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Tip: Watch rocket launches at the NASA Visitor Center at the Wallops Flight Facility where Science on a Sphere Theatre projects 3-D effects on a suspended six-foot-diameter globe, depicting the moon, Jupiter storms, and Earth as seen by astronauts.
Family friendly and striving to be a worthy choice for your Internet browsing. Comments and material submissions welcome: tkforppe@yahoo.com . Pocomoke City-- an All American City And The Friendliest Town On The Eastern Shore.
Stepped-up patrols aimed at catching speeders, impaired drivers and failure to use occupant restraints will begin on Friday and continue through midnight Monday.
During the 2009 holiday period, State Police statewide stopped nearly 7,400 speeders and 2,140 reckless drivers. In addition, 949 summonses were issued for failing to use seat belts or properly secure children.
Also, changes to Virginia's "Move Over" law begin Thursday. The law already requires motorists to move over, when possible, when passing an emergency vehicle stopped on the side of the road. The law will expand to include towing, repair and highway maintenance vehicles displaying amber-colored flashing lights.He did not return phone calls from the newspaper seeking further comment. According to Gibbons, Davis was on a business trip to Atlanta.
The rare 1914 Babe Ruth rookie card -- along with 14 others featuring Ruth's teammates on the Baltimore Orioles of the International League, was originally donated to the museum by Glenn Davis' father, Richard Davis, in 1998.
After Richard Davis died, Glenn Davis renewed an agreement in 2001 allowing the museum to display the cards on a long-term basis, with no time frame for their return.
But when the Ruth rookie card was appraised last year for $500,000 -- surpassing the Honus Wagner tobacco card as the priciest on the market -- museum officials decided to feature it in a new "blockbuster" display on baseball card collecting.
Before doing that, though, they wanted to contact Davis about their plans and make sure he approved.
"I look forward to getting up to Baltimore to visit and see the card in its new display," said Davis in his e-mail to The Baltimore Sun. "It has been a while."
"It's time to hang up my nightly suspenders," King said in a message sent to fans via Twitter.
King said he will do occasional specials for CNN. He recently reached his 25-year anniversary and takes pride in a Guinness Book of World Records citation for hosting the longest-running show on the same network in the same time slot.
The long-time radio host was a pioneer in cable television, his desk considered a valued spot to sit for anyone interested in talking to the nation. King's interview style was plain-spoken and critics would suggest occasionally ill-prepared, but he was good at making his guests feel comfortable and ready to talk.
King said he felt no pressure from CNN to leave. He said he began thinking about stepping down as his 25th anniversary week ended earlier this month, on the airplane home after interviewing basketball star LeBron James. During that week, he also spoke to Bill Gates, President Barack Obama and Lady Gaga -- an apt example of the mix that he always sought on his show.
"I said, `I can't top this,"' King said in an interview Tuesday.
"I'm tired of the nightly grind," he said. "I do want to do other things but I want to stay at CNN in some way ... There's a case of great mixed emotions."
King told his staff during a conference call Tuesday that he called "one of the saddest 10 minutes of my life."
As cable news audiences gravitated toward politically pointed shows and newsmakers found many more outlets for interviews, King slipped behind Fox News Channel's Sean Hannity and MSNBC's Rachel Maddow in the ratings. During his interview with Lady Gaga, the 76-year-old broadcast veteran had people wondering if he was really connecting with a pop star a half century his junior.
He's conducted an estimated 50,000 interviews during a 53-year broadcasting career.
He said he always tried to ask short questions, never come in with an agenda and "I left my ego at the door."
"I never learned a thing while I was talking," he said. "That would be my motto."
CNN is in the midst of remaking its prime-time lineup and last week announced that former New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer and conservative columnist Kathleen Parker would co-host an 8 p.m. EDT show on politics and current events.
CNN executives often have said that when "Larry King Live" ends, it won't necessarily be replaced by a similar show. Recent published reports have suggested that "America's Got Talent" judge Piers Morgan could be a candidate for a show in that time slot. CBS' Katie Couric has been considered a potential successor, although that talk has cooled lately.
