phones are safe?
Click on the word 'POPCORN' below and watch.
This is probably what it does to our brain cells - like putting your head in a microwave.
Check this out! And we're supposed to believe that cell phones are safe?
Click on the word 'POPCORN' below and watch.
We're All On Welfare Now
David Freddoso: Barofsky's warning: We're all on welfare now
By: David Freddoso Online Opinion EditorFebruary 11, 2010
When Inspector General Neil Barofsky, testified before Congress late last month, he received ample coverage for highlighting the incompetence of Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner in his work bailing out AIG.
Barofsky's outspokenness on the failures of the Troubled Asset Relief Program he oversees and the increased risk it has created, has won him praise from politicians in both parties.
"He probably feels it's his responsibility to sound the alarm as long and as loud as he can," says Rep. Scott Garrett, R-N.J.
Lost in the AIG headlines was another urgent warning contained inhis new report . An entire section details the federal government's extensive efforts to reinflate the sagging housing bubble. Although Barofsky draws no staggering conclusions, the facts he presents are staggering all on their own -- especially if you're a homeowner.
If you watched with alarm as the government took over General Motors and Chrysler, and as Democrats tried to increase government's role in the health care industry, you should be scared to death by Barofsky's discussion of the mortgage markets.
The unspoken, bottom line: The federal government has already nationalized the housing industry. We're not just talking about Uncle Sam providing a few subsidies, or even taking over a few of the big players, as they have in the auto industry. This is a complete takeover. Every new mortgage today is a government mortgage.
Over the last two years, government mortgage and mortgage-backed holdings have grown on net by nearly $1 trillion. Private investors and institutions have shed more than $1.5 trillion -- through foreclosure losses, pay downs, and by selling to government.
The effective result is a government-run housing market. Barofsky reports that right now, the government is responsible for about 100 percent of all new mortgage activity. You read that correctly. To put it in his own words:
"According to Federal Reserve net borrowings data, the federal government and the organizations it backs now guarantee or issue almost all net new borrowings for mortgages and MBS."
The accompanying graph, from page 109 of Barofsky's report, shows that this is uncharted territory. Not even the savings and loan scandal of the early 1990s put all current and potential homeowners at Uncle Sam's mercy as today's situation has.
If not for government underwriters (such as Federal Housing Administration and the Department of Veterans Affairs) and bundlers of mortgage-backed securities (such as Fannie, Freddie, and Ginnie Mae), there might not have been a single house sold in this country last year. Or at least, none would have sold at anything like the allegedly depressed prices that homeowners were getting.
These numbers reflect the situation of the 2009 mortgage market: Unless you could afford 20 percent up front, the government was the only show in town. Even if you have a private mortgage, the price at which you can sell your home is being kept artificially high by the government's trillion-dollar commitment.
Barofsky's report warns homeowners that government is actively reinflating the housing bubble: "Supporting home prices is an explicit policy goal of the government," he accurately notes.
He does not draw the obvious conclusion: The government's assistance in the housing market now is less about giving us a soft landing than it is about having us furiously flap our arms to stay aloft.
As a result, we're all on welfare now -- not just helped out by a few homeowner tax breaks, as in the past, but completely, utterly dependent on a trillion-dollar government commitment lasting forever. And we're all in peril if for any reason we lose a handout that most of us never asked for.
David Freddoso is The Examiner's online opinion editor. He can be reached at dfreddoso@dcexaminer.com.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Accident On Bypass
There has been a rollover accident on the west bound side of the Bypass. We're told the traffic is backed up for quite a ways.
WBOC HAS Drive-By Downloads On Site
Joe,
Just logged on to WBOC web site and my Norton Internet Security software shows that the site is unsafe and has DRIVE - BY Downloads on the site . The threat is HTTP SQL Injection Activity. Just wanted to let everyone know that the WBOC site may be unsafe and if people are not running some type of internet security software they may want to be care. Tonight is the first time I have seen this. Norton list the threat below.
Drive-by Downloads
A drive-by download is computer code that takes advantage of a software bug in a Web browser to make it do something that the attacker wants—such as run malicious code, crash the browser, or read data from the computer. Software bugs that are open to browser attacks are also known as vulnerabilities.
Hope this might save someone a problem.
Larry Murphy
WBOC Having Problems With Facts
Joe, on WBOC.com I found this story. It says a man was arrested in TN after an amber alert. For some reason the picture connected with this story is an older Hispanic woman. I read the story and I couldn't find anything that would connect her to the story. Another WBOC mistake?
Apparently they have fixed the mistake. We're all human.
INCUMBENTS BEWARE - PEOPLE ARE MOBILIZING TO ACTION
For one of the few times in my life - I believe that something significant is about to happen in the political arena. If there is a common denominator upon a politician being elevated to public office - it is their goal to try and get re-elected to another term in office. We saw this first hand with former Congressman Wayne Gilchrest whereby he went on record as being in favor of term limits - for everyone but himself. And he is not alone as there are hordes of career politicians.
But with special interest groups, corporate campaign contributors, industrial lobbyist, it gives an incumbent politician a distinct advantage to retain ones status - as long as the economic tide doesn't significantly shift.
And so here also lies the one 'chink in their armor' and that is - at this very moment in time the people have been empowered to identify their performance record - and then remove them for their inadequacies.
So I ask our readership the question - are you better off today than you were say one or two years ago? And more significantly - do you like the direction your elected officials seem to be taking you? With MSM coverage on topics like - Socialism, Depression, Recession, High Unemployment, Runaway Debt, ideologies like these tend to erode ones confidence in the status-quo.
Take heed incumbents as the fall election approaches. You know those town hall meetings that you failed to hold over the past three or four years - could very well lead to discourse among your constituency - the voters. Result - the public is very well justified in your being removed from office.
But with special interest groups, corporate campaign contributors, industrial lobbyist, it gives an incumbent politician a distinct advantage to retain ones status - as long as the economic tide doesn't significantly shift.
And so here also lies the one 'chink in their armor' and that is - at this very moment in time the people have been empowered to identify their performance record - and then remove them for their inadequacies.
So I ask our readership the question - are you better off today than you were say one or two years ago? And more significantly - do you like the direction your elected officials seem to be taking you? With MSM coverage on topics like - Socialism, Depression, Recession, High Unemployment, Runaway Debt, ideologies like these tend to erode ones confidence in the status-quo.
Take heed incumbents as the fall election approaches. You know those town hall meetings that you failed to hold over the past three or four years - could very well lead to discourse among your constituency - the voters. Result - the public is very well justified in your being removed from office.
Only One Lane Open On Naylor Mill
Joe,
"Only one lane on Naylor Mill Rd. from Millpond to Bob Evans. Traffic trying to
get on Rt 13 is backed up darn near Vernon Powell! Red"
"Only one lane on Naylor Mill Rd. from Millpond to Bob Evans. Traffic trying to
get on Rt 13 is backed up darn near Vernon Powell! Red"
Avalanche
In light of all the recent snow storms - one might want to invest in one of these.After hearing about all of the roofs that have collapsed - especially poultry - it might be a nice tool to have on-hand.
