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Monday, May 05, 2014

FL TEACHER BANNED BIBLE FROM 'FREE READING' TIME IN CLASSROOM

Officials at Broward County Public Schools banned a fifth grader from reading the Bible during “free reading” time, according to lawyers from the Liberty Institute who are threatening to sue the school for violating the First Amendment.

Giovanni Rubeo is a fifth-grade student at the school, who had been given a Bible at church as a Christmas gift. It’s his favorite book, so he decided he’d like to read it during the time in class where students are allowed to read anything they choose.

Swornia Thomas is Giovanni’s teacher. On April 8, Thomas told Giovanni he’s not allowed to read the Bible in her class and ordered him to put it away. Giovanni asked her to call his father, Paul Rubeo, about the incident.
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NAACP TO HOLD 9th ANNUAL BACK-TO-SCHOOL RALLY

Salisbury, MD… Wicomico County Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (WCNAACP) will host its 9th annual Back-to-School Rally from 12:30pm to 3:00 P.M. on Thursday, August 7th, at the Salisbury Middle School, Morris Street, Salisbury, MD.

This program encourages each child to begin the school year ready to work and learn. In addition to entertainment and a motivational speaker, each student will be given a bag of school supplies. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade are eligible to receive school supplies. For more information, contact Mary Ashanti at 410-543-4187.

The WCNAACP is accepting monetary donations or school supplies, with the goal of providing at least 300 students with supplies. Supplies can be delivered to Sojourner-Douglass College at 408 Coles Circle, Suite D, Salisbury; you may write a check out to Wicomico County NAACP and mail to P.O. Box 1047, Salisbury, MD 21802.

Pelosi Calls For Immigration Reform In Honor of Cinco De Mayo

House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi called for immigration reform as a way to honor Cinco de Mayo, a Mexican holiday that celebrates the Mexican army’s victory over the French army in the Battle of Puebla in 1862.

“As we look back on a seminal moment in history, let us also look forward to the best ways we can continue to embrace the diverse heritage and rich history of Latinos in the United States,” Pelosi said in a press release last Friday. “There is no better way to acknowledge the important contributions to our country of America’s Latino community than by enacting comprehensive immigration reform.”

Pelosi challenged “House Republicans to emulate the bravery demonstrated in the Battle of Puebla, recognize the importance of immigrants and family unification, and give us a vote on a comprehensive bill that reforms our broken immigration system.”
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Mother's Day Brunch Buffet

Public House will offer a special BRUNCH BUFFET in honor of Mother's Day!
Sunday, May 11th... 11:00am until 3:00pm ~ Only $18 per person*! 
Kids (12 & under) Only $6 each!  See attached flyer for buffet details.
EVERY MOM RECEIVES A COMPLIMENTARY MIMOSA w/ BUFFET!
Regular Sunday specials resume at 5:00pm.  Limited a la carte menu available.
* Tax and gratuity not included.   Reservations recommended.
 
www.opentable.com   443-260-2337

Happy Sinko De Mayo


Detectives Arrest Two Suspects in Seaford Home Invasion as well as The Two Victims for Drugs

Seaford, DE- The Delaware State Police have arrested two men in connection with a May 1st home invasion style robbery as well as two victims inside the house for possession of heroin.

The incident took place Thursday May 1, 2014 around 12:15 a.m. as a 9-1-1 call was received from a residence in the 24000 block of Jewell Street reporting a home invasion with shots fired. An alert trooper responding to the area observed a Volvo brand vehicle fleeing the scene and was stopped by the trooper at the end of Jewell Street. The operator, Kentae D. Watts, 27 of Laurel, and a passenger, Daleton R. Truitt, 31 of Bridgeville were taken into custody without incident. At the time of the stop, two 9mm magazines were located on the passenger's side of the vehicle.

Additional troopers responded to the residence on Jewell Street and came in contact with the victims who called 9-1-1. The investigation revealed a 37 year old male victim and a 27 year old female victim, who reside at the domicile, were in the back bedroom of the house when the male heard his dogs start barking. The male victim, who was later identified as Kevin E. Barnes, looked down the hallway towards the front door and observed a male wearing all black holding an assault style rifle. He instructed the female victim, identified as Laura L. Taylor, to call 9-1-1 as he retrieved a handgun from his dresser. Once he had the handgun, he returned to the hallway just as the front door was forcibly entered and gunshots rang out from the rear of the residence. Barnes then began to fire several shots at the front door and then in the direction of where the incoming shots were heard. It was later determined that the suspects soon fled the area in the Volvo and were eventually stopped by arriving troopers.

Detectives from Troop 4 Criminal Investigations Unit, Drug Task Force, and crime scene investigators from the troop's Evidence Detection Unit assumed the investigation and were able to recover two of the weapons in the surrounding area that were discarded by Watts and Truitt. A handgun was determined to be stolen in a burglary that was committed in the Laurel area back in March of 2013. The second gun was a 9mm assault style weapon that matched up with the magazines found in the Volvo.

A search warrant was later conducted on the residence where Barnes and Taylor live after it was determined there were drugs and weapons inside. Detectives located over 7,300 bags of heroin totaling more than 110 grams, 137 grams of marijuana, $5,000.00 in suspected drug proceeds, and three handguns.

