President Barack Obama, who rocketed to the White House promising "change you can believe in," is now telling voters they shouldn't change a thing.
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
Monday, July 26, 2010
Obama's Message To Voters: Things Could Be Worse
President Barack Obama, who rocketed to the White House promising "change you can believe in," is now telling voters they shouldn't change a thing.
GO HERE to read more.
Dustin Mills Draws A Nice Crowd For His First Fundraiser
Good people, good friends and great fellowship was had at Dustin Mills first fundraiser in Salisbury. This young man has what it takes, no question about it.
John Phoebus Packs Them In During Recent Fundraiser
It's been a long time since I've seen any other Candidate pack in a crowd like the one seen at the John Phoebus campaign kickoff.
Clearly John has heavy duty backers and supporters and some even say he's already the front runner for Delegate.
This event was held at the Black Diamond Catering Hall in Fruitland.
Report: Big-Mouthed BP CEO To Step Down
Even though Tony Hayward said in June that he had no intention of stepping down as CEO of British Petroleum, it looks like he might have spoken too soon, as several reports say Tone-Bone will be readying his golden parachute following today's board meeting.
Key Omission In memo To Destroy CIA Terror Tapes
WASHINGTON (AP) - When the CIA sent word in 2005 to destroy scores of videos showing waterboarding and other harsh interrogation tactics, there was an unusual omission in the carefully worded memo: the names of two agency lawyers.
Once a CIA lawyer has weighed in on even a routine matter, officers rarely give an order without copying the lawyer in on the decision. It's standard procedure, a way for managers to cover themselves if a decision goes bad.
But when the CIA's top clandestine officer, Jose Rodriguez, told a colleague at the agency's secret prison in Thailand to destroy interrogation videos, he left the lawyers off the note.
The destruction of the tapes wiped away the most graphic evidence of the CIA's now-shuttered network of overseas prisons, where suspected terrorists were interrogated for information using some of the most aggressive tactics in U.S. history.
Critics of that George W. Bush-era program point to the tapes' destruction and say his administration was trying to cover its tracks.
The reality is not so simple.
GO HERE to read more.
Once a CIA lawyer has weighed in on even a routine matter, officers rarely give an order without copying the lawyer in on the decision. It's standard procedure, a way for managers to cover themselves if a decision goes bad.
But when the CIA's top clandestine officer, Jose Rodriguez, told a colleague at the agency's secret prison in Thailand to destroy interrogation videos, he left the lawyers off the note.
The destruction of the tapes wiped away the most graphic evidence of the CIA's now-shuttered network of overseas prisons, where suspected terrorists were interrogated for information using some of the most aggressive tactics in U.S. history.
Critics of that George W. Bush-era program point to the tapes' destruction and say his administration was trying to cover its tracks.
The reality is not so simple.
GO HERE to read more.
Unauthorized Use / Assault
DATE & TIME: 7/26/2010 at 0028 hours
C C. CARD NUMBER: 10-54-006709
LOCATION: 1708 East Clear Lake Circle Salisbury, Wicomico County, Maryland.
BRIEF RESUME:
On the above date and time, Troopers from the Salisbury Barrack responded to the above address in attempts to locate a subject wanted for Domestic Assault. Upon arrival, the suspect was observed attempting to flee the scene in a vehicle at which time he was taken into custody. While detained, the subject became combative, failing to obey as he spit on a Trooper. The suspect had to be physically subdued.
Further investigation revealed that the vehicle he was operating did not belong to him and he attempted to steal the vehicle from the residence. His Drivers License is currently revoked.
He was then transported to WCDC to go before a court commissioner.
Arrested: 1.George Michael Trego, w/m age 34 of Salisbury, Maryland
The suspect was charged with: Unauthorized Use of a M/V, Assault, Failing to Obey a lawful Order, and Driving on a Revoked License in addition to charges stemming from the Domestic assault in the City of Salisbury.
C C. CARD NUMBER: 10-54-006709
LOCATION: 1708 East Clear Lake Circle Salisbury, Wicomico County, Maryland.
BRIEF RESUME:
On the above date and time, Troopers from the Salisbury Barrack responded to the above address in attempts to locate a subject wanted for Domestic Assault. Upon arrival, the suspect was observed attempting to flee the scene in a vehicle at which time he was taken into custody. While detained, the subject became combative, failing to obey as he spit on a Trooper. The suspect had to be physically subdued.
Further investigation revealed that the vehicle he was operating did not belong to him and he attempted to steal the vehicle from the residence. His Drivers License is currently revoked.
He was then transported to WCDC to go before a court commissioner.
Arrested: 1.George Michael Trego, w/m age 34 of Salisbury, Maryland
The suspect was charged with: Unauthorized Use of a M/V, Assault, Failing to Obey a lawful Order, and Driving on a Revoked License in addition to charges stemming from the Domestic assault in the City of Salisbury.
Delmar Fire Department
Hello Joe,
I would like to publicly acknowledge the expert medical care and compassion shown to my Mother on Tuesday, July 20. She was involved in a motor vehicle collision at the intersection of Rt. 13 and Dagsboro Road around 5 pm. The Delmar Fire Department EMS responded to the call. My Mother, my family and I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the responders. She has conveyed more than once how much she appreciated the way she was treated by them in a traumatic situation. A huge thank you Delmar EMS. You are very much appreciated.
Linda McCrorey
I would like to publicly acknowledge the expert medical care and compassion shown to my Mother on Tuesday, July 20. She was involved in a motor vehicle collision at the intersection of Rt. 13 and Dagsboro Road around 5 pm. The Delmar Fire Department EMS responded to the call. My Mother, my family and I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the responders. She has conveyed more than once how much she appreciated the way she was treated by them in a traumatic situation. A huge thank you Delmar EMS. You are very much appreciated.
Linda McCrorey
Wargotz Critical Of Mikulski's Call For End To Filibuster
Mikulski supports the filibuster before opposing it
Annapolis - Last week, Senator Mikulski called for an end to filibusters. In a speech on the Senate floor, Senator Mikulski said, "I'm on the side and definitely part of the reform movement in this institution to get rid of out-of-date procedures that belong to another century and that now only serve to slow us down so that while we do procedural due diligence, we don't actually accomplish anything at all."
While using buzzwords such as "reform" and "out-of-date procedures" sounds nice, it is important to examine what Mikulski actually wants to do. The United States Senate is considered "the greatest deliberative body in the world." The Senate is supposed to deliberate long and hard and keep a check on the reactionary House of Representatives. The filibuster provides accountability and ensures the views of the minority are heard.
"It comes as no surprise that Senator Mikulski wants no accountability in government." Wargotz said. "Senator Mikulski supported the filibuster when her party was in the minority, but now that they are in the majority she changes her tune."
The approval rating of Congress is now at 11%. The American public does not support the agenda being proposed by those in power. The only thing stopping that agenda is the filibuster.
"I am thankful every day for filibuster. The filibuster is the only thing keeping our nation from going off a cliff." Wargotz added. "The filibuster is the only thing keeping those in power from imposing a radical agenda opposed by a majority of voters."
As a member of the United States Senate, Commissioner Wargotz M.D. will always support the right of the minority to filibuster. The filibuster provides accountability in Congress.
Annapolis - Last week, Senator Mikulski called for an end to filibusters. In a speech on the Senate floor, Senator Mikulski said, "I'm on the side and definitely part of the reform movement in this institution to get rid of out-of-date procedures that belong to another century and that now only serve to slow us down so that while we do procedural due diligence, we don't actually accomplish anything at all."
While using buzzwords such as "reform" and "out-of-date procedures" sounds nice, it is important to examine what Mikulski actually wants to do. The United States Senate is considered "the greatest deliberative body in the world." The Senate is supposed to deliberate long and hard and keep a check on the reactionary House of Representatives. The filibuster provides accountability and ensures the views of the minority are heard.
"It comes as no surprise that Senator Mikulski wants no accountability in government." Wargotz said. "Senator Mikulski supported the filibuster when her party was in the minority, but now that they are in the majority she changes her tune."
The approval rating of Congress is now at 11%. The American public does not support the agenda being proposed by those in power. The only thing stopping that agenda is the filibuster.
"I am thankful every day for filibuster. The filibuster is the only thing keeping our nation from going off a cliff." Wargotz added. "The filibuster is the only thing keeping those in power from imposing a radical agenda opposed by a majority of voters."
As a member of the United States Senate, Commissioner Wargotz M.D. will always support the right of the minority to filibuster. The filibuster provides accountability in Congress.
U.S. Bank Failures In 2010 Surpass 100
Number of bank closures is well ahead of last year's pace
WASHINGTON — U.S. bank failures this year have surpassed a bleak milestone of 100 as regulators shut down banks in Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, Kansas and Minnesota.
The five bank seizures announced Friday bring to 101 the failures so far in 2010. The pace of bank closures this year is well ahead of that of last year, which saw a total 140 bank shuttered amid the recession and mounting loan defaults.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. said it took over Crescent Bank and Trust Co., based in Jasper, Ga., with about $1 billion in assets; Sterling Bank of Lantana, Fla., with $407.9 million in assets; Williamsburg First National Bank of Kingstree, S.C., $139.3 million in assets; Thunder Bank of Sylvan Grove, Kan., $32.6 million; and Community Security Bank of New Prague, Minn., $108 million.
Renasant Bank, based in Tupelo, Miss., agreed to assume the assets and deposits of Crescent Bank and Trust. Iberiabank of Lafayette, La., is acquiring the assets and deposits of Sterling Bank. First Citizens Bank and Trust Co. of Columbia, S.C., is assuming the assets and deposits of Williamsburg First National Bank, while Bennington State Bank in Salina, Kansas, is taking the assets and deposits of Thunder Bank. Roundbank of Waseca, Minn., is assuming those of Community Security Bank.
The failure of Crescent Bank and Trust is expected to cost the deposit insurance fund about $242.4 million. The resolution of Sterling Bank is estimated to cost $45.5 million; that of Williamsburg First National Bank, $8.8 million; Thunder Bank, $4.5 million; and Community Security Bank, $18.6 million.
GO HERE to read more.
WASHINGTON — U.S. bank failures this year have surpassed a bleak milestone of 100 as regulators shut down banks in Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, Kansas and Minnesota.
The five bank seizures announced Friday bring to 101 the failures so far in 2010. The pace of bank closures this year is well ahead of that of last year, which saw a total 140 bank shuttered amid the recession and mounting loan defaults.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. said it took over Crescent Bank and Trust Co., based in Jasper, Ga., with about $1 billion in assets; Sterling Bank of Lantana, Fla., with $407.9 million in assets; Williamsburg First National Bank of Kingstree, S.C., $139.3 million in assets; Thunder Bank of Sylvan Grove, Kan., $32.6 million; and Community Security Bank of New Prague, Minn., $108 million.
Renasant Bank, based in Tupelo, Miss., agreed to assume the assets and deposits of Crescent Bank and Trust. Iberiabank of Lafayette, La., is acquiring the assets and deposits of Sterling Bank. First Citizens Bank and Trust Co. of Columbia, S.C., is assuming the assets and deposits of Williamsburg First National Bank, while Bennington State Bank in Salina, Kansas, is taking the assets and deposits of Thunder Bank. Roundbank of Waseca, Minn., is assuming those of Community Security Bank.
The failure of Crescent Bank and Trust is expected to cost the deposit insurance fund about $242.4 million. The resolution of Sterling Bank is estimated to cost $45.5 million; that of Williamsburg First National Bank, $8.8 million; Thunder Bank, $4.5 million; and Community Security Bank, $18.6 million.
GO HERE to read more.
Arizona Law Comes After Years Of Mounting Anger
As the days tick down until the Arizona immigration law takes effect, the state stands as a monument to the anger over illegal immigration that is present in so many places.
The anger has been simmering for years, and erupted into a full-blown fury with the murder of a prominent rancher on the border earlier this year. The killing became a powerful rallying cry for immigration reform, but it does not tell the whole story about how Arizona got to this point.
Turn on the evening news in Arizona and some report reflecting the state's battle with illegal immigration will likely flash across the screen.
A drop house crammed with illegal border-crossers smack in the middle of a suburban neighborhood. Traffic patrols and workplace raids that net the arrest of dozens of illegal immigrants, often in heavily Hispanic communities. Politicians speaking venomously about border violence and the leech of immigration costs on the state treasury.
Along the streets, Arizonans see day laborers near Wal-Mart and Home Depot parking lots, waiting for work. In some Phoenix-area neighborhoods, Spanish is so predominant both in spoken word and signage that residents complain they feel like they're in a foreign country.
Then rancher Robert Krentz was gunned down in March while checking water lines on his property near the border. Authorities believe — but have never produced substantive proof — that an illegal immigrant, likely a scout for drug smugglers, was to blame.
Almost immediately Krentz came to symbolize what's at stake with illegal immigration. Politicians quickly connected the dots, but everyday folks also spoke with anger and fear about the rancher's death.
"You can't ignore the damage and the costs to the taxpayers and the disrespect that comes with it and those who think they have a right to break our laws," says Russell Pearce, the fiery state senator who wrote the law that is set to take effect Thursday, barring any last-minute legal action.
