Protection For Home

If you don't have a gun, here's a more humane
way to wreck someone’s
evil plans for you.


Did you know this? I didn't. I never really thought of it
before.

I guess I can get rid of the baseball bat.


Wasp Spray
A friend who is a receptionist in a church in a high risk area was
concerned about someone coming into the office on Monday to rob them
when they were counting the collection. She asked the local police
department about using pepper spray and they recommended to her that
she get a can of wasp spray instead.

The wasp spray, they told her, can shoot up to twenty feet away and is
a lot more accurate, while with the pepper
spray, they have to get too close to you and could overpower you. The
wasp spray temporarily blinds an attacker until they get to the
hospital for an antidote. She keeps a can on her desk in the office
and it doesn't attract attention from people like a can of pepper
spray would. She also keeps one nearby at home for home protection.
Thought this was interesting and might be of use.

On the heels of a break in and beating that left an elderly woman in
Toledo dead, self defense experts have a tip that could save
your life.

Val Glinka teaches self-defense to students at
Sylvania Southview High School. For decades, he's suggested putting a
can of wasp and hornet spray near your door or bed.

Glinka says, "This is better than anything I can teach them."

Glinka considers it inexpensive, easy to find, and more effective than
mace or pepper spray. The cans typically shoot 20 to 30 feet; so
if someone tries to break into your home, Glinka says "spray the
culprit in the eyes". It's a tip he's given to students for
decades.

It's also one he wants everyone to hear. If you're looking for
protection, Glinka says look to the spray.

"That's going to give you a chance to call the police; maybe get
out."

Maybe even save a life.

Please share this with all the people in your life

Jewelry Store Robber Arrested

Location: Khalsa Jewelers, 36508 Seaside Outlet Dr, Tanger Outlets, Rehoboth, Beach, DE

Date of Occurrence: April 26, 2009 at approximately 6:45 p.m. / Arrested December 7, 2009

Defendant: Marvin Mencia, 22, Egg Harbor City, NJ

Resume:

State troopers arrested a 22 year-old New Jersey man for his involvement in an April 2009 jewelry store robbery.

Troopers arrested Mencia today after he was already incarcerated for a bank robbery which occurred on August 31, 2009. The bank robbery occurred at the Artisan’s Bank located at 1124 Pulaski Hwy, Bear.

Mencia allegedly entered Khalsa Jewelers back in April under the ruse of being a customer. He displayed a revolver and forced an employee to empty jewelry valued over $160,000 into a rolling suitcase. He then forced the employee into the bathroom and fled the store. Evidence found at the scene implicated Mencia in the crime. He was charged with Robbery 1st, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony and Aggravated Menacing. Bail was set at $166,500.00 secured.

No one was injured in the jewelry store robbery.

THE CUCKOO'S NEXT VISITS COPENHAGEN

One of my all-time favorite novels is Ken Kesey's One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, later made into an Oscar-winning film. Set in an institution for psychological patients, Cuckoo's Nest was a cautionary tale about all institutions-schools, churches, businesses, government bureaucracies, etc., it dramatized the horrors of what can happen when those in charge hijack an institution and place their own ambitions and lust for power, prestige, and control above the welfare of the very people whom the institution was created to help.

The United Nations fits the cuckoo's nest paradigm perfectly. It is ostensibly dedicated to some of mankind's loftiest ideals. The U.N. Declaration of Human Rights affirms: "Everyone has the right to life, liberty, and security of person." "No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest." "No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his property." "Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion," etc.

In practice, though, the U.N. welcomes, legitimizes, and empowers regimes that systematically trample those rights. U.N. officials readily betray the welfare and liberty of billions of individuals in their pursuit of world government. With cynical irony, the UN extends the voting privilege to regimes that would never permit an honest, democratic vote in their own countries. Also, because the major obstacle to global government is a strong, sovereign United States, U.N. delegates from illiberal regimes routinely gang up to vote against our interests.

Why would any American want to strengthen the UN? Some individuals crave the unprecedented powers that a worldwide government would have. Others pathologically hate liberal democracy, free markets, and limits on government power, and so despise American sovereignty. Most pro-U.N. Americans, to give them the benefit of the doubt, are idealists who believe that the way to establish peace on earth is to do away with nation-states. No nation-states, no wars, right? Not so.

It amazes me that the same people who loathe private-sector business monopolies believe that a global monopoly of governmental power would be benign. When Stalin consolidated hegemony over the 15 republics that constituted the Soviet Union, there was no more war in the conventional sense, but the Soviet Union remained an exceedingly violent place. The government warred against its own people, but the disarmed populace couldn't fight back. The death toll was enormous.

Those who believe that a one-world government would produce peace on earth should google "R. J. Rummel and democide." They will learn that wars have killed far fewer people than have strong governments. Competition in business serves consumer welfare far better than monopoly, and so does political competition. The 20th century featured lab-like experiments proving this: East and West Germany, North and South Korea, China vs. Taiwan and Hong Kong, east of the Iron Curtain and west of it - in all cases people voted with their feet to leave countries where there was a deadly monopoly of political power to live where politicians competed for the citizens' approval.

This week the UN is pursuing all 3 of its nefarious goals trashing the rights of individuals, pushing for global governance, and knocking the U.S. down a few pegs-at the "climate change" meeting in Copenhagen.

UN Goal #1: The highest estimate of the estimated costs of a global cap & trade regime that I have seen was not from a global-warming skeptic, but the U.N.'s own figure of $552 trillion during the 21st century. Since global GDP today is around $65 trillion, the UN is talking about sacrificing nearly a decade's worth of wealth in the name of combating climate change. Since the most lethal environment for humans is poverty, the U.N.'s call to reduce wealth by that unfathomable amount would cause tens of millions of unnecessary deaths -- a gargantuan genocide or democide -- and the violation of the most fundamental human right of all, life.

UN Goal #2: Preliminary language composed in advance of the Copenhagen confab calls for creation of a new UN body, "the Conference of the Parties (COP)." COP needs sweeping powers, because "the way society is structured will need to change fundamentally." Such "change" won't be cheap, so the UN seeks a "massive scaling up of financial resources" to fund COP.

Surprise! The UN wants to levy taxes! This is huge, because if the U.N. ever gains the power to tax sovereign nations, national sovereignty will be in mortal jeopardy, and the era of one-world government will draw near.

UN Goal #3: The climate change claque seeks to penalize rich countries -- especially the US -- for our prosperity. According to Friends of the Earth, "A climate change response must have at its heart a redistribution of wealth and resources." President Obama emphatically believes this. He wants to redistribute American wealth abroad. He doesn't understand that rich countries became rich by embracing the principles of private property and free enterprise, while poor countries shunned that same road to prosperity. The U.S. didn't get rich by taking wealth from poor countries, and what poor countries need to prosper is not transfers of US wealth, but to adopt the right values and policies.

Thankfully, it doesn't appear that the Copenhagen meeting will produce a CO2 emissions control agreement against a backdrop of global cooling, the climategate scandal, and economic weakness. Nevertheless, what the U.N. insiders and Obama are plotting there is monstrous. This week, the cuckoo's nest is in Copenhagen. END

Mark Hendrickson, Ph.D. teaches economics at Grove City College and is Fellow for Economic and Social Policy with the College's Center for Vision & Values.

