The Pocomoke Public Eye

Friday, March 19, 2010

A Thought To Brighten Your Day

When you’re down in

the dumps and think

you have real problems,

just remember:

SOMEWHERE IN THIS WORLD,

THERE IS A POOR

BASTARD NAMED:

MR.PELOSI

Random Thought for the Day:

I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller or Bud Lites than Kay.

Basket and Vera Bradley BINGO

There will be a Basket and Vera Bradley Bingo sponsored by the Nandua After Prom Committee

Sunday, March 21, 2010 at the Exmore Moose Lodge

Doors open at 12:30 PM and games begin at 2:00 PM

Tickets: $20.00 in advance OR $25.00 at the door

There will be a Chinese Auction and Pick Your Own Prize with Longaberger Baskets and Vera Bradley handbags.

Lots of food available. Also raffles and a silent cake auction.

Please come out and support this event which will greatly aid in planning alcohol and drug-free After-Prom Events.

For tickets in advance or more info contact: Brenda Dize 787-2785

Boo Boo and the Big Man Named "Sir"

Boo Boo and his sister Yogi enjoyed our yard last summer and my husbands undivided attention even though they belong to the neighbors on the other side of the field from us. This brother and sister "team" spent many hot summer days enjoying the cool spray from the garden hose while my husband washed down that mudtruck he
adores. Always under his feet, looking and waiting for good old "doggy affection" my husband had the patience to stop his work to please them.

We all know that over time puppies grow into big dogs. Yogie, the sister, has moved on with her life and Boo Boo remains. Boo Boo, I guess has decided to stay behind to dedicate himself to my husband and we have affectionately been named "Sir" and "Maam".

Last summer turned into autumn and then to winter and Boo Boo has kept a daily routine of guarding the children he lives with until they are seated on the school bus then racing to our yard hoping to be in time to see "Sir" before he leaves for work. Every morning they make the promise to one another to meet back in the same spot later in the afternoon.............and they do.

Sometimes dogs have to make difficult decisions. With the longer days now Boo Boo is faced with the difficult decision of abruptly leaving his yard and playing with his family or visiting "Sir". Some days "Sir" is late but Boo Boo intends to keep his end of the promise made and races down the side of the road to "Sir" who greats him with a smile followed by rubs and pats and yes, doggie treats.

We love this neighbor dog and look forward to seeing his everyday. My husband thoroughly enjoys Boo Boo. They are best friends and have bonded through the year. "Sir" and Boo Boo have learned alot from each other and I have to give my husband credit for teaching that dog some manners and commands. The nice thing about Boo Boo is that he doesn't belong to us............he CAN and WILL go home. I just hate it when my husband looks at me with that "can't we keep him" look in his eye. "Maam" just walks away smiling...............

Meals Tax To Support Public Schools??

Despite the tough economic times we are facing, the Accomack County Board of Supervisors is entertaining the idea of imposing a new meals tax which would add 4% to every purchase of prepared food outside of any incorporated town. Supervisor Wanda Thornton proposed the new tax to be decided by referendum on the ballot this November. For example, if you go to the Royal Farms in Nelsonia and have a sub made, that would cost you 4% more if the referendum passes.

Thornton said at the Board of Supervisor's March meeting in Accomac Wednesday night "I think the public will support it" and suggested the language say the money should "perpetually go to schools".

Accomack County Attorney Mark Taylor weighed in saying including the word "perpetually" would make it not legally binding and future Boards could use the money raised from the tax for other reasons.

A number of Supervisors expressed concern about adding another tax on the backs of Accomack's residents. Supervisor Steve Mallette said, "My worry is this will become like the lottery it sounds good but it really doesnt help."

Supervisor Ron Wolff, a restaurateur, said this tax would be paid by locals everyday and it would hurt the economy. Such a tax on top of an sales tax at 5% would equal 9% every time somebody ordered prepared food.

Thornton responded to Wolff stating, "People already pay the 4% meals tax in incorporated towns." This new tax would target the Wal-Mart crowd and gas stations and it would be a great revenue source for the ailing public school system.

