Increasingly lax office culture means we have not two wardrobes—work and play—but one. Is anything allowed at work?
When Emily Birch got dressed for work on a recent Monday morning, she didn’t plug in the iron, and she didn’t pull out a can of starch. She didn’t even scrounge for a lint roller. Birch, 46, hopped out of bed and donned the first thing she could find. “An ancient old tie-dyed T shirt and a pair of army shorts,” she says, laughing. “I just sort of threw on clothes.” Thusly prepped, she ate breakfast and went into the office—by walking into the next room.
As a Pennsylvania-based editor for a California publishing company, Birch is one of the country’s growing number of telecommuters. For her, “going into work” is walking over from her bedroom into her home office, where she sometimes checks e-mail in her pajamas. “I’m spending way less money on clothes, because I’m not dressing up for other people,” she says.
Telecommuting is changing our culture—and so are the fields we’re choosing to work in, from near or far. The Department of Labor calls computer-systems design and related services “among the fastest growing industries in the economy,” and says sectors software engineering and data systems are the most likely to surge over the next five years—jobs you can do from anywhere, no-suit-required.
But what happens when it’s time to head back into the office or to a client meeting? With an estimated 2 million American businesses equipped to allow workers to telecommute, possibly in their PJs or T’s, will business-casual dress codes devolve into a whatever-goes attitude?
GO HERE to read more.
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Friday, June 25, 2010
Tabloid: Gore Masseuse Asked For $1 Million
Cops say there was insufficient evidence to launch probe into sex allegation
The executive editor of the National Enquirer says that the Oregon masseuse who made a sexual assault allegation against Al Gore asked the tabloid for $1 million but that the Enquirer did not pay her or anyone else in reporting the story.
Barry Levine said in an interview Thursday that the woman offered to sell her account through her lawyer but that "no money exchanged hands" and the paper conducted only a brief interview with her.
Levine also acknowledged that the Enquirer did not call Gore's office for comment "for competitive reasons" out of concern that the former vice president would issue a statement and the paper would lose the exclusive in the two days before it reached newsstands. Gore spokeswoman Kalee Kreider confirmed that the paper made no such attempt but declined further comment.
GO HERE to read more.
The executive editor of the National Enquirer says that the Oregon masseuse who made a sexual assault allegation against Al Gore asked the tabloid for $1 million but that the Enquirer did not pay her or anyone else in reporting the story.
Barry Levine said in an interview Thursday that the woman offered to sell her account through her lawyer but that "no money exchanged hands" and the paper conducted only a brief interview with her.
Levine also acknowledged that the Enquirer did not call Gore's office for comment "for competitive reasons" out of concern that the former vice president would issue a statement and the paper would lose the exclusive in the two days before it reached newsstands. Gore spokeswoman Kalee Kreider confirmed that the paper made no such attempt but declined further comment.
GO HERE to read more.
USA Today Poll On Gun Ownership
Obama's new Attorney General, Eric Holder, has already said this is one of his major issues. He does not believe the 2ndAmendment gives individuals the right to bear arms.
This takes literally 2 clicks to complete. Please vote on this gun issue question with USA Today. It will only take a few seconds of your time.
Then pass the link on to all the pro gun folks you know.
Hopefully these results will be published later this month. This upcoming year will become critical for gun owners with the Supreme Court's accepting the District of Columbia case against the right for individuals to bear arms.
Here's what you need to do:
First - vote on this one.
Second - launch it to other folks and have THEM vote - then we will see if the results get published.
The Question is:
"Does the Second Amendment give individuals the right to bear arms?"
Click on the link below and PLEASE vote Yes!
Eric Wargotz
Addresses Federal Fiscal Irresponsibility including Deficit Spending, Bailouts and Earmarks
Centreville, MD Eric Wargotz, an elected member of the Queens Anne’s County Board of Commissioners and a candidate for US Senate from Maryland released the fourth of the campaign’s, “Eric on the Issues” radio ads, which are airing on talk radio stations around the state. Wargotz is seeking the Republican nomination for the seat currently held by four term incumbent Senator, Barbara Mikulski.
In the spot (click here) titled, “Jobs, Jobs, Jobs…,” Wargotz, the manager of a medical practice (and someone who has actually created jobs) says, "I know first hand the detrimental affect that over regulation and an oppressive tax bourdon have on job creation."
Wargotz points out that job creators have options, a reality which appears to be lost on the incumbent. Washington’s “where they going to go?” attitude has been answered. India and China are now home to our entry level service sector jobs, while our unemployment rate skyrockets, he continues. To make matters worse, we are racking up massive debt, and handing the bill to our children.
In the 60 second ad, Commissioner Wargotz promises, "As your US Senator, I will work to institute fiscal discipline in Washington, voting against non-emergency deficit spending, bailouts and pork barrel earmarks which buy votes today and are paid by our children."
MIke Castle Sides With Democrats Against Delaware
Mike Castle Votes to Silence Delaware
Sides with Democrates to Pass Disclose Act
Congressman Mike Castle (R) from Delaware was one of only two Republicans to vote with the Democrates to pass the Disclose Act H.R. 5175.
It may be time for this veteran politican to retire or change parties. His support of H.R. 5175 shows his total disregard for local grassroots organizations while endorsing the generously and often questionably funded union coffers that are the lifeblood of the Democratic party. The rank and file most times have no choice in candidates financed by the union nor the ' mandatory' donations derived from union dues. Mike Castle no longer speaks for Delaware and may need to adjust his party loyalities.
Sides with Democrates to Pass Disclose Act
Congressman Mike Castle (R) from Delaware was one of only two Republicans to vote with the Democrates to pass the Disclose Act H.R. 5175.
It may be time for this veteran politican to retire or change parties. His support of H.R. 5175 shows his total disregard for local grassroots organizations while endorsing the generously and often questionably funded union coffers that are the lifeblood of the Democratic party. The rank and file most times have no choice in candidates financed by the union nor the ' mandatory' donations derived from union dues. Mike Castle no longer speaks for Delaware and may need to adjust his party loyalities.
Mills Files To Make Race Official
Dustin Mills officially filed to run today at the State Board of Elections, as he filed to run as a Republican for the House of Delegates seat in District 37A. “I am already overwhelmed with the amount of support I am receiving. I am humbled and honored that so many people have expressed their gratitude to me after hearing I was running,” said Mills. “I want to thank all those who have already given me their support and I look forward to great debate about the issues.”
Mills has filed to run against Rudy Cane, a 12 year incumbent. Mills states: “I think I present a unique set of ideas that will truly represent the District. We need someone up in Annapolis who remembers the voters and will do the people’s business, not merely be a mouthpiece for Democratic leadership that has supported failed policies.”
First Red Panda Born At National Zoo In 15 Years
WASHINGTON - A red panda cub has been born at the National Zoo in Washington for the first time in 15 years.
The zoo says Thursday that red panda mother Shama gave birth to a single cub on June 16. The father is 3-year-old Tate, who came to Washington last year from the Nashville Zoo.
The zoo has temporarily closed the red panda exhibit to give the mother and cub privacy. Until it reopens, visitors may be able to get a glimpse from the upper viewing area on the Asia Trail.
GO HERE to read more.
The zoo says Thursday that red panda mother Shama gave birth to a single cub on June 16. The father is 3-year-old Tate, who came to Washington last year from the Nashville Zoo.
The zoo has temporarily closed the red panda exhibit to give the mother and cub privacy. Until it reopens, visitors may be able to get a glimpse from the upper viewing area on the Asia Trail.
GO HERE to read more.
In A Book Slump? Here Are Hot Picks For Summer
Stumped about what to read this summer as you relax on a sunny deck or board a flight for your long-awaited vacation? Not to worry! Read on for summer reading recommendations from three authors who really know books.
Book picks from Paula Froelich
"Sex and the City" by Candace Bushnell. The one that started it all. So different from the show but brilliantly written — and it really captures New York women. It's like a time capsule.
"The Spellmans Strike Again" by Lisa Lutz. The Spellmans are the weirdest family — and so fabulous because they're just like mine! Just kidding. This is the latest in the Spellmans series and I seriously bite my nails until the next one comes out. It can put you in a good mood instantly.
"Fly Away Home" by Jennifer Weiner. Jen just writes the way we speak. The people in her books aren't perfect, skinny or fabulous. They're real. And this book — about a marriage falling apart in the headlines — well, hello Tipper!
"The Rehearsal" by Eleanor Catton. OK, I LOVE a debut novel, and this one rocks. Drama and teenagers ... is there anything more interesting?
"Bridget Jones's Diary" by Helen Fielding. Even after all these years I read it again and still laugh my butt off. It just never gets old.
Source
Book picks from Paula Froelich
"Sex and the City" by Candace Bushnell. The one that started it all. So different from the show but brilliantly written — and it really captures New York women. It's like a time capsule.
"The Spellmans Strike Again" by Lisa Lutz. The Spellmans are the weirdest family — and so fabulous because they're just like mine! Just kidding. This is the latest in the Spellmans series and I seriously bite my nails until the next one comes out. It can put you in a good mood instantly.
"Fly Away Home" by Jennifer Weiner. Jen just writes the way we speak. The people in her books aren't perfect, skinny or fabulous. They're real. And this book — about a marriage falling apart in the headlines — well, hello Tipper!
"The Rehearsal" by Eleanor Catton. OK, I LOVE a debut novel, and this one rocks. Drama and teenagers ... is there anything more interesting?
"Bridget Jones's Diary" by Helen Fielding. Even after all these years I read it again and still laugh my butt off. It just never gets old.
Source
US Warns Lebanon: Don't Send Flotilla To Gaza
The United States has warned Lebanon to steer clear of the current effort by various elements to escalate tensions with Israel by attempting to violate its maritime sovereignty over Gaza waters.
In a statement issued Wednesday, the U.S. State Department urged Lebanon to “behave responsibly” and not to try to send aid to the Hamas terrorist-ruled Gaza region by sea.
Instead, organizers who are planning an “aid flotilla” similar to the one sponsored last month by the terror-linked Turkish organization IHH, were told to send their aid via the approved overland routes.
The Beirut-based group said that one of the two boats it plans to send to Gaza from Lebanon has already received approval from the government to set sail for Cyprus.
In order to reach Gaza, however, the boats must also receive approval from the Cypriot authorities prior to departure from their local port. But organizers said they might avoid this problem by simply changing course on their way to Cyprus and heading directly for Gaza.
“Direct delivery by sea is neither appropriate nor responsible, and certainly not effective under the circumstances,” the U.S. statement said. “We, along with our partners in the Quartet, urge all those wishing to deliver goods to do so through established channels so that their cargo can be inspected and transferred via land crossings into Gaza.”
The Quartet – comprised of the United States, Russia, the European Union and the United Nations – has repeatedly called on Hamas to officially recognize Israel's right to exist, renounce violence and uphold prior agreements.
