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Thursday, August 20, 2009

Troopers Investigating Potential Report Of Abducted Child


Location: 700 block of Newport Gap Pike, Wilmington, Delaware, New Castle County

Date of Occurrence: Thursday, August 20, 2009, at approximately 7:00 p.m.

Suspect(s): Possibly two white males in a white work style full size van

Resume: At approximately 7:00 p.m. this evening, Troopers were dispatched to the 700 block of Newport Gap Pike for a possible abducted child report.

Officers arrived on the scene and spoke with a 13-year-old boy (reporting person) who claimed the following… He was skateboarding out in front of his home when his attention was drawn to a young boy, about his age, to be referred to hereinafter as the victim, who was walking toward him on Newport Gap Pike carrying a skateboard.

The reporting person advised officers that a white van pulled up and two white males got out. They confronted the victim and it appeared as though they took him against his will. The van sped off northbound on Route 41.

Officers began to canvas the area. One Trooper stopped in to the Newport Skate Park in Newport, Delaware. Coincidentally, a few minutes before this Troopers got there, folks at the skate park said a white female with blonde hair walked up and asked if anyone had seen her son “George.”

Investigators are not quite sure if this incident is a bonefide kidnapping or simply a misunderstanding. Nevertheless, if anyone has a child that is unaccounted for, matching the below description, they are asked to call 911.

A reverse 911 call went out in the area where the alleged missing child was last seen.

Childs description: White male, 11 – 13 years old, average build, white tank top, black pants, carrying a helmet and wearing a baseball cap.

An additional news release will be disseminated only if this case is substantiated.

Cash For Clunkers To End On Monday


The Obama administration will end the popular $3 billion Cash for Clunkers program on Monday, giving car shoppers a few more days to take advantage of big government incentives.

The Transportation Department said Thursday that the government will wind down the program on Monday at 8 p.m. EDT. Car buyers can receive rebates of $3,500 or $4,500 for trading in older vehicles for new, more fuel-efficient models.

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said the program has been “a lifeline to the automobile industry, jump starting a major sector of the economy and putting people back to work.” He said the department was “working toward an orderly wind down of this very popular program.”

GO HERE to read more.

A Comment On The North Prong Worthy Of A Post

Heather Said:

This is a very interesting thread, having lived in the Salisbury area for most of my life, and now in Los Angeles working as an environmental scientist, on the assessment and remediation of contaminated industrial sites. Despite the heated opinions, from a technical and legal standpoint, several of you are absolutely correct.

It seems as though some degree of assessment has likely occurred over time if the parties involved understand the historical use of the property in question, and the potential for contamination at the site. Unless there was an indemnification agreement "gifted" to the City, as well, the City would be held 100% responsible for the remediation of the parcel and any clean-up costs incurred. Blantant disregard for the issues surrounding the subsurface conditions site will not make them go away, and certainy will not help speed the redevelopment of the property.

With oil terminals, not only do we typically encounter total petroleum hydrocarbons(TPH)in the soil and/or groundwater, but often methyl ethyl ketones(MEK), benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX), kerosenes, lubricating oils, and sometimes even creosote, which results in concentrations of DNAPL. It's difficult, if not impossible to accurately guesstimate the subsurface investigation and laboratory costs without an understanding of number and depth of soil and sediment borings, number of water samples to be collected, drilling company, etc.

If the site is found to be contaminated with concentrations above regulatory reporting limits, then it is the environmental engineer's duty to report the information to the MDE or appropriate regulatory oversight program agency. Remediation could take several months to several years, depending on the degree of contamination and the nature of adversely impacting media. Perhaps they could apply for a Brownfields Program grant.

Either way, it sounds like this property will not be suitable for immediate use and could be contaminating neighboring sites or the underlying aquifer. Off-site contaminant migration is another issue that the City would be responsible for addressing and ultimately funding.

GO HERE to see the original Post published by GA Harrison.

On Dishing It Out . . .

by Victor Davis Hanson
NRO’s The Corner


What is weird about the liberal hysteria to the obstreperous (and occasionally rude) town meetings is the complete amnesia about what constitutes reckless public discourse.

At one time not so long ago, those on the Left, and mainstream Democrats as well, apparently believed inflammatory language, Hitler parallels, and perverse expressions of real hatred were acceptable means to the noble end of discrediting the Bush presidency.

During the bleak days of Iraq, demonstrators carried swastikas and Hitler portraits of Bush habitually. Nicholson Baker wrote a novel in which characters are contemplating killing Bush. Films were praised imagining the assassination of the president. Michael Moore, courted by the Democratic elite, lamented that bin Laden on 9/11 had hit a blue state — and once compared the killers of Americans in Iraq to Minutemen.

Al Gore customarily used excessive language like "brown shirts." Senators Durbin, Kennedy, and others compared our soldiers to Saddamites, Pol Pot’s killers, and Nazis. Ward Churchill compared the victims in the Twin Tower to “little Eichmanns.” Sen. Robert Byrd likened Pres. George W. Bush’s policies to what transpired in Nazi Germany. Linda Ronstadt, Harold Pinter, Scott Ritter, Ted Rall, and George Soros agreed with Fidel Castro, the Iranians, and North Koreans in comparing Bush to Hitler.

Jonathan Chait wrote in the New Republic on why “I hate George W. Bush.” Garrison Keillor likened Bush’s Republicans to “brown shirts in pinstripes.” Even old hero Sen. John Glenn said of the Bush agenda: “It’s the old Hitler business.” In 1984, the Guardian’s Charles Brooker declared:

On November 2, the entire civilized world will be praying, praying Bush loses. And Sod's law dictates he'll probably win, thereby disproving the existence of God once and for all. The world will endure four more years of idiocy, arrogance and unwarranted bloodshed, with no benevolent deity to watch over and save us. John Wilkes Booth, Lee Harvey Oswald, John Hinckley Jr. — where are you now that we need you?

Democrats were furious that Rush Limbaugh wanted Obama’s agenda to fail, but I think it was their National Chairman Howard Dean himself who went way beyond Limbaugh when he said publicly, “I hate the Republicans and everything they stand for,” and, “This is a struggle of good and evil. And we're the good.”

Didn’t NAACP chairman Julian Bond once declare of the Bush administration, “Their idea of equal rights is the American flag and the Confederate swastika flying side by side?”

In comparison to all that, the outrage of a few private citizens — none of them in government, prominent in the arts, or political commentators — seems rather mild. In truth, the 2000s marked the liberal reversion to the hateful speech of the 1950s extreme Right, but with a twist. In the 1950s, there were liberal humanists who rose up to deplore the cheap slurs of Joe McCarthy & Co.; by 2001, there were none to object to the above sort of speech.

