And The Highest-Paid Reality Star Is ...

Kim Kardashian tops list; Kate Gosselin, 'Jersey Shore' cast members also raking in big bucks

It pays to be yourself – especially if you’re the star of a reality show and your name is Kim Kardashian.

The Queen Bee of “Keeping Up with the Kardashians,” and shortly of the upcoming “Kourtney & Kim Take New York,” has taken the top spot on The Daily Beast’s “Highest Paid Reality TV Stars” list for 2010.

The voluptuous brunette, who has had endorsement deals with diet supplements, shape-forming sneakers and a line of goods for a cable shopping channel, raked in an estimated $6 million in 2010.

She may have left “The Hills” long before it turned into Speidi-ville, but Lauren Conrad is still a top draw. The blonde beauty, who got her start on “Laguna Beach,” took second on the list, netting around $5 million.

GO HERE to read more.

TSA Brainless Imbeciles Tormenting Our Troops

As the Chalk Leader for my flight home from Afghanistan, I witnessed the following:

When we were on our way back from Afghanistan, we flew out of Baghram Air Field. We went through customs at BAF, full body scanners (no groping), had all of our bags searched, the whole nine yards. Our first stop was Shannon, Ireland to refuel. After that, we had to stop at Indianapolis, Indiana to drop off about 100 folks from the Indiana National Guard. That's where the stupid started.

First, everyone was forced to get off the plane-even though the plane wasn't refueling again. All 330 people got off that plane, rather than let the 100 people from the ING get off. We were filed from the plane to a holding area. No vending machines, no means of escape. Only a male/female latrine.

It's probably important to mention that we were ALL carrying weapons. Everyone was carrying an M4 Carbine (rifle) and some, like me, were also carrying an M9 pistol. Oh, and our gunners had M-240B machine guns. Of course, the weapons weren't loaded. And we had been cleared of all ammo well before we even got to customs at Baghram, then AGAIN at customs.

The TSA personnel at the airport seriously considered making us unload all of the baggage from the SECURE cargo hold to have it reinspected. Keep in mind, this cargo had been unpacked, inspected piece by piece by U.S. Customs officials, resealed and had bomb-sniffing dogs give it a one-hour run through. After two hours of sitting in this holding area, the TSA decided not to reinspect our Cargo-just to inspect us again: Soldiers on the way home from war, who had already been inspected, reinspected and kept in a SECURE holding area for 2 hours. Ok, whatever. So we lined up to go through security AGAIN.

This is probably another good time to remind you all that all of us were carrying actual assault rifles, and some of us were also carrying pistols.

GO HERE to read more.

Saying Goodbye Is Never Easy

If there's one person in which I can say I truly love and adore, (besides my Wife) it would be one of my dearest friends, Stacy Sakai. After 7 years of working with WMDT, Stacy has finally decided it's time to move on. Stacy will finally take some much deserved time off and relax for a few months before moving on to her next job.

Stacy is one of the most dedicated people I've ever seen in the business. If you only knew the amount of hours and days per week this young lady has put in over the years you'd be amazed.

One of the many fantastic stories Stacy covered was animal related. The series referencing Dr. Nolte probably touched more people than any other. Stacy Sakai is a lot like my Wife in the sense that animals have a very special place in their hearts and would do just about anything to rescue them and or be a voice the animals do not have.

Stacy was always a very welcome guest at the Salisbury Kennel Club Dog Shows at the Civic Center. She was like a little kid going from dog to dog wanting to pick them up, touch them and play with them. Not a good idea at a Dog Show, but hey, it was Stacy Sakai. Who was going to give her a hard time.

Volunteering was one of Stacy's most special gifts to the Eastern Shore. Whether is was Women Supporting Women or the Salvation Army as a Bell Ringer, Stacy never said no, ever.

One of Stacy's favorite pet projects was supporting Hal Chernoff and the Main Street Gym where Fernando Guerrero calls his home and Hal his Dad. Many people do not realize all of the good that Hal and Nancy Chernoff offer to the Salisbury community and especially those kids who need a place to go. Stacy immediately picked up on their unconditional love to these children and gave everything she had to give back wherever she could.

Other major stories that touched Stacy deeply was the Brooke Mulford story, young Kara Adams from Delmar and of course Sarah Foxwell.

Look, Stacy is a very special young lady and while I'd like to selfishly do whatever I can to keep her here, Stacy needs to move on and expand her professional career by moving onward and upward. One thing is for sure, I/We will miss her dearly but more importantly I want to say, THANK YOU!

Stacy Sakai will say goodbye to WMDT and their viewers next Thursday the 16th of December.

Thanks for the memories and the "BFF" friendship, as she likes to say.

