An internal IDF review of the takeover of the Gaza-bound ship Mavi Marmara revealed that three soldiers were briefly kidnapped while aboard the vessel. The three were beaten when they boarded the ship and then, when they were wounded and groggy, were dragged to a room within the ship and held there.
A short time later, dozens of their fellow soldiers began searching the ship. When the attacking passengers saw that soldiers had successfully seized control of the Marmara, they released the three captives, the report stated.
The captive soldiers had recovered from their initial disorientation during their time below deck, and once released hurried to join their unit.
IDF commanders reacted to the report with concern. As similar ships continue to make their way to Gaza, there could be a situation in which a soldier is held captive in order to give passengers a bargaining chip, they said, and that must be prevented.
Reuters has published an eyewitness account that backs the IDF report. Andre Abu Khalil, a Lebanese cameraman for the pan-Arab Al-Jazeera network, was aboard the Mavi Marmara as IDF soldiers boarded. He told Reuters that four soldiers who were among the first aboard were injured and were taken below deck.
A second wave of troops then attempted to board, he said. “Twenty Turkish men formed a human shield to prevent the Israeli soldiers from scaling the ship. They had slingshots, water pipes and sticks,” he recalled. After a brief standoff, after the first wave had been attacked violently, the Israelis opened fire, he claimed.
More from INN
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Friday, June 04, 2010
‘Flame Of Hope’ Arrives In Salisbury/Wicomico County
Wicomico County Law Enforcement Officers Participate in Statewide Torch Run Relay as Show of Support for the Special Olympics Maryland Summer Games Maryland Torch Run Celebrates 25 Years of Success
Salisbury -- Law Enforcement officers representing Wicomico County Law Enforcement will be on the run on Monday June 7th at 1PM taking part in the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run Relay for Special Olympics Maryland. Their mission: to escort and protect the Special Olympics ‘Flame of Hope’ as it makes its way toward the opening of the 40th Anniversary Summer Games at Towson University, June 11-13.
This year marks the 25th Anniversary of the Maryland Torch Run, a movement that began in 1986 with a handful of officers raising $5,000, and has grown into a true year-round effort that involves thousands of officers and raised $3.7 million in 2009. Since its inception, the Torch Run has taken very seriously its role as “Guardians of the Flame”, and the Relay is an important and celebrated part of every Special Olympics competition.
The schedule for Wicomico County’s portion of the Torch Run is as follows (all times are approximate and subject to change):
Begin 1PM at Salisbury University Student Center Parking lot and immediately run to Pinehurst Elementary School where the staff/students line the streets and special education students run with law enforcement. The run will continue down Riverside Dr to downtown Salisbury where it will eventually end at the Salisbury Police Department.
This local portion of the Torch Run Relay is part of a much larger effort. Statewide, the Maryland Torch Run Relay consists of four different legs – Eastern, Western, Central and Southern – and throughout the entire week, thousands of Torch Run volunteers will cover hundreds of miles, eventually converging on Towson where the individual flames will be united in the Final Leg Ceremony and then officers from around the state will travel the final 2.5 miles to the Opening Ceremony at Towson University. It is there that the Flame is handed off to the Special Olympics athletes who have the honor of taking the final lap with the torch and then lighting the cauldron and officially declaring the 2010 SOMD Summer Games open.
“This Torch Run Relay is really just a small piece of what the dedicated officers from around the state do for the athletes of Special Olympics Maryland on a year-round basis,” said Lt. John Newnan, Torch Run Director for Maryland. “But it is perhaps the most visible, and as we celebrate the 25th Anniversary of this movement, it is a phenomenal opportunity for us to bring our message of hope, acceptance and tolerance to the community at large. If we can change even one person’s attitude or educate someone about the abilities of Special Olympics athletes then every step of this week-long journey is worth it.”
The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Maryland is a year-round movement whose goal is to raise both funds and awareness for the athletes who train and compete in Special Olympics Maryland. The Maryland Torch Run began in 1986 with a handful of officers raising $50,000. Since that time, the Maryland Torch Run has grown tremendously, including volunteer officers from nearly every law enforcement agency and correctional facility in Maryland, and through special events such as the MSP Polar Bear Plunge, the annual Torch Run T-shirt sales and other efforts, raising $3.7 million for SOMD in 2009, and once again earning “Top Fundraising Program” honors at the annual International Torch Run Conference.
