EMP. Those three little letters represent one of the most devastating threats facing the United States today.
EMP stands for electromagnetic pulse, and according to a congressionally appointed threat assessment commission, it presents that rarest of all security risks: an attack that can deliver a devastating blow to our military and kill tens of millions of U.S. civilians in the bargain.
The idea is as simple as it is horrific. Explode a nuclear device in the air. The explosion sends out an EMP, which shuts down all electrical systems in the broad, multistate region below the explosion. In the modern United States, hardly anything works when the electronics go down. No transportation, no heat, no lighting, no communications . . . no nothing. Hospitals cannot function. Food, medical and other supplies are immobilized. In a matter of days, masses of people start dying.
EMP attacks could come in several varieties. There's the so-called "Scud-in-a-bucket" scenario. Iran's Shahab-3, an advanced scud variant, can carry a 10-kiloton warhead about 1,000 kilometers. It couldn't reach the United States from Tehran, but it doesn't have to. As Sen. Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.) notes: "A terrorist organization might have trouble putting a nuclear warhead "on target" with a Scud, but it would be much easier to simply launch and detonate in the atmosphere. . . . Just launch a cheap missile from a freighter in international waters -- al Qaeda is believed to own about 80 such vessels -- and make sure to get it a few miles in the air."
This is no mere theoretical risk. Iran has simulated an EMP attack, conducting tests in the Caspian Sea to determine whether its ballistic missiles could be detonated at a high altitude by remote control. Currently, the United States does not have adequate missile defenses to protect against this type of attack. And that's not the only EMP threat we face.
The EMP Commission ominously warned that "China and Russia have considered limited nuclear attack options that, unlike their Cold War plans, employ EMP as the primary or sole means of attack."
Indeed, Russian, Chinese, and Iranian military writings abound with references to EMP strikes against the United States.
To protect against ballistic missile threats, including an EMP attack, the United States needs a multi-layered missile defense system capable of shooting down missiles in all phases of flight, especially the boost or ascent phase. We don't have one now. And under the New START treaty with Russia, currently under consideration in the Senate, we aren't likely to be able to build one.
More here
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Homeless In Salisbury
Hi Joe,
Tonight, my fiance and I went to Salisbury Park to take a ride on the horse drawn carriage and look at the lights. Thats not important, but the information that we received while we were there is. The man working there informed us that Mayor Ireton recently took and burned all of the possesions of local homeless men and women, including their blankets! What a selfish act of someone who is supposed to be leading this city.
It really broke my heart to hear that someone would do this, none the less someone in a leadership position! I know that this is not the type of person that I want leading my town. Where was his outreach to the homeless to help them? And not only the fact that he did this, its been bitterly cold, how could you sleep at night knowing that you took all of the possesions that someone had, and destroyed them? Where are his charges for arson, theft....? I'm pretty upset about this, if you couldnt tell. I know that some of the homeless people are a nusiance, panhandling, theiving, etc, but what about the ones who are homeless, and just dont have anything, and cant get a job. Everyone knows that the economy is not in the greatest state right now, but where are his morals????????????
I want to make sure that I am getting all of my facts straight before I start a rant, but I also want to know, how can we help these people who have nothing, and I mean nothing, in the holiday season?
Myself and my fiance are currently without a home, and staying with his family, as we adopted a homeless, neglected dog which resulted in us having to leave our residence and seek one that is friendly with our animals, as we have two other dogs. So, does that mean that the mayor is going to come here and torch this house???
Please, what can I do to help???
A concerned citizen
Tonight, my fiance and I went to Salisbury Park to take a ride on the horse drawn carriage and look at the lights. Thats not important, but the information that we received while we were there is. The man working there informed us that Mayor Ireton recently took and burned all of the possesions of local homeless men and women, including their blankets! What a selfish act of someone who is supposed to be leading this city.
