Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Gas Prices Falling In Maryland

The price of gasoline in Maryland has gone down by more than a nickel in the past week.

The average for regular at last check by marylandgasprices.com stood at $3.70.

That price is lower than the national average by about ten cents.

The lowest for regular reported for

President Barack Obama promised that Obamacare would cut family health insurance premiums by $2,500 by the end of the first term--but instead they have risen by $3,000, according to a new Kaiser Family Foundation study cited by Investor’s Business Daily.

The cost of health insurance today is more than 50% higher than Obama promised it would be--and the costs are expected to continue to rise as Obamacare is impemented.

John Merline of Investor's Business Daily notes the rising costs specifically contradict a campaign promise Obama reiterated several times, including in debates with Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) and at events along the 2008 campaign trail.

One summer day in the mid-1990s, Spencer Kaplan climbed aboard a bus at the camp where he was a counselor-in-training, sat down next to a little boy of about 9, and thought, “My God, I want to kiss him.”

Spencer—a pseudonym—was 14. He was a short, sensitive teenager who wore high tops and backward baseball caps. As a junior counselor, his job was to help an older counselor with the 8- and 9-year-olds. Spencer had noticed this boy before, sitting alone, cloaked in an endearing shyness. On the bus Spencer coaxed him out of his shell. For the rest of the summer, Spencer took the boy under his wing and basked in their closeness. The attraction Spencer felt was dizzying.

Spencer was raised in a stable environment by loving, highly educated parents. He had been a cute little boy himself, with a blond-streaked bowl cut, brown saucer eyes, and a dazzling grin—relatives often needled him about his certain future as a heartbreaker. He even did some professional modeling and acting. In the video for Don Henley’s 1989 song “The End of the Innocence,” you can see him running around in the sunshine with floppy limbs. He was never abused or molested.

CNN ASKS AHMADINEJAD WHAT HE WOULD DO IF HIS KIDS WERE GAY

See the Video HERE

Md. Enhancing Security At Social Services Offices

Maryland is beefing up security at state social services offices.

The move comes after the stabbing of an infant girl, allegedly by her mother, during a supervised visit last spring to the Baltimore Department of Social Services.

State Human Resources Secretary Theodore Dallas tells The Baltimore Sun that the state has taken steps to improve security, including installing lockers in family meeting rooms and doing mandatory bag searches (bsun.md/ROpMFJ). The department's also putting panic buttons into family meeting rooms.

GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY ANNOUNCES INVESTMARYLAND CHALLENGE

Announces first InvestMaryland investment

Governor launches $300,000 InvestMaryland Challenge business plan competition

BETHESDA, MD - At Bethesda-based BrainScope today, the latest stop on the “Jobs and Opportunity” Tour, Governor Martin O’Malley highlighted InvestMaryland, the State’s pioneering $84 million venture capital initiative, as a prime example of why Maryland is well-positioned for success in the New Economy. The Governor also announced that BrainScope has earned InvestMaryland’s first venture capital financing, and launched the InvestMaryland Challenge – a $300,000 business competition to help identify and support new start-ups in Maryland.

Recently, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce ranked Maryland #1 in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and cited InvestMaryland as one of the “Policies that Produce.”

“In Maryland, we choose to make the modern investments a modern economy requires: educating, innovating, and rebuilding for our children’s future,” said Governor O’Malley. “We know that our greatest assets are the talents, skills, creativity and ingenuity of our people. InvestMaryland is an important part of our overall strategy to nurture the State’s Innovation Economy by investing in our competitive advantages like science and technology and encouraging entrepreneurship. Our investment in BrainScope and the launch of the InvestMaryland Challenge demonstrate that we believe in aspiring entrepreneurs and Maryland’s ability to compete and win in the New Economy.”

