Attention

The opinions expressed by columnists are their own and do not represent our advertisers

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

DELEGATE JIM MATHIAS ENDORSED BY MARYLAND FARM BUREAU FOR MARYLAND SENATE DISTRICT 38

Mathias celebrates endorsement with a tour of local farms on August 25th

OCEAN CITY ­­– Delegate Jim Mathias (D, 38B) will gratefully accept the endorsement of the nonpartisan Maryland Farm Bureau in his bid for the District 38 Maryland Senate seat Wednesday morning and will continue to tour local farms throughout the afternoon.

“Our region’s history and traditions are deeply rooted in agriculture. Family farmers helped build communities across the Lower Eastern Shore, but their numbers are dwindling as it becomes more challenging to make a living in the fields. That’s why I’m working to promote agriculture and to preserve our rural heritage,” Mathias said.

To mark the occasion, Mathias will be touring the following local farms on August 25 to announce the endorsement, and to speak with both farmers and constituents on the issues most important to them:

10 am -- Roger Richardson's farm, 6137 Snow Hill Road, Snow Hill, MD 21863. The announcement will be made that Jim has been endorsed by the Maryland Farm Bureau (http://mdfarmbureau.com/)

11:30 am -- Jack Lord's Costa Ventosa Winery, 9031 Whaleyville Road, Whaleyville, MD 21872 (http://costaventosa.com/)

1 pm -- Cropper Brothers Lumber Co. in Willards, 7504 Main Street, Willards, MD 21874 2

3 pm -- Jason Dryden’s farm, 6705 Elmo Dryden Road, Westover, MD 21871.

“I helped secure tax relief for Maryland’s family farmers,” Mathias said of the endorsement, “I voted to extend the Homestead Property Tax Credit to agricultural ownership entities. I helped to reform Maryland’s estate tax to protect family farms. I voted to invest an additional $5 million in the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Fund to ensure that farmland remains in use for farming.”

“We are pleased to offer our support to those candidates who have demonstrated their support for Maryland’s family farms,” said Harry Moreland, Chairman of the 33,000-member Maryland Farm Bureau PAC. “Good government is dependent upon the election of responsible candidates who can balance the needs of all Marylanders with the reality of our limited state budget. We believe the candidates we have endorsed will work to preserve the economic viability of Maryland farms while addressing the numerous issues facing the next General Assembly.”

The Delegate will be available for interviews at each stop. For more information, contact Donna Richardson West at (410) 430-4726.

Candidates From District 38A


John Phoebus


John Cannon


Mike Mcready


Charles Otto

BROWN: EHRLICH MAKING EMPTY BUDGET BUSTING PROMISESHE WON'T KEEP


Points to Ehrlich's Failed Record of Big Spending, Budget Deficits, and Broken Promises as Evidence

Baltimore, MD (Aug. 24, 2010) - Today, Lt. Governor Anthony Brown called out Bob Ehrlich on his empty campaign promises, pointing out the yawning gap between Ehrlich's campaign promises and his failed record as governor.


Brown spoke with members of the media outside the O'Malley-Brown campaign office in Baltimore City, after a new poll out today showed the continued momentum of the O'Malley-Brown campaign with a 6 point lead over Ehrlich-Kane.


"Bob Ehrlich has made a lot of expensive, sweet-sounding promises to Maryland voters in this campaign," said Brown. "But the last time Marylanders listened to Bob Ehrlich's empty promises, he spent taxpayer money like there was no tomorrow, increased state spending by 33% and raised billions in new taxes and fees.


"The O'Malley-Brown campaign created a chart comparing Bob Ehrlich's empty promises to his failed record and released a new video today on what Marylanders think of Bob Ehrlich saying he did not increase taxes and fees."


Either Bob Ehrlich is making cynical election-year promises he knows he can't keep, or he plans to raise billions more in taxes and fees and run up another $1.7 Billion dollar tab on the state's credit card bill," Brown continued. "Either way, Marylanders have seen this movie before, and they don't want a sequel."


This past weekend at the annual meeting of the Maryland Association of Counties in Ocean City, Ehrlich promised $60 million in transportation aid to local governments but failed to specify how he would pay for the increase.


In response, The Baltimore Sun said Ehrlich's latest empty promise was "taking...disingenuousness to new heights." Noting Ehrlich's other unpaid-for campaign promises, the paper said that Ehrlich "has taken to making promises with no indication whatsoever of how he would fulfill them."

Don't Miss Our 6 PM News Broadcast Tonight With Candidates From District 38A


Salisbury Zoo Admission Update



Before last nights City Council Meeting I had the pleasure of speaking with Zoo Director Joel Hamilton. I asked him, "what's up with those numbers you guys recently put out." He stated they were numbers provided by the consulting company they're working with. I then said, Joel, why don't you guys start charging $1.00 per person for those people not living in the City. He replied, Joe, it has been proven it would cost us money to do so. In fact, he went on to say they have done studies and it would take $4.00 per person for them to "break even" and pay for the staff to do so.

Let's see, 350,000 people coming to the Zoo each year. That's $1,400,000.00 per year, RIGHT? Only a democrat could come up with such a statement and or figures. Mayor Ireton, are you privy to such information?

I have always stated that Ron Alessi doesn't want to CHARGE $1.00 to come in because THEN and only THEN would YOU and I know the actual amount of people visiting the Salisbury Zoo. With all due respect Joel, (and Staff) your numbers are a boat load of crap. Outside consultants, Zoo Commission, Zoo Director, you have so many excuses as to who to place blame when the real numbers come to light, it isn't funny.

Last night the consultant stated every time someone comes to visit family or businesses in the Salisbury area, everyone goes to the Zoo. I disagree. In fact, I wouldn't encourage all the family and friends that come to visit us to go to the Zoo. Again, with all due respect, the Zoo is run down. The buildings are falling apart and there's no way I would bring everyone I know there if they came to visit.

Maybe you might but I know of even more people that think your statement is crazy. In your own little group, perhaps. I could see bringing kids to Ben's Red Swings but even that place is getting trashed with no upkeep.

