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DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Monday, May 04, 2009
Another Amazing Artist
Street Artist's......newest creations
Edgar Mueller Super Artist
Edgar Mueller Super Artist
Great Crevase Edgar Mueller. Hard work: Together with up to five assistants, Mueller painted all day long from sunrise to sunset.
The picture appeared on the East Pier in Dun Laoghaire , Ireland , as part of the town's Festival of World Cultures.
He spent five days, working 12 hours a day, to create the 250 square metre image of the crevasse, which, viewed from the correct angle, appears to be 3D. He then persuaded passers-by to complete the illusion by pretending the gaping hole was real.
'I wanted to play with positives and negatives to encourage people to thnk twice about everything they see,' he said. 'It was a very scary scene, but when people saw it they had great fun playing on it and pretending to fall into the earth. 'I like to think that later, when they returned home, they might reflect more on what a frightening scenario it was and say, "Wow, that was actually pretty scary."
Mueller, who has previously painted a giant waterfall in Canada , said he was inspired by the British 'Pavement
Picasso' Julian Beever, whose dramatic but more gentle 3D street images have featured in the Daily Mail.
This guy is amazing no matter how you look at it.
Knockout Show Slated For Wicomico Youth & Civic Center
An Eastern Shore favorite is scheduled to make his return to the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center. Fernando Guerrero returns to the Eastern Shore to take part in Boxing’s Future Champions on Friday, June 19. Tickets go on sale Monday, May 4 at 10:00am.
In his first return to Salisbury since February, Guerrero will take part in a show that is sure to wow the crowds. The show will feature 6 professional fights with Fernando Guerrero as the main event. Guerrero has packed the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center twice before and promises to do it again for this exciting event.
Doors open at 7:00pm with the first fight starting at 8:00pm. Tickets are $15, $25, $50, $60, $100, or $125 plus applicable fees. Make sure you don’t miss the event of the year and get your tickets early! Tickets can be bought in person at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center box office at 500 Glen Ave, Salisbury, MD, online at http://www.wicomicociviccenter.org/, or over the phone by calling the box office at 410-548-4911.
In his first return to Salisbury since February, Guerrero will take part in a show that is sure to wow the crowds. The show will feature 6 professional fights with Fernando Guerrero as the main event. Guerrero has packed the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center twice before and promises to do it again for this exciting event.
Doors open at 7:00pm with the first fight starting at 8:00pm. Tickets are $15, $25, $50, $60, $100, or $125 plus applicable fees. Make sure you don’t miss the event of the year and get your tickets early! Tickets can be bought in person at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center box office at 500 Glen Ave, Salisbury, MD, online at http://www.wicomicociviccenter.org/, or over the phone by calling the box office at 410-548-4911.
Today's Wildlife Photos
Hi Joe,These photos were taken yesterday. The robin built her nest on top a a bike tire in storage for the winter. Thought you might enjoy them.
No harm to the mother or babies, this photo was taken from a safe distance.
Have a great day
Kris Smith
Hebron MD
"Juror No. 6" Letter Stirs Sentencing Debate
Jim Caron spent 10 months on a federal jury in Washington in 2007 that voted to acquit a D.C. man accused of racketeering, murder and dozens of other charges, convicting him solely on a $600 drug deal.
Months after the verdict, Mr. Caron learned prosecutors still wanted to send the defendant, Antwuan Ball, to prison for 40 years. "He was furious, he was absolutely furious," recalled Mr. Caron's wife, Mary Brennan. "He told me, 'I'm going to write a letter to the judge.'"
Signing his letter "Juror No. 6," Mr. Caron wrote, "It seems to me a tragedy that one is asked to serve on a jury, serves, but then finds their work may not be given the credit it deserves." Mr. Caron, 60, died unexpectedly a few weeks later from an apparent heart-related illness, but his letter has found a life of its own.
Quoting a person they know only as "Juror No. 6," a handful of senior federal appeals judges and attorneys across the country are citing Mr. Caron's letter - including in a recent brief sent to the U.S. Supreme Court - in railing against a little-known practice called acquitted conduct sentencing.
The policy lets federal judges mete out tougher sentences based on what lawyers call "acquitted conduct," or the criminal charges for which a defendant has been acquitted in court.
• Read Jim Caron's letter by clicking here.
Gilbert S. Merritt Jr., senior judge on the 6th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals, recently quoted Juror No. 6 in a dissenting opinion he filed with five other judges in a case in Kentucky.