It really broke my heart to hear that someone would do this, none the less someone in a leadership position! I know that this is not the type of person that I want leading my town. Where was his outreach to the homeless to help them? And not only the fact that he did this, its been bitterly cold, how could you sleep at night knowing that you took all of the possesions that someone had, and destroyed them? Where are his charges for arson, theft....? I'm pretty upset about this, if you couldnt tell. I know that some of the homeless people are a nusiance, panhandling, theiving, etc, but what about the ones who are homeless, and just dont have anything, and cant get a job. Everyone knows that the economy is not in the greatest state right now, but where are his morals????????????
I want to make sure that I am getting all of my facts straight before I start a rant, but I also want to know, how can we help these people who have nothing, and I mean nothing, in the holiday season?
Myself and my fiance are currently without a home, and staying with his family, as we adopted a homeless, neglected dog which resulted in us having to leave our residence and seek one that is friendly with our animals, as we have two other dogs. So, does that mean that the mayor is going to come here and torch this house???
Please, what can I do to help???
A concerned citizen
Sarah Foxwell Missing: One Year Ago Today
We have unfortunately experienced yet another horrific murder in 2010 with Mrs. Greene. Although Mrs. Greene probably will not be remembered like Sarah Foxwell has been, one thing you cannot forget is the extremely hard work and SUCCESS of WBI, Maryland State Police, Wicomico County Sheriff's Office, Fruitland Police, Delmar Police and the Salisbury Police Department.
Together, (as promised) they have once again delivered in a very short period of time after these murders. I have spoken to some involved and let me tell you, they are so proud of the hard work and dedication making sure these criminals are caught and brought to justice. What you DON'T know is just how hard they worked.
Folks, from the time these people were murdered, many of these Officers did not sleep. They worked throughout the evenings to collect tips and catch their thugs. So, when you see an Officer driving down the road today, please wave to them as a way of saying, THANK YOU. Do this throughout the Holiday Season as many of them are probably catching up on some long lost sleep and won't return for a day or two.
Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Press Release
The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office has investigated incidents where phone calls have been made from people who have represented themselves as Law Enforcement officers from official Law Enforcement agencies. These calls are being made to parents claiming that their children or grandchildren have been arrested and are in jail, usually for drug violations. These callers are representing themselves as high ranking officers and are giving return call back numbers. When these numbers are called they are being answered by someone stating they are an official Law Enforcement agency. A list of charges is given to the caller. The calls appear to sound official.
Upon further questioning, The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office has been able to determine that the calls, and the persons representing themselves are not official, and the children or grandchildren in question have not been arrested anywhere. The suspects are requesting the parent to wire money to “Bail Bondsman Acct” this is a fraudulent account used for the purpose of defrauding people. The parents are advised that the child will be released from custody upon receipt of the money. The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office has been able to locate the “supposedly jailed children” and confirm that they were not under arrest, and in good condition before any money was transferred. These calls have been coming from Canada. Canadian Authorities have been notified and are investigating.
If you receive a call of this type from anywhere, ask for the name and call back number for the alleged agency. Then call your local law enforcement agency to help you verify whether or not this is a legitimate call or someone trying to commit a crime. Do not send money anywhere.
Remember that a legitimate Law Enforcement agency will not ask you to send money anywhere to secure the release of a person.
Law Enforcement will tell you that your relative has been arrested and where they are. Law Enforcement usually will do this only if the child is under the age of 18. This is not typically done for adult children.
Contact your local Law Enforcement agency if you have any Questions.
Gas Prices Top $3 A Gallon
Gas prices have risen more than 4% from $2.872 a month ago and are nearly 16% higher than the $2.585 average a year ago, according to the AAA figures.
Prices have been climbing steadily since bottoming out at $1.616 in December 2008. However, the average price is down $1.101 -- or 26.7% -- from the record high of $4.114 reported on July 17, 2008.
"We've never had Christmas Day with gasoline at three dollars or higher," said Tom Kloza, chief oil analyst with Oil Price Information Service, an energy trade publication based in Wall, N.J.