Finally, the $4.00 admission being a break even number is ridiculous. Oh, by the way, what happened to all of the VOLUNTEERS? You let them collect money to "Feed The Animals." Why not feed back the Taxpayers and give them some relief?

US Airways Call For Ambulance

US Airways just called in for a request for a wheel chair and ambulance to meet the plane landing in Salisbury for unknown medical assistance.

UPDATE: We've come to learn it is an 80 y/o Female having chest pain and difficulty breathing.

Gordy & Hoppes At It AGAIN!

"As The Stomach Turns" at the Salisbury Fire Department.
Firefighters are up in arms once again as Chief Hoppes and Deputy Chief Gordy are letting Firefighters know they just don't have the funding for training, travel, college classes and paramedic training.
Many young professionals joined the Fire Department being promissed that they'd take care of such training and classes, yet now they're being told the Department can no longer afford it. OK, that's disappointing, I agree.
However, what kind of statements does it make when out of nowhere the Chief and Deputy Chief make last minute arrangements to get on a flight and travel to Chicago for several days in order to attend the Fire International Rescue Show?
The registration alone is somewhere around $800.00 per person. This does not include food, airfare, hotel accommodations and whatever else these guys choose to participate in while they are there.
Here's what gets me the most though. Hoppes will NOT become the next Fire Chief of the SFD and Gordy is pretty much on his way out as well. How will this serve the TAXPAYERS of the City of Salisbury who are fronting all this money for them to travel to Chicago? I'll add, it's been reported that this trip is NOT in their budget.
Now, what's more important. Training your paramedics and young Firefighters, or sending the Chief and Deputy Chief to Chicago to better their own personal re'sumes for future job positions elsewhere?

Louise Smith’s Lip Service Exposed


Everyone knows Louise Smith has an ego problem, seriously. All this whining about how she wasn't included in developing Mayor Jim Ireton's crime legislation, wah wah wah. She didn't mind when Barrie Tilghman would meet with her anointed ones, not a word. But that's not the point. Unlike Barrie's little operations where Gary Comegys would pull something out from under the table and slap it down for the first time right there on television, EVERYONE knew Ireton was working on this package, even if they didn't know the exact words, so playing dumb and innocent, Louise, is an act nobody's buying.

Louise Smith is playing the victim card just like Barrie did with the blogs. She's letting her ego and her "hurt feelings" get in the way of doing city business all the time. Grow up, Louise. With all due respect to her position, Louise Smith nonetheless displayed last night why she has no business being president of the Salisbury City Council.

The meeting was pretty much flying along when Terry Cohen made a “subsidiary motion” to get Ireton’s crime package on a work session agenda. I don’t care whether it was the right technical thing to do or not. It needed to be done!

If Terry Cohen made a mistake, she’ll admit it and apologize. But Louise Smith’s reaction was OVER THE TOP! Like I said in an earlier post, I was pacing as Louise dragged on and on fighting what she should have done in the first place – put this on a damn work session! That’s what a LEADER would have done, Louise!

Here you’ve got two members of city council, Debbie Campbell and Terry Cohen, giving Louise what she wanted – a public input meeting – and Louise can’t even meet them halfway in which you do what you do with legislation, getting it on the table. Unbelievable!!!!!

Louise talked and talked about public input, but here she is, discourageing it. She whines all the time about transparency, but did you folks out there catch what Debbie Campbell said? Louise Smith wouldn’t even support televising the public input meeting! Government in the sunshine, Louise? I don’t know what sun you’re using, but it’s not the same one the rest of us have.

Then there was Shanie Shields and her wall-sized race card. Oh, my God, and she calls me sick? Shanie, let me tell you something. Black people are not the only people to live in poverty. I know what it’s like to grow up “not having.” If you think “not having” means it’s okay for a parent to allow their child to deal drugs in their house, to get repeatedly arrested and tolerate that under their own roof, then you are EXACTLY what’s wrong with this country’s direction.

That attitude does NOT do the child any favors or the rest of the family either. Take a look around Salisbury, Shanie, it’s becoming a slum! What an insult to the honest poor of all colors to expect them to live in that and to call everyone who isn’t dirt poor a racist. Those may not be your exact words, Shanie, but I will guarantee you that for 95% of those listening last night, that’s what they heard. I’ll give Jim Ireton an “atta boy” for calling you out on playing the race card like a blackjack dealer last night.

I had to leave to cover another meeting before public comments got going, but I heard they were demanding this crime legislation get discussed, one way or the other. Maybe this is the turning point for Salisbury. I hope so and I personally have been pushing for more of you to get involved and take your city back. I can’t do it alone. Folks, next election you’ve got to get people like Louise Smith who talk the talk but don’t walk the walk out of office.

In fact, if Louise Smith was doing her job, she wouldn’t be trying to shut Terry Cohen and Debbie Campbell up for trying to move legislation forward. She’d be gaveling Shanie Shields for Shanie’s constant personal attacks and calling everyone she disagrees with a racist.

Louise Smith, DO YOUR JOB! And for what it’s worth…

YOU’VE BEEN BLOGGED!

Allegations Dr. Bradley Used Diluted & Expired Vaccines

Parents of children who had been patients of Dr. Bradley should contact Delaware Authorities to check and see if their child fell victim of yet another possible scam by the former Doctor.

Bob Ehrlich Pledges Support For Military Retiree Tax Credit


Initiative will benefit 50,000 military families and boost Maryland’s economy

ELLICOTT CITY
- As part of his plan to get Maryland’s economy working again, Bob Ehrlich today pledged that he will introduce legislation to exempt 100 percent of military pension income for qualified military retirees in Maryland. His plan will help boost Maryland’s economy by attracting military retirees to the state and will provide real tax relief for nearly 50,000 veterans and their families currently living in Maryland.

