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Wednesday, September 08, 2010

Backers Of NYC Islamic Center Appear Divided

The conficts raise questions about the future of the controversial project

NEW YORK
— The group of Muslims planning to build a 13-story Islamic center and mosque near ground zero appears plagued by divisions that raise questions about the future of the project, with one major investor saying he is prepared to sell some or all of the site if the price is right.

Hisham Elzanaty, an Egyptian-born businessman who says he provided a majority of the financing to gain control over the two buildings where the center would be built, told The Associated Press this week that while he supports the concept, he needs to turn a profit.

He said one of the buildings is worth millions if it is redeveloped, and he intends to seize the opportunity. He said he would like to see the other building turned into a mosque, but if his community doesn't come forward with enough cash for him to break even, he will turn it over to someone else.

"I'm a businessman. This was a mere business transaction for me," said Elzanaty, a U.S. citizen who has lived on Long Island for decades, owns medical clinics in New York City and invests in real estate on the side.

Representatives of some of the project's backers said they have just started trying to raise the estimated $100 million needed to build the center and the millions more required to run it.

Elzanaty said his real estate partnership, which paid $4.8 million for half the site last year, has already received offers three times that much to sell that parcel.

"Develop it, raze it, sell it," he said. "If someone wants to give me 18 or 20 million dollars today, it's all theirs."

GO HERE to read more.

A Necessary Reminder About Cursing

Today we have witnessed quite a few comments that were instantly rejected because of cursing or words with &*$@% and so forth in them.

The bottom line, we will not process any of them. There are plenty of other words that can be used in their place, so don't get upset with us if you don't see your comment going up.

I don't know why so many of you today wasted so much time on decent comments all the way up to the curse word/words. Anyhow, that's our rules and we're sticking to it. Our numbers are up every day, so it's not like we lost any traffic because of this new rule.

Thanks for understanding.

Is Obama Dishonest, Naive Or Both When He Talks About Our Economy?

The longer President Obama refuses to acknowledge the direction of our nation's economy the greater the impact will be when the looming depression that awaits is named in his honor.
For a leader who has had the advantages of an Ivy League education, our president seems to be an exceedingly poor student of history. But in 120 days no one will be able to dispute that the economic mess the United States finds herself in belongs to anyone except the man in the White House.

The basis of this reality is rooted in two truths that became quite pronounced last week. The first is that President Obama is ignoring the very real direction the nation is headed. The second is that he is purposefully ignoring the impact his looming historic tax increases will have. Both are contributing to the pessimism that overarches the morale and tone of the entrepreneurial framework of the future.

Last week President Obama spoke to the White House press corps -- and by extension the nation -- to claim that the nation saw job growth of 67,000 jobs in August. Even if this number was real it would be a pitifully tiny percent of the 14,885,000 who are both on unemployment (1 in 10 Americans) as well as those 23,768,000 who are underemployed (working but not earning enough for basic needs -- 1 in 5 families).

The bigger problem for the president, however, is that the number isn't real. The fact is the nation saw 114,000 people added to the unemployment lines in August and the net jobs lost for the month sat at 54,000.

GO HERE to read more.

Bridgeville Woman Sought For Prescription Drug Fraud


Location:
9561 Bridgeville Center Road Bridgeville, De

DATE and TIME:
Tuesday September 7, 2010 7:50 p.m.

Victim(s):
25 year old man Frederica, De

Suspect(s):
Tia A. Tucker-25 Walnut Street Bridgeville, De

Pending Charge(s):
Identity Theft (F)
Possess Prescription Drug by Fraud/Forgery

Resume:

Bridgeville-Delaware State Police Tuesday September 7, 2010 investigated a prescription drug fraud involving Tia A. Tucker-25 of Walnut Street Bridgeville. The prescription drug fraud occurred at the Walgreen’s Pharmacy located at 9561 Bridgeville Center Road in Bridgeville.

The investigation revealed that when the 25 year old victim went to fill his prescription of Oxycodone pills he was denied by the pharmacy. The pharmacy staff advised the prescription had already been filled.

Additional State Police investigation revealed that Tia A. Tucker responded to the Walgreen’s Pharmacy filled out the prescription in the victim’s name. The Trooper obtained copies of the prescription which showed Tucker signed for the prescription.

State Police have attempted to located Tucker at her residence unsuccessfully and ask citizens to contact police regarding her whereabouts. Callers may remain anonymous. Tips may also be forwarded to law enforcement through tip lines maintained by Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or on line at http://www.tipsubmit.com/.

Louise Smith Abuses Office, Holds Salisbury Hostage

As promised, folks, Salisbury News is delivering what media like the Behind-the-Daily-Times just can’t – or won’t! Forgive me for the length? Without the background, you won’t FULLY understand how totally messed up Louise Smith is and how TOTALLY this woman is messing Salisbury up by ABUSING her office. You heard me, ABUSING HER OFFICE! Just my opinion, but I don’t know what else you would call what you are about to read and hear.

Louise Smith did, indeed, bring last night’s work session meeting crashing to an early end, something she has done before, and if you people want to know why NOTHING is getting done in this town, I’ll give you two words:

LOUISE SMITH.

What could have brought this on, you ask? Well, I’ll tell you, again in two words:

LOUISE’S EGO.

Or maybe it’s more, in which I’ll talk about in a moment. But first, let me run this down for you. The council was discussing new towing company legislation. Some of the towing operators not only gouged the pants off people during the emergency snow route tow away this winter (allegedly as high as $1,400!!!), but some of the tow owners had established several company names so they could get on the police rotation call list more times than they should.

Here’s how it works. The Salisbury Police call the tow company to come get your call if it’s illegally parked or there’s an accident. YOU don’t get to call the company of your choice. I know, that seems stupid and unfair. But I understand the police’s position on this. They want to clear things in a hurry to avoid safety situations and if the first company they call isn’t ready to be right there, boom, they call the next ones until they find one that can come RIGHT NOW. No waiting for YOUR man to show up when he gets around to it.