Kentae Watts and Daleton Truitt were both charged with Attempted Robbery 1st, two counts of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, Home Invasion, Burglary 1st, two counts of Recklessly Endangering 1st, Receiving a Stolen Firearm, Conspiracy 2nd, and Criminal Mischief. They were arraigned at JP2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $140,000.00 and $157,000.00 cash bond respectively.

Kevin Barnes and Laura Taylor were both charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance (Heroin), Possession with Intent to Deliver Heroin, Possession with Intent to Deliver Marijuana, three counts of Possession of a Deadly Weapon by a Person Prohibited, Conspiracy 2nd, Possession of Marijuana, and three counts of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Barnes was committed to SCI and Taylor was committed to Delores J. Baylor Women's Correctional Institution on $53,500.00 secured bond each.

Boy, 8, beaten to death trying to protect sister, 12, from teen rapist

A community in Richmond, Virginia, is reeling after an eight-year-old boy was beaten to death while trying to protect his 12-year-old sister from a rapist.

The boy, identified as Martin Cobb, was pronounced dead at the scene in the 200 block of Brandon Road Thursday night.

His sibling, whose name is not being released because of her age and the nature of the crime, was taken to a hospital.

Police have since apprehended the suspect, who turned out to be a black teenager. Initially, the victim described her assailant as a white man with scraggly facial hair, the local stationWWBT reported.

Investigators later determined that the suspect had threatened to kill the 12-year-old girl if she provided police with accurate information about him.

The teenager is currently being evaluated at Tuckers Psychiatric Clinic in Richmond as police are preparing to charge him with murder and assault.

At around 6.30pm Thursday, the brother and sister were playing by the train tracks near their home when a stranger approached the 12-year-old girl, sexually assaulted her and slashed her face, the kids' aunt and stepfather told WRIC.

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Man Who Went To Prison 13 Years Late Ordered Released

CHARLESTON, Mo. - A Missouri man who was sent to prison 13 years after his robbery conviction due to a clerical error was set free by a judge Monday, reports CBS affiliate KFVS.

Cornealious "Mike" Anderson, of St. Louis County, was convicted of robbery in 2000 and sentenced to 13 years but was never told when and where to report to prison. He spent the next 13 years turning his life around - getting married, raising three kids, learning a trade. He made no effort to conceal his identity or whereabouts. Anderson paid taxes and traffic tickets, renewed his driver's license and registered his businesses.

Not until last July did the Missouri Department of Corrections discover the clerical error that kept him free and authorities went to his home and arrested him.
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'I’m Mr. Sterling’s everything. I’m his confidante, his best friend, his silly rabbit': V. Stiviano opens up about her relationship with 'generous, kind' Donald Sterling and DENIES he is a racist

The woman at the center of the firestorm surrounding Clippers owner Donald Sterling has broken her silence in her first television interview.

V. Stiviano sat down with Barbara Walters tonight on ABC's 20/20 to give her take on the racism controversy the broke when audio recordings of Stiviano and Sterling were made public.

Incredibly, the 31-year-old, who described herself as Sterling's 'silly rabbit,' said she does not believe Donald Sterling is a racist.

'I don't believe it in my heart,' she said, adding that although she's heard him make racist comments, she doesn't think he truly believes them.

'I think the things he says are not the things he feels,' she said. 'Anyone can say anything in the heat of the moment.'

When Stiviano sat down to speak with Walters, she had reportedly just been in the company of Donald Sterling.

She described his mindset as, 'Confused. I think he feels very alone. Not truly supported by those around him. Tormented. Emotionally traumatized.'

Stiviano said she was urging Sterling to 'come to his own rescue.'

Sterling has been stung by his treatment by his peers, the media, from his employees and acquaintances, Stiviano said.

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Socialism Does NOT Work

Structure Fire On Newton Street In Salisbury


Salisbury Fire ‏@SalisburyFD
Command requesting a truck out if Hebron to assist on the working fire

Salisbury Fire ‏@SalisburyFD
Command upgrading to a second alarm. Requesting an engine from Fruitland

Salisbury Fire ‏@SalisburyFD
Command reporting working fire in the attic


Salisbury Fire ‏@SalisburyFD
Units responding to a working structure fire in the area of Newton St. Use caution in the area

Look UP!

Worcester County Man Charged With Child Porn

BALTIMORE (AP) -- Federal officials say a Worcester County man has been indicted on child pornography charges.

Forty-one-year-old Laiton Witkowski of Stockton was indicted Thursday on charges of production, distribution and possession of child pornography.

According to the 7-count indictment, Witkowski produced images of two minor females engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Prosecutors say the images were apparently taken without the girls' knowledge.

Source 

America the miserable? The states people can't wait to leave

Residents of Illinois and Connecticut are so unhappy with their states that half of residents say they would move if they could, a new poll has revealed.

One in three Americans wish they could pull up their roots and move to another state, according to a new Gallup poll.

More people are looking for greener pastures in states with dense population - specifically Illinois (home of Chicago) and the Northeast corridor between Boston and Washington, D.C. Residents said they're hoping to find better jobs, be closer to family, have a higher quality of life and pay lower taxes elsewhere.

Illinois had the highest portion of respondents saying they wanted to leave - 50percent, followed by Connecticut, Maryland, Nevada, Rhode Island and New Jersey.

Supreme Court Decision in N.Y Case Clears Way For Carroll County Commissioners To Pray

The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday upheld the right of government entities to hold sectarian prayers ahead of public meetings, a decision that will allow the Carroll County board of commissioners to resume observances that had previously been blocked by a federal court.

