"Matter of Trust" Creates Hair-and-Nylon Booms To Help Oil Clean Up In Gulf

Can human hair and pantyhose save the Gulf?

Well, no, it can't. The oil slick spreading from a damaged drilling rig off the coast of Louisiana is already too massive for any quick fix, no matter how well intended. But the environmental calamity has inspired a quirky grass-roots campaign that seeks to use donated hair and animal fur to create oil-absorbing booms.

The idea, promoted by a San Francisco-based nonprofit group called Matter of Trust, is to collect tons of hair and fur to stuff into nylon pouches, in this case used or defective pantyhose. When strung together in sausage-like skeins, the hair booms could be set in the water to collect the encroaching oil.

Hair, as anyone who hasn't shampooed in a while knows, absorbs and holds oily materials well.

Matter of Trust is coordinating the collection of hair and fur through thousands of salons, pet groomers and ranchers. It has collected more than 450,000 pounds of the stuff from people around the world. The organization is storing the raw material in warehouses throughout the Gulf region. Meanwhile, volunteers in the area have hosted 19 "Boom-B-Qs" during which participants stuff hair into the nylon casings.

"We're all growing this natural resource ," says Lisa Gautier, who co-founded Matter of Trust with her husband, Patrice, 12 years ago. "It doesn't get more renewable than this. We think it's a safe, non-toxic way to do the clean-up."

The movement has picked up corporate support, too. Hanes has donated 50,000 pairs of pantyhose, and Petco, the pet-supply and grooming chain, says it will donate as much as a ton of fur clippings per day.

It's not clear how much of a dent in the problem the hair booms can make. Lisa Gautier says it takes about 15 pounds of hair to create a 12-foot boom. If all 450,000 pounds of hair were stuffed and deployed, that would create 360,000 feet of barrier, or about 68 miles' worth.

The joint industry-government task force that is supervising the cleanup effort has more than 150 miles of industrial booms to block and absorb the oil in place around the Gulf.

What's more, Matter of Trust isn't authorized to place booms; only government agencies and volunteers certified by the official joint command are legally permitted to do so.

But there's plenty of need: "We're finding that everyone wants to boom everything," says Mark Proegler, a spokesman for BP, the oil company that is legally responsible for the cleanup. "There's just not sufficient boom to do that. Every parish thinks it's the most important."

BP has had no contact with Matter of Trust, but it appreciates the effort: "We certainly don't want to discourage any of the people who've expressed a willingness to help," Proegler says.

The feel-good aspects of the project aren't lost on Washington salon owner Jacqui Davis, whose 15-store chain, PR at Partners, is participating in the effort. "It's another way to be green and recycle," Davis says. "We're happy to help out. We're telling our clients who want to take just a couple of inches off to cut it shorter and pick up some more oil. It's great to be able to say you contributed in some way."

If everything goes as planned in the great hair boom deployment, it does raise another question: Who cleans up all of that hair?

The booms, Lisa Gautier says, would be BP's responsibility. The company would likely incinerate the booms after picking them up, she says.

www.washingtonpost.com

Mr. Johnny Strand ~ An Inspiration To Everyone

Today is the burial for Mr. Johnny Strand and I am sure those that knew him will be there to say their final goodbyes. I found the posting below in the Eastern Shore News in the Viewpoint section on Wednesday and I have thought about what I read many times since then. It is lengthy and I started to just post half but it's the whole story that makes this man. If you read nothing else for the rest of today please take time to read this. This man had all the qualifications of an angel.

In 36 years of writing stories on local people for this newspaper, no one was ever as grateful or appreciative as Johnny Strand, the popular Pizza Hut manager who was slain last weekend at his Melfa home.

I have received scores of notes and letters from people who I have profiled during my time here, but Johnny's thank you was the most memorable.

Not long after I wrote a profile on Johnny for the "Virginia's Eastern Shore" special section in 2007 -- ironically, that issue appears in today's paper -- Johnny came into the News office in Accomac and called a few employees he knew up front in the lobby, including me.

He then read a hand-written message he had penned on a thank you card. It read:

You wrote articles over the years

To make one happy or shed tears.

It's true what I've heard, you're one of a kind,

You gave Johnny Strand a chance to speak his mind.

With my voice, I spoke of my strife,

with your pen you wrote of my life.

Together, you and I have touched so many,

A smile restored, a broken spirit replenished.

So I thank you so much, for not taking away

From the spirit of a man who had a lot to say.

Thank you Mr. Sterling,

and the rest of the Eastern Shore News family,

Sincerely,

Mr. Johnny Strand

Since that day Johnny thanked me again every time I saw him. Just two weeks ago he was thanking me for the article as if I had written it the previous week.

The truth is Johnny never stopped hearing about the article with the power of the Internet. The story was picked up by the Associated Press and turned up in newspapers and websites all over the country. Johnny said he heard from strangers who just wanted to say they were inspired by his story.

And what a story it was. I knew when I walked away from that interview three years ago, Johnny's story sounded like a movie script that producers would reject because people just wouldn't believe it. But Johnny was the real deal.

The writing had little, if anything, to do with the powerful message Johnny delivered in that interview. Johnny gave me far too much credit in that card that I treasure even more today than when he presented it.

In 1990, Strand was walking along U.S. Route 13 as the Pizza Hut was being built in the Chesapeake Square shopping center in Onley. A man hailed Strand and asked if he wanted to earn some extra money by unloading a truckload of construction materials being used to build the restaurant.

Strand, who had no car and was unemployed at the time, because it was January and he usually worked on area farms, gladly accepted the offer.

The Pizza Hut manager who was checking on the progress of the construction took notice of how Strand hustled back and forth as he was unloading the truck. He called Strand aside and asked him if he wanted a job when the restaurant opened in a few weeks.

So on the first day Pizza Hut opened Strand was a dishwasher.

Strand said in that interview his mission was to be the best dishwasher possible. "I took control of my area. I'm like that. I wanted those dishes to be so clean you could see your face in them."

Strand was soon promoted to assistant cook and then lead cook. When the manager saw how friendly Strand was with people, he made Strand a server. Strand then became a shift manager and eventually assistant manager of the restaurant.

Strand worked for five other managers, and in 2002 when the position was again vacant Strand was asked by Pizza Hut officials to be the manager. He turned them down -- twice, in fact.

Gil Liberty, the district manager for Pizza Hut, came to Strand for a third time. Liberty was present at that 2007 interview because he wanted to impress upon the reporter just how he felt about Strand.

Liberty told Stand, "You are here 55 hours a week anyway. Everyone thinks you are the manager. Why don't you take this position and earn the benefits and the extra money that comes with it?"