Mayor Ireton and Chief Barkley have been working to get the law rewritten to be fair to the towing companies playing by the rules and to protect people from these kind of rip offs. Some tow companies went to a work session a couple months ago and Queen Louise would not allow them to speak. They wrote to the council and Councilwoman Debbie Campbell responded by meeting with them to discuss their concerns. She then shared EVERYTHING from that meeting with the rest of the council and the mayor. Once again, people like Debbie Campbell (or in other situations Terry Cohen) do the heavy lifting while Louise sits back and “holds court” and Shanie Shields leans back and grunts into the microphone.

This work session, several tow companies were present and not only would Queen Louise not let them speak, she wouldn’t even let them raise their hands when Debbie asked to see by a show of hands how many in the audience were tow company people!!! Debbie was trying to make a point and Queen Louise would have NONE of it and RECESSED the meeting!

The council returns, Debbie tries to finish her sentence and Queen Louise RECESSES the meeting again! They come back, Terry Cohen tries to ask a question about the tow companies and Queen Louise threatens HER with another recess. Debbie Campbell starts to speak again and WHAM! Queen Louise ADJOURNS the meeting! So no discussion about the Humane Society, the Onley Road Intersection, the Stormwater Utility, the Housing Board, Retirees Insurance, nothing, nada, zip. The rest of the schedule, out the window.

I swear, listening to the audio, you’d think you were listening to a boxing match, only it’s not a good guy like Fernando Guerrero delivering the body blows!

In fact, take a little more than 5 minutes of your time to listen to this audio by clicking here. You’ll hear about 3 minutes of Queen Louise puffing her own importance up by saying not enough input came from the towing companies (that she wouldn’t let speak or raise their hands). She completely discounts ANY work done by Debbie Campbell because Louise Smith is NO TRUE LEADER who gladly gives credit where credit is due but tries to steal it all for herself.

Worst of all, you’ll hear Queen Louise wringing her hands for the towing operators’ income saying they’ll be cut off the list. No they won’t, Louise, only the ones double-dipping, triple-dipping, quadruple-dipping will be stopped from doing unfair practices at the straight up towing operators’ expense, not to mention the general public’s!!! You know, the people you TOOK AN OATH TO SERVE???

Is that what you’re afraid of Louise? Do you have friends that will be forced to play by the rules? We all know how you love to break rules, Louise. You show us every meeting. I think we need a new acronym, folks:

FOL – Friends of Louise.

By Smith’s own behavior, we all now know the landlords are FOLs. Maybe she’s got some other special interests to look after, too? Oh, and to answer the reader who asked about Ireton, yes, he was at the meeting and he called out Louise’s demand for even more involvement from the towing companies to be another “fox in the henhouse” because she was pretty much demanding they write the legislation!! I have to give Mayor Ireton an “atta boy” for calling that one out. He did say he would meet with the tow owners right then and there since so many were there, which was probably a smart move to try to keep something in this town moving forward. You can listen to the complete audio on Debbie and Terry’s website, but I’ve taken the time so you don’t have to.

Just in case you folks missed it, there was a second audio associated with this meeting, because Louise wanted to be sure you didn’t miss what she was doing.

Click here to hear another fine ending to another fine mess in the city of Salisbury, courtesy of her royal majesty, Queen Louise Smith.

Yes, Louise – YOU’VE BEEN BLOGGED (AGAIN!!!)

BIG POST COMING SOON

Chester Woman In Critical Condition After Motor Vehicle Crash

Location:
US 13 Sussex Highway S/O Beach Highway SR 16 Greenwood, De

DATE and TIME:
Monday September 6, 2010, 10:06 p.m.

Operator(s):
Sakinah Daniels-27 Chester, Pa

Vehicle(s):
Tan 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe

Medical Condition:
Closed Head injury (status critical) Christiana Hospital

Resume:

Greenwood-Delaware State Police Monday September 6, 2010 investigated a serious single vehicle crash on Sussex Highway S/O Beach Highway. The crash occurred around 10:00 p.m. as a Chevrolet Tahoe driven by 27 year old Sakinah Daniels was northbound on Sussex Highway south of Greenwood Delaware.

When Troopers arrived they observed the Chevrolet Tahoe in a cornfield however Daniels had been ejected from her vehicle. Daniels was located on the ground approximately 53 feet away from the Tahoe in the parking lot of an area business.

Investigators have not been able to interview Daniels however believe she may have fell asleep, drifted into the media of Sussex Highway then overcorrected back onto the roadway before overturning her vehicle.

Delaware State Police Aviation was summoned to the scene and a search conducted because of a car-seat found in the vehicle unattended. Delaware State Police were able to contact family members who verified that a child was not in the vehicle at the time of the crash.

Delaware State Police is continuing their investigation. Alcohol is unknown.
Callers may remain anonymous. Tips may also be forwarded to law enforcement through tip lines maintained by Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or on line at http://www.tipsubmit.com/.

UPDATE MISSING JUVENILE SEAFORD AREA

Resume:
Seaford-Delaware State Police 20 minutes ago located Sierra M. Fowler of Seaford. Fowler was located by her parents in the area of Herring Run Road and US 13A Seaford, Delaware. Fowler is currently in custody at Delaware State Police Troop 5 facing 1 count of Unauthorized use of a Motor Vehicle.

DSP News Release: State Police Searching Missing Juvenile Driving Car Underage

Location:
Garden Lane Seaford, De

DATE and TIME:
Wednesday September 8, 2010 7:05 a.m.

Suspect/Victim(s):
Sierra M. Fowler-15 Garden Lane Seaford, De
Description: 5’04”, 170 lbs, strawberry blonde hair

Vehicle(s):
Bluish/Grey 1992 Oldsmobile Cutlass 4 Door Delaware registration CL99433

Pending Charge(s):
Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle (M)

Resume:
Seaford-Delaware State Police is seeking the publics help in locating 15 year old Sierra M. Fowler of Seaford, Delaware.

A State Police investigation revealed Fowler removed keys from her parent’s possession this morning and took off in a 1992 bluish/grey Oldsmobile Cutlass 4 door sedan. The Oldsmobile being driven by unlicensed driver Sierra Fowler is displaying Delaware registration CL99433.