In a 5-4 vote, the high court held that the town of Greece in New York State did not violate the U.S. Constitution's ban on government endorsement of religion by allowing prayers before its monthly meetings — even if those prayers invoke the name of Jesus or other inherently Christian themes.

A U.S. District court judge had ordered the Carroll County commissioners to stop opening meetings with prayers to Jesus Christ in March after several people who attended the meetings sued, arguing the prayers contradicted their views and made them uncomfortable.
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'Dude, this was like two years ago': Former National Security Council sparks anger with crass comments on Benghazi

KIDS' DUI DEATHS: THEIR DRIVERS POSE BIGGEST RISK

The number of children killed by drunken motorists has declined substantially in recent years but the biggest threat remains their own drivers, not strangers in other vehicles, a study found.

The data show most impaired drivers survived these crashes, suggesting many kids might have survived if they'd been wearing seat belts or using car seats.

THE NUMBERS

Researchers analyzed 2000-10 government traffic deaths data and found 2,344 passengers younger than age 15 were killed in crashes involving a drunk driver. Two-thirds were riding in cars driven by drunken drivers, but those cases declined by 40 percent during the decade.
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One of the Largest Tunnel Bombs Detonated In Syria Today

Massive Detonation at Undermined Barrier in Maarrat al-Numan. Jihadis trash cans said that it was the Syrian Army Sahaabah barrier at eastern outskirts of Ma'arrat Numan in Idlib. That was a very powerful blast. Nobody could survive something like that.
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Other Views of this explosion can be found HERE
 

I Am Martin O’Malley, Governor of Maryland - Ask Me Anything

Hello Reddit, I’m Martin O’Malley, former mayor of Baltimore and current Governor of the great state of Maryland, where we’ve passed marriage equality, passed the Maryland DREAM Act, enacted tougher gun laws, held down the cost of college tuition, and driven down violent crime.

Right after this AMA, I’ll be signing new laws to raise the minimum wage and expand opportunity for our middle class families.
Click HERE To see the entire AMA thread

O’MALLEY-BROWN ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCES START OF UMES ROUNDABOUT IN SOMERSET COUNTY

Roundabout is First Major Eastern Shore Project Made Possible Due to Transportation Act

Annapolis, Md.
– Delivering on their commitment last summer to invest nearly $160 million in new transportation funding for traffic safety enhancements and quality of life improvements for Eastern Shore residents, Governor Martin O’Malley and Lt. Governor Anthony G. Brown today announced the start of construction on a new roundabout at the gateway to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) in Princess Anne, Somerset County. The long-awaited $2.9 million roundabout is the first Eastern Shore project funded by the Transportation Infrastructure Investment Act of 2013 to move to construction.

“Today, we are delivering on our promise to invest in key transportation projects that will improve safety, relieve congestion and spur economic development in every corner of the State,” said Governor O’Malley. “This project will enhance the safety of UMES employees, students and Princess Anne residents, while providing more work for a local Eastern Shore contractor and his employees.”

The roundabout will replace the existing intersection of MD 675 (Somerset Avenue) and MD 822 (UMES Boulevard). Construction is getting underway now and is expected to be complete by the end of the year, weather permitting. The roundabout project includes new sidewalks and drainage improvements. Motorists will continue to have access along UMES Boulevard while the roundabout and related utility work are underway. The project will enhance the safety of pedestrian and motorists traveling to UMES, which has approximately 4,500 students.

“We passed the Transportation Act to create jobs today and expand opportunities for Maryland families in the future,” said Lt. Governor Brown. “This new roundabout is one of many transportation projects across the State that now can move to construction thanks to the passage of this Act. Our Administration is committed to building a modern transportation network that will support our growing economy.”

Maryland: Gas 8 Cents Higher Than Last Month

Motorists in Maryland are paying the same price at the pump as a week ago but eight cents more when compared with last month.

AAA Mid-Atlantic said Friday in a weekly report that the average price of a gallon of regular gas in Maryland was $3.67, the same as a week ago. A month ago, however, motorists were paying $3.59 to fill up in Maryland.

Motorists in the region are also paying 22 cents more than at this time last year when the price of gas was $3.45 per gallon.

The price of gas in the state is currently a penny below the national average of $3.68.
Source

Gas Prices Rise 3 Cents Over The Past 2 Weeks

The average price of a gallon of regular gasoline in the U.S. rose 3 cents, to $3.72, during the past two weeks, marking the 12th straight week of price hikes at the pump.

That's according to a survey released Sunday.

Industry analyst Trilby Lundberg says gas prices are about to tumble, however, as crude oil and wholesale gasoline prices have started falling due to higher-than-expected crude output in Libya and ample U.S. crude oil stocks and ramped up production of gasoline.
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Frozen Crabs and the Blonde Flight Attendant

A lawyer boarded an airplane in New Orleans , with a box of frozen crabs and he asked a blonde stewardess to take care of them for him. She took the box and promised to put it in the crew's refrigerator.
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He advised her that he was holding her personally responsible for them staying frozen, mentioning in a very haughty manner that he was a lawyer and proceeded to rant at her about what would happen if she let them thaw out.
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Needless to say, she was very annoyed by his behavior.
Shortly before landing in New York , she used the intercom to announce to the entire cabin, "Would the lawyer who gave me the crabs in New Orleans , please raise your hand?"
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Not one hand went up... so she took them home and ate them.

