Attention

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

Sunday, December 18, 2011

BREAKING NEWS: North Korean Leader Kim Jong Il Has Reportedly Died

Kim Jong Il, North Korea's leader who may have suffered a stroke in 2008, has died at 69, state television reported.

From Fox News

An Open Letter From Earl Campbell


I came to you on December 8, 2011 with the article about K-9 Charlie and my resignation, to address my concern with the handling of K-9 Charlie’s needed surgery. I felt appalled by the way Charlie was made to suffer over a piece of paper. In addition I was fighting for better working conditions for my brothers in blue at the Ocean City Police Department. My goal was to assure that no other dog would ever suffer due to a failure in the system or a piece of paper again.

I feel that I have accomplished my goal, going forward I am confident police K-9's in Ocean City will get the care and treatment they deserve. To all the people that called, emailed, or posted comments supporting me, I say THANK YOU, I have been moved beyond words.

I now need to refocus my energy, my family is what is most important to me, I need to address their needs and begin my new life as a citizen, no longer a police officer. I fought a respectful fight and I believe I made a difference. The fight was hard on my family, it is time for me to move forward. I can’t sit by and allow my family to take the harassment, threats and public bashing anymore. I have three daughters to support, this has taken a heavy toll on me and on them; it is time to focus on job hunting, maybe starting my own business, in either case it is time to move on!

It was very hurtful to see this become an issue that gave people the belief that they could make it an attack on my family. My children got messages on Facebook about their father being a bad cop, a bad example, and questioning my abilities as a police officer. As a dad it was too much to watch my young children face these attacks, for those of you that disagreed with me but maintained civility, I sincerely thank you!

To the members of the Ocean City Police Department; I loved working with you, I loved being a cop, and being part of the OCPD brotherhood! I want nothing but the best for all you, good luck guys, please stay safe and always have each other’s backs. I’m going to miss you all so much!

To the two council members that I have spoken with through phone or social media, God bless you both and good luck in the future. You are both great leaders and Ocean City is lucky to have two people like you two serving in office. I am proud to call you both a friend!

To Mr Albero, thank you for being impartial through this entire ordeal. I know this took a lot of your time with the overwhelming amount of comments that were left on the various blogs and I thank you for making it available.

Just to let you know, Charlie is doing fantastic and will start physical therapy in a few weeks. He will use swimming pools, water treadmill and various objects to gain his strength back. My girls are so happy to see him doing so well, we are a happy, fulfilled family, Charlie is loved and cherished and will enjoy the remainder of his life as a pet.

I will continue to pursue the proper treatment of animals, especially working police dogs. In the near future I will begin a push through Annapolis and attempt to have legislation passed to protect working dogs.

My friends, citizens, business owners, and supporters, please feel free to stay in contact with me at EARLDCAMPBELL@GMAIL.COM. Your support was amazing, thank you so much!

In closing, I want to say thank you ALL for your support. Happy Holidays to you all and have a very happy New Year!

Earl Campbell

Publisher's Notes: I would like to thank the Campbell Family for understanding my position in this matter. Over the past seven years I have had quite a bit of experience dealing with multiple law enforcement agencies as well as Fire Departments. Whenever you get such a large group of people, (IMO) you're going to have some who want to stir the pot because they disagree with leadership. What I want our readers to understand is that we just don't go out and publish every single story that comes to us. In fact, this is one major reason why some of those people in these organizations dislike me, I refused to tell their story.

In this case, this is real. Other news outlets chose to follow up on what we had first delivered, yet many of them used "quotes" from different leaders. You have to understand, this is the difference between Salisbury News and the MSM. Yeah, I spoke with management but I'll be damned if I'd ever put them on the line. This is why I had stated from the beginning, there are two sides to this story and we only had ONE. Using standard quotes doesn't make a story. All too often we have seen the local MSM use those quotes knowing it was a lie, yet it wasn't their own words so their liability is zero. Just because there's a quote doesn't mean it's right OR true.

Mind you, I cannot blame management for choosing to stay away from any statement because it could create a lawsuit. However, what we have received instead are Officers contacting me telling me Ocean City was filing with Google for IP Addresses. I want to make something very clear here. I will not, nor will I ever, give permission for anyone to access our viewers IP Addresses UNLESS there is a death threat.