Maryland Chooses To Innovate For A Brighter Future

Succeeding in tough times is a choice. As the economy lapsed into recession at the end of 2007 and other states hunkered down, Maryland redoubled its investments in the cornerstones of the state’s economic success. Since the start of the recovery, Maryland has re-gained almost 98,000 jobs, more than two-thirds of those lost during the recession. While some may choose to ignore the state’s recovery, Maryland’s rebound is better than all but seven other states.

Recently the U.S. Chamber of Commerce ranked Maryland No. 1 in the nation for innovation and entrepreneurship. A champion of pro-business policies, the chamber lauded Maryland for its commitments to education, start-up companies and collaboration between business and academia.

The recipe for Maryland’s appeal is simple — we reward innovation, invest in our skilled workforce and encourage entrepreneurship through state programs and public-private partnerships. With world-class research labs, brilliant entrepreneurs and highly educated workers, Maryland is uniquely ready to take advantage of a fast-changing global economy in which sectors such as biotechnology, cybersecurity and high-tech manufacturing are keys to good jobs and bright futures.

InvestMaryland and InnovateMaryland, both created in the past 18 months, have $84 million to make venture capital investments in high-tech Maryland start-ups and $5.8 million to commercialize promising technologies from state universities. With input from the business community and Maryland residents, we have also made doing business easier by repealing or revising more than 130 outdated state regulations and streamlining state processes.

Maryland had the nation’s highest median household income in 2010, according to the Census Bureau. Marylanders also have the third-lowest state and local tax burden as a share of their incomes, according to Federal Funds Information for States.

The number of millionaires calling the Free State home has increased almost 20 percent since 2007, and by last year Maryland had the greatest concentration of millionaire households in the country, according to Phoenix Marketing International. The latest year of data available from Maryland’s Comptroller (2010) shows a 16 percent increase in the number of millionaire tax filers, following the dip during the recession. The latest IRS figures (2010) show that thousands more people are moving into Maryland than out.

Why? For the quality of life Marylanders have cultivated for decades, our abundant natural resources, our commitment to innovation, our proximity to key federal agencies — and also because Maryland has the nation’s best public school system, ranked No. 1 by Education Week for four years running. The state also boasts an affordable public university system with gems such as University of Maryland, Baltimore County, which was ranked No. 4 in undergraduate teaching last year by U.S. News and World Report. While many states cut education spending during the recession, Maryland increased its investment in the workforce of the future by 7.4 percent per student, the third-highest increase of any state.

Today, Maryland companies make solar panel arrays that power bases in Afghanistan, produce vaccines that protect against influenza and anthrax, design athletic wear for top athletes and launch satellites that power international commerce. In a world increasingly driven by technology and innovation, Maryland will continue to invest in our people, nurture their ideas, reward their entrepreneurial spirit, celebrate their achievements and abolish obstacles to their success.

Christian S. Johansson is Maryland’s secretary of business and economic development.

PROOF HE ATTENDED COLUMBIA

For those of you who doubted his attendance at Columbia...........YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELVES!!!

Today's Fill In The Blank 9-25-12

Our favorite theme park is _____.

Cirque Dreams Holidaze Tickets On Sale Friday At 10 AM

“Cirque Dreams Holidaze”
A Delicious Confection of Charm, Sparkle and Talent by the Sleighload

Lights up the Wicomico Civic Center December 13, 2012
Tickets are on sale Friday, September 28^th at 10am!

Salisbury, MD – CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE lights up the 2012 holiday season when it transforms the stage at the Wicomico Civic Center into a wonderland of fantasy and disbelief, Thursday, December 13, 2012 at 7:30pm. Cirque Dreams, an American theatrical production company, brings its critically acclaimed entertainment brand to Salisbury for one glorious holiday performances presented by Broadway in Salisbury. Created and directed by Neil Goldberg, creator of the groundbreaking Broadway hit CIRQUE DREAMS JUNGLE FANTASY, CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE is "so full of energy it could end our dependence on oil" according to the New York Daily News and "a delicious confection of charm, sparkle and talent by the sleigh load." The Rochester Democrat and Chronicle raves, "even the Grinch would be impressed with this Christmas wonderland." "Stuffed with so much holiday cheer and audacious acts, Scrooge would exit with a big ol' smile on his face," hails the Erie Times News about this "Broadway-worthy spectacle." "The perfect way to come in from the cold, forget the holiday stresses and find the magic of the season" proclaims The Oakland Press. Don't miss the international sensation that "Dazzled…at The Kennedy Center" according to the Washington Post. Tickets are on sale Friday, September 28^th at 10am.