Source

Salisbury Fire Department Volunteers Damage Ladder Truck Again Last Night

Last night Jeremy Gordy, (Bill Gordy's Son) decided to take the new $1,200,000.00 Ladder Truck out for a joy ride. Mind you, this doesn't sit very well with many of the people in the SFD but he's Bill Gordy's Son and while he has been written up more than any other human being in the history of the SFD, NOTHING substantial ever happens to him.

Last night was different though. This wasn't your typical let's get out and respond to some calls. Instead, Jeremy Gordy took this Ladder Truck out for 1 1/2 hours tooling around and when they returned there was damage done to the vehicle once again.

Ladies & Gentlemen, I know it looks like I'm constantly ragging on the Fire Department but look, enough is enough of this crap. It's no secret that Gordy's Son has received special treatment throughout the years and I have no problem publicly stating this on Salisbury News because there's just too many honest people within the Fire Department that would back what I say.

However, I personally stood in front of the City Council on numerous occasions and on PAC 14 and asked them if this vehicle would be used to run to accident calls and so forth and their reply was, no. I had stated to Mr. Comegys that if they stopped using these expensive vehicles to go to accident scenes, don't you think you'd get more than a 15 year life span out of the vehicle?

The bottom line is, tell me ONE fire within the City of Salisbury that required this vehicle, just ONE. While there may have been ONE, there haven't been many. Then I'd like the SFD to tell everyone just how many miles are on this vehicle RIGHT NOW!

THIS IS NOT A TOY! This is OUR vehicle that WE'RE paying for. We were assured this vehicle would NOT be out on accident calls and or joy rides and Jeremy Gordy is taking advantage of the taxpayers and let me assure ALL of you one thing, don't you ever think this is the first time this has happened.

Between wear and tear, the fuel they burned over that one and a half hour joy ride and ultimately the damage that was caused while they abused their privileges, it's time Mayor Ireton AND the City Council put an end to this abuse. The taxpayers have put out enough for the SFD and quite frankly it's time for the games to end.

Democrat Hoyer Calls Public Debate “un-American”

ANNAPOLIS— In a time of vigorous and necessary public debate on the government takeover of our health care system, the Republican Party of Maryland (MDGOP) denounces statements made by Democrat Steny Hoyer, U.S. House of Representatives Majority Leader and Maryland’s own Democrat Congressman. In an Op-Ed essay published by USA TODAY, Hoyer, joined by the Speaker of the House, Democrat Nancy Pelosi, called the vocal views expressed by concerned citizens “simply un-American.”
 
“When did being American become so un-American and when did the Democrat Party become so intolerant of democracy and debate?” asked Dr. Jim Pelura, Chairman of the MDGOP.
 
Maryland citizens from all walks of life, who have been attending Town Hall meetings, are visibly upset. They have been speaking out on what they feel is a huge government takeover of their bodies and lives.
 
“What we’ve seen is that these citizens are not un-American, as Congressman Hoyer states, they are simply better informed about HR bill 3200 than their Democrat legislators,” said Pelura. “And they are seriously concerned about being shut out of the loop on this very important issue.” Other Democrats and their special interest allies have joined Congressman Steny Hoyer in trying to stifle dissent.
 
* Democrat Speaker Pelosi accused opponents of government run health care “of carrying swastikas.”
 
* The White House has established a snitch site on the Web which states, “If you get an email or see something on the web about health insurance reform that seems fishy…” send them the information. (Update…Early this week, the White House has removed this website…in response to pressure from outraged citizens.)
 
* The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) is sending members to events to “if necessary, out-shout opponents of government run health care.” Already, a member of this union has been arrested for beating a voter handing out “Don’t Tread On Me Flags.”

“The Democrats must stop the threats and allow for civil debate on this issue,” said Pelura

OCPD Reminding Citizens: Its HURRICANE SEASON - Be Aware & Be Prepared

The Ocean City Police Department, in cooperation with the Ocean City Emergency Services, would like to remind citizens that we are in the middle of the Atlantic Hurricane Season. There is currently one named active hurricane in the Atlantic Ocean “Bill”.

Ocean City closely monitors any potential weather threat and works closely with the National Weather Service. While hurricane “Bill” is still out in the Southern Atlantic and is not currently projected to track toward Ocean City, however hurricanes are unpredictable and often change direction as they approach land. For this reason the OCPD and OC Emergency Services is reminding citizens to monitor local, regional and national news and weather to ensure they are given sufficient notice regarding any dangerous weather activity that could impact our region.

A hurricane WATCH is issued for an area that could experience the effects of a hurricane within 36 hours. A hurricane WARNING is issued for an area that will experience the effects of a hurricane within 24 hours. KEEP IN TOUCH. When you come to the beach keep your eyes and ears open! Ocean City is no different than any other large city during summer months.

Here's how we try to get your attention for emergencies such as hurricanes:

•Local radio and television
•Cable television audio override (Ocean City officials can override all cable channels with emergency messages).
•Commuter signs owned by local businesses
•Banner planes
•Computer messaging services including: Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, the OCPD Blog and the OCPD and OC Emergency Services web pages
•Town of Ocean City AM Radio station tune to AM 1670
•Preparedness – These types of events should remind us all that personal and family readiness are essential components to review for any man made or natural threat. For further information contact the OC Emergency Services at 410-723-6646, or visit the DHS/FEMAwebsite at: ready.gov During emergencies, we update a recording for our residents and visitors 410.723.6666

Source

Oprah And Obama!

New Rx For Health Plan: Split Bill


The White House and Senate Democratic leaders, seeing little chance of bipartisan support for their health-care overhaul, are considering a strategy shift that would break the legislation into two parts and pass the most expensive provisions solely with Democratic votes.

The idea is the latest effort by Democrats to escape the morass caused by delays in Congress, as well as voter discontent crystallized in angry town-hall meetings. Polls suggest the overhaul plans are losing public support, giving Republicans less incentive to go along.

Democrats hope a split-the-bill plan would speed up a vote and help President Barack Obama meet his goal of getting a final measure by year's end.

GO HERE to read more.

Protesters At Salisbury MVA

Hey Joe,

Was just out at MVA in Salisbury and there are 2 guys out there doing a petition to stop the Obama Health Care stuff.

Personally, I won't say whether I agree or disagree with their point but I do feel they should not be doing it on government property.

The head guy at MVA went out there with the State Trooper working out there to shut him down but apparently the guys have a letter from some head honcho in the state permitting them to do this on government property.