Two lessons here:
1. Lawyers aren't as smart as they think they are.
2. Blondes aren't as dumb as most folks think.

JUST IN: US Okays Diplomatic Mission For Syrian Opposition

The Obama administration gave approval Monday for the Syrian opposition to open a formal diplomatic mission in Washington and said it would increase non-lethal assistance to the opposition by $27 million.

The steps announced by the State Department upgrade the status of the Syrian Opposition Council, which had been represented by an informal liaison office, and boosts total U.S. assistance to $287 million since the conflict began three years ago. The administration had recognized the council as the legitimate representative of the Syrian people in December 2012.

The office won't be an embassy but will now be considered a "foreign mission" under U.S. law. The upgrade is largely symbolic, but U.S. officials said it has been a key request of the opposition for some time as they believe it will give them greater presence and credibility with officials in Washington and among Syrian expatriates in the United States.
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Marylanders Take Unique Approach To Stop Sex Trafficking

When it comes to sex trafficking, Maryland is considered a “hot zone.”

Anne Arundel County is the fifth-largest transport location in the country.

It was a statistic that didn’t sit well with Maryland State Sen. Bryan Simonaire.

He decided to take action.

With the number of sex trafficking victims on the rise in Maryland, activists like Simonaire have taken their own approach to helping and are seeing results.
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The issue with Benghazi: Who told Hillary Clinton to blame the video?

It was around 4 p.m. in Washington, D.C., when the Benghazi attack began and resulted in the deaths of four Americans, including Ambassador Chris Stevens.

That might seem like a "so-what" fact, but a strong case can be made that it holds a key to understanding why somebody working for then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was the most likely source of the discredited idea that the attack was the spontaneous result of an anti-Muslim video.

That idea was the Obama administration's official explanation for the Benghazi attack for weeks after the Sept. 11, 2012, assault. It was only dropped after its absurdity became undeniable even in the Obama White House.

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Overnight Pollen

I don't know about you but it seems like the pollen this year is worse than ever. What's the point in washing your vehicle when you get up the next morning and this is what you see.

Remember: Obama’s ‘Blame the YouTube Video’ Fraud Began in Cairo, Not Benghazi

White House Spokesman Jay Carney told reporters on September 15, 2012, four days after terrorists stormed the consulate in Benghazi and killed US Ambassador Chris Stevens, that the Middle East protests were in response to a video. “These protests were in reaction to a video that had spread to the region… The unrest we’ve seen in the region has been in reaction to a video.” More

SPD Press Release 5-5-14


This Land Is Whose Land? Nevada Standoff Reveals Fight Over Federal-owned Land

DENVER — Behind the hoopla surrounding Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy’s standoff with the Bureau of Land Management is a growing resentment over the federal government’s status as the largest landowner in the West.

“This is so much bigger than one rancher in Nevada,” Utah state Rep. Ken Ivory, who heads the American Lands Council, said in an April 23 online debate sponsored by The Salt Lake Tribune.

How much land does the federal government own? A 2012 Congressional Research Survey said the federal government owns about 640 million acres, or 28 percent of the nation’s land mass. Roughly 90 percent of that property is in the West.
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"Please Stop Me Before I Vote For A Bought-&-Paid-For Demopublican Again"

If we only voted for unbuyable candidates, money would become poison in politics rather than mother's milk.

The solution to money in politics is simple: stop voting for politicos who accept millions of dollars in bribes, ahem, campaign contributions and who court lobbyists. It's really that easy: stop rewarding those who collect millions and start punishing them by refusing to vote for any politician who accepts more than $100 from any entity in any one election cycle.

As with so many other issues, we have been well-trained to expect a centralized authority to save us from ourselves: in effect, we're asking the Supreme Court, Congress, etc. to please stop us before we vote for a bought-and-paid-for politico again.

Nobody forces us to vote for the candidate who raises the most money and blows it on media buys to persuade us that they're not bought-and-paid-for. But think about it: the very fact this craven toady can afford to spend millions of dollars on advertising proves he/she is well and truly bought-and-paid-for.

The only exception is multi-millionaires who spend their own millions attempting to persuade us that they'll be more independent that the toadies begging for millions, but a cursory examination of the record of millionaires in office (gosh, the vast majority of craven toadies turn out to be millionaires) finds that once in power, these "I bought myself" millionaire politicos are no different than the bought-and-paid-for politicos.

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Obama-Biden vacation tab reaches $40 million --- $2.9 million alone for two Obama 2014 golf outings

The travel costs for vacations taken by the first family and the Bidens have reached over $40 million with the Air Force's revelation that two golf outings by President Obama this year cost $2.9 million, according to the taxpayer watchdog group Judicial Watch.

The group said that the Air Force provided documents and records that put the price of the first family's trip to Key Largo, Fla., in March at $885,683 just for flying Air Force One. The travel costs to golf in Palm Springs, Calif., in February, where the president also met with King Abdullah II of Jordan, was $2,066,594, said the Air Force documents, according to Judicial Watch.

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Why the White House is Desperate to Bury Benghazi

Cover-up is about shielding details of arms smuggling to terrorists in Syria

Amidst new revelations concerning emails that show the Obama administration conspired to create a phony narrative around the Benghazi attacks, the true purpose behind the cover-up is being obfuscated – the fact that an annex near the U.S. embassy was being used by the CIA to transfer surface to air missiles to terrorists in Syria.