Strand explained he was very busy with his church and was a member of a traveling gospel choir at Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church in Bayside, near Onancock.

Liberty promised Strand the job would not interfere with attending church. "I say that because I know you are the right person for the job," Liberty told Strand.

Liberty said at that 2007 interview, "Johnny is the face of Pizza Hut on the Eastern Shore. When you say Pizza Hut around here you think of Johnny Strand. When you say Johnny Strand, you think of Pizza Hut. He has such great people skills, both with the public and the employees. Everyone loves to work for him."

Strand was recognized by the community and Pizza Hut for his contributions. He worked with schools, youth groups, churches, the Foodbank, the DARE program and numerous other groups to help raise funds or provide pizzas as incentives for achievement. It seemed everyone knew Strand and his willingness to help others.

The walls of the restaurant are plastered with drawings from local students and photographs of athletes from every school on the Shore.

Many of his employees are area students, and he often sat down with them and asked about their grades. He told them he was far from a perfect student in high school, but mistakes today can have more impact than when he was at Onancock High School in the 1970s.

"I want to find the good in everyone," said Strand. "I go to the schools and tell students that if they work hard and do a good job, their self-esteem will rise and good things will happen to them," said Strand, who had at the time missed only one day of work in 17 years. He took a day off to go watch Nandua High School play for a state basketball title.

Strand might not have been perfect in high school, but Pizza Hut received rare perfect scores from the Health Department. Pizza Hut's reviews were usually rated "excelling."

Strand's love in high school was music. He was taught by his cousin, Jesse Poulson, also an active member of his church.

He was good enough that he was supposed to go to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and be a member of the college choir. But his mother had a leg amputated due to complications from diabetes two months before he was to graduate from high school in 1978. His father died one month later. As the youngest of 10 children and the only one still at home, it was up to Johnny to care for his mother at their home near White Rabbit.

"I missed a chance to go to college, but I wouldn't change a thing," said Strand, who wiped away a tear at that interview when talking about his mother.

Although he never married, Johnny said he had more than 50 nieces and nephews he followed closely.

His funeral will surely be attended many of the people he touched through the years. His tragic loss from a senseless crime will be felt throughout the community.

But although his life was cut short, the incomparable Johnny Strand will continue to inspire others to be their best, as he always tried to be.

www.easternshorenews.com

Community Event Saturday To Honor Johnny Strand

WACHAPREAGUE — The life of Johnny Strand, the charismatic Onley Pizza Hut manager who was slain May 1, will be celebrated at an outdoors community event at 5 p.m. today at Wachapreague Park.

It will follow Strand’s funeral, which is scheduled for 3 p.m. at the Macedonia A.M.E. Church in Accomack.

“Johnny blessed a lot of people,” said the Rev. Robert Garris Jr., who is organizing the event. “This is what needs to be done.”

Everyone is invited.

Strand, 49, who had worked for Pizza Hut since it opened, was found dead in his Melfa home. Police this week arrested an Accomac man on a murder charge in connection with his death.

The celebration of Strand’s life will feature gospel music with intermittent opportunities for attendees to take a microphone and say a few words on how Strand touched their lives.

There also will be hot dogs, hamburgers and Pizza Hut pizza available. Garris is going to local businesses this week to solicit donations of food and beverages.

There also will be a massive reprint of the photograph that Jay Diem, the News’ photographer, took of Strand in 2007 as the manager stood in front of Pizza Hut.

Garris has asked the Parksley Sign Co. to enlarge the photograph “life-sized” so that attendees can bring a camera and have their photo taken with it.

Donations also will be collected for the Johnny Keith Strand Memorial Scholarship, which is being organized by longtime friend Jesse Poulson.

Like many people, Garris, who is pastor at Mt. Nebo Baptist Church in Onancock, has a personal story about how Strand influenced his life.

The event will be a tribute to Strand. Garris credited Accomack County Parks and Recreation Director Bill Allen with coordinating the use of Wachapreague Park for the event.

www.delmarvanow.com

Jolly Rancher lands Fort Bend County third-grader in detention for a week

A weeks detention for a 10 year old for one piece of green Jolly Ranchers candy.

ORCHARD, Texas – A third-grader at Brazos Elementary was given a week’s detention for possessing a Jolly Rancher.

School officials in western Fort Bend County are defending the seemingly harsh sentence. The school’s principal and superintendent said they were simply complying with a state law that limits junk food in schools.

But the girl’s parents say it’s a huge overreaction.

“I think it’s stupid to give a kid a week’s worth of detention for a piece of candy,” said Amber Brazda, the girl’s mother. "The whole thing was just ridiculous to me."

Leighann Adair, 10, was eating lunch Monday when a teacher confiscated the candy. Her parents said she was in tears when she arrived home later that afternoon and handed them the detention notice.

According to the disciplinary referral, she would be separated from other students during lunch and recess through Friday.

Jack Ellis, the superintendent for Brazos Independent School District, declined an on-camera interview. But he said the school was abiding by a state guideline that banned “minimal nutrition” foods.

“Whether or not I agree with the guidelines, we have to follow the rules,” he said.

The state, however, gives each school discretion over how to enforce the policy. Ellis said school officials had decided a stricter punishment was necessary after lesser penalties failed to serve as a deterrent.

Ellis said failing to adhere to the state’s guidelines could put federal funding in jeopardy.

According to the Texas Department of Agriculture’s website, “The Texas Public School Nutrition Policy (TPSNP) explicitly states that it does not restrict what foods or beverages parents may provide for their own children's consumption.”

Brazos Elementary Principal Jeanne Young, said the problem, in this instance, was that the candy was provided by another student – not the girl’s parents.

The girl’s mother said the incident has taught her daughter a lesson, but not the one her teachers intended.

“I told her, ‘Leighann, unfortunately you’re learning very young that life’s not fair,'” Brazda said.

For more information about the state’s policy and its exceptions, click here.

VIA: khou.com

Reader Sends in 'A Tribute to Mom'

A Tribute To My Angel Mom In Heaven

Dear Lord :

You gave me an angel the day I was born, Who tended to me very day. She saw me through my trials, and my errors,
As she watched, & prayed for me as I went on my way.

She is my angel protecting me still, & vigilantly watching Over me as only a Mother could, She was such a Godly woman….praying for others, as She faithfully called on her God as she should.

I know my Angel Mom loved me, and I was blessed from The day I was born……..she was my precious Mother…….and, now each day I miss her, and mourn.