"The juror's reaction is the same, I believe, as the reaction that the drafters of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Sentencing Reform Act of 1984 ..." the judge wrote of Mr. Caron.
"It undermines public respect for the law when a judge overrides a jury acquittal," Judge Merritt said in a phone interview. "And this letter that this fellow wrote is a good example of why."
Not everyone agrees. Many judges hold that acquitted conduct sentencing is widely accepted and note the policy has been upheld by the courts. Indeed, they point out that judges can take all sorts of conduct into account when sentencing a defendant, just so long as the sentence falls within the minimum and maximum terms allowed under the law. More from The Washington Times article.
Months after the verdict, Mr. Caron learned prosecutors still wanted to send the defendant, Antwuan Ball, to prison for 40 years. "He was furious, he was absolutely furious," recalled Mr. Caron's wife, Mary Brennan. "He told me, 'I'm going to write a letter to the judge.'"
Signing his letter "Juror No. 6," Mr. Caron wrote, "It seems to me a tragedy that one is asked to serve on a jury, serves, but then finds their work may not be given the credit it deserves." Mr. Caron, 60, died unexpectedly a few weeks later from an apparent heart-related illness, but his letter has found a life of its own.
Quoting a person they know only as "Juror No. 6," a handful of senior federal appeals judges and attorneys across the country are citing Mr. Caron's letter - including in a recent brief sent to the U.S. Supreme Court - in railing against a little-known practice called acquitted conduct sentencing.
The policy lets federal judges mete out tougher sentences based on what lawyers call "acquitted conduct," or the criminal charges for which a defendant has been acquitted in court.
• Read Jim Caron's letter by clicking here.
Gilbert S. Merritt Jr., senior judge on the 6th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals, recently quoted Juror No. 6 in a dissenting opinion he filed with five other judges in a case in Kentucky.
"The juror's reaction is the same, I believe, as the reaction that the drafters of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Sentencing Reform Act of 1984 ..." the judge wrote of Mr. Caron.
"It undermines public respect for the law when a judge overrides a jury acquittal," Judge Merritt said in a phone interview. "And this letter that this fellow wrote is a good example of why."
Not everyone agrees. Many judges hold that acquitted conduct sentencing is widely accepted and note the policy has been upheld by the courts. Indeed, they point out that judges can take all sorts of conduct into account when sentencing a defendant, just so long as the sentence falls within the minimum and maximum terms allowed under the law. More from The Washington Times article.
On-line debate appears at several sites, including Simple Justice, Sentencing Law and Policy, and legalblogwatch, among others.
A very interesting case and stirring case history that may have grand implications for sentencing throughout the nation. After reading the story and the debate sides, what are your thoughts?
WWII Army Vet Receives Bronze Star
Pfc. Clarence Wallaert was shot in the hip by a German sniper while fighting against the German Winter Line in Italy Dec. 30, 1943. Wallaert bandaged his own wound and provided 12 hours of automatic rifle support for his Army comrades advancing into the Liri Valley-the "gateway to Rome."
Nearly 66 years later, Wallaert, 86, was awarded the Bronze Star Medal at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., April 14 for his meritorious actions during World War II.
Wallaert's son-in-law, retired Air Force Col. Jim Harper, attended the ceremony at Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command Headquarters where he works, along with other members of Wallaert's family.
"It was such an awesome and humbling experience to have (Maj.) Gen. (James) Hodge meet with the family and then award his medal," Harper said. "My father-in-law said that he was 'awed' by the ceremony."
Harper said the award was delayed for decades because Wallaert and his family did not realize he was authorized to receive the award until recently.
"It was unknown that Army regulations authorized the Bronze Star medal for WWII recipients if they had been awarded the Purple Heart and the Combat Infantryman's Badge," Harper said.
Wallaert previously received both decorations and his Bronze Star request was filed March 16. "It's one of those gems uncovered over time that showed he was authorized to receive it (the Bronze Star) when it was unknown to him prior to recently," Harper said.
Hodge, SDDC commanding general, presented Wallaert with his Bronze Star during the ceremony last week. "I was as happy as I could possibly be to be involved in the recognition of one of our WWII veterans," said Hodge, whose father is also a decorated World War II veteran.
"It was close to me personally," he said. "You could certainly see his pride during the ceremony."