Page Printed from:

http://www.americanthinker.com/2009/12/the_cuckoos_nest_visits_copenh.html at December 07, 2009 - 07:37:58 AM EST
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Santa Will Arrive Wednesday December 9th!

Santa's Hours 6pm -9pm

Wed Dec 9th
Friday Dec 11th
Sat Dec 12th
Sun Dec 13th
Wed Dec 16th

Friday Dec 18 THRU
Wed Dec 23rd

All times and dates are weather permitting.

The lights are on every night weahter permitting from 6-9pm.

Everyone is welcome to get out and walk around the yards to look at the display and visit Santa on the nights listed above. Don't forget your cameras to take pictures with Santa!

Location

Parker Place
Pittsville, Md

From Salisbury take Rt 50 East. Turn left at the first Pittsville exit. Main street ext. Follow Main street across Old OC road. Turn left on the next road to the left. Parker Street.
The next road on the left is Parker Place.

From Ocean City Take Rt 50 West and turn right at the Chevron station RT 353. Turn left onto Railroad Ave (between Station 7 restaurant and PNC Bank. Follow Railroad to the end and make a right onto Parker Street. and almost an immediate left onto Parker Place

Wicomico County Sheriff's Office Press Releases

Incident: Child Neglect
Date of Incident: 4 December 2009
Location: 1000 block of East Road, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Yolanda S. Spates, 21, Salisbury, MD

Narrative: On 4 December 2009 at 4:40 PM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to the report of a 4 year old child walking along side the roadway in the 1000 block of West Road. Upon the arrival of the deputy, he observed that the child was completely unattended. During the time with the child, the child also complained to the deputy how cold the child was. The deputy managed to locate an apartment where the child lived and discovered the child’s mother, Yolanda Spates, inside asleep.

At the conclusion of the investigation, the deputy placed Spates under arrest and transported her to the Central Booking Unit where she was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, Spates was detained in the Detention Center by the Commissioner in lieu of $50,000.00 bond.

Charges: Desertion of a Minor Child

Incident: Child Neglect
Date of Incident: 5 December 2009
Location: 200 block of Eden Street, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Michael R. Travis, 25, Salisbury, MD

Narrative: On 5 December 2009 at 1:05 AM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to a complaint of unattended children. Upon the arrival of the deputy, she was met bet a 6 year of age child who invited the deputy inside the residence. The caretaker was discovered passed out inside the residence, apparently induced by a substantial consumption of alcohol. Also discovered was a one year old asleep in the house that the caretaker was supposed to be watching. Further investigation revealed another child, a 7 year old, had gone outside in an attempt to locate assistance within the neighborhood. When the deputy located that child, the deputy observed that the child was walking around outside in the rain.

The caretaker, Michael Travis, was placed under arrest and transported to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, Travis was detained by the Commissioner in the Detention Center in lieu of $20,000.00 bond.

Charges: Reckless Endangerment
Contribute to the Condition of a Child

Incident: Assault
Date of Incident: 6 December 2009
Location: 1200 block of Nokomis Avenue, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Aeron Khalil Neemar

Narrative: On 6 December 2009 at 2:19 PM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to investigate an altercation that occurred inside a residence in the 1200 block of Nokomis Avenue. Upon arrival, the resident there stated she had become involved in a physical altercation the father of her children, Aeron Neemar, earlier in the day. The victim stated that Neemar punched her in the face and then punched her flat screen television which shattered the screen.

The deputy saw injuries on the victim that corroborated her account. Neemar had left the residence prior to the arrival of the deputy so an arrest warrant was obtained and Neemar was subsequently located and arrested. Neemar was processed at the Central Booking Unit and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, Neemar was detained in the Detention Center by the Commissioner in lieu of $15,000.00 bond.

Charges:
Assault 2nd degree
Malicious Destruction of Property

Wicomico County Public School System Conserves Dollars In Current Difficult Budget Times

As challenging financial times continue for the community, the state, the country and the world, the Wicomico County Public School System is carefully conserving dollars in this year's budget and looking for ways to cut costs for next year's budget to ensure that Wicomico County students will still receive the high-quality education they deserve.

While operating on a balanced budget, the school system has already identified $3.1 million in budget savings for the current year, money that could be set aside for future years when the financial picture may be just as difficult if not more difficult. Looking ahead to the Fiscal 2011 budget (for July 1, 2010-June 30, 2011), the school system has developed a multi-tier plan to reduce the budget by $6.4 million in anticipation of our County government not being able to meet the Maintenance of Effort level needed for the school system to receive new state dollars. The County can provide $185,000 less for 2010-11 and still meet Maintenance of Effort due to the funding formula.

"It is a challenging time. We are responding to it as best we can," said Dr. John Fredericksen, superintendent of schools. "Our goal is to survive this economic difficulty while continuing to provide quality educational services for our students. It is our job to create the conditions for their success, regardless of the financial challenges."

Challenges in This Year's Budget (Fiscal 2010, from July 1, 2009-June 30, 2010)

This budget year has been a challenging one:

• The Maryland Attorney General's Office finally approved the school system's Maintenance of Effort (MOE) plan, enabling the school system to utilize approximately $4.1 million in new state and federal funding this year. The MOE plan called for the Board to pay our County government $2 million from the Board's School Construction Fund. These funds had been accumulated over the past 3 years in an effort to address the long list of deferred capital projects such as roof replacements and HVAC upgrades. However with the $2 million check recently given to the county, this leaves only $2.1 million in the entire account. "We hate to see the account depleted as the list of deferred capital projects continues to grow and postpones the date when all schools will have modern HVAC and proper technology, but we had no choice in order to be able to leverage the state and federal dollars," stated Dr. Fredericksen.

• The Wicomico County Council has denied transfers of budgeted funds when the Board of Education has sought to transfer funds between categories to hire people to do jobs needed to serve students even though it does not increase the bottom line budget.

• The superintendent has instituted a hiring freeze. When a position becomes vacant during this budget year, the superintendent must approve filling that position. Dr. Fredericksen said he will evaluate each position to determine whether it must be filled or whether it could remain vacant. "We are not using furlough days, lay-offs, or reduced hours and/or pay at this time," he said. "If this changes, we will discuss it with the Board of Education, employee groups, and other appropriate people."

• The superintendent has instructed all budget managers to save as much cash as possible in light of pending budget reductions that the school system anticipates facing from the county, state and federal levels in the coming years. While the school system is operating with a balanced budget this year, the superintendent and his staff have already identified $3.1 million in budget savings which include:

 $1.3 million saved by withholding funding approved in this year's budget for the Board's other post-employment benefits trust, GASB 45, retiree health care plan. This plan is adequately funded at this time, but funding will be needed in the future.

 $425,000 saved by reducing expenditures on supplies and materials by 7 percent. The money saved would have been used for materials of instruction for the classroom, supplies for repair, small equipment, computer software, testing supplies, and media center books and periodicals.