So, please, dear God give her that mansion that she talked About so many times…..and let her sing in your Heavenly choir with all the angels at her side.

Please bless her, and keep her forever in Heaven with you, Free from pain, and suffering, and let her do her good will, And, I pray each day that you will help me to be more, and more Like her……to carry on her dependency she left behind for me.

I know I will be with my Mom one day, but I still have Work to do here on Earth….where she left off, So, please, God help me more like my Mom because I know she will meet me to Heaven’s gate one day, And, say, “Welcome home, my sweet daughter…I have Been waiting for you….and, now, together we will stay!

This is a tribute to my angel, Mom, Julia H. Watkinson Who left me on October 12, 2009.….I miss her so much….she was my best friend, my confidant, my anchor…but I know she is happy now….no more Pain, and suffering, and I know that God is taking care of Mom, and she is Singing beautiful songs with her sweet angel voice. I miss you so much, Mom, and my love for you will NEVER fade.

Thank you for setting examples, and teaching me so many ways to be a good woman, and I give you full credit today for the woman I have become. All my love, Mom, forever & forever,

Your daughter, Pat J J
****To all the Mothers this Mother’s Day I wish you joy, peace, happiness, & God’s love, and protection on you…..and to those who still have your Moms….

Love her unconditionally, listen to her teachings, and words of wisdom she has for you….never let a day go by without telling her how much you love her, how much She means to you……Life is too short…don’t hold grudges, or unforgiveness In your heart to your Mom, and visit, and spend time with her as much as you can!!

My Mom , and I were so-o-o- close. & I have no regrets….I had 60 years with my Mom, and for that……I thank God everyday****
Julia Ann H. Watkinson
October 25, 1928-October 12, 2009
All my love forever, your daughter, Pat J

Violent Movie Declares War on Arizona for Immigration Law

A violent new film from cult director Robert Rodriguez is declaring war on Arizona with a "special Cinco de Mayo message" in the wake of the state's controversial illegal immigration law.

A violent new film from cult director Robert Rodriguez is declaring war on Arizona with a "special Cinco De Mayo message" in the wake of the state's controversial illegal immigration law.

That message is: "They just f---ed with the wrong Mexican."

"Machete," which features a knife-wielding Mexican assassin out for revenge against double-crossing gringos, won't be in theaters until September, but it is already sparking a political melee over Wednesday's stab at the Grand Canyon State.

In the trailer for the film, the title character is hired to assassinate an anti-immigration U.S. senator played by Robert De Niro. Protesters are seen waving nationalist signs as the senator speaks to a charged-up rally: "We are at war," he booms. "Every time an illegal dances across our border, it is an act of aggression against this sovereign state — an overt act of terrorism."

But before the trailer even begins, the battle-scarred title character stares out from the screen as he tells viewers that what's about to unfold — an immigration-laced slasher grindhouse flick — is about the current border battle in Arizona.

Click here to see the video.

The trailer was released Wednesday, just 24 hours after an envelope filled with a still-undetermined white powder was sent to Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer, temporarily closing the State Capitol in Phoenix. The powder spilled out when a staffer opened it Tuesday morning, sending Hazmat teams scrambling through the governor's offices. No one was sickened, but state police and the FBI are investigating the incident.

It was just the latest development in a debate that is growing more rancorous by the minute.

Some outspoken critics of illegal immigration took umbrage at the movie trailer and its swipe at Arizona, which is the entry point for one-third of all illegal immigrants in the U.S.

"It's pretty ugly out there," said former Colorado Rep. Tom Tancredo, a staunch advocate of tougher immigration laws. "Half the time that's the way all of us are depicted: corrupt, no good, racist."

Tancredo, who served in the House from 1999-2009, said he received "tons of death threats" while in office and frequently wore a bulletproof vest during public speeches. Though the language of the film is nothing new to him, he said he still finds it offensive.

"The racists who made that trailer, they are as racist as anything I have ever seen" from either side of the immigration debate, Tancredo said.

But, he added, "these guys are 'politically correct' racists, so you cannot heap indignities upon them."

Read More HERE

TIP: Speed-up Your Computer; How to Clear Your Cache (And Why You’d Want To)

When you roam the Internet, accessing Web pages, files, images and other downloaded content, your Web browser caches, or stores, all that on your computer. That way, those files -- which are called temporary Internet files -- don't have to be retrieved again each time you click the back or forward buttons.

Why should you clear your cache? There are two reasons:
• Free up space on your computer
After a while, the cache fills up and needs to be cleared -- at least once a quarter -- so your Web browser will function most efficiently.
• Protect your privacy
At work, you may not want others to see where you have browsed, while at home, several people may use the same computer. If you have privacy concerns, you'll want to regularly clear your cache.

Clearing your cache takes just a few minutes. You can do it yourself by following the steps below, or there is software such as System Mechanic that can clear your cache automatically.


How to clear the cache in Internet Explorer 8
1. Open Internet Explorer. Click the Tools menu on the top left of the IE toolbar.
2. Click on "Delete Browsing History."
3. Select "Temporary Internet Files."
4. Click the Delete button at the bottom of the window and your temporary files will be deleted instantly.





To set Internet Explorer 8 so it automatically clears the cache:
1. Open Internet Explorer. Click the Tools menu on the top left of the IE toolbar.
1. Click on Internet Options.
2. Click the Advanced tab.
3. Scroll down to the Security section.
4. Click to check the box next to the option labeled "Empty Temporary Internet Files folder when browser is closed."
5. Click OK. This will delete everything except cookies.


How to clear the cache in Firefox 3.5 or 3.6
1. Open Firefox. Click Tools on the top left of the Firefox tool bar. Select Options.
2. Select the Advanced panel.
3. Click on the Network tab.
4. In the Offline Storage section, click Clear Now.
5. Click OK to close the Options window




To set Firefox 3.5 or 3.6 so it automatically clears the cache:
1. Click Tools on the top left of the Firefox tool bar. Select Options.
2. Select the Privacy panel.
3. In the History section, click on the "Firefox will:" drop-down box and choose "Use custom settings for history."
4. Check the box for "Clear history when Firefox closes."
5. Click on the Settings button.
6. In the Settings for Clearing History window, click the checkmark box next to Cache.
7. Click OK to close the Settings for Clearing History window.
9. Click OK to close the Options window.

If you need additional help or your Web browser is not listed here, search your browser's Help menu for "clear cache."

VIA

Petition Submitted To Oust Mayor

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) - Petitions containing nearly 9,000 signatures were formally filed in Portsmouth Circuit Court Thursday seeking the recall of Mayor James Holley. If successful, it would be the second time Holley has been recalled as Portsmouth's mayor.