“There is no need for unnecessary confrontations, and we, along with our partners in the Quartet, call on all parties to act responsibly in meeting the needs of the people of Gaza,” the statement continued.
More
In a statement issued Wednesday, the U.S. State Department urged Lebanon to “behave responsibly” and not to try to send aid to the Hamas terrorist-ruled Gaza region by sea.
Instead, organizers who are planning an “aid flotilla” similar to the one sponsored last month by the terror-linked Turkish organization IHH, were told to send their aid via the approved overland routes.
The Beirut-based group said that one of the two boats it plans to send to Gaza from Lebanon has already received approval from the government to set sail for Cyprus.
In order to reach Gaza, however, the boats must also receive approval from the Cypriot authorities prior to departure from their local port. But organizers said they might avoid this problem by simply changing course on their way to Cyprus and heading directly for Gaza.
“Direct delivery by sea is neither appropriate nor responsible, and certainly not effective under the circumstances,” the U.S. statement said. “We, along with our partners in the Quartet, urge all those wishing to deliver goods to do so through established channels so that their cargo can be inspected and transferred via land crossings into Gaza.”
The Quartet – comprised of the United States, Russia, the European Union and the United Nations – has repeatedly called on Hamas to officially recognize Israel's right to exist, renounce violence and uphold prior agreements.
“There is no need for unnecessary confrontations, and we, along with our partners in the Quartet, call on all parties to act responsibly in meeting the needs of the people of Gaza,” the statement continued.
More
Obama, Medvedev Reach Deal On U.S. Poultry Exports
U.S. President Barack Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev agreed on Thursday to allow U.S. companies to restart exports of poultry to Russia as the two leaders found common ground on trade and investment.
Speaking to reporters after talks with his Russian counterpart, Obama said the United States supported Moscow's bid to join the World Trade Organization and both leaders said they hoped to have technical issues that have stymied that effort resolved by the fall.
"To deepen Russia's integration into the global economy, I reaffirmed our strong commitment to Russia's ascension to the World Trade Organization," Obama said. "Today, we've reached an agreement that will allow the United States to begin exporting our poultry products to Russia once again."
Obama is keen to bolster meager trade and investment with Russia as a way to take its relationship with Moscow to a new level after gaining Kremlin support over Afghanistan, Iran sanctions and a landmark nuclear arms reduction treaty.
Chicken became the two leaders' latest area of agreement.
Russia had been the largest overseas buyer of U.S. chicken, but banned the meat earlier this year, claiming a chlorine rinse used here violated its food safety rules.
Shares of top U.S. chicken producers Tyson Foods Inc, Pilgrim's Pride Corp and Sanderson Farms Inc turned higher after the announcement.
The Obama administration has tried to engage the Kremlin in warmer relations since taking office 18 months ago, after relations between Washington and Moscow had deteriorated, especially after Russia's 2008 invasion of Georgia.
The two leaders acknowledged continued differences on the Georgia issue but found some common ground over the need to quell violence in Kyrgyzstan. Medvedev said Russia had no plans to send peace-keeping troops to the Central Asian country.
GO HERE to read more.
Friday Is Take Your Dog To Work Day
Now he’ll be the office’s best friend too
Share Fido! Friday is Take Your Dog to Work Day
Share Fido! Friday is Take Your Dog to Work Day
LOS ANGELES - Bob Page will welcome more than 50 dogs, two ferrets and the odd duck into his china shop on Friday. Lucky for him, his employees don't own bulls.
Friday is Take Your Dog to Work Day, a campaign sponsored by Pet Sitters International to promote pet adoption. The group doesn't track how many workplaces participate, but said in the months leading up to it last year, nearly 100,000 people visited takeyourdog.com.
Page's company, Replacements, Ltd., in Greensboro, N.C., is the world's largest retailer of old and new china, crystal, silver and collectibles. And while the four-legged turnout will be bigger on Friday, it won't be that much different than any other day because employees at his plant are encouraged to bring pets every day.
GO HERE to read more.
The Background Check On Obama That The U.S. Media Neglected To Do
[The following is based on an article by Cliff Kincaid for Accuracy in Media.]
In a Father’s Day column attacking Rush Limbaugh, Newt Gingrich and Sarah Palin, Colbert King of the Washington Post presents President Obama as a good family man who has been married to one woman and whose mother raised him to believe in “hard work and education.” Since King has brought up the topic of Obama’s upbringing, it is important to set the record straight. Communist Party member Frank Marshall Davis was a sex pervert who mentored Obama during his growing-up years in Hawaii and became his substitute father.
Obama’s father abandoned the family and his mother, Stanley Ann Dunham, raised him only with the help of his grandparents. His grandfather, Stanley Armour Dunham, had selected Davis to be a mentor to a young Obama before he went off to college. Davis, described only as “Frank” in Obama’s memoir, Dreams from My Father, was a major influence over Obama for eight years of his life. He operated as a journalist, first in Chicago, where he came into contact with Obama associate Valerie Jarrett’s former father-in-law, and then Hawaii, where he wrote for a Communist Party-sponsored newspaper financed by a communist-controlled labor union.
Professor Paul Kengor wrote a column shortly after the 2008 election which analyzed some of Davis’s writings and whether they were echoed in Barack Obama’s views on economic matters.
In a Davis piece, “Free Enterprise or Socialism?,” Kengor noted that “Davis hoped that America and its economy were at a turning point, as if a kind of perfect storm was brewing that could at last allow him and his comrades to realize their dreams of a socialist America. They would need to trash the current free-enterprise system and argue for a change to something else. Of course, they could not fully disclose themselves, their beliefs, and their intentions, although any thinking observer could easily read between the lines. The key was to gain the support of the people who didn’t know any difference.”
Bringing this topic up to date, businessman Pieter Samara has just written an article, originally posted at Accuracy in Media, asserting that Obama’s response to the Gulf oil spill crisis is not bad management or incompetence but a deliberate policy of making the crisis and devastation worse in order to usher in more federal control of the U.S. economy. Samara contends that Obama’s agenda of socialism explains why he failed to work with BP to get the oil spill cleaned up, using proven technologies and offers of help from other countries.
In a Father’s Day column attacking Rush Limbaugh, Newt Gingrich and Sarah Palin, Colbert King of the Washington Post presents President Obama as a good family man who has been married to one woman and whose mother raised him to believe in “hard work and education.” Since King has brought up the topic of Obama’s upbringing, it is important to set the record straight. Communist Party member Frank Marshall Davis was a sex pervert who mentored Obama during his growing-up years in Hawaii and became his substitute father.
Obama’s father abandoned the family and his mother, Stanley Ann Dunham, raised him only with the help of his grandparents. His grandfather, Stanley Armour Dunham, had selected Davis to be a mentor to a young Obama before he went off to college. Davis, described only as “Frank” in Obama’s memoir, Dreams from My Father, was a major influence over Obama for eight years of his life. He operated as a journalist, first in Chicago, where he came into contact with Obama associate Valerie Jarrett’s former father-in-law, and then Hawaii, where he wrote for a Communist Party-sponsored newspaper financed by a communist-controlled labor union.
Professor Paul Kengor wrote a column shortly after the 2008 election which analyzed some of Davis’s writings and whether they were echoed in Barack Obama’s views on economic matters.
In a Davis piece, “Free Enterprise or Socialism?,” Kengor noted that “Davis hoped that America and its economy were at a turning point, as if a kind of perfect storm was brewing that could at last allow him and his comrades to realize their dreams of a socialist America. They would need to trash the current free-enterprise system and argue for a change to something else. Of course, they could not fully disclose themselves, their beliefs, and their intentions, although any thinking observer could easily read between the lines. The key was to gain the support of the people who didn’t know any difference.”
Bringing this topic up to date, businessman Pieter Samara has just written an article, originally posted at Accuracy in Media, asserting that Obama’s response to the Gulf oil spill crisis is not bad management or incompetence but a deliberate policy of making the crisis and devastation worse in order to usher in more federal control of the U.S. economy. Samara contends that Obama’s agenda of socialism explains why he failed to work with BP to get the oil spill cleaned up, using proven technologies and offers of help from other countries.
House Passes Campaign Bill Backed By Democrats
Four months before midterm elections, the Democratic-controlled House approved new limitations on the political activity of outside interest groups Thursday after carving out exemptions that benefit the National Rifle Association as well as labor unions and numerous federal contractors.
The vote was 219-206 on the legislation that Democrats trumpeted as a move to bring fuller disclosure to shadowy campaign ads and Republicans attacked as an unconstitutional restriction on free speech.
In a statement, President Barack Obama praised the bill, although he said, "I would have preferred that it include no exemptions." He urged quick action in the Senate, where Majority Leader Harry Reid has pledged to seek a vote but strong Republican opposition make its prospects uncertain.
"These landmark provisions will add sunlight to our campaigns," said Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., who worked hard to win votes among members of the Democratic rank and file unhappy over the treatment given the National Rifle Association. "With this bill, no longer will corporations be able to drown out the voices of ordinary citizens."
But Boehner, responding for Republicans, said the Democrats' true goal was to "use their majority here in the House to silence their political opponents pure and simple, for just one election.
"Why does the Humane Society of America get to speak freely, but not the National Farm Bureau? Why does AARP get protected under this bill, but if you belong to 60 Plus — no, no, you've got to comply with all this," he said.
More here
The vote was 219-206 on the legislation that Democrats trumpeted as a move to bring fuller disclosure to shadowy campaign ads and Republicans attacked as an unconstitutional restriction on free speech.
In a statement, President Barack Obama praised the bill, although he said, "I would have preferred that it include no exemptions." He urged quick action in the Senate, where Majority Leader Harry Reid has pledged to seek a vote but strong Republican opposition make its prospects uncertain.
"These landmark provisions will add sunlight to our campaigns," said Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., who worked hard to win votes among members of the Democratic rank and file unhappy over the treatment given the National Rifle Association. "With this bill, no longer will corporations be able to drown out the voices of ordinary citizens."
But Boehner, responding for Republicans, said the Democrats' true goal was to "use their majority here in the House to silence their political opponents pure and simple, for just one election.
"Why does the Humane Society of America get to speak freely, but not the National Farm Bureau? Why does AARP get protected under this bill, but if you belong to 60 Plus — no, no, you've got to comply with all this," he said.
More here
What Exactly Is Inside A Can Of Whoop-Ass???
"Except For Ending Slavery, Fascism, Nazism and Communism, WAR has Never Solved Anything."
" U.S. Marines - Certified Counselors to the 72 Virgins Dating Club."
" U.S. Air Force - Travel Agents To Allah"
"Stop Global Whining"
Naval Corollary: Dead Men Don't Testify.