Eastern Shore Helicopter Moving To Montgomery Co.

PRINCESS ANNE, Md. (AP) A helicopter that has been stirring up controversy on the lower Eastern Shore has left for a new home in Montgomery County.

Princess Anne Police Chief Scott Keller says police officials from Montgomery County loaded the helicopter onto a flatbed truck Wednesday for a trip across the Chesapeake Bay.

The helicopter was awarded to the Princess Anne police department in 2005 through a program that hands out excess military property to law enforcement agencies. But officials in Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester counties were reluctant to pay for a helicopter program.

In Montgomery County, the county executive and police department are pushing to a program with two helicopters, but councilmembers say the county doesn't have the money to pay for it.

Source WJZ.com

Sex Offender Sought



Suspect(s): Angelo Rosa, age 37

Resume: State Police Sex Offender Apprehension and Registration (Soar) Unit is currently seeking the public’s assistance in locating Angelo Rosa, age 37. Rosa is wanted by the Delaware State Police for failure to comply with his sex offender registry and failure to report his updated address. Rosa also has warrants out of Newark Police Department for forgery. Rosa is a Tier II sex offender and registered as homeless. He has failed to comply with his registry requirements. Anyone that knows the whereabouts of Angelo Rosa is asked to contact the State Police Sex Offender Apprehension and Registration Unit at 302-672-5306.

Brief Explanation Of The Stimulus Program

A brief explanation of the stimulus program


Some time this year, we taxpayers will receive another Economic Stimulus payment. This is a very exciting program..

I will explain it using the Q and A format:

Q. What is an Economic Stimulus payment?
A. It is money that the federal government will send to taxpayers.


Q. Where will the government get this money?
A. From taxpayers.


Q. So the government is giving me back my own money?
A. Only a smidgen.


Q. What is the purpose of this payment?
A. The plan is that you will use the money to purchase a high-definition TV set, thus stimulating the economy.


Q. But isn't that stimulating the economy of China ?
A. Shut up.


Below is some helpful advice on how to best help the US economy by spending your stimulus check wisely:

If you spend the stimulus money at Wal-Mart, the money will go to China and Shrilanka.
If you spend it on gasoline, your money will go to the Arabs.
If you purchase a computer, it will go to India .
If you purchase fruit and vegetables, it will go to Mexico , Honduras , Guatemala and Chile .
If you buy a car, it will go to Japan and Korea .
If you purchase useless stuff, it will go to Taiwan .
If you pay your credit cards off, or buy stock, it will go to management bonuses and they will hide it offshore.


Instead, keep the money in America by:
spending it at yard sales,
going to ball games,
spending it on prostitutes,
beer
tattoos.

(These are the only American businesses still operating in the US .)

Has anything else worked so far?

WICO's Morning Host To Do Live Interview With Pres. Obama

Smerconish scores an Obama interview

The session at the White House today is billed as the president's first on live radio.

By Michael Klein
Inquirer Columnist

Questions about health care and the search for Osama bin Laden will be front and center as WPHT's Michael Smerconish sits in the White House's Diplomatic Reception Room for what is billed as President Obama's first live radio interview at 1 p.m. today.
On yesterday's programs, which air on 50 stations, Smerconish was soliciting what he called "pointed but substantive questions from listeners all over the country."

Smerconish, who interviewed Obama three times during the presidential campaign but never face-to-face, said he had no idea how he had landed the 20-minute interview, which will air locally [Philladelphia] on WPHT-AM (1210) and on Andrea Mitchell's program on MSNBC. Smerconish, a longtime Republican who created an uproar when he publicly supported Obama, said he had made "umpteen requests" to the White House.

"I'd like to think it's because I try to run a dignified program against a backdrop of undignified programs," he said. Perhaps, he mused, when Obama is out of office, he can get into the archives and "piece together the paper trail."

********************************

Smerconish's morning show replaced most of the time slot that was formerly filled by Bill Reddish, who continues to do his show in a reduced time slot from about 8:10 to 8:30 AM on WICO-1320 AM.

CASH FOR CLUNKERS..........I QUALIFY

If my body were a car, this is the time I would be thinking about trading it in for a newer model. I've got bumps and dents and scratches in my finish, and my paint job is getting a little dull. But that's not the worst of it. My headlights are out of focus, and it's especially hard to see things up close.

My traction is not as graceful as it once was. I slip and slide and skid and bump into things even in the best of weather.

My whitewalls are stained with varicose veins. It takes me hours to reach my maximum speed. My fuel rate burns inefficiently.

But here's the worst of it --

Almost every time I sneeze, cough or laugh, either my radiator leaks or my exhaust backfires.

CASH FOR CLUNKERS..........I QUALIFY - How about You?

New Jobless Claims Rise Unexpectedly


But total benefit rolls show little change at around 6.2 million

WASHINGTON
- The number of first-time claims for unemployment benefits rose unexpectedly for the second straight week, a sign that jobs remain scarce even as other data show the economy is stabilizing.

The Labor Department said Thursday the number of new jobless claims rose to a seasonally adjusted 576,000 last week, from a revised figure of 561,000. Wall Street economists expected a drop to 550,000, according to a survey by Thomson Reuters.

GO HERE to read more.

The Death Book For Veterans

Ex-soldiers don't need to be told they're a burden to society.

By JIM TOWEY

If President Obama wants to better understand why America's discomfort with end-of-life discussions threatens to derail his health-care reform, he might begin with his own Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). He will quickly discover how government bureaucrats are greasing the slippery slope that can start with cost containment but quickly become a systematic denial of care.

Last year, bureaucrats at the VA's National Center for Ethics in Health Care advocated a 52-page end-of-life planning document, "Your Life, Your Choices." It was first published in 1997 and later promoted as the VA's preferred living will throughout its vast network of hospitals and nursing homes. After the Bush White House took a look at how this document was treating complex health and moral issues, the VA suspended its use. Unfortunately, under President Obama, the VA has now resuscitated "Your Life, Your Choices."

Who is the primary author of this workbook? Dr. Robert Pearlman, chief of ethics evaluation for the center, a man who in 1996 advocated for physician-assisted suicide in Vacco v. Quill before the U.S. Supreme Court and is known for his support of health-care rationing.

"Your Life, Your Choices" presents end-of-life choices in a way aimed at steering users toward predetermined conclusions, much like a political "push poll." For example, a worksheet on page 21 lists various scenarios and asks users to then decide whether their own life would be "not worth living."

GO HERE to read more.

Salisbury Police Department Bank Of Delmarva Robbery Press Release



Photos not provided by the Salisbury Police Department.