House Oversight Committee Chairman Darrell Issa today issued a subpoena for Secretary of State John Kerry to testify before the committee on May 21 about Benghazi following the release of emails by Judicial Watch which show that the White House crafted a deceptive policy to falsely frame the attack as a spontaneous protest sparked by a YouTube video in order to protect Barack Obama’s image.

Lost in the haze of claims and counter claims is the real reason why the White House is desperate to prevent the attack from coming under any further scrutiny – because it would likely reveal an arms smuggling scandal that could rival Iran-Contra.

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Rangel: Tea Party Does Not Believe the Union Won the Civil War

I just signed a bill to RaiseThe Wage

Moments ago, I signed legislation to raise Maryland's minimum wage to $10.10 an hour.

We brought workers, activists, business owners and faith leaders together and forged consensus to give hundreds of thousands of Marylanders a raise.

Strengthening Maryland's middle class has been the North Star of my administration, and our work to raise the wage was the centerpiece of a legislative session that saw us expand Pre-K, protect the environment, promote fairness for all Marylanders, and invest in education and job creation.

Teacher at Public Safety Academy Charged With Sexual Abuse of Student

New Castle - A teacher has been charged after detectives determined he had a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old female student.

The investigation began in March when Troop 2 Youth Aide detectives were contacted by the administration of the Delaware Academy of Public Safety and Security, 801 North Dupont Highway. School officials advised detectives that there were allegations that a teacher, Jerry Shorts, 27, of Wilmington, had a sexual relationship with one of his students.

Detectives initiated a lengthy investigation into the allegations, conducting numerous interviews and examining physical evidence. It was determined that Shorts and the student had four sexual encounters since October 2013.

Shorts was arrested at his residence on May 2. He was charged with four counts of sexual abuse of a child by a person of trust first degree, and one count of continuous sexual abuse of a child. He was committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institute on $125,000 secured bail.

All inquiries about the defendant's employment status should be directed to the school.

Sun Buys Capital: Another Loss Of Voice And Eyes?

The announcement of the sale of the daily Capital newspaper and to the Baltimore Sun Media Group came in a text message to my Blackberry as Anne Arundel County Executive Laura Neuman was giving her budget address to the county council on Thursday.

It is a sale that could have more effect on the politics of Anne Arundel County and the State House than the upcoming election.

The Capital and its sibling publications, the Bowie Blade and the Maryland Gazette, along with the daily Carroll County Times, have been for sale since 2008. Longtime publisher Phil Merrill, for whom the College of Journalism at College Park is named, died in 2006. After that Landmark Media Enterprises, which already owned 49% of the paper, bought Merrill’s share.

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Al Qaeda-linked jihadists accused of hanging victims on crosses

Al Qaeda-backed jihadists are hanging the bodies of executed enemies on crosses crucifixion-style in a town in Northern Syria, according to a Syrian opposition group.

The executions reportedly took place Tuesday in Raqqa, where the extremist group Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, or ISIS, an Al Qaeda-linked network, has taken over the city, according to Abu Ibrahim Alrquaoui, who identifies himself as a founder of a group called Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently.

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GOATS TO SERVE AS ECO-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPERS AROUND THE STATE

SUNDERLAND – Have you herd? Goats will soon be making their way through Maryland and Northern Virginia, as property owners trade machinery and labor crews for hungry, four-legged landscapers ready to decimate any vegetation in their way.

Mary Bowen, owner of Sunderland-based Green Goats and Prosperity Acres farm, will be putting her herd of over 70 goats to work from May to October, using them to clear overgrown vegetation in various private and public areas across the state.

Unlike traditional land-clearing methods such as herbicide treatments and excavation services, which can have adverse effects on the environment, goats offer an environmentally-friendly alternative
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BREAKING NEWS: Supreme Court rules prayers that open town council meetings do not violate Constitution

The Supreme Court rules that prayers that open town council meetings do not violate the Constitution, even if they routinely stress Christianity.

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The Trifecta


Extreme Home Nightmare

Buying the home of her dreams turned into a hellish nightmare for one woman. When the woman and her husband successfully bid on a beautiful home in San Diego, California, she had no idea that her life was about to turn into Fatal Attraction meets Single White Female meets House Hunters. Prosecutors charge that Kathy Rowe became so enraged that the unnamed woman and her husband outbid her for her dream housethat she decided to make their lives unbearable. And wait until you hear everything she allegedly did!

According to police, after Rowe was outbid on the home in sunny Carmel Valley, she became so jealous and obsessed that she started a campaign of harassment that eventually plunged into the deranged and dangerous.

Rowe is accused of culminating her reign of terror by posting an ad on a sex site pretending to be the woman who outbid her, including using the new home owner's picture, and asking men to fulfill her rape fantasy. When two men contacted her, she allegedly gave them the address of the home she couldn't have. She reportedly told the men:

I also love to be surprised and have a man just show up at the door and force his way in the door and on me, totally taking me while I say no. Just stop by anytime Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. I like the element of surprise.

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Tragic moment two firefighters fall to their deaths from 13th floor

These shocking pictures show the moment two firemen were swept off a 13th floor balcony in China before falling hand-in-hand to their death.

Qian Lingyun, 23, and Liu Jie, 20, were trying to extinguish a blaze sweeping through an apartment block in Shanghai yesterday when the tragedy happened.