The Supervisors made no vote on the matter. There will be a petition circulating to decide whether the tax will be included on the November ballots. Approximately 2,100 signatures are needed on the petition to send the tax to referendum.

http://www.shoredailynews.com/

Why don't you try getting the parents of the "misguided" students and disruptive students to take a firmer stand on their childs actions while at school and maybe the schools will be able to work with less for a while. To add another tax upon the tax payers seems a little much. But when you decide just let us know where to leave our paychecks.

Cyber Crime and the Eastern Shore

The Eastern Shore Real Estate industry has received a little excitement this week. Unfortunately, it is not the kind they wanted.

On Saturday February 28th, Long & Foster Realtor Norman Knight received an email from a Mr. Zing of a prominent Chinese company. Mr. Zing inquired about buying a $675,000 piece of property. Knight worked up a contract for Mr. Zing and sent it back to him. The contract was returned to Knight signed electronically.

What followed was truly unbelievable. Mr. Zing said he wanted to buy the property without even seeing it. The Chinese stranger sent a check for $106,000 to Long & Foster Real Estate when the deposit was only $10,000.

The check was from a real Canadian law firm, with a real bank account, the correct bank account number was on the check, from the correct bank and with the appropriate signatures.

Knight then received instructions to use $10,000 for the deposit and to send the remaining $96,000 to a silent partner in China. The money was to be used to purchase Chinese decorations, appliances and furniture to decorate the house.

Knight knew there was something wrong with this picture. He immediately called his attorney David Rowan in Accomac. Rowan investigated the matter and found the ruse.

The check was fake. It was stolen from Cassels, Brock & Blackwell, one of the largest law firms in Canada. The trick was the real estate company was supposed to deposit the bogus check and the transaction would have gone through. The law firm then would have realized an unauthorized $106,000 check had just been drawn against their accounts. Having only the $10,000 from the deposit and having sent the $96,000 to China, Long & Foster Real Estate would have been liable for $96,000 to Cassels, Brock & Blackwell Law Firm. The check was the 9th identical fake check reported to the law firm that week.

Other Eastern Shore Realty companies that received similar offers from Mr. Zing this week were Mason Davis in Onancock, Coldwell Banker Harbor Realty and Ralph Dodd and Associates. The white collar crime is believed to have originated from Nigeria, which is a known hub for cyber crime.

"This is one of the hazards of computer and the internet," warns Rowan. "At one point they did have a real check, and they have the computer software to manipulate who the check goes to. It is important to remember in any situation like this, if it sounds too good to be true, chances are it is."

www.shoredailynews.com

Thursday, March 18, 2010

~Spaghetti Dinner~

Eastern Shore Railway Museum
Parksley, Virginia

Friday, March 19, 2010 at the Parksley Firehouse Social Hall

Dinner served from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM.

Menu includes: Spaghetti, garlic bread, salad and dessert

Cost: $7.00 adults $4.00 children under the age of 12

Carry out dinners will also be available.

All money raised will benefit the Eastern Shore Railway Museum

For more info call: 665-5060 or 665-5905

Random Thought for the Day:

I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

Killer In Virginia To Face Execution Tonight

Paul Warner Powell thought he was smarter than the Prince William County prosecutor.

A jury sentenced Powell to death, but an appeals court said that decision was wrong. The judges said there was no proof Powell sexually assaulted teenager Stacie Reed before killing her. That meant life in prison, not death.

Thinking he was off the hook, Powell wrote a stinging letter to prosecutor Paul Ebert:

[Since]"...The Virginia Supreme Court said that I can't be charged with capital murder again, I figured I would tell you the rest of what happened on January 29, 1999 to show you how stupid all of y'all (expletive) are."

Powell's taunting letter described in detail how he tried to rape Stacie Reed before he stabbed her. He then told how he raped her younger sister Kristie and slashed her throat. Kristie survived and still bears scars. She identified Powell as the attacker.

In the letter, Powell told the prosecutors he was confessing because double jeopardy prevented prosecutors from seeking the death again.

"I no longer have to worry about the death penalty," he wrote. "And y'all are supposed to be so goddamn smart."

It turns out - prosecutors were still smarter. They threw out the original indictment. Another jury sentenced Powell to death, this time based on his own confession.

Double jeopardy applies when a person has been acquitted, but not when a conviction is overturned.