The petitions will now move relatively quickly through the courts. If a judge accepts the signatures and Holley still refuses to resign there could be a recall election in less than two months.

A group of citizens initiated the petition drive last September saying the last straw came when it was revealed that Holley had been ordering his city secretary to handle his personal errands like buying his clothes and purchasing gifts for friends and family members. City Council publicly scolded Holley, fined him $2,500 and formally voted to request his retirement. He refused then, as he continues to refuse to give up his post today despite the submission of the recall petition.

Portsmouth resident Robert Marcus helped spearhead the recall effort. "The mayor is not able to function as a leader," said Marcus. "We have an elderly man who is more inclined in his later years to enjoy having a nice wardrobe and a nice car to drive in, and his mind is not on the job and as unfortunate as it is, he is not willing to accept that reality."

WAVY.com caught up with Mayor Holley just moments after the petitions seeking his recall were filed. When asked for his thoughts on the nearly 9,000 signatures Holley responded, "Well, there are 100,000 citizens, so it wasn't everybody."

If the judge handling this civil case rules there are enough legitimate voter signatures he will give Holley five days to resign his post. If Holley refuses, the judge will order a recall election to be held about a month later.

WAVY.com asked Mayor Holley on Thursday if he intends to resign. "No I will not step down," he said. Holley also threw last year's apology to his secretary out the window Thursday. He told WAVY.com the dozens of chores he asked his assistant to handle were not personal chores, not even buying his clothes.

"Well, I wear clothing," shrugged Holley. "I didn't find that to be anything that was beyond her responsibility."

Holley also said he is not worried about the possibility of being recalled a second time. In 1987 Holley became the first mayor in Virginia to be recalled from office after he was said to have played a role in a racial hate mail campaign. "I am still the mayor," he said. "I think we have some positive directions which we are attempting to go and I am pleased to report that it happened under my leadership."

Recall organizers said city code required them to gather 6,772 signatures from registered voters. They said they collected 8,775. It took them nine months to get the signatures.

Marcus said, "We have taken this long because we wanted to do it right."

Dolores Knight also helped organize and run the recall effort. "It's been fascinating in a way because so many people have been willing to help us," she said. "It started out with people calling me and saying, 'We need to do something Deloris. We need to do something.'"

The 8,775 signatures will now be reviewed by a judge who will write up an order and send it, along with the petitions, to the Portsmouth Voter Registrar to validate as registered voters in the city of Portsmouth.

www.wavy.com

Talks On Drilling Off Coast Of Virginia Suspended

The Interior Department is canceling indefinitely hearings on the proposed sale of gas and oil leases off the coast of Virginia.

The postponement is contained in a notice of the Federal Register, and environmentalists said it signals a suspension of the lease sale off of Virginia.

Governor Bob McDonnell's energy secretary, Maureen Matsen, contends the government is taking a "prudent" step in suspended the hearings while it deals with the Gulf oil spill.

The hearings were to be held in Norfolk, North Carolina and Maryland.

www.shoredailynews.com

Va. Charity Relief Team Heads To Tennessee Flood Victims

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (AP) - Operation Blessing International has dispatched a relief team from Virginia to assist flood-stricken Nashville.

The Virginia Beach charity arrived Wednesday in the heart of country music with trucks laden with food, water and ready-to-eat meals.

Nashville's Cumberland River spilled over its banks this week as more than a foot of rain drenched the city. Flash floods have been blamed in the deaths of at least 18 people in Tennessee alone, including nine in Nashville.

Starting Thursday, Operation Blessing will deploy a portable kitchen to begin serving hot meals to those whose homes are flooded.

Crews will also assist in mopping up the mess.

www.wavy.com

Norfolk Zoo Tiger Dies From Cancer

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - The Virginia Zoo in Norfolk announced that one of its two beloved Siberian Tigers was euthanized Thursday, only three weeks after she was diagnosed with an agressive form of cancer.

Shere Khan was the advanced age of 18 years.

The zoo also revealed that Shere Khan's sister Shaka Khan was diagnosed with a different cancer.

“The entire Zoo family is grief-stricken,” Executive Director Greg Bockheim said.

A lesion on Shere was biopsied on April 16 and the zoo veterinarian determined she had a form of skin cancer, called squamous cell carcinomas . Veterinarian Dr. John Sanginario did not recommend surgergy because of Shere's age and condition.

“Shere Khan and Shaka Khan were among the most popular animals at the Zoo,” Bockheim said. But the tigers have been off exhibit to Zoo visitors since June 2008 for the construction of the Asia – Trail of the Tiger expansion .

Also in April, keepers noticed a growth on Shaka Khan's left elbow. The biopsy determind she had a malignant, slow-growing, low grade fibrosarcoma . The zoo says she is expected to live another 10-12 months.

“We knew the tigers were elderly cats and could only be expected to live a few more years, but no one was prepared to lose them before the Asia exhibit opens,” says Bockheim. “Tigers are an important, highly endangered species native to Asia and are one of the centerpieces of this new exhibit.

www.wavy.com

Pocomoke M.I.S.T Dinner will honor science students

The Mid-Atlantic Institute for Space and Technology invites the community to a dinner on Wednesday, May 12, at 6:30 p.m. at the Pocomoke Volunteer Fire Department Community Center, located at 1410 Market St., to honor regional students who have demonstrated commitment to excellence through application to the STEP-UP Intern Program.

Tickets for the dinner are $15 for adults and $10 for students and are available at the door. Please contact Lori Graham for details at 410-957-6570.

Bank of America, can I help you?

Bank of America, can I help you?

Customer: Yes, I want to cancel my account. I don't want to do business with you any longer.

The Bank: Why?

Customer: You're giving credit to illegal immigrants and I don't think it's right. I'm taking my business
elsewhere.

The Bank: Well, Mr. Customer, we don't want to see you do that, but we can't stop you. I'll help you close the account. What is your account number?

Customer: (gives account number)

The Bank: For security purposes and for your protection, can you please give me the last four digits of your social security number?

Customer: No?

The Bank: Mr. Customer, I need to verify your information, but in order to help you, I'll need verification of who you are..

Customer: Why should I give you my social security number? The reason I'm closing my account is that your bank is issuing credit cards to illegal immigrants who
don't have social security numbers. You are targeting that audience and want their business. Let's say I'm an illegal immigrant and you've given me a credit card. I have a question about it and call for assistance. You wouldn't be asking me for a Social Security number, would you?

The Bank: No sir, I wouldn't.

Customer: Why not?