Fowler who is now facing an unauthorized use of a Motor Vehicle charge is believed to be in route to the 2800 block of Shaws Corner Road Kenton, Delaware west of Smyrna.

Anyone having contact with Sierra M. Fowler or the vehicle is asked to contact police immediately. Callers may remain anonymous. Tips may also be forwarded to law enforcement through tip lines maintained by Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or on line at www.tipsubmit.com.

City Dog Park Project – Status Report

Mayor James Ireton Jr. is pleased to announce that work on the Frances J. Tilghman Memorial Dog Park at the City Park is soon to begin. Recently the City received clearance from the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) that will permit this project to go forward.

For almost three years the City of Salisbury and the members of the Dog Park Committee have been working on the creation of a Dog Park in the Salisbury City Park. Dog Parks offer both dogs and their owners an opportunity to socialize. The creation of an enclosed play area gives dogs the opportunity to run without endangering themselves or others. In addition, dogs who are accustomed to playing with other dogs and people other than their owners are more likely to be well-socialized and react well toward strangers. Well exercised dogs are better neighbors who are less likely to create a nuisance, bark excessively, and /or destroy property. A Dog Park will also help to prevent off-leash animals from infringing on the rights of other community residents and park users such as joggers, small children, and those who may be afraid of dogs. The presence of dogs and their owners may also help to deter crime in the City Park by increasing public traffic in an area that is currently underutilized.

The City was awarded a Program Open Space (POS) grant for the project in 2008 from the MD Department of Natural Resources in the amount of $10,000, to be matched with $3,270 in City labor during construction. Since that time the Dog Park Committee members have been working hard to raise the remaining funds needed to complete the
project.

In April 2010 the City received a very generous donation for the Dog Park in the amount of $25,000 from M.W. “Mat” Tilghman, Jr. and M.W. “Bill” Tilghman, Sr., who requested that the park be named the “Frances J. Tilghman Memorial Dog Park” in memory of their mother and wife, respectively. This donation, combined with the POS grant and the $5,000+ in additional donations from the community, has enabled the project to move forward, and construction is expected to begin in the next few weeks.
The Dog Park will consist of .5 acres, and will be located in the City Park next to the Kiwanis Pavilion.

The Dog Park will include two separate play areas – one for large dogs and one for small / timid dogs and puppies – with a central vestibule / unleash area with a concrete pad. The park will include clean-up mitt dispensers, benches, trash cans,
and signage outlining the rules of the Dog Park.

The City of Salisbury recently applied for a permit from the Maryland Department of the Environment / Water Management Administration for the construction of a Dog Park in the floodway / floodplain area. The permit was approved by MDE, and the Authorization to Proceed has been received with an effective date of August 10, 2010.

During the planning for this facility, the City’s water department was consulted to determine whether the Dog Park would have any effect on the City’s water supply. Several City water supply wells are located in the vicinity of the planned location of the Park. Their conclusion was that the dog park would have no effect on these wells.

The Dog Park is to be located southwest of these wells, while the well recharge areas are located to the northeast. In addition, the wells are located at a higher elevation than the proposed dog park. We also believe that the emphasis placed in the Dog Park towards cleaning up after the dogs will actually help reduce pollutants in the Park.

Alan Hudson Legal Fund

Here is an update on the September 23 event to raise money for the Alan and Kristin Hudson legal fund that we brought to your attention early this week.

There are no more tickets available for the September 23 dinners at the Waterman’s Seaford Restaurant near Ocean City. The organizers are thinking about future events, including larger sites

Donations for the legal fund can be made to the Worcester County Landowners Association and mailed to

Lee Richardson
7494 Richardson Road
Willards, Maryland 21874

New Positions


To Mayor Ireton,

Apparently you, the Mayor have authorized Acting Chief Rick Hoppes to fill four (4) vacant paramedic positions. Several budgets back the Mayor and Council approved six (6) new paramedic positions for the Salisbury Fire Department. The incompetent leadership of the Salisbury Fire Department opted to hire basic EMT’s instead. That is right, BASIC EMT’s with minimal training when they were approved Paramedics and told to hire Paramedics.

In the opinion of many this is a violation of a direct order. In case you didn’t know there is a major difference in a Paramedic’s training vs. an EMT’s training.

What did they do with that extra money from the salaries? The Salisbury Fire Department has recently lost another 6 Paramedics and now Hoppes and Gordy is going to replace them with basic EMT’s again. The current Paramedics are burnt out and seeking employment elsewhere. This will have a devastating effect on the fire departments ability to provide essential EMS service.

The Paramedics are overworked, underpaid and treated like second class citizens. They have to work long, hard hours in run down ambulances. Hiring a firefighter/EMT is not the answer. It is not even putting a band aid on a big problem. Allowing them to hire firefighters instead of paramedics is compounding the problem for years to come.

These firefighters do not want to become paramedics so you are stuck with them for their entire career. Allowing them to be hired on the pretense they will become paramedics is a fallacy. They have tried that and the firefighters either failed out of paramedic school or dropped out. These are lost positions.

If they decide to go to paramedic school it will take a minimum of 3 to 4 years before they MIGHT become licensed and qualified or eligible to be a practicing paramedic on street. What a terrible waste of tax dollars.

There are numerous volunteer firefighters that can ride the fire engines, but there are NO volunteer Paramedics that ride the ambulances. This is what some would call malfeasance in office to allow this to happen.

These positions need to be filled by paramedics and paramedics only. Allowing this to continue is poor leadership on all levels.

THE NEED IS FOR PARAMEDICS NOT FIREFIGHTER EMT’S!!!!

Recent Paramedic Positions lost

David Merritt

Chad Snyders

Patricia Arnold

Bobby McCrorey

Corey Roberts

Shirley Reddish

UTILITY WORK SCHEDULED

Salisbury Public Works Traffic Department will be closing Mill St to through traffic between Route 50 and Carroll St. to replace/upgrade traffic signals.