Gift Drive For Foxwell Children Ends

While the idea of the community coming together to provide gifts for Sarah Foxwell's siblings was an honorable gesture, some Foxwell Family Members have come forward and asked that those gifts already provided be given to the Salvation Army instead.

That being said, we will cease any further action on this matter and deliver what has already been given to the Salvation Army, as requested. "We'd like to see those gifts be given to those children in our community that need it more than we do."

We thank all of you who came forward by allowing those children in need to have something very special under their Christmas Tree this Holiday Season.

Evidence WBOC Has Problems With Their Broadcasting

For the heck of it last night I decided to take some pictures of just what we experience here at home with WBOC. Once again, the image would completely disappear, (several times) and leave us with a "NO SIGNAL" message. Other times blocks would take away the image, (see Steve Hammond's head) and the audio would break up on a regular basis.

So its not just a complaint, its a reality. Maybe I'll record a few days of this and YouTube it, for those of you who don't believe this is going on. I'll be sure to go to other locations that have cable and do the same.

Did A New Majority Republican County Council Drive The MSM Away?

Last night Wicomico County swore in a new Council, 6 out of 7 Republicans. However, there was no MSM, (Main Stream Media) present.

It was a very pleasurable event. Many kind words were spoken and much thanks offered to constituents and supporters.

I know each and every Council Member personally and quite frankly this could be the best Council Wicomico County has ever seen and you're going to need it. Times are very tough right now and tightening the belt is an understatement. Cuts will be painful but absolutely necessary to survive this horrible economy.

I did see a hand full of AFP Members present for the first time in quite a while. They asked for night meetings but they haven't participated like some of us expected. Perhaps that will change in the near future.

Nevertheless, we congratulate the new Council and give thanks for those who served in the past.

Obama's Henchman Goes Rogue To 'Guard' Internet

Chairman Julius Genachowski is moving forward as rapidly as he dares to add the Federal Communications Commission to the growing list of federal agencies used by President Obama to enforce a radical agenda opposed by the Democratic Congress and an overwhelming majority of voters. Genachowski recently unveiled a revised draft of his 2009 "net neutrality" proposal that would put the Internet under a New Deal-era communications bureaucracy. Under the guise of protecting consumers from being forced to pay for varying levels of delivery access and speed, Genachowski proposes to drag the Internet under the same regulatory authority that puts the FCC in charge of radio, telephone and television broadcasting.

Internet Service Providers would be barred from charging multiple rates to different customers, as well as from denying selected applications and services access to their networks. The proposal also contains vague mentions of new "incentives" to ISPs to expand their networks to insure equal access to the Internet. Virtually all major ISPs oppose the proposal, while it is favored by radical political activists masquerading as consumer advocates, some liberal members of Congress, and federal bureaucrats who never miss an opportunity to justify bigger budgets and staffs.

Genachowski says his proposal will make the FCC "the cop on the beat," bringing justice and fairness to the Internet on behalf of consumers. The cop is needed, he argues, because too often ISPs have "prevented consumers from using the applications of their choice. The framework is designed to guard against these risks while protecting the needs and interests of providers." In other words, Genachowski is from the government and he is here to help us.

In fact, Genachowski does not have the authority to regulate the Internet. Making his agency the cop on the digital beat would be like sending a Department of Agriculture meat inspector to arrest a college admissions director for charging out-of-state students more than those who live in-state.


Read more at the Washington Examiner

IAF Retaliates For Rocket Fire On Western Negev

Israeli fighter pilots retaliated in the wee hours of Wednesday morning for rocket fire aimed at western Negev communities over the past two days.

Three short-range rockets were fired from Gaza at southern Israeli towns, although there were no reports of casualties or damage in any of the attacks.

IAF warplanes destroyed a weapons factory and a smuggler tunnel in the southern section of Gaza, according to the IDF Spokesman. Direct hits were identified on both targets.

INN

Congress Deals Death Blow To Gitmo Closure

This year's omnibus spending bill refuses to close the prison at Guantanamo Bay and would block the transfer of any suspected terrorist detainees to the United States in what appears to be the final blow for President Obama's campaign pledge to shutter the facility.

The massive spending bill Democrats released early Wednesday morning would prohibit the Obama administration from spending any money either to transfer detainees to the United States or to buy a replacement prison in the United States, as Mr. Obama had planned.

Prohibiting spending effectively stops the administration from acting over the next year, and with Republicans about to take control of the House in January, his chances are virtually zero that Congress will relent any time before the president stands for re-election in 2012.

The bill, which will be voted on over the next week or so, explicitly prohibits the transfer of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the alleged mastermind of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

"None of the funds provided to the Department of Justice in this or any prior Act shall be available for the acquisition of any facility that is to be used wholly or in part for the incarceration or detention of any individual detained at Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, as of June 24, 2009," the bill says.                                