According to passers-by, Liu apparently fell from the balcony first after being pushed back by a wall of flame, and Qian had grabbed his hand to try and save him.

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COSTLY DISTRACTIONS

Tonight, May 5th at 6:30 pm, at the Crisfield Academy & High School auditorium SADD will have an open to the public showing of Costly Distractions! It is a project done in partnership with the CAHS SADD and the Crisfield Police Department! The local chapter has entered in a competition sponsored by NOYS and Allstate Insurance and the first prize is $10,000. Club sponsor and school nurse Lynne Brumley said, "We are very proud of the video and the message it provides...it involves underage drinking and distracted driving. We welcome you to view the video tonight." There is no cost for the viewing! Donations may be made to the CAHS SADD Chapter but is not required to view the movie! This is a joint effort of the CAHS SADD Chapter and the Crisfield Police Department. Several organizations, agencies and education entities were involved in the project.

Law Could Change How Parents Are Told About Down Syndrome

WASHINGTON -- When Heather Sachs' daughter was born with Down Syndrome eight years ago, she wasn't given helpful information or the names of parent groups offering advice and support.

Instead, Sachs tells Maryland lawmakers, she was simply handed a pamphlet, entitled "So You've Had a Mongoloid: Now What?"

On the audio of the Senate Finance Committee hearing where she testified, the gasps from lawmakers and attendees are audible.

According to the National Down Syndrome Society, the condition occurs "when an individual has a full or partial copy of chromosome 21." Down Syndrome used to be referred to as "Mongoloidism," a perjorative term that was dropped by the World Health Organization in 1965.

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Shut-down Defense Helps Sea Gulls Win CAC Title over York, 12-4

SALISBURY, Md. – The No. 2 Salisbury University men's lacrosse team brought home its 18th Capital Athletic Conference championship on Saturday, defeating No. 12 York College of Pennsylvania, 12-4, at Sea Gull Stadium.

The SU (18-1) defense, led by senior long-stick midfielder Zeke Smith and junior defender Knute Kraus with three and two caused turnovers, respectively, shut down York's offense, allowing only four goals on 18 shots. The unit held York's top three scorers to only two points in the effort.

Senior midfielder Donovan Lange, who led Salisbury with three goals, started the scoring with a goal on the crease off an assist from junior midfielder Sean Fitzgerald at the 11:46 mark of the first quarter.

The score started a 4-0 run for the Sea Gulls, as junior attackman Mike Kane netted a shot, also on the crease, on an assist from senior attackman Rhett DePol, before Lange added his second on a man-up chance from the right wing with an assist from senior attackman Luke Phipps.

DePol and Phipps, both with two goals and two assists, led Salisbury with four points each in the game.

After Phipps' first, York netted its first score of the game, but Salisbury took a 4-1 lead into the second quarter.

Fitzgerald scored from 10 yards on a low shot to open the second frame, as Salisbury added three-straight to start the quarter. DePol followed with his first from the left wing, and senior midfielder Brandon Kendrick added another from the left wing for his first in the stretch.

The Spartans scored their second on a man-up chance at the 5:22 mark, but with 4:58 left in the half, Phipps netted a transition goal with an open net on the crease, as DePol received a pass on the left side of the cage, drew the keeper, and dished to Phipps for the score and an 8-2 halftime lead.

At the half, Salisbury led in shots, 22-7, ground balls, 19-11, and senior midfielder Chris Biank won 8-of-12 first-half faceoffs.

SU's defense shut out York in the third quarter, while the Sea Gulls scored four more goals; Lange opened the half with his third from the left wing.

DePol followed with a diving shot on the crease, after dodging his defender and driving left, and Kendrick followed with a similar score just over one minute later at the 3:05 mark.

After a man-up score from Fitzgerald, Salisbury took a 12-2 lead into the final quarter.

York netted its final two scores in the fourth quarter, before the Gulls closed the win and brought the CAC crown back to Salisbury.

Senior goalkeeper Alex Taylor improved his record to 18-1 with the win, making seven saves in the game.

The Sea Gulls earned the CAC's automatic bid into the NCAA Division III tournament, and now await the tournament selection show on Sunday at 10 p.m., on ncaa.com for their first matchup of the tournament.

This Is Sick: Democrat Senator Forced To Resign, Facing Jail Over What Police Found On His Computer

Last month, Illinois State Rep. Keith Farnham announced his immediate resignation from the position. Though he said at the time his decision was based on health concerns, his recent arrest cast doubt on the actual reason behind the Democrat’s move.

The 66-year-old had state-owned computers seized by federal authorities just before his resignation; and along with evidence found on his personal computers, officials prepared multiple charges related to child pornography and allegations of sexual abuse.

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(Original) Elephant Paints Self Portrait

Watermen Protest Plan To Use Fossilized Oysters To Restore The Bay

An effort to clean up the Chesapeake Bay comes to a sudden halt. There’s a plan to use fossilized oyster shells as building blocks to restore the bay.

As Linh Bui reports, several watermen are protesting, saying this puts their livelihood in jeopardy.

The fight has been brewing for months, but this week, the situation came to a head.
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GOVERNOR TO HOST AN "ASK ME ANYTHING" SESSION ON REDDIT

ANNAPOLIS, MD (May 5, 2014) -- Today, Governor O'Malley will host an "Ask Me Anything" session on Reddit prior to signing a bill raising the minimum wage in Maryland to $10.10 an hour. The Governor will join the Reddit community to answer a variety of questions asked online. The event will take place at 9:00 AM on Reddit's website at www.reddit.com/r/iama.