The 40th Anniversary SOMD Summer Games are set for June 11-13 at Towson University. During this celebrated weekend, 1,200 athletes from around the state will go for gold in aquatics, athletics, bocce, equestrian, cheerleading and softball.
For more information about Special Olympics Maryland, the Torch Run Relay and the 2010 Summer Games, contact Kelley Schniedwind at 410-789-6677 x117 or visit http://www.somd.org.
Congress Hard At Work: Bill to Remedy ‘Gender Discrimination’ In Public Restrooms
A bill providing “restroom gender parity” in federal buildings is getting serious, bipartisan consideration in Congress at a time when many Americans are pressing Congress to do something about jobs, immigration, and other pressing matters.
The Restroom Gender Parity in Federal Buildings Act received a full committee hearing on May 12, complete with introductory remarks by lawmakers and testimony from witnesses.
Rep. Darryl Issa of California, the ranking Republican on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, noted the importance of the hearing process – not to mention the potty parity bill itself:
“As people seldom realize, in Congress, in order to move a piece of legislation, we hold hearings. In order to understand the final and best form of that legislation, we hold hearings. I think this is no exception,” said Issa, who described the bill as laudable and essential.
Institutional discrimination in restrooms
The bill’s sponsor, Committee Chairman Rep. Edolphus Towns (D-N.Y.), outlined both the problem and his proposed solution:
“This is not a minor issue,” Towns said. “Women are often forced to wait in long lines to use public restrooms or walk further to find a restroom while men rarely have the same problem.”
The Restroom Gender Parity in Federal Buildings Act received a full committee hearing on May 12, complete with introductory remarks by lawmakers and testimony from witnesses.
Rep. Darryl Issa of California, the ranking Republican on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, noted the importance of the hearing process – not to mention the potty parity bill itself:
“As people seldom realize, in Congress, in order to move a piece of legislation, we hold hearings. In order to understand the final and best form of that legislation, we hold hearings. I think this is no exception,” said Issa, who described the bill as laudable and essential.
Institutional discrimination in restrooms
The bill’s sponsor, Committee Chairman Rep. Edolphus Towns (D-N.Y.), outlined both the problem and his proposed solution:
“This is not a minor issue,” Towns said. “Women are often forced to wait in long lines to use public restrooms or walk further to find a restroom while men rarely have the same problem.”
More about this pressing issue
[I'm sure authority for this falls under the 'Potty Parity Amendment' to the US Constitution-- Editor]
North Carolina Man Arrested For Raping A 14 Year-Old
Location: Maple and Willow Roads, Frederica, Kent County, DE
Date of Occurrence: Sunday May 16, 2010
Suspect:
Gino Alfonso Laflora, 20, Fayetteville, NC
Resume:
Delaware State Police have charged a 20 year-old North Carolina man with sexually assaulting a 14 year-old girl.
On Friday, May 28, 2010 a 14 year-old Frederica girl reported to state troopers that she was sexually assaulted by a male who lives in North Carolina but was visiting family members who were living in the neighborhood. The victim told troopers that the assault occurred near an open lot between Willow Drive and Maple Drive. The victim said she knew the suspect from a friend from the neighborhood.
The victim said she was alone with the suspect in his car when the assault happened.
State police worked with family members and North Carolina authorities to obtain the suspect’s identity.
On June 2, 2010 state police were able to identify the suspect as Gino Alfonso Laflora.
On Thursday June 3rd Laflora returned to Kent County, Delaware and turned himself into state police at Troop 3. Troopers gathered evidence that implicated Laflora in the crime. He was charged with Rape 1st and Unlawful Imprisonment. He was committed to the Department of Correction in default of $52,000 bail pending a preliminary hearing in the Court of Common Pleas in and for Kent County.
Bob Ehrlich Welcomes President Obama To Maryland
ANNAPOLIS – Bob Ehrlich today issued the following statement welcoming President Barack Obama to Maryland and offering suggestions for small business owners with whom the president and Governor Martin O’Malley could meet to learn about Maryland’s economic hardships.