The Bank: Because you would have pressed '2' to speak in Spanish. We don't ask for that information when calling in on the Spanish line.

If it does raise the hair on the back of your neck, then forward it to every human in the country including every representative in Washington , DC four time s a week for a month.

Provided "snopes" for doubters:
http://www.snopes.com/politics/immigration/bankofamerica.asp

Hat Tip; Mrs. M

A Duck Story from San Antonio , Texas

Something really cute happened in downtown San Antonio this week. Michael R. is an accounting clerk at Frost Bank and works there in a second story office. Several weeks ago, he watched a mother duck choose the concrete awning outside his window as the unlikely place to build a nest above the sidewalk.

The mallard laid ten eggs in a nest in the corner of the planter that is perched over 10 feet in the air. She dutifully kept the eggs warm for weeks, and Monday afternoon all of her ten ducklings hatched.







Michael worried all night how the momma duck was going to get those babies safely off their perch in a busy, downtown, urban environment to take to water, which typically happens in the first 48 hours of a duck hatching.

Tuesday morning, Michael watched the mother duck encourage her babies to the edge of the perch with the intent to show them how to jump off. Office work came to a standstill as everyone gathered to watch.




The mother flew down below and started quacking to her babies above. In disbelief Michael watched as the first fuzzy newborn trustingly toddled to the edge and astonishingly leapt into thin air, crashing onto the cement below.

Michael couldn't stand to watch this risky effort nine more times! He dashed out of his office and ran down the stairs to the sidewalk where the first obedient duckling, near its mother, was resting in a stupor after the near-fatal fall. Michael stood out of sight under the awning-planter, ready to help.




As the second one took the plunge, Michael jumped forward and caught it with his bare hands before it hit the concrete. Safe and sound, he set it down it by its momma and the other stunned sibling, still recovering from that painful leap. (The momma must have sensed that Michael was trying to help her babies.)




One by one the babies continued to jump. Each time Michael hid under the awning just to reach out in the nick of time as the duckling made its free fall. At the scene the busy downtown sidewalk traffic came to a standstill.

Time after time, Michael was able to catch the remaining eight and set them by their approving mother.




At this point Michael realized the duck family had only made part of its dangerous journey. They had two full blocks to walk across traffic, crosswalks, curbs and past pedestrians to get to the closest open water, the San Antonio River , site of the famed "River Walk." The onlooking office secretaries and several San Antonio police officers joined in. An empty copy-paper box was brought to collect the babies.

They carefully corralled them, with the mother's approval, and loaded them in the container. Michael held the box low enough for the mom to see her brood. He then slowly navigated through the downtown streets toward the San Antonio River The mother waddled behind and kept her babies in sight, all the way.




As they reached the river, the mother took over and passed him, jumping in the river and quacking loudly.

At the water's edge, Michael tipped the box and helped shepherd the babies toward the water and to the waiting mother after their adventurous ride.




All ten darling ducklings safely made it into the water and paddled up snugly to momma. Michael said the mom swam in circles, looking back toward the beaming bank bookkeeper, and proudly quacking.




At last, all present and accounted for: "We're all together again. We're here! We're here!"




And here's a family portrait before they head outward to further adventures.. .



Like all of us in the big times of our life, they never could have made it alone without lots of helping hands. I think it gives the name of San Antonio 's famous "River Walk" a whole new meaning!

Hat Tip; Kack

Former Pocomoke City Councilman Has Died

POCOMOKE CITY, Md.- Honiss Cane, who served on the Pocomoke City Council for decades, died Tuesday. He was 78.

Cane was first elected to the council in 1986 and served in that capacity until he decided not to run in April's muncipal elections for health reasons. Cane, who was a pioneer for civil rights on Delmarva, had the distinction as the first-ever black member of the Pocomoke City Council.

Cane was also a student union administrator at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore for more 32 years.

The Pocomoke City Chamber of Commerce says a viewing will be held Friday, May 7 from 6-8 p.m. at Shiloh United Methodist Church on 2655 Ocean Highway (Route 113) in Pocomoke City. A funeral service is scheduled for Saturday, May 8, at 11 a.m. at the Ella Fitzgerald Auditorium at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in Princess Anne.

www.wboc.com

Two Benefits This Weekend For Jay Lewis

On May 7th there will be a dinner/auction to benefit Jay Lewis at the Chincoteague Fire House.

The Chincoteague Ladies Auxillary will be fixing turkey, dumplings, oyster fritters with all the trimmings.

Social hour starts at 6:00 PM with dinner following at 7:00 PM

Tickets are limited and going fast!

Contact the Chincoteague Police Department, Chief David Lewis of the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company or Mr. Bill McComb to purchase tickets.

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

May 8 The Chincoteague Police Department and Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company will be sponsoring a Benefit Poker Run for Jay Lewis.

The Poker Run will start at Cycle Creations in New Church, VA with last bike out at 11:00 AM.

The run will go through Maryland and Virginia and end at the Chincoteague Inn with the last bike in at 3:00 PM.

Food and beverages will be available at the Chincoteague Inn along with a live band under the big tent.

Donations will be accepted for the Poker Run. Please give generously to help offset the medical expenses Jay is incurring.

Everyone is welcome!

Jay is in need of a kidney and pancreas transplant due to diabetes. He has been a Police Officer and Volunteer Firefighter for over 16 years and worked with various Police Departments and Fire Departments on the Eastern Shore during that time.

William & Mary Student Elected to Williamsburg City Council

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (WAVY) - A William and Mary senior made history Tuesday night by becoming the first college student to be elected to Williamsburg City Council.

Daniel Scott Foster won 1,559 votes in the city council elections. He was one of five candidates seeking election.

On campus Wednesday, Foster was much like a celebrity, shaking hands and greeting those who voted him into office.

WAVY.com asked Foster how it felt to be called "council member Foster."

"It sounds pretty good! I'm getting used to it, everybody I've run into today has called me that. So, it's been a lot of fun," Foster said.

Foster campaigned hard over the past 5 months, dreaming to be where he is today. "It's a campus-wide effort and it showed," he told WAVY.com.

College freshman Claire Jackson agreed it was that campus-wide effort that got Foster elected. "There were a lot of voter registration efforts throughout the year and I think that probably made a really big difference," she said.

Williamsburg Vice-Mayor Clyde Haulman, who also happens to be a William and Mary professor, says this will only enhance the relationship between the College and the city.

"I think the students really did it right and had a really top notch candidate who not only had support in the college community, but had support in the non-college community as well," he told WAVY.com.