"Restoring the economy will be my first priority as Governor,” said Ehrlich. “To reach that goal, we need to make Maryland a place military retirees and their families want to call home. This veterans tax credit is good economic policy and a great way to thank our service men and women for their service to the country. Military veterans and retirees are exactly the type of highly-trained, skilled workers that Maryland needs to support the ongoing development of our technology-driven economy.

A state Task Force on Military Retirees found in 2003 that retired military personnel households spent over $2.5 billion on goods and services in Maryland, generating nearly $100 million in sales and real estate tax revenues.

Ehrlich pledged to work with the General Assembly to exempt military pensions for service men and women with over 20 years services from Maryland income taxes. The credit would be phased in by 20% per year for 5 years and the cost of the credit would be offset by savings in Governor Ehrlich’s budget.

Currently, military retirees are exempt from Maryland income tax only on the first $5,000 of their retirement income. In addition, military retirees who are over the age of 65, totally disabled, or who have a spouse who is totally disabled receive an additional subtraction.

JESUS AND THE DEMOCRAT

A Republican, in a wheelchair, entered a restaurant one afternoon and asked the waitress for a cup of coffee. The Republican looked across the restaurant and asked, "Is that Jesus sitting over there?"

The waitress nodded "yes," so the Republican requested that she give Jesus a cup of coffee, on him.

The next patron to come in was a Libertarian, with a hunched back. He shuffled over to a booth, painfully sat down, and asked the waitress for a cup of hot tea. He also glanced across the restaurant and asked, "Is that Jesus, over there?"

The waitress nodded, so the Libertarian asked her to give Jesus a cup of hot tea, "My treat."

The third patron to come into the restaurant was a Democrat on crutches. He hobbled over to a booth, sat down and hollered, "Hey there honey! How's about gettin' me a cold mug of Miller Light?" He too looked across the restaurant and asked, "Isn't that God's boy over there?

The waitress nodded, so the Democrat directed her to give Jesus a cold beer. "On my bill," he said loudly.

As Jesus got up to leave, he passed by the Republican, touched him and said, "For your kindness, you are healed." The Republican felt the strength come back into his legs, got up, and danced a jig out the door.

Jesus passed by the Libertarian, touched him and said, "For your kindness, you are healed." The Libertarian felt his back straightening up and he raised his hands, praised the Lord, and did a series of back flips out the door.

Then, Jesus walked towards the Democrat, just smiling.

The Democrat jumped up and yelled, "Don't touch me .. I'm collecting disability."

About 15 Minutes Of Giggles



KUHNER: Obama's Islamic Agenda

President Obama has revealed his true nature. After 20 months in the Oval Office, he still remained a largely unknown figure. A picture is coming into focus now, and it should trouble all Americans. It is widely known that Mr. Obama is a post-national progressive. Yet he is also a cultural Muslim who is promoting an anti-American, pro-Islamic agenda. This is the real meaning of his warm - and completely needless - embrace of the Ground Zero Mosque.

At an Iftar dinner celebrating Ramadan at the White House, Mr. Obama told Muslim-Americans that he supports the building of an Islamic community center and mosque just two blocks away from where the Twin Towers were destroyed and nearly 3,000 Americans were murdered on Sept. 11, 2001. He later tried to back away from those comments. Mr. Obama said he was defending the right of religious freedom but not the "wisdom" of erecting the mosque.

Nonetheless, Mr. Obama has been clear: In his view, the Ground Zero Mosque should be built. There was no good practical reason even to comment on the issue. He had been silent for weeks as the controversy gathered steam. The overwhelming majority of the American people oppose the mosque - especially the families of the Sept. 11 victims.

Politically, it is a loser - for him and his party. Yet he could not keep his mouth shut.

Why not?

Cuccinelli: Virginia Has Right To Regulate Abortion Clinics

Virginia has the legal right to regulate abortion clinics in the same manner it currently regulates hospitals and surgery centers, says Attorney General Kenneth T. Cuccinelli II, a ruling that pro-choice advocates say could cost abortion providers $2 million and put most of them out of business.

An opinion issued Friday by the pro-life Republican comes after years of attempts by conservative legislators to pass additional restrictions in the General Assembly for abortion clinics, which in Virginia have been treated for regulatory purposes as physicians' offices.

"The state has long regulated outpatient surgical facilities and personnel to ensure a certain level of protection for patients. There is no reason to hold facilities providing abortion services to any lesser standard for their patients," said Brian J. Gottstein, a spokesman for Mr. Cuccinelli.

"Even pharmacies, funeral homes and veterinary clinics are regulated by the state," he said.

The opinion, which only interprets Virginia law and does not change it, says the additional regulations are permissible as long as they "adhere to constitutional limitations."

Mr. Cuccinelli acknowledged in the opinion that the Supreme Court's 1973 Roe v. Wade opinion limits the state's right to regulate abortion.

But he also cited a 2000 decision from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit that said regulations "addressing medical and safety aspects of providing abortions, as well as the recordkeeping and administrative practices of abortion clinics, and which applied to all abortions including abortions performed during the first trimester, were valid."

More here

SALISBURY CITY COUNCIL DEFIES DOG-DAYS OF SUMMER

The latest meeting of the Council, broadcast live on PAC-14 last night, once again was the best free entertainment available in Salisbury. After a mostly uncontroversial agenda, things became interesting when Terry Cohen made an unscheduled “subsidiary” motion, and was told by Louise Smith that it was out of order because it was “not on the agenda”.

Ms. Cohen, prepared as always, pointed out that this type of motion is permitted under Roberts Rules of Order, whereupon the matter was referred to the Council’s parliamentarian and the City Attorney for advice. After some dithering, Paul Wilber said that the Council has not adopted Robert’s Rules, but Ms. Cohen pointed out that the Council’s rules provide that Robert’s Rules apply in the absence of any specific rule. At this point in the proceedings Smith offered Wilber a recess to allow him to get his act together and fabricate an opinion.

When the meeting was reconvened, Wilber dithered once again and Ms. Cohen pressed her position until he conceded that the motion could be made and considered. How much that ruling cost in legal fees is unknown.