“I’d like to welcome President Obama to Maryland. It is always productive to have the president hear firsthand how the doubling of our unemployment rate and the closing of 3,000 small businesses last year is impacting Maryland. Having met with more than 100 small business owners in the past two months, these hardships are foremost on my mind.
“I respectfully encourage President Obama and Governor O’Malley to visit a few of the entrepreneurs I have met with to hear firsthand their sobering stories of the obstacles to job creation that currently exist in government. I have included a list of small business owners with whom I believe a conversation would be valuable.”
· Lynn Eash of Columbia-based E & G Classics, whose company has been forced to lay off more than 160 employees since 2006;
· Whitney Whiteman, the owner of ice cream franchises in Baltimore County, whose customers complained about having to pay a 20% sales tax increase beginning in 2007;
· Amy Brown, owner of Blue Heron Bags, who was forced to pay unemployment insurance taxes for a part-time employee on payroll for less than one month;
· Louann Livingood, owner of an embroidery shop in Mount Airy, who dealt with incompetent management of the state’s unemployment insurance program;
· Jeannie Cousineaux-Stone, owner of Stoney’s Seafood Restaurant in Broom’s Island, whose dreams of expanding her business were derailed by the state’s overzealous regulatory environment.
City Of Salisbury Press Release
Debbie Campbell Selected to Participate in the NeighborWorks® Achieving
Excellence in Community Development Program at Harvard
Through a competitive process, Debbie Campbell has been selected to participate in the NeighborWorks® Achieving Excellence in Community Development Program. This highly innovative and challenging course was designed for seasoned senior leaders in the community development field.
This prestigious program features academic sessions at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government with one-on-one executive coaching throughout the 18-month program which includes a combination of challenging coursework, coaching support, and collaboration among peer participants.
This program has a highly competitive application process drawing community development professionals from across the nation. Applicants are drawn to the program partly due to the success of past participants who have emerged with new ways to approach specific critical challenges that impact their organizations, the field of community development and them.
Evaluated in a report by EnCompass LLC, the AE program is noted for its results oriented approach, citing impressive quantitative organizational and community impacts attributable to the AE program.
Ms. Campbell is Vice President and Director of Marketing for Community Housing Capital (CHC) and is one of the founding members of the CHC team. She has been an integral part of the growth and evolution of CHC as the premier direct affordable housing lender to the NeighborWorks® network. Upon notification of her selection to participate in the program, she said, “I am grateful to NeighborWorks® America and the Achieving Excellence program for this opportunity and I believe that as a result of my participation, I will learn new approaches to addressing current and future capital demands in support of preserving and creating affordable for-sale and rental housing at scale. Colleagues who have completed the program say that it is a life changing experience. I am looking forward to the challenge and the increased contribution that I will be able to make in the industry as a result of the AE program.”
Teltronic, Inc.
Hi Joe,
In reference to the blog “Brad Gillis, Helping To Build Our Local Economic & Development”
We were so pleased to see the blog on your website about the wireless solution provider moving into the building on Windsor Drive in Salisbury. That is who I work for and we wanted to give you some information about us to post if at all possible.
We are Teltronic, Inc., formerly Caldabaugh Communications and have been in business since 1950 here in Salisbury, MD. We are a premier Motorola Two-Way Radio shop providing sales and service for the entire Delmarva Peninsula. In 2005, Mr. Caldabaugh retired and sold the business to Teltronic, Inc. Teltronic has been servicing the Baltimore, Washington and surrounding areas since 1961. It was a great match when Teltronic decided to purchase Caldabaugh Communications to extend their coverage area and capabilities onto the Eastern Shore. Teltronic plays a critical role in today’s business environment as companies are looking for ways to improve their customer service, reduce waste and keep their competitive edge.
Teltronic is a diversified communications technology company that has been helping commercial businesses, federal, state and local governments make the right decisions for their wireless communications needs. With our vast experience, technical capability and industry proven product lines we are capable of meeting almost any requirement for wide area, on-site and Public Safety communications. Take a look at just a few of the industries using our products and services. No one offers more choices in wireless solutions than Teltronic.
Please feel free to view our website at http://www.teltronic.com/.