The date is Thursday September 9, 2010. This closure will begin at 7:00 PM and traffic is expected to return to normal flow by 3:00 AM. For more information or questions, please contact the Traffic Department at 410-548-3177.

Seth Mitchell Supporters

In the past week I have seen John Robinson and his company vehicle putting up signs for Seth Mitchell. Soon after he was seen at the Wicomico Neighborhood Congress supporting Seth with his buddies.
I personally had a wonderful conversation last night with Seth, a very like able man. Capable, I don't believe he can "better" the States Attorney's Office but a very like able man.

Louise Smith Shuts Another Meeting Down Early


Folks, word on the street has it that Salisbury City Council President lost it last night at the work session and shut the meeting down early before numerous important items ever got heard.


Salisbury News will be working today to get more details, so stay tuned to this blog. You sure won't get it from the Daily Times, which has not a word about it in today's paper.

NOTICE OF COMMITTEE HEARING

September 7, 2010

NOTICE OF COMMITTEE HEARING

The Senate Committee on the Judiciary has scheduled a hearing entitled "Firearms in Commerce: Assessing the Need for Reform in the Federal Regulatory Process" for Tuesday, September 14, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. in Room 226 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building.

By order of the Chairman.

(Source)

Maryland Legislature Just Can't Get It Together On A Renewable Energy Policy - You Want To Know Why?

Marylanders can't get a comprehensive energy policy out of Annapolis because the entrenched career politicians are beholden to special interest. There is nothing more compelling and convincing than actually seeing it for yourself.

To search for recipients for Energy Political Action Committee go to:
http://www.mdelections.org/campaign-finance/contributor
select organization, and enter the word 'energy' and select the 2010 Election cycle.

Do any of you recognize any of our local boys? It's no wonder Constellation Energy got away with the highest electricity rate increase - (72%) - ever recorded in US history.

Stay tuned for Part 2 in our series on how to try and clean-up the corruption in Annapolis.

Chris Dodd's Last Act: 'Control The People'

WASHINGTON – Alarms are being raised over what probably is retiring Sen. Christopher Dodd's last major piece of legislation, the Livable Communities Act, which has been approved by the Senate Banking Committee and how is heading to the Senate floor, for its likely U.N. inspiration and goal of controlling people.

The plan would create a new federal bureaucracy, the Office of Sustainable Housing and Communities, armed with some $4 billion in federal grants, to pressure local communities into a more "green" development agenda.

Detractors say its priorities can be traced back to the U.N., which at an Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 adopted Agenda 21, outlining the goal of having government control over people.

On its face, the program would have grants to underwrite local community planning efforts that direct actions toward a "sustainable development."

Dodd, a scandal-plagued Connecticut Democrat, decided last year not to run for re-election in 2010.

The law is promoted as an effort to fight traffic congestion, strip malls and ugly urban sprawl, and it would "encourage" local communities to create high-density population centers linked by mass transit networks.

Michael Shaw of Freedom Advocates, a pro-constitutional rights group, told WND, "They call it 'smart growth.' It literally means they draw a circle around the community and say nothing will be developed outside of this wall. Land inside the wall goes up in price as shortages develop. You end up with highrises, with people living on the top floors, stores on bottom floors and offices in the middle. Humans wind up living in the sky. They never touch the ground or leave the building."

The bill, approved by the Senate Banking Committee on a party-line vote in August, "is on a fast track," said Tom DeWeese, president of the American Policy Center, a grassroots group promoting free markets and limited government.

"The Democrats are doing everything they can before they lose power in the next election. They're working on a plethora of environmental bills we've been fighting for years, things that we thought were dead," he said.

Shaw and DeWeese warn of numerous unpublicized consequences of the Livable Communities Act and similar "sustainable development" legislation.

It's a "socialist trap," DeWeese said.

"The Office of Sustainable Housing and Communities would end up overseeing development in every community," he said.

Homeowners would end up paying exorbitant costs and losing control over their own homes, according to DeWeese. "To get the money a community must meet environmental standards. That requires houses to be equipped with new roofs, new windows, and efficient appliances. They did this last year in Oakland. It costs an estimated $35,000 to make a house comply with the environmental regulations. They say homeowners can't sell their houses if they don't meet these standards."

More here

WICOMICO COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT OFFERS GRANT FUNDS

Wicomico County, MD – The Wicomico County Health Department is soliciting grant proposals from county organizations interested in conducting tobacco use prevention projects within their communities. Consideration will be given to all local community groups, including civic organizations, churches, non-profit agencies, colleges and universities.

Proposal applications can be obtained at the Wicomico County Health Department, Room 209, 108 East Main Street, Salisbury, Maryland. Completed proposals are due by Friday, October 8, 2010 at 3:00 p.m., E.S.T.

Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to attend a pre-proposal meeting to address questions about the grant proposal submission process. The meeting will be held Friday, September 24, 2010 at 3:00 p.m., at the Wicomico County Health Department, second floor Administration Conference Room, 108 East Main Street, Salisbury, Maryland.

Funds are made available through the Wicomico County Cigarette Restitution Fund. For more information, please call (410) 546-5311.

Justice Sues Arizona (Again) In Green-Card 'Hurdles'

The Justice Department has brought yet another legal challenge against Arizona, accusing the Maricopa County Community College District in Phoenix of illegally asking foreign nationals to show their Permanent Resident Cards, or "green cards," before being offered jobs in the 10-college system.

The lawsuit alleges that the school district engaged in a "pattern or practice of discrimination by imposing unnecessary and discriminatory hurdles to employment for work authorized non-citizens," and seeks a penalty of $1,100 for each of 247 non-U.S. citizens identified during a yearlong investigation.

The Aug. 30 lawsuit, first reported by the Arizona Republic, said the school district required noncitizen job applicants to present additional work authorization documents beyond those required by law, but did not require U.S. citizens to do the same.

Tom Gariepy, spokesman for the community colleges, said the district would have no comment on the lawsuit.