Then the Council proceeded to conduct another extended food fight in considering the motion, which Ms, Campbell seconded, to put Mayor Ireton’s special rental legislation (“Safe Streets”) on the Council’s work session agenda in October. The volcano erupted when Shanie Shields accused Ireton, Ms. Campbell and Ms. Cohen as being insensitive to tenants and suggested that a racial agenda was at work. Ireton interrupted, confronting Shields, and later responded to diatribe by Smith, who went gangbusters with the gavel to silence him.

Campbell and Cohen made both Smith and Shields look like buffoons when the latter pair offered every possible reason – nonsensical for the most part -- not to consider the Mayor’s proposed legislation. The motion failed by a 2-2 vote, Gary Comegys being absent once again.

During the episode it was mentioned that Ms. Campbell and Ms. Cohen will hold a meeting in the Council Chambers on September 15 to take public comment on the proposed legislation. However, the other members of the Council have rejected their request that the meeting be broadcast on PAC-14.

It is now obvious beyond doubt that legislation has absolutely no chance of passage by the current City Council, regardless of whether Mr. Comegys returns to the arena.

Bike For Burt

Mr. Albero, Happy ending of the bike for Burt request. Burt has a new bike thanks to one of your readers. I had an outpouring of offers from many of your readers. Burt is overwhelmed with gratitude. He couldn't believe he was getting a new bike. My heartfelt thanks to all who called or e-mailed me. I had an offer 5 minutes after the request was posted. This shows that the people on the Eastern Shore are truly........ Delmarvelous.

Please post this THANK YOU on your site.

Sincerely, Nanci W.

Major Julie Brewington Post Forthcoming

Ladies & Gentlemen, Salisbury New will be providing a breaking news story on Julie Brewington at 11:00 AM this morning. Sit tight, this is a good one.

Miners Could Be Trapped Until Christmas

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


After nearly three weeks of searching, rescuers found 33 men trapped in a collapsed Chile mine. Now officials say it may take four months to get them out.

Which Brand Of Eggs Are Being Recalled


Do you have any bad eggs?
A list of brands affected in massive recall across 22 states

At least a half-billion eggs from two Iowa farms have been recalled because of salmonella contamination. The Food and Drug Administration has provided a list and description of the affected brands. Dates and codes can be found stamped on the end of the egg carton or printed on the case label.

The affected eggs were packed in cartons of different sizes, with various plant numbers and Julian dates (the Julian date is the number the industry uses to determine the packing day). If your egg carton has a combination of numbers that matches the affected plant number and Julian date, it is part of the largest egg recall in history. The tainted eggs were shipped from mid-May to mid-August.

Both the date and plant number must match for a batch to be affected by the outbreak. If you think you have purchased contaminated eggs, do not eat them, but return them to the store.


Read on for a list of the brands affected by the outbreak.

GO HERE to see the brands.

5 Generics Just As Good As The Big Brand Names

Not better than the real thing, but just as good

These five generic product categories are equal quality for less money


In today's tough economy, consumers are pinching pennies by choosing generic over big name brands in their supermarket aisles. From chips and dips to pain relievers and peanut butter, there's a cheaper generic version of almost every product.

Of course, some of these no-name products are second-rate. For example, if you've ever bought generic diapers, you probably ended up dealing with a messy leak the size of Old Faithful.

Another product you probably don't want to skimp on? Toilet paper. Most generic paper products are less absorbent, so you can end up using more. But unlike diapers and toilet paper (not to mention cheese, ketchup and soy sauce, if you want my opinion), there are a few generic products that take the cake. Here are five generics that are just as good as the real thing.

GO HERE to read more.

Sexual Assault Reported At Senior Center

An 86-year old woman was physically and sexually assaulted at the Churchill Senior Living Center in Germantown, Md., early Saturday morning.

An unknown man entered her apartment through an unlocked window, said Lucille Baur of the Montgomery County Police Department. This was a ground-floor apartment.

The victim used her life-alert pendant to call for help. She was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Residents who live in the neighborhood of the senior living center are on edge. In June, a 68-year-old woman was sexually assaulted in her condo across the street.

At this point there is no concrete evidence linking the two assaults. But police are investigating to see if the two attacks are related.

Source

Caption This Photo

Levi Johnston To Run For Sarah Palin's Old Job

New TV reality show will chronicle his efforts to become Wasilla mayor

LOS ANGELES
— Levi Johnston, the former fiance of Sarah Palin's teenage daughter Bristol, has filed official papers saying he intends to run for political office in Palin's Wasilla, Alaska hometown.

Johnston, 20, has been embroiled in a nasty feud with the former Republican vice-presidential candidate since fathering Bristol's baby out of wedlock two years ago.

He filed a "letter of intent" with Alaska authorities on Friday, stating that he plans to run for elected office in Wasilla in 2011 elections, according to documents obtained by celebrity web site TMZ.com.

GO HERE to read more.

China's 60-Mile Traffic Jam To Last Weeks

Gridlock stems from roadworks that won't be finished until next month

BEIJING
— A massive traffic jam in northern China that hit its 10-day mark on Tuesday stems from road construction in Beijing that won't be finished until the middle of next month, an official said.

Bumper-to-bumper gridlock spanning 60 miles — with cars moving little more than a half-mile a day at one point — has improved since this weekend, said Zhang Minghai, director of Zhangjiakou city's Traffic Management Bureau general office.

GO HERE to read more.

Salmonella Outbreak Has Inspectors On Alert In Md

In light of the recent salmonella outbreak, you want to make sure you're eating healthy eggs.

Small scale farmers say buying local is a good way to ensure egg quality. But how can you be sure?

In Maryland, even the small scale egg producers -- those with less than 3,000 chickens -- have to register with the state.

GO HERE to read more.

Van Hollen And Bartlett, Have Big Money Advantage


Republicans see opening to challenge Hoyer this year, but all incumbents, including Van Hollen and Bartlett, have big money advantage

Republicans in Maryland's 5th Congressional District have noticed something new this year: House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer appears to be grinding the campaign trail.