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Biden To Address Fuming House Dem Caucus On Tax Cuts

Vice President Biden will address a fuming House Democratic caucus on Wednesday, a day after lawmakers roundly panned a tax cut deal the White House negotiated with Republicans.

At a caucus meeting Tuesday night, more than a dozen House Democrats stood up to criticize President Obama’s tax proposal, complaining that the administration caved too quickly on party priorities while shutting out Democratic lawmakers, sources in the room said. Of the 15 to 20 Democrats who spoke at the meeting, only a couple voiced support for the proposal, according to a Democrat in the room.

“I don’t think the president should count on Democratic votes to get this deal passed,” Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-N.Y.) said after leaving the meeting. He added Obama “went from zero to compromise in 3.5 seconds.”

“We got rolled,” one Democratic congressman told The Hill in describing the sentiment within the House caucus. One lawmaker, whom Democrats would not name, drew applause when he urged his colleagues to vote down the Obama-GOP plan and force the new Republican majority to confront the expiring George W. Bush-era tax cuts.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and other Democratic leaders presented the president’s proposal to the party rank-and-file while making clear they were not endorsing it. The plan calls for a two-year extension of the entire slate of Bush tax cuts, along with a 2 percent reduction in the employee payroll tax, among other items.                                         

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House GOP Chooses Panel Chairmen

House Republican leaders on Tuesday announced their roster of committee chairmen, all of whom have vowed to conduct vigorous oversight of the Obama administration.

In contested races, GOP lawmakers gave the gavels of three major committees to a Michigan lawmaker who successfully convinced colleagues of his conservative credentials, a reformed earmarker from Kentucky and an Alabama legislator who has repeatedly shown his skills as a political survivor.

The House Republican Steering Committee, composed of leadership lawmakers and some rank-and-file members, officially tapped all chairmen who will serve in the 111th Congress. But the most drama centered on the contested races for Appropriations, Energy and Commerce, and Financial Services.

Rep. Fred Upton (R-Mich.) won a bruising race for the Energy and Commerce Committee, but it wasn’t easy. Rep. Joe Barton (R-Texas), who attracted criticism from the White House and fellow Republicans earlier this year for his infamous apology to BP amid the massive oil spill off the Gulf Coast, racked up endorsements from conservative members and groups.

Barton sought a waiver to the GOP’s rule that prohibits members from remaining in a top committee perch for more than six years, but it was denied.
Some in the GOP argued that Upton was not conservative enough to run a committee that has jurisdiction over energy, healthcare and telecommunications, among many other issues.

Upton, however, persuaded Republicans that he would be loyal to the GOP leadership and would stand up to the Obama White House.

Other members who were in the Energy and Commerce race included Reps. John Shimkus (R-Ill.) and Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.).

Rep. Hal Rogers (R-Ky.) beat out Appropriations Committee ranking member Jerry Lewis (R-Calif.) and Rep. Jack Kingston (R-Ga.) to nab the chairmanship of the spending panel. Like Barton, Lewis’s requested waiver to the GOP’s six-year rule was rejected.                                  

There's more here

States Face 'Cliff’ As Stimulus End Opens $38B Hole

U.S. states are preparing for more budget cuts next year as tax revenue isn’t likely to rebound enough to replace almost $38 billion in aid that will be gone as federal economic stimulus ends, according to a report.

At least 31 states and Puerto Rico are forecasting deficits of $82.1 billion in the next fiscal year even as tax receipts are picking up, the National Conference of State Legislatures said today. Under a temporary mandate since 2009, the U.S. has provided economic aid to states, helping to pay government workers and shoulder the cost of the Medicaid program to provide health care for the poor. That aid will be gone, the group said.

“Although a recovering national economy is helping to stabilize state revenues in fiscal year 2011, serious budget challenges await state lawmakers in the new year,” the group said in the report. “This largely stems from fewer federal stimulus funds available for next year’s budgets.”

The report, which says states will get $37.9 billion less in stimulus money in fiscal 2012 compared with 2011, is the second in as many weeks to warn of renewed financial pressure on states as the funding winds down. Last week, Raymond Scheppach, executive director of the National Governors Association, said states may confront $175 billion in budget gaps through June 2013, forcing leaders to weigh spending cuts and tax increases.

As stimulus programs under the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act conclude and the money they have supplied stops flowing, it “will create big holes in state budgets -- what many officials are calling the ‘ARRA cliff’,” the report said.

State governments are also dealing with cost increases for health-care services and primary and secondary education, the Denver-based legislature group said in its report.                                              

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Elderly New York Woman Gets $100 Ticket For Throwing Newspaper Away

Check this out. GO HERE.