Between 40 percent and 50 percent of all immigrant arrests each year on the U.S.-Mexico border are made in Arizona, according to the U.S. Border Patrol.
And the annual costs? About $600 million for educating illegal immigrants at K-12 schools, more than $120 million for jailing illegal immigrants convicted of state crimes and as much as $50 million that hospitals have to eat for treating illegal border-crossers, according to figures provided by Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne, Gov. Jan Brewer's office and the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association.
At Copper Queen Community Hospital, 4 miles north of the border in Bisbee, the emergency room sees one or two illegal immigrants every shift. Dr. Daniel Roe, the emergency-room medical director, says many come in with broken bones from jumping the 15-foot-tall border fence, others suffer from walking for days in the desert with little to no water, and others have been involved in car accidents.
"It's very much part of our normal flow," he says. "But it demands resources. So it affects the operating budget."
Immigrant medical costs led the hospital to shutter a skilled nursing facility and its maternity ward several years ago, according to the hospital's top administrator.
Don Sorchych, editor and publisher of a small local newspaper called the Sonoran News, says over the past 20 years his quaint Phoenix-area town of Cave Creek has seen illegal immigrants set up "villages" made of scrap lumber and canvas.
The anger has been simmering for years, and erupted into a full-blown fury with the murder of a prominent rancher on the border earlier this year. The killing became a powerful rallying cry for immigration reform, but it does not tell the whole story about how Arizona got to this point.
Turn on the evening news in Arizona and some report reflecting the state's battle with illegal immigration will likely flash across the screen.
A drop house crammed with illegal border-crossers smack in the middle of a suburban neighborhood. Traffic patrols and workplace raids that net the arrest of dozens of illegal immigrants, often in heavily Hispanic communities. Politicians speaking venomously about border violence and the leech of immigration costs on the state treasury.
Along the streets, Arizonans see day laborers near Wal-Mart and Home Depot parking lots, waiting for work. In some Phoenix-area neighborhoods, Spanish is so predominant both in spoken word and signage that residents complain they feel like they're in a foreign country.
Then rancher Robert Krentz was gunned down in March while checking water lines on his property near the border. Authorities believe — but have never produced substantive proof — that an illegal immigrant, likely a scout for drug smugglers, was to blame.
Almost immediately Krentz came to symbolize what's at stake with illegal immigration. Politicians quickly connected the dots, but everyday folks also spoke with anger and fear about the rancher's death.
"You can't ignore the damage and the costs to the taxpayers and the disrespect that comes with it and those who think they have a right to break our laws," says Russell Pearce, the fiery state senator who wrote the law that is set to take effect Thursday, barring any last-minute legal action.
Between 40 percent and 50 percent of all immigrant arrests each year on the U.S.-Mexico border are made in Arizona, according to the U.S. Border Patrol.
And the annual costs? About $600 million for educating illegal immigrants at K-12 schools, more than $120 million for jailing illegal immigrants convicted of state crimes and as much as $50 million that hospitals have to eat for treating illegal border-crossers, according to figures provided by Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne, Gov. Jan Brewer's office and the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association.
At Copper Queen Community Hospital, 4 miles north of the border in Bisbee, the emergency room sees one or two illegal immigrants every shift. Dr. Daniel Roe, the emergency-room medical director, says many come in with broken bones from jumping the 15-foot-tall border fence, others suffer from walking for days in the desert with little to no water, and others have been involved in car accidents.
"It's very much part of our normal flow," he says. "But it demands resources. So it affects the operating budget."
Immigrant medical costs led the hospital to shutter a skilled nursing facility and its maternity ward several years ago, according to the hospital's top administrator.
Don Sorchych, editor and publisher of a small local newspaper called the Sonoran News, says over the past 20 years his quaint Phoenix-area town of Cave Creek has seen illegal immigrants set up "villages" made of scrap lumber and canvas.
Migrants Sell Their Things And Flee Arizona Ahead Of Crackdown
Nicaraguan mother Lorena Aguilar hawks a television set and a few clothes on the baking sidewalk outside her west Phoenix apartment block.
A few paces up the street, her undocumented Mexican neighbor Wendi Villasenor touts a kitchen table, some chairs and a few dishes as her family scrambles to get out of Arizona ahead of a looming crackdown on illegal immigrants.
"Everyone is selling up the little they have and leaving," said Villasenor, 31, who is headed for Pennsylvania. "We have no alternative. They have us cornered."
The two women are among scores of illegal immigrant families across Phoenix hauling the contents of their homes into the yard this weekend as they rush to sell up and get out before the state law takes effect on Thursday.
The law, the toughest imposed by any U.S. state to curb illegal immigration, seeks to drive more than 400,000 undocumented day laborers, landscapers, house cleaners, chambermaids and other workers out of Arizona, which borders Mexico.
It makes being an illegal immigrant a state crime and requires state and local police, during lawful contact, to investigate the status of anyone they reasonably suspect of being an illegal immigrant.
The U.S. government estimates 100,000 unauthorized migrants left Arizona after the state passed an employer sanctions law three years ago requiring companies to verify workers' status using a federal computer system. There are no figures for the number who have left since the new law passed in April.
Some are heading back to Mexico or to neighboring states. Others are staying put and taking their chances.
A few paces up the street, her undocumented Mexican neighbor Wendi Villasenor touts a kitchen table, some chairs and a few dishes as her family scrambles to get out of Arizona ahead of a looming crackdown on illegal immigrants.
"Everyone is selling up the little they have and leaving," said Villasenor, 31, who is headed for Pennsylvania. "We have no alternative. They have us cornered."
The two women are among scores of illegal immigrant families across Phoenix hauling the contents of their homes into the yard this weekend as they rush to sell up and get out before the state law takes effect on Thursday.
The law, the toughest imposed by any U.S. state to curb illegal immigration, seeks to drive more than 400,000 undocumented day laborers, landscapers, house cleaners, chambermaids and other workers out of Arizona, which borders Mexico.
It makes being an illegal immigrant a state crime and requires state and local police, during lawful contact, to investigate the status of anyone they reasonably suspect of being an illegal immigrant.
The U.S. government estimates 100,000 unauthorized migrants left Arizona after the state passed an employer sanctions law three years ago requiring companies to verify workers' status using a federal computer system. There are no figures for the number who have left since the new law passed in April.
Some are heading back to Mexico or to neighboring states. Others are staying put and taking their chances.
Whatever Happens, Israel Can Always Count On U.S. Evangelicals
Thousands of Christians from across the United States descended on Capitol Hill on Thursday in order to lobby Washington lawmakers on behalf of Israel.
Organizers of the event, called Christians United for Israel, showed their strength by lobbying over 85 percent U.S. Congress offices.
Attendees of this year's gathering are visibly different from those in the past: about one in five of the 5,000 participants was from a Hispanic Church.
“Last year we had about 300 Hispanics, but this year we started specific outreach to the Hispanic churches where Spanish is a language of worship”, says David Brog, the executive director of CUFI. “We have started an outreach to African-Americans. It was always our goal to broaden our base ethnically, geographically and theologically”.
Yet despite the attempt to reach out to traditionally left-leaning minority groups, Democrats are few and far between at the conference.
“We are determined to be bipartisan, we always invite Democrats but typically we get better answers from the Republicans”, says Brog.
Abbas Resists Direct Talks Despite Pressure From 'Entire World'
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said Sunday that despite intense international pressure from the "entire world," he is still not willing to start direct negotiations with Israel.
Abbas told the Voice of Palestine radio that talks would be doomed without a clear framework.
The Palestinians are wary of entering open-ended negotiations with Israel's hardline prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. They want Israel to first accept the principle of a Palestinian state within the territory captured by Israel during the 1967 Six-Day War, with some border modifications.
Netanyahu has endorsed the creation of a Palestinian state but refuses to be pinned down on the details before direct talks begin. Since May, U.S. Mideast envoy George Mitchell has been shuttling between Abbas and Netanyahu to try to narrow the gaps, so far in vain.
Abbas aides said he has received phone calls in recent days from the leaders of Germany, Britain and Italy, among others, urging him to go to direct talks.
Abbas told the Voice of Palestine radio that talks would be doomed without a clear framework.
The Palestinians are wary of entering open-ended negotiations with Israel's hardline prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. They want Israel to first accept the principle of a Palestinian state within the territory captured by Israel during the 1967 Six-Day War, with some border modifications.
Netanyahu has endorsed the creation of a Palestinian state but refuses to be pinned down on the details before direct talks begin. Since May, U.S. Mideast envoy George Mitchell has been shuttling between Abbas and Netanyahu to try to narrow the gaps, so far in vain.
Abbas aides said he has received phone calls in recent days from the leaders of Germany, Britain and Italy, among others, urging him to go to direct talks.
[Netanyau: "I'm willing to sit down with the PA as soon as possible..." So who's holding this up?--Editor]
GOP Presses For Probe Of Black Panthers Investigation
Republicans on the Senate and House Judiciary Committees are calling for an investigation into allegations that the Justice Department wrongly abandoned a case against the New Black Panther Party.
They also think there’s evidence that the department has adopted a policy to ignore voting rights violations against white victims.
Senate Judiciary Republicans sent a letter Friday to Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., chairman of the committee, requesting a hearing. That followed a letter sent by House Judiciary Republicans to President Obama asking him to direct Attorney General Eric Holder to appoint a special prosecutor to launch an investigation, according to Fox News.
A former Justice Department attorney, J. Christian Adams, now a conservative blogger, testified that supervisors in the division instructed attorneys to ignore voting rights cases that involved black defendants and white victims.
"If these alarming allegations are true, the Civil Rights Division is actively engaged in widespread politicization and possible corruption," Senate Republican Judiciary members wrote. "It is imperative that you schedule a hearing immediately so we can determine the validity of these claims and whether DOJ, as Mr. Adams testified, 'abetted wrongdoers and abandoned law-abiding citizens.'"
In their letter to the president, House Republican Judiciary members said the Justice Department's "continued refusal to give any legitimate reason for the dismissal has only increased suspicions that race and politics played a role in the decision."
They also think there’s evidence that the department has adopted a policy to ignore voting rights violations against white victims.
Senate Judiciary Republicans sent a letter Friday to Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., chairman of the committee, requesting a hearing. That followed a letter sent by House Judiciary Republicans to President Obama asking him to direct Attorney General Eric Holder to appoint a special prosecutor to launch an investigation, according to Fox News.
A former Justice Department attorney, J. Christian Adams, now a conservative blogger, testified that supervisors in the division instructed attorneys to ignore voting rights cases that involved black defendants and white victims.
"If these alarming allegations are true, the Civil Rights Division is actively engaged in widespread politicization and possible corruption," Senate Republican Judiciary members wrote. "It is imperative that you schedule a hearing immediately so we can determine the validity of these claims and whether DOJ, as Mr. Adams testified, 'abetted wrongdoers and abandoned law-abiding citizens.'"
In their letter to the president, House Republican Judiciary members said the Justice Department's "continued refusal to give any legitimate reason for the dismissal has only increased suspicions that race and politics played a role in the decision."
More about this here
Ex-CIA Chief Hayden: Military Strike On Iran Likely
Former CIA Director Michael Hayden said Sunday that military action against Iran now “seems inexorable” and in fact “may not be the worst of all possible outcomes." He also called homegrown terrorism “a devil of a problem” and the most serious threat facing American citizens.
Hayden said that the likelihood of a U.S. strike on Iran has risen in face of Tehran's defiance to halt its contentions nuclear program, saying "We engage. They continue to move forward."
"We vote for sanctions. They continue to move forward. We try to deter, to dissuade. They continue to move forward," he added.
The former CIA chief predicted Iran, in defiance of the international community, planned to "get itself to that step right below a nuclear weapon, that permanent breakout stage, so the needle isn’t quite in the red for the international community."
Hayden said that reaching even that level would be "as destabilizing to the region as actually having a weapon."
On Saturday, several key Iranian officials estimated that the United States and Israel would not dare attempt a military strike of Iran's nuclear sites, adding that they were confident that Iranian forces would easily repel such an attempt, the Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported.
Hayden also called homegrown terrorism "a devil of a problem" and the most serious threat facing American citizens. "In a democracy it’s incredibly difficult,” he said. “Look, we’ve all made our compromises with al-Qaeda and the al-Qaeda kinds of attacks.
"But how do you build a security structure that guards you against American citizens who are beginning to change in their thinking up to a point where they become a threat to the security of other Americans? That’s a devil of a problem."
Hayden said that the next step the intelligence community would take to combat homegrown terrorists would inevitably begin to infringe on the privacy of Americans, and that was still too steep of a price to pay.
"What are you or your viewers willing to pay?" he asked CNN interviewer Candy Crowley. “How much would you allow us commerce or privacy or convenience in order to get down to that level of granularity. And frankly, I think American political culture. I think you and I, as citizens, would be uncomfortable going very far in that direction. That what makes this such a devilish problem."
Hayden said that the likelihood of a U.S. strike on Iran has risen in face of Tehran's defiance to halt its contentions nuclear program, saying "We engage. They continue to move forward."