"He's done more campaigning in the last three months in the district than he's done in the last 10 years in my unofficial observation," said Collins Bailey, a Republican who lost to Hoyer in 2008.

Hoyer shrugged off assertions that this campaign is any different. "I always run an aggressive campaign, whether I have an opponent or not. And I'm always in the district," Hoyer said.

In the 8th District: Hopes are high and odds are long for Rep. Chris Van Hollen's challengers.

In the 6th District, defense PACs and name recognition boost Rep. Roscoe Bartlett, Maryland's only Republican congressman. (Click here to read more.)

Salisbury City Council - More Body Slams Than Monday Night Football


Oh, what a night! as the song said. Folks, the end of last night's meeting had me pacing the floor and you bet I'll deliver a hard hitting post later today. It's been awhile since the citizens got out there and attended. Don't get me wrong, that was great to see and about time. With all the county, state and national candidates I'm covering, it's been hard for even me to keep track of everything going on with Salisbury's daily dramas.

Until I get my post up, let's hear it from you. Were you there? Give me your thoughts. Did you watch it on PAC14? How'd it look to you out there? Open forum, let 'er rip.

Mistake

$5.37." That's what the kid behind the counter at Taco Bell said to me.

I dug into my pocket and pulled out some lint and two dimes and something that used to be a Jolly Rancher. Having already handed the kid a five-spot, I started to head back out to the truck to grab some change, when the kid with the Elmo hairdo said the harshest thing anyone has ever said to me.

He said, "It's OK. Sir. I'll just give you the senior citizen discount."

I turned to see who he was talking to and then heard the sound of change hitting the counter in front of me.

"Only $4.68," he said cheerfully.

I stood there stupefied. I am 58, not even 60 yet. A mere child! Senior citizen? I took my burrito and walked out to the truck, wondering what was wrong with Elmo. Was he blind? As I sat in the truck, my blood began to boil. Old? Me? I'll show him, I thought. I opened the door and headed back inside. I strode to the counter, and there he was waiting with a smile.

Before I could say a word, he held up something and jingled it in front of me, like I could be that easily distracted! What am I now? A toddler?

"Dude! Can't get too far without your car keys, eh?"

I stared with utter disdain at the keys. I began to rationalize in my mind. "Leaving keys behind hardly makes a person elderly! It could happen to anyone!"
I turned and headed back to the truck. I slipped the key into the ignition, but it wouldn't turn.

What now? I checked my keys and tried another. Still nothing. That's when I noticed the purple beads hanging from my rearview mirror. I had no purple beads hanging from my rearview mirror.

Then, a few other objects came into focus. The car seat in the back seat. Happy Meal toys spread all over the floorboard. A partially eaten doughnut on the dashboard. Faster than you can say ginkgo balboa, I flew out of the alien vehicle.

Moments later I was speeding out of the parking lot, relieved to finally be leaving this nightmarish stop in my life.

That is when I felt it. . . . deep in the bowels of my stomach: hunger! My stomach growled and churned, and I reached to grab my burrito, only it was nowhere to be found.

I swung the truck around, gathered my courage, and strode back into the restaurant one final time.

There Elmo stood, draped in youth and black nail polish. All I could think was, "What is the world coming to?" All I could say was, "Did I leave my food and drink in here?" At this point I was ready to ask a Boy Scout to help me back to my vehicle, and then go straight home and apply for Social Security benefits.

Elmo had no clue. I walked back out to the truck, and suddenly a young lad came up and tugged on my jeans to get my attention.

He was holding up a drink and a bag. His mother explained, "I think you left this in our truck by mistake."

I took the food and drink from the little boy and sheepishly apologized.

He offered these kind words,

"Oh, it's OK. My grandfather does stuff like this all the time."

All of this is to explain how I got a ticket doing 85 in a 40. Yes, I was racing some punk kid in a Toyota Prius. And, no, I told the officer, I'm not too old to be driving this fast.

As I walked in the front door, my wife met me halfway down the hall. I handed her a bag of cold food and a $300 speeding ticket. I promptly sat in my rocking chair and covered up my legs with a blankey.

The good news was I had successfully found my way home.

Darwin Award Winners

Darwin Award Winners:

1. When his 38-caliber revolver failed to fire at his intended victim during a hold-up in Long Beach, California , would-be robber James Elliot did something that can only inspire wonder. He peered down the barrel and tried the trigger again. This time it worked.....

And now, the honorable mentions:

2. The chef at a hotel in Switzerland lost a finger in a meat cutting machine and, after a little hopping around, submitted a claim to his insurance company. The company expecting negligence, sent out one of its men to have a look for himself. He tried the machine and lost a finger. The chef's claim was approved.

3. A man who shoveled snow for an hour to clear a space for his car during a blizzard in Chicago returned with his Vehicle to find a woman had taken the space. Understandably, he shot her.

4. After stopping for drinks at an illegal bar, a Zimbabwean bus driver found that the 20 mental patients he was supposed to be transporting from Harare to Bulawayo had escaped. Not wanting to admit his incompetence, the driver went to a nearby bus stop and offered everyone waiting there a free ride. He then delivered the passengers to the mental hospital, telling the staff that the patients were very excitable and prone to bizarre fantasies. The deception wasn't discovered for 3 days.

5. An American teenager was in the hospital recovering from serious head wounds received from an oncoming train. When asked how he received theinjuries, the lad told police that he was simply trying to see how close he could get his head to a moving train before he was hit.

6. A man walked into a Louisiana Circle-K, put a $20 bill on the counter, and asked for change. When the clerk opened the cash drawer, the man pulled a gun and asked for all the cash in the register, which the clerk promptly provided. The man took the cash from the clerk and fled, leaving the $20 bill on the counter. The total amount of cash he got from the drawer...$15. (If someone points a gun at you and gives you money, is a crime committed?)

