DOES IRETON’S LIBRARY SITE PROPOSAL VIOLATE PUBLIC TRUST?

At the risk of being misled by the Daily Times – and not for the first time – it seems that Mr. Ireton wants the City to, in essence, give one or more pieces of City land to the County library for a new location. The sale price, according to the article, would not go into the City’s treasury to furnish additional revenue that Ireton claims in this recent budget proposal is much needed to fund operations that have been curtailed for lack of money. Instead, it states that under the proposal “the $750,000 in acquisition funding is put into escrow and reinvested into the project.”

In other words, the City would be donating the land to the County library by giving the purchase money back.

The library is for the entire County, but City residents would, in effect bear a larger part of the cost of the new facility than other County residents. And aren’t there laws that require the City to dispose of its property for cash in hand, and not in escrow for others to use?

The scheme also seems inconsistent with the City’s longstanding request that City residents should have a lower rate (“tax differential”) on their County property taxes because of the benefits that the City provides – roads, etc. -- at no cost to the County.

Mr. Ireton’s proposal raises even more profound issues than those involving the best location for a new library and whether one should be built at this time.

Top Secret

Air Force General: Mr. President, we've just invented an invisibility cloak for Air Force One.

Obama: Really?

General: That's right, sir. Will you be going along on its maiden flight?

Obama: Wouldn't miss it for the world.

General: Have a good trip, sir.

Councilwoman Terry Cohen Rescues Beagle

This morning I received a really cool phone call from Councilwoman Terry Cohen. She had been outside when a 12 year old Beagle cam across her property. She called the animal over to her and it came right to her.

She checked his collar and found a tag but the phone number was partially scratched off. This didn't stop her though. She made 10 phone calls before she finally hit the right number.

One SU Student had lost the dog and they were reunited this morning. Great Work Terry!

Conclusive Proof The Economy On The Eastern Shore Is Down

Sales are down so low at Home Depot in Salisbury, they're cutting payroll hours by 130 hours this week.

Employees do not know what next week is going to bring. Clearly everything we're reading across the nation is simply BS. Oh, you could argue things are better elsewhere but as I have stated many times in the past, look at the empty buildings.

Last night at the AFP Meeting a question was asked, how many people have seen pay increases while our local government employees are getting pay raises. Many people shouted, WE'VE RECEIVED DECREASES.

You Gotta Love This One

Female Teacher Faces Sex-Abuse Charges

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

Adorable Kuwaiti Pups Up For Adoption

Twenty dogs that were rescued overseas are now looking for a loving home in our area.

The pups survived a deadly fire at an animal shelter in Kuwait last month. It was the country's only animal shelter. Forty animals perished in that fire, but 60 survived. Of those that made it, 40 were adopted in Kuwait, and the remaining 20 were brought to the Washington Animal Rescue League.

“This is not our first international rescue,” said Dr. Gary Weitzman, the League’s CEO. “We’ve saved dogs from Canada on two occasions in the past. But these dogs have traveled farther than any others to get here. We are glad to offer these refugees from the other side of the world the services of our medical center, behavior and training department, and uniquely designed shelter. And we’ll find them the great homes they need and deserve.”

GO HERE to read more.

8 Ways To Outsmart Your Allergies

Itchy eyes and sneezing aren't just for springtime

Think allergies end in April or May? Guess again.

Those sneezy, itchy-eyed, congested months can last well into late fall, as different trees, then grasses and, finally, weeds bombard the air with pollen. If that weren't irritating enough, outdoor mold starts to release airborne spores starting in summer and continuing through fall, which can cause further irritation. In fact, reactions to mold (fungi that thrive in warm, moist, humid climates both outdoors and in) as well as ragweed may be even more of a problem in certain parts of the country this summer because of heavier-than-usual rainfall.

If you're sneezing like crazy, here's how to stay outside, active, and virtually symptom free — all allergy season long.

1. Rethink your exercise plan.
You breathe harder and suck in more air when you're exercising than when you're, say, watching TV.

GO HERE to read more.

Yard Sales Anyone?

If anyone has a yard sale they would like to advertise for free right here, please email all of your info to me, SunnyInOC, at atlanticjw@aol.com.

It's FREE!!!!

Please have all requests in today for tomorrow morning's post.

Please type "yard sale" in the subject of your email. Many thanks!