On August 19, 2009 at approximately 2:04pm officers from the Salisbury Police Department responded to the Bank of Delmarva located on Eastern Shore Drive for a reported Armed Robbery. It was learned through the initial investigation that two black males entered into the bank lobby from the east side parking lot. The black males brandished firearms and demanded money from the tellers on duty.

Black Male #1 is described as being in his late teens to early twenties, approximately 5’9-5’10hgt, and approximately 150wgt. Last seen wearing a black nylon hood with eye holes cut out, blue jeans, long sleeve black fleece shirt and black sneakers. The black male was also in possession of a blue steel, long barrel revolver

Black Male #2 is described as being in his late teens to early twenties, approximately 5’5-5’6hgt, and approximately 160wgt. Last seen wearing blue jeans, black long sleeve hoodie, black leather style sneakers, and a light blue bandana covering his face. The black male also brandished what was described as a sawed off over and under double barrel shotgun. The barrel appeared to be sawed off to the forend and the stock also appeared to be sawed off as well.

The black males were able to obtain an undetermined amount of U.S. Currency and fled the bank through the east doors to the rear parking lot. The black males were last seen in the area of McKinley and Roger Streets.

No injuries were reported.

The Salisbury Police were assisted by troopers of the Maryland State Police and deputies from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office as well as their respective canine units.

If anyone has any information concerning this Armed Robbery please contact the Salisbury Police Department at 410.548.3165 or Crime Solvers. You do not have to leave your name. 200900029167

Why Is Frank Kratovil In Bed With Big Pharma?

You’ve probably seen the commercials on cable TV asking you call Rep. Frank Kratovil (D-MD) and “thank him” for voting for “children’s health care”.  Have you ever asked yourself why PhRMA, the Big Pharma lobby, spent all of that money for Democrats that usually rail against them as “greedy corporate parasites”?

The Dems (at least the Obama administration) have struck a deal with Big Pharma to support ObamaCare.  America’s seniors are the bargaining chip.  It appears that Frank Kratovil may be ready to throw our seniors under the proverbial bus.

Read More …

Google To Unmask "Skank" Blogger

NYC Model, Who Accused Anonymous Blogger of Cyberbullying, Gets Key Court Win

(CBS)
A New York court Tuesday sided with a model attempting to unmask an anonymous blogger she accuses of cyberbullying.

Canadian-born model Liskula Cohen claims that in August 2008, a site called "Skanks in NYC" featured on Blogger.com, Google's blogging service, published pictures of Cohen with words such as "psychotic" and "ho" as captions.

Cohen, a former Vogue cover girl, first filed her suit in January of this year.

"The ruling is limited to New York State and it doesn’t look like it will be appealed so it will remain for the time being as authority over a City renown for lots of loose talk about celebrities. But this ruling does not apply to California, to Hollywood, or anywhere else these sorts of online comments could appear," CBS News chief legal analyst Andrew Cohen writes.

Steven Wagner, Liskula Cohen's attorney,told CNN that Google complied with the ruling Tuesday evening, and gave him the blogger's IP address and e-mail address.
Wagner said he suspected the creator of the blog is an acquaintance of Cohen, CNN reported.

SOURCE



EXCLUSIVE: Model Liskula Cohen Wins Court Battle with Google to Learn Blogger's Identity

Anonymous Blogger Called Cohen a 'Skank' and a 'Ho'


She had graced the cover of Vogue and found success as a model. But Liskula Cohen's latest achievement came in the courtroom.

Horrified by the hateful words of an anonymous blogger, Cohen took Google to court in hopes of forcing the company to reveal the writer's identity -- and won.


"Why should anybody let it go? If somebody attacks somebody on the street, you're not going to let it go … why should I just ignore it?" Cohen told "Good Morning America" exclusively today. "I couldn't find one reason to ignore it."

GO HERE to see more, (including video) on ABC.

Editors Note: I think it's important many of you watch the video. It's also very important that everyone understand that these articles are based on "ANONYMOUS" comments or posts.

Bloggers like JT who posts anonymously and attacks individuals could be the recipient of multiple lawsuits at this point. This is also the case for those Anti Albero Bloggers who thought they could say anything they wanted against me, my Wife, our Children and our Grandson.

I have always posted articles under my name as well as comments. Being fictitious and or anonymous may not save you from a future lawsuit if you choose to attack someone. Mind you, this decision is in the state of New York but could quickly gain the attention of local Judges, considering how some Bloggers hide behind those fictitious names.

I would strongly suggest Mr. Devanins, (Warden of the Wicomico Detention Center suing me for $150,000.00) contact Google and see if he can have the same kind of LUCK with the anonymous commenter who he claims defamed him, rather than attempting to sue me personally. Kinda screws up your whole game plan now, doesn't it Warden. Oh, that's right, I have the fatter wallet so he'll sue me anyway. It is all about the MONEY, (not justice) isn't it Mr. Devanins? I mean, you wouldn't want to go after the person who actually defamed you, would you? Time will tell.

On the other side, many will claim this is a violation of an individuals First Amendment Right. This IS a touchy subject, one in which I hope comments will resolve through good, healthy debate. I will say this however. Writing a Post and or commenting under a fictitious name and or anonymously while defaming a public figure is against the law. This is the main reason why no one has been, (or will be) successful in suing me. I always use my name as this is my First Amendment Right.

In the end, ALL of you need to be more responsible and could be held accountable when YOU go after someone and defame them. On one hand I like the ruling in the sense that it may call out certain individuals, even Department Heads who think they can get away with attacking someone with private information. On the other hand, it could slow down comments. Now, is that a bad thing, I don't think so. Just don't personally attack someone and you're safe.

This Post should get a LOT of comments. Remember, I will NOT publish a comment that spells out the JT name or what he goes by on his Blog. If you want to use JT, that's fine.

Crypt Above Marilyn Monroe For Sale


Spend Eternity Directly Above Marilyn Monroe
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Dealers Want End To Cash For Clunkers


National Automobile Dealers Association wants an orderly closure of program and again expresses concerns that funds are running out.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- The National Automobile Dealers Association is urging the federal government to begin shutting down the Cash for Clunkers program immediately.

In a statement released Wednesday evening, NADA said that, given the rapid pace at which deals are being done, it will be difficult to say when the program's funds may run out.

Dealers have complained of problems and delays in getting payments due to them under the program. But Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said earlier Wednesday that all dealers would be reimbursed.

"They're gong to get their money," LaHood said during a press conference. "We have the money to provide to them. We have put an enormous number of people on the task of processing the paperwork. There will be no car dealer that won't be reimbursed."