7. Seems an Arkansas guy wanted some beer pretty badly. He decided that he'd just throw a cinder block through a liquor store window, grab some booze, and run. So he lifted the cinder block and heaved it over his head at the window. The cinder block bounced back and hit the would-be thief on the head, knocking him unconscious. The liquor store window was made of Plexiglas. The whole event was caught on videotape.

8. As a female shopper exited a New York convenience store, a man grabbed her purse and ran. The clerk called 911 immediately, and the woman was able to give them a detailed description of the snatcher. Within minutes, the police apprehended the snatcher. They put him in the car and drove back to the store. The thief was then taken out of the car and told to stand there for a positive ID. To which he replied, "Yes, officer, that's her. That's the lady I stole the purse from."

9. The Ann Arbor News crime column reported that a man walked into a Burger King in Ypsilanti, Michigan, at 5 a.m., flashed a gun, demanded cash. The clerk turned him down because he said he couldn't open the cash register without a food order. When the man ordered onion rings, the clerk said they weren't available for breakfast. The man, frustrated, walked away.

A 5-STAR STUPIDITY AWARD WINNER!

10. When a man attempted to siphon gasoline from a motor home parked on a Seattle street, he got much more than he bargained for. Police arrived at the scene to find a very sick man curled up next to a motor home near spilled sewage. A police spokesman said that the man admitted to trying to steal gasoline and plugged his siphon hose into the motor home's sewage tank by mistake. The owner of the vehicle declined to press charges, saying that it was the best laugh he'd ever had.

In the interest of bettering human kind please share these with your friends and family ... unless of course one of these 10 individuals by chance is a distant relative or long lost friend. In that case be glad they are distant and hope they remain lost.

"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx

Unemployment

Take a look at this map. It shows how the unemployment rate has changed over the past months. When you get to the map, click the arrow in the middle and watch how things have changed month by month since 2008. Incredible what "The Great Recession" has done.

The old saying, "A picture is worth a thousand words" is never more true than looking at this map. Viewing it only takes a few seconds. The darker the color, the higher the unemployment. Our crsh has been BRUTAL. Watch the changes in the map from Dec. 08 to May 10 - SHOCKING

Just click on:

http://cohort11.americanobserver.net/latoyaegwuekwe/multimediafinal.html

IN NOVEMBER, REMEMBER THESE RESULTS OF DEMOCRATIC CONTROL!

Wicomico County Sheriff's Office Press Releases

Incident: Possession of Marijuana
Date of Incident: 19 August 2010
Location: West Church Street, Hebron, MD
Suspect: Amanda L. Phillips, 19, Hebron, MD


Narrative: On 19 August 2010 at 8:37 PM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office approached a group of individuals that were on the property of the Hebron Ball Park and Playground after posted hours of operation. While speaking with the group, the deputy detected the odor of marijuana lingering in the air. Further investigation revealed that one of the individuals, Amanda Phillips, had marijuana in her possession.

The deputy placed Phillips under arrest and transported her to the Central Booking Unit where she was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, the Commissioner released Phillips on Personal recognizance.

Charges: Possession of Marijuana


Incident: Assault
Date of Incident: 21 August 2010
Location: 1100 block of Nokomis Avenue, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Deangelo Booker, 22, Salisbury, MD


Narrative: On 21 August 2010 at 1:43 AM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported altercation inside a residence in the 1100 block of Nokomis Avenue. Upon arrival, the deputy met with a juvenile male who advised that he had been touched inappropriately by a known suspect, Deangelo Booker. While the deputy was interviewing Booker, the deputy observed that he appeared intoxicated. Based on the statements of the victim and subsequent investigation, the deputy placed Booker under arrest.

Booker was transported to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, Booker was released by the Commissioner on Personal Recognizance.
Charges: 4th Degree Sex Offense
Assault 2nd degree


Incident: Peddling Without a License
Date of Incident: 21 August 2010
Location: Wolfe Creek drive, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: 1. Samuel Robert Uphold, 18, Westfield, IN
2. Kyle Anthony Perkins, 23, Geneva, OH


Narrative: On 21 August 2010 at 10:50 AM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office investigated a complaint of subjects peddling magazine subscriptions door to door on Wolfe Creek Drive without obtaining the necessary county permit. Upon arrival to the location, the deputy located both Samuel Uphold and Kyle Perkins who were both in the process of selling magazine subscriptions door to door. Upon verifying that neither Uphold or Perkins or their company possessed the required Wicomico County permit, both were cited for the violation.
Charges: Peddling in Wicomico County without a Permit


Incident: Assault
Date of Incident: 21 August 2010
Location: 5300 block of Eastwood Drive, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: 1. Amy D. Millington, 22, Salisbury, MD
2. Bradley C. Tempel, 19, Salisbury, MD


Narrative: On 21 August 2010 at 11:32 AM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to investigate an altercation occurring inside a residence in the 5300 block of Eastwood Drive in Salisbury. Upon arrival, the deputy discovered that Amy Millington and Bradley Tempel, who are boyfriend and girlfriend and are cohabitating, were involved in an argument that turned physical. The deputy observed signs of physical injury on both and it appeared that each had assaulted the other.

The deputy placed both under arrest and transported them to the Central Booking Unit where they were processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, both were released by the District Court Commissioner on Personal Recognizance.
Charges: Assault 2nd degree


Incident: Driving Under the Influence
Date of Incident: 21 August 2010
Location: 1200 block of Jersey Road, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Burley Lamont Williams, 32, Salisbury, MD


Narrative: On 21 August 2010 at 3:05 AM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to single vehicle accident where a vehicle operated by Burley Williams had struck a telephone pole on Jersey Road. Upon contacting Williams, the deputy detected an odor of alcohol emanating from Williams who admitted to consuming alcohol. After the administration of roadside field sobriety testing the deputy placed Williams under arrest for DUI.
The deputy processed Williams at the Maryland State police Barrack where a breath sample was obtained. After signing citations, Williams was released.
Charges: Driving a Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol
Driving a Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol Per Se
Driving a Vehicle While impaired by Alcohol


Incident: Theft
Date of Incident: 21 August 2010
Location: Cove Road Beach
Suspect: Pending


Narrative: On 21 August 2010 during the evening hours between 1900-2000hrs, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office investigated the theft of a bicycle from Cove Road Beach in the parking area. According to the victim, the bicycle was left secured to a fence in the area while the victim spent time on the beach. Upon returning, the bicycle was gone. Anyone who may have been in the area and witnessed anything is asked to call the Sheriff’s Office at 410-548-4891 or Crime Solvers at 410-548-1776.
The bicycle is described as a black Trek.