 $626,000 saved from various contracted services, including $200,000 saved by putting on hold several systemic renovation projects that include the planned repair/renovation of the Wicomico Middle elevator; auditorium lighting upgrades for the high schools and track lighting for the Beaver Run Elementary stage; relocating 11 portable classroom buildings that would otherwise be available for use at other schools upon the completion of the new James M. Bennett High, blacktop resurfacing, scaling and paving reduced by 10 percent over the prior year's level. In other contracted services, the funds budgeted for a curriculum audit by an outside consultant would not be spent; the school system would attempt to use in-house personnel to conduct the audit.

 $143,000 saved by cutting the conferences and meetings budget by 33 percent and restricting all out-of-state travel.

 $388,000 saved from capital outlay, which would result in the delay of planned repairs and renovations to the Parkside High track; reduce the amount of technology upgrades (items such as school security cameras and interactive whiteboards); delay ADA-compliance upgrades at Delmar Elementary, Mardela Middle and High, Pittsville Elementary and Middle, and West Salisbury Elementary; defer parking lot improvements at Fruitland Primary and Fruitland Intermediate; and delay the planned replacement of network servers and network switches.

Looking Ahead to Next Year (Fiscal 2011) Budget

The budget for Fiscal 2011 (for the budget year July 1, 2010-June 30, 2011) is already being drafted, with the first public budget input session planned for January. Even though the school system is only in the early stages of preparing the Fiscal 2011 budget, a number of key financial factors have already become clear.

The County Executive and the Wicomico County Council have informed the Superintendent and the Board of Education that the county intends to reduce its funding for the school system by $5 million next year, and therefore not meet the maintenance of effort level needed to receive additional state funding. The County Executive and County Council have also advised the school system to anticipate an additional cut in funding of $2.5 million for Fiscal 2012 and an additional $2 million for Fiscal 2013. The school system and the county will work together to lobby the Maryland General Assembly for a change in the maintenance of effort requirement whereby we may continue to take advantage of whatever increases in state and federal dollars may be available.

The State of Maryland has supported school systems with significant levels of funding over the past 7 years, primarily as a result of the Thornton funding initiative, but the amount of state aid for education is likely to be reduced in future budgets (starting in Fiscal 2011), based upon projections released by state sources. "The State of Maryland has a significant structural budget deficit, on the order of $1.8 billion, and we can anticipate that school systems, while to date have escaped from the state budget axe, will most likely begin to feel the pinch from state cuts in FY 2011 and ensuing years,” said Dr. Fredericksen.

The Federal government has provided economic stimulus funding for 2009-10 and 2010-11. That funding is limited to specific areas and initiatives - special education, Title I and Food Services. Currently, this funding source is set to end after two years and likely will not be available after the budget year for July 2011-June 2012.

In anticipation of receiving approximately $5 million less from the county than in the current year, as well as reduced state and federal funding due to a decrease in enrollment and students qualifying for Free and Reduced Meals, the school system is identifying ways to achieve $6.4 million in total reductions. Reductions could include:

• Using the 70 or more Early Notification Program (ENP) retirements coming in June to prevent layoffs. ENP was intended to ensure that veteran teachers stayed with the school system until retirement and that enough notice was given to Human Resources to aid in recruitment, while also saving money by hiring new teachers to replace the retiring veteran teachers. However, it appears that the school system may not be able to afford to fill half of these positions that will be vacated as a result of the ENP retirements. This will mean reorganizing and requiring those who are left to carry a heavier load. This will be the time to think about tasks that "we've always done" to see if any of them can be dropped. The school system will focus its efforts on direct student services, with classroom instruction being the priority. "While we know that support services allow the teacher and others to focus on the student, the school system must adjust at this time," Dr. Fredericksen said.

• Re-examining many programs to decide whether they should continue. These programs include, but are not limited to, the Magnet centers, Year Round Education at Delmar Elementary, the Beyond the Limits ropes course, and professional development coaches.

"For Fiscal 2011, we will try to have as much in the way of reductions on the table as we can so that when we find out exactly how much state aid we are going to get, we will be more than adequately prepared to balance expenditures with whatever revenue we will be getting," Dr. Fredericksen said. "Our overriding goal will be protecting the classroom. A child only gets one chance to experience their PreK-12th grade education. It's our job to make that experience in our schools the best that it can be."

Bookkeeping Irregularities Investigated

Peggy Gaskill, a bookkeeper at Wicomico High School, was terminated in June 2009 for inappropriate behavior and failure to comply with Wicomico County Board of Education procedures.

Discrepancies in school accounts that were under her control were reported to the Wicomico County Board of Education’s Finance Department, which conducted an internal investigation. An independent certified public accounting firm, TGM Group, LLC, was immediately contracted to perform an “Agreed-Upon Procedures” audit of the school’s books and records.

Board staff contacted the Wicomico Bureau of Investigation and provided a copy of the final report issued by TGM Group, LLC. At that point, the investigation was in the hands of the Sheriff’s Department and the State’s Attorney’s Office. The Board is cooperating fully with the investigation.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. John E. Fredericksen said Monday, “We take our fiscal responsibility seriously. When there are allegations of wrongdoing, we take every step to investigate the matter and take action appropriate to any wrongdoing.”

TRAFFIC ADVISORY

Location: Interstate 95, north bound the Route 1 exit.

Date of Occurrence: 12/8/05, 9:30 am

Resume: Troopers are currently on the scene of a motor vehicle accident on Interstate 95 north bound in the area of Route 1, injuries are not reported. This accident involved a tractor trailer that spilled its contents along the highway, causing the multiple lanes of Interstate 95 to be shut down for a short time. As of 7:30 only the left lane of Interstate 95 north bound, at Route 1 has been opened for traffic.

Once the debris is removed from the roadway all lane will be reopened. Expect heavy traffic in this are during the morning commute.

STATE POLICE TARGET DRUGGED DRIVERS WITH NEW IN-HOUSE BLOOD TESTING PROGRAM

Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel Terrence B. Sheridan will be joined by law enforcement officials, state and federal highway officials, and prosecutors to announce a new drugged driver blood testing program that will assist police departments and state’s attorneys across the State. Drivers under the influence of both illegal and prescription drugs continue to be a menace on Maryland roads.

Blood sample analysis from drugged drivers has previously been a challenge for police departments and prosecutors since it had to be done at a commercial laboratory. Colonel Sheridan will announce Maryland’s remedy to this challenge as part of State Police awareness and enforcement efforts during National Impaired Driving Prevention month as proclaimed by President Barack Obama.

PLEASE NOTE: Earlier in the day, officials will gather in Annapolis with the families of those killed in drunk and drugged driving crashes in Maryland this year. This State Police event is a perfect opportunity to show efforts that are being made to reduce these tragedies in Maryland.

After remarks by police and prosecutors, media will be taken to the Toxicology Unit to see the blood testing equipment in operation. The process will be explained by the head of the testing program, Dr. Ross Lowe.

WHAT: DRUGGED DRIVER BLOOD TESTING PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT

WHEN: WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2009 1:30 P.M.

WHERE: MARYLAND STATE POLICE
FORENSIC SCIENCES LABORATORY
221 MILFORD MILL ROAD
PIKESVILLE, MD 21208

Greens' Real Target: U.S. Economy

Economy: The 16,000 delegates to the two-week-long orgy of self-flagellation known as the Copenhagen Climate Conference want to shrink global output of CO2 not because of hard science, but out of envy.