Dave Trembley Fired as Orioles Manager
In what was likely the worst kept secret in Baltimore, Dave Trembley has finally, officially been fired as the manager of the Baltimore Orioles.
The Orioles are currently riding a wave of ineptitude that features no clutch hitting, fielding mistakes, base running errors, a horrid bullpen and a palpable malaise that is as undeniable as it is embarrassing.
These are not your father's Orioles.
It seems like a lifetime ago that "The Oriole Way" was a phrase that meant hard work, determination and success. Now it could very well mean a dysfunctional organization that rivals the Oakland Raiders for its ability to find new lows to sink to.
This year the Orioles have the worst record in baseball at 15-39, which is good for a .278 winning percentage- losing 72.2% of the time. Maybe the safest bet in sports to is pick against the Orioles. The team is 15.5 games behind 4th place.
For his tenure Dave Trembley was just 187-283. His achilles heel was the way he shuffled relief pitchers to and fro, often with disastrous results. But the O's decline is not his fault alone. The team isn't hitting and some of that blame should fall to GM Andy MacPhail as well as hitting coach Terry Crowley. Baltimore ranks near the bottom in virtually every AL offensive category. Juan Samuel, who was a good player, but terrible third base coach, will take over the reigns with the "interim" tag.
In my opinion Dave Trembley was set up to fail or at the very least was not put in the best position to succeed. After last season the Orioles knew they needed a closer, after dealing their closer, George Sherrill, to the Dodger. This offseason they signed Mike Gonzalez. He promptly blew two saves to begin the season and went on the DL- where he still resides. MacPhail added no one else with any creditability to pick up the slack. Also lacking in the Orioles' game was a true home run hitter. For this MacPhail did nothing. We have no can't-miss power hitters in AAA and none on the team. He didn't sign one, trade for one or in any way address the need. Given this, it shouldn't be a surprise that the Orioles are having trouble generating runs.
While I agree with the decision to fire Trembley, I am 99.9% positive that Juan Samuel is not the answer. He has only managed one year and that was in AA. Short of Peter Angelos selling the team (probably the best thing that could happen) the Orioles need to bring in a fiery competitor that will not stand for the mediocrity that has become the team's standard for the last 12 years of losing. We need a younger version of Earl Weaver or Mike Ditka. While that will not guarantee instant success, a passionate manager would at least send a signal to Oriole fans that someone actually cares and is trying.
I, for one, am tired as hell of making the 100+ mile drive up to Baltimore to see the O's not run out ground balls, not catch fly balls that were clearly catchable, not hold leads in late innings, etc... It's a lot to ask of a fan to put forth that kind of effort when the millionaires playing the game seem to be mailing it in every game. This is why I have not attended one game this year. It's not about the wins and losses for me, it's about how the game is played. These Orioles, under Trembley, were not playing the game "The Orioles Way" or "The Ripken Way". I highly doubt Juan Samuel will be the manager after September, but I do wish him success. Perhaps he'll get them playing with effort and I can return to my beloved Camden Yards.
When it comes to Dave Trembley I'll also wish him success in the future. I've heard from everyone that he is a nice guy and as such, I feel for him that he is now jobless. Below is my favorite picture of Dave. It shows him throwing an umpire out of the game.
The Orioles are currently riding a wave of ineptitude that features no clutch hitting, fielding mistakes, base running errors, a horrid bullpen and a palpable malaise that is as undeniable as it is embarrassing.
These are not your father's Orioles.
It seems like a lifetime ago that "The Oriole Way" was a phrase that meant hard work, determination and success. Now it could very well mean a dysfunctional organization that rivals the Oakland Raiders for its ability to find new lows to sink to.
This year the Orioles have the worst record in baseball at 15-39, which is good for a .278 winning percentage- losing 72.2% of the time. Maybe the safest bet in sports to is pick against the Orioles. The team is 15.5 games behind 4th place.
For his tenure Dave Trembley was just 187-283. His achilles heel was the way he shuffled relief pitchers to and fro, often with disastrous results. But the O's decline is not his fault alone. The team isn't hitting and some of that blame should fall to GM Andy MacPhail as well as hitting coach Terry Crowley. Baltimore ranks near the bottom in virtually every AL offensive category. Juan Samuel, who was a good player, but terrible third base coach, will take over the reigns with the "interim" tag.