Charges: Theft

Rasmussen Shows Mikulski's Lead Drops By 9% In One Month

Latest Rasmussen Poll Shows Wargotz Closing the Gap

Annapolis
- A recent Rasmussen Reports poll shows Senator Mikulski's support is eroding in Maryland. In a July Rasmussen Reports poll Mikulski had a 25% lead over Eric Wargotz M.D, but in the most recent polling Mikuski's lead had eroded to only 16%. The results of the poll show Mikulski is at her weakest point since her first election to the United States Senate 24 years ago.

Here are key findings from the poll:
Mikulski's 25% lead in July has shrunk to 16%. Mikulski leads Wargotz 55%-39% in the recent surveyMikulski had an approval rating of 58% which shows some people who approve of the job she is doing will not be voting for her in November. This highlights voters desire for new leadership. This is also evident in polling of Governor Martin O'Malley.

92% of voters rank the economy as "poor or fair" and 74% of voters think the economy is either "getting worse" or "about the same".

"Support for Mikulski is eroding quickly. Marylanders clearly want new leadership." Eric Wargotz M.D. said. "The poll shows we have work to do, but I am confident as we continue getting our message of creating jobs, cutting spending, and lowering taxes out to voters we will be victorious in November."

Free Child Safety Seat Check This Wednesday

Safe Kids Lower Shore Maryland is holding a free child safety seat check this Wednesday, August 25th from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the Walmart in Berlin. No appointments are necessary.

Motor vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among children ages 14 and under. Each year, more than 1,700 children die and an additional 265,000 are injured as occupants of motor vehicles. Among children who were killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2000, 56% were completely unrestrained.

Coming Up Soon On The Wicomico School Calendar: The 2010-11 School Year

Monday, Sept. 6
Labor Day
Schools and Central Office closed

Tuesday, Sept. 7
Registration for Evening High School Begins
Wicomico High School, Building E

Fall registration for Evening High School will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 7, in Building E of Wicomico High School. Registration will take place from 4-7 p.m. on these dates: Sept. 7, 8, 9 and 13. Classes begin Sept. 15. To register, bring in a birth certificate, Social Security card, proof of residency (any utility bill or rent/mortgage statement), and transcript from last school attended. Students already attending a Wicomico County high school during the day and wishing to attend Evening High School at night must bring to registration a blue form completed by the high school guidance counselor. 410-677-4537.

Tuesday, Sept. 14
Primary Election
Schools and Central Office closed

Thursday, Sept. 16
Monthly meeting of the Wicomico County Board of Education
Board of Education Office

The Wicomico County Board of Education will hold its monthly meeting on Thursday, Sept. 16, at 7 p.m., due to schools being closed on the regular Tuesday meeting day. An agenda will be posted prior to the meeting at www.wcboe.org.

RSC Update

When ObamaCare became law five months ago – and throughout the year-long debate leading up to it – Democrats promised that it would both reduce the cost of health care and decrease annual spending deficits. Most of the country quickly recognized the speciousness of these claims, which are based on gimmicky budget projections that do not reflect reality. Even so, that never stopped Speaker Pelosi & Co. from promising a skeptical public that ObamaCare would save money – until now.

Last week, Democrat strategists urged their party not to make these claims anymore. This is a huge change from five months ago. Even Democrats are beginning to admit ObamaCare’s failure to reduce health care costs or lower the deficit.

With so many Americans still struggling to find work, policymakers’ first priority should be to instill confidence and encourage hiring and growth. We also cannot stand idly by while the agenda forced upon us by the current majority puts even more painful burdens on families and businesses. I remain committed to enacting true health care reforms, like H.R. 3400, that will empower patients with lower costs and better choices.

Sincerely,
Congressman Tom Price, MD

Chairman, Republican Study Committee

Sen. Colburn And Del. Haddaway-Riccio Announce September 19th fundraiser At The Red Roost


Cambridge, Maryland - Senator Richard F. Colburn (R-Eastern Shore) and Delegate Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio announced today that on Sunday, September 19, 2010 they will be hosting a fundraiser at the Red Roost Restaurant located at 2670 Clara Road in Whitehaven from 1-4 pm to support their campaigns. The Red Roost is owned by brothers John and Tom Knorr. Colburn stated, “This will be an excellent opportunity to talk to 1st Congressional District candidate Andy Harris, Delegates Eckardt and Haddaway as well as myself about the upcoming election. This event will take place right after the primary and 33 days before voting begins for the general election.”

Delegate Haddaway-Riccio is anticipating a fun afternoon of casual conversation and great food. She stated “It is an honor and a privilege to serve the citizens of District 37B with Senator Richard Colburn and Delegate Addie Eckardt. This event is a great opportunity for us to talk with those constituents, discuss current events and enjoy local food and fare."

A popular eatery in Wicomico County, The Red Roost’s history dates back to the 1940’s when it originated as a chicken house constructed of cinder block and oak. Once abandoned, it was reclaimed during the 1970’s when it became The Red Roost Restaurant. Residents of the area flocked to the eatery to sample delicious steamed crabs, fresh corn on the cob and mouth watering fried chicken. Many of the traditions of the original Red Roost can still be found today!

Tickets for the event are $50 per person. They may be obtained in advance by calling (410) 924-0098. Checks can be made payable to Citizens for Colburn Committee and mailed to 5210 Heron Road, Cambridge, MD 21613.