The Growing Business Of Growing Marijuana

CNBC reports on the intersection of cannabis and capitalism

The story of marijuana’s growing acceptance in America begins in the Colorado Rockies where cannabis is meeting capitalism head on.

Once a month, at his downtown Denver restaurant, chef Scott Durrah teaches a cooking class. It’s well attended, mostly by retired and affluent boomers. It’s exactly the market Durrah and his wife and business partner Wanda James want to reach.

“What we're seeing, which is really interesting, are older people,” said James. “I would say over the age of 30, and definitely women. These women are your mom, your grandmother, women that you see at the post office, at the day care center."

It’s their new twist on classic cuisine that draws this crowd. The ingredients are common, except for one — a Colorado-grown herb. The secret ingredient is marijuana.

Pot has arrived in mainstream America. And entrepreneurs like Durrah and James are leading the way as one of Denver’s power couples, prominent in the local political and business scenes. He’s is a former marine. She’s is an ex-naval intelligence officer, a successful public relations executive and a top political fundraiser.

In most places in America, they would be considered dope dealers. In Colorado, they are savvy entrepreneurs in a fast-growing, state-sanctioned industry, branding and marketing medical marijuana under their label, “simply pure.”

It’s a new kind of company in an old industry, one that generates tens of billions of dollars a year in this country. Most of it illegally.

GO HERE to read more.

Car Sales Are Rising, But Is The Market Really On The Mend?

Analysts divided over whether car industry can return to its former vigor

How high can the car market go? That’s the question a lot of industry observers have started to ask after looking over November’s automotive sales figures.

The month brought significant relief to an industry struggling to climb out of one of the worst downturns it has suffered since the Great Depression. Overall, sales volumes surged 17 percent in November. Other than industry giant Toyota, which is still suffering from its ongoing safety recall problems, most major carmakers saw double-digit gains.

Ford, for example, said its November sales were driven by truck sales that rose 34 percent, while sales of the Fusion jumped 28 percent. Ford said it has already set a full-year sales record for the midsize sedan.

It’s a very different scenario from the beginning of 2010 when car manufacturers seemingly couldn’t give their products away. Last year saw U.S. motorists purchase a grand total of just 8.6 million new cars, trucks and crossover vehicles — that’s barely half the record sales levels the industry set early in the last decade. The current year didn’t get off to a much better start, so for all of 2010 the new car market will still just nudge past the 11 million mark, according to industry research firm J.D. Power and Associates.

Still, the industry sales freeze looks set to thaw in October and November. It’s an odd time for sales to pick up, but warming demand has seen the annualized sales rate nudge 12 million for the last two months. That’s still down 30 percent from the industry’s peak, but a big improvement nonetheless.

GO HERE to read more.

Democrats Blast Obama-GOP Deal

Estate taxes draw biggest ire; Republicans fall in line with president on new plan

WASHINGTON — Disappointed congressional Democrats Tuesday night continued to blast the White House's tax deal with Republicans despite a spirited argument by President Barack Obama that concessions were preferable to higher taxes for millions of Americans.

"I'm not here to play games with the American people or the health of the economy," Obama said of his day-old deal, which is designed to avert a scheduled Jan. 1 expiration of tax cuts at all income levels.

In a remarkable political role reversal, Republicans lined up to support the package, while lawmakers of the president's party said they were prepared to oppose it. Liberal Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., pledged to "do everything I can to defeat this," including a filibuster to prevent a final vote.

GO HERE to read more.

A Letter To The Editor, Shopping

I know how you like to squeeze a nickel and I know people are looking for Christmas bargains, so I thought I'd share. 

 

For years I've shopped online at Sierra Trading Post (http://www.sierratradingpost.com/).  My first purchase, made about ten years ago, was for a pair of canvas fabric Columbia utility pants for myself and a pair of hiking boots for my daughter.  After the first pair of pants arrived, I ordered five more.  They wear like iron - I wear them a lot at work and around - two pairs are still in their packages.  After all the discounts, I paid about $7 a pair.  The leather Gore-Tex hikers were $26, marked down $15 from their catalog price when I ordered by phone.

 

I just got delivered several pairs of Lands' End 3-season cotton khakis (under $9 each), a couple of pairs of wool blend dress slacks (msrp $90) for $19 each, a Land's End flannel shirt for $7.77 (a gift) and a couple of dress shirts ($18 for a Chaps button-down, and a wool blend dress shirt for my dad for $21) .

 

Some of the stuff, after all the discounts, comes out at 90% off retail.  Shipping is reasonable.  There's often a promo code that can be found online to reduce or eliminate the cost.  And if you get on their online mailing list, more discounts are offered on the catalog stuff.