"The Marine Corps - When It Absolutely, Positively Has To Be Destroyed Overnight"
"Death Smiles At Everyone - Marines Smile Back"
"What Do I Feel When I Kill A Terrorist? A Little Recoil"
"Marines - Providing Enemies of America an Opportunity To Die For their Country Since 1775"
"Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Anyone Who Threatens It"
"Happiness Is A Belt-Fed Weapon"
"It's God's Job to Forgive Bin Laden - It's Our Job To Arrange The Meeting"
"Artillery Brings Dignity to What Would Otherwise Be Just A Vulgar Brawl"
"One Shot, Twelve Kills - U.S. Naval Gun Fire Support "
"My Kid Fought In Iraq So Your Kid Can Party In College"
"A Dead Enemy Is A Peaceful Enemy - Blessed Be The Peacemakers"
"If You Can Read This, Thank A Teacher.. If You Can Read It In English, Thank A Veteran"
"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But the Marines don't have that problem." ..... Ronald Reagan
Arizona Governor: Facts, Not Rhetoric
Arizona Governor Jan Brewer is telling President Barack Obama she's anxious for details on how his administration's plans to tighten border security will apply to Arizona.
Brewer tells Obama in a letter released Thursday that she'd like specifics on National Guard deployments and other steps to be taken in Arizona before a planned Monday visit to Phoenix by Obama administration officials to discuss his plans.
The meeting is an outgrowth of Brewer's June 3 visit to the White House, where she and Obama discussed border security and immigration.
More
Brewer tells Obama in a letter released Thursday that she'd like specifics on National Guard deployments and other steps to be taken in Arizona before a planned Monday visit to Phoenix by Obama administration officials to discuss his plans.
The meeting is an outgrowth of Brewer's June 3 visit to the White House, where she and Obama discussed border security and immigration.
More
Urge Congress To Oppose Obama's Abuse Of Executive Powers!
Several Senators have learned of a possible plan by the Obama Administration to provide a mass amnesty for the nation's 12-18 million illegal aliens. Led by Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), eight Senators addressed a letter to the President asking for answers to questions about a plan that would allow DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano to provide an amnesty if they can't secure enough votes for a bill in the Senate.
Executive actions and procedures are usually granted on a case-by-case basis, and only in certain situations requiring emergency action. Even considering this option shows how determined the Obama Administration is to granting illegal aliens amnesty. Please don't delay and send this message to your 3 Members of Congress today.
DEAR (Your 3 Members of Congress Will Appear Here),
It is very disturbing that the Obama Administration is planning to use executive actions to amnesty the 12-18 million illegal aliens living in the United States. Please look into this matter and please read Sen. Grassley's letter to President Obama about this matter.
Sen. Grassley maintains that the Obama Administration is mulling over plans to "unilaterally extend deferred action or parole to millions of illegal aliens in the United States..." and "while deferred action and parole are Executive Branch authorities, they should not be used circumvent Congress' constitutional authority to legislate immigration policy, particularly as it relates to the illegal population of the United States.
"I cannot agree more with Sen. Grassley's sentiments. Yes, President Obama does have the authority to pardon individuals for crimes they have been convicted of committing, but he does not have the moral right to undermine Congress' right to control the United States' immigration policy. The American people have elected Senators and Representatives, not a President, to pass legislation dealing with immigration. If President Obama is considering overriding the will of the American people in such a cavalier fashion, the American people have a right to be seriously concerned.
Please contact the White House and demand to know what President Obama is planning to do regarding the United States' illegal immigration problem. If the president's solution is to pardon 12-18 million lawbreakers, Congress must act to prevent the president from following through on his undemocratic plan.
Sincerely, (Your Name Will Appear Here)
STATE POLICE HELICOPTER CREWS HOIST AND RESCUE INJURED MAN FROM GUNPOWDER FALLS
(Joppatown, MD) - Two Maryland State Police helicopter crews hoisted and rescued an injured man from Gunpowder Falls yesterday evening.
Shortly after 5:00 p.m. yesterday evening, Trooper 1, the Aviation Command helicopter assigned to the Baltimore Section, was dispatched to the Gunpowder Falls area of Harford County for a report of a man in the river, hanging on to a rock near a bridge, with critical injuries to his torso. The hoist and rescue operation was performed by the crew of Trooper 1, Pilot Craig Thompson and flight paramedic, Trooper First Class Don Pickle.
Trooper 6, the Aviation Command helicopter assigned to the Easton Section, was also dispatched as backup. The crew of Trooper 6 was Pilot Mike Harding and flight paramedic Trooper First Class Adam Lecompte.
When the crew of Trooper 1 reached the scene, they learned the man, who was hanging on to a rock underneath a railroad bridge, identified as Joshua Cianchetta, 18, had jumped into the river and landed on an object that impaled his chest. With some difficulty, emergency responders from Harford County had reached him by ground and were treating him for his extreme injuries. The EMS providers knew Cianchetta could not be safely removed from the area by ground, which prompted the 9-1-1 call for State Police Aviation Command assistance.
Using the hoist on Trooper 1, TFC Pickle lowered the basket to the ground, where it was met by emergency care providers and a member of the Baltimore City High Rise Emergency Aerial Team (H.E.A.T.) where they readied the patient for transport. TFC Pickle delicately operated the hoist and maneuvered the rescue basket containing Cianchetta to the hovering helicopter. He was in extreme critical condition.
Once the patient was secured, Trooper 1 transported him to a nearby parking lot of a shopping center where Trooper 6 was standing by to complete the medevac mission. Within minutes, Trooper 6 had flown Cianchetta to the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore for treatment. He is said to be listed in critical, but stable condition.
The men and women of the Maryland State Police Aviation Command perform dozens of similar hoist rescue operations each year. The rescue basket and hoist is just one of the multiple life-saving combinations on board State Police helicopters that are used to rescue people in danger and save lives in Maryland each day.
Shortly after 5:00 p.m. yesterday evening, Trooper 1, the Aviation Command helicopter assigned to the Baltimore Section, was dispatched to the Gunpowder Falls area of Harford County for a report of a man in the river, hanging on to a rock near a bridge, with critical injuries to his torso. The hoist and rescue operation was performed by the crew of Trooper 1, Pilot Craig Thompson and flight paramedic, Trooper First Class Don Pickle.
Trooper 6, the Aviation Command helicopter assigned to the Easton Section, was also dispatched as backup. The crew of Trooper 6 was Pilot Mike Harding and flight paramedic Trooper First Class Adam Lecompte.
When the crew of Trooper 1 reached the scene, they learned the man, who was hanging on to a rock underneath a railroad bridge, identified as Joshua Cianchetta, 18, had jumped into the river and landed on an object that impaled his chest. With some difficulty, emergency responders from Harford County had reached him by ground and were treating him for his extreme injuries. The EMS providers knew Cianchetta could not be safely removed from the area by ground, which prompted the 9-1-1 call for State Police Aviation Command assistance.
Using the hoist on Trooper 1, TFC Pickle lowered the basket to the ground, where it was met by emergency care providers and a member of the Baltimore City High Rise Emergency Aerial Team (H.E.A.T.) where they readied the patient for transport. TFC Pickle delicately operated the hoist and maneuvered the rescue basket containing Cianchetta to the hovering helicopter. He was in extreme critical condition.
Once the patient was secured, Trooper 1 transported him to a nearby parking lot of a shopping center where Trooper 6 was standing by to complete the medevac mission. Within minutes, Trooper 6 had flown Cianchetta to the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore for treatment. He is said to be listed in critical, but stable condition.
The men and women of the Maryland State Police Aviation Command perform dozens of similar hoist rescue operations each year. The rescue basket and hoist is just one of the multiple life-saving combinations on board State Police helicopters that are used to rescue people in danger and save lives in Maryland each day.
SHOREBIRDS GAME SUSPENDED ON THURSDAY DUE TO RAIN
Game Resumes on Friday Night at 4:35 p.m.; Seven-Inning Contest to Follow
Salisbury, Md. – The Shorebirds and the BlueClaws were suspended in the top of the third inning due to unplayable field conditions after an intense storm. The game was scoreless through two plus innings. The game will be continued on Friday night at 4:35 p.m. Thirty minutes following the conclusion of the suspended game, game two of the series will begin. It will be a seven-inning contest.
Tickets for Thursday’s game can be redeemed at the Shorebirds Box Office in exchange for any other home game in 2010.
For more information, contact the Shorebirds at 410-219-3112.
Salisbury, Md. – The Shorebirds and the BlueClaws were suspended in the top of the third inning due to unplayable field conditions after an intense storm. The game was scoreless through two plus innings. The game will be continued on Friday night at 4:35 p.m. Thirty minutes following the conclusion of the suspended game, game two of the series will begin. It will be a seven-inning contest.
Tickets for Thursday’s game can be redeemed at the Shorebirds Box Office in exchange for any other home game in 2010.
For more information, contact the Shorebirds at 410-219-3112.
GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY TO JOIN U.S. SECRETARY OF INTERIOR KEN SALAZAR AT SESSION ON PRESIDENT OBAMA’S GREAT OUTDOORS INITIATIVE
Governor, Secretary, Administration officials to hold media availability prior to session
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor O’Malley will join US Secretary of Interior Ken Salazar, USDA Under Secretary for Natural Resources and the Environment Harris Sherman, and EPA Deputy Administrator Bob Perciasepe will hold a media availability to discuss today’s public listening and discussion session in the Chesapeake Bay Region as part of the America’s Great Outdoors Initiative.
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor O’Malley will join US Secretary of Interior Ken Salazar, USDA Under Secretary for Natural Resources and the Environment Harris Sherman, and EPA Deputy Administrator Bob Perciasepe will hold a media availability to discuss today’s public listening and discussion session in the Chesapeake Bay Region as part of the America’s Great Outdoors Initiative.
JOB OPENING!
Coastal Comfort, Inc is hiring for a helper position (doing HVAC installations). Starting ASAP.
If you or anyone you know if interested please email me at lacey@coastalcomfort.com or FAX a resume to 410-742-8116. NO phone calls please! Experience not necessary but would be wonderful!
THANKS!
Salisbury Police Department Press Releases
On June 23, 2010 at approximately 10:10 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to a residence on the four hundred (400) block of Patterson Avenue for the report of a disorderly subject. Upon arrival the officers observed the below listed suspect in front of the residence acting in a disorderly manner. The officers attempted several times to calm the suspect without success which resulted in the suspect being taken into custody.
ARRESTED: Deron Adrian Banks, 23 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Disorderly conduct
Disturbing the peace
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201000025278
On June 24, 2010 at approximately 1:12 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to meet with the victim of an armed robbery at a restaurant on South Salisbury Boulevard. The officers met with the victim who advised the officers that he had been robbed at gunpoint by two (2) suspects in the area of South Division Street and Bateman Street while walking home. The adult male victim had been struck in the facial area with an object that he described as a handgun. The officers broadcast a description of the suspects for a search by additional officers.
Officers located the below two (2) suspects in front of a residence on the three (300) hundred block of Carrolton Avenue who matched the description broadcast by the initial officer. The victim was transported to the area of the suspects and positively identified the suspects as the two (2) who had earlier robbed and assaulted him. The suspects were then taken into custody.