The Justice Department said Maricopa Community Colleges "imposed different and greater documentary requirements on the 247 non-U.S. citizens identified in the probe, and did not end this practice until January 2010, well after the Justice Department initiated its investigation."

The lawsuit said Zainul Singaporewalla, in applying for a job with the school system, completed a Homeland Security Employment Eligibility Verification Form and produced a driver's license and Social Security card saying he was a lawful permanent resident. When he was unable to also produce a green card, he was not hired. The lawsuit described that as discrimination.

More on this story

JetBlue Flight Attendant Agrees To Mental-Health Evaluation

Slater's legal team seeking plea deal with prosecutors over JFK meltdown

NEW YORK — The flight attendant accused of onboard antics that captured the nation's attention when he told off a passenger and slid down the plane's emergency chute with a beer will undergo a mental health evaluation with the aim of avoiding jail time in a possible plea deal.

Steven Slater, dressed in a trim blue suit, appeared in a Queens courtroom for a brief hearing on charges of criminal mischief, reckless endangerment and trespassing after last month's meltdown aboard a JetBlue Airways Corp. flight from Pittsburgh that had just landed at Kennedy International Airport.

GO HERE to read more.

Gov't Launches Help To 'Underwater' Borrowers

The Obama administration is trying to jump-start its sputtering plan to tackle the foreclosure crisis with an effort to assist up to 1.5 million homeowners who owe more on their properties than their homes are worth.

The Federal Housing Administration will allow lenders to give these "under water" borrowers refinanced loans if the lender agrees to forgive at least 10 percent of the original mortgage amount.

More here

Web Impostors May Face Prison In California

Internet users pretending to be others could be prosecuted—and sued—if Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signs an "e-personation" bill

California Web impostors beware: You may soon be breaking the law, even if you aren't one of the perpetrators targeted by the state's "e-personation" bill.

The measure, which is awaiting Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's signature, carries fines of as much as $1,000 and a year in jail for anyone who poses as another person online with malicious intent. The law, which would take effect on Jan. 1, would also allow victims to file civil suits.

People other than criminals may be affected by the legislation, Bloomberg Businessweek.com reported today. Pranksters, writers of satire, and even activists living outside the state could be subject to legal action, some lawyers say. Fake accounts in the names of celebrities and politicians abound on microblogging site Twitter and social network Facebook.

GO HERE to read more.

Tea Party's Negative Rating Continues To Climb

Carrie Dann writes: For the second time this month, the NBC/WSJ poll results show that the Tea Party has a net negative rating. In the latest poll released today, 36 percent of respondents said they have a somewhat or very negative opinion of the movement, compared with 28 percent who said they view it positively. That’s the highest negative rating for the nebulous political movement since pollsters began asking respondents’ opinion of it in January 2010. (Although it’s worth noting that the negative ratings for the Democratic and Republican parties – at 43 percent apiece – are still worse.)

The NBC/WSJ poll surveyed respondents in the field from August 26-30 – the height of news coverage of FOX News host Glenn Beck’s controversial “Restoring Honor” rally, which attracted scores of Tea Party adherents to Washington D.C.

GO HERE to read more.

The Craziest Homeowners Association Bylaws

Deep inside, most homeowners despise their homeowners associations for their arbitrary rules and uncanny ability to send out nasty letters for the tiniest violations.

The Week rounds up the silliest rules to which homeowners subject themselves, including:
*Restrictions on how many rose bushes in the front yard.

*Forcing roofs to be constructed with shingles that perfectly match the neighboring homes.
*Disallowing the posting of "for sale" sings.

*Fining pet owners for walking their small dogs through a condo complex lobby rather than carrying them.

Because homeowners sign agreements that let HOAs put liens on their houses if they fail to comply, rule enforcement and appeals can get nasty.

What's the worst dust-up you ever encountered with an HOA?

Top 7 insane homeowners association rules

Source

Your Saggy Pants Are Not Welcome In Dublin, Georgia


Even though other municipalities have tried -- and failed -- to enact laws regulating the bagginess and sagginess of their citizens' trousers, the mayor of Dublin, GA, is moving forward with his plan to sign an ordinance that would fine violators up to $200 for low-riding pants.

Q: "Currently Receiving The Washington Post?" A: "Currently, I'm Trying To Have My Supper"


This is pretty much the perfect reply to an annoying telemarketer, and the perfect complaint letter to send when he cusses you out.


GO HERE to read more.

Md. Rides Near Bottom Of Road Report

Ask anybody how his commute is and there's no question you'll hear about congestion and potholes. A new report ranks Maryland in the bottom 10 states and Virginia in the top 20 when it comes to road performance and cost-effectiveness.

GO HERE to read more.

Anthrax War -- The Malaysian Connection

Fears about bioterrorism have prompted new efforts by corporations and governments worldwide to build defenses against germ attacks. But some of these arrangements themselves raise security issues.

GO HERE to read more.

Underdog Murphy Has Lots Of Bite



Brian Murphy can’t win, can he?

The conventional wisdom is that there is no way the underfunded, underdog, never-been-elected-to-anything Republican candidate for governor can whip ex-Gov. Bob Ehrlich in the GOP primary. And if by some miracle he did, the common wisdom predicts the genial Murph would get creamed by Democrat Martin O’Malley.

Conventional wisdom is usually right. But then you have the surprising case of Del. Ellen Sauerbrey beating Congresswoman Helen Delich Bentley in the 1994 primary.

The match-up between Ehrlich and Murphy “reminds me of Helen Bentley and Ellen Sauerbrey,” said Riccardo Paradiso, who was chairman of the GOP Central Committee in Annapolis in 1994. “I really feel positive about this guy.”

Above: In May, Brian Murphy bought this Labrador pup for his kids at a GOP dinner, the most attention he got all night.

GO HERE to read more.

Abbas: We Will Not Recognize Israel As A Jewish State

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas told interviewers that he would not recognize Israel as a Jewish state, Israel Radio reported on Tuesday.

Abbas reportedly said that his position is no different from those Arafat present in previous negotiations, and that his staff is the same as Arafat's.