 

With the Sierra Trading Post Visa card (no fee), shipping is always free, no matter what the order amount.  I order with the card but never keep a balance, so the card is a great bargain in itself.

The online site has some amazing bargains on everything from high end sports equipment to satin sheets to dog beds to wristwatches and everything in between.  Oh, yeah, and no tax.  And they take returns for as long as you own the items, used or not.  Forever.

 

So, why is it that I ever went to the Mall? 

New Taliban Video Shows Captive U.S. Soldier

Spc. Bowe Bergdahl has been in militant group's custody since June 2009

KABUL, Afghanistan — A new video released by the Taliban shows a man believed to be the only known American serviceman held captive in Afghanistan, a group that tracks militant websites said Wednesday.

Spc. Bowe Bergdahl of Hailey, Idaho, has been held by the Taliban since June 30, 2009, when he disappeared in Paktika province in eastern Afghanistan.

Bergdahl's family has seen the latest video and confirmed it's him, Britain's Daily Mail reported, citing Idaho National Guard spokesman Col. Timothy Marsano.

GO HERE to read more.

Third Safe Streets Legislation Public Dialogue To Air On PAC14 Tonight And More

A taping of the third public dialogue meeting on the proposed “2010 Salisbury Safe Streets Neighborhood Legislative Package,” held on Nov. 30, is scheduled to run tonight on cable channel PAC14 at 7 p.m.  The session lasted three hours and seven minutes.

Additional airings of the meeting are awaiting the next schedule’s publication, as found under the programming link on the channel’s website, www.pac14.org.  Audio CDs are also available from the city clerk’s office, 410-548-3140, for $5 to cover the cost of materials and production.  The audio will also be available soon for free download at www.OnYourSideSBY.blogspot.com.  The text of the legislation is available on that website, as well as on the city’s website, www.ci.salisbury.md.us, at left under the link labeled “Neighborhood Legislative Pkg.”

The series of meetings was hosted by Salisbury City Council Members Debbie Campbell and Terry Cohen to solicit public input and to provide information about the legislation, which ranges from early intervention with properties using high levels of police and code compliance services to prostitution abatement to possible zoning changes.  Despite requests from the public and the two council members, as well as a formal appeal submitted by Mayor Jim Ireton in accordance with the Council Rules of Order, none of the package has been scheduled for discussion on any city council agenda by the council president.

Public Input Sought On Proposal To Name Field At County Stadium After Charles R. Berry

The Wicomico County Public School System is currently accepting input on a proposal to name the field at County Stadium the Charles R. Berry Field. A community group has requested that the field be named Berry Field after the longtime football coach, teacher and athletic supervisor. 

Anyone who would like to give feedback on this proposal in particular, or on naming schools and school facilities in general, should make their comments by Dec. 20 by leaving a voicemail message on the school system’s Public Input Line at 410-677-5251; sending an email to comments@wcboe.org; or mailing a letter to the superintendent’s attention at Wicomico County Public Schools, PO Box 1538, Salisbury, Md. 21802. The superintendent will share any input received with the Board of Education.

To allow adequate opportunity for public input, the field naming proposal will not be on the agenda for the Board’s next meeting, which will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 14, at the Board of Education Office in Salisbury.


Editor's Note:  Who is  Charles Berry and what makes him so important to have the  field at the stadium named after him?  Doesn't the BOE have more important things to do, like look for ways to CUT costs AND educate our kids?

Maryland Philanthropist Wins Lottery

Some people might say Marco Avila proves the benefit of keeping your karma balance on the positive side.

He is the co-founder and executive director of the Healing Hands Foundation, a non-profit organization based in Baltimore County. The group provides surgical, dental and educational services to children throughout the world. Avila also plays the lottery. He bought a Mega Millions ticket Dec. 1 at the White Marsh BP station on Campbell Boulevard. He won the game's "second-tier" prize in Friday's drawing -- $250,000. The married father of two didn’t make any sudden moves. "I was calm. Actually, I was calm but excited at the same time,” he told WBAL-TV. He took his time to digest the news and didn’t even tell his family right away. Although he did ask his daughter, "What would you do if you won the lottery?" Without hesitation, she said she would donate the money to Healing Hands, Maryland Lottery officials said. He picked up his $250,000 check at Lottery headquarters in Baltimore Tuesday. He plans to donate a portion of the winnings to the foundation and use the rest for bills and his kids' educations. The gesture did not go unnoticed by Maryland Lottery officials. “We love having winners that do meaningful, great things with the money, and Marco’s certainly an example of that," Maryland Lottery Communications Director Carole Everett told WBAL. "We're thrilled for him and his foundation.”