The rise in gas prices mirrors a rise in crude oil, which passed the $90 a barrel mark on Wednesday. Oil prices haven't settled above $90 a barrel since October of 2008.
GO HERE to read more.
Drunken Driver Sentenced To 51 Years For Killing Baseball Pitcher
(CNN) -- A convicted drunken driver was sentenced Wednesday to 51 years to life in prison for a crash that killed Los Angeles Angel pitcher Nick Adenhart and two others, the Orange County, California, district attorney said.
Andrew Thomas Gallo, 23, of San Gabriel, California, received the maximum sentence after a jury found him guilty in September of three felony counts of murder, felony drunken driving and two other felonies, according to District Attorney Tony Rackauckas and court spokeswoman Carole Levitzky.
Gallo had previously been convicted in San Bernardino County, California, for driving under the influence in 2006 and was on probation at the time of the April 2009 crash, the district attorney said.
Authorities say Gallo's blood-alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit when he sped through a red light and crashed into a car.
Adenhart, 22, of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, who was beginning his first full season in the majors, was killed. He had pitched just his fourth Major League game hours earlier.
GO HERE to read more.
Andrew Thomas Gallo, 23, of San Gabriel, California, received the maximum sentence after a jury found him guilty in September of three felony counts of murder, felony drunken driving and two other felonies, according to District Attorney Tony Rackauckas and court spokeswoman Carole Levitzky.
Gallo had previously been convicted in San Bernardino County, California, for driving under the influence in 2006 and was on probation at the time of the April 2009 crash, the district attorney said.
Authorities say Gallo's blood-alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit when he sped through a red light and crashed into a car.
Adenhart, 22, of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, who was beginning his first full season in the majors, was killed. He had pitched just his fourth Major League game hours earlier.
GO HERE to read more.
Together Again: More Retirees Moving In With Children
Since 1980, one-third more Americans are living in multigenerational households
When the value of stocks and bonds in your portfolio has declined, tapping the bonds of your family can be a valuable asset — especially in retirement.
The Sayreville, N.J., couple already live part-time with their daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren. Once they sell the family home the Jastrzebskis will move in permanently.
"It will afford us an opportunity to save money and have something left for our children," says Valerie, a 63-year-old secretary. "We are doing it because this is a situation that presented itself that is ideal for everyone."
Valerie's daughter, Sarah, mother of a five-month-old boy and step-mom to two teenagers, is working as an administrative assistant while studying for a master's degree in holistic health studies. She agrees combining their households makes sense.
"A lot of times now with retirement we see someone ends up in a nursing home or other facility like that," Sarah says. "I think staying with your family is the way to go."
GO HERE to read more.
Hail To The Chief
"Very happy to see our new State's Attorney out ringing the bell at the South Walmart! Glad to know the good deeds continue after the votes were counted."
To the person who wrote this message to me. Wicomico County is in very good hands with Matt Maciarello. When the Maciarello Family heard there were open slots still left yesterday, they immediately called the Salvation Army and asked, what can we do.
Folks, please look at the charts from yesterday and do what you can to fill in. It's a tough year for everyone, including those who did great this year. Don't think for a second doing great is anything like it used to be.
Please call 410-649-7464 today.
To the person who wrote this message to me. Wicomico County is in very good hands with Matt Maciarello. When the Maciarello Family heard there were open slots still left yesterday, they immediately called the Salvation Army and asked, what can we do.
Folks, please look at the charts from yesterday and do what you can to fill in. It's a tough year for everyone, including those who did great this year. Don't think for a second doing great is anything like it used to be.
Please call 410-649-7464 today.
Secret Donor Gifts Special-Needs Students
Special needs students in Howard County have a special friend. For an eighth year, the system has received an anonymous donation.
This year it was for $250,000.