Renowned director Neil Goldberg, creator of the groundbreaking Broadway hit CIRQUE DREAMS JUNGLE FANTASY, re-imagines the holiday season withCIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE. An international cast of multi-talented and brilliantly costumed artists come to life and perform astonishing feats of disbelief. Experience gingerbread men flipping mid air, toy soldiers marching on thin wires, snowmen daringly balancing, icemen powerfully sculpting, penguins spinning, puppets dancing and reindeer soaring high above a landscape of holiday wonderment. An original music score and some seasonal favorites accompany hundreds of astonishing costumes and holiday dreams in a setting of gigantic gifts, colossal candy canes and 30-foot towering soldiers creating a wonderland of spectacle.

Says Creator/Director Goldberg, “Cirque Dreams Holidaze continues the spirit of our brand first established in 1993…to present quality, accessible entertainment throughout the world integrating limitless imagination with multiple performance genres. We are proud to share our creations and bring joy to so many. In a newly forged partnership, Cirque Dreams will now share its creations with U.S. Troops at home and abroad. Military discounts will be available for all U.S. performances of Cirque Dreams Holidaze. In January 2012, the creation of the first ever Cirque Dreams World Tour performed at military bases throughout 10 countries. Says U.S. Col. Kathleen Witherspoon, Chief, Armed Forces Entertainment “I had the opportunity to experience firsthand the Cirque Dreams “Holidaze” performance at the Kennedy Center and see the tremendous impact … the pledge of support Cirque Dreams is making to our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines as a way to say. “Thank you for your service.’ is awesome.

One performance only of CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE at the Wicomico Civic Center will be held Thursday, December 13, 2012 at 7:30pm. Tickets are affordably priced from $45.00 - $55.00 and will be available at the Wicomico Civic Center Box Office, online at www.WicomicoCivicCenter.org or via phone at 410-548-4911. Group discounts are available by calling 410-548-4911. The Wicomico Civic Center is located at 500 Glen Avenue, Salisbury, MD 21804.

OCPD TRAFFIC SAFETY OFFICERS RECOGNIZED FOR TRAFFIC SAFETY CONTRIBUTIONS BY THE MARYLAND HIGHWAY SAFETY OFFICE

On September 7, 2012, police officers representing law enforcement agencies throughout Maryland gathered in Annapolis to be recognized for their distinct contributions to highway safety in Maryland. The 2012 Traffic Safety Specialist (TSS) Awards Luncheon, which took place at the Doubletree Hotel in Annapolis, acknowledged law enforcement officers who have attained exceptional levels of experience, training and proficiency in highway safety and traffic enforcement methods and procedures. The following Ocean City Police Department officers were recognized for their hard work and commitment to traffic safety; Lieutenants Brian Cardamone and Scott Harner, Sergeants Doug Smith and Ronnie Townsend, Patrolman 1st Class Aaron Morgan, Ryan Flanagan, Michael Karsnitz, Joseph Centofranchi and Officer Patrick Flynn. Congratulations to the TSS Award Recipients. Keep up the great work.