Neither the governor nor the Supreme Court will step in.

Paul Powell will die in the electric chair at 9 p.m. TONIGHT night.

www.wtkr.com

Sorry about your bad luck there, buddy! Now society won't have to be concerned with your bad decisions anymore. And our tax dollars won't have to be spent on housing and feeding you.

Agriculture "Hall of Fame Award" for Virginia Farmer

IMAGE INFORMATION: Bruce Holland (center) receives the Hall of Fame Award from Alan Grant (left), dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and Kevin Boyle (right), professor and head of the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, at the annual Alumni Awards Program on March 5, 2010.

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences presents Bruce Holland with Hall of Fame Award

Written by Michael Sutphin

Blacksburg, Va., March 16, 2010 -- Bruce Holland of New Church, Va., has been inducted into Virginia Tech's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Hall of Fame, which honors those individuals who exemplify career accomplishment and for their service to the college and university.

After graduating from Virginia Tech in 1970, Holland brought his management skills, technical acumen, and dedication back to his family farm in New Church. Today, the 3,000-acre W.T. Holland & Sons farm operation produces corn, soybeans, wheat, white potatoes, sweet corn, and beans.

Bruce has a distinguished record of career achievements, service to Virginia Tech, and recognition from others,” said Kevin Boyle, professor and head of the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics.

While growing the farm business, Holland served the agricultural industry in a number of leadership capacities, including chair of the Virginia Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services, treasurer and board chairman of the Virginia Soybean Association, board member of the Virginia Potato and Vegetable Growers Association, and a member of the Virginia Farm Bureau.

An active community leader, Holland is also treasurer of the New Church Volunteer Fire and Rescue, president of the Pocomoke Ruritan Club, treasurer of the Broadwater Academy board, vice president of the Hartley Hall Nursing Home board, and an ordained elder of the Beaver Dam Presbyterian Church.

Holland has also served Virginia Tech in a number of ways. As a member of the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors from June 2002 to March 2009, he made numerous trips from the Eastern Shore to Blacksburg to support the university. In addition, he has worked closely with local Virginia Cooperative Extension agents and hosted the annual Accomack Farm Tour Day that brings more than 600 third-graders to the Holland family farm to learn about agriculture. He has also been active in the Eastern Shore chapter of the Virginia Tech Alumni Association.

Throughout his career, Holland has received numerous accolades, including the 2008 Distinguished Service Award of the Virginia Agribusiness Council, the 1998 and 2007 Meritorious Service Award of the Virginia Soybean Association, the 2003 Meritorious Service Award of the Virginia Potato and Vegetable Growers Association, the 2000 Life Member Award of the Virginia Soybean Association, the 1988 Ruritan of the Year Award, and the Century Club Award of the Virginia Tech Alumni Association.

Holland completed a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics from Virginia Tech in 1970.

www.vtnews.edu/story

At the Mar-Va Theater

Enjoy a night of music by Neil Young sung by artist Jeff Taylor.

"Jeff Taylor's love for Neil Young music has inspired him to perform a ton of
Neil Young songs from 1966 to present day. The only difference between Jeff and
other tribute bands is the fact that Jeff Taylor is not a band at all. Instead,
Jeff shows his homage to Neil Young by performing solo with acoustic guitars,
piano and harmonicas much in the same way as an unplugged concert of Neil
himself."

Saturday, March 20, 2010

7:00 PM

Tickets: $15.00

International Space Station (ISS)

Watch the pieces come together as they are
sent up from Earth. This is the International Space Station (ISS)
Assembly diagram, piece by piece. I had no idea the Space Station had grown
to this size.

CLICK HERE

Hat Tip; Kack

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Christine Sheddy Official Announcement of Services

Lynn Dodenhoff announces today that a public funeral service has been
scheduled in honor of her daughter Christine Sheddy. Below is a copy
of Christine's obituary and service notification.

Christine Marie Sheddy

Christine was born in Dover, Delaware on December 22, 1980 and was brought home to be with the Lord on November 13, 2007. Christine enjoyed helping with the family business. She loved music, relaxing with her friends and spending time on the computer. Christine was a free spirit, with a desire to help anyone in need. As a kind and caring soul, her family and friends meant the world to her, just as she has for them.