King said if it was up to him, Ryan Seacrest would be the best choice to fill his shoes.
He dismissed a series of stories this spring questioning his future and speculating about possible successors.
"You can't worry about things you can't control," he said. "I can't control if a newspaper is going to speculate about something or if a blog is going to speculate ... If I let it get me, I'll go nuts. So what I try to do, and I'm not being morbid, I just try to do the best show I can. If it works, it works."
King said he was able to see the baseball all-star games of his sons this weekend. If it was during the week, he'd miss them.
"I'm never going to see these again," he said. "They're not going to repeat themselves. They're 11 and 10. They're not going to be 11 and 10 again."
Already running behind schedule, the $100 million-plus security facility — which was to have included test tracks for evasive driving manuevers, shooting ranges, a bomb explosion pit and a mock urban neighborhood for counter-terrorist drills — faced the prospect of additional delays and an approval process that could have taken years.
"After further analysis," 2,000 acres of farmland in Queen Anne's County "will no longer be considered" for the State Department's diplomatic security facility, the head of the government's real-estate arm wrote in a letter Monday to Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski, an early supporter of the plan.
General Services Administrator Martha Johnson said preliminary environmental studies "showed that, among other potential concerns, there would be a significant change in land use and considerable noise and traffic impacts."
Those objections, and others, were raised at the outset by critics of the project. It was to have been built in Ruthsburg, a quiet rural crossroads about 30 miles from Annapolis and half an hour from the eastern end of the Bay Bridge.
In the letter, Johnson singled out the "input" of Queen Anne's County citizens during a six-month review process and said she was "confident it led to the proper conclusion."
No new site — or timeline for selecting one — has been announced. Mikulski's office said she still wants it built in Maryland and has spoken with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton about considering other locations in the state. Speculation about possible alternate sites includes Aberdeen Proving Ground in Harforn O'Malley.
In a statement, Kratovil expressed disappointment that the decision to pull the plug on the security center meant his district had "lost out on this economic opportunity."
Opponents say the facility should be built on existing federal property in the capital region.
But federal officials settled on a collection of privately owned grain fields across from Tuckahoe State Park as the preferred site. As recently as January, top Washington officials expressed confidence that they would begin acquiring land for the Foreign Affairs Security Training Center within six months.
It soon became clear that those expectations were unrealistic. Members of the Queen Anne's County Commission reversed course in the face of citizen opposition and dropped their support for the campus-like facility.
"Some of us felt a little bamboozled," said Eric Wargotz, a county commissioner and Republican Senate candidate against Mikulski, who was among those who switched sides after having worked to attract the federal facility.
"Jobs are important," he said. "But it was the wrong place for this project."
Mikulski met privately in Ruthsburg Monday with about 15 local critics of the project to inform them personally about the decision. In a prepared statement, she said she had "fought hard for this process to work and for the voices of the residents of Queen Anne's County to be heard."
Late last year, she hailed selection of the site as "good news for three reasons: jobs, jobs and more jobs for Maryland." But after bureaucrats from Washington bungled an initial Queen Anne's public hearing in January, the senator condemned their performance as an "unmitigated disaster."
Kratovil and others also backed away as the controversy threatened to become an election-year issue.
Republican senators, eager to target the issue of budget deficits, recently singled out the Ruthsburg project as an example of politically motivated pork-barrel spending and sought unsuccessfully to remove the funding from the stimulus program.
The announcement that the Shore location had been dropped came 10 days after a federal judge ordered the government to expedite processing of a demand by project opponents for release of internal documents about how the site was chosen.
Among the requested documents are communications between key decision-makers in the executive branch and three Maryland lawmakers, Mikulski, Kratovil and Rep. Steny Hoyer, the number two official in the House.
It was not immediately clear whether the decision to pull the plug on the Ruthsburg site would alter the requirement for a quick release of documents about the selection process.
"I think there is a reason that the government has continued to stonewall us on our requests. And I think there is a reason that, even after we filed a lawsuit, there are obviously things they don't want to disclose," said Jay Falstad of the Queen Anne's Conservation Association, which successfully sued the government over the information.