ARRESTED #1: Andre Lamont Collins, 18 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
ARRESTED #2: Mark Laquan Smith, 18 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES (Both): Armed Robbery
Robbery
First degree assault
Second degree assault
Theft
DISPOSITION: Both released to Central Booking
CC # 201000025309
ARRESTED: Deron Adrian Banks, 23 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Disorderly conduct
Disturbing the peace
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201000025278
On June 24, 2010 at approximately 1:12 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to meet with the victim of an armed robbery at a restaurant on South Salisbury Boulevard. The officers met with the victim who advised the officers that he had been robbed at gunpoint by two (2) suspects in the area of South Division Street and Bateman Street while walking home. The adult male victim had been struck in the facial area with an object that he described as a handgun. The officers broadcast a description of the suspects for a search by additional officers.
Officers located the below two (2) suspects in front of a residence on the three (300) hundred block of Carrolton Avenue who matched the description broadcast by the initial officer. The victim was transported to the area of the suspects and positively identified the suspects as the two (2) who had earlier robbed and assaulted him. The suspects were then taken into custody.
ARRESTED #1: Andre Lamont Collins, 18 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
ARRESTED #2: Mark Laquan Smith, 18 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES (Both): Armed Robbery
Robbery
First degree assault
Second degree assault
Theft
DISPOSITION: Both released to Central Booking
CC # 201000025309
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Republicans Kill Senate Jobless Aid Measure
Defeat is blow for Obama; bill would have added over $30 billion to deficit
WASHINGTON - Republicans on Thursday defeated Democrats' showcase election-year jobs bill, including an extension of weekly unemployment benefits for millions of people out of work more than six months.
The 57-41 vote fell three votes short of the 60 required to crack a GOP filibuster, delivering a major blow to President Barack Obama and Democrats facing big losses of House and Senate seats in the fall election.
The rejected bill would have provided $16 billion in new aid to states, preserving the jobs of thousands of state and local government workers and providing what White House officials called an insurance policy against a double-dip recession. It included dozens of tax breaks sought by business lobbyists and tax increases on domestically produced oil and on investment fund managers.
GO HERE to read more.
WASHINGTON - Republicans on Thursday defeated Democrats' showcase election-year jobs bill, including an extension of weekly unemployment benefits for millions of people out of work more than six months.
The 57-41 vote fell three votes short of the 60 required to crack a GOP filibuster, delivering a major blow to President Barack Obama and Democrats facing big losses of House and Senate seats in the fall election.
The rejected bill would have provided $16 billion in new aid to states, preserving the jobs of thousands of state and local government workers and providing what White House officials called an insurance policy against a double-dip recession. It included dozens of tax breaks sought by business lobbyists and tax increases on domestically produced oil and on investment fund managers.
GO HERE to read more.
Wicomico County States Attorney Race Is About To Get VERY Interesting
As we all know, Davis Ruark and Sam Vincent are going to face each other in this upcoming election.
HOWEVER, Salisbury News has come to learn of TWO more candidates expected to jump into the race. One Republican and one Democrat.
This is not only going to get very interesting, it's going to become a battle.
Tryout Cancelled
Joe,
If possible, could you publish that our Upper 90 tryouts have been cancelled tonight due to extreme heat index and projected thunderstorms in the area. Sunday will be the next tryout. Thanks!
If possible, could you publish that our Upper 90 tryouts have been cancelled tonight due to extreme heat index and projected thunderstorms in the area. Sunday will be the next tryout. Thanks!
A/C System To Cost Taxpayers More Than $300,000.00
Because Wicomico County allegedly opted not to do their routine maintenance program this summer, the system failed and it may cost taxpayers more than (or around) $300,000.00 to replace.
Maybe the City should reconsider getting a REAL price for the old Fire Station 16 and help the County out with the bills on the building. Remember Folks, no matter what is said and done, City Taxpayers will be liable for 1/2 of this expense. The City nor the County can afford this bill.
Just how hot will it get in the GOB?
Maybe the City should reconsider getting a REAL price for the old Fire Station 16 and help the County out with the bills on the building. Remember Folks, no matter what is said and done, City Taxpayers will be liable for 1/2 of this expense. The City nor the County can afford this bill.
Just how hot will it get in the GOB?
Numbers Skyrocket On Salisbury News Today
First let me thank all of our new visitors today for stopping by. We hope you enjoy the information we provide.
AFP Members from around the Country are drowning Salisbury News today as our numbers have already broken a record day. There's more to come Folks.
Princes Speak Openly About Their Mother
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
In a candid interview, Harry and William wonder what their mother, Princess Diana, would be like today.
A Comment Worthy Of A Post
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Further Thoughts On AFP & Tea Party":
This may all be true but there is much more to it. What happens after all the shouting and yelling, and carrying signs does nothing? I'm being serious. What happens when we go to the ballots and we vote and the new people behave the same as the ones we vote out? It means nothing has changed. It means that those who promised to listen to "We the People" won't listen. What happens then? What happens when the next election puts more people in office who usurp our constitution even more?
This is why people are tired of going to tea parties and showing up to AFP meetings. They are tired of all of their efforts being wasted.
You do realize that the yelling and carrying signs at tea parties is not the end, right? But that's where most people stop. This reinforces the will of the Government to continue to ignore the collective voice of the people. People are afraid to stand up to their government to the extent necessary to get things done.
After the next election, when nothing changes, most of those who really want to reinstate our Constitution as the law of the land will give up and go back to their daily grind, while complaining about how bad things are getting.
But a small percentage (what was that figure you gave Joe? 3%?) will continue to prepare for the inevitable. They prepare for the next logical step after elections and diplomacy fails. Some of the 3% will be those who hoped to bring about change by joining tea parties and AFP's across the country. Some will be those who knew that joining those groups would be a lesson in futility. Instead they band together in "different" kind of groups. Groups of patriots who are much the same as the patriots of the American Revolution. Men and women.
Everyday they gather supplies. They budget part of their paychecks for non-perishable foods, ammunition, weapons, vests, helmets, molle gear, and clothing. The train on the weekends. They study the IRA and learn the unique skills they developed. They hone their marksmanship skills and learn to survive with not much more than God gave them. They work with electronics and communications. They learn the soft spots on newer sophisticated armor from other networks across the country made up of current military members who are also members of the "Oath Keepers". They work diligently to continue developing what is being called the "underground" where they can barter and eat and sleep. The underground provides intelligence. The underground is made up of members of every walk of life. There are doctors, medics, military, police, firefighters, bankers - you name it. They are willing to provide a safe haven for those patriots willing to put it all on the line for freedom. Even here in Delaware there are groups who are satisfied with their current abilities and stand at the ready for what we know is inevitable. It is time to choose sides and be ready. Will you be on the side of tyranny? Or will you be on the side of those who will restore the freedoms and liberties that have been systematically taken away?
If Israel Goes Down, We All Go Down
[The following op-ed by José MarÃa Aznar, the former Prime Minister of Spain, originally appeared in The London Times.]
For far too long now it has been unfashionable in Europe to speak up for Israel. In the wake of the recent incident on board a ship full of anti-Israeli activists in the Mediterranean, it is hard to think of a more unpopular cause to champion. In an ideal world, the assault by Israeli commandos on the Mavi Marmara would not have ended up with nine dead and a score wounded. In an ideal world, the soldiers would have been peacefully welcomed on to the ship. In an ideal world, no state, let alone a recent ally of Israel such as Turkey, would have sponsored and organized a flotilla whose sole purpose was to create an impossible situation for Israel: making it choose between giving up its security policy and the naval blockade, or risking the wrath of the world.
In our dealings with Israel, we must blow away the red mists of anger that too often cloud our judgment. A reasonable and balanced approach should encapsulate the following realities: first, the state of Israel was created by a decision of the UN. Its legitimacy, therefore, should not be in question. Israel is a nation with deeply rooted democratic institutions. It is a dynamic and open society that has repeatedly excelled in culture, science and technology.
Second, owing to its roots, history, and values, Israel is a fully fledged Western nation. Indeed, it is a normal Western nation, but one confronted by abnormal circumstances.
Uniquely in the West, it is the only democracy whose very existence has been questioned since its inception. In the first instance, it was attacked by its neighbors using the conventional weapons of war. Then it faced terrorism culminating in wave after wave of suicide attacks. Now, at the behest of radical Islamists and their sympathizers, it faces a campaign of delegitimisation through international law and diplomacy.
Sixty-two years after its creation, Israel is still fighting for its very survival. Punished with missiles raining from north and south, threatened with destruction by an Iran aiming to acquire nuclear weapons and pressed upon by friend and foe, Israel, it seems, is never to have a moment’s peace.
For years, the focus of Western attention has understandably been on the peace process between Israelis and Palestinians. But if Israel is in danger today and the whole region is slipping towards a worryingly problematic future, it is not due to the lack of understanding between the parties on how to solve this conflict. The parameters of any prospective peace agreement are clear, however difficult it may seem for the two sides to make the final push for a settlement.
The real threats to regional stability, however, are to be found in the rise of a radical Islamism which sees Israel’s destruction as the fulfillment of its religious destiny and, simultaneously in the case of Iran, as an expression of its ambitions for regional hegemony. Both phenomena are threats that affect not only Israel, but also the wider West and the world at large.
The core of the problem lies in the ambiguous and often erroneous manner in which too many Western countries are now reacting to this situation. It is easy to blame Israel for all the evils in the Middle East. Some even act and talk as if a new understanding with the Muslim world could be achieved if only we were prepared to sacrifice the Jewish state on the altar. This would be folly.
Israel is our first line of defense in a turbulent region that is constantly at risk of descending into chaos; a region vital to our energy security owing to our over-dependence on Middle Eastern oil; a region that forms the front line in the fight against extremism. If Israel goes down, we all go down. To defend Israel’s right to exist in peace, within secure borders, requires a degree of moral and strategic clarity that too often seems to have disappeared in Europe. The United States shows worrying signs of heading in the same direction.
Read the rest of this excellent analysis
For far too long now it has been unfashionable in Europe to speak up for Israel. In the wake of the recent incident on board a ship full of anti-Israeli activists in the Mediterranean, it is hard to think of a more unpopular cause to champion. In an ideal world, the assault by Israeli commandos on the Mavi Marmara would not have ended up with nine dead and a score wounded. In an ideal world, the soldiers would have been peacefully welcomed on to the ship. In an ideal world, no state, let alone a recent ally of Israel such as Turkey, would have sponsored and organized a flotilla whose sole purpose was to create an impossible situation for Israel: making it choose between giving up its security policy and the naval blockade, or risking the wrath of the world.
In our dealings with Israel, we must blow away the red mists of anger that too often cloud our judgment. A reasonable and balanced approach should encapsulate the following realities: first, the state of Israel was created by a decision of the UN. Its legitimacy, therefore, should not be in question. Israel is a nation with deeply rooted democratic institutions. It is a dynamic and open society that has repeatedly excelled in culture, science and technology.