Source

New Year Brings New Tax Reporting Requirements For Rental Property-Owners

Owners of rental property will soon face tough new tax reporting requirements and stiff penalties for not doing so. The federal law that goes into effect January 1 applies equally to landlords of multiple units, investors with a handful of properties and individuals who own a vacation home that they rent out for part of the year.

“This is going to create a lot of chaos,” Thomas Hood, president of the Maryland Association of CPAs, said of section 2101 of the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010.

For the first time, the Internal Revenue Service is treating rental property as a trade or a business for Form 1099 reporting purposes, said Steve Wiseman, a CPA, which means that starting in the new year,  Marylanders will have to keep records of any service to rental property that amounts to $600 or more per service-provider during the course of the year.

GO HERE to read more.

Suspended D.C. Firefighter Still Being Paid $72k Salary

WASHINGTON - A D.C. firefighter has been paid for not showing up at work for more than two years, WTOP has learned.
 
The reason for the payments can be traced back to a 2008 corruption investigation
.
According to documents obtained by WTOP, D.C. Fire Chief Dennis Rubin received a complaint from the NoMa Business Improvement District saying a firefighter had sent an invoice to the company for CPR training provided by the fire department.
 
The invoice was printed on D.C. Fire and EMS letterhead, but instructed that a $120 payment be made to an individual - Natalie O. Williams - rather than the department.
 
The complaint was received in July 2008.
 
D.C. Fire and EMS officials confirm Natalie Overton Williams has been a firefighter/EMT since November 1988 and was part of the unit that provided CPR and first aid training to the public.
 
D.C. Fire and EMS offers the training to the public for a nominal fee.

GO HERE to read more.

Woman Fights Foreclosure For 25 Years

This lady has been successfully fighting off foreclosure for twenty-five years, pulling out every trick in the book along the way. But her winning streak may be drawing to a close.

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Know Your Renter Rights

Do you rent? Better know your rights. Here's a state-by-state guide with links to statutes for both landlords and tenants. If you want to negotiate down your rent, get a drippy ceiling fixed, fight an eviction, or squelch a noisy neighbor, first bone up on your renter law.

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Traffic Camera Enters Drivers Who Obey Speed Limit Into Lottery

The winning entry in "The Fun Theory" contest is a traffic camera that instead of just ticketing speeders, it also enters people who drive the speed limit into a lottery. Randomly selected winners get paid out of a portion of the tickets paid by the scofflaws.

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Bernanke Says Economy Needs Another Stimulus

Multisource political news, world news, and entertainment news analysis by Newsy.com

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke says it will take four or five years before the unemployment rate improves.

Consumer Reports: AT&T The 'Worst' Wireless Carrier

Multisource political news, world news, and entertainment news analysis by Newsy.com

In a recent survey by Consumer Reports, AT&T came in dead last among wireless carriers in eight of nine categories. U.S. Cellular took the top spot

Major Foreclosure Contractor Underplayed The Extent Of Document Flaws

A report by Reuters sheds light into the convoluted system set up by Lender Processing Services, a mortgage and foreclosure contractor that processes about half of all U.S. mortgage loans.

 

GO HERE to read more. 

Opportunities To Support Our Students And Schools

Saturday, Dec. 11
Fund-raiser for Mardela Middle and High 8th-Grade Class
Sonic, Fruitland

The 8th-Grade Class of Mardela Middle and High School will host a fund-raiser at Sonic in Fruitland from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11. Ten percent of total net sales during that time will benefit the 8th-Grade Class. Come for food and fun, including a moon bounce and mascots. 410-677-5142.

Sunday, Dec. 12
Bookfair to Benefit STEM Academies
Barnes & Noble, Salisbury

The Wicomico County STEM Academies will be hosting a Barnes & Noble Bookfair with displays and projects on Sunday, Dec. 12 , 1-5 p.m. at the Barnes & Noble bookstore in Salisbury. Any purchases made in the store that day that reference the STEM Bookfair # 10319630 will have a percentage of the sales go to support STEM activities at Bennett Middle School and Salisbury Middle School. Starbucks Cafe purchases also apply. You can visit the B&N site to find out more about the various STEM activities scheduled to occur from 1-4 p.m. A Nook, compliments of Mt. Hermon Discount HealthMart Pharmacy and Pittsville Pharmacy, will be raffled off that day. You do not need to be present to win and the winner will be announced on Monday, Dec. 13. Tickets are $1 each and will be available at the Bookfair as well as at various events and activities prior to the Bookfair, or from Gretchen Boggs (SMS), Teresa McCain (BMS), and various committee members.