"We have every expectation that those documents will still be produced," he said. "We want to see how Ruthsburg came to be the preferred location."
Federal officials say they searched throughout a 150-mile radius of Washington for a suitable site before settling on Ruthsburg. Officials assured local residents that they would protect the sensitive environment of the Eastern Shore in building the facility.
But in March, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency — which had been excluded from a formal review of the proposal — warned that it "may adversely affect" the Chesapeake Bay environment, including wetlands and, posssibly, endangered species.
It urged the State Department and GSA to conduct a more thorough study that would have required a lengthier review, increasing the chances that the project might never be built there.
Almost 900 new laws passed by the 2010 General Assembly will take effect Thursday.
Preoccupied with closing a $4 billion budget deficit, legislators avoided many of the hot-button issues that have dominated other sessions by killing or deferring action on bills.
But here's a look at some new laws that could affect Virginians' daily lives.
What's changing? Initially, the only interstate where the limit will rise to 70 mph is Interstate 295 from Petersburg nearly to Interstate 64 east of Richmond.
What's changing? The law, inspired by the case of Van T. Barfoot, a Medal of Honor winner who lives in Henrico County, is meant to protect the rights of homeowners, while treating homeowners associations fairly.
The court ruled in favor of gun owner rights, ordering a federal appeals court to reconsider the nearly 30-year ban.
It's a ruling that could impact gun laws in almost every state.
"In my opinion, self-defense in America has been validated today," said Lead Plaintiff Otis McDonald.
In a 5 to 4 vote, the Supreme Court settled McDonald vs. Chicago, ruling that it is unconstitutional for state and local governments to restrict individual gun rights.
It's an issue that has been up for national debate since the Heller vs. The District of Columbia Case, which dealt only on a federal level, and was settled 2 years ago.
"We think this is a monumental day," said Wayne LaPierre of the NRA. "It is vindication for the great majority of Americans all across the land that have always believed this was an individual right worth defending."
"Bottom line after this decision, you're gonna see a lot more lawsuits because now any criminal defendant that has a gun charge can raise a second amendment issue," disagreed Paul Helmke with the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence.
The ruling recognizes an individuals right to bear arms, and Senator Jon Tester has been a leading lawmaker working in favor of today's ruling. Tester, along with Senator Hutchison from Texas, presented a "59-page friend of the court brief" to the Supreme Court last October.
"This is a victory for law-abiding citizens across America," said Tester. "It ensures that folks' second amendment rights are protected regardless of where they live."
While Montana is already home to what many would call favorable gun-right laws, Great Falls gun dealer Kevin Lake is glad to see the case settled.
"I''m very excited to see things go this way," said Lake. "I think its something we've needed for a long time. It is just now that they're finally basically putting it into law. The federal government is finally coming down and saying okay this is an individual right, you can do this, you can own a firearm."
And while gun bans,like the one currently in place in Chicago, are expected to be reversed in the near future, the ruling sends a message that the same gun rights apply to the city as they do in rural states.
"There are a lot of places in Montana, where if you call 911, you maybe an hour or 45 minutes from any help at all," said Lake.
The Supreme Court split down party lines, with the four liberal justices opposing the ruling.
Chief Justice John Roberts voted with the majority.
Case # 10-0143
LOCATION: Pocomoke City, Maryland
CRIME: Rape 1st Degree
VICTIM: Name Withheld
ACCUSED: Sherrick Martell Handy
CHARGES: Rape 1st Degree, False Imprisonment, Assault 2nd Degree, Burglary
NARRATIVE: On June 28, 2010 at approximately 0500 hours, Officers from the Pocomoke City Police Department responded to the Meadows Apartments in reference
to a rape and assault. The victim, a 25 year old Pocomoke City resident advised
officers that her ex-boyfriend, Sherrick Martell Handy, 21 of Horntown, VA had
forced his way into her apartment where he physically and sexually assaulted
her.
Based on the severity of the crime, Pocomoke City officers requested
Detectives from the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation respond to continue
the investigation.