The only stipulation is that the money go toward improving the inclusive practices for special-needs students, helping them become assimilated into mainstream classrooms. There are more than 5,000 students with special needs in Howard County schools.
The amount of the donation has been different each year, with the total amount now exceeding two million dollars.
White Christmas Moved To Dec. 26
Chances of snow this Christmas Day are dropping, as the expected snow's start time is heading closer to Sunday, the dreaded Dec. 26.
The region's most recent White Christmas was in 2002.
Now there's a 70 percent chance that snow will start falling in the area very late Saturday, an a 30 percent chance of it beginning on Sunday. Several inches could accumulate by the end of the weekend, so be careful and willing to adjust your plans if you're returning to the area Sunday or Monday.
Whether we get the snow or not, we do know for certain it's going to be cold. The high for Saturday will be about 34, and Sunday it'll hit about 33. Stay warm!
Whether we get the snow or not, we do know for certain it's going to be cold. The high for Saturday will be about 34, and Sunday it'll hit about 33. Stay warm!
Gifted Governor Doesn’t Keep Most Of His Presents
Gov. Martin O’Malley probably received the top item on his Christmas list this year on Election Day, but constituents and well-wishers from around the globe are sure to be sending holiday gifts toward Government House to fill in the space under the tree.
As governor of Maryland, O’Malley receives hundreds of gifts each year. According to records from the governor’s office, in 2009, he received 196 gifts. No totals are available for 2010 yet, but O’Malley spokesman Shaun Adamec said that many gifts have come in for the governor so far – especially after the election.
As governor, O’Malley cannot just accept gifts and send thank-you notes. Each gift is logged into a spreadsheet documenting the item, who it is from, the date it was received, and its value. Whether the governor kept the item for his personal use or passed it on to the state is also included on the spreadsheet, which is filed with his annual financial disclosure form at the State Ethics Commission.
GO HERE to read more.
As governor of Maryland, O’Malley receives hundreds of gifts each year. According to records from the governor’s office, in 2009, he received 196 gifts. No totals are available for 2010 yet, but O’Malley spokesman Shaun Adamec said that many gifts have come in for the governor so far – especially after the election.
As governor, O’Malley cannot just accept gifts and send thank-you notes. Each gift is logged into a spreadsheet documenting the item, who it is from, the date it was received, and its value. Whether the governor kept the item for his personal use or passed it on to the state is also included on the spreadsheet, which is filed with his annual financial disclosure form at the State Ethics Commission.
GO HERE to read more.
Merry Christmas
Salisbury News and its GENEROUS advertisers will be providing 300 turkeys to needy families this evening.
If you or anyone you know is in need, we encourage you to come out to Pohanka’s new Nissan dealership on the west side of US 13 (between the current Pohanda Nissan and Brainwave Computers, across from the Pohanka Honda Service Center). We will be giving out the turkeys between 5PM and 7PM today. It is our sincere hope that this small gesture will help make Christmas a little better for our Delmarva neighbors.
Those of us here at Salisbury News want to thank our generous advertisers, particularly Pohanka of Salisbury for providing a central location. Without the generosity of our advertisers, this would not be possible.
Help make our Christmas brighter by allowing us to serve you or someone you know.
Merry Christmas.
BREAKING NEWS:
Explosion occurs at Chile embassy in Rome; second embassy blast in hours there. More to come....
Merry Christmas OR Happy Holidays?
Perhaps 1990s boy band 'N Sync has the answer, with their classic holiday song that marries the two phrases together.
Gays Ousted From Military Hope to return
Joseph Rocha reported being cruelly hazed by Navy colleagues. Katherine Miller resigned from West Point halfway through, weary of concealing her sexual orientation. David Hall was outed by a fellow Air Force cadet and booted from the career he loved.
GO HERE to read more.
GO HERE to read more.
American Pay Dipped 3.2 Percent Last Year
If your pay rate has been frozen for the last couple years, take heart — you're doing better than the average paycheck slave. Total American wages dropped 3.2 percent in 2009, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, which pins part of the blame on manufacturing and construction industries.