GO HERE to read more.

Deficit To Be $1.58 Trillion This Year


Budget Shortfall Will Be Slightly Less Than Projected, But More Than Triple Last Year's; Financial Bailouts Cited

(CBS/AP) The White House plans to announce the federal deficit is about $262 billion less than officials predicted earlier this year, in part because the administration has provided less aid than expected to bail out banks.

A White House official says the deficit will still be more than three times what it was last year. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity on Wednesday because the report is not set to be released until next Tuesday.

GO HERE to read more from CBS News.

Marines Coming Home To Salisbury This Saturday


The latest word on the Marines arriving into Salisbury will be on August 22nd. They will arrive by car from BWI Airport.

They will be met in Vienna and escorted into Salisbury by Bikers and Sheriff's Deputies and are expected to arrive at the American Legion Post 64 on Business Rt. 50 around 1:00 PM.

Linda Kent and Dave Suiter are putting this whole thing together once again and we're reaching out to every citizen we possibly can to be there and support these fine men and women serving our Country.

Please add this event to your schedule this Saturday and show your support. We have watched these events grow each and every time and if there's one thing I can assure you of, there's nothing like it.

Please let us know if you'll attend through comments.

Canada's Great Health Care System. Fair For All.

Core patient services face deep cuts, NDP says

Provincial government trying to absorb a projected $160-million funding shortfall

By Darah Hansen, Vancouver Sun
Residents of the Fraser Health region should prepare themselves for deep cuts to core patient-care services as the provincial government looks to absorb a projected $160-million funding shortfall, the NDP warned Monday.

Diabetes clinics in Delta and Mission, regional maternity and pediatric services, and seniors' aid and mental health programs are all on the chopping block, NDP health critic Adrian Dix said.

Citing a leaked draft document that the government has acknowledged is genuine, Dix said the government is also considering closing operating rooms, reducing the number of elective surgeries, downgrading the emergency ward at Mission Memorial Hospital, and shutting acute-care beds and outpatient clinics.

"We're talking about a serious blow to the long-term health of everybody living in the Fraser Health Authority," Dix said.

Dix said the document was leaked to his party earlier this month. Released to the media Monday, it is a draft communications plan prepared by the Fraser Health Authority that outlines services and programs facing cuts or closure, and how the officials might address public fallout.

Dr. Nigel Murray, CEO of Fraser Health, confirmed the document was genuine, but said it represented ideas that are now "weeks old and, quite frankly, parts of it [the document] are quite misleading to have in the public domain."

GO HERE to read more.

TROOPERS URGE BACK TO SCHOOL CAUTION


(Pikesville, MD) – As school reopens throughout the state during the next few weeks, state troopers across Maryland are urging parents to give children a safety briefing and urging motorists to be aware of young pedestrians.

Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel Terrence B. Sheridan has directed commanders at each barracks to conduct school bus enforcement initiatives appropriate for their jurisdiction. This will include dedicated patrols that target motorists failing to stop for school buses picking up or discharging children.

“This is an important time of year, as children will again be walking to school or gathering at bus stops,” Colonel Sheridan said. “As we put ‘families first’ in Maryland, I urge parents to talk with their children about safety, whether they walk to school or ride the bus. Teach them to look both ways before crossing a street and to use a crosswalk if available. Remind them to stand as far off the roadway as possible while waiting for the school bus and to be sure the bus driver can see them before they walk in front of a stopped bus.”

Children should be taught about the ‘danger zone,’ a perimeter of ten feet around the bus within which are blind spots where drivers cannot see students. Children should always stay outside that perimeter when walking around the bus.

Colonel Sheridan is also reminding drivers of their responsibilities as children head back to school. “Drivers must be extra cautious during this back to school season and throughout the school year,” Colonel Sheridan said. “Remember that children along a roadway can act unpredictably. Drivers need to be certain they are obeying speed limits in school zones and stopping as required for buses picking up or discharging children.”

Maryland law requires drivers to stop at least 20 feet from the front or rear of a school bus that is operating its flashing red lights. This law does not apply if a school bus is on a divided highway and the approaching motorist is on a different roadway. Motorists who violate this law can receive a citation that carries a penalty of $570 and three points.

More importantly, motorists who violate this law endanger the lives of the children getting onto or off of the school bus. Children are often oblivious to traffic moving around the bus. It is incumbent upon drivers to take the initiative and be alert for children standing along roadways waiting for the bus and children as they embark and disembark from the school bus.

Obama Wants An RSVP

Dear Friend --

President Obama is holding a live strategy meeting on Thursday at 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time for all Organizing for America supporters. I hope you can join us, online or by phone.

The President will update us on the fight to pass real health insurance reform -- what's happening in D.C. and what's happening around the country. He'll lay out our strategy and message going forward and answer questions from supporters like you. And we'll unveil the next actions we'll organize together.

This is a critical time in this President's administration, and in the history of our country. I hope you can join us.

Here are the details:

What: Organizing for America National Health Care Forum

When: Thursday, August 20th, 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time

RSVP and submit a question for the President.

11 Reasons The 2010 Elections Are So Important

What would you say if I gave you 11 reasons why the elections in 2010 will be the most important in the history of the United States?

1. What if I had told you in October 2008, before the last presidential election, that before Barack Obama's first 100 days in office, the federal government would be in control of both the mortgage and the banking industries? That 19 of America's largest banks would be forced to undergo stress tests by the federal government which would determine if they were insufficiently capitalized, so they must be supervised by the government?

Would you have said, "C'mon, that will never happen in America."

2. What if I had told you that within Barack Obama's first 100 days in office the federal government would be the largest shareholder in two of the US Big-Three automakers: GM, and Chrysler? That the government would kick out the CEO's of these companies and appoint hand-picked executives with zero experience in the auto industry and that executive compensation would be determined, not by a Board of Directors, but by the government?

Would you have said, "C'mon, that will never happen in America."

3. What if I had told you that Barack Obama would appoint 32 Czars, without congressional approval, accountable only to him, not to the voters, who would have control over a wide range of US policy decisions. That there would be a Stimulus Accountability Czar, an Urban Czar, a Compensation Czar, an Iran Czar, an Auto Industry Czar, a Cyber Security Czar, an Energy Czar, a Bank Bailout Czar, and more than a dozen other government bureaucrats with unchecked regulatory powers over US domestic and foreign policy.

Would you have said, "C'mon, that will never happen in America."