In my opinion Dave Trembley was set up to fail or at the very least was not put in the best position to succeed. After last season the Orioles knew they needed a closer, after dealing their closer, George Sherrill, to the Dodger. This offseason they signed Mike Gonzalez. He promptly blew two saves to begin the season and went on the DL- where he still resides. MacPhail added no one else with any creditability to pick up the slack. Also lacking in the Orioles' game was a true home run hitter. For this MacPhail did nothing. We have no can't-miss power hitters in AAA and none on the team. He didn't sign one, trade for one or in any way address the need. Given this, it shouldn't be a surprise that the Orioles are having trouble generating runs.
While I agree with the decision to fire Trembley, I am 99.9% positive that Juan Samuel is not the answer. He has only managed one year and that was in AA. Short of Peter Angelos selling the team (probably the best thing that could happen) the Orioles need to bring in a fiery competitor that will not stand for the mediocrity that has become the team's standard for the last 12 years of losing. We need a younger version of Earl Weaver or Mike Ditka. While that will not guarantee instant success, a passionate manager would at least send a signal to Oriole fans that someone actually cares and is trying.
I, for one, am tired as hell of making the 100+ mile drive up to Baltimore to see the O's not run out ground balls, not catch fly balls that were clearly catchable, not hold leads in late innings, etc... It's a lot to ask of a fan to put forth that kind of effort when the millionaires playing the game seem to be mailing it in every game. This is why I have not attended one game this year. It's not about the wins and losses for me, it's about how the game is played. These Orioles, under Trembley, were not playing the game "The Orioles Way" or "The Ripken Way". I highly doubt Juan Samuel will be the manager after September, but I do wish him success. Perhaps he'll get them playing with effort and I can return to my beloved Camden Yards.
When it comes to Dave Trembley I'll also wish him success in the future. I've heard from everyone that he is a nice guy and as such, I feel for him that he is now jobless. Below is my favorite picture of Dave. It shows him throwing an umpire out of the game.
Romanoff Breaks Silence On White House Job Offer
Multisource political news, world news, and entertainment news analysis by Newsy.com
Delaware Electric Cooperative "Peak Alert" June 4th
URGENT “BEAT THE PEAK”
3 P.M. to 7 P.M., Tonight, June 4th
Because of the warm weather forecasted in our region tonight, we are asking you to delay the usage of all unnecessary lights and appliances during these hours as well as turning your thermostat up 3 degrees.
While the largest consumers of electricity in the home during these hours and during this time of year are cooling costs and lighting, other large consumers of electricity include major appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines, clothes dryers, water heaters and stoves.
By delaying the use of unnecessary lighting and appliances as well as turning your thermostat up 3 degrees between 3 P.M. and 7 P.M., tonight, we can save energy resources, avoid high cost energy and help the environment.
For more information on our “Beat the Peak” program visit www.beatthepeak.coop and be sure to signup for a free In-Home Indicator which you plug into the wall and it will alert you when a Beat the Peak event happens.
You can also follow our Beat the Peak alerts and other news by becoming a follower of Delaware Electric Coop on and/or.
If we all save a little, together we save a lot.
PHONEY RALLY AT WHITE HOUSE AGAINST AZ GOV BREWER
Yesterday I had the opportunity to watch the contrived rally in front of the White House allegedly to protest Arizona's much welcomed new immigration law & the meeting between Arizona Governor Jan Brewer and President Obama on immigration issues.
Far from a spontaneous public outburst against AZ, it was instead the usual suspects doing their thing probably on the taxpayers' nickel. CASA of Maryland led by Kimmie Propeak and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) were 90 percent of the crowd of about 60 people. Both organizations had their trademark tee-shirts on. There was a sprinkling of, dare I say, people who when I got close enough to listen spoke little or no English. Those folks were propped in from the microphones and cameras of the almost totally Hispanic media.