He also hinted that the PA may fall apart if there is no hope for a solution in the near future.

He then repeated that the PA will not recognize Israel as a Jewish state.

(Source- JPost)

[And so the point of the carefully orchestrated peace talks is what?-- Editor]

Political Fables

President Barack Obama boldly proclaims, "The buck stops here!" But, whenever his policies are criticized, he acts as if the buck stopped with George W. Bush.

The party line that we are likely to be hearing from now until the November elections is that Obama "inherited" the big federal budget deficits and that he has to "clean up the mess" left in the economy by the Republicans. This may convince those who want to be convinced, but it will not stand up under scrutiny.

No President of the United States can create either a budget deficit or a budget surplus. All spending bills originate in the House of Representatives and all taxes are voted into law by Congress.

Democrats controlled both houses of Congress before Barack Obama became president. The deficit he inherited was created by the Congressional Democrats, including Senator Barack Obama, who did absolutely nothing to oppose the runaway spending. He was one of the biggest of the big spenders.

The last time the federal government had a budget surplus, Bill Clinton was president, so it was called "the Clinton surplus." But Republicans controlled the House of Representatives, where all spending bills originate, for the first time in 40 years. It was also the first budget surplus in more than a quarter of a century.

The only direct power that any president has that can affect deficits and surpluses is the power to veto spending bills. President Bush did not veto enough spending bills but Senator Obama and his fellow Democrats in control of Congress were the ones who passed the spending bills.

Today, with Barack Obama in the White House, allied with Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi in charge in Congress, the national debt is a bigger share of the national output than it has been in more than half a century. And its share is projected to continue going up for years to come, becoming larger than national output in 2012.

Having created this scary situation, President Obama now says, "Don't give in to fear. Let's reach for hope." The voters reached for hope when they elected Obama. The fear comes from what he has done since taking office.

"The worst thing we could do is to go back to the very same policies that created this mess in the first place," he said recently. "In November, you're going to have that choice."

More here

CRAB FEAST

Saturday, September 25, 2010
at the Hebron Fire Hall

Bring your Crab Mallet / Crab Knife
(all you can eat crabs, chicken, salad, corn on the cob, etc…)

5 -7 PM Dinner
7 -8 PM Loud/Silent Auction
8 – 12 PM Dance w/ DJ

Tickets: $30.00 per person
(sold in advance only)
No one under age 21 permitted

This Event will Benefit
The Friends of Mardela High School

Tickets will be available at
Mardela High School.
Please call 410-677-5142
for more information

Twas The Night Before Elections

'Twas the night before elections
And all through the town
Tempers were flaring
Emotions all up and down!

I, in my bathrobe
With a cat in my lap
Had cut off the TV
Tired of political crap.

When all of a sudden
There arose such a noise
I peered out of my window
Saw Obama and his boys

They had come for my wallet
They wanted my pay
To give to the others
Who had not worked a day!

He snatched up my money
And quick as a wink
Jumped back on his bandwagon
As I gagged from the stink

He then rallied his henchmen
Who were pulling his cart
I could tell they were out
To tear my country apart!

On Fannie, on Freddie,
On Biden and Ayers!
On Acorn, On Pelosi'
He screamed at the pairs!

They took off for his cause
And as he flew out of sight
I heard him laugh at the nation
Who wouldn't stand up and fight!

So I leave you to think
On this one final note-
IF YOU DONT WANT SOCIALISM
GET OUT AND VOTE!!!!

Hey ... Do You ....

Remember the couple who sneaked into the
White House with no credentials?




They're still there!

Martin Sanchez (George Vickers Grandson), From Worcester Prep Named To The UMBC/Navy Kickoff Tournament All-Tournament Team

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- After outscoring its two opponents this past week by an 8-1 margin, the Navy men's soccer team finds itself ranked seventh in the initial NSCAA / Middle Atlantic regional rankings released on Tuesday morning. Navy defeated Wofford, 3-1, last Thursday night, then ran past VMI, 5-0, on Saturday evening. Navy's five goals on Saturday night were the most for the program since the 2000 season opener (five vs. Long Island) and the Mids are now 2-0-0 for the first time since the 2005 season, Navy's last year that produced a winning record (8-6-2). The Mids are one of five Patriot League teams ranked in the region. Lafayette (3-0-0) is first, Lehigh (1-1-0) is fifth, Colgate (1-0-1) is sixth and Bucknell (1-1-0) is ninth. The regional ranking of No. 7 is the highest for the Navy program since the 2001 season. Navy's offense erupted for eight goals in the season-opening weekend, after scoring just 17 goals in all 19 games a year ago. A pair of freshmen, Dave Arnold (Baltimore, Md.) and Patrick Sopko (Gloucester, Va.) lead the Mids with six and five points, respectively. Arnold has a team-best three goals on the season, while Sopko has scored one goal with a team-high three assists. Sophomore Will Parker (Annandale, Va.) also has three points (1 g, 1 a) on the season, all coming against VMI. Meanwhile, the Navy defense has been impressive as well, holding foes to just 15 total shots and one goal in the two games. Freshman goalkeeper Aaron Dupere (Royal Palm Beach, Fla.) owns a 0.58 GAA with an .857 save percentage so far this year. For the third straight season, Navy won the season-opening UMBC/Navy Kick-Off Men's Soccer Tournament. Both UMBC and Navy posted 2-0-0 marks, but Navy's plus-7 goal differential was greater than UMBC's plus-4 difference. Arnold, Sam Lepley (Sr. / Des Moines, Iowa), Alex Foskett (Sr. / Manassas, Va.) and Martin Sanchez (Fr. / Salisbury, Md.) were named to the All-Tournament team. Navy will host a strong UMBC team on Saturday night at the Glenn Warner Soccer Facility, beginning at 8:00 pm. The Retrievers are ranked eighth in the NSCAA Northeast regional rankings and have won 13 straight games during the month of September, dating back to the 2008 season. Fans that bring their Georgia Southern football ticket stub (3:30 pm on Saturday) to the Glenn Warner Soccer Facility ticket window will gain free admission to the soccer game. For ticket information, call 1-800-US4-NAVY.