The Newest Joe Albero Fan!!

Camryn Makayla Greer born 04/28/2010 at 6pm. 7lbs 1oz 19" long

Mother: Melissa Greer
Father: Malaki Greer

Congratulations Greer Family!!!!!!

FIRST LADY KATIE O’MALLEY TO VISIT, READ TO FOURTH AND FIFTH GRADERS

FIRST LADY KATIE O’MALLEY TO VISIT, READ TO FOURTH AND FFIFTH GRADERS AT HAZELWOOD ELEMENTARY/MIDDLE SCHOOL
First Lady to Kick Off Scholastic Summer Literacy Campaign

Annapolis, MD (April 29, 2010) – First Lady Katie O’Malley tomorrow will visit with fourth and fifth graders at Hazelwood Elementary/Middle School and will kick off a summer literacy campaign. During her visit, First Lady O’Malley will read the first chapter of Ruby and the Booker Boys by Derrick Barnes, and illustrated by Vanessa Brantley.

For the second consecutive year, First Lady Katie O’Malley will join other Gubernatorial spouses across the nation and sign on as a “Reading Ambassador,” to help spread the important message about reading books over the summer. In support of their role as Reading Ambassadors, Scholastic has donated 250 books to fourth and fifth grade students in each of the First Spouses’ states for the children to take home and read this summer. Ruby and the Booker Boys was one of many books donated by Scholastic.

Beautiful Nature Photo

Hey Joe!

I was driving home 2 days ago after a portrait session in Assateague Island and on the way home I stopped and got this little gift from Ol' Mother Nature. It was a nice moment and I was the only one there to see it. Anyway, thought I would share it with everyone if I could. Keep up the good work Joe!

Andrew Nock
Andrew Nock Photography

AFP Makes Fabulous Changes

WOW, talk about a complete 180! Last night I attended the Wicomico County AFP Meeting and was blown away with the changes Julie & Joe made in just a matter of weeks. The meeting flowed perfectly, they had a fantastic speaker, Mike McDermott Mayor of Pocomoke and Candidate for the House of Delegates, crowd participation was organized and quite frankly it was one of the best meetings I've been to in a very long time.

No Police Officers are needed for this meeting as one person pointed out the City Council pays an Officer overtime pay to sit in their meetings because Council Members are afraid of the Public.

Mike McDermott is running against Norm Conway for State Delegate and as always he had the entire audience in the palm of his hands. I have never seen Mike speak anywhere where he didn't completely capture every one's attention because he's a man of faith, a man you can believe in and a man you can trust. Click on his name above and visit his Website. This is a man you want representing us on the Eastern Shore.

I personally hope he wins but as Mike said to his children, all I can do is try. I want to do what is right and if I win I will represent you with core interests. The very same core interests you want here on the Eastern Shore.

Joe Collins gave a great presentation that was also well organized and Julie Brewington was at the top of her game last night delivering messages in order and asking others to help step up and participate with the AFP.

There were probably a dozen new people who attended last night's meeting and they had to extend the seating area into the next room because the crowd was so large. Visitors included Democrats, Republicans and Independents. So no matter who you are, consider attending these AFP Meetings yourself and see what all the talk is about. No one got up and walked out and everyone got to say whatever was on their mind at the end.

Kudos to Julie Brewington and Joe Collins.

3-Hour Rule Ready To Become Reality

The pros, cons and complications of the DOT-imposed regulations

The clock is ticking on the three-hour rule.

Starting Thursday, air travelers will get something they’ve never had before: regulatory protection against tarmac delays of three hours or longer. Whether that’s good, bad or unnecessary is a matter of opinion, but it already looks like the new rules will offer both more and less than many people have bargained for.

Big fines for bad performanceAnnounced by the Department of Transportation (DOT) last December, the new rule runs 81 pages and seeks to enhance airline passenger protections on several fronts. It takes effect April 29.

GO HERE to read more.

Now This Is Drunk

If Women Ruled The World

Caption This Photo

Best-Mannered Teacher In Wicomico County

Best-mannered teacher finalists named

Four teachers from Wicomico County have been named finalists for the Best-Mannered Teacher Award the 2009-2010 school year.