Pictured from left to right: Chief William McMahon (Howard Co PD), OCPD – LT Scott Harner, SGT Doug Smith, PFC Joe Centofranchi, PFC Mike Karsnitz, OFC Pat Flynn, PFC Aaron Morgan and Chief of the MD Highway Safety Office Mr. Thomas J. Gianni. “Clearly these award recipients epitomized the spirit of the TSS Program,” said Thomas J. Gianni, Chief of the Maryland Highway Safety Office. “Effective traffic enforcement translates to fewer crashes, injuries, and fewer deaths on our roadways. Traffic safety is public safety, and we congratulate the awardees on their very distinguished achievement.” So far this year, the OCPD has investigated over 500 crashes, issued almost 7,000 traffic citations and made almost 400 DUI/DWI arrests. “The sheer volume of vehicular traffic in Ocean City Community seems daunting, however the Traffic Safety Specialist of the Ocean City Police Department as well as all of our patrol officers, rise to the challenge every year , and this year is no exception” stated OCPD Chief Bernadette A. DiPino. “I am extremely proud of these dedicated professionals who continue to make Ocean City, Maryland a safe place to live and visit.”

The Lingerie Football League Fired NFL Refs Due To Incompetence

Here's the statement that the LFL gave to Deadspin (emphasis ours):

Because of the LFL's perception it is that much more critical for us to hire officiating crews that are competent, not only for the credibility of our game but to keep our athletes safer. Due to several on-field incompetent officiating we chose to part ways with with a couple crews which apparently are now officiating in the NFL. We have a lot of respect for our officials but we felt the officiating was not in line with our expectations.

We have not made public comment to date because we felt it was not our place to do so. However in light of tonight's event, we felt it was only fair that NFL fans knew the truth as to who are officiating these games.

SALISBURY MAN ARRESTED IN OCEAN CITY FOR SELLING HEROIN

On September 19, 2012

, the Ocean City Police Narcotics Unit and the Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team, with the assistance of the Patrol Division, concluded a heroin distribution investigation with the arrest of Arnesto Lee Smith, 33, of Salisbury, Maryland. Smith was arrested after a four week undercover investigation, in which narcotics detectives made several purchases of heroin from Smith. Police arrested Smith in the 45th Street area of Ocean City. During the arrest, several officers were needed to restrain Smith who was ultimately subdued with a TASER. At the time of his arrest, Smith was in possession of 4-bags of heroin, numerous Xanax pills as well as a quantity of money all of which were seized as evidence. Ocean City Police Narcotics Detectives charged Smith with: Four counts of possession of heroin with intent to distribute. Three counts of distribution of heroin. Possession of Xanax with the intent to distribute. Possession of heroin and possession of Xanax. Resisting arrest. Smith was seen by an Ocean City District Court Commissioner and was held on $75,000 bond. Smith was transferred to the Worcester County Jail.

Has Mayor Ireton Finally Been Shamed Enough To Keep His Mouth Shut

While a lot was accomplished last night in the City Council Meeting, Mayor Ireton actually behaved himself for the first time in a very long time.

Salisbury Police Officers have finally received the pay increase they should have received many years ago. However, even though Chief Duncan said this would help boost morale there's no doubt in my mind this will be short lived, morale wise.

There's a problem right now in the SPD and the City and it's called leadership. When you have a Mayor who demands the Police Chief not even think of expecting a pay increase, that's just the beginning of the problem.

The Council was exactly right, why now? Why didn't Mayor Ireton and Chief Duncan ask for a formal pay increase back at budget time. What YOU need to understand is that while the Chief may have asked for those raises, the Mayor completely eliminated her request and the Council NEVER saw it. That's why they were somewhat ticked off and I can't blame them. The man should be fired.

Mayor Ireton tried to make the Council look just as bad as he does. I'm also bothered that the rest of the Press didn't express this openly. It's as if they continue to protect the Mayor and quite frankly that is wrong.

So its no wonder Mayor Ireton sat quietly in last nights Council Meeting because he knew the Council could have blasted him openly by exposing the TRUTH.

In case any of you missed the PAC 14 airing last night, at the very end in public comments someone mentioned the toxic spraying that was going on in her neighborhood. She was walking her dog when she heard the truck coming and saw the cloud of toxic chemicals in the air. She started waiving the truck to stop in the hopes of getting home to get away from the chemicals. The truck refused to stop and she was caught up in the spray.