Wicomico County Sheriff's Office Press Releases

Incident: Assault
Date of Incident: 2 September 2010
Location: 1600 block of Jersey Road, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Jeremiah Miller, 34, Salisbury, MD


Narrative: On 2 September 2010 at 9:59 PM, a deputy from the Wicomico Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported fight in the roadway in the 1600 block of Jersey Road in Salisbury.

Upon arrival, the deputy learned that a female subject had been involved in an altercation inside her residence with Jeremiah Miller that turned physical before the pair went outside where the altercation continued. During the investigation, the deputy saw signs of physical injury on the female subject that corroborated her account of being assaulted by Miller.

The deputy placed Miller under arrest and transported him to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, the Commissioner detained Miller in the Detention Center in lieu of $5,000.00 bond.
Charges: Assault 2nd Degree


Incident: DUI
Date of Incident: 3 September 2010
Location: Ocean Gateway at Walston Switch Road, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Christopher Allen Dyer, 21, Georgetown, DE


Narrative: On 3 September 2010 at 9:42 PM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office stopped a vehicle on Ocean Gateway at Walston Switch Road. Upon approaching the driver, the deputy detected a strong odor of alcohol emanating from with Chevrolet Pick Up Truck. The driver had the deputy exit the vehicle for field sobriety testing. After the administration of the tests, the deputy placed Dyer under arrest.

After arrest and while sitting in the passenger side of the Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicle, Dyer managed to rip the microphone from the vehicle’s mobile radio.

The deputy transported Dyer to the Maryland State Police Barrack for a breath sample before then taking him to the Central Booking Unit. At the Central Booking Unit Dyer was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, Dyer was detained in the Detention Center by the Commissioner in lieu of $5,000.00 bond.
Charges: Malicious Destruction of Property
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol Per Se
Driving While Impaired by Alcohol
Operator of a Motor Vehicle not restrained by a seat belt
Operation of a Motor Vehicle with Excessively Loud Exhaust


Incident: Disorderly / Interfere With Arrest
Date of Incident: 3 September 2010
Location: Ocean Gateway at Walston Switch Road, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Stanley A. Millman, 50, Georgetown, DE


Narrative: On 3 September 2010 at 10:28 PM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office had just arrested Christopher Dyer for DUI. The front seat passenger, Stanley A. Millman, became very agitated and began telling the deputies on scene what he thought of their actions.

Millman, who was visibly intoxicated, was told repeatedly to sit in the passenger side of the vehicle in which he had been riding to wait for a ride. Millman kept exiting the vehicle in an apparent attempt to engage and verbally confront the deputies. After the third time returning to his vehicle, Millman was becoming threatening to the deputies. Millman decided to come out of the vehicle a fourth time and he began approaching one of the deputies in a quick and menacing manner, forcing the deputy to take actions to cease Millman’s movements and take him into custody.

Millman was transported to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, Millman was detained by the Commissioner in the Detention Center on $5,000.00 bond.
Charges: Disorderly Conduct
Refusal to Obey
Resist Arrest


Incident: DUI
Date of Incident: 4 September 2010
Location: Parsons Road, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Winston T. Cook, Jr., 32, Salisbury, MD


Narrative: On 4 September 2010 at 2:22 AM, a deputy stopped a vehicle operated by Winston Cook on Parsons Road for a registration violation. Upon stopping the vehicle, the deputy detected that Cook appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. After the administration of road side field sobriety tests, the deputy placed Cook under arrest. The deputy subsequently discovered that Cook’s vehicle was unregistered and that his privilege to drive in Maryland had been suspended.

The deputy transported Cook to the Maryland State Police barrack where a breath sample was obtained. After getting that, the deputy then brought Cook to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, the Commissioner released Cook on Personal Recognizance.
Charges: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol Per Se
Driving While Impaired
Driving While Suspended
Operating an Unregistered Motor Vehicle


Incident: Burglary Arrest
Date of Incident: 4 September 2010
Location: 4900 block of Powellville Road, Pittsville, MD
Suspect: 1. Richard J. Rusch, 18, Berlin, MD
2. Eric Charnley, 25, No Fixed Address


Narrative: On 4 September 2010 at 3:18 PM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to investigate a reported burglary of a garage. Investigation revealed that two subjects, later identified as Richard J. Rusch and Eric Charnley were seen entering a garage at a residence in the 4900 block of Powellville Road and exiting with two gas cans. Neither had permission to enter the garage and take the gasoline. With the Assistance of the Worcester Sheriff’s Office and the Berlin Police, Rusch and Charnley were stopped as they tried to go through Berlin. During the ensuing investigation, the deputy discovered that the pair had run out of gas in their vehicle and saw this gas in the garage as a target of opportunity.

Both Rusch and Charnley were arrested and transported to the Central Booking Unit where they were processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, both Rusch and Charnley were detained on bond, $10,000.00 and $30,000.00 respectively.
Charges: Burglary 2nd Degree
Theft

GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY TO ADDRESS GREATER PRINCE GEORGE’S BUSINESS ROUNDTABLE

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Martin O’Malley will address the Board of Directors of the Greater Prince George’s Business Roundtable, a non-profit, nonpartisan business alliance of Chief Executives, formed to improve the political, economic and community environments for a better Prince George’s County.

Governor O’Malley will highlight efforts to create and save jobs throughout Maryland. He will also announce new funding from highway improvements in Prince George’s County in an effort to leverage the job creating potential of the federal Base Realignment process which will bring 60,000 new jobs to Maryland.

Hog Roast

The Lower Shore Young Republicans invite you to the

2nd Annual Hog Roast

Saturday, September 11th from 12PM to 4PM
2848 Leonards Mill Park Road, Salisbury, MD 21801

Pig Roast, Fried Chicken, Hotdogs, Beer and More!
A special 9/11 tribute as well as
Music Entertainment by
The Occasionals

$20 per person
$10 for students
Kids under 12 are free
Service personnel are free

Come Rain or Shine!