Second, owing to its roots, history, and values, Israel is a fully fledged Western nation. Indeed, it is a normal Western nation, but one confronted by abnormal circumstances.
Uniquely in the West, it is the only democracy whose very existence has been questioned since its inception. In the first instance, it was attacked by its neighbors using the conventional weapons of war. Then it faced terrorism culminating in wave after wave of suicide attacks. Now, at the behest of radical Islamists and their sympathizers, it faces a campaign of delegitimisation through international law and diplomacy.
Sixty-two years after its creation, Israel is still fighting for its very survival. Punished with missiles raining from north and south, threatened with destruction by an Iran aiming to acquire nuclear weapons and pressed upon by friend and foe, Israel, it seems, is never to have a moment’s peace.
For years, the focus of Western attention has understandably been on the peace process between Israelis and Palestinians. But if Israel is in danger today and the whole region is slipping towards a worryingly problematic future, it is not due to the lack of understanding between the parties on how to solve this conflict. The parameters of any prospective peace agreement are clear, however difficult it may seem for the two sides to make the final push for a settlement.
The real threats to regional stability, however, are to be found in the rise of a radical Islamism which sees Israel’s destruction as the fulfillment of its religious destiny and, simultaneously in the case of Iran, as an expression of its ambitions for regional hegemony. Both phenomena are threats that affect not only Israel, but also the wider West and the world at large.
The core of the problem lies in the ambiguous and often erroneous manner in which too many Western countries are now reacting to this situation. It is easy to blame Israel for all the evils in the Middle East. Some even act and talk as if a new understanding with the Muslim world could be achieved if only we were prepared to sacrifice the Jewish state on the altar. This would be folly.
Israel is our first line of defense in a turbulent region that is constantly at risk of descending into chaos; a region vital to our energy security owing to our over-dependence on Middle Eastern oil; a region that forms the front line in the fight against extremism. If Israel goes down, we all go down. To defend Israel’s right to exist in peace, within secure borders, requires a degree of moral and strategic clarity that too often seems to have disappeared in Europe. The United States shows worrying signs of heading in the same direction.
Read the rest of this excellent analysis
BREAKING NEWS!
Von Siggers has filed in Annpolis today to run against Delegate Rudy Cane. More in a moment.
PUBLIC ALERT SYSTEM FOR VIOLENT SUSPECTS AT-LARGE
GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY TO JOIN FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE,
SIGN ORDER ESTABLISHING PUBLIC ALERT SYSTEM FOR VIOLENT SUSPECTS AT-LARGE
ANNAPOLIS, MD (June 24, 2010) – Governor Martin O’Malley will join Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel Terrence Sheridan, John A. "Rodney" Bartlett, president of the Maryland Fraternal Order of Police, and members of the Maryland Fraternal Order of Police tomorrow, to sign an Executive Order establishing the Blue Alert, a public alert system designed to capture suspects at large following violent incidents against police officers.
During the 2010 Maryland legislative session, the General Assembly passed legislation establishing the Blue Alert, providing a system for the rapid dissemination of information to assist in locating and apprehending an offender, suspected of killing or seriously injuring a law enforcement officer, whose disappearances poses a serious threat. Governor O’Malley’s Executive Order will immediately enact this legislation, rather than the original enactment date of October 1.
SIGN ORDER ESTABLISHING PUBLIC ALERT SYSTEM FOR VIOLENT SUSPECTS AT-LARGE
ANNAPOLIS, MD (June 24, 2010) – Governor Martin O’Malley will join Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel Terrence Sheridan, John A. "Rodney" Bartlett, president of the Maryland Fraternal Order of Police, and members of the Maryland Fraternal Order of Police tomorrow, to sign an Executive Order establishing the Blue Alert, a public alert system designed to capture suspects at large following violent incidents against police officers.
During the 2010 Maryland legislative session, the General Assembly passed legislation establishing the Blue Alert, providing a system for the rapid dissemination of information to assist in locating and apprehending an offender, suspected of killing or seriously injuring a law enforcement officer, whose disappearances poses a serious threat. Governor O’Malley’s Executive Order will immediately enact this legislation, rather than the original enactment date of October 1.
Ehrlich Aide Investigates Mystery Campaign Supporter
The Bob Ehrlich campaign is attempting to discover the identity of a mystery supporter whose commitment to Bob Ehrlich could be a “game changer” in the race for Governor of Maryland.
Ehrlich Press Secretary Andy Barth used reporting skills from his earlier career as a TV reporter in an effort to discover who met with Ehrlich in a secret meeting last week.
A video showing Barth’s effort to learn the supporter’s identity can be seen today by clicking here.
The identity of the supporter isn’t yet nailed down to the high standards demanded by the Ehrlich campaign. However, another video with Bob Ehrlich and his supporter is expected to surface soon
Ehrlich Press Secretary Andy Barth used reporting skills from his earlier career as a TV reporter in an effort to discover who met with Ehrlich in a secret meeting last week.
A video showing Barth’s effort to learn the supporter’s identity can be seen today by clicking here.
The identity of the supporter isn’t yet nailed down to the high standards demanded by the Ehrlich campaign. However, another video with Bob Ehrlich and his supporter is expected to surface soon
SHOREBIRDS GAME NOTES: 6/24 vs. Lakewood
PREVIEW: Following three days off for the all-star break, the Shorebirds open the second half with five games against the BlueClaws. The Shorebirds also opened the second half in 2009 against the BlueClaws. The two teams will meet 19 times in the second half of the season.
SECOND HALF HISTORY: Here are the Shorebirds records in the second half since 2005: 30-37 (2009), 40-30 (2008), 34-35 (2007), 27-42 (2006), 42-27 (2005), 34-35 (2004). The ‘Birds won the second half crown in 2005. The ‘Birds are one game over .500 since the 2004 season in the second half (207-206).
6 OF 7 TO END HALF: The Shorebirds won six of their final seven games at Perdue Stadium to end the first half of the season. The six-game winning streak was their longest of the season. The ‘Birds outscored the opposition 29-17 during the stretch.
THREE STRAIGHT: The Shorebirds have won three straight home series’ at Perdue Stadium over Hagerstown (3-1), Kannapolis (3-0) and Lexington (3-1).
ALL-STAR: The 51st All-Star Game finished in a 5-5 tie in 10-innings on Tuesday night. Brian Conley went 0-1 with a walk, Garabez Rosa went 0-2 while Jesse Beal was pinned with a blown save in an inning of work. He allowed two hits and a run.
MORELAND NAMED SAL PITCHER OF THE WEEK: Kenny Moreland was named the SAL Pitcher of the Week for the final week of the first half. He went 2-0 with a flawless 0.00 ERA. His signature start was an eight-inning gem against Lexington on June 19. He allowed only two hits.
POPE’S STREAK STOPPED: On the last day of the first half, Kieron Pope had his season best 12-game hit streak snapped with an 0-for-5 day. His average peaked at .361 during the stretch but he dropped down to .337.
STAMPONE’S DOUBLE’S STRING: The Meadowbrook, Pa. native has several streaks going heading into the second half. He takes a five-game hit streak, four-game doubles streak and a three-game RBI string into game one against Lakewood. Stampone had five hits (four doubles) and six RBIs against the Legends. A six-game hitting streak would be a season high for Stampone. His career long hit streak is seven, accomplished last season with the GCL Orioles (August 5-16).
JUNE AT HOME: The Shorebirds are 9-2 at home in the month of June at Perdue Stadium. The Shorebirds nine of the final ten games at home to end the half.
PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE: Ty Kelly walked seven times in the four-game series against Lexington. He ranks second on the team in walks with 33. Kelly has only fanned 34 times.
3-FOR-19: Rosa finished the first half of the season 3-for-19 at the plate. His batting average has dipped to .263, the lowest it has been since April 12.
FIVE MAN ROTATION: The Shorebirds will open the second half in a five man rotation: Luis Noel, Nathan Moreau, Kenny Moreland, Jesse and Bobby Bundy. Matt Hobgood is expected to join the rotation.
FIVE STRAIGHT GAMES: T.J. Baxter has scored a run in five consecutive games (6 total). His on-base percentage has gone from .321 to .349 during the stretch. His batting average from .239 to .259 during the same stretch.
10 K IN LAST 18: Steve Bumbry struck out in 10 of his final 18 at-bats in the first half of the season. Bumbry has fanned a season high 84 times. Only Anthony Hewitt of the Lakewood BlueClaws has struck out more times (87) in the league.
ON PACE FOR RECORD: Brian Conley walked 50 times in the first half of the season, second in the SAL. He is on pace to break the Shorebirds single-season record for walks of 97, set in 1997 by Tim DeCines.
SIX STRAIGHT WINS: Shorebirds starters won six straight games between June 14 and June 19. Kenny Moreland won games on both ends of the stretch.
SECOND HALF HISTORY: Here are the Shorebirds records in the second half since 2005: 30-37 (2009), 40-30 (2008), 34-35 (2007), 27-42 (2006), 42-27 (2005), 34-35 (2004). The ‘Birds won the second half crown in 2005. The ‘Birds are one game over .500 since the 2004 season in the second half (207-206).
6 OF 7 TO END HALF: The Shorebirds won six of their final seven games at Perdue Stadium to end the first half of the season. The six-game winning streak was their longest of the season. The ‘Birds outscored the opposition 29-17 during the stretch.
THREE STRAIGHT: The Shorebirds have won three straight home series’ at Perdue Stadium over Hagerstown (3-1), Kannapolis (3-0) and Lexington (3-1).
ALL-STAR: The 51st All-Star Game finished in a 5-5 tie in 10-innings on Tuesday night. Brian Conley went 0-1 with a walk, Garabez Rosa went 0-2 while Jesse Beal was pinned with a blown save in an inning of work. He allowed two hits and a run.
MORELAND NAMED SAL PITCHER OF THE WEEK: Kenny Moreland was named the SAL Pitcher of the Week for the final week of the first half. He went 2-0 with a flawless 0.00 ERA. His signature start was an eight-inning gem against Lexington on June 19. He allowed only two hits.
POPE’S STREAK STOPPED: On the last day of the first half, Kieron Pope had his season best 12-game hit streak snapped with an 0-for-5 day. His average peaked at .361 during the stretch but he dropped down to .337.
STAMPONE’S DOUBLE’S STRING: The Meadowbrook, Pa. native has several streaks going heading into the second half. He takes a five-game hit streak, four-game doubles streak and a three-game RBI string into game one against Lakewood. Stampone had five hits (four doubles) and six RBIs against the Legends. A six-game hitting streak would be a season high for Stampone. His career long hit streak is seven, accomplished last season with the GCL Orioles (August 5-16).
JUNE AT HOME: The Shorebirds are 9-2 at home in the month of June at Perdue Stadium. The Shorebirds nine of the final ten games at home to end the half.
PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE: Ty Kelly walked seven times in the four-game series against Lexington. He ranks second on the team in walks with 33. Kelly has only fanned 34 times.