"We vote for sanctions. They continue to move forward. We try to deter, to dissuade. They continue to move forward," he added.
The former CIA chief predicted Iran, in defiance of the international community, planned to "get itself to that step right below a nuclear weapon, that permanent breakout stage, so the needle isn’t quite in the red for the international community."
Hayden said that reaching even that level would be "as destabilizing to the region as actually having a weapon."
On Saturday, several key Iranian officials estimated that the United States and Israel would not dare attempt a military strike of Iran's nuclear sites, adding that they were confident that Iranian forces would easily repel such an attempt, the Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported.
Hayden also called homegrown terrorism "a devil of a problem" and the most serious threat facing American citizens. "In a democracy it’s incredibly difficult,” he said. “Look, we’ve all made our compromises with al-Qaeda and the al-Qaeda kinds of attacks.
"But how do you build a security structure that guards you against American citizens who are beginning to change in their thinking up to a point where they become a threat to the security of other Americans? That’s a devil of a problem."
Hayden said that the next step the intelligence community would take to combat homegrown terrorists would inevitably begin to infringe on the privacy of Americans, and that was still too steep of a price to pay.
"What are you or your viewers willing to pay?" he asked CNN interviewer Candy Crowley. “How much would you allow us commerce or privacy or convenience in order to get down to that level of granularity. And frankly, I think American political culture. I think you and I, as citizens, would be uncomfortable going very far in that direction. That what makes this such a devilish problem."
Vitaminwater Isn't Healthy, Rules Federal Judge
A federal judge ruled this week that Vitaminwater will not, as its labels promise, keep you "healthy as a horse." Nor will it bring about a "healthy state of physical or mental being". Instead, Vitaminwater is really just a sugary snack food; non-carbonated fruit coke disguised as a sports drink. Because it's composed mostly of sugar and not vitamin-laden water, judge John Gleeson held that Vitaminwater's absurd marketing claims were likely to mislead consumers.
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Rangel Seeking Deal To Avoid Expulsion
Representative Charles Rangel's lawyers are trying to determine if a deal can be reached to settle ethics charges against him and avoid a trial that could hurt his Democratic Party just before the November election, party aides said on Saturday.
The aides said Rangel's lawyers are talking with the House of Representatives ethics committee, which announced charges against the 80-year-old congressman on Thursday after an earlier breakdown in negotiations.
The charges against Rangel are set to be disclosed next week in preparation for a public trial before the committee in September.
A possible settlement could include Rangel admitting to at least some charges in return for a public admonishment or censure rather than expulsion from Congress, aides said.
"But I don't know if they will reach an agreement. So far, he has been very unwilling," one aide said of the defiant Rangel, who has long insisted he has done nothing wrong.
The aide said pressure will likely mount on Rangel to avoid a trial when House Democrats return to work on Monday.
"Someone will talk to Charlie, but we don't know if he will listen," the aide said.
Said another aide: "It could get ugly. A lot of the old timers want to stick by him, but a lot of younger members are sick of this."
More here
The aides said Rangel's lawyers are talking with the House of Representatives ethics committee, which announced charges against the 80-year-old congressman on Thursday after an earlier breakdown in negotiations.
The charges against Rangel are set to be disclosed next week in preparation for a public trial before the committee in September.
A possible settlement could include Rangel admitting to at least some charges in return for a public admonishment or censure rather than expulsion from Congress, aides said.
"But I don't know if they will reach an agreement. So far, he has been very unwilling," one aide said of the defiant Rangel, who has long insisted he has done nothing wrong.
The aide said pressure will likely mount on Rangel to avoid a trial when House Democrats return to work on Monday.
"Someone will talk to Charlie, but we don't know if he will listen," the aide said.
Said another aide: "It could get ugly. A lot of the old timers want to stick by him, but a lot of younger members are sick of this."
More here
The Koerner Family
Hi there Joe!
Wanted to pass along the great news that the Koerner Family finally got to move into their new home in Pennsylvania! There were some problems with pipes at the last minute, and settlement was moved back a time or two, but they are finally moved in.
Thanks so much for posting their circumstances on your blog. Those who reached out to help them, made all the difference in their nightmare, and made a way for them to survive until their home was done.
It was a team effort, and it's now "mission accomplished." Blessings to everyone who donated to their cause, as they got down to the home stretch. It was beautiful to see a community come together on behalf of those who had a true need! Joyfully, Donna
Wanted to pass along the great news that the Koerner Family finally got to move into their new home in Pennsylvania! There were some problems with pipes at the last minute, and settlement was moved back a time or two, but they are finally moved in.
Thanks so much for posting their circumstances on your blog. Those who reached out to help them, made all the difference in their nightmare, and made a way for them to survive until their home was done.
It was a team effort, and it's now "mission accomplished." Blessings to everyone who donated to their cause, as they got down to the home stretch. It was beautiful to see a community come together on behalf of those who had a true need! Joyfully, Donna
Investigations, Teamwork Return $26 Million Misused In Medicaid
The state recovered a record $26.5 million in wrongfully spent Medicaid funds in this past fiscal year, attributed to teamwork across several state agencies and close examination of computer records and provider bills.
Only about 20% of this was due to outright fraud, officials said, and the other 80% of that is due to mistaken billing. This is a fraction of the estimated $300 million Medicaid paid out incorrectly last year, based on a national projection that 5% of Medicaid bills are overpaid.
About $16 million of the returned Medicaid funds were a direct result of investigations and prosecution by the Attorney General’s Office, said spokeswoman Raquel Guillory. Roughly half of that money was paid back in civil settlements, while the other half was court-ordered restitution.
GO HERE to read more.
Five Things To Do Before Losing Your Wallet
Look, it's going to happen eventually. Whether it's pickpockets or carelessness, you're going to lose your wallet. When you do, you'll be glad you took these five steps to make recovery simple and painless.
OFFICER INVOLVED FATAL CRASH INVESTIGATED
(Towson, MD) – Maryland State Police are continuing their investigation of a fatal traffic crash in Baltimore County early this morning that involved a Baltimore Police Department officer and a motorcyclist who had allegedly previously been observed committing traffic violations in the city.
The motorcyclist is identified as Haines E. Holloway-Lilliston, 27, of the 200-block of Lord Byron Lane, Cockeysville, Md. He was operating a 2002 Suzuki GSX 600 motorcycle. He was pronounced dead at the scene of the collision.
The other driver is identified as Officer Timothy E. Beall, 31, of the Baltimore Police Department. Beall was operating a marked Baltimore Police Department 2006 Chevrolet Impala patrol car. Beall was wearing his police uniform.
Shortly before 3:00 a.m. today, Maryland State Police at the Golden Ring Barracks were called by the Baltimore City 911 Center and advised that a city officer was behind a motorcycle that was speeding north on I-83. A short time later, Officer Beall called the barracks and, in a brief conversation, said he was behind a motorcycle he believed was stolen. Soon afterwards, State Police were notified by the Baltimore County Emergency Operations Center to respond to a traffic crash on the ramp to southbound Dulaney Valley Road from the Inner Loop of I-695.
Troopers responding to the scene found the crash on the ramp involved the marked patrol vehicle driven by Officer Beall and the motorcycle driven by Holloway-Lilliston. Baltimore County Fire Department units responded to the scene and EMS personnel pronounced the motorcyclist dead at the scene. Holloway-Lilliston was wearing a helmet.
The Maryland State Police CRASH Team responded to conduct a detailed crash investigation. The preliminary investigation indicates the motorcycle was in front of the police car as both proceeded south on the off-ramp. Evidence indicates the vehicles collided and the motorcyclist was ejected from the motorcycle onto the hood of the police car and then onto the roadway. The speeds of the vehicles at the time of the collision have not been determined.
Preliminary information indicates the police officer had witnessed the motorcycle involved in a possible speed contest with a car on Northern Parkway. When the officer attempted to pull the motorcycle over, the driver did not stop and continued north on I-83. Preliminary information also indicates Officer Beall was the only police officer involved in following the motorcycle. No other police units from the city or other police agencies were involved.
Holloway-Lilliston had a valid Maryland driver’s license, but he did not have a motorcycle license. The motorcycle he was operating was displaying tags listed to another motorcycle. The motorcycle was not reported stolen.
No charges have been filed at this time. A detailed accident reconstruction is being conducted by the Maryland State Police CRASH Team. The completed investigation will be forwarded to the Baltimore County State’s Attorney’s Office for review.
The investigation is continuing.
The motorcyclist is identified as Haines E. Holloway-Lilliston, 27, of the 200-block of Lord Byron Lane, Cockeysville, Md. He was operating a 2002 Suzuki GSX 600 motorcycle. He was pronounced dead at the scene of the collision.
The other driver is identified as Officer Timothy E. Beall, 31, of the Baltimore Police Department. Beall was operating a marked Baltimore Police Department 2006 Chevrolet Impala patrol car. Beall was wearing his police uniform.
Shortly before 3:00 a.m. today, Maryland State Police at the Golden Ring Barracks were called by the Baltimore City 911 Center and advised that a city officer was behind a motorcycle that was speeding north on I-83. A short time later, Officer Beall called the barracks and, in a brief conversation, said he was behind a motorcycle he believed was stolen. Soon afterwards, State Police were notified by the Baltimore County Emergency Operations Center to respond to a traffic crash on the ramp to southbound Dulaney Valley Road from the Inner Loop of I-695.
Troopers responding to the scene found the crash on the ramp involved the marked patrol vehicle driven by Officer Beall and the motorcycle driven by Holloway-Lilliston. Baltimore County Fire Department units responded to the scene and EMS personnel pronounced the motorcyclist dead at the scene. Holloway-Lilliston was wearing a helmet.
The Maryland State Police CRASH Team responded to conduct a detailed crash investigation. The preliminary investigation indicates the motorcycle was in front of the police car as both proceeded south on the off-ramp. Evidence indicates the vehicles collided and the motorcyclist was ejected from the motorcycle onto the hood of the police car and then onto the roadway. The speeds of the vehicles at the time of the collision have not been determined.
Preliminary information indicates the police officer had witnessed the motorcycle involved in a possible speed contest with a car on Northern Parkway. When the officer attempted to pull the motorcycle over, the driver did not stop and continued north on I-83. Preliminary information also indicates Officer Beall was the only police officer involved in following the motorcycle. No other police units from the city or other police agencies were involved.
Holloway-Lilliston had a valid Maryland driver’s license, but he did not have a motorcycle license. The motorcycle he was operating was displaying tags listed to another motorcycle. The motorcycle was not reported stolen.
No charges have been filed at this time. A detailed accident reconstruction is being conducted by the Maryland State Police CRASH Team. The completed investigation will be forwarded to the Baltimore County State’s Attorney’s Office for review.
The investigation is continuing.
2010 MSA Results Show Gains By Most Wicomico Elementary And Middle Schools; Opportunities For Improvement Remain
Results from the 2010 administration of the Maryland School Assessment (MSA) show that many Wicomico students and schools continue to meet the annual targets for higher performance, but some schools and subgroups struggled to make progress.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Fredericksen told the Wicomico County Board of Education Tuesday that this year’s MSA results show that most schools are moving toward the goal of having 100 percent of students scoring proficient or advanced by 2014.
He was delighted to announce that Salisbury Middle School has exited the School Improvement Process. With a great deal of hard work by students and staff, the school achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) for two consecutive years and is no longer in School Improvement with the state.
Wicomico made gains overall in the percent proficient/advanced for Math MSA in grades 3, 5, 6 and 8, with a significant increase in Math MSA proficient scores in grade 6. The African-American subgroup made gains on the Math MSA in grades 3, 6 and 8, with a significant increase in grade 6.
The percent of students receiving Special Education services who scored at the proficient/advanced level for the Reading MSA increased in grades 4 and 6, and for the Math MSA in grades 6 and 7. The FARMS (Free and Reduced Meals) subgroup made Math MSA gains in grades 3, 5, 6 and 8, with significant increases in grades 3 and 6.
As part of the ongoing effort to ensure that schools help students improve their performance on MSA and that schools meet AYP, Central Office supervisors have been assigned responsibility for specific elementary and middle schools. The supervisors will work closely with the administrators and teachers at those schools to support progress.
“In general, we are making good progress on the MSA,” Dr. Fredericksen said. “As we continue to move toward the 2014 deadline of having all students score at the proficient or advanced level, we are going to work every day to meet that challenge.”
GO HERE to read more.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Fredericksen told the Wicomico County Board of Education Tuesday that this year’s MSA results show that most schools are moving toward the goal of having 100 percent of students scoring proficient or advanced by 2014.
He was delighted to announce that Salisbury Middle School has exited the School Improvement Process. With a great deal of hard work by students and staff, the school achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) for two consecutive years and is no longer in School Improvement with the state.
Wicomico made gains overall in the percent proficient/advanced for Math MSA in grades 3, 5, 6 and 8, with a significant increase in Math MSA proficient scores in grade 6. The African-American subgroup made gains on the Math MSA in grades 3, 6 and 8, with a significant increase in grade 6.