4. What if I had told you that the federal deficit would be $915 billion in the first six months of the Obama presidency - with a projected annual deficit of $1.75 trillion - triple the $454.8 billion in 2008, for which the previous administration was highly criticized by Obama and his fellow Democrats. That congress would pass Obama's $3.53 trillion federal budget for fiscal 2010. That the projected deficit over the next ten years would be greater than $10 trillion.

Would you have said, "C'mon, that will never happen in America."

5. What if I had told you that the Obama Justice Department would order FBI agents to read Miranda rights to high-value detainees captured on the battlefield and held at US military detention facilities in Afghanistan. That Obama would order the closing of the Guantanamo detention facility with no plan for the disposition of the 200-plus individuals held there. That several of the suspected terrorists at
Guantanamo would be sent to live in freedom in Bermuda at the expense of the US government. That our returning US veterans would be labeled terrorists and put on a watch list.

Would you have said, "C'mon, that will never happen in America."

6. What if I had told you that the federal government would seek powers to seize key companies whose failures could jeopardize the financial system. That a new regulatory agency would be proposed by Obama to control loans, credit cards, mortgage-backed securities, and other financial products offered to the public.

Would you have said, "C'mon, that will never happen in America."

7. What if I had told you that Obama would travel to the Middle East, bow before the Saudi king, and repeatedly apologize for America's past actions. That he would travel to Latin America where he would warmly greet Venezuela's strongman Hugo Chavez and sit passively in the audience while Nicaraguan Marxist thug Daniel Ortega charged America with terrorist aggression in Central America.

Would you have said, "C'mon, that will never happen in America."

8. Okay, now what if I were to tell you that Obama wants to dismantle conservative talk radio through the imposition of a new "Fairness Doctrine." That he wants to curtail the First Amendment rights of those who may disagree with his policies via internet blogs, cable news networks, or advocacy ads. That most major network television and most newspapers will only sing his phrases like state-run media in communist countries?
Would you say, "C'mon, that will never happen in America."

9. What if I were to tell you that the Obama Justice Department is doing everything it can to limit your Second Amendment rights to keep and bear arms. That the federal government wants to reinstate the so-called assault weapons ban which would prohibit the sale of any type of firearm that requires the shooter to pull the trigger every time a round is fired. That Obama's Attorney General wants to eliminate the sale of
virtually all handguns and ammunition, which most citizens choose for self-defense.

Would you say, "C'mon, that will never happen in America."

10. What if I were to tell you that the Obama plan is to eliminate states rights guaranteed by the Tenth Amendment and give the federal government sweeping new powers over policies currently under the province of local and state governments and voted on by the people. That Obama plans to control the schools, energy production, the environment, health care, and the wealth of every US citizen.

Would you say, "C'mon, that will never happen in America."

11. What if I were to tell you that the president, the courts, and the federal government have ignored the US Constitution and have seized powers which the founders of our country fought to restrict. That our last presidential election may have been our last truly free election for some time to come. That our next presidential election may look similar to the one recently held in Iran. (And maybe under review by ACORN.)

I know, I know what you will say. That will never happen in America.

If we don't do everything in our power to stop this madness in 2010 and 2012, may
God have mercy on our souls. Pass this on to every freedom loving American you can.

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

County Council Meetings

Gentlemen,

My name is Kim Marshall. I live in Fruitland, MD. I would like to attend your meetings so I can see where my county tax dollars are going and to see who's voting for/against what. I can't attend these meetings because those people in my life who provide me with transportation have day jobs.

Could you possibly take in consideration those taxpayers who voted when you schedule your meetings? I know of several here in Fruitland who would attend these meetings if they were held at night. I've heard you tried moving it to evenings without it changing the number of those in attendance. Speaking for myself, I hadn't heard of the meeting until the following day. Without any notice, how can we show up?

Thank you for your time.

Kim Marshall

8th Annual Toys For Tots Open Brings In Record Amount, $9,573.00

FRUITLAND, MD (July 24, 2009) – The 8th Annual Toys for Tots Open held August 14th at the River Run Golf Club in Berlin, and sponsored by Rommel’s ACE, The Pohanka Automotive Group, WBOC-TV and K&L Microwave, was the most successful since its inception, said organizers.

Salisbury Toys for Tots Coordinator, Ed Hearthway thanked Rommel’s ACE and the other sponsors for their support. “Thanks to our sponsors, the entire $9,573.00 will be spent on toys from local area merchants. This event was the most successful in eight years of having the tournament,” he said.

“Rommel’s was pleased to be a part of the golf tournament. We thank the community for its support and in raising a record amount of money to help bring a joyous Christmas to children on the Shore,” said Dick Livingston, vice president of Rommel’s Holdings in Fruitland, Md.

CITY OF SALISBURY CITY COUNCIL MEETING


Meeting #17
August 24, 2009 6:00 p.m.
City/County Government Office Building Room 301

Times shown for agenda items are estimates only.

6:00 p.m. CONVENE – LORD’S PRAYER – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

6:04 p.m. ADOPTION OF AGENDA

6:06 p.m. PROCLAMATION – Mayor James Ireton, Jr. Proclaiming “Firefighter Appreciation Week”

6:11 p.m. CONSENT AGENDA – City Clerk Brenda Colegrove

August 10, 2009 minutes

Resolution No. 1817 - accepting state grant funds in cooperation with the Wicomico County Health Department to provide for overtime reimbursement to police officers participating in neighborhood patrols intended to reduce violations of the open
container and underage drinking laws of the CityResolution No. 1818 - accepting federal grant funds awarded through the United States Department of Justice to provide forovertime reimbursement to officers participating in additional
enforcement activity related to controlled dangerous substanceviolations

Resolution No. 1819 - reappointment of Kay Crouch to the Housing Board of Adjustments and Appeals for a term ending August 2013

6:14 p.m. AWARD OF BIDS – Internal Services Director Pam Oland

6:20 p.m. MANUFACTURING EXEMPTION REQUESTS – Internal Services Director
Pam Oland

Harvard Custom Manufacturing, Inc.
K & L Microwave

6:30 p.m. ORDINANCES – Attorney Skip Cornbrooks

Ordinance No. 2083 - 2nd reading – approving an amendment to the FY09 Marina Fund Budget and the FY09 General Fund Budget to appropriate funds to provide for uncollectible receivables

Ordinance No. 2084 - 1st reading – changing the name of Asbury Place to Makemie Place

Ordinance No. 2085 - 1st reading – authorizing legislation to issue/sell General Obligation Bonds ($3,000,000) – Maryland Water Quality Financing Administration – acquisition, construction, installation,improvement and equipping of a new treated water storage facility andrelated pumps, backup power and associated improvements and appurtenances