Christine leaves behind three beautiful children: a daughter Haylie Lynch, and two sons, Isaac and Ezekiel Hall, Clair Sheddy her father, Lynn and Steven Dodenhoff her mother and step father. Also left behind include her sister and brother-in-law,Jennifer and Paul Knapp , her brother Jeremy Hunt, Maternal Grandparents Richard and Margaret Keesser, Paternal Grandmother Ingeborg A. Sheddy. Christine also leaves behind many aunts, uncles,cousins, nieces and nephews both in England and the United States. Christine is preceded in death by her brother Michael Keesser, George and Lillian Abel of England, along with her paternal grandfather James R. Sheddy.

Services for Christine will be held at the Milford First Baptist Church on Old Shawnee Road, Milford, Delaware on Saturday March 20, 2010.
Visitation will be from noon until 2:00 p.m. Burial will be at Barratt’s Chapel in Frederica, Delaware.

In lieu of flowers, to help offset costs for the services, the family is requesting donations be made to the Christine Sheddy Memorial Fund through The First National Bank of Wyoming, 7 Commerce Street, Harrington, DE 19952

Please direct media questions to Mandy Albritton 713/299-4980 or Sean Henady 765/714-2333 from the 3View Search Services Foundation.

Contribute to 3View Search Services by using the PayPal button below.

Random Thought for the Day:

I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste.

Surf Dog Says: "TEACH YOUR DOG TO SURF: BEGINNER SURF DOG TRAINING TIPS AND VIDEO LESSONS!"

There have been so many people that have helped me surf, since mom has physical "issues" that keep her from being able to handle me in the water. Other people have very graciously come forth to assist me, especially my surf coach, Robbie Nelson. In the spirit of focusing on what we can do, rather than want we can't, we realized dog training was something we CAN do.

So, to thank all those who have helped me, I'd like to pay it forward... and offer my help to other dogs who are new to surfing, or those who may be having "issues" with it, by providing some surf dog training tips and videos. I figure if these dogs learn to surf, they'll enter surf dog contests, and the organizations that host the contests can raise more funds for their causes, and change more lives!

These tips will take you to the point of surfing in the waves, and then you can contact one of the great organizations that give surf dog lessons in the ocean... Helen Woodward Animal Center's Doggies Surf Clicnics, Su'ruff Camp Program at Loews Coronado Bay Resort, Surf City Surf Dog, and Coronado Surfing Academy.

Because my mom is a certified dog trainer, and believes in foundation training for pretty much anything dog related, I started my training when I was just a wee pup... but, you can start at any age! Our philosophy of training is relationship based, meaning two way communication! Relationship based training creates a very solid human-canine bond, and you'll have fun exploring your dog's mind when you listen to what he/she has to say!

If you saw my inspirational SURFice dog video, you already know that my mom believes in letting dogs choose their path in life. Rather than trying to mold dogs into human expectations, she believes in allowing them to be who they truly are, even if it's something completely opposite of the original goals. I still like to chase birds, and mom gives me plenty of opportunities to do so, but I can control my impulses too. So, if you're just having a problem with distractibility, these tips can help. But, if your dog really doesn't want to surf, don't make them.

The main thing with relationship based training is... you'll be improving your human-canine bond while building confidence, and having fun sharing an activity both in and out of the water, or wherever your dog may lead you! The tips only take a few minutes a day, and most can be performed in the comfort of your own home!

These tips are perfect for those who...

Are new to dog surfing, and want to build a foundation before hitting the waves.
Want to do some surf dog training at home, especially in the winter!
Have encountered "issues" such as jumping off the board, or distractibility.
Want to foster a stronger human/canine bond that easily transfers to the water.
Have limited time, and can't get to the beach regularly.
Want to add surfing to their training repertoire!

Ready? Let's get started. There are videos that go with each lesson, and appear as links under the title. You can read the tips and watch the videos in whatever order you want, but they do go in succession. But, the most important lesson is... HAVE FUN WITH YOUR DOG!!

For more visit Surf Dog Ricochet's TRAINING TIPS HERE and be sure to check out Ricochet's website HERE

Donkey Basketball

If ever there was a need to laugh it's while watching a donkey basketball game! This is fun for anyone at any age and you will split your sides with laughter before the game ends. It's so hilarious that it doesn't even matter who wins the game!