Saturday, Dec. 18
Applebee’s Flapjack Fundraiser Breakfast Benefitting the Wicomico High School Boys & Girls Lacrosse Teams

Support the Boys & Girls Lacrosse Teams at Wicomico High School at an all-you-can-eat Applebee’s Pancake Fund-raiser Breakfast from 8 -10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 18. Tickets are $6 per person for all-you-can-eat pancakes, sausage and beverage (coffee, orange juice, soda and tea). The breakfast will be served at the North Salisbury Applebee’s by members of the 2010 WiHi Boys & Girls Lacrosse Teams. For tickets please contact Coach Todd Cushman at 410-677-5149 or tcushman@wcboe.org.

Yearbooks Available
James M. Bennett High School

James M. Bennett High School has yearbooks available for sale from the past 20 years. Editions are available for 1991, 1993, 1994, 1996-2004, and 2006-2010. Prices range from $5 for older yearbooks to $40 for the 2010 edition. Please contact Debbie Sebach at 410-677-5141 or dsebach@wcboe.org for information.

Poinsettias Available
A+ Garden Centre at Parkside High School

New varieties of poinsettias are longer-lasting and can be enjoyed throughout the holidays, from Thanksgiving through New Year’s. The A+ Garden Centre at Parkside High School has poinsettias in red, plus some white, pink and marble. Sizes available: 6.5" -- 1 plant pinched per pot for $5; 8" -- 2 plants pinched per pot for $10; 10" -- 3 plants pinched per pot for $15, 2 red & 1 white per pot. 410-341-8746 [internal calls to x2580].

Available Now
Panera Bread and Bagel Coupons
Benefitting the Wicomico County STEM Program

Strips of Panera coupons are now on sale for $10, with half the cost of each coupon strip going to support the activities of the STEM Program in Wicomico County Public Schools. The coupon strips are either for all bagels, or for a mix of bagels, bread and other baked goods. These coupons strips are a great deal and would be a terrific gift for people on your holiday list. Buy your Panera coupons at a STEM event, or contact Gretchen Boggs at gboggs@wcboe.org or 410-677-5149, X4634.

Basket Raffle
Mardela High School Class of 2016

The Mardela High School Class of 2016 is selling tickets for its 2nd annual Basket Raffle. The “basket” contains gift certificates and gift cards from many local restaurants and businesses for goods and services, a Longaberger basket, a hunting trip, original watercolor by a local artist, home décor products, bath and beauty supplies, and much much more. The entire contents are included in the basket raffle and are valued at more than $4,000. Tickets are only $5 each. The drawing will take place on Dec. 17. For information please call 443-736-7948, or check with the school at 410-677-5142.

Commemorative JMB T-Shirts

The Junior Class of James M. Bennett High School is selling T-shirts commemorating the new Bennett. The shirts are $15 for sizes small-XL and $17 for sizes XXLarge and XXXLarge. Please email Erin Davis (esdavis@wcboe.org) or Kathy Elliott (kelliott@wcboe.org) if you are interested. Checks payable to JMB can be mailed to the school at 300 E. College Ave., Salisbury MD 21801, or dropped off at the school. Call 410-677-5141 for information.

Highlighted Events This Week In Wicomico Schools

Dec. 6-10
One Man Band Curtis Blues and The History of Acoustic Delta Blues: The Roots of Rock and Hip Hop
Wicomico elementary and middle schools

Blues preservationist and one man band Curtis Blues is a talented musician and educator whose performances keep the tradition of acoustic Delta blues alive, and demonstrate for students the roots of modern rock and hip hop music. Curtis has been playing Delta blues since he was 14 years old, when he was exposed to some of the last living Delta blues masters at folk festivals. Curtis has recorded two critically acclaimed CDs and performs at blues festivals and schools in an effort to pass this precious music down to the next generation. This show demonstrates the origins of modern popular rock, country, and hip hop music from the Mississippi Delta in the 1920's to 1940's. Tracing rhythms from work songs, Curtis invites students to help demonstrate infectious blues rhythms. Curtis Blues plays a one-string Diddley Bow, a handmade box guitar, and an African gourd banjo, as well as 1928 style metal resonator guitars and wood guitars along with his harmonica, foot drum, and cymbals. By taking his instruments into the audience for a closer look, this presentation makes African American and musical history come alive for students.

Tuesday, Dec. 7
Interact Story Theatre Performance
Willards Elementary School

Willards Elementary School will welcome Interact Story Theatre on Tuesday, Dec. 7, for a day that will begin with an 8:45 a.m. performance of “Two-Tone Tale.” Following the performance they will do a performance "talk-back" where students will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn about what happens behind the scenes. Throughout the day on Dec. 7, students will participate in either an "Extension Workshop" or a "Story Can Theatre Workshop," depending on the grade level. These performance and workshops are part of Willards Elementary’s Artist-in-Residence grant awarded by the Maryland State Arts Council. 410-677-5819.