I was pleased to see that there were a good number of counter protesters like myself there from MD and VA, and a few AZ flags! I did 6 radio and TV interviews to present the side of American citizens supporting Arizona and concerned about illegal immigration and the need for enforcement of immigration laws nation-wide. I wish I had a picture of those Hispanic journalists when I answered their loaded questions with the facts, it was priceless.
Best of all was an on camera debate I had with some left wing college students trying to argue for the illegals. The usual weak arguments which we have already answered on the Help Save Maryland website.
See http://www.helpsavemaryland.org/files/AmnestyStrawMen.pdf
With one addition. The students tried to argue that illegal aliens pay their fair share of sales, income and social security taxes. I argued that the illegals, even if they do pay taxes from their jobs (which is a crime to work without a green card and use a false ss number) they do consume more of our taxes in using schools, medical, incarceration, day laborer centers, housing and food assistance and other expenses.
Tourists are much better than illegal aliens I argued as they pay sales, hotel, airport and other taxes while spending their money in our economy. But best of all the tourists go home and don't use our schools, medical, housing, energy, food and other taxpayer subsidies! What are they teaching our young adults in college these days??
Far from a spontaneous public outburst against AZ, it was instead the usual suspects doing their thing probably on the taxpayers' nickel. CASA of Maryland led by Kimmie Propeak and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) were 90 percent of the crowd of about 60 people. Both organizations had their trademark tee-shirts on. There was a sprinkling of, dare I say, people who when I got close enough to listen spoke little or no English. Those folks were propped in from the microphones and cameras of the almost totally Hispanic media.
I was pleased to see that there were a good number of counter protesters like myself there from MD and VA, and a few AZ flags! I did 6 radio and TV interviews to present the side of American citizens supporting Arizona and concerned about illegal immigration and the need for enforcement of immigration laws nation-wide. I wish I had a picture of those Hispanic journalists when I answered their loaded questions with the facts, it was priceless.
Best of all was an on camera debate I had with some left wing college students trying to argue for the illegals. The usual weak arguments which we have already answered on the Help Save Maryland website.
See http://www.helpsavemaryland.org/files/AmnestyStrawMen.pdf
With one addition. The students tried to argue that illegal aliens pay their fair share of sales, income and social security taxes. I argued that the illegals, even if they do pay taxes from their jobs (which is a crime to work without a green card and use a false ss number) they do consume more of our taxes in using schools, medical, incarceration, day laborer centers, housing and food assistance and other expenses.
Tourists are much better than illegal aliens I argued as they pay sales, hotel, airport and other taxes while spending their money in our economy. But best of all the tourists go home and don't use our schools, medical, housing, energy, food and other taxpayer subsidies! What are they teaching our young adults in college these days??
Barney Frank: Israeli Actions Make Me "Ashamed" As A Jew, Flotilla Activists Are "Innocent"
Boston Globe: U.S. Rep. Barney Frank had harsh words yesterday for the Israeli Navy after a bloody raid on a pro-Palestinian flotilla outside of Gaza, describing nine activists killed in the conflict as "innocent" and calling for an independent inquiry into the showdown.
Frank, in a wide-ranging interview with the Herald, went on to say that "as a Jew" Israeli treatment of Arabs around some of the West Bank settlements makes me ashamed that there would be Jews that would engage in that kind of victimization of a minority.
GO HERE to watch video.
Frank, in a wide-ranging interview with the Herald, went on to say that "as a Jew" Israeli treatment of Arabs around some of the West Bank settlements makes me ashamed that there would be Jews that would engage in that kind of victimization of a minority.
GO HERE to watch video.
Revitalizing A Year Old Post
More Discussions On The Downtown Plaza
When Urban Salisbury was having their final meeting, thinking they were no longer going to be around, "I" brought up the Disney Concept. I don't know where Brad Gillis became recognized for such, (he was in the same meeting) but I explained to everyone just how Disney created Disney Land and Disney World.
Allow me just a minute here to explain as I'm confident many of you were not aware of any of this.
You see, Walt Disney had a very creative mind. He came up with this idea of an entertainment theme park but because he didn't have the money to make it work, he went outside the box and created what some of us know as the largest Trade Show ever created, open 365 days a year and millions of visitors.