Even as Climate-gate suggests that sham science lies behind global warming, delegates are swarming into the Scandinavian city to push for steep cuts in carbon dioxide output by industrialized nations.

We'll let others comment on the hypocrisy of those who, while trying to force the rest of us into an ever-smaller carbon footprint, will employ more than 1,200 limousines and 140 private jets while producing 880 pounds of CO2 per attendee at their conference.

Or the even-worse hypocrisy of Rajendra Pachauri, the U.N.'s global warming guru, who in one 19-month period flew 443,243 miles — including trips to have dinner at Washington's Brookings Institution and one memorable overnighter to attend a cricket match — but now wants the rest of us to be forced into a "carbon allowance."

What goes little commented on, however, is the reason for the vehemence of these calls for CO2 sacrifice on the part of the U.S.: a desire to take our economy down.

Having decisively lost the great debate between capitalism and socialism, the only way the global warming socialists can do this is by imposing restrictions on U.S. output in response to the ginned-up "emergency" of global warming.

The dynamics of this can be readily seen in the chart (above right). It shows that, contrary to what you might have heard, America's share of the world economy has remained remarkably stable over 40 years. The same can't be said for the European Union's.

As recently as 2000, in its Lisbon Declaration, the EU asserted it would "leapfrog" the U.S. in productivity and output by 2010. By the time of its midterm review in 2005, however, the chest-thumping was over. It was clear the EU wasn't "leapfrogging" the U.S. — or even staying up with it. Instead, its share of world output was falling at an even faster rate.

From about 36% of world GDP in 1969, the EU today accounts for roughly 27% of the world's $47.9 trillion in output. That's just a tad higher than the U.S., though the EU has 80 million more people.

In just a few years, it will be eclipsed by Asia as a world economic power — thanks mainly to the booming economies of China and India. The U.S. will remain No. 1 or No. 2 for decades to come, based on just about any forecast you choose.

2009 Delmar High Football Championship Parade

2009 Delmar High Football Championship Parade @ Yahoo! Video

Woman Rushed To Hospital From Woods’ Home

WINDERMERE, Fla. - A woman was transported to hospital from Tiger Woods' Florida home after firefighters responded to a medical call early Tuesday, NBC News reported.

According to Orlando-based WESH, the adult female was taken from the $2.6 million masnion "on advanced life support" after firefighters received a call at 2:36 a.m.

A radio log showed an adult female was transported to Health Central Hospital, WESH reported.

GO HERE to read more.

Sovereign Wealth Funds Have Big Paydays From Crisis

The white knights that came to the rescue of banks during the financial crisis are going home, with their pockets full of bounty from their good deeds, reports the New York Times.

GO HERE to read more.

Robbery?

"Hi Joe,

I just received a call from a customer telling us they rode by the First Shore Federal in Fruitland and police were everywhere. Looks like another robbery."

This is not the case. The Fruitland Police have a suspect in custody right now. It turns out the individual arrested did an armed robbery yesterday at the Pocomoke WalMart. The suspect held up an elderly woman and stole her belongings, including a checkbook.

He went to the First Shore Federal Bank in an attempt to cash the checks and was in the drive thru when the Bank realized something wasn't right. They quickly contacted the Fruitland Police and arrested the individual without incident.

The Maryland State Police are on their way to Fruitland as we speak to further investigate the situation. You only get it here on Salisbury News.

URGENT SALVATION ARMY NEEDS HELP

THE SALVATION ARMY HAS JUST RECEIVED A CANCELLATION OF 4 DAYS OF BELL RINGING AT SEARS AT THE CENTRE OF SALISBURY.

THIS IS A PRIME INDOOR LOCATION. SLOTS ARE AVAILABLE FROM 9 TO 6 P.M. STARTING TOMORROW, DECEMBER 8TH THROUGH FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11TH.

THANK YOU TO MARKET STREET INN WHO HAS ALREADY TAKEN 4 HOURS OF THE TIME.

Pearl Harbor Memories Still Vivid For Some

Survivor of 1941 surprise attack to return to scene for 68th anniversary

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii - Ed Johann will always remember the sound of planes diving out of the sky to bomb U.S. battleships, the explosions and the screams of sailors. He still recalls the stench of burning oil and flesh.

The 86-year-old retired firefighter is due to return to Pearl Harbor Monday for the first time since World War II to attend a ceremony marking the 68th anniversary of the Japanese attack.

"I really don't know how I'm going to handle it," said Johann, from his home in Oregon. "When I think about it, all I have is unpleasantness. I'm sure it's not like that now."

GO HERE to read more.

Salisbury Salvation Army Strikes It Rich With Kettle Donation

Last week brought some very unusual surprises to the Salisbury Salvation Army with donations in one Red Kettle.

Not that all of the donations aren't special, they are. However, last week in one bucket someone who didn't want to be recognized didn't just drop these extremely valuable Silver Dollars into the bucket, they also dropped the very first $50.00 Bill into that very same kettle.

One appraiser valued the one Silver Dollar from 1878 at $7,500.00!!!!!! The other older coin is still being evaluated but you can't deny this is a very special gift to a very special cause.

We're still in need of Bell Ringers. The WalMart Retail location still needs volunteers to help make this year the best ever. All they're asking you for is your time. We're asking other local businesses to please take a look at the schedules and see if you can't help fill in some of these open gaps.

Individuals are needed now more than ever. The Salvation Army is trying to keep this drive completely volunteers while so many Families are in more need now than ever before. Please consider taking a slot and help give back. Remember, you may be blessed with a job and a home while thousands of others are doing without. Thousands have lost their jobs and homes due to this harsh economy and your two hours ringing a bell can help feed these Families and put food on the table and presents under the Tree this Christmas.

To the individual who made this very generous donation, God Bless you and Thank You.

Parts Of This week's Joe Albero Show Will Be Taped At Tonight's 5:00 Rally

Clearly the big topic this week will be the Rally at the Government Office Building, (GOB). Please tell all your friends, neighbors, business associates to be there at 5:00 PM and we'll eventually head upstairs to meet with the Mayor.

Before anyone else gets seriously hurt or killed in Salisbury, make your voice heard and make a difference by getting involved. Your participation is vital. We'll see you there.

Gore Should Give Back Oscar, Two Academy Members Say

Two members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences have called on the group to take back the Oscar awarded to former Vice President Al Gore for the documentary "An Inconvenient Truth."


Roger L. Simon and Lionel Chetwynd made the request based on the e-mails that a hacker/whistle blower released revealing that so-called scientists at the Climatic Research Unit at the University of East Anglia in England systematically falsifying data to support the theory that the earth is heating up and that humans caused it.

"An Inconvenient Truth," a film based on a climate-change speech that Gore developed, won the Academy Award for best documentary feature in 2007. (Coincidentally, the next day, the Tennessee Center for Policy Research uncovered that Gore’s Nashville home guzzled 20 times more electricity than the average American household. )


That same year, the Academy elevated Gore's PowerPoint lecture, helping him to snag a Nobel Peace Prize as well.