I have explained to those concerned that there has been NO LAWS broken, therefore they cannot access those IP Addresses. I've been through this in the past with the former Police Chief of Salisbury and a Judge refused to allow him access. The same will happen here. I should add, you CANNOT defame a Public Figure, unless you knowingly and openly lie. For them to prove you have done so is pretty much impossible and that too has been proven.

This story has created almost 600 comments, the biggest we've ever seen. It has also delivered the biggest volume of traffic we've ever seen. Again, in my honest opinion, this is a matter in which policy should be reconsidered and I agree with Mr. Campbell, new legislation needs to be considered. You see, when a K-9 is on the Force, he/she is considered an Officer. However, when that Officer / K-9 is retired he/she is then considered a piece of equipment. This is why I ran the story in the first place. I disagree with the policy and legislation. If a K-9 has been injured ON THE JOB, take care of that animal, period.

You can't have it both ways. As one person said, when people are running out of a dangerous building, these K-9's are running into danger. All too often we see Police and Fire Departments spending a small fortune replacing engines and transmissions on vehicles with almost 200,000 miles on them. A $6,000.00 surgery on an animal who has brought in hundreds of thousands of dollars worth or revenue that, (in many cases) stays within the Department from drug busts, he/she should not be considered equipment. He/She is an investment. Yet you're NOT reading such information in the local papers because the MSM is not allowed to be opinionated, per their own protocol.

So are you truly getting the whole story, NO. Were you previously aware of ALL of the criminals Charlie has apprehended? Have you been told ALL of the money and drugs he seized? Instead, Charlie is just a worn down piece of equipment who's time has run out because he's been injured AS AN OFFICER.

For now, the OCPD is right. According to the laws they have done what is expected of them. That doesn't mean it's right and even those leaders who I know personally probably wouldn't disagree with me. They do love animals but some more than others.

Charlie is in the best hands he could ever possibly be in. My hat is tipped to the entire Campbell Family for their unconditional love for Charlie. To those people sending such nasty messages to the Campbell Children, shame on you. I will say to the Campbell's, you have to wonder who these people are because AFTER the message went out internally that IP Addresses would be challenged, NOT ONE comment has come into Salisbury News making such statements. Only a COWARD would go after CHILDREN.

In closing, I want it openly known that I will personally get involved with helping Mr. Campbell on the legislative end, much as we did with Sarah Foxwell and the Sex Offender legislation. Just imagine is PETA got their hands on this story. Win, lose or draw it's something I believe in and I'm confident many of you do as well.

Rep. Kelly's Statement During Education And Workforce Committee Markup


Mike Kelly, a Chevy/Cadillac dealer in western PA...got himself elected to congress last term....listen to him take the entire congress to the "woodshed".

Vienna Luminary Last Night


Man Arrested On Plaza For Firing Off Round


A man who had discharged a round from a weapon was arrested yesterday on the Downtown Plaza in Salisbury. We're awaiting a press release for more details.

Lindsay Lohan's Playboy Debut Falls Flat With Consumers, Retailers Say


Amidst the holiday melee, shoppers aren’t rushing to pick up their copy of the much-talked about Lindsay Lohan issue of Playboy this week.

It was one thing to see Lohan’s nude Playboy spread when it was leaked on the Internet last week. It’s another experience entirely to see the 10 pages of photos in person in the magazine, which hit newsstands Friday.

But not many consumers are paying for that experience. In fact, interest seems low in seeing Lohan’s intensely air-brushed impersonation of Marilyn Monroe in glossy print. Fox411 spent Friday morning trolling the shelves of newsstands and gas stations from New York to Philadelphia only to be confronted with the same reality at each: Lohan’s glassy-eyed stare peaking above the backs of more family friendly fare, with no one staring back or making a purchase.

More

Want Whiter Teeth? Here's How

Teeth are a funny thing. One minute they’ve got no problem tearing apart a beefy burger, and the next they’re screaming bloody murder from a seemingly harmless piece of string (that is, if you’re disciplined enough to attempt flossing at all).

Sure, teeth have bite, but they require a heck of a lot of maintenance to stick around and look good for the long haul. So at the risk of adding fuel to that fiery sermon from your dentist, we’re going to help you brush up on the basics of oral hygiene (and hopefully squeeze in some finer points in the process).