More »
More »
Put That Beer On My Student Loan
A card called "Higher One" lets college kids take their student loan and turn it into a debit card they can use to buy pizza, beer, and other learning essentials with.
More »
More »
Train Your Brain To Keep Your New Year's Resolution
Most people will make a New Year's resolution. And most people will end up breaking them. The problem comes down to willpower. Mainly that relying on willpower alone is a surefire way to end up failing. Sure it will work for a short time, but the prefrontal cortex, which controls willpower, is easily overwhelmed. Instead, you need to make plans that involve other parts of the brain to help keep you on track, like your emotions, reports WSJ.
More »
More »
GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY, MAYOR STEPHANIE RAWLINGS-BLAKE URGE FIRE, CARBON MONOXIDE SAFETY
BALTIMORE, MD (December 22, 2010) – Governor Martin O’Malley and Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake joined the Maryland State Fire Marshal, the President of the Professional Fire Fighters of Maryland, members of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association, and firefighters from throughout the state today to urge safety for all Marylanders this holiday season. The holiday season and the cold winter months often carry with them fire hazards in the home, including holiday decorations and unsafe home heating. Generators and other appliances can also cause carbon monoxide poisoning if unmonitored. Governor O’Malley and Mayor Rawlings-Blake touted state and city programs that can help Maryland families get the detectors they need, and assistance with energy bills during the cold weather.
“Protecting the public’s safety is the most solemn obligation we have as public servants,” said Governor O’Malley. “That includes protecting families from the fire hazards that typically come with the holidays, and ensuring that homes and businesses are equipped with the proper detection equipment to keep every Marylander safe. There is no such thing as a spare Marylander, and protecting our most vulnerable citizens is among our highest priorities.”
Statewide, there have been 69 fire deaths in 2010, a slight decline from the comparable period last year. Governor O’Malley put particular emphasis on energy assistance programs the state provides, encouraging citizens to take advantage of these programs rather than attempting unsafe home heating techniques. Home energy assistance information can be found at problemsolver.maryland.gov.
“I want to thank Governor O’Malley and the State Fire Marshall’s office for their efforts to keep Baltimore City residents safe this winter,” said Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake. “In Baltimore, fire safety is a priority. That is why we reduced rotating closures, and increased funding for smoke alarms with longer-lasting lithium batteries that are available to any resident who needs one.”
Baltimore City residents can apply for free smoke detectors from the Baltimore City Fire Department here. Firefighters from throughout Maryland joined the Governor and Mayor at today’s event to urge safety for all Maryland families. The event took place at the Herman Williams, Jr. Fire Station in Baltimore City.
“Make sure to test all of the smoke alarms in your home! Smoke alarms are one of the most effective life saving safety tools in preventing injury or death from fire,” stated State Fire Marshal William E. Barnard. “Every Marylander needs to take personal responsibility to ensure their smoke alarms operate properly in the event a fire occurs in their home.”
Heating Safety
· Keep anything that can burn at least three-feet away from heating equipment.
· Have a three-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters.
· Never use your oven to heat your home.
· Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacture’s instructions.
· Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.
· Turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
· Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel burning space heaters.
· Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home.
· Test smoke alarms monthly.
Preventing Christmas Tree Fires
- Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent.
- Be careful not to drop or flick cigarette ashes near a tree.
- Do not put your live tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks.
- Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.
- Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood-burning stove for disposal.
- When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. The best way to dispose of your tree is by taking it to a recycling center or having it hauled away by a community pick-up service.
Holiday Lights
- Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up.
- Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory.
- Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe.
- Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. Make sure to periodically check the wires - they should not be warm to the touch.
- Do not leave holiday lights on unattended.
Holiday Decorations
- All decorations should be nonflammable or flame-retardant and placed away from heat vents.
- Never put wrapping paper in a fireplace.