Ordinance No. 2086 - 1st reading – authorizing legislation to issue/sell General Obligation Bonds ($3,000,000) – Maryland Water Quality Financing Administration – acquisition, construction, rehabilitation, upgrading, installation, improvement and equipping of a sewage lift station and related force mains and sewer lines and other associated improvements and appurtenances

7:15 p.m. RESOLUTION – City Administrator John Pick

Resolution No. 1820 - authorizing the mayor to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with The Circuit Court for Wicomico County to designate five parking spaces on Calvert Street for law enforcement and court security vehicles

7:25 p.m. PUBLIC COMMENTS

7:35 p.m. ADJOURN

Copies of the agenda items are available for review in the City Clerk’s Office
Room 305 - City/County Government Office Building
410-548-3140
or
on the City’s web site
www.ci.salisbury.md.us

The City Council reserves the right to go into closed session as permitted under the Annotated Code of Maryland 10-508(a)
Proposed agenda items for September 14, 2009 (subject to change)

Public Hearing – Ordinance No. 2084 – changing the name of Asbury Place to Makemie Place

Public Hearing – Ordinance No. 2085 – authorizing legislation to issue/sell General Obligation Bonds ($3,000,000) – Maryland Water Quality Financing Administration – acquisition, construction, installation, improvement and equipping of a new treated water storage facility and related pumps, backup power and associated improvements and appurtenances

Public Hearing – Ordinance No. 2086 – authorizing legislation to issue/sell General Obligation Bonds ($3,000,000) – Maryland Water Quality Financing Administration – acquisition, construction, rehabilitation, upgrading, installation, improvement and equipping of a sewage lift station and related force mains and sewer lines and other associated improvements and appurtenances

Resolution – approving amendment to the Employee Handbook (health insurance)

Resolution – approving Debt Policy

Southern Rock Comes To The Wicomico Youth & Civic Center


The Defining Force of Southern Rock Comes to the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center Stage

(Salisbury, MD)
Lynyrd Skynyrd, the band which helped define Southern Rock, will perform in concert at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center on Friday, October 16. Tickets to the 8:00pm show go on sale Friday, August 21 at 10am.

After releasing its first album, “pronounced leh-nerd skinnerd” in 1973, Lynyrd Skynyrd was quickly propelled into fame. Their down home Southern lyrics when coupled with British rock inspired music helped establish Southern rock as the seventies’ hottest musical trend. The bands’ earliest albums introduced classics like “Free Bird,” “Sweet Home Alabama,” and “Saturday Night Special.”

Since its beginnings in the Seventies, Lynyrd Skynyrd has faced more than its fair share of tribulations. A 1977 plane crash killed three of its members, including lead singer Ronnie Van Zant. The surviving members did not come together again until a 1979 performance at Charlie Daniels’ Volunteer Jam. In 1987, the tenth anniversary of the plane crash, the members again came together for a reunion tour to honor their fallen band mates. Lead singer Ronnie Van Zant’s place was taken by his brother Johnny. The reunion brought Lynyrd Skynyrd back to life and the band began making music again. In March 2006 the band was inducted into the Rock ‘N’ Roll Hall of Fame.

With their first set of new studio material since 2003’s Vicious Cycle, legendary rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd returns with God & Guns, due out September 29 on Loud & Proud/Roadrunner Records. Recorded in Nashville in 2008-2009, the project was interrupted—but, tellingly, not ended—by the deaths of founding member/keyboardist Billy Powell and longtime bassist Ean Evans earlier this year.

See the Southern rock legend Lynyrd Skynyrd live on stage at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center. Ticket prices range from $35 to $89.50 plus fees. Tickets will be available online at www.WicomicoCivicCenter.org, by phone at 410-548-4911 or in person at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center Box Office. The Box Office is open Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm and is located at 500 Glen Ave. in Salisbury, MD.

THE YEAR 1909


THE YEAR 1909


This will boggle your mind, I know it did mine!
The year is 1909..
One hundred years ago.
What a difference a century makes!
Here are some statistics for the Year 1909 :

************ ********* ********* ******
The average life expectancy was 47 years.

Only 14 percent of the homes had a bathtub.

Only 8 percent of the homes had a telephone.

There were only 8,000 cars and only 144 miles

Of paved roads.

The maximum speed limit in most cities was 10 mph.

The tallest structure in the world was the Eiffel Tower!

The average wage in 1909 was 22 cents per hour.

The average worker made between $200 and $400 per year .

A competent accountant could expect to earn $2000 per year,
A dentist $2,500 per year, a veterinarian between $1,500 and $4,000 per year, and a mechanical engineer about $5,000 per year.

More than 95 percent of all births took place at HOME.

Ninety percent of all doctors had NO COLLEGE EDUCATION!

Instead, they attended so-called medical schools, many of which

Were condemned in the press AND the government as 'substandard. '

Sugar cost four cents a pound.

Eggs were fourteen cents a dozen.

Coffee was fifteen cents a pound.

Most women only washed their hair once a month, and used

Borax or egg yolks for shampoo.

Canada passed a law that prohibited poor people from

Entering into their country for any reason.

Five leading causes of death were:

1. Pneumonia and influenza
2. Tuberculosis
3. Diarrhea
4. Heart disease
5. Stroke

The American flag had 45 stars.

The population of Las Vegas, Nevada, was only 30!!!!

Crossword puzzles, canned beer, and ice tea

Hadn't been invented yet.

There was no Mother's Day or Father's Day.

Two out of every 10 adults couldn't read or write.

Only 6 percent of all Americans had graduated from high school...

Marijuana, heroin, and morphine were all available over the counter at the local corner drugstores. Back then pharmacists said,'Heroin clears the complexion, gives buoyancy to the mind, regulates the stomach and bowels, and is, in fact, a perfect guardian of health'

Eighteen percent of households had at least

One full-time servant or domestic help.

There were about 230 reported murders in the ENTIRE !U.S.A. !

Words For Women To Live By

1. Aspire to be Barbie - the b*tch has everything.

2. If the shoe fits - buy them in every color.

3. Take life with a pinch of salt... A wedge of lime, and a shot of tequila.

4. In need of a support group? - Cocktail hour with the girls!

5. Go on the 30 day diet. (I'm on it and so far I've lost 15 days).

6. When life gets you down - just put on your big girl panties and deal with it.

7. Let your greatest fear be that there is no PMS and this is just your personality.

8. I know I'm in my own little world, but it's ok. They know me here.

9. Lead me not into temptation, I can find it myself.

10. Don't get your knickers in a knot; it solves nothing and makes you walk funny.

11. When life gives you lemons in 2009 - turn it into lemonade then mix it with vodka.

12. Remember where ever there is a good looking; sweet, single or married man there is some woman tired of his bullsh*t!

13. Keep your chin up, only the first 40 years of parenthood are the hardest.

14. If it has Tires or Testicles it's gonna give you trouble.

15. By the time a women realizes her mother was right, she has a daughter who thinks she's wrong.

Hurricane Bill Weakens Slightly



MIAMI, Florida (CNN) -- Hurricane Bill weakened slightly to a Category 3 storm early Thursday as it churned over the Atlantic Ocean, with forecasters warning that it could regain strength.