1. Avoid sugary snacks and smoking

Surprise, surprise. Throwing back a full-calorie cola during your cigarette break isn’t part of a balanced diet. But in addition to cavity-causing sugar, the acidic nature of sodas -- even diet ones -- can erode a tooth’s enamel. Lighting up will turn that enamel a repulsive shade of yellow, possibly cause oral cancer, and shave about 14 years off your expected life span. No joke.

2. Eat teeth-strengthening foods

Not all foods spell trouble for your teeth. Dairy products, for example, are loaded with calcium, which strengthens a tooth’s outer coating of enamel. Onions, on the other hand, have sulfur compounds that fight bacteria. Your breath might take a beating after chomping down on a Vidalia, but a simple stick of gum can freshen your breath and help remove plaque.

More

Animal Shelter Cideo Riles Humane Society

A video of a Frederick County Animal Control employee touting a recently formed pet advocacy organization has resulted in an ethics investigation.

The Humane Society of the United States and a Frederick resident both contacted the county about the actions of Diana Culp, who works as a humane educator for Frederick County Animal Control and serves as the co-director of the fledgling Humane Society for Shelter Pets. She is also a former employee of the Humane Society of the United States.

"What we [HSSP] are trying to do is connect people with shelters and rescues they want to donate to," she said Wednesday.

As part of the organization's efforts, members posted a video featuring Culp on its website in November. The video has since been removed.

More

Rescue Teams Search For Man After Sailboat Capsizes At Sandy Point State Park

ANNE ARUNDEL, Md. (WUSA) -- Emergency crews are searching for a man after a sailboat overturned in waters off of Sandy Point State Park Saturday afternoon.

According to Anne Arundel County Fire, a 25-year-old female and 25-year-old male were pulled out of the water shortly before 3 p.m. There was also a dog on board the capsized boat. The man and dog are still missing at this time.

Fire and Rescue Spokesman Capt. James Rostek says crews began searching the Chesapeake Bay just north of the Bay Bridge near the mouth of the Magothy River with multiple rescue boats and helicopters.

More

Delaware Councilman Apologizes For October Fracas

GEORGETOWN, Del. (AP) -- A Sussex County councilman is apologizing for a physical altercation with the county sheriff two months ago.

The apology from Vance Phillips comes a day after state prosecutors declined to bring charges in the Oct. 26 scuffle with Sussex Sheriff Jeff Christopher.

The News Journal of Wilmington reports that Phillips called the altercation an "unfortunate and embarrassing episode" in a written apology issued Saturday to Christopher, county residents and other Republicans. He says he would have acted differently in retrospect.

More

CVS Refused To Sell Man Plan B Morning-After Pill

CVS Pharmacy offered a mea culpa Thursday after a pharmacist denied the sale of the morning-after pill to Isaac Kurtz of Houston. The pharmacist told Kurtz she was acting on “personal belief” and not store policy. “She tells me she needs to speak with the woman,” Kurtz told the Houston Press. “I’m taken aback by this and ask her what she needs to talk to her about. I bought them here before without issue. She then tells me she won’t sell it to me.”

More

Executive Sends Open Letter To Obama

By Lou Pritchett, Procter & Gamble

A LETTER FROM A PROCTER AND GAMBLE EXECUTIVE TO THE PRESIDENT* THE LAST SENTENCE IS THE MOST CHILLING


Lou Pritchett is one of corporate America 's true living legends- an acclaimed author, dynamic teacher and one of the world's highest rated speakers. Successful corporate executives everywhere recognize him as the foremost leader in change management.. Lou changed the way America does business by creating an audacious concept that came to be known as "partnering."

Pritchett rose from soap salesman to Vice-President, Sales and Customer Development for Procter and Gamble and over the course of 36 years; made corporate history.


AN OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT OBAMA


Dear President Obama:

You are the thirteenth President under whom I have lived and unlike any of the others, you truly scare me.

You scare me because after months of exposure, I know nothing about you.

You scare me because I do not know how you paid for your expensive Ivy League education and your upscale lifestyle and housing with no visible signs of support.

You scare me because you did not spend the formative years of youth growing up in America and culturally you are not an American.

You scare me because you have never run a company or met a payroll.

You scare me because you have never had military experience, thus don't understand it at its core.

You scare me because you lack humility and 'class', always blaming others.

You scare me because for over half your life you have aligned yourself with radical extremists who hate America and you refuse to
publicly denounce these radicals who wish to see America fail..

You scare me because you are a cheerleader for the 'blame America' crowd and deliver this message abroad.