Friday, back in Michigan, Wallaert said via phone that he was surprised by the large crowd at the ceremony. "I was really overwhelmed," Wallaert said. "I expected maybe one person to be there but they had the whole room (filled). I was just doing my duty and I didn't expect all the praise."
Wallaert served as a Browning Automatic Rifleman with the Army's K Company, 3rd Battalion, 180th Infantry Regiment, 45th division, from February 1943 until January 1944.
Wallaert and Company K received strong combat resistance from the hills of Mount Raimo in Italy, Dec. 30, 1943. The company had just cleared the town of Venafro and was fighting to move forward and drive German soldiers out of Southern Italy when then - Pfc. Wallaert was wounded but continued to provide automatic rifle support for his company.
Before his exceptional actions in Italy, Wallaert served in North Africa and Sicily. After being wounded in Italy he was transferred to a military hospital in Tunisia to recover and was then transferred back to the United States.
Back in the U.S., Wallaert was assigned to Fort Sheridan, Ill., on the north side of Chicago. He was discharged from active service on Dec. 7, 1945.
After being discharged, he worked as a mixer for the Sunshine Biscuit Company in Saginaw, Mich., then on a General Motors assembly line. Wallaert married his wife Geraldine on May 1, 1948. The couple has six children.
In 1995, Harper, went to Venafro, Italy, and took pictures of the war site. He shared the photos with his father-in-law who recalled the battleground.
"He remembered well the terrain and which mountain he was wounded on," Harper said.
Of the Bronze Star Award ceremony, Harper said it too would become another memory for his father-in-law. "(The ceremony) became a significant life event for my father-in-law," he said, "and I am sure it is one that will provide him many fond memories throughout his life."
Army News Service
She Could Be Salisbury's Next Fire Chief
A firefighter was working on the engine outside the station, when he noticed a little girl nearby in a little red wagon with little ladders hung off the sides, and a garden hose tightly coiled in the middle.
The girl was wearing a firefighter's helmet. The wagon was being pulled by her dog and her cat.
The firefighter walked over to take a closer look.
That sure is a nice fire truck,' the firefighter said with admiration.
Thanks,' the girl replied.
The firefighter looked a little closer. He noticed the girl had tied the wagon to her dog's collar and to the cat's testicles.
'Little partner,' the firefighter said, 'I don't want to tell you how to run your rig, but if you were to tie that rope around the cat's collar, I think you could go faster.'
The little girl replied thoughtfully, 'You're probably right, but then I wouldn't have a siren.
The girl was wearing a firefighter's helmet. The wagon was being pulled by her dog and her cat.
The firefighter walked over to take a closer look.
That sure is a nice fire truck,' the firefighter said with admiration.
Thanks,' the girl replied.
The firefighter looked a little closer. He noticed the girl had tied the wagon to her dog's collar and to the cat's testicles.
'Little partner,' the firefighter said, 'I don't want to tell you how to run your rig, but if you were to tie that rope around the cat's collar, I think you could go faster.'
The little girl replied thoughtfully, 'You're probably right, but then I wouldn't have a siren.
One Year Ago Today
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It was one year ago today my Attorney Bruce Bright threw in the first pitch at the Shorebirds Game. He's served quite a few Strike Outs lately. LOL
Cinco de Mayo
While some think of Cinco de Mayo as the Mexican equivalent to the United States' 4th of July, it's not, really. It's actually the celebration of the Mexican army's unlikely victory over the French occupational forces of Napoleon III at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. While outnumbered nearly two to one by a much better equipped force that had known no defeat in almost fifty years, the Mexicans rallied and defeated the French in a day-long battle that ended in mud and blood, with French casualties outnumbering the Mexicans' by over five to one, a stinging defeat that reverberated around the world.On September 16, 1862, then-President Juarez declared that the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla would be a national holiday. It has since fallen by the wayside as a national celebration, and is not now even a federal holiday. Instead, it has become a day of celebration of Mexican heritage throughout the New World and elsewhere, much the same as St. Patrick's Day is for the Irish.
So, as you down that Corona or Dos Equis on May 5th, think of the battle that signalled the downfall of the French occupation and oppression in Mexico that began in 1838. Lift a glass to the brave souls who looked death in the eye and, against overwhelming odds, fought for their freedom. Salud!