Friday, Dec. 10
Mid-term Progress Reports Sent Home

Friday, Dec. 10
Heroes Night
Fruitland Schools

The Fruitland Schools PTA will host a Heroes Night for students and families on Friday, Dec. 10, to honor and remember the heroes of 9/11 and to meet the heroes who serve in the community every day. Heroes Night will begin in the cafeteria from 5:30-6:30 p.m., and continue in the gym from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Guests will include Wicomico County Sheriff Mike Lewis, longtime State’s Attorney Davis Ruark, Fruitland Police Chief Mike Phillips, Ernest Leatherbury of the Maryland State Police, the Fruitland Volunteer Fire Department, and a man who reported to the Pentagon to help on the day after 9/11. Other guests for the program who have a connection to 9/11 or are in public service are being sought. There will be a roll of paper on hand for all Fruitland students to sign; the paper roll will be mailed to the active duty troops. If you would like to participate in the Fruitland School PTA Heroes Night on Dec. 10, please contact coordinator Sheila Nichols at 410-334-6450, 443-735-2058, or nichols1011@verizon.net.

Saturday, Dec. 11, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
LEGO Competitions and Workshops, FIRST LEGO LEAGUE Tournament
Salisbury Middle School

Saturday, Dec. 11, from 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. will be a time for LEGOS and robotics at Salisbury Middle School. With their own LEGO blocks and building on site, children ages 4-6 can build a house for their favorite cartoon character, while students ages 7-9 and 10-12 can transform their LEGO blocks into a future hospital for Salisbury. No charge to participate but advance registration is required. Wicomico County 4-H will sponsor WeDo workshops on robotics for children ages 5-11; there will be two sessions on introduction to simple robotics, one from 9:30-10:30 a.m. and the second from 11 a.m.-noon. The Eastern Shore Regional FIRST LEGO LEAGUE Tournament will also be held at Salisbury Middle School that day, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. FIRST LEGO League Robotics is a fun program for ages 9-14. FLL Robotics introduces students to the engineering design cycle, and software design principles in a fun, and exciting way. Spectators are welcomes. The FIRST LEGO LEAGUE Tournament is for registered teams only. To register for any of these events or for more information, please contact Gretchen Boggs at gboggs@wcboe.org or 410-677-5149, X4634.

Red Kettle Volunteer Charts

Thank you, for your continued support of the Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign.
To volunteer call 410-749-RING (7464)

Click on images above to enlarge.

BREAKING NEWS:

Elizabeth Edwards dies of cancer at 61, NBC reports.

POLLITT SWORN IN FOR SECOND TERM

Richard M. Pollitt, Jr., took the oath of office for the second time as Wicomico County Executive at noon today. In 2006, Mr. Pollitt was elected as Wicomico County’s first executive joining six other county executives in Maryland.

Following the swearing-in ceremony, Mr. Pollitt said, “It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as our county’s first executive and the re-affirmation of the public’s confidence in me on Election Day has only enhanced my desire to continue to serve for another four years. These are challenging times for Wicomico County and I pledge to work on a bipartisan basis to keep our county strong. The time has come to grasp the reins of government with vigor and solid purpose to bring our community to its fullest potential. The hand-wringing and moaning and groaning about how bad things are must come to an end. We must, as one community, declare our independence from despair and commit ourselves to the obligations of citizenship that call us together to keep our county strong.” 

Tuesday Night Special At Boonies

Get a large cheese pizza every Tuesday night from 5:30 to 10:00 PM for only $5.99!

Broadcast Problems

It must be a year now since the networks changed to digital broadcasting and quite frankly WBOC, channel 16 sucks.

Look, this isn't a bashing post. While it may come off as one, the truth is the truth. ANYONE with cable and or even a converter box knows that WBOC cuts off 30, 40, 50 times per 1/2 hour show. You miss at least 1/10th of their broadcast.

Now I thought maybe it was because I was out in the middle of nowhere with a converter box and perhaps that was the problem. NOPE! I was at a Bar/Restaurant watching cable, (I asked the owner) and all of a sudden the broadcast was breaking up just as it does at my home. So I asked, isn't this annoying, does this always happen? YES!!!!!

I then spent some time at my mother in laws and low and behold, she too had the same exact problem. So, do tell me Folks, just how long are you going to continue to watch a television station that keeps breaking up, you miss 1/2 of what they're telling you, yet many are so glued to the robotic brainwashing you just continue to watch and throw remotes at the TV because it's not working?

At least it's now being discussed. It's been a year, (or so) and quite frankly my Wife and I have had enough. No more WBOC or channel 16 in this house. They don't have enough RESPECT to me as a viewer to FIX their ongoing problem, I'm not a robot. Are You?