Bob Ehrlich To Make Policy Announcement Concerning Military Retirees

Bob Ehrlich will meet with Maryland veterans of military service today to discuss the economy and military retiree policy. Ehrlich has long expressed his support for the men and women who have fought and sacrificed to protect our freedoms. Earlier this month, he pledged that under his leadership Maryland will comply with federal law and send absentee ballots to servicemen and women overseas within 45 days of an election.

GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY TOURS NASA’S WALLOPS FLIGHT FACILITY

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Martin O’Malley toured the NASA Wallops Flight Facility, one of the oldest launch sites in the world. NASA and other organizations at Wallops, including the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport, employ approximately 1,800 people, including government, military and contractor personnel --- nearly 700 of which are held by Marylanders. During his visit, Governor O’Malley toured NASA’s Range Control Center and the NASA and MARS rocket launch pads and observed the U.S. Navy Surface Combat Systems Center.

“Maryland’s space industry has been, in many ways, an unsung economic hero for our State, and it is an important part of our strategy for growing Maryland’s high-tech sector. Nearly $1.6 billion flow to Maryland businesses from NASA contracts each year, and nearly 55 cents of every dollar of Goddard Space Flight Center contract dollars are spent in our State,” said Governor O’Malley. “NASA alone employs 10,000 including contractors in our State, and thousands of additional Marylanders are employed in space enterprises related to work with NOAA, the US Geological Survey and many of our national security agencies which we are so fortunate to have in Maryland. Marylanders who work in our space industry are playing key roles in things ranging from helping us understand and combat global climate change, to bolstering our country’s national security. We are uniquely positioned to continue and expand our leadership in the space industry.”

“We appreciate the visit today by Governor O’Malley to NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility,” said William Wrobel, director of Wallops. “The support provided by Maryland to NASA, academia, industry and other government agencies is integral in furthering our understanding of our planet and the universe in which we live.”



In June of this year, the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center awarded the NASA Wallops Flight Facility Range Operations Contract to LJT & Associates, Inc., an engineering firm based in Columbia, Maryland. The contract runs for five years and is valued at approximately $117 Million. The company will provide support services to manage the Wallops Research Range operations and maintenance; training; command, control, and communications information; and computer systems services.

“Wallops Island Flight Facility is home to American innovation,” said U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski. “I fought to keep jobs at the Wallops Flight Facility and I will continue to fight to create the jobs of the future. Today we can see our investment in innovation is paying off, as Wallops becomes the Southwest Airlines of space: a lower cost, safer way to launch.”

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center's Wallops Flight Facility, located on Virginia's Eastern Shore, was established in 1945 by the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, as a center for aeronautic research. Wallops is now NASA's principal facility for management and implementation of suborbital research programs. The research and responsibilities of Wallops Flight Facility are centered around the philosophy of providing a fast, low cost, highly flexible and safe response to meet the needs of the United States' aerospace technology interests and science research.

CRAWDADS PITCHING SILENCES SHOREBIRDS OFFENSE FOR 5-1 WIN

‘Birds Manage Only Four Hits In Losing Effort

Hickory, NC – Hickory pitchers Miguel De Los Santos and Matt Thompson combined to control the Shorebirds offense in a 5-1 Crawdads win in game three at L.P. Frans Stadium on Monday night.

The Crawdads used the home run ball to grab an early lead in the first inning. Leury Garcia drew a one out walk. Two batters later, Zach Zaneski blasted a Bret Allar change up over the right-center field wall to lift the Crawdads to a 2-0 lead.

The Crawdads extended the lead in the seventh inning. Guillermo Pimentel reached second on a two-base throwing error by Garabez Rosa to open the inning. Then, on a grounder up the middle by Edwin Garcia, Rosa threw him out at first and Pimentel turned third and tried to score. Flacco threw home and Pimentel ran over Justin Dalles and jarred the ball loose to give the Crawdads a 3-0 lead. Dalles walked off under his own power and was removed from the game. After Garcia drew a walk, Jared Bolden hit a two-run homer over the high right field wall to give the Crawdads a 5-0 lead.

The ’Birds plated their lone run in the sixth inning. Trent Mummey drew a lead off walk and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Then, Ty Kelly hit a liner into left field to plate Mummey. It was his 50th RBI of the season.

Crawdads starter Miguel De Los Santos earned his second win of the season in six innings. He fanned 10 batters and allowed just three hits and one run. Reliever Matt Thompson allowed just one hit over the final three innings to earn his first save of the season.

‘Birds starter Brent Allar was pinned with the loss in five innings. He surrendered four hits and five runs (two earned).

Brian Parker retired nine of the ten batters he faced in three shutout innings of relief. He struck out two and only allowed one hit.

SHOREBIRDS GAME NOTES: 8/23 @ Hickory

PREVIEW: The Shorebirds used a seven-inning gem from Bobby Bundy to top the Crawdads 2-1 to level the series at one game apiece. The win also snapped a three-game slide. The Shorebirds have 14 games remaining in 2010 (6 on the road, eight at home).

BUNDY TREMENDOUS: In his last two starts, Bobby Bundy has thrown 16 innings and has allowed just eight hits and two runs. He threw a nine-inning complete game against Lakewood on 8/16. Through four starts in August, Bundy has only issued six walks. In five starts in July, he walked 14 batters in 25 innings.

MUMMEY DEBUTS: Orioles fourth round selection in 2010, Trent Mummey, went 0-for-5 in his debut for the Shorebirds last night. Mummey hit .266 with three home runs and 24 RBIs in 49 games for the Ironbirds before his promotion.

FOUR-GAMERS: Mikey Planeta and Mike Flacco each take four-game hitting streaks into game three of the series. Planeta is 4-for-15 while Flacco is 5-for-17 during the streak.

MOST SINCE 2005: Mikey Planeta leads the Shorebirds with 14 outfield assists this season. He ranks tied for first in the South Atlantic League (Destin Hood, Hagerstown). The last Shorebirds player to record more than 13 outfield assists was Arturo Rivas, who notched 17 in 2005.