The percent of students receiving Special Education services who scored at the proficient/advanced level for the Reading MSA increased in grades 4 and 6, and for the Math MSA in grades 6 and 7. The FARMS (Free and Reduced Meals) subgroup made Math MSA gains in grades 3, 5, 6 and 8, with significant increases in grades 3 and 6.
As part of the ongoing effort to ensure that schools help students improve their performance on MSA and that schools meet AYP, Central Office supervisors have been assigned responsibility for specific elementary and middle schools. The supervisors will work closely with the administrators and teachers at those schools to support progress.
“In general, we are making good progress on the MSA,” Dr. Fredericksen said. “As we continue to move toward the 2014 deadline of having all students score at the proficient or advanced level, we are going to work every day to meet that challenge.”
GO HERE to read more.
The Sad And Not Newsworthy Enough REAL NEWS!
Lindsey Lohan who? I cant believe the news coverage being given to a spoiled 20-something yr old. Here are a few 20 year-olds worth knowing about: Justin Allen 23, Brett Linley 29, Matt Weikert 29, Justus Bartett27, Dave Santos 21, Chase Stanley 21, Jesse Reed 26, Matthew King 23, Christopher Goeke 23, & Sheldon Tate 27. These 20-somethings gave their lives for you this week fighting for our freedom!
Poll Shows Mikulski Weakness Against Commissioner Dr. Eric Wargotz
Maryland citizens support Wargotz over others.
Annapolis- People across the State continue to embrace Commissioner Eric Wargotz, M.D.’s message of cutting spending, stopping Obamacare, bringing accountability to Washington, and returning to our Constitutional roots. "The momentum is astounding as we criss-cross Maryland", says Wargotz.
Recent Rasmussen polling shows weakness of entrenched incumbent Senator Mikulski versus Commissioner Eric Wargotz, M.D. Only "Two percent (2%) prefer some other candidate in the race..." Wargotz commented "The poll told us what we have been hearing as we have been traveling the state, people are tired of the one-party control in Washington. Voters want accountability and leadership." They clearly support Commissioner Wargotz over others seeking to challenge Mikulski.
The survey found that Dr. Wargotz starts the campaign with the same percentage as the Republican received against her in 2004. This signals Dr. Wargotz has a solid base on which to build.
We know Mikulski can be beat this year, but it will require a sacrifice from each of us to move Dr. Wargotz into the people's U.S. Senate seat in Maryland. We will continue to show voters how Mikulski has failed us with increased spending, lack of accountability, and supporting a health care bill which will not result in lower costs and only place more taxes on businesses and families.
Rasmussen viewed Dr. Wargotz as the most competitive candidate against Mikulski. Some may say Mikulski has a strong lead, but many forget that in the few months before his election, Scott Brown trailed his Democratic opponent by 19%. What we learned from that race is that the public wants a new direction in Washington. They are tired of the one-party rule. They are tired of the out-of-control government spending. They are tired of a government that infringes on more of our rights each and every day.
"Voters in Maryland are tired of one-party rule in Washington." said Wargotz. "This poll shows Senator Mikulski is vulnerable if the right candidate runs a voter focused campaign." Commissioner Dr. Wargotz is the only candidate in the Maryland U.S. Senate race who has a proven record of cutting taxes (twice), cutting government, and increasing government transparency.
One particular area of strength in the Rasmussen poll for Senator Mikulski was with women which is an area Dr. Wargotz can make serious gains. Dr. Wargotz has specialized in providing medical care to women throughout his career and is a recognized expert in diseases of the Breast and Gynecological tract. He was recently honored as a recipient for the fourth consecutive year being rated as one of "Americas Top Physicians” by the Consumer's Research Council, Washington D.C.
Annapolis- People across the State continue to embrace Commissioner Eric Wargotz, M.D.’s message of cutting spending, stopping Obamacare, bringing accountability to Washington, and returning to our Constitutional roots. "The momentum is astounding as we criss-cross Maryland", says Wargotz.
Recent Rasmussen polling shows weakness of entrenched incumbent Senator Mikulski versus Commissioner Eric Wargotz, M.D. Only "Two percent (2%) prefer some other candidate in the race..." Wargotz commented "The poll told us what we have been hearing as we have been traveling the state, people are tired of the one-party control in Washington. Voters want accountability and leadership." They clearly support Commissioner Wargotz over others seeking to challenge Mikulski.
The survey found that Dr. Wargotz starts the campaign with the same percentage as the Republican received against her in 2004. This signals Dr. Wargotz has a solid base on which to build.
We know Mikulski can be beat this year, but it will require a sacrifice from each of us to move Dr. Wargotz into the people's U.S. Senate seat in Maryland. We will continue to show voters how Mikulski has failed us with increased spending, lack of accountability, and supporting a health care bill which will not result in lower costs and only place more taxes on businesses and families.
Rasmussen viewed Dr. Wargotz as the most competitive candidate against Mikulski. Some may say Mikulski has a strong lead, but many forget that in the few months before his election, Scott Brown trailed his Democratic opponent by 19%. What we learned from that race is that the public wants a new direction in Washington. They are tired of the one-party rule. They are tired of the out-of-control government spending. They are tired of a government that infringes on more of our rights each and every day.
"Voters in Maryland are tired of one-party rule in Washington." said Wargotz. "This poll shows Senator Mikulski is vulnerable if the right candidate runs a voter focused campaign." Commissioner Dr. Wargotz is the only candidate in the Maryland U.S. Senate race who has a proven record of cutting taxes (twice), cutting government, and increasing government transparency.
One particular area of strength in the Rasmussen poll for Senator Mikulski was with women which is an area Dr. Wargotz can make serious gains. Dr. Wargotz has specialized in providing medical care to women throughout his career and is a recognized expert in diseases of the Breast and Gynecological tract. He was recently honored as a recipient for the fourth consecutive year being rated as one of "Americas Top Physicians” by the Consumer's Research Council, Washington D.C.
SHOREBIRDS LEVEL SERIES WITH 3-1 WIN OVER LAKEWOOD
Brian Conley Hits Third Homer in Four Games
SALISBURY, Md. – First baseman Mike Flacco went 3-for-3 with a walk and Kevin Landry tossed three innings of four-hit relief to pace the Delmarva Shorebirds to a 3-1 win over the Lakewood BlueClaws at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium Sunday.
Flacco, the brother of Baltimore Ravens’ quarterback Joe Flacco, who was promoted from Aberdeen before the game, made his 2010 debut for Delmarva a memorable one. Flacco tallied a double and an RBI to help the Shorebirds (47-52) win the second game of the series against the BlueClaws (60-38).
Landry (2-0) allowed one run and struck out five to spell a tired bullpen which used all but one pitcher in Saturday’s 8-7 18-inning loss.
Brian Parker threw a perfect ninth with a strikeout to earn his second save of the season.
After a one hour, 28-minute rain delay to begin the bottom of the second, Brian Conley put the Shorebirds on the board with a solo home run to right in the third. The blast was the right fielder’s sixth of the season.
Conley lengthened the Delmarva lead in the bottom of the fifth. He started the inning with a walk, stole second and scored on a single to left by Flacco.
Lakewood cut into the lead in the top of the sixth off of reliever Nick Haughian. Left fielder Michael Dabbs muscled a pitch into center to score Jonathan Villar from third with two outs.
Villar gave the run back in the bottom of the inning. Gary Helmick struck out to open the frame, but reached first on a wild pitch from Mike McGuire. Helmick then stole second and came around when Villar committed his 40th error of the season, a groundball to shortstop that he allowed to get through his legs.
Mike McGuire (0-1) took the loss for Lakewood, relieving starter Josh Zied, who pitched one inning before the delay.
McGuire allowed all three runs – two earned – on seven hits in five innings.
The Shorebirds and BlueClaws play games 3 and 4 of the series Monday with a doubleheader beginning at 6:05 p.m. Delmarva will send right-hander Brent Allar (2-1, 4.82) to the mound to oppose Lakewood righty Brody Colvin (5-6, 3.50).
SALISBURY, Md. – First baseman Mike Flacco went 3-for-3 with a walk and Kevin Landry tossed three innings of four-hit relief to pace the Delmarva Shorebirds to a 3-1 win over the Lakewood BlueClaws at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium Sunday.
Flacco, the brother of Baltimore Ravens’ quarterback Joe Flacco, who was promoted from Aberdeen before the game, made his 2010 debut for Delmarva a memorable one. Flacco tallied a double and an RBI to help the Shorebirds (47-52) win the second game of the series against the BlueClaws (60-38).
Landry (2-0) allowed one run and struck out five to spell a tired bullpen which used all but one pitcher in Saturday’s 8-7 18-inning loss.
Brian Parker threw a perfect ninth with a strikeout to earn his second save of the season.
After a one hour, 28-minute rain delay to begin the bottom of the second, Brian Conley put the Shorebirds on the board with a solo home run to right in the third. The blast was the right fielder’s sixth of the season.
Conley lengthened the Delmarva lead in the bottom of the fifth. He started the inning with a walk, stole second and scored on a single to left by Flacco.
Lakewood cut into the lead in the top of the sixth off of reliever Nick Haughian. Left fielder Michael Dabbs muscled a pitch into center to score Jonathan Villar from third with two outs.
Villar gave the run back in the bottom of the inning. Gary Helmick struck out to open the frame, but reached first on a wild pitch from Mike McGuire. Helmick then stole second and came around when Villar committed his 40th error of the season, a groundball to shortstop that he allowed to get through his legs.
Mike McGuire (0-1) took the loss for Lakewood, relieving starter Josh Zied, who pitched one inning before the delay.
McGuire allowed all three runs – two earned – on seven hits in five innings.
The Shorebirds and BlueClaws play games 3 and 4 of the series Monday with a doubleheader beginning at 6:05 p.m. Delmarva will send right-hander Brent Allar (2-1, 4.82) to the mound to oppose Lakewood righty Brody Colvin (5-6, 3.50).
SHOREBIRDS GAME NOTES: 7/25 vs. Lakewood
PREVIEW: Following a marathon game that ended at 12:10 on Sunday morning, the Shorebirds aim to level the series at one game apiece. Anthony Hewitt scored in the top of the 18th inning on a bases loaded walk issued to Jonathan Villar. The game totaled 125 at-bats and five hours and five minutes. Twelve pitchers toed the rubber between the two teams. Lakewood managed only three hits in the eight extra-innings but still pulled out the win.
BREAKDOWN OF OPPONENTS: The Shorebirds have 42 games remaining in 2010. Here is a breakdown of their remaining opponents. The ‘Birds will play: 9 games against Lakewood (18-10), four games vs. Hickory (16-13), nine games against Lexington (15-14), eight games against Hagerstown (10-19), four games against Augusta (16-13), four vs. Kannapolis (12-17) and four against West Virginia (12-17).
LEVI PITCHES: For the second time in his career, Levi Carolus was called on to pitch in the 17th inning as the Shorebirds ran out of options. He allowed a hit and a run in two full innings. Carolus last toed the rubber in 2006 for the Venezuelan Summer League Orioles. In two innings, he surrendered 12 hits and eight earned runs.
FOUR-HIT GAME: In eight at-bats last night, Garabez Rosa registered his first four-hit game in 2010. It was just the second four-hit game of his career.
LAST PLAYOFF APPEARANCE: The Shorebirds have not qualified for the SAL playoffs in four years. In 2005, the Shorebirds last made the playoffs by winning the second half (42-27). The Shorebirds lost to Hagerstown two games to one in the semi-finals.
PLAYER TO WATCH: OMAR CASAMAYOR
Omar Casamayor had one of big hits in the ninth inning last night to help the ‘Birds plate five runs. He went 2-for-7 with two runs and two RBIs. Casamayor has at least one hit in three straight games. The Palmira, Venezuela native was added to the ‘Birds roster on July 20 after Mike Mooney went down with a left thumb injury. The 23-year old batted .309 in 24 games for the Ironbirds. He notched five doubles and 10 RBIs.
BREAKDOWN OF OPPONENTS: The Shorebirds have 42 games remaining in 2010. Here is a breakdown of their remaining opponents. The ‘Birds will play: 9 games against Lakewood (18-10), four games vs. Hickory (16-13), nine games against Lexington (15-14), eight games against Hagerstown (10-19), four games against Augusta (16-13), four vs. Kannapolis (12-17) and four against West Virginia (12-17).
LEVI PITCHES: For the second time in his career, Levi Carolus was called on to pitch in the 17th inning as the Shorebirds ran out of options. He allowed a hit and a run in two full innings. Carolus last toed the rubber in 2006 for the Venezuelan Summer League Orioles. In two innings, he surrendered 12 hits and eight earned runs.
FOUR-HIT GAME: In eight at-bats last night, Garabez Rosa registered his first four-hit game in 2010. It was just the second four-hit game of his career.
LAST PLAYOFF APPEARANCE: The Shorebirds have not qualified for the SAL playoffs in four years. In 2005, the Shorebirds last made the playoffs by winning the second half (42-27). The Shorebirds lost to Hagerstown two games to one in the semi-finals.