Hunters Having A Field Day With Snow Geese
Hunters are shooting so many of the Snow Geese, (which are in season) they're leaving many others in other fields after they shoot them.
I actually collected three of them yesterday in the field next to our home. This was one of them.
I'm told by local Farmers that the only meat on them that's any good is the breast meat. By their reaction, (look on their faces) it doesn't sound like they're even good eating.
So why shoot these beautiful birds if they're not that good to eat? Perhaps some of you enjoy the flavor, I don't know.
Missing Child Found In Tennessee
PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. (WJZ) ―
"Maryland State Police canceled an Amber Alert for a missing child late Saturday night. They say she's been safely located.
Police issued an Amber Alert for 11-year-old Karina Elizabeth Garcia shortly before 9 p.m.
Detectives say she was last seen in Prince George's County, but the girl was found in Tennessee less than three hours later. She wasn't hurt.
There's no word on how she got there or whether there will be any arrests in the case. " (source WJZ)
"Maryland State Police canceled an Amber Alert for a missing child late Saturday night. They say she's been safely located.
Police issued an Amber Alert for 11-year-old Karina Elizabeth Garcia shortly before 9 p.m.
Detectives say she was last seen in Prince George's County, but the girl was found in Tennessee less than three hours later. She wasn't hurt.
There's no word on how she got there or whether there will be any arrests in the case. " (source WJZ)
Recognizing Those So Easily Forgotten
At this time of year while we're all bundled up staying warm, there are many very dedicated individuals easily forgotten.
There's been a lot of talk about those people out there plowing the snow but down at the Salisbury Zoo there are several dedicated individuals doing multiple things many of us forget about.
Do you know what it's like to be outdoors all day in these temperatures. Trying to keep exotic animals warm. Trying to handle cold keys. Defrosting pretty much every pad lock to each exhibit. Power washing certain exhibits. Running water so the animals have something to drink.
Then there's shoveling snow just about everywhere. Yeah, it's one thing for me to be out there clearing a sidewalk or driveway but let me assure you, its another to be at that Zoo working around the clock to care for these animals and clearing all the pathways and exhibits to access these animals.
Have you ever tried pushing a wheelbarrow around through the snow? While you'd never think of heading down to the Zoo this time of year, try to remember these Folks who are working outdoors trying to do a job very few people would be willing to do.
The Zoo may be closed to the public these past few days but one thing is for sure, the animals need to eat twice a day and someone has to deliver that food to them. My hat is tipped to all of them. Happy Vaneltine's Day to ALL of you working at the Salisbury Zoo.
Merchants Can't Complain About The Downtown Plaza
Yesterday, after I had completed all of the projects scheduled for the day, I went to the Downtown Plaza and took the snow blower up one side and down the other to make sure there was a clear path for people to walk through. Mind you, there were a couple of areas so packed down I couldn't break through the ice but they're few and far between. For the most part, (90%) it is plenty clear now for shoppers and business people to safely get through. The City is busy enough trying to do catch up work.
Spring Hill Road
Spring Hill Road is still quite a mess, but passable. As you can see from the wall of snow to the left, the drifts that came through on this road was just unbelievable. On Friday night they had cleared a path through on Spring Hill Road but it was only one lane and you want to talk about a mess! People were having to back up as far as 1/2 a mile because another vehicle was coming the other way.
I wasn't very happy with the Eagle Transport Company at the end of the road. You see, at one point, one of their drivers decided he was going to make a run through there and believe me, there just wasn't enough room on either side for a tractor trailer to get through. It stopped everyone and we all had to turn around and go another route.
The top photo shows what things looked like on Friday night. It looks like they've cleared things a bit wider but to date it just amazes me how people are riding through there with wide trailers and expecting everyone to move aside while these people pass through.
True Confession
Yesterday I called Phronesis, (one of our Contributors) to fill him in on my day. Things got a little mixed up and I wanted to clarify it.
The above photos represent the property in Powellville I spoke of yesterday. I put out a request, if anyone was in that area, could they possibly help this Family out.
Considering I hadn't heard anything I thought I'd drive out there and clear out the property, just in case no one had shown up.
To my surprise, in the distance, I saw the above equipment working on a property and considering the houses are far apart out there, I couldn't tell if this was the property I was looking for, or not. So I drove by, waved to the gentleman in the Bobcat and continued to search for the property I was looking for.
It turns out, by the time I got to the next home I had clearly passed the property I was looking for, so I turned around. Yes, you guessed it, the property I was looking for was the one being cleared. My timing couldn't be better.
Folks, this gentleman is a Volunteer Fire Fighter from the Powellville Fire Department. No, he didn't see the request on Salisbury News. He was doing a Lifetime Member of the PFD across the street and saw this home had not been cleared, so he simply rode across the street and took it upon himself to just clear the way.
Once again, the Eastern Shore Firefighters come through without even asking! My hat is tipped to this fine Gentleman and while I didn't get his name, I'm confident someone will come on here and let us know who he is.
Just Stay
A nurse took the tired, anxious serviceman to the bedside.
"Your son is here," she said to the old man.
She had to repeat the words several times before the patient's eyes opened.
Heavily sedated because of the pain of his heart attack, he dimly saw the young uniformed Marine standing outside the oxygen tent.. He reached out his hand. The Marine wrapped his toughened fingers around the old man's limp ones, squeezing a message of love and encouragement.
The nurse brought a chair so that the Marine could sit beside the bed. All through the night the young Marine sat there in the poorly lighted ward, holding the old man's hand and offering him words of love and strength. Occasionally, the nurse suggested that the Marine move away and rest awhile.
He refused. Whenever the nurse came into the ward, the Marine was oblivious of her and of the night noises of the hospital - the clanking of the oxygen tank, the laughter of the night staff members exchanging greetings, the cries and moans of the other patients..
Now and then she heard him say a few gentle words. The dying man said nothing, only held tightly to his son all through the night.
Along towards dawn, the old man died. The Marine released the now lifeless hand he had been holding and went to tell the nurse. While she did what she had to do, he waited.
Finally, she returned. She started to offer words of sympathy, but the Marine interrupted her.
"Who was that man?" he asked.
The nurse was startled, "He was your father," she answered.
"No, he wasn't," the Marine replied. "I never saw him before in my life.."
"Then why didn't you say something when I took you to him?"
"I knew right away there had been a mistake, but I also knew he needed his son, and his son just wasn't here.
When I realized that he was too sick to tell whether or not I was his son, knowing how much he needed me, I stayed."
I came here tonight to find a Mr. William Grey. His Son was Killed in Iraq today, and I was sent to inform him. What was this Gentleman's Name?
The Nurse with Tears in Her Eyes Answered,
Mr. William Grey.............
The next time someone needs you ........ just be there. Stay.
"Your son is here," she said to the old man.
She had to repeat the words several times before the patient's eyes opened.
Heavily sedated because of the pain of his heart attack, he dimly saw the young uniformed Marine standing outside the oxygen tent.. He reached out his hand. The Marine wrapped his toughened fingers around the old man's limp ones, squeezing a message of love and encouragement.
The nurse brought a chair so that the Marine could sit beside the bed. All through the night the young Marine sat there in the poorly lighted ward, holding the old man's hand and offering him words of love and strength. Occasionally, the nurse suggested that the Marine move away and rest awhile.