Thursday, March 18, 2010

6PM at Northhampton High School in Eastville.

Admission $8.00 per person/ kids 4 years and under FREE

The Eastville Fire Dept. will team up with the Cape Charles Post Office and play against the Northampton Field hockey/soccer players. The Sheriff's Department plays against Bay Shore Concrete.

Concessions will be sold and FREE donkey rides for kids 12 and under at half-time.

Come out and support the Northampton High School PTSA.

For more information or questions contact Sheryl Newman @ 678-3371

Crab Season Begins Today In Virginia

Cold waters and a license buyback program will likely keep most Virginia watermen out of Chesapeake Bay for the start of blue crab season.

The season opener today is the first since hundreds of watermen surrendered their licenses under a $6.7 million federal buyback program intended to ease pressures on the bay's signature catch.

Regulators in Virginia and Maryland have also shortened the crabbing season, created sanctuaries and ended the century-old practice of raking up pregnant hibernating crabs from the bay's bottom, which had a high kill rate.

Ken Smith of the Virginia Watermen's Association says he doesn't expect many crabbers to begin working the waters until the bay warms.

www.shoredailynews.com

Steamed crabs...........Oh, I can't wait..................

Has Another Seal Been Found???

WESR has received confirmed reports that a live male seal was found on the Eastern Shore.

Lt. Goga of the Accomack County Sheriff's Department told WESR that a live seal was found in Stockton, just north of Greenbackville, VA. The seal is believed to have traveled up Chincoteague Bay following food. The seal was resting along the edge of the road near Big Mill Pond when it was spotted by motorists.

The recent high tides are believed to have been the reason the seal made it that far inland. The 80 pund seal was placed into a crate and relocated to Assateague Island unharmed.

www.shoredailynews.com

St. Patrick's Day

May the luck of the Irish be yours today.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

World's Shortest Man Dies

He Pingping, the world's shortest man, has died. He was 21.

The cherub-faced, 2-foot-5-inch Guinness World Record holder was in Rome for a TV show when he complained of chest pains. He was admitted to a hospital two weeks ago and died Saturday of what Guinness describes as "heart complications."

"From the moment I laid eyes on him, I knew he was someone special," said Guinness World Records editor-in-chief Craig Glenday.

Glenday was among the Guinness team that ventured to Wulanchabu, a city in northern China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, to measure He in 2008 and verify his claim to be the world's shortest man.

To earn one of the most famous world records, the 18-year-old had to be measured three times in a single day to get his precise height, which was 29.37 inches.

In a matter of weeks, He became an international celebrity.

In 2008, he posed standing between the knees of Svetlana Pankratova -- otherwise known as the world's leggiest woman. The 6-foot-5 Russian has gams that measure 4 feet, 4 inches, from heel to thigh. Together they celebrated the release of the 2008 Guinness book.

"I am very sorry he is gone," Sultan Kösen, the world's tallest man, told AOL News. "I am just glad we had the opportunity to know each other and become friends."

He met the 8-foot-1 Turk in Istanbul in January, when the two got together for the opening of the "Guinness World Records Live! Roadshow" at Forum Istanbul.

"I'm really happy that he was willing to travel to Turkey," Kösen said.

"Pingping shows us that, despite the challenges we face, we can still make the most of life, and for such a small man, he made a huge impact around the world," Glenday said. "He will be greatly missed."

The man most likely to claim He's record is 22-inch-tall Khagendra Thapa Magar. While he's shorter than He, the Nepalese teen has yet to reached his 18th birthday, making him not quite a man.

It is expected that Magar will claim the title later this year.

VIA

Random Thought for the Day:

I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello? Damn it!), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and goes to voicemail. What'd you do after I didn't answer? Drop the phone and run away?

Chincoteague Bridge Gets New Traffic Signal Installed

On Monday, March 15, the Virginia Department of Transportation will activate a new traffic signal at the intersection of Main Street and Maddox Boulevard. This signal has been placed at the foot of the Chincoteague Bridge to help with traffic control.