The academy members' request that Gore return his statue is happening as preparations are under way for next week's United Nations climate change meeting in Copenhagen, where 16,500 people from 192 countries will fly in using private jets, consume 200,000 meals, and produce an estimated 41,000 tons of carbon dioxide, roughly the same as the carbon emissions of Morocco in 2006.

Source

Caption This Photo

United Airlines Backpedals After Smashed Guitar Video Airs

Musician Dave Carroll had some difficulty with United Airlines. United damaged his treasured Taylor guitar ($3500) in Chicago as he watched from his plane seat during a layover in a flight from Nova Scotia to Omaha. Dave spent over 9 months trying to get United to pay for damages caused by baggage handlers to his custom Taylor guitar. United repeatedly refused. During his final exchange with the United Customer Relations Manager, he stated that he was left with no choice other than to create a music video for youtube exposing their lack of cooperation. The Manager responded : "Good luck with that one, pal".

So he posted a video on youtube on July 6th, 2009. The video has since received over 5.5 million hits. United Airlines contacted the musician and attempted settlement in exchange for pulling the video.

His response: "Good luck with that one, pal".

Taylor Guitars sent the musician 2 new custom guitars in appreciation for the product recognition from the video that has lead to a sharp increase in orders.

Here's the video....


On July 8th, United contacted Carroll to inform him that they will use the video as a training tool for baggage handlers, flight attendants and customer service staff, among others. Carroll has since made a second and third video and is planning a release.
In the U.S. Department of Transportation’s tally of lost, damaged, delayed or pilfered baggage in April 2009, United ranked 10th among 19 carriers, with 13,517“baggage reports” among 4.03 million passengers.

Another update on the story here.

Why E-Mail Was Invented

Yellow Snow

Act, Don't React

"Joe,

I hope you dont mind me calling you Joe. As you are probably aware that these govt meetings are usaully filled with hot air and not much ever gets resolved.

We live in a society where we react then we act and with the Christmas season here not much will be resolved unless we volunteer our time to be there for those people who may feel uncomfortable to walk to there car, go to the bank to do their deposit, etc etc. You get the idea. Here is what i am offering, my time to be there when a business closes at night to walk them to their car or follow them to the bank etc. Here is my cell 410.430.8995 or they can email me at
chearne@wcboe.org

Lets pay it forward and hopefully deter any future crime. Hopefully others that want to volunteer and be some comfort for those who are leary to be alone will do so but if not that ok

Regards

Curtis Hearne"

Today's Wildlife Photo By Scott Phoebus

" Congratulations Delmar"

Dover Man Arrested For 12 Counts Of Unlawful Sexual Contact

Location: Unit block Semans Drive, Dover, DE

Date of Occurrence: Summer of 2008

Defendant: Donald L. Tyndall, 72, Dover, DE

Resume:

Delaware State Police have arrested a 72 year-old man for allegedly sexually assaulting an 11 year-old girl.

Troopers at Troop – 3 in Camden, Kent County were made aware of the incident on November 21st after the victim told a counselor of the ongoing incident back in the summer of 2008. The victim would stay over night at her friend’s house where Tyndall resided. Over the course of the summer Tyndall allegedly assaulted the victim while she was sleeping.

Troopers launched an investigation and obtained a warrant for 12 counts of Unlawful Sexual Contact and Endangering the Welfare. He was charged on December 5th and committed to the Department of Correction in default of $28,000 bail

Laurel Man Arrested On Drug Charges After He Attempted To Deliver Marijuana

Location: Wawa parking lot, US 113 and SR 24, Millsboro, DE

Date of Occurrence: Wednesday December 2, 2009 at 8:10 p.m.

Defendant: Melvin Brown, Jr, 35, Laurel, DE

Resume:

Delaware State Police have arrested a Laurel man after he was stopped and found in possession of marijuana. A search executed at the man’s home lead troopers to recover additional drug paraphernalia.

Troopers arrested Brown after he was stopped in the parking lot of the Wawa located in Millsboro. Troopers stopped Brown in his burgundy Buick. As troopers approached him they observed Brown placing items under the front seat. State police recovered 3 plastic bags containing 87 grams of marijuana.

Troopers executed a search warrant at Brown’s 7th Street home and located drug paraphernalia.

Brown was charged with Possession with the Intent to Deliver Marijuana, Maintaining a Vehicle and two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia. He was also charged with Delivery of Heroin, Maintaining a Dwelling, Conspiracy 2nd and possession of drug paraphernalia in connection with a prior drug investigation.

Two Old People Solve Problems

THIS IS WHY WE SHOULD ALL LOVE OLD PEOPLE. THEY MAKE SUCH PERFECT SENSE OUT OF EVERYTHING!!!!!!

A farmer stopped by the local mechanic shop to have his truck fixed. They couldn't do it while he waited, so he said he didn't live far and would just walk home.

On the way he stopped at the hardware store and bought a bucket and a gallon of paint. He then stopped by the feed store and picked up a couple of chickens and a goose.

However, struggling outside the store he now had a problem - how to carry his entire purchases home.

While he was scratching his head he was approached by a little old lady who told him she was lost. She asked, "Can you tell me how to get to 1603 Mockingbird Lane?"

The farmer said, "Well, as a matter of fact, my farm is very close to that house. I would walk you there, but I can't carry this lot."

The old lady suggested, "Why don't you put the can of paint in the bucket. Carry the bucket in one hand, put a chicken under each arm and carry the goose in your other hand?"

"Why, thank you very much," he said, and proceeded to walk the old girl home. On the way he says, "Let's take a short cut and go down this alley. We'll be there in no time."

The little old lady looked him over cautiously, then said, "I am a lonely widow without a husband to defend me."

"How do I know that when we get in the alley you won't hold me up against the wall, pull up my skirt, and have your way with me?"

The farmer said, "Holy smokes lady! I'm carrying a bucket, a gallon of paint, two chickens and a goose. How in the world could I possibly hold you up against the wall and do that?"

The old lady replied, "Set the goose down, cover him with the bucket, put the paint on top of the bucket, and I'll hold the chickens..."

Young Republicans Year End Meeting

LSYR
DECEMBER MEETING REMINDER
WHEN: WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 9TH AT 6:30 PM.
WHERE: SALISBURY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUILDING (144 East Main Street)
GUEST SPEAKERS: MIKE MCDERMOTT & MICHAEL JAMES

DETAILS:

At our December meeting on the 9th we will have two guest speakers. Mayor MIKE MCDERMOTT of Pocomoke City who is running for a State Delegate seat, and MICHAEL JAMES who ran in 2006 and is considering throwing his hat in the ring again this election cycle for the General Assembly.
Also, the club will be having a pizza party after the meeting for all that attend. Pizza and soda will be free to all club members and anyone interested in joining (so bring a friend...or two).

Please make every effort to attend this meeting as we have a lot to discuss regarding the upcoming year. We need to set the agenda, as well as, nominate club officers for 2010 (elections to be held at the January meeting). Thanks.

Respectfully,
Mark A. Biehl
President
Lower Shore Young Republicans
lowershoreyoungrepublicans@gmail.com

Ashland Christmas Card

Ashland College always does a beautiful Christmas card and this year they have done another one.

This should get you into the Christmas Sprit.