He refused. Whenever the nurse came into the ward, the Marine was oblivious of her and of the night noises of the hospital - the clanking of the oxygen tank, the laughter of the night staff members exchanging greetings, the cries and moans of the other patients..
Now and then she heard him say a few gentle words. The dying man said nothing, only held tightly to his son all through the night.
Along towards dawn, the old man died. The Marine released the now lifeless hand he had been holding and went to tell the nurse. While she did what she had to do, he waited.
Finally, she returned. She started to offer words of sympathy, but the Marine interrupted her.
"Who was that man?" he asked.
The nurse was startled, "He was your father," she answered.
"No, he wasn't," the Marine replied. "I never saw him before in my life.."
"Then why didn't you say something when I took you to him?"
"I knew right away there had been a mistake, but I also knew he needed his son, and his son just wasn't here.
When I realized that he was too sick to tell whether or not I was his son, knowing how much he needed me, I stayed."
I came here tonight to find a Mr. William Grey. His Son was Killed in Iraq today, and I was sent to inform him. What was this Gentleman's Name?
The Nurse with Tears in Her Eyes Answered,
Mr. William Grey.............
The next time someone needs you ........ just be there. Stay.
A GAME PLAN
Starting in 1941, an increasing number of British Airmen found themselves as the involuntary guests of the Third Reich, and the Crown was casting about for ways and means to facilitate their escape...
Now obviously, one of the most helpful aids to that end is a useful and accurate map, one showing not only where stuff was, but also showing the locations of 'safe houses' where a POW on-the-lam could go for food and shelter.
Paper maps had some real drawbacks -- they make a lot of noise when you open and fold them, they wear out rapidly, and if they get wet, they turn into mush.
Someone in MI-5 (similar to America 's OSS ) got the idea of printing escape maps on silk. It's durable, can be scrunched-up into tiny wads, and unfolded as many times as needed, and makes no noise whatsoever.
At that time, there was only one manufacturer in Great Britain that had perfected the technology of printing on silk, and that was John Waddington, Ltd. When approached by the government, the firm was only too happy to do its bit for the war effort.
By pure coincidence, Waddington was also the U.K. Licensee for the popular American board game, Monopoly. As it happened, 'games and pastimes' was a category of item qualified for insertion into 'CARE packages', dispatched by the International Red Cross to prisoners of war.
Under the strictest of secrecy, in a securely guarded and inaccessible old workshop on the grounds of Waddington's, a group of sworn-to-secrecy employees began mass-producing escape maps, keyed to each region of Germany or Italy where Allied POW camps were regional system). When processed, these maps could be folded into such tiny dots that they would actually fit inside a Monopoly playing piece.
As long as they were at it, the clever workmen at Waddington's also managed to add:1. A playing token, containing a small magnetic compass2. A two-part metal file that could easily be screwed together3. Useful amounts of genuine high-denomination German, Italian, and French currency, hidden within the piles of Monopoly money!
British and American air crews were advised, before taking off on their first mission, how to identify a 'rigged' Monopoly set -- by means of a tiny red dot, one cleverly rigged to look like an ordinary printing glitch, located in the corner of the Free Parking square.
Of the estimated 35,000 Allied POWS who successfully escaped, an estimated one-third were aided in their flight by the rigged Monopoly sets.. Everyone who did so was sworn to secrecy indefinitely, since the British Government might want to use this highly successful ruse in still another, future war.
The story wasn't declassified until 2007, when the surviving craftsmen from Waddington's, as well as the firm itself, were finally honored in a public ceremony.
I realize most of you are (probably) too young to have any personal connection to WWII (Dec. '41 to Aug. '45), but this is still interesting.
Story Verification: http://blogs.wsj.com/informedreader/2007/11/19/wwii-pows-perk-monopoly-with-real-money/
Blue Angels
This is in HD with music -- be sure to watch it in full screen -- (arrows at bottom right of screen)
Economic Stimulus
Sometime this year, we taxpayers will again receive another 'Economic Stimulus' payment.
This is indeed a very exciting program, and I'll explain it by using a Q & A format:
Q. What is an 'Economic Stimulus' payment ?
A. It is money that the federal government will send to taxpayers.
Q.. Where will the government get this money ?
A. From taxpayers.
Q. So the government is giving me back my own money ?
A. Only a smidgen of it.
Q. What is the purpose of this payment ?
A. The plan is for you to use the money to purchase a high-definition TV set, thus stimulating the economy.
Q. But isn't that stimulating the economy of China ?
A. Shut up..
Below is some helpful advice on how to best help the U.S. economy by
spending your stimulus check wisely:
* If you spend the stimulus money at Wal-Mart, the money will go to China or Sri Lanka .
* If you spend it on gasoline, your money will go to the Arabs.
* If you purchase a computer, it will go to India , Taiwan or China .
* If you purchase fruit and vegetables, it will go to Mexico, Honduras and Guatemala ..
* If you buy an efficient car, it will go to Japan or Korea .
* If you purchase useless stuff, it will go to Taiwan .
* If you pay your credit cards off, or buy stock, it will go to management bonuses and they will hide it offshore.
Instead, keep the money in America by:
1) Spending it at yard sales, or
2) Going to ball games, or
3) Spending it on prostitutes, or
4) Beer or
5) Tattoos.
(These are the only American businesses still operating in the U.S.)
Conclusion:
Go to a ball game with a tattooed prostitute that you met at a yard sale and drink beer all day !
No need to thank me, I'm just glad I could be of help
This is indeed a very exciting program, and I'll explain it by using a Q & A format:
Q. What is an 'Economic Stimulus' payment ?
A. It is money that the federal government will send to taxpayers.
Q.. Where will the government get this money ?
A. From taxpayers.
Q. So the government is giving me back my own money ?
A. Only a smidgen of it.
Q. What is the purpose of this payment ?
A. The plan is for you to use the money to purchase a high-definition TV set, thus stimulating the economy.
Q. But isn't that stimulating the economy of China ?
A. Shut up..
Below is some helpful advice on how to best help the U.S. economy by
spending your stimulus check wisely:
* If you spend the stimulus money at Wal-Mart, the money will go to China or Sri Lanka .
* If you spend it on gasoline, your money will go to the Arabs.
* If you purchase a computer, it will go to India , Taiwan or China .
* If you purchase fruit and vegetables, it will go to Mexico, Honduras and Guatemala ..
* If you buy an efficient car, it will go to Japan or Korea .
* If you purchase useless stuff, it will go to Taiwan .
* If you pay your credit cards off, or buy stock, it will go to management bonuses and they will hide it offshore.
Instead, keep the money in America by:
1) Spending it at yard sales, or
2) Going to ball games, or
3) Spending it on prostitutes, or
4) Beer or
5) Tattoos.
(These are the only American businesses still operating in the U.S.)
Conclusion:
Go to a ball game with a tattooed prostitute that you met at a yard sale and drink beer all day !
No need to thank me, I'm just glad I could be of help
No More Panda's In The United States????