As of 5 a.m. ET Thursday, Bill's center was about 325 miles north-northeast of the Leeward Islands and about 790 miles south-southeast of Bermuda, the National Hurricane Center said.

Forecasters said Bill could regain Category 4 status later Thursday or early Friday.

When a hurricane's sustained winds reach 111 mph, it reaches Category 3 status on the Saffir-Simpson scale of strength. When sustained winds reach 131 mph, it becomes a Category 4 storm.

"It's a little too early to evaluate what kind of direct impact Bill may have," said Jack Bevin, a senior hurricane specialist. "Most of the computer guidance has the storm passing between Bermuda and the U.S. coastline, then turning northeastward."

GO HERE to read more.

Democrats Prepare To Push Health Care Without GOP


WASHINGTON

Publicly, President Barack Obama is still calling for a bipartisan bill to overhaul the nation's health care system. Privately, Democrats are preparing a one-party push, which they feel is all but inevitable.

Obama urged religious leaders Wednesday to back his proposals, and he prepared for a pep talk to a much larger audience of liberal activists, whose enthusiasm is in question. Polls continued to show slippage in support for the president's approach, although Americans expressed even less confidence in Republicans' handling of health care.

The administration said it still hopes for a bipartisan breakthrough on its goals of expanding health coverage, controlling costs and increasing competition among insurers. In private, however, top Democrats said a bipartisan accord seems less likely than ever when Congress reconvenes next month.

Obama was to promote his plans Thursday in a conference call and online address to supporters that could draw huge numbers of listeners. He also was to speak with Philadelphia-based radio talk show host Michael Smerconish, who will broadcast from the White House. Smerconish is generally seen as a conservative, although he endorsed Obama last year and supports abortion rights.

GO HERE to read more.

Kennedy Wants His Succession Expedited


Senator Pens Letter to Massachusetts Leaders Urging Succession Law Change; Aides Say Condition Unchanged

(AP)
A cancer-stricken Sen. Edward M. Kennedy has written a poignant letter to Massachusetts leaders asking that they change state law to allow a speedy replacement of him in Congress.

The note has been sent to Gov. Deval Patrick and the state's Senate president and House speaker at a time when Congress is considering an overhaul of the nation's health care system, a life cause of Kennedy's.

The letter acknowledges the state changed its succession law in 2004 to require a special election within five months to fill any vacancy. At the time, legislative Democrats were concerned then-Republican Gov. Mitt Romney would be able to fill any vacancy created as Democratic Sen. John Kerry ran for president.

But Kennedy writes "it is vital for this commonwealth to have two voices speaking for the needs of its citizens and two votes in the Senate during the approximately five months between a vacancy and an election."

While Democrats hold a potentially filibuster-proof margin in Congress, the outcome of a health care reform bill could hinge on a single vote.

The letter was sent Tuesday, but Kennedy aides insist there is no material change in his condition since he was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor in May 2008.

GO HERE to read more.

White House To Phase Out Cash For Clunkers



Announcement May Come This Week on When Incentives for Trading in Old Vehicles Will End

(CBS/AP)
The Obama administration is developing plans to wind down the popular Cash for Clunkers program and could announce by Friday when the incentives will no longer be available.

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said Wednesday the department would announce within 48 hours how it intends to discontinue the program that offers car buyers rebates of $3,500 or $4,500 for trading in older vehicles for new, more fuel-efficient models. Department officials met with car dealer trade groups on Wednesday to discuss how the program will eventually end and respond to complaints over a backlog of rebate payments to dealers.

Through early Wednesday, auto dealers have made deals worth $1.81 billion and are on pace to exhaust the program's $3 billion in funds in early September. The incentives have generated more than 435,000 vehicle sales but dealers want a clear plan on when the rebates will no longer be available so they don't end up on the hook for any of the incentives.

"We want to make sure that dealers know when we're getting close" to running out of the money that was allocated for the program, LaHood told reporters. LaHood said he recognized that "dealers are frustrated. They're going to get their money."

GO HERE to read more.

Blackwater Tied To CIA Assassination Plot


Millions were spent on program, which did not capture or kill any suspects

WASHINGTON
- The Central Intelligence Agency in 2004 hired outside contractors from the private security contractor Blackwater USA as part of a secret program to locate and assassinate top operatives of Al Qaeda, according to current and former government officials.

Executives from Blackwater, which has generated controversy because of its aggressive tactics in Iraq, helped the spy agency with planning, training and surveillance. The C.I.A. spent several million dollars on the program, which did not capture or kill any terrorist suspects.

The fact that the C.I.A. used an outside company for the program was a major reason that Leon E. Panetta, the new C.I.A. director, became alarmed and called an emergency meeting to tell Congress that the agency had withheld details of the program for seven years, the officials said.

GO HERE to read more.

Forbes Names 100 Most Powerful Women

Forbes' Power Women list isn't about celebrity or popularity; it's about influence. Queen Rania of Jordan (No. 75), for instance, is perhaps the most listened-to woman in the Middle East; her Twitter feed has 600,000 followers.

In assembling the list, Forbes looked for women who run countries, big companies or influential nonprofits. Their rankings are a combination of two scores: visibility — by press mentions — and the size of the organization or country these women lead.

At No. 1, for the fourth consecutive year, is German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Up for reelection this September, she is leader of the world's fourth-largest economy. She faces a tough year: Germany's GDP is expected to shrink this year despite a small uptick in the second quarter.

GO HERE to read more.

Fatal Pedestrian Crash On Route 13


Location: Route 13 northbound at School Lane, New Castle, Delaware, New Castle County

Date of Occurrence: Wednesday, August 19, 2009, 9:31 p.m.

Resume: Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit Members are currently investigating a fatal pedestrian related crash which occurred this evening on Route 13 northbound at School Lane.

This crash involved a single vehicle and a male pedestrian. The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene.

Traffic is light and getting by with little difficulty.

A more complete release will be provided tomorrow before noon when the details of this crash are known and confirmed.