You see, when you go to Disney World, (as an example) did you ever notice the GE Carousel? Did you notice Chrysler, Ford, Westinghouse, Paramount, etc.? What Walt Disney did was, he went to all of these major manufacturers and said, I'm building this theme park where I'm going to bring you millions of visitors per year. You can buy these 8 acres and here's what I want you to build. I want a roller coaster ride here, (you pay for it) and this area here is where you'll build an exhibition center to market your products. Once each company got on board it was simple to get others.
What Walt Disney did was, he sold them on the fact that he'd only take 35% at the gate and they could all share the rest. Then he went to the state of California and then Florida and said, this is land you can't do anything with. You give me the land and in 20 years I'll bring you $20,000,000.00 worth of taxes. The states agreed and it was no longer a vision, it became an instant success.
I explained this to Urban Salisbury months ago and I stated this shouldn't have to cost the taxpayers a penny. If you have the right vision and tools, anyone could make it work. Mind you, that was the short version of what happened overall but you get the picture.
The Downtown Plaza could be built up just like Pleasure Island in Disney World. I personally feel it needs to be designed around entertainment. Bars, restaurants and then specialty shops along the way. You want an attractions destination to PULL from Ocean City. You want to be years ahead. Think of the draw during Bike Week, Pork in the Park and ALL of the other Hot Rod events and Ocean City Trade Shows.
My idea is to completely shut down the Plaza and even allow outdoor drinking. This way people can smoke a cigar or cigarette and simply open it at both ends. Provide transportation so the college students can have a way to and from and even a bus shuttle to Ocean City.
If you create a entertainment theme park there, there's no question in my mind, (even in the worst economy) it will do well. You have to think OUT OF THE BOX and make it work, just like Walt Disney. I see a fantastic future for property owners to do well on the sale of their properties in order to get out and the future value would be unthinkable!
So rather than coming up with a plan that looks real nice, why not do like I've been doing and create the MOTOR to the entire plan. Something in which you know will work. All they're providing right now is the frame and body but there's NO ENGINE! That's what I'm good at. Imagine a local Seacrets on the Downtown Plaza. Yeah, sure there's going to be some issues and problems. However, all of them can be worked out. You have a Parking Garage that could be FULL every single night and charge for parking. Well, anyway, it's a thought. Let's see where this takes us.
FRUITLAND POLICE DEPARTMENT WINS MARYLAND LAW ENFORCEMENT CHALLENGE AWARD
Maryland Law Enforcement Challenge Recognizes Top Statewide Agencies
Fruitland, MD - The Fruitland Police Department has been named as the winner in its category in the prestigious Maryland Law Enforcement Challenge, a program sponsored by the Maryland Chiefs of Police Association (MCPA), the Maryland Sheriff’s Association (MSA) and the Maryland State Highway Administration’s Highway Safety Office (MHSO). Winning a Maryland Law Enforcement Challenge signifies excellence in traffic safety enforcement, and the agency’s impact on overall public safety.
“Traffic safety is one of our top priorities,” stated Chief Michael Phillips. “This award is truly special, and it is a direct result of the hard work and dedication of the men and women of the Fruitland Police Department.”
The Maryland Law Enforcement Challenge promotes competition among Maryland police agencies, while recognizing and honoring those that excel in traffic safety enforcement. Throughout 2009, more than 80 police agencies, sheriff’s offices, and Maryland State Police barracks competed in the program. Awards are given out for each of the 12 categories, with the winner being determined by a panel of law enforcement officials from throughout the State.
“Crashes are avoidable and every fatality on Maryland’s roadways is a tragedy,” said Maryland Chiefs of Police Association President Chief George Johnson. “The [Fruitland Police Department deserves this award for its lifesaving efforts and recognition that traffic safety is public safety.”
“We want to prevent crashes before they happen,” said Ofc. Nick McLeod. “We try and educate people to slow down, buckle up and drive sober, but when those messages do not resonate, we will continue our policy to enforce all of Maryland’s traffic laws to the best of our abilities.”
Lost Dog Update
"Joe - I just received a call this morning from Phyllis Saltz that hermissing dog (lost May 29 following her house fire on Old State Road inCrisfield) was found inside the home. She appreciates everyone's support,and acknowledged that while it's a sad outcome, she now has closure.Thanks for posting"
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