Beginning on March 16, the signal will temporarily flash red for all directions to stop. While this signal pattern is in place, all approaching traffic is to stop, yield to the right of way, and then proceed with caution.

On March 25, the traffic signal will change to flashing yellow for Maddox Boulevard and red for Main Street. Motorists traveling on Maddox Boulevard are to yield and then proceed with caution, while traffic on Main Street will be required to stop and then proceed with caution.

On April 2, the traffic signal will be completely activated with green (go), yellow (caution), and red (stop) functionality for motorists traveling on both Maddox Boulevard and Main Street.

The signal has been installed as part of the Chincoteague Bridge Project. The new mainline Chincoteague Bridge is scheduled for completion by April 2. The Marsh Island connector bridge is scheduled for completion by September of 2010. The entire project, including demolition of the existing bridges, is scheduled for completion by December 2010. Currently, the project is within budget.

www.shoredailynews.com

Virginia Agriculture Week

THANK A FARMER DURING AGRICULTURE WEEK, MARCH 14 – 20, 2010

March 14 – 20, 2010 is Virginia Agriculture Week. The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) suggests that it’s the perfect opportunity to give credit where credit is due. During this special week, take a minute to thank a farmer. No engraved note paper or frilly bouquets required; a thoughtful nod will do.

Of course every farmer has a lot of help, but gratitude for all of Virginia’s growers will not be misplaced. Here are a few good reasons:

Start with your breakfast cereal and milk. Consider the fruit you add, the cotton robe you are wearing when you eat it and the cut flowers that decorate the breakfast table. You can thank a farmer for these.

Add the turkey sandwich, apple, potato chips and ginger ale you’re having for lunch, your mid-afternoon peanut snack and the steak with mushrooms, fresh vegetables, crusty rolls and Virginia wine you enjoy for dinner. Kudos to the farmers who had a hand in putting all this on your table.

Outside look for newly laid sod, an array of colorful bedding plants tucked into a blanket of mulch, bird seed in the feeder and firewood stacked by the back door. A pat on the back for the farmers who helped array your backyard.

Farmers don’t ask for gratitude and none would expect it however well deserved. But it is time to thank our farmers, not only for the rich and varied agricultural bounty which provides nourishment, clothing, shelter and beauty for all Virginians, but for the intangible, indomitable spirit that keeps them going despite rough times and daunting obstacles.

And that’s not all. Farmers deserve thanks:

for persevering despite drought and flood, freezing temperatures, parching sun, fluctuating prices and constantly changing markets;

for seeking better ways to do their jobs – using new techniques and advances in technology to simplify tasks, increase yields and lower prices; in the 1960s, one farmer supplied food for about 25 people in the U.S. and abroad but by 2008, the number had increased to 130;

for their spirit of innovation – always looking for new products and changes that increase the quality and add value to the products they produce;

for valuing our land and water resources and for making their preservation and enhancement top priorities;

for adapting to change – expanding to meet the demands of a global marketplace while still satisfying consumers’ shifting tastes and desire for low fat, high nutrition products at home;

for supplying Americans with an abundant and safe food supply at a low price; the average U.S. consumer spent 9.8 percent of disposable personal income (income available after taxes) on all food in 2007 - that’s 5.7 percent on food at home and 4.1 percent on food away from home (Source: www.ers.usda.gov);

for providing the basis for numerous products including medicines, cosmetics, printing supplies, fuel, lubricants, lumber, paints and sports equipment;

for enduring; more than 1,100 Virginia farms – owned by the same families for one hundred years or more – have been recognized as Virginia Century Farms.

The benefits of agriculture extend far and wide. What starts as the growing and harvesting of food and fiber, ends up with almost everything we eat, wear and use. It’s time to thank our farmers for that.

www.virginia.gov

Public Meeting Tonight At NASA

Public meeting tonight at NASA Wallops Visitors Center to update the community on a project to extend the sea wall. The project will re-establish the beach along a four mile strip on the east side of
Wallops Island.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010
6:00 PM at the Visitors Center

~ Think About It ~

"A bend in the road is not the end of the road.......

unless you fail to make the turn."

~Author Unknown~

Monday, March 15, 2010

Funny Animal

Mad Skills....

Random Thought for the Day:

"Do not machine wash or tumble dry" means I will never wash this -- ever.