She went on to ask if there was any way the Council could warn communities in advance so they could stay indoors and close their windows. It was a fair request. However, what really caught my attention was the next thing she stated. She asked, is there any other way you could advertise it because she no longer buys the Daily Times.

This is important because many thousands of residents have given up on the Daily Times and quite frankly they deserve to have another outlet, (like Salisbury News). Posting on the City's Website is a joke and placing the information on the main floor of the GOB doesn't cut it either.

Our legislators need to know that on line sources like Salisbury News have taken over readership. We'd be more than happy to show Legislators our daily numbers to prove what we say is true. The times have changed and print media is failing.

I personally believe the Daily Times is finally seeing the last stages of local print media. October 1st of 2012 the Daily Times will start charging to view articles on line. They will also increase their rates another 15% as well. I think we can all agree, there's nowhere near enough information on a daily basis to warrant paying for that paper any longer and many agree that the only reason they get the paper is for the Obituaries. We'll work harder at getting those Obituaries in the very near future.

As for the mention of pay increases towards the balance of City Employees, I was shocked to hear Shanie Shields propose a 2% pay increase, even after mentioning the "Singer Study". The Singer Study clearly states City Employees are being paid MORE than ANY other Municipality around, including all the way up to Dover, DE.

I'm glad that Salisbury News was the ONLY source out there that mentioned this study but more importantly that now the rest of the Council and Media picked up on it. What's UNFORTUNATE is that the rest of the Media never mentioned the FACT that Salisbury Employees are being paid more. Funny how it works, isn't it? One Council Member brings up the study, then never mentions Salisbury Employees being paid more, (did she actually read the study) and then the Media mentions it and forgets to mention them being paid more as well. So the public is ONLY told what certain public officials want you to know.

Again, this is why the Daily Times is failing, because they're failing YOU.

Today's Advertiser Of The Day 9-25-12

Pumping Station

Lots of activity late last night and early this morning at the sewage pumping station located at the end of South Blvd. and Ridge Rd.

Commentary: Taxes Are Sinking Maryland

Federal government data show that Maryland’s economic engine is sputtering. Taxpayers, businesses and jobs are fleeing the state in greater proportion to other jurisdictions in the region. To diagnose engine problems, mechanics first look under the hood, so let’s start there.

Maryland saw the largest taxpayer exodus in the region between 2007 and 2010, with nearly 31,000 residents having left the state, according to the latest IRS figures. Most of them, nearly 11,500 individuals in taxpayer households, went to Virginia. The net loss to Maryland — and Virginia’s gain — is $390 million in annual incomes. A surprising close second in attracting former Marylanders is North Carolina. Combined, that amounts to almost $700 million in annual incomes streaming down the Interstate 95 corridor.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton reassured Egypt's new Islamist president on Monday that the United States would forge ahead with plans to expand economic assistance despite anti-American protests that cast new shadows over U.S. engagement with the region.

Clinton met Egyptian President Mohamed Mursi in New York, where both are attending this week'sU.N. General Assembly meeting, and reinforced the Obama administration's continued commitment to provide both military and economic aid for Cairo, a senior State Department official said.

"What he heard from the secretary is that she is committed to following through on what she has said we will do," the official said following the 45-minute meeting.

More

Howard Stern Exposes Obama Supporters 2012

Today's Survey Question 9-25-12

Are dollar store deals worth it?

Genes Determine How Fat Soda Makes You

Certain genetic markers may explain why some people who drink similar amounts of soda or other sugar-sweetened beverages are more likely to be obese than others.

Participants in a new study who had more of these markers were at a greater risk of obesity than those with fewer markers — and the more sugar-sweetened beverages

that people drank, the wider the gap grew between the groups, in terms of obesity risk.

These markers are not new to science — people who have them are thought to be genetically prone to obesity

But little was known about how lifestyle factors, such as the type of food and beverages that people consume, influence weight gain

for people with these markers.