PLAYER TO WATCH: OMAR CASAMAYOR
Omar Casamayor had one of big hits in the ninth inning last night to help the ‘Birds plate five runs. He went 2-for-7 with two runs and two RBIs. Casamayor has at least one hit in three straight games. The Palmira, Venezuela native was added to the ‘Birds roster on July 20 after Mike Mooney went down with a left thumb injury. The 23-year old batted .309 in 24 games for the Ironbirds. He notched five doubles and 10 RBIs.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
OCPD IDENTIFIES SUSPECT IN STABBING – SEEKS THE PUBLIC’S ASSISTANCE
Ocean City Police have recently identified the suspect in a stabbing that occurred in the area of 5401 Coastal Highway on July 24, 2010 at 2:10 a.m. Officers have named Manuel Armando Escalante, Jr, 36, from Federalsburg, Maryland, as the suspect in the resort stabbing. Escalante Jr. is approximately 5’09” and 150 lbs, and should be considered armed and dangerous.
Ocean City Police responded to 5401 Coastal Highway during the early morning hours of Saturday, July 24, 2010, for a reported stabbing. Upon arrival, officers located one male victim, whose name is not being released at this time, lying in the parking lot.
Investigation revealed that the victim was approached and assaulted by Escalante Jr. According to witnesses, Escalante Jr. then stabbed the victim several times. Officers learned that the victim and Escalante Jr. had a previous disagreement that led up to this event.
The victim was taken to Peninsula Regional Medical Center and is currently being treated for his injuries. Ocean City Police are asking anyone with knowledge of the whereabouts of Escalante Jr. to call Sgt. Todd Wood of the Ocean City Criminal Investigation Division at 443.235.0091.
Deputy Chief Bill Gordy Fires Up Staff Again
Deputy Chief Bill Gordy is determined to get the SFD ISO Ratings where he wants them to be and the final piece of his puzzle is a brand new Tanker Truck. The problem, MONEY!
There's no possible way he can get the City Council to fall for yet another piece of equipment and the buzz on the street throughout the Eastern Shore is, every one wants the Tanker Truck they currently own and they know they can get it for pennies on the dollar.
At the moment, the SFD has a 1997 Pierce Tanker that holds and pumps out 2,000 gallons of water per minute. Salisbury News has been told this vehicle is in "cherry condition." There's absolutely nothing wrong with that vehicle and never has had issues. That is, unless you're Bill Gordy and you have a certain motive behind it.
Former Chief See and Bill Gordy have done everything they can to reach this ISO goal so this time around they have some how, some way, convinced the Volunteers to put up the $300,000.00 needed to purchase a brand new vehicle they absolutely do not need. The new vehicle would hold around 3,500 gallons and we're told by Firefighters this is a "tremendous waste of money."
The vehicle they have right now is in perfect condition, for starters. Then, if you look around, Fruitland has TWO Tankers, Hebron, Allen, Parsonsburg and Delmar have up to 4 Tankers each. The City is more than protected, yet simply because one individual feels the need to get yet another new toy, the City won't participate, Gordy has again somehow convinced the Volunteers to pony up the cash to purchase the vehicle.
Does the Mayor and Council know this is in the works, absolutely not. While we again watch Police Officers and Firefighters getting furloughed, budgets slashed, Gordy continues to push for more toys. When will Mayor Ireton and Council President Louise Smith finally put their foot down and say enough is enough.
Victim Shot In Attempted Robbery
Location:
(7-11 Convenience Store) 284 Christiana Drive New Castle, De (Intersection of Rt. 273 and Airport Road)
DATE and TIME:
Sunday July 25, 2010, 12:59 a.m.
Victim(s):
21 year-old woman of Newark, De
Suspect(s):
Black male, late teens to mid twenties, 5’06”-5’11”, 140-180 lbs, thin to average build, medium brown complexion, wearing black and blue checkered bandana, dark sleeveless shirt and dark shorts.
Injuries:
The victim sustained a single gun shot wound to her lower leg calf area. (Christiana Hospital)
Resume:
Delaware State Police are investigating an attempted robbery and shooting which occurred early Sunday morning July 25, 2010. The incident occurred at the 7-11 convenience store located at 284 Christiana Road New Castle, Delaware around 12:59 a.m. (Intersection of Rt. 273 and Airport Road)
The investigation revealed that the victim along with two other friends were at the 7-11 convenience store when they were approached by a black male. The black male suspect displayed a silver handgun and demanded valuables from the victim. The victim was seated in the right passenger seat at the time of the robbery. The victim did not acknowledge the suspect’s demands and the vehicle she was in began backing out of their space. As the vehicle backed out of its space the suspect fired a single round into the right passenger front door which penetrated to the interior of the car striking the victim in the lower leg calf area.
The vehicle the victim was in continued away from the scene and the operator transported the 21 year-old friend to Christiana Hospital where the incident was reported to police. The victim is listed in good condition as of 7:00 a.m. this morning being treated for a non-life threatening injury.
The driver of the vehicle the victim was in along with the rear passenger were not injured.
The suspect was described as black male, late teens to mid twenties, 5’06”-5’11”, 140-180 lbs, thin to average build, medium brown complexion, wearing black and blue checkered bandana, dark sleeveless shirt and dark shorts.
State Police is seeking the public’s assistance in locating the suspect. Callers may remain anonymous. Tips may also be forwarded to law enforcement through tip lines maintained by Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-333 3 or on line at www.tipsubmit.com.
Update On NAACP Meet The Candidates Forum
Joe,
Please see the forwarded response to me from Mr. Penn. I would appreciate a correction if possible on your blog.
Thankyou.
Matt Holloway.
From: "Orville Penn" oppenn@verizon.net Date: Jul 20, 2010 10:19 PMSubject: RE: NAACP Meet The Candidates ForumTo: "Matt Holloway" matt@quanticocreeksod.com
Mr. Holloway, we are sorry that you will not be able to attend the forum. Though we are not certain at this point of whether there will be future forums or future related political NAACP sponsored activities prior to the election, your willingness to participate in such future sponsored events/activities will be regarded.
Please see the forwarded response to me from Mr. Penn. I would appreciate a correction if possible on your blog.
Thankyou.
Matt Holloway.
From: "Orville Penn" oppenn@verizon.net Date: Jul 20, 2010 10:19 PMSubject: RE: NAACP Meet The Candidates ForumTo: "Matt Holloway" matt@quanticocreeksod.com
Mr. Holloway, we are sorry that you will not be able to attend the forum. Though we are not certain at this point of whether there will be future forums or future related political NAACP sponsored activities prior to the election, your willingness to participate in such future sponsored events/activities will be regarded.
City Of Fruitland Newsletter
CITY HALL
Two Ordinance Revisions are under Consideration: Both the Sign Ordinance (#164) and the Dog Ordinance (#186) are currently under review and revisions are likely to be presented at the next City Council meeting.
FEMA Reimbursement: The City has applied for reimbursement of over $12,000 worth of expenses for the February Snow Storm.
Business Outreach Plan Update: I have begun and will continue to meet with business owners and managers informally to promote the City and create a sense of involvement in the business community from our local government. In addition, I will be available to speak to any Fruitland organization about City operations. Please contact Linda Powell at 410-548-2809 to check on scheduling an appearance.
Technology Upgrades Being Studied: The City is looking for new ways to effectively service our citizens and we are meeting in the next few weeks with vendors to look at installing a Credit/Debit Card system at City Hall and possibly on the internet. We hope to have this in place by the fall.
Fruitland Chamber of Commerce: The next meeting of the Board will be Wednesday, August 4, 2010. The meeting will be held at the Lucky Stars restaurant, starting at 12:00 noon.
POLICE
The Department is continuing preparation for the “National Night Out” block party scheduled for Tuesday, August 3. For any questions about the event or to inquire about volunteering contact OFC Nick McLeod.
PUBLIC UTILITIES
Staff have had a busy week repairing defective water services at 617 S. Camden Avenue, 205 N. Fruitland Boulevard, 410 Clyde Avenue and 168 Emily Drive.
Several new water meters were installed within the Cedar Commons subdivision on N. Brown Street.
The Fruitland Community Center Summer Camp (children, staff and volunteers) went on a field trip this week which consisted of a tour of our Wastewater Treatment Plant. A copy of the Fruitland Community Center’s newsletter will accompany this week’s city correspondence.
OTHER
Sincere condolences are extended to the family and friends of longtime Fruitland resident Florence Pusey Pruitt-Allen who passed away earlier this week at the Genesis Rehabilitation Center. Mrs. Pruitt-Allen worked for many years with the United States Postal Service in Fruitland, eventually attaining the position of Postmaster until her retirement. She also served on the Fruitland City Council from 1968 to 1972. Florence will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Due to a “Heat Advisory”, St. John's United Methodist Church Carnival, scheduled for Saturday, July 24, has been canceled. Information pertaining to the rescheduling of this event will be forwarded at a later date.
On This Day In History
On July 23, 1996, at the Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia, the U.S. women’s gymnastics team wins its first-ever team gold. The 1996 U.S. women’s team, nicknamed the "Mag 7" or "magnificent seven," was made up of seven immensely talented teenaged girls: Amanda Borden, Amy Chow, Dominique Dawes, Shannon Miller, Dominique Moceanu, Jaycie Phelps and Kerri Strug.
Today’s Quote
“No man remains quite what he was when he recognizes himself.”
Thomas Mann
STAY COOL, THIS WEEKEND IS GOING TO BE A SCORCHER!
Two Ordinance Revisions are under Consideration: Both the Sign Ordinance (#164) and the Dog Ordinance (#186) are currently under review and revisions are likely to be presented at the next City Council meeting.
FEMA Reimbursement: The City has applied for reimbursement of over $12,000 worth of expenses for the February Snow Storm.
Business Outreach Plan Update: I have begun and will continue to meet with business owners and managers informally to promote the City and create a sense of involvement in the business community from our local government. In addition, I will be available to speak to any Fruitland organization about City operations. Please contact Linda Powell at 410-548-2809 to check on scheduling an appearance.
Technology Upgrades Being Studied: The City is looking for new ways to effectively service our citizens and we are meeting in the next few weeks with vendors to look at installing a Credit/Debit Card system at City Hall and possibly on the internet. We hope to have this in place by the fall.
Fruitland Chamber of Commerce: The next meeting of the Board will be Wednesday, August 4, 2010. The meeting will be held at the Lucky Stars restaurant, starting at 12:00 noon.
POLICE
The Department is continuing preparation for the “National Night Out” block party scheduled for Tuesday, August 3. For any questions about the event or to inquire about volunteering contact OFC Nick McLeod.
PUBLIC UTILITIES
Staff have had a busy week repairing defective water services at 617 S. Camden Avenue, 205 N. Fruitland Boulevard, 410 Clyde Avenue and 168 Emily Drive.
Several new water meters were installed within the Cedar Commons subdivision on N. Brown Street.
The Fruitland Community Center Summer Camp (children, staff and volunteers) went on a field trip this week which consisted of a tour of our Wastewater Treatment Plant. A copy of the Fruitland Community Center’s newsletter will accompany this week’s city correspondence.
OTHER
Sincere condolences are extended to the family and friends of longtime Fruitland resident Florence Pusey Pruitt-Allen who passed away earlier this week at the Genesis Rehabilitation Center. Mrs. Pruitt-Allen worked for many years with the United States Postal Service in Fruitland, eventually attaining the position of Postmaster until her retirement. She also served on the Fruitland City Council from 1968 to 1972. Florence will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Due to a “Heat Advisory”, St. John's United Methodist Church Carnival, scheduled for Saturday, July 24, has been canceled. Information pertaining to the rescheduling of this event will be forwarded at a later date.
On This Day In History
On July 23, 1996, at the Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia, the U.S. women’s gymnastics team wins its first-ever team gold. The 1996 U.S. women’s team, nicknamed the "Mag 7" or "magnificent seven," was made up of seven immensely talented teenaged girls: Amanda Borden, Amy Chow, Dominique Dawes, Shannon Miller, Dominique Moceanu, Jaycie Phelps and Kerri Strug.
Today’s Quote
“No man remains quite what he was when he recognizes himself.”
Thomas Mann
STAY COOL, THIS WEEKEND IS GOING TO BE A SCORCHER!
Sold As 'Affordable', Obamacare Is Already Hurting Consumers
Josh Dent is an early victim of Obamacare. The lanky, shaven-headed machine operator likes the medical insurance plan his employer, Acorn Signs, provides him. But under the newly enacted Affordable Care Act, his insurance policy will get less affordable. A provision in the law is putting his insurance company out of business, and whatever replaces Mr. Dent's current policy will likely be much more expensive.
The way the 29-year-old sees it, Acorn Signs will have to cut benefits or cut pay. One way or another, he figures, the switch to a new insurer will cost him.
Steve Gillispie, Acorn's president, is distressed by this unexpected development. A year and a half ago, he was facing premiums of $150,000 from an established insurer, up from $80,000 just three years before. Then along came Richmond, Va.-based nHealth. The start-up company, launched with the mission of making consumer-driven health care a reality, rescued him with a plan that kept premiums below $90,000 yearly. The plan insured his 35 employees against hospital expenses, created a $1,500 deductible for doctors' fees and set up health savings accounts (HSAs) for employees to pay for what the health plan did not. "For most employees," Mr. Gillispie says, "it netted out money in the pocket."