Wicomico County Sheriff's Office Most Wanted
Kevin James PriceWhite Male, 5’08” 150 lbs
DOB 11/09/1980 28 years of age
Brown hair, Blue eyes
Price’s last known address was Salisbury, MD
Price is wanted by the Sheriff’s Office on a Circuit Court Bench Warrant issued in October 2008 for Violation of Probation on the charge of CDS Possess Not Marijuana
The preset bond is $5,000.00
Price has a history of being a DRUG USER SELLER
Call 410-548-4891
UPS Gripe Sheet
UPS GRIPE SHEET
Remember it takes a college degree to fly a plane, but only a high school diploma to fix one...a reassurance to those of us who fly routinely in our jobs. After every flight, United Parcel Service pilots fill out a form, called a 'gripe sheet,' which tells mechanics about problems with the aircraft. The mechanics correct the problems; document their repairs on the form, and then pilots review the gripe sheets before the next flight.
Never let it be said that ground crews lack a sense of humor. Here are some actual maintenance complaints submitted by UPS ' pilots (marked with a P) and the solutions recorded (marked with an S) by maintenance engineers.
By the way, UPS is the only major airline that has never, ever, had an accident.
P: Left inside main tire almost needs replacement.
S: Almost replaced left inside main tire.
P: Test flight OK, except auto-land very rough.
S: Auto-land not installed on this air craft.
P: Something loose in cockpit.
S: Something tightened in cockpit.
P: Dead bugs on windshield.
S: Live bugs on back-order.
P: Auto pilot in altitude-hold mode produces a 200 feet per minute descent
S: Cannot reproduce problem on ground.
P: Evidence of leak on right main landing gear.
S: Evidence removed.
P: DME volume unbelievably loud.
S: DME volume set to more believable level.
P: Friction locks cause throttle levers to stick.
S: That's what friction locks are for.
P: IFF inoperative in OFF mode.
S: IFF always inoperative in OFF mode.
P: Suspected crack in windshield.
S: Suspect you're right.
P: Number 3 engine missing.
S: Engine found on right wing after brief search.
P: Aircraft handles funny.
S: Aircraft warned to straighten up, fly right and be serious.
P: Target radar hums.
S: Reprogrammed target radar with lyrics.
P: Mouse in cockpit.
S: Cat installed.
P: Noise coming from under instrument panel. Sounds like a midget pounding on something with a hammer.
S: Took hammer away from midget.
Remember it takes a college degree to fly a plane, but only a high school diploma to fix one...a reassurance to those of us who fly routinely in our jobs. After every flight, United Parcel Service pilots fill out a form, called a 'gripe sheet,' which tells mechanics about problems with the aircraft. The mechanics correct the problems; document their repairs on the form, and then pilots review the gripe sheets before the next flight.
Never let it be said that ground crews lack a sense of humor. Here are some actual maintenance complaints submitted by UPS ' pilots (marked with a P) and the solutions recorded (marked with an S) by maintenance engineers.
By the way, UPS is the only major airline that has never, ever, had an accident.
P: Left inside main tire almost needs replacement.
S: Almost replaced left inside main tire.
P: Test flight OK, except auto-land very rough.
S: Auto-land not installed on this air craft.
P: Something loose in cockpit.
S: Something tightened in cockpit.
P: Dead bugs on windshield.
S: Live bugs on back-order.
P: Auto pilot in altitude-hold mode produces a 200 feet per minute descent
S: Cannot reproduce problem on ground.
P: Evidence of leak on right main landing gear.
S: Evidence removed.
P: DME volume unbelievably loud.
S: DME volume set to more believable level.
P: Friction locks cause throttle levers to stick.
S: That's what friction locks are for.
P: IFF inoperative in OFF mode.
S: IFF always inoperative in OFF mode.
P: Suspected crack in windshield.
S: Suspect you're right.
P: Number 3 engine missing.
S: Engine found on right wing after brief search.
P: Aircraft handles funny.
S: Aircraft warned to straighten up, fly right and be serious.
P: Target radar hums.
S: Reprogrammed target radar with lyrics.
P: Mouse in cockpit.
S: Cat installed.
P: Noise coming from under instrument panel. Sounds like a midget pounding on something with a hammer.
S: Took hammer away from midget.
Somerset County Elite
"Hi Joe
Just a little new info on happenings within the Simpkins clan in Somerset Co. Guess who's kids ride all over Mt Vernon Rd area on their ATV and mini-bikes? Well, none other than those of the county attorney, Kirk Simpkins. Guess he FORGOT they're off road vehicles and, according to the Maryland DMV, are not allowed on county and/or state roads.