Peevish China recalls panda Tai Shan due to Obama's meeting with the Dalai Lama
When China requested the return of a giant panda from the National Zoo in Washington, it was thought this was because the pandas back home were not producing enough babies.
But the departure of Tai Shan last week now seems to signify an end to the era of “panda diplomacy” — which dates back to 1972 after President Richard Nixon’s historic visit to China.
President Barack Obama’s decision to meet the Dalai Lama this week has infuriated the Chinese at a time when the US desperately wants their support for sanctions against Iran and its nuclear programme. The Chinese government called on Obama to cancel the meeting with the Tibetan spiritual leader, which comes as relations between the world’s first and third-biggest economies have deteriorated sharply.
Ma Zhaoxu, China’s foreign ministry spokesman, said there had been “stern” exchanges with the US on the matter.
GO HERE to read more.
When China requested the return of a giant panda from the National Zoo in Washington, it was thought this was because the pandas back home were not producing enough babies.
But the departure of Tai Shan last week now seems to signify an end to the era of “panda diplomacy” — which dates back to 1972 after President Richard Nixon’s historic visit to China.
President Barack Obama’s decision to meet the Dalai Lama this week has infuriated the Chinese at a time when the US desperately wants their support for sanctions against Iran and its nuclear programme. The Chinese government called on Obama to cancel the meeting with the Tibetan spiritual leader, which comes as relations between the world’s first and third-biggest economies have deteriorated sharply.
Ma Zhaoxu, China’s foreign ministry spokesman, said there had been “stern” exchanges with the US on the matter.
GO HERE to read more.
Maryland Legislation Requires State Approval To Buy Or Rent A Firearm
The gun grabbers are at it again in Maryland. Next month, the state's House Judiciary Committee will initiate hearings on legislation forcing firearms enthusiasts to register with the state government before they can exercise their Second Amendment rights.
The plan, drafted by Delegate Samuel I. Rosenberg, Baltimore Democrat, and Sen. Brian E. Frosh, Montgomery County Democrat, would mandate that citizens carry a special license while conducting any number of routine transactions involving a gun.
To obtain a gun license, a person must fill out a long application form, attend a comprehensive firearms safety course, pay a nonrefundable fee to the state and wait 30 days for the completion of a criminal background check. If all items are processed properly, the Maryland State Police would drop the license in the mail.
It would become a crime to go to a gun range and rent a firearm for a little target shooting without this license in hand. Out-of-state visitors who might want to keep up their skills while on vacation would be out of luck under the proposal because they would not even be allowed to apply for a state gun license.
Windows Patch Cripples XP With Blue Screen, Users Claim
Tuesday's security updates from Microsoft have crippled Windows XP PCs with the notorious Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), users have reported on the company's support forum.Complaints began early yesterday, and gained momentum throughout the day.
"I updated 11 Windows XP updates today and restarted my PC like it asked me to," said a user identified as "tansenroy" who kicked off a growing support thread. "From then on, Windows cannot restart again! It is stopping at the blue screen with the following message: 'A problem has been detected and Windows has been shutdown to prevent damage to your computer.'"
Others joined in with similar reports. "There is something seriously wrong with the update. I can't even open in safe mode," said "Ghellow," referring to Windows diagnostic mode that's often a last-chance way to boot a PC.
"I am not very happy with Microsoft as I got to work this morning to find my helpdesk flooded with messages that the PC has the famous Blue Screen," said "brawfab."
"I had to go to work and use my Mac to get online to find out what is going on with the XP updates last night," complained "moosewalk" on the same thread. "I am this much closer to switching over to a Mac for good."
Several users posted solutions, but the one laid out by "maxyimus" was marked by a Microsoft support engineer as the way out of the perpetual blue screens. To regain control of their PCs, users were told to boot from their Windows XP installation disc, launch the Recovery Console and enter a series of commands.
Unfortunately, that left netbook users out of luck, since most of the lightweight, inexpensive laptops lack an optical drive, and so can't boot from an XP installation disc. "Are there any fixes for netbooks, or am I essentially screwed for the time being?" asked "HimDen."
Several users tentatively identified the MS10-015 update as the one which triggered the BSOD, and claimed that uninstalling that security fix -- which was labeled as KB977165 -- returned their PC to working condition.MS10-015, one of 13 security updates Microsoft issued Tuesday, patched a 17-year-old kernel bug in all 32-bit versions of Windows.
Here's more
Report Sees More Jobless, Blames Bush
The White House on Thursday provided a bleak economic forecast in an annual report to Congress, predicting high unemployment even as companies stop shedding jobs and blaming the Bush administration for steep federal deficits and for the policies that led to the financial market collapse.
The administration's Council of Economic Advisers said the economy will grow by 3 percent but that the unemployment rate could climb back above the current 9.7 percent rate, reaffirming the somber outlook that accompanied President Obama's fiscal 2011 budget.
In a letter attached to the 462-page report, Mr. Obama touted his efforts to counter the recession, saying last year's stimulus package helped the nation avert an economic catastrophe, and he called for Congress to act on his proposals for a jobs spending bill and an overhaul of the financial regulatory system.
Republicans were quick to criticize the report, which they said contained little substance.
"The Obama administration's report is full of blame for the policies of the past, praise for its own failed policies, and promises about their ideological agenda to grow government. Cutting beyond the fluff, the truth that unemployment won't fall back to its 2008 level for another seven years shows up on page 75," House Republican Whip Eric Cantor said.
Click on the links for today's lineup. Share with someone you love.
Bride and Gloom (1954)
Popeye and Olive Oyl are finally getting married! Olive dreams, and...
L'autre Temps (Other Times) (2001)
It is always hard to write a love letter.
Today's Shorts
Musical short with Carolyn Marsh and Ray Bloch and His Orchestra.
Betty's not that kind of girl. Jimmie's not that kind of guy. And all the kids just want to have fun.
A husband dreams of his wife's peril and she dreams of his impending doom.
Our Double Feature
Made For Each Other (1939)
Young lawyer meets and marries girl after knowing her one day. Takes bride home to meet his mother who disapproves of the marriage. Lawyer thinks everything will be fine as he moves up the ladder of the law firm. He doesn't and things get tough. A baby makes things even tougher. (Jack Pfeifer)
In fifteenth century Paris, Jehan, the evil brother of the archdeacon, plots with the gypsy king to foment a peasant revolt, which eventually leads to the peasants storming the Cathedral of Notre Dame. Meanwhile, Jehan's slave, a freakish hunchback named Quasimodo, falls in love with the young gypsy queen, Esmeralda, who in turn is in love with Phoebus, a gentleman soldier and a rogue with the ladies. Phoebus's gallant side is awakened by the beautiful peasant girl, and he soon returns her love. Unknown to him, his love is dangerous; Jehan lusts for Esmeralda and is willing to kill the handsome soldier to possess her. But the hunchback will tolerate no harm coming to her, even if it comes from his own master. ( J. Spurlin)
CIA Opens Files On Project to Raise Soviet Sub
The CIA for the first time has revealed details about an ultra-secret Cold War-era project to raise a sunken Soviet submarine from the depths of the Pacific Ocean in 1974.