For more information contact us
lowershoreyoungrepublicans@gmail
or
Visit our Facebook page – Lower Shore Young Republicans

GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY TO WELCOME STUDENTS BACK TO SCHOOL WITH VISIT TO OXON HILL HIGH SCHOOL

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Martin O’Malley will welcome students back to school for the 2010/2011 school year at Oxon Hill High School today. He will visit with students from the school and discuss the school’s focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math curricula.

Prince George’s County’s Science and Technology Program is a highly structured, four-year aca­demic program. Of twenty-eight possible credits, a student is required to obtain a minimum of thirteen credits in specific mathematics, pre-engineering technol­ogy, research, and science courses. Currently, there are 450 students enrolled in the highly-competitive program at Oxon Hill.

Oxon Hill is currently constructing a new, replacement school. Governor O’Malley committed $7.5 million towards the project in his FY11 budget, part of an overall $151 million school construction investment in Prince George’s County under the O’Malley-Brown Administration, a 67 percent increase from the previous administration.

OCPD Officers Recognized For Lifesaving Traffic Safety Efforts

The Ocean City Police Department is pleased to announce that Sgt. Douglas Collier and PFC Alan Hawk have received the designation of Traffic Safety Specialist -I (TSS-I) from the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commissions (MPCTC).

The TSS program recognizes police officers for their experience, training and proficiency in traffic safety enforcement operations and is open to all officers,
deputies and troopers in the State of Maryland.

"We are very proud of Sgt. Collier and PFC Hawk and their achievement of reaching the designation of TSS-I,” said Chief Bernadette DiPino. “Effective traffic enforcement translates to fewer crashes, fewer injuries and fewer deaths on our roadways. Traffic safety is public safety and we congratulate Sgt. Collier and PFC Hawk on their very distinguished achievement."

Sponsored as a joint partnership between the MPCTC, the Maryland Chiefs of Police Association, the Maryland Sheriffs Association, and the Maryland Highway Safety Office, the TSS program is a multi-tiered program that recognizes officers for their advancing achievements in traffic safety. To qualify for the TSS Level I Designation, an officer must have at least two years of independent patrol experience and must be certified in Speed Detection Equipment and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing procedures. In addition, the officer seeking a TSS-I designation must have achieved at least 16 hours of advanced traffic safety-related training and completed a series of electives intended to demonstrate the officer's continuing commitment to traffic safety.

Explore Eastern Shore Heritage And Treasures This Weekend By Pedal Or On Foot

(Salisbury, MD) Explore the outdoor treasures and heritage of Wicomico County this weekend through the West Wicomico Heritage Bike Tour and Hidden Treasures Half Marathon & 5K. Registration for both events is still open, and those unable to participate are encouraged to cheer on cyclists and runners along both routes.

Take a tour through 300 years of Maryland History during the 15th Annual West Wicomico Heritage Bike Tour on Saturday September 11th from 9:30am – 3:30pm. Beginning at Pemberton Hall (5561 Plantation Lane Salisbury, MD), the tour offers a 15, 32, 50 or 62 mile ride through scenic farmlands, historic villages, and tidewater marshes. Registration is $55 and includes a t-shirt, map, cue sheet, marked route, sag service, rest stops and picnic lunch after your ride. All proceeds go directly towards historic preservation and education at Pemberton Historical Park and in the town of Whitehaven. To register, please visit www.PembertonPark.org to download a form. For additional information please contact Kerri Liming at 410-860-2447 or email pembertonpark@wicomicocounty.org.

The inaugural Hidden Treasures Half Marathon & 5K presented by Gateway Subaru will follow on the heels of the bike tour on Sunday, September 12th with an early morning start at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center. While on the course, runners can enjoy a flat, scenic loop that meanders through the Salisbury City Park, to Eastern Shore Drive, then directly through the beautiful SU campus, which is a national arboretum. From there runners will make their way back to the finish via city & county neighborhoods and backroads. The top male and female finishers of the Half Marathon will split a $2000 prize pool.

Registration fees are $55 for the Half Marathon and $35 for the 5K. Runners will receive an Under Armour Tech Shirt as well as food at the conclusion of the race. For more information please visit www.WicomicoTourism.org. Additional inquiries can be directed to Michelle Wainwright at 410-548-4914 or 1-800-332-TOUR. The event is presented by Gateway Subaru and sponsored in part by Fresh n Fruity, Peninsula Orthopaedic Associates and Healthy U.

KaBOOM

“More than 16% of Children and adolescents between the ages of two and 19 are obese, and 31% are either overweight or at risk or at risk of becoming so.”

The KaBOOM! National Campaign for Play is a strategy to raise the issue of play to one of National importance. On September 22, 2010, The City of Salisbury will host the second annual KaBOOM! Playday 2010 on the grounds of the Mid-Shore Family YMCA (715 South Schumaker Drive.) The Day will start from 11-1:30 with a walk at the Riverwalk near Baptist St. Pavilion Downtown Salisbury sponsored by Wellness Information Nutrition and Physical Activity Coalition (WINPAC). Additional events, including games, face painting by members from Neighborhood Services & Code Compliance (NSCC) and a moon bounce will begin at Mid-Shore Family YMCA from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm. PlayDay 2010 will be recognized at sites from Wicomico Parks and Recreation after school programs, in addition to programs at RSVP & MAC, Inc Area on Aging.

In our effort to be recognized as a Playful City USA community, we ask that each person spread the word and log onto http://playday.kaboom.org/projects/438-keep-play-in-the-day, RSVP and follow our progress and join us for a fun filled day of events! Get out and Play!

This event is sponsored and/or endorsed by Salisbury Safe Street, YMCA, Salisbury’s Promise, Wicomico County Parks and Recreation, WINPAC, Salisbury Healthy U, Big Brother Big Sister, Wicomico County PTA, RSVP & MAC, Inc the Area Agency on Aging, Wicomico County Board of Education, Local Management Board, and NSCC.

Contact Ed Wise for additional information at 410-341-9550 or ewise@wicomicocounty.org