Lower insurance charges helped Acorn survive the recession without laying off any of its employees or cutting their compensation. Going back hat in hand to one of the dominant insurers in town, Mr. Gillispie fears, will add tens of thousands of dollars to his cost structure. Profit margins are tight in this slow-growth economy, but he hates to pass on the higher insurance costs to his employees, many of whom are paid $14 to $16 an hour. "Most of these people are living hand to mouth as it is," he says. He still does not know what he will do.
Such is the unintended consequence of Obamacare, which overhauled the health care industry with the goal of making medical insurance more affordable and accessible to all. The provision that is causing Acorn Signs so much heartache is the so-called 80/20 rule, which requires all insurance plans to pay out at least 80 percent of premiums in benefits. The goal behind the rule is to punish insurers that let administrative expenses get out of hand. In practice, the law punishes innovative, entrepreneurial companies like nHealth that kept premiums low.
The company ran afoul of the 80/20 rule by charging premiums that were so low that the administrative expenses looked high by comparison. Alan Slabaugh, a benefits specialist who brokers the policy, explains the problem this way, using very rough numbers: If a traditional insurer bills $500 monthly per employee, paying out $400 in benefits and charging $100 to administration, its administrative ratio is 20 percent - acceptable under the 80/20 rule. NHealth keeps premiums low by using HSAs to incentivize employees to reduce their spending - buying generic drugs, for instance, and shopping around for cheaper pharmacies - and by showing clients how to self-insure for physicians' fees. If nHealth charges superlow premiums of $300 per month, paying $200 in benefits and keeping $100 for administrative expenses, its administrative ratio would be 33 percent - thus failing the Obamacare test and triggering penalties.
The way the 29-year-old sees it, Acorn Signs will have to cut benefits or cut pay. One way or another, he figures, the switch to a new insurer will cost him.
Steve Gillispie, Acorn's president, is distressed by this unexpected development. A year and a half ago, he was facing premiums of $150,000 from an established insurer, up from $80,000 just three years before. Then along came Richmond, Va.-based nHealth. The start-up company, launched with the mission of making consumer-driven health care a reality, rescued him with a plan that kept premiums below $90,000 yearly. The plan insured his 35 employees against hospital expenses, created a $1,500 deductible for doctors' fees and set up health savings accounts (HSAs) for employees to pay for what the health plan did not. "For most employees," Mr. Gillispie says, "it netted out money in the pocket."
Lower insurance charges helped Acorn survive the recession without laying off any of its employees or cutting their compensation. Going back hat in hand to one of the dominant insurers in town, Mr. Gillispie fears, will add tens of thousands of dollars to his cost structure. Profit margins are tight in this slow-growth economy, but he hates to pass on the higher insurance costs to his employees, many of whom are paid $14 to $16 an hour. "Most of these people are living hand to mouth as it is," he says. He still does not know what he will do.
Such is the unintended consequence of Obamacare, which overhauled the health care industry with the goal of making medical insurance more affordable and accessible to all. The provision that is causing Acorn Signs so much heartache is the so-called 80/20 rule, which requires all insurance plans to pay out at least 80 percent of premiums in benefits. The goal behind the rule is to punish insurers that let administrative expenses get out of hand. In practice, the law punishes innovative, entrepreneurial companies like nHealth that kept premiums low.
The company ran afoul of the 80/20 rule by charging premiums that were so low that the administrative expenses looked high by comparison. Alan Slabaugh, a benefits specialist who brokers the policy, explains the problem this way, using very rough numbers: If a traditional insurer bills $500 monthly per employee, paying out $400 in benefits and charging $100 to administration, its administrative ratio is 20 percent - acceptable under the 80/20 rule. NHealth keeps premiums low by using HSAs to incentivize employees to reduce their spending - buying generic drugs, for instance, and shopping around for cheaper pharmacies - and by showing clients how to self-insure for physicians' fees. If nHealth charges superlow premiums of $300 per month, paying $200 in benefits and keeping $100 for administrative expenses, its administrative ratio would be 33 percent - thus failing the Obamacare test and triggering penalties.
U.N. Threatens Second And First Amendments
The United Nations is holding secret closed meetings to work out a global arms trade treaty. The agreement, which could be finished by 2012, is a threat to Americans' Second and First Amendment rights.
"Some type of micro-stamping regulations seems all but inevitable. It is very, very likely," the Heritage Foundation's Theodore R. Bromund, who tracks the U.N., told The Washington Times. "Restrictions on trade between private individuals are somewhat less than 50-50, but you surely can't rule that out. Some kind of gun registration and licensing system is an extremely likely probability." Registration proposals cover guns as well as individual rounds of ammunition.
The Obama administration strongly supports the U.N. Arms Trade Treaty and no doubt will use the process to push for gun-control regulations that it can't get through Congress otherwise.
A lot of baloney is floating in Turtle Bay. Gun registration is being promoted despite evidence that the costly bureaucratic system has been a complete failure in solving any crimes or stopping criminals from getting access to guns everywhere it's been tried. "None of these treaties have a relationship to reality," Mr. Bromund explains. "Terrorists are still going to have access to guns because governments give them guns, and they are still going to be able to give them guns." As an example, he pointed out, "The FARC fighting in Colombia get their guns from Venezuela."
As with everything that goes down at the U.N.'s headquarters on Manhattan's East River, America will pick up a disproportionate share of the tab to implement the treaty, with all those countries considered most "in need" taking another free ride. This is counterproductive even without the usual fraud and waste that hobble U.N. programs.
Gun rights aren't the only thing would-be globocops are targeting in the treaty. There is a U.N. discussion paper advancing "the reduction of violence in the media and in video games" as well as "sustained efforts at reeducation and reorientation of [member state] citizens." Whatever the plan, that can't be good for the First Amendment.
"Some type of micro-stamping regulations seems all but inevitable. It is very, very likely," the Heritage Foundation's Theodore R. Bromund, who tracks the U.N., told The Washington Times. "Restrictions on trade between private individuals are somewhat less than 50-50, but you surely can't rule that out. Some kind of gun registration and licensing system is an extremely likely probability." Registration proposals cover guns as well as individual rounds of ammunition.
The Obama administration strongly supports the U.N. Arms Trade Treaty and no doubt will use the process to push for gun-control regulations that it can't get through Congress otherwise.
A lot of baloney is floating in Turtle Bay. Gun registration is being promoted despite evidence that the costly bureaucratic system has been a complete failure in solving any crimes or stopping criminals from getting access to guns everywhere it's been tried. "None of these treaties have a relationship to reality," Mr. Bromund explains. "Terrorists are still going to have access to guns because governments give them guns, and they are still going to be able to give them guns." As an example, he pointed out, "The FARC fighting in Colombia get their guns from Venezuela."
As with everything that goes down at the U.N.'s headquarters on Manhattan's East River, America will pick up a disproportionate share of the tab to implement the treaty, with all those countries considered most "in need" taking another free ride. This is counterproductive even without the usual fraud and waste that hobble U.N. programs.
Gun rights aren't the only thing would-be globocops are targeting in the treaty. There is a U.N. discussion paper advancing "the reduction of violence in the media and in video games" as well as "sustained efforts at reeducation and reorientation of [member state] citizens." Whatever the plan, that can't be good for the First Amendment.
US Insists 'No Change In PA Status' Despite PLO Flag Flying In Washington
The United States insists that allowing the Palestinian Authority to fly its flag in Washington does not represent an upgrade in its diplomatic status. The PA said Friday that the American government is changing the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) mission’s designation from “general delegation” to “mission.”
The change reportedly allowed the waving of the PA flag at the entrance to its office and granted PA officials with diplomatic immunity.
However, U.S. State Department spokesman Phillip Crowley told reporters that the report was partially incorrect and that the permission for flying the PA flag was only symbolic. “There has been no change in the status of the Palestinian mission here in Washington…. It does not have any diplomatic privileges or immunities,” he stated.
Crowley explained that an “improvement in the relations between the United States and Palestinians” led to the allowing of a PLO request “to call itself the General Delegation of the PLO, which is a name that conforms to how they describe their missions in Europe, Canada, and several Latin American countries. But these steps have symbolic value…but they have no meaning under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.”
The change reportedly allowed the waving of the PA flag at the entrance to its office and granted PA officials with diplomatic immunity.
However, U.S. State Department spokesman Phillip Crowley told reporters that the report was partially incorrect and that the permission for flying the PA flag was only symbolic. “There has been no change in the status of the Palestinian mission here in Washington…. It does not have any diplomatic privileges or immunities,” he stated.
Crowley explained that an “improvement in the relations between the United States and Palestinians” led to the allowing of a PLO request “to call itself the General Delegation of the PLO, which is a name that conforms to how they describe their missions in Europe, Canada, and several Latin American countries. But these steps have symbolic value…but they have no meaning under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.”
DoJ Scandal Reveals Thousands Of Military Ballots May Go Uncounted
In the wake of the Department of Justice's New Black Panther Party scandal, a second former DOJ attorney has now come forward, blasting the department for failing to protect American soldiers' right to vote.
What's even more alarming, the attorney claims, is that despite congressional mandates passed in 2009 to ensure military personnel overseas can participate in elections, the DOJ's Voting Section is ignoring the new laws and may allow thousands of ballots to slip through the cracks uncounted in November.
M. Eric Eversole is a former litigation attorney for the Voting Section of the U.S. Department of Justice and an advocate for military voters. In an opinion piece in The Washington Times, Eversole explains how soldiers in the field may be disenfranchised in the 2010 election.
"Absentee ballots must be sent to overseas military voters at least 45 days before an election to give those voters sufficient time to receive and return their ballots," Eversole explains. "The Military Postal Service Agency goes one step further and recommends that absentee ballots be sent to war zones 60 days before an election."
But legal complaints, news stories and studies all showed dozens of states failing to give soldiers enough time to vote in the 2008 election – resulting in tens of thousands of soldiers' mailed ballots that arrived too late to be counted, perhaps enough to swing, for example, Minnesota's closely contested election of Democrat Senator Al Franken.
What's even more alarming, the attorney claims, is that despite congressional mandates passed in 2009 to ensure military personnel overseas can participate in elections, the DOJ's Voting Section is ignoring the new laws and may allow thousands of ballots to slip through the cracks uncounted in November.
M. Eric Eversole is a former litigation attorney for the Voting Section of the U.S. Department of Justice and an advocate for military voters. In an opinion piece in The Washington Times, Eversole explains how soldiers in the field may be disenfranchised in the 2010 election.
"Absentee ballots must be sent to overseas military voters at least 45 days before an election to give those voters sufficient time to receive and return their ballots," Eversole explains. "The Military Postal Service Agency goes one step further and recommends that absentee ballots be sent to war zones 60 days before an election."
But legal complaints, news stories and studies all showed dozens of states failing to give soldiers enough time to vote in the 2008 election – resulting in tens of thousands of soldiers' mailed ballots that arrived too late to be counted, perhaps enough to swing, for example, Minnesota's closely contested election of Democrat Senator Al Franken.
Turkey Moving Rapidly to Acquire Nuclear Weapons
A quiet but intense debate is ongoing within senior circles of the governing Adalet ve Kalkinma Partisi (Justice and Development Party: AKP) in Turkey over whether or not this is the time to proceed rapidly with the development and acquisition of nuclear weapons.
At stake is Turkey's strategic parity with other nuclear powers in the region: Russia, Israel, Pakistan, and Iran. Highly-placed sources indicate that Turkey has been deliberating the acquisition of military nuclear capability for some time, but has been constrained by its need to maintain good relations with the United States and the North Atlantic Treaty (NATO) partners generally, as well as the European Union (EU). The Turkish General Staff (Genelkurmay Baskanlari: GB) is also engaged in this debate, but, for the most part, this is a debate dominated by the civilian leadership.
Turkish acquisition of nuclear weapons would significantly transform the balance of power and the strategic dynamic of the Eastern Mediterranean, the Greater Black Sea Basin (GBSB), and the Caucasus, and would be the cornerstone of Turkey's ambitious program to restore what it sees as its historical pan-Turkist mission. Indeed, without nuclear weapons — at least as far as regional perception is concerned — Turkey could not compete against a nuclear Iran or be seen as an independent "great power" in the region.
Nuclear weapons research has long been underway, under conditions of extreme secrecy, in Turkey, and the AKP leadership is aware that it is probable that this will become public knowledge as the effort becomes more intense.
At stake is Turkey's strategic parity with other nuclear powers in the region: Russia, Israel, Pakistan, and Iran. Highly-placed sources indicate that Turkey has been deliberating the acquisition of military nuclear capability for some time, but has been constrained by its need to maintain good relations with the United States and the North Atlantic Treaty (NATO) partners generally, as well as the European Union (EU). The Turkish General Staff (Genelkurmay Baskanlari: GB) is also engaged in this debate, but, for the most part, this is a debate dominated by the civilian leadership.