The high-risk salvage operation, code-named "Project Azorian," had been shrouded in secrecy for decades but the spy agency broke its silence in newly declassified documents published Friday by an independent watchdog, the National Security Archive.
The documents, drawn from a 50-page article written for an in-house CIA journal, recount the daring bid approved by then-President Richard Nixon to raise the submarine using a specially designed ship, the Glomar Explorer.
Newspaper articles in 1975 first uncovered the operation but the Central Intelligence Agency initially refused to confirm its existence and had declined requests for information even after the Cold War ended.
"They've been holding on to it for years," John Prados, an author and analyst at the National Security Archive, told AFP.
"The release of this article greatly advances our knowledge of Project Azorian."
The episode began after a Soviet Golf-II submarine, the K-129, sank in 1968 in an accident 1,560 miles northwest of Hawaii, the cause of which remains unclear.
The Soviet sub, which was carrying three ballistic missiles armed with nuclear warheads, offered a potential boon to U.S. intelligence agencies if it could be lifted out off the ocean floor and examined.
[ Editor's note-- In 2005, the investigative book "Red Star Rogue—The Untold Story of a Soviet Submarine's Nuclear Strike Attempt on the U.S." claimed that K-129's captain ventured much further south than its scheduled patrol route, to an area some 300 nautical miles (560 km) north west of Oahu on 7 March 1968, positioning to launch one of her three ballistic missiles in a rogue attack on Pearl Harbor. The manner of the launch was purportedly designed to mimic an attack by a Chinese submarine, with the intention of igniting a war between the U.S. and China.
Red Star Rogue posits that the sinking of K-129 was caused by the explosion of one of the ballistic missiles while it was being readied for launch. It goes on to discuss the insertion of a small secret fail safe circuit that would destroy the warhead in the event of an unauthorized launch by a rogue crew member. John Craven's The Silent War: The Cold War Battle Beneath the Sea (p. 218) supports a similar conclusion. ]
Rock & Roll Revival
Joe,
I feel I have to write you and tell you about the fantastic evening I just spent watching the J.M. Bennett Rock & Roll Revival at Wi Hi. WOW what an amazing amazing amazing show. The talent we have on the Eastern Shore is just above any I have ever seen.
I encourage you to try and get tickets for you to see for yourself. When we have so much said about bad children then I watch this show with all the young talented children it gives me hope for our future. Again wow and I really hope you treat yourself to see this.
Kim
I feel I have to write you and tell you about the fantastic evening I just spent watching the J.M. Bennett Rock & Roll Revival at Wi Hi. WOW what an amazing amazing amazing show. The talent we have on the Eastern Shore is just above any I have ever seen.
I encourage you to try and get tickets for you to see for yourself. When we have so much said about bad children then I watch this show with all the young talented children it gives me hope for our future. Again wow and I really hope you treat yourself to see this.
Kim
Waller Landing
I understand that the Circuit Court has ruled in favor of those who appealed the Waller Landing mega-project in Hebron!
Hebron just can't seem to get basic things done correctly and according to the law!!!!
Saturday, February 13, 2010
POLICE INVESTIGATE SALISBURY HOMICIDE
(Salisbury, MD) – Maryland State Police and the Wicomico Bureau of Investigation are continuing their investigation into the murder of a Salisbury man that occurred last night when suspects entered his home and shot him.
The victim is identified as Gregory J. Wright, 22, of the 900-block of East Booth Street, Salisbury, Md. Wright lived at that address with his girlfriend, her mother, and two children related to his girlfriend’s mother.
The two suspects are described only as African American males, both of whom were said to be wearing dark clothing, gloves, and skull caps. One of the suspects was armed with a handgun. The second suspect did not display a weapon.
Just before 10:00 p.m. yesterday, Maryland State Police at the Salisbury Barracks received a 911 call from the victim’s girlfriend, who reported a shooting had just occurred at her residence. Troopers responded and found the victim deceased in the living room of the home.
Investigators from the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit and the Wicomico Bureau of Investigation responded to the scene, along with a K-9 team and State Police crime scene technicians. The preliminary investigation indicates the victim was sitting in the living room of the row house type apartment, with the four females who live there, when the two suspects entered through the front door.
Investigative information developed at this time reveals the suspect with the handgun fired multiple times at the victim as he sat in a chair. The victim was struck in the upper torso. Both suspects then walked out of the residence, taking the handgun with them. None of the four women in the room were injured.
State Police crime scene technicians continue to process the scene for evidence. Investigators are continuing to contact residents in the area to develop information about the suspects responsible for the murder.
Anyone who may have been in the area of Booth Street and Kenosha Avenue between 8:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. last night is urged to contact police. A reward is being offered by Wicomico County Crime Solvers for information leading to the arrest of one or both of the suspects. Information may be left confidentially by calling 410-548-1776. Maryland State Police at the Salisbury Barracks can be reached at 410-749-3101.
Police: Girl Abducted In Prince George's Co.
PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. (WJZ)
State Police have issued a Maryland Child Amber Alert for a Prince George's County girl.
Police say Karina Garcia, described as being four feet 10 inches tall and 110 pounds, is missing. She was last seen wearing red shirt with yellow stars and blue jeans. Garcia has long, black hair.
She was last seen around 2:00 p.m. in the Prince George's County area. The child is believed to have been abducted.
Police believe Elmer Velaya, 5 feet 5 inches tall and 175 pounds, abducted the girl.
Velaya has barbwire tattoos on both biceps and the letter 'Z' tattooed on his ring finger.
Police says the suspect vehicle is an orange tractor with a flatbed trailer bearing Virginia registration.
Anyone with information is asked to immediately call 911 or Prince George's County Police at 301-772-4901.
4418 Powellville Road Now Cleared
Joe reports by phone from Powellville that
the drive and wheelchair ramp at 4418 Powellville Road
are now cleared for both two wheeled and four wheeled use.
He sounded beat, but says he'll be out and available
for snow clearing assistance for the
handicapped or elderly for about the next hour.
410-430-5349
THANK YOU!!!
Thank you! Two simple words that carry alot of meaning. If you would like to thank someone who helped you during this record setting blizzard, please leave a comment for them.
I would like to thank God for getting my family thru this blizzard without any major problems. I am truly blessed and thankful for the extra time I was able to spend with my family. My brother came and stayed with us for a few days and helped shovel me out. Thanks Ron!
I would like to thank God for getting my family thru this blizzard without any major problems. I am truly blessed and thankful for the extra time I was able to spend with my family. My brother came and stayed with us for a few days and helped shovel me out. Thanks Ron!
Navy SEAL Physical Screening Test - Start Practicing Now
Spec Ops PST
Navy MySpace Video
The Navy SEALs, BUD/S Physical Fitness Test
500 yard swim
minimum=12:30
competitive=8:30
Push ups in 2 minutes
minimum=42
competitive=100
Sit ups in 2 minutes
minimum=52
competitive=100
Pull ups
minimum=8
competitive=20
1.5 mile run
minimum=11:30
competitive=9
Run is done in boots and pants. 10 minutes rest between swim and push ups. 2 minutes rest after push ups. 2 minutes rest after sit ups. 10 minutes rest after pull ups.