Williamsburg Mayor Jeanne Zeidler said, "I think it's a very historic vote. Scott spent a lot of time learning the issues... and I think he'll be a very good city council member."

As for those critics who think he's too young, Foster said, "I ran into those folks throughout the campaign, and I now have the opportunity to show them that I'm not too young and I am qualified to do this.

"While serving on council Foster will also be interning after he graduates. He then plans to start law school at William and Mary in fall 2011.

www.wavy.com

Summer is here, is your vehicle ready?

Summer is here, is your vehicle ready?

Here’s a few tips to help save you money and also what to expect as the heat hits your vehicle.

What’s the first thing we do when the weather starts to warm up? We roll down the windows to soak up the beautiful warm summer air. But what do our wondering ears do we hear? A bunch of noises that we haven’t heard with the windows up.

Not to worry some of those noises are natural and we just are not used to hearing them for 9 cold winter months with the windows up.
What we do want to check before the dog days of summer start taking its toll on our vehicles is.

Tires; look for deep cracks from dry rot in the edges of the tires where the tread meets the sidewall, if you’re going to have a blow-out it will most likely happen in the summer when tires are subject to extreme heat. Also, while inspecting your tires make sure all the air pressures are adjusted accordingly; tires will gain in pressure with higher temperature.

Anti-freeze, coolant, check your coolant level and change your coolant every two years.

Belts and hoses, check your belts and hoses for cracks and swollen rubber, if a V belt has any cracks, or a serpentine belt has cracks closer than every inch apart on the side that runs on the pulleys it’s time to replace them. If any hoses are hard or very soft, or cracked or swollen anywhere it’s time for all new hoses, again it’s a good idea to replace hoses when you service the cooling system every two years, they are cheap and the coolant is out anyway, that’s the time to do it and if it’s an easy job the thermostat just as a preventive measure.

Check your automatic transmission fluid, the summer months are the hardest on a transmission, if the fluid is dark and/or it stinks, it’s time to change the fluid and filter, regular maintenance on an automatic transmission will save you a lot of money in the long run.

Newer vehicles have a cab filter that helps with allergies, they are located in the cowl section of your vehicle just below where the windshield wipers rest, they are inexpensive and easy to replace, now is the time to replace that.

There are other fluids that get forgotten about in vehicles that need attention along with the others, not as often but they need changing also. The power steering fluid, the brake fluid and the differentials if equipped.

"COP OUT" This Weekend At The MarVa Theater

Rated R

A comedy about a veteran NYPD cop whose rare baseball card is stolen. Since it's his only hope to pay for his daughter's upcoming wedding, he recruits his partner to track down the thief, a memorabilia-obsessed gangster.

Friday May 7, 2010

Saturday May 8, 2010

7:00 PM

Admission: $5.00 per person

Humpback Whale Entangled In Net Eludes Rescuers Off Cape Charles

A humpback whale entangled in a gill net eluded would-be rescuers Wednesday afternoon after a tracking buoy came loose in the Chesapeake Bay off Cape Charles.

The 25-foot whale appeared to be healthy, but a three-person stranding team from the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center could not tell how badly it was entangled, said team member Jeff Thompson.

“When we got there, it was about 3 miles northwest of Kiptopeke State Park,” Thompson said. “It was swimming strong.”

The team approached in an inflatable boat and attached a GPS tracking buoy to the net trailing behind the animal, but the buoy came loose about 10 minutes later, he said, and the whale submerged.

The aquarium stranding team is part of the Atlantic Large Whale Disentanglement Network, a series of first responders along the East Coast. Attaching buoys is a common strategy used by rescuers, adapted from an old-time whaling technique called “kegging.”

Once a tracking buoy is attached, rescuers follow the whale and keep adding buoys to increase drag and slow down the animal. As it tires, they begin trying to remove the entangling gear.

Thompson said the humpback whale was spotted about 1:30 p.m. by a fisherman. Its length was initially estimated at 65 feet, but it turned out to be less than half that size.

An airplane from the Virginia Marine Resources Commission helped keep track of the whale until the stranding team arrived. The commission, Coast Guard and the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries had ships standing by as the team attempted the dangerous job of cutting the net off a free-swimming whale.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which oversees all stranding work with marine mammals, says that whales’ reactions to disentanglement efforts varies by species: “North Atlantic right whales are the most difficult whales to disentangle because they are extremely powerful animals that put up a seemingly endless fight instead of giving in to disentanglement efforts as humpbacks normally do.”

The humpback off Cape Charles, however, did not cooperate.

“The thing gave us the slip,” Thompson said. “We have talked to local fishermen and asked if they see it again to please give us a call.”

Boaters should not attempt to disentangle the whale themselves, he said.

Disentanglement efforts can take hours or even days. In 2005, a team from another organization followed a right whale for 60 miles and 20 hours before freeing it. That whale had been spotted off Virginia nearly a month before rescuers were able to track it down off Georgia and free it.

Thompson said the Virginia Aquarium is called to disentangle a large whale on average every other year. In 2007, the team successfully removed a commercial gill net from a humpback off Virginia Beach.

In that case, the net anchored the whale in place, but allowed it to surface for breathing.

www.hamptonroads.com

Newport News parents charged with felony child neglect

Newport News, Va. - Police in Newport News have charged a mother and father with child neglect after their 1-year-old daughter was burned on a stove.

On Tuesday police were called to a house on Woodall Court by medics and Child Protective Services over a possible case of child abuse. They found a 1-year-old girl suffering from burn marks on her back, shoulders and back of her arms.

The apartment was also in disarray with clothes, toys, and other items strewn about in the bedrooms and hallway. Four other siblings; a 6-year-old girl, a 4-year-old boy, a 2-year-old boy and a 1-year-old girl who live in the apartment showed no signs of abuse. The burned girl was treated at a hospital and released.

Police learned that the burned girl child had been placed on the stove while the parents tended to another child. The girl fell over on one of the burners and was burned. The incident occurred on Friday, April 30th and the parents did not seek any medical attention.

VIA: wtkr.com

SUSPECT CHARGED IN MURDER

Here's the photo of the idiot and worthless piece of crap that took the life of a wonderful man in Accomack County earlier this week. Good work Accomack County Sheriff's Department, Virginia State Police and VA. Marine Resources Commission!

ACCOMAC, Va.- An 23-year-old man is behind bars for the murder of an Accomack County man.

The Accomack County Sheriff's Office on Wednesday announced that 23-year-old Fernando Carrillo Sanchez of Accomac, has been charged with the second-degree murder of 49-year-old Johnny Strand, whose body was found inside his Melfa home on Saturday afternoon.