Turkish acquisition of nuclear weapons would significantly transform the balance of power and the strategic dynamic of the Eastern Mediterranean, the Greater Black Sea Basin (GBSB), and the Caucasus, and would be the cornerstone of Turkey's ambitious program to restore what it sees as its historical pan-Turkist mission. Indeed, without nuclear weapons — at least as far as regional perception is concerned — Turkey could not compete against a nuclear Iran or be seen as an independent "great power" in the region.
Nuclear weapons research has long been underway, under conditions of extreme secrecy, in Turkey, and the AKP leadership is aware that it is probable that this will become public knowledge as the effort becomes more intense.
Sen. Kerry Predicts ‘Ice-Free Arctic' In '5 Or 10 Years’
Speaking at a town hall-style meeting promoting climate change legislation on Thursday, Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) predicted there will be “an ice-free Arctic” in "five or 10 years."
“The arctic ice is disappearing faster than was predicted,” Kerry said. “And instead of waiting until 2030 or whenever it was to have an ice-free Arctic, we’re going to have one in five or 10 years.”
However, the Web site of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says: “Using the observed 2007/2008 summer sea ice extents as a starting point, computer models predict that the Arctic could be nearly sea ice free in summertime within 30 years.”
NOAA cites as its source on Arctic sea ice a study published in the April 3, 2009 edition of Geophysical Research Letters by J.E. Overland and Muyin Wang. (Overland works for NOAA at the Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory and Wang is at the Joint Institute for the Study of the Atmosphere and Ocean, University of Washington, in Seattle.)
In their study, Overland and Wang “predict an expected value for a nearly sea ice free Arctic in September by the year 2037.” They also note in their summary, however, that “a sea ice free Arctic in September may occur as early as the late 2020s” based on their analysis of six computer models.
“The arctic ice is disappearing faster than was predicted,” Kerry said. “And instead of waiting until 2030 or whenever it was to have an ice-free Arctic, we’re going to have one in five or 10 years.”
However, the Web site of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says: “Using the observed 2007/2008 summer sea ice extents as a starting point, computer models predict that the Arctic could be nearly sea ice free in summertime within 30 years.”
NOAA cites as its source on Arctic sea ice a study published in the April 3, 2009 edition of Geophysical Research Letters by J.E. Overland and Muyin Wang. (Overland works for NOAA at the Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory and Wang is at the Joint Institute for the Study of the Atmosphere and Ocean, University of Washington, in Seattle.)
In their study, Overland and Wang “predict an expected value for a nearly sea ice free Arctic in September by the year 2037.” They also note in their summary, however, that “a sea ice free Arctic in September may occur as early as the late 2020s” based on their analysis of six computer models.
Impeach Him
TANCREDO: The case for impeachment
Eleven years ago, like every citizen elected to serve in Congress or any person appointed to any federal position, I swore an oath to "support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic."
I've always thought it significant that the Founders included domestic enemies in that oath of office. They thought liberty was as much at risk from threats within our borders as from outside, and French political thinker and historian Alexis de Tocqueville agreed with that warning.
In the immediate aftermath of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the greatest threat to our nation was clear - and foreign. While Islamic terrorism still represents the greatest external threat to America and American lives, the avowed program of the Obama regime has changed the picture in a fundamental way.
For the first time in American history, we have a man in the White House who consciously and brazenly disregards his oath of office to protect and defend the Constitution. That's why I say the greatest threat to our Constitution, our safety and our liberties, is internal. Our president is an enemy of our Constitution, and, as such, he is a danger to our safety, our security and our personal freedoms.
Barack Obama is one of the most powerful presidents this nation has seen in generations. He is powerful because he is supported by large majorities in Congress, but, more importantly, because he does not feel constrained by the rule of law. Whether he is putting up the weakest possible defense of the Defense of Marriage Act despite the Justice Department's legal obligation to support existing law; disenfranchising Chrysler and GM bondholders in order to transfer billions of investor dollars to his supporters in the United Auto Workers; or implementing yet a third offshore oil-drilling moratorium even after two federal courts have thrown out two previous moratoriums, President Obama is determined to see things done his way regardless of obstacles. To Mr. Obama, the rule of law is a mere inconvenience to be ignored, overcome or "transcended" through international agreements or "norms."
Mr. Obama's paramount goal, as he so memorably put it during his campaign in 2008, is to "fundamentally transform America." He has not proposed improving America - he is intent on changing its most essential character. The words he has chosen to describe his goals are neither the words nor the motivation of just any liberal Democratic politician. This is the utopian, or rather dystopian, reverie of a dedicated Marxist - a dedicated Marxist who lives in the White House.
Because of the power he wields over budgets, the judiciary, national defense and even health care, his regime and his program are not just about changing public policy in the conventional sense. When one considers the combination of his stop-at-nothing attitude, his contempt for limited government, his appointment of judges who want to create law rather than interpret it - all of these make this president today's single greatest threat to the great experiment in freedom that is our republic.
Yes, Mr. Obama is a more serious threat to America than al Qaeda. We know that Osama bin Laden and followers want to kill us, but at least they are an outside force against whom we can offer our best defense. But when a dedicated enemy of the Constitution is working from the inside, we face a far more dangerous threat. Mr. Obama can accomplish with the stroke of his pen what bin Laden cannot accomplish with bombs and insurgents.
More here
KUHNER: President's socialist takeover must be stopped
President Obama has engaged in numerous high crimes and misdemeanors. The Democratic majority in Congress is in peril as Americans reject his agenda. Yet more must be done: Mr. Obama should be impeached.
He is slowly - piece by painful piece - erecting a socialist dictatorship. We are not there - yet. But he is putting America on that dangerous path. He is undermining our constitutional system of checks and balances; subverting democratic procedures and the rule of law; presiding over a corrupt, gangster regime; and assaulting the very pillars of traditional capitalism. Like Venezuela's leftist strongman, Hugo Chavez, Mr. Obama is bent on imposing a revolution from above - one that is polarizing America along racial, political and ideological lines. Mr. Obama is the most divisive president since Richard Nixon. His policies are Balkanizing the country. It's time for him to go.
He has abused his office and violated his oath to uphold the Constitution. His health care overhaul was rammed through Congress. It was - and remains - opposed by a majority of the people. It could only be passed through bribery and political intimidation. The Louisiana Purchase, the Cornhusker Kickback, the $5 billion Medicaid set-aside for Florida Sen. Bill Nelson - taxpayer money was used as a virtual slush fund to buy swing votes. Moreover, the law is blatantly unconstitutional: The federal government does not have the right to coerce every citizen to purchase a good or service. This is not in the Constitution, and it represents an unprecedented expansion of power.
Corruption in the administration is rampant. Washington no longer has a government; rather, it has a gangster regime. The Chicago way has become the Washington way. Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel is a political hit man. He is an amoral, ruthless operator. It was Mr. Emanuel who reached out to Rep. Joe Sestak, Pennsylvania Democrat, offering a high-ranking job in the hopes of persuading Mr. Sestak to pull out of the primary against Sen. Arlen Specter. It was Mr. Emanuel who offered another government position to Andrew Romanoff to do the same in the Colorado Democratic Senate primary. And it was Mr. Emanuel - as the trial of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich has revealed - who acted as the go-between to try to have Valerie Jarrett parachuted into Mr. Obama's former Senate seat. The only question was: What did Mr. Blagojevich want in exchange?
Eleven years ago, like every citizen elected to serve in Congress or any person appointed to any federal position, I swore an oath to "support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic."
I've always thought it significant that the Founders included domestic enemies in that oath of office. They thought liberty was as much at risk from threats within our borders as from outside, and French political thinker and historian Alexis de Tocqueville agreed with that warning.
In the immediate aftermath of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the greatest threat to our nation was clear - and foreign. While Islamic terrorism still represents the greatest external threat to America and American lives, the avowed program of the Obama regime has changed the picture in a fundamental way.
For the first time in American history, we have a man in the White House who consciously and brazenly disregards his oath of office to protect and defend the Constitution. That's why I say the greatest threat to our Constitution, our safety and our liberties, is internal. Our president is an enemy of our Constitution, and, as such, he is a danger to our safety, our security and our personal freedoms.
Barack Obama is one of the most powerful presidents this nation has seen in generations. He is powerful because he is supported by large majorities in Congress, but, more importantly, because he does not feel constrained by the rule of law. Whether he is putting up the weakest possible defense of the Defense of Marriage Act despite the Justice Department's legal obligation to support existing law; disenfranchising Chrysler and GM bondholders in order to transfer billions of investor dollars to his supporters in the United Auto Workers; or implementing yet a third offshore oil-drilling moratorium even after two federal courts have thrown out two previous moratoriums, President Obama is determined to see things done his way regardless of obstacles. To Mr. Obama, the rule of law is a mere inconvenience to be ignored, overcome or "transcended" through international agreements or "norms."
Mr. Obama's paramount goal, as he so memorably put it during his campaign in 2008, is to "fundamentally transform America." He has not proposed improving America - he is intent on changing its most essential character. The words he has chosen to describe his goals are neither the words nor the motivation of just any liberal Democratic politician. This is the utopian, or rather dystopian, reverie of a dedicated Marxist - a dedicated Marxist who lives in the White House.
Because of the power he wields over budgets, the judiciary, national defense and even health care, his regime and his program are not just about changing public policy in the conventional sense. When one considers the combination of his stop-at-nothing attitude, his contempt for limited government, his appointment of judges who want to create law rather than interpret it - all of these make this president today's single greatest threat to the great experiment in freedom that is our republic.
Yes, Mr. Obama is a more serious threat to America than al Qaeda. We know that Osama bin Laden and followers want to kill us, but at least they are an outside force against whom we can offer our best defense. But when a dedicated enemy of the Constitution is working from the inside, we face a far more dangerous threat. Mr. Obama can accomplish with the stroke of his pen what bin Laden cannot accomplish with bombs and insurgents.
More here
KUHNER: President's socialist takeover must be stopped
President Obama has engaged in numerous high crimes and misdemeanors. The Democratic majority in Congress is in peril as Americans reject his agenda. Yet more must be done: Mr. Obama should be impeached.
He is slowly - piece by painful piece - erecting a socialist dictatorship. We are not there - yet. But he is putting America on that dangerous path. He is undermining our constitutional system of checks and balances; subverting democratic procedures and the rule of law; presiding over a corrupt, gangster regime; and assaulting the very pillars of traditional capitalism. Like Venezuela's leftist strongman, Hugo Chavez, Mr. Obama is bent on imposing a revolution from above - one that is polarizing America along racial, political and ideological lines. Mr. Obama is the most divisive president since Richard Nixon. His policies are Balkanizing the country. It's time for him to go.
He has abused his office and violated his oath to uphold the Constitution. His health care overhaul was rammed through Congress. It was - and remains - opposed by a majority of the people. It could only be passed through bribery and political intimidation. The Louisiana Purchase, the Cornhusker Kickback, the $5 billion Medicaid set-aside for Florida Sen. Bill Nelson - taxpayer money was used as a virtual slush fund to buy swing votes. Moreover, the law is blatantly unconstitutional: The federal government does not have the right to coerce every citizen to purchase a good or service. This is not in the Constitution, and it represents an unprecedented expansion of power.
Corruption in the administration is rampant. Washington no longer has a government; rather, it has a gangster regime. The Chicago way has become the Washington way. Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel is a political hit man. He is an amoral, ruthless operator. It was Mr. Emanuel who reached out to Rep. Joe Sestak, Pennsylvania Democrat, offering a high-ranking job in the hopes of persuading Mr. Sestak to pull out of the primary against Sen. Arlen Specter. It was Mr. Emanuel who offered another government position to Andrew Romanoff to do the same in the Colorado Democratic Senate primary. And it was Mr. Emanuel - as the trial of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich has revealed - who acted as the go-between to try to have Valerie Jarrett parachuted into Mr. Obama's former Senate seat. The only question was: What did Mr. Blagojevich want in exchange?
GOP Promises Major Fight To Preserve Bush Tax Cuts
The Republican Party said Saturday it is gearing up to wage an all-out effort to ensure that tax cuts instituted by former President George W. Bush will become permanent, halting President Barack Obama from effectively imposing a massive tax hike on Americans.
“After 18 months of runaway spending, bailouts and takeovers, Washington Democrats are poised to allow the largest tax increase in American history to take effect next year," Rep. Mike Pence, R-Ind., said in the GOP's weekly radio address. “The American people know we can’t tax and spend and bail our way back to a growing economy. House Republicans will oppose this tax increase with everything we’ve got.”
The tax cuts at issue were imposed in 2001, and are scheduled to end in January. According to TheHill.com, the president and his Democratic allies have vowed in the past to extend some of the tax breaks, but not those that effect Americans earning more than $200,000, or couples who make $250,000. But because of the fragile economic recovery and the prospect of voter backlash in November, Democrats also are discussing an extension on the tax cuts for the wealthy, TheHill.com, reports.