Volunteers
I want to start off by thanking all of those who have contacted me referencing helping the elderly. I have received more e-mail replies regarding this request than I ever thought would happen.
Believe it or not, we have yet to receive a request to drive someone to the store. I have received requests to clear some pathways and driveways and while I know many of you have also offered to do some shoveling, besides the Powellville property I believe I have things under control today, so far.
Remember Folks, if you need help just contact me and we'll do all we can to get to your property and help out. That being said, I will be out and about today so comments will not be processed. Updates and Posts will also be delayed.
We also apologize for not having our Show again this week. I'm confident everyone can understand why.
Believe it or not, we have yet to receive a request to drive someone to the store. I have received requests to clear some pathways and driveways and while I know many of you have also offered to do some shoveling, besides the Powellville property I believe I have things under control today, so far.
Remember Folks, if you need help just contact me and we'll do all we can to get to your property and help out. That being said, I will be out and about today so comments will not be processed. Updates and Posts will also be delayed.
We also apologize for not having our Show again this week. I'm confident everyone can understand why.
Race & Gender Of Judges Make Enormous Differences In Rulings, Studies Find
A judge's race or gender makes for a dramatic difference in the outcome of cases they hear—at least for cases in which race and gender allegedly play a role in the conduct of the parties, according to two recent studies.
The results were the focus of a program about “Diversity on the Bench: Is the ‘Wise Latina’ a Myth?,” sponsored by the ABA Judicial Division at the ABA Midyear Meeting in Orlando on Saturday afternoon.
In federal racial harassment cases, one study found that plaintiffs lost just 54 percent of the time when the judge handling the case was an African-American. Yet plaintiffs lost 81 percent of the time when the judge was Hispanic, 79 percent when the judge was white, and 67 percent of the time when the judge was Asian American.
The comprehensive study, by professors from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law and Carnegie Mellon University's Tepper School of Business, examined a random assortment of 40 percent of all reported racial harassment cases from six federal circuits between 1981 and 2003.
A second study looked at 556 federal appellate cases involving allegations of sexual harassment or sex discrimination in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The finding: plaintiffs were at least twice as likely to win if a female judge was on the appellate panel.
Here's more..
How To Melt Ice And Keep Ice From Forming
My husband has been using it this year with great success..........
Remove the lid from a large garden sprayer and fill the tank with 2 to 3 cups of calcium chloride granules. Calcium chloride is a salt that can be purchased at most automotive stores.
Pour hot water into the garden sprayer tank at a ratio of 2 cups of water for every 1 cup of calcium chloride. Make sure the water is hot, but not boiling so that it can thoroughly dissolve the calcium chloride granules.
Place the top back on the garden sprayer until it is secure.
Shake the garden sprayer gently for 30 to 60 seconds to further dissolve the calcium chloride into the water.
Spray a light layer of the liquid de-icer over icy surfaces such as sidewalks, stairs or streets. The liquid de-icer can also be sprayed onto surfaces before a storm to prevent ice from forming.
Remove the lid from a large garden sprayer and fill the tank with 2 to 3 cups of calcium chloride granules. Calcium chloride is a salt that can be purchased at most automotive stores.
Pour hot water into the garden sprayer tank at a ratio of 2 cups of water for every 1 cup of calcium chloride. Make sure the water is hot, but not boiling so that it can thoroughly dissolve the calcium chloride granules.
Place the top back on the garden sprayer until it is secure.
Shake the garden sprayer gently for 30 to 60 seconds to further dissolve the calcium chloride into the water.
Spray a light layer of the liquid de-icer over icy surfaces such as sidewalks, stairs or streets. The liquid de-icer can also be sprayed onto surfaces before a storm to prevent ice from forming.
Elderly Woman In Powellville Needs Help
Hey Mr Albero,
I just wanted to ask if you or any of your "snow help" would be in the powellville area tomorrow if they could stop by my mothers house. Her name is Betty Lewis. She is 75 and her driveway is in horrendous condition. My father is currently going through rehab at Genesis after a seizure.
We were snowed in apart from each other this last snow. I went to help her out today and on Mt Hermon Road my blazer broke down. Well a busted fuel pump, distributor cap, and serpentine belt later my truck was towed to the shop and by the time I got to her to help her......I could only shovel so much before nightfall. Her address is 4418 Powellville Road in Powellville.....If you know of anyone in the area please let them know.....I will be heading back down there tomorrow so hopefully I can make a dent in it myself....Thanks
Editors Note: I received this message last night and will be in the Salisbury area this morning. If you live in the Powellville area and can lend a helping hand, great. If not, I will do my best to be there some time later today.
I just wanted to ask if you or any of your "snow help" would be in the powellville area tomorrow if they could stop by my mothers house. Her name is Betty Lewis. She is 75 and her driveway is in horrendous condition. My father is currently going through rehab at Genesis after a seizure.
We were snowed in apart from each other this last snow. I went to help her out today and on Mt Hermon Road my blazer broke down. Well a busted fuel pump, distributor cap, and serpentine belt later my truck was towed to the shop and by the time I got to her to help her......I could only shovel so much before nightfall. Her address is 4418 Powellville Road in Powellville.....If you know of anyone in the area please let them know.....I will be heading back down there tomorrow so hopefully I can make a dent in it myself....Thanks
Editors Note: I received this message last night and will be in the Salisbury area this morning. If you live in the Powellville area and can lend a helping hand, great. If not, I will do my best to be there some time later today.
Poll: Only 8 Percent Support Incumbents
Only eight percent (8%) of adults would reelect incumbent lawmakers, according to the latest CBS News/New York Times poll.
Eighty-one percent of respondents said that they would vote senators and congressmen out of office.
The poll, which was taken Feb. 5-10, comes about nine months before voters take to the polls in the 2010 midterm elections. The numbers underscore the high anti-incumbent sentiment heading into the election season, spelling danger for the large Democratic majorities in Congress.
The 8 percent figure is the lowest support incumbents have received since the poll started asking the question in 1992.
What's Good For The Goose...
The Texas State Legislature votes. This clip is a couple of years old, but the rules haven't changed. And, according to reports, neither has the blanket violation of the rules.
Hi Joe,
The week of the first snow storm , my daughter in law sent to youu a picture of kitten that showed up under our house of which we took in . No one has claim the kitten so my granddaughter decide in her 5 yr old mind that it was now her. We have two other cats of which they rule house and so far they don't like kitten but has agreed to let it at least stay as long as not to close. we took him to pets mart vet due to not sure if we could get him into ours on short notice cause he had a very bad cold. i was shocked. Oh they saw him but I got to tell you they are not cheap. And will try to sell you everything they can. But I understand retail business. Well to his name is now Tigerray. He is a very loving kitty, and just beautiful and a great addition to our home. Thanks you for trying and he's happy . Terrie
The week of the first snow storm , my daughter in law sent to youu a picture of kitten that showed up under our house of which we took in . No one has claim the kitten so my granddaughter decide in her 5 yr old mind that it was now her. We have two other cats of which they rule house and so far they don't like kitten but has agreed to let it at least stay as long as not to close. we took him to pets mart vet due to not sure if we could get him into ours on short notice cause he had a very bad cold. i was shocked. Oh they saw him but I got to tell you they are not cheap. And will try to sell you everything they can. But I understand retail business. Well to his name is now Tigerray. He is a very loving kitty, and just beautiful and a great addition to our home. Thanks you for trying and he's happy . Terrie
HISTORICAL COMMENTS BY GEORGE CHEVALLIER
A SHORT SYNOPSIS OF THE HISTORY OF POSTCARDS
Chronological history of postcards in the United States
1861 - The first copyright for a postcard was issued in the United States
1873 - First government postcard was issued in the United States
Postage was printed on the card by the government.