Strand, who was the manager of the Pizza Hut in Onley, was last seen by his colleagues closing up the restaurant the night before. His vehicle, a Ford Expedition, was missing from his home when police arrived on the scene.

During the homicide investigation, the Sheriff's Office traced Strand's vehicle to the Dreamland mobile home park on Route 13 in Accomack County. A late Tuesday night search of the mobile home park by investigators, deputies, and Virginia State Police troopers uncovered Strand's vehicle at a home there. Police say the home's occupants cooperated with authorities in bring the investigation to a close.

Sanchez is being held in the Accomack County Jail with bond denied. Police have not yet released how Strand was murdered or the motive for the crime.

http://www.wboc.com/

R.I.P. Johnny Strand

Mud Racing Returns

ATTENTION MUD BOGGERS!!!

Mud Racing Returns To Crisfield!!

Sunday July 25, 2010

Elks Lodge on Route 413

Truck classes and race rules will be very similar to those in Gumboro
More details as they become available............................

YUMMY!!! STRAWBERRIES !!!

~~Strawberry Season Has Begun In Virginia~~

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services says growers in Tidewater and Southside already report berries ripe for the picking. Central Virginia growers say their strawberries will be ripe for Mother's Day weekend, and the rest of the state isn't far behind.

Growers say a relatively cool spring has been good for their berries. The recent hot spell has been the finishing touch on what they're calling a sweet berry season.

Strawberry season usually lasts through June in cooler parts of Virginia.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection

The Eastern Shore of Virginia Ground Water Committee is holding the 7th Annual Eastern Shore of Virginia Household Hazardous Waste Collection in conjunction with the 3rd Annual Mother Earth Day Festival Saturday, May 8, 2010 from 10:00 AM 2:00 PM at the Robert Reed Waterfront Park in Chincoteague at the parking lot on Main Street next to the old bridge.

Eastern Shore residents will have the opportunity to properly dispose of household hazardous waste that is not permitted in our local landfills.

Items to be collected include leftover garden chemicals, poisons, repellants, degreasers, fuels (gasoline and kerosene), fungicides, wood preservatives, paint products, wood stain, paint thinner, paint remover, driveway sealers, epoxy, rodent poison, asbestos, and other hazardous waste.
No commercial or industrial waste, car batteries, tires, motor oil, ammunition, flares, explosives, medical waste, biological waste, radioactive waste, medicines, PCBs, smoke detectors, freon, propane tanks, or empty containers of any kind will be accepted.

Reusable paint will be collected and donated to the Eastern Shore Food Bank.

Participants can dispose of up to 30 pounds of hazardous waste for free. Additional hazardous waste will cost $1.00 per pound. Disposal of the first 30 pounds for free will be available only as funds allow, so arrive early to ensure your spot!

If interested contact Curt Smith with the Accomack-Northampton Planning District Commission at 757-787-2936 ext. 114.

Drilling Off The Coast Of Virginia Delayed

With the recent oil spill off the Louisiana coastline, many politicians in Washington and Richmond, have begun to change their tune regarding offshore drilling.

Democrat Glenn Nye, whose 2nd District includes part of Norfolk and all of Virginia Beach, is one of those politicians. Congressman Glen Nye's spokesman, Craig Pettig, released this statement.

"Congressman Nye believes that offshore drilling must be done in an environmentally safe and responsible way that does not threaten Virginia's tourism or fishing industries," said Clark Pettig. "He feels that it is appropriate to delay any drilling off the coast of Virginia until the investigation of the gulf disaster is complete so we can ensure the same thing won't happen here."

Governor McDonnell has decided not to make any decisions regarding the future of off and called for a full investigation of the oil spill. McDonnell still expects drilling off Virginia's coast to begin by the end of 2012.

According to current reports, an explosion and fire April 20 on an exploratory well in the Gulf of Mexico left 11 workers missing and presumed dead. Crude oil has been leaking into the gulf since. The accident has awakened fears expressed by environmental groups and members of Congress already worried that possible spills and new infrastructure could harm plants, animals, tourism and the Norfolk Naval Station.

Other Virginia politicians who feel offshore drilling needs to be slowed include Senator Jim Webb and Senator Mark Warner.

www.shoredailynews.com

Pizza Hut Manager Suffered Multiple Injuries

ONLEY -- Police said a slain Pizza Hut manager had suffered multiple injuries when his body was found by authorities.

The manager's SUV also was stolen from his home, Accomack Sheriff Larry Giddens said.

Johnny Keith Strand, 49, of Melfa, a longtime manager of the restaurant, had been reported missing earlier Saturday.

The Accomack County Sheriff's Office found him at 2:28 p.m. at his Pine Ridge Drive residence near Melfa.

Tributes continue for Strand, known as a likable and gentlemanly Shore native who became synonymous with the restaurant.

"His bright eyes and quick smile never left him. He shared his talents and his time to make the Shore and all who visited a brighter place," said Carla Savage-Wells of Onley, a Nandua High School teacher who had known Strand since elementary school.

Pizza Hut District Manager Gil Liberty described Strand as "the kindest man that I've ever met and probably will ever meet."

Strand's death is being investigated as a homicide. Units and personnel from the Melfa Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company responded to the scene.

The victim's vehicle, a black 1998 Ford Expedition, also has been reported missing and has been entered into computer databases as a stolen vehicle. Its Virginia license number is ZC8 296.

A Pizza Hut assistant manager said she last saw Strand at 11:30 p.m. Friday.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Sheriff's Office at 757-787-1131 or 757-824-5666.

www.delmarvanow.com

Wind Farms Will Not Interfere with NASA or the Navy

A new report says a wind farm off the coast of Virginia Beach wouldn't affect Navy or NASA operations in the area.

The report by the Virginia Coastal Energy Research Consortium also says a 600-megawatt offshore wind farm could supply 10 percent of the commonwealth's electricity needs.

Researchers identified 25 potential lease spots for turbines in an area 12 miles off Virginia Beach's coast.

State Sen. Frank Wagner says at least three companies have expressed interest in developing wind farms.

Proponents say Virginia's coastal area has ideal winds to turn the massive blades of offshore turbines.

www.shoredailynews.com

Lacrosse Player From U of Va. Accused of Murder

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) - A University of Virginia men's lacrosse player was charged Monday with first-degree murder in the death of a women's lacrosse player at the same school.

George Huguely, 22, of Chevy Chase, Md., has been charged in the death of Yeardley Love, 22, of Cockeysville, Md., Charlottesville Police Chief Timothy Longo said. Both were seniors.