Pepco Union To Vote On Contract; Strike Possible

Union workers at the Pepco utility company are scheduled to vote this week on a contract proposal.

The Washington Post reports that union members will vote on the offer Wednesday, and that the two sides haven't been able to agree on a contract despite help from a mediator. The workers could go on strike if they reject the deal, or Pepco could lock them out.

It would be the first strike at Pepco since 1985, when union members walked out for five days.

A 19-year-old cancer survivor from Towson developed a steadfast ritual that paid off in a short period of time with a $250,000 prize from Mega Millions.

For just more than a year, Nick Ruth has purchased Mega Millions tickets from the 7-Eleven store closest to his job in the 8500 block of Loch Raven Boulevard in Towson. On Friday, Ruth wasn't scheduled to work but he went to the store because it "just felt right."

Over the weekend, Ruth realized his ticket matched five of the six numbers drawn.

New lunch guidelines passed in 2010 as part of Michelle Obama’s health initiative (the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act) limit the amount of calories school lunches can provide.
The number, 850, is forcing many to go hungry, as the restrictions don’t account for active vs. inactive students or boys vs. girls.
One group of teens (with the help of teachers) in Kansas created a video mocking the restrictions called “We Are Hungry” and it’s gone viral.
Some Republican lawmakers are trying to get the calorie limits repealed.

More

High School Grads’ Reading Skills Hit New Low; Most Not College-Ready

Most of the nation’s 2012 high school graduates aren’t ready for college, and their reading skills continue to steadily decline, hitting their lowest level in four decades, new data show.

Annual SAT results, released on Monday by the College Board, show that just 43 percent of college-bound students are prepared for the next level of their education and are likely to maintain a B-minus average or better during their first year of university classes. Fifty-seven percent didn’t clear the 1550 college and career readiness benchmark, the figures show.

WCSO Press Releases 9-25-12

Incident: Assault on a Deputy
Date of Incident: 13 September 2012
Location: 2702 N. Salisbury Blvd., Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Michael D. Conaway, 19, Mardela Springs, MD

Narrative: On 13 September 2012 at 3:40 PM, an off-duty deputy was inside the Wal-Mart on N.
Salisbury Blvd when his assistance was requested with a shop lifting in progress. The deputy approached
an individual identified as the suspect in the parking lot who allegedly had stolen a knife. Upon contact
with this individual, later identified as Michael Conaway, the deputy retrieved a knife from the pants
Conaway was wearing and placed him under arrest for theft. In Conaway’s other pocket, the deputy
located what the deputy recognized as marijuana. Even though Conaway was handcuffed, he became
extremely belligerent while yelling out curse words to the disruption of other patrons. The deputy had to
assist Conaway to a stationary position, during which Conaway kicked the deputy.
Conaway was transported to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the
District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, the Commissioner detained Conaway in the
Detention Center in lieu of $50,000.00 bond.
Charges: Assault 2
nd
Degree
Possession of Marijuana
Disorderly Conduct
Theft

Incident: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
Date of Incident: 23 September 2012
Location: Nanticoke Road at Westbrook Drive, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Andre Gaskins, 39, Salisbury, MD

Narrative: On 23 September 2012 at 2:43 AM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office
stopped a vehicle that the deputy observed travelling northbound on Nanticoke Road. What drew the
attention of the deputy was that the operator of this vehicle was flashing its high beam headlights and
honking the horn. Upon stopping the vehicle, the deputy detected a strong odor of alcohol emanating from
within the vehicle that was operated by Andre Gaskins. Due to the suspicion that Gaskins was under the
influence of alcohol, the deputy administered sobriety testing that Gaskins performed poorly on. The
deputy subsequently placed Gaskins under arrest for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol.
The deputy transported Gaskins for processing, during which Gaskins did not provide a breath sample.
Gaskins was released upon the issuance of citations.
Charges: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol

Incident: Violation of a Protective Order
Date of Incident: 23 September 2012
Location: 700 block of Gunby Road, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Pete E. Truitt, 42, Delmar, MD

Narrative: On 23 September 2012 at 8:49 PM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office
responded for a report of a Protective Order violation in the 700 block of Gunby Road in Salisbury. Upon
arrival, the deputy learned that Pete Truitt had come to residence in violation of a Protective Order that
had been issued and served on Truitt back in June of 2012. The deputy located Truitt nearby who
admitted to the deputy that he had come to the residence prior to the deputy’s arrival. Truitt advised the
deputy that he was well aware of the order as he had just completed serving a period of incarceration the
previous week that had been imposed after he violated the order back in June.
The deputy placed Truitt under arrest and transported him to the Central Booking Unit where he was
processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, the
Commissioner released Truitt on Personal Recognizance.
Charges: Violation of a Protective Order

Hopkins Gets $7.4M Grant For Math, Science Ed

Johns Hopkins University has been awarded a $7.4 million grant to help boost science and math learning in Baltimore elementary schools.

The grant was announced Monday by members of Maryland's congressional delegation.

The money will be awarded over a five-year period. It comes from the National Science Foundation.

Bands Will Take The Field Saturday, Oct. 13 For The 2012 Delmarvacade Of Bands

Lights. Music. Marching. One of the most exciting and uplifting nights of the marching band season is coming up Saturday, Oct. 13, when Parkside High School and the Parkside Band Boosters present the 2012 Delmarvacade of Bands at Wicomico County Stadium.

High school marching bands from throughout the region will fill Wicomico County Stadium that night with the exciting sights and sounds of their field show as bands tune up for the impending championship events.

Between bands, parents, and spectators, the Delmarvacade is expected to draw thousands of people to the stadium. Bands will compete starting at 6:30 p.m., with each band performing the kind of field show people are accustomed to seeing at halftime of football games. Each performance will last seven to 12 minutes, and a new band will take the field about every 15 minutes. (Rain date for this event is 2 p.m Sunday, Oct. 14.)

The event is sponsored by Parkside High School and its Band Boosters. It will be adjudicated by professional judges of the National Judges Association. Bands will be judged on every aspect of their field show, including both musical and visual elements, individual and group elements, as well as the overall general effect of the show. Each band will receive a score based on a 100-point scale, and a trophy.

Bands will compete in four categories, depending on the number of instrumentalists in the band. Parkside High and Bennett are in Group 3 and Wicomico is in Group 2. Parkside, as host, will perform in exhibition. There will be an awards ceremony at the end of the night.

Marching bands often stay all evening, even after they have competed. "They support each other, even though they are rivals," says Gary Beauchamp, supervisor of fine and performing arts for Wicomico schools and the founder of the event in 1977. Students know they are competing not just against each other, but against their own previous performances, trying to make this one just a little bit better.

Admission to Delmarvacade of Bands is $5. A program detailing the participants, with a score sheet to keep track of how the bands are doing, is $5. The Parkside Band Boosters will donate $1 from each program sold to Women Supporting Women of Salisbury.

For information call Kevin Zaczkiewicz, Parkside High School band director, at 410-677-5161.

Student Volunteer Trains Service Guide Dogs

Between class, homework and staying active with the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, senior government and politics major Emily Zier has one more responsibility on her hands — raising a 1-year-old black labrador named Rhonda.

And Rhonda — or Ronnie, as Zier likes to call her — is no ordinary canine; Zier is training her to be a service guide dog to assist the blind and visually impaired.

As a volunteer for the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, Inc., Zier’s job is to socialize, house train and teach Ronnie commands for about a year until she’s ready to be paired with an owner. And because the dog cannot be left alone for more than one hour, the busy student has to take Ronnie with her everywhere she goes — to class, to work and even to social events.