As a result of information gathered from the victim, an arrest
warrant was issued for Handy. Handy was subsequently arrested by the Accomack
County Sheriff’s Office and is awaiting extradition to Maryland.
That’s how long it will take the billboard company to restore the sign, which featured an American flag background and quoted the original phrase from the Pledge of Allegiance – “One Nation indivisible” – before “under God” was inserted after “one nation” in 1954.
“They have to print an entirely new vinyl and then schedule a crane,” said William Warren. He added that his group has reported the vandalism to Charlotte police and spoken with a nearby Shell station about letting investigators inspect video from security cameras in hopes of identifying those who defaced the billboard.
The sign, which went up a week ago, was controversial for its message and for its location along a road named for Graham, a Charlotte-born evangelist who preached to hundreds of millions worldwide.
A state coalition of atheist, agnostic and free thinker groups is putting up the same billboard in five other cities in North Carolina. None of them had been defaced as of Monday morning, Warren said.
“A concerned citizen,” Warren said, emailed the group Saturday to report that the sign had been vandalized.
To spray-paint graffiti onto the billboard, the vandals had to get up and then climb a ladder that didn’t reach to the ground.
“Either it was two very tall people or they had a ladder to get to the ladder,” Warren said. “It looks like you’d have to do gymnastics to get up there.”
He said his group considered the vandalism an isolated act and not indicative of Charlotte’s religious community.
“It was done by one or two people off on their own who decided their only recourse was vandalism rather than having a conversation.” Warren said. “It does show how needed our message is. As atheists, we want to let people know we exist and that there’s a community here.”
Other than the vandalism, Warren said his group has received “mostly positive” responses to its billboard, including from some self-described Christians.
Plus, he credited publicity surrounding the sign with uptick in membership: “We have 58 new members.”
The Pledge of Allegiance, long recited by schoolchildren in their classrooms, was written in 1892 by a Baptist minister. But it included no religious language until “under God” was inserted by an act of Congress at the height of the Cold War. The addition was meant to distinguish the United States from the Soviet Union, which officially embraced atheism.
Ehrlich this morning confirmed via a video posted on his Facebook page what Kendel Ehrlich mentioned on their final radio show Saturday. His status update: "Can you guess who it will be? Stay tuned this week right here on facebook to find out who will run with Bob."
As of 1:30 p.m., many of the 58 commenters mention Dr. Ben Carson (who has said he is not interested). One commenter proclaims, "I am available," while others name-drop Republican favorites like party chairwoman Audrey Scott.
The former governor has been an avid Facebook user throughout his campaign, recently using it for a live chat and revealing tidbits now and again to supporters.
Gov. Martin O'Malley also has an active Facebook page with more than 10,000 fans. His latest posting, on Friday, was a link to his most recent attack ad.
Ehrlich says on the video that his lieutenant governor choice will be revealed in a few days. O'Malley is running with his current lieutenant governor, Anthony Brown.
State officials are unveiling a new license plate that will become standard on all Maryland vehicles.
The Motor Vehicle Administration planned to introduce the new plates on Saturday during the agency's centennial celebration at its Glen Burnie headquarters. The plates feature a scene around Fort McHenry during the War of 1812.
The War of 1812 plates replace the black and white standard issue plates for all cars, trucks, motorcycles and other vehicles, starting on Monday.
Officials say the new plate will be issued through June 2015.
Questions and Answers for the War of 1812 Plate
Q.1: When will the War of 1812 standard plate be available?
A.1: Beginning June 14, 2010, the War of 1812 plate (right) will replace the black and white standard issue plate, for all passenger, trucks, disability, motorcycles, motorcycle disability and multipurpose vehicles. This new plate will be issued through June 2015.
Q2: Is the War of 1812 plate replacing all of the black and white plates? Is this considered replating?
A2: No, the War of 1812 plate is not replacing all black and white standard plates. If you already have standard black and white plates, you will keep them. As not all plates are being replaced, this is not considered replating.