The finalists were announced by Ann Wiseman, director of the Eastern Shore Chapter of the National League of Junior Cotillions. The teachers were nominated by students in the cotillion class as best exemplifying the etiquette and manners that they were learning in their local cotillion classes every month.

The teacher finalists include two from Salisbury Middle School, Rebekah Badaki and Ronald Dyda, plus Debbie Traum of St. Frances de Sales School; and Deana Williams of Bennett Middle School. The winner of the Best-Mannered Teacher Award, one of the above, will be announced at the Eastern Shore Chapter’s Grand Spring Ball being held on Friday, April 30, in Salisbury.

Ann Wiseman, director of the Eastern Shore Chapter of the National League of Junior Cotillions, said, “The students in our program were excited about being part of the selection process. They wanted to honor teachers who exemplify the etiquette and manners being taught in our program.”

Those receiving the awards were nominated by Junior Cotillion students who wrote an essay about a teacher in their school who met the criteria including their positive characteristics, how the teacher shows courtesy and respect for students, and why the person is a good role model. According to Mrs. Wiseman, “These special teachers are those who treated the students with respect and instilled a love of learning which will continue to have a positive effect on the students’ performance throughout their school years.”

Mrs. Badaki is completing her 10th year of teaching social studies at Salisbury Middle School and currently working on an education administration graduate degree at Salisbury University. Mr. Dyda has been a math teacher at Salisbury Middle School for 10 years and co-chairs the school’s student leadership group, Lead Out Loud.

Mrs. Williams, a 13-year teacher of reading and language arts at Bennett Middle School, graduated from SU in 1997 and received her reading specialist certification from there in 2002. The fourth finalist, Mrs. Traum, has been a fifth-grade teacher at St. Francis de Sales Catholic School for 10 years. Also a graduate of SU, she is currently attending Wilmington University’s graduate education program.

In commenting on the awards program, Dr. John Fredericksen, Wicomico County Superintendent of Schools, said, “Junior Cotillion provides young people with the opportunity to learn formal manners while young and to enjoy the benefits these behaviors can provide for a lifetime. The young people also have fun getting together in new surroundings and enjoying music, conversation, and dancing.” He added, “We’re proud of our young people who seek this opportunity, and we’re just as proud of the teachers whom these students have identified as having the best manners. These teachers are setting a wonderful example for our students.”

The National League of Junior Cotillions is an etiquette and social dance training program which involves thousands of young people nationwide. Students learn the customs and courtesies that will serve them for a lifetime. Topics covered include table manners, writing thank notes, and responding to formal invitations, and many other social skills, including the basics of ballroom dancing. Most importantly, the students learn to feel comfortable in social situations.

For more information about the Eastern Shore Cotillion classes, call (410) 341-0065.

US Says No To Indigenous Rights

The US, the self-proclaimed protector of human rights, has failed to vote in favor of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Speaking to the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) at the UN, Kenneth Deer, the representative of US and Canada Mohawk Indians, said that Washington had refrained from recognizing the UN declaration on indigenous rights.

Deer described the conditions of the Indians living in the US and Canada as catastrophic, saying that they enjoy the minimum life requirements.

He reiterated that despite living in a wealthy country, the Canadian Indians challenge unemployment, poverty and lack of healthcare and shelter.

Deer, who was speaking to IRNA on the sidelines of the Ninth Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, added that now Canada is mulling to reconsider its vote on indigenous rights. But, he said, Washington has not moved to review its decision.

On Sept. 13, 2007 the UN General Assembly adopted the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples to protect their lands and resources, and to maintain their unique cultures and traditions.

About 370 million indigenous people live in the world. The US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand that are home to the world's major indigenous population have so far rejected to vote in favor of the UN rights declaration.

Source

D.C. Delegate Laments-- No Affirmative Action Quota For The Supreme Court

President Barack Obama is unlikely to name an African-American to the U.S. Supreme Court to fill the seat of retiring Justice John Paul Stevens, and perhaps at all during his presidency, a black lawmaker who briefed the Congressional Black Caucus on judicial nominations said Wednesday.

“We’re not sure this president is ever going to nominate another African- American to the court,” Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) said.

“He’s African-American. We’ve got someone who proposes to be African-American on the court,” Norton said, referring to the court’s lone black member, Justice Clarence Thomas, whose votes against affirmative action and other policies important to the black community have angered liberal African-Americans.

More