Oh, The Rain!!!!

I'm a sunlight person. I love the sun no matter what time of year it is. The winter months are fine with me if the days are bright. But, oh, those dreary ones and the rainy ones that make my mind wonder why it even got out of bed. Now, don't get me wrong. Rainy days are fine and I do from time to time sneak back into bed when my husband has left for work. Shhhh........

But come on..........more rain???

I was reminded on Saturday that the weather could be worse and I will agree one hundred percent. But! Come on now. We've had our share of rain and goodness knows we have had more than our share of snow!

Not today, folks. And probably not tomorrow. And here I was all geared up to take on everything I hadn't done or couldn't do during those dreary, dark days.

Oh, well. I'll try to keep the "bright attitude" my grandmother always talked about. Monday will be the same routine it has been for weeks. But I'm telling you, my umbrella and rain coat are becomming a little disgruntled. Now that's going to be a happy trio this afternoon........a raincoat that doesn't like being wet anymore, an umbrella that is tired of going up and down, and me..........looking for that "bright attitude".

Nothing else to do but "suck it up" and make the best of it. Those bright sunny days will get here. The rain will stop. Spring will come I'm sure and bring all the life and color it always does.

Just don't speak to me about HOT and don't tell me that there is a DROUGHT!

I am NOT a duck!! And the rock I crawled out from under this morning is now occupied.

And to really yank my chain I just received pictures of sun and white puffy clouds from one of my dearest friends on my facebook page. Gonna go see if she has some space down there.........

At least until spring...........................

Which begins on Saturday.
And I can't wait!!!

Arts Commission Cuts Not So Bad

Arts managers breathed easier this morning after learning that the Virginia Commission for the Arts was not entirely erased from the state budget.

The House of Delegates originally proposed eliminating funding for the commission, which provides grants to arts organizations throughout the state, but legislators agreed Sunday to a budget that cuts grants to Hampton Roads groups by 16 percent, from $1 million to $840,000.

The arts commissions overall grants budget of $4 million will drop by $670,000 to about $3.3 million for each of the next two years. In addition, the commission receives $432,000 from the state for administrative expenses, which will remain the same.

"We feel its a pretty big victory," says Terry Bliss of the North Street Playhouse. "It is a result of a ground-swell of support from all across the Commonwealth."

Nick Covatta, Director of the Virginia Arts Commission agreed. Support really came from all across the state. We got a lot of support from rural areas here on the Shore and in the Shenendoah and also from the urban areas such as Richmond and Northern Virginia.

Covatta went on to say "Many smaller arts groups such as the North Street Playhouse, ACES and ESO depend on the funding from the Arts Commission to balance their budgets."

Terry Bliss says the North Street Playhouse has been battling with a leaky roof over the past year and because of funding from the Virginia Arts Commission, the Playhouse was able to save some money from ticket sales to continue to put on plays for the Eastern Shore.

www.shoredailynews.com

Virginia General Assembly

The General Assembly has overwhelmingly passed a new two-year budget that makes unprecedented cuts to state services and programs.

With little debate or dissent Sunday, the House approved the $70 billion funding plan at 5:30 p.m. on a 73-23 vote, while the Senate passed it 34-6, the last act of the 2010 session taken one day behind schedule.

The compromise budget cuts $250 million from public education, erases unpaid days off for state workers and slashes fee increases the Senate sought by 60 percent.

It also retains Medicaid reimbursement cuts of 7 percent by 2012 for hospitals, nursing homes, doctors and other health professionals unless Virginia receives $370 million in federal support for the program.

www.shoredailynews.com

Health Care Vote Is Near

Congress is expected to vote this week on a comprehensive health care plan that could revolutionize the way Americans receive health care in the future. The current schedule calls for a Thursday vote on the issue in the House of Representatives. Congressman Glenn Nye voted in opposition to the current House bill but this vote will be on the Senate version.

A recent Shore Daily News.com poll showed that 80% of those who participated were opposed to Congressman Nye voting to support the Senate bill.

Contact Congressman Nye:

Accomack phone: 789-5092
Accomack fax: 789-5095
Washington phone: 202-225-4215
email via web site: http://www.nye.house.gov/

www.shoredailynews.com