TODAY

WHAT:  Governor to host an "Ask Me Anything" session on Reddit 
WHEN:  TODAYMonday, May 5, 2014, 9:00 a.m. 
WHERE:  Reddit's website: www.reddit.com/r/iama
NOTE:  The "Ask Me Anything" session was originally scheduled to take place at 10:00 a.m. Due to a change in scheduling, the event will now take place at 9:00 a.m.

THE CRISFIELD HERITAGE FOUNDATION HONORS THE WARD BROTHERS

THE CRISFIELD HERITAGE FOUNDATION HONORS THE WARD BROTHERS.

CRISFIELD, MD:
The Crisfield Heritage Foundation Honors the Ward Brothers- the fathers of decorative decoy carving.


Crisfield, Maryland, the southernmost corner of Somerset County is known for many things. The pristine views of Tangier Sound, a history that dates back to the 1600’s, great crabbing, fishing and beautiful sunsets, to name a few. For those who may not know, this historic working waterman’s community is also home to the wonderful Crisfield Heritage Foundation (CHF). CHF has an illustrious heritage of preserving the history of this southernmost community and its surrounds.

CHF in turn, along with The Ward Museum of Waterfowl Art in Salisbury Maryland, are the curators of the legacy of Lem and Steve Ward, the original “Counterfeiters in Wildfowl Art”. You see what Lem and Steve were able to “reproduce” was something that looked just like the ducks that landed on the marshes outside their windows… but were actually only wood!

Well why the big hoopla? Crisfield is the birthplace of Lem and Steve Ward. The brothers were lifelong residents of the solitary marshes that border the area. Born into a life where you made your living from the land and the waters around them, both brothers were trained as barbers by their father to help supplement the family income. However around 1918 they started carving decoys for the duck hunters that frequented the bay area. You see hard times just got a little more difficult that year; Lem and Steve lost their father to a boating accident. Now it was essential they work a little harder to put food on the table. Though the brothers knew the way of the marsh and how to survive in it, they were more taken to dreaming than taking the hunting of waterfowl seriously for anything more than providing food for their table. They were born artists and from this inborn gift has come a major American art form. 

On May 30th, The Crisfield Heritage Museum Foundation honors the Ward Brothers and welcomes visitors to revisit a time in history when the American art form of wooden decoy carving was in its infancy. CHF will be celebrating the legacy of Lem and Steve Ward, considered the fathers of decorative decoy carving. The highlight of the event will be the premier of a fifteen-minute film, which tells the story of the Ward Brothers. This film was a joint project between CHF and The Ward Museum.The film and exhibit are co-produced by the Crisfield Heritage Foundation and the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art, supported by grants from the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore and Lower Eastern Shore Heritage Council and the generosity of an anonymous supporter.

In addition to the opening of the Museum and premier of the Ward Brothers film from 5-7pm, another CHF property, the original Ward Brothers Workshop on Sackertown Road will be open for tours. Through the diligent efforts of many lower eastern shore decoy carvers, the Ward Workshop has been painstakingly restored and subsequently turned over to The Crisfield Heritage Foundation. The workshop will be open to visitors May 30th, from 3pm -5pm where Rich Smoker, a world-renowned wildlife carver, will be your host.
This is an event open and free to the public.

Ponder This


SHA BEGINS SINGLE-LANE TRAFFIC PATTERN FOR US 13 BRIDGE REHABILITATION PROJECT OVER POCOMOKE RIVER

Bridge Deck Work Over Pocomoke River to Impact Traffic for Two Years


The State Highway Administration (SHA) is starting construction of a $14.4 million project to replace the bridge decks (driving surface) of the two northbound lanes of US 13 (Ocean Highway) and resurface the two southbound bridge decks crossing the Pocomoke River. The two US 13 bridges carry four lanes of state highway and the route is a major connection between Somerset and Worcester counties. Preliminary work on the project began underneath the bridges earlier this spring.

Construction work will impact motorists beginning Monday, May 5 when SHA will close both southbound lanes of the US 13 Bridge, and switch traffic via a temporary median crossover just north of the Pocomoke River. Both directions of traffic will use this bridge through November 2014.

Liberals


MCE hosts First Steps in Starting Your Own Business Class

What: First Steps in Starting Your Own Business

When: May 21, 2014 5:30-7:00 p.m.

Where: One Stop Job Market, Conf. Room #025

Registration: Pre-registration is required. To pre-register or for more information regarding this course or other general inquiries, please contact Lisa Twilley, Outreach Coordinator Of Maryland Capital Enterprises by telephone: 410-546-1900 or via email: ltwilley@marylandcapital.org. Sign up Online at www.marylandcapital.org

Course Fee: FREE

Course Description: Decide if entrepreneurship is for you. Find out about pros and cons of small business ownership, what skills and resources are needed, State of Maryland requirements to start a business, why is the credit important, why a business plan is needed.

*This class is offered every third Wednesday of the month at the same location and time.

STATE POLICE EMPLOYEES AND ALLIED OFFICERS AWARDED FOR BRAVERY AND OUTSTANDING SERVICE

(TIMONIUM, MD) -- Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel Marcus L. Brown today presented awards ranging from Superintendent’s Salutes to Governor’s Citations to more than 100 state troopers, civilian employees, and allied law enforcement personnel in a ceremony that acknowledged their bravery, commitment, compassion and outstanding service to the people of Maryland.