3-FOR-19: Rosa finished the first half of the season 3-for-19 at the plate. His batting average has dipped to .263, the lowest it has been since April 12.
FIVE MAN ROTATION: The Shorebirds will open the second half in a five man rotation: Luis Noel, Nathan Moreau, Kenny Moreland, Jesse and Bobby Bundy. Matt Hobgood is expected to join the rotation.
FIVE STRAIGHT GAMES: T.J. Baxter has scored a run in five consecutive games (6 total). His on-base percentage has gone from .321 to .349 during the stretch. His batting average from .239 to .259 during the same stretch.
10 K IN LAST 18: Steve Bumbry struck out in 10 of his final 18 at-bats in the first half of the season. Bumbry has fanned a season high 84 times. Only Anthony Hewitt of the Lakewood BlueClaws has struck out more times (87) in the league.
ON PACE FOR RECORD: Brian Conley walked 50 times in the first half of the season, second in the SAL. He is on pace to break the Shorebirds single-season record for walks of 97, set in 1997 by Tim DeCines.
SIX STRAIGHT WINS: Shorebirds starters won six straight games between June 14 and June 19. Kenny Moreland won games on both ends of the stretch.
Belgian Cops Raid Offices Of Retired Archbishop
Sweep was part of investigation into child sex abuse in Catholic Church
BRUSSELS - Police raided the home and office of the recently retired archbishop of Belgium on Thursday, carrying off documents and a personal computer as part of an investigation into the sexual abuse of children by Roman Catholic priests, officials said.
Police and prosecutors would not say whether former Archbishop Godfried Danneels was suspected of abuse himself or simply had records pertaining to allegations against another person.
The raids followed recent statements to police "that are related to the sexual abuse of children within the church," said Jean-Marc Meilleur, a spokesman for the Brussels prosecutor's office.
GO HERE to read more.
BRUSSELS - Police raided the home and office of the recently retired archbishop of Belgium on Thursday, carrying off documents and a personal computer as part of an investigation into the sexual abuse of children by Roman Catholic priests, officials said.
Police and prosecutors would not say whether former Archbishop Godfried Danneels was suspected of abuse himself or simply had records pertaining to allegations against another person.
The raids followed recent statements to police "that are related to the sexual abuse of children within the church," said Jean-Marc Meilleur, a spokesman for the Brussels prosecutor's office.
GO HERE to read more.
Further Thoughts On AFP & Tea Party
They want to have it both ways. They want their Social Programs and Smaller government, major cuts, but not what effects them, which is a little like having your cake and eating it too.
If they really want to reduce the size of government, that means cutting in areas that will effect
them. If their not willing to do that, what you get is BIG TALK & NO ACTION, which is ultimately a recipe for ANGER.
"Sound bytes" mostly used by them:
Government is:
full of corruption
too big
not listening to people
taking freedoms from us
not responsive to us, "We the People"
Their "Battle cry" is:
Kick all the incumbents out, or kick the bums out
Term limits
Limited taxes
Elected School Board
Wasteful & recklessly spending (profligate spending)
Stoking voter anger is easy, putting that raw emotion to more constructive uses is harder.
Finally, where's the beer.
If they really want to reduce the size of government, that means cutting in areas that will effect
them. If their not willing to do that, what you get is BIG TALK & NO ACTION, which is ultimately a recipe for ANGER.
"Sound bytes" mostly used by them:
Government is:
full of corruption
too big
not listening to people
taking freedoms from us
not responsive to us, "We the People"
Their "Battle cry" is:
Kick all the incumbents out, or kick the bums out
Term limits
Limited taxes
Elected School Board
Wasteful & recklessly spending (profligate spending)
Stoking voter anger is easy, putting that raw emotion to more constructive uses is harder.
Finally, where's the beer.
Wicomico County Now Video Streaming Meetings
A really cool new feature Wicomico County is offering is video streaming their meetings.
I believe the company hosting it is called Earthlink but I'm not 100% sure of that. Anyhow, this new feature has been provided for one year FREE to the County Taxpayers.
You can save THIS LINK and use it whenever you'd like to see a meeting.
This Person Should Be Running For County Executive
"My assessment of AFP in a nutshell. They have several populist sound bytes that they keep offering up but no real solutions.
What will night council meetings accomplish when we have a strong executive form of government?...the executives office is where the real decisions that impact our lives are made.
The "raise chickens not taxes" mantra.It's not the county that is making life hard on poultry growers..take that message to Annapolis.
Eliminate the at large council positions....and accomplish what exactly other than to reduce citizen representation.
No answers from these folks."
What will night council meetings accomplish when we have a strong executive form of government?...the executives office is where the real decisions that impact our lives are made.
The "raise chickens not taxes" mantra.It's not the county that is making life hard on poultry growers..take that message to Annapolis.
Eliminate the at large council positions....and accomplish what exactly other than to reduce citizen representation.
No answers from these folks."
Local Soldier Deployed To Afghanistan
Chris Powell, arrived in Afghanistan yesterday. This is his first deployment. He’s from Willards and is a 2008 Parkside High School graduate. He has lots of friends and family who miss him and is hoping for his safe return.
Chris Powell, You've Been Blogged! May God Bless You and keep you safe. Thank You!
U.S. Player: 'No Skin On ... My Pinkie Toes'
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
John Isner speaks with TODAY’s Matt Lauer about continuing his three-day Wimbledon epic with France’s Nicolas Mahut. The match resumes today.
Kendel Ehrlich Predicts ‘Ugly’ Campaign
Former Maryland first lady Kendel Ehrlich told a group of Republican women Wednesday that the campaign pitting her husband, ex-Gov. Bob Ehrlich, against Democratic Gov. Martin O’Malley “is going to be ugly.”GO HERE to read more.
Maryland To Webcast More Hearings, Meetings Over Internet
Gov. Martin O’Malley and other state leaders announced actions by the General Assembly and the Board of Public Works to make state government more accessible and transparent on the Internet.
The meetings of the Board of Public Works, which reviews billions in state contracts, will be webcast beginning July 7, and audio and video of hearings by committees of the Maryland General Assembly will be online when the new legislature opens in January.
But one expert on technology for government transparency said the moves were "trivial steps."
GO HERE to read more.
The meetings of the Board of Public Works, which reviews billions in state contracts, will be webcast beginning July 7, and audio and video of hearings by committees of the Maryland General Assembly will be online when the new legislature opens in January.
But one expert on technology for government transparency said the moves were "trivial steps."
GO HERE to read more.
Is Your Doctor Addicted?
Addicted docs put patients in peril
Random drug screening urged for health care workers
Had she been a pilot, or a train engineer, or even a bus driver, chances are someone would have discovered, before it was too late, the demons Kristen Parker was battling. Unfortunately for the people whose lives she would forever alter, Parker was merely a hospital worker.
The 26-year-old surgical technician was hired by Rose Medical Center, in suburban Denver, in the fall of 2008. While she was required to jump through plenty of pre-employment hoops, including a drug test, there was no random drug testing once she landed the job. Which was tragic, because if hospital officials had periodically screened Parker for drug use the way the transportation industry screens millions of its employees every year, they no doubt would have found out the truth sooner.
Despite somehow managing to pass that initial test, Kristen Parker had a drug problem. A very serious drug problem. Her addiction was so severe, in fact, that within a few days of starting her job, she began treating the drugs available in the medical center's operating rooms as her own personal stash.
GO HERE to read more.
Random drug screening urged for health care workers
Had she been a pilot, or a train engineer, or even a bus driver, chances are someone would have discovered, before it was too late, the demons Kristen Parker was battling. Unfortunately for the people whose lives she would forever alter, Parker was merely a hospital worker.
The 26-year-old surgical technician was hired by Rose Medical Center, in suburban Denver, in the fall of 2008. While she was required to jump through plenty of pre-employment hoops, including a drug test, there was no random drug testing once she landed the job. Which was tragic, because if hospital officials had periodically screened Parker for drug use the way the transportation industry screens millions of its employees every year, they no doubt would have found out the truth sooner.
Despite somehow managing to pass that initial test, Kristen Parker had a drug problem. A very serious drug problem. Her addiction was so severe, in fact, that within a few days of starting her job, she began treating the drugs available in the medical center's operating rooms as her own personal stash.
GO HERE to read more.
Apparent Suicide Shows Oil Spill's Emotional Toll
'We're helping cover up the lie. We're burying ourselves,' fisherman says
Allen Kruse had been a charter fishing boat captain for more than two decades — long enough that people called him by his boat's name, Rookie, as if they were one and the same. But then, two months ago, the leaking BP oil well began pouring crude into the waters where he took families fishing for snapper and amberjack.
Two weeks and two days ago, with his fishing grounds closed, Kruse, 55, took a job working for BP's cleanup crew. For the very people who'd caused the mess.
Other boat captains said Kruse, like them, found the effort confusing, overly bureaucratic and frustrating. He told them to keep their heads down, not to worry about the hassles. But those close to him saw he was losing weight.
GO HERE to read more from The Washington Post.
Allen Kruse had been a charter fishing boat captain for more than two decades — long enough that people called him by his boat's name, Rookie, as if they were one and the same. But then, two months ago, the leaking BP oil well began pouring crude into the waters where he took families fishing for snapper and amberjack.
Two weeks and two days ago, with his fishing grounds closed, Kruse, 55, took a job working for BP's cleanup crew. For the very people who'd caused the mess.
Other boat captains said Kruse, like them, found the effort confusing, overly bureaucratic and frustrating. He told them to keep their heads down, not to worry about the hassles. But those close to him saw he was losing weight.
GO HERE to read more from The Washington Post.
Grave New Revelations At Arlington
Arlington National Cemetery officials knew for more than a decade that gravestones lined the banks of a stream on the grounds, the Washington Post reported, but nothing was done to rectify the situation.
They apparently did not comprehend that to the outside world this is sacrilege.
Cemetery officials didnt have an answer as to why headstones were used as construction materials in the stream or why they werent replaced with stones or other materials normally used in stream erosion projects.
GO HERE to read more.
Crime Report Update
The Salisbury Police Department is currently investigating the two burglaries that occurred on Riverside Drive and Riverside Road.
Current suspects are two young black males, both riding bicycles in the late evening in the area. Police are examining evidence left at the scene(s) and if it links the suspects, arrest(s) will be made. Both suspects have had run-ins with SPD for previous offenses. It was not divulged whether or not the two are juveniles.
This, historically speaking, is a common pattern in the neighborhood. Criminals will frequently ride a bicycle through a residential area during daylight hours to determine what houses seem to be ripe for burglary, then, usually after dark, those addresses will be visited by either those criminals or others for whom they've done spotting during the day. Kids are often used as spotters, so don't ignore them.
Police urge residents to IMMEDIATELY contact them (410-548-3165) if they see strangers on their streets that raise suspicion. Personally speaking, if I see a poorly dressed kid or adult on a bicycle (particularly an expensive bike) on my street (or a man riding a woman's bike), looking from house to house, my suspicions are aroused. Note the approximate age, the race, the hair style and color, body size (approximate height and weight), type of clothing (something may stand out for you, like a shirt with a printed logo, a particular shoe type, etc.) and make that call. DO NOT confront them yourself.