Make sure you have your speakers on and enjoy.

http://ecard.ashland.edu/2004admission/index.html

Waterskiing In South Carolina

Pink Glove Dance

Saturday Night Road Trip To The Annapolis Area

From Cambridge, to Easton, to Annapolis/Davidsonville and ultimately Millersville, this storm, (while short lived) started out as a disaster.

I had to make a trip to Millersville on Saturday evening and quite frankly there were no SHA vehicles o the roads clearing up anything. When I hit Cambridge the hail started coming down which eventually turned into heavy snow. The roads actually started freezing up very quickly and eventually changing lanes became impossible. Vehicles were slamming into concrete walls as well as sliding off the road. Fortunately there wasn't anyone seriously hurt.

Nevertheless, shame on SHA for not even attempting to throw down some sand and taking to risk of so many lives on the road. We pay taxes for such security, especially after a 1% Sales Tax increase in Maryland. I know, I know, it all goes to the Teachers, thanks O'Malley.

As I was driving down Rt 424 in Davidsonville, a tree started falling down into the road, (last photo above) and it was pretty cool. I was there right when it happened and was able to drive underneath it before it fell onto the roadway. There's NOTHING more beautiful than the open wilderness of virgin snow sticking to trees and the ground just before the sun sets.

Muslim Disturbance On AirTran Flight 297

One week ago, I went to Ohio on business and to see my father.

On Tuesday, November the 17th, I returned home. If you read the news papers on the 18th, you may have seen or read, a Main Stream Media ‘blurb’ where an AirTran flight …’reportedly’…was canceled from Atlanta to Houston ‘Reportedly’ due to a man who refused to get off off his cell phone before takeoff. It was reported on Fox.

This Main Stream Media ‘Report’, was NOT what happened.

I was in 1st class coming home. Eleven Muslim men got on the plane in full Islamic attire. Two sat in 1st class and the rest peppered themselves throughout the plane, all the way to the back. As the plane taxied to the runway, the stewardesses gave the safety spiel we are all so familiar with.

At that time, one of the men got on his cell and called one of his companions in the back and proceeded to talk on the phone in Arabic, very loudly and very aggressively.

This took the 1st stewardess out of the picture, for she had repeatedly told the man that cell phones were not permitted at that time. He ignored her as if she was not there.

The 2nd man who answered the phone did the same and this took out the 2nd stewardess. In the back of the plane at this time, 2 younger Muslims, one in the back ‘aisle sea’, and one in front of him, ‘window seat’, began to show footage of a porno they had taped the night before. They were very loud and obnoxious about it.

Now from what I have studied….they are only permitted to do this prior to a Jihad. If a Muslim man goes into a strip club, he has to view the woman via a mirror with his back to her. (don’t ask me….I don’t make their rules,… but I’ve sure studied them)

The 3rd stewardess informed them that they were not to have electronic devices turned on at this time. To which one of the men said “shut up infidel dog!” She went to take the camcorder and he began to scream in her face in Arabic.

At that exact moment, all eleven of the Muslims got up and started to walk the cabin. This is where I had enough! I got up and started to the back where I heard a voice behind me from another Texan, who was twice my size, say “I got your back.”

I grabbed by his arm, the man who had been on the phone, and I firmly said “You WILL go sit down or You Will be thrown from this plane!” As I “led” him around me to take his seat, my fellow Texan grabbed him by the back of his neck and his waist, and headed out with him. I then grabbed the second man and said, “You WILL do the same!” He protested but adrenaline was flowing now and he Was going to go, one way or another.

As I escorted him forward, the plane doors suddenly opened and three TSA agents and four police officers entered. Myself and my new Texan friend, were told to cease and desist, for they now had this situation under control. I was happy to oblige actually.

There was some commotion in the back, but within moments, all eleven Muslims were escorted off the plane. TSA then unloaded their luggage.

While waiting, we all talked about the occurrence, and were in disbelief that it had happened. Then suddenly, the door opened again, and on walked all eleven Muslims!! Stone faced, Eyes front and Robotic (the only way I can describe it).

The visibly upset stewardess from the back had been in tears, and when she saw this, she was having NONE of it! Being that I was up front, I heard and saw the whole ordeal.

She told the TSA agent, there was ‘NO WAY’ she was staying on the plane with these men. The agent told her they had searched them and were going to go through their luggage with a fine tooth comb and that they were allowed to proceed to Houston.

The Captain and o-Captain came out and told the agent, “We and our crew, will Not fly this plane!” After a word or two, the entire crew, luggage in tow, left the plane. 5 minutes later, the cabin door opened again, and a whole new crew walked on.

Again…..this is where I had enough!!! I got up and asked “What the hell is going on!?!?” I was told to take my seat. They were sorry for the delay and I would be home shortly. I said “I’m getting off this plane”.

The new replacement stewardess sternly told me, that she could not allow me to get off. (now I’m mad!) I said, “I am a grown man who bought this ticket, who’s time is mine, with a family at home and I am going through that door alone, or I’m going through that door with you under my arm!! But I am going through that door!!” And I heard a voice behind me say, “so am I”.

Then everyone behind us started to get up and say the same. Within 2 minutes, I was walking off that plane, where I was met by even more agents who asked me to write a statement.

I had 5 hours to kill at this point, so why the hell not. Due to the amount of people who got off that flight, it was cancelled. I was supposed to be in Houston at 6pm. I got here at 12:30am.

Look up the date. Flight 297 Atlanta to Houston.

If this wasn’t a dry run, I don’t know what one is. They wanted to see how TSA would handle it, how the crew would handle it, and how the passengers would handle it.

I’m telling this to you because I want you to know….

The threat is real. I saw it with my own eyes….

The Ladies Room

The Gift Of Friendship, Craftsmanship And Giving

My dear Friend Kimmie Marshall came to me a year ago and said she was working on a very special project for our Grandson.

One year later she came to Sam's Club, (knowing I'd be there ringing the bell) and presented the above stocking to me to give to our Grandson. It took Kimmie an entire year to hand craft this unbelievable piece of art and there was absolutely no way I could resist from showing all of you just how special it is.

The detail in just remarkable and to me there is no finer gift anyone could give someone else than a hand crafted present. Kimmie, you are one very special Lady and our Grandson will treasure this for the rest of his life.

The day she gave it to me happened to be his Birthday, which made it all that much more special.

Chairman O And America's Great Leap Forward

When Barack Obama was campaigning for president in 2007, his backers frequently compared him to former president John F. Kennedy. After a year in office, however, President Obama's words and actions align more closely with China's despotic Chairman Mao than with JFK's.

When Mao Tse Tung conquered China in 1949, his secret goal was to dominate the world. When Obama was elected President, many started referring to him as President of the World. Both Obama and Mao had carte blanche to set out a path of radical change.

As part of his strategy, Mao informed his top echelon, "There has to be a personality cult...it is absolutely necessary."* With the aid of the state media, Mao crafted an iconic image of himself as the savior of the common man. Propaganda was everywhere - including the fields where workers could listen to messages from Mao as they worked. Sound familiar?

In 1958, Mao kicked off what he called The Great Leap Forward.. the ownership of tools, animals, and other means of production were taken over by the state.

Chairman Mao, in the name of the people, also took over China's health care. The 'state' determined who would receive this essential service. The elderly were moved into "houses of happiness" so that they could be looked after - by the state.