Then there's the county commissioner, Rex. He inherited his mom's house.
From the water, it really stands out - now. Bet he didn't get a permit to take down all those waterfront trees! He had Ronnie Haymaker take them down and grind out the stumps. Probably doesn't know you need special permits on waterfront trees.
Just another local citizen who needs permits, waivers, etc..."
Just a little new info on happenings within the Simpkins clan in Somerset Co. Guess who's kids ride all over Mt Vernon Rd area on their ATV and mini-bikes? Well, none other than those of the county attorney, Kirk Simpkins. Guess he FORGOT they're off road vehicles and, according to the Maryland DMV, are not allowed on county and/or state roads.
Then there's the county commissioner, Rex. He inherited his mom's house.
From the water, it really stands out - now. Bet he didn't get a permit to take down all those waterfront trees! He had Ronnie Haymaker take them down and grind out the stumps. Probably doesn't know you need special permits on waterfront trees.
Just another local citizen who needs permits, waivers, etc..."
Sunday, May 03, 2009
Ambulance Involved In Rehoboth Beach Crash
Rehoboth Beach – The Delaware State Police are investigating a crash that involved a Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company Ambulance. Troopers were called to the two vehicle crash at 6:23 pm on Coastal Highway (SR1) at John J Williams Highway (SR24).
Investigators learned that a 2004 Ford Ambulance, operated by Teri Overstreet, 22 of Harbeson, was traveling northbound on Coastal Hwy. The ambulance approached the intersection of SR 24 and was preparing to turn left to go westbound. The ambulance slowed down due to a red left- turn traffic signal and waited for southbound traffic to stop.
The ambulance, which had its emergency equipment activated, observed traffic stopped and began crossing the southbound lanes. A 2006 Chevy Impala, operated by Tonya Moore, 41 of Milton, was traveling southbound on Coastal Hwy in the right lane. She failed to yield to the ambulance and proceeded into the intersection. As a result the ambulance and Chevy collided.
Both operators and a passenger from the ambulance, Steven Humphreys, 32 of Georgetown, sustained minor injuries and were taken to Beebe Hospital. Ms. Moore was cited for Failure to Yield to an Emergency Vehicle.
All parties were wearing seatbelts and alcohol was not a factor. The ambulance was en-route to a medical assistance call and did not have any patients on board.
Investigators learned that a 2004 Ford Ambulance, operated by Teri Overstreet, 22 of Harbeson, was traveling northbound on Coastal Hwy. The ambulance approached the intersection of SR 24 and was preparing to turn left to go westbound. The ambulance slowed down due to a red left- turn traffic signal and waited for southbound traffic to stop.
The ambulance, which had its emergency equipment activated, observed traffic stopped and began crossing the southbound lanes. A 2006 Chevy Impala, operated by Tonya Moore, 41 of Milton, was traveling southbound on Coastal Hwy in the right lane. She failed to yield to the ambulance and proceeded into the intersection. As a result the ambulance and Chevy collided.
Both operators and a passenger from the ambulance, Steven Humphreys, 32 of Georgetown, sustained minor injuries and were taken to Beebe Hospital. Ms. Moore was cited for Failure to Yield to an Emergency Vehicle.
All parties were wearing seatbelts and alcohol was not a factor. The ambulance was en-route to a medical assistance call and did not have any patients on board.
Something To Do With A Boring Wet Sunday Evening
SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHS
This is brilliant.
I couldn't believe it, check it out. This Website is amazing.
They actually have photographs of almost every School in the World.
Unless you went to School when cameras weren't invented, you will find a photo of yourself or at least your classmates.
Click on the link below or type it into your search line. You have to enter the name of your school and Year that you were there.
Give it a go.....
www.worldschoolphotographs.com
This is brilliant.
I couldn't believe it, check it out. This Website is amazing.
They actually have photographs of almost every School in the World.
Unless you went to School when cameras weren't invented, you will find a photo of yourself or at least your classmates.
Click on the link below or type it into your search line. You have to enter the name of your school and Year that you were there.
Give it a go.....
www.worldschoolphotographs.com
One Of Our Posts Brought In 387 Comments, So Far
GO HERE to this Post and see the 387 comments. Clearly there are some very disappointed people working at the WCDC.
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