Residents are further urged to minimize the risk of burglary of their property by securing it, i.e., using good locks on doors, keeping valuables from view, keeping windows closed and locked, using exterior lighting at night (particularly motion detecting lights at the rear of their homes -http://www.familyhandyman.com/DIY-Projects/Lighting/Outdoor-Lighting/how-to-choose-and-install-motion-detector-lighting ), locking cars (yes, even in your own driveway), keeping shrubbery trimmed so as not to afford easy hiding places or covert access to windows and doors, and following other advice as published by the police and others. Visit http://www.salisburypd.com/Crime_Prevention/crime_prevention.html and http://www.salisburypd.com/Crime_Prevention/Newsletters/newsletters.html.
Be vigilant. Look out for yourselves and your neighbors. No one wants to be a victim, especially when that crime could have been prevented by a phone call. (410-548-3165)
Current suspects are two young black males, both riding bicycles in the late evening in the area. Police are examining evidence left at the scene(s) and if it links the suspects, arrest(s) will be made. Both suspects have had run-ins with SPD for previous offenses. It was not divulged whether or not the two are juveniles.
This, historically speaking, is a common pattern in the neighborhood. Criminals will frequently ride a bicycle through a residential area during daylight hours to determine what houses seem to be ripe for burglary, then, usually after dark, those addresses will be visited by either those criminals or others for whom they've done spotting during the day. Kids are often used as spotters, so don't ignore them.
Police urge residents to IMMEDIATELY contact them (410-548-3165) if they see strangers on their streets that raise suspicion. Personally speaking, if I see a poorly dressed kid or adult on a bicycle (particularly an expensive bike) on my street (or a man riding a woman's bike), looking from house to house, my suspicions are aroused. Note the approximate age, the race, the hair style and color, body size (approximate height and weight), type of clothing (something may stand out for you, like a shirt with a printed logo, a particular shoe type, etc.) and make that call. DO NOT confront them yourself.
Residents are further urged to minimize the risk of burglary of their property by securing it, i.e., using good locks on doors, keeping valuables from view, keeping windows closed and locked, using exterior lighting at night (particularly motion detecting lights at the rear of their homes -http://www.familyhandyman.com/DIY-Projects/Lighting/Outdoor-Lighting/how-to-choose-and-install-motion-detector-lighting ), locking cars (yes, even in your own driveway), keeping shrubbery trimmed so as not to afford easy hiding places or covert access to windows and doors, and following other advice as published by the police and others. Visit http://www.salisburypd.com/Crime_Prevention/crime_prevention.html and http://www.salisburypd.com/Crime_Prevention/Newsletters/newsletters.html.
Be vigilant. Look out for yourselves and your neighbors. No one wants to be a victim, especially when that crime could have been prevented by a phone call. (410-548-3165)
BREAKING NEWS: Mortgage Rates Sink To Record Low
National average for a 30-year fixed loan dips to 4.69 percentMortgage rates fell this week to the lowest level on record, giving consumers added incentive to lock in low payments on home purchases and refinancings.
Mortgage company Freddie Mac says the average rate for 30-year fixed loans sank to 4.69 percent, from 4.75 percent last week.
That's the lowest since Freddie Mac began tracking rates in 1971. The previous record of 4.71 percent was set in December. Rates for 15-year and five year mortgages also hit lows.
GO HERE to read more.
O’Malley’s Top Transportation Aide Skipped All 30 Meetings With MARC Rider Advisory Panel
ANNAPOLIS – After 900 passengers were stranded on overheated MARC trains this week, Bob Ehrlich released the following statement regarding the O’Malley Administration’s culture of apathy toward MARC commuters. This apathy is demonstrated by the O’Malley Administration’s failure to send its top aides to the state’s MARC Rider Advisory Council meetings. The Council is an independent group of citizens appointed to help State government improve MARC service for commuters.
The Council’s minutes indicate that Governor O’Malley’s transportation secretary skipped all 30 meetings convened by the commuter panel since Governor O’Malley took office. By contrast, Ehrlich Administration Transportation Secretary Bob Flanagan attended the majority of MARC Rider Council meetings over four years. Further, Governor O’Malley’s current MTA Administrator has skipped every Council meeting since taking the job in December. The O’Malley Administration is also projected to cut $33 million from MARC next fiscal year.
“Governor O’Malley and his senior transportation leadership have had four years and 30 meetings with MARC riders to learn what’s on commuters’ minds, and chose not to participate. Had they given this citizen panel the respect it deserves, they would have learned years ago of declining service, shoddy operations, overcrowded trains, limited parking, and a general sense of frustration among riders.
“This will change if I am elected Governor. My first transportation secretary was an active participant in this panel’s discussions, and my next transportation secretary will play an equally active role. Commuters deserve a proactive Administration that anticipates and fixes problems, not one that reacts only when the press starts calling.”
The MARC Rider Advisory Council includes 15 members, all of whom are regular MARC commuters. Riders from all three lines serve on the Council, with the goal of representing an accurate cross-section of customers. More information on the panel can be found here: http://mta.maryland.gov/services/marc/serviceInformation/MARC_Riders_Advisory%20Council.cfm
The Council’s minutes indicate that Governor O’Malley’s transportation secretary skipped all 30 meetings convened by the commuter panel since Governor O’Malley took office. By contrast, Ehrlich Administration Transportation Secretary Bob Flanagan attended the majority of MARC Rider Council meetings over four years. Further, Governor O’Malley’s current MTA Administrator has skipped every Council meeting since taking the job in December. The O’Malley Administration is also projected to cut $33 million from MARC next fiscal year.
“Governor O’Malley and his senior transportation leadership have had four years and 30 meetings with MARC riders to learn what’s on commuters’ minds, and chose not to participate. Had they given this citizen panel the respect it deserves, they would have learned years ago of declining service, shoddy operations, overcrowded trains, limited parking, and a general sense of frustration among riders.
“This will change if I am elected Governor. My first transportation secretary was an active participant in this panel’s discussions, and my next transportation secretary will play an equally active role. Commuters deserve a proactive Administration that anticipates and fixes problems, not one that reacts only when the press starts calling.”
The MARC Rider Advisory Council includes 15 members, all of whom are regular MARC commuters. Riders from all three lines serve on the Council, with the goal of representing an accurate cross-section of customers. More information on the panel can be found here: http://mta.maryland.gov/services/marc/serviceInformation/MARC_Riders_Advisory%20Council.cfm
Local Salisbury Man To Compete On American Idol
Could this local Salisbury guy be the next American Idol????????? He's competing!!!
Benefit/Memorial For Robin Reeser
Hi Joe,
Benefit/Memorial for Robin Reeser
6/26/10 5:00pm at Cactus Club
Tickets on sale now- $10.00 (includes BBQ platter, soda/water & 50/50 raffle)
Live on Stage: Lethal Dose and Highly Contagious
DJ Sundance
Raffles and enterainment
ALL NIGHT LONG!
Please share in this benefit with us. If you are unable to attend,
I am taking a long shot and asking for a favor (not sure you typically handle such request).
I just lost a dear friend of mine Tuesday. Her name is Robin Reeser, 49. She was diagnosed with lung, brain, and back cancer on May 5th 2010 (her and her husbands 7th anniversary).
Her illness happened so quickly and put us all in shock. She worked at the Cactus Club for 11 years. The owner of the Club, Frank, planned a benefit for her to help raise money for her treatments and such.
Unfortunately, due to the unexpected passing the benefit will now be a memorial for Robin and proceeds will go to her husband to cover cremation expenses.
Benefit/Memorial for Robin Reeser
6/26/10 5:00pm at Cactus Club
Tickets on sale now- $10.00 (includes BBQ platter, soda/water & 50/50 raffle)
Live on Stage: Lethal Dose and Highly Contagious
DJ Sundance
Raffles and enterainment
ALL NIGHT LONG!
Please share in this benefit with us. If you are unable to attend,
a donation box is located on the bar at the club.
LeeLee Jones Homecoming
Hi Joe,
Yesterday, after 16 days of struggling and surgeries, LeeLee Jones came home to a warm welcome from her heroes at the Delmar Fire Department and lots of family and friends.
Everyone's prayers for this wonderful girl were never in vain and we are so overjoyed to welcome her home!!!
Thank you Joe for posting the updates and keeping people informed.
You can tell by the size of the smile on LeeLee's face in the attached picture that she is just as happy to be back home in Delmar as we all are to have her here!!!
To God be ALL the glory!!!
Is The AFP/Tea Party Petering Out?
4-15-2009
4-15-2010According to last night's AFP Meeting at Brew River, yes. Considering the speakers and guests scheduled for last night's meeting, very few people actually attended last night's meeting. I was not present but Salisbury News had people in attendance and all reports came back with around 50 people, then you have to subtract invited guests and their posse. That would make the numbers down to 35 people, or so. I have attended AFP Meetings where they packed two rooms at Brew River and many people had to stand the entire time. Last night's meeting was one room and every one had a seat.
Now let's look at this a few different ways. The Tea Party event at the GOB in 2009 was much larger than the event held in 2010. Why, because many local people did not want to see Obama elected into Office. They gathered and spoke out about how angry they are at our government and Obama was NOT the kind of "Change" this country needs. Moving forward to 2010, the crowd was about 50% less than it was the year before. More radical people got up to speak and a serious fight almost broke out.
So just how angry are these people? Just what is the AFP/Tea Party accomplishing?
I have spoken to several people who have been attending both Tea Parties and AFP Meetings and quite frankly a serious reality struck us in these discussions. Many believe that the democrats are laughing all the way to the bank because NOTHING is really being accomplished. NIGHT MEETINGS? While it is a step in the right direction, I believe Stevie Prettyman's proposal to make it ALL night meetings would have been the right thing to do. The AFP challenges Stevie Prettyman by stating she is against night meetings, (completely untrue) yet Stevie was the one who proposed all night meetings at the last council meeting.
The AFP recognizes their attendance is dwindling and are searching for "NEW TOPICS" to bring up as a sort of Master Plan. But in the end, what are they really accomplishing. Making threats towards a private citizen and or someone in the Press certainly isn't going to help their cause, hence last night's major reduction in attendance. Can you disagree with these groups?
The democrats are also enjoying watching all these people come together and then implode. With the proper leadership, this can be avoided. However, the AFP, (at least locally, anyway) has no interest in reassigning the right people into place to avoid such violence and threats. Therefore many are opting out and I can't blame them.
I have attended meetings where some people there had far too much to drink. Some have complained, (several times) about one of the AFP Co Chair person drinking too much. Some members get a few drinks in them and start interrupting speakers, something very difficult to control. Heck, there have been times when I've gone where some members are at the bar having a few drinks, rather than participating in the meeting. So what do you do about that, you hold the meetings at the Chamber of Commerce or the Library where no alcohol is served. That is, unless you're really trying to just get out of the house one night a month and have a few drinks. Then what's really being accomplished.