1898 - First private postcards allowed in the United States
Cards could be printed by private printers and publishers.
1898-1907 - Address only allowed on one side of card
Any message had to be written on the side with the picture.
1907 - Divided backs allowed by Post Office
With the address required on the right side of the card, the
left side was open for any message to be sent. The other
side of the card now had an undisturbed picture.
1916-1930 - White border cards
Since most cards printed before 1916 were printed in Germany,
the advent of World War I precipitated negative feelings toward
that country and the printers wanted their customers to know
that the cards were produced in the United States. So they put
a ¼ inch white border around the picture on the postcard.
This also used less ink and saved the printer money.
1930-1945 - Linen cards used
The finish on these cards has the appearance of linen cloth.
1945 - Modern chrome era begins
These cards have a glossy finish and appear as a photograph.
Dating postcards – sometimes you can date a postcard if you know when the postal rates changed. Postcard collectors should keep this table handy.
1872 1 cent 1959 3 cents 1978 10 cents
1917 2 cents 1963 4 cents 1981 12 cents
1919 1 cent 1968 5 cents 1981 13 cents
1925 2 cents 1971 6 cents 1985 14 cents
1928 1 cent 1973 8 cents 1988 15 cents
1952 2 cents 1975 7 cents 1991 19 cents
1976 9 cents
Postcards have been made from many materials other than paper over the years. These materials include leather, metal, wood and often included the addition of pieces of other materials such as fur, feathers, hair or cloth in their construction. The modern Post Office either forbids or discourages the use of these non-standard cards.
The very best cards are what are known as “real photo” cards. These are made from actual photographs and are printed in very limited quantities due to the subject matter. Most of them are of someone’s relatives or an event of some significance. Anyone having one of these should write the name of the pictured party on the reverse in light pencil. Many can be found amongst old family pictures. Today these are rare and can be quite costly to obtain due to the nature of the subject matter if it is of local interest. The following is a chart for identifying and dating real photo postcards.
PAPER DATES NOTES
AGFA ANSCO 1930’s-1940’s
ANSCO 1940’s-1960 Two stars top and bottom
ARGO 1905-1920
ARTURA 1910-1924
AZO SQUARE 1927-1940’s Squares in corners
AZO TRI 1 1904-1918 Four triangles pointed up
AZO TRI 2 1918-1930 Triangles: 2-up, 2 down
CYKO 1904-1920’s
DEFENDER 1 1910-1920 Diamond above and below
DEFENDER 2 1920-1940 Diamond inside
DOPS 1937-1942
EKC 1945-1950
EKKP 1904-1950
EKO 1942-1970
KODAK 1950-
KRUXO 1907-1920’s
NOKO 1907-1920’s
PMO 1907-1915
SOLIO 1903-1920’s
VELOX 1901-1920
VITAVA 1925-1934
There are many categories to collect – holidays, patriotics, and just about any subject you can think about – but what are known as “local views” are the most popular because it is a wonderful method of collecting a pictorial history of a certain geographical area.
Before the age of local views, many collectors collected post marks. The Post Offices in Wicomico County were located at Allen, Athol, Barren Creek Springs, Bivalve, Capitola, Collins Wharf, Fruitland, New Hope, Nanticoke, Pittsville, Parsonsburg, Powellville, Riverton, Salisbury, Sharptown, Twilley, Tyaskin, Walston, Wanamaker, Wango, Whayland, White Haven and Whiton.
$1,000,000 Set-aside For African American Heritage Preservation Program
Joe:
Sometimes life amazes me. What possible significance could this have on anything.
Surely - our politicians can find better things to do with our taxpayers time and money.
http://mlis.state.md.us/2010rs/billfile/HB0915.htm
Sometimes life amazes me. What possible significance could this have on anything.
Surely - our politicians can find better things to do with our taxpayers time and money.
http://mlis.state.md.us/2010rs/billfile/HB0915.htm
White House Sends Out Invites For 'Health Summit'
In a make or break move, President Barack Obama on Friday challenged three dozen Republicans and Democrats to participate in a one-of-a-kind televised summit this month to thrash out a deal on health care.
House Republicans immediately greeted the invite to the Feb. 25 event with derision, casting doubt on whether it would yield any bipartisan agreement to extend coverage to millions of Americans and rein in medical costs. "We need answers before we know if the White House is more interested in partisan theater than in facilitating a productive dialogue about solutions," said Kevin Smith, a spokesman for House Republican leader John Boehner of Ohio.
But Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., was more receptive, saying he would work with the White House "to maximize the effectiveness of the meeting."
The summit is considered a last, best attempt to revive Obama's yearlong quest, now stalled after Democrats lost their filibuster-proof Senate majority. Yet since Obama proposed the summit last weekend, Republicans and Democrats have voiced skepticism, with some in the GOP wondering if it would be nothing but a spectacle that could benefit the president at their expense.
By presiding over a meeting with three dozen lawmakers trying to get a word in edgewise, Obama may be able to dominate the conversation and the visual images. That's what many Democrats say he did at a Jan. 29 session when he faced a roomful of GOP House members in Baltimore, controlling the microphone for much of the event.
Read more here
Obama May Use Executive Orders To Accomplish Agenda
Frustrated by his inability to advance his agenda in Congress, President Barack Obama is hoping to use executive powers to accomplish some of his policy goals.
“We are reviewing a list of presidential executive orders and directives to get the job done across a front of issues,” Rahm Emanuel, the White House chief of staff, told The New York Times.
According to the Times, Obama aims to skirt the legislative process on energy, environmental, fiscal and other domestic issues.
Wicomico County Sheriff's Office Press Release
Incident: Robbery
Date of Incident: 10 February 2010
Location: 1200 block of Nanticoke Road, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Ronald L. Reed, 45, Salisbury, MD
Narrative: On 10 February 2010 at deputy on patrol came across an altercation occurring in the roadway between occupants of two vehicles in the 1200 block of Nanticoke Road. The deputy stopped and observed that one of the subjects, Ronald L. Reed was yelling at another subject over money owed to Reed. The deputy observed that Reed’s loud behavior was creating a disturbance to patrons at nearby businesses. Upon speaking to all parties involved, the deputy learned that Reed confronted the other subject in the roadway over the money then proceeded to forcibly remove a pair of boots and eyeglasses from the subject. Reed also took a cell phone from the subject. Reed informed the deputy that he intended to keep the items until the money owed him was paid.
The deputy placed Reed under arrest for Robbery and transported him to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, Reed was detained by the Commissioner in the Detention Center in lieu of $30,000.00 bond.