Chairman Mao's government also plunged the country into deep debt.

Mao, through a cult of personality and firm control of the levers of government, had the ability to impose his own version of reality on China. Just as Obama has today.

The similarities between Chairman Mao and President Obama are too numerous to ignore. Like Obama, Mao's philosophy of how to 'change' China was clear from the outset. "...the country must be...destroyed and then reformed." "People like me long for the destruction because when the old universe is destroyed, a new universe will be formed. Isn't that better?" Quick - who said that? Mao, or Obama's buddy Bill Ayers?

Answer: Both.

More..

EPA Poised To Declare CO2 A Public Danger, With Or Without Legislation

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will, possibly today, officially declare carbon dioxide a public danger, a trigger that could mean regulation for emitters across the economy, according to several people close to the matter.

Such an "endangerment" decision is necessary for the EPA to move ahead early next year with new emission standards for cars. EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson has said it could also mean large emitters such as power stations, cement kilns, crude-oil refineries and chemical plants would have to curb their greenhouse gas output.

The announcement would also give President Barack Obama and his climate envoy negotiating leverage at a global climate summit starting next week in Copenhagen, Denmark and increase pressure on Congress to pass a climate bill that would modify the price of polluting.

Joe Mendelson, Global Warming Policy Director for National Wildlife Federation, said the endangerment decision, would happen at "absolutely the right time."

"With House legislation passed, a bipartisan Senate bill in the works, and strong EPA action a virtual certainty, the president goes to Copenhagen with a very strong hand to play," Mr. Mendelson said.


The EPA's Ms. Jackson and President Obama's energy and climate czar Carol Browner have said they would prefer Congress to take action but are prepared to move ahead in the absence of lawmakers crafting their own law.

More from The Wall Street Journal

OPERATION DECEMBER SWEEP

Troopers from the Maryland State Police Barrack in Salisbury engaged in a high intensity criminal enforcement initiative on Friday December 4th. The all day initiative took Troopers all over Wicomico County as they conducted warrant sweeps and saturation patrols.

The initiative was comprised of eight Troopers, working diligently in traffic and criminal enforcement in an effort to identify and apprehend criminal violators. As the Holiday season approaches, the potential for crime increases dramatically.

The effort netted three CDS arrests, one warrant arrest, 32 warnings and 9 citations.
This initiative is a part of a continued commitment by Maryland State Police to make Wicomico County a safer place to live and work. Citizens are reminded to stay aware of their surroundings in their travels and to secure property and belongings. Lock vehicles, secure packages in trunks and keep houses and vehicles locked at home. Also, report suspicious activity to police immediately.

Sgt. Bricker of the Maryland State Police in Salisbury added, “The Salisbury Barrack will continue to allocate resources to help combat criminal activity in and around Wicomico County. Future initiatives are already on the drawing board.”

DELMAR WILDCATS WIN

The Delmar Wildcats beat Hodgson Tech to take Delaware's Division II Championship. Final score, 12-7. This is Delmar's 6th state championship in the program's history.

Man Arrested After Displaying A Shotgun At A Newark Area Bar

Location: D&H Jamaican Restaurant, 748 E. Chestnut Hill Rd, Newark, DE

Date of Occurrence: Saturday December 5th, 2009 at approximately 12:18 a.m.

Defendant: Jahangyr Patterson, 28, Middletown, DE

Resume:

Delaware State Police State has arrested a Middletown man after he pulled a shotgun out of his car in the parking lot of a Newark area bar restaurant.

The incident occurred just after midnight on the Saturday morning. Patterson had been at the D&H Jamaican Restaurant and argued with the 23 year-old female employee to whom he had a prior relationship with. Patterson walked out to his car several times and would re-enter the establishment to continue to be disruptive. On his final departure from the restaurant to the parking lot he retrieved a shotgun from his car and began to work the action of the weapon as he held it in his hands.

As troopers responded to the area Patterson fled in his vehicle. Patterson turned down Augusta Drive and collided into a fence prior to turning onto West Stephen Drive and striking two cars parked in a driveway. New Castle County Police apprehended Patterson as he was trying to flee from his car. Troopers found the stock portion of the weapon in his vehicle.

He was charged with Aggravated Menacing, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, Failing to Stop for a Police Officer and several traffic offenses.
He was committed to the Howard Young Correctional Facility in default of $13,300.00.
No one was inured during the incident.

Tom McGuire Of Delmar Blown Away

It seems the Town of Delmar made sure that the McGuire's knew the Wildcats won in a big way by making very sure the horns and sirens from the 3 mile long parade/escort home was heard across Delmarva, especially in front of the McGuire's home.

The media ho Tom McGuire made sure WBOC came out and covered his issues with the noise factor and quite frankly they made a complete fool out of the fool. Oh well, he wanted all the attention, he got it.

Well, no matter what, the McGuire's were made to feel like they were a part of the celebration and got exactly what they deserved. Just like I hear the bells from the Salvation Army when I go to bed at night, the McGuire's will be hearing sirens and horns well into their sleep this evening and that's just too funny!

Oh, by the way Tom & Nikki, Brooke Mulford is alive and well. HONK, HONK!

God Bless All Of You

The stories I could tell........

HomeSurfer.com Rates Salisbury - Old News Not Good News

HomeSurfer.com is an internet national real estate ranking site and tool for real estate professionals, business leaders interested in expanding or moving, and prospective home owners, ranks cities, towns and regions in several aspects that are meant to give property buyers information that will help bring them to a decision as to where to move. As you may have already guessed, given the crime stats that have already been published in this blog and other sites, the picture for Salisbury isn't pretty.

Crime Report for Salisbury, Maryland
The HomeSurfer crime rating for Salisbury, Maryland is 0.0 out of a possible 5 total points. Higher ratings indicate that your area is safer. The HomeSurfer crime rating is calculated depending on how the crime rate in your city compares with crime in the state and the nation. Violent crime is weighed more heavily than property crime, and the national ranking is more important than the state ranking.

Violent Crime Rate
Data comes from the FBI Uniform Crime Rate database for 2004.
Salisbury, Maryland has a violent crime rate of 1869 incidents per 100,000 people. This compares with a rate of 1502 in Maryland and a rate of 596 nationally. Lower numbers are better, indicating that fewer crimes happen per person in the population.Salisbury, Maryland is in the 100% percentile rank in the state for Violent Crime. It is in the 99% percentile rank nationally. Lower numbers are better. In this case, 100% of cities in Maryland have crime rates equal to or lower than Salisbury, or said another way, 0% of cities in Maryland have crime rates higher than Salisbury.

Property Crime Rate
Property crime includes burglary, larceny, vehicle theft, and arson. Data comes from the FBI Uniform Crime Rate database for 2004.

Salisbury, Maryland has a property crime rate of 8860.7 incidents per 100,000 people. This compares with an average rate of 5376.2 in Maryland and an average rate of 4296 incidents per 100,000 nationally. Lower numbers are better, indicating that fewer crimes happen per person in the population.


Maryland cities ranked from worst to best for crime.