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“After 18 months of runaway spending, bailouts and takeovers, Washington Democrats are poised to allow the largest tax increase in American history to take effect next year," Rep. Mike Pence, R-Ind., said in the GOP's weekly radio address. “The American people know we can’t tax and spend and bail our way back to a growing economy. House Republicans will oppose this tax increase with everything we’ve got.”
The tax cuts at issue were imposed in 2001, and are scheduled to end in January. According to TheHill.com, the president and his Democratic allies have vowed in the past to extend some of the tax breaks, but not those that effect Americans earning more than $200,000, or couples who make $250,000. But because of the fragile economic recovery and the prospect of voter backlash in November, Democrats also are discussing an extension on the tax cuts for the wealthy, TheHill.com, reports.
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Airshow Jet Crashes-- Pilot Ejects Safely
A CF-18 fighter jet crashed on Friday in Lethbridge as it prepared for an airshow in Alberta, but the pilot managed to eject before the plane slammed into the ground.
Despite the crash at the Lethbridge airport, the Alberta International AirShow will go ahead as planned this weekend.
Canadian Air Force pilot Captain Brian Bews ejected safely from his CF-18 fighter jet just seconds before it crashed during a practice flight on the eve of the annual event.
Bews escaped serious injury in the crash, which occurred during the noon-hour while he was attempting a slow-speed pass over the airport. After ejecting, he narrowly missed being hit by the plane as it plunged to the ground and exploded in flames near the junction of two runways, according to witnesses.
DISAGREEMENT BETWEEN TWO MEN LEADS TO STABBING
On July 24, 2010 at approximately 2:10 a.m., Ocean City Police responded to 5401 Coastal
Highway for a reported stabbing. Upon arrival, officers located one male victim, whose
name is not being released at this time, lying in the parking lot.
Highway for a reported stabbing. Upon arrival, officers located one male victim, whose
name is not being released at this time, lying in the parking lot.
An on scene investigation revealed that the victim was approached and assaulted by the
suspect. According to witnesses, the suspect then stabbed the victim several times. In
addition, officers discovered that the victim and the suspect had prior association
involving each other, including a possible disagreement earlier in the week.
The suspect in the stabbing has been described as a tall Hispanic male in his mid-thirties.
He was believed to have fled the 54th Street area on foot and is still at large. Detectives
are actively pursuing leads and continuing to seek witnesses, including individuals who left
the scene in a red Suburban.
The victim was taken to Peninsula Regional Medical Center and is currently being treated
for his injuries. Ocean City Police are asking witnesses or anyone with information
regarding the incident or suspect to call
Hit & Run Accient
DATE & TIME: 7/25/2010 @ 0155 Hours.
C C. CARD NUMBER: 10-54-006695
LOCATION: W/B Rt 50 W/O Main Street Ext. Parsonsburg, Wicomico Co. Md.
BRIEF RESUME:
On 7/25/10 at approximately 0155 Troopers from the Maryland State Police Salisbury Barrack responded to W/B Rt 50 W/O Main Street Ext for a person laying on the shoulder of the roadway. Upon arrival, a 39 year old white male from Salisbury was found laying in the woodline. Upon investigation it was revealed that the white male was struck by a vehicle. The unknown vehicle fled the scene after striking the victim.
The victim was transported to PRMC for serious injuries sustained to his head and extremities. The public is encouraged to contact the Maryland State Police Salisbury Barrack with any information pertaining to this incident. (410)749-3101.
C C. CARD NUMBER: 10-54-006695
LOCATION: W/B Rt 50 W/O Main Street Ext. Parsonsburg, Wicomico Co. Md.
BRIEF RESUME:
On 7/25/10 at approximately 0155 Troopers from the Maryland State Police Salisbury Barrack responded to W/B Rt 50 W/O Main Street Ext for a person laying on the shoulder of the roadway. Upon arrival, a 39 year old white male from Salisbury was found laying in the woodline. Upon investigation it was revealed that the white male was struck by a vehicle. The unknown vehicle fled the scene after striking the victim.
The victim was transported to PRMC for serious injuries sustained to his head and extremities. The public is encouraged to contact the Maryland State Police Salisbury Barrack with any information pertaining to this incident. (410)749-3101.
SHOREBIRDS FALL IN 18-INNING MARATHON, 8-7
Longest Shorebirds Game Since 2005 Season
Salisbury, Md. – The Lakewood BlueClaws plated a run in the top of the 18th inning on a bases loaded walk to defeat the Delmarva Shorebirds 8-7 at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium on Saturday night. The game lasted five hours and five minutes and extended in Sunday morning. The last time the Shorebirds played an 18-inning game was on May 20, 2005 against the Kannapolis Intimidators.
The Shorebirds trailed 7-2 heading into the bottom of the ninth inning before mounting a furious rally. Two outs were recorded before the Shorebirds made a move. Kieron Pope singled while Steve Bumbry and Justin Dalles drew back-to-back-walks. Then, Omar Casamayor lifted a liner into left-center field to score two runs. Later in the inning, Garabez Rosa singled to right field to plate Gary Helmick and Casamayor. Mikey Planeta scored the tying run on a wild pitch by Lakewood reliever Justin Beal.
After eight scoreless frames in extra innings, Lakewood finally scored the go-ahead run in the top of the 18th inning against Shorebirds outfielder Levi Carolus. Jeremy Barnes hit a single through the left side of the infield. Anthony Hewitt was then hit by a pitch. After a sacrifice bunt advanced runners to second and third, Alan Schoenberger walked to load the bases. Carolus then issued a walk to Jonathan Villar to bring home the go-ahead run.
The Shorebirds were unable to score against former Shorebirds pitcher and current Lakewood reliever Joe Esposito in the bottom of the 18th.
Although Carolus was pinned with the loss, the outfielder pitched admirably. In 2.0 innings, he allowed just one hit. He retired Jonathan Singleton, one of the premier prospects in the South Atlantic League, twice.
Joe Esposito earned his first win of the season.
Twelve pitchers toed the rubber in the game. Delmarva pitchers included: Bobby Bundy, Nick Haughian, James Brandhorst, Tom Phelps, David Walters, Brian Parker and Levi Carolus.
The Shorebirds and BlueClaws play game two of the series on Sunday night at 5:05 p.m. RHP Matt Hobgood makes the start for Delmarva against Lakewood righty Josh Zeid.
Salisbury, Md. – The Lakewood BlueClaws plated a run in the top of the 18th inning on a bases loaded walk to defeat the Delmarva Shorebirds 8-7 at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium on Saturday night. The game lasted five hours and five minutes and extended in Sunday morning. The last time the Shorebirds played an 18-inning game was on May 20, 2005 against the Kannapolis Intimidators.
The Shorebirds trailed 7-2 heading into the bottom of the ninth inning before mounting a furious rally. Two outs were recorded before the Shorebirds made a move. Kieron Pope singled while Steve Bumbry and Justin Dalles drew back-to-back-walks. Then, Omar Casamayor lifted a liner into left-center field to score two runs. Later in the inning, Garabez Rosa singled to right field to plate Gary Helmick and Casamayor. Mikey Planeta scored the tying run on a wild pitch by Lakewood reliever Justin Beal.
After eight scoreless frames in extra innings, Lakewood finally scored the go-ahead run in the top of the 18th inning against Shorebirds outfielder Levi Carolus. Jeremy Barnes hit a single through the left side of the infield. Anthony Hewitt was then hit by a pitch. After a sacrifice bunt advanced runners to second and third, Alan Schoenberger walked to load the bases. Carolus then issued a walk to Jonathan Villar to bring home the go-ahead run.
The Shorebirds were unable to score against former Shorebirds pitcher and current Lakewood reliever Joe Esposito in the bottom of the 18th.
Although Carolus was pinned with the loss, the outfielder pitched admirably. In 2.0 innings, he allowed just one hit. He retired Jonathan Singleton, one of the premier prospects in the South Atlantic League, twice.
Joe Esposito earned his first win of the season.
Twelve pitchers toed the rubber in the game. Delmarva pitchers included: Bobby Bundy, Nick Haughian, James Brandhorst, Tom Phelps, David Walters, Brian Parker and Levi Carolus.
The Shorebirds and BlueClaws play game two of the series on Sunday night at 5:05 p.m. RHP Matt Hobgood makes the start for Delmarva against Lakewood righty Josh Zeid.
SHOREBIRDS GAME NOTES: 7/24 vs. Lakewood
PREVIEW: Following a three games to one series loss to Hickory, the Shorebirds return home for a five-game series against BlueClaws. The Shorebirds are in third place, three games behind the first place BlueClaws. The Shorebirds have lost four of their five games. Meanwhile, Lakewood is coming off a series split against Charleston.
BREAKDOWN OF OPPONENTS: The Shorebirds have 43 games remaining in 2010. Here is a breakdown of their remaining opponents. The ‘Birds will play: 10 games against Lakewood (17-10), four games vs. Hickory (16-12), nine games against Lexington (14-14), eight games against Hagerstown (10-18), four games against Augusta (15-13), four vs. Kannapolis (11-17) and four against West Virginia (11-17).
THREE STRAIGHT WITH HOMER: For the first time this season, the Shorebirds have connected on at least one home run in three straight games. The string started on 7/21 when Tyler Townsend hit a home run. On July 22, Townsend and Brian Conley went yard. Last night, Conley hit a lead off home run in the first inning.
45 HITS: The Shorebirds pitching staff surrendered 45 hits in the four game series against Hickory.
11 ERRORS: The Shorebirds committed 11 errors in the four game set against Hickory.
SINCE 2005...: Since 2005, only two Shorebirds players have finished a season with an above .300 batting average with 200 or more at-bats. Ryan Adams hit .308 in 2008. Adams played in 119 games and totaled 448 at-bats. In 2005, Jason Fransz hit .308 in 103 games and 396 at-bats.
20 STRAIGHT: TJ Baxter has reached base in 20 straight games played at Perdue Stadium dating back to May 21.
11-GAMER AT PERDUE: Brian Conley takes an 11-game hit streak at Perdue Stadium into game one. He is 13-for-39 at home in the second half of the season.
LEANDRO/VALLE: The combination of Leandro Castro and Sebastian Valle have recorded 20 of the 46 RBIs against the Shorebirds.
11 of 31: Steve Bumbry has notched 11 of his 31 total RBIs this season against Lakewood. Bumbry also has five doubles, a triple and a home run against Lakewood.
FIRST OUT OF PEN: James Brandhorst only pitched to one batter in the entire Hickory series (7/22). Nick Haughian threw three innings on July 20.
CONLEY HOME RUNS: In 102 minor league games entering 2010, Brian Conley connected on just four home runs. In 89 games this season for the Shorebirds, he has five long balls.
LAST PLAYOFF APPEARANCE: The Shorebirds have not qualified for the SAL playoffs in four years. In 2005, the Shorebirds last made the playoffs by winning the second half (42-27). The Shorebirds lost to Hagerstown two games to one in the semi-finals.
BREAKDOWN OF OPPONENTS: The Shorebirds have 43 games remaining in 2010. Here is a breakdown of their remaining opponents. The ‘Birds will play: 10 games against Lakewood (17-10), four games vs. Hickory (16-12), nine games against Lexington (14-14), eight games against Hagerstown (10-18), four games against Augusta (15-13), four vs. Kannapolis (11-17) and four against West Virginia (11-17).
THREE STRAIGHT WITH HOMER: For the first time this season, the Shorebirds have connected on at least one home run in three straight games. The string started on 7/21 when Tyler Townsend hit a home run. On July 22, Townsend and Brian Conley went yard. Last night, Conley hit a lead off home run in the first inning.
45 HITS: The Shorebirds pitching staff surrendered 45 hits in the four game series against Hickory.
11 ERRORS: The Shorebirds committed 11 errors in the four game set against Hickory.
SINCE 2005...: Since 2005, only two Shorebirds players have finished a season with an above .300 batting average with 200 or more at-bats. Ryan Adams hit .308 in 2008. Adams played in 119 games and totaled 448 at-bats. In 2005, Jason Fransz hit .308 in 103 games and 396 at-bats.
20 STRAIGHT: TJ Baxter has reached base in 20 straight games played at Perdue Stadium dating back to May 21.
11-GAMER AT PERDUE: Brian Conley takes an 11-game hit streak at Perdue Stadium into game one. He is 13-for-39 at home in the second half of the season.
LEANDRO/VALLE: The combination of Leandro Castro and Sebastian Valle have recorded 20 of the 46 RBIs against the Shorebirds.
11 of 31: Steve Bumbry has notched 11 of his 31 total RBIs this season against Lakewood. Bumbry also has five doubles, a triple and a home run against Lakewood.
FIRST OUT OF PEN: James Brandhorst only pitched to one batter in the entire Hickory series (7/22). Nick Haughian threw three innings on July 20.
CONLEY HOME RUNS: In 102 minor league games entering 2010, Brian Conley connected on just four home runs. In 89 games this season for the Shorebirds, he has five long balls.
LAST PLAYOFF APPEARANCE: The Shorebirds have not qualified for the SAL playoffs in four years. In 2005, the Shorebirds last made the playoffs by winning the second half (42-27). The Shorebirds lost to Hagerstown two games to one in the semi-finals.
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