The Maryland State Police Award Ceremony was held at the Maryland State Fairgrounds and was attended by families, friends, and co-workers of award recipients. Awards were presented for incidents involving troopers who were assaulted by armed suspects, a trooper who saved the life of a man at an Orioles game who turned out to be a long lost friend and employees who went above and beyond the call of duty while serving and protecting the people of Maryland. Colonel Brown even presented a dog bone to Jillie, a State Police K-9 who helped troopers find a suicidal man in time to rescue him and save his life.

“The narratives of today’s awards were only brief reflections of the deep level of commitment to public service the men and women of the Maryland State Police and our allied law enforcement partners possess,” Colonel Brown said. “The courage, bravery, and dedication to duty exhibited during the past year by our troopers and civilian employees resulted in lives saved, criminals brought to justice, traffic crashes and injuries reduced, and ultimately, a safer Maryland. I am proud to be a part of this outstanding law enforcement organization where integrity, fairness, and service to our citizens are our daily priorities.”

Woman Stops Grizzly Attack With .25 Caliber Pistol

This is a story of self control and marksmanship. A woman survived a grizzly bear attack with one well placed shot from her itsy bitsy .25 caliber Beretta Jetfire.

In her own words, this is what happened: While out hiking in Missoula, Montana, with my husband, we were surprised when a huge grizzly bear came charging at us out of nowhere. She must have been protecting her cubs because she was extremely aggressive.

If I had not had my little Beretta Jetfire, I would not be here today! I yanked it out of my purse and fired one shot. It hit my husband in his kneecap and the bear caught him easily. While the grizzly mauled the poor cripple, I was able to escape by just walking away at a brisk pace. I love that pistol, and I'll find another husband.

DISNEY Kids Lunch!

Greetings!

Last year this event was so successful, we are bringing it back!  
Make your reservations early because last year we sold out!  
Lunch with your favorite Disney characters begins at 1:00pm...
Saturday, May 31st.  Call for available seating times.  
Full menu available for anyone 12 years and older.  
Cost for all kids (12 & under) is $12 each.  This includes the entertainment and the kids lunch buffet.  Come enjoy lunch with your  kids or grandkids... on the magical deck at Boonies Restaurant!
 
410-873-2244 

21438 Nanticoke Rd. Tyaskin, Maryland 21865

Older Women

SHE WALKED UP AND TIED HER OLD MULE TO THE HITCHING POST. AS SHE STOODTHERE, BRUSHING SOME OF THE DUST FROM HER FACE AND CLOTHES, A YOUNG GUNSLINGER STEPPED OUT OF THE SALOON WITH A GUN IN ONE HAND AND A BOTTLE OF WHISKEY IN THE OTHER.

THE YOUNG GUNSLINGER LOOKED AT THE OLD WOMAN AND LAUGHED, "HEY OLD WOMAN, HAVE YOU EVER DANCED?"

THE OLD WOMAN LOOKED UP AT THE GUNSLINGER AND SAID, "NO, I NEVER DID DANCE; NEVER REALLY WANTED TO."

A CROWD HAD GATHERED AS THE GUNSLINGER GRINNED AND SAID, "WELL, YOU OLD BAG, YOU'RE GONNA DANCE NOW," AND STARTED SHOOTING AT THE OLD WOMAN'S FEET.

THE OLD WOMAN PROSPECTOR, NOT WANTING TO GET HER TOE

BLOWN OFF, STARTED HOPPING AROUND. EVERYBODY WAS LAUGHING.

WHEN HIS LAST BULLET HAD BEEN FIRED, THE YOUNG GUNSLINGER, STILL LAUGHING, HOLSTERED HIS GUN AND TURNED AROUND TO GO BACK INTO THE SALOON.

THE OLD WOMAN TURNED TO HER PACK MULE, PULLED OUT A DOUBLE-BARRELED SHOTGUN, AND COCKED BOTH HAMMERS.
THE LOUD CLICKS CARRIED CLEARLY THROUGH THE DESERT AIR. THE CROWD STOPPED LAUGHING IMMEDIATELY.

THE YOUNG GUNSLINGER HEARD THE SOUNDS, TOO, AND HE TURNED AROUND VERY SLOWLY. THE SILENCE WAS ALMOST DEAFENING.

THE CROWD WATCHED AS THE YOUNG GUNMAN STARED AT THE OLD WOMAN AND THE LARGE GAPING HOLES OF THOSE TWIN BARRELS. THE BARRELS OF THE SHOTGUN NEVER WAVERED IN THE OLD WOMAN'S HANDS, AS SHE QUIETLY SAID, "SON, HAVE YOU EVER KISSED A MULE'S ASS?"

THE GUNSLINGER SWALLOWED HARD AND SAID, "NO M'AM, BUT I'VE ALWAYS WANTED TO."

THERE ARE A FEW LESSONS HERE FOR ALL OF US:
1 - Never be arrogant.
2 - Don't waste ammunition.
3 - Whiskey makes you think you're smarter than you are.
4 - Always, always make sure you know who has the power.
5 - Don't mess with old women; they didn't get old by being stupid.

I JUST LOVE A STORY WITH A HAPPY ENDING, DON'T YOU?