Worst


18 Salisbury, MD
17 Baltimore, MD
16 Annapolis, MD
15 Frederick, MD
14 Cumberland, MD
13 Laurel, MD
12 Bel Air, MD
11 Cambridge, MD
10 Easton, MD
9 Greenbelt, MD
8 Elkton, MD
7 Havre de Grace, MD
6 Aberdeen, MD
5 Hagerstown, MD
4 Hyattsville, MD
3 Takoma Park, MD
2 Westminster, MD
1 Ocean Pines, MD

Best

For more information and other rankings, visit HomeSurfer.com.

Tomorrow, Monday the 7th of December is an important day. It marks a premier opportunity given by the Salisbury City government for open discourse on crime between government and taxpayers, discourse without the frequent sound of a gavel or the Great Disappearing Legal Pads of the Tilghman administration, where citizen complaints and suggestions were recorded and most often never again saw the light of day.

Citizens and interested parties are invited to meet at the GOB steps (125 North Division Street) for a 5:00 rally, then by Mayor Ireton at 5:30 to the 3rd floor of the GOB to air their concerns, and give their suggestions and comments.

Please, let's make this a great turnout and a constructive event!

Possible Stolen Dogs Rescued

"Dear Joe

I wanted to thank you from my heart for posting a couple of weeks ago, the picture of one of my friend's dogs that were stolen from her property in Mardela. The two dogs were spotted along the side of the road in Sharptown well over a week later and rescued because a woman saw Hope's picture posted on your website and called the contact number posted in your blog. She said your website was the reason she recognized the dog!!! We are so grateful to you and your readers!!!"

We Need a Clean Vote Now on Afghanistan Escalation

Under our constitutional democracy, Congress has the power and the responsibility to establish a policy on President Obama's plans to send 30,000 more U.S. troops to Afghanistan, and, if Congress opposes sending more troops, to try to block or alter this policy. The question now is whether Congress will act before the policy is implemented, and whether it will do so in a "clean" vote - an up or down vote solely on the question of sending more troops, unentangled with unrelated issues like flood relief for farmers or extending unemployment benefits.

If Congress does not act quickly, the President's proposal may become an accomplished fact. Already, President Obama has ordered Marine units to be deployed later this month. If Congress waits for months to debate the issue, most of the new troops may already be in place.
Anti-war Representatives are pressing for an early vote on funding for more troops so President Obama's policy will be judged by Congress before thousands of additional troops are sent into combat, the Politico reports. "Let us have this debate before he moves forward," Rep. Jim McGovern [D-MA] said. "I'd like it to be before we escalate one single American troop over there."

For most of the Iraq war, Congress typically waited until late May or June to approve emergency war funding. The last war supplemental was approved in mid-June. If Congress waits until May or June to render judgment on President Obama's plans, most of the troops may already be in place, making it much harder for Congress to oppose or limit their deployment. If Congress acts now - particularly the House, more influenced by public opinion - it can stop or limit funding for the President's troop increase by a simple majority vote. You can urge your Representative and Senators to support a clean vote now on military escalation in Afghanistan by clicking here.

Of course, there is no guarantee that the House would oppose funding for military escalation in a clean vote. But a clean vote would be likely to be a real contest, which would, at the very least, underscore for world opinion the depth of Democratic opposition to the indefinite continuation of the war, an act which would in itself help to speed the conclusion of the war.

Already in the summer, a majority of House Democrats, including members of the House leadership, voted for Representative McGovern's amendment requiring the Pentagon to present Congress with an exit strategy. That was before the fiasco of the Afghan election, before General McChrystal's grim assessment of the status quo and future prospects, before President Obama proposed to send 30,000 more troops without establishing a date for ending U.S. military involvement.

GO HERE to read more.

How Old Does This Make You Feel

Panda Flies To China As Part Of Loan Program

A young giant panda who became a major draw after his birth at the National Zoo will leave Washington for China early next year for breeding.

Zoo officials announced Friday that Tai Shan will be leaving the Smithsonian Institution park as soon as January or February.

Panda mother Mei Xiang and father Tian Tian are on a 10-year, $10 million loan to the zoo until December 2010.

Under the Smithsonian's panda loan agreement, any cub born at the zoo must be returned to China for breeding. Tai Shan was born in 2005 and was granted a two-year extension in 2007.

Panda cubs are also slated to leave the zoos in Atlanta and San Diego.

There are a total of 14 pandas on loan from China in U.S. zoos in Atlanta, Washington, San Diego and Memphis, Tenn. Under its agreements with the zoos, China loans panda pairs for breeding and conservation research. Any cubs those pandas produce are also the property of China and must become part of the country's breeding program.

The National Zoo asked to keep Tai Shan until the loan agreement for his parents' stay expires, but a panda conservation group decided he should become part of their breeding program, according to Acting Zoo Director Steve Monfort.

The zoo hopes it can translate the attention Tai Shan generated into action to sustain the panda population, Mr. Monfort said. Giant pandas are endangered in the wild.

"While we're very, very sad Tai Shan is leaving, we take enormous pride that he is a normal, healthy cub," Mr. Monfort said.

"He is an ambassador," Mr. Monfort said. "He provides hope for the conservation … of an iconic species."

Wang Baodong, a spokesman for the Chinese Embassy, said he has often visited the zoo with his 4-year-old son to see Tai Shan, and he'll have to explain why the panda is leaving.

"It's not an easy thing for the Chinese side," he said. "Parting is a sad thing."

Mr. Wang said China wants to assure the American people that Tai Shan will be given very good care. He said China will continue its partnerships with U.S. zoos on breeding programs.

The Smithsonian is expected to begin negotiations next year on whether to extend the agreement for Tai Shan's parents' stay. Mr. Monfort said they would agree to whatever is best for the panda breeding program.

"I'm very optimistic that pandas will be at the National Zoo for as long as the eye can see," he said.

Tai Shan represents the plight of the endangered species around the world, said Lisa Stevens, the panda curator.

"As zookeepers we're very attached to him. We've watched his every move," she said. "Now it's time to say goodbye."

Ms. Stevens said Tai Shan is very confident and more flexible than his parents when it comes to change, and she doesn't think the change in language from his handlers will be a problem. His training records and documents will be translated into Chinese for his departure, she said.

Giant pandas at the National Zoo date back to President Richard M. Nixon's historic visit to China. The first panda couple, Ling-Ling and Hsing-Hsing, arrived in 1972 as a gift to the American people. They produced five cubs, but none of them survived.

(AP)

Phone Call

George Bush, Queen Elizabeth, and Vladimir Putin all die and go to hell. While there, they spy a red phone and ask what the phone is for. The devil tells them it is for calling back to Earth. Putin asks to call Russia and talks for 5 minutes. When he was finished the devil informs him that the cost is a million dollars, so Putin writes him a check.

Next, Queen Elizabeth calls England and talks for 30 minutes. When she was finished the devil informs her that cost is 6 million dollars, so Queen Elizabeth writes him a check.

Finally George Bush gets his turn and talks for 4 hours. When he was finished the devil informed him that there would be no charge for the call and feel free to call the USA anytime.

When Putin hears this he goes ballistic and asks the devil why Bush got to call the USA free. The devil replied, "Since Obama became president of the USA, the country has gone to hell, so naturally it's a local call."