You scare me because you want to change America to a European style country where the government sector dominates instead of the private sector.

You scare me because you want to replace our health care system with a government controlled one.

You scare me because you prefer 'wind mills' to responsibly capitalizing on our own vast oil, coal and shale reserves.

You scare me because you want to kill the American capitalist goose that lays the golden egg which provides the highest standard of living in the world.

You scare me because you have begun to use 'extortion' tactics against certain banks and corporations.

You scare me because your own political party shrinks from challenging you on your wild and irresponsible spending proposals.

You scare me because you will not openly listen to or even consider opposing points of view from intelligent people.

You scare me because you falsely believe that you are both omnipotent and omniscient.

You scare me because the media gives you a free pass on everything you do.

You scare me because you demonize and want to silence the Limbaughs, Hannitys, O'Reillys and Becks who offer opposing,
conservative points of view.

You scare me because you prefer controlling over governing.

Finally, you scare me because if you serve a second term I will probably not feel safe in writing a similar letter in 8 years.

Lou Pritchett

Pickets Swarm Lowe's For Pulling Ads From Muslim Show

Protesters descended on a Lowe's store in one of the country's largest Arab-American communities on Saturday, calling for a boycott after the home improvement chain pulled its ads from a reality television show about five Muslim families living in Michigan.


More

Carlson School Of Management Flash Mob, Deck The Halls

Louisiana Warns About Neti Pots After Fatal Brain-Eating Amoeba Infections


The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals is warning people against the improper use of neti pots, following the deaths of two people who were infected with Naegleria fowleri — the so-called “brain-eating amoeba” — after using tap water to irrigate their sinuses.
A 53-year-old woman from De Soto Parish and a 20-year-old man from St. Bernard Parish both died after using contaminated water in their neti pots, a popular home remedy that looks like a genie’s lamp and is used for flushing out mucus from the nose and sinuses.
More

Corey Moore, Champion


Corey Moore, of the Main St Gym, became the 2011 14/15 yr old 100lb Champion. He will now advance to Wilmington N.C. for the Silver Gloves Regional Tournament. Corey Has been part of the Main St Gym for a number of years, but this years has really seen him turn on. He had a good win in November at the show held at the Main St Gym , and now this win which is the biggest accomplishment that Corey has experienced in boxing, to date. The icing on the cake was to beat an opponent that dominated Corey in their last meeting.

In two other bouts, Ivan Calixto lost a close bout in the 12/13 yr 100lb division, but did himself, his team and Coach Hal very proud as he gave it everything he had. Ivan works so hard and always give 100%. As he moves on in the sport of boxing, look for this kid to make some big waves.

Younger brother, Rudy Calixto stepped way up to battle the 2009 and 2010 National Silver Glove Champion in a very close loss. Both the crowd and a number of non-judging officials indicated a contradiction to the official decision, but it was close and in boxing, you take the decision and move on. The fact that a kid with just 8 bouts could put himself in that close of a fight against a top caliber opponent is a major accomplishment in itself.

Neighbor Witnessed Ill. Family Shootings

(CBS/AP)  
PONTIAC, Ill. - A neighbor said Saturday she saw an Illinois woman shoot at her 10-month-old baby before apparently killing herself.
Authorities have said five people, including two children and a baby, were killed in a murder-suicide, but they haven't identified the shooter.
The bodies were found Friday in Emington, a small farming community about 80 miles southwest of Chicago.
Neighbor Annelise Fiedler told The Associated Press that she heard a round of shots Friday afternoon and ran outside to her backyard.

U.S. Military Says Last American Troops Have Left Iraq

The final convoys of U.S. soldiers have crossed the border into Kuwait, completing the U.S. troop withdrawal from Iraq.

From Fox News

9-Year-Old NYC Boy Chokes in School Cafeteria


NEW YORK -- Witnesses say a fourth-grade boy choked on meatballs during lunch in a New York City school cafeteria this month and later died.
The New York Post reports that 9-year-old Jonathan Jewth fell to the ground during lunch Dec. 5 and was unconscious before help arrived. They say cafeteria workers at Public School 47 in the Bronx didn't know what to do and failed to help him.
"I saw the boy start choking, but nobody was helping,"  Andrea Perez, 25, told the New York Post. 

More

Today's Weather 12/18/11


Today

High
43.0°

Precip
20%

Tonight

Overnight Low
29.0°

Precip
0%