Longo said Love's roommate called police around 2:15 a.m. concerned that Love may have had an alcohol overdose, but police found her dead with obvious physical injuries.

"It was quickly apparent to them that this young lady was the victim of something far worse," Longo said.

Longo said Huguely quickly became the focus. He wouldn't say what lead investigators to Huguely or detail the extent of Love's injuries. He said there did not appear to be any weapons.

Love and Huguely were in a relationship at some point, Longo said. Huguely lived nearby, but not in the same apartment complex, he said.

Huguely was being held in the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail.

Huguely and Love were scheduled to graduate later this month. Leonard Sandridge, executive vice president of the university, said the campus was saddened over Love's death.

He added the shock is magnified by the fact that the accused is "one of our own," he told reporters.

Both highly ranked teams are preparing for the national tournament later this month. Virginia's men's team was ranked No. 1 for most of the season and expects to host a first-round game in the tournament after winning the Atlantic Coast Conference championship last month. The women's team also was expected to get into the tournament.

Huguely, a midfielder, wasn't a starter but played in all 15 games this season. He had four goals and three assists. Love played defense and started in three games this season.

When asked how the death would affect the upcoming tournament, athletics director Craig Littlepage said it was "not even entering into our thoughts" but that for the players' sake they wanted to "try to get back to some things that are normal."

Love was "a person who was described as an angel by teammates and friends," Littlepage said.

Love played varsity lacrosse and field hockey for four years at Notre Dame Preparatory School in Baltimore.

"Yeardley was an outstanding young lady -- joyous, spirited a wonderful person," said Sister Patricia McCarron, headmistress of the school. "I know we all enjoyed watching her on the lacrosse field and seeing her walk the hallways at NDP. We are proud to call Yeardley 'one of our girls."'

Mary Bartel, who coached Yeardley in lacrosse at Notre Dame Prep, said, "Yeardley was the core of the personality of the team. She was our laughter, a good soul. She always found an appropriate way to lighten things up.

"I don't think there is a soul in this building who couldn't say her name without smiling. Yeardley loved NDP, and NDP loved her. She was a good soul and an outstanding athlete."

University president John Casteen said in a release on the university's website that Love's death "moves us to deep anguish for the loss of a student of uncommon talent and promise."

"That she appears now to have been murdered by another student compounds this sense of loss by suggesting that Yeardley died without comfort or consolation from those closest to her," Casteen said.

Casteen said Love did not deserve to die.

"She deserved the bright future she earned growing up, studying here, and developing her talents as a lacrosse player," he said. "She deserves to be remembered for her human goodness, her capacity for future greatness, and for the terrible way in which her young life has ended."

By coincidence, Huguely attended the same prep school as the Duke lacrosse players who were accused of sexually assaulting a woman at a team party. The charges later were dismissed.

In a 2006 interview with The Washington Post, Huguely defended his former high school teammates at Landon School. "In this country, you're supposed to be innocent until prove guilty," he told the paper.

www.wavy.com

Mike Dean Inducted Into HALL OF FAME

Pocomoke City Vol. Fire Co. member, Mike Dean, inducted into the
Delamrva Vol. Fireman's Association
HALL OF FAME

(L TO R) Corey Dean, (Son & Capt. of the PCVFC); Corey's wife Andrea; Darlene (Mike's wife); Mike; Gina Dean (one of Mike's Daughters)



Mike Dean began his service with the PCVFC in 1975. He has served many administrative offices, including - Secretary, Vice President & President. Line office duties consisted of Training Officer, Second LT., First LT., Captain, and Assistant Chief. Mike is currently the Company Chaplain.

Mike has received the "Fireman of the Year" award. The award is based on the nominee's involvement and accomplishments during the past company year. This includes exceptional and meritorious achievement, outstanding or superior performance worthy of public example and awareness of the company.

Mike advanced his training in the ambulance company and became a Cardiac Rescue Technician (CRT). In 1987, The Maryland Medical Examiner's Office solicited him to become a Forensic investigator for Worcester County. He has been serving his community and the county in that capacity ever since.

In 1997 Mike was hired by Holloway Funeral Home in Salisbury to manage the newly purchased Holloway Melson Funeral Home in Pocomoke City (now Holloway Funeral Home of Pocmoke City)

People that know Mike Dean trust and respect him. Whether he responds to their home driving a Mustang Convertible, fire truck, an ambulance, or a hearse, they feel confident in his ability to handle their need. Mike has committed every aspect of his life to serving the people of Pocomoke City.

www.pocomokefire.com

~~~Certainly a wonderful family to be honored to know. Mike has worked so hard to achieve this goal and I'm sure he gave no thought to the honor as he went around the community doing the good deeds he has done for many, many years. I'm proud of you, Mike and thanks for always being there for me and my family.~~~

Lynn Redgrave Dies After Long Battle With Cancer

Lynn Redgrave, a vital and popular member of Britain's Redgrave dynasty, died Sunday night. She was 67 and had waged a lengthy battle with breast cancer.

Speaking on behalf of her children – Ben, Pema and Annabel, who were with her – Redgrave's publicist Rick Miramontez, confirmed to The Associated Press that Redgrave died peacefully at her home in Connecticut.

Launching upon the scene in the early '60s, at the same time her elder (and more flamboyant) sister Vanessa made a splash, Lynn Redgrave earned an Oscar nomination for her turn as a gawky Bridgit Jones prototype in 1966's Georgy Girl. She received another nomination for her supporting role as the stunned housekeeper in 1998's Gods and Monsters.

Redgrave, born in London to thespians Rachel Kemspon and Michael Redgrave, made her stage debut in 1962 at the Royal Court Theatre in London. Her movie fame brought her across the Atlantic, and she played on stage and on TV in both Hollywood and New York. She was also the first of many celebrities who served as the spokesperson for the Weight Watchers program.

In 1967, she married actor-director John Clark, and they had three children. The marriage ended in divorce in 2000.

Only last month, on April 6, Redgrave's elder brother, actor Corin Redgrave, died at 70 at his home in London. No cause of death was reported, but Corin Redgrave had several health setbacks in recent years, including a heart attack in 2005.

Last year, Lynn's niece (and Vanessa's daughter), actress Natasha Richardson, died from head injuries sustained during a ski accident.

"Our beloved mother Lynn Rachel passed away peacefully after a seven year journey with breast cancer," her family said in a statement Monday. "She lived, loved and worked harder than ever before. The endless memories she created as a mother, grandmother, writer, actor and friend will sustain us for the rest of our lives. Our entire family asks for privacy through this difficult time."

www.people.com