- If you are using a metallic or artificial tree, make sure it is flame retardant.
Candle Care
- Avoid using lit candles. If you do use them, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be easily knocked down. Never leave the house with candles burning.
- Do not go near a Christmas tree with an open flame - candles, lighters or matches.
Smoke Alarms
· Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement. Many fatal fires begin late at night or in the early morning. For extra safety, install smoke alarms both inside and outside sleeping areas. Since smoke and many deadly gases rise, installing your smoke alarms at the proper level will provide you with the earliest warning possible. Always follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
· If your smoke alarms are hard wired, that is wired into the electrical system, you will need to have a qualified electrician do the initial installation or install replacements. For battery powered smoke alarms, all you will need for installation is a screw driver. Some brands are self adhesive and will easily stick to the wall or ceiling where they are placed. For all smoke alarm installations, be sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions because there are differences between the various brands. Call your local fire department (on a non-emergency telephone number) if you have problems installing a smoke alarm.
Protect Yourself and Your Family from CO Poisoning
- Install at least one carbon monoxide alarm with an audible warning signal near the sleeping areas and outside individual bedrooms. Make sure the alarm has been evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL). Carbon monoxide alarms measure levels of CO over time and are designed to sound an alarm before an average, healthy adult would experience symptoms. It is very possible that you may not be experiencing symptoms when you hear the alarm. This does not mean that CO is not present.
- Have a qualified professional check all fuel burning appliances, furnaces, venting and chimney systems at least once a year.
- Never use your range or oven to help heat your home and never use a charcoal grill or hibachi in your home or garage.
- Never keep a car running in a garage. Even if the garage doors are open, normal circulation will not provide enough fresh air to reliably prevent a dangerous buildup of CO.
- When purchasing an existing home, have a qualified technician evaluate the integrity of the heating and cooking systems, as well as the sealed spaces between the garage and house. The presence of a carbon monoxide alarm in your home can save your life in the event of CO buildup.
Escape Planning
· Draw a home escape plan and discuss it with everyone in your home.
· Practice the plan at night and during the day with everyone in your home, twice a year.
· Know at least two ways out of every room, if possible. Make sure all doors and windows leading outside open easily.
· Have an outside meeting place (like a tree, light pole or mailbox) a safe distance from the home where everyone should meet.
· Practice using different ways out.
· Teach children how to escape on their own in case you can’t help them.
· Close doors behind as you leave.
MALE SENSITIVITY....
The room was full of pregnant women with their partners. The class was in full swing.
The instructor was teaching the women how to breathe and was telling the men how
to give the necessary assurance to their partners this stage of the pregnancy.
She said "Ladies, remember that exercise is good for you. Walking is especially beneficial.
It strengthens the pelvic muscles and will make delivery that much easier. Just make
several stops and stay on a soft surface like grass or a path."
She looked at the men in the room, "And gentlemen, remember -- you're in this together --
it wouldn't hurt you to go walking with her."
The room suddenly got very quiet as the men absorbed this information. Then a man at
the back of the room slowly raised his hand. "Yes?", asked the instructor.
"I was just wondering if it would be all right if she carries a golf bag while we walk?"
--- This kind of sensitivity just can't be taught.
The instructor was teaching the women how to breathe and was telling the men how
to give the necessary assurance to their partners this stage of the pregnancy.
She said "Ladies, remember that exercise is good for you. Walking is especially beneficial.
It strengthens the pelvic muscles and will make delivery that much easier. Just make
several stops and stay on a soft surface like grass or a path."
She looked at the men in the room, "And gentlemen, remember -- you're in this together --
it wouldn't hurt you to go walking with her."
The room suddenly got very quiet as the men absorbed this information. Then a man at
the back of the room slowly raised his hand. "Yes?", asked the instructor.
"I was just wondering if it would be all right if she carries a golf bag while we walk?"
--- This kind of sensitivity just can't be taught.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)