Q3: I want to get the new War of 1812 standard plate. If I wait until it’s time to renew my registration, will there be a fee?
A3: Yes, you will be charged an additional substitute tag fee of $20.00 in addition to your renewal fee.
Q4: If I am purchasing a new vehicle after June 14, 2010, what will be the standard plate issued for my vehicle and is there an additional cost?
A4: The War of 1812 plate will be issued as the standard plate for all passenger, trucks, and multipurpose vehicles. There is no additional cost other than your regular registration fee.
Q5: Can the 1812 plate be transferred to a different class vehicle (i.e. passenger vehicle to a truck)? Can the plate be repurchased like the Chesapeake Bay and Agricultural plate?
A5: You can keep your 1812 plate by repurchasing it on your new vehicle. The fee is the same as if you purchased a plate at the time of titling. You cannot transfer a plate to a vehicle that has a different classification.
Q6: Will a new issuance personalized plate be on the War of 1812 stock?
A6: All personalized standard passenger, multipurpose, disability, motorcycles, and motorcycle disability vehicles will receive the new standard War of 1812 plate. Trailers, Street Rod, and Historic vehicles will continue to be printed on the black and white plate. In addition, you can continue to receive an Agricultural or Chesapeake Bay personalized plate upon request.
Q7: If I already have a personalized plate and want to re-order it on the War of 1812 stock, will I have to pay a fee?
A7: Yes. A fee of $20.00 is required to replace a personalized plate.
Joseph Cox Jenkins clearly liked the new design of the Maryland license plate, featuring the U.S. flag flying over Fort McHenry amid rockets' red glare.
But the toddler, just shy of 2 years old, might never drive a vehicle with the new tags.
Motorists registering new cars and trucks will receive the new design only through 2015, according to the MVA. Anyone renewing registration who wants the new design will have to pay an additional $20.
Jenkins' parents and others who went to register new vehicles Monday — Flag Day — were among the first Maryland motorists to pick up the new standard-issue tags, which commemorate the bicentennial of the War of 1812.
The new plate features images from the war's 1814 battle at Fort McHenry. The sight of the bombs bursting in air above the fort's ramparts inspired Francis Scott Key to write "The Star-Spangled Banner".
Passenger and multipurpose vehicles will receive the new standard plates, as well as trucks. But drivers could transfer existing plates to new vehicles, said MVA spokesman Buel Young. Trailers, street rod and historic vehicles will get the black-and-white plate.
Drivers will still be able to request the Chesapeake Bay and Agricultural plates, for an additional $20 fee each time they register or renew.
Joseph Cox's father, Willie, and his wife, Jennie Jenkins, of Curtis Bay didn't realize that new plates were being issued until they saw the poster in the lobby of the Glen Burnie MVA.
"We picked the right day to come get tags," he said.
Jennie liked the new plates because blue is her favorite color. But Willie Jenkins wasn't sure whether it would go with the color of his tan Buick Regal.
Other drivers also liked the new plates. Mohamed Chehaima of Elkridge first saw the design when he opened the package outside the MVA building.
"Anything is new, you like it," said Chehaima, a native of Morocco who moved to Maryland 11 years ago. The plates were destined for a Nissan Altima for his 20-year-old son.
Not everyone was sold on the new image, however. Brittany Holloway of Catonsville was a fan, but her mother, Monica, was not.
"I like it. It's not plain like the all-white tags." said Brittany, who was picking up plates for her first car, a Honda Accord, at the Glen Burnie MVA on Monday.
But her mother said she didn't appreciate the new red, white and blue image.
Most people either love it or they hate it, said Conrad Snedgar, manager of Norman's Tags and Title Service, which has offices in Lutherville and Essex.
"There doesn't seem to be any middle ground," said Snedgar, as he stood in the parking lot at the Glen Burnie MVA offices.
He's waiting to hear the reaction of customers who ordered customized plates, who may not have known that they would come on the commemorative design.
But regardless how you feel about the design, there may be at least one side benefit.
"I got a new tag and the rest of my neighbors don't," Willie Jenkins said.
VIA: Baltimoresun.com