Raise Federal Salaries

Two government-focused think tanks are urging the next president to raise federal salaries. They cite the 60 percent of federal workers eligible to retire in the next few years. The recommendation comes in the latest policy memo from the American Society for Public Administration and the National Academy of Public Administration. They say the government should reduce the disparity between federal and private sector pay. One way is widening the range of salaries available to individuals within their GS category.

Police Investigate Bomb Threat At Dulles Airport

Two garages at Washington Dulles International Airport have reopened after police investigated a bomb threat Monday night.

No bomb was found.

First reports about a problem came through just before 9 p.m. Monday as people on Twitter began expressing concern and asking questions while several passengers called into WTOP.

MWAA spokeswoman Kim Gibbs told WTOP they and police were investigating a bomb threat.

Hospitals Now On Radar Screen

The Obama administration has sent letters to hospital trade associations. It warns their members not to use electronic medical records to jack up Medicare payments. The letters came from Attorney General Eric Holder and Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. Published reports have said some hospitals use online systems to overstate the severity of patient conditions so they get higher payments. Hospitals say Medicare lags in updating its computerized coding system.

MUST WATCH: ARMY WIFE AND SOLDIER HUSBAND HAVE TEARFUL REUNION ON STAGE AT TOBY KEITH CONCERT

In arguably one of the most touching moments of the year, country singer Toby Keith surprised the wife of a soldier fighting in Afghanistan by reuniting her with her husband on stage during one of his concerts.

After pulling the surprised woman on stage during a Sept. 8 show in Houston, Texas, Keith began to play his hit song “American Soldier,” dedicating it to her husband, Maj. Pete Cruise (or Cruz, spelling wasn’t provided), who the woman thought was still in Afghanistan.

Home schooling does have its merits

I was eating breakfast with my 10-year-old Granddaughter and I asked her, "What day is tomorrow?"; She said "It's President's Day!"

She is a smart kid. I asked "What does President's Day mean?"
I was waiting for something about Washington or Lincoln .... etc.

She replied, "President's Day is when President Obama steps out of the White House, and if he sees his shadow, we have 4 more years of Bull S*!t."

You know, It hurts when hot coffee spurts out your nose!

Unlikely Predators Helping To Control Stink Bugs

An unlikely ally will help keep stink bugs out of many regional homes this fall, according to one bug expert.

Many indigenous insect species are "switching over" and dining on stink bugs, says Mike Raupp, professor of entomology at the University of Maryland. More effective insecticides with specific purposes are also proving successful in controlling the spread of this bothersome invader.

"This may be part of the reason we've had fewer problems with our crops so far," he says. "The good news here is we've come up with a lot of solutions."

FREE CAR SEAT CHECK

WHO: Safe Kids Lower Shore

WHAT: FREE CAR SEAT CHECK

Safety Seat Inspections: Safe Kids Lower Shore will hold a child safety seat inspection station at the Seton Center in Princess Anne. Not sure if your car seat is properly installed….come have a trained certified child passenger safety technician check it for you!

Drive-ins welcome for more information Call (410) 219-7480.

WHEN: September 25, 2012 from 9:00a.m. – 11 a.m.

WHERE: 30632 Hampden Ave. Princess Anne (SETON CENTER)

WHY: Making sure young passengers are buckled into appropriate safety seats is critical. The safest place for children of any age to ride is properly restrained in the back seat. Data shows that child safety seats reduce the risk of death in car crashes by 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers ages one to four.

Have a Certified Technician Teach You

How To Install Your Car Seat Correctly!

Future Of Referendum Bills Up In Air

When it came to helping undocumented students receive in-state college tuition and giving same-sex couples the right to marry, state Democratic lawmakers strongly advocated for bills that would provide them those rights.

But the state’s Democratic voters may not be so supportive.

Republican lawmakers were successful in putting the DREAM Act and same-sex marriage on the November ballot, leaving the bills’ fates in the hands of state voters. Although the bills passed the state legislature, minority issues have a shaky history in the ballot box.

Attention