Again, managing and strategies is the key to a really good group/movement. I believe, in the end the local AFP will regret making some of the decisions they have chosen to make. As a whole, I see a lot of Americans wanting to make a difference but here's what I'd like every one to rally think hard about. In the last American Revolution, only about 3% of our country actually fought in that war. America has grown quite a bit since then. Even IF today's Americans became so angry that they wanted to actually FIGHT back, do you really believe you'll get 3% of the public to actually gather arms and start fighting this government? Just how far do you believe they'll get against our Armed Forces alone, let alone the other 97% of Americans against their movement.
Yeah, Freedom of Speech it's a great thing. I truly encourage ALL Americans to gather and voice their thoughts and opinions. However, you'd have to be a nut case to believe you're truly going to make a difference and the democrats know that. When Candidates get up and speak and they talk about taking our government back, (local or national) do you really believe you can actually make that happen.
Now, that being said. Yes, you can make a difference at the polls. How's it working for you? You can gather, scream, yell and even threaten people with physical violence and even death threats. However, what's it going to get you in the end. While I support and believe in people gathering for a cause, I also believe proper management and goals, (including rules) need to be set. If someone violates those rules, they're out. Without those rules, all you have are a bunch of angry people getting out and punching brick walls.
The AFP/Tea Party people need to get smarter about how they're doing things. The democrats don't want you to know that. They are enjoying the implosion and when election day comes along you can expect pretty much most Americans will vote the way they were going to vote in the first place, along their party lines. Local elections will be different though, as they should be.
Last night's meeting sent a clear message. One, not many people are interested in Joe Ollinger. Two, MANY people were upset at the physical threats against me personally. Three, without a Master Plan, this movement will fail, at least locally.
Regroup AFP.
You Wouldn't Treat Your Dog Like This, Would You?
With temperatures reaching over 100 degrees today, hundreds of City and County Employees working in the Government Office Building, (GOB) are suffering in extremely hot inside temperatures because the A/C Unit has broken down again.
This time they aren't so sure they can fix the problem without having to replace the system and guess what, the County doesn't have the funding, they can't afford it.
While the basement might be a workable environment, the third floor is just unbelievably hot! There are two rooms on that floor that have independent A/C systems, room 300 & 302. Today's work session will be held in one of those rooms, so you know.
On the good side, at least taxpayers are saving big bucks on their electric bill. One can only hope they're running the fans, (at least) as this would be a very unhealthy environment to work in without circulating fresh air. Some would call that, "Sick Building Syndrome".
In the mean time, what does the County think it would cost the taxpayers to send every Employee home for ONE DAY versus REPLACING the entire system.
Smaller-Government Insurgents May Save The GOP
Republicans may manage to find a way to fail in the most favorable political climate for their party since the New Deal Democratic majority got bounced out on its ration book in 1946.
But the signs for November continue to point to an absolute thrashing for the Democrats and, more surprising, a revitalization of Republicanism.
The dire warning from the rump of the old Republican Party was that insurgent candidates who embrace a purer, more liberty-minded form of conservatism would be a disaster.
The old GOP grandees who have never met an incumbent they didn't like preached disaster, but so far, the small-government rebellion is doing more good than harm.
South Carolina was the first Deep South state to make the switch to the GOP, opting for Richard Nixon in 1968 while Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia went with segregationist George Wallace.
South Carolina's move that year was no less racially motivated, but was at least more forward-looking than Wallace's effort to force the Democratic Party to maintain its 140-year history of supporting state-sponsored racial segregation.
Change is again in the air in South Carolina.
Republicans there have nominated Nikki Haley, the daughter of Indian immigrants as their gubernatorial candidate. They have also picked a black state legislator, Tim Scott, for a congressional seat over the son of Strom Thurmond, the 1948 segregationist candidate who later migrated with his state's voters to the Republican Party.
Barring major developments, Scott and Haley, who would join Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal as the second Indian American governor, will cruise to victory this fall.
How strange to think that this time next year there may be no non-white Democratic governors -- Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick's re-election bid is still shaky and New York Gov. David Paterson is not running -- and two non-white Republicans leading Deep South states.
In Haley and Scott's victories, race was mostly irrelevant. While Barack Obama's racial identity was a major selling point for Democratic voters, South Carolina Republicans seem to have been embracing conservatism, rather than diversity for its own sake.
But the signs for November continue to point to an absolute thrashing for the Democrats and, more surprising, a revitalization of Republicanism.
The dire warning from the rump of the old Republican Party was that insurgent candidates who embrace a purer, more liberty-minded form of conservatism would be a disaster.
The old GOP grandees who have never met an incumbent they didn't like preached disaster, but so far, the small-government rebellion is doing more good than harm.
South Carolina was the first Deep South state to make the switch to the GOP, opting for Richard Nixon in 1968 while Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia went with segregationist George Wallace.
South Carolina's move that year was no less racially motivated, but was at least more forward-looking than Wallace's effort to force the Democratic Party to maintain its 140-year history of supporting state-sponsored racial segregation.
Change is again in the air in South Carolina.
Republicans there have nominated Nikki Haley, the daughter of Indian immigrants as their gubernatorial candidate. They have also picked a black state legislator, Tim Scott, for a congressional seat over the son of Strom Thurmond, the 1948 segregationist candidate who later migrated with his state's voters to the Republican Party.
Barring major developments, Scott and Haley, who would join Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal as the second Indian American governor, will cruise to victory this fall.
How strange to think that this time next year there may be no non-white Democratic governors -- Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick's re-election bid is still shaky and New York Gov. David Paterson is not running -- and two non-white Republicans leading Deep South states.
In Haley and Scott's victories, race was mostly irrelevant. While Barack Obama's racial identity was a major selling point for Democratic voters, South Carolina Republicans seem to have been embracing conservatism, rather than diversity for its own sake.
Beautifulpeople.com To Make, Well, Beautiful People
Multisource political news, world news, and entertainment news analysis by Newsy.com
Beautifulpeople.com, a dating site exclusively for attractive people, is stirring controversy over a new fertility service to create "the perfect gene pool."
Tough New Cell Phone Policy For Prince George's County Schools
The passing of folded slips of paper used to be the common problem for teachers trying to keep students in line. Now, undercover text messaging is the new nightmare, so much so that the Prince George's County School Board has banned cell phone use during the school day and schools around the country are taking measures to deal with this new age note passing.
The school board has restricted the use of cell phones in the past, but this time the rules come with a set of consequences. If students dont have their cell phone completely turned off, they will be confiscated for the day. (And just to clarify for parents, completely turned off doesn't mean vibrate or silenced or even lit up.)
That's just the first offense, though. Parents will have to go pick up their students' phones for second offenses. And if kids get caught with their phones turned on a third time -- no phone at school for the rest of the year.
GO HERE to read more.
The school board has restricted the use of cell phones in the past, but this time the rules come with a set of consequences. If students dont have their cell phone completely turned off, they will be confiscated for the day. (And just to clarify for parents, completely turned off doesn't mean vibrate or silenced or even lit up.)
That's just the first offense, though. Parents will have to go pick up their students' phones for second offenses. And if kids get caught with their phones turned on a third time -- no phone at school for the rest of the year.
GO HERE to read more.
Cap Re-Attached To Leaking Well
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Obama Job Offers Swept Under The Rug
A House resolution demanding more information on the White House's efforts to get two Democratic Senate candidates out of primary races failed to pass committee on Wednesday.
The House Judiciary Committee voted down the GOP's resolution of inquiry 15-12. The measure demanded that the Obama administration release documents related to jobs offers that the White House suggested to Rep. Joe Sestak (Pa.) and former Colorado House Speaker Andrew Romanoff in an attempt to get them to quit their primary contests.
Republicans in Congress had pounced on the revelations of the offers, accusing the White House, at worst, of committing federal crimes and, at least, violating their pledge to run a transparent administration.
Ranking member Lamar Smith (R-Texas) and Rep. James Sensenbrenner Jr. (R-Wis.) introduced the resolution last week.
Smith said in a statement that the White House should still be forthcoming about the documents.
"I am disappointed that this Resolution of Inquiry is even necessary," he said. "But the administration has ignored all efforts to conduct meaningful oversight. If the administration has nothing to hide, why not provide Congress with the requested documents and restore integrity to our election process? It’s time for the White House to make good on its promise of transparency and come clean about what other elections Administration officials may have sought to influence."
The House Judiciary Committee voted down the GOP's resolution of inquiry 15-12. The measure demanded that the Obama administration release documents related to jobs offers that the White House suggested to Rep. Joe Sestak (Pa.) and former Colorado House Speaker Andrew Romanoff in an attempt to get them to quit their primary contests.
Republicans in Congress had pounced on the revelations of the offers, accusing the White House, at worst, of committing federal crimes and, at least, violating their pledge to run a transparent administration.
Ranking member Lamar Smith (R-Texas) and Rep. James Sensenbrenner Jr. (R-Wis.) introduced the resolution last week.
Smith said in a statement that the White House should still be forthcoming about the documents.
"I am disappointed that this Resolution of Inquiry is even necessary," he said. "But the administration has ignored all efforts to conduct meaningful oversight. If the administration has nothing to hide, why not provide Congress with the requested documents and restore integrity to our election process? It’s time for the White House to make good on its promise of transparency and come clean about what other elections Administration officials may have sought to influence."
Senators Send Letter To Obama Defending Israel In Flotilla Incident
A huge majority of senators co-signed a letter to President Barack Obama Wednesday defending Israel's actions in the flotilla incident last month and urging the administration to oppose a U.N. resolution critical of the country.
Led by Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) — and signed by 85 other members of the upper chamber — the letter argues that Israel's blockade of Gaza was both legal and necessary, and that Israeli commandos were acting in self-defense when they landed on the ship.
"[V]ideo footage shows that the Israeli commandos who arrived on the sixth ship, which was owned by the Turkish Humanitarian Relief Foundation (the IHH), were brutally attacked with iron rods, knives, and broken glass," the senators wrote.
"They were forced to respond to that attack and we regret the loss of life that resulted," the letter adds.
The bipartisan group of lawmakers urged Obama to oppose a resolution in the United Nations critical of Israel.
Led by Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) — and signed by 85 other members of the upper chamber — the letter argues that Israel's blockade of Gaza was both legal and necessary, and that Israeli commandos were acting in self-defense when they landed on the ship.
"[V]ideo footage shows that the Israeli commandos who arrived on the sixth ship, which was owned by the Turkish Humanitarian Relief Foundation (the IHH), were brutally attacked with iron rods, knives, and broken glass," the senators wrote.
"They were forced to respond to that attack and we regret the loss of life that resulted," the letter adds.
The bipartisan group of lawmakers urged Obama to oppose a resolution in the United Nations critical of Israel.
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