Charges: Robbery
Theft
Assault
Disorderly Conduct
Brooke Mulford Update
I am beginning this entry on such a sad note. Erik Ludwinski, who was such an inspiration to so many Neuroblastoma parents and warriors, passed away on Tuesday from Neuroblastoma at 25 years old. Erik was first diagnosed at age 6 and relapsed at age 20. Erik was an amazing young man whose strength, courage and faith were truly inspiring. He was a voice for all our little warriors battling this awful disease. I had the great pleasure and honor of meeting Erik and his equally inspiring mother, Donna, at clinic just a few months ago. My heart aches for his family and friends…please pray for them.
Brooke started with the IL2 and Antibodies yesterday morning. Crazy mood swings were pretty much the only issues while she was awake. Last night on two occasions she had a low grade fever (100.9). If she has 3 low grades (100.4) over a 24 hr period or spikes 101.4 or more than blood cultures are taken and she starts on 3 antibiotics. Earlier tonight she had her third low grade so everything has started. Her blood pressure is on the low side again (80’s/30’s) so doctors have been in to check on her and a fluid bolus was given. Her pulsox was dropping as well into the high 80’s and a respiratory therapist has come into evaluate her. So far not a huge concern but she is being monitored closely.
We are so blessed to be here at CHOP. The doctors, nurses and support staff are so dedicated and caring. During the snow storm many stayed as many as 3 nights here at the hospital. God certainly led us to the best possible place last January. I have met 2 more NB kids and families over the past couple of days, Robyn and Elizabeth. Robyn and her family came here from England to be able to get the IL2 & Antibodies and will be living at CHOP and The Ronald McDonald House (in between treatments) for 5 months! Elizabeth will soon be having her stem cell transplant. Please include them in your prayers as well.
When it seems rough being snowed in for a couple days and you think you’re going stir crazy, just think about what it must be like for these kids to be essentially isolated for months-years from family, friends and the outside world. WE NEED TO FIND A CURE NOW! Give these kids their childhoods back…
God Bless,
Amy
Brooke started with the IL2 and Antibodies yesterday morning. Crazy mood swings were pretty much the only issues while she was awake. Last night on two occasions she had a low grade fever (100.9). If she has 3 low grades (100.4) over a 24 hr period or spikes 101.4 or more than blood cultures are taken and she starts on 3 antibiotics. Earlier tonight she had her third low grade so everything has started. Her blood pressure is on the low side again (80’s/30’s) so doctors have been in to check on her and a fluid bolus was given. Her pulsox was dropping as well into the high 80’s and a respiratory therapist has come into evaluate her. So far not a huge concern but she is being monitored closely.
We are so blessed to be here at CHOP. The doctors, nurses and support staff are so dedicated and caring. During the snow storm many stayed as many as 3 nights here at the hospital. God certainly led us to the best possible place last January. I have met 2 more NB kids and families over the past couple of days, Robyn and Elizabeth. Robyn and her family came here from England to be able to get the IL2 & Antibodies and will be living at CHOP and The Ronald McDonald House (in between treatments) for 5 months! Elizabeth will soon be having her stem cell transplant. Please include them in your prayers as well.
When it seems rough being snowed in for a couple days and you think you’re going stir crazy, just think about what it must be like for these kids to be essentially isolated for months-years from family, friends and the outside world. WE NEED TO FIND A CURE NOW! Give these kids their childhoods back…
God Bless,
Amy
Americans To Congress: Tear Up This Health Care Plan!
Washington, Feb 12 - “Is it better to build on the health care plan that has been working its way through the House and Senate, or should Congress scrap that plan and start all over again?”
28% Build on the health care plan that has been working its way through the House & Senate
61% Congress should scrap that plan and start all over again
11% Not sure
(Rasmussen Reports; conducted February 9-10, 2010; Survey of 1,000 Likely Voters Nationwide)
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In an op-ed Friday, Rep. Tom Price, R-Ga., a physician and head of the Republican Study Committee, derided the summit as "simply an attempt by the president to use the White House as a political tool to intimidate his way into a government takeover of health care. The American people and Republicans in Congress will not be taken by this Chicago-style politics."
"It appears our 'pragmatic' president still hasn't gotten the message and remains immovably wedded to the plans already passed in the House and Senate," Price wrote.
In a letter to the top congressional Democrats, the House's leading Republicans criticized the ongoing Democratic negotiations.
"The existence of any kind of backroom health care deal among the White House and Democratic Leaders would certainly make a mockery of the president's stated desire to have a 'bipartisan' and 'transparent' dialogue on this issue," wrote Reps. John Boehner of Ohio, Eric Cantor of Virginia and Mike Pence of Indiana.
The No. 2 Democrat in the House said Friday that a dispute over how to pay for President Barack Obama's sweeping healthcare overhaul is holding up a deal between House and Senate Democrats, one of several stumbling blocks to reviving the legislation.
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., said Friday that he was hopeful although he didn't sound overly optimistic in an interview with Maryland reporters in Annapolis.
"I think we certainly have a framework of a basis for an agreement between the two houses but we haven't gotten there yet," Hoyer said.
"It's going to be tough and we'll have to see," he said.
"Some pay-fors in the Senate bill are very controversial as you know, and some of our pay-fors are very controversial," Hoyer said.
Nonetheless, he said, "We believe that there are a majority of votes in the United States Senate to pass an agreed-upon version between the Senate and the House and we're working on that."
More
Fatal Shooting
"The guy that was shot and killed was a friend who I graduated high school with. We graduated from Parkside High school in 2005. He was a sweet guy. I can only assume that he got caught up in the wrong crowd or was in the wrong place at the wrong time. He was sweet and lovable, like a big teddy bear :'-( His birthday was coming up on Sunday....Vday..... Just thought I would give you a little insight on who he was!"
Delmar Laundry Mat
Joe,
I have a few people that I know go into the Delmar laundry mat on the Delaware side...the one next to the church on bi state. And they are starting to notice that something is just not right. When they used to do there laundry there they would get more water in there washers to clean there clothes. Now you cant even see the water and some of them are still dry when you pull them out of the washer!! If you could maybe see if anyone has had these problems as well and see if there is anything we can do to get this fixed right. They say that there is man there that goes in and it looks like he is fixing the washers but I think they are charging the customers and not giving them what they are supposed to. It is crazy how do you put laundry in a washer and then have it come out and it is still dry or still very dirty!! I have heard to much and it is time to do something so us good Delmar people stop getting ripped off!!! Can you help us!!!
I have a few people that I know go into the Delmar laundry mat on the Delaware side...the one next to the church on bi state. And they are starting to notice that something is just not right. When they used to do there laundry there they would get more water in there washers to clean there clothes. Now you cant even see the water and some of them are still dry when you pull them out of the washer!! If you could maybe see if anyone has had these problems as well and see if there is anything we can do to get this fixed right. They say that there is man there that goes in and it looks like he is fixing the washers but I think they are charging the customers and not giving them what they are supposed to. It is crazy how do you put laundry in a washer and then have it come out and it is still dry or still very dirty!! I have heard to much and it is time to do something so us good Delmar people stop getting ripped off!!! Can you help us!!!
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